9

The sky had turned deep red by the time Ante and Bjorn reached the check point which was situated on a flat area with a commanding view of the fjord. Ante pulled the car up to a small box-like office with a barrier blocking the road on either side, waving his hand to the guard inside as the barrier was pulled up to let his car pass.

The living quarters were located to the left of the road, with a mostly empty parking space at the back. And Bjorn noticed to his surprise, as Ante drove passed the barracks that the road on to Neiden was not cleared of snow.

"I would think that has kept traffic down a bit," Bjorn said, trying not to sound too ironic.
"It has indeed," Ante said with a big smile as he parked the car right outside the entrance to the barracks. "But the road will be cleared in a few days from now, so we should see traffic increase pretty soon."
"So the road has not been open all winter?"
"Indeed. Life has not been too hectic."
"Has there been anyone coming up here at all?"
"Only the pizza delivery man, and the guy from Pingo, delivering groceries."

Bjorn had to laugh. People had been staying at the check point, with no other people to check than those delivering stuff that they had ordered.

"What can I say?" Ante continued, parking his car next to a blue Ford. "This is the military. Things don't have to make sense."