Note: I do not own any Metal Gear Solid characters or items (even if I wish I did). Please R&R!
Chapter 4 – The HALO-Jump and Beginning of the Operation
The engines roared. Snake still sat in the same position since Yuki had left. He still thought about her behaviour. Why she had been so sad? His thoughts were blown away as the voice from the speaker – louder than ever – yelled an order.
"One minute to drop-off. Pressure normal. Everything checked. Please stand up!"
Snake followed the order. Slowly, he stood up. The wind blew hard against him and he had his difficulties with staying at his position. Through his pressure-mask he could see the sky. Sun was shining bright.
"30 seconds left. Go to the rear!"
Snake fought his way to the rear. The wind blew even harder and he felt the ripping and tearing. When he reached the edge, he looked down... and shuddered. This was really a hight! He wasn't afraid, but adrenaline pulsed through his veins, the tension could be feeled. The voice made Snake even more tensed.
"10 seconds to drop-off. Proceed with countdown. 5...4...3...2...1...Spread your wings and fly. God be with you!"
At the last word Snake spread his arms and just let himself fall. Just in the moment before he left the ground, he pushed himself forward. The wind hit him with full strength and he waved with his arms to control the fall. He didn't stay a chance! He fell uncontrolled downwards. Snake changed his tactic. With a few rolls in the air, he gained control and then spred his "wings". This time, it worked. Snake finally got control and for the first time, he could watch the jungle about 5 kilometers under him. The speed he was falling with was incredible. Only a few seconds later, he opened the parachute. The rip went through his whole body. Aching pain followed, but soon faded away. The adrenaline made Snakes' view go blurry for a second. He just had to scream. He felt great - as if nothing could stop him. In this moment, he could understand the people who are addicted to adrenaline. But he was a professional, so he controlled his emotions and surveyed the are under him. The landing zone seemed clear, he saw no signs of enemy outposts or patrols. But he couldn't be sure completely: Everything was green and it was difficult to see differences. He estimated that he had about 500 feets to go. Just seconds later, his feet hit the first trees.
'The parachute!' The thought shot through Snakes' head. With his knife, he cut the strings and jumped down. During the fall, he looked up and saw the parachute hanging in one of the trees.
'That was close... One moment later and I'd be hanged!' Snake grinned and sighed. Then he hit the ground. The impact was harder than he expected and he feared for his bones. But he had luck: Although his whole body hurt, he felt that none of his bone were broken.
'Thanks, Lady Luck!' He looked up again. It had been quite a fall. About five meters it had been. He reached for his backpack. It wasn't on his back! He turned around and sighed in relief: About one meter away it lay on the ground. He got it and pulled out a map. Studying the map, he contacted Yuki and Otacon.
"This is Snake. Do you read me?"
"Loud and clear, Snake!" It was Otacon.
"I made it to the ground. No sentries are in the area.", Snake reported.
Yukis' voice reached Snake. "Great. So, the first obstacle is passed. Contact us again, if anything happens. Now, go to the factory in the north. It should be abandonned, so no enemy sentries should be in your way. Contact us, when you reach the factory. And - don't kill soldiers, if there are any in the area!"
"Yeah, Snake! No fireworks, please. Remember, this is a stealth mission!" Otacon sounded worried. Snake tried to calm him down.
"I know the drill, Otacon. Don't worry. I'm used to it."
Yuki came in again. "Snake, please remember that you are now part of Philantropy, which is recognized by the UN. So act responsible. Noone must no our involvement. Now, begin your mission. Your first mission objective is to find Ocelot. He has to be somewhere in this region. But it'll be difficult. The area is very big. Best chances you should have in the old factory, in the lost outpost or finally in the research facilities. Contact us, if you're having problems. Now, commence the mission!"
"Roger that. Snake over and out."
Snake ended the call and stood up. He searched his backpack for the tranquilizer gun, an M9 with a silencer. A head-shot would knock out every guard. He also took the knife in the other hand. He remembered parts of his training within FOX: The basics for CQC were the pistol and the knife. With one in each hand, he could react very fast and switch between ranged combat weapons and close quarters combat weapons like fists and knifes. Snake readied himself. More to his own, he said: "Commencing operation!"
He went into the jungle.
End Note: Okay, I have to admit that this was a bit short. But the next chapter is coming soon. Please R&R.
