Franz Josef Land

The Russian destroyer Severomorsk arrived at Cape Heller on Wilczek Land, the second largest island in the Franz Josef Land archipelago, and dropped anchor into the infinite saltwater. The ship rested a couple of hundred meters offshore. Sailors on watch could see the flat table rock characteristic of the Wüllerstorf mountain range in the dawn light.

Nearly two weeks ago, the ship and all onboard, left the homeport of the Russian Northern Fleet. The city shared the same name as the ship, Severomorsk. And while the closed city, and Franz Josef Land remained accessible only to military personnel, this mission had been described as a scientific journey along the route of 19th century explorers Julius von Payer and Karl Weyprecht.

“Hope you will not find the scenery boring Olesya,” said Commander Alexander Moiseenko as he opened the metal hatch so the two could walk outside onto the main deck.

Olesya Yaroslavskaya, known to President Putin as the most well-informed scientist in Moscow in regards to climate change, could not wait to get some fresh air.

The two had just shared another breakfast together. When this voyage began, Olesya felt comfort in the company of a distinguished naval officer. Now their differences in opinions disappointed her, and so she said nothing as she walked passed him into the geological laboratory of Franz Josef Land.

Olesya took a deep breath; she then exhaled looking for a cloud to appear. Nothing happened, and so her first experiment concluded in affirmation of her deepest fears.

“Commander Moiseenko, why the heavy coat on such a warm morning?” Olesya asked.

“Already playing games Ms. Yaroslavskaya? It’s not winter yet, summer has only ended,” quipped the Commander rather hastily.

“Well, we’re here because of the violent forest fires in Siberia that burned millions of acres this year. Let’s hope that winter will come,” replied Olesya with a finality befitting her close relationship to Putin.

The two walked outside following their shadows in the slanted rays of sunlight. A seaman saluted the Commander before continuing his duties. The pair halted their advance at the handrail on the starboard side of the Severomorsk.

“I do not find the scenery boring Commander Moiseenko. Did you know that a Norwegian explorer named Bernt Bentsen died here in the winter of 1899? His companion lived with the corpse in a cave for more than a month because the two agreed not to bury each other over concerns that polar bears might eat their bodies.”

“No. I’m not a Franz Josef Land historian. I only see rocks and ice. And if the latter should disappear it would only make the task of destroying the United States that much easier.”

“If the ice disappears, there will be no need to destroy America comrade.” Olesya said with a laugh at the reminder of Soviet thinking. “Maybe you heard of the sinking of a Russian naval vessel here recently? It sank from a walrus attack.”

Now the Commander laughed.

The two stood in silence again observing Cape Heller, the watery chasm that separated them from it felt sinister now, as if walruses protected the shores that their eyes tried to conquer.

Suddenly, a loud cracking sound filled the air. Not far off a sheet of ice plunged into the water.

“Amazing! We’ve actually witnessed the glacier melting from climate change. This used to be a historic event my Grandfather might have told me about. Now it seems a common occurrence?” Asked Olesya.

“That’s true Ms. Yaroslavskaya. I saw this happen when the Severomorsk last sailed here before summer started.”

“Thanks for the information Commander Moiseenko. I’ll make note of it in my report. I feel confident that climate change could be accelerating. This happens to be the reason for me being here. Putin just needs a simple “yes” or “no” about the realities of this new threat.”

“I can speak with you about military matters because of your security clearance Ms. Yaroslavskaya. I’ve heard that the melting ice could be playing havoc with the DEW Line’s radar installations. NORAD will need serious upgrades to remain relevant in the near future. However, it might already be obsolete.”

“I’m guessing your alluding to your business in Franz Josef Land Commander Moiseenko?”

“Yes Olesya. The Severomorsk has the honor of being the first ship in the Russian Navy to be armed with the 9M730 Burevestnik.”

“The nuclear powered nuclear cruise missile?”

“Yes. President Putin didn’t tell you?”

“No. He didn’t mention it. It answers some questions I had about this trip though. The high command must want to know if America’s defenses are vulnerable enough to test the capabilities of Russia’s new weapon.”

“Does it upset you that climate change takes a backseat to world domination?”

“It doesn’t upset me. It’s just another example of being rudely awaken from a dream. I’ve always hoped for world peace, solutions to problems, yet I always find that people in power make decisions that run contrary to my hopes. I’m only a servant to that higher power just as you are a sailor on this boat.”

“Ship. And I know what you mean Olesya. Maybe we can agree on something after all,” said Commander Moiseenko.