fissionmailed | 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?}

Curiosity killed the cat

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