Chapter 177
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After the ceremony there was a small party with new citizens at Arnett city hall. Just chips and soda, but a good way for new citizens to mingle. Mayor Turner was here, shaking hands. Governor Santos attended some of these ceremonies, but was too busy today. Mayor Turner tried talking to Amy and Eve about exciting opportunities in the collective army. Eve had seen their posters all over Arnett. The minimum age for enlistment was sixteen, but with parental permission people could enlist as young as fourteen. Eve was afraid, of dying, of having to kill. At least president Douglas had promised there would be no draft. But joining the army meant greater chances of getting into an Ark, staving off one's own extinction. If nothing else, it was something to consider. Eve saw her friend Lee at the ceremony. He seemed excited about helping to start a new nation. The authorities ssigned Lee, Amy, and Eve to the same house, they could move in this evening. They had all heard of loyalists leaving Texas, selling their property for half it's value, if they were lucky. But when they got to this house it was already occupied. The owner was a senior man named Miguel Sanchez. He was wearing a marine uniform. Miguel did not seem happy about this, but the police informed him it was mandatory. There were three bedrooms, but Miguel was adamant that noone slept in his son's room. Lee offered to sleep on the couch, Amy and Eve were willing to share. Clearly things would be awkward, but Eve hoped they could all get along.
On Friday night Eve tried to sleep. Being next to Amy helped, but they feared tomorrow. It wasn't just about starting their jobs on the farm, Eve had gotten used to starting new jobs. It was starting to really hit Eve. She'd escaped from her prison sentance, betrayed her country, and defected to another country that would likely soon be at war with the United States. Eve was in a dangerous situation. The fact that she wasn't born in Texas didn't help. Some considered her a spy, this wouldn't help her chances later. And Miguel Sanchez was here to make Eve feel guilty about her decisions. But with 702 days until impact, Eve probably wouldn't have long to regret it.