21 November 2024
Thursday. A family came to the airlock this afternoon with a ten-year-old who wanted to “just watch”. The staff said no. I said no as well, from the storeroom, where nobody could hear me, but I said it firmly.
The rule is fifteen and over, and it is not a suggestion. No exceptions with a parent. No sitting quietly in a corner. No watching through the door. I have asked myself whether this is too strict, and then I have looked at Gerald, and I have stopped asking.
The staff may ask for identification from anybody who looks young. Today they asked a man of thirty-one, who was so flattered he bought his whole team dinner afterwards. Afterwards, I should stress. Nobody who has been drinking gets past the airlock. Gerald is quite enough chemistry for one room.
The ten-year-old went off with her grandmother for a milkshake and, I gather, had a much calmer afternoon than the rest of her family.
I asked Gerald how old he is. He did not answer. Protocol.
— Dr Morrow, Storeroom B
