Beyond South Pole (ON INDEFINITE HIATUS)

Chapter 5: Elokian lessons

Jacques could have stood still, staring out of the windows for hours. Yet Mr. Prescott interrupted him by starting to talk.

"I know the underwater view is breathtaking, to say the least, but we need to focus on work," he said.

"What kind of work can we do before reaching the South Pole, Newton?" Ylva Gunnersen asked.

"Everyone has their specialities, so we should hone our skills during this time. And of course, there's the importance of getting to know each other," Mr. Prescott said.

"Oh, Jesus Christ," Colonel Dustin murmured under his breath.

"It is very important, colonel, no matter what you think," Mr. Prescott said.

Jacques gave a glance to Kamala, who responded with a small smile. Jacques almost enjoyed hearing the colonel getting dragged by Mr. Prescott. He always liked to hear people getting scolded as long as it wasn't him. And this was the colonel. A big, burly army man, who tried to show how he was above all this. He wasn't, at least according to Mr. Prescott.

"You have to work with these people both now and once we reach the South Pole," Mr. Prescott continued. "You need to communicate with them, even if you don't like that idea. And it's easier to do that when you already know them at least a little."

The colonel looked defeated. "Yes, sir," he said. "It's just the way you phrased it. It sounded like you're going to round us up and make us play weird games to get to know each other."

Mr. Prescott laughed a little. "Of course not. We can talk to each other like normal people. Although, that does give me an idea..."

Everyone could see how badly the colonel wanted to sigh after hearing this. Everyone was also trying their best to hold in laughter.

"I'll work on it, though. I'll talk about it later, once I know what we should do," Mr. Prescott said rubbing his hands together. "But right now I want everyone to do what they think they need to do. And to talk with each other while they do it. We can't really train for the South Pole unless we want to spend 24 hours in the freezer in the kitchen. But you can still practice things that might be useful. There is a gym and study room, even though it's not as well-equipped as I would prefer. And if any of you need suggestions, come to me. I can give you tasks. I'm good at finding things that need to be done."

As he finished the sentence, he walked over to Kekoa. They started having a quiet discussion Jacques couldn't hear. Ms. Gunnersen and the colonel left the room without saying a word to anyone. Jacques turned to look at Talon, Kamala, and Annalise Hext; the only three people left.

"So... What is everyone doing?" Jacques asked.

"I need to prep the infirmary," Kamala said, pointing at the corridor. "All the supplies are there, but I don't think they are in the correct places. I wasn't there doing the unpacking. So I'll have to check that. And the infirmary needs to be operational as soon as possible, in case someone breaks a leg or something."

"Let's hope that doesn't happen," Jacques said as Kamala waved and walked away. "At least not yet. Talon."

Talon looked up at Jacques.

"Do we have things to do? Apart from Elokian lessons?" Jacques asked.

"I don't think so," Talon said. "I might as well start teaching you now."

Jacques nodded. Then he looked at Annalise Hext, who was still standing there. "Do you have something to do or do you want to - ?"

"I'll wander around or talk to people," Annalise answered. "Don't worry about me."