Christina told Billy as she used her card to get back into the building. “They use the identification to monitor and regulate our food intake, to provide us with the ideal diet for our optimal health.” “Again … this time in English.” “They make sure we eat the right things, and they can check through the identification card.” “What if I don’t want to be checked?” Billy asked. “Why wouldn’t you? It is for your benefit.” “Maybe I don’t like carrying the card around. There’s probably something in there that lets them track exactly where we are.” “Yes, there is, but why wouldn’t you want your location known? It is for your safety.” “And what do I need safety from in here?” Billy asked. “Bears and cougars?” She laughed. Apparently she recognized that this one was a joke. “I guess you’re right. We are safe here, but out there, there is always the potential for danger. Not that I ever saw anything, but I was told that it could be very dangerous outside the walls of our collective.”
