[ongoing log; closed] Potential

[baldr_was]

Who: Solid Snake baldr_was, Kazama Souji sagittariinae, Big Boss magna_nimity.
Where: Outer Heaven, Terra
When: Evening
Summary: In which FOXHOUND receives a new recruit.
Rating: PG-13
Other: N/A

Comments

[sagittariinae]

Outer Heaven. To be honest, the only reason that Kazama was even familiar with this place was because of the times he'd passed by it while gathering information. Discotheques, nightclubs, and the like, Kazama had the tendency to give a wide berth -- too many people and too much noise. The streets were populated enough as is, and he'd never seen a reason to willingly plunge into the midst of a drunk and screaming crowd

[baldr_was]

"Hngh--"

Snake nearly pushed the keyboard off the table when he leaned forward again, one hand pressing against the side of his headset.

Gonna break his arm, shit--

--

"Stop!"

Even with the audio synthesizer, the voice had a harsh, urgent quality to it.

"That's enough. Stand down, both of you."

[magna_nimity]

-- And he'd just had Kazama in the perfect position after dodging and blocking another series of useless attacks: his arm bent on his back, twisting, turning until he met resistance and then just one quick push to --

ah, well. He thinks back to the violin case, in which most likely a sniper rifle had been stashed away. Snake must have picked up on that too; breaking the arm of somebody who specialized on firearms was not a good idea.

When Big Boss heard the intercom, he instinctively let go of Kazama's arm and took a step back, grateful all the same that he didn't have to go that far.

[sagittariinae]

Despite the obvious futility of his attacks and despite the way he was just barely managing to keep on his feet, Kazama had not lost his composure, maintaining the same icy determination -- except at that last moment, struggling in vain against the arms at his back, feeling the strain against his arm. It was the closest he'd come to panicking, eyes wide in alarm and movements furious --

and then, it was over as quickly as it had begun. His heart was still racing in his chest, beating a painful tattoo against his ribcage, and he stepped back with a slight sense of defeat, trying not to wince as he straightened his arm.

Expression forced into a controlled blank once more, he glanced back up at the camera.

[baldr_was]

"I think I've seen enough," The unseen speaker said right as the elevator doors opened again with a cheerful, inviting hum.

"I'd like to meet with you in person now."

With that, the intercom clicked off.

[magna_nimity]

Big Boss briefly dusted himself off and arranged his clothes, then had a hand swipe through his hair, mumbling something to himself that sounded an awful lot like, I'm getting too old for this.

"Sorry about that," he said in Kazama's direction, offering a somewhat apologetic smile. "Nothing personal."

Then he turned to the elevator; Snake was waiting.

[sagittariinae]

A meeting in person. Perhaps he wouldn't be turned down immediately. Turning away from the camera, he looked back at the other in time to catch the slight smile -- and could only answer with a polite, respectful nod.

Stepping back towards the entrance to retrieve his rifle, he slung the case over his shoulder before returning to the elevator, quietly following the other in.

And though he showed no signs of it, slight twinges of nervous anticipation curled around his chest.

[baldr_was]

The doors closed. There was another chime and the elevator began to move, descending to the second floor basement.

Excluding the hum of the fluorescent lighting above them coupled with the lift's machinery, there was only silence.

--

That was that.

Snake typed another command on the keyboard, taking off his headset as he did so. Could've been worse, but Kazama was young. Even if he had been a member of Quark, he still had a lot to learn hand-to-hand combat.

And staying loyal to himself.

Maybe he won't be so quick to jump next time, no matter how tall the order.

He closed his eyes and began to rub at his temples. Yes, there was always next time to look forward to.

[magna_nimity]

Just like before, it didn't take very long for the elevator to reach the level below them. Big Boss glanced at his watch; that would take longer than expected. Unless Snake would be able to deal with the other formalities himself. He knew he was, but Snake wasn't much of a conversationalist except when he needed to be.

"You won't tell anyone about the second floor basement of my club," Big Boss said solemnly, without averting his gaze from the cold metal doors in front of him, right before they opened up to reveal a corridor. He walked ahead, leading the way.

"If you do, I might have to break more than just your arm, and I'd really rather avoid that," he added, thoughtfully.

It wasn't so much a threat as it was a friendly reminder.

[sagittariinae]

The quiet hum of the elevator sounded so normal, so mundane, compared to the situation -- almost a slight disappointment. Still, Kazama followed obediently, eyes flickering from wall to wall, taking in what details he could -- then glancing at the other figure, at the solemn comment. Reminder, threat, wayward remark, whatever it was, he couldn't help but furrow his brow the slightest, only for a scant moment -- before giving a small nod. "I know to keep my mouth shut."

Still, the warning was taken into account, and he flexed a fist, still feeling the slightest twinge in his muscles -- no doubt the threat would be carried through to the letter, if he dared to reveal this location to anyone. Not that he any intention of doing so -- he disliked speaking in any situation, and he knew full well of the importance of secrecy.

Mulling over these thoughts, he walked in silence, one hand steadying the strap of the case over his shoulder.

1/2

[baldr_was]

He would still be sitting in his chair when they arrived moments late, back turned and posture straight. Detached as it seemed, he was careful not to betray anything in this stance; there was no apathy, but no outward interest regarding the boy behind him.

His voice, impartial albeit gruff, was the same.

"There's a lot you need to work on. You have the capability, but it's all wasted unless you know how to execute is prudently. On top of that, you still have the rookie mindset of unconditionally following every order given to you. Normally, one in your position would be a little reluctant to harm an unarmed, old man let alone rush forward without question. Fighting for what's 'right'--"

His cigarette, burnt down to the filter, was calmly stamped out in the ashtray next to his keyboard.

"--Means nothing if you can't even follow your own loyalties. Freedom becomes a word, tossed around without understanding."

A pause as he seemed to consider his next words.

"However..."

2/2

[baldr_was]

Snake shifted in his seat to face Kazama.

"I really do believe that you're capable," He said. "And I think we work with you on those shortcomings, provided you're willing to make the effort to improve."

Standing up finally, he approached him and, slowly, offered his hand.

"Congratulations."

[sagittariinae]

It was difficult to find anything readable in this new figure -- back turned, voice impassive, words flat -- and Kazama listened in silence, standing at ready

[baldr_was]

He nodded. "We still have to put some affairs in order before you can properly join the unit," Snake spoke, letting go of Kazama's hand and casting an eye on the case slung over his shoulder. "I'd like a sample of your ability with that gun; it'll give me a clear idea of what duties to assign you in FOXHOUND as well as determining your codename. In addition..."

He looked directly at Big Boss and gave another nod, short and quick.

"We'll need to measure you for your coat."

[magna_nimity]

And without a second thought or giving any kind of warning, Big Boss readied the syringe he had been preparing while Kazama and Snake had talked. Walking up and behind the younger man, he raised it to his neck and quickly and wordlessly injected him with its contents.

[sagittariinae]

Individual testing, assigned duties, codenames -- it was vaguely similar to when he'd been inducted into Quark, Kazama noted with a small nod. But more formal, if anything. Though aware of the movements behind him, he paid them little attention, listening attentively -- until the nod was given. A signal?

He'd already started to turn back, on reflex, when he felt the needle of the syringe plunge in -- and he nearly panicked, at that moment. He would have acted purely out of instinct, ducking away and stepping back, if it weren't for the knowledge that it would most likely be futile -- not to mention dangerous, if the needle broke in his neck.

As was, he forced himself to remain still, save the free hand that shot out to grapple at the older man's wrist, gripping tight out of some combination of slight fear and surprise. "What are you doing to me." Words hissed through clenched teeth, eyes narrowed in a furious glare.