51 THE STATION MANAGER

CHAPTER 51 THE STATION MANAGER Akiko Fuji tapped her computer to make a video call. After a few electronic tones, a man's face appeared on the screen. He was sitting at a table. Behind him were kitchen cabinets and a refrigerator. Above his image on the screen was his name. Leo Larson. "Hi, honey," said Akiko. "Sorry I missed you earlier," said Leo in a weary voice. "I was picking the kids up from school." Akiko nodded and said, "How are they?" "They're constantly arguing." "Well, I'm glad to hear everything's normal." "I wouldn't say everything's normal," said Leo. "The kids miss you. So do I." "I miss you too," said Akiko.

There was a lull in the conversation, and then Leo grumbled, "I really hate that mining station." "Please don't worry," said Akiko. "I'm perfectly safe here. I've got an excellent crew, and the robots do all the dangerous work." "I'm not worried about your safety," said Leo. "I'm worried about our family. How long are we going to live apart like this?" Akiko opened her mouth to speak, but then came the sound of scampering footsteps, and a young girl popped on-screen and climbed into Leo's lap. "Hi, Mommy!" said the girl. "Hello, sweetie!" said Akiko, smiling. "Mommy, I'm ready for our camping trip. I've been reading about which wild plants are safe to eat and which are poisonous." Akiko scratched her head. "Listen, sweetie, I'm

sorry, but I have to stay here a little longer than I'd expected. We'll go camping soon, though, I promise." The girl frowned. "You said that last time." "I'll make it up to you," said Akiko. "In a couple of months, we'll go to the mountains and you can tell us about all the different plants. How's that sound?" The girl didn't answer. She just hopped off her father's lap and stomped off-screen. "She'll be okay," said Leo. "But while you're halfway around the world, our kids are growing up." Akiko sighed. "I know. When I get home, I'll request a job at headquarters." A timer started beeping, and Leo glanced back at the kitchen. "Dinner's ready. I should go." The call ended. Akiko stared at the blank screen. Then she put her head in her hands and cried. Between sniffles, she spoke aloud to herself. "What am I doing? I don't even like this job anymore." Akiko sat there a while longer, wiping the tears from her cheeks. Then she stood and walked back across the control room and into the elevator. She pressed a button and the doors closed. Once the station manager was gone, Roz crawled out from under the table and exited onto the balcony.