the story will take place two years after the events of Splinter Cell: Double Agent. Sam is brought out of hiding/retirement because of an unspecified danger to his friend and co-worker Anna Grimsdottir. Upon his return to Third Echelon, he discovers the organization has fallen into disarray caused by bureaucratic limitations and internal power struggles. Incensed by the inability of Third Echelon to do what's right, red tape be damned, Sam strikes out on his own, becoming a wanted fugitive in the vein of the exploits of Jack Bauer or Jason Bourne.