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The Hudson River, two years ago... We had classified intelligence that a new type of Metal Gear was being transported. The wholething stank... but our noses had been out in the cold too long.

Tanker Chapter

George Washington Bridge

Ocelot : Our boy is right on schedule. He'll know soon enough...

METAL GEAR SOLID 2: SONS OF LIBERTY

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.

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.

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. 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. 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? Here's the digital camera. Works almost the same as your old one.

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. 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. A chopper. Wha--! Looks like were not the only ones after Metal Gear tonight.

Otacon : Is that a chopper I just heard?

Snake : Affirmative. Probably another cavalry... 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 : AKS-74u? Russians?

Otacon : You sure?

Snake : No Marine barber touched that head of hair. 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. KA-60. Kasatka?

Otacon : Kasatka? Kamov chopper, right? 'Killer Whale'...

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 Reaches the Bridge

Snake : So it is the Kasatka... Russian choppers...

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...

Snake : !? Hm?

Snake Vs Olga

Sergei : ...Shalashaska has landed. I'm on my way to the tanker holds... Report your status.

Olga : Control room, communications and engine room are under control. All entry and exit points to the tanker holds secured. Infrared sensors placed and operational.

Sergei : Good work. Are the explosives in place?

Olga : Yes, they're all planted.

Sergei : Listen. Once we have what we came for, the tanker will be scuttled.

Olga : And the vehicle's pilot?

Sergei : He's the only one who under went the VR training. No one else can do it.

Olga : Are you sure you can trust him?

Sergei : Your part in the mission is complete. You are to leave at once.

Olga : No, it's not over yet!

Sergei : 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.

Olga : This is where I belong, with the unit. I have nowhere else to go. Father, I want to stay and fight.

Sergei : There is no choice to make here, Olga! Need I remind you that you are carrying my grandchild?

Olga : ......

Sergei : You will be on the helicopter out of here, now!

Olga : Damn it!

Snake : Freeze! Hands over your head! Now! Toss your gun overboard! Slowly. A woman...? Show your face.

Olga : You men -- you're all the same.

Snake : Who are you?

Olga : We are nomads. Wanderers.

Snake : I said, don't move!

Olga : Americans...so you shoot unarmed women too?

Snake : I'm a nomad too. What else do you have there? Take the knife and toss it. Not there. Toss it overboard! Hold that position. Now, turn around.

Olga : You know what you're doing. It's stopped raining... Not too shabby, is it? New York, I mean? 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! 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 Puts to Sleep Olga

Snake : Hmm... CYPHER!? 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.

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 Reaches the Holds

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.

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! Who goes there? Who goes there! Oh, Shalashaska. Why are you here? We thought you were with the Colonel. What the...!

Ocelot : The colonel will be joining you soon... Comrade...

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. 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.

Metal Gear Ray

Snake : Metal Gear!?

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!

Dolph : We the Marines will lead the charge into a new world order with Metal Gear RAY. That is all. Dismissed!

Ocelot : Excellent speech, my friend...

Dolph : Who the -- !?

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 -- Ocelot.

Snake : Ocelot.

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 : Gurlukovich...

Ocelot : Nobody move! Understood? This ship now carries enough SEMTEX on its key structural points to blow it out of the water -- at the touch of this button. That’s right...no one has to die needlessly. We’re almost at the target. Get a move on!

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?

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. Yes returned. To the Patriots!

Dolph : The La-li-lu-le-lo! How’s that possible!?

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!!! Die, you dog!

Ocelot : Sergei! Looks like you were long overdue for retirement.

Sergei : Traitorous dog...

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!

Snake : OCELOT!!

Ocelot : Aaaarrghhhh!!

Liquid : It’s been a while, brother.

Snake : Who are you?

Liquid : You know who I am.

Snake : Liquid?

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. Aaarrrr!

Ocelot : Out -- get out of my mind! Liquid...

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?

Sergei : Olga...

Liquid : You don’t have what it takes after all. You’re going down, Snake, with this tanker!

Snake : Otacon, we have a problem...

Otacon : Snake!! Snaaaake!!!

Ocelot : No problems...proceeding as planned, sir. ...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...

Otacon : SNAKE!!

The Big Shell Incident

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.

Verrazano Bridge, April 29th

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.

Commander : Calling teams Alpha and Bravo. Deploy at the Big Shell as scheduled. 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 : 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. 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. 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 : 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.

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. 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 : 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.

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.

Rose : Jack, is everything all right?

Raiden : What are you doing here!?

Rose : 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. 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.

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 Mission Really Begins...

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.

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 : 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.

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. 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!

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! All Alpha, respond!

Colonel : Raiden, the President’s life in danger! Head to Strut B now!

Horror Movies Become Real!

SEAL A : Uaaagh!

SEAL B : Damn it! I can’t hit him! Aaargh!!!

SEAL C : Aa Aa Aaargh!!!

Commander : Alpha Zero, come in Alpha Zero.

SEAL C : Aah! Oh no, no!

Commander : All Alpha, come in! What’s going on? Alpha, respond!

Raiden : What are you?

Vamp : Five today... Or rather, six?

SEAL : Get down!! Where is he!

Pliskin : Agh!

Vamp : Hmmm? Strange smell... You smell like -- ! Are you...it has to be!

Pliskin : Shoot him! What are you waiting for!

Raiden : !

Fortune : Vamp.

Vamp : Yeah, Queen.

Fortune : Are you all done cleaning up?

Vamp : Yes. But wait till I tell you what I found...

Fortune : Something interesting?

Vamp : I’ll tell you in person. Where are you?

Fortune : In the central unit, with the President.

Vamp : Be right there.

Pliskin : 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.

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?

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 : So your saying VR training is some kind of mind control?

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.

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. What's up?

Pliskin : Take a look. A Navy Captain.

Raiden : What the hell!? You all right?

Pliskin : Give me a few minutes. Must have lost a few more pints then I thought.

Raiden : What was that man just now? That blood sucking freak? That was Vamp.

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.

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.

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? Not gonna tell me, huh? Fine with me.

Raiden : I don't smoke.

Pliskin : Keep it anyway, may come in handy. Take this too.

Raiden : Here, take this.

Navy SEAL : Come in Alpha Zero. This is Bravo Zero, currently at the bridge between Struts B and C. The President is... 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 : 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.

Pliskin : Hey, what's your name?

Raiden : Raiden.

Pliskin : Raiden? Strange codename.

Raiden : Makes up for the boring one my parents gave me.

Pliskin : Maybe I'll find out some day.

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.

The Invunerable Women

Raiden : What the hell is that?

Fortune : 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 : Queen.

Navy SEAL : Don't let them take the President! Ready grenades. A dud.

Fortune : Today is another bad day. Is there anyone here that can give me happiness? I'm so sorry my beauties. I'll see you again some day.

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.

Bomb Disposal

Raiden : Freeze!

Stillman : Don't shoot.

Raiden : You a cop?

Stillman : 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.

Stillman : All of them!? That's bad.

Raiden : Did I tell you could move?

Pliskin : It's all right, he's not one of the bad guys. Don't go pointing that thing everywhere, kid. What's your name?

Stillman : 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.

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. 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.

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?

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... Hold on a sec.

Pliskin : Off to confer with the CO again?

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?

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. This is a C4 bomb. It's live, you can see it pulsing. Now you spray this on the sucker and... ...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. 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?

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.

Pliskin : Kid, this place is all yours. I'll take care of Shell 2.

Stillman : Take this.

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. 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 : 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. Semper fi.

Stillman : That man is no SEAL. I don't even think he's a Navy man.

Raiden : What?

Stillman : Semper fi... Marine Corps talk. 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.

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. 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.

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 : 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.

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.

Mr. X : Be careful! There are Claymore mines around there.

Raiden : Who is this!

Mr. X : Stealth-equipped Claymore mines, invisible to the naked eye. Use the mine detector.

Raiden : Identify yourself.

Mr. X : 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.

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.

Solidus : 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.

Solidus : Ninja?

Olga : It's the only way to describe it. A kind of Cyborg Ninja, complete with a sword.

Solidus : What?

Olga : Are you hiding something from me?

Solidus : 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.

Solidus : 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.

Solidus : Where?

Olga : On the connecting bridge to Shell 2.

Solidu : Hmm...

Olga : So you believe me this time?

Solidus : 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.

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.

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 : 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 : 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.

The Clock is Ticking

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! 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 : XXX seconds.

Raiden : XXX seconds?

Stillman : Raiden, move! Get to the bottom of Strut A now! 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.

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. 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.

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.

Raiden : Oh crap.

Fortune : That's not him. This could be -- interesting. You've seen the fires of hell -- haven't you? 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.

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 XXX 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.

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. 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 : Now!

Fortune : !

Raiden : Damn!

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? You've punished me enough. I thought you could give me peace. But you couldn't kill me either.

Vamp : There's no need for sorrow, Queen.

Fortune : !

Vamp : I died once already. I cannot die twice.

Raiden Vs Fatman

Fatman : So your the one. You're right on time I see. I like a punctual man.

Raiden : Is he Dead Cell?

Fatman : I am Fatman. I am the greatest humanity has to offer and the lowest. 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. 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. 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 : 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. 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 : How dare you! I'm an artist. 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 Defeats Fatman

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? What did you just do? What is this!?

Fatman : I have beautiful hands. These delicate hands can craft works of art.

Raiden : Answer me, what the hell is this!

Fatman : This is the switch for the biggest bomb in the entire place.

Raiden : Huh?

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!"

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 : 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.

Im Like You I Have No Name...

Ninja : You passed with flying colors.

Raiden : Identify yourself.

Ninja : I'm like you...I have no name.

Raiden : Are you Mr. X?

Ninja : Hmm...if you like.

Mr. X : But come, let's get out of the open. Follow me.

Raiden : Are you with FOXHOUND too?

Mr. X : Neither enemy nor friend. Just a messenger from the La-li-lu-le-lo. 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. 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. 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...

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 differentcolor 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.

Raiden : Biometrics. Crap.

Mr. X : Nothing but the real thing will suffice. Deception is not an option. 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. 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.

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.

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.

Raiden : What's this for?

Mr. X : You might be glad you have it. Keep the controller vibration function on.

Raiden : What would I need a cell phone for? 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.

We Meet at Last

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 : 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.

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? 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?

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. 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! Here comes Snake.

Raiden : That's him?

Ames : Use the microphone to listen in.

Ocelot : King, Fatman is dead.

Solidus : It doesn't matter -- saved us the trouble of getting rid of him ourselves.

Ocelot : Why did he betray us...

Solidus : 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.

Solidus : You think he was working for them?

Ocelot : We can't discount the possibility -- especially with that intruder still at large.

Solidus : Yes... The man in the Sneaking Suit.

Ocelot : You know more about those suits then I do.

Solidus : 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.

Solidus : Seal the connecting pathway Shells 1 and 2.

Ocelot : The SEMTEX and IR sensors are already in place.

Solidus : Any effect on...it?

Ocelot : No.

Solidus : 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.

Solidus : Make sure you keep him alive until then.

Ocelot : Yes, I know.

Solidus : 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.

Solidus : The usual method I assume?

Ocelot : No...the drugs took care of everything...

Solidus : Hmm...only a few more steps to Outer Heaven.

Olga : Who is that Ninja, Shalashaska?

Ocelot : I cannot even guess.

Olga : What about you?

Solidus : 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 : 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.

Solidus : 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.

Ocelot : U-ughh!

Solidus : It's happening again?

Ocelot : This damn right arm -- Liquid! It's almost as if it's having it's revenge.

Solidus : 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. There's something going on. The incidents are becoming more frequent. Maybe that man's presence...

Solidus : Ocelot, I leave this place in your hands. I have the intruder to take care of.

Ocelot : Yes, King.

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. 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. Search my pocket. Hurry! 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!

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 : Sorry Colonel, you failed to carry out your duties.

Ames : You'll never escape the La-li-lu-le-lo!

Ocelot : Is that so? What the...

Ames : You -- you tricked me... I understand now. Ocelot you're -

Ocelot : You, which team are you with? Show me your face! You know who he is?

Soldier : No, he is not one of mine.

Ocelot : Identify yourself! We meet at last. Hold you fire! We need the hostages alive.

Mr. X : Hurry, get away!

Ocelot : You! But you died!

Mr. X : Leave this to me.

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 : Christ, 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...

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 : That's the Semtex... And that must be the control unit.

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.

Otacon : 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 : 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!

Raiden Vs The Harrier

Solidus : I've been waiting for you. A messenger -- from the Patriots! Where do I know you from...

Raiden : So your the boss around here?

Solidus : No, not just around here. I'm the boss to surpass Big Boss himself. Solid Snake.

Pliskin : No! That is not Solid Snake!

Solidus : What a pleasant surprise -- brother.

Pliskin : Save it, your no brother of mine.

Solidus : Don't say you've forgotten me -- Snake.

Raiden : Snake?

Pliskin : Raiden, take cover! Stop impersonating him!

Solidus : Brother, I'm a whole different game from Liquid! HRRRRR!! GHHHH!! Is that the best you can do, Snake?

Pliskin : Did I get him!? Otacon, were in trouble! It's the Harrier!

Solidus : The world needs only one Big Boss! I'll drown you fools for interfering!

Pliskin : Raiden, this is the Stinger Missile launcher. The Katsaka can't stand up to the Harrier. You have to shoot the Harrier down.

Otacon : Snake, we got company!

Pliskin : I'm counting on you!

Raiden Defeats the Harrier

Pliskin : There's something coming up!

Raiden : It's Metal Gear!? It's already active!

Solidus : They got my eye! Vamp -- go!

Otacon : Hey, what's that -- ?

Pliskin : It's running on water... 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 : In so far 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.

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 : 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?

Unfinished Business

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. 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. 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.

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.

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.

Meeting the President

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 -- ? 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.

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 Patriot's 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...

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... 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?

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 o