Chapter 242
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By Thursday May 3rd P.O.W.s were being released. Eve suspected that the first to be released had collaborated with Sadler, most likely as informants. But she said nothing. On this day Miranda informed Eve what would happen to her. The state was keeping Eve's home as the spoils of war. She could sue to get it back, or take the financial compensation the state was offering. If she sued, it could take years, assuming they had years. In the meantime Eve was being taken to Brooklyn. They were starting an area for displaced collectivists. Here, they were growing plants, even trees, for the Arks. They would also be "re-educated" to be good citizens again. Eve was nervous about what this would entail. But at least she'd have a home again.
The bus arrived on Friday May 4th. Eve knew she was among those scheduled to leave camp 81 on this bus. She didn't have many things to take, only a few pieces of clothing from Sadler as a "parting gift" for prisoners, some soap, and a copy of the Koran the chaplains were giving out. Eve said goodbye to her roommates, most of whom would be free withing a week. Tara had probably been Eve's only real friend here, before. As Eve got on the bus the only one she recognized was Dr Weber. They didn't know each other well, but it was nice to see another familiar face. During the ride to the airport they played a re-education video. It seemed to stress the importance of resuming their duties. Between everything that had happenned, and being pregnant, Eve was exhausted. Nobody seemed to mind when she dozed off during the bus ride. Dr Weber woke Eve up when they got to the airport. As they boarded the plane the news was talking about former president Douglas. He and Mason were working together on reconstruction. The news networks were showing a photo of these two on the porch smoking cigars together. For now he was even being allowed to live in the governor's mansion. Perhaps Mason was setting precadent, that deposed presidents, now matter how despised, get preferential treatment. Apparently Mason was looking ahead, in case he was overthrown he wanted to live in luxury while awaiting execution. Eve doubted that this would happen, although he might still be assasinated. Some small groups refused to surrender, choosing instead to make "heroic" last stands. Religious fundamentalists and radical marxists hadn't worked well together during the war, but maybe they would work together to assasinate George Mason. Eve wished them well.
When their plane arrived there were armed guards to escort them to the bus. It became obvious to Eve that they weren't here just to intimidate them. Their was a large angry crowd outside. They stayed on their side of the fence, and they yelled nasty, horrible things at these collective prisoners. These people were still angry over the war, which had been over less than one week. They weren't ready to forgive and forget, particularly those who'd lost loved ones over the past year. Mason had promised they'd all be citizens of the United States of America. It seemed that Eve was now relying on loyalist soldiers to keep her safe.
When they reached their destination there was a wall full of barbed wire, armed guards on both sides. The guards wore two different uniforms. All the ones on the outside, and a few inside, wore United States army uniforms. Most on the inside of this sector wore those of collective prisoners. Some of these soldiers had defected to the loyalists during the war, particularly against North Korea. Other collaborators would likely be recruited. George Stalin Mason couldn't keep them all in here without help from collaborators. Rumor was Dole had surrendered Ravenwood technology to Mason in exchange for amnesty for most of his employees, and some specialists being admitted unto the Arks. Now Ravenwood technology was being used to keep them contained. Eve looked at the wall, wondered if she could escape while pregnant. For now Eve decided to stay. If nothing else she wanted to know which was safer, the sector, or the inside.
It was almost 5pm when Eve's bus arrived at her apartment building. The guards assigned each prisoner an apartment, and gave them each sandwiches and water. Orientation was tomorrow morning, during breakfast. Eve went to her apartment, was told there would be a roommate already there. The apartmet was simple, two bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, television, a couch and a few chairs. Eve saw her roommate. To her suprise it was Julia, her roommate from the Ark site. These two friends hugged, and began talking.
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Eve: How've you been?
Julia: Not great, but it's good to see a familiar face.
Eve: I know what you mean. Who would've thought we'd both be rebels?
Julia: I know. After the plague I hooked up with a marxist group, fought for awhile, but I desserted during the fall of Los Angelas. They wanted to die fighting the loyalists. I figured, screw that, I did my service. In conclusion, I was sent here today. What about you?
Eve: Remember those care packages I got from that woman, Karen?
Julia: Yeah.
Eve: I thought she murdered my father. I killed her, got sent to a forced labor camp in Texas, escaped during the rebellion, eventually joined the collective army. Also, I'm pregnant.
Julia: Congragulations. This is happy news right?
Eve: Yes and no. I'm excited, and scared.
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These two old friends talked for hours. They had both been through so much over the last two years, barely recognized themselves or each other. Both had seen friends die, it felt good to know that at least one friend was still alive after the war was over.