The Captive Missile Chapter 5

The Captive Missile

Chapter 5

Was he talking about the stolen missile? Of course he was. What other missile would he be talking about?

Suddenly I realized he wasn’t talking anymore. I moved away from the door as Adams approached. I hurried down the hallway and was turning the corner just as Adams came into the hallway.

Who’s there, he called out. Hey, wait.

I broke into a run and dashed into a washroom about halfway down the hall. I went into a stall and jumped up on the toilet and latched the door.

The outer door burst open. Who’s in here? Adams growled. Is anyone in here? Adams dropped to the floor and checked under the stall walls. I was high enough he couldn’t see me.

I held my breath for what seemed an eternity. Adams got up and headed to the door. He switched off the lights and went back in the hallway.

I was in utter darkness. I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face. I got back down on the floor and sat on the toilet. Adams would no doubt be waiting in the hall. He knew I came in here, but did he see me? How was I going to get back to the barracks room. Van and Natalie would be looking for me.

After about fifteen minutes I heard voices in the hallway. They were muffled but I heard them moving off. Was Adams gone? I couldn’t stay here all night.

I felt along the walls and soon found the light switch. I flicked it on and the lights blinded me for a few seconds. I opened the door to the hallway  but it was empty. Someone must have seen Adams and went off with him. I fairly flew back to the barracks.

Where have you been? Van exclaimed. Did you talk to Hannigan?

No, he was at the press conference with the Prime Minister. I was coming back when I found some interesting information.

I told Van and Natalie about what Adams had said on the cell phone.

Looks like he’s behind this, Van remarked. You have to tell Hannigan.

Come with me, Van, I said. I’ll go find him. Before Adams gets away, though he wasn’t going to make a move until noon tomorrow.

Can’t it wait until the morning, Natalie said. You said yourself Hannigan’s busy probably for a while yet. Adams isn’t going anywhere. I can’t believe a member of the RCMP is behind this. It just gets more unbelievable by the minute.

Stick around, Van said. When Justin’s around things can get a lot weirder than this.

But she’s right, I said. We’ll wait till the morning. No one is thinking straight with all that’s happened. Plus I don’t have any proof.

But what you heard is pretty incriminating. Who was he talking to, anyway? Van asked.

I don’t know, but I do know I would recognize this guy anywhere, I added. Say do they have internet access up here?

Yes, Natalie replied. In the barrack common room. There was a computer in there. I checked my email and wrote my parents about what happened.

Great. I have an idea.

An hour later I had a name to go with the face I saw at the shoreline. The website I accessed was one Dad set me up with, a police database of all known criminals around the world, searchable by description. The man’s name was Lars Meager. He was a German arms dealer—very dangerous—very elusive. The American’s have been looking for him for years. This is right up his alley. Stealing a nuclear missile. And using it. If that was his ultimate plan, then we were in a lot of trouble.

And Adams, an RCMP officer was in league with him. We were in way over our heads.

We were also physically and mentally exhausted. It was now past midnight. We had a busy day tomorrow and Hannigan wasn’t totally convinced I was totally innocent. But once he heard what I had to say—he would change his mind.

At 8 am the next morning, Van and I were woken by voices at the other end of the barracks. I got out of bed and quickly pulled on my pants and shirt.

Wake them, now! A voice bellowed. It was Hannigan. He was accompanied by two other men—and Adams. Uh oh. What was going on?

Hannigan and the others approached. Oh good you’re awake, Hannigan said with a smirk. Come with me, son.

What’s up? I asked, worried by the smug look on Adam’s face. Look I need to talk to you—in private, I added.

Oh, we’ll talk all right, Hannigan said. In my office—now!

By this point Van was awake as well. He dressed quickly and started to come with me. You—stay here, Hannigan bellowed. It’s Mr. Macdonald that I want to see. But don’t go anywhere, Mr. Gilman. I’m not done with you.

Van and I exchanged glances. What was going on? I had a bad feeling.

Since I had come in boots I didn’t have shoes, so I followed Hannigan in my sock feet out into the corridor down to his office at the other end of the building.  The two men stayed outside while Adams followed me in to the office. This was going to be awkward.

Sir, I said before he could speak. I have some news.

Oh, I’m sure you do, Hannigan barked. Look let’s get to the point. Adams here has been telling me he overheard you last night—talking to someone on your cell phone—something about a missile.

W-what? I blurted. No that’s not—!

Hannigan put up his hand. Can I see your cell phone?

I pulled it from my pocket. He scanned the last number dialed which was my dad’s cell phone when I called yesterday.

Here it is. Last evening. He jotted down the number and called it in.

Wait, that’s not my dad’s cell phone number, I said when he repeated the numbers. A moment later Hannigan hung up the phone. He turned to Adams. Arrest this young man. Take him away!

What’s going on? I cried. Wait. Who’s the number on the phone? I called my dad last night. 216-555-6458. That’s the last number I dialed.

No it’s not, Mr. Macdonald. The last number dialed it to a known criminal, the one whose description you gave to the authorities yesterday. The one you’re in league with over the stolen missile.

Lars Meager, I replied, then regretted it the moment I said it.

Hannigan just nodded. Very good, Mr. Macdonald. I think I have all the evidence I need. Take him to holding for now. I’ll question him later.

Adams grabbed my arm and dragged me from the office. We walked in silence for a minute then Adams spoke. I know it was you. Last night. I know you overheard my conversation.

My silence was an answer.

You mess with us—you’re playing with fire, he muttered. You’re going down for this. There’s no way you’re getting out of this one. Hannigan’s got it in for you. Our plan is working even better than we hoped. Famous Canadian detective’s son in league with terrorists and gun runners. I love it! He murmured with glee. Your father will be crushed.

You’re not going to get away with this, I seethed. Hannigan will listen to reason. I’ll explain everything that’s happened and he’ll come around. Don’t get too comfortable, I muttered.

Adams didn’t respond. He led me to the holding cells which were in the basement. I wished I had my cell phone but Hannigan had confiscated it. I needed to call Dad.

Adams threw me into the cell and locked it. He glared at me then. You think you’re going to mess up our plans—think again little boy. By this afternoon this will all be over and you’ll be going to prison for a long time.

Don’t bet on it, I replied. Then I turned and sat down on the cot in the corner of the cell.

Adams watched me a bit longer then left.

I didn’t see anyone for hours—or what seemed like hours. I wondered where Van and Natalie were. Hannigan wouldn’t let them visit. Adams would see to that. Just like he must have snuck into the barracks last night while I was sleeping and dialed Meager’s number. The fact I knew his name—and said it out loud—that just helped his cause.

The door to the holding area opened and Hannigan came in—accompanied by Adams. Of course Adams would be here. He wouldn’t allow me to talk to Hannigan alone. He wasn’t as dumb as he looked.

Mr. Macdonald. You are under arrest and charged with grand theft. The terrorism laws will apply in this case as well. I would advise you to get a good lawyer.

Can I call my dad? I asked, but Adams shook his head. Hannigan said no.

Maybe later. Right now Adams here will accompany you and your friends back to Iqaluit where you will be transported to Calgary Alberta. You will then be held in a maximum security jail until your trial. Believe me, Mr. Macdonald. The authorities do not take kindly to terrorists. Someone so young. My my they do recruit younger and younger every year.

Terrorist scum, Adams spat but Hannigan held up his hand. Hold your comments to yourself Officer Adams. This young man may be a terrorist but he has rights. He will stand trial and he will go to prison for a long long time. Hannigan looked sick but Adams looked almost gleeful. He was the terrorist scum.

It was at that moment that I truly felt like he had beaten me. How was I ever going to convince Hannigan of my innocence? I had blurted out Meager’s name. Why else would I have known his name, Hannigan had been thinking.

I couldn’t tell him about the criminal database website. Dad might take some flak over giving me access. I was in a real mess.

You had the audacity to hang around and take credit for recovering the missile only to be one of the masterminds behind its theft. You’ve got some cheek, I’ll give you that, Hannigan remarked.

And almost murdered me, Adams said. When Meager blew up the cave entrance and me inside. You’re lucky I’m still alive, boy, he muttered.

But I just glared at him. I wondered what time it was. He was meeting Meager at noon. It was now 11 am according to the clock on the wall.

He was accompanying me back to Iqaluit.

I really want to talk to my dad, I said and Adams once again counseled against it. You should be calling a lawyer.

My mom’s a lawyer.

Nice try, son, Hannigan said. I’ll assign you a lawyer. But for now, get dressed. You have a plane to catch.

Come with me, Adams sneered, pulling me from the cell and back to the barracks. I put on my boots and parka and then Adams put me in handcuffs. I met Van and Natalie at the front door. Van gave me a look as if to say “what the bloody heck you got yourself into now?”

I just eyed him and said nothing. What could I say?

Natalie remained silent as well. She probably believed I was a freaking terrorist as well. We trudged through the snow to a waiting plane. Natalie and Van sat in back and I was up front with Adams. My heart was pounding as the plane took off south towards Iqaluit. How was I going to get out of this mess?

Van and Natalie were silent. I felt like I was going to throw up. Adams didn’t talk either. The clock showed 11:45. Adams was going to meet Meager at noon.

Fifteen minutes.

It was then I realized we weren’t going to Iqaluit. Adams was going to land this plane near the shore line site where the missile was hidden. Then he was going to leave with Meager and the missile and go—who knew where. The authorities were scouring Baffin Bay for the missile.

I had to stop this meeting but how? Then I had an idea. I would somehow crash the plane.

Suddenly the plane dipped down towards the ground, the earth coming up at us at a dizzying rate.

I wouldn’t be able to crash the plane. Adams was going to beat me to it!

The Captive Missile Chapter 4

The Captive Missile

Chapter 4

Pardon me, Hannigan said turning to face the RCMP officer. What are you telling me?

It’s gone—again! The missile. It’s been stolen—again.

Hannigan turned to his men. Assemble in the conference room. Notify the Prime Minister once his press conference is done. I want answers.

Hannigan turned back to Adams. Come inside out of the cold. I need to know what happened exactly.

We followed Hannigan and Adams into the conference center. Just inside the door Hannigan turned to Adams. Tell me exactly what happened.

Adams was still trying to catch his breath. He began. There was a man—at the scene by the shoreline where the terrorists were found with Kiley and Collins and Mr. Macdonald here. I didn’t recognize him—I figured he was someone from Northlands security, he flashed some ID but you know I didn’t catch the name. My fault really.

Go on, Hannigan said, his face grim.

He showed me the ID then I went to check on Kiley and Collins in the cave entrance. I was just going inside when an explosion blasted the cave entrance and we were trapped.

That was the loud noise I heard when we lifted off, I added. I thought it was an earthquake. That must have been the bomb going off.

Yes, right, well anyway, I managed to climb through the rubble of the snow and ice—he showed us his red raw hands—and saw this man on a boat leading away the missile on a barge of some sort. It moved away pretty fast and was soon lost in sight. I went to where the rest of the security team was and they were still getting ready to pull the missile up the hill. They had a problem with the engine on the snowmobile—getting it started. They had no idea who the man was.

Did you get a good look at this man? Hannigan asked.

Adams shook his head.

I did. I spoke up. I talked to him, just before I went up to the helicopter.

You—spoke to him. Who was he?

I don’t know, he didn’t say a name but I have a good description. I described the man. I had thought it odd the man was well dressed for a security officer, but dismissed it at the time.

One of Hannigan’s men went off to make a call to the RCMP with the news. Hannigan just stood there stone faced for a minute. This is really bad I don’t think I need to tell you. The Prime Minister will have my job no doubt over this fiasco.

Hannigan looked and motioned to one of his men. Arrest this young man, he exclaimed.

W-what? Why? I blurted. What have I done?

It’s just a precautionary measure until we have more answers. You said you spoke to this man. How do I know you weren’t in league with him. I need to be sure.

You’ve got to be kidding, Van spoke up. Justin helped you find the missile.

Yes, and helped to lose it again. Look, we just need to be sure. Right now I don’t know what to think. Michaels, take Mr. Macdonald to my office and wait for me there. I’m going to tell the Prime Minister what has happened. I’ll be right along.

You two, he added, motioning to Van and Natalie. You can go along with Mr. Macdonald. I need to question all of you.

Officer Michaels of the Northlands security force led us away. We went down a long hallway to an office at the end. Michaels waited with us, stone faced until Hannigan arrived about fifteen minutes later.

Remove your winter attire, Hannigan said, sitting down behind his desk. Look Mr. Macdonald, I’m only detaining you for questioning. Do I think you had anything to do with this—well no, but I have to be sure. Too many slip ups have taken place today. The Prime Minister of course is deeply concerned about what has happened. He has had to reiterate with the other foreign powers about the dangers of this missile falling into the wrong hands. How this could have happened is beyond believable—that this kind of breach of security for the missile to be stolen not once but twice. Hannigan just shook his head in disbelief.

He looked up at me again. Now I’ve done some checking. Your father Luke Macdonald is a private investigator. He’s worked for the government before?

Yes, I said. Can I call him?

Of course, when we’re done here you can contact him, in fact I wish to speak to him myself as well. But can you please tell me what happened.

I related what we had seen from the freight plane and how we crash landed. When the police helicopter didn’t arrive, I went to try to find some lead to the missile theft.

And why was this? Hannigan asked. You felt compelled to leave and go after the terrorists yourself?

Well, no, I said, just I couldn’t wait for the police they were over an hour late. I thought if I could find some clue—anything that would help.

Well, you are dedicated, aren’t you? Hannigan turned to Van. You’re his friend? Is he always this dedicated?

To a fault, Van said ruefully.

Go on, Hannigan said.

I found the police helicopter crashed but no one was in the wreckage. I followed the footprints to the shore where I found the missile on the trailer. Then the terrorists caught me and put me in the cave with Collins and Kiley, the two officers from the crashed helicopter.

Soon the RCMP came, and we were rescued, the terrorists taken away. I was heading to the helicopter to come back here when I saw the man. He just told me to move along and that he was picking up the missile. I figured he was Northlands security.

That was it. I returned to the helicopter and as we were taking off, I heard a loud boom like an earthquake. I guess that was the explosion that covered the cave entrance.

Hannigan just sat there, lost in thought. I see, was all he said finally. OK, you may go, Mr. Macdonald, but you must remain here in the complex for now. You can return to Iqaluit tomorrow morning with your friends. I’ll have my men assign you a room in the barracks. If you think of anything else please let me know or one of my men.

I will, I said. Can I call my dad now?

An hour later, Van, Natalie and I were sitting in the common room in the barracks located at the northern tip of the complex. We had been assigned two rooms, Van and I in one and Natalie in an adjoining room.

This is crazy, Van said. Hannigan’s in a lot of trouble over this. I can’t believe he arrested you.

Detained, I corrected. Dad explained to me the difference. I don’t really blame Hannigan, though. He must be in complete shock. And feel partly to blame.

Yeah, Van added. Head of security at a place like this and the missile being stolen once was bad enough, but twice. He really sucks at his job.

Something’s not quite right about this, though, I remarked.

Oh, you think? Natalie replied.

No, what I mean is—how was the missile stolen in the first place? How did the terrorists get it in the first place. They couldn’t just walk in here and drive off with it.

They must have had inside help, Van surmised. But Hannigan didn’t seem to worry about that.

Oh, I think he’s worried, but it almost makes me think the two are connected. Like how did the dark haired man know where the missile was going to be. He just happened to have a boat offshore to pick up the missile the second time.

I see what you mean, Van remarked. Almost like he knew it would be there.  Morban brought it there and the authorities find it and this man has the equipment to haul it away again, I added,  right under the noses of the RCMP and police.

I think I should tell Hannigan my theory, I said.

You really think he cares, Natalie spoke up. Let him figure it out himself.

Dad says I should cooperate fully with Hannigan. I’m going to tell him. Maybe he’ll tell me what leads if any they have.

You really think Hannigan’s going to tell you, Natalie asked.

I raised my eyebrows and looked at Van.

Justin has a way with authority figures, he said.  He’ll get the info out of Hannigan, He’s a pro at this.

I headed to Hannigan’s office which was at the opposite end of the barracks. I passed by the mess hall where some of the staff were having a late dinner. It was 8 pm and I was exhausted. I passed another room where some other staff were watching a TV program—the news. I stopped for a moment to see what new developments were being related to the media regarding the double theft of the missile.

<”This report just in from Northlands Facility where the Prime Minister just finished a press conference regarding the theft of the Informant, the newest nuclear missile to be tested on Canadian soil.>

An image of the Prime Minister filled the screen. I could see Hannigan standing behind and to the left of the Prime Minister, looking glum. I would be glum too if I lost a nuclear missile.

<”We are using every resource to find the nuclear missile, the Informant. Security is scouring Baffin Island and the surrounding waters for any sign of the missile. A terrorist, Morban has claimed responsibility and we have just learned of the leak within the Northlands facility. A maintenance worker who had a security clearance has been found to be the link between Morban and the missile. His name has not been released at this time, but he is in RCMP custody and is being questioned as we speak>

So the government wasn’t claiming they had found then lost the missile again. Very interesting. And who was this maintenance worker?

The staff in the room erupted in a murmur of voices at this revelation. I bet it was Monahan, one man spoke up.

No, I think it was Melville, another woman replied.

Shhh! Someone cried. Listen to the PM.

<We have notified the governments of the United States and Russia and some of the northern European governments to be on high alert. The Danish government especially as Greenland is across the water from the last known position of the stolen missile. If anyone has any information regarding this theft they are to approach local law enforcement. Again we stress that the missile is highly dangerous and must be recovered as quickly as possible>

The room erupted again in a gaggle of voices but I couldn’t make out what they were saying. No one really knew who the leak was.

I continued down the hall but then realized Hannigan wouldn’t be in his office, he was with the Prime Minister and he looked like he would be busy for a while. Maybe I could tell him in the morning.

I retreated back towards my barracks room. I turned the corner and saw the RCMP officer Adams, the one who rescued us at the shoreline and who had warned us the missile had been stolen again. He was moving cautiously along a side corridor towards one of the back exits.

Why would he be going that way? As far as I remembered there was nothing back there.

He looked suspicious. I decided to follow him—my natural curiosity got the better of me.

Instead of going outside Adams moved into a room at the end of the hall and closed the door but it didn’t click shut. The room appeared to be just a meeting room. It was dark  in the hallway, the lights dimmed for the evening. I heard a voice on the other side of the door. It was Adams. Who was he talking to?

I realized he was talking on his cell phone.

Everything’s good, he said. They think you have the missile out on Baffin Bay headed to Greenland.

A pause.

No, no one suspects. They’ve arrested Borden, just according to plan.

Another pause, then, We’ll move it tomorrow. Hold tight at the cave. I’ll be there at noon.

The Captive Missile Chapter 3

The Captive Missile

Chapter 3

   I searched for survivors but found no one! How could that be? They must have bailed just before the crash. I searched farther south and soon came to the spot where the snowmobile carrying the missile had entered the water. There was no sign of the boat and no sign of the police officers.
            I returned to the helicopter to see if anything were salvageable but everything was hot and any electronics were smashed.

I went back to the water’s edge. Ice had formed on the shoreline and about 20 meters out the water was free. Footprints dotted the snow. I looked out on the water and couldn’t see anything. Had the boat moved that fast. They had about an hour’s head start?

I noticed footprints moving off the north, along the shore. The footprints—there were 2 sets—continued up a small rise. At the top I had an amazing view of the inlet as well as the landscape.

The wind started to pick up from the south. I continued along the shoreline, following the footprints. Pulling my hat down around my ears for warmth I thought I detected something ahead of me, along the shoreline. As I approached, I noticed the footprints moving inland toward a large hill.

It appeared to be a cave cut into a large mound with snow hanging over part of the inlet. The mouth of the cave resembled the gullet of a ferocious beast, the snow hanging off the cliff like jagged teeth.

The shoreline below curved around into a small inlet. This must be Mirror Bay Inlet, I thought to myself. The water appeared like glass, the clouds above mirrored on the top of the water.

And floating in the water was a boat.

And on the boat was the stolen missile.

I gaped in wonder and failed to notice footsteps approaching from the rear until it was too late. I turned to face two men, one holding a rifle—most likely the one who shot at the plane.

One man turned to the other and muttered something in a foreign language. I couldn’t place the language but it sounded Middle Eastern.

The man with the rifle turned and motioned me into the cave. I complied. About 50 meters inside I came upon two other men, one lying on the ground the other knelt over him. Both had police uniforms. The police men from the helicopter.

The man kneeling turned when we approached. He gave me a rueful look as if to say—boy you are in the wrong place at the wrong time.

That was me all right. I nodded to the officer. The man with the rifle motioned for me to sit next to the officer which I did.

Are you from the downed airplane that called in about the missile, the officer whose badge identified him as Collins asked?

I nodded. Justin Macdonald. I waited until the two men with the rifle were out of earshot. I have two friends who are waiting in the plane. Van Gilman and Natalie Suqqath the pilot. I left when you didn’t show up.

That was very foolish young man, Collins admonished. These men are terrorists. They’ve stolen the Informant missile. They’re holding it captive for a $1 billion ransom.

I nearly choked at the ransom amount. How did they steal something like a missile? You can’t just drive up with a truck and swipe it.

They had inside help, obviously. That’s all we know. We were sent to take you back to Iqaluit and get a lead on these guys, but they shot us down. We bailed at the last moment and Kiley here suffered a broken leg and concussion. He lapsed unconscious soon after we landed. These two men shot us down and were waiting for us. They brought us here. Kiley’s still unconscious. He needs a doctor.

Kiley roused and moaned loudly, tossing and turning on the small plastic sheet that was laid on the ground.

Shut him up, one of the terrorists grunted.

He needs a doctor, Collins pleaded. Please?

Too bad for him, the terrorist muttered. If he dies, he dies, what I care. Your government had better come up with the ransom then maybe you will be let go—maybe not. It will depend on my mood when the time comes. I don’t like noise.

Collins swallowed. He was obviously distressed about his partner.

A few minutes later the two terrorists left the cave once more. I can try to make a run for it, I offered.

No, Justin. Those men will shoot without hesitation. I sent out a distress signal just before we were shot down. Help should be coming soon. Just hold tight. Hopefully, they will take these bozos by surprise. If we can retrieve the missile that will be something else again.

Shut up!  A voice reverberated through the cave. Stop talking now.

I nodded and sat back down beside Collins on a small rock. It was getting cold. The men did not start a fire. What were they waiting for? I asked Collins.

Right now they are waiting for the ransom to come in. Don’t know the details of course. After that—not really sure.

Kiley moaned again and Collins put his gloved hand over his mouth to quiet him down. Kiley roused again and opened his eyes. W-what’s going on? He murmured.

Shh. Collins admonished. It’s OK. We’re getting help. Just lay still.

Kiley tried to get up but Collins pushed him back down. You have to be quiet, Collins repeated.

The two terrorists walked back to the shore line. I craned my neck to get a look. Not being able to see I moved closer to the mouth of the cave. The two terrorists were talking on a cell phone, eyes watching the water. I returned to Collins. They’re talking to someone and it looks like they’re waiting for something.

Another police helicopter will be along soon, Collins reminded me. They’ll land farther away and come on foot, he whispered.

Suddenly there was a commotion outside. Two rifle shots were fired. Who was it? The other police officers or someone or something else?

I moved to the mouth of the cave. No one was in sight. I moved cautiously out the front of the cave.

Hands up! Someone roared. It wasn’t the terrorists. A uniformed man came into view holding a gun on me. It’s OK. I’m in here with Officer Collins and Kiley.

The man lowered his gun and approached. Are there any other hostiles?

No, there were just the two as far as I know. I said. Collins and Kiley are in here. Kiley is hurt.

The man motioned someone behind to approach. Two medics came down the slope to the cave carrying a stretcher. As they entered the cave to attend to Kiley the other man introduced himself . I’m with the RCMP. Names Adams. And you are?

Justin Macdonald. I spoke to the authorities over the radio from the Flight 608 that first reported seeing the missile.

Adams nodded. Well, the nation owes you a debt young man. The missile has been recovered. The Prime Minister has just been informed and is on his way to the Northlands facility. He’ll want to meet you and your friends.

With that, Adams walked off. I was about to walk to the top of the hill where another helicopter would be waiting but I turned to look at the illustrious missile. I never got a chance to look at it up close.

It was like I remembered in the news photo. It was a sleek design, silver colour about 4 meters. The warhead looked powerful and very valuable. The terrorists were going to use it for evil purposes but now it was back in the hands of the government.

Move along, a voice commanded and I jumped at the harshness of the voice. It was a man, about 50 with a full head of greying hair and was dressed impeccably in a suit and long thick black coat. His breath made a fog from the cold.

My men are taking it away, he said nonchalantly. I didn’t see Adams or Collins and Kiley. They were in the cave still. The other officers who had come with Adams had retreated up the hill to the helicopter with the two terrorists and were lost  to view. I got an uneasy feeling but brushed it off to nerves. I had been through a lot this morning and besides I was anxious to get back to Van and Natalie. They would be frantic with worry now.

Fine, I said to the man and he nodded slightly and smiled as I moved away. He signaled to two men who passed me coming down the hill. It looked like they were going to hitch up the trailer carrying the missile.

As I neared the helicopter I saw the snow vehicle they would use to tow the missile back to Northlands.

I still had that nagging feeling but couldn’t place what the cause. I had enough experience to know I shouldn’t ignore the feeling, but what could I do. An officer was beckoning me to the waiting helicopter.

I alighted and the pilot introduced himself as Officer Langton. As we lifted off a rumble could be felt more than heard. Sort of like an earthquake!

What was that? I asked as Langton ascended into the sky. Not sure, he said, picking up the radio.

He reported the occurrence to his dispatch who would investigate. Was it an earthquake? Was this unusual for this part of the island? I didn’t know but it was sure strange.

We flew north and soon saw the downed plane. We landed and Van and Natalie came out to meet us. I related what had happened.

Wow! Van exclaimed. This day is one for the books. Wait’ll the gang back home hear about this.

Did you guys feel an earthquake about fifteen minutes ago. Did the ground shake?

No, I don’t recall, Natalie reported. Why?

Don’t know, just a nagging feeling, I said. Just as we were taking off I felt a tremor in the earth. Officer Langton called it in but didn’t hear back. I don’t know why I’m so concerned about it. It could be nothing, I added. But deep down I wasn’t convinced.

We need to get going, Langton remarked. They’re waiting for us at Northlands. You’ll need to be debriefed, all of you on what you have witnessed today. Then I’m to fly you back to Iqaluit.

Natalie locked up the plane and we all got on the helicopter, the blades whipping up the snow in funnels of white. It was colder, and the sun was waning in the sky.

Soon we were airborne and heading north to the missile compound. We sat in silence for the first part, the ground beneath us rolling on an endless sea of white snow. We flew over Auyuittuq National Park then turned north west to continue over the rest of Baffin island.

The missile complex was located near the north shore of the island between Arctic Bay and Surmlik national Park. The compound was bordered by a steel fence and low hangar like buildings dotted the area.

A missile launch stood in the middle of the compound. I guessed it would take a few hours to return the missile to the facility. But news cameras were already on scene as they were originally here to report the opening of testing.

A small contingent of Northland facility management and some RCMP officers greeted warmly us. We were introduced to Rod Hannigan, the director of the facility who shook our hands.

 Another helicopter was parked nearby. The Prime Minister arrived just before us, Langton reported. He’s giving a press conference as we speak in the main hall. You’ll want to warm up. We have some food for you in the mess hall.

It was going to feel nice to be warm, Van muttered. I think my insides are frozen solid. I’ve never been so cold in my life.

As we trudged through the snow, I suddenly noticed an aircraft approaching from the south, flying erratically, headed right for the missile facility. I shaded my eyes and watched as the plane landed shakily on the tarmac which was located at the north end of the facility.

We continued on to the main building and were almost at the door when an RCMP officer, one I recognized from the site earlier. It was Adams. Sir, he exclaimed, getting the attention of the officials who we were following.

What is it, Hannigan asked. What’s wrong.

It’s the missile, Adams blurted between breaths. It’s gone!