They had sent in their requests for five years’ parental duty and were surprised that a positive answer had no come back. Ganesh had thought it would be routine; Rita, sometimes cynical, was not surprised. “Not because of me,” she said. “It’s you. Anybody could look at my age and know it was now or never for me. But they’d be surprised at you. We’re not supposed to have ambitions, but most of us have, and you’ve reached the top.”
“We don’t have a top.”
“Oh, right, and nobody envies you and you have no enemies.”
“I don’t.”
“Oh, Ganesh!: She laughed at him, with him as his face went from serious to puzzled. She kissed him, wriggled against him, said, “Let’s go make sure we made a baby.”
But the Assignments Bureau wasn’t jealous and it wasn’t an enemy; it was devoted to the ideal of the best post for the right person, and six of the seven people apparently believed heart and soul that Ganesh should honcho the reenactment. A message came for both Rita and Ganesh:” Re: Your applications for assignment, report via skene on (date) at (time) for justification of your requests and examination by the full board. You have the right to appeal any decision you view as wrong. Counsel can be provided to you if you are incapable of understanding the final determination. Do not apply for counsel now. Do not assume your applications have been denied. Bring any relevant documents to support your application. Include your case number in any correspondence. You are Case number XFC2000073”
“There’s only one case number, Ganesh. They’re lumping us together.”
“We are together.”
“But I’m pregnant, no matter what they decide “
“They could mandate abortion.”
“No they can’t – Lacone v. Bureau. It went to the Supreme Tribunal. It said—”
“I know what it said. But they can give you an assignment other than parental leave.”
“Why? Why would they do that?” She stared at him, then said, “I know why.”
“So do I. But I’ll tell them I won’t do it. And I won’t.”
She was very still, then shrugged. “And I’d get five years running a creche and you’d get two years in a reeducation camp. Wouldn’t that be lovely!”
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