Cold Fear - Strategy Guide (Page 04)
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He immediately recognized the exocel's tremendous potential, but, ever the
cunning negotiator, claimed he no longer had the intellectual or physical
resources to accept such an undertaking (he who had given so much to an
army he persisted in referring to as Soviet). However, when I mentioned
the amount of "funding" my partners were prepared to grant, I sensed he
was not so "weary". When I added that his daughter was already on her way
to join him on the Star of Sakhalin, that was the end of it! He
immediately agreed to stay on the platform and supervise the installation
and research.
As I had expected, Kamsky quickly assured me that the exocel had military
potential, but he feared it was uncontrollable. With Bakharev's help (I
was initially very wary when the Cartel imposed him on me, but he soon
turned out to be a valuable asset), his first task was to develop an
antidote (protecting yourself from your own weapons is an old, often
life-saving instinct). The first strains met with failure, but one of
them produced unexpected results: the monsters were drawn to the gases
given off. Bakharev was the one who built the first prototypes of the
compressed air speargun. Obviously, the effect on the creatures is
limited: only those within a radius of less than 20 meters from the spear
are attracted, and the effect is temporary, but the results are promising.
I shall make the most of our last little trip to present the latest
version to the Cartel. Given the latest advances, production of these
devices would seem quite feasible.
I hope that, unlike the last consignment, the "specimens" will be ready
and in good condition. Kamsky has been insistent about this. When I
think that barely nine months ago, he was unwilling to experiment on
humans!
That Anna has all the fury of a real Russian woman! In fact, I have been
forced to lock her up in one of the holds on the main deck.
Code for the rear deck starboard door: BP 070191
Code for the main deck hold (Anna): RP 250486
FOUND: On the ground in the Rear Deckhouse.
------------------------
2.11) Yusupov's journal
------------------------
The Cartel is growing impatient: the results promised by Kamsky's early
reports are a long time coming. And yet, we have installed new, fully
re-equipped laboratory facilities, and additional scientists have been
"convinced" to participate in the research.
Kamsky is becoming less cooperative; I get the impression that he is
hiding something from us. But I am sure he would have mentioned any major
breakthrough. No, it must something more personal.
When we carried out our initial experiments on monkeys, dogs, then whales,
despite the dangers and the loss of some of Anischenko's mercenaries, I
sensed Kamsky's enthusiasm through his lively discussions with Bakharev.
Then we started on humans, of which the Cartel seemed to have an
inexhaustible supply. The first forced contamination was the toughest for
Kamsky. After that, he gradually got used to it, and I would even
surprise him at night observing the exocels. In any case, the Cartel has
no scruples about this. Their investments run to tens of millions of
dollars. Bakharev's prototypes alone come in at 150,000 dollars apiece!
And so when Anischenko told me what he had discovered by pirating Kamsky's
laptop, I could have killed him!
That is why I have taken Anna aside: she's the last ace up my sleeve, and
I will kill her without the slightest hesitation.
FOUND: Cold Room 3, a small room off of Cargo Hold Corridor.
-----------------------------------
2.12) A letter to Anna from Kamsky
-----------------------------------
My Dearest Anna:
I have tried many times to write this letter, but always I have failed. I
want to tell you how sorry I am for the way in which my work has affected
your life. Since your mother died, I have put you through hell: endless
moving, harsh tutors, remote boarding schools... However, you know how
much my work means to me, especially since our arrival on the Star of
Sakhaline. I realize I have never given you a normal childhood, but trust
me, I will give you an extraordinary life.
I love you very much.
Papa
FOUND: On the ground in Main Deck Hold 1.
---------------------------------------
2.13) A note about the pumping station
---------------------------------------
Maintenance work on the pumping system scheduled for December 14th has
been moved back to December 18th due to delays in getting replacement
filters. Since the risk of flooding is increased, you are advised against
storing any munitions or weapons in rooms whose doors could be blocked
by pressure.
-Anischenko
-----------------------------------------------
2.14) A letter from Yusupov about the antidote
-----------------------------------------------
Gentlemen:
I am delighted to inform you that Dr. Bakharev has succeeded in producing
an effective antidote, provided it is administered soon after infestation
begins. Indeed, it only works if a tendril has not reached the victim's
brain. According to Dr. Bakharev, the antidote encourages the secretion
of a particular enzyme along the spinal column that is lethal to the
exocel. However, once the tendril gets into the victim's brain, the
antidote is powerless. In parallel, Dr. Kamsky is researching how to
limit the exocel's growth, and thus block the tendril's development. Dr.
Kamsky has assured me there will be significant results in the next three
months, provided he receives new specimens.
-Dmitriy
FOUND: On the floor in Cold Room 1.
-----------------------------
2.15) A page about mutations
-----------------------------
Mutation Notes:
One of the immediate effects of infestation by one or more exocels is that
the host body's biological organization and morphology begin to change to
suit the parasite's needs. Subjects no longer require sleep, and their
higher cerebral functions are reinforced. As their flesh is gradually
devoured by the exocel, their skin changes color and strange bulges appear
which sometimes rip the skin.
Infestation also triggers major physical modifications in the host,
undoubtedly to better protect the hosts, as their bodies become incredibly
strong and resistant to damage. Similar to the mechanism observed in
cancer, infestation entails a multiplication of cells and a spectacular
increase in the volume of muscles.
Mutation effects begin almost immediately upon infection. The first
clinical signs of mutagenic change occur from within 3 minutes to just
over 2 hours, with the average effects occuring after 26 minutes.
One third of all subjects demonstrated an additional form of mutation.
These specimens develop dendrils, mainly on the upper chest, on the
shoulders and on the back of the neck. These tendrils appear to function
independently of the body to which they are arrached, and to have their
own center of locomotion. Upon dissection they were found to contain
sensory organs, primarily related to smell and hearing. In some
specimens, these tendrils were rudimentary and barely reached on inch in
length. In others they were more fully developed, up to over a foot long.
FOUND: On the floor in Cold Room 2.
------------------------------------
2.16) A note about the retinal scan
------------------------------------
General Order #22
The magnetic field control room is now off limits to all unauthorized
personnel. The new security system in place incorporates a retinal scan
lock. As of this moment, only Colonel Yusupov and myself are cleared for
entry.
-Anischenko
FOUND: Sick Bay, on a table.
----------------------------
2.17) A letter from Yusupov
----------------------------
Gentlemen:
The first phase of the operation has been partially successful. Dr.
Kamsky and his associates have succeeded in producing powerful,
efficacious and dangerous beings that can only be considered monsters.
The injection of a partial antidote prior to forced contamination has
given excellent results. Many of these things die quickly, but we have
managed to produce creatures that are impervious to bullets,
immeasurably stronger than our finest soldiers, and even partly invisible.
The possibilities are endless. Sadly, we have not yet perfected a process
by which these monsters can be controlled. This is now our key priority.
Dr Bakharev's enzyme gas is most promising in this respect.
I am sure you are able to understand that we need a little more time.
Dmitriy
------------------------------------------
2.18) A letter to Anischenko from Yusupov
------------------------------------------
Yuri:
Congratulations on your assignment to the Star of Sakhalin. You know how
much faith I have in you since our shared posting in Afganistan. In
recent years, you have been a valuable part of our organization, always
making the right decisions faced with our many problems. The Cartel
recently informed me of its complete satisfaction. I must stress that
this new assignment is potentially more dangerous than previous
undertakings. Obviously, your compensation and funding will be
commensurate to the risks run. The orders are straightforward: Guard the
platform against any and all intruders. The Star of Sakhalin is
radar-jammed (RS1004 JACKS), which should make matters easier. Do not
hesitate to "encourage" the scientists to work faster. The sooner they
get it done, the sooner you will receive your payment. I know you do not
like having women (and Anna IS a women) interfere in your work, but I have
no choice in the matter. When all this is finished, Boris' finest vodka
is on me.
-Dmitriy
*The incorrect usage of "women" instead of "woman" is not my mistake, it was
done like that in the game.
FOUND: On a table in Main Office.
--------------------------------------------
2.19) A note from Anischenko about Bakharev
--------------------------------------------
Security Dossier:
Bakharev, Dr. Pavel
Security Clearance: Blue
Profile:
I have had a chance to check Bakharev's details. Nothing leads us to
conclude that he is not what he claims to be. Dr. Kamsky has left me in
no doubt as to his scientific merit, Bakharev is reputed to be an expert
scientist. The fact that Bakharev knows Kamsky's daughter is quite
fortuitous. In the biotechnology field, it is well known that Bakharev
holds Dr. Kamsky in very high esteem. In this respect, he is not unlike
many other specialists in the field. Bakharev also did most of the
recruiting of the additional scientists. His contacts with the Cartel are
indirect. Consequently, I do not believe that he is a spy working for
them.
Please destroy after reading.
Anischenko
FOUND: On the floor by the broken stairs in Drilling Unit.
------------------------------------
2.20) A note about the flamethrower
------------------------------------
General Order #26
Practical flamethrower training will be given on the cargo dock tomorrow
at 1400 hours. This training is designed to familiarize you with the use
of this weapon. One of the basic recommendations is to take great care
when using the flamethrower outdoors: the wind can deviate the flame,
making it turn back onn you. All military personnel are required to
attend.
-Anischenko
FOUND: On a table near the entrance of Main Security Room.
---------------------------------------
2.21) A note about the magnetic jammer
---------------------------------------
The RS1004 JACKS (Jammer And Communications Killing System) operates by
emitting a continuously modulated spectrum of white noise on all radio
frequencies. This prevents any interception of internal communication.
The system also constantly scans for any signs of radar surveillance.
When communication with the outside is deemed necessary and if the
surveillance verification tests negative, a window is opened and
communication is enabled.
Thus far, the JACKS has proved to be perfectly efficient.
FOUND: Near a corpse in the back of Main Security Room.
---------------------------------------
2.22) A note about the magnetic jammer
---------------------------------------
WARNING: Important information for optimum RS1004 JACKS operation.
For security reasons, three generators are used to maintain the system's
operational status: one generator connected to the platform's main power
grid, and two standalone generators. Even in the event of a general
failure, the jammer thus remains functional. The system will fail to
operate only if all three generators are disconnected of destroyed.
FOUND: On a table in Communications Room.
-------------------------------------
2.23) A page from Dr. Kamsky's diary
-------------------------------------
Certain specimens have manifested a form of asymmetrical development. In
these cases, the exocel produced mutations that were paricularly
resilient, powerful and aggressive. Their skins grow so thing and
resistant that they become impervious to the hardest of blows, and even to
gunfire. However, certain body parts of individuals who had undergone
this type of mutation continued to react normally to wounds; this mostly
concerns the upper limbs, which become particularly developed. Repeated
blows to these body parts were shown to be fatal. In addition, these
specimens react strangely to bait spears: they become hysterical and seek
to destroy them at all costs.
FOUND: Near the dead soldier in Habitation Catwalk Elevator.
-----------------------------------
2.24) A report about contamination
-----------------------------------
One of the reasons the exocels may have previously escaped detection is
that they demonstrate an occasional ability to blend in with their
environment. In at least one test subject, I4-02, we have managed to
amplify this phenomenon after blocking the contamination process and
extracting the exocel. The subject quite literally became invisible,
whereas infrared-enhanced viewing clearly confirmed its presence.
Otherwise, only a faint ripple or disturbance could be seen when it moved.
What fantastic uses could be made of this!
Exocel behavior is quite simplistic. The extremity of their tendril is
lined with millimetric fangs that sink into their victim's skin. The
exocel uses them to pump the victim's blood, thereby weakening him. This
renders the victim vulnerable to contamination since exocels are only able
to infest a host that is either weak or unconscious. Afterward, they
enter the body through the mouth. In some cases, they have been observed
infesting dead bodies, though this activity seems to be limited to corpses
that have not suffered significant structural damage or undergone
extensive decomposition.
Contaminated human hosts, alive or dead, are immediately driven by the
exocel's urges to seek and destroy warm-blooded life. This serves two
purposes: it feeds the exocel's hosts, who frequently engage in acts of
cannibalism, and provides new potential hosts for other exocels. The
mutations induced in their hosts require tremendous amounts of protein,
which means that the hosts are constantly seeking fresh prey.
The secondary phase of exocel life, what we now call the "tumorous" phase
in the which the exocels become "breeders", is extraordinarily difficult
to destroy, even though condemned to immobility. Only fire can
effectively destroy these forms of exocels. The "breeder" produces
"contaminators" at a still undetermined rate. The link between the
"contaminators" and their "breeders" remains a mystery, although it seems
a contaminator will fight to the death to protect its "parent".
NOTE: The poorly structured first sentence of the last paragraph is an error
in the document, not in my typing.
FOUND: On the floor in the middle of Cold Storage Area.
-------------------------------
2.25) A page about experiments
-------------------------------
We have observed that electric discharges have no effect on the exocel's
neuronal network. However, once the exocel has taken control of a body,
the exocel and its host are vulnerable to any source of electricity. In
fact, prolonged exposure to a strong electric charge results in death.
As a precaution, we have electrified the floors in the experimental
chamber. This system is only to be used in case of an extreme emergency.
FOUND: Near the console on the catwalk in Experimental Chamber.
------------------------------------------------------
2.26) A page from Bakharev's diary about the antidote
------------------------------------------------------
It seems plain to me now that the key to preventing the exocel from taking
complete and fatal control over its host lies in blocking the penetration
of the creature's tendril into the victim's brain. If the brain could be
stimulated to produce some sort of enzyme toxic to the exocel, it would
kill the creature, effectively putting a stop to the infection.
Some progress has been made in stimulating the production of autolytic
enzymes, which have proven to be extremely toxic in relation to the
exocel, in some cases completely liquefying it. My hope is that if these
enzymes could be created much more quickly, they might liquefy an exocel
inside a host body, causing it to dissolve and be flushed out naturally.
Kamsky has suggested a slight change of method. He proposes a more
measured level of stimulation with a view to obtaining a slower, more
progressive production of enzymes in order to observe the host's mutations
in detail. I fail to understand his objectives, but he insists we need
this information.
FOUND: On the examination table in Dr. Kamsky's Lab.
-------------------------------------
2.27) A page from Dr. Kamsky's diary
-------------------------------------
I can't help thinking that these creatures have great potential. If we
could learn how to reproduce and harness the way they alter their hosts,
the results could be decisive. Yusupov wants me to create beasts, things
that can be used to kill. He fails to see how we could use the exocels to
improve life!
Nevertheless, he has Anna, and thus I am forced to obey - at least for
now. I have been merging exocels with subjects - Yusupov has forced me to
use humans lately - and then trying to guide the mutations that result.
I've made some monsters for Yusupov. Let us see what I can make for
myself.
FOUND: On the console in the back of Dr. Kamsky's Lab.
-------------------------------------------
2.28) A report about the exocel life cycle
-------------------------------------------
Official report on the exocel's life cycle and reproduction
Dr. V. Kamsky and Dr. P. Bakharev
Extracts:
There are two main phases to the exocel life cylce: reproduction and
contamination.
To reproduce, the exocel transforms itself into what we now call
"breeders": Stationary, organic structures of potentially considerable
size, basically shapeless and particularly repulsive in appearance. When
the exocels enter this phase, they find a safe, isolated location, usually
high up, attach themselves firmly to it with their tendrils, and
immediately start growing. The breeder starts hatching out new
"contaminators" within 24 hours through an asezual "budding" process..
Contaminators are small, fast and highly mobile. When attacked, they curl
up into what could be called a fetal position, exposing a hard external
shell, but which is quite soft and vulnerable on the inside. Their
"mission" is to find a host, infect it parasitically, and feed on it from
the inside. It may need to repeat the process several times, but
eventually this produces an adult, mature exocel, ready to settle down as
a breeder and start producing more contaminators.
Physically speaking, contaminators are weak. As a result, they can only
contaminate dead, dying, or weakened hosts. Healthy, strong organisms can
easily fight them off. This explains why "hungry" exocels seek to weaken
their prey before contaminating it. Once the exocel has integrated its
host - and up to 7 can share a single host - it effectively takes control
of it by sending "tendrils" up into the host's brain. Thus, to
permanently eliminate an infected host, its brain must be destroyed. In
fact, the host's other body parts are all but indestructible: muscle mass
increases at a spectacular rate, and bruised or injured tissue heals
almost immediately.
As Prof. Nicolai Kastagnev explained during our last encounter, this
process requires large amounts of protein. Human protein is naturally
preferred, since it will be building human cells. As a precaution, the
contaminators also shut down their host's higher brain functions,
essentially switching off the host's personality. The body is left to
defend itself and find food. Moreover, it seems that during a more
advanced stage in the mutation process, the contaminators reactivate
certain of their host's intellectual functions, turning them to their
advantage to perceive space, use tools and even devise and communicate
strategies. One of the main benefits of this is to facilitate the search
for new, potential hosts by attacking, wounding and killing other healthy
humans.
As indicated above, even bodies that are dead, but in otherwise good
condition, can be "re-animated" by the exocels, which energize the host's
nervous and muscular systems. The tendril in the brain turns the corpse
into an extension of the exocel's body in a sort of monstrous symbiosis.
Bodies frozen for months or even years could conceivably be used in this
fashion by the contaminators.
At a certain stage in the mutation, which varies according to individual
hosts, the process is reversed: the contaminators escape from the host's
body, which enters a state of rapid putrefaction. The same occurs when an
exocel is forcibly extracted from a body, usually by destroying the host's
brain or by burning it entirely.
Whilst we are learning more each day, our results are already highly
promising. Obviously, the next stage is to control the whole process to
obtain what we are all striving for. We remain confident.
-Viktor
NOTE: The ".." used is an error in the file, not in my typing.
FOUND: On a counter in Lab 3.
-----------------------
2.29) A scientific log
-----------------------
Experimental Log - Subject Series G3
Experimental subject G3-01
Control subject (B. Cardunev). Was sedated then deliberately infected
(forced injestion). Received no antidote. Showed first signs of
metamorphosis within 20 minutes. Base phase of metamorphosis complete
within two hours. Symptoms: increased muscle mass, regeneration of
tissues after injury, modification of internal organs, excessive hunger
for protein, shutdown of all higher brain functions.
Experimental Subject G3-02
Control subject (S. Fratiniev). No contamination. Received 20 mls of
serum A9. Side effect: mild thoracic skin rash.
Experimental Subject G3-03
Test subject (G. Petrov). Killed himself by repeatedly bashing his head
against the bars of his cell once infected. No data collected.
Experimental Subject G3-04
(B Vidaleiev). Subject was sedated and then contaminated by forced
injestion. Received 20 mls of serum A9b. Visible mutations after 14
minutes, but did not continue along expected track: mutation continued in
asymmetrical pattern, causing disproportionate development of the upper
left limb. The contaminating agent seems to have infected this limb and
multiplied within it. Subject's entire body showed great resistance,
including exposure to fire. Only the left arm showed any signs of
vulnerability. Subject destroyed after 15 days of observation: risk too
great.
Experimental Subject G3-05
(B. Carrayan). Subject was injected with 20 mls of serum A9, then put
down. Subject was infected posthumously. Exocel demonstrated its ability
to re-vivify corpses in otherwise good condition. Serum had no apparent
effect.
Experimental Subject G3-06
(H. Abbash). Subject was sedated then contaminated by forced ingestion.
Injections: 10 mls of serum A9b and 10 mls of A10 (neurotransmitter
blocker). Onset of mutation was delayed for 9 hours, 32 minutes.
Symptoms: increased muscle mass, aggression, improved regenerative
properties, pigmentation alteration of skin and eyes, reduced higher brain
activity, especially cognitive functions. Dissection revealed a tendril
along the spinal column, but in a deteriorated form.
This could be the breakthrough we are looking for!
FOUND: A little to the right shortly after entering Lab 5.
-------------------------------------------
2.30) A note about the yellow steam valves
-------------------------------------------
To: Major Anischenko
From: Mantencance unit
Re: Yellow valves
Major, while I appreciate the fact that your men have effectively ceased
vandalizing the red fuel pipe vavles, I am most disappointed to learn that
they have now turned their targets to the yellow steam pipe valves. These
are, if anything, even more dangerous and troublesome to repair. I
realize that labor costs are not an issue here, however, I would prefer
our men to serve the interests of Kamsky's experiments rather than being
burnt to death by jets of hot vapor. Futhermore, the scientists run the
risk of an accident at any moment.
Thank you.
FOUND: In a small alcove area in Cryogenic Room.
------------------------
2.31) A memo to Yusupov
------------------------
To: Col. Dmitriy Yusupov
Re: Platform Readiness
Subject: Progress of platform operations
All drilling operations have ceased. The laboratory facilities are now
operational and have been equipped according to Dr. Kamsky's instructions:
confinement cells, decontamination chambers, scanners and scanning
electron microscopes. The first specimens are onboard and the 20
scientists I have recruited at your request will be here on Thursday.
Anischenko has enabled the communication jamming system, and all drilling
crew members have been evacuated (those aware of the presence of exocels
have been "dealt with separately"). Work can now get underway.
FOUND: On a table in the back of Security Crew Sleeping Room 1.
-----------------------------------
2.32) A letter from Kamsky to Anna
-----------------------------------
My dearest Anna:
What I promised you in my last letter is now coming about. The power
within me is greater than what I imaged in my wildest dreams. Still, I
have the impression that my metamorphosis is not yet complete. My arms
are continuing to develop. Soon, whoever approaches me will have to
suffer the consequences of my furious anger. Anna, at last I have found
what I've been looking for: an apppointment with immortality. Come with
me Anna, it's the most beautiful of all Kingdoms. I have built it for
you... Anna, my dear daugher... I feel so strong... I must destroy the
antidote... I don't want to go back to where I came from...
FOUND: Near the door leading out of Scientists' Dormitory.
----------------------------------
2.33) Pages from Bakharev's diary
----------------------------------
October 16
We have obtained excellent results with the latest strain of Viktor's
serums. However, while they are preventing the exocels from killing their
hosts, the poor souls continue to undergo hideous and painful mutations.
The serum also seems to speed up certain phases of the process. What we
are creating here can only be called monsters.
October 19
One of the experimental subjects is driving me mad. I don't understand
why Viktor insists on keeping his failures. This thing is constantly
bellowing, and climbing the walls and ceilings of its cell. It is a good
thing that it hates the light, otherwise it would be virtually
uncontrollable. But the shouting - it goes on all night. The sound of it
chills my blood.
October 20
It stared at me all day in the lab. I could feel its eyes on me
everywhere I went. A. Carrev and L. Bartolovich have noticed my fear of
it. Why won't Viktor destroy it?
October 21
Today I caught that damnable creature trying to take apart its cell. I
swear it started smiling at me when I saw it. I forced it back into a
corner with a strong light before fetching a technician, M. Pirev, to
repair the damage. It howled the entire time, as if to let me know that
someday it will come for me.
October 22
It has apparently acquired new powers. I spent all day watching it, and
to my horror I discovered that its howling made all the lights in the
entire scientific module go out. Fortunately, the power was quickly
re-established, but it gave that hideous scream and the lights died again.
I tried talking to Viktor about it, but he would have none of it.
October 23
Today we infected the last of the prisoners Yusupov had brought in for use
as test subjects. Kamsky used an additional 20 centiliters of serum
A4-12, but the results look the same - uncontrolled asymmetrical mutation.
I think these test subjects will be put down. A. Briclob and B. Delbosky
will do the necessary, as usual.
Viktor is furious. Like me, he feels that we are on the verge of a
breakthrough, and that only a few more subjects are needed. Whilst I do
not feel remorse, my sleep is haunted by terrible nightmares. Even if the
test subjects are dangerous criminals, they deserve better than this. I
will be glad to go back to working on apes and other lesser creatures.
October 29
One of Anischenko's men went missing today.
November 1
An experimental specimen vanished this morning. I do not mean that it
escaped - it vanished. All that could be seen was a slight disturbance in
the air, like some sort of heat mist. It is terrifying to think of the
powers that we may be unleashing here.
November 2
We have established beyond all doubt that the missing specimen is till in
its containment cell. Its aggression and insanity must have reached a
threshold, after which it started bashing itself against the walls of its
confinement in an attempt to escape. When it struck hard enough to
injure itself, it faded into view for a moment and tried to escape.
Clearly, injury renders it visible. Is this its last trace of humanity?
November 3
We have taken to filling this specimen's chamber with a fine mist, which
enables us to better observe it. Its appearance is most strange. Death
no longer seems to be at work.
November 4
Two more guards, A. Barrov et B. Martinev, have disappeared. Anischenko
is accusing anyone and everyone. Viktor is strangely calm, arguing that
they probably got drunk and fell overboard. This is plausible - these
mercenaries crave only their weapons, alcohol, and sex. And yet...
Viktor's lack of concern is disquieting.
I wish I could believe him.
November 10
When I came into the lab in the morning, it was clear that someone had
been working there all night. I immediately suspected C. Combiev et D.
Fernendenko, two assistants I don't trust. I asked Viktor about it and he
said I was imagining things, that I had been working too hard. He was the
last person here in whom I kept a little trust. I often think of my
university fried D. Florianov; I should have taken his advice... but
it's too late now.
November 16
Yusupov left today aboard the whaling ship. He claimed he was going with
Lubenski to make sure they get some good specimens for the lab. I think
he just wants to get away from Viktor. At first, Yusupov had to use Anna
as a hostage to get Viktor to work for him. But now, Kamsky is more
enthusiastic about it than Yusupov. It is a strange reversal of roles.
Anna also went along, of course. I find myself fearing for her safety.
But perhaps she is safer with Colonel Dimitri Yusupov than she is here.
November 20
Another mercenary, F. Pierrov, has vanished. Anischenko is beside himself
with anger. He blames American spies: an old habit.
November 24
One of the exocel containment chambers is empty: we are now all in
terrible danger. Viktor seems unconcerned, claiming that the creature
died so he threw it overboard. I was furious. I told Viktor that if one
of the creatures dies, we have scientific duty to study it to find out
why. Two other researchers, O. Floretsky and J. Lorenev, agreed with me.
But Viktor replied by saying he had learned all he wanted from that
specimen.
He also said that he had come up with a solution to the problem of not
having what he called "appropriate" subjects. He would say no more on the
subject, however, telling me that I should not worry myself with such
details, especially when the work on the antidote was going so well.
December 1
Two more mercenaries, A. Delbev and T. Dessaiev, are missing. Anischenko
is preparing for an assault. He reckons there must be a breach in the
magnetic jamming. I think he is barking up the wrong tree.
December 3
We established radio contact with the whaler today. A storm is moving in,
making communication very difficult, however I'm sure I heard them say
they thought there were exocels on board. I felt my blood go cold.
Anischenko gave them orders to turn back, but there was no reply. They
have not responded to any of our calls since. I surprised myself praying
for the souls of those onboard, especially for Anna, whose only misdeed is
being the daugher of her father.
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