Nomad wasn't entirely sure what had happened. Only a moment ago he was about to be executed. Now he was on his back, surrounded by smoke. Around him, he heard cultists moaning. Ahead of him, he saw Antler Guy stumbling around, his body ablaze. Nomad started to pull himself up when a boot planted itself on his hand.
"What, have you DONE?!" Snarled John. The calm facade was gone, only unhinged hatred and rage remained. "Gah, I'll have to finish you, myself!"
Nomad felt around him for something, anything he could use to fight back.
John reached into his jacket and drew a large knife. "This is, the end, you snake!"
Nomad's fingers closed around a burning branch. With all his strength, he swung it into John's face. John snarled in pain, recoiling. Nomad seized the moment, and kicked out at John's knees. John stumbled, and fell directly onto a burning pile of wood. The younger Seed howled in pain as the flames enveloped him.
Nomad picked himself up, shouting, "FUCK YOU! And FUCK your GOD!"
John's immolated form twisted and turned before going still. Nomad stood, panting, his eyes fixed on the mutilated corpse. Holt walked up from behind.
"Yo, Nomad. We should make tracks. I don't want to be here when the rest of Eden's Gate shows up."
"Yeah. Yeah, let's go." Nomad responded as he turned to follow Holt.
Washington...
Whistler let out a slow whistle.
"That, was one hell of a blast. You think our guys made it?" he asked to no one in particular.
"Only one way to find out." Dunn replied. "Switch over to tactical view."
Whistler tapped a few keys on his keyboard, until the camera feed lit up with a lot of different information.
"They've got good vitals! They made it!" Someone cheered.
Sure enough, the pane showing Nomad Squad's vitals indicated that all squad members were still breathing, if a little shaken. Weaver was helping Midas to his feet, and Holt was walking towards Nomad, who seemed to be engrossed in watching a burning corpse.
Dunn let out a sigh of relief. "Okay people, brace yourselves. We're about to get an earful from the political crowd. Press Jockeys, start thinking about a story to give to the reporters. Hope County's pretty isolated, but I don't want any stones left unchecked."
Eden's Gate Church, Hope County...
Joseph stood on his altar, flanked by Jacob and Faith.
"Brothers, Sisters..." He began. "A foul snake has infiltrated our garden. And it has taken many of us with its venom. We all know that John was not always perfect. He was hated by many, and feared by even more. But he was also our brother. And this foul deed must not go unpunished."
Jacob stepped forward and quietly said to Joseph, "Worry not Brother, my hunters will find them. John's death shall not go unavenged." Jacob turned to leave, but was stopped when Joseph put his hand on the older man's shoulder.
"Be careful Jacob. Wrath is among the deadly sins. Be careful that you don't allow it to consume you, lest you become a monster yourself."
Jacob was silent for a moment, then answered, "Of course Brother."
Satisfied, Joseph released his grasp. After Jacob was out of earshot, he whispered to Faith, "Watch him closely. Ensure that he doesn't stray from the lord's will."
Faith nodded. "Yes Joseph."