Chapter 290
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Febuary 1st was the second lottery drawing. As soon as Eve woke up she logged on to the official website. Once again the names Eve Thompson and Hope Thompson both said "Not yet chosen." This was discouraging, even more than the first one. 170 days until impact, onl four more chances. Eve knew that others were still going through with the strike, despite the bombings. But she was worried what would happen if she didn't show up for work today, for herself and Hope. Eve knew she had a responsibility to her daughter. To protect Hope, and try to lead her to Christ. She was still unclear what would happen to Hope if she died a baby. Eve decided to do what she had to do to protect her child, even working for her baby.
When Eve arrived at the sector police station a few people had smiles that they tried to hide. Clearly they and/or their families had been chosen. But they also feared chief Bowen's anger. Bowen was normally in control of his emotions, but he'd just been rejected for the second time. Even if the rumors of corrupt bargains were true, he had to be getting nervous about whether govenor Jenkins would fulfill his end of the bargain. Eve tried to avoid him, get back to her work immediately. But he soon found her, loudly chastised him in front of everybody.
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Bowen: Thompon, where were you yesterday?
Eve: I'm sorry sir, I was sick. Still had to take care of Hope. I'm sorry.
Bowen: Were you too sick to call? Or to try and find someone to take your shift?
Eve: I barely had enough strength to feed the baby, or change her diapers. I actually forgot it was a work day.
Bowen: From now on, assume every day is a work day. If you're late, you better be dead or crippled. If you're cripple, crawl to work.
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During her shift on Monday Eve heard others talking about the drawings. The departures would begin tomorrow, and go on until Febuary 8th. The guards chosen wouldn't leave until the final departure. They were still needed to maintain order until then. After the bombings increased panic was expected. Most recent immigrants hadn't been selected, they feared they had no chance of survival. They'd earned less chances during the war, and many loyalists wanted to exclude all of them, even those who'd fought for their side. Because they were so desperate Governor Jenkins seemed to view them as threats right now. Zoey Allen was part of a project called "Monuments Men." The idea was to preserve artwork and bring them into the Arks. Angry mobs in Italy, Greece, and Osazehad destroyed pagan statues and paintings. The Monuments Men tried to save what they could. People in the sector were upset about this, it seemed like they were putting paintings ahead of humans. Revernd Jenkins was still missing. Sector guards had some theories on that. Some felt he was a confidential informant, and that others were protecting him for his service. Eve just refused to believe that until she saw proof. The other theory was that his brother, the governor, kidnapped him, kept the preacher secure in his mansion and out of increased danger. Governor Jenkins might be a tyrant, but he still apparently wanted to protect his brother. That seemed more likely.