Sam pumps for information
[!0.987]2020-09-21

Pump repairs used to be handled in house. Then they decided it would be cheaper to outsource and reduce the number of workers on the official payroll.

The remaining workers were told the pumps were not their responsibility anymore. They also weren't happy about their work being taken away. With the incentive to care removed, pumps started to fail more often.

It was a good cost savings theory, marred by the single ugly fact that it didn't work.

Color by George Peterson

Sam pumps for information
[!0.987]2020-09-23

Do you have a pump that needs work?

No. Sorry. I arrived today and I'm wandering around the station to see what I can see.

It's an interesting place. Not nearly as busy now that the moon is on its way to Jean. If you go to the plaza, it's almost empty.

Are they happy to see visitors?

They're happy to see visitors' money.

Thank you. I'm going to wander in that direction. They sound like my kind of people.

Color by George Peterson

We remind you that Jean is the planet where the events of the first chapter took place.

Sam pumps for information
[!0.987]2020-09-25

We got seventy-five opinions and at least three dozen suggestions on how to fix this place.

Still a bit low for any respectable economist, but I'm just starting out.

We can always go back. We only talked to ten people.

Color by George Peterson

Sam pumps for information
[!0.987]2020-09-28

It sounds like the station income went down once the moving of the moon was finished. The station began to cut costs. How they did it made costs go up.

We'll dig deeper after we get the fusion reactor for our ship. If what we hear is true, if we do the work first, they're going to be difficult about keeping their end of the bargain.

And that's another problem. Everyone wanting to be paid first is going to deplete their reserves. How big a problem it is depends on whether or not they can pay us.

Color by George Peterson

Niomi reports for work
[!0.987]2020-09-30

Hello?

A little bit dirty. Workbenches are cluttered. Nothing flammable or hazardous left out. Underlying smells of solvent and lubricant.

I'm in the right spot. This looks like a place that actually does work.

Color by George Peterson

Niomi reports for work
[!0.987]2020-10-02

Hey! The place isn't deserted!

Nope. I'm still here. Can I help you?

I'm Niomi Lacks. I'm the new tech.

Oh, hi. I've got your orientation package ready. It contains your locker and apartment codes.

Are you
the only one here?

This is the backshift. You'll meet the crew tomorrow. Don't let first impressions fool you. They're really much nuttier than
they appear.

Color by George Peterson

Niomi reports for work
[!0.987]2020-10-05

Tonight, you should find your apartment and read through the employee handbook.

Tomorrow we'll get you settled in and get the paperwork done. Then we can allow you out on jobs.

So, what's the situation around here?

I'll tell you tomorrow. It's a perk. All new employees get one night of worry-free sleep.

Color by George Peterson

Niomi reports for work
[!0.987]2020-10-07

Navigation seems simple enough. The front of the station is forward. The rear is aft. Left is port, right is starboard. It's like being on a ship. A really big ship with thirty floors.

There's a grid system as well. Port, forward is A,1. Go starboard and aft, it goes up. My apartment is on floor 20, grid C4.

Good. Now that I know the system, if I get lost, I'll know exactly where I am.

Color by George Peterson

Niomi reports for work
[!0.987]2020-10-09

The lights are on. I hear movement. This must be a shared residence.

Hello. I'm Niomi. I was assigned to this apartment. I'm your new roommate.

Hi, Roomie!

[!1.4]Get out!

Color by George Peterson

Niomi reports for work
[!0.987]2020-10-12

What are you doing here?

The door
was open.

It was locked.

A lock that simple might as well be open.

Why this apartment?

Am I going to have to call security to get you out?

The others either had people in them or the power was off.

Please do.

Oh, no. Somehow you're going to make it so I get tossed out of here. I'm not falling into that trap.

Sometimes it's good to have a bad reputation.

Color by George Peterson