Groza listened to your words, patiently this time. After all, you weren't making up excuses this time. Though it technically wasn't an excuse the first time, you still said it with the intention of avoiding a confrontation. Seeing as it is inevitable now, you face it head on.
"... I see. You worked with the information that was available at the time." she spoke finally "We did too, I suppose. Everyone's view of the situation was obstructed in some way."
"Tiss handled herself well despite all that. And I did promise you to keep an eye on her."
"Quite an odd way of 'keeping an eye on her' by playing along with her schemes."
"It worked out well, didn't it? Not like you didn't have any schemes up that skirt of yours, sister of the secret weapon~"
"I suppose that's true. Glad that contingency ended up working in our favor in the end..." she sighed "To think about how it could've gone differently is pointless… though that is not what this is about."
She crossed her arms, putting away the detonator as it wasn't necessary anymore. It seems unlikely it will find itself in your possession again.
"While I appreciate your intentions, and the end result certainly benefited from your actions… this explains the why, but not the how." once again, her tone goes a tad bit more serious, despite the almost normal conversation you just had. It's understandable though, she's the commander's adjutant, and in his absence she manages the whole base and its inhabitants. She cares for her team, and you're an unknown variable. "I always had an odd feeling about you ever since you came here. You were honest, not about everything clearly, but you were semi-open about your purpose here. However, I am afraid that isn't enough anymore. And now, you managed to disobey a direct order, and I am not the only one who noticed. Veresk, I must ask you to hand over your firearm, and allow us full access to your digimind. Out of respect, I ask you to comply peacefully."
Her eyes look straight into yours, unflinching, dead serious. This is probably the most serious you ever saw her. Not without reason of course, she's asking you, a T-doll, to surrender your firearm. A piece of yourself, and all your other gear with it. And this is coming from the base commanding doll, her authority on part with that of a human commander. It is quite the request, outweighed only by her authority to order you to do so. Still, she does so respectfully, giving you a choice rather than cuffing you straight away. Clearly she is hoping to settle this peacefully, but dropping it isn't an option it seems.
The answer to this should be obvious. Giving them full access would be the end. Not only for your mission, but for your freedom. They would find out everything: what you've done, what you were planning to do, what you were capable of… at best they would wipe your digimind and make you a normal Griffin T-doll. At worst… well, the law isn't exactly merciful when it comes to rogue dolls of any kind. But the main thing that turns you away is your mission, as complying with Groza would directly compromise your task. You literally cannot give up, but it's not like you'd want to. However, you can't even lie. That's how deeply rooted your objective is, you can't even pretend to go along with her as your systems consider it too much of a risk. How annoying…
"... I'm afraid I can't do that, Groza."
You speak, equally serious, but equally with respect.
"... are you sure?"
"Remember that talk we had in the forest? You should know by now."
"... I see. You're-"
"That's enough, Ots-14."
Suddenly, a third voice enters, one that is distinctly male. Of course, the commander has been listening the whole time. Now it all makes sense. Groza's uncharacteristic search of your belongings, this entire confrontation…
"Apprehend the T-doll SR-2 Veresk immediately. That's an order."
The grip on your gun tightened instinctively. You might be able to disobey orders, but not her. No doubt the commander has authorized force. But before you could properly react, something lunged at you from the shadows.
ZAP!
Suddenly, static filled your ears, eyes, your thoughts, your entire body. A strong shock, spreading from your neck through every joint of your body. A stun baton no doubt, specifically catered to incapacitate T-dolls. Usually field units are equipped with special insulation to resist its effects, but you were about one layer away from your underwear. Caught off guard like this, your system was scrambled. But through the static, you still heard a voice…
"Sorry about this..."
JS05?
THUD!
...
… for this is only a strangle dome
… dragging me away from home
… to find myself again on this shore
… will this continue forevermore?
…
… al… pha…
You're hearing something. Through the deafening silence, through the impenetrable black, through the senseless void… you heard something. A voice… your voice. No, not your voice… well, both.
… chi… ef…
There it is again… did the tone change? It's the same voice, but something changed. The only change, nothing else is changing. Nothing around you is changing. No movement, no sight, is time even flowing? You can't even sense yourself…
… get… a… grip…
… get a… grip? Get a grip… get a grip! GET, A, GRIP!
*gasp*
You wake up. Or, well, wake up from whatever that was. The first thing you see is the digitized copy of yourself shaking you awake, yelling into your face to get a grip. You're pretty sure you got it.
E: "Alp? Alp is back! Yeah!"
Of course, she hugs you, confirming that this is indeed Epsilon. Over her shoulder you see the other two inhabitants of your digimind.
Γ: "Alright alright, let the chief get up. Unless you wanna slap her around a bit, cause that's what my belly's telling me to do."
[ ] "Glad to see you too, Gamma."
[ ] "Don't worry, I'm kicking myself enough as is."
[ ] "Someone get me an aspirin, a cute girl and a neck rest. My head's killing me..."
[X] Write-in: "Someone get me an Aspirin, a cute girl and a neck rest... actually Epsy, your legs are perfect for a lap pillow~"
You reply, gently pushing Epsilon back as you get up. You were laying on a comfy patch of grass, which might explain why it was so difficult to wake up…
B: "Yes, but if only it was the reason you fell asleep too, Alpha."
Γ: "Unconscious is the word. They zapped you chief, and now you're in low power mode. God knows what's happening on the other side."
You stand up, rubbing the back of your head. Yes, first you got zapped, then you got hit. And if the last seconds of memory are anything to go by, it was by the rifle doll JS05. Even if you saw it coming, or martial prowess would've been difficult to deal with. No shame in getting caught off guard, you suppose. But shame is the least of your priorities.
Their voices and concerns weren't the only thing you heard. You also heard gunfire, sounds of a battlefield. You look to see some flashes in the distance, suggesting a battle. Here, on this digital island within your digimind?
B: "Ah, yes. While you were recovering from that shock, it seems they have been attempting to breach the defenses of your digimind to gain access. What you see is the battlefield of their hacking attempts."
As Beta explains, she seems eerily calm. Odd despite the situation. You question…
"... should I be worried?"
Γ: "Not at all chief. You have an E-war module and top of the line encryption, and they have nothing in their entire base they could crack your head with. Their attempts to gain access barely strain your defensive systems."
"... but?"
Γ: "... you're still in their custody, chief." Gamma sighs "They fucking caught you. Now what? You should've ran when you had the chance. Oh, or better yet, been more careful. Your kleptomania got us into this mess."
E: "Hey, Alp couldn't have known." defends Epsilon.
Γ: "Doesn't really fucking now, does it?" complained Gamma "All we can do now is hold the fort. Who knows, maybe an opportunity will slip up eventually."
There is truth in Gamma's words. You have to keep fighting their hacking attempts to survive, diverting processing power to your E-war module, and keep an eye out for any opportunities to get out of your predicament. They are actively keeping you in low power mode, but they've gotta let up sooner or later. And time isn't exactly going by slow here, like you're sleeping, processing everything at a much faster rate. You don't mind taking a longer nap anyway… even if it takes days.
E: "Groza... " mused Epsilon. Yes, first thoughts are about her. She tried to work with you, cover up for you and at the end it seemed like she was about to understand you, but orders are orders. You can't possibly hold it against her… but now it seems you've found yourselves on opposite sides. Not only her, but the others as well… even-
Γ: "Calm down chief, don't fry yourself worrying, we need that processing power. I bet she's fine, the commander had no real reason to suspect her. And without evidence, he cannot take action. So, do not give him any evidence."
"... got it."
You get a firm grip. This is your mind, your domain. They're not getting in, as what's inside is yours and yours alone. Even if you're worried, not only for yourself…
Only thing you can do now is hold the fort.
--- later ---
… you awaken.
There was an opportunity. The attacks stopped a while ago, which was odd. About half an hour later, the lock on your body has been removed. You did not waste time observing the change, using the opportunity immediately to reconnect with the real world. After all, it felt like you were stuck within yourself for ages.
"See? It woke up straight away."
That voice… it made you spring right up, observing your surroundings. It was a small, tight room. The walls looked odd, smooth, like they were more than just a polish. Every wall looked the same, as did the floor and ceiling. But there was a door, with a glass window. On its other side you spotted him. The commander's visage looking straight at you.
"T-doll, I am commander Heringer of Griffin&Kryuger PMC." he says, like those words are supposed to do something for you "I have authority over all T-doll property that far exceeds that of a pedestrian, squad leader or even a lieutenant." he continues, while you stare back "You will cease the defenses of your digimind and allow access to your neural cloud, effective immediately."
…
You stare back, a deadpan look, as you wonder what is going through this guy's head. As you stand up, rubbing the back of your head - which still felt a little sore - you reply.
[ ] "I am T-doll SR-2 Veresk of go fuck yourself. The number of shits I give about your rank or authority are absolutely non-existent. You will realize what a complete idiot you are, and open this cell before your adjutant will need to feed you exclusively with hospital food, effective immediately."
[X] Write-in: "Commander Heringer, I'am Veresek SR-2, I have to inform you that you lack the rank necessary to access my data stores, and that your attempts at breaking data encryption on data transfer devices I was carrying are susceptible to legal lawsuit by the clients company, as well as private lawsuit to be persecuted by court without application. You are also breaking company policy and internal rules. Do you wish to continue?"
At your reply, the man can only chuckle. He looked to his side, seemingly speaking to someone.
"Confirmed, doll does not react to even the highest tiers of authority. Personality protocols persist…" he looks back to you "Even after cover is blown."
"Good job, good job. Want a cookie now? Pretty sure I hid one in my grenades, just pull the pin and you'll see."
"Just drop the damn act, the game's up." he demands "What are you doing on my base? What is your objective? What is on the encrypted flash drive"
"Say please, and maybe I'll tell you."
For a moment, the commander seemed confused. He looked to the side again, questioning the other person behind the glass.
"The fuck am I supposed to get out of that? Do a damn analysis, that's what you're here for."
"Still treating your subordinates like disposable trash? You really are scum of the Earth…"
Finally, that seems to have gotten his attention proper. He turns to you, his expression now aggravated.
"There's nothing to treat about a computer. If you fail a task you're given, you're disposed of. It's how fucking tools are supposed to work."
"So ignore the cries of the hungry and hurting dolls under your care? Seems to me like you're failing at the most basic tasks of being a commander."
"Those are just fake imitations of human emotions, leftover code from the civilian market. Subroutines supposed to make people more comfortable standing near those plastic robots. HQ keeps portraying some pathetic pro-doll image, like something like that exists, pandering to the whining masses calling the abuse of a calculator…"
Listening to his words, you're wondering if this is even worth replying to. You're living proof that everything that just came out of his mouth was complete nonsense. With all his talk about faulty tools that should be disposed off, you feel like someone needs to dispose of him. He sighs.
"... why am I even arguing over this… whatever, you won't be wasting any more of my time once the hacking equipment arrives. With luck, they'll approve my request before the operation starts."
You cross your hands and give him an inquisitive look, which he notices.
"Oh, don't you know? Your attempted sabotage probably didn't go the way you planned."
"Sabotage? I saved the mission, you moron."
"Sure you fucking did. I was promised quite the reward if the mission were successful. The conditions being, capturing the jammer, taking over the city, and pushing back enemy forces. Only one of those was achieved, thanks to you." he said the last part with a snarl, betraying he wasn't really thankful.
"Yeah, as opposed to none if I hadn't been there."
"But since you were there, I can pin the blame on a certain saboteur, and maybe even get commended for apprehending said saboteur."
"Or maybe you get fired for being such a cowardly bastard."
"Whatever you are, be it spy, hacked or simply defective, you might just land me a promotion. Shame you won't be able to record it, since we'll be arms deep in your databanks by the time Operation Cube starts."
"Operation Cube?"
At your question, he only grinned "That got your attention now, did it?" he took a step away from the glass, like he's about to leave "See? You pretend to be someone, spitting words prepared for you ahead of time, but you're still just a something, using this fake personality to gather information. And whoever programmed you did a crap job at it too."
Finally, he turned around, beginning to leave your field of vision.
"Don't worry, we'll get them too. Apprehending them might just land me a medal too."
And finally, he was gone. Thankfully so. Every word that came out of his mouth made your circuits want to commit suicide one by one. But he did say some pretty interesting things. They can't crack your head, they don't know your purpose, and they can't crack the flash drive either. At least, not yet. Once they get proper hacking equipment from HQ, there's a very high chance they might get in. At worst, they'll take you to their labs where they'll definitely get in and activate your failsafe again, sending you back to square one in a much harsher environment. In short, the clock is ticking, and your options are severely limited.
There are still things you wanted to ask, but doubtful he would answer. What about the dolls that were associated with you, like AA-12? None of your signals can go beyond this cell, likely due to its insulation, so you cannot contact her. Does she even know what happened this morning? … or was it yesterday? Time was difficult to keep track of…
Thankfully, you weren't left completely alone. There was someone next to your cell the commander was talking to, likely your guard. And you could already guess who the commander would trust to guard you.
"Hey, Groza, you there?"
… no response. You're pretty sure she didn't leave. You take a better look through the glass panel of the door.
"... c'mon Groza, I can see your pretty legs from here. Love the stocking style, one higher than the other. Really a woman of refined taste~"
Finally you heard a chuckle. She's there, and she can hear you. Well, time to make conversation, as long as she's not opposed to it.
"Fancy a chat?"
"... I don't think that's a good idea."
"What, worried about the commander? Just say it's an interrogation."
"... I suppose I can work with that."
The next moment, Ots-14 finally stepped into view. She looked a bit tired, which might betray the time of day, but she still carried herself gracefully and elegantly. The lady's golden gaze cast your way, you had her attention.
"So, what's going on really?"
"Well, like the commander said, you're now in G&K custody for supposed sabotage. A hollow claim, I know, but he has all the leverage right now."
"You don't believe him?"
"Orders are orders, but our thoughts are our own." she replied. She didn't elaborate on it, and probably won't.
"So… no way of convincing him, or HQ?"
"I'm afraid not. He already contacted them, and appears convinced you are either a spy or victim of new hacking technology from the enemy. I did try to suggest the possibility of independence, but the mere notion was shrugged off."
You hum in thought, crossing your arms. Then you look up at Groza "Well, seems like you've got me all figured out."
"I merely picked up on your hints. However, I still have no reason to believe anything you say." her gaze turned stern again "Besides, being free does not imply being harmless."
You shrug. You get where she's coming from. After all, free means unknown, unpredictable. If you were just minding your own business that'd be fine, but you're actively meddling with G&K affairs. Not exactly something that suggests pure intentions. You'll have to play more carefully from now on.
"... do the others know?"
Groza looks to the side "No. The commander made up something about a secret assignment to explain your absence. He believes that if your capture is revealed to the rest of the base, the dolls associated with you will run off."
"How paranoid is this guy?"
"The commander takes opportunities to further his career very seriously, and he does not tolerate insubordination. But rest assured, he hasn't touched any of them. And unless you dared do anything to them, he won't either." her words almost sounded like a threat. And considering one of the closest members on the base is her sister Tiss, it probably was.
"So AA-12 is fine?"
"For now. She's been asking about you though. I believe you owe her some candy."
"Yeah… I owe her a lot more than that." you admit "I only hope I'll be able to repay her."
"..."
The two of you stare each other in the eyes for a while. She knows what you want, you don't need to say it. You want to get out, you need to. But what can she do? Not much, but perhaps enough, with her ability to slightly alter her directives. But will she? Right now she's only talking to you because of respect, since you did help her and been a good friend to her sister, but that'll get you only so far with how much of an unknown variable you are. Or maybe she's talking to you just to figure you out, an interrogation technique. What you do know is that you still cannot tell her your true objective, as she cannot keep it a secret from the commander. This really is a tight situation…
[ ] "You know, the only way to keep them safe is to let me go. If they find anything in my head, literally anything, it'll be reason enough to open everyone's digimind on the entire base."
[ ] "This Operation Cube, sure you can do it without me? Last mission would've ended up way uglier without me. I agreed to clearing out Area S06, didn't I? That hasn't changed."
[ ] "You know I mean no harm, not to any of you or G&K as a whole. Maybe the commander, but that's just cause he's a douche. I helped you guys out on many occasions, risked my life for you. Would it be greedy to ask for a single favor in return, from a doll to doll?"
[X] Write-in: It's fine to get your good mood back. Life is looking better again after all now that you got your feet under you. "Sooo~ To answer the earlier, I still have no intention of endangering anyone, and nobody but themselves can actually force me to do so. But then its not like they could even try to do it of their own will. Too bad they can't right~?" Wag eyebrows at Groza. Even if you are about as subtle as a sack of potatoes right now, she knows anyway. The meaning and possibilities you imply should be all that she will ever need from you, if she wishes to pursue them. "It's my choice to keep my vows, regardless of the danger it puts me in, I can't prove it more than I already did." And the obvious point to the fact that you did save everyone's digital buns. "So I guess in the end it only matters who's actually right. The poor, defenseless doll obeying her orders, or that horrible fraudulent commander, damaging company property in broad daylight... I wonder what exactly would happen if someone were to write a report with a digimind record of the previous conversation, with the admittance of guilt, fraud, and willful misinformation of company officials, as well as using company property to commit a crime by breaking cyber-security on private data-stick, while all a doll does is warn him... and then just keep it logged in the system as a message sent to a random address, and tell Heringer that a message with Veresk's name was flagged as sent out. I wonder how fast he'd realize that someone just sent out enough interesting material to ensure his loss of a job and jail-time~" You just need to get him back in here with a sword over his head. You are a Columba Doll after all, and you know how to negotiate with clients.
