IT’S AN HOUR LATER AND Mary Bellamy—in a black dress—is on the steps of the state capitol, focused and forceful. In front of her is a vast crowd of supporters and media. The mood is somber, with an undercurrent of barely contained blood lust. These people want revenge.
“This morning, agents of the United States federal government undertook an illegal operation on Homeland soil. This reckless and failed endeavor resulted in the death of four Homelanders and twelve federal agents. In addition, my chief of staff, Dan Lundgren, sustained serious injuries. We are a nonviolent movement; however, we cannot and will not allow ourselves to be attacked without retribution. Our resolve has never been stronger. I am conferring with my closest aides, including James Jarrett, the head of Homeland Security, to determine the appropriate response. Thank you all for your kind wishes. God bless you, and may God bless the Homeland.”