Chapter LXXXII: The Union of Science and Faith

 

  • Oh shit, these maniacs again, Kruglov cried in frustration.

Boris turned around to see the men commanding him. Five exoskeleton veterans in Loner camo scheme stood before them, their weapons drawn and pointed at the squad. Grozas, SIG rifles and Vals, heavy arsenal staring straight at Boris as he turned. The most distinct element of their leader was the gigantic cast iron cross on his breastplate.

  • I see you damn scientists are now pushing into our territory, nothing is sacred anymore, the leader growled, pronouncing the word scientist like it was a curse.

  • For the last time, it was Sidorovich who placed a bounty on you, not us, get over it, Kruglov hissed back.

  • So you say, but I do not listen to the lies of domeheads.

  • Alright gentlemen, could we perhaps calm down with the bickering and explain what the hell is going on? We've got bigger fish to fry than some old disputes, so please explain yourself or start blasting, Boris intervened, seeing the situation escalate dangerously.

  • Years ago, when Strelok did the whole mad dash towards north, I was a preacher, telling people of how artefacts and the Zone are a manifestation of the sin of mankind. I advocated for their destruction, and wouldn't you know it, I woke up one day a hunted man. The ecologists had never liked me, and who else could have had the resources that far north to spend on a bounty like mine. I fled here, to the very edge of the psi-field, and hid in a ruined village for many years, gathering those sympathetic to my cause here, the leader explained.

  • So you're a preacher? Good to meet you, father, but you may misunderstand our whole reason for being here. We have nothing against you or your flock, we are after a dangerous foe. One that you might also find a cause worth resisting, Boris replied, picking his words carefully.

  • How so?

  • We're hunting a cult called Sin. They take inspirations from our rites and religion, but twist it to fit their agenda of making the entire world into a Zone. And unfortunately, they seem to have a chance of doing this. Hidden deep here somewhere. I can assure you, my companions never sent anyone after you. They may be men of science, but similar to men of faith, they seek to understand, only through different route. Have your differences if you will, but understand that there is a bigger evil among us than simple differences of beliefs.

The preacher seemed to ponder the question for a while. Strelok gave Boris an encouraging and partially amused glance, he could've just as easily used his legend status to diffuse the situation but wanted Boris to prove himself. Finally, the priest spoke.

  • I must admit, you bring troubling news yet also speak with wisdom. Perhaps I acted too quickly in my looking for enemies. Now, please tell me of this cult. We might be of assistance.

Boris looked at Kruglov and Strelok who both nodded. It was better to have this man as an ally than enemy, and telling him the whole story could help with that. Boris told what he knew of Sin and the conclusion they had come to. The preacher grew more and more anxious as the tale went on.

  • I see. You weren't kidding. Well, me and my men will help you search for this psi-emitter, if it still remains here. We did hear gunfire coming from the facility few days ago, but I did not yet know that the psi-field was gone. I am Father Diodor, by the way, and these are my two best men, Smartass and Master, the preacher known as Diodor said.

  • Nice to meet you all, but we do need to get going. It does not look great for our chances to find the psi-emitter and all this yapping isn't helping, Boris replied.

Grunts and nods of agreement spread around the group, and Strelok ordered for two groups to be formed. Boris, Dima and Sanyok would accompany the ecologists, while Strelok and Diodor's men kept the mutants and Zombified off them. Boris and Kruglov decided that it would be best to search the central facility first and set off, crossing the dry riverbed, guns drawn and ready for anything. Psi-field or not, there was something particularly eerie about this place, and in his weakened state Boris did not feel too good about leading the expedition. But it was either success or annihilation, no middle ground, so his aching body would have to carry him along a little further.

Further up, on a bridge overlooking the riverbed, a figure observed the forces moving towards the facility. He first raised his Dragunov rifle to eye level, then seemed to come to another conclusion and lowered it. He raised his head slightly, as if listening to something and nodded. Silently, the figure holstered the rifle and turned around, slipping into the shadows in seconds.

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