The Oligarch's Daughter

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death and substance use.

Back in the present, Paul hears a helicopter overhead. He wonders if Berzin has hired someone to search for him from the air and if the helicopter is equipped with heat-recognizing technology. He quickly improvises a shelter under his mylar blanket, hoping that it will shield him from infrared sensors. As the helicopter passes, he breathes a sigh of relief. Paul wonders if there is anyone who can help him and recalls that a college friend’s father is an influential statesman and always liked him. Lost in thought, he trips and twists his ankle. In great pain, he is certain that he will never be able to walk out of the forest now.

Paul decides to make his way to a nearby road and hitchhike the final 12 miles into the town of Lincoln. Suddenly, he hears voices and sees two elderly men with creased skin and long beards. He wonders if they are survivalists and considers asking for help, but he decides that it’s too risky. He continues to walk and comes upon an old brick foundation. He realizes that he saw this same foundation yesterday and is walking in circles.