YNG EXPLRZ: “The creature under the dome slowly opened its eyes—two green pupils gl…”

The creature under the dome slowly opened its eyes—two green pupils gleamed with a predatory light as they fixed on the group.
— It’s looking at us… — the girl whispered, gripping the inhaler tightly in her hands.
— Not looking. Analyzing, — Gibbens interrupted, his voice sounding hollow, each word clearly a struggle. He sat on the floor, leaning heavily against the wall, his gaze unfocused. — It’s trying to understand who you are.
The guy standing closest to the terminal took an unsteady step forward, accidentally kicking a broken panel on the floor. The panel clanged dully against the edge of the terminal. A metallic screech echoed through the room.
— What are you doing? — the girl shot him a sharp look, as if he had deliberately tested whether things could go wrong here.
— Nothing! It was just… lying there, — the guy raised his hands in defense.
At that moment, a thin beep sounded from the terminal, gradually shifting into an alarm. The overhead lights flickered, and the floor trembled. Gibbens tensed, his fingers clutching the device on his head.
A deep, distant rumble grew stronger, turning into a steady vibration, as if a massive mechanism had come to life. The walls let out a faint creak.
The creature under the dome stirred, and its eyes flared. The terminal screen flickered, displaying lines of text:
"Protocol breached. Threat level: 'Unknown.'"
— Is that about us? — one of the group stepped forward, staring at the creature.
— About us… about them… about anyone who set foot in here, — Gibbens replied. He tried to take a deeper breath but immediately broke into a coughing fit.
A short beep came from the device on Gibbens’ head, and the creature under the dome made a strange clicking noise. The screen flickered again, revealing new text:
"Reserve distribution. Offer a choice."
— What kind of choice? — the guy instinctively stepped back as thin glowing lines suddenly ignited across the floor.
Gibbens let out a short, bitter chuckle.
— The one they left for those too foolish to walk away.
A deep impact shook the wall behind the terminal, and the floor vibrated harder. A new message appeared on the screen:
"Reserve protocol activated. Liquidation initiated."
— Liquidation?! — the girl exhaled sharply, her eyes darting nervously to the screen.

——🤨——