Artemis

“On a scale from one to ‘invade Russia in winter,’ how stupid is this plan?”

Building a civilization is ugly, Jasmine. But the alternative is no civilization at all.

And of course, they’ll kill anyone who tries to get in their way. That’s the breed of ‘capitalism’ we can expect from now on.

“Nope. It’s one of the stupidest things I’ve ever done. And that’s a field of intense competition.”

It’s a simple idiot-proofing scheme that’s very effective. But no idiot-proofing can overcome a determined idiot.

“Yes, collapse. An economy is a living thing. It’s born full of vitality and dies once it’s rigid and worn out. Then, through necessity, people break into smaller economic groups and the cycle begins anew, but with more economies. Baby economies, like Artemis is right now.” “Huh,” I said. “And if you want to make babies, somebody’s got to get fucked.”

I beelined for Bean, then followed its perimeter.

I snuck a peek at the control room and fist-pumped when I saw it empty.

Just a bunch of working schmoes.

“I think you invented new swearwords,” said Dale. “Like… what’s a ‘funt’?”