Minor WIP, I haven't disappeared yet.

"Clone patrols keep disappearing in the jungle, the natives are probably to blame. I suggest we request armored patrol vehicles from Corporate Command along with local road-laying crews."

"No, that's not necessary. The goal of the patrols has been achieved, one way or another."

"What do you mean, sir?"

"They're out there to stop our mining bots from getting attacked. Natives have managed to learn they can't fuck a drill machine. When's the last time they've burned a mining bot? Hell, when have they even been spotted near a mining site?"

"...not for a while."

"The patrols don't even go near the mining sites, usually."

"So- sir, you're saying that our company is feeding security clones to the natives? To keep them off our machines?"

"Those machines are worth more than the life of every employee on this miserable fucking planet, you and I included. Not very good at security, but cheap. We also brought in proper Aesir mercs to guard the mining sites proper, but they haven't been needed. I hear some of them even venture out into the patrol routes to blow off some steam..."

"God, sir. We can't just pay the natives off?"

"Even if they understood money - and believe me, they're not as stupid as you'd think - or resources, the amount they could demand for our machines' protection is far greater than the cost of a hundred clones every month. Same story with a proper military campaign to wipe the natives out. Far too expensive. We're just here for the minerals - now, women, that's something the natives understand. We don't give them money. We give them bodies."

"This is messed up, sir."

"First time on a colony world, eh? Tell me, son, how much are you getting payed every month?"

"..."

"Thought so. If you're so concerned, you can easily buy a hundred clones with a Colony Associate's paycheck. We'll just bring in a hundred more."