Yesterdays Gone: SEASON TWO (THE POST-APOCALYPTIC SERIAL THRILLER) (Yesterday's Gone)

with the other sinners in The Lake of Fire. So no, we won’t ever need to worry about them again. Besides,” The Prophet waved his hand in the air, “It’s not their fault really, the beginning of Limbo was awfully confusing with no one knowing what to expect. And men are men, after all; imperfect creatures full of sin, some more than others. Those unfortunate souls hadn’t been here long enough to know their true virtues. They handled the situation real poorly, and we paid a dear price.”  
    The Prophet shook his head. “But that’s history now. We’ve cleaned house and scrubbed it good. The Demons stay outside and we stay safe in here. With John’s help,” The Prophet pointed at John, thoroughly beaming, “only Good People are allowed into The Sanctuary.”
    “Who were you looking for?” Will asked, surprising Mary with his curiosity.
    “Why, Brother John,   of course. God told me to find him. And just when I’d nearly given up the search, he walked right through our front door. And John has proved me right; he’s been such a guiding light since arriving here.”
    The Prophet slapped John on the back and added, “Why don’t you introduce everyone, John,” then he turned to the crowd of newcomers. “You’re all welcome to stay as long as you like. John couldn't have said nicer things about you all, and I find myself awfully humbled to have you here with us at New Unity. Of course, you’re under no obligation to stay. But it’s good times and good people. And besides,” he laughed, “There are no Demons in here!”  
    Most of the gunmen who helped out at the farm had already disappeared, but John introduced the remaining bystanders, starting with Eli, the oldest of the Amish-looking men and Sarah, the woman. Sarah said hello in a voice that sounded thin enough to shatter. The round of introductions ended with Brother Rei, a disciple. John said his goodbyes, then told the group Brother Rei would lead them to their rooms.  
    Brother Rei looked young, no more than 25, but Mary would swear he was at least 10 years older judging by the short conversation on the way to housing, which quickly turned to Kurt Cobain after Desmond said, “Nice looking nirvana.” Rei steered the conversation to Cobain, but unless he was smelling Teen Spirit as a toddler, his story was off.
    Rei turned to Luca, Scott, and Paola. “Children are in the second house,” he said.  
    “What?” Mary and Paola cried in unison.  
    Rei smiled. “Oh, none of the children stay with their parents. Independence helps the children to grow up so much stronger. The Prophet knows you’ll agree; independence has never been more important than it is right now.”
    Rei didn’t raise his voice, though the generator in the background doubled its hum. Mary strained to listen, wondering if the generator was always running, and what that would cost the The Sanctuary in gas, and trips to get more.  
    Luca wore no expression; Paola looked angry. Mary hugged her, assuring her that everything would be okay and that Luca would look after her. Scott seemed content just to be alive after the morning’s events. All three children said quiet goodbyes, then followed Sarah silently into the house.
    “I’d like a room with Mary,” Desmond said.
    Rei turned and smiled, “Oh, we have a married couple?”
    Mary laughed and shook her head.  
    “I’m sorry, but there can be no sinning in The Sanctuary,” Rei said, “Women’s quarters are in the third house.” He bowed his head, gesturing toward the women’s housing.
    “That’s ridiculous,” Desmond said. “We’re grown adults.”  
    Desmond took a quiet step back and seemed like he would drop it, but then added, “Besides, we are married. Mary just didn’t want anyone to know because Paola will get upset. She thinks her father’s still alive.” Desmond added a sneer to the ending. Mary wasn’t sure if it was for her or Rei.
    “I understand what you are doing,” Rei said. “But even if you were married, your union would have taken place after October 15 and is therefore unrecognized. I am quite sure The Prophet will be happy to marry you under his authority. Would you like me to make a request?” Rei smiled.
    “No. Thank you,” Desmond replied, his tone contradicting his verbal gratitude.
    Rei said, “Sarah will take the children and get them settled. The Prophet would like the four of you to make yourselves at home for a short while. Everyone will meet back in the