Visit to Zaliyssa

In which Davydos and The Bard visit Zaliyssa and encounter Vera "Viper" Volkov and Yulia "Angel" Petrova. Zaliyssa is the first major settlement stalkers entering The Zone encounter after slipping past the military perimeter. It's on the edge of the anomalous area so the mutating influence is milder, but still a fact of life. There stalkers can buy weapons, ammunition and equipment. As well as unwind. Some people, fringe elements of society, choose to eke out a living here. If you read and enjoy (or not) I'd appreciate your claps. Remember you can clap 20 times for which I will be grateful. Now to the story . . . Davydos kicked the engine of his Suzuki into life. Cranking the throttle until the engine ran smoothly. "C'mon Bard, get your arse up here and let's get going. Before SG decides we need to go moster slaying or something" Bard swung his leg over the seat, settled. "Ready, let's go!" Davydos gunned the engine, popped the clutch and they motored down the street, on their way to Zaliyssa They rode in silence through the desolate landscape, through a drizzling rain. "This must be the ugliest world I've ever seen", shouted Bard over the engine's throaty roar. "The result of a nuclear incident and they say - I don't know - some Noosphere experiment that went wrong, causing these anomalies. Speaking of - keep your eyes peeled, Boet, don't want to get surprised by roving mutants, or worse.", replied Davydos. "What compels somebody to come here anyway", asked Bard, "I can't see the appeal. Why you here, Davy?" "Well, it's kinda like the old west in goldrush times. You can score big bucks if you can find a rare artifact or unusual mutant parts - like panning for gold in the hopes of a big strike. Then there the misfits who just don't fit well in everyday normal society. Me, guess a bit of both, and can't lie - blasting mutants and all the weird creatures that appear through anomaly rifts gives me a kick" "I don't know, Davy, I think a warm tavern in a peaceful town, mug of ale and an adoring audience without cold, rain, squalor and threats against staying alive, sounds a whole lot better" "I can see the appeal. Hey check it out - there - Zaliyssa" Davydos slowed, negotiating the obstacles, barriers intended to discourage unwelcome visitors. They rode slowly down the main street. "This could be an old western frontier town," observed Davydos, "just swapped desert and tumblewood, for mud, rain and nuclear desolation. " "This dump of a town?", replied Bard, "Surely no sane person comes here from choice". "You're just spoiled Bard but am curious to hear more of where you come from. Now, let's see if we can find Hamster's and Warlock's. There we can get sorted, get drunk on some safe booze, and who knows, maybe you'll even get lucky", grinned Davydos. "There they are, side by side", pointed Bard, "can't imagine we can have much success there. They look as run down as everything else" "Stop moaning, Boet, you'll be surprised" responded Davydos, cutting the engine, "Supplies first then drinking" He hit the buzzer, waited for the unlocking click and pulled the security gate back. Pushed open the door and exclaimed, "Oh yeah, this is will serve just fine" "Look at that, my man, a treasure trove of weapons, ammo, and gear. A whole box of AKs - just what you need. A great weapon, super simple but ultra reliable, and packs a punch" Hamster looked up as they approached. "New in town? Ain't seeen you two before" "Privyet", greeted Davydos, "I need ammo - 5.56mm for my R4 and shotgun cartridges - magnum-load meat-shredders. My friend is looking for an assault rifle - any of those AKs in decent condition?" "Better fucking condition than you'll be in if you insult my gear again" growled Hamster. "Prosti - meant no insult, man", demurred Davydos, 'but you can't always trust people in the Zone, try to pass off a lot of shitty gear" "Ladno", accepted Hamster, "now if you can pay, I can fix you up" "Yeah, I have some RU, " Davydos hesitated, weighing his words, "and also Hard Currency" "Poydyot - I'll get the ammo" Davydos looked around as Hamster went to get the ammo. Bard was examining an AK. "That looks a bit too used, Bard. Let me have a look through this pile. Hamster assures me they all work fine, but let's scratch out the best for you. Afterall, a jam in a firefight with a gang of mutants ain't going to end well." "Thanks, Davy. Must say, this does have a good feel. It's energy is lively, dangerous - it's hungry to deal death" "You're just the weirdest dude, Bard", muttered Davydos, searching through the box, "Don't know about energy but AKs are fucking deadly, just perfect for you. Here does this one also talk to you?" Davydos handed Bard an AK from deep in the box, "Sneaky fucker, keeps the best at the bottom, letting the unwise by the weapons in poorer condition" Hamster set the ammo down on the counter. "And I'll take this AK plus 5 boxes of 7.62 rounds", added Davydos. "Zachet, I see you know your weapons", new respect tinging Hamster's voice. Hamster returned, adding the additional ammo, and looked down, considering, "That'll be ... 35K for the lot" Davydos controlled his face and voice, "Man, bit steep. I'll give you 3 C bills - US, and 5K RU" Master laughed, "Poshol ty..." Davydos cut him off before hearing just where he should go, "OK, Boet, make it 10K and throw in the battered guitar back there, and we have a deal. And know that I'm going to be a good customer!" "Dobro - done", called Hamster, fetching the guitar. "You must be a wizard or just the luckiest fucker around, Bard" grinned Davydos, winking, "you got your weapon and a guitar. Let's hope your luck continues" Bard picked up the guitar, plucked a string, "Mmmm, never seen one of these before, but seems lute-like". His fingers formed a cord, he strummed and the store was filled with a rich sound. "Damn it," exclaimed Davydos, "you are a magician to get that sound from that relic. Now let's go get a drink and celebrate" They crossed the street, heading to a small garage. "You see, Bard, just like a western town. They always had a livery for the horses. Now this garage is the place to leave my bike. The dude will take care of our stuff.", shared Davydos. "You have horses. At last something I can relate to", replied Bard, "Is it safe to leave things there?" "Yeah, the dude knows that if things disappear it will be bad for his health", stated Davydos, "and of course, RU buys anything and everything" After securing storage, they angled back across the street, aiming for Warlock's. The door creaked open and they were immediately assailed with the scent and sounds of the bar. "Ah, ain't that the best" inhaled Davydos. "You're kidding," frowned Bard, "place stinks, looks filthy" "You gotta get with the program, Boet", Davydos punched him lightly on the arm, "smell of stale sweat and spilt booze, cigarette smoke, aroma of frying salt-pork - what's not to love" The Bard followed Davydos to the bar. "Zdorovo, Droug!" Davydos greeted the bartender warmly, "we're dry as a salt block. You'll be my friend for life if that really is bottle of brandy I see" "Welcome to Warlock's and you can call me Warlock, all my friends do", the bartender laughed, "It sure is. You want a couple of shots. Where you stalkers from, what can you tell me?" Davydos looked around the bar as Warlock poured two shots. The Bard began regaling Warlock with his ghastly radioactive vodka experience, fight with demonic bats, and the ultimate destruction of his beloved lute, using it as a weapon. Bard continued enthusiastically, "Came into town. Now I got an A...K...47 and a guit..." Davydos cut in, nudging him, "You truly are some kind of good luck charm. Check it out. Two hot bokkies, and one is the rooikoppie you are desperate for" Davydos swung back to the bar, "Warlock, you know those to cherries there?" "Sure do. They're regulars" replied Warlock, a knowing tone in his voice, "Vera 'Viper' Volkov and her cousin Yulia 'Angel' Petrova. Viper's been adventuring in the Zone for a while, does well scavaging for artifacts. She persuaded her cousin to leave her dull, low-paid nursing job in the Big City to come to Zalissya. She's resident here, takes care of all the sick and wounded stalkers that come and go. " "I think you best give me that bottle," grinned Davydos, "I feel a big night coming on" "They're not the ladies I imagined," Warlock confided, "where I come from women wear the most gorgeous dresses, elegant and beautiful. But I suppose I should not have expected that. Nothing is elegant and beautiful in this hell-hole of a place". "Don't think I've ever heard anybody complain like you, Bard" laughed Davydos, "but hey, you know what they say - can't tell a book by it's cover - so let's get over there. See if you can work some of your magic on them" And with that, Davydos grabbed the bottle of brandy and sauntered across the bar, Bard in tow. "Zdorovo, ladies. Mind if we share the light? Hard to find a table in this place where the roof isn't leaking", Davydos greeted warmly, "and I come with brandy." Vera looked them up and down, her eyes icy. Bard smiled ... just smiled. Her eyes softened. "Sure, at least until the brandy bottle's dry" "I'm Davydos, but you can call me Davy", Davydos began re-filling their mugs, "this is Bard - forgive him - he can be a little weird, not from around here" The night passed in laughter, full of jokes and ourageous stories. The brandy flowed and the mood warmed - shifted - aided by the liquour, fueled by the live-by-the-moment ethos of the Zone. Davydos tipped the second bottle up, "Damn, dry again, shall I get ano..." Viper, arm draped over Bard's shoulder leaned in and murmured, "I've had enough to drink for one night, I think bed is calling us... me" she giggled. Bard drew her just a little closer, planted a wet kiss on her cheek, "I hear its call too". Yulia reached for Davydos's hand, "Shall we?" He squeezed gently, "Lead on, Angel" With a wave and "Schastlivo, Warlock!", they left the bar. "Now where to?" Davydos asked, cold night air filling his lungs, "I love a smoky bar, but the cold air sure feels good - even in the Zone" "I have an attic room I share with Vera when she's in Town", answered Yulia, "it's not far". Bard and Viper followed, the sound of their laughter stark contrast to the desolation of the high street. Their conversation drifted on the wind. Bard's subtle innuendo, hinting at what was to come matched by Viper's more direct confirmation of what she wanted. "Vera seems quite taken with Bard," commented Yulia, "it's good to hear. I think all the death around her out in the Zone takes it toll. No serious friendships, things just too fleeting." "Yeah, it's a hard life. Much like my time in the Bats and Recces.", Davydos shared, "You never know where the next deployment might take you and for how long, when a mission will be your last. A life not made for long-term relationships" "But for tonight we can pretend", Yulia's voice was soft, almot mournful. "Mmmm", Davydos squeezed her hand again, gently almost lovingly. Yulia threw open the door. "Here we are. It's not much but it's home" Yulia led them into the room. "Make yourself comfortable" "Wow, this is amazing, Yulia," Davydos sounded surprised, "such a warm and cozy place here in the Zone. I'd not have thought it possible. Yulia smiled, pleased, "I do my best. It's not what I imagined but the life here is actually good. One doesn't need much. And I know that my services are really needed and appreciated here" "Indeed, good ladies," almost sang Bard, "your lodgings may be frugal, but they sing of sanctuary, a place of rest and respite" Davydos just shook his head and smiled, oh my Bard, what a charmer. They peeled off the jackets, dropped equipement. Viper patted the mattress "What you waiting for ... a gilded invitation?" Yulia smiled at Davydos, almost shy, a little nervous. Davydos patted Bard on the shoulder, "See you in the morning, Boet" Yulia blew out the lamp. The sound of boots dropped, zippers sliding distrubed the silence of the dark room. Mattresses squeaked, blankets ruffled as they settled back. Soon the room was still but for the sound of murmured endearments, deepening breathing, and the muted sounds of pleasure. Until just the gentle sounds of sleep filled the room. All too soon arkness was replaced by the morning gloom. The stalkers awoke, began to contemplate the realities of life in The Zone. Davydos kissed Yulia, more tenderly than he'd anticipated when hoping to end the night with the blonde. "Angel, if only we could stay here, like this forever. Warm, cosy, and not anxious and fearful of whether mutants or worse are next up" "Mmmm", Yulia cupped his cheeks, "Davy, no promises, no commitments, but when you come back to town I hope you'll come to me again" "You can count on it, and I think I will need to buy ammo often", whispered Davy, drawing her closer, the kiss longer more passionate. "Enough of that, you two little lovebirds", Viper jumped out of bed, "it's time to get out of here, go hunt some artifacts. Get your arse out my bed, Bard!" Bard grumbled, "Must we, my little viper, can't we just..." "Stalkers ... never satisfied", but the laugh and smile didn't match the words. Now Davydos dressed quickly, prolonging would just be painful. "Back shorly Bard, I'll get my Bike" "Can I ride with you guys?" asked Viper. "Of course", Bard answered swiftly, big grin on his face. After a final hug, kiss, and whispered "Stay safe until next time" they rode out of Zalissya back into the The Zone.