This is more or less the resolution now, so things are going to slow down a little. That's until the next story arc, of course.
Episode 10
Journal of Daniel K. Jones
06/08/2567
That's two episodes now without Jimmy, Captain these cool Firebat fellows or me. Well, I can't really call the Firebats cool, cause they're hot. Really hot. That's because they have flame-throwers, and they're not cool. Well, they are cool, but an awesome kind of cool, not a cold kind of cool. Penguins, now they're cool. They're hot as well, but not a boiling kind of hot, but a good looking kind of hot. Penguins look hot!
Journal of James L. Davies
06/08/2567
Episodes? What is that moron talking about? It's like he thinks our life is split up into segments, where we live each one week by week. What an idiot. He is onto something with those penguins though. Argh! What am I saying? I think his stupidity is rubbing off on me.
###
"So, the creatures that did this are called the Shiarg?" asks Jimmy.
"If what that alien said is true, then yes they are," says Captain Dirk.
"I wish he'd stayed alive long enough for us to learn more," Jimmy says, glaring at Flamento.
"It is not my fault he could not survive the blessing of the flame, my child," Flamento says. As he does so, Jimmy, Daniel, Dirk, Bernie and Flamento emerge from the temple, back into the charred remains of the forest.
"What a beautiful sight!" Bernie exclaims.
"Come, you shall all accompany me to Church Burnbabyburn," says Flamento.
"Sounds exciting!" says Captain Dirk.
"Sure, if you're into burning stuff…" says Jimmy.
"Aren't we all?" asks Bernie.
"I was being sarcastic…" says Jimmy.
"After that, I'm afraid we must return to our ship, my unit will be awaiting my return," Captain Dirk announces.
"That sounds fair enough. You shall all be one of the few outsiders to lay witness to the glorious way of the flame which shall soon spread over this entire world," says Flamento.
"Enough talk, let's just get this over with," says Jimmy. He than adds, "Funny, I feel like something is missing…"
"Wooooooooow," says Bernie as his eyes fall on the burning hulk of Burnbabyburn.
"It is very impressive," says Captain Dirk.
"It's a burning ship… what's so impressive about that?" asks Jimmy.
"Mind your tongue," Flamento commands, "You speak sacrilege."
"No, please, I don't want to be blessed," comes a cry from in front of the ship. Two people are tied around a wooden pole.
"I don't want to be blessed either! I'm too young to die," says another voice. Jimmy, Daniel, Dirk and Bernie all approach the two people, led by Flamento.
"Rest easy, oh non blessed ones. You need only be blessed once. Should you survive the blessing of our glorious flames, you shall be allowed to join our order. However, if the flames decide you are unworthy, your deaths shall be imminent," says Flamento. Jimmy shakes his head for a moment.
"Is something wrong Jimmy?" asks Captain Dirk, "You can tell me, I care."
"It's nothing really," says Jimmy, "I just can't shake this feeling that something's missing."
"Don't be silly Jimmy, we're all here. You, me and Daniel, three buddies together!" says Captain Dirk. It was then that Jimmy realized what was missing. Daniel hadn't said a word for ages. He turned to face Daniel.
"Are you okay? You've been silent for ages," Jimmy regretted the words the moment they were out of his mouth.
###
Journal of James L. Davies
06/08/2567
Peace and quiet at last, and I have to go and ruin it before I even realize I have it. Me and my stupid mouth.
###
"I've just been thinking," says Daniel. Jimmy almost died from shock.
"Oh, I get it, you've been thinking, so your brain doesn't have enough resources to talk right?" asks Jimmy.
"No silly. Well, maybe. I don't know," says Daniel, "Want to know what I was thinking about?"
"Not really…" says Jimmy.
"I've been wondering, just why did the chicken cross the road?" Daniel says.
"Wonderful," says Jimmy.
"Oh, I heard that they're making a television show about that," says Captain Dirk.
"Really?" Daniel says eagerly, "When's it on?"
"While we're on this mission I believe. Don't worry though, I'm recording it. We can watch it together! Buddies!" says Captain Dirk.
"Buddies! You're the greatest Captain," says Daniel.
"Be blessed, my children," Flamento says in a raised voice. Jimmy, Daniel and Dirk all turn to face the two people on the pole just as flames cover their bodies.
"Oops, I was going to try and save them," says Jimmy.
"A bit late now," Captain Dirk says.
"Seems that way," says Jimmy.
"You did your best though, you should have no regrets," says Captain Dirk.
"Well, I didn't really, but I don't have any regrets anyway," says Jimmy.
"That's the spirit! High five!" says Captain Dirk.
"No thanks," says Jimmy. The flames clear, and the two people emerge from the fire, completely burn free.
"Wow, that's cool, err, hot, err, awesome," says Daniel.
"Congratulations, the flames find you worthy, do you wish to join us?" Flamento asks the two survivors.
"Oh please," they both beg, "we will, just don't bless us again."
"It is done then. Welcome to the church of Burnbabyburn and the loyal order of the Firebats," says Flamento.
"Well, now that that's done, I'm afraid we must be on our way," says Captain Dirk to Flamento.
"And not a moment too soon," says Jimmy.
"It's a pity you cannot stay longer," Flamento says, "but I do not wish to delay your journey. Have a safe trip, and take Brother Bernie with you."
"Why me?" Bernie asks.
"Because, Brother Bernie, I give you this holy task. You are to travel the universe and spread the word about the glory of our glorious flame. I entrust this task to you, my friend," says Flamento.
"I'm honoured to be trusted with such a task! I burn with ambition! I shall spread the word about our glorious god all over the universe. THE UNIVERSE SHALL BURN WITH PASSION AND GLORY!" shouts Bernie.
"It's wonderful to have you along," says Captain Dirk to Bernie, "I'm sure you'll fit right in with my unit. It's a pity that you're Firebat buddies won't join us. They really do a great job in the army."
"I don't think they'll be missed," says Jimmy.
"Don't be mean Jimmy," says Captain Dirk, "The Firebats do a good job, and you know it."
"To get to the other side… I wonder if that's really true?" asks Daniel as they entered the drop ship that had carried them down to the planet.
"Captain Dirk, sir," said a nameless Marine, saluting as they entered, "we have received new orders."
"Oh goody! This should be exciting," says Captain Dirk.
"We are to return to the starship Business, where we shall inform our respective Admirals about what we have discovered on this planet. The five Admirals shall then meet to decide whether this planet is habitable or not, and reveal the name for this planet," says the soldier.
"Wow, reveal the name, it's like they have nothing better to do," says Jimmy.
###
Meanwhile, in the Admiral's lounge.
"Are all the names in the hat?" asks Admiral Grievousbodilyharm, "Right, let's pull one out then."