Chapter 174
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The loyalists began leaving on Monday August 7th. It was divided into three stages, August 7th, 8th, and 9th. They would be taken by bus to the airport and flown to their respective homes. Park had helped arrange their freedom. To his credit Park insisted on staying until the last bus left, leaving noone behind. Dr Smythe also stayed until the last bus. Eve noticed that most of those who talked about staying behind as spies had evidently changed their minds and left. Eve was willing to give the others the benefit of the doubt, assume they were now loyal collectivists. She figured that if she deserved a second chance, so did they. When the last bus came, Park asked if anyone else wanted to come. Two more people hesitatingly joined him, but Eve knew there was no going back, at least not for her. This was where she belonged now.
On Wednesday night, August 9th, Amy and Eve were talking. With all the loyalists gone it really hit them, they'd passed the point of no return. Eve still had no idea what to do next.
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Eve: So, what now? What exactly are we going to do, here in the Collective States of America?
Amy: For now, we should stay here, continue gathering fuel for the Arks. Within a week they'll find a place for us. They'll give you a little money, reward your bravery during the mutiny.
Eve: Then what? We still need jobs.
Amy: There are some local farms that need hands. We could learn farming. Actually that would help our chances of getting picked for the Arks, having agricultural experience.
Eve: That couldn't hurt. But it still doesn't guarantee our survival.
Amy: No. But maybe we could join the collective army, fight for our country.
Eve: I don't want to hurt anyone. I still suffer nightmares about what I did to Karen.
Amy: Karen betrayed you. She stole your father, used you, tried to get you killed or arrested.
Eve: Yeah, but she was my friend once. I'm sorry Amy, but I can't kill another human being. Even to defend my new country.
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In between working her normal shifts Eve tried to keep up with the news. Mason tried assuring everyone that they were still working on a way to stop ELE. But, unfortunately, he'd already played this card once, and it failed. Some of the talking heads were calling seccessionists traitors. Mason said they were just scared, they could be reasoned with. It seemed that Mason and Douglas would reach an agreement about the Arks. Chances were it was just a question of numbers at this point. There was also the question of those loyal to one side, stuck in enemy territory. Not many could immigrate to the other side. Eve knew Amy's parents were still in New Jersey, they hadn't been able to communicate with their daughter since she was sent here. Amy was worried about them, Eve promised to help Amy through this as best she could.