Once the expedition had been settled in, a small delegation was escorted from the station through the remains of Vladivostock. Several motor boats drove through the flooded streets as a collection of armed men sat quietly. The only source of discomfort was the strange beeping from the leading boat. Artyom was not fond of dealing with mines, but to bypass sea mines intensified his discomfort as he sat beside Colonel Klebnikov and Uhlman.

A man stood up from the boat at the front and raised his thumb. "We're clear!"

The water was immediately disturbed by the vibrations of the engine as the three motor boats managed to slip into open water and head directly towards their destination. Fishing vessels stopped and hailed the oncoming boat traffic as Artyom exchanged glances with the fisherman.

One of the men that caught the young man's attention was a older gentleman with unkept scarlet hair underneath his coat and cap. Unlike the others, he was using a fishing pole as he calmly waved a hand towards him. He expressed a smile to ease the tension before they went their separate ways. It was an odd view, but there was something odd about the moment.

When the delegation arrived, the sea gate was raised, permitting the Polis Rangers and the OSKOM officer through. Their boats decelerated when they entered the compound; however, Artyom noticed it was built around a dark-skinned layer of a ship. Then Colonel Klebnikov voiced his awe at the sight. "Is that a genuine submarine?"

A local guard turned his head and smiled. "You betcha! The nuclear-powered submarine is still in working condition since no one really destroyed it and you can thank the crew for the maintenance."

"I never thought I would see a functional vessel in person."

The delegation was parked beside a metal platform before they were brought onto the submarine itself. It was hard to describe it, but Artyom was compelled to stay with his group, lest his curiosity got the better of him. He remembered the last time there was a conversation about nuclear-powered submarines and their crews on the radios, but it felt like an age ago.

Hallways and corridors were filled with old Red Navy personnel, their uniforms in tatters, but the symbol of the Soviet Union still haunting Russia till this day. Guards and sailors stepped aside as the trio was brought into what seemed like the submarine's observation deck. However, the room was redecorated into a personal officer for one person.

On the other side of the room were two complete strangers. A large man leaned his back against the wall with his arms crossed. His eyes expressed a complete distrust of Artyom and the company that came with him; however, there was nothing that could be done about it. Yet, Uhlman leaned his head over to whisper into his ear. "Quite the charming welcoming committee, don't you think?"

The heavy-weighted man turned his head towards the stranger on the far side of the room. A black coat engulfed the man as he kept his hands behind his back. Off in the distance, the skies turned dark and let out a thunderous echo in the air. The stranger did not mind it as he turned around and smiled at his guests in the room. His dark hair was combed as he reached for a seat behind his desk. "Visitors from Moscow and Novosibirsk, you all surprised me. Klim and I presumed it would be another group of well-armed bandits."

Colonel Klebnikov spoke up as a representative of the delegation. "Tom, is it quite common to deal with bandits on a daily basis?"

"Unfortunately, yes," He answered in a stern tone, "Just like you and your people, we were passing by until we stumbled across the locals. If we did not settle down here, the bandits would have been in charge. Our guns are the only thing keeping them back."

Klim shifted the conversation from his perspective. "It is a bit odd that a bunch of soldiers from the west would finally come here. What's your purpose here?"

The colonel and the Rangers took a quick look at each other before he continued. "It's a join expedition between our cities, but there is a special government facility we need to explore. It is imperative that we look for it all of us can benefit from us."

"What's so special about those old graves?"

Tom quickly spoke ahead. "Although it is a welcoming sight to see you all, what value do they have for us."

"Teleportation," Klebnikov answered, "It is how my Moscow comrades are even with me in the first place."

"Teleportation, here?" He laughed at the thought, "I'm sorry to act like this, but it is kinda hard to maintain a straight face."

"The leftovers of the Soviet Union would dispel any doubts. If you could point us in the right direction, you might end up with a bunch of new trading partners and cooperation from the other cities from a reliable direct route."

There was a small pause for a moment as Tom rested his chin on his hands. "I see. What can you offer me? Vladivostok is still dealing with its occasional surge of bandits, but a good argument can make me see to your needs."

"Novosibirsk still maintains a strong garrison of troops after the war. The only thing we're still fighting is mutated worms and radiation alone. Meaning, that our numbers haven't taken any serious fall after the bombs fell," Klebnikov answered, "However, we need a new suitable place to stay in the meantime since our anti-radiation drugs will last up to a year if we're lucky."

Then he turned his head towards Uhlman. "Comrades, you are familiar with Moscow's situation."

The senior Polis Ranger changed his tone. "Unfortunately, Moscow does not have the same benefits as our colonel here. What we do have is knowledge. Being the capital of the Soviet Union also means that most of the state secrets are hidden there. Every day we have stalkers heading beyond the Metro stations to look for them. So I hope you understand that occasionally, we come across some useful gems that range from codes for missile silos to entire arsenals designed for the scenario we're living in."

Tom paused at the situation as he leaned back in his chair and pulled out a cigarette. After he lit the end, his lungs exhausted a great smoke from within. "Gentlemen, you've made your case and I'll see to it that Klim and I help you while we can. In return, can your people help us in this particular situation?"

Artyom was quick to ask. "What would that be?"

"This very submarine we currently occupy is still operational, but all we need are fuel rods. It is easier said than done; however, the captain of this vessel has disappeared into the city and he only knows the location of ones we can use. If you wish for Vladivostok's cooperation, find the captain and convince him to return. He might not see eye-to-eye with me, but maybe he'll open his ears to you."

Uhlman patted the young man's back. "This young man will volunteer."

"What?" The Ranger wondered, "Why not you?"

"I still have to coordinate with the colonel, besides you're the one who asked."

Tom the Cat rose up from his seat as he turned on a radio on his desk. "I got a priority VIP who needs to get to the armory. Let him see our premium stock."

"Premium stock?" The older Ranger asked, "What's that?"

"Before the war happened, I was a businessman who produced and sold firearms for a living," Then he smiled, "I still do."

The door to the room was opened as an armored member of Cat's group stepped in. "Yes sir, who am I escorting?"

His hand reached out to Artyom. "This man, right here."

Soon after, the young man followed the man outside of the room as the private conversation continued to pass without his ears. He still went through part of the ship, but his focus was now on finding this captain in the ruins of Vladivostok. When he was being brought over to the armory on the land, he could see a line of people waiting to get inside, but then they turned their heads and realized Artyom was coming through. Whispers occurred amongst them as he was brought towards the door and once he was let in, several quartermasters were inside and a shooting range in front of him. Yet, what truly caught the Ranger's eye was the fresh sidearm that was placed on the table.

Anna opened her eyes and the world around her changed. No longer was she remotely near the underground fortress or Arendelle itself. Now she was brought into a place of unrelenting heat. Yet, she did not know where she truly was. As she looked around, the princess found herself caged in a small compartment the size of a servant's bedroom. Her only window was a screen separating her from another section of the compartment.

The princess crawled over and took a closer look, seats were placed in front of her, but there was a glass window in front that showed a group of men talking to each other. She immediately recognized the men who kidnapped her as they huddled around the entrance of a warehouse. Packages and weapons were being brought out as bright lights flickered from within the building.

One of them turned their heads and noticed her in the window. Then he came over and walked out of her view. Something was wrong and she did not know why. Footsteps from the outside had instilled a terror inside of her as she heard him pass behind the compartment.

When she turned around, the girl saw the doors open up as a scarred man in nothing more than a blouse smiled greedily. "Good to know that the fresh pussy is awake! C'mere cupcake!"

The burly stranger climbed inside as Anna's back was against the wall. She kicked against him; however, he didn't care as he grabbed her leg and began to drag her closer to him. Before he could do anything, a blur of a man rushed over and smacked the butt of his rifle into the back of his skull. The stranger's grip on her leg was loosened before he was pulled off of her.

A clean-shaved thug stood in front her as he pulled the offender away. "Fucking idiot. I told him not to touch you."

He dropped the man into the sand as he shocked his head out of disappointment. Then he lowered his weapon and noticed her. "I hoped you wouldn't wake up until you get to Baron's base."

She was reluctant to speak, but was compelled out of morbid curiosity. "Who are you? Why did you kidnap me?"

The man chuckled before his serious tone returned. "Whatever questions you have, I'm not going to answer them. You're a prisoner and that is all you need to know."

Was this some kind of declaration of war by this man and his group of people? Anna was unable to get her thoughts in when an explosion shook the area where she resided.

The thug turned around and ran towards its direction. "Shit, why didn't you fuckers keep our ammo dump safe?!"

He was quickly accompanied by a large group of men running past Anna, ignoring the fact that she was now released and out of her cage. When the princess took a step outside, she now missed the company of her sister and the ice magic she could use. Suddenly, a strange rumbling noise approached her as Anna turned her head to see a hooded lithe figure riding on a horseless machine. "Come with me if you want to be free!"

Someone shouted nearby and pointed out that detai. "Giul's here! She's back!"

Gunfire echoed from multiple directions as the sands were kicked up in the air. Guil turned her head, revealing a young woman with a burn scar. Anna quickly took the seat behind and gripped it tightly as the danger surrounded her.

Soon after, a rush of excitement caught her by surprise as the mode of transportation bumped her bottom. Anna looked behind to find that she was in the middle of a vast desert, leaving a small compound where her captors were busy. The princess was totally lost in this place and could only ask a sensible question now she was leaving. "Where are we going?"

"My hideout," Giul answered in her strange foreign accent, "It is a place where the munai-bailer will not find us."

"Do you know what is going on?"

"No, but I intend to find out once we arrive."

An old officer traversed through one of his many homes throughout Vladivostok. Ever since Tom the Cat became the de-facto ruler of the port, the captain had been sidelined in the power dynamics. He really could not help, but accept the reality that he was someone who would win over those who stuck with him. Tom had the men and the weapons to hold off the waves of bandits and raiders from attacking the survivors in Vladivostok. There was little the captain could do about it.

What he truly could not accept was handing the submarine and the power it represented over to him. It contained the nuclear missiles that he was ordered to use in the great war; however, he did not have the heart to follow it through. No one should have the power to destroy the world, much less carry the sword of Damocles over other people. Tom had plans for it, using it to coerce others into accepting his rule on his side of Far East Russia. These weapons of mass destruction should never be used in a squabbles of gangs of the post-apocalypse world. It would bring humanity back to the stone age.

The captain arrived at the door to his residence and entered. His leg was killing him, but there was little he could do about it as he walked over to his chair on the other side of the room and opened the can of sardines sitting on the desk beside it. Then he rummaged underneath to find a bottle of beer for his own satisfaction, if not, his only entertainment in these trying times. He eat and drank, knowing full well that there were people going out of their way to capture him as bargaining chip for Tom.

For the first time in years, he heard a knocking on his door. Someone had finally found him. The captain looked around and found his double-barrelled shotgun hiding underneath his chair. After he loaded two new shells inside, he aimed it towards the door. "Don't try to come in. I am old, but there is still a bite in this old dog."

A voice of a young man spoke from the other side. "Uh, I'm sorry if I am disturbing you. Are you the captain? Sorry if I followed you all the way here."

"Impossible?! No one could have gotten through."

It didn't make sense for the captain. His hideouts were always armed to the teeth with traps. No one should have gotten through unless they took the elevator up.

"How did you get past all of my traps?"

"That?" The stranger questioned, "They're surprisingly similar to the ones I have seen in Moscow."

He had been in Moscow? The old captain did not want to admit it, but the person sounded like someone worth talking to. His shotgun was aimed with one hand as he reached over to the door and unlocked it. As he opened the crack, he looked through to find an armored soldier standing in front of him.

There was an arsenal of weaponry on his person and by every right, he should not have snuck around with that kind of gear. What truly surprised him was that he had his hands up in the air, palms open. If he wanted to break in, the stranger could have. The man was clean when compared to the rest of the wasteland, but his eyes expressed honest experience within him. "May I come in?"

The captain opened the door wide open as he stepped back with his shotgun in hand. "Who are you?"

"My name is Artyom Alekseyevich Chynorj. I was part of an expedition between Moscow and Novosibirsk, we just arrived at Vladivostock just now."

He was honest and upfront with him. Few people were these days. "I am Captain Eduard Baranov. Well, I used to be a captain, but hard to be called one when you have no ship."

"It's nice to meet you. Tom the Cat told wanted me to find you."

The mention of that name made Eduard roll his eyes. "That American. Did he send you here to make a deal?"

"No, just to find you."

"Tell me," He began, "Why is your expedition here?"

"My people are looking for a specific government facility," Artyom answered, "It's really hard to explain without having to show you in person."

Captain Baranov lowered his shotgun and gestured him to come in. Then he began to make his way towards his bed and sit down, while the young man looked around to find a seat. "Try me."

He could hear his hesitation from speaking. "I'll sound like a crazy man, but we found some old government machines that could teleport people from different locations. The truth is, we accidentally found another world, one unaffected by nuclear fire."

In some ways, it did sound like crazy talk, but the young man produced a small book and flipped through his pages. "Is this some kind of evidence?"

"It's not like I have photographs," He answered, "Here, take a look."

Then he handed it over to Eduard as he made his way for his desk full of food. What truly caught his eye was the detail in the drawings. There we castles and buildings in a foreign design; however, he flipped through the pages and noticed that there were people involved. There were ladies wearing great elaborate dresses while gentlemen clad in fine uniforms. Yet, there was one who was very well-detailed, unlike the others. "Who is this?"

Artyom leaned forward and took a closer look. "That is Queen Elsa of Arendelle. It was her coronation day and I was there to see it in person. I still remember how it was till this day."

"She is beautiful, but it sounds like you got to meet her."

His face was confused by Eduard's reaction. "You're not going to ask if this is fake or not?"

Captain Baranov could relegate his response to a few sentences. "You either have an imaginative mind or it could be that you're not crazy and experienced it yourself."

His finger pointed at the drawing.

"She's too detailed to simply be a drawing, which means you are telling the truth."

"I don't know what to say," Artyom began, "Don't you have some scrutiny for the idea alone?"

Eduard laughed and began eating his can of sardines. When he finished, there was one detail he wanted to know. "A lot has changed since the bombs fell and what would have been laughed at then is taken seriously now. So, what is your relationship with this queen?"

He was reluctant to speak, but he managed to convey his feelings about her. "She is a friend of mine. There was a time when I lost my memory and one of her servants took me in."

"A friend?" He thought about it, "A lot can happen between friends and sometimes that relationship can transform for good or bad."

"Yes, but I hope we still remain as good friends," Artyom replied, "Tom wants you to talk with him about those fuel rods. Will you?"

The captain wanted to avoid the man forever, but this stranger's arrival changed everything. There was something honestly good about him that deserved his attention. "Call him, we'll talk right now."

The search for Princess Anna was underway. Colonel Miller and his affiliates guaranteed Queen Elsa that they were doing all within their power to rescue her sister. All she could do was wait for the moment they went back into their world. She would join them and see to it that her sister returned home. Her only consolation was the art room as she stared at the painting Anna bought during her time in the Metro. No matter how long, it still did not help her with Anna's disappearance.

Someone entered the room and the queen turned around to find Prince Hans arriving. "Your majesty, I hope you are still well."

Elsa looked back at the war painting. "How can I still be when my sister is missing? I have the power of ice and snow, but it is not enough to help my sister."

"If it gives you any comfort, I intend to join the men to find her."

She looked over her shoulder with surprise. "Why? It's dangerous."

"I know, but to stand idly while a queen worried about her sister is not something I can abide," Came his reply, "That is why I am joining the Russians. They say once their machines are ready, it will be a bloody fight. Somehow, I believe them."

"Hans, I'm not asking you to die for me," The queen stated, "That is too much."

"Neither is watching you suffer as you live. I intend to help you find your sister so you can finally be happy."