Hypothermia

Chapter 1: Cold

Um...this just kind of sprang to me. Writer's block lately though, which sucks. This story is entirely from the viewpoint of Piers Nivans. The deal here is, Piers is on a mission and spends a little too long in a freezer. Nivanfield alert. Enjoy, maybe...?—Chris

Holding my rifle at eye level, I shot the J'avo right between the eyes. It fell down, howling, and holding it's head. I took a few steps forward, expecting a new mutation. I wasn't disappointed; the man's mouth hacked blood and green gunk before growing out, emerging with a three-pronged jaw and two tongues. It was hard to tell, but I think its left eye had two pupils now.

Suddenly my radio buzzed in my ear. "Piers? You there?" Chris's voice said. I held a finger to my ear and answered. "Yeah, I'm fine. Gimme a sec to take this last one down." I said, pointing my gun at the charging monster. Blam. Blam. Blam. Three shots into its mouth, and it fell. Despite that it was only one J'avo, I still felt proud of myself for barely even looking at it.

Damn, it was cold, though. I knew it was a horrible thought, but I kind of wished it had mutated into a Napad. That would have provided some extra heat. I was really glad for the thick military uniform I was wearing now. "Chris?" I said into my headpiece. I got static; I shook it a little and tried again. "Yeah Piers?" Chris said. "Kill confirmed. I'm gonna head back now." I said, drawing my outfit a little closer around me. "Sh-Shit..." I muttered.

"Didn't catch that?" Chris asked.

"Nothing, nevermind." I said, feeling a blush creeping up my cheeks. I clicked off the com and walked over to the thermometer, dodging under a slab of meat hanging from the ceiling on the way. Wiping it clear of frost, I saw that it read 22° Fahrenheit. Yikes. I hefted my gun up onto my arm and turned towards the door.

Except there was already someone there.

Eyes wide, I ran for the door, but it was too late. With a grin, the J'avo slammed it shut with a loud CLANG!

"No! No no no no no! Open this fucking door you zombified bastard!" I yelled, hurling myself at the door. I rammed my fist into it, feeling my knuckles protest and wondering why they didn't break. Grimacing, I pushed and shoved at the door. But it wouldn't give.

"Dammit...open!" I said, striking the door several more times, which hurt like hell. Rage fueled up inside me at the thought of that J'avo. If only I was strong enough to punch boulders like Chris.

I took a break and looked down at my knuckles. They definitely felt broken. Wait...I could see a purple-ish blue hue spreading out from the back of my palm. Touching one gently, I winced and yanked my finger away. Yep, they were broken. I shifted my weight and braced myself against the door with my shoulder. All or nothing. I said mentally.

That door was staying put. Panting, I slid down against it. It must have been fifteen minutes since I'd first went up against it. I felt a lot weaker than I should have. I gritted my teeth and pressed a finger to my radio for the third time. "C-Chris, come in. Please, answer." I said. Static. Fucking static.

I was getting seriously cold now. I looked over at the dead J'avo on the floor across from me. It felt all too much like it could spring to life and attack me again. Just to be safe, I raised my rifle and fired a shot into its chest. A little more blood splattered out, but the body didn't move.

Chris...pick up the radio. Where are you?

I wondered how long it had been. I could only guess five more minutes had passed. Time always seems to move slower when you wish it wouldn't. I breathed slowly, watching it steam in the air. Leaning back against the door, I begged for help.

"Chris..."

Yeah, a lot shorter than my usual work, I know. -Chris