Author's Note: I had a little more time than I thought I would in the past week, so I had a chance to write! I'm already having fun with this one. I get to delve into some of the more nerdy interests I have. And you, well, you get to learn about seeds and other random history. :)

Set towards the end of season one. I own nothin'.

"The Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway," Nathan began, gesturing to the vid-screen behind him showing an ice encased bunker. "Was first established in 1984, to ensure the survival and biodiversity of crops and other important plants."

The crew watched him respectfully, from their seats in the wardroom. They had been called in quickly, with whispers of an emergency. Now that they were learning about seeds, however, puzzled expressions started crossing to each other.

Miguel, in particular, shifted uncomfortably. He normally wasn't part of such meetings, and wasn't sure why this was an exception. Tim caught his uneasy expression, and flashed an encouraging smile. The Cuban dipped his head in thanks, his easy grin returning to his face.

Kristin took over the speech, "since 2008, countries from all over the globe have brought their contributions. It is the largest collection of seeds in the world. One week ago," the screen changed to show a cargo-ship, "the first withdrawal was completed. It was to replenish many of the trees in our destroyed rainforests, and now extinct grasses. Scientists hoped to aid in oxygen production."

"A storm knocked it off course, and it was thrown against one of the many icebergs in the area." Nathan continued smoothly, working as one unit with her. "The crew got out alive, but the entire shipment was lost."

Something flickered through Lucas' eyes, but was gone so fast Nathan wasn't sure what to call it. He earmarked it for later.

"So this isn't a rescue?" Katie asked in surprise. "What do they need us for?"

Nathan nodded to Kristin, she paused before speaking. "This will be dangerous, but half what was in the vault was on that ship. If someone, namely us, doesn't get the cargo back into the right hands, it will be lost. There are duplicates, but honestly, not enough to do this again for many years without risking complete eradication."

"How many years?" Lucas asked quizzically. "I mean, maybe there's more to it, but can't they just plant the remaining seeds and get more?"

Kristin shook her head, "there is more to it." She stated kindly. "This has been in the works for ten years, nearly since the vault became a safe place for the world's collection. Everything needs to be carefully tended and breeding must be closely regulated. If it is not, the resulting plants may be weak, and too closely related to any other seeds to correct any genetic errors."

"How water tight are the containers?" Jonathan asked, already looking for the logistics of the operation.

Kristin nodded, moving onto the next picture. It showed thick plastic totes, on shelves. "They are quadruple wrapped in sealed plastic wrapping, than stored in these crates. The plastic is waterproof, but the effects of the salt water is unknown on the wrap. The totes are made of a very thick plastic, if they are whole, the seeds are safe."

"And the cold won't damage them?" Katie peered at the picture, trying to ascertain more information.

"No, in fact, they are kept at negative eighteen centigrade while in the vault. Even if the entire power grid goes, it would take weeks for the temperature to reach that of the bedrock. Even that is negative three." Kristin explained patiently, "the cold is on our side."

"That is the reasoning behind the local. Combined with the low tectonic activity in the area, and the height above sea level, it was to be the safest place for them." Kristin sighed, "of course, taking them out of the vault had risk, but no one expected this."

"How much damage did the ship take?" Jonathan spoke next.

She nodded, "that is the current concern. The area the ship went down," the picture changed again to reflect large dirty white objects, "is littered with icebergs. We know a large gash was sliced into the side, but it may have taken more injury as it sank. If the cargo hold was damaged, it is very possible that the crates themselves are as well."

"That means we can't just beak in and haul everything out." Nathan clarified, "we have to run a delicate operation. Just to add another layer, the crew witnessed the ship slide under the iceberg they hit. If it shifts, the ship and cargo will be crushed."

"Jonathan, you'll be in the DSL suit. Katie, you'll be following with the virtual reality probe, and the Stinger if needed. Lucas, I want every bit of information on the ice flows and ocean floor around us. Cross reference military satellites, fishing trawlers, even underwater webcams, anything you can get." They each nodded in understanding.

"Ben will be ready with a Seacrab, just outside the ship, to collect the totes." Nathan went on to explain.

Jonathan raised an eyebrow, "where is he? Should he be here then?"

"Lt. Krieg is gathering supplies," Nathan answered with a cringe. "I told him to get what we needed by any means." Eye rolls and mutters followed this revelation. Nathan cleared his throat and continued. "He said he only needs a few hours to meet up with his source. We'll be underway directly after."

"Miguel, I need the WSKR's watching their every move, we have very little room for error. And although the chances are low, Tim, I need your ears for this. The ship sank in international waters, there might be salvagers going after it already. We can only hope the inhospitable climate keeps them out."

Nathan took the time to survey his gathered people. "Honestly, if this wasn't so important, I would have said no. If we step lightly, and there are no surprises, everything will go as planned."

He laid a stack of papers on the middle of the papers. "Memorize everything you can about the cargo ship and the area. I want everyone to know as much as possible about what everyone else is doing. It may seem redundant, but if anyone is out of commission for whatever reason, we need to keep going."

"What are the chances of everything going to plan?" Kristin murmured, watching the crew go over the specs.

Nathan smiled grimly, "if I was more superstitious, I would throw you in brig for even saying that."

She snorted, "logic always overrides superstition. We need to be ready for any outcome."

"We will, or we'll just make it up as we go." Nathan replied, looking over his crew.

Kristin sighed, "I was afraid you'd say that."

"Kiddo," Nathan called quietly as the crew filled out of the room. "A word please?"

Lucas set down the papers he was carrying, "yeah, what's up?"

"Are you ok?"

"What? Yeah, why?" Lucas blinked in surprise.

Nathan considered the wording of his next statement. "You look... concerned."

Lucas flushed, "so do you and the Doc."

"That's our job."

"Well... uh, it's like… you know..." Nathan looked at him tolerantly, obviously not knowing. "It's just that last time we messed with a sunken ship..." Lucas rolled his eyes, "I'd rather not deal with burning cabins, or bleeding doors, or anything like that."

Nathan nodded, "neither do I. But no one died on this ship."

"That we know of, and it doesn't mean it won't happen again." Lucas muttered, shuffling the papers.

"If you're not sure you can..."

Lucas scowled, "I'm fine, I'm not a..."

"I know, I know, you're not a kid." Nathan raised his hands in a calming gesture.

"I'm sorry," Lucas suddenly said regretfully, seeing his irritation was misplaced. "I just... I don't want the whole ship saying I wussed out over ghost stories."

Nathan started to scoff, but quickly cut it off when he saw narrowed eyes. "I seem to remember you were the one that went through that burning and bleeding door to have a chat with the ghost." Nathan reminded him. "But, it doesn't matter, this is completely different. Everything is worked out, we'll get the seeds and leave. You won't even have a chance to get cold."

"Yeah, right, 'cause that ever works." Lucas grumbled, taking his pages of information and leaving the room.