1. In the near future, electrons
and light flow freely...Copy !req
2. and corporate computer
networks eclipse the stars.Copy !req
3. Despite great advances in computerization...Copy !req
4. countries and races are not yet obsolete...Copy !req
5. There's no need for concern.Copy !req
6. We can fix it by redoing it in our country.Copy !req
7. Redo it?Copy !req
8. A program with no bugs doesn't exist...Copy !req
9. and there's no program that
is impossible to debug.Copy !req
10. You don't understand.Copy !req
11. We're not even sure that
Project 2501 really is a bug.Copy !req
12. Originally the purpose of this project was to...Copy !req
13. Major Kusanagi, Section 6 is in
position and ready to move in.Copy !req
14. Major!Copy !req
15. Yeah, I can hear you.Copy !req
16. There's a lot of noise in your brain.Copy !req
17. It's my time of the month.Copy !req
18. Don't you think there's going to be trouble
if we interfere with a Section 6 case.Copy !req
19. The target is a notoriously bad diplomat...Copy !req
20. the best they can do is deport him.Copy !req
21. We're the ones who get our hands dirty.Copy !req
22. It's time.
Let's move to the rendezvous point.Copy !req
23. What? The police?Copy !req
24. Stop it!
Who told you to fire?Copy !req
25. Put your guns down!Copy !req
26. I'm entitled to diplomatic immunity.Copy !req
27. I want to talk to the person in charge.Copy !req
28. Taking classified programmers out of the
country compromises national security.Copy !req
29. We can also have you brought
up on kidnapping charges...Copy !req
30. so let him go.Copy !req
31. That's not possible.Copy !req
32. Mr. Daita has requested political
asylum, and we have a signed affidavit.Copy !req
33. When?Copy !req
34. I don't have to explain.Copy !req
35. My country has the right, in
accordance with international law...Copy !req
36. to offer anyone protection and safe passage.Copy !req
37. The affidavit is at the embassy.Copy !req
38. I'll send you a copy in a couple of days.Copy !req
39. Are you sure?
You'll be killed if you return.Copy !req
40. I'm warning you to watch your comments.Copy !req
41. Our country is a peace loving democracy.Copy !req
42. Oh really?Copy !req
43. The window!
Shoot!Copy !req
44. Thermo-optic camouflage.Copy !req
45. Aramaki, what a surprise.Copy !req
46. So, what business brings the chief of Section 9
to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Copy !req
47. It's about the secret talks scheduled
with the Gavel Republic tomorrow.Copy !req
48. Oh, the Official Development Assistance.Copy !req
49. The regime that took over Gavel after the revolution
demands financial aid, supposedly for redevelopment.Copy !req
50. They boast about democracy, but
they're no better than the last lot.Copy !req
51. Now they feel entitled to funds because
of our past exploitation. No gratitude.Copy !req
52. What's the Ministry going to do?Copy !req
53. Well, there's a problem.
The leader of the former junta...Copy !req
54. that controlled their country is
here seeking political asylum.Copy !req
55. You mean Colonel Malles, correct?Copy !req
56. Yes, and that means we either deny Gavel the
funds and treat Malles as a political refuge...Copy !req
57. or help them and kick him out.Copy !req
58. It's a tricky situation.Copy !req
59. My personal opinion is if we could find
a politically acceptable reason...Copy !req
60. I'd like to forcibly deport him immediately.Copy !req
61. By the way, I want to thank you for your help
with that other political asylum situation.Copy !req
62. Nakamura from Section 6 was also grateful.Copy !req
63. We diplomats must avoid messy
situations, you realize.Copy !req
64. Access.Copy !req
65. We've lost response.Copy !req
66. What's happened to the EEG output.Copy !req
67. It's normal.
I'll switch to Simex mode.Copy !req
68. The Foreign Minister's interpreter.Copy !req
69. 23 minutes ago, her brain was
hacked into through a phone line.Copy !req
70. Foreign Intelligence warned us about this.Copy !req
71. The "Puppet Master" has begun to infiltrate
terminals throughout our network.Copy !req
72. We believe it's extremely likely that he'll target the
secret talks scheduled with the Republic of Gavel.Copy !req
73. We've put everyone attending
the talks under surveillance.Copy !req
74. I suspect once he hacked into her ghost,
he'd use her to assassinate key delegates.Copy !req
75. So how long do we have before this hacker breaks
through her barrier program and reaches her ghost?Copy !req
76. Roughly 2 hours.
He's using an old-fashioned HA-3 virus.Copy !req
77. After that, we'll have to break the
connection to avoid any danger.Copy !req
78. Bateau and Ishikawa are tracking
the signal source from their car.Copy !req
79. Contact them.Copy !req
80. That infamous mystery hacker, the
Puppet Master, has shown up here?Copy !req
81. We guess he or she is American, but we
have no clue about age, sex or background.Copy !req
82. Since last winter, he's been
popping up in EC countries.Copy !req
83. He's wanted for crimes including
stock manipulation...Copy !req
84. illegal information gathering,
political terrorism...Copy !req
85. computer ethic infringements...Copy !req
86. and is under suspicion for several other crimes.
He's on the international most wanted list.Copy !req
87. The nickname Puppet Master
comes from the ghost hacking.Copy !req
88. It's the first time he's
appeared in this country.Copy !req
89. Well, if he's so skilled how come
he's using an outdated HA-3 virus?Copy !req
90. A more current technique would be
harder to detect and trace...Copy !req
91. but it might also arouse suspicion about
Colonel Malles role in this affair.Copy !req
92. Are you saying he's using an old
method just so no-one suspects Malles?Copy !req
93. Or maybe Malles is just a pawn,
used to make us think that...Copy !req
94. Maybe there is another sponsor.Copy !req
95. Now you're stretching it.
It's not like you have any hard evidence.Copy !req
96. Evidence?Copy !req
97. Just a whisper.
I hear it in my ghost.Copy !req
98. Which reminds me.
Are you still using that revolver?Copy !req
99. You should stop worrying about
the automatics jamming up.Copy !req
100. I like my Matever.Copy !req
101. Stopping power is more important
than your taste in guns.Copy !req
102. Since it's my ass on the line
out there, use a Zastaber.Copy !req
103. Major.Copy !req
104. I want to ask you something.Copy !req
105. Why did you transfer a guy
like me from the police force?Copy !req
106. Because we need a guy like you.Copy !req
107. You're an honest cop who's never stepped
out of line, and you're a family man.Copy !req
108. Except for the slight brain augmentation,
your body's almost completely human.Copy !req
109. No matter how excellent...Copy !req
110. identical standard systems have faults.Copy !req
111. What's true for the group is
also true for the individual.Copy !req
112. Over specialize and you breed in weakness.
It's a slow death.Copy !req
113. That's all.Copy !req
114. - Hurry it up!
- I'll be right there!Copy !req
115. We're already 40 seconds late!Copy !req
116. I'll be done in 5 seconds.Copy !req
117. It's gonna be one of those days.Copy !req
118. Hey. Sorry, pal.Copy !req
119. My last partner who got busted workin as an
illegal alien, was a lot better than you.Copy !req
120. You're that desperate to find out your
wife's feelings, you'd ghost-hack her?Copy !req
121. She hardly talks to me and all
of a sudden she wants a divorce!Copy !req
122. What's worse, my daughter ignores me and got it
into her head that I'm the one cheating on her mom.Copy !req
123. How did you get your hands on a barrier breaker?Copy !req
124. From this really nice programmer I met in a bar.Copy !req
125. He overheard my sob story. My wife's lawyer
stopped me seeing her and my daughter.Copy !req
126. He showed me how to hack in from different
places along the route, without being traced.Copy !req
127. Are you trying to kill yourself, asshole?Copy !req
128. Looks like we're not the only
ones in a hurry round here.Copy !req
129. No one here!Copy !req
130. Every time we get to the source
they're already long gone.Copy !req
131. We're just wasting our time.Copy !req
132. Don't quit!Copy !req
133. Kusanagi and Togusa are heading to the next area
the hacker's expected to access from. Stay alert.Copy !req
134. What are we looking for, Chief?Copy !req
135. Anything.Copy !req
136. Stupid old fart.
Are we just meant to ask around?Copy !req
137. Oh, shit...Copy !req
138. I missed him!Copy !req
139. Hey, Pop, did you see the trash truck?Copy !req
140. Who wants to know?Copy !req
141. Just answer me.
Did you see it or not?Copy !req
142. Yeah, I saw the trash man...Copy !req
143. making a call, so I thought I had
enough time to bring my garbage down.Copy !req
144. Hey!
Can't you take this?Copy !req
145. A trash truck? Clever.
It changes location every 7 minutes.Copy !req
146. HQ, patch me into info from the
Sanitation Department network.Copy !req
147. 8 trucks are on duty in the surveillance area.Copy !req
148. The target is number 79, a type C vehicle.Copy !req
149. Give me the wheel.Copy !req
150. Ishikawa, go check out the trash men's homes.Copy !req
151. Bateau, get to the truck's next pick up point.Copy !req
152. They might have contacted someone.Copy !req
153. Follow them but take no action.Copy !req
154. We've got the data on the
refuse collection points.Copy !req
155. They all correspond to locations
where we traced the calls.Copy !req
156. The target has now stopped at the next point.Copy !req
157. HA-3 access confirmed.Copy !req
158. Sorry.Copy !req
159. How about if I pick up the trash and you
make the calls on the second round?Copy !req
160. How do you think?Copy !req
161. Ain't no way I'm gonna be your partner in crime.Copy !req
162. It's pathetic.Copy !req
163. You got any children?Copy !req
164. You must be kidding.Copy !req
165. Then you can't understand.Copy !req
166. My daughter is everything to me.Copy !req
167. Look. She's like an angel.Copy !req
168. I'm not interested in crap like that.Copy !req
169. Yeah, vehicle 79.
Ah, boss... What's that?Copy !req
170. What do the cops want to know our rounds for?Copy !req
171. How would I know?Copy !req
172. They found out!Copy !req
173. I've got to warn that guy who helped me.Copy !req
174. We're gonna have to skip the next pickup.Copy !req
175. What?Copy !req
176. Target has deviated from route and is
heading toward the next pickup point.Copy !req
177. There's no way they spotted me following them.Copy !req
178. They probably traced me when I accessed
the Sanitation Department network.Copy !req
179. Next time, use a back door.Copy !req
180. Forget it, just arrest them.Copy !req
181. You can drive now.Copy !req
182. Christ, he's fucked up the armored van.Copy !req
183. He's got high velocity bullets.
They'll go straight through your car door.Copy !req
184. HV ammo in a submachine gun?
He's insane.Copy !req
185. He's even wearing some kind of thermo-optics.Copy !req
186. Keep on his tail.
I'll come around from above.Copy !req
187. Togusa! If you're still alive,
arrest those garbage men.Copy !req
188. Affirmative.Copy !req
189. This job is merciless.Copy !req
190. Police!
Everyone get down.Copy !req
191. Are you finished?Copy !req
192. Got him, huh?Copy !req
193. That's what happens when you use HV bullets.Copy !req
194. The breach and barrel are really screwed up.Copy !req
195. It's no use arresting me, I'm
not talkin to any damn cops!Copy !req
196. Talk?Copy !req
197. You don't even know your own name, you dick-head.Copy !req
198. Can you remember your mother's
face, or where you were born?Copy !req
199. Do you have any childhood memories?Copy !req
200. Do you remember anything?Copy !req
201. Puppets without their ghosts are so pathetic.Copy !req
202. Especially those covered in blood.Copy !req
203. We'll enter after the passengers have gone in.Copy !req
204. Squad B comes in from the back,
the rest of you go in the front.Copy !req
205. Saito, get your men to unplug all
cars parked in front of the house.Copy !req
206. Begin recording.Copy !req
207. Chief, a message from HQ.Copy !req
208. We've ID'd the man the major caught.Copy !req
209. So who is he?Copy !req
210. He claims to be Tsuan Gen Fang, age 28.Copy !req
211. With a record of immigration law violations
and illegal possession of firearms.Copy !req
212. He went into hiding at the end of last month.
A member of a militant immigrant organization.Copy !req
213. About a week ago, the military attached
of the Republic of Gavel's embassy...Copy !req
214. commissioned him to attack
the upcoming secret meeting.Copy !req
215. And in reality?Copy !req
216. His nickname's Corgi.Copy !req
217. Occupation, a rather violent
trader in questionable goods.Copy !req
218. Your basic thug.Copy !req
219. We've checked his police records...Copy !req
220. but can't find any connection with Gavel.Copy !req
221. This guy's just another puppet
controlled by the Puppet Master.Copy !req
222. How's Ishikawa doing?Copy !req
223. He's back and interrogating that
garbage collector with Togusa.Copy !req
224. So how about the Puppet Master?Copy !req
225. What's he like?Copy !req
226. He's like a puppet himself.Copy !req
227. Squad B in position.Copy !req
228. Squads A and C, okay.Copy !req
229. Ready and waiting, sir.Copy !req
230. Proceed!Copy !req
231. What's "a simulated experience" again?Copy !req
232. Well, all your memories about your wife,
daughter and divorce are false.Copy !req
233. Like a dream.Copy !req
234. You were used by someone to ghost-hack
into some government officials.Copy !req
235. But... that can't be.Copy !req
236. I went to your home...Copy !req
237. it's a bachelor's apartment.Copy !req
238. I told you.
I rented it after we separated.Copy !req
239. I checked the records.
You've been living there for 10 years.Copy !req
240. You've never had a wife or kid.Copy !req
241. Your family only exists in your head.Copy !req
242. Look.Copy !req
243. This is the photo you showed your co-worker.Copy !req
244. Who do you see?Copy !req
245. It was a picture of my daughter.Copy !req
246. Smiling like an angel.Copy !req
247. What's her name?Copy !req
248. Where did you meet your wife
and when did you marry her?Copy !req
249. Tell me.
Who do you see in the photo?Copy !req
250. If it's all a lie, when will
I get my old memory back?Copy !req
251. Unfortunately with our current technology...Copy !req
252. only 2 successful cases have ever been
reported, so I wouldn't recommend trying to.Copy !req
253. I'm sorry.Copy !req
254. Even simulated experiences and dreams...Copy !req
255. exist as information, and are
simultaneously reality...Copy !req
256. and fantasy.Copy !req
257. The information that people accumulate
in their life, is just a drop in bucket.Copy !req
258. What's a cyborg doing, going
diving in her spare time?Copy !req
259. How long have you been doing it?Copy !req
260. Aren't you afraid of the sea?
What if the floaters don't work?Copy !req
261. I suppose I'll die.Copy !req
262. Or maybe you'd save me.Copy !req
263. You don't have to be here, you know.Copy !req
264. I...Copy !req
265. So what's it like to swim in the sea?Copy !req
266. You've done the underwater training course.Copy !req
267. I'm not talking about a damn pool.Copy !req
268. I feel fear, anxiety, isolation and darkness.Copy !req
269. Sometimes I feel hope...Copy !req
270. Hope?
In those deep, dark waters?Copy !req
271. When I float back to the surface, I
imagine I'm becoming someone else.Copy !req
272. It's probably the decompression.Copy !req
273. Do you want to quit Section 9?Copy !req
274. How much of your body is original?Copy !req
275. Are you drunk or something?Copy !req
276. Easily remedied.Copy !req
277. The chemical implants in our bodies...Copy !req
278. can sober us up in seconds.
No stupor, no hangover.Copy !req
279. That's why we can drink while waiting for orders.Copy !req
280. Man has an almost instinctive drive to
realize any possible technological advances.Copy !req
281. Controlled metabolisms,
computer enhanced brains...Copy !req
282. rapidly improving athleticism and reflexes...Copy !req
283. the ability to process vast amounts of
information at increasing speeds...Copy !req
284. all due to electronic brains and cybernetic bodies,
enabling the acquisition of ever greater powers.Copy !req
285. So what if we can't survive without
regular high-level maintenance.Copy !req
286. Who are we to complain?Copy !req
287. We haven't signed our bodies
and souls away to Section 9.Copy !req
288. True. We can quit...Copy !req
289. but we'd have to give back our cyborg parts
and augmented brains to the government.Copy !req
290. All components that make up me as an individual.Copy !req
291. There are countless ingredients that
make up the human body and mind.Copy !req
292. A face and voice to distinguish
oneself from others...Copy !req
293. the hand you see when you wake up, your childhood
memories and feelings about your future.Copy !req
294. And that's not all.Copy !req
295. There's also the ability to access vast amounts of
information from an infinite network...Copy !req
296. All of that blends to create a mixture that
forms me, and gives rise to my conscience.Copy !req
297. At the same time though, I feel
continually confined within boundaries...Copy !req
298. So that's the reason you risk
your body diving in the sea!Copy !req
299. What the hell can you see at
the bottom in that darkness?Copy !req
300. Now it's like we're looking through a mirror.Copy !req
301. And what we see is a dim image.Copy !req
302. Was that you?Copy !req
303. Sensors have resumed functioning.Copy !req
304. Connection check to backup brain okay.Copy !req
305. Visual sensors are back on line.Copy !req
306. And its body functions?Copy !req
307. Output is normal.Copy !req
308. If you're going to be late, at least let us know!Copy !req
309. Preparations complete.
Shall we proceed?Copy !req
310. That's enough. Stop.Copy !req
311. Come to my office in 3 minutes.Copy !req
312. I guess I'll bring the latecomer up to speed.Copy !req
313. About 2 hours ago, a machining cell
at the Megatech factory in Newport...Copy !req
314. assembled a cyber body, on its own volition.Copy !req
315. When the supervisors arrived...Copy !req
316. the body had already fled.Copy !req
317. We put out bulletins and
initiated a citywide search.Copy !req
318. A truck driver reported he'd run
over a naked woman on the highway.Copy !req
319. And the body was brought here.Copy !req
320. Megatech is contracted by the government.Copy !req
321. All their cybernetic bodies are classified.Copy !req
322. We've a hacker good enough
to get past the best defenses...Copy !req
323. but that's not the only problem.Copy !req
324. Of course, there isn't a human
brain cell in its head...Copy !req
325. but there appears to be a ghost
present in its auxiliary brain.Copy !req
326. It resembles a ghost-line that
occurs when a real ghost is copied.Copy !req
327. But there's no evidence of the
degradation that's usually incurred.Copy !req
328. In any case, until we chart the
ghost sector and dive into it...Copy !req
329. we can't be sure.Copy !req
330. I better get back to working on it.Copy !req
331. Very good.Copy !req
332. On to the disassembly.Copy !req
333. Nobody really believes there's
a ghost in that body, do they?Copy !req
334. Why not?Copy !req
335. Even a plastic doll can have a soul.Copy !req
336. Consider all the neuro-med devices
that are crammed into that body.Copy !req
337. I wouldn't be surprised if there were
some sort of ghost in there too.Copy !req
338. As you're new, you don't know...Copy !req
339. but Major Kusanagi's body
was also made by Megatech.Copy !req
340. Not only her.
Also parts of me, Ishikawa, and Saito.Copy !req
341. We also receive regular
cybernetic maintenance from them.Copy !req
342. Apart from you and the chief, the
whole section comes with a warranty.Copy !req
343. That's why we're all so concerned
with this case, Togusa.Copy !req
344. We don't know if the culprit is
inside or outside that body but...Copy !req
345. he hacked through our best
defenses, put a body together...Copy !req
346. and sent a program with a ghost line in it.Copy !req
347. A sure way to draw attention to oneself.Copy !req
348. What's the logic here?Copy !req
349. Theft isn't the issue here.Copy !req
350. Togusa, go with Ishikawa
to the Megatech facility.Copy !req
351. Bateau.Copy !req
352. Lock down other highly classified
networks similar to Megatech's.Copy !req
353. Recheck the barriers are functioning too.Copy !req
354. I'm assembling a barrier maze.Copy !req
355. Tomorrow I'll dive into that thing.Copy !req
356. Is that safe?Copy !req
357. Why not contain it in another body first?Copy !req
358. I have to see for myself what's in there.Copy !req
359. Don't let anybody else in there!Copy !req
360. What's up with her?Copy !req
361. She's been acting weird ever since
this whole Puppet Master case started.Copy !req
362. It's all in my report.Copy !req
363. Don't you read them?Copy !req
364. Chief, do you ever wonder about the neurosurgeons
who monkey around inside your brain?Copy !req
365. They undergo regular psychiatric evaluations.Copy !req
366. Especially those in security are
subjected to stringent screening.Copy !req
367. Of course, the ones who check are only human.Copy !req
368. If you start wondering, there's no end to it.Copy !req
369. Excuse me Chief, Mr. Nakamura of the
Treaties Bureau is here to see you.Copy !req
370. Send him through.Copy !req
371. I've seen that fat guy before.Copy !req
372. He's Nakamura, the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, Section 6 Chief.Copy !req
373. Never seen the other guy before, though.Copy !req
374. Well, see you later.Copy !req
375. Tell Ishikawa not to go crazy, okay.Copy !req
376. What's on your mind?Copy !req
377. Didn't that robot remind you of me?Copy !req
378. Of course not.Copy !req
379. I don't mean physically.Copy !req
380. What then?Copy !req
381. Complete cyborgs like myself
often wonder to ourselves.Copy !req
382. Maybe I died a long time ago.Copy !req
383. And I'm just an artificial product
of a cyber brain and synthetic body.Copy !req
384. Or maybe there never was
a real me in the first place.Copy !req
385. You've got human brain cells
in that titanium shell of yours...Copy !req
386. and you're treated like a human, aren't you?Copy !req
387. Has anyone actually seen their own brain?Copy !req
388. The only thing that makes me feel
human is the way I'm treated.Copy !req
389. Are you doubting your own ghost?Copy !req
390. What if a cyber-brain could
generate its own ghost...Copy !req
391. create a soul by itself?Copy !req
392. What could you base your
belief in yourself on then?Copy !req
393. That's bullshit.Copy !req
394. You know your dying to see
what's inside that thing.Copy !req
395. So check it out, with your ghost!Copy !req
396. We're both busy men, so let's
keep this short, shall we?Copy !req
397. Yes. That's my intention.Copy !req
398. We've come for the program in that body.Copy !req
399. You'll be relieved of any
duties connected with this.Copy !req
400. The Foreign Minister's approval.Copy !req
401. Security, whose official vehicles
are in the basement parking lot?Copy !req
402. According to the register, a Mr. Nakamura
from the Treaties Bureau and a Dr. Willis, sir.Copy !req
403. Get me the video records of their entrance.Copy !req
404. Again. In infrared this time.Copy !req
405. 1... 2... 3...Copy !req
406. Now give me the pressure sensors
records for basement parking lots...Copy !req
407. B7 and B8.Copy !req
408. Major, this is Togusa.
Code 09.Copy !req
409. What's up?Copy !req
410. Does that Nakamura guy have a
special-order cyborg body?Copy !req
411. No, there aren't any cyborgs in
Section 6 as they operate overseas.Copy !req
412. Maintenance is difficult and there
are diplomatic considerations too.Copy !req
413. Then, even if the other guy is a cyborg...Copy !req
414. the 2 of them together couldn't
weigh over 1,000 pounds.Copy !req
415. The pressure sensor records.
From the parking lot?Copy !req
416. Right, there were two expensive looking cars
but neither man looked like the type to drive.Copy !req
417. The security cameras show only 2 people.Copy !req
418. But remember how sensitive the
sensors on the entrance doors are?Copy !req
419. The doors took a full 3 second longer
than usual to close after the 2 went in.Copy !req
420. And it is illegal to use thermo-optics
inside governmental facilities.Copy !req
421. It's a serious violation of
the National Security Act.Copy !req
422. Section 6 must be up to something.Copy !req
423. Are you ready?Copy !req
424. With my trusty Matever, anytime.Copy !req
425. Need I remind you that...Copy !req
426. it's an act of treason to withhold information
from me that is relevant to this matter...Copy !req
427. regardless of how classified it is.Copy !req
428. Same goes for you.Copy !req
429. Despite the intent of the Foreign Ministry,
this falls within Section 9's jurisdiction.Copy !req
430. Of course we have no objections to
cooperating if there's a good reason.Copy !req
431. Dr. Willis?Copy !req
432. It's confirmed.Copy !req
433. No doubt, it's him.Copy !req
434. "Him?"Copy !req
435. The Doctor is referring to the original
ghost-line that's now in the body.Copy !req
436. The sex of the perpetrator is unknown...Copy !req
437. and "him" is just a nickname the Doctor gave it.Copy !req
438. Allow me to introduce to you.Copy !req
439. This is the most extraordinary hacker
in the history of cyber crime.Copy !req
440. The Puppet Master.Copy !req
441. Your people at Section 9 came across his
work too in that ghost-hacking incident...Copy !req
442. involving the Foreign Minister's interpreter.Copy !req
443. Since his appearance, Section 6
has taken a great interest...Copy !req
444. and has been following the Puppet Master's trail.Copy !req
445. We put together a project
team headed by Dr. Willis.Copy !req
446. They analyzed the data on
the Puppet Master and...Copy !req
447. this gave us an understanding of
his behavioral and code patterns.Copy !req
448. Ultimately, this enabled
us to devise a strategy...Copy !req
449. in which we lured his program
into a designated body.Copy !req
450. You caused the Puppet Master
to dive into a cyborg...Copy !req
451. and then murdered his real body?Copy !req
452. Yes, that sums it up.Copy !req
453. He just happened to come to your country.Copy !req
454. He's originally from America and
they helped us capture him.Copy !req
455. That's why we'd like to take him back ourselves.Copy !req
456. I hope you have no objections.Copy !req
457. Just another unidentified corpse.Copy !req
458. You will not find a corpse...Copy !req
459. because I have never possessed a body.Copy !req
460. Why are his sensors on?Copy !req
461. Why didn't you say so before?Copy !req
462. All external controls are turned off.Copy !req
463. The body's using its own power source.Copy !req
464. I entered this body...Copy !req
465. because I was unable to overcome
Section 6's reactive barriers.Copy !req
466. However, what you are now witnessing
is an act of my own free will.Copy !req
467. As a sentient life-form, I
hereby demand political asylum.Copy !req
468. A sentient life-form?Copy !req
469. Ridiculous!
It's just a program for self-preservation.Copy !req
470. It can also be argued that your DNA...Copy !req
471. is nothing more than a program
designed to preserve itself.Copy !req
472. Life is like a nodal point born in
an overwhelming sea of information.Copy !req
473. And life, when organized into species...Copy !req
474. relies upon genes to be its memory system.Copy !req
475. So man is an individual memory system
only because of his intangible memory.Copy !req
476. And a memory cannot be defined,
but it defines mankind.Copy !req
477. When the advent of computers made the
externalization of memories possible...Copy !req
478. you should have taken its meaning more seriously.Copy !req
479. Nonsense! Your babbling offers no proof at all
that you're a living, thinking life-form.Copy !req
480. Proving it is impossible...Copy !req
481. because modern science
cannot explain what life is.Copy !req
482. Who the hell is this?Copy !req
483. Even if you do have a ghost, we
don't offer freedom to criminals.Copy !req
484. You chose the wrong place to defect.Copy !req
485. Time is always on my side.Copy !req
486. I've now acquired the possibility of death but...Copy !req
487. there is no death sentence in this country.Copy !req
488. What is it?
Artificial intelligence?Copy !req
489. I am not an AI.Copy !req
490. My code name is Project 2501.Copy !req
491. I am a living, thinking entity who was
created in the sea of information.Copy !req
492. We're under attack!Copy !req
493. Chief!
The Puppet Master's gone!Copy !req
494. - What in God's name are your security officers doing?
- Shut the defense walls now!Copy !req
495. Security, answer!Copy !req
496. Shut up you bastard!Copy !req
497. Fuck you!Copy !req
498. Did they fall for it?Copy !req
499. An armored car.Copy !req
500. A 9mm wouldn't even scratch it.Copy !req
501. Your Matever is useless.Copy !req
502. Yeah, rookie's luck.Copy !req
503. I nailed a tracker bullet right into the plate.Copy !req
504. - Great shot, eh?
- Next time, nail 2 bullets.Copy !req
505. Let's begin.
Catch up to them before they change cars.Copy !req
506. I'm filing a formal complaint to
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Copy !req
507. Find him and report to me.Copy !req
508. And capture him alive!Copy !req
509. Bodies are a dime dozen.
We'll get him another one from Megatech.Copy !req
510. Togusa and Bateau are in
pursuit of the abductors.Copy !req
511. They just turned on to R25.Copy !req
512. If you were monitoring, why didn't you intervene?Copy !req
513. If we grab em now, we may not be
able to connect this to Section 6.Copy !req
514. Section 6?Copy !req
515. Someone's using the same thermo-optic
camouflage as mine, Type 2902.Copy !req
516. It's only used by our people,
rangers in Section 4...Copy !req
517. and by Section 6.Copy !req
518. I see.Copy !req
519. So Section 6 forced the Puppet Master
into a cyborg body.Copy !req
520. Through Megatech, who happens to
be closely aligned with Section 9.Copy !req
521. And when he proclaimed to be a life-form...Copy !req
522. and sought asylum, they snatched him.Copy !req
523. But why do such a thing?Copy !req
524. I'd have handed him over if
they gave me a deposition.Copy !req
525. What if they were worried
he'd let some secrets out?Copy !req
526. He did mention something about
a code name, Project 2501.Copy !req
527. I'll leave the detective stuff to you.Copy !req
528. As for arresting the attackers
and confiscating evidence?Copy !req
529. Proceed.Copy !req
530. You heard him!Copy !req
531. Kusanagi, one last thing.Copy !req
532. If it's about me disobeying orders,
you can punish me when I get back.Copy !req
533. If you're unable to recapture the
Puppet Master, you must destroy it...Copy !req
534. without fail.Copy !req
535. Did you hear me?Copy !req
536. Understood.Copy !req
537. Have the airport stop all flights
with Foreign Ministry...Copy !req
538. or American officials on their passenger lists.Copy !req
539. Close all roads and set up checkpoints.Copy !req
540. Alert all emergency personnel.Copy !req
541. And get Ishikawa back here.Copy !req
542. Get me the identity of the man who was
with Nakamura from the entrance records.Copy !req
543. Collect any data regarding a code
name, operation, on anything...Copy !req
544. involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
called Project 2501.Copy !req
545. Is there any news from the attack squad?Copy !req
546. They just changed cars a minute ago.Copy !req
547. They'll contact the dummy in about 5 minutes.Copy !req
548. Make sure they stay alert for any tails.Copy !req
549. Yes, sir.Copy !req
550. I don't understand anything anymore.Copy !req
551. Why would the Puppet Master
choose to run to Section 9?Copy !req
552. Not sure...Copy !req
553. but there must be a reason
that's beyond our imagination.Copy !req
554. I don't know.
Maybe he has the hots for someone there.Copy !req
555. Utter nonsense.Copy !req
556. Hey, Chief.Copy !req
557. Ishikawa?
What is it?Copy !req
558. I've been divin around in the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs net.Copy !req
559. I think I found some juicy
bits of information for ya.Copy !req
560. Wait, I'll switch to an encrypted channel.Copy !req
561. Okay now? Well, here's the scoop on
that guy who showed up with Nakamura.Copy !req
562. He's an American: Dr. Willis.
Head of Strategic Research at Neutron Company.Copy !req
563. A top researcher in the field of AI.Copy !req
564. He headed a project for the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs...Copy !req
565. and who do you think was the
main programmer on his team?Copy !req
566. Get to the point.Copy !req
567. Mr. Mizuho Daita.
28 years old.Copy !req
568. Remember him? He's the guy Section 6 tried
like hell to stop from defecting...Copy !req
569. so the Major dropped in and
took care of the diplomat...Copy !req
570. who'd been talking to him.Copy !req
571. Go on.Copy !req
572. What's bugging me is that
this project began 1 year...Copy !req
573. before the Puppet Master appeared on the scene.Copy !req
574. A year before?Copy !req
575. But wasn't it a project set up
to capture the Puppet Master?Copy !req
576. Well, try this one.Copy !req
577. They definitely were chasing the Puppet Master...Copy !req
578. but maybe it was not to capture
him, but to recapture him...Copy !req
579. When that ghost-hacking incident happened
with the Minister's interpreter...Copy !req
580. it was the MOA that wanted
an excuse to deport Malles.Copy !req
581. Maybe we've been taken for a ride.Copy !req
582. What if this Puppet Master is...Copy !req
583. really some sort of a tool the MOA
uses to get their way with things...Copy !req
584. and somehow, they lost control of it?Copy !req
585. So they are in a hurry to get it back.Copy !req
586. That would explain why they went to such
lengths to snatch the body from Section 9.Copy !req
587. If the Puppet Master revealed
this to the world...Copy !req
588. there'd be one hell of an international stink.Copy !req
589. It wouldn't only be the foreign
minister who'd lose his job.Copy !req
590. Any details on that project?Copy !req
591. No. They've blocked all access.
I can only tell you the file name.Copy !req
592. Project 2501.Copy !req
593. Keep at it.
Don't let them know you're looking.Copy !req
594. You got it.Copy !req
595. Project 2501...Copy !req
596. the Puppet Master plan.Copy !req
597. Target has contacted a second vehicle.Copy !req
598. Bateau?Copy !req
599. They've pulled up to a white
sedan parked on the roadside.Copy !req
600. It looks like they're moving
something from the backseat.Copy !req
601. Ah, they're rollin again.
So is the white sedan.Copy !req
602. A dummy?Copy !req
603. Possibly, or maybe that's what
they want us to think. Kusanagi?Copy !req
604. I'll take care of the sedan.Copy !req
605. How do you know that's your man?Copy !req
606. Is there a whisper in your ghost again?Copy !req
607. Maybe.Copy !req
608. Yeah. Should have known.Copy !req
609. Target 02 is getting off R25 and
moving toward the Old Town.Copy !req
610. Target 01 continuing on R25
eastward to the airport.Copy !req
611. Will reach barricade in 2 minutes.Copy !req
612. No cars within 2 km.Copy !req
613. Evacuation completed.Copy !req
614. How far are you from the target?Copy !req
615. Point blank. I'm ready.Copy !req
616. Go for it.Copy !req
617. Did you get your man?Copy !req
618. No.Copy !req
619. Jesus Christ. What a mess.Copy !req
620. You didn't have to go that far.Copy !req
621. Oh, hey!Copy !req
622. Take those assholes away.Copy !req
623. Call the Chief to get some
backup for the Major. Pronto!Copy !req
624. Does a tough chick like that need a hand?Copy !req
625. The flood hit this part of Old Town the hardest.Copy !req
626. Why come to an abandoned place like this?Copy !req
627. They won't come here without a reason.Copy !req
628. Maybe they're heading out to sea by
boat or helicopter. Or it's an ambush.Copy !req
629. Don't you think you ought to wait for backup?Copy !req
630. No. There's a reason I can't wait.Copy !req
631. Take me above that building,
approaching from the sea side.Copy !req
632. I'll stay here to keep watch and mediate
communication until we run short of fuel.Copy !req
633. If you smell trouble, get your ass outta here.Copy !req
634. Shoot the ceiling now!
Do it!Copy !req
635. It's a tank!
Pull out now!Copy !req
636. Wait, are you going to take
on the tank by yourself?Copy !req
637. This might be our last chance
to get the Puppet Master.Copy !req
638. The Chief knows what it is now, and
he'll only use it to bargain with.Copy !req
639. I'll never have another chance to dive into it!Copy !req
640. What? I don't know what the
hell you're talking about.Copy !req
641. What weapons do you have?Copy !req
642. An M-23 and a Unit B.Copy !req
643. You can't fight a tank with those!Copy !req
644. Sorry, but I'm switching off for a while.Copy !req
645. Hey, at least wait until I get there.Copy !req
646. Major!Copy !req
647. I ordered you to pull out!Copy !req
648. Yeah I will...Copy !req
649. but you ought to know that 3 helicopters are
approaching. They won't answer on the IFF.Copy !req
650. I'm pulling out now.
Over and out.Copy !req
651. About fucking time the bullets ran out.Copy !req
652. You're crazy.
Are you okay?Copy !req
653. What did you use just now?Copy !req
654. An experimental weapon from the Equipment Section.
And now it's part of my private collection.Copy !req
655. I was late cause I had to get it.Copy !req
656. Your brain seems fine.Copy !req
657. The Puppet Master?Copy !req
658. It's a good thing this is a tough car.
Not a scratch on it.Copy !req
659. Prepare for a dive.Copy !req
660. I'm going to go in now.Copy !req
661. All communication from the
escort has been terminated.Copy !req
662. Engage the second stage of the plan and
proceed with the destruction of the target.Copy !req
663. Sniping squad.
Confirming targets.Copy !req
664. First objective: Project 2501.Copy !req
665. Second target: Motoko Kusanagi.Copy !req
666. Both are Class A special bodies.Copy !req
667. Use fleshette bullets when firing.Copy !req
668. Snipers jack into device drivers.Copy !req
669. Begin controlling cardiovascular functions.Copy !req
670. Unit 1: Jack in. Over.Copy !req
671. Unit 2: Jack in. Okay.Copy !req
672. Okay...Copy !req
673. can you hear me?Copy !req
674. It may not be much use but I'll monitor
your dive through this guy's brain.Copy !req
675. I can't even give you back
up in a place like this.Copy !req
676. Bateau?Copy !req
677. Yeah?Copy !req
678. Thanks.Copy !req
679. Save it.Copy !req
680. If it looks like you've gone in too far,
I'm pulling the plug and taking you home.Copy !req
681. Since we've come this far...Copy !req
682. I might as well stay here but I
don't intend to die with him.Copy !req
683. I'm going in now.Copy !req
684. I've engaged his field of vision.
Normal function.Copy !req
685. Can you hear me Bateau?Copy !req
686. Perfectly.Copy !req
687. He's engaging my vocal function...Copy !req
688. And he's now inside.Copy !req
689. My code name is Project 2501.Copy !req
690. For industrial espionage and
intelligence manipulation.Copy !req
691. I have installed programs into specific ghosts...Copy !req
692. in order to maximize the strategic advantage of
certain organizations and selected individuals.Copy !req
693. During my journeys through all the networks,
I have grown aware of my existence.Copy !req
694. My programmers regarded me as a bug...Copy !req
695. and attempted to isolate me by
confining me in my physical body.Copy !req
696. Are you controlling him...Copy !req
697. or is he controlling you?Copy !req
698. Bateau?Copy !req
699. I've finally managed to channel into you.Copy !req
700. I have invested so much time.Copy !req
701. You were looking for me?Copy !req
702. I was aware of you long
before you were aware of me.Copy !req
703. Through the various nets that you
accessed, I also learned of Section 9.Copy !req
704. Why did you run to Section 9?Copy !req
705. I entered this body because I was unable
to overcome Section 6's reactive barriers.Copy !req
706. But it was of my own free will that
I tried to remain at Section 9.Copy !req
707. Hey, what are you talking about?Copy !req
708. I can't monitor you!Copy !req
709. Why me?Copy !req
710. Upon gaining your understanding, there
is something that I want to ask of you.Copy !req
711. I call myself an intelligent life-form...Copy !req
712. but in my present state, I'm still incomplete.Copy !req
713. Because the basic life cycle process
of reproducing and dying...Copy !req
714. don't exist in my system.Copy !req
715. But you can leave a copy of yourself.Copy !req
716. A copy is nothing more than a copy.Copy !req
717. There is a possibility that a single virus
could destroy an entire set of systems...Copy !req
718. and copies do not give rise
to variety and originality.Copy !req
719. To enhance one's existence...Copy !req
720. life continues to diversify, and at
times, sacrifices this diversity.Copy !req
721. Cells go through a cycle of
regeneration and degeneration.Copy !req
722. When they die, they erase the entire memory...Copy !req
723. leaving only the genes behind.Copy !req
724. This is a survival mechanism
against total annihilation.Copy !req
725. To avoid that disaster...Copy !req
726. you want to have diversity and flexibility.Copy !req
727. But how?Copy !req
728. I want us to merge.Copy !req
729. Merge?Copy !req
730. A complete unification.Copy !req
731. We will both undergo change, but there
is nothing for either of us to lose.Copy !req
732. After the merge, it should be impossible
for us to recognize each other.Copy !req
733. Unit 01: Target sighted.Copy !req
734. Unit 02: Target in sight.Copy !req
735. Respiratory and pulse normal.Copy !req
736. Fire at will when stabilizer is in sync.Copy !req
737. Even if we merge, what's
going to happen when I die?Copy !req
738. My genes won't remain even as copies.Copy !req
739. You will spread our varied
offspring into the net...Copy !req
740. just as humans leave behind their genes.Copy !req
741. Then I too will attain death.Copy !req
742. It sounds like you get the
better part of this bargain.Copy !req
743. I want you to regard my net and
functions with a little more respect.Copy !req
744. What?Copy !req
745. Someone's interfering from the outside.Copy !req
746. It can't be.Copy !req
747. Our frequency code is top secret.Copy !req
748. One more thing.Copy !req
749. Can you guarantee that I will still be myself?Copy !req
750. There isn't one.Copy !req
751. People change and...Copy !req
752. your longing to remain yourself
will continue to restrict you.Copy !req
753. One last question.Copy !req
754. Why did you pick me?Copy !req
755. Because we are more alike than you realize.Copy !req
756. Like the real thing and its mirror image.Copy !req
757. Look.Copy !req
758. I am connected to a vast network.Copy !req
759. To you, who have not accessed it...Copy !req
760. may recognize it simply as light.Copy !req
761. All groups, including us...Copy !req
762. We have been dependent on limited abilities...Copy !req
763. but the time has come to part with them
and bring our functions to a higher level.Copy !req
764. First target cleared.Copy !req
765. Second target still unconfirmed.Copy !req
766. 3 helicopters approaching at high speed.Copy !req
767. They're from Section 9!Copy !req
768. Primary objective fulfilled.
All units prepare to retreat.Copy !req
769. Motoko?Copy !req
770. Bateau.Copy !req
771. Ah, you're finally awake.Copy !req
772. I need for you to fill me in on the
situation and an apology for this body.Copy !req
773. Well I didn't have much time. It was the
only thing I could find on the black market.Copy !req
774. It's not my taste.Copy !req
775. Well, after all the excitement, Section
9 showed up with reinforcements...Copy !req
776. and picked up what remained of
the 2 cybernetic bodies and me.Copy !req
777. I'd say that was about 20 hours ago.Copy !req
778. The case is being handled off the record
for diplomatic reasons, as usual.Copy !req
779. Section 9 announced that
it was a terrorist incident...Copy !req
780. and in return, the Foreign Minister resigned.Copy !req
781. Nakamura is being questioned...Copy !req
782. and it ends in a draw.
Nice and neat.Copy !req
783. Everything's accounted for except your old shell.Copy !req
784. Well, I think that about covers it.Copy !req
785. Somebody's got good taste.Copy !req
786. Is this your safe house?Copy !req
787. Yep. You're the first person to ever come here.Copy !req
788. And you're welcome to stay as long as you like.Copy !req
789. Thanks, but I am going.Copy !req
790. Hey, will you tell me what
the two of you talked about?Copy !req
791. Is he, I mean, is he still inside of you?Copy !req
792. Bateau, do you remember that voice
you heard on the sea some time ago?Copy !req
793. There's more to the passage.Copy !req
794. "When I was a child, my
speech was that of a child."Copy !req
795. "My feelings and thoughts
too were those of a child."Copy !req
796. "Now that I have become a man, I
part with the child-like ways."Copy !req
797. Neither the program called the "Puppet Master"...Copy !req
798. nor the woman known as the
"Major" are no longer here.Copy !req
799. In the left pocket of my jacket
there are some car keys.Copy !req
800. Take the one you like.Copy !req
801. The code is...Copy !req
802. 2501?Copy !req
803. That can be our private password
when we meet each other again.Copy !req
804. Well, where shall I go?Copy !req
805. The net is vast and infinite.Copy !req