Chapter Four: Marching Orders

"Stage Three." Benedict said lightly. "Seizure of all financial holdings."

Christopher stood with him, as they watched their Kingdom Hall get boarded up across the street. The sign out front was painted over with Seizure Notices, citing the Final Revelation Act. "I hear that over in Europe, the Halls are still open. They didn't bother to torch them, just looted them clean of everything. Doesn't matter; because we don't have anything of real value. The most expensive thing in the Hall is the air conditioning plant. What else? The televisions that we project the meeting material onto? The sound systems?"

Benedict nodded. "We have plans?"

"It's been some years since we've done bookstudies in private homes, but the Field Service Groups are still there. We just meet a little longer now." He smothered a smile. "Of course, Field Service is a moot point. We've covered our territory well ahead of schedule."

"Ahead of our schedule. Who knows what God's timetable for all this is." Benedict grinned. "We should go, before someone wonders why we're looking at the Hall so earnestly."

"It all happened so fast, didn't it?" Christopher observed. "So fast it barely seems real."

"Not really a surprise. The last five years or so, we've been redefining 'normal' every time we turn on the news."

~~/*\~~

Elizabeth dressed quickly when she woke up in the morning, picked up her shoes without putting them on, and crept to the door.

The light switched on before she got there. Revealing her aunt, glowering at her, eyes red from crying. In her hand was one of the booklets the Witnesses had been placing with everyone they could find. "The regulars at the Shelter have noticed your absence."

"I… don't work there anymore." Elizabeth said quietly, caught out.

"Because of this?" Her aunt held up the booklet. "I will say it again: This is illegal now."

"Not until next week. That's why we're in such a hurry."

"And I'm sure the Witnesses will sign the Renouncement as soon as the deadline hits." Her Aunt said acidly. "After everything… All that work… We fought so hard to make some kind of life, and you're happily throwing it away; because an illegal fringe group, uncaring about the Law; feels that their God wants them to. Brainwashed is the kindest word I could think of."

"Auntie-"

"Just…" Her aunt held her hand up. "I'm trying so hard to be calm right now, kid. I don't want to fight. I just want you to try and think rationally. I've read the Renouncement. It says you can believe whatever you want in private. Your people are already meeting in Private homes. You can keep doing that if you sign; and you won't be breaking a law. Is any of what I'm describing unreasonable?"

"And all we have to do is stand up and tell the world that we don't believe in God, and that if He exists, He has no interest in us; and even if He did, He shouldn't have any say in the world." Elizabeth said quietly. "I can't do that."

"Why not?"

Elizabeth bit her lip. "You really want to talk about this?"

Her aunt nodded.

Elizabeth came over and sat down. "During the Second World War, the Witnesses were among the very first people to get noticed by the Nazi's. They refused the salute. Every other Religion just learned how to salute and not mean it."

"This is not the same thing." Her Aunt insisted. "This isn't Fascism, this is global. Every government on the planet is a part of this. There are no allies coming to save you." Her eyes glinted. "Not human ones, anyway."

"Granted, but… When the Witnesses were locked up for refusing to Salute? They were given the same choice then. Sign a document denying their faith, and they could leave. I remember reading an experience from one of the people there. The guards even told him: You don't have to mean it, you can just sign and go home."

"Did they?"

"Thousands of brothers locked up in death camps, almost none of them signed." Elizabeth nodded. "If they were going to 'just play along' to save themselves, they could have saluted in the first place. They didn't."

"This isn't like that." Her aunt implored her. "The world is shifting on its foundations for the first time since… I don't know, but I know that nothing else is going to fundamentally change the world quite this much. Maybe not ever again."

"You have no idea how much I agree with you." Elizabeth said quietly. "Auntie, a few weeks ago, when this fight started, you said it was an insult to mama's memory; given everything she did to get us out of 'the old country'. I was young enough that I barely remember that world… But if Mama had renounced Da? If she had gone before the Tribunal and declared that she was against him and his political views; would we have been refugees?"

"Your mother would never do that." Her aunt conceded. "She loved your father too much to deny him."

"She chose a gulag over denying her truth." Elizabeth said simply. "Now I'm doing the same."

"You miss the point, my darling girl." Her aunt said intensely. "Your mother was wrong. She picked the wrong fight. She died over her 'moral stand'. And what changed? Nothing. We spent months eating out of garbage cans until things got better. You think she changed anything for the better by standing up to something so much bigger than her? She threw her life away for nothing, and you're about to do the same. She could have had a life if she'd been smart instead of noble. And so will you. Play this one smart."

Elizabeth stared at her Aunt. "I am."

"No, you're not. We both know that prayer doesn't save you. I prayed day and night for you to get food. And what I had to do to make the soldiers give us rations? They're things that all the Saints expressly forbade. I did them anyway, and you lived. Survival is everything now. And you've picked a path that's going to get you killed. You're betting your life on the idea that God won't let you die. The news is full of people who died screaming their last rites. The altars they clung to weren't able to save them."

"I know. I saw." Elizabeth said quietly. "My one regret in this whole thing was that I couldn't convince you."

"I get the appeal. Paradise earth, eternal life… Even your mother, alive and well. I admit, it's a nice dream. But dreams don't make you bulletproof. The Bounty officially went up this morning. Do you know anyone at the Shelter who isn't hungry enough to turn you in?"

"It's why I'm leaving." Elizabeth nodded at the door. "The way I see it, there are only two possibilities. Either the Witnesses are right, and none of this will matter in the long run… Or we're wrong, and nothing matters at all in the long run."

Her aunt was crying silently. A few tears rolling down a steely expression. "Your mother killed herself for loyalty to a stupid dream, taught to her by a foolish dreamer who thought it was enough to be morally right; and took his whole family down with him. If you don't wise up fast, I won't make that mistake."

Elizabeth was crying too. "I know. I'll be dead to you the moment the deadline passes."

"The moment you walk out that door, in fact." The older woman said firmly. "The Bounty means everyone we know is onto you now. You and I know that trusting to the kindness of hungry people isn't a good strategy. Someone's going to pick up a phone, and that door will be kicked in by police before nightfall. If you're here, with a signed Renouncement; we'll be fine. If you're not, we're both done. Unless..."

"Unless you make the call yourself?" Elizabeth bit her lip. "I love you, Auntie. But I've made my choice."

The last of her family turned to stone. "Then get out." She spat, and turned her face away from her niece. "Go, before I come to my senses and stop you."

~~/*\~~

"...seizure of wealth was supposed to prevent any chance of recession!"

"The sudden influx of capital has made a difference, but the FRA has made sure that all Religiously-Based deals are now null-and-void. That's a lot of customers not buying, a lot of sales not getting made; a lot of properties suddenly up for grabs, and a lot of companies suddenly without funding. Nobody really considered how many places the Churches invested their money."

"How was this not considered before the order was given?"

"The FRA was passed quickly to prevent any legal challenge. Having it happen swiftly was the only way it was going to get done."

~~/*\~~

Biggs actually felt better, once the meetings shifted to home studies. One of them was at Kit's place. The meetings were on a rotation, for the benefit of the neighbors.

"If anyone asks, it's a movie night." Kit explained. "I'm the only one who lives on 'this side of the tracks'. All I could afford. Makes it a good spot for a place to meet in private. My neighbors don't call cops. Not for anything."

Biggs was about to answer when a knock came on the door. It was Benedict. "Hi there." He said when the door opened. "I know I'm early, but it's not a good idea to be lingering outside these days."

"Come on in." Kit called. "I've made coffee."

Even as she was saying it, there was another knock at the door. It was Elizabeth. She had clearly been crying. "I-I saw Benedict come in. I'm sorry to-"

"Liz, what's wrong?" Kit came in with a tray of coffee cups.

"I, uh… I can't go home." Elizabeth admitted. "Or to work. Or any of my usual places. Too many people who know me know that I'm a Witness."

"Remember when they told us what a protection it was, informing others of our faith?" Kit commented sardonically.

"Our faith is still our only protection." Benedict said. "Liz, we should talk."

Elizabeth checked her watch. "After the meeting, maybe?"

Kit gave Biggs a look. He nodded. "And after that, you can stay with us."

Elizabeth glanced at Biggs. "May not be appropriate."

"Your aunt knows where your other friends live, Liz. She met with most of them. If someone after the Bounty knows your home and job, they can find most of your friends. This is the only place you never went to before." Kit insisted. "This isn't like regular 'be appropriate' life. We're adults, and odds are we're all going to wind up in one place sooner or later."

"You stick with your guys." Biggs said suddenly.

Everyone looked at him, surprised. He'd stayed at the back of the room during the meetings, out of the way, not drawing attention. Biggs would later think it was odd, that he immediately spoke up. But all of a sudden, unplanned; words came pouring out of him. "You live longer if you don't get noticed, but you stick with your guys. In prison, you need to be 'with' someone. Mostly for the same reasons you're with people out here. Protection, work, loyalty. I've seen it happen, when the borders suddenly shift; and the people you stand with suddenly don't stand with you. It's like losing a family member. The people you always thought were on your side."

Elizabeth nodded.

"The Witnesses are always the same way." Biggs was stammering it out. "The number of people who agree with us are outnumbered by hundreds to one. But they're your guys. And they stick with you. Some Witnesses have to face opposition from family, from coworkers… I've seen people who go into prison. They've been thrown out by their families, turned in by their friends; forgotten by everyone else. But they've got their guys. I mean, if you don't have that, what have you got?"

"He's trying to talk his way around the word 'gang'." Benedict said with a smile. "But he's right. When you join the Congregation, you leave the world behind. Sometimes the world doesn't like that. But that's how you become one of God's people."

"The 'world' now includes my family." Elizabeth said weakly.

"Your family is here." Kit told her. "As my brother says; you've got your guys. And… Well, to be honest, none of us know what our family is going to look like in a thousand years." She gave Elizabeth a soft look. "Your parents. Grandparents. Great-grandparents going all the way back to when the world began."

Elizabeth wiped her eyes. "I wanted so badly for her to…"

"I know." Benedict said gently. "Y'know, when I first became a Witness, I faced opposition from my relatives. The Elders then told me that I would never be without family again. I actually thought that was a little callous. But I'm an old man now, and I get the point a little better. Part of the heart goes empty when you lose someone. Someone new can fill it back up again. And God gives a hope and a promise. A promise that can keep your heart full enough to hold on."

"And we only have to hold on a little longer, right?" Elizabeth looked at Kit sideways. "None of your family are JW's."

Kit smiled at her brother. "They aren't my family. They're my relatives; and none of them cared when I was in need. Not at any point in my life; even before all this. My brother and I took care of each other; and now we're both…" She smiled emotionally. "My family's right here."

~~/*\~~

"Celebrations at the Supreme Court as the final appeal was thrown out. The Council of Churches had devoted considerable resources to fighting the Final Revelation Act before it was enacted. The Hearing took less than twenty minutes, before being rejected. The FRA has now passed its final legal hurdle, and will go ahead on schedule."

"Not long after the Appeal was heard, the entire Church Legal Team was arrested on charges of collusion to obstruct justice."

~~/*\~~

Benedict pulled his phone out. "With our mail stopped, our final instructions have come via personal courier. With less than a day left before the 'grace period' ends; these are likely to be the last instructions we get until it's over."

The energy in the room shifted, becoming more electric.

Benedict let out a breath. "You're going to have questions, after. To answer the first one, I assure you: This letter is genuine."

"That bodes well." Biggs mumbled to his sister.

Biggs began to read. "Jehovah of Armies has never known Defeat. No enemy can outmatch him for strategic thinking; no army can rival his power. With God, a force of 300 men defeated an army of 135,000. With God, a march of unarmed refugees watched the most powerful army of their age charge headlong into an ocean while they walked on dry land. With God, Hezekiah watched an army laying Siege to his city fall, without a shot being fired from either side; and his people sleeping safely until the war was won."

"Even worse." Biggs mumbled.

"At every one of those instances, the enemies of God's People have always believed wholeheartedly that they were in the superior position, because by human standards, they were. Goliath, no doubt, thought this his victory would be swift and easy. But David knew who was really doing the fighting; and that human thinking was nothing in comparison."

Kit shushed Biggs before he could say it, but inwardly she was starting to agree. Whatever they're building to, it must sound crazy if they're breaking out the greatest hits like this...

"With that in mind, our instructions are as follows: All Witnesses in this District are to turn themselves in to the Authorities, before the Grace Period ends." Benedict looked up. "That includes our congregation. As the Grace Period ends tomorrow-"

"Are you kidding me?!" Biggs erupted. Kit shushed him quickly.

"I know this order defies conventional wisdom, but so do most of our teachings. Every time we tell people not to put their faith in riches or their trust in men; we're going against what the world says." Benedict offered. "There's a reason we haven't told any of our people to buy survival gear, or learn bushcraft. We're not looking to run away, or fight back. This isn't a revolution. You've heard some of us use the example of 'boarding a lifeboat'. Well, when you get on that lifeboat, how much of your luggage do you take with you?"

Christopher raised his hand. "Do we have any idea on timing? I mean, do we go straight from here?"

"Our instructions say only to do so before the Grace Period ends. That gives us until midnight tomorrow." Benedict clarified.

Biggs could feel his teeth chattering loud enough that everyone in the room could hear it. His legs didn't want to work. He felt so trapped he could barely squeeze a breath out. Kit's hand was in his, holding tightly. "They can't know." He croaked. "They can't know what they're asking of us."

"They're asking us to declare." Christopher said quietly behind him. "Being a Witness has always meant to stand out. There are countries in the world where being a JW was a prison sentence, long before this part began."

"Long before that, in fact." Benedict put in. The meeting was small enough for everyone to overhear. "Look at the Bible record. Entering an Ark, painting your doorposts, preaching in public, or standing up when everyone in the Kingdom had to kneel. The whole Bible record is full of moments when some few had to get noticed." Benedict looked openly sympathetic. "Our newest brother is reacting this way because he knows better than the rest of us put together what is being asked of us at this time."

Biggs felt everyone staring holes in him. He didn't care. The thought was bouncing around his head so loud he could feel it beating against the inside of his skull. Not Going Back! Not Going Back!

Then Elizabeth raised her hand. "Um… I'd like to say something."

Benedict nodded. "This isn't a typical meeting. If we can open it up to questions, we can open it up to answers too."

Elizabeth took a deep breath. "Um, when I first came to this country, I was a refugee. I was so small I can't remember my life before. My aunt certainly does. I've been a refugee before; and this time, I'm not going to a new country. I'm going to a New Earth. The Bible is quite specific on that point. New Heavens and a New Earth, which means there's nowhere on this earth we can go to and pretend 'the old country' doesn't exist anymore." She looked at Biggs. "I was recently reminded that people who want to survive difficult times need to stick to their people, no matter what. So I'd just like to say thank you to everyone who considers me part of 'their guys', because my Aunt has decided that I'm dead to her, for believing the things we do. This whole religion is based around the idea that a shared belief can make a tighter union than a shared family tree."

The reminders were perfect, and Biggs winced hard, despite himself.

Benedict smiled at Elizabeth, eyes shining. "Well said. I would also like to add that… Well, the work is done. Our final campaign is over. The preaching Work has been the defining part of being a Witness for the last hundred years, and as of now, it's finished." He looked to Biggs. "You asked me once if preaching in time of Tribulation was cruel, given that time's up for everyone left to hear it. Well, the only people left to Preach to are each other. So I want to charge each one of you with encouraging your brothers and sisters. Once this is over, we won't need encouragement again. Not nearly as much, anyway. We're at the finish line, and we don't even have to run a race anymore. Just hold on until it's over. As our sister says, there's nowhere in the world that we won't have to do that. I plan to do so in a big crowd of my extended family."

The rest of the instructions were read, some questions answered. Kit barely heard any of it as she looked to Biggs. Her brother was paralyzed by the announcement, eyes wide with growing panic. He'd just been told to go back to Prison. Voluntarily. Immediately.

~~/*\~~

The meeting broke up eventually, but nobody wanted to leave. Kit was glad for them to stay. She'd never been particularly proud of her apartment, with peeling wallpaper and stains on the carpet. But the room was a little bubble of safety and affection, while the world outside went insane.

Benedict was the only Elder in the group, but there were a few brothers offering counsel and encouragement. There was a lot of encouragement needed; by some more than others.

"I'm trying to remember everything I've ever heard anyone say at a meeting." Sister Eleanor admitted, wringing her hands. "But it all seems to have vanished from my head. I'm trying to console myself with the idea that it'll be there when I need it."

"If it's not, Jehovah will be." Benedict promised. He gestured at Jace, asleep on her shoulder. "How's he doing?"

Eleanor shivered. "He's on a grand adventure. The worst part is that his father isn't here."

"Have you heard from Del?"

"No." Eleanor admitted. "But there's no chance of him getting back in time. He'll have to ride it out in Geneva. For sure, they don't let you fly without a signed Renouncement now."

Benedict nodded. "The FRA has been building since 9/11. It makes sense that they'd be most worried about reprisals on aircraft."

Eleanor stroked her sleeping child's hair. "We won't be together for this. And if we turn ourselves in…" She was tearing up. "They'll take Jace away."

~~/*\~~

Kit didn't have a lot of possessions. She'd spent a lot of her life in shelters. Still, it took a day to wrap things up neatly. Part of her wondered why she was making the effort.

"They don't know how long we'll be there." Biggs said softly. "They want to keep us free of distractions until it's over. Someone rings up and demands to know if the car's paid off, or if there's an outstanding bill for power…"

"We better hope they're right about this, bro. It's going to be near impossible to pick up where we let off if we're wrong."

"Kit, we're turning ourselves in. There's no coming back from that." Biggs said tightly. "If they're wrong about this being 'It', and it all blows over somehow, we'll never get a house or a job ever again. We're officially finished in this world."

Kit winced, sorry she'd made him say it. "I know. Which is why I'm glad to bet everything on the next one."

There was a heavy silence.

"I'm really scared, Kit." Biggs whispered. "I don't wanna go back in there."

Kit shivered. "Biggs, you heard what they said, about how there's nothing in The Book that says we have reason to fear-"

"I'm not afraid of judgement, Kit." Biggs said softly. "I'm not scared of getting beaten up by an angry mob, or lynched by strangers who are just looking to hurt people. I've been through worse than that." He was shaking. "It just… it's my nightmare, going back in. It breaks you down. I've only been free for-"

"For a small part of your life. But the moment we get to the end of this, our 'lifespan' is limitless. A thousand years from now, are you even going to remember what prison is?" Kit nodded. "Biggs, when we were studying, your Warden came to walk me out. He warned me not to take your sudden faith too seriously. And my mortal terror was that he was right. Not that you were faking it, but… You told me how cosmically bored you got inside. You had to do something to pass the time. Bible study would fit the bill…"

"You were worried my growing faith was an inch deep?" Biggs guessed. "Yeah… I guess I can see that."

"I can't read your heart, no matter how certain I am." His sister's hug tightened for a moment. "All those things you just listed? All the things you're not scared of? It's what we're scared of." She hugged him. "You remember that bit about the Red Sea? I wonder sometimes, if any of the Israelites knew how to swim."

Biggs almost laughed at the unexpected question. "What?"

"They'd been slaves for four centuries, in a desert nation. I wonder if any of them even knew how to swim, and suddenly they were being told to walk through the Red Sea; with the water standing up on end all around them."

Biggs nodded, suddenly getting the point. "Nothing like being told to walk straight through your phobias if you want your freedom."

"But that's what was at stake." Kit nodded. "When we were little, I was terrified at every swimming lesson. Mom told me once that if you want to conquer your fear of the water, you gotta dive in." She pulled back enough to see his face. "And this fear is different, because when you get through to the other side, you'll never have anything to be scared of again."

Knock knock.

They both spun to the door, watching it like it was about to be kicked in by men with guns. Moving on impulse, Biggs pulled his sister off to the side, closer to the wall. "Who's there?"

"It's me." Called a familiar voice.

Kit let him in. "Brother Benedict?" She was surprised. "What brings you by?"

Benedict gave them a smile. "Just checking in. The Elders have been making the rounds with everyone since this started-"

"You've got nowhere else to go." Biggs cut him off, reading his face.

Benedict looked surprised. "Yes, as a matter of fact. You've very perceptive." He admitted. "My boss gave me the boot last week. I had preached to my fellow employees over the years, and he called me into his office. He asked, point blank, if I'd signed the Renouncement yet. I told him the truth, and he had me escorted from the premises. I was told that my personal effects would be sent on to my house. By the time I made it to my car, the tires had been slashed and the windows all smashed out…" He gave them a crooked smile. "My days became free, so I was able to help a few in the Cong move house."

"Who's moving?" Kit put in quickly.

"At the moment, nobody. For the last few weeks? Anyone who had neighbors that were a bit too interested in their business." Benedict sighed. "There have been some incidents. People come home and find their houses have been tagged with graffiti, others who have been pushed around by their neighbors… Brother Webber came home from his group to find his house on fire yesterday."

"And you? Where have you been for a week?"

"With any brother that'll let me crash on their couch. My neighborhood has a tenant association, who have informed me that an 'undesirable' isn't welcome, or covered by the neighborhood watch. They showed me the petition, and someone set off a firecracker in my mailbox, smashed up my windows..." Benedict explained. "He's not wrong. The FRA has declared religion to be illegal. Apparently, I'm a felon now."

Biggs couldn't help the laugh. "My sister still hasn't told her landlord where I was before I crashed here."

Kit pulled her head in a bit, despite herself. "I'm sorry, Brother Benedict. I know how much you loved that house."

"Well, as it happens, I wasn't planning on living there much longer anyway." Benedict said with grim understatement, and spread his hands wide. "Consider it a reminder that possessions are surprisingly easy to lose; even the lifelong ones. In the meantime, I've been making the rounds."

"How's everyone doing?"

Benedict smiled a bit. "You know something? They're doing really, really well. There's a fair amount of excitement."

Kit winced. "Oh. Okay."

"Less excited?"

Kit scoffed at herself. "To be honest, I'm more scared of God than I am of anything else that might happen in the weeks to come."

"I've been hearing that a lot this week." Benedict admitted. "As an Elder, I can't share anything I discuss with others in the congregation; but you're not alone in that category. One of the older sisters burst into tears when she told me she smoked her first cigarette in two years last month. A few of the single brothers are terrified because they still struggle with 'internet habits', no matter how hard they pray; one sister with depression, begging my forgiveness for some thoughtless remark she made; six years ago… A surprisingly high percentage of people are most afraid of themselves." Benedict shook his head. "What comes next is going to test us in ways we've never considered before." He looked at Biggs, catching himself suddenly. "Well. Maybe some of us have."

Biggs looked quietly nauseous.

Kit spoke quietly. "It's true, y'know. I can remember every wrong thing I've ever done, even when I knew better. Even the stuff that nobody else cares about. It's a list that keeps growing like a mountain; and I keep thinking that Jehovah knows it all too."

Benedict nodded. "I've been seeing it all week. The brothers are more sure of each other than they are of themselves. Despite all the scriptures that assure us that God doesn't judge us by our sins-"

"Then what is Armageddon for?" Biggs put in.

Benedict looked over at him. "All those people confessing to me this week? One day into Paradise, and they'll never find something to smoke, or a dirty movie to watch; not ever again. Such things simply won't exist in Paradise. Same with diagnosed depression or any form of abuse. God knows what we'll be in Paradise. Something none of us can say; and the reason we've all been praying for this day to come? It's because about 90% of what has us concerned about our character, our safety, and our future will be solved the second we arrive."

"I've read your magazines for a year now." Biggs offered. "The standards you set in those articles… Truth is, nobody can meet them all the time. But that's kind of the point, isn't it? I mean, those lessons don't mean anything if they focus on the 'minimum standard' that a Witness can 'get away with'. That's not how it works."

There was a short silence. Benedict bowed his head. "Would you care to join me in prayer?"

They did so, bowing their heads.

"Father Jehovah," Benedict said quietly. "None of us are perfect; and perfection is the standard You set. It is a testament to Your loving forgiveness that we are welcome in Your house at all. Your word tells us that You will put us apart from all our sins. Your people are witnessing the collapse of everything; and yet our greatest fear is that we let You down. The world is screaming doubt and self-defeat in our ears, day and night; but we continually strain to hear Your word; which tells us that nothing in creation can separate us from Your love. We ask that You be with Your people as never before. We've never been perfect, but One Day After, You can make us into whatever You think we can be. Give us the strength and courage needed to get us over that line; because if we give up on ourselves now, we're actually taking that choice away from You. In Jesus name we pray..."

"Amen." The others said, lifting their heads.

Benedict took a breath. "I've got room in my Minivan. I'm taking Eleanor and Jace, too. Christopher is staying with the van outside. You're welcome to come with me; but I don't know if you've made other plans. Public transport certainly isn't safe anymore. Either way, we'll all be together again in about two hours."

Kit and Biggs traded a look. "We'd appreciate it."

~~/*\~~

Eleanor hurried out of her house and didn't bother to lock the door behind her. Jace was on her hip. The boy was aware of his mother's nerves. All up and down the street, curtains were twitching as the people in the minivan arranged themselves. Benedict was in the front seat, behind the wheel.

Biggs was left to ride shotgun, pausing to speak to Christopher; who was helping Eleanor arrange Jace's seatbelt. "That's a police car." Biggs said quietly to the older man. "The van. They're watching Eleanor's house."

"I know. There's one in front of my house, too. They've been photographing everyone who goes in and out since I held a group night. It's not like we were hard to find." Christopher nodded. "Another hour, and they'll be feeling pretty stupid."

Biggs almost laughed. "Yeah, I guess I can see that." He got in and pulled his seatbelt on, up front with Benedict. "Oh, by the way, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?"

"I'd like you to stick close over the next few days and assist me. There's going to be some trouble adjusting to what's ahead." Benedict told him.

"Alright, let's do this!" Christopher said brightly from behind them, and he actually looked excited. "For all the marbles!"

Kit laughed, nerves making her a little euphoric, and Biggs was surprised to find he was reacting the same way.

~~/*\~~

"...starting Stage Four early, with door to door searches. All citizens will be required to show their Renouncement until such time as the search is declared over."

"It may actually be overkill, given that the FRA was worded to ensure that people could still carry on in private however they wished."

"Once they signed. A pledge that whatever they felt in private, they act like a human being in public. If they don't give society that much, how can they expect…"

~~/*\~~

"Drop me here." Christopher said. "Parking station is a ways off. I wanted… well, I wanted to go first. It'll keep things calm; for the others."

"Why?" Biggs asked, a little confused.

"I'll go with him." Eleanor said quickly, releasing Jace from his carseat. "The streets are getting too dangerous to go alone, even for short trips. And with a kid, the shorter walk… Streets are getting crazy. I'd rather walk straight into the station if I can."

Christopher and Eleanor slipped out, as Benedict turned to go around the block to the parking structure. "Does it matter where we park?" Biggs asked. "I mean, we don't plan to get your car back at the end of the day."

"True, but we're expecting something of a gridlock once everyone arrives. Let's not create a disruption that'll hurt our people later." Benedict nodded. "I wanted to compliment you on what you said, before the letter was read. It showed real compassion. Our people are worried; and they've got a good reason to be. They've got a far better reason to hope; but that's next on the timeline. Today is going to be hard." Benedict glanced to Biggs. "Harder for you, I'm sure; which makes your comments all the more important. I'm sorry that you got handed this, of all things."

"Is that why you wanted to 'stick close for the next few days'?" Biggs commented, unsurprised. "You don't want your newest lamb to get lost on the way to the shearing station?"

"Thank you for avoiding 'butcher' analogies." Kit said from the backseat.

Benedict grinned. "Actually, I was hoping to get your advice."

"My advice?" Biggs didn't know how to respond to that. Nobody had asked his opinion on… anything, since he was about sixteen years old. "About what?"

"Adapting a bunch of law abiding people to prison life. We have a higher percentage of people coming from outside our faith than any other religion. For most people in the world, your religion is something you're born with, and stick to once your parents teach you something. The JW's are all here because of personal choice, even when raised as Witnesses. Personal choice and personal study is the core of our 'recruitment' process. As a result, we get all kinds; but most of the people in our congregation have been there for more than a decade. If any of them have prison history, they haven't felt the need to share it. Or at the very least, their info is out of date. You and Christopher are the two closest experts we have."

Biggs was stunned. "Oh. Uh, okay." He rubbed his eyes a moment. "I can tell you what to expect under normal circumstances, but I don't think…" He tried to word it. "I think the rules are gonna be different this time. It's the end of the world, sir. Nobody has experience with this."

"You've been a brother for a matter of weeks, Biggs. But I'm an Elder. I'm responsible for the spiritual well-being of the people in my charge, and that includes you and your sister. I don't know how to lead a Prison Congregation. None of us do. And here, right at the moment we're told to actually go up to the Prison Gates and knock; we have you join us." Benedict took his eyes off the road long enough to spare him a warm smile. "You're an answer to a prayer, Biggs."

"...never been that before." The reformed prisoner pulled his head in, feeling just a little exposed by it. He'd survived violence, insults, humiliation… He had no defences against kindness.

"Oh, yes you have. You'd be surprised how many times your sister asked the Elders to pray for you." Benedict smiled. "You answered a prayer when you took a Bible. You answered another when you started to read it, you answered a great many prayers when you became part of the family."

Biggs twitched again, looking over his shoulder, as if to make sure.

"It's true." Kit said meekly. "Something that took me a while to figure out was that people like us can answer prayers too."

As they drove, they saw the world changing outside. Streets were closed on the wealthy side of town. Checkpoints were set up on the highways; and not everyone was going along with the program. There were a lot of packs forming.

~~/*\~~

"The Siege is now in its thirtieth hour. It is the fourth one to form in the last three days. For more on this, we go live to the scene with our field reporter, Cassie Moore. Cassie?"

"The enclave is well fortified, with over two dozen people inside. Police say they're armed; and well equipped for a long showdown. They've gone public with their refusal to, Quote: 'Renounce our faith in the Almighty, who will surely bring his wrath upon the abomination that sits in power over our country'. It's hard to say if they're opposing the Renouncement or the Government; but it's clear they're willing to carry out their threat."

"There has been violence?"

"The negotiator has been shot. We're told he died on the way to hospital. The Agent in Charge here has refused to give any comment, as the people in this compound are surely watching the news; but the overall sense I'm getting from his people says that he's waiting until Stage Four of the Final Revelation Act goes into effect, later on tonight. As of that moment, all due process is suspended."

"With Stage Four underway, the full force of the military will be included. The fight will be over in less than ten minutes, come midnight."

"Tell you the truth, I think the soldiers here are looking forward to it. We knew it was going to come to this sooner or later; and there's no question of who's going to win."

~~/*\~~

"Andrew, I want to thank you for the ride. My aunt certainly wasn't going to give me one, and we share a car." The traffic started moving again; and Elizabeth gestured. "Wrong lane."

"Not for the interstate." Andrew said, not looking at her.

Elizabeth froze, staring at him. "You're going to run."

"I have family in Europe. One or two who are in the Truth, I want to-"

"No." Elizabeth said sharply. "You want to be there when it happens because their instructions are different. I heard from a friend in London. They're not turning themselves in like we are."

"Is that so unreasonable?" Andrew asked. "Being a JW here means going to prison. A plane ride means-"

"Means you decided not to follow instruction." Elizabeth countered. "If it had been me, you would have told me to trust in God to see you through."

"You could come with me." Andrew offered. "I emptied out my accounts; I'm taking nothing but this backpack. I don't need any of it where we're going. I can afford two tickets."

"I… I have to stay." She dug her nails into her palms so tight she felt herself bleed a bit. "Y'know, I struggled with depression, growing up."

"Yeah?" Andrew was surprised.

"Just as I got the truth, in fact." Elizabeth nodded. "I lived every day, convinced that I'd never be forgiven, that God didn't want me, that every wrong thing I did was proof that I wasn't good enough, and every time I failed to feel forgiven and loved by God, it was 'proof' that I wasn't really a Witness." She sniffed. "But I never missed a meeting or a study if I could avoid it, because if I still acted like a JW, then it was up to God what I was worth." She reached out and held his shoulder. "I can't take any chances on this. If I go with you, I'm rolling the dice on my life. If I go where I'm meant to; I'm rolling the dice on God. I trust Him more than I trust myself."

"So do I."

"Do you?" She countered. "I remember that video about First-Century Jerusalem. Jesus warned that Rome would devastate the city, but the Christians would have a chance to escape. Obeying right away got people out. Delaying a little got them stopped at the Gate, shaken down by the guards for everything they had. Delaying a little longer would have gotten them caught up in faction wars and starvation. Delaying a lot would have gotten them killed outright by invasion." She looked to Andrew. "It's scary, and seems to defy common sense; but what you're talking about is…"

"I know." Andrew nodded. "And I won't think less of you if you decide to go with the majority. I intend to be where the Witnesses are too. I just…"

"Want to do it in another country, where it seems easier to obey. Well, I guess I can sympathize with that. My aunt certainly could." Elizabeth shivered. "I can't go with you. I'm hanging on by my fingernails, and I can't 'be kinder to myself' right now, or I'll lose my nerve."

Andrew nodded. "I understand. Keep me in your prayers?"

"I will." Kit said quietly as she opened the car door. They were stopped in traffic, but he wasn't pulling over for her. "I guess I can't tell you what to do next, can I? This one has to be up to us."

Andrew nodded. "Smile, Liz. We'll see each other again."

~~/*\~~

"...wave of violence has exploded across most of the southern states. For more on this, we go live to field Correspondent, Tony Capra. Tony, what's the situation there?"

"It's more or less under control; at least on the surface. For now, it's like a more widespread surge in gang violence, but they aren't gangs."

"Who are they, then?"

"That's the part that police didn't expect. Usually this kind of civil unrest comes from younger people, or people who already have a record. But there's been a sudden breakout of violence in response to the FRA."

"Well, we knew it would be controversial-"

"Sorry, I wasn't too clear: These aren't protests or riots against the FRA. In fact, the people I've spoken to say most of the violence is coming from people who are… well, cutting loose; to be honest."

"Sorry, Tony; I'm not sure I follow."

"Well, small town communities like this have always been under strong influence from the local churches. For a lot of people, the local clergy have more practical authority than the town mayors. Looks like some people have been resenting that for a while. With Heaven and Hell declared null and void; it looks like some people have declared there are no consequences. Police are trying to keep on top of it, but we're getting reports that this is spreading to larger communities."

"Interesting. Most of us didn't think religion had that much influence anymore; but I've heard reports from Europe suggesting that the Divorce rates have skyrocketed in what used to be Catholic communities; violence against former clergy, all sorts of things that took people by surprise."

"I don't know if it was fear of God's Judgement, or fear of the community's opinion of people who didn't go to church. Either way, that fear is gone now. For a lot of these people, it's the first time in their lives they haven't been afraid to do what they wanted."

~~/*\~~

The Precinct wasn't used to having someone else call the shots. There was a sense of electric nerves in the bullpen, knowing what was about to happen; knowing all the ways it could go wrong.

As the Detective with seniority, Rankin was issuing riot gear, preparing for the crackdown. A man in a civilian suit and tie was speaking privately with the Captain. Everyone knew he was there for the crackdown, but nobody was quite clear on who was giving him orders. When he came out of the Captain's Office, he made no effort to order people around, or intimidate anyone.

Which, in its way, was quite intimidating.

"Alright, folks." Rankin shouted to his team. "This is Jones. He's coordinating the round-up for everyone who hasn't signed the Renouncement. Obviously, everyone here has signed. We all know this is going to be a tough assignment. The only people who haven't followed the FRA are the die-hards. They won't go down easy. Up until now, our job has been keeping things orderly until-"

"Sir!" One of his staff shouted. "Look outside!"

~~/*\~~

Benedict had asked Biggs to pray for them both while he was behind the wheel. On the way to this point, they'd all been seeing the start of it. Churches they drove past were being dismantled, if not looted outright. Outside each of them were checkpoints where people lined up to sign their own papers. Each checkpoint had armed guards. They were expecting resistance.

"I appreciate the effort." Biggs said finally as they drove. "You don't have… I mean, I know you don't have any family in the faith. But you're an Elder. Isn't this your busy time?"

"More than ever before." Benedict agreed as they parked the car.

"Why spend so much of it with me?" Biggs asked as they locked the doors and took a ticket for the space. "I know you want an 'experienced' eye, but you can get that once we arrive."

Benedict was silent for a moment as they walked to the end of the block, where the Station would be. "I've been walking the world for sixty years, and spent forty five of them waiting for this day. You were baptized a few weeks ago; and we're asking you to dive into your worst memories and your greatest phobia to get to the other side of this." The older man said simply. "You don't have those reserves of trust and patience that most of us have. What you do have is a thick skin; and a proper appreciation for the task set before you. Something that I only half have, come to that. You could be the most instrumental figure in our Congregation until this is over. Or you could back out and ask to leave. I wouldn't judge you for it; given what you've been through already."

Biggs heard Kit suddenly hold her breath behind him, but she didn't say a word. "I won't lie to you." He said finally. "Some of the people we meet when we get to lockup... are going to want my head on a plate. I could be more trouble than I'm worth once we're inside."

"Not to me." Kit put in.

"You aren't the rest of the Congregation, Kit." Biggs told his sister, who was flanked by Benedict on her opposite side, the two of them standing guard as they wandered down the streets. The energy of the town was cold and scared, as though a fight was going to break out. "I told Elizabeth that you survive by sticking with your people. And I know the rule about 'love thy brother', but as you say, I've been a Witness for so short a time; and everyone knows where I've been. You really think I've got a long line of people waiting to be 'my guys'?"

The three of them came around the corner, and the Elder burst out laughing. "You tell me."

Biggs looked, and his jaw dropped.

Outside the police station was a huge line of people. Some faces they recognized, most of them strangers. Dozens of people. Hundreds of them, lining up in an orderly queue to walk into the station.

And all of them were smiling. As Biggs joined the line, he could feel the mood shift. The rest of the drive over had been under a cloud of fear and futility. Right here there was an incredible electricity in the air, like something was about to burst into life.

~~/*\~~

Jones and Rankin watched silently as the lobby of the Station filled to bursting with people. Well dressed, no piercings; most of them carrying only a small bag.

The room filled up completely in a nice, orderly fashion. No pushing, no shouting.

"Christoper Layton. Mount Morgan Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses." The first man in line reported promptly; presenting his identification. "Reporting as ordered by law."

The woman behind the counter pressed the form forwards. "Please fill out your personal details and sign here, to show your compliance with the FRA."

"Respectfully, I cannot do that." Christopher said politely.

The woman behind the counter was very aware of the huge line of people behind him. Her eyes flicked to Rankin, who was standing behind her with one hand on his gun; eyes locked on Christopher. Jones was in the bullpen, rounding up support in preparation for a full-scale riot. "Mister Layton, you are aware of your legal responsibilities, pursuant to the Final Revelation Act?" The woman behind the desk said formally.

"Yes." Christopher said promptly.

"You are aware that, as of midnight tonight, your membership in an Illegal Organization is punishable by a Contempt of Court Charge, and subsequent imprisonment, until such time as you comply?"

"Yes." Christopher said promptly.

"Are you currently on any intoxicating or chemical substances that may alter your judgement or thinking process?"

"No." Christopher said promptly.

"Are you then, of your own free will, and under no coercion or duress; refusing to sign the Renouncement?"

"Yes." Christopher said promptly.

And behind him, the two dozen or so people that had filled the lobby behind him burst into thunderous applause. From waiting silently, to an explosion of support and approval.

The desk sergeant gestured for someone to come out from behind the desk and escort Christopher Layton in for processing.

Promptly, the next person stepped up. "Harrison Dean, Mount Morgan Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses." He reported, presenting his identification. "Reporting as ordered by law."

Behind the counter, Rankin let out a groan. "Oh, sweet mercy."

~~/*\~~

"They've been called every name in the book for a long time. We can now add a few more. At virtually every police station in the Metro area, huge lines of people are forming, just to be arrested. Most of them are Jehovah's Witnesses; a minority among the Illegals that have taken the FRA as a sign of the End Times. For more on this, we go to our field reporter; Connie Mula."

"They're hardly the only group of holdouts to insist that God will show up to save them. In fact, several Waco-style battles and showdowns have broken out across the world. What sets these people apart is that they're all surrendering voluntarily. Social Media has been flooded with pictures and video of the lines forming. Hashtag: HolyLemmings is trending on all social media platforms."

"Connie, what do they hope to achieve here?"

"Honestly, nobody's quite sure. The feeling is that they're staging a protest; but it doesn't feel like a protest march. I've covered marches before. There's no chanting, no slogans, no signs being waved. In fact, they're all smiling."

"Smiling?"

"Yeah. I can hear applause coming from inside the Precinct. Someone refuses to sign, they get applauded by everyone lined up. It's crazy."

~~/*\~~

"The line goes right around the block. Could be hundreds of them by now." Rankin reported to Jones. "We'll never find room for them all. This is just crazy. I've had to pull about a third of my teams off their prep for the Raids just to process them all. My people are already putting in for overtime."

"It's a protest march, effectively. Passive Resistance." Jones countered. "I think they're calling our bluff."

"It's not a bluff. We're opening the doors to the cells, and they're walking in." Rankin argued. "Doesn't make sense."

Jones shook his head. "Every other year, there's been a news story about some church group proclaiming the end of the world has come. The news reports them, everyone laughs at the idiots; the sun comes up the next day. We knew someone would make a demonstration over Stage Four."

From the lobby, there was the sound of applause as someone else was taken away for processing. It rang through the entire ground floor.

Rankin looked to Jones. "You have any idea how this is going to work? We're not set up for such a huge number. The idea was to find their hiding places and bring them in. We were expecting to process them one at a time."

Jones nodded. "Very clever. They flood the system, instead of avoiding it."

Rankin looked worried. "None of my people are on the streets or running other investigations. The whole Precinct is pulling triple shifts trying to keep up with this crowd. My Precinct is effectively shut down. And I hear it's happening at every cop-shop in the city. Probably the country. The whole point of this is to put pressure on them to disband. They get a standing ovation from their people when they say 'no'."

"I agree. Captain Rankin, this particular sect is famous for seeking crowd support from their own." Jones nodded. "You want them to sign; it has to happen in a room with no other people watching."

"How long will that take?! Are you watching the news? Gunfights in every home church across town. Sieges and retaliation from every other minority group…" He lowered his voice. "How long before we just can't bother with due process? Because the next step will be to just…"

"I know." Jones cut that off. "All we need is one. If one of them signs, they all will eventually. We find someone who will break, and I can report that we know how to break them."

Rankin looked back at the holding cells, his eyes locking with Biggs for a moment. "I know just the one to start with."

~~/*\~~

They were transferred to the prison in buses. Biggs tried to be invisible, but he knew that was a waste. They were marched past the yard; and there was always a crowd to watch the 'new meat' come in.

"Biggs?!" Garrett couldn't believe it, calling from the yard. "You actually decided to join them on this?"

"Maybe I just missed you." Biggs plastered bravado on his face. You couldn't show fear. To the rest of the line, he spoke quickly. "You won't like what they do while they process you. It will be humiliating, and invasive. That's what it's meant to be. Do not fight back or refuse, they will make you pay for it."

"Find each other as fast as you can." Benedict called immediately after. "We stick together in there, all the way through to the other side of this."

Biggs turned looking for Kit. She was about fifteen people behind him. "They're putting the women and the men in together."

Christopher nodded. "Yup. A friend filled me in on the 'procedures'. We're not listed as prisoners. Technically, this is listed as 'holding' until we Sign. It's a hold that will last until they blink, or God does." He grinned at Biggs. "I like our odds."

Biggs was still focused on the first part. "A 'friend' filled you in?" He repeated, feeling the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. "What kind of friend has those procedures and is willing to tell a prisoner about them?"

"YOU!" One of the prisoners shouted, pointing at Christopher through the fence. "Ohh, I've been waiting fifteen years to see you again!"

When he finally worked it out, Biggs missed a step, nearly falling over. "You're a cop!?" He grated at Christopher.

Benedict put a hand on his shoulder, steadying him. "He was." He said quietly. "Came into the Truth nine years ago. He didn't keep the job, because he had to carry a gun."

Biggs was shaking. "You don't get it. All your talk about 'Satan driving the world against us'? Take my word for it, a cop in prison is in far more danger than anyone Satan has a personal grudge against."

"Biggs, we're past any point of discretion and subtlety." Benedict told him. "We're all under attack now. We're also under Protection. Protection that the world has never seen since the Plagues of Egypt."

Biggs wasn't reassured; scanning for his sister.

"Zephaniah 2:3 says: 'Seek Jehovah, all you meek ones of the earth, Who observe his righteous decrees. Seek righteousness, seek meekness. You will be concealed on the day of Jehovah's anger'."

"My sister read me that verse a few days ago." Biggs commented. "You left a word out."

"Probably you will be concealed on the day of Jehovah's anger." Benedict admitted.

"We're protected as a group. Legally, so are all prisoners. I've been inside most of my adult life; and I can tell you: If the guards remember your name, it's either a little bit good, or very, VERY bad. Tribulation is a war between good and evil. Down here in the trenches; everything's personal. There's no 'probably' about that."

As if to answer him, Rankin suddenly arrived out of nowhere. "Hello, Biggs." He grinned. "You been looking forward to this? Because I have. I always knew you'd be back."

"Leave him alone, Rankin." Christopher said quietly. "You're on the wrong side of this, and you know it."

"Says the man in cuffs." Rankin said to Christopher, though his eyes never left Biggs. "We all told you it was a crazy idea to leave the force. You should have listened."

"You should have listened." Christopher returned. "I tried to tell you for months; that this day was coming. You didn't want to hear it. Now we're in chains, like God's people were under the Egyptians, the Babylonians, the Romans, the Nazi's, the Soviets… Where are any of them now? It's not a list you want to be on."

"Mm." Rankin ignored that. "As it happens, I'm not here for either of you."

Biggs froze, the line getting tangled at his sudden stop. "What?" He suddenly realized what that meant, and spun, just in time to see his sister get pulled out of the line. "Kit!" He spun on Rankin "Where are they taking her?!"

"Don't worry, Biggs. I've personally selected her room. You won't be far apart until she signs. Then she goes home." He smirked. "Just like you could, if you ask me nicely."

But Biggs could barely hear him, eyes locked on Kit as she was dragged into the prison ahead of everyone. A man in a dark suit was overseeing it as they hauled her away. She looked back at the other Witnesses, and Biggs could see it. She was scared, afraid to be away from them.

And despite himself, he could feel his shoulders start to square off, his fists bunching… All the lessons about being respectful, peaceable; trusting in God… They were being forgotten in the face of yet another demonstration of personal injustice. Almost instantly, he was ready to attack.

Rankin saw his reaction. "Oh, do try it. Please."

Benedict put a hand on Biggs' shoulder again, fighting the chains on his wrists. "The lion's pit can be the safest place for her."

~~/*\~~

Kit was taken to a cell. For all the times she'd visited this very prison, she'd never actually been inside one before. It was a room, almost small enough for her to stretch her hands out and touch both sides. There was a bunk bed, but she was alone there. There were a few posters plastered on the wall. The door was steel; the walls were concrete. The lights above were in a wire cage. The window was smaller than her face, and the hatch in the door was the size of her hand.

Biggs spent most of his life in a room like this.

Dear God… She prayed helplessly. I'm scared. I don't want to be scared. I've heard a dozen examples of You saving Your people, but scripture never tells it from a first person perspective. I know that they must have been scared, isolated… I know, in my head, that You were with them all. So why does it feel… Why don't I have that peace now? I'm scared. I've been scared before, but never when the stakes are so high! Why was I taken from the others? I'm safest when surrounded by my brothers! Help!

She wasn't sure if she expected an answer. She'd never had an angel appear to her before. Part of her had hoped that the Rules were different during Tribulation.

And then, untouched, the poster fell off the wall. And underneath were scratchings; carved lightly into the concrete. Kit looked up, and barked out a laugh. The carvings were of scriptures. Almost a dozen of them, hidden away behind the poster of a woman lazing topless on a beach. Kit looked up at the words in disbelief.

'The Peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts.'

Biggs. Kit realized. This was his cell. They must have put me in here deliberately to taunt me with it. She turned to the bunk. This is where my brother slept. She went to the bunk and looked at the wall beside her. More carvings here, hidden by the frame. Another few verses, out of sight of the door, and the rest of the room. She went to the wall and stroked her fingers over the carvings. It had to be recent. He put these here so he wouldn't forget them… And the person they're saving is me.

"Prayer and supplication, huh?" Kit sniffed. She had been taken away from everyone in the world who could keep her faithful; and yet she was literally surrounded by faith strengthening reminders.

~~/*\~~

The Prison had common areas. The Prisoners were allowed liberty as far as the yard. The Witnesses had surrendered as a group, and there weren't enough individual cells. As a result, they were put in the common rooms, stripped of everything except a few bunk beds. The Commons was still too small for them.

"Too small for us all to lie down at night, and only a couple of bunk beds." Benedict observed. "We'll have to sleep in shifts."

Biggs spoke quickly. "Don't let the women out of this room." He said seriously. "The hallways, the Chow Lines? Don't let the women go anywhere. If they need the head, they need escorts of five or more."

"Biggs-"

"I'm serious, chief." Biggs said intensely. "The guys in here? A lot of them are violent offenders. I was. There's a reason they put the women in with us. They want us to turn on each other. Don't leave them alone with anyone, including the guards."

"The guards are-"

"The guards are better protected than anyone in here. The minute those doors close, we're invisible." Biggs insisted. "You remember all those news stories about refugee camps and prisons where the inmates, both male and female, were constantly assaulted by the guards and peacekeepers?"

"...No." Benedict admitted.

"Exactly. What happens in here is invisible." Biggs summed up. "Take my word for it, man. We're meat to them."

Christopher nodded. "Hate to say it, but he's not wrong. We all came in as a group for a reason."

~~/*\~~

"We're never going to be able to hold them all." Rankin moaned. "Hundreds and hundreds. The place was already overcrowded, even before this."

"The FRA moved fast enough that we didn't have facilities for them prepared." Jones was unconcerned. "We'll adapt. Besides, it'll help in the long run. Any time they complain about the living conditions, just remind them that they're here voluntarily. One signature and they can have all the liberty they need." Jones glanced over. "The other prisoners?"

"They're not wild about the Commons being taken up by the Illegals, but they're not complaining too much." Rankin was pleased. "They were expecting to lose their rooms, what liberty they had; the yards… So far, it's peaceful."

Jones nodded. "Give the Illegals liberty enough to go to the Mess and the toilet block. More than that… Tell them their God will have to provide."

Rankin laughed.

***

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