Disclaimer: I do not own Metal Gear, Metal Gear Solid or Metal Gear Rising. All rights belong to Hideo Kojima and Konami.
Adam walked with Sunny to the transport vehicle and hopped in. Adam started up the vehicles engine then turned to Sunny. "Where to?" He asked her. "The R and D platform. John and the others are waiting for us there. He didn't want to leave unless he had you for this next mission." She explained making Adam look at her in confusion before driving off in the direction of the R and D platform.
"So, what's the next mission?" He asked her as they drove acres the bridge leaving the Combat Platform. "You'll know when we get there, but just so you know, it concerns Raiden. More will be explained when we get there." She answered making him nod in understanding.
BZZZT!
"Sunny, it's Rogue. How'd it go?" Rogue asked over the radio making Sunny pick it up. "It went fine, boss. Whoever Adam talked to really helped. He's here with me now, still recovering mind you, but he feels ready for the next mission." She answered.
"Great. Brief him on the next mission with John and have them both prepared for dispatch. They leave as soon as they're ready. Understood?" Rogue replied back making Sunny nod. "Yes, boss." She answered before setting the radio back down as she rode with Adam.
With Rogue on the Command Platform...
Rogue ended the transmission with Sunny and just smiled before deciding to contact an old friend.
BZZZT!
"What do ya want, old man?" An amused gruff voice asked over the radio making Rogue shake his head with a chuckle. "Nothing, Sam. I just wanted to thank you for having a word with Adam and helping him out. Is there anything I can do to repay you?" He asked, but Sam just chuckled.
"Nah. Think nothing of it. I'd do anything for that kid. He's like the son I never had. His mother wasn't really involved in his life growing up, so he had me and Sarah for a long time when she would be out on mission. I was the father he needed and Sarah was... well, she would technically have been the mother he needed, but she was more his sister than anything. So, yeah, the kids family so I would do anything for him." Sam explained while reminiscing about his times with Sarah and Adam.
Rogue just smiled gratefully. "Sam, in all seriousness, he's lucky to have had a good man like you in his life. He may even turn out to be greater than you and Snake." He admitted with a smile while making Sam laugh a little before speaking again. "I have no doubt in my mind about that, Rogue. He has great potential. I even offered him a place in Echelon, but he turned it down. He wanted to get some experience under his belt first, which I can understand. You've got to start off small before heading to the big leagues." He explained with a hint of pride in his tone.
But Rogue's smiles faded. "Yeah, well, he had three years experience with the Marines before being called back to the states to the training camp to undergo the test to become the next Snake." He began to explain as Sam listened. "He trained for a year learning from the best in the field, including you, before the final tests went to hell. After that he was thrown into all this. He slept on it before making his decision, but still, it's not right what happened." He continued.
Sam sighed. "Yeah, I hear ya. When I heard what happened I was worried sick about that kid. But I think with you and your group, he'll turn out just fine. I told him to toughen himself up and to take his pain to use it against his enemies. And if he is going to be going on another mission-"
"He is."
"Then they are going to be in for a rude awakening once they see what happens when they piss off a snake. Adam may still be a green horn when it comes to stealth operations, but he has venom and he knows how to use it." Sam explained, once again, with pride making Rogue chuckle. "Yeah. Once Adam sets his mind to something, there's no stopping him until it's all said and done." He said almost with a laugh.
"Damn straight." Sam said with a laugh.
"But really, Sam. I just wanted to thank you for helping him. In Adam's short time here he's become increasingly important to the others and not just because of the codename he's trying to earn, but because of his courage and valor as a soldier." Rogue explained and thanked the Echelon legend.
Sam just chuckled again. "You don't have to thank me, old man. If there is anything that you, Adam or your group needs, don't hesitate to give me a call. I'll do everything I can to help. You have my word." He said making Rogue nod. "Got it. Thanks, Sam."
"Anytime. See ya around, old man." Sam said before ending the radio transmission.
Rogue shook his head and smiled as he just continued to look out of the main center window.
Research and Development Platform...
"Guys! Looks who's finally ready to get back out into the field." Sunny said as she and Adam walked through the door leading to the research lab in the R and D Platform.
John, Carla, Otacon and Liza all turned around to see Adam walking behind Sunny with a determined look on his face before they all walked towards.
John was the first to embrace him in a hug and pat his back before Carla hugged him next and kisses his cheek. "Are you ok?" John asked him. Adam looked at him with a smile and nodded. "Yeah, I'll be alright." He said before Liza walked up to him and hugged him before giving him a kiss on his cheek herself. "Are you sure?" She asked with concern as Otacon patted his shoulder.
Adam just smiled again and nodded. "Yeah. I'm positive." He answered before looking at John. "So, Sunny tells me this next mission concerns your dad?" He asked him making John nod.
"Yeah. We've been keeping track on Jack the Ripper and his movements for the past month." He began as they all walked up to one of the computers. "He's been to multiple places in the world, but we don't know why. However, he's made frequent visits to one particular place in the states." He continued as he pulled up a map on the holographic screen.
"New York?" Adam asked looking at John. "Why would he be going there?" He asked again turning his head to Sunny. Her answer was to bring up a holographic image of Jack the Ripper and Ricardo "The Vulture" Gomez talking to each other in one of the city's National Parks.
Adam let out a deep sigh and shook his head as he looked at the image. "I've got a lot of work to do then." He said, but Liza patted his back. "Hey, don't worry. He may have got to you last time, but it won't happen again. You've got us. We'll have your back." She said reassuringly making Sunny, Otacon, John and Carla smile. "That's right, Adam. John will be with you this time, so, there's less chance of anything happening this time. But there is just one problem with the location that the Ripper is in." Otacon finally chimed in as he held a handheld computer in his hand.
The group turned their heads to look at Otacon in confusion. "What do you mean, Hal?" Sunny asked him.
Otacon used his computer to bring up another holographic image on the screen to show them what he meant. The image was the same image as before, but it was zoomed out to show more of the surrounding area.
"Civilians." Liza noted making Otacon nod.
"That's right. The Ripper is the only one in the city as we speak, so, Vulture isn't going to be where he is. But there is still a risk of civilian casualties if we're not all careful." He explained before looking at Adam and John. "I have all the faith in the world in you two, but I cannot stress this enough that stealth is now even more important for this specific mission. If any one of you are caught, then the Ripper will not hesitate for one second to kill any civilians just to get away." He says to them both making them look at each other and nod.
"We'll get the job done, Hal. You have our word." John said making Adam nod.
Otacon nodded. "Alright. When you two are ready, get geared up and be ready for dispatch. The sooner we get Raiden back in his body, the sooner we can get rid of one more disease of the world." He said.
"Hey! I resent that, Otacon. It's still my body, you know." Raiden suddenly spoke making Otacon tense up. "Whoops! Sorry, Raiden. I didn't mean it that way." He apologized making Raiden chuckle. "It's fine. I'm just messing with you, Otacon. But I agree with you. Adam, John, this is where your training in stealth really comes into play. Once you've got your sights set on Jack, you have to make ABSOLUTELY sure that he does not see you or people will get seriously hurt or worse. So, no heroics, no show boating and no showing off. Even though I know that you're both better than that. What I'm trying to say is, get in, get the job done, and get out.Got it?" Raiden said to them both.
Adam and John looked at each other and nodded without saying a single word before looking back at their allies. "Got it." They both said at the same time.
They then walked away together to grab their gear before John suddenly stopped then started to laugh. Adam looked at him in confusion while wondering why he started laughing. "John? What's so funny?" He asked.
John stopped laughing for a moment and waved it off. "No, nothing. I just got to thinking about something." He answered.
"What?"
"Haha, nothing. Just got to thinking that you and I are the next generation of Fox and Snake. Ironic don't you think?" John answered with a chuckle. Adam thought about it himself before he laughed himself. "Yeah, you're right. It is ironic, but remember, I still haven't earned the title yet." He said with a shrug.
John shook his head and just laughed before walking up to Adam and patted his shoulder. "Hey, don't worry. You will. If anyone deserves it by now, it's you. And think about it. If you keep Phantom in the name you could go by Phantom Snake." He said to him.
Adam thought about it for a moment and smiled. "Phantom Snake? That's actually pretty good. I might just use that." He chuckled making John laugh in return. "You better. I think it's pretty damn cool." He said before they both walked out of the research lab to grab their gear.
45 minutes later...
Adam and John walked back into the the research lab with their gear in duffel bags, but once they returned, they were surprised to see a familiar color of red hair.
"Meryl?" Adam called out.
Meryl, hearing her name, turned around and smiled when she saw Adam, but lost her smile when she looked at John. "Hey, Adam. It's good to see you again." She said walking up to him before embracing him with a hug. Then she looked over at John, who didn't look too happy to see the woman.
"John."
"Meryl."
Adam looked back and forth between them in confusion. "Ok, am I missing something?" He asked making John, Meryl and the others look at him before looking at Meryl.
Meryl looked at Adam then to John before looking at Carla. "Um, if you guys don't mind, but, could you give me a moment to talk to Carla alone?" She asked, but John suddenly dropped his duffel bag and began to grow hostile. "Not a damn chance, Meryl." He said with a slightly raised tone as he began to stomp towards Meryl, but someone had stopped him by grabbing his arm.
"Who the-?!" He almost shouted but stopped when he saw who had grabbed him.
Rogue.
"I understand your anger, John, but if this hatchet isn't buried, then the three of you cannot move forward. So, let them talk and you will listen." He explained, but John just snatched his arm out of the mans grasp, picked up his duffel bag and walked towards the exit before stopping to turn around and look at them all, specifically Meryl.
"I don't have to listen to shit. I don't want to hear ANYTHING that Meryl has to say. I've more important business to worry about right now." He spat before storming out of the research lab.
Adam, who still looked confused, looked at everyone with a look that demanded answers. "Alright, guys, seriously. What the hell am I missing?" He asked.
"I agree with Adam because even I don't understand. What is going on?" Liza suddenly chimed in.
They all looked at each other before Otacon walked up to him and Liza, put an arm around their shoulders then lead both out of the research lab. "Walk with me, you two. Let Meryl and Carla talk and I'll explain." He said as he, Adam, Liza, Sunny and Rogue all left Meryl and Carla alone in the lab.
Both women looked at each other and shifted uncomfortably before Meryl decided to break the silence first. "Ok, um, this isn't easy for me, but this is long overdue. Um..." Meryl said with uncertainty before walking over to Carla, who was trembling, and quickly embraced her in a hug, which surprised the young woman.
"I'm sorry for what I did, Carla. I really am. You were only trying to help and I struck you down. I am so sorry I did that. I won't ask you to forgive me, but I hope you can find it in your heart to." Meryl whispered in Carla's ear, who had tears welling up in her eyes before embracing Meryl herself and returned the hug herself.
"I'm... I'm not mad at you, Meryl. I never was. But... forgiving you, that may take a while because when you smacked me and knocked me down. It hurt. And I didn't think that it would stop hurting because my cheek was throbbing for 6 hours. I wasn't mad because I understood your frustration with what was going on at that time, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to forgive you so soon." Carla admitted to Meryl with a trembling voice while she was shaking herself in her hug.
Meryl nodded in understanding. "That's fine, Carla. I just want you to understand that I'm sorry, and if you find it in your heart to forgive me, great. If not? Then that's fine too. I just want you to know that I'm sorry. That's all." She said to the young girl.
Carla nodded herself and hugged Meryl even tighter with tears rolling down her cheeks as they both just stood in the research lab hugging.
Moments later, Command Platform helipad...
Adam stood near the helipad preparing to leave on the helicopter with an angry look on his face before he turned his head to see Meryl walking up to him. She stops just as she reaches him and knows why he has the look on his face.
"I take it you know now? Liza too?" She asked making Adam nod his head, but he didn't answer. "Adam, I don't have an explanation or an excuse and I'm not going to come up with one. What I did to Carla, I shouldn't have done it. I was stressed out and I was very frustrated with everything that was going on with you and Liza in Germany, but it didn't give me the right to do what I did." She explained as Adam just listened before he turned his head to finally look at her.
He said nothing, but reached his hand up and patted her shoulder.
"I understand, Meryl, but you still shouldn't have done it. Carla looked pretty shaken up after I woke up. So, I never asked why because I didn't want to bring up the stressful memories from that mission. But now, it makes even more sense. I'm on Carla's side, but I've got your back too. I'll always have your back, but if you do something like that again, or something similar or worse, then I won't help you." He explained to her on his standing with the situation making her nod with a smile.
"I understand, Adam, and I expect nothing less from you." She said before she lowers her head and looks behind her to see John walking up to the helicopter without giving her a glance.
They both watch him as he opens the side door of the helicopter and hops in before setting his duffel bag on the floor then taking a seat.
Adam looks back at Meryl, who had a sad look in her eyes as she looks back at him. "John is going to take little longer to talk to." She whispered making Adam nod. "Yeah, it will, but if he is anything like the good know I already know he is, he'll come around. Just don't force it or it will only make things worse." He said to her making her nod as she looked at John.
"Hey." He said making her look at him again before he embraced her in a hug, surprising her. She wraps her arms around him and hugs him back as tears built up in her eyes.
"It'll all work out, Meryl. Alright? Just give it time." He whispered in her ear making her nod.
"Adam! There's no time to waste! Get going. The sooner we get Raiden back, the sooner we win this fight." Rogue informed him from the entrance of the main command center.
Adam nodded and waved at the man then patted Meryl's shoulder again before turning around to walk towards the helicopter and hopped in.
"Adam, wait!" He suddenly hears before he sits down. It's Carla.
"Carla? What is it?" He asks her as she runs up to him with something in her hand. "Here. I managed to finish up the mask while you were in isolation." She said to him jokingly. She hands him the mask that goes with his sneaking suit and it actually looks even better than the first time he saw it.
It still looks like Halo Jump mask, but the mouth piece isn't bulky, the eyes are a little less bulgy and the color of them has changed. Instead of yellow, like when he first saw it, they are now a bright lime green color.
Adam just looks at it and smiles before looking at Carla. "Thanks, Carla. This will come in handy for this mission." He says to her making her smile.
"No problem. I tried to implement nanotechnology to it like John's suit, but I can't fully do that without the suit. So, make sure you come back so I can add nanotech to both the mask and the suit, ok?" She explains to him making him nod in understanding.
"I'm coming back, Carla. Don't worry." He promises her. She nods then looks at John, who isn't even looking at her, before looking back at Adam. "You two be careful. Understand?" She says with concern.
Adam smiles and nods. "We will." He says as Carla backs away from the helicopter.
He closes the helicopters side door, sets his duffel bag on the floor then takes a seat.
"You're still on Meryl's side? Even after what she did to Carla?" John asked him without looking at him. Adam didn't even bother nodding, but decided to answer. "I'm on Carla's side too, John. And yours. Meryl's. Liza's. Otacon's Sunny's. Rogue's. And yes, Meryl's. I'm on everyone's side, John." He admitted as he sat back in his seat with his eyes closed to relax and enjoy the helicopter.
John looked at Adam and scoffed. "Then I'm not sure if I can trust you on this mission, Adam." He said to him, but this made Adam's eyes snap back open before he glared at him.
"John, don't act like you haven't done something you regret. And I'm sure it's probably even worse than what Meryl did. So, don't paint yourself like a saint. Because there is no such thing as a saint in this business. Not even you. So, if anything, I'm not sure that I can trust YOU on this mission with how you're acting right now. So, either shut up and stop acting like a bitch, or the get the fuck off this chopper and I'll do this mission myself. Because I'm not going to trust someone who doesn't have their head on straight." He shot back at him before leaning back in his seat and look away from John to calm himself down.
John contemplated getting off the helicopter to get on a separate one, but he began to think about what Adam said before looking away from him and leaned back in his seat to relax.
With Meryl and Rogue...
Meryl walked into the Command Platforms main center with Rogue to monitor the missions that are currently going on around the world with Diamond Foxes agents.
Rogue then looked over at Meryl, who had an uneasy look on her face. He looked out of the main center's window before he spoke. "What's on your mind, Meryl?" He asked.
She looks up at him and just shakes her head before looking out the window herself. "Nothing, just... I just hope that things can go back to the way they were soon. This team means the world to me. They're part of my family and I don't want to lose them. Although, I may have already lost John." She explained.
Rogue sighed.
"Meryl, in all the time that I've known you, you have never been one to lose hope on anything. So, you better not start now. You're important to us too. Don't forget that." He says to her making her nod before she walks towards the exit, but stops. "I'm gonna head to the Combat Platform and set up my room. I didn't get the chance to while Adam and Liza were in medical. It'll keep me busy until I'm ready to get back to work." She says to him making him smile and nod in understanding.
She leaves the main center leaving Rogue alone with the main center operatives.
After a few moments, something suddenly flashed through his mind. Something he didn't think much because it didn't make much sense.
Until now.
He quickly picked up a communicator and put it inside his ear to call a friend.
BZZZT!
"Twice in one day. You're starting to make me feel special, old man." Sam Fisher jokingly said to Rogue.
"Well, this one isn't a social call, Sam. I have a mission for you, although honestly hope that it's nothing." Rogue said with urgency making Sam drop his amused tone.
"Alright. You have my attention. What is it, Rogue?" Sam asked.
"This mission comes from Phantom's debriefing report after he woke up from his last mission in Germany. There was a particular part in the report that didn't make much sense until now. Unfortunately, it still doesn't make a whole lot of sense. But the dots are slowly connecting. Should you choose to do this mission is completely up to you, Sam. I will not force you or anyone at Echelon into anything. The choice is up to you." Rogue explained before waiting for an answer from his friend.
Sam remained silent for a moment before he finally gave his answer.
"Alright, Rogue. If it's for the kid, then I accept."
Disclaimer: I do not own Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell game series. All rights belong to Tom Clancy and Ubisoft.