♘ 1: Video

[intemperiae]

[The visage appearing over the video feed was...less than amused, honestly. MAKO green eyes framed with silver narrowed in growing consternation, as this particular user had been trying to make sense of this strange simulation for the last hour or so. With little luck, as this place damned sure wasn't his HQ field tent.

Not to mention that this thing in his hand certainly doesn't look like his PHS, there's a bloody collar around his neck (and for that, heads will roll, oh yes), his sword is nowhere to be found and some idiot considered it humorous to leave cryptic notes at the foot of his bunk... Needless to say, Sephiroth's temper with it was quickly evaporating.]

...I do not find this particularly amusing, gentlemen. We have work to be done, these pranks are better left for your celebrating at mission's completion.

[Granted, finding himself in a completely different place than the one in which he'd arrived the previous day did little to mollify his irritation, either. But, no matter the situation, a SOLDIER always kept a level head. ...most of the time.]

Fair! Strife! Report in, immediately!

Comments

[video]

[intemperiae]

[There you go again, with that patronizing garbage, Professor.]

My apologies, but I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint.

[You're a reputable genius, old man. You figure it out.]

[video]

[denigrator]

Ah well, I have a fair idea already.

...aren't you curious at all?

[video]

[intemperiae]

[Very, but he'd no more trust a word out of that man's mouth than he would it raining upside down.]

I am. [The only admission Hojo'd get.] But my efforts will be better spent leading my men and ensuring they survive long enough to return home.

[video]

[denigrator]

Such a military mindset.

There's so many reasons we might be here, so many possible theories to explain this place. Don't you think study and understanding will help you? And your men?

[video]

[intemperiae]

Without a doubt. And we will do so. Most thoroughly. [An icy smile.] I'm not without my methods, as I'm sure you're aware.

[video]

[denigrator]

[Sephiroth always has a way of annoying him with his dismissive attitude, though Hojo doesn't stop to think that he's just as patronizing, if not more so.]

Your methods, yes. I am aware.

When last I saw you, your methods had improved, ten--no, a hundred times. You learned so much.

[video]

[intemperiae]

[Small victories. He'd take them where he could.]

Then you've little to be concerned over.

[video]

[denigrator]

[Really, such ingratitude. Sephiroth had been his prize experiment, his pride and joy, as they said. He had done everything in his power to make him stronger, so much better than all the others.

That's still what he wants. Only to augment, to improve.]

Did I say I was worried? I wouldn't go so far. I'm not worried for your sake. I'm well aware of your capabilities, and I have faith in them.

I'm interested in your progress. [Endlessly. He knows you hate him, but oh well.]