DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANY TITLE IN THE METAL GEAR FRANCHISE IN WHOLE OR IN PART. ALL CHARACTERS, UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS. THIS FANFICTION IS IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH KONAMI OR ANYONE WITHIN KONAMI. THIS FANFICTION IS NOT FOR PROFIT OR PERSONAL GAIN, AND MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED IN ANY FORM. THIS IS A FICTION CREATED BY NOTHING MORE BY A SUPPORTER OF THE SERIES (A "FAN FICTION," IF YOU WILL) AND WAS CREATED SIMPLY TO PROMOTE THE METAL GEAR FRANCHISE.

Author's Note: Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, let the story begin! This is my first work, so constructive reviews are appreciated and encouraged.

Solid Snake awoke in bed with a start upon hearing a clatter on the floor in the next room. Snake forced himself to rise from his slumber. Sometimes I hate my senses... Snake thought. Snake's senses were very fine-tuned, something that had not changed since he joined FOX-HOUND. Maybe he'd have to start wearing ear plugs. But dismissing awakening from his light sleep, he picked up his equipment belt that laid on the small night stand next to his single-person bed and strapped it to his waist. He then picked up the USP from under the small table, which was strapped to the bottom of the table. He holstered the weapon on his belt and kept one hand on the hilt as he slowly pushed the door open...

Oh, wait. It was Otacon. Apparently he had dropped a dish of small gumball-like spheres, in which Otacon had still been picking up. "Well, Hal, how are you?" Snake asked sarcastically. Otacon looked surprised when Snake said something. After composing himself, Otacon looked up at Snake. "Oh nothing, just picking up these small explosives Mei Ling wanted stored while we were here," Otacon answered. "Well, you're doing a great job at keeping them in the dish." Snake irritably responded. "What's up with you?" Otacon asked. "If I was bothering you, I'm sorry. But it's already 4:00. You need to deploy before sunrise." Snake looked slightly fatigued.

Later...in the Zezro 94...

The Zezro 94 was a new special operations military airfighter. The United Nations had granted permission of use for Philanthropy to use this new air vehicle, but Otacon often stole vehicles when necessary in order to complete their missions. The legendary mercenary waited in the launch room sporting a militia parachute, waiting for arrival to the insertion point. It seemed as soon as Snake started thinking about when arrival was to come, a voice came over the speakers.

"Alright, ETA one minute. Prepare for HALO jump." Snake stood up, checking his parachute and his other gear. After thoroughly inspecting his equipment and parachute, he stepped on the loading platform, readying himself for the upcoming 30,000 foot high fall. With a deep breath, a quick, final inspection, and a stretch, he threw himself off of the flying hulk of steel and rocketed toward his destination.

"Alright, Snake. Let's go over your mission objectives again, just to be clear." came a voice erupting from Snake's codec. "Your mission is to locate and eliminate Metal Gear ZEV, a prototype Metal Gear that is in custody of the out-of-the-way military research base found in a complete deserted area of Arkansas. The United Nations has encouraged us to stop this threat before it starts, to save them trouble later." "What does ZEV stand for?" Snake questioned. "Zenzaroc Equivalatory Vix," Otacon replied. "Odd name," Snake commented. "Yeah, but you've gotta remember, these are the Arkansans." "Hmm...good point," Snake agreed. "But, while these soldiers may just be hicks, they're more than capable in terms of skill. I would suggest keeping away from them, hence the name 'sneaking mission.'" "Don't worry, my common sense hasn't died yet," Snake returned.

Snake activated his parachute when he was three-fourths the distance away from the ground. Snake had his eyes closed beneath his breath mask, trying not to look down. Of course, Snake had done this before, but it was not his most favored insertion method. After what seemed an eternity, Snake touched down softly.

"Arrived at insertion point," Snake said to Otacon.

As I stated before, this is my first story. Please read and review. I accept constructive criticism, but ignore tactless and rude criticism.