<div align="center"><em><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;">Welcome to The Zone...</span></strong></em></div><br/>The Zone. A dangerous and hospitable place. Also known as the 'Zone of Alienation' or the 'Exclusion Zone', this region is a sixty-five kilometer wide area that was contained around the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) following 1986. What occurred there was one of the worst nuclear disasters of all time, when reactor number four went into meltdown and destroyed the outer shell of the plant, causing widespread radiation and death across Europe. This 'Zone' has been kept protected and bordered by the Ukranian authorities, but due to the radical decrease in human presence, wildlife has flourished and now it seems to be slowly reclaimed by nature.<br/><br/>Now however the prospect of finding lucrative loot and treasure hunting has led a large surge of opportunists sneaking into The Zone, despite the military's efforts. Not too mention the rumors that persisted of top secret experiments being performed in blackout bunkers and facilities throughout area surrounding Chernobyl and the city of Pripyat.<br/><br/>Still despite these threats that didn't stop people from trying to make a quick buck or two in the chaos. Smuggling in goods and equipment for certain factions now created in The Zone could prove to be lucrative...if you were good or were knowledgeable about what dangers lurked in the shadows, or even in the air.<br/><br/><div align="center">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><br/>In a small dilapidated farmhouse along the edge of a huge swamp, a lone man stood guard outside, checking the landscape and ensuring that his friend would be arriving soon. His attire was standard for one who ventured into The Zone. He had a hunting shotgun slung over his shoulder, gas mask around his neck and wearing what was called a 'Sunrise suit', something common for those here in the Zone to wear to protect themselves from both radiation...and bullets.<br/><br/>Sure enough the man's 'friend' could be seen approaching, his attire similar but a mask protecting and covering his face. The two of them waved, speaking quietly among themselves before going inside, closing the door behind them. Inside the house was practically empty, save for a broken down stove, some old mattresses, a chair and a small fire in a bin illuminating light through this dingy and broken down house.<br/><br/>In a corner laying on one of the mattress was another being, this one a human. But unlike the other two whom enter the house who were men, this one...was a woman - a very rare sight to see in the Zone.<br/><br/>The man in the mask spoke first.<strong>"She still breathing?"</strong>he spoke while setting his bag down beside him, having carried a small amount of supplies within.<br/><br/><strong>"She should be, lucky to be alive after what happened."</strong>the 'guard' spoke back, before kneeling down beside her, seeing as her eyes began to stir, slowly awakening.<br/><br/><strong>"Well, there we go. Looks like the medicine's kicking in. Should be up and at'em soon."</strong>leaning in closer the 'guard' examined her outfit and body, ensuring that her wounds had healed properly. She had been unconscious for at least a day or so, resting after her 'accident'.<br/>