Link234521: Sorry for the late Update. I've gone through hectic situations.
Leon: Oh, really?
Link234521: Didn't even get the chance to continue the Chapters because of "Development Changes". Either way, here's another Chapter.
Review Corner:
GamesMaster64: Oh, you'll see how it'll go in this Prequel.
KeybladeGuardian (Formerly Sushi723): ...Huh. Well, here's a new one for ya. How 'bout Zelda AND Metal Gear Rising?
Protocol: Omega
Raiden Campaign
Omegacorp Enforcement, LLC... I'll never forget what they've done to me.
Ever since that Arkhangelsk Incident, I was deceived. Being tricked to betray my Country, Friends, and Family.
...I was a fool to fall for it.
It was all for nothing. I ran away from Home, only for this? I've changed too much. I know I'm infected with Revenge, but can I return to the Light? I've been in Darkness for Three Eras, never leaving the Evil.
Can I change this time? I doubt myself, even when it comes to my Choice. I want to go Home, but from what I was told, I'll only unleash the Ripper if the Job isn't over.
"Pain... it's why you fight." Malum told me that it was my Normal. My Nature.
He's right. About me, I mean. I knew something was... off. After witnessing my Brother "die", I thought I could forget about the Incident and quit my Double-0 Status for good.
But here I am, surrounded by Death, Guilt, and Revenge. Arguing Philosophy with PMCs and a reactivated SMERSH.
I told myself this entire "Renegade Façade" was about Justice. About defending the Weak.
But I was wrong. I'll admit one thing.
I learned as a Pre-Adolescence- and as an Incarnation and Descendant- that Killing your Enemies felt good. That it lifts your Troubles and Frustration away; even avoid Death.
In England, my Friends... My Family...
They helped me forget the Demon inside. But who am I kidding?
I WAS BORN TO KILL!
That Bit about my Sword- The "Tool of Justice" Stuff? I guess I needed something to keep the Ripper in Check this time while I was Knee-Deep in Corpses.
But They- all of Them- is a Wake-Up call to what I really believe. What I really am.
Omegacorp will pay. I won't rest until they're all dead.
Veniant contabescent in Inferno.
Lorem ipsum sit amet!
What am I saying?
Let them rot in Hell, because JACK IS BACK!
Moroccan Airspace
Morocco
Local Time: Unknown
A Sonic Boom rang throughout the pouring, Shadow-infected Airspace of Morocco, an Aircraft the size of a Military Transport Aircraft soaring over the Area.
The Aircraft was had the Drooping Wings of an Antonov AN-225, whilst the overall Body and Engine Design are identical to a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. It had the bearings of a Nano-sen and MQ-133C fused together.
It was a Lockheed SRA-154 PM: a Prototype Military Strategic Reconnaissance Transport Aircraft specifically designed for Private Militaries. The Aircraft earned the Nickname "Revolution" as Protocol: Omega's Goal is to end Omegacorp and SMERSH's Plan; even ending the War Economy once and for all.
Maverick has forged Alliances with other PMCs whom were against Omegacorp and SMERSH, Maverick's Top Rookies-Quickly-Turned-Veterans forming an Organization called NEST (Nexus Elite Special Operations Team). With multiple Cyborgs in NEST from other PMCs, it'll give the Enemy one Headache to find out their Affiliation with their XIFF Codes scrambling to multiple PMCs.
The Revolution was designed to carry an entire Platoon of Combat Troops, but on this early March Morning, it was manned by the Barest of Skeleton Crews: two Pilots and two Crew Chiefs. They were not alone, however. The Pilots sat at the Control Panel, diligently monitoring the Plane's Vitals and keeping the Craft on its Proper Course. Despite the Monotony of staring at the Night Sky for the last 13 Hours, he was wide awake. It wasn't easy to get bored when you were flying through Moroccan Airspace.
Behind him, in a small niche between the Cockpit and the Cargo Hold, there were three of the Transport's Four Passengers. Two of them sat at their own Consoles, surrounded by Blinking Lights and Equipment of the 21st Century. One of them was one of the Crew Chiefs, who monitored the Status of the Plane's Equipment and Cargo.
The other was a Woman in her Late 20s, wearing a Bombardier's Jacket two sizes too big for her Slight Frame. With Pasty White Skin and Cheekbones like Snow, she looked almost frail- until you glanced in her Eyes. They were Warm and Quick-Witted with a spark of Worry. These Eyes were fixed ahead, never betraying any sort of Anxiety.
Behind these two, leaning against the bulkhead with arms folded, was a Woman in her Teenage Years, wearing the Clothing of a Major. She was only 15 years Old, with a Youthful and Fair Frame, Flaxen Waist-Length Hair, and bright Cerulean Eyes. A Military Major was hinted in her Eyes and Presence, despite being a Teenager.
It was a Trait handed down in her Family, one she sported as proudly as she would a Medal. Like everyone else in the Cockpit- which she thought of as "Mission Control"- she had an Electronic, Wireless Headset resting on her Neck with a Microphone on the Left Side of the Set.
"Approaching Moroccan Airspace," The Pilot reported. "Commencing Internal Depressurization."
The Pilot flipped a Switch on their Controls, tiny streams of Air fleeing the Inside of the Aircraft.
"Equipment Check," The other Pilot reported. "Arm Main Parachute."
The Woman unfolded her Arms and stepped forward, taking off the Headset resting on her Neck and placing it on her Ears, putting a Mouthpiece from the Headset in front of her Lips. "All right, Jack," She started, her voice clipped with a crisp American lilt. "Are you ready to go?"
"Drop Zone still showing a High Pressure Mass," The Pilot replied.
"CAVOK (Ceiling and Visibility OK)."
The Acronym rang throughout the Craft, meaning that they had good Cloud Cover. The Woman nodded. That was good news for the Plane's Cargo.
In the Colossal Cargo Bay, the Low Hiss was masked by the rumble of the Plane's Engines. The Crew Chief- a Cyborg from NEST- had already hooked up his Oxygen Mask and Tank. He glanced over at the Plane's Cargo: a Single Man- possibly a Cyborg and Jack-, face Hiding in the Shadows, sitting on the Bench on the far side.
Unlike the others, he didn't have a Headset or any Equipment. Instead, he'd been equipped with Metallic Combat Boots and Gauntlets. He was hunched over, in a Olive-Colored Garb and a bulky Pack on his Back. He couldn't even see the man's head, with the Shadows shielding his Face.
The Soldier became bored, so he decided to intervene with the other Founding Member of NEST's Chat.
"-Absorbing their Electrolytes. I got it."
"Anybody forgot about me?" The Solider interfered the other Founder's Conversation.
"Of course I haven't, Jack. As for you, you know your Procedures." The other Founder's Contact cleared his throat, accent of a German's. "Yes, enemy Cyborgs should provide plenty of CNFC Electrolytes once you slice them open and... extract their Fluids."
"Sounds COMPLETELY disgusting, but they're Terrorists. I was planning on that anyway." The other Founder seconded.
"Same here. But I don't give a damn about them."
"Oh, and their Left Hands, if you please." The German requested.
"Excuse me?"
"Excuse me?" The Leaders questioned surprisingly.
The Contact, back in his Office, stood up from his chair and drifted towards shelves filled with Left Hands. "Their Combat Data, stored on Holographic Memory, typically located in the Left Hand." He took one of them to present it to the Operatives. "That Data is VERY valuable. Ehem... I am authorized to offer both of you Upgrades and Services in exchange for it."
"How generous."
"How generous." The Operatives stated.
"Ich liebe Kapitalismus!" (German translation: I love Captialism!") He exclaimed. "Had the wall come down a few years earlier, I would have a Nobel Prize on my shelf."
"-There. I see land."
"-There. I see land." The German's Monitor- from the view of both the MQ-133C and Nano-sen, saw the Operatives' designated Areas.
"Three mikes out and closing, you guys." Another Contact back at the Base reported, scanning their Areas through the Satellites. "No activity at the Air Base. Looks like we don't have to worry about Interceptors from your ends."
"Great, then we have time for some Quick Briefings." A Fourth saluted through his end.
"I know you miss me, Kev; you too Zoe, but I've been all over the Materials." Raiden reported, referring to the CIA Agent AND his Girlfriend on the Revolution.
"Same here." The Leader seconded.
"Look, just humor me, guys. Objectives are, of course, enter Abkhazia and Morocco, neutralize the Terrorists, and restore the Rightful Government on Rakurai's side... or WHAT'S left of it, anyway." Kevin debriefed. "Jack, Zoe'll take care of your end."
"Roger that." He signed off, bringing up a Customization Screen to enhance the Capabilities in the Environment. Since Morocco is in Africa, he enabled the Internal Cooling System for typical reasons. He knew He's in the Area, and he can't let Him know.
While Jack was tinkering with his Customizations though his Gauntlet, a Cyborg from Maverick looked at him.
"Put out that Screen!" the Crew Chief barked.
The Solider hunched there didn't seem to hear- or if he did, didn't seem to care. The Crew Chief walked over and fiddled with some Instruments. "Connecting Oxygen Hose to Interior Connector." He reported through his own Headset.
"Roger that." the Pilots replied.
The Cyborg turned back to the Soldier. There he was, still tinkering with the Holographic Screen without a care in the World. "Put on your Mask!" He instructed.
Still no response from the man. He just sat there, still focused on the Screen.
"Does this guy even know what he's doing?" The Cybernetic Organism thought, turning away from the Soldier to continue his Checklist.
The Plane continued on on it's Voyage. It was now thirty thousand feet over the Heart of Moroccan Mountains for a PMC Transport and it's Crew to be spotted. The Dawn had caught up to the Plane and the Sun winked off it's Shadowy Appearance, though with the rather thick Clouds swirling beneath and around them, it was highly doubtful that any Enemy Eyes on the Ground would spot them. Same for any sort of Radar Activity.
"Approaching Release Point." the Pilot noted over the Intercom. "Ten minutes to Drop-Off Zone."
The Woman glanced at one of the Monitors. It showed a Live Camera Feed from inside the Cargo Hold. She saw her Boyfriend still hunkered there, tinkering with his Gauntlet. She pressed her Headset into her Ear.
"Jack!" She barked irritably. "Are you deaf?! He said put out your Screen and put on your Mask."
Jack seemed to let out a sigh, with one last Jet of the Cold Air issuing from his Nostrils. He deactivated the Screen and locked it with his ID. The Soldier seemed to glance in the direction of the Camera, still hiding his Face in the Shadows and picked up the Pressurized Mask hanging from his Chest. He put the Mask over his Face and waited.
The hiss finally stopped as the Pressure in the Aircraft Equalized.
"Depressurization complete." The Pilot reported.
"Checking oxygen supply. Six minutes to Drop-Off."
"Opening Rear Hatch." the Cyborg in the Cargo Bay responded, walking to a Lever.
There was a Whir of Machinery, and one of the Bulkheads suddenly shifted. A Gap appeared in the Plane's Rear Wall. It grew wider and wider slowly, letting in the first Eye-Piercing Rays of the Sun. Jack looked towards it, his Face completely blank behind the Pressurized Mask.
The Crew Chief Cyborg from NEST looked at some of the Readouts. "External Temperature, -54 degrees Celsius. Two minutes to Drop-Off." He turned to the Founder of NEST. "Stand up, Boss!"
The Founder rose to his Feet. He was tall, over Five Feet in Height and broad across the Chest. The Cyborg flinched a little as his Boss started toward him. Jack moved towards the newly-formed Ramp, which was still steadily cranking open like a Crocodile's Jaw as he stopped at the Gap that once connected the Ramp to the Revolution.
Jack stalked forward, doing his best to support his Balance. The Cold Morning Wind blew across him, cutting to the Bone even through his thick Jungle Garb. The shock of the Cold numbed him; he knew it would be even worse in a few minutes. Yet it didn't matter to him.
"Jack, you'll be falling at a hundred and thirty miles per hour." The Young Woman's voice repeated calmly. "Try not to get Frostbite from the Wind Chill."
"Like that's going to happen." Jack thought.
"One minute to Drop-Off."
His Headset crackled, the Young Major's voice on the Line again. "This one's going for the History Books. The World's first No-Parachute, Miniature Propulsion System HALO Jump."
"Not that anyone will know about it." Jack thought sourly.
He took another step forward, grinding the Cigar Stub somebody left to Ash under his Combat Boot. He could hear the Countdown, and as the Numbers ticked, he steeled himself, ignoring the cold and staring Lights over the Open Ramp Entrance. One of them glowed red; the other was blending with the Shadows. Once that one went green, it was go time.
"Ten seconds to Drop-Off."
"Standing by."
The Woman at the Control Panel exchanged a glance with the Major. For the first time, there was a tinge of Worry in her Eyes. She did her best not to betray the same Emotion in her own.
"Five."
The Soldier braced his Back, the Wind biting at his Body along with the Weight of the HALO Jump Equipment.
"Four."
He took a deep, slow breath, clearing his Drowning Mind.
"Three."
Jack set his steel-like Jaw Behind the Mask, knowing the risks if he didn't perform this Jump correctly. And one of them was Death.
"Two."
He relaxed his Fists, Mission-Ready as he pushed away his Fears and Troubles.
"One!"
The Red Jump-Light integrated in the Revolution's Walls suddenly flared a bright Emerald. Go.
"Gods be with you!" The Major wished over the Intercom.
As he was given the Signal, Raiden sprinted out of the Aircraft and leapt off the Edge of the Ramp. His Boots left the Cool Deck of the Ramp as he propelled himself into the first Light of Dawn thirty thousand feet in the Sky, and he was gone.
Jack entered a Dive-Bomb Posture, increasing the Speed of his Descent. He fell through Space and Sky like a Meteor as the Wind of the Moroccan Morning besieged him, his Body angled towards the ground as if he were a living Bullet fired toward the Target Zone. The Wind tore at his Frame like Hooked Knives and Blade Weapons. Miles tore past in what felt like seconds.
When he broke through the last of the Clouds, he saw what looked like a rolling Ocean of Emerald beneath, a vast Forest sprawling out endlessly in all known directions. There was a Ridge of Mountains shaped like a Sword's Metal in the distance, High Ranges and Plateaus that rose two thousand feet or so above the Dense and Verdant Sea of Forest.
He streaked towards the Target Zone, reaching Terminal Velocity. He could see his entire field of Vision being swallowed by the Jungle. That was his cue.
He closed his eyes, and touched a Button on the Palm of his Left Hand with his Fingers on that same Hand. At the moment, the Soles of his Metallic Combat Boots folded to reveal Miniature Propulsion Systems. A weak Fire sparked in the Miniature Exhaust Ports where the System ignites to give Speed until the Blaze grew into a Focused Flame. From that burst of Speed like Nitrous Oxide he used once, Jack felt a terrific Jolt as the Systems propelled him at great Speeds.
He looked down, watching as he darted down to the Zone. The Forest seemed vast, oppressive, almost hungry. He briefly observed the curiosity of a Forest this large existing in the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco. It was an unusual thing.
He put it out of his Mind almost immediately. The Forest was here, and it was real. The Area was the Enemy, an Obstacle, an Object to be defeated- and Jack had no doubt he would succeed in conquering it. That was his Mission, and that was what he would do.
Once he was in the Drop Zone and in a Clearing, he got out of his Maneuver and once a few feet above the Ground, he punched it with his Shock-Absorbing Gauntlets to prevent Death. The resulting Ground Punch left it's Mark and scared the Wildlife nearby, Raiden staying still like a Statue and Iron Man in Pose. He rose from his Stance, unhooking the Oxygen Tank from his Back, then his HALO-Jump Equipment before his Mask.
His Face was completely revealed after hiding in the Dark. His Face had the Youthful Appearance of a 15 Year-Old, Hair dark Chocolate Brown, and Eyes bearing Gray and Cobalt; even the Aura of Renewal.
This Appearance wasn't his real Look. It was his Second.
The Look preceding this one was of Ash-Blond Hair, Eyes- or Eye- bearing Dark Cobalt with Revenge sparking inside. He lost an Eye and Arm in the C.A.R (Central African Republic) Incident 2 Months ago.
His Original Appearance was truly of Dirty Blond, Eyes the same Cobalt; showing with Honor and Valor when one looks closely.
But Jack was just an Alias.
His real name is Link Bond: Son to Hyrule's Royal Navy Commander and "Banker"; even a Former Government Agent for his Country. He was one of the Founders of NEST as well: On February 20, he ran away from his Home back in Hyrule City -A.K.A Castle Town-, England, to avenge his "Deceased" Brother. It was April 7: over a Month since he ran away.
He and his Brother- who was actually alive- agreed to split the Roles of Leading NEST- taking the Codename "Boss" as well as their own Codenames of Raiden or Rakurai- when either one wasn't Battle-Ready. Jack was usually the Leader, and Rakurai was partly interested.
His third Appearance wasn't because of another Identity Change; it was all because of FaceCamo. He was still his Original Self, only in a Mask to fully hide his Identity and alter it.
He darted for a Tree, hiding in it's Shade as he heard a Call Tone.
"Do you copy, Jack?" Zoe was on the Line, being the one for Pointers for his Mission. "You're in Enemy Territory, and luckily, the Enemy can't listen in here in Morocco. From here on, we'll refer each other by Codenames. You will be using two Codenames on this Protocol. Meeting with Maverick Personnel will be Raiden; for encountering other Affiliations will be "Solid Snake." I'll be referring you as 'Snake' in the case that someone might be listening in. You are not to mention your Real Identity to anyone."
Raiden cocked an Eyebrow. "Snake?"
"What, you don't like Snakes?"
"What're you saying?" Jack scowled.
"Remember? You vanish while I'm talking to you just to get a bundle of Roses while we were having a Coffee Date?"
The Type of Flower stated made Jack's Mind click back to the Young Woman who was his Best Friend back in England and with the same name. How he missed her warm, friendly Smiles when they were Friends.
"NOW I see why you asked me that. And I suppose you calling me 'Snake' is your Idea of a Joke, too?"
"No joke, Snake. I already told you the reason."
"Figures. Let me guess: you're called "The Boss"."
"You and your Mind-Reading Abilities..." The Boss grumbled. "This will be a Two-Part Stealth/Shadow Ops Mission. You can't be seen by MI6 or any Hostiles. You mustn't leave any Trace of your Presence. Is that clear?"
"You issued me an HF Combat Knife and a H&K VP70 Mk.50 Hushpuppy Tranquilizer Gun." Raiden repeated, reaching for the Holstered Gun on his Side. He unlatched the Lock securing the Gun into the Holster, grasping the Pistol Grip and whipped it out.
It was a new 2012 Model heavily modified to a Hushpuppy, with a Modern Polymer Frame, Internal Striker, and more Lighter than it's First Generation Sibling. All of the Previous Installments were updated for this Hushpuppy.
He felt the Heaviness of it; not the Ammunition inside, but the Tragedy it infects on the Victim and their Family. Jack had been accustomed to a Gun since he was 13. The Heft... The Sleekness... The Precision... The Cool, Biting Steel... And the Power to change Lives and History.
"What's the Objective, Boss?" He put the Gun back in it's Holster.
"Simple: go through the Cèdre Gouraud Forest, and into the Village where the PMC, Praying Mantis, is causing a Regime."
"Like THAT'S easy. There's bound to be Cyborgs in the Forest too." The Renegade sarcastically joked.
Zoe shook her head. "Raiden, I know you can make this possible. If it weren't for you, me, Aly- I mean Major Doe, and Rakurai would be dead."
"Either way, gotta run."
"Hold it."
"What, Boss?" Raiden began to feel irritated, wanting to get the Job done quickly.
"There's a Support Team standing by back here in the PMA (Private Military Aircraft) as well as Kevin and Courtney back at the Base. I'll introduce you to the ones on the PMA. The First of the Support Team will be in charge of monitoring your Physical Condition- acting as a Medic, so to speak- as well as recording your Mission Data. She's a part of this Mission, and she knows who you are."
"She?" Raiden didn't want an Accusation from his Boss/Girlfriend.
The Codec Screen went out for a second, duplicating itself to reveal a Girl- no, a Woman. Judging on her appearance, she looked a lot like Kairi; older and Hazel Eyed instead.
"Hello, Snake." Her Voice was a typical Woman's in her late 20s, chipper and Quick-Witted from the sound of it. "I'm Para-Medic."
"Para...Medic?"
"As in a Medic who comes in by Parachute." She clarified, solving one Mystery in Raiden's Mind.
"Aren't you going to tell me your Real Name?"
Para-Medic clicked her Tongue wistfully. "My, my, Mr. Bond. I thought your Father taught you some Manners."
On The Boss's Screen, she silently put her Palm into her Face. "Para-Medic, he's changed since the Accident. Went through "Amnesia" and doesn't remember who he is."
"Really, then? Are you going to tell me yours, if you still remember?"
"My... Name?" Playing the Amnesiac was his Specialty. "...It's John. John Miller."
"And they call you Jack for short?" She rose an Eyebrow as if she's seeing through the Amnesiac Act. "You're a regular Captain Nemo."
"A Name means nothing on the Battlefield or to one who lost their Memory. Afterwards, no one has a Name." He recited part of the Sentence from a War Book. "What's your Name?"
"Jane Miller."
"Very funny."
"I wasn't joking, Mr. Miller. But I'll tell you my Name only if you manage to make it back alive after the Protocol." She offered.
"...Now I feel older and married now." Jack admitted.
"I know how you feel, Mr. Miller. My Codec Frequency is 145.73."
The Medic's Codec merged with The Boss's, now leaving her. "There's one more thing, Raiden. One of the NEST Operatives will rendezvous with you somewhere in the Forest. Exercise caution. My Codec Frequency is 140.83."
"Got it. Proceeding with Mission."
"Raiden, try to remember some of the Basics of IJS (Immerse Jungle Survival)." The Boss advised as Snake grasped the HF Combat Knife on his Chest Holster, spinning it in his Palm to hold it backhanded before drawing out the Modified Heckler & Koch VP70 Mk. 50 again, screwing a Suppressor into the Barrel.
Scanning the Area, Jack listened for any Human Noises, rapidly turning around. "Commencing Shadow Ops Mission, now."
A beautiful Emerald-Feathered Bird flitted across his Sight from one Tree to another, singing out a thin musical Call. He tensed, and his Mind snapped back to Focus. One Wrong Step, and the Forest would finish him. There could be Trip Mines, Claymores hidden between Trees that would blow him apart.
Snake froze mid-step as he heard Movement to the Side- footsteps coming toward the Meadow. He blended with a Tree just in time to avoid being spotted as two Shadowy Silhouettes emerged into Sight.
He could barely discern the Silhouettes' Features, as their Faces were swathed in AR Visors. But Snake did see without a doubt that they carried Guns.
Rifles.
Their Chests also bristled with Emerald Cylinders he immediately recognized as Grenades. The Silhouettes pointed their Weapons down as they patrolled, but Raiden could see their fingers resting on the Triggers.
Raiden regrouped back behind the Tree and pressed his Fingers on his Ear. "Boss, I've spotted two Enemy Soldiers."
"They're probably Praying Mantis Troops," The Boss responded. "Sent to find- and eliminate- anyone in the Forest."
"SOCOM Mk.17s and Grenades. Some Firepower for Patrol."
"Raiden," The Boss warned. "Your presence in Moroccan Territory is already a Violation of PMC Rules. We can't let Omegacorp and MI6 find out that Maverick is involved. Contact with the Enemy is strictly restricted."
"Yeah, figured as much." Raiden studied their movements. If he'd had a Firearm of his own or his HF Blade, it would be easy to pick them off from here.
"Don't engage them in Battle either," The Boss added, as if she could hear Raiden's thoughts through Codec and observing him through his AR Codec Screen. "This is a Stealth Mission. Got that?"
The Renegade nodded in agreement, deactivating the Codec. The Boss was right. The whole point of the first Half of the Mission was to sneak through the Forest without being spotted. The success of this Operation depended on Stealth.
He crouched low, skirting along the edge of the Meadow, keeping himself hidden in the overgrown Bundle of Grass that carpeted the Area. The Grass was excellent cover; it came up to the Soldiers' Waists, and they waded through it slowly. Raiden never took his Eye off of them as he snaked through the Grass. Even though they were clearly dawdling, not really expecting any Enemy Opposition, he didn't want to take any chances. When he slipped back into the Jungle, he allowed himself a momentary pause to check the Area for PMC Troops. Taking a sigh of relief as there was no one in the Area, he then continued on.
Slogging through the Underbrush, ducking under the Branches, Creepers and Vines, Raiden longed for his HF Blade, something to make his journey through the Jungle easier, but that would give away his Position to the Enemy for a Stealth Mission. He did his best to stifle any grunting as he made his way North.
Water stood in small Pools on the rocky Ground as the Ground felt like Mud and Dirt caked together. Thin Mahogany Trees with twisted Trunks and Waxy Bark protruded in all directions, swallowed by Flowering Weeds and Pricky Shrubs. Ferns brushed the Renegade's Legs, sprinkling droplets of Water from a Previous Rainstorm.
After a while, the Operative paused to rest beside a tall Clouded-Barked Tree. He waited for a few minutes while he checked his AR-Nerve for his Current Supplies. His .22 LR Tranquilizer Bullets were all loaded into spare Magazines, Medical all in his Pack. He trudged on after the Check, Gun and HF Combat Knife still at the ready as he journeyed across the Forest again. The River was at the bottom of a Canyon, hundreds of feet deep and twice that in Length, that split the Forest in a great Shear.
He scanned the Canyon, and spotted a Thin Line spanning it, about a Quarter-Mile to the left.
A Rope Bridge.
Jack also saw movement along the Rope Bridge. He squinted, and could make out Four distinct shapes on both sides of the Bridge.
Jack cursed under his breath. He hardly had a chance of crossing the Canyon unseen now, if that Bridge was the only way to get across. He edged along the Forest, masking himself in the Dense Foliage as he crept closer to the Bridge. The Cyborgs on the Bridge were in their irreplaceable Cyborg Bodies, Faces outside their own AR Visors while carrying FS7 High Frequency Blades. Completely bad news since those Blades were more deadly in the Forest.
In Close Combat, they were deadly. But Long-Range, it was completely useless.
That gave Jack an Idea.
Taking the VP70 out of it's Holster again, he wrapped his Finger behind the Trigger and above the Safety Lock. Jack trained it on the Cyborgs, squeezing the Trigger. The Shots were held back by the Suppressor as four .22 LR Tranquilizer Bullets rushed towards two Targets on Jack's side, other two darting off to the adjacent. The Bullets burst apart soundlessly, revealing Darts that fitted inside the Bullets with the special Cyborg Tranquilizer Drug. They impacted with the Cyborgs' Temples, knocking them out instantly and dropping their Weapons.
They all dropped into the River from the Bridge and out of sight, Jack listening for the faint Splashes. It happened, resulting in the Cyborgs Short-Circuiting.
He waited for a moment. He'd killed Men- both Part-Cybernetic and Fully-Organic- before, but it was something he got used to. Even though he hadn't directly murdered them, he had caused their Deaths as surely as if he'd put a Bullet in their heads. But there was no time to dwell on that now, if he ever would.
He rose to his feet and made his way to the Bridge. Raiden picked up one of the Cyborgs' fallen FS7s, pressing the Trigger to trigger the High Frequency. The Weapon clicked, signaling that it was ID-Locked as a Holographic Screen appeared, flashing:
"ID-LOCKED."
INVALID IDENTIFICATION.
"Great." He tossed it in the Ravine below and into the Water.
He made his way along the Bridge. It swayed as his Weight added to it, the Wooden Supports moaning as he ventured across the Bridge. Many of them were already filled with Ivy, and more than a few had disappeared into the Water.
Raiden made a glance down into the Water. The River was hundreds of feet below, a Roar coming from it that was hungry for Corpses seeming to never end. He tore his Observation from the River and pressed on, careful to step over the Missing Supports of the Bridge and fall to his Death, though not hesitating to send their Blades over the Edge into the Monster of a River.
When he reached the other side he glanced back over at the Casings of the Tranquilizer Bullets he left. If he was lucky, he'd get to the Village and have already finished the Mission before MI6 can find out his Identity. The VP70 Hushpuppy's Rounds packed quite a punch.
He set off again into the Forest, wondering if the Operative from NEST was still alive. Snakes dangled from Branches, looking at the Human with Cold, Enraged Eyes.
He had moved for no more than five minutes before he saw the glint of Metal through the Trees ahead. He slowed his pace and crept closer, leaning against a Tree tapping the side of his Face to enable Binoculars in his AR-Nerve.
His Vison altered, turning into the insides of Digital Binoculars and a Mini-Sonar before scouting out at the Ancient, decaying Ruin that had once been a Factory. Gray clouds hung in the sky, casting the Site in a cool gloom, as the rusting texture towered like Bones sticking out in a Tomb. He realized that no one was in the Area with his Sonar enabled.
Raiden deactivated the Function, hiding the HF Combat Knife. As he approached the Ruins, Raiden caught a Noise in his Ears. It was the scrunch of Leaves under Combat Boots.
"Freeze." He heard the typical click of a Gun behind him. "I wouldn't try anything funny if I were you."
Jack swiftly whipped around and grabbed the Gun Hand of the Enemy, disarming him and lifting him to the other side of Raiden's Position. He yanked the Enemy by the collar and held him in a Human Shield Formation; Combat Knife close to the side of his Neck while his Forearm was wrapped around it; VP70 at his Temple.
"You need to work on your CQC (Close Quarters Combat)." Jack noted, speaking as if this Enemy was an Ally. "...Kasai."
Jack let go of Kasai, holstering his HF Combat Knife. Kasai lifted the Balaclava from his Face, revealing Jet Black Hair, the Face of a Man in his early 20s, Terra-Cotta Eyes, and the Aura of Confidence. "Sorry 'bout that, Boss. Didn't recognize you there."
Kasai was the Rookie for NEST, specializing in Recon and Information. He wasn't envious that the Leaders of NEST were just Teenagers unlike the others. He decided to follow anyone, regardless of age.
"What'd you dig up?"
"MI6 will be sending in 007 in the Village in 20 minutes. Scouted the Area and found some UGs. The Militia's already there, but their Numbers are falling like Dominoes." Kasai reported.
Jack's Codec began to vibrate, begging Kasai to give him a Moment. The Operative nodded, letting the Boss take the Codec Call.
The Screen expanded in Snake's Vision, showing Static and Information Banks empty. "Raiden..."
"Who is this?"
"There's an Ambush once you leave the Forest. Praying Mantis Troops and an Omegacorp Work-For-Hire. Be on the look out. You could be shot anywhere."
"Wait!" The Call ended, leaving Raiden in a Confused State.
Who was that on the Codec just now? The voice wasn't his Brother's or anyone else he met.
"I can't take that Information for Granted. It could be a trap." He noted to himself. The Operatives from NEST pressed on, leaving Jack to believe that Warning or just a way to lure him into a Trap.