The Road to Outer Heaven
Chapter 13: Debriefing
By, Frank Hunter

Big Boss sat at the conference table, a cigar idly in one hand and his eye constantly returning to the closed folder on the table as the two men described to him what they encountered in the base. There was no humor amongst them, not like there had been the previous day when they had parted. Now it was all business.

"You said two metal seats?" he asked.

"No sir," Snake answered. Fox stared off with his arms crossed. The older man was being particularly quiet. He had been since the helicopter pick-up, and that made Snake edgy. He had hoped to get to speak with Fox about the hangar one more time, but it seemed Fox was in no mood for conversation. He had kept to himself.

They didn't talk on the flight, and Snake found after some effort that he could not sleep. His conscience kept going back to the detonation of the nuke and the lives which he feared he might be responsible for taking. His curiosity kept going back to the dossier and its mysterious contents. His anticipation was aroused over whether or not he'd be let into the unit. That was something else he'd wanted to ask Fox and had not gotten the chance.

"Two metal feet. They looked like they were designed to hold some kind of cockpit, but it wasn't built yet."

"Mm hm…" Big Boss mused. "And the nuclear stockpile?"

"Six bombs," Snake replied. "Possibly something to do with the mystery weapon, or possibly something else entirely. Sir, I think it's likely that the base was a mobilization point for a small army looking to regain control of the country." He looked to Fox for support, but the other man didn't flinch. "The base's commander was ranting about how building that machine would protect the world. He was mad."

"You spoke to him?"

"Yes sir. He was desperate to keep the plans and wanted to stop them from being returned at all costs. There's no telling exactly what he would have done if he had finished it."

Big Boss cracked the first hint of a smile. "But he did not. You stopped him, you destroyed it, and now the plans are here safely with me." He patted the folder on the table. "You have done a great service for your country and indeed for the entire world, Solid Snake."

Abashed by the compliment but trying not to show it, Snake pressed on. "Sir, I would highly suggest investigating into this Outer Heaven. If the base's commander had any reason to feel threatened, I think we can suspect that something is going on there at least. They might have a nuclear stockpile, or might be further along on that machine than the South Africans were. We should look into it."

Big Boss nodded. "I fully intend to, but for now you've done your part Snake. And, it would seem you did it well." He looked over at Fox who quickly met his gaze. "Is that so?"

Fox became animated immediately. His face brightened and he sat up straighter. "The rookie did some nice work. I saw marksmanship, tact and composure under pressure. He's still a little green," Snake winced at this slightly, "but we can fix that. He's tough enough. I'd work with him again."

"High recommendation," Big Boss beamed and Snake found himself speechless. True they had just completed a mission as partners, but as he sat there taking in the praise, it was hard not to see Gray Fox as the legend that he was. The soldier was overwhelmed.

"It would seem," the commander went on, "that you've earned a place with FOX-HOUND. That is, if you still want it?"

Forgetting his reservations about before, Snake said with minimal hesitation, "I would be honored, sir."

"Hah!" exclaimed Big Boss. Fox got up, held out his hand and smiled at Snake. "Welcome to the unit."

Snake took it and shook hard, feeling the greatest sense of accomplishment of his life. "We'll hammer out the details tomorrow," Big Boss told him. "You look exhausted, Snake. Why don't you return to your quarters and get some sleep? I can get the rest of the details from Fox."

Snake nodded, still having trouble with words. "Thanks," he said as he got out of his chair. He was a little reluctant to leave, but both men were now silently looking at him and he understood an exit prompt when he saw one. Snake made for the door.

"Nice work, rookie," Fox said one more time after him. "I'll see you around."

"See you," Snake replied, and closed the door behind him.

He turned and made for the mess hall instead of the sleeping quarters, knowing he'd never sleep. As he did, one thought passed quickly and angrily through his head. They don't want to talk with me there.

He brushed it aside. Such was the game with FOX-HOUND. An organization like this one was full of secrets and intrigue. Sooner or later he'd get himself into the inner circle. He'd become a Fox in some way or another. In the meantime it was prestigious enough just to be here, just to be invited. Snake tried to focus on the positive as he walked down the hall, taking in the fact that this place was now his home.

Meanwhile, back in the conference room, the mood had drastically changed.

"Alright, now level with me," Big Boss told his lieutenant.

"About Snake?" Fox clarified.

"Don't be a smartass. About the mission. I think you've already guessed the situation with Snake."

Fox sat back down. "They're brothers, aren't they?"

Big Boss nodded slowly. "Did he see the files?"

"No," Fox answered, and his commander looked relieved. "His guess was wrong, boss. That base wasn't for mobilization. That whole nuclear stockpile, the supporting military, all of it was just to compliment the thing they were building." He reached over and flipped the folder open. "Outer Heaven is calling it 'Metal Gear,' prototype TX-55." He turned the pages slowly, showing Big Boss schematics detailing every inch of Metal Gear.

"It's going to be a bipedal tank, and it's going to carry nukes. Outer Heaven must be planning a show of strength for the entire world." Fox pulled out another page. "And here are a few development notes from one Dr. Petrovich Madnar."

"Madnar…" Big Boss just nodded again.

"It seems he's the key to this whole project, and he's being held there against his will. Boss, if we can get in and capture the engineer, we might be able to avert this whole disaster." The commander just looked defeated.

"Boss?" Fox inquired, concernedly. "You alright?"

"It's nothing. I wish you had not looked at the files, Frank. But I suppose after seeing this myself, you're the only man I would have trusted."

"Thank you. I didn't open it deliberately."

Big Boss waved him off. "I know. I'll have to report this to the president. I'll mention your plan about Madnar. If I get the green light to infiltrate Outer Heaven, it's going to be you who does the legwork."

"Of course."

"And no word of any of these details to anyone. Not even Snake."

"Boss," Fox looked slightly insulted. "It's me."

Big Boss smiled at him one more time, and then closed the dossier. "I'm glad I have you, Frank. You're always my best man. Why don't you go get some rest? We can continue this discussion when I get back from the White House."

"I'll be in the training center," Fox said indignantly and rose again. "I need some work dealing with closed doors."

Without another word, he was off. Big Boss was curious, but chose not to pry. Gray Fox was a man of few words, and Big Boss had no problem keeping it that way. He collapsed in his chair, eye rolling back to look at the folder which had caused all the trouble. Now alone with his thoughts, it was time to plan the next move. Naturally, as always it seemed with FOX-HOUND, there was still much to be done.