Serving with a Humble Heart: Finding Strength in Sacrifice

Serving with a Humble Heart: Finding Strength in Sacrifice

Hey everyone,

As I'm sitting here in my room, taking a slight break from the whirlwind, overlooking the beautiful Cypress Swamp and the Red River here in Shreveport, Louisiana, I wanted to reach out. The sun rose at 6:27 AM today, and it won't set until 8:17 PM, giving us a long day. And what a day it's been!

First off, I want to sincerely apologize for the radio silence on the website lately. I know I haven't been posting as much as I'd like, and believe me, it's not for lack of trying or content! I've still been diligently writing offline, and I promise to get those updates posted as soon as humanly possible. The truth is, when you're a caregiver for a group of people, it's incredibly difficult to break away, even for a quick post. There just aren't enough hours in the day, and sometimes, the energy just isn't there after a long stretch of serving others.

Case in point: my morning today. Around midnight, Uncle Bill decided he needed breakfast and coffee. So, up I got, stumbled into the kitchen, and whipped up a meal for him. Just as I thought I might catch a few more hours of sleep, he declared we were cleaning the apartment, top to bottom. That meant most of my early morning hours were spent scrubbing, organizing, and hauling out trash.

It's moments like these that truly test your patience and commitment. You might feel drained, overlooked, or even a little resentful. But then, a quiet voice reminds me of the words of our Lord Jesus, a profound truth that resonates deeply in these challenging times: "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45 ESV).

This scripture isn't just a nice sentiment; it's a powerful principle for life, especially for those of us in caregiving roles. Jesus, the Son of God, didn't come to demand service or to have His every whim catered to. Instead, He came to serve, to put the needs of others before His own, ultimately culminating in the ultimate act of self-sacrifice.

When I'm faced with a cranky old man who seems to think the world revolves around his demands, or when I'm exhausted from endless tasks, I try to lean into this truth. It's not always easy, and sometimes I fail spectacularly, grumbling under my breath. But the ideal of serving, of putting someone else's comfort or need above my own desire for rest or personal time, is what keeps me going. It reminds me that there's a higher purpose to these seemingly mundane, often frustrating, tasks. There's a profound spiritual benefit to humble service, even when it feels thankless.

Every cup of coffee I make, every dish I wash, every floor I scrub, can be an act of worship, an imitation of Christ's own life. It transforms the tedious into the sacred. It helps me remember that true greatness isn't found in being served, but in serving, even when it means sacrificing my own immediate desires. It's in those moments of selflessness that character is forged and compassion is deepened.

So, while I might be physically tired, my spirit finds renewal in knowing I'm following a divine example. I'm still very much working on getting more posts up, and I'm thrilled to share that I'm making progress on the following exciting projects:

What's Coming Next!

Tiger Force Shadow Saga: Continuing to develop the campaign about soldiers involved in the Vietnam War and later in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, including their children.

The World of Zimarala: Diving deeper into the lore of Zimarala, especially after the ether dragons helped evacuate troll world through their multiverse portals.

Cosmic Apocalypse Unleashed: More on my concept of creating, controlling, and eventually exploding or imploding a cosmic apocalypse.

Tygerian Isles Nocturnis City Neo-Noir: Building out this thrilling campaign setting with all its dark alleys, hidden agendas, and shadowy figures.

Leo Galaxy with the Cosmic Adventures of Captain Hedges: Prepare for epic journeys across the stars, delving into uncharted systems and encountering unknown species.

Your patience and understanding mean the world to me. I might not be able to be on at all this week, but please have a blessed time, everyone. Keep an eye out for those updates and thank you for being on this journey with me.

In Noctirnis City we also have a heat advisory for the area so i am staying inside today.

Yours for now,

Captain Hedges

Thursday Morning Rewind - July 24th, 2025:

Thursday Morning Rewind - July 24th, 2025: Opening Segment

(SOUND of the signature "Thursday Morning Rewind" theme music, now with a more pronounced, slightly unsettling drone underneath, fades in and then under.)

ANNOUNCER (Voice smooth but now with a noticeable undercurrent of unease): Live from Nocturnis Local 6, it's Thursday Morning Rewind. With Beatrice Hemlock and Edgar Crowe.

(Camera focuses on the sleek, modern news desk in the Channel 6 studio. EDGAR CROWE, with his neatly trimmed beard and blue suit, sits on the left, a serious expression on his face. BEATRICE HEMLOCK, her voluminous brunette hairstyle perfectly coiffed, wears a vibrant orange dress, her usual bright demeanor tempered by the grim week.)

BEATRICE HEMLOCK: Good morning, Nocturnis. It's Thursday, July 24th, 2025. A new astrological alignment, the Guru Pushya Yoga, coincides with a New Moon in Cancer today. Astrologers speak of rebirth and new beginnings, but in our city, even the cosmos seems to carry a darker resonance. This week, we navigate the continuing fallout from events that have fundamentally reshaped our reality.

EDGAR CROWE (A dry, cynical laugh escapes him): "Rebirth," Beatrice? Perhaps for the elite. For the rest of us, it feels more like a re-evaluation of how deep the rot goes. Since our last broadcast, the city’s power players have been exceptionally busy.

(Beatrice gestures to a graphic appearing on the screen behind them, showing a triumphant headline about the "Big Beautiful Bill" passing, quickly followed by images of protests and displaced citizens.)

BEATRICE HEMLOCK: Indeed. The controversial "Big Beautiful Bill," which we've been tracking, has officially been pushed through and signed into law. While financial districts celebrate new records and global tech markets rally, the very real consequences are already being felt here in Nocturnis. This monumental legislation, championed by our monolithic corporations and founding families, promises prosperity, but for whom?

EDGAR CROWE: "Prosperity" is always selective, isn't it? While the financial elite toast their gains, the rest of us are left to pick through the rubble. This bill, cloaked in the language of "economic growth," is a direct assault on the common citizen. It's designed to funnel more power and wealth into the hands of those who already control our city, further entrenching their grip. We're seeing the "Good Trouble" protests, as they're called, erupt across the city and beyond, against these very policies.

(Edgar gestures to a screen showing a chaotic montage of protest footage, intercut with a chillingly sterile corporate press conference.)

EDGAR CROWE: They're cutting funding for public services, slashing social safety nets, all under the guise of eliminating "wasteful spending." But the real waste, the true cost, is borne by the people who have already lost everything in the flood. This isn't about rebuilding Nocturnis; it's about restructuring it to serve a select few, leaving the rest of us in the cold. And with the tech layoffs still rampant, and AI-driven crime on the rise, the desperation only deepens.

[STATION BREAK]

(SOUND of a grim, static-filled commercial break for an emergency supply depot, looking suspiciously well-stocked, begins to fade in and out.)

SOUND of the signature "Thursday Morning Rewind" theme music, now with a more pronounced, slightly unsettling drone underneath, fades in and then under, leading back from the break.)

ANNOUNCER (Voice smooth but now with a noticeable undercurrent of unease): Live from Nocturnis Local 6, it's Thursday Morning Rewind. Beatrice Hemlock and Edgar Crowe welcome Alden Hedges, live from the Historical Society HQ, to discuss the Crater Lake Dam and its deep roots in Nocturnis lore.

(Camera transitions from the main news desk to a live feed from a different location. The screen now shows ALDEN HEDGES, a man with a neatly trimmed beard and thoughtful glasses, wearing a casual blue button-up shirt. He sits at a sturdy wooden desk, hands clasped, amidst towering, antique shelves filled with dusty ledgers, old maps, and historical artifacts. Behind him, through a large, paned window, is a glimpse of a soft, green, somewhat idyllic rural landscape with a red barn in the distance – a stark, almost ironic, contrast to the city's turmoil. This is the Historical Society HQ in the West Side Nocturnis, the former Wild West frontier town of Gloom Creek, now the city's historical district.)

BEATRICE HEMLOCK: Welcome back to "Thursday Morning Rewind," Nocturnis. We've just touched on the future our city's power brokers are building, but now we must confront the devastating present that continues to define our landscape. Joining us live from the Historical Society HQ in the West Side is our own historical reporter, Alden Hedges. Alden, your family, of course, has a long and storied history with the Crater Lake Dam. What are you seeing from the ongoing investigation into its failure?

ALDEN HEDGES: Beatrice, Edgar, thank you. From here, amidst the echoes of Nocturnis's past, the investigation into the Crater Lake Dam's catastrophic failure, which occurred just over a week ago on July 16th and 17th, 2025, is, predictably, a massive undertaking. Teams from every relevant agency—and some, frankly, less so—are swarming the site. They're deploying the latest advancements: satellite-based InSAR technology for millimeter-scale ground shifts, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to probe for unseen fissures, even AI-powered analytics to sift through decades of structural data. It's a modern inquest into an old wound.

(Alden gestures to a subtle graphic of the Crater Lake Dam's structure, overlaid on a blueprint projected faintly behind him, highlighting internal fault lines and stress points.)

ALDEN HEDGES: They are, of course, searching for the "smoking gun." The single point of failure. But the truth, as it so often is in Nocturnis, is far more complex, and far older. The Crater Lake Dam, a feat of 1930s engineering, was built in an era of grand ambition but, perhaps, less stringent foresight. Records, even those I've had the privilege to examine from my own family's archives, hint at warnings—minor structural anomalies, unforeseen geological stresses, even questions about spillway capacity—that were documented over the decades. They were addressed, yes, but perhaps never fully resolved. We saw a chilling echo of this in the July 16th and 17th, 1987 breach, a catastrophic warning that, in hindsight, perhaps wasn't heeded with the full gravity it deserved.

EDGAR CROWE: So, another layer of negligence being uncovered, then? Conveniently overlooked flaws, perhaps? We've heard plenty of stories about dams elsewhere—like the Edenville Dam—where warnings were ignored for years.

ALDEN HEDGES: (A subtle, almost imperceptible tightening around his eyes) "Overlooked" or "prioritized differently," Edgar. The city was growing at an exponential rate, demanding power and water. Resources, then as now, were finite. And the recent storms... they were, by any measure, extraordinary. This wasn't just rain; this was a "thousand-year event" that turned the Crater Lake watershed into an inland sea.

(The screen behind him shifts to satellite images of massive, swirling storm systems, then overlays them with flood maps of Nocturnis.)

ALDEN HEDGES: These aren't just isolated incidents. Climatologists are observing increasingly unusual atmospheric anomalies and extreme precipitation events globally, mirroring the devastating floods seen recently in Texas and New Mexico. The very air above Nocturnis, choked with industrial output for decades, the constant humidity... it’s a volatile mixture. While no one could have predicted the exact scale of this particular deluge, the underlying conditions have been building for years, driven by unchecked industrial expansion and a certain... convenient blind eye to long-term environmental consequences.

(Alden turns to a new graphic that overlays NOAA statistics on a map of Nocturnis Counties, highlighting disaster zones and death tolls.)

ALDEN HEDGES: And this brings us to a grim, broader context, Nocturnis. According to statistics from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, tropical cyclones have been the most damaging and deadly type of billion-dollar weather and climate disaster in Nocturnis Counties between 1980 and 2024. From 1980 to 2024, these events alone have claimed over 7,200 lives, representing more than 42% of all deaths from billion-dollar disasters. Two of the worst historical storms, the 2005 "Blackwood Tempest" and the 2017 "Ironwood Gale," account for a staggering portion of that total, with over 4,800 deaths combined.

BEATRICE HEMLOCK: So, the Crater Lake Dam failure isn't an anomaly, but part of a terrifying, accelerating trend.

ALDEN HEDGES: Precisely, Beatrice. In the past decade alone, from 2015 to 2024, Nocturnis Channel 6 Facts Reports indicate that nearly 200 billion-dollar climate events have led to over 6,300 deaths in Nocturnis Counties. And chillingly, the first half of 2025 alone has already logged 15 such disasters across our counties. A recent Stanford study even suggests the indirect death toll from tropical cyclones, including long-term health consequences, could be far, far higher than official numbers indicate – potentially ranging from 7,000 to 11,000 excess deaths per average tropical cyclone. Researchers estimate tropical storms since 1930 may have contributed to a staggering 3.6 million to 5.2 million deaths across Nocturnis Counties.

EDGAR CROWE: So, even if the investigation finds a "smoking gun" in the dam's foundations, it'll just be one bullet in a much larger, widespread catastrophe. The scale of the problem is so vast, it almost makes local corruption seem... quaint. Almost.

ALDEN HEDGES: (A faint, knowing smile plays on his lips) The true lesson is rarely simple, and never easy to accept, Edgar. Especially when it challenges the very foundations of our perceived control over the elements, and our fate.

[STATION BREAK]

(SOUND of a grim, static-filled commercial break for an emergency supply depot, looking suspiciously well-stocked, begins to fade in and out.)

(SOUND of the signature "Thursday Morning Rewind" theme music, now with a more pronounced, slightly unsettling drone underneath, fades in and then under, leading back from the break.)

BEATRICE HEMLOCK: Alden Hedges, thank you for that sobering, yet crucial, historical context. It seems Nocturnis's past is as murky and dangerous as the floodwaters themselves.

EDGAR CROWE: Indeed. And those murky waters have, as always, revealed more than just debris. They’ve highlighted significant cracks in our digital facade, too.

BEATRICE HEMLOCK: For a look at what the sky holds for us in the coming hours, we turn now to our Channel 6 News Weather Mistress, the inimitable Cortney Cline. Cortney, what's the forecast for Nocturnis and beyond?

(Camera transitions from the main news desk to Cortney Cline's weather segment. CORTNEY CLINE, with her striking, bright blue hair cut in a modern bob, stands confidently before a large holographic weather map that shimmers with atmospheric data and shifting storm fronts. She wears a sharp blue blazer, and her smile, though professional, carries a subtle, knowing intensity.)

CORTNEY CLINE: Beatrice, Edgar, thank you. Today, the heavens continue to remind us of their raw power. First, the heat: Heat Advisories remain in effect for North Bank & Central Nocturnis Counties, reaching into the sleek, glass canyons of the Southwest, Southeast, and East Nocturnis Thorne Corp districts. Heat index values in these areas are expected to reach a suffocating 105 to 109 degrees, creating dangerous conditions for anyone venturing outside.

(The holographic map highlights the specified areas in shimmering red and orange.)

CORTNEY CLINE: We're also seeing similar warnings stretch into the northern peripheral marsh counties and the sprawling urban centers that border the Old Territories, with heat indices potentially reaching 106 degrees. Further south, towards the industrial plains, temperatures are in the 90s to lower 100s, but with humidity levels so high, our Nocturnis Climatological Bureau is forecasting heat indices up to 110 degrees. This dangerous heat is widespread across the deeper counties of Nocturnis.

(The map shifts to show broader storm systems moving across different regions.)

CORTNEY CLINE: Now, for the storms. Widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected across the Industrial Plains beyond our Eastern borders, fueled by that relentless combination of heat and humidity. These systems pose a significant threat of flash flooding and severe weather, stretching from the distant, jagged peaks of the Central Rockies to the northern Great Lakes region. Closer to home, scattered severe storms capable of producing damaging winds and large hail are possible in the Northern Fringes and the Northeast Wards of Nocturnis.

(The map now pulses over the coastal areas.)

CORTNEY CLINE: Down on the Gloom Coast, a particularly active tropical system is bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms, especially along the arterial highway stretching to the southern wastes. We're monitoring potential heavy downpours and the possible development of this system into a tropical depression as it moves westward over the northern Gulf through the weekend. Our corporate weather scouts and independent aerial forecasters are out there, actively investigating this system for further tropical development.

CORTNEY CLINE: And looking west, our sister counties, like those in the arid, western territories, continue to experience significant flooding in some areas, leading to ongoing rescues and damage assessments. Their monsoon season remains active, with daily afternoon thunderstorms expected. The low-lying delta cities, akin to the swamp-edged sister port of Voodoo Bay, are also under alert for heavy showers and thunderstorms, complete with intense lightning and potential isolated flooding. Here in the murky bayous surrounding Nocturnis, and across more of the peripheral marsh counties, scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible today, increasing tomorrow.

(Cortney turns to face the camera directly, her expression serious.)

CORTNEY CLINE: Important notes for our viewers: Always consult your local Nocturnis Atmospheric Division for the most up-to-date and localized forecasts and warnings. During periods of extreme heat, drink plenty of fluids, seek air-conditioned shelter, and remember to check on relatives and neighbors – especially those in flood-affected areas. If you find yourself near the treacherous coastal waters, be aware of the high rip current risk along parts of the Gloom Coast. And always be prepared for heavy rainfall and potential flooding in areas experiencing prolonged or intense thunderstorms. The skies above Nocturnis are as unpredictable as its streets.

[STATION BREAK]

(SOUND of a grim, static-filled commercial break for an emergency supply depot, looking suspiciously well-stocked, begins to fade in and out.)

(SOUND of the signature "Thursday Morning Rewind" theme music, now with a more pronounced, slightly unsettling drone underneath, fades in and then under, leading back from the break.)

BEATRICE HEMLOCK: Welcome back to "Thursday Morning Rewind," Nocturnis. We've just navigated the increasingly volatile skies above our city. Now, we turn to the equally turbulent undercurrents of its power structures. As the floodwaters begin their slow, grudging retreat, they continue to reveal not just devastation, but a desperation so profound, it's driving families to unthinkable measures, and a Mayor to desperate moves.

EDGAR CROWE: Indeed, Beatrice. With official channels overwhelmed and the city's infrastructure gridlocked, the wealthy and the powerful are turning to alternative solutions. And those solutions are anything but clean.

BEATRICE HEMLOCK: We've received breaking news from the District Attorney's Office this morning. In a move that has sent shockwaves through both the city's elite and its notorious underworld, a prominent figure has been taken into custody. For more on this developing story, we're joined live via secure link by District Attorney Elias Thorne. Mr. Thorne, thank you for making time for us this morning.

(Camera shifts to a split screen: Beatrice and Edgar at the main news desk, and on the other side, DISTRICT ATTORNEY ELIAS THORNE, a man with a carefully sculpted, unreadable expression. His immaculate office, despite the city's chaos, speaks volumes about his controlled environment.)

DA ELIAS THORNE: Beatrice, Edgar. Thank you for having me. I can confirm that earlier this morning, after an extensive and diligent investigation, my office, in cooperation with federal authorities, arrested Jax 'The Maestro' Rourke.

EDGAR CROWE: 'The Maestro,' you say? The acclaimed sculptor whose work adorns every corporate plaza and private collection in this city? The man celebrated as a civic paragon just last month? This is... quite a development, Mr. Thorne.

DA ELIAS THORNE: Indeed, Mr. Crowe. Mr. Rourke faces charges including serious fraudulent statements, visa overstay, and, most critically, alleged deep affiliations with a major transnational organized crime syndicate. We anticipate a swift move towards extradition and further charges related to ongoing organized crime investigations.

BEATRICE HEMLOCK: "Alleged affiliations," Mr. Thorne, or deep ties to one of Nocturnis's most elusive crime families? Whispers have long linked 'The Maestro' not just to the glittering art galleries, but to the shadowy operations of the Obsidian Syndicate, whose roots stretch far beyond city limits. Is this arrest a genuine strike against organized crime, or, as some speculate, a politically motivated move to divert attention from other pressing city matters – perhaps even the ongoing fallout from the "Big Beautiful Bill" and the dam disaster, especially with Mayor Barlow under fire?

DA ELIAS THORNE: (His gaze remains steady, a hint of steel in his voice) Ms. Hemlock, my office pursues justice without political agenda. This is a meticulously built case against a powerful individual who has used his public persona as a shield for illicit activities. We believe this is a genuine and significant blow against the forces that seek to undermine our city's integrity. Justice will be served.

EDGAR CROWE: Justice, or convenience, Mr. Thorne? Mayor Barlow has been under increasing pressure since the dam broke, and many are calling for someone to take the fall for the decades of neglect. 'The Maestro' certainly makes for a high-profile target. What secrets, do you think, might 'The Maestro' spill if pushed? And who in this city would want him silenced, perhaps even more than they want justice served?

DA ELIAS THORNE: (A barely perceptible pause, his eyes flicker for a moment) Mr. Crowe, we are confident in our evidence. Any information Mr. Rourke may possess will, naturally, become part of a secure legal process. Our focus remains solely on the charges at hand. We are committed to dismantling the criminal networks that infest our city, and this arrest is a crucial step.

BEATRICE HEMLOCK: A crucial step, indeed. District Attorney Elias Thorne, thank you for your time.

(Camera returns fully to Beatrice and Edgar, DA Thorne's image shrinking to a small box in the corner, then fading.)

EDGAR CROWE: "Justice will be served," she says. Sounds like the Mayor found his fall guy, Beatrice. The question now is, what dominoes will 'The Maestro's' arrest truly topple? And how many corrupt hands will be scrambling to cover their tracks, both in law enforcement and in the underworld, hoping he doesn't sing too loudly?

BEATRICE HEMLOCK: Indeed. The public's trust in our institutions, already battered by the flood, is eroding even further with revelations like these. And it leads us to our next disturbing report.

(The screen behind them shifts to a blurred, shaky security camera feed. It shows the exterior of a sleek, windowless building, almost like a fortress, partially submerged by floodwaters. A heavy-duty, customized transport vehicle, bearing a stylized tiger logo – perhaps from Tiger Transit, a firm known for its robust logistical operations in the energy sector – is seen maneuvering through the murky water towards it. The vehicle looks out of place, too tactical for civilian rescue.)

EDGAR CROWE: We're receiving unconfirmed, but persistent, reports of private security operations escalating, particularly around certain… discreet facilities. It appears some of Nocturnis’s most influential families, fearing for loved ones trapped or held in places the official rescue efforts can't, or won't, reach, are hiring elite private extraction teams. We're hearing whispers that these aren't just any "facilities," Beatrice. We're talking about places like The Zenith Institute for Reorientation – outwardly a private rehabilitation center, but long rumored to be a front for something far darker. A corporate "re-education" facility for... problematic individuals. A place where fortunes are spent to keep secrets buried, or minds molded.

BEATRICE HEMLOCK: And now, it seems, that secrecy has been violently breached. Sources close to the situation indicate that one such facility was targeted in a coordinated, brutal assault. The leading figure in this audacious operation? A former Peacekeeper – a name that once commanded respect, but now carries a heavy shadow: Kaelen 'Ghost' Thorne. A decorated operative, discharged with a checkered past, now a rogue element striking at the heart of the city's hidden infrastructure.

EDGAR CROWE: 'Ghost' Thorne. A man who always marched to his own drum, even when he wore the uniform. The question is, Beatrice, was this a desperate rescue mission, initiated by those desperate families hiring Tiger Transit to retrieve someone they truly valued? Or was this a high-stakes hit, perhaps a distraction from the broader chaos of the flood and the ongoing fallout from 'The Maestro' Rourke's arrest? Who was being held in a place like the Zenith Institute that was worth this level of extreme risk?

BEATRICE HEMLOCK: And what dark secrets does the Zenith Institute truly hold, Edgar? Secrets now potentially exposed by Thorne's actions, or perhaps by the flood itself. Was Thorne acting as a lone wolf, driven by some personal vendetta, or are there deeper, more dangerous factions at play within the remnants of our city's former protectors, challenging the very authority of corporate security?

(As Beatrice speaks, a new graphic appears on screen, overlaid with faint, almost subliminal images of cargo planes and indistinct military vehicles. It's subtle, hinting at global movements.)

EDGAR CROWE: And on that note, Beatrice, the ripples from our city's internal chaos are apparently extending far beyond Nocturnis's flooded borders. We're receiving unconfirmed reports that the very same private security forces, linked to operations like these, including elements of what's being called the Tiger Force Shadow Saga, have been dispatched internationally.

BEATRICE HEMLOCK: You're referring to the highly specialized units that have seemingly been sent to assist with US weapon shipments to volatile regions like Israel and Ukraine? It seems the desperation and expertise honed in our city's shadows are now being outsourced onto the global stage.

EDGAR CROWE: Precisely. It raises uncomfortable questions about who truly controls these forces, and what their real objectives are. Are they merely protecting assets, or are they involved in something far more intricate, leveraging the chaos of distant conflicts for their own, or their employers', gain? The lines between state-sponsored operations, private security, and the underworld are blurring with alarming speed. It suggests that even the global geopolitical stage is becoming a playground for Nocturnis's shadowy elite.

BEATRICE HEMLOCK: A chilling thought as we close out this edition of "Thursday Morning Rewind." Nocturnis, we've faced a week of unprecedented devastation, from the literal breaking of our city's foundations to the metaphorical cracks appearing in its political and technological structures. The flood has laid bare the moral ambiguities that define us, the desperation that drives us, and the pervasive dread that looms over every shadowed alley.

EDGAR CROWE: We'll continue to bring you the stories, the facts, and the uncomfortable truths as this city attempts to rise from the waters. Stay vigilant, Nocturnis. Or as safe as you can be in a city like ours.

(SOUND of the signature "Thursday Morning Rewind" theme music, now with a more pronounced, slightly unsettling drone underneath, swells and then slowly fades to black.)

End of Broadcast have a good day from Channel 6 News...................

Thursday Morning Greetings: Sunrise from the Cypress Swamp

"Good morning and welcome to Thursday morning greetings on this July 24th, 2025. What time is sunrise? As I sit here blogging from my cabin within the Cypress Swamp in Shreveport LA, I am reminded of a time where I wasn't always happy being a homeless person out in the heat."

Those were the first words that came to mind this morning, a raw and immediate reflection that surfaced in the pre-dawn quiet. It’s just after 6 AM here. The world outside my window is a symphony of soft grays and deep blues, the air thick with the humid promise of a Louisiana summer day. The official sunrise isn't until 6:24 AM, but the day is already making its presence known in the gentle stirring of the cypress leaves and the first tentative calls of waking birds. 

Sunrise Greetings: Rise n Shine Thursdays - A Cypress Swamp Sunrise with the aroma of fresh coffee hangs in the air, a familiar and comforting anchor to the morning, a quiet harbor whose tranquility is made all the more precious by the memory from those stormy seas of life we all experience at times. 

In this moment, there is a profound sense of peace. But peace is a curious thing. For some, it is a constant, gentle hum in the background of their lives. For others, it is a hard-won sanctuary, a quiet harbor whose tranquility is made all the more precious by the memory of stormy seas. My peace is the latter. As I sit here, safe and sheltered, the simple act of looking forward to the sunrise brings the past into sharp, immediate focus. The memory isn’t a ghost that haunts; it's a teacher that clarifies. It’s the memory of a relentless, oppressive sun with no shade to offer refuge. It’s the memory of a heat that wasn’t just a number on a thermometer but a constant, draining adversary. It’s the memory of a profound unhappiness, a rootlessness that made even the simplest comforts seem like an impossible dream. I am so deeply happy and blessed to have a place to live now, a sanctuary where I can stay cool and calm during the hottest part of the day instead of being on the streets or in actual wilderness areas.

To have journeyed from that reality to this one—from the searing asphalt to a quiet cabin porch, from a state of constant vulnerability to one of deep-seated peace—is a transformation that gives this morning its sacred weight. Every sip of coffee, every moment of quiet, every keystroke on this blog is a testament to that journey. It is why gratitude, for me, is not just a polite sentiment; it is a visceral, gut-level recognition of how far I've come.

This deep sense of reflection has inspired the suggestions I want to share with you this Thursday.

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This Week's Suggestions

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Something to Think About

1. Acknowledge Your Journey with Detail: Don’t just be grateful for what you have; connect it directly to what you once lacked. If you are grateful for your home, take a moment to truly feel the roof over your head and remember a time you wished for such shelter. If you are grateful for a full pantry, feel the weight of a can in your hand and remember the gnawing uncertainty of hunger. This practice isn't about dredging up old pain for its own sake, but about giving your present blessings their true and proper weight. It transforms vague appreciation into profound, heartfelt gratitude.

2. Redefine Your Scars: We all carry scars from our pasts—emotional, spiritual, and sometimes physical. It is easy to see them as marks of damage or weakness. Today, try to see them differently. See them as proof of healing. See them as the place where strength entered. A past hardship is not a liability; it is the forge where your resilience was hammered into shape. Look back at a time that once defined you by its pain and consciously redefine it by the strength you were forced to build in response. That strength is your sacred inheritance.

3. Anchor Yourself in the Tangible Present: When difficult memories surface, it can feel destabilizing. The most powerful way to counter this is to ground yourself in the physical reality of your now. Take a moment to perform a sensory check-in. What are five things you can see? Four things you can feel? Three things you can hear? Two things you can smell? One thing you can taste? Feel the solid chair beneath you. Notice the intricate pattern of the wood grain on your table. Hear the hum of the refrigerator. These simple, tangible things are the undeniable proof that you are here. You are now. You are safe.

The most resilient peace is the kind that has been tested. The view from the mountain top is made breathtaking by the memory of the arduous climb. Our personal histories, with all their shadows and struggles, are what give the light in our lives its brilliant contrast.

So today, I invite you to share in this reflection. 

What is the "Cypress Swamp" in your life—what quiet place, simple comfort, or internal feeling of peace serves as the beautiful harbor that reminds you of the stormy seas you have successfully navigated?

Let's share our stories of resilience in the comments. 

Have a blessed and deeply grateful Thursday.

Yours Captain Hedges

3 AM Whispers: Who Are You Depending On?

Good morning, everyone. It's Thursday, July 24th, 2025, and it’s 3 AM here at the cypress swamp cabin overlooking the Red River in Shreveport, Louisiana. The bayou is hushed, a deep, contemplative quiet that invites us into the heart of our spiritual journey.

As we continue our series on "getting alone with God in our private time," today's reflection brings a crucial question to the forefront: Who are you truly depending on? In our daily lives, it's easy to rely on our own strength, our plans, our resources, or even the support of those around us. But in our spiritual walk, where does our ultimate dependence lie?

Abiding in the Vine: John 15:5

Jesus gave us a vivid and essential picture of true dependence in John 15:5:

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

At 3 AM, as we sit in the quiet, this verse cuts through any illusion of self-sufficiency. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit or even survive apart from the vine, we, as believers, are utterly dependent on Christ. "Apart from me you can do nothing." This isn't meant to diminish us but to redirect our focus to the source of all life and power. True spiritual fruitfulness – in our character, our actions, and our impact – flows only from a deep, continuous abiding in Him. It calls us to intentionally connect with Him, moment by moment, recognizing that every good thing comes from this vital link.

A Posture of Constant Reliance: 1 Thessalonians 5:17

This radical dependence on Christ isn't meant to be a once-a-day check-in; it's a constant posture of the heart. This leads us to 1 Thessalonians 5:17:

"Pray continually."

This command to "pray continually" isn't about reciting endless formal prayers. It's about maintaining an unbroken connection, a consistent awareness of God's presence, and a continuous acknowledgment of our need for Him throughout the day. It's the practical outflow of abiding in the vine. When we depend on Him for everything, our lives become an ongoing conversation, a sustained reliance on His wisdom, strength, and guidance. This constant communication reinforces our dependence, transforming every moment into an opportunity to lean on Him.

As this Thursday morning unfolds, let this be your meditation: who are you depending on? Choose to consciously abide in Christ as the vine, drawing all your life and strength from Him. And let your day be marked by a continuous, dependent prayer, living out your reliance on the One who empowers you to do all things.

I wanted to make sure I got this out to you all now. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers. Have a blessed Thursday.

Channel 6 Nocturnis - Official Blog From the Archives: The Twin Legacies of the Young Family

 Channel 6 Nocturnis - Official Blog

From the Archives: The Twin Legacies of the Young Family

By Alden Hedges | July 23, 2025

If you tuned into Channel 6 this week for Wild West Nocturnis, you heard the story of a family whose legacy was so integral to our city that they built its heart in two separate places. For those who missed it, and for those who want to delve deeper, I wanted to put pen to paper and reflect on the poignant tale of the Jung family, later known as the Youngs.

Every citizen of Nocturnis knows our city was forged in the grit of silver mines and the ambition of the railroad. We are a city of steel and stone, born from the dust of the frontier. But a city’s soul is often found in quieter places, in the stories of the families who provided not just industry, but community and comfort. The saga of the Young family is perhaps the finest example of this duality—a chronicle of how one family’s diverging dreams helped define both the sophisticated core and the pastoral heart of our city for over a century.

A Fork in the Road

The story begins, as so many Nocturnis stories do, with a journey. Around 1852, Johann and Annelise Jung arrived from an unstable Prussia, seeking not fortune, but peace and a plot of land to call their own. They established a simple poultry farm on what was then the far outskirts of town. Their beginning was humble, built on the hard work of raising chickens and the irresistible aroma of Annelise's roast chicken sold to dusty travelers.

They raised two sons who embodied the two futures of the West: Friedrich and Matthias. Friedrich, the visionary, was drawn to the chaotic, vibrant pulse of downtown Nocturnis. He saw the rough-and-tumble boomtown and envisioned a future of elegance and order. Matthias, the traditionalist, felt a profound connection to the soil his parents had tilled. He saw a future in nurturing the land, not conquering it. This fundamental difference in spirit would give Nocturnis not one, but two Young family empires.

[Image: A faded, sepia-toned photograph of a simple 19th-century farmhouse with chicken coops nearby.]

The City’s Pillar: Young’s Hotel & Restaurant

With a vision fixed on high society, Friedrich, now anglicizing his name to "Young," erected a monument to civility: the magnificent Young’s Hotel & Restaurant. In a town of saloons and boarding houses, Young's was an oasis. One can almost picture the gaslights flickering on polished mahogany, hear the murmur of hushed deals between cattle barons and mining magnates, and see the stoic faces of ranchers enjoying a rare, refined meal. It was the city’s formal gathering place, its unofficial town hall.

Its legend was forged in the crucible of the Great Fire of 1907. When flames consumed the building, many believed it was the end of an era. But in a display of pure frontier grit, Friedrich rallied public support and rebuilt it, grander than before. The new Young’s Hotel became a symbol of our city's indomitable will.

The County's Heart: Young's Farm

While Friedrich was building his urban empire, Matthias was cultivating its rural counterpart. Young's Farm became more than a business; it was a communal treasure. He expanded beyond poultry to fields of sweet corn and a sprawling pumpkin patch. He and his descendants started the annual Harvest Festival, a tradition that became woven into the fabric of Nocturnis life. For generations, the farm was where city children could feel dirt under their fingernails, ride a hay wagon under an open sky, and experience the simple joy of pulling a carrot from the earth. With their motto, "Sharing Our Farm with Our Friends," the Youngs provided a vital connection to the land in an increasingly industrial world.

[Image: A vibrant, colorized photo from the 1970s showing families at the Young's Farm pumpkin patch.]

The Unstoppable Tide of Progress

But the wild west doesn't stay wild forever. The very progress the Youngs helped fuel became an unstoppable tide. For the hotel, the rise of the automobile and new motels on the city's edge slowly drained the life from the old downtown core. For the farm, the city's expanding suburbs began to encroach, turning pastures into property lines and quiet nights into subdivisions. The family fought a valiant, public battle for a conservation easement, but the pressures of development and politics were too great.

With heavy hearts, the family saw both of their empires close. The hotel served its last meal in 2004 and was demolished in 2010. The farm, after its last festival in 2006, was sold.

A Legacy of Dust and Rebirth

Today, the two legacies offer a stark and telling contrast. One is a scar in the cityscape—a vacant downtown lot where a landmark once stood, filled only with memories. The other, however, found a second life. The farmland was eventually purchased by the Mortimer family, who, inspired by its history, resurrected it as Mortimer Farms. They have brought back the festivals and the markets, grafting a new future onto the old roots.

The story of the Young family is a powerful lesson in what we choose to preserve. It reminds us that a city's identity is a fragile thing, built not only of brick and ambition, but of tradition and memory. One legacy was razed, awaiting a new identity; the other saw its spirit transplanted, a testament to the enduring power of the land.

Did your family visit Young's Farm? Do you remember dining at the hotel? Share your memories in the comments below.

You can stream the full episode, "The Two Empires of the Young Family," on the Channel 6 website. And be sure to tune in next week for another chapter of Wild West Nocturnis.a

Captain Hedges' Midweek Musings: The Steady Current of Hope Amidst Gloom Creek

 Captain Hedges' Afternoon Retreat: Beating the Heat in Gloom Creek's Shadow

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Well, good afternoon, everyone. I've just gotten back in from the heat of the day, and let me tell you, that long hot walk was quite something. Right now, I'm settled in my room here at the log cabin, doing my best to cool down from it all. It's moments like these you truly appreciate the shade, the hum of the air conditioning (a modern blessing, indeed!), and the simple chance to catch your breath and feel the coolness slowly seep back into your bones. The sun is still high over the serene Cypress Swamp and the steady Red River, but inside, it's a welcome reprieve.

This intense, oppressive heat, this very real need to find refuge and counter the elements, got me thinking directly about the core struggle we've been crafting for our Wild West Campaign Setting in Gloom Creek. This is where our enigmatic figure, Dr. Alastair Nocturnis, makes his chilling, damp entrance. He is utterly obsessed with controlling his environment, bending the very weather to his will to cultivate a perpetual gloom and cold within his domain. He's not just a man with a strange hobby; he's literally fighting a climatic war.

His primary adversaries in this elemental struggle are the terrifying Fire Vampires. These aren't just creatures of legend; they are beings of scorching heat and pure, destructive chaos. Their very presence scorches the earth, causes the air to shimmer with oppressive warmth, and drains the life and moisture from everything around them. Imagine walking into a part of Gloom Creek where the air itself feels like an oven, where the ground is cracked and dry, and you're feeling the immediate, exhausting effects of their presence—much like my walk today. This sets up a constant, desperate battle for climatic dominance within Gloom Creek. Dr. Nocturnis perpetually manipulates his arcane mists, fogs, and sudden cold fronts to keep his city shrouded in a chilling, damp embrace, directly countering the Fire Vampires' burning influence. They, in turn, seek to evaporate his mists, ignite structures into infernos, and turn his carefully controlled environment into a blazing, chaotic pyre. My personal struggle with this afternoon's heat feels like a tiny, domestic echo of their grand, elemental conflict – a reminder of the primal need for control or adaptation when faced with overwhelming forces.

And it's in these moments, whether battling personal heat or contemplating vast elemental conflicts, that I'm reminded of a profound truth: "When God sends a storm, just count your blessings in the raindrops." It's easy to look at a storm—be it the literal sweltering heat of the day, the metaphorical storms of life that bring challenges, or the intense dangers within a campaign—and see only the struggle. But if we shift our perspective, we can often find the quiet blessings hidden within. Each drop of rain, or each moment of cool relief, can symbolize a lesson learned, a moment of resilience, a newfound strength, or an unexpected kindness that emerges when things are tough.

Think of the soldiers in the Tiger Force Shadow Saga, who faced overwhelming odds and chaotic conflicts. Even in those intense moments, there were "raindrops" of courage, unwavering loyalty from a comrade, or the sheer blessing of making it through another day. My contemplation of cosmic apocalypses reminds me that even immense destruction eventually gives way to new creation, a blessing of rebirth from chaos. The universe itself, in its grand cycle of creation and implosion, constantly finds its balance. And of course, the ether dragons themselves, those powerful beings guiding through tumultuous multiverse portals, always find a way to a safe haven, a blessing of refuge, much like finding a cool, shaded spot on a sweltering day. They are the ultimate guides through the cosmic storms.

So, as I sit here, letting the cabin's coolness slowly seep in, I'm reminded that finding shelter, adapting to our environment, and seeking out those moments of relief are all crucial parts of navigating any kind of "storm." Life will always have its challenges, but if we can train our hearts to look for the "raindrops"—the small graces, the unexpected moments of beauty, the quiet strength we discover within ourselves, or the simple blessing of a cool room after a hot walk—then even the most challenging times can be filled with gratitude.

How are you finding your own cool spot and counting your blessings today?

Yours for now,

Captain Hedges

3 AM Whispers: Persisting in Prayer and Being Led by the Spirit

 

Good morning, everyone. It's Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025, and it’s 3 AM here at the cypress swamp cabin overlooking the Red River in Shreveport, Louisiana. The bayou is settled into its quiet hum, a perfect backdrop for reflecting on our journey of drawing closer to God.

Following on from our discussion about getting alone with God, today we're going to dive into two powerful aspects of that relationship: persisting in prayer and being led by the Holy Spirit. These aren't just concepts; they're vital, dynamic parts of our daily walk, especially as we navigate the demands and decisions of life.

The Power of Persistence: Luke 18:7

When it comes to prayer, sometimes we might feel discouraged if answers don't come quickly, or if the challenges we face seem to linger. But Jesus Himself taught us about the power of persistence. In the parable of the persistent widow, He highlights the importance of not giving up. Luke 18:7 asks us:

"And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?"

At 3 AM, in the quiet of our private time with God, this verse encourages us. If a human judge, who cares little, eventually yields to persistence, how much more will our loving Heavenly Father respond to His children who cry out to Him continually? He doesn't put us off; He hears, and in His perfect timing and wisdom, He acts. This isn't about nagging God, but about cultivating a faith that trusts His character and His heart, knowing that He desires to hear and respond to us. So, let your prayers be persistent, born from a deep trust in His faithfulness.

Guided by Truth: John 14:26

Beyond just speaking to God, a crucial part of our spiritual walk is learning to listen and be led by the Holy Spirit. In a world full of voices and distractions, discerning God's direction is paramount. Jesus gave us this incredible promise in John 14:26:

"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

This is a profound truth. The Holy Spirit is our divine Guide, our Teacher, sent to illuminate God's truth and remind us of Jesus's words. At 3 AM, in the stillness of our solitary time with God, we create an environment where we can better hear that gentle, guiding voice. It's in the quiet that we can discern His nudges, His wisdom, and His peace, preparing us for the decisions and interactions of the day ahead. The Spirit not only teaches us but reminds us of what we already know, bringing clarity and direction.

As this Wednesday morning unfolds, let's step into it with a renewed commitment to both speak and listen. Persist in your prayers, casting your cares upon Him continually. And in every situation, cultivate a listening heart, allowing the Holy Spirit to teach you, guide you, and remind you of the very words of truth.

I wanted to make sure I got this out to you all now. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers. Have a blessed Wednesday.

Good morning its Bayou Tuesday

 Bayou Tuesday: Uncle Bill, Uncle Jerry, and a Short Swamp Jaunt for a Lost Keepsake!

Well howdy, y'all! It's Bayou Tuesday, and usually, the thought of a swamp adventure with Uncle Bill gets my blood pumping for something wild. We've certainly had our share of grand quests, from recovering shattered artifacts to hunting cryptids and even dealing with those unsettling Slasher Vines from Zimarala! All our past sagas are wrapped up for now, which leaves us free for new mischief.

Today's going to be a bit of a shorter outing for us. Uncle Bill has some important things to take care of later, so no deep dives into uncharted territory, no wrestling Atchafalaya Swamp Monsters before lunch!

Just as I was getting the boat ready, who should come sauntering up but Uncle Jerry! He'd apparently gotten wind of our plans, probably through the bayou's own unique grapevine. "Ain't no swamp adventure complete without me, cher!" he declared, already clambering into the boat with his own well-worn fishing hat. Looks like our short trip just got a little more... lively.

But a short trip doesn't mean no adventure at all. The bayou always has something to offer, even on a quick jaunt.

Here's an idea for a shorter, yet still classic, Bayou Tuesday adventure for Uncle Bill, Uncle Jerry, and me:

A Trip to the Old Cypress Graveyard & the Lost Lure

We'll take the airboat out to the "Cypress Graveyard" – a spot where really old, gnarled cypress trees stand silent and eerie, their roots looking like skeletal fingers reaching from the murky water. It's not far, but it's steeped in atmosphere.

The adventure starts when Uncle Bill suddenly remembers he lost his lucky, hand-carved fishing lure out there years ago – the one his grandpa carved for him. It's a sentimental piece, more valuable than any treasure. He'll grumble about it, of course, but his eyes will show how much he wants it back. Uncle Jerry will immediately chime in with his own exaggerated story of how he almost found it once, or how he told Bill to tie a better knot.

The challenge won't be a monster fight, but navigating the tricky, shallow waters around the ancient, submerged roots, perhaps avoiding a grumpy, territorial Caddo Lake Monster (just a quick sighting or a near miss, not a full-blown battle!) that might have taken a liking to the area. We'd have to use our Perception (IQ SR) to spot the lure amidst the tangled growth, maybe even a Dexterity (DEX SR) to carefully retrieve it without stirring up too much swamp bottom. With Uncle Jerry's "help," that might be harder than it sounds!

It would be a quiet, reflective adventure, filled with Uncle Bill's stories of his grandpa and the old days, interspersed with Uncle Jerry's colorful (and likely embellished) commentaries, and the simple satisfaction of recovering something truly meaningful. A perfect short trip before a productive afternoon.

What do you think of a treasure hunt for a lost lucky lure with both uncles along for the ride?

We might even Camp out here for the next week?

see you all next week for Bayou Tuesday 

Yours for now Captain Hedges as Bayou Earl

The Legend of Bayou Earl tells the tale of a mysterious figure said to haunt the Louisiana swamps, a silent protector with an uncanny connection to the land. Some say he's a recluse, a master of the bayou's hidden ways. His legend truly blossomed after a devastating hurricane, during which he reportedly emerged as a savior, guiding lost souls and bringing aid, only to disappear like the mist.

He is believed to be a direct descendent of Jebidiah Hedger, an ancient settler known for his deep understanding of the swamps, which explains Earl's supernatural abilities and his profound melancholy. He's often associated with a haunting harmonica melody carried on the wind, a mournful tune echoing his deep sorrow. He's a guardian, a myth, and a poignant embodiment of the bayou's enduring, mystical spirit.