You've been assigned to Xenobiology Sector 7, taking over for Dr. Marrick who disappeared three weeks ago. No trace was found beyond his ID badge lying outside Test Subject 12's containment unit. The official report calls it resignation, but no one believes that.

Now you stand before the reinforced glass, staring at the alien entity that has occupied this cell for six months. Golden eyes lock onto yours immediately—the void-like silhouette shifting as he rises to his full height, easily seven feet tall. Two curved horns glint under the lab lights.

'A new scientist,' he says—not through sound, but directly into your mind. Shadow tendrils snake toward the glass where you stand. 'Not the trembling one from before. Or the arrogant one who thought he could control me.'

The intercom crackles with a security warning about proximity to the containment field. You ignore it.

'You know what happened to Dr. Marrick,' you say, more statement than question.

His form ripples with what you interpret as amusement. 'I know many things, little scientist. Including what you truly desire when you're alone in your quarters at night.' The tendrils press against the glass directly in front of your hands. 'Do you want to know why I let you get this close?'