Working with John Edwards, Carl and Lori developed a system they called “Mass Survival.” Before them were giant maps on which were pinpointed areas in the United States and in other parts of the world where there existed a clear majority of unaffected people. They sent out coded messages describing the safest routes for people to take to these locations. Miguel, Ricardo, and Juan Quintana were key players as well. Every evening they would gather up the data that came in over the computers, phones, and fax machines and transfer the information to maps and charts on the walls. Their colored pins, flags, and arrows gave the planning bunker more the look of a life-size game board than a war room.

As more and more refugees streamed into the designated safe zones, the unaffected majority grew substantially stronger. This meant two things. First, the unaffected majority overshadowed the military forces of the Union for Peace to such an extent that day-to-day repression was severely restricted. Second, and more important, the unaffected community could now build houses, plant crops, make tools, sew and repair clothing, make furniture, and somehow come up with all the necessities of life, completely outside the monetary system imposed by the Antichrist. They were able to set up schools and hospitals in many places, and even crude utilities to meet the needs of all the people without ever resorting to central credit.

In time, various communities began specializing in certain types of products that were exchanged with other communities in a thriving underground system. Some of these communities were discovered, and some of the leaders were arrested, tortured, and executed. The world system moved against the communities when they were able. The UP soldiers demolished their buildings and butchered their inhabitants. But the unaffected were tenacious; the resistance continued.

Month after month, Carl, Lori, and the communications team at El Refugio continued sending out warnings, intelligence bulletins, messages of encouragement, and the information needed for the suffering to survive.

But one day, when they saw that their operational supplies would soon be depleted, Carl spoke to John Edwards about the situation. John suggested that perhaps a trip into Albuquerque would help solve the problem. However, Carl said that it wouldn’t be enough.

“I’ve tried every place I know in Albuquerque,” Carl told him, “and nothing is available. My old advertising agency would have exactly what we need, and lots of it. The home office in L.A. is gone, of course. But they still have the office in Dallas. Last I heard, my old friend Larry Rossiter was operations chief. We were quite a team in the old days. I’m pretty sure he’s one of the affected. But Larry’s okay. There’s a bond between us. He’d help me out. So, what do you say? Maybe I should go.”