I like how this piece moves forward quickly, the main characters clearly established. It made me start thinking about writing a sequel :).
Since I really appreciate feedback from others, I’ll try offering some… for what it’s worth.
I’ve been rereading some of my more recent writing, and I’ve found myself abusing adjectives a bit to try and create mood. Too much telling. “gleaming plate, gunmetal lecturn, worn chair, translucent image,” etc. maybe taking some of these thing and “showing” dialogue or some other action would even increase the pace and mood. Just a thought.
Also, the first ‘t’ in the first ‘the’ should be capitalized.
I completely understand about the overuse of adjectives. I’m a journalist by trade, so I’ve always been taught to “show, not tell.” It’s odd that I would go the opposite direction in fiction writing. Can’t really think of a reason for that. :)
Nice way of setting up the two sides without a lot of exposition. Those crazy, wired, fanatical preachers are a dangerous lot. Feels like a post-apocalyptic expansion of ‘The Scarlett Letter’ maybe.
@THX 0477: Thanks! That’s sort of what I had in mind, I’m glad you were able to pick up on it. It’s a dream of mine to work that story into a full-fledged novel. :)
ipe 
ajschwartz 
THX 0477