38The cook tent served as the place the team could be away from prying eyes. They could laugh and joke, and touch and hug one another without offending anyone. They were protected from people taking pictures. After team members observed the floor for themselves, and after the evening meal, Dr. Withers said, “Aaron's already sent word to borrow hydraulics from the Norwegians again.” He stood, raised his glass and waited for everyone to come to attention and raise theirs. “We've a lot to be thankful for. Once again, I want to cut to the core. Here's to Chione.”
“Here, here,” Clifford said, lifting his mug.
They toasted, sipped.
“It was Aaron's grid,” Chione said, raising her voice over the cheers.
“Here, here,” someone said as they toasted Aaron.
“Here's to Clifford,” Kendra said, thank
