Colder Than Ice Part 11

"So, you set up the Web, but how do you work out where to start?" Rob asked.

Allison slapped Rob on the back. "That's where you and Sarah come in. The GPS reading you guys took when you were out here all those months ago will be the datum point where I position the mother node. I'll spread the rest out in a circular radius of about five yards, to see what we pick up. From there it's like a jigsaw puzzle, only you work your way outwards. If we can find the edge of the building, we mark it and trace that line until we come to a corner. We'll continue to trace the next line until we finally have the rough outline of a building. This is then pegged out and we take the dig from there."

Rob nodded. "b.l.o.o.d.y amazing. Now I know you guys normally go at this sort of stuff with shovels and the like. I suppose that's where these blades fit into the picture." He pointed at the blades resting up against one another.

"Right again. I hadn't seen these used until we gave them a trial in Sydney, but I reckon they'll speed up things quite a bit." Allison turned a blade over and revealed a small switch. "They're battery operated and work much like a delicate flat-bladed jackhammer. The difference between this and a normal jackhammer is that the actual blade is super-heated, allowing it to cut through the ice like a knife through b.u.t.ter. You adjust the heat and power by flicking these two switches." She pointed to a green and purple switch.

Ewan carefully took the blade out of Allison's hands. "I can't wait to give this bad boy a try. But isn't metal brittle? What's to stop it from being affected by the extreme cold conditions?"

"You see how light they are?" Rob and Ewan took turns holding the tool and nodded. "The metal in the casing and the blade is aircraft grade t.i.tanium. This means it's non-corrosive and can withstand extreme variations in temperature as well as pressure. Super light and super strong and I might add super expensive. That's why Rick will run you through a couple of lessons before we unleash you on the dig site."

Rob handed the tool back to Allison. "Well, Skip, tell us when you're ready. I better get back to the daily power check. You coming, Ewan?"

Allison grinned at their enthusiasm and returned her attention to the Web.

TWENTY-FOUR HOURS later Allison was pleased to see a partial picture of the hut begin to take shape. As the picture built up, she adjusted the position of the Web. Engrossed in the correct placement of the mother node, she almost missed Rick's excited voice over the ever-present wind.

"Dianne, Alli, come here!" Rick detached his ice axe from his belt and made a cut in the ice as Allison and Dianne strode to him.

Rick stood up and stepped away from the hole. "Look. I was placing out one of the nodes when I noticed a discoloration in the ice off to my right. When I got closer I realized it could only be wood. This is obviously some part of the roof of the hut. There's no need to continue on with the plotting, we can start here."

"It's great that the building isn't as deep as what we thought it was, but don't you think we should find another access way?" Allison asked.

Rick raised his brows and blinked in surprise. "Are you crazy? This could cut days, maybe weeks off our excavation and give us the opportunity to explore other remote sites or caches that might be around here. If this building's configured like most of the other huts of this era, then it will have reinforced skylights for use when the normal entrances were snowed-in. These could form our access points."

"That may be the case if the building wasn't buried under so much ice," Allison said. "I'm worried about the integrity of the structure. Your idea may result in the building caving in on someone who's in it."

Rick threw his hands up and walked away before turning back to Allison and Dianne. "Oh, for heaven's sake, Alli, don't be daft. What happened to your spirit of adventure? You weren't so cautious last year during that cave dig in Perth."

Allison forced herself to remain calm. "That was completely different and you know it. We weren't in the middle of a continent whose closest surgical help is over nine days away."

Rick turned to Dianne. "Come on, Di. Can't you see how much time we could save here? It's a bit risky but we've all been in tighter situations."

"Sorry, but I have to agree with Alli. There're safety issues at stake, not to mention what a collapse would do to the possible artifacts inside. Plus, not all of the workers here are skilled at digging. Take Rob and Ewan. I'd hate to see their enthusiasm accidentally result in injury."

Rick angrily shook his head. "b.l.o.o.d.y women, you're all the same. I'd be surprised if we ever manage to find a way into this d.a.m.n hut. Christ, at this rate, it'll be time to go home before we even have a building framework. If you want to play it super safe then suit your b.l.o.o.d.y self. But if you think I'm going to spend any more time laying out these b.l.o.o.d.y nodes in the freezing cold, then you've got another thing coming." Rick shoved his ice axe back on his belt and stomped away.

Allison looked at the nodes in her hands. "It's far too risky. We can't afford to lose another member of the team."

Dianne patted Allison's shoulder. "He's frustrated that's all. Tell you what. You continue here and I'll go and try to talk to him."

Allison watched Dianne head off in search of Rick and wasn't surprised to see Sarah head her way.

"What was all that about? Rick came into the camp spitting chips."

"He's frustrated over how slow things are and wanted to start entering the hut through a sky-light." Allison looked at the markers already identifying some of the outline of the hut. "You've worked here before. Am I being unrealistic? Would it be safe to dig from the roof down?"

"If this structure's anything like the McKinley expedition hut then it'll be pre-fabricated wooden walls, and pretty strong at that. But I'd caution against cutting into the superstructure. You should try to maintain its integrity. That way, when you eventually start to cut through the ice, there's still some strength remaining in the hut. I guess your biggest task will be finding the actual entrance to the building."

Allison nodded. "This shouldn't be too hard once we've got an outline to work with. If we can only find it before Rick loses his temper and decides to start without the entrance."

Sarah chuckled at Allison's exasperation. "He'll cool down once he sees sense." She pointed to the wiring left behind by Dianne and Rick. "In the meantime, how'd you feel about another pair of hands to help you put those node thingies out?"

Allison gratefully smiled. "Thanks. I had Ewan and Rob helping me yesterday, but I think they both expected immediate results. When things were slow to happen they found other jobs to fill their time."

Sarah picked up the netted bag of electronic nodes. "That's not entirely fair. Michela's directions were that once we'd established the camp, everyone was responsible for specific daily tasks. With the exception of the cooking and the slop detail, this leaves a fair amount of spare time. If you're not getting the help you need, why don't you speak with Michela?"

Allison baulked at the idea. Although things between them had been pretty benign since the incident at Wills Station, they certainly weren't on rosy terms. Sarah's right. After all, she's the team leader and this is part of her job. "I'll do that tonight over dinner, but for the moment I think the two of us can manage."

THE FOLLOWING DAY, after a polite reading of the riot act by Michela, Allison had more than her fair share of workers. While Rick remained conspicuously absent, the rest of the team was helpful in setting out the Web and marking the building's outline.

By late morning the digital tablet in the mess hut displayed a roughly rectangular outline, about thirty-six feet long by twenty-four feet wide. Happy with the progress, Allison called a halt and the team went to the hut and lunch.

ALLISON GRABBED A spoon and fork and sat down at the mess hut table. She picked up a dinner roll, broke it in two, and dipped it into her sauce.

Dianne pa.s.sed a plate of pasta to Rob as he filed through the food preparation area. "You know. I'd forgotten how much you can do with this dehydrated food."

Rob bent over and took in the aroma of a strong Neapolitan sauce, liberally spiced with chili and garlic. "This smells great. You sure you don't want to cook next week as well? That's my s.h.i.+ft and I hate to say this, but make the most of it, because next week you may starve."

The group laughed.

Sarah nudged Rob as he sat down beside her. "Fibber. I know you can cook. I'm looking forward to that Italian shepherd's pie of yours. Las.h.i.+ngs of mince, onion, garlic, and peas in a wonderful beefy sauce, topped with mashed potato and melted cheese."

"If that's your version of aI can't cook' then I'd hate to see something you can do." Ewan swallowed a mouthful of pasta and blissfully sighed. "Don't get me wrong, Di. This is b.l.o.o.d.y marvelous."

Di grabbed her bowl and sat down on the last unoccupied chair at the table. "Thanks for your feedback. I thought it made a nice Christmas lunch. Of course, a gla.s.s of champagne would go down well too."

Allison looked at her watch and then shook her head. "What do you know. We've been so busy I lost count of the days. I thought it was tomorrow."

Christmas greetings were shared around the group, with extra thanks to Dianne for her effort.

Dianne graciously acknowledged their thanks. "So how did it go out there this morning?"

Allison wiped the sauce that was dribbling down her chin. "Pretty good. Sarah's been keeping an eye on the digital image this morning. We're really beginning to see a shape."

"So, Alli, found any more internal walls lately?" Rob asked.

Alli poked out her tongue at Rob. "Very funny. I thought I'd really found something this morning and it was only a dividing wall. I'd completely forgotten about those."

Rob chuckled. "They're pretty good at holding up ceilings and the like."

"Enough. You've had your laugh for the day," Allison said. "We still haven't cracked the door yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if we find it this afternoon."

Excitement rippled around the table at the realization of what the discovery of an entranceway would mean.

Dianne sprinkled Parmesan over her pasta. "Then it won't be long before we can get a look at what's inside. I'm sorry I couldn't keep an eye on both the digital tablet and the stove, but I really wanted to give this lunch my full attention." Dianne nodded at Sarah. "Thanks for your help this morning. Once I've tidied up the mess I've made I'll be ready to take over on the tablet if you like."

Sarah twirled another batch of angel hair pasta onto her spoon. "I'm actually enjoying watching the picture take shape. It's a bit like a mystery really, all the pieces coming together. Whenever you're ready though, let me know. Besides, leave the cleaning to the slops lady." She pointed her fork at Michela.

Michela tilted her head. "Is that right? I'll have to remember that, Sarah, especially since tomorrow it's your turn."

LATER THAT AFTERNOON Allison was interrupted from the site by a call from Sarah. With the wind blowing in the opposite direction, Allison couldn't understand what she was saying. She waved back at Sarah and carefully walked through the wind to the hut.

Sarah was hunched over the digital tablet, squinting at the screen. She leant back and ran her hand through her blonde locks. "I think I've been looking at this far too long."

Allison furrowed her brow. "I thought Di was going to replace you when she finished cooking. Where is she?"

Sarah shrugged. "I don't know. She said she'd something to do and that she'd be right back. I don't know how long that's been as I've been pretty preoccupied with the puzzle unfolding right here." She pointed at the tablet.

Allison tried to discern the full outline of the hut, but it was too large for the tablet's screen. "Do you mind if I make a few adjustments?"

Sarah stood. "Be my guest. I've been reluctant to fiddle with anything without you guys giving me a hand. I'd hate to think my fat fingers or voice commands resulted in losing the picture altogether."

Allison chuckled and sat down. "I don't think there's any chance of that. This thing saves on a regular basis."

"Yeah, but you don't know my luck with information technology. Electronics and I haven't always been compatible, and it wouldn't be the first time I've managed to completely crash a program."

Allison tapped on the program's options. "Not to worry. Let me refine the clarity of the picture and reduce it a bit to give us a better view."

The resulting image showed that the external dimensions of the building had slightly detracted from its rectangular shape. Toward one end was a small square structure, extending from the rest of the outline. Allison squinted at the screen. "Tablet, scroll down." She looked at Sarah. "I hope this isn't another internal wall." The mess door opened and a s.h.i.+vering Rob, Michela, and Ewan walked in.

Ewan went to the stove. "See, Michela, it's like I said. They've come in from the cold. I'm going to fix some hot chocolate. Does anyone want some?"

Oblivious, Allison continued to stare at the screen. "I'll be d.a.m.ned."

"You'll be d.a.m.ned what?" Sarah asked, leaning over Allison's shoulder.

Allison pointed at the screen, a smile gracing her features. "I think we've finally found it. See that box-like structure on the end of the wall there? I think that's a foyer, like the McKinley construction." She turned to the group whose attention was now focused on the small screen. "I think we've found our entrance."

Spontaneous whoops and cheers erupted from the group.

Allison disentangled herself from Rob's bear hug and turned to the next in line, who happened to be Michela. Momentarily sobered by the awkwardness between herself and Michela, she searched for words to hide her reluctance to hug her. "Now this is a Christmas present. Where're Di and Rick? They need to see this. I'll go and check my hut and see if Rick's there." She stopped on her way to the door and turned around. "Maybe it's time we did break out that first bottle of champagne. I'll go and get Rick. Save a gla.s.s for us."

Outside, Allison paused as she braced herself against the chilly wind. Pulling her beanie firmly down over her ears, she went to her hut.

She opened the door and could only stare. The wind that had chilled her outside paled into insignificance to the chill that a.s.sailed her senses. Dianne's semi-naked form was entwined in Rick's legs and arms.

"What the b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l do you think you two are doing?" Allison bellowed.

Dianne quickly reached for her clothes, which were strewn about the cabin.

Rick maintained his position on his back, head resting on his folded hands, in a pose of superiority. "What does it look like?"

Allison's eyes blazed. "You b.a.s.t.a.r.d! You b.l.o.o.d.y b.a.s.t.a.r.d. After all these years and you leave me for b.l.o.o.d.y blimbo."

Dianne struggled to pull on a boot while at the same time maintain some dignity. "I beg your pardon. I may be a lot of things but I'm no blimbo, and yes, I do know what that means."

Allison wheeleda"the full force of her anger focused on Dianne. "Lady, you may be a lot of things but you're going to be something on the end of my fist if you don't get the h.e.l.l out of here!" She grabbed Dianne by her jeans, opened the door, and threw her into the snow.

Allison slammed the door and paced the floor, attempting to rein in her temper. "How could you? Of all the people to leave me for, how could you pick such an airhead?"

Rick casually reached for the flannel s.h.i.+rt at the end of his bed. "See, that's your problem. You only see things your way. She's not like that at all. In fact she's pretty intelligent."

"How long has this been going on then? A week? A month perhaps? How long have you and that b.i.t.c.h been rutting?"

Rick smugly smiled as he b.u.t.toned his s.h.i.+rt. "About nine months and as for rutting, well, that might be what you call it, but I've got another name for it."

Allison did the mental calculations. "You p.r.i.c.k! You two have been at this for ages. The morning I was late for work and you were supposed to have come over the evening before. I bet you were with her, weren't you? And let's not forget all those team meetings you had to have at all hours while we were planning this dig. Of course, then there's the 'it'll be okay, I'll walk Di home and then join the others' excuse you gave in Hobart. I bet you never joined the others at all, did you? To think for the whole b.l.o.o.d.y miserable sea journey down here I washed and looked after you while you puked your guts up. And for what? So you could run off with some b.i.t.c.h. Christ, after all I've done for you!"

Rick stood, his dark eyes aflame as he towered over her. "Bulls.h.i.+t! You've been colder than ice for a long time now. s.h.i.+t, you've been so preoccupied in this d.a.m.n dig that everything else has taken a back seat, including me. At least with Di I don't get the cold shoulder every time I try to show a little affection."

"If your idea of showing a little affection is shaking my shoulder after a hard day's work and asking me if I'm awake, then you've got it wrong. Why her? s.h.i.+t, there was a time when you couldn't stand her." Allison searched her mind for a possible reason and then bitterly smiled. "Of course, how stupid of me. What better way to cement your position at the Museum than getting into bed with the patron's daughter? You lousy, politically minded, sc.u.m sucking low life b.a.s.t.a.r.d. You can have her. And if it's any consolation, with a p.r.i.c.k the size of yours, it's a wonder she gets any satisfaction out of you!"

Rick raised his hand and Allison lifted her arm, to s.h.i.+eld herself from the inevitable blow. Almost simultaneously the door slammed open and Michela strode in.

"Rick!" Michela shouted.

Rick sucked in a breath and lowered his hand. Michela quickly stepped between them and faced Rick.

"I don't know the full story of what's going on here. But if I see you raise your hand to a member of my team, male or female, I'll have Sarah sedate you for the rest of the dig or at least until we can get you off the site."

She turned to Allison, who had recovered herself and now wore an equally belligerent expression. "At this point I think it would be best if you went to the mess hut. And, Rick, once you're fully dressed, you're to join us. This needs to be resolved before this dig can go any further." She lightly grasped Allison's arm and maneuvered her out of the apple.

MICHELA OPENED THE mess hut door and breathed a sigh of relief that only Dianne was there. Dianne looked at Allison's angered features and sank further into her chair. In order to avoid any possible bloodshed, Michela motioned Allison to the other side of the room.

b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l. I mustn't forget that in my reporta"be wary of the ability of infidelity to potentially drive a wedge through a team. I'll be d.a.m.ned if I'm going to let this occur with this group. These three are going to have to work out some degree of resolution or I'll personally drug the d.a.m.ned lot of them. She rubbed her eyes and traced a path through her auburn locks with her fingers. Rick finally strolled in.

Michela motioned him to a seat a workable distance from Allison and Dianne. "Thank you for joining us. We're all adults here and I'm not about to take sides on who's wrong and who's right. But let me make this clear. We're currently on a dig and the remaining four of us are relying on direction from you three. So, this is how it's going to be. You three can resolve your immediate differences and learn to live with the change in personal circ.u.mstances, or we'll strike camp and return to Wills Station. I'm not about to have four innocent people waiting around, freezing their b.u.t.ts off while you three sulk your way through the remaining time here. So, what's it going to be?"

Rick pointed at Allison. "If you think for one moment I'm going to sleep in the same cabin as the ice queen then you've got another thing coming."

Michela swallowed a laugh at Rick's description of Allison. Ice queen she might be, but she has a mean right hook. "I don't know that you two have any choice. We returned the spare apple with the BOB. What we now have is all there is, and this hut isn't equipped for you to be sleeping in it."

Rick folded his arms as he leant back in his chair. "The answer's pretty simple. Why can't Allison change places with Di and Di can move in with me."

Allison shook her head. "There's got to be another solution than that. Why can't I set up a sleeping bag in the sno-trak, or pitch one of the tents?"

"I'm sorry. I can't allow you to do either. The sno-trak has no heating unless the engine's running and that'll burn fuel. As for the tent, the reason why we slept four in them in the first place was to increase the body heat inside the tent. With only you, you'd freeze in no time."

"Oh, for G.o.d's sake. What's your problem, Alli?" Rick asked. "It's not as if you'd be sharing a hut with Sarah or anything."

Michela held up her hand. "Let's get one thing straight. If you've an issue with Sarah, then you take it up with her. In person." That is, if you're brave enough. "Allison, I'm sorry, but there may be only one option open to you. Any other changes will mean disrupting the rest of the group and I think the three of you have caused enough of that already."

Allison suddenly stood, causing some of the table's contents to fall to the floor. "Alright. I'll change bed s.p.a.ces, but by G.o.d, Dianne, you better be out of that d.a.m.ned hut before I get there or I'll start turfing your gear into the snow." She turned to Rick. "As for you, I hope you go to the b.l.o.o.d.y toilet one night and it's so cold you get frostbite and your old feller drops off."

"Allison." Michela barely m.u.f.fled her laugh. "I don't expect you to like each other, but are you going to work together or not?" The three mumbled that they would. "Okay. Let's get this move over and done with and get back to why we're here in the first place."

While the change to sleeping arrangements got under way, Michela gave Sarah, Rob, and Ewan the abridged version of events. She rea.s.sured them, that for the sake of the dig, professionalism among the three archaeologists would be maintained.