We Are Children of Summer

Author's Note: Since the original Metal Gear Solid series relies heavily on historical events, I have also tried my best as an author to research as much as I can about the political situation of Afghanistan in the early and late 1970's in order to be as authentic as possible. When writing stories proper research is imperative, especially when writing about cultures that are not one's own.

Also all characters with the exception of my original character Dr. Zahira Kartal belong to Hideo Kojima and this is strictly fan work not for sale or publishing. Some of the game's original timeline has been altered for the purpose of the story, extending the years of Big Boss's "retirement" from combat after defeating The Boss.

CHAPTER ONE

The heat was suffocating, raking in at a feverish 104 degrees Fahrenheit, a record high for the month of July. The stone buildings of the marketplace shone brightly in the merciless Afghan sun as the locals bustled from stall to stall going about their daily business. It was a wonder how people survived in such a harsh climate, a testament to human resilience. There was a beauty to how no matter how uninhabitable a place may seem, life managed to find a way to flourish.

After all the chaos he had been through, it was almost ironic how he had chosen to come to Kandahar of all places. There were whispers of a revolution, of potential Soviet aggression. No matter how hard he tried, at the end of the day he always found a war to take part in somehow. It must have come with the job description. He didn't become soldier by being a pacifist after all. Turmoil was a comfort, he thrived in it, built a career on it – would he even know how to function without some looming threat in the distance keeping him on guard?

Besides, keeping up with the local news kept his mind off of his last mission. That was something he wished he could forget more than anything. It didn't matter that he was awarded some stupid honor. A cold piece of metal, screaming at him for murdering the woman he owed everything. Without her mentorship, he probably would have died years ago, or be some grunt sent to the frontlines in the next war. In the end, he had taken her life based upon a lie. Becoming a soldier meant that you were disposable, everyone who joined up knew this – but that mission had become a real wake up call.

There used to be some sense of pride to rising through the ranks to protect your country. Before secret talks between nations and cover stories. Before the bombs dropped war seemed simpler, patriotism had a sense of meaning. Things were more transparent and governments weren't entirely out for themselves. He envied the men of that simpler time.

Stretching his arms above his head, he let out a small sigh. At least here he went by "Ishmael". The pressure of becoming "Big Boss" was far away since retiring. Well, as far away as he could make it – there were always a few who recognized him. Now he was trying his hand at being a field guide and hunting instructor. A venture which unfortunately was proving dismal. Whenever the teacher evaluation forms came back he was always criticized for being too harsh on his students. Go figure, what did they expect taking lessons from someone who was ex – military. He wasn't here for a fluffy cake walk. However, his employer Mr. Naraan felt differently. If he fucked up again, his job would be on the line. That was a feeling that he hadn't felt in years. The "world's greatest soldier" couldn't hold a simple job down.

It was pathetic, and he couldn't help laughing in spite of himself.

Nevertheless, he wasn't going to let the morning get off to a bad start. He was going to enjoy his morning cigar. Maybe today he wouldn't scare everyone off.