Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes radio conversations

In Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, the player can access cassette tapes, either at hand or by collecting them, that will give expanded details on events and character backgrounds, as well as give some information on various missions. Below is a transcript of all of the cassette tapes in the game (not counting those with music stored on them or the classified intel tape)

Chico's Tape 1 - March 7-8, 1975: Arrival in Cuba
Chico: I made it ashore. I'm in Cuba. Security looks lighter than I thought. I wonder where Paz is.

Chico: It's dark, but there are soldiers everywhere. Lots of choppers coming and going. Those lights are so bright... Time to get moving.

Chico: I got close to the fence to see if I could spot her. They had a guard posted so I got outta there. Guess security is not so light after all. I'm coming, Paz...

Chico: I'm OK... I'm... I'm OK...

Chico: I think I found her! It's gotta be Paz!

Chico: No no no... They're looking for me.

Soldier: Enough. Quit that struggling. Got him secured. It's a kid.

Chico: I'm...

Chico: I got caught. I'm in a cage. They gave me back my recorder... At least whoever finds this will know what happened.

Chico: They're holding others here, too. But still no sign of Paz.

Paz: Chico?

Chico: Paz?

Paz: Chico...

Chico's Tape 2 - March 9-11, 1975: Recordings from his Cell
Paz: Don't touch me, you son of a bitch!

Chico: Paz...

Skull Face: She looks weak. We need her alive.

Soldier: Yes, sir.

Chico: ...Paz.

Paz: Hm?

Chico: You're back early today.

Paz: Early...

Chico: The sun is still up.

Paz: Si.

Chico: Y-yeah.

Paz: Chico.

Chico: Yes?

Paz: Let us not do this, okay?

Chico: Huh?

Paz: I do not think I want to talk to you.

Chico: But... I came here to...

Paz: Just be quiet.

Chico: Uh...

Paz: Or I'll scream.

Chico: What the... I don't get it.

Chico's Tape 3 - March 12, 1975: Escorted to Paz's Location
Chico: Paz!

Soldier: On your feet!

Chico: Okay...

Chico: Paz...

Chico's Tape 4 - March 12, 1975: Interrogation
Skull Face: You've got company...

Skull Face: Does it hurt? Talk. Talk! You can speak, can't you? Then talk.

Chico: Okay! Okay...

Skull Face: Good boy. Your boss and I go way back. Don't count on him coming to rescue you. If you're a real soldier, you'll find your own way out. But don't bother trying to escape. Let's say you get lucky – and you don't look very lucky – and by some miracle you get out of your cage. Let's even say you're able to elude the guards. Then what? The nearest Cuban border is four miles to the east. Four miles of barren, America-controlled soil. Think you'd make it? You wouldn't get any help from the Cubans. And the border's a mess of live minefields. Think you'd make it through that? With your girlfriend in tow? If you were that lucky, you wouldn't even be here right now. But don't lose hope. There's another way out. For both you and the girl. This way is... much simpler. I ask, you answer. Easy, right? Just tell me what you know.

Paz: You're dumber than you look. Wasting your time torturing kids.

Skull Face: Tell me about your base.

Paz: Chico.

Skull Face: Well?

Paz: Chico!

Chico: Hit me.

Chico: Again!

Skull Face: Hmpf. Trying to impress the girl, little man? How cute. All right. Let's try something else.

Chico: Stop it!

Skull Face: She'll get what she deserves. We were comrades, once. But she betrayed us. Deception and deceit. What better proof she's a... real woman. Show him.

Paz: Do you realize what you're doing?! Cipher is watching. Let go of me! You'll be next! Your hideous face wi...

Skull Face: Repulsive, isn't it? Look. Look carefully. Watch out when you grow up, boy. This is the kind of woman you'll want to avoid. Of course, scars like those make it rather difficult to lead a normal life. I should know. Continue. Talk, and you both go free.

Paz: Chico, no! Don't...

Skull Face: Only you can stop this.

Paz: Don't talk! Chico, please! No!

Chico: Paz. Why?

Skull Face: Move. Get up.

Chico: Huh?

Chico: You heard me. Do you like what you see?

Chico: ...Huh?

Skull Face: I said... Do you like what you see? It's like... fruit. Does she look sweet or sour? A man has to know these things. Time for a taste test. Either you take her – now – or you're strung up next.

Paz: Don't worry, Chico.

Chico: No... No...

Paz: It's okay, Chico... You won't hurt me.

Chico: I don't...

Skull Face: Get on with it.

Chico: I can't...

Paz: Chico!

Chico: No...

Paz: Come on.

Chico: ...Out at sea... Staff of 300... but usually there's... ZEKE... Metal Gear...

Skull Face: See? That wasn't so hard.

Chico: You got what you wanted. Aren't you satisfied?!

Skull Face: We're halfway there.

Paz: Chico. Chico?

Chico: ... Thought you didn't want to talk to me.

Paz: There's... one thing I want to say.

Chico: What...?

Paz: I missed you, Chico.

Chico: ...Yeah.

Paz: Come here.

Chico: Huh?

Paz: Closer.

Chico: ...No.

Paz: ...Sorry.

Chico: Enough already.

Paz: You want to do it here?

Chico's Tape 5 - March 13-14, 1975: Negotiation
Chico: Come on, Paz. Talk! Please, Paz. I'm doing this for you.

Paz: Coward!

Chico: How can you say that?!

Paz: Traitor!

Chico: Don't make me mad! You're only making things worse!

Skull Face: Take him back to his cage.

Chico: What did I do?

Skull Face: "Vigyétek a ketrecébe!"

Chico: Give it back! Give it back!

Skull Face: Enough. She's no good to us dead.

Chico: Can I have it back?

Skull Face: We've decided to let her go.

Chico: So... she talked. Told her she should've just gotten it over with.

Skull Face: She's going back to your boss. But only her.

Chico: ...Huh?

Skull Face: Those were the terms. She said to leave you here. I suppose she doesn't much care for you, anymore.

Chico: That... bitch!

Skull Face: Now, you've got quite a problem on your hands. When she gets back, what will she say? That you talked? Sold out your comrades? Your... family? You're finished.

Chico: You mean I... I can't go home?

Skull Face: There's very little I can do for you. And I still have need of your... services.

Chico: Huh?

Skull Face: You're going to call your boss – for help. We'll make a recording, play it across public frequency bands.

Chico: To bring him here...? Yeah, right. You expect me to trust you? I'll never help you.

Skull Face: Perhaps. But If you did... I wouldn't mind looking the other way if he did come for you. Take some guards off duty, let you quietly slip away. But... You wouldn't want the girl leaving here alive. She'd have to be eliminated before he came. There's no other way.

Chico: Mm...

Skull Face: I'll leave you to think it over. Chico. Growing up means choosing how you're going to live your life.

Chico's Tape 6 - March 14-15, 1975: Chico's Distress Call
Note: Portions of this tape were also included in the Ground Zeroes ending, both immediately prior to the credits and during the post-credits conversation.

Chico: Snake, it's Chico. I need your help. Cipher's holding me on a U.S. military base in Cuba. Paz is here too. We're at the prison area at the coast. There are some cages to the east of a big building. It's an old, grassy facility. That's where we are. Help me, Snake...

Paz: Don't... Don't do it...

Skull Face: Kid's a natural, don't you think? What do you think Big Boss will do? He'll know it's a trap, but he'll come anyway. That's the kind of man he is.

Paz: Don't.

Skull Face: Thanks to your report a nuclear inspection team's being sent to their base. The scientist was our way in. It all ends soon, exactly as I've planned. All thanks to you.

Paz: Cipher... would never...

Skull Face: Yes, Cipher will surely mourn his death. I'll have no choice but to distance myself from the group. And then they'll eliminate you. No one will be left. Think about that. Big Boss or Cipher – you can only save one.

Paz: I will never talk.

Skull Face: I don't expect you to believe me. The question is, which of the two would you like to give a shot at survival?

Paz: What I would like... is to kill you.

Skull Face: The feeling is mutual. But... We're secret agents. Restraint is a virtue.

Skull Face: Your favorite song. Nicola. Bart. Immigrants, wrongly executed. But their deaths served as a message to others. That ours is a society that murders the innocent. Do you, too, believe your sacrifice will change the world? If so, the time is now. Cipher's been in hiding ever since his grand experiment. No one's seen him in years. All we hear are orders delivered by proxy. Except you. You met with him – face to face – in order to contact Big Boss. Tell me where he is. Where is Cipher... Where is Zero? I've never known choice. Where I was born, the language I speak... I've never had the freedom to choose for myself. But you, right now, are free. Do as you will.

Paz: This will save Big Boss?

Skull Face: It may.

Paz: Will you really kill Zero for me?

Skull Face: Not for you.

Paz: Alright... Zero is...

Chico's Tape 7 - March 15, 1975: Bargaining with Paz (Final Recording)
???: Give her the shot already!

Medic: Hold her still!

???: Prep the package.

Medic: She's all closed up.

???: Timer's set per your instructions.

Skull Face: We can't have her waking up – or dying – on us...

Medic: I gave her a transfusion, a nutrient cocktail, and an anesthetic.

Skull Face: How long does she have?

Medic: 24 hours – same as her cargo. She won't last [much] longer than that. To make room for the bomb, I removed organs she won't need.

Skull Face: Almost there. Now for the second one. In a place they'd never look.

Skull Face: Hang her up.

Skull Face: You shall not see triumph. You've been most helpful. And I have one last use for you. To you I give a magnificent end... But an end nonetheless. The final moment is yours.

Soldier: We heard from the advance team – everything's right on schedule. The C4 has been planted on the legs. Strike team and decoy team are in position. And, we have confirmation that Big Boss'[s] chopper has lifted off.

Skull Face: A shame I won't see him. But at least I'll get a look at his body. Time for us to move out, too... But first, let's stop by and see the boy. I want Big Boss to hear his little diary. Hopefully he's still a good listener.

Skull Face: Give this to the boy as a reward...and a memento. Make copies.

Soldier: Yes, sir.

Skull Face: First Big Boss, then Zero. Liberation is at hand.

Paz: Chico. I am borrowing your recorder. Hope you do not mind. I know it hurts right now, but it will all be over soon. Just thinking that helps keep the pain away. Chico... I would do anything to get you out of here. It is funny... I have never helped anyone else before, only Cipher. That is the truth. I... I never imagined you would come for me. I was not very nice at first, I know. But I did not mean it. I...I was afraid they would try to use you, somehow. But, to be honest... Having you with me here put my mind at ease. I hope that does not sound selfish. I thought I would never make it. But together, I think we can. I am watching you sleep as I record this. You have made me believe. That I will make it out of here... And that – no matter what happens – it will not be the end for me. Thank you, Chico.

Agent's Recording - Secretly Recorded POW Interrogation
Skull Face: I needed this place, to listen to the words people had to say. That's something they could never understand. You've done your part. You told us plenty. You've known the pain of ages. And even now you think, as any person would, that this can't be happening. Is it education? Morals, faith? Just the imprint of a lifetime of stories? Face to face with oblivion, which is where you are, and you still think that help is coming. The world you were born into is made to save you. Isn't that right? Of course it is. Everyone knows that. Until your last breath, you know it. Without the slightest chance or reason left to them, humans are capable of hope. I'm no different. But for one thing. When my time came calling I didn't die. My family died, my country died, but they didn't take me with them. All Hell took from me was this skin, this outer peel that marked me "human."

Skull Face: My village had an oilseed field and a fine factory. Every day my friends and I would see our parents at work in that factory. That's all I had. All the world I knew. Then one day, aircraft came droning in from some far-off sky. The factory was bombed. Some... "spies" had told them we were making weapons. The building burned. We tried to flee outside. The crowd blocked the exit. The crowd of people. Hot. So hot. I tried to push through their legs and get ahead, but a boot in my stomach put me on the ground. The smoke of them burning filled me up. I heard my name called... but not for long.

Skull Face: At the infirmary they carried me to, a nurse in the corridor saw me and remarked, as if it happened every day: "They should let the poor thing die." Those are the only words of my mother tongue I remember. It was the language of my village. Until foreign troops invaded. Then the last identity I had left – the words I spoke – were pulled from me. My skin would never feel anything again. This face would be burned again, in torture, at foreign hands, but I, I still writhe in that burning factory. Doused in scalding rapeseed oil. That's all I have to feel, that pain – all I have to remind me I exist here.

Skull Face: Those "spies" reported well. We made weapons all right. As cartloads of rifles came in from the battlefields, we fixed them up and sent them back out. So our country could win. Or rather, so that little world we knew could continue. I came to realize I mustn't die. I'm their last hope, all those who perished and left me here. I have to accomplish something. If I don't, their will will be swept out of this world.

Skull Face: So? Do you see me now? Tell me. What do you see? Hmm? You have eyes. What do your eyes see? Yes, that's right. You see a skull face. You see me. This skull is who I am. My mark, my proof of humanity. I have no country, no language, I have no face, but I haven't lost my skull. So I told myself... The pain and effort that keep me alive will never know relief, never bear fruit, never be repaid. I know that, but I told myself to focus on some hope, a nonexistent hope to guide me through this burning world. A hope – call it a dream. A melancholic delusion. As the pressures within me stretch me to bursting, and I force myself not to cry out, though the words I thought were carved into me are gone, and all I knew is dead. I know how you feel. I've felt that. So show me. That I'm not the only one. That you too can return to this world, for revenge. Do you see me. Don't die. Don't die!

Mission Tips
Kazuhira Miller: This is a one-man infiltration mission, Boss. Equipment is the bare essentials. Anything else will be OSP. The target location is a prison camp in a U.S. military base. Those Marines have the place locked down tight. Your only backup will be one extraction chopper. We can't send anything else.

Big Boss: You won't need to.

Kazuhira Miller: Again, this is infiltration – a sneaking mission. Your number one priority is remaining undetected. Use discretion before engaging any guard you encounter. Be mindful of their sensory perceptions – sight, sound, smell... and pain. Fortunately, these atmospheric conditions will continue until dawn. That should provide you with some cover.

Big Boss: Least the weather's on my side.

Mission Objectives: Target Intel
Kazuhira Miller: Your mission objective is to rescue Chico and Paz. According to Chico, they're both being held at an old prison facility. Recon from the Intel Unit supports this, so it's safe to assume that's where they are. Once you've gotten them to the RV, call in the extraction chopper. I'll monitor the situation and offer guidance from here. But you'll be the one in the field. How you handle this mission is entirely up to you, Boss.

Brief 1: Nuclear Inspection Demand by the IAEA
Kazuhira Miller: Snake, yesterday, we received official communication from the IAEA. It says, "It has come to our attention that your organization recently purchased nuclear fuel from Uzbekistan authorities. We request permission to inspect your facilities."

Naked Snake (Big Boss): What a load of bullshit.

Kazuhira Miller: Yeah. They're after Metal Gear ZEKE's nuclear warhead. I'm betting this is payback from Cipher after Paz's leak.

Big Boss: Using the UN?

Kazuhira Miller: There's no telling how much influence they have. But the IAEA can only do inspections in countries that are party to the NPT.

Big Boss: And we're not a country.

Kazuhira Miller: Exactly. We haven't signed a safeguards agreement with the IAEA over peaceful nuclear use, and we're not obligated to report any nuclear material we have, nor information about any nuclear facilities. The IAEA has no authority to inspect us.

Big Boss: But despite all that...

Kazuhira Miller: That nuke's our last line of defense. We don't want to announce we have it until the world is preparing to wipe us off the map. Until then, we let everyone think we're just a private army with conventional firepower.

Big Boss: What's Huey's take?

Kazuhira Miller: That the problem's how to hide the nuke and Metal Gear. But I gotta tell you, he was all for it.

Big Boss: I see... But there's no way we can have the IAEA poking around here.

Kazuhira Miller: So what do we do? Ignore [th]'em?

Big Boss: Send them an official letter of refusal. Say that we're a private organization, and we've done nothing to attract this suspicion.

Kazuhira Miller: You got it.

Brief 2: Allowing the Nuclear Inspection
Huey: We finished ZEKE's waterproofing reinforcement yesterday. The day after tomorrow we'll be done installing the main depth control tank, the compressed air tank, and the attitude control propeller pod.

Kazuhira Miller: Huey.

Huey: If the underwater test goes well, next week we'll try the 300-foot seabed depth.

Kazuhira Miller: Drop the act, Huey. How did we end up agreeing to the nuclear inspection? Huey: ... Because after you sent that letter I told them, "After careful reconsideration we agree to your request." And frankly, we should be inspected. This is our chance. If they come and go without discovering the nuke, we can tell the world we're clean. Of course it's risky, and we'll have to make sure everything's perfect. But it'll be worth it.

Big Boss: Huey, can they do an inspection without going through the Board of Governors?

Kazuhira Miller: We contacted the IAEA's admin branch, and they said there's no record of us being brought up at any of the Board's meetings.

Huey: I'd say... probably a preliminary inspection to determine whether we should be referred to the Board. So it's bound to be a small inspection team, and they won't be here that long. Don't worry, leave everything to me.

Big Boss: Has the media gotten wind of this?

Huey: Yeah. Two major Western networks want to do stories on us. I'd planned on saying yes.

Kazuhira Miller: What?! You want to broadcast this place to the world?

Huey: That's why I agreed to the inspection. This is a golden opportunity. We can use the media to prove to the world we don't have a nuke. Besides, even if we said no, it would just be delaying the inevitable.

Big Boss: Kaz, our hands are tied now. Start getting the place ready.

Huey: Thanks, Boss.

Big Boss: Don't get the wrong idea. You've set it up so that any more "changes of heart" will arouse suspicion, that's all.

Kazuhira Miller: ZEKE stays, but we'll have to move all other AFVs to shore. Any potential troublemakers can go with them for some mandatory R&R. Sound good, Boss?

Big Boss: Just do it.

Chapter 1
Kaz: Life’s funny sometimes, isn’t it?

BB: What brought that on?

Kaz: We first met as enemies on the battlefield, and  now here we are fighting side by side.

BB: You mean Colombia?

Kaz: Yeah. After I quit the JSDF, I made my way there and got myself a position as drill sergeant for a band  of revolutionaries,  despite  the fact  that I’d never seen a day of combat.

BB: I see you had the gift for talking business in Spanish even back then.

Kaz: C’mon, stop it, you’re making me blush. Unlucky for me, though, you were in the service of the Colombian Army. I remember it like it was yesterday. It all happened in an instant. You guys ambushed us, and half  my unit was taken out. My mind went totally blank. I couldn’t keep it together…  My whole unit was…

[Flashback. Sounds of gunfire.]

Random soldiers: Over there! Move! That way! Turn right! Fire! Fire! Eat this! Get down! This way! Run, run! Move it!! Go, go, go, go, go! Turn left! Right! Turn right!

Soldier A: It’s a damn ambush…! What should we do, Master – Master Miller!

Kaz: Uhh… Umm…

Soldier A: Master!

Kaz: Split up. You come with me.

Soldier B: Wait, what about me…?

Kaz: You go that way. That’s an order!

Soldier B: You’re using me as bait…!

Kaz: No I’m not. Now move it! [Soldier B gets shot.] R-Run! This way!

Soldier A: But Master, that’s – ! [Soldier A gets shot.] M-Master Miller!

Kaz: Hey! [Explosion.] Booby traps… Damn it! No…! [Explosion. Kaz is hit, and begins to laugh.]

BB: CASEVAC the wounded. Seize as many weapons  as we can carry. Line up the bodies by the road and cover them with  a tarp. OK, you, commander! Drop your weapons! Hands on your head! ¿Hablas inglés?

Kaz: Afraid I…

BB: Speak up!

Kaz: Afraid I can’t lift my hands.

BB: Don’t be stupid, commander. Your men are all dead.

Kaz: I-I… I came here from Japan.

BB: What?

Kaz: I chose to  come here! C-Came because  my  place,  my place  is  on the battlefield!

BB: All right, all right – now let me see your hands.

Kaz: Be my kaishaku.

BB: Your what?

Kaz: Seppuku… Hara-kiri. I’m a samurai. I disembowel myself. When I do, you cut off my head. That’s being a kaishaku. From behind, it’s all one cut from below the medulla. Just stop before you  get clean through. That way my head stays attached – I don’t want it left for the birds. Can’t handle that?

BB: …Machete.

Soldier: Here you are, Boss.

Kaz: Don’t worry… It’ll be over soon. Goodbye…!

Soldier: Grenade! Boss!

BB: Can’t go off if you don’t release the lever.

Kaz: Let go…

BB: I don’t think so.

Soldier: Boss!

BB: Stand down! Last-ditch kamikaze, huh?

Kaz: I’ll… we’ll never lose again… The  Japanese will never  lose again. We’ll do… whatever it takes! But we’ll never… be beaten again! Ne… ve…

[Kaz passes out. BB grunts. Credits roll.]

Chapter 2
[ECG beeping.]

Kaz: A field hospital… No, a tent…?

BB: You’re in a makeshift camp set up by the government. You look better than I expected. Don’t try to move. The place is a sauna during the  day, but you’ll have to bear it.

Kaz: …Get lost…

BB: After we’re done talking. I’m unarmed. And you’re out of grenades.

Kaz: …Get lost…

BB: I could always just put you out of your misery. I did lose some of my men. Here, I brought you a present. Go on, open it.

Kaz: …Why are you here? To interrogate me?

BB: Wrong. I already know all about you, Kazuhira Miller.

Kaz: Hmph…

BB: Formerly of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces… An army that doesn’t fight.

Kaz: It’s no army.

BB: You went to America, then ended up down here. No combat experience to speak of. Yet somehow, two months ago, you became  a drill sergeant  to a platoon of rebels. Impressive.

Kaz: If you’re here to piss on me then get lost.

BB: Wrong again. Mind if I sit here? [BB flops down on the bed.]

Kaz: Son of a… Don’t move the bed.

BB: I came to make you an offer.

Kaz: What?

BB: I want you to join me.

Kaz: Join you?

BB: That’s right. What do you say? I’m serious.

Kaz: I was hired by the revolutionaries. Pay’s not as bad as you think.

BB: Spoken like a true businessman.

Kaz: The fighting here won’t  be over anytime  soon. You expect me to  change sides and help the government?

BB: Wrong – again.

Kaz: Then enlighten me.

BB: My contract with the government expired  yesterday. Your unit was my last job for them.

Kaz: …So, you’re just like me. You go where the money is.

BB: It isn’t about the money. We all fight for ourselves.

Kaz: So… for the money.

BB: [Sighs.] I think I just  realized how  the Japanese  turned their  economy around. I guess I can’t convince you right away.

Kaz: Save your breath. Now take a hike.

BB: …I hear you’re headed for a cell as  soon as you’re better. Interrogators here can be very unpleasant. I should know. I trained them.

Kaz: Oh yeah?

BB: One technique  the  French  liked to   use in  Indochina…  pushing  bamboo splinters under the fingernails.

Kaz: The fingernails…?

BB: It’s extremely painful. I’ve watched grown  men scream like  babies. They literally shit themselves.

Kaz: Trying to scare me?

BB: But pain doesn’t kill you. And you have  ten fingernails,  ten toenails. They’ll take their  time on every  one  of them. And when that’s over? Your nails’ll be gone, but they’ll just be getting started. Your teeth, for example. 28 of those. Still got your wisdom teeth? Open your present.

Kaz: You’re giving me… a diaper?!

BB: It’ll come in handy – trust me.

Kaz: Very funny.

BB: Look outside.

Soldier: Fire! [Someone outside gets executed.]

BB: One of the regular military’s “executions.”  You see a  lot of them around here. How about it? Join me and I’ll throw in a full pardon – forget the whole thing.

Kaz: You’re a mercenary. What can you do?

BB: The base commander and I have an understanding.

Kaz: An understanding…?

BB: My journal contains  a few  secrets   he’d rather  his superiors  not know about.

Kaz: …Blackmail?

BB: He just doesn’t want to get lined up too. [BB lights himself a cigar.]

Kaz: Hey, you’re in a hospital.

BB: You’re the only patient.

Kaz: But why me? How do you know I won’t  just take off and  join back up with the rebels?

BB: Well, I’m hearing rumors.

Kaz: What rumors?

BB: That Kazuhira Miller is a government  spy whose mission  was to infiltrate the rebels and bring them down from the inside.

Kaz: Bullshit.

BB: Part of the government’s disinformation campaign. Maybe the CIA’s planting ideas.

Kaz: So what.

BB: But what are the rebels going to think? Your unit was wiped out, only your body wasn’t among the dead. Doesn’t look good for you, huh?

Kaz: You? You started those rumors…

BB: No, but it doesn’t change the fact that your days with the rebels are over. They’ll be looking to get even with that  traitor, Kazuhira  Miller. Good luck going freelance on your own, at  least around these  parts… Having  said that, getting out of the country  won’t be easy  either. [Another execution  can be heard.] Helping rebels… it isn’t worth it. They’re broke, barely any firepower, and a lot to be responsible for. And don’t join government forces either, all that power and corruption – the stink’ll never wash off. Join me. We make our own way. No ideology, no balance of power to worry about. Just the perfect home for those who want to fight.

Kaz: You want me  to join  you? We may be hired  guns,  but you’re  still  my enemy.

BB: …Some people are only good at fighting. Whether they were born that way, or someone made ‘em that way,  their place  has  always been  on the battlefield. Right? But what do they fight for? Country? Family? Money…?

Kaz: I…

BB: It doesn’t matter. But guys like that, cut from the same cloth… they belong on the same side. Better that than killing each other.

Kaz: “Victory… or death…”

BB: What?

Kaz: I don’t accept that you beat me.

BB: Oh?

Kaz: I have no reason to join you.

BB: Uh-huh.

Kaz: How about… a contest?

BB: A contest?

Kaz: You win, and I’ll join you. But if you lose, you have to let me go.

BB: So you can do what?

Kaz: I just want to settle things between us, that’s all. What do you say? Let me heal up. Gimme a week. I choose the contest and the place.

BB: …Fine, it’s a deal. [BB gets up to leave.]

Kaz: Hey. When I win, and I’m free…  I’m going  to tell the rebels  you’re the real spy. [BB laughs.] What’s so funny? You’ll be the one getting the bamboo manicure. Here, you’ll need this. [He tosses the diaper to him.]

BB: Thanks. And if you need anything, let the guys here know. I’ll give ‘em the heads-up.

Kaz: I will.

BB: One other thing.

Kaz: What?

BB: Don’t think of escaping. These guys, they fall in line, but they can be a little temperamental. Can’t have our contest if you make ‘em shoot you.

Kaz: Yeah.

BB: Catch you later, Kazuhira Miller.

Kaz: Hey.

BB: Hm?

Kaz: …I’m not in this for the money.

BB: So what is it?

Kaz: …No… it’s nothing you need to hear. So what do I call you?

BB: Me?

Kaz: Yeah.

BB: Call me “Boss.” [BB laughs.] The name’s Snake.

Kaz: See you in a week, Snake.

BB: Yup. I’ll leave this here.

Chapter 3
Kaz: Guess you kept your word. The soldiers in the camp have  been helping me out. There’s a guard assigned  to watch  me, but  he lets me  move around  the hospital freely. The guard said, “Boss’  orders were to make  sure you had the run of this place.” I could tell he wasn’t lying. It’s weird. You’re not with the government forces anymore, yet he still calls you “Boss.” Not only that, he looks proud about it. Unfortunately, stretching my legs has shown me something else – escape’s not an option. Eyes everywhere, 24 hours a day. Well, I figured as much.

I had them get me things in preparation  for the  contest… or so  I told them. Goggles, stopwatch, spears… They even let me have a semi-custom  1911 modified for sport shooting. They’ve been all too kind. But the guard told me, “Try to use it on the Boss, and he’ll show you his  ‘broken gun’ trick.” I asked him if he meant like a  magic trick, but  he just laughed  and said, “Give  it a shot. You’ll see what happens.”

The men here all have deep respect for you. As a soldier. As a leader. A lot of them want to leave the military so they can go with you. “I would lay down my life for that man.” The words of a soldier who once served under your command. Is that the secret of your strength? I… when I led the rebels,  I pushed them like a slave driver. And they more or less did what I told them, but… If I had asked them to leave their group and follow me, how many of them would have done it? With my unit gone now, I guess I’ll never know…

The final preparations. I passed a letter to Miel, a local peddler, along with a bottle of Scotch I got my hands on. The soldiers watched us for a while, but eventually they left us alone. Miel may be his name but booze is his honey… and he buzzed over to that Scotch like a regular bee. Okay, now go! The letter was for some guerillas I’d taken under my wing. They were good, and I trusted them. They were left in reserve during  the op,  so they had  to still be alive. It didn’t take long for Miel to deliver their  response – “Understood. Plan is a go.” Perfect. I knew victory was in my hands.

The week passed quickly.

[Fast forward.]

Okay, stop here! Come on out.

BB: Miller, this area’s no good. Find somewhere else.

Kaz: You afraid of something? No one’s ever set foot in this jungle. The crocs here don’t have a taste for human flesh.

BB: I’m not talking about those caimans.

Kaz: There are no dangerous animals to worry about. Except maybe snakes, and I figure they’re on your side. Nothing will disturb us here.

BB: I’ve heard about a group of bandits that operate in these parts. They grow drugs for the cartels. I doubt they’re going to appreciate  getting visitors. And no one’s  ever set  foot   here? Look again. Signs  of human  activity everywhere. Trampled grass, blade marks on tree trunks,  and over there – that stone’s been turned over. It’s still damp. Somebody was through here, in the last few hours. And not just one or two guys. Forget about this place, samurai. You’re just making it worse for yourself.

Kaz: No, this has got to be the place.

BB: Why?

Kaz: Uhh… Hold on, just  what are you  afraid of,  Snake? Your men can  stand watch. Keep a look out for bandits. Make sure I don’t try to escape.

BB: Why do you think they’re here?

Kaz: All these guys, all that firepower, nobody’d ever pick a fight with them. Am I wrong?

BB: All right. So what are we doing here?

Kaz: Gonna catch some fish. Ever gone spear fishing?

BB: I’ve gone knife fishing.

Kaz: Fishing… with a knife?

BB: Nothing beats a good knife. Ever.

Kaz: Well, close enough. Whoever gets the most and the  biggest wins. Nice and peaceful, huh? Here.

BB: And if I win, you’ll join me?

Kaz: Of course. I’ll even call you “Boss.”

BB: Okay, no point standing around. Let’s get going.

[Sounds of water splashing. Soldiers going, “Ooohhh!”  BB tosses a  bunch of fish.]

Kaz: …Th – They’re monsters…

BB: It’s full of arowana! You knew about this little fishing hole, hm? That why you picked this place?

Kaz: …Sure.

BB: How many’d you get?

Kaz: Two…

BB: …Not too big, huh. They wouldn’t feed a sparrow.

Kaz: And you got two, four, six… seven. Every one must at least be 3 feet…

BB: [Relenting sigh.] Tell you what, I’ll even the odds for you.

Kaz: What do you mean?

BB: You beat me in any one event, and you  win the contest. I let you go, and you never hear from me again. So, what’s next?

Kaz: …How about… arm wrestling?

BB: All right.

Chapter 4
Soldier: Go! [Sound of BB obviously beating Kaz.] Don’t mess with the Boss!

Group of soldiers: Boss wins!

BB: Anything else you’re good at?

Kaz: Field strip  and reassemble   a firearm! I was the  fastest  in  all of Japan.

BB: Okay. Let’s do it blindfolded.

Kaz: What?

Soldier: Go!

Kaz: [Fumbling with his gun.] Huh? … This goes… Wait, hang  on, this end… Ah- this is oily… No, that’s not right…

BB: Done.

Soldier: Stop!

BB: [Lights himself a cigar and laughs.] What’s that, a model airplane?

Kaz: …Next, speed-eating!

BB: Speed-eating? Like what?

Kaz: Those.

BB: The fish we just caught? The arowana?

Kaz: Yup. And you can’t boil them or grill them.

BB: Raw, huh.

Kaz: You got it. Can’t handle that?

BB: Not my first choice, but…

Kaz: A soldier eats what he can, when he can. Gotta have a strong stomach.

BB: That’s right.

Kaz: Time to see whose is stronger.

BB: Bring it on. Guess it’s been 8 years. Man, this takes me  back. Survival Viewer!

Kaz: Survi- what? [BB swallows the fish.] What the… The whole thing?!

BB: Mmm, delicious!

Kaz: You… You can eat raw fish?

BB: What, you thought only the Japanese did that?

Kaz: Uh, even the Japanese don’t just wolf down a whole fish like that…

BB: [He swallows another fish.] I want some more! What’re you waiting for? Eat up!

Kaz: Uhh…

BB: [He swallows yet another one.] Mmm… Tasty!

Kaz: You… eat the guts too?

BB: These tender bits are extra delicious.

Kaz: The parasites?

BB: Just gotta chew well to kill ‘em.

Kaz: [Kaz gapes. BB eats another fish.] Hold it!!

BB: Hm?

Kaz: E-enough already.

BB: [With a full mouth.] Okay. So?

Kaz: So what?

BB: You’re giving up and joining my unit?

Kaz: …No, I’m just getting started… Okay, next is…

BB: There’s more?

Kaz: You better believe it.

BB: So what now? Judo? A noodle-eating contest?

Kaz: You’ve heard   about  those…? No, not  this  time. Shooting –  speed shooting!

BB: Keep your voice down.

Kaz: We take turns. Six targets each. Whoever shoots them the fastest wins.

BB: All right. But it’s nearly sundown. And if bandits hear our gunfire, we’ll have them to deal with. This is the last event.

Kaz: Agreed. And if I lose this time, I promise I’ll join your unit.

BB: I’m holding you to that. I’ll take somebody’s 1911.

Soldier: Stand by! [BB shoots six times.] 2.62 seconds.

Kaz: Not bad.

BB: [Sighs.] You’re up.

Kaz: That I am. Only my target is… You,  Snake. [Soldiers move out  of their covers.]

Soldier: We’re surrounded…

Kaz: Hey! Kept you waiting, huh? You guys can finally show yourselves.

BB: So that shout was their cue? Who are they? Don’t look much like bandits to me.

Kaz: These are my most trusted men.

BB: They were already here. That’s why you insisted on this place.

Kaz: That’s about right.

BB: And the “contest”? Just buying time till the sun went down?

Kaz: [Laughs.] …It has been fun. But I’ll be damned if I’m going  to be your lapdog.

BB: Lapdog? All I did was ask you to join me.

Kaz: Sounds the same to  me. Remember what I said? I’m not in this for  the money.

BB: Yeah. So why is it?

Kaz: I have a dream.

BB: You have a dream? Taking cues from Dr. King?

Kaz: Not that kind of dream. But I will change the world. It’s the dawn of a new era, and I will create just the business it needs.

BB: How did I ever talk down to a businessman like you?

Kaz: The days of the Cold  War are  numbered. What will follow  is a time  of chaos, with no clear cut line  between friend and foe. I will offer this world personnel, supplies, maintenance,  intelligence…  Whatever military  muscle it needs, where  it’s  needed. Irrespective  of  ideologies,  isms,  or borders. Privatized militaries will shape world affairs and the  economy, and I will be point man for this new age.

BB: Mercenaries are news to nobody.

Kaz: This is a whole new ball game. I guess I can’t convince you right away.

BB: Save your breath.

Kaz: What do you say? You want to come work for me? Along with them.

BB: These guerrillas?

Kaz: Yeah. They were the cream of the crop when I was a drill sergeant. I trust them more than anyone, which is why they’ll have a piece  of the ground floor. Why don’t you join us?

BB: Sorry to disappoint you.

Kaz: So the negotiations are over? Too bad.

BB: You gonna shoot me?

Kaz: I don’t want to kill you. I just want to get away. [BB charges.] Stay back… [Kaz is field-stripped by BB.] Dammit! My gun! The, the slide’s gone?!

BB: You mean this?

Kaz: When did you – ! …All of you, grab him, now!

BB: Do it.

Kaz: [Kaz struggles as he is being grabbed.] Ah – hey, hey, what are you – Not me, get Snake! Let me go!

Soldier: Sorry, Master Miller.

Kaz: What…?

BB: [Laughs heartily.] It was Miel.

Kaz: Hm?

BB: Miel. The guy you gave that letter to while you were recovering.

Kaz: How did you – ?

BB: He showed it to me the minute after you gave it to him.

Kaz: …That huckster works for you too?

BB: So I paid visits to the guys in the  letter, and they said  they wanted to join me.

Kaz: You betrayed me?!

BB: They just made a decision. Right?

Group of soldiers: Right, Boss.

BB: Even then, you thought I’d only have one man watching you? You’ve got a lot to learn about intelligence work.

Kaz: I don’t have any ninja in my family tree.

BB: But you’ve got an eye for talent,  I’ll give  you that. They’re all great soldiers. And they saw right through that  story about you  being a government agent.

Kaz: How did you convince them?

BB: We just sat down and talked man to man. So, you gonna admit defeat for real this time?

Kaz: I get it… Charisma’s what makes the difference.

Soldier: Here, get up.

Kaz: [Kaz hits the soldier.] Outta my way! [He runs away.] I’ll survive on my own if I have to!

Soldier: Stop! We’ll shoot!

BB: Hold fire.

Soldier: He made off with a spear.

BB: Yeah. He’s headed into bad ground.

Soldier: The bandits?

BB: It’ll be dark soon. You guys wait here. [BB runs after Kaz.]

Soldier: Boss! Be careful.

Chapter 5
[Kaz breaks down, out of breath.]

BB: Come on, give it up! [Kaz charges at BB, fails.] Get up! Come at me again! What’s the matter? Take a swing!

Kaz: Damn you!

BB: You’re wide open! [Kaz swings, fails.] Just like that “scheme” of yours!

Kaz: Go to hell!

BB: There you go! Stab me! Come on and stab me! Drive it right into my heart! [Kaz swings.] Useless! Your arm is shaking! [BB throws him down, and catches Kaz in a chokehold.]

Kaz: …Lemme go… You’re breaking my neck…

BB: Now, are you going to join me? Or you want to do your  hara-kiri for real this time? I’ll even be your kaishaku. [He tightens his grip.] Or should I end it here, with my arm? Time to make your choice.

Kaz: All right. All right, lemme go… [He is released,  gasps frantically  for air.] Just can’t  get away  from  you…   You’re  not just  a snake,  you’re  a constrictor.

BB: You give up?

Kaz: I’ve got nothing on you. You even took my own men from me…

BB: So, you’re throwing in the towel?

Kaz: No… I haven’t lost yet.

BB: You what?

Kaz: There’s one last thing that… hasn’t been settled. I haven’t lost yet.

BB: You don’t still wanna –

Kaz: But I will join you. Let’s work together. We’ll be business partners.

BB: [Sighs.] I’m not interested in making money.

Kaz: That’s not what I meant. They call us Japanese  “economic  animals.” Say we’re “obsessed with money.” But that’s not true. We don’t invest in something that doesn’t move us. I will provide a service that delivers  on its promise. And I will be compensated appropriately. But my goal isn’t to make money.

BB: So what do you want?

Kaz: Recognition. To prove myself. I have a dream. You must have one too.

BB: Mine is no dream.

Kaz: I know that with  you, I  can make  my dream  come true. I’ve seen that now.

BB: But…

Kaz: I can handle the business  end. We’re talking about  a military  without ideologies, without isms, or borders… [BB  grunts.] Isn’t that  what you want? Let’s build it together – a home for those who fight. The home you want.

BB: An army without borders…

Kaz: Yeah.

BB: You know…

Kaz: What?

BB: I think I understand now how a foreigner with no connections or experience landed a job here as a drill sergeant.

Kaz: Yeah?

BB: And why it didn’t work out for you.

Kaz: I was unlucky – I ended up against you.

BB: Can you stand?

Kaz: Help me up. Partners, Boss?

BB: Call me “Snake.”

Kaz: We’ll settle our contest some other time.

BB: Fine by me.

Kaz: Say… what’s your count with the ladies?

BB: Huh?

Kaz: How many women you been with?

BB: Huh. You first.

Kaz: [Shows a number with his fingers.] This many. Actually… this many.

BB: Damn…

Kaz: You?

BB: Me? I’ve… [A sound.] Hm?

Kaz: …Snake…

BB: You noticed, huh? …We’re surrounded.

Kaz: Guess we stumbled onto somebody’s turf.

BB: Here they come. Two of ‘em. [Soldiers come charging.]  Consecutive! C! Q! C!

Kaz: Impressive, Snake.

BB: They had weapons. Can you shoot? [He tosses Kaz a gun.]

Kaz: This is ancient!

BB: Better than nothing.

Kaz: Nobody operates out here, not the government, not the rebels.

BB: A no-man’s land. Except for the bandits.

Kaz: Pretty much.

BB: We gotta get back to the others.

Kaz: After we get past these guys.

BB: This is battle. Some things are unavoidable, but… don’t take a life if you don’t have to.

Kaz: Got it.

BB: Let’s see what you can do, partner. [Gunfire.]

Kaz: Contact, 10 o’clock! LMG! [Gunfire.] Contact, front! SMG! Clear! Move!

[More gunfire. PW Theme plays.]