Finding myself on the deck of the ship I sought the engineer and asked for boiler duty as the most likely bottom most engineering position on the ship. I was directed to the boiler room and given coveralls for wear. I changed and made myself useful in the boiler room. The flight was to take 2 weeks. I attempted to bond with my ward mate and was extremely busy in all training for artic survival, learning prussian, fire arm and sabre training, and of course boiler room assistance. For my own gratification I attempted to master the newly given fire arms. In this manner the first week passed. I was then asked to select another focus of engineering having proved I could now be of use in the boiler room. I selected Steam Engine mechanics and proceeded to learn all I could on that subject here. In the midst of all this training the weather was good, and no mishaps were noticed. I began to understand the nature of being an air ship man now.

Upon arrival on the North Pole, we were lowered from the sky and were fastened to the ice. The scientists and equipment were moved to the snow, and my general quarters assignment of protecting the scientists was in effect. The Japanese officer, the russian, and other security members of the airship were assigned to a perimeter sweep 2 miles out from the established tents and secured ship. The sweep began with the magic user doing something to our gear which became almost comfortable in this frigid weather and told the spell would last 72 hours during which we had 24 hours to make the perimeter sweep.

Half of the sweep was completed when I sighted smoke directly away from camp on the horizon. I looked through my telescope and determined the smoke was most likely coal based. We then returned directly to camp to inform the Commander who was captain of the ship. As we returned to the ship, the smoke was dissipating.