Rust

Rust is a fictional disease created in the story, '8113 ', which results from the corrosion of ore in the presence of oxygen. Geotomatons which carry old ore, or rapidly-deteriorating ore, are prone to developing rust. Symptoms include the gradual spread of a sickly orange rash/callus that begins in the extremities (fingers, toes), and gradually extends medially. It is comparable to necrosis, and can result in ulcerating sores, loss of limbs, and muscle atrophy. More septic cases involve breathing difficulties, paralysis, chest infections, and eventually death.

While originally only the very elderly - or those whose Mercurian ore was reaching the very end of its half-life - were prone to develop rust, newer Venusian ore has been found to be extremely volatile and has begun to affect geotomatons of all ages. An epidemic of rust has begun to sweep both the Colonies and Mars, particularly amongst the poor who cannot replace their ore fast enough to outpace the onset of rust. This 'plague' has prompted the UFC to consider lifting the mining embargo on Earth to get access to more stable ore.

The story's protagonist, Captain AK Rhodes, is suffering from rust and cannot afford to save himself, prompting him to take on a risky mission in return for money.