Survey Team SKP/1975 (Arctic Constructors HR Dept. Files)

Spring, well north of the arctic circle. 1975. A small surveying camp sits just south of the Middle Fork of the Koyukuk and Bettles river confluence, among dense forests of spindly spruce trees. Above it, the ramplike prow of Sukakpak mountain dominates. It is a striking, curious and isolated peak south of the Brooks range. A survey team is re-flagging the original pipeline route that was flagged in ’71. There is great urgency, as construction of the North Slope Haul Road has already begun and will reach Atigun pass in less than a month. The route must be clearly marked.

And now a man has died.

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Survey Team SKP/1975 (Arctic Constructors HR Dept. Files)

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The contents of the manila folder, given to the investigators.
Ray Kennedy.jpg
Chief Surveyor Ray Kennedy
Age: 38
History of employment:
since 1970 - Arctic Constructors Survey Dept.
1966-1970 - Goose Bay Airport, veterinary control
previous employment unknown
Mike Ravello.jpg
Assistant Surveyor Mike Ravello
Age: 36
History of employment:
since 1972 - Arctic Constructors Survey Dept.
1967-1972 - Anchorage Municipality, Land Registry
1964-1966 - Sales
Arthur Antal.jpg
Arthur Antal.jpg (28.37 KiB) Viewed 714 times
General Laborer Arthur Antal
Age: 27
History of employment:
since 1975 - on seasonal contract with Arctic Constructors
1973-1973 - on seasonal contract with Hamilton Construction Company
previous employment unknown
Bill Scott.jpg
Bill Scott.jpg (41.45 KiB) Viewed 714 times
General Laborer William Scott - DECEASED
Age: 32
History of employment:
since 1975 - on seasonal contract with Arctic Constructors
1970-1975 - Northland Wood Products
1966-1970 - seasonal contracts with various lumber companies
"I feel as if my soul would be torn out of my body," she gasped. "I am being drawn into a whirlpool. What is happening? What does it mean?" - The Secrets of Dr. Taverner
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Timeline

Post by evil_scientist »

Information from Arctic Constructors HQ:

1971
The original pipeline route was flagged in 1971. It hugs the eastern slope of Sukakpak mountain and crosses the Bettles river, avoiding a difficult crossing of the wide, treacherous Koyukon.

1975
Now, in 1975, there is great urgency, as construction of the North Slope Haul Road has already begun and will reach Atigun pass in less than a month. The route must be clearly marked, but the original markings from 1971 are mostly gone.

Original survey schedule:
March 17-31 - Phase one
April 1-30 - Phase two
May 1 - Final checks, begin preparations for pipeline construction

Implementation:
March 15-17 - The team of four and two helpers are flown in to Sukakpak. They clear the landing site on the riverbank and set up base at Camp 204. The plane flies back.
March 17-31 - The first phase of survey works commences. Radio contact is sparse. Surveyors complain about weather problems, overactive wildlife, the insufficent mapping and marking done by the 1971 team. By 22 March it becomes evident, that the team is way behind schedule. Arctic Constructors HQ is concerned.
April 1-10 - Almost no radio contact until 10 April. Chief Surveyor Ray Kennedy informs HQ about the death of General Laborer William Scott, circumstances unclear.
An investigative team is assembled and flown to the site on 12 April.

Instruction from Arctic Constructors HQ:
  • Investigate the circumstances of William Scott's death
  • Report back to HQ
  • The remaining survey team must continue the work, new schedule pending
"I feel as if my soul would be torn out of my body," she gasped. "I am being drawn into a whirlpool. What is happening? What does it mean?" - The Secrets of Dr. Taverner
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