Member-only story
The Polar Mystery
A flash fiction in response to a challenge
On the fifth day, Thomas and Suggs disappeared. That brought the total to eight. Eight — nearly a quarter of the crew missing in less than a week. Inside the polar outpost, the questioning of Sgt. Messier continued.
“You’re damn right, and I’d do it again,” Sgt. Messier answered.
“From his own mouth, Captain. Insubordination,” Lt. Eckhart said.
Captain Peters raised a hand to silence Lt. Eckhart. “Please, Sergeant, go on. Explain yourself.”
Sgt. Messier eyed the Lieutenant. “It’s him. I don’t know how; I don’t know why, but he’s to blame.”
Captain Peters tossed his glasses onto his desk, frustrated with the infighting. “Do you have any proof, Sergeant?”
“No.”
The Captain gave the two men a look of indifference. “We perform dangerous work here. Accidents happen.”
Sergeant Messier cut in. “This is no accident. No coincidence. He’s only been here for two weeks, and we’ve lost eight now. Eight!” Sergeant Messier checked his tone as Captain Peters rose from his chair and eyed both of his top deputies. “I’m sorry, Sir. But you can’t let him get away with it. He’s a saboteur or a traitor or…something else. But he ain’t on our side. I know that.”
