That evening, Ava left for a short vacation, eager to settle her new puppy into his new home. Dr. Walsh, however, remained awake in her quarters, consumed by thoughts of the enigmatic crystal. Holding her rabbit, she absentmindedly stroked its fur, lost in contemplation.
Unable to sleep, she decided to conduct a second experiment. This time she aimed for something larger, preferably suited to the settlement's harsh climate.
She rose from her bed, gently placing her rabbit back in its crate. Throwing a coat on she boarded the elevators and traversed the bunker, venturing out into the cold, windswept dawn.
She shivered as she retrieved the crystal from her pocket. -"This better be worth it..."- she muttered, clutching it in her hands. -"...I'm freezing."- Closing her eyes, she focused on a large, docile animal, one that could withstand the harsh conditions.
She sighed, her breath forming visible plumes in the frigid air. -"Let's see..."-
The familiar teal glow engulfed the crystal, then flickered out. Dr. Walsh eagerly opened her eyes to discover...
-"Oh... my word,"- she whispered, awestruck. A massive, magnificent reindeer stood before her. While it possessed the expected antlers, hooves and short tail, it was undeniably unnatural. Its size was immense, exceeding anything that could naturally occur. What truly unsettled her, however, were its eyes. They held a depth of intelligence that seemed eerily human.
Before Dr. Walsh could process this unsettling detail, the reindeer turned and galloped away, disappearing into the vast tundra.
Dumbfounded, the geneticist stared at the glossy crystal in her hands. To her surprise, the central glow blinked weakly.
She hurried back to the bunker, seeking both warmth and a space to document the results of her experiments.
Just outside the settlement, the uncanny reindeer paused, its gaze fixed on the complex building. Its stare seemed almost... Deliberate.