Read Being of the Field for Free Online

out.’ Lucian hinted that a more permanent arrangement might be on the cards.
    Taren raised both brows, but the professor knew as well as she did that until she proved her aptitude for this type of fieldwork, there was no point in discussing the issue further. Space-work was not for everyone, and there was always a six-month trial period involved.‘Careful what you wish for, Lucian.’ It felt wonderful to be on a firstname basis with the legend of cutting-edge astro-marine research. ‘I seem to induce a condition commonly known as “red cheeks” in most of my supervisors.’
    ‘I know you’ve been given a hard time in the past, Taren.’ Lucian’s tone was serious. ‘We’re different here on AMIE. Anything goes, all theories welcome. Proof is also very important, naturally, but we are patient and will support your theories unless someone can prove you wrong.’
    Taren nearly had heart failure at his words. This guy wasn’t a total sceptic—he was being straight with her, she could tell. His energy felt very clear and refreshing; Lucian exuded such integrity that one felt like an arrogant ingrate not to believe him. ‘That’s comforting to know, Lucian. Thanks for the vote of confidence.’
    He smiled, pleased to have set her at ease. ‘Come, I’ll show you where the offices are.’
    Taren’s jaw dropped. ‘Don’t tell me I get an office too?’
    ‘You’ll have to share with one of the other solo researchers here.’ Lucian led her into the curving corridor. ‘He’s a nice, quiet bloke. I’m sure you’ll get along.’
    Taren entered the code that locked her living quarters and then caught up with Lucian. ‘What’s he studying?’
    ‘Ringbalin is our botanist and horticulturist-cum-geneticist,’ Lucian replied. ‘He’s the reason the salad is so good here.’
    ‘He grows food in space?’ Taren assumed.
    ‘He grows great food in space,’ Lucian corrected, ‘without pesticides due to the pest-free environment.’
    ‘I have to agree my salad was pretty good.’ Taren followed Lucian down a corridor that led into the heart of this module.
    Lucian continued his guided tour explaining that in this module all the living quarters were around the exterior of the module, to take advantage of the views, and all the offices were in the central chamber of the module.
    They entered a round chamber full of reference databases and communication systems, one end of which was Aurora’s reception area and beyond that the captain’s office—the only office with a view ofspace. But there were doors all around the walls of this office area—bar where the two entrance corridors were located—and these were the private staff offices. Lucian approached one of these and the door slid aside.
    ‘This will be your office.’ Lucian indicated one side of an enclosed office which was almost triangular in shape, as the curved back wall was wider than the entrance.
    Taren looked over to her new office mate’s side of the room where all manner of plants were displayed in long glass tubes. Some plants were growing under lights, but others were both in water and under light. ‘Wow!’ she exclaimed, thinking they were too beautiful to be scientific experiments.
    Her side of the room was spotless and barren, except for the database system on her desk.
    ‘You won’t see much of Ringbalin as he spends most of his time in the greenhouse in Module C,’ Lucian informed her. ‘You might want to seek him out there if you get the urge to cook for yourself.’
    ‘I thought I saw you wander through.’
    Taren looked up to see the most stunningly beautiful woman standing in the doorway.
    She was tall, slender and graceful. Noting the way she and Lucian regarded each other, Taren knew that this woman was Amie, Lucian’s wife.
    ‘I was just showing our new recruit around.’ Lucian motioned to Taren, but Amie was already approaching to shake Taren’s hand.
    ‘We are so very pleased to have you aboard, Dr Lennox. Your