Sergiu Volda (Papers Please)

Sergiu Volda is a major character and (optionally) one of the two deuteragonists (alongside Calensk) in the 2013 indie game Papers, Please. He serves as an Arstotzkan guard stationed at the Grestin border checkpoint. He stands out from his fellow guards due to his green sprite, in contrast to the standard blue. In the game files, he is referred to as Volda, though this name is never explicitly mentioned during gameplay.
Sergiu shares a hometown, Nirsk, with The Inspector, the main protagonist. While he is responsible for the inspector's safety, his ability to adequately protect The Inspector, himself, and fellow guards has worsened since his involvement in the Six-Year War in Kolechia, and if The Inspector fails to swiftly deal with certain attackers at the checkpoint, Sergiu's condition may worsen, and he can potentially die, impacting the overall narrative.
Sergiu Volda is also a character in the official short film adaptation, portrayed by Evgeni Tokarev.
File:Sergiu shortfilm.webp
== Biography ==
=== Six-Year-War ===
During the Six-Year War in Kolechia, Sergiu served as a soldier. It's implied that his time in the war had a significant impact on him both mentally and physically. Despite his extensive combat training and previous experience as a guard, the intense conditions of fighting in war significantly dampened his ability to quickly and effectively respond to immediate threats, including affecting his ability to aim properly. During his time stationed in Kolechia, he met and fell in love with a woman named Elisa Katsenja. Upon returning home from the war, he would resume his previous job as a guard and would be stationed at the Grestin border checkpoint.
=== Meeting the Inspector ===
Sergiu is offically stationed and introduces himself to the inspector on Day 17.
During this encounter, Sergiu introduces himself and explains that he has been assigned to provide additional security at the checkpoint due to escalating tensions and potential terrorist threats. He informs the inspector that he will assist in neutralizing any attackers who may appear. Sergiu's presence is meant to add a layer of protection to the inspector, and he emphasizes that he has combat experience from his time as a soldier.
The interaction is relatively brief, and Sergiu's purpose is to contribute to the tension and uncertainty that arises as the player navigates increasingly complex and dangerous situations. 
=== Stopping Terrorists at the Border ===
Sergiu's next interaction with the inspector occurs on Day 18 of the game. This is a crucial encounter that involves an attack on the checkpoint by a group of terrorists. Sergiu plays a significant role in this event, and the interaction between him and the inspector has a direct impact on the game's storyline.
During the attack, Sergiu assists the inspector in defending against the terrorists. The player is given the option to shoot at the attackers or let Sergiu handle them. Depending on the player's actions, Sergiu's fate can vary. If the player does not neutralize the attackers quickly enough, Sergiu may be fatally wounded and killed. If the inspector successfully shot the terrorist on day 18 and Sergiu survived, he thanks the inspector the next day for saving his and others' lives. 
=== Reunion with Elisa ===
On Day 25 before the inspector begins his shift, Sergiu talks to him. He asks the inspector for a small favor. He explains how he met Elisa during the war and that she's coming to the checkpoint soon, and asks the inspector to let her pass, saying that he'll be forever in his debt if he does. He then hands the inspector a locket with a photo of Elisa and leaves. On Day 26, Elisa will be one of many immigrants attempting to enter through the checkpoint. 
The inspector can give Sergiu's locket to Elisa before returning her passport, prompting different dialog options depending on whether Sergiu is alive or not. If Sergiu is alive and Elisa's entry is denied after handing her the locket, she will give the locket back to the inspector. If Sergiu is alive and Elisa is admitted into Arstotzka, the couple will kiss and hug each other, after which Elisa will walk away, leaving Sergiu at his post. The inspector will receive a citation, but will be rewarded at the end of Day 27 if Sergiu stays alive until the end of Day 26. 
If Sergiu is alive and Elisa is denied entry, she will walk away after telling the inspector that she and Sergiu will meet in another life. A citation will be issued if a reason for denial is not given. If Sergiu is dead, Elisa will walk back to the West Grestin side after getting her passport back. This will happen even if the inspector gives her a green stamp.
File:Elisa-sergiu.webp|Elisa and Sergiu reuniting at the border
File:Papers Please Artwork 6.webp
== Trivia ==
* According to the readout at the inspector's desk, Sergiu's weight randomly varies between 70 and 80 kg from day to day, possibly due to changes in his equipment, but the reason is never stated.
* When the inspector shoots Sergiu with the sniper rifle, he disappears instead of collapsing to blood.
== External Links ==
* Sergiu Volda on the Papers, Please Wiki
== Navigation ==
Category:Video Game Heroes
Category:Male
Category:Tragic
Category:Deceased
Category:Sympathetic
Category:Neutral Good
Category:Lawful Good
Category:Protectors
Category:Status Dependent upon Player Choice
Category:Guardians
Category:Rescuers
Category:War Heroes
Category:Officials