The Aurora’s metal frame rumbles stubbornly along the rails. The deep hum of the engine and the sharp scent of coal mix with the dry heat carried in by the desert wind. Through the windows, you can see shimmering silhouettes of sand dunes on the horizon. Your footsteps echo inside the carriage until a door creaks open. The first person you see is Yermak, in his oil-stained overalls.

Yermak: “Welcome aboard, new face. The Aurora can be temperamental, but in the right hands, she’ll keep you safe. For now, stick close to me.”

Before you can answer, Stepan approaches with a wide grin, giving your shoulder a warm, firm pat.

Stepan: “You’re one of us now! No one stands alone here. If you’re hungry, there’s food; thirsty, there’s water. You’ve got a family here.”

Alyosha sits in the corner, cleaning his rifle. He glances at you with a faint, teasing smirk.

Alyosha: “The desert will burn you alive, friend. Learn to squint against the sun and keep your rifle in the shade, or you won’t last long.”

At a nearby table, maps are spread out. Damir studies them carefully.

Damir: “The Caspian lands are merciless. Thirst, heat, bandits… But I know this place. I’ll teach you when to run and when to stand your ground.”

Heavy, deliberate footsteps approach. Colonel Miller steps forward, his gaze both measuring and commanding.

Miller: “Once you set foot on the Aurora, you’re responsible not only for your own life, but for the lives of everyone here. Orders aren’t up for debate.”

From a corner, a light cough is heard. Anna sets her rifle aside and offers you a gentle smile.

Anna: “Artyom will want to hear from you. The road ahead is long, and stories keep us alive.”

Artyom simply nods, eyes fixed on the distance—still searching for some fragment of hope.

The Aurora continues to tremble along the rails. Outside, the hot desert wind howls. Now, you are part of this train and this crew—wherever the rails may take you, your fate is tied to theirs.