Ouroboros.Exe/Run (The Scary Tapes)

A chilling narrative unfolds in a dark underground setting where Brian McCoy, a beleaguered employee, is tasked with determining the humanity of various subjects trapped in a pit. Each day, he listens to their pleas and answers, using a simple test: asking for their birthdays, a question he believes can reveal their true nature. As he navigates this grim reality, he grapples with the psychological toll of his job, the eerie atmosphere of the cavern, and the unsettling sounds emanating from the pit.

The story takes a turn as Brian encounters subjects who exhibit increasingly bizarre behavior, leading him to question not only their humanity but also his own reality. The narrative cleverly intertwines themes of artificial intelligence and the Turing test, as Brian's interactions with the subjects blur the lines between human and machine. The tension escalates when he faces an unexpected voice from the pit, challenging his understanding of the situation and hinting at deeper existential questions about identity and consciousness.

As the episode progresses, Brian's mental state deteriorates under the weight of his responsibilities and the haunting environment. The story culminates in a moment of crisis, where he must confront the possibility that he, too, may not be entirely human. This unsettling exploration of fear, isolation, and the nature of existence leaves listeners questioning the boundaries of reality and the implications of artificial intelligence in our lives.

Welcome to "The Scary Tapes", a speculative horror podcast competition by Real Good AI. This week's story is "Ouroboros.Exe/Run" by Keely Davis.

Trigger Warnings: Cannibalism, Child Endangerment, Forced Captivity, Kidnapping, Psychological Torture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices