Holman
Holman Pressman is an Officer of the Cogency who runs a print shop in Lowtown. Ricky is his apprentice.
Holman is in his fifties and dresses like a Maker - browns, leather, fedora. He wears glasses and has the look of a distinguished gentleman.
When we meet the printer, he is on his way to a meeting in the city; Ricky guesses this meeting concerns a humanitarian petition being debated within the Institution and hints that Narissa may be involved. Holman does not confirm his suspicions, but when Ricky asks, “How’s it looking for us?” Holman answers with a smile, “ever better.” They seem to share some values.
Holman asks Ricky to file some reports and leaves him unattended, but returns to find Ricky has used the press to print unauthorized material. He harshly admonishes Ricky for his recklessness and forces him to burn his undistributed pamphlets and work pass - Ricky is fired.
Holman gives Ricky his “owed pay” and suggests he find work in the Annex, perhaps under the slumlords Ricky is railing against. As Ricky leaves, Holman asks him if he was willing to die for what he wrote.