Vodka

[OLD JEDI 72]

Let's consider a whimsical supposition, purely speculative, of course. Imagine Zolo nicking that bottle from the drunk man on the train. Typically, that would've been Yudin's job, right? They're often painted as mere kids, and while Zolo was indeed older at 35, he was hardly ancient; still a hardy young man full of wit and guile. I notice some don't care for Zolo, labeling him a quitter or worse, but we should ask ourselves: if he was such a problematic figure, why was he even permitted to join? Why did he always carry that camera around? He certainly wasn't some secret KGB operative; more likely, he was just an older guy needing that final certification. Honestly, I'd prefer Zolo as a companion on a grade 2 hike over the immature Igor any day.
Regarding Ivanov, let's ease up on the criticism. He was simply trying to do his job as an investigator. He wasn't looking for fame or money; he had a family, a daughter, and his motivations weren't sensationalistic.

And speaking of non-sequiturs and ad hominems, let’s keep the discussion constructive. Sure, some of us may not have access to the latest research tools (not me), but that's no reason to dismiss anyone's ideas outright. We all bring something valuable to this discussion, even if some of our spelling suffers after a bit of vodka! (guilty as charged, haha).

[ahabmyth]

If implying that booze (maybe after erecting the tent and settling down during that furious snowstorm) ,I think not. Although he may have been able to hide a bottle the bottle itself would not have been 1ltr or something, more likely he decanted it into a hip flask and that certainly would not have been enough to get blotto and devise an insurrection at 1079.

Great drawings by the way - AI ???..

[OLD JEDI 72]

Yes, AI. ChatGpt. I was just being goofy. A mystery bottle of booze would explain a lot.