When Hell Freezes Over

Prologue

"This is no doubt NOT one of the places I would've chosen to spend my birthday. It's not exactly like I grew up in this part of the world, but then after so many years, it sure feels like it. Yet, here I am. All grown up and aged and cripple. Somewhat...," No one knew how exactly to react to his unusual word choice; unclear whether it was his idea of a humorous kickoff to what was anticipated as his welcoming speech; the group stared over at the strange figure - through the freeze. Having barely started, he paused as a soldier rushed up behind him, wide-eyed and clearly out of breath, "Doctor McKenzie! They called! It's for you, sir!" The soldier pointed upwards at the miserable dark clouds that had engulfed the frozen scene. "Practice run. Is what they say it is, Doctor, sir... I guess... this is the..." Glancing monetarily over at the spectators, then back at the skewly positioned old man whose pale-blue eyes grew just wide enough to serve as an apparent warning, he seemingly decided not to complete his thought and had it paused mid-air. The soldier's voice was suddenly subdued to almost that of a whisper as he kept his palm over the phone at the same time as the ominous grey sky was hammered by what appeared to be a thundering jet engine - then another immediately after. The soldier's rushed kicking in the snow a few moments before - along the narrow walkway between the helicopters and the structure that appeared like a giant warehouse, somewhat startled McKenzie, and in reflex, he'd shifted his weight over to his other leg to turn better and face the silhouette as it approached. By the time he had time to investigate what the noise was behind him, and swapped his brass cane into the other hand, he was almost already expected taking delivery of what his cold audience presumed was a satellite phone. The soldier held it out for him, and from the moment of taking the call, McKenzie remained silent for the duration of the conversation. "I... See." And he ended the call and pushed the device back into the soldier's waiting hand - his eyes following the direction of where the thundering sound overhead had disappeared to. And that was how the shivering team would remember him. His introduction and welcoming commenced and as he told what lay ahead, all suddenly wished themselves back to the warmer climate where the initial interviews were conducted.