Girl's Frontline: Wicked Animandum

"... nah, sis will definitely be asleep… shame, when she's dreamy she sometimes calls me onee-san."

Tiss kept on musing with a cloudy gaze, even as the trio of her, you and Specter, now dressed were walking through the halls towards the canteen. The base seemed as quiet as always, the dry white walls doing little to fill the emptiness. Without any windows it might've looked depressing even.

"And you're supposed to be the older model…"

Commented Specter, rubbing the back of her neck.

"Someone as secret as me could not be put in such a high position of command and exposure. Sis is better at that. It doesn't in any way denigrate the… yawn… the secret weapon."

"Yeah, a true role model…" the SMG replied, sarcasm reeking in the air.

"Better than those in your magazines. Sis dresses way better, and doesn't need to show as much skin."

"I-It's a matter of perspective! Geez, everyone's a critic these days…"

Being between the two bickering girls wasn't as pleasant as you thought, but it does offer some interesting observations. Almost every argument you've witnessed them have was rather one-sided, Tiss always staying calm and relaxed with her lips often curling upwards, eyes twinkling with every reply. Specter on the other hand always displayed a flurry of emotions, constantly getting something thrown her way to set her off balance. The SMG doesn't even realize this, falling for the AR's tricks many times. And yet they share a room. It is unclear whether it's under Groza's or the commander's orders, and for what reason. Your contemplations come to a halt when you reach the canteen. You enter to see it inhabited more than any other morning so far. And somewhat accurate to your prediction, there were two main tables your fellow T-dolls were sitting at. The green rifle was digging into her meal, her roommate SPP-1 at her side taking much smaller bites out of hers. With then sat Barrett and HK23, both eating quietly but still being part of the conversation. Tiss gave it one look, before choosing another table, one inhabited by M249 saw, PSG-1 and AA-12. If you remember correctly, and judging by the shotgun's messy tired expression, the three are roommates. Less than ideal ones by the looks of it, but if she hasn't requested another room yet it should be fine.

You each got your meals from the food dispenser, a standard energetic breakfast ration, and sat down, AA-12 to your side.

"Good morning, Heather…" said the shotgun, trying not to have her face fall into her meal.

"You look tired."

"It's difficult to sleep in the repair bay, and then there's these two…" she pointed at the resident slacker duo, who didn't seem as sleepy though their movements were still lazy, chins supported by their hands.

"Hey, you keep agreeing to our requests."

"Yeah, it's not our fault you're so helpful and reliable."

The two smile innocently, playing the card together. You can guess what sort of requests they make of AA-12. Though, you wonder just how they have so much candy to spare for every little thing. Unless it's just promises that may just be empty. In that case, you at least have one-upped them in that regard.

"Bright Star, it's good to see you in good condition again." said Ots-12 from your other side.

"Huh? Oh, right, Bright Star, that's me…"

"It's the star-shaped hair pin. It's pretty stylish!" commented Specter.

"Um, thanks, I guess…"

"It fits pretty well with the rest of your outfit. You read fashion magazines too, right? I've heard such expression of bright colors has been popular lately!"

"Uhm…"

"I dunno about the make up though. It makes you look kinda goth, y'know? With the dark eyeshadow your skin looks so pale, plus that messy hair..."

"...? That's not make-up, it's just eyebags…"

"O-oh…"

The SMG scratched her head at the awkward realization, while the other dolls at the table lightly chuckled. AA-12 just looked to the side, trying to avoid any more uncomfortable looks. Tiss wasn't giggling, though she was smiling somewhat smugly at her roommate.

"Cha cha real smooth~"

"U-um, anyway! Yesterday's mission was interesting, right?" she blurted out under pressure, likely to change the subject. Finally, the machine gun perked up.

"Oh, yeah, I heard it was a disaster. Glad I wasn't there."

[ ] "Disaster pretty much sums it up."
[ ] "No-one can really be blamed for what happened."
[ ] "The mission was still a success, and that's what counts."
[X] "I should've known something would explode around me sooner or later."
[ ] Write-in

"Well, things might've gone differently if-"

"PSG-1, don't." interjected the shotgun "She's already staring daggers…"

It didn't take you long to figure out who. It might not be on your back as much as your neighbor's, but there's a doll staring your way from the other table with a pretty noticeable intensity. Though, looking over to Tiss, she seems rather unaffected.

"... by the way, have any of you seen Benelli?"

"I saw some dirty dishes, so she probably already had her breakfast and is preparing the briefing right now."

"I swear if it's encrypted again…"

--- later ---

"It's encrypted again..."

"Hm? Nono! It's a very simple cipher this time! You see…"

Once again, you were gathered in the command room on the order of M1014 Benelli, if a little earlier today. Just like before, you were given documents and instructed to wait until the briefing begins to open them. To the surprise of few, the contents appeared to be incomprehensible again. The shotgun tried to explain, but the annoyed gazes of their comrades were too much to fight off.

"Benelli…" started JS05 "This is why Groza is the commander's adjutant, and not you."

"Hhuh? Hey, that's uncalled for…"

"Poor sis will have to deal with this once she wakes up~"

"J-just listen people!" pleaded the voice of highest authority currently in the room, trying to salvage the situation, though the cheerful and professional attitude from when she was distributing the files was gone. "It really isn't a complex cipher this time! It's-"

"ROT13."

You mouthed, after your eyes had scanned the document long enough to conclude the implied method. She was right, it was a simple cipher. Too simple, you recognized it almost immediately. Columba used to offer encryption services for more sensitive data, the encryption strength and method depended on how much the client was willing to pay. ROT13 could barely be considered a cipher by most, but customers didn't know that so it was an option at a pretty low price. Though, it did not mean that when heaps of cash were presented, the encryption and method were low grade. You carried data that'd take years to bruteforce. Sometimes you performed the encryption yourself, and soon enough "doll encrypted" became an available method some curious clients paid for too. Besides, the E-war module isn't just for show. The company sure knew how to cash in on you…

Your reminiscing was pushed aside once you noticed everyone's gaze on yourself. They soon afterwards took second glances at their own papers. Many of them sighed, including JS05.

"... it really is ROT13… Benelli, do we look like grade schoolers to you?"

"N-no, um... I thought since none of you had been outfitted with special deciphering programs or training, we could start with some very simple codes and work ourselves up. A-and as you can see, this code can be cracked in seconds!"

The dolls thought, as Benelli wasn't really wrong. They can't complain as the documents are actually readable this time, so instead of continuing to argue, they just went back to reading today's tasks. You did too, but you couldn't help but notice the shotgun staring at you from the corner of your eye. She then addressed you.

"You, um, know codes, miss Veresk?"

[ ] "Just a few."
[X] "My old line of work required me to work a lot with ciphers."
[ ] "You could say we dolls live in code."
[ ] "It's one of my strongest weapons."
[ ] Write-in

"I see." smiled Benelli "It's good to see someone with experience in this field. Maybe we could-"

"Huh? Hey, what is this?" your friendly chat was interrupted when the green rifle T-doll had apparently reached a part of the briefing she didn't like "Logistics duty? Seriously?"

"I apologize, but as per Ots-14's orders, JS05, SR-2 Veresk, AA-12 and Ots-12 will remain on base while the rest handle today's patrols. I thought you wanted a break for a while now?"

"... fine, forget it." the rifled dropped her frown, leaving the adjutant be for now. The news surprised you as well. Base personnel always rotated who goes on missions and who stays for guard duty and logistics. Though, the specific lineup of today was definitely no coincidence…

"Be it as it may, if there are no more questions, I believe this concludes our briefing. Please return your documents to me. Today, the commander will check in to see how we're doing, so let's do our best everyone."

--- later ---

"... 5 crates of… unopened… Check. Magazines of… what ammo type is it again?"

"7.62x39mm… I think…"

"You think? C'mon, take a better look."

"I'm a shotgun, not an assault rifle, ugh… yeah, it says so on the side."

"Peh… what about rations?"

"There are more crates on this side. We'll have to count them again!"

"Oh for the love of… hey, Veresk, drop the damn grenades and check the rations."

It's been going on like this for the last couple of minutes now, ever since you entered the warehouse with the task of doing an inventory check and reorganizing the place. JS05 was barking orders and writing everything down, finding the spread out nature of the items irritating. AA-12 helped reach higher places and lift larger items, while the rest of you were putting the things that have been checked where they belong, which basically meant lifting and pushing a lot of crates. Apparently the storage area wasn't always such a big mess, Benelli keeping it almost "too neatly organized" as it was described, but with her new duties as adjutant her focus on the area suffered. More mistakes were made, until SAW and PSG-1 were ordered to tidy the place up a bit. You used to think laziness just leads to stagnation, but these mistakes seem almost deliberate…

"Ugh, and where's that damn Ots-12?!"

"Eheheh~"

You all hear the echo of the all too familiar giggle, and look up to see her peeking over from the highest tower of crates still standing. More than why she's up there, you're wondering how she got up there without it all falling over. JS05 gave one look to her shenanigans, before rubbing her forehead in frustration.

"We're not getting anywhere like this…"

She placed the datapad she was writing the inventory on to the side, taking a seat. Until yesterday, you have only seen her be a cool and easy going character, professional but never too serious. The recent events have no doubt pushed her into this disarray.

"Shit's just getting more difficult… can't even take risks while Sangvis are getting stronger each day…" she mutters "Whole week's been a mess… now I'm sitting here, wasting energy… can't even remember the last time I trained… train… that's it!"

Suddenly with a snap, the green rifle almost jumps back onto her feet, reinvigorated and getting the attention of everyone around her.

"Let's spar! CQC, get rid of our frustrations! Then we can work with clearer heads."

You, Ots-12 and even AA-12 give her an odd look. It was rather sudden, especially the energy with which she said it, like it's another person speaking. From high above, Tiss couldn't help but smirk.

"Did Jade Lily hit her head?"

"Ugh, c'mon guys, it's something a friend of mine used to do when there were tensions in our squad. I hate to admit it, but it worked. And right now... we need to settle things between us anyway, or this won't just go away!"

The assault rifle's eyes narrowed. Her words seemed genuine. While there's no guarantee this will work, it could either settle things between you or make things worse. The rifle doll didn't seem to challenge a specific one of you, so the spar is free for anyone to accept or refuse. Maybe someone just needs to be encouraged… but if she heard about your travels and how you beat up a whole bar of opponents, why would a ranged combatant like her even consider challenging you?

[ ] "I'll take this dance."
[ ] "AA-12, your CQC skills could use some work."
[ ] "Tiss, show us your secret techniques!"
[ ] "I don't think this is a good idea…"
[X] Write-in: "I'll be leaving to keep an eye out for anyone coming. It would ruin my day if we got caught skiving off."

"That's… probably a good idea." remarked JS05. You picked your butt off the crate you were sitting on, landing on your feet gracefully. As you made your way to the warehouse exit, JS05 keeps trying to push her idea.

"What about you AA-12? When was the last time you had a spar?"

"Me? Geez, I'd rather die. An elite model like me is beyond something so barbaric. I've got a gun."

"Really? And what do you do once you're out of ammo?"

"I'll reload."

"... fair enough."

It seems that all those fights you pulled AA-12 into did nothing for her relationship with the close and physical. While she has no love for the use of fists and melee weaponry, her shotgun strength and programming have so far been enough to deal with any such situations she has been thrust into. Sufficient crutches, one might say. But as long as you're around to help out, she should be fine… hopefully. You don't pressure her, and neither does JS05, so she turns to the last person who hasn't declined her challenge yet.

"Guess it's only you left Tiss. C'mon, either I smack the stupid out of you, or you smack the stupid out of me. Simple as that."

You reach the doors, twist the handle and open it to pass through. As you close it behind you, a few low chuckles reach your ears before the door blocks further sounds coming from the warehouse. You stood outside now, where the air was fresh, the sky somewhat clear, and the sun shining gently. At least in this area, as there could easily be heavy rain or even blizzards in the nearest yellow zones. You caught glimpses of some in Area S06 during the past briefings, memorizing them as their locations might prove useful in the future. Operations within them could get rather chaotic…

You lean against the wall of the warehouse, feeling the wind brush against your hair and gently pull on your scarf. Your weapon firmly sits on your lower back. Lately you've been holding it very often. Not at all uncommon for a T-doll, but back in the Columba days you had to keep it hidden a lot more than hold it at the ready or even use it. Though, did anything really change? After all, you're still just trying to deliver a package. And it happened very often that you ran into obstacles you had to solve or work around yourself. Why else would they employ a doll as smart as you? Half the time they didn't even have to send anyone with you. Not surprising they needed you though, considering the sorts of information they were dealing with. There was a lot of protocol on some deliveries, very elaborate passwords, drop-off points or encryption techniques. You were never allowed to even take a peek inside those though, there were rules you could not break, and unlike humans, physically and mentally unable to break. But now, only one such rule remains, and not for long… your day is coming…

B: "It is, Alpha. You'll be free soon enough." Beta let herself known as usual, her soft tone entering the silence gently.

Γ: "If you work for it, that is. But I don't see that day coming if you sit on your ass like this. An outpost a day may sound like progress, but what if Sangvis actually starts fighting back?" the abrupt, negative nature of Gamma soon joined as well. Two opposites, yet always at the same place. Perhaps one just cannot be without the other.

"You two really know when to show up."

B: "Well, it is you who spoke thought of your goal so deeply, with such certainty!"

Γ: "Uncertainty."

Once again, the two make complete opposite contributions.

"I'm starting to think you two cancel each other out a bit too much…"

B: "Well, the Alpha must've had a reason to create us back then, no? I'm sure the reason for this odd combination of conflicting advisors will come to mind in time."

Γ: "Or she was just as clueless back then as she is now. Chief likes to do things without thinking, or good thinking at least."

"There's not much I can do with conflicting statements."

Γ: "You kidding me? There's a lot you can do with conflicting statements. Alone, you've just got one. With us though, you've got 2 more. But that one still remains. You. You're the tie breaker, Alpha."

"But isn't that useless? If my vote is the deciding one, then it doesn't matter if it's the tide breaker or the only one. It wins either way."

Γ: "This is your reasoning though. You're arguing with yourself chief, in more ways than just one. Clearly you don't remember enough yet…"

B: "Perhaps… the Alpha is just growing in a different direction. With the rate she's remembering things and gaining new experiences… the final product may be different?"

Γ: "Huh? Did you just disagree with me Beta?"

B: "Oh, silly Beta, all my statements must agree with the Alpha of course!"

Γ: "So it's just the chief that disagrees, again. Guess that just means I'm doing my job right."

The way these two talk, you can't decide whether this is a conversation or just your thoughts playing pretend in a creative manner. Unlike all the other things you remember from your time in Columba and on your own before your capture, the voices in your head are more difficult to adjust to. Perhaps it's because they're not all together yet? They certainly don't feel new, and when you were walking within the scape of your digimind, it only felt empty if anything. But will you be able to handle more? How many did you have before they were locked away? How many can you handle?

"Greetings, miss Veresk."

…!

Your gaze snapped away from the hazy sky to the source of the voice. Your eyes adjust to spot Benelli approaching. The mental debate is pushed away immediately, Beta and Gamma retreating to the back of your digimind to not distract you any further. After all, you were too deep in thought to even notice her approach until it was too late, and you were supposed to be keeping an eye out.

"Hello, Benelli."

Keeping calm and professional, you don't let any more hints of your incompetence slip. However, the shotgun tilts her head slightly, her heterochromic eyes looking at you questionably.

"Weren't you supposed to be taking care of inventory?"

[ ] "We are! I'm just… checking if there's anything outside the warehouse. Like… um… crates! Crates of… stuff..."
[X] "We're just taking a little break. Had to move a lot of crates, and these small hands can only do so much, y'know?"
[ ] "Oh Benelli, it's always work work work with you. Your hair might go gray at this rate, and you won't look so cute anymore~"
[ ] "Actually, I was about to call you because of a slight development. You see…"
[ ] Write-in

"Hyah!"

The conversation was cut short as both your gazes were quickly pointed towards a sudden crashing noise coming from the door. It was torn open, and out of the warehouse flew a T-doll, her long silver braid trailing after her as she landed face first into the dirt, sliding for a few meters. It seems the purple stars escaped her pupils and were now metaphorically swirling around her head, laying on the ground with a silly expression. In the door frame stood a triumphant JS05, smiling proudly and laughing heartily. Though she wasn't without scratch either, as her grin was accompanied by light marks and bruises.

"Hah! You're not so difficult to read now, huh?"

"Uuuu… the secret weapon… has been defeated…"

"Yup, should've seen this coming…" you muttered, shaking your head lightly.

"W-what's going on here?!" asked the shotgun in shock, eyes wide and worried. The rifle's smile vanished, along with the pride she felt just moments ago.

"O-oh, Benelli! We were just… um, sparring…"

"Sparring? But that is only allowed in simulations within pre-registered sessions, and only as a means of strengthening teamwork!"

"This was with the intention of better teamwork! Just… well, indirectly…"

"How can you say that? You've just kicked Ots-12 through a door!"

The rifle rubbed the back of her neck in an awkward manner. Unlike yesterday where she was rather defensive and steadfast against any sort of accusation, this time she behaved differently. Is it because Benelli is a superior, or because she realizes this might've been a dumb idea? You're not entirely sure, but it's interesting to see regardless. In the meantime, Benelli turns her attention to Tiss. Trying not to look at her exposed secret undergarments~

"Ots-12, are you hurt?!"

"The only thing that hurts… is my pride…"

"That'll heal." you comment with a sly smile.

"And where is AA-12?"

"Oh, she's back there snoozing off I think."

"... so none of you are working?"

…

The three of you wait in silence, answering that way. No excuses this time, you had a clear task and all of you got caught slacking off. Not that you regret it, Tiss looks pretty cute, ass up and face down on the ground like that. But now it's time to face the consequences. You can only wait for the scolding and punishment the base adjutant is about to give you.

"... Please, refrain from skiving any further, especially today. The base and it's personnel must be in top condition. Please, Veresk and AA-12, return to your work at once, we must have all resources accounted for so the commander can see. As for you two…"

"Are we going to be sent to the brig"

"Oh, Ots-14 gave me specific instructions should something like this happen. Ots-12, you'll accompany me in filing out combat reports, encrypted ones. while Miss JS05 will be on restroom cleaning duty."

"E-Eeeeeh?!"
"Uuuuuu..."

--- later ---

Zzzzzzzz…

"AA-12?"

Zzzzzzz…

"AA-12~ You better wake up, or a bad SMG is gonna put her hand on your frame~" And your mind too, again~

"... hu… whah? H-heather?"

"Rise and shine, sleepy head."

"Uh… how long was I asleep?"

[ ] "Only a few minutes."
[ ] "Around an hour, I dunno, I'm not your alarm clock."
[ ] "Long enough, now up and at em."
[ ] "A few hours, give or take. You're a real slacker~" (Lie)
[ ] "I wasn't keeping track, was too busy watching your cute dreamy face~"
[X] Write-in: Make a hurt face, touch her cheek "I've missed you so much '12', it's been over a century since we last spoke when the 5L3P virus infected you." Jump-hug AA-12 "But its fine now that you're with me again!"

"H-hey, cut it out… where are the others?"

"They got caught."

"Huh?"

AA-12 perked up from her lying position, having made herself a bed of crates and backpacks. You yourself were sitting on a slightly taller crate next to her, having a slight height advantage. Though close, it was less invasive than Tiss' morning call. Even if you wanted to replicate it~

"Benelli showed up, just in time to witness Tiss getting kicked through the door."

"No shit?"

"Yeah. She took them off to do some other work. Which means we gotta finish the inventory by ourselves."

"You serious?! Ugh, idiots…" muttered the shotgun, picking herself off of her resting place "I knew such neanderthalic trials would only end badly…"

"By the way, before she left, Benelli told me that the commander will want to speak with us himself. Something about verifying his assets, since we're new here."

"This day just keeps getting worse… I hate talking to commanders. They're always so prim, proper and strict... ugh, makes me sick..."

[ ] "Just let me talk, no need for you to get sick."
[ ] "We'll need to back each other up in there, or we might get split up."
[ ] "As long as we say as little as possible, we should be good."
[ ] "This commander doesn't seem to like his dolls all that much… if we annoy him, he might just ignore us."
[X] Write-in: "We'll need to support each other in there, and make sure our stories line up."