Episode 6 - Belgrade

In this sixth episode of Columbia, Thomas reaches Belgrade, Montana, walking on a slowly healing ankle and into a town where federal policy, a new war, and social media rumors have all converged on one question: who can you trust when someone whispers “ICE is at the school”?The day’s story unfolds almost entirely inside the Belgrade Community Library, a small space holding a lot of pressure. Parents compare notes on what they’ve heard, a scanner listener brings his fears to the front desk, and Thomas is drawn into the work of translating official language into something neighbors can actually use. The system around them does not change. The win, if there is one, is quieter and more fragile: a few people choosing to verify before they terrify, and one small token of Montana sky added to the record of the walk.Credits & CopyrightWritten and Directed by Stephen BrewerSeries Bible, worldbuilding, and episode structure by Stephen BrewerMusic created with SunoVoices created with Elevenlabs.ioArtwork by CiceroProduced by Stephen Brewer for the Columbia podcast on SubstackStatement on the Ethical Use of AIThis is a work of fiction rooted in themes of conscience, mercy, and civic responsibility. It does not depict real institutions or endorse political action. The moral and spiritual themes in Columbia are presented for storytelling only. They do not speak for any real religious body, denomination, or church.This episode includes depictions of economic precarity. No violence is depicted, and the tone emphasizes peace, restraint, and civic dignity.© 2026 Stephen Brewer. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from the author. Get full access to Drawing the Line at percival84.substack.com/subscribe