Chapter 181
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Amy and Eve went to the farm on Friday September 8th. Once again there was tension amongst the farm hands. This time they were willing to talk. It seemed that Colby had willingly turned over his resources, oil, cattle, and crops, to the state of Texas. It was unclear if these resources already belonged to Ravenwood. Arks needed these things, Douglas had promised to respect the rights of private companies to build their own shelters. Some weren't even sure if the collective government now owned these things, or Texas. Some people felt that Texas should secceed from the collective. This state had completed its Arks, enough oil and food to sustain much of its people. Maybe Texas should protect its own before helping people from other states. Eve was well aware that she wasn't native Texan. If Texas tried to isolate itself like North Korea, she was screwed.
Eve was scared. Although she had to be at work early on Saturday she had trouble sleeping Friday night. Amy tried comforting her.
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Eve: Do you think Santos will do it? Declare Texas a seperate country?
Amy: I don't know. After we got our independance from Mexico in 1836 we were our own republic until 1845. I guess that's why we've long considered ourselves Texan first, American second.
Eve: I'm not. I was born in New Jersey, and I swore an oath to the Collective States of America. If Texas secceeds from the collective, Mason will exploit the schism. If somehow we win the war, I doubt I'll get into an Ark.
Amy: We've got skills, and we helped free political prisoners.
Eve: We weren't all political prisoners. You maybe, and you're a native Texan. If you're selected, you should go, even if they don't pick me.
Amy: No. I won't leave you behind.
Eve: That's sweet but...
Amy: You didn't leave me, I won't leave you. And I don't know what will happen if Texas fights the collective, but whatever happens we're in this together, always and forever.
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Eve knew she didn't have much to hold on to anymore, but she had Amy. They were grateful to have each other, especially now. On this night, Amy and Eve made love for the first time.
Over the next few days Eve saw mixed emotions amongst the people about Santo and Colby's moves. Lee was upset. They had fought for the collective such a short time ago, and they were already turning on each other. This had been about freedom, the right to live as they saw fit. Others liked it. If the point really had been siezing the Arks, protecting their own, why should they worry about people in other states, even collective states, more than their fellow Texans? Miguel Sanchez seemed pleased, he'd been right about the collectivists having no honor. He said he might move to Endor. Endor Texas was a small town near Arnett. Their city council voted to remain with the United States. If civil war came this could be problematic. There was an anti-war movement in both countries. Zoey Allen spoke at anti-war rallies, so did a few politicians running for the collective congress. With elections coming up this movement could play a deciding factor. But general Gardner was also making tv appearences. He seemed ready to use extreme measures to put down the traitors, and he seemed to hold influence over the president. These were indeed complicated times. Eve was glad she at least had Amy to hold on to.