Profile
Basic Information
Name: "Rust"
Birthplace: Unknown
Affiliation: 9th Agency
Gender: Male
Background
"Rust" is the codename of an agent for the 9th Agency stationed in Syndicate. He was instructed by Langley to assist the Chief following the MBCC's acquisition by the 9th Agency.
Rust's identity is completely unknown, but he may be a native of Syndicate, judging by the reverential tone with which he (like many West Siders) speaks about the golden age of the Inner Bay. He appears heavily bandaged over his entire body. He says that he, along with Bai Yi and Zoya, are "monsters" who have been residing in the Black Ring.
Role
Main Story
Drifter Camp
Rust intercepts a call from the Chief, and informs them that the 9th Agency has traced a lead tying Parma to Drifter Camp. While the Chief heads there, Rust explains Drifter Camp's history. When the Chief is captured by Rustfire, Rust executes a plan to keep them out of Drifter Camp's hands by appearing to shoot them in the back of the head. He then saves Hecate and Hella from being captured as well, and sends them to reunite with the Chief in Drifter Camp's funeral home.
While investigating the camp, Chief meets Rust (unbeknownst to them) as a member of Rustfire, whom Lavina addresses as "Nakamura". Rust taunts the Chief, calling them an outsider, accusing them of deceiving Rustfire, and even suggesting that they are conspiring with an insider.
Rust is seen again fighting alongside Rustfire, when the Mania crisis begins. Once the crisis is resolved, he tells Langley that Parma's forces have left the camp, as something even more important to them than a Black Ring has come up. He thanks her for not turning to the "last resort", which would have sacrificed the people of Drifter Camp -- likely referring to a Purge Order.
Oblivion Depth
Rust tells the Chief and Hella about the history of the Inner Bay while they ride the rail to Shelter W-31. He expresses surprise that Rustfire would allow them to pursue their mission in BR-002, when Drifter Camp is badly in need of their strength to fight the Reconstruction Executive Committee. When the MBCC team enters the Black Ring, interference causes them to lose contact with Rust.
When the Chief returns to Syndicate, Rust asks what they were up to in the meantime, but the Chief doesn't divulge any information. Rust contacts the 9th Agency and FAC for them, and secures the Executive Committee's support in hunting down Corpus 002.
Towering Black
Donald contacts Rust after learning from Oak Casket and Coquelic that the Chief's location inside BR-002 has been compromised and that the Black Ring is about to become active again. Rust confirms that the Underground Shepherd is taking action, but suggests that this could provide an opportunity for them to save the Chief. He contacts Bai Yi to put their plan into motion, and acts as a middleman between Donald and Langley, providing the intelligence necessary for her to kill Parma.
When BR-002 begins to expand and EDGE-01 makes the determination to execute a Purge Order, Rust is apparently able to access the "High-Level Channel" communicating this information. He expresses regret that they were unable to prevent the order, but agrees it is the sensible option, even though it still won't be enough to stop the Underground Shepherd.
In the aftermath of the crisis, Langley reports that Rust died in battle. He tells Zoya that he had tried to keep Langley and Bai Yi from meeting, and she replies that with BR-002 defeated, his life as "Rust" has come to an end and he needs a new codename. He looks forward to seeing the Chief again the next time that a Black Ring crops up.