After the Revolution by Robert Evans

Author:Robert Evans
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: AK Press
Published: 2022-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

The immigration center was chaotic, crowded, and heavy with the smell of scared humans. It was also a happier place than Roland would have expected. Martyrs in fresh olive drab uniforms with bright golden crosses emblazoned on the arms handed out food, water, and even cups of instant coffee to the adults. They posed for pictures with children. The whole place almost had the air of a party about it. There was someone filming too. Roland guessed he must be a propagandist for the Kingdom, putting together some sort of documentary.

They stood in line for two full hours before it was their turn in front of the intake officer. He was an older man, with a big bushy mustache, red jowls, and a droopy rooster-wattle of a throat. He had a whiny voice that barraged them with questions as soon as they sat down at his desk.

“How many Apostles did Christ have?”

“What was the name of the hill where our Lord was crucified?”

“What is the fifth commandment?”

Manny answered every question while Roland sat there and smiled vacantly like an invalid. They’d decided in the car that “playing dumb” was his best option. He’d probably wind up starting a fight if he talked to the man and, besides, Roland didn’t know shit about the Bible. He didn’t even have any memory fragments of church services.

“And why is it that you’re answering all the questions, young man?” the officer finally asked. “What about your friend here…Aaron, is it?”

“Uh, yeah,” Roland replied, “I just, um. I don’t test so good. Mom said I ain’t a thinker.”

“But you are a Christian, yes?”

“Oh yeah, sir,” he nodded enthusiastically. “I love God. I’m all about God!”

The intake officer narrowed his eyes at Roland. Manny flashed him a look of fury and then quickly turned it into a smile directed at the officer.

“He’s, uh. He’s slow, sir. His momma took care of him but she died in a drone strike two months back. From the SDF. I’m just trying to make sure he’s OK.”

“Mmmh,” the man grunted, then looked to Roland. “I imagine that must make you angry, losing your mother.”

Roland nodded and put on his best facsimile of an angry face. “They’re bad men. I want to hurt them back.”

The intake officer chuckled. “Well, I’ve got good news for you then. The Heavenly Kingdom needs soldiers. I’m sending you both to a training platoon. In a few days you’ll be Martyrs, and you’ll have a chance to get your revenge.”

“Wait,” Manny asked. “We’re…we’re being drafted?”

The officer narrowed his piggy eyes. “The Heavenly Kingdom is fighting for its life, boys. Every person we let in has a job. There are no shirkers here, no layabouts. If you aren’t willing to help build the Kingdom of God on Earth, we have no use for you. And I’ve decided you boys will best serve God in our infantry.”

And just like that, Roland found himself inducted into a military for what was (at least) the second time in his life.

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