“Because I can help set up the robots more quickly?” Ivan cocked his head.

“No, because Lorenza will kill you instead of us.”

“Y’know,” Ivan replied. “I’m beginning to think I’ve signed up with the IMM Psychos-R-Us. Is everyone in this crew a homicidal maniac?”

Aspasia guffawed. “Just Lorenza. Tenn, over there, isn’t a psycho. Just a jerk.”

“My adoring fans,” Davies winked at her.

Heinrichs laughed, and Ivan saw Geiger twitch. He sympathized—Cirila’s laugh had a certain nails-on-chalkboard quality, and Kady was sitting right beside her. Hopefully she wasn’t the jolly type.

There was a moment of silence, then Seth sighed and spread his hands in a pleading motion. “We’re all a bit on edge, Ivan. I’m guessing you bought into the Mad Astra because a share was cheaper than any of the other mining ships advertising for crew, right? Did you wonder why?”

Ivan shook his head. “My wife is an actuary, Seth. I know the Astra is having financial difficulties. The thing is, we didn’t have a choice. We’d have had to wait at least another cycle to be able to afford a full-price share. We’re taking a chance, but Judy likes the odds. Honestly, she says the Astra’s share is discounted more than the numbers would support.”

Eyebrows went up, and a few of the crew looked at each other.

Davies gave Ivan an appraising look. “Well, okay then.” Tenn bought the next round, synthetic whiskey this time, and raised his shot glass. “To Ivan’s wife. Here’s hoping she’s right.”

Ivan grinned at the unexpected tribute. He downed the shot and smacked the glass to the table.

Not bad. Not terrible, anyway. You could get used to it.

Things got a little blurry after that.

* * *

The promenade that ran around the first level of the public wheel was always busy, with pedestrian traffic flowing in both directions. Automated shuttles ran in a roadway below the promenade level, and could be boarded at periodic traxi stations.

The promenade levels of the two habitation wheels were the crown jewels of Olympus Station, and a popular tourist destination. Expensive restaurants, exclusive shops, and art galleries all tastefully announced themselves, trying to entice the wealthy tourists to come in and spend their money. Two hotels, both five-star, each serviced one of the wheels.

In the open areas between businesses, the architects had placed public seating areas. Carefully designed to give an illusion of privacy, they allowed the weary traveler to take a break while admiring the view through the enormous transparent-aluminum viewports. Decorative ferns and less identifiable plants separated the seating into small, intimate groupings.

There was no problem with budgets for windows on this level. And, more important, these open areas didn’t require you to buy something in order to sit.