Ice Flight

By Susan Egner

Book 5 in the Souls on Board Series

Casey Click, now a veteran flight attendant assigned to celebrity charter flights, finds herself decked out in high technology winterwear for her flight to Greenland. Casey’s flight transports well-known science writer, Katie Steen, to the location of her scientist father’s death and where an ice station is to be renamed honoring her father. But unusual ice calvings on icebergs, icebergs revealing entombed bodies and polar bears offer up a charter flight like no other. Read Casey Click’s newest flight mystery and be transported to a part of the world few ever visit.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susan Egner
• Release date: Mar 3, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370507580

Susan Egner

Minnesota Author Susan Egner followed her father’s footsteps into the life of a newspaper reporter before turning her pen to fiction. Her father, Lou Egner, was the well-known photojournalist for the Florida Times-Union and the former Jacksonville Journal. Now married and living in Burnsville, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis, the mother of two and grandmother of four, fondly recalls, “Daddy gave cameras to my two sisters and me when we were still in elementary school saying, ‘Wherever you go, always remember to take your camera.’ He felt a story could unfold anywhere and he wanted us prepared. That training resulted in my writing about female photographers.”Encouraged by friends after hearing the stories she made up for her own children, Egner wrote and published her own children’s book series, Has Anyone Seen Woodfin? She has made multiple guest appearances with costumed characters in seven states and Shanghai, China; appearing in bookstores, elementary schools, children’s hospitals and the Mall of America. Her work was featured as one of ten programming initiatives at a gala event held in Chicago’s Field Museum by PBS affiliate, WYCC.Egner’s previous writing experience also includes writing and editing for the Dakota County Tribune, a weekly newspaper. In addition, she was a freelance writer for the Dayton Hudson Corporation Santa Bear series.Egner made the transition to e-B­­ook publishing in 2012 with her five-star rated novel, Scotoma. A gifted storyteller, Egner’s characters face challenges and often undergo personal transformation as they confront issues in contemporary society. Her stories are about ordinary people who find themselves in adverse circumstances that could face any of us. The choices each makes—and the resulting consequences—weave a tapestry of mystery, intrigue, and romance that will keep the reader wholly absorbed until the last page.Susan Egner proudly supports Operation eBook Drop, which provides free access to uniformed men and women deployed in service overseas. Learn more about Susan Egner on her website, EgnerINK, on Google+, and on Facebook.

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the author’s written permission.

Cover Art - Designed by Courtney Cardwell

Cover Art Map Source - The Map of the Globe and Greenland came from a NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Flickr page photo model regarding a mega-canyon that NASA data revealed under the Greenland Ice Sheet. That source can be found online at the following address: https://www.flickr.com/photos/gsfc/9622078243/in/photostream/. NASA is not affiliated with the author and does not endorse any of the author’s opinions represented in this book.

Scientists best serve public policy by living within the ethics of science, not those of politics. If the scientific community will not unfrock the charlatans, the public will not discern the difference—science and the nation will suffer.

Philip Handler, former president of the National Academy of Sciences.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Sam Dorsi for suggesting that I write a mystery set in Greenland. Dorsi is a Montana scientist who spends three months each year researching on the Greenland ice sheet. I would never have thought of writing a mystery in connection with Greenland, if he had not suggested it. Thank you for the idea and the additional information you provided.

Though I asked many pilots with whom I fly to map out a route for my fictional, chartered flight to Greenland, it wasn’t until I met a passenger, a route analyst for Delta, Janice A. Grant, where I found success. Not only did she supply the route information I needed concerning fuel stops, but she provided it within twenty-four hours of my request. Many thanks, Janice.

Many thanks to the keen eyes of Marsha Jenkin and Courtney Cardwell for the hours spent editing this manuscript.

Ice Flight

by

Susan Egner

Chapter One

Greenland, exclaimed Casey Click, seated in front of her Inflight Manager’s desk. Casey, a white-haired but spry grandmother had started working as a flight attendant several years after retiring from her profession as a marketing director. Within three years she was promoted to the position of special assignment flight attendant working celebrity charters.

Do we even fly that far? she questioned. The farthest she had flown thus far on a celebrity charter had been to northern Canada or south to the Caribbean.

You’ll have to stop for fuel, twice I think, said Sally Wilcox, her Inflight Manager.

Can you tell me anything about it? In the past, Casey was kept in the dark until she was briefed the day before her charter. Even then, the destination was rarely revealed. This was a service provided by the airlines to protect and disguise the final destination of celebrity flights.

Actually, in this case, I can. You’ll be transporting three scientists to a location on the Greenland Ice Sheet, as well as their equipment and three months of supplies. Also, you’ll have Katie Steen and one of her friends on your flight. Do you know who she is?

Some kind of writer, I think. That’s about all I can remember.

Wilcox nodded, always impressed with Casey’s wide range of knowledge above and beyond flying.

Yes, you’re right. She’s a writer for the magazine, ‘Everyday Science,’ and they’re kind of in the spotlight right now for articles they’ve been publishing on global warming or lack of, depending on which writer’s viewpoint you follow.

I remember now. My husband, Max, was just telling me about her. Something about her father. He’s a scientist, too, isn’t he?

Was. He’s deceased, said Wilcox. He was lost in a blizzard when she was barely five years old. An ice station in Greenland is going to be dedicated in his honor, thus the reason for the charter.

Will the crew be staying there or are we just dropping everyone off?

For the most part, you’re just dropping everyone off, with the exception of Ms. Steen. The plane will stay until the day after the dedication and then you’ll return, bringing Ms. Steen and her friend back to Minneapolis.

Wow, a bit different from my last few charters, sighed Casey, thinking about her luxurious trips with Actress Eve Jobert to Jamaica where she had a private cabana with its own pool and hot tub overlooking the Caribbean.

This will be just as exciting, I’m sure, just colder, smiled Wilcox. In fact, they have a specially constructed jumpsuit, boots and goggles for you, in that box, as well as an informational packet. She pointed to a large cardboard box sitting on the floor by the door. I’ll have someone bring a dolly and help you carry it out to your car. There’s also a list of recommended clothing to pack.

Is there anything else I should know? asked Casey.

Not really. The flight will be an overnight flight and your passengers will probably sleep. You may doze as well, as long as you set an alarm for every thirty minutes to check on your passengers. Nothing unusual has been ordered for food for the flight. Should be fairly low maintenance.

Chapter Two

Later that day, Casey met her friends, Bonnie, Bertie and Kit at Caribou Coffee Shop for a mocha coffee. They had been friends since college and she was eager to tell them of her newest adventure, although she felt far from adventurous about this trip. All she could think was, brrr. Ice sheet. In fact, she felt a bit of unexpected trepidation. She had taken the box home and finding Max gone, had opened it. The jumpsuit, in a bright red, looked like something Pillsbury’s Poppin Fresh might wear. The boots were the highest quality Sorrels, called Joan of Arctic winter pac boots. They looked like something she’d seen John Glenn wear when he walked on the face of the moon except these had real, coyote fur lining and toppers. The goggles were much larger and sturdier than those she wore downhill skiing.

She ordered her mocha and took a seat by the window to wait for the others to arrive. It was early fall in the Twin Cities and though the air was cool, it still seemed more like end of summer. Kit arrived first, decked out as Casey would have expected, in the newest fall line of fashion. Casey grumbled under her breath as she glanced down at her own attire, faded blue jeans, an old black turtleneck and an equally old tweed blazer. Kit blew her a kiss and went over to the counter to order coffee. Bonnie and Bertie bounded in the door a few minutes later, laughing and nudging each other as only very old friends can do.

We’ll get some coffee and join you, said Bonnie.

"I already ordered what you always order,’ said Kit, walking up with a cardboard tray holding three steaming cups.

Great, said Bertie. I hope you ordered…

Lots of whipped cream, filled in Kit, handing a cup to Bertie.

Yours is black and strong, she said to Bonnie, extending the tray for Bonnie to take her cup.

As they took their seats, they turned expectant looks on Casey.

I feel like the cat that just swallowed the mouse, said Casey, sipping her mocha.

Well, do you have news for us? Did you get a new charter? It’s been a while, said Bertie.

After that last escapade with Eve Jobert, she needed some time off, don’t you think? said Kit in a bold tone uncommon for her.

It wasn’t really an escapade, said Casey. Eve Jobert had her heart in the right place.

Yeah, the right place to get you almost killed. That kind of friend I can do without, mumbled Bertie.

Well, this charter is definitely different, said Casey.

You did get a charter, hooted Bonnie. Who’s the celebrity?

For the most part, no one you’ve ever heard of with the exception of possibly one.

Well, that’s a loaded statement. Who’s the one?

Katie Steen.

Bertie and Kit exchanged baffled looks while Bonnie struggled with the name, trying to remember. Finally, shaking her head in defeat, she said, Can’t place the name.

She’s a writer for the magazine, ‘Everyday Science.’

Oh, yeah, the magazine that’s in a big hullabaloo right now. Half the staff believes in global warming and the other half doesn’t. The Editor refuses to take a position and lets both sides have equal column space to hash it out. Very democratic.

Why’s she going too, wait a minute, you didn’t tell us where, said Bonnie.

Greenland, said Casey.

Where’s Greenland? asked Kit. Somewhere near Australia?

Slept in fourth grade geography class, Kit? said Bonnie, taking a big gulp of her coffee and then gasping as it scorched her tongue.

Well, I didn’t memorize every country in the world, said Kit defensively.

Just the ones that have fashion designers…France, Italy…

Quit it, Bonnie. Stop picking on Kit. After all, she could ask you a lot of questions about fashion and you wouldn’t have a clue. Admit it, said Bertie, throwing an arm of support around Kit’s shoulders.

Bonnie had the grace to blanch and admit Bertie was right. Sorry Kit, I meant no offense.

None taken, said Kit primly.

So why are you going to Greenland?

It’s a charter for three scientists who are going for a three-month period. We’re taking them and all the equipment they’ll need.

And Ms. Steen? asked Bertie.

They’ve expanded the ice station on the Greenland Ice Sheet and it’s to be dedicated to Katie Steen’s deceased father. It seems he worked in the same location 25 years ago and ended up losing his way in a terrible blizzard. He was never found.

Twenty-five years. How old is she?

She was five, so that would make her 30.

Poor kid. Losing her father at such a tender age. She barely knew him, said Bertie.

She seems to have followed in his footsteps, just the same. She has a doctorate degree in neurobiology and ecology, and a journalism degree. I guess she prefers to write about other people’s discoveries.

How long will you be there? asked Kit.

The dedication is the day after we arrive. We’ll return the following day. Three days, max, I guess, said Casey. But you should see what I have to wear. Talk about fashion, she laughed as she proceeded to describe her snow gear.

Sounds awful, said Bertie.

I doubt that it’s your attire for any event, said Kit with authority. I suspect its emergency clothing, just in case you’re in a situation that could have you outdoors for any length of time.

Doubly awful, growled Bertie.

What do you mean, said Bonnie, She’s born and bred in Minnesota; she has natural winter survival skills.

We’re talking arctic weather, Bonnie. Big difference.

Look at it this way. Casey has an opportunity to see a part of the world that very few ever get to visit.

Or want to, said Bertie.

Actually, though I am a little nervous about this whole thing, although Max is elated. He wants lots of pictures.

How many pictures can you really take? Remember when we went to Austria and we took about a thousand pictures of the mountains. Each new view from the train looked so different, so beautiful, but when the pictures were developed, they all looked the same. Taking pictures of ice would be the same thing, wouldn’t it? asked Kit.

Undoubtedly it will be a rare experience said Bonnie. When do you leave?

In two days, said Casey.

Let’s take our coffee back to your house and see your Greenland duds, said Bonnie, picking up her coffee and heading for the door. Bertie and Kit flashed Casey a big smile and the three trooped out behind her.

Chapter Three

Max had returned by the time the four women, starting with Bonnie, traipsed through the front door.

It’s way too early for cocktail time, he said. What’s going on?

We want to see Casey’s snowsuit, said Bonnie, patting him on the cheek as she passed by. Where is it?

I laid it out on our bed. I thought Casey should try it on, just in case it doesn’t fit, so she has time to get another size.

The other three came through the front door as Max was completing his sentence. Upstairs, he said, pointing the way.

Bertie and Kit practically bounded up the stairs while Casey paused to give him a kiss before following. She heard a whoop of delight before she turned into the bedroom. Bonnie held up the red suit and studied herself in the mirror.

A la Big Bird, she hooted. Except in red.

Bertie stepped into the glacier model sorrels while Kit checked out the goggles. These are glacial goggles, she said. They’re made by the same company that makes Mark’s ski goggles.

Try it on for us, Casey, said Bonnie as she lifted a packet from the box. Let’s see what this is. She flipped through the papers. Looks like you need to do a little shopping.

What do you mean? asked Casey, grunting as she struggled into the legs of her snow gear.

Here’s a list of things to pack, said Bonnie. It says you should choose clothing of Polar Plus Fleece, Polypropylene, Capilene, wool and silk. You have some of this from cross-country skiing, don’t you, Casey?

Not Polar Plus Fleece. That’s a new one.

It says you should wear four to five layers on top or expedition weight thermal tops and bottoms.

I’m familiar with the wicking layer and the insulating layer as well as a jacket. What else?

You’re right about the wicking layer, then two insulating layers, then an insulated jacket topped by a parka.

My word, Casey, will you be able to breathe? asked Bertie. What about the bottom?

Always a good idea, grinned Bonnie. A wicking layer, insulating layer and insulated pants.

Do you think I really need to buy all that for such a short trip?

Just the under layers, and you may already have them. You’re wearing the outer layer; very fashionable, I must say, Bonnie teased.

Feeling like Frosty the Snowman, except in red, Casey pirouetted in front of them and took a bow, her face a bright pink. Oh, I’ve got to get this off. I’m roasting.

I don’t see a hat, said Kit. You’d better dig out your ski hat and gloves.

Oh, the list mentions a balaclava, said Bonnie.

What’s that? asked Bertie.

Mark has one, Casey. It’s to cover your face. It has openings for the eyes, mouth and nostrils. Let me see the list, Bonnie. Mark might have some of the things she’ll need. She studied the list.

It also says you should have a musher style hat besides a ski cap, hooted Bonnie. Remember when we gave Max one on his fiftieth birthday? Does he still have it?

Casey nodded, resisting a juvenile giggle.

I think you have everything you’ll need, said Kit. Most of your ski gear is covered here.

The benefits of living on the Minnesota tundra, groaned Bertie. Gag me with a spoon.

Casey had taken off the bright red suit and placed it back on the bed. She examined the label. It’s called a Mustang suit. It protects against Arctic’s icy water. She turned and gave her friends a beseeching look.

I doubt that you’ll even step outdoors, except to go from the arrival vehicle to the building. It says you’ll fly into Kangerlussuaq Airport, stay one night at the Kangerlussuaq Hotel, then be transported by a Twin Otter to Greenland’s inland ice for the ceremony, where a snow machine will carry you the rest of the way. Tucker Snowcats will carry the cargo and provisions.

See, you just have to get from the small aircraft to the ice station, that’s all, said Kit. You’ll be fine. That’s probably when you’ll be duded up in the red suit.

The three women took seats on the side of the bed beside Casey. Bonnie continued to read and flip pages. A couple of suggestions here sound smart, she said.

Like what?

A lighter, a knife, a compass with a mirror and a day pack with a dry change of clothes.

Mark has a compass you can borrow, Casey, said Kit.

With a mirror? asked Bonnie.

What’s the mirror for? asked Bertie. You’ll hardly have to check your hair in that get up.

It’s for signaling, said Bonnie. Remember the story Mark told us once about his friends getting lost in the Colorado Mountains? They could tell a plane was looking for them but they couldn’t find anything to use as a signal until Travis remembered his Copenhagen can. He cleaned it out and used the bright tin inside.

It says here that weather conditions can vary widely with location and latitude.

Bertie took the list from Bonnie and continued to read. Actually, I think I would follow the list as closely as possible. That’s why they gave it to you, isn’t it?

Yes, but the expense, just for a three-day turn. Seems extreme, said Casey.

Most of this won’t be wasted, said Bertie.

Like what?

Well, it suggests chap stick, sunscreen, sunglasses with 100% UV blocking, a water bottle for drinking liquids, Bertie stopped to laugh. Sorry, but it’s also recommended you bring a used water bottle for night time urination.

What? shrieked Kit, the white of her eyes always large when excited. Don’t they have bathrooms.

I think that’s for camp life, said Bonnie. "Probably won’t need that, but the rest sounds reasonable.

This all sounds a little beyond what I should anticipate on a charter flight, said Casey.

Remember the Boy Scout rule, said Kit. ‘Be prepared’.

Do you have any idea what your flight plan will be. I would assume you’ll have to stop and refuel at least once, maybe twice, said Bonnie.

My inflight manager wasn’t sure. I guess I’ll find out when I report.

Do you have an Atlas? asked Bonnie. "Let’s go check the world map. I googled the ice station on the drive over. It’s called the Top of the World Station and is located on the apex of the Greenland ice sheet. It’s been in operation since the late 1980’s. It has three primary buildings. The largest is the Lodge which houses limited quarters for residents as well as the kitchen, dining room or Great Hall as it’s called, offices and laundry. The second building is called the Hut and is where you’ll find the laboratories and classrooms. The third is called the Workbench and is pretty self-explanatory. It’s primarily intended for maintenance of buildings and vehicles.

It also mentioned that the summit is 10, 550 feet above sea level and has 33% less oxygen.

Is that safe? asked Bertie.

Well, it says some people are susceptible to altitude sickness, ranging from mild fatigue and headaches to life threatening increased pressure, or edema, in the brain and lungs.

Oh, Casey, I don’t think you should go, whined Bertie. This all sounds too dangerous.

Bonnie rolled her eyes.

What…what did I say that deserved that look, Bonnie? asked Bertie, extending her hands palm up.

I seem to remember a ski trip we all took to Denver. Same thing. Just not as cold, said Bonnie.

Oh, said Bertie in a defeated tone.

Chapter Four

Katherine Margaret Steen, affectionately called Katie by all who knew her, studied her image in the mirror. She would be thirty in three months but she looked like young twenties. Thick brown hair that had a tendency to curl when the air was damp, a clear, unblemished complexion still retaining some summer tan and blue eyes that moistened instantly under the slightest emotional trigger. Though she teared up in movies, whenever anyone gave her the smallest gift or compliment, or even when she saw a new puppy or a beautiful sunset, friends had learned not to underestimate Katie Steen by her tender emotions. She was a gifted and talented writer, as well as a well-trained ecologist and had a clear understanding of her life purpose. She was unafraid to tackle difficult environments and situations and though she’d written reports from Africa, South America and Mexico, she felt an unfamiliar tingle of apprehension about visiting Greenland, the location of her father’s death. Her father had been a gifted scientist who also knew his personal mission in life before nature robbed him of the opportunity to complete it. This morning she would board a privately chartered plane with three equally dedicated scientists and fly to the very site of her father’s death. She thought she was ready and felt greatly honored that she had been invited to this tribute to his life. In fact, her mother had been invited, too, but declined. She said she had no interest in seeing or reliving the conditions of her husband’s death. Katie had not actually thought of it in those terms until she heard her mother’s words. Despite the fact that they had stung, she planned to attend and had invited her friend, Janae Cater, to accompany her.

But for a thick packet of letters that her mother had given her the previous evening, she had finished her packing. Her mother had flown in two days before Katie’s trip to help her prepare.

I wish you were going, Mom.

I’ll watch the whole thing on television from the comfort of your Lazyboy. I’ve been contacted by every television network for an interview, so I know they’ll all be there with you. Remember to wave to me. She smiled.

But Mom, you were an important part of Dad’s life. I remember you telling me you typed all of his research notes.

Her mother shook her head sadly. That last trip was different. It had been one of the few times your father and I had seriously argued, her mother said sadly. A very-dark premonition nagged at me for days before your father left. I couldn’t get it out of my head, and begged him not to go. I’ve spent twenty-five years regretting the unkind words I spoke to him on his last night at home.

I’m sure Dad understood. You were afraid for him. That’s all there was to it.

We both said some pretty harsh things, she said sadly, cupping Katie’s chin in her hand. Her eyes softened as she studied her daughter. You have your father’s eyes, you know, and his brain. I see him every time I look into your eyes. I wish he had known that you would someday follow in his footsteps.

I’ve hardly done that. I’m only a writer, Mom. My science training just helps me understand what I write. I’m not the scientific pioneer that Dad was.

You’re every bit the same as your father. He would be so proud. In fact, wait right here while I get something for you.

Katie remained seated on the couch, nibbling on a piece of pie they’d had for dessert and finishing a cup of coffee. Was she the same as her father? The thought pleased her, though she hardly knew the man. Finishing her dessert, she