Western wilderness (San Hieronymo Peninsula)

"Hmm, I don't remember that one. It mustn't be that important." This article is about a subject from outside Hideo Kojima's core "Metal Gear Saga." Its canonicity within the continuity is disputed, therefore reader discretion is advised.[?]

Western wilderness
The Soviet outpost in the western wilderness of the San Hieronymo Peninsula, 1970.
Type	Environment
Location	San Hieronymo Peninsula, Colombia
Features	Old fortress, military outpost
Users	Red Army, FOX
Events	San Hieronymo Incident

The western wilderness was an area of the San Hieronymo Peninsula containing the ruins of an old fortress, which was later occupied by the Soviet Red Army.

Facilities

The western wilderness contained a fortress that was for the most part abandoned and in ruin by the time the Soviets took over. What remained of the fortress was underground in the cliffside, and possessed a hallway containing torches. To the right upon entering was a stairwell that led directly to a cell with a standard toilet, sink, and cot. The main entryway was in a cave with two entryways, between a narrow cliffside and the main cliff. There was also a room adjacent from the main hallway and cell stairwell connectable only via a crawlspace.

Besides the fortress, the only building of note was an office shack where the Soviet officer in charge of the area was stationed, whose basement was the fortress.

History

The fortress's holding cell.

The western wilderness contained a fortress that dated back to before the Soviet occupation of the peninsula, although it is unknown whether the fortress dated back to the Spanish settlers or to the Colombian government. Presumably, it was where prisoners and VIPs of a high level were detained. Land mines were also planted within the area. FOX Units were also deployed in the area if an intruder was detected.

San Hieronymo Incident

Main article: San Hieronymo Incident

In 1970, GRU Major Ivan Raidenovitch Raikov was imprisoned in the Soviet installation after the events of Operation Snake Eater. In addition, at some point, the personnel at the fortress also sealed up a SVD sniper rifle behind one of the cells.

Gameplay

Personnel

• Soviet soldiers
• One Male Soviet officer
• FOX soldiers (Alert phase only)
• Government official (prisoner; during the recruitment of EVA)

Soldier equipment

• AK-47
• SVD (FOX soldiers)

Optional missions

"Soviet Major Spotted"

"A handsome soviet Major has been sighted in the wilderness located in the western part of the peninsula. He is being held prisoner."

―Spy report from the western wilderness

To begin, the player has to go over the edge of the cliff to the left, then proceed right towards a cave. Then turn left and then right, and right again until the player reaches the prison cell containing Raikov. After a cutscene that in essence explains why he was located at the Peninsula, the mission is complete.

"SVD Found"

"Sources indicate that there is an SVD sniper rifle stored in an enclosed space somewhere inside the old fortress. We assess that it is available for procurement at any time."

―Spy report from the western wilderness

It is recommended that player should bring TNT. Go down the hill and turn left towards the mouth of the cave. Turn left towards the entrance to the underground passage, and then turn right towards the stairs and then enter the cell to the left. The player should avoid the center of the floor, as a mine is placed there. Place the TNT on the rightmost corner of the back wall (it's weakened enough to show cracks), blow it up, and the player should get the SVD.

"EVA Sighted"

"The female pilot of the downed cargo plane has been identified as EVA, she was alone at the time of the sighting. We have also detected enemy patrol activity in the vicinity, making it impossible to predict future movements."

―Spy report from the western wilderness

Go down the hill, then take a left into the cave. Then turn left towards an underground passage. Turn right towards the stairs and then turn left towards the Cell. EVA should be located in the cell.

"Government Official Sighted"

"An enemy unit has been sighted in transit. A government official is traveling with them. It does not appear to be an ordinary convoy. The government official in question appears to be traveling under detention for reasons unknown."

―Spy report from the western wilderness

First, go down the hill. Be especially careful not to encounter any Soviet soldiers on the way down. Turn right, and be careful not to be spotted by Soviet soldiers. Go down the tunnel until one reaches a fork, turn right. Then take another right down the stairs until one reaches the Cell. Assuming the player hasn't triggered an alert, the Government Official should be in the cell. Sneak up behind him, and put him in a half-nelson, and then choke him to the point that he falls unconscious. Then drag the Government official back to the entrance of the underground prison. This time, however, go in the opposite direction the player took when they previously entered (the hill is more easily accessible than the other side), taking extra care not to be caught by soldiers. Go down the path and then place the Government Official into the truck.