The Last Words of Colonel in Metal Gear Solid 1: Decoding the Meaning of His "Insurance Policy"

Metal Gear Solid 1 is a masterpiece of stealth gaming, filled with enigmatic characters and unsettling plot twists. One of the most intriguing moments in the game occurs at its conclusion when Colonel speaks his final lines. A key line in this sequence is: "I have an insurance policy. It#39;s hard copy of all transmissions and what the top brass said or did. So I can avoid being made a scapegoat by leaking them or giving them to a competent authority."

The Context: The Falling Events of Metal Gear Solid 1

Throughout the game, Colonel is portrayed as a character with layers to his personality, balancing loyalty and betrayal. As Solid Snake approaches the secret facility, the Colonel, who seems to be a loyal but deeply conflicted figure, ultimately betrays him. This decision is driven by his personal belief that revealing the truth about the existence of Big Boss would avoid placing the blame on himself and his superior officers.

Colonel's Insurance Policy: An Escape from Scapegoating

Colonel's "insurance policy" is a metaphorical term used to describe a document or series of documents that serve as evidence or proof of his claims. In the game, he suggests that he has a comprehensive record of all transmissions, conversations, and actions of the top brass. This could include:

Wiretaps of top brass conversations Transcripts of sensitive meetings with high-level military officials Details of mission briefings and strategic decisions Documents or recordings proving the involvement of the "Missile Man" or Big Boss

By stating that he has a hard copy of this documentation, Colonel is implying that if he is blamed or scapegoated for his actions, he has the means to clear his name by exposing the truth to a competent and impartial authority.

Leaking vs. Confronting the Authority

Colonel's statement suggests a tactical reasoning behind his actions. He believes that the best way to avoid being scapegoated and held accountable is through controlled disclosure, rather than outright rebellion. Two possible ways he can achieve this are:

Leaking: Sharing the documents with an external entity, such as the media or an independent investigation committee, to expose the truth and divert the blame from himself. This would require identifying a trustworthy and impartial source willing to investigate and publicize the information.

Confronting the Competent Authority: Delivering the records to an internal or external authority that has the power to influence high-level decisions. This could be a national government agency, an independent oversight body, or even a sympathetic military officer. The idea is to present the evidence to a party capable of taking action based on the verifiable information.

Themes and Symbolism Exposed

Colonel's statement delves into deeper themes within the game, such as:

Fidelity and distrust Loyalty and duty The gray areas of morality and ethics in warfare The concept of truth versus cover-ups

The implications of his insurance policy highlight the precarious nature of power and trust in a highly secretive and morally ambiguous military operation. It also foreshadows the complex and often morally ambiguous choices that Snake will face in future games in the series.

Additional Insights and Potential Sequels

While Metal Gear Solid 1 is a standalone game, Colonel's statement has inspired numerous fan theories and discussions. It has been suggested that future games in the series could delve into Colonel's backstory and motivations more thoroughly. The concept of an "insurance policy" opens up a plethora of storylines that explore:

Colonel's personal history His true allegiance system history The existence of other players with similar insurance policies Dramatic revelations about the true nature of the Big Boss and Solid Snake

These elements could be explored in potential sequels, whether in the form of additional games, comics, or novels.

The Last Line: A Final Judgment

The line "I have an insurance policy. It’s a hard copy of all transmissions and what the top brass said or did" serves as a final judgment on Colonel's character. His deliberate choice to leave behind a trail of evidence, rather than just confront his enemies head-on, highlights his calculated and strategic nature. It also leaves the player with a lasting image of a man trying to protect himself while potentially setting in motion actions that could have far-reaching implications for the future of the Metal Gear universe.

Colonel's "insurance policy" is a testament to the complex nature of human motivations and the ethical gray areas in the world of espionage and warfare. It invites players to question the true nature of loyalty, truth, and justice, making it a memorable and thought-provoking sequence in a game renowned for its intricate narrative and deep character development.