They circled around Nolan, gloating about their impending payday. Some sneered, kicking snow at him. He forced himself to keep calm, mindful that panic would solve nothing. The cub pressed closer, trembling. Nolan wished he could comfort the poor creature.
But destiny intervened in the form of a distant rumble. At first, Nolan thought it was thunder. Then, he saw lights sweeping across the tundra, accompanied by the unmistakable hum of engines. The wildlife officers had arrived, drawn by his urgent transmission.