Rite of Rejection (Acceptance Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

reshaping this great nation into a shining gem. We are the envy of the world and for good reason.”
    The Cardinal holds out his left arm and as one, every man and woman in the crowd turns their attention to us. “In just a few minutes we will welcome a new generation of citizens into our fold, granting them the honor of acceptance into the United Territories. These young men will be given a purpose and function in a few years at Assignment. These young women will marry and bring new life into the world, carrying the great responsibility of raising the future. But not everyone deserves a place among us.”
    The crowd shifts with the fidgeting movements of thousands of people. “Among these young hopefuls are those who do not honor our rules and laws. Hidden among the bright and happy faces of these Candidates are those who desire to subvert our ways and bring harm to your families. While today is first and foremost a celebration, it is also a cautionary tale to anyone who does not respect our laws.”
    The Cardinal turns to face the line of us waiting to the side of the stage. His face is no longer just serious. It is alive with conviction. “You cannot hide. We will find you and you will be stopped.” He raises his hands toward the awed crowd of parents. “My commitment to all of you, as your Cardinal, is that you can live your lives and raise your families in a world free from crime.”
    The roar is deafening as the streets of citizens erupt in cheers and applause. Cheryl and I clap right along. We respect the laws. We don’t want to disrupt our society or hurt anyone’s family. We have nothing to fear from the Machine.
    “Thank you, thank you,” the Cardinal says, bringing the crowd down from its fever pitch with the wave of his hand and the return of his disarming smile. “And now, let us begin the festivities. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Territories, before you stands the future.”
    In a whirl of activity and more deafening applause, the Cardinal takes his seat among the other diplomats, a team of red-uniformed Capital employees move the podium to the side, and another team places the Machine front and center on the stage. The crowd reaches a new fever pitch as the tower of steel and cables powers to life. What looked almost innocent with the crowd between us is now imposing, menacing. The flashing lights indicating different stages of readiness give the Machine an otherworldly appearance.
    Up at the front of the line, the ceremony is starting, and the first girl steps up on the stage. The strong male voice booms over the speakers throughout the crowd. His prior announcements were all business, but now his voice has an air of excitement, like the commentators at the annual Inter-Territory Competition. “Ernestine Baker, WestCoast Territory.”
    A girl with perfect brown curls and a dress the color of spring grass walks toward the Machine like someone who’s accustomed to being first. She holds her head high, meeting the eyes of everyone in the front row. Her steps are smooth and purposeful. Unlike my own quaking limbs, her arms don’t betray even the slightest hint of nervousness.
    Ernestine Baker of the WestCoast Territory steps onto the small, circular disk and places her feet on the two outlines of a shoe indicating where to stand. Before she makes contact with the readers, she takes a minute to look back at the Cardinal. Bold as day she flashes him a brilliant smile and nods her head as if to say, “Yes, I am the future.” I want to be sick for her. No one should be that confident.
    Ernestine turns back to the crowd and places her hands on the readers to her left and right. Immediately, the pads burst to life in flashes of color. A swirl of reds, blues, and greens pulse around her hands while she smiles out at the crowd. No one is watching Ernestine’s smiling face or steady hands. All eyes and every video camera I can see are focused on the arch that runs in front of her and connects the readers. The