"I know, I know. We're both in a tough place…" said the shotgun, sighing "I'll have your back, but you better have mine too."
"Wouldn't have it any other way."
"Good… now let's get these crates sorted out. You'd think this is where they store the snacks…"
--- later that day ---
Once again, the wheels of time were turning. The warehouse has been left in a very neat and accessible state. Inventory work was nothing new to you, so you handled it well while AA-12 did the heavy lifting. You had to treat her with a bit of sugar on lunch as compensation. The sugar did well to ease her nerves, being worried about the commander's checkup. And now, finally you were standing in the command room, half of the base's staff gathered here. Patrols were done for today, and everyone returned safe and sound, along with information crucial for tonight's operations. The sun was hanging lower with it's orange glow, night slowly approaching. This of course meant that even Groza was present, the doll that stands between the commander's authority and you.
"Establishing connection…"
With you stood the loyal M82A1 Barrett and the close Ots-12. Neither seemed particularly eager for the event to come. AA-12 nervously fiddled in place beside you.
"Is it really such a big deal? When was the last time the commander called?"
"Approximately 4 days ago." replied the tall rifle to the shotguns inquiry "While he's way, he doesn't find it necessary to check in every day unless we declare an emergency."
"What's he doing anyway? To be away for so long and leaving a doll in charge, I didn't even know Griffin allows that."
"He is away on diplomatic assignments, acting as a spokesperson and representative. During his service he has gained a few liberties. No doubt he will have to return eventually, but for now he has his pardons."
"A base without a commander, would be nice if it'd stay like this…"
"Lil' sis does make a nice commander." chimed in Tiss.
After a while, the large screen flared up with the text "connection established" and the link was made. Everyone perked up, including Benelli and Groza. The latter spoke first.
"Greetings, Commander Heringer. It's good to see you aga-"
"Ots-14, skip the greeting protocol."
"Of course."
The voice was strict and straightforward, though not in a tone speaking of discipline and control, but of impatience rather.
"Send me the base resource report, as well as the patrol findings. I'll be taking over operations for tonight."
"Sir?"
"Operations. I'll be taking them over. This line will stay on until tonight's mission is finished. Is that understandable input?"
"Yes, sir."
"And what's with the video feed? Get it working already."
"O-on it, sir." says Benelli, trying her best behind the console, a little distressed. The commander's voice sighed.
"Why couldn't they just give me actual people…" he coughed a few times "Pointlessly programming faults into you… just fix the damn connection."
"Video feed is being re-established... I apologize, Sangvis interference was getting in the way."
"It won't be for long." he commented, the screen starting to display a messy image that was slowly getting clearer as the shotgun was fine tuning the signal "But first, show me the new dolls. What were their names again? SR-something…"
That's your cue. He probably isn't expecting an introduction, he just wants to see who you are. You believe yourself to look presentable, you're in top condition and your attire is practical. You look at AA-12, though, the moment she heard the commander's voice it's like she froze. Dolls usually don't shiver, but you can tell her digimind is in panic mode. You know she doesn't like talking to commanders, but what triggered this reaction? You look back at the screen, the video feed now clear and visible. On it is the face of a man, likely in his late twenties, brown gaze seething in a wide eyed stare. It's difficult to tell who someone's looking at through a video feed, but you have a feeling it's not you.
"U-m, g-greetings again, C-commander…"
"...you've got to be kidding me…" the frustration was audible in his voice "Do you have any idea about the trouble I went through to get you transferred under someone else's command? Who thought they could just send a resource sink like you back? Who?!"
Groza attempted to answer that question "She and SR-2 Veresk arrived here on a mission from Area S09, under orders from commander-"
"Well, whoever the commander was, tell him he has a shitty sense of humor and that he can kiss his mission goodbye. I am not having AA-12 transferred under my command again."
"... does that mean I'll be sent back?"
In frustration, the commander slumped his head forward, hands running through the brown locks of his short hair. Without even looking at the camera anymore, he replied.
"... No, I'll be burning helicopter fuel while they'll just send you back here with more ridiculous demands… fuckers think they can push me around? I don't think so…" he rose his head again "Let your commander know that he'll be paying for your accommodation, upkeep and equipment. You'll participate in our operations and once area S06 has been reclaimed, only then, can you resume your damn mission. Afterwards I don't wanna see your face again."
"... u-understood…"
"Ots-14, limit her rations' sugar capacity to the absolute minimum required for her function."
"...?!?!"
"Do you have a problem with that, T-doll?"
"... no sir…"
"The same goes for you." he spoke, finally turning his gaze to you "I don't care what assignment you were sent on, but your primary directive while in Area S06 will be to help reclaim the area, and absolutely nothing else until it is back under Griffin control. Have I made myself clear?"
[ ] "Yes, sir."
[ ] "Whatever you say."
[X] "Orders received."
[ ] Write-in
"Good. Ots-14, prepare the mission data. The rest of you, dismissed."
--- later ---
The sun's orange glow has long since faded, the sky a bleak grey that's turning darker and darker, polluted with clouds of many sizes, dark clouds. Through the forest woods you marched, your destination the furthest one yet which is why you've headed out before total nightfall. The commander's briefing was quick and clear, with no interruptions allowed. The target this time was something of a small town, one the patrols spotted today from a hill. He explained that should this operation be successful, HQ will grant him the assistance of other commanders, mainly forces from Area S09 to help in the reclamation of S06. He was so confident in the success that he already ordered the only T-doll staying behind and having to listen to his nagging, M1014 Benelli, to prepare a new room at the base for reinforcements.
You were split into three echelons, something Ots-14 apparently didn't have authorization to do without his approval. Echelon 1, consisting of you, AA-12, SPP-1 and the commander's adjutant Groza herself, was to perform an assault on one side of the Sangvis stronghold while Echelon 2, formed by M249 SAW, HK23, Ots-12 and Spectre M4, would flank the preoccupied enemy. Added to all that, JS05, PSG-1 and M82A1 Barrett would provide sniper support for both as Echelon 3.
"How much further to the target?" asked the shotgun marching beside you.
"About an hour. We'll be there by total nightfall." replied the squad leader taking point.
"Ugh, this mission's a hike…" she complained, taking out probably her umpteenth lollipop.
"Hey, careful on your reserves." you remind her.
"Damn Commander… this is so unfair…"
"How do you know him anyway?"
"I've been put under his command a while back. He was still stationed in Area S05 at the time. It was a nightmare. I hoped I'd never see him again..."
"I-I don't think we should be speaking ill of the commander…" said the small handgun type. Her voice spoke of worry and concern, but AA-12 wasn't having any of it.
"He's an asshole! He treats us like trash! He didn't even give you shoes! Hell, Heather has been a better boss than Heringer ever was!"
"That's enough." cut the voice of Groza, like a bolt that pinned to conversation to a stop. AA-12 only now realized she had been a little too loud, scaring the short T-doll. Realizing that's likely what the assault rifle was getting at, she stammered out a quick apology.
"If it makes you feel any better, I am not very fond of our commander either. But we do not choose who we must follow into battle. We T-dolls rarely have such a luxury."
"Yeah yeah…" AA-12 mutters, still not at peace with the situation.
[ ] "All things considered, the commander left us off easy."
[ ] "He's an ass, you've got that right."
[ ] "That asshole is our momentary boss. We should be careful."
[ ] "Someone should teach him a lesson in T-doll relations…"
[X] Write-in: "That moron is our commander, for now. Until then we just need to keep our heads low enough. Who knows, maybe in time he'll receive a valuable lesson in human-doll relations."
"I suggest you two keep a low profile in front of the commander. I can only do so much to protect you both. Especially you Veresk." explained Groza "If he were to catch wind of a T-doll with non-Griffin directives, he would not hesitate to confiscate you, and AA-12 too merely by association."
"He'd probably do it just to get rid of me…" muttered your companion.
"Thanks again for the cover, Ots-14."
"You're welcome. The operation would suffer without you two. I hope to see you still around when the area is finally reclaimed. I'd open my oldest bottle of wine to that." the diligent T-doll smiled, letting you know that for now, she's on your side. For some reason she seemed even friendlier than the first time.
Continuing to march through the dark woods, your digimind keeps focusing on how the situation has evolved. At last you're on the radar of an actual commander of G&K, although as a low priority. Your business is no longer just among your kin. You'll have to be more careful than ever before now. And maybe more thorough about covering your tracks…
Thinking about it too much before a big fight can't be healthy though. You're surrounded by companions, and like the voice in your head used to say, you should try talking to them. Besides, maybe it's time to make some moves too…
[X] "You said we don't have the luxury of choosing who to follow into battle, and it sounds like you gave that some thought. What would you do if you could?"
[ ] "Griffin doesn't sound so good anymore with guys like him in charge… ever thought about resigning?"
[ ] "Honestly, things seem better with you in charge Ots-14. I wonder what we dolls could do with human commander level authorization."
[ ] "Sometimes I wish I could just run away from all this. Just do my own thing somewhere else, without anyone telling me what to do."
[ ] "Your sister is such a fun character, Ots-14. Though, I have a feeling she likes me... what should I do?~"
[ ] Write-in
[ ] "Hey, if I hacked your brain and made you free, would you join me in my crusade?"
