When the dust finally settled and some of the survivors of Operation Fairway had been rescued, it seemed that the Zone still had its agents. Strelok's legacy came to a sudden, violent end and though the stories of his final fight were countless in number, they were silent on the subject of his death. Colonel Kovalsky was launched into an investigation upon return to the Big Land and appeared before a court-martial, escaping it unscathed with an honorable discharge in tow.
The fluid and violent nature of the Zone's politics culminated in Zaton. The formerly quiet Skadovsk bar became a regular stop for Stalkers with business in the central area of the Zone.
A fragile peace was established between Duty and Freedom as their numbers dropped to a record low. Many former Dutyers and Freedomers became Free Stalkers, forming groups of their own consisting of their old allies and friends. Fault of bodies to throw at each-other, Freedom and Duty established a peace treaty.
Professors Ozersky and Hermann became renowned worldwide for their work and research. There have been whispers of a tie for the Nobel prize.
In Yanov, a Stalker by the call-sign of 'Trapper' went out for a hunt and never returned.
Under rainy skies, in the worst fall that the Zone had ever suffered through, the Monolith tightened its grips on Pripyat and, with vision steady and heads high, advanced...
