Scraps Sidelined 2: Fire Hazard (A Girl's Frontline Quest)

Adhoc vote count started by AnonymousRabbit on Aug 15, 2021 at 12:30 AM, finished with 8 posts and 7 votes.

  • [X] "It's a misunderstanding. Please ignore me and continue your marital dispute." (Nope. You're not touching this with a ten foot pole. You're an Elite, you know when not to step on a landmine.)
    [X] "I am Mr. Murray's temporary Tactical Doll. Until further notice, we will be working together for a brief period." (Keep it cool. Just stay cool, Vector)


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Evie
[] "It's a misunderstanding. Please ignore me and continue your marital dispute." (Nope. You're not touching this with a ten foot pole. You're an Elite, you know when not to step on a landmine.)

You've been called a lot of things since beginning your career in G&K but it certainly was the first time you've been called a Home Wrecker by a modified Cyclops as well. You're not certain how you should take it but you were understandably confused.

Nonetheless, you were an Elite Doll. You were at least capable of navigating through such simple social situations. It just wasn't the sort situation you imagined when you first arrived but life threw the darnedest curve balls. Either way, you don't plan on touching this with a ten foot pole.

You chose to disengage, "It's a misunderstanding. Please ignore me and continue your marital dispute."

"Oh, you're such a kind girl," Evie warmly replied before turning to Murray, "But you! I need explanations! I've been worried sick! Look at your prosthetics! They're barely hanging on!"

"Hey, lay off. It's been a rough two days. Just get me something to drink," Murray growled as he held his head upon walking past the Cyclops.

Evie huffed and placed her hands on her hips and said, "See this is why you have no friends, Master!"

"Vector, get in here! Don't stand in the hallway," Murray yelled at you, prompting you to step in with an uncertain look.

Evie crossed her arms and said, "I swear, he's just getting worse and worse."

"Is he always like this?" You asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Only when he doesn't get his drinks. Otherwise he is pretty tolerable if you ignore the smell," Evie explained before walking to Murray as he collapsed on the sofa, "Don't fall asleep, I have to fix your arms!"

Murray was righted properly before he glanced your way, "You should go check the closet. There's some supplies there you could make use of. Ammunition, grenades and some other gear to make up for what you used."

"Time to sleep," Evie said as she jabbed a syringe into the man's neck and knocked him out. The Cyclops then said, "There we go. Now he's down under that should keep things quiet."

"I... I see," you noted with a confused expression.

"Well since you're not exactly the Home Wrecking type it looks like my fears were unfounded! Let me introduce myself, my name is EV-13. I'm a former Medical Type Doll assigned at the Moscow Internal Medicine Hospital," the Cyclops introduced herself with a bright tone.

"I'm Vector. Former Griffin and Kryuger Doll. Independently affiliated for the time being," you introduced yourself with a nod.

"Vivi then! It's such a cuter name!" Evie said with a bright giggle.

"Please don't call me that," you quickly requested.

"Oh you'll come around to it. Master hates it when I called him names too but he eventually gave up trying to stop me! You will like it too," Evie said in this weird menacing sort of way, you're not really sure.

Still, you decided to steer the conversation away while Evie worked on getting some tools and quite possibly a circular saw. She seemed to be in the middle of preparing to do maintenance on Murray's arms while you stood on the side. You first wondered if they would be doing this here before you saw the obvious bloodstains on the ground.

This obviously happened before.

"So you're a Medical Doll? How did this..?" You began only to trail off as this 6-foot tall blocky Military grade Doll faced you.

"Oh it's a funny story! My old body was destroyed in an altercation between two rival gangs! As I laid dying on the cold hard asphalt, my Master here swooped in like a noble samurai from the Far East and beat them all! He was supposed to be paid handsomely by my manufacturers but they decided to screw him over and paid him at the total cost of the destroyed EV Series Dolls for whatever the scrapyard would pay him," Evie explained as she held up her hand, "He decided to keep my core since it was the most intact of my sister oh but he was just so dreamy."

You didn't know if you should feel sorry for Murray or be disturbed but either way it seemed like things worked out somehow.

"And... You got a Cyclops body because your old one was destroyed?" You asked with a frown.

"Oh yes! Master found this body in the junkyard! But while I may have lost my deliciously thick and flawless nurse form, I have gained in 5 tons of limb power and 8 inch thick Armor plating," Evie replied with a proud tone, knocking on her metal chest underneath the apron, "Alas, this form of mine does make it difficult to consummate my love for my Master. I tried to tell him to get me a new body but he always said that we didn't have enough money. Oh well! I'm not mad, certainly not mad at all!"

"That's... Nice," you noted with a strange expression.

"Which is why I have to look after your body too, Vivi. You're a beautiful girl! You should take care of yourself!" Evie said with a concerned tone, "I have some coolant fluid to replace the one in your body and some spare synthetic skin you could use. Are you able to self maintenance? Just give me an hour and I'll finish fixing Master's arms."

"That would be helpful. I guess? Also please don't call me Vivi," you replied as you shook your head.

"Hah! You'll get used to it soon, dear," Evie giggled as she used a laser cutter to start her work on Murray's arms.

You were then left to your own devices as you surveyed the living room. It was clean but not clean at the same time.

Just well kept but it was serviceable to live in at least for humans. Augmented as he was, Murray still had to live in a proper environment. It didn't really matter for Dolls but he was a different case. Evie might be here to clean up but it didn't mean she was built for such menial tasks.

Her main function was to repair humans and quite possibly Dolls so her shoddy work could be excused. It doesn't seem like Murray complained about it much nor got home that often to notice.

Two things stood out to you as you crossed your arms. One was the black sword Murray dropped in the ground and another was a picture frame of him and a woman you recognized.

There were also weapons on what looked like a workbench and finally a path to the supply closet Murray directed you to just past the bathroom. You did need to resupply after days of traveling on the road.


Evie
[] Inspect the Sword
[] Inspect the Picture Frame
[] Go to the Closet and resupply
[] Write in...
 
[X] Inspect the Sword

I don't trust this thing. Investigate that which you don't trust.

And that Cyclops is something else. Kinda sad we missed out on a thicc nurse, but it's probably for the best. Vector has enough trouble around without an amorous health care Doll trying to do... whatever this is.
 
[X] Go to the Closet and resupply

With any luck, there's SMG-compatible AP ammo.

On that note, is our weapon a 9mm Vector or a .45 ACP Vector?
 
Stray Dogs
[] Inspect the Picture Frame.

Looking around the room, you came across a picture frame sitting on top of a simple looking shelf. It was placed just behind some wine bottles and a clean ash tray before you picked it up. You looked at it and noticed Murray almost immediately with his arms crossed and a grumpy look on his face while he posed in front of a building alongside another person.

You recognized that person as your Commander. There was no mistaking it but it seemed that she looked considerably younger at the time this photo was taken. What was stranger was that it was a physical photo rather than a glass holographic which displayed an image. It was an actual photo, leading you to be confused.

"Found that little thing, have you?" Evie said as she looked up from her work on Murray's arms.

"Yes. I recognized the woman," you told her with a nod.

"Oh, her. Master doesn't like talking about her a lot but his lips get loose when you give him booze. Clara I think her name was and I think he thinks about her a lot. He did mention that she tossed him into this sorry state of affairs his life currently is," Evie replied as she glanced your way.

"He said she betrayed him," you noted.

"Oh so he told you. How strange. Why? What's with you and the lady? Are you a thing from his past too?" Evie wondered with a curious tone.

"No. She was my Commander," you answered as you set the down the picture frame, "As a Doll it wasn't my business to pry into my superiors' business but I am left wondering how much of this bond lies between her and this man. It doesn't concern me but it seems that the Commander believes him to be the right choice for such an undertaking."

"Well... Master certainly is brash, rude, a bum, a two timing asshole who brings beautiful girls home when I'm here," Evie hissed at that last particular bit and put a little more pressure than she intended, making Murray yelp in his sleep, "But he's a good man and an even stronger fighter. A decade of experience as a Fixer is no joke."

"Fixer... I apologize but I don't really know the scope of such a profession," you admitted as you shook your head.

"Think PMCs except they're one person. They take on contract jobs for certain people mostly involving retrieving packages or dealing with hostile elements, ultimately 'fixing' a problem," Evie explained as she waved her hand dismissively, "It could involve a lot of fighting or just a boring 9 to 5 sit down babysitting an overbearing rich boy hopped up on drugs."

"I would disagree that PMCs get such jobs," you replied as you crossed your arms, "Though I do admit there were tedious patrolling missions in god knows where."

Your thought ends there as you glanced at the frame once more, staring at the smiling expression your Commander had as she looked at the camera.

"What was Murray's company in the past? Were they anything prominent?" you asked Evie as you placed a hand on your hip.

"According to the available database Murray logs within me for safekeeping they weren't that special. They mostly undertook covert missions during the war, delivering and securing materials for their clients or otherwise engaging enemy units as a frontline group. In fact, until recently, a division of the group existed headed by the Founder of the group," Evie explained as she tapped her metal chin.

"What was their name and what happened to this recent group?" you asked her some more with a frown.

Evie paused for a moment before replying, "They were called the Strays. Until recently, the group was under active contract with an unknown Client within a City State called RedBlock. Unfortunately, an incident pertaining an independent New Soviet commander and a Relic caused the group to be caught into conflict for retaking the city. The Founder was killed in action by an entity only known as the Red Ribbon."

"The Ribbon?" you raised an eyebrow, "What a flashy name."

"Indeed. However this all occurred several months ago and the remnants of the Strays have never been found nor has the Ribbon showed herself once more. There's simply rumors that it was a particularly skilled Tactical Doll alongside her group that downed the Founder of the Strays," Evie explained as she glanced back down at Murray, "Master respected the Founder but ultimately chose not to join him."

"I suppose he has his reasons," you noted with a grim look.

"Whatever the case, while I'm still suspicious of your intentions for him, it does make me worry less knowing he has someone with him on the field. I'm just a simple medical attendant despite my current form, I can't join him on the field where he could be hurt the most," Evie then pointed at you and spoke in a warning tone, "So, I'll leave things to you while he's out there."

"Is this to make sure I bring him back safely?" you wondered.

"Just make sure he doesn't kill himself. He's not all that smart, you see," Evie said as she glanced at his prosthetic arms, "Overclocking his own augmentations to the point the heat cooked his flesh. Have you ever seen a more stupid man!? Eugh! Vector, you two are going out tomorrow, yes? If it's going to be a long mission then he'll probably try and get his things in order for us to travel. Get some rest now."

"It's fine, I can stay up and keep watch-" you began.

"Nurse's orders!" Evie cut you off.

You blinked, "That doesn't even make any sense, nurses don't have that authori-"

"Room to the left is free! Now leave me and my beloved to our solitude!" Evie moaned as she started to be all dramatic.

You decided to take your leave as you were directed to your room. You went to where Evie had marked and opened a door. It was a room seemingly used as a storage unit but with a small space that could be slept on. It's much better than the ruins you remained idle in for the past few days so you didn't mind the cramped space.

Unloading your equipment, you allowed yourself to breathe and sit down.

Finally... Some actual rest.

.....
....
...

The moon shined bright upon your awakening and it was then that Murray got himself some new clothes to wear. He urged you to get up from where you sat idle and that's how you found yourself walking down the street with a new cloak on while Murray led the way. The City was bustling with activity as neon lights spread through the dark glass, reflecting off the ground and cars which passed by.

"I hope Evie didn't say anything weird while I was passed out. She was strangely receptive of you back there compared to this morning," Murray pointed out while giving you a suspicious look.

"She simply overcame the misunderstanding she found herself in," you replied with a nod.

"Well, seems like you're much friendlier than I gave you credit for. Most of the time, Evie would punch people through walls if she really found them rude. Crazy machine, that one," Murray sighed as he rubbed his head, "Glad to have her though."

"Where are we going?" you asked him with a raised eyebrow.

Murray then turned to you, resting his hand on the pommel of his sword, "We're going to need some mode of transportation. The Armored Van last night was good but it's got too many Tech from that place you busted me out of. It's easily traceable so we'll need a mobile base to use as transport for both us and the materials we're fetching."

"It doesn't seem like the only thing you had in mind," you pointed out.

"We need weapons, supplies and most of all info. I do have the coordinates of where our cargo is lying but the problem is that it's in a warzone. I think it's intentional at least but Clara left the damned Relic at a Red Zone, "Murray growled as he shook his head, "I've got enough saved in my bank for the expenses and... Well..."

He gave you a once over.

"You might need some maintenance," Murray said as he waved his hand, "So, got any idea what to go for first?"

"You're letting me choose?" you asked him.

"What? Little Dolly can't think for her own?" Murray smirked as he crossed his arms.

Prick.

Stray Dogs
[] See to the Transport Vehicle.
[] Get some new Gear and Weaponry.
[] Find information regarding the region you're going to.
[] Get yourself fixed up. You're not exactly in an optimal state.
[] Write in...
 
[X] Get yourself fixed up. You're not exactly in an optimal state.

Good Maintenance can only help.
 
[X] Get yourself fixed up. You're not exactly in an optimal state.

A good weapon should be in top condition.
 
[X] Get yourself fixed up. You're not exactly in an optimal state.
 
[X] Get yourself fixed up. You're not exactly in an optimal state.
 
Maintenance
[] Get yourself fixed up. You're not exactly in an optimal state.

It was decided that you needed some maintenance done on your body. While it was a normal thing to go under within Griffin HQ, it was a little more uncommon outside of it. There weren't exactly facilities catering to Doll repair spread about in the open so Murray ended up dragging you into the Backstreets.

You tagged every possible hostile force that could possibly do you harm as you passed by, your hands never straying away from your weapons. Eventually the two of you stopped by what looked like a pathway down on the side of a building.

Murray stepped in and descended a small flight of stairs until you came upon a neon sign lighting up over a door.

"Well this is the place. I sent Evie here to get fixed once and they did a decent job. Try to be nice," Murray said as he crossed his arms.

"Understood," You answered before the door opened and a dark haired girl peeked out.

"Are you the 7pm appointment? If you are please come in," the girl greeted in a gloomy voice.

"Good evening to you too, Annie," Murray said as he raised his hand.

"Boss hasn't forgiven you for last time Murray. You're only alive because you're a customer now," Annie said as her right eyes changed color.

Augments. Such things must be necessary to survive in the underworld these days. Even a human girl this young had her own at this age.

Not only that but it seemed that the man beside you had a lot more history than he let on with those around him. You can't help but give him a sideways glance from what she just said.

"Ah, Doc is still mad about that. Well, don't worry. I just got myself a good gig and I should be able to pay you guys back," Murray said before he nudged you forward, "Anyway, I need her fixed. Can you guys run some maintenance on her?"

The girl named Annie glanced your way, "A Doll? It's not Evie..."

The girl walked up to you and sniffed you, making you recoil as her gray eyes seemed to judge you.

"IoP. Gunpowder. Must be a Tactical Doll then," Annie sighed as she opened the door wider, "Alright, get in."

You stepped inside along Murray. You were greeted by the site of what looked like a busy work area with several tables with stacked machine parts. Appliances and broken devices were haphazardly stacked on one side and left forgotten.

Some husks of broken Dolls sat in the corner with their eyes clothes as they fell apart. Annie walked up to a bell and rang it to which you perked up at the sound of it. A man in a dirty white coat stepped out, his dirty gray hair standing on end as if it had been singed with his face having a worse 5am shadow than Murray.

"Look at way the cat dragged in. Where's my money, Murray? You still haven't paid me for your last appointment I should take those arms off you," the man growled as he scratched his back.

"I'll pay you back. I swear. I have a ridiculously good job on the line and I need you to take one more tab for me," Murray said as he crossed his arms while Annie swept aside some junk off a table.

"Your tab's over 2 million credits now, asshole. You got any idea how expensive shit's gotten. Had I been a part of any of the gangs here, we'd be ripping your guts part for parts," the Doc said as he breathed a drag of his cigarette.

"And I'll pay you back in full. Estimate says this job will go for 20 million. I'll pay you back double for the trouble. It's sort of important," Murray said with a grim tone, "It's Carla."

The Doc raised an eyebrow while your Commander's name caused you to glance at Murray.

The Doc scratched his chin and sighed, "And this is what I have to work on for today?"

"Yeah. It's her. Vector, this is Doc. He'll be servicing you during your maintenance for today," Murray said as the gray haired man inspected you from afar.

"A Doll. Judging from her model, she's of IoP make. Tactical Doll then? Where'd you find her?" The Doc asked as he walked over to you.

"She saved me and gave me the gig. I need her fixed up so that she can do her job. Can't have her falling apart on me," Murray said as he crossed his arms.

"You seem awfully involved in this if someone was seeking you out. And you said it involved our old friend moving up in the world? No wonder you got hooked so easily," the Doc said as he inspected your face with a squinty look, "Alright, I'll fix her. But this will be the last time, got it? And get me my money."

"No problem. Vector, I'll leave you here for now. I need to get the other things sorted out," Murray said before walking to the door, "I should be done and we can meet up again. See you around."

He stepped out of the shop while Annie stood by your side.

"Prick," the human girl sighed.

"Well then, let's go ahead and begin. Annie, can you please take her gear somewhere safe," the Doc said as he stepped back.

You took off your cloak to reveal your weapons and the obscene amount of grenades you had.

The Doctor and Annie stared at the grenades with eyes.

"Well fuck," Annie wheezed as she stared at the incendiary grenades strapped to your cloak.

.....
....
...

You were lying on the table now, the light from the lamps above you being a little too bright.

"Now, we'll simply lower you to your neural cloud's level 2. Some of the maintenance we have to do might be a little invasive but fret not, it'll only take a moment," the Doc assured you.

"I'll be handling most of the procedure. We've assessed that several artificial muscle, skeletal alloy and mechanical frame of your torso had been damaged. We also plan on applying new synthetic skin on you once we're finished with your inner frame," Annie explained as she looked down on you, her gloomy face filling your vision, "I suggest distracting yourself."

......
....
...

You drifted within your own neural cloud.

This should take a little while considering the maintenance was done manually rather than with a specialized AI like with G&K.

This should be... Quick...

Maintenance
[] Memory: A Cafe for Two
[] Memory: Commander
[] Memory: Comrades
[] Memory: The News
 
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