Traitors Unite

[unsurpassedjoy.livejournal.com]

The question Snake had asked, while not a particularly unusual or vague question was somewhat difficult to answer. She couldn't tell him about the philosophers, and their connection through that now divided organization. And she doubted that he would accept it if she said she had never met the man, either. It wouldn't make sense, after all, to defect and head right to the base of someone she had never met, taking two nuclear weapons with her.

"We've never met officially or formally. It's hard to remember those things in the middle of a firefight." Voyevoda had, in fact, been on the same battlefield as Volgin on one or two occasions, but they had never exchanged more than a few words.

"Most people can't even remember their own name on a battlefield." That was why the Cobra Unit had taken to emotions as quickly and easily as they had. The rest of the soldiers had little name badges on their uniforms and rank insignia to identify who they were, but the Cobras in battle were the embodiment of their code names, having no identity or existance outside their emotions while the battle raged.

Voyevoda kept track of where they were going, heading in the general direction of the east wing and memorizing the layout of the place as she walked. The East Wing was the most likely place to find the Colonel. Two of his Majors had offices in the area, and the Shagohod, his precious war-machine, was there as well.

If she managed to see a good portion of the east wing without finding the Colonel, she would probably stop one of the soldiers walking around and ask where she could find the massive, electrical officer. But until then she could talk with Jack and familiarize herself with the layout of the base.

Talking about World War II and Colonel Volgin had her remembering those days. Volgin had gone up through the officer ranks very quickly. The Joy honestly couldn't say if it was because of Volgin's father's money and influence, or if the Russians were truly that impressed with the amount of death and destruction the Thunderbolt had inflicted on the germans.

The Colonel's massive form and electrical power made him a force to be reconned with, but The Joy had to wonder if Volgin had ever considered that natural, or in his case, supernatural ability, might not always be enough to win a fight.

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[heartofthunder.livejournal.com]

Volgin stepped out of Krauss' office and paused, trying to collect his thoughts. His schedule was packed tight, and he kept getting interrupted. Some things were just the daily minutiae of various issues that came up while running a base of Groznyj Grad's size, but others were more unusual - like Granin's Cubans, and Krauss.

What had Krauss really wanted, anyway? He frowned. The German had wanted to talk to him, and yet, looking back on it, he couldn't think of anything that they had discussed that was important enough to warrant an invitation. Was it merely wanting to go to Cuba, if Volgin decided to let Granin go?

Yes, he thought after a few moments. He supposed that was it, but still, it seemed...odd.

A motion at the end of the stark white hall caught his attention and he looked up to see the Boss. Behind her trailed her apprentice, the man she'd called Snake.

Volgin frowned.

He hadn't bargained on two defectors at the same time; he'd only been counting on the Boss. Snake was an unknown factor, and as such, made Volgin uncomfortable.

Too much was at stake. They were at a critical juncture of his mission. Someone like Snake, a potential loose cannon, was just too much of a risk being this close to the operation.

At the same time, he was the Boss' apprentice. He could not ask her to get rid of him and hope to keep her goodwill.

Hmm. He would have to ask Ivan, to see if he had any ideas. Perhaps there was a way to simply keep Snake busy, and thus, out of the way.

Volgin came to a halt in the hallway, waiting for the pair to approach. Though he dwarfed the woman known as Voyevoda, she still radiated a presence of both confidence and power. Volgin respected that. She'd earned it.

"Boss," he called to the legendary soldier, but only gave a nod to her apprentice. "How are you liking Gronzyj Grad? Are you finding everything you need?" He usually left it to others to be diplomatic, but with the Boss, he found he honestly cared. She was simply too important to his plans. With her on his side, he knew he could succeed.

[naked-snake.livejournal.com]

As they walked, Snake paid careful attention to everything as they walked by, creating a mental map of the base. He and his mentor garnered quite a few stares from random soldiers, though The Boss seemed to ignore them. Lifting his chin, he did his best to do so as well. For some reason, he always felt like something of a child when in the woman's presence. Like she had risen above things he was still prey to.

So they had met in war. He knew that relationships formed in that sort of situation tended to be held together with something stronger than with any normal acquaintance. Still, did The Boss truly trust the man? Snake found that hard to believe. His lips curled upward at her mention of the lack of a name. He followed that believe as well. At the moment, he was Snake and nothing else. His true name was insignificant.

It wasn't long before they found the very man they'd been searching for--or rather, he found them. Volgin could be recognized from a mile away. A hulking Russian with that trench coat and those scars... Electrical burn?

At the moment, he had to remain in the background. If The Boss initiated a conversation between himself and Volgin, then he could speak, but for now he'd have to let them get their business out of the way. Hopefully the conversation would teach him a bit more about the man.

[unsurpassedjoy.livejournal.com]

The Boss smiled happily at Volgin. She was inwardly amused to hear him calling her 'Boss'.

"Groznyj Grad is quite the impressive fortress, it's in a good strategic location, no doubt you picked it out yourself." The layout of the base seemed like something suited to Volgin's tastes, the location as well.

"Yes I'd like to talk to you about the issue of uniforms, but I believe there are more important manners at hand." She was well aware that Jack hadn't been part of the bargain. The original plan was to dispose of whatever agent had been sent to retrieve Sokolov, but The Boss knew that it would be a waste to sacrifice Jack like that when he still had so much potential.

"I don't believe you've met my student. His name is Snake, and he is by far the best and most loyal student I've ever had." Snake had helped her develop and perfect her CQC, The Joy had actually been searching for someone to turn into her apprentice, the heir to her knowledge and techniques, someone she could teach. After all, teaching is the one true path to learning.

"Snake, this is Colonel Volgin, you may have heard of him referred to as Thunderbolt." She would let him find out that Volgin generated electricity on his own, though she suspected the giant Russian would be glad to demonstrate why he was called Thunderbolt.

[heartofthunder.livejournal.com]

Wine-dark scars pulled into a gruesome rictus as Volgin smiled, actually quite gratified to hear the Boss' words of praise for his fortress. A legend like the Boss would not say such a thing simply as mindless flattery. He got enough of that from Krauss and the other sycophants who just wanted to benefit from his Legacy. They were the ravens who followed the wolf, existing on the scraps that were leftover once the hunter was sated.

"I did pick it out myself," he said. His tone was matter-of-fact, but pleased. "I had a hand in planning every aspect of this fortress. But when it comes to the particulars, I prefer to let experts handle matters in their own area of expertise."

He was speaking about more than just the fortress' construction, of course.

Volgin nodded again, then turned to the Boss' apprentice. "Nice to meet you," he said simply. He was not much of one for formalities, but he looked over Snake appraisingly. They had met unofficially earlier, on the bridge before they'd boarded the helicopter, but Volgin had been distracted by petty things.

Only next to the Boss and her Cobras would Snake be considered green. The man held himself like a trained soldier, shoulders tucked in a slight crouch. Coiled, like his namesake. Ready to strike. No, Volgin was sure Snake had already been blooded by war. He was not an unimpressive specimen.

After a beat, his gaze moved back to Voyevoda. "Now what's this about uniforms? Tell me what it is you need, and I'll make sure you get it."

[naked-snake.livejournal.com]

The Boss' words in reference to Groznyj Grad were no lie. The fortress had been put together with what seemed to be the utmost care. The location was ideal and everything was in order. If it wasn't enemy territory (that he might perhaps have to sneak his way around at some point), he would have been impressed. The fact that The Boss went so far as to complimenting it was strange. She didn't flatter for no reason - and only if she meant it.

Which is why when she called him the best and most loyal student he ever had... Well, he was utterly taken aback. That was no doubt the highest honor he could have received. He stared at her for a moment before realizing how silly he must have looked and instead averted his gaze. She would be able to tell, though - how much he appreciated that comment.

Nodding as The Boss introduced him to the Russian, he kept his expression clean. Yes, he'd heard of the man - he carried quite the reputation. And he'd seen a small display of his namesake back on the bridge. The crackling of thunder around his hands...

When Volgin offered the pleasantry, Snake immediately replied with a concise, "You too." He hadn't expected the Russian to be quite so polite, but he knew better than to falter out of surprise.

Snake had to suppress a wince at the topic of uniforms. It seemed that Volgin hadn't noticed how ridiculous he happened to look--or maybe it only seemed that way to those who knew him and what he stood for.

[elyseexpatriate.livejournal.com]

Human beings were more than they thought, or appeared. Each living soul projected itself beyond the arbitrary bounds of the corporeal body, force of personality given color and shape, to one with the senses to percieve it.

Rarely had The Sorrow seen three so powerful.

At this proximity, they reacted with potent chemistry, flowing and challenging and striking florid sparks, steel of their spirits against the multifoliate flint of mutual contention.

How fascinating.

This protege. Issue of war and Joy. The resemblance was there, yes, in the set of eyes and shoulders and spirit. The Sorrow wondered, idly but not without design, if anyone could notice that what was arresting about Jack (as The Joy called him, as was his name), what drew them to him in exacting proportion as they needed it, was his capacity for acceptance.

The Sorrow had never seen anyone with such a clear soul.

He must take care to remain out of the field of its perception. Such a mind, capable of such trust in itself and its own discernment, would have little need of the unconscious barriers that filtered such things as ghosts from its purview.

Yes. Such trust. For himself, and, in something of an extension, for The Joy. If she were to tell him to kill her, he might accede, for to do otherwise would be to doubt her judgement.

Such strength.

The Sorrow could not help but compare it to that of the Ocelot commander.

So briefly had they occupied the same moment. So profound had been the striations of change that passed around and across them.

How would the young Major be affected, by prolonged exposure to the single soul that did not part around his like a river around a rock, leaving all but its skin untouched?

How fascinating...

[unsurpassedjoy.livejournal.com]

The Joy was aware of Snake's reaction to the compliment. She didn't often hand out praise, but when she did it was always to the point. Flattery was useless at best.

"I find that most military uniforms are unsuitable." She herself wore a modified olive drab uniform. "Most camouflage is only slightly better." But at least she hadn't been put in an ill-fitting uniform like Snake had. "They offer no advantages beyond making it very clear who you are, and how important you are in military hierarchy." Which was why on covert missions and in some battles, no military insignia were worn.

"While I doubt that you would have special uniforms on hand that are more suited to Snake and myself, I appreciate the fact that we simply cannot continue to wander around in American uniforms." What was left beyond that, she wasn't sure. Civilian clothing was an oddly distasteful thought.

The Joy had to resist the urge to look over her shoulder, there was a strange sensation of being watched, the same sad feeling permeating the air. She had felt it on the bridge, when she'd had the brief impression it had been raining blood. The Sorrow... have you returned to my side?

She could also bring up Volgin firing a bullet at her Cobras while they had been in the helicopter over the bridge, but if she felt it necessary to challenge the man she would likely do so in private.

"It has been brought to my attention that there have been a few problems between my Cobras and the soldiers under your command. If there are any issues with them, they should be brought to me. They've fallen into the habit of not listening to anyone else." There was a definite upside to being their 'mother', even if they always forgot her on mothers day.

[heartofthunder.livejournal.com]

Volgin nodded. "It's been recently brought to my attention as well, but don't worry, I've put a stop to it. Apparently some of my personnel were under the impression that the Cobras could be treated like the rank and file, which is not the case at all. I've set them straight, however. It won't happen again."

His face abruptly darkened, scars creasing in livid lines. "I won't tolerate that kind of behavior from my people. I assume you feel the same."

He met Voyevoda's gaze, a nascent storm flickering behind his pale eyes. He would not allow anything to disrupt his plan. Not when he was finally so close. For some reason, he thought the Boss would understand. From what he'd heard, she understood a few things about dedication to one's mission.

The squall in his eyes receded after a few moments, and he finally nodded, satisfied by her steady look. No, the Boss would not let him down. He was sure of it.

"You want something...distinctive," he said, abruptly changing the subject. He waved a hand at her uniform, then Snake's. "And functional as well. I don't know if we have anything that will suit you on hand, but I'll speak to Major Raikov. I think he'll be able to get you something that should be appropriate. There are some new materials, lightweight and strong, that were originally developed for space suits, but I've heard they have military applications, too."

Volgin looked between Voyevoda and her apprentice. "How does that sound?"

[major-ocelot-2u.livejournal.com]

Ocelot leaned against the inside of the doorframe, listening to this unprecedented exchange as he spun his Makarov on his index finger.

The motion was idle, but his mind was not.

His face was a study in noncommittal expression, only the slight downward slant of his eyebrows and the intense study of his eyes betraying his awareness.

He watched the woman-who-thought-she-knew-everything spouting her entitlement, watched Volgin on his best Soviet behavior, and particularly, he watched the American, who seemed to take the whole idea of Volgin in his stride.

Maybe he lacked the imagination to see Volgin for the fantastic organic nightmare that he was; maybe he was too busy channeling John Wayne to care one way or another. Either way, it was interesting.

It wasn't as if his lack of outright unease translated as dismissive or disrespectful. He seemed impressed by the Colonel's strapping Sovietskyj bearing and apparently well aware of his...more electrifying personal traits.

Snake. Huh.

Not sure about that one.

Ocelot remembered that he needed to find a few revolvers to test fire.

[unsurpassedjoy.livejournal.com]

Voyevoda nodded slightly in agreement. Volgin certainly could be agreeable when he wanted to, but The Boss suspected she was getting special treatment because of her title and status as a 'legendary' soldier.

"That sounds wonderful."

But that storm she had seen briefly in his eyes, dangerous, intriguing, a tiny promise of electrical fury. She would have to be on guard against him. There was no doubt in her mind that if it came to blows, she would come out on top, but that did not mean she could get careless around someone as dangerous and volatile as the Colonel.

She turned her head to regard snake, and out of the corner of her eye caught a face that for a brief instant seemed... a flash of spinning metal drew her attention away from the face. A makarov, being spun by a soldier in crimson and black. Major Ocelot himself, she would have to speak with him alone, though no doubt he was still angry at her.

But it looked like Adamska was studying Snake. How interesting, maybe the Major would oblige Snake with the rematch he desired... The Joy could almost see the complex gears turning inside Ocelot's head, and she had to resist the urge to smile at him.

The Boss reluctantly returned her attention to the matter at hand. "I suppose that's all for now." Volgin would probably want to speak with her alone later, without Jack as an audience. Likely to discuss the Shagohod, the safety of the Legacy, or what part the Cobras would play in the grand scheme of things. "However, I would like to know more about the base itself, and what goes on in each of the areas."

Perhaps the presence she had felt was merely Ocelot all along. Even if it had felt like The Sorrow. Perhaps it was just wishful thinking on her part. The Joy knew that The Sorrow could talk to the dead while he was alive... but there was no reason to believe that he could communicate with the living from beyond the grave.

[naked-snake.livejournal.com]

It had been a part of his life since a very young age. Snake could simply sense things better than others. It was that talent that had made him so perfect for infiltration. He could tell when there were others around.

This, though... This was different. It wasn't simply that someone was eavesdropping on the conversation. It was something fainter than that, but still undeniably there. It was behind him, staring. Watching. His muscles were all urging him to turn and face it, but considering his company, they would be suspicious... And explaining away the fact that he was sensing something from another plain--well, that wouldn't work so well.

Snake had been so distracted that he almost hadn't caught what Volgin ended up saying in regard to the uniform. He got enough of it, though, and nodded in agreement. Anything was better than what he had on now.

Then there came someone else - nothing spiritual or ethereal; just someone listening in on the conversation. It was fair enough for him to investigate that and he turned to recognize the man he'd beaten down the day before. He noticed that he still had that makarov. His stubbornness could easily be the end of him.

Glad to see that The Boss was asking for an explanation of the base, he made sure to pay attention. Knowing where everything was would be extremely important.

[heartofthunder.livejournal.com]

"Very well," Volgin said, and nodded to Voyevoda. "I'll speak to Major Raikov about these uniforms of yours, and I'll make sure you get a proper tour."

Though not from Volgin. In spite of the Boss' importance to his mission, his hospitality stopped short at playing tour guide.

Krauss, he thought. The German would be delighted to entertain a woman, even if she was a legendary soldier. He was sure that Krauss would find it an honor.

And an opportunity.

He inclined his head in parting to the Boss' apprentice, and then to the Boss herself. "Good day," he said, perfunctorily, and then resumed his path. With all of these interruptions he'd gotten sidetracked, almost unable to remember what he'd originally set out to do.

Eh.

Perhaps it would come to him. He continued to walk.

After a few strides down the hall, it occurred to him: he might as well go see Ivan, since he was distracted now anyway.

He could use a bit more distraction, after all.

Volgin chuckled to himself softly, then turned to head outside.

[unsurpassedjoy.livejournal.com]

The Boss nodded politely, watching Volgin leave, following him with her eyes though he certainly was not the type to simply vanish the moment no one was watching.

Once the Colonel was out of sight she turned to look at Ocelot. She needed to speak to him, alone, but she couldn't just tell Snake to go wander off without looking suspicious.

She moved quietly, calmly over to the young Major. Voyevoda almost regretted that she would have to keep him at arms length, that she would have to continually push him away. This was one case where she didn't trust herself to keep a secret.

"Major Ocelot." He seemed like the type to hold a grudge for a very long time, but she hoped he could get past it long enough to work on the mission.

[naked-snake.livejournal.com]

Snake also watched Volgin as he left, studying the way he carried himself, the confidence that seemed to cling to him the same way his lightning did. If he had only know that Volgin was planning to throw Krauss at him, he would have been snarling. But the soldier was oblivious to that depressing fact and would have to find out when it was too late to back out of the offer.

The fact that The Boss was acknowledging Ocelot seemed rather curious. What business did she have with the young man? Considering Ocelot had asked him if he was The Boss, the two hadn't actually met... Or if they ever had, it had been very briefly.

He wasn't sure what Ocelot thought of him at this point, though he got the feeling it would become clear the moment he responded.