An excerpt from a fictional reference book, set in the world of the text, discusses how each of civilization’s seven religious views would account for the historical event whereby the world’s robots suddenly gained consciousness. For example, the believers of Bosh, the God of the Cycle, credit this event differently than those who are devoted to Chal, the God of Constructs.

Sibling Dex feels a calling to leave Panga’s only city, where they have always lived. They live and works at Meadow Den Monastery. Dex’s monastery pays homage to the Child God Allalae, the God of Small Comforts. Dex becomes fascinated with the idea of hearing crickets; this desire leads to a broader restlessness with the urbanized space they live in. They tell Sister Mara, the monastery’s Keeper, that they would like to do tea service in the villages. Instead of apprenticing with someone experienced in tea service, Dex wants to teach themself. After an emotional goodbye party, Dex leaves, feeling both anxiety and excitement.

Dex is shown to their wagon, a small, economically organized double-decker structure hooked up to a bike. The wagon is decorated monastically, with images of the gods, including their own god, Allalae.