As the commissioners stamped down dissent, Jonathan intensified subtle countermeasures. Leaks exposed the propaganda ministry's psy-ops blueprint along with profiles deeming certain faiths as radical. Citizens recoiled at such sweeping assumptions based on belief rather than criminal conspiracies.
Jonathan also confiscated doctored sermons, fueling fears by placing theological debates in harmful contexts. With Pastor Thomas' counsel, clarifying responses highlighted real theological intricacies while guiding divisive chatter toward spirituality's role in ethics. Such nuance weakened the sensationalist spin, attempting to paint faith as inherently regressive.
Relentless exposure shrank blind trust in officialdom and was replaced by questioning what else remained concealed in the name of security. Even regime loyalists grew disenchanted witnessing overreach against blameless citizens. Cracks emerged in the monolith as propaganda lost persuasiveness against a well-informed public.
In response, darker plots emerged during secret commission meetings held in secured bunkers. Jonathan hacked surveillance networks, gaining earwitness to chilling discussions:
"Progress cannot halt backward ideologies. We must break the back of organized religion and control what beliefs spread among the masses."
"Faithful citizens spreading their dogma on the streets need to be corrected. Our security forces will demonstrate consequences for defying the greater good."
Jonathan's blood ran cold. It seemed extremism now led the conspiracy, aiming to crush all dissent. He dispatched warnings to chaplain cells of intensifying reprisals ahead. Meanwhile, counterintelligence efforts focused on tracking regime couriers transporting unknown biochemical agents.
Tensions reached a flashpoint when peace activists organized marches protesting erosions in basic rights. Commissioner Blake issued a chilling order: "Crush these demonstrations by any means. No assembly will defy our directives and undermine stability. Make an example of the ringleaders if they refuse peaceful dispersion."
Jonathan knew innocent blood would be spilled if nothing was done. That night, his underground network paralyzed security systems just as marches began across the city. No forces arrived in time to suppress the swelling crowds, finding renewed courage. Blake's control slipped further as unity blossomed openly against mounting tyranny.