Chapter 4: A meeting with Father Comstock.
[3rd Person POV]
The New Puritans were very eager to prosyltize in Columbia. Though Columbia's religion was an offshoot of Christianity, it was a highly unorthodox version. For example, they worshipped their ruler, Zachary Hale Comstock.
Of course, that's where Columbia's weak point was: It couldn't remain stable without its specific religious beliefs.
Getting into town was hard. Claiming to be a "pilgrim" was easy, but they wouldn't fall for that forever. Sometimes they would pretend to be be smugglers carrying good from the Federation, such as lemons (citrus fruits are a major export of the Federation). They would simply show up, say "I'm smuggling in Lemonade," and offer a can to the border patrol as a bribe.
They would take New Puritan literature and switch out the cover for a book of Columbian Propoganda. They might even have the first few pages be Columbian. But, turn past the 15th page, and it's all about the New Puritan's views. They'd pass them out on the streets, and be gone before anyone else knew a thing.
Life in the underground church was extremely difficult. They met in basements and they lived in constant danger. But nonetheless, they became a notoroious thorn in the sides of the Founders.
The President of the United Federation was eventually called to Columbia. He was cheuffured into a park by a horse and buggy. He had guards waiting in the buggy in case things went really south-but they stayed inside.
Sitting at a picnic table in the park was an old man with a large beard. He said "Oh, you've arrived, great leader!". He had a large pot and two bowls set up. He took the lid off of the large bowl, and poured clam chowder into both bowls. "Come, sit". The President suspected Comstock had archers hidden away. Nonetheless, the President took a seat.
Comstock offered his hand. "I'm Father Comstock."
The President offered his own hand and said "President Rogers".
They both took a bite of chowder before continueing. The President noted that the clam chowder was actually quite delicious.
"You like the chowder? It's an old family recipe," said Comstock.
"It's really good." said the President.
Comstock nodded and said "I'm glad you like it. Now...onto business". He started to frown. "I understand that your people strongly believe they are doing the right thing when they protect escaped slaves. It's viewpoint that we've noticed was very hard to shake from your people. I understand: the people of your nation simply don't know better".
The President crossed his arms. He wasn't impressed by this guy's rhetoric. He raised an eyebrow and said "Your point, Prophet?"
Comstock said "Well, I was hoping I could find your cooperation with another problem I'm having. Religious organizations from inside your nation have...spread their views into our nation...some even deny that I am truly a Prophet," he looked the President straight in the eye and said "My government finds its legitimacy in my prophethood. The New Puritans are a threat to my ability to maintain order within my nation. I was hoping you'd cooperate in efforts to stop the spread of their beliefs into my borders."
The President leaned back in his chair a bit and said "I'm sorry, Prophet, but religious freedom is a cornerstone of my government's legitimacy. If your state can't remain stable with their presence, I suggest finding a way to reform your government."
Comstock was visibly annoyed. Any jollyness that existed before was gone when he said "I see how it must be, then. I'll let you return home to think about what's best for your people's safety. Begone."
The President got up to leave, but then Comstock said "Oh, but take the pot of Chowder, that's a gift."