"My friends, and comrades, thank you all for your service. The mission was a success; we've defeated the pirates, and rescued nearly sixty people. You all have performed admirably, and fought for our cause. Thank you." Snake paused for a moment while the crowd erupted into cheers. The atmosphere was more than jubilant, with the freed civilians and all his soldiers cheering inside the same hangar that he had first trapped, six months ago.
After they had dropped the lifetime spacers off with Hideo, and subsequently dodged dozens of frantic questions, Snake and the others headed back to Philanthropy's Mother Base, minus a few of the captured pirates. Snake had had the captives identify which of them had been particularly heinous, and threw them out the airlock. The remaining twelve, mostly part of a former merc band named the Wyld Bunch, were conscripted, and would have discipline imbued into them; whether they wanted it or not.
Currently, he was apparently making a live broadcast, as Otacon had gotten the fancy Comms array working. Hideo and everybody with him were watching as he spoke, though Henry had to be muted, as he was being disruptive.
"In my original unit, it was tradition for everybody to receive a code name. Mine is Solid Snake. And from now on, all members of Philanthropy will have a codename. But for now, I want to recognize a few people in particular. William of Winter, please step forward."
Billy blushed as he stepped forward, while his wife and son cheered in the background. Marching forward and up the stairs of the constructed stage, he joined Snake, standing at attention next to the podium.
"William, you held off the bulk of the pirate's fighting force with the Stinger. With a confirmed twelve kills, your codename is Lonely Tortoise. Wear it with pride, and rejoin your comrades." Snake shot the man a salute and dismissed him.
He went down the list of soldiers that had been on the mission. James was Furious Doberman, Sal was Steady Octopus, Yannis and Giorgos were Screeching Buffalo and Howling Bison.
And then he got to Diane.
Upon actually speaking it out loud, he could see how getting called Sadistic Orca might have struck a nerve, especially when Bravo team started roaring with laughter. Unfortunately, it was too late, and once you had a code name, you're stuck with it until other people change it, so he could only laugh at her over reactions.
"Anyway, like I said, more people will be getting code names, but I wanted to establish the practice right here, today. Thank you all for your hard work, now relax and enjoy yourselves, we've arranged for food and drinks for everybody!" Snake said, to another round of cheers as barrels were rolled out, and the soldiers and civilians alike began to celebrate. As he snagged a stein of ale and started to walk away however, his codec started to ring.
"Hello?"
"Excellent speech, Commander." The digitized voice of a japanese man spoke into his ear as the picture of Hideo's avatar popped into his vision.
"Hideo, how are the spacer's holding up?"
"The Belter, Henry, will not cease asking as many questions as he can, and the others are all simply terrified of me."
"Well, you are a pretty scary guy."
"How rude, Commander. You're the scary one, I've done nothing except have them clean up bloodstains and replace the air scrubbers, and they act like I'll space them at any time."
"I don't know Hideo, maybe it's your sunny disposition and cheerful taste in decor?"
"Hmmm. Commander, can I ask a question?"
Snake walked over to a nearby crate and sat down, taking a sip of the local beer that they had traded from the villagers. He wasn't smoking cigarettes anymore, but he wasn't going to turn his nose up at a beer or two, as long as he didn't go too far.
"Shoot."
"May I have a codename?"
Snake looked away from the crowd of people and focused his attention back onto the AI. Taking a sip of his drink, he gave it some thought.
"Sure, but what brought this up?"
The AI hummed over the broadcast, pausing for a moment before he began to explain.
"As a member of this organization, I believe that I am just as if not more important than any other individuals aside from yourself and Dr. Emmerich." Hideo spoke carefully, as if crafting his words in the most mindful way he could.
Snake just snorted, seeing right through the engram's statement.
"I get it now, you just want to be more involved!" Snake laughed a little as he took another drink, grinning behind his mug. "Don't worry buddy, I've got a good one for you. From here on out, your codename is White Whale." He held up his drink just as the party cheered, the timing perfect as Hideo's avatar gave a salute, smiling at the commander. "May all who hunt you be dragged to the depths."
"Moby Dick. Fitting. I'll do it justice, commander. Thank you." The AI cut the call as the party cheered again as Otacon had a couple of people help set up a sound system. Where he found a set of speakers, Snake didn't know, but soon the party kicked into high gear as the scientist began playing music that was nearly a thousand years old at this point. Around the edge of the crowd, Snake could see the little boy Nicky sneaking around and trying to pick people's pockets, only to get spotted and run down by the other kids. Smirking at the kid getting dogpiled, he finished the dregs of his beer and began making his way to the crowd.
"Boss, you here to show us some moves?" Marcus asked with a grin as he moonwalked out of the circle.
Snake cracked his knuckles as he looked over to Otacon, catching the scientist's eye. Hal gaped for a second, before the brightest smile spread across his face and he swapped tracks, playing some catchy synth track that was
perfect.
Performing a perfect flip, Snake began to breakdance like he never had before.
"Go Snake! Go Snake! Go Snake!"
And so the festivities went on through the rest of the evening. Nobody was ready for morning exercises the day after, but by all accounts, the party was a complete success.
