Starting a new life isn't easy. But Scartron was ready to embrace the challenge. As the youngest researcher at the new Antarctica research program, this was the first step in accomplishing her life's mission.

Opening her eyes on the first day at camp, she sat up and got ready to face the new day head on. Having an allergy to cold weather was another obstacle in this expedition, but was also another reason that Scartron was determined to get this right.

After getting bundled up in the appropriate gear, Scartron braced herself for her first day on the job. As she opened the door of the communal living quarters, she could feel the cold Antarctican air on her face. Maybe this would work out after all.

“Ok. Gather ‘round, people. We’ve got a big day ahead of us.” Said Cathy.

“'fore we begin I’d like to welcome the newest member of our team, Scartron, who will be joining us on today’s expedition.”

The burly lady with high cheek bones sitting next to Scartron stuck out her hand. “I’m Abby. I’m excited for you to be joining us today!”

“It’s nice to meet you, Abby. I’m excited as well.”

Scartron watched the team leader speak, with all the enthusiasm of the newest team member.

“Our mission today is to collect research samples from a glacial cave located about five Klicks east of our position. Be advised, the ice in the region has been particularly unstable recently. We’ll need to move with extreme caution. It’s going to be a long hall, so grab your gear, and let’s get a move on.”

Scartron didn’t need to be told twice. She was the first one lined up outside waiting with Cathy.

She bounced on the balls of her feet. “Have you been to this spot before?”

Cathy leveled her gaze. “Once or twice, but back then the ice was more stable. We’re going to have to be really careful.”

She nodded. Feeling invincible in the moment. This was everything she’d ever wanted, her life’s ambition. She left everything behind when she got the chance to come here, even her boyfriend. This was her life.

Once the other five members joining them on the expedition arrived, they introduced themselves: There was Abby, she’d already met; Sara, a tall woman with a stern face; Craig, a stout fellow with a bushy beard; Pedro, a Hispanic man with kindly eyes; and Angie—who looked only slightly older than herself—with a proud nose and pointed features.

Cathy beckoned everyone forward. “Let’s get a move on; daylight is wasting.”