River of Ice
By David D. Levine
Airlock doors don’t slam, but Lai Meifen gave it her best effort. Gritting her teeth, she pushed against the obstinate hydraulics until the hatch shut with a thud she could feel even through her suit’s heavy polycarbon-fibre gloves. She couldn’t hear it, not in this thin excuse for an atmosphere, but it would have to do.
Even at a distance of a billion kilometres, Lanfen—Meifen’s fraternal twin sister—could still make her furious. This time, it was a cheery little email announcing that she had been promoted to team lead in the exobiology department and promising more exciting news to follow very soon. Meifen had sent a polite reply of congratulations, then immediately suited up and charged out the door.
She would show Lanfen. She would show them all!
Me
