Chapter 367
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As Eve went back to Washington she saw major Keeler arguing with Marissa. Keeler wanted Marissa to contribute to the cause, Marissa still wanted to remain neutral. As Eve saw them arguing, she came up with a plan. A way to save some of these kids, and maybe her own soul in the process. Eve soon got leave from Keeler's unit by asking to go to Marissa's brothel. Keeler hoped she could reason better with Marissa, girl to girl. Eve wanted to use Marissa's services, and felt it could help her morale. When she got to the brothel she again asked to see Marissa in private. When they'd first met Eve noticed Marissa had tattoos of tear drops. Rumors were each tear drop meant someone she'd killed, including her predeccessor, and at least one 13 year old girl. Eve hadn't counted last time, but she was pretty sure the number of tear drops had increased.
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Marissa: What does Mason want now?
Eve: I'm not here for the president. And as far as major Keeler knows, I'm here to once again ask for your help in defending your capitol.
Marissa: You're desserting?
Eve: No. Mason drafted kids into the army, children as young as twelve.
Marissa: He sounds desperate, not to mention despicable.
Eve: He is, both. If I can get sme of these kids here, will you protect them?
Marissa: Sounds like I'd be taking an awful risk. I'm prepared to fight the mob, but I can't fight a second front against the army. I have a responsibility to my people. We could be shot fr harboring desserters.
Eve: Do you believe in God?
Marissa: We're not on speaking terms.
Eve: 26 days until impact. If you fight to protect children, you'll likely have a better chace of getting into Heaven.
Marissa: And if there is no Heaven?
Eve: Then we're both screwed. But we still have a choice as to how we want to die.
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As she returned to her unit Eve told major Keeler that Marissa still wanted to remain neutral. He believed her. The next day Eve escorted technicians outside the wall for the last time. She didn't understand half of what they were talking about, but they said the television debate could go on schedule. Eve wondered about Marissa and Keeler. Keeler might soon try to take Marissa's supplies by force. Would that make Marissa less likely to help anyone, even desserters from his unit? Or would she be more willing to take in desserters to spite the major? Perhaps Marissa didn't know herself, couldn't tell for certain until she was faced with the situation. That situation was fast approaching. With the crowd being better fed during the truc, they also got angrier about losing their loved ones. This debate probably couldn't prevent a full-scale attack.