Warmth with metal cladding.

200 km off the East cost of Honshu, Japan, the research vessel Chikyu samples a tectonic boundary 8 km below. Two months prior, a team of scientists embark, most perfect strangers. Operations continue 24h a day and pause only for tantrums of typhoons. Shifts are long and quarters close. Encased in metal and surrounded by the ceaselessly heaving Pacific, burgeoning bonds form in each other’s constant company. Time outside was highly valued but scarce. In driving rain, quiet refuge on a walkway sheltered below the helipad was taken during a lull in sample processing. We basked in the warmth of friendship. I’ve never laughed so much. Adverse surroundings build strong bonds.
Taken on a Pentax MX using UltraMax 400 film.