“ | Engine override initiated. Deploying emergency escape pod. | „ |
—Spire Dock computer |
Escape Pods[1][2][3], also known as evacuation pods[4], auto-escape pods[5], escape capsule[6], or emergency escape pods[7], are devices used to evacuate objects such as ships or floating platforms.
Description[]
Samus's Gunship[]
Samus's Gunship features an escape pod, which is automatically ejected by the ship's emergency systems.
While not directly referenced in Metroid: Zero Mission, it can be inferred that Samus Aran uses an escape pod to evacuate her original Starship after it was attacked by Space Pirate vessels during her Zero Mission. Samus safely arrives on the surface of Chozodia wearing only her Zero Suit, while her Starship and Power Suit are both lost in the crash.
In Metroid Fusion, the auto-escape pod is ejected after Samus loses consciousness due to her X Parasite infection, saving her before her Gunship crashes into an asteroid belt. The escape pod is then recovered by Biologic's vessel, allowing Samus to receive immediate life-saving surgery.
Metroid: Zebes Invasion Order[]
Non-canon warning: This article or section contains information that may not be considered an official part of the Metroid series in the overall storyline by Nintendo.
The first appearance of the Gunship's escape pod was actually in the non-canonical game book Metroid: Zebes Invasion Order, in the post-Mother Brain storyline that parallels later canonical developments in Zero Mission. The escape pod is described as a one-man, narrow, cylindrical space pod designed only for escape, with only a small nozzle attached that provides almost no maneuverability.
With the Metroid=Mutant loose and compromising her spaceship, Samus can choose to evacuate in her escape pod before her spaceship explodes. If she does so, the M=M also sneaks into the escape pod. Samus responds by opening the escape pod's airlock; she can either flee the escape pod herself and trap the M=M inside, or she can force the M=M out of the pod. Either way, the escape pod is captured by the Pirate Ship.
Non-canon warning: Non-canonical information ends here.
Frigate Orpheon[]
While Escape Pods are not actually seen in Metroid Prime, they are referenced while Samus explores the Frigate Orpheon. The Emergency Evacuation Area is a room aboard the Orpheon where the Space Pirates kept their hexagonal Escape Pods. The Escape Pods were jettisoned six hours before Samus's arrival, evacuating to planet Tallon IV below. One computer screen displays the coordinates of one Escape Pod's destination: "Tallon IV 110L.30L. Research Command Center."
SkyTown, Elysia[]
In Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Samus uses one after destroying the Elysia Seed's shield, though she has to repair it first.
Steamspiders were encountered in the Elysian one, indicating that they may be used to keep them repaired. Why the pod required repair is unknown; while old age could be a factor, Ghor or the Space Pirate assault on the Spire may also have damaged the pod.
Official data[]
Metroid: Zebes Invasion Order[]
This article, section, or file contains text that is unofficially translated by Metroid Database. Some information (such as proper English names) may not be accurate. If an official translation becomes available, the fan translation(s) may be replaced.
"I run for the escape pod. I check that the creature isn’t around and go inside. The escape pod is a one-man, narrow, cylindrical space pod. Only a small nozzle is attached, providing almost no maneuverability, as it is made entirely for escape. I immediately escape from my ship upon boarding the pod."
Emergency Evacuation Area scans[]
"Escape pod entrance. The vessel has already been jettisoned. Evacuation occurred 6 hours prior to your arrival."
Spire Dock scans[]
"Escape pod is used for emergency evacuations. Enter to launch pod."
"Escape pod trajectory has been determined. Operate to begin launch sequence."
Trivia[]
- The sequence in Zebes Invasion Order where Samus escapes her exploding Gunship in an escape pod, discovers the M=M hiding aboard the pod, and ejects it through an open airlock seems to be directly based upon the climax of Alien.
See also[]
References[]
- ^ Metroid Fusion opening
- ^ Emergency Evacuation Area scans
- ^ Spire Dock scans
- ^ Escape Pod Bay scans
- ^ Metroid Fusion manual, pg. 8
- ^ Aurora Unit 217
- ^ Spire Dock computer
Features of Samus's Gunship | |
---|---|
Personal | Adam's helmet • Chozo biotech computer • Chozo language • Data records • Logbook • Mii Bobblehead • Samus Screen • Ship Bumper Stickers • In the Cockpit • Music player |
Armaments | Plasma Beam • Power Beam • Ship Grapple Beam • Ship Missile Launcher • Gunship Multiball • Bunker-Busting Annihilator • Gunship |
Mission features | Auto-repair function • Biohazard scanner • Blast Shield • Bombing Run • Command Visor • Commander Adam Malkovich • Cryostasis • Escape Pod Heads-Up Display • Helm controls • Landing Gear Legs • Microfactories Missile Station • Recharge Station • Save Station • Tetra Galaxy Scan Screen • Transmission console • B-Unit |
Cargo | Theronian Bomb (1st piece • 2nd piece • 3rd piece) • Colossal War Golem |
Passengers | Baby • Anthony Higgs • Dr. Madeline Bergman • Commander Adam Malkovich (computerized) • Dachoras • Etecoons |
Space Pirate Vehicles | |
---|---|
Large Spacecraft | Flagship • Mother Ship • Orpheon • Siriacus • Vol Paragom • Starship • Leviathan Battleship • Destroyer • Colossus • Doomseye Leviathan-class capital ship • Marauder-class battleship • Plunderer-class cruiser • Dragüd's Ship |
Space fighters | Zebesian Pirate Ship • Space Pirate vessel • Boarding Pod • Missile Transport (Elite) • Pirate Warship Fang-class fighter |
Terrestrial vehicles |
"Shrike" Class Assault Skiff • ATC • Assault Skiff • Dropship |
Others | Escape Pod • Escape Ship |