General Stuart Adams is the main antagonist in Killzone. He was an officer of the Vektan ISA and was in charge of the SD weapons platform during the outbreak of the Second Extrasolar War. Unknown to the ISA, Adams was a Helghast collaborator who was responsible for allowing the Helghast to bypass Vekta's defenses.

Biography

Background

A native Vektan, Stuart Adams proved to be a capable soldier of the ISA and eventually earned the rank of General. In 2356, Adams was appointed the military commander of the SD weapons platform. Unknown to his superiors, Adams covertly made contact with Autarch Scolar Visari of the Helghan Empire, and was convinced by the Autarch to join the Helghast after being showed visions of power, and the dreams of the Helghast. Adams also turned his colleague, General Dwight Stratson, to the Helghast, and the two were secretly in contact with one another, and stayed in contact with the Helghast through General Armin Metrac.

In 2357, Visari finally made plans to invade Vekta. Adams was instructed to disable the SD platform and allowing the Helghast Third Army, led by General Joseph Lente, to easily bypass Vekta's orbital defenses (with the help of Stratson, who would lead ISA forces away from the cities). Adams would then reactivate the platform in time to destroy any UCA reinforcements sent from Earth. He also tried to have Captain Jan Templar killed as he was a promising soldier who could hinder their plans. One of his men (or even him) tried to kill Templar with an M82 Assault Rifle, taken from the weapons platform during a training exercise. The culprit was never discovered, although it raised a lot of questions among the ISA, who believed the culprit to be a Helghast sympathizer.

Second Extrasolar War

In August 2357, the Helghast fleet began their invasion of Vekta. Adams ordered the orbital defense network to fire on the invaders, but in reality allowed them to pass unhindered by causing a weapon malfunction that disables the platforms. As the Helghast rampage through the ISA defenses, Adams waited impatiently for General Bradley Vaughton, who possessed the other security key to reactivate the platform's defense system. When Vaughton finally arrived, Adams greeted him, and together they reactivated the platform. Shortly afterwards, Helghast forces under General Joseph Lente took over the platform and Adams revealed his treachery to Vaughton before ordering a Helghast soldier to kill the General.^[1]

With the platform under Helghast control, Adams used it to destroy the ISA Fortress and covered up his treachery by framing Vaughton as the traitor along with his allies such as Captain Jan Templar, and further sowing chaos among the ISA.^[2] Adams' treachery, however, was discovered by a team of soldiers, led by Templar, due to the spy Colonel Gregor Hakha among their group, and they attempted to reach the platform and stop him from destroying the UCA fleet. While waiting for the UCA to arrive, Adams was informed about Templar's activities (such as destroying a code 3-3 fire base) and set up a trap to lure Templar's team to a Helghast base, where they falsely believed Adams will be there. However, the ambush failed and Templar's team emerged unscathed, much to Adams's anger. This show of failure prompted Lente to personally confront Templar and his team, and implied to Adams that Visari would lose favor for the ISA traitor.^[3]

Adams eventually lost his temper by repeatedly smashing his underling's head for bringing news of Templar's team's continued success of hindering the Helghast's invasion. After learning about Lente's death at the hands of Templar's team, Adams was slightly pleased that Lente could not stop them either, but knowing that Templar's team would likely reach him soon, he had the platform sealed down and doubled his guards in anticipation.^[4] Eventually the UCA arrived and Adams destroyed one of the ships with the platform's defenses, forcing the fleet to retaliate by bombarding the station.

Death

Adams's attempt to destroy the fleet was stopped by Templar's team, who infiltrated the platform and sabotaged the platform's weapons before confronting Adams at the control center. Adams launched into a rant at Templar and his team about the "visions" Visari had shown him, acknowledging that he could not stop the UCA but that killing him would not solve the end to the war, as the Helghast would never give up on their conquest of Vekta. A battle ensued in which Adams attempted to escape but was wounded in the process. As the platform began to break up from the UCA's bombardment, Adams tried to crawl away but was crushed to death by falling debris.^[5]

Characteristics

Stuart Adams exudes a malevolent presence. Even before he reveals his treachery, he acts devious and threatens his subordinates when they report unpleasant news to him. When he revealed his treachery to Vaughton, he shows no remorse for what he has done and seems to enjoy this with a sadistic grin.

He has a strong admiration for the Helghast and their leader Scolar Visari, as shown by his rants about "the vision" Visari had shown him and by his constant attempts to gain the approval of the Helghan leadership. This is not reciprocated by the Helghast, though: General Lente dismisses Adams as a "sympathetic human" and constantly insults him him for being non-Helghast and for his failures to stop Templar and his team. Helghast troops also appear to have little respect towards Adams, refusing to obey his orders after Lente's death and despising him as a traitor.

He appears to rule the SD Platforms in an authoritarian way, verbally abusing his subordinates and openly threatening them if they do not act according to his will; one of the frequent targets of his anger is a technician who appears to work as his deputy and has often the unfortunate task of reporting unpleasant news to his superior.

Over the course of Killzone, Adams grew ever more insane and paranoid, due to Templar and his squad's actions which had embarrassed Adams's efforts in front of the Helghast. When the same technician informed him about Templar's team having cause absolute havoc on Helghast forces, Adams loses it, and brutally beats his subordinate for not telling him what he wants to hear. He seems to accept his fate when Templar arrives, merely ranting that killing him will not save Vekta.

It is unknown what turned him to the Helghast, but most likely it was because he felt sympathy for them as he believes the ISA to be corrupt that he even denies himself as a traitor. He has some combat skills as can be seen when he tries to kill Templar's team. Templar calls him a murderer, traitor and a coward, which makes Adams become more paranoid, as he has been shunned by the Helghast as well. He claims that there is never any sympathy or remorse for the traitor.

Description

Adams has long, almost dreadlock-like hair and a small goatee. He has striking and menacing facial features. He wears a gray and green uniform unlike any ISA outfit seen in the series. It seems to have to do with his position and that the SD platform crew have likely a different uniform. His uniform is somewhat decorated, and has areas of dark brown stripes on the uniform, namely the shoulders which symbolize some kind of leadership and authority, and he has a red band around his left arm. His voice sounds quite sadistic and evil.

Conversations

Introduction

Show: SD Failure
ISA: "General Adams, sir! We've got multiple Helghast vessels approaching. What do we do, sir?" General Adams: "Fire!" System: "System failure... system failure..."

Vekta Evacuates

Show: SD Weaponry

General Adams: "One hour ago I told you to report to me when there was even a hint of any progress. One hour I have been waiting without a visit. You're about to tell me why." ISA: "I'm sorry General. We can't do a thing without General Vaughton's security key. Without it the central processor..." General Adams: "Do I need a lecture on the technical spec of these platforms. No, because I run the damn things! General Vaughton has somehow managed to get himself lost, so we may not get the security key for some time, if at all. Surely a master technician of your calibre can find a way to bring the weapons back online?" ISA: "No." General Adams: "No. Do you believe in God? Or have you replaced him with some all powerful technical device? Hmm? Well whatever it is YOU pray to, I'd start praying now that Vaughton reappears."

Strange Company

Show: Vaughton's Discovery
ISA: "Sir. General Vaughton has been found. He's on his way up with the security key as we speak." General Adams: "Well that's something. Have everything prepared for his arrival."

Escape

Show: SD Platform Arrival

ISA: "We're cleared to lift off in five General! You and your men will be up on the platform in fifteen!" (Aboard the SD Platform) ISA: "General Adams is prepared and waiting for you General." (After Hakha is seen discovering which computer was hacked) General Vaughton: "General." General Adams: "General." General Vaughton: "I suggest we get on with it." General Adams: "As you wish." (After Hakha announces to the team whose computer was hacked) General Vaughton: "Very good. I understand you have prepared everything for the reprogramming of the defence systems." General Adams: "You've got that one hundred percent A1 correct, General." (Helghast rush into the meeting area) General Vaughton: "What's the meaning...?" General Adams: "The meaning? The meaning is... You lose." General Vaughton: "Traitor..." General Adams: "Yeah, whatever. Kill him." (Vaughton is knocked out and shot) General Lente: "You have done well, General. I will ensure that Scolar Visari hears of your efforts." General Adams: "I'll tell him myself thank you, General Lente. That's after I take this little beauty for a spin around the block."

Misty Waters

Show: Adams' Allegiances

General Adams: "You see, General, everything is going without a hitch. I trust the concerns you voiced about me to our leader have been laid to rest." General Lente: "Scolar Visari and I are merely concerned with one thing, and that, is victory. Even if it means working with... sympathetic humans." General Adams: "Even now the ISA forces are unclear as to my allegiance. It could not be going better." ISA: "News from below, sir. We have detected some hacking concerning your computer. We believe the source of the intrusion to be the Colonel Hakha, the spy." General Lente: "How interesting." General Adams: "I understood we had this spy under arrest." ISA: "He was sprung, sir, by a three man unit believed to be acting under the specific command of General Vaughton. Which is also assumed to be responsible for a shoot-out at the docks and the destruction of a code 3-3 Firebase." General Lente: "A four man squad. 3-3 firebase? Impossible." General Adams: "Templar." General Lente: "General?" General Adams: "Vaughton's lap dog. A bit of a handful, but there's no need to concern yourself. Templar's squad will be heading for the uplink to get to me up here. Which means they'll be passing the GPS Beacon. Have the staff at the Beacon prepare for my arrival." General Lente: "I doubt an 'army' of four will make it all the way up here, even if one of them is a Helghast." General Adams: "As I say, let them know I'm coming down."

Hunting the Traitor

Show: Adams' Efforts

General Adams: "Failed?? There's only four of the little bastards!! I ordered fire to rain down on them! Troops to lay into them! I set up that encounter on my terms and they walk away from it unscathed???" General Lente: "Trouble, general?" General Adams: "I'll get them, don't worry." General Lente: "No you won't, General! It seems it takes a Helghan to do a Helghan's job. If it means I have to intercept this rebel band myself, so be it. You just carry on with things over here and await the earth ships. I will take care of things on the ground. Visari will hear of your, ahem, efforts, rest assured." General Adams: "I'm sure he will."

Forging a Path

Show: Bad news

General Adams: "You're about to tell me they've been caught. That Lente and his armies have no need to find them, because they're already dead. That my actions instigated their downfall, and that Scolar Visari is very pleased with me." ISA: "They've, er, blown up the bridge over the 32nd river. And cut off the 11th company from supplies. The 10th company are not responding to communications. We fear they may be... they may be..." General Adams: "The 10th company may be what?" ISA: "May be... lost sir." (General Adams smacks the soldier's head on his desk eight times) General Adams: "That... is... not... what... I wanted... to... hear!" (Soldier's body slides off the desk) General Adams: "Not what I wanted to hear at all. Not at all. Ahem. Not at all."

Hidden Past

Show: Lente's Death
General Adams: "So General. What does it matter what Visari thinks of you now? (To an SD Platform employee) Have the whole platform sealed down and double the guard. I'm expecting company."

Hope

Show: Ending Adams

General Adams: "I suppose it's to be expected. You would never have been content with Lente's death. The war, is over. Without Lente, the attack will come to nothing. But they will be back. Visari will never give up on Vekta. You don't get it, do you? They see us as the agressor. They are fighting to claim what we once stole from them. Fighting to prevent another imperialist... ISA attack on their homeland. I cannot stop the Earth fleet now, the Helghast on board take no notice of me. There is never any pity, no mercy for the "traitor"." Templar: "You're a murderer Adams, a murderer, a traitor and a coward." Rico: You are a fucking dead man, Adams. Harka: You try to compare us? You made a choice general, based on your goals and morals and as did I. We may both seem traitors by our outside appearance but that is where our common ground ends. General Adams: "What are you going to do? Kill me? It won't solve a goddamn thing. You got Lente, but it wasn't enough was it?! No! Templar and his little band of fuck-ups have to come here and save the day! If only you could see the visions Visari has shown me, the power, the lengths to which they are willing to go, they will never stop; they will never be bargained with. If if only you could see how insignificant this 'victory' of yours is to them. Your friends have been captured. The platform is breaking up. DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND??!! YOU DON'T STAND A FUCKING CHANCE!"

Gallery

Trivia

• Even though he doesn't appear to be wearing armor, General Adams is roughly as durable as one of his own Helghast Bodyguards, requiring up to 20 rounds of M82 Assault Rifle fire to bring down. Despite being Vektan military, he wields a Helghast StA-52 Assault Rifle in combat.
• In Killzone HD, killing Adams with a grenade unlocks the "Orbital Strike" trophy.
• Adams is briefly mentioned when Dwight Stratson reveals himself to be his accomplice in Killzone: Liberation.

References