Like the other sealed doors in the COI station, the door to the grow room opened with a pneumatic hiss. Simon flinched as the humid, organic-smelling air from inside hit him like a wall. It was his second day on the job, and the change of atmosphere was jarring.

Evan, the station’s gardener, was already inside, carrying some plants in old plastic containers to the counter in the middle of the room. They stopped when they saw Simon.

“Oh hey – good morning! Wasn’t expecting you for another hour!” They said, pulling a small, grey stick out of their mouth to speak.

Simon quickly turned to where his assigned apron was hanging by the door.

“Yeah. I’m here.”

Evan gestured with the pencil-sized stick.

Did you get breakfast already? They start serving it early here.”

Simon shrugged as he tried to get the apron over his head with his single hand.

“I’m not hungry.” A lie, but Simon was too nervous to eat anything right now

Evan set the plants they were carrying onto the counter with a raised eyebrow.

“You sure? I’m going to need some help lifting some stuff today, and lunch is an hour later on the weekends.” They waved a hand. “Unless, of course, you just don’t like the stuff they serve for breakfast – I won’t fault you for not wanting garlic-flavored mush first thing in the morning.”

Simon succeeded in wrestling the apron on and tightened the pre-tied strap around his hips. It was his first full morning on the station and he had no idea what the morning mush tasted like, but he’d tried garlic for the first time the day before – a weak, diluted taste he’d heard someone else complain about – and it was nothing like the flavorless prison slop he’d been eating for years.

“I’m fine. What do you want me to do today?”

Evan put the end of the stick back in the corner of their mouth and nodded to the group of potted plants assembled on the floor. “Well for starters, you can help me move these tomatoes to the counter.”

Simon nodded, grabbed one of the makeshift plant pots, and followed Evan across the room. Evan swung the plant onto the counter.

“Have you ever had fresh tomato before?”

Simon had no memories of eating tomatoes.

“… I don’t think so.”

“Huh.” Evan headed back to the plants on the floor and grabbed another. “I’ll have to see if I can snag us one when they’re ready to pick. They’re great right off the vine, but most people don’t know that since everything in here gets stewed down. Oh, but in the meantime…” Evan set their payload on the counter, reached into their pocket, and pulled out a small fabric pouch. “Caffeine stick?” Several small grey sticks identical to the one Evan was chewing were sticking out the opening. “Usually just the night workers get these, but I cut a deal with the supply guy – ah, that’s just between you and me though.” They winked with a mischievous grin.

Simon eyed the pouch warily.

“What’s… in it?”

“Just some caffeine and plant fiber. You’ve never had one before? You chew on it and it wakes you up.” They held out the pouch expectantly.

Simon hesitated. He knew how this situation worked – offering gifts to a newcomer in exchange for loyalty or other favors. He’d seen it enough in prison.

“N… No thanks.”

Evan shrugged and stashed the pouch back in their pocket, turning back to the plants.

“Offer still stands if you want one later. Also! I’m apologizing in advance if I talk your ear off. I haven’t had anyone else in here for a while, and there’s a lot to learn.”

Simon placed the pot in his hand on the counter.

“It’s…” He tried to sort his thoughts, suddenly given the option to have an opinion, “… Most people don’t talk to me anyway.”

“Ah good! Ah, not that they don’t talk to you, but- ah, you know what I mean.” Evan waved a hand. “Anyway! Tomatoes!” They began rattling off a rundown on tomato plant care.

Simon listened to the words drifting around him, filing away what information that stuck. It was several minutes before he realized the anxious stiffness in his shoulders had begun to relax. He straightened his posture a little as Evan waved a makeshift watering can around.

He could get used to this.