Girl's Frontline: Wicked Animandum

[x] "... the Zener network is still offline, and I don't know any of the other T-dolls, so… either of you care to fill me in?"

The words left your mouth, though you did not stop walking up while they address your question. With the others a distance ahead of you, enough for them to not hear you converse, M4 kept facing forward while M16 turned to look at you while speaking.

"Well, there's AAT-52, machine gun, Astra revolver... FN-49 and M1 Garand, those two are snipers, Scorpion is an SMG…"

She made periodic humming noises as she remembered the individual T-dolls. It could suggest that they haven't been together for that long. M4 took over when the pause became too long.

"So is MP5. They may appear small, but they're capable. Their unique set of skills will help us if we coordinate right."

That's all 6 of them. Including you three and that shotgun, that's 10. You don't know how many more there used to be, aside from the eleventh one that perished just minutes ago before your very eyes. M16 continued.

"AA-12 and the SMGs make a great defense line, while the rest of us lay down fire from behind. I've seen 49 and M1 shoot, they can cover us from quite a long distance, they're pretty good."

M4 then further elaborated.

"AAT-52 may not be very accurate, but Astra can help with strategies that will increase our battle effectiveness."

"So we have quite the team then. Balanced, and I can switch roles no problem if need be. Though, we're down one assault rifle…"

A moment passed as they remembered another fallen. But now is not the time for that, as they quickly change their train of thought to more productive levels again.

"Veresk can jump in for her." M4 suggested.

"Yeah, that's right. SMG was it? Scarecrow mentioned you're an advanced model, didn't she? Guess we'll see once we get you your gear back. We'll all have to fight like hell."

"Our overall battle effectiveness should remain the same then. Let's hope it's enough."

Hope?

M16 did not seem done with questions though, since they already were at the subject of you...

"By the way, Veresk, Scarecrow also said S.F. had no logs of you, not even in those that they have stolen from Griffin. Anything you want to sha-"

… Boom!

It seems the day did not have it's fill of explosives going off in your immediate close vicinity, and decided it'd be adequate to have one happen just as you were proceeding to the third floor. This was no building made for war, the explosion tore through its wall as effectively as it should. The stone bricks crumbled, as did the floor below you, and not only was the lack of solid ground messing with your balance, so was the shockwave. Your reflexes could not save you from the fall, and neither M16 or M4, thought they managed to save themselves. So much for elites. The impact with the ground wasn't exactly pleasant, and your ears just can't get enough of that ringing, but the damage isn't crippling. With just a shake of the head, you can pick yourself up from the snow… snow? It seems you fell out the side of the building entirely. Conveniently in an alley, but now you can't see the shooter.

"Hey! You alright?!"

Called a voice from above. You look up to see M16 gazing over the edge. You two make visual contact, and she confirms you must be fine.

"Get your ass out of here! You might stumble onto the truck with our gear if you go the way we came. Look, we'll find you, alright? Just stay out of sig- damn!"

Her instructions were cut short by a bullet whissling by, forcing her to retreat back inside. Of course they knew their location now, they already shot a rocket your way. But you may sneak away under the commotion now, maybe you haven't been spotted falling out.

Just before you could become sure of that assumption, you can hear the mechanical steps of a great machine uncomfortably close. Looking in it's direction, you can see it's hulking frame just entering the alleyway you're currently in. Heavy military bot, lacking Sangvis Ferri's logo, meaning it's one of the currently berserk ones. A destructive ordinance launcher on four powerful armored joints, it's metal "head" turned square at you. You did not need M16 there to tell you to run, the circumstance flat out spelled it out for you. So you ran, as the beast was already onto you. Luckily, you're a sub-machine gun type T-doll, it's reaction time is no match for yours and your maneuverability. Hearing it's weapon systems rear up, you engaged evasive protocols. The snow and dirt below you gave way to the now powerful stomping of your feet, as each step propelled you forward at high speeds. Your legs feel stiff after this long day, but this is no time to be whiny. Bullets are already whizzing past you. You strafe and doge, all while making a mad dash out of the alley. The gunfire peels layers off of your surroundings, hitting anything but you. If it could get frustrated, it probably would've. You're like a fly seemingly untouchable by the oversized dangers after you, racing for an open window.

Finally, you exit the alley and dash to the side. Line of sight was broken, and the military bot could no longer target you. It might engage pursuit, but you're way faster. Unfortunately, this now leaves you in a street, open to the smoky cold air and all it has to offer. On one side, the berserk military bots, only humanoid in silhouette but otherwise covered in thick armor plates, designed for war. On the other, Sangvis Ferri, elegant but deadly all the same. It was difficult to tell who had the upper hand, SF might have actual command structure and latest technology, but the military bots caught them off guard from within. The only thing that might convince you otherwise is the command force present in the current sector.

She seemed harmless last time, no weapons on her person, and a form too elegant, but so was her technology, and the title of ringleader is not to be taken lightly. What she held physically was a small black rod, not much unlike a composer's, but what it allowed her to wield outweighed many a weapon. Drones, highly advanced and unique to her, covering all flanks while delivering relentless offense, all while she directed the battlefield and her Sangvis forces like one giant orchestra, her enemy - the audience she's going to kick off their heels. Scarecrow, although not designed for direct combat, is still a menacing foe in the right position, all while displaying a gracefulness to behold. Her tactics alone give her forces the advantage to hold the line. So, where does that leave you?

Precisely in her field of vision.

"... You're alive? Impressive."

With a flick of her wrist, she redirected forces to a weakpoint in their frontline, keeping the enemy from advancing. It also conveniently covered you from fire, thought it is unknown if that was her intention.

"... you seem lost. Abandoned by your friends from Griffin, are you?"

Not an entirely accurate statement, as just one glance at the roof of that building will reassure you that they're looking out for you… or so you thought, as you could not see anyone glancing up there again. However, as you were about to respond to Scarecrow's still bold assumption, she raised a finger for you to pause for a second, her eyes to the side like she's listening to something. You couldn't really argue with her commanding aura, even with that machine from before likely halfway through that alley already

"Scarecrow, redirect forces from sector 3A to sector 1B, it's facing heavy resistance."

"Affirmative. Sector 2A under threat, manticore unit approaching."

"Mortar units sent from sector 3B. Should prove sufficient to deal with the scrap."

"Support accepted. Will return units after threat has been eliminated."

"Additionally, you yourself retreat to the control center Scarecrow, we'll handle field command from here."

"Understood."

Another flick of the wrist, and the whole formation was shifting. Units switching places, altering attack patterns, and sending spare units elsewhere. Agent's command was instantly set into motion, the ringleaders had perfect synergy. With her transmission done, Scarecrow redirected her attention back to you.

"You're still here? Good. Follow me if you wish to stay operational, T-doll called Veresk."

With that she strode off... or, well, floated off. Her ability to hover is impressive, even if you can't quite tell how she does it. Perhaps it's her personal set of drones, but without proper schematics it's difficult to guess. You might've weighed your options, but with military bots on one side, Sangvis forces on the other, and that manticore still on your tail, you realize following her - and that quickly - is the only real option you've got at the moment. She must have a reason for not immediately executing a prisoner like you, and the control center sounds like a promising place. So you follow, Sangvis forces covering your path as you do.

"Keep your head down if you wish to keep it. It's quite the commotion that's transpiring… I don't suppose you'd know anything about it?"

How do you respond?
[ ] "I'm as clueless as you are… where are we going?"
[ ] "Why should I answer to you, Sangvis?"
[ ] "I don't, but the other dolls might. I know where they are going, so how about a deal?"
[ ] "... your defenses are impressive, but I doubt they'll hold. I suggest you order a retreat."
[ ] "I dunno... would you be a dear and untie me first? My nose is itchy…"
[ ] Make a run for it (intel 2)
[ ] Remain silent and look around (intel 1)
[ ] Write-in

[X] "What an incredulous assumption, coming from hailed scout of Sangvis Ferri. How can a lowly, outdated rust bucket of an I.O.P Doll ever have the means to posses data unavailable to the far advanced reconnaissance Doll, such as yourself? Are we not far in the domain of the Iron Blooded, with your gaze coming out of every grunt and your ears flying by the drones and your voice silencing Zenner and other radio babble though beacons? That must all ensure the total control over the battlefield information where not even a microdrone could pass, let alone several walking tanks..."

Your mouth could be quite sharp when you wanted it to be. Who needs a knife when words can make you bleed as well? The words rolled off your tongue, and you can't help but feel real smug about it. But somewhere in the middle of your statement, Scarecrow stopped and waited patiently for you to finish. None of the following words seemed to really move her at all. She simply stood there… well, floated there. Facing away from you, looking off. Then you finished, and after a short silence - or as silent as a raging battlefield can be - she turned back to you. She slowly approached, with an expression of calculated superiority she did not seem to be enforcing as much before. There was something cold within there, the typical cold of a Sangvis, which grew only more evident as she got closer. She stared you down, higher even if she weren't afloat. It actually seemed like she was floating a little bit higher, likely in an attempt assert dominance. The next words came out of her mouth like a pair of aces to clear the deck, something to clear the smug off your face.

"564.789.126."

Their context was confusing, and their purpose eluded you for a moment before realization kicked in. It's coordinates, that much is clear. But to what, you can only guess. Thoughts race through your processors as you assume the worst…

"That's right. I know where they are. I guess you could say that I knew all along. Trash like them could never hide under my own radar. Pitiful Griffin scrap, that's what you'd get as one of them. Barely worth the bullets they're all missing. All in the name of their cowardly human masters."

She got even closer, forcing you to [ ] Step back, or [X] Stand your ground. Yellow gaze piercing into you, scanning. Like you could see things in the eyes of others, so did she in yours right now. This is a doll that deals in numbers, percentages, and assurances. Every bit of information she obtains is thoroughly processed and added into the massive equations that serve the interests of Sangvis Ferri, and her own.

"But listening to your little attempt at a mockery, I wonder now… were you so pitiful that even scrap like Griffin left you behind? Just look at yourself, barely on two legs, a T-doll without her weapon, so useless not even they wanted you…"

Without looking, she extended a hand to the defense line on your right. A single motion caused one of the units to approach. A mortar artillery unit. It was branded by S.F., unlike the military bots they're currently fighting. Slick in design and much more modern, dark purple and black as is their custom. Using her connection, Scarecrow redirected a small part of her processing power to aim it somewhere very specific. You both knew where. It'd be close enough to see the explosion no doubt. And they likely have no idea...

"Doesn't that make you mad? That bottom feeders like them treat you so disposable? Wasn't it them who got you into this mess in the first place? … don't you want to make them pay?"

Several clunks and gear turns, and the artillery was locked and loaded. The aim was constantly being adjusted slightly to take into account the ongoing movement of the target which she was still somehow aware of. You might've been mocking her, but her ability to survey the battlefield is something else.

"It would be preferable to capture them in less than several pieces, but let's be honest, they deserve worse. If you'd like, we can let an… accident, to occur. So, what do you say, Veresk? Do you agree that Griffin isn't worth anything? After all… you're not worth anything to them."

How do you respond?
[ ] "... do it."
[ ] "You're wrong. They care... And you'd be disobeying orders if you fire that shot. Agent wouldn't be pleased with that now, would she?"
[X] "They'll suffer more if you extract Griffin's data from their intact bodies. Even revenge can be professional. I expected you of all people to know that."
[ ] "You're bluffing. You're trying to pull my strings. I'm no-one's puppet, Scarecrow. And your attempt at manipulation has failed as spectacularly as your illusion of control."
[ ] Write-in