Chapter X: An utterly damp expedition into the Swamps and a ridiculous idea

 Boris awoke from his slumber at the top of the bandit base in Dark Valley, shivering. The fire had gone out. Dimuha still snoozed, sitting on a bench opposite of Boris. Vityukha was already up, his back to them, looking at the sunrise. He turned as he heard Boris get up, his suits servos activating after long night dormant. So, where you headed now, renegade king, Vityukha asked cheerfully. To the Swamps, Wish Granter save me, Dushman wants me to meet some geezer there, Boris replied. Vityukha nodded, and kicked Dimuhas bench, waking the bandit up. What the hell, he protested, and Vityukha snorted.

So, you need any help finding the greyhelm there, Vityukha asked and continued, I mean we did promise to help you any way we could. We both owe our lives and current status to your actions. Boris shooked his head. He had another idea in mind for them. He told them of his plan to set up a base of operations in the Meadow. No one ventured there that often, and news probably hadn't gotten far about the local Burers demise in the trios hands. The area provided a perfect, secluded spot for influencing factions while remaining hidden. Boris would gather his closest allies there for when the time was right. Vityukha and Dimuha would be the first to do that, his first sentinels.

The trio agreed to set off as quickly as possible, Dimuha went to get his exoskeleton and Vityukha fetched his sniper rifle. Meanwhile Boris notified Sultan that the two would accompany him for a while, and Sultan just scoffed and said that he was glad the two troublemakers would get out of his hair. You know nothing of the trouble we'll cause to you, ya bastard, Boris thought, and headed to meet his companions. They were ready, supplies and weapons prepared. They quickly crossed over the Valley into the Meadow, where only silence awaited them. The factory was as empty as a loners wallet, and the bandits started setting up camp. Boris told them he'd bring more equipment soon enough, if the Swamps didn't get him. The two wished him luck and continued with their work. Boris sneaked past the loners guarding the entrance to Cordon and was on his way.

Traveling through Cordon was rather easy, as a heavy rainstorm was sweeping through the area. Boris cursed the storm however, as it would make traversing the swamps even harder. The military checkpoint seemed to be half asleep, no murderous sprays of machine gun fire this time. That's a first, Boris thought to himself. He entered the swamps, rain still pouring like the Zone had decided to ruin his journey. Boris met a group of renegades desperately seeking sheltet from the rain in a small hamlet. They almost opened fire on Boris but ceased when they saw his face. You're a merc now, one of them asked, spitting at his feet. Boris looked at him murderously, and he backed down. Boris asked them about the Doctor he had been sent to find, and they could only point him vaguely at the bridge near Tuzla encampment.

Boris thanked them, sharing a couple bottles of vodka with his old brethren, and continued onwards. The renegades shook their heads when they saw him heading back into the storm. Boris had no choice, his future in the mercs and the entire future of his grand plans depended on this mission, and the old man could die of pneumonia in this weather. Boris avoided Clear Sky patrols by hiding in the reeds, mercs co-operated with them often but Boris thought it best to not try his luck. At the Tuzla encampment, the local renegades were a tad more hospitable. They welcomed Boris back and offered him some stew.

There was about 5 of them, and Boris had met each of them before. Four had similar backstories to him, they had been loners who had somehow screwed up and gotten the short end of the stick. There was also one former Military officer, who had been thrown out for repeated corruption and blackmail charges but who had decided to run for the swamps than to return to the Big Land in chains. Boris decided to discuss some aspects of his plan with them, to get the word spreading. He told them he had a client who was interested in making the renegades a proper faction. All the client asked was for them to keep a low profile for few months in return to supplies, and they could have a shot at something great. Other condition was for renegades throughout the Zone to start returning to the swamps.

The old military officer spoke for them all. I for one am ready for change. And I do think a lot of us are. But how do you intend to help us keep low profile? Ever since we assaulted Clear Sky base, they've been on our asses non-stop. Boris replied that he had a plan for that, as long as the renegades did not attack Clear Sky patrols it could work. All he needed was time. And some information. He asked them of the Doctor he was looking, and they pointed him straight to the old mans cave. Boris thanked them and remainded them of his demands while also telling them the first supply run would arrive soon. They yelled encouragement after him and Boris set off to the rainstorm once again.

Finally, he reached the Doctors cave. It was a dark and claustrophobic place, but surprisingly cozy with the fire roaring inside. A pseudodog growled inside and Boris raised his AKS. A voice ordered him to stand down, and he slowly lowered the barrel. An old man was sitting by the fire, watching Boris carefully. I remember you, renegade, despite your new disguise, he said and continued, Seeing as you still listen to reason, I might as well listen what you have to say before I let the dog loose.

Boris replied that he was merely here for information, but he could help make the swamps a little less chaotic if given the chance. Doc told him to state his business and Boris told him that he had been sent to inquire Doc about Strelok. Doc was surprised that Boris was actually a mercenary, and told him all he knew. Valuable info, Boris thought, and thanked the man. Doc however stopped him before he could leave. How do you plan to make the swamps less chaotic then, renegade? What was that all about?

Boris told him that he represented someone who could benefit greatly from a temporary ceasefire between Clear Sky and Renegades. The old man let out a bellowing laugh. A ceasefire between Clear Sky and Renegades? He thought he had seen plenty of stupid things during his many years in the Zone, but this was a new one. Boris felt a tinge of anger rise up to him, but he had to agree it was very optimistic to assume Cold would agree to it. But all he needed was time. Time and respect, mixed with healthy doze of cash and treasures, and maybe, just maybe, Cold could agree. The Doc looked at him amazed. Boris was actually serious. A man this determined could make it happen, so Doc agreed to put a good word out for Boris. Hell, if he succeeded, Doc could finally not have to worry about renegades stealing his grilled tushkano meat in the middle of the night. Boris chuckled and told him that he'd try his best to stop that then in return. There are few things sacred for a renegade, but a grilled tushkano would always be among those.