[D6, LM] Temple time (open)

[Bee Haw]

Bea was dressed in her best yellow dress, with her hair pulled back into a modest twist, when her host family, the Bekeles, drove by the school to pick her up for Sunday services, as they did every Sunday.

She looked forward to attending the sacrament worship meeting. There would be songs and prayer and the sacrament - bread and water.

Afterwards, there were classes. She went to the women's class with Mrs. B.

If Counselor Dawit was still in town, he might be there.

The Academy had arranged with the Temple for unobtrusive camera streaming of the service.


If anyone wanted to come with her, this Sunday, they were welcome, though she wasn't expecting that.

[Lil Disaster]

"So how's this work Baddie Bea? Do I gotta cleanse myself with holy water or what?" Lil Disaster asked.

[Bee Haw]

She smiled at him.

"You just need slacks, a button-up dress shirt and dress shoes. Some young men wear ties and jackets but you don't have to."

"Once the sacrament meeting begins - the worship service - you just want to be reverent. Respectful. And that's easy. Just listen. You don't have to say 'Amen' after the prayers if you don't want. Oh! People don't clap after the music, no matter how amazing it is. They do in other churches, but not our sacraments. You don't have to take the bread and water if you don't want. Generally visitors don't. But you can if you feel moved to. You are very welcome. Everyone is glad to have a newcomer who is just checking it all out."

"Singing is great fun. You don't have to sing along. But you can. If you want. The hymns are pretty easy to do. Nothing tricky. Men either sing the bass or tenor lines if they are choir-hearted, or just sing along the melody."

"Oh! And silence your cell phone during the service."

"After the service, there are classes. Bible study. You can go with Mr. B to the men's group. Or you could chill in the lobby and take a little break."

"And then it's back to the Bekele's house for a very delicious home-made meal." Not to be forgotten. Probably a major incentive for him.

[Lil Disaster]

"Got it," he said clicking his fingers causing his costume to shift into something more appropriate but still very Lil' Disaster.

[Bee Haw]

"Oh wow! You look amazing."

She hadn't seen him in slacks and a button shirt before. The bright colors - the styling and fit - were still very him. Just like a slightly older, more polished version of himself.

And he'd made the effort. And that really made her smile.

"They are going to meet us out front."

As they walked that way, there was a chance to chat.

"I'm excited to talk to kids at the community center. It's such an important topic and opportunity. I'm working on a little speech. Have you thought about what you will do?"

[Lil Disaster]

“Kids love me, it’s my biggest demographic, just showing up will be huge,” he said with shrug. “You?”

[Bee Haw]

"That will really help set them on a good path!"

"I'm going to talk about how important it is to stand up for your values. To have the courage to be different or even disliked. That they have the right to say no to things that make them uncomfortable or ashamed. That they can have the confidence and bravery to stand up for themselves, and keep their minds, hearts, and bodies clean and pure. I hope they'll see I mean it. That's it the most important thing I can tell them."

She looked a little nervous. "Being a role model... I'd like that. I hope I'm interesting enough that they listen."

[Lil Disaster]

"That's your thing, Baddie Bea, be the good girl no matter what," he joked, respectfully. "Kids will probably like it..."

[Bee Haw]

She smiled, a little shyly.

"That's me!"

And then, a little more seriously, a little wistfully: "I try to savor every excuse to spend time with kids. Since we can't have our own. Elites, I mean. In general."

[Lil Disaster]

"Yeah I never really thought about it, does it bother you?" he asked.

[Bee Haw]

She nodded.

"Yeah. It was hard finding out. I always thought I'd be a mother. Like my mom. But I tell myself ... you can always adopt, you know. When you're ready."

"Ah, I don't mean to ... to talk about something sad."

"Halloween is ... it's a fun holiday. Some people at church don't celebrate. But most do. But keep our costumes wholesome. No witches or devils or demons. Do you have any plans to dress up or celebrate tonight?"

[Lil Disaster]

"Probably not, but I plan to get faded as fuck," he said honestly.

[Bee Haw]

"What does 'faded' mean?"

[Lil Disaster]

"What does 'faded' mean?"

"Like you know you drink a lot get drunk, or smoke out and get that good high?" he responded.

[Bee Haw]

"Oh." She looked a little sad at that. A little bewildered.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you to say that on camera. You have such a huge influence on so many young people. What you do and say ... you can influence or save or change so many more lives than a village by a volcano. They are your fam, right? Like little brothers and sisters?"

[Lil Disaster]

“Disaster fam for life,” he said, kissing his fist and raising up to the sky.

[Bee Haw]

She smiled. He cared for them. He did!

But that did not really address her worry.

"I have been taught that not everyone can ... I know other people don't share my faith or values. But... isn't it terribly dangerous? Some people try it and get addicted? Really hurt by it? Trapped in it?"

[Lil Disaster]

“I mean if you a weak ass bitch, sure, ain’t like I am telling kids to get faded… put some years on your nuts before you go do something dumb. Most of the stuff ain’t that bad. I try to steer clear of anything super addictive, and I ain't trying to lose my teeth either,” he admitted.

[Bee Haw]

"I'm glad you aren't encouraging them. Maybe you could ... I don't know... ask if anyone in your fam needs help? Connect them to resources? That could save lives!"

[Lil Disaster]

"That sounds kind of lame," he said looking confused.