Chapter 04: St. Michael’s Church

Our intelligence reports had consistently indicated that St. Michael’s Church, located in the western part of the city, was a key point of enemy activities. This revelation stirred our curiosity and concern. What exactly was transpiring there? We decided that a daytime visit was imperative, both for the sake of discretion and to gather more information.

To blend in, we hired a white Toyota Corolla, a common and inconspicuous vehicle. As we approached the church, its imposing structure came into view. St. Michael’s Church was an architectural marvel—grand and ancient, a testament to centuries gone by. It stood majestically amidst a lush green garden, which was dotted with benches and religious statues placed at various strategic locations. The garden, though serene and inviting, contrasted sharply with the purpose of our visit.

The church’s outer walls were relatively short, offering a clear view of the grounds within. This openness gave it a welcoming appearance, though it belied the gravity of the situation. We had been informed that very few people visited the church to pray, a fact that seemed odd given its grandeur and the meticulous care evident in its maintenance.

Our initial plan was to enter the church itself and seek guidance for our mission. As we stepped inside, the tranquility of the place enveloped us. The high ceilings and stained-glass windows cast a kaleidoscope of colors on the stone floor, creating an atmosphere of solemnity and reverence. We took a moment to kneel at the altar, silently praying for strength and clarity. The act was more than ritualistic; it was a plea for divine assistance in the perilous endeavor that lay ahead.

With our prayers concluded, we exited the main hall and made our way to the rear of the church where Father Thomas’s office was located. The building’s layout required us to climb to the second floor. As we ascended the stairs, the wooden steps creaked under our weight, echoing through the otherwise silent corridor. This added a layer of tension, heightening our anticipation of the meeting.

At the top of the stairs, we found ourselves in front of a modest office with a plaque that read "Father Thomas." A receptionist sat behind a small desk, her expression one of quiet curiosity. We introduced ourselves and explained our purpose. She nodded and logged our details before informing Father Thomas of our arrival. We waited in the anteroom, the seconds stretching into what felt like an eternity.

Soon enough, the door to Father Thomas’s office opened, and we were ushered inside. The room was simple, furnished with a large wooden desk, several bookshelves filled with theological texts, and a window that offered a view of the garden below. Father Thomas stood by the window, his back to us, lost in thought.

“Why have you come here?” His voice, though soft, carried a weight that filled the room. It was the voice of a man who had seen much and carried many burdens.

Dr. Marcus, ever the spokesperson, stepped forward. “We belong to the army and have come here to meet you, Father.”

Slowly, Father Thomas turned to face us. This was the first time we saw him clearly. He was an old man, his face lined with the passage of many years. His eyes, though, were sharp and perceptive, and a short beard framed his thoughtful expression.

“I know about you,” he said, his gaze meeting each of ours in turn. There was a sense of inevitability in his words, as if he had been expecting this meeting for a long time. The air in the room seemed to grow heavier with the unspoken implications of his statement.

The Father Thomas stepped forward and took his seat behind the large wooden desk. His sharp eyes scrutinized us, revealing a mixture of curiosity and cautiousness. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension. “We saw some symbols and signs of zombies here,” I began, breaking the silence. The words hung in the air, heavy with implication.

“This is a place of God. All are free to come and pray here; I cannot stop them,” Father Thomas replied calmly. His words were delivered with a serene authority, as if stating an undeniable truth.

“But Father, zombies are our enemy,” Sarah interjected, her voice tinged with urgency and disbelief. It was clear she struggled to reconcile the sacredness of the church with the presence of those she considered threats.

Father Thomas’s gaze didn’t waver. “Zombies may be your enemy, but they are not enemies of God. Remember, this is a place of God, not yours,” he retorted. His tone was firm, almost chastising, and it was evident he believed every word.

Dr. Marcus’s face reddened with indignation. The implication that zombies could be anything other than malevolent was an affront to everything he stood for. “Father, what certificate do you have from God that zombies are not our enemy?” he snapped, his voice rising with each syllable. The insult was clear, a challenge to Father Thomas’s authority and wisdom.

Father Thomas remained unperturbed, his calm demeanor contrasting starkly with Dr. Marcus’s anger. “We follow the teachings of the Bible here. Do not presume to teach us what we should or should not do,” he replied, his voice as steady as ever. There was a finality in his words, a clear indication that this line of questioning was unwelcome.

As if on cue, the door to the office opened and the receptionist entered, her presence a timely intervention. “Sir, please come out,” she said to us, her tone polite but firm. It was clear we were no longer welcome.

We stood up, the abrupt end to our meeting leaving a bitter taste. With one last glance at Father Thomas, who remained seated, his eyes now fixed on some distant point outside the window, we filed out of the office. The encounter had been anything but productive.

Outside, the sunlight seemed harsher, the day’s warmth now a stark contrast to the cold reception we had just experienced. As we walked to the car park, I glanced back at the office window. Father Thomas was still there, a solitary figure standing by the window, deep in thought or prayer.

The drive back to the hotel was somber. I could feel the weight of disappointment settling over the team. The hope that Father Thomas might provide some insight or assistance had been dashed. Instead, we had been met with philosophical arguments that seemed to protect the very entities we were fighting against.

Back at the hotel, the mood was bleak. We gathered in the common area, the reality of our failed mission sinking in. “This was a very bad experience,” Sarah voiced what we all felt. Her eyes reflected the frustration and confusion we all shared. “I can’t believe he said zombies are innocent.”

Dr. Marcus was pacing, his earlier anger still simmering beneath the surface. “He’s delusional if he thinks they’re not a threat. We’ve seen what they can do.”

Jim remained silent, his mind likely racing with thoughts of what our next steps should be. The encounter with Father Thomas had raised more questions than answers and highlighted a fundamental disconnect between our mission and the beliefs held by the church.

We were no closer to understanding the enemy activities at St. Michael’s Church, and now we had to contend with the realization that not everyone saw zombies as a threat. The path ahead was uncertain, and the challenges seemed to grow with each passing moment. The visit to St. Michael’s Church had not only been unproductive but had also underscored the deep divisions in perspectives that would make our mission even more complicated.

Our central office, known as the Hub, was the heart of our operations. It was here that we gathered to share information, strategize, and coordinate our efforts. Today’s meeting was particularly crucial, given the disappointing encounter we had with Father Thomas at St. Michael’s Church. As we assembled, the room buzzed with a mix of frustration and determination.

The meeting began promptly, with our intelligence team arriving on time. The topic on the agenda was our recent visit to St. Michael’s Church and the perplexing stance of Father Thomas. Each team member took turns expressing their disappointment with Father Thomas’s behavior and his unexpected defense of the zombies. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as we grappled with the implications of his words.

Finally, Captain Lee stood up to address us all. His presence commanded attention, and the room fell silent as he began to speak. “We will not sit idly by,” he started, his voice steady and resolute. “We will open the gate of intelligence and ensure our mission progresses.”

He paused, allowing his words to sink in. “Our shooter groups are doing their duty well, so we need not worry about the zombies’ immediate threat. However, we have received intelligence that there is a chance of a special event taking place at St. Michael’s Church. We must be ready for this.”

The revelation sparked a flurry of murmurs among us. Captain Lee continued, undeterred by the growing excitement. “We will conduct our mission at night. This will allow us to observe and gather intelligence on the church discreetly while waiting for the event to unfold. Our second arm group will accompany us to handle any armed situations that may arise.”

Captain Lee’s strategic mind was evident as he outlined the plan. “We will use Black Panther jeeps for this operation. I will personally join the mission with two jeeps, while our arm group will use one jeep. The arm group will travel in the middle of the two intelligence jeeps, ensuring they are protected and can respond swiftly if needed.”

He moved to a large map displayed on the wall, using a pointer to illustrate the plan. “Here’s how the convoy will move,” he explained, tracing the route with precision. “The arm group will be in the second position, sandwiched between the intelligence teams. This formation will provide maximum security and efficiency.”

The plan was meticulously detailed, covering every aspect of the mission. Captain Lee’s confidence was infectious, and we listened intently, absorbing the instructions. “All necessary details, including maps and communication protocols, will be provided to you,” he assured us. “I hope this will make it easier for you to navigate and execute the operation smoothly.”

He paused, scanning the room to gauge our reactions. “The exact timing and date of the mission will be announced later,” he concluded. “For now, prepare yourselves and ensure all equipment and personnel are ready. This mission is crucial, and we cannot afford any mistakes.”

Captain Lee then opened the floor for questions. “Does anyone have any questions or concerns?” he asked, his eyes meeting each of ours. There was a moment of silence as we absorbed the plan, but it was clear that everyone understood the task at hand.

Dr. Marcus was the first to speak. “What do we know about the event? Any specifics?”

“We have limited details,” Captain Lee replied. “But our sources suggest it could be significant. We need to be there to find out more.”

Sarah, ever the pragmatist, asked about contingency plans. “What if we encounter resistance? How do we proceed?”

Captain Lee nodded. “Good question. If we face resistance, our primary goal is to gather intelligence and retreat safely. The arm group will handle any immediate threats, but our focus is on observation.”

With the plan clearly laid out and our roles defined, the meeting drew to a close. Captain Lee’s strategic overview had given us a renewed sense of purpose. We left the Hub with a clear understanding of our mission and the determination to succeed despite the challenges posed by Father Thomas and the mysterious activities at St. Michael’s Church.

As we prepared for the upcoming operation, the sense of unity and resolve within the team was palpable. We knew the risks, but we also knew that our mission was vital. The stage was set for a night of intelligence gathering and potential confrontation, and we were ready to face whatever lay ahead.

We were ready for the operation. Captain Lee called me one hour before the scheduled start and said, "Meet us at Crescent Square in an hour." His voice was calm yet authoritative, a blend that always managed to instill both confidence and urgency in us. We double-checked our gear, making sure everything was in order, and then headed out.

I was driving the Black Panther jeep, its powerful engine purring smoothly beneath me as we made our way to Crescent Square. The vehicle, designed for both speed and stealth, was an integral part of our operations. As we pulled into the square, I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw two more Black Panther jeeps approaching. One of them, driven by Captain Lee, came to a stop directly in front of us, while the other positioned itself behind us. The formation was deliberate, signaling the presence of our intelligence soldiers in the rear vehicle.

With our convoy assembled, we set off towards St. Michael’s Church, the three jeeps moving swiftly through the night. The drive was brief, a silent journey filled with anticipation. As we neared our destination, the gravity of our mission weighed heavily on us. Captain Lee's voice crackled over the radio, issuing final instructions and reminding us of the importance of our task.

Upon arrival, Captain Lee commanded us to use masks to conceal our identities. The masks, standard issue, were designed to obscure our faces while allowing for maximum visibility and communication. We parked the jeeps in a safe, concealed location and disembarked quietly, making sure to avoid detection.

The church's outer wall loomed ahead of us, a silent sentinel in the darkness. We scaled it with practiced ease, landing softly on the other side. The church grounds were cloaked in shadow, the only light coming from the dim glow of the distant streetlights. We moved swiftly but cautiously, spreading out as we advanced towards the main building.

The garden and surrounding areas of the church were covered in darkness, making it easy for us to blend in. Our team dispersed in different directions, each member taking up strategic positions around the perimeter. I made my way towards the main gate, crouching behind a large statue. From this vantage point, I could see both the inside and outside of the church grounds.

After a few moments, Captain Lee joined me. He communicated silently with hand gestures, indicating that our preparations were complete. Now, all we had to do was wait for the event that our intelligence reports had warned us about.

The minutes stretched into what felt like hours, the silence only broken by the occasional rustle of leaves or distant sounds of the city. Our senses were heightened, every small noise amplifying the tension. Suddenly, my wireless earpiece crackled to life, jolting me from my thoughts. The message was brief but clear: a black high-roofed vehicle was approaching the church.

The information sent a ripple of alertness through our team. We knew this vehicle could be the key to understanding the mysterious activities at St. Michael’s Church. I signaled to Captain Lee, who nodded in acknowledgment. We remained in our positions, eyes trained on the gate, waiting for the vehicle to arrive.

Captain Lee and I exchanged a glance, our next move clear. We needed to gather as much information as possible without revealing our presence. The team remained scattered, each member in their assigned position, ready to act at a moment’s notice.

We saw two men emerge from the black high-roofed vehicle, dragging a woman out with them. The sight was surprising and alarming—they were holding her by her arms and pushing her toward the church as if she were a criminal. As they drew nearer, my shock intensified; the woman was none other than Police Officer Emma, someone we had met a few weeks ago at the hotel. The recognition added a layer of urgency and confusion to the situation.

We shifted our positions to get a clearer view. The men led Emma into the church, where she was forced to her knees in a submissive posture. There was a considerable distance between us and them, making it difficult to hear their conversation. However, thanks to the spy equipment our intelligence soldiers had discreetly installed at various locations, we were able to watch and listen to the scene unfold on our handheld devices.

Father Thomas appeared shortly after Emma was brought inside. He stood before her, his presence imposing and authoritative. The device’s audio crackled as we heard him speak, "Do you accept your sin and mistake?"

Emma, her head bowed in submission, responded meekly, "Yes, Father, I did make a mistake."

Father Thomas made the sign of the cross over her, touching first her left shoulder and then her right. "You may go, but remember, next time you will face a harsher punishment," he declared, his tone stern and final. With that, he turned away, leaving Emma to the two men who had brought her in. They grabbed her again, this time roughly, and pushed her back toward the high-roofed vehicle.

The scene cleared quickly, the church grounds once again enveloped in an eerie silence. Captain Lee removed his mask, his face set in grim lines. "This is all a part of the police's corrupt games. They are forcing people to confess to sins they haven't committed," he said, anger and frustration evident in his voice.

"They're using women for their dirty work," I added, still trying to process what we had witnessed. The idea that Officer Emma, a fellow protector of the law, was being manipulated in such a manner was deeply disturbing.

"They must be desperate for secrecy," Captain Lee replied, his mind already working through the implications of this revelation. "Jim, go to the jeep and wait for us."

I nodded and began to make my way back to the vehicle, my thoughts racing. Our operation had achieved its goal of gathering intelligence, albeit uncovering a much darker truth than we had anticipated. I stowed my weapons inside the jeep, feeling a mix of relief and unease. Suddenly, Emily emerged from the darkness, her approach quick and unexpected.

"You remember me when I was not with you," she said, her voice tinged with both accusation and relief. Before I could respond, Ms. Harper appeared, knocking on the side of the jeep.

"Emily, we’re already late," Ms. Harper said, his tone exasperated. He then turned to me, his expression softening slightly. "She’s a fool," he added, shaking his head.

Despite the tension, I couldn’t help but feel a slight smile tug at the corners of my mouth. Emily’s concern was touching, even if it was expressed in an odd way. "I'm fine, Emily," I reassured her. "Just a bit of a rough night."

Ms. Harper sighed, "We need to debrief and figure out our next steps. This operation has revealed some critical information."

I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. As we all gathered around the jeep, Captain Lee and the rest of the team approached. His expression was a mix of determination and concern. "We need to regroup and analyze everything we've learned tonight," he said. "This police involvement changes things."

We drove back to our base, the journey filled with silent contemplation. The night’s events had shifted our understanding of the enemy and their methods. What we had initially thought was merely a rogue group causing trouble in the church had now revealed a deeper, more sinister conspiracy involving the police.

Back at the base, we convened in the briefing room. The atmosphere was heavy with the weight of our discoveries. Captain Lee stood at the front, ready to address us. "Tonight, we uncovered that the police are coercing confessions and using innocent people as pawns. This complicates our mission but also gives us a clearer target."

Dr. Marcus, always analytical, spoke up. "We need to gather more evidence. We can't go public with this until we have undeniable proof."

Sarah added, "And we need to protect those who are being used by the police, like Emma. She’s an officer, but clearly, she’s under duress."

Captain Lee nodded. "Agreed. We’ll need to expand our surveillance and perhaps even consider infiltrating the police force to get more inside information."

The plan was ambitious and risky, but we had no choice. The stakes were higher than ever. We had to expose the corruption and protect the innocent, all while continuing our fight against the zombies.

As the meeting adjourned, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The night had been long and challenging, but it had also brought us closer to the truth. Our mission was far from over, but we were more determined than ever to see it through.

I caught up with Emily before she left. "Thanks for checking on me," I said, appreciating her concern despite the chaos.

She smiled, a bit sheepishly. "Just doing my part. Stay safe, Jim."

"You too," I replied. "We need everyone at their best for what’s coming next."

With that, we parted ways, each of us heading to our respective quarters to rest and prepare for the days ahead. The path forward was fraught with danger, but we were ready to face it, armed with the truth and a steadfast commitment to justice.

Captain Lee was addressing us, reviewing the details of our recent operation at St. Michael’s Church. "We achieved a significant victory in our last operation, but unfortunately, we couldn't gain access to Father Thomas's office and his residence area due to tight security. This is a major gap, and we need to fill it as soon as possible."

After the meeting, Captain Lee approached me directly. "Jim, my instincts keep telling me that you must find a way into Father Thomas's office and residence. Is there something you're missing or haven't told us?"

I sat down, racking my brain for any overlooked details. Just as I was about to give up, a name popped into my head: Mia. "Do you know Mia?" I asked Captain Lee.

"Oh! You've mentioned her before. She might be the key," he said, a hint of excitement in his voice. "You and Emily should visit her department and recruit her as our informant. She could be very helpful."

Following Captain Lee's instructions, Emily and I headed to Mia’s apartment. She lived with her parents, who greeted us warmly. Mia had evidently spoken highly of us to them. We explained our proposition to Mia, offering her a role as our informant. After a brief hesitation, she agreed to help.

Returning to base, we relayed the news to Captain Lee. "Emily and Ms. Harper will train her," Captain Lee announced. He then handed me what appeared to be a simple sheet of paper. "This is not an ordinary paper. It's electronic. We need to get this to Father Thomas."

"What can we write on it?" I asked.

"Anything," he replied. "This is why we need Mia. She will visit the church with an application, seeking spiritual guidance from Father Thomas. I'm confident he won't refuse her. Once the paper is in his office, it will transmit a signal that our devices can detect, allowing us to plan our next move and install more spy equipment."

"But what happens after we place the electronic paper in his office?" I questioned.

Emily stepped in to explain. "Jim, you need to understand intelligence work better. This electronic paper can be detected by our devices. Once it's inside, we can use it to find safe routes for installing more spy equipment."

Captain Lee then outlined the operational details. "Jim, you and Emily will accompany Mia, but only to the outside of the church. Mia will go inside alone."

We prepared meticulously for the next phase of the plan. The goal was clear: infiltrate Father Thomas's office without raising suspicion. Mia's role was crucial. She needed to appear genuine in her request for spiritual guidance, ensuring the paper would be accepted and left in the office.

The next day, Emily and I picked up Mia and headed towards St. Michael’s Church. During the drive, we briefed her again on the plan, emphasizing the importance of her role. Mia, though nervous, seemed determined to succeed.

As we approached the church, we parked a safe distance away. "Remember," Emily reminded Mia, "act naturally and follow the script. We're counting on you."

Mia nodded and took a deep breath before stepping out of the vehicle. We watched as she walked towards the church entrance, her steps steady and composed. Emily and I stayed in the jeep, keeping a close eye on the surroundings.

Through our binoculars, we saw Mia enter the church. She was greeted by a church staff member, and after a brief conversation, she was led towards Father Thomas's office. We held our breath, hoping everything would go smoothly.

Minutes felt like hours as we waited. Finally, Mia emerged from the church, her face a mix of relief and accomplishment. She walked back to the jeep, and we quickly drove away from the area.

"How did it go?" I asked, glancing at Mia in the rearview mirror.

"I did it," she replied, a hint of pride in her voice. "The paper is in his office."

"Good job, Mia," Emily said, smiling. "You've done great."

Back at the base, we reported to Captain Lee. "The electronic paper is in place," I confirmed.

"Excellent," he replied. "Now we wait for the signal and plan our next move."

The operation was progressing well, but the most challenging parts were still ahead. We had to ensure our next steps were precise and cautious, minimizing risks while maximizing the information we could gather. The infiltration of Father Thomas's office was a significant step, but it was only the beginning of our deeper investigation into the church and its secrets.

We were living in the hotel and coordinating closely with our shooter groups, all the while waiting anxiously for updates on our infiltration of St. Michael’s Church. After Mia’s successful placement of the electronic paper, we had no immediate feedback on what was happening inside the church. Days passed with tension hanging over us, each of us silently hoping that our plan would yield valuable intelligence.

One evening, Captain Lee called for a meeting at the Central Office. The tone of his message suggested something significant, and we all made our way there quickly. Once inside the meeting room, Captain Lee closed all the lights and switched on a projector. The screen flickered to life with the recording from our cameras.

Captain Lee began his briefing, pointing out various scenes on the screen. "These recordings show that zombies and crow men frequently visit the church," he explained. The footage was clear and disturbing. We watched as the receptionist, who we had always assumed was a regular church employee, acted in a way that raised our suspicions. Her behavior was erratic and strange, especially at night. She was often seen heading to Father Thomas’s room in the late hours.

What shocked us the most was the footage from inside Father Thomas’s room. It showed the receptionist and Father Thomas engaging in what appeared to be some kind of spiritual ritual. The intensity and oddity of their actions were unnerving. As Captain Lee turned off the projector, the room was filled with a heavy silence.

Dr. Marcus was the first to speak. "She’s not human. She must be a zombie agent or a member of the crow team," he declared, his voice filled with certainty.

Mother Miranda added, "Father Thomas is likely trying to learn from these zombies and crow creatures to become stronger himself."

I was astonished by Captain Lee’s resourcefulness. I had to ask, "How did you manage to get footage from inside Father Thomas’s room?"

"This isn’t actual camera footage," Captain Lee explained. "It’s a computer-generated simulation based on the data we gathered."

I was skeptical. "Could it be a computer error?"

Captain Lee shook his head. "No, this is an advanced technique. We’ve verified it thoroughly. The computer-generated videos are as accurate as live recordings."

Ms. Harper voiced what we were all thinking. "It means the police won’t support us. They’re playing their own game."

We spent the rest of the meeting discussing the implications of the video. The thought that Father Thomas and his receptionist might be collaborating with zombies and crow men was unsettling. It added a new layer of complexity to our mission. The police, who should have been our allies, seemed to be involved in their own secretive dealings, further complicating our efforts.

After the meeting, we returned to the hotel, our minds buzzing with the new information. The night's revelations left us with more questions than answers. Our mission to understand and thwart the zombie threat had become increasingly convoluted. We were dealing with enemies both obvious and hidden, and it was clear that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges.

As we settled back into the hotel, the weight of our situation pressed down on us. We had made progress, but it was apparent that our journey was far from over. The alliance between Father Thomas, the zombies, and the crow men was a dangerous one, and uncovering their plans was now more critical than ever.

In the dim light of my hotel room, I reflected on the events that had brought us here. Our mission had evolved from a straightforward military operation into a complex web of deceit, spiritualism, and unholy alliances. We were up against not just the zombies but a deeply entrenched system of corruption and hidden agendas.

Captain Lee’s words from the meeting echoed in my mind. Our next steps would be crucial. We needed to dig deeper, uncover more about Father Thomas’s rituals, and find out exactly how the zombies and crow men fit into this sinister puzzle. The survival of our team and the success of our mission depended on it.