“Let me show you where you'll be staying.” She led the way to one of the smaller buildings, and they stepped inside the dim and musty interior. “This was built by some of the old fur traders, and the camp was expanded by ivory hunters. It's more comfortable than it looks,” Maria said. “The big tents are used as our kitchen and dining room. The little tent set off by itself away from the camp is a unisex bathroom. It gets breezy out there, so you'll learn to be quick. There's no shower. You'll have to be happy with sponge baths. We've got an electric generator, but we use it sparingly because of the limited amount of fuel.”

“I'm sure I'll be quite happy,” Karla said, although she wondered for an instant if any of the fur trader murders had taken place in the building. She unrolled a foam pad and bedding on the floor.

“I must compliment you. You had our Japanese friends eating out of your hand when you brought up their affiliations.”

“It was easy. Once I had their names, I looked them up on the Internet. I saw their pictures and read about their background. I think my charm was lost on Sergei, though.”

Maria let out a whooping laugh. “My husband is a good man at heart or I would have gotten rid of him a long time ago. But he can be a toad sometimes, especially when it comes to women, and his ego is like a big balloon.”

“I read about the both of you as well. He doesn't have half the scientific credentials you have.”

“Yes, but he's got the political connections, and that's what counts. He will respect you for standing up to him, but if you don't mind flattering the old man he'll be eating out of your hand too. He's really quite insecure, and I do it all the time.”

“Thanks for the advice. I'll butter him up. What's our schedule?”

“Everything's up in the air right now.”

“I don't understand.” She saw a glint of amusement in Maria's eye. “Is there something you haven't told me?”

“Yes. The good news is that we have found something quite wonderful. The bad news is that the others are deciding whether to let you in on the discovery now or whether they should wait until they know you better.”

Karla's curiosity was piqued by the tantalizing hint, but she said, “Whatever you decide is fine with me. I've got my own work to keep me busy.”

Maria nodded, and led the way back to where the other scientists were gathered outside the large building.

Addressing Karla in a stern voice, Arbatov said, “You have arrived on the island at a very awkward, or fortunate, time, depending on you.”

“I don't understand.”