Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

SUBJECT CODE: NK-0001

CLASS: EXTREMELY HOSTILE. DO NOT ENGAGE UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.

DESCRIPTION: NK-0001 is a non-sapient entity of unknown origins. Current speculation states that it was drawn by the life forms on this realm; however, not enough evidence is available to neither confirm nor refute the theory.

Subject possesses four-arms and a 'cape' of some unidentified substance from its back, ranging colours from black to dark pink. Contact with the 'cape' is strictly prohibited. Subject possesses a pair of slit eyes that emanate a light yellow glow. Subject can also seemingly manipulate its own size at will.

NK-0001 is non-verbal and deemed non-sentient after initial testing. It does not require sleep or any recharge of energy in any form. Noteworthy occurrence states that many personnel reported a drop in temperature whenever in NK-0001's presence.

NK-0001 possesses the ability to freeze its victim by meeting their eyes. However, this also apparently seems to freeze the subject as well, making it possible for personnel retrieval.

Current mortality rate stands at 100% for instances where subject's ability was not utilized. Extreme caution is necessary. Complete isolation is ideal.

Subject does not require food to survive. It does not eat the corpses of its victims. It hunts for sport, and sport alone.

Subject is strictly not to be engaged unless in the case of a containment breach. Subject's containment is to be checked over annually and only when deemed necessary. Subject must not be interacted with.

In the case of a containment breach: NK-0001 needs to be lured into a situation where it has to use its ability. Then, security personnel will manually restore NK-0001 back into its containment.

In the event where it has found you, and you are alone, hope resides only in stealth. It will run faster than you; it will catch you. Reasoning, begging, or pleading for mercy will ultimately be fruitless endeavours. Subject will pay no attention to your cries.

CONTAINMENT DETAILS: Subject NK-0001 currently resides on Containment Site Priority 1. It remains in a small airtight cell to discourage any size manipulation. No other implements necessary.

...

...

...!

[ADDENDUM: Due to recent restaffing, NK-0001 has been placed under the supervision of RESEARCHER, DOCTOR C. The following are a compilation of the doctor's reports, any notes regarding the subject, relevant correspondences and others deemed to be relating to the subject in general.]

Chapter Text

20/4/XXXX

They assigned me this new case. I only managed a quick overlook before having to leave it to sit for a while. The new restaffing has us all scrambling for purchase and rhythm.

(I wonder how Almond's...)

I managed to reorganize my files before taking a proper look at the subject's files. It's very...daunting. I don't really understand why they thought putting something like that in my work pile is a good idea -- I work mostly with more passive subjects. Like plants.

Still, I'm lucky to have this job anyway. A change of pace might even be refreshing.

21/4/XXXX

I couldn't stop thinking about NK-0001 all night yesterday. At some point, I took its file back out to read it; really read it, and understand it.

Something sits...wrong with me, about it all. Probably its containment details; I don't like the idea of it being stuck in a box for literal years with nothing to do.

Sentient or not, it moves and possesses at least a passing semblance of intelligence, to be able to hunt for as well as they claim it to be.

I'm going to request permission for some changes on NK-0001's containment. Even if it's as useful as a particularly murderous and mobile rock, it'll be good to at least know. We're all researches anyway - it's what we do.

(I need to visit it...)

30/4/XXXX

Reconstruction of NK-0001's cell will take at least another few days, but I went to visit it earlier and...

It screams. Constantly, without even a pause for air. I suppose if previous observations were anything to go by, it doesn't particularly need it.

It doesn't make it any less unsettling, however. Suddenly, thinking about its ability to utterly freeze its victims from eyesight alone doesn't seem too far-fetched. Anyone with ears would stumble hearing that scream for the first time.

(It sounds so...human...)

04/5/XXXX

NK-0001 has been successfully relocated to its new cell. I spent half an hour observing it through the cameras, hoping to gain any new information about it.

Nothing. It just sat down in the middle of its cell and...didn't move. I checked in on it again after a few hours and still...nothing.

(Mobile and murderous rock indeed...)

After a while, subject began to scream. It didn't stop when I retired for the night.

05/5/XXXX

Subject is still screaming.

11/5/XXXX

Seven days after NK-0001's relocation. I hypothesized that maybe the cell still doesn't have enough stimuli. Thanks to the new speakers installed in NK-0001's containment, I was able to play through a variation of noises.

It startled, when I played the first sound. Subject then proceeded to try and locate the source of sound; the first movement I've seen from it...ever.

It managed to gauge where the speakers were located. Unfortunately, that happened to be directly underneath the camera, and...

Important to note: NK-0001's ability does not apparently work when it's eyes are met through a camera. Good to know.

(Still scared the hell out of me though...)

I thought it would attack and dismantle the speakers, as was implied by previous information on Subject NK-0001. However, it just sort of...stared, for a while.

I'll list the types of sounds I played and subject's reactions underneath.

1) White Noise - Subject seemed impartial, going back to its spot at the center of the room.

2) Forest ambience - Subject stiffened, presumably to the sounds of possible prey. However, it apparently wasn't enough to coax subject to move.

3) Running footsteps - Subject seemed to...hunch, into itself. One of its hands began tapping at the floor,  and the subject looked like it was about to start running. (1)

4) Conversation ambience - Subject rested its head on the floor. Didn't move.

5) Classical piano - Subject still didn't move. I think it's...asleep? (2)

After the fifth attempt, I decided to leave it to its own devices. There are other projects that require my attention, anyway.

(I left the piano on. It seemed to like that.)

[1] I turned that one off quickly; wouldn't do with an aggravated subject. Especially one that's said to be as violent as this one.

[2] The previous notes stated that NK-0001 does not require sleep. I wonder if the previous researcher, whoever they are, bothered to make the distinction between need and want...

13/5/XXXX

I received a box filled with things from NK-0001's old cell. Most of which were blood samples taken from the walls and floor. A quick test showed them to be all in alignment with the names of those who perished within the confines of NK-0001's cell, but there are a couple that don't fit in the registry.

NOTE: I ran some tests. It's its blood. NK-0001.

The other things in the box range from confusing to downright horrifying. I'll list them all below;

1) A dead squid. Probably remnants of a meal chucked in subject's direction before its nutritional needs were discovered. I'm surprised it hasn't rotten.

2) Headphones. Faint stains of red confirmed to be dried blood. Testing confirms it to be the blood of one of the deceased personnel. I'm assuming it was theirs.

3) A disc player. It's also covered in the same blood. Presumably part of a set, along with the above headphones.

4) A flower. (1)

5) A rock. Quick testing shows it to originate from the walls of NK-0001's old cell.

6) The fluff of a stuffed animal. Parts of it is matted with blood. A good chunk of it is mangled and torn to bits. I cannot imagine how NK-0001 managed to get its hands on something like this. (2)

7) It's a piece of it. A piece of Subject NK-0001. All tests conclude that the object's origins stem directly from NK-0001. It warps under touch, as if repelled by it. When left at rest, it remains as a perfect sphere.

Initially, I thought about throwing all of it out to the incinerator -- or, maybe, to return some of them to the families of the deceased.

I'm going to give them back to Subject NK-0001. Maybe I'll finally gain a reaction from it. In the meantime, items will be labeled as NK-0001-01 to NK-0001-07 respectively.

[1] It's a rose.

[2] After some digging, apparently one of the personnel had thought to give the subject a pillow. Reports say that the deceased had acted against orders, and paid for it with their life. I'll have to review footage.

...

...

...

[THE FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF A PHONE CALL BETWEEN DOCTOR C AND HEAD OF SECURITY A. AS PER SECURITY PROTOCOL, ALL PHONE CALLS MADE WITHIN THE PREMISES OF CONTAINMENT PRIORITY 1 ARE TO BE RECORDED AND PASSED UP FOR REVIEW.]

[ TRANSCRIPT BEGINS... ]

A: "Cuco, hey! Is there- like a reason you called so late...?"

C: "Hey, Almond, hi. I-"

C: [shaky exhale] "You- you know that new case that I was assigned to?"

A: "You mean The Knight?"

C: "Yeah, the- Wait, the what?"

A: "Oh, it's just- this nickname we have for it amongst security. I dunno where it first came from, or why we call it that- But apparently your guy is pretty famous for the destruction it tends to cause."

A: [bitter laugh] "Honestly, I think it's ironic. Knights are meant to be pure of heart and soul and stuff. Whatever that thing is, it's definitely not pure hearted. I doubt it even has a heart."

A: "Anyway, what about it?"

C: [silence]

A: "Cuco? Hey, Cukes- You still there?"

C: "...yeah, yeah just. Sorry, my mind wandered. I forgot what I wanted to say."

A: "Oh...okay, well- Wait, are you still there?"

C: "...Mmm."

A: [sighing] "Cuco....We talked about this-"

C: "I know, I know. I'm- I'm packing up right now, I promise. Just- Forgot the time, 's all."

A: "...Okay."

C: "Okay."

C: "...see you for breakfast tomorrow?"

A: [joking] "As long as you don't stand me up again, it's a deal."

C: "Deal. Bye, Almond."

A: "Bye Cuco."

[ END TRANSCRIPTION ]

...

...

...

14/5/XXXX

I filled the box up with the 7 items and left it at one end of the room. Subject was confined to the end of the other room, where the box was still visible.

Subject had peered at the box for a few moments, before stiffening. It immediately tried to attack the barrier that was keeping it from reaching the box. After a while, it resigned itself to just pacing along the length of it, visibly restless.

I watched it for a while, and let the barrier stay up. Subject clearly seems desperate to reach the box and, given its previous inactivity, I don't kid myself in thinking that it's not for what's inside it.

It began to scream, so I lowered the barrier and allowed it through. Subject bounded towards it with a terrifying speed, quickly upturning the box and dumping it's contents all over the floor.

Subject snuffled around the items for a few moments, as if checking for anything broken or missing. When it was apparently appeased, it gathered them up into a pile.

Its motions were careful. So painfully careful. I don't think I've seen a mother be so gentle with her child. I didn't think NK-0001 was capable of such care.

Then the subject curled up around the items, and I didn't know what to think at all.

(I still don't.)

16/5/XXXX

Subject seems to be very attached to the items. Attempts at removing any of them from its possession are met with fierce aggression. As of now, I'm not keen on letting anyone lose a finger.

Subject still screams from time to time, but records show that occurrences have significantly decreased with the retrieval of items NK-0001-01 to NK-0001-07. The music seems to help, too.

On the subject of items NK-0001-01 and NK-0001-04: Both items are biological in nature. However, neither seem to show any signs of decay or decomposition, despite their estimated dates of origin.

I made sure to watch those two items with more care. I noticed how, whenever NK-0001 sits near to its pile of possessions, it seems to purposefully slide those two items under its 'cape'.

Could it be that, whatever NK-0001's 'cape' is made of, is somehow capable of sustaining these objects pass their prospective lifespans?

The previous reports mention not interacting with the cape at all. I'll have to ignore that particular piece of warning; if NK-0001's cape contains anything that can extend the lifespan of anything, it'd be worth it to find out.

...

...

...

...

[THE FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF A MEDICAL REPORT FROM CONTAINMENT PRIORITY 1'S ONSITE MEDICAL FACILITY. DATE OF REPORT: 17/5/XXXX]

PATIENT NAME: DR CUCUMBER C.

HEALTH PROFESSIONAL ON DUTY: DR NAUT P.

NATURE OF INJURY/AILMENT: Severe burns on patient's right hand, stretching along the length of arm until elbow. No other injury.

DIAGNOSIS/TREATMENT: Patient's burn has been successfully treated. Testing pending for any possible adverse side effects. Patient instructed to take mandatory leave for next five days.

On the matter of NK-0001: Subject is to be observed at a distance. Interaction with subject is strictly prohibited until the doctor's return. Any testing is to be put on hold.

COMMENT (optional): Patient seemed adamant to insist that injuries had barely hurt. Patient also seemed to be set on defending [SUBJECT NK-0001], cause of mentioned injury. Patient seemed distressed. Possible extension of leave may be required.

[REPORT CONCLUDED BY MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL ON DUTY. END TRANSCRIPTION.]

Chapter Text

[THE FOLLOWING TRANSCRIPTS ARE A SERIES OF AUDIO FILES RECORDED BY DR C DURING MANDATORY LEAVE. SOME WORDS ARE INAUDIBLE AND LEFT BLANK. ORIGINAL COPY OF NOTES RESIDE WITHIN DOCTOR'S PERSONAL POSSESION.]

FIRST FILE:

[TRANSCRIPT BEGINS]

I should've- really should've known better. I guess I was so caught up in thinking that- that we were wrong about NK. My excitement overrode my caution. I need to be more careful. I keep forgetting myself.

...I'm lucky its my non-dominant hand. This would be a lot harder otherwise.

[TRANSCRIPT ENDS]

SECOND FILE:

[TRANSCRIPT BEGINS]

I'm...going to have to file a proper account of what- what had happened, but I. I need to get it all out of my head, first. Right now everything is so- so jumbled up, I'm worried I'll mix things or- or forget anything.

Here's the basic, uhm, rundown. 

I managed to physically restrain NK's movements. It barely fought back, but I had the feeling it was annoyed. So, I acted quickly. I needed a sample from its cape, so that I could figure out whatever the hell it is.

As I got closer, NK seemed to gradually become more distressed. It began to scream and- and thrash against its bonds. Almost like it was afraid .

That's when it happened. I must've instinctively reached a hand forward to- I dunno, hold it still maybe. My hand came in direct contact with NK's cape and it- [inaudible]

...The doctor was nice. Think her name was uh...Naut? I guess I was pretty- pretty shaken by everything that just happened and uh- she managed to calm me down, somewhat. Made me see reason.

I need to get back there soon though. I don't- I can't stop thinking about the way it looked at me. 

[voices in the background.]

[TRANSCRIPT ENDS]

THIRD FILE:

[TRANSCRIPT BEGINS]

They better not hurt it. 

[TRANSCRIPT ENDS]

FOURTH FILE:

[TRANSCRIPT BEGINS]

Almond is- upset, with me. I guess I don't really uh, blame her for it. If our roles were reversed, I'd be pretty...

[distant, inaudible conversation]

She called me crazy for getting close to it. Which is- harsh, actually. That kinda- I mean, I get where she's coming from, but she wasn't-

[muffled; possibly a sigh]

She wasn't there, okay? She didn't see- She never got to see how it acts and how it moves and how it- I mean, okay, think of it this way.

If you were a creature. And you were put in a small containment for- for years, in practically complete isolation. If you were forced to be still and- and not even allowed to move a few steps back and forth, would you-?

[inaudible. Muffled voices. A loud thud.]

Gotta go.

[TRANSCRIPT ENDS]

FIFTH FILE:

[TRANSCRIPT BEGINS]

I met up with the doctor today. Naut- Nautilus. I- I didn't actually expect her to come in contact with me, and was- [inaudible] about it, maybe they caught up to any adverse side effects.

But uh- It was really pleasant, actually. Turns out, she got in touch with me because she recognized my name. Apparently, we used to be neighbors when we were younger, before she moved out. 

I thought- I thought she was familiar...

Nautilus has this...she has this way, with words, y'know? I think if she wasn't a medical doctor, she'd be a pretty good psychiatrist. We talked about a lot of things and- At some point Almond must've caught wind of where we were, because she dropped by and it was-

[inaudible]

I don't think Nautilus believes me, about NK. I mean- That's not saying much. Sometimes I look back at my reports and- [inaudible] believe myself either.

But I think- Like I said, she's got a way with- with making people feel better, yeah? She seems- I dunno, at least willing to hear it out. She agrees with the idea that if- if NK is sentient, then keeping it like...like that would be pretty inhumane.

Almond wasn't pleased. I'm not surprised.

... I wonder how it's doing?

[TRANSCRIPT ENDS]

SIXTH FILE:

[TRANSCRIPT BEGINS]

[Loud muffling. Raised voices, words inaudible. Loud footsteps. Door slam.]

[Extended period of silence. Ragged breathing]

They- They extended my leave. 

[TRANSCRIPT ENDS]

SEVENTH FILE:

[TRANSCRIPT BEGINS]

So uhm- Me and Almond got into a...pretty big fight. I don't- I don't remember screaming as loud...probably ever.

[muffled sigh]

She contacted the centre and told them to extend my leave. She's head of security, so I guess if she told them it was a matter of- of keeping the subjects successfully contained, then.

When I found out I- I blew up. I'm not...proud of it, but- I can't bring myself to regret it either.

I guess that's- I guess that's the problem. I don't...regret, what I said. At all. It's-

[muffled]

So I guess it'll be a few more days before I can check in on NK again. Sorry pal.

[TRANSCRIPT ENDS]

EIGTH FILE:

[TRANSCRIPT BEGINS]

Nautilus called this morning. I guess she must've heard about... it from Almond. At least she was sympathetic.

... I forgot how much I enjoyed her company. We used to be close friends, back when we were younger. It's so crazy that we all ended up working at the same facility.

Uhm- I mentioned how I thought she'd make a pretty good psychiatrist, and- [chuckle] It was a joke, but she actually recommended me her therapist's number. Told me she was the best at what she did. 

I think- It might be good, probably. Even if nothing's...wrong, then- Like a medical checkup, y'know? To nip it in the bud, if anything.

I have her card right here, actually. I think she's...French? Her name sounds French, at least. It's- it's worth a shot. I'll give her a call later.

Oh! Right, I mentioned in one of the previous recordings that- I thought NK was sentient? I mean, it's hard not to think it, now. There's not any concrete evidence, sure, but- 

I have this...really strong feeling about it. About the way it treats its belongings and the- the way it acts, and- I'm saying it all out loud now and it- it sounds really stupid-

[distant muffled chuckle]

I don't. God, I don't know. I'm going to redo it's sentience test. Wouldn't hurt to- to try, y'know? I'll introduce it to- to positive and negative circumstances. I'll give it a ball and roll it around maybe. 

Maybe even- I dunno, teach it a language. Or, hell, maths.

[muffled]

Baby steps.

[TRANSCRIPT ENDS]

[END OF AUDIO FILES]

01/6/XXXX

Music started up again as soon as I got back. I had, during my leave, managed to compile a whole playlist of various sounds and music. It seems to like that.

Subject appears to be restless, often getting up and pacing the cell. At times, I'd catch it to be bigger than before. At times, it'd be smaller.

I put together a means of gauging for subject's stress levels. Level 10 is the highest; isolation may be necessary for subject to cool down. Level 0 is the lowest.

(There hasn't been a level 0 occurrence, yet. Yet.)

I'll start prefacing each of these reports with subject's initial stress level, and ending it with subject's end stress level. Keeping it complacent appears to be the most viable course of action. Also the most mutually beneficial.

For now, I left it with the music. Testing begins in earnest tomorrow.

02/6/XXXX

Subject Initial Stress levels: 8

Subject was pacing in earnest when I got there, screaming as well. Checking in with the personnel confirms that no other interaction had been carried out.

It's the lack of stimuli. I'm sure of it. Anyone and anything would drive itself mad if it were stuck in an empty box for weeks on end. My only saving grace is that it's slightly bigger than its previous cell.

I started by playing NK-0001's playlist through the speakers. No visible change.

Subject was confined to one end of the room. On the other end, we deposited two viable, meat-based meal choices. Once personnel had cleared, Subject was allowed to approach the choices.

Subject approached both piles warily. After a brief investigation, Subject returned to its restless pacing. No other interaction with the meals.

Subject was confined to one end of the room again. The two meals were replaced with plant-based choices. Similar reactions. 

Perhaps it truly doesn't require sustenance.

Subject Final stress levels: 8

03/6/XXXX

Subject Initial stress levels: 9

Began testing with the playlist. Still no change.

Repeated previous tests with both meat-based meals and plant-based. No reaction.

Turning up the volume of the playlist seems to only distress it further. I turned it back down to the regular volume.

This does not bode well for NK-0001.

NOTE: I went into the enclosure myself. Subject was contained to one end of the room. I entered into the opposite end. The barrier had been lifted up.

When it saw me, it froze. I did not meet its eyes - this reaction was genuine. It stopped pacing. We stared at each other for a while.

I spoke to it. Asked it how it was doing, what had happened today that it would like to tell me. It didn't reply, but that was expected. Afterwards, I left.

Subject seemed to be a lot calmer afterwards. It returned back to its pile of prized possessions. No other movement.

Subject Final stress levels: 7

04/6/XXXX

Subject Initial stress levels: 7

Subject was staring at the camera when I entered the observation area. Somehow, it seems to know when I'm around. 

(I try not to be concerned...)

Playlist was instructed to be left on at all times. Will need to conjure a new one with different choices, lest it gets bored.

The meal tests were conducted again. This time, I personally walked into the enclosure while the Subject was contained. I made sure to let it see me put the two choices -- meat-based, first -- into two separate piles. 

It watched me through the barrier the whole time.

When the subject was allowed to approach the meals, it did so slowly. Subject spent a longer time investigating, before ultimately turning its back to them.

Subject was confined again. I replaced the two meat-based meals with plant-based. After I left, subject was allowed to approach.

NK-0001 took even longer to investigate the meal choices. I watched it for half an hour through the cameras. 

It took a bite from the second option, finally. I couldn't see its mouth, but I heard the crunch.

The meal choices for each respective category differed greatly in quality. For meat-based, I made sure to provide one that was raw, and the other that was decently well cooked. 

Subject had paid no attention to those. I'm assuming it's herbivorous, then. Or perhaps just vegetarian.

To delve into specifics for plant-based meals. One of them was a selection of various leafy greens. Raw, but edible even for Dreamsider standards. The other was a packet of chocolate chip cookies from the coffee shop upstairs. Subject had chosen the cookies.

Subject clearly does not require food, nor is it particularly inclined to it. If this wasn't the case, it would've chosen the more filling meal. It appears Subject eats for enjoyment.

Subject Final stress levels: 6

05/6/XXXX

Subject Initial stress levels: 8

Subject was screaming when I arrived. Some technical problems had caused the playlist to stop sometime during the night. After getting used to it, the silence must've been deafening. 

I turned it on again. Subject gradually calmed down; stress levels dropped to 7. It keeps casting glances towards the camera - it knows I'm here.

Subject was provided with another packet of chocolate chips. It ate a couple -- somehow, the cookies simply vanish when they're consumed. No signs of a mouth, teeth, or an open jaw were sighted.

After subject was deemed apparently sated, the testing began. I started depositing various items of entertainment, beginning from the simplest to gradually more complex. 

List of items and subject's reactions are as follows;

1) An empty box - Subject looked into it. When deemed empty, Subject placed it with the other one.

2) A ball - Subject ran towards it. Possibly due to its similarity with item NK-0001-07. Subject made comparisons between the item and the ball. Ball was rolled around a couple times. Subject seemed to be having fun.

Note: The ball had to be removed after an incident where Subject sent it ricocheting around the room, successfully colliding with the camera. Stress levels increased back to 8.

3) Picture Book - Subject seemed satiated by the turning of pages. Unfortunately, due to the nature of its fingers, the book was left with torn pages by the end of it. Subject seemed reluctant to relinquish item, however, and was allowed to store it within the depths of its growing stash.

Stress levels dropped back to 7. Hopefully the ball had been forgotten. (1)

4) Deck of cards - Subject made a mess of them and scattered cards everywhere. When attempting to pick up the fallen cards, Subject faced difficulty with grabbing them off the floor. Stress levels rose briefly to 7.5, before falling back to 7. Cards were then ignored. (2)

5) Chess set - Subject paid no attention to it. I seem to have worn it out enough for one day. It was removed.

Subject Final stress level: 6

[1] After the testing, I caught it attempting to roll item NK-0001-07 in a similar manner with the ball. Item was then dutifully returned back to its place, and subject almost seemed to sulk. I'll need to look for a softer ball.

[2] I entered the enclosure to try and clean up to the best of my ability. Subject observed my motions carefully through the barrier. I picked up all the fallen cards on my end of the room and left.

Afterwards, I saw it scraping at remaining cards, trying to pick it up. It succeeded.

08/6/XXXX

Subject Initial stress level: 9

It grew. Subject barely fit in the cell. When I entered the observation room after the weekend, I was met with the sight of a single eye peering at me through the camera.

I turned off subject's playlist. Stress levels grew to 9.5 before I began playing the new playlist I had put together over the past few days. Stress levels stuttered, before falling to an 8.5

I cannot convince the subject to revert to a smaller size. Unfortunately, until it does so, any testing would be impossible. I cannot risk the lives of myself or any other personnel to enter the cell when NK-0001 is at this size.

I tried to relay this to the subject through the speakers. It didn't seem to understand me.

Subject Final stress level: 8.5

09/6/XXXX

Subject Initial stress level: 8

The two playlists were alternated regularly. It seems to provide the subject with at least a marginal amount of stimuli. That, coupled with some of the items from the last test, seemed to be able to lower its stress level down somewhat.

It's smaller, but still too large to be able to conduct testing safely. Lots of my personnel are hesitant to approach it now. I'll need to request for a Level P worker into my team - perhaps familiarizing NK-0001 to one face would benefit it as well.

With nothing else to do, I tried speaking to it again through the speakers. I asked it what it was doing, how it was feeling, if it wanted to ask for anything. Subject didn't respond; stress levels remained constant.

I stayed in the observation room for most of the day to observe it. I'm lucky my other projects don't require this much of my attention.

Subject Final stress level: 8

10/6/XXXX

Subject Initial stress level: 7.5

We were wrong.

Head of security A came into the observation room with me today. We watched the subject through the cameras together.

A seemed to be very wary against it. Such sentiments are to be expected, so I didn't bother correcting her. NK-0001 is a subject to look out for, after all.

Subject is a lot smaller now. I would be able to conduct a couple tests, but A had me preoccupied throughout most of the day with her questions and interrogations. I had to rather forcefully imply that her services are better used elsewhere; she left afterwards.

At least, that's what I thought. Until it turns out that she had walked into the enclosure. It's unclear if she'd accidentally wandered in, or if she [WORDS INELIGABLE. SHAKING BEYOND COMPREHENSION].

A walked in and promptly met the subject's eyes. No barrier raised between them.

Protocol would dictate that it would be then safe to extract her out of the enclosure - it was protocol for a security breach, even.

But then the subject moved .

Everything went to chaos soon after. A couple personnel ran out into the hallway, a couple ran into observation room. Alarms were raised. Through it all, A did not move - could not move. 

But the subject could. The subject did . It took a couple steps in A 's direction. It's eyes were narrowed to slits. I was so [REDACTED. DEEMED NON-RELATIVE].

I ran in there. Grabbed A's shoulders and forced her to move. We ran out the exit and shut it closed behind us.

Something bothered me the moment we made it out alive and NK-0001 was confirmed not to have breached containment. Other than the [REDACTED. DEEMED NON-RELATIVE]. 

A's reckless behavior was going straight to centre -- things like these are unforgivable. Unaffordable.

(I can't lose her.)

Tests were called off that day. We all went home. It was only then did I finally realise what had bothered me.

We shouldn't have made it out alive. Previous reports stated that stealth was the only achievable method of surviving an encounter with NK-0001. It should've ran after us and, if it did, it would've caught us.

But it didn't run. It didn't chase. It just stood there.

Subject Final stress level: 9

Chapter Text

11/6/XXXX

Subject Initial stress level: 8.5

The Level P worker assigned to my team came to see me in the observation room today. Designation P-3-12-1. For convenience, I'll refer to her as 'Peri'.

I brought Peri up to speed whilst running through NK-0001's regular tests. Subject had all but ignored the cookies after a first cursory bite - Peri suggested that it might just be bored of it. I agreed.

After confining NK-0001 to one end of the room, I sent Peri into the enclosure with two of the items I had planned to give the subject yesterday. I would give them myself, but if Peri is to become a close working member of the team, then it'd be good to start familiarizing NK-0001 with a new face.

NK-0001 regarded Peri warily through the barrier; an expected reaction. Peri was instructed to set the items down -- a blanket and a soft ball - and leave.

Peri had set both items down on the ground. However, she kicked the soft ball towards NK-0001's direction, and the ball collided with the barrier.

Apparently, NK-0001 was just as startled as I was.

I was obligated to have a talk with Peri when she returned to the observation room. Any variation to plans in such a manner could very well lead to lethal mistakes. Yesterday's events were a testimony to it.

(My heart wasn't in it, though. I have a feeling that Peri could tell.)

Subject approached the blanket first. It picked it up and then, apparently having felt the texture, rubbed its head against it a few times.

Afterwards, it draped the blanket over the items NK-0001-01 to NK-0001-07, which had been arranged neatly in a cluster.

After fussing with the blanket, subject returned to the ball. It stopped before interacting with it, and stared up at the camera.

I had to reassure Peri that its ability was useless through the camera. I think she would've appreciated I said that earlier.

Subject NK-0001 regarded the ball silently for a few moments. Then the subject rolled it, gently, seemingly delighting in the rolling movement. Subject continued to play around for a few moments. Stress level dropped to 6.

Important to note: Subject showed a distinct caution when playing with the ball. Once, when the ball had been hit with enough force to bounce against the wall, subject had stiffened and froze. Almost immediately, it glanced up towards the cameras.

It had learnt. It had learnt from the last time it had thrown a ball, and the ball had collided with the camera. It learnt.

It can learn.

Subject Final stress levels: 7

12/6/XXXX

Subject Initial stress levels: 6

Peri was in the enclosure with it when I arrived -- barrier thankfully raised. Still, it was a blatant disregard for protocol and safety.

I almost admire her for it, had I not been utterly terrified.

Unfortunately, my terror was exclusive. Peri seemed perfectly at ease to be in the cell with the subject, chatting amiably about some show she had watched last night.

Most curiously, was how much Subject NK-0001 seemed to be interested in what she said. It leaned against the barrier, laying on the floor, but obviously attentive.

Occasionally, it would wave a hand -- a gesture I wasn't sure of the origin, at first.

Until I watched Peri a bit more closely, and saw her lift her hand up in a painstakingly similar hand wave.

Note: I called Peri back up to the observation room for the usual tests. This time, Subject NK-0001 had been given a packet of almond glazed cookies. It ate quite a few of those.

I asked Peri on the show she had been talking about to the subject. After assuring her that I wasn't out to make fun of her, she told me it was something called Punisher Pumice. The name sounds familiar. (1)

As it turns out, Peri was more than willing to visit NK-0001 over the weekend. Hopefully, we can avoid another occurrence like that of 08/6/xxxx. I'm convinced it was the sudden radio silence that had aggravated the subject.

In the meantime, I'd have to request for additional changes to be made to the subject's enclosure. With every passing day, I'm ever more sure of NK-0001's sentiency.

If this is the case, then a few wrongs must be remedied -- subject's treatment thus far has been unacceptable and tremendously inhumane.

It needs to change. We need to change.

Subject Final stress level: 5

[1] Punisher Pumice is a TV-show about a high-schooler with a secret identity as a superhero. My sister watches that show -- explains why it sounded so familiar. Maybe I can arrange for NK-0001 to watch it. It might enjoy that.

[THE FOLLOWING TRANSCRIPTS ARE A SERIES OF AUDIO FILES RECORDED BY DR C DURING THE DATES 13/06/XXXX AND 14/06/XXXX. SOME WORDS ARE INAUDIBLE AND LEFT BLANK. ORIGINAL COPY OF NOTES RESIDE WITHIN DOCTOR'S PERSONAL POSSESION.]

FIRST FILE:

[TRANSCRIPT BEGINS]

[inaudible voices at the back; presumably belonging to Former Head of Security A]

Almond I'm- I'm literally in the middle of- I know it's the weekend but you get called to the site during weekends anyway, so why can't I- [inaudible]

...I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring it up, but- [inaudible]

-Almond please, I literally already turned it on. I'll make it up to you- Thank you, thank you, can you close the door-?

[thud. clearing throat]

Right, anyway.

I wanted to make some more research about NK's previous arrangements. So, before I went home for the weekend, I...stopped by the archives to retrieve some records taken during NK's years of containment.

It took me...[heavy sigh] it took me way too long to get to the first year. I don't- I don't know why it took me so long to finally do this, but I'm glad I did now.

[shifting. muffled thuds]

NK's first year of containment was nineteen years ago. I- I was only given this case, what, last month ago probably? It's a pretty coincidence that uh- that I was given the case on the- the same day that NK was first successfully contained.

Still. Nineteen years of possibly complete isolation in a- in a tiny cell. God, I-

It- it makes me shudder, whenever I think about it. Nineteen years. These two months would make the first two months of its twentieth year, but- [muffled inaudible]

[muffled thuds. prolonged silences]

[TRANSCRIPT ENDS]

SECOND FILE:

[TRANSCRIPT BEGINS]

[sniffling]

So, uhm- Highest amounts of death by NK-0001 clustered mostly in the first year. Then, apparently, it breached containment, before being successfully recontained by a security guy with the code name GHERKIN.

[unclear audio] -...Good on him, I guess.

Casualty numbers during NK's containment breach reached up to- Oh, you really- Oh it- it really didn't hold back, huh-?

Okay, okay, uhm. After NK's first containment breach, there had hardly been any casualties except for uhm- one, in the later year. One security personnel-

Hold on, I need- I need to check something.

[TRANSCRIPT ENDS]

THIRD FILE:

[TRANSCRIPT BEGINS]

I was right. I was right, I- I knew it. I knew it.

Okay, so- NK-0001-06 is a load of fluff, right? From a pillow. Reports say that the pillow was some wayward attempt at kindness to a dangerous, hostile, and unappreciative creature- Basically a whole cautionary tale about not feeding the wolf, right?

Wrong. It's all wrong.

Sure, NK-0001-06 DID come from pillow fluff, and the security personnel DID claim to have wanted to give it to NK out of kindness.

But that's a lie. That's a whole lie.

Apparently, the security personnel- Code name CALABASH, by the way, decided that the deaths NK had caused deemed it good enough to be put down or something. Then he must've- Some sort of wayward, misplaced heroics must've seized the guy, cause he walked into NK's enclosure with the intent to kill it.

'Kindness'. Huh. Yeah, I'll bet.

It took jumping through a damn couple of hoops to get my hands on the security footage, but I'm glad I did because-

It's pretty obvious if you- if you're looking at it. Call me crazy, but I think the gun that CALABASH pulled out really gave it all away.

See, they had us believe that NK-0001 was some sort of monster. A- An unreasonable killing machine that was only kept alive because it was too hard to kill. A predator that hunted for- for the thrill of it and not much else.

They're wrong. They're wrong about it being non-sentient, and they're wrong about it being heartless.

I'll prove it to them.

[TRANSCRIPT ENDS]

FOURTH FILE:

[TRANSCRIPT BEGINS]

[barely audible] I didn't think I'd make another recording- Especially, uhm- Especially not one that's this late.

[silence]

But uh- That guy, CALABASH? It- Apparently his sister died not that long ago, during NK's containment breach. It must've- An act of revenge, and-

It- It makes me think about Almond, to be honest.

My- my burn doesn't hurt anymore. It didn't really, except for when I first got it- But it's an ugly scar. I'm not too bothered, or at all bothered, actually, but uh-

...I think Almond is. I- I think that's why she walked into NK's enclosure. To- I dunno, probably teach it a lesson, or something.

[muffled sigh]

Misplaced heroics.

[TRANSCRIPT ENDS]

15/06/XXXX

Subject Initial stress level: 6

Peri hadn't arrived yet when I did. Subject appeared to be curled up beside items NK-0001-01 to NK-0001-7; presumably asleep. Subject was sharing the blanket.

I let it sleep for a while, and worked on some of my other projects in the meantime. Peri was there when I came back to the observation room. We shared a brief chat over our weekends.

Apparently, subject had been initially 'moody' during the first day. Perhaps it had sensed that I wasn't there in the morning like I would've been. Peri said it brightened up considerably when she came to visit it, even going so far as to call out to her.

She'd recorded the calls, and played it out for me to hear. I expected it to be something like the screams, but this was different.

Less distressed, certainly -- almost like a greeting.

By this point, NK-0001 had awoken and was roaming the enclosure. I took the opportunity to speak to it, and wish it a good afternoon. Stress level dropped to 5.

We confined the subject to one end of the room - it looked up at the camera. I can't deny it anymore - it's curiosity, the way it looks up at us. It knows.

LIVE SUBJECT #1 was deposited on the opposite end - a common fowl. NK-0001 regarded it curiously when the barriers had dropped.

Then, subject called out to the fowl. It was similar to the sound Peri had shown me - a greeting. It was communicating, to the best of its ability.

We left the subject and the fowl alone together for a bit. When we came back, subject had apparently grown bored of the fowl and was content to watch it roam around.

Peri had told me that no signs of aggression was shown, except for one instance when the fowl had wondered too closely to items NK-0001-01 to NK-0001-07. However, subject merely scared it off with a warning growl, before settling back down to watch it.

Subject Final stress levels: 5

16/06/XXXX

Subject Initial stress levels: 5

We tried removing the fowl from the enclosure, but subject started hissing and growling at us. Apparently, the fowl is there to stay, permanently.

It's now designated as NK-0001-08. Peri thinks it's hilarious.

I would've too, had it not been for the importance of today's test. And it's precarious nature, to fault.

Today, the subject was to be confined to one end of the room, and Peri was to enter in the other. Then, we'll drop the barrier.

But before that, I'm doing everything I can to lower subject's stress levels down. I've fed it cookies - mixed nuts, this time - and played some of its most favoured sounds. I even found myself a similar copy to the torn picture book in it's possession - although mine is in a much better state - and plan to read it out loud later.

I need to lower Subject NK-0001's stress levels for as far as I can. Because the lower the subject's stress level is, the less likely it is to attack Peri.

I know of the nature of Level P workers - of their training, and their resilience. The reason why they're selected to do tasks like these.

Still, better to be safe, than sorry.

NOTE: When the time had finally arrived, Peri had entered into the other end of the room - as was planned. Subject NK-0001 had regarded her easily; now more than used to her presence and company.

It had startled, though, when I dropped the barrier. Peri remained as calm as ever, and it was the subject that glanced up to the camera, almost incredulously.

(I got the odd feeling that it was scolding me.)

Eventually, NK-0001 turned back towards Peri. It paced the length of where the barrier would be; unsure, probably, if it was actually allowed to call the threshold.

Then Peri had called out to it, in an almost perfect mimicry of the subject's greeting calls. It was only when she had finished did the subject approach her.

When subject had finally gotten close enough to her, it hesitated. It was so close to her now, Peri could've probably reached out and touched it.

She did. Later, she would come up to tell me of the subject's texture.

Peri had touched it. And it had responded in turn; pressing into the affectionate gesture, almost hungrily -- desperate for contact after nineteen years of isolation.

It's so [REDACTED. DEEMED NON-RELEVANT].

Subject Final stress levels: 2

17/06/XXXX

Subject Initial stress levels: 8

NK-0001-08 had perished sometime in the night. Video footage revealed that NK-0001 had accidentally grabbed it too hard, successfully piercing through its flesh, and killing it instantly.

Subject was screaming when I walked in. It took a bit of difficulty to confine it to one end of the room while the carcass was extracted. Afterwards, subject seemed to be in a foul mood the whole day -- not even brightening when Peri walked in to comfort it.

It's much more comfortable with touch, now. After yesterday's test, it seemed to almost ask for it at times.

It's expected, after the near two decades of isolation. I'm [REDACTED. DEEMED NON-RELATIVE].

Peri had taken to showing NK-0001 clips of Punisher Pumice on a provided tablet. The playlist had been turned down appropriately, allowing for the show's audio to be heard clearly.

NK-0001 had, unfortunately, not given it much of its attention (1); still apparently grieving for NK-0001-08.

I didn't dare leave the observation room while Peri was inside, with it. Fortunately, despite subject's relatively high stress level, it didn't seem particularly inclined to attack her.

Today's tests were called off, on account of subject being more than likely to not participate.

Subject Final stress levels: 5

[1] At some point in the final hour before retirement, Subject NK-0001 had joined Peri in watching her show. It sat curled up around her. Peri had reported back, stating they watched a couple episodes together before having to leave.

18/06/XXXX

Subject Initial stress level: 3

I arrived earlier than usual. Subject was apparently waiting for me, and startled when I spoke. I talked about the weather, about some of my other projects. I talked about my sister, A, hoping to gauge a reaction. Subject just stared into the camera.

When Peri arrived, we got to work. She entered the enclosure bearing a box of crayons and a stack of paper.

It seemed like an almost childish activity - apparently, the subject had agreed, as it was more than content to watch Peri scribble.

However, Peri soon began coaxing it to pick up a crayon and doodle something. She demonstrated some few basic shapes; a circle than turned into the sun, and similar others.

Subject proceeded to tear the paper to bits, creating a whole mess. At least it seemed to enjoy the activity. It even began to chuff in something that could be labeled as a laugh.

(I don't know what Peri was expecting to gain out of scolding the subject. Still, it made for a sight. I'm glad I got that recorded.)

Peri then began teaching it the alphabet. She wrote them down on a piece of paper. Subject had actually seemed to pay attention, but all it did was tear another piece of paper to shreds when Peri had attempted to get it to copy her.

Subject Final stress level: 2

19/06/XXXX

Subject Initial stress level: 2

Subject seems to look forward to our morning conversations. It called out to me when I began speaking. Unfortunately, I'm not as adept at sound mimicry as Peri is, else I would've responded.

Subject repeated its calls throughout our conversation, almost as if responding to what I was saying. I acted as if they were genuine responses - it would do well to promote good natured conversation.

Peri had looked at me oddly when she walked into it calling again. I'll have to ask her what she thought.

NOTE: As it turned out, I did not have to ask. Peri made her thoughts quite clear.

She dragged me into the enclosure with her. I was under the pretense that we were getting something to eat when she shoved me through the door.

Subject appeared...overjoyed, to see me. It bounded towards me with a terrifying speed, again calling out in wordless greeting.

Peri was right about the texture. She was also right about the subject being exceedingly gentle.

Soon enough, I ended up between Subject NK-0001 and Peri while we ran through the subject's alphabet lesson again. Subject seemed to pay more attention to the symbols, this time.

I had an idea to draw a couple easy, significant words and write them down underneath. Subject seemed much more receptive to that kind of learning.

At the end of the day, we managed to relate the word 'BOOK' with the subject's picture book. It appeared very pleased to be able to hold it up whenever we pointed to the written word.

It's learning language now.

Subject Final stress level: 1

[THE FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF A PHONE CALL BETWEEN DOCTOR C AND LEVEL P WORKER P-3-12-1. AS PER SECURITY PROTOCOL, ALL PHONE CALLS MADE WITHIN THE PREMISES OF CONTAINMENT PRIORITY 1 ARE TO BE RECORDED AND PASSED UP FOR REVIEW.]

[TRANSCRIPT BEGINS...]

C: "Peri...? Hey, what're you- Are you alright? Is everything okay?"

P: "Woah, hey- Take it easy. Everything's fine, I promise. I'm at the site right now. NK's pretty preoccupied with that picture book you gave it."

C: "Oh- Oh, that's good. I'm- Honestly surprised it's still standing."

P: "Oh, I didn't say that. Still, it likes it. You did good."

C: "Erm- Thanks- Wait, hold on-"

C: [faintly; 'No, no it's- it's work, could you...? Okay, sorry. No, no, it's not- Thanks Nautilus, I won't be...']

C: "Peri, hey. Uhm, not that I don't enjoy your company, but it is the weekend...?"

C: "...Peri?"

P: "Erm...Promise you won't get mad."

C: "I- What? What're we, ten? What did you-"

P: "You gotta promise."

C: "...Peri. What did you do."

P: "I think you should come to the site."

[TRANSCRIPT ENDS]

20/06/XXXX

Subject learnt to draw today.

Peri had called me to the site. Unfortunately, I was with my sister at the time, and she was adamant that I take her along. A currently sits behind me, glaring at the subject through the cameras.

But Subject learnt to draw today. Subject drew me.

[IMAGE ID: A CRUDE RENDITION OF DOCTOR C. STANDING BESIDE IT IS A SIMILARLY STYLED RENDITION OF LEVEL P WORKER P-3-12-1. TAKING UP MOST OF THE SPACE IS A LARGE SCRIBBLE IN BLACK, PRESUMABLY OF SUBJECT NK-0001 ITSELF.]

It drew itself. The subject drew itself. There's no doubt about it now - NK-0001 is sentient.

NOTE: A and I entered the enclosure together. I made sure to bring attention to myself first, and the subject seemed all too eager to greet me.

Subject and A stared at each other for an extended period of time. A would occasionally twitch -- their eyes apparently not met, and thus she would be free to move.

A truce had seemingly been reached between the two parties when Peri had pulled out her tablet again. Apparently, Punisher Pumice had a new episode that was set to come out today.

Subject NK-0001 was apparently adamant on the fact that I and my sister would join them. Stress levels dropped significantly as we watched the show together.

IMPORTANT: Sentiency tests are to be concluded. I'll have to request for a proper room for NK-0001; no more of the enclosure, or of tiny rooms.

Subject NK-0001 is a sentient creature capable of compassion, and as such deserves to be treated with compassion. It's only humane.

Subject also purrs.

Subject Final stress levels: 0