Revelation of Nicole's Identity to Agnes and Becka

In a private meeting in Aunt Lydia's office, the two young Supplicants Agnes, known as Aunt Victoria, and Becka, known as Aunt Immortelle, were summoned alongside the new arrival, Jade. Aunt Lydia, closing the door with a deliberate air of secrecy, announced that she had information to share that would materially affect the future of Gilead and that they themselves would have a crucial part to play. She asked if they were brave enough and stood ready, to which they both answered in the affirmative, a standard response for Supplicants often asked to make sacrifices of time or food. Aunt Lydia then revealed that Baby Nicole was in Gilead, a piece of news that caused Becka to exclaim with joy, calling it a miracle and wondering why they had not all been told. Aunt Lydia then added the even more astonishing fact that Baby Nicole was the half-sister of Aunt Victoria. Jade, the girl they had been trying to instruct in the ways of Ardua Hall, was none other than the iconic Baby Nicole, the symbol of Gilead's stolen innocence and the subject of daily prayers. Agnes was stunned, finding it hard to reconcile the awkward, irreverent Jade with the cherubic baby of the famous posters. Becka sat with her mouth open, her face woeful, as the reality of the situation sank in. Jade, attempting to lighten the atmosphere with a joke, apologized for not being adorable, but the gravity of the moment was overwhelming. Agnes, overcoming her shock, politely expressed her happiness at having a sister, while Becka, feeling left out, was reassured by Agnes that she was like a sister too. The three young women shared a hesitant hug, a fragile bond forming in the face of an immense and dangerous secret. Aunt Lydia then commanded their full attention, explaining that Nicole would not be with them for long. She was to leave Ardua Hall shortly and travel back to Canada, carrying an important message. Aunt Lydia asked for their help in this mission, a request that was against the laws of Gilead and its proclaimed divine will. Agnes, having read many of the secret crime files Aunt Lydia had been placing in her way, was aware of the corruption within Gilead, but the idea of aiding an escape was a direct act of treason. Aunt Lydia pressed them, reminding them of their vows to help women and girls, and then laid out the stark consequences of their choice. Now that they knew the secret, every minute they did not divulge it to the Eyes would count as treachery. Even if they did report it, they could be severely punished for having held back. She herself would be executed, and Nicole would be no better than a caged parrot, or killed if she did not comply. Nicole protested, calling it emotional blackmail, but Aunt Lydia dismissed her juvenile notions of fairness. She gave them five minutes of privacy to consider their decision, leaving the room with Nicole. Alone, Becka, her eyes wide with fear, insisted they had to say yes, reminding Agnes of how Aunt Lydia had rescued them both. They could not let Nicole and Aunt Lydia die. When Aunt Lydia and Nicole returned, the two Supplicants gave their assent, committing themselves to a path of immense risk and uncertain outcome.