Chapter 345

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On Thursday May 15th Eve was in a meeting, quietly taking notes. Although Mason and Gardner were discussing a possible truce tensions were high between them and their advisors. One of the cabinet members gestured for someone to bring over the plate of muffins from the other table. Eve got up to bring them. But as she walked over Eve fell down., knocked the muffins over. One of the muffins hit one of general Gardner's underlings in the head, wounding his pride more than anything else. Eve apologized, Mason actually laughed at this. Gardner said nothing, but clearly wasn't amused. Eve suddenly became very frightened, she might've screwed up her last chance at getting into an Ark.

Eve was nervous the entire rest of the day. There were 66 days until impact. She began thinking about the incident. Why had she tripped? Was she faint from hunger? Most people were surviving on less these days. Eve had looked the other way when other secretaries quietly stole food from these meetings. She began to think some resented a new girl being brought in like this, she'd lessen their own survival chance. Could one of them have tripped Eve? She couldn't remember. After her shift Zoey came to see Eve. It was clear that her friend was having a panic attack. Zoey had a remedy that might help. Zoey brought Eve to her bedroom. She was a little suprised that Jed was also here.

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Eve: Sorry about my shaking earlier. So, what's the remedy that could help with that?

Zoey: Remember when I said that I considered Jed my only true husband?

Eve: Yeah.

Zoey: We married right before he went to war. We swore to always be loyal to each other. But we never promised to be completely monogomous.

Eve: How does that work exactly?

Zoey: We knew we'd be seperted for long periods of time. Both of us would be in danger a lot. And it was understood that we might take comfort in each other's arms.

Jed: You were in a war Eve, you know how it is. There might be no athiests in foxholes, but there are lovers.

Eve: I remember. So, exactly what are you two proposing?

Zoey: I know this has been difficult. So, if you want to be with me, Jed, or both of us, we're here for you.

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Eve thought about this for a moment. So it seemed that much of the rumors about their sexual exploits were true. Eve didn't judge what they did, but had to think about their offer. Did she want to be complicit They were both willing, maybe this could help them all sleep through the night.

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Eve: I don't want to be the other woman, come between a married couple. But, if you're both here, it's both of you or nothing.

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Before 24 Eve hadn't even been kissed. Now, she'd had sex with men and women, had a baby out of wedlock. And now it seemed Eve was engaging in three ways with a married couple. But, she had to admit, sleeping in Jed and Zoey's bed, it helped her sleep through the night. They seemd to be used to this. Before the war they'd both slept with a young man named Gary, it helped Gary reaize he was gay. During the war president Mason transferred Gary to Jed's unit because he knew Gary was in love with his son and would protect him. Jed still carried guilt with him for Gary's death. For better or worse, Jed and Zoey's relationship seemed to work for them. There were rumors that some branches of Finus Generatium had ceremonies wheremarried person'sofficially took a specific person as their mistress. The vows allegedly said they would be together "For as long as this love shall last." Eve had her doubts about Christ being the only way to Heaven, she'd had these doubts ever since Lily murdered Nadia. If Eve really were saved, God would forgive her engaging in this dultery. If she wasn't, then God already had more than enough reasons to send Eve to Hell. Either way, this night helped Eve calm her nerves. And for the day ahead of her, Eve would need that.