                 === 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) 'Arrival'
    (iii) 'Storage Building'
    (iv) 'Torture'
    (v) 'Furnace'
    (vi) 'Re-Union'
    (vii) 'Revelations'
    (viii) 'The End of the Run'
    (ix) Legend
    (x) Epilogue
    (xi) Conclusions
    (xii) Observations
    (xiii) Unanswered Questions
    (xiv) 'Different Endings'
          *. The Official Stance
	    *. Meryl
          *. Why?
    (xv) Somewhat Frequently Asked Questions
    (xvi)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 everyone knew...or thought they knew...
    (ii) 'Discovery'
 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...

	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
---------------------------------------------------------------------

November 27th, 2001 - Its finally here. Excluding me. I've updated with a
summary of the opening stage's of Metal Gear Solid 2: Son's of Liberty. Minor
update's, regarding particually MGS2, will continue over the next few months
but comprehensive coverage will have to wait until the PAL release of the game
in Feb 2002. For people who have just picked up MGS2 and haven't played its
predecessor I'm hoping this document will help you get an understanding of the
original plot (and its characters)

October 12, 2001 - Some quick wording changes in the headings (nothing special)
I don't trust Hotmail so I've changed my e-mail- if someone has tried e-mailing
me before and gotten no response, try again at my new address
(zoobra101@yahoo.com) Don't go reading this thing for major changes this update
cause there are none - just some re-written paragraphs.

August whatever, 2001 - Added more chapters to MGS summary so people have an
easier time finding certain FMV summaries. More 'Observations' cause I thought
that was the "forgotten" section of the summary. Gone over the MGS summary for
the kazzillioneth time and fixed some sentences.

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. 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, were 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 2005. 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.

	The retired operative 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) ARRIVAL
---------------------------------------------------------------------

	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...
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- "I'am like you", 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-HOUND's 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.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
(III) STORAGE BUILDING
---------------------------------------------------------------------

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 Emmerich about Metal Gear he
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. 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 saying 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 the operative 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 blatantly tell's him not to be so naive. 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.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
(IV) TORTURE
---------------------------------------------------------------------

	The unconscious operative awakes to bright, circular lights. He is 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"

 	As his despair sinks in 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 bothersome 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 g et 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 spawled on 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.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
(V) FURNACE
---------------------------------------------------------------------

	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. Raven explains that he
is helping him because Snake is not one that was created by nature- Snake &
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 Snake 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 birds that surrounded Raven in the warehouse begin to converge
on him and start eating at his flesh. Snake turn's his back on him and begins
to walk off as Raven is quickly 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 forceswith Galouchovich-
he has over 1000 soldier's under his control. An 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 says 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 & also apologizes for
getting him involved in "that silly shape memory alloy business" Master
explains that he couldn't learn the DARPA chief's detonation code & even Mantis
couldn't read his mind and then Ocelot accidentally killed him. Because of this
"they" couldn't launch- and understandably "they" were getting pretty worried.
Thats when they decided they might be able to use Snake. 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 saying 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
teases saying he will answer all when he finds him- he very close by. Campbell
then interupts- 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. At this shock
revelation Liquid tells Snake he can die- he has outlived his usefulness. 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.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
(VI) RE-UNION
---------------------------------------------------------------------

	Solid Snake catches up with Liquid right next to Metal Gears cockpit. The
mercenary 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 concurs he is 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 insistant 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 consciousness he spot's Liquid slowly &
patiently walking towards him.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
(VII) REVELATIONS
---------------------------------------------------------------------

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. The whole world contempts 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- this is
what made him such a great warrior. 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 & 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. Liquid says they were accomplices in
murder before they were even born. Liquid & Solid both has the DNA but their
creators 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" but Liquid puts it
into perspective- in nature animals that don't mate with each other to help
each other- they do it 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 is
shocked & tensely asks Liquid if Meryl is alive- he replies that she was a few
hours ago, and 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
doesn't care- he just wants Liquid to let Meryl go. Liquid says he will...as
soon as their finished. "We're almost out of time" Not from Foxdie, Liquid
reassures, because 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 citing he must have alot 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 he's 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 hanged. 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...

---------------------------------------------------------------------
(VIII) 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...

---------------------------------------------------------------------
IX 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 theworld.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
X 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"....

----------------------------------------
XI 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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
XII 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.

4) Those of you interested in an early peak of 'Solidus Snake' take a look at
the pictures in the Commanders room. It seems that Houseman is up there but it
remains a mystery who the other people are.

5) The ability to do this was probably limited by the PSX's polygon power...but
wouldn't it have been more interesting (and symbolic) if Snake & Otacon had
left on a husky sleigh? It would have also made Naomi's words (and the visual)
make more sense at the end of the credits.

6) FOX-DIE, FOX Island, Gray FOX, FOX-HOUND, "...FOX hunting...", FOX
archipelago...any I missed?

7) 'Buffy: The Vampire Slayer' season 5 finale, at the very end, remind you of
MGS at all? With her urging to her sis to choose life and live, and the way in
which that BIG THING happened (you know what I mean- I don't want to spoil it
for you if you don't know) was simular to the cinematic after you kill Vulcan
Raven?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
 XIII 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? (One can
assume she did atleast somewhat- remember when Ocelot said "I'll have my fun
with her" and, if you get the Meryl ending, she says "...I didn't submit to the
torture...or things worse than that...")

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?)

---------------------------------------------------------------------
XIV 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 ending for the summary.

-----------------------------------
  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...

---------------------------------------------------------------------
XV 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 student residing in Sydney, Australia. I'm the predictable game &
scifi nut-stereotype you associate with lazy teenagers and, as of yet, there
isn't much more to me than that. I'm willing to bet in 5 years time I'm going
to look back on that sentence and wonder why I wrote it.
	I've written this thing because 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
	*. 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. When does MGS take place?

A.  The year 2005. After you defeat Ninja Campbell says that Jaeger died in a
mine field 6 years ago. So I put 2 & 2 together (not literally) and got 2005.
(As those events occured in 1999. So, for the mathematically impaired, 1999 + 6
= 2005)

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 was it possible for Ninja to be beaten by Snake? THE GUY COULD HOLD UP
METAL GEAR's LEG FOR GODSSAKE!!!

A. Ninja said he had come back to fight Snake. Thats all he wanted. It would
have been pretty anti-climatic if Ninja had used all his strength and just hit
Snake's head off his head. You could probably assume Ninja held onto not just
some mental humanity, but physical humanity as well. Let me put it this way-
Ninja would have reduced his strength to that of a normal human male's in order
to maintain an even fight. Because an even fight was all he wanted.

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. Why was there a blast furnace?

A. Alot of the FAQ's I have gotten can easily be answered IN THE GAME. All it
involves is calling up Campbell or something around the time the
event/place/whatever you are wondering about occurs. In any case, if you call
Campbell when you enter the blast furnace he will explain that due to Shadow
Moses Island's location, and the lack of an airport to fly in goods, a blast
furnace was built to form the materials required to construct the base.

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")

---------------------------------------------------------------------
XVI THEMES
---------------------------------------------------------------------

         The plot of Metal Gear Solid is one that is filled with
intricate plot twist's and side-stories. Although some of these themes may be
un-intentional on Kojima's behalf, the ones that were plainly obvious will be
included here. 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)
	The negative consequences of tampering with the natural order are symbolised
through the revolt of the soldiers and Liquid's not-so-good intentions for the
world. ("This is what will happen if we continue to play god! The world will be
held at ransom!")

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

	It might not be so obvious- but independence was central to alot of characters
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 EVERYONE KNEW...OR THOUGHT THEY KNEW...
--------------------------------------------------------------------

 "In the Darkness of Shadow Moses: The Unofficial Truth"

 Author: Nastasha Romanenko   ||   Reviewed by George Franklin


 Some topics in the recent American past have the immediacy and power that
still engage our collective imagination. Names like, "The Grassy Knoll," or
"Roswell," roll off our tongue with deliberates reserved by most other nations
for holy lands. With this new non-fiction account from Nastasha Romanenko,
Shadow Moses - the scene of a nuclear siege two years ago - is set to join
their ranks.

 Official history states that the takeover of a nuclear weapons disposal
facility on a lonely outpost in the Fox Islands, Alaska was the work of a
radical right-wing group. Their demands for the release of group members
incarcerated in federal penitentiaries were never met, and the incident was
speedily resolved by the successful deployment of a commando unit. B.S., the
author asserts.       Romanenko says that she served as an advisor to the
Nuclear Emergency Search Team, and deconstructs what she claims to be a
cover-up story by the government with precision.

 According to the author, Shadow Moses Island was nothing less than the U.S.
Army's testing grounds for a top-secret weapon known as Metal Gear Rex, an
all-terrain bipedal tank with advanced nuclear capabilities. As for the
facilities takeover, Romanenko alleges that it was the U.S. military's own
shadowy
"wet-works" force, known as "FOXHOUND", that staged an armed insurrection in a
bid
for REX's possession.

The government responds to this crisis by sending in a lone operative, a former
FOX-HOUND member known only by the code name "Solid Snake," into Shadow Moses.
His infiltration is aided by a remote mission control team consisting of an
unidentified "Colonel Campbell." a FOXHOUND medical chief "Naomi," a radar and
electronics expert "Mei Ling" (supposedly a teenager), and the author
 herself. Once on the island, "Snake" joins forces with Metal Gear's
developer-turned-prisoner "Otacon" to eradicate the weapon of mass destruction.

 Among the other remarkable characters that make an appearance in Romanenko's
expose another FOXHOUND commando, a revolver-virtuoso called "Shalashaska"
a.k.a. "Revolver Ocelot." One of the most controversial  allegations in the
book deals with this figures connection to a disavowed Russian militia led by a
"Colonel Gurlukovich",  Romanenko paints a bleak picture of a thousand-strong,
highly disciplined army with nuclear weaponry operating covertly within the
American border. Even more irresistible to conspiracy scholars and students of
recent history is her thinly veiled suggestion that the whole affair was
planned from the beginning by certain forces inside the U.S. government.

The U.S. Army and the usual suspect of federal agencies have issued a statement
denouncing the book as a complete fabrication. However, with a number of
detailed
eyewitness accounts that back up the author's assertions cropping up daily on
the Web, the denials serve more to enhance the book's growing reputation.
"Shadow Moses" is an engrossing read for casual and serious readers alike, and
promises to involve readers in a meaty debate over the truth of the matter for
many years to come.

    Excerpted from the literary review column  "All Booked Up"

                                The New York Mirror


--------------------------------------------------------------------
(II) 'DISCOVERY'
--------------------------------------------------------------------

 Miserable and wet weather envelop's New York city. On the George Washington
Bridge a lone figure stalk's the sidewalk; enveloped in a trenchcoat, smoking a
cigarette. As the car's race past him, in a un-focusable blur, the figure
instantly breaks out into a sprint. Within second's the coat has been discarded
and the figure is almost invisible- the light bending off him. He then, without
hesitation, leaps off the bridge and is jerked as a bungee cord breaks his
fall. Almost as soon as it began, the figure has been violently jerked around
and lands in a crouch on the deck of the tanker 'Discovery' in a flurry of
explosive lightning. From a helicopter, a safe distance away, the face of a
familiar and dangerous adversary observes his seemingly imminent arrival...

 Taking cover behind an anchor motor, the weathered and veteran infiltration
specialist Solid Snake contact's his support, Hal Emmerich (Otacon) Snake
explains the un-suttle approach to landing on the tanker- his camoflage unit
broke upon landing. The 2 quickly discuss their new employment in the private
sector- no unwanted "presents" (Snake hasn't forgotten Naomi Hunter & FOX-DIE)
Snake is also concerned about Mei Ling- the equipment she readily takes from
the S.S.C.E.N (U.S. Army Soldier System's center) will get her caught one day.
Otacon and Snake then focus- after the incident on Shadow Moses island Revolver
Ocelot sold the Metal Gear test data on the open market. Because of that,
anyone with enough money (Including both private enterprises and government's)
has their own Metal Gear program. A new Metal Gear prototype had been
constructed to blow all the other one's out of the water. This new prototype
was amphibious and, because of that, is in the juristiction of the United
State's Marine Corps.

 Otacon tell's Snake what they are here and what they are doing- their goal is
to collect evidence of the new Metal Gear development and expose it to the
world. Although they are part of a United Nation's sanctified group (named
"Philanthropy") they are still fringe- so Snake and Otacon have to be careful
with what they do. Otacon help's Snake investigate his equipment. As Snake is
testing out his binoculas he see's the marines on patrol- wearing no visible
weapons or uniforms. Otacon reminds Snake of the secret-nature of the
transportation and the easy visibility of the ship (even from the shoreline)
These marines can't arouse suspicion. Snake then ask's Otacon about his source
of the information regarding the transportation of the Metal Gear and Otacon
explains that he hacked it out the Pentagon's top-secret files. The
infiltration specialist is worried it is a trap, but Otacon is confident that
they are safe. As Snake views the water line higher than it should be (the
cargo should have been removed by this point) Otacon reminds Snake that the new
Metal Gear would be quite heavy and weight down the ship. This prompt's Otacon
to explain to Snake how the best way is to get into the cargo hold.

Snake then observes the security on the boat. Special Operation's
Counter-Terrorist force's are trained to watch for threat's from the stern-
security should be much tighter. Looking above, Snake hear's low flying
helicopters. Using his binoculas again and viewing the marines he spies them
quickly and cold-bloodedly murdered by soldier's dressed in navy-overall's.
Snake dryly comments "...looks like we're not the only ones after Metal Gear
tonight" Wondering if they are hijacking the boat or not, Snake ask's Otacon
how many people it would require to take over the ship. The specialist informs
Snake that, since the ship is computer controled, only about 18 people could do
it. Spying the invader's further, Snake view's a man who seem's to be giving
out orders, and judges from his appearance that he is Russian. Both Snake &
Otacon are left guessing as the soldier disconnect's CODEC communication and
begins to make his way to the bridge...

 Making his way through the tough & experienced soldier's who have taken over
the ship, Snake quickly find's himself at the bridge. Cautiously entering, he
see's bodie's strewn across the consoles. He spots outside the "Kasatka" -
Russian choppers. Quickly checking the navigation console Snake confirms the
tankers destination to be 35 degree's longtitude and 58 degree's latitude. When
he tell's Otacon this, it is found this is 500 miles off the coast of Bermudas
- in the middle of the Atlantic. Otacon is quick to conjecture that this means
the project must be ready for solo testing. Because the test's will be
conducted outside the range of the Naval fleet this means that no assistance
will be required and the project must be solely a marine corp one. As the 2
discuss that position, however, Snake is interrupted from a noise outside...

 Leaving the bridge Snake hide's behind some crates and spies a female figure
communicating with someone on a radio. She makes it clear, to the person, that
the control room, communications and engineering have all been secured as well
as all the entry point's to the ship. But she is worried about the vehicles
pilot...he is the only one who underwent V.R. training she is assured. He is
the only one who can do it. The person on the radio changes the subject-
ordering the female to leave the ship. The person she is communicating with has
a bad feeling about the mission and he remembers that she promised she would
leave. She beg's the man- telling him that she has nowhere to go. But he
reminds her that she is carrying his grandson...and abruptly disconnects. She
disapointingly gestures a helicopter with a large arm wave and it signal's
back, she begins to wait for it to pick her up.

 Snake pounces. From the crate Snake jump's out and point's his weapon at the
girl. Cooly & professionally Snake order's her to drop her gun- she does so. He
want's to know who she is- she says she is a Nomad & a wanderer. She toy's with
Snake- would he shoot an unarmed woman? Snake replies he is a Nomad to. He
order's  her to drop her knife. As she slowly moves to get rid of the weapon
the rain stops and the girl, Olga, makes a note of this. The ship rock's and
she take's this opportunity to throw the knife. Snake instinctively dodges the
knife, moving faster than what his vision can see, but loses sight of her.
Pulling a spare gun from her holster, she begins firing at Snake and the 2
battle for their lives. Snake has to dodge both her gunshot's and explosives
from the professional but he defeats Olga by hiding behind large crate's and
carefully aiming his shots.

 Carefully approaching her body Snake crouches beside her and take's her gun.
But he is startled and looks up...to see a Cypher drone spying on him...what is
a tool of the United State's Marine Corp's doing up there? It flies off...

 To many questions...no answer's at all.

       TO BE CONTINUED...



			     ----========  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 eaven
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
counselling 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 (The "jibe" language the old lady speaks in Mel Brooks' "Flying High!")
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 FAQ, 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 	topping MIDI 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 (in order of sites you
should check for updates) at:

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

 I'm happy for anyone with a MGS website to host this as well because it'd
obviously be a win-win situation for both of us. However, please contact me
before doing so.

	Schools finished- I'm gonna have alot of free time on my hands. MGS2 is going
to be here in a matter of weeks (hopefully) And you can expect immediate
coverage as soon as the game is out. My PS2 is on lay-by now (OH YEAH! I KNEW
you all were anxious to know whether I got it or not) as well so expect
extended plot coverage- in only one place!

Anyway- best be to you all. At the moment I can be reached through
zoobra101@hotmail.com with any questions about the game, this project or
myself. Please write e-mails with half-way decent grammar and without excessive
abbreviations that will cause me to have to decrypt what is said. I simply
won't respond to e-mails I can't understand (Excepting people who write badly
because english is their second language) Please don't send me e-mail's asking
questions about 'Metal Gear Solid 2' either as I would not be able to answer
them and you'll probably end up spoiling the game for me! We wouldn't want that
now would we?

Grant 'Dispicable Moose' Morrissey

zoobra101@yahoo.com

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COPYRIGHT 2001. Grant Morrissey.
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