Chapter 2

All of the researchers were packed into one room. Gabriella stood at the back of the room, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed.

Her Father and Step-Mother were at the front, working on a computer until they finally got the large projector to work, showing charts of tectonic plate activity. It was from the past few years, with the most activity being very small bumps that barely registered.

“Well, as we all know, there has been next to no activity for decades. In all measurements even.”

They clicked through multiple charts of measurements. Every field showed next to no data in the area for decades.

“But…we aren’t really sure why…but these are the measurements over the last few hours.”

He flipped to the next page, packed with multiple charts that all showed massive levels of activity across all fields of study.

The researchers all gasped and began to mutter amongst themselves.

“Now, we know that there is something in the center of the South Pole. We aren’t really sure why, but any pictures or scans of the area have this large black spot right here.”

He changed the slide to a picture of the South Pole, the large black spot present at the center of the island of ice.

“We have not been able to figure out what this is, but we have been discussing an expedition team to go out and find out.” He replied.

One researcher raised their hand from the crowd.

“Why not send a drone?” They asked.

Éliane changed the slide to footage of a unmanned rover going across snow and ice towards the center. It could see a mountain in the distance that looked dark, like the light hitting it was being absorbed rather than reflected.

Gabriella perked up from the back of the room, their attention now fully being given to the video as they took a few steps forward.

The researchers began to mumble amongst themselves again as the rover went closer and closer.

The larger and larger the mountain grew, the video began to become more unclear. First the quality dropped to fewer and fewer pixels, turning the mountain into a dark blob.

But then, something else entered the video.

Another blob that was moving, white and light blue colored until it took up most of the screen. Something moved before the video suddenly cut to black.

“We aren’t sure what it was. Our most educated guess is polar bears or other animals living in the area. We haven’t recovered the rover, so we aren’t sure of the damage done to study it.” He said.

Gabriella kept staring at the black screen being projected.

“I could lead the expedition.” She said.

Everyone turned and looked at her.

Her Father locked eyes with her, a worried look on his face.

“I…” He started, but stopped himself as he turned to his wife.

“We can discuss who will be going. We'll need experts in multiple fields in order to best figure out what the situation is.” He said.

Gabriella shrugged.

“Gives me something to do. And I think I have the most snowmobile experience here.” Gabriella said.

Her Father looked at her confused.

“We can discuss that later. First, I’ll need volunteers.” He said.

None of the researchers raised their arms, all of them looking quite nervous or afraid.

“I could go by myself. Figure out what’s going on.” Gabriella spoke up.

Everyone turned to look at her again, her Father looking both angry and worried at the same time.

“No. Nobody is going out there alone. We can figure out who is best suited for this mission later.” He said.

Gabriella was going to speak again, but was cut off by her Father.

“Everyone dismissed. Go back to your work places while we discuss the next steps forward.” He said.

All of the researchers hesitated for a few seconds before they stood and filed out of the room.

Gabriella didn’t move as bodies moved past her. Her eyes were locked onto her Dad and Step-Mom.

Once the room only held the three of them, she finally spoke.

“You’re not going to let me do anything?” She asked.

“Gabriella, we’re not discussing this. You’re not going, especially not on your own.” He said.

She walked around the chairs to storm up to him.

“Gabriella, your Father is only trying to protect you.” Éliane said, moving to get between them.

“Protect me? He’s treating me like a child.” She said.

“I promised your Mother I would keep you safe down here.” He said with a dry tone.

“Dad. I am telling you that I know how to protect myself. I can do this. Just let me show you.” Gabriella said, trying to remain calm and collected.

“David…” Éliane said softly.

“No. I’m not doing this. You’re going to stay.” He said.

“Does anybody else here know how to drive a snowmobile?” Gabriella asked.

“That’s another thing! How do you know how to drive one?” David asked, his voice raised in volume and tone.

“Mom used to take me and show me while you were at work. She told me to keep it a secret, but right now I think it's more important to tell you.” Gabriella replied, crossing her arms.

“This is not up for discussion or negotiation. You’re staying here.” He said.

“Are you serious?” Gabriella asked.

“Of course I am.” He snapped back.

“Alright, let’s get you both to your rooms to cool off.” Éliane said as she tried to pull David away.

“It’s your fault I’m here! I didn’t ask to be here! You dragged me here!” Gabriella shouted.

Éliane looked upset, realizing that she wasn’t going to be able to stop the fighting anymore.

“I brought you here because you would’ve had nothing! I wasn’t going to leave you on your own!” David shouted back.

“I had friends! I was going to go to school! You ripped my life away because you couldn’t handle having me on your own! You didn’t even TRY to raise me! To help me grow up!” Gabriella shouted as her eyes began to water, the emotions visible and palpable.

“I came out here to work and help this planet!” David shouted back.

“Don’t you ******* use that excuse again! Don’t you try and guilt trip me again!” Gabriella screamed, pointing aggressively at her Father.

“I am telling the truth! You are grounded! Go to your room!” He screamed.

Éliane finally began to push David towards the door to try and make him leave the room.

Gabriella clearly wanted to yell something, but stopped herself.

She nearly went too far, but she stopped herself.

David and Éliane left the room while Gabriella stood still, arms crossed and breathing heavy while trying to force herself to calm down.

“I’ll show you.” She muttered to herself.

After all of the other researchers went to sleep, Gabriella snuck her way out of the facility, going to the vehichle hanger. She scoured over the heavily armored and fabric covered military trucks and hummers. She kept walking as quietly as she could until she came across the snowmobiles.

She was wearing another puffy jacket and two different gloves to keep herself as warm as possible.

She climbed onto the mobile, turning it on and trying to keep it as quiet as possible.

The headlights flicked on as she looked around to make sure nobody was around.

She walked along the floor, keeping the engine quiet and making it to the large hangar door.

She opened it slowly, getting it just wide enough to push through before letting it shut again.

She looked out at the dark and cold desert in front of her, taking a deep breath.

“Alright…here we go.”

She twisted the handles as the mobile raced forward into the darkness.

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