video;

[yer_pretty_good]

[The video turns on and it shows a whole lotta nothing. Just an empty rec room. And then:]

DD!

[When Ocelot’s voice shouts the name, a large dog that appears to be a wolf-mix with thick grey fur and an eyepatch over one eye comes into view of the camera and stands there wagging its tail eagerly.

Ocelot’s gloved red hand comes into view of the camera and points to the room.]

Search!

[The dog barks twice and turns around to quickly move about the room. It sticks its head behind a couch and pulls out a red ball, then drops it and follows its nose to another spot, inside a potted plant, where another red ball is retrieved. The dog moves expertly around obstacles, retrieving red balls that were hidden all over the room. When the last one is found, DD walks back to Ocelot and stares up at the camera with the final red ball in its mouth.]

Good boy, DD.

[DD barks again, dropping the ball and turning happily in a circle with his tail wagging. The camera then turns to show Ocelot’s face.]

You see that? Expertly trained. I’m willing to bet DD here is worth more in the field than half of you, so maybe you should get some lessons from our defense personnel.

[That’ll give Miller and Snake something to do.]

If you think you might need DD for some field work, you can ask his handler, ‘Venom’ Snake.

Comments

[cardboard_boss]

I won't ask how but I'm sure as hell going to pet him anyway.

[Venom's heart lifted when he clapped eyes on DD. The Diamond Dog that followed him around in the hot Afghan desert.]

Ocelot training hounds.

[yer_pretty_good]

[Ocelot is glad to see that look on Snake's face. He knew seeing DD would cheer him up.]

Pet him all you want. I'm sending him to live with you.

[cardboard_boss]

[Venom walked over to greet DD, scratching him behind the ears and seeing how pleased he looked. He wasn't the only one pleased.]

Thanks. For doing this. [Ahab looked back up to Ocelot and pulled him into a strong hug. He needed this. DD was just what he wanted. Companionship.]

DD isn't the only one I'm pleased to see right now. [Yeah, he means you, Ocelot.]

[yer_pretty_good]

[Ocelot turned to look when Venom entered the rec room to join them and smiled a bit. He was glad he was able to do something that made the man happy after the last week he's been through.

When he's pulled into the hug, it's a surprise, but Ocelot chuckled softly and put an arm around Venom in return.]

Glad to see you're spirits are back up.

[And also glad that Venom still isn't angry with him over the part he had in Zero's plan.]

[cardboard_boss]

[He patted his friend on the back before pulling away from him. Yeah. He's feeling better now after feeling like shit the last few days. Seeing DD has certainly lifted his spirits.]

Yeah. I just needed time.

[He ruffled DD's head and patted his back.]

How did you get him here?

[yer_pretty_good]

You can request items that might be brought through the Ingress. That... thing that brought us here.

[he shrugs a bit and smiles down at DD, who starts trying to lick Snake's hand.]

I didn't think it could bring DD, but I figured it didn't hurt to ask.

[cardboard_boss]

I had no idea.

[Right now Venom was over the moon with having DD here with him on-board. A little bit of home could do great things to lift a man's spirits. Even more so after receiving life-changing news. Ahab tickled DD's muzzle and petted him some more.]

Good dog. You know it's me, don't you? [He bent low to give more scratches to his ears.]

I'll have to make this up to you, Ocelot. For doing this for me.

[yer_pretty_good]

[Ocelot smiles a little as he watches Venom interact with DD, who is equally thrilled at all the attention. The dog wags its tail quickly and then rolls onto his side to invite some stomach scritches.]

Just keep bein' the Boss I know you are.

[Everything that was Mother Base was built by him, not by Snake.]

[cardboard_boss]

[Snake happily obliged in giving DD scritches on his belly. The dog loved this and Venom knew how much he must have missed them all.]

It's the only man I know how to be now. Whoever I was before they're gone. [He wasn't sure if he should be sad not knowing who he was before. All he did know was that he was with his friends once more. His Mother Base family.]

Is there a limit to what you can bring through the mail?

[yer_pretty_good]

[Ocelot shrugs.]

I have no idea. This is the first time I've asked for something. I presume there are limits, though.

[If they could bring anything here, it might result in the loss of the ship or a revolt.]

[cardboard_boss]

Yeah. I guess asking for weapons is out? [Like a rocket launcher and Serval sniper rifle? A man could dream.]

Not sure what sort of armoury they have here aboard the ship.

[yer_pretty_good]

I've heard it mentioned before. It's worth investigating.

[Given how dangerous some planets might be, they should be prepared.]

[cardboard_boss]

I might check out the armoury once I settle DD down in my quarters. He'll need to get used to my room mates too.

[That would be Steve and Niko. They'd be happy to have a dog around, right?]

Thanks for doing this, Adam. It means a lot to me. [He clapped his friend on the back and noticed DD put his tongue out at that.] I'll have to make this up to you somehow.

[yer_pretty_good]

You don't have to make it up to me, Boss. DD is useful to have around.

[It makes Ocelot feel better knowing that DD is looking after Ahab.]

I've got a dog bed and some treats for him, too. I'll drop 'em off to you later.

[cardboard_boss]

Thanks.

[He really was grateful for allowing DD to come aboard the ship. What would he have done without his faithful friend?]

I couldn't wallow in pity forever, could I? [Ahab sighed and offered his friend a knowing smile.]

[yer_pretty_good]

That's the spirit.

[He just knew Ahab would be strong enough to make it through this.]

[cardboard_boss]

Hopefully DD should adapt to life aboard the Moira just like all the rest of us have. He's an intelligent animal.

[Not the only one standing in the room either.]