the Freedom Rangers, but he seems to be the only one. Mr. Brownmoves closer to Brian’s blanket. He’s standing right in front of the Ranger guy. “Chances are always given to those with enough of a conviction to change. Look at our new brother, Jonathan. A month ago he was just like any other Outsider. Now Pioneer and the Brethren have decided that he is worthy of redemption. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to be worthy. You don’t think it’s possible that Lyla will realize the mistake she’s made and repent too? The Brethren don’t want people to perish. Those who commit to repentance are always welcome.”
I stare at Jonathan. He’s part of the Community? How can that even be possible? Pioneer said it was only us, it was always just our families. It doesn’t make sense. Why doesn’t anybody else see it?
Jonathan smiles up at Mr. Brown. His face is all angles and hard lines, so that the smile seems out of place. Mr. Brown pats his shoulder, then heads for the TV and turns it on. The screen is static and a sudden burst of white noise blasts through the air, startling everyone. A smattering of laughter follows. Mr. Brown smiles at the crowd and fiddles with the volume.
“Brian isn’t the only one who has questions about our Lyla. I know there are more of you who wonder why we should take her back. Pioneer knew that you would—even before we left the Silo—and so he recorded this message to you on our last day there.”
I hold my breath and move as close as I can to the edge. Pioneer left them a message about me? On our lastday at Mandrodage Meadows? But I was locked up in the Silo’s cell then and the shelter’s doors were shut tight. How could he have guessed that I would get out? Did the Brethren give him a vision about it? I look back, out at the sky and the stars. Are the Brethren really there after all?
The TV screen goes blue and then Pioneer appears. He’s in the clothes I saw him in last—his white shirt and jeans—and he’s sitting cross-legged on one of the chairs in the Silo’s gathering room. There’s an obvious sheen of sweat on his face and his hair is wild, like he just rolled out of bed. But his expression is pure calm.
“My family. If you are watching this video, it is because the Outsiders have taken control of our shelter just like the Brethren have told me that they would. I know that I did not share this knowledge with you and I know that you may be confused. I’m sorry for that. But there was no other way for you to prove your devotion to me and to the Brethren. They wanted you to have to act on faith, their test to see if you could believe in the face of fear and doubt.” His smile goes wide and warm, and even though the others know he can’t see them, they smile too.
“The fact that you are gathered watching me now proves just how strong your faith has remained. Know that I never doubted your resolve, not once, and neither did the Brethren. The test of faith that you’re enduring is meant to make you strong enough to endure the hardships that the
real
end will bring. What I couldn’t tell you before is that the day I predicted as the end was just the kickoffevent to the apocalypse. The world’s final death throes won’t come until the Outsiders have been given one last chance to turn from their wicked ways. Above all, the Brethren are merciful. They want to give those who truly seek it a chance to turn from their wickedness and join us before they are destroyed. There will be signs and wonders in these last days that the Outsiders won’t be able to dismiss. The first of these will happen very soon.”
His face grows serious, almost sad. “They are going to take me from you. They believe that without me, you won’t stay united. But don’t be scared. I am supposed to leave you now for a time as part of the Brethren’s test. Prove to them, to me, that you won’t fail and very soon we will be together again.” He looks straight into the camera.
Some
I stare at Jonathan. He’s part of the Community? How can that even be possible? Pioneer said it was only us, it was always just our families. It doesn’t make sense. Why doesn’t anybody else see it?
Jonathan smiles up at Mr. Brown. His face is all angles and hard lines, so that the smile seems out of place. Mr. Brown pats his shoulder, then heads for the TV and turns it on. The screen is static and a sudden burst of white noise blasts through the air, startling everyone. A smattering of laughter follows. Mr. Brown smiles at the crowd and fiddles with the volume.
“Brian isn’t the only one who has questions about our Lyla. I know there are more of you who wonder why we should take her back. Pioneer knew that you would—even before we left the Silo—and so he recorded this message to you on our last day there.”
I hold my breath and move as close as I can to the edge. Pioneer left them a message about me? On our lastday at Mandrodage Meadows? But I was locked up in the Silo’s cell then and the shelter’s doors were shut tight. How could he have guessed that I would get out? Did the Brethren give him a vision about it? I look back, out at the sky and the stars. Are the Brethren really there after all?
The TV screen goes blue and then Pioneer appears. He’s in the clothes I saw him in last—his white shirt and jeans—and he’s sitting cross-legged on one of the chairs in the Silo’s gathering room. There’s an obvious sheen of sweat on his face and his hair is wild, like he just rolled out of bed. But his expression is pure calm.
“My family. If you are watching this video, it is because the Outsiders have taken control of our shelter just like the Brethren have told me that they would. I know that I did not share this knowledge with you and I know that you may be confused. I’m sorry for that. But there was no other way for you to prove your devotion to me and to the Brethren. They wanted you to have to act on faith, their test to see if you could believe in the face of fear and doubt.” His smile goes wide and warm, and even though the others know he can’t see them, they smile too.
“The fact that you are gathered watching me now proves just how strong your faith has remained. Know that I never doubted your resolve, not once, and neither did the Brethren. The test of faith that you’re enduring is meant to make you strong enough to endure the hardships that the
real
end will bring. What I couldn’t tell you before is that the day I predicted as the end was just the kickoffevent to the apocalypse. The world’s final death throes won’t come until the Outsiders have been given one last chance to turn from their wicked ways. Above all, the Brethren are merciful. They want to give those who truly seek it a chance to turn from their wickedness and join us before they are destroyed. There will be signs and wonders in these last days that the Outsiders won’t be able to dismiss. The first of these will happen very soon.”
His face grows serious, almost sad. “They are going to take me from you. They believe that without me, you won’t stay united. But don’t be scared. I am supposed to leave you now for a time as part of the Brethren’s test. Prove to them, to me, that you won’t fail and very soon we will be together again.” He looks straight into the camera.
Some
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