Varan: I’ve got a job only a pro like you can handle, Leshy. Varan: You’re taking out Elbow. Leshy: You want me to off a big shot? And paint a bullseye on my back? Varan: Smart men always open the door when opportunity knocks. Varan: Check the pay. And consider the prospects. Leshy: I see the pay. But the prospects aren’t anything special. Varan: I’ve always admired people who know how to haggle. Leshy: All right. That sounds more like it. Give me a week.
Max Saturday: I need help. Max Saturday: We ran into a Monolithian. Everybody’s dead. Dew: What the fuck? What happened? Max Saturday: The bastard grabbed Mastiff… to make a zombie out of him. I need backup. Please! I’ll owe you big time. Max Saturday: Why aren’t you saying anything? Max Saturday: This is urgent! Remember the place the Gaffer mentioned? I think that’s where he went. Dew: Hold tight. I’m on my way. The fucker’s gonna pay for everything.
3/20 [20:55] Roosevelt: I’ve got just the job for you, Colonel. I need to whip my new recruits into shape. Smart kids, but shitty shooters. Borodulin: Training your rabble up to Duty standards? Not my cup of tea. Roosevelt: Tea? More like vodka, huh? Borodulin: Fuck off. I’m laying off the booze. Roosevelt: We’ll see about that… 3/26 [15:47] Roosevelt: It’s a date, then? I’ve got an interesting piece to show you, by the way. Zulu brought it over from our old stash. Swing by the shooting range with my guys and check it out. Borodulin: So Zulu’s riding high, huh? Don’t forget to remind him about that Rostok delivery. He’s only getting cozy at the Cement Factory because I chose not to spill the beans to the Ward or Voronin about what went down with his Freedom guards. You can shove your “interesting piece” where Zulu won’t enjoy it. Along with your goons. 4/02 [17:20] Borodulin: Sorry, got carried away for a moment there. All right, I’ll show your boys a couple of Duty moves. Roosevelt: Deal. You’ve got the shooting range tomorrow. Just don’t leave a bunch of empty bottles there. We’ve got plenty of targets already. Borodulin: I told you, I’m laying off the booze. 4/04 [09:32] Roosevelt: Borodulin, you bald sack of shit! What the hell did you do at the shooting range yesterday?! My medic had to yank bullets and glass out of my boys till his pliers snapped! Borodulin: I told you, those clowns can’t hit the broad side of a barn. Roosevelt: Clowns? You were sloshed! That’s it – no more allowance for you. You’ll spend it all on booze anyway. Borodulin: Fuck you! Think you’re the next Voronin, huh? Still pretending to be a big shot in Duty? You’re nobody to him!
Slick Dimon: Take four signs and put ’em up by that shack near the building. We’ll make a stash there. The rookies piss themselves anywhere near radiation, so they won’t touch it with a ten-foot pole.
Description
PDA from the body of a rookie killed by Fleshes in the Lesser Zone
Docent: The Shah took our cut again. That’s three months in a row, dammit! Edik the Dome: Same old, same old. Edik the Dome: Still working for free, or are we already in the red? Docent: Tomorrow, we’ll be back in the black. Docent: Huron’s delivering the cargo to the Shah. Docent: Time to set your plan in motion. Edik the Dome: About time! Lend me a couple of guys to make an impression. Edik the Dome: We’ll catch the courier early and take what’s ours. Docent: Make sure to mask up, and take the goods straight to the boiler house. Docent: No detours. Edik the Dome: Relax. It’s gonna be smooth as silk!
Coupling module for Scanner SD-03M Activation date and time: DD/TT Event log: [00:00:001]: Initiating procedure protocol. [00:01:247]: Background anomalous radiation detected. Saturation: 0.47 ef. [00:03:589]: Forming transition channel. [00:04:761]: Initiating scan procedure. [00:05:115]: Phase transition. [00:06:247]: Saturation: 0.99 ca. [00:07:081]: Object reactivated. [00:07:821]: Approbating using the Knyazhinsky formula. [00:07:921]: Detecting auto-emission in the upper tau range. [00:08:001]: Checking for sync phase. [00:09:111]: Kaymanov’s sync phase detected. [00:10:001]: Procedure complete.WARNING! Kaymanov’s sync phase detected! Operator, follow special protocol PS-07! Make sure the procedure is complete! Do not try to extract the container on site! The device must be safely transported to the ARL in the Special Field Research Unit.
You might be an egghead, Hermann, but your plan sucks. Let’s do this the smart way, okay?
You throw the scanners away with the SIRCAA trash. Make sure nobody sees you.
Diggers get them and bring them to the Labyrinth for radiation cleanup. I’ll get artifacts to absorb the radiation. Swiping a few from loners ain’t a problem.
Once they’re clean, I’ll send Diode to tinker with them just like we talked about.
Then we scatter them around the Dig Site, and I’ll send the coordinates to our buyers. Just keep your freaking head down, you got it?
You better. You’re a smart one.
Description
A draft message to Hermann found among Nestor’s papers
Diode: Need some help here, Chornozem. I had a close call today. Think it was some thugs. Any leads on who might be gunning for me? Chornozem: I could use a hand myself. The Ward’s making moves – the place is swarming with those clowns. Doubt it’s all for show. Chornozem: Why isn’t Nestor handling your shit? You’re his pet tech, after all. Diode: The damn scanners, that’s why. You’re lucky you’re not in this mess with us.
You need to get to the lab, Serpentine. Nestor stashed loads of gear there, but the device blueprints are top priority. Look for an entrance on the lower levels. I’ll send you the passwords so you won’t have to crack anything. And be quick about it. The Ward’s been scouring Garbage ever since Nestor went missing, so watch your back.
Ragman: New order’s in. Same deal, but I need double the ammo. They’re selling like hotcakes. We’ve got rodents all over the place. Pomor: I’ll have it sorted in a week. Ragman: Don’t nod off over there! You’re my top supplier. Pomor: Not gonna happen. I’ve got a map.
[10:00] Roosevelt: Mind checking out an old stash for me? [10:00] Roosevelt: I sent you the coordinates. [10:01] Roosevelt: Got a bad feeling someone might’ve cleaned it out. [10:05] Zulu: Sure thing, I can do it for you. [18:00] Zulu: All good, even that vodka Borodulin left for you. [18:01] Zulu: How’s he holding up, by the way? Think he might come back to your side? [18:15] Roosevelt: Even if he’s having second thoughts, it’s too late. You know how many chances I gave him? There’s only so much patience a man can have. [18:16] Roosevelt: If he wants to get drunk as a skunk every day, that’s his choice. I ain’t his mamma.
Description
From a PDA belonging to Roosevelt, the Commissary kingpin
Hello, Ringmaster. I need a favor from you. Arrange a little show for someone special. Four stalkers will be passing through tomorrow, loaded with weapons and gear. The poor bastards are gonna be real tired. You take them in, prep them for the show, and send a ticket to Beard. And remember, keep this hush-hush, just between you and me.
Sgt. Petrushenko: All set. The tunnel codes have been updated: it’s 2765 now. Base: Is everything sorted at the Ribs? Sgt. Petrushenko: Affirmative, sir. All squared away. Base: Copy that. Now make your way back, and keep this hush-hush. Sgt. Petrushenko: My lips are sealed, sir.
Description
Chat from the dead IPSF soldier’s PDA found at the Ribs
Note: Rumor has it that Faust’s followers may have smuggled a Monolith object onto the station in violation of established protocols. No hard evidence of the object being installed or venerated on-site so far. Running discreet inquiries into the veracity of these claims to avoid alerting the perpetrators prematurely. North
Description
Report from the shift supervisor, found at the WPS
Dmytro Dalin, the young scientist now at the helm of SIRCAA, shares his thoughts on his appointment: “I know this might not sit well with everyone, but I do not see 2006 as a tragedy. It was a blessing for humanity! The Zone presents endless opportunities that cannot be confined behind walls. As Director of SIRCAA, I am committed to ensuring that in the coming years…”
Description
A clipping from an article in a prominent scientific journal.
Ha! I’ve never come across a Zone “miracle” quite like this one. How on earth did he manage to survive if he’s blind? He keeps going on about how there’s always someone ready to lend a hand. Where’d he come across anyone that stupid around here? That voice of his, though…
That’s it. I’m taking the next patrol bound for the Claw. It’s time to put an end to these endless debates in my mind and confront him face to face. Sure, he knows the Zone like no other. Sometimes, I can’t help but feel he’s not the one who’s been blind. It’s time for the Ward to wake up to the truth: we’ve been protecting the deceivers who dread his true power. But I know how to make them see the light. I’ll do what he’s taught me, and then they’ll listen. They’ll come to believe in him, just like I have. Just as he anticipated: SIRCAA doesn’t need truth – only obedient soldiers. One of their agents showed up at Icarus the moment I began my mission. Faust believes this presents an opportunity nonetheless. We can always leverage others to further our own agenda, but first, we need to determine exactly what they intend to do at Icarus and Echo Station.
Khors: The valves are all set. What about those fuses? I just need to replace them, and we’ll be good to go. Quiet: Still waiting on those. Should be here tomorrow. How’s my gun, by the way? Khors: Almost done. I gotta finish one for Skif first. Quiet: Hey, we had a deal! I’ll stash everything in the usual place. Swing by when you’re done with my stuff. Just leave the gun and take the fuses. Fair and square.
Client: Wild Island, Skipper. It’s time. Get moving. Then hand the goods over to Degtyarev. I’ll send the coordinates. Skipper: Wasn’t planning on risking my neck. How about a bonus? Client: It’ll be a walk in the park. The Monolith have no stake in the island. They’ll move on. Skipper: I’ve heard different. Client: And I’ve got history. I dealt with the Monolith long before Noontide. I know their ways.
The doctor is currently in the Red Forest, but his exact whereabouts are unknown. Your job is to locate and deal with him swiftly. Ask the locals, explore anomaly clusters, and investigate abandoned settlements, as these may serve as his hideouts. You’ll get paid double. Stick to the deadline. Keep me updated, especially if you discover his lair. Get started.
Urgent, dammit! Number of recipients: 10 Yo, listen the fuck up – keep tabs on them stalkers, and don’t hand them any grub. I stowed the key up on the roof, but it’s off-limits, capisce? Now, about our gig: I had a chitchat with some folks, now we play the waiting game. While they’re dukin’ it out in Zaton, we’re gonna be runnin’ the whole damn show. Big things comin’, ya dig? Oh, and stay the hell away from the pier at the Fish Farm. That nasty anomaly turned Hoary into mush. Ain’t fuckin pretty.
Wolfhound: Jarl’s team, get to the village. We’ll hit the cemetery. Stay frosty, he’s gotta be close by. The doctor’s been around the Zone longer than us, so this won’t be a walk in the park. Report back every three hours. Wolfhound: Let’s go.
To Prof. Chubko In light of the escalating risks posed by the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, Project X has been terminated. All activities within your laboratory have officially been canceled.
Unofficially, Prof. Chubko, Laboratory X5 now falls under the jurisdiction of MDST – our jurisdiction. Those interested in advancing the mission entrusted to us by C-Consciousness and continuing to work on Project X may join MDST and maintain their positions. More information regarding the lab’s new priorities will be provided later. Until then, please continue your work as usual.
Description
What little has survived in the labs beneath Ahroprom
Dr. Leshkiv: If the intensity of radiation is kept at the same level, there will be irreversible changes. Dr. Kryvenko: All the changes so far remain within acceptable parameters. Dr. Leshkiv: Does Dalin know about all this? Dr. Kryvenko: Believe me, all interested parties are in the loop. I never expected you of all people to be concerned about the ethical side of the matter. Dr. Leshkiv: I’m concerned about the “my career” side of the matter. I had to abandon my own research for this. And now I’m facing the risk of being left with nothing. Dr. Kryvenko: All our sacrifices will bear fruit when fifth-level protection is created. Keep up the good work.
Machek: I got a few days leave. We’re heading out. But let’s move our meeting place away from the kindergarten. Guitarist: Any complications? Machek: We’re supposed to meet Sledgehammer, too. If he spots us, we’ll have some explaining to do. Let’s keep it under wraps for now. Guitarist: Fine by me. Novak’s still in the loop? Machek: Yeah, no changes there. His patrol’s rolling through the kindergarten, so he’s gonna check in with you.
Scanning Sites 3/3 Solder: Got it? Dr. Nehoda: Yes. It’s all on my laptop. How long will these coordinates be up to date? Solder: Until the next Emission. So that guy of yours should move his ass. Dr. Nehoda: There’s someone at the bunker. That must be the man Hermann sent…
In the event of my absence, follow these instructions. Reminder: the antenna is a powerful psi conductor. Being in its immediate vicinity while it is in operation is strictly prohibited. Activate the antenna on the rooftop.Ensure that there is no biological activity nearby – any interference could damage the antenna. If the equipment detects such activity, the fuses will blow, cutting off the power supply.Stand by. The settings are configured to activate the antenna automatically if the aforementioned conditions are met. No manual input required! Kaymanov
Currently pursuing the first option at Orbita Station (X-15). Setting up a Pod for myself. In theory, everything should work. Producing a signature imprint at the station in Lab X3 is quite the ordeal, of course… I’d have to bend the rules and request additional bio samples for the incubator down in the mine from lab assistant Burnov. The thought of spending two hours in a dry aquarium myself isn’t exactly thrilling.
One thing is certain: the prototype Pod offers more than just observation of the Noosphere. These sessions feel more like lucid dreams, where I sense the potential to influence those entities, albeit limited to one psynapse. Alas, “potential” is the keyword here: we’re clearly lacking sufficient energy to reach full interaction. It would take way more than one doctor’s mind and a single Pod to achieve that level of engagement.
Upon hearing my thoughts, Valentyn Dalin crunched the numbers and designed the specifications for an eight-pod system. That means we’re about to take a leap of faith and explore my second option to contact the Noosphere. What will come of it? Only time will tell.
Following three recent incidents involving biological psi threats, floor B2 is now closed until further notice. Entry to this area is strictly prohibited except for emergencies. In the event of an emergency, use the code 4221 for access. For further inquiries, contact First Assistant Dorosh.
Project FIBER, current status: Since its inception in 1966 by the young and gifted Associate Prof. Sakharov, Project IRCD-1 (Individual Remote Communication Device), also known as unit “FIBER-1P,” has encountered persistent challenges in advancing beyond rudimentary experimental stages until present. Despite the project’s official suspension due to technical constraints, such as limited range and susceptibility to interference, Professor Kalancha succeeded in making notable progress by refining and calibrating the equipment to establish a link with the STALKER Program Control Center. This breakthrough revitalized efforts in exploring the transmission and reception of cognitive information over extended distances by leveraging principles of biological radio wave propagation. Report PR-FR 2130
Due to the Failure of Operation Fairway, Stingray survivors are to be evacuated from Site B28. Group list: Col. Kovalsky (Stingray-1).Cpt. Tarasov (Stingray-3).Lt. Rogovets (Stingray-5).Lt. Kirillov (Stingray-3).Lt. Podorozhny (Stingray-3).Lt. Sokolov (Stingray-4).WO Valentyr (Stingray-5).For assistance in rescuing our men, the stalker known as Strelok is to be evacuated with the squad. Maj. Degtyarev, officer in charge of the evacuation
Operation Fairway Secret Squad Report Squad Name: Stingray-7 Assignment: Locate all underground entrances to the Foundation facility and register their coordinates. Sitrep: Lost contact with the helicopter crew. The last communication and coordinates are encrypted.
Stay put until the heat is down, Richter. The Corps doesn’t know about this spot. You’ll be safe here. If I don’t reach out in two days, head through the tunnel to Lymansk and wait for me at the base. Spirit
Spark Scientific Research and Investigation Group. Topol, Spirit, Snake, Mace. Spark is no more. Those who claim to be them now are just fakes. The original founders of Spark were killed by the Ward. And if it wasn’t for Marshal, I wouldn’t be here either.
Protocol Activation Report Following an investigation conducted in the Depot and at the Slag Heap, two personal digital assistants belonging to the subjects were located and confiscated.Biological samples were dispatched to the Mainland in accordance with transportation protocol Cargo 900X.All material evidence has been moved to the Chemical Plant warehouse for safekeeping.Access code: 8506.
Hey, Nimble.
MDST is done. The Ancile scientist protection project has been compromised. I have one last job for you: find any information on two stalkers who go by Fang and Ghost while Scar is looking for Strelok. If you find them, eliminate them. Good luck.
The key card to the bunker is in my pocket. The scanner I used to get to Prypiat is inside. It’s not too hard, you’ll figure it out. I left the manual there, too. Sorry for delivering the message like this. We can’t be sure who’s listening in. A delayed one is safer. When you search my body, don’t be shy – take everything you need. Just make sure you bury me deep, okay? I think I deserve some rest.
You are capable of more than you think – enough to take on the hardships that will inevitably befall us in the New World. You will need something more, however, to face the unknown. Much more! May the Zone aid us if we find ourselves lacking courage in our future trials! You were all courageous enough to get here – every single one of you! You had the will and the faith to make it through, and you are now worthy to become liberators. Now go to the Mainland. Wait for the right time. Something beautiful is about to happen.
Couriers (Chornozem, destroy the list).Lab X3 (destroy all the documents, as well as any evidence of reframing agents and using couriers).Provide scanners (Nestor).Provide Alpha Artifacts (we’ve got a number of faded ones – more than enough).Duga Comms Center (replace the microchips with external action modules).
Description
A document from the secret unit in Kaymanov’s Laboratory
File #377 Name: Timur Tairov Nickname: Chornozem YOB: 1988 Profile: Career criminal, wanted murder suspect. Upon his arrival in the Zone, he promptly formed a gang and garnered favor from prominent underworld figures. Prone to violence. Psychological assessment indicates no risk of suicide and zero resistance to programming. Programming results: Fully successful. Programming objective: Elimination of individuals identified as potential threats.
Description
C-Consciousness Agent Profile from the Neurolaboratory Archive
File #239 Name: Oleksandr Kuchko Nickname: Nestor YOB: 1959 Profile: Behavioral psychologist, one of the founders of Ukrainian criminal psychology. Captured by bandits while conducting sociological research in the Zone. Low level of resistance to programming due to problems with alcohol. Programming results: Fully successful. Programming objective: Select candidates for future programming.
Description
C-Consciousness Agent Profile from the Neurolaboratory Archive
File #421 Nickname: Scar / A:MS-017 YOB: 1979 Profile: A mercenary. Has a natural resistance to anomalous energy and can survive Emissions without any means of psi-protection (5th class psi-resistance assumed). Intrinsic traits: Stubborn, reckless, works well under pressure. Had Marshal’s key memories implanted during programming. [EVENT REFRAME: The Chemical Plant/death of the Spark group members]. Obtained traits: Strong interpersonal skills, exuberance, hatred for the Ward. Warning: On the verge of nervous breakdown. Could become unstable. Programming objective: Reflection Program.
Description
C-Consciousness Agent Profile from the Neurolaboratory Archive
I had to copy the instructions by hand. The original is pretty much unreadable. “The Signature must be obtained in the Marking Neurolaboratory. The process is entirely automated. Staff must ensure the subject is seated and remains still throughout the procedure. Once the Signature has been obtained, retrieve the Cartridge and archive the recording following established protocol.”
We’ve secured an optimal location north of the CNPP. Rapid preparations are underway for the Northern Plateau. The Generator units are arriving – we’re having significant progress. Dalin is currently assembling the O-KTA. He intends to integrate eight Pods, which should suffice. Thanks to our benefactors, Lab X7 has been deployed in no time. Additionally, Lab X11 is under construction southeast of the cooling pond and equipped with a podium for the Alpha. It will serve as a backup location for debugging, test runs, and maintaining a secure remote connection to the Center. That unhealthy gleam in their eyes troubles me. What does “getting rid of the darkness” even mean? A general amnesty? But what about human nature, the Ecce Homo? At the end of the day, we humans will remain the same, with all our inherent flaws. Even if some of us would die happy, what about the generations to come? No, their plan offers only a momentary respite. Ultimately, these measures lead nowhere.
Marshal: That night at the Chemical Plant… It keeps coming back to me, Spirit. Spark and our boys. Why did it have to happen? We ran to them as soon as we heard the first gunshot. Topol was the first to die, and I can still see it. Mace tried to warn us, but all he could do was wheeze. That fucking second assault squad… That workshop, packed with barrels of chemicals… Marshal: We wouldn’t be talking right now if it weren’t for Snake. Marshal: Thieves rule, Wardens drool. That’s what he always said, remember? Spirit: Of course I do. Spirit: Just be careful. Don’t defy Korshunov openly. Marshal: Don’t worry. We’ve got other ways to give him hell. Spirit: I just don’t want them to find you too. Marshal: Don’t worry, Spirit. Marshal: I’ll go north. The Ward won’t get me there.
Description
PDA taken from Marshal’s body in the Neurolaboratory
Suslov has built an interesting contraption he calls the Variometer. It is an electromagnetic psi-amplifier with a modulation unit. Its output power is actually similar to that of a human brain in active state. It allowed us to perform the Caribbean Experiment, which was aimed at testing the hypothesis of the Noosphere’s existence. The report is attached. Location: Island in the CNPP cooling pond, Laboratory X-6. Emission source: RV OROL Long-Range Communication Vessel, equipped with Suslov’s Variometer. The OTH range was reached via electromagnetic psi-beam reflection at the lower ionosphere layers. Emission receiver: Orchila Island, Caribbean Sea, RV AGAR. Results: Processing the obtained data and analyzing the registered distortions has provided experimental proof of the Noosphere’s existence. Not only was the psi-beam reflected at the ionosphere, it also “grazed” the Noosphere itself. As a result, a cluster of unknown matter coagulated on board the receiving vessel in the Caribbean Sea. This cluster has received the code name “Object Alpha.” The Artifact was discretely delivered to the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone for in-depth study by the Project X special task force.
INSTRUCTIONS Step-by-step to get the artifact: Take the Scanner off your shoulder.Place the Scanner on the ground.Activate the Scanner.Step back.Yes, these instructions are for morons. approved by Prof. Hermann, 3/12/21
Dubny: We’ve got a controller at the WPS. It’s urgent. Can you handle it? Hog: Standard fee, 50% upfront. Dubny: Payment’s on the way. Hog: We’ll take care of it. Though it’s a solid half-day’s walk from Rostok to your neck of the woods. Dubny: Hurry. Please. Dubny: The order covers the controller, its zombies, and any potential witnesses. Dubny: If any of our crew are unaffected, help them. Eliminate the others. Hog: Understood. Your Noontide secrets are safe with us. We’re on our way.
Nimble: Nope, I’m out. Had my fill of this. Killing fellow stalkers wasn’t in the job description. Sickle: But you did not kill him. And now he has lots of questions. Some of them involve you. Nimble: All the more reason to get the hell outta the Swamps. I’ll leave you the map of Kalancha’s beacons. Tune them to yourself, starting with the first, and they’ll guide you to Clear Sky’s doorstep. Or should I say, your thugs. You managed without maps just fine. Sickle: The Monolith guides me. Also, there is no need to insult my brothers. Nimble: Are you reading your own lines for once, Sickle? Or is he pulling the strings like always? Eh, whatevs. You’ve got to recalibrate at least four beacons for this to pan out. Then you can waltz through the ruins all the way to Clear Sky. Sickle: You said you would guide my men there. Nimble: And you said I wouldn’t have any problems, Faust. Sickle: All of your problems are of your own making. Nimble: I’ve heard enough. You’ve got the coordinates. Let’s hope we never cross paths again. Sickle: Of that I am certain.
NOOSPHERE EXPERIMENT PROTOCOL Instruction for technical personnel operating O-СTA equipment Laboratory power supply: Engage the power switch to power up the facility. Needle antenna: Place the psi-amplifier into the container on the central stand. Main control panel:
Insert Cartridges containing personal signatures into the slots in the receiving panel.
O-СTA: Set the primary mode lever to the “INITIAL” position and wait for the Pods to become operational.
Press the “SERVICE: EXPOSE” button and wait for the Pods to assume vertical position.
All experiment participants should enter their designated Pods.
Set the primary mode lever to the “EXPERIMENT” position. *Note:<NoteUnderline>Pod #1 is equipped with a remote launch button. It can be unlocked from the console in Room #1.</NoteUnderline>6. Technical staff should continuously monitor telemetry and nominal modes. Close your eyes and go to your happy place!
Out of the frying pan and into the fire! I returned after three years of service in real hell to cool off, quietly trading ‘dummies’ – the cheapest artifacts, burnt out after being taken out of the Zone by some lucky stalkers, drinking in my smoke-filled apartment, and staring at the TV as if it were a window. And everything seemed to be going according to plan until my flat got blown to smithereens one night. An anomaly. Right in my kitchen. It wrecked the little I had and left behind another ‘dummy.’ Only this time, it was different. A special anomaly, a special dummy, and, if a certain Hermann is to be believed, special money if I manage to recharge it with his scientific gadget. The catch is, I’ll have to venture into the Zone to do it. I’ve heard enough stories to avoid the Zone at all costs, but it decided to reach out to me. Well, it’s time to pay a visit. Could it get any worse? As my demoted commander said: “If you’re born to hang, you’ll never drown.”
