Significance of Classification Numbers

Every person in the novel is classified according to profession and rank in that profession. Finnerty is a EC-002, the second highest engineering rank. Lasher is an R-127. The "R" indicates religion, and "127" indicates Lasher's specific profession as a Protestant minister, 127 rungs down the hierarchical ladder. Higher numbers represent more prominent and important jobs. R-001 is reserved for the Pope.