Heaven's a Lie
by Andrew Bowering

The Zone has a certain surreal quality about it. It seems so detached from
reality, as if all of this is not happening. Everything about this cesspool
sickens me because it is so abnormal. When I get a rare break from the
ever-present dangers of this place, I sleep. The dreams I have are the
closest thing to
not being here. Every time I get to the best part of a dream, I suddenly
awaken
and realize that I am still in Hell.

It is early autumn and the vegetation is still green. This is very fortunate
because the only parka I own blends into the background very well. One
reason
I have survived this long in the Zone is my ability to not be seen. I am not
well armed and stealth has become my chief asset.

It's been almost three whole days since I last talked to a human. I'll watch
a few rival stalkers from long distance through binoculars occasionally, but
I
never interact with them at the risk of being shot. This is something that
continuously lingers in the back of my mind. Sometimes I actually wonder
what
dying would be like, but some animalistic programming in my brain manages to
keep me from experiencing it. The pain involved is unimaginable. Quick
deaths in
the Zone are a blessing for the recipient


A storm looms overhead in the distance. At least it looks like a storm. For
all I know it could be another anomaly mysteriously spawning more mutants.
After viewing that eerie sight, I know that these coming days going to stand
out
from all the rest.

I am Sergei Chernolov, a native Ukrainian. Serving my mandatory term in the
army and being raised as a hunter on the Steppes has made me bitter and
determined. My face is full of gritty stubble and my six foot, medium frame
is
feeling the burden of improper hygiene and perpetual sickness.

I knew about the Zone for quite awhile now, but it wasn't until recently
that
many people in my village set out to seek their fortunes. None of them
returned. Rumors circulated around that they become wealthy enough and
settled in a
different area. Dreaming of an opportunity for a new life, I wanted to do
the
same. I arrived in the Zone about six months ago. I lost track of the days
after the first month. Everything since then has been one life-threatening
experience after another. You quickly realize that time is irrelevant when
you're
running for your life.

There are virtually no opportunities to let my guard down, especially since
I
received my mission. I got the job from a guy simply known to everyone as
"The Dealer." This man is insane, he wears no protectional suits at all even
though the area is teeming with radiation. His only defense is a shotgun.
I'm very
surprised that someone has not killed him yet, especially considering the
amount of good men that he sent on suicide missions. I suppose it's just a
matter
of time before someone avenges the death of a fallen comrade.

The shrewd man gave me a devious proposition: go solo into the heart of the
Zone and recover a stockpile of artifacts that was lost during transport.
This
shipment seemed to be very important to The Dealer because he spoke with a
serious and grim tone. As a token to show he meant business, he handed me a
factory new Dragonov SVU rifle and some ammunition. As I was on my way out
there
door he informed me that I am the best man for the job and the reward is
great.
One thing that troubled me is that he also cackled: "If you come back
without
the goods, don't expect a pleasant reception."

After a peaceful sleep, I set out on my mission immediately at dawn. I'm
ridiculously weighted down with gear and as I pass through the valley that
everyone has named "The Entrance to Oblivion" I see that mysterious storm
again… the
same one that I saw the other day. It's on the horizon in the direction I'm
heading.

Despite the misgivings I have about this endeavor, I must continue. I'm in
debt to some of the local traders and they don't like to be kept waiting on
payments. I wonder which is more dangerous: the mutants or the men… I think
I'll
be finding out soon enough. Whatever happens along the way is worth it
because
I will have enough money from this job to pay back my debts and extra that
will make me fairly wealthy. No matter what dangers lay ahead, I will
survive.
I've made it this far and I won't throw away the best opportunity of my
life=