Introduction
First of all, thank you to those who have read and/or left comments on my previous posts regarding my history. This time, I'm going to delve into something else I have been involved with. It wasn't long after my journey to Hy'Brasil. That one left many unanswered questions from the brass as well as myself. However, it has now been closed and classified to all but those way up higher than me.
What follows, is still highly classified. It was once again a small team, this time of 3 including myself. Names will be changed to protect identities, and keep this as low key as I possibly can. Dates will not be disclosed.
Mission: Project Ice Breaker Location: Greenland Date: Classified Squad Designation: Black Fox
I was nearing the end of my leave. After Hy'Brasil, I had so much going through my head I just couldn't fathom the ins and outs of the events that preceded my rescue by some confused Irish fisherman. All I know about them, is that they were ordered to sign an official secrets act, and I was informed that I was to never travel to Ireland again. Kind of a shame, as I always wanted to visit.
Sitting down in a comfortable armchair in a 2 bedroom semi-detached house in a quiet village felt amazing. I was relaxed. Winding down had never felt so good. The locals were mostly old couples and retiree's looking to live out their lives in relative peace. No one bothered me, and my only real contact with another human being was the widowed pensioner next door, and the lovely Carol who owned the local shop. She never questioned anything about me as my neighbour didn't. I'd been here just over 6 months making the best out of everything in life.
I watched a gardening program, and sipped a beer. In total peace and quiet. Feet up and enjoying the lack of noise. But that peace was soon disturbed on that late summer evening. A firm knock on the door resonated throughout my home and I must have had the most confused look on my face, no one ever knocked. I lifted myself out of the chair and checked the time. It was just after 8pm, and the sun was setting over the horizon, giving the sky a beautiful golden glow.
Making my way to the front door, I could make out 2 figures through the frosted glass insert in the mahogany door. I wasn't hesitant in the slightest, but I was curious as to who these 2 people were.
Opening the door, I was greeted by 2 men in black suits and white shirts wearing sunglasses. I knew they weren't here to sell me cookies.
"Carl (Redacted)?"
"Yeah, that's me."
"I'm Agent (Redacted) and this is Agent (Redacted)."
The man who spoke handed me some official looking papers which I took carefully eyeing up the folder.
"May we come in? We need to talk to you for a moment." The question seemed innocent enough, an I didn't feel threatened for a minute. So I invited them in and lead them into the living room.
I sat down in my armchair and turned off the TV and opened the folder containing Intel that was not only classified but interesting. They both sat down on my sofa and waited for me to inspect everything before speaking.
"As you may be aware, we are involved with the Government and high ranking Military personnel. We have been briefed about your past service record, and given the unusual circumstances that no one can verify regarding your previous mission, you have an exemplary record."
I nodded slowly, taking in what he had said. Wondering where this was leading. Well, I say that. But I knew more than anything else, they wanted me to return to active duty. Why else turn up here with these documents? Question is, would it suit me?
"So, I guess I'm being recruited for another adventure then?" I sighed. Half hoping I would be left alone to enjoy my vacation a little longer.
"Not exactly. We require a team of 3 people. Your name has been forwarded to our department. Your skill set is something that is considered vital. Your survival skills are some of the best the British Forces can claim."
Again I nodded. Like I'm going to deny that I'm good at what I do. I've trained in a lot, and excelled at it too. But I'm not the kind of guy to brag. I'll let my reputation speak for itself.
"Is this an option for me then? What if I wanted to stay here and live the Life of Riley?" I proceed further to see if I could avoid it.
"It is totally your call on the matter. Obviously we wouldn't have received a recommendation suggesting you otherwise. We can leave you to think it over, but we will need an answer within 24 hours."
I mulled this over for about 30 seconds. Did I really want this? Could I do it even? A chance to get back in the saddle though. Something else to my CV I guess.
"Alright, I'll take the 24 hours."
"We can see ourselves out. We'll be in touch 24 hours from now. If you decide to accept, make sure outer ready to leave immediately."
The 2 agents left quietly. I didn't even hear a car drive off. I wondered where they went too for a moment. But focused my attention on the documents on the table in front of me. There was a lot at stake here from what I read. I had no idea as to who else was being assigned this mission, but they'd have to be good. Not just for any rookie, they'd need those with exceptional skills. I felt a tinge of importance. But quickly discarded that feeling as I didn't want to get big headed.
After an hour of reading, I decided that it would be ideal for me. After all, I'd had 6 months of rest, and that itch to get back out was begging to be scratched. Fuck it. I'm game. Plus I get to travel around the world and see new places, even if it's not a holiday.
I walked into the kitchen and opened my refrigerator to see 2 more beers sat on the shelf. No point in wasting them I thought and grabbed the pair of ice cold ales. I popped the caps off and ventured outside into my garden. It was a good size with plenty of cover from prying eyes. So I picked up the deck chair and walked to the far end near the trees, whose leaves were swaying ever so gently in the slight breeze. Time to enjoy the last little bit of freedom. Shame I only had 2 beers left, but no point in being drunk to any degree that would raise questions.
The sound of the countryside is something else. Even at night in the city, you still hear ambient sounds such as traffic and people. The cities never sleep. But here in the wilderness, it truly is peaceful at night. No noise or light pollution let the night sky shine with pinhead sized dots of white light. It's so clear and beautiful. I could have stayed out all night, but once the sun had completely set, the temperature dropped quite rapidly. Begrudgingly, I sought refuge under my duvet instead of the amazing night sky displaying millions of stars that inhabited our galaxy. My ceiling was pretty boring truth be told. Maybe a mural of the galaxy would spruce it up? It wasn't long before I fell into a deep sleep.
My alarm rudely woke me up at 7am. Damn thing had one of the most annoying rings you've ever heard. But it jolted me out of my slumber efficiently. Rubbing the eyes from my sleep, I staggered out of my bedroom into the bathroom and took a shower. Ice cold water shot out first and I let out a scream of surprise. Glad no one else was here, I sounded like a little child.
Once I was washed and dressed, I ventured downstairs and made myself a traditional English breakfast. Eggs, bacon, black pudding, toast the lot. Vegans would sure as hell hate me for this. I loaded up the plate with as much as I could. After all, it would be some time before I would eat a hearty meal again. Finished, I washed up what was left and decided to read through all the information again. Ha plenty of time to absorb everything after all.
It was approaching midday when another firm knock at the door brought me back to reality from my intense scrutiny of the information I was reading. Again, it was the 2 agents from the day before.
"Morning gentlemen. Bit early?" I smiled so they didn't presume I was being that sarcastic.
"We're aware, but there has been a request that we collect you now if you have decided to accept this mission." Came a curt reply.
He was obviously not in the mood for pleasantries today.
"Sure, I'll accept. We leaving now?"
"Affirmative. Don't worry about your belongings. Someone will be here to pick them up soon. Come with us." His tone gave nothing away.
We walked down the path, and turned left away from the rest of the village. I was sad to leave it behind, but this opportunity was something I eagerly anticipated. After all, how many people get sent on a mission to Greenland? Behind some overgrown bushes next to a large tree, was black Range Rover with blacked out windows. So much for incognito. But it was out of the way from the village and no one ever came up this way.
We boarded the vehicle and set off. I have no idea what was in store for me in the near future. Needless to say, nothing is ever plain sailing in life. Especially when you choose the military life.
Location: Classified Time: 1900
The drive was a killer. Seven hours of almost non stop driving. We have a stop to use toilets and grab some food, but otherwise it was boring beyond words. They weren't the talkative types, so I sat in silence and took in the scenery.
Eventually, the driver turned up a dirt track path that seemed inocuous and blended in with the surroundings of a typical country road you would find anywhere in the UK. About 10 minutes later, I realised we had entered a secret military installation. I never knew it was here, but then again, the military had a knack for hiding in plain sight at the best of times. Never mind hiding an entire base and personnel.
As the driver brought the vehicle to a stand still, a senior looking official in uniform opened my door for me and greeted me by name.
"Good evening (Redacted). Glad we have you on board." Spoken with an authoritive tone, and commanded respect by his stance alone, I greeted him back and saluted. My surname and rank cannot be shared here for security reasons.
"Good evening sir."
"You'll have been partially briefed already, but now you're here, we can go through the finer details. Follow me."
We entered a nearby building and headed downstairs. Underground facilities as well. I pondered what was going on here. But there was no point in asking, as I knew I'd never have clearance for that kind of information. A few minutes later we were walking along a corridor in what looked like some kind of testing facility. Weapons perhaps? No animals were visible in any of the labs that had windows facing this light grey tunnel that seemed to go on forever.
Finally, I was leaving into a room on my right. Inside were 2 other men. Guess these are my squad mates then.
"I'll leave you to introduce yourselves. I'll return in five." The door closed behind me and I walked over to meet my squad.
"Hi, I'm Carl." I said extending my hand.
"I'm Phil." The first one to speak. Liverpudlian. He's gonna be the most fun I guess. Crazy bunch up there.
"Dan." Quiet and reserved. But not looking as if he didn't want to be here. Just a quiet guy. Reliable.
We spent the next few minutes chatting with each other. Finding out what our strengths and weaknesses were. Among other things like typical alpha male crap like sexual conquests.
The door opened and the was of documents in his hand was held tightly under his arm.
"Hope you've enjoyed your chin wag men. Now it's time to be serious. I'm (Redacted)." A stern look about his face.
He sat down at the table in front of us an began to detail the mission at hand. Destination Greenland. Kind of weird truth be told. Not much was out there. I was genuinely surprised that it have population of approximately 54,000 people. Why would anyone live somewhere that barren? Turns out it's ruled by Denmark as well. Who knew eh.
So that's the basics." He said a few minutes later. "This isn't an anthropologist expedition as such. Although there is a team out there. Contact will be at a minimum. Or not at all."
He ran through what had been discovered recently, by one of the team investigating possibilities of fauna and long dead insects or some crap under the layers of ice. Not my interest, so I didn't care too much. But during their second day, they discovered a large opening in the ice several miles into the icy wilderness. One of the team had stupidly descended into the dark cavern opening, and ended up stuck in there after a fall. Bloody civvy knob head I thought internally.
"So, this is a rescue mission?" Phil sounded in despair with a fed up look about him.
"Well, he has been stuck inside for nearly 48 hours now and will need rescuing. But that's not what the mission objective is."
I decided to speak up, as Dan was just quiet, and Phil didn't seem to concerned. "We're there to investigate the interior then?"
"Nothing gets past you does it." A statement more than a question. "The man in question, Robert Andrews, has claimed to have seen movement in the dark. Now, it could be shock, or his mind playing tricks on him. But given the description he has provided, and his reputation, I see no reason to let someone else get wind of this." He almost whispered the last few words as he looked at us in turn. Hoping we would acknowledge the serious nature of the task at hand.
After discussing all the intel available to us, we was informed that we would be departing immediately via plane. Christ, a country frozen with ice has a runway? This is gonna be a right laugh I thought.
Once the briefing had finished, he escorted us to the runway. It took forever to get there. But this plane ha all the necessary gear we would require for the mission.
Not long after buckling ourselves in to our seats, the pilot took us up into the sky. My next adventure awaited us. What was waiting for us besides some daft scientist who had fallen down a hole? I considered giving him a telling off as I have been living an easy life for 6 months. But hey, something new for me this time. I was appointed the position of commanding officer. Good or bad, I had no clue.
I slept like a baby during the whole flight. After that tedious drive, I needed the rest. I was awoken by the pilots voice alerting us to observe the usual safety crap and buckled up once again. I peered out of the window next to me. Greenland actually looked stunning from thousands of feet up in the air. Just a huge expanse of land smothered in snow an ice. Conditions were surprisingly good upon arrival. At least it would only be cold. No snow. Yet.
The landing was better than expected, with no ice layering the runway. I was optimistic, it was progressing well so far, and I had satisfied smile. The door was opened to allow us to disembark. All I can say, is that it was fucking freezing. The ice cold draught filled the cabin quickly, dispersing all that comfortable warmth. Son of a bitch.
The co-pilot brought us all leggings and coats that was able to easily withstand the piercing icy wind. At the bottom of the steps, Was someone smiling at us and waving like an idiot.
"Ah, greetings. My name is Lars. I from Denmark, but working here. Sorry about the English." Can't say he didn't try, but he was going to have problems if he spoke to Phil. Scousers accents are hard enough for other Brits at the best of times let alone a Dane who didn't speak good English.
"Hey there Lars. I'm Carl, and these are Phil and Dan." I replied in my cheeriest manner.
He shook their hands like they were his best friends.
"I am to take you to site, and site supervisor will explain problem." Still smiling. Did anything upset him?
We followed him to a battered old land rover. This thing was older than me! But it started first time. Secretly impressed, I made a mental note to buy one for myself back home. If they can last this many years, may as well.
The drive took almost an hour. The scenery was all the same. Ice and snow surrounded us like a pack of hungry wolves. It was all around us, closing in and giving me that feeling of dread. Was it really the climate and weather doing this? Or was it something more dark and sinister at work?
Eventually, and thankfully we reached the camp site. Several pre fab buildings erected somehow in the driving wind welcomed us. Lars talked a lot during the whole journey about everything he knew. Not that I cared, but Phil rolled his eyes periodically and Dan, sat behind Lars stared at him and shook his head slowly after just 5 minutes. He was most certainly not impressed by a chatterbox.
We got out of the vehicle and Lars turned to us. "That but over there, the big one. Supervisor is inside." We rushed over there hastily. Fuck this weather.
"Christ almighty he can talk." Dan sounded relieved.
I cackled along with Phil. Dan had obviously taken this for the solitary surroundings. Wasn't much of a talker but I knew he'd be reliable. That sort always were.
As I opened the door, the force of the wind slammed it against wall. The supervisor fell off her seat at the noise. "Bloody hell." We smirked as I went over to help her up.
"Evening, I'm Carl....." I stopped as I took a look at her.
"Carl? I never expected you in a million years." An upward inflection on that last word.
"Rachel?" I was gobsmacked. Rachel attended the same school as me all the way through our childhood. A goofy an nerdy girl. Braces, terrible acne, you name the nerdy stereotype, and she fit into it. But here was the most gorgeous woman I'd ever laid eyes on.
All of a sudden, I was glad to be here. "So, err, who's the fool who fell down the hole?"
She raised an eyebrow at me. "My husband."
"Oh, sorry." I felt such a fool.
"Don't be, he knew he wasn't supposed to go down there. But he was always one to ignore instructions. Anyway, we are close by, so if you're all good to go, we can begin recovery of said fool." She smiled as she said that. What a smile. I was like a teenager in love all over again. But I knew I had no chance. Married after all. Damn it.
We made our way over to the cave entrance a few dozen feet over the mound outside. Lars had unloaded all our gear and brought it to us. We tied a rope to the bumper of his land rover, and threw it over the the gaping maw of the cave. I attached my safety harness to the cord and descended. A good 25 feet down. Respect, he took a hell of a fall.
They had thrown down a blanket and sleeping bag so he could retain warmth. Surprised he has survived as well as he did. Shortly after, Lars lowered a stretcher down. Turns out he has a suspected broken leg he suffered on impact and some bruised ribs. The cold had gotten to him and he was not really talkative. His name was Mark, and he seemed a decent guy. Lucky bastard though.
Before he was lifted out, I have to ask him about his sightings.
"So Mark, what exactly did you see down here?"
"I-I-I don't know. It was humanoid from what I remember. It startled me,, and I screamed. But as it left, I managed to get a picture on my satellite phone."
He showed me the picture. It was a dark image, but an unmistakable figure that stood on legs. Hunched over slightly, and a weird grey skin tone.
"The fuck is that?" I sad absently.
"That's why you're here."
I kept my eyes on the recess of the cave until it was my turn to hear back up and prepare for the mission ahead. I went back to Rachel with Dan and Phil. We scrutinised Mark's picture. Whatever it was that was down there, must have had some degree of intelligence. Surely. But what struck me as odd, was that it appeared to be naked.
"Right boys, time for adventure." Dan gleefully rubbed his hands together. It was the first time I had seen him so animated.
I will post part 2 in the next day or two, schedule permitting. I'm currently in the middle of something big, and need to stay out of sight as I post these updates. The trouble I'd get into is unimaginable. But I'll be back soon.
Submitted April 25, 2017 at 12:56PM by decadentbeaver http://ift.tt/2oGWGuI nosleep
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