Chapter 289

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The strike was planned for January 31st. It was the day before the second lottery drawing. It was important to show the loyalists that people were willing to stand up for what was right, even if they had to risk a spot on the Arks. On January 30th Jamal visited Eve at her apartment. They both prayed, and they played with the baby. Jamal probably noticed that Hope was latino, but said nothing. Eve was embarrassed to admit this narrowed down who the father was, but still wasn't sure if he was a loyalist or a fellow P.O.W. Jamal watched Hope while Eve stepped outside for a ciggarette. She had tried to quit after being saved, but these were stressful days. After this they spoke about tomorrow.

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Eve: Nervous about tomorrow?

Jamal: Yes. But hopefully this can help save children.

Eve: So, going on strike too?

Jamal: Yeah. Why should I clean the floors for people who murder children?

Eve: I'm nervous for you.

Jamal: Me too. They might cut my rations, or worse. But non-violent strikes worked in China. I've heard about uprisings in other sectors. The loyalists claim they've put them all down. But if this fails, uprising is plan B.

Eve: You could die.

Jamal: Then I'll die for Allah. I don't really want to be a martyr. But if it happens, Allah will reward me.

Eve: What if he doesn't? There is no path to the father except through the son.

Jamal: Maybe. Or maybe God will reward my faith. Unlike you who abandoned islam for a quick fix. I love you Eve, but I will remain a muslim.

Eve: And I cannot abandon Christ. Not even for you. I owe him too much.

Jamal: 172 day until impact. I guess we'll fing out which of us is right, soon.

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January 31st was the first day of the strike. Eve didn't go to work. In theory she could've slept in, but she was too nervous. They might come for her, for Hope. Eve still had her faith that she would go to Heaven if she died. But what about Jamal? He was still unsaved. For much of this Thursday Eve nervously paced around her apartment. Hope could sense the tension, and was fussy all day. Reverand Jenkins was holding a special service this Thursday night. Eve was walking Hope to church around 4pm, still an hour until sunset. During this walk people began running around, panic. Eve feared what this was about. Someone told her, there had been a bombing. Either at a church or a mosque, noone was sure which one. But one thing was clear, innocent people were dead.

After hearing the news, Eve approached her church nervously. Rescue workers were rushing in the opposite direction. That seemed to be good, but it was little comfort to those who were killed. o far suicide bombers had avoided the holy buildings. They likely didn't want to make God angry when they were within spitting distance of saint Peter. Some believed it was the loyalists, although Ford was attributing these attacks to an un-named radical group. As Eve neared the church, it occurred to her that people were saying "attacks" plural. At least two churches and a mosque. If the rumors were true, it had been those who called for the strike. The message was clear "Work for the state, or die."

The closer Eve got to her church the louder the sirens were. More rescue workers were now going the same direction as her. She feared what this meant, she ws right. The church had been bombed. One person was dead, another man was trapped under rubble. Rescue worker were trying to save him. Eve wanted to help, but she didn't know how. It would've been too dangerous to go inside, particularly with a baby. Eve knew the best thing she could do was to stay out of their way. Reverand Jenkins was missing, feared dead or worse. Many weren't sure what they should do. If the loyalists were trying to discourage resistance, it seemed to be working.