|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
Frequently Bought Together
Product Details
|
Product Description
Product Description
This explosive Metal Gear Solid novel ventures beyond the thrilling videogame and delves into the dark heart of Solid Snake’s world!
Highly skilled former FOXHOUND agent Solid Snake is called out of retirement to do what he does best–neutralize a crisis of epic proportions. A deadly team of renegade FOXHOUND operatives has taken over the nuclear disposal facility on Shadow Moses Island in the icy Aleutians. If their demands aren’t met, a powerful, top-secret weapon will be unleashed upon the world.
Solid Snake’s mission is to breach the heavily fortified base to rescue hostages and to destroy the superweapon. His only obstacles are brainwashed commandos, DNA-enhanced troops, and six first-rate killers with extraordinary abilities. All alone in hostile territory, armed with nothing but his wits, Snake has only a snowball’s chance in hell of taking out his target and keeping nuclear nightfall from descending on the earth.
But nothing is as it seems. Somebody is hiding something. Somebody has a hidden agenda. And somebody wants Snake to learn secrets about his dark past–secrets that would shake any man to his core.
Highly skilled former FOXHOUND agent Solid Snake is called out of retirement to do what he does best–neutralize a crisis of epic proportions. A deadly team of renegade FOXHOUND operatives has taken over the nuclear disposal facility on Shadow Moses Island in the icy Aleutians. If their demands aren’t met, a powerful, top-secret weapon will be unleashed upon the world.
Solid Snake’s mission is to breach the heavily fortified base to rescue hostages and to destroy the superweapon. His only obstacles are brainwashed commandos, DNA-enhanced troops, and six first-rate killers with extraordinary abilities. All alone in hostile territory, armed with nothing but his wits, Snake has only a snowball’s chance in hell of taking out his target and keeping nuclear nightfall from descending on the earth.
But nothing is as it seems. Somebody is hiding something. Somebody has a hidden agenda. And somebody wants Snake to learn secrets about his dark past–secrets that would shake any man to his core.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
1
SOME YEARS AGO
Dr. Clark quietly reentered the Visiting Chamber, stood still behind the U.S. president and General Jim Houseman, and listened to them whisper. The two men were transfixed in front of the observation window that overlooked the operating theater.
“Is she in pain?” the president asked.
“I thought she was supposed to be sedated,” the general replied. “Now they’re blocking our view, damn it.”
“What’s happening?” the president asked. “Can you see?”
“Do not be alarmed, Mister President.” Dr. Clark’s seductive and eloquent voice echoed in the chamber, startling the president.
“Oh! You gave me a start, Doctor,” the gray-haired politician said. It always had struck Clark that the president was a very nervous type when he wasn’t in front of a camera. She rather enjoyed scaring the poor man; that was ironic because she was a woman, albeit a woman with a commanding presence and powerful charisma.
Clark stepped closer, out of the shadows, and addressed them. “I apologize, Mister President. I thought you were aware I was behind you.”
The president laughed nervously. “It must be because we’re down here so far underground. I guess I’m a little claustrophobic.”
General Houseman said, “We’ll get you back up to the surface as soon as you want to go, Mister President.” Clark noted that the general didn’t look too pleased to be there either.
“Is she giving birth?” the president asked.
“She’s been in labor for a long time,” Clark answered. “It’ll be very soon, I’m sure.”
The president squeamishly turned away from the window and waved his hand around the chamber, indicating the hundreds of stalactites on the limestone ceiling. “Do any of those things ever fall?”
“They’re thousands of years old, Mister President,” Clark replied. “They won’t fall on their own, I can assure you of that. And the likelihood of an earthquake occurring in the southeastern corner of New Mexico is quite remote.” Her voice reverberated with upper-class sophistication and the timbre of a Shakespearean actress.
The president nodded. “I know. It’s just amazing to think that on the other side of that cavern wall is one of America’s most popular national parks. Hundreds of tourists pour through it every day.”
Carlsbad area was perfect for the project. I’m in debt to your predecessor for backing it.”
The president tilted his head and said, “You know, Doctor, I inherited this project. Tell me how you got established in this facility.”
Clark smiled. “Ever since the caverns were discovered, there were many caves not open to the public. Caves just sitting here, available to the government. I believe the first time this cavern was used by the government was during World War II. The Roosevelt administration built a safe house here in case America was attacked. Since then, it’s been used for a number of research projects.” Clark glanced at the general. “Most of them military in nature.”
“I see.”
“We took it over in the mid-sixties.” The president turned back to the window. “Well, is the project finally going to succeed?” he asked. “This is, what, the ninth try?”
“Have faith, Mister President,” Dr. Clark said. “I corrected the genetic code in the last batch. I also made sure that the surrogate mother possessed certain genetic latches, if you will, that could connect with those of Big Boss.”
The president shook his head in amazement. “I still can’t believe you have so many samples of his cells. What did he think you were going to do with them?”
“The man knew only that he was sterile and couldn’t produce children. He was unaware of our undertaking here,” Dr. Clark said.
“The Les Enfants Terribles project.”
“Correct. We extracted the cells when Big Boss was in surgery, when he was wounded in the last war. The Pentagon gave strict orders that he was not to know about the project’s outcome—whether or not we succeeded. Although, knowing Big Boss, I wouldn’t be surprised if he has learned about it by now. The security surrounding our activities has not always been ideal.”
“The security has been the best the U.S. government can supply,” Houseman countered. “You know that, Doctor.”
Dr. Clark went on without acknowledging the military man’s defensive remark. “We reproduced the cells through analog cloning and the Super Baby Method, fertilized them into an ovum, as you know, and then implanted the fetuses into the mother.”
“Does she know she’s going to give birth to eight babies?” the president asked.
Dr. Clark corrected him. “She’s not giving birth to all eight. Only two. Six of the fetuses were aborted months ago so that we could encourage the growth of the other two.”
“So she’s going to give birth to just twins; is that it?”
“That’s precisely it. But not exactly.”
“What do you mean?”
“There will be certain genetic differences in the two children. It was the only way we could succeed, as you know.”
“So does that mean one’s going to be better than the other? I thought they were supposed to be exactly the same.”
Clark shook her head. “Mister President, one will not be better than the other. But it’s entirely possible that one will possess more dominant genes than his brother. But it’s nothing to worry about.”
Some new activity behind the glass drew their attention back to the operating arena. All of a sudden, the sterility of the bright room intensified. It was as if the shine on the stainless-steel surgical equipment had imbued the space with artificial energy as the doctors and nurses surrounded the table containing the writhing female patient.
The steel door behind the observers slid open. A nurse entered and announced, “Doctor, they’re ready for you.”
Clark acknowledged her. “Thanks. I’ll be right there.”
“Is she giving birth?” the president asked.
“Mister President, I must go deliver two strong baby boys.”
The president stuck out his hand. “Look, Doctor Clark, this isn’t something I particularly want to watch. I need to get back to Washington. It’s good to see you.”
Clark feigned surprise, but she had expected the president’s prudish behavior. She shook the man’s hand and asked, “Are you certain? We could have a meal later before you depart.”
“Thanks, Doctor, but I must decline. To tell you the truth, this place gives me the creeps. Thank you for making us aware of the imminent, uhm, births. By the way—do I get the pick of the litter?”
“I beg your pardon, Mister President.”
“You know one of those . . . things . . . she’s giving birth to will belong to us. I’d like to pick which kid belongs to us, that’s all.”
“You have that right.” Clark held up her hands and laughed good-naturedly. “I have nothing to do whatsoever with the politics behind the project.”
The president nodded, satisfied. “All right, then I want the one you said has dominant genes. It’s got to have an advantage over the other one.”
Clark was astounded by the man’s ignorance. She reminded him, “There’s no guarantee. But I shall do as you ask, Mister President. Now I must get inside before . . .”
The president of the United States said, “Good-bye, Doctor. And good luck. Please keep me informed.” He looked at General Houseman and said, “Let’s go.”
As the president and his escort walked away from the observation window and toward the cavern’s reinforced steel door, Dr. Clark rushed back to join the drama that was unfolding in the operating theater.
It was terribly exciting. Finally, after several attempts, her efforts would bear fruit in the form of two live babies cloned from the genetic makeup of the most powerful fighting man the world had ever known, the legendary soldier Big Boss.
As Clark washed her hands, snapped on gloves, and entered the operating theater, she wondered what would become of the remaining supply of Big Boss’s cells. Only a few trusted assistants had access to them. Would the president and his military cronies forget that there were some left?
Dr. Clark was thrilled by the possibilities. Perhaps there could be another birthing procedure—should the need arise.
SOME YEARS AGO
Dr. Clark quietly reentered the Visiting Chamber, stood still behind the U.S. president and General Jim Houseman, and listened to them whisper. The two men were transfixed in front of the observation window that overlooked the operating theater.
“Is she in pain?” the president asked.
“I thought she was supposed to be sedated,” the general replied. “Now they’re blocking our view, damn it.”
“What’s happening?” the president asked. “Can you see?”
“Do not be alarmed, Mister President.” Dr. Clark’s seductive and eloquent voice echoed in the chamber, startling the president.
“Oh! You gave me a start, Doctor,” the gray-haired politician said. It always had struck Clark that the president was a very nervous type when he wasn’t in front of a camera. She rather enjoyed scaring the poor man; that was ironic because she was a woman, albeit a woman with a commanding presence and powerful charisma.
Clark stepped closer, out of the shadows, and addressed them. “I apologize, Mister President. I thought you were aware I was behind you.”
The president laughed nervously. “It must be because we’re down here so far underground. I guess I’m a little claustrophobic.”
General Houseman said, “We’ll get you back up to the surface as soon as you want to go, Mister President.” Clark noted that the general didn’t look too pleased to be there either.
“Is she giving birth?” the president asked.
“She’s been in labor for a long time,” Clark answered. “It’ll be very soon, I’m sure.”
The president squeamishly turned away from the window and waved his hand around the chamber, indicating the hundreds of stalactites on the limestone ceiling. “Do any of those things ever fall?”
“They’re thousands of years old, Mister President,” Clark replied. “They won’t fall on their own, I can assure you of that. And the likelihood of an earthquake occurring in the southeastern corner of New Mexico is quite remote.” Her voice reverberated with upper-class sophistication and the timbre of a Shakespearean actress.
The president nodded. “I know. It’s just amazing to think that on the other side of that cavern wall is one of America’s most popular national parks. Hundreds of tourists pour through it every day.”
Carlsbad area was perfect for the project. I’m in debt to your predecessor for backing it.”
The president tilted his head and said, “You know, Doctor, I inherited this project. Tell me how you got established in this facility.”
Clark smiled. “Ever since the caverns were discovered, there were many caves not open to the public. Caves just sitting here, available to the government. I believe the first time this cavern was used by the government was during World War II. The Roosevelt administration built a safe house here in case America was attacked. Since then, it’s been used for a number of research projects.” Clark glanced at the general. “Most of them military in nature.”
“I see.”
“We took it over in the mid-sixties.” The president turned back to the window. “Well, is the project finally going to succeed?” he asked. “This is, what, the ninth try?”
“Have faith, Mister President,” Dr. Clark said. “I corrected the genetic code in the last batch. I also made sure that the surrogate mother possessed certain genetic latches, if you will, that could connect with those of Big Boss.”
The president shook his head in amazement. “I still can’t believe you have so many samples of his cells. What did he think you were going to do with them?”
“The man knew only that he was sterile and couldn’t produce children. He was unaware of our undertaking here,” Dr. Clark said.
“The Les Enfants Terribles project.”
“Correct. We extracted the cells when Big Boss was in surgery, when he was wounded in the last war. The Pentagon gave strict orders that he was not to know about the project’s outcome—whether or not we succeeded. Although, knowing Big Boss, I wouldn’t be surprised if he has learned about it by now. The security surrounding our activities has not always been ideal.”
“The security has been the best the U.S. government can supply,” Houseman countered. “You know that, Doctor.”
Dr. Clark went on without acknowledging the military man’s defensive remark. “We reproduced the cells through analog cloning and the Super Baby Method, fertilized them into an ovum, as you know, and then implanted the fetuses into the mother.”
“Does she know she’s going to give birth to eight babies?” the president asked.
Dr. Clark corrected him. “She’s not giving birth to all eight. Only two. Six of the fetuses were aborted months ago so that we could encourage the growth of the other two.”
“So she’s going to give birth to just twins; is that it?”
“That’s precisely it. But not exactly.”
“What do you mean?”
“There will be certain genetic differences in the two children. It was the only way we could succeed, as you know.”
“So does that mean one’s going to be better than the other? I thought they were supposed to be exactly the same.”
Clark shook her head. “Mister President, one will not be better than the other. But it’s entirely possible that one will possess more dominant genes than his brother. But it’s nothing to worry about.”
Some new activity behind the glass drew their attention back to the operating arena. All of a sudden, the sterility of the bright room intensified. It was as if the shine on the stainless-steel surgical equipment had imbued the space with artificial energy as the doctors and nurses surrounded the table containing the writhing female patient.
The steel door behind the observers slid open. A nurse entered and announced, “Doctor, they’re ready for you.”
Clark acknowledged her. “Thanks. I’ll be right there.”
“Is she giving birth?” the president asked.
“Mister President, I must go deliver two strong baby boys.”
The president stuck out his hand. “Look, Doctor Clark, this isn’t something I particularly want to watch. I need to get back to Washington. It’s good to see you.”
Clark feigned surprise, but she had expected the president’s prudish behavior. She shook the man’s hand and asked, “Are you certain? We could have a meal later before you depart.”
“Thanks, Doctor, but I must decline. To tell you the truth, this place gives me the creeps. Thank you for making us aware of the imminent, uhm, births. By the way—do I get the pick of the litter?”
“I beg your pardon, Mister President.”
“You know one of those . . . things . . . she’s giving birth to will belong to us. I’d like to pick which kid belongs to us, that’s all.”
“You have that right.” Clark held up her hands and laughed good-naturedly. “I have nothing to do whatsoever with the politics behind the project.”
The president nodded, satisfied. “All right, then I want the one you said has dominant genes. It’s got to have an advantage over the other one.”
Clark was astounded by the man’s ignorance. She reminded him, “There’s no guarantee. But I shall do as you ask, Mister President. Now I must get inside before . . .”
The president of the United States said, “Good-bye, Doctor. And good luck. Please keep me informed.” He looked at General Houseman and said, “Let’s go.”
As the president and his escort walked away from the observation window and toward the cavern’s reinforced steel door, Dr. Clark rushed back to join the drama that was unfolding in the operating theater.
It was terribly exciting. Finally, after several attempts, her efforts would bear fruit in the form of two live babies cloned from the genetic makeup of the most powerful fighting man the world had ever known, the legendary soldier Big Boss.
As Clark washed her hands, snapped on gloves, and entered the operating theater, she wondered what would become of the remaining supply of Big Boss’s cells. Only a few trusted assistants had access to them. Would the president and his military cronies forget that there were some left?
Dr. Clark was thrilled by the possibilities. Perhaps there could be another birthing procedure—should the need arise.
Inside This Book
(Learn More)
Suggested Tags from Similar Products(What's this?)Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product)
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
|
There are no customer reviews yet on Amazon.ca
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
3.6 out of 5 stars (47 customer reviews)
35 of 39 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not so solid..., Aug 2 2008
By Average Joe - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Metal Gear Solid (Paperback)
I got this for my birthday as a gift after wanting it forever. Once I picked up and started to read even within the first few chapters I was greatly disappointed. Two big flaws bothered me throughout the book which were he either changed things (mostly for the worse) or made Snake or other characters say or do things TOTALLY out of character.In the book when Snake is "sneaking" and by sneaking I mean going Rambo all over the place. He's suppose to slip in unnoticed yet the author has him killing off every guard left and right. Sometimes it seems or a lot of times the author writes Snake going out of his way to kill guards which is totally out of character. Plus some of the cheese ball lines Snake delivers either make me cringe or laugh they are so bad, such as Snake yelling, "Merry Christmas" and then punching both guards in the face, knocking them out. Then having the nerve to write in, "Oh I forgot to mention, Christmas came early this year."
It's very weird, as by the time you get to the tank hangar he's killed like 6 or 7 guards. And when they mention another intruder (aka the cyborg ninja) that did 3 guards and is using stealth, Snake thinks to himself *What, I've killed more than 3 guards must be another guy*, which is poor writing and logic, because they only could have found 3 bodies, it would have been better if he only did one guard in or none.
Another line worth mentioning that is so out of character and just sounds ridiculous is when Snake says to Colonel over codec after meeting Meryl: "Your niece is one wacky babe." Word for word, I groaned...And literally smacked my forehead it was so bad.
The writing I just felt overall wasn't very good or flattering to the subject matter. The way the author describes things was very strange and not very in depth. The way he relates Snake and Liquid's fight on top of REX to a boxing match was just plain bad among others. Also the unnecessary changes like the heliport being inside? Why? What did we gain from that alteration? Or having no catwalks in the REX hangar, or the rex fight not taking place where it did in the game. The way he finds the cigarettes on site instead of smuggling them in in his stomach. Little things like that make me as a huge MGS fan upset. And they overall make the book that much weaker. I'm not sure the author did his homework. The only thing I wanted to do after reading this was to show I could write a better novel.
I recommend steering clear or reading only if you want to see how badly the great story of MGS could be written.
I wanted to slap myself in the forehead most of the time or rewrite what I was reading. As a long time MGS fan I was greatly let down. The only thing good about this book is when you are done with it.
22 of 24 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Solid Novelization (Sorry... Irresistable Pun.), May 27 2008
By Cory John Stoker - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Metal Gear Solid (Paperback)
Let me start by saying that I am a fan of the game, but more importantly I'm a massive fan of the story spun in the game's universe. I'll try to be objective about the material though, that way anyone unfamiliar with the Metal Gear franchise won't feel left out.Metal Gear Solid is your basic story of an underdog against incredible odds. It's a spy story with all the trappings of the genre... add in a bit of the supernatural, and a good dose of idiosyncratic humor and you've got a good idea what you're going in to.
The protagonist, codenamed Solid Snake, is a thirty-three year old life-long soldier living comfortably in secluded retirement until a special operations team comes to break the peace. Snake is quickly brought to a mobile command center on board a sub and told about a group of terrorist led by his former unit (FoxHound).
Foxhound, led by Liquid Snake, has taken over Shadow Moses island. Shadow Moses is a nuclear disposal facility, and a secret base for testing advanced weaponry. Foxhound has nukes, and soon enough they will have the ability to launch them. What do they want? The remains of the world's greatest soldier, a man killed years before by Solid Snake. And that's just the beginning of the labyrinthine plot, and only a gloss over what is REALLY going on.
There are elements of the labors of Hercules as Snake fights his way through the base and the special members of Foxhound. Members like Sniper Wolf, the worlds greatest sniper. Vulcan Raven, a gigantic shaman. Revolver Ocelot, an expert marksman with a taste for six shooters. Psycho Mantis, a telekinetic and telepathic sadist. And Decoy Octopus, the world's greatest master of disguise. There's also a mysterious Cyborg Ninja with ties to Snake's past who may be friend or foe.
To end before I go off on too much of a tangent, the story will keep you riveted as long as you don't mind suspending a little bit of disbelief.
To those who have played the game, and know the story, but still may want this: Get it, the author does great justice to the material, and there are a few inside references that show that he did indeed play the game before sitting down to write.
Literature it isn't, but it's a damn good read to kill a few hours with.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Bringing The Video Game To The Novel... A Great Move!, April 23 2009
By Christopher - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Metal Gear Solid (Paperback)
I bought a copy of this book at Borders and I have to say the author did a good job of putting the piece of the video game into a novel together. When you open the book, you will be amazed of Mr. Benson's imagination of what was not included in the game or if Snake encounters a boss. When that happens, the author creates his own image and includes specific details on how the story is laid out. This book will keep your entertained and when I started reading it, I didn't want to put the book down! Benson also changes the dialogue a little bit (probably for copyright reasons) to a more modern one. There is a few swearing in the book that was not mentioned in the game and a lot more insight of the characters. If you are a Metal Gear Solid fan, get this book! Get the second one too when it comes out!
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
