Watching people go back to their stations to resume working made Hamlin feel out of place. He knew full well how much he needed a focus and purpose.
“Ah, there you are. And looking lost, too.” Lena waved him to follow. “Come with me. I have something for you.”
She led him into the small lab where she and Zoya worked. There was a case on the counter that seemed to be her immediate focus. Once unzipped, a small electronic device of some sort was removed.
“Here you go. Take good care of this.”
He regarded it doubtfully. “What is it?”
“It’s a magnetic gradiometer, capable of detecting perturbations in the Earth’s magnetic field induced by the presence of meteorites. It connects to this.”
She lifted up what looked like a small antenna.
“I think I’ve seen those on the roofs of trailers back home.”
“This one is subtly different and blatantly more expensive. There is a bracket for it on the back of the Cat. I’ll help you with the installation.”
“Great. Thank you. By the way, what’s the likelihood of me having success? I assume this is a bit of a needle in a haystack process.”
“Not so much. Tell him, Zoya.”
She turned and smiled, accentuating her dimples.
“Antarctica is the richest source of meteorites, especially with the relative lack of space travel now. The ground is littered with them. Once they land here, they just sit in the snow. There is nothing here to hide or camouflage them, except the drifting. When the sun returns, it is possible to go out without equipment and find them just lying there.”
“No kidding. That is kind of exciting, in a seriously nerdy way. So, I have a good chance of being successful. Excellent. I assume these will tend to be rather small.”
Lena was checking the connection for the meter.
“Oh yes. Most pieces would fit in your pocket nicely. However, an American found a fifteen-kilo piece two summers ago. You could knock a door down with one that big. It was about the size of one of Zoya’s boobs.”
Zoya immediately blushed. “Don’t say things like that.”
Lena smiled. “I forgot. I’m not supposed to notice those things.”
“You’re not supposed to talk about them.” Zoya turned back to her work.
“Right,” Hamlin said. “You clearly have a lot of serious things to do here, what with getting caught up after the missed days, making earth-shattering discoveries, deciding whether or not to mention Zoya’s boobs…all in all I think I should leave you to your work. So, can you take a few minutes to get me ready?”
“Yes, of course. You get your outside clothes on, and I’ll do the same. First we’ll install the antenna, and then I’ll show you how this process works. Then we’ll see how productive you can be out in the field.”
“Awesome.” Hamlin was truly stoked to have a purpose again. He thought there was a chance that this might even be fun.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
The cold still had its incessant, brutal bite. Fortunately, the antenna attached with ease. They didn’t even have to remove their gloves. After that, it took fifteen minutes inside the cab of the Cat for Lena to explain how the equipment worked and what kind of a process he needed to follow. Francis, proud owner of a doctoral degree, caught on quickly. She was soon comfortable sending him out for the first time.
“You have no weapons, as there is no longer any need to be armed. The equipment is quite simple to use. Make sure you set a grid that makes sense to you, and record your results so that you will not be repetitive as you start to make multiple trips. Other than that, make sure your radio works so you can call in if you have any trouble. Be careful getting out when picking up a sample. Do not walk far. If the Cat gets out of sight, you are in big trouble. Take your time, be successful, and have fun. We’ll expect you back in two hours. That is long enough for your first time out. Show me what you can do.”
“Aye-aye, Captain. I won’t let you down.”
“Good-bye, Doctor smart-ass. Good hunting.”
The door slammed shut. Hamlin was out on his own for the first time since arriving here—at least as far as the working portion of the trip was concerned. He was ecstatic.
The Cat responded easily to his commands and he rolled away from the barracks. The GPS was functioning perfectly. Lena had helped him to set a simple grid pattern and he wasted no time in following it. This was perfect. It was just what he needed.
The Cat held the line he wanted to follow with minimal correction required. At first he really watched the meter, but as time and distance passed, he became more comfortable with trusting it to do what it was designed to do. He relaxed and de-stressed.
He found one piece that day. It came after the first hour had passed. The meter clearly showed that there was something on the ground that was giving off an electromagnetic signal. Once outside, it had taken some time to find it. Once he did, he felt stupid. The meter had tried to give him good directions and he had just failed to follow them well. Eventually he had stumbled upon a piece slightly larger than a golf ball. It had a number of sculpted grooves in its dark shiny surface. There was little doubt as to what it was. There was no other way for any other type of similar material to exist here.
Once back inside, he bagged the sample and carried on. He was shocked how fast the two hours went by. Not going back empty handed was a definite bonus. His confidence had been boosted. With the aid of the GPS, he set a course back to the barracks.
Lena and Zoya were still working in their lab when he returned. He showed off his meteorite with obvious pride.
“Well, look at this.” Lena held it up and appraised it as if it was a gem. “This is nice. Not bad for a first trip out. You are showing some promise, my good doctor.”
“Thank you.” He couldn’t think of anything smart to say. He was actually pleased with her response.
“So, with such a successful conclusion to a very nice day, I propose we pack it in, as you Americans say. I think we should make burgers for supper and have a movie night. What do you say, Zoya?”
“Da, sounds very nice. Do you have any movies that a lady might like, Dr. Hamlin?”
That was a problem. Hamlin like action, adventure, and goofy comedies.
“I can find something. I’m sure of it. It may take some digging through the menu.”
Lena stretched as she prepared to finish her work.
“Zoya, I think it is time that the men made a meal. I’ll go give them the good news.”
Burgers weren’t too challenging from a culinary perspective. Francis even volunteered to assist. The frozen and canned ingredients notwithstanding, once again the meal was surprisingly good. Everyone seemed to have their appetite back. They baked frozen fries to make the necessary side dish to the simple feast. Lena volunteered a couple bottles of red wine from Sokolov’s private stock as an accompaniment. It was an excellent meal.
Hamlin found Casablanca on his memory stick and decided that it was a good compromise between a romance and something that guys would like. Response was immediately good. He had just nicely settled in when Lena brushed up against him and indicated that she wanted to talk to him outside the group setting. He discreetly followed her out of the room.
“What’s up?”
“Keep walking. Let’s go into Sokolov’s office.”
Curious, he followed her wordlessly. They went in and she shut the door behind them.