It was strange to know that there were strangers who were willing to help out along the way. Winter did not mind it, but she was curious to know why this old man was concerned with Artyom's mission to defend his home station. Yet, she remained quiet as Khan spoke with the young man in the far end of the room. However, she could not understand how Khan was able to know about her. She gripped onto the handle of her sword and gritted her teeth underneath the mask of hers.

The mask Bourbon handed her was quite perfect at hiding her own identity, but it was stuffy enough to make it difficult for her to breath. Maybe it was meant to be that way for those who preferred stealth in these tunnels. The specialist glanced around as Bourbon stood beside her with a cup of Vodka in his hands. "It's been awhile since I took a drink from this station. Though, it might be my last."

Then Winter had a question to ask from him. "Bourbon, do you know what Artyom is talking about with him? They've been there for quite some time."

"It's none of my business, but rumor has it that Khan is a magician of sorts. Not the kind with those cheap tricks who go on stage to surprise people, but the kind that do things on the go. I've heard rumors about him going through some places no man nor beast ever goes to. All I know is that he is immune to plenty of bullshit that lurks in the tunnels."

"A mystical man, that sounds like nonsense."

Bourbon scoffed at her reply. "Girl, I've been with this man for quite some time. Allow me to inform you, very few walk through the most dangerous tunnels alone. Most of all, he has saved my life because he is immune to those ghosts and shit that few people might stumble upon. I like to think he is since he senses when something is off and it goes wrong."

She crossed her arms with skepticism. "He's and old man. Why would you put your faith in him?"

"Winter, there is more to Khan than meets the eye. Trust me on this one, being with Khan assures you that he'll get you out safely if you listen to him. I've heard tales of entire stations not listening to him and somehow go missing and die. The worse part to this is when people start searching for those missing survivors, there is no evidence of their bodies. If you don't think he is anything special, fine by me. But at least think of him as a man who has more experience than the rest of us Stalkers. After all, he is one of the few who have survived and lived to tell the tale." Then he took a sip of his Vodka. The Atlesian could see that the drink could help relieve his shoulders.

The old man and Artyom rose up from their stools as they came over to the two and confronted them. Khan handed the young man a booklet of a kind, but Winter could not see the details about what the booklet was. However, the old man was no focusing his attention on her. "Strange to see someone from a different world here." He began. "Though, I welcome the sight of newcomers, even if they do not understand the Metro. You have something to say?"

The specialist nodded her head. "How do you know where I am from?" She asked. "I don't even know how I got here and why I'm not living in this world. What does this mean to you?"

Khan shook his head. "It means nothing to me. Your presence intrigued me really. However, this I not a safe place for someone like yourself. The Metro is always filled with predators and prey, whether it be mutant or man."

"I am not someone to be taken lightly." Winter began. "If you think you are better than me than why ask me these questions."

He raised his hand. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to offend you. I was stating how dangerous the Metro is from an… observer's standpoint. It is not safe for you here. Although you have your powers from your world, it would serve no purpose other than having a target on your back. The Nazis would call you a subhuman, the Reds would see you as some sort of spy, and Bourbon already explained Hansa so I have no issue with that." Khan stated. "Though, I would like to know what you plan to do?"

"Why does that matter to you? You seem so interested in knowing my purpose being here."

Then Artyom was quick to talk to her. "Winter, Khan can take us directly to Polis Station and you can talk to the Rangers there." He said. "Every step of the way, we now have a clear path to go to."

However, Khan corrected him. "I didn't say I could go through a direct route to Polis. I do know how to get there, but we are going to have to take the long way out of here." He said. "If we leave the station, the Hansa guards will stop us for having a notorious drinker in our company."

Winter joined in when all eyes were focused on Bourbon taking a sip at his Vodka.

When he finished, he took a quick look at his companions. "What?"

Then Khan brought their attention back on himself. "Despite having our friend around, we do have a good chance of leaving the station through another method."

"You're serious, you are going to let us go through the surface. You know those odds with these two around."

"I know." He answered. "However, it is the best option to go. You two get some filters, I will see to it that I convince the guards to allow us through."

Bourbon didn't seem convinced at his planning. "Khan, how are going to easily let us through?"

A smile fell upon the old man's face. "The head of the surface guards happens to have a knack for knives. I know a man here who makes a good name by making high-quality knives. Trust me, it will convince him to let us through. After all, those cartridges could have been used to bribe him."

When the group had arrived at the station's surface entrance, Winter felt her backpack to be much heavier than before. Was those air filters worth carrying them around? She wanted to ask, but to these people it might be a stupid question and so she remained silent. The specialist observed Artyom as he walked up to her with a watch. "What is this?" She asked.

Artyom expressed a smile as he handed her the watch. "A watch." He answered. "I bought it, but you might find it useful since it'll help tell you how much air you have left until you have to switch it out."

She accepted his gift to her as she wore it around her left wrist. It was strange that small items like these were now valuable and were given a slightly different use than what they once were originally made to do. Supposedly, watches were meant to take care of time for people who did not desire to bring a clock with them. However, she did not mind it as she synched the time.

Khan looked over to his companions as he smiled at them. "Are all of you ready?" He asked.

Everyone was quick to nod at him.

"Good, get ready. I'll see if I can bribe the guard." The old man walked forth and confronted the fat guard. Unlike the rest of his men, he was much more equipped than usual as he looked down on him. "I heard you enjoy knives." Then Khan pulled the blade out from his knapsack. "I hope you won't mind this gift if you allowed us to pass."

The serious fat man's expression had changed. He accepted the gift as he inspected the knife itself. "This is quite a knife and you bought this for me?" He asked.

"Yes." Khan said as he nodded his head. "I heard there was a specialist who designs high-quality knifes within the station. He's quite a professional I hear."

The guard captain leaned forward. "Do you know where he is?"

"He's in the platform area near the edge. Once your shift is over, you'll find him using a grinding the blades."

A smile fell upon his face as he heard this very news. "Very good then. You and your friends can go through." Then he looked to five other men near the entrance. "Open the gates, these four may pass."

One of the guards began to shout. "Get ready men, we're opening the gates!"

Winter heard one of the men complain. "God, I hate this." Then she remained silent as the guards opened the metal gates open. She felt the cold air seep into the station as the guards readied their weapons. Some made out of junk and while other weapons seemed to be designed, but worn down over time.

Once the gates were fully opened, the captain walked out of the gates with his shotgun as he scanned the entire area. "Clear, you four get going!"

As the group of four were passing by the guards, Bourbon's presence earned a reminder from one of them.

"Bourbon, remember what you owe me."

The drinker chuckled. "Don't worry, I'll pay you when I get back." Then he followed Khan and Artyom out the door as the doors closed behind Winter.

She found herself looking back at the place where she arrived at, the surface.

Khan lead the way as the others followed him up the escalators. She followed his lead as she took off her face mask. As she did, oxygen was slowly getting harder to obtain.

The old man was quick to alert the three. "Gas masks on!"

Once more, Winter found herself back in the dangerous situation as she wrapped her head within the only confines of safety that allowed her to breath.

Then she heard Bourbon's comment. "This is the Dead City. Welcome home, Artyom."

As she reached the top, the sunlight shined itself on her gasmask.