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This is one of the things that makes sci-fi stories set on Moon and Mars colonies more interesting than generic space opera with abundant/unexplained resourcing.

Unfortunately the Moon/Mars genre has been tainted by Heinlein’s “Moon is a Harsh Mistress” which recognized this question and solved it by making everyone a true libertarian who would rather nobly suffocate than steal air. When a criminal element shows up, it’s a racial stereotype shipped from Earth and the enlightened lunar dwellers simply kick him out and proceed with their zero-crime paradise of private property. Ridiculous book but understandably influential in its era.



Don't forget the literal deus ex machina in the form of the computer that coordinates everything.


How about "R, G, B Mars" [1], then?

[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_trilogy


This is precisely what happens in the Apple TV series “For All Mankind” an I think it’s a pretty realistic take on how future lunar and Martian settlements would work (either everyone cooperates or everyone is cooked)




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