"That's what I think it is, ain't it? I mean, it's wrecked, but it musta been a nice-lookin' bike."

Palmer's a mechanic and a biker, so even a wrecked hoverbike immediately grabs his attention. He runs over to look at it. Sure, he's ninety-nine percent sure it's beyond fixing, but that doesn't mean he can't dissect it to learn how it works, or cannibalize it for spare parts...

"I guess goin' to Antarctica sounded like a good idea at the time. I was fresh outta the rehab center, needed the money, and one of my friends back home helped me get the job. I sure as hell wouldn't turn it down. With my record, getting a job would be next to impossible. Former gang runner? Criminal record? Marijuana? I mean, would you hire me?"