They drove to the research lab in a tracked vehicle, which Sokolov referred to as a ‘cat.’ Francis didn’t get why that name was appropriate for this boxy, lumbering machine, but neither did he care. He was starting to notice a slight closed-in feeling that he just couldn’t shake. He figured this was an altogether bad place to get cabin fever. It wasn’t hard to imagine why the people here immersed themselves into their work. At least the vehicle offered some shelter from the cold. That was something to appreciate. And he only felt slightly like throwing up. Everything was coming up roses.
They stopped in front of yet another building that failed to impress. Francis couldn’t reconcile how research this important, funded by an entire nation in a manner somewhat akin to the space program at NASA, could operate out of structures that could be used as props in a sci-fi movie wasteland.
“Follow me, Doctor.”
No further urging was needed. Avoiding the frigid Antarctic temperatures was one of the most effective motivators that Francis had ever encountered. He sped through the open door.
Once inside, his goggles immediately fogged over to the extent that he was temporarily blind. He removed them so he could at least have a blurry view of the room.
“Welcome, Doctor Hamlin.”
Francis recognized a face from the previous nights’ festivities. The man was young, constantly grinning, and sporting a gap-toothed dental structure that was the most memorable feature of his face.
“Hi. Sorry, I seem to have some self-induced memory lapses. I can’t recall your name.”
Again the grin. “I think I may have, in a small way, contributed to your condition. I’m Doctor Konstantine. I’m looking forward to working with you.” He seemed to have a very slight lisp, which Francis found to be fascinating and entertaining all at once.
He pondered one of life’s most recent mysteries that was now staring him in the face. “Why aren’t you hung over? I remember you doing shots...vaguely.”
“That’s like asking an Olympic runner why he isn’t sore after a race. Training is the key. I’m a fine tuned drinking machine.”
Sokolov didn’t like the direction the conversation had taken. “Surely you can think of more appropriate topics to discuss. Something related to this research, for example.”
“Right. Of course. Perhaps I can bring Doctor Hamlin up to speed on where we are and how we got here in terms of our most recent discoveries.”
Francis tried to help the young man out. “That’s a great idea. I can’t think of a better place to start.”
This seemed to sit better with Sokolov. “Very good. I’m off to the drilling site. Hopefully I’ll have some new and very exciting samples for you soon. Try to get yourselves and the lab prepared in the meantime.”
He opened the door and quickly disappeared through it. The atmosphere of the lab seemed to change immediately.
“Is that guy as much of a dick as I think he is, or is that my hangover talking?”
“Oh, Sokolov is fine. He really holds this whole operation together.” As Konstantine said this, he wrote THE ROOM IS BUGGED on a sheet of paper and held it up for perusal.
Francis was shocked and couldn’t imagine that it was so, but still managed to play along. “Sorry. I should be more respectful. I think the adjustment to being here is putting me on edge. That and the hangover. I meant no offense.”
Konstantine gave him the okay sign. “No apology necessary. We’re all comrades now, my friend.”
“Sure. So, can we talk about what you’ve been doing here?”
“Absolutely.” This response seemed more genuine. “So far it’s been focused primarily on chemical analysis designed to give us a reading of what the atmosphere was doing when the layers of ice were formed. We’ve looked at everything from ozone to oxygen and everything else you can imagine. It’s interesting but so far nothing that we didn’t really anticipate. These Lake Vostok samples could change that, though.”
“So we might actually see some life-forms that are truly new to modern man?”
“Oh yes. That’s the big thing. Water in liquid form always has the ability to sustain life in some capacity. We’re all jealous that you come in here as a newbie and perhaps get to do something on your first day that many researchers have been dreaming about for years. But we’re all part of the team, so we’ll be excited and ready to live the thrill vicariously through the emotional response that you’re sure to have when it happens. So make sure you have an emotional response.”
“Like what? Break down and weep?”
He grinned his funny grin. “No. Do something American! You know, pump your fists and scream we’re number one, smash a piece of furniture, or take a drink of something rare and expensive and then spit it out. Sheesh, you should know this. You’re not secretly Canadian are you? I only ask because my internet research indicates that you would be boring if you were. We need unbridled enthusiasm. That and lots of vodka. And we have the vodka already.”
“I’m enthusiastic about the vodka—or at least I was until I woke up this morning. Does that count?”
“It’s a good start, I have to admit. We can use that as a foundation and work up from there.”
Francis decided to cooperate. “So is there a chair or stool that I can smash for practice?”
“Yes, that’s better. Now you’re getting in the right spirit. Hey, do you want to see your actual workspace? Maybe you can do some organizing before the samples start coming in. You probably should set up your files and get familiarized with our storage system. If you would be so good as to follow me to the other end of the counter, I’ll get this tour started.”
“Do I get access to some kind of computer?”
Konstantine nodded. “Of course. There’s a laptop charging over in the corner. It’s all yours.”
Francis gave the machine a good look. At least the equipment seemed to be in good order. If he could take the work seriously, maybe he would have some chance of getting through this work term without going stir crazy.
“Francis, come in. Please.” The chancellor extended a hand.
Hamlin took it and gave it a shake. It was what was expected, after all. “I was surprised by your call,” he replied. “I haven’t got much more to report since our last meeting. All I can say is that things are moving along.”
“That’s not why I called you in.”
“Oh? What’s up, Richard? Pulling my funding? Revoking my tenure?”
He chuckled. “No, Francis. Academic tenure is a difficult thing to take away. And besides, why would I even try? You’re one of the best biologists I’ve ever met.”
Hamlin frowned. “Then why am I here?” He wasn’t ready to invest a lot of time into friendly, casual interaction just yet.
The chancellor leaned forward before responding.
“How are you, Francis? Are things going well?”
“That depends, I suppose. What are you talking about, exactly?”
“I’m talking about you. Francis Hamlin, the person. How is your life proceeding these days?”
Hamlin didn’t care for the discussion, but this man was his friend as well as his boss. He shrugged. “It’s fine. I’m eating and sleeping. I work, effectively I think, at least five days a week. No suicide attempts. I suppose I’m drinking more than I should. I try not to change my clothes in front of the picture window without shutting the blinds first. Why, what have you heard?”