Chapter 364
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Most of Keeler's soldiers had trouble sleeping in these tents. This first night was when it really hit them. This was real, they were at war. Few, if any of them, would survive until impact. Even with all she'd seen, all she'd done, Eve was afraid. Her joining Finis Generatium, becoming an FG, was suppossed to alleviate fear of death, or make killing easier. But the fear remained, and Eve doubted it would ever be easy to take another life. She almost couldn't remember what war was like the first time. As an officer, Eve had her own tent. A small one, but it was all hers. Then, while trying to sleep, Eve heard Kyle outside. Kyle Singer was twelve, maybe even younger. With his parents dead, Kyle might've lied about his age to enlist. Kyle was clearly scared, asked if he could sleep with her. Eve wanted to say no. But then she realized she'd have more trouble sleeping with the guilt of turning Kyle away, then she would have with Kyle sleeping next to her. So Eve allowed Kyle to sleep next to her this night.
When Eve and Kyle woke up on Saturday the sun was still rising. This meant they'd gotten through the first night without incident. Keeler saw Kyle leaving Eve's tent. Whatever he was thinking, he said nothing. By mid-afternoon they'd completed the barricades as well as they could. Keeler suspected local homes ha more materials they could use, but didn't want to make them angry. If the mob attacked, these people were more likely to defend their homes, it was better if they still considered these soldiers to be on their side. Saturday also went without incident. That night they all sat around the fire, telling stories and listening to a few people singing songs. Sunday morning Eve and Kyle were awoken by loudspeakers. At first they feared the walls had been breached. But instead it was just Walker, giving his usual Sunday morning sermon. It included the usual about the upcoming destruction of Babylon by true crusader warriors. Hard to believe Eve once considered this man her brother in Christ. Despite this Eve and some of the other soldiers were praying along during the sermon. It seemed there really were no athiests in foxholes. As scared as she was Eve realized that people on both sides were praying together. This provided some hope. There seemed little hope for the future, except maybe avoiding a violent death, and that God might be in a forgiving mood. These prayers did help provide this hope.