72

Mindy stands on a folding chair in the middle of the room.

"We don't know who they were or what they wanted, but we stood against them and showed we will defend our home. If they come back, we'll do it again!

Cheers and clapping end the brief speech. Congratulations float around the Sanctuary like prayers. All faces are glowing in the aftermath of the victory -- all except Tom who stands alone at the altar. You cross the church and step next to him on the raised area where priests would sermonize to their congregation only months before. Tom looks as solemn as a holy man, his brow furrowed in contemplation.

"Not in the mood to celebrate Tom?"

"No. Can't say I am."

You watch the survivors as they congratulate one another, lost in the adrenaline rush of the battle's aftermath. Tom remains calm, eyeing the crowd from afar.

"They sent us an easy win," he says. "Now they know how we operate."