The convoy appeared at dawn.
Three black SUVs. No markings. Government plates. They rolled through the main gate and parked in the community square.
Ethan was already awake. He'd been on the porch since 5 AM, watching the sun rise over the mountains. He'd seen the dust cloud approaching from miles away.
He walked to meet them.
Special Agent Cross stepped out of the lead vehicle. His face was grim. "Mr. Cole. We need to talk. Privately."
Ethan led him to the community center.
---
Cross sat at the table. His hands were clasped. His eyes were tired.
"We have a situation. A new group has emerged. They call themselves the Frequency Purists."
"Purists?"
"They believe the Frequency should only belong to certain people. Selected people. They think Receivers who aren't 'pure' enough shoul
