The black waters are calm. The men on deck hug themselves against the icy fog. Out of the gloom comes a shadow many times larger than the ship. A glacier, its white surface worn by wind and time. In the distance, the dark suggestion of mountains watches their course.
‘There, Captain,’ says the radioman, clutching his headphones and pointing at the glacier. ‘That’s where the signal is coming from. It’s much clearer now.’
The Captain frowns. ‘There’s nothing on that glacier, boy. What does it say?’
The radioman pales. ‘It’s saying, “Come back.” And sir, I think it’s coming from inside the glacier.’
Paddy Dobson
14th June 2021