Chapter 172
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After Park and Santos each presented their case sign-up sheets were placed on opposite walls. Each person here would sign their name, signifying either their desire to leave and return to the United States, or stay and defect to the Collective States. Eve heard people talk weighing their options. Some hoped leaving would increase their lottery chances. Small groups, friends, lovers, family, they vowed to stay together, thatever they chose. Park had been a harsh warden, some just wanted to be free from him, even if it meant risking their lives. Eve heard some people talking about staying, but as spies, relaying intel back to the U.S. Eve tried to forget their faces, she didn't want to be a snitch anymore. A part of her wondered if it was too late. Maybe she could claim she was coerced, that she feared for Amy's life. But to return, she'd have to leave Amy behind. And what could she return to? Her parents were gone, she'd probably have to serve another two years, and be released right before ELE hit. Eve was glad that Amy was holding her hand during this. For better or worse there was no going back. Eve thought about the last lines from that poem. "And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?" Eve knew, she was about to find out.