7 Kiki’s rescue plan

Chapter Seven KIKI'S RESCUE PLAN The cold air wrapped itself around Kiki again as she, Connor, and Dr. Mikkelsen left the research center and headed for the Beagle. She put on her helmet and snuggled deeper into her snowgear. The snow smelled amazing, she thought—as cool and clean as a long drink on a hot day. The Beagle BEEPED a greeting and gave

a sort of purr as they climbed on. "Talkative snowmobile you have here," said Dr. Mikkelsen, patting the seat. "The Beagle always has plenty to say," Kiki said with a laugh. She programmed the coordinates for The Explorer. The Beagle's dashboard lit up eagerly, like a dog excited for a walk. Kiki revved the engine. They pulled away from the research center and drove off across the snow, doubling back the way they had come.

As they rode back across the ice plains, gulls flew and screamed in the heavy gray sky. Snow spattered Kiki's goggles. The Beagle plowed steadily through the landscape. The white horizon stretched away almost as far as Kiki could see. With no landmarks to help them find their way, Kiki was glad they had both the coordinates for The Explorer and their own tracks from earlier to follow.

"There it is!" shouted Connor, pointing out the red hull on the horizon. The broken ice shelf had nudged the ship even farther off-center. Kiki didn't remember it tilting quite so badly. "Oh no!" said Connor. "Why's it tipping over like that?" Dr. Mikkelsen shaded her eyes. "The ice is crowding it and pushing it to one side. The sooner the icebreaker can get here, the better." They zoomed toward The Explorer. Soon Kiki was once more approaching the icy slope where they had first parked the Beagle and boarded the ship. She followed her own tracks back up. The caterpillar tread gripped the snow as she turned off the engine and took off her helmet.

Dr. Andersen must have heard the approaching engine. He was already on the deck to meet them, looking anxious. His face cleared when he saw Dr. Mikkelsen with Connor and Kiki. "Thank goodness you're all safe!" he said as he helped the scientist and the Secret Explorers aboard. "What happened? Is help coming?" "A polar bear chased me and I fell into a crevasse," said Dr. Mikkelsen. She shot Kiki and Connor a grateful glance. "But these two rescued me." Kiki and Connor filled in the rest of the details for Dr. Andersen: the snowmobile crash, the research center, and the bear with her two cubs. Kiki staggered a little as she spoke. It was hard to stay upright on the listing deck.

"I'm glad the icebreaker is on its way," Dr. Andersen said. "Come with me to the bridge. We'll make an announcement to the crew." They followed Dr. Andersen through the ship's door and up the metal steps to the bridge. At the top, Kiki clung to the edge of the ship's control panel. The way The Explorer sloped beneath her feet made her feel off-balance.