Page 75 of The Brotherhood

“The vetting zone’s heating up. Fights breaking out daily. Two factions trying to take control—terrorizing weaker ones. We’ve caught spies. Some armed. Some just gathering intel.”

A few glances exchanged with lots of nun whispers all about it.

“People are still coming in from all over. For a lot of them, the swamp is just a rumor. But that’s changing. Fast.”

He let that settle, then flipped the page.

“All hatch leaders will stand by for orders from The Twelve on how to proceed with security measures.” He flicked his gaze in their direction, clarifying, “Regarding those movements.”

The shift was small but there. They were all eager for any kind of action to break the Swamp Fever he felt accumulating. It wasn’t for lack of breathing room but knowing you couldn’t leave, that was bringing it on.

He found his spot on the page and read, “Watchmen towers are serving their purpose. Don’t forget to mention them in your prayers.”

From the back, Zep snorted. “Pray they don’t die of boredom.”

Jek added his chuckle to the light round of laughs before looking around. “Any questions before we move on to the next update?”

The fire popped behind him as he searched the crowd, his gaze landing on Lenora’s sweet face and lit up green eyes. He lowered his gaze to the paper and scratched his jaw. “Next update.” He looked at the right of the room. “Surrounding towns are shifting.”

That had weight. The air in the Basilique tightened, spines straightening, arms crossing. They knew what that meant.

“Three days ago, we picked up chatter from the outer bands of Lafayette.” He flicked a glance at Bart. “We’ve been tracking multiple groups pushing inward. Some civilians, some armed. At least one gang-sized faction moving in formation.”

That caught attention. A few glances exchanged. A “group” was one thing. A “faction” meant organization.

“Best guess? People are running low on supplies. The city centers got picked clean in the first two weeks. Now they’re spilling into rural areas, looking for anything left. Some are scavengers. Some are desperate. Some are hunting for places like ours.”

That sat ugly. But he was instructed not to sugarcoat it in these meetings. The brutal truth in times like this was the best defense.

Jek looked at the next note.

“Southwest of Baton Rouge, we’ve identified two separate militia groups. Heavily armed. One’s camping along the river, the other near an old refinery.”

August exhaled through his nose, arms crossed. “You got insignias on them?”

Jek shook his head. “Not yet. They’re staying unmarked, but we know they’re organized.” He tapped the paper. “No signs of movement toward us yet. But that doesn’t mean sh…” He barely caught the potty mouth word. “Crap. They could be holding, could be waiting.”

“What about that Eastern Seaboard?” Zep asked.

“DC is silent. No official government response. No broadcasts, no emergency management. The power grid is flickering on and off across major cities. Midwest & South territories – every major hub from Dallas to Houston is in chaos. Mississippi and Alabama are breaking into local factions. Small town law enforcement are setting up “safe zones” and shooting trespassers. West Coast – San Francisco, LA, and Seattle are burning. California fell apart in the first week. Oregon and Washington are mostly in survival mode—no aid, no structure. For those who asked about outside help? The man responsible for taking down this country has ensured none will try. He didn’t just bring us to our knees. He kept all the ability to make sure we stay there and nobody tries to give us a hand up.”

Jek turned the page, then paused.

“We’re still working non-stop to reach any family outside the swamp. We’ve picked up multiple incoming messages.” He looked up. “Not all of them can make it here. Some are already trapped behind hostile zones but we’re working on rescue parties to go get them and bring them home.”

Jek flipped to the next section, eyes skimming the details.

“Our women’s teams are holding strong.” He let himself scan their groups. “Food production is steady. We’ve kept pace with rations, stored reserves, and meal rotations. Livestock reports show no losses. The smokehouses and cellars are stocked at full capacity. We’re still holding at a full year’s worth of food supply, with projected sustainability for two.” Jek turned the page. “Soap, candles, textiles, repairs—all accounted for. Winter clothes and blankets are ahead of schedule.” He looked up. “You ladies have done an outstanding job.”

He tucked his paper under his arm and joined the clapping then glanced toward the nuns. “And our lovely Swamp Saints have been running medical, childcare, and schoolingwithout issue. I’ve heard extra high praises from all the kids who attend school.”

Another round of applause filled the room and Jek peeked at Lenora, finding her humbly nodding and smiling.

“On the medical side of things—midwives are keeping up with the births, and Patches reported no complications. Herbal remedies and supplies are fully stocked, no shortages on medicine.”

A quiet murmur of relief moved through the room at that announcement.

Jek lowered the papers and nodded. “That’s the full update.” He looked across the room. “Questions?”

---