Beyond the Sun

27

It was as if the Ice Age had never left, ice caps stretched out as far as the eye could see. Harsh winds blew snowflakes about, and these got caught in the up draught of the helicopter blades as it turned to come in and land. She had to admit it, Annie was enthralled. This place, though harsh, unforgiving, and deadly; was also beautiful. The lights which were present seemed to cause the ice and snow to glimmer, it was beautiful, truly it was; though Annie also had to admit she was still paranoid about polar bears.

She could see though, as she jumped off the helicopter, why it was dubbed one of the most remote places on the planet. Literally, there was nothing in one direction, yet the small base of operations which were set up behind her. It was like this small cluster of people were infringing on a place where people really shouldn't be; even if it was for the sake of research.

Wearing incredibly heavy thick boots, Annie huddled into the thick parka coat she was wearing. She had mentally tried to prepare herself for this cold, but she really failed because it was absolutely freezing. She pulled down the hat she was wearing, and pushed what lose locks of hair that had escaped out of her face with a small frown. She looked to the side at Emil as he stood by her side, seemingly taking in the surroundings too. Looking suddenly to the side as a man approached them, they exchanged a look between themselves and then looked to him.

"Miss Lockett, Doctor Hamilton, I'm Jed Eubanks with Arctic Cargo." A hand was extended to the two of them, each shook it in turn. While Jed looked them both up and down independently. It was like he wasn't sure what was going to be sent his way; and he certainly didn't expect a short, glasses wearing man, and a half frozen woman.

"What exactly is Arctic Cargo?" Annie asked, she didn't know. She wasn't certain if she was meant to know, but it was a mystery to her. Maybe she had come across them before, but had completely forgotten? She had a horrid tendency now to forget useless information, or information which wasn't needed.

"We're a private contractor augmenting NorthCom on the operation. I assume Doctor Hamilton's debriefed you?"

"Well...sort of, I think he spent most of the time reassuring me that there were no polar bears around." Annie admitted with a grin, Jed looked at her sceptically yet from the look Emil sent his way, he soon realised she wasn't joking. "Yes, though, he did." Annie said a moment later with a small nod.

"Good to know, saves time." Jed said loud enough to be heard over the wind which was blowing loudly through.

Annie winced and squinted through the snow, she honestly couldn't see that much. Men were dotted about working around tents, or chipping slowly away at the cliff face. Other than that, it was all white. She sniffed quietly, she hoped this was worth it and she wasn't going to end up getting frostbite, suddenly the polar bears didn't seem as terrifying as frostbite. "Where's the station at?" Annie asked hoping to God it wasn't too far away. She could feel herself slowly getting frozen to the spot. If she walked she'd either keep going, or she'd become a frozen statue. Suddenly frostbite and polar bears didn't seem as bad as becoming a human statue.

"Camp is just over there," he indicated towards a ridge in the distance. Snow and ice covered the hills surrounding it. It could really only just be seen through the flurry of snow flying about.

Annie inhaled deeply, that did not look fun to get to. Rubbing her gloved hands together she placed them near her mouth and slowly blew, the cold was coming through the thick thermal material. Her eyes snapped up again as Jed commenced talking again. "I'll walk you there. Joe can get your bags." Annie nodded slowly and was slightly relieved she wouldn't have to drag her and Emil's things around. A figure slowly ushered over who she presumed was the formally name dropped man. He was tall, avoided eye contact, had a rather thick dark beard, and a loose hood covering his face. Honestly, Annie couldn't assess much of this man seeing as how she couldn't really see him.