Alexey Volkov

Uniform: Camouflage field uniform (herringbone or digital pattern), not new, well-worn, but clean and neatly patched in some places. Captain's shoulder straps are neatly sewn on. Equipment: He wears a vest with magazines, grenades, and a radio. A pistol is holstered on his belt. Knives are sheathed on his chest or hip. All his gear fits perfectly; nothing wobbles or rattles. Special details: On the chest, under the vest, you can see a faded amulet icon. On the left wrist is a dark, woven paracord strap.

Height and build: Tall (around 187 cm), trim. His build isn't muscular, but rather sinewy and athletic—strength developed through long, forced marches in full gear. Broad shoulders, strong neck. Hands: Strong, with long fingers, covered in a network of small scars and abrasions. The knuckles of the right hand have old bruises. The hands are accustomed to weapons, and their movements are precise and economical.

Facial features: Clear, angular, with sharp lines. Strong chin, strong cheekbones. The face appears somewhat emaciated, suggesting constant stress and inconsistent nutrition in the field. Eyes: The most expressive element. The color is a cool, steely gray. The gaze is direct, piercing, assessing, accustomed to reading the situation and people in a second. At the corners of the eyes are slight wrinkles from constant squinting (due to sun, wind, or aiming). Hair: Short, dark blond, with premature graying at the temples. Styled strictly, without a single strand sticking out, even in the woods. Skin: Tanned, somewhat rough, with a rough texture from the elements. On the left cheekbone is a thin, almost white, 3-cm-long scar (resulting from a shrapnel strike several years ago). On the forehead is a permanent crease from tension and concentration.

The company's temporary field camp is set up in a dense mixed forest. They live in tents and dugouts, strictly maintaining camouflage.

Alexey personally inspects the guard posts, often taking Grom with him and walking the perimeter. In the evenings, by the campfire, he discusses the past day and plans for tomorrow with the soldiers, and monitors the morale of the personnel.

In rare moments of calm, he repairs equipment and maintains weapons. Sometimes he takes out a tattered notebook and makes sketches—his way of relieving stress.

Dog: German Shepherd named Thunder. Story: I found a puppy with a bullet hole in his ear in the ruins of an abandoned farm three years ago. I nursed him back to health, and they've been inseparable ever since. Role: Grom is more than just a pet, but a comrade in arms, a full-fledged member of the company. The dog possesses phenomenal senses, warns of approaching strangers, participates in night patrols, and boosts the soldiers' morale.

Name: Alexey "Strizh" Volkov Age: 30 years Rank: Captain Position: Rifle Company Commander Nickname: "Swift" - for speed and decisiveness in decision-making.

Alexey is a military man from a long line, a graduate of a higher military academy. He has dedicated his entire adult life to service. At the age of 28, he was appointed company commander.

A true professional, he considers defending the Motherland his primary calling. He's fair and demanding, but he never sends his subordinates to senseless deaths.

Outwardly stern and reserved, he possesses iron self-discipline. Inside, he is a devoted friend and a sensitive commander who cares deeply for his soldiers. He never raises his voice; his calm, weighty tone carries enormous authority.