A New Adventure on the Escuadrón Polar (Sequel to Frozen Isolation)

By Sheri McLaughlin

The sequel to "Frozen Isolation". A popular Argentinian dies and friends reunite, as they learn about stipulations in his will. The familiar team of experts must embark once again on a mission back into the Arctic to check on the polar bears they left behind. On board the nuclear powered icebreaker, Escuadrón Polar, they carve out a new adventure. What happened to the beloved polar bear, Popcorn? It becomes a treacherous journey with ups and downs and even a little romance on the horizon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sheri McLaughlin
• Release date: Jul 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005446437

Sheri McLaughlin

When the pandemic caused the world to retreat into isolation, McLaughlin discovered a new passion - writing fiction stories. She enjoys creating new adventures adding action, drama, and mystery.Other fiction titles include: “Lovers Fall in Arcticville”, "Frozen Isolation", “A New Adventure on the Escuadrón Polar”, “Whispering Angels”, “Vanishing Author”, “Angry Hornets”, “Terror Unleashed: Angry Hornets Return”, “Presidential Mercy”, and “Mercy on the Trail”. She is currently working on her tenth novel, “Quantum Mercy” which will complete her Mercy Trilogy.

Book preview

Prologue

Rafael Ortega’s disastrous, controversial plan to relocate polar bears to Antarctica for the purpose of repopulation had been scratched because of environmental concerns. Upon returning to Argentina, Rafael immersed himself in his winery and restaurant businesses in Mendoza, Argentina.

Mendoza had become a tourist hot spot destination with panoramic mountain views. Mr. Ortega’s business ventures became successful, thanks to his friend, Rico, who was doing all of the backbreaking work.

In the last four years, Rafael Ortega’s health declined. His sudden death shocked many, especially friends and colleagues who recalled the epic journey to Antarctica on the Escuadrón Polar.

Chapter 1 - Sad Email

Dr. Wayne Monkfish was busy adding assignments to Spring’s semester syllabus at UGA (University of Georgia). Noticing his mailbox was flooded with work emails, he sorted through each one. When he came across Rico Farlo’s email, he learned about Rafael Ortega’s sudden death.

Dr. Wayne Monkfish immediately contacted his friend, Heather Waltry.

Heather, it’s Wayne. I realize it’s about 7:00 a.m. in Honolulu. You’re probably out on the ocean tracking humpback whales. Give me a call when you are free.

Wayne hadn’t spoken to Heather in a couple of months. Between creating projects for his students and grading last month’s term papers, his job at UGA kept him occupied.

Not a day goes by that he doesn’t miss his wife, Brigette, who died in Japan’s massive earthquake in March 2011. Wayne had been on a few dates since Brigette’s death, but none of them were prospects for anything serious.

It was 2026 - more than four years after the controversial polar bear expedition. Sometimes Wayne’s thoughts drift to that memorable journey on the Escuadrón Polar. Appreciating the friendships formed during that escapade, he realized it’s what pulled him out of his depression. He secretly wished to be on another adventure; something to help lift him out of the day-to-day rut, also known as, his life.

He contacted his supervisor to request some vacation days so that he could attend Raphael Ortega’s funeral.

When he returned to his classroom, he looked at his mobile phone and saw that there was a voicemail from Dr. Heather Waltry. Knowing that his last class of the day would be arriving soon, he set his phone aside.

Fifteen minutes later, Today’s lecture will include eusocial wasps. Let’s talk about how they communicate. His hour-long class would discuss different wasp varieties, including the terrifying ones technically-labeled, Giant Asian Hornets. "Some call these ‘murder hornets’ because their potent venom has been known to cause deaths in the United States. I call them Angry Hornets because I believe these insects carry a chip on their shoulders."

His class laughed when he said this, of course. Dr. Monkfish attempted to put some dry humor into his lectures.

Once class was dismissed, Wayne collected all of his handwritten notes, the flash drive, and a light rain jacket and made his way through the building’s corridor downstairs. The fresh air smelled like rain. Afternoon storm clouds were building.

He walked quickly toward the staff’s parking lot, hoping he’d be able to make it to his car before the sky opened up. If I can get on the highway soon, I might be able to dodge peak traffic congestion.

Relieved that his ride home had been uneventful, he ran inside, trying to avoid getting soaked from the light rain. Flinging his car keys into a small dish, he entered his foyer. Emptying the loose change he always kept in his left pocket, it felt like he’d lost a good amount of weight. Kicking off the stiff work shoes, he then removed his belt, which seemed to be the next logical step. After all, his belt had been digging into his expanding gut on the ride home.

A humorous thought crossed his mind. He couldn’t resist comparing his personal ritual to TSA’s airport procedures.

Ahhh! It always felt good to switch from his business attire to his favorite comfy T-shirt and matching sweatpants.

Now to curb the hunger pangs, Wayne Monkfish heated up a super deluxe microwaveable pizza and grabbed a cold light beer from the refrigerator. He was very happy it was Friday. His intense work schedule occupied most of his time. But he wouldn’t want it any other way. Staying busy helped bury the sad feelings of loneliness.

After finishing his dinner, he picked up his mobile phone and returned Heather’s phone call.

Dr. Heather Waltry picked up on the third ring. Hi, Wayne! Long time, no see!

I know it! How have you been? How’s your cat, Trixy?

"She died about a month ago, but I feel blessed that I was able to have Trixy in my life for 15 years. I’m doing okay.

Well, it looks like the study on humpback whales is coming to a close. That’s actually a good thing, because my lease is coming up for renewal next month. It will all work out. How have you been?"

"First of all, Heather, I’m sorry to hear about Trixy. Even though fifteen years is good for a cat, it must have been difficult losing your dear feline friend.

As far as life in Georgia, I’ve just been doing the same old stuff… creating assignments, giving lectures, and grading papers.

Then Wayne had an idea. You should come work here at UGA. I heard there might be an opening coming up in the next two months. The college is looking to expand its biology department and they need more professors.

Well, I will certainly think about it. I know I cannot stay here in Honolulu. I am so glad I got the opportunity to live and work in Hawaii. It was like a dream job. What a beautiful place, Wayne! There’s just something about the Tradewinds and the smell of the sweet tropical air.

You’re making me jealous, Heather. Atlanta seems to be in a continuous weather pattern of hot and muggy mornings followed by late-afternoon thunder showers. At least that’s been the norm for most of Georgia over the past several weeks.

Well, I’m still here for another month; come on over to Hawaii and I’ll show you around.

Hey, don’t tempt me. I’m liable to take you up on that. Wayne always felt comfortable talking to Heather. She had the unique ability to put a smile on his face.

Oh, before I forget. I have some bad news. Rafael Ortega passed away.

I’m sorry to hear that. He wasn’t that old!

No, he was only 60. Died of a heart attack, according to Rico’s email.

Jeez! Sixty? That’s way too young.

I’m actually going to fly down to Buenos Aires next weekend to pay my respects. I took a couple of extra days to turn it into a little impromptu vacation. When I talked to Rico, he told me they are going to have two separate funerals. The first will be a private gathering in Mendoza for close family and friends. Then Rafael’s casket is going to be transported to Buenos Aires for the second funeral which will be open to the public. Rafael’s casket will be laid to rest inside his parent’s mausoleum that is inside the famous Cemetery of Recoleta.

[Author’s Note: Cementerio de la Recoleta is where the very rich and famous are buried in upscale tombs. Eva Perón (an actress who married Juan Perón, the president of Argentina) is also buried in this cemetery.]

That sounds like Raphael, always the spectacle, even after death. Do you want some company? I could use a mini vacation.

Okay, I’ll send you my hotel details, if you’d like to meet up in Buenos Aires. Looking forward to catching up.

Yes. That sounds lovely. Me too.

Chapter 2 - Flights to Buenos Aires

Dr. Heather Waltry wore her comfortable, chic palazzo traveling pants. They were paired perfectly with an off-shoulder black short-sleeved knit top. A scarf was tucked in an outer pocket of her large purse, in case of chilly airports.

She checked her large carryon bag all the way to Buenos Aires so she did not have to babysit it along the way. Heather’s important documents and personal items were arranged neatly inside her large purse.

The flight from Honolulu, Hawaii left on Wednesday morning and made two stops within the continental United States. There was a three-hour layover in Los Angeles and an eight-hour layover in Miami. When Heather arrived in Miami the next day, she didn’t want to wait in an airport for that long, so she took a 20-minute cab ride to the Miami Seaquarium to get some fresh air, walk around, and visit an old friend.

Stefanie Trifold had been working the morning/afternoon shift at the aquarium. She had just finished cleaning the interior glass of the large manatee tanks when Bianca, her supervisor, informed Stefanie she had a visitor. Since Stefanie’s shift was almost over, Bianca gave her permission to leave a little early.

When Stefanie saw Heather, she ran over to her and gave her a big hug. This is such a nice surprise! What brings you to Miami?

"I’m on a