Chapter 6
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Eve wasn't sure what to expect when she went back to school on monday. Her parents offerred to let her stay home, but for once she wanted the distraction of school. All the tv stations, even the ones meant for children, still pre-empted normal programinf for news about ELE. That much talk about the asteroid would've driven Eve crazy. Plus, she wanted to see Adam again, her best friend might be able to help. Everyone, students, teachers, seemed to be in a state of semi-shock. The last time Eve was at school, only three days ago, the world had seemed much different. Eve wanted that normal feeling again. Before first class the teacher informed the class they would be permitted to pray, if they so chose. This seemed unusual for a public school. But recently prayer seemed like a good idea. The teachers went through the motions of teaching their normal subjects, but they all seemed to be thinking of something else. Eve's mind kept coming back to ELE. At lunch Adam and Eve ate together, glad to have at least some familiarity right now. Karen was eating with different people. Karen was always a flirt, that seemed to be how she was coping with this news. What was more of a suprise was when Jack decided to join Adam and Eve. Adam didn't say anything, but didn't seem thrilled by this. Eve was happy, although it apparently took an asteroid for Jack to want to sit with her. Jack also offerred his particular opinion about ELE.
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Jack: Way I see it, the asteroid's one big hoax.
Adam: How do you figure that?
Jack: If there was really an asteroid coming, capable of wiping us all out, the president would never tell us about it. He'd have reporters killed before he let us find out. And if the truth got out anyway, Mason would declare martial law. There would be armed soldiers on every street corner by now.
Eve: My mom says a couple of soldiers broke up a fight at the grocery store. At least she thinks they were soldiers, they were dressed as civilians.
Adam: esides, what would be the point of scaring everyone like this?
Jack: A power grab by Mason. People will let their leaders do almost anything when the survival of the species is at stake. They will forget that Mason can't be re-elected to a third term, or that he's only suppossed to be here for four more years. Won't just be America falling into line like this, others will follow. I'm having a party friday night, so everyone can let off some steam. You're both welcome.
Adam: I don't know. My parent don't like me going out much these days.
Eve: I'd love to go.