Dr. Parker shook Rachel's hand with a smile. As the marine removed her goggles, however, Dr. Parker's smile slipped and, for a moment, she stared openly at Rachel's ghost white face.<br/><br/>She remembered herself suddenly and turned away with a slight blush. "Uh, excuse me. We should proceed to the tac room. Our group is already assembled," the scientist said, hurrying down the hall.<br/><br/>Lucas gave Rachel an amused smile as they followed Dr. Parker.<br/><br/>The building was warm and comfortable, but not built for esthetics. The walls were mostly sheet metal, the floors concrete. The structure was clearly built to be a functionable base of operations and nothing more.<br/><br/>Parker led them into a larger room. A table dominated the center of the room, maps hanging from the walls. Dr. Parker indicated a small group of people waiting there. "This, Captain, is our expedition," she said.<br/><br/>Dr. Parker led Rachel through a round of introductions. The only other super in the room was a woman simply referred to as Lewis. She wore a large, heavy coat, open at the front, and underneath nothing but tight, black leather. She was covered in leather from toe to neck, even her arms and hands were covered. She was pretty, however, with light red hair and a pleasant smile. Rachel had never heard of her before and could not tell exactly what her abilities might be.<br/><br/>Acting as guides for the mission were a pair of professional ice climbers, Deter Schmidt, a German, and American Maria Smith. Deter was a tall, blonde and rugged looking man with piercing blue eyes and a relaxed demeanor. Maria was thin and wiry, with dark brown hair and rapid speach patterns. Dr. Parker described them as two of the best mountain climbers and arctic survivalists in the world, skills that would prove invaluable, she believed.<br/><br/>"As you indicated, Captain, time is of the essence," Dr. Parker said as she pointed to a map on the wall. "We have already mapped what we consider to be the safest way down. We will begin our descent in about an hour. Before we do, though, now is the time to ask any questions."<br/><br/>