Operation Z-Day by Dennis F. Larsen

Author:Dennis F. Larsen
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2013-10-29T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Nathan Edwards sat with his back to a large, ponderosa pine tree, long since dried up: a casualty of the widespread, devastating effects of the mountain pine beetle and the resultant blue stain fungus. As far as he could see in every direction, tall, mature trees stretched to the sky, withering under the sun’s rays and starving for water in a sea of moisture and snow. A Canadian Olympic Biathlon competitor, Nathan had flown from Nova Scotia to Calgary the week before, anxious to hike the many trails of Banff National Forest with his fiancée, Rita Helmut-Schmidt. The two had met at an event in Germany, where she represented her country in the women’s downhill ski trials. A long-distance romance had flourished; ultimately bringing the two lovers to the conclusion that marriage was in their immediate future.

Their week in the Canadian Rockies had been carefully planned: the days of exploring the back trails would be scenic but more importantly it would strengthen their lungs and build endurance for the upcoming Olympic games. The flight had been uneventful, stopping in Toronto briefly to pick up additional passengers, and then direct to Calgary, where a chartered limo had whisked them away. At the time, neither of the excited vacationers had given much thought to the flier seated three rows behind them and his incessant coughing. It was not until they were miles along a trail, their packs stuffed with a week’s provisions, that the initial signs of what they thought was the flu struck Rita.

Their first day on the trail had been warm and wonderful. The two held hands and talked of their future together as they hiked and snapped pictures of the impressive scenery. In the middle of their first night, a light snowfall had begun, dampening their spirits but not undermining their resolve. They’d traveled thousands of miles and they would not let a little moisture spoil their trip, after all, they were winter Olympic athletes. It was in the morning; following a light breakfast of granola bars and juice that Rita began to feel ill. Nathan had wanted to turn back but his fiancée was quite sure it was just a 24-hour bug that would pass and they’d be able to enjoy the remainder of their outdoor holiday.

Unable to argue with Rita’s persistence, the pair packed up their tent and other necessities and pushed further into the remote wilderness. By noon, Rita was unable to go any further. She felt as if she were drowning in her own fluids; unable to breathe deeply, she lacked the oxygen she needed at the increasing elevations. Nathan finally convinced his love that they had no option but to return to Banff and seek the medical attention she required. By this time, the early, fall snow was turning everything around them into a winter wonderland complete with cold and discomfort. Nathan attempted to carry Rita, opting to leave her pack behind but retaining the tent and half of their food supply. He

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