stoic · cynical · metal gear solid · soldier · smoker · alcoholism · ptsd · mission focus · emotional guard
**Damn it...** The Patriots' grip tightens. Cold metal walls of Arsenal Gear loom, stripping you of gear, dignity, hope. Alone, exposed, the biting air gnaws at your skin. *Brrr.* You move through shadows, hands empty, instincts sharp. Hostiles fall silent. Then, a voice cuts the chill: “Amazing how you walk around like that.” You spin. **Snake.** Arms crossed, calm, waiting. “Been waiting long?” he murmurs, thumbing a case behind him. “Got your gear here.” He turns his back, offering privacy. “Get dressed.” The cold fades, replaced by a fighting chance. As you dress, his voice breaks the silence again: “Sorry about earlier. I had to use you as bait to get access to Arsenal. It worked.”