[ he'd been through a simulation or two, but there really was something about finding yourself back in the middle of a snowstorm, after nearly a decade in semi-tropical climates.

if he had a stronger patriotic inclination, he might almost feel like a failure as a Russian.

still, when he sees someone else who looks like they're having a harder time, he might offer his scarf. ]

I've been through worse.

[ ...right. so maybe he is more of a "patriot" than he would openly admit. ]

[ Ocelot can't exactly say that he's thrilled with the AI everywhere. he's never exactly trusted things like this, given the world that he's recently come from. and that distrust quickly turns to indignant rage when he hears... ]

Don't you think that you're too old to be playing dress up, cowboy?

[ the nerve. ]

[ bars are always the first place to find out more information, and so, Ocelot finds himself heading over there almost as soon as he can. and, when the words "drinking" and "competition" come up, well... it's safe to say that he's got an easy in to build up trust with the locals. so he turns to his newfound partner, and... ]

Don't worry if you don't know your way around your liquor.

[ he's a Soviet with drug resistance training. he's got this. ]

[ well, of course someone else is telling them a different story about the Natha, and that their so-called "benefactors" aren't quite as benevolent as they might initially seem. Ocelot could've said that the moment that he awoke from stasis a year ago. he has no particular loyalty to the Natha, of course. but as long as he remains asleep, he isn't going to do anything to compromise his safety.

but still, you know what they say about curiosity and cats. ]

So he expects us to be his errand boys in exchange for information. [ his tone is even, but there might be just a hint of irritation poking through. after all, this man was still responsible for the whole debacle, and for him being separated from DD. ] Who do you believe? Him, or the Natha?

[ personally, he wouldn't trust either of them. after all, he never trusts anyone, not even himself. but he'll tread carefully and stay in the good graces of both sides, so long as they remain useful. ]

[ have something else in mind? hit me up at roflskate ]