Even if a little generic, the introduction scene does its job in bringing the reader into the world of the protagonist. We can understand through his narration and actions already the sort of personality we will be following through the story. The fact that his attitude is not ham-fistedly written in through exposition is a touch that I appreciate in these stories.

It seems, however, that not as much attention had been paid to this protagonist's comrades on the Vertibuck. They are about as complex as the descriptions that introduce them with not much in the way of established idiosyncrasies or relationships. The reader would hardly even know that this "Warm" and "South" were even best friends until the protagonist said so. The captain is treated a little better in characterization, but that is only because she was given more lines and because the protagonist didn't particularly like her. As such, it was hard to really care what happened to any of them. I suppose they might be given more depth in future reflections as the protagonist goes out seeking revenge or something, yet as of now, they are just names.

The other character introduced, this admiral, feels cartoonish and ridiculously snobbish, but I feel that adds to their appeal. They are obviously someone with a lot of power, who knows it and strides with confidence. But if you sought to establish this admiral with an aura of seriousness, choosing to let their characterization revolve around the cleanliness of their shoe was probably not the best option. I can only expect that this admiral will be as cartoonish and silly to read as they have been introduced; otherwise, I expect a very well-executed subversion, or I will be sourly disappointed.

I hope to see where you take this story.