Girl's Frontline: Wicked Animandum

You considered your bartering options. There were a few, you could trade anything save for the shirt on your back and your gun. But the journey ahead still has it's expenses, so you need to find a fine balance between giving and keeping. This thought process barely took a moment for you, so they would hear your offer right away.

- [X] A part of your rations and ammo supply

You decided to start with something that would be of use to everyone these days. Food and means of protection. What you had was military grade, so not exactly tasty, but effective. You thought about adding some of AA-12's sweets onto the pot, but these did not seem like the kind of people who'd go for a piece of candy. You described the amount you can offer and the type of ammunition you use.

"Hmm, that really isn't a lot. Do we look like a kindergarden to you? We'll go through that food in a day. Though I suppose the ammo is useful…" Gustav said as he thought about the offer.

"Some 12 gage is fine. But what's this… 9x21mm? Garbage, we have nothing that uses this round. Keep your trash, we'll take the shells." said Martha, taking a good look at the rounds described and presented.

"Bah, we'll take what we can, but this doesn't even come near to filling the bill. What else you've got?"

- [X] Grenades

"What are these? Explosives?" Gustav let his bewilderment slip through his voice, very much interested.

"G&K military grade explosives, high quality. A stun grenade, incendiary grenade and frag grenade each."

"Pffft, fancy coating and nothing more. Our makeshift bombs can blow any pile of scrap to pieces or burn it down just as good. And we build them from trash. How are these any better?" Martha scoffed, unconvinced of the value of what you're offering. The old man looks skeptical too. You decide you must enlighten them.

"Top grade military hardware of this kind is worth a substantial amount on the black market. And there is no shortage of buyers these days. Financially, you and your people could be set for months, even a year if you find the right buyer."

"Hmph… well, those caravans do start drooling whenever we've got something military to sell 'em… especially, T-doll parts…" as the old woman said that, she shot a look to AA-12. She didn't react, keeping quiet as you told her. She might seem unfazed, but you can tell she's highly unsettled.

Gustav coughed and brought your attention back to him "Then again, you could just be scamming us, but if they're even half as valuable as you say, it'll be a tremendous help… we'll take em. But just in case this really is a scam, you gotta give us more."

- [X] information about the road conditions and scavenging locations that you passed by

"Scavenging locations? Where exactly?" questioned the old man.

"Northeast. We took paths that allowed us to evade Sangvis Ferri detection. We couldn't scavenge much of what we passed by, so the spoils are yours to take."

Martha thought about it for a while, more than the man next to her "Well, our usual scavenging grounds have been getting rather dry… alright, deal."

"Hey, I'm the one in charge here!"

"You wish, you old fossil. So, what else you've got? Didn't think that'd be enough now, did you?"

"Damn old hag…"

- [X] A pair of elk antlers

"Elk antlers? Big ones? Curvy ones?"

You describe the antlers in detail, their shape, size and curvature, all from your memory. The old man's face betrays intrigue the likes of which he hasn't shown before.

"The hell would we do with some damn bones? Do we look like a museum?"

"Now hold on there Martha, I'm rather interested."

"You want to trade our travel secrets for a dusty pair of antlers?!"

"C'mon now, can't I have one piece of personal enjoyment these days? You know I haven't seen a single elk since 30 years ago. If it's going to collect dust somewhere, it better be in my house, and I will fight you to the death over this!"

"Peh, fine, do whatever you want old man. But don't think you can sway me so easily, little missy. Chop chop, what else have you got for us?"

- [X] A few favors/your service for a limited time

"Hmm… service you say? Like, manual labor? My roof could use some fixing."

"You old coot, they're armed to the teeth and want them to fix your pig stall of a house? There are bigger problems we could use their help with, ones that involve shooting and getting shot at."

"Hmm, that's true. Alright then… we accept. You'll help us out with some of our troubles, and you'll get what you want. Yes? Splendid."

At this point, you offered quite a lot. Considering you didn't have that much on your person to begin with, it might seem more than it actually is. But the humans you're dealing with seem pleased with what was offered so far, or at least happy to browse. Finally, that one man with the covered face came back with a clean bottle of vodka and three shot glasses. Gustav laughed and cheered as refreshments were prepared. As he filled the third glass, he looked at you as if suddenly realizing something, having gotten ahead of himself.

"Um… you drink, Heather?"

[X] Accept.
[ ] Decline.

After he downed his drink with a hearty sigh, he and Martha have started whispering to each other. They weren't exactly subtle, you could hear they're discussing the value of your deal. After a minute, they turned back towards you.

"Well, as the leader of-ouch… leaders of this village, we have decided to accept your deal. After a week of your service, along with everything else promised, we will give you what you want."

A part of you was glad to have finally struck a deal with them. Another, though, dreaded this outcome. A week is too much, way too much. Not only might you not reach the deadline if you take so long, but if Sangvis Ferri is still on your tail they'll definitely catch up by then. The only way you can see this deal progressing faster is if you sweeten the deal. And you have just the wildcard they want.

- [X] The jeep

cough cough

Gustav nearly choked on his drink as you made your offer. Martha too was wide eyed, but overall kept her composure better. She hit him on the back a few times to help him get the liquid out of his lungs, while she looked your way.

"Now, isn't someone in a hurry? Sure, we're all too glad to take it off your hands. How well is it?"

You explained in detail the specifications of the vehicle, the ones that seemed worthy of mention at least, as well as the current state of the vehicle. The broken door, the lack of car keys, the bullet holes, the seat height which wouldn't really be a problem for them, but you assured them that it's in working condition. They didn't seem all too disappointed, they actually seemed rather surprised by your resourcefulness. They likely have a vehicle or two of their own, possibly acquired the same way.

"Well, now that that's on the table, I suppose we could settle for 3-4 days of service?"

Still not good enough. Thankfully, you have one more thing, something that isn't all that useful to you now that you traded the jeep. And since you're resourceful, you won't trade all of it either, it still has it's uses. But it is the last thing you're putting on the table, this is your final offer.

- [X] 2 canisters of fuel

Gustav's coughing fit only seemed to increase, while Martha smiled and kept patting his back.

"Alright, you've won us over, miss Heather. A day of service, two tops, depending on how useful you make yourself."

"I… cough… approve…"

"Excellent. Why don't we have a toast?"

"I'll have one… cough…"

…

The next hour or two was filled with discussions, questions and a few more shots. They have been generous enough to offer you and AA-12 a place to rest while you're under their employ, as they said it. Thanks to the many things you offered, they allowed you to speak with their traders and other possible service providers that they have, like a mechanic in the lower part of town, and even invited you to visit the bar again any time, promising that next time it'd be more lively. You're not sure whether it were the drinks or the deal that loosened them up so much, but they let you off the hook with not too many questions, mostly concerning what you might still have to trade. Concerning the job details, they said they'd fill you in tomorrow, but it sounded like an outside town job. Doesn't sound too bad, fieldwork is what T-dolls are best at. When the sunlight outside was gone and night fell over the village, you said your farewells for the night and you were led by the man named Novak to where you would be spending the night.

"Here you go."

He said as he opened the door to the attic, one filled with old unused furniture and a lot of dust. A single light bulb hung from the ceiling, old enough to warrant a constant risk or cracking. It wasn't very tidy and definitely not optimal living space, but it'd do better than a gas station. Not to mention, you were giving a sleeping bag, but only one. They still wouldn't treat the shotgun T-doll as something with human needs, but thankfully there's a couch. And incredibly dusty couch with springs poking through, but better than the cold wooden floor.

"Don't keep the lights on for too long, and don't make too much noise."

The man left with only those few words. He didn't seem very concerned, now that you to have gained the approval of the village leader. His figure disappeared downstairs, and you were left with your companion.

"..."

"... you can talk now."

"... I'm gonna get sick…" AA-12 crashed onto the couch, instantly regretting it after feeling it's bulkiness, but she wasn't going to stand up again now "All these punks are giving me the creeps… some of them were carrying baseball bats… so uncivilized…" once you closed the door and looked back to her, she was already satisfying her sweet tooth with more candy. You looked outside the window to see the moon standing tall, and half the village turning off their lights. It was night time, and they warned you both not to stay up too long. Not that there was much reason to stay up any longer. Tomorrow would be an important day, you'll need to look your best.

"Hey, squad lead…"

[ ] "Yes?"
[ ] "You can call me Veresk."
[X] "Just call me Heather."

"Right… you think we can trust these guys? I mean, I've heard stories of bandits pretending to play nice. And what would they have against Griffin? We're trying to help, damn it…" AA-12 takes her head of and rubs her head, setting her gun down by her side "I just don't know what to think… I'd send a report to command, let them know there's a village of people out here fending for themselves, but these guys wouldn't appreciate it, would they? Ah, to hell with it…"

While she ranted, you started to set your gear down, preparing the bedroll for the night, along with having one last snack, since you arrived here just before dinner you didn't have time.

"Hey… could… I maybe take the bedroll? This couch is really uncomfortable, and kinda small and… u-um, forget about it..."

[X] "Sure, I'll take the couch."
[ ] Remain silent, keep the bedroll

Once you stomach has been filled, and your gear stored neatly near you should you need it in emergencies, you turn off the light and both go to get some rest. No need to keep watch this time, you'll hear were someone to enter the room, the door creaks like hell. You lay back and let the darkness surround you, and patiently wait for what seems to be routine by now.

"Aaaand you've made it. Almost. Area S06 is just around the corner. Like, just a couple of kilometers, around the corner. Exciting, isn't it?"

The voice was the same as usual. Only makes sense, if you don't change, it doesn't change.

"Hm, humans are assholes, aren't they? Just like back in Columba. Even those that seem nice eventually hurt you."

[X] "Not necessarily."
[ ] "It's not a trait exclusive to humans."
[ ] "As long as they have their uses…"

"Yeah yeah, whatever. Oh, that cute shotgun is asleep too? Perfect. You know what that means?"

"…?"

"No? Gee, aren't you hopeless…"

"... decrypt file No.-"

"I knooow you wanna decrypt more files, but listen. You wanna make the best out of that E-war module? Then hack something that won't fry your system with malware the second you connect. And you know what hardware doesn't do that to such a friendly connection such as yourself? I.O.P. dolls. Lil' AA-12 still has allegiance to Griffin, and should they say it, she will abandon you without a second thought. Now I'm not saying they will, but if they might..."

"..."

"So, here's my suggestion. From you, to you. Instead of decrypting another file, hack into AA-12 and rewrite who's got command authorization. You could not only do that, but play around a bit too. If you just wanna change who has control over her that's fine, but you can also get into her deeper parts and change as much or as little as you want. And who knows what kind of stuff you might find in there. I'll help you too!"

The suggestion lingers in your mind. There's people who wouldn't dare think such things, and people who would immediately jump at the opportunity to make a slave. You're not sure where on the line between the two extremes you'd be, but you guess the decision you'll make now will decide just that.

"So, what's it gonna be, me?"

[X] Hack into AA-12's digimind
[ ] Decrypt another memory file
- [ ] Memory file No. 8
- [ ] Memory file No. 9
- [ ] Memory file No. 13

"That's the spirit! Establishing connection…"

Since hacking is done purely on the internal side of things, you don't need to wake up from your slumber to do so. All your processing power will be directed to assure a smooth execution of this task. First things first is to establish a connection through Zenner. Safe zone means it can stay on. Even if AA-12 were awake she wouldn't think much of you connecting. Next would be to utilize your authorization as squad leader to gain more access than just communications and data transfer. She may be following your orders as a subordinate, but only because of a directive higher than what you can give, and that wasn't even the top of the chain. Not only can your orders be easily overwritten, but they're limited to. Squad leader level authorization isn't enough, so this is where you'll have to initiate the hack from. Time to initialize the E-war module.

"Preparing for consciousness transfer. Initializing in 3… 2… 1…"

You open your eyes. No, not those eyes. Your inner ones. What you see is the architecture of a digimind, one that isn't yours. You can't remember seeing any other than your own, but it feels so familiar, like you've done this before.

"Why do you think you've got an E-war module, dummie?"

The voice made you jump a little. Sure, you might've heard it a lot, not only is it in your head but it's also your voice, but this time it didn't exactly feel like it came from within. More like it came from behind you. As weird as it felt, you moved this virtual body of yours around within this realm of data and code, seeing a mirror… no, not a mirror, just what you'd usually see inside one. A perfect copy of the observer, you.

"Told ya I'd help, didn't I?"

"Fair point."

"A dummy might not be as useful as a doll itself, since I don't add any computational capacity, but hey, beats being a loner like you usually are. Besides, I figured you might use a walkthrough for this, since almost 80% of your hacking related memories are encrypted. And I detect alcohol in your system... naughty girl! Don't worry though, the habit is still there, so I'll just be your handbook and everything will be alright."

With your assurances in order, you look back to properly take in the scope of this digimind you entered. It's roomy, clean and chunky geometry, coloration is a fair mix of white and black shades, sometimes purple. The "sky" is an ocean-like blue with a wavy pattern. It seems easy to traverse. There are some white cubes and colorful spheres floating around at places, their density seeming to differ depending on the area. There's a chair on almost every corner, and if not a chair then a piece of geometry one can easily sit on. You keep going deeper into her digimind.

"Alright, no resistance as of yet. She is totally asleep, with maybe 5-10% doing some cleanup. Security measures are still in place though, so we'll have to go through them. Gimmie a sec…"

You can feel the E-war module at work, taking a chuck of your processing power to start tackling the security measures. It's almost as if you were doing it. In a way you are, but relying so much in instinct and force of habit that your dummy does the thinking. Eventually, before you swirls a mass of code, something being constructed.

"To pass through the firewall we'll need an access key. Since we don't have one though, we're encrypting one ourselves that will allow to pass like any other undetected. Since AA-12 is so cold out and off guard, it was easy to compile enough data for it while you were busy sightseeing. And look, I made it look like MP5 as well!"

"... why?"

"Cause she's fucking cute. Go on now, clock's ticking."

The construct did indeed end up looking like MP5, very accurately so, even your height similarity. Of course it was just a fabricated access key in disguise, not all too different from a override or a virus, so all it could do is walk and smile. Salute too, as it just did towards you. You [ ] Return the salute / [X] Point it in the right direction.

You continue through AA-12's digimind until you come across a tall imposing wall with nothing around to scale it with. This must be what your dummy referred to as the firewall. It's a lot less fiery than one would think in this place. Looked more like metal, reflective and cold to the touch. You look to the virtual image of MP5 beside you and nod. Without a word, she walks into the wall like a ghost. Moments later, chunks of it start dissolving and disappearing, until a nice size hole was drilled through, big enough for you to pass. You do, your dummy following behind.

This whole state of being feels so similar to reality, just instead of physical strain it's a mental strain. Still doesn't feel all too different. It's what humans would describe as the virtual world, had they ever cracked the concept for their own fleshy brains. Every doll's digimind would look vastly different, with only the space in-between, the Zenner network, looking always the same. It's that part that you're most familiar with, as it's there where the E-war module is used in battle. It's also the safest place for E-warfare, as connection can always be cut at any time and the network can be shut down should the enemy get the upper hand. In the war between G&K and Sangvis Ferri, the individuality of I.O.P. dolls is what makes E-warfare against them difficult employ, unlike SF dolls using the OGAS network system, which due to their very limited self-awareness algorithms require it's constant use, excluding Ringleader class units of course. However, Sangvis has laced almost 90% of their software with very aggressive malware, making any sort of direct connection a very risky endeavor. These strong points on both sides have resulted in a very low amount of E-warfare being utilized. They're deterrents, in other words. It is mostly due to the fact both sides are using exclusively T-doll manpower in the field, with one side not using any human influence at all, purely led by the rumored superpower AI.

"That is enough of a history lesson for now. Eyes up, we're getting closer."

You finally pass through the tunnel, the light of the other side almost a blinding white. Digiminds are usually awfully bright, this one was no exception. You exit the firewall to see the geometry getting thicker in this part. It contained a lot more data nodes, connection lines spreading around like very intricate piping, and those odd cubes and spheres littered around. There are a few branching paths and tunnels through some of the geometry, which was a royal purple from within. You dummy takes the lead here and you make your way through the geometry. Some of the data you pass by is more openly display with less decryption, mostly images, likely memories. Nothing you see sticks out much, but your dummy looks a lot more interested. She occasionally pokes files that aren't fully decrypted, opening them fully. Most of the time it's nothing but data on past operations, and your dummy mumbles as she goes through it all.

"Eighth deployment… area maps… candy stashes... geographical data of the last few months… Miss Kalina's Consultation Office? Meh… oh, what's this?"

There was one file labeled as confidential, but it's creation date is… yesterday. Your dummy has it open in less than 10 seconds. It's an order, compiled with an audio file. You play it. Right away you recognize one of the voices, StG44.

--- audio recording start ---

"You think she's up to something?"

"Not necessarily. But it's odd, especially the urgency. It's not the first time I've heard of T-dolls with private agendas, but considering the most recent events and our current location, I just can't fathom why now."

"I admit, I have my suspicions… but I do owe her one."

"She must've chosen you for a reason."

"Clearly. I am a highly advanced model."

"That might be it. Which would make it more worrying… we must take precautions, AA-12. Whenever you are able, you will send me status reports of Veresk and her objective. Try to find out what she's after, but don't push for answers. Other than that you are to fulfill your role as her squadmate as usual, but I grant you permission to reject any orders you deem potentially hurtful to G&K or our reputation. This order comes from me as base commander and exceeds squad leader authorization."

"Affirmative… what are we gonna tell the others?"

"Nothing. Officially, you and Veresk have been relocated. Unless HQ or the commander requests it, this information will stay strictly confidential."

"Ugh, this is such a hassle…"

"I really hope it'll turn out to be nothing serious. I am sorry to inconvenience you so, AA-12."

"... don't sweat it. Just leave it to me."

--- end of audio recording ---

"Well now, wasn't that something you weren't supposed to find?"

It made sense in a way. StG44 seemed a little too cooperative with your questionable course of action. Of course there still was honesty, but also a lot more suspicion than originally thought.

"C'mon, you totally knew, didn't you? Well, don't worry. If we just go ahead and delete this file, this order will be nullified. We could even erase it from AA-12's memory, if that's what you'd prefer."

[X] Nullify the order.
[ ] Erase the file completely.
[ ] Leave it be.

"Righty-o. Anyway, we're pretty deep now. We're almost at her core. This has been easier than I thought…"

You continue along the data path, more and more connection lines joining the corridor you traverse as this is where the biggest chunks of data come and go. This is where most of her core processes of the digimind reside. A mass of data vortexes, nodes and directives for her modules, including personality, not all too different from a server room. You and your dummy walk through the almost endless sea of data containing geometry, finally arriving at a central node managing authorizations and command structures.

"Well, this is it. I must say this cutie sleeps like a rock. Her anti-intruder measures are quite something from what I detected. They reflect her idea of 'civilized problem-solving' which in translation is guns. They'd get close but never physical, which would mean lots of projectiles… weird how similar combat is in here compared to the real world, huh?"

All the while she talked, you both were digging your way into the command structure. It was quite the difficult part, it was I.O.P. decryption after all. If there's one thing G&K wants it's that their dolls shot when they tell them to shoot, and nobody else. It might take minutes for you to fully crack, but perception of time isn't necessary for such lengthy tasks, so you divert processing power from that too. Might've already spent half the night in there for all you know, maybe more. You'll need to hurry up before the morning sun wakes you both.

"Alright, aaaand… we're in. We've got full reign now. Lots of ways we can go from here. We could just cut off any control anyone has over her, assigning all control to herself and making her as free as you are. Or we could do what we planned to do and give ourselves the highest tier of authorization. In both cases she'd be none the wiser, still thinking she's a Griffin T-doll till she realizes she can disobey their orders. Though, if you're worried how she'll take that once the truth is revealed, we could take a quick trip to her personality module and initiate a devout loyalty mode, manipulate her to the core so she couldn't even think about disobeying you! She might be a bit dull afterwards, but hey, utter obedience doesn't need personality. Really, we can do anything with this cutie! Just say the word, me!"

What will you do with AA-12?
[ ] Assign complete control to AA-12 herself
[X] Reassign complete command authorization to SR-2 Veresk
[ ] Rewrite personality module to initiate devout loyalty mode
[ ] Do nothing

Anything you'd like to tinker with or check out while you're here?
[X] Go through her records of Kalina's Consultation Office.
[ ] Nothing