===============================================================================
0.0 ~ Table of Contents
===============================================================================
0.0 - Table of Contents
0.1 - Introduction
0.2 - Documents on the Eastern Spirit
0.3 - Documents on the Star of Sakhalin
0.4 - Version History
0.5 - Legal info, Credits, Contact Info, and Everything else
This file is basically a transcript of all the Documents you can find as you
play through the game, presented here for easier access.
These files can be seen within the game by pressing the - Select - Button and
then scrolling down to the Documents section in your sub-menu.
While there may be typos in the text below, in some cases they are intentional
as the in game text has a few typos within it.
There are 15 Documents on the Eastern Spirit, and 19 more on the Star of
Sakhalin drilling platform, for a grand total of 34 in game Documents.
Note: These document files contain spoilers, keep that in mind if you haven't
already played the game Cold Fear.
===============================================================================
0.2 ~ Documents on the Eastern Spirit
===============================================================================
=====================================
A note about ammunition conservation.
=====================================
General Order #16
Due to the platform's irregular supplies, we must
conserve our munitions and medkits as much as
possible. Therefore:
1) Live-ammo training is now suspended pending new
orders.
2) In a combat situation, it is vital that all soldiers look
to their downed comrades as potential sources of ammo
or medkits. In the same intrests of economy, use body
searches when really necessary.
3) Use the butt of your rifle in close combat situations:
this will enable you to gain the necessary distance to
adjust your aim.
4) Some of your opponents will attempt to immobilize
you. Do not simply empty your clips; strike out at them
to free yourself and shoot at point-blank range; this is
generally highly effective.
-Anischenko
==============================
A note about electrical boxes.
==============================
Certificate of Death
Name: Cpl. Y. Legai
Cause of Death: Electrocution
Details:
According to witnesses, Corporal Legai had misplaced
his electronic key while on duty. Unable to reach his
official post, he promptly fired at the electrical control
box on door 114, causing it to explode. Exposed live
wiring subsequently came into contact with a pool of
water on the floor. The door opened, however Cpl.
Legai was electrocuted.
No follow-up necessary
=======================
A note about the armory
=======================
General Order #12
Smoking in the armory is strictly forbidden. All types of
munitions are stored there, and some are particularly
unstable. Moreover, in our environment, there is a high
probability of corrosion which makes the handling of
ammunition an even more delicate issue. You are
reminded that our facilities for dealing with serious
injury are extremely limited.
-Anischenko
===========================
A page from Yusupov's diary
===========================
Our first encounters with the creatures we now call the
exocels came roughly two months after drilling
commenced on the Star of Sakhalin platform. In fact, I
was already familiar with this platform: we used to use
it as a port of call when patrolling these hostile waters,
and I was determined it would again be deployed as
part of our international operations. Whilst drilling had
effectively stopped some years before, this was not
because the rig was unprofitable - quite the contrary! -
it was because the spare parts often needed were
simply never delivered. The Russian state's private
partners grew weary of the whole affair. All I had to do
was wait a couple of years to repurchase it for scrap! At
first the Cartel was skeptical about the new
operation's success, and I made the necessary
investments for its recommissioning myself. The
communication jammer, the plans for which had been
provided by former Red Army brain Sergei Autarian,
was remarkably effective: as far as international "ears"
were concerned, whether listening in on earth or from
space, there was nothing there but inhospitable ocean
and the odd iceberg.
For the first 25 days, drilling was successful, as
expected. And then, even though our sonars confirmed
the presence of a huge oil reserve, the pressure started
to drop... Suddenly the drill brought up several exocels
that Anischenko and his men had great difficulty in
overcoming. Two days later, we noticed more
specimens crawling up the platform's columns. I
immediately gave Anischenko orders to capture some of
them. That's when I saw my first contamination.
====================
A note about barrels
====================
Colonel:
The standard regulations for storage of explosive
chemicals are not being followed, neither on our supply
ships nor on the drilling platform itself. I have even
seen barrels laying about that are not tied down! I ask
you to exercise your authority to remedy this situation.
I know that these barrels can be extremely effective
against our enemies, therefore, even if it means using
them as weapons, I would prefer to decide on their
positions with you. I will ensure that my men use them
wisely.
-Anischenko
==============================
A page from Dr. Kamsky's diary
==============================
Notes on Exocel Infection
We have deliberately infected and observed over 300
subjects, including dogs, apes, orcas and human
beings. Those subjects have been placed under
permanent biometric surveillance and dissected to
accurately chart the growth of the exocel organism and
help us learn how to control the process.
Infection and Change
The time it takes an infected individual to mutate
depends on two factors: how long it takes the exocel to
get a tendril into the victim's brain, and the infected
body's natural resistance. At present, we have no way
of knowing how long the complete process takes for a
given individual, since body mass, height and age seem
to be of little importance. Any individual infected by an
exocel should thus be given the antidote as quickly as
possible. If no antidote is available, the host's brain
must be destroyed, and I mean destroyed, to prevent
the subject from becoming an active, and potentially
contaminating host. Indeed, the exocel seems to be
able to re-animate a brain that has been clinically dead
for several days.
===============================
A note about fire extinguishers
===============================
General Order #6
All soldiers are to be extremely cautious in exchanging
gunfire in rooms containing fire extinguishers. These
devices contain highly compressed gas which can cause
explosions. You will be held responsible for any
damage you cause to the ship or to your comrades.
-Anischenko
================================
A note about the red fuel valves
================================
To: Major Anischenko
From: G. Gourov
Re: Red Valves
Major, it has come to our attention that some of your
men have been playing at shooting the red valves off the
fuel pipes. Not only does this lead to lengthy,
dangerous, and costly repairs, it also causes a jet of
burning gas to burst from the broken valve. Two
technicians have already been badly injured as a result.
Please order your men to cease this immediately.
=========================
A letter about the spears
=========================
From: Dr. Pavel Bakharev
To: Colonel Dmitriy Yusupov
Re: Exprimental Speargun
As per your request, here is a manual on how the
speargun weapon works. Please note that these are
still experimental devices, and should only be used in
the greatest of emergencies. Also bear in mind that the
production of the spears is complex and costly; they
must be used for their intended purpse, not as
ammunition against the creatures.
The spears give off an enzymatic gas which attracts the
contaminated organisms. When released by impact,
the exocel is fooled into thinking there is a large source
of protein nearby. The effect lasts until the enzyme
vapor dissipates. At the moment, we cannot sustain the
vapor for more than a few seconds.
I will keep you informed of our latest progress.
-Pavel Bakharev
===============
Yusupov's diary
===============
I often wondered what really convinced Kamsky to
work for me: the well-being of his beloved daughter, or
the first poor-quality shots of the exocel I showed him. I
recall his first encounter with this strange creature: he
seemed both horrified and fascinated. However, when
one was turned loose on a caged dog, it was his
fascination that clearly got the upper hand.
He immediately recognized the exocel's tremendous
potential, but, ever the cunning negotiator, claimed he
no longer had the intellectual or physical resources to
accept such an undertaking (he who had given so much
to an army he persisted in referring to as Soviet).
However, when I mentioned the amount of "funding"
my partners were prepared to grant, I sensed he was
not so "weary". When I added that his daughter was
already on her way to join him on the Star of Sakhalin,
that was the end of it! He immediately agreed to stay
on the platform and supervise the installation and
research.
As I had expected, Kamsky quickly assured me that the
exocel had military potential, but he feared it was
uncontrollable. With Bakharev's help (I was initially
very wary when the Cartel imposed him on me, but he
soon turned out to be a valuable asset), his first task
was to develop an antidote (protecting yourself from
your own weapons is an old, often life-saving instinct).
The first strains met with failure, but one of them
produced unexpected results: the monsters were drawn
to the gases given off. Bakharev was the one who built
the first prototypes of the compressed air speargun.
Obviously, the effect on the creatures is limited: only
those within a radius of less than 20 meters from the
spear are attracted, and the effect is temporary, but the
results are promising. I shall make the most of our last
little trip to present the lastest version to the Cartel.
Given the latest advances, production of these devices
would seem quite feasible.
I hope that, unlike the last consignment, the
"specimens" will be ready and in good condition.
Kamsky has been insistent about this. When I think
that barely nine months ago, he was unwilling to
experiment on humans!
That Anna has all the fury of a real Russian woman! In
fact, I have been forced to lock her up in one of the holds
on the main deck.
The Cartel is growing impatient: the results promised
by Kamsky's early reports are a long time coming. And
yet, we have installed new, fully re-equipped laboratory
facilities, and additional scientists have been
"convinced" to participate in the research.
Kamsky is becoming less cooperative; I get the
impression he is hiding something from us. But I am
sure he would have mentioned any major breakthrough.
No, it must be something more personal.
When we carried out our initial experiments on
monkeys, dogs, then whales, despite the dangers and
the loss of some of Anischenko's mercenaries, I sensed
Kamsky's enthusiasm through his lively discussions
with Bakharev. Then we started on humans, of which
the Cartel seemed to have an inexhaustible supply. The
first forced contamination was the toughest for
Kamsky. After that, he gradually got used to it, and I
would even surprise him at night observing the exocels.
In any case, the Cartel has no scruples about this. Their
investments run to tens of millions of dollars.
Bakharev's prototypes alone come in at 150,000
dollars apiece!
And so when Anischenko told me what he had
discovered by pirating Kamsky's laptop, I could have
killed him!
That is why I have taken Anna aside: she's the last ace
up my sleeve, and I will kill her without the slightest
hesitation
============================
A letter to Anna from Kamsky
============================
My Dearest Anna:
I have tried many times to write this letter, but always
I have failed. I want to tell you how sorry I am for the
way in which my work has affected your life. Since your
mother died, I have put you through hell: endless
moving, harsh tutors, remote boarding schools...
However, you know how much my work means to me,
especially since our arrival on the Star of Sakhalin. I
realize I have never given you a normal childhood, but
trust me, I will give you an extraordinary life.
I love you very much.
Papa
================================
A note about the pumping station
================================
Attention: Maintenance crew
Maintenance work on the pumping system scheduled
for December 14th has been moved back to December
18th due to delays in getting replacement filters. Since
the risk of flooding is increased, you are advised
against storing any munitions or weapons in rooms
whose doors could be blocked by pressure.
-Anischenko
======================
A page about mutations
======================
Mutation Notes:
One of the immediate effects of infestation by one or
more exocels is that the host body's biological
organization and morphology begin to change to suit the
parasite's needs. Subjects no longer require sleep, and
their higher cerebral functions are reinforced. As their
flesh is gradually devoured by the exocel, their skin
changes color and strange bulges appear which
sometimes rip the skin.
Infestation also triggers major physical modifications in
the host, undoubtedly to better protect the hosts, as
their bodies become incredibly strong and resistant to
damage. Similar to the mechanism observed in cancer,
infestation entails a multiplication of cells and a
spectacular increase in the volume of muscles.
Mutation effects begin almost immediately upon
infection. The first clinical signs of mutagenic change
occur from within 3 minutes to just over 2 hours, with
the average effects occuring after 26 minutes.
One third of all subjects demonstrated an additional
form of mutation. These specimens develop tendrils,
mainly on the upper chest, on the shoulders and on the
back of the neck. These tendrils appear to function
independently of the body to which they are attached,
and to have their own center of locomotion. Upon
dissection they were found to contain sensory organs,
primarily related to smell and hearing. In some
specimens, these tendrils were rudimentary and barely
reached one inch in length. In others they were more
fully developed, up to over a foot long.
========================================
A letter from Yusupov about the antidote
========================================
Gentlemen:
I am delighted to inform you that Dr. Bakharev has
succeeded in producing an effective antidote, provided it
is administered soon after infestation begins. Indeed, it
only works if a tendril has not reached the victim's
brain. According to Dr. Bakharev, the antidote
encourages the secretion of a particular enzyme along
the spinal column that is lethal to the exocel.
However, once the tendril gets into the victim's brain,
the antidote is powerless. In parallel, Dr. Kamsky is
researching how to limit the exocel's growth, and thus
block the tendril's development. Dr. Kamsky has
assured me there will be significant results in the next
three months, provided he receives new specimens.
-Dmitriy
===============================================================================
0.3 ~ Documents on the Star of Sakhalin
===============================================================================
=============================
A note about the retinal scan
=============================
General Order #22
The magnetic field control room is now off limits to all
unauthorized personnel. The new security system in
place incorperates a retinal scan lock. As of this
moment, only Colonel Yusupov and myself are cleared
for entry.
-Anischenko
=====================
A letter from Yusupov
=====================
Gentlemen:
The first phase of the operation has been partially
successful. Dr. Kamsky and his associates have
succeeded in producing powerful, efficacious and
dangerous beings that can only be considered
monsters. The injection of a partial antidote prior to
forced contamination has given excellent results. Many
of these things die quickly, but we have managed to
produce creatures that are impervious to bullets,
immeasurably stronger than our finest soldiers, and
even partly invisible. The possibilities are endless.
Sadly, we have not yet perfected a process by which
these monsters can be controlled. This is now our key
priority. Dr. Bakharev's enzyme gas is most promising
in this respect.
I am sure you are able to understand that we need a
little more time.
Dmitriy
==============================
A page from Dr. Kamsky's diary
==============================
Scientific classification of the exocel is impossible
because we have never seen anything like it before. It is
as if some alien creature had crawled up from the
depths, or some prehistoric survivor of ages long gone
had awoken for reasons yet unknown.
DNA testing on the multiple specimens indicates
certain similarities to various arthropods, but the link
is tenuous at best. Traces of other DNA, including
mammalian, have also been found, but the results have
been maddeningly inconsistent. Bakharev has advanced
the notion that they are merely some sort of deep-sea
creature affected by the former government's practice
of dumping its nuclear waste at a nearby deepwater
site. Yusupov takes such thoughts very seriously, and I
have often found him examining maps of the area with
which he claims to be familiar, having spent part of his
career there. Perhaps he knows things that I do not.
What we do know is this: exocels are perfectly adapted
to underwater life, capable of resisting enormous - and
varying degrees - of pressure. Not like us wretched
humans.
===================================
A letter to Anischenko from Yusupov
===================================
Yuri:
Congratulations on your assignment to the Star of
Sakhalin. You know how much faith I have in you since
our shared posting in Afghanistan. In recent years, you
have been a valuable part of our organization, always
making the right decisions faced with our many
problems. The Cartel recently informed me of its
complete satisfaction. I must stress that this new
assignment is potentially more dangerous than
previous undertakings. Obviously, your compensation
and funding will be commensurate to the risks run. The
orders are straightforward: Guard the platform against
any and all intruders. The Star of Sakhalin is
radar-jammed (RS1004 JACKS), which should make
matters easier. Do not hesitate to "encourage" the
scientists to work faster. The sooner they get it done,
the sooner you will receive your payment. I know you
do not like having women (and Anna IS a women)
interfere in your work, but I have no choice in the
matter. When all this is finished, Boris' finest vodka is
on me.
-Dmitriy
=============================
A note about the flamethrower
=============================
General Order #26
Practical flamethrower training will be given on the
cargo dock tomorrow at 1400 hours. This training is
designed to familiarize you with the use of this weapon.
One of the basic recommendations is to take great care
when using the flamethrower outdoors: the wind can
deviate the flame, making it turn back on you. All
military personnel are required to attend.
-Anischenko
================================
A note about the magnetic jammer
================================
The RS1004 JACKS (Jammer and Communications
Killing System) operates by emitting a continuously
modulated spectrum of white noise on all radio
frequencies. This prevents any interception of internal
communication.
The system also constantly scans for any signs of radar
surveillance. When communication with the outside is
deemed necessary and if the surveillance verification
tests negative, a window is opened and communication
is enabled.
Thus far, the JACKS has proved to be perfectly efficient.
=====================================
A note from Anischenko about Bakharev
=====================================
Security Dossier:
Bakharev, Dr. Pavel
Security Clearance: Blue
Profile:
I have had a chance to check Bakharev's details.
Nothing leads us to conclude that he is not what he
claims to be. Dr. Kamsky has left me in no doubt as to
his scientific merit, Bakharev is reputed to be an expert
scientist. The fact that Bakharev knows Kamsky's
daughter is quite fortuitous. In the biotechnology field,
it is well known that Bakharev holds Dr. Kamsky in
very high esteem. In this respect, he is not unlike many
other specialists in the field. Bakharev also did most of
the recruiting of the additional scientists. His contacts
with the Cartel are indirect. Consequently, I do not
believe that he is a spy working for them.
Please destroy after reading.
Anischenko
================================
A note about the magnetic jammer
================================
WARNING: Important information for optimum
RS1004 JACKS operation
For security reasons, three generators are used to
maintain the system's operational status: one
generator connected to the platform's main power grid,
and two standalone generators. Even in the event of a
general failure, the jammer thus remains functional.
The system will fail to operate only if all three
generators are disconnected or destroyed.
==============================
A page from Dr. Kamsky's diary
==============================
Certain specimens have manifested a form of
asymmetrical development. In these cases, the exocel
produced mutations that were particularly resilient,
powerful and aggressive. Their skins grow so thick and
resistant that they become imprevious to the hardest
blows, and even to gunfire. However, certain body
parts of individuals who had undergone this type of
mutation continued to react normally to wounds: this
mostly concerns the upper limbs, which become
particularly developed. Repeated blows to these body
parts were shown to be fatal. In addition, these
specimens react strangely to bait spears: they become
hysterical and seek to destroy them at all costs.
============================
A report about contamination
============================
One of the reasons the exocels may have previously
escaped detection is that they demonstrate an
occasional ability to blend in with their environment. In
at least one test subject, 14-02, we have managed to
amplify this phenomenon after blocking the
contamination process and extracting the exocel. The
subject quite literally became invisible, whereas
infrared-enhanced viewing clearly confirmed its
presence. Otherwise, only a faint ripple or disturbance
could be seen when it moved. What fantastic uses could
be made of this!
Exocel behavior is quite simplistic. The extremity of
their tendril is lined with millimetric fangs that sink
into their victim's skin. The exocel uses them to pump
the victim's blood, thereby weakening him. This
renders the victim vulnerable to contamination since
exocels are only able to infest a host that is either weak
or unconscious. Afterward, they enter the body through
the mouth. In some cases, they have been observed
infesting dead bodies, though this activity seems to be
limited to corpses that have not suffered significant
structural damage or undergone extensive
decomposition.
Contaminated human hosts, alive or dead, are
immediately driven by the exocel's urges to seek and
destroy warm-blooded life. This serves two purposes: it
feeds the exocel's hosts, who frequently engage in acts
of cannibalism, and provides new potential hosts for
other exocels. The mutations induced in their hosts
require tremendous amounts of protein, which means
that the hosts are constantly seeking fresh prey.
The secondary phase of exocel life, what we now call
the "tumorous" phase in the which the exocels become
"breeders", is extraordinarily difficult to destroy, even
though condemned to immobility. Only fire can
effectively destory these forms of exocel. The "breeder"
produces "contaminators" at a still undetermined rate.
The link between the "contaminators" and their
"breeders" remains a mystery, although it seems a
contaminator will fight to the death to protect its
"parent".
=================
A memo to Yusupov
=================
To: Col. Dmitriy Yusupov
Re: Platform Readiness
Subject: Progress of platform operations
All drilling operations have ceased. The laboratory
facilities are now operational and have been equipped
according to Dr. Kamsky's instructions: confinement
cells, decontamination chambers, scanners and
scanning electron microscopes. The first specimens are
onboard and the 20 scientists I have recruited at your
request will be here on Thursday. Anischenko has
enabled the communication jamming system, and all
drilling crew members have been evacuated (those
aware of the presence of exocels have been "dealt with
seperately"). Work can now get underway.
========================
A page about experiments
========================
We have observed that electric discharges have no
effect on the exocels' neuronal network. However, once
the exocel has taken control of a body, both the exocel
and its host are vulnerable to any source of electricity.
In fact, prolonged exposure to a strong electric charge
results in death.
As a precaution, we have electrified the floors in the
experimental chamber. This system is only to be used in
case of an extreme emergency.
===============================================
A page from Bakharev's diary about the antidote
===============================================
It seems plain to me now that the key to preventing the
exocel from taking complete and fatal control over its
host lies in blocking the penetration of the creature's
tendril into the victim's brain. If the brain could be
stimulated to produce some sort of enzyme toxic to the
exocel, it would kill the creature, effectively putting a
stop to the infection.
Some progress has been made in stimulating the
production of autolytic enzymes, which have proven to
be extremely toxic in relation to the exocel, in some
cases completely liquefying it. My hope is that if these
enzymes could be created much more quickly, they
might liquefy an exocel inside a host body, causing it to
dissolve and be flushed out naturally.
Kamsky has suggested a slight change of method. He
proposes a more measured level of stimulation with a
view of obtaining a slower, more progressive
production of enzymes in order to observe the host's
mutations in detail. I fail to understand his objectives,
but he insists we need this information.
==============================
A page from Dr. Kamsky's diary
==============================
I can't help thinking that these creatures have great
potential. If we could learn how to reproduce and
harness the way they alter their hosts, the results could
be decisive. Yusupov wants me to create beasts, things
that can be used to kill. He fails to see how we could
use the exocels to improve life!
Nevertheless, he has Anna, and thus I am forced to
obey - at least for now. I have been merging exocels
with subjects - Yusupov has forced me to use humans
lately - and then trying to guide the mutations that
result. I've made some monsters for Yusupov. Let us
see what I can make for myself.
====================================
A report about the exocel life cycle
====================================
Official report on the exocel's life cycle and
reproduction
Dr. V. Kamsky and Dr. P. Bakharev
Extracts:
There are two main phases to the exocel life cycle:
reproduction and contamination.
To reproduce, the exocel transforms itself into what we
now call "breeders": stationary, organic structures of
potentially considerable size, basically shapeless and
particularly repulsive in appearance. When the exocels
enter this phase, they find a safe, isolated location,
usually high up, attach themselves firmly to it with their
tendrils, and immediately start growing. The breeder
starts hatching out new "contaminators" within 24
hours through an asexual "budding" process..
Contaminators are small, fast and highly mobile. When
attacked, they curl up into what could be called a fetal
position, exposing a hard external shell, but which is
quite soft and vulnerable on the inside. Their "mission"
is to find a host, infect it parasitically, and feed on it
from the inside. It may need to repeat the process
several times, but eventually this produces an adult,
mature exocel, ready to settle down as a breeder and
start producing more contaminators.
Physically speaking, contaminators are weak. As a
result, they can only contaminate dead, dying or
weakened hosts. Healthy, strong organisms can easily
fight them off. This explains why "hungry" exocels seek
to weaken their prey before contaminating it. Once the
exocel has integrated its host - and up to 7 can share a
single host - it effectively takes control of it by sending
"tendrils" up into the host's brain. Thus, to permanently
eliminate an infected host, its brain must be destroyed.
In fact, the host's other body parts are all but
indestructible: muscle mass increases at a spectacular
rate, and bruised or injured tissue heals almost immediately.
As Prof. Nicolai Kastagnev explained during our last
encounter, this process requires large amounts of
protein. Human protein is naturally preferred, since it
will be building human cells. As a precaution, the
contaminators also shut down their host's higher brain
functions, essentially switching off the host's
personality. The body is left to defend itself and find
food. Moreover, it seems that during a more advanced
stage in the mutation process, the contaminators
reactivate certain of their host's intellectual functions,
turning them to their advantage to perceive space, use
tools and even devise and communicate strategies. One
of the main benefits of this is to facilitate the search
for new, potential hosts by attacking, wounding and killing
other healthy humans.
As indicated above, even bodies that are dead, but in
otherwise good condition, can be "re-animated" by the
exocels, which energize the host's nervous and
muscular systems. The tendril in the brain turns the
corpse into an extension of the exocel's body in a sort of
monstrous symbiosis. Bodies frozen for months or even
years could conceivably be used in this fashion by the
contaminators.
At a certain stage in the mutation, which varies
according to individual hosts, the process is reversed:
the contaminators escape from the host's body, which
enters a state of rapid putrefaction. The same occurs
when an exocel is forcibly extracted from a body,
usually by destroying the host's brain or by burning it
entirely.
Whilst we are learning more each day, our results are
already highly promising. Obviously, the next stage is
to control the whole process to obtain what we are all
striving for. We remain confident.
-Viktor
================
A scientific log
================
Experimental Log - Subject Series G3
Experimental subject G3-01
Control subject (B. Cardunev). Was sedated then
deliberately infected (forced ingestion). Received no
antidote. Showed first signs of metamorphosis within
20 minutes. Base phase of metamorphosis complete
within two hours. Symptoms: increased muscle mass,
regeneration of tissues after injury, modification of
internal organs, excessive hunger for protein,
shutdown of all higher brain functions.
Experimental Subject G3-02
Control subject (S. Fratiniev). No contamination.
Received 20 mls of serum A9. Side effect: mild thoracic
skin rash.
Experimental Subject G3-03
Test subject (G. Petrov). Killed himself by repeatedly
bashing his head against the bars of his cell once
infected. No data collected.
Experimental Subject G3-04
(B. Vidaleiev). Subject was sedated and then
contaminated by forced ingestion. Received 20mls of
serum A9b. Visible mutations after 14 minutes, but did
not continue along expected track: mutation continued
in asymmetrical pattern, causing disproportionate
development of the upper left limb. The contaminating
agent seems to have infected this limb and multiplied
within it. Subject's entire body showed great
resistance, including exposure to fire. Only the left arm
showed any signs of vulnerability. Subject destroyed
after 15 days of observation: risk too great.
Experimental Subject G3-05
(B. Carrayan). Subject was injected with 20 mls of
serum A9, then put down. Subject was infected
posthumously. Exocel demonstrated its ability to
re-vivify corpses in otherwise good condition. Serum
had no apparent effect.
Experimental Subject G3-06
(H.Abbash). Subject was sedated then contaminated
by forced ingestion. Injections: 10 mls of serum A9b
and 10 mls of A10 (neurotransmitter blocker). Onset
of mutations was delayed for 9 hours, 32 minutes,
improved regenerative properties, pigmentation
alteration of skin and eyes, reduced higher brain
activity, especially cognitive functions.
Dissection revealed a tendril along the spinal column,
but in a deteriorated form.
This could be the breakthrough we are looking for!
====================================
A note about the yellow steam valves
====================================
To: Major Anischenko
From: Maintenance unit
Re: Yellow valves
Major, while I appreciate the fact that your men have
effectively ceased vandalizing the red fuel pipe valves, I
am most disappointed to learn that they have now
turned their targets to the yellow steam pipe valves.
These are, if anything, even more dangerous and
troublesome to repair. I realize that labor costs are not
an issue here, however, I would prefer our men to
serve the intrests of Kamsky's experiments rather
than being burned to death by jets of hot vapor.
Furthermore, the scientists run the risk of an accident
at any moment.
Thank you.
============================
A letter from Kamsky to Anna
============================
My dearest Anna:
What I promised you in my last letter is now coming
about. The power within me is greater than what I
imaged in my wildest dreams. Still, I have the
impression that my metamorphosis is not yet complete.
My arms are continuing to develop. Soon, whoever
approaches me will have to suffer the consequences of
my furious anger. Anna, at last I have found what I've
been looking for: an appointment with immortality.
Come with me Anna, it's the most beautiful of all
Kingdoms. I have built it for you... Anna, my dear
daughter... I feel so strong... I must destroy the
antidote... I don't want to go back to where I came
from...
===========================
Pages from Bakharev's diary
===========================
October 16
We have obtained excellent results with the latest
strain of Viktor's serums. However, while they are
preventing the exocels from killing their hosts, the poor
souls continue to undergo hideous and painful
mutations. The serum also seems to speed up certain
phases of the process. What we are creating here can
only be called monsters.
October 19
One of the experimental subjects is driving me mad. I
don't understand why Viktor insists on keeping his
failures. This thing is constantly bellowing, and
climbing the walls and ceiling of its cell. It is a good
thing that it hates the light, otherwise it would be
virtually uncontrollable. But the shouting - it goes on
all night. The sound of it chills my blood.
October 20
It stared at me all day in the lab. I could feel its eyes on
me everywhere I went. A. Carrev and L. Bartolovich
have noticed my fear of it. Why won't Viktor destroy it?
October 21
Today I caught that damnable creature trying to take
apart its cell. I swear it started smiling at me when I
saw it. I forced it back into a corner with a strong light
before fetching a technician, M. Pirev, to repair the
damage. It howled the entire time, as if to let me know
that someday it will come for me.
October 22
It has apparently acquired new powers. I spent all day
watching it, and to my horror I discovered that its
howling made all the lights in the entire scientific
module go out. Fortunately, the power was quickly
re-established, but it gave that hideous scream and the
lights died again. I tried talking to Viktor about it, but
he would have none of it.
October 23
Today we infected the last of the prisoners Yusupov had
brought in for use as test subjects. Kamsky used an
additional 20 centiliters of serum A4-12, but the
results look the same - uncontrolled asymmetrical
mutation. I think these test subjects will be put down.
A. Briclov and B. Delbosky will do the necessary, as
usual.
Viktor is furious. Like me, he feels that we are on the
verge of a breakthrough, and that only a few more
subjects are needed. Whilst I do not feel remorse, my
sleep is haunted by terrible nightmares. Even if the test
subjects are dangerous criminals, they deserve better
than this. I will be glad to go back to working on apes
and other lesser creatures.
October 29
One of Anischenko's men went missing today.
November 1
An experimental specimen vanished this morning. I do
not mean that it escaped - it vanished. All that could be
seen was a slight disturbance in the air, like some sort
of heat mist. It is terrifying to think of the powers that
we may be unleashing here.
November 2
We have established beyond all doubt that the missing
specimen is still in its containment cell. Its aggression
and insanity must have a reached a threshold, after which
it started bashing itself against the walls of its
confinement in an attempt to escape. When it struck
hard enough to injure itself, it faded into view for a
moment and tried to escape. Clearly, injury renders it
visible. Is this its last trace of humanity?
November 3
We have taken to filling this specimen's chamber with
a fine mist, which eneables us to better observe it. Its
appearance is most strange. Death no longer seems to
be at work.
November 4
Two more guards, A. Barrov et B. Martinev, have
disappeared. Anischenko is accusing anyone and
everyone. Viktor is strangely calm, arguing that they
probably got drunk and fell overboard. This is plausible
- these mercenaries crave only their weapons, alcohol
and sex. And yet... Viktor's lack of concern is disquieting.
I wish I could believe him.
November 10
When I came into the lab in the morning, it was clear
that someone had been working there all night. I
immediately suspected C. Combiev et D. Fernendenko,
two assistants I don't trust. I asked Viktor about it and
he said I was imagining things, that I had been working
too hard. He was the last person here in whom I kept a
little trust. I often think of my university friend D.
Florianov; I should have taken his advice... but it's too
late now.
November 16
Yusupov left today aboard the whaling ship. He claimed
he was going with Lubenski to make sure they get some
good specimens for the lab. I think he just wants to get
away from Viktor. At first, Yusupov had to use Anna as
a hostage to get Viktor to work for him. But now,
Kamsky is more enthusiastic about it than Yusupov. It
is a strange reversal of roles.
Anna also went along, of course. I find myself fearing
for her safety. But perhaps she is safer with Colonel
Dimitri Yusupov than she is here.
November 20
Another mercenary, F. Pierrov, has vanished.
Anischenko is beside himself with anger. He blames
American spies: an old habit.
November 24
One of the exocel containment chambers is empty: we
are now all in terrible danger. Viktor seems
unconcerned, claiming that the creature died so he
threw it overboard. I was furious. I told Viktor that if
one of the creatures dies, we have a scientific duty to
study it to find out why. Two other researchers, O.
Floretsky and J. Lorenev, agreed with me. But Viktor
replied by saying he had learned all he wanted from
that specimen.
He also said that he had come up with a solution to the
problem of not having what he called "appropriate"
subjects. He would say no more on the subject,
however, telling me that I should not worry myself with
such details, especially when the work on the antidote
was going so well.
December 1
Two more mercenaries, A. Delbev and T. Dessaiev, are
missing. Anischenko is preparing for an assault. He
reckons there must be a breach in the magnetic
jamming. I think he is barking up the wrong tree.
December 3
We established radio contact with the whaler today. A
storm is moving in, making communication very
difficult, however I'm sure I heard them say they
thought there were exocels on board. I felt my blood go
cold. Anischenko gave them orders to turn back, but
there was no reply. They have not responded to any of
our calls since. I surprised myself praying for the souls
of those onboard, especially for Anna, whose only
misdeed is being the daughter of her father.
December 4
Today is a day of calamity! Viktor has vanished! His
notebooks are missing, as is his laptop. The samples of
serum and antidote we were working on? Gone too!
Perhaps he has gone mad and thrown himself into the
sea, unable to bear the things he has done.
Personally, I don't think so.
I am convinced he has decided to experiment upon
himself, and that he is hiding somewhere, awaiting
metamorphosis. He often said that his ultimate
objective was to arrest the "exocel" process. He said it
would be a tremendous feat to harness the creature's
power, mutations and subsequent changes of
personality. If I ever set eyes on him again, I do not
think I will recognize him. Hopefully, all this is a bad
dream. God help us all if he has succeeded.
December 5
Still no word from the whaler. Still no sign of Viktor.
And today, someone released the last remaining
specimens from the laboratory. They are now roaming
all over the platform, and the exocels are breeding like
wildfire. Anischenko has barricaded himself in with his
men, but it is useless. I await certain death.
Viktor, what have you done?
This time, I was very nearly done for... I am going to
take refuge in the sick bay... As far as I'm aware, there
have been no attacks there...
I am taking the last prototype and a dose of antidote... I
know there are others in Kamsky's lab, but I can't bring
myself to go there...
Anna will come looking for me. Please hurry Anna, I'm
afraid there may not be much left of me by the time
you get here!
The two helicopter pilots, C. Lekachev and J.B.
Beletsky, have been killed. Anna is now the only one
who can save me...
===============================================================================
0.4 ~ Version History
