Girl's Frontline: Wicked Animandum

…

The scene grew silent. The intimidation of the ringleader, the cautiousness of the dolls, the weight of the situation, it all seems to have dissipated, or forgotten about. All present gazes shifted to you, questionable expressions upon each one, even upon the Sangvis with a slight raise of her eyebrow. An interesting reaction… and more is yet to come.

"I like the hair pins. They're made to look like fangs, right? Really bring out your cute side. Or is it horns? I've heard about snakes with horns before…"

"Veresk…"

"You know, I bet you'd look even cuter with a lil' hat. There's lots of pics like that on the internet. We should get you one!"

"Heather…"

"Anyway, someone should tell that ringleader her pet snake ran off again. Where is she anyway? We just wrecked her outpost, was thinking she'd at least try to defend it."

"T-that IS the ringleader, Veresk."

"What? Her? No way, you're messing with me. Next you'll tell me her name is Jormungandr or Ouroboros or something."

"..."

With the partial silence and everyone's confused stares, SPP-1 approaches your side to quietly whisper something into your ear. You could already guess what. You're not oblivious, your perception is actually quite high. But this is rather fun. When the pistol reveals to you that the Ringleader's name is indeed Ouroboros, you feign surprise.

"Wait… seriously? Wow, that's so cheesy~"

… ahem

Finally, it seems the supposed snake had broken the silence of her own accord. Attention was drawn once again from you to her, which you managed to hold for quite a while despite her being the biggest threat present. Must've been getting on her nerves. Perfect.

"I'm not even going to try spending any ounce of my wast processing power to process that display of utter stupidity and nonsense… you inferior Griffin dolls are beyond idiotic."

"So a squad of idiotic dolls took down your foothold without any sort of casualties?"

"What, that little outpost? You were taking so long to do anything of note, so I thought I'd use some of my abundant resources and lure you closer. You should feel lucky, after seeing me you now have enough time to make peace with the eventuality of being defeated by me."

Listening to her rambling, you nudge AA-12 on the side and attempt to whisper something to her, but your purposefully make it loud enough for everyone to hear, especially the Sangvis.

"If we shoot her, do you think she'll bleed coolant, or just ooze enough ego to fill a pool?"

Ahem!

Once again your gazes are snapped forward by the Ringleader clearing her throat. For T-dolls it's an action solely for the demand of attention. In this particular case you'd compare it more to a hiss, maybe a tail rattle, but you're still not entirely sure what kind of snake she is.

"And you… my subordinate told me about you. I expected you to be… taller."

[ ] "And I expected you to be more... intimidating. Isn't that what every SF is trying and failing to do?"
[X] "Are you saying that I'm cute? Thanks!"
[ ] "... were you expecting me to have a Napoleon complex or something? Sorry to disappoint you."
[ ] Write-in

"Hmph, whatever. I see nothing special about you. Like the rest of your pitiful band, I will obliterate you. Until then, find comfort in what you would consider a victory of capturing just one of my many beacons. We will see each other soon enough… Griffin trash."

…

[CONNECTION LOST]

The call had ended, the screen reverting to black, connection to the Sangvis network severed. It is safe to assume that she has just written this outpost off as lost through this action. As her presence left, some of your fellow T-dolls let out a sigh, some didn't.

"Miss Veresk, I'd appreciate it if you didn't... act out like that when confronted with leading enemy forces. Provocations like that have proven to lead to… inconvenient situations in the past."

Benelli attempted to calmly explain, her face having been a worried one throughout the whole conversation with the Ringleader, especially after your input.

"She did look a bit like a snake though…"

Chipped in Ots-12 absentmindedly.

"Oh, not you too Ots-12!"

"What do you think, Saw?"

"I don't like snakes. I think they're disgusting. I much prefer furry animals."

As the other dolls continue in their conversation about snakes, you and AA-12 step towards the console. It may be disconnected from the network, but it still powers the jammer. You are soon joined by Benelli, who gives it a once over. Back to the objective it is.

"We will need to dispose of this beacon. Afterwards we can contact Ots-14 and report our findings, as well as the success of our mission."

"How do we dispose of it then? The power source seems to be internal, and I don't see a power switch. Seems like we'll have to break it."

AA-12 suggests, loading her gun. Once again the supposedly pacifistic doll appears to have no qualms against shooting up a piece of technology until it ceases function, calling it the civilized way. You suppose breaking it is the only way to disable it proper, but how…

[ ] Shoot it up.
[ ] Blow it up.
[X] Throw it into the river.
[ ] Write-in

Once the device has truly been decommissioned, it's jamming properties ceasing function, the Zener network blared to life inside each of you as connection was re-established. Immediately, communications with the base of operations were made. The voice of Groza greeted you from the other side.

"Seeing as everyone's signals are coming through at the same time, I'm assuming the mission was a success?"

Benelli was the first to respond.

"Affirmative. The outpost has been cleared and the jamming device has been disabled. No casualties either."

"Excellent work team. Anything else to report?"

"Before disabling the jamming field, we've made contact with the SF Ringleader stationed in Area S06, Ouroboros."

"... have you now?"

"Affirmative. Will transfer combat data once we have returned to base."

"Then we'll await your arrival. Get back here safely girls, this has been a successful night."

--- back at base ---

"Aaaah, I'm beat…"

"You always say that."

"But tonight I really am! I have the heaviest gun in the base after all."

"You say that, but I can't even shoot mine without lying down first. And I've had to cover your fluffy butt a lot."

"You two might have heavy weapons, but do you see me complaining about having to carry the extra weight of three heavy duty ballistic shields? No."

The trio of M249 saw, JS05 and AA-12 argued, dragging their feet through the front entrance. The first yawned, eyes heavy and arms hanging on her sides. The sniper also had her hands free, casually crossed beneath her chest. Only the shotgun still carried her weapon… in addition the theirs.

"Thanks a bunch AA-12, I owe you one."

"Whatever, just don't forget it tomorrow. Especially you Saw!"

"Yeah, yeah…"

The two picked up their weapons from AA-12's shield compartments, the shotgun sighing as the extra weight had left her to breathe easier. Inside, they were closely followed by the rest of the squad, including yourself. Benelli cleared her throat.

"I will go forth to commander Ots-14 and deliver the mission report. The rest of your are dismissed for tonight. Get some rest, everyone."

"Finally…"

Everyone around you looked rightly tired. It's been pitch dark outside for a while now, your flashlight being one of the only proper sources of light. Now the confines of the base seemed to dark for everyone, and all they wish for is some shuteye. One after another they leave to their respective dorms, waving each other good night. AA-12 waves goodnight to you, seemingly trying to say something, but leaving soon after failing an attempt. It appears you'll be remaining in separate rooms for another night.

You find your way back to your own room, getting there shortly after Ots-12. Specter M4 was already there, her eyes sparkling when she sees you return.

"Oh, you're back! How was the mission? I hope there wasn't any need for me."

"No, we handled ourselves well. Our secret techniques have swiftly taken care of the enemy."

The assault rifle type had replied as she went to her bed, beginning to strip down her equipment. The SMG rolled her eyes, sitting cross legged on her bed.

"C'mon Tiss, when is something you do not a secret?"

"You'll have to wait for the official secret report~"

"It can't be both official and secret at the same time, you dummy!"

Specter grows a little frustrated with her roommate, which appears to be a bit of a common occurrence. She turns to you in hopes of solid information. That's when Ots-12 looks towards you too, her star eyes sparkling. Clearly there's only one of two sides to take here…

"Veresk, how'd the mission go? Did anything interesting happen?"

[ ] "That's a secret~" wink to Tiss.
[X] "Yes, you wouldn't believe what an adorable snake we've met…" tell Spectre.

--- later in the night ---

The lights went off, your eyes shut, blanket pulled over snugly, the night finally calling for a rest. Had you stayed up any longer chatting with your roommates, you might even see the sun starting to go up. But now you finally had some alone time, back inside your digimind for your nightly routine of cleanup and self-discovery. Time to bring those two out again.

"Alpha, it is so good to see you again! Congratulations on your first successful mission in Area S06. Keep going just like this and we'll have the sector liberated in no time!"

"Chief, are you really going to remain at this sluggish tempo? I know it's just been a day, but at this rate it'll take you months to clear every inch of the area. The client will get sick of waiting."

There they are, the two contradicting voices of your digital dummies, Beta and Gamma. It's barely been ten seconds and they're already bombarding you with opinions and suggestions. At least they're taking their jobs seriously. As you have these thoughts, they already respond to them.

"You haven't summoned us for the whole day. Are we not as useful to you in our split form? If you wish to be more self reliant, then I shall support you in that too. You can delete me at any time! Shall I do it for you?~"

"Seriously now, you know it's wasted effort to spend a night doing a consciousness split and then just never use us. We're helpful too, you know? Don't be dumber than a dummy."

You hear them. It might've been your choice, or it might've just been circumstance, but their usefulness in undoubtful. It is up to you whether to utilize their services more or less in the future. But for now, it is time to think about what can be done in the present.

[ ] Unlock dummy
[X] Decrypt memory file (only got time for one)
- [X] File No. 8
- [ ] File No. 9