The deck began to vibrate as the propeller engaged. “Grab the radio. Channel sixteen. Call ahead to that marine station near Holm Bay.” Elias took the mic and adjusted the frequency, then keyed in. “Holm Station, this is trawler Odin’s Mercy. You copy?”
Crackling static, then a voice: “Copy, Odin’s Mercy. This is Holm. Go ahead.” “We’ve encountered a polar bear. Odd behavior. Not aggressive. Repeated vocalizations and gestures. Appears to be leading us somewhere.”