After dealing with the bandits at the Garbage Heap in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, Skif is once again at a dead end. The only clue he has left is a strange PDA he took from a corpse at Varan's base. He needs to discuss the find with Kondyor, but the plans will change due to unexpected guests.
As soon as Kondyor contacts you after Varan, return to the Garbage Heap. Already on approach, you may notice that soldiers from Varta are everywhere. They will let you through, but the equipment will not be in its usual place. Head to the second floor of the complex. At the entrance, a soldier will block your way; you can argue with him a bit, after which he will let you pass. Kondyor will not be on the second floor, but the general of Varta and a man in a suit will be there. After a lengthy dialogue, it will become clear that the man in the suit is a doctor and one of those who participated in creating the Sensor. Varta is aware of the artifact's charging and also wants to find a sample for research.
Skif will have a choice — to show the found PDA to the general or to hide this information. In the first case, you will be given an automatic rifle, but it will be in poor condition and will need to be repaired. Additionally, you will receive a special Varta badge. In the second case, you will manage to hide the information. In any case, you will be sent to the Wild Island to talk with the leader of the former Monolith members.
Leave the office and go to the first floor where you will see Richter again. He will advise you to visit the Sawmill but will not provide details. Head there.
As soon as you arrive, someone nicknamed Scar will contact you. He will invite you in. Follow the objective marker to find the entrance to the building. Inside, you will see the same unknown person from the factory. He is called Scar. He will explain that «Varta» actually has nothing to do with the Scanner, nor does the Institute. They just want to turn the Zone into a Testing Ground.
Skif will be cautious in the conversation, but you will still have the choice — to show the same unusual PDA or not. If you already showed it to the general, Scar will not look at the tablet, and other stalkers will accuse Skif of being a snitch. However, the main character will rightly note that he just met them and follows his own plan of action. After this, the quest will end.