animus_network | oo1 [ video ]

[While he usually uses audio settings back home, this time he's going to use video. It might help if someone recognizes him, and not just by voice. Which is why everyone can see that he opted not to use the white jumpsuit (because who really would?), and instead used the clothes that he had found in the trunk. Thank god they gave him brushes, too, or his hair would be a mess.]

This connects to the network, yes? This is Tseng, Director of the Department for Administrative Research. ID Number 46952. [There's no confirmation after that, of course, and his eyes narrow.]

After awaking in room 03-04, I found the letter stating that Gaia had been destroyed. Unbelievable, of course, and whoever has decided to play this kind of prank can be assured that their pay will be docked.

[The collar, too, is a nice touch; just enough that it's annoying, and such a garish color.] I'm more concerned with someone touching my things, and somehow knowing what to pack in that trunk. They also left me without a lighter, if there is anyone willing to lend me one for a moment.

Any and all information from a reliable, spoken source, would be appreciated.

[End transmission.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ It's a small relief to see Tseng. And when he thought of it, Cloud was surprised he was relieved. Maybe it was the fact that Tseng was at least a calming influence on the Turks. Or maybe he just liked the idea that someone who was good at planning ahead was here. Whatever the case, Cloud looks pretty much like the one Tseng knew, from the glowy eyes to the weird one sleeved outfit of his. ]

Tseng. It isn't a joke.

[There's a face that Tseng isn't... not happy? Maybe a little relieved. But it was a fact; if something happened to the world, then of course Cloud Strife was going to be there. When it came to heroes, it was nice to know they could be counted on, no matter what.

Even if he didn't want to be counted on.]

Cloud. What is going on?

A lot. [ He frowns slightly and tries to not look as grim as he was feeling. ]

I woke up here about two months ago, collared, and with the note just like you. Met Reno, met the other Reno, discussed the whole destroyed world, and then Zack and Sephiroth appeared.

And Hojo.

[ He doesn't look happy about that, not one bit. ]

Sephiroth doesn't know what happened in Nibelhiem. I've been keeping an eye on him and Zack. Hojo... I think he has something up his sleeve. I also know that both Sparky and Rusty believe that the Planet is gone. One talks about being on a ship that reached the end of the universes, and the other had somehow gotten those running this place to send him back. [ He is still skeptical and Tseng might hear it in his voice. His amteria still works and that was something he'd thought only the Planet could fuel. ]

Tseng, the people that run this place are prone to games involving the torture and humiliation of people. Some of the other people here are just kids.

[Two months ago. By the timeline, that was impossible. All of this was impossible, though, and Tseng knew that he was not dreaming. If he accepted this as his reality, as soon as possible, then it would be easier to start building a plan.]

Do the collars control us? What happens if they're taken off?

You can't get them off; it hurts to try. [ Cloud just sort of droops, from the top of his hair to the bottom of his toes at the idea of the collars. Both of his maintenance days were not the best. ] They will collect you every couple of weeks to change out the fluid inside of them. If you don't go quietly, they'll put you out and take you. they say it's what's keeping us alive here...

I don't like it.

[If he says they can't come off, then they can't. Cloud has not been the sort that would lie, in the past, so he could take his word on that.]

No. I don't like it, either. Besides keeping us alive [So they say.], do they do anything else?

I wouldn't be surprised if they are to keep track of us as well. They can certainly find us easily enough.

What else should I know about this place?

Some of the floors are very dangerous, even for people with enhancements which don't work right when we go on those floors. The food is no better than ShinRa's mess halls, though sometimes they like to spice it up by offering no food. The monsters that roam around seem to come from various worlds; I think that when we were pulled, so were some of the creatures from the worlds as well.

[ Does he say it? Cloud pauses for a moment, looking away and then decides to go ahead. Best to get Tseng involved with the factions he had seen. ] The rest I think you might need to hear from Sparky about; the Network isn't always safe.

[Hm. He gives a nod; he'll talk to Sparky in person soon enough.]

When it comes to food, is there a chance to hoard any? As for the monsters, they're able to be killed, correct?

There is. Some what. Whatever you can fit in the trunk usually is the rule of thumb. You can but they come back the next night. The dorms are safe, at least the rooms are but creatures are still in the halls at night.

So unless you're able to fight, don't go into the halls at night.

Yeah, though people still do.

I wouldn't be content staying in at nights, either. It seems like a waste of time.

[Frowns.] What is it we're supposed to do, here, if we can't leave? Is there no overreaching goal?

There's a night watch formed from people like us. Sephiroth, Zack and I also are on it patrolling the halls and making things safe.

The people in charge are not clear on what they want. Some say that they never seen people like us before, others say that we are waiting out whatever is killing off the worlds.

[He raises an eyebrow at that.] Is that wise?

Hm. Then it's best we don't stay here much longer.

He needs to keep busy and I'm there to make sure he doesn't stress out.

Then I hope you never disappear from this place.

Me too.

I'm sure we'll talk again soon, Mr. Strife.

Mm. Good luck with Sparky and Rusty.

I'm sure I'll need it.

oo1 [ video ]

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