What? No... It was impossible.

The sirens blared violently in my ears as our company raced to the breach. A creature, unlike any I have ever known about, escaped. Twice now, just this month. Something was off.

We rounded one corner after another, the vivid fear of each of us almost tasteful; a bitter copper mucus that stuck to every inch of our mouths. This creature in particular... Not two days past did it kill another researcher who was new to the facility.

And there it was, hungrily tearing asunder the last group sent in. Why? Oh... Oh god why? We surrounded the beast quickly, preparing for our first attempt at capturing the reptilian tank.

It turned directly at me, boring its soulless eyes into my own, sucking the very strength from my bones. And then, searing pain.

"Sir? Sir, you need to wake up. Breathe!" a woman screamed faintly in the blackness.

...

"Bro!" I faintly heard... "Did... Wait... He only hit you?" he whispered, and through the blackness... I... I felt the sting of missing limbs and flesh, and knew I had been hit.