The Aurora Borealis Keeps Its Lament novel · Chapter 8 of 24

Chapter 8: Stepping Down

The weekly meeting was held in the mess hall at eight, with the stove roaring and everyone's boots steaming by the door.

All eleven of us were there.

The station chief stood at the head of the long table with a sheet of paper in his hand.

He was a heavy, tired man who spoke as little as possible.

"Two items," he said. "First, the supply plane comes on the ninth. Put your orders in by Friday."

Paloma, beside me, whispered, "Please let there be fresh fruit."

"Second." The chief unfolded the paper. "The auroral programme. The Institute has asked me to name a lead scientist for the season's campaign. Doctor Montalvo came to me last week."

Iker sat at the far end of the table, with his hands folded.

He looked at the stove.

"He has asked to step down from leading the campaign," the chief said, "for reasons of his own workload. I've accepted that. Doctor Lorca will lead, and Doctor Montalvo will stay on as senior adviser."

A small murmur went around the table.

I turned my head so fast my neck cracked.

Sabina, three seats down, looked at her hands and said, "I wish it hadn't come to this. I told him he should keep it."

"You did?" a technician asked.

"Of course I did. But he insisted." She raised her eyes to the table, wide and regretful. "Iker is exhausted. I think we all see that."

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