Chapter 279
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Eve was grateful for everything, Hope, salvation, her health, being cleared of all charges with that sector guard, the neighbor providing food and diapers. She appreciated all of these things, but she also needed a new job. With Wilkins dead Eve couldn't work there anymore. On the morning of December 26th, immediately after breakfast, Eve took Hope with her to the unemployment office. She wasn't trying to garner sympathy with the baby, but she had limited options for childcare. Eve spoke to the woman, went over her experiences. Telling her life story was becoming more difficult the more experiences she had. Eve tried to just hit the highlights, secretary, construction worker, maid, hospital orderly. The secretarial pool at sector police station was under-staffed, they could use Eve. She would be paid on a daily basis, this also meant she'd have her ration card renewed her first day. Eve would also be allowed to bring Hope with her, other workers with no other options sometimes brought their babies here. She could start tomorrow, Eve accepted this new job.
Eve showed up for work on time on Thursday December 27th. This environment was new, but she had secretarial experience so she adapted. Eve brought little Hope, set her in her little seat by her desk. A few other employees, even hardened sector guards, stopped to see this cute little baby. As a new employee Eve had to swear an oath, never to reveal any classified data she might learn here. This job wasn't so bad. Her co-workers were suprisingly nice, even chief Bowen, whom Eve had heard bad things about, mostly just did his office work. They were suprisingly tolerant if Hope began suddenly crying. The vending machines had relatively good sandwiches for lunch. With 206 days until impact, Eve knew she could be in a much worse situation.
Sunday December 30th, Eve went to reverand Jenkins' church. It was the first time she came to this church since becoming born again. It was also Hope's first Sunday service. She might be eight days old, but it was never too early. Eve recognized a few refugees from before. It seemed too dangerous to talk to them, but it was comforting that some had escaped the purges. They sang the hymn "Make me a believer." Eve remembered this from before, it still spoke to her. After the service reverand Jenkins approached her personally.
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Jenkins: It's good to see the two newest members of our church.
Eve: Thank you reverand. I want you to know how grateful I am that you helped lead me to Christ.
Jenkins: I merely preached the true word. God forgave my sins, the ones that still haunt me, and the ones I've forgotten. Forgiveness is a great gift, but it carries its own responsibilities. To strive to know and do the will of God.
Eve: I know. My co-workers at the police station know I'm christian, I've been talking to them, and to my friends from my old mosque. I wrote a letter to my old friend Nadia about being saved. But the mail is disorganized, I dont even if she's still alive.
Jenkins: I would send more letters to her, in case the first one got lost.
Eve: Thank you, I will.
Jenkins: Aside from that, just do your best to spread the word. That's all any of us can do. God be with you my sister.
Eve: And with you my brother.