Biodata
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Old John |
| Species/Race | Human 38 63 |
| Gender | Male 38 63 |
| Affiliation | Eastern Granary, Granary Seven 38 66 |
| Occupation/Role | Logistics supervisor; formerly a refugee leader 38 69 |
| First Appearance | Chapter 38 38 |
Background / History
Old John was a refugee leader whom Rovi noticed for keeping the queue orderly during the distribution of Green Soup. Rovi promoted him to handle logistics and sanitation at Granary Seven 38. Despite his fear, John recruited refugees for a dangerous supply expedition to Granary Four and later managed the distribution of its recovered canned meat, including compensation for recruits’ families 39 42.
After John helped Rovi investigate the harassment of three soldiers’ widows, he mistakenly assumed Rovi would exploit them as Supervisor Kais might have. Rovi’s reaction prompted an immediate apology; John came to regard him as a manager concerned with labor and order rather than personal indulgence 43.
John subsequently oversaw work at the corpse processing center. When Rovi found him salvaging clothing and boots from infected bodies, he permitted the recovery only for Imperial use, subject to disinfection and a ban on keeping contaminated objects as personal possessions 57. John later became logistics supervisor and said that Rovi’s trust in him—and his escape from competing for food in the refugee camp—mattered more than a share of Rovi’s meat and wine 69.
Appearance
John is an elderly, thin man, often shown hunched over his work 57 63.
- He has a wrinkled face, cloudy eyes, sparse hair, and a distinctive duck-like voice 57 69 76.
- At the corpse processing center, he wears an oversized rubber apron and carries a long-handled hook 57.
- By the time of Rovi’s formal appointment as supervisor, John appears healthier and stands straighter 72.
Personality
John is deferential toward Rovi but attentive to the advantages and responsibilities of his position. He recognizes that control of supply distribution is a greater reward than a few luxury rations 69. He is also easily frightened by threats outside his experience: during the Granary Nine expedition, he steadies himself by reciting inventory figures rather than watching the Plague creatures nearby 63.
His practical concern for scarce goods leads him to salvage usable clothing from the dead, though Rovi has to impose safeguards against contamination 57. John also reports workers’ fears to Rovi, including their suspicion that an unexpected extra meal means they will soon be killed and made into fertilizer 78.
Abilities & Skills
Logistics and inventory
- Recruits refugees for the Granary Four supply mission and helps organize food distribution afterward 39 42.
- Maintains manifests for recovered fuel, fertilizer, alloy, and machinery, and manages transport and warehousing under Rovi’s orders 63 66 73.
- Reports practical harvesting problems, including Gray Mule-1 grain tearing sacks and overloading trucks 104.
Workforce and sanitation management
- Directs laborers at the corpse processing center and organizes the recovery of usable belongings 57.
- Supervises the grinding and dilution of high-energy rations into nutrient paste for the Eastern Granary’s laborers 96 98.
- Relays laborers’ rumors and concerns to Rovi, including panic over the unusual growth of Gray Mule-1 78 84.
Relationships
- Rovi — John’s superior and patron. Rovi entrusts him with logistics, supply distribution, and sensitive orders; John credits that trust with giving him a stable position 38 69 76.
- The Eastern Granary laborers and refugees — John organizes recruits and supplies for them, while also serving as a source of information about their fears and rumors 39 78 84.
- The three soldiers’ widows — John delivers their compensation and accompanies Rovi when he investigates the threats against them 42 43.