Eden's Gate

Chapter 19 - Just One Word

I left Dutch's island, brimming with confidence. My radio crackled to life as I drove over the bridge. As I drove, I passed the Green-Bunch Fertilizer co. facility. I remember being told that the Peggies have been drugging the fertilizer and dumping it in the water.

Better stop them before they affect anyone else. I pulled up in front of the facility, ducking behind a large rock. I used my sniper rifle scope to look around the facility. I watched as Boomer and Peaches ran into the building, taking out Peggies as they went. I snuck up to both of the alarms, disabling them, taking out any Peggie I spotted. Once the alarms were disabled, I pulled out my assault rifle, attached my silencer and aimed at one of the Peggies from around a corner. I waited until he was in clear sight, before firing two bullets at him, sending him crashing to the floor. I turned, hearing footsteps behind me. I fired at him, taking him out before running behind new cover. I continued to fire at Peggies before changing positions every few shots. With Boomer and Peaches taking Peggies out as well, we quickly liberated the facility. I walked around, collecting any ammunition and supplies once I'd radioed out that the facility was Peggie-free. Resistance members flocked to the Green-Bunch facility, helping to clean the building up.

"I know it seems like a big fuss for... well, for a pile of shit, but that fertilizer was being used to build all sorts of explosives. Maybe we can use it to our advantages. Thanks for the hard work, Rook... but if you could do me a favour and uh... air yourself out a bit before coming back to the Church. I'd appreciate it..." Jerome radioed me. I laughed, shaking my head. I walked back to the Death Wish, Peaches and Boomer jumping in the back as I drove off. My cheerful mood was soon dampened when my radio crackled to life.

"Your actions have consequences, my love. I've gathered all your 'friends' here in Fall's End, to Atone for their sins, against you. You're welcome to join us. After all, if they hadn't filled your head with lies, they wouldn't be in this predicament... This is your last chance to say Yes, to accept what is right, my love. Don't be late." John's voice filled me with dread and fear before it disappeared behind my anger. I gripped the wheel tightly, driving back to Fall's End. I pulled up into Fall's End, stepping out of the vehicle. Not a single person was around, no noise, only the Church Bell ringing. I marched up to the Church, Boomer and Peaches falling into place by my sides. A feeling of dread filled me as the Church came into view. The Eden's Gate symbol was painted on the roof and hung from a black banner over the bell tower, the entrance decorated in white cloth banners and a red carpet led up the steps. White cloth and bunches or pale pink roses decorated a wooden frame at the entrance, a Peggie van sat parked in front of the Church with the red carpet leading from it to the entrance. Birds had been pierced with sticks and hung from the building, like hunting prizes. My stomach turned at the sight. The sign outside the Church had "Atonement" painted on. I walked up the path, my stomach dropping with each step I took. The decorations reminded me of a wedding more than anything else. The white cloths draping, the roses decorating the entrance and the carpet leading into a Church from the vehicle. I stopped outside the Church entrance, the doors closed. I took a deep breath, closing my eyes as I collected myself.

I can do this... I can do this... Whatever I pick, I need to be happy with the consequences. I opened my eyes, the fear and dread I had felt moments ago were replaced with confidence and courage.

Let's do this! I pushed the door open, my face void of any emotion.

A Peggie to the side of my grabbed my arm as the door swung open. I tried pulling his hand off, only for another Peggie to restrain my other arm. I looked at the room. The Eden's Gate cross and the word "YES" were painted on the walls, civilians and Peggies sat in the benches whilst other Peggies stood on guard. I struggled against the Peggies as one of them held a cloth up to my nose and mouth. I held my breath, knowing exactly what the cloth was soaked in. My lungs burned as I refused to breathe, my vision blurring with every second. One way or another, I was going to blackout. Reluctantly, I took a breath of air, pulling the Chloroform into my lungs as well. My vision swam before fading to black.