East Bound & Down
Oct 12, 2020 18:21:38 GMT -5
Thomas Kane, Capt. Mackenzie Wagner, RN, and 1 more like this
Post by Aliyah Shihab on Oct 12, 2020 18:21:38 GMT -5
Ranger's HQ
Wasco, Oregon
08:30 Hours
The morning Divine Liturgy at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Wasco, OR concluded, as it did everyday at 08:30 hours. Aliyah remained seated in the mid-section of the sanctuary, invoking the intercession of Saint Rafka and reciting the traditional prayers her mother and father imparted to her as a young child. The church became silent as the regulars filtered out into the Narthex, eager to make small talk with Rev. James Carter.
Silently her thoughts weaved around the words in the prayer of Saint Maron, "Bless and protect the people who bear your name." She had become aware of the remnant of faithful people in the surrounding communities within the last year; the mustard seeds sprouting into civilization once again. "Grant faithfulness to his people and courage to his
inheritance," she continued in a soft and quiet voice. She too felt as thought she had been wandering the desert for forty years, often praying for an end to this apocalyptical exile. She ended her time of petition asking for the intercession of Saint Michael the Archangel, specifically requesting safety on the River Run.
Aliyah crossed herself, collected her belongings, genuflected before the tabernacle and exited the Sanctuary. She preferred to attract as little attention as possible, pacing her steps to ensure she would be the last one out. Her position as a "Ranger" within the small Catholic community, often made her the target of inquiry about current news, much of which was not always hers to give.
"Aliyah!"
Father James stood waving by the front doors, motioning her to come forward. She smiled and shook her head with a subdued laughter, keenly aware that nothing ever escaped the young clergy man's attention.
"Don't worry, I scurried all the curious cats away," he sneered placing a hand on Aliyah's shoulder.
She had become accustomed to the spiritual leader's mannerisms. She had always felt odd as Father James was handsome, charismatic, and close to her own age. At times, it felt like having an older and spiritually wiser sibling...and other times, it felt like being attracted to your best friend's boyfriend. At the end of the day, one simply has has to sit on the sidelines and get used to the awkwardness of circumstances.
"I see you're dressed in full gear today," he continued, motioning her to follow him to the Sacristy. "Does that mean you will be on pilgrimage?"
"Yes, Father," she stumbled through the words, "I will be heading out East along the river. My first stop will be Pendleton...after checking in on the smaller settlements along the way." She observed his cheerful optimism and nonchalant de-vesture, as he quickly hung the chasuble, Stole, and Alb in the closet.
"Excellent," he cried with cheerful exuberance, "I have some letters from parishioners, as well as one from myself. Just leave them with Father Mark, he will ensure they get where the need to be." The man pulled out a bundle of worn envelopes tied up with frayed string and tossed them.
Aliyah now understood why the "curious cats" had scurried away so quickly after Mass. The promise of a delivery had enough to assuage their worries and concerns for the day. "I don't see why I couldn't," she replied with a soft chortle of amusement. She tucked the letters into the bowl of her Ranger's hat.
"Bless you sister," Father James replied, "You are truly an angelic messenger of good news to all of us." His comments reeked of sanctimonious sarcasm, as the man mustered his best impression of a Bible Belt Preacher.
"As long as I don't have to compete with Gabriel, delivering annunciations," Aliyah laughed at the thought.
"I'm pretty sure that was a one time deal."
An awkward moment of silence filled the room. Aliyah's gaze locked with James's emerald green eyes.
"We'll be praying for you...and your safe return."
The pastor's voice broke through the silence, and a deeply held breath escaped from Aliyah's lungs. "Thank you," she muttered, turning towards a trajectory for the nearest exit. She took two steps forward and paused. She looked back to find James's eyes still focused on her. She understood the feeling, the relationship, and the layers. There were no negative feelings, just the reality of what was; much like the apocalypse. "May I have a blessing?"
"OF COURSE! What else am I good for?"
She could see James's cheerful optimism return as he extended his hands over her head. She closed her eyes and bowed her head as words of genuine love and concerned poured over her. She crossed herself once more as the priest traced the image of the cross over her. A brief "thank you" concluded their time together and she made for the exit of the Church.
Outside the sun had risen, and how beat down upon the dusty asphalt beneath her. Dangling the neatly tied envelopes by the string, she replaced her park ranger hat and walked to the old School building. Currently serving as the library and meeting hall, the campus was spacious enough to house the Park Rangers. Although still in charge of monitoring the park's activity, the Park Rangers were now deputized by the local Sherriff and evolving into a new role as long-distance runners...much like the law enforcement of the old west.
Wasco, Oregon
08:30 Hours
The morning Divine Liturgy at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Wasco, OR concluded, as it did everyday at 08:30 hours. Aliyah remained seated in the mid-section of the sanctuary, invoking the intercession of Saint Rafka and reciting the traditional prayers her mother and father imparted to her as a young child. The church became silent as the regulars filtered out into the Narthex, eager to make small talk with Rev. James Carter.
Silently her thoughts weaved around the words in the prayer of Saint Maron, "Bless and protect the people who bear your name." She had become aware of the remnant of faithful people in the surrounding communities within the last year; the mustard seeds sprouting into civilization once again. "Grant faithfulness to his people and courage to his
inheritance," she continued in a soft and quiet voice. She too felt as thought she had been wandering the desert for forty years, often praying for an end to this apocalyptical exile. She ended her time of petition asking for the intercession of Saint Michael the Archangel, specifically requesting safety on the River Run.
Aliyah crossed herself, collected her belongings, genuflected before the tabernacle and exited the Sanctuary. She preferred to attract as little attention as possible, pacing her steps to ensure she would be the last one out. Her position as a "Ranger" within the small Catholic community, often made her the target of inquiry about current news, much of which was not always hers to give.
"Aliyah!"
Father James stood waving by the front doors, motioning her to come forward. She smiled and shook her head with a subdued laughter, keenly aware that nothing ever escaped the young clergy man's attention.
"Don't worry, I scurried all the curious cats away," he sneered placing a hand on Aliyah's shoulder.
She had become accustomed to the spiritual leader's mannerisms. She had always felt odd as Father James was handsome, charismatic, and close to her own age. At times, it felt like having an older and spiritually wiser sibling...and other times, it felt like being attracted to your best friend's boyfriend. At the end of the day, one simply has has to sit on the sidelines and get used to the awkwardness of circumstances.
"I see you're dressed in full gear today," he continued, motioning her to follow him to the Sacristy. "Does that mean you will be on pilgrimage?"
"Yes, Father," she stumbled through the words, "I will be heading out East along the river. My first stop will be Pendleton...after checking in on the smaller settlements along the way." She observed his cheerful optimism and nonchalant de-vesture, as he quickly hung the chasuble, Stole, and Alb in the closet.
"Excellent," he cried with cheerful exuberance, "I have some letters from parishioners, as well as one from myself. Just leave them with Father Mark, he will ensure they get where the need to be." The man pulled out a bundle of worn envelopes tied up with frayed string and tossed them.
Aliyah now understood why the "curious cats" had scurried away so quickly after Mass. The promise of a delivery had enough to assuage their worries and concerns for the day. "I don't see why I couldn't," she replied with a soft chortle of amusement. She tucked the letters into the bowl of her Ranger's hat.
"Bless you sister," Father James replied, "You are truly an angelic messenger of good news to all of us." His comments reeked of sanctimonious sarcasm, as the man mustered his best impression of a Bible Belt Preacher.
"As long as I don't have to compete with Gabriel, delivering annunciations," Aliyah laughed at the thought.
"I'm pretty sure that was a one time deal."
An awkward moment of silence filled the room. Aliyah's gaze locked with James's emerald green eyes.
"We'll be praying for you...and your safe return."
The pastor's voice broke through the silence, and a deeply held breath escaped from Aliyah's lungs. "Thank you," she muttered, turning towards a trajectory for the nearest exit. She took two steps forward and paused. She looked back to find James's eyes still focused on her. She understood the feeling, the relationship, and the layers. There were no negative feelings, just the reality of what was; much like the apocalypse. "May I have a blessing?"
"OF COURSE! What else am I good for?"
She could see James's cheerful optimism return as he extended his hands over her head. She closed her eyes and bowed her head as words of genuine love and concerned poured over her. She crossed herself once more as the priest traced the image of the cross over her. A brief "thank you" concluded their time together and she made for the exit of the Church.
Outside the sun had risen, and how beat down upon the dusty asphalt beneath her. Dangling the neatly tied envelopes by the string, she replaced her park ranger hat and walked to the old School building. Currently serving as the library and meeting hall, the campus was spacious enough to house the Park Rangers. Although still in charge of monitoring the park's activity, the Park Rangers were now deputized by the local Sherriff and evolving into a new role as long-distance runners...much like the law enforcement of the old west.