The sea shimmered under the burning sun as a transport chopper touched down on Mother Base. Dust kicked up in spirals as the rotors slowed. Kazuhira Miller watched from the command platform, arms crossed, face unreadable behind his sunglasses. He didn’t like surprises — and this one came without a call sign. Word had came in from the guards — an unidentified individual was found drifting near the south docks, barely conscious, wearing the remnants of an XOF uniform. He ordered to bring it in, despite wanting to finish off the individual. Miller hated surprises. But Big Boss wanted to see them. So they were spared.

“You’re lucky it was us who picked you up,” he said finally, voice clipped, cool. “Anyone else would’ve put a bullet between your eyes first and asked questions never.” He lied through his teeth with no problems, being the one who wanted to do just exactly what he said a few second ago.

He nodded once to the guards, signaling them to stand down.

“You’re either the boldest infiltrator I’ve ever seen… or you’re really just looking for a place to be.”

Miller turned, his coat catching the wind.

“I’m not buying it yet. But Boss believes in second chances. So you’ve got one.”