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"No, it - it's fine. I'll do the interior work."
With that, you hand over your time-card, and he stamps it.
"Okay. To get the base pay, you need clock back in at the end of the shift with one hundred cubits of conduit, in lengths no smaller than two cubits. And on top of that, it needs to be in good condition - scuffs and cosmetic damage is alright, but anything more than that isn't going to make the grade. The bonus is incremental for every fifty cubits on top of the first hundred. You are eligible for the time worked - or what you kids call 'overtime' - if you bring back three hundred and fifty. At five hundred cubits of clean conduit, you will be eligible for a prorated rate for the substandard stuff, the ones that are either too short or too damaged, which pays out every two hundred cubits."
"What about the electronics, how do they pay out?"
"Appraised lot by lot, though you have to have two hundred cubits of clean conduit, otherwise they won't pay out at all."
You try to hide your excitement at that by quickly asking another question.
"What about the stuff inside of the conduit, does any of that pay out?"
"No, and they don't want it pulled out either, just leave it in there. Supposedly it will make the exterminators job easier."
"Fine, then. And how much conduit do I need to pull before I am eligible for worm egg bounty?"
"Actually, that one isn't gated. The eggs are laid in clusters about the size of a fingernail. You get a bonus for each cluster, with a little extra every time you make a dozen. They really, <span class="mu-i">really</span> want this ship clean. Hell, if I didn't know better, I'd think they were considering recommissioning it. Maybe they are. Right now, there is a restriction against cutting through the hull or anything structural ... but then again, that is typical for a new arrival here, isn't it? "
"Yes, I suppose it is, sir. And ... uh, the hazard differential?"
"All you need to earn that is to clock in."
When he sees that there are no more questions forthcoming from you, he nods cordially.
“Alright then, if you think of anything else, I'll be going over all of this with everyone in half an hour or so for the first call."
Half an hour! You really did jump the gun, didn't you. Oh well. Just ... think of it as more time to prepare. You roll your new-model suit off a little way and suit up. As you do, you take a look at your equipment. Most of it is simple hand tools; vac-grade ratchets, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and hammers. And the selection of bars: crow, pry, and breaker, each with their own cheater. There is some more advanced equipment as well, though. Shears, a driver <span class="mu-i">and</span> a drill, the wrecking torch, the grease gun, several pieces diagnostic equipment. And of course, a number of lights. Towing all of this behind you - and the conduit - is going to be a real tricky situation, especially if the <span class="mu-i">Highest Heaven</span> is as cramped as Quimbix has said.
