Girl's Frontline: Wicked Animandum

With the rest of the team was trying to figure out where to go as well as staying on lookout for more pursuing Sangvis units, you took this opportunity to look over and salvage what you could from the deceased Brute unit. One item on the list you were already in possession of, the knife that was thrown at you. Being an SMG focused more on offense, you were able to utilize your speed not only to evade, but to counter. Had the unit not been struck down by Specter, it's head would've already been impaled by the knife it sent your way. You look the blade over, it was larger and longer than your typical sharp backup plan, more machete than mere knife, but still sharp enough to deal quite the damage even to dolls, the extended cutting surface actually making said task easier. The addition of handguards made them viable for combating other melee oriented units as well, and it appears to have some form of integrated technology, though what exactly you could not tell. You pick up the second one, and the set was complete, two identical blades now in your possession. Next on the list was something more selfless…

More than equipment superior to that which you have, you need equipment you don't have at all. One of your allies is lacking in footwear, and you plan on correcting that error. As you look upon the Brute however, you notice a problem. The unit's legs were metal through and through, not as much boots as part of the chassis itself. Getting to these would be tricky… the armor itself was quite light, built more to withstand mechanical impact and force than arms fire. In a way, it was similar to your or a HG type's legs stripped bare, aesthetics replaced with battle efficiency. It made them a little heavier, but it appears they make good use of the momentum that comes with it. Beneath the plates it is pretty much a leg without flesh or skin, just doll bones. Joints exposed, coolant flow simplified… suddenly, a thought, a solution to your dilemma had presented itself. You tear off the knee plates, and just two swings at otherwise inaccessible weakpoints later, the two lower limbs were severed in a rather brutal fashion. The alternative was asking AA-12 to tear the legs off, which Gamma severely doubted she'd agree to. Though, it wasn't like this solution didn't gather as much of a reaction from those who noticed the sudden sound of metal slicing metal. You stashed the two blades, hauled the two still dripping legs onto your shoulders, and turned around to see some very confused faces, including the expression of disbelief on AA-12's face. To all this, you respond with a simple…

"What?"

"Heather… you've got a problem."

"No I don't. You've got a problem. A candy problem."

"Oh c'mon, that's just cheap."

"But it's true."

"Well, don't expect me to carry the weight of your problem."

[ ] "Shame, I was hoping we could help with each other's problems as usual. Guess I'm carrying all this sugar for nothing."
[X] "Fair enough. Let's go."
[ ] "If only you weren't my subordinate, that statement might've been true. Take the left leg."
[ ] Write-in

"Uugh, who cares? We need to go already!" said a somewhat frustrated Specter, clearly unhappy with how things have turned out "Look, we approached from over there, right? That means…"

"Um, Spe-"

"And looking at the position of the nearest mountain, and the wind direction…"

"Um, Ms… Ms Spect-"

"Also, comparing the jamming field's strength from before and now…"

"Specter M4!"

"What?!" she exclaimed in response to all the attempted interruptions, facing her teammates. You were all looking her way, or rather, staring… though, should you be staring? That certainly is a question someone should be asking, because…

"Your bra strap…"

"...!?!?!?"

Realization kicked in, color drained from her face as she looked down, flaring to a peach red in record time as she attempted to cover herself up again. It appears the blade had not missed her completely...

"AH! D-DON'T LOOK!"

--- back at base Chordeiles ---

The safe and secure walls of the Griffin base were a welcome sight after that narrow retreat. After you exited the jamming field's range, JS05 reported the situation back to base. A tired Ots-14 expressed a slight frustration and worry about the way things have escalated due to the team's taken action, but was willing to overlook the fiasco if the gathered data would prove to be useful. The other team was worried too, having returned due to not having ventured too deep like you did.

You were greeted at the entrance by Ots-12 and PSG-1, the former shaking her head lightly.

"Tsk tsk tsk, looks like you weren't sneaky enough. A secret weapon wouldn't have gotten found out like that~"

"Blow it out your nose, Tiss." replied Specter, her top temporarily fixed with a knot, though it still looked a bit out of place which cause the assault rifle to smile more, while the SMG pouted "Did your mission yield as much useful data? I don't think so!"

"My secret mission certainly didn't cost us any. The enemy is still so very unaware~"

Specter sighed "Whatever… where's Groza?"

"Big sis is waiting in the main hall, with the welcoming party." the AR doll has a sly glint in her eye as she says this.

"Seriously? Hah, taste that you dry wood! About time I got some praise."

"Always better than the commander himself… let's go then." commented JS05, pushing the doors open. Ots-12 stepped aside to let you enter. The sunlight from outside was replaced by the artificial light from within, a much cleaner and more civilized environment than the depths of the forest.

"I'm baaaack!" exclaimed the SMG cheerfully the second you got in, arms outstretched as if expecting to be swarmed by a crowd or something. After a few seconds of just standing there like that, she peeked with an eye to see nothing of the like "Huh? Is there no welcoming party?"

"There never was one, Specter." spoke the clear voice of Ots-14, joined only by Benelli at her side. Really not much of a welcoming party. You could feel Ots-12's smug grin through the door, likely imagining the pouty face the SMG is making right now.

"Well, onto important manners…" started Benelli "Whoever has sustained damage is to go to the repair bay immediately. Don't forget to sign your name in the new registry book, time of day and maintenance duration too!"

Part of your group disbanded, some with sighs and some with groans. SPP-1, Specter M4, but also you. Not that you were damaged, but the work bench there was about to become very useful. As you were striding off though…

"Hold on, Veresk." spoke Groza "Are those… T-doll legs?"

You turn around, and can't help but smile slightly as you explain:

[ ] "Didn't want to drain the base's resources, so I found some of my own. Don't worry, it's safe."
[X] "I've noticed SPP-1 was lacking some basic equipment. Thought I'd make her some."
[ ] "Just happened upon a Sangvis that volunteered as spare parts."
[ ] Write-in

"I see you haven't been notified on the matter of Sangvis salvage. I suppose that's our oversight, Area S06 operates on different terms." Groza sighed, perhaps not as well rested as she pretends to be "Ensure that there's nothing to be tracked by SF. The safety of the base is more important than a few additional resources."

With her orders swiftly delivered, you nod and head off to the repair bay. JS05 and AA-12 remained to transfer mission data. You reach your destination shortly after the others have already entered reconstruction. At least you won't be disturbed this way. You walk over to the work bench and dump your loot. A pair of Sangvis Ferri Brute unit legs and its two knives. Quite the haul. In terms of damage and performance, the longer blades are superior to your smaller combat knife, but you'll have to go through the same process of erasing any SF insignia if you want to use them. The legs are another story entirely… There will be a lot of scrap, obviously. You're preparing these for a little Handgun, and not just to spare her the foot pain. These legs are designed for fast traversal, ending like pointy sticks, so removing the filling won't exactly turn them into shoes.

There's a couple ways you could go… keep the pointy shape, giving the wearer a height advantage. Might need some time to adapt though. Another option would be to flatten the bottom surface, give it some rough polish to make it as similar to typical footwear as two armored hunks of metal could. Simple, if a little easy to break into a slide with. If you were to counter that it would be with the third way of adding hooks and spikes to the flat surface, making sure the wearer stay in place when they want to and have an easier way climbing surfaces as well, and it could deliver a mean kick. Every way has its benefits and shortcomings… which one would SPP-1 like most?

[ ] Tall boots.
[X] Flat boots.
[ ] Spiked boots.

--- some time later ---

Sometimes I amaze even myself… that's how Mack used to say it, right? He probably would if he were the one to finish these. You check over them a few more times, confirming they hold at least. Specter and SPP-1 left a while ago, repaired and refreshed. Neither questioned what you were doing, and the repair bay has been pretty quiet since they left, safe for the sound of your tinkering. It's a good thing you were done though, as it allowed you to hear the door open for someone to enter.

"There you are. I've been looking over the whole base for you."

Voiced a somewhat annoyed AA-12, walking on towards you.

"You could've used the Zener network."

"That… oh, um… n-nevermind that. What were you doing here all this time anyway?"

The shotgun looks over your shoulder to see the product of your handiwork. She tilts her head.

"You made these? Geez… your hands are completely stained with coolant."

"What do you think?"

"They look like two soup cans held together by screws and glue. I just hope they're comfortable."

"They should be, I used the old pink blanket to soften the interior."

"Clever."

"By the way…

[ ] … could you get these to SPP-1? I've got some other things to take care of."
[X] … do you know the way to SPP-1's dorm? I'd like to give these to her."
[ ] Write-in