“Approach.” The voice was beyond cold, like two blocks of glacier sliding over one another.

“Elder sentient ice,” the supplicant said. “I would like something it is in your power to know.”

“I know all that has touched this ice in my millennia of existence,” was the reply. “Ask.”

“What was the CO2 level 27 million years ago?” the supplicant asked. “Was it over or under 300 parts per million?”

“Uhh,” the elder sentient ice said. “I thought you were going to ask a question about a wooly mammoth or an ancient frozen sword or something.”

“Nope,” the supplicant said. “It’s all climate questions. Do you know the answer, or do I have to get the core borer?”

“Oh, I know it! I totally know it. The answer might just, you know, take a minute or two.”

  • Like what you see? Purchase a print or ebook version!