Chapter 375
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On July 2nd 2036 there was a disturbing rumor floating around Washington. Jed Mason had been captured by morlocks. Eve hoped this was just a rumor. There were different variations of where he'd been captured, Pennsylvania, Missouri, California. Noone even seemed to know what his captors were demanding. Eve feared fr Jed's safety. With 18 days until impact, survival was less likely for everyone. But she didn't want him to suffer. From her vantage point, Eve could hear some crusaders and morlocks rejoicing. They made her angry, she loved him, and Zoey. Eve couldn't imagine what Zoey and the president were going through right now. Zoey had tried to talk him into a suicide pact, she'd only stayed alive because she didn't want her husband to suffer alone in this world. If he died, she'd probably kill herself immediately. And the president already lost one child, God only knew what he'd do if he lost another.
Eve remembered before Febuary 4th a number of preachers had a program of non-violently asking street gangs to voluntarily give up their guns. Today, the religious people were trying to destroy Washington D.C. There were also reports of anti-religious mobs destrying the Vatican. The images of priests and nuns defending the holy city with assault weapons was disturbing. Violence in Washington had calmed down somewhat, but the crusaders and the death cults often fought in minor battles. Often the fights were just between individuals, the winner got the loser's food. People watching bet on who would win a particular fight. This was what sports had been reduced to. There was a story of some who resumed worship of Moloch. Eve remembered learning that Moloch was an ancient Caananite diety mostly remembered for the sacrifice of young children. The story was that they were desperate, felt God had abandoned them, hoped returning to this version of paganism would protect them. In Eve's experience most members of these death cults had turned to religion, particularlly christianity and islam, but had become dissilusioned and gotten more desperate, not unlike herself.
July 4th 2036 was America's 260th, and probably final, birthday. Things were as calm as could be expected. There was even patriotic music playing. Some in line were still upset about children and soldiers being given rations ahead of them, but they didn't try anything for fear of being denied any rations. Only a few tried to sneak back in line. When Eve or others called them on it, they would say she was mistaken, and walk away. Walker hadn't tried to take on Mason directly. If Walker believed Christ's return was immenent, and he'd become the president of the new christian America, he might just be waiting out the conflict. That night, president George Mason addressed the nation.
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Mason: My fellow Americans. In these dark times, it is more important than ever for us to come together. To help our friends and neighbors in need. Our capitol is under siege by an angry mob. Similarly Boston, New York, Los Angelas, are also being destroyed by angry mobs from within. I've spoken with local mayors and governors about protecting children from both the mobs, and from fanatical soldiers, firing randomely into the crowds. Each city under siege will be required to take in children for their protection. The specifics will vary, each local government must decide for itself how to distribute it's limited reources. As for D.C., all will be required to take in refugee children, whether they are from the capitol, or if they were brought here by Walker's mob. The White House will also take in refugee children. Ration stations will be set up on route to the White House. Our hope is that both sides will respect these stations, and not harm them. We cannot deny that these are dark times. But we are a nation. We will not descend into barbarism. We will not abandon our ideals. We will not merely continue slouching towards Bethlehem.