'Have you heard about a new major expedition into the Zone? Technically, they're environmental researchers from the U.N., but that's just on paper. Sure, they've got a couple four-eyed scientists, but one look at all the others tells you they're seasoned fighters. Oh, and dig this; They're not using guides.' - Hog the Mercenary
The Tourist, a veteran stalker hired by the United Nations as an escort, finds himself working with the International Scientific Group, a collective ranging from hardened experts to frail researchers. After gaining clearance from the Ukrainian government for another expedition, the United Nations arms and readies their best field operators, the ISG.
Deployed into the Zone, these interlopers reach their destination, a large Space Bubble with an unknown exit. Quickly, the group enters the Bubble before a large emission and arrive within a forest, where they set up their mobile lab and temporary base of operations to make the best opportunity of an new anomalous area inside of what they assume to be Zone. However, as time passes and new encounters are made, it becomes more and more obvious that they aren't in the Disaster Zone anymore. Pressure begins to mount as the Zone's influence begins to leak into the forest, along with old dangers.
Without a doubt, the group as well as the Tourist will have to struggle to survive against the dangerous flora and fauna that sees fit to consume them. Of course, those become less attention-worthy once sentient, small horses come to investigate the stalkers and scientists, who are easily seen as a threat. The Zone is cruel, but new encounters can be crueler.
NOTE: This is a S.T.A.L.K.E.R. crossover that relies heavily on lore. The ISG faction was only mentioned, mostly cut from the series, but is still canon. Takes place roughly during the end of ShoC.
