It has been a very long time since I posted. However, I am back. Alot has happened and I have had to deal with some issues in my life. I am back and I am sorry for making everyone wait for so long. Thanks to SniegZ for his help! I don't own FMP or MGS but I own Michael.


The manor was full of soldiers raiding every room for any kind of intel.

Sousuke was escorting the lanky man known as Otacon or Dr. Emmerich to the computer files in the basement. This was his first time meeting the hacker in person. Most of the time he heard his name around the base and during the Paris operation. He was surprised to find someone like him in a unit like FOXHOUND. He followed behind Sousuke carrying a computer in his suitcase.

Otacon walked fast to try and keep up with Sousuke's pace, "Hey slow down a little. I'm not in shape like you soldier boys."

Sousuke turned to him and said, "I apologize." Sousuke slowed down to let the hacker catch up to him.

The manor was a buzz with soldiers tearing through every wall and carpet to find any kind on intelligence they could use for later.

Sousuke lead Otacon down the stairs and into the hall where the main frame was stored.

It was code named 'Alpha Sector' by the former mercenary Johnny Sasaki. It contained large amounts of information and details about every project Amalgam funded and experimented on since its birth.

Hopefully it would contain some information on the weapon known as Metal Gear and Kaname's possible location.

"Dr. Emmerich?" Sousuke asked the scientist as they reached the bottom of the stairs. They were now in the lowest levels of the manor.

Otacon laughed a little and said, "Just call me Otacon. Everyone calls me that Sousuke." He turned to Sousuke, "What is it?"

Sousuke tensed and said, "What is Metal Gear?" The only thing he knew about Metal Gear was that it was a special Arm Slave. The exact details of Metal Gear were still unknown to him.

Otacon stopped walking and looked at him, "A weapon that should not exist Sgt. A weapon that could destroy the entire world." He walked past him and opened the door to the computers.

Sousuke tried to keep a cool but the way Otacon said it made him nervous. He walked through the door and followed Otacon into the battered hallway. He went grim realizing it was Joe's handy work.

Otacon was sputtering out nonsense and said, "What happened here!?" He said pointing to the massive hole that lead outside and the other hole next to the safe lock, "Was there some sort of an attack from giant gophers?"

"Giant gophers?! HA!"

They both turned to C4 who was sticking her head out of the whole that lead into the computers,"It wouldn't be half that bad!"

She looked upset as she was pulling on her hair, "I thought I had this "Joe" guy by the neck when I cut all of the demo-charges from his inventory..." She sighed in a exasperated way and said, "Big surprise – he found some explosives right here on the island."

Sousuke smiled, "Specialist Black has been known to reuse enemy explosives to carry out his objectives. He is also quite capable of making explosives with simple household products."

"NOW he tells me!" C4 shouted at the sergeant.

"I believe that was mentioned in his dossier." Sousuke nodded.

C4 pursed her lips and said, "Really? Does it say that he likes to eat gummybears while disarming nuclear demolition munitions?"

Otacon and Sousuke looked surprised when she said those words.

Sousuke paused for a second, "I don't believe it mentioned that-"

Otacon covered his mouth stopping him from completing that sentance.

"The lazy half ass son of a bitch kept munching on gummy bears while disarming a nuke!" C4 yelled with throwing her hands up, "Not only that! He actually had the balls to offer me some!"

"Did you..." Otacon wanted to ask, but was silenced by the drop-dead look of the red-head.

"The only reason I didn't beat the everlovin' shit out of him " the soldier swung her fists menacingly,"was because we were in a presence of a fusion bomb!"

Sousuke and Otacon took a step back to avoid getting hit. Both knew to not add or even antagonize when a woman was mad.

Sousuke had enough experience with Kaname to know when to stay out of her cross hairs when she came charging after him.

C4 let her hands down and stretched upright, "The port for the computer is over there." She pointed to a terminal near the exit.

Otacon waved a thanks to her and rushed over with his briefcase.

Sousuke followed behind him amazed at how fast he got to the terminal.

Otacon crouched down and opened up his briefcase. Inside was a portable computer that Otacon used in case he had to travel.

It was a computer that Otacon had personally designed. The computer was able to hack and download anything from any computer just like the computers at the FOX base or even on the de Danaan.

Otacon popped his knuckles and said, "Well than let's see what they are working on now." And Otacon started typing at a pace the Sousuke considered inhuman.

Sousuke watched in amazement as Otacon's eyes danced across the screen and his fingers kept up. Sousuke could have sworn that Otacon's hands were moving faster than his brain could think.

"So what was it like?" Otacon asked without looking away from the screen.

Sousuke snapped his attention to the hacker. He did not want to break his concentration and said, "What was what like?"

Otacon looked at him and his face reminded him of Shinji, "Piloting the ARX-8!"

"Oh." Sousuke said, "It was very impressive."

"It's okay Sousuke you can say more. I do this more than you think. Go into more details!"

Sousuke hesitated for a moment and said, "It felt normal." He was unable to bring words into something like this, "Just liking being back in the Arbalest."

"Laevatein was reborn out of the Arbalest. So you are in fact using the Arbalest it just has a different body." Otacon pointed out, "And it uses the same Lambda Driver from the Arbalest so its spirit is still alive."

Sousuke pondered Otacon's choice of words. He would have normally said that is impossible to him but he thought of Al. The AI's personality was changing and it was different than any other AI he used before. Al could joke and even make witty comments toward Sousuke in battle.

"It is possible." Sousuke concluded.

Otacon smiled and asked, "What about Al? That is a very impressive AI you have Sousuke. An AI that can joke its just like in anime."

Sousuke gave the good doctor a questionable look but there was some truth to that. Black Technology was the technology right out of science fiction. Giant robots, devices that use thought to attack, and even miniature robots that could be used in close combat. It was amazing technology but at the same time it was very dangerous.

Weapons like the Behemoth, Venom and Belial came to mind. These weapons were all born from the black pit of Black Technology. Sousuke went grim realizing how much of a difference these things made in battle.

Any one of those weapons could tip the tide in any global conflict. With Amalgam building these weapons they could control the battlefield.

Sousuke's thoughts soon went back to Metal Gear. It was a weapon that he just heard about again. Thinking about all he heard about it, Metal Gear could be from the same black pit of the Whispered.

It was a weapon that Snake knew about and was worried about it greatly.

After Kalinin died Snake merely left in another helicopter and flew back to the sub. He had not tried to contact anyone or heard anything from the sub.

"Got it." Otacon smiled and the final fire wall was broken through.

Sousuke looked over his shoulder and started to see files download and pictures come up, "What do we have?"

"Give me a minute hero." Otacon joked.

Sousuke looked at him as Otacon laughed.

Otacon stopped laughing when he looked at Sousuke's stoic look, "My bad." He gave a small smile, "It is just that you are like those hero's in anime Sousuke."

Sousuke got up and said, "If it worked out like that I could have saved her. And Michael would not be in that shape." He wondered how he was doing right now.

Otacon stopped typing and said, "There is still work to be done and we have jobs to do. So just do what you do best."

Sousuke nodded at him agreeing with what he said. Work needed to be done now and than they could plan there next move.

"Sgt."

Sousuke and Otacon turned to find Corporal Yang in the doorway, "Corporal Yang glad to see you in good health." He shook the man's hand.

"Sgt. Sagara good to see you too. Good work out there on the island too." He thanked him.

"Thank you Corporal," Sousuke nodded, "What is it?"

"They need you on the second floor ASAP. They may have found something that you should see." Yang said, "Follow us please."

Sousuke nodded and gave one glance back at Otacon who only waved him goodbye.


Leonard was grabbing his arm and ignored the pain as best he could. It was the only way to stop his body from shaking with such hatred toward Sousuke Sagara.

He could not believe the scene he witnessed.

The entire island force that could stop three armies was destroyed by one suit.

One suit piloted by a lowly man who was nothing more than a brute in comparison to himself.

This ARX-8 was the next step for the ARX series which meant that it had a Lambda Driver. More infuriating was how Sousuke used the Lambda Driver with such precision.

Even with all the knowledge stored in his head, it took some practice to manipulate the Lambda Driver in Belial. It took him a few months to properly use it in combat and several more to make Belial float and fly like it could. It was a machine unmatched in technology and raw power.

Now Sousuke had a powerful machine that ripped apart AS suits like cardboard paper. There was no telling how it could fair against Belial. It still had the flight advantage but Sagara had years of experience in piloting.

There was no telling what that mercenary could pull out this time.

And yet still Liquid held him in higher regard than Leonard would ever be. His own life was almost worthless and would be if Liquid found out about his own plans.

Leonard looked up and saw Kaname's head in front of him. He was so close to getting her to his side. Only a few more months and she would belong to him. However he was not sure if he would even live. Those two continued to be nothing more than cockroaches that interfered at every crucial point in his plans.

Sagara returned from the dead and was fighting at full strength and now armed with a 4th generation suit. The radio conversation he had with Kaname was more than enough to come after them come hell or high water.

Michael was fighting beyond a normal human with advancements thanks to Gene Therapy. These changes allowed him to go toe to toe with X and live. There was no telling what else he could do when his own therapy was complete.

He looked over at X who only stood still a few seats from him. His hands were in his lap and he was silent the whole time. He never spoke to anyone and today was the first time he ever spoke to anyone. Leonard never expected that X, now the man called Gray Fox, had a close relationship with the two. This made things more complicated.

Leonard shook his head unable to understand how Michael was able to survive that fight. X was there strongest assassin with a perfect kill record and superhuman skills. X was there demon but this demon could not kill one mortal.

Leonard massaged his temples trying to think things rationally for at least one second. Than he could..

Leonard froze when he saw Liquid standing above him.

Liquid only smiled and said, "It seems that your plans did not work out as well as you hope Silver."

Leonard went pale and…

Liquid's arm spring and grabbed Leonard's wounds, "Mine however are working out perfectly." Liquid yanked him out of the chair reopening the wound.

Leonard was on one knee trying to free himself from Liquid's iron grip, "Sir I.."

Liquid only smiled and opened the helicopter door.

The wind rushed in and pushed Kaname and Wolf back on there seats and slid back.

Kaname saw Liquid holding onto the rope above the door without a problem. This man was inhuman!

Wolf braced her self and grabbed Kaname holding her tight as she buckled in her own seat.

Liquid only screamed out, "Yes you do Silver!" He swung his arm holding Leonard outside and dangled him over the open ocean, "Do you really think that Ocelot would follow your orders so easily!?"

Leonard looked at him pleading, "Sir I don't know what you are talking about!" He glanced down at the water and realized he was about one hundred feet from the water. The fall would either kill him or he would drown.

"Yes you do Silver!! You planned on taking the organization by force if needed but you didn't know anything!. You see, the original Gold hired me to protect him from you when he figured this out! When I realized what this all was about I killed him and took it from you! The people that died today were people I was going to kill anyway. FOXHOUND and Mithril just did the work for me. The other part will be dead soon." He smiled and said, "I will have all that I need soon and I don't need them anymore!!" Liquid let Leonard's arm slid a little bit out.

Leonard grabbed Liquids arm to hold on, "Sir you need me!"

"In fact Silver I don't!!" Liquid smiled as he let Leonard slid a little more, "You built the Venom, Cordal and Alastors perfectly! Also, I owe Mithril and FOXHOUND for doing my dirty work. Killing you would be a way to be square with them." He laughed as looked down at the water, "Your usefulness is at an end Silver!!" Leonard's arm started to slid as Liquid relaxed his grip.

"You need me to fight Sagara!!" He screamed letting all his hate come out with that declaration, "I'm the only on who can fight him!! Belial is the only other suit that can match that thing he has!!" He yelled and grabbed Liquid's jacket and squeezed it as tight as he could, "If you want to kill me!! Than kill me after I kill Sagara!!!" Leonard screamed at Liquid.

Liquid grabbed him tight and said, "You want to kill Sagara before you die?!"

"Yes!!"

Liquid pulled him and whispered in his ear, "Do you want to rip him apart and let him bleed to death?" Liquid closed the hatch.

"I want to take everything from him and than kill him. I want to kill that brother of his and make her mine." He smiled in a way similar to Gauron, "Than I will kill him."

Liquid only smiled and pulled him back in. He dropped him on the floor turned away and said, "Have patience than Leonard. I assure you that when this is done we will get what we want." Liquid glanced over at Kaname who was holding onto Wolf.

Leonard did impress Liquid a little bit. This killing urge to one person was something he had in common with. If Leonard could control it as Liquid did than Sagara would be in for a surprise. Things were going to be very fun soon. He wanted to be sure Sagara was the one he needed. This was the perfect test!

Wolf assured her that she was okay and that the hatch had closed. Kaname looked up and saw Leonard walk past him. There was something in his eyes that she was not comfortable with. In fact, she felt a shiver run down her spine.

Leonard only sat down and started to change the bandages on his wound. The pain was not something that bothered him anymore.

All the hate and fury he had before was being converted into something else.

It was becoming an intense and deep drive to kill Sagara on the battlefield.

If Sagara wanted a war with Leonard than he would get it and it would be a spectacular battle he would win.


Sousuke thanked Yang for the escort to the room. He opened the door and discovered that it was a very large bedroom. Sousuke was surprised that this room was not being ripped apart. Perhaps this would be the last one to inspect.

"Sousuke catch!!"

Sousuke spun around and caught a rag that Weber threw at him. He looked at it reluctantly wondering if Weber blew into it, "What is it Kurz?"

Weber shrugged his shoulders and said, "Just unwind it and see what it is?"

Sousuke felt it again and felt like silk or a very smooth material. Maybe it was a expensive handkerchief found in the room. He started to unwind it and quickly realized that it was not a handkerchief. He blushed a storm when he saw that it was girl's underwear!

Kurz was banging on the wall laughing at Sousuke's reaction. The look from puzzlement to blushing like a girl was forever in his head.

Sousuke clapped his hands together hiding it in his hands, "Kurz you.."

"That is not any girls underwear Sousuke!" He took a deep breath and burst out with, "That is Angel's underwear!!"

Sousuke face almost sucked in when he realized what exactly he was holding in his hands. He threw it out of his hands like it was a live grenade and it would explode soon.

Sousuke look at Kurz more annoyed than usual and said, "You.."

"Officer in the room!" The door swung open Mardukas bellowed in his usually fashion.

Tessa saluted the two soldiers and cocked her eyebrows. She glanced over at Sousuke who looked like he was going to pass out and Kurz looked like he was going to laugh outloud. Tessa sighed quietly wishing Kurz would grow up.

Mardukas scanned the room and noticed the wad on the floor. He turned to Sagara with that steel gaze he saved just for Sagara, "Sgt. Sagara?"

Sousuke stiffened more as his slowly turned to face the former submarine Captain, "Sir?"

Mardukas pointed to the panties on the ground, "Could you explain that?" He inquired letting his eyes pierce through the young man hoping to make him nervous.

Sousuke was nervous, "Sir I can explain it logically Sir. I.."

Tessa raised her hand stopping Sousuke from speaking. She closed her eyes and cocked her head back, "There is no need for explanation Sgt."

Sousuke stiffened as Weber stood at attention.

"He was involved." Tessa pointed to Weber and than turned her head to Mardukas, "Sgt. Weber had no orders to be in here and tricked the Sgt. into coming up here on urgent business."

Weber started to sweat but in the end it was still worth it considering Sousuke's reaction. His own only regret was that he did not have a camera for that face. Mao would have killed to see it.

Mardukas turned to Weber who seemed to not care, "Is that true Sgt. Weber?"

Weber only nodded and shrugged his arms, "What can I say his reaction was priceless I tell you." He pointed at Sousuke who grew annoyed.

Weber continued, "His eyes went wide as plates and went from normal to red in about half a second. Sousuke's face reminded me of a middle school kid's reaction when they get their first love letter."

Tessa could not help but laugh a little thinking about it. A young Sousuke in middle school appeared in her head. If only she knew what he looked like as a toddler.

Mardukas cleared his throat and the laughing stop, "Captain there are things that we must do." He hoped that his young protege would take things like this more seriously. Mardukas wonderd what Snake saw in this guy.

Tessa's face light up, "Correct Commander," She looked at Weber in a innocent way, "Help the others in the living room and kitchen. Make sure to strip the walls completely bare or you'll stuck in the kitchen for another week."

Weber went grim and said, "Another week?"

"Yes," Tessa pointed to the Commander, "He would already have you on it for one week so let's just save him the time."

Mardukas could not help but smile at that. She was defiently starting to learn.

"The other thing," She looked at him sharply, "You never go through another girl's underwear drawer." Tessa pointed to the top drawer next to him with a red cloth sticking out of the top, "I'll be sure to tell Mao and the others."

Weber gulped and looked at Sousuke who was stoic but he was happy, "Others?"

"The other female staff at FOXHOUND and Mithril was what the Captain was thinking." Mardukas pushed his glasses up.

"Dismissed!" Tessa said suddenly stunning everyone in the room.

Weber had his head down a little but smiled. The face was worth it.

Sousuke started to leave but Mardukas shook his head, "No Sgt. Sagara you need to stay."

Sousuke looked at the Commander and than back at Tessa who only nodded agreeing with Mardukas.

"He is correct Sgt. We were going to contact you anyway this just saves time." Tessa walked past him and opened the door on the nightstand next to Kaname's supposed bed.

Tessa took out a diary and saw the lock. She turned to Sousuke and said, "Sgt. open this book." Tessa handed the book to Sousuke.

Sousuke was hesitant at first but he glanced up at Mardukas who gave a slight nod. He took the book and pulled out his combat knife. He stuck the blade under the lock and pushed it up. After only one try the lock came off and picked the book up, "Captain."

Tessa took the book and started going through the pages. She turned her back to Sousuke as she took a seat in the room, "Sgt. Sagara is it true that Lt. Commander Kalinin was working for Amalgam." She closed the book after she found what she was looking for in the diary.

Sousuke lowered his head and said, "Yes."

"What did he say exactly when he talked about R? What happened word per word?" Mardukas wanted to keep going and the sooner the better. The more he thought about it the less likely he was going to remember what Kalinin said. Mardukas knew that Sousuke looked to the old Russian as a father and felt sorry for him.

Sousuke took a deep breath and looked at Tessa, "He said that he wanted to end the Cold War. That was why he joined Amalgam."

Tessa took a moment to think. Kalinin was a veteran of the Cold War and lived through the most intense moments that happened. The Cold War was dying down and the U.S and Russia were at peace but even than that did solve any problems. Other countries were still fighting for either communism or democracy. Endless battles with almost no end in sight.

Tessa stopped and looked at Sousuke, "What else did he say?"

Sousuke explained to them what Kalinin told them about his fight to destroy the old world order and create a new one free from this other power.

"Did he mention any names?" Tessa inquired. A third party involved would be a worse case scenario for the remaining parts of Mithril and FOXHOUND. Zeus drained there resources drastically. Until further notice all operations would have to be worth the risk.

"No ma'am but he warned me about them." He looked at the ground and said, "The Lt. Commander warned me to stay away from them. That these people were more powerful than anything I could imagine."

Mardukas studied the young man as he looked at his eyes. Sgt. Sagara was indeed serious about everything Kalinin told him. He started to sweat a little thinking about those in the shadows. There was no telling when these vultures would attack.

Tessa's voice snapped him back to reality, "Are you sure?"

"Yes ma'am." Sousuke said in a quick tone that even surprised him. He was more frustrated than he was letting on.

Tessa was stunned by his tone with her but who could blame him. Kaname escaped through his hands and Michael was beaten by Gray Fox. They heard the whole conversation through his nanomachines. They were even able to watch the fight and see everything that happened. Tessa played with her braid knowing that Sousuke had not heard who X really was, "What else did he say? What did he say about R?"

Sousuke paused for a second and said clearly, "He said that Project R was recreating Metal Gear."

Mardukas and Tessa shook at this news. Tessa looked at her hands holding the book and say that she was trembling slightly.

"Captain, no Tessa," Sousuke said as he got Tessa's attention, "What is Metal Gear?"

Mardukas and Tessa were silent. Tessa nodded at Mardukas and he cleared his throat. The next words were going to change this war.

"Sgt. Sagara," Mardukas said precisely, "Metal Gear is an Arm Slave capable of launching a nuclear missile at any target regardless of the terrain or situation." Mardukas gulped as he studied Sousuke.

Sousuke heard the word nuclear clearly, "Its an Arm Slave capable of launching a nuclear missile from anywhere?" Sousuke seemed to be frozen completely understanding what this weapon could do. He understood why Snake got so angry.

Tessa was about to speak than paused, "You understand what this weapon could do don't you Sgt?" She knew he was smart enough to figure it out.

After all they had dealt with enough nuclear hijacks for him to get the picture.

Sousuke spoke, "A weapon that is an Arm Slave has the advantage that tanks and planes don't have. The ability to hold heavy weapons and move at will on the ground. An AS unit that fires nuclear weapons is considered a portable nuclear site," Sousuke knew Tessa was stunned to hear that, "with the ability to move at will and never be detected if ECS is installed. The need for nuclear submarines and massive silos would be gone. The world orders could send these things into any country and they could truly strike anywhere they wanted." Sousuke could not picture a more nightmarish thought than that.

Tessa took a deep breath and said, "Where they going to install a Lambda Driver in it?" She knew the answer already but just maybe they were not.

Sousuke gasped realizing what Metal Gear could do with a Lambda Driver. He remembered what Gauron had said about the Lambda Driver in there fight. Nuclear weapons would be made useless when it was fully understood.

No the Lambda Driver would only increase the power of one bomb to a exponentially number higher than any amount of uranium in the warhead.

Sousuke nodded, "Yes they were working on installing Metal Gear with a Lambda Driver."

Tessa's head slumped down and cursed under her breath, "Damn it." She scratched her head trying to figure out the next move. Metal Gear coming back was something no one could imagine. Her brother was a monster if he was helping to create that. Tessa was wondering if sparing his life in FOXHOUND's operation was a good thing.

Sousuke took a deep breath, "Captain permission to speak freely."

Tessa came out of her daze and nodded, "Granted Sgt."

"Captain what is our next move?"

Tessa played with her hair trying to find a good answer. It was hard for her since more of his heart was toward finding Kaname. She stood up and said, "We have something in the works right now but we have to wait until all the information is decoded. So you will have to wait Sgt. Is that clear Sgt. Sagara?" She said the last sentences closing the conversation.

"Yes ma'am!" Sousuke nodded and said, "I do want to thank you for getting Al and the Laevatien to me Captain."

Mardukas nodded at the young man approving of his actions. His face was still stone cold but Tessa was another matter.

She blushed a little and said, "Your welcome Sgt. I would anything to help you." Tessa bit her tongue on that when she realized what she said. Tessa cringed a little feeling Mardukas look at her and than at the now stiff Sousuke.

Sousuke felt a bad chill in his body when Tessa said that sentence. He did not know why the commander gave him a dirty look since Tessa offered to help Sousuke out.

The door knocked and Tessa got up for her seat thankful that someone was coming.

Richard opened the door and Mao peeked her head in and muttered a quick 'damn.'

Mao turned and saw Sousuke at full attention and sweating. Tessa must have done something to get him in hot water.

Mao turned her attention to the matter at hand, "Captain, Commander and Sousuke have anyone of you seen Joe?"

Everyone in the room paled and Tessa's mouth hung at, "You can't find Joe?" She said each word with deep breaths.

Joe missing was a bad thing. That went without saying.

"No and he kept asking about the manor. My answer was not sure but we really do not need it." Mao realized her mistake when Joe disappeared with a disturbing smile on his face. and all the explosives were missing as well as several bricks of C4. Scorpion was already looking for him... and the explosives."

Richard looked at the Lt. sharply, "Find him quickly. That is an order" There was no room for failure in that tone.

Mao nodded and stopped before she left, "Captain, Colonel Campbell is here too."

Tessa nodded and Campbell walked past Mao.

Sousuke and Mardukas saluted the Colonel and he returned them as well, "At ease."

Sousuke nodded and stood at ease to the Colonel.

Campbell smiled at Sousuke, "Sgt. Sagara impressive work out there. If you were not with Mithril I would ask you to join FOXHOUND but I doubt your Captain would let that happen."

Tessa nodded and said, "He is too vital to Mithril Colonel and I will not let you try and steal him."

Campbell nodded and watched Tessa open a closet. He coughed and said, "Have you found anything at this moment that Miss Chidori was talking about."

Tessa turned to Campbell and smiled, "She kept a diary and I know she never does. I'm pretty sure Sousuke knows she does not have a diary in Tokyo."

Sousuke nodded, "Affirmative Colonel, from surveillance she.."

Mardukas waved his hand telling him to stop there and was happy he complied.

Tessa reached into the corner of the closet and pulled out a Bonta-kun. She threw it on the bed and grabbed the stuffed animal until Tessa felt something in front of his bow-tie, "She mentioned a few times about this doll. Leonard gave it to her as a gift knowing she had one in her room. It was vain attempt to try and make her feel more comfortable and yet she mentions it a lot." Tessa turned to Sousuke and said, "Open it behind it on the neck. Make a small cut Sgt."

Sousuke answered and pulled out the same combat knife. He made a small tear cutting the stitches on its neck.

Tessa opened it more and reached inside. She smiled and pulled out a flash drive disk, "Only another girl knows how to find a girl's secrets." She smiled and handed it to Richard who put it in his front shirt pocket.

"I would like to speak to Sgt. Sagara alone if you do not mind." Campbell said getting to the point of his visit.

Tessa nodded as did Mardukas.

Sousuke tensed up as he saluted Tessa and the Commander. Nothing else could really hit him at this point.

Tessa smiled sadly at Sousuke not knowing how he was going to take the news. She left and Richard closed the door behind them.

Campbell took the chair Tessa was using earlier and slid it to Sousuke, "Take a seat, Sgt." He got another chair and sat in front of Sousuke. He took his hat off and set it on the bed next to them. Campbell pulled out a recorder and held it in his hands, "Do you know what happened between Michael and X?"

Sousuke tensed wondering the news about his brother. He paused and said, "Major Kanzuki was engaged with X. I saw only a few seconds of it before heading off to fight the enemy forces. My first thoughts from what I saw were that X was the better fighter."

Campbell nodded and said, "You don't have to speak formally about Michael and he is going to be okay." He smiled when Sousuke looked at him, "His body is okay and nothing life threatening. Michael will be fully healed after some time in the tank. It did wonders with you Sgt and you were in much worse shape than Michael."

Sousuke nodded and said his thanks again to the Colonel. The tank did save his life when he was shot in Namsak. His body had been given nano-machines to help increase his bodies natural healing rate. The entire report was given to him when he asked about the tank.

"However that is not the reason I am here." Campbell squeezed the recorder, "It is about X."

Sousuke gulped wondering about this new enemy. They had no idea he existed until today.

Campbell pushed play on the recorder and Sousuke heard X's voice. Campbell felt sorry for the young man. Children should never fight in wars.

"I'm like you I have no name."

Sousuke started to shake when he heard those words. One person had ever said that to him ever. His mind flashed a picture of a man with almost white hair.

"Sgt you know who he is don't you." He stopped the recorder. Sousuke needed to hear the truth no matter what.

Sousuke shook his head, "No it can't be." It was just impossible for him to be alive.

"It is Sgt." He pushed it again and more was played. Campbell felt bad for the young man but he needed to keep pushing him. He had to know who he ws fighting.

"I remember that move Michael. Do you remember who I am."

Sousuke listened more as X's voice came on again, "You know who I am. I gave you that knife."

Sousuke started to breath harder and harder. He only felt this way once.

Michael's voice came on as Campbell kept the recording going, "You can't be?!"

Sousuke rest his forehead on his palm as the conversation kept going.

"Yes. You know who I am." X pressed harder

Michael spoke again in the same shock as Sousuke was in now, "You were killed in Zanzibar Land!"

"Say it."

"Mr. Frank?"

Campbell stopped the recorder when Sousuke stood up. His back was turned to Roy but he knew Sousuke was startled by this.

Sousuke was taking deep breaths trying to control himself, "Colonel could I have a few minutes alone."

Campbell said, "Take all the time you want son." and the left the room quickly.

Sousuke's bit his lip and walked into the bathroom. He looked at himself in the mirror.

His eyes were wide as the sweat poured down his face. Sousuke felt his heart beat harder and harder as something dark started to come at.

Sousuke punched the wall and his hand opened. His fingers pressed against it shaking with each push.

He shook his head trying to make sense of it all. Sousuke started to breath and whimper with each breath.

Failing to protect Kaname was shame that would never leave him. No matter what he did, that failure would be with him forever.

When he heard that Wolf was alive, that hit him harder realizing he would have to fight family. She was the closest thing to a sister and maybe a mother he ever had in his life.

Now he had to fight Mr. Frank. He was the man who taught and looked after the two in Outer Heaven. He was a huge impact on their lives and his example was a model for them to this day. Sousuke tried to follow his example after Outer Heaven knowing that Mr. Frank was a man of intense honor.

Sousuke looked at himself and only got angrier. Everything was being taken from him piece by piece.

The woman he treasured the most was still out of his reach and only seemed that much further from his hands.

Sousuke thought back to what Leonard said before the left with his prize. He could grab the stars while Sousuke could only hope to reach them and it started to seem true.

Leonard.

The man's taunting face reminded him of Gauron and than it exploded all at once inside of Sousuke.

Sousuke broke the mirror and it split.

Another hit and the pieces of glass fell to the tile.

Something raw started to enter in his heart. A feeling of rage and sorrow like nothing he had felt before.

His legs went rubber and he slumped to the floor. Sousuke's hands gripped the sink above him as he started to pant out loud.

There was no telling what else this war was going to take and it was only starting.


Mao gridded her teeth with no solution in sight for her little problem.

Joe was still missing and no one really knew where he was at this moment.

things were getting worse for her, Mao found out that at least fifty pounds of semtex and C4 were delivered to the island to a certain someone.

"Where in the world is that nut job!?" Mao cried out trying to find a solution.

"Who? Me?"

Mao turned and fell on her bottom pointing at Joe. She started spurting and moving her finger around her face in a effort to explain this.

Joe looked at her strangely and said, "Been drinking again, Coach? Or have you been out in the sun too long because it looks..." The last words were gagged with a tight grip around his neck by his enraged superior.

"Do you have any idea how long we have been trying to find you!!" She yelled gripping his shirt as she lifted up the ground a little.

Joe looked down at Mao, "Is this about the radio?"

Mao looked at him dumbfounded, "What?" as she put him down.

Joe dusted his shirt and glared at Mao, "My radio got busted back in the happy woods of doom." He raised his hands up, "Now, I'm really sorry about that. I'm sure I can fix it once we get back on..."

Mao got even angrier, "Screw the radio! What about the explosives YOU ordered!!"

Joe looked at her puzzled, "What about em'? Red said it's okay."

"Say what?" Mao looked at him eyes wide unable to believe him.

"I asked Red if we needed the manor. She said "No." " He reached down and picked up a bag.

Mao rubbed her forehead to try and calm yourself down. She took a deep breath and said, "So what are you doing now?"

Joe whistled a little as he pulled out a laptop. He connected it to a small wireless antenna, "What I'm best at."

Mao looked at him puzzled and said, "You're gonna..."

Joe peeked over and said, "Yep." He yelled, "Hey Johnny you ready!!"

Mao peeked over her shoulder and saw the hooded mercenary now wearing sunglasses over his eyes. She would never expected the nervous guy to have blonde hair. Mao would admit that he looked a little cute if he took his sunglasses off.

Johnny gave a thumbs up, "Yea the camera is all set up and everyone is clear!"

Joe smiled and the panel came online with green lights indicating that everything was set, "Okay," He popped his knuckles and paused for a second, "Anyone seen Red or Blondy?"

Mao turned around and saw more soldiers from both Mithril and FOXHOUND gathering around Joe and the others. She sighed, "We should be selling tickets."

"C'mon Sis." Kurz came up from behind and slapped her back, "Cheer up! It'll be like little Chinese New-year!"

Normally Mao would have clobbered Weber but instead said, "You just made my day."

Kurz merely turned Mao's face to the manor and said, "Here it comes."

Joe merely continued to whistle and said, "Sector clear?"

"Clear and ready. Quit stalling and blow it already!" Kurz shouted. The crowd around them was starting to get excited pushing Joe to press that button.

Joe rubbed his hands together eager to get the show going, "Okay here we go." Joe positioned his finger on the "Enter" key.

"HOLD!" Scorpions voice thundered from behind his back "I get to push the button."

"How rude of me." Joe smiled, handing the computer to her, "Go right ahead."

Without a bigger ceremony, C4 pushed the button and the first floor exploded in a dazzling scene of fire and debris.

Another second later the second floor exploded and the roof blew straight up a couple feet and than came crashing down.

The crowd whistled, clapped and cheered as one final explosion went off finishing the entire manor in one huge fireball that shot up to the heavens.

"See that?" Joe turned his smile to his 'high-and-mighty CO',"Now that's what I call "Demolition"."

Mao slapped her forehead and sighed, "After all that work tearing through the manor we just blow it up."

Weber put his arm around Mao and smiled, "C'est la vie, sis. Speaking of which, you heard the news?"

Mao ducked under Weber's arm, "What news?"

Kurz gave a half smile, "Its not good sis. Not good in the slightest." He told her the news as she just listened to him.


It took three days for the submarine to get back to FOX base.

Sousuke had not been out of his cabin in the submarine and even when they reached the base he refused to talk to anyone.

Weber and Mao tried to talk to him when he went out to eat or neede something. Every attempted though ended with him either ignoring or walking by them without a simple word.

Tessa tried to talk to him but he still refused to open up to anyone.

Michael was out of the tank and on his feet but was still in no shape for any missions for awhile. They had not spoken to each other since Michael was walking. The two needed to sort things out for themselves before the next operation. The way he handled things with Frank and Kaname was deplorable in Sousuke's eyes. The actions he took were wrong.

Sousuke sat in his apartment alone as he lay on his bed staring at the ceiling. Underneath his bed were reports that Snake gave to Sousuke about all of Amalgams doings and projects.

The data revealed a great deal of time invested in Arm Slave technology and the Lambda Driver theory. Some of the theories and calculations were done by Kaname which confirmed her Whispered knowledge focused around the Lambda Driver.

Snake gave him these files as to not keep him out of the loop of what they found and what they were trying to uncover.

Sousuke asked again about Metal Gear and Snake promised to tell him everything about it at a meeting in a few short hours.

There was still no news about what was on the flash disk Kaname left but it had to be very important since she took a great deal of effort to hide it.

Sousuke rolled onto his side and gazed blankly at the wall. His thoughts drifted back to Mr. Frank aka 'Gray Fox'.

Sousuke closed his eyes as sleep took over him and his memory drifted back to Outer Heaven.


Sousuke could see himself and noticed that his hands were smaller and that he was shorter. His clothes consisted of a tan cloak with matching pants and a dark shirt.

On his back was a small caliber rifle and he also carried a 9mm pistol strapped around his waist.

"Hey!"

Sousuke turned and saw Michael hitting his arm. He was younger wearing a black ragged cloak with tan pants and a black shirt. Michael had around his back a Uzi machine gun and a Mark 23 around his thigh.

"If you keep slacking I'll make it to Mr. Frank first!" He ran off through the crowds as Sousuke chased after him. Michael loved to play these games with Sousuke and both of them enjoyed it.

Sousuke remembered the buildings and the people around him. They were gruff, rugged and all had weapons with him.

Around them were merchants and vendors selling food, clothes, ammo and various weapons.

Sousuke smiled sprinting after Michael as he came into Sousuke's view. He was always taking advantage of the moment to get ahead.

Sousuke snickered and chased after him promising to win this time!

Michael dodged through the crowd smiling and looking back making sure that..

He trip head first into the ground over a piece of board. Michael groaned and touched his head feeling the bruise that was growing to grow.

"You should pay more attention to your surroundings!!" Sousuke gloated as he sprinted through the crowds ahead of him.

Michael growled and rushed to his feet chasing after him.

Sousuke ran into alley way and stopped for a second. He looked up and saw the massive wall of Outer Heaven.

It always amazed him how awestruck he would get every time he gazed at it. He jogged out of the alleyway and saw the entrance to it. The gate was guarded by massive guards under orders to not let anyone in.

Anyone that was not approved by Big Boss himself.

Once a week Big Boss would personally observe games and make his choice on who was allowed in. It was a prize that motivated everyone to stand out.

It was Sousuke and Michael's fifth attempt to get noticed by the legend himself and it paid off. After the games were done the results were posted the very next day. When the results were posted they rushed to the board and saw there names on the piece of paper.

They would finally have their place in the world! They would fight and work along side the legendary Big Boss!

"Hey," Michael caught up with his gawking brother as he looked at the gate, "We are almost there huh?"

Sousuke nodded, "Two days and we can enter Outer Heaven." He was never this excited before in his life. In two short days they would train and fight side by side with Big Boss himself.

The two could remember the daze they were in when Big Boss inspected them at the first game they did.

He looked down at the two and they stared up at his one eye. Just being in his presence had the two holding there breaths until he left. They never felt such strength and confidence coming from one man. It was enough to inspire anyone.

Michael smiled and said, "Yea but," He pushed him and sprinted off, "you should never loss sight of your goal!"

Sousuke stumbled and grumbled giving chase again.

They rushed through the crowds as they headed to a familiar gun shop. The front displayed many rifles and weapons that could be bought or modified.

There was a reason they stopped by this particular shop.

Michael reached the entrance and caught his breath. He grinned with Sousuke catching up to him.

Sousuke pushed him in and said, "Cheater."

Michael merely laughed at that comment.

"Hey you two not causing anymore trouble are you?"

The two looked up and saw Wolf coming out of the back holding her massive PSG-1 rifle. It always amazed the two how she handled that rifle and more importantly her skill was just perfect.

"Hey sis." They both said in perfect unison turning there attention to there older sister. They had a chance to tell her the big news without her knowing anything about the games.

Wolf seemed to take it on herself to watch and observe every exercise. Even simple running exercises had her worried.

She would drag them to her apartment with force and strip the two to there boxers, which was a huge relief to the two, and examine every square inch of her body. The smallest and lightest scratch would set her off yelling at the two.

It amazed them that such a quiet woman behind the rifle could also be so loud at the same time. Still, they always got her to calm down and they would sit and talk about their days and than eat.

The only thing was her borsch. Memories of that first taste made Kalinin's borsch taste like apple pie.

Wolf sighed and leaned her rifle against the wall, "Okay what did you two do?" She always knew when they lied and it was fun getting the truth out of them. It was amusing how they fought with each other.

"Nothing." Michael said quickly hoping to move to the next topic.

"Yea nothing." Sousuke answered with a hint of sarcasm at the end.

Wolf would smile but this was going to be fun, "Nothing huh?" She took a few steps around them watching the two. The gun keep came out from behind the door. He was old and had one eye but he was the best around when it came to repair and modifications on guns.

Wolf stopped and stared at them, "Really well I thought I heard the word cheater earlier." She gazed at Sousuke, "Someone that sounded like you. Also someone sounded like you," she turned to Michael, "making a familiar laugh." Wolf cocked an eyebrow at them and walked back to her gun.

Sousuke looked at Michael "Yea a familiar laugh."

Michael rolled his eyes, "Here we go and you get defensive."

"I am not defensive." Sousuke made no attempt to try and make it come out differently.

Wolf smiled and just let the two go.

Michael shook his head, "I pushed as a joke."

Sousuke pointed at him, "But you said you would make it to Mr. Franks first."

"I did not say that." Michael said trying to ease the mood.

It did not work, "Here you go making jokes about things like that!" Sousuke exploded out.

"I make jokes because maybe if you weren't so stiff sometimes!" Michael countered, "And if I were to push you than you should learn to react faster."

Sousuke's eyes popped out, "Do you still blame me for that scratch on your leg!"

"Yes I do. If you had just move when I grabbed you that shrapnel would not have gotten stuck in my leg and that your arm would not be a pincushion." Michael pointed at him.

Wolf snapped out of her daze when she heard the word shrapnel, "What shrapnel?!" She demanded but it was too late.

They were already at each others throats.

The Gun keep could not help but start to laugh as the events played out.

"So you want to play the blame game!" Sousuke pointed at his back, "What about the grenade that slipped out of your hand two days ago! That burnt my hair and I couldn't hear well for a while."

"Grenade!" Wolf exclaimed trying to get there attention but it was worthless. They were at full steam with each other.

There was only one way to end this quickly.

Wold picked up her rifle and cocked it. Soon the two stopped and started at her wide eyed and trying to look somewhat innocent. When Wolf cocked her rifle it was enough to make them stop dead in there tracks completely.

Wolf put the gun against the wall and looked at the two glad that they were focused on her, "Shrapnel wounds? I thought you two said that you cut yourself on the course." She said slowly making them fidget, "And two days ago I thought that Sousuke was trying a new hair style and a microphone yelled in his ear?" Wolf gave a sly smile watching the two sweat and pray.

The gunkeep kept laughing at the predicament. It never got old for him and made for good stories around the town.

Wolf drummed the top of her barrel, "We will talk about this later when you two come by tonight. I think we will have the borsch tonight since you two like it some much."

The two felt their stomachs flip at the first letter of borsch.

"So what was the news you wanted to tell me? You had to stop by here to find me today." Wolf said changing the mood.

Sousuke looked at Michael and he nodded a little. Sousuke took a deep breath, "We got in today."

Wolf looked at them making sure they were not joking, "You got into Outer Heaven."

Both nodded suppressing there joy.

She scoffed and laughed a little. Wolf walked up to them and saw that they got a little taller. They were almost to her shoulders. She put her hands on their heads, "About time you two."

Sousuke let his breath out and Michael started to laugh and smile.

Wolf ruffled there hair, "You two earned it at the last game." She picked up her rifle, "Go see Mr. Frank and come back in an hour. Dinner should be ready by than."

They were glad they did not have a big lunch today.

"Go and get out." She pushed them out of the shop as they tripped back into the streets, "And be careful. This was your third strike."

Sousuke and Michael cringed when she said that. This could be worse than her cooking.

"One more lie about your injuries and the boxers come off." She said cocking a smile at them.

"Could you let this go?" Sousuke asked and Michael quickly agreed.

"If you are late then no." Wolf smiled shooing them away.

They merely rolled there heads and ran through the streets toward Mr. Frank's house. That was the one person they needed to tell.


Sousuke shot out of bed hearing the knocking at his door. He glanced over to his clock and realized that he was asleep for four hours.

Sousuke scratched his head as he got out of bed to answer the still knocking door. It was loud enough to get him out of bed but did the person need to keep it that loud. He opened the door slightly, "Yes?"

"Sousuke!" A nervous voice yelled through his crack.

Sousuke snapped out of his daze and realized that it was Mei Ling, "Lt?" He opened the door more realizing she had never came to him before.

"Sousuke," Mei Ling said a little more sure of it, "The meeting is about to start so get ready soldier!" She said ordering him.

Sousuke froze letting it sink that he indeed over slept.

The door slammed on Mei Ling sending her back a little. She regained her balance and approached the door and leaned against it.

Mei Ling could hear the cursing and rushing from the room as Sousuke moved around rushing to change and make himself more presentable. She cringed wondering if he was actually doing anything to not make it worse.

Mei Ling heard him running to his door and she moved out of the way before it swung open. The door closed and Sousuke was already on his way to the meeting.

Mei Ling ran to catch up a little. Her pace soon changed to match his feverish steps despite wearing heels.

Sousuke paused for a second and turned to her, "Lt," He was nervous asking, "I can't seem to remember where the room is located."

Mei Ling giggled and grabbed his arm, "This way Sousuke." She pulled him down the halls until he was able to keep up with her.

Sousuke walked silently with the young Lt and wondered about her. She had little combat experience but she was descent in firearms and self defense. However, she never took part in missions that Michael or other operatives in FOXHOUND took. Mei Ling seemed to take a less direct approach in missions but still played an important role.

Sousuke knew that she was a genius in communications and radar systems. She was able to keep track of all the teams during Zeus and make communication between them easy despite the horrendous battle. It was because of her abilities that allowed teams to get information and orders quickly and keep the loss of life as minimal as possible.

Other than that, he knew nothing else about her. Sousuke knew nothing about her past life, family or even why she was here. She spoke with a slight accent in her voice that told him she was a native from China.

The only clue was that she was close to his brother. Michael would not give or tell Sousuke anything despite his persistence in the matter. He seemed to end the discussion quickly whenever it came to her past.

"Sousuke?"

Sousuke snapped out of his train of thought and looked at Mei Ling, "Yes Lt?"

Mei Ling rolled her eyes and hit his arm, "Mei Ling, Sousuke. My name is Mei Ling not Lt." She hit him again smiling at his embarrassment.

"Yes," He hesitated for a second, "Mei Ling."

Mei Ling nodded in approval, "What do you think about everything that is going on?"

Sousuke looked at her confused, "What do you mean?"

Mei Ling turned her head to think and said, "About everything. The battle on the Island and the truth about.." She stopped before finishing that sentence. Michael was still coping with it even after his wounds. She had never seen him this upset about it and wondered how it was going to affect them.

"Mr. Frank you mean?" He answered for her.

Mei Ling nodded sadly, "Yes." She heard from Michael about his role as a father to the two. They looked up and idolized him while they were together at Outer Heaven, "Are you going to fight him?"

Sousuke wondered that same question many times when he first got the news, "We may have to. He is the enemy." He said calmly.

Mei Ling shook her head, "He was a father to you two." She got in front of him stopping him from moving, "You both loved him so much and now you are going to accept that you have to fight him? Maybe kill him?"

Sousuke looked at her and took a deep breath, "Yes we do." He said quietly walking past her.

Mei Ling stood in shock hearing that from Sousuke. Michael gave her the same answer when she went to check on him.

Michael answered in a cold tone that scared her. He was so serious about killing Fox that nothing was going to change his mind. What scared her more was what was happening to both Sousuke and Michael.

The battles had changed and now this war was being drawn out. Lives, machine and blood were spilled and lost over the course of months. Now it was starting to wear everyone down. This seemed to be a war with no end in sight and the number of dead seemed impossible to even guess.

In the center were these two. They were willing to throw themselves into this war without fear, hesitation or sorrow.

They were brothers that were loyal to each other and would fight to keep there word to one each other. Michael promised Sousuke to bring Kaname back but at what cost. What cost were these two going to pay to achieve their goal? Was it worth the little humanity they had left?

They did not care who they had to fight or even who they hurt. All that seemed mattered was there objectives.

Mei Ling caught up with Sousuke and said, "Do you still love Mr. Frank?"

Sousuke stopped and looked at her, "Everyday I fight, I fight as he told me I should. he taught us to go into battle without fear or hesitation. He also said, "Sousuke paused remembering his words, "That we should fight for what we believe in."

"What do you believe in Sousuke?" Mei Ling inquired.

Sousuke raised his hand stopping the conversation, "That's private Mei Ling." He turned around and thought back to Kaname.

She was the only real and true thing he ever fought or believed in. The days he spent with her, the time and everything they shared together were the small lights in his life.

Everything he did in Mithril was to protect others.

Now he just wanted to protect the world she lived. Sousuke never wanted Kaname to see the horrors that he witness when he was child.

He never wanted her to see blood from a man or see people stabbed and gun downed in a alleyway.

Sousuke never wanted Kaname to feel Death all around them when the next shot could be to the one to kill you or the person next to you.

"Sousuke." Mei Ling got him out of his daze, "He is still family to you."

"I never said he wasn't." Sousuke answered, "We should get going or we will be late."

Mei Ling was a little relieved to hear those words. There was hope, "You are correct Sousuke and I will not be late because of you!" She pointed at him and walked ahead of him.

Sousuke caught up with her and finally asked her, "Mei Ling can I ask you something?"

"Sure depends on the question."

Sousuke paused and said, "How did you meet Michael?" This was a s good an opportunity to find out something about her. Maybe a little information to figure out who she is exactly. A young girl like Mei Ling in a organization like FOXHOUND gave him a similar feeling with Tessa.

Mei Ling paled and looked at him and than away. She took a small breath, "In China. I was born in China before I came to the U.S."

"Were you a undercover operative or special agent for.."

"I wasn't either one of those okay so just stop!" Mei Ling snapped at him controlling the trembling in her hand, "I'm uhh," She stopped, "I'm sorry Sousuke."

Sousuke did not know how to even answer with her answer. Mei Ling was so angry and flustered at his question. It made him wonder what role FOXHOUND and Michael played in her life.

"I'm sorry for asking. If it bothers.."

"It does more than bother me Sousuke." Mei Ling nodded at him, "Its something that I want to forget but I will tell you this."

Sousuke waited for her to continue.

"Your brother saved my life in China in so many ways." She walked to a door in a hallway.

"He saved your life?"

Mei Ling nodded, "When I feel I can trust you, I will tell you the whole story Sousuke but we have other matters to deal with." She pointed to the door, "Meeting is about to start."

Sousuke looked at her, "Affirmative." He headed to the door when Mei Ling grabbed his arm and pulled him to her face.

She whispered in his ear, "Don't tell Michael I told you this. He will have a fit."

Sousuke nodded and Mei Ling let go of his arm. Sousuke opened the door for Mei Ling who thanked him.


Snake turned his head, "About time you showed up Kid." He said still calling him kid.

Sousuke stiffened with Snake addressing him, "I apologize for-"

Mao grabbed his shirt and pulled him to the chair, "Just sit down before you make things worse for yourself." She was happy that he got out of the room at least but Sousuke always seemed to unintentionally dig himself a grave.

Sousuke got comfortable in the chair and turned his head to the front of the table.

Colonel Campbell and Tessa were talking with each other quietly about something with the Commander listening to ever word they spoke.

The table was divided with Mithril on one side and FOXHOUND on the other. Each sat in there seats according to there rank but their entire command staff was present.

Sousuke normally would not be part of a briefing like this but Snake had requested that he attend this meeting. Mardukas and Bel had alot of arguments about his attendance but it was finally it was agreed.

Sousuke turned to his left and saw Wraith at the end of the table keeping her distance from everyone else. The agent was not in a disguise and wore just a plan black shirt and jeans that fit her snugly. She was going over something when she turned her head.

Sousuke turned away from her gaze and looked at the rest of the FOXHOUND staff. Dr. Emmerich was present along with Mei Ling sitting next to her. He looked in front and saw Michael going through some papers without looking at him.

Michael did not even look at Sousuke or Mei Ling when they entered the room. He was keeping himself busy with the reports and data that they found in the database. It seemed like nothing was settled between them.

Neither had spoken or seen each other since the island assault. They did even make an appearance at the small ceremony that was held for those that fell in battle.

It was a short service with a reef of flowers being thrown into the water and a twenty one gun salute. The salute group was composed of both Mithril and FOXHOUND soldiers to symbolize the fallen brothers and sisters that died in Zeus.

Sousuke gave him a quick look as did Michael. They looked at each other for a second and Sousuke mouthed, 'We need to talk'

Michael responded with, 'After the meeting.' He pointed to the front where Tessa was about to start.

Tessa took a deep breath and said, "Though most of Amalgam has been crippled the other remnants consisting of Silver and Gold remain alive. These two are the major powers in the organization which means that as long as they live Amalgam will live. However it is not that simple." She pointed to the screen, "From information we gathered from the database we uncovered that Silver was going to make a grab for Gold's position."

"A power dispute in the organization?" Bel asked.

"Not exactly, my brot-" She stopped and corrected herself, "I mean Mr. Silver had these plans for a long time. He was waiting for the right moment to strike at Gold and take it for himself."

"Liquid must have put a wrench in his plans when the original Gold was killed by him. After that Liquid assumed leadership without any opposition except from that brat." Snake finished.

"Exactly," Tessa agreed. The screen changed to a list of names, "These names look familiar?"

Mei Ling studied them, "Yea those are the names of the people we killed at the start of the operation."

"Correct Lt," Tessa sighed, "However, we uncovered that these people were the ones supporting Leonard's bid for power."

Silence filled the room. Everyone took a moment to digest this information.

Michael paused and said, "So we just did Liquid's dirty work." He slammed his fist on the table, "We were played."

Mei Ling whispered to him and he calmed down quickly. It seemed that she was the only one who could really control him.

Sousuke fiddled with his hands and said, "How did Liquid know we were alive? Do we still have a traitor?"

"No," Snake answered calmly, "Liquid is different. There is something about him that makes him stand out from Silver."

"What is that?" Mardukas inquired.

Snake tapped on the desk, "Liquid knew we would survive or he expected some remnants to reform and strike. Either way he knew who he was dealing with. Silver just expects everyone to play dead when he says play dead."

Campbell nodded, "I agree with Snake on this. Its not just Liquid, the mercenaries around him are the best in the world. Liquid wants to wage a large war and is prepared to wage it at a much higher level than we anticipated. He wants to fight us."

Mao shook her head at this, "So you're telling us that this Liquid character is just a guy who wants to wage war. That doesn't make sense why would someone do that?"

"Because he wants to," Michael turned to Mao, "Liquid has some kind of agenda but that has nothing to do with him."

"What do you mean?" Sousuke asked.

Michael paused for a second, "He's not Gauron. Liquid is not a man that wants to see the world burn," He glanced at Sousuke who agreed with him, "Liquid wants to accomplish something and is going to burn and kill anyone and anything in his way. He is willing to go all out even if it means taking the world with him. That is the kind of man he seems to be."

"A man like that," Sousuke added, "is a man that is to feared and be cautious around. He is a man who enjoys chaos all around him. Once he has had his fill Liquid would come in and put his own version of order over the world."

"We could discuss and analyze Liquid all day but we need to turn our attention to something else," Snake pointed to Tessa, "Am I right?"

"Yes we do," The lights dimmed and Tessa looked to the screen that changed to a giant AS suit, "This is Metal Gear."

The design was nothing like an ordinary Arm Slave. Instead it looked like a Behemoth but without any human looking features that most AS units have. It looked more like a tank with walking legs and a pointy nose and head that served as the cockpit for the pilot.

"Snake will take over the debriefing." Tessa took her seat.

Snake got up from his chair and looked at Metal Gear for a moment. They were in a bleak situation if they did not locate Metal Gear and fast, "August 1964 does this date sound familiar?"

"It was the month and year of Operation Snake Eater." Wraith answered putting the papers down, "The mission that made Big Boss a legend."

Snake Eater was the stuff of legends for mercenaries and black ops around the world. The story of that mission and the dangers that Big Boss faced gave inspiration and purpose to anyone who heard it.

It was a bedtime story for Sousuke growing up.

"Correct," Snake continued, "Big Boss also fought this." The image changed to blue prints of a massive tank with drill like wheels at the front of it. On the back of it was a tube used to hold a missile, "This is the first Arm Slave."

"The Shagohod," Otacon explained, "A tank capable of launching a nuclear missile without the need for silos or submarines."

"How is that possible though? It does not look like it could launch anything." Mardukas asked.

"True but this man found a way around that," Snake changed the image to a Russian man with a one piece eyeglass wearing a black coat. The photo was faded due to it being black and white, "Nikolai Stephanovich Sokolov the man who created this monster. He built this thing based on the old rockets used in the Space race."

"The three booster system of the old rockets." Sousuke answered.

"Correct kid," Snake smirked with Sousuke going sour at being called kid, "Sokolov added rocket boosters to the tank. This allowed it to achieve boosts up to three hundred miles per hours."

Bel looked at Snake, "That," He pointed at the Shagohod, "thing can achieve up to three hundred miles per hour?"

"Yea," Snake answered, "All you need is a three mile stretch of road and these missiles could be launched into any city in the United States."

"Plus a thing that small would make radar and satellite detection almost impossible. Its about the size of a tank and no one could pick it up until it was too late." Mei Ling pointed out.

"That's right but after this was destroyed a Soviet Scientist by the name of Granin went in a different direction." Campbell added, "To this."

The image changed a rather odd looking AS suit but this thing had legs. This one had a launcher on the back similar to the Shagohod but it had legs, "This was the Metal Gear that Big Boss created in Outer Heaven. This is the TX-55 and the first Arm Slave to be used in missile technology."

Sousuke looked at Metal Gear and could only shiver at what this thing could do. He just had a terrible thought, "Snake," Snake turned his head waiting for Sousuke to continue "Amalgam has built and tested all sorts of weapons. Could they mean to mass produce Metal Gear and sell it?"

"It is a strong possibility kid. It really is. Add in the fact that they are trying to put a Lambda Driver in this monster will only give more countries a reason to buy it." Snake answered for him. Snake looked at Campbell since both had discussed this idea with Mithril.

"We have also theorized that Metal Gear could be what Silver and Liquid are fighting over. If either one of them get their hands on it than either could use it to solidify their power in Amalgam." Tessa added.

Sousuke glanced at Michael who only nodded in agreement with her.

"After Big Boss was killed in Zanzibar Land," Campbell got everyone's attention, "FOXHOUND took up an anti Metal Gear stance. Any kind of work on Metal Gear was to be found, captured and destroyed. All documents and personal would be handled properly."

Mao raised her eyebrow at that one, "What does 'properly' mean Colonel?" Mao asked, "You mean to kill everyone involved with Metal Gear?"

Tessa turned her head to Campbell shocked by that thought, "Colonel Campbell you can't mean that-"

"Yes Captain," He looked at the young CO, "Metal Gear is a weapon that just should not exist. If it went into mass production than the world could face a nuclear nightmare."

"So it's Black Technology?" Sousuke wondered.

"We are not sure about it," Michael handed him some reports, "It is AS technology so it means that it does use Black Technology but at the same time this idea is not any different from a submarine caring nuclear weapons or a mobile nuclear transport. This thing just happens to have legs."

Sousuke gave a quick glance over the reports, "Are Silver and Miss Chidori working on it?"

Snake shook his head, "We don't know kid. It is possible that Silver is working on it since he developed the Venom and Cordal. As with your girlfriend we don't know."

Sousuke went red in the face hearing that from Snake.

Tessa straightened herself and said, "Well have you taken apart Metal Gear in anyway to confirm this theory?"

Snake looked at her flabbergasted, "What? Metal Gear is destroyed down to the last bolt. That thing is never touched in anyway what so ever." He personally handled the demolition of all the parts of Metal Gear. He would personally push the button himself.

Tessa stood up, "It maybe dangerous Snake but it can be used for other purposes."

"What?" Snake said in a low voice.

Michael and everyone else started to get nervous. That low voice from Snake meant someone was going to get hurt.

Sousuke picked up on it when Michael motioned him to get ready for something. Whatever was about to happen between them would not be good.

"The way it has been designed could be used to shot down missiles or-" She never finished her sentence when Snake picked her straight up the ground and started to shake her like a piece of paper.

"Yea go and believe that Metal Gear is a pacifist's wet dream!! I already know that it is nothing more than a nuclear equipped walking death mobile!!" Snake shook her harder about ready to throw her against the wall.

"Snake!" Michael and the Colonel both trying to pull him off of Tessa with Sousuke running to help Tessa with Bel's help.

The Colonel and Michael eventually got Snake to put her down and Sousuke pulled her away from Snake.

Tessa grabbed Sousuke's arm and gripped trying to calm herself down. The way that Snake reacted was not what she had expected.

He could have really killed her.

"Captain?"

Tessa snapped out of her daze and realized the Sousuke was holding her and she had a death grip on his shirt and sleeve. Tessa looked down trying to hide her face from Mao and the others.

Tessa was especially worried about Richard who would punish Sousuke for just touching her the way that she did.

"Captain, are you okay?" Sousuke asked again stepping back from her.

Tessa nodded quickly and straightened her uniform. She could have done with maybe a few more seconds, "Snake I.."

"Shut up." Snake snapped at her as he took his seat.

Tessa was about to speak but her eye caught Campbell shaking his head. Nervously she took her seat as Sousuke pulled it up for her, "Thank you Sgt."

"You're welcome Ma'am." He said quietly taking his seat next to Mao.

Michael tapped the desk and got everyone's attention, "Okay, so we know that Project R is Metal Gear. So, "He looked at everyone, "What do we do from here?"

"Gather intelligence as best we can," Wraith spoke and turned to Tessa, "We should break into the records of all the corporations Amalgam has ties with. We need to find out where they would ship the materials needed to produce something like this."

"Agreed Agent Wraith." Campbell turned to everyone else, "Our focus should be finding out where those four other whispered are. If we find them, than we may have some clues to where Liquid's main base is located. I'll see what I can dig up from the White House."

Mao chimed in, "Something like that has to be well hidden in the world. Producing and testing weapons is something that no government will allow. They have to be using their political connections to do this."

"I'll see what I can find," Michael leaned back into his chair, "I have some contacts in the Triad and other gangs that might know something. Since Amalgam has been killing Triad leaders I am sure they will want some payback."

Sousuke leaned forward in his chair, "I have a contact in the black market who deals with information and AS smuggling. It was what we used back before we joined Mithril."

"You're talking about Black Jack?" Michael was puzzled, "That guy only sells to the highest bidder. She will stab you in the back if she can make a few bucks."

"Yea but she owes me a favor." Sousuke countered and said, "South Africa?"

Michael remembered and said, "Oh yea. I remember that, she does owe you a favor." He smiled at his brother.

"Okay," Tessa rose from her seat, "We will gather what resources we have and get whatever information we can get. Report everything you find and get approval before leaving somewhere. If someone should go, take another person to watch your back." She looked at Campbell, "Agreed?"

Campbell nodded a little impressed at how fast she recovered from Snake's attack, "Agreed."

Everyone stood up and saluted everyone's superiors.

They filed out of the room except for two people who sat in there chairs looking at each other.

Mao turned around, "Sousuke you coming?" She looked nervous since the two looked like dogs ready to fight.

"In a minute Lt." Sousuke answered not breaking away from Michael.

"Yea in a minute." Michael said keeping his eyes focused on Sousuke.

Mao grew a little worried at what could happen between the two. She did not say anything else since Snake pushed her out of the room.

The door closed behind them and Mao let Snake have it, "Are you insane? They look like they are going to rip each other apart!"

"Than they are brothers." Snake said with a smile. He pulled out a cigarette and offered one to Mao who accepted, "Let them sort it out themselves."

"Sure you know what you are doing?" Mao said as Snake handed her a lighter.

Snake did not answer as the flame and smoke rose from his cigarette. He turned to the door hoping that this would end okay for them.


"So where we do start?" Sousuke inquired looking at Michael. The question was there and Michael knew the answer.

"You tell me." He shot back without a fail. He studied Sousuke and wondered where and how this would end.

Both knew that it could end violently.

"The gun." Sousuke put his hands on the table, "Why did you let her have a gun?"

"I did not let her have a gun. The gun happened to be there." He pointed at Sousuke in a angry tone, "Get your facts straight."

Sousuke shook his head, "Can you be a bigger fool?"

Michael looked at Sousuke very quickly. His manner changed to him facing an enemy, not his brother.

Sousuke rose from his seat and glared at him, "She had no experience in shooting an actual gun let alone holding someone up. The situation could have gotten worse with Leonard having a gun at Kaname's head."

"First off," Michael shouted pointing at him, "he would have not done that! If Leonard did than he would know that you go crazy! You would actually try to blow him off with that 165 mm cannon you got!"

"It could be done with the Lambda Driver." Sousuke smiled at that one.

Michael shook his head, "What choice did I have?" He defended, "I am asking you what choice did I have?" He stood up getting in Sousuke's face.

Sousuke stood his ground, "Wait for Snake's team. They were on their way and you could have waited for back-up" He said through his teeth.

"I was getting my ass handed to me by Mr. Frank. He knew how to break CQC and throw me around like a rag doll!" He fist hit the table, "Even with my augmentations I could not even touch his level! His skill goes beyond anything my body can do!"

"So you decided to go low?" Sousuke asked.

"No, don't start that game Sousuke."

"You decided to put a gun in a noncombatant hands and get Leonard from behind. That's the reason. You wanted to win." Sousuke pointed out.

Michael did not answer the question and cocked his head down. He took a deep breath and said, "You can't protect her forever."

Now it was Sousuke's turn to change face. That sentence pitched a sensitve nerve.

"You think you can protect her from war. From everything and do it all by yourself. You can't do it." Michael finished the sentence sincerely.

"At least I am not always trying to win at all costs. Michael you have always tried to do the most and show off. You are the youngest person to achieve a codename and I think it has gone to your head." Sousuke countered. He wanted each word to hit Michael like a bullet.

It did.

"First off, I gave you my word that I would get her back. Answer me this, have I ever broken any promises to you?"

Sousuke did not answer instead kept his gaze.

"Have I?!" He demanded and pulled his head back, "Have I ever given you a reason to not trust me?"

"What happened with Kaname.."

Michael interrupted, "No, no that does not.."

"With Kaname" He raised his voice letting him be heard, "Has given me second thought."

Michael looked at him as if he was shot, "Excuse me." He got back in Sousuke's face.

"You heard my correctly Major." Sousuke said quietly.

"This is not about my actions or anything else." Michael shook his head, "This is about your precious girlfriend in the line of fire. You weren't there to protect her and I was there."

"She should not be part or see anything about what we do." Sousuke stood his ground on that one.

"She already has seen it. More times than you care to admit Sousuke." Michael said, "I have accepted it and she is a sister to me."

Sousuke pulled his head back in amazement when he heard that word from Michael's mouth, "You can't be serious. She is not part of the battlefield!"

"Are you that blind?" Michael threw his hand up pulling back from the table, "North Korea she chose to fight by helping you."

"That is different." Sousuke stated.

"No it isn't Sousuke. In situations like that the ones we are in it calls for that choice and what is that?"

Sousuke paused not saying anything.

"Wolf said it and I would be shocked if you forgot them." Michael said softly, "A newcomer in battle must either be family.."

"Or die." Sousuke finished.

Michael nodded, "Yea and she chose to fight."

"I don't accept that. She can't be that to me." Sousuke said quietly.

"I.."

"You don't understand."

Michael turned his head toward Sousuke, "I don't understand?"

"Yes you don't!" Sousuke yelled at him, "War is something that she should never see or see what it is all about. It changed when Amalgam attacked!"

"War is already going on Sousuke!" Michael yelled, "You are playing by the rules and our enemy is not. We have to be prepared to face anything they throw at us and still pursue them like bloodhounds. Leonard knows this and is playing to that weakness of yours and its going to get you killed!"

"Is it wrong to protect people from what we have seen!" Sousuke threw at Michael making him stop in his tracks, "We have seen and done so much in our lives. You call it weakness when I want to spare people from the horrors of war. You may call it weakness but I call it strength."

"Than go and seek your death with that strength you have Sousuke." Michael turned to leave, "But let me tell you one thing!"

Sousuke watched him and waited for what he had to say.

Michael opened the door slightly and said, "You can't protect everyone Sousuke. You just can't and the sooner you accept it, the easier it will be for you to fight against Liquid and the rest."

"And at least I am fighting for what I believe in." Sousuke said coolly, "Who said those words?"

Michael did not say anything and merely pushed his way past Mao and Snake. He did not even look at either one and just walked down the halls.

Mao looked at Sousuke a little concerned, "Are you-"

Sousuke did not even give her time to finish that sentence. He only wanted to be alone and there was only one place he would have that.


That is it for chapter 9. I hope everyone enjoyed it and thank you for being patient. I am looking though for a beta to good through grammer and sentances. I need someone who has written a story before and knows what to look for in grammer errors or word choice. If you want it, send me a message and we will talk. Thanks again to those who wrote reviews as I tried to get this done. Thanks to everyone who still reads and enjoy this story. Your support means alot to me. Thanks and see you soon! BW