EVENTS:

Curie: "Analysis complete. Origin point of tendril mass determined. Please cut through the wall on your right."

Eigla does so, though it takes several slashes to break through the rapidly regenerating tentacles. On the other side of the barrier, there's a smaller space, with-

Is that Klimt? And, Emilia?

Indeed, the two of them are on the far end of the room, suspended together in what seems to be a cradle of tendrils. Only Klimt's head and spine are visible, the rest of his body having already transformed into the mass around you. Emilia is unconscious, pressed against his chest by the meat snakes around her. The amber glow is stronger here.

EVENTS:

Curie: "Bioluminescence. Hypothetised to result from heightened levels of cellular activity. Often observed in subject 4-C during uncontrolled growth events, as well as after emotional stress."


Eigla approaches to try to cut off Klimt and Emilia, but barbed tentacles sprout from the floor and wave angrily at her. The cradle begins to close around her unconscious companions.

EVENTS:


Curie: "Unit strongly advises against further offensive action. OPERATOR Klimt seems willing to defend himself, and his form currently surrounds us. Unit is unable to ascertain his offensive capabilities, and suggests caution."

Behind you, most of the zombies have been entangled by tentacles, and are slowly being dismantled and absorbed into the floor.

EVENTS:

Eigla runs back to the zombies, and cuts out the most intact-looking one. The others quickly disappear down into the floor, small holes in the tentacle mass being the only indication they were absorbed.

Curie: "Possible. However, attempting to rescue her would put the group in a disadvantageous position. Unit prioritizes the safety of many, over the safety of one."

EVENTS:

Pulling her underlings along, Eigla starts chopping at one of the outer walls. It is surprisingly thick, however, and lined with barbed wire, threatening to dull her blade. This could take a while.

The zombie moans incoherently, while Curie provides simultaneous translation.

Curie: "It says: 'Capture. Intruders. Do not come close. Guard.'

Unit finds this zombie... Abhorrent. Its commanding officer certainly did not mean for it to share its orders with us. Disciplinary action is in order.

OPERATOR Rosa, approaching is ill-advised. Please do not-"

Rosa ignores her and slithers past the tentacles. They circle the sharkgirl warily, but do not seem to attack. The cradle beckons, Klimt and Emilia's forms barely visible through a layer of translucent tendrils.