Here, no one entered into closer, non-official relationships. People were devoid of any emotions and positive feelings, as the regulations of the expeditionary base governed all aspects of life and work. There was no room for sentiments or spontaneity, as everything had been subordinated to one overarching goal—ruthless cosmic exploration.

Jo was an exceptionally peculiar individual who scowled at everyone, as if he had something to hide. Distrustful, taciturn, alienated, reacting extremely nervously to any attempts at non-official contacts. He evoked antipathy and contempt from others. The checkpoint guards often indulged in mockery and derision directed at him. And as if that were not enough, the eccentric mechanic did not eat in the worker's canteen like everyone else; he prepared his meals by himself from some algae growing on the damp walls of the hangar. What came out of it was a stinking, dirty-green sludge that everyone, except Jo, found utterly repulsive. Initially, attempts were made to prohibit his practices. Several times, he was summoned before the disciplinary committee, but in the end, it was recognized that if it did not affect his efficiency and effectiveness, he could eat even his own shit.

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