Chapter 176
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Eve thought about Amy's offer. Could they really join this new country, especially when there was no guarantee of getting into an Ark? Eve feared retaliation for her friends back home. Would the FBI arrest Nadia? They'd certainly question her, and loyalists might even retaliate. Amy seemed just as worried about her parents, but felt they'd want her to survive. Amy didn't want to just survive, she wanted to defend her ideals. Eve wasn't even sure what her own ideals were. This mutiny seemed to have been, at least partly, about protecting the private citizens' right to build their own shelters. Yet this government called itself a collective. The various groups were different, from religious zealots to radical marxists. The only thing these rebels had in common was they all hated Mason and his policies. How they could all work together now was anyone's guess. Eve could only imagine how tense and dis-organized the Los Angelas government was right now. Swearing loyalty to Los Angelas was risky, but might increase her chances of getting into an Ark. But at times, Eve wondered if it was worth it.
On Friday August 18th Eve had to make a decision. She wished she had more time, but these days people had to act quickly. Before the ceremony Eve attended prayer services at a local mosque. She hoped this could give her wisdom to decide what she should do. At this mosque Eve saw a sign. It said that the new government of Saudi Arabia was offering to take in muslim refugees from around the world. They didn't have many shelters, but their oi gave them leverage in negotiations. They might be religious fanatics, but they seemed willing to compromise now. For better or worse they seemed more concerned with preserving islam than about Saudi citizens. Eve thought about this, possibly getting into an American Ark, simply because she was a muslim. There was a sign-up sheet for those who were interested. The odds still weren't great, but Eve put her name on it.
Amy and Eve were walking towards city hall. There, they'd officially be sworn-in as new citizens. Amy could tell Eve was nervous, and tried to comfort her.
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Amy: You okay?
Eve: I guess. Are you sure this is a good idea?
Amy: We have a right to be free.
Eve: You maybe. I killed a woman.
Amy: That woman tried to have you killed. Ask me she had it coming.
Eve: I can't mae excuses for my actions.
Amy: Okay, maybe you deserved juvenile hall. But you didn't deserve peeping Toms during showers, solitary confinement, forced into dangerous work. You've paid for your crimes and then some.
Eve: Maybe. I'm just scared.
Amy: I am too. But do we really want to sacrifice our freedoms for temporary security? We're still Americans fighting for our rights. Maybe Washington calls us criminals. People said the same thing about George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson. They were our first three presidents. If they'd lost the revolution, they would've all been hung for treason. Our forefathers were kicked out of every decent country in the world, so they started their own. We're just carrying on their tradition.
Eve: They say that "treason never prospers." That's only because if it does prosper, none dare call it treason. Promise me that you'll stay near me, whatever happens.
Amy: I promise. Come what may, I'll always protect you.
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Despite her reservations Eve went to the naturalization ceremony. There were perhaps fifty people with them. Some were really excited, most were nervous as well. They all waited for about 15 minutes until the judge came. At her request everyone raised their right-hand and repeated what she said.
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"I, Eve Thompson, do pledge allegiance to the Collective States of America. And to the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice. And I swear to defend my country against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. So help me God.
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With that, Eve was officially a citizen of this new country.