“Now, now, let’s not pressure Tessa on her first day. I know she has a lot of other things going on.” He glanced at the time. “Now would be a good chance to discuss current issues and what’s been going on in the news.”
Everyone took out their egos and began looking up the day’s headlines. “The New Republic party wants to make some cuts to the ration program,” said one boy disapprovingly. “They say it’ll cut taxes and can be fed back to the employment program—but of course they’d say that.”
The group tackled the issues, and Tessa listened with interest. She was impressed that Dr. Cassidy and Acacia attempted to discuss the reasoning of opposing sides, but ultimately, the group resolved every topic in a way that aligned with the Citizens Party’s principles. No one seemed to expect her to participate—until they reached the last topic of the day: a recent push by religious freedom lobbyists to lighten restrictions and regulations on those who wanted to openly worship. Although the Citizens Party had been courted by said lobbyists, Tessa knew they had no official position yet and was surprised when Dr. Cassidy turned toward her.
“Panama has freedom of religion, doesn’t it?”
Tessa flinched at the unexpected shift in attention. “I suppose so. I mean, there’s no real law for or against it. People just do it. Or don’t.”
“And has chaos resulted?” he asked mildly.
Tessa thought of her homeland, with its armed gangs and puppet government. “Not from religion.”
“But it’s still a much less advanced place socially and technologically,” argued one girl. “We can’t rule out that the pervasiveness of religion in that society plays a rule in it not being up to our level. No offense, Tessa.”
“And,” added someone else. “We know from our own history that warring religions create disaster. That’s where the Decline came from.”
“That’s the thing,” said Tessa, surprising herself. “In Panama, there aren’t really competing religions. Those who belong to one are usually Catholic.”
“Interesting point,” said Dr. Cassidy. “So what do you all think? Could religion be more openly practiced—if there was just one unifying faith and not a bunch of squabbling?”
“Arcadia does that,” said a boy sitting near Tessa. “And they’re not really a model country.”
“How would you determine which religion is superior anyway?” This was the girl who’d claimed she would’ve passed out if Lucian came to her house. “And we’re not like Panama or Arcadia. There are tons of little religions here—all kept in check by the servitor’s office. If you lifted the restrictions, would one emerge superior? Or would they all just start fighting for control?”
“This is a different era,” someone insisted. “Our society is advanced and civilized enough that people could freely believe without us degenerating into chaos.”
“Tessa,” interjected Dr. Cassidy. “Did you belong to a religion in Panama? Did you get something out of it?”
It was a surprising question, one she hadn’t been asked before. “Yes, I did. I still do, I suppose. As for what I get out of it . . . I mean, there’s comfort in knowing there’s a higher power looking after you. That there’s a meaning to everything we do.” Those were dangerous words in the RUNA, and she suddenly wondered if she might lose all her good will.
“Yes, but how do you know?” insisted the guy by her. “What proof is there that your god is out there looking after you? Do you see miracles? Answered prayers?”
She shook her head. “Most of it’s taken on faith.”
“I need miracles,” he insisted. The mood lightened as he flashed the others a grin. “Give me a god who shows some power, and I’ll be right out there with those lobbyists.”
Dr. Cassidy laughed as well, though Tessa could sense a controlled quality to it. “Well, if those lobbyists gain traction, we’ll know who to appoint to the head of the outreach committee, eh, Laurence?”
More laughter followed, and an end was called to the meeting. The others gathered things and stood to leave. Tessa wondered if she might be able to slip out quietly, but it was Dr. Cassidy who held her back, rather than any of Lucian’s fan club.
“I wanted to thank you for taking the time to come today. I’m sure it’s a bit overwhelming, but I think you offered the others some very useful information.”
“I learned just as much as them.” She nearly made a polite farewell, but Daphne’s words came back to her, about how Lucian might be using Justin in case a religious agenda went bad. Putting on what she hoped was a starry, provincial expression, Tessa said, “I never thought much about religion in the RUNA. I haven’t really been involved with it since coming here. No church or anything. Just my own prayers. I haven’t really felt like it’s right for me to go out openly anywhere.”
“I’m sure those prayers are still very meaningful,” he replied.
“Do you think religion could be more openly practiced here?” she asked. “By important people? Not just a minority?” The brazenness of her question unnerved her, but she tried to remember what Daphne had said about how people might not be surprised by an uncouth provincial girl’s bluntness. Feeling bold, she added, “I mean, the Citizens Party is still listening to those lobbyists, so you must see some potential, right? And I know Senator Darling wouldn’t consider anything harmful to the country.”
“Senator Darling wants all citizens heard, certainly,” said Dr. Cassidy. He was careful not to commit on anything in the religion issue, Tessa noticed, but he didn’t seem displeased by her comments. “It’s a complex matter, one we’re considering from all sides.”
Tessa nodded eagerly. “Oh, I’m sure. That’s what I love about being here in the RUNA. So many sides and opinions get listened to. It’s such an amazing country that offers those kinds of opportunities to its citizens. You’re all very lucky.” She added a note of wistfulness into her voice, hoping to make her act convincing, but it achieved more than expected.
“Would you like to be a citizen someday?” he asked.
“I . . . I haven’t thought about it,” she said, caught a little off guard. “Mostly I’ve just been focusing on my education.”
“Of course, of course, but if you’ll forgive my saying so . . . I don’t know how much use you’ll get out of it in Panama. But if you stay here, Creative Minds could launch you into an outstanding university, and then . . .” Dr. Cassidy spread his hands magnanimously. “Well, who knows what? Your possibilities are endless.”
Tessa stayed speechless, less for effect than from the fact that she truly hadn’t thought that far ahead. Her silence seemed to empower him.
“I know you’re not sure about joining the YCC, but I think you’d be an excellent addition. And I’ll be honest with you, if you really do want to apply for citizenship—something not easily or often given to outsiders—involvement in a mainstream political party will look excellent on your record.” He beckoned Acacia over. “I’ll tell you what. Why don’t you start small. No one expects you to jump in and start chairing committees. In a couple of days, I’m having a fundraiser of my own at my house, and a few of the other YCC members are helping out—little things like running errands, bringing drinks. Just enough to meet the potential donors and show them our role with today’s youth. You could help out and see what you think.”
Tessa could already imagine the scene he was describing. It’d be a repeat of what she’d gone through tonight, with her answering prompts about how great the RUNA was and how grateful she was that it— especially under the leadership of the Citizens Party—was helping her find her way in this shining new country. Cassidy would reap as much benefit as she’d be getting. Part of Tessa balked at being used . . . yet, at the same time, she could already picture Daphne’s reaction to this opportunity. Tessa could have access to answers beneficial to Justin . . . and the country.