fissionmailed | Curiosity killed the cat

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Current Location: 1st floor office

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livingherdream

Curiosity killed the cat

[Zanzibar!Big Boss was currently sitting in his office. His long legs were outstretched and his hands were clasped together neatly. The ticking of the clock on his wall was the only sound that could be heard next to his heavy breathing.]

[He had just recieved an annonymous e-mail. One containing blueprints for what looked to be a fully designed and completed Metal Gear.]

[Whether or not this was dumb luck or someone was actually working for him without his knowledge went over his head entirely, but he had to think about how he was going to use this information, and how to keep it hidden from prying eyes.]

[He knew he would have to discuss it with Fox. Perhaps his young Doctor Emmerich, too. Both of their opinions mattered to him, especially considering how loyal they both were to him. If the blueprints were genuine and flawless, they could get onto building it right away.]

[Big Boss puffed on his cigar for a long while, idly peppering smoke out between his lips now and again.]

_{((ooc: Open to everyone.))}

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[Fox proceeds towards his Big Boss' office, his work done down in the hangar for today. A thorough report was to be handed in to the man and he has it already filled out and tucked in an unmarked manila envelope under his arm. A full inventory of weaponry, rations, ammo, explosives -- everything they would need to defend what is theirs. More than enough to arm over one-hundred guards currently; should they find the recruits, at least.]

[...Not that Fox himself wasn't a one man army, of course.]

[He approaches the door to the office and raps his knuckles against it three times, standing silently at attention.]

[As soon as the knock was heard, Big Boss shut down the monitor of his computer should it be one of those pesky Snakes attempting to figure him out. He was not in the right frame of mind to be dealing with them. Not down to a mood, of course, but more out of perplexity. He honestly could not conjure up the thought of who might have sent the blueprints.]

[He planted his large hands down on the desk to lift his weight and strolled leisurely towards the door, opening it out. He had a weapon stowed in his breast pocket should his guest be someone unwanted.]

... [His single eye softened.] Frank. Just the man I wanted to see.

[The use of his name causes Fox to relax; Big Boss seems to be in a good mood. He approaches the man's desk, stands at attention and salutes before holding out the envelope to him.]

Sir. I've taken inventory of what we have stockpiled. I've procured a number of Nikita missiles recently, they have been included in the count I have completed. Should there be any discrepancies with my work, do not hesitate to bring them to my attention.

[Even so, his distraction of his work seems to put a rift between them. He can see Fox moving his lips, but the words aren't quite going into his head.]

[He pressed his index finger to Frank's lips.]

Come inside. I have something to show you.

[He gestured for the younger man to close the door behind him, and approached his desk.] Lock it as well. I don't wish for prying eyes to catch sight of what I've found.

[Fox immediately falls silent as the man's finger rests on his lips, effectively hushing him. He nods and crosses to the door, closing it and locking it before returning to the desk. He moves around to the other side, standing beside his commander as he regards the currently blank monitor.]

What it is, Sir?

[The older man turned the monitor on as he sat his heavy weight down in his chair. He huffed out a bit, waiting for the screen to turn on.]

[He tapped the screen with his finger, and then gazed up at Frank. He spoke in a hushed voice.] Do these look genuine to you?

[The blueprints were indeed genuine, but Big Boss wanted a second opinion to clarify.]

[Fox moves in closer, perching on the arm of his father's chair as he looks to the screen. He draws the keyboard in closer, zooming in on areas and going over the data in his head. Robotics and engineering, although not subjects Fox was ever formally educated in, he'd kept quite the interest in them over the years. From tanks to Metal Gears, understanding how they worked proved to be fascinating.]

[Metal Gear D was the first model Fox was privileged enough to pilot himself. He learned to manually control it, learned how to repair it and keep it in working order -- these blueprints aren't for a Metal Gear like D, but clearly something far more advanced.]

It would seem so... Where did you find such a thing?

Edited 2009-11-18 00:46 (UTC)

[Blueprints for something as unique and advanced as REX would indeed look advanced in comparison.]

[Big Boss leaned back in his seat, steepling his fingers together.]

An annonymous tip. Someone e-mailed it to me.

[He smirked, turning the monitor off and gazed up at Fox, taking hold of the envelope that the younger man had collected together.] Our plans are finally coming to fruition. I assume that you have already guessed, but... I would like very much for you to be the pilot of this Metal Gear, Fox.

[The feeling that wells up in Fox's chest is difficult to explain. This isn't the first time Big Boss has asked him to pilot a Metal Gear yet hearing the man say those words, it fills the soldier with a sense of belonging. A sort of confirmation that the older man wants him; that he's needed, he's useful in the man's plight. Fox steadily exhales, managing to nod in response.]

Yes, Sir. I-- [He pauses, a sudden sense of guilt rising from his core. He doesn't deserve this honour, not after he so carelessly let the man's life slip away. He swallows and turns his head to the side.]

...Are you certain I am the best man for this job?

Frank...

I wouldn't trust anyone else to perform to standards other than you. You are the perfect choice for this job.

[And it wasn't just spoken words. He truly meant them. His trust was limited, but all placed into Fox. That was more than enough reason for him.]

[He placed his hand on Frank's shoulder, squeezing.] You can't hold any doubt. I need to know you will be entirely focused on the mission.

[Fox closes his eyes, bowing his head.]

I wasn't able to protect you... I hesitated, I acted unprofessionally. Although I am honoured you would select me for this duty... I do not believe I have atoned for my negligence.

...

Fox.

[Big Boss rose to his feet and clasped his large hands against his son's shoulders. He squeezed them both, a stern expression piercing from his single eye.]

That was the past. I need you for the future. I need you.

What occured was out of your hands. You cannot be at my heels permenantly. You were not around for what had happened. It was out of your control, and my stupid faith in believing that he would not stoop to a level so low.

[He shakes his head.] Ignore the past, and concentrate on the future.

[Fox remains silent, eyes cast down as the older man speaks. He breathes slowly, taking in Jack's words. Although the man believes it wasn't his fault, Fox still feels he must shoulder the blame. He let his own father die and he cursed out his corpse in a disrespectful manner. Whether or not Big Boss bear witness to him doing so is irrelevant, it still happened.]

[Yet, the man claims to need him. He slowly lifts his head, his gaze meeting his commander's. The only way to atone for his sins is to continue to serve.]

I will do my absolute best for you.

I know you will.

[Big Boss smiled warmly, before settling himself down at his desk once more. He plied open the envelope, taking out the list of equipment that Fox had compiled. His eyebrows arched, clearly pleased.]

_{My... You have certainly been busy, haven't you?}

[Somewhere in the nexus, Snake senses a disturbance in the force.]

[You want this, don't you? The hate is swelling in you now. Take your weapon. Use it. I am unarmed. Strike me down with it. Give in to your anger~]

[Only if you stay dead >(]

[Hal knocks on your door. In his backpack are some books, and his laptop.]

[As he had done for Fox, Big Boss turned off his monitor, should the intruder be someone he distrusts.]

Come in.

Big Boss, Sir? [He peers inside.] It's me.

[Hal looks distinctly happy right now.] H-how have you been?

Hal...

[Big Boss feels his expression soften.] Come. Come in.

[He shifts away from his desk, waiting for the younger man to enter.] I have been well. Thank you for asking.

How about you? You looked very pale when I saw you last.

[Hal enters the office, taking off his backpack, and waits for permission to sit down.] I'm glad.

Uhm, I... I've been well, sir. [He smiles, a bit touched by Big Boss's concern.] I haven't b-been out of the library too much these days, t-though. Busy working.

[Big Boss gestures to his desk, giving indication for Hal to take a seat.]

I'm glad to hear that. We can't have you ill now...

Hmm... Now that you mention work, I would like you to have a look at these blueprints. [He turned the monitor around to show Hal.]

I'm unsure what to make of them. Perhaps you could judge them.

[He seats, his attention on the monitor now.]

Is this...? [His first reaction at seeing the blueprints and recognizing what they are is... sadness. In a rational level, of course he knew he would just do the external designing. He's not knowledgeable enough to do anything deeper than that. But still...] I-I see.

[Hal pushes aside the feeling of failure, and starts analysing the blueprints, focused. He's going to do this at least right.]

[John relaxes in his seat, contemplating that look of failure on Hal's face. He had seen the same expression on Frank's face.]

...

[He reached up, cupping Hal's cheek. He brushed his thumb along his cheekbone.] This came to me annonymously. But there are some aspects of your blueprints I prefer. Perhaps if you find a way to incorperate them both together, taking the best of both parts...

What do you think?

[He closes his eyes for a second. The caress does make him feel marginally better, and so does the reassurance. He sighs:] I-I'd need some time to analyse it in a d-deeper way.

[It's just, he's not enough. And the Nexus being how it is, he doesn't know if he'll ever be enough. But he has to stay professional for Big Boss, right?] But, the first thing I spot... Uhm. S-see the cockpit? [he points at it, careful not to touch the screen.] It's completely armoured. That's both an advantage and a problem.

[He slips his fingers through Hal's hair slowly, soothingly stroking him.] I can print you out a copy... or I will give you the passwords to my computer so you may access it at any time.

The cockpit? Hmm... How would it be a problem?

B-both would be okay. [Hal smiles a bit, just a bit. He doesn't want to fail you, ever.] W-whatever you prefer.

Uhm. T-the armor, it protects the pilot, but doesn't let them see outside. They'd have to rely on the robot's system to pilot it.

You have to promise that you won't give the passwords to anyone, or show anyone the blueprints. I need your trust.

[He clasped his hand on Hal's back with a smile.] Hmm. Perhaps change the material of the cockpit. Not glass, but something to enable them to view the outside to see what they are doing... But something that will protect them should something be able to penetrate it.

I swear! [He nods immediately. Big Boss's faith in him is so important to Hal...] P-please, trust me!

That's a good idea... I'll look f-for a suitable material. Maybe the kind that's used in the cockpit of rockets? It's such a shame transparent aluminium doesn't exist...

[He pushes his glasses.] Another alternative would be just to protect the systems better.

I trust you wholeheartedly. You are an important asset to this project, but also important to me personally.

There are advanced pieces of equipment and technology in this building. Use it to your advantage.

...Rockets... That may work.

[Big Boss contemplated it further, and then quickly printed out a few copies of the blueprints. He handed them to Hal.] You may use this computer for research, and perhaps Frank will help you find a suitable material.

[That makes his heart swell. He blushes a bit, and internally swears he is going to make the final design, whatever it is, work as perfect as possible. Just "doing his best" won't be enough. He smiles softly.] T-thank you, sir. You have my word, I won't disappoint you.

Thanks... M-may I hook my laptop to it? [He receives the blueprints and nods. Frank intimidates him a lot, but this is for the project.]

I'd l-like to know who did these, though. [He strokes a finger over the lines of the blueprints. It still hurts a bit to know someone else beat him, but they have kind of a familiar sense on them. Though far more complex than anything him could've imagined, at his age.] They're quite awesome.

[Big Boss felt his eye crease as he smiled.] I'm glad I have placed faith in the right person.

Yes. I should think so.

[He stood up from his seat, gesturing for Hal to sit behind the desk to work if he wished.]

Would you believe that it was you? Granted, several years older... But this is what you are capable of, without even realizing it. You have the power to make something as grand as this.

... Me?

[That was... he needs some time to let that fact sink in.] A-an older me did this?

[Slowly, Hal pushes his glasses. Still trying to understand what he is feeling about this.]

[Hal saunters into Big Boss' office, looking quite smug.]

[He closes the door and smirks at the FOXHOUND commander.] Perfect, isn't it?

Sorry for the interruption, but I wanted an audience with you.

[Big Boss tenses when Otacon enters. He slants his single eye, curious as to why he had come into the room without asking.]

Excuse me?

[Hal tilts his head and speaks conversationally.] Actually, my design for REX isn't perfect. The cockpit and the pilot are vulnerable to attack, as the Liquid on my world found out the hard way. You'll have to watch out for that.

As much as I'd love to play mysterious unidentified informant with you for a little longer, I need to ask you for a favor. [He leans forward, eyes intent.] And I’m willing to trade for it.

... Those blueprints. They were yours, Doctor Emmerich?

[Big Boss stroked his beard slowly.] I knew you had it in you to create something so fantastic.

[But something didn't feel right.]

You and I had a very long conversation recently, speaking of how we would agree to disagree on our plans of action. That we are both two very different beings. You believe war should be overcome with peace.

Why are you handing me blueprints?

[The old man cocked a brow.] I don't think you're in any position to offer a trade, doctor.

I remember that conversation. It's why I chose you to send REX's schematics to. Let's just say... I've had a change of heart since we last talked.

[He laughs.] Sure I am. I've thought up a solution around REX's weakness and I'm willing to share it with you. Except a problem has cropped up for me and I need help getting rid of it. It'd hardly be a problem for you, though. In fact, you might even enjoy fulfilling my request.

...Right.

[Big Boss responds slowly, for he's uncertain whether or not to trust this Otacon. His eye remains slanted, but he leans back in his seat to look up at the young doctor.]

What's your problem?

Snake's avoiding me and it's upsetting. Since I lack the strength to actually force him to return to me, I'm asking you to do it. You can bind him, gag him, shackle him, restrain him however you like. All I ask is that you hurt him as little as possible, preferably not at all if it can be avoided. [He reaches into his pocket and pulls out one of the modified SOCOMs he created for Snake, as well as ten rounds for the weapon. He sets everything on Big Boss' desk.] This has been modified to fire tranquilizer rounds. Feel free to use it liberally.

I'll give you my codec number and you can contact me when you've got him. Once he's in my hands, I'll give you the plans for a prototype personal force field I've been working on. It's an electromagnetic field designed to repel anything metal and portable enough that you can outfit it on your chosen pilot for REX. [Hal had gotten the idea from Fortune on the Big Shell and had been in the process of creating a shield generator for Snake before he stepped into the room.] There's a charge time of 30 seconds for every half-hour it's in use, but I figure you can get around that if you use two.

Snake is avoiding you?

[Well that certainly didn't sound right. Big Boss was rapidly finding the humour in the situation, however. He stiffled a chuckle, smirking as he stared at Hal.]

You do realize my motive is to destroy all Snakes, don't you? Asking me of all people to return him to you without harming him is asking too much. Not only that, but my plans aren't ready to reach fruition yet.

Why can't you do it yourself?

[He clasped his hands together, leaning his elbows on the table, intregued by this new development. Perhaps he could put these ideas to the young Hal and Frank.] _{Interesting...}

Yeah. [Hal's calm smooth mask slips for the first time since stepping foot into Big Boss' office. He grits his teeth, clearly irritated.] He's avoiding me because of something I said.

[Then the professionalism returns.] I get that you hate him and want to see him destroyed. But think about it practically. There's going to be a lot of Snakes after you once you start your rampage across the nexus. Taking them all down at once might be disastrous for you. There's always the chance they'll manage to stop you before you reach your goal. A preemptive attack is smarter. Take them out one-by-one first, then put your plan into motion.

Give him to me, and I'll ensure that he stays out of your way. One less Snake for you to worry about.

I can't do it myself because I can't sneak up on him. Even with the stealth camo turned on, he'd know I was coming.

[Hal's counting on the fact that young Hal would never have seen the force field in action and thus would be unable to recreate it.] Well?

Trouble in paradise?

[Big Boss smirked, and shook his head a little. Hal did put forth a very tempting offer. Anything to have Snake suffer a little longer... Though wouldn't keeping Snake away from Otacon be better? If it meant hurting Snake in the long term, that would be an ideal situation.]

Hmm. [He folds his arms tighter across his broad chest, still contemplating the offer further.]

If I find him, I will think about handing him over to you.

I hurt him. But it was necessary. I can't stand competition. [Never mind that the competition was himself.]

[Hal doesn't like the way Big Boss phrased that. He wants an assurance instead of a consideration. But he knows that pushing for more will probably compel Big Boss to not help him.] Good. Snake is mine, a fact that he is too foolish or stubborn to realize right now. [His eyes are bright and there's a bit of a wild look in them.] Maybe he can't stand to see me right now, but he'll come around eventually. He always does.

[Calming down a bit.] My codec number is 141.12. I'll be expecting your call.

I see...

[It was like talking to a completely new, different Hal. But he doesn't press the issue. He sits with his hands clasped over the desk, contemplation stricken on his face.]

He belongs to you, does he? Hmmh.

If you think so.

[Big Boss takes a mental note of that codec.] Alright. I will keep in touch.

[The arrogance is back now.] Oh, no. I don't think so.

I know so.

[He nods in acknowledgment.] Thanks. I appreciate it.

[Then walks out of Big Boss' office, pleased with himself.]

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Curiosity killed the cat

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Nerding FTW

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