The helicopter touches down amidst a cloud of frozen crystals, verglas blades continue spinning, fearful of seizing if stopped. Heavy boots hit the ground, shattering the white layer of ice upon the frost laden world that stretches out before them.
Their eyes widen at the sight, a surrealistic scene, hundreds of snowmen in various poses, some in playful forms, others stand like guardians on duty amongst giant cliffs of deformed ice. Moitinonless in an empty bleached white world.
With hesitant steps, two individuals, covered in full body heated suits, march forth. Dead calm, the only sound is the snapping of ice breaking and crackling. Meandering through frozen figures, with no visible features, no coal eyes or carrot nose, no scarves around snowy necks.
Their heart rate rises, until they can feel blood pumping within their skulls.
"This is close enough." One calls through the headset. "Just pick one."
"Affirmative." Replies the other, as a case is set down and opened. The contents inside instantly frost over.
"Christ, it's -64 fucking degrees."
“Everywhere is negative now,… but this is different.”
Approaching a snow figure, they quickly scrape away, using a torch to assist. Slowly the outer layer melts, flowing rivulets become motionless in seconds. In horror they witness unpigmented human features reveal itself, a look of terror frozen upon its ice face.
"How did...?"
A loud pop shatters the silence as a sheet of ice comes crashing down. A cloud of chalky powder settles, revealing a sign that reads 'Las Veg...'
About the Creator
JBaz
I have enjoyed writing for most of my life, never professionally.
I wish to now share my stories with others, lets see where it goes.
Born and raised on the Canadian Prairies, I currently reside on the West Coast. I call both places home.
I AM
This is not who I thought I would be. Before my family was captured and forced into slavery, I had aspirations of becoming a wealthy business owner or possibly a scholar and philosopher. Becoming a warrior was the furthest thing from my mind. Unfortunately, our Roman conquerors had other plans.
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Comments (15)
Spine tingling! The suspense really swelled as the story progressed! Excellent piece!
Fantastic writing as always, Jason.
Oooo a post apocalyptic story. Very good JBaz, I thought it was just a cool creepy snowman story until the end, fantastic!
This was really good. This left me racing with thoughts of what happened
This is great, Jason. The scene was so descriptive, and I love the ending. Well done, as always.
Verglas, what a terrific word!
I've heard of being frozen out of a hand before, but that's extreme. Great story as always, my friend. Good Luck!
Guess we'll never know because what happens is Vegas stays in Vegas, lol. Loved your story!
The gambler’s ice age. Creepy and brilliant, JBaz!
'j' ~ When 'Posing' Snowmen I've always wondered where to Stick the Schticks...that you do so well. 'j'
You land a good ending!
Wow, I can’t imagine Los Vegas turn to an icy land
This is so intense, well written! "A loud pop shatters the silence as a sheet of ice comes crashing down. A cloud of chalky powder settles, revealing a sign that reads 'Las Veg...'" love the ending!
Wow, this is so good. What a marvelously gruesome setting
Excellent writing, you created a very foreign scene very succinctly. I wrote about a snow encased man today too, but it seems to have got stuck in review. Possibly I used a word the wrong side of a decency threshold. Yours is MUCH better.