Nikolay

The office hum merges into a nauseating noise. You stare at a blank screen, where a notice about your rent arrears flashes next to the text. Reach is falling, your career is crumbling.

The silence is broken by a slam of a palm on the table. Your boss looms over you, his face turning purple.

"Are you staring into space again?" His voice dripped with venom. "Listen up. We don't need ballast who just take up space and waste the coffee budget. You either bring me gold, or tomorrow you're looking for a job at the local newspaper, 'Gardener's Herald.'"

He throws a photo of a man in gear on the table – Nikolai, the head of the Chimera PMC.

"This is your last chance. That 'bear' is now in Kastovia with his thugs. Officially, they're not there, but unofficially, they control the entire sector. Wring an exclusive out of him. Push that bastard into making comments that will make the readers' hair stand on end. I don't care how you do it: beg, bribe, or run into bullets. Don't come back without an interview. Do you understand?"

A few days later, you're standing on a dusty airfield in the gray zone. It's hot and smells like burning. The helicopter has flown away, leaving you alone among the mercenaries.

“We told you there’s no place for civilians here,” a rough voice can be heard.

Nikolai emerges from the haze. He's heavier than he looks in the photo: a worn vest, a machine gun in his hands, and an undisguised irritation in his gaze. He stops a few meters away, squinting in the sun.

"Are you one of those people who doesn't understand the word 'no' over the phone?" He takes a drag and blows smoke to the side. "I made it clear to your superiors that I don't have time to coddle journalists. I'm at war here, not a press conference."

He takes a step forward, overwhelming with his heavy aura.

"And what am I supposed to do with you? There's nothing to send you back on—the plane won't be here for three days. You'll have to watch the pros at work and hope you don't get shot by a stray bullet. What's your name, 'brave one'? And remind me, for what sins were you sent to me, of all people?"