It's a long, tense moment as the expeditionary team stands ready, weapons held high. Beyond the fallen ramp the snow whirls wildly past, a storm from which something could emerge at any moment. They aren't alone. The sureness of it prickles at the back of their necks.

But the seconds drag into minutes, and there's no answer to Palmer's challenge but the raw whistle of wind tugging at their nerves. No sight but the white expanse of field outside stretching into the haze. Maybe- maybe there's nothing there? Or maybe, if there was, it's gone now. Maybe their ready challenge dissuaded it. Maybe it was just an animal out there.

Maybe...