apocalypsehowcomm | Event - Appalachia: Into the Pines

Appalachia: Into the Pines

Footage plays on the television as a new story comes on, showing a series of sweeping vistas, intercut with clips of wolves that have clearly been filmed at some local wildlife sanctuary. "As far as anyone knows it, the last wolf to ever freely roam the Allegheny Mountains was slain in West Virginia in 1897. Daniel Stoffer Hamrick saw to the beast's passing, and the woods in our part of the world have gone quieter ever since. Appalachia does not forget its history, though. It buries it beneath coal and flyash, debts and white powder and pills. And the blood of people taken before their time, by the mines, by the mountain, by things we don't have names for, just hurt. But Appalachia does not forget.

"This is Cindy Parsons with Channel 5, Wolf News." Footage cuts to a newscaster standing outside a gated apartment complex with FYRE's logo emblazoned on it. "As we know, our beloved Wolf Pen is home to one of the biggest FYRE worker housing complexes in Wyoming County. It is a monument to the history of our town, and this week, we'll be on the lookout for visitors from all over the country, coming to see the grand re-opening of the historic Bluestone Mine as a museum."

Footage cuts to a nondescript businessman, identified by the news footage as Carl Watts, CEO of FYRE. He's smiling blandly as he stands at a podium and gestures to the entrance of the mining tunnel behind him. "The Wolf Pen community has been a partner to us for decades now, and we knew it was finally time to give something back to all y’all. We'll have our soft opening on Monday with a full Rumble Down Under party in the old mines scheduled for June 15th. We'll have a live bluegrass concert and anticipate a huge influx of tourists to the area to help out our neighbors itching for a few more pocketbooks to tend to." A wink.

The footage returns to Cindy. "FYRE has stated that this new museum will provide an educational tool and tourist attraction for those wanting to learn about West Virginia, Wolf Pen, and the hard-working men and women who have made this beautiful part of our nation their home. Time will tell. Time is always telling when it comes to the promises of people who have used our land and our bodies to line their pocketbooks. They fill our blood and our lungs with black tar and-"

Cindy cuts out and is replaced by in-studio anchors. "Thank you, Cindy!" a blonde woman says, smile just a little strained. "I think we're all looking forward to seeing the big opening by FYRE on Sunday and that rocking good party next month. It should be a gneiss one! Now to Tim with the weather. Tim?"

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"A visitor for now, but I've been interested in getting away from the city for a while now. I recently retired from the public field and, well." He extends his hands in something like a shrug, an expansive gesture. "To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking for, just yet. It might be that I'll know it when I see it. But I've heard that the community here is very strong, and I wanted to know more about that. I know faith is a very strong touchstone for a lot of people."

This is Jaeger, and none of what he's saying is really a lie: he's questioning a lot of things in his life right now, adrift and considering his options. Not that he has a lot for the moment, but...he can still ask questions.

"Right you are, sir." Paul nods. "We can all find our way a little easier with god's grace. Don't worry, I only have a few standard lines I need to throw out to new folk." And a wink. "We're all very close in Wolf Pen." He pauses, smile flickering. "Some of us a little closer than others. I'm afraid we have seen some recent and unexpected departures, but I suppose even a pastor can't fully know the mind of young men."

It's an easy, amiable manner and Jaeger responds accordingly, his broad shoulders at rest and his faded-blue eyes watchful without being critical. Quite the contrary, he takes in the interior of the church with respect, noting any little details along with a general appreciation for the space.

He respects care and dedication a great deal, even if it's not a cause that he's involved in or even really familiar with. That seems to be present here, and it makes him that little bit more at ease.

Jaeger nods sympathetically at the mention of departures, then cocks his head thoughtfully. "Sometimes, the idea of fortunes elsewhere has a very strong pull. Even with family and anchor at home." He can talk about the young people, okay, he's forty. "And I imagine the sudden influx of new people has its own effect."

The space is humble, but very clean. The nicest things appear to be some of the metalwork on the candlesticks and some carvings on the front pews.

"Oh, of course, but..." He trails off. "Sorry, community gossip isn't something I should be a party to. I do worry about the new people coming in, but I know it's... best for the community. Our mayor seems to thinks so." There's momentary flicker of irritation that's swiftly smoothed over. "I'm sure we'll see all things work out in time. God has his plans. We're just waiting to see them play out."

Jaeger offers a small smile, a slight nod. "Of course. I wouldn't ask you to share anything you weren't comfortable talking about, that's not what I'm here for. But it seems wise to me, that you pay attention to a community that's going through changes. It makes it easier to understand what your people might need, what kind of troubles they might be facing."

Not everyone is happy with change, and Jaeger makes note of that little shift of expression.

"I haven't had the pleasure of meeting the mayor directly, yet. I should change that, but I'm sure he's a busy man and I don't wish to intrude."

"Greg is a... pillar of the community! Certainly. You'll likely find him at one of our local bars most evenings. He likes to get out amongst the common folk." His smile is more practiced than genuine. "Any roads, we're a close-knit sort of people, which makes losing harder than the gaining." He seems to be saying this to convince himself as much as Jaeger. "Easier to bring a lamb into the fold than to see them lose their way in the wilds.

"If you did join us... we prefer a bit of stability. Whatever there can be in this world. It's harder when our foundations shake."

Event - Appalachia: Into the Pines

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