25 June 13 - Winter Is Coming

[Sisip]

It was a normal day in Salem, summer in full force, the sun shining, the birds chirping, children flying kites in the public parks. It was almost idyllic, an unusual calm had settled over the city. Humans and mutants alike had pushed aside their more public quarrels and an unspoken peace enrobed everyone like chocolate enrobes a twix cookie and caramel bar.

Quiet, sleepy, wonderful, nothing unusual happening in the least. Perhaps that was why people started taking to the streets and staring out their windows when it started.

Was that volcanic ash falling from the sky? No, it melted away. It almost looked like .. snow. But how on earth could it be snowing in the heat of Salem's summer?

Those near the TV could see the News Alert begin to broadcast, the reporter a pretty little middle aged thing with big hair, sitting behind a desk.

"An odd, and almost impossible, occurrence is happening all around our city. What appears to be snow, falling from the sky, is baffling authorities and scientists alike. This is not hail, that could possibly come with a system similar to that which spawns hurricanes or tornadoes. There is no scientific reason behind this happening. It holds all properties of snow yet the temperature is that of our current weather. Authorities are searching for someone, anyone, who may be responsible. In the meantime this seemingly impossible event brings to mind a quote from Douglas Adams, renowned author of "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", Nothing is impossible only highly improbable. Today that has been proved beyond a shadow of a doubt. I'm Mary Formoney, for News2Salem."

[Sisip]

The local news station came on, and once again the pretty woman with the big hair sat behind the desk,

"While the strange snowfall continues around the area our troubles seem only to become curiouser and curiouser. News2Salem has exclusive footage of what could only be described as .. the undead .. walking the earth."

A video began to play, a city scene with people shambling down a road. A voice-over could be heard as the camera shook, the owner running closer, "Dude, they're real. They're like totally dead man!" As the footage freezes they zoom it in on one of the people. He appeared to be unhealthily thin, nothing more than skin and bones, his hair frizzled and long. Chapped and broken lips pulled back against blackened gums, his skin almost as white as the snow he trudged through. The only colour on him was the stunning, vibrant, almost glowing blue of his eyes. He was looking directly at the camera, though no emotion could be seen within his features.

When the news lady returns she frowns prettily and shakes her head, "So far there have been no incidents reported, though those who claim to have seen them first hand have admitted to keeping their distance. Authorities are searching for anyone who may have information concerning our new towns folk and urge you to call the toll free number now being displayed on the screen. In the mean time they recommend letting these travelers go about their business with little interference. I'm Mary Formoney, News2Salem."