Girl's Frontline: Wicked Animandum

[X] Do not engage.

"... got it."

The shotgun obediently did as she was told, keeping quiet in her cover as the two of you kept taking peeks at the Sangvis patrol. They remained stationary for about a minute, seemingly performing a visual scan.You knew very well not to peek when they were checking your in direction, so you hunched back and listened.

Sangvis dolls were much more silent. They don't converse among themselves nor do they have much personality to speak of. Every ounce of their movement is dedicated only to furthering the given directive. You do not know what Ringleader this particular patrol belongs to, but you can tell they're not just keeping an eye out for trouble, they're looking for something. Like hunters, tracking down escaped prey.

The crunching of snow confirmed that they were now on the move once more. They weren't going towards you, do not directly towards the Griffin outpost, but not far off either, almost uncomfortably close. Their continued search in the area may yet yield them fruits you'd rather not give, but you chose not to engage, in hopes of not accidentally making things worse for your comrades.

Once they were an adequate distance away with their backs turned to you, AA-12 gave you a nod that it's safe to move now. The two of you progress swiftly through the snow, trying to quickly get out of the patrol's scan range. However, your evasion was not as ideal as you had hoped. You knew those extra grenades would not come without some form of cost, clanking around like cans of beans. And that's exactly what happened.

Frequent peeks at the patrol as you moved revealed to you that they indeed noticed, halting and turning to look your way. Both you and your companion throw yourself to the snow once more, taking cover, and causing more clanking. It stayed silent for a while, neither of you daring to take a peek if they're really looking into your direction. Had they spotted you there would already be bullets chipping at the wood between you and them. Finally, you started hearing them move again, but the steps weren't getting quieter. In fact, they were growing louder. Their suspicion has grown enough to be worthy of investigation, and that's what they're, sending a unit to check it out. Once the doll is close enough to see your tracks, they'll be onto you. As the crunching of snow grows louder and closer, AA-12 looks your way, weapon drawn. She looks upset, realizing conflict is now inevitable. One of you will have to take out that Sangvis doll once she's close enough, while the other starts engaging the patrol itself. An overall good opportunity to use a grenade too, since you already took so many.

[ ] Have AA-12 engage the scout, engage the patrol yourself
- [ ] Use a (write-in) grenade
- [ ] Save your grenades for later
[X] Take out the scout yourself, let AA-12 engage the patrol

After only a few moments, you were in a full blown firefight. Rounds were exchanged, but not many connected after the first bulk of the patrol fell. You made good use of the element of surprise, but now that the remaining units are fully aware of you, they engaged evasive maneuvers. You counted 2 Ripper units and 2 drones, the rest lay shredded. The whole fight progressed quite quickly, you're not even fully sure what happened at some parts leading up to this. But with both sides trading fire from behind cover, one should better advance before the other does.

You dashed from cover to cover, using your mobility to the fullest and never staying in one place for two long. AA-12 on the other hand remained mostly stationary, using her shields as cover and drawing enemy fire. One target they couldn't hit, and one target that eats hit with no problem, you were a team of two opposite ways of achieving the same thing. Truly, engaging either one of you would be a mistake on SF's part, you're the units that are meant to be engaged on the frontline, and ignored at one's peril. Should they focus on you, the shotgun will be able to advance close enough to blow off limb from limb with powerful blasts of shell ammunition. And should they focus on the shotgun, you as an SMG can get into position to pierce their flank in a flash, spraying they backsides with bullets. It is of no surprise then, that the remaining SF units of the scouting party split their attention to engage both of you at the same time, slowing down both your advances as you have no backline units to cover you. That means one of you will have to provide cover for the other, and seeing as you're more versatile, you send some bullets their way so AA-12 may get closer with less heat. Once close enough, a quick peek and a shotgun blast was all that's needed to render one Ripper unit a pile of scrap. The firepower significantly reduced, you could dare take some direct shots too now, making short work of the two drones. Your ally filled the last unit with lead, it's sparking body dropping to the snow.

As with every battle, you do not lower your guard until you've confirmed all hostiles eliminated. All units you've taken account of lay in the snow, and your sensors pick up no other. The battle is won. AA-12's shields lower down with her shoulders, as she hastily plops another lollipop into her mouth. Did she already finish the last one?

"Damn, we could've avoided this damn conflict had you not stuffed your bags to the brim. What'd you take anyway?"

[X] "Grenades. Thought they'd be useful."
[ ] "Funny for you to say. Sure it wasn't the candy rustling in your pockets that they heard?"
[ ] "Doesn't matter. We'll just be more careful next time."

The shotgun huffs. She clearly wasn't pleased with the situation, and this isn't the best impression you could've given, but what's done is done and she realizes this. With her weapon on her shoulder, she crouches down at one of the Ripper units.

"Sangvis jerks… their tactics were better than usual for the area… one of those Ringleaders must've sent this patrol…" she looked to the direction from which you came, towards the outpost "They wouldn't be as clumsy, and the second patrol definitely won't…" she stood back up and looked towards you. You expected a sad, brooding face, since the situation isn't as bright, but she doesn't look that down. She looks rather hopeful actually "Hey, didn't you say you were equipped with an E-war module?"

That expression of hers soon became infectious, her question perfectly transmitting what she was getting at. The fallen SF T-dolls have no doubt already transmitted their conflict and demise to their command. But what you can do is send a fake signal that would put the next patrol on your trail, believing you to be the main disturbance in the area and engaging pursuit, putting the outpost out of potential danger. Though you're trading your safety for theirs, you may evade them considering you're planning to leave Area S09 entirely, very likely getting out of the Ringleader's area of jurisdiction as well. But a risk is still a risk.

"Afterwards we could keep the Zener network up to keep them on our tails longer… gosh this sucks, I don't like running…"

She completely dropped her support for the plan at that point. It's clear she's driven more by necessity than want, and she forces it a lot. She takes a deep breath and bites down lightly on the sweet thing in her mouth, letting out a slow sight afterwards. Her blue gaze is set to you now, awaiting your decision.

[X] Send a fake signal.
[ ] Don't send a signal.

Whatever your choice, AA-12 would not protest. You were back on track right away, dashing through the snow like reindeer until you were a good distance away from your previous point of battle, allowing yourselves a slower but still steady pace now. That previous encounter has peeled your eyes much more open now. Nowhere was truly safe now, you could encounter enemy patrols everywhere, and avoiding them will require your full attention.

This steady pace of travel continues for about three hours. The forest seems endless at times. You pass by small hills, rivers, sometimes roads. You try not to leave a too noticeable trail. Eventually you reach a slightly clearer path in the woods alongside a road, housing a small hut. As you approach, you notice it is merely part of what used to be a larger structure, a house perhaps, but most of it is in ruin. What caused this decay you can only guess. Fire, demolition, weather, all could've brought it down, but you don't have time to inspect the damage. But you can't help but wonder about the part that survived. It was disconnected from the house, likely what allowed it to still stand. Long, rectangular, with large double doors in the front, used for storing something big. As it's on your way, and too small to be an enemy base or a trap, you and AA-12 decide to have a look. Once at the structure, you notice a primitive lock blocking your entry. Nothing a T-doll can't bruteforce, the integrity of the doors would be a bigger worry than the lock after either of you kicks it in, since it seems to open outwards rather than inwards. But who will take point?

[ ] "I'll take point, cover me."
[X] "Take point, I'll cover you."

One solid kick later, the lock was no more and the doors were opened. What was inside surprised both of you. Perhaps even pleasantly so.

"... now, isn't this a civil alternative to walking…"

Before you lay parked a jeep, one of proportions large enough to almost fill all the space within what you can now confirm to be a garage. It's a rusty old model, likely hasn't seen any use in years. White paint falling off, windows layered with dust, frost and icicles on the edges.

"Do… you know how to drive this thing? Not that I don't..."

[ ] "Wouldn't be my first rodeo."
[X] "If we get it working."
[ ] "Yeah, but bikes are more my thing."

AA-12 meditated on the thought. It'll definitely require maintenance, and that'll take time. You spotted shelves on the walls behind the vehicle that were far from empty, so tools may not be a problem. You do not know how long this'll take and what the vehicle needs, could either be rusty components or just an empty tank, you don't even know if it can be fixed if it's something serious. But you know that once you start, it'll take dedication, so you won't be stopping until it's done or you've exhausted all options. Additionally, while a car would certainly make the trip incredibly fast, it is not as discreet as going on foot and much louder than a bag with one too many grenades. Since it's a town you're going to, a road will definitely lead there, but going off road in this snow is risky. AA-12 once against looks to you. She would definitely be in favor of taking it, judging by her complains about walking, but you've got the final say as of now. What do you decide?

[X] Repair the jeep.
[ ] Leave the jeep, proceed on foot.

"Let's… get to work then."

Before you could get to work, you would need to assess the situation and figure out the problem. First course of action is to open the side door, try and see if the thing runs and if not, open the hood from the driver's seat. But you already came across one obstacle trying to open it. It's locked. Why wouldn't it be, you think to yourself. AA-12 looks around for a key while you take a look through dusty windows, wiping the surface a little. The jeep's interior shows as much use as the exterior. Scratched seats, leather drained of color, a blanket covering the state of the backseats. But look as you may, you cannot see any keys inside. You ally has thus far not come up with anything either. After careful consideration, you decide to…

[ ] Break through the window.
[X] Pry the door open.
[ ] Take your time using rods and wires.

Whatever way you choose to force yourself through, you now take a sit on the driver's seat. It's awfully cold, and likely has been like that for years. No keys for the ignition, means you'll have to start her up the more manual way. You pry off the covering under the steering wheel, your hands making their way to the cables underneath. After a moment you've got the two cables you need, red and blue, each severed by your teeth. A T-doll's jaw is much stronger than a human's after all. The taste of metal covered in plastic feels familiar. You connect their tips, but nothing happens. One, two more times... still nothing. Battery must be empty or disconnected. You let them go and reach for the lever to open the hood up front. You gesture to AA-12 and she lifts the hood, taking a look underneath.

"Well… the battery's disconnected, so there may still be juice. We've got other problems though… fetch me the toolbox."

You nod, picking yourself up and going to the back to check the trunk, expecting a toolbox to be there. What you did not expect to see was a pair of antlers collecting dust in the trunk, alongside some empty looking beer bottles. A pretty big pair, nice condition. The jeep must've belonged to a hunter who lived here. Your eyes survey the rest of the trunk and spot the case that contains the tools you need. You bring them to AA-12, who shuffles to the side a bit to give you access to the hood, new lollipop in mouth already.

"So, we should probably start with…"

--- 5 hours later ---

"... try it now!"

You connect the cables, the engine gives signs of life as it spins and hammers, but to no avail. It falls silent quickly, and so goes another attempt unsuccessful.

"Damn it! Why won't it work?!"

In her frustration, AA-12 hits the side of the vehicle. The sudden creak of the frame caused her to snap out of her angry fit, and as she shook the pain away from her hand she noticed she had left quite a dent. She gives you an awkward look that soon turns to shame as you stare at her from the driver's seat. Her anger was understandable, she cracked dozen of hard candy shells trying to get this thing to work, her gloves stained, as were her clothes. Nobody should wear white while fixing an engine. There were dark spots on her face even, and on your hands too. The progress you made will mean nothing without the end result and you're both committed, but short on time as you are, anyone would be led to frustration.

[ ] "Careful! We're trying to fix it, not break it more!"
[ ] "Piece of junk car… unbelievable…"
[X] "Don't let it out on the car. It's just a tool in disrepair."

"I know, I just… ugh, this is making me sick…"

She shakes her head and leans against the shed's wall, slowly sinking to the floor. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, focusing on the sugar taste in her mouth, promptly calming down. She opened them again, looking towards you.

"You'd think the emergency vehicle repair instructions we've been outfitted with would get us further. But this is no service vehicle, and this slight difference is screwing us over…"

"How about checking things outside the manual?"

"Well… tank's full, battery's fine, we refilled the oil, sprayed the rusty parts… can't think of anything, and I'm giving it most of my processing power…"

She wasn't the only one thinking. Your vehicle repair manual was different, and you had experience, and yet with your differing perspectives you cannot get it to work. Ironic, you could repair your own highly advanced T-doll circuits and just about every other part of your body, not even counting the software side of things, but this cheap hunk of junk is beyond your ability to fix. Maybe there's a part of you that'd also like to leave a dent in its surface, but when has hitting something ever fixed anything? Maybe you should just leave it...

"Hey… when did you get hit?"

The shotgun's sudden question pulled you out of your contemplations. Injury? Ah, yes, the one you sustained earlier, you remember it clearly now. During the last fight with the Sangvis scouts, you chose to engage the nearest enemy while commanding AA-12 to attack the further away group. Considering a shotgun's affinity at close range combat, perhaps it wasn't the best course of action. You took out your target as she laid down covering fire, two shots point blank to the head before it could react, then using its limp body to soak up any fire headed your way. It worked for a moment, you leaned around your not-so-meaty shield to add your fire to the fight and kept the pressure on. But had AA-12's shots a higher chance of hitting the enemy at such distance, there wouldn't be a drone managing to escape her cone of fire and noticing you hiding behind one of it's disabled comrades. Your shield seemed about to fall apart, so you abandon it for a more solid cover. That's when the drone reached your flank. It fired, missing… somewhat. The shot left a cut on the side of your shin, not deep enough to hit anything vital, nor did it get anything but a pained grunt out of you. You returned fire almost instantly, making the flying unit pay with it's life. The battle continued from there, and you paid the injury not much mind. You could say you just forgot, but do T-dolls forget?

"Geez, at least tie it up. Lemme help."

Before you could protest, AA-12 was already tearing off a piece of the backseat's blanket, readying to tie it around your wound whether you like it or not. Your legs were clad in [X] A red skirt and black tights, and Type-64 would not be pleased to see you've damaged them already... or perhaps she'd be happy to fix them once more, she was quite the willing character, helping almost blindly. You can't help but wonder how she'd handle this situation…

"There… that's that. Maybe next time use one of those useful grenades, or it could be your head they hit."

The shotgun sounded almost angry saying that. She must really care about your safety... or think you an idiot. You can't tell if it's genuine or just the programming of a T-doll… how would you find out, after all? Feelings are said to be simulated, all part of the personality module, but yours feel real, don't they? It all leads back to her sentiment, but if you'd have to pick, you find it…

[ ] Genuine.
[ ] Fake.
[X] Doesn't matter.

Whatever the nature of her behavior, she stands back up again and picks up her weapon.

"I'll do a perimeter scan. No telling how close Sangvis could be by now."

You watch her take her leave into the bright outside of the garage, leaving you to the hunk of junk you're sitting in. The broken thing is already breaking your resolve, but there must be something left to try… maybe you could try starting her up once more, listen for what parts make sounds and-

BANG!

Your head snapped up at the gunshot, followed immediately by more. Back to the shed rushed AA-12, shields raised and getting into cover.

"Too close! We gotta get this thing working, now!"

As if matters couldn't get any worse, you're now all out of time. It was only a matter of time until Sangvis Ferri caught up, but you were hoping to be on the road by then. Yet this promise of fastened travel betrayed you. They had the jump on you this time, so escape will be difficult on foot. You need this thing to work ASAP, or face the Sangvis hunting party. But what can you do?

You continue with your original train of thought before the interruption. Listen to the engine's noise in hopes of locating the issue. You take hold of the ignition cables and connect them, tiny sparks flying as it once more flares to life. You hear the gears turning, the pressure building, growing louder and louder until… it grows to a full blown roar? The noise doesn't subside like last time, instead it grows louder and you can feel the vibrations as the vehicle flares to new life! You press the pedal and it roars again, promising function, and effective function at that.

"What?! Now it works?!"

AA-12's disbelief is understandable, but there's no time to stand and stare wide eyed. Bullets ring against her shields, so she slams down the hood and rushes over to the passenger's side, giving you the all clear. Without a second of hesitation, you step on the gas and rush out into the bright light of day with a ton of racing metal underneath you. More rounds ring against the frame of your vehicle as you make a sharp turn away from your attackers, AA-12 ducking her head. You? You were barely tall enough to see where you're going, even with the seat as far forward as it can be. It's height could not be adjusted, which you're not used to. But the situation demands you to be the one driving, so you do your best. The road leads you away from the enemy swiftly, until their fire becomes distant and highly inaccurate, then disappears. You can inspect the damage later, but now that you're temporarily out of harm's way with your work paid out, you can only let out a...

[ ] Hearty laugh.
[ ] "WOOOHOOO!"
[X] Deep sigh.

The shotgun by your side was paranoidly watching the back mirrors just moments ago, but now she just looked slumped in her seat like a world of weight had been lifted. She looked relieved though, but also confused.

"Why'd it work now? What did we do diffe-... was it because I hit it? Did that seriously get this piece of junk's shit together?!"

You stand corrected. Perhaps hitting things does indeed sometimes fix them. That's that human way. How funny that it works even for beings of calculation and logic like T-dolls. AA-12 just groans at this revelation.

"Uuuurgh… I'm gonna get sick..."

The next time you glanced at her, her mouth was once again filled with her favorite stress relieve. Not that you could pay it much mind, you had to pay attention to the road after all. Shifting gears and taking turns, you draw on your experience to commandeer this metal beast. You know that back in Columba you were often given access to a service vehicle to carry out deliveries. It was a…

[X] Van.
[ ] Bike.
[ ] Sports car.

Not at all cheap and rather fast, a quality model to carry out tasks swiftly and efficiently. You were outfitted to handle a number of vehicles, but most of your time was spent in the company's drive, as it could be adjusted to suit your height just fine. You'd have no trouble steering this jeep if it wasn't for it's age and the road, not to mention your limited vision, so you slow down a bit.

"Man… we sure showed them though…"

Finally your companion is starting to see the good in the recent developments. You continue driving for around half an hour, keeping an eye on the tank gauge and other parts before stopping. You step out and inspect the damage. Thankfully, the hunting party didn't manage to hit anything serious. They probably weren't prepared to target civilian vehicle weakspots in time, allowing you to get away with just a few holes in the frame.

"Everything seems fine… if it stays that way, we could make it to the border by tomorrow morning if we spend the night driving. We could take shifts at the wheel, legs would get sore otherwise. Then again… I'd prefer a well deserved rest if we find a spot for the night. Getting this thing to work was a nightmare…"

Agree or disagree, planning ahead is always necessary. Driving all night long, even while taking shifts, will be a drain on your stamina and your resources. Though you will arrive much swifter and have a better chance of shaking off any more Sangvis pursuers that way. It'll also be a bumpy ride, too bumpy for any memory decryption. Taking the night to rest would do good but cost time, and guard shifts would only give you time to decrypt one memory. It would also leave a warmer trail for SF, assuming they won't lose you by then. You decide to…

[X] Spend the night resting.
- [X] Decrypt memory file #4
- [ ] Decrypt memory file #8
- [ ] Decrypt memory file #9
- [ ] Decrypt memory file #13
[ ] Spend the night driving.

As you both sit back into the comforts of the jeep, switched places this time as the shotgun was admittedly much higher than you and therefore a more qualified driver, AA-12 spots something that catches her interest on the front board.

"Hmm… I wonder if…"

Without asking, she reaches for the selection of buttons that control what you can only assume is the vehicle's old radio system. It already flared up before, displaying a very outdated digital clock. But it didn't take long for the function to change, as to both of your surprise the radio started playing a catchy [X] Russian tune.