Svalbard - No Man's Land.

By Crtwriter and Cristian Romero de la Torre

An intense storm has hit the Svalbard archipelago, preventing communication with the rest of the world. Faced with such a situation, the Norwegian government decides to send a reconnaissance team by sea. Their objective is to ensure the well-being of the citizens in the capital, Longyearbyen. Among the members of the team is the famous rescuer Adam Raske, who has a different task than the rest to go to the icy town. But the course of the mission of all of them changes completely when they arrive at their destination, where they quickly discover that the storm is not the worst, nor the most dangerous thing that is happening in the northernmost inhabited place in the world. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cistian Romero de la Torre
• Release date: Mar 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224020089

Book preview

SVALBARD

No man’s land.

––––––––

Cristian Romero de la Torre

Table of Contents

Title Page

Svalbard - No Man's Land.

1.

2.

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7.

It is the people who live in the most inhospitable places on earth who demonstrate the true strength of the human spirit.

For where nature is harshest, the perseverance of those who inhabit it flourishes.

In Viking mythology, the howl of Fenrir is a constant reminder of the indomitable power that lies deep within the wilderness.

Cristian Romero © Copyright 2020

1.

Adam Raske parked his personal vehicle outside the port of Bergen. He was tired, the road trip had been tedious due to the storm the country was facing.

He had not had much time to prepare, as during the early morning he had received a call from a high—ranking Norwegian government official. The subject had not specified his name or position, but claimed to speak on behalf of the current vice—president.

Upon receiving the call and hearing the proposal, Adam reacted reluctantly, but after a more than succulent financial offer, he finally accepted the assignment.

He received specific instructions and concise guidelines. He was to arrive in Bergen at eight o'clock in the morning, where a boat and crew would be waiting for him.

After finishing the mysterious call, he equipped himself. He stored all kinds of gadgets and objects, everything he thought might be necessary or useful, both in his journey and in his mission. When he was ready he left his apartment and climbed into his archaic black BMW SUV and began his departure.

His current residence was located in Oslo, so he had to drive several hours through the night in order to get to the appointment.

According to the information available to him, he had to go to Bergen to embark, and from there to the Svalbard archipelago, specifically to the capital, Longyearbyen. Almost the entire archipelago was under siege by an immense and sudden blizzard that had interrupted and impeded communications.

After parking the car, he grabbed his satchel from his rucksack and walked along the quay.

As he went deeper along the jetty he spotted two people, a man and a woman who appeared to be awaiting his arrival. Without pause or hesitation, he gradually approached them.

The woman was blonde, with a thin face and a narrow nose, with piercing, sapphire blue eyes. She was dressed in a warm military outfit composed of white and gray patches.

The man's appearance differed, not only in his physical features, but also in his clothing. He was also in uniform, but his attire was more typical of the navy. He had a rough face and dark hair.

—Adam Raske? —The woman stepped forward and was the first to interact.

—Yes, it's me. —Adam replied, apathetic, showing his indifference.

—Well. My name is Alva Olaf, and I'm in command of this operation. Any problems with that?

Adam, lazily, shook his head.

—Well, come on, we don't have time to waste.

With great speed they advanced to the end of the jetty, where a sturdy motor yacht awaited.

—Is that our transport? —Adam was not entirely satisfied with the boat.

—That's right. —Unlike Adam, he looked at the vessel with glee: "A length of 100 feet, beam of 7 and a draft of 2.

—I take it you're the captain.

—Yes, I am. Einar Landvik. —After introducing himself, he stretched out his hand as a gesture of civility.

—Good.

Adam deliberately circumvented Einar's salute and crossed the wooden plank to climb aboard.

—Einar, it's time to sail.

—Of course, ma'am.

Einar left with alacrity, as the lieutenant waved for Adam to follow her.

Adam complied and escorted her into the boat, into the center room where the other seven crewmen were waiting.

Six of the seven wore the same clothing as the senior officer. Adam had been the center of attention since his incursion, only one woman caught his eye. She was not dressed like the military, she did wear the appropriate clothing and attire for the situation, but what piqued Adam's curiosity was that she wore a thick hijab covering all of her hair.

—With all due respect, I don't know why we're taking so many civilians on such a simple mission.

—Are you kidding me, Jens? It's Adam Raske.

—And that's supposed to tell me something?

—I know some of you already know each other, but to avoid speculation and distractions, it would be best if we all introduce ourselves. —Alva dictated and the others had no choice but to obey.

—Yes, ma'am. —He enunciated with a certain unspoken tentativeness. — My name is Sergeant Jens Ericsson, and I don't understand why we have to do this ourselves. I think it's a waste of time.

—It's enough to introduce yourself. —Alva glared at him.

—I am Second Lieutenant Tove Holt.

—I'm Master Corporal Leif Vang.

—Mikkel Hummel, communications expert. —He decided to omit his rank.

They all introduced themselves one by one.

—I am Haldor Haakonsson.

—I am second lieutenant Helga Solberg... And I must say it is a pleasure to meet you. —Her praise went straight to Adam.

—Thank you... —Adam didn't know how to respond to the compliment, —I'm Adam Raske.

Everyone's eyes turned to the only person who had not appeared.

—I am Tahira Saadi.

—And what the hell are you doing here, 'brunette'? —Jens expressed himself humorously, but he went too far and his comment was unfortunate to say the least.

—Call her that again, or in a way that doesn't seem right to me, and I'll kick your grubby ass for the deck. —Alva didn't like his tone or his words and let him know it stubbornly.

—Yes ma'am, sorry... —Jens ducked his head.

—Miss Saadi is here as sanitary.

—Ma'am, why do we need a paramedic? —Mikkel was interested in the reason for her presence.

Those present could sense the swaying of the yacht, understanding that Einar had set sail.

—The storm may have caused problems for the population and a prepared sanitary can be of great use. Miss Saadi is one of Norway's finest professionals and they should be grateful for her presence.

Alva's justification satisfied everyone present.

For the next few minutes there was an awkward silence among