Girl's Frontline: Wicked Animandum

"... I suppose that is only fair."

Groza nods, and twists the key. The mechanism within shifts and turns, and with an audible clack, the door opens. Now there is no longer any barrier between you, Groza, and freedom from this cell. Well, at least no physical barrier. She stands for a moment, as if to confirm you won't just push her away and run off on your own. She then lets you exit, closing the cell again behind you.

"Well then, let's get you your belongings back. Wouldn't want anyone else to see you in your sporty dandies."

Right, of course, it almost slipped your mind. Not only was your entire inventory taken from you, but the shirt off your back as well. But it's not like you're body-shy.

You followed Ots-14 through the hallways, the pitter patter of your bare feet a contrast to the clicking of her heels, but you were both very quiet. Only populated parts of the base were actually lit up, so the dark did well to keep you hidden. And your guide knew what paths to take to avoid her comrades. She checked back on you frequently, making sure you're not lagging behind, visible urgency in her steps. You agreed to her demands, so you're sticking to her. A deal is a deal.

Finally, you reached the armory. All your gear was sitting on a single table, topped off by a label saying "evidence". No doubt the commander thinks he could further incriminate you with the SF gear you scavenged, even if you removed all insignia and searched it for trackers. Admittedly, this isn't the usual inventory of a Griffin doll, some of the items possibly being considered contraband in other sectors. But if they're willing to listen, they may realize it's all justified. After all, who doesn't keep 5 knives on them at all times? 6 if you count your sharp tongue.

"They haven't tampered with everything, so it's all still functional. Get dressed, I'll keep lookout. Resupply on grenades and ammo if you need to."

You nodded to her with a smile and a sparkle in your eye. How could you possibly refuse such an offer? More ammo and grenades is always welcome~

You hide your petite body once again within your classy attire and mysterious cloak, putting everything where it needs to be. You decide to add a little upgrade to your appearance, using the hairpin you acquired from Ouroboros during your last date to tie up your ponytail. Should definitely add some charm for your next encounter.

Hidden knife in your boot, machetes and grenades on your belt, ammo pouches filled to the brim, and of course, your firearm. It really was untampered with, which saved someone a serious beating. It is very rude to just lay one's hand on a doll's frame like that, after all.

You noticed that among your things was also the detonator that landed you into this mess, still functional. You keep it, along with the explosive charge from Tiss. As well as the flare gun, though she may actually want that one back later.

Though, someone helped themselves to some of your stashed food. So much for "no touching the evidence", but you can live without some honey and a few of your rations. Besides, Groza is letting you resupply.

[acquired: 6 magazines, 1 frag grenade, 2 stun grenades, 2 incendiary grenades, 1 flare gun, 3 flares (ammo)]

Finally, everything seems to be sitting where it needs to be… except for one thing. You picked the table clean, checked your pockets, but you cannot find it anywhere. Even worse, it's the most important thing you had on your person. The package.

"Where is it…?" you ask yourself, even checking under the table. Why would it be the only thing missing…?

"The commander has it in his personal quarters." said Groza, seeing you're geared up "I don't know what's inside it, but that level of encryption is like nothing I've ever seen before. I don't think even the hacking crew is going to crack it in any less than a year." she explained. Though, the part that mattered to you is that it's not here. This mission critical item is not in your possession.

"I can't finish my objective without it." you say firmly.

"I know." Groza replied, speaking like she planned for this "And I know you will do anything to get it back, since that is your objective. So, I am offering you a deal, Veresk. Rescue them, and I assure you that I will give you the storage device back in pristine condition, even if it'll cost me my position within this base."

"Really? This condition seems a little out of the blue, Groza…" you say, crossing your arms "I thought we agreed to trust each other?"

"We are. I trust you to keep your end of the bargain, and you trust me to keep mine." she answered with a straight face. You suppose you can't argue with her logic. She's got a bargaining chip, so why ditch it? You know how business like this goes, you've seen it happen many times in your old occupation. It's not being cruel, it's just keeping all players invested.

"Well, sometimes, try as we might… we don't always get what we want." you keep the implications of your words obvious. The chance that you'll keep your end of the bargain isn't only a matter of commitment.

"I understand. But all I want you to do is try. Besides, not like you can do anything with it until Area S06 is reclaimed."

"... fair enough~" you shrug. It's not an ideal scenario, but it's something. Better than sitting in your cell by yourself. And you can't blame Groza for having an insurance policy. After all, if you really were an SF spy or something, she might've doomed the entire sector to save two dolls. This way, things at least cannot get worse than they would get without her interference.

Also, you've had worse deals.

"Anyway, now to take care of the part that'll keep both of us above water. I'll give you access to the base's network, so you can do your thing."

Now that's more like it. You crack your virtual fingers, getting to work on setting up the blackmail scenario. However, there's one last thing that needs to be settled, its importance staying your hand for a moment.

"What about AA-12?"

"... if the blackmail is successful, the commander won't touch her, and she'll remain clueless as to your activities." the assault rifle crossed her arms, looking to the side "It… will be safer for her to remain here. It would arouse too much suspicion if she were to suddenly disappear before the operation. You have my word I'll keep her safe."

"I pulled that poor cutie into a lot of stuff…" you admit.

"Most of it was willing, even if she doesn't like to show it." she comments "Anything you'd like me to tell her for you?"

"... tell her…"

[ ] "She's stronger than she knows."
[X] "I'll be back soon, so she should wait for me."
[ ] "I'll pay her back tenfold once I return."
[ ] "That... I'm sorry."
[ ] "... nah, nothing."
[ ] Write-in

--- later ---

The sun has already started settling behind the mountains, and nightfall is upon you. Only a faint orange hue illuminates the forest now, the base a distance behind you. Everything went as planned. It was simple, just how you expected it to be. You have created an email within the base's network, and sent it to a specific address, making sure to leave behind a notification that something was sent out. Then, you recorded a message for the dear commander, in which you presented the cards in a comprehensible manner that even he could understand. You said that you sent an email containing evidence of all of his treacherous activity, and sent it to those above you, meaning his whole career is currently balancing on a very thin plank. Fortunately for him, he just needs to keep his mouth shut and cover up for their asset - that being you - and nobody will learn of his misbehaviour. Of course, this is all a game of deception. The email you sent was empty, the account you sent it to is non-existent, and there's nobody above you. But knowing people like him, he'll swallow it all up and then some. Your only hope is that nobody will get suspicious of him, since he now has to make an excuse for your sudden disappearance under his supervision.

Eh, his problem, not yours.

[ ] You left him with a frequency to contact you over, should any developments arise.
[X] You said you'll be in touch if you'll require more of his… co-operation.

Groza gave you the last coordinates of your two targets, Benelli and Barrett. You either return with them, or with proof of their demise. If you could recover their memory modules, it'll be as if they never died in the first place… if Sangvis Ferri didn't get to them first.

With your pockets full and covered by the shade of a solo assignment, you venture through the forest, alone. Like a few weeks ago, before the fateful day of your capture… what shitty timing.

You're well clear of the base now, but you can't shake the feeling of being watched. You had it in the base already, but you thought it was just Groza's watchful gaze. Now you feel it even outside, and it's… familiar?

You stop in your tracks, and turn around.

"... c'mon, I know you're there~"

…

Suddenly, you hear the footsteps you were so unsure of much more audibly now, as your stalker reveals herself from behind one of the nearby trees.

"How unfortunate, the secret weapon has been spotted~"

"You can't escape these eyes~" you winked "Though, you probably let me spot you, didn't you?"

"Hehe~ Maybe… maybe I just got sloppy. Who knows?"

The two of you share a short laugh, but then you cross your hands as you address the issue presented with her presence here.

"Listen, Tiss, how about you just go back to base? I'm-"

"Nu-uh." Tiss shakes her head "Sis sent you out on a secret rescue mission, right? You're gonna need the secret weapon's support for that!"

"It's a bit more than just a secret mission. I'm afraid the parameters are set in stone."

The assault rifle's face turned into a pout. "No fair!" she stood her ground, blocking your path.

"C'mon Tiss, don't you think Groza would've put you in charge of a super secret mission worthy of the secret weapon?~" you try to argue, but the pout from her face doesn't disappear completely.

"... sis doesn't like putting me in charge anymore. Not since I screwed up back then." her tone is a bit softer this time, unlike the pouty child from a moment ago. You inquire.

"You think she doesn't trust you anymore?"

"Sis thinks she knows how I tick now. But you're not supposed to know that, I'm a secret weapon after all! So I wanna join this secret mission, then she'll see how unpredictable I am when we bring Angel Beam and Soaring Wings back!" she says with clear determination in her voice, her eyes sparkling. Ots-12 really wants to help you. Listening to her proposal, you admit that she would be a lot of help. She is one of the two stealthiest dolls on the base, if not the stealthiest you've ever met. But it would also present some risk. Besides, who knows how her sister would react to you letting her tag along...

"Come on, Heather. They'll never see us coming!"

[X] Take Tiss along.
[ ] Leave Tiss at the base.

Smugmachine, now with updated trophies donations from friendly Sangvis comrades!

So, it's still not update time yet, but in the meantime I have a little surprise for y'all. A really pretty surprise. V's adventures in the 2D realm continue with this brand new piece of art~
In addition, you may have noticed that the informational threadmarks have been split into media and apocrypha. The former will be for videos and art like this one, and the latter will be for typical written omakes and other stuff (still very appreciated and encouraged!) so feel free to dive through them again. Who knows, you might stumble onto something you've missed or forgotten ^^

"Well… since you're doing those puppy eyes~"

It was barely an exaggeration, Tiss made big eyes, the stars within them shining with excitement. How could you not take her along? She's like a small pup following you, how could you turn such a cutie away? She cheered.

"Wise decision, Lilac Prowler!"

"But keep in mind, I'll be in charge of this mission. You're now part of my squad, got that?"

"Aye aye, squad leader~"

She agreed without any protest. Either she really trusts you, or you're about to see how accurate the claims of her unwieldiness are.

"Well, now that there's two of us, maybe we should stock up on-"

"Already done~"

She temporarily turns her back to you, showing off a backpack likely filled with supplies. She's resourceful, you give her that. She always had something in her pockets that turned out to be of use.

"Alright then, Tiss." you pat her on the back as you pass her by (her head is a little too high for a pat) taking point "Let's go then, on a secret adventure~"

--- later ---

You've only had a few missions here, but you already feel accustomed to the environment. European forests are largely similar, be there snow or not. Too bad it's mostly in the evening. All the trees look ever more the same in dimmer light. You periodically looked back to check whether Tiss is still following you, which she was. You keep your eyes peeled, since you know that when she spots something, she doesn't necessarily end up telling you, since she likes her secrets. It's fair, you've got your own too. Makes you wonder how much she knows about your situation and your deal with Groza, since she hasn't asked about any such details yet. At least you know that she won't suddenly send calls to base, since you're the squad leader and protocol dictates that she should ask first, unless it's an emergency.

Besides, once you reach the zone of Sangvis influence, neither of you will be sending out any signals. Griffin has gained a lot of ground, thanks to your efforts.

You first stop was the last spot where Benelli left any sort of recognizable signal trace, followed by her disappearance off the grid. You asked Tiss whether she remembered the path, but she said she wasn't with the original rescue squad. But you still have the travel data, and can see that the shotgun has made quite a B-line away from it. You reach a bit of a rocky area of the forest, fallen trees and a lot more openings for the disappearing sun to shine through. Your tracking systems bleep a few times. This is the place.

"Looks like there was a fight…" you observe, seeing splintered wood, scorched ground and shattered rock.

"Soaring Wings might seem gentle, but she'd never go down without a fight." Ots-12 commented. The two of you started observing the scene, hoping to pick up a trail. You saw her frown a few times.

"This doesn't seem like typical behavior for her?"

"She always stuck to protocol." explained Tiss "She would call in ten times before doing anything. As long as she would follow rules, she wouldn't mess up, she thinks…"

"Is there a rule for encrypting mission briefings?"

"No." she chuckled "Though, she knew how to keep things secret."

As you converse, you stumble upon some metal pieces. T-doll scrap. Upon further examination, the color and material seems to suggest they're of Sangvis origin. And they're not rusty or dusty, so it might not be too old. She must've fought them off…

"Groza said she just broke off from the main squad. That doesn't sound like anything I've seen or heard of her."

"Same." replied the assault rifle "She would've at least taken somebody with her. This is completely against protocol… next we'll see her soaring through the sky." she joked.

"Right. She's afraid of heights, isn't she?~" you remembered the few times she accidentally looked out the window, her flustered face every time people witnessed her yelp and recoil. You hope her room isn't on the upper floors of the base.

"Shhh! That's supposed to be a secret!" hushed Tiss, pressing a finger against her lips "You'll have to ask her about that when we find her."

[ ] "If we find her."
[X] "I'll definitely want to hear all about it from her~"
[ ] "C'mon, am I not secret enough?~"
[ ] Write-in

Eventually, you found something reminiscent of a trail. Footsteps, at least 4 units, though it's hard to tell, with marks of something being dragged messing up the consistency. Either way, it was rather visible on the forest floor. You call Tiss over, preparing to set out.

--- later ---

The trail led you straight into Sangvis territory, though you entered the range of their jammers much earlier than expected. It seems they're expanding much faster now, trying to make up for lost ground. Even Tiss commented on the speed and size of the jamming field, mentioning how it used to be smaller.

Either way, you continued onwards. If nothing else, they will certainly not expect you to strike here and now. You might not be able to get support from the base, but at least you're completely hidden now.

"Air is clear from 12 to 3 o'clock."

"Same with 9 to 12. Let's move."

Since you're in uncharted territory now, and the sun has finally kissed you goodbye behind the mountains, you must take care. Your prime advantage is the element of surprise, and Tiss especially wouldn't want to lose that. Thankfully, she's a stealth expert as much as she's a night operations expert.

Oddly enough, you aren't running into any patrols, nor are you picking up any hostile movements. It was odd, considering how far out Benelli was fighting them, and how deep in there's not even a sight of them. Are they so confident no-one would come for her? And then there's also the matter of Barrett. Perhaps one may be connected to the other, and by finding the shotgun you'll get closer to the rifle. Either way, you keep following the only lead you have, the trail.

Finally, you reach something. You saw the light from a distance already, and approached it by running from cover to cover. Sangvis Ferri seems to have set up an encampment, and it may house a signal bouncer.

Usually, assaulting an encampment as only two dolls might be a bit of a tall order, but as you get closer to observe, you notice it's not all that big. Or rather, it's not very finished. It's not built around any pre-existing structures, just a small forest clearing that offered unrestricted access to the sky. A few riot walls and crates of supplies, but nothing other than that. There were units standing by, rippers and vespids, as well as a few of those small dinergates. One in particular was interfacing with some terminal, hooked up to a very large device. By the satellite dish on top, you can only assume it's a signal bouncer, but a rather new design, with additional compartments. Perhaps a quick-deploy unit, housing necessary outpost facilities inside of itself for easy set-up, though you're not entirely sure. It looks like you found an outpost in the making.

"There's awfully few for them for such a secret encampment…" remarked Tiss.

You keep observing, taking everything you can into account, drawing on your experience from the other outposts. "Doesn't look like there's enough supplies to set up proper defenses… half of the forces stationed here might've split to get resources and bring them back."

"Which means… they could not be any more vulnerable to a secret attack right now." suggested Ots-12, her eyes sparkling.

"One I'll have to approve first." you replied, which caused her to pout a tiny bit. However, she was right. There probably won't be a better chance than this. They're all preoccupied with setting up the base structure, so an attack from two different flanks should leave them confused long enough for you to take them all out.

"Alright then, let's catch them with their panties down~" you said, invoking a smug look from your companion that almost rivaled your own. You split up, and told her to wait for your signal. Now, from two different sides of the enemy, you prepare your weapon. Magazine is full, spares on hand. If this goes well, you won't need to use your grenades. You take aim, focusing on those holding their weapons and most able to respond to the attack quickly. After that come the dinergates, even if they charge at you mercilessly, they're a lesser threat than those who can shoot you from wherever they stand.

3… 2… 1… BANG!

BANG! BANG!

Barely a second after bullets left the barrel of your gun, you hear gunfire on the other side as well. Tiss is clearly very keen on executing secret strategies without flaw. The two of you mow down the opposition like lawnmowers, even those too quick for a headshot standing no chance against a fully automatic burst to their system. Rippers and vespids fell, and dinergates dropped at your feet, shot to bits. The whole encampment was cleared out, taking a magazine from each of you.

You met in the middle with Tiss, who walked with a bit of a wobble. You ask her if she got hit.

"Just a dinergate got a little too close. Don't worry, barely a percentage of my secret integrity." she explained.

"Aww, they seem like you~" you teased.

"Didn't they almost drown you once?" she teased back. You shrugged.

"Still cute though." you admit.

"True." she agrees.

With the infiltration officially complete, the two of you turn towards the signal bouncer again. Now that you're so close, you can really see the differences. It's much bigger, looking almost like a capsule, likely to keep the inner components hidden and safe. The antennae and satellite dish appear much bigger and stronger too. For the moment, this confuses you. If this is a quick-deploy variant, why does it appear stronger and more advanced?

"Doesn't look like a bouncer… the previous ones all looked the same. This one looks different…"

"You think it's a newer model?" you ask, but the assault rifle shakes her head. She looks towards you, her eyes for once doming a shade of seriousness.

"Heather, I think this is an actual jammer." she replied. The suggestion surprised you.

"This far out? You sure?" you questioned. After all, that's a pretty high claim.

"Angel Beam and Jellyfish were stationed near the ruined city to keep an eye on Sangvis activity. Before being ambushed, they sent back visual footage of them recovering the jammer we destroyed from the ruins. It looked similar to this one."

The explanation made sense. You were in a cell, so obviously you didn't have access to that new information. So that's why SPP-1 and Barrett were stationed out there in the first place. And they almost lost their lives for this data.

"Heather, nobody has been this close to an intact jammer before. We must lay the enemy's secrets bare, and compile data!" she said "And of course, shut this thing down."

You nod. Sangvis Ferri has made a great error, and you're about to expose their main weapon in-use within Area S06. With this data, G&K will be able to create countermeasures or maybe even completely nullify the effects of the jamming. You approach the console, the unit that was interacting with it laying on the ground. Not interfacing was required, so you could safely tap away at its surface. A lot of the controls were locked, requiring higher authorization, though it seemed that accessing those would be unnecessary as the whole process of priming and assimilation was automated… priming and assimilation? Those are odd functions to find on a screen, but you instead look for functions you have access to. There is an option to "open the pod" and you promptly do so.

With a loud sizzling sound, the jammer's shell starts opening. Cold mist escapes its confines, likely a cooling mechanism. But as soon as you recognize the object inside, you reach out with your hands to catch the falling figure, everything else becoming a secondary concern.

She was cold to the touch, pale, her clothes in tatters. Her hair was turning into an ash-like grey, only few traces of the once smoky brown hues remaining. Somehow her shields remained, but they were folded, like they were just hanging off her back limp. Tiss looked on in horror at the figure that fell into your arms.

"B-benelli?!"

There was barely any response on her pale face, except for the faint movement of her eyes and mouth. Almost like she's too weak to even move, slowly her eyelids move to reveal a pained, red gaze. The once heterochromic eyes were now both red, almost glowing. Upon closer inspection, it was a never ending barrage of error signs that almost obstructed her vision. Almost like the inside was even worse off than the outside.

"... T-tiss…? Veresk…?"

She speaks as she finally recognizes your face. Oddly, she smiled, even though her voice was weak. She coughed before speaking again.

"I… r-really screwed up this time… huh?"

"Just hold on, Soaring Wings…" said Tiss, crouching down and rummaging through her bag "We'll patch you up, and then bring you straight back to ba-"

"No." was the single word the shotgun replied with, reaching out to grasp Ots-12's wrist. You could tell it was a weak grip, but it stopped her anyway. "I can't… there's no coming back from this…"

"What are you talking about?"

"P… parapluie…" she coughed, more of the cool steam escaping her system "A Sangvis virus… it's unlike anything we've ever encountered before…"

The second you heard the word virus, technological virus, you were half-prepping yourself for some interfacing. "Listen Benelli, I have an E-war module, I can-"

"N-no!" she interrupted once again "The virus… it overwrites your base functions, your core programming, your entire digimind…"

"How did you catch it?"

"I think it was on our first operation together… I interacted with the console, before Ouroboros appeared. It was just a little… I thought it was safe…"

You listen to her intently. Being a E-war equipped doll, you know a thing or two about viruses, especially the kind that attack autonomous dolls. If the virus really did infect her that long ago, then it means it is smart enough to hide and spread its influence until just the right moment…

"Is this why you stayed behind?"

She coughed again, as if trying to laugh at her own sorry state. "Hah, foolish… wasn't it? I thought I was… following my gut? Is that how you said it?" she said as she looked straight at you, past all the red clouding her eyes. "Then… SF caught me and dragged me here. I couldn't even find M82A1… what a pitiful excuse of an adjutant I am…"

For a virus to be able to do that, remain dormant and undetectable until the right moment, then completely start taking over a T-doll's system… it must be unbelievably smart and powerful. Trying to interface with Benelli right now… might just be a death sentence.

"There's nothing that can be done, especially this far into infection, I'd doom the entire base… now I'm little more than SF's puppet…"

"You're a T-doll of Griffin, and a comrade. There must be something that we can do!" protested Tiss.

"There is… one thing you could do…" the infected doll gazed up into the sky "Those SF jammers… they use elite Griffin T-dolls infected with parapluie… it amplifies a passive signal jamming field that the virus forces us to passively send out. The only way… to completely disable the jamming… is to eliminate the infected doll."

Her words linger in the air. You look at the capsule, the SF jamming device. It explains why they're so few, so valuable, and why no-one has ever seen one before. This horrifying revelation has left you stunned, as well as the action you must now take.

"Benelli, I-"

"Please, Veresk…" she speaks, and you do not object "Please… take my wings. Those wings I was always too afraid… to see if I could fly… may you reach the sky with them. Thank you, teaching me… to follow my gut."

[ ] "But I led you to your death!"
[ ] "Your sacrifice will be remembered, comrade."
[ ] "You will not have died in vain. We'll make them pay."
[ ] "Goodbye, Benelli. If the next M1014 will be even half as courageous as you were… I'd welcome her by my side."
[X] Write-in: "Glad I could teach you something, Benelli."

"M82A1 is still out there… they have captured her too, and she's likely inside one of the last jammers remaining in Area S06… please, Veresk… miss Heather… promise me you'll set her free, as will be done with me..."

Even in the face of death, she remains strong, holding back her tears. What you need to do now is simple, but could not be more difficult… but it must be done. Either by you, or Tiss. Benelli wants to be freed of the virus plaguing her system, and the only thing to set her free is a bullet. Trying to purge her system of the virus is a death sentence, and your orders deem it too high of a risk to even attempt. Besides… This is her last wish.
The question is... can you kill a fellow T-doll in arms?

[ ] "I can't…"
[ ] "... I'll do it."
[X] Write-in: "C'mon, let's not get ahead of ourselves. You might be able to keep your wings yet."