tachak

At last, it settles on sorrow.

Who else knows?

I haven't told anyone yet.

Please, I beg you...

I know. He's your only son.

I'll tell people he has wet flu, tell them to stay away from your house for a few days.

But this is Oripathy. You know what I mean, right? You have some thinking to do.

Thank you... very much...

Doesn't look good?

M-Mr. Alexsandr?

Y-You shouldn't be here... my son...

Oripathy, right?

Mr. Alexsandr...

Don't worry. I'm here to help.

But... it's Oripathy...

It's fine. I've seen plenty of Oripathy patients.

Alright.

Take off his shirt and rub this on the crystalline regions.

This is...

Like I said, I've seen my share of Oripathy patients. Do as I say.

This is for injection. Give me a hand; I need to get some hot water.

If the crystals begin to seep blood, drip it on this piece of test paper.

As you say...

A few minutes later.

Where... where am I...

Anwar! You're awake!

D-Dad? How did I...?

It's fine, don't speak, I'm just glad you're back...

Is this... home?

No, I can't stay here! I have Oripathy! I...

I know, I know. Say no more.

Sani was the one who found you. She didn't tell anyone else.

I'll take you into the woods once you're better.

There's an abandoned hunter's hut there. You can stay there while we figure out what to do.

Dad... I...

It's fine.

Rest for a bit, while I get you water. Stay put.

You're awake?

Y-You're a mercenary! Why are you in the village?

Don't worry, I'm a friend of your father's.

Your Oripathy is relatively mild.

I've never seen you before...

The name is Alexsandr. I came this year.

What happened? I thought you were working at the factory.

There was a boiler explosion two weeks ago.

A few of us came down with Oripathy...

So the overseer kicked us out.

That's all? Were you followed?

We thought we were being followed at first, but we stopped paying attention after a few days.

I wouldn't expect them to let you go so easily...

Never mind. Get some rest.

Are you okay?

Mr. Alexsandr... what can I do?

You face reality.

But... it's Oripathy...

A mild case of it. There are many ways to control the symptoms.

How do you know so much about it?

It's a long story. There's a more pressing issue right now.

Life in Ursus will not be easy for your son, even if his symptoms are mild.

Argh...

He'll need to learn to live like the wastelanders.

What?

Like hunters that catch manglers in the wild, he will need to learn to fend for himself.

I can teach him a few things.

A week later...

Steady...

(Focuses)

Steady...

(Pulls trigger)

Argh! I missed...

Don't squeeze the trigger too hard. It'll throw off the bolt's trajectory.

I guess I'm just not cut out for this...

It's too early for that. You've made decent progress, considering it's only been a week.

Live targets are a different animal altogether. Practice makes perfect.

One hour break, then it's physical training.

You have a lot to learn, if you want to survive in the wild.

You know so much, Mr. Alexsandr... did you used to be a soldier?

You're a far cry from the typical Ursus soldier.

I'm still a soldier.

Where's your dad? It's almost noon.

Maybe he got held up by something?

Anwar! Pack your things, now!

What's going on?

No time! The Infected Patrol Unit is in the village! They've gone to your house!

What?!

Pack your things and get out of here! This place is too close to the village. They'll be here any minute!

What about dad? I can't leave him...

Just go! The whole village will be in trouble if they find you!

Run!

How many?

Two inspectors and five brawlers. They look like they're out for blood.

They're all Ursus?

The two inspectors are, I think. Not sure about the others.

Anyway, this is no time to chat. You should get out of here too, Mr. Alexsandr.

Anwar, take your weapon and put on the camo. You're coming with me.

...Alright.

Well? Where is he?

He... he didn't...

Don't give me that. We saw him come into the village. Hand him over.

I-I never saw him!