Chapter 51

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Eve went to the game to see Jessie play. She had to admit there was something exciting about watching this bad boy. Once Jessie pointed the bat outwards, doing a called shot like Babe Ruth. The outfielders went out further, thenJessie just bunted, ended up with a single. As Eve watched captain Greer sat next to her.

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Greer: Who's winning?

Eve: Convicts up 3 to 2. But it's only the 4th inning.

Greer: Good way to relieve tensions. I remember, back in highschool, I had a crush on this one boy, but he was with another girl. Nothing I could do about it, except beat her at a game of air hockey.

Eve: Sounds like fun.

Greer: Yeah, she and I were friends after that. So, you rooting for anyone here?

Eve: Well, Jessie's kind of my friend But I really like baseball either way.

Greer: It is a good game. Just be careful, around Jessie I mean.

Eve: I know what he did, but he deserves a second chance.

Greer: Yes, he does. And I truley hope he doesn't mess that up. I also understand the appeal of a bad boy.

Eve: I'm a muslim, I won't have relations with a man I'm not married to. I don't expect to get married until I'm at least 25.

Greer: Smart women sometimes make foolish choices. Believe me, I know. All I'm saying is, be careful

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Jessie's team ended up losing 4-3. Afterwards Eve went to talk to him. If nothing else he at least deserved to know where they stood.

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Eve: Good game.

Jessie: Thanks, we'll beat them next time.

Eve: I think I should make it clear. I want to be your friend, but only a friend. Are you okay with that?

Jessie: Yeah. I never really had expectations I could seduce a young muslim girl like you. I had hopes, to be honest, no expectations.

Eve: Good, I'm glad we cleared that up.

Jessie: You get your schedule for next week?

Eve: Yeah, five days again. One of them is 4pm to 11pm. Late shifts are new, but I'll adjust.

Jessie: Good, you'll have to. I don't think it's a coincidence that they change our schedules every week.

Eve: I thought it was because people keepcoming and going.

Jessie: That's part of it. The other part is they're seeing who can adjust, who can work best at certain jos, who is willing to do hard work without complaining.

Eve: Why's that?

Jessis: To figure out who to put on the Arks. They say that 90% of these people will be chosen randomely in the lottery. Frankly, I think they're lying. Mason lied to prevent panic, to ensure enough calm to get the Arks built. Most of these workers here would not be doing this if they knew they had no chance of saving themselves and their families. Like president Snow said, you always give them hope that they can survive if they play by the rules.

Eve: I don't remember that from the book.

Jessie: Sorry' it's in the movies. Anyway they're evaluating us, deciding who to put on the Arks.

Eve: So, what should we do?

Jessie: You're already in a better position than me. My criminal record probably won't disqualify me, but it'll count against me. They wouldn't give limited space to someone who won't fo;;ow what are no doubt very strict rules. So I really need to stay out of trouble. You on the other hand have a clean record. You're young, able to work hard, willing to not complain. My guess is colonel Sadler will recommend you be chosen