Heiji thought about it. "I'm sorry, my lord, but I can't think of anything. A couple of days' delay is alright, but not returning for the entire winter is inexcusable."

Barlin pressed, "What if the ship broke down, or was caught in the ice?"

"Well…"

Heiji pursed his lips, before explaining, "The government can monitor the research vessel's movement and location in real time via GPS. If we report to them that the ship is caught in the ice, while they can see us move, they will immediately rea