Summary

In Chapter 39, a Social Update Meeting is called, and Emmeline and David walk to the meeting. They see David’s parents, and the announcements begin. After the announcements, the Authorities announce that armies have been stealing food from the Republic and that nourishment cubes will be smaller. No eggs will be given to night shift workers.

Most of the Citizens seem foolish in their complete adoration of the Republic, and Emmeline notices this through their body language. The last announcement is that birthrates have fallen. The Authorities declare that if citizens cannot produce viable babies, they will be re-paired with someone else with no exceptions.

In Chapter 40, David makes good his promise to tell Emmeline everything that has been withheld from her. David explains the three different kinds of people who were around when the Republic was formed: the believers, the protesters, and...