Girl's Frontline: Wicked Animandum
- Thread starter Lurkman
- Start date
- Mature Sci-Fi Modern
[X] Jade Isentry
Oh well.
NeonLights
Formerly Reliable_2IC
- Location
- In shambles
[X] Jade Isentry
Lurkman
Guardian of Bad Opinions
- Location
- Slovakia
Well... that message is pretty clear. No need to debate it any longer, I suppose. The results speak for themselves: the riot won.
I'll admit, I've grown a lot less opposed to the idea. It's not how I imagined this scene going, but I can adapt. I just hope it'll still have the impact I wanted. We really haven't had a proper doll death since the quest's beginning. Either way, it is what is is.
Just to point out, this isn't the kind of tally that's immediately followed by an update, it is just to lock down the voting. With this, I can now begin writing the update without fear of the scales being tipped (even if that is very unlikely to happen at this point, but better to be safe).
Thank you all for your patience ^^
I'll admit, I've grown a lot less opposed to the idea. It's not how I imagined this scene going, but I can adapt. I just hope it'll still have the impact I wanted. We really haven't had a proper doll death since the quest's beginning. Either way, it is what is is.
Just to point out, this isn't the kind of tally that's immediately followed by an update, it is just to lock down the voting. With this, I can now begin writing the update without fear of the scales being tipped (even if that is very unlikely to happen at this point, but better to be safe).
Thank you all for your patience ^^
Oh well.
To be fair, dolls are actually pretty hard to fully kill. You can cripple them and leave them helpless to being finished off somewhat more easily granted, anything crippling or lethal for a human will usually cripple a doll as well, but they're not dead dead until their core is cored through or it runs out of power.
And I did note I don't expect to save her, not at this stage, but that's also OoC info. And I don't think V would do anything else when she hears its a virus other than go "I got this" even if she doesn't actually know how far in over her head she is with it yet.
One day someone is going to take a bullet through their core, which would basically take a bamboo echelon with the armor it probably has, or get caught out somewhere we can't help them.
One day.
Also this is going to hit all the harder when (if?) V gets to sit down and start going through the coding of both Benelli and the virus increasingly frantically and dragging more and more hardware over for her to use to scan through everything faster as she slowly realizes she can't do anything for her.
Says the E-war the model.
I replied this earlier in the thread too when V herself I think said "Dolls are just ones and zeroes in the end."
That's a brr coming from her.
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Jade Isentry
The Impregnable
- Location
- ARES Central Base, Blackwater
I don't think V said that. I think it was an out of story comment by a voter.
Hmm, maybe. Its been too long. I kind of just remember responding the way I did. And I'm pretty sure it wasn't me responding to something I said. I hope it wasn't.
Eh. Whatever.
Chapter 79
Lurkman
Guardian of Bad Opinions
- Location
- Slovakia
"H-heather?" questioned the shotgun, as you continued. You took a deep breath.
"Granted, it's a... very slim chance, but there is a chance. Let me take your core. We aren't equipped to do anything safely out here, but if we can get you back to base, we'll have the equipment to see if we can help you from behind software and hardware quarantines."
"B-but… I can't risk-"
"I promise not to do anything with your core that would risk the virus spreading, and... even if we can't save you, we would almost certainly learn valuable information about the virus to help counter it in the future. It could save the lives of T-dolls in the future."
At your argument, the doll falls silent. She's contemplating, even as her digimind is being corrupted.
"Are you willing to do this? If not, I'll grant your wish and make it quick, as much as it pains me. But... I'd be grateful if you'd at least let me make the attempt."
You let your offer sit in the air for as long as it needed to. Tiss remained silent, but you could see she was hopeful. It is doubtful the suggestion has not crossed the shotgun's thought processes before. Surely she thought about the possibility of her core being studied behind necessary protocol, and possibly even restored. Perhaps the virus is clouding her judgement… or perhaps it really is that bad. You won't know until you see it. Frankly, you've never seen malware as scary as she describes, but she likely hasn't seen a doll as advanced as you.
"... alright."
Neither you or Tiss hid letting out a sigh. Was it because the riven T-doll might get to keep existing, or because neither of you will have to end her existence today? Either way, even if you were ready to pull the trigger if need be, you don't have to anymore.
"You'll have to… remove the core manually. But this body… it needs to be destroyed." you nod with her words. "And… don't forget the wings."
"Heh… you really were literal about that part, huh?"
Benelli smiled a bitter smile, lowering her hands from yours. "I'm sure you'll make better use of them than I ever did. I am… proud to hand them over to a comrade in arms."
The armoured wings on her back did add to her weight, doubling as shields, which you saw a few times in action before. A shotgun's mark, they served her well, and now she wants them to serve someone else. Not every T-doll gets the chance to leave something behind for others. You prompted her up against the console, making it more comfortable for her, if her digimind is still capable of registering that. She looks up at you and Tiss, about ready to make her goodbyes.
"I'm feeling tired… I suppose this is farewell… Griffin & Kryuger, it has been... an honor to serve."
[X] "Likewise, Benelli."
[ ] "You'll wake up again, you'll see."
[ ] "Goodspeed. Groza couldn't have asked for a better adjutant."
[ ] Write-in
With one last smile, you could see the light from her eyes slowly fade, the bright red, along with the dual colors of her pupils, dying along with the processes within. She goes limp, almost becoming just another object. But the jamming is still in effect, the virus clearly not letting her shut down completely, only to a low enough consciousness level to pull the core out safely. Once it's out, it will lock down to preserve power, going into hibernation mode. From there, her fate will be up to you.
Tiss averts her gaze, standing on lookout. You made the suggestion after all, so you'll do what needs to be done. The core is located in her central chest area, and it's fairly similar between models, so you get to work.
After a while of fidgeting, being as respectful as you can be with the soon to be completely lifeless body, you finally remove the core from its housing. A cubical object, housing an unbelievable amount of data to bring an AI to life, a lot of it irreplaceable and unique to this particular T-doll. All that she is and ever was is now just sitting in your palm. You've got one such cube inside of you as well, it's just… a bit different?
With the core's removal, the body is now truly dead, and the jammer has nothing left to use to continue its function. Connection is re-established, and a wide area has returned to zener accessibility. She was right, this Sangvis technology really used the dolls of their enemies as weapons. You find it…
[X] Clever.
[ ] Inhumane.
[ ] Interesting.
[ ] Write-in
"Comms are back online." spoke Tiss. "Let's finish here before we report back."
You nod, reminding her that only the squad leader gets to do any calls back to base, which is you. She nods back. Perhaps she's not the one pulling the short straw here, considering what needs to be reported back.
You reach around Benelli to get at her wings, folded and held in place by a spinal attachment. One of the few places where one can see that the doll is clearly a doll. It's still hard to believe she is giving them to you, and you're not one to refuse new gear, especially if it's someone's dying wish. You'll just have to be careful about purging it of parapluie later. Unlike the core, those wings don't contain someone's digimind.
Not too much later, you suddenly feel a ping on the network. Some sort of signal. Then another, and then another. You turn to Tiss, who is experiencing the same thing. There's virtual traffic all over the sector, something big going on. Then, in the dark night sky, you see a distant flare going off. Then another, not too far away. And another. Both physical and virtual signals flood your senses. Just what is going on?
"No… no, it's too soon… did they really…?"
Tiss keeps muttering, trying to make sense of it. Clearly she knows more than you do, and she speaks without looking away as you inquire.
"They said they could start at any given moment, as soon as they see a change in the enemy's formation, an opportunity… but I did not think we would be ready this soon, not tonight."
Finally, the T-doll turns towards you, for once a serious gaze on that usually secret visage of hers. She speaks. "Heather...
Operation Cube has begun.
...
--- later ---
The sun hasn't fallen too long ago. The night is young, very young. Still dark, and yet alight with battle. Area S06 is currently subject to a sector-wide takeover operation.
You are in the middle of it.
Thankfully, you're on the attacking side, but you're still a little out of the loop. Along with Ots-12, you find shelter in an abandoned forest hut once marked by previous patrol missions. Once there, you ask your secretive companion to explain the situation to you. Apparently, while you were in your cell, commanders from neighbouring sectors have stationed some of their forces on the edges of the area, all in preparation to ambush SF when they have been weakened and push them out of the sector. The plan has been carefully explained to the dolls on base.
"Speaking of the base, it is in lockdown for the duration of the operation. The commander was very adamant on not a single doll returning until victory has been achieved."
"Charmer that one…"
"So… it doesn't seem like we can bring Benelli back right now. So much for a secret rescue mission..."
You listen to Tiss, thinking about the core safely stashed away. You have already gathered all the data you could on the jammer and its equipment, sending it straight to G&K so they can take necessary precautions for the operation. Afterwards, you destroyed the jammer, as it was too much of a risk with nobody to guard it and SF en-route. Though, there's still the matter of the core. You could perhaps call the commander and ask for his… assistance again, but lifting the lockdown for a single doll would surely be suspicious to some of the personnel and HQ. Not to mention, with no T-doll staff on base, you won't trust him with Benelli's core. He'd either destroy it out of fear, and do something stupid with it and doom the whole base. Even if he'd do the right thing and give it to HQ for research, it's best to do so after the operation when everyone's got a cool head. Still, there is one other high ranking official you can trust…
"What about Groza? She and the others must be in the field now, right?"
"Ah, yes! They should be attacking an outpost west of here. Sis would surely be able to call in about the core and do something about it. More than us, at least." she said with a hopeful smile.
"Alright then, check your equipment, we'll be heading out to assist them in the operation."
The assault rifle nods, and checks over her equipment. You didn't lose much, a few magazines and an explosive charge from Tiss, but you didn't account for being thrust into such a wide scale operation. You must take precautions now.
Precautions, yes. You've taken quite a few of those. Taking things you shouldn't, doing things you shouldn't. Not that you feel guilty for it, it was nothing malicious, nor did anyone suffer as a result. But… you still feel anxious about one particular thing you did, even if it was some days ago, and the eventual confrontation. It stays your hand from doing so again, even as the T-doll currently with you drops her guard. At least until you have settled the issue with your original companion who's still waiting for you, further squadmate acquisition by hacking will be reserved only for emergencies.
Why do you feel like this? It would've been a lot more practical to just disregard all that, every doll in the base could've been yours by then. You've taken advantage of people before, even as part of your job back in Columba, so why is this time different? You suppose you never did this to anyone who you actually care about… what an odd thing. Maybe you feel guilty, or maybe you are just confused about what you really want. Sooner or later you'll have to choose what to do with this.
Hopefully AA-12 will understand.
"All ready." spoke the secret weapon. You nod, getting up yourself. Clearly waiting it out in this shed would've been too boring.
"You sure they'll be attacking that outpost?"
"Well… the assault was supposed to be a secret one."
"Meaning…?"
"The timeframe could vary depending on the situation. They could still be en-route, or they could already be attacking. We can't just call them, SF might notice the signals and ruin the secret." judging by Tiss' pouting face, that'd be a bad end.
"So we'll have to guess where they could be right now."
"We can keep the gamble a secret~" winked the assault rifle. It is good to see she has regained some of her unburdened mannerism.
To recap, you're planning to rendezvous with Groza and her team. Either you could try to catch them en-route before they reach their target, allowing for a safer meetup, but if you miss them they'll be fighting by themselves for a while until you catch up. Alternatively, you could try to meet them at the enemy outpost, joining the fight right away, but if you arrive early you might find yourselves in a tight spot with so many SF nearby.
[X] Go to the SF outpost.
[ ] Try to intercept Groza's team on their way to the outpost.
"Granted, it's a... very slim chance, but there is a chance. Let me take your core. We aren't equipped to do anything safely out here, but if we can get you back to base, we'll have the equipment to see if we can help you from behind software and hardware quarantines."
"B-but… I can't risk-"
"I promise not to do anything with your core that would risk the virus spreading, and... even if we can't save you, we would almost certainly learn valuable information about the virus to help counter it in the future. It could save the lives of T-dolls in the future."
At your argument, the doll falls silent. She's contemplating, even as her digimind is being corrupted.
"Are you willing to do this? If not, I'll grant your wish and make it quick, as much as it pains me. But... I'd be grateful if you'd at least let me make the attempt."
You let your offer sit in the air for as long as it needed to. Tiss remained silent, but you could see she was hopeful. It is doubtful the suggestion has not crossed the shotgun's thought processes before. Surely she thought about the possibility of her core being studied behind necessary protocol, and possibly even restored. Perhaps the virus is clouding her judgement… or perhaps it really is that bad. You won't know until you see it. Frankly, you've never seen malware as scary as she describes, but she likely hasn't seen a doll as advanced as you.
"... alright."
Neither you or Tiss hid letting out a sigh. Was it because the riven T-doll might get to keep existing, or because neither of you will have to end her existence today? Either way, even if you were ready to pull the trigger if need be, you don't have to anymore.
"You'll have to… remove the core manually. But this body… it needs to be destroyed." you nod with her words. "And… don't forget the wings."
"Heh… you really were literal about that part, huh?"
Benelli smiled a bitter smile, lowering her hands from yours. "I'm sure you'll make better use of them than I ever did. I am… proud to hand them over to a comrade in arms."
The armoured wings on her back did add to her weight, doubling as shields, which you saw a few times in action before. A shotgun's mark, they served her well, and now she wants them to serve someone else. Not every T-doll gets the chance to leave something behind for others. You prompted her up against the console, making it more comfortable for her, if her digimind is still capable of registering that. She looks up at you and Tiss, about ready to make her goodbyes.
"I'm feeling tired… I suppose this is farewell… Griffin & Kryuger, it has been... an honor to serve."
[X] "Likewise, Benelli."
[ ] "You'll wake up again, you'll see."
[ ] "Goodspeed. Groza couldn't have asked for a better adjutant."
[ ] Write-in
With one last smile, you could see the light from her eyes slowly fade, the bright red, along with the dual colors of her pupils, dying along with the processes within. She goes limp, almost becoming just another object. But the jamming is still in effect, the virus clearly not letting her shut down completely, only to a low enough consciousness level to pull the core out safely. Once it's out, it will lock down to preserve power, going into hibernation mode. From there, her fate will be up to you.
Tiss averts her gaze, standing on lookout. You made the suggestion after all, so you'll do what needs to be done. The core is located in her central chest area, and it's fairly similar between models, so you get to work.
After a while of fidgeting, being as respectful as you can be with the soon to be completely lifeless body, you finally remove the core from its housing. A cubical object, housing an unbelievable amount of data to bring an AI to life, a lot of it irreplaceable and unique to this particular T-doll. All that she is and ever was is now just sitting in your palm. You've got one such cube inside of you as well, it's just… a bit different?
With the core's removal, the body is now truly dead, and the jammer has nothing left to use to continue its function. Connection is re-established, and a wide area has returned to zener accessibility. She was right, this Sangvis technology really used the dolls of their enemies as weapons. You find it…
[X] Clever.
[ ] Inhumane.
[ ] Interesting.
[ ] Write-in
"Comms are back online." spoke Tiss. "Let's finish here before we report back."
You nod, reminding her that only the squad leader gets to do any calls back to base, which is you. She nods back. Perhaps she's not the one pulling the short straw here, considering what needs to be reported back.
You reach around Benelli to get at her wings, folded and held in place by a spinal attachment. One of the few places where one can see that the doll is clearly a doll. It's still hard to believe she is giving them to you, and you're not one to refuse new gear, especially if it's someone's dying wish. You'll just have to be careful about purging it of parapluie later. Unlike the core, those wings don't contain someone's digimind.
Not too much later, you suddenly feel a ping on the network. Some sort of signal. Then another, and then another. You turn to Tiss, who is experiencing the same thing. There's virtual traffic all over the sector, something big going on. Then, in the dark night sky, you see a distant flare going off. Then another, not too far away. And another. Both physical and virtual signals flood your senses. Just what is going on?
"No… no, it's too soon… did they really…?"
Tiss keeps muttering, trying to make sense of it. Clearly she knows more than you do, and she speaks without looking away as you inquire.
"They said they could start at any given moment, as soon as they see a change in the enemy's formation, an opportunity… but I did not think we would be ready this soon, not tonight."
Finally, the T-doll turns towards you, for once a serious gaze on that usually secret visage of hers. She speaks. "Heather...
Operation Cube has begun.
...
--- later ---
The sun hasn't fallen too long ago. The night is young, very young. Still dark, and yet alight with battle. Area S06 is currently subject to a sector-wide takeover operation.
You are in the middle of it.
Thankfully, you're on the attacking side, but you're still a little out of the loop. Along with Ots-12, you find shelter in an abandoned forest hut once marked by previous patrol missions. Once there, you ask your secretive companion to explain the situation to you. Apparently, while you were in your cell, commanders from neighbouring sectors have stationed some of their forces on the edges of the area, all in preparation to ambush SF when they have been weakened and push them out of the sector. The plan has been carefully explained to the dolls on base.
"Speaking of the base, it is in lockdown for the duration of the operation. The commander was very adamant on not a single doll returning until victory has been achieved."
"Charmer that one…"
"So… it doesn't seem like we can bring Benelli back right now. So much for a secret rescue mission..."
You listen to Tiss, thinking about the core safely stashed away. You have already gathered all the data you could on the jammer and its equipment, sending it straight to G&K so they can take necessary precautions for the operation. Afterwards, you destroyed the jammer, as it was too much of a risk with nobody to guard it and SF en-route. Though, there's still the matter of the core. You could perhaps call the commander and ask for his… assistance again, but lifting the lockdown for a single doll would surely be suspicious to some of the personnel and HQ. Not to mention, with no T-doll staff on base, you won't trust him with Benelli's core. He'd either destroy it out of fear, and do something stupid with it and doom the whole base. Even if he'd do the right thing and give it to HQ for research, it's best to do so after the operation when everyone's got a cool head. Still, there is one other high ranking official you can trust…
"What about Groza? She and the others must be in the field now, right?"
"Ah, yes! They should be attacking an outpost west of here. Sis would surely be able to call in about the core and do something about it. More than us, at least." she said with a hopeful smile.
"Alright then, check your equipment, we'll be heading out to assist them in the operation."
The assault rifle nods, and checks over her equipment. You didn't lose much, a few magazines and an explosive charge from Tiss, but you didn't account for being thrust into such a wide scale operation. You must take precautions now.
Precautions, yes. You've taken quite a few of those. Taking things you shouldn't, doing things you shouldn't. Not that you feel guilty for it, it was nothing malicious, nor did anyone suffer as a result. But… you still feel anxious about one particular thing you did, even if it was some days ago, and the eventual confrontation. It stays your hand from doing so again, even as the T-doll currently with you drops her guard. At least until you have settled the issue with your original companion who's still waiting for you, further squadmate acquisition by hacking will be reserved only for emergencies.
Why do you feel like this? It would've been a lot more practical to just disregard all that, every doll in the base could've been yours by then. You've taken advantage of people before, even as part of your job back in Columba, so why is this time different? You suppose you never did this to anyone who you actually care about… what an odd thing. Maybe you feel guilty, or maybe you are just confused about what you really want. Sooner or later you'll have to choose what to do with this.
Hopefully AA-12 will understand.
"All ready." spoke the secret weapon. You nod, getting up yourself. Clearly waiting it out in this shed would've been too boring.
"You sure they'll be attacking that outpost?"
"Well… the assault was supposed to be a secret one."
"Meaning…?"
"The timeframe could vary depending on the situation. They could still be en-route, or they could already be attacking. We can't just call them, SF might notice the signals and ruin the secret." judging by Tiss' pouting face, that'd be a bad end.
"So we'll have to guess where they could be right now."
"We can keep the gamble a secret~" winked the assault rifle. It is good to see she has regained some of her unburdened mannerism.
To recap, you're planning to rendezvous with Groza and her team. Either you could try to catch them en-route before they reach their target, allowing for a safer meetup, but if you miss them they'll be fighting by themselves for a while until you catch up. Alternatively, you could try to meet them at the enemy outpost, joining the fight right away, but if you arrive early you might find yourselves in a tight spot with so many SF nearby.
[X] Go to the SF outpost.
[ ] Try to intercept Groza's team on their way to the outpost.
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- Location
- The End of Glory
[X] "Likewise, Benelli."
[X] Disgusting
[X] Go to the SF outpost.
[X] Disgusting
[X] Go to the SF outpost.
Okay, that's just stupidly irritating.
Emphasis on stupidly.
Especially since we know hacking AA-12 wasn't the problem, we just went too far with her.
It's called character growth, based on their experiences (and player votes).
Also not shitting on Groza's trust in V ,for the help she provided her despite her limitations.
[X] Write-in: "Until we can take to the field side by side again Benelli."
[X] Interesting.
[X] Go to the SF outpost.
Hell on Strikers
Tank Cat
- Location
- The Commonwealth
[X] "You'll wake up again, you'll see."
[X] Inhumane.
[X] Go to the SF outpost.
[X] Inhumane.
[X] Go to the SF outpost.
NeonLights
Formerly Reliable_2IC
- Location
- In shambles
[X] "You'll wake up again, you'll see."
[X] Inhumane.
[X] Try to intercept Groza's team on their way to the outpost.
[X] Inhumane.
[X] Try to intercept Groza's team on their way to the outpost.
No no, its stupid. There's this thing called self-preservation that V is throwing out because its too mean to just put contingencies in apparently.
But hey, if we get hacked or die at least we didn't hack our friends to just help us in those scenarios instead of needing to slavishly obey their orders, right?
That was sarcasm if it wasn't clear.