How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
But he knew the calculations she was making, her clever mind working the angles, sensing the great pool of wealth, the secret stash that she might pillage later, if Fates and the Rust Saint worked in her favor. (3.63)
As Nailer is stuck in the pool of oil, Sloth doesn't immediately rescue him; in fact, she doesn't rescue him at all. She weighs her options and decides to sacrifice Nailer for the chance that she might be able to use the oil to change her fortunes from rust rat to something like Lucky Strike. So in Sloth's case, her greed causes her to betray Nailer.
Quote #2
"You weren't just lucky," she said. "You were smart. And Lucky Strike, he was smart, too. Half the crews out here find some cache of oil or copper or whatever and none of them figure out what to do with it. Crew boss grabs it in the end, and they get bumped off the wrecks… Luck isn't what you need out here," Pima said. "Smarts is what you need." (5.86)
Combined with intelligence, greed can give someone a boost to a better life. But this way of thinking sounds really similar to Pyce and his betrayal. What makes Lucky Strike's actions more acceptable than Pyce's actions? Why is greed okay in some situations and not in others?
Quote #3
"That's enough to pay off all our work debts. With that much cash you could set up scavenge on your own. Even buy Bapi's light crew slot." (8.81)
Nailer and Pima realize that the scavenge from the clipper ship is enough to help them get out of the terrible jobs they have. Money can give them opportunities not previously available to them, so their greed here is all about possibility and hope for the future.