The Colonel takes a moment to think further. Looking up and tapping his fingers on the body of his rifle to indicate that his mind is considering the proposal. He looks at the priest suddenly and says firmly: We’ll accept your offer.

Brian looks at to him shocked but listens as he continues. Speaking as if the negotiating about the guards was finished and they’d moved onto the next order of business.

Colonel: We’ve got three thousand people that need evacuating. Can you handle that?

Brother Paul: Not all at once, but yes, with enough planning we could help to move everyone. Each soul is precious and God seems to have chosen your people for protection against the plague.