Chapter 104
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On Saturday January 21st Eve was working at Ravenwood. She also tried checking out Zoey Allen's blog, nothing new since yesterday. The she saw breaking news on the internet. Zoey Allen, the vice-president's daughter, was arrested. While accompanying her mother on a diplomatic mission to Columbia, Zoey allegedly snuck cocaine unto air force two. Not a small amount, enough to have her classified as a drug-dealer. Zoey was already out on bail, and the news networks showed no sign of letting up anytime soon. This scandal actually excited Eve. There were almost no television shows anymore. Most that premiered since 2/4 had been cancelled. The only pre-Febuary 4th show still on the air was "Simpsons." Even that might e ending soon after 45 seasons. There were still new movies. People had the attention span for movies, but not for long-term tv series. Sporting events were televises, often brutal fights with fewer regulations than before. Keeping the public entertained with bread and circuses did pacify the public to a certain degree. But that wouldn't last forever. The anger of the people would likely explode eventually, as the countdown kept getting lower and lower. Until then the empire would collapse as the colliseum got bigger.
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On Sunday January 22nd Eve was watching a news show. General Douglas, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, was being interviewed. The reporter was asking questions about the situation in Saudi Arabia. The fundamentalists were siezing power, would likely take the capitol of Riyadi within a month. Although the current Saudi government was an ally, Douglas said it was an internal matter. he United States would not get involved. The reporter asked about certain rumors. He didn't bother with the conspiracy theories of Douglas conspiring to assasinate Mason. Even if Douglas didn't like Mason's policies, he likely would've preferred him over Allen. The reporter did ask about Mason's alleged plans to sieze private shelters, end elections, even outlaw certain religions. Douglas said that Mason welcomed help from the private sector, hoped they could help save more lives. Nor did Mason plan to squash dissent. And while they investigated certain groups rumored to be siding with Samuel, they would never ban private religious practices.