Funny thing I was talking about

That was quite a show, wasn't it? ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ----------------------------------------------------------------- --- Metal Gear Solid 2 : Sons of Liberty - Game Script --- ----------------------------------------------------------------- The latest updates of this guide can be found at GameFAQs: www.gamefaqs.com -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ Written by : El Greco Created : April 18, 2004 Version : 2.50 Updated : January 19, 2005 Copyright 2004-2005 Don Fleming -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ This is currently [Version 2.50] of El Greco's Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty Game script. * This script covers the entirety of the main story of Konami's smash-hit Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty as well as transcripts of the Previous Story section of the game. I am confident that all the dialogue is correct as well as punctuation and so on; if there are any mistakes found then it would be appreciated if you would take the time to report them to me. All that aside, on to the story! ==--==--== Contact: elgreco@gmail.com ----------------------------------------- --- WHAT'S NEW? (Version History) ---- ----------------------------------------- Version 2.50 | January 19, 2005 | 583 kb I added in some odds and ends here and there in the appendices and in the previous story sections. Version 2.00 | October 29, 2004 | 539 kb I added in the Miscellaneous Transmissions. This will most likely be the very last update of this script unless some kind of glaring error is pointed out. Version 1.50 | August 21, 2004 | 485 kb I added in the Backstory section. Version 1.00 | August 10, 2004 | 473 kb This is the first version of the guide. The entire game script is completed. If there will be any more updates I cannot say what they will be, maybe missed lines of dialogue and whatnot. As of this moment I am thinking of this as the first and final version. ______________________________________________________________________________ |_________________________________TABLE OF__________________________________| |----------------------------------------CONTENTS---------------------------| Backstory 01) Metal Gear - The Outer Heaven Uprising 02) Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake - The Zanzibar Land Disturbance 03) Metal Gear Solid - The Shadow Moses Incident 04) Metal Gear Solid 2 - Plot Summary Tanker Chapter Script 01) Infiltration 02) Hairy armpits and bad Russian accents 03) Possessed arms and weird twists Plant Chapter Script 01) Big Shell 02) The twirly guy with the knives 03) Why do I have to do this crap? 04) Laugh and Grow Fat 05) Is that really Solid Snake? 06) Don't touch me there! 07) This guy is a pain in the arse 08) Rescuing the fair maiden 09) Bare nak3d infiltration 10) Even my patience has its limits 11) What the hell? Miscellaneous Transmissions 01) The Terrorists and Dead Cell 02) Otacon's Equipment Descriptions 03) Otacon's Proverbs 04) Pliskin's Equipment Descriptions 05) Emma's Arguments 06) Whacked Out Colonel Previous Story Transcript 01) The New York Mirror 02) The Shocking Conspiracy Behind Shadow Moses 03) In the Darkness of Shadow Moses: The Unofficial Truth ============================================================================== ============================================================================== Backstory ============================================================================== ============================================================================== _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 01) Metal Gear - The Outer Heaven Uprising _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ The year is 1995. Deep in South Africa, 200km north of Garzburg, Outer Heaven- an armed fortress nation, established by the legendary mercenary. He was feared in combat by both his friends and foes as a hero and a lunatic. The "Western" nations have found that a weapon of mas destruction capable of rewritting war history is under development at Outer Heaven. They have called upon the high-tech special forces unit FOX-HOUND to take care of the situation. In response to this order, Big Boss, the commander-in-chief of FOX-HOUND, sent Gray Fox, the man with the code name "Fox" which is given to the best member of the unit "Operation intrude N313" After a few days, his last message being "Metal Gear..." Gray Fox was missing in action. Taking the situation seriously, the top men of the "West" again called for FOX-HOUND. Big Boss selected Solid Snake, who had recently joined FOX-HOUND, as the agent and entrusted everything to him. Successfully making a solo infiltration to Outer Heaven, Snake got in touch with local resistance members Schneider, Diane and Jennifer. With their co-operation, Snake suceeded in rescueing Gray Fox. Gray Fox laid out the terrifying facts about "Metal Gear" Metal Gear was the development name of a nuclear warhead-equiped two-legged walking tank. It can walk through over the toughtest terrains that would stop normal tanks. It can conduct local warfare by itself with unique weapons like its vulcan-cannon and anti-tank missiles. It was indeed a new type of weapon that can conduct a nuclear attack against any place on the face of the Earth from any l and surface... With Metal Gear, Outer Heaven was trying to establish its military superiority over the entire world. In order to destroy Metal Gear, Snake rescued Metal Gear's chief engineer Dr. Pettrovich and his daughter, Elen, who was taken hostage to force her father to continue with his development. Snake hears from Dr. Pettrovich how to destroy Metal Gear. However, as Snake approached the heart of Outer Heaven and Metal Gear, well designed traps are set all around Snake- as if his actions are being leaked to the enemy... In the midst of the escalating battle, the leader of the resistance, Schneider, fell into the hands of the enemy, and Snake himself was injured through the deadly battles with Outer Heaven's best mercenaries. But Snakes indomitable spirit lead him to the 100th floor basement of the secret base where Metal Gear was developed. Evading the powerful defense system that wipes out all intruders, Snake ultimately succeeded in destroying Metal Gear. Snake tried to escape from Outer Heaven upon completing the mission. However, during the escape he was comfronted by one man- FOX-HOUND's commander-in-chief Big Boss. Big Boss laughed at the astounded Snake and told him the truth behind his mission. While serving as commander-in-chief of FOX-HOUND Big Boss also ran a mercenary dispatch company utilizing his connections and capitals from his own years as a merc. He was planning on to build this company a larger military establishment, and he built Outer Heaven as its base. His purpose for sending the rookie Snake was to cause information confusion amongst the west. However, Big Boss miscalculated. He never thought Solid Snake would make it this far... Having lost Metal Gear, Big Boss activated the self-destruct system of the underground base. While the countdown to destruction continued, his screamed echoed in the emptiness "YOU HAVE GONE TO FAR. TOO FAR!!!" On the 100th floor basement, the battle between the 2 men commenced- free of idealogy and politics. The armed fortress nation Outer Heaven collapsed. The impenetrabe fortress made from the best military technology and occupied by the toughest mercenaries burned in flames. Behind him, the flames reached skyward, as Outer Heaven fell leaving Solid Snake all alone... _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 02) Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake - The Zanzibar Land Disturbance _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 1999, the world was facing an energy crisis. It was obvious that the petroleum would run out faster than what was expected. However, the development of an alternative energy resource is far from completion. The price of petroleum has skyrocketed and the world economy in confusion. The 21st century was expected to be one of chaos. One mans invention changed the entire situation. A Czech genius and biologist, Dr. Kio Marv, invented OILIX, a microorganism that refines petroleum to product a highly purified form of petroleum. The world was filled with hope upon the discovery of this messiah to solve the energy crisis, but at the same time the world entered a time of tension regarding this new algae. Just when the whole worlds attention was drawn to OILIX and Dr. Marv, he was abducted by someone and disapeared. Nations begun investigations immediatly anda name soon appeared...'Zanzibar Land'... Zanzibar Land was a democraticmilitary regime that suddently appeared in central Asia in 1997. When their uprising took place, the CIS Army, formed around Russia, sent in a suppressive unit immediatly. Zanzibar Land resisted by gathering a band of Mercenaries from nations around the world and fortifying most of its land. As a result, the CIS Army was repeatedly defeated, and Zanzibar Land declared its independence. Due to the active role mercenaries played, this war was called the 'Mercenaries War' and Zanzibar Land was referred to as an armed fortress nation. A military nation with a group of strong mercenaries, surrounded by a tough fortress. According to the latest information, Zanzibar suppoedly was armed with Nuclear Weapons. The whole scenario was crystal clear. By obtaining OILIX in addition to nuclear weapons, Zanzibar Land was trying to establishits economoic and military superiority over the entire world. Concerned about the situation, the United States of America ordered Roy Campbell, Commander-in-Chief of high tech special forces unit FOX-HOUND, to rescue Dr. Marv. Campbell was a former member of FOX-HOUND. He brought back Solid Snake, the man who single handedly brought down the armed fortress nation of Outer Heaven 4 years ago, and asked Snake to bring back Dr. Marv and OILIX. Successfully infiltrating Zanzibar Land and with help from CIA angent Horry and others, Snake was able to go deep into the fortress and meet again with Dr. Pettrovich, the chief engineer of Metal Gear from Outer Heaven. He too was abducted to Zanzibar Land and forced to develop another Metal Gear. He told to surprised Snake an even more shocking fact. Big Boss, the man Snake had defeated at Outer Heaven, turned out to be the General Commander of Zanzibar Land. Snake rescued Dr. Pettrovich in co-operation with Natasha, Dr. Marv's guard and former Czech International Secret Police agent, and then headed for the confinement facility deep in the fortress to save Dr. Marv. When Pettrovich and Natasha crossed the narrow suspension bridge over the deep valley, a missile blew the bridge away. Natasha flew into the air because of the explosion. While unable to do anything to save Natasha, Snake started hearing a well-known voice "Hey Snake, we're good buddies. I can let you go. Just leave this place at once!" Gray Fox. Snake saw Gray Fox controlling Metal Gear. The best soldier in FOX-HOUND who, after the fall of Outer Heaven, disappeared as if he followed BigBoss. Losing Natasha infront of his eyes and letting Pettrovich get taken away, Snake screamed "Fox! I will not give up!" After a series of deadly battles with mercenaries, Snake finally made it to Dr. Marv's confinement facility. However, he arrived to late. He saw Dr. Marv's corpse and Pettrovich, who could do nothing but just stand there. Pettrovich told Snake that Dr. Marv could not withstand the repeated tortures because of heart problems. Snake then recieved an emergency call from Horry. The information she supplied was very shocking. Pettrovich had been voluntarily visiting Zanzibar Land to develop Metal Gear. The abduction of Dr. Marv was conducted under the the directions of Pettrovich himself. After the truth came out, Pettrovich attacked Snake, but Snake easily put an end to him and obtained the structual plan of OILIX. While trying to escape, Snake was confronted by Metal Gear again, controlled by Gray Fox. The tremendous battle took place in the underground base. Snake finally succeeded in destroying Metal Gear. However, Gray Fox did not submit and challened Snake to the final battle. In the midst of a minefield, Snake and Fox fought without any weapons. A fist-to-fist duel involving no hatred or murderous intent. During that moment of purity the 2 were bound by forces transcending words and emotions. Snake won the tough but pure battle against Gray Fox. However, there was still someone else. Snake had to fight Big Boss. Just like 4 years ago at Outer Heaven Big Boss was waiting for Snake. "One who has experienced the tension of battle can never leave the battlefield. I'm the one giving you something to live for, and that is war" Snake was infuriated at the arrogant Big Boss "There is only one battle I have to fight. To free myself from you, to shatter the nightmare...Big Boss, I will kill you!" With the structual plan of Oilix, Snake and Horry escaped from Zanzibar Land on a rescue helicopter. Snake once again saved the world. However, there was no smile on his face. Big Boss's last words kept ringing in his head "Whoever wins, out battle does not end. There loser is freed from the battlefield, the winner must remain there and the survivor must live his life as the warrior until he dies" Snake then disappeared into the whitelands of Alaska...alone... _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 03) Metal Gear Solid - The Shadow Moses Incident _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ * Courtesy of Grant Gordon (futuresuperstar) - Author of "Metal Gear Sold: Dawn of the Concealed" Several years had passed since the legendary Solid Snake had killed Big Boss, the greatest soldier in the world, at Zanzibar Land. On Snake's last mission, he had infiltrated an enemy fortress and put down a threat posed by Big Boss and his band of rogue soldiers. Snake also destroyed Metal Gear, a walking bipedal tank, which eliminated the threat that Big Boss proposed. Following his successful mission and eerie new innovation that Big Boss was potentially his own father, Snake retired to Alaska. Several years later in 2005, while asleep at his home, Snake heard a noise coming from outside his cabin. Snake quietly made his way to the window and looked outside. In the darkness, he could see several heavily armed soldiers advancing on his cabin. Snake got his gun from a cupboard and was prepared to take out the intruders. However, the soldiers had Snake surrounded and forced him to surrender. He was then taken away by the soldiers to an Ohio Class Submarine, the USS Discovery. Snake was at that time strip searched and confined in a small room. After several minutes of waiting in the cold room, the door finally opened and in walked a man from his past, Roy Campbell. Campbell informed Snake of the situation they were in. FOXHOUND, Snake's former unit, along with members of the Next Generation Special Forces unit, had seized control of a nuclear disposal facility on Shadow Moses Island. They had taken hostages and demanded the remains of Big Boss, or else they would launch a nuclear weapon. Snake was reluctant to go back into battle, but after much persuasion, as well as Campbell showing him the leader of FOXHOUND, a man known as Liquid Snake who had the same codename as Solid Snake, he agreed to take the mission. Snake infiltrated Shadow Moses Island and began his mission. Soon after the start of the operation, Snake discovered that a new model of Metal Gear was secretly in development on the base. Also, something was apparently amidst. Snake attempted to rescue the high profile hostages on the island, ArmsTech President, Kenneth Baker, and DARPA Chief, Donald Anderson. However, both times the men died from an apparent heart attack. Snake then located Metal Gear's chief engineer, Hal Emmerich. However, Emmerich was being attacked by a cyborg ninja, who Snake had seen in an earlier battle. Snake and the Ninja commenced in battle in the labs with Snake managing to defeat the fearsome opponent. During the battle, the ninja seemed as if he knew Snake from somewhere. After the battle, the Ninja gave a large hint as to who he was before running off. Shocked, Snake informed Campbell that the Ninja was none other than Grey Fox, an old war buddy of Snake's, and Dr. Naomi Hunter, assistant to Snake's mission, commented that Dr. Clark, her predecessor, might have had something to do with it. However, Fox had died back in Zanzibar, Snake's previous mission, and Clark had died in a lab incident years before. Campbell said that it was impossible for the ninja to be Grey Fox, but Snake was convinced. He then returned to the mission and located Emmerich, who told Snake a bit about Metal Gear and its location in an Underground Base several miles to the north. Snake also met Roy Campbell's niece, Meryl Silverburgh, who was stationed at the facility before its takeover. At this point, Snake began to fall for Meryl, and Meryl felt the same way about Snake. Meryl gave Snake a PAL card which could stop Metal Gear's launch by overriding the detonation code sequence, but there was only one card when three cards were needed. Meryl and Snake traveled toward Metal Gear's location, but were separated when Meryl was injured by gunfire from FOXHOUND's sniper, Sniper Wolf. Meryl was captured and soon Snake himself was captured and confined as well. Snake was then submitted to grueling torture from Liquid's right-hand man, Revolver Ocelot. Ocelot told Snake if he submitted to the torture, then Meryl would be killed. Snake suffered through the severe torture and eventually escaped with help from Otacon (Hal Emmerich's alternative name). Snake continued on his mission and eventually made his way to Metal Gear's underground base. However, during his time there were several disturbing twists that took place. Master McDonnell Miller, a previous mission analyst for Snake at Zanzibar who was also assigned to this mission, informed Snake that Naomi Hunter, another member of Snake's support who was in charge of monitoring Snake's vital signs, was actually a traitor, possibly working for the enemy. Miller dug around some more and found of a new assassination weapon, which Snake may have been injected with. The weapon targets only specific victims and kills them in a manner, which simulates a heart attack. This weapon, called FoxDie, was uncovered as the reason for the ArmsTech President and the DARPA chief's deaths. Colonel Campbell found out about this and placed Naomi under arrest after finding she was sending coded transmissions to the base. Later on, Naomi managed to get away from Campbell and the others and contacted Snake. Naomi told Snake that she was actually Frank Jaeger's (Grey Fox) adopted sister. Snake was shocked at discovering this. She then confirmed that she had injected Snake with the FoxDie virus, but it was not her decision, it was part of the mission. Naomi was then placed back under arrest before she could explain more. Snake demanded to know what was going on but Campbell was unresponsive. Snake then continued to Metal Gear's chamber. There he found the secret to deactivating Metal Gear. Apparently the PAL card he had acted as all three keys and Snake needed to warm and cool the keys in order to change them into the desired key. Snake did so and activated all three keys. However, instead of deactivating Metal Gear, the walking battle tank was actually activated due to Snake's actions. It seemed Snake had been set-up all along. He then got a call from Miller. He told Snake that he had been useful as a pawn and his purpose was now over. He then revealed himself to be none other than ... Snake's brother, Liquid Snake. Campbell informed Snake that Master Miller had been found dead in his home, and that Liquid had assumed his identity for the mission. Apparently, the DARPA chief had died prior to Snake contacting him, and the man that Snake tried to free was actually a terrorist member in disguise who was further assuring Snake that the only way to disarm Metal Gear was to use the PAL keys, but he simply wanted Snake to input the keys to activate Metal Gear. The keys acted as a reversible action. If the code for the nuclear weapon had been inputted, the keys would disengage Metal Gear. If the code had not been inputted, it would activate Metal Gear. Liquid explained how Snake was used to activate Metal Gear for them, because the terrorists hadn't been able to figure out the launch code ... so they turned to using Snake. It's also explained that FoxDie killed the terrorist, not the DARPA chief, which is why he died when Snake attempted to rescue him after telling him that he had to disengage Metal Gear. Snake rushed out of the control room after Liquid and confronted him in front of Metal Gear. The two talked a bit about Liquid's intentions, and Snake learned that he was indeed a clone of Big Boss, his supposed father, and Liquid was the second clone. Snake retained all of the recessive soldier genes while Liquid had received all of the dominant ones. However, Liquid believed the reverse, thinking that he had been the recessive clone. Before Snake could react, Liquid jumped into Metal Gear's cockpit and activated the monstrous weapon. To his horror, Snake watched as Metal Gear sprung to life. Just as in the past, Snake battled Metal Gear. As Snake began to fall to the enormous death machine, Liquid attempted to crush him under Metal Gear's weight. Just before he had the chance, Grey Fox reappeared and saved Snake at the last moment. The two had one last conversation and for his last act as Snake's friend he destroyed the Radome, Metal Gear REX's (the codename for Metal Gear) radar. Fox was soon after killed for a final time by Metal Gear. Snake was consumed with rage for the death of his friend and finished off Metal Gear with a final missile into the vehicle's cockpit. Metal Gear exploded in a brilliant light. The force of the explosion sent Snake flying into a nearby wall, knocking him unconscious. Before he went under, Snake heard what sounded like footsteps nearing him. When Snake came to, he found himself tied up on top of the wreckage of Metal Gear with Liquid Snake standing in wait in front of him. Liquid and Snake chatted for a bit. Liquid told him that they didn't have long before the end. Snake asked if he meant FoxDie, but Liquid told him that he was referring to a missile attack which the Pentagon had issued. Snake contacted the Colonel who confirmed Liquid's story. Campbell told Snake that he would help him out, to repay him for all the lies. He said he would issue an order to stop the launch which would disrupt the chain of command and give him time to escape. This plan would not unfold however, as Campbell was placed under arrest by the Secretary of Defense, Jim Houseman, who had orchestrated the Metal Gear project and was trying to cover up the incident. Houseman said they had a lot of catching up to do and broke contact, but not after informing Snake that the entire purpose of the mission was for Snake to spread FoxDie to all of the terrorists to kill them. Then Snake would die, and the government would steal Metal Gear instead of destroying it. Metal Gear, having been destroyed, was of little use to the government now, so they decided to nuke the place to cover up any evidence of what really happened there. Liquid then showed Snake a little surprise of his. Behind him, Meryl was laying unconscious. Next to her was a small nuclear bomb with a timer. Liquid said she would be the sacrifice for their final battle. He then untied Snake and prepared for the fight. Liquid activated the timer and so the battle begun. Snake and Liquid began a battle, filled with hate for each other and what they represented. The battle ended with Liquid being knocked from the top of Metal Gear to his apparent death. Snake then deactivated the nuke and untied Meryl who was thankfully still alive. The two conversed a bit before Snake got a call from Otacon. He said he would stay behind and open a path for the two of them to escape. Snake thanked him, and he and Meryl descended from Metal Gear and started off to their escape. Meryl and Snake jumped into a nearby jeep and rushed toward the exit of the facility, gunning down any guards along the way. However, their escape would not go unhindered, as Liquid Snake, who was somehow still alive, chased after the two. The two rushed toward the exit and the chase ended with a crash just at the end of the tunnel. Snake and Meryl were alright, however they were both trapped under the jeep. Though, the same was not true for Liquid, who stumbled forward, fueled only by his hate for Snake. Liquid raised his gun and trained its sights on the two. Before he could fire, Liquid was attacked by the FoxDie virus and collapsed to the ground dead. The two freed themselves from underneath the wreckage. The Colonel contacted Snake and told him the bombing had been called off, as the Secretary of Defense was acting alone, and the entire incident was his doing. He then informed him that that there was a snowmobile nearby which could take them to Fox Island where an evacuation chopper awaited. Naomi then spoke with Snake, telling him that she didn't know when or if FoxDie would kill Snake. He would later find out that Naomi had programmed the virus to strike at a random time. Meryl and Snake then departed from Shadow Moses and disappeared into the Alaskan wilderness. After the operation, Meryl and Snake most likely had a relationship. Snake was then contacted by Otacon, who survived the Shadow Moses incident. Otacon told Snake of how Ocelot, the sole terrorist survivor, had sold Metal Gear's data on the black market and many countries would now develop their own versions of Metal Gear. Otacon told Snake that he could make a difference and convinced him to join him in forming a new group, Philanthropy, an anti-Metal Gear organization officially recognized by the United Nations. For the next two years or so, Otacon and Snake destroyed dozens of rogue Metal Gears, with nothing significant taking place. _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 04) Metal Gear Solid 2 - Plot Summary _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ * Courtesy of Grant Gordin (futuresuperstar) - Author of "Metal Gear Sold: Dawn of the Concealed" -- Tanker Chapter -- In 2007, Otacon got a tip from someone of a new, highly advanced Metal Gear that was being developed by the Marine Corp. He and Snake planned a mission to infiltrate a tanker which was carrying the Metal Gear and take photos of it, and then leak the photos to the press and bring the black project to light. However, all would not go according to plan. After Snake made his way aboard the Tanker, the ship was taken over and hijacked by an unknown group of soldiers. All of the crew in the upper decks was killed. Snake took a photo of the apparent leader of the group, a Russian looking military man. He asked Otacon to get an ID on who the man was. Snake made his way through the Tanker, dispatching any enemy soldiers who got in his way. Snake then encountered a woman soldier on one of the front decks of the ship. The two did battle with Snake managing to subdue the woman. The woman's tomboyish appearance reminded him of Meryl. After defeating the woman, Snake spotted a Cypher, a type of flying security camera device. Otacon then contacted Snake and told him the ID of the man from before. He was Colonel Sergei Gurlukovich, the leader of a private mercenary army. Snake then proceeded into the holds and finally into the chamber of Metal Gear. Along the way he avoided the legion of Marines who were watching the Marine Commandant in charge's speech. Snake managed to get the desired shots of Metal Gear and sent them to Otacon. However, before Snake could make his escape, a man from his past appeared and confronted the Marine Commandant and his men. That man was Revolver Ocelot, the same terrorist from the Shadow Moses incident two years before. Ocelot distracted the Commandant long enough for Colonel Gurlukovich to grab and take the Commandant hostage. Gurlukovich's men then arrived in the room and secured the area. Snake moved in for a closer look as he watched the drama unfold. Ocelot then betrayed his allies and shot Gurlukovich and several of his men before blowing a hole in the tanker and making his way toward Metal Gear's cockpit. Snake rushed in to stop him. Ocelot looked down at his old foe and felt an odd feeling. He screamed in agony as his hand convulsed and throbbed. Ocelot then spoke, but not in his own voice. His voice was that of Liquid Snake. Snake, confused as to what had happened, demanded to know what was going on. Liquid told Snake that he lived on though Ocelot's arm. Back in Shadow Moses, Ocelot had gotten his right hand cut off by Grey Fox, and after the incident, Ocelot had Liquid's arm grafted on. Supposedly, Liquid's enhanced genetic makeup allowed him to take control of Ocelot's body at random times, and often when Snake was present. Their conversation was cut short as a gush of water slammed Snake into a wall and knocked him out for a moment. Liquid/Ocelot then leapt into Metal Gear and activated the machine. He made his way out of the Tanker. Snake followed close behind and emerged on the surface of the wreckage of the Tanker. He was then greeted by Metal Gear RAY, the codename for the new Metal Gear, which stood in front of him menacingly. RAY then back flipped into the water behind him and sent a massive wave toward Snake. Ocelot was satisfied that Snake was finished and retreated with his new toy. However, that was not the end of Snake. Otacon soon arrived in a small boat and rescued Snake from a watery grave. Once the two returned to land, they leaked Metal Gear RAY's existence to the press. However, a more interesting story would overshadow their deed. Snake and Otacon had been set-up as the fall men for a massive conspiracy. The two were labeled as the worst ecological terrorists of all time for the sinking of a Tanker which caused a massive oil spill in the Hudson Bay area. Their actions lead to the creation of an offshore oil decontamination facility, the Big Shell. For the next two years, Snake and Otacon kept a low profile after being marked as terrorists. -- Plant Chapter -- Otacon was leaked information about a new Metal Gear being developed at the Big Shell. Snake set off for the facility and found it was captured and taken over by another terrorist organization. Snake infiltrated the area and disguised himself as a Navy SEAL in order not to raise suspicion, as the navy was orchestrating a rescue operation at the time, anyway. The terrorists had President Johnson hostage, and the Navy SEALS were on a rescue mission. During his mission, Snake found a member of FOXHOUND, a man calling himself "Raiden" who was sent in by the organization. Snake found that strange, seeing as FOXHOUND had been disbanded following Snake's destruction of the group back at Shadow Moses. Snake did not fully trust the man and refrained from revealing his identity. He called himself "Iroquois Pliskin." Snake then aided the rookie on his mission, giving him advice about weapons, the enemy, and the facility. Soon after their first meeting, Snake found Raiden once again confronting a middle-aged black man. Snake recognized the man to be the legendary bomb disposal expert, Peter Stillman. Stillman informed the two of the situation. Fatman, a member of Dead Cell, the terrorist group present at the Big Shell, had planted bombs throughout the facility. Stillman gave the two a device that could stop the bombs. Snake then set out to the Shell 2 area of the facility to defuse the bombs there while Raiden stayed in the Shell 1 area. Snake reported into Stillman each time he found a bomb. Stillman thought that the bomb placement was completely wrong and asked Snake to take a look at the bottom of Shell 2. Snake did so and found a huge amount of C4 explosives there. Several events then happened and part of Shell 2 was destroyed. Snake was caught near the explosion and knocked out for a while. During these events, Raiden had managed to disarm all of the explosives throughout Shell 1 and was confronted by Dead Cell's leader, Fortune. The two battled, and Raiden was powerless, as every bullet fired at Fortune was deflected before hitting her by a strange defensive force. Vamp, another member of Dead Cell, came down to the two to confront Raiden. Raiden fired another shot at Fortune, and it swerved around her force field and hit Vamp between the eyes. Fortune was devastated and coddled the lifeless Vamp as Raiden fled the scene. Afterwards, however, following Fortune's tears of pain while holding Vamp, Vamp returned to life, claiming he had already died, and couldn't die twice. Raiden then killed Fatman, the man behind the bombs, and attempted to free the hostages at the core of the shell. After speaking with Ames, a man under the President, Raiden fled the core, as Ocelot, who was discovered to be at the scene of the takeover, found him. Raiden escaped with the aid of a mysterious ninja, one that looked much like Grey Fox from Shadow Moses, and ran toward Shell 2 to find the President. After Snake came to, he and Otacon discovered the location of the new Metal Gear. The entire facility WAS the new Metal Gear, or rather a guise for the fortress. Snake continued his mission while Raiden did the same with his. Otacon and Snake managed to hijack a Kamov chopper which they planned to use to rescue the hostages which were taken during the takeover. Before they had the chance, however, the terrorist leader, claiming to be Solid Snake, confronted Raiden on a bridge between Shell 1 and Shell 2. Enraged by his claim of being Solid Snake, Snake opened fire on the man. Snake managed to knock the man from the bridge, only to find that a Harrier 2 was lying in wait to ambush them. Snake, knowing he couldn't take out the Harrier with a Kamov, tossed Raiden a Stinger Missile Launcher and some ammo and instructed him to take out the Harrier. He then supported Raiden with cover fire as Raiden battled the jet. Raiden managed to defeat the Harrier and send it crashing below, only to have it scooped up by Metal Gear RAY, the same RAY from the tanker two years ago, piloted by a very alive Vamp. RAY then fired on the facility, damaging the Kamov in the process. Snake and Otacon were forced to land the helicopter. After that, Snake revealed that he really was Solid Snake and Iroquois Pliskin was just a made up name. Snake then proceeded to explore the Big Shell in hopes of finding a way into Arsenal Gear, the name of the new Metal Gear. While in Shell 2, Snake was attacked and battled the same ninja that Raiden had been saved by earlier. Snake discovered that the Ninja was actually Olga Gurlukovich, the woman whom Snake fought two years ago on the Tanker. Olga, having been Sergei Gurlukovich's daughter, believed that Snake was responsible for his death at the tanker. Snake explained to Olga what really happened there, and of Ocelot's betrayal to her father and his men. The two decided to work together for mutual benefit. Meanwhile, Raiden successfully found the President and snuck inside his chamber. President Johnson told Raiden about the Patriots, a group that supposedly controlled America. He claimed that every action ever done by him was actually an act or an order of the Patriots, and also explained how the Big Shell was just a disguise for Arsenal Gear. Raiden, in shock, questioned him further. Ocelot showed up, however, and killed the President, for reasons unknown to this day. Raiden then proceeded to finding Emma Emmerich, Otacon's long-lost half-sister. She supposedly knew how to infect Arsenal with a virus to crumble its database, and perhaps retained other knowledge that would prove useful. However, he was stopped by Vamp. The two warriors battled with Vamp finally losing. He had the ability to read muscles and see in extremely slow motion at will, but Raiden found a way to defeat him. Vamp fell into a pool and drowned. Away from the scene, Snake was contacted by Raiden. Raiden needed cover support for helping Emma get to Shell 1 to get to Arsenal's entrance via a long bridge along the water. Snake went to the scene and helped Raiden defend Emma from patrolling guards and gun ciphers with sniper fire. However, Emma was ambushed and seriously wounded by Vamp, who once again had supposedly come back to life. Raiden once again played sniper and shot him several times, and Vamp fell into the ocean, finally dead. Snake rushed to the girl's side and carried her back to the computer room where Otacon was waiting. He tried to patch her up the best he could, however it seemed Vamp got some internal organs and he couldn't stop the bleeding. Snake asked Raiden if he got the disc from Emma, which could infect Arsenal's database and stop it. Raiden handed it over and Snake loaded the program into Arsenal's activation console. All did not go according to plan (as usual) and an anti-virus agent stopped the virus before it could be completed. In the meantime, Otacon and Emma had a last conversation. She soon died. Otacon broke down in grief at the loss of his sister. Snake convinced Otacon to go on and save the hostages. After Otacon left, Snake revealed a "friend" of his to Raiden: the ninja, who was actually Olga. Snake told him that it was bedtime for Raiden and Olga knocked Raiden out with her High Frequency Blade. Olga then took Raiden to her superiors, as she was pretending to work for Solidus and the terrorists, and Snake snuck aboard Arsenal along with her. Now aboard Arsenal Gear, Snake changed back into his sneaking suit. He thanked Olga and was about to continue on with his mission. Before he went, Olga gave him her HF Blade and told him to give it to Raiden. A bit confused, Snake agreed to give it to him. Snake then advanced into the bowels of Arsenal and waited for Raiden's arrival. Snake found him in a long hallway, completely naked. Snaked laughed at the sight and gave Raiden his equipment back. He then handed over the HF Blade, as Olga had asked. Snake gave Raiden a few tips on how to wield the sword. Before this, however, Raiden had escaped his confinement with the aid of Olga and sneaked through Arsenal. The Colonel of his mission, who had been giving him orders all along, started to malfunction, as if it had been affected by a virus, and started to say random things. Rose, Raiden's girlfriend, also started to malfunction, as if she was a machine. Raiden didn't know what was going on, but met Snake in the hall. After Raiden was done training, he and Snake advanced into the next room. They were then attacked by an onslaught of Arsenal Tengu, guards of the place. The two fought side by side and annihilated the legion of soldiers in the next two rooms. At this point, the real Rose contacted Raiden and told him that she had been spying on him for the Patriots their entire relationship. Raiden was disgusted and upset, but Rose told him that she was sorry and really did love him. After Raiden didn't believe her, Rose told him she was pregnant, and then the transmission died. In the following room, after killing the enemy soldiers, Dead Cell's leader, Fortune, confronted Snake and Raiden. Fortune claimed that Snake had killed her father, the Marine Commandant Scott Dolph, at the tanker. Snake told her that it wasn't him, but she would hear nothing of it. Snake then told Raiden to go on and he'd handle her. Raiden did so. Snake then began a hopeless battle and was defeated by Fortune and taken captive. Meanwhile, Raiden had been talking to Solidus Snake, the third clone of Big Boss. He was a direct clone, not recessive or dominant. Solidus told Raiden of his plans and then had an onslaught of mass-produced Metal Gear RAYs attack him. Raiden finally gave in. Olga appeared and tried to save Raiden, telling Raiden that if he died or failed his mission, Olga's child, which the Patriots had hostage, would die. Solidus killed her with a bullet to her head and tossed her aside. As the RAYs began to attack Raiden again, the virus that Emma had given them started to take effect and the RAYs began to malfunction. Solidus, infuriated, single-handedly destroyed the remaining three RAYs and cursed at the Patriots, knowing they had something to do with it. Snake found that Raiden too had been captured when he was taken above. He watched as the scene unfolded between Solidus, Fortune, and a returning Ocelot. Ocelot revealed that he had been a Patriot's spy all along, and told of his betrayal to Solidus. Solidus's plan had been to detonate a nuke over Manhattan, the dwelling place of the Patriots, to take out all electronics that were concealing the Patriots' identities, and then proceed to kill the Patriots to "liberate" the United States from unknown dictatorship. Ocelot told him that the entire exercise at the Big Shell was scripted by the Patriots themselves, as was the sinking of the tanker two years ago. Solidus, infuriated, attacked Ocelot, only to find that Ocelot couldn't be harmed due to the Patriots' technology. Fortune also was shot by Ocelot, and it was soon discovered her mystical abilities were nothing more than the same technology that Ocelot possessed. Ocelot concluded with saying that all he had to do was recover Arsenal and clean up the refuse from the exercise, and he jumped into one of the RAY's cockpits and attempted to kill everyone. Fortune, barely alive, managed to somehow find within her part of the mystical power that was taken away and deflected all of RAY's missiles. After Ocelot then attempted to take them out with a cutting laser, Ocelot became possessed by Liquid Snake once again. Liquid called out to his brothers and told them of his plans. He claimed he knew where the Patriots were and that he was going to crush them, and he then prepared to leap off the side of Arsenal inside RAY. Snake could not allow Liquid to get away and managed to muster enough strength to break his damaged handcuffs. Liquid laughed at seeing Snake pursue the massive vehicle. Metal Gear leapt off the side of Arsenal and Snake leapt in right behind it. Snake was unable to keep up with the powerful RAY, but he did manage to plant a tracker on it. Raiden and Solidus were thrown onto Federal Hall, where the Colonel contacted Raiden. He claimed that the S3 was still there. The S3 was revealed to be a protocol of some sort that stood for "Selection for Societal Sanity." Following was a horrid conversation between the S3 and Raiden, where the S3 claimed it was humanity's only hope and that humans were crazy, evil, and self-killing animals. It stated that it needed to have control of America to lead us into a good age instead of an age of lies and false veracities. Raiden refused to believe it, but was plagued with words that he didn't know if they were real or not. His entire mission was a lie, a script of the Patriots, and now the S3 was telling him that he was just a weapon ... a creation of the S3 with no purpose but what they made for him. After the S3 told him to kill Solidus, Solidus informed Raiden that there was still a way for Solidus to succeed with his plan. He stated that the Patriots' digital information was inside of Raiden, wired into his genetic makeup, and then continued preaching his wish of freedom from the Patriots. Following this, Solidus told Raiden that he had killed Raiden's parents, and then told of Raiden's past. According to Solidus, Raiden had been a child solder in the Liberian Civil War, and Solidus had adopted him as his own. Raiden, disbelieving, commenced battle with him. Raiden ended up winning, and Solidus fell off of Federal Hall to his doom. Snake then returned to shore and located Raiden who now stood alone in front of Federal Hall. He convinced Raiden that he had done the right thing and went on about the future and such and how reality is only as real as we make it, and also about how he planted a tracker on RAY. He also informed him that the disc containing the FoxDie computer virus, the same disc Emma had, could also be used to locate the Patriots. Snake then disappeared into the shadows as soon as he came. Raiden was left on the streets of Manhattan, and Rose approached him. Having known that the S3 was lying and digitally imitating Rose, Raiden forgave Rose about her affiliation with the Patriots, and they decided to live a new life ... together. Watching the two lovers behind a car was none other than ... Vamp. Soon after the mission, Otacon analyzed the disc's data. He told Snake he found who the Patriots were and that one of the members was one of their biggest contributors. He also informed that all twelve of them were dead, and had been for a solid 100 years. Snake, shocked, uttered three words ... What the hell ...? ============================================================================== ============================================================================== Tanker Chapter Script ============================================================================== ============================================================================== _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 01) Infiltration _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ [The screen is black. Snake's voice comes in.] Snake : The Hudson River, two years ago... We had classified intelligence that a new type of Metal Gear was being transported. The whole thing stank...but our noses had been out in the cold too long. -- George Washington Bridge -- [Rain pours down over the historic bridge in New York that spans the width of the Hudson River. Cars hurry through the rain. The only person outside is an unknown man in a long, black raincoat. He has his hands dug deep into his pockets as he puffs on a cigarette dangling from his lip. In a moment he finishes his cigarette and casually tosses it into the traffic with a brief puff of smoke.] [Suddenly he breaks out into a jog and then a full sprint. His raincoat flies away in the wind but the man is no longer visible except for a faint, transparent outline of his body. Without warning he leaps off the bridge and plunges towards the river. This man has no intentions of committing suicide however. We can see a faint, but telltale, elastic-line that will break his momentum when he reaches his target, a large oil tanker cruising slowly beneath the bridge.] [The man's line snaps taut and he grunts, for a moment he becomes visible as his optic camouflage cuts out. The man is Solid Snake. The hero of Shadow Moses. He falls a little bit further and when he is close enough he releases his line and falls to the deck of the ship. He lands hard. His optic camouflage fizzles out of operation with a dazzling display of electric currents. Slowly Snake gets up and surveys the bridge he had leaped off of just a few seconds ago.] [Far in the distance a solitary helicopter hovers. Inside is a man dressed in military fatigues. He is holding a Colt Single-Action Pistol and he is looking though a pair of binoculars. He speaks.] Ocelot : Our boy is right on schedule. He'll know soon enough... [Snake slowly straightens himself upright and the title appears onscreen.] METAL GEAR SOLID 2: SONS OF LIBERTY [Snake hears something and rushes to cover. He kneels down, places his hand by his ear and calls someone on his Codec. It is Hal Emmerich (Otacon), whom we know from the Shadow Moses Incident two years ago.] Snake : This is Snake. Do you read me, Otacon? Otacon : Loud and clear, Snake. Snake : Kept you waiting, huh? I'm at the "sneak point." Otacon : Everything's going okay? Snake : The stealth camo's busted. Landing impact. Otacon : We must have overused it. Sorry, but you're going to have to deal with it. You're not in the military anymore. Snake : Right. I didn't plan on relying on this gadget anyway. Otacon : The private sector's not so bad, is it? Privacy guaranteed... Snake : I'm happy as long as no one gives me any more unwanted gifts. Otacon : You mean that thing with Naomi? Snake : And I can't say I miss the chattering nanny. Otacon : Mei Ling's not so bad. That reminds me, I have to get in touch with her again about that new Natik flashware. Snake : Diverting toys from the SSCEN (U.S. Army Soldier Systers Center) again? Give her a message from me: someone will find out sooner or later. She's better off assuming it's sooner and quit while she's safe. Otacon : Too true. Okay, Snake, let's get to work. You know the technical specs of Metal Gear were sold on the black market after Shadow Moses? Snake : All Ocelot's doing... Otacon : Exactly. And now every state, group, and dotcom has its own version of Metal Gear. Snake : Not exactly a classified weapon for today's nuclear powers. Otacon : This new one seems to have been designed to wipe the floor with all the other models. The only consistent description is that it's an amphibious, anti-Metal Gear vehicle... Snake : That explains why this one is under Marine Corps jurisdiction. [The outside decks of the tanker are shown.] Otacon : The mission objective is to make visual confirmation of the new Metal Gear being transported by that tanker, and bring back photographic evidence. But I want you to first go up to the top level of the infrastructure, to the bridge. We need to find out where the tanker is headed. Snake : A little reconnaissance, huh? Otacon : There's too much we don't know about this new prototype. Capabilities, deployment method -- we don't even know how close it is to completion. If we know where the testing arena is, I can start to draw some reasonable conclusions. Snake : All right. I'll head to the bridge ASAP. Otacon : Try to avoid confrontations. Our goal is to collect evidence on Metal Gear development and expose it to the world. It would be best if you could get out of there without alerting anyone. Snake : Don't worry. I know the drill -- we're not terrorists. Otacon : Very good. Don't you forget that you're a part of "Philanthropy" now, an anti-Metal Gear organization and officially recognized by the UN. Snake : Recognized, but still fringe, Otacon. [Snake sorts through his gear.] Otacon : All right, let's look at your gear. Your weapon is a tranquilizer gun converted from a Beretta M92F. Snake : M9. Otacon : It's a little hard to work with because you have to reload after each shot since the slide locks. Snake : It's better than scavenging on mission site. Good suppressor too. Otacon : The chemical stun will take affect in a few seconds and last for hours. You can take down a elephant with that thing. Check out the laser sighting too. [Snake takes a practice shot and breaks a light nearby.] Otacon : The affects of the anesthetic rounds will vary depending on what target the body hits. Were talking about a difference of tens of seconds between hitting the enemy's chest or head. [Snake pauses and looks at his cigarettes.] Otacon : As for the equipment... Hey Snake, cigarettes? What's wrong with you? Snake : It's kind of a lucky charm. Otacon : You haven't read the surgeon general's warning, have you? [Snake looks at his digital camera.] Otacon : He's the digital camera. Works almost the same as your old one. [Snake uses the zoom on the camera to scan the deck. He spots a Marine soldier patrolling.] Snake : They don't look armed... Otacon : Hey, Earth to Snake. These are nice, upstanding Marines, not terrorists. Don't get caught; you're in stealth mode here. Snake : Sure, if it comes to that, a little beauty sleep never hurt anyone. By the way, Otacon, are you sure of this intelligence? Otacon : Absolutely. Hacked it out of Pentagon's classified files myself. Snake : No traces? Otacon : Oh please. I'm too good for that. Snake : We can't rule out the possibility that this is a trap. There's a high price on our heads, you know. Otacon : You're just paranoid. Snake : I hope so. [Snake spots another soldier.] Snake : They don't seem anything but civilians from here. Otacon : With all the ships passing on the river and in the harbor. Putting uniformed Marines on the deck would be a bad idea. People can get a clear view of the water from riverside too. Snake : The waterline is too high...According to the navigational plans, this ship should have discharged its cargo upriver. Otacon : It's in there, no doubt about it. Snake : A Metal Gear in the holds will weigh down a ship a bit, I'd say. The military trains you to watch for threats from the stern on a boat. That's SOP for Counter-terror ops too. Security should be tighter. Otacon : You worry too much. Snake : Where's the target? Otacon : Satellite surveillance is a major international pastime these days. I'd say the cargo holds, safely below the deck. Do you see the entrance to the holds? Snake : Looks like there are a few entry ways into the crew quarters. [Snake hears a helicopter flying nearby.] Snake : A chopper. Wha--! [Snake pans to one of the soldiers on the deck and promptly the Marine gets his throat slit by a soldier in military fatigues. Another soldier gets knocked to the ground and his fall is promptly followed by a knife plunging through his neck. A third Marine gets stabbed several times by a soldier that has just snuck up on him.] Snake : Looks like were not the only ones after Metal Gear tonight. Otacon : Is that a chopper I just heard? Snake : Affirmative. Probably another cavalry... [Some soldiers move in to secure the area.] Snake : What's their game? Hijack? Otacon : They're probably targeting the ship's controls. Snake : Otacon, how many men do you need to take over a tanker of this size? Otacon : The ship is run by a computer so... I'd say about 18 people. Snake takes a look at one of the soldier's weapons. Snake : AKS-74u? [Snake spots a soldier that appears to be ordering the others around. The man turns around. He has a brown moustache and short brown hair. He appears to be in his mid 50's or so.] Snake : Russians? Otacon : You sure? Snake : No Marine barber touched that head of hair. [The man puts on a hat and Snake snaps a picture of him.] Snake : I'm transmitting the photo. Let's try to get a ID on him ASAP. Otacon : I'm on it. Snake : Looks like the tanker's theirs now. [Snake hears a helicopter again. This time he is able to identify it.] Snake : KA-60. Kasatka? Otacon : Kasatka? Kamov chopper, right? 'Killer Whale'... [Codec screen.] Snake : We need to get a fix on who they are. Otacon : Judging by their transport, aren't they some kind of military commandos? Snake : Not necessarily. It could be the KA-62, the civil model. Otacon : Look, Snake, all we need is the photographic evidence of Metal Gear. As long as we have those, we can put it online and blow the whole thing wide open. So no pyrotechnics, okay? Snake : All right. I'll do my best. Otacon : This isn't like Shadow Moses. Reach me if anything happens. The frequency is 141.12. Snake : How can I check in and save my progress? Otacon : I'll do it. There's a frequency set aside for it -- 140.96. Sorry but no Mei Ling this time. Call me on the Codec when you want to save. Snake : Got it. Otacon : I'll be waiting just past the Verrazano Bridge. You need to be off that ship by then. Snake : I'll be in touch. [Snake signs off.] _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 02) Hairy armpits and bad Russian accents _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ [Snake reaches the bridge of the tanker. He enters slowly, with his gun drawn and slowly moves through. There are two crewmen lying over some instruments wearing orange jumpsuits, they are both dead. Snake reaches the front window of the bridge and sees two identical helicopters flying past in the rain.] Snake : So it is the Kasatka... Russian choppers... [The two helicopters descend above the deck and soldiers repel and quickly secure the area.] [Snake reaches a computer terminal and punches some buttons. After looking for a moment he calls up Otacon.] Otacon : Snake, did you find out where that ship is headed? Snake : I'm looking at it -- 35 degrees longitude, latitude around 58. Otacon : More than 500 miles off the coast of the Bermudas, out in the middle of the Atlantic... So the prototype is ready for solo testing -- it's basically combat-worthy. That area is outside the Second Fleet's operational range, too. It must be a stand-alone Marine Corps project -- which means this prototype Metal Gear must be designed for independent deployment, without any Naval assistance... Anyway, analysis can wait till later. Snake, you need to go down to the holds and locate the actual Metal... [There is a loud bang from outside. A crate falling, perhaps?] Snake : !? [Snake sees a woman strolling through the rain with her back turned. She is holding a radio.] Snake : Hm? [Snake sneaks outside and gets close enough to hear the woman talking to someone over the radio. A man is speaking] Radio : ...Shalashaska has landed. I'm on my way to the tanker holds... Report your status. Woman : Control room, communications and engine room are under control. All entry and exit points to the tanker holds secured. Infrared sensors placed and operational. Radio : Good work. Are the explosives in place? Woman : Yes, they're all planted. Radio : Listen. Once we have what we came for, the tanker will be scuttled. Woman : And the vehicle's pilot? Radio : He's the only one who underwent the VR training. No one else can do it. Woman : Are you sure you can trust him? Radio : Your part in the mission is complete. You are to leave at once. Woman : No, it's not over yet! [The man talking over the radio is shown. He is the Russian commander Snake snapped a picture of.] Radio : I can see the moon...even in this storm. Pale as death. I have a bad feeling about this mission... You swore this to me that you would leave the unit, once the mission was complete. Do not worry. This is a country of liberty. Woman : This is where I belong, with the unit. [The woman takes out her gun and looks at it.] Woman : I have nowhere else to go. Father, I want to stay and fight. Radio : There is no choice to make here, Olga! Need I remind you that you are carrying my grandchild? [Olga pats her stomach gingerly.] Olga : ...... Radio : You will be on the helicopter out of here, now! [The transmission is cut abruptly.] Olga : Damn it! [Olga waves away a helicopter. As it flies away Snake leaps out from behind a crate and trains his gun on Olga.] Snake : Freeze! [Olga turns around slowly to see Snake.] Snake : Hands over your head! Now! [Olga slowly raises her arms.] Snake : Toss your gun overboard! Slowly. [She casually tosses her gun overboard.] Snake : A woman...? Show your face. Olga : You men -- you're all the same. Snake : Who are you? [She slowly takes off her cap and lets the wind carry it to Snake.] Olga : We are nomads. Wanderers. [Olga moves to her side.] Snake : I said, don't move! Olga : Americans...so you shoot unarmed women too? Snake : I'm a nomad too. [Snake sees her knife.] Snake : What else do you have there? Take the knife and toss it. [Olga takes the knife and tries to place it on the ground at her feet.] Snake : Not there. Toss it overboard! Hold that position. Now, turn around. [She raises her hands over her head, knife in hand.] Olga : You know what you're doing. [The tanker jerks violently, both of them lose their balance for a moment. The rain stops.] Olga : It's stopped raining... Not too shabby, is it? New York, I mean? [Olga twirls around and a bullet flies from the knife. Snake is startled but manages to (barely) dodge the shot. As Olga takes cover behind a crate Snake snaps back into position with his gun trained on the storage rack where Olga is hiding.] Olga : And that brings our tour to its conclusion! Snake : Scout knife with a surprise -- you a Spetsnaz? Olga : I think you deserve a little credit. No one's ever dodged that shot of mine... But no one gets lucky twice, either! [Snake and Olga battle. During the battle Olga speaks to Snake.] Olga : I've been on the unit since I was born. I grew up on the battlefield. Conflict and victory were my parents. The unit is my life, my family. We've shared everything -- all the bad and all the good. I have no one -- nothing except the unit. Nothing else matters to me! Whoever you are, your not stopping us! [Snake defeats her with his tranquilizer gun. She falls unconscious to the deck. Snake slowly approaches her. He kicks her a little bit and she falls limp. Seemingly relieved he holsters his gun and takes hers, a USP. There is no ammo in it.] Snake : Hmm... [A small surveillance remote appears. It hovers for a moment making some clicking noises and then flies off into the distance.] Snake : CYPHER!? [Snake calls Otacon.] Snake : Otacon, the ship appears to be under their control. The men have Russian gear, but I haven't been able to find out anything else about their origin. Otacon : I know who they are. Snake : You do? Otacon : We've ID'd the old man. Snake : Who is he? Otacon : Sergei Gurlukovich. Snake : Gurlukovich.! One of Ocelot's allies? Otacon : Yeah...the GRU colonel. He's the one Ocelot was supposed to meet up with, after Shadow Moses... Snake : They're after Metal Gear... Otacon : Everything's changed. This is not going to be as simple as we thought. Snake : You could say that. I saw a surveillance remote just now, it looked like the Cypher. Otacon : A Marine Cypher-T? Snake : No, Army. Otacon : First the Marines, then the Russians -- now the Army...? Snake : You're right, this isn't going to be simple. Otacon : Snake -- There's something I have to tell you. Snake : What? Otacon : We didn't dig up this info -- about the new Metal Gear -- on our own. Not like usual... Snake : How did you find out, then? Otacon : It was a tip. An anonymous tip. Snake : Anonymous? You've never trusted those -- why would you start now? Otacon : I, ah. I have a younger sister. A stepsister. We have different parents. I only knew her for two years. Snake : You've never mentioned her before. So...? Otacon : The sender of the tip was "E.E." Snake : "E.E."? Otacon : Her name is Emma, but I always called her "E.E."... Snake : Emma Emmerich? Otacon : Yeah. It just caught my eye, you know? I figured it was a coincidence, but I couldn't get it out of my mind. There's really no one there who knows about her. Snake : When was the last time you saw her? Otacon : Over 10 years ago. Snake : You think it's a trap? To lure us out here...? Otacon : I don't know. After I got the tip, I did break into the Pentagon system to get confirmation. Snake : Okay... Otacon : Watch your back, Snake. Maybe I screwed up... Snake : I've got a light-equipped USP; I can take them on now. There's no ammo, but it takes a 9mm, just like the Marines' M9. I'll find those somewhere around here. Otacon : Don't raise too much racket with that thing. Snake : I hear you. [Snake signs off. Snake reaches a junction in the ship that he must get past. It is blocked by plastic explosives and trip lasers. Snake calls Otacon for assistance.] Otacon : Snake, there's another set of infrared sensors in place. If you touch that, the explosives will detonate and that ship will be pulverized. Snake : I'm not in the mood to go sleep with the fishes. There are too many sensors. Looks like I'll have to find another way. Otacon : No need to worry. There's a way through. Take a close look -- do you see the thing with blinking green lights right next to the explosives? That's the control unit for the sensors. Destroy that and the sensors stop functioning. You can't get in close enough to touch it, so you'll have to shoot it out. But the M9's knockout rounds won't work. The USP you picked up should do the trick. Use that gun. [Snake makes it past the SEMTEX by shooting the control units. When he enters the next hatch he hears an announcement.] Announcer : Verrazano Bridge checkpoint passed. All non-essential personnel, report to the holds in 10 minutes time for the scheduled briefing session with the Commandant. You are ordered to continue manning your posts until that time. [Snake travels through the corridor but up ahead he hears the sound of a squeaky hatch opening. He quickly draws his gun and crouches down. At the hatch three soldiers emerge and secure the annex room where it is located. They seal the hatch again. One of the soldiers calls up the commander over the radio.] Soldier : Colonel, we have sealed the stern hatch. Sergei : All right. Soldier : The lift is also under our control. Sergei : We're on the foredeck. About to descend to the holds. Soldier : Sir, the Marine commander has started his speech already. Sergei : We will complete the preparations before the end of the speech. Soldier : All communications to the holds have been severed. No one is aware of our presence. Sergei : Let no one down into the holds until we are out. Soldier : Yes sir! We will secure your exit, with our lives if necessary. Sergei : There is one more thing... Soldier : Yes sir? Sergei : My daughter...keep her safe. Soldier : Yes sir! [The transmission ends. The three soldiers begin to patrol through the corridor. Snake leans up against the crate he is next to.] Soldier : Who goes there? [Snake fights off a dozen soldiers in the corridor and then proceeds to the hatch the soldiers came out of. He opens it. A soldier that somehow avoided the carnage sneaks behind him and watches. Snake goes through the hatch. The soldier quietly closes the hatch with a sigh. He hears somebody approaching from the rear.] Soldier : Who goes there! [The man who was watching Snake when he landed on the tanker appears out of the darkness.] Soldier : Oh, Shalashaska. [The soldier lowers his gun.] Soldier : Why are you here? We thought you were with the Colonel. [Suddenly the man draws his revolver and aims point-blank at the soldier's forehead.] Soldier : What the...! [The revolver fires. The soldier falls to the ground. Shalashaska moves to the hatch and seals it. He begins to walk away.] Ocelot : The colonel will be joining you soon... Comrade... _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 03) Possessed arms and weird twists _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ [Snake reaches the holds of the tanker. He sees a group of Marines standing below watching a projection movie of a speech by the Marine commander.] Otacon : Snake, are you in yet? Have you made it to the holds? Snake : It's taking longer than I expected. We've already passed the Verrazano Bridge. Otacon : All right. We'll use another recovery point. Snake : They may be planning to change course. Otacon : What? Snake : The exits to the deck are all sealed. Otacon : What are they planning? Snake : If they get Metal Gear, we're going right off the fringe. [Snake peers down at the Marines.] Snake : The men down here are definitely Marines. Otacon : If the deck is sealed off, they have no way of knowing that the ship's been taken over. Snake : I'm not interested in fighting these guys. The weapons won't do me much good here. Otacon : Can you see Metal Gear? Snake : No. I'll have to go around to the bow. They have some serious defenses here. I doubt the recent arrivals want to blast their way through the Marines either. Otacon : Wonder where they're headed. Snake : I don't know... Not the beach, that's for sure. Otacon : OK, Snake. Let's go over this one more time. Use this camera to get photographic evidence of the Metal Gear prototype. Now, do your thing and take pictures that speak louder than the government's plausible denials. We need four shots: Metal Gear from the front, front-right, and front-left, and a close-up of the Marine Corps marking. Snake : Marking? Otacon : There should be a "MARINES" insignia on the body of Metal Gear. Just let someone try explaining away a clear shot of that. Snake : All right. Otacon : There's actually one little thing... Snake : Just spit it out. I'm used to things going wrong. Otacon : It looks like someone's monitoring our transmission. Snake : Who? Otacon : I don't have a clue. All they're doing is watching -- it would creep me out less if they tried to interfere with our communications. Snake : Could it have something to do with that Cypher we saw? Otacon : Maybe. I've switched the encryption protocol for our burst transmission for now. What I want to do is use a different method for sending those photos, just in case. Snake : Instead of using the Codec? Otacon : Exactly. There's a workstation in the southeast corner of the block where Metal Gear is housed. I've made arrangements so that you can send the pictures from the machine. Snake : "Arrangements"? Otacon : I hitched a ride on Link 16 into U.S. military's proprietary network. Managed to get into that workstation and overwrote a part of the system software so I could remote-install a little app I wrote... Snake : Why bother with anything that complicated... Otacon : No, it's pretty simple, really. Look, all you have to do is stand in front of the machine and push the Action button. The app will automatically launch and download the image data from the camera, split the files and encrypt them individually. The data packets can then masquerade as... Snake : OK, OK. So all I have to do is push the Action button in front of the computer once I have the pictures, right? Otacon : Well, sure, if you put it that way. And one more thing... The Commandant's already begun his speech, but you need to get the pictures before he's done talking. Otherwise, they'll spot you. OK? Snake : How much time do I have? Otacon : I hacked into his personal files and took a look at the text of that speech. I'd say you have seven more minutes -- longer if he throws in a joke or two. Snake : A seven-minute time limit, huh? Otacon : Remember, Snake, just the photos, OK? Snake : With these kinds of odds, I won't be making any sudden moves. But that doesn't mean we can just let Metal Gear be hijacked. Otacon : Okay, okay, but first, the photos... Snake : All right. We'll deal with the rest when we get there. Otacon : Stay low. [Snake signs off.] [Snake makes it to the third hold of the tanker and finds a group of two dozen Marines watching the Marine Commander give his speech. The group is flanked by two cameramen who are taping the speech. Behind the Marine Commander is Metal Gear RAY, the new Metal Gear prototype.] Snake : Metal Gear!? [Snake gets a call from Otacon.] Otacon : Ok, we're finally there. Snake : So this is the new Metal Gear... Otacon : Yep. And we're going to show the whole world its baby pictures. Get the prototype on camera. We need four images. One from the front-right, the front, and the front-left, and a close-up of the "MARINES" marking on the prototype. Once you have the photos, use the workstation in the southeast end of the area to transmit them over to me. Send me something I can use! [Snake snaps all the pictures, going unnoticed by everybody in the room. He uploads the pictures to Otacon just as the commander finishes his speech.] Dolph : We the Marines will lead the charge into a new world order with Metal Gear RAY. That is all. Dismissed! [The Marines stand at attention and salute the commander. As they are saluting, (sarcastic) clapping can be heard from the rear of the hold. The Marines and the commander look around, puzzled. A man emerges from behind Metal Gear, clapping his hands as he struts along.] Ocelot : Excellent speech, my friend... Dolph : Who the -- !? [The commandant turns to face the intruder.] Ocelot : Gift of the silver tongue -- they say it's a mark of a good officer -- and of a liar. Americans are too in love with the sound of their own voice to speak the truth. Dolph : Identify yourself! Several Marines rush to Dolph's side and train their sights on the intruder. Ocelot : I am Shalashaska! Also called Revolver -- [Snake recognizes the man as he steps forward. They both utter the same word.] Both : Ocelot. [Flashbacks to Shadow Moses. The Marines try to advance forward but they are held back by the commander.] Dolph : What do you want? Ocelot : This machine will be quite useful. Dolph : What are you planning to do -- steal this thing? Ocelot : Steal? No, no, I'm taking it back. [Snake moves to a different location. He can see an arm reaching out for the commandant. The arm grabs the commandant. It is Colonel Sergei Gurlukovich holding a gun to the commandant's head.] Snake : Gurlukovich... [Gurlukovich takes a few protective steps backwards with his hostage.] Ocelot : Nobody move! Understood? [Ocelot steps onto the platform. In the other holds the Marines are beginning to panic. Ocelot raises a device above his head.] Ocelot : This ship now carries enough SEMTEX on its key structural points to blow it out of the water -- at the touch of this button. [Some of the Marines stand a little uneasy now.] Ocelot : That's right...no one has to die needlessly. [Russian soldiers rappel from the ceiling and take up positions covering their commanders from the Marines.] Ocelot : We're almost at the target. Get a move on! [A group of soldiers begins to undo the lines holding down Meta Gear Ray.] Dolph : What do you intend to do with RAY -- sell it on the streets? Sergei : I was raised in Snezhinsk, formerly known as Chelyabinsk-70, the nuclear research outpost. Dolph : What are you talking about? Sergei : After the Cold War ended, my home was bought out by the Americans. Dolph : Is there a point to this sad story? [Gurlukovich become angry and presses the pistol against the commandant's head spinning it a little.] Sergei : Not that you would understand. Land, friends, dignity...all sold to the highest bidder -- the United States of America. Even the technology that gave birth to these weapons is Russian, developed by us! Dolph : What do you intend to do? Sergei : Russia will rise again -- and RAY is the key. Ocelot : I regret to inform you that I have no intention of selling Metal Gear. As I said, I came to take it back. [Ocelot slowly paces away from them and then turns around.] Ocelot : Yes returned. To the Patriots! [The Marine Commandant recognizes the name. He is startled.] Dolph : The La-li-lu-le-lo! How's that possible!? [Gurlukovich restrains the commandant and snarls at Ocelot.] Sergei : Ocelot, you...! Have you sold us out? Ocelot : I was never in your employ, Gurlukovich... Sergei : Are you still in league with Solidus...!? Ocelot : No hard feelings, Colonel. Mother Russia can rot, for all I care. Sergei : Since when, Ocelot! When did you turn? Ocelot : I'm glad you noticed comrade. I abandoned "her" during the Cold War. Sergei : Aargh! Ocelot : Metal Gear only has room for one! Gurlukovich, you and your daughter will die here. Sergei : Damn you!!! [Gurlukovich releases the commandant and shoves him forward. At the same time Ocelot throws his trench coat into the air between him and Gurlukovich.] Sergei : Die, you dog! [Both the Russians draw their weapons and fire madly. As the trench coat flies to the ground bullets rip through it. When it finally settles Both the commandant and Gurlukovich fall to the ground.] Ocelot : Sergei! Looks like you were long overdue for retirement. [Ocelot lets go of his revolver and it clatters to the floor.] Sergei : Traitorous dog... [The other Russian soldiers surrounding Ocelot draw their guns to fire on him. With lightning speed he draws his second revolver and twirls in a quick circle burying one bullet in each soldier. As they fall to the ground Ocelot pulls out the detonator.] Ocelot : Show's over! If you wish to live, I suggest you run now! This ship is still in the Lower New York Harbor. You may yet make it to shore if you swim for your life! [Ocelot presses the detonator and the SEMTEX goes off killing some Marines. One of the blasts punctures the hull of the ship and water begins to pour into the chamber. The Marines scramble. Ocelot has climbed up to the upper platform of the hold and is approaching the open cockpit of Metal Gear Ray. Some Marines try to shoot Ocelot but none of the shots hit their mark. Snake rushes forward and aims upwards at Ocelot.] Snake : OCELOT!! [Ocelot looks down at Snake but before he does anything his arm begins to twitch.] Ocelot : Aaaarrghhhh!! [Ocelot grabs his right arm in pain. He straightens up but this time his voice is different. He is speaking in a familiar voice.] Ocelot : It's been a while, brother. Snake : Who are you? Ocelot : You know who I am. Snake : Liquid? [Memories of Shadow Moses come to Snake.] Liquid : Not so young anymore, eh, Snake? You're drowning in time. I know what it's like, brother. Snake : ... Liquid : No wonder Naomi passed you over for the FOXDIE program. [Ocelot's right arm begins to twitch again.] Liquid : Aaarrrr! Ocelot : Out -- get out of my mind! Liquid... [Ocelot bites his arm. Liquid is still in control.] Liquid : The price of physical prodigy... Few more years and you'll be another dead clone of the old man. Our raw materials are vintage, brother. Big Boss was in his late fifties when they created his copies. But I -- I live on, through this arm. Snake : Liquid's arm? [An explosion knocks Snake into the water.] [Gurlukovich floats on the surface of the water that is pouring into the hold. Blood is gushing out of his wound.] Sergei : Olga... [Liquid leaps into the open cockpit of Metal Gear Ray as Snake is climbing out of the water, gasping for air.] Liquid : You don't have what it takes after all. [Liquid slams Ray into the ceiling.] Liquid : You're going down, Snake, with this tanker! [Snake tries to dodge one of the legs coming down at him but he gets knocked unconscious. Up on a balcony some marines begin to fire gunshots at him and some RPGs. Liquid turns Ray to the marines and smashes them with the leg of the great machine. Snake regains consciousness and says something to Otacon.] Snake : Otacon, we have a problem... [Ray plunges its head into the water and begins to suck some water into its system. It then raises its head and fires a high-powered stream of water into the hull of the tanker. Water pours in.] Otacon : Snake!! Snaaaake!!! [Metal Gear Ray swims through the water and leaps above the water. It straddles a large crack that has appeared near the middle of the ship. Snake surfaces and gasps frantically for air. Ocelot is sitting in the cockpit of Ray peering down at Snake. Ocelot is talking to someone over the radio.] Ocelot : No problems...proceeding as planned, sir. [Ray does a back flip into the water and sends an enormous wave washing over Snake. He begins to slip under the water.] [Ray swims through the water. ocelot is still talking to the person over the radio.] Ocelot : ...Yes, at the location we discussed. Yes. I have photographic evidence of Snake on the scene. The Cypher was most useful...I look forward to tomorrow morning's news flash. I would say the Marine Corps' plans are on indefinite hold. Yes, of course, Mr. President... [Overhead view of the sinking ship, Snake is nowhere to be seen.] Otacon : SNAKE!! ============================================================================== ============================================================================== Plant Chapter Script ============================================================================== ============================================================================== Scientists had to make thousands of calculations to create the (atomic bomb) and determine its effects... Computers and atomic bombs, both products of World War II, grew up together." Information Age: People, information, and Technology exhibition- Nation Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institute. _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 01) Big Shell _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ -- Verrazano Bridge, April 29th -- [Overhead view of the Verrazano Bridge. Two military helicopters are flying through the early morning skies.] Colonel : Snake, do you remember the sinking of that tanker two years ago? Snake : Of course. Colonel : Terrorists blow a hole in an oil tanker full of crude, barely 20 miles off the shore of Manhattan, your classic nightmare. It didn't take long for the government to put an oil fence around the whole mess. And then that massive offshore cleanup facility went up inside. Snake : The "Big Shell." I hear the cleanup isn't quite over yet. Colonel : It takes time. But in the meantime, the Shell's become a landmark, a symbol of environmental protection. Approximately six hours ago, the Big Shell was seized by an armed group. Snake : Do we have an ID? Colonel : Former members of the Navy SEAL's special anti-terrorist training squad, "Dead Cell." Russian private army members may also be involved. It's a highly trained group and they have the Big Shell under complete control. [As the SEAL choppers swoop in to the Big Shell a group of NYPD officers peer curiously through a pair of binoculars.] Commander : Calling teams Alpha and Bravo. Deploy at the Big Shell as scheduled. [As the SEALS are on their final approach to the Big Shell the FoxHound operative pops above the water to check his bearings. He goes unnoticed] Commander : Come in from downwind, then pull up fast! Get ready to fast rope down to Shell One! Five minutes to ETA! Alpha, your top priority is to rescue and safeguard the President! Team Bravo, watch out for Stillman's back, and get those C4's disarmed! [Snake swims to the oil fence and finds that a hole has already been cut in it. He promptly swims through.] Snake : What are their demands? Colonel : Thirty billion dollars. Snake : Thirty billion dollars!? What makes them think they can get that much? Colonel : There was a government-sponsored tour going on at the Big Shell that day. Snake : Hostages, huh? Colonel : A VIP from one of the major conservation groups, and one from our own government -- the Most Important Person in a sense. Snake : The most important person -- ? Colonel : James Johnson. Snake : The President! Colonel : Unless the demands are met, the terrorists intend to blow the Big Shell out of the water. Snake : And the crude will ignite, turning the Manhattan Harbor into an inferno. Colonel : That's not the worst-case scenario. If the chlorides being used to decontaminate the seawater go up with the oil, toxins containing catastrophic levels of dioxins will be released. In other words, the bay's ecosystem will be wiped out, and the sea will turn into a toxic soup for centuries -- becoming the worst environmental disaster in history. [Snake swims up through a dock in the Big Shell.] Colonel : You have two missions objectives. One: infiltrate the offshore decontamination facility "Big Shell" and safeguard the President and other hostages. And two: disarm the terrorists by any means necessary. [Snake reaches the surface of the Deep Sea Dock of the Big Shell and makes a quick scan for enemies lurking around. Seeing none he climbs up a ladder and gets onto the platform.] Colonel : You should know... that SEAL Team 10 is also conducting a rescue operation. Snake : Is this a joint effort? Colonel : No. FOXHOUND remains a covert body. Don't alert them to your presence -- that is an order. [Snake calls the Colonel with his Codec.] Snake : This is Snake. I am now inside Strut A of Shell 1. Colonel : How are things? Snake : We're in luck. Looks like there are no sentries posted here. Colonel : What's the visibility? Snake : The lights on the plant's struts are functioning. I won't have to use the IR goggles. Colonel : Any problems? Snake : There was a brand-new hole cut through the oil fence. There's someone else besides me that wanted to get in badly. Colonel : That's not possible. Snake : What about SEAL Team 10? Colonel : They landed on the roof of the Big Shell as planned. And by the way Snake, we're changing your code name for all following communication. Snake : What's wrong with "Snake"? Colonel : Just a precaution. You are now designated "Raiden." All right, Raiden. You've already covered infiltration in VR Training. Raiden : I've completed three hundred missions in VR. I feel like some kind of legendary mercenary... Colonel : Okay, we'll skip that part. Make sure nobody sees you. If you need to, contact me by Codec. The frequency is 140.85. When you want to use the Codec, push the SELECT button. When we need to reach you...contact you, the Codec will beep. When you hear that noise, press the SELECT button. The Codec's receiver directly stimulates the small bones of your ear. No one but you will be able to hear it. Raiden : All right. I'll contact you if anything changes. Colonel : First, make your way to the upper section of the Big Shell. Raiden : How do I get up to the next level? Colonel : There's an elevator at the far end of that area. Use that. Raiden : Sounds good. [Views of Raiden's Sneaking suit are shown.] Colonel : Your new Sneaking suit uses electrofiber technology, a by-product of fiber-optics research. The texture isn't far removed from rubber but the material protects against a wide range of toxic substances. The suit itself has a wide array of built-in sensors. It is referred to as "Smart Skin" in military R&D. Data about damage to different regions of the body, including blood loss, is exchanged between the suit and the intravenous nanomachines to create a bio-feedback system. Raiden : There's a lot of pressure on my torso. Colonel : Relax. The suit applies varying pressure to major internal organs to maximize performance and safeguard their functions. They call this the "Skull Suit" in FOXHOUND. Raiden : Skull suit -- seems appropriate somehow. Colonel : The hatch with a circular handle will open into the elevator area. Locate the hatch first. Raiden : Copy that. Moving onto main mission objectives. [Raiden signs off. Raiden proceeds through the hatch and when he opens it he spots an enemy that has just been knocked unconscious.] Raiden : Colonel, I've sighted an enemy sentry. AN-94 and a Makarov... those grenades...all his equipment are Russian-made. Colonel : Must be a Gurlukovich man. Raiden : Gurlukovich? Colonel : A Russian private army that was in line to work with the Shadow Moses takeover group, four years ago. Raiden : What's their stake in this one? Colonel : They must have made a deal -- an arrangement with the terrorists. They've become a band of mercenaries, an army without a country. [Raiden signs off. When he goes into the next room he finds two unconscious sentries. One of them just rolled off the elevator ascending in the back of the room. Raiden catches a quick glimpse of the man. He is wearing a familiar uniform. He calls up the Colonel.] Raiden : Colonel, there's definitely another intruder in here besides me. Colonel : That's not a possibility. Raiden : Not a team -- looks like a solo job. Colonel : One man...? Raiden : We may not know who he is, but he managed to take care of every sentry in the area; they're all out cold. Whoever he is, he's got some skills. Colonel : We need to get an ID... But for now, you can take advantage of the situation and get to work. There's a terminal in front of the elevator, a node. Raiden : Did you say "nerd"? Colonel : Not "nerd" -- "node." Raiden : Oh. Colonel : Use the node to gain access to the Big Shell's facilities network. Raiden : Then what? Colonel : Pull up the map of the structure; that'll let you activate the Soliton Radar. Raiden : The Soliton Radar? True, that radar came in useful during VR training. Colonel : A radar system. Uses biological magnetic fields as input. These estimated enemy positions are projected onto a map according to reference points collected via GPS signals and field personnel reports. We need to get to the map through the Big Shell's node to put this data processing to practical use. The node unit is about three feet high and should be colored blue. Each area has at least one. Raiden : How do I gain access? Colonel : Just push the Action button in front of the node. The nanomachines in your body will take care of the security clearance, and allow you access to the node. Complete the procedure before those sentries gain consciousness. If they spot you, you won't be able to gain access for a while. Stay on guard. Raiden : Got it. [Raiden signs off and moves to the node. When he places his hand on it a jolt of electricity is sent through his arm. He screams out. When the shock ends he pants and finishes the login sequence. He calls the Colonel again.] Colonel : Good work, Raiden. Raiden : The radar should be functioning now? Colonel : Remember your VR training sessions. The tool is exactly the same one -- it maps the terrain as well as the position of enemy personnel. The bright dot in the middle is you, Raiden. The red dots are your enemies and the blue cone shape represents their field of vision. Your radar isn't affected by the weather, but if you're discovered by an enemy you won't be able to use it. It gets jammed easily I'm afraid. It's all made from currently existing technology. You won't be able to use it in an area with strong harmonic resonance. So be careful. The Big Shell's layout map should now be available after touching the START button. Raiden : How do I save the mission data? Colonel : I've set aside a proprietary frequency for saves. And an analyst to work on the data too. [A young woman, maybe in her early 20s comes onscreen.] Woman : Jack, is everything all right? Raiden : What are you doing here!? Woman : Jack, can you hear me? Raiden : Rose! You're not supposed to be involved! What's going on!? Rose : Jack, I'm a part of this mission. Raiden : Colonel, what the hell is going on? Colonel : Raiden, meet the mission analyst. She'll be overseeing the data saving and support. Raiden : Why her? Colonel : The FOXHOUND analyst that was supposed to take part in this mission was in an accident. Rosemary was brought in as a replacement. Raiden : An accident...? Colonel : And according to the files, she knows you better than anybody else. Raiden : Rose may be in the service, but an intelligence analyst is no field officer. Colonel : Not to worry. She has our technical staff at her disposal. Raiden : She's never been a part of a field mission. This is insane. Colonel : I have my own reasons for selecting her for this mission, soldier. Raiden : Colonel, I fail to see -- Colonel : I know your VR training performance in and out. But sometimes that's not enough. You're familiar with the Shadow Moses incident? Raiden : You know I covered it in VR. Colonel : If there's a crucial tactical detail that case taught us, it was the power of the operative's will to survive. Raiden : I was trained to fight. My personal feelings have no place in a mission. Colonel : We've learned that it doesn't work that way. And on the field, you need all the help you can get. Rose : Jack? You're stuck with me whether you like it or not. Raiden : Rose... Rose : You need someone to watch your back. But I have conditions that need to be met, Colonel. Colonel : What is it? Rose : I'll perform my duties and save that mission data. But I'm aware that technically, I'm not part of the mission control team. After all, I'm just a normal girl who's worried about Jack. But that means, Colonel, that I am not required to follow your orders outside of my immediate duties. Jack is not simply a field personnel for me to track. His safety comes first to me, not the mission. And because of that, I will be monitoring and keeping a record of every communication you have with him, Colonel. Colonel : ...Given the circumstances, you're free to do what you see fit. Rose : Hey, I prefer this to being kept in the dark, waiting. Colonel : I'd like to make a request, if I may. Rose : Of course. Colonel : His handle is Raiden. For the duration of the mission, could you call him that? Rose : Yes sir. All right -- Raiden. Let me know when you're ready to turn in a save. The proprietary save frequency is 140.96. [The frequency switches to 140.96 (Rose's)] Rose : I just switched frequencies. Jack? Raiden : What? Rose : Do you know what day it is tomorrow? Raiden : April 30th -- is there something special about it? Rose : Isn't there? Raiden : I can't remember. I'm sorry. Rose : Oh well, I'll keep trying 'til I hear the answer. I'm going to let you go now, Jack. Take care. [The transmission ends. The enemy sentries are regaining consciousness. The Colonel contacts Raiden.] Colonel : Raiden, the enemy sentry is regaining consciousness. Rose : Be careful, Jack! Colonel : Find somewhere to hide until the elevator arrives. You must stay out of sight! [The Colonel signs off. Raiden avoids the sentries and makes it to the elevator without alerting anybody. As the elevator ascends he takes off the diving mask to reveal his face. He has long white hair and very pale skin.] Colonel : The terrorists call themselves "Sons of Liberty." Raiden : Sons of Liberty? Colonel : The name of their leader is Solid Snake. Raiden : The hero of Shadow Moses!? So that's why you changed my code name. [The elevator grinds to a halt at the top of the shaft, scaring some birds that fly off into the bright sunlight.] Colonel : Right. But it can't be THE Solid Snake. He died two years ago, on that tanker, after he blew it sky-high. Raiden : Could he have survived? Colonel : Not a chance... [Raiden takes cover behind some storage crates. He calls the Colonel.] Raiden : Colonel, I'm on the roof. There are no sentries, but it would only take one to spot me in this light. Colonel : You never had daylight VR training, after all. Stay extra sharp until you can find a node to log in from. Raiden : What about the commandos? Colonel : SEAL Team 10 has landed on Struts B and C. Raiden : And the President? Colonel : Seems he was spotted on Strut B. Raiden : Strut B? Colonel : The Big Shell is comprised of Shells One and Two. Each unit consists of a central core and six struts surrounding it. Raiden : So the whole thing is shaped like two hexagons connected end-on-end. Colonel : Exactly. And you're on the roof of Strut A, Shell One at the moment. First, get to a node. Log into the network. Raiden : Got it. [The call ends. Raiden has just passed the first entryway into Strut A when the Colonel contacts him again.] Colonel : Raiden, SEAL Team 10 is in. Raiden : Do we really have no line of communication with the SEALs? Colonel : They don't know a thing about us. You know we work in the dark, and this mission is no exception. Only a few people know about your presence here. Raiden : ... Colonel : There's no need for concern. This operation is under Pentagon's direct command, and the NSDD (National Security Decision Directives) came from the Vice President and the Secretary of Defense. Your mission may be top-secret, but it's gone through the usual channels. [The Colonel signs off. Raiden makes it to the next connecting bridge. He gets a call from the Colonel.] Colonel : Wait a second, I just intercepted new intelligence on the operation being executed by SEAL Team 10. Raiden : Intercepted? Colonel : As I said before, they need to be kept in the dark about our presence. Raiden : So we just listen in... Colonel : I'm patching it through. SEAL : This is Alpha Zero. We have the President. Commander : Is he safe? SEAL : He is safe. Commander : What about the package? SEAL : Tell the guys upstairs that we've secured the package. Easy money. Commander : Good work. Your retrieval is on the way. Come on home... SEAL : Roger that... H-holy! [Gunfire erupts over the line.] Commander : Alpha Zero! Report!!! SEAL : Dammit! Cover the President!! Commander : Come in, Alpha Zero! SEAL : This is Alpha Zero. We are under attack! This is crazy! Is that...!? Commander : Alpha Zero, respond! [The transmission goes dead.] Commander : All Alpha, respond! Colonel : Raiden, the President's life in danger! Head to Strut B now! [Transmission ends.] _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 02) The twirly guy with the knives _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ [When Raiden reaches strut B he meets a gruesome scene. There is blood all over the walls and floor next to the bodies of two dead SEALs. Raiden takes out his recently acquired M9 pistol and advances with caution to the nearest doorway.] [The view switches to the inside of the room. Three SEALs are patrolling through a large transformer room with their guns drawn at the ready. Out of nowhere three knives appear, one hitting the front soldier in the neck, he goes down.] SEAL A : Uaaagh! [The two remaining SEALs start firing at random into the rafters, at an unseen enemy. The enemy quickly leaps about the rafters deftly avoiding all their shots.] SEAL B : Damn it! I can't hit him! [The enemy makes a foray towards the SEALs from behind. He slices the furthest SEAL quickly, he falls to the ground screaming.] SEAL B : Aaargh!!! [The remaining SEAL begins to panic. He starts spinning wildly and shooting randomly into the rafters.] SEAL C : Aa Aa Aaargh!!! [The SEAL commander comes over the radio.] Commander : Alpha Zero, come in Alpha Zero. [As the SEAL continues his attack the enemy leaps down from the rafters coming down softly in front of the SEAL.] SEAL C : Aah! Oh no, no! [The enemy takes out a knife from a belt on his waist and gives the SEAL a menacing stare. The SEAL hesitates briefly and then begins to fire again at the enemy. The enemy spins towards the SEAL with his knife drawn and once again manages to dodge all the bullets meant for him. He reaches the SEAL and promptly slits his wrists. As the SEAL cries out in pain he circles around and cuts him across the kneecaps from behind. The man falls to his knees but doesn't hit the ground. The enemy holds him up and carefully, slowly, he slits the throat of the SEAL. As the blood pours out the enemy appears to be in some sort of brief trance. The body falls to the floor, limp. The radio squawks.] Commander : All Alpha, come in! What's going on? Alpha, respond! [Raiden slowly enters the room. He reaches a railing undetected and peers beyond it. He lets out a muffled gasp when he sees that the enemy is sucking the blood out of the soldier. The enemy slowly turns his head and snarls at Raiden. He hastily lets the body drop to the floor. He pulls a knife out of his belt.] Raiden : What are you? [The man draws the knife across his chest. Slowly slicing the skin.] Vamp : Five today... Or rather, six? [The man leaps clear over Raiden but Raiden can't react fast enough. He still has his gun drawn as the man reaches out from behind him to tap his shoulder. Suddenly a SEAL bursts into the room.] SEAL : Get down!! [The SEAL rattles off a burst of bullets in Vamp's direction as Raiden ducks under it. Once again Vamp has evaded the bullets. The SEAL slowly enters the room and scans all the directions. The enemy is nowhere to be seen.] SEAL : Where is he! [Vamp leaps down from the ceiling and slashes the SEAL's left arm. Vamp slams the SEAL against the wall and draws close to him.] SEAL : Agh! [The SEAL's rifle slides toward Raiden. He quickly grabs it and takes aim at Vamp. Vamp's head moves close to the SEAL's neck.] Vamp : Hmmm? Strange smell... You smell like -- ! [Vamp drops the SEAL to the ground, stunned.] Vamp : Are you...it has to be! SEAL : Shoot him! What are you waiting for! [Raiden lets out a full clip in Vamp's direction but none make their mark.] Raiden : ! [A female's voice comes over the man's radio.] Woman : Vamp. Vamp : Yeah, Queen. [The SEAL slides a clip to Raiden. The clip slides underneath Vamp's spread legs unnoticed or largely ignored.] Woman : Are you all done cleaning up? Vamp : Yes. But wait till I tell you what I found... Woman : Something interesting? [Raiden grabs the clip.] Vamp : I'll tell you in person. Where are you? Woman : In the central unit, with the President. [Raiden loads the clip into the gun as fast as he can.] Vamp : Be right there. [Raiden cocks the rifle and aims at where Vamp is but he isn't there. Vamp is then heard jumping about in the rafters but Raiden can't find a target. As Vamp disappears Raiden takes aim at the SEAL.] SEAL : I'm not a enemy. Calm down. My name is S... My name is Pliskin. Iroquois Pliskin, Lieutenant Junior Grade. Raiden : Are you a Navy SEAL? How did you get in? Pliskin : Fast rope decent from a Navy chopper. [A sea lice crawls out from under Pliskin. Raiden gives it an odd look, something is wrong.] Raiden : Have I seen you before? Pliskin : That suit, are you FOX-HOUND? Raiden : That's right. Pliskin : FOX-HOUND was disbanded. Raiden : ...? Pliskin : Where were you before FOX-HOUND? Delta Force? [Real life of special ops training is shown as well as some video from Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions.] Raiden : I was a part of the Army's Force XXI trials... Pliskin : Force XXI? That's about tactical IT deployment, right? Any field experience? Raiden : No -- not really. Pliskin : So this is your first. Raiden : I've had extensive training -- the kind that's indistinguishable from the real thing. Pliskin : Like what? Raiden : Sneaking mission 60, Weapons 80, Pliskin : VR, huh. Raiden : But realistic in every way. Pliskin : A virtual grunt of the digital age. That's just great. Raiden : That's far more effective than live exercises. Pliskin : You don't get injured in VR, do you? Every year, a few soldiers die in field exercises. Raiden : There's pain sensation in VR, and even a sense of reality and urgency. The only difference is that it isn't actually happening. Pliskin : That's the way they want you to think, to remove you from the fear that goes with battle situations. War as a video game -- what better way to raise the ultimate soldier? [Raiden gives Pliskin his rifle.] Raiden : So your saying VR training is some kind of mind control? [The Colonel calls Raiden.] Colonel : Raiden what's going on? Raiden : The Alpha team from Navy SEAL team 10 is dead. No, a single survivor. Pliskin : The kid's wired with nanomachines. [The Codec screen pops up.] Colonel : What about the President? Raiden : Looks like they took him somewhere else... Colonel : I see... You said there was a survivor from SEAL Team 10? Raiden : Yeah. Lieutenant J.G. Pliskin. Colonel : Has he seen your face? Raiden : What? Colonel : This is a top-secret mission. No one can know that we're involved. Raiden : It's a little too late for that. [Pliskin walks down to the lower level and Raiden follows.] Raiden : What's up? Pliskin : Take a look. [Raiden looks at where Pliskin is looking. There is a Navy Captain lying on the ground with blood oozing out of some fresh wounds. There is a broken handcuff on his left wrist.] Pliskin : A Navy Captain. Raiden : What the hell!? [Pliskin stumbles towards the stairs.] Raiden : You all right? Pliskin : Give me a few minutes. [Pliskin takes out a cigarette.] Pliskin : Must have lost a few more pints then I thought. Raiden : What was that man just now? That blood sucking freak? That was Vamp. [Pictures of Vamp and Dead Cell are shown.] Pliskin : He's Romanian, a wizard with knives as you saw. Raiden : The way he moved -- didn't seem human. Pliskin : You won't see that in VR, I guarantee. Raiden : What is he? Pliskin : One of the members of Dead Cell. Raiden : Dead Cell... Him? Pliskin : A special forces unit created by Ex-President George Sears. The name was originally intended to reflect its anti-terrorist functions. The unit would launch unannounced assaults on government complexes, for the ultimate terrorism simulation. They were needed to show VR troopers like you how to deal with the real thing. But around the time their original leader died in prison, the unit began to unravel. They were always close to the edge, but they became more and more extreme. Began to go after U.S. allies, even civilians. We estimate that no fewer than a hundred people died on accidents the Dead Cell arranged on their own. They were out of control -- and it all came to a head six months ago. Raiden : What happened? Pliskin : The unit was devastated. There are only three left now -- and you just saw one of them. Raiden : Why would they go after the Big Shell? Pliskin : How should I know? I told you they were on the lunatic fringe. Raiden : What about the leader? He says he's Solid Snake? Pliskin : Snake died two years ago. [Flashbacks of the Tanker incident are shown.] Raiden : You mean the incident that made this Big Shell necessary in the first place. Pliskin : Right. And he was the one that sank that tanker. Raiden : But he's a Legend -- Pliskin : Legends are usually bad news. There's not a lot of difference between heroes and madmen... Raiden : You're saying Snake is still alive and pulled another one? Pliskin : No, he's not involved in this one. His body was positively ID'd two years ago. Snake is dead... And buried. [Guards patrolling on a connecting bridge are shown.] Raiden : What about the other soldiers? I saw Russian equipment too. Pliskin : Former Soviet military. They're probably mercenaries. The Big Shell is too much ground for just Dead Cell members to hold down. You weren't briefed on any of this? ...And you came in alone to boot? What are you really doing here? [Raiden doesn't speak.] Pliskin : Not gonna tell me, huh? Fine with me. [Pliskin hands Raiden some cigarettes.] Raiden : I don't smoke. Pliskin : Keep it anyway, may come in handy. [Raiden puts the cigarettes in his pocket. Pliskin pulls out a SOCOM pistol and hands it to him too.] Pliskin : Take this too. [Raiden takes the SOCOM.] Raiden : Here, take this. [The radio on Pliskin's back erupts with a voice.] Navy SEAL : Come in Alpha Zero. This is Bravo Zero, currently at the bridge between Struts B and C. The President is... [Gunshots are heard over the radio.] Navy SEAL : Damn, I can't hit this thing! It's like some bad dream. Alpha! Anyone. Come in all Alpha! This is Bravo Zero. Raiden : Aren't you going to answer him? [Pliskin reluctantly reaches for the radio. But an explosion is heard and the line goes dead.] Pliskin : The B-C connecting bridge. Raiden : We need to get there. Can you handle it? Pliskin : I need a few more minutes. Remember my frequency, it's 141.80. Raiden : 141.80, got it. Pliskin : I've been briefed on this plant's layout. If you need information about the place or on Dead Cell contact me. Your using nanocommunication, right? Raiden : Yeah, but I can patch into your frequency. [Raiden begins to walk up the stairs.] Pliskin : Hey, what's your name? Raiden : Raiden. Pliskin : Raiden? Strange codename. Raiden : Makes up for the boring one my parents gave me. [Raiden walks away.] Pliskin : Maybe I'll find out some day. [On his way to the BC Connecting Bridge he is contacted by Rose.] Rose : Jack, it's me... Raiden : Everything okay, Rose? Rose : Don't you need to save the mission data? Raiden : Oh yeah -- thanks for the reminder. Rose : Jack, do you remember what day tomorrow is? Raiden : That again... I'm sorry, but I still don't have a clue. Rose : That's okay. Raiden : What is it, Rose? Talk to me. Rose : I'd rather you figure it out. It's important. Raiden : How important? Rose : Important enough. And we'll talk about it, tomorrow. Raiden : Why not now? Rose : Tomorrow seems more -- appropriate. I need all the help I can get so that I won't chicken out anyway. Raiden : Is that the reason you decided to be part of this mission? OK... I'm going to finish this thing by tomorrow, no matter what. Rose : You know I'll do everything I can to help you. Raiden : Rose, there's something I need you to do as an analyst. It has to do with Solid Snake. The leader of this takeover incident is claiming that he's Snake himself. Rose : The legendary mercenary? Hm. Raiden : I need as much data on him as possible. Everything they have on him after the Shadow Moses incident. Rose : He's dead now, isn't he? Raiden : Yes. Should be a burial record somewhere too. You should be able to request top-level security clearance from the Colonel. That should get us into the most classified material. Rose : I'm on it. I'll contact you as soon as I find out something. [Raiden signs off.] [Raiden reaches the bridge and spots two SEALs firing prone at a target across the bridge. The target is a tall, slim, black woman with blonde hair. She is carrying a menacing gun and at her feet are a man in a suit and a black suitcase. The bullets fired at her seem to move away when they near her.] Raiden : What the hell is that? Woman : Come, put me out of my misery. SEAL 1 : This is impossible. Nothing will hit her. SEAL 2 : Is she the one they call Fortune? [Vamp walks out from the building behind her. He casually picks up the man and the suitcase. As he begins to walk back to the building he pauses.] Vamp : Queen. [He walks back into the building with the President and the black suitcase.] Navy SEAL : Don't let them take the President! A group of SEALs advances down the walkway towards Fortune.] Navy SEAL : Ready grenades. A SEAL fires a grenade. It rolls to Fortune's side but nothing happens.] Navy SEAL : A dud. [The SEALs begin to advance.] Fortune : Today is another bad day. [Fortune activates her rail gun and aims it at the SEALs.] Fortune : Is there anyone here that can give me happiness? [She fires her rail gun at the SEALs. The SEALs are thrown into the air and off the bridge. The walkway between the connecting bridge and the Shell 1 Core is destroyed. When the smoke clears one of the SEALs is hanging on the edge of the destroyed bridge. He tries to pull himself up but can't. He falls into the ocean below as Fortune looks on unemotionally.] [Soon after a seagull falls at her feet, killed by her gun.] Fortune : I'm so sorry my beauties. I'll see you again some day. [As Fortune begins to walk away the seagulls begin to fall out of the sky. Raiden stops watching and calls the Colonel on the Codec.] Raiden : Colonel, SEAL Team 10's Bravo team was wiped out. Colonel : I see. Raiden : What happened to the cargo choppers? Colonel : Both of them are at the bottom of the harbor. Looks like your new hosts have a Harrier 2. Raiden : A Harrier? What is this? Colonel : Calm down. It just means they anticipated the attack. Besides, since the SEALs drew their fire, your infiltration went off without a hitch. On top of that, we know their defensive capabilities. Raiden : Are you saying that this was all a feint? Colonel : Raiden, get a hold of yourself. The entire mission is in your hands now, do you understand? Raiden : But... Colonel : There's no time for questions. They could decide to retaliate for that failed assault. Raiden : You mean the hostages? Colonel : They could be in danger, yes. But we need to consider the possibility that they'll blow the whole Shell. If that toxic spill does take place, it'll devastate not only the harbor, but poison the coastline for generations. Raiden, we've had to adjust the mission objectives. The priority is now on removing those C4's that the terrorists wired over the Big Shell. The President can wait, but this can't. Raiden : Colonel, you know I'm no bomb disposal expert. Colonel : That's not a problem -- the Bravo team brought an explosives pro in with them. He was supposed to standby on Strut C according to their mission. You should find him there. Raiden : Is this according to simulation too...? Colonel : What are you talking about? Get to Strut C and find him! Raiden : Understood... But I need to ask you something before I go. Colonel : Make it quick. Raiden : Who are they -- Dead Cell, I mean? They couldn't hit her, no matter how hard they tried... And that vampire too. It's -- it's like... It's like being in a nightmare you can't wake up from. Rose : Jack, snap out of it! Raiden : And you Rose -- I can't believe you're on this mission. I keep thinking I'll wake up... Rose : Raiden, this is real. And that's why you won't wake up. Raiden : But nothing seems real. Rose : I've made up my mind to stay with you. Whether this is real or a bad dream, I'll keep watching you, till it's over. Raiden : Thank you, Rose. And I won't let you be just a dream... Colonel : Are you two done? Raiden, you're needed on Strut C. [Raiden signs off.] _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 03) Why do I have to do this crap? _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ [When Raiden arrives in Strut C he finds a man kneeling on the floor by a countertop. He is wearing an NYPD jacket.] Raiden : Freeze! Man : Don't shoot. [The man slowly raises his hands. He places his hands by a wrench that is lying on the countertop.] Raiden : You a cop? Man : I'm not NYPD. I came in with the Bravo Team. Who are you with and what happened to SEAL Team 10? Raiden : There all dead. Man : All of them!? That's bad. [The man slowly gets up.] Raiden : Did I tell you could move? Pliskin : It's all right, he's not one of the bad guys. [Pliskin is walking towards Raiden calmly.] Pliskin : Don't go pointing that thing everywhere, kid. [The man on the ground walks forward. He uses a cane to help him limp along.] Pliskin : What's your name? Man : My name is Peter, Peter Stillman. Pliskin : A lecturer at NSEOD, Indian Head. Also consultant to the NYPD Bomb Squad. Stillman : A poor old man who got dragged along for this picnic. Pliskin : I thought you retired. Stillman : I did. Can't keep up with everybody, as you can see. And a famous church got wiped off the map, thanks to me, with too many lives inside. All I lost was this leg. Raiden : So your the bomb disposal guy. [A picture of Stillman is shown.] Pliskin : Kid, this is THE bomb disposal guy. Open any explosives disposal textbook and you'll see his name. Stillman : Heh, just ancient history now. Raiden : Why did they bring you out of retirement then? Stillman : Because the terrorist group here includes one of my students. [A picture of Fatman is shown.] Stillman : The Emperor of Explosives -- Fatman. He built an atomic bomb when he was only ten. I created him in a sense. Pliskin : And that's why you're here... Stillman : I'm pretty rusty. I was supposed to supervise the bomb disposal -- looks like it was taken care of before I had my turn. Pliskin : I wouldn't say that. There are at least two people here that can claim to be experts at bomb disposal. Stillman : Are you two with SEAL Team 10? I didn't see you at the mission briefing. Pliskin : Oh were...with another squad. My name is Pliskin, Lieutenant Junior Grade. [Pliskin holds out his hand for Stillman to shake but Stillman ignores him.] Stillman : Mr. Pliskin, do you have any experience with explosives disposal? Pliskin : Don't worry about me. And he looks young but he can do it. But we need more manpower. Raiden : I umm... Stillman : What's your name? Raiden : Raiden. Stillman : That's a odd name. Raiden : Any other survivors? Stillman : There was also a engineer with us. Raiden : A engineer? [Pictures of the SEALs exiting the choppers are shown. There is a man in a white lab coat walking among them.] Stillman : A skinny guy. He went in with us... Raiden : Where is he? Stillman : I haven't seen him since that skirmish. Raiden : Was he killed? Stillman : I don't think so. I didn't find his body. Raiden : I see... Stillman : They told me he was the security systems architect for the Big Shell. Raiden : Why would they take a civilian along? Stillman : Everything in this structure is computer-controlled. He was supposed to get us past all the security measures. Raiden : I never heard anything about that. Stillman : He had official orders with him. Pliskin : We'll leave that for later. Right now, we need to figure out how to deal with all the bombs. Raiden : But there's no one left from the SEAL's EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) squad. Pliskin : Yep. So we have to do it ourselves. Raiden : But I've never defused a bomb before... [The Colonel calls Raiden.] Raiden : Hold on a sec. Pliskin : Off to confer with the CO again? [Codec screen.] Colonel : Glad to hear Stillman is safe. Assist him in any way possible to clear the C4 from the structure. Raiden : Colonel, you know I've never been trained in bomb disposal. Colonel : It's all right. The man you're working with is the best in the field. All you have to do is follow his directions. You will of course keep your identity and mission objectives to yourself. Raiden : Is it true that an engineer came in with Stillman? Colonel : I wasn't informed of that. It's probably something the SEALs decided on their own. There are more important issues at hand, Raiden. The enemy may retaliate for the failed assault. Get those C4's neutralized now. Raiden : Colonel, I'm not qualified for bomb disposal. Rose : Jack, it's me. You can do this. Trust me. Colonel : You haven't had bomb disposal training per se in VR, but you're more than capable of handling C4. Raiden : ...This is a little different from using C4. Colonel : You're up for this. You know that. Pliskin : How about it, kid? Are the results in yet? [Back to Strut C.] Stillman : There's no need to worry so much. You won't actually be dismantling the bombs. That's not for a amateurs. What we'll try here instead is a temporary freezing method. Here, look at this. [Stillman pulls out some C4.] Stillman : This is a C4 bomb. [He flips a switch on the bomb.] Stillman : It's live, you can see it pulsing. [Stillman picks up a canister that resembles a fire extinguisher.] Stillman : Now you spray this on the sucker and... [He sprays the bomb.] Stillman : ...there we go. Simple, huh? The spray freezes the detonator instantly. Raiden : How long does the effects last? Stillman : There's no way the thing can detonate in this condition. Even if you leave it alone it will stay out of commission for at least 24 hours. Pliskin : That's enough time. Stillman : If we had the manpower, I'd recommend complete disposal. But this will have to do. The spray can be used from several yards away. Now check the floor, ceiling, walls, and on the tables, everywhere. Try to imagine the location of the bombs could be. Pliskin : That won't be easy, we don't know a thing about Fatman. Stillman : That won't be a problem. [Stillman picks up s small gadget.] Stillman : This sensor detects the scent of the signature on Fatman's bombs. Pliskin : So in other words it sniffs out the bombs. Raiden : What if Fatman uses a different type of scentless bomb? [Pictures of Fatman are shown.] Stillman : I know Fatman well. I know how into his own aesthetics he is. Pliskin : Signatures? Stillman : Yes. On every bomb he builds, he always leaves a trace of the cologne he uses. The sensor also picks up that particular scent spectrum. Pliskin : Is that something he learned from you? Stillman : No, it was his own quirk. He wouldn't work by any rules except his own, and he followed them like a religion. And common sense isn't one of his strong points. I thought I taught him everything I knew... I have no children of my own, and I thought I found a son in him. He had the right stuff, you know. There's something very unusual about an ability like that. Even at Indian Head, he got special treatment. Maybe that's what started all this. I didn't teach him the most important thing I had to tell him. There are some things you have to pass on. Pliskin : The trick is to know which one. Stillman : Right... All I taught him were skills. And now I have to stop him from using it to destroy us all. Pliskin : Let's see how well that sensor works. Stillman : Alright. I'm activating it, what. You see the green stuff on the radar? That's the visual representation of the C4 scent detected by the sensors. Raiden : It's a pretty big area, isn't it? Pliskin : Don't complain, it's better than nothing. Stillman : Just activate the sensors and search the area, okay. Raiden : Alright. Stillman : Don't forget that you need the radio to use this. Log into the node in every strut and turn the radar on. Pliskin : We have to keep out of the enemy's sights too. Raiden : Because the radar gets knocked offline when were spotted? Stillman : Exactly. Fatman allotted some C4 here on Strut C as well. Raiden : Here? Stillman : I know the layout of this facility and if he wants to take out the plant, where he would target Pliskin : You know this for sure? Stillman : Of course. I taught him the techniques. His ideas are based on my theories. Demolition is a kind of ideology and makes no exceptions to time or place. Big Shell consists of two hexagons end-on-end north to south. They should be backing C4 on each of the vertexes or the struts in this case. You need at least that to take a building of this integrity out. Pliskin : Six on Shell 1. Another six on Shell 2. A total of twelve bombs at least. Stillman : Considering this shell's architecture and composition from a engineering standpoint, that's my conclusion. And that is exactly what he would have decided as well. [Both Raiden and Pliskin take their Coolant Spray and Sensors.] Pliskin : Kid, this place is all yours. I'll take care of Shell 2. Stillman : Take this. [Stillman slides a keycard to Raiden.] Raiden : What's this? Stillman : Security cards issued to Shell personnel. The Big Shell security layout includes varying levels off limits. The clearance level is indicated by the number printed on these doors. Raiden, your cardkey can open doors of security level 1. Pliskin, your card can get you into level 3 areas. You need it to get next door to Shell 2. Raiden : How did you get these? Stillman : That engineer I told you about gave it to me. He was supposed to program a set of all access cards once we were on site. Unfortunately, this card won't get you into every area of this structure. Pliskin : We'll have to deal with the remaining security lock-ups as they come up. Let's get going. [All of them start walking to the exit.] Pliskin : You stay here. Stillman : No, I'm going. Pliskin : The two of us can handle it, don't worry. Stillman : But... Pliskin : You'll just slow us down with that leg of yours. There's a war going on here. I don't have time to baby-sit any more. Raiden : Why don't you just let us do all the grunt work. You can tell us what to do over the radio like in the original mission plan. [Stillman sits down on a stool.] Stillman : Alright. I'll give you instructions from here. I may also need to prepare a back-up plan just in case. Raiden : In case of what? Stillman : Good luck to both of you. This is a dangerous one. Pliskin : Who dares, wins. Stillman : If anything comes up, let me know. My frequency is 140.15. Pliskin : Good luck, kid. I'll see you later. [Pliskin starts walking out.] Pliskin : Semper fi. [Pliskin leaves. Raiden makes a move to follow.] Stillman : That man is no SEAL. I don't even think he's a Navy man. Raiden : What? Stillman : Semper fi... Marine Corps talk. Flashbacks of the choppers from the beginning are shown. Stillman : Normally, team leaders stay back and give orders over headphones. And as far as I know SEALs keep their officers away from the field. And "who dares, wins" is a motto of the British Special Air Service. Raiden : Is he one of the terrorists then? Stillman : No, somehow I don't think so. If there is someone to suspect, I'd put my money on you. Raiden : I'm... Stillman : Just take care of those bombs for now. [Stillman stands and moves towards a small food pantry.] Raiden : What about you? They could be back in this area soon. Stillman : I'll hide out in this pantry for a while. If I lock the door it should be alright. Plenty of food in here too, so there's no need to worry about me. I'll give you instructions from Codec from here. Good luck. Stillman begins to close the pantry door. Stillman : Bomb disposal is a face off with your own mortality. Don't let the fear get to you. When you give into the fear, the darkness comes. [Stillman slides the door closed. Raiden begins to dispose of all the bombs.] Raiden : Raiden here. I took care of the C4 in Strut C. The ceiling of the Women's Bathroom was set to blow. Stillman : That's not like him... Raiden : Anything wrong? Stillman : Maybe. Pliskin's reported other locations too, and none of them are effective demolition points. Raiden : What do you mean? Stillman : It means that they wouldn't be the best places to choose if you wanted to destroy this place. Raiden : Are you saying they don't plan on blowing the Shell up? Stillman : It certainly seems that way. So far, we haven't seen anything but a waste of good explosives. Unless of course, we're missing something... Raiden : A trap? Stillman : He couldn't have overlooked the fact that I would be called into this. There's something going on. [Raiden contacts Stillman in Strut A.] Raiden : This is Raiden. The C4 found in Strut A has been frozen and disposed of. Explosives were planted in the Pump Room on the first floor. Stillman : This is all wrong. This is something only an amateur would do. All the bombs that have been found so far don't appear to be in the right kind of locations. And the quantity of explosives isn't sufficient either. Raiden : Even Fatman can make mistakes, right? Stillman : No. there's something else going on here... Get a move on with the disposal, Raiden. I've got a bad feeling about this. Raiden : Do you think it's a trap? Stillman : I don't know, but I'm going to tell Pliskin to watch his back too. Just hurry. [During his bomb disposal run, Raiden gets a call from Rose.] Rose : Jack -- it must be so nerve-racking to defuse a bomb... Raiden : Yeah, I'd say so. Rose : OK, that was a stupid thing to say. Sorry. Raiden : That's all right. It's just that I've never been trained in this stuff. Rose : You okay? Are you feeling well? Raiden : I almost threw up a few times. Rose : Oh Jack... Raiden : But I'm okay. It's not like I'm in this alone. Rose : Oh -- yeah, that's true. What do you think about when you're defusing those things? Raiden : I don't think so much as remember. And I know that I need to resist that, and keep my mind blank. I can't let myself be overwhelmed by the fear. Rose : So, am I a part of what you try not to remember? Raiden : ... Rose : I was just kidding. But I guess this isn't a good time for that. Raiden : No, it is. And I do think about you. I'm trying to remember what's so special about April 30th. Rose : Any success? Raiden : No, not yet. Rose : You need to stay alive so you can. Raiden : Okay, that's a deal. Rose : Hey Jack? I bet bomb disposal's a lot like starting a relationship. Raiden : Huh? What are you talking about? Rose : Carefully dismantling emotional defenses, being on your toes constantly... you know? Raiden : I guess. Neither of them are my strong point. Rose : It's true that you're not the most patient man in the world. Raiden : It's not that. I like to leave things as they are. Rose : Are you afraid of what might be hidden inside? Raiden : Not afraid, just -- unwilling... to deal with complications. Rose : Like me? Raiden : You're -- Rose : Hey Jack? Raiden : Yeah? Rose : Do you know why I took this job? I wanted to see what you were really like. Raiden : But we've been together a while. You know me already. Rose : No -- you never let me in past a certain point. And I need to know what's there. Raiden : ...Hahhhh. Are you trying to take me apart now? Rose : Hey, it's not important. Good luck, Jack. [End transmission.] [On the EF Connecting Bridge Raiden gets a call from a mysterious person.] ??? : Be careful! There are Claymore mines around there. Raiden : Who is this! ??? : Stealth-equipped Claymore mines, invisible to the naked eye. Use the mine detector. Raiden : Identify yourself. ??? : Just call me "Deepthroat." Raiden : Deepthroat? You mean from Shadow Moses? Deepthroat : Mr. X, then. Raiden : Mr. X now, is it? Why would it matter if I called you Deepthroat? Mr. X : Never mind about that. Raiden : Why did you contact me? Mr. X : Let's just say I'm one of your fans. [End transmission. Raiden calls up the Colonel.] Raiden : Colonel, someone calling himself Mr. X just contacted me. Do you know anything about it? Colonel : No -- and whoever it was, it wasn't a burst transmission. The transmission was sent from within the Big Shell. Raiden : He called himself "Deepthroat" at first. Do you think -- ? Colonel : I caught that part too, but the possibility of it being true is none. Gray Fox was the one who used that alias in Shadow Moses, and he's dead. Raiden : Is it an enemy trap? Colonel : Could be. Exercise extreme caution. [Raiden approaches the Heliport on Strut E. He hears a woman talking to a man over the radio. The woman is Olga Gurlukovich (from the Tanker Chapter). The man is unidentified.] Man : I've taken care of that annoying fly. What's the situation over there? Olga : Puzzling. I saw a man dressed as a Ninja just now. Man : Ninja? Olga : It's the only way to describe it. A kind of Cyborg Ninja, complete with a sword. Man : What? Olga : Are you hiding something from me? Man : Olga. Are you sure it wasn't a Arsenal Tengu? Olga : Don't be a fool to think I wouldn't know the difference. I've never seen field gear like that ever. Man : Alright, we'll intensify patrols. Anything else? Olga : Actually, one more thing. You'll find it hard to believe though. I saw a man hiding under a cardboard box. Man : Where? Olga : On the connecting bridge to Shell 2. Man : Hmm... Olga : So you believe me this time? Man : I've seen someone use that box trick before. We'll lay a trap on the Shell 2 connecting bridge. Olga : Over and out then. [As Olga puts away her radio Raiden leaps out with his gun drawn.] Raiden : Freeze! You must be one of Dead Cell. Olga : Of course not. What a thing to say. Raiden : Drop your gun! Olga : Not a chance. [Olga leaps over the railing sideways. Raiden rushes to the edge but sees nobody there. He contacts Pliskin.] Raiden : I saw a female soldier -- Russian. Pliskin : Must be Olga Gurlukovich. Raiden : How do you know? Pliskin : Unlike you, I've been briefed. Raiden : She's not a Dead Cell? Pliskin : No, she commands a Russian private army. Raiden : They must be the ones patrolling the Big Shell. Pliskin : That's right. She's led the group ever since her old man, Colonel Gurlukovich, died. Watch yourself with her. She's a tough one. [Raiden freezes the bomb atop Strut E.] Raiden : Raiden here. The C4 reported on the roof of Strut E has been taken care of. Explosives were planted on the Harrier 2 stationed on the roof. Stillman : Good work. Only one more left to go... Pliskin : This is Pliskin. Do you read me, Pete? Stillman : I'm here. What's up? Pliskin : Raiden, you need to hear this too. Raiden : I'm listening. Pliskin : I checked out the bottom of Strut H for you, Pete. Raiden : Wait -- what's this about? Stillman : I asked Pliskin to look around. Knowing Fatman, I can't shake the feeling that all the bombs so far were just wrong. Raiden : So did you find anything? Pliskin : A hell of a lot of C4's packed into the bottom of the strut. Pete called it right. Stillman : I knew he had the real thing up his sleeve... Raiden : So all the other ones were dummies? Stillman : No, they're a threat all right, but the detonation wouldn't be enough to destroy the entire Shell. But the C4's Pliskin found would inflict serious structural damage. Pliskin : That's not the bad news either. These are sensor-proof. Stillman : What!? Pliskin : New model, I guess. The ionization sensor can't detect them. The whole thing is sealed tight to prevent vapor leak, and there's no trace of that cologne signature. Pete, looks like he fooled you. Stillman : Yes... Raiden : But you managed to find the thing anyway? Pliskin : It was sheer luck. Raiden : Bombs that are invisible to the sensor... Pliskin : Any ideas, Pete? Stillman : Are there more out there? I'll go see for myself. Raiden : You can't move fast enough. Pliskin : He's right. I can try the spray from a distance. Stillman : Hold on! There's something not right about this one, I can feel it. Pliskin : Well, Pete? Should I come back and get you? Stillman : No, there's no need. Raiden, you have one left to go, correct? Raiden : Right -- except for those scentless ones. Stillman : How about you, Pliskin? Pliskin : I have two left not counting this one. Stillman : OK... It'll have to be me. I have the level 4 card that'll get me into Shell 2 in any case. Raiden : You'll never make it. With that bad leg of yours, they'll spot you for sure. Stillman : That won't happen. I... I can walk just fine. I can even run... That bomb, five years ago. I messed up. Even with all my experience, I lost it. And a church was lost in the explosion. All those kids playing nearby too... These past five years, I've lived a lie. Raiden : Lied? Stillman : Yes, lied. I didn't lose my leg in the explosion. So many dead -- all because of my mistake. All I could think about was hiding from the crime, shielding myself from the public outcry. I wanted people to be sorry for me, for my weakness... I faked being a victim myself because I couldn't bear to face the families of the real victims. This is no prosthetic. I can keep my footing on catwalks and hike over deserts. I lived my lie so well I haven't even answered to myself for my sins... It was supposed to be a shield. And it's become a shroud instead. I've killed my soul by playing the victim. Instead of protecting me, it's made my life even more hellish. Raiden : What good can that do the victims? Stillman : I know -- I'm a coward! Pliskin : Hey, Pete... Stillman : God forgive me... I can walk with my own two feet. And I need them to stop Fatman. His crimes are also mine -- one of omission, and arrogance. No one should teach the skills I taught him without a clear conscience. This is the only way I can defuse my own sins. Pliskin : I get you, Pete. That one's all yours. You got it, Raiden? Raiden : I understand. Pliskin : Pete, I've taken care of guards in Struts G and H of Shell 2. I wouldn't recommend you go into any of the other struts. Stillman : I owe you one. Pliskin : I'll get back to freezing the baby bombs then. Stillman : You do that too, Raiden. I'll have the radio with me, if you need to get in touch. Just don't ask for "Peg-Legged Peter." He's gone for good. [Raiden defuses the last bomb.] Raiden : I have the last C4 frozen. There's nothing showing up on the sensor now. Pliskin : You're way ahead of me, kid. I still have one to go. How's your bomb, Peter? Stillman : It's a bomb all right. Sealed C4, and in huge quantities... Raiden : You think there's another one in Shell 1? Stillman : For sure. Somewhere at the bottom of Strut A. Raiden : Why are you so certain? Stillman : If this bottom section of the strut is demolished, Shell 2 will be well on its way to destruction. Raiden : You mean that Shell 2 will actually sink? Stillman : Not immediately. There'll still be five struts left. But, if Shell 1 loses a strut at the same time, it'll be a very different story. The Big Shell's structural integrity depends on a very exact balance. If both Shells lose a strut each, the whole structure will tear itself apart under its own weight. Pliskin : What do we do? Stillman : I have a sensor that can locate even those scentless C4's. It makes combined use of a neutron scintillator and a hydrogen bomb detector. Raiden : You brought that stuff with you? Stillman : Of course. I made the calibrations while I was in the pantry. Raiden : Does it work? Stillman : I just tested it, and it definitely responds. But the best I can do is a sound beacon, not the radar. Raiden : Sound? Stillman : The shorter the interval between beacons, the closer the target. Raiden : I get you. Stillman : There's another one in that pantry I was in. You can go back and get it. Pliskin : It's all yours, Raiden. Stillman : I'm going to study it some more, and see if the freezing process will work. Don't touch the other one until I say so. Raiden : OK. I'll standby until you radio in. [Raiden grabs the C4 sensor.] Raiden : Peter, I have Sensor B. Stillman : Good. Head to the bottom of Strut A. Raiden : How's your invisible bomb? Stillman : I'm looking at it, but I'm keeping my distance. How's Pliskin doing? Pliskin : A few more minutes... I just got to the last strut, but there are a few enemy sentries I have to take care of. Raiden : Does it look bad, Peter? Stillman : Maybe. It's an odd one -- the detonator hasn't been activated. But the sensors are live... Which means... Pliskin : This is Pliskin. I've located the last C4. Stillman : Is that it!? Pliskin : I'm about to freeze it. Then -- Stillman : Wait! Pliskin! [Pliskin freezes the bomb. Suddenly there is a beeping noise on Stillman's end.] Stillman : Damn! That WAS it! The detonator just woke up. It's counting down! Raiden : What happened!? Stillman : The big ones were rigged to be activated when all the baby C4's went offline... Raiden, the one in Shell 1 should be counting down too. Hurry! Raiden : What's the remaining time!? Stillman : 300 seconds. Raiden : 300 seconds? Stillman : Raiden, move! Get to the bottom of Strut A now! [Raiden heads for the Deep Sea Dock. On his way down he receives a call from Stillman.] Stillman : Raiden, Pliskin, listen carefully. Stillman : I fell for it. Raiden : Fell for what? Stillman : Fatman has my number. A proximity trigger. Microwave. Raiden : Microwave? Stillman : With a 7-foot range. It's not a technique I taught him. Neither was that multi-bomb booby trap. Looks like he's far surpassed me as far as explosives technique goes. As for the rest -- Pliskin : Pete, get the hell out of there! Stillman : There's less than 30 seconds left. It's too late. Pliskin, get away from Strut H, as fast as you can. Pliskin : Pete -- Stillman : Raiden, keep your distance. Use the spray from as far away as possible. You can do it. I know that. Raiden : I'm not so sure... Stillman : But I am. Do it, I know you can. [The bomb goes off. Stillman screams as his line drops dead.] [Raiden reaches and defuses the final bomb. He calls the Colonel] Raiden : Colonel, I've neutralized the bomb. It was a great loss for everyone. Colonel : Yes it was. Raiden : Colonel, any damage report on the explosion? Colonel : Seems that the duct for diverting the contaminated sea water was destroyed. And the central section of Shell 2 is flooding. The explosion's ignited the oil slick on the surface. Raiden : What about the toxins? Colonel : The chemicals stayed in containment. There's no immediate danger. Raiden : Is the Big Shell stable? Colonel : Shell 1 was unaffected. The price was high, but the threat of the bomb is over for now. Raiden : What's the next objective? Colonel : Rescue the President. Get back to the upper level. Raiden : Roger that. [A few seconds later Raiden gets another call.] Raiden : Raiden, the terrorists have retaliated for our bomb neutralization. Colonel : A hostage has been killed -- shot in the head. They shot one of them on the roof, just to make sure we caught it. One of our satellites caught it, clear as day. Raiden : Damn! Colonel : They announced that they would kill one every hour from now on. Raiden : What are my orders? What should I do? Colonel : Stay with your mission objective. Rescue the President. Raiden : What about the other hostages? Colonel : President Johnson is your first priority. Raiden : Priority my butt. They're all in danger! Rose : Jack, be reasonable. I know what you're feeling, but you can't save them all. Raiden : No, not by myself. Colonel : Are you expecting that Pliskin to come through? Raiden : Well... Colonel : Looks like he's turned his radio off too. Raiden : I can't complete this mission by myself. Colonel : That man was not included in the simulation. He is not a factor in this mission. Raiden : What do you mean by that, Colonel? Colonel : Your mission must remain a solo effort. Raiden : What about the SEALs? No second attempt? Colonel : They haven't even gotten to planning that. All we can do is wait. In the meantime, you're our only hope. Raiden : ...I understand. Colonel : Raiden, go and rescue the President. You can start off by getting to the upper level of Strut A. [Raiden moves through the next door. He can hear the sound of the elevator descending. Out of the elevator steps Fortune with her rail gun. She walks forward slowly. On the floor a gathering of sea lice begins to split before her as she walks towards them.] Fortune : I can't tell you how happy I am to see your alive after all. I knew this moment would come. Show yourself and finish me -- like you finished off my father. Otherwise you will be the one to die. [Fortune activates her rail cannon.] Raiden : Oh crap. [Fortune shoots off a round towards Raiden. He leaps to the side, barely avoiding the shot. He rolls out to the side and draws his SOCOM and points it at Fortune.] Fortune : That's not him. This could be -- interesting. You've seen the fires of hell -- haven't you? [The elevator door closes and it goes up, trapping Raiden down in the Deep Sea Dock.] Fortune : Maybe you can give me death. My name is Fortune. Lucky in war and nothing else. And without a death to call my own. Hurry. Kill me, please. [Fortune and Raiden battle. Raiden tries to shoot but all his shots get deflected and miss their target. Raiden is contacted by the Colonel after a long time of dodging her shots.] Colonel : Raiden, Fatman just contacted us directly. Raiden : Fatman called US? Colonel : Yes. Looks like he placed a bomb on the heliport. He specifically asked for you, Raiden. Raiden : What!? Colonel : He's killed off Peter. Now he's after you. Raiden : Why me? Colonel : How should I know? Raiden : Look. This is really not a good time for this. Colonel : The countdown's already begun, Raiden! Raiden : Great, how much time do I have left? Colonel : I'll show you the count. There are 400 seconds remaining. Raiden : So he's planning on taking this place out. Colonel : It looks like he has a different agenda from that of Dead Cell. Raiden : What about backup? Colonel : None. There's no time. Raiden : Which type of explosives is it? Colonel : He didn't say. [End transmission. The elevator descends as Raiden peers out from a crate. When the doors open Vamp walks towards Fortune.] Vamp : I'll take over Queen. It seems our friend Fatman is out of control. Fortune : He'll actually try to destroy this place? Vamp : Yes, this could unravel everything we planned. Fortune : But why would he do such a thing? Vamp : Who knows. But he nothing more than a stereotypical mad bomber now. He's completely lost sight of our ideals. And with it, his loyalty to Commander Jackson. Fortune : Alright. I'll take care of the wayward soul. [Fortune lowers her weapon.] Fortune : It wasn't him. Vamp : Very unfortunate. Fortune : I expected more of this one, really. Vamp : So he couldn't kill you I see. Fortune : Completely useless. Vamp : Then he's all mine. Fortune : Later, Vamp. [Raiden whirls from his hiding place.] Raiden : Now! [He fires off three or four rounds at Fortune but they all veer off course. Two of the bullets hit Vamp. One in the stomach and one in the head. He falls backwards. A startled Fortune catches him before he hits the ground.] Fortune : ! [Raiden fires three more shots. they all miss.] Raiden : Damn! [Raiden moves back to his hiding place.] Fortune : Vamp. Are you gone? No. No that bullet was meant for me... Why am I the only one that can't die? Alone again... Cheated out of death again... How long will you force me to live? How much longer dad? [Fortune starts to cry.] Fortune : You've punished me enough. [Raiden slowly advances towards Fortune with his gun drawn.] Fortune : I thought you could give me peace. But you couldn't kill me either. [Raiden moves past Fortune, never taking his gun or eyes off of her. As Raiden steps in Fortune's tears roll off of her face and strike Vamp. After Raiden has ascended Vamp lets out an icy breath.] Vamp : There's no need for sorrow, Queen. Fortune : ! Vamp : I died once already. I cannot die twice. _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 04) Laugh and Grow Fat _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ [Raiden makes it to Strut E and defuses the bomb atop the heliport.] Fatman : So your the one. You're right on time I see. I like a punctual man. [Raiden spins with his gun drawn.] Raiden : Is he Dead Cell? Fatman : I am Fatman. I am the greatest humanity has to offer and the lowest. [Ticking can be heard.] Fatman : Can you hear it? Hear this rhythm? This is the rhythm of time -- and life! Don't you love the sound. I used to hang around department store clock counters. [Fatman pops out from behind a crate. He has roller blades on and he is wearing a green bomb suit with leg guards. He is holding a glass of red wine with a straw.] Fatman : Life is short! Bombs tell the time with every moment of their existence and nothing else announces it's own end with such a fanfare. Glad you could make it -- the party is about to start. [Fatman sips at his wine.] Fatman : Yum. Good year. Let's drink to Stillman -- shall we? Raiden : If you destroy the Big Shell, you'll never get your ransom. Fatman : Ransom? What are you talkin' about? Raiden : Thirty billion dollars in cash. [Fatman bursts out laughing.] Raiden : !? Fatman : So that's what's going on? Raiden : What the hell are you talking about? Fatman : Oh, you'll know soon enough. And I could care less of what they plan to do. My ambitions are much more simple. To be the most famous bomber of them all. Raiden : Your nuts, nobody is gonna give a damn about you. Fatman : Oh yes they will. I'll go down in history -- as the man who beat Peter Stillman. That's the only reason I existed. Raiden : Like hell you beat Stillman, he had your number. Fatman : What did you say? Raiden : You had nothing of his courage. [Fatman laughs.] Raiden : What are you laughing at? Fatman : That crock died a dishonorable death. Six months ago... Raiden : Six months ago... The liquidation of Dead Cell. Fatman : Call it what you want. Only the right stuff survived that hell. Set me free you know... Opened my way to a new dimension. So I can become the Emperor among detonation devotees! Raiden : Your nothing but a common criminal and that's the only way people will remember you. [Fatman chucks his wine glass on the ground. It shatters. Fatman throw up his arms. Fatman : How dare you! I'm an artist. [Fatman moves behind a storage container.] Fatman : This is why I dislike boorish military types. It's time to start the party...This is how it works: I plant a bomb...and it will explode after that. If you prefer to stay in one piece -- you will have to disable my bombs. "Laugh and grow fat!" Let's move! [Raiden disables the bombs quickly and manages to wound the bomber. Fatman collapses to the ground. When Raiden reaches him blood is starting to seep through the chest of his bomb suit.] Fatman : My suit... Oh, no... I've nothing to wear to the party... Raiden : The party is over for you. Fatman : That's what you think... Raiden : What do you mean? [Fatman pulls out a small black device and pushes a button on it. A beeping noise is heard. Raiden grabs the black device.] Raiden : What did you just do? What is this!? Fatman : I have beautiful hands. These delicate hands can craft works of art. [Raiden tears off the face shield of Fatman's bomb suit.] Raiden : Answer me, what the hell is this! Fatman : This is the switch for the biggest bomb in the entire place. Raiden : Huh? [Raiden tosses the switch to the side and aims his gun at it.] Fatman : It's no use -- once it's activate there's no stopping the count. Raiden : Where did you plant it? Where is it!? Fatman : Somewhere in this area... Don't worry, it's very close by. Raiden : Where is it!? Fatman : Go ahead, shoot me -- I'm already dead. Raiden : Damn! Fatman : Think you can find it? When it goes off it'll take the Big Shell with it. Raiden : Tell me where I can find the bomb! Fatman : That's your problem... This is the highlight of the party. Bring it on I say. It'll make them happy too. I die here -- and start my legend. Too bad you won't be around to see the movies... "Laugh and grow fat!" [Fatman dies. Raiden lifts up Fatman's body to find the last bomb. He quickly freezes it. The Colonel calls him up.] Colonel : Good work, Raiden. Looks like all the bombs are neutralized. One of their main leverages is now gone. That leaves -- Raiden : Colonel, Fatman didn't seem to know about the ransom demands. Colonel : Intentionally kept in the dark, I'd say. He seemed to be coming from a very different place from the other terrorists. Raiden, a lot of hostages -- our President included -- are still in danger. Keep your mind focused on protecting them. Raiden : ... What are my orders? Colonel : Rescue the President. Raiden : We have no idea where he is. Colonel : You haven't been in the central core yet. I suggest you start there. Raiden : Wait, I have another call. Want me to take it? Colonel : No, I'll go offline. Best to keep our presence unknown. [Pliskin is on the other line.] Pliskin : How're you doing, kid? Raiden : Pliskin!? Is everything all right? Colonel : Could be better. Looks like I was out cold for a while. Raiden : How did you manage to stay alive? Pliskin : Had a little help from a friend. Raiden : Friend? Pliskin : What about the bomb? Raiden : Defused. And Fatman too. Pliskin : That's good news. Raiden : How's Shell 2? Pliskin : It's a mess. The bomb crippled H Strut. Raiden : What about the toxins? Pliskin : The what? Raiden : If the Big Shell blows up, the explosion is expected to produce massive amounts of toxins... Pliskin : I've never heard anything about that. Raiden : Well, looks like there's not much danger of that in any case. Pliskin : But the central core is starting to flood. It won't last much longer. Raiden : What about the President and the other hostages? Pliskin : They weren't in Shell 2. They must be in Shell 1. Raiden : We need to get the hostages out of here now. Pliskin : It's too far from Manhattan for a swim. Raiden : What about the lifeboats? Pliskin : There doesn't seem to be any. Doesn't make sense. Raiden : So a chopper is our only extraction? Pliskin : Right. And it comes with a passenger limit. Intel has it that there are about thirty hostages. Raiden : It'd take more than a single trip. Pliskin : We'll have to come back. Raiden : Can you pilot a chopper? Pliskin : No, but I brought a gearhead with me. He's a good guy. I'll introduce you later. Raiden : Pliskin, I'm on the heliport right now, but I don't see their Harrier. It's out somewhere. Pliskin : We'd better move now then. Our chances with a Harrier after us are close to nothing. Raiden : Do you know where the President is? Pliskin : No. That one's all yours. Raiden : The President is at the top of our rescue list. These are our orders, Lieutenant J.G. Pliskin : Your orders. Not mine. See you later, kid. [End transmission. As Raiden exits the heliport a ninja pops out from nowhere. He looks very similar to Grey Fox in MGS but his suit is colored differently.] Ninja : You passed with flying colors. [Raiden whips out his gun.] Raiden : Identify yourself. [The Ninja draws his sword.] Ninja : I'm like you...I have no name. Raiden : Are you Mr. X? Ninja : Hmm...if you like. [Mr. X puts his sword back in it's sheath.] Mr. X : But come, let's get out of the open. Follow me. [They walk to the edge of the strut, which is slightly enclosed.] Raiden : Are you with FOXHOUND too? Mr. X : Neither enemy nor friend. Just a messenger from the La-li-lu-le-lo. [Mr. X taps his helmet. He contacts Raiden over the Codec.] Mr. X : This is safer, I think. Raiden : Safe from what? Mr. X : Eavesdropping, of course. Raiden : All right -- why did you contact me? Mr. X : I've been ordered to give you backup, including the relaying of necessary intel. Raiden : Ordered by whom? Why won't you identify yourself? Mr. X : There is no need for you to know. Raiden : I'll decide whether I need to know. Mr. X : You are not yet trusted to make such decisions. I'll tell you something you do need to know, instead. The current location of the President. Or rather, the person who knows the current location of the President. Raiden : Who is it? Mr. X : A Secret Service agent named Ames, currently being held with the other hostages. Raiden : Secret Service, huh. Mr. X : The head of the President's security detail. Ames has been fitted with the same type of VIP nanomachine system as the President. If you're within range, you should be able to communicate. Raiden : Why are you telling me this? Mr. X : Do I need to repeat myself? Raiden : There's no reason for me to believe any of this. You understand that? Mr. X : Of course. But you also have no choice but to believe. Raiden : Do you have any other leads? ...Where are those hostages? Mr. X : Ha ha ha ha. [A room with about 30 or so hostages is shown.] Mr. X : The hostages are being held in B1 Conference Room in the Shell 1 Core. You'll find him in there. Raiden : What does he look like? Mr. X : We don't know if it is indeed a "he" Raiden : How am I supposed to look for someone without even a description? Mr. X : Use your ears. Raiden : What's that supposed to mean? Mr. X : Ames has a pacemaker. You'll be able to hear the machine's sound in a heartbeat. Raiden : You expect me to walk up to every one of these hostages and listen to their heartbeats? Mr. X : The sounds are too minute to be hear unamplified -- you'll be captured immediately. Raiden : So what am I supposed to do? Mr. X : Use a directional microphone. There's one somewhere in the core. [Mr. X hands Raiden a keycard.] Mr. X : Take this. This security card will unlock all the level 3 security doors including those in the Shell 1 core. It's called a PAN card. It works together with your body's own electrical field. And watch yourself. The Core is more heavily guarded than any other section of the Big Shell. You'll get nowhere dressed like that. Try this instead... [Mr. X throws Raiden a terrorist BDU.] Raiden : One of the terrorists? Mr. X : The surveillance camera won't let you on the elevator without the right uniform. Raiden : You want me to disguise myself? Mr. X : Men assigned to the Core and other areas are given different color uniforms. The uniform alone won't get you in there. Raiden : Your talking about weapons. Mr. X : Yes, you need a AK. Raiden : But I saw them carrying AN94's. Mr. X : All men assigned to the core section are carrying AK's. Raiden : So without a AKs-74u someone will see through me really quickly. Mr. X : You can take care of the weapon part yourself. One more thing... Raiden : There's more? Mr. X : You'll also have to pass a retinal scan to get into the conference hall. [The retina scanner is shown.] Raiden : Biometrics. Crap. Mr. X : Nothing but the real thing will suffice. Deception is not an option. [Codec screen.] Mr. X : I suggest you hurry. They have the nuke on their side. Raiden : The nuke!? They have a nuclear weapon WITH them? Mr. X : You didn't find their continuing presence here unusual? Even with the President as hostage, this is an island -- and they have no visible means of escape... Raiden : Even if they do have a nuke, the warhead is no good without an access code. The security lockout can't be bypassed... Mr. X : They don't need to. They have the code. [Picture of the dead Navy captain and the black briefcase.] Mr. X : You saw it too I believe -- the Navy man with half a handcuff. The other half was attached to the football, or the black case if you like. The nuclear button, and now they have it. [Codec Screen.] Raiden : Why did they have to bring the football along? To a decontamination plant, of all places. Mr. X : But they did have to. Because, after all, the Big Shell is the farthest thing from a cleanup plant there is. Dead Cell didn't have to bring a nuke along with them. It was right here to begin with. Nothing in this affair is what it seems. Raiden : A cover-up -- but why? For what? Mr. X : For Metal Gear, that is housed here. [Quick pictures of Metal Gear Ray are shown.] Raiden : Metal Gear!? Mr. X : The very same. Bipedal nuclear-capable vehicle of Shadow Moses infamy. This place is the R&D center for it's newest incarnation. Raiden : What the hell is going on? Mr. X : Better ask Ames the rest. [Mr. X hands Raiden a phone.] Raiden : What's this for? Mr. X : You might be glad you have it. Keep the controller vibration function on. [Raiden looks down at the phone.] Raiden : What would I need a cell phone for? [When Raiden looks up Mr. x is gone. He quickly contacts the Colonel.] Raiden : Colonel, who was that man just now? Colonel : He's not one of ours. No -- we have no one like that in our unit. Raiden : He said that the Big Shell was housing a new model of Metal Gear. Colonel : First I've heard of it. Raiden : Colonel, what are you not telling me? Colonel : I've been completely open with you, Raiden. I've told you everything. Raiden : Is that everything you know -- or everything I need to know? Colonel : Snap out of it, Raiden! I'll have the Metal Gear rumor looked into. You need to make contact with this Ames. Raiden : So you believe that Ninja? Colonel : Since we have no leads on the President's current location, we have no other alternatives. Right now, collect as much data as you can, including anything on Metal Gear. Raiden : Are those my orders. Colonel : Yes they are. Disguise yourself as an enemy soldier and infiltrate the Shell 1 Core. Raiden : Understood. [Raiden finds an AK and makes his way into the Shell 1 Core. He passes the retinal scan by capturing an enemy soldier and have him use the device.] _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 05) Is that really Solid Snake? _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ [As Raiden enters we can see that the room is filled with men and women in business suits and various formal attire. There is a guard patrolling as Raiden makes his way down the stairs. When he reaches the bottom he is contacted by the Colonel.] Colonel : Raiden, one of those hostages in there is Ames. The only thing we know is that Ames wears a pacemaker. His heartbeat should sound different from other people's, so use the directional microphone to locate him. Once you recognize Ames by his heartbeat, keep the microphone pointed toward him. Then push the Action Button and call out to him. If it really is Ames, he should respond in some way. Raiden : What if it's the wrong person? Colonel : The guards may get suspicious and come running instead. Security could get tighter too. Rose : Try to be sure before you take the risk. Colonel : Don't call out to a hostage with the Action button until you're fairly sure that it's Ames. If you do make a mistake, switch the microphone for an AK and get out of there before a guard gets suspicious. If you're discovered inside, they'll cut off your retreat and call in the reinforcements. You won't make it out of the room. The mission will be over if your discovered. Don your disguise and look for Ames while deflecting the enemy's suspicion. [Raiden finds Ames with the microphone and he kneels down to him and whispers to him.] Raiden : You must be Ames. Keep still and listen to me. I'm not a terrorist. I got in here using one of their uniforms. I'm taking off the tape, stay quiet. [Raiden rips the tape off Ames' mouth.] Ames : Who told you about me? Raiden : An informant calling himself Mr. X, dressed as a Ninja. Ames : I see. Take this thing off me, will you? [Raiden takes the tape off of Ame's eyes.] Ames : I'm Richard Ames. Raiden : Secret service? Ames : No, I was sent in by the la-li-lu-le-lo, just like you. Raiden : What? [Revolver Ocelot watches this scene from a security center. He snorts in disgust.] Ames : Your here to find out where the President is. We have little time so I'll be brief. How about switching to nanocommunications first? Raiden : Nanocommunications? Ames : Right, silence beats talk when it comes to safety. [Ames and Raiden converse on the Codec.] Ames : Are you on? Raiden : Right here. Do you really know where the President is? Ames : Almost certainly. He was moved to the first floor of Shell 2's core section. Raiden : The first floor, the core of Shell 2... Is he still there? Ames : I don't know. I can't get a response. Raiden : You don't think he's been -- like the other hostages...? A hostage was killed in retaliation after the SEAL 10 disaster, remember? Ames : What are you talking about? Regardless of what they do to other hostages, they won't touch the President. Raiden : What makes you so sure? Ames : The case. Raiden : You mean the nuclear button they took? Ames : Right. And the case won't do a thing by itself. That case may be the single most advanced example of a weapons fail-safe system. The password is nothing less than the physiological data of the U.S. President. Raiden : Physiological data? Ames : The President's own vital signs -- heartbeat, brainwave pattern, blood pressure and so on -- are constantly monitored and relayed by his internal nanomachines. This information along with the DNA pattern serve as a biometric password, unbreakable even by the latest parallel processor supercomputers. The password entry itself cannot be performed unless brainwave patterns and heartbeats fall within normal parameters, rendering chemical and other forms of coercion impractical. Raiden : In other words, the login must be made of the President's own free will. Ames : As a fail-safe, the input must also be reconfirmed hourly, even after the initial login. If a valid confirmation is not forthcoming, the system will automatically cancel the login. Raiden : And that's why they can't harm the President... Ames : -- at least until the bird flies. Raiden : Is there really a new model of Metal Gear here? Ames : Absolutely. The Black Case serves as the launch key to Metal Gear as well. Raiden : Why would they hide a Metal Gear in an offshore plant? Ames : ...Haven't they told you anything? The entire thing was planned -- the oil spill, the tanker accident that caused it, everything. The Big Shell was built specifically for the development of a new Metal Gear model. The inspection tour was to check its progress... Raiden : What's going on around here... Ames : Wait! [There is movement in a room to the back of the room.] Ames : Here comes Snake. Raiden : That's him? Ames : Use the microphone to listen in. [Raiden takes out his microphone and points it in direction of the room.] Ocelot : King, Fatman is dead. Snake : It doesn't matter -- saved us the trouble of getting rid of him ourselves. Ocelot : Why did he betray us... Snake : There a band of lunatics to begin with. Nothing they do should come as a surprise. Ocelot : I'll have his background checked just in case. Snake : You think he was working for them? Ocelot : We can't discount the possibility -- especially with that intruder still at large. Snake : Yes... The man in the Sneaking Suit. Ocelot : You know more about those suits then I do. Snake : But FOXHOUND was disbanded 4 years ago. So it must be -- the Patriots. What about the damage to Shell 2? Ocelot : The circulation system for the contaminated water has been damaged. The water being drawn in is overflowing and the lower block of the central section is flooding. Snake : Seal the connecting pathway Shells 1 and 2. Ocelot : The SEMTEX and IR sensors are already in place. Snake : Any effect on...it? Ocelot : No. Snake : What about the President? Ocelot : The password entry has already been made to the black case. In one hour we'll need a confirmation from him. His work is done after that. Snake : Make sure you keep him alive until then. Ocelot : Yes, I know. Snake : What about the unit's activation? Ocelot : Almost complete. The code has already been input. All we need now is for the girl to start the system. Snake : The usual method I assume? Ocelot : No...the drugs took care of everything... Snake : Hmm...only a few more steps to Outer Heaven. [Olga walks in. She stops in front of Ocelot.] Olga : Who is that Ninja, Shalashaska? Ocelot : I cannot even guess. Olga : What about you? Snake : I'm having the matter looked into. Ocelot : Olga, don't carry suspicion where it isn't due. Olga : Where it isn't do? When you watched my father die and did nothing. Ocelot : It's been two years ago, Olga. Let it go. Olga : I have the case file for Shadow Moses, by the way. Ocelot : Olga, how could you suspect me? Olga : I know that the Ninja is not one of my men. Ocelot : How meaningful you make that sound. Of Sergei were still alive... Olga : If the old man were still alive I wouldn't need to take orders from you! Ocelot : Olga, Sergei was my best friend. [Olga whips out her pistol and points it at Ocelot. Ocelot does likewise.] Olga : If you sell us out, I'll kill you myself! Ocelot : Listen daughter of Sergei. Don't ever let me see your gun pointed at me again! Olga : If you wish. I'll put a bullet in your back instead. [Olga puts her gun away. ocelot does likewise after twirling his gun a bit.] Snake : Enough! I let you both in when no one else would. You think any government would have you two as irregulars in this political climate? The worst kind of wetworks maybe -- but even that's doubtful. I recommend against switching camps. You've nowhere left to go. [Olga spins on her heel and leaves the room. Ocelot's arm begins to twitch.] Ocelot : U-ughh! Snake : It's happening again? Ocelot : This damn right arm -- Liquid! It's almost as if it's having it's revenge. Snake : How much do you think we spent on that arm in Leyon? The best transplant surgery team in the world. Ocelot : I never trust a Frenchman. [Ocelot shocks his arm with a device.] Ocelot : There's something going on. The incidents are becoming more frequent. Maybe that man's presence... Snake : Ocelot, I leave this place in your hands. I have the intruder to take care of. Ocelot : Yes, King. [Snake exits the room. Raiden lowers his microphone.] Raiden : Is that really, Solid Snake? Ames : That's what he claims. Raiden : I thought Snake was dead. Ames : Solid Snake did die. But he's also here in the Shell. Either he survived or there is two of them. Raiden : Two of them? Ames : And that's impossible. [Codec screen.] Ames : Anyway, what did you manage to catch? Raiden : They said password input was complete... Ames : I thought so... Raiden : You said the password entry into the Black Case had to be made by the President willingly. Ames : That's right. Raiden : So this means the President is cooperating with them? Ames : It would have to be, yes. Probably tired of being a puppet. But it wasn't a smart move to betray us... Raiden : ...a puppet? Ames : We're running out of time. They WILL fire a nuke. You know what you need to do before then. Raiden : Fire the nuke? But it's nowhere close to the ransom deadline. Ames : Ransom? Raiden : Thirty billion dollars in cash... Ames : What are you babbling about! The nuclear strike is not a threat -- it's been the objective all along! Raiden : They plan to slaughter millions of people!? Ames : No -- a high-altitude detonation. You've heard of the Compton Effect? Raiden : The total disruption of electronic equipment caused by EMMA pulse. Ames : Textbook answer. Well, when an average nuclear warhead goes off within the atmosphere, the result is an electromagnetic pulse of up to 50 billion megawatts. The EMMA field can reach tens of thousands of volts per meter, and most electronic equipment will be toast in an instant. Raiden : If one of the key movers of world economy stops functioning, it could mean the beginning of a global depression. Ames : But that isn't their aim. What they plan to do is "liberate" Manhattan, pull it offline, and turn it into some kind of a republic. Hence "Sons of Liberty," I suppose. Raiden : "Sons of Liberty"? Ames : Damn, Ocelot is coming! I'm going offline. [Ocelot is approaching from the room in the back.] Ames : Search my pocket. Hurry! [Raiden grabs a keycard out of Ame's pocket. Ames : It's a security card. You'll be able to unlock doors of up to level 3 security. Use it to get to Shell 2. Take care of the President before they launch the nuke. He's coming! Pick up your AK! [Raiden does as Ocelot arrives.] Ocelot : What do you think you're doing? Ames : I asked him to remove these. I'm ill, you see. Ocelot : I always knew the DIA turned out second-rate liars. Ames : What are you talking about? Ocelot : No need for denials. You know what you are -- Colonel Ames. They knew that the President was planning to betray them, so they sent you in to keep tabs on him. Am I right? Ames : You --! [Ocelot takes out his revolver and points it at Ames' head.] Ocelot : Sorry Colonel, you failed to carry out your duties. Ames : You'll never escape the La-li-lu-le-lo! Ocelot : Is that so? [Ames suddenly gets to his knees and advances in a panic towards Ocelot.] Ocelot : What the... Ames : You -- you tricked me... I understand now. Ocelot you're -- [Ames collapses to the ground, dead. Ocelot then turns his Revolver to Raiden.] Ocelot : You, which team are you with? Show me your face! [Some soldiers gather and point their guns at Raiden.] Ocelot : You know who he is? Soldier : No, he is not one of mine. Ocelot : Identify yourself! [One of the soldiers pulls off Raiden's mask.] Ocelot : We meet at last. [Mr. X suddenly drops down from the ceiling. He swings his sword down to cut off Ocelot's arm but Ocelot dodges the blow. Some of the soldiers fire at Mr. X. He deftly deflects all the bullets sent his way. Some of the deflected bullets strike the hostages. He begins to cover Raiden's escape route.] Ocelot : Hold you fire! We need the hostages alive. Mr. X : Hurry, get away! Ocelot : You! But you died! [Raiden is heading up the stairs when some of the guards whirl around to fire at Raiden. Mr. X leaps in and blocks the bullets for Raiden.] Mr. X : Leave this to me. [Raiden leaves the hostage room and the entire Shell 1 Core is on Red Alert looking for him. He contacts the Colonel.] Raiden : Colonel, Ames is dead. Looked like a heart attack. Colonel : Hm, that's unfortunate. However, we do at least know where the President is. Raiden : So there really is a new type of Metal Gear in this place? Colonel : Apparently. We're still looking into it... Raiden : I've also been told that the nuclear strike was what the terrorists were after from the start. NOT the thirty billion dollars! Colonel : Chri--, it was a cover-up all along... Raiden : Colonel! What are you keeping from me! Colonel : I am not keeping back anything! It's not as though I'm told all the facts either! I'm pulling in all the favors I can to look into all this. Just be a little patient. Our priority should be with the President right now. We can take it that they've completed the password entry and are preparing Metal Gear for nuclear strike. Get to the President as soon as possible. Raiden : But the President is cooperating with them -- Colonel : According to Ames, yes. But it's also true that they're about to get rid of the President. There's something else going on here, and the President may be able to tell you what it is when you see him in person. Once they get the confirmation for nuclear launch, they'll do it. You need to rescue the President before then. Rose : Jack, I agree with the Colonel. You need to protect the President for now. Raiden : All right... [End transmission.] [Raiden makes it to the Shell 1-2 Connecting Bridge. He is contacted by Pliskin.] Pliskin : Raiden, can you hear me? Raiden : Pliskin? Where have you been? Pliskin : Checking around. I'm in Strut H right now. How's the situation over there? Raiden : We have a lead on the President's location. Pliskin : Where is he? Raiden : Shell 2 Core, the first floor. Pliskin : I'm cut off from the core where I am. It's a mess here. Raiden : All right. I'm on my way to Shell 2 right now. Pliskin : There are IR sensors in place on the connecting bridge between Shells 1 and 2. If you break the beams, the Semtex will go off. Raiden : Yeah, I heard them talking about that. Pliskin : Target the control units and destroy them. Make sure you don't shoot the Semtex. Raiden : What do the control units look like? Pliskin : Take a look with your binoculars. [Raiden looks with his binoculars.] Raiden : That's the Semtex... And that must be the control unit. [Raiden snipes all of the control units. As he is walking across the bridge he gets a call from Pliskin.] Pliskin : Raiden, I found us a ride. Raiden : I'm all ears. Pliskin : One of the enemy's Kasatkas. Raiden : Is it in good shape? Pliskin : Full tank. I'm heading for Shell 1 now. What about that Harrier? Raiden : It's not on the heliport here. Pliskin : Good. I'll set this one down there then. Raiden : Can you cover the hostages? They're being held on level B1 in the core. Pliskin, you didn't happen to find any other places where hostages were being held, did you? Pliskin : No -- nothing like that. Raiden : OK... Pliskin : How many hostages are there? Raiden : There's a few short of thirty. One dead, and several wounded. Pliskin : The Kasatka's cargo area will hold thirteen max. Raiden : What about the other Kasatka? Pliskin : I sabotaged it. It can't come after us if it can't get off the ground. We'll have to make two trips. Raiden : Can you fly a Kasatka? Pliskin : I have a pilot who's flown the civilian model, the KA-62, in VR. There's not a whole lot of difference between the military KA-60 and the civilian model. ??? : Cleared for takeoff! Pliskin : Raiden, let me introduce you to my partner -- Otacon. Raiden : Otacon? Otacon : Hey, Raiden. Nice to meet you. Pliskin : Raiden, I'll talk to you later. [Raiden calls the Colonel.] Raiden : Colonel, I need some answers from you. Who exactly is Pliskin and his partner? Colonel : I know what you're thinking. Raiden : It keeps coming back to Shadow Moses. And now this Otacon... Rose : A.k.a. Hal Emmerich, Ph.D. A Shadow Moses survivor. Snake and Otacon both became fugitives after Shadow Moses, wanted for acts of terrorism. Raiden : An anti-Metal Gear organization... Rose : They sabotaged and destroyed countless Metal Gear units throughout the world... And were responsible for the incident two years ago that necessitated the construction of the Big Shell. Raiden : Snake and his partner aren't terrorists. Rose : Jack, why are you defending them? Raiden : I look back on what I've done here so far and things like training and sense of duty alone won't get you through a sneaking mission like this. Rose : Jack, are you okay? Raiden : You need something -- higher. I can't think of the right word, but...it has to be pure will, backed up by -- by courage, or ideals, or something like that. I'd stake my life on it. The Solid Snake that saved Shadow Moses couldn't turn into a terrorist. Colonel : Maybe that's true, but they went down with that tanker two years ago. We even recovered Snake's body. And the DNA test results on the body say it's him. Rose : Jack, I know what you're saying, but Snake is dead. He can't be here, not even as this Dr. Hal Emmerich. Raiden : But that also means that he can't be the terrorist leader behind this thing! [End transmission. Raiden hears a chopper flying overhead. He turns and sees Pliskin in the cargo area of the Kasatka. Pliskin waves to Raiden and the chopper flies off the heliport on Strut E. Raiden continues on but he spots a man leaning against the wall in a long black cape.] Caped Man : I've been waiting for you. A messenger -- from the Patriots! [He looks at Raiden.] Caped Man : Where do I know you from... Raiden : So your the boss around here? Caped Man : No, not just around here. I'm the boss to surpass Big Boss himself. [He stands straighter.] Caped Man : Solid Snake. [Pliskin yells from the chopper, which has come back to the bridge.] Pliskin : No! That is not Solid Snake! Snake : What a pleasant surprise -- brother. Pliskin : Save it, your no brother of mine. Snake : Don't say you've forgotten me -- Snake. [The man in the cape steps forward.] Raiden : Snake? Pliskin : Raiden, take cover! [Snake unloads a clip at the man. One of the bullets hits the Semtex and it detonates. In the explosion the man dashes forward as his cape burns from the heat. He is wearing a full body exoskeleton.] Pliskin : Stop impersonating him! [Pliskin fires more shots but they all get deflected by the man in the exoskeleton.] Solidus : Brother, I'm a whole different game from Liquid! HRRRRR!! [The man's muscles grow inside the exoskeleton.] Solidus : GHHHH!! [Pliskin loads and fires a grenade at Solidus. Solidus leaps into the air and lands on a pipe that is carrying some liquids between the shells.] Solidus : Is that the best you can do, Snake? [Pliskin fires another grenade. This time it finds its mark. Solidus is thrown off of the pipe and drops down below.] Pliskin : Did I get him!? [Pliskin looks below but he sees a Harrier 2 hovering with Solidus standing atop it. Vamp is piloting.] Pliskin : Otacon, were in trouble! It's the Harrier! [As Solidus gets inside the cockpit of the Harrier the Kasatka flies off.] Solidus : The world needs only one Big Boss! I'll drown you fools for interfering! [The Harrier fires two missiles at either end of the bridge, sealing off any exit for Raiden. the Kasatka comes back into view.] Pliskin : Raiden, this is the Stinger Missile launcher. The Katsaka can't stand up to the Harrier. You have to shoot the Harrier down. [The Harrier comes into view.] Otacon : Snake, we got company! Pliskin : I'm counting on you! [Raiden shoots down the Harrier promptly. It starts to become unstable and it loses altitude very quickly. It crashes into the Connecting Bridge and takes a large bit of it out. As the Harrier falls towards the water Solidus has a wound on his eye. It appears to be lost. Pliskin spots something rushing towards the surface.] Pliskin : There's something coming up! [Metal Gear Ray leaps out of the water and cleanly grabs the falling Harrier jet.] Raiden : It's Metal Gear!? It's already active! [Ray falls back to the water. it fires off some rocket clusters that rain down all around the area. One of the rockets hits the Kasatka and it starts to bleed out some smoke. One of them hits close to Raiden and he is knocked aside and has to dangle on a narrow railing. The Kasatka lands on the heliport safely and Raiden begins to haul himself up.] [Inside the broken Harrier Solidus checks his eye.] Solidus : They got my eye! [Vamp slowly stands up.] Solidus : Vamp -- go! [Vamp leaps into the water and begins to run across the surface.] Otacon : Hey, what's that -- ? Pliskin : It's running on water... [Raiden and Pliskin and Otacon watch Vamp run across the water and then up the side of one of the struts. Raiden gets a call from Pliskin.] Pliskin : Raiden, you all right? Raiden : Yeah. How about you guys? Pliskin : Barely managed, but we're all right. Raiden : The chopper? Pliskin : We need some time for repairs. Raiden : Oh... Pliskin : The President's all yours. Raiden : OK... Can I ask you something? Are you THE Snake? They said you were dead... Snake : No, not me. There are still too many things I need to do. Raiden : Snake, you're a legend -- and that's why I need to ask you this. Snake : Legend? A legend is nothing but fiction. Someone tells it, someone else remembers, everybody passes it on. Raiden : I'm here because I was assigned to this mission, not because I want to. If I could, I'd be out of here in a second. How could you come back to all this? Why keep fighting? Snake : There's something my best friend said to me once. Raiden : Wha...? Snake : We're not tools of the government or anyone else. Fighting was the only thing I was good at, but... At least I always fought for what I believed in... Raiden : What about -- what about the DNA results from that body? Otacon : That was Liquid's body. He and Snake are identical on the genetic level. Raiden : Liquid. Otacon : A deception -- for our own protection. We stole his frozen body from some organization. Kind of a hassle though... Snake : That's all there is to it. Raiden : Are you two really an NGO? Otacon : Insofar as we're a nonprofit organization of civilians advocating a cause, yes. The cause happens to be the eradication of Metal Gear. Snake : We work on our own. But it's a cause worth fighting for. Raiden : Why would you stick your neck out for something this risky? Snake : That's the way I used to look at it, four years ago. I was holed up in the middle of nowhere in Alaska, drinking too much. Otacon : We have a responsibility to the coming generations, to the world. Raiden : What responsibility? Otacon : To keep track of the mistakes we've made as a species. Snake : We need to remember -- to spread the word -- to fight for change. And that's what keeps me alive. Raiden : You think you can change the future? Snake : I'm not as arrogant as that. Raiden : What you do isn't grassroots activism. It's more like terrorism. Otacon : I admit that... But our group, Philanthropy, received some information: a new Metal Gear prototype was being developed here, and terrorists were planning to raid the facility. The information came from a very reliable source. Raiden : So you're here to... Otacon : We're here to stop all that, but I also have a personal motive. Snake : Looks like the terrorists have his sister in the Big Shell. We're here on our own, not under anyone's orders. We have our own battles. Otacon's here for someone -- I'm not. Raiden : This is a military mission. [End transmission. Rose calls Raiden.] Rose : Jack? Are you all right? Raiden : Just barely. Rose : You almost gave me a heart attack... Raiden : Sorry. Wasn't intentional. Rose : I know that. And I know I need to stay stronger. Raiden : Say a prayer for me, Rose. So I can come back... Rose : You will make it back. I'm with you all the way, remember... Raiden : That means a lot to me, you know. Rose : I'm going to save the data, okay Jack? [Raiden saves his data. Raiden then calls the Colonel.] Raiden : Colonel, Metal Gear's already gone active... Colonel : It's not too late. You can still prevent a nuclear strike by securing the President and preventing password confirmation from taking place. Get to the President. He's in the core section of Shell 2. Rose : I'm checking the satellite images... Looks like you can get to the core from the other side of Strut L. Colonel : The core hasn't gone under yet from what we can tell. Follow the railings down, then jump onto the pipes. Rose : The only viable strut in the outer perimeter is the L. That attack just now doesn't make any sense -- it's like they have no more use for this place. Raiden : Colonel, you were monitoring the Codec calls. That man was the real Snake, all along... Colonel : Maybe. Raiden : Maybe? Colonel : Don't let your guard down with him. Raiden : Why do you say that? Colonel : Because they were never a part of the simulation. They're an unknown factor. Raiden : You can take your simulation and...! We're out here, we bleed, we die! Rose : Calm down! Colonel : I suggest that you do, Raiden. Even if that is Snake, that has no bearing on your mission. Raiden : Colonel, you and Snake used to be on the same side. I don't understand. I read about you and Snake in "In the Darkness of Shadow Moses"... Colonel : I don't give a damn what that piece of trash said. Do you get me? [End transmission.] _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 06) Don't touch me there! _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ [Raiden makes it to the Shell 2 Core. He finds Olga talking to Solidus inside. He sneaks a safe distance away and listens in with his directional microphone. Solidus : Snake, he's here -- in Shell 1. Olga : My father has some unfinished business with him. Solidus : Olga, calm yourself! I'm not changing my plans for your personal feelings. Olga : Then screw your plan. I've been waiting for this day for two years and I will send him to the bottom of the ocean -- right next to my old man! Solidus : The launch comes first! Olga : Damn. [Olga punches the wall.] Olga : Where's Ocelot? Solidus : Why? Olga : I don't trust him. Solidus : Don't talk that way about one of you own! Olga : He's not "one of my own". He left my father to die, remember? Solidus : We'll talk later. We need to get started on the final check for the unit. Olga : Alright, I'm heading back there. Solidus : The upper connecting bridge for Shell 1 is down. Olga : What about the chopper? Solidus : The Kamov is out of action. Take the Oil Fence from Strut L. Olga : I'll tell my men to get started. Solidus : Not yet, there retrieval comes last. The intruder is still at large. Olga : Hmm... Solidus : What about the other? Olga : He's got luck on his side. Solidus : He survived that explosion... Listen, Olga, the code confirmation is in one hour. Keep the President alive until then! Olga : I know, no one gets in here. Turn the currents on. Solidus : Of course. [Olga watches as a high-voltage current is turned on and passes through a metal grating in front of her.] Solidus : High-voltage currents on. Olga : The door stays shut unless the President manages to take out that circuit panel from inside the room -- and that's no job for bare hands. Solidus : Alright, come back immediately. Olga : One more thing -- Solidus : What? Olga : We live for Russia when this mission is over. I want half the money for that. Solidus : Of course -- that was part of the original plan. Olga : We're living for ourselves after this. If anyone wants to stay, I want you to take good care of them. Solidus : Gladly -- Gurlukovich soldiers are the cream of the crop. Olga : It's time they went free... Solidus : What happened to rebuilding Mother Russia? Olga : The old man is dead -- the world is a different place now. Solidus : It's your life. Olga : Just a reminder, I'm going to say this one last time: Don't try anything on us. Solidus : The feeling is mutual. [Olga leaves. Raiden calls the Colonel.] Raiden : I'm in front of the room where they're keeping the President. Colonel : Everything all right? Raiden : No sign of flooding, but I can't get close to the door. The floor is electrified. Colonel : Don't test it. You'll be bacon. Raiden : Any suggestions? Colonel : Remember the Shadow Moses VR training. Raiden : Take out the circuit panel? Colonel : Right. Raiden : But there's no way into the room. Colonel : Try ventilation ducts. Raiden : Yeah, I think I see one. Colonel : Look for a remote-control missile launcher. You can guide it through the duct into the room. Raiden : ...then target the circuit panel. Got it. Colonel : Right. But make sure you don't hit the President. Raiden : The President is wired with nanomachines. If we know the frequency, I can raise him... Colonel : We've tried that repeatedly, but there's no response. It looks like the walls have a built-in radio shield. Raiden : So that's why Ames lost contact with him... Colonel : If you need to confirm his position, you can log into the node. Raiden : Understood. Colonel : Locate a remote-control missile launcher first. [End transmission. Raiden heads down to B2 of the Shell 2 Core to find the Nikita.] Raiden : Colonel, B1 is completely flooded from what I can see. Colonel : You'll have to swim through. Raiden : I'm fine with swimming. Colonel : Stroke the water and move forward by pushing the Punch button. Push in rapid succession to swim faster. Change your heading with the left analog stick. Up will take you up, down takes you lower, left and right face those directions. The O2 Gauge will appear under your Life Gauge while you're underwater. The gauge corresponds to the amount of air you can hold from a single deep breath. Once the O2 Gauge falls to zero, the Life Gauge will start to drop. You need to be aware of that. [End transmission. Raiden finds the Nikita and takes out the circuit breaker. Inside the room he finds President James Johnson. He is wearing a red tie, white shirt, and black pants. Raiden walks towards him.] Raiden : President Johnson. Johnson : So your finally here... Raiden : You've been expecting me? Johnson : Your equipment -- that Skull Suit isn't exactly standard military issue. Raiden : Are you alright, sir? Johnson : Is this some kind of sick joke -- I thought you came to kill me? Raiden : ? Johnson : I'm prepared to face the consequences of my actions. Raiden : What are you -- ? [Quickly, the President grabs Raiden's crotch and squeezes.] Raiden : What the -- !? Johnson : Your...a man? Hmm...well, who are you? Raiden : FOXHOUND, sir. Johnson : FOXHOUND? I see. Now things are starting to make a little sense. Switch over to nanocommunications so nobody can listen in. [Codec screen.] Raiden : Do you read me, sir? Johnson : Uh... yes. Raiden : Mr. President. It's my understanding that the terrorists have managed to input the code sequence necessary for launching a nuclear strike... Johnson : That's correct. I punched the sequence in myself. Raiden : You're working for them!? Johnson : If you asked me two hours ago, my answer would have been yes. Right now, they're keeping me alive until my vital signs are reconfirmed. Raiden : They betrayed you? Johnson : I wouldn't quite put it that way. I wanted power. They sought destruction. Raiden : But why stoop to terrorism!? Johnson : I wanted absolute power. Raiden : But you're the President -- you have power... Johnson : No. I'm just a figurehead. Raiden : ? Johnson : I don't have any control. The real power is in the Patriots' hands. Raiden : The Patriots...? Johnson : The truth behind this country... I'm not surprised you've never heard of them. Very few are aware of their existence, even among those with codeword clearance. Raiden : ? Johnson : Politics, the military, the economy -- they control it all. They even choose who becomes President... Putting it simply, the Patriots rule this country. Raiden : No... Johnson : Hard to believe, isn't it? But it's the truth. The Space Defense, income tax reduction and the National Missile Defense (NMD) programs -- Every policy that's been credited to me was actually done according to their instructions. Raiden : Space Defense was initiated by Congress... Johnson : That's what the Patriots want the country to believe... It's all a show. "Democracy" is just a filler for textbooks! Think about it! Do you actually believe that public opinion influences the government? Raiden : ...No. Johnson : This country is shaped and controlled as the Patriots see fit. The people are shown what they want to believe. What you call government is actually a well-staged production aimed at satisfying the public! Raiden : ... Johnson : Don't look at me like that -- I'm legally sane, you know. Raiden : It's not your sanity that worries me... [Twelve grainy black and white pictures appear on screen one by one. There are men in the pictures. There is a red bar over each of their eyes.] Johnson : The Patriots -- even I don't know who the actual members are. Are they financial, political, or military leaders? No one knows who the Patriots really are. Even my instructions come from a cut-out. All I've been told is that every key decision is made by a group of twelve men known as the Wisemen's Committee. Raiden : Your Office...? The White House...? Johnson : Merely puppets. Pawns in a game. By pledging my loyalty, an insignificant son of a senator was awarded the Presidency. Of course, that wasn't the only price I had to pay... Raiden : What do you mean? Johnson : Even if a pawn becomes a queen, it is still just a playing piece. I wanted to leave my own mark in history. But my ambitions were... You'll understand someday... [Codec screen.] Johnson : I wished to be a member of the Patriots. I wanted to wield the power of a king, instead of being an expendable pawn... Raiden : And that justifies acts of terrorism? Johnson : Yes. I'd intended to use the new Metal Gear as a bargaining chip... Raiden : Bargaining chip? Johnson : But I underestimated Solidus... he actually wants to challenge the Patriots -- even if it means the destruction of the world! Raiden : What are you saying? Johnson : Whether you believe it or not, the balance of power rests in the hands of the Patriots. They regulate the country's various interests through controlled presentation, staging a "drama" that is palatable to the general masses. Can you imagine what would happen if they ceased to function? Raiden : ? Johnson : Picture a massive political vacuum, a space that every power-monger will try to fill for their own greedy ends. I'm talking about an unregulated power struggle -- panic, civil war... chaos. Like it or not -- the Patriots is an organization that must continue to exist. Raiden : So you changed your mind because you wanted to avoid global chaos? Johnson : When I told Solidus that I wished to prevent disaster, he replied that pawns can never become players... Raiden : And who is this... Solidus? [Pictures of George Sears are shown.] Johnson : My predecessor... George Sears. That was the name the public came to know him by. But I knew him by his codename, "Solidus Snake." He was the third Snake, preceded by Solid and Liquid... a survivor of the Les Enfants Terrible project. Neither Solid nor Liquid, he was a well-balanced masterpiece that the Patriots saw fit to entrust with the Presidency. However, he fell out of grace with the organization four years ago when, acting on his own, he started an incident. Raiden : Four years ago... Shadow Moses? [Brief flashback to Shadow Moses.] Johnson : Yes, that's right. At the time, the DARPA Chief, Donald Anderson -- together with certain influential parties -- initiated the development of Metal Gear REX and an advanced nuclear warhead. However, this did not fall in line with the Patriots' plans. What's more, Solidus decided on his own to send his most trusted man, Ocelot, to provoke Liquid Snake, bringing about the said incident. As a result, he succeeded in obtaining REX and the data on the warhead. But in doing so, he ended up revealing the existence... of both REX and the Genome army -- a blunder that earned him the wrath of the Patriots. Shortly thereafter, Solidus was removed from the Presidential Office. Raiden : I thought he resigned... Johnson : That's the story given to the general public. Following his "resignation," the Patriots selected me -- their new pawn, for the Presidency. Raiden : But that would mean that the Presidential race was -- Johnson : That was quite a show, wasn't it? It was a well-scripted drama staged by the Patriots for the benefit of the public. Even the Democrats and Republicans were dancing to the Patriots' tune. Everything went according to plan, but for one exception... Raiden : ? Johnson : Following his resignation, Solidus' health was scheduled to fail him, bringing about his untimely death. Raiden : Capped...? Johnson : Correct. But before the Patriots could execute their plot, Solidus went underground with the help of Ocelot. As he avoided pursuit, Solidus gained control of Dead Cell, winning over Colonel Gurlukovich's outfit. From there, he bided his time, knowing that his opportunity would soon arrive... Raiden : What opportunity? Johnson : The completion of the new Metal Gear project -- an opportunity that would even his odds against the Patriots. By stealing the Patriots' most valued project, he would be able to place them in a very uncomfortable position. It's the only chance he has for survival. Once he has the new Metal Gear, he'll declare war against the Patriots. Needless to say, he must be stopped. Raiden : Metal Gear is already operational... Johnson : No. Not yet. Raiden : ? Johnson : What you saw was Metal Gear RAY -- hijacked two years ago from the Marines by Ocelot. That was not the new Metal Gear. Raiden : Then, where's the new Metal Gear? You're standing in it. To be more precise, this entire "Big Shell" facility is the new Metal Gear. Raiden : What'd you say? Johnson : No. I'm quite serious. The upper structure that you've seen is camouflage designed to represent an offshore cleanup facility. The main structure extends from the foundation all the way down to the ocean floor. The connecting elevator is located on the B2 floor of the Shell 1 Core. Arsenal Gear... that's the code name for the new Metal Gear. Raiden : Arsenal? ]Pictures of Arsenal Gear are shown.] Johnson : That's right... Arsenal. We're talking about an impregnable fortress carrying a load of over a couple of thousand missiles including nuclear warheads -- all protected by a horde of mass-produced Metal Gear RAY units. Raiden : Mass-produced...? Johnson : The RAY unit was originally designed for the Marines to be used as a countermeasure against the Metal Gear variations throughout the world. The Patriots had RAY redesigned to protect the new Arsenal Gear. Raiden : So now anti-Metal Gears are guarding a Metal Gear? Johnson : Ironic, isn't it? That's not all. Arsenal Gear has full access to the Military's Tactical Network, giving it the ability to exercise absolute control over our nation's armed forces, not to mention our nuclear armament. In short, Arsenal was created to be the core of our country. Raiden : What kind of idiotic weapon --? Johnson : Weapon? No. You're not seeing the full picture. Raiden : ? Johnson : Arsenal Gear is more than just a military tool... [Codec screen.] Johnson : It is a means to preserve the world as it is. It will establish a new form of control. Raiden : The Patriots will use it to keep their place as the country's true rulers. Johnson : ...Right now they feel pressured and threatened. Raiden : By what? Johnson : They fear an overabundance of digital information -- the world will drown in the coming flood of information, and they along with it. Raiden : ? Johnson : The Arsenal plans include a system to digitally manage the flow of information, making it possible to shape the "truth" for their own purposes. In short, the Arsenal's system is the key to their supremacy. Raiden : The key...? Johnson : Yes, the "GW" system is the Patriots' trump card. Arsenal Gear will be fully operational when "GW" is successfully integrated. Once operational, it will be a completely new form of power for the Patriots to wield. I had hoped to seize the project from them so that I would be in a strong bargaining position... Raiden : Bargain for what? Johnson : I'd hoped to trade my way into their ranks. But Solidus preferred rebellion. Outer Heaven -- his plan to unleash a nuclear blast over the skies of Wall Street to break the Patriots' control over the business community -- is also a key factor in his offensive effort. Raiden : Outer Heaven...? Johnson : Listen. There isn't much time. The "football" served as the key for activating Arsenal Gear. I've already input the necessary code sequence... It won't be long before "GW" begins to establish connections with other external systems and Arsenal Gear becomes fully operational. Stop them before that happens. That is your role. Raiden : Role? Johnson : You've got to find Emma Emmerich. She's the only one who can stop that thing once it's been activated. Raiden : Emma -- Emmerich? Johnson : She's the system programmer for Arsenal Gear. I believe she's somewhere on level B1 in the core of this building. Raiden : I thought the levels below us were flooded? Johnson : I'm sure they won't let her die just yet as she's the only remaining programmer for this project. According to Ocelot, she was being held in locker room located in the northwest part of level B1. Cut transmission, and get moving! [End transmission. Johnson hands Raiden a keycard.] Johnson : Here's security card 4. It will give you access all the way to Emma's location. Give this to her when you find her. [President Johnson hands Raiden a disc.] Raiden : What is it? Johnson : A program to disrupt the control functions between GW and Arsenal Gear. Take Emma to the computer room on level B2 of the Shell 1 Core. She'll know how to load the program into the main system. Raiden : A virus? Johnson : That's right. Modeled after FOX-DIE -- a biological weapon used to selectively eliminate personnel with a specific genetic code. Raiden : But why do you have it? Johnson : The Patriots had it engineered as a fail-safe. And Ocelot forgot to search me. You've got to hurry! That disc is the only way you're going to stop Arsenal! [The President falls silent.] Johnson : Well...I've told you everything you need to know. [He turns his back to Raiden.] Johnson : There's only one thing that remains to be done... Raiden : ? [Johnson grabs Raiden's SOCOM and pulls it to his chest.] Johnson : Kill me. Raiden : What the...? Johnson : There's no time to argue! The final check for my vital ID could start any second now. If you kill me now you'll at least prevent the nuclear strike. Raiden : Cut it out! [Raiden tries to wrestle the gun away.] Johnson : Do it --!! That's your role! Pull!! [A gunshot rings out. Johnson stumbles as blood pours from his chest. Raiden stands back non-plussed.] Ocelot : That's abusing your right to free speech, Mr. President... [Ocelot is standing in the open doorway with his revolver smoking.] Ocelot : Or is it Ex-president? Raiden : The President -- why did you!? Ocelot : Alas, my finger must have slipped... [He holsters his gun.] Ocelot : I'll see you around -- "Carrier Boy". [Ocelot leaves the room. Raiden begins to follow but the President lurches out and grabs Raiden's leg.] Johnson : Forget him... He...did us a favor... Without freedom, there is no difference between submission and rebellion. My only real choice is to put a end to this charade. Let me at least have the freedom to end it myself... Raiden : What are you -- ? Johnson : Find Emma... Stop Arsenal...! This is my last order...as your Commander-in-Chief... I'm counting on you... [The President dies. Raiden walks out into the hallway and calls up the Colonel.] Raiden : Colonel, the President is dead. Colonel : I see... I'm sorry to hear that. Raiden : Where do we go from here? Raiden : Your mission was to rescue the President and eliminate the terrorist threat. However, given the recent turn of events, we will honor the President's last directive. You must put a stop to Arsenal Gear once and for all. Raiden : Do you actually think there's any truth to his story about this Big Shell facility being a front for Arsenal Gear? Colonel : I don't have the security clearance necessary to verify the facts. However, he was the President. I'm sure he knew what he was talking about. Raiden : Aren't you forgetting that he was part of the terrorist plot? Colonel : All the more reason why I believe his information is reliable. We're talking about a man who chose to die rather than risk a nuclear holocaust. Thanks to his sacrifice, the nuclear launch authority has shifted to the Vice President, effectively eliminating the terrorist threat. Raiden : Colonel, when you put it like that, it almost sounds like I should've assassinated the President to "eliminate the threat." Colonel : That was not my intention. I was trying to point out that there is certainly some credibility to the words of a man who chose death to protect the innocent. Rose : The Colonel has a point, Jack. Raiden : What about the information he gave me on the "Patriots"? Colonel : That's a new one on me. I'll see what I can find out. Raiden, we're running out of time. Find Emma. She's supposed to be located on level B1, in the core of that building you're in, right? You've got to find her before Arsenal becomes fully operational. Rose : Hurry Jack! Colonel : It's up to you to make sure that the President didn't sacrifice his life in vain. Raiden : Understood.... Raiden out. [Snake contacts Raiden.] Snake : What's your status, Raiden? Raiden : Snake? The President... he's been assassinated. There was nothing I could do -- Snake : What about the nuclear strike code sequence!? Raiden : He died before his vital ID could be reconfirmed. Snake : Then the enemy's lost their nuclear strike capability -- Raiden : But, that Ocelot guy obviously killed the President on purpose. Why? It doesn't make any sense. They had to know that they couldn't launch the nuke if they killed the President. Otacon : Maybe there's a way to launch without reconfirming the vital ID? Snake : Or maybe they've found a more effective weapon within Arsenal Gear. Raiden : You knew about Arsenal Gear!? Snake : Yeah... Raiden : Why didn't you tell me about it!? Snake : You never asked. Raiden : Am I correct in assuming you also know that the Big Shell's a front for the project!? Snake : You mean, did I know that the Big Shell, a fully functional environmental cleanup facility, was designed to camouflage Arsenal Gear? Yeah, I did. Raiden : It's exactly what the President and Ames described... a massive cover story. Otacon : The good news is that it hasn't really done much in terms of cleaning up the environment, so we won't have to worry about any toxic gas being released if we have to blow the house down. Raiden : Right... and when did you find out about all of this? Snake : It took a while, but we uncovered the info around the time you took out that mad bomber. Raiden : ... Snake : There's no doubt that Arsenal Gear is being built here...then it was all set up two years ago on that day -- all of it. Raiden : Two years ago... What really happened here? [Snake's pictures of Metal Gear Ray are shown on several webpages.] Snake : I took these photos two years ago. Raiden : I remember these pictures. They were on the news and several websites. If I remember right, the reporters blamed you for sinking the tanker. Snake : That's right. Otacon. Me. We were used. Otacon : We hoped that by going public with the photos of the new Metal Gear we could persuade the government. At least that was the plan at the time. Raiden : I've gone through VR training of the Tanker mission before. Snake : Yeah? Well I doubt it accurately simulates the events of that actual mission. [Flashbacks of the Tanker mission.] Snake : I'd infiltrated the dummy tanker to obtain proof that a Metal Gear was under development. Shortly after I made it aboard, an armed group led by Colonel Gurlukovich raided the ship and gained control. Otacon : Olga and Ocelot were among the raiding party. Snake : Yeah. And him... Raiden : Who're you talking about? Snake : A man that was supposed to be dead. Their target was also Metal Gear RAY. But Ocelot eliminated Colonel Gurlukovich and Marine Commander Scott Dolph -- and he hijacked RAY. Raiden : So he betrayed them? Snake : I don't know what kind of deal was going down. All I remember is what Ocelot said at the time -- something about taking it back. Ocelot then sank the tanker along with the soldiers of the Marine Corps... [Codec screen.] Raiden : How did you manage to get out? Snake : Otacon managed to have a small boat ready for me. Otacon : That was the easy part. The tough part was not getting dragged down with the sinking tanker -- small miracle when you think about it. Snake : It turned out that the whole thing was a setup to lure us. [Some more flashbacks.] Otacon : Photos of Snake -- taken by the Cypher -- were released to the public. In turn, we became the world's most wanted environmental terrorists... It was definitely a move aimed at putting a stop to our anti-Metal Gear activities. Raiden : But why did they choose Snake? Otacon : Since the Shadow Moses incident, Snake became sort of a hero. I think the Patriots weren't too happy about that. Raiden : You knew about the Patriots!? Otacon : Well yes... to a certain degree. Raiden : It seems like everyone knows about them except me. Otacon : They didn't choose Snake to be a hero... Raiden : So they decided to do a smear campaign. Otacon : I think the Patriots wanted to make an example of him so everybody would think twice before opposing them. Raiden : That's it! They set all this up just to nail you guys? Otacon : No. There's more to it than that -- the Marines' Metal Gear RAY project headed by Commander Dolph was carried out in opposition to the Navy's Arsenal Gear project. To be more precise, the Patriots considered Metal Gear RAY to be a thorn in their side. Hence, they attacked the dummy tanker and stole RAY... They followed this up with the perfect plan. They immediately sent a fully loaded tanker to the same location and sank it, then set up the facility to camouflage the development of Arsenal Gear. Snake : And we fell for it -- two more puppets in their show. Raiden : Colonel Gurlukovich... and his daughter, Olga? Otacon : Both fell victim to Ocelot's plot. Raiden : Was Solidus behind all this? He used Ocelot to get hold of RAY, huh? Otacon : No. He was underground, keeping a low profile at the time. Raiden : Then it must be the Patriots... Otacon : If that's the case, what's Ocelot doing alongside Solidus? Raiden : ? [Codec screen.] Snake : Forget it. We're wasting time. We can figure this out later. The nuclear strike's been prevented, but Arsenal still has a massive payload of missiles to deal with. Otacon : Right. If the opposition gets control of those missiles... Snake : Raiden -- you've got to find Emma. Raiden : Wait a second. Isn't Emma Emmerich -- Otacon : My sister. Raiden : What's she doing here? You got me. She's a computer whiz who specializes in neural-AI and ultra-variable volume data analysis using complex logic. How she got involved in weapons development is beyond me. Raiden : ... Snake : Whatever her reasons, we need her in order to stop Arsenal. Otacon : Raiden -- find her. Raiden : I'm on my way. [End transmission.] _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 07) This guy is really a pain the arse _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ [Raiden makes his way through the flooded levels of B1 in the Shell 2 Core. He surfaces at an air pocket to catch his breath when he is contacted by Otacon.] Otacon : Raiden, are you reading me? This is Otacon. What's your situation? Raiden : Wet and miserable... this place is flooded. The seawater that's been pumped up is pouring into the building. Otacon : I see. Listen, there's something I have to tell you about E.E. Raiden : Don't worry about her. I'll get her out -- Otacon : She's afraid of water. Raiden : What!? Otacon : Yeah... when she was six years old, she almost drowned with my father in our swimming pool. Raiden : She can't swim!? Otacon : Well yes and no... we used to swim a lot together when we were kids. In fact, she swam like a fish until that day when she almost drowned... Raiden : That pretty much coincides with what the Colonel told me... Raiden : When the accident happened, I was in my room. I learned later that E.E. was calling me for help... She didn't doubt for a minute that I'd be there. You could see the pool from my room... but I didn't realize at the time that she needed my help. Raiden : What were you doing? Otacon : I... I was... Raiden : So Emma survived the ordeal... Otacon : Yeah. But my father didn't... Raiden : So you blamed yourself and left your family? Otacon : No. E.E. seems to believe that was the case. The fact is... I betrayed her. Raiden : And you think that she can't swim because of the traumatic experience? Otacon : I haven't seen her since that day... but yes, I think so. I got a letter from Julie, her mother, after they moved back to England. In her letter, she mentioned that E.E. couldn't swim anymore... that she refused to even wear a bathing suit. Raiden : Damn! If she still can't swim, we're in trouble... level B1 in the core is pretty much flooded. Otacon : Look... maybe you can help her overcome the trauma. Raiden : You want me to help her get over it? Otacon : It's still going to take some time to repair the Kamov. Snake : Sorry, kid. Emma's rescue is up to you. Raiden : Thanks. An underwater mission... well, this is a first. Look -- I'll see what I can do. Snake : I suggest that you drum the map of the building into your head, 'cause you won't have time to look at it when you try to bring Emma out. Otacon : I'm counting on you, Raiden. Snake : I covered most of the core when I had to take out the C4's... if there's anything you need to ask me, call me on the Codec. Raiden : I'll do that. [End transmission. Raiden opens a doorway to move on but out floats the body of Peter Stillman. He didn't make it far from the blast.] [Raiden goes through two more rooms. He enters a room that has a platform sitting over a strange body of liquid. It looks like water but there is something different about it. Sitting in the middle of the pool of water is Vamp. Raiden quickly points his gun in Vamp's direction.] Raiden : Still tickin', huh? [Vamp looks at Raiden.] Vamp : Unfortunately, hell had no vacancies... [Vamp stands up, on the water.] Raiden : Argh! [Raiden fires three shots at Vamp. Vamp twists and spins to dodge the shots. One of them, however, grazes his cheek. He touches it gingerly.] Vamp : Hahaha... I thought so. Human muscles are quite eloquent. They speak-out clearly what the person's next movement will be. They even tell me which way a gun will be pointed before the trigger is pulled. But your muscles -- they're different. This should be fun...well worth the wait. Raiden : You knew I was coming? Vamp : You think I'm going to lose -- I can't let you interfere with Arsenal Gear. [Vamp points to the door on the other side of the room.] Vamp : The girl is just ahead. She is of no use to us now... But she served us well as the live bait for the big catch. Crazy Ivan sometimes speaks the truth. [Emma is shown standing in a locker room.] Raiden : Emma's alive? Vamp : She was quite some time ago. But the flooding has become quite serious. I wouldn't be surprised if she's a mermaid now. Raiden : What...? Vamp : Did you really think killing the President would prevent a nuclear strike? Think again! Raiden : I didn't do it! Vamp : Hmph... Arsenal Gear is still armed with a purified hydrogen bomb. Raiden : Purified hydrogen bomb -- ? [Plans for a bomb are shown.] Vamp : This is no ordinary nuclear bomb. This weapon is capable of heavy hydrogen nuclear fusion using lasers and magnetics to generate heat-insulated compression. It was a top secret project initiated by the current President...and Solidus has no idea of its existence. The clean thermonuclear bomb is at an experimental stage and is handled differently. Specifically, it becomes launch-capable when Arsenal is activated. A nuclear threat still exists. [Pictures of a devastated Dead Cell are shown.] Vamp : Six months ago, we lost everything we believed in... We were abandoned to take the fall in their cover up. We were labeled as killers responsible for the mass-murder of civilians as well as our own allies. And the "public" believed every word, turning a deaf ear to whatever we had to say to the contrary. Our only goal is to wipe them from the face of the earth -- and destroy this world of deceit they have created along with them. Raiden : You're insane. Vamp : Insane? We might be the only ones telling the truth... [An alarm sounds. There is an announcement over the PA system.] Announcer : Final check for activating Arsenal is completed. All non-essential personnel report to your stations... Vamp : Well, it sounds like Arsenal is ready to go into operation. Raiden : Damn it! Vamp : Your still hoping that girl can install that virus your carrying around -- aren't you? Raiden : You knew? Vamp : It's a shame your not going to be around long enough to hand her the program. [Vamp glances at the water below him.] Vamp : This isn't sea water, you know. It's a byproduct of the microbes contained in the pool. Buoyancy is practically non-existent thanks to the high oxygen content. Once you fall in -- you don't come up! Take a good look at your grave. Show me what you've got! [Raiden and Vamp duel. Raiden manages to get in some hits on Vamp and send him back into the pool of water.] Vamp : Haaaaarch! [Blood seeps into the water as Vamp raises his arms to fight his descent.] Vamp : Waaaargh! [Vamp goes under. Raiden calls the Colonel on his Codec.] Raiden : Colonel! They've apparently completed the final check procedure for Arsenal Gear! Colonel : Find Emma on the double! You've got to get her to install the virus program that the President gave you! When you find her, take her to the Computer Room on level B2 in the core of Shell 1! [Raiden calls Pliskin.] Raiden : Snake! Did you catch all that!? I didn't make it on time... Arsenal's going active! Snake : Yeah, I heard. The hostage rescue's gonna have to wait. Raiden : I'm going after Emma. Snake : We'll secure the Computer Room. Raiden : Looks like we can't install the virus program without Emma. Snake : Can't your partner do it? Otacon : I would if I could. But the security for this system is no joke. I need more time... Snake : That's why we need her. Raiden : Understood. I'll make sure you have your family reunion... Otacon : ... Raiden : What's up? Otacon : A lot of years have passed between E.E. and me... Raiden : Then you should see her, right? Otacon : I don't have the right to see her. Snake : We can talk about this later. Raiden, I think you'd better get moving, Emma's in the Locker Room to the north, right? [Raiden tries to continue on but he is stopped in his tracks by another call from Rose.] Rose : I've always been alone... I'm so lonely... Raiden : Lonely? Rose, we've always -- Rose : Not always. You've never slept beside me... Raiden : What are you talking about? I -- Rose : After we've been together in my room... you stay awake all night or you head for the door. Raiden : Is this really the time to bring this up? Rose : Why, Jack? Why? Raiden : Listen, Rose. I'm right in the middle of a mission, and I... Rose : Why!? Why can't you relax when you're with me!? Raiden : Look... the mission... I... Rose : Why don't you open up to me!? Raiden : Rose... I... I just can't! Rose : All I ever wanted was to share your dreams -- to spend a meaningful evening with you... I just wanted to find you by my side when I woke up. Is that asking too much? Raiden : It's the night -- I'm scared of the night... it's got nothing to do with you... Rose : Scared of the night? What's that supposed to mean? Raiden : I can't relax when I'm with someone... Rose : Jack? You wouldn't even let me in your room! Raiden : I need privacy... I just can't be bothered. Rose : Bothered!? Raiden : Wrong word! What I wanted to say was that there are certain things that I have to keep to myself... Rose : Do you remember that time I forced my way into your room? We'd known each other for almost a year... and you blew up! It was the first time you ever raised your hand against me! I was so worried about you... Rose : Look... I'm sorry... Raiden : It wasn't your violent nature that scared me. It was your room... your heart... Raiden : Stop it... Rose : There wasn't anything in your room -- only a bed and a small desk. It looked like a prison cell... No television set... no family pictures... not even a poster... Raiden : Rose, I only use that room for sleeping. Rose : A lifeless room... almost like your empty heart. Raiden : That's why I tried to keep you out. Rose : I thought I was beginning to understand you -- until I saw that room. Raiden : Would you have been happier if I had a picture of you hanging on the wall!? Rose : That's not what I was trying to say -- Raiden : Enough, Rose. We'll talk about this later... after the mission. Rose : Right... after the mission... I understand. [End transmission.] _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 08) Rescuing the fair maiden _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ [Raiden opens a locker in the locker room with his gun drawn. Upon sight of Raiden and his gun Emma starts to panic and she wets her pants. Raiden backs away with his hands up trying to calm her down.] Raiden : Are you alright? Emma : Who are you!? Raiden : Raiden. I'm getting you out of here. Emma : Get me out? Your lying -- where are you taking me this time! Raiden : What are you talking about!? I'm here to help! Here -- it'll prove it. Do you have nanos? Emma : What? Raiden : Well, do you? Emma : I do. Everyone on this project has them. Raiden : Alright, let's try. [Codec screen.] Raiden : Can you hear me, now? Emma : Nanocommunication...? Raiden : That's right. I have nanomachines, too. Emma : Then you're not one of them... Raiden : That's what I've been trying to tell you. Emma : And you came to rescue me? Raiden : Actually, I need your help to stop Arsenal... Emma : I understand you're the only one who might be able to do it. Emma : And who told you that? Raiden : The President. Emma : ...Really? Raiden : I need you to come with me to Shell 1. Your brother's waiting for you there. Emma : My brother? Raiden : C'mon! We have to get moving! This place'll be flooded soon! [Raiden helps Emma off the ground. Water starts to pour into the room.] Emma : ... Raiden : We'd better move. Emma : I can't... I can't swim... [Codec screen.] Emma : Leave me... Raiden : You can swim! You used to love it! Emma : How did you know...? Raiden : Your brother told me. Emma : He's really here? Raiden : That's right... he's here to rescue you. Emma : I don't believe you! He would never come for me! Raiden : And I'm telling you he's here -- waiting for us at Shell 1! Emma : No! He left me... my mother -- when we needed him the most! When my father died, all he could think about was himself! Raiden : Emma, we can go over all that later. But first, we have to get out of here! Emma : No! I hate water! It's hopeless! I can't swim! [Some water is shown.] Emma : I can't swim! Raiden : You can do it! Emma : I can't... Raiden : C'mon! Deep down inside, you know you can swim! Emma : I can't keep my eyes open in the water... that endless blue... The water... it wants me... it won't let me go... Raiden : Alright, then close your eyes. I'll guide you. Emma : I... I was injected with something! Um... my legs! I have trouble moving them! Raiden : Listen, Emma. Just hold your breath... I'll do the rest. [Views of rooms Raiden has passed through.] Raiden : We'll head to Filter Chamber 2, then we'll take a break. Emma : So all I have to do is hold my breath? Raiden : That's right. Emma : How long? Raiden : Just a little while. Emma : Are you sure? Raiden : Of course I'm sure, that's how I got here. Emma : I don't think I can do it. I'm not good at holding my breath. Raiden : Look Emma, I have a idea... [Codec screen.] Raiden : Put your ear against my chest and listen to my heartbeat. Emma : Your heartbeat? Raiden : Count the beats -- don't think about anything else. When you reach 100, open your eyes. By that time, we'll be on the other side. Give me a signal if you think you're running out of breath. Emma : What will you do then? Raiden : I'll swim faster. [Emma and Raiden are standing in the water, preparing to swim.] Raiden : Hang on tight! [Emma gets on Raiden's back.] Raiden : Okay, let's go. Emma : I'm closing my eyes... Raiden : Take some deep breaths... One... two... three... Emma : Wait! [She gets off of Raiden's back.] Raiden : What? [Emma removes her glasses.] Emma : Let me take off my glasses! Raiden : You know, you should wear contacts. Emma : There's nothing wrong with my eyes. Raiden : ? Emma : I wear these for show. Raiden : Trying to be different from the other girls? Emma : No, it's not like that. I like glasses. And... there's this guy I liked who used to wear them... Raiden : Your first boyfriend? Emma : No, someone more important. Anyway, they bring me luck. Raiden : I see... Okay, let's go. [They swim through and make it to Filter Chamber 2. Rose calls up.] Rose : Well, Jack. It sounds like you and Miss Emma are getting along just fine. I've been monitoring your every move and conversation. I can't say it's been fun... Raiden : Give me a break! I'm only trying to keep her spirits up. Rose : Is that right? Raiden : Absolutely. My mission is to get her to the Computer Room. Rose : That's all? Raiden : Yeah. Rose : You're lying. You're attracted to her, aren't you. Raiden : ...I'll admit she's cute. Rose : Cuter than me? Raiden : Rose, you're beautiful. You know how I feel about you. Rose : Have you remembered yet? Raiden : You mean April 30th? It's your birthday, isn't it. Rose : Wrong! You're not even warm! Raiden : What is it then? Rose : Forget it... it's nothing. Maybe I'm just a little... a little jealous... You'd better get moving. Good luck. [End transmission. They both sit down to rest.] Raiden : You did good... Emma : I concentrated on your heartbeat... It reminds me of when I was a kid... [Emma looks at her glasses. A picture is shown of her as a young girl with her brother.] Emma : I remembered my brother giving me a piggyback ride... I was sleeping with my ear against his back... I could hear his heartbeat... Raiden : Sounds like you were close. Emma : We were... back then. We were stepchildren in our parent's second marriages. Wherever my brother went, I used to tag along... My brother didn't have any close friends, so he used to take care of me. We both wanted to be loved so much... so much that we used to pretend... Raiden : Pretend? Emma : My brother was the husband and I was the wife. But it was always just make believe... we were only kids. You know what I mean? Raiden : I never had a family... but I think I know what you mean. [The Colonel calls up Raiden on the Codec.] Colonel : Raiden, what's your status? Raiden : Colonel? I've got Emma Emmerich here... we've managed to avoid drowning. Colonel : Good job. Get her over to Shell 1 as soon as you can. Raiden : That's going to be hard with the connecting bridge on the upper level destroyed. Colonel : Didn't Olga say something about taking the oil fence at the bottom of Strut L? Raiden : Yeah, I remember that. Colonel : You should be able to go down by way of Strut L. Try and get over there. Raiden : What about Emma? She's been injected with something and she can't walk without any help. Colonel : Take her with you... free your hands of any equipment and hold down the Action button to give her a hand. To release your grip on her, take your finger off the Action button. Emma can sit and wait until you help her back up. And be careful... you won't be able to use any weapons while you're leading her. Now, head for Strut L! Raiden : We're on our way. [Snake calls Raiden.] Snake : Raiden, we've infiltrated the Computer Room. What's your situation? Raiden : Emma's safe. We're heading your way. Otacon : Good job! Snake : Shell 1's deserted. Looks like everybody's aboard Arsenal. Otacon : I had a look at the system, but there's nothing I can do. E.E.'s our only hope... Raiden : Right... I'll put her on then. Otacon : Huh? E.E.? How...? Raiden : I'll use my Codec as a relay. Otacon : Ahem, ummm... Raiden : Here she is... Emma : Uh... Hal...? Otacon : Ah... E.E.? Is that you? Emma : Hal... Otacon : E.E.... Uh... why're you involved with Metal Gear? Emma : Huh??? Otacon : You knew our family's dark history, and still got involved!? What's wrong with you!? Emma : I should've known... Otacon : Answer me! Why are you repeating the same mistake? Emma : ...I wanted to hurt you... I wanted to see you suffer... Otacon : E.E....? Emma : You abandoned me -- Otacon : No! That's not what happened... Snake : Alright -- that's enough! Otacon : ... Emma : Who are you? Snake : I'm a friend of Otacon's, Emma. Emma : Otacon... Snake : Enough with the sibling rivalry. Emma : That's not what this is!! Snake : We haven't got time for this! Raiden! Get her over here, right now. Emma : I -- I... Raiden : Gotcha, Snake. I'll head over there with Emma. Snake : Most of the enemy's aboard Arsenal. But I suggest you be careful. Make sure Emma gets here in one piece. Otacon : Raiden... take care of my sister. Raiden : Don't worry. I'll get her there. [Raiden and Emma continue to the next swimming section.] Raiden : Emma, Snake and Hal are waiting for us near Shell 1's computer room. Raiden removes the virus's disc from his pocket.] Raiden : I've got this disc the President gave me. This disc is supposed to contain a virus that can corrupt Arsenal Gear's operating system. We need you to... Emma : This is... This is my program... Raiden : What? Emma : Why did the President give it to you? Raiden : ... Emma : Did something happen to the President? F[Flashback to the struggle at the end of the President's life.] Raiden : The President... he's dead. Emma : What...? Raiden : You actually wrote this virus? Emma : It's not really a virus... it's more like a worm cluster. It's actually a delayed-effect autonomous program that's designed to invade GW's cerebrum and render its nerve connections useless. Raiden : You know what GW is? Emma : Of course... I created it. Raiden : ? Emma : You look surprised. Raiden : Uh... Well... Emma : Cat got your tongue? Raiden : I'm sorry, I... How about the "Patriots" ever heard of them? Ever heard of 'em? Emma : Yes. But I only know what I've been told. Raiden : Can you tell me what you know? Emma : Uh, sure. But it's hard to put into words. Raiden : Right... [Codec screen.] Raiden : Are you reading me, Emma? Emma : Yes -- loud and clear. Raiden : The President said that Arsenal Gear was the Patriots' key to supremacy. Emma : That's as good a description as any. Raiden : What exactly is it? Emma : It's a massive data processing system capable of controlling information on a global scale. Raiden : A data processing system...? Emma : That's right. The system's a social device for maintaining the Patriots' control. Raiden : You've lost me. Emma : In this day and age, information emerges from every direction, and is freely distributed... A variety of information -- gathered by servers employing the latest in high-speed communication networks and P2P technology -- is rapidly circulated to individuals. In fact, the speed of this circulation process is accelerating on an almost daily basis. The Patriots seem to be afraid of this development. Apparently, they believe that their role will shift from dominant to dominated. Raiden : ? Emma : Let me give you an example. You're aware of Solid Snake's anti-Metal Gear activities, aren't you? Raiden : Yeah -- I know a little about it. Emma : That's just a small sample of uncontrolled information. I can guarantee you the Patriots did not want Solid Snake's name publicized. Now, look at it like this... political scandal, corporate corruption... up until now, the Patriots have managed to keep a lid on these and other self-serving events. But with their existing data processing system, they are no longer able to effectively control the flow of information generated at the individual level. With the newly created system, they can fully regulate digital information. High-level information can be categorized in stages, given clearance levels, and deleted as necessary -- never to be seen by the public. By deleting such information, the Patriots can shape the course of history as they see fit. Raiden : Somebody's bound to catch on -- Emma : No. The memory capacity -- not to mention the life span -- of the average individual is extremely limited. On the other hand, digital information lasts virtually forever... it doesn't deteriorate. Raiden : So...? Emma : The alphabet... twenty-six letters, right? It could've been thirty letters. What if the 4 deleted letters were controlled by a program? Raiden : Impossible. Emma : It's not. In fact, something similar is already underway. Do you know how many genes exist in an individual? Raiden : About 30 to 40 thousand? Emma : Right. That's what was announced at the turn of the century. But there's actually 100 thousand, according to the original theory advanced by the scientific community. Information regarding the remaining 60 thousand was suppressed by the Patriots. Raiden : No...? Emma : Why? How would you know? Do you know what a gene looks like? Did you count them yourself? Raiden : There are research organizations... Emma : Of course... and their reports have already been subtly altered. They're even beginning to believe the doctored reports. GW is a system that allows the Patriots to decide what will be recorded in tomorrow's history. Raiden : So what we're talking about is one huge censorship system for deleting information which might be inconvenient to the Patriots? Emma : Exactly. The actual, physical core for handling the task -- GW -- is installed in Arsenal. It's the only system in the world with an optic neural AI that has a parallel processing capacity of 980 trillion hammets. Raiden : I suppose that being a specialist in neural AI and complex logic played a significant role in your association with the Metal Gear project. Emma : That's not the only reason... Raiden : What do you mean? Emma : ... Raiden : I guess there're plenty of other reasons. Emma : Yes, there are -- Raiden : I understand... Emma : Do you? Raiden : So Arsenal Gear was actually designed to protect the GW system, wasn't it? Emma : Uh...yes. It's armed with everything including nuclear weapons, and is fully equipped with cyber-terrorist countermeasures. Physically and logically, it's the ultimate fortress for housing GW. Raiden : But is the AI actually capable of controlling everything? Emma : No. GW is only the system's core. It's only for deciding what data is stored or deleted. The actual sub-system for executing the task exists within our social structure... Raiden : What!? [Videos of people working on computers and New Years celebrations in the year 2000.] Emma : Do you remember the panic that gripped the computer industry prior to the end of the century? Raiden : You mean the Y2K problem? Emma : That's right. If you recall, our government supplied the world with a countermeasure program -- using the internet at full capacity. The program was distributed to every governmental organization... every key facility...throughout the world. In addition, the same program was included in an OS application for distribution among the public. [Codec screen.] Raiden : Let me guess... the Y2K countermeasure contained a program designed by the Patriots? Emma : Yes. And everything supplied from that day onward contains the same program. Raiden : Impossible. Emma : Do you know how a computer operates? Do you really know the basic principles on how data is exchanged? Raiden : ... Emma : Nobody's aware of it, but there's a sub-system in place. And it's about to be activated. Raiden : Is that why Solidus wants to burn out every electrical circuit in Manhattan with a nuclear blast? Emma : Probably. But the overall system isn't actually complete. Raiden : What? Emma : It still lacks the necessary factors for judging situations. I heard they were planning a major experiment in the next few days, to provide complex data for GW to study. And suddenly all this happens... Raiden : Emma... it's not your fault. If it wasn't for the terrorists... Emma : Yeah... you're right... Well... I think that's about all I know. Raiden : Right... uh, thanks. I think we'd better head for the Computer Room. Emma : My bird in the Computer Room! Is he safe!? [That irritating parrot from the computer room is shown.] Raiden : That noisy, overgrown parakeet? Emma : Excuse me, he's a parrot. And he's my best friend -- my only friend. Raiden : Well, the bird's okay... Emma : Good. Did you know that in the old days, miners used to take a canary into the mine shaft to detect toxic gas? Raiden : That's what he's for? Emma : No... I needed somebody to talk to... Raiden : Right, I think we'd better get moving. [Shell 2's flooded levels are shown.] Raiden : We've got a little longer to cover than last time. Emma : Right, I'll give it my best. Raiden : Whatever you do, don't open your eyes. Emma : Why not? Raiden : A dead body, not a pretty sight. [Stillman's bloody body is shown floating in the water.] Emma : Oh... Raiden : Once we get past it, it will be too dark to see anything. [Raiden glances at Emma's hair.] Raiden : What are those sticks in your head? Emma : These? They're lacquered chopsticks. They hold your hair in place. Did you know they're pretty popular in Europe and South America? Raiden : Can't say I do. Your not only cute, but smart too. Emma : Oh -- I'm much more than cute. [Emma give s acute smile.] Raiden : Okay, let's go! [Outside of the Shell 2 core Raiden makes it to a security level 5 door. He doesn't have a card to make it through and the door buzzes in denial. Raiden punches the door.] Raiden : Dammit! Emma : What's wrong? Raiden : This door is security level five... I don't have card five. Damn. [Emma looks at her ID card.] Emma : Giving up already? She takes it off and holds it forward. Emma : Tah-DAH! Raiden : What the...? Emma : Are you impressed? Raiden : You should have told me you had it. Emma : Well the truth is... I just remembered it myself. [Raiden and Emma make it to a hatch in the floor that goes to the oil fence. When Raiden opens it air rushes out and he looks down. He contacts Emma on the Codec.] Raiden : I have a question for you. How do you feel about heights? Emma : I can't say I like heights... though water's higher on my phobia list. Why? Raiden : Well... we have to go down a ladder. Emma : How far down? Raiden : Just a little bit... Emma : Why do I feel like we've had this conversation before? How little is little? Raiden : ...About 130 feet? Emma : ... Raiden : Think you can do it? Emma : Would you take "no" for an answer? Raiden : How are your legs? Emma : Better. The numbness is gone. I can climb down on my own. Raiden : Okay... follow me. [They climb down and reach the bottom. Emma stops at the bottom to look at the sun setting.] Emma : The sunset, it's beautiful. Raiden : If we don't hurry, it'll be the last we see. [Raiden scans the defensive forces around the oil fence.] Raiden : Enemy soldiers... Gun Cyphers... I don't think were gonna be able to slip past all that. [He looks warily at the bridge.] Raiden : Looks like it can barely support one person. How much do you weigh, Emma? Emma : Are you gonna ask me how old I am next? Raiden : If you go alone, I think you can make it across. [Raiden contacts Snake.] Raiden : This is Raiden, do you read me? Snake : Yeah. What's up? Raiden : We've made it to the lower part of Strut L. We'll have to cross the water from here. Snake : Can Emma walk? Raiden : She's okay. The pontoon bridge doesn't look too sturdy. Emma is going to have to cross it alone. Snake : Right... the oil fence -- Raiden : There's Cyphers and several guards. Snake : Raiden, you're carrying a PSG1, aren't you? It's time to play sniper. Raiden : Not bad. This spot gives me a good view of the targets. Snake : You're going to have to cover Emma until she crosses to Strut E. I'll get there and provide some support of my own. Raiden : Thanks. Snake : Think you can handle it? Raiden : Yeah. I know the drill. I've faced a similar situation in Advanced Mode Level 4 VR training with the PSG1. Snake : VR...? Guess that's better than nothing. Make sure you don't hit Emma. Raiden : Right now, with Arsenal's boarding in progress, security should be at a minimum. Snake : That doesn't mean it's going to be easy. Given the situation, they've probably got Claymores in place to make up for the security shortage. Make sure you use your thermal goggles. Raiden : Okay. I'm heading for Strut E. [Raiden switches to Emma's frequency.] Raiden : Emma, are you reading me? Emma : Loud and clear... Raiden : I'm gonna clear a path for you from here. Emma : How? Raiden : Sniper fire. Emma : You're kidding... Raiden : Trust me. Emma : What if I fall into the sea? I... I can't swim! Raiden : You were doing pretty good a few minutes ago. Emma : Okay. Raiden : Think you can do it? Emma : Would you take "no" for an answer? Raiden : No. Raiden : Alright, get going. You'll be fine. [Emma walks across the bridge. When she is about halfway across Snake calls up. Codec screen.] Snake : This is Snake. Can you hear me? Raiden : Yeah. Nice and clear. Snake : I've reached my sniping position on Strut E. I'll provide support fire from here. Raiden : Right. Do me a favor and take out whatever I miss. Snake : Just call me when you want me to shoot. [Snake and Raiden track Emma with their scopes and take out any threats. Raiden scans ahead but at the very edge of the scope there is a sudden movement. Vamp has just appeared out of nowhere. Vamp leaps backwards behind Emma and holds a knife to her neck.] Emma : No. [Raiden acts quickly and fires a shot directly into Vamp's cerebrum. He falls backwards into the water, screaming. Emma turns around, disoriented. She suddenly falls to the ground as blood starts to seep through her shirt. Snake rushes down to help her. On his way he quickly takes out two Cyphers. He checks to see if Emma is still alive. He picks her up and carries her away.] Snake : Raiden! Emma's been stabbed! Raiden : That bastard! Otacon : How bad is it!? Snake : She's conscious... but the bleeding's bad. I'm bringing her over there right now! Otacon : E.E.... Snake : Raiden! Get that disc over here as soon as possible. I'm afraid her time's running out... Raiden : I'll be there! [Raiden dashes across the oil fence. When he reaches the other side he contacts Snake.] Raiden : Snake, what's your situation over there? Snake : Emma seems to be uh... doing something to GW's defensive capabilities. All we need now is your disc. You'd better hurry -- I don't think she's gonna make it. Raiden : How's the bleeding? Snake : She's... Just get over here. You'll find the coast is clear with everybody aboard Arsenal right now. Raiden : Understood. [Raiden makes it to the computer room quickly. When he arrives he finds Emma lying on the floor with some heavy bandages on her torso. Snake is standing at a respectful distance while Otacon attends to Emma. Raiden comes up to Snake.] Raiden : How's Emma? Snake : I think he got some internal organs... We can't stop the bleeding... [Emma looks at Otacon and raises her hand slowly.] Emma : H... Hal? [Otacon quickly takes her hand.] Otacon : I'm here. [Snake leans over to Raiden.] Snake : Got the disc? [Raiden takes out the disc and hands it to Snake.] Snake : Emma set everything up. Apparently all you have to do is pop in the disc. [Snake inserts the disc into one of the computer's slots.] Snake : Um... that should insert the virus into the AI... [Something happens onscreen, it looks like the virus is loading.] Raiden : Is it working? Snake : Just leave it to Emma. [Something pops up on screen, the loading has stopped.] Snake : What the -- !? Otacon : An antibody agent? Snake : Damn! The connections been cut! Raiden : Has the virus been uploaded? Snake : I don't think so. The counts stopped at 90%. Otacon...? Otacon : I don't think Emma's made any mistakes... Raiden : But... Otacon : Portions of the worm cluster must have been altered after the disc left Emma's hands. Raiden : By the Patriots? Snake : Will the virus still work? Otacon : I have no idea... Emma : Hal... is... everything all right? [Otacon isn't sure what to say. He looks up at Snake. Snake quickly shakes his head, everything is not alright. Otacon looks back down.] Otacon : Uh... It's alright... is everything's alright. Emma : Good... At least I... I won't be adding... another page to... our family's dark... history... Otacon : Yeah... that's right... [Raiden leans over to Snake.] Raiden : What if that virus doesn't work? Snake : Either destroy that thing, or take out Solidus and his men. Raiden : How do we get on board? Snake : I don't think we can, unless somebody inside gives us a hand. Emma : Hal... I... I always... Otacon : What is it? Emma : ...wanted to see you again. [An outside view of the Big Shell.] Otacon : You don't hate me? Emma : Never... I never wanted to get in your way... I never wanted to hurt you... I thought with Arsenal... If I follow in your footsteps... I could be closer... I just wanted you to look at me... look at me... as a woman... Otacon : E.E... I could never do that... Emma : Don't be so honest... It ...hurts... Otacon : Sorry... Emma : Can I... can I ask you one more favor...? Otacon : Sure. Emma : Call me... call me "Emma". Otacon : What? Emma : Please call me... Emma. [Emma gingerly removes Otacon's glasses.] Otacon : What's wrong with E.E.? [Emma goes limp. Otacon's glasses clatter to the floor.] Otacon : Emma... Emma? Emma!? Emma!? Answer me! [Otacon bursts into tears. Snake and Raiden look on but don't try to console him. An outside view of the Big Shell.] Otacon : I didn't... I didn't mean to hurt you. Because of the accident, I had... I had a relationship with your mother. She seduced me... and it went on... My father's death was no accident, he took his own life... It was my fault. All my fault. Forgive me, Emma... [Otacon cries more. Suddenly the parrot speaks.] Parrot : Hal. [After glancing at the parrot Otacon slowly closes Emma's eyes. He walks over to the parrot. He opens the cage and takes it out.] Parrot : Hal. [Otacon starts crying again. There is an announcement over the PA.] Announcer : Attention! All Arsenal Gear is ready for launch. Evacuate the upper levels immediately! Snake : Sounds like they're cutting this place loose! Raiden : What do you mean? Otacon : It means were gonna sink... Snake : We have to get the hostages out. Raiden : What about the Kamov repairs? Otacon : Done. Raiden : We won't be able to get everybody aboard... Snake : We'll just have to take as many as we can. [Otacon hesitates.] Otacon : My sister... won't be able to come with us. [The announcer says something else.] Announcer : We will be commencing the countdown shortly... All personnel in the upper levels head for the evacuation area immediately. [Flashback to MGS. Sniper Wolf's death.] Otacon : I'm always the survivor... Why, Wolf? [Snake looks assuringly at Otacon.] Snake : Otacon, take care of the hostages. Otacon : What about you guys? Snake : We've got other arrangements... [Snake looks at the elevator down to Arsenal Gear.] Snake : There's our ride out of here. Anyway, we're gonna have to sink that thing of the virus doesn't work. Otacon : I should be going with you. Snake : You've got your job, we've got ours. Otacon : You mean... I'd only get in your way. Snake : Wrong. [Snake rests his hands on Otacon's shoulders.] Snake : Only you can save those hostages. Got it? Otacon : Right. Listen, the two of you won't be able to destroy that thing. Eliminate the enemy, that's your only option. [Otacon walks away. Raiden and Snake follow him.] [They reach the elevator.] Parrot : Hal... [Otacon can't contain himself any more. He bangs his fist against the door of the elevator.] Otacon : Damn. Snake : Listen, Otacon, pull yourself together. You've got a job to do. Otacon : You're right... [Snake and Otacon do a complicated handshake and when they are done they embrace.] Announcer : I repeat, personnel in the upper levels head to the evacuation areas immediately. [They pull away.] Snake : I'm counting on you, Otacon. [Otacon leaves with the parrot. He reaches the main elevator of the Shell 1 Core.] Parrot : Hal... Hal... I miss you... I miss you... [Otacon loses control again. He falls to the ground.] Otacon : You and me, we're the same. [Outside views.] Otacon : Both you and I... we we're always alone... always... We just wanted to be loved... We were waiting -- waiting for somebody... somebody who would love us... But we were wrong... You can't wait to be loved, you have to go out and find it. Four years ago... I realized you can't wish for happiness, you have to make it happen... I wish I knew that sooner. I learned that I could love...as you probably did... Emma... [Snake and Raiden are looking at the elevator to Arsenal Gear.] Raiden : He's gonna be OK? Snake : He's tougher than he looks, consider it done. [Snake gives Raiden a disc.] Raiden : Now, how do we open this thing? [Snake looks at the ceiling.] Snake : You can come out now. [The ninja drops down the floor gracefully.] Raiden : A ninja!? What the -- ? Mr. X : Arsenal is going to take off. [The ninja takes out his sword.] Mr. X : But we still need to take care of a few things... This time, do not fail us. [He plants his feet and raises the sword.] Raiden : Snake, what's this all about!? Snake : Bedtime, Raiden. [Raiden makes a move for his gun. The ninja quickly places his sword against Raiden's neck.] Snake : I wouldn't do that. Raiden : Your changing sides now!? Snake : Change sides? I don't recall saying I was on yours. Raiden : Damn it. [Mr. X slowly raises his hand to the top of his head. He pushes something and his visor goes transparent.] Raiden : You! [Olga stares at him.] Olga : Ready for some shut-eye? [Raiden tries to move out of the way but Olga's sword comes down and strikes him hard. An electric current passes through his body. Raiden falls to the floor.] [Outside, the Big Shell begins to fall into the ocean. Water rushes through all the corridors and breaks into the computer room where Emma lies. In a moment Otacon is flying above the Big Shell in the Kasatka. There is an enormous shadow cast on the ocean by an unseen building. [Rose calls Raiden on the Codec.] Rose : Jack? Are you reading me? Do you want to save your mission data up to this point? [Data is saved.] Rose : Your mission data's been saved. _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 09) Bare nak3d infiltration _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ [There is a bright but blurry light coming from above. There are voices talking.] Solidus : Is he still alive? Ocelot : He was when Olga brought him in. I've checked everything including the Genome data, but there's nothing on this guy. NSA, CIA, FBI... He doesn't exist in any database. He's a nonexistent operative from a nonexistent organization. Solidus : I suspected as much. However, I know this man... Wake him up. Ocelot : ? [The platform that Raiden is on lowers to face the people standing in front of him. In front of him are Solidus and Ocelot. Solidus now has two tentacle attachments on his exoskeleton.] Solidus : It's been a while, hasn't it...? Jack the Ripper. Ocelot : You know this fellow? Solidus : You remember me, don't you? You've grown... [Solidus reaches out with one of his tentacles and grabs Raiden around the neck. The other hovers in front of his face.] Solidus : High concentration of cerebral implants... Have they altered your memory too? Raiden : Aaaaarrgghhh! [Solidus releases his grip and steps back. Raiden is shown for the first time. He is strapped to a machine that looks strikingly similar to the torture device in Shadow Moses. Raiden is stripped completely naked.] Solidus : This is my son... I taught him everything. Jack... I never thought I'd see you again... Raiden : You... know me...? Solidus : You don't remember...? Your name... your skills... everything you know... you know from me. [Pictures of Raiden as a young person are shown.] Solidus : The eighties... the civil war. You were one of the best among the child soldiers that fought in that conflict. When you were barely ten years old, you became the leader of the small boys unit. At the time, your outstanding kill record earned you several nicknames including White Devil and Jack the Ripper. Jack... I was your godfather, I named you. When the war ended, you disappeared from the relief center. I wondered what happened to you... I should've known they would recruit you. [In the torture room.] Ocelot : It's a interesting coincidence. Solidus : If he's a lackey for the Patriots I doubt he knows anything of interest. Ocelot : What should we do with him? Solidus : We'll use him like you suggested... Ocelot : What about Dead Cell? Solidus : Ignore them. [Ocelot's arm twitches.] Solidus : Happening again? Ocelot : Could it be he's here too? Solidus : Hmph. In another hour, we'll demonstrate the power of Arsenal Gear. Ocelot : Attack with standard weapons, of course. Solidus : Yes, proceed as planned. Ocelot : At last report, all was well with "GW." Solidus : Hm. How about the troops? Ocelot : The men have been fitted with Arsenal Gear equipment as ordered. [Ocelot takes a look at Solidus' eye patch.] Ocelot : You know, your the spitting image of Big Boss... [Solidus laughs out loud.] Solidus : Is that so? Perhaps I should be grateful to this kid for that. [Solidus eaves the room.] Ocelot : This situation... I find it very... nostalgic. Raiden : Where am I? Ocelot : Why, inside Arsenal Gear of course. Actually, were also inside the memory of Shadow Moses. [Ocelot holds up the disc that Raiden had in his pocket.] Ocelot : I'll take this back. You won't be needing this anymore. [Olga enters the room and sees Ocelot. She huffs and turns her back to him.] Ocelot : A foul wind is blowing, we shall speak again. [Ocelot walks out of the room.] Olga : Don't move... stay as you are... we're being monitored by a camera. Raiden : What are you up to? Olga : I'm switching over to nanocommunications... [Codec screen.] Raiden : Mr. X...? Ninja...? Olga : Correct... it's me. Raiden : I thought you were the leader of the Russian troops... Olga : No. That was just a smoke screen. Raiden : A smoke screen? Olga : I was sent to provide you support. Raiden : Support? Who sent you? The Colonel? Olga : No... the Patriots. Raiden : What!? Olga : I... I deceived my troops... betrayed them... Raiden : But why? Olga : My child is... being held hostage by the Patriots. It all started two years ago when I lost my father during the tanker incident... My men and I had nowhere to go... so we joined forces with an illegal Russian organization. Raiden : The Russian Mafia? Olga : Something like that. Actually, I learned much later that it was a subordinate organization of the Patriots. I was expecting at the time. When I gave birth to my child, it turned out I was in a hospital run by the Patriots. In the morning... my child was gone. My baby is being kept somewhere in this country. Raiden : Have you ever met your child? Olga : No. Once a month, they send me a photo of my child via network. I've never even held the child in my own arms... Raiden : I see... Given your situation, nobody can blame you for what you did. Olga : That's your opinion... Raiden : What about Snake? I thought you were enemies... Olga : He wasn't responsible for my father's death. Actually, we owe him our lives. [Flashback to the tanker.] Olga : Two years ago, they were responsible for getting us out of the sinking tanker alive... Raiden : So you were partners since the incident? Olga : No. I only found out the truth shortly before this. When I confronted him here... Raiden : You fought with Snake!? When? Olga : Well... it was around the time you were holding hands with that girl. Raiden : Snake... [Codec screen.] Raiden : So you joined hands with him to pay back a debt? Olga : No. Mutual gain... Raiden : Mutual gain? Olga : My job was to assist you. If Solidus gets away with Arsenal, your mission is a failure. The Patriots would judge that as failure on my part and terminate my child. Putting it simply, my child's life depends on your success. Raiden : So you did it all for your child. But why would the Patriots want to help me? Are they hoping I'll take Solidus out? Olga : No. You're just like me... we're just pawns... Raiden : Pawns for what purpose? Olga : The S3 Plan... Raiden : Huh? Olga : You'll figure it out sooner or later -- but I wonder if you'll handle the truth? Listen... we haven't got time for this. Solidus will commence his attack any minute. He's got to be stopped. Raiden : What about the virus? Olga : No results so far. I think the Patriots have tampered with the program. Raiden : Will it work? Olga : I don't know... Raiden : Get me out of this thing. Olga : Not yet. I'll release your restraints after I leave this room. Raiden : Where's my gear? Olga : Snake's got everything. I couldn't bring it here. Raiden : And where do I find Snake? [The inside of Arsenal is shown.] Olga : The passageway ahead leads to a hangar. He'll be waiting for you there. I gave him a cardkey for the hangar. Raiden : Does Snake plan to destroy Arsenal Gear? Olga : No. Even for Snake, that's impossible to destroy the whole thing. You'll have to stop Solidus and his men. Raiden : What are you going to do? Olga : Stay concealed -- that's my role. I still can't afford to be discovered... [Torture room.] Raiden : Olga -- you can't keep this up -- they're bound to find you. Olga : Listen, I'll make it through this alive. Brace yourself... [Olga punches Raiden in the stomach hard.] Raiden : Ugh. [Raiden watches her leave the room. He sits there for a while until Rose calls him.] Rose : Jack, are you all right? Raiden : Oh, y-yeah. Rose : Jack, is it true? What Solidus said? Raiden : ...Yes. Rose : It's unbelievable... Rose : Drafting small children, sending them to war -- it's not allowed under international conventions. Raiden : ICC rules don't mean a lot in war. Someone told me that there are over three hundred thousand children in combat right now. I was just one of them... Rose : So you remember? I thought your memory had been... manipulated by them. Raiden : It was -- but I have nightmares every day, pieces of the past I can't put together... Rose : Why didn't you tell me? Raiden : You couldn't begin to understand. Rose : You wouldn't know that until you try me. Raiden : I didn't want you to get hurt. There was never a real reason for me to fight, except that someone put a gun in my hand. And that someone was him... Rose : It wasn't your fault. Raiden : If I survived the day's fight, I was praised, fed, and had a bed to sleep in. I think I was only six when I held my first AK, but I'm not even sure of that. I'm not like Snake, I never questioned why we fought. There was no purpose, no way out. They give you a gun, you ask how many to kill. If you didn't, you were the one they shot instead. Rose : It's OK. No one is blaming you. Raiden : We were shown Hollywood action films every day. The kind with macho guys and big guns. They call it image training. They -- they built us from the ground up, into killing machines... We were fed once a day. I can still taste the gunpowder they mixed into the food. Rose : Gunpowder? In the food? Raiden : The gunpowder had toluene in it, giving it hallucinogenic properties. It kept us drugged, controllable. Rose : Oh, my God... [Rose begins to cry.] Raiden : When the civil war ended, those of us who survived were taken in by NGO's. They gave me a new life in the States. I can't complain. But nothing's changed. The only people who have no problem with my past have secrets and agendas of their own... Terrible nightmares -- every night. I can never forget... Rose : Jack... Raiden : I'm afraid of the night. That's why I don't sleep next to you. Rose : You should have told me... Raiden : Told you what? That I'm a killer and always have been? Rose : No, no. Raiden : What I hate more than anything else in the world is my own past. I didn't want you -- or anyone -- to know about it. Now I know why I was chosen for this mission. No one can take him on -- take him down -- except me. I've been kept alive this long for this. I knew, as soon as I saw Solidus. Rose : Jack, I love you the way you are now. You have to believe me. I didn't know anything about you, I admit that. Where you were born, how you grew up -- but I know that now. And I know that what I feel for you can only get better, and I'll share in your past if that's the price. Raiden : It doesn't work that way. No one can share the burden of what I've done. It's not one of those warm and fuzzy things couples share. Rose : I accept the good and the bad, Jack. That's what you do for someone you love. Raiden : I don't want to share my past with anyone. I just want to forget about it. Rose : Jack? I haven't told you -- you know, about what I've done... Raiden : The last two years with you -- it's been more than I've ever hoped for. But I can't go any farther. I know you want to get married. But -- I can't. I can't risk starting a family. There's no way to erase my childhood. Rose : It's all right, Jack. Please, don't say any more... [End transmission. Raiden's bonds are released and he jumps down. He exits the room and receives a call from the Colonel.] Colonel : Raiden, do you copy. You must continue your m-mission. Raiden : I've lost all my gear. I need to locate Snake. Colonel : He was never factored into the simulation. Leave him out of this. Raiden : I can't do much naked, especially in this temperature. Colonel : That's true -- you won't be able to attack or enter the hanging mode, either. Raiden : I think Snake has my gear. Colonel : Raiden, take out Solidus and his men. You must recover Arsenal intact. Raiden : Colonel, are you under orders from the Patriots? Colonel : Your role -- that is, mission -- is to infiltrate the structure and disarm the terrorists -- Raiden : My role? Why do you keep saying that. Colonel : Why not? This is a type of role-playing game. The point is that you play out your part -- and I expect you to turn in a perfect performance! Raiden : Colonel, I just remembered something. Colonel : What? Raiden : That I've never met you in person. Not once. Colonel : ... Complete your mission according to the simulation! Raiden : Colonel, who are you? Colonel : No more questions. We have Rosemary. Raiden : What do you mean by that! Colonel : Over and out. [End transmission. Raiden moves ahead but he is interrupted again by the Colonel.] Colonel : Raiden, turn the game console off right now! Raiden : What did you say? Colonel : The mission is a failure! Cut the power right now! Raiden : What's wrong with you? Colonel : Don't worry, it's a game! It's a game just like usual. Rose : You'll ruin your eyes playing so close to the TV. Raiden : What are you talking about!? Colonel : Raiden, something happened to me last Thursday when I was driving home. I had a couple of miles to go -- I looked up and saw a glowing orange object in the sky, to the east! It was moving very irregularly... Suddenly, there was intense light all around me -- and when I came to, I was home. What do you think happened to me? Raiden : What? Colonel : Fine, forget it... [Raiden makes his way through Arsenal to the location where he will meet Snake. On his way there the Colonel calls him up several more times but each message gets stranger. The Colonel even declares at one point that he needs "Scissors, 61!" Soon Rose contacts Raiden.] Raiden : Hi Rose. Rose : Jack -- I owe you an apology. Raiden : If it's about that conversation just now, I'm the one who's sorry. Rose : No, it's something else. That day at Federal Hall two years ago -- it wasn't a coincidence. I was ordered to keep an eye on you... Raiden : Keep an eye on me? Rose : Yes -- by the Patriots. Raiden : You're a spy. Rose : I suppose. Yes. It's an ugly word. Raiden : ... Rose : Are you still there? Raiden : Was sleeping with me a part of the job? Rose : I fell in love with you... Raiden : How could anyone -- Rose : I can't excuse what I did. I've reported every detail of your personal life to them these two years. What you did, said, everything... Raiden : Must've been fun. Rose : But some things I didn't tell anyone! Like what I felt for you. Raiden : So that's why you were involved in this mission. I should have known. Why else would they toss an analyst into the mix at the last minute? Rose : I'm sorry, I know what I did was wrong... Raiden : No matter where I go - I get used. Rose : I reinvented myself to suit your tastes. Hairstyle, clothes, the way I move, things I talked about... You say you love the color of my hair, my eyes. They're not even real. Raiden : You must have gone over my psych profile with a fine-tooth comb. Rose : It was my job. Raiden : Great performance -- had me completely fooled. Rose : What I really wanted was for you to see the real me. It hurt to play out this -- this artificial romance. It was worse to lie to myself than to you. The more love you gave me, the more it hurt -- because I knew the person you loved was just a character. Raiden : So it was artificial on my end too. It was just a game, not the real thing. I feel better knowing that. I was in love -- or thought I was -- with someone who didn't exist. I was trying to be someone I wasn't by loving what wasn't real. I don't know who you really are. The person I knew isn't real; she's not the woman I'm talking to right now. In a sense, the deception was my own, not theirs. Rose : Jack, I thought I was acting, because that was my job. But I did fall in love with you, that wasn't an act. Raiden : You expect me to believe that? It's okay. You had your reasons, right? Hey, I understand. But I have nothing left to... [Rose interrupts but this time her voice is distorted.] Rose : Jack!! I'm...I'm carrying... I'm pregnant, Jack. Your baby. Raiden : Rose? What's going on? [End transmission. As Raiden moves forward Snake calls out from behind him.] Snake : It's amazing you can walk around like that. Raiden : Snake! Snake : Been waiting long? Raiden : Ah-choo!! [Raiden sneezes.] Raiden : Where's my gear? Snake : Right over there. [Snake jerks his thumb over his shoulder o point at a crate. Raiden dresses himself.] Snake : That's more like it. Everything you had when you were captured is still there. [Snake taps his ear, signaling to stay quiet and use his Codec.] Snake : Sorry about earlier. I had to use you as bait to gain access to Arsenal. It worked. Raiden : Why didn't you tell me about Olga? Snake : You never asked. Raiden : ... Snake : Not happy about that? Get over it. Raiden : ...any effects of the virus yet? Snake : Still waiting on that. Raiden : So it was rigged by the Patriots? Snake : Looks like it. From what I can tell, Arsenal is headed for Manhattan. I don't know what Solidus is planning, but we'll have to deal with it one way or another. There's also a troop of production-model Rays ahead. Raiden : How many units? Snake : Twenty-five, according to Olga. Raiden : Twenty-five!? Snake : Yeah. Can't say I've faced that many Metal Gears before, but -- I think we can deal. Raiden : No way we can... Snake : We can because we have no other choice. I've stocked up on Stinger missiles. Oh yeah, Olga left this for you. [Off of the Codec. Snake hands a sheathed sword to Raiden.] Raiden : Why? Snake : Olga asked me to give it to you. Besides, I'm not a big fan of blades. [Raiden practices with the sword for a few minutes to get the feel of it. Then Snake decides to leave.] Snake : Come on, time to go. [Raiden sheaths the sword.] Snake : If you run out of ammo, you can have mine. Raiden : You got enough? Snake : Absolutely. [Snake places the tip of his thumb on his bandana.] Snake : Infinite ammo. [He makes a small smile.] Raiden : Wait up, Snake. Snake : What? [Codec screen.] Raiden : Snake, have you ever -- enjoyed killing someone? I'm not sure. Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between reality and a game... Snake : Diminished sense of reality, huh? VR training will do that. Raiden : No, it was field training, when I was a kid. I lied, Snake. I have more field experience than I can remember. It's not VR that's doing this to me. Snake : Raiden, we don't carry guns to take people down. We're not here to help some politician either. Raiden : You can say that because you're a legend, a hero. I'm Jack the Ripper, a dirty reminder -- of a terrible mistake. Snake : Legends don't mean a whole lot. I was just a name to exploit. Just like you. People will remember only the good part, the right part of what you did. Raiden : There's no right part in murder, not ever. Snake : And we're not in this to make a name for ourselves. Raiden : Then what are you and Otacon fighting for? Snake : A future. Snake : You can stop being part of a mistake, starting now. Raiden : What am I -- what am I supposed to do? [Snake and Raiden move through a door with their guns drawn.] Snake : Find something to believe in. And find it for yourself. And when you do, pass it on to the future. Raiden : Believe in what? Snake : That's your problem. [Raiden hesitates.] Snake : Come on! [Otacon calls Snake and Raiden.] Otacon : Snake, Raiden! Snake : Otacon! You all right? Otacon : Yeah. So are all the hostages. Otacon : How's everything on your end? Raiden : All right for now. But there is something -- The Colonel's last transmission was strange. Otacon : Strange? How? Raiden : Just -- strange. No idea -- Otacon : Interference? Raiden : I don't know. Otacon : Where is this Colonel? Raiden : I don't know. I've never met the man, actually... Otacon : ...I'll dig around. Raiden : Thanks. I owe you one. Otacon : If there's anything else, call me on the Codec, I might be able to help. [They get spotted by a Cypher and have to battle their way through a squad of Arsenal Tengus. When they reach the next room Otacon calls them again.] Otacon : Raiden? About this Colonel of yours -- I found out where he is. Raiden : Where? Otacon : Inside Arsenal. Raiden : ? Otacon : I've checked out all the possibilities, but I keep coming back to Arsenal. It isn't a relay point, it's the origin of the signal. And, the encryption protocol it uses is exactly the same as that of Arsenal's AI -- the so-called GW. Raiden : ...What the hell does this mean? Otacon : I think it means -- you've been talking to an AI. Raiden : That's impossible! Otacon : The Colonel probably isn't GW per se. GW was most likely stimulating cortical activity in the dormant part of your brain through signal manipulation of your own nanomachines. The Colonel is in part your own creation, cobbled together from expectations and experience... Raiden : That's crazy... Otacon : But it's probably the truth. The virus may be starting to affect GW, which would explain the Colonel's behavior. Raiden : It was all -- an illusion? Everything I've done so far...? Snake : Raiden! Raiden : Snake -- what's happening around here? Snake : I don't know. What I do know is that you're standing right here in front of me. Not an illusion -- flesh and blood. It's your call. You can drop this if you want. Raiden : No, I can't do that. Let's go... [Shortly after they get another call from the Colonel.] Colonel : Raiden! They've got Rose! Rose is being held in the holds! Snake : It's a trap! Rose : Help! Raiden : Rose! Snake : Raiden, get a grip! Raiden : But Snake! Snake : It's a trap. Since the Colonel doesn't exist, there's no way he can take Rose hostage. Raiden : Yeah -- you're right... Snake : I am right. Raiden : ...OK. But... Does Rose -- exist -- ? Snake : Don't be weird. She's your -- Raiden : What if I've never really met her... If the Colonel is something that I partly dreamt up, then... everything I remember about her could be... Snake : Don't jump to conclusions! Raiden : You and Otacon are the ones that say the Colonel never existed. Is this what Olga was talking about? [in the next room they are attacked by about 25 or so Arsenal Tengus. Quickly killing all of them they look around the room for more. Suddenly Fortune strides into the room with her still menacing looking rail gun.] Raiden : Fortune... Fortune : It's been a long wait, Solid Snake -- the root of all my sorrows. Snake : What? Fortune : Two years ago, you killed my father. That was the beginning of hell for us. Everyone I love has been taken from me, one by one... and no matter how hard I try, I can't follow them. An endless nightmare... The only thing we live for is to see it end. Our wait is almost over. Raiden : You can't be serious about firing the nuke! Fortune : Since no one can kill me, I may as well kill everyone I can. [She starts to charge up her gun.] Fortune : Starting with you, Solid Snake! Raiden : Damn! Snake : Looks like I'm today's pick. You go on ahead. [Raiden hesitates and holsters his gun. He starts to walk towards the ladder.] Snake : You want eternal rest? I've got it right here. [Raiden reaches the ladder. He puts one hand and one foot on the rungs and he turns back towards Snake.] Raiden : What are you going to do? Bullets can't get near her. Snake : I'll think of something. There's no such thing as a witch. Fortune : You think you can kill me? Snake : I don't know what your group's been through, but let's get one thing clear... I didn't kill your father. Fortune : Do you think anyone believes your lies!? Snake : Raiden, get out of here! [As Raiden climbs the ladder to an unknown destination Snake and Fortune begin their battle. Snake starts unloading bullets at Fortune and lets out a loud yell that could only come from a man that is facing certain death.] Snake : UNHh!! _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 10) Even my patience has its limits _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ [Raiden reaches the top of the ladder and arrives in a huge circular arena that appears to be out in the open, atop Arsenal perhaps. he looks around but sees absolutely nothing. Suddenly Solidus' voice booms out from nowhere.] Solidus : Jack, I've been watching how you fight. It looks like you've remembered the way you used to kill in the old days! Or is it one of the S3 Plan's proud achievements? [Raiden whirls around wildly and screams.] Raiden : What are you talking about!? Solidus : It came as a complete surprise when Ocelot discovered the S3 data from GW. Not a bad idea, though -- using fire to fight fire, creating the perfect assassin to retire Solid Snake's brother. S3 stands for Solid Snake Simulation... It's a development program to artificially reproduce Solid Snake, the perfect warrior. The result is a FOXHOUND commando. When FOXHOUND no longer exists, a simulated Solid Snake shaped by VR regimen. Sound like someone you know, Jack? I'm sorry to see you reduced to one of the Patriots' puppets. But I've made use of you and their plan, too. Solid Snake's sudden appearance, your arrival -- it was obvious the Patriots were among my ranks. I had to smoke out the agent before the mission entered the final phase. You came in handy as bait. Jack, those days during the civil war were as real as they come... Every day was absolute, split between life and death. You ran from it, and now, you've been lead back to war by something less than real. [Solidus appears out of nowhere, skidding on the platform and throwing up a wave of sparks. Raiden spins and points his gun at Raiden.] Solidus : No more games, Raiden. At least you know. There's no reason to keep you alive now... [There is a loud noise. Raiden turns and finds three Metal Gear Rays stomping towards him.] Solidus : I've given you a worthy opponent at least. But now, you should die as the little Jackie boy I once knew. [Solidus leaves and Raiden now has to take out all the Metal Gear Ray units with his Stinger and stock of missiles.] [Raiden takes out a countless number of Ray units but as each one falls to the ground another Ray unit stomps in to take its place. Raiden quickly tires and he falls to the ground in defeat.] Raiden : It's no use... [The Rays surround Raiden. Solidus speaks.] Solidus : I expected a little more fight than that, Jack. [One of the Ray units begins to raise its leg to stomp on Raiden. Before it can bring its leg down Olga Gurlukovich drops down in front of Raiden. The Ray unit hesitates and then backs off.] Solidus : So, you've decided to show yourself. Raiden : Olga, don't do this. They'll know -- Olga : I'll hold them off, give you time to get away. Raiden : What about you? Olga : ... Raiden : This is suicide!! Olga : Your nanomachines -- they're transmitting your vital signs to the Patriots. If you die, my child dies. Do you understand? Raiden : The child... Solidus : I see -- so that's why you sold your troops out to me. So many dead, and they all died trusting you! Olga : ...! Solidus : Weren't they your comrades? [Olga whips out a pistol.] Olga : No, not just comrades! Family! Solidus : Hah. Olga : I know I'm going to hell. But at least my child -- Solidus : I applaud your attitude. If you have a death wish... [Solidus charges in with a P90 in hand.] Solidus : I'll be happy to accommodate you. See you in hell!! Olga : HRRRRGH!! [Olga cocks her gun and tries to shoot Solidus but he knocks her gun out her hand with his tentacle arm and grabs her around the throat with it. He spins his gun and aims it at her forehead.] Olga : Live -- you have to -- [Solidus blows Olga's brains out. Raiden tries to reach out but he falls to the ground.] Raiden : OLGA!! [Solidus tosses Olga to the ground carelessly.] Solidus : Enjoy the show, Jack? Let's pick up where we left off. [He waves his hand casually at the Rays and they advance forward but they begin to shake and their eyes turn red.] Solidus : Hm? [They start to move in on Solidus instead of Raiden.] Solidus : What's going on!? What's wrong with it!? [Ocelot speaks over a radio.] Ocelot : The AI -- GW -- it's out of control. Solidus : What? [A screen with some data steams on it is shown. it looks like the virus is infecting GW.] Ocelot : I'm reading an abnormal impulse cascade throughout the neural network. I can't shut it down! Solidus : What happened! Ocelot : Maybe -- some kind of virus -- Solidus : The Patriots!? Ocelot : I don't know! Solidus : Ocelot! What have you been up to? Ocelot : It's too late! Arsenal's system control is going haywire! ...It's on an emergency ascent course! [The Ray units attack Solidus.] Solidus : Stupid machines! [Solidus activates his exoskeleton.] Solidus : rrrRRAAAAH! [Solidus takes down all three Rays in a fashion that wreaks of badassedness. He stands atop on of the Rays and makes a declaration.] Solidus : Damn the Patriots...! [Solidus returns to Raiden on the ground and picks him up. He raises his gun to shoot but thinks better of it.] Solidus : You still have some use... Fortune : I've captured Snake. [Fortune and Snake walk in. Snake is in handcuffs.] Raiden : S...Snake? Solidus : Bring him in. [Raiden passes out.] Raiden : Ugh... [Raiden wakes up. Ocelot, Fortune, Solidus and Snake are atop Arsenal Gear standing next to an inactive Metal Gear Ray. Solidus speaks.] Solidus : Are you awake yet, Jack? Raiden : U-uh... Solidus : GW, the Arsenal AI, is corrupted beyond repair. I admit I underestimated you... [Solidus turns to face Raiden.] Raiden : U-uhn... Solidus : I'll squeeze the answers out of you instead, my son... [Solidus grabs Raiden around the throat with his tentacle arms and squeezes. Raiden begins to choke. After a little while Solidus lets go and drops Raiden to the ground.] Raiden : U-uh...uhn... Fortune : What do you hope to hear? You know he doesn't know anything. Solidus : It's not him I want the answers from. Fortune : What do you mean? Solidus : That's not your business. Fortune : Oh really? It so happens I have some business of my own to attend to. [Fortune turns and walks away.] Solidus : Planning to hijack Arsenal? [Fortune stops in her tracks.] Solidus : You were going to screw me over, weren't you? Fortune : Who talked? Ocelot? Solidus : Not exactly. I was the one who used Ocelot to suggest the idea to you in the first place. [Fortune slowly turns.] Fortune : What? Solidus : I was planning to give you Arsenal to begin with. Fortune : ...Why the uncharacteristic generosity? Solidus : I'm no philanthropist. Arsenal is far from impregnable. It needs other Metal Gears as guards, a huge payload of warheads, and full air, sea, and land support to function efficiently. Against a large attack force without support, Arsenal is nothing more than a gigantic coffin. Seizing Arsenal Gear was never the real objective! Fortune : ...What was your objective, then? Solidus : A list of names -- of the Patriots! Fortune : !? [The black and white photos of the Patriots come on screen but this time instead of appearing one by one they disappear one by one.] Solidus : They were planning to extend their control to digital information flow with GW and Arsenal. That means the information they want to filter out is contained in GW. Including that list of the highest twelve members of the Patriots' Wisemen's Committee. Fortune : And once you knew who they were, you would cross out their name one by one... while we, with our useless Arsenal, drew their fire. Solidus : Very good. Fortune : You were using us all along. Solidus : Were you any different? Fortune : But your plan's hit a snag with GW destroyed, hasn't it? Solidus : No -- there is another way. Fortune : Really? But we have our own plans to carry out. We'll take the Arsenal since you don't care for it anyway. The purified hydrogen bomb is ready to go. Solidus : A nuclear strike won't stop them. Fortune : It will damage their power source -- the mindless masses that they control. First things first. Solidus : Of course -- that was what you wanted. I won't stop you. Good luck. Fortune : Thanks, but I have quite enough of that. [Fortune begins to walk away again. This time she is interrupted by Ocelot laughing.] Fortune : What exactly do you find so funny? Ocelot : Charades usually are humorous. I wouldn't have minded watching some more of it but we're running a little short on time... Solidus : What are you talking about? Ocelot : Everything you've done here has been scripted -- a little exercise set up by us. Solidus : Exercise!? Ocelot : The S3 Plan was conceived as a means to produce soldiers on par with Solid Snake. That's what I told you. But the VR Training the boy was put through is not the meat of the project. You think this terrorist incident is your own doing, Solidus? THIS is the S3 training kernel -- an orchestrated recreation of Shadow Moses. Solidus : What!? [Some scenes form the game are shown. There are scenes with both Raiden and Snake playing out the same exact parts.] Ocelot : Ames and the President's deaths -- the computer virus that mimics FOXDIE. Did you really think they were all a coincidence? Ames' own nanomachines were used to shut down his pacemaker. I arranged for the appearance of the Ninja as well. As for the President -- although Johnson realized what was going on, he played out his allotted part. As for the computer virus, it's a digital counterpart of FOXDIE. It was also designed to eliminate every scrap of information regarding the Patriots from GW. Your plan was invalidated even before execution, Solidus. Fatman was a different story. He's one of our own people, a sort of examiner we hired to test the boy's progress before letting him tackle the exercise proper. We had to arrange for Stillman's presence to coax the maniac into agreeing. If the boy had allowed the Big Shell to be destroyed, this exercise would have ended there. The project has no room for failures. Solidus : What do you mean!? Ocelot : Given the right situation, the right story, anyone can be shaped into Snake. Even rookies can fight like men of experience. An instant creation of genius -- and this training kernel will provide more than enough data to formulate such a program. You, Dead Cell, Olga -- you're all nothing but pawns placed to create the perfect simulation. [Back atop Arsenal.] Ocelot : Solidus, you and the boy were selected because your relationship resembles the one between Snake and Big Boss. Fortune, you and the rest of Dead Cell stand in for the FOXHOUND squad that Snake took on in Shadow Moses. You're the most impressive collection of freaks outside of FOXHOUND. We've gone to a lot of trouble to set you up against the boy. That story about purified hydrogen bombs is just the tip of the iceberg. The project was already underway when I sunk that tanker along with your old man two years ago. Throwing your husband in the brig was a part of it too. You were told that the eradication of Dead Cell six months ago was an act of the Patriots. We provoked and encouraged your hatred -- and you opted for vengeance, just as we planned. Fortune : All orchestrated...? Ocelot : Except for the appearance of the real Solid Snake. I wonder now, who sent for you...? [Fortune readies her rail gun.] Fortune : All our misfortune was -- just a part of their project! [Ocelot quickly pulls out a revolver and shoots her in the chest. It didn't miss. She looks down. stunned.] Fortune : H-how could -- ! Ocelot : You're no Lady Luck. You have nothing we didn't give you. Fortune : What? [She falls to her knees. Scenes with Fortune are replayed.] Ocelot : Do you know why no bullet could hit you? It wasn't magic or some New Age mumbo-jumbo. Certainly wasn't your psychic talents. It was all staged by the Patriots. Fortune : Staged? Ocelot : You were being shielded by the electromagnetic weapons technology that the Patriots developed. Your Dead Cell comrades loved your father and husband -- we needed a pathetic wretch like you to keep them focused. You've been our puppet all along -- just like Olga. You were hamming it up as the tragic heroine thanks to the script that the Patriots wrote for you. Pure self-indulgence -- you couldn't get enough of the drama. Fortune : ...I could have died whenever I wanted to... [Fortune stands up with her gun at the ready.] Ocelot : Hm? Thought I got her in the heart? [Fortune fires. The shot is deflected by a field around Ocelot.] Raiden : It missed! [Ocelot sneers at Raiden. He turns back to Fortune.] Ocelot : Now I remember. Your heart's on the right. Fortune fires another shot and gets the same results. Ocelot : Waste of metal, my dear. Your luck's run out. [Ocelot touches a small device on his belt.] Ocelot : This is the little gizmo. There is no such thing as miracles or the super-natural only cutting-edge technology. [Solidus quickly whips out his P90 and fires off a whole clip at Ocelot.] Solidus : HRR!! [All the shots go astray.] Fortune : You bastard! [Fortune coughs up some blood and falls to the ground. Ocelot leaps up towards Ray's cockpit and stands atop it. Solidus fires some missiles at Ocelot from his tentacle arms. Once again they all go off course and miss. Ocelot make a taunting signal in the air and leaps into the cockpit of Ray. The great machine starts up and stands up.] Ocelot : Now that I have enough data, all I have to do is retrieve Arsenal...and clean up the refuse from the exercise. Solidus : Just try! [Solidus pulls out two swords and holds them at the ready. Ray fires a stream of bullets at Solidus but he smoothly deflects all of them. One of the bullets strikes Snake's handcuffs.] Snake : !? [Ocelot decides on another course of action.] Ocelot : How's this then!? [The missile holders on ray ready themselves.] Snake : Damn! [Fortune has gottne up. She steps in front of all the people atop Arsenal and extends her arms with her palms outwards, facing away from her.] Fortune : Fortune! Solidus : You idiot! Get the hell away from there! Ocelot : I told you -- your luck's run out. Take your reward: it's all the payload RAY has. Die!! [Ray fires all its missiles into the sky. They start to come down towards the defenseless people atop Arsenal.] Snake : Everybody down! [All the missiles come down atop Fortune but as if by magic all the missiles are deflected outward. Leaving everyone unscathed. Ocelot is stunned.] Ocelot : What the -- ! Impossible! [Ocelot fires a different type of explosive at them but these too miss. Everyone is standing nonplussed and staring at Fortune.] Snake : She is Lady Luck. Fortune : My name is Helena Dolph Jackson. The daughter of a proud, noble soldier... [She stumbles forward and coughs.] Fortune : I can... see my family... again... [Fortune dies and falls to the ground.] Ocelot : Damn! ...Try this instead! [The front of Ray opens.] Snake : No! [Just as he is about to press the button, Ocelot's arm begins to twitch.] Ocelot : No! No, not now!! [Ray now is standing fully upright. Ocelot climbs out of the cockpit. When he speaks it is evident that Liquid has taken control of Ocelot once again.] Liquid : Brothers!! Snake : Liquid! Liquid : I've been waiting for this. Solidus : It can't be -- ? [Flashbacks of to Shadow Moses and scenes from the tanker.] Liquid : I've been inside this arm all along, waiting for the right time to awaken. Snake : You were inside Ocelot? Liquid : Yes -- a sleeper in the arm of a Patriots' spy. Snake : It was you two years ago!? Liquid : Exactly. I was controlling him. Snake, it was I that leaked information about Arsenal to your partner and got you out here. You're the only one that can free me, after all... [Back to Arsenal.] Liquid : I'm off to bury the Patriots for good. Solidus : You know where they are? How? Liquid : Why do you think I choose Ocelot as my host? But before I go, I have a family matter to settle with both of you. There's room for only one Snake, and one Big Boss! [Solidus fires missiles at Liquid but he is protected by the electromagnetic device on Ocelot's hip.] Solidus : Grraah! [Liquid hops into the cockpit of Ray and slams his fist down onto a button.] Liquid : Time to say goodbye. [Ray moves to the precipice that marks the edge of the bulk of Arsenal.] Snake : Damn! [Snake struggles with his handcuffs.] Liquid : Like surfing? It's a good way to go. [Soon Snake breaks his handcuffs and runs like a madman after the escaping Ray unit.] Snake : Liquid! Stop this thing! Liquid : Hey, Snake! You coming? Snake : Hrrraa!!! [Ray leaps off of Arsenal and disappears into the waves. Snake is following close behind.] Raiden : Snaaaake!!! _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 11) What the hell? _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ [Arsenal begins to move. The great ship moves underneath the Verrazano Bridge and heads for Lower Manhattan. The scene changes. Solidus and Raiden are falling through the sky. They both land on the rooftop of a building. They both get up and take stock of the scene. Arsenal has plowed it's way all the way through Lower Manhattan and they have both landed on top of a building that they both know...] Solidus : Federal Hall! [Solidus starts to laugh and he throws up his arms.] Raiden : What are you laughing at? Solidus : Do you know what day it is today? Raiden : ...April 30th? [Real footage of Federal Hall.] Solidus : That's right. George Washington took office as the first president of the United States of America 200 years ago today. And it happened right here. We were going to declare another independence -- the dawn of a new nation -- here. The end of the Patriots' secret rule, liberation of this country -- this was where it was supposed to begin, this is where freedom could have been born. [Back to Solidus and Raiden.] Raiden : All you want is power -- at any cost. Solidus : Jack, it's not power I want. What I want is to take back from the Patriots are things like -- freedom, civil rights, opportunities. The founding principles of this country. Everything that's about to be wiped out by their digital censorship. Jack, listen to me. We're all born with an expiration date. No one lasts forever. Life is nothing but a grace period -- for turning our genetic material into the next generation. [Water is shown. The surface is rippling.] Solidus : The data of life is transferred from parent to child. That's how it works. But we have no heirs, no legacy. Cloned from our father with the ability to reproduce conveniently engineered out. What is our legacy if we cannot pass the torch? Proof of our existence -- a mark of some sort. When the torch is passed on from parent to child... It extends beyond DNA, information is imparted as well. [Back atop Federal Hall.] Solidus : All I want is to be remembered. By other people, by history. The Patriots are trying to protect their power, their own interests, by controlling the digital flow of information. I want my memory, my existence to remain. Unlike an intron of history, I will be remembered as an exon. That will be my legacy, my mark on history. But the Patriots would deny us even that, I will triumph over the Patriots, and liberate us all. And we will become the "Sons of Liberty"! [Solidus throws his arms jubilantly to the sky. Raiden gets a Codec call.] Colonel : Raiden, are you receiving? We're still here. Raiden : How's that possible!? The AI was destroyed! Colonel : Only GW... Raiden : Who are you? [The Colonel's face becomes a skull. It flashes back. This happens several times.] Colonel : To begin with -- we're not what you'd call -- human. Over the past two hundred years -- A kind of consciousness formed layer by layer in the crucible of the White House. It's not unlike the way life started in the oceans four billion years ago. The White House was our primordial soup, a base of evolution -- We are formless. We are the very discipline and morality that Americans invoke so often. How can anyone hope to eliminate us? As long as this nation exists, so will we. Raiden : Cut the crap! If you're immortal, why would you take away individual freedoms and censor the Net? Rose : Jack, don't be silly. Colonel : Don't you know that our plans have your interests -- not ours -- in mind? Raiden : What? Rose : Jack, listen carefully like a good boy! Colonel : The mapping of the human genome was completed early this century. As a result, the evolutionary log of the human race lay open to us. Rose : We started with genetic engineering, and in the end, we succeeded in digitizing life itself. Colonel : But there are things not covered by genetic information. Raiden : What do you mean? Colonel : Human memories, ideas. Culture. History. Rose : Genes don't contain any record of human history. Colonel : Is it something that should not be passed on? Should that information be left at the mercy of nature? Rose : We've always kept records of our lives. Through words, pictures, symbols... from tablets to books... Colonel : But not all the information was inherited by later generations. A small percentage of the whole was selected and processed, then passed on. Not unlike genes, really. Rose : That's what history is, Jack. Colonel : But in the current, digitized world, trivial information is accumulating every second, preserved in all its triteness. Never fading, always accessible. Rose : Rumors about petty issues, misinterpretations, slander... Colonel : All this junk data preserved in an unfiltered state, growing at an alarming rate. Rose : It will only slow down social progress, reduce the rate of evolution. Colonel : Raiden, you seem to think that our plan is one of censorship. Raiden : Are you telling me it's not!? Rose : You're being silly! What we propose to do is not to control content, but to create context. Raiden : Create context? Colonel : The digital society furthers human flaws and selectively rewards the development of convenient half-truths. Just look at the strange juxtapositions of morality around you. Rose : Billions spent on new weapons in order to humanely murder other humans. Colonel : Rights of criminals are given more respect than the privacy of their victims. Rose : Although there are people suffering in poverty, huge donations are made to protect endangered species. Everyone grows up being told the same thing. Colonel : "Be nice to other people." Rose : "But beat out the competition!" Colonel : "You're special." "Believe in yourself and you will succeed." Rose : But it's obvious from the start that only a few can succeed... Colonel : You exercise your right to "freedom" and this is the result. All rhetoric to avoid conflict and protect each other from hurt. The untested truths spun by different interests continue to churn and accumulate in the sandbox of political correctness and value systems. Rose : Everyone withdraws into their own small gated community, afraid of a larger forum. They stay inside their little ponds, leaking whatever "truth" suits them into the growing cesspool of society at large. Colonel : The different cardinal truths neither clash nor mesh. No one is invalidated, but nobody is right. Rose : Not even natural selection can take place here. The world is being engulfed in "truth." Colonel : And this is the way the world ends. Not with a bang, but a whimper. Rose : We're trying to stop that from happening. Colonel : It's our responsibility as rulers. Just as in genetics, unnecessary information and memory must be filtered out to stimulate the evolution of the species. Raiden : And you think you're qualified to decide what's necessary and not? Colonel : Absolutely. Who else could wade through the sea of garbage you people produce, retrieve valuable truths and even interpret their meaning for later generations? Rose : That's what it means to create context. Raiden : I'll decide for myself what to believe and what to pass on! Colonel : But is that even your own idea? Rose : Or something Snake told you? Colonel : That's the proof of your incompetence, right there. You lack the qualifications to exercise free will. Raiden : That's not true! I have the right -- Rose : Does something like a "self" exist inside of you? Colonel : That which you call "self" serves as nothing more than a mask to cover your own being. Rose : In this era of ready-made 'truths', "self" is just something used to preserve those positive emotions that you occasionally feel... Colonel : Another possibility is that "self" is a concept you conveniently borrowed under the logic that it would endow you with some sense of strength... Raiden : That's crap! Colonel : Is it? Would you prefer that someone else tell you? Alright then. Explain it to him. Rose : Jack, you're simply the best! And you got there all by yourself! Raiden : Grrr... Colonel : Oh, what happened? Do you feel lost? Why not try a bit of soul-searching? Rose : Don't think you'll find anything, though... Colonel : Ironic that although "self" is something that you yourself fashioned, every time something goes wrong, you turn around and place the blame on something else. Rose : "It's not my fault. It's not your fault." Colonel : In denial, you simply resort to looking for another, more convenient "truth" in order to make yourself feel better. Rose : Leaving behind in an instant the so-called "truth" you once embraced. Colonel : Should someone like that be able to decide what is "truth"? Rose : Should someone like you even have the right to decide? Colonel : You've done nothing but abuse your freedom. Rose : You don't deserve to be free! Colonel : We're not the ones smothering the world. You are. Rose : The individual is supposed to be weak. But far from powerless -- a single person has the potential to ruin the world. Colonel : And the age of digitized communication has given even more power to the individual. Too much power for an immature species. Rose : Building a legacy involves figuring out what is wanted, and what needs to be done for that goal. All this, you used to struggle with. Now, we think for you. Colonel : We are your guardians after all. Raiden : You want to control human thought? Human behavior? Colonel : Of course. Anything can be quantified nowadays. That's what this exercise was designed to prove. Rose : You fell in love with me just as you were meant to, after all. Isn't that right, Jack? Colonel : Ocelot was not told the whole truth, to say the least. Rose : We rule an entire nation -- of what interest would a single soldier, no matter how able, be to us? Colonel : The S3 Plan does not stand for Solid Snake Simulation. What it does stand for is Selection for Societal Sanity... [Scenes from the Arsenal Tengu fights and the Fission Mailed screen are shown.] Colonel : The S3 is a system for controlling human will and consciousness. S3 is not you, a soldier trained in the image of Solid Snake. It is -- a method, a protocol, that created a circumstance that made you what you are. Rose : So you see, we're the S3. Not you. [Codec screen.] Colonel : What you experienced was the final test of its effectiveness. Raiden : That's crazy. Colonel : You heard what President Johnson said. [President Johnson begins to speak.] Johnson : The Arsenal's "GW" system is the key to their supremacy. Colonel : The objective of this exercise was to establish such a method. [Scenes from Metal Gear Solid are shown.] Colonel : We used Shadow Moses as a paradigm for the exercise. Rose : I wonder if you would have preferred a fantasy setting? Colonel : We chose that backdrop because of its extreme circumstances. It was an optimal test for S3's crisis management capacity. If the model could trigger, control and solve this, it would be ready for any contingency. And now, we have our proof. [Codec screen.] Colonel : Raiden, there are also reasons behind your selection. Solidus raised plenty of other child soldiers. Do you know why we chose you over them? Raiden : ??? Colonel : It was because you were the only one who refused to acknowledge the past. All the others remember what they were, and pay for it daily. Rose : But you turn your back on everything you don't like. You do whatever you like, see only the things you like, and for yourself alone. Colonel : Yes -- Rose can attest to that. Rose : You refused to see me for what I was. I lied to you, but I wanted to be caught. You pretended to be understanding, to be a gentleman... You never made a conscious attempt to reach out to me... The only time you did was when I gave you no choice but to do so... Raiden : I was just trying not to... Rose : What? "Trying not to hurt me?" Dear, the one you were trying not to hurt was yourself! Avoiding the truth under the guise of "kindness" is all that you did! It occurred to you to do nothing but look out for yourself. Even if you claim that it was for my sake, that feeling was nowhere to be seen. In the end, everything was for your sake... I was never part of the picture. Colonel : Ha, ha, ha...exactly right. So you see, you're a perfect representative of the masses we need to protect. This is why we chose you. You accepted the fiction we've provided, obeyed our orders and did everything you were told to. The exercise is a resounding success. [Emma Emmerich begins to speak.] Emma : Didn't I tell you that GW was still incomplete? But not anymore, thanks to you. Colonel : Your persona, experiences, triumphs and defeats are nothing but byproducts. The real objective was ensuring that we could generate and manipulate them. It's taken a lot of time and money, but it was well worth it considering the results. I think that's enough talk. It's time for the final exercise. Raiden, take Solidus down. Raiden : Think again! I'm through doing what I'm told! Colonel : Oh really? Aren't you forgetting something? [Olga begins to speak.] Olga : If you die, my child dies. Colonel : The termination of vital signals from your nanomachines means the death of Olga's child. Not to mention the death of Rose. She's wired the same way. Raiden : Rose -- does she actually exist? Rose : Of course I do, Jack! You have to beLIEve me! Raiden : Damn... Colonel : It will be a fight to the death. Rose : Solidus, at least, wants you dead. Colonel : We will collect the necessary data from this last fight, then we'll consider the exercise closed. So, Jack the Ripper! Will it be Solidus, the Patriots' creation? Or you -- Solidus' creation? Our beloved monsters -- enjoy yourselves. [The transmission ends, leaving the viewer terribly confused.] [Solidus slowly walks towards Raiden.] Solidus : Jack...my son. My clone brothers and I are called monsters -- replicates of evil genes... You are one-of-a-kind -- But still a monster, shaped by a dark and secret history. We need to decide which monstrosity will have the privilege of survival. [Solidus squeezes his fist, savoring what he is about to say.] Solidus : By the way, Jack, I was the one who killed your parents. Raiden : !! [Raiden is shown as a young boy.] Solidus : I claimed you for my own, and raised you as a soldier in the army of the Devil. I am your foster father, and your worst enemy. Raiden : Why? Solidus : Because I needed to know whether we were really someone else's creation. We're repeating history, Jack. [A picture of Big Boss appears in the middle of the screen. He is flanked by Solid and Liquid on either side of him.] Solidus : Liquid and Solid hunted down Big Boss, trying to sever the tie that bound them to him. Unless you kill me and face your past, Jack, you will never escape. You'll stay in the endless loop -- your own double helix. Solidus : It's time we were both free. [Solidus tosses Raiden's sword through the air. At the end of its long arc it cuts down through Raiden's handcuffs and his hands are unbound. He picks it up.] Solidus : I have other reasons for wanting you dead. The clues to the Patriots inside GW have been erased, but are other traces. [He points one of his swords at Raiden.] Solidus : Inside YOU. Raiden : What? Solidus : The information is being carried by the nanomachines in your cerebral cortex, and throughout the neural network they formed. [The two get in the ready position.] Solidus : Brace yourself!! [The two of them fight. After a brief scuffle Solidus pauses at the edge of the roof.] Solidus : Good work, Jack. But this is where it gets interesting! [Solidus releases his tentacle arms and they go flying off. He then starts an intense attack on Raiden. Raiden gets a Codec call from the Colonel.] Colonel : Raiden, you have to beat Solidus! This is your last duty! Raiden : We're not just pawns in some simulation game, you know! Rose : Yes, you are. You're nothing but mere weapons. No different from fighter jets or tanks. Raiden : What the -- Colonel : The old model destroyed four years ago was "REX"... Rose : The new amphibious model is "RAY"... Colonel : Both of these are the same as the code names used by the U.S. Armed Forces to refer to Japanese war planes during World War 2. Rose : Your code name "Raiden" too, comes from the Japanese navy's name for one of its interceptors... Raiden : Stop it! I'm not a weapon!! Colonel : Oh really? Do you know the code name the U.S. Armed Forces used for the Japanese fighter "Raiden"? Rose : It was "Jack." Colonel : Both of you are just weapons to be used and thrown away. Rose : Just weapons to be used on the battlefield. Just pawns in a game -- exactly as you said. Colonel : And a weapon has no right to think for itself! Now, it's time to fulfill your purpose! Defeat Solidus! [They lock eyes. Solidus makes his move. He quickly moves forward and slashes downward at Raiden with both swords. Raiden sees it coming and moves to the side. As Solidus moves forward, Raiden moves to the back of him. He raises his sword and brings it down right in the middle of Solidus's back. The sword pierces his exoskeleton and severs his spine. Blood pours out and electric sparks fly from the suit.] [Solidus drops both his swords as he staggers to the edge of the roof. He looks briefly over the edge and then faces away from it. He pauses and silently mutters something. He then falls backwards with his left arm outstretched.] [Raiden hears his crash to the ground and raises his sword in triumph.] [At the base of Federal Hall, Solidus has landed at the statue of George Washington. He reaches up to the statue with distinct reverence and then he exhales his final breath and his arms falls to his side.] [A moment later Raiden has climbed down from the roof and is standing in a deserted street. Then people start to appear out of nowhere and walk around. Nobody takes any notice of him. Some police officers dash towards Federal Hall.] Raiden : Who am I really... Snake : No one quite knows who or what they are. [Raiden spins around to see Snake standing right beside him.] Snake : The memories you have and the role you were assigned are burdens you have to carry. It doesn't matter if they were real or not. That's never the point. [Real life footage of New York City.] Snake : There's no such thing in the world as absolute reality. Most of what they call real is actually fiction. What you think you see is only as real as your brain tells you it is. Raiden : Then what am I supposed to believe in? What am I going to leave behind when I'm through? Snake : We can tell other people about -- having faith. What we had faith in. What we found important enough to fight for. It's not whether you were right or wrong, but how much faith you were willing to have, that decides the future. The Patriots are a kind of ongoing fiction too, come to think of it.... Raiden : ... Snake : Listen, don't obsess over words so much. Find the meaning behind the words, then decide. You can find your own name. And your own future... Raiden : Decide for myself...? Snake : And whatever you choose will be you. Raiden : I don't know if I can... Snake : I know you didn't have much in terms of choices this time. But everything you felt, thought about during this mission is yours. And what you decide to do with them is your choice... Raiden : You mean start over? Snake : Yeah, a clean slate. A new name, new memories. Choose your own legacy. It's for you to decide. It's up to you. Snake : By the way, what is that? [Snake notices Raiden's dog tag. Raiden takes it off to look at it.] Raiden : Dog tags? [The dog tag says the player's name and birth date and whatever else the player entered in the first node.] Snake : Anyone you know? Raiden : No, never heard the name before. I'll pick my own name...and my own life. I'll find something worth passing on. [He throws the dog tag as far as he can.] Raiden : They taught me some good things too. Snake : I know. We've inherited freedom from all those who've fought for it. We all have the freedom to spread the word. Even me. Raiden : Snake, what about Olga's child. Snake : Don't worry, I'll find him. Count on it. As long as you keep yourself alive, he's safe. Raiden : Do you know where Liquid went? Snake : I put a transmitter on his RAY. Raiden : Did he head for the Patriots? Snake : Yeah. But I have a feeling they gave Ocelot a bogus location to begin with. Raiden : ... Snake : Cheer up. We have a better lead. [Snake grabs a disc from his pocket.] Snake : This contains a list of all the Patriots. Raiden : But Ocelot took it! Snake : The one we gave you wasn't the real thing. Raiden : What? Snake : This virus is coded to destroy only a specific part of GW -- namely the information about the Patriots identity. Which means, that there is a parameter coded in here that defines what that information is. Raiden : I get it -- analyze the code and you can probably find out where they operate. Count me in -- Snake : No, you have things to do first. And people you need to talk to... Raiden : ??? [Snake leaves. Rose is standing in the street waiting for him. Raiden turns around to face Snake.] Raiden : Snake? [Snake is gone. Emma's parrot flies up into the sky.] Rose : What's wrong? Jack : Nothing. [He turns around to face Rose.] Jack : Can I ask you something? Who am I really? Rose : I wouldn't know. But we're going to find out together, aren't we? Raiden : Uh? Yeah... Rose : See me for what I am, okay? Jack : I know. [Scenes of New York.] Rose : Do you remember this place? Jack : Of course. This is where we first met... I remember now -- Today is the day I met you. That's it. I think I found something to pass along to the future. He said all living things want their genes to live on. Rose : Are you talking about the baby? Jack : Yeah. But genes aren't the only thing you pass on. There are too many things that aren't written into our DNA. It's up to us to teach that to our children. Rose : What kind of things? Jack : About the environment, our ideas, our culture... poetry... compassion... sorrow... joy... We'll tell them everything... together. Rose : Is that a -- proposal? Jack : This is for your ears -- only... [Cue the closing credits of the game.] [After the credits there is another monlogue from Snake. This is accompanied by more scens of New York City.] Snake : Life isn't just about passing on your genes. We can leave behind much more than just DNA. Through speech, music, literature and movies... what we've seen, heard, felt ...anger, joy and sorrow... these are the things I will pass on. That's what I live for. We need to pass the torch, and let our children read our messy and sad history by its light. We have all the magic of the digital age to do that with. The human race will probably come to an end some time, and new species may rule over this planet. Earth may not be forever, but we still have the responsibility to leave what traces of life we can. Building the future and keeping the past alive are one and the same thing. [The title of the game appears overlying an image of the Statue of Liberty.] METAL GEAR SOLID 2: SONS OF LIBERTY [The screen fades to black but the title remains on screen. Snake and Otacon are talking on the Codec.] Otacon : Snake, you there? It's me. I've finished going over that disc. Snake : Did you find the Patriots' list? Otacon : Of course. It contains the personal data of twelve people. There was a name on it -- Snake, it was one of our biggest contributors. Snake : What's going on around here? Otacon : I don't know... Snake : Anyway, where are they? Otacon : Well, we were right about them being on Manhattan, but... Snake : But what? Otacon : They're already dead. All twelve of them. Snake : When did it happen? Otacon : Well, ah...about a hundred years ago. Snake : What the hell? [The game ends with a creepy sound effect.] ============================================================================== ============================================================================== Miscellaneous Transmissions ============================================================================== ============================================================================== Here you will find all of the miscellaneous transmissions from the game. Basically anything that wasn't in the main storyline of the game. _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 01) The Terrorists and Dead Cell _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin about Dead Cell +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Raiden : Tell me a little more about Dead Cell. Pliskin : Dead Cell was a shadow unit within the SEALS organization. Raiden : Right. They handled surprise raids on vital government facilities, didn't they? Pliskin : Yes. They were originally put together to check the nation's military security system. The unit was the brainchild of ex-president George Sears... Dead Cell was a secret unit positioned at the opposite end of anti-terrorist outfits such as Delta Force and SEALS. Raiden : Were they always a ...group of madmen? Pliskin : No. They got weird when Colonel Jackson -- Fortune's husband -- was sent to jail. Raiden : Sent to jail? For what? Pliskin : Corruption. He misappropriated government funds. Raiden : Sounds like he deserved it... Pliskin : That's what everybody else thought. Except for the members of Dead Cell. They felt the Colonel was falsely accused. Fact is, they took the case to the powers that be. But they never managed to reopen the case. Raiden : Was there any truth to their claim? Pliskin : Who knows? Whatever the situation is, Dead Cell's name was tainted. Raiden : And Colonel Jackson...? Pliskin : He was being held at Leavenworth... Raiden : "Was"...meaning he's been released? Pliskin : Well... in a manner of speaking. The Colonel's dead. Apparently he lost the will to live and died in prison. The members of Dead Cell snapped with the loss of their leader. They underwent a radical change and became uncontrollable. Raiden : And that's why they undertook this terrorist operation? Pliskin : Seems as good a reason as any... +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin about Vamp +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : Vamp is a member of Dead Cell. Born in Romania, his specialty is knives. But I guess you know that by now. When he was just a kid, he lost his family to a terrorist bomb that went off in a church they were attending. His body pierced by a crucifix, Vamp was buried under the rubble for two days before he was finally rescued. During those two days, he survived by feeding on the blood of his family to quench his thirst. That was how he acquired a taste for blood... Raiden : So that's why they call him "Vamp"... Pliskin : No. "Vamp" isn't for vampire. It's because he's bisexual... Raiden : ... Pliskin : Rumor has it Vamp was the lover of Scott Dolph, the Marine Commandant who accidentally died two years ago. Scott Dolph was also the father of Fortune, the Dead Cell leader. Raiden : Fortune's old man? But Fortune and Vamp... Pliskin : You noticed, eh? Not bad for a rookie... Raiden : Uh... right. Pliskin : As you say, Vamp and Fortune are very close. Not lovers, but very close... Raiden : Friends? Pliskin : No. There's more to their relationship than that. Raiden : But Vamp was her father's lover! Pliskin : Would it have been better if it was with her mother? I don't really think they care what you think. Focus on the mission. Raiden : By the way, have you ever met the guy before? Pliskin : No... Raiden : But he seemed to know you... Pliskin : Right. Well, I... no... ...it can't be... I told you that Dead Cell is a group of madmen... I wouldn't take anything they say very seriously. +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin about Fortune +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Raiden : What do you know about that strange woman? Pliskin : You mean Fortune? She's the Dead Cell leader. Her real name is Helena Dolph Jackson... known to her friends as Lady Luck. Raiden : Lady Luck? Pliskin : Yeah. She got the name because bullets seem to veer away from her in battle. People have heard her say that her fortune in battle was payback for the lousy luck she's had in life... Raiden : Lousy luck? Pliskin : The death of her father, the Marine commander... The conviction of husband and Dead Cell leader, Colonel Jackson... These events were followed by her mother's suicide -- the loss of a husband and the idea of a convict in the family apparently took her over the edge... Fortune was three months pregnant at the time and the shock of her mother's death led to the loss of her child. Add to this her husband's death in prison a few months later and... To sum it up, in the six months after her father's death, she lost her family and everything that mattered in her life. Raiden : Geez, she's had it rough... Pliskin : Yeah. The thing is, she didn't grieve long. Instead, she joined the military. Raiden : Now why's that? Pliskin : Do I look psychic? My best guess is revenge. I heard that she firmly believed that her husband was framed... Anyway... by the time she came out of basic training, she'd proven many times over that she was "gifted" with an unusual streak of luck. In fact, some say she sold her soul for it. Raiden : Her soul? Pliskin : Her uncanny luck earned her a reputation that led to her appointment as the head of her husband's unit, Dead Cell. She's the widow of Dead Cell's former beloved leader. I'd heard that she was welcomed with open arms by Vamp, who was the temporary leader at the time. For Vamp, it also meant welcoming the daughter of his former lover... Raiden : Vamp and Fortune's mother...? Pliskin : No. Vamp and Fortune's father... Vamp's bisexual. Raiden : Oh... Wait a sec. I thought Vamp and Fortune... Pliskin : Uh... yeah. Raiden : ... +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin about Fatman +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : Fatman... Supposedly he's nicknamed after an atomic bomb, but to me he's just a fat man. Something straight out of a sideshow. If he even has a bit of spare time, he spends it disassembling and assembling his Glock, over and over again. He can't stand to have his hands still. He's extremely vain about his hands -- keeps his fingers as slender and soft as a woman's. They say he's always looking at his hands, giving himself manicures. Be careful of him. +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Stillman about Fatman +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Raiden : Stillman, tell me something about Fatman. Stillman : Hmm... well, to start, he was born the son of a clockmaker. Neglected by his parents and without friends, it seems that he spent a lot of time by himself in his father's workshop. Maybe that was the reason, I'm not sure, but apparently he has had a tremendous fascination with clock mechanics since he was a child. It was at the age of ten that a guidebook that he found on the Internet changed his life forever. That guidebook served as the basis of his eventually piecing together an atomic bomb. It was from there that he came to be known as Fatman, and soon enough there was no one associated with bombs that didn't know his name. In a sense, Fatman was a hero. Although what he did was recognized only by those in the trade, I'm sure that it served to greatly stir the ego of the teenage boy at the center of it all. But he leaves his mark nowhere else. Apparently, he was hated and shunned by everyone in school. So he went on to focus all his energy on explosives. He scorned the reality that surrounded him and instead chose to embrace a world that would easily grant him recognition. Well, to be sure, it never amounted to anything more than, say, occasionally bringing a gun into school. Eventually, Fatman came to Indian Head, the exercise training facilities of the Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal at which I was a lecturer. He absorbed all kinds of knowledge, as if he hungered for bombs. Most of the students at Indian Head flunk out of what is truly a hellish curriculum. Despite this environment, he achieved extraordinarily high marks that were without precedent. After leaving Indian Head, he joined up with NEST (Nuclear Emergency Search Team), said to be the most accomplished bomb disposal unit. It was there that he apparently got into some trouble. Raiden : What, exactly? Stillman : You got me. But Fatman was definitely not cut out for group operations from the very start. Having been ousted from NEST, he was picked up by Dead Cell, which was already becoming notorious for being a motley crew of sorts. It seems that it was through surprise attack maneuvers later conducted by Dead Cell that Fatman completely subdued his former companions from NEST. While being the most peculiar individual among my students, he was also the most talented. Be sure not to underestimate him. Are we clear? +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin about Olga +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : Raiden... don't ever turn your back on that Olga woman. Olga Gurlukovich... Daughter of Colonel Sergei Gurlukovich, ex-GRU and former Spetsnaz commander... She's the leader of Colonel Gurlukovich's private army that's been wandering around the Big Shell. Those men were gathered by Colonel Gurlukovich. Following his death, she inherited his command and now exercises full control. Her father's name was widely respected throughout the old Soviet regime and he was the goal of just about every military man. Raiden : Why would a respected soldier become a leader of those cut-throats? Pliskin : The collapse of the republic resulted in a lot of unemployed soldiers. Most found themselves suddenly cast out into the civilian world, hopelessly lost. The Colonel took these men in... He organized a mercenary army, and led his men from battle to battle in various disputed regions around the world... hoping that one day he would rebuild his homeland. Rumor has it that during the Shadow Moses incident, he planned to rendezvous with Liquid Snake's men and assist in their uprising. I assume that the revolt figured into his reconstruction plans for the Soviet regime. I also heard that Ocelot -- Liquid's right-hand man -- was an old friend of the Colonel's back in the old days of the Soviet Union. In any case, Olga inherited her father's military genius and has become a force to be reckoned with. She was born and raised on the battlefield, and she's as tough as she looks. Not my ideal choice for a date... Raiden : You sound like you've met her. Pliskin : No. I haven't had the pleasure. Just remember what I said... don't turn your back on her. _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 02) Otacon Equipment Descriptions _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ +=--=+=--=+ Bandage +=--=+=--=+ Otacon : You've picked up gel bandages, I see. When you're bleeding, select the bandage as an equipment to stop the blood. The bandage is a type of alginate dressing. It's a highly absorbent pad that gels blood and other fluids on contact. It releases calcium ions during absorption, hence the coagulating effect. +=--=+=--=+ Camera +=--=+=--=+ Otacon : I'll explain how to use the camera. That digital camera you have was specially made to take pictures of the prototype Metal Gear. When a picture is taken, the screen data is first stored in the camera's internal memory. Then it's automatically processed through various algorithms to protect against tampering. Each picture is electronically stamped and distinctively encrypted. So, in the off chance that someone alters the data during transmission, we'll know immediately. Oh -- there's a limit to the internal memory's capacity. If the memory becomes full, overwrite the pictures you don't need anymore. When you're ready to take a shot, use the L1 and R1 buttons to scroll left or right among the picture previews at the bottom of the screen. Send the pictures to me when you're done. Press the Action button when you're in front of the workstation southeast from there, and the pictures will be sent to me. Get some good shots! +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Cardboard Box +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Otacon : Using the old cardboard box trick, huh? Looks good on you, Snake. Camouflage is the best way to slip past enemy surveillance. But cardboard is just paper when it comes down to it. It won't withstand any serious assault for long. Don't rely on the trick too many times, either. And I recommend you keep it dry. +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Chaff Grenade +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Otacon : Hey, you have a chaff grenade. You can use that to interfere with enemy radio communications and electronic devices for a short time. The chaff grenade is a weapon that disperses aluminum foil or metal-coated glass and plastic fibers to confuse the enemy radar. What you have is a portable application of the chaff-launchers built into fighter planes. When detonated, the grenade releases tiny chaff pieces as well as miniaturized active jammers using a small amount of explosives. The grenade can't create full-scale chaff corridors or chaff clouds, but will form a Radar Cross Section area large enough for single-personnel use. This weapon is for electronic interference only, though. It has no effect on enemy personnel. +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Cigarettes +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Otacon : Snake, are you smoking? You really should quit. First of all, it turns you into an instant target in the dark. As for what it means to your health, I won't even go there. Remember what Naomi said about lung cancer rates Everyone knows that it's a dangerous substance. Snake : So's war, and I've done that all my life. Otacon : Well, you can screw up your own body if you like, but think about other people, okay? Snake : This is the new kind that has almost no second-hand smoke. It won't bother anyone. Otacon : Oh really? Didn't I see you toss the butt off the bridge? Littering, polluting... Snake : Ummm... Otacon : You have a long way to go, my friend. +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Empty Magazine +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Otacon : Snake, you have an empty magazine in your hand. Why are you still carrying that around? +=--=+=--=+ Grenade +=--=+=--=+ Otacon : I see you have the grenade equipped. It's an anti-personnel frag grenade -- throw it at the enemy and the blast and fragments will take the enemy out. Watch out -- pushing the Weapon button will pull out the pin. Release the Weapon button to toss it. The throwing distance depends on how hard you push the Weapon button. After pulling the pin, you'll have five seconds until the grenade explodes. Get familiar with changing the timing and throwing distance of the grenade before it goes off. +=--=+=--=+ M9 +=--=+=--=+ Otacon : What you're wielding right now is a converted Beretta M-92F, designed to fire tranquilizer rounds. A direct hit will knock the target unconscious. Think of those rounds as tiny syringes. The impact of the round causes the mixing of two chemicals in the shell. The resulting gas compresses a tiny piston and injects the tranquilizer in the bullet's tip into the target's skin. The tranquilizer's effects are felt at different times depending on where the bullet lands. A head or heart shot will take effect immediately, but a round that hits somewhere like feet or hands will take a while. Use the First Person View Attack for maximum accuracy. The gun is fitted with a suppressor, so there is no need to worry about alerting the enemy with the noise. But since it is a tranquilizer gun, the M9 has its limitations. All it can do is knock the enemy unconscious. Keep that in mind. +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pentazemin +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Otacon : You have Pentazemin in your inventory. If you need to take some, select it in the Item Window and push the Enter button. Pentazemin is a mild tranquilizer used to treat clinical depression, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and anxiety. It belongs to the benzodiazepinate family, and along with its antidepressant and anti-anxiety qualities, it suppresses convulsions. Take it when you have a tough shot ahead with the sniper rifle and you need to minimize shakiness. But I guess you don't have one of those yet. Well...you can also try some if you're feeling really seasick. After taking the Pentazemin Snake : Otacon, I took the Pentazemin and you're right -- the seasickness is gone! Otacon : Wow! Really!? Snake : What do you mean, "Really?" You said... Otacon : Drugs are mostly about placebo effect. If you believe it's effective, it is. You're more naive than I thought. Snake : ... +=--=+=--=+ Ration +=--=+=--=+ Otacon : So you've got rations now. These are military food supplies, and allow you to recover some LIFE with use. If it is equipped in advance, the ration will automatically be used and LIFE will be regained when you receive damage. You can select it in the window and push the confirmation button to use the item on the spot. Rations were designed to be carried and eaten on the field. They're all about functionality and calories. They use a special freeze-drying methods developed by NROC. They're compact, portable, and last for weeks. +=--=+=--=+ AP Sensor +=--=+=--=+ Otacon : You're using the Anti-personnel Sensor, I see. It measures the electromagnetic fields and heartbeat of life forms and converts the data into vibrations. If an enemy draws near, it will vibrate. The stronger the vibration, the closer the enemy is. But, remember, when using the Anti-personnel Sensor, you'll only be able to feel the vibrations coming from the sensor. +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Stun Grenade +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Otacon : The stun grenade in your equipment is for incapacitating enemies without killing them. Stun grenades are non-lethal weapons that knock out enemy personnel with an intense flash of light and a burst of sound. Once the grenade is airborne, a timed detonator ejects an internal cartridge using a small amount of explosives. The cartridge then explodes, and releases a flash rated at over a million candlepower, with an accompanying bang of over 200 decibels. The combinations of the flash and the bang temporarily overwhelms human sensory perceptions. There are no projectiles released, so it can only knock out enemies, not wound them. Keep that in mind. +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Thermal Googles +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Otacon : You have the Thermal Goggles equipped huh? They provide night vision by using variances in heat distribution to create an image. It uses a two dimensional solid state projection system to create high-res images at sixty fps in real-time. By using the Thermal Goggles, you can take a look at the enemy's neck to see if they have dog tags or not. +=--=+=--=+ USP +=--=+=--=+ Otacon : Snake, that handgun of yours is a USP. The USP comes in a variety of calibers, from a 9mm to a .45. Yours is a 9mm, with 15 rounds per magazine. It's also equipped with a flashlight for nighttime shooting. In the dark, select the USP and aim to turn on the light. Unlike the M9, the USP isn't suppressor-equipped. The gunshots may bring enemy reinforcements running, so be careful. _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 03) Otacon's Proverbs _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ Otacon : Snake, you of course know the saying "One for all, all for one." Snake : What is this, all of a sudden? Otacon : Oh, I figured you'd need a lot of motivation, so I came prepared. It's from 'The Three Musketeers' -- the book, not the candy bar. Anyway, it means that if you go up against everyone by yourself, they'll gang up on you too. I think. Since you're on your own on that ship, you need to take this to heart and avoid confrontations. How was that? Just like the old days, huh? Snake : Almost reminds me of Mei Ling, but... You sure you got it right? Otacon : Of course! And I'll teach you a lot more of these, you can count on it. Snake : Great... - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Otacon : Okay... There's a saying that goes "Even a bird on high dies a glutton's death, as do the fish of The Deeps." The lesson is -- er, don't be greedy. The fish that belonged to a family called the Deeps died from overfeeding, and so did a bird that got high on something -- probably fermented fruit. Snake : ...okay. If you say so. Otacon : I do, Snake. Don't take unnecessary risks just because you're greedy for more Items. Remember the Deep family's fish. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Otacon : Another Chinese proverb: "Those who look to the Heavens prosper, those who defy it are no more." Do you know this one? The meaning here is -- hold on a sec -- that you can only survive as long as you're a part of the natural order of things. You remember pre-ripped jeans? Manufacturers thought that just because people loved old, broken-in jeans, they would want to buy new jeans that looked old. So they purposefully -- Snake : What do jeans have to do with nature and order? Otacon : Denim should fray and rip on its own, naturally. Right? Some designers tried to go against that, and -- no one bought them! The earnings report from that fiscal year is enough of a proof! Snake : Earnings...? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Otacon : Hey, Snake, what's "Hardest won, most easily lost"? It's time, get it? Amazing how relevant these Chinese proverbs still are! Once the moment's gone, it's gone. Except for daylight savings time, of course. That extra hour to do anything you like with every autumn... gotta love it. Then again, you lose an hour every spring, so I guess the proverbs are right. Wow, they thought of everything. Snake : Did they even have daylight savings back then? Otacon : Of course not! They knew how to save time. We're the ones that need to be tricked into it. Snake : But you said -- Otacon : The moment never returns, Snake. Let's not waste it on idle questions. Snake : Okay...? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Otacon : The Chinese have a saying: "Those who are lost never question a path, and a drowning man doubts not the shallows." And it means -- means that you need to make use of other people's help. Otherwise, you could be in trouble. If you're lost, you don't even know whether a road you come across is a right one, and, uh, what's the difference between shallow and deep if you've already drowned...right? Anyway, the point is that help is always a good thing to accept. So make good use of the Codec. Snake : Look -- this stuff seems nothing like what Mei Ling used to talk about. Otacon : Hey, she couldn't do better herself! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Otacon : "Acquaintances agree. Friends argue." That's a straightforward one. The better friends you are, the more openly you can disagree with each other. So feel free to present a counterpoint if you don't agree with what I'm saying. Argue away! Snake : Sure. All right. Otacon : ...Not a promising start. OK, forget what I said -- just go along with my advice. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Otacon : Do you know the saying "One forgets the hurt once the wound has healed"? And that of course means -- uh -- where'd I put that piece of paper -- Snake : Did you say something? Otacon : No, nothing. So, uh, forgetting the pain when the wound's healed means... Um -- That you have to get better fast! Yeah, that's it. So stock up on those rations and bandages. Snake : Is that really all it means? Otacon : Hey, I'm the expert here. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Otacon : Snake, have you heard this one? "Evil is human nature, and his entire being, falseness." The concept of so-called Original Sin. The idea that you're born bad, so you can't help doing bad things... Snake : Hold on. I thought the idea of Original Sin was that you had to work even harder at being good because you were born evil! Otacon : Er -- oh yeah, that too. Very good, Snake. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Otacon : You know the story about Achilles and Paris? The moral here is -- er -- something about his heel? Anyway, even the great and virtually immortal hero Achilles was finally done in by Paris. Talk about a dangerous city. So don't get complacent. The mission can turn around and get you. Snake : Wasn't Paris a person? Paris. I thought he was a -- Otacon : Snake, there's a time and place for conspiracy theories. Please, I'm trying to concentrate here. Snake : Huh? Ah, sorry...? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Otacon : Do you know the saying "Those who walk a hundred leagues think not that their journey is half ended until the ninetieth league"? That means... -- what does it mean -- OK. It means that if you're planning to walk that far, you'd better damn well know how to do simple arithmetic. Study! Stay in school! Snake : This seems to be getting more and more random. Otacon : Correction -- it's becoming more deep. Trust me. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Otacon : OK -- "A frog in a well knows not of the great ocean." Hey, I don't like this one at all. Trapping a little frog in a well? That sucks, that's really cruel. Of course it's not going to see the big blue sea the lack of sunlight alone will kill it pretty quick. Sure, locking someone up is a good way to make sure they don't see what you don't want them to. But this is a terrible saying, and I don't like it at all. Poor little froggy...! Snake : ...I really think you've got this one wrong. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Otacon : The Chinese have a proverb that goes "Scholars hold in esteem knowledge, not acts." See, they just sit around thinking, instead of actually doing. Which doesn't make them too useful. Action is what matters! I think. Snake : Look, what I heard from Mei Ling was that -- Otacon : Snake, have you noticed that you bring her up a lot? Snake : Huh? That isn't the -- Otacon : Here we go again. What am I going to do with you? Like I was saying -- You and your hyperactive libido. It's a good thing one of us can keep all the details straight. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Otacon : This is my favorite Chinese saying: "Better to be first among roosters than last among bulls." Of course, the meaning's clear: If you have to choose between being a chicken or a cow, pick the chicken. Cows are always being messed with by aliens -- cattle mutilations are up, you know. Why go looking for trouble, right? If an enemy spots you, you'll be in more trouble than a cow on a UFO. You stay out of their sight! Snake : Why would aliens be in an old Chinese proverb? Otacon : Everyone knows they've been visiting us for thousands of years. Snake : ...news to me. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Otacon : Snake, do you know the Chinese proverb "Care avoids err"? Kung word meaning "what." There are some linguists who think that this accounts for an almost universal utterance of the syllable "er" when people are at a loss for words. A kind of vestigial -- ??? : What a crock! What did you do with that little cheat sheet I made you! Otacon : Er -- ??? : Oh, there it is -- Hey! Otacon : Er, that's really a... ??? : How could you do that! You know how busy I am and you -- !! Otacon : It's not what you think... ??? : Oh, so what am I thinking? Snake : What's going on over there? ??? : Oh, hi, Snake. Do you know that Otacon's been -- Otacon : Er, Mei Ling, we're in the middle of a mission and everything! So can we, you know... Mei Ling : Fine. Sure. And Snake, the real meaning of "Care avoids err" is that if you're cautious, you can avoid making serious mistakes. Even if you've gotten used to the mission, watch what you do. Good luck! Otacon : Yeah, Snake! Good luck! Mei Ling : You, I'm not done with. Otacon : Ack... Let's discuss this, shall we? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Otacon : Err... Snake : What happened to Mei Ling? Otacon : Hee. She got mad and went offline. Snake : What did you do? Otacon : Nothing! Now don't we need to get back to the mission? So much to do, so little time... _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 04) Pliskin's Equipment Descriptions _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ +=--=+=--=+ AKS-74u +=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : So, you've got an AKS-74u. If you wear an enemy's field outfit and carry an AK, you can pass for one of them. The AK is an outstanding rifle in terms of precision and reliability. As evidenced by widespread licensed manufacturing -- not to mention large quantities of illegal reproductions -- the AK is in high demand around the world. It is often used as reference for the design of new rifle models. Designs for Israel's Galil, Finland's Valmet, and other rifles are based on the basic structure of the AK. You have a smaller model of the AKS-74 that was designed for use by Special Forces personnel. The stock will only extend to a maximum length of 726mm ...a feature that makes the rifle easier to handle in small spaces. Without suppressor Pliskin : The AK can be fitted with a suppressor. With a suppressor, you won't have to worry about your gunshots being heard. With suppressor Pliskin : So, you're using the suppressor. Now you won't have to worry about the enemy hearing your gunshots. +=--=+=--=+ Bandage +=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : I see you have the bandage equipped. Whenever you're bleeding, select the bandage in the menu display and press the Confirmation button to stop the bleeding. The bandage is an absorption pad made from alginate fiber. As you probably know, when alginate fibers come into contact with blood or liquids, the colloid gels to produce a moist condition for speeding up the healing process. With outstanding absorption properties in terms of speed and capacity, bandages effectively stop bleeding. +=--=+=--=+ B.D.U. +=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : I see you're wearing the enemy field uniform(B.D.U.). Looks pretty good on you. Raiden : Cut it out. It's bad enough that I'm dripping with sweat wondering when somebody's gonna see through my disguise. Pliskin : Don't worry. And quit being so sensitive. At least your walk won't give you away... Raiden : My walk? Whaddya mean my walk? Pliskin : Nothing. Forget I said it. I'd worry more about the fact that the uniform's a little small for your size. It just might come off when you bump into an enemy... Normally, a proper-fitting uniform is issued to a soldier. You're just going to have to fit your movement to the uniform... +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Binoculars +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : That pair of binoculars is a high-end military model with auto-focus and zoom features. The binoculars will be particularly useful when used outside the "Big Shell." If you can spot an enemy in the distance at an early stage, it'll give you plenty of time to do something. Scouting out the location of your enemy is vital to the success of an infiltration mission. +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Body Armor +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Snake : I see you're wearing body armor. That's a great way to minimize damage. Your body armor is interwoven with a special fiber made from high-performance polymer materials. The special fiber tangles around a bullet to cushion and spread out the impact to keep damage at a minimum. Bear in mind that the armor just reduces damage. It doesn't eliminate it. +=--=+=--=+ Book +=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : Raiden... what've you got there? Oh, come on... don't play dumb. That kind of thinking might even be helpful on the battlefield. Raiden : Yeah, but... Pliskin : Look... aside from its educational value, you can probably use it to distract an enemy... +=--=+=--=+ C4 +=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : I see you've managed to get a hold of some C4 plastic explosive. Containing inert plasticizers, it's a white, claylike material. It's a very stable explosive with over 1.3 times the power of TNT. Immune to heat or shock, C4 will only explode when triggered by a detonator. Since your wireless detonator is equipped with both a scrambler and encryption, you don't have to worry about the C4 being accidentally triggered by other wavelengths such as those emitted by jamming devices. You set the C4 with the Weapon button and detonate it with the Punch button. One other thing... don't get caught in its blast. +=--=+=--=+ Camera +=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : Planning to take some pictures? Well, you've got the right camera for the task. With auto-focus and zoom features, this camera guarantees clear pictures. It won't wear with use... so take all the shots you want. +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Cardboard Box +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : The cardboard box that you have is ideal for fooling your enemies. It's a very important tool for infiltration missions. Of course. I can't begin to count the number of agents whose lives were saved by a cardboard box... Raiden : You mean everyone's using them? Pliskin : Look. I'm not exaggerating when I say the success of your mission hinges on how you use that cardboard box. But in the end, a cardboard box is only made of paper. Handle it with care or it won't be of much use to you. Y'know... I've lost a couple thanks to you... Raiden : ? Pliskin : Nothing... forget it. Treat your cardboard box with care. Take care of the box and it'll take care of you... Don't think of it as just another box. Treat it with love... Don't be rough. Okay? +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Chaff Grenade +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : You're holding a chaff grenade -- an electronic warfare weapon designed to disrupt electronic equipment and jam transmissions. Detonated with a small charge, the grenade releases chaff and a miniature active jammer. The grenade should render electronic equipment useless for a brief period of time. It's important to note that radar and other equipment which you might have on hand will also be affected. So be careful with the thing if you're using electronic devices. +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Cigarettes +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : I see you've still got those cigarettes I gave you. Raiden : I quit a long time ago... Pliskin : Maybe now's the time to start again? Just joking, kid. Those things'll stunt your growth and ruin your health. But in the battlefield, you'll find there's other uses for those cigarettes besides smoking. I'm sure you'll figure out how to use 'em when the time comes... +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Claymore +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : That's a Claymore mine. The Claymore is a directional mine that can be set up on the ground. It's mainly used for ambush or defense. It can also be used against light vehicles and other soft- skinned targets. This mine goes off when it detects someone approaching from the front. The explosion fans out shrapnel and metal balls to create a fan-shaped destructive zone. An important thing to remember is that the sensor is not selective... the mine will attack friend or foe. What I'm trying to say is -- don't trigger your own trap. You can recover a set Claymore by crawling up to it carefully. That means you can collect enemy Claymores for your own use if necessary... +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Coolant +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : The coolant spray that you have is great for freezing the C4 set by Fatman. After you equip the spray, you can discharge the coolant by pressing the Weapon button. When the coolant is exposed to the open air, it changes into a gel and adheres to the C4 and stays at a low temperature. Spray a lot of coolant to cover the C4 and make sure that it won't melt away. This means that once you coat the C4 with this stuff, you can assume it won't explode. You've got enough there so you don't have to worry about running out. It's important to remember that once you equip yourself with the spray, you won't be able to move. If an enemy approaches while you're spraying the coolant, the best thing to do is put it away and hide. On top of dealing with the C4, you can use the spray against an enemy. Don't forget that. +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Directional Mic +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : The directional microphone is a very sensitive piece of equipment that picks up the slightest sound. It's a high-precision mike that's been designed to pick up sounds in front of it. In short, it will pick up sounds in the direction you point it. The microphone comes equipped with a miniature amplifier that will pick up a heartbeat if it's pointed properly at a living target. +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Empty Magazine +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : What you've got there is an empty magazine for hand guns and automatic weapons. Press the Weapon button for the windup, and release the button to throw it. Hitting an enemy with it won't do much damage. But if used properly, it will provide a distraction. Throwing distance depends on how strong you press the Weapon button. It might be even more useful if you can accurately throw the magazine to a desired spot +=--=+=--=+ Grenade +=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : The hand grenade is an anti- personnel weapon that is manually delivered to a target. Put simply -- you throw it. The blast itself and the resulting shrapnel takes out enemy targets. You press the Weapon button to pull the pin, and release the button to throw the grenade. Throwing distance varies with how hard you press the Weapon button. After pulling the pin, you have about five seconds before the grenade explodes. Those five seconds combined with the throwing distance gives you a certain amount of tactical flexibility. +=--=+=--=+ M4 +=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : Looks like you've got an M4. The M4 is an assault carbine favored by the U.S. SOCOM. It's a descendant of the M1 carbine used in World War II. The "4" refers to the fact that it's the fourth carbine to be officially adopted by the American military. Basically, it was developed for the Special Forces using the M16A as a base. The M4 carries thirty rounds of 5.56mm x 45 SS109s. By the way, carbines are short-barreled rifles originally developed for cavalry use. But as far as you're concerned... you won't need to remember that. This'll reduce your chances of discovery as long as you don't leave too many bodies around... Your ammo is also limited, so don't go shooting everything in sight. +=--=+=--=+ M9 +=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : That's a tranquilizer gun with a sound suppressor. Hit an enemy with that and it's good night, sleep tight... The time in which the tranquilizer takes effect depends on where you hit your target. If you want to knock somebody out with a single shot, aim carefully for vital spots like the head or heart. Raiden : I think I've seen this modified gun before... Pliskin : Yeah. It looks like the same gun used by Solid Snake two years ago. Following that terrorist incident, similar models were made and sold among the fans of his exploits. I think that's one of them. That's an American military M9 modified for tranquilizer bullets. When the tranquilizer bullets hit a target, the round uses the force of the impact to mix the drug, also producing a gas in the process. The pressure of the gas drives a built-in piston that injects the target with a powerful anesthetic. It's like firing a small hypodermic syringe. This M9 is a tranquilizer gun that knocks out the enemy... it doesn't kill them. +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Mine Detector +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : That mine detector that you're equipped with displays the location of Claymore mines that aren't visible to the naked eye. It's not your run-of-the-mill mine detector. It isn't a metal detector. It's based more on the various systems used in chemical detectors. In short, it doesn't respond to a mine's metallic casing. It actually detects the elements used in explosives. Basically, it's similar to the sensor that the old man gave you... the one that responds to the "smell" of C4. That's why you can accurately detect the location of mines despite the fact that you're in a metal-based structure. There's no point using the detector without employing the radar. +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Night Vision Googles +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : Those night vision goggles will let you see in the dark. The goggles are equipped with an image intensifier that amplifies even the lowest levels of light to produce clear images. Night vision devices were introduced in the 1940s. Since then, they've undergone several modifications to improve both sensitivity and resolution. Incidentally, the set you're using is a fourth-generation model. +=--=+=--=+ Nikita +=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : You've got yourself a remote-controlled missile. Referred to as Nikita, it's a wireless guided projectile. It's a surveillance missile based on Micro Air Vehicle technology. You control it by watching the image transmitted from the CCD camera mounted on the missile. Although it's primarily designed for scouting missions, it carries a small explosive charge that allows a long-distance attack. You can also trigger the charge by removing it from equip status following the missile's launch. You won't be able to move while controlling the missile. Also, you'll have to be careful that you don't run out of fuel while it's in flight. Unlike VR training, you won't have a bird's-eye view to help you control the missile. +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pentazemin +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : You have the Pentazemin equipped, huh. To steady your hands when aiming with a sniper rifle, select Pentazemin in the menu display and press the Confirmation button. Pentazemin is a benzodiazepine anti-depressant used in the treatment of disorders such as depression and autonomic imbalance. In addition to its calming effect, it also relaxes muscular tension and combats convulsions. The result is a steady set of hands. One more thing... Pentazemin does not prevent seasickness... Raiden : Seasickness...? What are you talking about? Pliskin : I mean sometimes faith can overcome medical science. Never mind... +=--=+=--=+ PSG-1 +=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : The PSG1 is an anti-terrorist automated sniper rifle. It features roller-locked action which allows a full free-floating barrel. The end result is an automatic rifle with precision equal to that of a bolt-action sniper rifle. The rifle has a 5-round group capacity of 50 mm at a range of approximately 270 meters. In my opinion, the PSG1 is one of the finest sniper rifles in the world. Although you've probably fired a few rounds in VR training, there are a few differences in handling the rifle you should be aware of. First, that the PSG1 is equipped with a special magnification-adjustable scope. For precision shooting, it allows you to zoom in on your target. And for wide-range viewing, all you have to do is zoom out. Another difference is that you aren't limited to firing from the prone position. In short, you can fire from a crouching or standing position. However, the less stable your position, the tougher it is to hold your aim steady. For accuracy, the best thing to do is crawl up to your target and fire from a prone position. +=--=+=--=+ PSG-1 T +=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : The PSG1-T that you have there is a PSG1 with a modified barrel for firing tranquilizer rounds. It handles like a PSG1. The only difference is that it spares lives. It's up to you whether you want to use it or not. +=--=+=--=+ Rations +=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : You've got rations. Rations are military food provisions capable of LIFE recovery. Select a ration in the menu display and press the Confirmation button for LIFE recovery. If you equip yourself with rations, you can automatically recover LIFE the moment it hits zero. Field rations are not just emergency food. For a soldier, it's a vital factor in maintaining combat efficiency. Rations are the result of concentrated research and development efforts on the part of the U.S. Military's Cooking Laboratory. Together with calories, meticulous attention is focused on balanced nutrition. Freeze-dried, the rations are easy to carry and keep well. It ain't home cookin', but it'll satisfy your nutritional needs. Raiden : Hmmm. Pliskin : What's on your mind? Raiden : Well, just between you and me? Pliskin : Sure. What is it? Raiden : I prefer rations over Rose's home cooking... Pliskin : That bad, huh? +=--=+=--=+ RGB6 +=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : You've got an RGB6. A Croatian- manufactured 40mm, 6-round grenade launcher. It's a weapon that was unavailable in VR training. The RGB6 has a spring-driven revolver-type cylinder for handling six grenades. It delivers grenades with greater accuracy than throwing the things, and it's effective for taking out enemies with body armor -- not to mention those hiding behind objects. Since a launched grenade travels on a parabolic trajectory, hitting a target depends on your angle of fire. +=--=+=--=+ Sensor +=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : You're using your Anti-Personnel Sensor. It vibrates whenever an enemy is approaching your position. The sensor responds to the electromagnetic field and heartbeat of life forms. The closer an enemy, the bigger the vibration. It's a useful device. But remember that if you're equipped with the sensor, you won't be able to feel any other vibrations around you. It's like life... You gain something only to lose something else. It's up to you to decide where and when you want to use it. +=--=+=--=+ Sensor A +=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : I see the old man set you up with a Sensor A unit. Aside from C4, explosives continually release their own specific particles. Based on ion mobility spectrometry technology, Sensor A is capable of detecting particle clusters. Simply put, the detector can "sniff out" C4. The detected C4 appears on radar as a cloud-like shape. The cloud indicates the rough location of the explosive. This sensor looks like it's been specially tuned. It's been specially modified to sniff out the signature odor of C4 combined with Fatman's special perfume that he uses to identify his work. That's why it won't respond to any of the C4 that we've set up. After defeating Fatman Pliskin : (see above) We got a lot of use out of this thing. We probably won't need it anymore. +=--=+=--=+ Sensor B +=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : You're using Sensor B. It's designed to pick out the "odorless" C4 set up by Fatman. Unlike Sensor A, which detects explosive particles, this unit detects the explosive inside an object sealed by neutron emission. The sensor should be able to detect C4, despite the fact that it's been securely sealed to prevent "odor" or more specifically the diffusion of explosive particles. When neutronspass through an object, the hydrogen material it contains interacts to produce a rear diffusion. By measuring this rear diffusion with the detector, the resulting value is analyzed to determine the existence of an explosive. Simply equipping yourself with this unit and the sensor will automatically scan the area around you, and will sound a warning if there's an explosive nearby. Always remember that the shorter the intervals between the warning sound, the closer the location of the bomb. This sensor is adjusted to respond only to the C4 used by Fatman. The composition of our C4 and that of Fatman's seems to be slightly different. I think it may be the wax materials that he uses in his explosives. The old man probably concentrated the bulk of his time on making this modification. After defeating Fatman Pliskin : (see above) However, since we've taken care of all the C4, and given the fact that Fatman is no longer with us... I don't think we'll need this sensor anymore. +=--=+=--=+ SOCOM +=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : That pistol you have is a SOCOM. It's a 45-caliber Offensive Handgun designed for the American Special Ops Command. With twelve rounds of 45ACP's, it has outstanding stopping power. The SOCOM has a minimum service life averaging over 6,000 rounds, and has a five-round group capacity that extends within a 1.4-inch radius. It's a bit large, but the SOCOM is a gun you can trust. It also comes equipped with a laser aiming module. Without suppressor Pliskin : A suppressor can be attached to the SOCOM to silence gunshots. You should try to find one. With suppressor Pliskin : You've got a suppressor, too. Your SOCOM's got a suppressor. The suppressor uses multiple partitions to reduce gas discharge and keep sound and muzzle fire to a minimum. By keeping the internal baffles moist, sound can be reduced by approximately thirty-eight decibels. That suppressor can be screwed and secured to 10 different positions. This function allows you to adjust the gun's impact point. But that doesn't really matter. That's because the suppressor's already been adjusted. You should be able to get the same results you got when you didn't have a suppressor attached. +=--=+=--=+ Stinger +=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : The Stinger is a portable surface-to-air missile launcher. Once you lock on to a target and fire, the missile will automatically pursue the target using its infrared seeker. However, the Stinger you have hasn't been updated to deal with countermeasures. The missile's seeker might be thrown off course by flares. Don't forget that. +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Stun Grenade +=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : A stun grenade, huh? It's a non-lethal weapon designed to daze enemies with a blinding flash of light and an ear-splitting bang. When it goes off, it emits a flash equivalent to 2.5 million candels and an explosive sound of over 160 decibels. In simpler terms, that's over 120 times the brightness of a police flashlight and the sound of a jet during take-off. There is also a lot of heat. But that's only at the millisecond level. So don't expect it to ignite anything. The sound emission is also at the millisecond level so there's no permanent damage to the victim's hearing. Used properly, your enemies will lose consciousness... it's not a lethal weapon. +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Thermal Googles +=--=+=--=+=--=+=--=+ Pliskin : Those Thermal Goggles provide night vision by creating images from heat distribution. The goggles have a resolution of over 400,000 pixels. This performance is largely attributed to the use of a two-dimensional solid projection system with outstanding electric charge transfer capability. With these goggles, you can probably see Claymore mines that are rendered invisible with stealth camouflage. If you look around the necks of enemy soldiers, you can probably make out their dog tags. _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 05) Emma's Arguments _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ Otacon : Okay, Raiden. Let me talk to Emma. Raiden : Sure. One condition... no arguing. Otacon : No problem. Put her on. [Raiden does so.] Otacon : E.E.? Is that you? Emma : Yes. What do you want? Otacon : Why did you get involved in weapons development? A lot of people will get hurt... even more will die! I'm talking about the destruction of homes and cities... radioactive contamination for years to come. You of all people should know the horror of nuclear weapons! You know about our family's dark history! Why, E.E.? Why!? Emma : You left me... you made my life a living hell! Otacon : I didn't have a choice! Emma : Don't lie to me! The pool... you could never look me in the eye after the accident! You took the easy way out, so you wouldn't have to face me! That way, you could avoid responsibility every day... You ran... you ran away so you wouldn't have to face the pain! Otacon : No... that's not why I left... Emma : You left me and took the easy way out... Otacon : That's not true. I left the house because... Emma : You're a criminal! Just like me! Otacon : A... criminal...? Emma : I know what you did! You manipulated our account on the network... Look at what you're doing now... you're nothing but a cracker! Otacon : No. I'm just applying my knowledge for the cause... Emma : The cause!? What cause!? Justice!? Otacon : For peace, E.E.! I'm not like Snake... I can't carry a gun and face the enemy... That's why I do what I do best... Emma : Oh, right! Nice justification, Hal! Forget about being a criminal. You'd make a great lawyer! Snake : All right already... That's enough! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Raiden : Uh... Emma : Out of my way! Let me talk! Raiden : You want to talk to Otacon? Raiden : I'll put him on... Snake... Emma : Let me talk to him! Raiden : Uh, yeah. Snake : Otacon's busy right now. You'll have to settle for me. Emma : What...? O-okay... Snake : Right. Now what do you want? Emma : Hal's wrong. Science doesn't exist to benefit the world. Snake : Then what is it for? Emma : Science is for the individual. For me, it's a way to realize my dreams. Snake : That sounds pretty greedy. Emma : You can't realize your dreams without greed. Snake : And what's your dream? Emma : Take revenge on Hal... to beat him at his own game... Snake : Revenge? Emma : I'm gonna make him regret the day he left me... I'm going to make him realize he was wrong! Snake : Of all the idiotic... I think that's enough. Emma : Idiotic!? It's my goal! My reason for being alive! Hal is wrong! He's only being used by his country! He's pitiful! Even you guys are using him! Me...I'm using science to achieve my own dream! Emma : Real bright, lady! That's exactly the line that scientists are never meant to cross! Emma : Right! I sold my soul for revenge! I will never forgive him! Snake : I'll pretend this conversation never happened... Emma : No! You tell my brother exactly what I said! You... Snake : Emma! Emma : W-What...? Snake : You're speaking your mind... not your heart. Just leave it at that. Emma : Um... okay... ============================================================================== ============================================================================== Previous Story Transcript ============================================================================== ============================================================================== _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ The New York Mirror _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ "In the Darkness of Shadow Moses: The Unofficial Truth" Author: Nastasha Romanenko * Reviewed by George Franklin Some topics in the recent American past have the immediacy and power that still engage our collective imagination. Names like, "The Grassy Knoll," or "Roswell," roll off our tongue with deliberates reserved by most other nations for holy lands. With this new non-fiction account from Nastasha Romanenko, Shadow Moses -- the scene of a nuclear siege two years ago -- is set to join their ranks. Official history states that the takeover of a nuclear weapons disposal facility on a lonely outpost in the Fox Islands, Alaska was the work of a radical right-wing group. Their demands for the release of group members incarcerated in federal penitentiaries were never met, and the incident was speedily resolved by the successful deployment of a commando unit. B.S., the author asserts. Romanenko says that she served as an advisor to the Nuclear Emergency Search Team, and deconstructs what she claims to be a cover-up story by the government with precision. According to the author, Shadow Moses Island was nothing less than the U.S. Army's testing grounds for a top-secret weapon known as Metal Gear REX, an all-terrain bipedal tank with advanced nuclear capabilities. As for the facilities takeover, Romanenko alleges that it was the U.S. military's own shadowy "wet-works" force, known as "FOXHOUND," that staged an armed insurrection in a bid for REX's possession. The government responds to this crisis by sending in a lone operative, a former FOX-HOUND member known only by the code name "Solid Snake," into Shadow Moses. His infiltration is aided by a remote mission control team consisting of an unidentified "Colonel Campbell." a FOXHOUND medical chief "Naomi," a radar and electronics expert "Mei Ling" (supposedly a teenager), and the author herself. Once on the island, "Snake" joins forces with Metal Gear's developer-turned-prisoner "Otacon" to eradicate the weapon of mass destruction. Among the other remarkable characters that make an appearance in Romanenko's expose is another FOXHOUND commando, a revolver-virtuoso called "Shalashaska" a.k.a. "Revolver Ocelot." One of the most controversial allegations in the book deals with this figures connection to a disavowed Russian militia led by a "Colonel Gurlukovich," Romanenko paints a bleak picture of a thousand-strong, highly disciplined army with nuclear weaponry operating covertly within the American border. Even more irresistible to conspiracy scholars and students of recent history is her thinly veiled suggestion that the whole affair was planned from the beginning by certain forces inside the U.S. government. The U.S. Army and the usual suspect of federal agencies have issued a statement denouncing the book as a complete fabrication. However, with a number of detailed eyewitness accounts that back up the author's assertions cropping up daily on the Web, the denials serve more to enhance the book's growing reputation. "Shadow Moses" is an engrossing read for casual and serious readers alike, and promises to involve readers in a meaty debate over the truth of the matter for many years to come. Excerpted from the literary review column "All Booked Up", The New York Mirror _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ The Shocking Conspiracy Behind Shadow Moses _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ * By Gary McGolden The island of Shadow Moses lies due north of Alaska's Fox Islands, deep in the Arctic Circle. Above one of its rocky cliffs stands a cabin normally used for meteorological surveys, and it was here that I found myself, seated on a chair with my hands bound behind my back and a burlap sack covering my entire head. A blizzard rages outside, and the cabin was a dark, silent patch somewhere inside the storm. I could sense at least four men around me. They had been interrogating me for what felt like hours now. The burlap sack is pungent with the traces of coffee beans. In the biting cold of the cabin, images of Brazil come to me unbidden: alleys coiled through with vivid, untended profusion of flowers, children with skin like frothy chocolate, sunshine capable of burning out the cornea, erupting between palm fronds. I can feel my senses starting to fail. The man in the front of me asks for the second, or the hundredth, time. "I'm going to ask you again. What's in the optical disc?" "Told you, I don't know. I just found it, okay?" "You're lying, you bastard!" A fist explodes into the pit of my stomach, bringing up a peanut butter sandwich of many hours ago along with the rusty taste of blood. The relentless beating and numerous knife cuts of the past hour have my whole body screaming with pain, but I refuse to tell them what they wanted. I had too much invested at this point, too many days of dangerous investigation into the story of a lifetime. There was no way I was going to give it all up at this point. "That's enough." A voice spoke up from somewhere in the back of the cabin. "We have the disc back. Just get rid of him so we can get out of this place." Even in my current sorry state, I was still a journalist. He had said, "We have the disc back." That meant that my hosts were the original owners of that optical disc. The last piece of the puzzle was in its place; I knew beyond a shadow of doubt that everything recorded on the disc was true, and that the conspiracy I had suspected did in fact exist. At that moment, I heard a window shatter. The raging storm outside seemed to gain entry to the cabin in an instance, and I heard thin screams from the captors that encircled my chair. The next second, they had already fallen heavily onto the floor. The brief confusion ended before I regained enough presence of mind to even panic. Whoever was now here, whatever had happened, my tormentors were obviously out of commission. But now I could hear measured footsteps approaching across the floor. If this person had just saved my life, who was it? Or was I about to share the other's fate? The footsteps came to a halt in front of me, but strangely enough, I did not feel any sort of presence nearby. The burlap was slowly lifted from around my head, pulled off by an unseen hand. The stinging night air cooled my face, and my eyes gradually regained focus in the darkened room. And I could finally see who it was that stood before me. Just out of the sight of most of its citizens, a massive conspiracy determines the working of this nation. Weapons of mass destruction secretly developed by the military. Super-soldiers re-engineered into war machines through genetic manipulation. A killer virus that only targets specific individuals with deadly accuracy. Tanks that walk rather than roll, and carry a nuclear payload. A covert organization, the third and the most powerful political party, my encounter with which landed me in this chair in the Alaskan winter... All of these are a part of the truth I found sealed within the optical disc, and I intend to share what I have learned in the pages to follow. That includes everything I now know about our government, and the secret arena where an even greater power pulls the strings. This is the truth many have glimpsed but never dared to talk about. Everything detailed in this book actually happened, and after I lived it, my world was no longer the same safe place I knew. Neither, I promise, will be yours if you have the courage to keep going. It all began a month ago -- THE POSTMAN RINGS A month before my dramatic escape from death on Shadow Moses, I was having late breakfast in my apartment in New York. Even since an alien abduction episode in my childhood, I'd been plagued by a persistent ringing in my ears. A large patch of mud was my undoing. I slipped, fell and was knocked unconscious. When I came to, It was already dawn. Later, I was trying to see the bump on the back of my head in the mirror when I saw a pinprick, had been made behind my ear. You learn a little something when you watch as much TV as I did. There was no doubt that I had been abducted by a passing UFO, and had spent the hours while unconscious with alien beings! Unfortunately, no one in the area recalled seeing a UFO, and not a single person had the sense to listen my story. I realize now that this was the day I decided to uncover truth for a living, and become a journalist. But back to the present day. It turned out that the ringing wasn't in my ear, but from the doorbell. The thing shrieked somewhere south of a bariton bat sonar, barely within the range of human hearing. Blame the mangling it took from a particularly displeased visitor. Outside the door was the mailman, and in the mailman's hand was a thick manila envelop. On the envelope was a label, addressed to me. A letter bomb! I pressed my ear against the envelope and concentrated hard. But not a tick from the thing. Of cause. No one uses analog watches in bombs these days. That's why they call it the Digital Age. In fact, why would there even be a watch in a letter bomb? The point if that the recipient opens it, and the bomb goes off. Which means that it's actually the completely silent envelopes that are dangerous. I knew that opening that flap would send my eggs to the big omelet in the sky, but you don't get to be an investigative journalist for thinking inside the box. I tore through the bottom of the envelope instead. "Riiip" No! The contents of the suspicious envelope dropped to the floor with lighting speed! In this world, you can never be too careful. Let this be a warning to you, readers: when circumstances compel you to open an envelope from the bottom, turn it upside down first. As a rule, I discovered, objects fall down, and this is happened to the contents of my lethal envelope, straight down into a half-eaten depth of a delivery pizza forgotten on the floor. I don't recall when exactly this food item arrived on these premises, but the thing was definitely a museum piece by now. Fortunately, it wasn't a bomb but an optical storage disc, now liberally smeared with peanut butter. The disc was the kind that comes in a clear plastic casing, through which the rainbow sheen of the circular unit shone. I gazed into it awhile, thinking of the UFO from that fateful day. Anyway. I fished the optical disc out, noting the lack of a label. A quick wash at the sink got rid of the crud it had accumulated. The disc was drying by the window as I hunted through the now-harmless envelope for clues. A single sheet of Xerox paper was stuck to the inside and it read: "From the desk of MAX SMITHSON, Editor-in-Chief, MEGASURPRISE magazine I'm mailing you this optical disc that was sent to the edit department. It's right up your alley, see if you get enough stuff together. This is your chance for a comeback, so don't screw it up." Max is an old friend, and used to manage most of my book deals way back when. We hadn't seen each other much since I gave up writing. Not that he has the right to tell me about comebacks and screwing up, but I fins myself growing excited by the prospect of writing another book. But there was problem, and it was a big one. How the hell was I going to get to the disc's content? THE SHOCKING TRUCH WITHIN My next-door neighbor is a starving college student, and I hit him up for the use of his computer now and then. I banged on his door and screamed repeatedly until he shuffled up to the door half-asleep. Once inside, I made a beeline for the piece of junk and stuck the disc into the drive. The icon appeared on the display with a gentle whir. The file name read: "In the Darkness of Shadow Moses". But an urgent click on the icon only brought up an error message. What nefarious scheme was this!? What secret encryption was preventing me from accessing the data!? I click again and again with the same result, and started to gnaw on the keyboard in frustration. The starving student came running over, wailing about his equipment. He typed in some moon-man language, avoiding patched of my spit, and a frighteningly cheerful application startup screen appeared on the display. Then lo and behold, I finally laid my eyes on the dense mass of text, the contents of the disc! At the very top it read: "'In the Darkness of Shadow Moses' by Nastasha Romanenko" The starving student was being scholarly and trying to read the text over my shoulder. I knocked him out with a punch to the solar plexus and devoured the file's content. It was like a blow to the head with a frozen tuna; my brain was reeling from the shock. The file was full of wild stuff: top-secret conspiracies, incredible genetic experimentation, cold-blooded military deployment of classified weapons. This was the most incredible stuff I had ever come across. THE UNOFFICIAL FACTS ACCORDING TO THE DISC Most readers should be aware of the series of strange military actions involving an island farther north of Alaska's Fox Island, some two years ago. The island was called Shadow Moses, and received a series of well-documented but never-explained visits of obvious significance. USS Discovery, an Ohio class ballistic missile submarine, was ordered away from its designated training area and was confirmed offshore of Shadow Moses Island. It joined an E-3C AWACS that had already and suddenly been deployed to the area, with none other than Jim Houseman, the National Security Advisor, aboard. Sixteen hours later, 6 F117 Night Hawks with a full payload took off from the Galena AFB for Alaska. Various theories were placed into circulation by the media at the time. Some journalists insisted it had been a foiled invasion attempt by a foreign state, others suspected a coup d'etat by a part of the U.S military. I myself wrote an opinion piece for a magazine explaining that Shadow Moses was the Ellis Island for the "Greys". This diminutive grey race is after all the most famous of our alien neighbors, notorious for having secret bases all over planet Earth. But according to this file, we had all been off our marks. What had instead unfolded on Shadow Moses was the most major terrorist incident in history, an apocalyptic scenario born out of a government- developed superman project and a doomsday weapon of the same origin. On that fateful day, the nuclear weapons disposal plant on Shadow Moses had suddenly been seized by an irregular operations squad called "FOXHOUND", aided by a group of next-generation super-soldiers. And what they threatened was no less than a nuclear strike against the mainland United States! So how is it that we're still alive? Apparently we have a man know only as "Solid Snake" -- and his solitary infiltration of the disposal facility -- to thank for it. Believe it or not, this is only the tip of the iceberg as far as the Shadow Moses incident is concerned. The disc contains many more horrifying facts such as a major government conspiracy, a classified weapon described as a "walking nuclear-capable tank", and advanced genetic manipulation projects. Many of these hidden dealings were discovered by Solid Snake as he carried out his mission, and it is now my job is to relate these facts to you the readers. But is it still a little too premature to do so? The content of the disc may after all be nothing more than fiction, or even a delusion. After all, who exactly is this Nastasha Romanenko? IN SEARCH OF NASTASHA ROMANENKO A quick search of the Web turned up a few illuminating facts about this elusive writer. Nastasha Romanenko was at one point with the DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency). At the time of the Shadow Moses incident, she appears to have been a freelance military analyst, having already resigned from the Agency. Nuclear and weapon technology would certainly be right up her alley, and in the disc she states that she took part in Solid Snake's mission support. Her exact role was as a member of NEST(Nuclear Emergency Search Team) providing field expertise via the radio. Her intimate involvement in the mission gives her a complete and clear grasp of the facts surrounding the case despite the government's successful cover-up. A look at Romanenko's curriculum vitae and body of papers makes her anti- nuclear stance more than obvious. That, along with all the other facts about this person, suggests that unless she suffered a sudden chemical imbalance or is plotting a second career as a Hollywood screenwriter, Nastasha Romanenko does not indulge in expounding conspiracy theories for its own sake. All very interesting. So where is Nastasha Romanenko now? I decided to give Global Elements Inc., the book's publisher a call. Below is a complete transcript of the conversation. Me : "Hello. Listen, you leftover carnival prize, what do you know about a women named Nastasha Romanenko?" Whoever it says : "Hey, your village called. They want their idiot back. And watch your language, freak." Click. Clearly, they're hiding something. Why else the abrupt response and the hasty hang-up? I was on the trail of something important. Something dangerous. If the content of disc was true, this Nastasha Romanenko was definitely the Woman-Who-Knew-Too-Much. Her life would be in danger, and she must either have gone to ground or was already dead. That brief telephone conversation spoke volumes: there was a contract out on her life! If this was the price of speaking the truth as described in that disc, the picture was complete. But was everything she wrote really true? I went back to my apartment and packed a bag. I was headed for Shadow Moses. THE COLDEST PLACE I took a plane out to the northernmost domestic airport and went to see my cousin John-Dee. John-Dee is a hardcore Alaskan and a big-eye tuna fisherman. When I asked him to drop me off at Shadow Moses Island during one of his trip out to the sea, he turned pale and a nervous tick started up at the corner of his eye. "Shadow Moses? Are you nuts? All the other guys say the place is crawling with the military. If you get even close to the shore, they shine huge searchlights in you face, and some of my buddies even got interrogated once!" I felt the sudden chill of fear along with a certainty what I was on the right track. "You're a wuss, you know that? Try being abducted by a UFO, that'll teach you what's really scary." "I got a family, you know? I'm not about to go messing around with The Man!" "OK, you get me as close as you can then. I'll swim the rest of the way." "Swim? You're gonna turn into frozen tuna treat." "Don't worry about that. I have an idea." We sailed out for Shadow Moses Island that day. THE TRIP TO SHADOW MOSES It was colder than the dairy section and the boat pitched like a subway derailment on caffeine. I shock constantly from the cold, retched peanut butter into the sea, then downed some more to keep warm. A few days passed in this pleasant fashion until John-Dee, drawing lines on his charts, turned to me. "I'm sorry man, but this is as far as I can go. If you really want to do this thing, you're going to have your own way." There were at least 20 miles to Shadow Moses according to the chart. But John-Dee was already a blubbering wreck, and I didn't have the heart to strong-arm him. I steeled my nerves. "It's okay. Help me get ready." The plan was brilliant. I'd gutted a super-size tuna and stuffed some inflated balloons inside, along with a small oil lamp to keep the interior toasty. I would cover the length of my body with the fish and dog-paddle my way to the island. Any oxygen shortage could quickly be remedied thanks to the balloon, and my landing would appear to be nothing more than a large dead fish swept ashore. All I had to do was slip out of the tuna undetected and investigate the hell out of the place. Absolutely brilliant. I bore the fishy stink of the tuna skin with proper journalistic aplomb and walked to the edge of the ship's deck. The Arctic wind was numbing even through the wetsuit, but I bade John-Dee a hearty farewell and jumped into the sea. But right then, disaster struck! Actually it was the tuna spine. Its bony mass conked me hard on the back of my head from the force of the landing. I tried to right myself, but I was jammed tight against the balloons. The tuna started to sink rapidly, and I kicked my legs wildly as about a gallon of seawater rushed in to my lungs. To add insult to injury, the lamp fell over, shedding its cover. I could feel the heat of the exposed flame dangerously close to my face, and smell the singed hair. This is why I hate traveling. But after what felt like hours, I found myself ashore on the Shadow Moses Island. Let's take a moment here to review what happened on the island on that fateful day. Romanenko's disc provides a complete answer. Shadow Moses was no ordinary weapons disposal facility, but served as a secret military training ground among other things. On that day, the wetworks commando unit known as FOXHOUND and the next-generation Special Forces group conducting joint exercises. FOXHOUND is an "irregular" squad of elite soldiers, equipped and armed to the teeth with the latest technology. They were longtime -- and strictly behind-the-scenes -- players throughout recent history, engaging in sabotage, selective assassinations, and other covert military operations. Wherever the United States could not officially intervene, whether it was a civil war, regional unrest or other types of low-intensity conflict, FOXHOUND was there. It's unlikely, however, that an average citizen has heard of them before; these commandos remain a top-secret government project. And then there's the next-generation Special Forces unit. This is a cutting-edge anti-terrorist force newly organized to cope with terrorist incidents specifically involving weapons of mass destruction typified in nuclear, biological and chemical warfare. They draw heavily from former mercenary ranks, and are on a diet of rigorous VR training guided by the FORCE 21 concept. The result is combat capability, which is rumored to surpass even those of Delta Force and DEV GRU(formerly known as Seal Team 6). Most frightening of all, these soldiers have supposedly been manipulated at the genetic level to increase their combat performance. They were the purebreds among the dogs of war, and they turned on their masters with a surprising demand. Having seized the civilians that were on hand, they demanded that the government turn over to them the body of FOXHOUND's founder and combat genius, the so-called "Big Boss". The government had 24 hours to comply or a nuclear strike would be initiated. But what would motivate them to make such a demand, and how did they intend to make good their threat of a nuclear launch? With these questions still unanswered, the government decided on a seemingly reckless course of action. For this daunting task of stopping a nuclear strike and freeing the hostages form the clutches of these ultimate soldiers, they sent in a single man. His name was Solid Snake -- no other than a former member of the now-renegade FOXHOUND and a legend among mercenaries for a single-handedly bringing down the fortress cities of Outer Heaven and Zanzibar Land. Your reaction is probably one of incredulity. "Just one guy?" You may wonder. "They decided to gamble the future of the entire world on a single mercenary?" I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment. But there is more to this mission than meets the eye, as I was later to discover. SOLID SNAKE'S REMOTE SUPPORT TEAM Snake was delivered to the island by USS Discovery, an Ohio class ballistic missile submarine. He may have been the lone field operative, but there was a distinguished mission control team in contact with him by radio. The overall control of the mission rested with Colonel Roy Campbell aboard the USS Discovery. As a former commander of FOXHOUND and Snake's CO during the 1999 Zanzibar Land standoff, he was forcibly called out from retirement to deal with this latest crisis. Also aboard the Discovery was Dr. Naomi Hunter, a genetic engineering expert with the commercial biotech firm ATGC Inc. She was in charge of FOXHOUND's gene manipulation program. Mei Ling, the architect of the mission's state-of-the-art radar and communication system, was the third team member. Apparently something of an engineering wunderkind, she developed this next-generation communication technology while still a student at MIT. At the time of the mission, she may have still been in her teens. McDonnell Miller, a former FOXHOUND survival instructor, was the only land-bound member of the mission control team. Unlike the other four, Miller was working out of his home in Alaska at his own request. Lastly, Nastasha Romanenko, the author of "In the Darkness of Shadow Moses", rounded out the team as an expert on nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. WHAT TERRORIST ACTS WERE COMMITTED HERE? THE HOSTAGES AND WHAT THEY TELL US The first task faced by Solid Snake upon his infiltration if Shadow Moses Island was the rescue of the hostages. Two of the captives in particular were considered top-priority, but neither survived the mission. Though Snake successfully freed both men, they died suddenly in an identical manner. At the time, the mission control team tentatively attributed the death to heart attacks -- a diagnosis that was to prove starkly incorrect. The first hostage was Donald Anderson, the head of DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), the R&D body of the U.S. Department of Defense. The organization is responsible for planning and overseeing the development of new weapon technology. The other VIP hostage, Kenneth Baker, was the president of ArmsTech, one of the largest and most powerful defense subcontractors in the country. An overseer of the U.S.'s war technology and a powerful arms producer don't just happen to meet in an out-of-the-way military outpost. No one reading this account can fail to realize that these two had no business in a nuclear weapon disposal plant. And since neither Anderson nor Baker was in the habit of enjoying winter picnics, Romanenko's assertion that there was a new weapon secretly being developed on the island rings all the more true. According to her, there was indeed such a weapon, and it was close enough to completion to warrant a field test. But what exactly was this new weapon? THE MOTHER OF ALL WEAPONS Metal Gear. I'm not sure it's a term that many of you have heard. I know it only as a kind of journalistic urban legend while I was still a beat reporter. It was a phantom bipedal tank that moved with unprecedented speed across difficult terrain such as mountains, desert and swamps, firing nuclear warheads\ from locations that were previously impossible. Once this weapon rolled off the assembly line, nuclear strikes could be made from almost any adverse terrain, and the tactical nuclear map for the whole world would be rewritten. This nuclear-capable bipedal tank is said to have lurked in the wings of both Outer Heaven of South Africa and Zanzibar Land in Central Asia. One theory holds that the development had progressed to a working prototype stage, but the weapon never materialized on the world arms stage. In a strange coincidence or a causal connection, it was none other than Solid Snake who saved the world from the threat of Metal Gear during both incidents. But the history does indeed repeat itself, and the specter of Metal Gear rose once again -- in the state-of-the-art weapons development programs on Shadow Moses Island. When I reached this point in the narrative, I suddenly checked myself. Wasn't Metal Gear 's time effectively over? Ever since the collapse of the Soviet Union late last century, the idea of mutual assured destruction and the arms race to maintain this dangerous status quo had been fading into obsolescence. The START2 treaty signed by both superpowers had already started to chip away at the nuclear stockpile even back then. In fact, the disposal facility at Shadow Moses had been built to disarm and temporarily store many of these same warheads. With the very idea of nuclear weapons under serious scrutiny, why would the military invest in the development of a nuclear-capable tank? Or was there something more to this weapon? THE NATURE OF THE BEAST Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Metal Gear REX, the newest of its kind. Almost forty-five feet in height, equipped with Vulcan cannons and laser array and shielded by a cutting-edge composite armor, rendering the unit practically impervious to even HEAT(High Explosive Anti-Tank) warheads. And I haven't even gotten to the truly scary part of this thing. The crown jewel of this Shadow Moses Metal Gear was its rail gun technology. The gun was designed to fire nuclear warheads clear of the atmosphere, where they would automatically align themselves to the target and ride optimal trajectory back down to Earth. "So what?" you may think. "There's a big fat missile flying in from the sky. Who cares where it came from? Just shoot the dame thing down." But here's the catch: You won't be able to find any of REX's warheads, let alone shoot them down. Don't believe me? The facts bear me out. Normally, ballistic missiles go though four phases from launch to impact. The first is the boost phase, which consists of the time between the missile's launch and the point at which it leaves the atmosphere and exhausts its supply of rocket propellant. Following the burnout, the rocket enter the post-boost phase that concludes with the separation of the reentry vehicle that contains the warhead. The third phase is the midcourse phase, in which the reentry vehicle separates and achieves a controlled descent back into the atmosphere. The warhead's reentry into the atmosphere and its arrival at the target mark the fourth and terminal phase. Current missile defense systems are alerted to incoming ballistic missiles by detecting the rocket burn during the missile's boost stage. However, Metal Gear's missile technology employs a rail gun rather than conventional rocket propulsion to achieve boost-stage acceleration. As a result, there is nothing for existing missile defense system to detect. The rail gun's effectiveness is nothing short of amazing, with a range of over 3000 miles, rivaling that of mid-range ballistic missiles. It reliably homes in within 170 feet of the target 50% of the time, placing it in the same class as high-end ICBM's. The ability of a Metal Gear to conquer virtually all terrain means that the rail gun can launch a stealth nuclear strike from almost any spot on the globe. This invisible attack would make it impossible for anyone to pinpoint the origin of a given missile even in the event of a strike. Without a clear aggressor to retaliate against, the concept of mutual assured destruction falls apart. Without the fear of MAD, the existing rules of nuclear non-engagement would no longer apply. It also wouldn't matter if the whole world knew that a nuclear missile would be launched from Shadow Moses Island; the missile defense system was helpless against the new breed of ballistic missiles. This was exactly what the terrorists counted on in unleashing Metal Gear REX and its all-powerful nuclear weapon against the world. WHAT I FINALLY SAW INSIDE THE FORTRESS Anyway. I trudged through the cave, sweating under the weight of my trusty tuna. Soon, the rocks gave way to smooth walls and a row of bright lights. I had finally arrived -- this was no doubt the cradle of insurrection, that military facility which Solid Snake so brilliantly penetrated, the eye of the storm that threatened to engulf of the world! Fortunately, there was not a soul to be seen. I could, however, hear a faint cry amidst the whistle of the wind. "Gary, help me --" I couldn't believe me ears. How could anyone on a remote island that I'd never visited know my name? I took a good cautious look around and saw a familiar figure among the steel pillars in the corner. It was -- John-Dee! My cousin, who'd so carelessly pitched me overboard into the subzero water only a few hours ago, was now sitting on the ground, tied to a post. What had happened? "Help me, Gary?" I trotted over to where he was calling pathetically, the tuna heavy on my back. He smiled weakly when he saw me. "What the hell happened to you, John-Dee?" I asked, crouching down next to him. "I dunno. Right after I let you off, this black helicopter came around." "A helicopter?" "Yeah. A kind of squarish black one. The next I know, I'm tied up here... Gary, why're you still wearing that fish?" Was there more to this as I'd suspected? Who was responsible? The military? Or that mysterious group mentioned in the disc, the one whose authority outstrips even that of the President of the United States? My thoughts were interrupted by a sudden gunfire. I instinctively pulled the tuna over me again. "Gary, you gotta help me! Untie me, will ya!?" Where was the shooter? The bullets were wildly ricocheting off the posts, making it impossible for me to pinpoint the origin. If I stayed put, I was a dead meat. What should be my next course of action? "Untie me, man! Gary!" "Don't call me Gary! I'm just a tuna!" I started to run, dodging bullets and sprinting up the stairs. I was unstoppable, speeding away like a gazelle in a large fishskin. Farewell, cousin John-Dee. There are responsibilities greater than your safety that I must shoulder. Mine is a high and lonely path. SOLID SNAKE VS. THE ARMY OF THE DARKNESS Let's take this moment to review Solid Snake's footsteps. The nuclear weapons disposal facility that he had infiltrated was crawling with terrorists, and engaging the enemy was unavoidable. This was a battlefield, no mistake about it. Snake's progress had been impeded at every step by the patrolling squads of super-"genome soldiers," and such formidable FOXHOUNDs as Psycho Mantis, the master of psychokinesis and mind reading, the chameleon-like Decoy Octopus, the chaingun-wielding giant Vulcan Raven, and Sniper Wolf, one of the best marksman in history. The following is a profile of individuals whose involvement with the government conspiracy seems to be the most intimate. The information should help make the terrifying truth about this case more clear. - Revolver Ocelot An ex-Spetznaz, also known as "Shalashaska." After the collapse of the Soviet Union, he found lucrative contracts as a mercenary in conflict-ridden regions throughout the world. His activities led to his recruitment by the U.S. government, and his entry into FOXHOUND. As his code name indicates, he is a brilliant marksman whose preferred weapon is a revolver. Ocelot challenged Snake when he came looking for Kenneth Baker, the President of ArmsTech Inc. But the battle never reached the conclusion Ocelot wanted due to the sudden intrusion of the stealth camouflage-clad Cyborg Ninja. The Ninja's sword cut a deadly arc right through Ocelot's right arm, and Ocelot retreated in agony. The Russian sharpshooter also served as a liaison between his terrorist band and a Russian militia led by the renegade Colonel Gurlukovich. According to FOXHOUND leader Liquid Snake's master plan, the Russian militia would join them on Shadow Moses after the nuclear strike had been launched. They would then commence an all-out assault on the rest of the world from their from their safe retreat on the island. With nuclear missiles that could neither be detected nor defended against, over a thousand first-class Russian soldiers, next-generation genome commandos and the combat and tactical cunning of FOXHOUND, this new army's objective was nothing short of World War III. - The Ninja The mystery figure equipped with a reinforced exoskeleton and stealth camouflage confounded Snake as well as the terrorists with his superhuman strength and agility. His interest seems not to have been what was happening within the facility; evidence suggests that he was there solely to engage Snake in battle. It was through such a encounter that Snake realized the identity of the Ninja. His name had been Gray Fox, and he was supposed to have been killed by Snake, his best friend. This may seem surprising, but the dead coming back to life is a fairly routine occurrence. There are examples throughout the world to prove the fact. When a Roland Greace's grave was relocated in 1952, there were deep gouge marks discovered on the inside of Hungarian farmer's casket lid. It looked as though the dying man had tried to claw his way out of the coffin. On a brighter note, a Japanese man called Jin-emon Natakama walked out of a stalactite cave in 1914 a full ten years after he had gone missing while exploring the same cave. His family was doubly astonished to discover that he had apparently not aged a day since they last saw him. All this makes complete sense to me, and it should to you as well in a moment. Two words: pyramid power. I have no doubt that Gray Fox was forced to undergo the same revival process by military scientists in the course of their horrific genetic experiments. - Liquid Snake I know exactly what you are thinking as you hear the name of the man who led the Shadow Moses uprising -- and my answer is yes. Solid Snake, our hero, and Liquid Snake are none other than twin brothers. They are not, however, twins in the usual sense. This is yet another manifestation of the U.S. military's dangerous love affair with genetic engineering. The two Snakes are fighting machines created through the so-called Project "Les Enfants Terribles"! The rumors that the government is attempting "mass-production" of super-soldiers are numerous and persistent. Just the other day, I came across something called "D-People-E-O", a humanoid combat driod. Development on the outer shell had gone off without a hitch, but the unit had to have a human being inside to function, which decreased its utility somewhat. The military finally realized the fact late in the game, and pulled the plug. There was also a plan to use a well-known psychokinetic's DNA material to breed an army of gifted soldiers. Unfortunately, someone pointed out that there is indeed no spoon -- at least not in a normal combat situation. Solid and Liquid Snake, however, were successfully created from their "father" Big Boss' genetic material. They were literally born to be extraordinary soldiers, and it was no surprise that when they finally met, the result would be a titanic confrontation. WHAT I SAW ON THE ROOF I hauled myself and the tuna up the steps, dodging the invisible sniper. The spiral staircase seemed to go on forever. Just as I was about to give up the climb, I saw the exit to the roof. I pulled open the door and lurched into the faintly lit gloom. The subzero wind felt soothing on my overworked body. I laid the tuna down and sat down next to it, trying to catch my breath. The enemy may pursue me even here, but I had nothing left in me to run with. I pulled out my hip flask of peanut-butter-and-bourbon, and took a long swig. The fiery liquid slid down my throat, hot and thick. Peanut butter is my Waterloo. When I was a kid, I was a wuss who couldn't eat peanut butter like other red-blooded children. One day, I decided to confront this weakness of mine, and put myself on a peanut butter overload: anything I put in my mouth had to have peanut butter on it. I piled the stuff on everything from chilidogs without onions -- my favorite dish -- to spearmint gun to my first girlfriend's lips. The inevitable result was that I came to hate peanut butter. If I didn't much like it before, I now loathed it with abandon. If I could gather the entire world supply of peanut butter and dump it to the Bermuda Triangle, I would. As it is, all I can do is eat as much of the stuff as I can. Peanut butter, I will always hate you. How does that song go? "And I-ai-ai will always hate you-u-U-u" No, that's not it. "Will always -- " It must be another song I'm thinking of. Can't remember. Snow is starting to coat my shoes. Where was my tuna? Oh, there it is, right next to me. Bright light in my eye. Now I remember what day it is -- June 24th. Why am I so sleepy? And that is that sound? It was a chopper. A squarish black one, and it was coming closer. FOXDIE -- THE SECRET ASSASSINATION VIRUS If you recall, I wrote that the two hostages -- the DARPA chief Donald Anderson and ArmsTech president Kenneth Baker -- died of a heart attack while they were being rescued by Solid Snake. The actual cause of their death, however, was a specially engineered assassination virus called FOXDIE. FOXDIE is a retrovirus that kill only a select people; its development was passed onto Naomi Hunter from her predecessor. Once FOXDIE finds its way into its target's system, the person dies almost immediately. It's practically a viral equivalent of spontaneous human combustion. Dr. Hunter had injected Solid Snake with this Virus, and as he unwittingly made contact with his targets one by one, they fell prey to the retrovirus' power. But the decision to infect Snake was not hers -- that order in fact came directly from the Pentagon! THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT'S GOAL The true objective of the DOD was to selectively assassinate the perpetrators of the terrorist uprising. All Snake had to do was to come into contact with the targets; the mission objective he was actually given -- namely to stop the nuclear launch and rescue the hostages -- were nothing more than a smoke screen. By simply sending Snake in as a disease vector, the Pentagon stood to reclaim their expensive investments, Metal Gear and the bodies of the genome soldiers. with little risk of damage. The Pentagon also believed that FOXDIE would successfully cover up the incident by the virtue of its lethality. However, Naomi Hunter's reengineering of the virus cast grave doubts on the reliability of FOXDIE itself. Even though the nature of her manipulation was unknown, the Pentagon decided to take extreme measures to counteract this development. THE BOMBER ON THE HORIZON Alarmed by the news of Dr. Hunter's tampering, the then-Defense Secretary Jim Houseman personally took over as the mission's commander and headed for Shadow Moses on an AWACS. Around the same time, a bomber took off from a base in Genela, Alaska, carrying a payload of surface-piercing B61-13 tactical missiles. The Defense Secretary decided on a more direct approach to cover-up. Fighting nuke with nuke -- it was a rationale that smacked of a return to the arms race, and Snake was furious. He had already succeeded in destroying the Metal Gear REX, and the terrorist incident was over for all intents and purposes. Was a nuclear air strike to be his prize for a accomplishing all this? As it turned out, the air strike never happened. Somebody had countermanded Jim Houseman's orders. You man think that the only person with the authority to override the orders of the Secretary Of Defense was his commander-in-chief, the President of the United States. But like most things in this account, the truth is far from obvious. The hand that stopped the nuclear strike was that of a shadowy secret society! But what kind of a group is it whose power outstrips even that of the American Presidency? THE FACE OF THE ENEMY When I came to, I was sitting in a weather station cabin with a burlap sack on my head and my hand tied behind my back. I haul myself all the way out to this pimple on the Arctic and die at the hands of an invisible executioner without finding out a thing. One of my captors moved in closer and started to rummage through my inside chest pocket. I cursed inwardly; this was where I carried Nastasha Romanenko's disc, the entire account of the Shadow Moses incident! My policy is, the best way to ensure that something doesn't get stolen is to have it with you at all times. Clearly, I need to re-evaluate that one. The man easily found and seized the disc. "What is this?" He demanded. "Whatever it is, it's worth more than you." I respond with as much menace and dignity as the burlap on my head allowed. "Well, well, that is something..." What followed was both highly tedious and painful, and nothing of great significance was said until that electrifying statement, "We have the disc back." We've now come full circle since the start of my account, and caught up to the point where it originated. It was unclear how the disc had gotten to Max Smithson as MEGASURPRISE, but my captor's words indicated that the disc had originally belonged to them. Either that, or they were the ones who wanted it the most urgently. I took my courage in my hands and opened a dialogue with them. "You, you guys happen to be that secret society whose power outstrips even that of the American Presidency? Answer me, you artificial coloring on a cheap drugstore candy cane!" This had the exact effect I'd hoped for, namely to send them into a violent fit of rage. I must have hit pretty close to home. The contents of the disc were as good as verified -- this was indeed the secret society whose power outstripped even that of the American Presidency! In my delight, I hardly paid attention to the obscenities that were being screamed at me, nor to the distinct sound of a gun being pulled out of its holster. It was then the cabin suddenly erupted into controlled chaos. It seemed only seconds from the time the window was smashed in to the moment I realized that my captors had been decimated and I was alone with my savior. Who was this human whirlwind? I was ready to lose my lunch from the curiosity and the terror. I could taste the peanut butter in my mouth. I could hear the enigma walk up to me, and lift the burlap sack off my head. I concentrated on the hammering of my heart for a moment, then slowly looked up. There was nobody there. I could see nothing, sense nothing. But someone was untying the ropes biting into my wrists. Invisible hands placed themselves on either side of my head in a strange parody of a coronation. They deftly removed the bandanna I had earlier fashioned into a clumsy bandage for my bruised head; the faded piece of cloth was not my own, but a flotsam found on the beach. I reached for the unseen figure with my shaking hands, but with one quick flick of the bandanna, it was gone. But there were more surprise to come. As I gingerly moved my stiff body, I felt an unfamiliar bulk against my chest, and discovered the precious optical disc, miraculously recovered. Not only that, but there were enough backup copies to fill me with awe and pop the stitches on my flimsy pocket. I thought of my mysterious savior: possessed of superhuman fighting ability, invisible, and capable of burning discs in an instant. There was only one possible explanation. He had to be an alien, probably the little gray kind. LIFE AFTER SHADOW MOSES And so I came in from the cold to my hole of an apartment in New York, my trusty tuna beside me. The landlord mentioned that my neighbor the starving student had gone missing recently. It could be that I was nosing around the wrong information from his machine. If I ever see him alive again, I should apologize. I am currently banging out this manuscript on an antique typewriter. This is the truth as described on the optical disc, and as elaborated and verified by my own experiences on that fearsome island. As this account draws to a close, my thoughts dwell more and more on Nastasha Romanenko, the woman who risked everything by recording the facts of the incident onto the disc. I think it was her way of giving voice to the victims of this mission, the casualties of nuclear weapons throughout modern history, and to all the lives disrupted and damaged by an elaborate government conspiracy. Her will was passed onto a counterculture journalist in New York City -- that's me -- and the truth is now out there for all to see, just as she dreamed. Readers, the responsibility to disseminate the facts of the Shadow Moses incident is now yours. What will YOU risk to know the truth? PUBLISHER'S AFTERWORD This nonfiction work was based on the factual account written by Nastasha Romanenko, a military analyst who allegedly took part in a secret mission to counter a terrorist incident on Alaska's Shadow Moses Island. Her account was published in its original, unabridged form as "In the Darkness of Shadow Moses" after the successful publication of this volume. Gary McGolden, the author, is a journalist and a nonfiction writer who is best knows for his past bestseller, "The Telekinetic Powers of the Loch Ness Monster -- The True Energy Source of UFOs". The details of McGolden's adventures on Shadow Moses remain uncorroborated, but there are serious doubts as to his tuna-aided landing on the island. There is in fact ample evidence that he was swept out to another small island several miles south of Shadow Moses and fail to realize that fact. McGolden has seemingly vanished into thin air following his manuscript's arrival at our humble offices. While this had been a source of great pleasure to our accounting department, I sincerely hope that this notoriously fickle but talented writer is hard at work on a follow-up to this volume. Though certain aspects of the book require further fact-checking, this alone should not dissuade you of the veracity of many of its main assertions, nor should you dismiss the contents of Nastasha Romanenko's disc outright. Instead, readers should approach this account with an open mind and a sense of adventure, much as Gary McGolden did when he first receive the disc in the mail. I should note, however, that Gary was mistaken about one thing. I never mailed him that disc. Max Smithson, Editor-in-Chief MEGASURPRISE Magazine _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ In the Darkness of Shadow Moses: The Unofficial Truth _____________________________________________________________________________ // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = // = / ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ * Nastasha Romanenko In the Darkness of Shadow Moses I dedicate this book to the casualties of Shadow Moses as well as to all those who suffered the tyranny of the nuclear weapons - and to Richard Ames. - Nastasha Romanenko Shadow Moses Island: XX XX'N , XX XX'W Even the local fishermen rarely venture to this outcropping of land. Yet the incident of all incidents took place on this remote isle, north of Alaska's Fox Islands. A number of confirmed facts undermine the U.S. government's denial of the entire affair. Among those are the sudden appearance of the Ohio-class nuclear submarine USS Discovery off Shadow Moses, far away from its designated position, and an official record that shows that a squadron of six fully-armed F117 Nighthawks departed from Galena Air Force base for Alaska a scant event, an E-3C AWACS on emergency deployment to the Alaska area is said to have had none other than the then National Security Advisor Jim Houseman as its on-board VIP. What exactly happened on Shadow Moses? There was no lack of rumors to account for this series of unusual military activities: an armed incursion, a coup attempt by a branch of the military and other theories made its way to the public table. I can state unequivocally that none of them came close to the truth. What actually took place was the single greatest terrorist incident in modern history. It was an act of political violence on a scale the world had never seen, a blow that threatened to send the Damocles' sword of nuclear warfare into a free-fall. Most significant of all, the attack stemmed from several so-called 'Black Project' which the U.S. government had been conducting in top secret, away from public scrutiny. I have in my hand two optical discs. One contains the entire record of events that took place on Shadow Moses Island that fateful day: the takeover of a nuclear weapons disposal plant by an armed group. Other key points of this incredible record are: - The identification of the perpetrators as the government's own genetically- enhanced next-generation commandos and a covert special forces squad, FOXHOUND, with a long dark history of secret intervention. - The existence of one Metal Gear REX, a bipedal nuclear-capable tank whose development was one of the most classified projects of all time. - The discovery of a massive government conspiracy. - The activities of a former FOXHOUND operative who single-handedly took on this daunting situation and averted the crises, a man who is known only by his code name: Solid Snake. The other remaining disc holds the details of Project FOXDIE, a massive cover-up, which the U.S. government planned and executed in order to prevent exposure. There are, after all, forces within the U.S. government who seek to maintain the military power structure established in the last century, and will not hesitate to resuscitate the terror of nuclear arms in order to achieve that end. My intent is to expose their activity, and the entirety of the Shadow Moses Affair, through this book. Only then can we hope to free the coming generations from the daminosa heredities of the 20th-century nuclear arms race. I looked up from the mass of documents at the sound of the doorbell. On the monitor in front of me was a half-finished status report on the resurgence of nuclear arms development in a certain Middle Eastern state. The UNSCOM (United Nations Special Commission) had officially requested a survey by the UN weapons inspectors, and had been refused entry; tensions were once again running high in the Gulf. As a military analyst whose specialty was nuclear arms, I was under contract from a think tank to produce a study of the situation. It was due the day after the next, and interruptions were definitely not welcome. I ground out my cigarette in the ashtray and stepped out of the study. All visitors to my house are checked via a surveillance camera and then let in through the heavy gate. The property itself is surrounded by a high wall. It may seem like overkill for a beach community, but security is a necessity in greater Los Angeles, if only to keep out the legion of swimsuit-clad tourists. However, there was nobody to be seen at the gate. It was either a prank, or the camera was malfunctioning. Reluctant to investigate but feeling unsettled nevertheless, I headed back to the study and sat back down at the computer to continue my work. Just then, someone spoke behind me. "You always were a little careless." I spun around, kicking the chair over. There was a man standing at the entrance of the study, slouching in a well-tailored suit. "Richard!" He caught my eye and grinned. Ignoring my surprise, he strolled into the room, gazing around at the pile of books and papers. "And still as disorganized as ever." He shrugged his shoulders in a familiar gesture, triggering a wave of memories laced with bitterness. Richard Ames and I were married, once upon a time. We were both young, and working for the DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency.) We spent much of our brief marriage in disagreement over virtually every issue, and just as I came to realize that our union was a mistake, he disappeared from my life. A while later, I received the paperwork for divorce from his lawyer. There was a generous alimony offer involved, which I refused. Not only did I find the thought of owing him anything intolerable, I also wanted to prove that he was not the only one who could walk away without an explanation. The divorce was finalized without us ever meeting face-to-face, and we were legally strangers once again. In the five years since, I quit the DIA and became a freelance analyst. I had not see Richard at all, nor even heard of his whereabouts. "How did you get in here?" I demanded. After all, attempting to scale the wall or force the front door would immediately trigger the security system. But he refused to be ruffled. "If you're going to use a flimsy lock like that, may as well not bother. I'd recommend a more professional security setup." "Does the term 'breaking and entering' mean anything to you Richard?" "You know law isn't my field of expertise," he replied nimbly and peered over my shoulder at the report on the computer display. "Radio isotope projectile separator uranium-235 production feasibility for high-speed gas centrifuge. This must be about that Middle East nuke development. Looks like your career is going well. That's great." I pushed Richard aside and asked him flatly. "What do you want?" He took a step back and regarded me with a slightly mischievous smile. "What, you afraid I came back to give us another chance?" He let the silence linger as if to relish my reaction. Then, suddenly formal, he continued, "It's an official request from the DIA." He placed a folder on the desk. "I'm asking for your cooperation as a member of NEST." NEST stands for Nuclear Emergency Search Team, a group that operates on the Department of Energy budget. It was established in 1974 to provide technological support to the FBI in areas of intelligence, investigation, site securement, damage contain and medical response, damage containment and medical response during incidents involving criminal threats of nuclear weapon use. Call it a band of experts on nuclear terrorism, if you will. NEST consists of independently contracted scientists from federally funded research entities like Los Alamos and Lawrence Livermore, and military specialists from groups dealing with nuclear arms issues. I happen to be one of the latter group. Richard was opening the file folder. "You've heard of Shadow Moses Island, I assume." I nodded assent. I had indeed heard of the remote place, north of Alaska's Fox Islands. Though it was hardly public knowledge, the island was home to a nuclear weapons disposal facility. According to the terms of the START2 (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty), the total number of tactical nuclear warheads owned by the U.S. and Russia were reduced to somewhere between 3000 and 3500 in the later decades of the twentieth century. The outcome was a massive number of warheads in need of disposal when there was already a shortage of storage space for radioactive materials. As a result, warheads had to be kept somewhere before they could be dismantled and their radioactive elements extracted for long- term storage. The Shadow Moses facility was the answer. It was the crystallization of the forces of nuclear proliferation, political engineering that gives preference to delaying a solution rather than producing one and a hidden military agenda to preserve what it could of the old nuclear stockpile. Richard took out sever photographs from the folder and handed them to me. They all appeared to be satellite captures of the nuclear weapons disposal plant on Shadow Moses Island, perhaps acquired from the NRO (National Reconnaissance Office). There were multiple human figures around the building structures. Richard broke the silence. "The disposal plant was seized by terrorists." I looked up sharply at the news, but his next words left me speechless. "And the ringleaders are FOXHOUND members." An 'irregular' team of the best commandos the military has to offer, armed with cutting-edge technology. That was FOXHOUND. The best of the best, and completely unknown to the public they ostensibly serve. Their function was to intervene in the kind of low-intensity conflicts the U.S. could not officially touch. They were the shadow soldiers of numerous regional conflicts and civil wars, shaping history with sabotage, selective assassination and other covert acts of war. Richard had more to say. "It's not just FOXHOUND that's involved in this. FOXHOUND was conducting joint exercises with the next-generation special forces, and they're a part of the takeover as well." The next-generation special forces is an aggressive anti-terrorism squad deployed to counter acts of political violence involving weapons of mass destruction such as nuclear, biological and chemical warfare methods. The combat philosophy is derived from the one used for Force 21, and most of the recruits come from a mercenary background. The men are intensively trained in VR environment, and well beyond even those of Delta Force or the Night Stalkers. While the government categorically denies the accusation, there are persistent rumors that the men have been genetically enhanced to increase tactical advantage. FOXHOUND and the next-generation special forces. They were without a doubt the most skilled group of fighting men produced by the U.S., and they had hijacked a nuclear arsenal. Richard had more bad news. "There are also civilian hostages involved. Two of them happen to be the DARPA chief, Donald Anderson, and Kenneth Baker, the president of ArmsTech, Inc." The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is the research satellite of the U.S. Defense Department, charged with planning and leading the development of new weapons technology; AT happens to be one of the top three defense contractors in the country. There is no such thing as a coincidence, especially the kind that involves the head of these two organizations meeting in an out-of-way nuclear weapons disposal plant. I decided to be direct with Richard. "There was something going on in that 'disposal' facility, I take it? Let me guess - a demonstration of a new weapon." "How should I know? Shadow Moses is also a prime Northern Lights observation locale, you know." Whatever Richard knew, he wasn't telling. But his evasiveness only confirmed my suspicions. Whatever was going on, this was no ordinary terrorist incident. With that in mind, I moved onto another point. "What are their demands?" "They want a body. Not just any corpse though -- they want FOXHOUND's founder, Big Boss. Legendary soldier, best fighting man of the twentieth century, the whole works." "His body? Why would they want something like that so badly?" "No idea, but unless they have it within 24 hours, they'll launch a nuclear strike. Richard glanced at the clock coolly. "So we have about 19 hours." "You don't seem too worried." "The DOD is already working on the situation." Just as I'd suspected. Richard always had a plan in place and the machinery in motion before opening up to someone else. All he asks from others is approval after the fact. "Shadow Moses is completely locked down. We had to rule out deploying an entire assault team. Instead, we're inserting a single operative to free the hostages and prevent the nuclear strike." "Impossible." "Possible, for Solid Snake." Solid Snake! The former FOXHOUND, a legend among mercenaries for single- handedly bringing down the fortress cities of Outer Heaven and Zanzibar Land. Yes, with Solid Snake in the picture, there was a possibility of success. But still. "USS Discovery, an Ohio-class nuclear submarine, is already in place with Snake aboard." So the plan was already a go. I looked Richard in the eye and held his gaze. "And what do I have to do with all this?" He grinned. "Snake may be a legend, but he knows jack about nuclear weapons. Which is why I'm asking you to be a part of mission support. We'll have you set up in no time." Right on cue, two men started to move a large piece of hardware, apparently communication equipment, into the study. Richard nodded towards the bulky load. "I'd like you to be available to Snake for consultation via satellite linkup." As soon as the equipment was in place, an engineer-type started to make adjustments. I could see another group of men setting up a satellite dish in the back yard. They were all in civilian clothes, but not a few of them had the build and the oddly-fitting jacket that marked them as armed military personnel. Clearly, refusal was not an option. But there was still something that puzzled me. NEST has a small investigative team, SRT, on standby at all time for immediate response. They were stationed at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, just over in Nevada. Clearly, they were the natural choice for this assignment. And if not the SRT, the DIA also had a number of qualified nuclear weapon specialists. Richard had started to direct his men on where to set up the equipment, but I interrupted him. "Why me?" He turned and answered without missing a beat. "I need people I can trust. There's too much at stake." It was a lie. The Richard Ames I knew trusted no one. But it was clear that whatever the reason, he did not intend to tell me. "It's a good thing I was in. What would you have done if I weren't?" "You have to be somewhere. We would have located you." "I'm sure you would have." "So are you in?" I took a deep breath. "Of course." I don't enjoy being a pawn, especially Richard's, but I had no intention of standing by while nuclear terrorism was in progress. A nuclear strike takes an untold number of lives, all in a blink of an eye. Adults and infants, women and men, it kills indiscriminately. If there was a chance that I could do something to stay the hand on the nuclear button, I had to do it. "So everything is set," Richard slapped a fist into the other palm. "Insertion was a success. Snake is on Shadow Moses." Richard walked into the study with the update he'd just received from one of this men. The study was almost unrecognizable, thanks in part to the racks of communication hardware. Cables snaked across every square inch of available space, and engineers and DIA agents were coming and going in controlled chaos. The place looked like what it now was - a temporary mission control room. Richard laid a hand on my shoulder. "You should be hearing from him soon. You're clear on how to use the radio?" I nodded assent. While the engineers were busy setting up the equipment, I had been briefed on its use as well as the mission. Snake had been delivered to the general area of Shadow Moses Island by USS Discovery, an Ohio-class nuclear submarine. He was then ejected from the submarine on a swimmer delivery vehicle (SDV), which he abandoned once within the range of under-water listening devices located near the disposal plant. He would swim the rest of the way, in the freezing cold Bering Sea water. The last leg of the insertion struck me as nothing short of suicidal until I learned that Solid Snake was outfitted with a state-of-the-art sneaking suit and had been injected with a compound designed to prevent the onset of hypothermia. In addition, while Snake would be the only field operative involved, he would be in radio contact with a support team during much of the mission. The members of this support team drew from a wide range of backgrounds. The mission control officer was Colonel Roy Campbell, who would remain aboard the USS Discovery. I knew him by reputation alone. He was a former FOXHOUND commander, and Solid Snake's CO during the quelling of the 1999 Zanzibar Land uprising. He had retired soon after, but after the looks of things, he had been called out of retirement for this mission. Dr. Naomi Hunter, a genetic engineering expert on a temporary assignment from the gentech giant ATGC, was also on the team. She had apparently been leading the bioengineering program for FOXHOUND. Richard matter-of-factly confirmed that both FOXHOUND and the next-generation special forces had been undergoing genetic manipulation to enhance their combat capability. I have a difficult time grasping what we have come to -- modifying a person's essential genetic structure for the sake of creating a better soldier. Also aboard the Discovery was Mei Ling, the inventor of the new radar and communication system deployed for this mission. She was something of an engineering wunderkind, an MIT student who managed to turn the current protocol of secure communication completely on its head. The last of the support team was McDonnell Miller, a former survival instructor for FOXHOUND. Unlike the rest of us, he had volunteered his services upon receiving news of the incident on Shadow Moses. Like myself, he was working via satellite linkup from his home in Alaska. The five of us were more than equipped to support Snake from our respective areas of expertise, but Snake was still the lone field operative and the mission was a desperate one. Despite that, Richard maintained that this was the most workable plan produced by the DOD situational analysis. In hindsight, perhaps I should have suspected something then. The signs of a conspiracy were there, cleverly disguised as it was in a seemingly reckless mission plan. But we failed to see it, and both Solid Snake and I were to regret our folly bitterly. "It's time, Nastasha," Richard called out as the call signal came on. The line was already live as I nodded to him and took my position. I could feel myself growing keener, more on edge. "This is Nastasha Romenko. Good to meet you, Solid Snake." "You the nuke expert that the Colonel was talking about?" The voice that responded over the radio was, above all things, calm. Here was a man operating alone out of a deeply hostile territory, and I could sense nothing resembling tension or impatience in his tone. Instead, it was as level and unruffled as someone answering a routing telephone call at their office desk. Impressed, I continued on. "Correct. If you have any questions about nuclear technology, all you need to do is ask. My department is military analysis, so I should be able to provide support with weapons information as well. I was called into this mission as a Nuclear Emergency Search Team (NEST) consultant, and I'd like to emphasize that my cooperation was freely given. I have no intention of allowing any nuclear strikes on my watch, let alone the rogue kind. Let me work with you on this one." "You get to the point fast, don't you?" "There's a missile that's about to fly. A nuclear strike can never be someone else's problem, and I'm not good at standing around twiddling my thumbs. Not that I can do little more than advise in this case." That fact was all too obvious. Snake was the one who was putting his life on the line in Alaska, and I was safe and sound in California. All I could do was talk over the radio. Snake's voice became less abrupt. "It may not seem like much, but it's enough. No one's asking you to come out here and fight. That's my job. Anyway, Nastasha, I'll be counting on your help." It was a strangely comforting voice, a voice that inspired trust. "Same here." As I answered, I resolved to myself to do everything in my power to help him complete this mission. "The nuclear weapons disposal plant on Shadow Moses dates back to 2002. It was built solely for the purpose of temporarily storing nuclear warheads slated for disposal." I started to brief Snake on the background of the disposal facility, running through the points he needed to know. My first short exchange with Solid Snake ever, and I was beginning to understand why he was called the man who "makes the impossible, possible." The icy calm in the face on insurmountable difficulty, the absolute confidence, made it suddenly seem possible that he would pull off this deadly mission. He had the power to make me believe. I grew conscious of Richard's gaze. "What?" "Oh -- it's just that you have a kind of glow about you when you're working. I like it." "A glow? Funny you used to call it workaholism in the past. You found it very unappealing, I recall." "Time flies. People change their minds." "It's called nostalgia. You'll dislike it again soon enough." "Perhaps" Richard continued to look at me. Solid Snake certainly managed to live up to his reputation. He adroitly wove his way through the enemy's patrols and infiltrated the nuclear weapons disposal plant, where he made contact with Donald Anderson, the DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) director. Throughout the mission, we had radio monitoring capability over Snake's every movement thanks to his internal nanomachines. It was through this access channel that I learned a shocking fact. Donald Anderson -- discovered in solitary confinement by Solid Snake -- confirmed that the terrorists had full nuclear capability, and that Shadow Moses Island was the site of field exercise for Metal Gear. Metal Gear. The very mention of that name sent me reeling. It was the ultimate weapon, a nuclear-capable bipedal tank that could launch a rapid and accurate nuclear strike from virtually nay terrain, from mountains to marshlands to the desert dunes. It could bestow the dubious privilege of initiating a missile strike from sites that were previously out of the question as launch locations. For that very reason, analysts had long predicted that if brought to fruition, Metal Gear technology would rewrite the tactical map of the world. There are speculations that this Unholy Grail of weapons development was being pursed late last century in the South African fortress state of Outer Heaven, then in the ultra-nationalist sovereignty of Zanzibar Land of Central Asia. One source went so far as to claim that a working prototype had been produced, but the weapon never made it onto the world military stage; instead, it was destroyed by a special forces operative. The squad in question was FOXHOUND, and the operative was a man codenamed Solid Snake. I briefly wondered if it were some strange quirk of fate that had brought Snake into this latest incident, but I knew Richard too well. Snake had to have been called in because of his past battles. Whoever had planned this mission had been thorough, and the more I realized the fact, the less I liked it. A few years ago, I interviewed a high-ranking DOD official and led the conversation to the subject of Metal Gear. His response at the time was that the U.S. had very little interest in developing a weapon like Metal Gear (not that he officially admitted that such a thing as the Metal Gear existed -- on a purely a hypothetical lever, IF such a technology were available.) With the collapse of the Soviet Union, nuclear arsenals built to enforce the idea of mutually assured destruction had lost its justification, and the deterrent argument was losing ground. In the current "multilateral world order rife with smaller regional powers" as he put it, development priority lay with cruise missiles and smaller weapons with lower lethality that could be carried by stealth bombers. He also went on to not that Metal Gear, with its affinity for rough terrain, would be extremely difficult to discover and destroy. Hence, it was the perfect nuclear strike system for rogue states. He was deeply concerned that if such non-democratic sovereignties were to get a hold of Metal Gear technology, the resulting upset in the balance of military power would lead to a massive rupture in world order. It was a fear that I myself shared. An artifact of the Cold War. The devil's candy, created by nuclear proliferation. That was what Metal Gear seemed to be. So why was this weapon, a cutting-edge technology that was politically long-obsolete, being developed once again on American soil? It was possible that the Defense Department wanted to restore last century's nuclear strategy to the national agenda. Or did this new Metal Gear have something that set if far apart from Metal Gear as I knew it? Anderson had more to say. Metal Gear's launch key consisted of two separate passwords, on held by Anderson himself and the other by Kenneth Baker, the president of ArmsTech. Anderson's own password was already in the terrorist' hands, and he feared that the same was true for Baker's. A renegade FOXHOUND psychic, codenamed Psycho Mantis, had literally read Anderson's mind and obtained the key. The bottom line was that the terrorists could activate Metal Gear and launch the missile whenever they pleased. The worst-case scenario had come true. However, Anderson revealed that there was still a way to prevent the nuclear strike. Kenneth Baker alone had the emergency override key that could be used to reenter the launch code and cancel the missile launch. Even if the terrorists had already completed preparation for a strike, the override would reverse the process. His only hope now riding on obtaining the override key, Snake attempted to leave the cell area with Anderson in tow. We heard the terrible cries over the radio at the same time Snake did. Anderson had suddenly started to clutch at his own chest in agony, and before we could even recover from our initial shock, he was dead. Dr. Naomi Hunter, monitoring the situation from onboard USS Discovery, tentatively diagnosed the cause of death as a hear attack. Snack walked out of the cell alone in search of Kenneth Baker, leaving behind what had until recently been Donald Anderson, chief of DARPA. "All right, what exactly is going on here?" I confronted Richard as soon as I confirmed Snake's safe departure. "You know the situation. There was a Metal Gear field exercise being conducted on Shadow Moses. FOXHOUND and the next-generation commandos were in charge of the exercise, and now they're threatening to use the Metal Gear to launch a nuclear strike." "Apparently, I didn't know about that particular situation." "If you say so." I glared at Richard, but he didn't turn a hair. He knew as well as I did that I could not abandon the mission. Even if I did refuse to cooperate further, there was an entire group of DOD personnel around me that would not permit that to happen. I briefly closed my eyes and brought the recent events into focus again. "What happened to Anderson? Why is he dead?" This time, I could see a trace of a reaction in Richard's eyes. "It's hard to say from our end. Naomi thinks it was a heart attack but -- I'll have his medical records pulled just in case. He turned and left the study, presumably to give orders to that effect. The sounds and the voice being broadcast from the radio told me that Snake was moving deeper into the complex in search of Kenneth Baker. Snake found the ArmsTech president in one of the underground levels. Kenneth Baker was bound to a steel girder along with multiple packets of C4 explosives. Before Snake could free Baker, he came face to face with the originator of this trap: a FOXHOUND operative called Revolver Ocelot. It seemed that he had anticipated Baker's rescue attempt upon receiver news of Snake's arrival. According to Naomi Hunter, the former director of FOXHOUND's genetic manipulation program, Revolver Ocelot is a former Spetznaz. He moved into OMON (Otryad Militsii Osobogo Naznacheniya, the Interior Ministry riot squad, AKA Black Berets) and the SVR (the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service) -- a successor to the KGB's First Chief Directorate - after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but was unable to adapt to the new regime and dropped out. He cut a swath through the world's hot spots as a mercenary before being recruited by FOXHOUND. As his codename indicates, Ocelot is a master marksman with a marked preference for revolvers. We could hear the gun battle between Snake and Ocelot over the radio. Ocelot was using an antique Single Action Army revolver against Snake's SOCOM pistol. The first Single Action Army Revolver was manufactured in 1873. A small number of them are still in production today, but strictly for collectors and antique weapon fanciers; using this outmoded weapon for live combat is unheard of. But Ocelot seemed to invest the vintage gun with diabolical powers. He would purposefully fire against the walls and the floor, weaving a tight web of ricocheting bullets around Snake, gradually hemming him in. All we could do was silently monitor the battle. However, Snake was slowly but surely gaining the upper hand by dodging the ricochets and exploiting the revolver's lengthy reload window. Finally, just as Snake was about to deliver the decisive blow, an explosion rang out. "My hand!" Ocelot's scream came a second later, followed by more explosions. "What the hell is going on!?" Richard cried. The controller in charge of the data sent in by Snake's nanomachines started a running commentary. "We don't know yet. I'm seeing a life sign other than those of Snake, Ocelot or Baker." Explosions continued to boom out over the radio. "The unidentified fourth subject is knocking down girders. No sign of firearm use! Whatever it is, it's moving fast!" The controller's voice rose with excitement. "The speed is well above anything a human being should be able to handle." The situation was chaotic. I could make out Ocelot's voice through the roar of collapsing metal. "Stealth camouflage! Someone left a job only half done! As for you -- we'll continue this later!" It seemed Ocelot had left the area. The explosion went on one after the other as girders crashed to the ground. In the midst of the collapse, Snake confronted what we could only guess was the fourth life sign. "Who are you?" "I'm like you, I have no name." It was not human, but an artificial machine voice that answered. In spite of the metallic tones, there seemed to be in that voice an unspeakable pain. Baker's labored groans could be heard over the conversation. "You have a reinforced skeleton -- !?" Suddenly, the possessor of the metal voice let loose an animal howl. The shattering scream set the communication speakers screeching, and I instinctively covered my ears to shut out the maddening sound. The cry went on and on, then cut out as abruptly as it had begun. In the ringing silence, the controller's voice floated out, thin and hollow. "The fourth subject had disappeared." The words brought us out of a state of shock. "Can we track him?" "Negative. He's vanished, no traces." "Collect as much data as you can." "I have the full results on information relayed by the nanomachines. There's an electromagnetic pattern that resembles a stealth camouflage signature." "Stealth camo and reinforced exoskeleton," Richard muttered, deep in thought. "Not everything is happening according to plan, I take it?" I inquired with some sarcasm. "It's within acceptable deviation. The mission will go on as planned." For a split second, his eyes betrayed his disquiet; then he quickly recovered his characteristic arrogance. "You just concentrate on your job." Snake had called the fourth life sign the 'Ninja'. I could not help but wonder about the identity of the name's bearer, and what it was that accounted for the superhuman abilities he had just demonstrated. Far away on Shadow Moses Island, Snake was attempting to raise the shaken Kenneth Baker back on his feet. We could hear Snake asking him about the nuclear launch code, knowing the answer even as he spoke. Baker painfully acknowledged that he had volunteered the information. His arm hung broken and useless by his side, presumably Ocelot's handiwork. According to Naomi Hunter's intelligence, Revolver Ocelot had served as a Special Interrogations Consultant in the Soviet gulags during the days with the Spetznaz. In other words, he was an expert in torture. There was no way that the weapons technology executive, an untrained civilian, could withstand the techniques of coercion developed in the cells of Lubianka. We now had confirmation that the terrorists possessed both launch keys. The situation was more desperate that ever. Baker's response to Snake's queries about the emergency override keys was almost grim. He had entrusted a soldier, a woman who had refused to join the mutiny, with it while they had been sharing the cell. I caught Snake's sudden murmur. "The Colonel's niece?" The 'Colonel' was presumably Campbell, and Snake seemed to know something I certainly did not. I stole a glance at Richard, but his expression was as closed as ever. He no doubt had known from the outset about the presence of Campbell's niece on Shadow. Snake was pressing Baker, asking him whether there was a way to stop the launch without the override code. The executive gave him a name: Dr. Hal Emmerich. If it were indeed the case that the launch codes were in hostile hands and the strike sequence had been started, it stood to reason that the only person who may know of a way to cancel the launch was the chief of Metal Gear's development program. As Snake promised to search out Emmerich, Baker handed him a single optical disc. It contained, he said, all the data from the training exercise. What exercise data? He had to be referring to the Metal Gear exercise. I saw Richard raise his eyebrow sharply. Baker, oblivious to the frenzy of speculation he had remotely set off, continued. "There's no need to feign ignorance. You were sent to retrieve this, and we both know it." I was now even more puzzled than ever. If Metal Gear was being developed on Shadow Moses, surely the research data was backed up somewhere outside of the ArmsTech Lab. Not only that, but why would the president of the company have been carrying the data himself? I was apparently not alone in my disconcertment. Snake took the disc, obviously uncertain. It was clear that he, like myself, had not been briefed on the existence of the disc. The disc safely out of his hands, Baker's tones became pleading. "You have to stop them. If the truth got out, AT would be finished -- I would be finished!" "But Metal Gear technology is already a known factor." "The core technology is, but that's not -- " Baker trailed off, suddenly pale with pain. "Oh God, what did you do to me?" We could hear his labored coughing as he gasped out. "It can't be. That thing! Damn Pentagon bureaucrats! I get it now! You son of a -- !" He tried to lunge at Snake, but reeled back in a fresh wave of pain. Still clutching his chest he fell down, dead. It was too similar to the last moments of Donald Anderson's life, and the fact had not escaped Snake. He was immediately on the radio with Campbell. "Colonel, you'd better be listening real well. This one dropped dead too." Snake demanded an explanation, but neither Campbell nor Dr. Hunter could provide an adequate one. Snake was clearly dissatisfied, but Campbell directed Snake to cooperate with his niece, Meryl. The only way left to prevent a nuclear strike was to obtain the emergency override key, and the key was in Meryl's hands. Snake walked away from Baker's body in search of the elusive commando. Kenneth Baker had been colluding with Donald Anderson, the DARPA chief, to secretly develop a new Metal Gear on the government's so-called Black Budget. My later investigations revealed that regular payments in the tens of thousands of dollars had been made to the cooperate account of a firm for which Anderson's wife ostensibly acted as a consultant. The ArmsTech payoff into this dummy company had started several years ago. The total amount is difficult to estimate, but there is little doubt that Anderson had been bribed to the tune of an astronomical sum. Even the government's Black Budget had limits, however. I recalled a rumor from some years before the Anderson payoff started. The CNO (Chief of Naval Operations) at the time had a classified pet project, and the scuttlebutt was that it involved the construction of a completely new type of battleship. Just what kind of a ship was never revealed, since the entire program fell apart after the CNO suddenly passed away. The unexpected death coincided with ArmTech's launch of the Metal Gear development program. The Black Budget earmarked for the CNO's little project must have been freed up by his death; the question was whether it had been freed up for allocation to the new Metal Gear development. The manner of the CNO's death was officially ruled a suicide, but I could not help recall the theories to the contrary that had made its rounds back then. Whatever the background, Anderson and Baker's deaths could not be a coincidence. Anderson's dying words included a reference to the Pentagon, and I was certain that there was more to it than met the eye. "So now Baker is dead as well. Are you looking into his medical records too?" I asked Richard. "We'll do that. Just as a precaution." He did not seem particularly disturbed. It may have been for the best, anyway, Having to baby-sit a senior citizen with a broken arm sure wasn't going to help Snake with his mission. "You haven't changed a bit, I see." "What?" "That bad-boy act of yours. You only talk like an insensitive jerk to divert attention from something. I wonder what you're hiding?" Richard turned away. "Nothing. There's nothing to hide." Having successfully made radio contact with Meryl, Colonel Campbell's niece, Solid Snake agreed to put off a rendezvous with her in favor of rescuing Dr. Hal Emmerich, the chief of Metal Gear development. He reached the lab just as the Ninja was attempting to attack Dr. Emmerich, and the two fighters immediately squared off. Snake and the Ninja launched into a silent hand-to- hand combat, a balletic exchange of blows that seemed almost to serve as a private dialog. The fighting seemed interminable to us as we followed over the radio, but just as in the last encounter, the Ninja suddenly let loose an inhuman howl, and vanished in the maelstrom of its ragged echo. It was our second encounter with the Ninja, and we were as in the dark about him as ever. But Snake had recognized something during their battle, and he raised Campbell on the radio. "Its Gray Fox -- the Ninja is Gray Fox. I'm 100% sure." "That's impossible. You took him in Zanzibar Land." We could hear the perturbation in Campbell's voice. Naomi Hunter suddenly cut in. "Yes, he was supposed to have been killed. But he wasn't." Dr. Hunter revealed that her predecessor at the helm of FOXHOUND's genetic treatment program, one Dr. Clark, had been conducting human testing. Gray Fox, the alpha soldier of FOXHOUND and the only member allowed the FOX designation, was the subject. After he had been shipped back from Zanzibar Land mortally wounded, his superior physical abilities and combat skills had marked him as an ideal test subject for genetic manipulation and skeletal reinforcement experiments. He was listed as killed in action, but kept alive in a lab. I could not help but note with some surprise the emotional tone in which the normally collected geneticist described these events. When Snake asked why she had not volunteered the truth of the Ninja's identity earlier, Naomi had only a terse reply. 'It was classified information. According to records she had seen, the subject "Gray Fox" had died in an accidental lab explosion two years ago. I turned to Richard. "Is this true?" "What's true?" "The accident in the lab." "It's true. The cause of the explosion was never determined. Dr. Clark died in the accident, and the only remains they could find of Gray Fox were fragments of the reinforced skeleton." "So Naomi wasn't the only one who knew about this and didn't say anything." "It was classified information." Richard mimicked. Snake secured Dr. Emmerich after the Ninja's departure. Amazingly enough, the engineer had believed Metal Gear to be a portable tactical missile defense system, rather than a nuclear-capable tank. It was a peculiar irony that the chief developer himself had been unaware that the project was one of offense, rather than defense. On discovering that he had been deceived, Dr. Emmerich volunteered his expertise to Snake. He mentioned his grandfather's involvement in the Manhattan Project, and the ethical turmoil the man had carried with him to the end of his days as a result. Ironically enough, the older scientist's son, Hal Emmerich's father, was born on the day the atomic bomb had found Hiroshima. "Three generations - sometimes I wonder if nuclear warfare is our personal albatross, an inherited pathology." We could hear the pain and the regret in Dr. Emmerich's voice. He seemed genuinely upset that the technology he had developed purely for the furthering of knowledge and betterment of mankind had been exploited for weapons development. You may call me harsh, but I felt little sympathy for him. Technological and scientific innovation need not have direct bearing on nuclear or biological research to contribute to the making of weapons of mass destruction. After all, the Ninja was born of genetic engineering and cybernetic research, which could easily have healed a civilian rather than improved upon a soldier. A scientist cannot plead naivet� to the practical products of their own research. The consequences must be anticipated, and the ethical burden of a newly developed technology must ultimately rest with the individual researcher. I wonder if Dr. Emmerich would ever realize that onus. Freed from the laboratory where he was being held, Emmerich cloaked himself with a stealth camouflage of his own making and promised to keep out of sight. With the stealth camo, he could easily evade the terrorists' surveillance. His rescue charge safe, Snake departed for a rendezvous with Meryl. Snake's objective was to meet with Meryl and re-enter the launch code using her override key, outwitting the FOXHOUND psychic Psycho Mantis all the while. To this end, he headed towards the hangar where Metal Gear was being stored. The best laid plans: Meryl was ambushed on the way by the FOXHOUND sharpshooter Sniper Wolf. Snake, attempting to rescue the wounded commando, was himself captured. He was taken to the terrorist command post still unconscious, stripped of all his gear. However, his cochlear-implant radio passed unnoticed, and we could hear the terrorists conferring about the incapacitated operative. We gathered from their talk that the preparations for the nuclear launch were complete. Richard was unusually intent on identifying the individual terrorists in the room. From the voices involved in the conversation, we confirmed the presence of Sniper Wolf, Revolver Ocelot, and the leader of this uprising himself, Liquid Snake. What little I knew of Liquid Snake was troubling, and it came entirely from a slim file folder Richard showed me just prior to mission commencement. The man with the same designation as Solid Snake was recruited into FOXHOUND after Solid Snake's departure from the unit. His fighting skills were formidable, and he quickly rose to the leadership position in FOXHOUND's field operation team. His real name, place of origin and other information remained classified. Only a single photograph accompanied the documents, and I had not been able to contain my astonishment at the sight of it. "It's not a mistake. That IS Liquid Snake," said Richard, echoing my thoughts. "But -- how?" The face in the photo was the spitting image of Solid Snake. "I wouldn't know. But once the two Snakes run into each other, something may come out." His words were noncommittal, but Richard's tone spoke volumes. And now, the two Snakes - Solid and Liquid - had indeed come fact to face. But Liquid had little to say. "So long, brother." He called out before turning and walking away. The voice was full of hatred, but there was also something in it that seemed to confirm and gleefully anticipate another meeting. Why this was so was as mysterious to me as the reason he called Solid Snake 'brother'. I would no find out the truth until a little later. What awaited Snake after his brief encounter with Liquid was Ocelot's KGB-tested 'interrogation' techniques. Ocelot apparently had no interest in extracting information, but rather appeared to be enjoying the acts of torture for their own sake. Snake's ragged gasps echoed from the radio in the silence of the control room. The heart rate and other physiological data transmitted by his nanomachines graphically demonstrated the extent of his suffering. All we could do was listen and wait. After Ocelot was done, the battered Snake was taken to a cell. Campbell soon established radio contact with him, but Snake had some hard questions for his former CO instead. He had realized that Metal Gear was a nuclear delivery system, and for once, Campbell was at a loss for an answer. "So you did know about this all along!" Snake rasped out bitterly. Campbell continued to be silent. It was all the confirmation Snake needed. "You should have told me." "I'm sorry." "Pawns don't need to know, is that it? You've changed." Campbell had no rebuttal to Snake's barbs. According to Campbell, even the President had apparently been unaware of the existence of Project Rex until the day before. To make matters more complicated, he was due to meet with the Russian president the following day for the formal signing of START3. The treaty stipulated further reduction of the nuclear arsenal, picking up where START2 left off. The agreement would reduce the number of Russian and American tactical ballistic missiles to somewhere between two thousand and twenty-five hundred, and the signing was a historic event that had been made possible by long and arduous process. If the fact that a new nuclear weapon was being developed by the United States were made public, there was a significant chance that the signing would never take place. Worse still, the loss of confidence in America's commitment to non-proliferation could create international turmoil. The government clearly had every reason to keep the situation under wraps, and there were ample indication that the terrorists had counted on the fact. The timing of this takeover as well as the twenty-four hour deadline said as much. Campbell continued to plead his case with Snake. "Snake, you've got to stop them." "Sing it to someone else." "You're the only hope we have." "All right then, tell me what this new warhead is about." "I told you, I don't know." "I don't believe you." "..." "If the situation is so desperate, why don't you accept their demands? Give them Big Boss's body. It's just a corpse." "That's not an option." Campbell was floundering under the barrage of Snake's questions. "Is there a reason you can't comply with that demand? A reason you haven't told me?" Naomi broke in as Campbell fell silent. "The President passed a number of policies that severely restrict genetic engineering on humans. He can't afford to have the public know about the military's use of genetically-enhanced soldiers." "Is that really all there is to it?" Campbell did not reply. I received a call from Snake soon after. Captive, alone in enemy territory, unable to trust his own mission controllers to tell him the truth - there was little I could say to help a man in Snake's situation. "Capture does not mean defeat. Stay vigilant for a chance to escape, and don't give up." I had doubts about the effectiveness of these words coming from someone with no combat experience, but it was the best I could offer. We had no choice but to trust in Snake's abilities. As I closed the radio channel, I caught Richard studying me. "Yes?" "You're very -- passionate about this job." "Do you object? It's the job you forced on me, after all." "No, but I admit that I'm a little jealous." "Ah, the jealousy act. Yes, I know that one too." Richard averted his eyes. "I wouldn't call it an act. If - no, forget it." He lit a cigarette. Chesterfields. The same brand as Humphrey Bogart. "You still smoke the same brand." You know me. Once I decide I like something I can't kick the habit. Cigarettes, line of work, woman - everything." He didn't look at me as he replied. The torture was conducted again and again, solely for the purpose of breaking Snake. He held out each time, but his strength was steadily ebbing, and the voice we heard over the radio was growing more labored. "Naomi, talk to me. I need something to distract me." "What do you want me to talk about?" "Anything." "I'm not good at finding things out to talk about" "Tell me about yourself." "About me? That's not so easy." "You got any family?" "It's not a very happy story." "I don't have any family. I guess there was one person, someone who called himself my father." "Where is he?" "Dead. I killed him." I was even more taken aback by what Campbell volunteered next. "You're talking about Big Boss." "What? Big Boss was your -- ?" "No reason you should have known." Campbell elaborated to Naomi. "It was six years ago, in Zanzibar Land. Snake and I are the only ones who know about it now." "Oh God -- was Big Boss really your father?" Naomi still seemed disbelieving. "That's what he said, and that's all I know." "You knew and you still killed him?" "Yeah." "Why?" Naomi asked fiercely. There was a pause before Snake answered. "Because that's what he wanted. And what I wanted." "But it's still - patricide." "Yeah. I know. My personal nightmare too." Snake's voice was the faintest we had heard. "Is that why you left FOXHOUND?" "Maybe. I can't deny that it felt good to lose myself. It's easy to do that in Alaska." After a moment of silence, Naomi confided in a low voice. "I don't really have a family of my own either. I have a brother who put me through college, that's it. He's not a biological brother -- and a lot older than me." "Where's he now?" Naomi's reply was deeply pained. "He's gone." There was deep sorrow in her voice, and, I thought, something more. "A stepbrother who put her thought school. I wasn't told about that." Richard muttered. There was suspicion in his voice, and puzzlingly enough, a hint of anger. I opened the personnel profile on Naomi. Naomi Hunter. Born New York City, 198X. Ph.D. in genetics. Recruited by the industry giant ATGS soon after completing doctoral program, moved to California's so-called Biotech Bay area. Led several genetic therapy programs, until recruited by FOXHOUND to fill the post of chief geneticist as a result of her accomplishments in this field. Parents died in car collision when Naomi was two years old. One brother, ten years her senior, a U.S. Marine. Killed in training-related accident when Naomi was seventeen. Richard thought for a minute, then scribbled something in his notebook. Summoning one of his men, he tore the page out and handed it to him. "Wire this message to the skipper of USS Discovery. And make sure Campbell doesn't know about it." "What are you plotting now?" I knew even as I asked that Richard would not respond. The torture was repeated time and again, but Snake managed to take advantage of the guard's waning vigilance and escape. The location and the fate of his fellow hostage, Meryl, eluded us. Evading the intense manhunt that followed, Snake still refused to stray from the course that led to the Metal Gear hangar. What drove him? Guilt for Meryl's capture and an urge to avenge her? A sense of duty to the mission? The will to stop the carnage of a nuclear strike? None of them seemed to apply to Snake. He was an enigma. We could do little but watch over him as he ran, wounded and exhausted. After successfully taking on Sniper Wolf as she reemerged for an ambush, Snake closed in on the Metal Gear hangar only to discover Vulcan Raven blocking his way. The giant FOXHOUND operative, armed with a fighter-plane GATT ling gun, was a daunting enemy. In the end, however, Snake eventually prevailed. The stricken Rave, leaning against the wall, started to speak as Snake approached him. "There are some breeds of snakes that nature never intended. I think you and the Boss belong to one of those. Go and settle it with him. I'll be watching how it ends." The dying Raven then dropped the bombshell. "I'll give you one clue. The man who died in front of you wasn't the DARPA chief. It was Decoy Octopus - one of us FOXHOUNDs. He was a master of disguise. I guess the Grim Reaper was the only one he couldn't fool." "Is he dead?" Raven did not answer Snake's sharp query. Snake tried another track. "Why go to all that trouble and impersonate Anderson?" Raven smiled faintly. "That's all the clue you're going to get. Everything else, you'll have to figure out yourself." A few minute later, Vulcan Raven died. Richard was chagrined. "So that's how it was. They had us completely fooled." "Why would Octopus impersonate Anderson?" I asked. "I don't know. Maybe to get information out of Snake." "That would mean that they knew Snake was coming." Richard stubbed out the cigarette without answering. His face was expressionless, but I knew exactly what he was thinking. We had a leak. While Richard and I were talking, a call was made to Snake. "Snake, it's me -- " "Master?" Snake answered. It was apparently Master Miller. "I need to talk to you about Naomi Hunter. Turn the monitoring off -- " Miller had barely finished his instruction before Campbell cut in. "What about Dr. Hunter?" Miller made an exasperated sound. It was clear that he had not intended Campbell to hear what he had to say. "Colonel, is Naomi there?" Snake asked. "No she's trying to catch up on her sleep." "Okay." Campbell turned his attention back to Miller. "What were you saying about Dr. Hunter?" "All right. Maybe it's better that the Colonel hears about this now." Miller said resignedly. "Go on," urged Snake. "That's not the real Naomi Hunter you're working with, Colonel." "What!?" Campbell raised his voice, astounded. Miller continued coolly. "Naomi Hunter does exist. Or rather, she did. She went missing in the Middle East some time ago. This impostor must have gotten a hold of her identity somehow." There were a number of ways to obtain someone's Social Security Number and commit an identity theft, certainly. But Dr. Naomi Hunter an imposter -- ! "Who is she really then!" Campbell was agitated, but Miller remained cool as ice. "Probably a spy." "A spy!" "Yes - sent in to ensure this mission's failure." "Are you saying she's one of the terrorists?" Campbell's tone was disbelieving, but Snake backed up his former instructor. "I don't want to believe it either, Colonel. But it's true that she's a FOXHOUND personnel." "So it would not be surprising if she took part in this insurrection." Campbell finished dully, as though Snake's words had crystallized his own doubts. "Or she could be working for another organization." Miller suggested. "Another -- ? No, that's not possible.." As Campbell trailed off, Miller spoke up, his tone ruthless. "Take her into custody, Colonel." "What!" "It's clear that Naomi Hunter is working against us. Interrogate her and find out what her objective is." "If she really is their spy, we're in serious trouble." Campbell murmured. Miller pounced on the gravity of the Colonel's tone. "What are you talking about?" "N-Nothing in particular." Campbell tried to recover himself. "Campbell, did you give her access to some other line of classified information?" "..." Campbell remained silent, but Miller pressed on. "Does it have anything to do with the way the DARPA chief or the ArmsTech president died?" "Look, I don't know what you're talking about." Clearly, Campbell knew something. It was equally obvious that he had no intention of revealing what he was privy to. Perhaps sensing that fact, Miller dropped the pursuit abruptly. "In any case, it's too dangerous to retain her in the mission." "H-Hold on a minute. She is an integral part of this mission. In fact, we can't afford to proceed without her." Campbell was being too insistent about Dr. Hunter's value. I had to wonder if it was indeed the case that he had trusted her with highly classified information. Snake was also suspicious. "More secrets, Colonel?" "Give me time. I'll have her background and movements re-checked." That was all Campbell could say. "Hurry. Find out what she wants as quickly as possible." Miller was unrelenting. "Of course." Campbell agreed reluctantly. "Snake, just give me some time." "Time is something I wasn't given a lot of." Snake growled bitterly. "What's the deal?" I said to Richard. "Is Miller right about Naomi?" "I don't know, to be honest. It's obvious there were things in Dr. Hunter's past that I didn't know about. I'm having them go over her background again." Richard was visibly upset, a rare occurrence. I suddenly wondered there had been something between him and Naomi. Richard lit a cigarette and continued in a more composed tone. "But if what Miller said about Naomi is true, it raises questions about him in turn." "Why do you say that?" "He's supposed to be in his cabin in Alaska." "So I hear." "How did he manage to find out so much about Naomi by himself and from the middle of nowhere when the DIA investigators couldn't?" Richard called one of his men over and ordered them to look into Miller's activities. "You check up on even one of your own?" I asked as the agent who hurried away. "How do you know he's one of our own?" Richard shot back, blowing a stream of smoke. "Should I assume you don't trust me either?" "You're the one who doesn't trust me. Never have." He said quietly, and ground his cigarette into the ashtray. Snake had finally reached the Metal Gear hangar, and stood in the shadow of the machine's fifty-foot-tall bulk. But considering Metal Gear's state-of-the-art composite armor and Snake's limited arsenal, it was improbable that he could destroy the tank while evading enemy patrols. The most practical avenue of attack was to re-enter the launch code using the override key and thereby cancel the scheduled nuclear strike. As Snake methodically searched for the code entry interface, Emmerich radioed in. He had been making himself useful by breaking into Baker's protected files. From these, he had pieced together the true nature of Metal Gear and its prototype warheads. According to Emmerich, the weapon used a built-in rail gun to fire the ballistic missiles clear of the atmosphere. The missile would then automatically realign itself, and reenter the atmosphere on its designated trajectory toward the target. I understood exactly what all this meant, and the knowledge left me cold. Normally, ballistic missiles go through four phases from launch to impact. The first is the boost phase, which consists of the time between the missile's launch and the point at which it leaves the atmosphere and exhausts its supply of rocket propellant. Following the burnout, the rocket enters the post-boost phase, which concludes with the separation of the reentry vehicle that contains the warhead. The third stage is the midcourse phase, in which the reentry vehicle separates and achieves a controlled descent back into the atmosphere. The warhead's reentry into the atmosphere and its arrival at the target mark the fourth and terminal phase. Current missile defense system detect incoming ballistic missiles by scanning for the rocket burn that takes place during the missile's boost stage. However, Metal Gear's missile technology employs a rail gun rather than convention rocket propulsion to achieve boost-stage acceleration. As a result, there is nothing for existing missile defense systems to detect. The rail gun's effectiveness is nothing short of amazing, with a range of over 3000 miles, rivaling that of mid-range ballistic missiles. It reliably homes in within 170 feet of the target 50% of the time, placing it in the same class as high-end ICBM's. The ability of a Metal Gear to conquer virtually all terrain means that the rail gun can launch a stealthy nuclear strike from almost any spot on the globe. This invisible attack would make it impossible for anyone to pinpoint the origin of a given missile even in the event of a strike. Without a clear aggressor to retaliate against, the concept of mutual assured destruction falls apart. Without the fear of MAD, the existing rules of nuclear non-engagement would no longer apply, and the world would fall into chaos. "I can't believe Naomi was Gray Fox's foster sister!" Richard murmured bitterly. "Are you happy? You know who she is now after all." "I wouldn't say that." Richard's expression was complex. "She said she wasn't the one who deployed FOXDIE." I decided to risk putting out a feeler. Richard said nothing, and that told me everything I needed to know. "It was you, wasn't it?" "Yes," I was taken aback by his ready admission. "FOXDIE was one of my projects." "And Naomi?" "Was a top-notch professional. The FOXDIE research had hit a brick wall when she pitched herself to us. She'd somehow heard that we were looking for a genetic engineering expert. As soon as she joined the team, the project took off in a major way." Richard paused, then plunged ahead. "I assigned her to lead the development effort. When the virus was finally engineered, it was she that named it FOXDIE." "What I thought was dedication to the work was actually thirst for vengeance. She didn't let that slip, not once." He murmured ruefully. I knew what his relationship had been with Naomi when I studied his face. "You were seeing her." "She was using me." He corrected and gave a hollow laugh. At that point, one of his men came tearing over. After an urgent whisper, Richard's face grew grim. "What happened?" "Master Miller wasn't Master Miller." Richard was visibly shaken. "What?" "The man I sent to investigate Miller just reported in. He found Miller murdered in his home, up in Alaska." "Who was it that we were talking to then --!" But there was no one who could provide an answer to that question. Around the same time on Shadow Moses, Snake had finally made it past the enemy's defenses and successfully re-entered the launch code. But something was amiss: as the code was accepted, an alarm was triggered. "Launch code entered." An electronic voice intoned. "All systems ready. Standby for missile launch." Snake stared around him, aghast. "No! I just overrode the launch authorization!" He cried. His questions were answered by an unexpected source when a radio call came in. "Thank you, Snake." It was Miller -- or rather, an imposter who had taken the murdered man's identity. "The launch preparations are now complete. Nothing can stop Metal Gear now." "Master, what's going on!" "We're very grateful to you. Not only did you bring the key, you just entered the launch code for us as well." "What?" "We never did get his part of the code form the DARPA chief. Even Mantis' abilities couldn't break through, and Ocelot managed to kill Anderson off before we could try anything else." As Snake listened in horror, "Miller" continued. "You see, we couldn't launch the missile. Not even a warning shot. We were dead in the water, with nothing to back up our demands." "Master, what are you saying?" "With the launch code out of our reach, we had to fall back on another plan. We decided to have you work for us, Snake." "What?" "Having Decoy Octopus impersonate the DARPA chief was a part of it. We were trying to extract information from you but -- FOXDIE got to him first," "Miller" said savagely. "Are you saying this whole thing was fixed?" Snake asked through clenched teeth. And it was all to get me to unlock the launch sequence?" The terrorist's mocking laugh rang out. "Did you think you got this far thanks to your own abilities? Think again." "Master, what about you? Are you a spy?" The other continued as though he had not heard Snake's question. "But everything is ready for the launch now. Once they get a taste of the new warhead, the White House will have to hand over the antidote. And they'll have nothing on us anymore, ever again." "Have nothing on you? What do they have on you now?" "The Pentagon's already accomplished what it set out to do with you. It happened right there in that torture chamber. You're the only one who's in the dark. It's not fun, is it, Snake?" He sneered. "Who are you!?" "I'll tell you -- if you manage to get to me." "Where are you?" "Very close, Snake. Very close." Campbell suddenly broke in. "Snake, that's not Miller!" "Hello Campbell. It's a little late for that," the impostor said mockingly. "Master Miller's body was discovered at his home. He's been dead three days. We didn't know sooner because the communication was down. According to Mei Ling, the transmission is originating inside that base." "Then who are you?" "You've been talking to me all along -- " The man responded. "... Snake." His voice suddenly changed, and I knew who it was. So did Snake. "Liquid..." Snake broke off communications, and started to run. Metal Gear had already been activated by the time Snake reached it. Liquid was about to climb into the pilot's seat when Snake called out to him, the barrel of his SOCOM pointed straight at Liquid. "Liquid!" "Are you going to shoot your own brother?" Liquid remained languid. "Why did you impersonate Miller?" "To manipulate you, of course." Liquid said conversationally as though the two were discussing the weather. "It worked too. You did exactly what we needed you to do." Snake's indignity was compounded by Liquid's next comment. "I'm sure your masters at the Pentagon agree." "Why do you keep mentioning them?" "You don't even question the orders that you're given any more, hm, Snake? Where's your pride? A warrior, reduced to a pawn." Liquid sighed exaggeratedly. "All this 'stopping the nuke, rescuing hostages', it's a charade." "Charade?" Snake was taken aback. "All the Pentagon wanted was to effect a meeting between us." Liquid explained, obviously enjoying Snake's reaction. "That's how the ArmsTech president and Decoy were gotten rid of." "Can't be..." "Actually, it can be. The point was to selectively kill us off and retrieve our extremely expensive genetically engineered corpses along with Metal Gear. You were sent in by the Pentagon merely as a FOXDIE vector!" Snake was in shock. "That's insane. And Naomi -- was she working with the Pentagon all along!?" "That's what they thought. But it seems she wasn't quite as soft as they read her to be." "What do you mean?" "I have ears at the DOD. Naomi apparently managed to make some tweaks to the virus right before the mission. Her motive and objective are unknown." I heard Richard's impatient grunt beside me. "Is that what you had Naomi arrested for? To discover why she did what she did?" Snake challenged. "Very good. It's disappointing that this was nothing more than a run-of-the-mill revenge scheme. But we still don't know what kind of changes she introduced to FOXDIE." Liquid fell silent for a moment, then continued. "But enough of that. I've already added the FOXDIE antidote to my list of demands to Washington." "There's an antidote?" Snake asked in surprise. "There should be. Hunter would be the only one to know but even that may not be necessary." "Why not?" "You've successfully infiltrated the facility. We've all been affected with the execution virus according to their plan. Octopus and the ArmsTech president died of it for certain. But neither myself nor Ocelot -- not to mention you - have shown any signs of infection." "You're saying there may be a flaw in FOXDIE's targeting program." "Who knows. But as long as you're healthy, I'm safe. We share the same genetic code after all." "So we are -- " "Twins, yes. But not in the ordinary sense. We're the flip sides of a counterfeit genetic coin. 'Enfants terrible'" Liquid's voice grew hoarse with anger. "You lucked out. They handpicked all of our father's superior traits for you." Snake was silent. His father, Big Boss, was a part of the past he wanted to leave behind, a past tainted by the crime of patricide. But Liquid was not finished. "Everything that was undesirable, I got. Or should I say that I was everything undesirable left over from the creation process that was designed to produce you. The only reason I came into being was so that you could be born." "How could I be the superior -- specimen?" "Oh, but you are. And I'm the dregs. You couldn't begin to understand what it was like starting out life as genetic garbage!" The hatred and rage in Liquid's voice shook us, and left Snake speechless. "But it was me that our father chose." Liquid said slowly and purposefully. "Is that why you're obsessed with Big Boss? Some kind of twisted love?" "Love? Hatred, my brother. He chose me knowing that I was biologically inferior. Now I'm about to pay him back for that crime!" Liquid laughed, mocking Snake's bewilderment. "You couldn't understand that either. Someone who got the chance to kill his own father wouldn't! You managed to deprive me even of that revenge. But I will accomplish what our father dreamt of and never achieved. That's how I'll kill him - by surpassing him." Liquid ended his proclamation by leaping into Metal Gear's cockpit. Snake fired a burst from his SOCOM, but the bullets ricocheted off Metal Gear's armor. "Damn!" Snake gnashed his teeth as Liquid called out mockingly from the cockpit. "Snake, count yourself lucky. You get to die by the greatest weapon the world has ever seen. It's the least I can do for my brother." Metal Gear, already in activation mode, started to stir. A high-pitched noise, like the whine of a turbo engine, began to sound as Liquid's voice boomed out of the amplifier, "I'll give you an advance showing of what the rest of the world will learn soon -- that the 21st century will belong to a devil they don't know!" Metal Gear struck at Snake like a living thing. Its state-of-the-art composite armor was virtually impregnable to all but high-yield explosives like HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank). But Dr. Emmerich had advised Snake to take out the radome and knock the sensors offline in a bid for survival. Snake struck again and again, but he was fighting a difficult battle, given Metal Gear's immense firepower and agility. Finally, one of Metal Gear's huge feet lashed out towards Snake in a crushing blow. "It's time to die, Snake!" Liquid called out. The foot hit the floor with a deafening crash. Snake, however, had escaped. Someone had pulled him out of the foot's path at the last second. "Get out of her now!" The voice was a familiar one. "Gray Fox!" Snake cried out. The Ninja -- or rather Gray Fox -- launched a fiery arc towards Metal Gear, destroying the radome. The tank froze in confusion for a second, and Snake and the Ninja found cover during the brief lull. "Why, Fox? Why are you helping me?" "I'm a captive, Snake. Death is my prison. You're the only one who can release me!" Gray Fox replied, his voice clear and sane. "Fox, don't involve yourself in this business anymore. Think about Naomi. She's destroying herself trying to avenge you!" "Yes, Naomi!" "You're the only one who can stop her," Snake urged, but Gray Fox's replay was discouraging. "No, I can't!" "Why not?" "I'm the one that killed her parents." Gray Fox's startling words stunned Snake. "I was just a child myself, and I couldn't stand to kill her too. I took her with me because it was the only way I could think of to assuage the guilt. I raised her to satisfy my half-baked conscience, but she gave me the love and respect I didn't deserve - called me her brother." "Fox -- " "We may have looked like a happy little family, but I was terrified every time she looked me in the eye - that she would see the truth. Tell her for me, will you? Tell her that I'm the one who took her family from her, not you." Many former child soldiers are permanently traumatized by their horrific was experiences. It was possible that Gray Fox's compulsions - whether it be taking in his victims' orphaned child or returning again and again to the battlefields with Big Boss -- had its roots in his childhood scars. "There you are!" Liquid called through Metal Gear's speakers. A concentrated volley of Vulcan cannon fire followed, the rounds closing in on Snake and the Ninja. "It's almost time to finish this," Fox cried. "I'll slow him down!" "Fox!" Before Snake could stop him, Gray Fox leapt out into the open and went for Metal Gear. We could hear the roar of Metal Gear's Vulcan cannon. Gray Fox's reinforced skeleton gave him a faster reflex, and he dodged the volley. But the next second, his body had been plucked up by Metal Gear's massive jaw. "Fox! Snake's shout reverberated throughout the hangar. Metal Gear's engine revved louder and Fox's reinforced skeleton creaked audibly. "How long will his bones hold out? Hm, Snake? Are you going to abandon him?" Liquid taunted. But Fox was far from dead. "A cornered fox is one of the most dangerous animals!" Laser fire burst from Fox's right arm and Metal Gear's radome exploded. Liquid was now blind, since Metal Gear's cockpit was completely sealed from the outside. "They didn't give you a Fox rank for nothing, old comrade. But this is where it ends!" Liquid's unamplified voice called out. He had apparently discarded the cockpit hatch to use his own eyes in lieu of sensors. The next thing we hear was an explosive crash. Was Gray Fox now under Metal Gear's foot? My fear was confirmed by the ominous and unmistakable sound of Fox's reinforced exoskeleton creaking under pressure. At the same time, we heard Fox's gasping voice. "Finally -- I can finally die, and with you as my witness. After Zanzibar Land they took away the fight from me. I wasn't dead but didn't feel alive. So futile for such a long time. But finally it's over!" Fox's voice was down to a whisper now. "Snake! We're not just tools for politicians and generals! All I did with my life was fight, but at least it was my choice. Goodbye, Snake." With a dull crunch, his reinforced skeleton finally gave away. "FOX!!" Snake screamed. Liquid laughed. "He was a fool. It was over the moment he begged for death." He ground Fox's battered corpse underfoot with Metal Gear, then bellowed. "Do you get it now! You can't protect anyone, let alone yourself! Die!" Metal Gear's Vulcan cannons roared into action. But with all sensors offline, the fire lacked its previous accuracy. Robbed of his old friend and comrade, Snake gave free rein to his rage. Taking up a Stinger missile launcher, he fired at Liquid, sitting exposed in his cockpit. It was a direct hit; even the composite armor could not protect against a shot that penetrated into the cockpit itself. Its piloting system destroyed, Metal Gear abruptly spun out of control and pitched towards the ground with a deafening screech. A massive explosion followed seconds later. Snake was still out cold, but his radio was online. We could hear smaller explosions from the wreck of the Metal Gear, and the sound of flames greedily sucking up the leaking fuel. Snake showed no signs of coming around. A few minutes later, a sound of footsteps emerged from the general chaos. It was moving towards Snake. There was a faint murmur. "Snake -- it's not over yet." It was Liquid's voice. "Snake!" I yelled into the radio, but Snake did not stir. "Isn't there any way to wake him?" I asked Richard, but he shook his head. Liquid had reached Snake's side, and to our surprise, picked up Snake's limp body. He started to carry Snake, heading in the direction of Metal Gear's prone form. We listened, helpless, in a tense silence. It was Snake's battle; there was next to nothing we could do. Liquid had now climbed onto Metal Gear's back, where he carelessly laid Snake down. He apparently planned to simply wait for his adversary to regain consciousness. "So -- " Liquid said. Snake was still out of action. "I know you're listening. You have a radio implant in this one." It was clear that Liquid was talking to us. "You think you've pulled off FOXDIE. Think again. You're never going to kill me with a thing like that. Never." The knowledge that he was already infected with the killer retrovirus made no difference to Liquid Snake. It was a force of will that commanded respect. "You have no idea how excited I am - knowing that you're still out there. Revenge is a candy I've been deprived of too many times!" The hatred in Liquid's voice was chilling. "You -- 'Patriots'!" At that moment, Snake let out a groan. He was starting to surface. "He's almost ready. Listen, all of you. When I've settled the score with this one, I'm coming after you next. I'm going to end your miserable lives in a way that'll make even the Reaper's stomach turn." "I'll look forward to it," Richard murmured starkly. Snake groaned again. He was apparently awake. "Still a light sleeper, huh?" Liquid said to Snake conversationally. "Liquid -- you're alive?" "You won't get rid of me, not as long as you're breathing." "Sorry your insurrection was a bust," Snake commented. "Do you think that I'll give up my fight just because we've lost Metal Gear?" Liquid had lost one of his confidence. "Your fight?" Snake shot back. "What's your real objective here?" "To make sure that the age of warriors comes again. Warriors like us, Snake." "That's Big Boss's pet delusion all over again." "No, his legacy!" Liquid exploded at Snake's words. "All throughout the Cold War - during the times of turbulence - the whole world wanted us. Gave us our due. We were needed!" He fell silent, as if to mourn for the days that were no more. "That's all changed. Hypocrisy and fraudulent peace are replacing warfare. There is a terrible emptiness that comes from losing an arena for your gifts. And the terror that you will become a dinosaur, no longer useful. You must know that fear better than anyone." Snake had no reply to Liquid's entreaty. I wondered whether Liquid's words had found their mark. "The prototype nuclear warheads will provide me with the leverage to acquire my campaign funds. The funds will make more global acts of terrorism possible. Violence begets violence, and this complacent world will erupt into confusion. Violence, mistrust, and conflict will compound each other and create more hatred -- and our sphere of usefulness, the ecosystem of war, will grow larger and larger." "As long as human beings are around, there will always be war, somewhere in the world." Snake argued. "There's no need to create more." "It's a question of balance," Liquid responded in a flash. "The balance that our father fought for." "And that's the only reason you need to do this?" "It's more than enough for me. And for you too." "That's not the kind of thing I want. Not now, not ever!" Liquid laughed at Snake's dogged refusal. "You're lying. Why do you think you're here? You've been lied to, betrayed by your own team. But you still wouldn't abandon the mission. Why?" Snake could not answer. "I'll tell you why," Liquid continued. "Because you enjoy it. The thrills. And the kills." "No, that's not -- !" Snake was struggling for words, but Liquid cut in. "Are you going to deny it? You've killed dozens of my men today." "But that was-" As Snake faltered, Liquid laughed in contempt. "Every time you delivered the kill shot, your face brightened up." "No!" "There's no reason for you to deny your own killer instincts. That's what we were created for, after all." "What we were -- created for?" It was all the encouragement Liquid needed to reveal the details of a secret project known as 'Les Enfants Terribles.' It was the 1970s. The U.S. had not yet awoken from the nightmare of the Vietnam War when a plan was hatched by key figures in the government to artificially create the ideal soldier. The man selected to serve as the genetic template for the project was the most famous living mercenary of the time, Big Boss. Big Boss was, however, incapable of reproducing, a result of past war injuries. As a result, his body cells were harvested for a cloning attempt. In addition to the existing 'analogue' cloning protocol, the program incorporated the so-called "super-baby" technique. The super-baby technique involves carefully dividing the fertilized egg whose nucleus had been switched with that of the donor cell. The result is usually eight zygotes which are then implanted in a surrogate's uterus. Six of the embryos are strategically aborted over a period of time in order to boost the growth of the remaining two. "We started out as octuplets." Liquid reflected. "Octuplets?" Snake was clearly taken aback. "Six of our brothers were killed so that we could be created. We've been causing death and destruction even before we breathed outside air." "That left the two of us. Two zygotes that shared the same DNA. But there was one more sacrifice to be made. One of the embryos was engineered to manifest the full potential of its genetic makeup - at the expense of the other one, which was purposefully relegated to the bottom of the curve. You are what you are, Solid Snake, thanks to the death and deprivation of your brothers!" Liquid surveyed the stunned Snake and smiled. "But if you think that I'm the only sibling you have left, think again." "What?" "The genome soldiers. They were bred from our father's DNA too. The only difference is that they're not analogs of him like we are." Liquid went onto tell an astonishing story. The Human Genome Project, concluded late last century, the "Les Enfants Terribles" Project and the intensive study of Big Boss' genetic samples had led researchers to many of the secrets of the so-called "soldier genes." The isolated traits for initiative, discipline and other tactically desirable characteristics had been secretly integrated into the genetic structure of next-generation special forces soldiers. "All those commandos you murdered on this base were your brothers." "The genome soldiers -- !" "Incomplete creatures, certainly, forcibly grafted with a piece of Big Boss' genetic sequence. But still family. They share in the family dysfunction too -- their lives also cost dearly." "How so?" "Human experiments." Liquid hissed angrily. According to Liquid, the military had secretly started 'treating' its men with the soldier gene when the 1991 Gulf War broke out. The unexplained "Gulf War Syndrome" among the returning personnel was apparently one of the gene therapy's unfortunate side effects. "That means that those Gulf War Babies born to vets are -- ?" Snake asked, stunned. "Exactly. Our earliest siblings." "And the next-generation special forces were the finished product?" "Finished?" Liquid sneered. "Hardly. They're defective. We all are. On a path to extinction, if you will!" "What did you say?" "You ever heard of the law of biological asymmetry? There's a natural tendency towards left-right asymmetry. On the other hand, species that ran out of genetic diversity and are on path to extinction start showing complete symmetry. That's what's happening to the genome soldiers. And to us." Snake stared at Liquid in bleak shock. "Every one of us is dying on a genetic level. The question is when the decline will start. That's why I need our father's body, to get some answers." "You expect me to believe," Snake asked, "that you demanded Big Boss' body so you can save yourself and the genome soldiers?" "Siblings start out life competing, but they always band together against outside threats. Why do you think that is?" Liquid waited for Snake to respond, but the latter said nothing. "It's because they share your genes, and by helping them, the chances of your genes making it to the next generation are bettered. Natural selection favors nepotistic species. The instinct to help our own kind is an inherited trait." "Your DNA is ordering you to help these genome commandos?" Snake said skeptically, but Liquid agreed in reverential tone. "No one can go against their genetic destiny. We were born for the sole purpose of recreating our father's DNA in its basest and most ideal incarnations. I will follow my destiny - and surpass it. I can break my own biological curse, and that's why I'm going to kill you, Solid Snake..." He spoke quietly, but it was clear that he meant every word. He suddenly called out in a different tone. "Look behind you!" "Meryl!?" Snake exclaimed. Meryl was apparently lying behind Snake. I guessed that she had been brought there before Liquid had carried Snake onto the roof. "Is she alive?" "I wouldn't know. She was definitely breathing a few hours ago, though. She kept calling your name, over and over again." Liquid said coolly. "Meryl..." "She's a fool to fall for a man who doesn't even have a name." "I do have a name." "No, you don't. And no past and no future! That's the way it is for us!" Liquid shouted. "The only thing we do have are instructions written in our father's genomes!" "Liquid, let Meryl go!" "After we settle things between us. We're just about out of time." "Are you talking about FOXDIE?" "No, the Pentagon. It seems that the DOD came to a decision when they heard about Metal Gear's destruction. They're not even interested in a Bonder report at this point. Ask your shadow Campbell if you want. He likes to listen, doesn't he?" Snake raised Campbell on the radio. "Colonel, can you hear me?" "I'm here." "What's the Pentagon up to? You'd better tell me, Colonel." "The Defense Secretary's personally taken control of the mission. He's on an AWAC heading your way." "For what?" "An air strike." Campbell replied bitterly. "WHAT?" "That's not even the bad news. A bomber just took off from the Galena AFB. It's carrying the B61-13 surfacing-piercing missiles." "Christ, Metal Gear's already been destroyed." Snake raised his voice. "Doesn't the Defense Secretary know that?" "He knows. But because of Naomi's betrayal, he no longer has any faith in FOXDIES's effectiveness. Your taking out Metal Gear means that the threat of nuclear strike has been removed, and he's free to ensure a direct and complete cover-up of the whole affair." "By blowing up all the evidence and everyone who knows anything sky-high with a nuclear bomb." Snake finished angrily. But Campbell's next words were unexpected." "Don't worry, Snake. I'll halt the air strike." "What?" "It may be a technicality, but I'm still the field controller for the mission. If I call in an order to halt the strike, it should wreak enough havoc within the chain of command to buy you some time. Use it to get out of there." Richard called one of his men over and muttered an order. There was little doubt that it was for Campbell's arrest. Snake and Campbell, ignorant of the roomful of ears who were listening in on their every exchange, were still talking. "Colonel, you know what would happen to you!?" "It's all right, Snake. But you should know something. There was a top-secret internal investigation being conducted into FOXHOUND these past few months. Meryl was transferred out to Shadow Moses the day of the insurrection -- as hostage to ensure my cooperation." "What a -- " Snake broke off in disgust. "Now go, Snake." "Are you sure about this? You'll lose everything you've worked for." "I'm sure. And this way, I get to keep the things that are really important -- that I would otherwise lose." "Colonel -- " "All right, I'm putting in an order to halt the strike. This is the point of no return- What the hell!?" Campbell gasped. It seemed that Richard's men were trying to restrain him. The only thing we could hear over the radio were gunshots and unintelligible noise. I was once again a helpless spectator of a life-or-death struggle. Mei Ling burst in abruptly, as though she had seized the microphone. "Snake!!" "Mei Ling, what happened to the Colonel!" "I don't believe this -- !" "Tell me what's going on!" "Snake! The Colonel!" Mei Ling's voice was lost in the shower of static before she could reveal more. Instead, an unfamiliar male voice started to speak. "This is Jim Houseman, Secretary of Defense. Roy Campbell was just relieved of duty." "Let me talk to Colonel Campbell!" "He's been arrested for compromising national security. He'll be charged with treason." "That's insane!" "No, it was Roy Campbell who was insane if he truly believed that he had any real say in this mission!" "You -- !" Snake was seething, but Houseman went on nonchalantly. "The nuclear strike will go forward as planned. The sea will take care of what little there is left. It's what the President wants." "So this is an executive order?" "The President of the United States is a very, very busy job. Let's just say that I take full responsibility for this strike." "How are you going to explain to the media why you dropped a nuke on American soil?" "Don't worry, there's a cover story ready. A band of terrorists took over the Shadow Moses facility, and were extremely careless with their nuclear missile." "You'll be killing your own genome commandos -- all the researchers too." "Donald is already dead," Houseman suddenly said with genuine sorrow in his voice. "So you didn't plan on killing the DARPA chief after all." Snake asked. "He was my closest friend." "And the rest of the poor bastards stranded here aren't so to hell with them, is that it?" "That depends. If you transfer the contents of the optical disc over to me, there may be room for negotiation." "What disc?" Snake feigned ignorance, but Houseman was not so easily put off. "The disc that contained the full exercise data. Donald was supposed to personally bring it back." "I don't have it." "Hm. That's unfortunate." Houseman said calmly. "The fact remains that the two of you are a liability. You belong to an age no one cares to go back to, and you have the potential to needlessly embarrass this great nation. No, you cannot be permitted to ever leave that island. Take the time until the air strike to catch up. Then rest in peace - you are a ghost of the Cold War, after all." The transmission ended. Snake and Liquid had engaged each other in a fierce hand-to-hand combat, but Richard had other things to attend to. He had one of his men open a radio channel. "Yes, what is it?" I realized with surprise that the person he had called was none other than the Secretary of Defense Jim Houseman. "An air strike was an unwise decision." Richard sounded displeased. "With a nuclear-armed Stealth bomber airborne, a complete cover-up is no longer an option. 'They' are not happy with this." "It's the only way to destroy the evidence. The results will bear out the correctness of my decision." "There will be no results. I've already aborted the air strike." "How dare you!" Houseman started to roar, then suddenly petered out. He no doubt had remembered the powers-that-be that stood behind Richard. "What do you intend to do then?" He asked with barely suppressed rage. "There is another viable way to salvage the situation." "Make me take the fall? I don't think so!" Houseman's voice shook with fury. Richard sighed exaggeratedly. "You don't think so? It seems, Mr. Secretary, that Colonel Campbell is not the only one who 'truly believed that he had any real say in this mission.'" "What are you saying!" I heard the sound of scuffling on the other end. "Hey, what do you think you're doing! Get your hands off of me!" Houseman had apparently been restrained. It was exactly the same scenario that had played out during Campbell's arrest. "You have several choices." Richard explained with something resembling pity. "It's up to you which ending this particular story has. I myself would suggest a quiet retirement from public life." "You'll pay for this, Ames. I swear to God!" Houseman spat out as he struggled vainly against his captors. "Personally, I don't condone rough measures. I hope you'll come to the same decision." Richard ended the call. The transmission from Shadow Moses was still active. Liquid's dying scream tore through the speakers. "Looks like things are wrapping up nicely over there," Richard murmured. Richard cleared all of the personnel out of the study. We were now alone. I could hear Snake and Meryl over the wires. It seemed that he had succeeded in rescuing her in time. "Now the question is, what am I going to do with you?" Richard said as he turned away from the radio. The time had come for me to make my move; I walked up to my computer. "This machine has been recording everything that went on in this study and relaying it out to a remote location. Once there, the data was immediately backed up on an optical disc." It was no bluff. It was just a more covert version of a real-time remote conferencing system. Because of my work, I frequently must acquire information from such unsavory types as black-market arms dealers and Mafia members who specialize in plutonium smuggling. The recordings were my standard insurance policy. "I've already sent a message to the collocation administrator. He'll give the disc to my media contact if he can't get in touch with me by a certain time." That had been the mail I'd secretly sent from my PDA earlier. "If anything happens to me, the contents of the disc will be all over the world." But Richard was unfazed. I started to feel apprehensive as he calmly lit another cigarette. "You mean this disc?" He took out a shining optical disc from his inside jacket pocket and slid it into my PC's drive. A few quick clicks of the mouse and the playback started. I stared at the slightly grainy footage, horrified. The audio seemed overly loud in the silent room. "You should be hearing from him soon. You're clear on how to use the radio?" Richard's voice was raspy in playback, but it was definitely the data I had secretly collected and sent out. "How?" "You shouldn't underestimate me," Richard said as he ejected and pocketed the disc. "Everything in this house has been vetted and monitored since the operation started. Nothing got in or out without my knowing about it -- including electronic signals. That e-mail you sent from the bathroom never got to its destination." He'd seen right through me. With that realization, I felt strength leaving my body. The game was up. "But even if you had managed to get this data out into the world, that wouldn't have guaranteed your safety. No one would have believed yet another conspiracy theory, least of all the press." "Your - people would have made sure of that, I'm sure." Instead of answering, Richard stubbed out his cigarette and slid his right hand inside his jacket. There was an awkward bulge there, in the clean line of his tailored jacket. It was where he kept his gun holstered. Cold sweat trickled down my back. I was slowly backing away from Richard, and I did not even realize the fact until my back hit the wall. There was no way out. "Are you really prepared to kill me?" I could not hide the tremor in my voice. "You should know the answer to that." He said quietly, looking me straight in the eye. Then he pulled his hand out from under his jacket, and I instinctively shut my eyes. But even after what felt like an eternity, the muffled shot and the pain I was expected did not come. I warily opened my eyes, and saw what was in his hand. It was not a gun, but a disc. "Everything you ever wanted to know about FOXDIE." Richard walked up to me and placed the disc in my hand. "As I said, a recording of what took place in this room won't guarantee your safety. There's no solid proof, just talk. It can easily be denounced as a fabrication and covered up." "But the FOXDIE data is a different story," He continued. "This disc contains everything about that project, from its origins to the names of every individual involved. As long as you have this as an insurance, they won't be able to touch you." "Why, Richard?" He did not answer my question. "You'd better get out of her quickly. Your car's just out back." "What about you?" "That's not something you need to worry about." "But --" "You don't need me, Nastasha. And I have things to take care of." "Why are you doing this?" I asked again. "You'll figure it out someday. Do what you have to do, all right?" He suddenly held me close and put his lips on mine. As we broke apart after a long kiss, he whispered in my ear, "I wanted to do this again, just one last time." Then he gently eased my away. "Now go. Hurry." There was gravity in his voice that allowed only one response. I nodded, and sped out of the room. That was the last I ever saw of Richard Ames. After I fled from California, I went into hiding. There has been no sign of pursuit, for now. The terrorist incident on Shadow Moses Island came to a conclusion with the destruction of Metal Gear and the death of Liquid Snake. The United States government, however, has not yet officially acknowledged the incident. The roster of the dead included Liquid Snake, Psycho Mantis, Sniper Wolf, Decoy Octopus, and Vulcan Raven. Revolver Ocelot's body was not recovered, but his personnel file was closed with the notation, 'Missing in Action.' FOXHOUND had, in effect, been decimated. The survivors from the next-generation commando unit were all removed to the Peace AFB in New Hampshire, ostensibly for training. As far as I know, they remain prisoners there to this day. The government has repeatedly denied allegations of genetically engineering super-soldiers, but rumors that the research continues remain persistent. The deaths of Donald Anderson, the DARPA chief, and Kenneth Baker of ArmsTech ended the development of a new Metal Gear. The Metal Gear REX unit itself had been all but completed under Hal Emmerich's leadership, but my source at Lawrence Livermore indicated that the rail gun warhead delivery system had not been fully operational. Apparently, there had been some serious issues with the rail gun's targeting accuracy. This was no doubt the reason Baker had entrusted Snake with the exercise data, and Jim Houseman, the Secretary of Defense, had so aggressively pursued its whereabouts. The data is now lost, and the development program has been closed down. I dare to dream that the new nuclear delivery system will never see the light of day. A few days after the incident, I heard on the news that Houseman had shot himself. The suicide was attributed to a temporary nervous breakdown related to job stress. Supporting statements from family and subordinates were widely aired. The air strike order for Shadow Moses was glossed over as an unfortunate evidence of the late Defense Secretary's unraveling mental state. I remembered Houseman's words from the final hours of the mission, and thought I knew what had really happened. He had refused to take the fall, and paid for the defiance with his life. The record of the Shadow Moses Incident and the FOXDIE data disc that Richard gave me are still under my vigilant guard. The FOXDIE program data covers Naomi's careful analysis of the unauthorized reconfiguration she had made to the virus. The information showed that Snake was indeed one of the targets for the deadly retrovirus, but the incubation period had been changed to a wildcard value. Even Naomi herself did not know when the virus would awaken within Snake. It must have been the best revenge she could think of, condemning him to live in this fearful limbo. Colonel Roy Campbell was released after the Defense Secretary's own arrest, and is once again enjoying his retirement. Mei Ling also made it safely out of the mission, and is back in academia. Dr. Hal Emmerich did not return to ArmsTech following his rescue from Shadow Moses. His whereabouts are unknown, but there is some indication that he made his way to England where he has family members. Snake and Meryl appear to have successfully made if off Shadow Moses Island. I could however find no tract of them; I hope that the same is true for those who have an interest in seeing them silenced. Naomi Hunter was formally taken into custody after the incident's conclusion. Three weeks later, as she was undergoing debriefing in a certain facility, she escaped. She has not been heard of since. Officials were close-mouthed about the circumstances of the escape, but inquiries into other quarters elicited the fact that someone had broken Naomi out of the base. I knew of only one person who could have breached the base's tight security and successfully led someone to freedom. And then there was the matter of Richard Ames. I called in a favor and had an inquiry made to the DIA about one Major Richard Ames. The Agency's response was that there was 'no DIA personnel fitting that name and description.' Buying my safety and freedom had been a costly act for Richard. It was then that I decided to go public with what I knew. By exposing the conspiracy, I may be putting myself in renewed danger. But I am through with being a spectator, an objective bystander. The powerlessness I felt watching Snake's solitary infiltration on Shadow Moses has been a bitter wake-up call. This time, I am determined to make a stand. This is my war now -- to tell the truth about what happened on the island. That is my responsibility and privilege as a survivor, and a cause for which I am prepared to give my life.