The Enigmatic Peter McCain: Unraveling the Story of the OSS Spy in the World of Zombies
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Who is Peter McCain?
Peter McCain is a pivotal, albeit unseen, character within the Call of Duty Zombies storyline, specifically associated with the World at War and Black Ops eras. He is revealed to be an Office of Strategic Services (OSS) spy, tasked with infiltrating the nefarious Group 935, a German scientific organization obsessed with harnessing the power of Element 115, the source of the zombie outbreaks. McCain’s story is tragic; he met his end as a martyr of sorts, his body serving as a gruesome reminder of the horrors within the zombie-infested universe. McCain’s presence is felt through references, scattered notes, and his chillingly visible corpse in the Shi No Numa map.
McCain’s narrative highlights the early attempts by Allied forces to understand and combat the growing zombie threat. It showcases the clandestine operations and the brutal consequences faced by those who dared to delve into the mysteries of Group 935. His story is not one of direct action, but rather a tale of sacrifice and the intelligence gathering that laid the groundwork for the later battles against the undead. He serves as a symbol of the desperate early days of the zombie outbreak and the high costs associated with trying to understand the forces at play. His work, though ultimately unsuccessful in his own survival, undoubtedly provided essential knowledge that would later be used by the characters players control.
McCain’s Journey Through Group 935 Facilities
Der Riese: Infiltration Begins
Peter McCain’s mission began at the Der Riese facility, also known as “The Giant” in German, located near Breslau. It was here, on June 17th, 1945, that McCain began his assignment as a research assistant, a role that allowed him to observe Group 935’s experiments firsthand. During his time at Der Riese, McCain gathered vital information about the group’s activities and the dangers posed by their research. This information was meant to be relayed back to his handlers, providing the Allied forces with insight into the nature and extent of the zombie phenomenon.
The Transfer to Verrückt
Following his time at Der Riese, McCain was transferred to Verrückt, the infamous asylum in Berlin, approximately two months after his arrival at the first facility. This move suggests that Group 935 may have become suspicious of McCain, or that his cover was blown, leading to his relocation to a more secure and less accessible location. The shift to Verrückt is indicative of the growing danger and the intensification of Group 935’s unethical experimentation on human subjects, likely including McCain. This also served as the setting for his eventual demise.
His Fate in Shi No Numa
McCain’s journey culminates in the Shi No Numa map where his body is seen hanging from a noose in the spawn area. This gruesome discovery serves as a stark reminder of the fate that awaited those who dared to oppose Group 935. His presence in Shi No Numa suggests that he was captured and executed, likely at Verrückt, then his body was moved to Shi No Numa. The discovery of his corpse underscores the immense peril of his mission and the relentless nature of the enemy he was facing. This horrific image further demonstrates the ruthlessness of the forces opposing the allies, and serves to set the tone for the survival challenges the players face.
McCain’s Significance in the Narrative
While never heard or directly seen alive, McCain’s significance in the narrative is substantial. He is the link connecting the pre-zombie outbreak period with the active battles that take place in the game. His intel, though incomplete and too late to save him, is implied to have been critical to the early understanding of Group 935 and the zombie threat, influencing the future actions of the playable characters. His tragic fate also adds a layer of emotional depth to the story. The discovery of his body is not merely a gruesome display, but also a solemn reminder of the real people caught in the crossfire of the zombie apocalypse. His story is a subtle but crucial component that builds the lore and explains the chaotic backdrop against which the player characters fight for survival.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peter McCain
1. Was Peter McCain a playable character?
No, Peter McCain was never a playable character in any of the Call of Duty Zombies maps. He is only ever referenced, and his body is found in Shi No Numa.
2. How did Peter McCain die?
While the exact circumstances of his death are not fully detailed, it is heavily implied that Peter McCain was captured and executed by Group 935, given his body is seen hanged in Shi No Numa.
3. What was Peter McCain’s role in Group 935?
McCain’s role was as a research assistant, which was a cover for his OSS spy mission to gather intelligence on Group 935’s activities.
4. What other facility was Peter McCain in?
Besides Der Riese, Peter McCain was also stationed at the Verrückt asylum in Berlin.
5. When did Peter McCain start his work at Der Riese?
Peter McCain started working at the Der Riese facility on June 17th, 1945.
6. How long did Peter McCain work at Der Riese before his transfer?
Peter McCain worked at Der Riese for approximately two months before being transferred to Verrückt.
7. Who sent the Marines to extract Peter McCain?
Peter’s handler from the OSS, Cornelius Parnell, sent a Marine Recon Team led by “Tank” Dempsey.
8. Who were the Marines sent to extract Peter McCain?
The Marine team sent to extract McCain was comprised of John “Banana”, Paxton “Gunner” Ridge, “Smokey”, and led by Tank Dempsey.
9. Where is Peter McCain’s body found?
Peter McCain’s body is found hanging in the spawn room of the Shi No Numa map.
10. Did Peter McCain know about Element 115?
It is likely that McCain gained knowledge of Element 115 through his work at Der Riese, given it was central to Group 935’s research.
11. Is Peter McCain referenced in other maps besides Shi No Numa?
While not explicitly seen, the events surrounding McCain and his mission inform the narrative of other early Zombie maps, particularly Verrückt and Der Riese.
12. What was the goal of Peter McCain’s mission?
Peter McCain’s mission was to infiltrate Group 935 and gather intelligence on their activities and research.
13. What happened to the Marines sent to extract Peter McCain?
John Banana and Smokey died, Paxton Gunner Ridge escaped, and Tank Dempsey was captured by Group 935.
14. How does McCain’s story connect to the broader Zombies plot?
McCain’s story shows the early efforts to understand the zombie phenomenon and is part of the timeline that sets the stage for later events in the Aether storyline. His tragic mission underscores the dangerous nature of Group 935 and the dire consequences of their experiments.
15. What is the overall significance of Peter McCain’s character?
Peter McCain serves as a symbol of sacrifice, highlighting the desperate early days of the zombie outbreak and the high price paid by those who dared to confront Group 935 directly. His story underscores the desperation of the allied forces to understand and combat the zombie threat, ultimately providing essential lore and setting the stakes for the main characters’ ongoing struggles. His work, while not successful in his own survival, provided invaluable knowledge that later heroes built upon.