Pleistocene 6

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...'