Shop Smart. Shop S-Mart

[Liquid Snake]

Far removed from the rough and tough attire he normally wore, a certain Snake was dressed all business casual. Black Italian loafers, slacks and open jacket, both of which were white, and black button up shirt, with the top three buttons left undone. He looked finely groomed too, his hair combed black and done into a ponytail. Black shades hid his eyes and made him look like an entirely different person.

Not so elegant looking were his surroundings. He walked through the halls of a building that was undergoing major changes to suit it's new purpose. He took care to avoid getting in the construction crews' way, since he wanted to get this done ASAP. Yes, a dummy corporation in the guise of a friendly pharmaceutical company and retailer, somewhat like CVS or Rite Aid. S-Mart they agreed to called it.

S-Mart would begin here and this building would serve as the dummy corporation's corporate headquarters. Liquid himself couldn't risk being noticed. He'd have to keep himself hidden so as not to draw too much attention to S-Mart and what he had planned. His plans would have to come to fruition in the shadows and he would have to take care to avoid those in the light. For now, anyway. And what better way to help mask his presence than by putting the company in someone else's name?

Mitsuko would serve as the perfect CEO. She would lead S-Mart, or appear to anyway, while Liquid funded the company from the shadows. He'd already prepared a bullet proof fake history for Mitsuko, how she was a self made millionaire who decided to start her own company. He assumed she'd already read it, or at least glimpsed at it, and figured she knew she was expected to memorize it.

Speaking of Mitsuko, it was time to pay her another visit, a visit to the top floor of this building, where he presumed she resided at at the moment. The elevators weren't working yet. As such, Liquid used to the stairs, climbing and eventually reaching the top floor.

The remodel crews had apparently decided to do the upper floors first. When Liquid got up there, he noticed how it looked a world better than down below. His loafers clicked and clacked on the freshly laid tile floor as he walked over to two big, dark, wooden double doors. He assumed Mitsuko would be behind them, in the meeting room and office beyond them.

And so he swung them up and stepped inside to reunite with his sidekick.

[mitsuko]

Sitting there in that shiny new office room with a pair of gray contact lenses over her eyes considering pitch black optics with a silver lining around the pupil were far from being normal, besides it went well with her neatly kept onyx tinted locks. Crossing her legs while sitting in a typical, large cushiony office chair reading a pamphlet of papers with detail after detail about things in regards to the business plan to consider for S-Mart. How she hated the stupid, comfortable office chair...it made her want to sit in a bed of nails to remind herself she wasn't on cloud nine. However, she needed to make sure that if anyone who wasn't Liquid made their way through those doors that she'd look absolutely normal and nothing to suspect at all. Certainly her primary role was to be a mere puppet to mask the real person pulling all the strings, yet this woman wasn't the sort to sit on her pretty little butt all day and only read a script to how all this goes along. Things would go slowly if she did that and besides, it was important to know what was going on in case she had to pick up the slack. Stupidity and ignorance was one thing she wanted to abolish in this world and like hell she would do anything of the sort, even while being the face for a dummy company as a self made millionaire.

Allowing a pleasant smile to cross her lips as she set down the pamphlet which was a surprisingly good read. Seemed like all that was left is to figure out the finer details of this little operation. Both known to the public and something they wouldn't be bothered with at all, the behind the scenes work...so to speak. Pushing her chair out before taking a moment to uncross her legs and stand up to her full height which was a pinch over six feet tall...well more like six foot two thanks to her shoes. Using a pair of black high heels that weren't obnoxiously tall but more like enough to accent her legs covered with pitch white leggings that concealed all those lovely scars of hers rather nicely. Wearing a black skirt ending at about two inches away from her knees which seemed to scream corporate casual along with the dress jacket neatly buttoned up over a white blouse going up to her neck rimmed with a few ruffles. The finishing touches to her lovely attire were a pair of black gloves and a ruby brooch at her neck. Every now and then she'd wear a pair of earrings, but not today.

In fact this was just one of the many outfits she had laid out for herself thanks to a particular Snake's funding. To her, a woman with a great deal of money wouldn't just stick to one outfit and that may raise unneeded suspicion from attentive individuals left in this world. Walking over to the large windows, she occasionally peered out the blinds to make sure nothing unusual went on. Considering there were zombies popping up here and there, it's be bad to say the least if one managed to sneak up on an unsuspecting worker and it was left unnoticed. Granted, she didn't waste her time staring out the window, just checking every so often on the hour to be exact. Moving her hand away from the blinds, that's around the time those wooden double doors opened to reveal the true master mind behind this entire operation. Turning her head ever so slightly to see who it was, it seemed like none other than Liquid in a disguise of his own.

At least there was a bit of solace in the fact that he was being careful to make sure he wasn't easy to recognize. There were still more documents here and there upon the large table that she needed to sign with her alias Flora Kikuchi. She even went so far as to tailor a signature and writing style deviating from her own, something she made a habit of when it came to portraying a false identity. "Good day, Mr. Miller. Is there something I can help you with today?" Polite, professional, intelligent, and toss in the motivation to get things accomplished, that's how she went about doing this whole thing since the background provided for her to work with made it seem like it was the proper way to execute this identity. Unfortunately, it meant a little more talking and smiling than she'd like, ah a minor price to pay in order to make things go smoothly.

At least it appeared to be genuine and sincere with that little act of hers to fool the world in a time of crisis.

[Liquid Snake]

Snake hadn't answered to the name Miller in a few years. Not since he ordered the infamous Master Miller killed at his own home and stole his identity to manipulate his brother. As he closed and locked the doors behind him, so that not a soul could overhear them, he was swept back in his mind. Swept back to another time and place, as was so often the case with veteran soldiers. A sight, a sound, a smell, it could trigger a memory.

In this case, he instantly felt cold. Chilly as he was, he didn't shiver. He was in Shadow Moses, Alaska. While still under the guise of Master Miller, he listened to various conversations the other Snake had his various allies. One being Meryl Silverburgh, Colonel Roy Campbell's niece and FOXHOUND's prior commander. She talked of how she dreamed of one day becoming a FOXHOUND commando, who she idolized the legendary unit and Solid Snake. So many felt the same way when they were young, the aura of FOXHOUND and the possibility of one day becoming a member luring them into the military lifestyle.

So what was Snake to make of Mitsuko? She too was a young woman like Meryl, but with an entirely different lifestyle and persona. She may not have even given a damn about the military, much less the legendary FOXHOUND unit. But given how helpful she was, not to mention the amazing power to control her own blood, Liquid decided to assimilate her into the fold. Based on her powers and persona, he already had a codename picked out and ready for her. As such, he approached her from across the room, reaching into his jacket to fetch something. All the while finally answering her question.

"No, but perhaps there's something I can do for you."

Taking a folder full of various documents and paperwork out of his jacket, he handed it to Mitsuko for her to see. If she were to flip through the papers, she'd find that she was being offered a position in FOXHOUND. And not just a position, a codename. Hound. Blood Hound.

[mitsuko]

Something about all of this didn't quite settle with her...then again she lived a life of isolation and independence considering acquaintances which were made disappeared without a trace soon after. Quite tragic, really but she learned to move on and not allow social ties to hold her down. Perhaps this is why she was so cautious? Only a nice chunk of the reason...it was obvious that he had locked the door considering her sensitive hearing picked up on the clicking of the locks shifting into place. Well, it was too early for an assassination attempt if any were to occur and in the event such a scenario were to take place someone seasoned such as himself would have a different approach. That left one thing, there was something of importance to discuss. Hopefully there wasn't some sort of missing link in the chain of events which needed to take place for everything to fall nicely into place.

Out of habit, she carefully watched his every move making absolutely certain that he wasn't going to do anything irrational or suspicious, in case she had to prepare herself. Looking like the absolute portrait of a normal business woman all while seeing that he was reaching into his jacket. Perhaps he was carrying some important documents? In the Snake's position, it was far from wise to obviously hold any sort of paper work seeing that it may raise some sort of suspicion. Or...maybe he was going to give her a handgun for dealing with zombies normally? The disguised sadomasochist could only speculate on it all, it could even be a bag of honey roasted peanuts for all she knew! When she heard his words, she actually looked just a bit confused, somewhat phasing her usual calm exterior.

There was nothing she could help him with yet...there was something he could do for her? Alright...that was definitely peculiar...he already had the funding for this project and kept tugging the strings from behind the scenes while she put on a show for everyone watching from the sidelines. A folder full of documents and paperwork...? Geeze, like her desk wasn't full enough...maybe they recently received some thing worth being delivered by the master mind himself? "Thank you kindly, Mr. Miller, now let's see..." Carefully taking the papers with a composure which made her seem genuinely thankful with a light bow of her head. Though...when she started actually looking through the lovely documents and paperwork, her composure seemed to melt away into her usual calm, stoic self without much of a smile at all.

Obviously this didn't require acting like Flora Kikuchi....it was regarding a group called FOXHOUND. That name was one which came up when she did her own little bit of research on her partner of the moment opposite of her. Why would they bother with someone like her, it's not like she was ever in the military nor held any records expressing interest. Before her life transitioned into constantly switching alias' she was a teacher, that didn't exactly scream impressive in her opinion. Continuing to look through, it seemed like not only a position was being offered to her but a codename as well...Blood Hound...? The more she read, the more it made sense...but it was always best to ask about these sorts of things, "Thus far, I do not plan on refusing this offer and feel as though it would be beneficial...however, I must ask you to answer a simple question...why?" Adjusting her gaze from the folder back to him, it was best to get information from the source.

Remaining completely calm, almost to the point of it being unnatural, the papers could only tell her so much, yet it would prove interesting to hear the way he'd word such an offer. Events like these didn't happen every day and it would be foolish just to accept right off the bat without hearing what the individual making the offer had to say. As much of a future as being under the codename Blood Hound had to offer her, she had to be certain of his own little reason.

[Liquid Snake]

Intriguing. Why? Why her, she asked. One thing that made Liquid Snake such a good leader was his ability to step back and see the greater picture. Indeed, most people apply their own personal biases and preferences to any given situation. Snake was a professional soldier. He was a hobbyist, a hobby which happened to involve the ending of lives by any means necessary all too often. He looked forward to every single day at work. Life in FOXHOUND was like being on vacation.

Vulcan Raven, Psycho Mantis, Sniper Wolf and others. They would never ask why. A more appropriate question for them or any other trained killer would be who. Who is the enemy. Who to fight. Who to defeat. Who to kill.

But why her? She had no professional military training, or so her records said. However, her skill as a combatant was no less than someone like Decoy Octopus or Psycho Mantis. Indeed, in a hand to hand battle, Mitsuko would probably mop the floor with a frail skeleton like Mantis. However, it wasn't so much as their training as professional soldiers as it was their unique talents that earned them a place in FOXHOUND.

And Mitsuko too had a unique talent. Although FOXHOUND and the United States government in general would love to get their hands on any and all superhumans, they had to make due sometimes with what they had. Especially FOXHOUND, since S.H.I.E.L.D. was often treated better and given much more resources than they were.

Regardless though, Mitsuko wondered why. Liquid simply crossed his arms over his chest a cold smile starting to dawn on his face. Why her?

"Why not?"

[mitsuko]

For a woman who could slice a living human being open and slowly pull out there innards only to leave small little incisions so they could experience pain to a whole new level, it was probably considerably odd that she felt slightly unnerved by the cold smile across the Snake in disguise's lips soon after he crossed his arms over his chest. It wasn't shown outwardly in any form, all she did was look calm and as though she was at complete ease. Being one for observation, there was one thing plain as day to see: the blond was a seasoned killer. Many could say the same for the sadomasochist herself, however many of those deaths were purely accidental. Rarely intentional...but when it was, just about anyone with basic comprehension skills and understanding would say `Oh yeah that was a baaaaaaaaaad person!` Listening intently to his words and tone as she was being answered...apparently he held no doubt in placing the blood manipulator in such an elite group. Their ideals were questionable to say the least...yet the benefits weighed out the costs by far.

Through them...she could continue her way of life without the hassle of being treated like some sort of monster by her peers. Reality of it is there were two monsters standing within the walls of this large room. Monsters that were brought adoration by the individuals they were sided with and shunned with heavy doses of fear by their oppressors. Grey optics adjusted their sight back to the folder which was opened to the page with the codename Blood Hound...little flickers of memory surfacing for a short moment....

``Y-you monster! How does this help anyone...HOW DOES THIS HELP ME?!`` a woman screamed out with tears streaming down her horribly scratched up flesh peeled back here and there. Heaving and shuddering from the pain coursing through her every fiber of her being. "It allows you, the poor ignorant soul, to feel what that dearly beloved cherubim child was going through to a very small degree. Enough to be awakened...or so I hope. You should thank me kindly for not taking you to their level before parting this world." Calmly saying those words, she took a step to the side when her prey spat in her direction avoiding it with such ease. "I am...disappointed in you...this will be your final moment...may the divine one awaken you before it is much too late as you leave this world..." Before the captured woman could say anything more, her abdomen was slowly cut open with a clawed hand making jagged little motions as one may cut bread or a tough piece of steak.

People....people like that...they were the reason she continued on with this way of life. Tilting her head back in his direction before holding out her hand and locking her gaze exactly where his eyes would be if he were to remove those sunglasses. Perhaps she wouldn't get all of them...but certainly FOXHOUND shall guide her to many of these individuals who must awaken through the elegant art of pain. For once in a long time, there was a genuine smile across her lips breaking that calm, stoic expression of hers. As though to silently tell him they were in agreement. Why not...indeed....such an answer made more than enough sense. This very moment was paving a brand new path in her life, not as Mitsuko Aoki but as Blood Hound of the FOXHOUND unit.

Definitely a turn of events she hadn't expected by a long shot further proving life was full of surprises.

[Liquid Snake]

Mitsuko now held Snake's full attention. Indeed, although the man didn't show it on the outside, on the inside he was quite eager. But was there a fatal flaw in his plan, an unforeseen action that could threaten everything? Could Mitsuko refusing to join FOXHOUND, assuming she did so, cause his carefully stacked house of cards to go falling to the ground? He pondered that for the briefest of moments and actually started to get nervous. As nervous as a practiced killer could be, at least.

No verbal response, not a single sound to be made by Mitsuko, or perhaps Blood Hound at this point. She nodded and by that and her subtle body language, Liquid could tell she said yes. The dullest form of relief washed away the equally impotent sensation of worry inside Snake. Both emotions, however, were drowned out by a sense of excitement and accomplishment. Feelings that Snake felt only in battle. And was this not, after all, going to be a great battle?

"You will, of course, have to undergo a certain surgery..." he said, referring to the documents mentioning the codec communicator, which would allow both she and Liquid to communicate in completely silence, and across great distance. Ah, the marvels of nano technology.

[mitsuko]

"I understand completely...please fulfill a favor for me and inform whoever is to do the surgery that no form of numbing is to be used in the process." Such an odd request, then again not everyone was calmed down by the sensation of pain much like herself. In fact, a word without pain was one not worth living in and somehow, some way, she'd continue showing the world how lucky they are to have it as a daily reminder of life. Bliss was like a dream, something she felt dangerously close to without a slight pang of distress from her nerves. Being numb was something that made her question her own existence...it was something that made her lose her cool and start losing her mind. An experience she had one too many times before and would rather not deal with in this life time if it could be prevented. Deciding to look through the folder once more, it didn't seem like a horrible decision...joining some organization which would literally give her a fresh start in comparison to the life she had before.

A life which was nothing more than a series of thankless jobs. Not just thankless, but greatly unappreciated to such an extent that filled her with disgust toward the majority of humanity. Those who sold their bodies on the sides of filthy streets received far more gratitude than she could bother to wish for within a life time and it was something that had to change due to how sickening it was. Closing the folder once more after taking another good look at it to make sure there wasn't anything of importance being skimmed over before handing the folder back to her comrade...scratch that....now he was actually her leader. A leader who has shown competence, even when he killed off those guards without so much as a second thought...there was actually a sense of twisted logic the sadomasochist managed to see. That's right, when she had time to dwell about this particular task at hand and combine it with quickly ending the lives of those men, it was to secure that everything went according to plan. Regardless of how much she loathed quick deaths, people were known to scream and draw unwanted attention when they were given the gift of pain...

Such things could prove to be quite cumbersome and even when she pictured herself in his position at that point of time, quite honestly...she would of done the same thing as a sense of security for the bigger picture. Especially when the next step was taken against the growing problem...may the divine one forbid anyone recognized either of them and ruin everything.

[Liquid Snake]

Sometimes circumstances call for a partner or partners. Say when taking down something that's far more lethal than yourself. Or when going up against superior numbers. However, sometimes it was best to split up. Say for example, scattering during a tactical retreat so the enemy can't follow all of you at the same time. In in this case, splitting up so that one lucky shot, one well placed explosive, doesn't take out everyone.

Given how important it was that they both remain alive, Liquid Snake wanted to minimize little meetings like this. It was best he and Mitsuko, or Blood Hound, both remained as far apart as possible. The codec and nanocommunication in general would allow them to do that. Snake himself was all set, had been all set for years. Fortunately for him and his plans, Hound was more than willing to get all set too.

He was about to nod or say something in approval over her agreeing to the surgery, but was stopped by his own reaction to her reaction about said surgery. How someone would want to do it while being wide awake was beyond him. And for just a moment, the slightest ounce of how disturbed he was feeling on the inside over her comment crept its way unto his face for the briefest of moments. A professional killer such as himself doesn't remain phased for too long though. He quickly regained composure and spoke without the slightest hint of his voice breaking.

"Very well then. Follow me then. I'll take you to get this little procedure done and over with," he said before turning to leave. He assumed she'd obey and tag along behind him, at which point he'd lead her back to his Morgan Aero and drive away with her.