[Action post with Shelke]

[moralmisconduct]

[Hojo's hand is resting seemingly casually on the modified mako tank, though the impression perspiration leaves behind on cold metal gives away his nervousness, if anyone cared to look. This plan, while sound enough in theory, still had a whole score of serious drawbacks, and the potential for mishap is almost astronomical

Comments

[tracedmemories]

[ Shelke blinks as Hojo's words call her back to attention from her distracted state, previously lost somewhere in her thoughts. About the past, both hers and his. About what he has been through, about what he put her through. About the people they have loved and the people they have lost--

The thought has been occurring to her. Dr. Crescent stated that she loved him, Professor Hojo, but... Had he return her feelings? Is he even capable? Weeks ago, months ago, years ago-- Shelke would have been certain of that answer. No, never. The Professor has no heart. He certainly has no soul. He is only a cumulation of a lifetime of madness, of formulas and theories and depraved dreams

[moralmisconduct]

[He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, the tank door still shut, the hand still resting atop the machine.]

You seem...troubled.

[Or, is he being hypocritical again? Hindering his own action to linger on her emotions - is he afraid after all? Is this really what he wants?]

You know you can't afford to be distracted.

[tracedmemories]

I am well aware.

[ Shelke hesitates here, wondering if she should tell. Wondering which of them is the one stalling for time. ]

...last night--

I established contact with Dr. Lucrecia Crescent.

[moralmisconduct]

...

[His brows furrow as the taste of acid rises up his oesophagus to his mouth. Lucrecia Crescent. Of all the people-

Hojo's voice is strained.]

...Did you really.

Why?