Computer - There's been an explosion in the Quarantine Bay. The bay currently stores capsules containing recent samples from SR388 as well as parts of your suit infected by the X parasites. The cause of the explosion is as yet unclear. Investigate. The Quarantine Bay is here. Move quickly and quietly... You are still unable to use most of your latent abilities. Don't forget that, Samus. Stop at the Navigation Room on the way. Uplink from there. Now go to the Quarantine Bay.

Computer - The Quarantine Bay is ahead. Bio-signs are confirmed. Be careful.

Computer - This is unfortunate news... The specimens brought back by the field team were infected by X parasites. The X can mimic its prey; any specimen could have hosted it. Before the explosion, a security sensor scanned one... The gelatinous X parasites invade and rapidly reproduce, killing the host creature. They also absorb DNA and use it to mimic the host. You were almost killed by an X infection. Only the Metroid vaccine saved your life. It seems Metroids were the main predators of the X. That's why the vaccine worked so quickly and so well. But it has also changed your cellular makeup. You will never be infected by X again... In fact, you can now absorb any free-floating X parasites without a host by merely touching them. This will allow you to replenish health and restore weapons. You may also restore latent abilities this way, so pursue free X parasites whenever you possibly can. This station is home to many species...some violent ones. We must keep the X out of the breeding environments at all costs. This is vital, Samus. I am already detecting massive bio-signs in this region. The X are gathering. This may be our chance to exterminate them, but... You are only at 10% battle capacity. Your chance of survival is extremely low. The Federation needs you alive and on duty, Samus... Now, get going. I have released the lock on Level 0 hatches. Look for the blinking hatches.

Computer - I have received news from HQ. They can support you with downloadable weapons data. Once you have this data, you'll be able to use Missiles. This will help against some enemies your beam can't hurt. Head to the Data Room for the download. The Data Room is here. With Missiles, your chance of survival climbs to 20%...

Samus - That computer reminds me of a gruff Federation CO I once served under named Adam Malkovich. He called me "Lady" on missions; from anyone else, it would've sounded sarcastic, but Adam made it sound dignified. Out of respect and with some irony, I named the computer after him...

Narrator - Missile data downloaded. Press R then B to fire.

Computer - Electrical interference has knocked out the elevators on the Main Deck. This may be related to the X. I'll work on it. As for you... Try to find another way to the target. It's located here. I'm reading huge bio-signs, so I hope your Missiles work... To reload Missiles you can use a Recharge Room ore absorb a special type of X parasite. You'll see them. Try it out. Missiles are your only hope. Don't hesitate to use them. Now, find a way to the target.

Narrator - Morph Ball ability recovered. Press Down twice to morph.

Computer - Samus, it's as I feared. The breeding environments have been invaded by X parasites. Sector 1 (SRX) shows several abnormalities on bio-sensors. Sector 1 is a simulation of the SR388 ecosystem. To get there, take the Main Elevator to the access shaft and use Elevator 1. Use the Navigation Room just inside for further briefing. I'm not sure, but I think whoever allowed the X into the breeding environment may also be linked to that earlier explosion...

Computer - The Main Elevator leading to the access shaft has been severely damaged. It will be totally unusable for some time, unfortunately. Some unknown agent is at work. Something very powerful...certainly not human. I'll report when I know more. Now, listen closely. The X in Sector 1 have invaded the atmospheric stabilizers. They must want to alter the environment to their needs. They are already reproducing. Clear all 5 atmospheric stabilizers to stop them. Now, get moving.

Narrator - Charge Beam ability recovered. Press and hold B to charge.

Narrator - All stabilizers online. Atmospheric levels equalized.

Computer - Atmospheric stabilizers online. But many X have already made it to other sectors, it seems. In particular... Sector 2 (TRO), the tropical habitat, shows abnormalities. I suspect the X entered this sector with the help of our unseen saboteur. He or it may be in TRO now. Samus, get over there. We need to put an end to this. Start moving. I'll brief you at the TRO Navigation Room.

Samus - As I listened to the briefing, my thoughts turned to Adam. The real Adam understood me well. He would end orders by saying, "Any objections, Lady?" He knew I wouldn't disagree. That was just his way of noting our trust. I wonder if I can trust this computer, too...

Computer - I have learned the identity of our mystery saboteur... Samus, it's an X mimicking you. I have named it the SA-X. I believe the SA-X came from the capsule containing your infected suit parts. It used a Power Bomb to escape the Quarantine Bay. That explosion breached the capsules containing all the X that started this disaster. But the SA-X is definitely our biggest worry right now. The SA-X is mimicking you at full power. You can't face it. If you see the SA-X, just run. Don't think about fighting... You are still very vulnerable to cold, an unexpected side effect of the Metroid vaccine. Like Metroids, you can be frozen by an Ice Beam. Of course, the SA-X is armed with the Ice Beam. Stay away. If you see it, just run. HQ says they have Bomb data ready in the Data Room. Bombs will help you find a way out if the SA-X traps you. The Data Room is here, but... it's sealed by a Level 1 hatch. You'll have to find the Security Room and release the Level 1 locks. But per safety protocols, it's not marked on the map. You'll have to find it on your own somehow, Samus. So first find the Security Room and unlock Level 1 hatches, then go to the Data Room and get that Bomb data. Keep an eye out for the SA-X.

Narrator - Security Level 1 unlocked. Blue hatches now active.

Narrator - Bomb data downloaded. Morph into a ball and press B.

Narrator - Hi Jump and Jumpball abilities recovered.

Computer - Samus, we've got trouble. Releasing the security lock may have been a bad idea. The SA-X has invaded the water environment in Sector 4 (AQA) with several thousand X. With the blue hatches active, the SA-X slipped in easily. The creatures and systems in Sector 4 are already showing multiple irregularities. I'm currently investigating. I'll brief you in the Navigation Room when you arrive. Now, head for Sector 4.

Samus - The SA-X. An enemy with my strongest abilities. But does it have reason? Probably not. It's just a killing machine. In my current state, I can't face it head-on. The SA-X is me, only heartless. I must stop it before it learns its potential and threatens the universe...

Computer - This sector has taken more damage than expected... I knew the X were powerful and destructive, but still... This seems to be purposeful. We certainly can't rule out the possibility that the SA-X has a high degree of intelligence. I find the X fascinating, especially this SA-X. ...But I digress. This sector is home to a very large creature the researchers called Serris. It is capable of moving and attacking at ultra-high speed. The more senseless and widespread destruction here may be attributable to Serris. No doubt the SA-X released it, but I can't be sure why yet. Serris has returned often to the breeding tank here. Its natural behavior must be to go back to it periodically. It's a valuable specimen, but you have been authorized to terminate it. If you don't, it may invade other sectors. While you're moving, be careful. Some broken power nodes have electrified the water... but we can't cut the power. Doing so would affect the whole station adversely. If you touch the water, you'll be electrocuted. Conserve energy as you go.

Narrator - Speed Booster power recovered. Run until speed boost begins.

Narrator - Water level lowered.

Computer - So Serris had been infected by the X, too... Well, as a result, you recovered another ability. At this rate, you may be able to face the SA-X yet... But that's still a ways off. HQ has more support data. This time it's Missile upgrade data. You desperately need this, but the Data Room here is sealed with a Level 4 lock, the highest security level. Let's avoid opening sensitive areas unless it's necessary. Also, the route to the Data Room in Sector 2 is blocked by still more SA-X activity. I note a deliberate activity pattern, as if it is blocking your recovery intentionally. Samus, it looks like your best option for the download is in Sector 3 (PYR). You will find the PYR Data Room on your map after using a Navigation Room there. Now, head for Sector 3 (PYR).

Computer - Thankfully, the X have not invaded this area yet... The Data Room here is sealed by another security hatch. In order to download, you must find the Security Room here and activate Level 2 hatches. This may allow the SA-X and X-parasites into the area... But we are left with no choice. Your recovery is our main goal. The Data Room is here. As I explained, Security Rooms can't be shown on the map. Be careful Samus, you will see very violent organisms here. And avoid the ultra-heated areas; your suit can't take such high temperatures yet, but we're working on it. Level 2 hatches are green. Release the lock and proceed to the Data Room for download. Super Missile data is ready. Your firepower will triple. First activate green hatches. Then go to the Data Room. There are no ultra-heated areas on this route, so turn back if you enter one.

Narrator - Security Level 2 unlocked. Green hatches now active.

Narrator - Super Missile data downloaded. Hold R and press B.

Computer - I see that you encountered a rogue Security Robot. You may destroy it if you meet it again. Your safety is vital. But as to your brief... Level 2 security locks are released, so Sectors 5 and 6 are open. That means those sectors have likely been infiltrated by X. They are much harder to stop than we initially suspected.... Sector 5 (ARC) is sub-zero. You're still susceptible to cold from the vaccine side-effects, so you'll take damage if you even set foot inside there. Avoid Sector 5 for now, but in the meantime, HQ is working on data to adjust your suit for extreme temperatures. Once we have the transmission, you can download it, but.... The X have destroyed all the Data Rooms you have used so far. I no longer doubt their capacity for critical thought. You'll have to use the Data Room in the night habitat, Sector 6 (NOC). Go to Sector 6 and access a Navigation Room there. Tread lightly, Samus; you are the only one who can do this. And the X may be much more dangerous than we know...

Mysterious Person - Does Samus suspect anything?
Computer - No, I do not think so.
Mysterious Person - Good. Monitor her closely.
Computer - Affirmative. Out.

Computer - The Varia Suit data is here from HQ and ready to download. Get moving to a Data Room. But there's a problem.... X from the sub-zero sector are in Sector 6 (NOC). And they...they've been changed by the cold. If you absorb one, you'll be frozen from within. This seems like a deliberate tactic. Once you download the Varia Suit modification, you'll be out of danger. Just be extremely careful until then. The NOC Data Room is here. Remember, avoid the blue X. Use your beam to stun them in order to get by. Be careful. They are hunting you actively now, Samus.... And this area is very dark. Proceed with extreme caution.

Narrator - Varia Suit effect recovered. Survive extreme temperatures.

Computer - How did that X download the Varia Suit data? This doesn't seem to make any sense at all, unless the X... Unless the X have the ability to process data organically.... At any rate, you have the Varia Suit data. Now you will be protected from extreme temperatures. More importantly, the SA-X will no longer be able to freeze you, so you can escape easier. But you're still too weak. That thing is too much for you. You currently have no way of damaging it. But my simulations indicate that a penetrating weapon like the Plasma Beam might work. Developing modification data will take HQ some time, though. There's also a chance that you may be able to restore your Plasma Beam by absorbing a large Core-X, as you did with the Charge Beam function. As for restoring Ice Beam functionality, I doubt it... Your current cellular makeup would reject that addition. Therefore, HQ has developed an Ice Missile upgrade. This will add a freezing effect to your Missiles. It will help. Go to Sector 5 (ARC) for the download. Now, get moving.

Computer - You need to download data for the Ice Missile upgrade, but... As you might expect, the Data Room here is secured. Level 3 security hatches are yellow. Release the security lock and download data as usual. And experiment with those new Missiles. They will be helpful... You know what to do. Get to it.

Narrator - Security Level 3 unlocked. Yellow hatches now active.

Narrator - Ice effect added to Missiles. Use it to freeze enemies.

Computer Voice: Emergency in Sector 3! Emergency in Sector 3!

Computer - Emergency in Sector 3 (PYR). The area could melt down soon. It seems the Main Boiler's cooling unit is malfunctioning. This could easily destroy the entire research station, as it would likely trigger the auto-destruct explosives. We have about six minutes. Hurry to Sector 3 and access the Control Room to the side of the Main Boiler room. Most of the systems in PYR are down because of this... Again, we know who to blame. The SA-X must have hacked into the system control file. What impressive intelligence. There's little time. Hurry to the Control Room in Sector 3.

Computer Voice: Boiler explosion in six minutes...

Narrator - Wide Beam ability recovered. Beam widens dramatically.

Narrator - Cooling unit operational.

Computer - The X mimicked a crew member... It all makes sense now. The X can absorb the memories and knowledge of their prey. What an astounding find. HQ was very impressed. But don't you find it strange? This could have destroyed the station with the X in it, not to mention the SA-X. Unusual for a self-preserving species like the X. Unless... Your presence is an even greater threat, a threat to the existence of X elsewhere... This is only a hypothesis... Perhaps... Their survival instinct is in conflict with their newly-borrowed intelligence... Don't let your guard down yet. The X are still a threat. Samus, I see bio-signs on the Habitation Deck. Survivors? The infected crewman you saw had survived until recently. Maybe there's a chance... The signs emanate from here. I have just restored power to the Main Elevator. Use it to return and look for any survivors.

Narrator - Lock disengaged. Opening gate.

Samus - Etecoons and Dachoras. I've met these intelligent beings before. They seemed to recognize me, as well. How unusual to meet them again here. In the past, they've helped me unleash abilities I didn't know I had. But where did they run to? I hope they're safe...

Computer - So the survivors were not human... Most unfortunate. We can now confirm the deaths of all crew members. I imagined this was the case, but I had hoped it wasn't so. I believe the X only infected the humans for knowledge... That form is too weak for battle. I am sure the others were merely food for the X... Samus, I think they are evolving, growing stronger. Some are now appearing that resist your current weapons. HQ anticipated this and sent Power Bomb data as soon as the hardware team finished it. Download it immediately. Our choice of Data Rooms is limited to this one in Sector 5 (ARC). Go. Now.

Computer - You've been to this Data Room before, but I'll show you its position again. Now move out.

Narrator - Power Bomb data downloaded. As a ball, hold R and press B.

Computer - Samus, return to your ship. I have important information.

Computer - The main silo of the Reactor Core has gone offline. That's why all elevators and station systems are down. Elevators and hatches won't work. This doesn't bode well... If you can get to this point, you may be able to start the auxiliary power system. Then we can figure out why the main silo went offline... By the way, I asked you to return here to tell you... Some strange creatures have boarded your ship. I confirmed that they were not X hosts and gave them a berth. Do you know anything about these strange creatures?

Computer - Were they the source of the healthy bio-signs earlier? Very well, then. Their presence in the midst of this disaster must have some significance... I will keep them here.

Narrator - Space Jump ability recovered. Somersault continually in air.

Narrator - Auxiliary power engaged.

Computer - Save Rooms and Recharge Rooms are not back online, but with only auxiliary power, no elevators or hatches will work. Without the main silo online, we're still stuck. I believe the source of the problem is the vegetation you saw earlier choking the Reactor Core components. We'll have to find the source of those roots to proceed.

Narrator - Plasma Beam ability recovered. Beam now pierces enemies.

Computer - What? You've restored Plasma Beam functionality? ...Most unexpected. Even so, continue to avoid the SA-X. It, too, may be stronger. And you still lack a few abilities crucial to survival... Wait... Wait a second... More trouble. Hold on. ................ I've isolated the cause. There's been an explosion in the ARC Data Room... Samus, go to Sector 5. The damage is staggering. Find out what's causing it.

Computer - It's gotten worse. The damage seems to have been caused by a creature kept here by the researchers, who named it... the Nightmare. Apparently, it was a biomechanical organism designed for military applications.... It possesses uncommon power and can manipulate gravity. We must assume that it's become an X-host. We have no choice. You must find and defeat it. I can't confirm the location. This thing is out of control. Hurry before it destroys the entire station...

Narrator - Gravity Suit effect recovered. Move freely in water.

Narrator - Security Level 4 unlocked. Red hatches now active.

Easter Egg
To Walkthrough
Computer - Samus, I'm impressed that you were able to make it back. That trick with the Shinespark was very...ingenious.
Mysterious Person - That's our Samus Aran! Magnificent! Truly Magnificent! As a reward, let's fill her in on our plan. Hmm, computer?
Computer - That is...not advisable.
Mysterious Person - Bah...
Computer - No more joking. Samus, get back on track. I wonder how many players will see this message...?
[Samus steps off the uplink pad, then reactivates it, choosing not to confirm the Mission Objective. The mysterious man speaks again.]
Mysterious Person - Samus, the plan I mentioned...
Computer - Samus, return to the correct route immediately.
Mysterious Person - ......

Narrator - Diffusion added to Missiles. Charge with R, fire with B.

Computer - You upgraded your Missiles? That's unusual... There was no word from HQ. A procedural error, I'm sure... Even so, I did not approve of bypassing security level 4. From now on you will use more discretion. In any case, Samus, do you remember the Security Robot you faced earlier? I believe the X have infected it. That is to say, they have claimed the organic components that form its neural network. It has entered Sector 6 (NOC). I don't know what it's planning, but let's not wait to find out. Samus, you know what to do. To Sector 6, quickly.

Computer - The Security Robot seems to have gotten much stronger. This worries me. Be careful. But we have another problem. Once you're done, leave NOC immediately. The SA-X is tracking you. Don't stay longer than you must. Understood?

Computer voice: No entry without authorization... no entry without authorization...

Narrator - Wave Beam ability recovered. Beam now penetrates walls.

Computer voice: Fire alert! This sector will soon be locked down!

Computer voice: 60 seconds to isolation lockdown.

Computer - Samus, you shouldn't have done that. You ignored your orders. You may have to pay a price for that quite soon...
Samus - ......
Computer - As you can see, the Federation has been secretly working on a Metroid breeding program. For peaceful application only, of course. Please understand. But perhaps you already knew of this program's existence? Certainly, you must have had doubts when you saw Sector 1. SRX, a faithful replica of the SR388 ecosystem... Ideal for raising Alpha, Gamma, Zeta, and even Omega Metroids. This research even uncovered techniques for rapid growth. Imagine...creating an Omega from a larval Metroid in days... But that research is finished. The X has smelled out its natural enemy, and one of the SA-X is on its way here...
Samus - ONE? ...Are you saying there is more than one SA-X?
Computer - Don't be so surprised, Samus. You know that the X reproduce by asexual division. Because of this mechanism, there are no fewer than 10 SA-X aboard the station.
Samus - ......
Computer - Samus, you must go. Get out. If you stay too long, the SA-X will destroy you. Stop only at a Navigation Room to uplink to me. I don't know how HQ is going to take this, but you need to report to them immediately... Now get going.

Samus - The real Adam would have said the same thing, but he would've softened the blow. He was relentless is his criticism, but he always cared... He was not a machine obsessed with duty. No such compassion could exist within that computer...

Narrator - Screw Attack ability regained. Somersault into enemies.

Computer - Samus, we're done here. Leave the rest to the Federation... We should be preparing to evacuate the station...
Samus - Are you joking?! Do they know how dangerous the X are? ...How quickly they reproduce?
Computer - The Federation has taken an interest in the X and SA-X. They believe this life-form has endless potential applications.
Samus - This is ridiculous! The X are heartless abominations! What potential could they have?
Computer - It is not necessary that you understand such matters. The Federation is coming now. You should just leave quietly...
Samus - This is madness! They won't stand a chance here! This station will devour them! What could be worth the risk!?
Computer - Capturing the SA-X, of course.
Samus - ...Are you serious? Do they really think they can succeed?
Computer - It will certainly be difficult. They don't expect your help. They knew you would try to destroy the SA-X... That's why they stopped sending you support data... The Plasma Beam modification was ready some time ago, but they withheld it to keep you from engaging the SA-X. Yet somehow you restored that function on your own... They also tried to withhold the Diffusion Missile upgrade because they didn't want you to grow too powerful. But they had already sent it, and you tracked it down... Bravo, Samus.
Samus - They must cancel this mission! Open a channel to HQ! I won't let this happen! They are already on their way.
Samus - Fools...
Samus - As soon as the Federation ships land, the X will overwhelm them and absorb the knowledge and power of their occupants. The X are just waiting for the hunt to begin, and then they'll spread across the universe. Galactic civilization will end. The X hunger for form, knowledge, and power. They mimic these perfectly. But they cannot copy the soul. They're single-minded, instinctively seeking to increase in number. They're a plague, and the Federation underestimates their threat. The X must not leave here. I must destroy them all before the Federation arrives. This station has a self-destruct mechanism. I must use it to destroy the X here and on the planet. I must send them to oblivion. Them, the station, and myself, if I have to.

[Samus heads for the door, but it's locked. She tries uplinking to the computer again.]

Samus - Open the hatch!
Computer - I have been ordered to confine you until the ships arrive.
Samus - Don't let them do this. Can't you see what will happen, Adam?
Computer - ...Adam?
Samus - .........
Computer - ...Who is Adam?
Samus - ...A friend of mine.
Computer - And what would this...friend advise you to do now?
Samus - He would know that the only way to end this is to start the self-destruct cycle. He'd know how important it is...
Computer - Did this "Adam" care for you? Would he sit in a safe Command Room and order you to die?
Samus - He would understand that some must live and some must die... He knew what it meant. He made that sacrifice once.
Computer - So, he chose life for you? Our fair warrior, Samus Aran... Your Adam gave his life so that you might keep yours... For the sake of the universe...
Samus - .........
Computer - How foolish.
Samus - How dare you! How could you hope to understand, machine?
Computer - You know that detonating this station in high orbit would not guarantee the complete extinction of the X parasites, even though the station would be utterly destroyed... You would only succeed in removing the one obstacle to the galaxy's ruin...yourself. You would ignore this simple fact and choose death. When Adam decided who would live, he chose incorrectly.
Samus - ...!
Computer - ...If you were to alter the station's orbit, then you might be able to include the planet in the vaporization field of the self-destruct detonation.
Samus - ...?
Computer - You would have to start the propulsion sequence now. Before the Federation arrives. Samus, this is your last mission. Go to the Operations Room and adjust the station's orbit path to intercept SR388.
Computer - Then return to your ship and escape. Move quickly, and stay alive. That's an order! Any objections, Lady?

Computer Voice: Propulsion sequence activated. Destination: Planet SR388. Orbit change implemented. 3 minutes to impact.

Samus - That perfect military mind... The wisdom of Adam Malkovich continued to serve even after death. Until today, I had no idea that the minds of leaders and scientists were frequently uploaded to computers. My incredible reunion with Adam may have saved the universe... But how will the beings of the universe view our resolve? I doubt they will understand the danger we barely averted. They will hold tribunals and investigations. They will hold us responsible. Adam understood this, and he spoke to me in my anger... "Do not worry. One of them will understand. One of them must." I've reflected upon his words, and I see the wisdom in them. We are all bound by our experiences. They are the limits of our consciousness. But in the end, the human soul will ever reach for the truth... This is what Adam taught me. Just one detail still bothers me. This ship can only started manually. Yet, before I faced the Omega Metroid, the ship moved on its own, guided by someone's hands. Is it possible? Adam...?

Computer - Lady, what's troubling you? You wonder how I started the ship? Just think about it. They lent me a hand...

THE END