2 Trapped in the ice

Chapter Two TRAPPED IN THE ICE As they got nearer to the ship, Kiki could see that it was tilting to one side. It seemed to be stuck against a shelf of ice. Overhead, a flock of gulls screeched and beat their wings, swooping through the Arctic sky. Everything here was enormous: the sky, the rocks, the ice. Kiki had never felt so small. "The ship doesn't look good," Connor

said behind her. "Not good at all," Kiki agreed. They were close now to the red hull of the ship. Kiki put on the Beagle's brakes, sending up a plume of snow which spattered her face. It felt like little needles on her skin.

"Looks like we need to help free the ship from the ice," Connor said. Kiki nodded thoughtfully. "What kind of ship do you think it is?" Connor asked. Kiki stared up at the huge red hull. "There are no nets, like you'd see on a fishing boat," she said with a frown. "No metal crates either," said Connor. "So it's not a container ship. Hey, look!" He pointed to the white lettering on the ship's side. "That must be its name—The Explorer." "Like us!" said Kiki. "Maybe it's some kind

of research ship?" The ship had run into an ice shelf that rose several yards above the water. Kiki studied the sloping ice. "Let's ride the Beagle up the ice to the deck," she said. "Then we can go aboard and find out for ourselves." Starting up the engine again, Kiki steered the Beagle onward. The dark sea beyond the ice shelf looked forbidding and cold. Kiki tried not to think about what would happen if the Beagle lost its grip and slid into the water. But the skis at the front of the snowmobile glided along, and the caterpillar tread at the back kept the Beagle on track. At the top of the slope, Kiki turned off the engine and climbed off the snowmobile. There was a large "H" painted on the deck—for helicopters, she guessed.

"Hello!" she called across the empty deck of the ship. "Is anyone there?" A tall man in dark blue overalls appeared through a metal door. He blinked at Kiki and Connor in surprise.

"We saw your ship," Connor explained. "And we thought you might need help," added Kiki. "That's very kind of you!" said the man. "Please come aboard." He scratched his beard. "Forgive my surprise. We don't get many unexpected visitors out here. My name is Dr. Andersen. Welcome!" "What kind of ship is this?" Connor asked curiously. "The Explorer is a research ship," Dr. Anderson explained. Connor grinned at Kiki. She had guessed correctly. "We're in the Arctic to study the effects of climate change," Dr. Andersen continued. "Sea levels are rising all over the world, aren't they?" said Connor. "It's really bad for marine life."