3171W3

CHAPTER 12

Meanwhile, in the dimly lit laboratory, Doctor Smith and Second Class Ramirez continue their escape. The shadows still pursue them, and the whispers grow louder. They are completely disoriented. 

As Doctor Smith and Second Class Ramirez try to navigate their way through the dark corridors of the ship, the atmosphere becomes increasingly oppressive. The whispers seem to morph into unsettling laughter, and the dancing shadows dangerously close in on them. 

- Ramirez, we need to find an exit quickly. 

- I agree, Doc. We can't stay here. And I don't understand why we've lost contact with the Newton. 

Suddenly, they hear a deep rumbling coming from the depths of the ship. It's as if something monstrous is awakening. The ground shakes beneath their feet, and the ship's walls seem to close in around them. Doctor Jonathan Smith drops everything he's holding and steps backward, knocking over whatever is behind him. 

- Ramirez! It seems like the ship is waking up! We need to leave before it swallows us.

They quicken their pace, but the further they go, the more the corridors warp and change, as if they're trapped in a living maze. 

- Doc, I can't see a way out of here! I'm completely lost. Everything looks the same, and these whispers are driving me crazy! 

- Lieutenant Mei, respond! Respond! This is Doctor Smith, respond.

Suddenly, indescribable creatures emerge from the darkness, with contorted limbs and glowing eyes. They quickly approach Doctor Smith and Ramirez, forcing them to step back. 

- Oh my God! What is that? 

- We're trapped, Doc! We're done for! 

Panic overwhelms them, but they don't have time to resign themselves to their fate. Suddenly, a dazzling light emanates from an adjacent corridor, pushing the creatures back into the darkness. 

Ariane: (via communication audio) 

- Doctor Smith, Second Class Ramirez, I'm here. Can you see me? Follow the light, I'll guide you. 

- Ariane? Oh my God, thank you! Ramirez, look, follow me, I think the way out is over there!

Guided by the light, Doctor Smith and Ramirez shoot at anything that moves and run through the twisted corridors of the ship, narrowly escaping the nightmarish creatures attempting to reach them.

- You're almost there! Just a few more meters! 

Suddenly, a massive leafy tentacle grabs Doctor Smith's leg, pulling him into the depths of the ship. While Ramirez shoots at the shadows that have engulfed the Doctor, he is forcibly pulled back by Ariane, who drags him out of this nightmare. 

- Doooc...!!! Ariane, I have to save him. 

- It's too late! Second Class. I'm sorry. We have to go. 

Ariane's sentence is barely finished when numerous similar tentacles grab Second Class Ramirez at different parts of his body. Despite blindly firing his weapon, it makes no difference. Only Ariane's hand keeps him out of the corridor. 

- Lieutenant Mei Ling, Lieutenant, do you copy? I have a huge problem here. 

- Hold on, Ariane. I'm coming, says Doctor Emilie Turing over the radio. Then Lieutenant Mei Ling joins the conversation. 

- But, Doctor Turing, where are you? What are you doing? 

- I took the initiative to take the buggy to come get them. We need to get out of here as soon as possible.