                === A COMPLETE PLOT SUMMARY & ANALYSIS ===

                             === OF ===

                    === THE METAL GEAR SERIES ===

                                    BY GRANT MORRISSEY

Contents

1.  Introduction, Legal mumbo-jumbo, Update History & Disclaimer
2. 'Metal Gear'
     (i) Plot Summary
3. 'Metal Gear 2- Solid Snake'
     (i) Plot Summary
4. 'Metal Gear Solid'
    (i) 'Briefing'
    (ii) 'Shadow Moses Island'
    (iii) 'The End of the Run'
    (iv) 'Legend'
    (v) 'Epilogue'
    (vi) Conclusions
    (vii) Observations
    (viii) Unanswered Questions
    (ix) 'Different Endings'
          *. The Official Stance
	    *. Meryl
          *. Why?
    (x) Somewhat Frequently Asked Questions
    (xi) SPECIAL REPORT: The Themes of 'Metal Gear Solid'
         *. The Perils of Nuclear Weapons
         *. Tampering with the natural order
         *. Independence
         *. Confinement
         *. Love
 5. 'Metal Gear Solid 2- Son's of Liberty'
    (i) What we know
 6. Game Characters
    (i) Solid Snake
    (ii) Roy Campbell
    (iii) McDonald "Master" Miller
    (iv) Liquid Snake
    (v) Revolver Ocelot
    (vi) Psyco Mantis
    (vii) Sniper Wolf
    (viii) Decoy Octopus
    (ix) Vulcan Raven
    (x) Big Boss
 7. Conclusion, Kudos and Contact Details.

                     ----========  1  ========----

          INTRODUCTION, LEGAL MUMBO-JUMBO & UPDATE HISTORY

		When I started summarising MGS I had no idea what I was
getting myself into. When I started summarising it in November, 2000 I
was thinking it would take a fortnight...one month at the most. Its only
after roughly 5 months work that I've realised what a bugger it was.
When I had finished up to Snakes battle with Psyco Mantis I *knew* why
the plot had never been completely summarised before- its WAY to big and
comprehensive. I intially thought that I could simply summarise the demo
theatre- but the characters spoke way to quickly. So I ended up running
the PSX through my VCR and recording the demo theatre. Once it had been
recorded I was following the general cycle of watching for 15 seconds,
pausing, writting down in point form what was said, and repeating the
process. Watch, pause, write. Watch, pause, write. Watch, pause, write.
Watch, pause, write. Watch, pause, write. Watch, pause, write......

	The main motivation for me to do this was my annoyance at the
complete LACK of ANY comprehensive summary of Metal Gear Solid on the
internet (to my knowledge) I also wanted to get some writting
experience...and have something to do on Friday and Saturday nights
beside's sit on the computer.

 	This document is copyright 2001 by me, Grant Alan Morrissey. No
part of this document may be reproduced in any way, shape or form,
without my expressed permission. And so on. And so forth. Tresspasers
will be prosecuted...motorcycle riding prohibited...employees must wash
their hands.................

	Seriously though- I put ALOT of work into this thing Ladies and
Gentlemen! I want to be acknowledged for it if anyone should decide to
use it (Not prior to recieving my permission, naturally)

	All recognizable concepts from the Metal Gear series are copyright
Konami, and their usage in this document does not constitute a challenge
to that copyright (heh yeah- like I would) That last sentence was cut-&-
pasted from Thomas Wilde's Resident Evil FAQ (With the RE Stuff replaced
by Metal Gear stuff) I still meant what I said Konami! Please don't sue
me!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATES
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

August 10th, 2001 - Cosmetic updates. I noticed every paragraph in the
MGS summary starts with the word "Snake" so I fixed that. Got rid of my
evil-online reference cause the site has died for the trillioneth time.
Added a new section the 'Different Endings' about Konami's current
stance on the issue.

July 22nd, 2001 - 3 days later I got carried away again. Added a little
piece underneath the 'Metal Gear Solid' heading. New section detailing
the characters from MSG (and I mean DETAIL- none of this 'Age: 20, Sex:
Male, Nationality: British' BS) And, guess what? MORE FAQS!!! Hooray for
me...

July 19th, 2001 -  Following the floodtide of e-mail I have gotten about
Liquid & the Hind I finally got around to making a big deal about it in
this document. I fixed up 'The Best is Yet to Come' and added some more
FAQS (PLUS I placed them in chronological order) From now on Updates to
this document are going to be fairly cosmetic until I get my grubby
hands on MGS2 (Anyone here have a spare PS2?...Anyone?...Hello?)

July 1st, 2001 - Updated the 'Son's of Liberty' section with some basic
information. Heaps more FAQ's added. I've added a new section that deals
strictly with the themes I believe that the game raises.

May 30th, 2001 - 'Different Endings' section is UP! Both the endings are
summarised including a rationale on why I chose my selected ending over
the other.

May 17th, 2001 - Thanks to alert readers I recified some of my FAQ's and
Unanswered Questions (as well as added a few more). Once again general
odd's & ends added to this work.

April 27th, 2001 - Since the document got posted at Gamefaqs (to my
immense surprise) I went crazy. The introduction and conclusion has been
totally re-written. Some completely new sections have been added to the
Metal Gear Solid section and I've added a disclaimer to the document as
well. Some grammar and spelling errors were fixed in the summary of MGS
as well as a few odd's-and-ends. The document has been posted online as
well (See 'CONCLUSION')

April 25th, 2001 - Document posted at Gamefaqs for first time.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

***********************************************************************

                      WARNING DANGER CAUTION ETC

THIS DOCUMENT, LIKE ALL THE OTHER PLOT AFFILIATED DOCUMENTS ON THE
INTERNET, DEALS WITH IN GAME REVELATIONS AND INFORMATION THAT WE KNOW.

THIS IS THE ONE AND ONLY DOCUMENT THAT DEALS STRICTLY WITH PLOT ASPECTS
OF THE METAL GEAR SOLID SERIES. IF YOUR DUMB ENOUGH TO ASK ME SOMETHING
TO DO WITH GAMEPLAY- I WILL NOT RESPOND. ALL OF THE METAL GEAR SOLID
DOCUMENTS ON THE INTERNET, MINUS THIS ONE, HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH
GAMEPLAY

AND PERHAPS THE BIGGEST WARNING- THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS SPOILERS. IF YOU
HAVEN'T PLAYED THE GAMES YET, I 100% GUARANTEE THAT THIS DOCUMENT WILL
*RUIN* THE GAME FOR YOU AND *DESTROY* ANY PLEASURE YOU CAN GET OUT OF
IT. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED.

METAL GEAR SOLID 2 IS DUE FOR A LATE 2001 RELEASE. IF ANYONE DECIDES TO
DO ME A "FAVOR" AND "SURPRISE" ME WITH A COMPLETE SUMMARY OF THE GAME
(INCLUDING THE DEMO) - I WILL NOT READ IT. THAT MEANS *IT WILL NOT GET
POSTED* AND THAT MEANS ***YOU WASTED YOUR TIME*** MGS2 WILL BE PLAYED
AND ENJOYED BY ME BEFORE ANY COVERAGE ON IT IS DONE HERE- I DON'T PLAN
ON HAVING THE GAME SPOILT FOR ME BEFORE I PLAY IT!!!

 And now...on with the show!!! (cliche #7361)

***********************************************************************


                     ----========  2  ========----

                           ***METAL GEAR***

      (AS TAKEN FROM 'METAL GEAR SOLID - PREVIOUS OPERATIONS')

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PLOT SUMMARY
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

	The Year is 1995. Deep in South Africa, 200km north of Garzburg,
Outer Heaven- an armed fortress nation, established by the legendary
mercenary. He was feared in combat by both his friends and foes as a
hero and a lunatic. The "Western" nations have found that a weapon  of
mas destruction capable of rewritting war history is under development
at Outer Heaven. They have called upon the high-tech special forces unit
FOX-HOUND to take care of the situation. In response to this order, Big
Boss, the commander-in-chief of FOX-HOUND, sent Gray Fox, the man with
the code name "Fox" which is given to the best member of the unit
"Operation intrude N313"

	After a few days, his last messafe being "Metal Gear..." Gray Fox
was missing in action. Taking the situation seriously, the top men of
the "West" again called for FOX-HOUND. Big Boss selected Solid Snake,
who had recently joined FOX-HOUND, as the agent and entrusted everything
to him.

	Successfully making a solo infiltration to Outer Heaven, Snake got
in touch with local resistance members Schneider, Diane and Jennifer.
With their co-operation, Snake suceeded in rescueing Gray Fox. Gray Fox
laid out the terrifying facts about "Metal Gear" Metal Gear was the
development name of a nuclear warhead-equiped twi-legged walking tank.
It can walk through over the toughtest terrains that would stop normal
tanks. It can conduct local warfare by itself with unique weapons like
its vulcan-cannon and anti-tank missiles. It was indeed a new type of
weapon that can conduct a nuclear attack against any place on the face
of the Earth from any l and surface...
	With Metal Gear, Outer Heaven was trying to establish its military
superiority over the entire world. In order to destroy Metal Gear, Snake
rescued Metal Gear's chief engineer Dr. Pettrovich and his daughter,
Elen, who was taken hostage to force her father to continue with his
development. Snake hears from Dr. Pettrovich how to destroy Metal Gear.

 However, as Snake approached the heart of Outer Heaven and Metal Gear,
well designed traps are set all around Snake- as if his actions are
being leaked to the enemy...
	In the midst of the escalating battle, the leader of the
resistance, Schneider, fell into the hands of the enemy, and Snake
himself was injured through the deadly battles with Outer Heaven's best
mercenaries. But Snakes indomitable spirit lead him to the 100th floor
basement of the secret base where Metal Gear was developed. Evading the
powerful defense system that wipes out all intruders, Snake ultimately
succeeded in destroying Metal Gear.

	Snake tried to escape from Outer Heaven upon completing the
mission. However, during the escape he was comfronted by one man- FOX-
HOUND's commander-in-chief Big Boss. Big Boss laughed at the astounded
Snake and told him the truth behind his mission. While serving as
commander-in-chief of FOX-HOUND Big Boss also ran a mercenary dispatch
company utilizing his connections and capitals from his own years as a
merc. He was planning on to build this company a larger military
establishment, and he built Outer Heaven as its base. His purpose for
sending the rookie Snake was to cause information confusion amongst the
west. However, Big Boss miscalculated. He never thought Solid Snake
would make it this far...

	Having lost Metal Gear, Big Boss activated the self-destruct
system of the underground base. While the countdown to destruction
continued, his screamed echoed in the emptiness
	"YOU HAVE GONE TO FAR. TOO FAR!!!"

	On the 100th floor basement, the battle between the 2 men
commenced- free of idealogy and politics. The armed fortress nation
Outer Heaven collapsed. The impenetrabe fortress made from the best
military technology and occupied by the toughest mercenaries burned in
flames. Behind him, the flames reached skyward, as Outer Heaven fell
leaving Solid Snake all alone...

                      ----========  3  ========----

                     ***METAL GEAR 2: SOLID SNAKE***

        (AS TAKEN FROM 'METAL GEAR SOLID - PREVIOUS OPERATIONS')

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PLOT SUMMARY
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

	1999, the world was facing an energy crisis. It was obvious that
the petroleum would run out faster than what was expected. However, the
development of an alternative energy resource is far from completion.
The price of petroleum has skyrocketed and the world economy in
confusion. The 21st century was expected to be one of chaos. One mans
invention changed the entire situation. A Czech genius and biologist,
Dr. Kio Marv, invented OILIX, a microorganism that refines petroleum to
product a highly purified form of petroleum. The world was filled with
hope upon the discovery of this messiah to solve the energy crisis, but
at the same time the world entered a time of tension regarding this new
algae.

	Just when the whole worlds attention was drawn to OILIX and Dr.
Marv, he was abducted by someone and disapeared. Nations begun
investigations immediatly and a name soon appeared...'Zanzibar Land'...
	Zanzibar Land was a democratic military regime that suddently
appeared in central Asia in 1997. When their uprising took place, the
CIS Army, formed around Russia, sent in a suppressive unit immediatly.
Zanzibar Land resisted by gathering a band of Mercenaries from nations
around the world and fortifying most of its land. As a result, the CIS
Army was repeatedly defeated, and Zanzibar Land declared its
independence. Due to the active role mercenaries played, this war was
called the 'mercenaries war' and Zanzibar Land was referred to as an
armed fortress nation. A military nation with a group of strong
mercenaries, surrounded by a tough fortress.

	According to the latest information, Zanzibar suppoedly was armed
with Nuclear Weapons. The whole scenario was crystal clear. By obtaining
OILIX in addition to nuclear weapons, Zanzibar Land was trying to
establishits economoic and military superiority over the entire world.
Concerned about the situation, the United States of America ordered Roy
Campbell, Commander-in-Chief of high tech special forces unit FOX-HOUND,
to rescue Dr. Marv. Campbell was a former member of FOX-HOUND. He
brought back Solid Snake, the man who single handedly brought down the
armed fortress nation of Outer Heaven 4 years ago, and asked Snake to
bring back Dr. Marv and OILIX.

	Successfully infiltrating Zanzibar Land and with help from CIA
angent Horry and others, Snake was able to go deep into the fortress and
meet again with Dr. Pettrovich, the chief engineer of Metal Gear from
Outer Heaven. He too was abducted to Zanzibar Land and forced to develop
another Metal Gear. He told to surprised Snake an even more shocking
fact. Big Boss, the man Snake had defeated at Outer Heaven, turned out
to be the General Commander of Zanzibar Land.

	Snake rescued Dr. Pettrovich in co-operation with Natasha, Dr.
Marv's guard and former Czech International Secret Police agent, and
then headed for the confinement facility deep in the fortress to save
Dr. Marv. When Pettrovich and Natasha crossed the narrow suspension
bridge over the deep valley, a missile blew the bridge away. Natasha
flew into the air because of the explosion. While unable to do anything
to save Natasha, Snake started hearing a well-known voice "Hey Snake, we
are good buddies. I can let you go. Just leave this place at once!" Gray
Fox. Snake saw Gray Fox controlling Metal Gear. The best soldier in FOX-
HOUND who, after the fall of Outer Heaven, disapeared as if he followed
Big Boss. Losing Natasha infront of his eyes and letting Pettrovich get
taken away, Snake screamed "Fox! I will not give up!"

	After a series of deadly battles with mercenaries, Snake finally
made it to Dr. Marv's confinement facility. However, he arrived to late.
He saw Dr. Marv's corpse and Pettrovich, who could do nothing but just
stand there. Pettrovich told Snake that Dr. Marv could not withstand the
repeated tortures because of heart problems. Snake then recieved an
emergency call from Horry. The information she supplied was very
shocking. Pettrovich had been voluntarily visiting Zanzibar Land to
develop Metal Gear. The abduction of Dr. Marv was conducted under the
the directions of Pettrovich himself. After the truth came out,
Pettrovich attacked Snake, but Snake easily put an end to him and
obtained the structual plan of OILIX.

	While trying to escape, Snake was confronted by Metal Gear again,
controlled by Gray Fox. The tremendous battle took place in the
underground base. Snake finally succeeded in destroying Metal Gear.
However, Gray Fox did not submit and challened Snake to the final
battle. In the midst of a minefield, Snake and Fox fought without any
weapons. A fist-to-fist duel involving no hatred or murderous intent.
During that moment of purity the 2 were bound by forces transcending
words and emotions. Snake won the tough but pure battle against Gray
Fox. However, there was still someone else. Snake had to fight Big Boss.
Just like 4 years ago at Outer Heaven Big Boss was waiting for Snake.
	"One who has experienced the tension of battle can never leave the
battlefield. I'am the one giving you something to live for, and that is
war" Snake was infuriated at the arrogant Big Boss "There is only one
battle I have to fight. To free myself from you, to shatter the
nightmare...Big Boss, I will kill you!"

	With the structual plan of Oilix, Snake and Horry escaped from
Zanzibar Land on a rescue helicopter. Snake once again saved the world.
However, there was no smile on his face. Big Boss's last words kept
ringing in his head "Whoever wins, out battle does not end. There loser
is freed from the battlefield, the winner must remain there and the
survivor must live his life as the warrior until he dies" Snake then
disapeared into the whitelands of Alaska...alone...

                     ----========  4  ========----

                         ***METAL GEAR SOLID***

If I die in a combat zone
Tell all the people in homeland
That I did my best.

If I die in a combat zone
Tell that pretty girl of mine
That I bring best memories with me.

If I die in a combat zone
Tell all my best friends
That I died facing the gun.

If I die in a combat zone
I don't need my name on grave.
Etch instead that there was;
A man who lived, fought and died.

From "IF I DIE IN A COMBAT ZONE"

  The Song of Mercenaries

----------------------------------------------------------------------
(I) BRIEFING
----------------------------------------------------------------------
	The year is 2010. In the remote area of Alaska, located in the
Bering Sea, is the Fox-Arcipelago. In that chain of Island's there
exist's Shadow Moses island- the location of a top-secret nuclear
warhead storage facility. During an exercise on the Island involving
ARMSTECH Inc. (Once the 2nd largest arms manufacturer in the world and
primarily involved in the development of SDI and Rail guns) and DARPA
(The Defense Advanced Research Project Agency. A government department
involved in researching technology for implementation into military
systems and weapons), Next-Generation Special Forces, lead by members of
FOX-HOUND, invade the island and capture it. There, they make the
(somewhat puzzling) demands- they want the remains of Big Boss. They
state that if these demands are not met- they will launch a nuclear
weapon within 24 hours.

	Understanding the seriousness of the situation, the secretary of
defense, Jim Houseman, call's upon retired FOX-HOUND commander Roy
Campbell to deal with the situation. In turn, Campbell call's upon the
services of Solid Snake (now a dog musher in an isolated part of Alaska)
Understanding Snake would not simply hear him out, armed soldiers are
sent out to bring Snake in for a briefing. Within 5 hours of the
terrorists taking over the island,  Snake has been stripped and is
sitting down, alone, in an isolation chamber.

	Campbell comes in, he is quick and to the point, they are in an
extremely serious situation and only Snake can get them out of it.
Campbell introduces Snake to Dr. Naomi Hunter, FOX-HOUND's chief medical
officer, and she gives him a quick injection. Campbell then briefs him
on his 2 mission objects- he is to rescue DARPA chief Donald Anderson &
ARMSTECH President Kenneth Baker and he is to, most importantly, access
whether or not the terrorists have the ability to launch a nuclear
weapon.

	Snake is quick to point out that he hasn't even agreed to the
mission- Campbell wants to know whether living in Alaska is all that
great. All he is is a dog musher. He then elaborates on the site- the
disposal facility is a hardened underground base. For Snake to
infiltrate the base, air insertion is impossible. Snake must go in
through the water- a submarine will go within a few miles of the island,
but then will have to launch a SDV (Swimmer Delivery Vehicle. The sub
must stay away from the island because it may be picked up on Sonar)
Campbell also informs Snake that, unfortunatly, weapon and equipment is
OSP (On Site Procurement. He cannot take anything with him)

	Campbell explains that the President is in supervisory control of
the operation. But the Secretary of Defense is in operational control. A
COG will not be issued until it can be determined, by Snake, whether or
not the terrorists can launch a Nuclear Weapon. The National Security
Agency and the Defense Intelligence Agency will be working with them as
well- but Snake is not interested in "desk jockeys" Campbells agree's
and briefs him on Natasha Romaneko- she will act as an advisor on the
nuclear weapons present on the island.

	Snake is curious- why is Campbell in on the mission? He replies
that he knows FOX-HOUND. Snake doesn't believe him- he wants to know the
real reason. Campbell apologises and admits its because his niece is
being held hostage. The day of the revolt several soldiers didn't show
up. Meryl was called in as a replacement. She is Campbell's little-
brothers daughter (he died in the Gulf War and Campbell was charged with
looking after her) At this point Snake agree's to do the mission, on 2
conditions. The first one being that no secrets are kept from him. He
wants to know everything at all times. The second condition being that
he will only accept orders from the Colonel and no-one else.

	Snake ask's Campbell about the injection Naomi gave him. Campbell
gets Naomi to answer it- she knows the soldiers in FOX-HOUND better than
anyone else. She explains that the injection was a combination of
nanomachines and anti-freezing peptites. They will stop his blood from
freezing (even at sub-artic temperatures) Many nanomachines are working
in the bloodstream to replace adreniline, sugar and nutrition (Snake
will not have to worry about food) Neotropics are present (these will
improve mental functioning) and benzadrine as well (responsible for
keeping him awake and alert for 12 hours) In addition, the nanomachines
will also keep the CODEC batteries going.

	Snake wants to know why ARMSTECH and DARPA were present on the
island. Were they there for a new weapon? Campbell explains he is not
available to access that kind of information. Snake wants to know if
they can launch- Campbell says that they have given a warhead serial
number (seemingly the one they intend to use) and that it has been
confirmed. However, the PAL (Permissive Action Link) system is present
to prevent a launch- but the DARPA chief knows how to stop it...

	The colonel explains that the Next Generation Special Forces
aren't just "grunts" They are heavily armed and their 6 leaders are
hardened veterans. The terrorists are demanding cell specimins from a
body (specifically, the individuals genomic information) the terrorists
apparently *need* this information. The Next Gen Special forces were
involved in the human genome project and, henceforth, have been
strengthened through gene therapy. The military have indentified the
genes that make effective soldiers and can put these into regular
soldiers to make them better.

	Following the fall of Zanzibar, as is explained the Snake, Big
Boss's body, though badly burned, was recovered. It was possible to
restore his DNA profile from a single strand of hair. So far more than
60 soldier genes have been identified and these are transplanted into
soldiers. Superior soldiers aren't just trained- hereditary factors are
just as crucial. The Next Gen Special Forces are mainly mercs from Outer
Heaven- the U.S. government bought out their contracts. They were merged
with Force 21 and have no real battle experience (they are "video game
players" as pointed out by Snake) All of the Next Gen Special Forces
conspired in the attack. The whole unit went through the same gene
therapy and feel closer than brothers (Henceforth the title "The Son's
of Big Boss") They see the unit as their only family. Campbell explains
that there was no signs they were interested in partaking in an
uprising- they were all evaluated through random, psycological testing
as patriotic and upstanding soldiers. They all had IQ's over 180 and
even, at strange intervals, partook in their own gene therapy
experiments.

	The agent is then briefed on the worst part of the mission - the
FOX-HOUND members who are the leaders of the terrorists. Snake is
briefed on them Psyco Mantis (who is the worlds most powerful tactioner
of reading minds and moving objects with his own mind), Vulcan Raven (A
giant and shayman) Sniper Wolf (who can stay in the same position,
looking through a rifle scope, for days or even weeks) Decoy Octopus
(master of disguise) Revolver Ocelot (Gun fighting and interrogation
specialist) and the leader of the terrorists...Liquid Snake...

	This astounds Snake- someone with the same code-name? Snake has
his "brother" explained to him.  Following being the Youngest SAS
soldier to be employed in the Gulf War, and penetraring Western Iraq for
the Secret Intelligence Service, Liquid Snake was captured and not heard
from for several years. He was rescued and joined FOX-HOUND after Solid
Snake retired to Alaska. Snake is greatly concerned and nervous about
the mission, and this is not helped when he is shown a picture of
Liquid...with a face exactly the same as him. Just as Snake is leaving
the room, preparing to prep for the mission, as an afterthought, he
ask's to borrow Naomi scissors. He begins to snip his hair- he doesn't
want to be mistaken for the terrorist's leader...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(II) SHADOW MOSES ISLAND
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

	Solid Snake arrives in the lower Dock of Shadow Moses island via
the SDV and surfaces in scuba gear just in time to overhear Liquid Snake
warn genome soldiers that "he" will be through the area they are
patrolling (referring to Solid Snake) before Liquid makes his way up in
the freight elevator. Snake makes his way through the guards and waits
for the elevator to return, then uses it to go to the surface. He hides
behind a storage block & contact's Campbell VIA CODEC who alerts him as
to how to go about infiltrating the main hangar of the complex where
Metal Gear is stored further on. At that point a Russian Hind-D gunship
(piloted by Liquid) takes off to intercept F-16 fighters sent as a
diversionary operation to allow Snake to infiltrate the base. There is
18 hours left till the deadline is reached.

  	Snake goes through the base and sneaks into the DARPA chiefs
(Donald Andersons) cell through the venting system. There he confirms
the worst possibility- the terrorists can, indeed, launch a nuclear
weapon. When Snake queries that the island complex is a Nuclear weapon's
storage facility, so the terrorist's shouldn't be able to launch a
weapon, Anderson reveals that Shadow Moses Island is, infact, the site
where a new weapon is in development that will change the world with its
ability to launch a nuke from anywhere on the globe. The weapon is a new
version of Metal Gear known as Metal Gear Rex. The original 2 weapons
didn't lead to the project being scrapped. It was actually the opposite
- it led to a huge joint venture between ARMSTECH and DARPA.

  	With the terrorists able to use Metal Gear to launch a nuke Snake
ask's if there is a way of stopping a launch. He is told that there is
the PAL safety system- 2 passwords are required to override the safety
mechanisms. Donald Anderson had one and Kenneth Baker had the other.
Psyco Mantis, however, discovered Anderson's one with his mind probing
abilities. A guard (Johnny) hears Anderson talking and tells him to shut
up. Anderson, however, waves off the guard...
However, Anderson then informs Snake of a safety mechanism that can be
employed to override even the passwords. Apparently Kenneth Baker had
the 3 keys required to do this and was being held in the lower basement.
After informing Snake as to the means to find him Snake tells Anderson
his intentions to get him out of the cell and, ultimately, the compound.
With that Anderson begins to press Snake for details as to whether the
government will give into the terrorist's demands and whether there are
any other safety measures for Metal Gear. Snake insists, in his usual
nature, he doesn't know anything. With that the DARPA chief begins to
convulse violently, falls to the ground and dies. Snake crouches at his
side to confirm his condition and contacts Naomi and Campbell VIA CODEC
where both parties conclude their belief that it was a heart attack that
killed Anderson.

 	Snakes rises from the DARPA chief's side and hears the muffled
sounds of a struggle in the next cell. Within a few moments his cell has
unlocked. Leaving it Snake has a gun pointed at his head by the "guard"
on duty. When Snake looks at the guard he can tell from the shaking gun
pointing at him that she is "green" and plays on her inexperience by
taunting her. When things between them reach the tensest stage enemy
guards swarm the cell. Snake fights back immediately. The female guard
just stands there unable to say a word. While shooting the soldiers
Snake shouts at the female soldier "What are you doing? Shoot! Don't be
afraid!" As if woken up, she immediately begins shooting the guards
storming the cell with her FA-MAS and soon the threat has been
eliminated. She walks to the door of the cell block and sarcastically
thanks him for his help and begins jogging to the elevator. Just as
Snake begins persuing- she turns around and shoots blindly into the area
Snake was running through, he dodges the bullets and she escapes through
the elevator. Snake looks to where she was...and hallucinates a man with
a gas mask on floating at the elevator. The mysterious figure implies he
had been controlling her at that point and disappears. Snake contacts
Naomi to ask her about it and she informs him that it was most likely
"psychometric interference coming from Psyco Mantis.." (As in, the
brainwaves and thoughts of Psyco Mantis became un-controlled and found
their way into Snake's mind)

 	Snake takes the elevator downstairs into the armory of the
compound and uses C4 explosive to gain access to a secret area where the
ARMSTECH president is being kept prisoner. When he arrives in the large
room- he see's the president tied to a large central pillar. Upon closer
inspection it is revealed the pillar is booby trapped with wires that
would set off C4 explosive connected amongst the central column. At that
point a gun shot is fired at Snakes feet...which he instinctively jumps
back from...and he comes face-to-face with Revolver Ocelot- Fox Hounds
torture and weapon's specialist. After a tense standoff Snake battles
Ocelot and drives him to bay. When Ocelot hides behind a pillar to
reload "...but I'm only gettin' warmed up" a quick, mysterious figure,
with a metallic exoskeleton and a long samarai sword, jumps out of
nowhere and cuts off his right hand (with its gun still in it) as well
as cutting Kenneth Baker down from his trap. Ocelot retreats and Snake
confronts the figure demanding to know who it is- someone like Snake, it
says, "without a name..." it then shakes uncontrollably and retreats.
Kenneth Baker seemed to have identified the figure as he was still
regaining himself after being cut down. Helping the ARMSTECH President
to his feet, Snake sits him down against a wall and questions him about
metal gear.

	Baker, to, gave the terrorist's his password. Psyco Mantis didn't
succeed because of surgical implants inside the ARMSTECH President's
brain that protected him from psycic probes. However, Revolver Ocelot
used physical torture to get Baker to talk and, in the process, broke
his arm. Baker is surprised and angry to hear the Anderson gave his
password due to the mental probes of Psyco Mantis- because he received
the same surgical implants as Baker. He is also angry when he hears that
Anderson died of a heart attack- saying its impossible and is led to
believe that Snake came to the island to "shut them up"  Calming him
down, Snake ask's Baker about the 3 card keys he apparently has in his
possession and Baker says that he gave them to a young female soldier
who refused to take place in the rebellion and was incarcerated. Baker
also says he was in contact with the soldier VIA the stolen guards CODEC
and tells him he could contact her by finding her number "on the back of
the CD case"
 Baker also tells Snake there may be one person who could find out a way
to stop Metal Gear. Its chief engineer, Hal Emmerich, might know a way
to stop or even destroy the weapon.

	Baker elaborates on the history of Metal Gear. With the end of the
nuclear age at the turn of the century it would be thought it would mean
the end of the arms race- not so. Infact, the threat of nuclear war is
greater than ever he says. With nuclear waste storage buildings filled
to capacity uses for the material's had to be found. Greater pounds of
MUF (Material Unaccounted For) are being reported every year and Russian
nuclear engineer's had nowhere to turn, except terrorism, to find
employment in their fields. This proves the existence of a well-
maintained black-market for nuclear weapons. Since pretty much any
nation could afford to have a nuclear weapon's program- a new launch
system of overwhelming power was required.
   ARMSTECH suffered badly due to cut back's in the military and their
failure to produce the next line of fighter jets. The construction of
Metal Gear was the company's last hope. However, the construction of
Metal Gear was financed confidentially by the Pentagon so mainstream-
Government exposure to the project was unlikely. This means that the
capabilities of Metal Gear are not restricted by "bureaucrats and hard
liberals" But where that didn't work- bribes were used.

 	The exercise on Shadow Moses island was to test Metal Gears
capabilities with a dummy warhead- after that the Metal Gear program was
to be formally adopted. Baker gives Snake the sole remaining copy of
metal gears test data- the main hard drive was destroyed by gunfire. The
terrorist's also don't know of the existence of the disk.
 Snake ask's Baker about the mysterious Ninja that cut off Ocelot's
hand- since Baker seemed to have identified him. As Baker is explaining
the cyborg to be "fox hounds dirty little secret" and experimental
genome soldier he begins to convulse like the DARPA chief...in the
process talking to himself about how the Pentagon "actually went and did
it!" His last words, before he succumbs to a heart attack are "Their
just using you to...."
 Speaking to Campbell and Naomi via CODEC both parties agree that Baker
died from what appeared to be a heart attack just like Anderson. Snake
ask's Naomi about the Ninja and she stresses that no-one like it is in
FOX-HOUND.

	Making contact with Meryl, Snake gets her to open the door of the
hangar which will take him to the Nuclear Warhead Storage Building. She
informs Snake that the island is owned and operated by a dummy
corporation of ARMSTECH (It is a civilian base) Meryl also confirms to
Snake her inexperience and her naive views on what she believed she had
to become a soldier. Snake convince's Meryl to settle down for awhile
and ask's her to meet him in the Nuclear Warhead Storage Building. Snake
goes through the hangar door but while going across the field on the
other side of it he receives a CODEC call from an unknown person called
'Deepthroat' who warns him that a tank is behind a blast door on the
otherside of the snowfield waiting to ambush him. Sure enough, when
Snake moves on a blast is fired at him (which he just manages to dodge)
and a tank roll's out from behind the blast door. The man controlling
the tank is Vulcan Raven. Snake confuses the Tanks electronic's systems
with chaff grenades and manages to kill the gunner of the tank (a genome
soldier) to destroy the it. Solid Snake uses a card key stolen from the
body to access the Nuclear Warhead Storage Building. Vulcan Raven,
inside the tank wreckage, communicates with Liquid Snake and Revolver
Ocelot (he actually names the latter "General Ivan" in this instance- a
reference to "Ivan the Terrible" A Russian historical figure) He warn's
the 2 not to underestimate Solid Snake- he is a worthy adversary.

	Making his way through the storage building Snake comes to the
computer labs on floor B2...and stumbles upon a metallic hallway filled
with corpses of genome soldiers...they appeared to have been cut with a
blade. Then a barely-alive soldier stumbles around the corner saying it
was a ghost...just as another soldier is impaled on the blade of a
Katana sword...by a molgy, barely seeable figure...who walks into the
computer labs. Snake follows and see's it confronting a quivering,
terrified scientist- so scared he soil's his pants. The Ninja makes it
clear to Snake that he has not taken sides (is not there to help Snake
or work against him- he is "from a world" where such terms are
meaningless) But, however, seeks battle with Snake. With that the
scientist runs into a storage closet and the ninja and Snake begin a
tense hand-to-hand combat duel (The Ninja believes that it is foolish to
use weapons- "hand-to-hand is the basis of all combat")

 	By the end of it the cyborg Ninja's suit is malfunctioning and
electric field's are stabbing out from all over his body. When the ninja
is finally defeated it begins to suffer the same effects as the DARPA
chief and ARMSTECH President. But instead of dying...it retreats. Snake
realizes who the Ninja is and contact's Campbell via CODEC- the Ninja is
Grey Fox. His old war Buddy from Zanzibar and Outer Heaven- believed
dead. Naomi admits that he should've died but didn't. The body of a
soldier from Zanzibar was used by Naomi's predecessor Dr. Clark into
gene-therapy experiments. For 4 years he was drugged, and fitted with a
prototype exoskeleton, purely for experimental purposes. The records say
that the "ninja" died in a explosion, along with Dr. Clark, 2 years ago.
Naomi ask's if Snake will kill the Ninja- he says he would prefer
not...but that might be what he want's...

 	Snake walk's over to the closet where the scientist hid. After
convincing him to emerge he confirm's the scientist's identity as Metal
Gears Chief Engineer Hal Emmerich. When Snake ask's him about Metal Gear
Emmerich explain's that its a mobile TMD (Theatre Missile Defense) to be
used for defensive purposes. Angry, Snake grab's him by the collar and
aggresively tell's him the terrorist's intention to use Metal Gear as a
launch system for a nuclear warhead and Emmerich is shocked to find they
plan to put a warhead in a TMD launcher. He convinces Snake he didn't
know what Metal Gear was really used for by the fact that the armament
of Rex was built a different department- supervised personally by
President Baker who also supervised the assembly of the final unit.
Because he wasn't involved with the armament directly Emmerich doesn't
know what Rex is truly capable of and only know's it is armed with a
rail gun (which uses magnets to fire projectiles at extremely high
velocities), a laser and vulcan cannon.

  	According to Emmerich, Metal Gear has a launcher on its back for 8
missiles. Snake questions this saying that if it just used standard
warhead's then all the test data should have been collected before the
exercise on Shadow Moses Island and Otacon realises Metal Gear's co-
developer Rivermore National Labs was working on a new technology that,
up until that point, had only been tested in virtual environments. The
test on Shadow Moses Island was for the new technology. Emmerich
realizes the mistake he made in being so naive in the construction of
Metal Gear and begins to blame himself (This is made all the more worse
through his families connection to nuclear weapons- his Grandfather
worked on the Manhattan project and his father was born on August 6th
1945- the day of the Hiroshima bombing)

 	 Emmerich to pulls himself together (thanks to some not-so urging
from Snake) and ask's him about Rex's location, which Emmerich explains
is in a underground maintenance base north of the Island. Emmerich also
say's that since they haven't sent for him for a few hours they must be
ready to launch. Snake tell's him to go and hide and contact's Meryl to
get her to look after him, but before she can answer she is spotted by
guards and communication with her is abruptly cut off. Emmerich explains
that if he want's to find her he has to look in the only place where she
will be by herself. Snake ask's where that is and Emmerich tell's him
not to be so dense. Emmerich also tell's Snake to take his keycard so he
can progress further through the base and as he is handing it to him
Snake begins to worry about whether he will suffer the same affect's as
the DARPA Chief and ARMSTECH President. Emmerich gets all defensive with
Snake's sudden, caring change of character and is seemingly fine. He
also tell's Snake to call him 'Otacon' (Which stands for Otacu
Convention-  a person who likes Japan Animation or 'anime') Otacon
originally got into science to make robot's like the ones in the
cartoons. Otacon tell's Snake his CODEC frequency and then goes off-
with the ability to hide easily because he has a stealth unit the same
as the ninjas.

	Making his way out of the lab and upstairs - Snake spot's Meryl
entering the female bathroom and follows her. Inside she sneaks up on
him (again) and he confirms her identity with a few sexist comments. She
talk's to Snake about her Uncle and himself and the glory days of FOX-
HOUND- they were real heroes and there was no such thing as gene-
therapy, they didn't need it.  Snake detests what she says saying that
the only heroes he knows are dead or in prison. There are no heroes in
war. All Snake believes is he is a man that is good at killing- nothing
more. He has no ambition, no ultimate goal. He establishes himself as a
cold individual who feels his best and most alive when his taking other
lives. Meryl is shocked, to say the least, at this revelation of his
character.

 	Changing the subject Snake informs Meryl of no progress being made
in the negotiations & how, essentially, its all up to Snake. They find
they have 2 options- initiate the safety system or destroy metal gear
itself. However, to use the safety system, they need the 3 card keys-
Meryl has the first one but the location of the other 2 is a mystery.
Meryl works to try and convince Snake to let her go with him- she knows
the base better than him and can act as a navigator. Snake is
apprehensive knowing that Campbell would want Meryl to be safe & that
she would slow Snake down as well. He allows her after she simply says
he can shoot her if she does.

 	Meryl walks over the mirror and looks at herself- talking about
how she believed in following her fathers footsteps by becoming a
soldier (She thought she could understand him better by following that
course in her life)   She had never used make-up or been like other
girls- she had had her heart set on the military her whole life. It had
been her driving force. By being through the experiences on Shadow Moses
island she came to realize something- up until that point she had never
TRULY looked at herself. She had never made her own dicisions. She had
always viewed herself as someone who had to follow. She cries, feeling
the emotion of what she just realized.  Snake, in a disciplined and
confident manner, gets her to bring herself together. This is a war-
there is no losing. They will die if they do. Realizing the importance
of their actions Meryl brings herself together & tell's him that they
have to take the commander's room in order to get to where Metal Gear is
being stored- the overland route is blocked by glaciers. They leave the
bathroom and find all of the guards have left- and as they make their
way to the commanders room Meryl begins acting weird...

 	When they get inside Meryl points her gun at Snake and, as if
possessed, stumbles towards him coldly yet seductively muttering sexual
phrases to him. Just when she is less than 2 feet from him a man in
tight leather and a gas mask flashes behind her, floating. Psyco Mantis.
The worlds best tactitioner of physical movement with the mind and
controlling of others minds with his own. Realizing Meryl is under his
mental control and will shoot him if he doesn't act, Snake knocks her
out.
 	After a few quick taunt's Mantis makes his appearance again and
begins fighting with Snake. He dodges his attacks as if he knew they
were coming. In a fierce yet extraordinarily difficult hand-to-hand
combat duel Snake manages to outsmart Mantis (thanks to Campbell's help)
and defeats him.

	Mantis, defeated and sprawled on the ground, is approached
ominously by Snake. Realizing he will die soon Mantis tell's Snake he
will look into his future. He then uses an out-of-body experience to
explain to Snake the way to get to where Metal Gear is being stored-
through a secret door behind a bookcase. Asking Mantis why he is helping
him Mantis explains that he has read thousands and thousands of minds &
how each one contained the same selfish and disgusting desire- to
reproduce. To pass on their DNA. Everyone was focused on the future.
Mantis helped Snake because he is different- he has no future, no past-
he lives in the moment. Mantis holds onto the belief that they aren't
meant to bring each other happiness- from the moment we enter the world
we are here to bring each other nothing but pain & misery (this is based
on his awful experiences as a child- his mother died giving childbirth
to him. When he looked into his fathers mind he saw nothing but hate &
disgust for him. This analysis of someone else's mind and the hidden
elements within it waked up Mantis's own subconscious and made him kill
his father. The power that was released from him during that episode
wiped out his whole home town, of 1000 people, and horribly scarred his
face making him lose his eye's and nose)

 	Mantis somehow "bonds" with Snake because he understands they both
have buried past's and they don't enjoy looking back on them. Mantis
explains why he became involved in the siege of the island, he didn't
believe in Liquid Snake's ideals, he just wanted to kill as many people
as he could. Meryl is disgusted and nearly hit's Mantis but Snake gets
her to stop- Mantis doesn't have much time left. This prompt's Mantis to
look into Meryl's mind & he find's Snake hold's a large place there.
Nearly dead Mantis makes a last request- to have his mask put back on.
With it other people's thoughts force their way into his mind and he is
in his own "world" His last act is to move the bookcase blocking the
doorway with his telekinetic power's- he admits its the first time he
used his powers to help someone and it feels "kinda nice"

  	Rising from his side Snake makes his way to the secret door
prompting Meryl to follow. She stay's where she is, uncertain of herself
after Mantis manipulated her the way he did. Snake disciplines her
telling her never to doubt herself- just learn something from it and let
it make her stronger. Meryl agree's and begins to ask Snake something,
about what Mantis said, but Snake gets defensive and impatient.
Reconsidering her questions & considering its a bad idea to ask, she
ask's him different questions about his personal life- which only
results in indirect and emotionless answer's that reveal he was raised
by many people and is, essentially, a loner. Meryl expresses her
sympathies and pity at his lonely, sad persona and Snake leaves the room
through the secret doorway. Meryl follows.

 	Traveling through wolf-dog cavern's the 2 of them come to the
communication's towers. A large, wide pathway lead's to the entrance.
Just as they begin to make their way to the cavern's a laser-sight is
pointed at Meryl. Snake yell's at her to get down, but he is to late,
Meryl is shot in the left thigh. Falling to her knee's she is shot again
in the right thigh. Now on the ground she reaches for her pistol which
she dropped- and is shot again in the arm. Realizing the seriousness of
her mistake Meryl tells Snake to leave her and run. Or, furthermore,
shoot her so he can go on with his mission. He tell's her to save her
strength. In the pain of the gunshot wound's Meryl realizes the mistakes
and the untutoredness of her feelings of being a soldier. However, she
selflessly beckons Snake to run off and never forget her.  Campbell
contact's Snake and inform's him that the sniper is trying to lure him
out so that he can pick him off. Naomi add's that the sniper is most
likely Sniper Wolf- FOX-HOUND's best shooter. Campbell begins to tell
Snake how to go about saving Meryl- but Snake can tell he is getting
alarmed and panicked. Snake reassures him that he will save Meryl- but
Naomi scrutinizes him. Saying that his gene's are that of a soldier- not
a savior. Snake barks back that he works on instinct (not on his genes)
and that he will save her- he doesn't need an excuse.

 	Backtracking to the armory Snake aquires a PSG-1 sniping rifle and
heads back to where Meryl was shot- but she has dissapeared. However,
Snake can't investigate and must deal with Sniper Wolf. He uses his
sniper-rifle against wolf and defeat's her. He makes his way towards
where she retreated to look for clues as to where Meryl went-  but at
the door to the base of the communications tower he is surrounded by
soldiers and is confronted by Wolf. After she affectionately toy's with
him he is knocked out and dragged off. He awakes to bright, circular
lights lying down on a metallic bed with his arms and legs shackled by
modern locks. He has been striped of his equipment and is lying down
half-naked. He overhears a man telling others not to kill him- he want's
no more accidents like the DARPA chief. Then the man begins to talk to
Snake- unaware he is awake. Snake "stole" what was rightfully his- his
birthright. He always knew he would meet Snake and finally they do- the
brother of light, and the brother of dark. Liquid Snake. Liquid agrees
to have some of his DNA taken while he is still alive- and use it to
correct the gnome soldiers mutatons but not to "cure" them. Apparently
Big Boss's DNA is required for that. With that Ocelot realizes Snake is
awake and tilt's the bed from 180 degree's to a full 90- parallel with
Liquid Snake. Solid comes face-to-face with Liquid for the first time.
The first revelation made to Snake by Liquid is that they are the last
surviving son's of Big Boss. He also realizes that 8 hours have past
since the start of the mission- there are 10 hours until the deadline is
reached. Oblivious to Snake's presence the FOX-HOUND parties in the
room- Ocelot, Liquid & Wolf discuss the Ninja. It has killed twelve men-
how did it learn of the incident? Ocelot conjectures that there must be
a spy amongst them...

	Liquid receives a call from Vulcan Raven and must go to deal with
more negotiations- he order's Ocelot not to screw up with Solid Snake
like he did with "the chief". He also observes the seriousness of their
current situation- Mantis is dead. They also have to find out what
killed "Baker and Octopus"...he then leaves with Ocelot's correction
that its an interrogation about to be conducted on Snake- not a torture.
Ocelot asks Sniper Wolf, who was quietly hanging off in the background,
if she want's to stay. She declines- citing she has to feed her wolves.
She leaves and Ocelot & Snake are left alone. Snake asks Ocelot about
the new technology on Metal Gear- Ocelot suggests Snake contact's
Campbell for the full story. He asks Snake about the optical disk that
Baker would have given him- Snake doesn't answer. Instead, he asks if
Meryl is OK. Ocelot say's she is- but they are about to play a game.
When the pain becomes to much for Snake he can submit and it will
end...but if he does he will kill Meryl.

 	Snake resist's Ocelot's torture with Meryl's life at stake. He is
taken to a cell in order to regain his strength. Inside he finds the
DARPA's chief's corpse- drained of blood, apparently dead for days.
Campbell contact's Snake and tell's him that the government won't give
into the terrorist's demands. Snake gets annoyed- telling him to stop
playing dumb. He tell's him to talk about the new kind of warhead for
metal gear. He asks why Campbell can't "tell the grunts" & how deep the
cover-up goes. Campbell admits that up until the previous day the
President had not been briefed on the Rex project. The President could
not be informed of the Rex project because the next day himself and his
Russian counterpart are due to sign the Strategic Nuclear Missile
Reduction Treaty-3 (START) Campbell explains that that is the reason for
the terrorist's deadline- although START-2 hadn't even been ratified or
the issue's of TMD's dealt with. If the deadline for the attack went
public, when START-3 was due to be signed, it could compromise the
Presidents reputation & America's place as a dominant world superpower.
Campbell pleads with Snake to stop the terrorist's insisting he is the
only one who can. The government simply can't give into their demands
(The President had been vocal in  his opposition to eugenics'
experiments- so the genome armies can't go public at any cost) Campbell
then tells Snake not to worry about the safety keys- his priority now is
to destroy Metal Gear itself.

	Once again Snake is taken into Ocelot's chamber and "interrogated"
However, this time he simply can't last out against the pain he is
enduring. He submits to Ocelot's torture. Snake is dragged back to his
cell. Campbell contact's Snake, and he is overcome with feelings of
doubt when telling Campbell that he gave into the torture. He couldn't
save Meryl- how can he save the world? Snake gave in...he sacrificed her
life to save his own. Campbell reassures Snake she knew the risks- she
was a soldier. Naomi also reminds Snake he has a mission to do, he has
to stop blaming himself. After a long pause Snake asks Naomi to talk
about herself to get his mind of the pain from the extreme-electric
shock's his body sustained, as well as the guilt he feels. She say's
that it isn't a happy topic for herself. Snake tries to compel her to
talk by telling her the story of the man who once claimed he was his
father- Big Boss. She is even more shocked to find that Snake killed Big
Boss knowing that. Asking how he could, Snake emotionlessly replies that
he just needed killing, Big Boss wanted it. Snake also explains that
that action was the hidden trauma that Mantis was talking about before
he died- the one they share in common. Naomi explains that she never had
any family at all- only a big brother that put her through school- he
was much older and they weren't even blood related. Naomi ask's, as did
Meryl, if there is a woman in Snakes life. He say's he feels like he can
trust no-one after all his war experiences. Naomi then ask's if Snake
has any friends- he without hesitation replies 'Roy Campbell' (who is
surprised to hear that after all the lies he has told him) and one other
man who taught Snake alot- Frank Jaeger. Gray Fox. Naomi is very shocked
by this revelation- she is aware of their final battle. Snake counter's
that they were just professional's on opposite sides- it was nothing
personal. Jaeger showed him that ropes while Snake was still 'green'
However, they didn't know each other well (Snake believed it was like an
unwritten law not to talk about personal lives) Snake asks Naomi why she
got into genetics' which she explains was because she wanted to analyze
her fate- she never knew her parents and she she could analyze where she
came from.

 	Snake fool's a guard, who caught a cold off Meryl and went to the
bathroom, into coming into his cell. He kill's him and escapes. He makes
his way through the facility back to where Meryl was shot. He run's past
the blood-soaked ground but then turns around and walk's back to the
spot where she was shot. He remembers her final word's to him & her
willingness to sacrifice herself in order to help Snake complete his
mission.

 	"I was a fool. I wanted to be a soldier. But war is ugly, there's
nothing glamorous about it. Snake...please...save yourself. Go on living
and don't give up on people. Don't forget me"

 	Snake receives a CODEC call from Campbell who reassure's Snake
that he knows he did all he could. He say's Meryl was a soldier and was
prepared for that. She joined up of her own free will. But Snake say's
his wrong- she felt she had to become a soldier to better understand her
father. He also say's that Meryl was never prepared for real combat.
Snake's old mentor, FOX-HOUND survival instructor Master Miller, then
interrupt's their conversation. He tell's Snake he can have regret's-
its only natural. But he can't let it interfere with his mission. Mei
Ling, Snake's communications support person, back's him up. Then Naomi
join's in adding that Meryl must be special to Snake. Snake moves around
a direct answer (yet again) and in doing so reminds Campbell of a
personal joke about Naomi's Grandfather. Apparently he rose as high as
Assistant Director of the FBI during Edgar Hoover's time. Naomi add's
that he was Japanese. However, Master Miller is skeptical, and presses
Naomi for details. She answer's in a UN-confident manner the questions
then abruptly wishes Snake good luck and disconnects.

	Snake makes his way up a massive communications tower- which he
must pass in order to make it to the Metal Gear storage hangar. But when
he reaches the top the large communications dish is blown up- as well as
the bridge connecting the 2 rooftops. Then Liquid Snake appears in the
Hind D gunship. He taunt's Snake with the helicopter's loudspeaker and
Snake makes the only escape possible- by abseiling down the side of the
building. He succeed's and arrives at the mid-section platform
connecting the 2 tower's. He takes the bridge across
to Tower B and rises through the tower. However, near the top, he comes
across Otacon. Otacon ask's Snake if he ever loved someone. Snake is
confused- did he come all that way just to ask him that? But Otacon
rephrases- asking if love can bloom even on the battlefield. Snake says
it can, he believes it can bloom anywhere, anytime. But if you love
someone you have to be able to protect them. Snake asks Otacon to fix
the elevator in Tower B so he can access the bottom of the Tower to
which he says he'll take care of it. Meanwhile Snake has to swat down a
possersome fly...

 	Reaching the roof of Tower B Liquid surprises Snake by appearing
suddenly in the Hind. He shines his spotlight on Solid Snake and bid's
farewell to his "brother" Solid demands to know why his calling him
that- "I'am you!" Liquid says "I'm your shadow! Why don't you ask your
father? I'll send you to hell to meet him!!!"  Snake uses a newly
acquired Stinger missile launcher to shoot down the Hind. After many
hit's the chopter finally crashes- Snake bidding him farewell in his
usual fashion. Making his way to the base of the tower B Snake notices a
parachute in the trees. He recieves a CODEC call from Campbell and the 2
discuss Snakes find. They both conjecture the parachute was left in the
tree as a warning to Snake...from Liquid...

	He has little time to recover from the relevation that Liquid may
still be alive as he is soon sniped on the snowfield. He call's Otacon
who confirms it is Sniper Wolf who is shooting at him. However, Otacon
sounds happy. When questioned Otacon pleads with Snake not to kill her.
He claims she's a good person. Snake, of course, disagrees with him
trying to make him see she's a merciless killer. However, Wolf
interrupts the CODEC conversation. She taunt's Snake and order's Otacon
not to get in their way. In a silent yet deadly battle across the
expansive snowfield Wolf is murdered by Snake. Believing her to be dead
he makes his way to the warehouse where Metal Gear is being stored,
however, on the way he see's a lone figure lying down in the ground.

	Lying down and coughing up blood Sniper Wolf is nearly dead. She
say's she waited for the moment all her life. She is a sniper- all she
does is wait. Wolf, with her last strength, urges Snake to kill her. She
can't be saved- Snake has to put her out of her misery. Wolf explains
that she was a Kurd- she always dreamt of dying in a peaceful place like
the snowfield. She was born on the battlefield- gunshots and screams her
everyday sounds. Hunted like dogs- that was her whole life. Everyday she
would wake up and find a new family member or friend of her's dead. The
government's of the world turned a blind eye to her suffering. Then one
day he appeared- her savior. Her hero- "Saladin" (Big Boss) She was
taught to see war as a Sniper- through the len's of a rifle scope as an
observer. She joined the terrorist's to take her revenge on the world.
She believed now that she had shamed her people in the name of
vengeance. She sold her body and her soul & is less than a whore.

 	Snake assures her of what she is and what she stands for. People
like Snake (mercenaries) are called "The Dogs of War" and he agree's
with the reasoning behind it. They are up for sale to the highest
bidder. But Wolf is different- untamed & solitary. She's not a dog-
she's a wolf. Snake's reassuring attitude prompts Wolf to ask him if he
is "Saladin", but he ignores her question and asks Wolf why she spared
Meryl's life. Wolf says she was never her target & she doesn't kill for
sport. Wolf has tired herself out and urges Snake to "set her free"
(calling him "hero") Just as Snake stands, his SOCOM pointed at her
head, Otacon arrives. She beacon's to her rifle, which she dropped on
the ground, and Otacon brings it over. She believes the gun is a part of
her and it must be with her when she dies. Now that she believes
everyone is there she ask's, with her last ounce of strength, for Snake
to put her out of her misery. Otacon turns his back and block's his
ear's muttering goodbye to her. Snake shoots her in the forehead with
the sound of the gunshot echoing throughout the snowfield. Snake then
places her handkerchief, which he acquired earlier, on top of her head
covering the bullet wound. Otacon ask's why he is returning it- to which
Snake simply replies he has no more tears to shed. This distresses
Otacon greatly. Snake reinforces that they're out of time- he has to
act. He tell's Otacon to get away from the island & get a new start on
his life. But Otacon say's he want's to help him, but Snake tell's him
to hide and stay in touch. But just as Snake is walking off and nearly
out of sight, the snow covering him up, Otacon yell's to him- what are
the terrorist's fighting for? What is Otacon & Snake fighting for? What
was Wolf fighting for? Snake yell's back that if they make it through
the incident he'll tell him.

	Snake makes his way past through the entrance to the underground
base & the blast furnace of the facility. But as he is catching a large
freight elevator down the bottom of the base he receives a CODEC call
from Master Miller. Before anything he ask's Snake to make sure the
conversation is secure. Snake ensures it is which prompt's Miller to say
he was in the FBI and, because of that, has found many error's in
Naomi's story about her Grandfather. He says it was all a big lie. Snake
is disbelieving and Miller add's to his story that Naomi might be a spy.
He informs Snake of the exact error's in Naomi's story about her
grandfather- which are well founded. Miller observes that with the
mysterious deaths of the ARMSTECH President & the DARPA Chief and the
mysterious Ninja- to many strange things are happening. Snake suggests
that she might be behind it- Miller say's either that or she is with the
terrorist's.

	Snake makes his way off the elevator and gets into the underground
storage warehouse. On top of the massive crates of the room a dark,
massive figure begins to lurk- with a large ammo back on his back and
20mm Cannon in his arms. Vulcan Raven. He begins to taunt Snake &
mentally paralyses him then control's a bird to place the "mark of
death" on his cheek. Vulcan begins to elaborate on Snake's history-
stating that Eastern blood flow's through his vein's and his ancestor's
were raised on the plains of Mongolia. Apparently the Japanese & him are
cousin's. Vulcan metaphorically comment's that although Snakes &
Vulcan's are not the best of friends, nethertheless it will be a
glorious battle. This causes Snake to try and reason with Vulcan- it
isn't glorious, its just plain killing. Violence isn't a sport. Alas, it
is to no avail.

	The deadly battle between Snake & Vulcan Raven ravages on for
several minutes. Snake hides himself amongst the boxes while Raven
shoot's overwhelmingly with his cannon. However, Snake comes out the
victor. Raven, his strength depleted, brace's himself against a wall for
support. He begin's to reinforce "the boss's" idea that his existence in
the world is no longer needed. His body, as well as his spirit, shall
leave so that he may return to mother Earth and become one with the
ravens. Vulcan scream's out Snake's name & declares he will be watching
him. Then, like Mantis, he assist's Snake by giving him a security
clearance card. He explains that he is helping him because Snake is not
one that was created by nature- he & Liquid are from a different world
that Raven does not wish to know about. Before dying Vulcan say's he
will give Snake a clue, when he saw the DARPA Chief die in front of him,
it wasn't the DARPA chief at all- It was Decoy Octopus. He was able to
deceive Snake, but he couldn't deceive the angel of death. Snake is
confused- why did he impersonate the chief? Why go to all the trouble?
Vulcan simply states he must solve the rest of the riddle himself. At
that point the Vulcan's that surrounded Raven in the warehouse begin to
converge on Raven eating at his flesh. Snake turn's his back on him and
begins to walk off as he is slowly pecked away and his words haunt Snake
with his belief that there is always an end to slaughter in the natural
world. Snake is different- his path is littered with the corpses of the
people he has killed. They will haunt him forever and he will never have
any peace. The next time Snake turns around Raven's body is gone and
there is only the remnants of his large machine gun.

	Miller contact's Snake about Naomi. Before the monitor can be
switched off Campbell interrupts and ask's what it is about Naomi.
Miller reluctantly let's him  in on their speculation about Naomi.
Miller reveal's that Dr. Naomi Hunter is not Dr. Naomi Hunter at all.
There was once a Naomi Hunter- that disappeared in the middle east.
Campbell ask's who she is- Miller reluctantly suggests she's a spy to
him. Master speculates she may have been sent to sabotage the operation.
Campbell also suggests she might have been part of the uprising. Master
goes further to suggest she might be part of a different group
altogether. Master say's she must be arrested.  When Campbell say's
their in big trouble if she is with the terrorist's- Master angrily
ask's Campbell if it has anything else to do with the deaths of the
DARPA Chief & ARMSTECH President. Campbell doesn't know. In any case,
Master say's, Naomi can't be allowed to participate any further in the
operation. But Campbell say's the mission can't be completed without
her, this confirms something to Snake, he is hiding something. Campbell
tell's Snake to give him sometime, when he is questioned about this.

	Filled with feelings of doubt Snake arrives in the massive hangar
where Metal Gear is stored. However there are no guards there. Otacon
call's Snake & Snake ask's him about this- Otacon speculates that they
might be ready to launch. He also say's he hasn't found out about the
PAL safety system- his found something just as good. He accessed the
secret Metal Gear file and found the secret technology on Rex- the
warhead is fired from the railgun like a projectile. The missile's won't
use fuel so, henceforth, it isn't considered a missile. This means it
can get around all kinds of international treaties. But the even more
shocking fact is its a stealth weapon. Although work had been conducted
on a stealth missile since the 70's they could only develop it now
because the propulsion system would show up on radar. The warhead's are
also surface piercing so they can reach into hardened bunkers. Otacon
also say's that if word got out of Metal Gear it could delay START-3,
possibly get the US denounced by the UN & even bring down the President.
Snake ask's the colonel if he knew about the real capabilities- Campbell
admits he did & doesn't make excuses. Otacon say's the result's of the
exercise were better than what they expected- but he can't find the
actual data. Snake say's he had it- but Ocelot took it (seemingly much
to Campbell's dismay) Snake ask's for Otacon's opinion on whether they
can launch or not- Otacon say's they can most probably. The dummy
warhead's are designed to be identical to the real ones so they should
launch fine. Otacon gets back to trying to find out how activate PAL by
looking through Baker's files.

 	Snake makes his way up and over metal gear arriving at the command
room where he see's Liquid & Ocelot talking. He hides and overhears the
pairs conversation. Liquid confirms that no response has been given from
America and changes the prime target, at Ocelot's question, from
Tuniton, Russia to Lochnaw, China. When Ocelot questions why the change
Liquid states he wouldn't want to upset Ocelot & Galouchovich (its their
homeland) but Ocelot is skeptical & Liquid say's its really because if
they nuke a major population centre "the game is over" However, Lochnaw
is a nuclear test site (it can still be covered up) If Lochnaw is
attacked Washington will be worried about the retaliatory strike- which
would mean top-secret talks between the 2 countries resulting in America
having to divulge the existence of a new & advanced type of nuclear
weapon. This would also mean a breach of the CBTB (Comprehensive Test
Ban Treaty. A treaty reached by the UN at the Geneva conference
abolishing all forms of Nuclear Testing) meaning America's reputation
would be in ruins and several nations would flock to the terrorist's
wanting to purchase Metal Gears information off them. Liquid is sure
this plan will ensure the President gives into their demands. Ocelot
reiterates their demands- Big Boss's DNA & 1 billion dollars. Liquid
reveals that the money can be used to cure the genome soldiers & he is
also including something called the "Foxdie" vaccine as part of the
deal..
  	Ocelot observes that Foxdie killed Decoy Octopus & the ARMSTECH
President. It seems that it affect's older people first, according to
Ocelot. He speculates that maybe it didn't affect Mantis because of his
mask, and Liquid speculates it didn't affect Wolf because of all the
tranquilizer's she continuously took. Maybe its due to the amount of
adrenaline in the blood? Maybe because Foxdie is experimental?

 	Liquid changes the subject regarding their ally in the terrorist
attack- Colonel Serge Galouchovich. He ask's if they have heard from
him. Ocelot say's that Galouchovich still has doubt's over the
capabilities of Metal Gear, they can talk after the test launch is
successful & Liquid observes his very cautious nature. But Ocelot
reassures him- Galouchovich wants Metal Gear so bad he can taste it. He
say's that if Russian wants to regain its strength as a military
superpower they need a weapon that can't be detected- they need Metal
Gear. However, Liquid is irritated at Galouchovich's plans to use
nuclear weapon's as a way to restore their superiority- his army is in
shambles. Liquid feels Galouchovich is more worthy of the title of
"politician" than "warrior" However, Ocelot defends him, revealing that
Galouchovich was the one that gave them the Hind Russian Gunship and
most of their heavy firepower. Liquid suggests that they join forces
with Galouchovich- he has over 1000 soldier's under his control. A
alliance is just what's required- since Mantis died the genome armies
brainwashing has begun to wear off. An alliance could boose the morale
of the soldiers. Ocelot say's they can still escape- but Liquid refuses-
They are going to dig in. He reaffirms their position- they can launch a
nuclear missile, to anywhere on the planet, that can't be detected. They
also have spare warheads. Once they have Big Boss's DNA & the money- the
world will be theres! Ocelot ask's about Galouchovich's position in all
this- Liquid simply states he has no interest in the rebirth of "mother
Russia"  Liquid is going to revive Big Boss's dream- he say's from that
day forth call Shadow Moses Island "Outer Heaven"

	Ocelot spot's Solid Snake on the video monitor but continues
talking with Liquid about the PAL safety system. They discuss how, since
it is the only thing that can stop them launching, its the number one
priority. However they conclude that Snake doesn't have it in his
possession. Ocelot also ask's Liquid about "the girl" asking if he
want's her killed. Liquid refuses- knowing that Solid Snake care's for
her & that can be used to exploit a weakness in him. At that point Snake
receives an CODEC call from Otacon. Snake learns that Otacon has
accessed the top-secret files of Metal Gear. Otacon tell's Snake that if
the PAL is used when the warhead is active, it deactivates it. And vice-
versa. When Snake questions that he only has one key Otacon surprisingly
say's he already has all 3 keys. The one card, it seems, is made of a
Shape Memory Alloy. It changes shape at different temperatures- all
Snake has to do is use it at room temperature, cool it and use it & heat
it up and use it. When Snake looks into the command room to see the
terminals that Otacon directs him to use the cards in Ocelot see's his
arm and shoots at him. This causes Snake to drop the card into a
drainage ditch. Liquid spot's Snake when he runs after the card &
taunt's him from behind bullet-proof glass. At that point a red alert
goes off and Snake must fight his way past genome soldier's that Liquid
has alerted. Snake makes his way back to the command room at a later
time, when Ocelot & Liquid have left, and uses the key at room
temperature. He then makes his way to the warehouse where he fought
Vulcan Raven & cools the card there.

	After he uses the cooled card & he makes his way to the blast
furnace, the hottest place in the facility, Snake receives a CODEC call
from Master Miller who, once again, ensures that the CODEC monitor is
off. Miller states he has a good friend in the pentagon and used him to
find out about a assassination weapon called Foxdie. Miller ask's Snake
if he knows about it- but Snake can only say he heard Ocelot & Liquid
mention it. Miller say's its a virus that targets & kill's specific
people. He also can't bring himself to deny that fact that the manner it
kill's people is to similar to the deaths of the DARPA Chief & ARMSTECH
President. It mimic's a heartattack. Snake, also, can't believe that
Naomi was behind it when he understands what Miller is trying to say
when he ask's if she gave Snake any injections. But Snake know's she
did- the nano machines that monitor his body temperature & condition.
Miller speculates she was in the best position- however he doesn't know
her motive. When Snake ask's Campbell whats new with Naomi, since he was
going to ask him if he knew about Foxdie, Campbell say's he placed her
under arrest because she was sending coded messages to the Alaskan base.
Campbell is sure at this point that she is with the terrorist's. Miller
supposes that since Naomi might be involved in the Foxdie incident the
vaccine must be around somewhere. Snake shrug's it off saying he has
more important things to worry about- but Miller worries that Snake
might have been infected with Foxdie as well. All he can do, Snake says,
is leave it up to the colonel.

	Snake makes his way to the blast furnace and heats up the card. On
his way back to the command room, however, he receives a CODEC call from
Naomi. Naomi explains that she's using a hidden CODEC. Snake ask's if
what's was said about her was true- she admits it is...but not
everything was a lie. She did get into genetics for a genuine reason.
She didn't know her parents, she doesn't even know who she is- she
bought her identification. She became involved in genetics because she
wanted to know her age, race. Anything at all. In Rhodesia (what is now
known as Zimbabwe) she was found sometime in the 80's- an Orphan. Due to
the English owning the nation until 1965 there were many Indian
laborer's around and she conjectures that is where she got her skin
color from. But she isn't even sure about that. She becomes angry at
Snake's suggestion that she worry about herself now- stop worrying about
the past. No-one else has worried about her. Naomi say's she was
alone...until she met her big brother...Frank Jaeger. Snake is shocked &
amazed at this unexpected twist. Naomi explains that she was nearly dead
from starvation- but Jaeger shared his rations with her. And Solid Snake
was the man that took away her only family. Jaeger & Naomi survived
together- he protected her. She was in Mozambique when Big Boss came. He
brought them to America. However, Jaeger & Big Boss returned to Africa
to continue to fight & thats when Snake destroyed her only source of
support.

	Naomi vowed revenge & joined FOX-HOUND. For 2 years she waited,
knowing that being in FOX-HOUND was the best way of meeting Snake, and
she became entangled in the current crisis. She also say's she will get
Liquid & the others. When questioned by Snake Naomi admits she was
partly wrong about him & doesn't hate him. Snake also ask's if she
killed her predecessor, Dr. Clark. Naomi say's that Gray Fox did that-
she helped cover it up to look like an accident & helped Gray Fox hide
out. Snake ask's for her opinion on Fox- does he want to kill him? Naomi
say's she didn't understand before- but now she thinks she does. Gray
Fox believes in a final battle with Snake- thats all he lives for. Snake
can't believe it. Snake begins to ask Naomi a question but she
automatically finishes it off- about Foxdie. She explains its a retro
virus that target's & kill's specific people by essentially carrying the
virus along the bloodstream to the heart. There it connect's with the
heart cell's & mimic's a heart attack. Snake ask's if it was programmed
into him- Naomi can't bring herself to answer. He reassure's her that he
doesn't blame her for wanting him dead- but he still has a job to do.
Naomi then reveals a shocking fact...she wasn't the one that made the
dicision to use Foxdie. It was injected into Snake as a part of the
operation. Just as Naomi begins to tell Snake something else, something
seemingly more important, communication is abruptly cut off. She is
wrestled away from the CODEC & Campbell returns. He tell's Snake he
can't let Naomi make any more unauthorized transmissions- she's not a
part of the operation. Campbell ignores Snake's enraged accusations of
double-crossing & demanding to know what Naomi said about Foxdie being a
part of the operation. Instead he order's Snake to stop Metal Gear- that
being the number one priority at the moment.

 	Filled with suspicion for Campbell Snake find's his way back to
the command room of Metal Gear. After he enter's the 3rd PAL key the
siren's in the room begin to activate acknowledging the acceptance of
the 3rd key. But the computer voice announces that the detonation code
has been activated! Angry & confused Snake gets a CODEC call from Master
Miller- who thanks him. He say's nothing can stop Metal Gear now. He
also apologizes for getting him involved in the Shape Memory Alloy
business. Master explains that he couldn't learn the DARPA chief's
detonation code & even Mantis couldn't read his mind. Then Ocelot killed
him. Because of this they couldn't launch- and understandably "they"
were getting pretty worried. Thats when they decided Snake might prove
useful. They believed they could get the info from him- so Decoy Octopus
was made to disguise as the DARPA Chief. Unfortunately Foxdie killed
him. Solid angrily ask's if he had it planned from the beginning to get
Snake to plant the detonation code- Master is shocked by his naivity. He
feigns that he can't believe Snake believed he got it that far by
himself. Once again Master ignore's Snake demand to know who he is-
instead says that the launch preparations are complete. Once the world
glimpses the power of the weapon they will have no choice but to hand
over the Foxdie vaccine. Master observes that the Pentagon's 'Ace-in-
the-hole' is useless now. Their plan to use Snake was successful- in the
torture room. Master is sarcastically amazed, Snake is the only one that
doesn't know, he pities him. Snake once again demands to know who he is
talking to- Master's say's he will answer all when he finds him. His
very close by. Campbell then interject's- the man Snake has been talking
with hasn't been Master Miller, his body was just found in his house. He
looked like it had been dead for 3 days, Campbell didn't know because
his CODEC link with Master was cut. However, when Mei Ling did a line
search, she found it was coming from inside the base! Snake ask's who it
is and before Campbell can answer Master say's, in a totally different
yet instantly recognized voice, "Me...dear brother" He then take's off
his sunglasses & undoes his pony tail- revealing the face of Liquid
Snake. Liquid say's Snake outlived his usefulness- he may die now.

	The command room door seal's and begins to fill with poisonous
gas. However, thanks to Otacon's hacking skill's, the door is unlocked
again and Snake run's outside. There he see's Liquid & chases after him.
They find themselves opposite each other with Liquid right next to the
cockpit of Metal Gear. Snake point's his gun at Liquid- but holster's it
on Liquid's simple question that he'd shoot his own brother? Liquid
discloses that he disguised as Master so that he could manipulate Snake
more easily. And he also admits Snake did well- though the "boys at the
Pentagon" would probably be saying the same thing as well. According to
Liquid Snake has lost his warrior's pride- justified by Liquid's
observation that Solid is following order's with no question's asked.
Snake is no more than a pawn. Rescuing the hostages & stopping the nuke
launch was a just a diversion, according to Liquid. The Pentagon needed
Solid Snake to come into contact with all the terrorist's & kill them so
that they could retrieve Metal Gear undamaged as well as the bodies of
the genome soldiers- all Snake was was used as a tool to spread Foxdie.
Snake is shocked- does that mean that Naomi was working with the
Pentagon? Liquid say's that they thought she was- but she obviously
couldn't be controlled to easily. A spy Liquid knew in the Pentagon
revealed that Naomi changed the Foxdie program before the operation- but
Liquid doesn't know how or why. Snake wonder's as well. Maybe she was
arrested to find that out? Liquid had no idea she was motivated by such
petty revenge. They still don't know what changes she made to the Foxdie
program- but that doesn't matter because Liquid has added to vaccine to
his list of demands. Snake ask's if there actually is one- Liquid would
assume there is but acknowledges that only Dr. Naomi Hunter really
knows.

 	It might not even be necessary, Liquid admits. Foxdie did kill the
ARMSTECH President & Decoy Octopus- but Ocelot, himself & Snake remain
uninfected. It might possibly be a bug- but if Snake isn't infected then
Liquid certainly has no reason to worry. After all, he explains, there
genetic code is identical. Snake half say's & half ask's 'its true'-
their twins? Liquid say's yes but not ordinary twin's. They're linked by
cursed genes. Solid Snake received Big Boss's dominant genes. Liquid got
the flawed recessive genes. Everything was done so that Solid could be
the greatest. The only reason Liquid exists so that Solid could be
created. Liquid angrily ask's Snake if he knows what its like to know
you were garbage from the day you were born? He got all the leftovers.
Snake shakes his head in pity. However, Big Boss chose Liquid. And
that's the reason Liquid is obsessed with Big Boss he ask's. Like some
kind of twisted love. Liquid shockingly say's 'Love? Its Hate!' Big Boss
would always remind Liquid he was inferior & Solid Snake killed Big Boss
with his own hands. He stole Liquid's chance for revenge. Liquid want's
to finish Big Boss's dream- he will surpass him. He will destroy him.
Solid say's his just like Naomi- motivated by revenge. But Liquid
observes his not like Naomi- his proud of the destiny imbedded into his
genes. With that Liquid jump's into the cockpit of Metal Gear before
Snake can get a shot off at him. The tremendous battle tank begins to
tremble & begins to elevate on a raised platform. It reaches into a
large hangar and begonia's to sit. Intimidatingly quiet.

	Metal Gear has finally been activated. Liquid mocks Snake who can
do nothing against the overwhelming fire power of the nuclear equipped
walking tank. Snake gets Otacon's advice via CODEC that if he destroys
the radome it will disable all sensor's & force Liquid to open the
cockpit and shoot inside it to destroy metal Gear. Snake, while dodging
insistent missile attack's and heavy machine gun fire, manages to hit
the radome enough to make the large weapon to start to shudder. It
finally surges to a halt and rests. For a few moments it sit's still-
until Liquid mockingly congratulates "Nice try!" Just as the tank
regains its feet and begins to stomp towards Snake Gray Fox decloaks and
lands on the ground in front of him. Just as the foot is about to step
on Snake Fox jumps underneath the foot and hold it- stopping the immense
machine from taking another step. Fox, underneath the staggering weight,
admits he was the one who contacted him called 'Deepthroat' He also
observes how Snake looks terrible & has aged well. Snake turn's around
and runs & when the weight of Metal Gear becomes to much Fox uses the
weight to spring himself out into a series of intricate flips- firing
his plasma cannon at the radome. This causes Liquid to loose the pair of
mercenaries as they hide behind a cargo container.

	As Metal Gear hastily searches for them amongst the immense hangar
Snake asks Fox what he want's - to which he replies that his a prisoner
of death and only Snake can free him. Snake tell's Fox he has to stay
out of this- for Naomi's sake. She is hell bent on taking revenge for
Fox and only he can stop her. Fox say's he can't because he was the one
that killed her parents. He was young and couldn't bring himself to kill
Naomi as well. So he took Naomi and treated her like his own blood to
soothe his guilty conscience. They might have seemed like a happy
brother & sister- but everytime he looked into her eyes he saw her
parents eye's staring back at him. Gray Fox makes his last request to
Snake- tell Naomi Fox was the one that murdered her parents. At this
point Liquid spot's them behind the container- Fox say's their out of
time. He then tell's Snake he'll stop it from moving. Running out from
behind the container, in a stunning display of skill & bravery, Liquid
goes up against the immense weapon. After shooting its radome and losing
his arm, yet continuing to fight, Fox jumps 30m up onto a ledge bringing
him at the same level as the cockpit. Just as he flip's around and is
about to shoot Metal Gear run's full-speed into him- the cockpit pinning
him up against the wall. Liquid mocks Snake over the loudspeaker- "Are
you just going to watch him die?" Summing up all his strength Fox uses
his one arm, free from being pinned, to shoot the radome and finally
destroy it. The cockpit opens and Liquid, now unable to pin Fox against
the wall, comments on how Fox is indeed worthy of his codename. Fox
urges Snake to fire the stinger at the pair to destroy metal gear- but
Liquid say's he'll murder fox as well. Snake can't bring himself to fire
the Stinger at the 2 as Fox mutter's his last words of being taken from
Zanzibar & the battle, neither dead or alive. An endless shadow, in a
world of light. The tip of Metal Gear nudges Fox from the ledge and
brings him crashing to the ground. Liquid finally put's an end to Fox by
stamping him on the ground. Under its giant foot- Fox say's his final
words.

 	"Snake...we're not tool's of the government or anyone else.
Fighting was the only thing...the ONLY THING I was good at. But
atleast...I always fought for what I believed in."

 	He then bids Snake farewell, and is crushed by Metal Gear as it
begins to trudge again towards Snake. Firing his stinger in anger and
grief Snake manages to execute enough rocket's into the cockpit, sending
Metal Gear crashing towards to ground. It erupts in a violent explosion
and site's dead on the hangar. the force of the explosion propels Snake
backwards into the hard, metal wall. Just before he loses
conscientiousness he spot's Liquid slowly & patiently walking towards
him. Snake wakes up to find himself on top of the "head" of metal gear
with his hands tied with Liquid Snake standing over him. He comments how
his still alive- Liquid say's he cannot die as long as Snake lives.
Snake observes how Metal Gear is destroyed- Liquids revolution was a
failure. But just because Metal Gear is destroyed, he say's, doesn't
mean his done fighting. Snake asks Liquid what he really want's- to
which Liquid replies he want's a world where warriors are honored as
they once were. Thats how it should be. Snake says that was Big Boss's
dream- but Liquid corrects that was his dying wish. When Big Boss was
young, during the Cold war, the world needed people like him.  They were
valued and desired. Things, though, are different now. With the
bureaucrats & hypocrites running the world war isn't what it used to be.
People like Solid & Liquid Snake are losing their place in a world that
no longer needs them. they contempt their very existence. Liquid lays
out his plans- after he launches the weapon and gets 1 billion dollar's
they can bring chaos & order back to a world gone soft. Conflict's &
conflicts will begin & reunite hatred's- then they can expand their
"sphere of influence"

 	However, Snake say's that as long as there are people there will
be wars. The problem, Liquid says, is balance. Big Boss knew the correct
balance. Snake asks if thats the only reason. Liquid say's its reason
enough...for people like them. Snake quickly retort's he doesn't want a
world like that- Liquid say's his lying. Why is he here then? Why does
he follow orders while his superiors betray him? Liquid answer's it for
him- he enjoys the killing. Solid can't believe what Liquid has said
about him. And he can't argue it- he has killed all of Liquid's
comrades. Liquid has seen his face when he did it- filled with the joy
of battle. He say's they can't deny it- they were created to be that
way. Solid questions the use of the word "created" and Liquid explains.

	'Les Enfants Terrible' (The Terrible Children) the project was
called. It was started in the 70's. It was  a plan to artificially
create the most powerful soldier possible. The model for that was taken
from what was then known as the best soldier in the world- Big Boss. He
was wounded in combat and in coma when he was brought in. Solid & Liquid
were created from his cell's with a combination of 20th Analogue cloning
& the superbaby mechanism. The superbaby mechanism involved fertilizing
a egg with Big Boss's cells & letting it divide into 8 cloned babies.
These were then transferred into a uterus but later 6 of the babies were
intentionally aborted to promote strong feutal growth. Liquid & Solid
were originally octuplets. 6 babies were sacrificed so they could be
created. They were accomplices in murder before they were even born.
Liquid & Solid both has the DNA but they weren't done yet. Liquid was
used as a guinea pig to create a phenotype in which all the dominant
gene's were expressed- to create Solid Snake. Liquid got all the
recessive genes & Solid took everything away from Liquid before they
were born.

	Liquid then goes further to reveal that they are not the only
children. The genome soldiers are Big Boss's as well. Carrying his
genetic legacy. With the completion of the human genome project, the
mysteries of humanity were laid bare with Big Boss's DNA. With that they
found nearly 60 "soldier" genes covering everything from strategic
thinking to the proverbial "killer instinct" These soldier genes were
then injected into the Next-Generation Special Forces- that is how they
became "genome soliders" But they were the results of numerous
sacrifices...specifically human experiments. In 1991, the Gulf War, the
military secretly injected soldiers with 'soldier genes' The so-called
'Gulf War syndrome' that hundreds of thousands of returning servicemen
reported was a side affect of the experiments. When Solid laugh's what
Liquid say's off, with the statement that it was really caused by
exposure to depleted uranium in the anti-tank rounds, Liquid say's that
was just a cover story the Pentagon made. The poison gas detection units
& anti-serin injections were all just lies used to cover the
experiments. Solid also realizes that that means the Gulf War babies,
that vets of the war have reported, are their brothers & sisters as
well. Solid interpret's this to mean that the genome experiments were a
success- but Liquid quickly confirms it was a failure.

	Liquid uses the 'assymetry theory' to explain why it was a
failure. Nature favors the assymetry theory. All species that have gone
extinct show signs of symmetry. Liquid & Solid Snake do as well. They
are all on the verge of death at a genetic level. They don't when or
what disease will occur- thats why they need Big Boss's genetic
information. Solid is humorously touched- Liquid want's the information
to save his "family" Liquid puts it into perspective- in nature animals
that don't mate with each other help each other to survive because they
want to pass on their genetic information. Autism amongst blood
relatives is a response to natural selection (called the 'selfish gene'
theory) Solid is amazed- Liquids gene's are telling him to save the
genome soldiers? Liquid says you can't fight your genes- its fate. All
living things are created for the sole purpose of passing on their
genes. Liquid will follow what his genes tell him. He'll go beyond it &
break the curse of his heritage. And to do that he must kill Solid
Snake.

 	Liquid tell's Snake to turn around- Meryl is lying down unmoving.
Snake tensely asks Liquid if Meryl is alive. He comments that she was a
few hours ago, the poor girl kept on crying out his name. Liquid is
disappointed in her- falling in love with a man with no name. Solid says
he has a name, but Liquid barks back No! They have no name, no past, no
future. And even if they did it wouldn't be theres- they are just copies
of Big Boss. Snake tell's Liquid to let Meryl go- to which he replies as
soon as their finished. They're almost out of time. Not from Foxdie- the
Pentagon apparently knows of Metal Gears destruction & are launching a
BDA. Liquid prompt's Solid to call the Colonel if he wants the full
details.

	Snake CODEC's Campbell and ask's him what the Pentagon is trying
to do- Campbell say's the secretary of defense has taken over the
mission & is on his way via AWACS to bomb the place. Not only that, B2
bombers have just lifted off from nearby Galena base armed with Surface
Piercing Nuclear Bombs. Snake frantically tell's Campbell that Metal
Gear is destroyed, but Campbell reveals that the secretary of defense
knows that Naomi double-crossed them & is worried about Foxdie. Now that
there is no more danger from Metal Gear, he will do whatever is
necessary to cover it up. Snake understands- the strike will wipe out
all the evidence as well as anyone who knows anything. Campbell tell's
Snake not to worry- he'll stop the strike. He is still officially in
charge of the operation & if he issues a delay order it will confuse the
chain of command & buy some time to give Snake a chance to escape. But
Snake is worried- if Campbell does that he will be seriously
reprimanded. Campbell say's its OK. The truth is FOX-HOUND was already
the subject of an undercover investigation & Meryl was transferred to
the island, just before the terrorist attack, as a way of manipulating
him. They forced Campbell to co-operate in exchange for her life. Snake
is moved as he finally realises why Campbell had to lie to him...he
tell's Snake to get out. Helping him is the least he can do after all
the lies. Just as he tell's Snake he is ordering the bombing run to be
cancelled, he is wrestled away from the CODEC. For a few brief seconds
their is the muffled sounds of a struggle- until Jim Houseman, the
secretary of defense, appears on the CODEC.

	Houseman explains that Campbell has been relieved of duty. He is
under arrest for leaking Top-secret information & for the crime of High
treason. He comments how Campbell truly believed he was in charge of the
operation. He also reassures Snake there won't be a speck of evidence
left on the island- the President would want that. Snake asks if the
President ordered it- Houseman generalizes the President is a busy man-
Houseman has complete authority. Snake also asks how they'll explain a
nuclear attack in the middle of Alaska- to which Houseman reassuringly
replies they've prepared a convincing cover story.  They'll simply say
the terrorist's exploded a nuclear device. Snake also observes that
they'll be murdering everyone & Houseman says he might reconsider if he
got the optical disk. The metal gear test data. When Snake say's he
doesn't have it Houseman say's its OK. Solid & Liquid Snake are an
embarrassment from the 70's. They are America's dirty little secret &
they can't be allowed to live. He farewell's Snake knowing he has allot
of "catching up" to do.

	Liquid unties Snakes hands. Liquid then walk's over to Meryl,
looking down on her he clenches his fist's in rage. Snake stole
everything from him. Only Snake's death can satisfy him & return to him
what is rightfully his. He comments how she will make a beautiful
sacrifice. Liquid then gestures a box next to her body- a nuclear device
timed to go off at the moment of her death. He then set's the box for 3
minutes and activates it. In a purely hand-to-hand battle, Snake manages
to overcome his "brother" and throw him off the top of Metal Gear.
Liquid bays Solid Snakes name as he falls off into the top of the weapon
into the infinite abyss below.

	Snake runs over to Meryl and undoes he wrist ties. He gently lifts
her up against his chest...and she slumps in his arms. Snake is overcome
with grief and rage. He screams her name out. He angrily ask's her to
forgive him. He hits the top of Rex feeling worthless for giving into
his fear and pain. He sold her life to save his own. He says his
nothing. His a loser...and was never a hero. As Snake tenderly
apologises to her Otacon arrives and say's she can't forgive him. She's
gone. Snake reminds himself and Otacon that it was because of himself.
Otacon understands- blaming himself makes it easier. It keeps the pain
at a distance. Snake is enraged- she's dead, he lost. Otacon calmly
ask's if Snake is going to stay and die along with her.

	Otacon reminds Snake that people die...but death is not defeat.
Otacon lost Wolf...but that wasn't defeat. They'll be together forever,
their love didn't die. Life is more than a game of win or lose. Otacon
wants to live. He walks over to Snake and places a hand on his shoulder,
drawing him away from Meryl's body. Otacon reassures Snake that they can
escape in the nearby parking garage (Otacon has released all the locks)
Otacon promises this to Snake. Snake, in turn, relises that Otacon has
changed. Otacon says he is through regretting the past- life isn't all
about loss. The hangar begins to shake and collapse...but Otacon isn't
scared. He beckons them to destroy it. They can't destroy the human
spirit. Snake gets himself together and speaks to her body. He hopes she
is still watching him. Maybe he can still prove himself to her...

	Climbing down the wreckage, Snake retrieves his sneaking suit as
Otacon runs out of the hangar. Just as Snake is nearly out the door, he
turns around for a final look back on Rex and remembers Meryl's innocent
body lying on top of it. He turns around and runs out of the hangar as a
giant piece of shrapnel collapses over the door...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(III) THE END OF THE RUN
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

	In the garage, Snake holds genome soldiers at bay as Otacon fights
to get a jeep working. When he does Snake climbs aboard and mans the gun
turret and he drives them through a goods tunnel towards the surface.
Just as they are nearing the exit Snake hears an unmistakable voice call
out his name which echo's down the tunnels. Liquid drives up behind them
and starts to shoot at them. Snake manages to return fire, but as they
emerge out of the exit they crash and are pinned by the weight of the
jeep. Snake, in a sudden change of character, quirkily observes Liquid
emerging from the jeep with a FA-MAS in his hand. As he walks over to
Snake and points the barrel at his head he suddenly is struck by an
invisible blow, he falls to the ground on his knees and his body
finally, violently strikes the ground. FOXDIE has killed him. Solid
Snake wonders- if both Solid and Liquid have the same DNA...that means
his time will be up soon as well. Snake also notices the air raid hasn't
begun...where are all the bombers?

	Right on cue, Campbell call's by CODEC. He informs Snake that Jim
Houseman has been arrested- Campbell managed to get in contact with the
President and inform him of Metal Gear, the training exercise, the
"whole thing". All of it was Houseman acting alone. Campbell was
reinstated in control of the mission and the bombers were ordered to
return to base. He observes that Washington wasn't stupid enough to use
Nukes to bury a few secrets. Campbell tells Snake he knows Meryl died.
He then tells Snake something that makes the loss even worse- Meryl was
Campbell's daughter. He had recently recieved a letter from Meryl's
mother, Campbell's deceased brothers wife, telling him. Campbell was
going to tell her the truth after the mission...

	Campbell is compelled to apologize to Snake for keeping so many
secrets from him- Snake interjects that it is OK. Campbell is also
compelled to remind Snake, as he did at the start of the mission, that
he isn't a Colonel anymore. Campbell tells Snake of a nearby snowmobile
(Mei Ling found it on Satellite photos) it would be good to use it to
escape- the jeep they escaped in sunk into the ocean and they officially
died when that happened. He also tells Snake of a helicopter on nearby
Fox-island they can use to escape in. Snake thanks him one last time,
for all of his support, calling him Roy.

	 Campbell reassures Snake that himself and Mei Ling will be OK as
well- they have all of Mei Lings data from the mission on a hard copy.
When Snake observes he will run out of battery power soon Campbell sadly
observes that they probably won't meet again. Snake reassures Campbell
that he will pay him a visit sometime. But Snake has to ask him one last
thing...about Foxdie. Campbell says he will get Naomi to answer that
question (She has been released and is in good health)

	Naomi has heard about what happened to Frank Jaeger. Snake gives
her his final message- he apparently wanted her to forget about him and
get on with her own life. She chokes back tears as Snake also tells her
Frank said he would always love her. Snake tells Naomi that Jaeger just
saved him and, most probably, the entire world. Naomi says maybe it was
for the best- maybe he has found some peace. He has never been himself
since Zanzibar...he had been like a ghost...
Snake finally ask's Naomi about FOXDIE- if Liquid Snake died shouldn't
he to? Naomi doesn't answer, instead she urges Snake to use FOXDIE as an
incentive to appreciate what he has now- life.

	Snake helps Otacon recover himself from for injuries from the jeep
crash and, as they make their way down to the snow mobile, Naomi
explains the nature of DNA and life to Snake. Each person has their fate
written into their DNA when the are born- but that isn't all there is to
life. Naomi has realized that- she'd been to focused on using DNA to
learn about her past. DNA at its best can be used to determine
*potential* strengths. It is up to the person to decide their strengths.
They can't let themselves be chained to fate. Whether Snake is involved
in the FOXDIE program or not isn't important- he has to choose LIFE
regardless. And live. Naomi intends to do that as well.  As Snake and
Otacon find the snowmobile and push it out of its hidden cave, Naomi
states that ones hopes and dreams are passed VIA our dreams to our
children. Life works in that way- living is a link to the future. Loving
and teaching is how the world is changing- and Naomi has realized that.

	Snake & Otacon arrive at the snowmobile. After climbing on Snake
observes how, up until that point in his life, he had lived only for
himself. Survival was the only thing he cared about. Otacon reminds
Snake that everyone is like that- not just him. Ignoring Otacon's
perspective, Snake remembers how he only felt alive when staring death
in the face. All Snake wants to do now is enjoy life, and Snake ask's
Otacon about himself. Otacon say's he feels like a new man. Snake is
curious- will he continue his research? Otacon decides he is finished
with science, he is now more interested in human psycology. The whole
reason he got into science was because he was not good with people. He
was scared of them and life. He believed he could never understand them-
people were to illogical. But now Otacon has become sick of being a
spectator- he is going to enjoy life. His going to stand on his own 2
feet and hide no longer.

	Snake jokes- does this mean his done with his stealth cammoflage?
Otacon understands he will no longer need it, and they share a laugh as
he hands it over to Snake. Otacon reminisces that they will both be
saying goodbye to their loves now as well, and when Snake doesn't reply,
Otacon ask's Snake if he wants him to drive the snowmobile. Snake
refuses the offer. Otacon ask's him where to and the use of the word
"Snake" prompt's Snake to tell him his real name is "David" They both
share a laugh at their names- Hal & Dave. Maybe they should go to
Jupiter...

	When Otacon ask's Snake where to, David comments his looking for a
new path in life. His sure he will find it. Starting up the snowmobile,
they ride off into the rising sun...


-----------------------------------------------------------------------
IV LEGEND
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
In the 1980's, there were more than 60,000 nuclear warheads in the world
at all times. The total destructive power amounted to 1 million times
that of the Hiroshima A-bomb.

In January 1993, START2 was signed and the United States and Russia
agreed to reduce the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads to
3500 - 3000 in each nation by December 31, 2000

However, as of 1998, there still exist's 26,000 nuclear warheads in the
world.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------
V EPILOGUE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

	Sometime after their escape, Revolver Ocelot, the sole terrorist
survivor, communicates with an inaudible person. He informs the
individual that the whole unit was wiped out except Otacon and Snake.
FOXDIE should become activated soon. The warhead data was collected by
Ocelot and his cover is stll intact. No-one knew his real identity,
except the DARPA Chief, but he is dead anyhow. According to Ocelot the
inferior one was the winner- Liquid though he was the lesser one until
the very end. No-one knows that the person Ocelot is communicating with,
Solidus, is the 3rd one...

	Ocelot then bids goodbye to "Mr. President"....

----------------------------------------
VI CONCLUSIONS
-----------------------------------------

From the ending of Metal Gear Solid we know the following things:

1) Solid Snake and Hal Emmerich have survived.

2) Psyco Mantis, Vulcan Raven, Sniper Wolf, Decoy Octopus, Liquid Snake,
Kenneth Baker, Donald Anderson and Meryl Silverburgh are dead

3) Metal Gear Rex has been destroyed

4) The hard-data on Metal Gear's test exercise has been acquired by
Revolver Ocelot. He is the only survivor from the terrorists.

5) Campbell is still in operation control of the mission, replacing the
Secretary of Defense. He will be, most likely, controlling the de-
briefing and aftermath of the operation. His work is far from done.

6) In addition, we know that Meryl was not Campbell's niece, as stated
in the briefing, but infact his daughter.

7) The President has been briefed by both the terrorist's, *and* the
force's working against them, about the situation. He is the only person
who has heard the story about the terrorist action from both sides.

8) Big Boss's DNA is still in government possession. In fact, the
government did not give into any of the terrorist's demands.

9) More generally most of what Liquid talked about in Metal Gear's
control room, with Ocelot listening, has gone up in smoke.

10) There are still several genome soldiers on the island. Their fate
remains a mystery.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
VII OBSERVATIONS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

1) For those of you wondering- the total time of all of the cutscenes in
Metal Gear Solid runs at about 3hrs and 30 minutes. This is equivalent
to watching 'Saving Private Ryan' or 'Ben-Hur'

2) Separated at birth- Revolver Ocelot and 'Wheel of Time's' Thom
Merrilin?

3) Funny how Campbell, despite the fact he is a retired Colonel, showed
up for duty in his Army uniform and Berret.
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
-- VIII UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

1) Naomi helped "Frank" hide for 2 years- but what was he doing in that
time? Surely a person, with such an advanced exoskeleton, wouldn't
stayed couped up in a house or equivalent space for that amount of time?

2) This is the most obvious one...but what is Revolver Ocelot's
affiliation with the "President"? Why was he working for him? Why is he
a double-agent? There are lots of questions to do with this and they'll
obviously be answered In 'Son's Of Liberty'

3) The DARPA Chief & ARMSTECH President weren't the only important
people present on the island. Important government and corporate
officials were present also. Where were they and all the other hostages?

4) What is to become of the bodies of all of the FOX-HOUND members? Will
they be taken to be used in gene-therapy experiments as well?

5) What's to happen to the wreckage of Metal Gear Rex? Surely technology
from the weapon is still able to be obtained from the remains...?

6) Why wasn't Snake affected by FOXDIE at the same time as Liquid?

7) Liquid detailed in his monologue on the top of Metal Gear that the 2
of them were bore from a uterus. Who was Liquid & Solid Snakes mother?

8) Did Big Boss ever know of Liquid Snake's existence? If he did...why
didn't he ever tell Snake? (Realistically I can see the logic in him not
telling him- but its still an issue)

9) What was Meryl Silverburgh's exact cause of death? Did she suffer?

10) Why did the DARPA Chief know Revolver Ocelot's true identity? (Maybe
something to do with the fact he was "accidentally" killed during the
interrogation?)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
IX DIFFERENT ENDINGS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------
  THE OFFICIAL STANCE
-----------------------------------

	Its become apparent, through access to Konami's MGS2 boards, that
the ending of Metal Gear Solid, as far as Konami is concerned, is BOTH
endings. Its hard to understand precisely what is meant by that- but
remarkably simple once you figure it out...MERYL DIED BUT WAS RE-
ANIMATED AS A ZOMBIE!!! SHE IS UN-DEAD!!!

COUGH COUGH. Sorry folks. Basically- MGS2 will have no reference to the
ending of Metal Gear Solid. This is what makes it a "both" ending-
anything could have happened. First and foremost this means, for Metal
Gear Solid 2: Son's of Liberty (can't help but get a tingle down my
spine everytime I think of that name) there will be no reference to
Meryl. In MGS she played a "bond girl" (meaning there would be no
further reference to her in subsequent adventures) In Metal Gear Solid 2
we will neither hear whether she is alive or dead- that is now
irrelevant. We have to remember, ladies and gents, that Meryl's death is
the only major difference between the endings.

I mean...who knows! Maybe Mr. Kojima, in his amazing wisdom &
personality (all hail!), will cook up some huge surprise (Like renaming
MGS2 to 'Metal Gear Solid: Episode II - Attack of the Son's of Liberty')
and somehow explain to us, in a way beyond my logical reasoning & common
sense, how there can be a "both" ending. For now, however, and for the
sake of completedness I will still be including my summarising of the
"other" ending and my reasoning behind my choice of the other one.

-----------------------------------
  MERYL
-----------------------------------

Snake runs over to Meryl and unties her. He gently lifts her up by her
shoulders and says her name....she comes to and instantly embraces him.
He asks her if she's OK, to which she replies it wasn't to bad. She
didn't submit to the torture...or things worse than that...
 Meryl says that fighting against the terrorist's when she was captured
made her feel closer to Snake. He gave her strength despite her fears.
She had held onto a single hope throughout all the pain and suffering- a
pain that kept her alive. She wanted to see him again. Snake and Meryl
affectionately stare at each other as Otacon calls by his CODEC. Snake
confirms she is OK and Otacon is extremely relieved to hear this.

	Snake informs Otacon that the whole complex is to be bombed soon
and they must evacuate. Otacon informs Snake of the parking garage
located next to the hangar- with a goods tunnel leading to the surface.
He reassures Snake that he will also take care of the security devices
located along their escape route. But Snake wants to know what Otacon
will do- Otacon says he is staying. Snake is angrily concerned for
Otacon- staying behind is suicide. Otacon says he is the only one who
can take care of security- he MUST stay. Otacon says he is a complete
person now- he doesn't have to worry about the past anymore. He has
found a reason to live. This prompts Snake to thank Otacon- who is
genuinely flattered by the sincere comment.

 	Disconnecting, Snake can't bring himself to explain to Meryl what
Otacon is doing. He simply says he is fighting his own battle to be the
man he wants to be. Snake jumps off the top of Metal Gear and uses
pieces of debris to reach the ground. Meryl jumps into his arms as she
gets down. They enjoy each others company for a second before the wreck
of Rex begins to violently shudder. Snake observes how they most
probably won't have a love scene after all and Meryl is sarcastically
disappointed. Making their way out, Snake finds his sneaking suit, and
manages to escape the hangar (with one final look back) before an
immense chunk of metal collapses infront of the door.

	In the garage, Snake holds genome soldiers at bay as Meryl fights
to get a jeep working. When she does Snake climbs aboard and mans the
gun turret and she drives them through a goods tunnel towards the
surface. Just as they are nearing the exit Snake hears an unmistakable
voice call out his name which echo's down the tunnels. Liquid drives up
behind them and starts to shoot at them. Snake manages to return fire,
but as they emerge out of the exit they crash and are pinned by the
weight of the jeep. Snake, in a sudden change of character, quirkily
observes Liquid emerging from the jeep with a FA-MAS in his hand. As he
walks over to Snake and points the barrel at his head he suddenly is
struck by an invisible blow, he falls to the ground on his knees and his
body finally, violently strikes the ground. FOXDIE has killed him. Solid
Snake, however, if both Solid and Liquid have the same DNA...that means
his time will be up soon as well. Snake also notices the air raid hasn't
begun...where are all the bombers?

	Right on cue, Campbell call's by CODEC. He informs Snake that Jim
Houseman has been arrested- Campbell managed to get in contact with the
President and inform him of Metal Gear, the training exercise, the
"whole thing". All of it was Houseman acting alone. Campbell was
reinstated in control of the mission and the bombers were ordered to
return to base. He observes that Washington wasn't stupid enough to use
Nukes to bury a few secrets. Snake tells Campbell that Meryl is fine and
he can barely control his joy. Campbell is compelled to apologize to
Snake for keeping so many secrets from him- Snake interjects that it is
OK. Campbell is also compelled to remind Snake, as he did at the start
of the mission, that he isn't a Colonel anymore. Campbell tells Snake of
a nearby snowmobile (Mei Ling found it on Satellite photos) it would be
good to use it to escape- the jeep they escaped in sunk into the ocean
and they officially died when that happened. Campbell tells Snake of a
helicopter on nearby Fox-island they can use to escape in. Snake thanks
him one last time, for all of his support, calling him Roy.

	Campbell reassures Snake that he'll take care of Hal Emmerich who
is still on the island. Campbell himself and Mei Ling will be OK as
well- they have all of Mei Lings data from the mission on a hard copy.
When Snake observes he will run out of battery power soon Campbell sadly
observes that they probably won't meet again. Snake reassures Campbell
that he will pay him a visit sometime. But Snake has to ask him one last
thing...about Foxdie. Campbell responds, before Snake can even ask, that
Meryl was not in the Foxdie programming and she will be fine. When Snake
ask's about himself, Campbell says he will get Naomi to answer that
question (She has been released and is in good health)

	Naomi has heard about what happened to Frank Jaeger. Snake gives
her his final message- he wanted her to forget about him and get on with
her own life. She chokes back tears as Snake also tells her Frank said
he would always love her. Snake tells Naomi that Jaeger just saved him
and, most probably, the entire world. Naomi says maybe it was for the
best- maybe he has found some peace. He has never been himself since
Zanzibar...he had been like a ghost...
Snake finally ask's Naomi about FOXDIE- if Liquid Snake died shouldn't
he to? Naomi doesn't answer, instead she urges Snake to use FOXDIE as an
incentive to appreciate what he has now- life.

	Snake helps Meryl recover herself from for injuries from the jeep
crash and, as they make their way down to the snow mobile, Naomi
explains the nature of DNA and life to Snake. Each person has their fate
written into their DNA when the are born- but that isn't all there is to
life. Naomi has realized that- she'd been to focused on using DNA to
learn about her past. DNA at its best can be used to determine
*potential* strengths. It is up to the person to decide their strengths.
They can't let themselves be chained to fate. Whether Snake is involved
in the FOXDIE program or not isn't important- he has to choose LIFE
regardless. And live. Naomi intends to do that as well.  As Snake and
Meryl find the snowmobile and push it out of its hidden cave, Naomi
states that ones hopes and dreams are passed VIA our dreams to our
children. Life works in that way- living is a link to the future. Loving
and teaching is how the world is changing- and Naomi has realized that.

	And Snake and Meryl climb on the snowmobile. Snake observes, in a
optimistic tone, how he had lived only for himself up till that day.
Survival was the only thing he cared about and he only felt the most
alive when staring death in the face. Now maybe his genes (as they might
have been governing his past) are telling him to live for someone else.
Someone like Meryl. She is speechless, yet happy. She asks him where
they are going- but the use of the name "Snake" prompts him to tell her
to call him by his real name "David" He comments how its time to look
for a new path in life. His sure they will find it. Filled with a new
appreciation for life, and observing how Alaska has never looked more
beautiful to him, he rides of with Meryl into the rising sun...

-----------------------------------
 WHY?
-----------------------------------

	This is the age old question. We've been wondering for years what
the "official" ending of MGS is and this will no doubt be answered in
the sequel (as well as the other glaring questions) The following is a
rationale on why I believe the "bad" ending is the official one. Please
be made aware that these are my own personal opinion and many people
(hopefully not a majority) could disagree with my statements.

	In order to get the "bad" ending of MGS one must fail in the
torture room. That is the easy part. But if you, as the player, make
Snake fail- does that mean, plot wise, that he was just to weak to
endure the pain? Maybe. Snake has been isolated in the Alaskan
wilderness for 11 years and WOAH! all of the sudden he has been thrust
back into combat! Is he as strong as he was a decade previously? I find
little credibility in ANYONE, after that period of time, being able to
endure that kind of torture.
	Snake's failure on the torture bed shows that he is human, like
you and me, and proves to us he is no superhero- no matter what praise
the manual or those countless Metal Gear Solid webpages say. Then again-
the guy had a 6 pack still. That might be our only clue as to whether he
was keeping himself (physically and mentally) his old self in Alaska.

	Everyone knows the good ending- hero rescues the heroine and they
ride off together. Its cliched and boring. I know in Metal Gear Solid
there is alot more to it than that- but I personally like the "bad"
ending more. Its original. I'am aware, however, it will take more than
that convince you.

	The good ending is cliched because you and I, as western
audiences, have all of our entertainment medium's (with basic premises
the same as MGS) end the same way- happily. Its the "western" ending.
However, the bad ending see's our protagonist lose the other central
figure and feeling deeply hurt and a great sense of loss, and seeking
refuge from that pain in the form of another figure (Otacon) This is
made most apparent on the top of Metal Gear when, after lossing Meryl,
he says to Otacon "You've changed" This is common with Japanese anime (I
believe) so I consider this to be the "Eastern" ending.

	Because of the nature of the development of the game and the key
figures surrounding its production (Made in Japan by Japanese) I believe
the game will follow the bad or "eastern" ending.

	The ending of Metal Gear Solid see's Solid Snake and Otacon riding
away from the ordeal they had been experiencing for 18 hours. However,
the ordeal led to a great change in both their personalities that made
them aware of how much more potential they had. The bad ending see's
this happen to both Snake and Otacon, as opposed to the good ending
where Snake is the only one who seems to have had a prominent changed
perspective. Meryl remains her old naive self.

	This change in character for Snake and Otacon is symbolised
through the use of their "real" names- Hal & David. They've stripped off
their "isolated" exterior (both of them were nigels- they had no or few
friends) and stated the extent they will go to in order to become
"human" again. It was certainly clever of Mr. Kojima to work on not just
the plot of MGS- but character development as well. We're seeing some
dramatic (yet justified) behavioral changes over the course of this
game.
	Snake's revelation of his real name to Otacon demonstrates the
trust he has developed with the man, that he has never developed with
another person before besides Campbell, and this trust is made apparent
in the context that he told it to Otacon in (IE. He didn't take a deep
breath then hesistantly say "Look...my names...uummm...David") True-
this occur's also in the Meryl ending, but I still believe it to be a
valid point.

	By having Meryl die at the end of MGS, it makes Snake a enraged
war machine. The loss of Meryl to Snake, on the top of Metal Gear, makes
him susceptible to emotions that he has never felt before and he finds
no way to express them except through the only way he ever does-
violence. Otacon, the wise Jedi Master that he is, manages to calm Snake
and console him. Snake is going from one extreme in this circumstance to
another at the end- when he finds himself manifisting some passive
attitudes to where he wants his life to go. The loss he feels has been
manifested into Otacon (as mentioned) so he feels OK to take an optistic
approach. Heres a simple formula to explain it:

Meryl's Alive (Good) GOES TO Snake's Newly Developed Attitude to Life
(Better)

Meryl's Dead (Bad) GOES TO Snake's Newly Developed Attitude to Life
(Good)

There's a dramatic change in character and I believe that is a reason
why the bad ending is the "official" one.


 	The death of Meryl gives Snake another motivation for MGS2- his
not trying to stop Ray because he want's no nuclear war, he wants to
avenge Meryl's death. He wants to get back at Ocelot. Ocelot threatened
Snake himself that he would kill Meryl- it wouldn't take Snake long to
put 2 and 2 together and assume Ocelot killed her. As well, if one
recieves the "good" ending from MGS Ocelot says in the epilogue that he
will keep Meryl under surveillance- whats to say he doesn't kill her
between MGS 1 & 2?

	However, the footage we have seen of MGS2 so far has supplied us
with other cryptic clues as well as to what the "official" ending is. A
very minor clue is the presence, at the very start of MGS2, of the
stealth camo. The "bad" ending is the one where the stealth camo is
acquired. This is un-credible clue, however, because it wouldn't be hard
for Snake to get one of the units in the months between the 2 games. The
voice actor of Meryl, Kyoko Terase, from the Japanese release of MGS
will be returning in MGS2...as the voice of Olga...go figure...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
X SOMEWHAT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

These are question's that I've taken from personal e-mails and the Metal
Gear message forums available on the net, they're also question's that
I've formed out of assorted pieces of writting associated with the
games.

Q. Who are you and what are you doing here?

A. I'm a patriot Australian heterosexual male. I'm currently in my final
year of High-school with the intention of studying psycology. Obviously
you didn't come here to read about me- but I will tell you WHY I did
this.
	Basically I was annoyed that nowhere on the net was ANY
information on the plot of MGS. The closest thing to it was the
walkthroughs that just gave general information on what happened (but no
detail's like FOX-DIE or anything) I thought I'd do the legion of MGS
fans on the net a favour and write this up for them.

Q. Why does my manual say 'Sean Barker' did the voice of Solid Snake?

A. Because the name 'Sean Barker' is David Hayter's alias. www.IMDB.com
will inform you that he used the same name for his work on the emmy-
award winning (not) 'Spider-Man: Unlimited'  Its a good idea to check
out the site to see what work the other voice actors have done (James
Flinders' AKA Liquid Snake who also has an alias [Cam Clarke], work is
also fairly impressive)

Q. What exactly IS FOX-HOUND?

A. FOX HOUND is a specially formed special forces unit inside NATO. Its
duty is, under non-official combat status, to sneak deep into enemy
borders where no national intelligence can enter, and collect
information about enemy military forces.

All members of FOX HOUND have mastered various skytrooper techniques and
are thoroughly acquainted with secret invasion techniques from under and
over water, so they can sneak by any kind of breaching path.

Moreover, they have masteries and knowledge of survival over extended
length in bushes, jungles and desert and maintain skills in acute
tailing, detonating operation, wireless communication, seizing and
reusing enemy weapons, collecting information, various martial arts,
emergency medical operations, linguistic and hi-techs or essentially
anything required for being as a hi-tech special squad.

FOX HOUND members are never chosen as civilians, but are chosen out of
recruits and self-nominees from various special force members.

In the selection proceedure the aspirants initially receive exams in 3
aspects - physical, psychological and intelligence;

Physical Exam

	*. Basic physical ability
		---->	Short-range run
		---->	Uninterrupted 80 push-ups
		---->	Uninterrupted 100 situps
		---->	50 meters free swimming
      *. Underwater diving ability
	*. Lone wilderness march (carry a backpack of 30kg, and conquer
64 km of length in 15 hours)

Psychological Exam

      *. Mental recovery
	*. Concentration
	*. Endurance
	*. Self-control
	*. Evaluation of tough inner self which are required to overcome
the duties
	*. ESP expectancy score
	*. Marksman ability
	*. Recognizing and making decision on emergency environment

Intelligence Exam

	*. Language
	*. Non-domestic geology
	*. World situation
	*. Hi-tech technologies
	*. Medical in outdoors
	*. Detonation operation
	*. Concealed communication
	*. Foreign weaponry
	*. Drills

Those who passed the selection course have to take the following
professional training courses:

	*. Battlefield survival test (14 weeks)
	*. Shooting practice (very high standard is required; 100% to the
	   target 548 meters away, 95% to the target 914 meters away)
	*. Patrol
	*. Conquering mountain terrain
	*. Martial arts / Hand-to-Hand combat
	*. Border crossing
	*. Guerilla combat
	*. Land navigation
	*. Map reading
	*. Escape - avoiding dangers
	*. Field combat medicine (10 weeks)
	*. Rebelling ranger practice
	*. Weapons
	*. Nautical control and navigation
	*. Diving, underwater sneaking
	*. Canoe
	*. Parachute skydiving practice (4 weeks)
	*. Assault paratroopers skydiving practice: H-A-L-O and H-A-H-O
	*. 11 normal skydiving exercises, 15 in full gear, 2 in
nighttime, 2 mass-tactical strategic diving.
	*. Intelligence operation
	*. Language and customs of destination country (4 weeks)
	*. Sneaking technique
	*. Improved flammable operation
	*. Utilizing hi-tech arms
	*. Communication (16 weeks)

	(This was taken from the 'Metal Gear 2' manual with shoddy
translation & grammar fixed up- I'm still appreciative I got it though!)

Q. Why was Liquid down in the Dock?

A. He says so himself. He expected Snake to be coming through at any
time. I was willing to bet that minutes before Snake surfaced Liquid had
been at the waters edge looking out for him. Snake certainly had good
timing.

Q. Do you think that..uumm...you know...uuuhhh...Snake is...uuumm...a
virgin? I mean...think about it. He has no social skills...no experience
with women...

A. [Expressionless Face. Develop's into pitying look] Anyway...good
question! I doubt it in anycase...he did get fairly sexist with Naomi &
Meryl & Mei Ling. He was just the kind of person that put work first,
pleasure second (explaining his inappropriate social skills on the
island) Still...I wouldn't want to be one of his huskies with him when
he spent 11 years in the Alaskan wilderness...

Q. How come Otacon wasn't affected by FOXDIE?

A. Because the Pentagon didn't forsee Snake running into him, so they
didn't include Emmerich in its "programming"

Q. Why did Mantis control Meryl to make her try and seduce Snake?

A. He said on his deathbed that of the thousands of minds he read they
all had one thing in common- they were filled with the selfish desire to
pass on their seed. The thought and concept of contraception totally
disgusted Mantis. When he controlled Meryl he wanted to put, what he
believed to be, the worst thought possible into her mind.

Q. (From Snesman64) Liquid said that when he moved the bookcase for
Snake it was the first time he had used his powers to help someone- how
could that be when he worked for both the KGB and FBI?

A. Well he could have, for all we know, just been working there to get
insights into the criminals and make it look like he was PRETENDING to
help the agencies. And, failing that, he did say it was the first times
he used his POWERS to help someone. Its possible that he didn't use them
when in the FBI/CIA (Yeah- thats pushing it I know)

Q. Who's 'Johnny'?

A. The guard who got his ass kicked by Meryl and caught the cold off. He
got his name from having to go the the john (READ: Dunny) every time
Snake was taken back to his cell during the torture.

Q. "Dunny"?

A. You American's know anything? Its the toilet.

Q. Who were the 'Kurds' Sniper Wolf referred to?

A. The Kurds are a band of tribal nomads, numbering about 26 million,
that reside in parts of Iran, Turkey & Iraq. The area's they inhabit all
connect into a mountanous region known as Kurdistan. Sniper Wolf is
probably refering to the repression of the Kurds during the Gulf War.
The Kurd's had always fought for independence and the fighting reached
its height at that point in time.

Q. Why didn't Snake get tired running up the stairs?

A. Because if he stopped running the world would end! DDDUUUHHHHH!!!

Q. There was no way Mr. Kojima was going to let Liquid die there...but
how in the hell did Liquid survive the Hind crash?

A. Its good that the characters atleast DISCUSS Liquids survival. There
are heaps of possibilities. If the chopper had an ejection seat he would
be cut to ribbons...and if not that its possible the wreckage would
crush him. So there are other possibilities...

	*.In some Twilight Zone crossover event (slightly
	unlikely) Liquid turned intangible for a moment so that if he
	made himself into a spread-eagle position to promote wind
	resistance and thus slow his descent the hind would be able to
	pass through him (or he passed through the Hind- if you prefer).
	However, with his newfound intangibility, Liquid would not likely
	still be susceptible to wind resistance and that would mean
	that...NAH!
      *. Liquid, with his oh-so-perfect (we assume) sense of timing
	waited for the hind to twist when falling to the ground so that
	bottom of the hind was facing up. He then ejected, shooting
	straight towards the ground, inverted again so the wreckage was
	falling above him, shook off the dizziness resulting from being
	inside the spiralling, fiery ball of death, pulled the ripcord,
	managed to land the parachute clear of the wreckage in the tree
	where he used his combat knife (or teeth) to cut/gnaw through the
	straps of the parachute and fall to the ground, avoiding a broken
	neck, arm, leg, big toe, right index finger, etc.
	Making his way over the fence, ahead of Snake, in a trenchcoat
	which was either un-damaged during the crash, or simply a spare
	one he had lying around, and warning Wolf and Raven about Snakes
	soon-to-be-appearance (and giving Raven some more rehersal time
	for climbing on top of the crates and jumping down) he managed to
	disclose his plans with Revolver Ocelot when Snake just happened
	to be near in typical arch-nemesis fashion while avoiding any
	rabid wolves, polar bears, wolverines and the rarely seen Alaskan
	pigeon of Death on the way...

Please allow me to catch my breath...

Q. If Vulcan Raven could see into the future wouldn't he have seen that
Snake would defeat him? Why did he bother fighting then?

A. Raven is established very early as an honorable fighter. He is
simular to Ninja in a way- he doesn't care about the outcome, he just
wants to fight. He enjoys the battle ("violence isn't a sport!")

Q. (From Snesman64) If Liquid Snake needed Snake to activate Metal
Gear...why did he and everyone else from FOX-HOUND try to kill him?

A. Yeah this is a good one. I noted that, before you fight Metal Gear
itself, in most of the circumstances where you fight a boss (except for
when you fight Liquid in the Hind & Rex and Sniper Wolf the 2nd time)
they never actually state their intent to kill you. We'd just have to
assume that they are trying to convince you, when they battle you, that
they are trying to stop you (when they really aren't) I derived this
from Liquid's line "You didn't think you made it this far by YOURSELF
did you?"
	If, when you as the player control Solid Snake, you die, you'd
just have to assume that its because the boss made a mistake (IE. Psyco
Mantis with the original DARPA Chief) I mean...the ending of Metal Gear
Solid Snake LIVES. So, canon wise, that means any other events that may
happen as you play the game (like Snake, say, DYING) mean nothing. Snake
never is defeated when he battles a boss- maybe thats because they LET
him win...

Q. How does 'The Best is Yet to Come' Go?

A. The song was originally sung in Gaelic in an Irish studio (by Aoife
Ni Fhearraigh) The original lyrics I posted were apparently mis-
translated (if there is such a word) even though they were the OFFICIAL
translation. This was probably due to the fact that the original lyrics
got mixed up with the Japanese language (or something like that) Its a
fairly appropriate song when you consider its about returning to nature
and simplicity. The stuff that is said in the song is very simular to
Solid Snake actually. Following is the Irish lyrics and the english
translation:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
       IRISH/GAELIC                             ENGLISH
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 ||
An cuimhin leat an gra           ||     Do you remember the love
Cra croi an ghra                 ||     Tormented love from the heart
Nil anois ach ceol na h-oiche    ||     It wasn't but music at night
Taim siorai i ngra               ||     It is an eternal love
Leannain le smal                 ||     It is a misfortune
Leannain le smal                 ||     It is a misfortune
                                 ||
Lig leis agus beidh leat         ||     Go now and be
Lig leis agus beidh gra          ||     Go now and be in love
                                 ||
Cuimhne leat an t-am             ||     Remember the time
Nuair a bhi tu sasta             ||     When you were satisified
                                 ||
An cuimhne leat an t-am          ||     Do you remember the time
Nuair a bhi tu ag gaire          ||     When you were happy
Ta an saol iontach               ||     Life is wonderful
ma chreideann tu ann             ||     Can you believe it
                                 ||
Tug aghaidh ar an saoi           ||     Your face says that your
is sonas siorai inar measc       ||     happiness
Ceard a tharla do na             ||     Will go on forever
laethanta sin                    ||     What happened during those
Ceard a tharla do na             ||     days?
h-oicheanta sin                  ||     What happened during those
                                 ||     nights?
                                 ||
An cuimhin leat an t-am          ||     Do you remember the time
Nuair a bhi tu faoi bhron        ||     When you were sad
An cuimhin leat an t-am          ||     Do you remember the time
Go siorai sileadh na ndeaor      ||     When you were weeping dear
                                 ||
An ormsa na orainne a bhi        ||     Myself and others were at
an locht                         ||     fault
Ag mothu cailite s'ar fan        ||     Our feelings were lost on
Cen fath an t-achrann is         ||     waiting
sileadh na ndeor                 ||     Why were we fighting for
Ta ailleacht sa saol             ||     so long?
Ma chuardaionn tu e              ||     There is beauty in life
Ta gliondar sa saol              ||     Do you believe
Cuardaimis e                     ||     there is beauty in life?
                                 ||     Believe me
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

	Thanks to Aurora02 from the MGS Gamefaqs forum for the original
lyrics. And then I extend another thank you to Damian Dennehy in his
expertise of the Irish language for informing me of the gross mistakes
made in the translation of the OFFICIAL song lyrics (Such as the fact
that Irish & Gaelic language is the same thing and, specifically,
pointing out heaps of confusions between the lines "t-am", meaning
"time", and "gra", meaning "love")

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
XI SPECIAL REPORT: THE THEMES OF 'METAL GEAR SOLID'
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

         The plot of Metal Gear Solid is one that is filled with
intricate plot twist's and side-stories. The most fascinating aspect of
the game, I noted, was the prominent themes Hideo Kojima attached to the
game. In that joyful spirit I'am dedicating this section to elaborating
on some of the most obvious & apparent themes in the game.

-----------------------------------
THE PERILS OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS
-----------------------------------

	One's encounter with Donald Anderson really opens their eyes to
the state of nuclear weapons. Although MGS is set in 2010 it uses a
context that seems to convey that the problem is just as strong NOW as
it is THEN. Mr. Kojima really wanted to ENLIGHTEN us, through a
successful and well established entertainment medium, what the current
state of nuclear armament across the world is.
	Metal Gear Solid put forward the "What if?" question. It showed us
the danger nuclear weapons represent to the world. This is probably the
most important theme in the game as the Legend (yes- thats what its
called) at the end provided us with an insight into the current state of
them. There are also several CODEC conversations (Particually with
Nastasha) about the dangers nuclear waste and radiation pose to the
world.

-----------------------------------
TAMPERING WITH THE NATURAL ORDER
-----------------------------------

	The history of Solid & Liquid Snake enlightened us to the perils
and moral non-enchantment of messing with nature. This theme is made
very prominent towards the end of the game (with Liquid & Solid Snake)
but also in the start at the briefing (where we first hear about the
Genome soldiers)
	I believe the negative consequences of Tampering with the natural
order are made apparent through the revolt of the soldiers and Liquid's
not-so-good intentions for the world.

-----------------------------------
INDEPENDENCE
-----------------------------------

	It might not be so obvious- but independence was what alot of
people wanted in this game. Meryl wanted to become a soldier to
understand her father better...but its only when she was shot by Wolf
that she realised the error of her ways. Her lack of independence
ultimatly cost's her her life.
	However, at the end of the game we're seeing both Solid Snake &
Otacon develop a new independent attitude to life. They want to be their
own selves now and cast-off the previous label they had of themselves.
	The terrorists, also, want independence. Thats what caused Liquid
& the rest of FOX-HOUND to take over the island.

-----------------------------------
CONFINEMENT
-----------------------------------

	This theme is mainly associated with Solid Snake. He is trapped on
the island and forced to do what he does best- kill. There is no way
around it. He can't escape. He is forced from one place to another by
Liquid's careful scheming disguised as Master Miller. The whole game
see's Snake confined physically. However, he is also psycologically
confined to a state of mind that prevents him expressing the emotions
that we take for granted (like happiness, sadness etc) The only he CAN
express it is through the only way he knows- aggression. Its only at the
end of the game, when he has achieved INDEPENDENCE, that he learns more
about expressing emotion (like him laughing with Otacon and reflecting
upon how he will change his life)


-----------------------------------
LOVE
-----------------------------------

	Both Otacon and Solid Snake go through stages of this in the game.
The big question to do with this theme is "Can love bloom on the
battlefield?" This pretty much meant- can love bloom where Snake &
Otacon are trapped? It seemed to- for both Otacon and Snake. That is
what made Meryl's death even more tragic.
	For Otacon love bloomed as well. Its unfortunate that it wasn't
elaborated on why Otacon loved Wolf (Watch the 'demo theatre' again
people- maybe I missed something!) I also wonder whether his love for
Wolf was mutual...


                       ----========  5  ========----

                ***METAL GEAR SOLID 2: SONS OF LIBERTY***

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(I) WHAT WE KNOW
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm going to start with the downright patronising information and the
stuff everyone knows and work from there:

*. Solid Snake will return as the lead with Otacon replacing Campbell
(?) as support.

*. David Hayter will be supplying the voice of Snake (again thankfully)
as well as Christopher Fritz as Otacon & Patric Lane as Ocelot (I'm
surprised Hayter could return- he wrote the screenplay of 'X-Men' and is
currently penning the script for the 'Hulk' feature film)

*. The game will take place in New York City on the tanker 'Discovery'
and possibly take place in the city itself (there IS a showdown on the
George Washington Bridge against a fighter jet)

*. Serge Galouchovich, the figure discussed by Ocelot and Liquid, will
play a central role (as well as his daughter Olga- who is the first boss
of the game)

*. Ocelot seems to be returning as the main villain. He also has the use
of his right hand back (after Ninja prematurely amputated it)

*. Ninja will return (Theories regarding his or her's true identity
range from Big Boss himself through to Johnny) This parties relation to
the game, plot wise, is unknown (Yeah- like we'd find out before the
game was released)

*. 'Solidus' had a name- George Sears. He was the 43rd President of the
United States and was in office during the Shadow Moses incident.

*. 'Metal Gear' will return in the form of 'Metal Gear Ray' (Think
Stingray) Yeah I know EVERYONE knows this

*. There is a force (internal or external?) at work seeking to control
national affairs for its "own interests" Metal Gear Rex was the 1st
measure done to work against them, Metal Gear Ray is the 2nd.

*. I honestly can't WAIT TO SUMMARISE THIS!!! All the long hours...for
you wonderful people!!!

	Most of this information can be derived from the demo of the game
available now. Don't expect much work to be done on this section until I
play the game itself. Once I save up the money (or rort- wink wink) a
PS2 I promise summarising the Demo will be the first thing I do.

----========  6  ========----

***CHARACTERS***

	As I've mentioned, MGS went out of its way to supply background
information on most of the main characters and make them more than just
one-dimensional heroes and villains. Considering that, I felt it would
be appropriate to summarise the characters and their stories, as well as
comment on what we can tell about them based on what they have said.
	There are several websites I have visited that have information on
the characters that the games or any kind of official reading material
do not mention. Apprehensively I'm including that here as well even
though it is questionable whether it is "official" or not. I believe it
is as all the websites will tell the same consistent story (and its
possible that this info does appear in the official guides- something I
will soon be investigating)

-----------------------------------
Solid Snake
-----------------------------------

	True name and family are concealed through "Classified National
Security Codes" A former FOXHOUND squad member, he is Japanese-British,
with an IQ rating of 160. He is conversant in 6 languages, well trained
in high-altitude skydiving, scuba-diving and free climbing. Able to
sneak anywhere, and under any circumstances; he is "a man who can make
the impossible possible". The very man who famed the name FOXHOUND
worldwide through Operation Intrude N313. He retired, but was later
scouted by the CIA. He served as a deep cover agent in the organisation
but however, opposed to the bureaucracy of the system, left after 6
months. Snake worked for a number of years as a mercenary selling his
skills to the highest bidder. Earning enough money to semi-retire and
needing a break due to a large amount of political assasinations over
the world, Snake retired in deep seclusion in the central Canadian
wilderness. Only Campbell knew his location and scouted him out,
quickly, to re-instate him back into active service due to a volitile
situation developing in the middle east (later known as "The Uprising in
Zanzibar")

 	However, even though he was successful in the infiltration of
Zanzibar land and retrieving OILIX, the traumatic events of the end of
the mission once again overwhelmed Snake and compelled him to retire
once again to Twin Lakes, Alaska. Living a cabin in an environment of
abundant Flaura and Fauna, Snake suffered severe Post-traumatic stress
as a result from his previous 2 missions. This led to him suffering
intense confusion and hallucinations- which he attempted to banish by
racing Huskie Sleighs.

-----------------------------------
Roy Campbell
-----------------------------------

	Ex-Commander of FOX-HOUND. Though already retired from the armed
forces, he has been called out because there was no other commander who
could get in touch with Solid Snake. He accepted the mission on Shadow
Moses islandin order to save his niece Meryl. Though a civilian now, he
showed up in a military uniform wearing a beret.

	Before entering the "former" FOX-HOUND, he served in the US Marine
Corps, Green Beret and Delta Force. In FOX-HOUND, he was assigned to
X.O. of the unit for his strategic planning capabilities and his battle
experience. After the death of Big Boss, he discarded the code name
system in the unit, and built up the "new" FOX-HOUND making full use of
various hi-tech equipment including reconnaissance satellites. After
being discharged, he served as a special instructor of the Marines Boots
Camp. Friends with Master Miller. Called to persuade Solid Snake,
Campbell was originally against FOX-HOUND's introduction of genetic
treatment and that caused him to step down from Commander post. After
Campbell left, the commander-less FOX-HOUND returned to the code name
system.

-----------------------------------
McDonald Miller
-----------------------------------

 	Hired by Campbell as survival consultant for FOXHOUND during the
Outer Heaven revolt. Born in the United States 60 years after his
grandparents immigrated there, he has served as a survival master in
SAS, The Green Beret Squad, US Marine boot camp, and most recently
FOXHOUND. He also volunteers as a coach in MERC SCHOOL (Mercenary
School) twice a year. When he served as a drill sergeant in FOX HOUND,
he was referred to as a 'Hell Master' and draftees called him "Master
Miller" with respect. He divorced his first wife (Nadine), and is
currently residing in Los Angeles with his daughter (Catherine).
Miller is full of ideas and is quite knowledgeable in the area of
science.

-----------------------------------
Liquid Snake
-----------------------------------

	Mastermind of the attack with a IQ of 180. Born through the 20th
century analogue cloning technology. Shares same mother as Solid Snake.
While Solid inherited the genes (traits) of "light", Liquid did the
genes (traits) of "dark". At birth, Liquid was given from the US
government to the British government. This was to measure effects of
acquired surroundings and not only inherited traits. Under the tutelage
of MI5 he was educated and received battle training. He is fluent in 7
languages such as English, Spanish, French, Malay, etc and speaks Arabic
like a native. Unlike Solid, he does not serve in an official military
but instead in the dark world as a mercenary and assassin. Due to his
appearance, which cannot be with any nationality, as well as his superb
fighting skills, he was recruited by the British information agency
(SIS) to act as a sleeper in the Middle East for espionage and
destruction activities. To further vitalize his skills, he was put in
real combat in his teens. In his high teens he worked for the British
special force (SAS) to destroy the mobile launchers of SCUD missiles in
the Gulf War. During the mission he became a POW of Iraq and
disappeared. Due to his outstanding battle skills he was brainwashed and
used for terrorist activities in the Middle East.

	He can withstand the cold and heat due to his experience in the
Arab nations and deserts. Fox hunting in the Middle East is actually
jackal hunting. After the UPRISING OF ZANZIBAR (and after Solid Snake
left the unit) he joined FOX HOUND, an official unit for the first time.
There he became the battle leader of FOX HOUND.

-----------------------------------
REVOLVER OCELOT
-----------------------------------

	Ex-Spetsnaz (Russian SAS- specialising in reconnaissance, sabotage
and assassination) After the fall of the Soviet Union, he joined the
Russian police. Then he joined the special tactics division of the SVR,
which was formally the KGB Administration Headquarters No.1. However, he
did not adapt well to the old KGB system, and he was scouted by the US
and joined FOX-HOUND.

	A gun nut who loves cowboy movies and spaghetti Westerns. He uses
a revolver (single action army) and shoots with one hand (western
style). He is an amazing gunfighter and has the ability to recochet
bullets with surprising accuracy (he hates wasting bullets) He fought
mainly in Afghanistan, Eritrea, Mozambique, and other local dispute
areas in Central Asia. This is when he met and was scouted by Big Boss
who was running his mercenary business in Africa. During his Afghan
days, his helicopter was shot down by an Afghan guerilla with a stinger
missile, and to this day he suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

-----------------------------------
PSYCO MANTIS
-----------------------------------

	Has powerful psycho-kinesis powers and the ability to read
people's minds. In his childhood, for the first time he dove into the
mind of his father and found out that his father hated him. This was
because his mother died when giving birth to him. He then finds out
about the different facets (the "parasite") in one's conscience. This
shock changed his personality & the feeling of despair within himself
woke up his subconscious and made him kill his father. The power that
was released from him during that episode wiped out a whole town of 1000
people. The KGB was impressed by his ESP abilities so they took him in
and trained him. He is from the "dormitory school" known for training
former Soviet agents. The KGB was the organisation he first used his
powers for. Losing his position in the Soviet Union after its crumble,
he moved to the US and served in the FBI for a short period of time.
There he was in charge of several cases in the agency. He dove into the
minds of serial murders and ended up uniting with such minds (after
going beyond the threshold of the element of crime), becoming a serial
killer himself. He then became a freelance espionage agent and was
scouted to join FOX-HOUND.

	In order to prevent his own destruction with his ESP powers, he
keeps another personality (the parasite) within himself. He is called
Mantis because of this mental parasite in him. By mentally living
together with this single-celled mental parasite, he can somehow manage
to keep his original self. He wears a gas mask to hide his facial burns
he suffered when wiping out the town. The mask is also necessary to
protect his self from spiritual powers and thought powers in the air. In
his youth he was a muscular athlete, but since the awakening of his ESP
powers he had no reason to act physically, making him lose his muscles
and leaving him with just skin and bones. Due to his childhood trauma,
he has no happy memories. When he assassinates he dives into the
target's mind and "deprives" the target of his likes. He is also known
as the dream robber.

-----------------------------------
SNIPER WOLF
-----------------------------------

	Sniper Wolf comes from an Iraqi tribe called the Kurds (Kurd in
Turkish means "wolf"), a rather poorly treated people. Towards the end
of the Iran-Iraq War in 1988 a five-year-old Sniper Wolf watched a gas
attack on her village by Saddam Hussein's troops, who killed her parents
and siblings. More than 3,700 people died in this attack. As an orphan,
she was taken in by the Iraqi Ministry of Internal Affairs, and was
trained rigorously. In 1991, during the internal fighting in Iraq after
the Gulf War, she fled to a Kurdish refugee camp. It was here that Big
Boss witnessed her skill on a visit with the U.S. Secretary of State,
and hired her as an operative. In the U.S., she received counseling and
deprogramming (ridding the Iraqi brainwash she was given), leaving her
with only fighting abilities. She was extremely grateful for this
gesture, comparing Big Boss to Saladin (who defeated the Crusaders in
the 12th century).

	On September 3, 1996, the U.S. sanctioned missile attacks on the
Iraqi military due to its intervention in Kurdish residential areas
(known as the August 31 Intervention). After this, the southern flight
prohibition area was expanded to 33 degrees north. This was not done to
protect the kurds in the north, but for strategic benefit of the
Pentagon. This caused a major refugee problem, similar to the one
experienced at the Iraqi borders in the spring after the Gulf War. Wolf
was disgusted by this incident and moved to join Big Boss with whatever
plans he decided to hatch. Finally, she was scouted by Liquid Snake, and
joined FOX-HOUND as a sniper.

	With exceptional sniping capabilities, Sniper Wolf strikes a
stunning pose. Her care for her appearance extends to the time she takes
when executing her target. She has such incredible patience that she can
keep aiming at her target over a week without eating or drinking. This
dedication stemmed from her formative years, when she learned sniping
techniques from a Gurkha in Nepal, the world's most accurate sniper.
Employing the PSG-1 Sniper Rifle, she also uses special mercury
ordinance (bullets packed with mercury) to not only wound her victims
but poison them as well. However, her malicious tendencies are tempered
by her love for animals, as she cares for wolf dogs. This is possibly
because she sees something of herself in the rossbred wolf dogs - a
strong, almost nomadic personality. As she firmly states, "Wolves only
howl when necessary." She also sees freedom in Solid Snake's indulgence
in dog sled racing.

-----------------------------------
DECOY OCTOPUS
-----------------------------------

	Decoy Octopus was born in Mexico and grew up worshipping Hollywood
make-up, animatronics and special effects. When he became an adult he
moved to California and became an actor. His mimicry and special effects
skills were so accurate that the CIA approached him and he took up their
job offer. It was through his work with them that he began to work with
FOX-HOUND. Octopus can speak over 10 languages including German, French,
Spanish, Polynesian and even Ebonics. When Octopus is assigned someone
to impersonate his background check of the individual will include that
of the persons habits and their home country's culture & history. In
order to maintain the most realistic physical identity he has shaved his
cheek, jaw and nose bones, as well as cut off his ears.

	Octopus can walk in any manner he chooses by dislocating his
joints. This means he can also slip through narrow spaces. His sense of
touch can be controlled enabling him to grip very hot or cold items. His
metabolism must also be changed when impersonating someone, which means
he must constantly use steroids. When on a long term mission Octopus
will even use the persons blood as well as recieve a bone-marrow
transplant. However, the consequences of these missions are severe as
Octopus almost completely forgets who he really is (as he has almost
completely became the person he imitates) He always ask's the military
for thorough mental de-programming after a mission is completed.

-----------------------------------
VULCAN RAVEN
-----------------------------------

	Handles a gatling gun (normally equipped on jet fighters) as
easily as a small rifle. Can withstand extreme cold because of his
amazing physical prowess. Has a birthmark of an raven on the forehead
and a tattoo of circuit wiring (actually PETROGLYPHS) all over the body.
Eskimos and Indians worship the raven as the creator. An elite soldier
who graduated from the University of Alaska. When frozen, he walked
across the Bering Strait and visited Russia, making his connections with
Russia strong. He knew Ocelot well in his GRU days. Took part in a
special missions in the former Soviet Union. He was demoted upon the
coup in Moscow in 1993. Like fellow members of this secret unit, he
leaves Russia. He then joins the mercenary dispatching company "OUTER
HEAVEN" and is introduced to FOX-HOUND by Revolver Ocelot.

-----------------------------------
BIG BOSS
-----------------------------------

	Former general troop commander of FOX-HOUND. An American who
participated in LRRP (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol) in Vietnam, and
afterwards, exploited his superior skills in SOG (Special Operations
Group), the Green Berets and the Wild Geese. He has completed more than
70 missions. In the late 80's, he participated in several regional
conflicts and race liberation wars. He was heralded as a true hero and
made the front covers of popular magazines in many countries. Following
being diagnosed sterile due to war injuries the US goverment highly
valued his warfare ability and coverly agreed with Big Boss on a
external fertilization program (a project code-named the Son's of Big
Boss: Les enfant terrible, and also known as the Eve project) using
external DNA procedures. Despite its inhuman nature, the US military
deemed this necessary during the Cold War period.

	The loss of an eye prompted him to retire from the front line to
concentrate on military education and training. The 1990's arrived and
he was nominated as general planning commander of the international
special forces squad FOX-HOUND. Then, "BIG BOSS", transformed by greed
and dreams of absolute power, managed to take control of Outer Heaven (A
military fortress nation in Salzburg) and tried to establish world
domination. He was stopped by Solid Snake in operation N313. He was
defeated by Snake, once again, after fleeing to the middle east and
developing the armed fortress nation Zanzibar Land. His remains were
taken into possesstion by the U.S. Government for gene-therapy
experiments.

                    ----========  6  ========----

                   CONCLUSION, KUDOS AND CONTACT DETAILS

	I have no doubt, this being my first posting of the document, that
I have made somekind of of error regaring Metal Gear Solid. All I can do
is just pray for your forgiveness and hope you'll drop me a line and
POLITELY explain to me if I went wrong anywhere. I'm prepared for ALOT
of flaming about how I forgot to mention what color that little dot on
Sniper Wolf's hankerchief is.

	This plot summary is the consequence of alot of work by me...but I
also can't deny the sources and inspiration I have gotten from people.
Heres some people I just HAVE to thank...

	*. Thomas Wilde / Dan Birlew
		Any of you with an elementary gaming knowledge would no-
	doubt be holding this in comparison with Thomas Wilde/Dan
	Birlew's EXCELLENT Resident Evil Plot Thesis. One day I hope this
	thing will be a quarter-way as good as theirs but that's
	unlikely. A big thanks go out to Thomas for letting me
	essentially "rip off" the plot thesis idea from him.

	*. Aurora02 (Gamefaqs MGS Forums) and Damian Denehy
		For giving me information on 'The Best is Yet to Come'

	*. Maarten ter Huurne & Takamichi
		For their amazing translation of the manual of
	Metal Gear 2:Solid Snake, which provided invaluable information
	on the characters as well as FOX-HOUND itself. If you want to
	play the original 2 Metal Gear games through an emulator, or read
	the original manuals for the games (and listen to some chart
	toppingMIDI tracks) visit their site at:

	http://www.msxnet.org/gtinter/mgear2us.htm

	 I've spent several months working on this and I'm not planning on
letting this document die down. Allow me to repeat myself- THIS DOCUMENT
IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE!!! I know whats it like to see something you
really like but knowing it will never be updated- I'm not going to let
it happen to this thing.

The online version this document is dead now as I gave up on using HTML.
If your computer, for some stupid reason, hates TXT and loves HTML the
site is still up (just not going to be updated) and is available at:

Http://www.geocities.com/zoobra101/Metal_Gear_Solid.htm

Of course, this document is availble in .txt format at:

www.neoseeker.com
www.gamefaqs.com
www.psxcodez.com
www.gamesages.com (http://codes.ign.com- when they eventually update my
document from %$#*ing May!)

 At the moment I'd be happy for anyone with a half-way decent Metal Gear
website to post this there (However you NEED my permission first or
you'll be infringing copyright- then al' sue yo' azz!)

	As well, with me being in my final year of highschool, I'm pretty
damn busy. Whenever I find time I plan to update this document as often
as I can. For the moment Metal Gear Solid is the main game that I will
be working on detailing. In the future (and when I get a GODDAMN PS2!!!)
I intend to start work on MGS2.

Anyway- best be to you all. At the moment I can be reached through
zeobria@hotmail.com with any questions about the game, this project or
myself. Thanks for being here!!

Grant 'Dispicable Moose' Morrissey

zeobria@hotmail.com

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COPYRIGHT 2001. Grant Morrissey.
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