The Believers Page #6

There's no point in denying it.

The kind of loss you suffered,

the grief, it's dreadful.

But what can you do? Be a man about it.

That's what you've done.

You just go on!

And then one day...

...you wake up

and it's just the slightest bit better.

That's the way it changes, little by little...

...small increments.

That's the way it was with us.

We thought we'd never get over it.

But you do.

When was that?

Kate's fieldwork. Post-graduate.

Summer of '46.

The Sudan. 11 months in the bush.

Haven't I ever told you this story?

No.

Worst drought in 50 years.

Then cholera.

We saw half the tribe decimated.

Daniel was only 4 years old.

I'd argued against bringing him,

but Kate insisted.

She couldn't bear to leave him that long.

Then, when Daniel took sick...

...the elders of the tribe came to see us.

We'd developed a trust with them by then.

A bond.

What they suggested seemed unthinkable,

against nature.

But you see...

...Daniel...

...was so clearly beyond any medical help...

...and as outsiders, it was a great honor.

Daniel was very brave.

And the drought did end.

We were delivered.

The life of another child was saved.

A most remarkable child.

Over the years, he's grown so special

to us, almost like a son.

He's taught us so much.

Of course, you're uncertain, naturally.

So was I until I met him.

Now imagine, if you can...

...a life without uncertainty.

Freedom from doubt.

The ability to choose.

Single-mindedness.

One life from each of us is all he asks.

He rewards our devotion a thousandfold.

Personal desires?

Yes, of course. Anything.

- That's part of it.

- It's only the beginning.

There was a time when man was at one

with the gods, before the Fall.

Now we're at one again

and their benediction is power.

It's a power you can't imagine.

Power to create a world of our choosing.

Power to destroy those who oppose us.

Chris was chosen.

When he found the shell, remember?

It was a sign.

We want you to join us!

It must be the father.

"We consecrate this ground...

"...with this father's humble offering.

"We seek the strength and wisdom...

"...of our benefactors.

"We call upon the ancient gods

to renew our strength.

"Guide your hand to strike down

the enemies of our faith and this nation.

"We welcome our brother, Cal...

"...reborn into your grace.

"Restore nature's order.

"The power, which is our birthright.

"The glory, which is our destiny.

"Our enemies consumed by rings of fire.

"Our strength reborn...

"...in sacrifice!"

Do you believe?

Yes, I do believe.

Dad?

"Peter, Peter, pumpkin eater

Had a wife and couldn't keep her..."

- You okay?

- I'm all right! Where is he?

F***ing maniacs! Who are these guys?

They jumped in the elevator.

They took him up.

I'll take this one.

Dad!

Let me go!

Goddamn.

God gave His only begotten son.

Let him go!

Remember that?

It is God's will

that innocence redeem the world.

We give our sons to war

in the name of peace!

Sacrifice our families to false gods,

ambition, lust, pride!

It's hypocrisy! This is all lies.

I was a slave, I had no life!

You have no life! God gives you life!

You give them innocence...

...the gods give you life.

And your son was innocent, wasn't he?

Peter, that was your son's name, wasn't it?

And you sacrificed your son

to the gods, didn't you?

That was my salvation.

I was reborn.

It must have taken great strength

and great courage.

Tell me.

He looked into my eyes.

He forgave me...

...Peter.

He understood.

I'm over here.

Come to me.

No.

You come to me.

Let's go, boy.

Hey Bean, how's it going?

- Hey, Dad. Got the barbecue sauce?

- Sure do.

Let's go easy on it this time.

Don't you look beautiful.

- I'm glad you're home.

- Me, too.

- Be careful with that, Chris.

- All right, Mom.

It'll keep.

Maybe it won't!

Chris, that looks terrific.

You don't need my help at all.

What is it, boy?

Easy!

What's wrong, boy?

Anybody up there?

All right, out!

I did it for us.

We'll be safe now.

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