Ashford hadn't known that, actually, and he hums low in his throat as they make their way.

"And here I was beginning to think such a thing was a myth."

The average life expectancy of Belters falls somewhere in the 30s and 40s. Poor nutrition. Dangerous living conditions. Hazardous work.... not to mention being always in the crosshairs of Earth and Mars' pissing contest.

Ashford, near 70, is an exception. And even then he never expected to get to die a 'natural' death.

"What is it like? Dying of old age?"