Snippet #1365521

SOLDIER 2nd Class Lazarus dashed across the open street and combat rolled behind a hedge. Across the street was the house belonging to the President of Shinra Electric Power Company, the single most powerful man in Midgar. As if on cue, his black SOLDIER-issued cell phone rang, and he picked it up on the first ring.
"SOLDIER 2nd Class Lazarus speaking."
"Hey, Lazlo, ol' buddy."
Lazarus smiled.

The voice on the other end of the phone was one of his superiors, SOLDIER 1st Class Genesis Rhapsodos. Despite the difference in their rank, their relationship was more that of best friends than of master-and-subordinate. Even in this dire situation, Genesis seemed so laid back, which was one of the things that Lazarus admired about him. It was also probably the reason he made 1st.
"Hey, Genesis. Any idea what I'm up against?"

"Preliminary scan indicates over two dozen well-armed terrorists. There are numerous hostages, all VIPs. If even one of them dies, Midgar is in trouble. Your mission is to eliminate the terrorists, rescue the hostages, and secure the area. By the way, you only have ten minutes."
Lazarus was sure he'd heard wrong.

"Ten minutes?!"
"Yeah, it seems the head terrorist rigged a bomb to blow the building sky high. A suicide attack or something."
"And you're just now mentioning this why?"
"What can I say, I like surprising people. You can't disarm the bomb, so just get the hostages out of there. You can do it, Laz."

The line went dead, and Lazarus pocketed his phone. He had done timed missions before, but never ones that had such a short time span. He reached for his back and pulled off a weapon sheathed in brown leather. After unwrapping it, he unfolded his large broadsword, and balanced and well-made weapon capable of cutting through steel. He dumped the package itself on the ground, resolving to come back for it later. Clutching his sword in both hands, he leaped onto the roof of the large building. When he touched down, he carved a circle under himself, and dropped in.

He had calculated that a surprise attack would yield the best results, and so it had. Not knowing what to do in case of a ceiling attack, the disoriented terrorists were cut down. The next group got wise and fired at him, but he reflected the bullets with his sword, killing them with their own bullets. It took him only three minutes to annihilate all of the terrorists, which was a record even by his standards. He herded all of the hostages out the door and behind the shrubbery. As he folded his sword and wrapped it in the leather, the building exploded, cremating the terrorists. Lazarus smiled at his accomplishment.

Simulation Over

Lazarus opened his eyes and removed the head-set. Genesis and Angeal were both standing there, the former applauding wildly, the latter smiling.
"Great job, Lazlo! I couldn't have done it any better myself."
"You're just saying that."
He stood up and walked over to his friend.

"Actually, I'm not. You set the record for that simulation. Weird. I never thought anyone would beat Sephiroth's time."
Lazlo looked at him funny.
"Are you serious? Did I really beat Sephiroth's time?"
"By a full minute."

Lazlo was in shock. Sephiroth was the best of the best, the man who even Director Lazard feared and admired. If Lazlo had beat the best, did that make him the best?
"I'm sure Director Lazard will use the simulation results to help him make his final judgment on whether you qualify for 1st."
Lazarus nodded.
"Of course."

Genesis' happy face then turned serious.
"By the way, the Director has called for you. I can only assume it's important. He may even have made his judgment all ready."
"Lazarus nodded, and the rest of their conversation was commuted in the short but meaningful one-armed hug the two gave each other. The 2nd then began walking down the hall to the quarters of Director Lazard.