Chapter Eleven: Surprise Mission

A sharp rap on the door caused Emily to look up from her packing. Without further hesitation, Captain Mitchell stepped in and surveyed her and Katie – who was sitting on the sofa, scanning through the rosters – with a keen eye. "I need one of you to make a drop at Victoria within the hour. We have a Doctor McClaren who needs to gather some research material out there. You two are my best available fliers, even if you aren't the fastest. You'll need to stay out there until he's done, and then fly back in time to prepare for the end-of-the-season routine."

"Sir," Emily said, straightening, "I have to make a trip to the British station today, but Katie is free."

Captain Mitchell's pale blue eyes swung to rest on Katie. "Very well. Within the hour, Yamesch."

"Yessir," she replied, saluting smartly. He nodded, satisfied, turned on his heel, and left without any further fanfare. When the door shut behind him, Katie turned to Emily, a puzzled look in her brown eyes. "That's strange… the season's almost over. I'd assumed that the next trip out there would be to pick up the crew and bring them home. This Dr. McClaren must be very important."

"Or very well-funded," Emily added wryly. "Andy's not going to be happy about this, that's for sure." She threw another pair of pants into her duffel bag and stepped back to survey her handiwork. "Well, I'm packed. C'mon Kate, let's get your stuff together."

Their bunkhouse was a flurry of activity as they threw together everything both she and Katie might need. Fortunately for both of them, they each kept a set of overnight things set aside for cases such as this, so most of their time was used getting a few days' extra gear for Katie. Within fifteen minutes, their task was complete and they were out the door, locking it behind them. Emily grabbed her snowmobile and swung onto it, while Katie did the same beside her and they tore off through the soft, powdery snow.


"Hawkins! Yamesch!" Bryan Rice hailed with his familiar greeting as they pulled in and approached him.

Katie alternately glanced at him and scanned the hangar. "Where's Dr McClaren?"

"You can't miss him. He's over there by your plane… in the neon yellow coat."

"That's not neon yellow, Rice," Emily commented as her eyes picked out the yellow-clad figure standing by Katie's plane. She could see Bryan's point, though. The vivid color stood out boldly amidst the more muted reds and blues worn by the McMurdough staff. Hiding a grin of amusement, she followed Katie over to greet him.

"I'm Katie Yamesch," Katie said, extending her hand for him to shake, "and you must be Dr. McClaren."

"Davis McClaren," he replied in a cultured, well-mannered tone. "I'm pleased to meet you. I was told that you were to be my pilot."

"You were told right," Katie affirmed before turning to introduce Emily. "Dr. McClaren, this is Emily Hawkins, my best friend and fellow bush pilot. She'll be making a trip to Elisabeth – that's the British station," she clarified quickly, "so she won't be accompanying us. That's her plane right there." She pointed to the newer, sleeker model to the left of her plane.

Emily extended her hand and shook the doctor's firmly. "So what is it you do, Dr. McClaren?" she asked politely.

"I'm a professor at UCLA and a member of the NSF. I'm here on a confidential report of some existing meteorites that may prove invaluable to the scientific community."

"Interesting," Emily murmured, intrigued. Katie also appeared curious, but the special emphasis he'd placed on the word 'confidential' made it clear that he would say no more on the subject, especially to a pair of lowly bush pilots. "Well," she said, clearing her throat, "I need to go. I'm expected in Elisabeth by sunset tonight." She hugged Katie quickly and inclined her head toward Dr. McClaren. "It was nice to meet you, sir. I hope you find what you're looking for."

"Thank you, I'm sure I shall," he replied warmly.


Author's Note: Dun dun dun! Cliffie! On a movie note: the next chapter follows Emily to Elisabeth, rather than showing what takes place at Victoria, which - of course - is in the movie. So, on to the next chapter! And don't forget to drop a review off on your way!