Chapter 320
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As Eve and Jamal walked to the market-place she tried to keep her mind from wandering. She found that if she kept moving, the pain of losing Hope lessenned. It didn't neccessarily matter what she did, so long as she was doing something. The pain lssenned, but it never completely went away. They found the swap-meet, large fence and armed guards surrounding the area. From outside they could see people selling various things. This group agreed to sell the dog's fur and bones together, split the profit. After that, they were all on their own. They could probably sell their labor, or other things, and it was up to each of them as individuals what they were willing to give up. As they neared the gate, the guard stopped them briefly, his friend aimed his rifle at the group.
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Guard: I just want to lay out th ground rules for you newbies. You're free to trade with anyone willing to trade with you, for whatever price you determine together. You could even gamble for these things. What you do outside here is your own business. But we have a zero tolerance policy for theft or violence in this place. You are allowed to fight others only if you both agree to a match, and have judges to supervise. Other than that, first offense, they chop off your hand. Second offense, they chop off your other hand. I can't recall there ever being a third offense. If there is, we chop off your head. Have a nice day.
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The group quickly sold the dog fur and bones for some sandwiches and bottles of water. It was enough to feed them all for a little while. Then the group split up. Eve and Jamal had some spare pieces of clothing, their hair, and teeth if they could find any buyers. Some were calling for workers in farmlands. The wages would be a loaf of bread and two bottles of water a day. Eve and Jamal considered this option for later, if they found nothing better. People were selling many things, some claimed to be selling gods, idols that could protect them from ELE. Many were loudly advertising their goods. Some were reading poems or telling stories for food, literally singing for their supper. A few gave these artists food or goods, partly to show off their own status, and let the crowds hear these stories. Many rumors were circulating. One rumor claimed that George Mason was no longer in control of his own government. The military, particularly general Gardner, organized a coup. That would explain why the Arks were so hesitant to take collective soldiers. But they were rational enough to take in essential personnel. Perhaps they took in children to ease their own conscience. This might also explain why Zoey Allen was forced into the Hunger Games competition. Gardner was punishing her for her outspoken anti-war and anti-slavery views, and making it clear to George Mason exactly who was in charge now. Eve heard that Zoey had won her Hunger Games. As her friend Eve wasn't sure if she should be relieved that Zoey was alive, or sorry that she'd have to live with even more guilt. Eve felt both of these things simultaneously. There was another rumor, a farm only a few miles from here. The "owner" was pretty strict, and made everyone work very hard. But he could provide food and protection for everyone willing to work for it. This would mean not going to governor Jenkins. But they had little reason to doubt the rumors. Gardner and his coup controlled the Arks now. They wouldn't take them in, they had no special skills to gain admittance. At least with this they could eat, build up their strength. Maybe the coup would be crushed and Eve could get on an Ark later. Before they left Eve saw some familiar people. One was Amanda. Since being banished from the Brooklyn sector she'd evidently done fairly well for herself. Amanda had gotten involved in the slave trade. There were six, in chains. Amanda and her men were willing to sell each of them to the highest bidder. What truley shocked Eve, more than the cruelty, was that she recognized one of the hostages. It was Nadia.