Chapter 357
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On Sunday June 15th president Mason asked to see Eve in private.
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Eve: Yes sir?
Mason: I assume you know about Marissa, her group of runaway slaves?
Eve: Yes sir. I understand they operate a brothel.
Mason: They do what they have to do to survive. I've always had an understanding with them. We leave them alone, but her people are free to join us. Some were useful as spies during the military coup, others became gladiators for food. You've seen the soldiers who will soon be defending the capitol. I think many will flee during the actual battle. Simply put, we need more soldiers.
Eve: You want to draft these escaped slaves?
Mason: I do that, I'll open up yet another front against Marissa's people. But I need to make them an offer to join willingly. And I'd like you to deliver this message personally.
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When Eve came to the White House in August 2033 it seemed beautiful, elegant, the place you show for a god impression upon foreign dignitaries. Now, there was litter, mold, tobacco stains everywhere, used up furniture. If she didn't know better, it wuld've seemed like the bad part of town. But now, that was the good part of town. She had to go to what was still considered the bad part, and it was indeed worse. Almost everyone had a fire-arm clearly displayed, otherwise they'd be robbed and/or raped. Eve had her gun visibly tucked in her shirt as she went to see Marissa. According to the ruors Marissa was at least marginally better than other pimps. She didn't kill anyone who followed her rules, anyone who wanted to leave was allowed, if they were willing to take their chances outside. And the children under twelve were kept in a seperate room, watching old Disney movies and somewhat isolated from the business. The prostitutes and their customers didn't even bother to go to seperate rooms for sex, they just did it in front of everyone. God only knew how dirty these mattresses were. There were some private rooms for V.I.P.s like president Mason. The prostitutes, male and female, made their offers to Eve, but she asked to see Marissa in private. When Eve said she came with a message from the president they brought her to see their pimp/boss. None of them wanted trouble, but two large, muscular men stayed for the meeting. Eve hoped Marissa didn't want to start trouble any more than she did.
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Marissa: So, what's the message?
Eve: President Mason wants to make an offer. Any of your people who fight to defend the capitol will be given enough food.
Marissa: Mason's been using us as whores, having us fight each other for scraps. Now he needs our help?
Eve: This is your capitol, of your country.
Marissa: It's not my country, not anymore. The CSA wasn't much better, but I adapted. I can adapt to this as well.
Eve: Walker is giving an angry mob all the moral justification they need to destroy this city. Given your occupation, what will he do to your people?
Marissa: We can take care of ourselves. I don't mind giving Mason some favors, I can do something similar for Walker. Walker tries anything against us, or to the kids, he'll regret it. I promised my people freedom. They want to fight for the president, I won't stop them. But I'll advise them against it. And George Mason, he can go fuck himself.