I felt like Jonah, in the belly of a large metal whale, as the windowless transport truck rumbled along the highway.

But unlike Jonah, I had company.

There were seven other people in the truck, five men and two women.

As the only one without expensive gear and weapons, I still felt like the odd man out, and the banter between

members of the Zealot's Mobile Task Force only reinforced the notion. The man seated across for

me, of East Indian descent, and sporting a Tillik symbol on his forehead, laughed at something

his neighbor said, and then turned to study me with his dark eyes.

What did you do to end up in the orange jumpsuit? he asked.

I looked at him and thought about my answer for a moment.

I violated one of the Ten Commandments.

Which one?

He asked. I ignored his question.

What does that symbol on your forehead mean? I asked, even though I knew full well what it meant.

The man smiled.

It's a way to be closer to Vishnu, much like that cross you wear around your neck.

He pointed to the golden necklace I wore.

I brought my hand up and twisted the item between thumb and forefinger.

Yeah, plus it protects him against evil spirits.

A white man named Merrill said in a joking tone.

I'd gleaned his name from conversation during the ride.

Evil spirits isn't the way I would put it. The Indian-American man said.

But he's kind of right.

...