Chapter 324
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Eve was now a widow. She wanted to mourn Jamal properly, but there wasn't enough time. The crowd brought Jamal's body to Central Park. Farmer Elliot's refugee camp was close. Here they could bury Jamal properly, before sunset in accordance with his islamic faith. Eve spoke at this service, talked of Jamal's bravery today, and in the sector. None of those he helped free knew him, except Nadia, but they all seemed grateful. One girl, a thirteen year old called "Lily" seemed scared, more than the rest. Eve wondered if this girl was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Nadia tried to comfort Lily, but Lily pulled away. As Eve put the dirt over Jamal's body she prayed that God would accept Jamal. He had died freeing innocent people from bondage, surely he belonged in Heaven. Surely God had take in a good man like that, regardless of Jamal's religious beliefs.
The group walked almost all day, barely resting. There were other, much less merciful groups, in Central Park. Even if the rumors of farmer Elliot were real, and that was far from a certaint, they still had to get to him. He would protect them, kill any other slavers who tried to take them. Finally, when their food supplies were low, they reached where Elliot's camp was suppossed to be. But there was noone here. No food, no recent shelters, no guards or booby traps. Then they heard a gunshot, it seemed to have hit near one of their feet A loud voice told them all to lower their weapons, and place their hands above their heads. They obeyed. Someone had the advantage over them right now, most likely snipers in the trees. The question was, who were these new people?
Twenty-four people. Eve, Nadia, and twenty-two other escaped slaves, were bought to see Elliot, the man in charge. Elliot appeared thinner than Eve might've guessed, most people survived on less food these days, but Eve would've thought the leader would have eaten more than this guy. Then she remembered Brooklyn after the uprising, the theocratic council took less rations for themselves than others, they had to be above reproach. Elliot also appeared stern, armed, and his guards stood by him. They were clearly willing to kill to protect him, probably willing to die for him if neccessary. Elliot explained the rules, everyone was welcome, but they had to work. Harvesting crops, guard duty, medical care, some might have to do more than one. If any problems arose, they should see Elliot, he was the one to settle disputes. Any punishments he meeted out might involve less rations, pysical violence, even banishment. Anyone was free to leave, they just had to be willing to take their chances with the more violent and less benevolent gangs. These gangs respected Elliot's territory largely because he killed anyone who killed one of his people, no exceptions.