The officiant began the service. He actually wore the kind of elaborate robes she’d seen on other priests, though these were done in the Gemman national colors. Dennis leaned close to whisper in her ear, “Sometimes on the weekends, Angela herself officiates here.”
Tessa didn’t know who Angela was and mostly felt startled at Dennis’s proximity. It didn’t send any thrills of attraction through her. It was just something she had absolutely no experience with.
Everyone stood and sang the national anthem, and then the officiant urged them to take their seats again. He welcomed the congregation and launched into his talk. And that’s what it was: a talk. Or maybe “lecture” was a better term. It certainly wasn’t a sermon. In fact, as the screens lit up, showing a bulleted list, Tessa felt as though she were back in school.
Today’s topic was contraception and how it was necessary for an effective society. Hearing sex discussed so openly in a church made Tessa blush—especially while sitting next to Dennis.
The officiant’s powerful voice rang throughout the cathedral, as powerful as that of any priest Tessa had heard. “A society that creates planned and purposeful children is a superior society. We aren’t like the provinces, with packs of children running underfoot in families that can’t afford to feed and clothe them.”
Tessa would’ve almost taken offense, but she’d already grown used to the astonished looks she received when revealing she had four sisters. Gemman women were usually sterilized when they reached their standard allotment: two children, unless they definitively proved that their social and financial means could support more. Even then, four was the maximum. No exceptions. Justin had explained to her how the castes constantly challenged this law and lobbied for the removal of those limits. “They think their non-Cain members should be allowed to breed like dogs,” he’d told her.
“The law ensures we keep ourselves strong and orderly, though occasionally girls slip through the cracks,” the officiant said, raising his hands for drama. “If you know of anyone who has dodged the fourteen law, do your civic duty and report it immediately.”
Tessa knew the law. Girls were required to get contraceptive implants when they turned fourteen, unless they hit puberty earlier. No legal doctor would remove the implant until the woman turned twenty, at which point she had the freedom to get pregnant. With a jolt, Tessa suddenly realized she had no implant. She wasn’t trying to dodge any law; it had just never come up. Maybe no one cared about non-Gemman citizens “breeding like dogs.” Regardless, it was a moot point. Tessa had no intention of having sex any time soon.
Contraception laws were so ingrained into Gemman society that the officiant was able to keep his advocacy brief. The congregation already believed. He was simply reaffirming what they were doing—how good it was, how smart, how superior. He also mentioned the government and national identity a lot. He reminded everyone how lucky they were and how wise their country’s leaders were. Looking around her, Tessa could see it on everyone’s faces: rapture and adoration for the jewel of the world.
The service closed with the anthem again, and Tessa left with Dennis. “I was wrong,” she murmured. “There is a god. The RUNA itself. All that beauty and splendor to inspire wonder in its citizens.”
Dennis frowned. “What are you talking about?”
She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. Thank you for bringing me.” She knew he wouldn’t understand. He’d been born into that propaganda and couldn’t even imagine any other way of life. And it wasn’t a bad way of life, she admitted to herself. She’d seen firsthand what the officiant warned about: unplanned pregnancies and excess children, some of whom were abandoned. The message was fine. It was the way it was delivered that amazed her.
Dennis gave her a tentative smile as they walked to the subway station. He seemed to have forgotten about her potentially being a member of a dangerous cult. “Did Poppy tell you about the concert we’re going to next week? It’s Vital Lucidity.”
Tessa couldn’t even begin to parse what he’d said. “Vital Lucidity?”
“They’re a band. An awesome one. They’re playing outdoors at Westfield Plaza. A bunch of us are going, and I could pick you up and bring you.”
“Is this a date?” she asked. She felt blunt and stupid asking outright but figured this was a matter that required complete clarification.
He shuffled his feet and looked away. “I guess so. If you don’t want to—”
“I do,” she said. “That is, I just have to ask permission.” A concert like he described would have been out of the question in Panama, and she was curious to go, even if she didn’t entirely understand what Vital Lucidity was. It couldn’t be too dangerous, especially if Poppy was going, but once more, her instincts wouldn’t let her go unchaperoned without permission. “I’ll let you know soon.”