Chapter 215
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On Friday night Eve was sleeping beside other soldiers when someone came into this tent. The new noise didn't jolt her awake yet, until this individual came up to her. Jacob quietly woke Eve up, said major Hamilton needed to speak with her. Eve followed Jacob. When they were alone Jacob explained what this was really about.
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Jacob: The oath we're taking tomorrow, did you read it?
Eve: Yeah. It basically says we promise never to fight the independant Republic of Texas.
Jacob: Yeah, but there's one more thing. It says that if our families are attacked, we're given leave from the collective army to go and protect them. I want to make it clear, I would never advocate desertion from the collective army. But I thought you should know this part of the oath. If your loved ones are in danger, you'll have to consider your options for yourself.
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On Saturday January 13th representatives from the Republic of Texas came to get people's signatures on the oath. They brought armed guards. Suppossedly they were protecting these soldiers' rights, making sure the collective army wasn't holding them against their will. But Eve was sure they were implying what might happen to those who didn't sign the oath. Eve signed like everyone else. Hamilton had allowed/ordered them to sign. Eve figured that, even with the option of leaving, she'd probably stay. Her family was all gone, this was all she had left. But she wouldn't report Jacob or Bianca if they left. Hamilton was right about one thing, the worst thing for their cause would be for the various collective group to fight each other. For today at least they were all on the same side. So for however long it lasted, Eve was grateful to have so many reinforcements on the farm.