Chapter 7: "Vindication"
NTW-20 and Stechkin discuss the outcome of their previous assignment.
[2048, 02/20. 08:51.]
[Somewhere in Ukraine…] In an isolated town, the morning snow fell with a particular strength to it. One such house in the area could be called home to a young, 20 year old man and his grandfather, at the ripe age of 93.
Arthur was the average man for his time. He stood at a modest 193cm, sporting short, brown hair and brown eyes.
On the TV in their living room, they watched the news as it covered the world spiraling down, one story at a time as they sat near a fireplace for warmth. The most prominent topic had been the Third World War. Tensions between South & North Korea had finally boiled over, already having been exacerbated by the collapse fluid crisis. Soon enough, other nations were long embroiled in conflict. It was the most relevant to Arthur, among other things, such as an increase in poverty and a sharp fall in the general welfare of the people.
"World War Three…" Arthur's grandfather echoed to himself, almost in a state of disbelief. "Your father… He always used to joke about it, and how it'd never happen. If he were here now…" He trailed off.
Arthur looked up from his phone, hoping his grandfather hadn't dug himself into a depression. "William… It's fine." Arthur smiled, reassuring his grandfather. "I know what you're thinking. Since these "dolls" are becoming a larger part of warfare, I'm much less likely to be drafted, wouldn't you say? I'm staying right here, no matter what."
William chuckled, exhaling a tired sigh. "I guess that makes sense. Speaking of dolls… Can you kindly go check on our servant in the kitchen? I haven't heard them start on breakfast yet."
Arthur nodded, and walked a short distance into the small house's kitchen. There stood a petite doll with short, black hair and dull black eyes. The servant had a somewhat perplexed look on its face, as it stood in front of the counter with several ingredients laid out.
Arthur couldn't help but immediately notice the uncanniness of his own maid. Even considering how technology had advanced so fast, its resemblance to a human was still rather creepy. He wasn't sure how to interact with the being, since he had never done so outside of visiting his grandfather. Regardless, he gave it an attempt. "Uhm. Are you… able to cook breakfast? Ma'am?" He cringed through his words.
The doll turned her neck with perfect grace, almost as though it was separate from her own body. "No, Arthur. It seems that the Deruny is missing some ingredients."
"Eh—? Such as?"
"There are no eggs in the refrigerator, nor is there any flour leftover. Do you have a solution to this, Arthur?"
Arthur sighed to himself, knowing full well where the conversation was headed. "Yeah. I could probably go to a nearby grocery store, but it'll take a few minutes."
The servant doll flashed a smile in response to Arthur's generosity. "Thank you, Arthur!"
He gave the doll a thumbs-up in response. He told William, threw on his coat, and headed out into the harsh weather.
[2 days later, present time. Homeland.]
"Huh…"
TAC-50 wore a surprised expression at what she just heard. Thunder gazed at 50 in anticipation, as though she were waiting for her disapproval.
However, that never came.
50 closed her eyes, reflecting on the sudden slew of information. "So basically… You tripped, an enemy heard it, and they had to die?" She eyed Thunder's face for a nod, or any sign of validation. But, she merely hung her head.
"...I see." TAC-50 replied. She gazed out into the vast sea, pondering what she ought to say next. The moon's reflection shimmered off of the torrenting sea below. For a while, she wasn't sure how to console her teammate, nor if she should say anything at all.
Thunder broke the long silence herself. "Are you disappointed?"
She shook her head. "Nah. Don't be concerned with what I think. It… could've happened to anyone." She observed Thunder— No reaction. "I'm sure she felt just as terrible."
"...What should I do?"
"Hmm. I suppose, just give it time? I'm not good at this sort of thing."
Thunder shook her head. "I mean— what should I do?"
"Oh. You mean that way."
"I don't like the future I see ahead of me. I don't want to fight, nor do I want to kill. You understand too, right?"
50 nodded. "Well, what do you want?"
Whether she knew it or not, a contagious smile began to form on Thunder's face as she spoke. "I want to be with those close to me. To live in peace with the rest of you... I think I'd like that very much."
50 smiled at the sight of her teammate. For the moment, she at least didn't look under the weather. She gazed back out into the distance.
"You know what? Me too, man."
NTW-20 trudged quickly through the barrack building, the floorboards creaking loudly.
It didn't matter if it was nighttime, nor did it matter if she'd hear her coming. Back then, even if her teammate's behavior seemed rather odd, she didn't think much of it. But, for the past couple of sleepless nights, it didn't leave the back of her mind. Would she really...?
Hell— maybe she did. Even so… Why?
She decided enough was enough— she needed answers. For her sake and Stechkin's.
After finally reaching her room, she swung it open as quietly as possible. Stechkin…
Wasn't there. Damn it.
"Alright, damn it, I'll cheat." She cursed under her breath, searching for her coordinates.
She looked up. She was… on the roof. What was she doing so late at night? Whatever it was, she headed upstairs.
After a great deal of ascending, she opened the rooftop exit to the sight of the night sky, and Stechkin herself. She was, oddly, still fully dressed in her gear. She sat on the ledge idly, gazing at the stars above.
"Stechkin…" NTW-20 called out, much more diffidently than just a moment ago.
"Hmmm?" Stechkin glanced back at NTW-20, slightly surprised at her voice.
NTW-20 hesitated further, before finally croaking out what was on her mind.
"Did you… Did you kill someone? On our last mission?"
Stechkin sighed, and stood up to face her. An unusual aura of tranquility radiated from her, despite the heavy question.
"I see you've dropped the accent... Yeah."
20 was surprised by Stechkin's compliance. "That easy?"
"That easy."
"O— oh… Well—!"
"Well, what? I shouldn't have? Gonna go on a spiel about how wrong it is?" Stechkin interrupted her. 20 could hardly get a word in before she continued. "Or, better yet, I went against Ana's orders. Boo-hoo! If that's all you came to sell me, I'm not buying."
20 sneered at Stechkin's bitter sarcasm. Her timidity ebbed away, now replaced by anger. "Yeah… Yeah! That's exactly what I came to tell you! Why the hell'd you do it!?"
Stechkin shrugged in response. "Wanted to." She was as jovial as 20 was furious.
Her insensitive reply only served to infuriate NTW-20 more. She had heard enough— she rolled up her sleeves, and balled up her fists as she stomped toward the raven-haired doll. "You little—!"
Suddenly, Stechkin withdrew her pistol and aimed it at 20. "Don't get too hasty. I don't have to explain a thing to you, sis." its muzzle was now just inches away from her comrade's face.
Despite trying to hide it, the trembling in 20's voice could still be heard. "So… You're just gonna shoot me? Just like that?"
"Bang! Heh, I'm kidding. I just like the look on your face. Gets 'em every time." She chuckled. "You look just like him, y'know? Well, before I killed him, anyway."
"How could you? You killed a human— because you wanted to. It wasn't necessary. Are you thinking about the consequences of your actions?"
Stechkin's cordial mask faded. "...No. Can't really say I am."
"You have no reason to act like this... No one did anything to you."
She repositioned her finger onto the trigger, wearing a distant expression. "We can talk all night. But, if you keep talking like that, I might pull the giggle switch early."
NTW-20 looked into her eyes, with both shock and disappointment. "You… Really mean that?"
Stechkin didn't answer.
"...Fine. If you can go that far, then…" She pulled out a cigarette, and lit it— despite her imminent doom.
"I guess killin' a doll ain't an issue."
"Nice knowing you."
[Earlier.]
"Captain Arthur."
"Captain? ...Captain!"
Arthur blinked, returning to the present. He dropped his cigar in surprise, and turned to face the voice with agitation. He had now worn an eyepatch on his left eye, though a scar could still be seen reaching down. His hair was longer, and darker. He replied through gritted teeth to his subordinate. "...Yes, Ivan?"
"Sir. This equipment facility… We couldn't find any evidence that there was an intrusion."
Arthur's face soured further. "Really? What have you found upstairs?" He asked, leaning on a leftover weapons crate. From nearly head to toe, he was clad in dark, olive green armor.
"There… was an illegible message scrawled in blood, sir."
He cocked an eyebrow, picking up his cigar and dusting it off. "...Go on."
"The message was very crudely drawn. However, we did find the body. Any fingerprints found were smeared, and appeared to belong to the victim. We have no leads as to who the perpetrator could be. No DNA, no casings… Nothing."
"Hmm... Bullshit. It can't be that nothing killed them."
"Well, ye—"
"It's obvious, private." Arthur took a puff of his cigar, shaking his head. "Whoever made these two men disappear… Wasn't human."
"...With all due respect, are you sure sir?"
Arthur chuckled. "Heh. Wouldn't it be nice? To blame this incident on Griffin? Did you know that dolls don't leave fingerprints? Real easy to put the blame on anyone, then." Arthur closed his eyes in deep reflection, exhaling smoke. "We could let the public know of our suspicions to add fuel to the fire... But we can't outright lie. Griffin isn't this sloppy."
Ivan nodded to his superior's machinations. "What will you do now, sir?"
"I'll let Yuri know about this. We're wasting our time here, Ivan. Get the rest of my men together. We're going home, for now." A mischievous smile crept onto Arthur's face. "It'll work, regardless. Those poor bastards've got a bad rep in Russia, already. They'll believe us."
…
NTW-20 reopened one eye slowly. Opening the other, she quickly realized that she hadn't yet been killed.
Stechkin gritted her teeth as the pistol trembled in front of 20's face. Why wouldn't she do it?
Whatever the case, 20 immediately seized the opportunity.
She grabbed Stechkin's hand, redirecting the pistol away from herself. The momentum of the maneuver flung the gun off the side of the building. In a swift judo throw, Stechkin hit the ground with a resounding thud.
Before she knew it, her comrade was on top of her.
Stechkin squirmed and yelled, but to no avail; NTW-20 proved just barely strong enough.
"You done?" NTW-20 panted through heavy breaths.
Stechkin ignored her, still jostling around. After a long struggle, she finally settled down.
"I've gotcha. Now, listen to me. Do you understand what you've done? You have no right to act like this! It's irresponsible, what you did!"
Even still, Stechkin ignored her, averting her gaze elsewhere. Nevertheless, 20 continued her rant.
"Look at me, damn it. I don't know what possessed you to do this, but this isn't just about following orders. It's the ethics. We don't get to pick and choose whose lives we take, you hear me? Calico did it because she had to! You didn't have to engage that man, but you did. You wanted to, didn't you? You could've told us they had that kind of surveillance, but you didn't!"
Suddenly, in the midst of her lecture, realization struck as a disturbing thought manifested. Surely...
"You… Did you... Hide the body..?" 20 stammered, praying that she at LEAST covered her tracks. But, seeing as she never mentioned it…
Stechkin glanced back at her blankly. No answer.
Even so, her eyes widened in cognizance. Without a single word, she understood perfectly. She had a lapse in strength, almost enough to let Stechkin move. If she were able to break into a cold sweat, now would be the time.
Just then, it retightened, stronger than ever. She jabbed Stechkin in the face, trembling.
"You idiot..! Do you have any idea what you've done!? They'll know about it, if they don't already. And when they do, there'll be hell to pay— and it's your fault!"
"...Shut up."
The sudden interjection somewhat dragged 20 out of her rage. "Huh..?"
A stream of red leaked from Stechkin's nose, but she ignored it. As she gradually came to, her pained groans morphed into screams as she lit into the pink doll. "Shut the hell up… You really expect me to listen to that shit? You think you've got me all figured out, huh!? Well you're goddamn right about one thing. I did kill— and I'll keep going, not just because I want to, but because they fucking deserve it!"
NTW-20 could form no reply to her sudden outburst. Seeing Stechkin like this... Was rather sickening. She was usually funny, goofy— things like that. But now, she seemed like a complete stranger. She wanted to throw up, but kept herself together.
Stechkin glared at NTW-20 with pure contempt. Her voice became noticeably more hoarse as she spoke further: "You don't know the first thing about me. Let me ask you something: know what it's like to be tortured? Brutalized at the hands of KCCO!? They razed my entire fucking team to the ground, right in front of me. The comrades I laughed with, and fought alongside with— gone in an instant. The last thing I remember was staring down the barrel of a rifle— right before being shot in the head. I replay those memories in my head every night, and it hurts all the same. Ever experienced something like that, NTW-20!? Huh!?"
...Silenty, she shook her head.
"Oh, right. Your memories were wiped— along with the rest of them. I wasn't afforded that luxury. I survived. Along with me, every bit of the pain. You don't get to feel like that, so how in the hell could you possibly tell me I'm wrong!?" She screamed, panting heavily.
And, she was right: she didn't experience those feelings— but she understood, nonetheless. The feeling of being betrayed by that which you swore to serve… It's enough to leave any doll feeling resentful.
Her hold weakened significantly, allowing Stechkin to throw her off. Now, they sat face-to-face.
20 lowered her head in reflection. "I… Can't say I know what it's like, no." She looked up into Stechkin's harsh eyes. "I only came here because I care for you. If Ana found out…" A tear threatened to break free, but the simple gesture would have made her feel more vulnerable than she'd have liked. She brushed a hand across her eyes, drying them.
Stechkin knew exactly what the repercussions could've been, and what it meant to her. Regardless, she spoke no further.
"I just want you around… That's all. Don't go doing what you aren't supposed to. Else, we may all be in for a reckoning, one way or another… Got that?"
Stechkin's face gradually softened up, as she shook her head. "For your sake, then maybe. But, I'm going to go about it the way I see fit. As I see it, my life ended a long time ago, so I'm going to take whatever comes next." She spoke with a certain obstinance in her voice, as though her mind had already been made up.
But, that no longer mattered: 20 had already lost the will necessary. Before she could shamble away, Stechkin embraced her tightly. "...Oh, right. Sorry 'bout hitting you." 20 mumbled. Stechkin let her go, but grasped her arm once more.
"It's fine... And, don't tell anyone about my secret, okay? If you do... I'll shoot you for real."
"Heh. Only when you're ready. 'Til then… Don't worry about it." Though she tried to mask her somber mood, the defeat in her eyes remained painfully apparent. As much as she'd thought she'd get through to the doll, her efforts seemed ultimately futile.
Afterwards, they finally parted ways. Though they could not reach an agreement, understanding and closure had been attained in its place.
END
Author's Note
Heh... This was supposed to be a more calming chapter compared to the last one, but I suppose things don't always go as planned. After this, it's back to business.