Side story- NO THIS IS NOT SOLID SNAKE-THIS IS MILLER

Kazuhira Miller awoke to the jarring sound of chains rattling. He blinked against the harsh fluorescent light, his mind struggling to shake off the remnants of unconsciousness. Handcuffed to a metal chair, he felt the bite of cold steel against his wrists, reminding him of his grim reality. Panic surged within him, but he quickly quelled it. He had endured worse.

Last he remembered, he had been on a supply run when Skull Face's forces ambushed him. Now, here he was, a prisoner in a desolate outpost, no doubt a stronghold of the very organization he sought to dismantle. The walls around him were bare and utilitarian, and the air felt thick with the scent of oil and sweat.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and a familiar figure stepped inside—Venom Snake. His face was a mask of determination, but there was something else in his eyes: a shared understanding of their predicament.

"Miller," Snake said, striding over to him. "We don't have much time. Skull Face isn't here, but we need to get out now."

Miller nodded, relief flooding through him as Snake unlocked his cuffs. "What's the plan?" he asked, already piecing together their escape.

"We need to find a way to neutralize this outpost and gather intel on Skull Face's operations. The sooner we get moving, the better," Snake replied, his voice steady and focused.

As they moved through the dimly lit corridors, Miller's mind raced. He had followed the trail of events leading to this moment closely, from the origins of the Metal Gear projects to the machinations of Cipher and their deep-seated conflicts. He knew how dire the situation was and how high the stakes had become.

Once outside, they located a jeep parked near the perimeter. "We'll take this," Snake said, sliding into the driver's seat while Miller secured the passenger side.

As they sped into the desert, Miller glanced at Snake, recalling their previous encounters with the various factions vying for power in the region. He knew Skull Face's capabilities well, not just from his firsthand experiences but also from the extensive knowledge he had of the events that had shaped their world. He was all too aware of how their actions now could lead to devastating outcomes in the future, outcomes he had seen too many times.

"What's next?" he asked, shifting the conversation back to strategy.

"We regroup with Rafiq—the informant," Snake said, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "He might have intel on Skull Face's next move."

After driving for a couple of hours, they arrived at a small village. The air was filled with a tense silence, and Miller felt a knot in his stomach as they entered the tavern where Rafiq was known to operate. The local patrons eyed them warily as they stepped inside.

"Rafiq!" Miller called out, spotting the wiry informant in the back corner.

"What do you want?" Rafiq asked, his voice low, eyes darting between them with suspicion.

"We need information on Skull Face," Snake stated. "We just escaped his outpost."

Rafiq's expression shifted from skepticism to intrigue. "Why would I help you? You're not the first people to come asking about him."

"Because he's responsible for the suffering of many," Miller interjected, frustration creeping into his voice. "I've seen it firsthand—how he manipulates and destroys lives. We're here to put an end to it."

Rafiq leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "Skull Face has eyes everywhere. Helping you is dangerous. If you're serious about this, you'll need evidence—something concrete to take him down."

"What do you suggest?" Snake asked, a spark of interest lighting up his eyes.

"There's a shipment coming through in a few days," Rafiq replied, pulling out a map and marking a location with an X. "Weapons, supplies—everything he needs to expand his influence. If you can intercept that shipment, you'll gain leverage. You'll also be able to gather information from his men."

Miller's heart raced at the mention of actionable intel. "We can do it. We'll set a trap."

"Be careful," Rafiq warned, his tone turning serious. "Skull Face's men are ruthless. If they catch wind of your plan, they won't hesitate to eliminate you."

"We'll be ready," Snake assured him. "Thanks for your help, Rafiq. We won't forget it."

With their plan set, they departed the tavern and climbed back into the jeep. The desert stretched out before them, a sprawling expanse of sand and sun. As they drove, Miller's mind drifted to the memories of the future he had glimpsed—his body shattered, his will bent but not broken. The knowledge that he would lose his arm and leg, a grim reminder of the price of war.

As they approached the airstrip a couple of days later, they could see the outlines of trucks and guards patrolling the area. The shipment was arriving soon, and with it, the chance to gather crucial intelligence.

"Let's scout the perimeter," Snake suggested, and they dismounted, moving stealthily through the shadows.

They soon reached a vantage point overlooking the loading area. Miller felt his pulse quicken as he observed the guards moving crates and talking amongst themselves. "That crate," he pointed, spotting one that appeared particularly fortified. "That's what we need to destroy."

"Agreed," Snake replied, his expression serious. "But we'll need a distraction. If we blow that crate, we can draw their attention and get a closer look at their operations."

Miller nodded, formulating a plan. "I can set a small charge on the other side of the airstrip. When it goes off, they'll rush over, and we can move in for the intel."

"Do it," Snake instructed. "I'll cover you from here."

Miller slipped into the shadows, heart racing as he crept toward the designated spot. He set the charge carefully, ensuring it was well-hidden and would create enough noise to draw the guards away from the loading area. After a quick check, he made his way back to Snake, who was scanning the scene.

"Ready?" Snake asked.

"Ready," Miller confirmed.

With a swift countdown, Snake directed the charge to detonate. The explosion echoed through the air, sending a shockwave that rattled the ground beneath them. Dust and debris filled the air as chaos erupted among the guards.

"Now!" Snake urged, and they dashed toward the loading area, taking advantage of the confusion.

As they navigated through the chaos, Miller's mind was laser-focused. He knew this was their moment, a chance to deal a significant blow to Skull Face's operations. They moved quickly, taking out guards with precision and stealth until they reached the crates that held the promised intel.

"This is it," Snake said, prying open one of the crates. Inside, they found weapons and classified documents outlining Skull Face's operations and his plans for expansion. Miller felt a sense of vindication wash over him.

"Let's take what we need and get out," he said, stuffing documents into his pack.

Just then, the distant sound of sirens began to wail, piercing the air. "They know we're here," Snake warned, urgency creeping into his voice.

"Time to move!" Miller shouted, and they sprinted back toward their jeep, the adrenaline surging through their veins as they narrowly avoided the guards who were regrouping.

As they leaped into the vehicle, Miller couldn't shake the sense of impending danger. "What now? We can't let them regroup," he urged.

"We'll split up," Snake decided, his voice resolute. "You head west and draw their attention. I'll take the south route and try to flank them."

"Got it," Miller replied, his heart pounding in his chest as they sped off in opposite directions.

The chase was on, the desert landscape whipping by in a blur. Miller felt the heat of the sun beating down as he maneuvered through the dunes, evading the guards who were hot on his tail. He could hear the gunfire in the distance, a reminder of how close they were to being captured again.

As he led them further into the desert, he scanned the area for any signs of escape. Then he spotted it—a narrow canyon that could provide cover. He swerved off the road and into the rocky terrain, his instincts guiding him as he navigated the twists and turns.

Once inside, he took a moment to catch his breath, leaning against the cool rock wall. He knew he had to regroup with Snake, but he also knew they couldn't stay in one place for long.

After a few tense moments, he heard the rumble of engines approaching. His heart raced as he prepared for a fight, but then he saw the familiar figure of Snake emerge from the shadows.

"Did you lose them?" Miller asked, his relief palpable.

"Temporarily," Snake replied, glancing back toward the entrance of the canyon. "But we need to move before they regroup. We have the intel; now we need to get it to the right people."

Miller nodded, determination surging within him. "Let's finish this once and for all."

They retraced their steps back toward the village, knowing that every moment counted. The air felt charged with anticipation as they approached the informant's tavern, their hearts heavy with the weight of their mission.

As they arrived at the tavern, the atmosphere inside was tense. Rafiq looked up, his expression turning from relief to worry as he saw them. "What happened? I heard gunfire!"

"We intercepted the shipment," Snake said, urgency clear in his voice. "But we need to act quickly. Skull Face will know we've taken something of his, and he won't hesitate to retaliate."

Rafiq's eyes widened, and he leaned in closer. "What do you have?"

Miller stepped forward, pulling the documents from his pack. "Plans, resources, everything we need to hit him where it hurts. But we have to move fast; he'll come for us."

Rafiq studied the documents, his brow furrowing. "If you're serious about taking him down, we need to rally the factions. This is the opportunity we've been waiting for."

Miller exchanged glances with Snake, a shared understanding passing between them. They knew they had to make this count. "Let's organize a meeting," Snake said, his tone resolute. "We'll gather everyone who's willing to fight. This ends now."

Over the next few hours, they worked tirelessly, reaching out to various faction leaders and gathering their support. As night fell, the tavern was filled with tense discussions and hushed plans, the air thick with anticipation.

Finally, they had a plan. They would strike Skull Face's primary base of operations—a heavily fortified compound just outside the village. With the combined forces of the local factions, they had a chance to turn the tide.

The following day, they assembled outside the compound, a ragtag army of fighters, each carrying the burden of their past grievances against Skull Face. Miller felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders; failure was not an option. He scanned the gathered men and women, their expressions a mix of fear and determination.

"Today, we fight for our lives," Miller began, stepping forward to address the group. "We fight for those who have suffered at the hands of Skull Face. We will dismantle his operation and free ourselves from his tyranny!"

A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd, their spirits lifting as they prepared for battle. Miller caught sight of Snake nearby, his eyes locked on the compound, ready for the fight ahead.

"Let's move," Snake commanded, leading the charge as they stormed the compound.

The initial assault was fierce, gunfire erupting as the factions rushed forward, taking advantage of the element of surprise. Miller fought with everything he had, adrenaline coursing through his veins as he moved with precision and purpose. He could hear the shouts of his allies and the return fire from the guards as they engaged in the chaos of battle.

Pushing forward, Miller felt a surge of hope. They were making progress, taking out guards and advancing deeper into the compound. As they reached the inner sanctum, a sense of urgency filled the air. They were close to Skull Face now.

"Stick together!" Snake shouted, leading the way as they navigated the corridors, clearing out any remaining resistance. Each step brought them closer to their target, and Miller could feel his heart pounding in anticipation.

Finally, they reached the central control room, the heart of Skull Face's operations. The door was locked, and they could hear voices inside—Skull Face was giving orders to his remaining men.

"Kick it down!" Snake commanded, and they surged forward, breaking through the door in a flurry of action.

Inside, they were met with chaos. Skull Face's men scrambled to respond, but the element of surprise was with Miller and Snake's team. They fought fiercely, quickly overwhelming the guards until only Skull Face remained, backed against a wall, fear etched across his face.

"You think you can stop me?" Skull Face sneered, his voice shaking despite his bravado. "You're nothing but pawns in a game you don't understand."

Miller stepped forward, anger boiling beneath the surface. "You're the pawn, Skull Face. A pawn to the very system you think you control."

"You have no idea what you're dealing with," he spat, his eyes wild with desperation. "You can't stop what's coming!"

"We already have," Snake replied, his voice steady. "This ends here."

With a swift movement, Snake lunged forward, and in one decisive action, he aimed his weapon at Skull Face, pulling the trigger with cold determination. The sound of the shot echoed in the room, and Skull Face fell, his reign of terror extinguished in an instant.

Miller felt a mix of emotions wash over him—relief, vindication, but also the weight of the countless lives affected by Skull Face's actions. They had won this battle, but the war was far from over.

As they emerged from the compound, the sun began to set on the horizon, casting long shadows over the desert. The factions had united against a common enemy, and together they had struck a significant blow against the darkness that loomed over their lives.

"Now what?" Rafiq asked, stepping beside Miller as they surveyed the aftermath.

"We regroup and start rebuilding," Miller replied, a sense of hope igniting within him. "We need to ensure this doesn't happen again. There are still shadows out there, and we must be ready to face them."

As they made their way back to the village, Miller couldn't shake the knowledge of the future he had glimpsed, a future that still loomed ahead. But for now, they had won a hard-fought battle, and together, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Miller knew the fight was far from over, but in that moment, he felt a glimmer of hope for the future—a future where they could reclaim their lives from the shadows of war.