Chapter Three: The First Reservation—One Billion Credits

Messages flooded the chat. Some asked where he was; others sent weeping faces. Zhou offered no explanation. He sent a photograph of Earth beyond the window. Miguang interrupted. “Diverting personal revenue to people with whom you have no contractual relationship does not maximize benefit.” “They worked for me.” “The company's unpaid wages are not your debt.” “A hotel manager's accounts aren't all written in contracts.” The silver ring flickered. Perhaps Zhou imagined it, but Miguang sounded a little less cold when she spoke again. “Action recorded. Civilization recognition increased by one point.” “What is that score?” “Insufficient clearance.” He had expected as much.