Chapter 152

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Over the next few days Eve and Jessie bonded again. They only saw each other at meals and during work. Not much chance to rekindle their romance, but it was comforting to see a friend, especially in this unfamiliar place. They talked about the oil drilling in Alaska. Given the Texas heat Alaska sounded appealing. But Eve also theorized that somewhere in Alaska, oil people were wishing they were in Texas. Before 2/4 the environmentalists had been against drilling in ANWAR, now they were fine with it. Ofcourse their efforts were likely the reason there was still oil in these places for drilling. On Wednesday June 28th the guards told Eve she had the day off. But instead of leaving her alone in her cell all day they brought her to the mess hall for breakfast. After this they brought Eve to the rec-room. Eve would have two hours to play the videogames, watch tv, whatever she wanted. After that lunch, then five minutes to check out whatever book she wanted from the library. Eve though they brought Eve back to her cell, things seemed to be improving. The guards brought Eve a tv dinner later on Wednesday. She assumed it was evening. Shortly after she finished colonel Park came into Eve' cell. She was shocked to see him here.

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Park: Hello Eve, may I come in?

Eve: Sure. Yes sir.

Park: Thank you. I apologize for these conditions. I used to be a warden, special military prison in Afghanistan. With this place, perhaps I over-react. But you've adapted well. Learned the work quickly, didn't complain about hard work. You've earned extra priveledges like the library and the rec-room.

Eve: Thank you sir.

Park: You understnd why the Arks are still important?

Eve: In case the misles fail to stop ELE, or if some other asteroid comes later.

Park: That's absolutely correct. Like most people I've been praying that ELE is stopped, or that God is in a forgiving mood after it strikes. Others however, not only believe God is about to destroy the world, they look forward to it. These fanatics see these Arks as satanic, even seeking their destruction. Do you want these Arks to function, even if you're not on one?

Eve : I'd like to be inside if ELE hits, but yeah. They should function either way.

Park: Excellant. I assume that if you heard about a plot to destroy an Ark, you'd tell us right?

Eve: I guess.

Park: Good. I'm not entirely sure there is any such plot. But it's good to know I can rely on you.