A/N- Welcome back to Harry Potter: Portable Ops. It's definitely not been as long between updates as the last few were. For those who've been following this story, I'll try to make the waits between chapters of this story less lengthy but I can't promise it. I've especially loved writing this chapter as it has coincided with a renewed obsession with Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, which I have been playing a great deal of on my PSP.
Chapter 12- Cold Wars
Harry was in the armoury of the harbour base with Johnathan and a few other soldiers preparing to go to the Warhead Storage Facility when Natalia entered the armoury preparing for her own mission. "Hi Harry. Hi Johnathan."
"Hi Natalia. Where are you going off to today? Where's Kurt got you going to? I know he's off at our new fortress base but still..." Harry replied somewhat playfully.
"I'm taking a squad with me back to the prison. According to our spy reports, there's a few prisoners there that are being thrown in prison for disobeying orders or becoming too rebellious. Kurt thinks they'll make for good recruits." Natalia answered.
"I can see the reasoning there. We need all the manpower we can get. If you can get some fresh supplies too, that'd be great." Harry said in agreement.
"I'm sure I can do something about it."
"Great!" Johnathan said happily.
"Just don't take too long, Natalia. We're expecting an enemy attack but we not exactly sure about its nature."
"I won't, Boss. My team and I will be in and out like ghosts." Natalia replied to Harry.
"Good. I have no idea how our mission is going to go, seeing as we're having to go in with practically no intel beforehand so you may have to be here if anything happens while we're gone." Harry said to Natalia. Whilst Harry and Natalia spoke with each other, Johnathan and another soldier picked up several packs of TNT each and some other explosives, the nature of their upcoming mission already clear to them. Harry turned to Johnathan, "Have you got those explosives? Roy was clear on this. We're assuming those warheads are still there and we can't let them leave the facility."
"Already taken care of!" Johnathan said, showing off a pack of the TNT before putting it away from his rucksack.
Natalia had a final question for Harry before they all left for their respective missions. "Where's Ivan?"
"I think he's back at the ruined castle, helping Kurt out there." Harry replied.
Natalia nodded. "I had to ask as I didn't see him around this morning..."
"Don't worry about it. We'll keep close eyes on each other here in our little army." Harry replied with a reassuring smile.
Harry, Johnathan and their squad took a truck and drove to the Warhead Storage Facility. They had been stopped by a couple of checkpoints but the security and alertness was very relaxed. It looked like the facility could only be accessed by a single vehicle bay, which was itself only accessible via a concrete and metal tunnel. "This is a colourful place, isn't it?" Harry asked ironically.
"It sure is, boss." Johnathan said equally ironically. The vehicle bay was pretty much all grey with only touches of white and yellow paint to mark vehicle parking spots and warning signs. "Where are the guards? I would've thought that there would be one or two guards around here?"
"I don't know but I think there's a way of finding out where the nearest guards are. Everyone hide as best as you can." Harry replied, prompting Johnathan and their small squad to quickly hide inside the truck or in cardboard boxes. Harry walked up to a metal wall and knocked on it and he could hear a faint expression of surprise. He stepped back from the wall and slid himself under the truck. "Don't do anything unless I say!" He ordered with a loud whisper.
They patiently waited as they heard approaching footsteps. They were feeling the nerves as they knew the importance of their mission. A female guard showed up to investigate the noise Harry caused. "Nothing here!" She muttered quietly to herself. Before she could leave the vehicle bay, she was struck by a jet of red light and fell unconscious.
"Well that's one down!" Harry remarked as he emerged from under the truck.
"She wasn't very observant, was she?" Johnathan remarked.
"Might be her training?" One of the squad members suggested. "I hear that depending where someone comes from, the training can be wildly inconsistent. I was trained in Altdorf and we were trained to be the best but I hear the soldiers trained in the Empire's Norscan colonies and their allies there aren't strictly trained well but their battle experience more than makes up for the deficiencies on that front. I also remember when that Orc Emperor, Samgon, invaded many times, corners were cut in training in order to get as many troops to the front as quickly as possible."
"I remember." Harry replied. He could remember the desperate days when Samgon would attack the Empire, Hogwarts and other regions of the world with a ruthlessness that forced desperate actions and reactions from the powers allied against Samgon and that was just one such action. Still, it was a painful past that felt as though it were only yesterday to him. "Come on, let's do this methodically. I knock out everyone in our path and you lot mop up behind me. After that... well, we set up the explosives of course." Harry then led the way out of the vehicle bay with Johnathan and their squad following a short distance behind.
Their truck driver was left awkwardly looking after the truck and the unconscious female guard. "This feels embarrassing. I suppose I'd better capture her since they seem to have forgot to." The truck driver looked around for anything that could be used to restrain her in case she woke up. He frowned to himself. "There's no way this doesn't look awkward, is there?" He asked himself with exasperation as he thought about the situation he was currently in.
Harry steadily lead the way. The first major section of the facility he saw after he'd left the vehicle bay was some kind of rail system and an associated control room. On either side of the tracks were a bunch of scanners of some kind and Harry hoped that if any member of his squad or himself inadvertently went through them that they wouldn't go off. There appeared that there were still some small flat train wagons that had objects on them, covered by tarpaulin but they didn't look like warheads for a large walking battle tank though. The control room overlooked the rail system and appeared to be accessible only by a large ramp and a ladder located either side of it. "Why is there not many guards here?" Harry muttered to himself whilst gesturing for Johnathan and their squad to keep back. Harry scanned his surroundings and saw only three guards, two of whom were female and the other one was a male officer. "I'm not going to comment on what I'm seeing in front of me." Harry remarked to himself. He pointed his wand at the nearest guard and sent a jet of red light at her. He then found a couple of small pieces of metal on the floor and on closer examination saw they were two bolts. He transfigured one of the bolts into a small vase and levitated it over to the unconscious guard. He lowered the vase onto the floor a couple of feet away from the guard and then picked up the untransfigured bolt. Throwing it up and down a couple of times in his hand, he then threw the bolt at the vase, causing it to shatter and create a loud noise. Harry could see the guards react and they moved towards the source of the noise. The first guard that arrived was the male officer and Harry didn't give him a chance to investigate, stunning him without hesitation. The other female guard arrived seconds later and she was clearly startled by the sight in front of her but she too was not given a chance to raise any alarms. "Three of you, get these three back to the truck then catch up with the rest of us when you're done."
Three volunteers stepped forward and immediately began dragging the unconscious guards back to the truck.
"Where are we going Harry?" Johnathan asked as he held his rifle up, cautious about potential threats.
"I'm assuming the basement or a lower level at least." Harry replied before gesturing for everyone to stop and then getting on his radio and contacting Roy. "Roy, remind me what the information I gathered said about this place?"
It took a moment but Roy eventually responded. "It seems that there's an elevator somewhere in that facility. I think the warheads will be moved out of the facility with the help of that elevator. However, it seems it has its own power supply somewhere. Blow that up and you should be able to stop the movement of those warheads."
"Cheers Roy for the reminder." Harry then turned off the radio. "Right, we going down to find a power source for a lift that's around here somewhere..." He then told Johnathan and their squad.
"What's the power source exactly? Is it a fuel tank, a power switchboard...?" One of Harry and Johnathan's soldiers asked.
"I don't know exactly but I'm sure we'll know it when we see it." Harry replied. He then gestured for everyone to start moving again. The squad proceeded to navigate the spiralling corridor. There were a few more guards dotted around the facility but Harry, Johnathan and their soldiers took them down without a fight and they too were taken.
They eventually reached the basement and found machinery that was involved in the operating of the elevator. "Want us to start planting the explosives, Harry?" Johnathan asked Harry as he began unpacking the explosives in his rucksack.
"Yeah, let's make sure that those warheads can't go anywhere."
"Boss, if you don't mind me asking, what warheads would this... weapon be equipped with?" One of the squad members asked as he unpacked some explosives from his own rucksack.
"Well, nukes aren't a thing in this universe. I do remember a long time ago Outer Heaven developed a warhead capable of a similar kind of destruction without the fallout that results from a nuclear strike so they're likely what the Metal Gear will be equipped with if we don't stop them from moving the warheads." Harry answered, remembering that the laws of reality in this universe more or less forbade conventional nuclear weapons of any kind. "Some of you, gather up whatever equipment that you can find and not bolted to the floor and take it back to the truck. I'm talking guns, ammo, medical kits, rations, anything you can think of." Without hesitation, several members of his squad left the basement, intent on carrying out Harry's orders. Meanwhile, Harry, Johnathan and two members of their squad who stayed behind began planting explosives on the lift machinery.
When they finished, the four moved up a level and into a room where there was more machinery and there was an intense feeling of heat. However, minutes passed as they tried to figure out when to blow the explosives, the air started to chill. "Harry, do you feel that?" Johnathan asked with a shiver. He handed a wireless detonator to Harry.
"Yeah, I do. Let's blow up this thing and get out of here!" Harry replied. He then pressed the detonator to blow up the elevator equipment. Nothing happened. Harry shook the detonator to see if that would do something but nothing did.
You should be more careful, Harry." A voice said as a cloudy mist engulfed the room they were in. Harry instantly recognised who had come to confront them as a familiar, pin-headed man was silhouetted in the white, cloudy mist. "The walls, the foundations of this facility are more fragile than they look." The man let out a derisive chuckle, "You put way too much explosives and even if you'd just put the bare minimum down, it still could've been too much. You would've ended up cutting off your own escape route." The mist cleared slightly and Harry took a couple of steps closer to see that the man confronting them was indeed his old comrade, Python. "It's a nasty habit, isn't it Harry? Being too focused on the mission to concentrate on your own survival, your own safety. It definitely seems like a nasty habit to me but I know it's one you've always struggled to kick."
"Python... You disarmed our explosives?" Harry asked stunned. "You couldn't have had the time to disarm them all though!"
"Time? I had plenty. All I had to do was flash freeze all of the detonators and... poof, no more explosion. I wouldn't worry too much, you'll be able to retrieve your explosives and use them again. Same goes for the detonators once they've been thawed out." Python replied, sounding a little boastful. He then wiped his forehead, "It sure is hot in here."
"Python... So you were alive all this time? And what happened to your body?!" Harry asked, trying to figure out what had happened to his old friend.
"It has been a long time, hasn't it Harry?" Python had to take a moment to think. "When did we take part in that campaign in Lustria? It feels like it's been several decades. We were so very young back then."
"It's been a few centuries, Python. Remember, hardly anyone dies of old age on this world." Harry remembered the Lustria campaign clearly. "Samgon had sent his Outer Heaven forces to take Lustria and enslave the Lizardmen. He had sent some of his best commanders to take charge of the campaign and we'd been teamed up to take them down.
"And I remember when we were on the Island of Blood. We met when we were at the same place, I'd been tasked with taking down an Orc Commander and you were trying to get intel off of him." Python then let out a slight chuckle. "We almost came to blows then."
"I remember. Thankfully, we were able to sort out the problem, weren't we?" Harry replied. He then brought the conversation back to the present. "Anyway, what happened to you? I thought you'd been killed on our last mission together in Lustria."
"Yes, I was." Python said slowly. "At one point, I was within an inch of death. My body lost the ability to regulate its own temperature. That's why I wear this suit and have pins in my heads. If left unchecked, my body temperature would continuously rise until it burnt up." Python continued talking with a mix of resentment and amazement. "Without this suit filled with liquid nitrogen and reinforced by wizarding spells like the freezing spell and some other strengthening spells, I couldn't live for more than... half a day." Python glared at Harry. "I've also realised that with this suit, I've become a superior soldier." Python then appeared to relax and let off more cool mist. Harry raised his wand and drew his tranquilliser pistol and pointed both of them at Python. "Look at this stage I control, Harry! Hand to hand combat won't work with me..."
"Python... why? You're a good man! Why join Gene's rebellion?" Harry asked, wondering why Python would get himself involved in something like this.
"It's my salvation. Harry, they're afraid of you. The Empire, your Ministry of Magic, even the Chaos gods, they wouldn't have let me lived this long if they weren't. You're a Legend, a hero. You've bested that Voldemort, Samgon. They knew it. That's why they searched for a soldier strong enough to take you down if you ever betrayed them! They chose me. I'm the one man who can break you!" Python took a quick, deep breath. "Ever since I returned to active service, I've been sent to do nothing but wetworks, so as to keep my assassin instincts nice and sharp. Do you remember the faces of those whose lives you've had to take. I do. I have nightmares about them! Nearly every night! They won't leave me alone!"
Whilst Python ranted, Harry began to mouth silently to Johnathan and the other two members of his squad who were still with him. "You three, gather the explosives and return them to the truck. Then, assuming I haven't been killed, come to check up on me." Johnathan opened his mouth to argue but he was pre-empted by Harry. "Don't Argue! Do Not Get Involved!" Johnathan reluctantly nodded and he and the two squad members began picking up the deactivated explosives from the floor and left the room to pick up those from the basement.
"I've spilled too much blood now to ever make amends. THE NIGHTMARES END TODAY!" Python said as his rant began to draw to a close, raising his rifle and aiming it at Harry..
"Python, don't!" Harry pleaded with his old friend, hoping to avoid a potentially deadly fight.
"I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. The day we would face each other on the battlefield as enemies! Harry, after I've killed you, my purpose will be fulfilled. LET'S GO!"
Harry struck first, not intending to allow Python a moment to get his bearings. He fired off a stunning spell at Python, hoping to end the fight quickly but Harry was surprised when the spell impacted Python and did little more than sting him rather than knock him out instant. He then fired off a tranquilliser dart and Python seemed a bit more bothered by it, letting off a steam-like mist from the pins in his head. Python countered by firing several bullets at Harry, striking Harry in his left arm and grazing his left leg. He then fired a grenade from the underbarrel of his rifle and Harry had to roll out of the way of its blast radius. Harry momentarily looked to see that the blast let off a mist-like effect, telling Harry that the grenades were filled with liquid nitrogen rather than explosives. The fight continued for several minutes, the battle swinging back and forth between Harry and Python, the pair of them both looking increasingly exhausted and battered. Occasionally, Python attempted to get close to Harry and Harry jumped away from him, realising that Python intended to render his wand and his weapons useless, even if temporarily. Despite a closely fought battle, Harry decisively gained the upper hand over Python, sending a flurry of spells and tranquiliser darts which Python couldn't withstand. Python attempted to turn the tide of the battle back in his favour, wounding Harry a few additional time but the wounds were light, barely fazing Harry. Harry then sent a banishing charm towards Python, sending Python flying backwards and onto his back, ending the battle and leaving both combatants panting for breath. Harry put his pistol away, no longer seeing a need to use it at that moment.
"Amazing... Harry... I can see why they're all afraid of you. Now I won't have to take another life. It looks like I got my salvation after all." Python said, clearly unable to even sit up. His suit was a little torn up and it was beginning to leak liquid nitrogen.
"That's enough, Python." Harry said calmly. "No more talking." Harry then suddenly knelt down next to Python and, with a wave of his wand, was able to repair most of the damage on Python's suit. However there was still one major tear that refused to be repaired despite Harry trying with his wand. Therefore, Harry saw one option left to try and repair the damage. He put his wand away and attempted to seal the tear with his own hands.
"What are you doing?!" Python asked with shock.
"I'm trying to keep the liquid nitrogen from leaking out of your suit." Harry said as his arms began to freeze up from being in contact with the liquid nitrogen.
"Don't do it! You can't! Your arms will freeze solid before-" Python protested but before he could protest anymore, Harry cut him off.
"Same old Python. The going gets rough and Python gets all hot under the collar." Harry said faux mockingly.
"What?!" Python was confused as to what Harry meant.
"You still owe me money from our last poker game. I can't have you dying on me yet." Harry said, earning a laugh from Python.
"And here I am, still watching your ass!" Python managed to get off his back, grabbed one of Harry's wrists and took it away from the tear in his suit. "Remember this...Harry. I followed Gene because he promised redemption but soldiers like me, like you... we won't find redemption in the good of a nation or a government or the hatred of an enemy. Soldiers need a hero. They need a person for whom they will happily give their lives. Could you bear the burden of knowing that you hold the lives of your men, your allies, in your hands. If not, you'll never beat Gene."
Harry stood up and then pulled Python up on to his feet. "You do know that I'm in charge of the WSF, right? Started it, even?" He asked Python.
"I know. I know you though and I know you flinch at the thought of anyone dying for you or your beliefs. You accept death will happen but you flinch all the same." Python replied. "You'd much rather take the bullet than let anyone else do the same."
"Come on, let's get out of here." Harry said to Python as he helped the man walk out of the room.
As they walked out of the room, Johnathan and two other soldiers returned to check on Harry. "Harry, you're ok?!" Johnathan asked.
"I've been worse." Harry replied nonchalantly. He winced though as he felt his body begin to ache. As he helped get Python back to the truck, Harry realised that there was still a lingering issue that needed to be dealt with. "Python, do you know where the warheads are around here? We need to stop Gene from using them!"
Python shook his head. "I don't know where they are now but they're not here. They were moved out of here days ago."
"Damn!" Harry cursed. Harry then began receiving a call from Roy on his radio. "Roy, I've got bad news..."
Harry was cut off by Roy interrupting him. "Don't worry about that now; just try and get back as soon as possible! Gene's forces have begun attacking our bases and we need everyone to man the defences!" Just then, Harry could hear a loud bang and the creaking of metal.
"Understood Roy." Harry replied before ending the transmission. When they reached the truck, Harry loudly spoke to his squad. "We're moving out! We're under attack and we need to return to our bases as soon as possible!" When they entered the truck, Harry spoke to Johnathan, "Johnathan, I need you to take some of the squad and reinforce Kurt at the fortress. I'll take the rest of us back to our harbour base and defend there. I'll give you a call if anything else needs to be discussed."
"Yes Harry." Johnathan replied calmly before he faltered slightly. "Do you think Natalia's alright?"
"I sure hope so. I hope she got back already and is helping out." Harry replied. He wasn't entirely sure what was happening but he knew that time was of the essence.
Indeed, as they began to near the fortress base, they could all hear the sound of artillery in the distance and hear the roars of plane engines.
A/N- I didn't think I was going to get this chapter out this quickly but I was finding two of my other projects starting to drag a bit and this was one of two chapters I've written that helped me get past it. (The other was Orc Empire: Remembrances in Tales of the Multiverse.)
Anyway, until next time, I hope you have enjoyed this chapter and please review.