The Snake in the Ice

Something that should not be there

You had just finished breakfast with your father and uncle. It was quiet, and hardly any words were exchanged, but it was a peaceful meal. Addily did not join you not to your surprise. You had not seen her once since she stormed off the night before. You knew she was coming with you guys but you just did not know where she is.

If she was going to act like that to your dad though than you did not give a crap wherever the heck she was. When your uncle shared that story it shown a lot of light on things, and you were glad that your uncle found it in his heart to look over his emotions and at the truth.

still, though, that was one heck of a story that was just crappy for literally everyone that was in it. However, you had absolutely no intention of bringing it up to anyone for the rest of this trip. Bringing the story up would only cause more sadness and that was the last thing you wanted for your dad and uncle right now.

So now you were in your room that you had been sharing with your dad. Gearing up for the cold day ahead. The spot you were trying to reach was quite a ways out. You would get there by mid-day, spend however long needed there and be back just before... nightfall actually.

It was weird to think that it would be dark for a couple of weeks after this. Since you were close to the seashore, instead of a couple of months of pure daylight/ darkness, it was only a couple of weeks. That's partly why your uncle was wanting to get this done today because afterward, it would be too dangerous to go that far out in the dark.

So with one final zip, your outer jacket was on and you were ready to get going! You knew your father and uncle would be waiting for you outside. You were almost out the door when you stopped right before turning the handle.

You turned back slightly and looked over at where your sketchbook was. It would not be a good idea to bring it, especially if there was another storm coming, but something was compelling you to grab it.

So you heeded those instincts and grabbed it. Tucking it beneath your layerings so it would be safe. Now you were out the door, through the halls and outside to your family and the other people that were coming.

Your eyes widened when you saw the vehicles you would be taking. They were big, orange and truck-like, but with tank-like wheels instead of normal ones and clear plastic around where the windows on the sides would be, which made sense considering you would be traveling on snow. You think you remembered someone here calling them snowcats? You spotted your Uncle and father and jogged over to them.

" There she is!" Your uncle exclaimed with a smile. " I was starting to worry you fell back asleep or something."

" Pfft, as if I'd miss this." You replied with a sassy smirk. He laughed at your remark before laying down the ground plan. You and your father would be taking the same one with him and Addily, while the next team would travel with you for most of the way.

Once there they would break off from you and search the surrounding area to see if they could find anything else. While your little team would be inspecting the slab itself.

You looked up into the vehicle you would be taking and saw that your cousin was already in. She was sitting in the other front seat next to the drivers where your uncle would be, and you and your father were going to be behind them.

" Alright everybody, make sure you're all suited up and let's get a move on! We have to be there before noon or else we won't get back before nightfall!" Your uncle shouted to all the gathered people, his breath rising up in a thick white cloud as he did so.

Everyone nodded at him before splitting from their little chatting groups. Packing up and getting in the vehicles. You smiled excitedly at your dad before climbing in the back and sitting in the seat behind Addily.