The blizzard had finally ran its course. A hundred and twenty days of wind, white outs and delays. But that was the nature of Antarctica, and the delicate balance of transportation one of the least hospitable places on earth.

I trugged through the snow, bundled up in so many layers I could barely walk. And yet I could still feel the bitter wind bit through my clothes.

The sun peered through the dark clouds, shining down upon the remote transport town.

The rumble of ships began to fill the air as the sky finally cleared, engines roaring to life despite the -70 degree temperature.

A 77 Waterdog screeched across the sky, the small long distance carrier getting to be the first to leave this morning.

I paused a moment, pulling down my balaclava as the sun hit my face. Soaking in the warmth and vitamin D. My breath hung in the air like the parting clouds.

Another ship rumbled in the distance, but this time descending from the sky. The Gemini, a massive Jovik freighter. It slowly lowered, hanging in the air like a two thousand ton kite.

I felt a smidge of giddiness, suppressing a smile I stumbled through the snow a little faster.

I knocked on the blue metal door and walked in before waiting for an answer.

The aroma of nutmeg hit me in the face as soon as i entered, I sighed happily and got to work talking off my snow covered outer layer.

“Good morning Papa.” I called out as I walked into the living room.

A head poked out of a doorway, his once dark hair all ruffled. “Oi, my little pigeon,” He beamed. “One moment.”

His head disappeared for a second before he reemerged with a tray of drinks and biscuits.

“Eat, eat, you’re skin and bones.” His voice warm and rich just like the drinks he made.

“Thank you, Papa but I can’t stay long.” I said between a mouthful of biscuit and nutmeg coffee. “I gotta get to the ship dock, lots of work today.”

He flashes me a look, an eyebrow cocked. “That’s all huh? Not anything to do with the alien transporter?”

I roll my eyes but a grin sneaks up on my face. “Jovik transporter, but no just work.”

“Nothing to do with that..eh..Captain-“

“Captain Voltion.” I say a little too quickly, my face blushing from the warm drink.

“Mmhhh. I’m not judging.” He said but definitely was.

“He’s nice, Papa.”

“He’s..eh blue.” His mustache wiggled as he waved his hands around.

I gave him a look.

“Ah it’s not important, pigeon. Just don’t mention how many of them I killed in the war.” He laughed, slapping his knee.

“Yeah yeah fifty two, I know.” I kiss him on the cheek. “I gotta go.”

“Alright, alright, see you for dinner, my little pigeon.” He hugs me tightly, slipping a small packed lunch in my pocket.

I smile and walk to the door, starting the long process to put back on my winter clothes.

“See ya, Papa.” I walk back out into the sunny cold morning.