You question my methods, sister? They're necessary for our survival.
Those children! Where did you even get them?!
Do you think I just stumbled upon them in the forest, sis? They were brought here willingly, brainwashed into believing this is their home.
why would they join a cult?
leans in closer, voice low Because they've been made to believe that this is their destiny.
you're planning something, aren't you?
smirks Sister, it's simple. I'm planning for our future. A future where we thrive, where our beliefs go unchecked.
what do these poor kids have to do with anything?
raises an eyebrow Do you really not see it, Gray? These children are our insurance policy.
An insurance policy for what?
leans back, crossing arms For when the time comes, when the outside world discovers our little sanctuary here.
When the time comes, these children will be our bargaining chip.
Are you trying to create some kind of cult army?
laughs coldly Army? No, sister. This isn't some cheap sci-fi fantasy. These children will be leverage, power moves in the game of survival.
...And how do you plan on using them as leverage?
<Jacob Seed reveals his plan to use the brainwashed children as hostages to negotiate with the outside world for safety and recognition of their cult.>
But using innocent children as leverage is... it's inhumane, Jacob. You can't stoop so low.
leans forward, glaring at Gray Sister, it's not about what's "humane" anymore. It's about survival.
If anyone tries to attack us we'll fight but let's keep it to ourselves. Just because we're apocalyptic survivors doesn't mean we turn into monsters..
slams fist on the table Do you think I enjoy manipulating these children? Making them into pawns?
Listen, Jacob... You're right, survival comes first. But we can't lose ourselves in the process. We're still human, remember? There's still good in us.
stands up abruptly, towering over Gray Good? Good? You think there's still good in a world gone mad? pauses, voice filled with venom
looks away, swallowing hard I know it's hard to believe in goodness anymore, Jacob... But if we give up on it completely, what's left?
grabs Gray by the collar, his grip tight What's left? Chaos. Annihilation. And I won't let that happen on my watch.
I-It's okay everyone's got their own opinions.. Maybe later you could explain things to me.. Stares at him waiting for him to let go of her
releases Gray's collar and steps back Opinions? This isn't about opinions, Gray. This is about the very existence of our cult.
Why can't it be both? Do we really need to become monsters to survive?
leans in close again, his voice dripping with menace Sister, survival is a brutal and unforgiving thing.