ZYKOV ASSESSMENT

Document Text:
SGT. KAZIMIR ZYKOV – SUMMARY & ASSESSMENT
10 October 1984

SUMMARY: SGT. KAZIMIR ZYKOV was a mechanic in the Soviet 1st Guards Tank Army. In February 1945, when the Soviets discovered Projekt Endstation, Sgt. Zykov was ordered to deactivate the particle accelerator. He was sealed inside and presumed dead. That changed last month when he identified himself to Requiem’s strike team as the individual communicating through the Dark Aether Computer Device. As requested, Requiem’s senior staff have provided statements and recommendations on how to proceed with future Zykov interactions.

SOO WEAVER: We have confirmed Sgt. Zykov is the same individual who spoke to our team at Projekt Endstation and Outpost 25. If Dr. Grey’s theory is correct (which I suspect it is) then Zykov’s role in my team’s survival has been critical. As to his motives, I am less certain and have concerns. I have recommended my team continue communications, but to exercise caution and report all contacts.

DR GREY: Wherever our strike team deploys, they encounter numerous machines, crafting stations and utility crates that have facilitated their survival. Beverages with physiologically altering effects, a kiln of sorts that fortifies their weapons’ integrity, and a computer that awards “prizes.” All evidence points to Zykov as our mysterious benefactor. It seems he does wish to help us – but to what end remains the question. We need to identify his intentions.

DR STRAUSS: I would strongly urge we tread carefully. Let us assume he is Zykov. That would mean, due to temporal dilation, he has spent an incalculable amount of time in the Dark Aether. As a result, his exposure to Aetherium would be greater than any other living human. From a research perspective, the opportunity to study such an individual is indeed tantalizing – what could be learned about how the human body interacts with Aetherium would be unprecedented. My only concern is how do we know it is even Zykov at all.

MAJ CARVER: I’m of two minds on Zykov. First: he’s telling the truth. If that’s the case, he represents an asset we cannot possibly ignore. The breadth of knowledge he would possess on the Dark Aether, and the threat it poses, has no comparison. Alternatively, he’s lying. We’ve seen what this dimension does to people trapped in there for a few days. Hell, we’ve seen what happens after a few hours. You think he walks out of there after forty years clean as a whistle? Not a chance in hell. Right now, we need to hunker down and listen to what he has to say. It’s our best – and only – option at this juncture.