Dexter smiled at Jenny's astonished expression before stepping farther into the artificial forest.
"Having an entire forest underground is actually rather simple when you have the right technology," he explained, adjusting his glasses. "The environment is maintained through a combination of advanced climate-control systems, artificial lighting, and carefully regulated atmospheric conditions. The temperature, humidity, and air circulation are monitored continuously to ensure that the plants can grow under conditions similar to those found on the surface."
Jenny looked up at the canopy, trying to locate the source of the light. "But how do you get sunlight down here? There isn't exactly a window in the ceiling."
"Specialized full-spectrum lighting," Dexter answered, gesturing toward the artificial sky above them. "The system reproduces the wavelengths necessary for photosynthesis while adjusting its intensity according to a programmed day-and-night cycle. The lights also distribute illumination across the entire area, preventing certain sections from receiving too much or too little."
"That's incredible!" Jenny exclaimed, turning slowly as she examined the surrounding trees. "And the lake? Is that artificial too?"
"Partially. The water is supplied through a closed circulation system that filters and replenishes it. It also helps regulate the local humidity. The soil contains a carefully balanced mixture of nutrients, and the roots are monitored to prevent excessive growth from damaging the infrastructure beneath the ground."
Jenny glanced down at the grass beneath her feet before looking back at him. "So you basically built an entire ecosystem underground?"
"An enclosed ecosystem, yes. Although it requires regular maintenance and monitoring to keep everything balanced."
"That's still amazing. Most people would be happy with a swimming pool in their basement, and you've got an entire forest!" Jenny remarked.
Dexter gave a faint smile. "A swimming pool would have been considerably less useful."
Jenny laughed, but before she could ask another question, a rustling sound came from the trees nearby.
Her expression changed immediately.
The mechanical components in her right arm shifted with a series of clicks and whirs, transforming her hand and forearm into a large cannon. Energy began gathering inside its barrel as she turned toward the source of the noise.
Dexter raised one hand. "Hold on! Don't shoot."
Jenny kept her aim on the trees, although the energy gathering inside her cannon gradually diminished. After a moment, she lowered her arm, allowing the weapon to retract into its original form.
"Sorry," she said, keeping her attention on the bushes. "I heard something moving."
"There's no need to worry," Dexter assured her. "The residents here are quite friendly."
As if responding to his words, a small brown figure emerged from the branches. It climbed down the trunk with practiced ease before jumping onto Dexter's shoulder, where it settled comfortably.
"Hi there, Monkey," Dexter greeted, raising a hand to scratch the little creature behind its head.
The animal responded with a pleased chattering sound, wrapping its tail around Dexter's shoulder for balance.
Jenny stared.
"Wait... that's a monkey?"
Dexter glanced at her. "Indeed."
"I've seen pictures and videos, but I've never actually met one!" Jenny said, leaning closer to get a better look. The little animal studied her with equal curiosity, its dark eyes moving between her face and the blue accents on her body.
"What's his name?" she asked.
"Monkey."
Jenny blinked before letting out a snort of amusement. "Monkey? That's his actual name? Couldn't you think of something a little more original?"
Dexter shrugged while continuing to stroke the animal's fur. "He likes it."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Quite sure."
Dexter looked toward the monkey perched on his shoulder. "You like your name, don't you?"
Monkey stared back at him with an utterly deadpan expression.
Jenny burst into laughter. "I don't think he's convinced!"
"He's simply not very expressive," Dexter replied, although the faint amusement in his voice suggested he found the reaction entertaining.
Before Jenny could continue teasing him about the name, she felt something brush against her ankle. She looked down and found a small white creature standing beside her foot.
It resembled a little Shih Tzu, with fluffy white fur, a purple bow, solid black eyes, and a tiny black nose. The creature looked up at her before giving a cheerful bark.
Jenny's face immediately brightened. "Oh! You have a dog too?"
She crouched down, extending her hand carefully. The little dog approached without hesitation, sniffing her fingers before happily accepting the attention. Jenny began scratching beneath its chin, and the creature wagged its tail with such enthusiasm that its entire body seemed to wiggle.
"Well, aren't you adorable?" Jenny cooed, gently rubbing its head. "Where did you come from?"
The dog barked again, then leaned against her hand.
Jenny picked it up and stood, holding the little creature against her chest. It responded by licking her cheek, making her giggle. "Hey! That tickles!"
The dog seemed rather pleased with itself, continuing to nuzzle against her.
Jenny looked toward Dexter. "What's her name?"
Dexter, who was still occupied with Monkey, answered casually, "Her designation is Experiment 007, but I usually call her Gigi."
Jenny looked down at the little dog. "Gigi? That's a cute name."
"She seems to like it."
"Hi there, Gigi," Jenny said affectionately, giving the dog another gentle scratch behind the ears.
Gigi barked softly and nestled comfortably in her arms.
Dexter watched them for a moment before turning his attention toward the surrounding forest. He had wanted Jenny to meet the inhabitants of this place, and so far, the introductions were going rather well.
There was, however, something important she needed to understand.
"Jenny, there's something I should explain about them," he began.
She looked up while keeping Gigi comfortably cradled in her arms. "Something about their names?"
"Yeah. They're not ordinary animals."
Jenny glanced down at Gigi, then toward Monkey. "They're not?"
Dexter shook his head. "They're experiments. More specifically, they're genetic experiments created by an extraterrestrial scientist named Dr. Jumba Jookiba."
Jenny's eyes widened slightly. "An alien made them?"
"Yes. Jumba created hundreds of different life-forms, each with its own genetic structure and abilities. Some were designed for relatively harmless purposes, while others were intended to serve as weapons."
Jenny looked at Gigi again, who seemed entirely unconcerned by the discussion. "And she's one of them?"
"Correct. Her designation is 007. She's part of what I would classify as the Zero Series."
"The Zero Series?"
Dexter nodded and began explaining the classification system he had organized after learning more about Jumba's creations.
"The experiments can be divided into several broad series based on their intended functions. The Zero Series consists of Jumba's earliest and most innocent creations. You could think of them as his practice runs. Most are small, relatively harmless, or occasionally helpful by accident." He gestured toward Gigi, who had begun investigating the collar of Jenny's outfit.
"After that comes the First Series. Those experiments were designed primarily to annoy, disrupt, and interfere with everyday life in towns and cities. They're generally not dangerous, but they can be extraordinarily irritating."
Jenny smiled. "So, little troublemakers?"
"Essentially. The Second Series focuses on machines, communications, data, and scientific systems. Their abilities are generally technological in nature. The Third Series targets the mind, including memories, emotions, and fears."
Jenny's expression grew more serious as she listened.
"The Fourth Series is considerably less understood," Dexter continued. "They're classified as top-secret and mostly militaristic experiments. Many of them were apparently failures, and even the information available about them is extremely limited. The Fifth Series concerns the control of nature and the elements. Their abilities can affect weather, earth, fire, water, and plant life, making some of them capable of causing natural disasters."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Finally, the Sixth Series contains the most dangerous creations. They were designed as weapons of mass destruction, intended for warfare and the conquest of entire planets. Their threat level can extend far beyond a single world."
Jenny stared at him. "Wait. Weapons of mass destruction? There are creatures like that?"
"Unfortunately, yes." Dexter adjusted his glasses. "Jumba's creations vary considerably. Not all of them are dangerous, but some possess abilities that could become a serious threat if they fell into the wrong hands."
Jenny looked down at Gigi again. It was difficult to imagine the little creature she had just met belonging to the same collection as beings capable of threatening entire planets. "How many of these experiments are there?"
"More than six hundred."
Jenny's mouth fell open. "Six hundred?"