Chapter 318

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It was almost 3am. If the bus was on time it would be here soon to take Eve and Hope to the Ark. Eve tried to savor these final moments with her husband, to let him savor these final moments with their child. He deserved some memories to sustain him in whatever came next. Eve knew he was right. If God allowed Eve and Hope to both be chosen, it meant she had a duty to raise her child. But knowing this didn't make saying goodbye any easier. Eve checked her watch. She saw 3:01 become 3:02. The bus was late, but not by much. A part of Eve was grateful for these extra minutes. But another part, feared it meant trouble. They were all stranded with little food and nowhere to go. But then, at 3:06am, they saw the bus coming. The bus looked small, it would clearly be crowded even with only the chosen. There seemed little hope of convincing them to take on extras, the few un-chosen who decided to take their chances here. The man in charge, captain Rosenberg, looked at this crowd. He nodded to his soldiers, they stepped outside with their weapons raised. Although he still hoped for no trouble, his men were ready in case they had crowd control issue. Major Rosenberg addressed the crowd and said his orders were to take those on the list. He then read a list, some got on the bus after hearing their names called. Dr Weber was among those called. After reading the list the major said he was also to take anyone under the age of thirteen. At first Eve thought she missed hearing her own name. Then she looked at the crowd. Others were also angry and scared, why weren't their names called? What exactly was going on? Many in this crowd were confused. They had seen their names among the chosen, why wasn't captain Rosenberg taking them? The captain was explaining to the crowd, another bus was coming for them in about an hour. They were taking essential personnel and children first, as a safety precaution. Eve noticed that all of the adults being taken were doctors, farmers, technicians. Jamal began talking to the captain.

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Jamal: Sir, my wife Eve was chosen, along with her child. Our last name is Shabazz, but it might be under her maiden name, Thompson.

Rosenberg: She's not on my list. But I was tld she might have an infant with her.

Jamal: Her daughter, Hope, less than four months old.

Rosenberg: We can take the baby, but I hve my orders. The other bus should be here for you and your wife soon.

Jamal: And if it doesn't come?

Rosenberg: Son, I don't issue orders, I just obey them.

Jamal: We can't go back to the sector. Exactly where are we suppossed to go?

Rosenberg: I don't know.

Jamal: You don't know or don't care?

Rosenberg: Pick one. My men don't want to shoot anyon. But to complete our mission, save those we were sent for, we'll do what we have to do.

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Jamal continued trying to reason with captain Rosenberg. Others in this crowd became more agitated. They had nowhere else to go, and many were skeptical about this second bus. The sector would execute them for dessertion. These guys might let them go, but other loyalist soldiers for leaving the sector. The former sector guards were talking to each other. It occurred to Eve, they'd been on duty when they desserted, they might still be armed. They had the best leverage right now. Eve became worried, especially when one of them wlked away. He didn't want any part of what his friend was planning. Jamal noticed this too. He stepped in front of Eve and Hope. The guard drew his gun and was quickly shot to death by Rosenberg's soldiers. Noone else was killed, although everyone was scared. Eve knew what she had to do. In order to protect Hope, she had to let her go.

People were telling their children to get on the bus. It was clear they'd never see each other again. Dr Weber agreed to take Hope, would look out for her if they were sent to the same Ark. Despite their differences Eve knew that Hope would be in good hands. This was the hardest thing Eve had ever done, but it was the only way her child would be okay. Eve said goodbye.

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Eve: I know you're too young to understand why, but I won't be around anymore. I know I swore to always protect you. But with everything that's happenning, it seems the best way, the only way, I know how to do that, is to let you go. I hope that one day you'll understand, and you can forgive me. I love you with all my heart, and I always will.

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Eve gave her daughter a final kiss on the forehead, then she gave her to the good doctor. She also gave him the letter she'd written. He promised to give it to Hope when she was ready. Then they all boarded the bus. Eve stared at the bus, specifically Weber holding Hope, until it started driving away. Even after Eve couldn't see Hope she watched this bus until it was out of her eyesight. Others in this crowd were crying, even Jamal, and praying. Eve quietly said "God, please watch over Hope and protect her from all evil. Amen."