Michael Ford is the protagonist of The Conduit and Conduit 2. He is a former Secret Service agent that was recruited by a clandestine government organization known as The Trust, after he saved President Charles Thompson from an assassination attempt.[1]
Ford's story is one of unwavering dedication to his country. A West Point graduate and decorated U.S. Army veteran, Ford went on to distinguish himself in the Secret Service, where his exceptional service record caught the attention of his superiors.[2] Clean-cut and disciplined, Ford carries himself with the bearing of a lifelong serviceman. His strong jawline and strict personal habits – including his abstinence from alcohol and tobacco – reflect his commitment to maintaining the highest standards, both professionally and personally.[1]
Ford's life took an unexpected turn when he thwarted an assassination attempt on the President. This heroic act brought him to the attention of John Adams, a mysterious figure heading a clandestine government organization known as The Trust. Adams recruited Ford for what initially appeared to be a straightforward mission: tracking down a terrorist cell and recovering stolen Trust technology.
However, Ford soon found himself entangled in a complex web of conspiracy. What began as a simple assignment evolved into something far more dangerous, forcing him to navigate treacherous waters while staying true to his sworn duty to protect his country.
Speeches and Dialogue
"Most people will merely ask the question without really expecting a response. Maybe that's for the best."
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The Conduit
Show: Intro Cinematic Speech
Ford:"It all begins with a simple question. One that was never meant to be answered. Most people will merely ask the question without really expecting a response. Maybe that's for the best." Ford:"For the others, the ones who demand an answer, it's the start of true understanding. They begin to see the lies and conspiracies for what they are; threads and evidence that lead to the truth. They see the connections behind seemingly unconnected events, and begin to learn about the powers that actually shape our world." Ford:Random events conspire to form the greater picture. It's only a matter of finding how the pieces fit, and you will see the puzzle for what it really is. After that, you can't help what you will become." Ford:"Some succumb to madness, or paranoia. Some disappear from the world, and others, well, others end up like me. My name is Michael Ford. I'm probably the only one left who knows the truth. I know, because I was there."
Show: Ford and Adams' Initial Contact
John:"Hello Mr. Ford. It's time to go to work." Ford:"Who is this?" John:"My name is John Adams. I am part of a clandestine organization known as 'The Trust.' We have safeguarded this country for over 200 years, and we need your help." John:"Your performance in the Aero-Evac incident greatly impressed us. As a result, I have selected the President's choice of your candidacy to tackle a special assignment. My authorization is Kilo Bravo July 2-2-1-7-9-7." Ford:"Authorization confirmed. Proceed with instructions." John:"Less than an hour ago, a terrorist known as Prometheus broke into a classified facility and stole a valuable prototype." John:"He and his men are headed towards Reagan National Airport. I am pulling in all available agents and military personnel. We are going to be waiting for him." John:"The airport should be clear of civilians by the time you arrive. If all goes well, you won't even have to draw your weapon." Ford:"And if things don't go well, Mr. Adams?" John:"Then you will take any necessary steps to ensure that they do. Have I made myself clear?" Ford:"Perfectly." John:"Excellent. Better get moving, Mr. Ford!"
Show: Ford's Infiltration Mission
John:"I have a new assignment for you, Mr. Ford." John:"Prometheus is much more than a mere terrorist. His ability to turn our own people into his puppets makes him a significant threat to National Security." John:"During this mission your visor will also be linked directly to the President. It is vitally important that he sees exactly what we are up against, so that the necessary steps can be taken to stop Prometheus once and for all." Ford:"Understood. What's the assignment?" John:"Prometheus has a base in Bunker 13, an abandoned military complex beneath Washington. You need to infiltrate the bunker, access his computer network, and download all the data you can." John:"We don't know who you can trust right now, so I'm sending you in solo. The President and I have every confidence that you will be able to handle this. Don't let us down." Ford:"I'll do my best sir. Moving out now."
Show: An Uneasy Alliance
Ford:"All right, Prometheus, what's going on here? First you try to kill me, and now you're helping me? Whose side are you on, really?" Prometheus:"I'm on your side, Michael. I know it's hard to believe, but hear me out." Prometheus:"Adams has been using you since the beginning. Now that you've served your purpose, he wants you out of the picture." Ford:"Why should I believe you?" Prometheus:"Right now, you don't need to, you just need to listen. There's a Drudge nest underneath the Library of Congress." Prometheus:"It has to be destroyed before they infest the city, and you're the only one who can do it." Prometheus:"I've given you a suit of Trust armor that we confiscated from one of Adams's weapon caches." Prometheus:"I haven't been able to completely activate all its functions yet, but it will protect you from some damage, and slowly regenerate your health. I just hope it's enough." Ford:"Hold on a minute, you still haven't explained what's going on here." Prometheus:"There's no time Michael! That nest is a ticking bomb, and this city is doomed if it should go off. You've got to hurry!" Ford:"I'll go along with you for now, but if you're lying to me, I'll take you down, hard. Do you understand me?" Prometheus:"I would expect nothing less."
Show: The Truth
Prometheus:"Michael? It's Prometheus, I've got the details on our next operation." Ford:"I'm not lifting a finger until you give me some answers." Prometheus:"We don't have time for this, Michael... What do you want to know?" Ford:"First off, what is this ASE, and why do you, and Adams want it?" Prometheus:"I don't want it, but Adams does. It's a very powerful artifact that is critical to his plans. Plans that you, inadvertently, aided him with." Ford:"What do you mean?" Prometheus:"The ASE was developed by scientists working for the Trust. Through it, I convinced them of Adams's true intentions. Then I helped them get it away from him and those 'puppets' he created with the neuro-toxin." Prometheus:"But then you retrieved the ASE from my men, and, through your visor link, helped Adams convince the President of a vast, powerful conspiracy that only the Trust would be able to combat. Your final transmission, facing down the Drudge at the memorial, sealed the deal." Prometheus:"As a result, wheels have been put into motion to grant the Trust unprecedented power, and when the President dies, they will take control." Ford:"The President is in danger? We have to warn him!" Prometheus:"He won't listen, Michael, Adams has convinced him that you've been turned into a puppet." Ford:"Then we'll just have to save him ourselves..."
Interestingly, Michael was never seen within the game itself until the beginning of Conduit 2, because all of the cutscenes in the original were seen from his perspective.
In Conduit 2, Ford is voiced by Jon St. John, who also voices Duke Nukem. His personality also changes drastically from serious secret agent to a macho action protagonist. This was seen as a negative by some, who disliked the shift.
