Chapter 21 now and I’ve discovered the answer to my previous question:
No, Grace was not as taken aback at finding himself an ‘in charge person’ as I was because he still has no idea that he is one.
Seriously, this guy is completely oblivious. ‘Yeah, I sign off on things except for the ones I decide Stratt needs to see. No, I’m just a drafted science minion.’ ‘I’m usually standing next to Stratt (direct quote) but that means nothing.’ ‘I casually commandeer rooms to carry out tasks Stratt gives me that have nothing to do with science, but really I’m just here because I’m a scientist like the other hundred scientists here.’ ‘My room is right next to the most in charge person on the planet, which is completely normal for a random science grunt.’ ‘I have to approve every single new tool they make which is just an annoying task my boss gave me.’ ‘They send me reports with problems and I tell people what to do about it, up to and including what stuff to put on the spaceship, but really I have no power here and just do what I’m told.’ ‘Second in command? Absolutely ridiculous. I’m just constantly with her and advise her on a lot of things.’
Like, how is he not aware of all this? I love this guy, but I seriously don’t know how he’s managed to live this long with this level of obliviousness.