"You seem so different from the other girls here though, Joan." He blushed. "You didn't happen to come from ... Outside. Er ... from the People, that is?"
"I grew up in Block 6, Section A, overlooking the statue of Martyr Sherman Adams in Government Park. Just two blocks down from you, if I remember your records correctly."
"You've had access to my records?"
"Class-5 always does to Class-6's. And I took a special interest in you, my dear." She stroked his cheek.
"Then you're forgiven the snooping," Glen smiled. "But to think I was being so polite and discreet about asking your origins!"
"Not many take the Exams and come to Civil Service from Outside any more, sweet. Just as not many from here decide to go out and try their luck in the big world. Generally we stay on our side of the fence, and they stay on theirs. Except for the Day, of course. And then it's all one-way traffic."
"But I've heard some CS people go Outside for their vacation. I never have, of course, but...."
"Oh, yes, quite a few do. You're taken in a CS plane to another Government House, where you won't be known in the city outside. You are given appropriate papers and emerge from the House during business hours. You mingle with the People, just like one of them. And when vacation's over, back to the House for Job Consultation or Welfare Benefits or whatever you want to trump up. Show your true papers, and you're whisked back to your own cozy womb." She smiled reminiscently. "Outside is an interesting experience."
This annoyed Glen obscurely. He put his arm around her. "I don't want you going Outside again. At least, not without me."
"Oh, the People are just people. Except for today...."