1
Bright white lights outline the oil-rig, a little island of order among the chaos of the grey sea and swirling clouds. You grip the controls of your helicopter a bit tighter. Next to you, your only passenger, Professor Schuman wakes with a jolt. The turbulence must have roused him from his slumber. You always found it amazing how quickly he falls asleep after getting into the helicopter. You should make it to the oil rig before the storm hits, but it will be a close call.
Bad weather threatens your career as a pilot. Too many times
over the past few years have you been grounded as the number and intensity of
storms are increasing. The professor has mentioned that he expects storms to
pick up even more as Global Warming tightens its grip on the earth, adding
energy to the oceans that fuel the storms.
You maneuver the helicopter for the landing. The occasional
gust of wind tugs at the helicopter, but you easily set it down on the small
landing pad.
The professor bids you farewell with a pat on the shoulder
and hops out. A young woman steps out of a small shelter next to the landing
pad. She hugs the professor and gets into the chopper. Emily, the professor’s granddaughter,
puts on the headset and greets you enthusiastically. She’s bright and cheerful,
a welcome contrast to the angry clouds.
“My grandfather’s research is going very well,” she says as
you take off. Emily is doing her PhD and is helping the professor in his
research.
“That’s great Emily,” you say, concentrating on the
instrument panel. “How long do you think it will take?”
“We are so close. I am concerned about what will happen to
his research when he is completed. It can really buy us a lot of time while we
fight against Global Warming.”
“If the research is only limited to one corporation or one
government, then it may take too long to use effectively,” she continues. “My
friends in Climate Peace is keen for him to make his discoveries available to
everyone, but I am reluctant to ask him,”
“Why? Do you think he won’t do it?” you ask.
“Well, he has devoted most of his life to this. I cannot
just ask him to give it away!”
“He may surprise you. And you are his granddaughter. You may
just convince him.”
“I guess you are right. Anyway, here is my best friend’s
number in Climate Peace, it may come in handy. Her name’s Kate.” She says and
hands a small card from her backpack.
The storm outside grows worse, much quicker than you expected.
Dark clouds obscure the horizon and heavy rain is pelting down.
“The weather is closing in quicker than I expected!” you
tell Emily. ”We are halfway between the oil rig and the mainland. We can either
try to continue or turn back.”
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