Prologue
[December 25th, 2059. 21:45.]
A hard panging echoed through the halls as he dragged a baton against each cell. Rubber against metal. All those unlucky enough to be within earshot cursed him in various ways, yet he cared not.
Why, if he were to be made to work full-time in a trash heap such as this, he might as well irritate anyone else around. After all, they more than likely deserved it. A juvenile train of thought, but it was entertainment, nonetheless.
However, the goal for tonight was not solely to piss off embittered inmates, nor to find any other sort of escape from the monotony of guard work. Rather, he had to confirm for himself the rumors spreading around the prison walls: a descendant of the Berezovsky familyー among the wealthiest in the New Soviet Unionー landed right in this very prison..? Quite the spectacle.
He chuckled to himself as he neared the cell in question. Anyone 'in the know,' or even with a functioning brain, knew that their income was completely illegal. And, all they had to show for it was yet another 'epidemic.' Hell… That was what half of these crooks were in here with him for. The legacy of his goddamned father.
His boots came to a stop as he turned right.
Behind bars, there sat a man, greying, straight hair. Dressed in the usual attire: a black jumpsuit, with chains for good measure. Though, his prison cell appeared slightly more homey than the guard would have liked. Appearing as such a frail old man, the guard might've given a damn, had he not been aware of this man's background.
"Berezovsky… Yuri? That right?" The guard smirked. "Looks like the apple don't fall far from the tree, after all... If ya catch my drift."
He laughed, yet Berezovsky only humored him a glance.
"...I already know what you're in for. If you ask me, you got a lotta nerve throwing up those picket signs like you're trying to do right by this country."
Still yet, Yuri paid no response. The guard's toothy smirk soon disappeared.
"...I ain't passing the blame, but you know damn well your own have done more harm than good the past few decades."
"...If you're trying to lecture me, I suggest you stop now. Neither my heritage, nor my past will dictate what I do from now on." Yuri spoke dryly.
The guard scoffed, and bent closer toward the cell bars. He wore a deep expression, as if his words came directly from the heart. "Y'know… If it was up to me? You wouldn't get that chance. Not the moment you stepped foot in here. Your momma'd never see you again."
He leaned upright once more, speaking in his previous, casual tone. "...Count yourself lucky they swept you off the street 'cause of a petty protest."
"...A just cause. As I see it, our society at large is gradually adopting more Rossartristic views. Not only would the adoption of the ideology benefit the Soviet Union, but potentially the world. Am I so wrong to fight for what I believe is right..?"
"Ah. Right. The shining beacon in a brave new world. Rolls off the tongue pretty nice, huh? What a load of bullshit. You Rossartrists are all just hopeless idealists. Wake up and smell the coffee: it's a dog-eat-dog-world. Some need shit more than others. On a worldwide scale, ain't no such thing as equal distribution, if you ask me."
"You're mistaken, just as our government is… All we need is time. When I leave these walls in two weeks, the people will choose whether or not they want to help me. Based on the whisperings you and I may hear on a daily basis… I believe we know what the outcome should be."
"...Whatever. I swear, they shoulda never given that Rossartre dude the time of day. Suffice to say, it won't happen. See ya, chump." He turned away. "By the way… Merry Christmas."
The guard marched off, in a mood more sour than he began with. Now alone, Berezovsky lay in his bed.
The reality he sought after couldn't possibly be so out of reach. Yet, the very thing that stood in the way of prosperity was their own government. A shame.
He knew he couldn't have been the only person to share such frustrationsー the very demonstration he partook in proved that. If there were just ten of them, couldn't there have been hundreds more, too afraid to fight for the right thing?
Obviously, there had to be. And, if it'd be up to him to draw them out… So be it.
Together, they'd help spark change in this nation. If not, the world as a whole.
Chapter 1: "Patrol"
Hailing from a Russian branch of G&K, Tactical dolls SVD and M1918's echelons encounter a Sangvis Ferri squad while on patrol.
[Present day, 206X.]
Somewhere in the dead of night, a cool breeze whistled as wind swirled throughout an otherwise quiet forest. If not for the faint rays of moonlight piercing through the trees, it'd have been just as dark. Hidden in the bushes, Tactical Doll SVD wielded a wood-furnish Dragunov, true to her name.
After observing the environment from afar with her own rifle's scope, she opened her allies' communication channel with a blink of her eyes.
...
[SVD] Team BAR, respond. I've got eyes on the target.
[M1918] I hear you loud and clear, D! Details?
[SVD] It's a Dragoon squad; seven units strong. They're about 240 meters away from our position, versus 130 from you and your guys.
[IDW] Yeah, whatever.
[M1918] Alright, understood. Just make sure your girls are there to support us and we can get this over with!
SVD could not help but sigh at IDW's indifference, which had always proved a glaring trait, without fail. Her accompanying teammatesー MDR and Grizzlyー chuckled at her staunch, deadpan attitude.
SVD reopened the channel, with a marked interest in trying to correct her behavior.
[SVD] ...IDW, I hope you remember what we're here for. Just because this isn't a full blown firefight or something doesn't mean it's not worth taking seriously, alright? It's the small victories that matter.
[IDW] Oh yeah? Well just being here is a loss in my book. Also, I wouldn't care either wー
[M1918] Enough already! We'll chat later. Just… make sure you're there to support us when the time comes. We're going now.
[SVD] Gotcha.
x-X-x
As M1918, IDW and their accompanying teammates trudged through the dense underbrush, the former decided to strike up further discourse with the disgruntled cat.
"Y'know, SVD kinda has a point. No offense, but you could stand to take this job more seriously… Just like literally everyone else!" She beamed at the doll. From an outside perspective, one could hardly tell if she was being genuine, or just patronizing.
Whatever the case, it didn't matter to her.
"...So when are we going home?" IDW murmured. It was rather difficult to tell if she was being sincere, though it'd have been safe to assume so.
Her blonde leader ignored her, instead continuing her fruitless lectures. "How about… You take a page outta Galil's book?" She gestured behind her. "All work, and no play. Isn't that attractive?"
Galil's face flushed a subtle red in response to her leader's praise. However, her words only served to confuse the strange IDW.
"...Huh? Doesn't that just make her… Boring? I mean, shit, no offense, but…" She trailed off.
On queue, a third, slightly shorter doll appeared behind her. She donned an off-white cardigan, stitched with colorful, albeit elementary designs complete with a bunny hood. To match, blue leggings. A mischievous smirk crept on her face as she placed a hand on IDW's shoulder.
"Hmm..? If she's so boring for being dedicated to her work, then what does that say about yourself?"
"...Fuck off, Welrod. What's a 'chuunibyou' like you know about anything?" IDW sneered at the blonde doll, as well as laughing at her own mean-spirited remark. Welrod's smile then crumpled into a slightly insecure frown.
M1918 exhaled quietly, as though she had become slightly disenchanted with their banter. "Hey..! I was just saying. Let's try and finish this, okay? We'll be faster, that way."
"Laaaaame."
…
As they continued further into the dark, the ambient rustles of wildlife filled the void of silence left by BAR's command.
Ironically, their conversation served to lighten the moodー at least somewhat. Of course, the leader wouldn't have admitted such a petty thing.
Suddenly, she came to a stop after several minutes of uninterrupted walking. The others ceased movement, in accordance. The group came upon a large clearing, occupied by a seemingly decrepit building in its center. Dilapidated gating surrounded the area, there being plenty of spots available to simply walk through.
1918 scanned the area, coming upon the sight of the enemy's odd behavior: the group of Sangvis goons seemed to be inspecting the site, as if there were something to be found. An abundance of containers and boxes lined the area, though they seemed to be without any contents.
[M1918] ...SVD, come in. We're close to the target. Your status?
[SVD] We're nearly on 'em. Get ready to engaー
[MDR] Yo! Get ready to fuck 'em up! You're gonna love what I do next! Just you wait!
Though silent in reality, MDR's incessant screaming still managed to garner a 'shush!' from both SVD and Grizzly.
"Dude… You crazy? They could've… Wait." The realization dawned upon the brunette as she quietly trailed off.
"Nah, I'm MDR, dumbass. It was just comms!" She retorted smugly.
[M1918] That's the spirit! Anyway, let's make quick work of these guys!
[MDR] ROGER THAT, CAPTAIN! HERE WE FUCKIN' GO!
[Grizzly & SVD] ...Jesus christ…
The collective team BAR then hopped out of the shadowsー the harsh flashes of their muzzles illuminating the area around them. After maneuvering into formation it didn't take long for a full-fledged firefight to break out between the two factions.
In the midst of firing, IDW's gun jammed. She swore under her breath, scanning the area frantically. Then she laid eyes on a large crate, nearby.
"Fuck... My gun jammed! Take coverー!"
Before she could dive toward her destination, a stray bullet whizzed past her face. In its way, Welrod. The large caliber round pierced not through her dummies, but Welrod herselfー boring a large hole through both flesh and clothing.
She staggered in apparent shock, her pained groans doing well to grab IDW's attention. With not another moment wasted, she scampered away. "Dー Damn it..! Just cover me!" She blurted out.
IDW's shock from her injured teammate nearly caused her to falter in battle. Her voice tremored with a noticeable unease, despite reassuring Welrod. "Just go! I've got y—"
BOOM!
…
…
...Without letting the doll finish another sentence, the violent roar of an explosion shook the battlefield in front of them. She shielded her eyes from the bright orange flames as they swallowed their opposition, just as fast as they came.
While thick, black plumes of smoke leaked into the air, M1918 and her team gazed on with wonder in their eyes as MDR emerged from the smoke. Almost, in a heroic fashion.
Not far behind her, her other two teammates.
"...Pretty badass, right?" MDR slung an M203 to her person. She spoke in a low, confident voice. Clearly, just trying to play up the scene.
"Why, yes… You couldn't have been any more on time if you tried. Thanks, MDR." Welrod reappeared as her face flushed in agitation.
"Awwhー c'mon! Don't be such a…" She trailed off. She could then tell how affected Welrod truly was, from her glossy eyes to her shallow breathing. Perhaps, she felt a brief moment of pity.
"...Alright… I'm sorry. Apology once we get back to base?" She continued, scratching her head sheepishly.
"You've already done so… Haven't you? Nevermind." the british doll pouted, giving her the cold shoulder.
In her own mind, MDR had already taken it as a yes.
"Alright, everyone." SVD called out, eyeing the odd premises before them. "Let's give this place a shakedown. If we see any more enemies, we'll deal with them as well."
"...What she said." 1918 chimed in.
Various nods and voices of agreements as the Griffin dolls quickly got to work.
[Back at base.]
Back in Vladivostok, the commander sat in his office chair, surveying a screen displaying the body cams of his units. Alongside him sat his adjutant, SV-98. He promptly spoke into a headset.
Regarding the contents of the odd structure they had inspected, not much of value was found. Due to Welrod's critical injury, they found themselves unable to linger for too long.
[Commander] Team D, Team BAR. Your assignment is complete. Extraction will arrive shortly. Please confirm a landing zone.
[SVD] Understood, commander. Also, team BAR has sustained a critical injury… You may wanna sort that out.
[Commander] I'm aware! Don't be alarmed. Welrod will be repaired immediately.
[SVD] Alright… I'll tell 'em that. See you when I get back.
Click.
...
"L— Commander…" SV-98 murmured, garnering a brief glance from him.
"...Yes?" The commander responded quietly.
SV-98 began to noticeably fidget, as though something severe had plagued her mind. She finally mustered up the courage to speak, albeit not making eye contact.
"What's wrong?" The commander asked as he observed 98's odd behavior.
"I was wondering… When can I participate in combat as well?" 98 spoke, without confidence in what the answer would be. However, her question garnered only a chuckle and smile from her superior.
"Logistics taking their toll, hmm?" He leaned back in his chair.
Noticing her commander's casual attitude, she took the chance to be more assertive: "I… want you to rely on me too! And, not to mention, it's been a while since I've seen SVD…"
"...Hmm, I'll consider it, then. Be prepared whenever, though." The commander stated, making a mental note of his adjutant's plea.
"Yes, please consider it!" SV-98 put her hand to her chest. "I might not be that strong, but I can prove my worth with your help! Commander!"
The commander quickly shushed SV-98, not to put down her gallant attitude, but simply due to her high volume.
"Alright, I get it. As I said, You'll know if I've made my decision in due time." The commander gazed and smiled in a random direction, to 98's puzzlement. "You'll all get better in due time."
"So, is that a yes...?"
"We'll see."
[5 hours later.]
IDW would be seen sitting in a repair room, reminiscent of a homey patient room. In her hand, she held that of her injured teammate's as Galil sat on the opposite side, fast asleep.
Possibly due to her contemplations, IDW failed to notice the bug-eyed expression on Welrod's faceー likely stemming from the fact that IDW had been gripping her hand for well over 9 minutes.
"Uhmm… Can you let go of my hand..?" Welrod uttered in as polite a tone as possible.
The request immediately snapped IDW out of her stupor. "Oー Oh… My bad." Though, she just as quickly retracted her apology, becoming rather flustered. "Hey..! If I was M1918, you wouldn't say shit about it. Jerk."
Welrod's gaze wandered away as her cheeks flushed ever so slightly. "Ah… Nevermind, then. Sorry." She found a slight smile form on her face.
"...Whatever. Yeah, I… Me or my dummies shoulda taken that hit for you. Sorry, I guess." The disgruntled doll bowed her head.
Her smile widened. "Don't act so cool..! It was out of anyone's control. But, anyway…" Welrod wagged a hand, signaling that IDW take her leave. "Leave me be. I need my beauty sleep. Don't forget Galil."
Her wording could've made IDW retch. "Yeah, yeah, ya dang sow. C'mon Galil."
They promptly exited the facility. With that, Welrod immediately fell out of the consciousness she had been trying to keep, though neither of her teammates witnessed.
[Dorms.]
"Smile for the camera!" MDR took a selfie, featuring a sleeping SVD.
The blinding flash of the camera gradually dragged SVD out of her drowsy state. "Uggh… Huhh? Get off me!" Completely alert, SVD shrugged MDR off of her. "The hell're you guys doing?"
"Hey! That's no way to treat a girl, D." Grizzly sat up from a nearby chair, noticing the clamor.
"Oh yeah? Why the hell are you holding that phone?" SVD pointed.
"What can I say? I just like to watch." Grizzly smirked, a chuckle coming from MDRー meanwhile, not even making an attempt to hide the phone in her hands.
SVD groaned. "You're both horrible." I'm going back to sleep…"
END
Author's Note
Hey all! Here's the pilot chapter for my first GFL fanfiction. Stay tuned, there's more to come. - 40
UPDATE 2/16/2021: Hey. Here's the… Updated version, now more in-line with my current skill. If you never saw the first version… Don't worry, it was the same in concept and plot. I plan to do the same elsewhere. :)