Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance radio conversations

This article is a list of optional Codec conversations in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, some of which are humorous, or contain additional information that is not revealed during normal gameplay.

Mission recap
Raiden: Looks like a war zone out here.

Kevin Washington: The palace cleared out quick when Dolzaev's men showed up. The streets got pretty hot after that. We're definitely gonna see a few civilian casualties here. Luckily, it looks like most of 'em got out of the city before things got bad.... They've basically got control of the entire town, and are using the refinery as their HQ.

Raiden: And that's why we're hitting the plant.

Kevin: Keep in mind, those cyborgs are contractors. For most of these guys, this is just a job. In theory, once you eliminate their commanding officer they should scatter pretty quickly.

Desperado captains' codenames
Kevin Washington: We've confirmed three key captains in Desperado. Their names are all wind-themed. The captain presiding over this coup's called Mistral.

Raiden: Cyborg?

Kevin: Yup. All three've got custom-made bodies. Collectively they're known as the "Winds of Destruction."

Raiden: (snicker) The... what? They all have action figures, too?

Kevin: (heheh) You're one to talk, "Mr. Lightning Bolt."

Raiden: Who told you?

Kevin: Courtney. Now that sounds like an action figure.

Raiden: I didn't choose it, trust me.

Kevin: Yeah, well, to be honest, I doubt the Winds of Destruction picked their names, either.

Raiden: ...

Kevin: Different cultures use language differently, even ones with a decent command over English. As you can attest...Mr. LB.

Origin of Mr. Lightning Bolt
Kevin Washington: Sorry man, but I have to ask: Where did "Mr. Lightning Bolt" come from anyway?

Raiden: Seriously? All right. Well I told you where I got "Raiden" from, right? World War II, the Japanese had a plane called "Raiden"? The Allies (nick)named it "Jack"?

Kevin: Yeah, I remember.

Raiden: And my real name's Jack, so yeah... They codenamed me Raiden.

Kevin: "They" being the Patriots.

Raiden: (mhmm) Never really suited me. But it's better than... "Jack" just reminds me too much of the past.

Kevin: I hear ya...

Raiden: Someone once told me: "You can find your own name, and your own future." After that, I dropped "Jack" for good.

Kevin: Right. Right... And this is "Lightning Bolt" business?

Raiden: Well the "rai" part of Raiden means thunder, and "den" is electric, so Raiden is basically "lightning bolt."

Kevin: Mmm hmmm

Raiden: Anyway, I was explaining that to N'Mani, and he just busted out laughing...

Kevin: So he called you that as a joke? He was basically just giving you shit?

Raiden: Yeah. He actually had a pretty good sense of humor. He was one of the most charismatic men I'd ever met. I don't know much about politics, but being around him... you could just tell that he was a natural leader.

Kevin: (sigh) Such a goddamn shame...

Raiden: I won't let it happen again. Desperado ends here, comic book villains and all.

Kevin: Yeah. We're counting on you, uh... ...Mr. Lighting Bolt.

Raiden: ...

Desperado
Raiden: Kev, let's go over everything we have on Desperado.

Kevin Washington: Roger that. Let's see here.... Desperado Enforcement LLC, registered in the US -- Delaware.

Raiden: Makes sense. The US doesn't regulate PMCs too closely.

Kevin: Looks like almost all of their actual business is handled outside the States, though. Says here their financials are handled by a separate company based in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Raiden: The preferred tax haven of megacorps everywhere.

Kevin: Probably why they incorporated in Delaware in the first place. Loose tax laws. Funneling it all through the Caribbean must help with money laundering, though. There's still not a lot we know about them, though, but they've definitely been starting a lot of fires lately. They're a PMC in name only -- and what a name it is. Guess "War Profiteers, Incorporated" was taken. But that's their business, in a nutshell: Target war-torn nations on the road to peace. Reignite conflicts, and walk off with all the cash that was earmarked for reconstruction. They also have ties to the drug trade, human trafficking...

Raiden: Sounds like a real class act.

Why Desperado is getting away with its actions in Abkhazia
Raiden: One thing I don't understand, Kev: Desperado must be violating all kinds of laws here. Why hasn't the international community gotten involved?

Kevin Washington: Well, from a purely legal standpoint it's actually not so cut-and-dry. First, there's the fact that Abkhazia is still not a member of the UN. Only Russia and a few breakaway states even recognize it as a sovereign nation. In the eyes of the international community, Abkhazia is technically still part of Georgia. Which would make this an internal Georgian issue.

Raiden: Guess you can't really call it a coup if the displaced government was never seen as legitimate.

Kevin: Exactly. And even if everyone agrees its was a coup, it can be tough to tell which regime is more legit. Sometimes, you'll see the military topple a dictator and establish a provisionary government, for example. Now, if they confirmed atrocities were taking place, the UN could deploy troops, recognized government or not.

Raiden: Yeah, but they learned their lesson in Somalia.

Kevin: Right. Ever since then, they've been a lot more reluctant to get involved in civil wars.

Desperado's cyborgs
Raiden: Where the hell'd Desperado get all these cyborgs anyway, Kev?

Kevin Washington: Hard to say. They're not as rare as they once were, but still... Of all registered PMC troops, we're still talkin', what, 3% have enhancements? Maybe 5%, tops? Mostly career military who got hurt on the battlefield, one way or another. Getting their arms or legs back lets 'em keep earning a living. But most able-bodied soldiers are still reluctant to sacrifice their own healthy body parts. Plus the surgery is highly specialized -- expensive as hell. Not to mention maintenance costs after that. Unless insurance is footin' the bill, most guys couldn't afford enhancements even if they wanted to.

Raiden: Maverick's got some cyborgs -- what's their story? They all wounded in action?

Kevin: Mostly. I heard a few saved up and paid for it themselves, but just a few. There is this one crazy blonde guy, though... I heard he asked for a full-body conversion.

Raiden: The Patriots didn't leave me much of a body to begin with. I just had Doktor finish what they started.

Kevin: You know I'm just giving you shit, man. Anyway, yeah, looking at the numbers, cyborg soldiers are still a pretty small minority. Not really surprising when only contractors in developed countries are offered insurance. Third-world soldiers get hurt out on the field, and that's all she wrote. They can't work as a merc anymore. Most times, they can't really work at all.

Raiden: Well, Desperado's up to something, 'cause cyborgs are definitely not in the minority here.

Kevin: I've heard of some PMCs covering the costs of the surgery for their disabled. The mercs got their career back, sure, but the PMCs aren't exactly running a charity. These guys have to work to pay it off, until the company at least breaks even on 'em. Any cyborg breaks his contract early would proably be in debt (for) the rest of his life.

Raiden: You think that's Desperado's M.O.?

Kevin: I can't prove it, but sure as hell wouldn't surprise me.

Maverick's deal
Raiden: So what kind of deal does Maverick offer its contractors?

Kevin Washington: Oh, yeah. I forgot you're full-time, too. You've never contracted with us?

Raiden: Nope. Boris invited me onboard the first time we talked about it. We've known each other since Area 51. Didn't have any reason to turn him down, so yeah, never really considered the contract route.

Kevin: Right, right... Well, it's pretty rare for guys on the ground like you to be full-timers. Most of Maverick's soldiers are contractors, just like with any other PMC. It just makes sense. After all, it's never the same job twice in this business. Each mission has its own requirements: force size, skill set...all that crap. So generally, we contract out on a per-mission basis, or a fixed schedule for longer jobs. A lot of US companies are doing it that way lately, not just PMCs. Besides, a contractor can earn more than most regular full-time employees. Definitely a hell of a lot more than regular military.

Raiden: And if they want to quit? Can they get out of their contract?

Kevin: Yep. Of course just up and quitting right in the middle of a mission'd cause problems. Just like any other job, y'know? We'd want some notice, to settle on a new end date, but... Hold up. ...You're not thinking of leaving us, are ya?

Raiden: (chuckles) Just curious.

Kevin's job at Maverick
Raiden: You still busy with all that other work, Kev?

Kevin Washington: You know me, man: Kev-of-all-trades. I got a lot on my plate. Briefing prep, arms procurement, client negotiation, HR, biz dev, accounting... you name it. Lately, though, I've been focusing more on sales and onsite co-ordination. Oh, and advisor work, like this.

Raiden: Never sleep, do you?

Kevin: Things've been better since Courtney joined up, at least.

Oil Refinery reminder
Note, this will repeat itself after all of Kevin's Codec calls are unlocked

Kevin Washington: Raiden, head for the oil refinery.

Courtney
''Note: As she often saves the player's progress if she is called, every call has her asking whether Raiden wants to save his mission data. Those questions are omitted from the transcribation of these conversations save for the first call. Also, in the demo, there is no real impact on choosing to save due to it being a demo.''

Courtney's role
Raiden: How're we doing, Courtney?

Courtney Collins: You're looking good on our end. GPS and audiovisual feed coming in fine. Energy consumption, check. Damage levels, check. Blood pressure, brain waves, blood sugar -- check, check check. All this monitoring equipment, I got a better view than if I was right next to you. Anyway, I'll be saving all your data automatically anytime something happens in the field. But contact me if you want a manual save.

Raiden: Copy that. Good to hear that hasn't changed with this new body.

Courtney: Yep. The basic system's exactly the same. So... did you want to save?

If the player decides to save
Courtney: ...And save complete. Simple, huh?

Raiden: Copy.

If the player decides not to save
Raiden: [...] And glad to hear you're okay after Africa. That ambush was no joke.

Courtney: Tell me about it. Three armored vehicles should've been plenty for that job. And it would've been, against any typical guerilla force.

Raiden: I keep asking myself: where would an anti-N'mani faction get the cash to hire cyborgs?

Courtney: It just doesn't add up. Maybe there was some intel I missed? A lead I should've followed up on... Maybe if I reacted faster, coordinated better... I don't know...

Raiden: You can't think that way, Courtney. Not in this business. You did everything you could. Put it behind you and move on.

Courtney: ...You're right. Thanks.

The need for civilians in PMCs
Raiden: I wanted to follow-up on our talk earlier. About the stress that comes with the job. PMC work can be traumatic, even for non-combatants. If the pressure ever gets to be too much, have one of the ex-military there take over, just --

Courtney Collins: I'm not doing that, Raiden. PMCs wield massive influence over international affairs. Abolishing SOP didn't change that. They need a better understanding of what they're mixed up in: The laws, politics, local cultures... Ex-military aren't there to provide that. They can't. We need civilian voices like mine here, too.

Raiden: You're right. Just... take care of yourself.

Courtney: Don't worry. Africa was more than enough excitement for one lifetime. It's a good thing that limo was armored.

Raiden: Yeah, otherwise, you'd now be the world's clumsiest cyborg.

Courtney: Hey, cyborg Courtney coulda been your partner! I might've saved your ass!

Raiden: How? By spilling coffee all over the enemy (heheheh)?

Courtney: Oh, come on, I'm not that --son of a!

Raiden: ...Please tell me that was a joke.

Sons of the Patriots
Raiden: [Yeah.] You mentioned SOP before. How much do you know about it?

Courtney Collins: The Sons of the Patriots system? Same stuff as anyone else in the industry, probably. Basically, a nanomachine/software combo for controlling contractors. Used to be required for all PMCs. Soldiers couldn't fire unless their ID matched their weapon, and they had clearance. From their commanding officers and the rules of engagement, I mean. It had some mental effects as well. Moderating pain, enhancing concentration -- that sort of thing. The idea was SOP would minimize arms smuggling and civilian casualties.

Raiden: A kinder, gentler war. An oxymoron, anyway you look at it. Civilian deaths did drop, though.

Courtney: Because soldiers in the System could coordinate in real time. Share info. Between that and the ID locks, a lot of people felt better about employin privatized military. The irony is, the System was developed based on criticisms of PMC ops -- mostly American interventions. SOP propaganda said it would "put limits" on the war market. What it really did was shift market share over to the PMCs. Civilian deaths went down, but total casualties just kept on climbing.

Raiden: More than ever, war was big business.

Courtney: And business was booming. Until SOP got hacked. Suddenly, everyone realized how dangerous it was to have a single system controlling entire PMCs. That was the beginning of the end for SOP. Public opinion on privatizing war did a 180. After that, a lot of local conflicts and civil wars died down. The PMC conglomerates had to split up and downsize, just to stay in business. And that about does it for SOP 101. Class dismissed.

Raiden: Not bad, professor. But it's not the whole story.

Courtney: No, I know...

Raiden: Let's finish this later. I better keep moving.

Patriots
Raiden: I thought we'd get back to our little [little our] history lesson. What do you know about the Patriots?

Courtney Collins: I know that they were behind everything we talked about before, with the SOP system. People thought these 12 guys controlled world politics and the global economy from the shadows.

Raiden: And they were right. Except there weren't 12, and they weren't guys -- or even human. They were massive AI networks.

Courtney: All the better to gather information on a global scale. Or to censor it, if they wanted. They'd manipulate factions to keep wars raging, all while selling arms to both sides. The PMCs made billions, too, of course. SOP was the Patriots' masterstroke. They could control battles directly, down to each individual soldier. The System might even be still around, if the AIs hadn't all been destroyed.

Raiden: I'm impressed, you know your stuff. Not many people have even heard of the Patriots. More than they were active, but still -- not many. Almost no one knows they were AIs, or that they're the real reason SOP went away.

Courtney: Well, the few that do know aren't going to talk about it publicly. Even the world leaders.

Raiden: Especially the world leaders. The people would panic. Assuming anyone believed them, which they wouldn't. You can find speculation on the net, if you look hard enough. Some of them get pretty close to the truth. But the stories never make it into the mainstream. "Just another conspiracy theory."

Courtney: I'm not surprised. It's a little hard to believe, ya know? It just sounds crazy. When Kevin briefed me about all this in orientation, I thought it was some kind of BS-detecting test.

The Patriots motives
Courtney Collins: Hey, Raiden, lemme ask you something. The Patriots -- why would AIs do all that? I can see why people would want all the money, but AIs? What did they stand to gain from it all?

Raiden: Who knows? Maybe they didn't even know. Optical neuro-AIs aren't your typical PCs. They learn over time, change in unpredictable ways.... The core AI, JD, was bent on expanding the war economy -- maybe to fund the Patriots' other activities? Or maybe that just was the way it evolved. Like a secondary objective, that took over. One of the other AIs said it was created to filter out unnecessary information. Gossip. Trivia. All for the sake of future generations -- to drive the evolution of the human race. Or so it said. Was that the truth? Or a lie, to manipulate me? Who can say?

Courtney: To think, something like that, running a nation... And America, no less. It's terrifying. Thank God they were all destroyed.

Raiden: But did it really change that much.

Courtney: Hm... maybe not. Contractors still gotta eat, after all. Soldiering for hire's always risky business, but at least before it was good money. There was a decent chance you could get rich and retire early. All that disappeared during the SOP years. Demand was high but the workplace was flooded -- more and more soldiers were willing to work for cheap. It got so you'd have to work years before you could even pay back your initial training and insurance fees.

Raiden: Yeah. I can see Sundowner's point.

Courtney: The global recession certainly didn't help. Unemployment shot up across the US and the EU. Even if the contractors gave up and packed it in, there weren't any jobs waiting for them back home.

Raiden: The irony is that the recovery was all war-driven. It wasn't a general recovery at all. Not only did globalization exploit the poor countries, but it crippled first-world employment, too.

Courtney: And SOP's gone, but now we've got these PMCs that are basically monster -- just thugs in uniform.

Raiden: Yeah, not a pretty picture.

New name for PMCs
Raiden: You know, our last chat got me thinking... about all the problems with PMCs.

Courtney Collins: Oh? You come up with a solution to all our industry's ills then.

Raiden: Yeah -- let's just change the acronym.

Courtney: That's your solution? Just change the name and change the reputation, eh? To what? I know you like "private security provider", but that PSP. Private Military Security... PMS?

Raiden: Well, the Montreux Document uses PMSC, right? Private military and security company. A bit more comprehensive... and a bit more awkward, too, I guess... seems like it never really caught on.

Courtney: Yeah, we only use "PMSC" on contracts, or when we're specifically excluding older-style PMCs.

Raiden: I guess when a name sticks, that's it. Old habits are hard to break.

Courtney: Right. Besides, I think we're past the point a name change a name change'd do much for the industry's image.

Raiden: I get your point. Though it did work once before. We don't call them "mercenaries" any more, do we?

On ground confirmation
Raiden: Control, it's Raiden. I'm on the ground.

Boris: Copy, Raiden. Glad to hear it. Entering on foot was the right move. That craft wasn't equipped with stealth camo. Or OctoCamo, obviously, since that would be useless in midair.

Raiden: And we wouldn't want to get that pricey new jet damaged, now, would we?

Boris: Da. The MQ-133C was not cheap tovarich. Now, keep alert. According to intel, you could find significant cyborg deployment here. If you were to be cornered by an entire squad, it could get... difficult, even for you.

Raiden: Understood. Some fighting'll be necessary, though. I've got electrolytes to replenish.

Boris: This is not an infiltration mission. There is no need to hide or avoid combat outright. Just... do not get reckless. Stay safe, and stay focused on your mission.

Seriousness in a fight
Boris: Raiden, there's always a chance the MQ was spotted before your drop-off. I would not be surprised if hostile cyborgs were already en route to your position.

Raiden: A little welcoming party wouldn't be so bad. I could use a warm-up.

Boris: Enough with the attitude, Raiden. It is time to be serious. This is no game, Raiden. I need you to focus. Many people are counting on you, and I don't just mean here at Maverick.

Raiden: You don't need to remind me of that.

Boris: Good. The last thing we need is another clever cowboy shipped back to us in pieces. On codec is fine, just be sure you are serious on the battlefield. Your enemies will be.

Raiden: Yes, sir.

Tree
Boris: You're familiar with your new body now, yes? Then let's begin the warm up! Slash at something - a palm tree, perhaps.

Past
Boris: Raiden, what I said... About staying focused on the mission...

Raiden: Understood. No need to explain.

Boris: I say this because I have been there. I have let my emotions take over on the battlefield. Some of the PMC work I did after my discharge was... They were grey-area jobs... But that's all in the past. When I took on those former PLA soldiers to form Maverick. I laid out my conditions: We would only take operations we believed in, and we would run them clean. No exceptions. Most of them agreed. They had their own bad memories from their time in Paradise Lost.

Raiden: I can certainly attest to that.

Boris: Yes, of course. I'm forget who I am talking with. Most of the ex-PLA have moved on now, in any case. But the point remains the same: Everyone at Maverick is accountable for their actions. We are clear to take this job under international law. And we can use force against any cyborg hostiles under the basic rules of engagement. But remember: If we harm any civilians, on purpose or no, it will mean trouble. All kinds of trouble. So: Stay in control, and stay on-mission.

Raiden: Got it.

Ebkhazia
Raiden: Didn't you say you'd been here before, Boris?

Boris: Once. Back when it was still Soviet territory.

Raiden: Seems like it'd be a lovely place... if it weren't a war zone.

Boris: "The Pearl of the Black Sea" they called it, back when more Russians lived there. It was very popular resort spot for USSR. This was before the wall fell, of course. Then Russia and Georgia began to fight over the area.

Raiden: ...Kicking off the war in the early '90s.

Boris: Georgia was a Soviet republic. Abkhazia, a semi-autonomous state within it. The Soviets liked to stoke ethnic rivalries between the two. And not just there: in all the outlying territories. It kept them easier to control.

Raiden: But with the Russians no longer watching over the two...

Boris: Da. The Abkhaz were scared. They knew an independent Georgia would swallow their nation sooner or later. So, they took advantage of a Georgian military coup to declare their own independence in '92. Of course, the new Georgian government was not happy to hear this, and so...

Raiden: The same old story.

Boris: Mmm. And with Russia supporting the Abkhaz, it was a stalemate. Two years later the cease-fire meant Abkhazia was finally independent, but not officially. They still are not formally recognized by Georgia, or most (of) the international community.

Raiden: This region is filled with breakaway states...

Boris: This is true. There is South Ossetia, also in Georgia... Transmistria in Moldova, and Nagorno-Karabakh, which broke from Azerbaijan. In any case, even Russia did not officially recognize Abkhazia as independent until 2008. So it was not long ago that Sukhumi was a warzone. It has changed dramatically since then. It has been rebuilding steadily -- with Russian support -- ever since SOP was shut down.

Raiden: Good to hear, but doesn't that leave them wrapped 'round Russia's little finger?

Boris: It does. Which is why Dolzaev is calling for a truly independent state. He wants an Abkhazia that takes orders from no one. Not Georgia. Not Moscow.

Raiden: Sounds like a worthy cause.

Boris: Da. But many Abkhaz are happy with the reconstruction Russian support makes possible. Few of his fellow countrymen were interested in what Dolzaev had to say... at first.

Raiden: ...And then Desperado showed up.

Boris: Exactly. They brought the sad ending to this little history lesson. It is no wonder why so many people mistrust PMCs, eh?

Raiden: I suppose not.

Head inland
Boris: Raiden, you'll need to head inland. But first, make your way through this building.

Cyborg information
Raiden: Doktor, do you have anything more on these cyborgs?

Doktor: Only what we went through in your briefing, if you had been paying attention! Standard military-grade cyborgs. MCFC-integrated carbon nanotube muscle fibers. Impressive response time and power yield -- when focused correctly. Most will likely possess extrasensory skills, as well. Infrared vision is standard these days. They can function without breathing for short periods of time...

Raiden: Okay, Okay -- nothing I didn't already know.

Doktor: Not all cyborgs you face will be the same, of course. You may notice a range of different capabilities. It all depends on the manufacturer. Muscle fiber and neurotransmission technology is advancing all the time. Of course, you have the very latest science has to offer! A typical cyborg is no match for your equipment.

Raiden: ...If you do say so yourself.

Doktor: (chuckles) No, I realize combat is about more than the equipment. Situational awareness, predictive ability, nerves... One must determine a course of attack or defense, and execute on a moment's notice. Reaction time is key. Cyborg enhancements do not change that.

Raiden: Agreed.

Fuel cell types
Raiden: Doktor, about my fuel cells -- the electrolytes. Do all military cyborgs use the same type? I'm not gonna run across anyone... y'know, incompatable with me, am I?

Doktor: An excellent question. Your fuel cells, like any other, operate much in the same way as a typical battery. They do not need replacing after a single use, and they do not require recharging. They do, however, require a fuel source.

Raiden: That much I know already.

Doktor: Yes, well, there are several different types of fuel cells: Phosphoric-acid, MFCF -- molten carbonate, like yours -- solid oxide, and so forth. Each type can be further divided into classes, each (of) which runs on its own electrolyte material. However, all current military cyborg MCFCs run on the same one electrolyte.

Raiden: That's good news.

Doktor: Why all the same electrolyte, you ask? The answer lies in the cataclysts that help make up your carbon-nanotube musculature. It was breakthroughs in researching these cataclysts and CNT manufacturing that enabled large-scale production.

Raiden: Breakthroughs that happened after all the data the Patriots were covering up finally leaked.

Doktor: It could not have happened without your help, Raiden. Science owes you a great debt! And I do as well. Working on your body has been quite... educational.

Nanotube muscle fibers
Doktor: My apologies, Raiden. I realized we never concluded our discussion on carbon nanotube muscle fibers!

Raiden: Didn't we?

Doktor: CNT drove major innovations in the field of cybernetics, not to mention unmanned gears. As I am sure you are aware, walker-type UGs require numerous linear actuators in order to function. Previously, organic polymers or cultivated muscle cells were used for that purpose. But, the advancement of CNT technology allowed for comparable power in a far more compact package. This meant the same-size UGs could be equipped with even greater firepower. Take the redesigned Metal Gear RAY, for example.

Raiden: They took all the space the old artificial muscles filled up, and stuffed it with weapons.

Doktor: Precisely. Of course, UGs have improved in many ways -- all to keep pace with cyborg advancements, you know. After all, the original Metal Gear program was designed to unite infantry and weaponry. As an evolution of this concept, the UG is now in direct competition with the cyborg. And the cyborgs already have an advantage with their maneuverability and smaller size -- as you well know. Of course, UGs are not dependent on the skills of a human host --

Raiden: Long story short: Watch out for UGs.

Doktor: Well... yes, basically. Cyborgs have matched Unmanned Gears in many respects, but then UG tech advances everyday. Do not underestimate any you might run into.

Raiden: Copy that.

Doktor's history before Maverick
Doktor: Raiden, have I told you of the research I was conducting before we met?

Raiden: Several times.

Doktor: It was the Cold War. East Germany, ah the DDR... My field was infantry weapon research. It was a magical time! Secret research -- TOP secret, you know. All for the Soviets, but so exciting. I was free to explore wherever my findings took me. I never had a budget request refused. Not once. I was young, then -- working, working, always working! Most nights, I would sleep under my desk, you know. Call it ostalgie, but East Germany wasn't so bad... "Ostalgie" being German for East nostalgia, of course.

Raiden: Of course.

Doktor: Yes, the bureaucracy had its problems, but my colleagues, the discoveries... Ah, well, in any case, after reunification they suddenly shut down our entire facility. Everything I'd worked for -- my job, my research -- poof! Gone. Just like that.

Raiden: Sounds rough.

Doktor: I've often said I'd be a homeless vagrant, if myoelectric prostheses hadn't lent me a hand. Artificial limbs were crude props, then, you know. Designed only for appearances. They were hardly functional. If you lost an arm or leg, you were disabled, and that was that. The key was running actuators based on electromyography signals from the skin's surface, of course. This enabled a great range of movement -- even moreso than a natural limb! It was then that I realized my knowledge of robotics and engineering could come in handy. So! I contacted a prosthesis laboratory in Dortmund, and was hired immediately. Patents filed in my name made quite a bit of money, you know. Soon I was made the head of my own lab.

Raiden: And that's when you started filling orders from PMCs?

Doktor: Indeed. From contractors who'd been referred by their employers, to be exact. Workers from your industry quickly became our best customers! We were flooded with orders. But my field was never full-body conversions. You can imagine my surprise when Boris contacted me.

Raiden: Yeah. Our previous cybernetics maintenance guy went into hiding.

Doktor: But I built on my knowledge, and now consider myself an expert on all cyborgs, both partial and full-body!

Raiden: Glad I could help with your on-the-job training. Seriously, though, we're lucky to have you on board.

Doktor: Yes, I should think we have both benefitted from our arrangement. Which reminds me, do not forget our other arrangement: The cyborgs' left hands, if you would.

Raiden: Got it.

LQ-84i
LQ-84i: Directive... liberate Nation... ensure freedom... Obey directive... must obey directive... no freedom... freedom undefine... d (static)

Raiden: What would an AI know about freedom...