The Road to Outer Heaven
Chapter 1: Code Name
By, Frank Hunter

Big Boss looked at the man who sat in front of him with an unsure sense of pride. This man, who had passed every rigorous physical and mental exam FOX-HOUND had thrown at him, was almost ready to join the ranks. This man was a success. But, it didn't make sense. His brother should have been the one. The Les Enfants Terrible project should have guaranteed…

Never mind, never mind about that. Leaning closer to the table, Big Boss examined the dossier in front of him silently while the man, David, stared at him in equal silence. He got the feeling he was being measured up.

The boy has confidence, he thought. But his eyes…they aren't the eyes of a true soldier. Not yet…

Breaking the silence, Big Boss spoke. "It says here you enjoyed a stint with the Green Berets."

"Yeah."

"Do you think that has adequately prepared you for what you are going to face here?"

"Yes sir."

"Not a chance."

Big Boss could see the anxiety his retort caused on the young soldier. The young ones were always so eager to prove themselves, so ambitious. But they have no idea the life that they are getting into.

And he really is very green.

"You seriously think I'm wrong? It says here you are twenty-three years old. Do you really think you have seen anything in those twenty-three years that prepares you for this? Do you think you saw anything in the Green Berets that hundreds of soldiers before you have not already experienced?"

The soldier's silence persisted, so Big Boss continued.

"FOX-HOUND is the best of the best. We are called on only for the most challenging and disturbing assignments. The things I have seen in my career you cannot imagine in your darkest nightmares."

The man stared down at the table as Big Boss looked across at him. His one good eye was unblinking.

"Can you honestly give me one reason why you feel you are prepared for this unit?"

The man looked up at him again. The frustration was obvious, but there was also resolve. He was keeping his cool.

"No. But you aren't going to let me make that decision, are you? You either want me or you don't."

Big Boss couldn't suppress a smile and glanced back at the dossier. "You're fluent in six languages; you've broken the records on several of our training exercises…diverse training exercises. I've never seen someone excel so greatly at sharp-shooting, urban infiltration and CQC all at once. You've got the military history, and you've obviously got the drive. Let's face it you are a solid candidate for FOX-HOUND. Perhaps more solid than most."

David sat up straighter, filling with pride. They always like it when you point out their strong points.

"I'm willing to take you on for one final field exam, if you are willing to continue."

"Yes sir."

"The exam will pair you up with a FOX-HOUND operative on a short, minimum-risk assignment." Big Boss paused for a minute, deciding to clarify. "Keep in mind, in FOX-HOUND, 'minimum-risk' does not mean your life is not in danger. You will be required to follow the direction of the operative you are paired with, as well as show some innovation on your own part to complete the assignment. In the end, the success of the mission, the scope of your actions, as well as the report from your partner will determine whether or not you may join this unit. Is this acceptable?"

"Yes sir."

"First thing's first. If you are going to be interacting with members of FOX-HOUND, you will need a code name. All unit members are known by their code names only."

"What's wrong with my real name?"

"Surely you're familiar with the code name system used by the Special Forces? The numeric system they use in S.O.G. and whatnot? The code names protect the identities of unit members so that they personally cannot be held responsible for any…unfortunate occurrences during a mission."

"Unfortunate occurrences?"

"Let me be frank. FOX-HOUND does not officially exist. Therefore, the missions we undertake also do not officially exist, do you understand? You will be an invisible operative from a non-existent organization. So, in case you are captured by the enemy, the less they find out about you, the less they will find out about us, and the more effectively we can complete yours and future missions."

Thinking out loud, Big Boss began to contemplate what to call this new operative."

"The code name always reflects an operative's area of strength and relative skill level, by combining an adjective with an animal."

"And what's the code name for the highest level of skill?"

Big Boss smirked at him again. "Fox. Only one man currently holds that title."

David nodded knowingly.

"You know about him, don't you?" Big Boss asked.

"Of course. Gray Fox is a legend. Anyone who's heard of FOX-HOUND has heard the stories about him."

"And you think that you deserve that kind of recognition too?"

The man didn't say anything, but Big Boss knew it was true. David didn't want to compare himself to Fox, but he really didn't believe he was inferior to anyone. Such arrogance…

"Don't get me wrong, you are a strong candidate but you have just failed that test horribly." The soldier looked up at him confused. "You don't deserve the Fox title for the sole reason that you think you do deserve it. Confidence is good but conceit can get you and others killed."

Suddenly the idea hit him. The animal that defined this man was so incredibly obvious, such a perfect fit, that Big Boss couldn't believe it had taken him this long to think of it. After all, given their situation, it would only be right to finally pass on this code name.

"Your adjective will be chosen for your all-around ability and potential to handle a wide range of assignments. The adjective assigned to you is 'solid.'

David seemed to accept this, so Big Boss continued.

"The animal name…well it isn't 'fox,' but it still implies extraordinary skill. It is a name that has great meaning for me."

"Why?"

"That isn't a discussion for today. Your animal name is 'snake.'"

David contemplated this for a second, and seemed reasonably satisfied with the choice. He didn't protest like some of the cocky young recruits. Big Boss was relieved at his maturity, and marked the code name choice down in the dossier. He still remembered the ordeal he'd had with Blade Wallaby…

Big Boss then stood up and held out his hand. The other man took it and shook, standing up as well. They looked each other straight in the eye.

"Welcome to the unit, Solid Snake."

"Thanks. So who's going to be my mentor on this field exam?"

Big Boss smiled again, clapping Snake on the back and leading him from the room. "You wanted to know what it takes to earn the code name 'fox.' I'll show you. Let me introduce you to Gray Fox."