Foodstuffs

Foodstuffs are a topic of recurring concern.

On Typhon
Rations are the means by which Ærolith Dynamics pays its employees on Typhon, as it is a closed system in which money is not very useful. Residents' biometric data is tracked and monitored in such a way that their precise weight can be calculated at any time, to within a few ounces. Ration sharing is unacceptable and carries harsh penalties, including the suspension of all further rations. "Rations" appears to have a broad enough definition to include glucose solution delivered via IV drip.

Protein is artificially synthesized, and the maximum capacity of the protein synthesis lab ensures that almost everyone on Typhon can be kept from starving. This protein is then salted and cooked into a variety of products. Other options previously considered included importing food from Earth and keeping livestock on Typhon, but neither were seen as workable long-term options; importing because of its unsustainability and on-Typhon farming because "the livestock kept getting inverted, somehow."

Shortly before its launch as Vidarr-1, Argos Tower is noted to have a new hydroponics lab. Halcyon Minor has an advanced plant habitat (whose workers are knowledgeable about carrots, at least) that implies the existence of similar in Halcyon Tower proper. Taken together, it seems likely that edible plants are grown throughout Typhon by hydroculture.

Treats such as cupcakes or scones are sometimes given to residents, either for celebration or as apologies. A make-your-own-sundae bar is a regular event, for which residents are given redeemable tickets. The "ice cream" used for this purpose is the product of the silk glands of a modified breed of spiders, and contains a small amount of neurotoxin which produces a pacifying effect. Ice cream socials are also held to mark employee departures.

On Earth
There is some evidence that the edibility of food on Earth has been affected by its impact by Typhon. By the time of the second cataclysm, wild salmon are just returning to the reclaimed Pacific Northwest and are newly declared safe to eat (despite extraneous eyeballs).

As on Typhon, ice cream socials are held to mark the departure of significant employees.