“What?” Ivan spun around in place, coming up against the end of his rope. He rebounded at the sudden tension, and found himself being slowly wrapped up in his tether. Untangling himself, Ivan glared at Seth, his face hot.

Seth grinned back. “For the price of one dessert, I didn’t see anything.”

Ivan growled, then waved a hand. “Fine. I hope it’s tapioca.” He grabbed his line and hauled himself to the bulkhead, where he grabbed a handhold.

Seth spared a glance to make sure Ivan was secured and out of the way, then announced, “Launching beacon. Stay clear.”

Seth worked the controls, and the beacon began moving out of the hold, propelled by attitude jets. Ivan alternately watched the beacon and a readout on the panel until the beacon had reached the desired distance from the ship.

Their job complete, Ivan closed the hold doors and they returned to shipboard. Seth pressed the intercom and reported completion.

“Thanks, guys,” Dante responded. “Beacon is now doing self-check. We’ll activate it as soon as we’ve finished our sweep. And we’ll be in business. Hab ring is still in spin-up, so head back to on-axis Commons and park it.”

The task had been a simple one, but interesting, and had kept Ivan’s mind busy. Now, with only more waiting ahead of him, he resumed brooding about the financial situation. He knew that the crew would vote for the captain’s plan. The alternative would be devastating for everyone. The odds, on a nine-month tour, would be in their favor. But with a sinking feeling in his stomach, Ivan acknowledged that odds only meant maybe.

Three months of missed pay, owing that money to Seth, on top of possibly losing most or all of his share, would be all but impossible to dig his way out of. Ivan blinked rapidly to keep his vision clear as he trudged back to the common room.

5.Being an Asteroid Miner

5.Being an Asteroid Miner

Three weeks later, the mood in the ship was considerably gloomier. Twelve asteroids of significant size had been scanned, none of which contained enough ore even to cover the costs of the trip. Just the same, they’d extracted what they could find, and sent it on a homeward trajectory with a beacon attached. Enough of those small strikes could still add up.

Meanwhile, the crew had voted for the extended tour, and it was beginning to look like the extra few months would be necessary.

Conversation in the crew area was desultory and heavy on short sentences. People sat by themselves and stared into their cups. Even the never-ending poker game had begun to suffer from poor attendance.

Ivan looked up as Seth entered the room, the man’s gait too slow and plodding for half-gee gravity. Seth sat down across from him, and Ivan raised his cup in greeting.