Samus Aran: Difference between revisions

About six months after the events occurred on the planet Aether, Samus Aran is again issued an assignment by the Galactic Federation; she is to travel to the [[GFS Olympus]], the flagship of the Galactic Federation, for a scheduled meeting with [[Fleet Admiral Castor Dane]] and three other hunters - [[Rundas]], an arrogant, ice-wielding hunter;<ref>{{cite|Subject is a native of Phrygis, a moon of planet Bes III known primarily for ice mining. The Phrygisian ability to manipulate and generate ice has come in handy in subject’s career as a Bounty Hunter. Intel suggests he enjoys hunting, to the point where he keeps trophies from all the targets he’s successfully captured or killed in his career. Subject is proud, cocky, and arrogant, and considers himself without rivals in his field.|[[Galactic Federation Data]] "Hunter Rundas"|Metroid Prime 3: Corruption}}</ref> [[Ghor]], a technically brilliant and kind hunter;<ref>{{cite|Subject is a veteran of the liberation war of Wotan VII. Only 6% of subject’s birth-body remains; the rest is state-of-the-art cyberware. Despite his career and heavy cybernetic modification, subject is known for his high level of empathy and compassion. Ghor is rather gentle and approaches situations logically, but is not the most skilled of fighters. Intel suggests he even has a sense of humor. Subject has often championed the weak, poor, and downtrodden, working for free or giving bounty money earned to the victims of his targets. Subject can merge his cybernetic body into larger mechanisms, including gunships and fightercraft. This merging will alter Ghor’s personality, and he will become incredibly aggressive and violent. Data indicates a high proficiency with computer infiltration and manipulation. High level of mechanical empathy with artificial intelligence.|[[Galactic Federation Data]] "Hunter Ghor"|Metroid Prime 3: Corruption}}</ref> and [[Gandrayda]], a playful, flexible, and formidable shape-shifter.<ref>{{cite|Subject homeworld unknown. Possesses the metamorphic ability similar to the bioforms of Jovia XII. Can assume the form and abilities of most living things, including bioforms considerable larger than the subject. Scans are unable to determine subject’s age, but psych eval suggests a high degree of youthfulness. Intel suggests that bounty hunting is akin to a sport for her, one she enjoys considerably. Subject perceives the veteran Hunter [[Samus Aran]] as her chief rival, a rival she intends to surpass as soon as possible.|[[Galactic Federation Data]] "Hunter Gandrayda|Metroid Prime 3: Corruption}}</ref> The four hunters are briefed on recent events - a digital Phazon virus has spread to several supercomputers dubbed as [[Aurora Unit]]s. During the hunters' briefing, a Space Pirate raid on the ''Olympus'' is launched via several Space Pirate [[Boarding Pod]]s. The Space Pirates then launch an attack on the planet being orbited by the Olymupus; [[Norion]], which is one of the most important military planets in the entire Galactic Federation.<ref>{{cite|Though located on the fringe of the Federation, the planet Norion is of great importance. The military maintains a strong presence in this sector, and the base on Norion is often the first line of defense against enemies that operate outside of GF space.|[[Galactic Federation Data]] "Planet Norion"|Metroid Prime 3: Corruption}}</ref> Samus, Rundas, Ghor, Gandrayda, and the Galactic Federation give chase.

On the surface of Norion, the hunters and the Federation realize that the Space Pirates have disabled several power conduits that are needed for the digital interfaces to work properly. [[Aurora Unit 242]] suddenly indicates that a Phazon-like meteor, later revealed to be named a [[Leviathan]], is about to crash into the planet Norion and will spread Phazon to all the planet if it is not stopped. Samus and the hunters are dispatched to restore energy to the downed power conduits; the energy conduits are needed to supply power to the generators, which in turn power an energy cannon that can be used to destroy the meteor. Samus and the hunters set off to restore power. While Samus is engaged in this task, she encounters [[Meta Ridley]], once again resurrected by the Space Pirates. She defeats him once again and restores power to all the generators.

Once the hunters arrive at the Energy Cannon's controls, they encounter Dark Samus. She had been revived before Samus was called to the Olympus by an unseen Space Pirate battleship named ''[[Colossus]]''.<ref>{{cite|Phazon was discovered two stellar years ago, and since that moment, Command has been driven to control it all. Two operations have been established, at tremendous cost. Both have failed, thanks to the accursed Hunter, Samus Aran. Her Federation allies now move to secure what little Phazon remains on the planet Aether. This we cannot allow. We, the crew of the battleship Colossus, swear to take that Phazon or die trying.|[[Space Pirate Data]] "Our Mission"|Metroid Prime 3: Corruption}}</ref><ref>{{cite|Our attempts to intercept the Federation ship departing Aether were unsuccessful. With them went a collection of Phazon, the first to fall into Federation hands. They foolishly left most of the Phazon behind, allowing us to quickly collect what we could. But in our haste we took more than mere Phazon. Our scanners have detected the remains of Dark Samus, who has revived herself within our Phazon storage. Surely, we are cursed. The fiendish shrew consumed all of the Phazon, then wiped out a third of the crew in a matter of minutes. Now she moves at will through the halls of ''Colossus'', using her witchery to beguile the minds of the crew. We are unable to call for aid, and only a few of us remain to stand against her. All is lost.|[[Space Pirate Data]] "Stowaway"|Metroid Prime 3: Corruption}}</ref> Dark Samus utilizes her natural ability to generate Phazon and creates a Phazon blast that renders the four hunters unconscious. Samus, however, is able to remain awake long enough to fire the Energy Cannon, destroying the meteor.

One month later, Samus awakens to the sight of a female Galactic Federation Fleet trooper in front of her monitoring Samus' life signs. The trooper tells Samus that the other three hunters woke up several weeks ago. When the hunters woke up, the Federation noticed that the hunters were producing Phazon on their own as a result of Dark Samus' attack. The Federation's medical team noticed no ill effects, so they outfitted the hunters with [[Phazon Enhancement Device Suit|PED Suits]]. The three hunters had been sent to three different planets, each significant in the eyes of the Federation, to destroy Leviathans that had impacted there. These planets were [[Bryyo]], the Federation's primary source of fuel gel;<ref name="Planet Bryyo">{{cite|Federation scouts discovered the planet Bryyo ten years ago. The planet’s alignment makes most of its surface uninhabitable; 48% of the world is always exposed to the sun, with another 48% shrouded in permanent night. The remaining 4% lies in an equatorial ring of fertile jungle, where the bulk of Bryyo’s bioforms dwell. Fuel Gel is common on Bryyo, which makes it extremely important to the Federation. The local bioforms are quite primitive, though there are ruins that indicate an advanced culture thrived on Bryyo in centuries past|[[Galactic Federation Data]] "Planet Bryyo"|Metroid Prime 3: Corruption}}</ref> [[Elysia]], the Federation's primary source of information;<ref name="SkyTown>{{cite|SkyTown is a network of advanced structures floating in the atmosphere of planet Elysia. Most of the base is dedicated to research, from a local to interstellar level. The powerful sensors of SkyTown provide useful military intelligence data along with research information. An Aurora Unit analyzes the vast amount of data collected by the station it is supported by the Elysians, a group of sentient mechanoids that live within the base.|[[Galactic Federation Data]] "SkyTown"|Metroid Prime 3: Corruption}}</ref> and the [[Pirate Homeworld]], the homeworld to one of the greatest enemies of the Federation.<ref name="Purification">{{cite|Our great leader, with the aid of our captured Aurora Unit, has discovered many of Phaaze's secrets. Dark Samus can now command the living world to send forth Phazon Seeds! She was eager to test this new power. When we heard the first world to receive this blessing was our Homeworld, we rejoiced. The Seed was sent into the void, and quickly made its way to our Homeworld. Our brethren foolishly tried to repel it, but their efforts were in vain. To think, once we were as pathetic as them!

Now the deed is done, and slowly, our Homeworld becomes like Phaaze. Soon, there will be two living planets, two Phazon sources for our great leader to use as she sees fit. Soon, there will be thousands of new disciples for her to command.|[[Space Pirate Data]] "Purification"|Metroid Prime 3: Corruption}}</ref> The hunters had been sent out, one to each planet, but they broke off communications with the Federation soon thereafter. Samus is issued with a PED Suit similar in nature and appearance to those being worn by several squads of Federation Marines.<ref name="Phazon Enhancement Device">{{cite|The Phazon Enhancement Device is designed to harness the energy of Phazon minerals, originally discovered on Aether, for a new Federation weapon system. It is being tested on GF Marine battalion stationed in the Norion system. Marines can initiate an energy siphon from a supply of Phazon carried in a backpack into their armorsuits. This allows them to temporarily enhance the exoskeleton and weapon systems to their armorsuits. To date, no marines have displayed signs of “Phazon sickness.|[[Galactic Federation Data]] "Phazon Enhancement Device"|Metroid Prime 3: Corruption}}</ref> She is issued a new assignment; find and destroy the Leviathans and, if possible, discover what happened to the other hunters. Samus heads out and begins her mission.  

During the mission, Samus notices something odd. She notices that the hunters each show signs of being taken over by [[Phazon Corruption]] due to using the PED suits. Each of the other hunters attacks Samus when she encounters them, and Samus is forced to terminate each one. While on the Pirate Homeworld, Samus learns that the hunters had been completely consumed by Phazon and were under the dominion of Dark Samus, accounting for their attacks on Samus. Dark Samus had even placed them in command of the Space Pirate forces on each planet.<ref name="Bryyo Falls">{{cite|Command has received disturbing reports from Bryyo. Contact with our outpost there has been terminated. A coded bliptrans showing Commander Rundas falling in battle to Samus has arrived. Worst of all, the Bryyonian Seed has been demolished. The Hunter's might is great, and she is as efficient as ever when it comes to disrupting our operations. Our spies within the Federation tell us she travels to Elysia soon. We plan on having an appropriate welcoming party in place for her when she arrives. Commander Ghor is a very...accommodating host.|[[Space Pirate Data]] "Bryyo Falls"|Metroid Prime 3: Corruption}}</ref><ref name="Disaster at Elysia">{{cite|The march of the Hunter continues, much to our dismay. She has smashed our line at Elysia, taking down Commander Ghor in the process. The accursed Elysian machines were no match for Aran's guns, and now the Federation has control of their spy station once again. It is only a matter of time before they find the location of the Phazon source and send their fleets to lay siege. Our great leader does not seem to mind these setbacks. If Samus comes to our Homeworld, she will find us ready.|[[Space Pirate Data]] "Disaster at Elysia"|Metroid Prime 3: Corruption}}</ref><ref name="Mistress Gandrayda">{{cite|Mistress Gandrayda is the last of our leader's field commanders. We hope that she will succeed where the others have not. We hope that she will slay the wretched Hunter! Gandrayda tests our mettle often. She moves among us in our form, watching us, looking for signs of weakness. Several unfaithful disciples have been ended...violently. Those who survive will be stronger, ready for the Hunter that comes for them from the void. Gandrayda has vowed to present Aran's bloody helmet to Dark Samus as tribute. We hope she fulfills that vow!|[[Space Pirate Data]] "Mistress Gandrayda"|Metroid Prime 3: Corruption}}</ref> After destroying each Leviathan, Samus' body becomes controlled more and more by her natural Phazon; it becomes harder and harder to stay in control while in [[Hypermode]].

After Samus destroys each and every Leviathan, bringing an end to the Phazon corruption on each planet, Aurora Unit 242 announces a spine-chilling discovery; there is one planet that is the source of all Phazon; [[Phaaze]], and that the Phazon levels there are on the rise. Dark Samus has been controlling it using an Aurora Unit, [[Aurora Unit 313]], stolen from the ''[[GFS Valhalla]]''.<ref name="Taking Valhalla">{{cite|The vision of our leader is vast indeed. As we prepared for war with the hated Galactic Federation, she decided she required one of their great machines to better control her living planet. We then set out to bring an Aurora Unit to Dark Samus. Bribes led us to the location of our prize: the battleship Valhalla. Crewed with green recruits on a training mission, she was ours for the taking. One of the mightiest ships in the cosmos was no match for the Phazon-powered weapons of the Colossus. We rendered Valhalla helpless, then sent raider to claim our prize. The Aurora was ours! There was no mercy for the Federation dogs. At the command of Dark Samus, we jettisoned the crew into the frigid depths of space, leaving the wreck of Valhalla as a warning to the Federation. Let them tremble before our might!|[[Space Pirate Data]] "Taking Valhalla"|Metroid Prime 3: Corruption}}</ref> She has been using it to produce Leviathans within Phaaze and launch them at Federation planets. Samus explores the now-derelict ''Valhalla'' and discovers a way to travel to Phaaze; the Leviathans are capable of creating wormholes in order to reach their destinations, and the Space Pirates possess a Leviathan rigged to fly like a ship.<ref name="The Leviathan">{{cite|Our leader provided us with great wisdom on many subjects, including the improvement of our mighty battleship, Colossus. We followed her teachings, and turned our vessel into a ship without peer. But more work remained! Dark Samus required a mighty flagship, one to strike terror in the hearts of her enemies. The might of Colossus was not enough. She demanded more! Her solution was unique and most excellent. We took her great star-beast and fitted it with cybernetic weapon systems. Crew quarters and command consoles were placed within the beast's skull. In time, we created a mighty dreadnought, and called it Leviathan. The great leader was pleased.|[[Space Pirate Data]] "The Leviathan"|Metroid Prime 3: Corruption}}</ref> Samus is dispatched to the location while the Federation battles a Space Pirate fleet. While the Federation fleet distracts the Space Pirate forces, Samus boards the Leviathan vessel and flies to Phaaze.

Samus then arrives at the Phazon-corrupted planet. When she steps out of her gunship, the sheer amount of Phazon present in her body causes her Phazon corruption to rise to one-hundred percent. Her ship refuses to recognize her as the owner, so passage onto the gunship is rejected until she rids the Phazon contained in her body. She is forced to vent her energy tanks and enter permanent Hypermode; she becomes more and more saturated with Phazon the longer she stays on Phaaze. Without further ado, Samus begins to explore the strange, Phazon infested planet. Samus knows that if she fails to eliminate all traces of Phazon in her body, she will have no way to escape Phaaze, and that there is no turning back.

Once Samus arrives at the Sanctum of the Phazon core, she encounters Dark Samus once again. Dark Samus, again at dangerously high Phazon levels, engages Samus in battle. With swift and deadly blows, Samus is able to repulse her evil twin. However, Dark Samus is not completely vanquished yet; she merges with the stolen Aurora Unit 313 as a last resort to survive and eliminate Samus. With her Phazon levels ever rising, Samus destroys the corrupted supercomputer. Dark Samus emerges from the downed Aurora Unit and makes one last gesture towards Samus before vanishing into a gas of Phazon, never to be seen again.

Samus quickly flees the unstable planet. Her objective is completed, but at a great cost; many Federation troopers and ships were lost, the lives of each of the other hunters, and great mental stress to Samus herself. The source of all Phazon is finally destroyed and Phazon becomes a has-been. Never again will Phazon corrupt another planet or bioform of any kind. Samus flies off in search of a new target, and possibly a new mission, but she is soon followed by a mysterious ship.