Tape #8 - First Encounter

-"This place is a maze..."- Ava grumbled under her breath as she navigated the labyrinthine tunnels of the bunker complex, after making sure that Dr. Walsh had fallen back asleep. The day was coming to an end, vendor stalls were closing, and she still had to get kibble for her new loyal companion.

She traversed the endless corridors, each turn revealing another seemingly identical passage. Finally, she reached the sprawling market hall, a bustling hive of activity with a thousand merchant stalls crammed together. Ava quickly located the vendor selling kibble, exchanged two food tickets for a bag, and hurried back toward her sleeping quarters.

As she ventured deeper into the concrete labyrinth, an unsettling feeling began to creep in. Were the halls dimmer than usual? She couldn't be sure, but her pace quickened nonetheless. Every so often, she'd glance back over her shoulder, the unsettling feeling growing with each passing moment.

Hours seemed to stretch into an eternity as she navigated the dimly lit tunnels, fatigue tugging at her limbs. She tried to dismiss the eerie sensation, but it clung to her like a shadow.

Suddenly, a flicker of movement caught her eye. A dark shape darted towards her from the periphery of her vision. She spun around, clutching the bag of kibble protectively against her chest. Nothing.

Panic surged through her veins. She broke into a sprint, the cramped tunnels blurring around her. The metallic door to her quarters grew closer with each desperate stride.

-"You."- boomed a disembodied voice behind her, devoid of any human inflection. Ava didn't dare stop.

A lanky, dark arm materialized in front of her, knocking the wind out of her lungs and sending her tumbling to the cold, unforgiving floor.

-"It's not polite to run away when spoken to."- the voice rasped, dripping with malice.

Ava scrambled back, fear paralyzing her limbs and making her forget all about the sack of kibble, taking in the horrifying sight before her. -"Who... What are you?"- she stammered, her broken voice barely a whisper.

-"You cannot comprehend me."- it responded, its grotesque form contorting as it hunched over her. Its icy, unrelenting gaze sent chills down her spine. -"Where is the scientist?"-

In a moment of primal instinct, Ava reached for the bag of kibble and flung it at the creature. The tiny pellets flew in a chaotic cloud, momentarily obscuring its vision. The creature recoiled, clawing at its face as the kibble stuck to it.

Ava seized the opportunity. She scrambled to her feet and, without a backward glance, sprinted towards the sanctuary of her quarters.

Reaching the metallic door, she slammed it shut with a resounding clang and locked it with trembling hands. Her heart pounded against her ribs, her breath coming short. She pressed her back against the cold metal, praying that the creature wouldn't pursue her.

But the silence that followed was deafening.

Turning, she found her puppy waiting for her, his eyes filled with concern and a silent question. -"I'm sorry, boy,"- she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. -"Looks like rice is on the menu again tonight."-