[Riven's POV]
The announcement came at dawn through a crackling intercom that had seen better days.
"All provisional residents report to the main courtyard for work assignments. Be there in fifteen minutes or you'll be assigned to waste management."
Riven's eyes shut open...waste management??...what's that.
Riven rolled out of his narrow bunk, muscles still aching from sleeping on what felt like a wooden plank with a thin mattress thrown over it.
Around him, the other provisional residents moved with the practiced efficiency of people who'd learned that being late meant getting the worst jobs.
Lisa was already dressed, tying her boots with quick, precise movements.
"What's waste management like?" Riven asked, pulling on his clothes.
"Well, it's a duty about cleaning the latrines and hauling garbage to the incinerator," she replied without looking up. "Trust me, you don't want that assignment."
