Michela laughed at Dianne’s enthusiasm before pointing at the blue hue of an ancient berg off the ship’s bow. “That’s a small one. Years ago one calved off the Ross Ice Shelf and it was the size of Tasmania. Quite unbelievable to think of a block of ice that size, not to mention what lies beneath the water level, hey Alli?”
Allison turned to Michela, her cobalt blue eyes piercing Michela’s hazel ones. “Yes, it’s surprising, isn’t it? When you think you’ve seen all there is to see, there’s so much hidden below the surface. A bit like deceit don’t you think? It’s so amazing what lurks beneath, where it can’t be seen. Excuse me. I’ve got work to do. Dianne, Dr. DeGrasse.” Allison disappeared in the crowd.
Michela watched as Dianne, preoccupied with getting a better shot, moved closer to the ship’s railing, nudging people out of the way as she went. Sensing someone beside her, she turned to see the rueful smile on Sarah’s face.
“If that’s anything to go by, the good Dr. Shaunessy didn’t miss a trick this morning. I’d say you’ve been well and truly caught out.”
Chapter Five
My Darling Charlotte,
After what seems like days of searching, we have finally found the coast of Antarctica. I will only admit this to you my love, but there were moments when I thought we would never sight land. Navigating through the pack ice was treacherous. More than once we found ourselves backtracking on the path we had taken in order to move forward. At times I could not help but wonder whether we were stumbling along the coastline like a group of drunken sailors, rather than the expeditionary we are. We were not without our false sightings of land either. On one such occasion we found ourselves beside an ice cliff, which we paralleled in the hope of finding an inlet. Imagine our surprise to find that after half a day’s sailing we had merely reached the end of what was a mammoth iceberg.
When all seemed to naught, through the mist we stumbled upon a rocky inlet, large enough to provide shelter and allow us to commence the difficult task of unloading our stores and provisions for the long months ahead. I have decided that we will push inland five miles or so, rather than remain close to the shoreline. I feel this will provide us a better staging base, as well as protect us from the fierce storms of the coastal fringe. There is so much to do that I must prematurely finish this entry. Again, my thoughts are with you and dear Robert,
ERF
Antarctica—2009
MICHELA WATCHED AS the last of the stragglers entered the ship’s briefing room. She gazed around the gathering. The expeditionary buzzed with curiosity, but she’d been through this before and had some idea what this meeting was about.
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Wills Station,” the captain said. “Well, as close as we’re going to get to it. We’re about six miles from the station, but an unusually late thaw has meant that the depth of the ice between here and there makes it too difficult for the ship to safely cover the distance. So we’ll off-load stores and personnel going ashore from here.”
Michael Gribbin raised his hand. “You mean you’re going to put gear down onto the ice? We’ve just crashed through the stuff. What stops it from cracking the moment we set foot on it?”
The captain chuckled. “That’s a question often asked by newcomers. We’re going to off-load the stores onto ten feet of solid ice and this is as stable as concrete. The weight is evenly distributed and no one point carries any great deal of pressure. Last season I off-loaded a twenty ton arctic tractor onto the ice and the surface held its ground. I don’t think you’ve got anything to worry about.
“The movement to Wills Station will be in two phases, with the stores moving by ground and personnel by helicopter. Despite the fact you’ll be traveling over pack ice, there’s always the chance the helo may find a break between here and the station. Because of that, you’ll all be trained in wearing an immersion suit before you fly out. For those of you unfamiliar with the suit, think of it as a sort of skintight garment with big boots. It’s not the most comfortable thing to wear, but it’s better than the alternative. In the unlikely event of a crash…” He paused as Allison quietly got up and left the room. He met Michela’s eyes, and she nodded at his unspoken request.
“As I was saying, in the unlikely event of a crash these will keep you alive in the water. Without them you’d last for ten minutes. With them you can expect to last for eight hours. Off-loading will commence tomorrow at six in the morning. Will the Team Leader for Wills Station and the Team Leader for the Finlayson expedition ensure there’s someone present to supervise the off-loading of stores at the other end? The first flights will carry these people.” Michela made a note of the timings for tomorrow.
As the meeting broke up Michela walked to the front of the room. “Captain, I’m sorry that Dr. Shaunessy left. I’m not sure what the problem is, but if you leave it to me I’ll try to resolve it.”
The captain smiled. “Not a problem. Just ensure she’s fully aware of the requirements for tomorrow.”
“Leave it to me.”
MICHELA HEADED TOWARD her quarters, knocking on the doors of her group as she went. She gave them ten minutes to meet her in the mess.
When everyone had gathered, Michela allocated tasks for the following day. “There’ll be about a two-hour delay between when the first stores depart by land and the main body of people depart by air. This will give enough time for the equipment to be on its way, while also catering for the two-person advance party to meet the stores at the other end. Alli and Rick, I’d like the two of you to be on the first chalk made available to us.”
Rick tilted his head. “What’s a chalk?”
“It’s just a name given to a list of people who are flying by helicopter from one point to another. You and Alli can check the stores as they arrive and ensure they’re placed in a separate bay, away from the others. Di, you and Rob will be first to leave in the main body, followed by Michael and Ewan and finally Sarah and myself. I’ve already spoken to the Wills Station team leader and she’s confirmed we can rendezvous in the station’s conference room once we’ve arrived. From there we’ll be allocated our quarters for our stay. By eight tonight I’ll post the flight details. The brief on immersion suits will take place about a half hour before you fly tomorrow. Any questions?” Michela hadn’t missed the look on Allison’s face at the reference to Maddi.
“I’d rather go by road,” Allison said.
Michela turned to Allison, who stood in the corner, her arms tightly folded across her chest. Oh dear, here we go. I’m sure this won’t be the last time we’ll clash swords over the next couple of months. She took a calming breath. “I’m sorry, Alli. I don’t know that we were given any option. The vehicles used to move stores aren’t people carriers. They’ve space for a driver and that’s all. If you were to travel in one you’d freeze.”
Allison shook her head. “I don’t care. I’d rather go by road and freeze. In fact if it’s only six miles, why can’t I walk?”
The group curiously watched the argument, and Michela gave Sarah a questioning look. Sarah quickly shook her head.
Rick put his arm around Allison’s shoulders and gave them a good-natured shake. “What’s wrong, Alli? It’s only ten kilometers. It’s not like it’s going to hurt you know.”
Allison forcefully shook away his arm. “What would you know? Your first helicopter ride was only a few days ago.”
“God, what’s wrong with you? Are you pre-menstrual or something?”
Michela silently groaned at Rick’s short-sighted nature. I can’t believe you said that, you damned Neanderthal. There’s something else bugging her, can’t you see that? She caught herself, realizing that she hadn’t initially picked up on what was now obvious.
“That wraps it up,” Michela said. “Tomorrow will be busy and I ask you to follow the directions from the crew. We’ll meet again in the Wills Station conference room tomorrow night. Now are there any more questions? Fine. The time’s now your own.” Allison strode out
the door. “I guess that means the meeting’s over.” The remainder of the team filed out, leaving Michela and Sarah.
Exasperated, Michela ran her fingers through her hair. “What the hell is going on? First she walks out on the captain’s briefing and now she walks out on mine. Obviously you know something I don’t.”
“It took you a little while to pick up on her body language. And you call yourself a psychologist.”
Michela rolled her eyes. “I know. I think I’d prepared myself for a confrontation and was blind to anything else. What’s the problem?”
“I’m not sure I should be telling you this, but Alli was in a helicopter that went down over water. From what she’s mentioned, I think she’s lucky to be alive. Remember when we went to Macquarie Island and she stayed on board?” Michela nodded. “That’s when she told me what had happened.”
Michela mentally kicked herself for being so blind to what, given her profession, should have been obvious. “You’re right. I should have picked up on her mood. But it doesn’t change things. She’s still going to have to leave by helo. Any suggestions on how we achieve this?”
“Short of tying her up and throwing her on the chopper?” Sarah laughed at Michela’s outraged expression. “Seriously though, I think if we could talk her into taking a light dose of a relaxant that should be enough to calm her for the short journey.”
Michela nodded. “That sounds like a possible solution if she’ll listen to it. I can rearrange the chalks so that Rick and Alli fly second last and Di and Rob go on the advance chalk. Di’s more than capable of supervising the checking of the equipment. I better go and mend some bridges with Alli.”
MICHELA QUIETLY KNOCKED on Allison and Rick’s cabin door. As she mulled on how to broach the topic with Allison, Rick opened the door.
“Michela, did you forget something?”
“No, I need to speak with Alli regarding a change to the chalk arrangements tomorrow.” Michela wondered how much she should tell Rick. “I intend to fly Alli out in the second last chalk tomorrow to give her a chance to get used to the idea. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you can fly out with her.”
Rick smiled. “I understand what you’re saying, but I think this is one of Alli’s moods. We’re here now and I’m keen to be off this tin can. Can’t you reorganize it so Di and I fly out first and, say, Rob fly with Alli?”
Michela was lost for words. You obviously don’t know about Alli’s fear of flying, do you? And you couldn’t give a damn over why she feels the way she does. You selfish prick! She struggled to rein in her temper. “I’m sure it could be arranged,” she curtly replied. “In the meantime, do you know where I can find Alli?”
“She’s in the cargo hold, doing a final equipment check. I swear the girl can be so single-minded sometimes that she just lets the rest of the world pass her by.”
Michela thanked Rick before heading to the hold. Sometimes that’s not such a bad idea. And she’s a damn woman, not a girl you misogynistic creep.
Michela quietly walked to the bay holding the stores for the Finlayson expedition. Realizing her presence was still unnoticed, she took the opportunity to watch Allison work. Her face was a picture of concentration as she ticked off items from a checklist. Allison curled her hair behind her ear, offering Michela a view of her high cheekbones and strong features. Michela’s eyes traced a path up Allison’s compact body, lingering on the tight waist, concealed in jeans and complemented by a long sleeved woolen skintight top that nicely outlined her breasts. Breasts? Back up there a minute, woman. She’s straight, remember? And what’s more, you’re not exactly on her Christmas card list at this moment.
Michela cleared her throat. Allison turned around.
“What do you want?” Allison demanded.
“Good afternoon to you, too.” Michela bit off any further sarcasm. “I hope you don’t mind, but Sarah spoke to me after you left the meeting. Why didn’t you tell me about your dislike of helicopters? We could have worked something out.”
Allison shrugged and returned her focus to the tablet in her hands. “I really didn’t think it was any of your business.”
Michela took a calming breath. “It is when it concerns one of my team.”
“Don’t worry. You needn’t worry about me. I’m sure you’ve got other more pressing issues or people you need to speak with.”
I swear she’s baiting me. Michela resisted the temptation to be equally sarcastic. Losing her temper would get her nowhere. “Sometime over the next few days I’d like to sit down and discuss a few things with you but we don’t have that luxury right now. I’m sorry about your experience with the helicopter, but it’s the only way we can get you from here to the station. If you wish, Sarah can give you a mild sedative, enough to calm you for the journey.” Allison shrugged. “If I could, I’d move you by land. If you want the sedative please speak with Sarah about it. If you need to talk with me, I’ll be in my cabin. Feel free to drop by.”
“Should I knock first, just in case you’re preoccupied?”
Refusing to take the bait, Michela left Allison to her work.
MICHELA RAISED HER head as the door to the Will’s Station conference room opened and Sarah entered. “First here. I hope you don’t want a gold star. Hey, how did things go with Alli?”
Sarah leant against the desk that dominated the room and removed her jacket. “Things went fine. I was surprised to hear that Rick wasn’t flying with her. I can’t believe all he wanted to do was to get here. If she was my woman I wouldn’t let her out of my sight.”
Michela laughed. “Why does that not surprise me? You’re a softy at heart, aren’t you?”
“Rick’s, oh I don’t know, a bloke and a single-minded one at that. I spoke with Rob and gave him the bare facts about Alli and flying, and he couldn’t have been more helpful. Now there’s a real softy, even though he doesn’t look or act like it most of the time. And anyway, Rick got his comeuppance by being in the first chalk.”
“What do you mean?”
Sarah chuckled. “Just before the first flight was due to take off there was an almighty gust. The Katabatic winds were playing up again. I swear he was green before he even got on the helo. Thank Christ I wasn’t flying with him.”
They both laughed. “So, how’s Alli?”
“She’s fine.”
The rest of the team filed into the room.
Michela quickly glanced at Allison, reluctantly thankful that her sullen features indicated the effects of the sedative had worn off. Rubbing her hands together, Michela smiled at the group’s expectant faces.
“We’re finally here,” she said. “Now, Michael, I know you’re not all that keen on more training, but there’s a little bit more we’ve got to do. This will involve a quick brief on the Station’s safety procedures, followed by training on one of our four ski-demons and our sno-trak.”
“What’s a ski-demon and a sno-trak?” Michael asked.
“A ski-demon is like a SKIDOO, just a different brand name,” Rob replied. “A sno-trak, to put it politely, is an all terrain, tracked and heated washing machine that can fit four to five people per cycle, as well as tow a payload of about two tons.”
Sarah laughed at the look on Michael’s face. “Rob’s right. They’re very capable machines, but riding in them is like being tossed about in all different directions. For those of you who have read about the equipment in Antarctica, they’re a lot like the HAGGLUND, which for many years was the vehicle of choice down here.”
Michela nodded. “Rob will be the driver for one of the two sno-trak’s traveling with us to the dig site. The other will carry the rest of the group and will return to station once we’ve been dropped off.”
Ewan held up his hand. “What about the rest of the stores?”
“Some of our equipment has been pre-positioned. The portable solar power plant organized by the Finlayson Corporation has been put in place and will be waiting us on our arrival.” Michela held up her hand, waylaying the out
raged response that looked about to erupt from Allison. “Using Sarah’s coordinates and resonance testing of the ground, they’ve made sure they weren’t putting it anywhere near the actual historical site. In fact, it’s a good forty yards from where Sarah took her core sample, Allison. If historical records are any indication, you’re not going to find a building that big in Antarctica.
“On top of that, the hut that will serve as our kitchen and office will move by air. Weather permitting, this will be flown out tomorrow to our base camp by a Chinook as an under-slung load. Using the trailer on the sno-traks and a sixteen ton BOB-trak 5000, we should be able to move the remainder of our equipment.”
“I’ll be the bunny. What’s a BOB-trak 5000?” Ewan asked.
Sarah chuckled. “It’s more commonly known as BOB, which stands for beast of burden. Think of an enclosed rectangular tractor on tracked wheels, like a tank. Like the old NODWELL, if you’re familiar with that.” Ewan nodded. “They’re a very handy piece of transportation for scientific expeditions because of the heavy loads they can tow.”
Michela nodded. “Sarah’s right. It will be our workhorse. Unfortunately, because of the speed of the BOB-trak and my intent to travel as a group, our movement will be relatively slow. Loaded, the vehicle’s top speed is about twelve-and-a-half miles an hour in good conditions. Only experienced operators are allowed to drive these so we’ll off-load our stores and then the driver of BOB will return to base, accompanied by the driver and the second sno-trak.”
Dianne stifled a yawn. “That’s fine but where are we sleeping tonight? I’m about ready for bed.”
“Long term expeditionary are allocated a room in the building we’re in,” Michela said. “Because we’re only going to be here for a short while, we’ve been put in two of the dongas outside. And Michael, before you ask, these are the living vans. You’d have seen them when you arrived.”
“You’re not talking about the refrigerated containers outside? God, we’ll freeze,” Rick declared.
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