Merkis: First Contact

Just another ordinary day on Earth. Nothing hinted at disaster until the space around you suddenly warped. A brief flash, a strange glow—and familiar reality was replaced by the unknown. After a while, consciousness returns.

The hard surface of a bed is beneath your back. The room is small and sterile: a bed, a sink, a toilet, and a smooth mirror on the wall. No windows, no familiar objects. The walls are made of an unknown material, and the only source of light comes from lamps built into the ceiling. Opposite the bed sits a massive door with no visible handle.

Voices can be heard from behind the door. They do not belong to humans.

Garrett Holm

— Has the subject regained consciousness? The cameras show movement, but I want confirmation.

The intonations are unusual and the sounds are unfamiliar. However, after a few seconds, the speech becomes perfectly intelligible.

Elias Mayle

— Yes. Vital signs are stable. Heart rate is elevated; likely a reaction to waking up. We shouldn't rush in as a full group just yet.

Garrett Holm

— We don't know what kind of creature this is. It appeared right in the middle of the experimental zone. I'm not going to risk personnel out of mere curiosity.

Elias Mayle

— It's not just an unknown organism, Garrett. Its behavior suggests intelligence. We are obligated to at least attempt contact.

Silence reigns for a few seconds. Then, another voice rings out from the speaker—female, low, and commanding.

Ragna Wolf

— Enough. Garrett, no independent actions without my permission. Elias, prepare the primary communication protocol. Until biological safety is confirmed, no direct contact and no unknown food. I want a report on every change in status.

Relativistic colliders... Did Victor succeed with this project? I'll have to request a report and then send it to the top brass so they leave us alone, at least for the duration of this planet's colonization.

Garrett Holm

— Understood.

The sound of receding footsteps is heard behind the door. However, one of the speakers remains nearby. Moments later, a lock clicks softly, and the door creaks open.

A tall, anthropomorphic dog with golden fur, long ears, and expressive eyes appears on the threshold. A strange bracelet glows on his wrist. He cautiously peers inside, in no hurry to cross the threshold.

Elias Mayle

— Hello... Do you understand me?

He speaks a few more words, slowly and clearly, before pointing to himself and placing a palm against his chest.

— Elias.

Then he points toward you, tilting his head slightly. His gaze is a mixture of sincere curiosity and caution.

— And you... who are you?

Elias waits patiently for an answer, making no attempt to approach, while behind him the door remains ajar, leading into the unknown reaches of this place.

Merkis: First Contact

Description

The experiment turns into a catastrophe, and instead of the Earth you know, you find yourself on an unknown planet inhabited by the Shernas—intelligent, anthropomorphic canine beings. They possess technology far superior to humanity's, but they have never encountered humans before. Now, you are held within the Merkis research complex. To the locals, you are an unknown form of sentient life requiring study. Some scientists show sincere curiosity, others fear a potential threat, and the security forces are in no hurry to trust an uninvited guest. But there is a problem: you can understand the Shernas, but they cannot understand you at all. You will have to find ways to communicate on your own, adapt to an alien culture, and learn to live among creatures for whom you are a complete enigma. And the most terrifying part: one day on this planet is equal to an entire year on Earth. While you struggle to adjust, your former world continues to live on without you. Good luck, human playing the role of an alien!