GEAR REPORT · COMPANION FIELD NOTE

Packed light. Came back heavier. Not with anything I put there — fine sediment, dark, non-magnetic, settled into every seam of the main compartment despite it staying sealed the entire trip.

Empty gear doesn't stay empty out there. Not always by your hand.

Ran it past two other Scavengers who'd noticed the same thing in unrelated regions, different pack brands entirely. Sending samples out for analysis. If your gear has come back holding something it shouldn't, this thread is for you.

◎ SAMPLES PENDING. WILL UPDATE.