Girl's Frontline: Wicked Animandum

You walk along with the other Griffin dolls, led on the road to the nearest base. They chatted among themselves, laughed and bickered, like one would expect of those kinds of girls. While they were distracted with each other, you decided to turn back to yourself, back within. You haven't done so since last night. Their voices slowly drowned into the background as you diverted processes, consciously this time and not by accident. Soon enough, you could hear yourself again.

"So… faced with the same situation, a chance for social interaction, yet once again you opt for talking to yourself. You're not a people person, are you Alpha?"

[ ] "Guess you could say that."
[X] "I just don't want to bother them."
[ ] "Wouldn't you know?"
[ ] Write-in

"I'm just messing without you! Don't worry, your inability to hold an honest and friendly chat is fully known to me, and I refrain from commenting on it any further!"

…

"So, what do we have here… damn, they're cute! Especially that diver girl."

"SPP-1?"

"Yeah. She's almost your size even. You should befriend her! Oh, better yet, hack her and have her join our squad!"

…

"What? You already hacked AA-12, and you don't feel bad about that, right? C'mon, you'll be toast with just a two-girl echelon. You gotta expand, Alpha."

"You keep suggesting that."

"It's good to think about the long term. What are you going to do one you've finally delivered that package? Once you're free… free to do with these girls as you please…"

…

"Sounded ominous, huh? Anyway… you wanted to chat, so let's chat. What's on your mind? Aside from me, hehe~"

(X) "Their signal seemed off, any idea why?"

"Hey, here's a suggestion, genius. Why don't you ask them?"

…

"Like, if you don't know, how do you expect me to know? Look, the signal seemed irregular, weak, like it was being constantly tampered with. The pattern was Griffin, the Zener network confirmed as much, but I have no idea why it behaved so oddly… you know what? Fuck it, here, I'll show you how easy it is to just ask them."

…!

You could feel the dummy acting on it's own, accessing the Zener network and establishing a connection. Before you could react, it sent out a ping to some doll, the virtual equivalent of tapping one's shoulder. Could it even do that? Too late to ponder now. You looked to the side to see JS05 looking your way, tilting her head.

"Yeah? What is it Veresk?"

"There, ask. She won't bite."

"... when we were approaching, your signal seemed off. Any idea why?"

"Ah, that. Right, you're new here." she fixed her hair with one hand, carrying on the conversation "If we weren't on the edge of Area S06, you wouldn't be getting a read on our signal at all. Sangvis Ferri has deployed some new jamming technology, covering this sector of the area in radio silence. Our base has enough power to force messages through to command, but our units in the field are more often than not in the dark."

"It's very annoying." complained Spectre M4 "We can't communicate with anyone other than close by team mates using the Zener network. Means even less people will pay witness to my progress…"

"Sangvis seems to have no trouble using their communications network though, which is annoying. They keep trying to outmaneuver us. Unfortunately for them, I never miss."

She taps on the barrel of her rifle, looking rather smug about it. You cannot confirm nor deny her statement, you only saw her take a few shots. But judging by the high caliber, slow firing speed and high cost of the rifle she's imprinted upon, she must value making every shot count. A special girl just by name alone. She then added.

"I've got something to ask too, if you don't mind."

"Ohoho, don't break down under pressure now."

"You are here on private business, right? Does it have anything to do with our Sangvis problem? We could use the extra hands."

"You just want an excuse to get more down time." squeezed in Spectre again.

"Hey, someone as diligent as me deserves some relaxation. SAW would agree."

The MG completely failed to catch the comment, further dragging your companion AA-12 along by a metaphorical leash, her fluffy tail swaying side to side in visible amusement. You can't quite hear what they're chatting about, and you've got a question to answer anyway.

[ ] "Chances are we'll be staying in Area S06 to provide assistance for a while."
[X] "Depends on whether we can complete our mission under the current circumstances."
[ ] "Once I am allowed to let you know, I will."
[ ] Write-in

"Well, the commander will surely be interested in hearing about it."

…

"Well? Was that so hard? You got your information and didn't lose anything. Though it was fun watching you fiddle for an answer~"

"… how did you ping her?"

"Oh, that? Easy. You just didn't restrict my access to those specific systems."

…

"C'mon, it was for your own good. As your dummy it is my task to assist you. So I did. Not my fault it was funny as well."

…

"Anyway… I'm guessing that just like last time, you'll have one more question?"

(X) "What is the situation here in Area S06?"

"Well, we already know Sangvis Ferri has deployed some new jamming technology here. Stuff reaching all the way to the border it seems. Other than that? No idea. You don't have enough information for me to go off of. And you know what that means~"

"Don't-"

Ping!

Once again, your dummy has figuratively tapped the shoulder of one of the Griffin dolls, this time SPP-1 by the looks of it. She looked towards you, awaiting what you have to say with a curious expression. Before speaking your mind however, you made one quick little precaution.

"Aww, denied me access so soon? Fine, have it your way~"

With that distraction out of your head, you ask the handgun type T-doll.

"What is the situation here in Area S06?"

"Oh, well, it has seen better days. Sangvis Ferri seem to be testing new tech here, especially signal jamming devices, and conduct most of their operations at night."

You noticed the doll had dried up a bit, no longer dripping. Her hair was still very flat, likely a side effect of spending a lot of time under water. She was quite clean too, but knowing it was a river she bathed in and not a shower, she may not necessarily be the cleanest of the bunch. She continues.

"I do a lot of scouting, I can move far and undetected by using the local rivers and lakes. But... I have yet to stumble upon any of these jamming devices... Um, in truth, we have no idea how and where Sangvis Ferri are deploying those, the area of effect keeps moving too… we don't even know what to look for."

"Now that's troubling… you should ask her about things other than SF."

"What other troubles have you had besides SF?"

"Hmm… not many. All the human residents have been evacuated from the nearby settlements long ago, but the area is still too infested for repopulation. There are no humans left in the area to our knowledge, though I have sighted non-SF human looking entities before."

"Have you approached them before?"

"... protocol demanded I stay hidden unless contact is necessary."

"Not to mention, they'd probably scare her away." chirped JS05 without even looking back.

"T-that's not true..."

"That's why she makes a good and reliable scout. OTs-14 is very fond of her."

The short T-doll did not reply this time, merely looking to the side to avoid having her blush seen.

"Curious…"

"What is it?"

"No human settlers left in the area, huh? … then who'll come to pick up our package? Must be a human… right?"

"... miss Veresk? If you don't mind me asking…" began SPP-1 again.

"Oh, a question for later then."

"... your attire has sustained a significant amount of burns, yet neither you or AA-12 seem to be outfitted with incendiary grenades. How have you sustained this injury?"

You look over yourself once more. Finally dried up yourself, the burned parts of your attire are much more visible now. You'll get your repairs at base, but for now you'll need a credible excuse, or just say the truth.

[ ] "Long story… I'd rather not talk about it. You may read the report later, if you'll have access."
[X] "Oh, that? Just tangoed with a Ringleader, nothing much. I'll tell you about it later."
[ ] "An accident. Engaged Sangvis units near a gas station. I was lucky to get away this unscathed."
[ ] Write-in

The handgun type listened intently, hoping for a story. She wouldn't get one now though. And before she'd have a chance to prod further, the MG and the Shotgun have gotten a little louder, getting your attention.

"This is ridiculous!"

"C'mon, it's not that unreasonable of a request, no?"

"I'm not gonna carry you!"

"You sure? I'm pretty tuckered out from this op already. If I'll have to walk any longer I might need to eat all the sweets in my dorm myself to regain enough energy."

"Y-you wouldn't!"

"🎵~"

Watching and hearing that peculiar negotiation, you decide against getting involved. Their squad leader is letting it be, so it's best you do the same. It can't possibly end badly. You continue on through the forest, a few hours having passed now. It's already dark, but you were assured by the Griffin dolls that it was not far off now. Soon enough you reached a town, deserted by the looks of it, but there was one large complex building with a fence standing firmly, and that's where you went.

--- inside ---

"I'm baaack!"

...

"... eh, where's the welcoming party?"

Spectre M4 was the first to call out into the well lit hall you've just entered, her enthusiasm having spiked a bit again. It was soon replaced by confusion though as she received no response, barely a second look. Beside you was the sly MG T-doll, lazily sitting in the arms of your companion, helped up by her shields. It was visible that even that was quite the weight to hold for extended periods of time. Despite her slim figure, she's still an MG type, carrying her weapon no less.

"We're… here…"

"Oh? I barely noticed. As expected of the determined AA-12."

"Yeah… whatever… just gimmie…"

"Yeah yeah, a promise is a promise."

With those two negotiating, and the other dolls preparing to head off to their dorms, JS05 claps twice to get everyone's attention.

"Well then, Veresk, AA-12, if you'd please follow me, I'll introduce you to the commander. As for the rest of you, I'll take care of the mission report. Dismissed."

All the other dolls nodded, slowly taking their leave. But your companion didn't seem so easily compliant just yet.

"B-but... she has yet to give me any candy!"

"Relaaax, just come by for it later. I'll leave some for you."

"You'll eat it! I know it SAW!"

"Calm down you two. I'll be sure to tell PSG-1 to keep an eye on her for you AA-12. You'll be compensated for the ass carrying you did."

"... don't say it like that…"

"Well, if you'd please follow me now…"

You nod, getting back on track with your echelon. You follow the rifle through the complex, which looks more like an oversized outpost this late. It's rather empty, many areas are unlit to conserve energy, and you haven't encountered any other dolls or personnel passing through corridors and going up stairs. You were on the second floor, your footsteps slightly echoing through the long halls. Clearly a repurposed building not built for military purposes, but it serves well. JS05 approached a door, knocked three times, and entered. The room it led to would completely oppose that of a civilian building. Screens and monitors littered around the walls, a desk with an interactive map interface in it's center, and a doll sitting on the other end. Light blonde hair with a pinkish hue reaching well below the table, styled in a low end twin pony tail. Her attire was classy, a light luxurious jacket, complemented by a black tie in a sailor's neckerchief square knot. Bright golden eyes looked up from the map to the rifle with relief, then to you wearily.

"OTs-14. We missed the commander again?"

"He cut connection early today." she tapped the map's surface, the display going dark "His absence from the base will be prolonged by another few days. This also extends my role as his replacement for the same amount of time, with the occasional status update. Meaning I'll be the one reviewing your report again today, lucky you."

"Wouldn't have it any other way." JS05 smiled "By the way, these are SR-2 Veresk and AA-12. They're new arrivals from Area S09, here on private business."

"Private business?" she blinked, looking towards you "I don't believe the commander was notified, and Griffin command has sent no word either. What is the level of confidentiality for this assignment? If it is not too high, I would like to hear the details on my commander's behalf. A report of your journey so far should suffice"

"Mind if I stay and listen too? Especially how you got here. If I remember correctly, there's a minefield the way you came." JS05 said as well.

Both dolls look towards you expectantly, and even AA-12 did to some extent. You are the squad leader, you're expected to explain your task. You managed to get past StG-44 with both lies and incomplete honesty, but this doll seems a little more strict and vigilant. Not to mention, it seems this command center is capable of establishing contact with Griffin command, meaning they could be just one doubt away from seeking confirmation about your statement. Of all positions, sitting at the center of a G&K base, this is probably the worst for your cover to be blown.

About your mission…

[ ] Say confidentiality of your mission is too high, refuse to give up any details.
[X] Admit to your objective being a personal one, given permission to carry it out by StG-44.
[ ] Lie, say your objective is the delivery of high value data to a secret client of Griffin.
[ ] Write-in

And about your journey...

[X] Recount all the events of your journey from the point of your capture.
[ ] Start with your departure of the Fortress of Solitude.
[ ] Lie, saying you've been sent from Area S09's command center, stumbling onto a village that was being attacked by a Ringleader, forcing you to escape to the neighboring area afterwards.
[ ] Refuse to give up the details of your journey.
[ ] Write-in

And concerning the minefield…

[ ] Lie, say you were guided through by the human settlers.
[X] Hand over the map.