[Day 5 - EN] The Malay Benefit Halloween Gala

[Bee Haw]

She finished her drink and said, “Enjoy your evening, I need to speak with some prospective donors. Good luck on your show.”

She departed to speak with some businesspeople.

Dawit Hakim kept an eye on Zara as she circulated, speaking to potential donors. He represented a wealthy organization and was curious to confirm what the Malay people needed. Bea remained at his side, ready to assist and also represent the church. If needed, they could move towards Zara or wait for her to come to Dawit.

[Dapper Dog]

"Oh yes darling, show me!"

She pulled out her phone and showed her IG shots of the mural, and then several shots of sculptors made from marble and others of polished wood, usually woman and often nudes but tasteful and classical.

Elsewhere by Bee Haw

Dawit Hakim kept an eye on Zara as she circulated, speaking to potential donors. He represented a wealthy organization and was curious to confirm what the Malay people needed. Bea remained at his side, ready to assist and also represent the church. If needed, they could move towards Zara or wait for her to come to Dawit.

Zara had noticed the looks and made a gesture with her hands as if she was casting a special and then a portal opened by her and by Dawit, it glowed orange with slight cracks in reality and then Zara was there. She said, “Hello, Mister Dawit Hakim, it is a pleasure. Zara Musa of the Malay Beneficiary Group. I am honored to meet a member of the local LDS leadership.”

“And this must be your partner for the evening,” she said to Beatrice. “These costumes are beautiful, and really are a callback to the King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, or am I reaching?”

[Galatea]

She pulled out her phone and showed her IG shots of the mural, and then several shots of sculptors made from marble and others of polished wood, usually woman and often nudes but tasteful and classical.

Galatea's attention was caught ''Tell me about the wooden sculptures. Do you have any for sale at the moment?''

[Bee Haw]

Zara had noticed the looks and made a gesture with her hands as if she was casting a special and then a portal opened by her and by Dawit, it glowed orange with slight cracks in reality and then Zara was there. She said, “Hello, Mister Dawit Hakim, it is a pleasure. Zara Musa of the Malay Beneficiary Group. I am honored to meet a member of the local LDS leadership.”

“And this must be your partner for the evening,” she said to Beatrice. “These costumes are beautiful, and really are a callback to the King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, or am I reaching?”

Dawit smiled. "You have a keen eye, Zara Musa. That is who we hoped to evoke. A historical meeting of influencers from what - at that time - must have felt like the far edge of the earth. The display and exchange of wealth and treasure, to make a new friendship."

Bea smiled demurely. "Thank you. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Beatrice Hawkins. Part of the international faith community of the LDS church. And tonight, a guest."

Wheels were turning in her mind. There was only one woman Malik had mentioned that Zara could possibly be. The connection who introduced him to the Brass Orchid. A ... Street Witch? But that might simply mean she was an influential peace maker. And charitable projects needed funding. Her church invested to grow wealth to give. It was not so strange. Probably.

Dawit added: "We are keen to hear what the people of Malay need most. I have Area counterparts in Asia. I can potentially help directly, or through the church there locally. What do you see as the greatest needs? What are you seeking?"

[Dapper Dog]

Galatea's attention was caught ''Tell me about the wooden sculptures. Do you have any for sale at the moment?''

“Well I was doing work that evoked the mythology of the tribes that settled this region, and blend that with modern imagery to create a semi-afro-punk neo mythology? It sounds so pretentious when I say it like that,” she admitted.

Dawit added: "We are keen to hear what the people of Malay need most. I have Area counterparts in Asia. I can potentially help directly, or through the church there locally. What do you see as the greatest needs? What are you seeking?"

“They need social support, they are nearly a second-class people in Singapore relegated to the worst jobs, frozen out of local politics. They need access to better living conditions, food, clothing… you name it. But many of the problems are systemic. Something that I am sure the Ethiopian branches of the LDS church has contended with given the fraught nature of the LDS history and race relations.”

She stopped and said, “I don’t mean any disrespect, but I like to put all cards on the table and understand that evolution and progression takes time. That is the kind of inertia we are facing with the Malay people in Singapore,” she admitted.

[Bee Haw]

“They need social support, they are nearly a second-class people in Singapore relegated to the worst jobs, frozen out of local politics. They need access to better living conditions, food, clothing… you name it. But many of the problems are systemic. Something that I am sure the Ethiopian branches of the LDS church as contended with given the fraught nature of the LDS history and race relations.”

She stopped and said, “I don’t mean any disrespect, but I like to put all cards on the table and understand that evolution and progression takes time. That is the kind of inertia we are facing with the Malay people in Singapore,” she admitted.

Dawit nodded. "Food access, food security, sustainable food sources ... that aligns with our global charitable priorities. I think we can help you there."

Bea thought back on all Bill Pickett had taught her in Oklahoma City. There will not be another Tulsa on our watch. "Nations, cities, churches... many of our communities have a history that includes mistreatment and prejudice related to race. It does take time. And honesty about the past and present. But this is an area where the church may have something unique to offer in the witness of its own history. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that everyone is an equal child of God regardless of race, ethnicity, background, skin color, or nationality. It teaches that now, but did not always do so with such clarity. President Nelson taught: “The Creator of us all calls on each of us to abandon attitudes of prejudice against any group of God’s children. Any of us who has prejudice toward another race needs to repent!” Institutions can change and improve. Repentance must be active. Tangible."

Dawit smiled at her. She was doing her part, as a spokewoman. "It is also true that the pace of change is closely tied to the movement of wealth. When UNJE brought turned our deserts to gardens, we had the resources to come to the table - the international table of the leadership of the church - in ways we could not before. Perhaps your efforts will bring resources beyond food. Investors in infrastructure. Scientists."

[Dapper Dog]

"Our ultimate goals align, the bettering of those less fortunate and bring parity," she said warmly. "We have plans to create community clinics and neighborhood schools. Speak with my assistant, Ynez Garsiya, she has a full workup of our plans for the next four years. She is wonderful," she said warmly.

[Galatea]

“Well I was doing work that evoked the mythology of the tribes that settled this region, and blend that with modern imagery to create a semi-afro-punk neo mythology? It sounds so pretentious when I say it like that,” she admitted.

''Oh-no-no-no!'' Galatea chimed in, reassuring ''I totally get the vibe. It's about continuity despite of, or because, of change. To remake the forms of the old ways by getting to the very essence that gave them those forms to begin with and giving them a new one reflecting of today and tomorrow. Yes?''

She seemed very supportive of the concept and began smiling like a fox

''Say, if you could...would you put this piece into auction tonight?''

[Gauss]

Bea smiled at Raul's words. "You are too kind."

Dawit nodded. An approving look. "Each area has its Relief Society President, who works alongside the area President and their counsellors. Wherever Beatrice makes her home, it would be a wonderful opportunity for her to lead."

Bea blushed. "That's the women's association. They help the women of the congregation learn welfare principles such as work, self-reliance, provident living, personal and family preparedness, and compassionate service of others. They organize local charitable projects. It's where I learned what I know about emergency and hardship intervention."

"Ahh, I see. A good organization to have around the area. "I have no doubt wherever she is pulled to after this show is over, she will do well there."

A few minutes of discussion and then the group went out to a balcony area while Ynez remained behind and then made her approach towards Gauss.

Once within comfortable speaking distance she said in Spanish, “That is a rather handsome costume, it looks familiar. Is it a dashing hero?”

"Señorita, this is Zorro. He was a gentleman...un caballero. Sharp mind, sharper tongue. Fought for justice, sí, but always with a little style, a little drama." He paused, gesturing to the flowing cape draped over his shoulder. "Never just beat the bad guys—he made 'em look stupid while he did it." He lowered his voice more as he continued. "And behind the mask? Always a man of mystery... but with a soft spot for beauty." His eyes gazed over her for a long moment before he turned back to the others.

When Ynez approached and spoke to Gauss in Spanish, she didn't interrupt them. But she gave the model a friendly wave, and turned to Dawit and said quietly. "This is Ynez who was part of my team in the viral video. She and LD," she pointed him out across the room, "were very thoughtful to agree to advertise the veggie smoothies, rather than any caffeine product. Everyone in the competition has been very supportive of my faith."

"Yes, it was a fine commercial. A most creative endeavor, and I am glad they were so accommodating for you. I, myself, may not agree with the tenants of your faith, but it costs nothing to offer her respect as she follows them, so long as one does the same. With respect, comes understanding, after all. Mi papi taught me that much, at least."

His eyes jumped at the second surprise visitor made her appearance, but he kept it calm afterwards and smiled and nodded as the two discussed business.

[Bee Haw]

"Our ultimate goals align, the bettering of those less fortunate and bring parity," she said warmly. "We have plans to create community clinics and neighborhood schools. Speak with my assistant, Ynez Garsiya, she has a full workup of our plans for the next four years. She is wonderful," she said warmly.

"Ynez is your assistant? Oh! Small world. I've worked with her on a project. I thought she was a supermodel. She is humble, I think, in not speaking about her role with you. It's important work."

She could see Ynez talking quietly in Spanish to Raul, nearby.

"How did you two meet?"

[Iris Pythia]

Behind Ayesha was a slightly taller woman, older it seemed dressed as a Harlequin. She moved with a predatory grace as she whispered something to the younger woman and the two shared a laugh before they moved to the open bar to have a drink and observe the room.

"Ms Kagumbo?"
Iris approached, drink in hand.

[Dapper Dog]

She seemed very supportive of the concept and began smiling like a fox

''Say, if you could...would you put this piece into auction tonight?''

“Wait, seriously? Like for these people? I doubt they would be interested in spending that kind of money on my art,” she admitted.

“I mean yes, but, are you serious? You guys are way too nice.”

Bee Haw and Gauss

"Ynez is your assistant? Oh! Small world. I've worked with her on a project. I thought she was a supermodel. She is humble, I think, in not speaking about her role with you. It's important work."

She could see Ynez talking quietly in Spanish to Raul, nearby.

"How did you two meet?"

“Through a mutual friend, and we just clicked and worked well together, well of us really. She’s been a life line for my work, and she really works hard behind the scenes. Yet she is so selfless,” she admitted lightly.

“And yeah, girl is supermodel fire hot, for real.”

"Señorita, this is Zorro. He was a gentleman...un caballero. Sharp mind, sharper tongue. Fought for justice, sí, but always with a little style, a little drama." He paused, gesturing to the flowing cape draped over his shoulder. "Never just beat the bad guys—he made 'em look stupid while he did it." He lowered his voice more as he continued. "And behind the mask? Always a man of mystery... but with a soft spot for beauty." His eyes gazed over her for a long moment before he turned back to the others.

“Oh I think I heard about him, once? It looks amazing, and so dashing,” she said warmly. “Muy guapo papi, muy guapo.”

“You really grab the eye.”

[Nuani Kagumbo]

"Ms Kagumbo?"
Iris approached, drink in hand.

She slowly turned her gaze and then said in fluent Greek, “Was that to me? Oh, I did not see you there, you must be mistaken I am simply the Harlequin seeking mischievous adventure.” She focused her green eyes from behind the mask on Iris and said, “You have sad eyes.”

“What disturbs you so, oh mighty Gorgon, has your Perseus not come?”

[Iris Pythia]

She slowly turned her gaze and then said in fluent Greek, “Was that to me? Oh, I did not see you there, you must be mistaken I am simply the Harlequin seeking mischievous adventure.” She focused her green eyes from behind the mask on Iris and said, “You have sad eyes.”

“What disturbs you so, oh mighty Gorgon, has your Perseus not come?”

Iris hesitates for a second, a little thrown off balance.

"Ah huh. Well, seeing too much and all that. They'd probably be happier if there was more happiness in the world."

Switching into Greek as well.

"Perseus slew the Gorgon, so I keep an eye out for self-proclaimed heroes who have no problem killing to get what they want".

Flatly.
"So you've come to what, play?"

[Galatea]

“Wait, seriously? Like for these people? I doubt they would be interested in spending that kind of money on my art,” she admitted.

“I mean yes, but, are you serious? You guys are way too nice.”

''I am a witch tonight darling, I need to try my hand at a little magic. I can't promise anything but I'll se what I can do.'' she gave her a wink then excused herself to go meet the one in charge of the auction

[Nuani Kagumbo]

“The world is broken, maybe your eyes just see things as they are and not blinded by the veneer of optimism? Who can say? The world is filled with self-proclaimed heroes,” she continued in Greek.

“Play? This is all business,” she admitted in Greek. “When self-proclaimed godlings come to play in your backyard, one should observe and see if they are worthy of such lofty titles. Or are they simply children lording their superiority over ants. Not realizing that the ants outnumber them by the billions.”

She finished in fluent French, “But then again, I am just a silly Harlequin, pay me no mind.”

[Dapper Dog]

''I am a witch tonight darling, I need to try my hand at a little magic. I can't promise anything but I'll se what I can do.'' she gave her a wink then excused herself to go meet the one in charge of the auction

A large but squat Malay woman wearing a nice gown and hijab smiled and said in practiced Amharic, “Hello how can I be of service?”

[Galatea]

A large but squat Malay woman wearing a nice gown and hijab smiled and said in practiced Amharic, “Hello how can I be of service?”

''Greetings madam'' she said in english ''Is english okay?''

[Dapper Dog]

''Greetings madam'' she said in english ''Is english okay?''

"Yes, fine, fine, speak very good English, number one," she said proudly.

[Bee Haw]

"Yes, it was a fine commercial. A most creative endeavor, and I am glad they were so accommodating for you. I, myself, may not agree with the tenants of your faith, but it costs nothing to offer her respect as she follows them, so long as one does the same. With respect, comes understanding, after all. Mi papi taught me that much, at least."

His eyes jumped at the second surprise visitor made her appearance, but he kept it calm afterwards and smiled and nodded as the two discussed business.

Bea turned back to Ynez and Raul.

"Ynez, it's good to see you again. I am delighted to hear about your philanthropic role. I'd love to hear more about the four-year plan. Counselor Dawit can look at supporting food access. Schools... there may be an opportunity there with the local LDS women's relief society. It is intended to be a worldwide sisterhood with education of women in the community as a priority. You may have had co-ed schools in mind. But I think there are good studies that prioritizing women's education can bring social change more quickly and more sustainably."

She nodded at Raul's words. "You raise a good point. Inter-faith respect. I am not well-acquainted with the dominant faiths of the Malay people. I am sure the LDS community is a minority. But community projects can be inter-faith. Respectful. Woman-empowering."