In Tomb Raider: Legend, Lara Croft’s technical expert and ally is Zip.
Zip supports Lara remotely during much of the adventure, supplying information, equipment advice, and occasional commentary through her communications system. He is especially associated with technology and field support rather than archaeological research or combat.
The character had appeared earlier in the series, but Legend gave him a prominent role as one of Lara’s regular companions. Alister Fletcher, another member of Lara’s support team, is the series’ historian and researcher, making him an easy name to confuse with Zip.
Zip continued to appear in later Tomb Raider stories, including Underworld and the 2013 reboot’s expanded universe. His role helps connect Lara’s solitary expeditions with a larger team operating behind the scenes.