Z-Minus (Book 6)

by Perrin Briar

  Z-MINUS: 6 hours 50 minutes

  Palmer Station was a series of squat brightly colored buildings that clung stubbornly to the sloping rocks. Surprisingly few footprints traipsed from one location to another. A few people in high-viz jackets wandered from building to building. None turned to look at Hamish. They were all busy doing their thing.

  “Have you ever stayed at a Winter Over before?” Daniel said, kicking the front door open with his boot.

  “No,” Hamish said. “First time.”

  “This’ll be quite an experience for you,” Daniel said.

  They entered the main social room. It had a kitchen at one end and a large island behind it. There were stools placed underneath it to be used as a breakfast bar. There were three long dining tables, each of a different hand-me-down design, in front of the main entrance.

  The second half of the space was taken up with the main social room. Sofas were arranged in a U-shape, itchy old blankets found in every grandmother’s house draped over them, facing a large old TV with a big ass on it. Someone had taped it to the cabinet to stop it tipping forward onto the floor. There were speakers on either side of it and DVD and video players in separate drawers, scart leads hanging out like protruding tongues.

  If Hamish hadn’t known better, he would have thought these were student digs. But the truth was scientists and creatives of all types were never the most organized people in the world. As they were all scientists, it was unlikely anyone would willingly be the mother figure, and so they lived in relative squalor. Worn board game boxes were stacked under the coffee table.

  “With a place as isolated as Palmer Station we’ve had to come up with ways to reduce waste,” Daniel said. “Food, water, electricity, everything is divided and shared out amongst the inmates.”

  “Inmates?” Hamish said.

  “Our name for ourselves,” Daniel said. “The residents. Even with modern advances we have to be careful. It’s the closest thing to living in a bomb shelter you can get. We take turns with cooking, so make sure to check what everyone likes to eat. We’ve got vegetarians, vegans, but no fruitarians, thank God. We live on the edge of a knife, and the edge is sharp. You’ll want to wear two layers of clothing at all times. Not just to keep warm, but to keep in the smell as much as possible.”

  “Smell?” Hamish said. The logic didn’t follow.

  “Water rationing,” Daniel said. “You’ll get a couple of minutes for a shower twice a week.”

  “What about all the snow?” Hamish said. “Can’t we melt that?”

  “It’s protected,” Daniel said. “We have very strict guidelines about how much of it we can use, and from where.”

  Bummer.

  “And there I was looking forward to a nice long soak,” Hamish said.

  “You’ll get your chance for a soak, but it won’t be long and it won’t be all that hot either,” Daniel said.

  “It just keeps getting better and better,” Hamish said drily.

  He tried to keep himself from thinking of the hot sand Tahiti beaches and coconut cocktails.

  Hamish was already beginning to regret his decision to come to this hellhole. The comfort and convenience he’d taken for granted had been violently stripped from him. But it would only take a little while to get used to. He hoped.

  “We still have high frequency radio and a satellite internet connection,” Hamish said. “Though bandwidth is limited so no YouTube or Skype videos. Our next contact with the outside world will be in mid-October when the next crew arrives on a Twin Otter from Akureyri, Iceland. They’ll care for the instruments and station from October through February.

  “In the meanwhile we have our work cut out for us to winterize the station. Pallets need to be moved, buildings need to be dragged out away from the main station to limit drifting, and vehicles need to be winterized and parked away from the station as well. Everything needs to be flagged and mapped. The winter drifting is unimaginable. Huge pallets and whole buildings can disappear beneath drifts of snow. Come spring there’s too much snow to shovel all by hand so we have to use heavy equipment. But it’s all too easy to destroy things when you’re not exactly sure where every buried item is. So we flag everything, photograph everything, map everything, and hope that any changes are recorded in as much detail as possible. Makes you wonder why we put up with it all, doesn’t it?”

  “You can say that again,” Hamish said.

  Daniel laughed and slapped Hamish on the back.

  “We’re unlocking the secrets of Earth’s climate,” he said. “Revealing lakes and mountains beneath the ice, exploring the deep sea and contemplating the origins of life and the Universe. Once seen as a desolate place frozen in time, Antarctica is now known to be experiencing relentless change. Local transformations such as the loss of ice, changes in ocean circulation and recovery of atmospheric ozone have global consequences — for climate, sea level, biodiversity and society. The work we do here will have global implications.

  “The questions we try to answer fall broadly into six themes: One, define the global reach of the Antarctic atmosphere and Southern Ocean. Two, understand how, where and why ice sheets lose mass. Three, reveal Antarctica's history. Four, learn how Antarctic life evolved and survived. Five, observe space and the Universe. And six, recognize and mitigate human influences.”

  “That’s a lot of questions,” Hamish said. “And here I was thinking I was here to make snowmen”

  “It’s enough to keep us busy, anyway,” Daniel said.

  A pair of men with goatee beards were smacking a dented ping pong ball between one another. Rallies lasted no longer than a couple of strikes. They appeared to be aiming for strength as opposed to accuracy and skill.

  “This is Patrick, this Ian,” Daniel said.

  “Hey,” Patrick and Ian said, not taking their eyes off the ball.

  They both came from the same stock. They were tall with gangly features and bulging eyes. Not lady killers.

  “I’ll introduce you properly later,” Daniel said. “They’re in the middle of something very important. I’ll show you where you’ll be working.”

  The corridors were a rabbit run, closed in, tight, and bare. The lights overheard were fluorescents, bright like an alien beam. The corridor was long and ended with a single dirty door at the end.

  Daniel turned to the first door on the left. There were scuff marks at its base from where it had been opened with feet and not hands. There was a hole where a door handle should have been.

  “What happened here?” Hamish said.

  “We needed to get in,” Daniel said. “Dr. Scott locked the door before he left, snapping the key in the lock. We had to remove it in order to get inside.”

  Hamish frowned. There had been no mention of this, or how Dr. Scott had died, in the report he’d been given to describe his new job and duties. At the time, he hadn’t cared. But now he was here, and there were all these questions, he was beginning to second-guess his kneejerk decision.

  Dr. Scott’s office space was tiny, a cubicle large enough for a computer and small desk, but little else. Papers were piled high on every surface. But what really grabbed the eye were the large refrigerators that ran along the back wall, consisting of dozens of cabinet doors.

  “What is this?” Hamish said. “A morgue?”

  “Normally this room would only be used as a storage facility,” Daniel said. “For the ice cores and anything else we discover here. But Dr. Scott liked to be as near as possible to the samples at all times. He said they inspired him. He was a great man. You might doubt his methods, but you could never doubt his results.”

  Hamish peered with apprehension at the rows of square drawers. He certainly could question Dr. Scott’s methods.

  “I’m sorry for the mess,” Daniel said. “We meant to tidy up the papers, but we thought you might have need of them while you’re working.”

  Hamish eyed the papers.

  “Did Dr. Scott have a particular filing system?” Hamish
said.

  “Dr. Scott wasn’t much of a believer in systems,” Daniel said with a chuckle.

  “Clearly,” Hamish said.

  “Here’s Dr. Scott’s workstation,” Daniel said. “Your workstation.”

  “Thank you,” Hamish said.

  “He was working primarily on the ice cores, as you know,” Daniel said. “The ice sheets are incredible. It’s a time machine into the distant past. Go deep enough and you see the birth of life, or close enough to make no difference.”

  “This is what you were working on before Dr. Scott died?” Hamish said.

  “There’s no proof he died,” Daniel said.

  “But that’s why I’m here, isn’t it?” Hamish said. “Because Dr. Scott disappeared.”

  “Disappeared is not the same as dying,” Daniel said.

  Hamish looked to the side, and then back at Daniel. Something didn’t feel right. It was important to try and catch people’s expressions when they thought you weren’t looking at them. What Hamish saw was unwavering belief that Dr. Scott was indeed missing, not dead.

  “Where could he have gone?” Hamish said.

  “That’s the question, isn’t it?” Daniel said. “Dr. Scott was an unparalleled genius, with no equal in the science community. In the past he got lost, wandered off, and when he returned, came back with some of the greatest insights and discoveries in modern science.”

  Hamish was well aware of them. They’d been drilled into the minds of every science major at Princeton, Hamish’s alma mater, and every other institute of higher learning, for that matter. Legends travel well, especially when the principal character is still alive and kicking.

  “What were you working on before he disappeared?” Hamish said.

  Daniel’s expression changed dramatically. He smiled, a childlike grin that Hamish wouldn’t have believed he was capable of until he saw it.

  “Something very exciting,” Daniel said. “And wholly unique. A fossil. We were studying the ice cores of seven million years ago when we came across a gorgeous specimen. It was in terrific shape, hardly damaged at all. We brought it to Dr. Scott, who recognized it for what it was immediately. It was a remarkable find, because those types of creatures had never been discovered in this part of the world before. It could completely change the way we think how Pangea developed.”

  “Can I see it?” Hamish said.

  He felt excited at the idea he might be able to interact with history before the rest of the science community – and the world – got their hands on it.

  “I’m afraid not,” Daniel said. “We no longer have the specimen.”

  Hamish blinked.

  “What?” he said.

  He couldn’t keep the surprise out of his voice. It was like someone had discovered the cure for cancer and forgotten where they’d put the formula.

  “It’s missing,” Daniel said. “It disappeared at about the same time Dr. Scott did.”

  Hamish deflated.

  “But we have photos, test analyses results,” Daniel said. “You’re more than welcome to look at those.”

  He moved to the computer and typed in his password. He accessed the relevant file and opened it. The images came up onscreen. He opened another program and sent them to a tablet. After a minute, the files and photos had been transferred. Daniel handed the tablet to Hamish.

  The specimen was an odd-looking thing. It had a long snout and short, fat body. It had a maniacal grin, like it was preparing to play a trick on someone. Hamish couldn’t say he cared for it. It looked sinister and evil, like it contained a secret. A dangerous secret.

  Hamish flicked through the pages. There were strikingly few.

  “The tests weren’t completed,” Hamish said.

  “No,” Daniel said. “No one has had the time to focus on it. It was at Dr. Scott’s discretion to complete the test results. We were going to send it to New York for further tests and let them handle it, but Dr. Scott was never one for handing over recognition to someone else.”

  “Did he seem suicidal before the day he disappeared?” Hamish said.

  “No,” Daniel said. “He was popular amongst the others. He was our unofficial father. Or grandfather. We miss him, and will continue to do so until he comes back. It is an honor to work alongside him. He is the greatest teacher anyone could ever have. But now I’m your assistant.”

  “A big come down for you,” Hamish said with a smile.

  Daniel didn’t smile. He shrugged his shoulders.

  “You’re young,” he said. He couldn’t have been much older than Hamish. “You still have time to make big discoveries.”

  His voice was offhand, like he didn’t really believe that. Hamish couldn’t blame him. He didn’t believe it either. By Hamish’s age Dr. Scott had already made several landmark discoveries.

  “You must have gotten very close to him,” Hamish said.

  “I did,” Daniel said.

  “I’ll never be able to replace him,” Hamish said. “Would never attempt to. He was a great man. He achieved more by the age of thirty than many people achieve in their whole lives. I’m sure his loss was felt far and wide, much wider than just Palmer Station.”

  Daniel smiled. It was tinged with sadness.

  “Thank you,” he said. “I have to say, I was a bit hesitant about what Dr. Scott’s replacement might be like, but I see I worried for nothing. But then, you were requested by Dr. Scott himself.”

  “I’m surprised they didn’t promote you to Dr. Scott’s position,” Hamish said. “You’ve been working with him a long time and know more about his research than anyone else. And, you’re already here, of course. You know how they like to save money.”

  “I assisted the doctor,” Daniel said. “I was never in charge. I wouldn’t be able to focus on the job in hand anyhow. I’d be forever wondering when Dr. Scott would return. The research project deserves attention.”

  “You’re certain he’s still alive out there?” Hamish said.

  “I believe he is,” Daniel said. “Some of the others don’t agree. But just because I think he’s out there doesn’t mean I don’t worry about him.”

  Daniel turned to usher Hamish out the door. He paused, causing Hamish to almost bump into him.

  “I almost forgot,” Daniel said, reaching for something on a shelf. “Dr. Scott left this for you. It’s how I knew he wanted you here. He left you a gift with your name on.”

  Daniel took a figurine off the shelf and handed it to Hamish.

  “Thank you,” Hamish said. “What is it?”

  “It’s a bubblehead,” Daniel said. “From one of Dr. Scott’s extensive collection. He’s travelled all over the world, researched many different and diverse subjects, and he collected a bubblehead or another trinket from each of the places he visited. They reminded him of each of the places he went. He left one for each of the others here too. He had one made for each discovery in different parts of the world.”

  The bubblehead was a squat Neanderthal man. He carried a club over his shoulder and had a large overbite.

  “These are what you handed Captain Meadows to take back to Dr. Scott’s family?” Hamish said.

  Daniel nodded.

  It was an ugly thing, though not without its charm, rather like how a pug dog’s cuteness was wrapped in pity. Dr. Scott must have been more eccentric than Hamish thought. But he supposed if they were what Dr. Scott treasured most amongst his possessions it wasn’t such a bad gift.

  “He left one for each of his family members at home, as well as for the other scientists here,” Daniel said. “That’s what we are, really. One big family.”

  “You forgot the word ‘happy’,” Hamish said.

  “Being so close to one another all the time, it’s sometimes easy for tempers to flare and for disagreements to settle in,” Daniel said. “When Dr. Scott was here he calmed us down. It was very much like when your grandmother came and everything would work out because everyone has such great respect for her. But he’s not
here anymore and so we have to learn to defend and calm down by ourselves. Some of us are better at it than others.”

  Hamish got the feeling Daniel was one of those who was not easily riled. He seemed calm and relaxed, able to take stock of the situation and make smart calls.

  “If you’re ready, I’ll take you to your quarters now,” Daniel said. “Follow me.”

  They stepped out of the office and back into the main corridor. They hung a left and proceeded down the hall. The place felt empty and neglected. Hamish shivered. The cold seemed to seep in through the walls. When he’d left Princeton it was a balmy seventy-three degrees. Now, here, it was barely zero. He wore a thick fleece but it didn’t seem to offer much protection against the cold.

  “This is the men’s restroom,” Daniel said, pointing to a door with a sign. “And this is the shower room. They’re individual stalls. You have to keep an eye on the number of towels. We seem to keep losing them. We have a rota for when people can shower and use the hot water. As I said, we have to maintain strict controls.”

  Daniel gestured to the rooms on either side of the corridor.

  “Pick a room, any room,” Daniel said.

  “Why are there so many empty bunks?” Hamish said.

  “They’re for the summer team,” Daniel said. “We’re lucky enough to be here by ourselves which means we get a room each, otherwise some of us would have to share.”

  “Any of these rooms?” Hamish said.

  “Except for the ones with a sticker on,” Daniel said. “That’s where the others are staying.”

  Hamish pushed open one of the doors without a sticker on. It was hardly the Ritz, but it was comfortable enough. The space had been designed with efficiency in mind. There was a small desk beside each bed and drawers underneath for clothes and other items. Evidently, if they could reduce their carbon footprint, they would.

  “I’ll let you get settled in,” Daniel said. “If you have any questions, you can come ask me anytime – I’m right next door.”