Chapter One: The Bankrupt Manager's Lunar Hotel

“Legally, it is.” Han Tuo adjusted his cuff. “But there is another option. The creditors will offset part of the debt against operating rights to Zero Base. Take possession and pass inspection within ninety days. Succeed, and your debt is erased, with a fifteen-percent operating stake on top. Fail, and the base is repossessed while you retain the entire liability.” Zhou studied him. “Why is an unopened lunar hotel on the books of an Earth hotel group?” Han smiled. “You'll know when you arrive.” Seven days later, Zhou Yuan was strapped inside the cargo bay of Magpie Bridge Seven. There was no farewell and no press. An ordinary lunar ticket cost as much as an apartment, but his seat had been wedged between two crates of frozen potatoes and a box of