A.N.
Hey so this was kind of a little project that wanted to work on. I never got the chance to do this in the past so, this would be my first time writing one of these.
This started with a couple of scenarios that popped into my head and I wanted to see if I could connect them into a single story. You will see some of these scenarios play out as the story progresses.
Now on to something else. I'm not one of those people who starts a story with a connection from the beginning. (Meaning I don't like when a story just merges the worlds from the get go with little to no time introducing the characters.) I like to have a chapter or two before said event to establish characters and lore first. So be aware of that.
Also to address some confusion that may occur before we start, the commander in the story is the same one in the manga story, so this commander is not an OC.
So without further ado, lets begin.
I do not own any of the respective works. Girl's Frontline is a product of Mica Team and RWBY is a product of Rooster Teeth.
Chapter 1
The year is 2062, and the world was in a dire state. In the aftermath of a major collapse fluid and the onset of World War III, there are only small patches of land globally that can still support human civilization. With much of the world's militaries in shambles, the protection of what remains of humanity falls to private military companies. Two of the largest of these PMCs, Griffin and Kryuger PMC and Sangvis Ferri, have taken up the mantle of this responsibility. However do to a savior lack of human resources, both companies employ a military form of service robot called Tactical Dolls. These T-Dolls, as they are more commonly known, are used with great effect to deploy quickly into hostile areas and take down threats that would normally go unchallenged. The two companies became rivals as they flood the market with their own variants of T-Dolls. While Griffin worked on improving the Dolls fighting capabilities, leading to the current 2nd generation models, Sangvis Ferri worked on advanced AI systems to improve the dolls' mental capacities and target acquisition. Unfortunately after an attack on their main compound by an unknown force a rogue AI took control of the main facilities and began to execute all human personnel as well as settlements in the nearby area. As a result Griffin was tasked with containing the threat that these units pose to the rest of civilization.
Due to this new workload that has been put on them Griffin looked to expand their line of commanders in the sector. One of these new commanders was a young woman named Gentiane. She was hired to take control over several operations with Sector S09 as it was known, to push back against the relentless attacks conducted by these rogue units. Quickly the commander conducted several attacks and incursions in the area called The Liberation of Sector 9, and had achieved many victories with the destruction of several Sangvis Ferri ringleader commander units. When Griffin's main tactical base was under attack, she led the defense as well as conducted a counter attack to eliminate the local ringleader overseeing the attack. Though this was a major success, this victory came at a great cost to Griffin who now have to delay much of their plans until they can replenish their forces. However they believe that Sangvis Ferri has exhausted their offensive capabilities for the moment, and hope to use this time as a breather.
Little do they know that as they lick their wounds, other plans are being set in motion.
15:37 Local time, Griffin's sector S05 base
With everything that has happened in the last three weeks, Commander Gentiane is just happy that she can finally get some sleep. Between the Liberation of Sector 9, the attack on Griffin's main base, and the tracking down of AR-15 who went rogue shortly after the attack, she is expecting a hell of a lot of overtime pay. That being said she doesn't want to think about any of that. Right now all she wants to do is sleep. Though there was still one thought that bugged her.
Anti-Rain
She knows they're just T-Dolls, synthetic robots designed for combat in all conditions, sent to fight and die for humanity. Still finding out one of your teammates betrayed you and got themselves killed before you could ask why, not many can come out of that mentally sound. I guess that's why they're locked up in the detention center nearby, make sure that they are okay. Plus the transfer to the new base did take a lot out of her. But at least now she can get some much needed sleep.
*Knock Knock* "Master."
Or at least she would be given that illusion. The door to her room begins to open. "Master, your presence is requested down in the command room." an o too familiar voice said.
"Just five more minutes, okay." The command said groggily as she covered her face with the blanket.
The next thing she knew the blankets covering her were yanked away. All the commander could do is attempt to cover her head with a pillow. "I told you five more minutes. What part of that did you not understand?"
"My apologies, but I was sent to inform you that you are needed in the command room."
Commander Gentiane took her head out from under her pillow and looked up at the T-Doll standing beside her bed. Each doll seemed to have it's own style of dress code depending on the personalities that were loaded on to them. This particular doll has a long blonde tied in a single braid and seems to dress in one of those maid's outfits. "G36, I thought I told you that I didn't want to be disrupted unless something needed my attention."
"There is a matter that needs to be addressed…" G36 started before being interrupted.
"All the matters that I have dealt with for the past week have all been patrols and writing reports for those patrols. So unless the world is going to blow up in the next few days, all I want to do is get some much needed rest." The commander put her head into her pillow while saying this.
"About that last statement…" The T-Doll started.
"Please don't tell me I was right."
"Well given the fact that this meeting is with Ms. Helian and she has stated before I left to get you that this matter can not wait until tomorrow, it's safe to assume such an outcome. Though I do not know for certain."
"Why is it always me?" The commander softly asked herself. "Alright, tell Helian I'll be there in a few minutes. I just need some time to get ready."
"Understood, I'll inform her immediately." G36 stated. She turns towards the door and leaves.
The commander sighed "Well there goes my night." She got up and began to get her uniform on.
Commander Gentiane made her way into the command room. The room was outfitted with the latest tech that Griffin had at its disposal. To the left and right are displays of all kinds reading out the status of currently deployed echelon teams. On the far wall there was a large television screen for secured communication with Griffin command as well as other bases within the sector. On that screen there was an indication that there was an incoming call from command.
"Put her through," said the commander.
On the screen, a woman wearing a Griffin officer's uniform appeared. She had graying hair fashioned a single loose ponytail. Looking up from her tablet she begins to speak.
"Good evening Commander Gentiane. I hope that I'm not intruding on anything personal with this surprise meeting." Helian said.
"No it's fine, I just wanted a little rest before tomorrow's set of patrols." responded Gentiane.
"Yes, your reports over the last week have been most informal about Sangvis' movements. You have seemed to fit right in to your new position, I hope such trivial matters aren't boring you, given your outstanding performance the last few weeks."
"No no, everything is fine. I'm happy to be able to get some easy work in for the foreseeable future." The commander said nervously.
"Well that being said there is a matter I wish to discuss. If you could turn your attention to the situation table."
Most of the lights in the room turned off except for a few in the center of the room. A series of lights began to project a map of what looks to be a collection of hills. The commander immediately recognized this area as Sector S05.
"The data from the patrols you and your fellow commanders in the area have sent back over the last week have allowed us to see what Sangvis has been up to recently." Helian started. "From what we are able to see, they have begun to send large amounts of materials to this sector."
The holomap began to show several lines coming from outside the sector going through valleys and passes to a center point. "We have been able to track down where these supplies are being sent to." The map zooms in on the center point, showing what looks to be a large complex of buildings out in the middle of nowhere.
"What am I looking at?" asked the commander.
"The complex that you are seeing is an old Sangvis Ferri research facility from before the Butterfly Incident. The nature of the research conducted there is unknown, however records that we were able to recover shows us that whatever research was conducted there was of little importance to them." Helian explained.
"So after all of this work we have found out that their forces are using an old backwater research facility in the middle of nowhere as a command post. Or are you saying that they're using it as a storage depot just because they can? This is hardly the kind of information that would require immediate attention don't you think?" the commander asked.
"Well that would be the case if it wasn't for a recent development." Helian stated. She began to type something onto her tablet. Then the map switched to a new visual, one where the facility is lit up significantly as well as at least five different lines jetting out from it.
"What's this?"
"This is a map of the current levels of power being consumed by the facility. The lines you see jetting off from the complex of external power links. These links appear to be siphoning off power from nearby plants and settlements." She stated.
The commander looked at the display for a few moments before speaking. "If that statement is true then there must be a significant force there on standby."
"That's our thoughts too, however the amount of energy consumed by this facility doesn't match the number of units we believe to be stationed there."
This fact brought a chill to the commander's spine. If that is true then what are they using all of that power to do? "So, what do you want me to do?" she asked.
"We are planning to strike the complex tomorrow, however when we sent several aerial drones to recon the enemy's positions, they were all shot down. As a result we lack sufficient intel to deploy our units effectively. " Helian stated. "So tonight I want you to deploy several of your echelon teams to recon the area for tomorrow's assault."
"So is this mission strictly recon, or are there secondary objectives that need to be addressed?" The Commander asked.
"While we have a rough idea on what to expect from their external defenses, we have no idea if they built any underground emplacements or what they may be hiding within them. If you have the time, send a team to probe their defenses to locate and destroy any of these emplacements."
"Aright, I'll get some teams ready for tonight. Is there anything else I should know about?"
"Yes there is." Helian stated. "I know recently you have been concerned about AR-Team's condition. So I fulfill the request that Miss Kalina sent me." She then types something on her tablet.
An audio recording begins. " M4, M4!" one voice says "Hey M4, it's started!" another, young sounding voice said.
"Hello commander..." The voice said in a calm and weary manner. "It has been a week. I hope you are doing well? We are very safe here, and very well taken care of. Our movements are restricted, but... We completely understand the measures HQ has taken… After all, we are not the only ones who went through that ordeal, nor are we the only ones who...suffered… Do not worry about us, Commander. And thank you for the concern and protection you offer… We will actively cooperate with HQ's work and look forward to seeing you again…"
The recording stops.
There was a moment of silence before it was broken by Helian. "I'm sorry, but this is the best I can do in these uncertain times." The commander thought for a moment, wondering what to say next.
Again, this silence was broken by Helian."Is there anything you wish to say to M4?"
After a moment of thought, she began to speak. "Yes, there is." the commander stated.
Helian tapped her tablet a few times before a notification on the screen let the Commander know that it was recording.
"Hello M4," the Commander started. "I'm glad to hear that you and your teammates are well taken care of. I'm sorry that all of this has happened to you. You know that if there was a way to get you out of there and free to have your revenge, I would. But until HQ clears you there is nothing any of us here can do. I hope that once this is all over, we can get back to work, I know that's probably what SopMod 2 wants. I hope to see you soon… And sorry again for everything."
Helian ended the recording. "I'll send this to them as soon as I can." She looks up from her tablet. "Don't worry about them, once we confirm that they are not infected with the Parapluie virus, they will be returned to active duty."
"I understand." Said the commander. "If there is nothing else to discuss, then I would like to get my teams ready for tonight's operation."
"By all means."
Gentiane turns around to leave the room.
"Oh and one last thing." She turns around to the monitor to Helian. "Good luck Commander."
The Commander gives a nod before walking out of the door.
19:35 Local time Griffin's Sector S05 base
There was a lot of talk and whispers among the T-Dolls about this briefing. Nearly every doll in the base was called into this meeting, and the question on everyone's mind was why.
"I heard that they found the ringleader of the area." one dolls says.
"That's complete b.s. Scorpion." another explained "We only just got here, how could they have found a ringleader that quickly? You're just getting too wrapped up in the rumors spreading around. I think it's going to be a simple night patrol."
One of the others in the group joins in. "But if that's the case then why are so many of us called to the briefing? Don't you think that there is more going on than just a simple patrol?"
"You know, Garand has a point Shorty, maybe there is something else going on."
"HEY, WHO ARE YOU CALLING SHORT?" shouted Super Shorty.
Before anything could start however, they hear the speakers at the front of the room turn on. As everyone turns their heads they can see the commander walking in front of a large briefing screen.
"Can I have your attention please." She exclaimed. Everyone stopped the conversations they had with each other to listen.
"Before we begin I would like to say that I'm happy with the performances of everyone over the past week. HQ has recognized us as top achieving units for our outstanding work." Everyone began to clap for a few seconds.
"HQ seems to view us to be worthy of being the go to unit for operations. That being said, let's begin today's briefing."
The large screen behind the commander displayed a moderate sized area with various hills and rock formations. At the center of this set of hills is what looks to be a large building with several smaller buildings surrounding it.
"What you are all looking at is a Sangvis research facility. The complex is small, only comprising a total area of around a square kilometer, this includes the surrounding support stations." She explained.
Pointing at the ground surrounding it she continues. "There are what appears to be dugouts at strategic points along the entrance and surrounding hills. However what kind of firepower these emplacements hold is currently unknown, as well as total troop strength. That's where we come in."
Several directional arrows pop on screen. "Our mission is to enter the area and give precise number counts of troop and emplacement strength for tomorrow's main assault. We will also be sending in a team to probe the defenses and plant demolition charges to make our job a lot easier." After she finishes, the Commander looks to the crowd of T-Dolls. "Any questions?"
One doll raises her hand. "How many teams will be deployed?"
"I plan on sending six teams total, four will infiltrate while two hang back and provide support if needed." The Commander responded. Another doll raises her hand "Yes?"
"What kind of defenses are we expecting?"
"We are expecting to encounter a well entrenched force. If you're wondering about specific numbers, that is what we are being sent in to find out."
A T-Doll near the front raised their hand. "What are our targets for the demo charges?"
"Your targets are any heavy equipment you come across during the mission. Communication relays are also considered targets."
"Is there a ringleader in the facility, NYA?" A doll shouts.
The Commander puts one of her hands on her face. "IDW how many times do I have to tell not to shout during a briefing?"
"Sorry" the doll says as she sits back down.
"To answer your question, we don't know. However given the amount of troops deployed in the area, there must be some kind of command unit keeping the place organized." After that answer the room went quiet. "Any more questions? No? Okay then let's move on."
Commander Gentiane looks over her list of echelon teams currently present. "Echelons 2 and 5, you are taking the approach from the south. Echelon 3 will be approaching from the south east and Echelon 1 will approach from the west. Echelons 4 and 7 will be overlooking the area from the hilltops from the southwest and northwest respectively."
The Dolls look at their commander waiting for what she will say next. "I want all Echelon teams ready to deploy in 20 minutes. Everyone else is dismissed." The commander begins to leave the room, leaving everyone looking around. Then group by group, they began to get up themselves and started making their way to the armory to suit up for combat.
20:17 Local time Sector S05 45km from Sector Base
The helicopter set down to drop off its load, a large metal crate. When it lands nearby, the five T-Dolls of Echelon 5 exit the craft and immediately raise their weapons to prepare for an encounter. After a few seconds the helicopter dusts off leaving them and the crate behind. The Dolls then move to open the crate, revealing it full of identical dummy bots of the team members, four for each member, as well as spare weapons and ammunition for these units. After a few minutes these units are activated and the team begins to move out towards their objective.
Echelon 5 is a well equipped unit for these types of ops. Close range attack with long range support. Though they did have to be equipped for night operations, this doesn't slow them down one bit. Grizzly MKV uses her speed and agility to climb on top of a nearby boulder and switches to night vision. With her eyes, she is able to quickly detect enemy movements and relays it to her teammates allowing for longer range encounters with minimal accuracy loss. She detects a small Sangvis patrol consisting of a squad of mobile turrets called "Prowlers" and a squad of humanoid sub-machine gunners nicknamed "Rippers"
After this information is relayed, the other dolls begin to set up for an ambush. The hill has a worn in pathway that moves around about halfway down, and any larger plant life that was once here has long since been removed, ensuring that there is little cover for the units to hide behind. Each doll takes its position behind rocks or laying along the slope of the hill ready to pounce once the word is given. They waited for only a few moments before they heard a large explosion going off far to their left. The Sangvis units looked in that direction readying to respond to the incoming threat. As they turned their backs, Grizzly gave the order.
"M2, open up."
"With pleasure." she responded. M2HB cocked her heavy machine gun and opened up a barrage of .50 Caliber rounds coming out at around 450 rounds per minute. The resulting attack cut down at least seven different units before they even reacted, turning them for once functioning robots into twisted scraps of other Sangvis units began to take defensive positions, but as they turned for cover, they started to take fire from both of their flanks. On their left came a Griffin T-Doll clad in heavy armor brandishing a shotgun and large riot shield. To their right, they started to take short, accurate bursts of rifle fire coming from one of the lower inclines of the hill.
"Spas-12 moving up." the doll with the riot shield said. She began to pepper her enemies with 12 gauge shotgun shells. Each shot she took brought another unit down. When these units retaliated, Spas used her shield to block most of the fire and what rounds did hit her made no effect on her armor. As she directed her dummy units forward, one of them took a heavy round to the arm on it's right side from higher up on the hill. Spas looked up and saw several figures kneeling at the top of the hill wearing large cloaks on their bodies firing rifles down on top of them.
"We got snipers at the top of the hill." She said,
"Don't worry, I see them." A doll over the radio said. As she said this, the heads of one of the snipers was suddenly blasted off. One by one the "Jaegers" as they are known, were shot to pieces by highly accurate shots to the head. Soon all of the units were eliminated.
Spas-12 relays in her comms, "Thanks for the support SRS."
"No problem." She responded. "Just continue to focus on the enemy in front of you, I'll watch your back."
After about 90 seconds of fighting, the last of the patrol was eliminated. The team regrouped at the pathway next to the carnage that they have created.
"That was really good Spas." The smallest of the dolls on the team said. This doll was timid and sickly looking, having a blood bag hanging from her waist and bandages wrapped around whole sections of her body. She walks up the the group using her rifle as if it were a crutch. "I wish I could do as good as you."
"Don't sell yourself short Ribeyrolles" Grizzly said. "You did a remarkable job keeping those units in place." Grizzly then looks up the hill "Well we better move and continue our mission before reinforcements show up."
The dolls nod their heads and move up the hill. At the top of the hill, the team looks down at the research facility that they have been tasked to recon. From their position, they can see that the Sangvis units have created a large system of barriers and large guns to repel any attack that comes its way. Behind these defenses however, they can see that there appears to be little to no effort to create a defense in depth. This brings a slight bit of confusion to the T-dolls as they are so used to a well prepared, well entrenched enemy. After a moment, M2 breaks the silence.
"Huh, this is not what I expected when I was told we would be going into a Sangvis controlled facility."
"Perhaps they have yet to complete their defenses." Grizzly said.
Srs joined in, "Well just because we don't see their defenses, doesn't mean that they are not there." She looks down and about 200 meters from their position, she sees a couple of mortar pits with some equipment within them. "Come on ladies, we still have a job to do."
As they walk down the hill, they look to their left and see off in the distance what looks to be a section of another hill across the way engulfed in flames.
"Looks like Vector is having a little too much fun again." Spas said rolling her eyes a little.
"What did you expect?" asked Grizzly. "She has always been a fire bug and the commander gave her free reign to do whatever amount of destruction she desires."
They continued down the hill to the mortar pits. There were three mortar pits in total, each having a single mortar unit and a squad of riflemen nicknamed "Vispids" by the dolls. They stealthily approached the pits and, once in position, opened fire. After a 20 second engagement, all units in the pits were eliminated.
"Hey Griz?" asked Ribeyrolles.
"Ya?" she asked back.
"Have you noticed that there are not that many Sangvis troops we've encountered since we got here?"
"Ya I noticed that too." said M2 "The squads we encountered on patrols for the last week have been at least twice this size. I mean look." She begins to gesture around at the pits they are currently in. "These pits normally hold three mortars each and twice the squads stationed here. What gives?"
Grizzly pondered this for a few seconds. "Ya I noticed that too. Maybe they pulled most of their forces back to defend the main building. I don't know. Either way, we should update the commander on our current status, right Srs?"
"I agree." Srs said. She turns on her radio. "Command, this is Echelon 5, we have taken out several Sangvis positions and are moving forward towards the main complex. Do you copy?"
The radio comes to life. "We copy. Move forward and alert of any unusual events that you encounter."
Meanwhile back at base, Commander Gentiane looks over the whole operation. She watched as the teams moved closer to the main complex. The commander notes the relative ease that the teams dispatched the Sangvis units. This fact concerns her.
"Is everything okay commander?" She hears behind her. When the commander turns, she sees her logistics officer Kalina, looking at her almost curiously.
"I don't know." the commander says. "For a base that seems to have a level of importance to them, there doesn't seem to be that much in the way of resistance. The amount of supplies they have been sending to this place and the amount of energy being consumed suggest a much larger force."
A smile begins to form on Kalina's face. "Maybe we did so much damage to them over the past couple weeks that this is all they have left to spare."
"Maybe," the commander thinks out loud to herself "but this still doesn't explain why they would need so much resources." The commander ponders this for a moment before her train of thought is interrupted by a call from one of her ground teams.
"Commander, this is Echelon 5." the doll over the radio says. "I can see the main entrance to the facility. I am asking for permission to enter the building and conduct internal recon."
The commander thought this over for a bit. The orders she was given were to recon the area and sabotage any heavy equipment the teams came across. While this order was implied to be about external recon, internal recon may prove just as valuable. However there are inherent risks for sending a unit into an enclosed space completely blind, but until recon is conducted, all you're doing is running into an engagement blind.
"Echelons 2 and 3, what are your current status?" she eventually asked.
The radio came to life. "Echelon 2 here, we just finished clearing another patrol of enemy units. We are about 150 meters from the main building and have a clear line of sight on the structure itself."
"Echelon 3 reporting." another voice said. "The southeastern defenses have been eliminated. Our current position is 125 meters from the main building. We are awaiting further instructions."
The commander thought for a few seconds before speaking into the radio.
"Echelon 5, you have permission to enter the structure for reconnaissance purposes." the commander started. "You are to move through the facility and hack into any active terminals you find for information. If you encounter heavy resistance then you are to exit the building immediately. Echelons 2 and 3, you are to be redirected to the main entrance to provide support to Echelon 5. However you are to remain outside the facility to maintain a clear exit for Echelon 5. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes Ma'am." several voices responded.
"Good, now get it done."
The commander looked over the map and saw the respective teams move into position. A voice comes over the radio.
"Breaching." it says. An explosion can be heard before the voice comes back on. "Moving internal."
The commander says over the comms, "Echelon 5, I want you to switch on your camera feed so I can see what you see."
The leader of the team responded, "Yes Ma'am."
As she said this, five different video displays showed up on the screens lining the back wall. The commander watched as the dolls moved through the hallways, checking rooms for any presence of enemy units. The rooms appear to be empty, with a layer of dust covering much of the tables and equipment, showing that it had been a while since this place was last used. Other than a squad of rippers moving through the halls, there was little in the way of resistance. Eventually, the team came across an active terminal.
"Hacking in." one member said.
After a few seconds, they had access to the contents of the computer. They consisted of experimentation logs from the researchers that worked here before the fall of Sangvis Ferri. The logs seem to indicate that the researchers were experimenting with the possibility of teleportation, but it seems that little to no progress was made leading to a reduction and termination of their budget. The next logs appear to have been made recently. It outlines some kind of success and what looks like exploration logs.
"That doesn't seem good." Kalina said.
"No, it's not." the commander responded. "If these logs are true, then that would explain our lack of Sangvis troops in the area, and possibly the amount of power consumption that was recorded."
The commander thought about this for a moment. If Sangvis Ferri managed to make a working teleporter, then they can attack anywhere and everywhere they want with almost no restrictions. This can not come to pass.
"Echelon 5, do you know where these experiments were conducted?" the commander asked.
"Yes, there looks to be a large testing room at the center of the building." Srs states. "Do you want us to proceed?"
"Yes," the commander said "I want you to go there and shut down this machine. If Sangvis troops are moving through it I want to know where they are going."
"Understood commander. Moving out."
The dolls began to make their way to the room that the terminal pointed out to them. As they drew closer, the amount of patrols moving through the facility steadily increased. First a squad of vespids, then two squads of heavy machine gunners called stalkers, then five squads of rippers. There was a serious possibility that the team may run out of ammunition before they reach their destination.
The commander contemplated whether or not to call them out of the engagement. Their dummy units have been heavily damaged, some units being outright destroyed, and their ammo count was dwindling into dangerous levels. However if they don't continue to push forward, there is a good possibility that Sangvis units may destroy the teleporter before Griffin can even figure out where they are going, and that's if there is a teleporter waiting at the end of this hallway. There are too many things to consider and little time to think, so the only thing to do is to continue to move forward.
After several minutes of constant fighting, Echelon 2 finally made it to the testing room they found on the terminal.
"Spas, set the breaching charges." the squad leader said.
"Right." Spas responded. She began to put a breaching charge on the door. Once in place, everyone took a step back.
With a loud bang the door flew open, revealing a large room. The room itself is less than impressive, built more for utilitarian than style, though the room itself was in a state of early decay. Within this room lay many different experiments, ranging from simple table top demonstrations to large machines that do who knows what. In the center of it all, lay a large contraption.
It stood on maybe six meters high from what the dolls can estimate and was held up by three support beams that go down to the floor. At the highest joint to each leg, there was a cable that ran from the ceiling, presumably to help hold the structure up. At the center of the support beams, there was a large Tesla coil with an emitter that looks like something torn strait out of one of those old science fiction comic books from the old days. This emitter seemed to be sending out beams of electricity downward into something that was hard to describe.
"Echelon 5, report." the commander said. "What are you seeing in there?"
"It…'' one of the dolls said in disbelief. "It looks like someone…"
Another doll helped finish the statement, "It looks like someone tore a hole in reality."
The commander looked at the feed in astonishment. She couldn't believe it but there was a tear in reality. She saw the edges of this tear began to almost shimmer a wave as if it is fighting to remain open for as long as possible. Within this tear she saw what looked to be a forest, a thick green forest unlike much of the terrain surrounding the complex. As she watched as the Sangvis troops began moving through this portal, she saw something move in the background.
"Ribeyrolles," the commander said "look to your right about 30 degrees and up 15 degrees."
Ribeyrolles did as she commanded and saw what seemed to be a figure of some kind lurking in the shadows.
The commander, seeing this figure began to mumble to herself, "Could it be?"
Before any of the dolls had time to react, the figure made a bolt for the portal. With speed a position, it went from one side of the room to mere meters from the tear, firing on any Sangvis units in its way.
"Echelon 5," the commander stated in almost a shout, "do not let that unit get away. Capture that unit alive at all cost."
The members of Echelon 5 looked at each other in bewilderment before obeying their orders. They made a rush to the portal in an attempt to intercept the mysterious figure before it reached the tear. The team began firing on any Sangvis units in its way, spraying bullets everywhere hoping that some of them would hit their targets.
As they drew nearer to the tear, their video feed began to distort. Their comms began to fill with static, and the video feed began to fade. As they got closer to the tear, the power in the facility began to stutter, and the portal began to fade. The last thing the commander saw was Echelon 5, only an arms reach from the figure, enter the portal, before the whole feed was lost.
"Echelon 5, report." the commander said. "Echelon 5, report."
There was nothing but silence.
With much of the power levels that were going into the facility now lost, the only conclusion the commander came up with is that the tear had resealed.
"All Echelon teams," the commander stated over the radio. "Echelon 5 is missing in action. Their last known location was the central testing chamber in the main research building. All teams are to secure the whole of the complex and set up defensive positions in case of an enemy counter attack."
"Yes Ma'am" several voices over the radio stated.
"Kalina," the commander said.
"Yes?" Kalina asked.
"I want you to put Helian on the line." the commander said. She turned her head to slightly face the logistics officer. She saw a look of seriousness within the commanders face.
"Understood commander." she said "Opening a secure link now."
After a few moments the screen turned on.
"Hello commander." Helian said. "I assume that your recon of the facility was a success?"
Gentiane responded, "Yes it was. My teams are finishing off the last of the patrols as we speak. They should have the facility under our full control within a few moments."
Helian looked at the commander with a confused look. "I'm sorry can you repeat that? It sounded like to me that you said that the facility you were tasked to recon was infiltrated and taken."
"That is exactly what happened, miss." the commander said.
"Do I need to remind you that your mission was only to recon the situation and relay that information to me?"
"No, the mission you gave me was to recon the research facility and to sabotage any Sangvis equipment we come across." the commander retorted. "My teams were able to get close enough to the main building to be able to conduct internal recon. As they moved through the facility, I sent the remainder of the Echelon teams outside to secure the perimeter."
Helian put a hand on her face and sighed in slight disappointment. "While I do appreciate your initiative, I do not condone your decision to assault the main complex without additional support. You do understand how much you could have lost?"
The commander was silent for a moment.
"I did lose a full team in the facility," she said "but it was for good reason."
The commander sent Helian the files that Echelon 5 was able to recover and send, as well as the video and comms recorded before being lost. She looked over the files for at least several minutes before responding.
"Now I see why you took the risk." she said "I do have to ask you one question."
"And that would be?"
"The lone figure running toward the portal, she that who I think it is?" she asked
"I don't know," the commander said. "That's why I sent Echelon 5 running after her, to confirm the identity."
"Well if that is the case, I will need to plan a course of action…"
"Ma'am" the commander said.
"What is it?"
"I think they should know."
"Can you please elaborate?"
"I think they have a right to know… to see this footage."
"You do understand the current situation…" Helian said.
"I know about all of that." the commander said. "But given how much they have done for Griffin and more importantly humanity, they should at least be informed of this development."
Helian thought for a moment. "While I see your point, this matter as a whole is too sensitive to allow it to be seen outside of necessary personnel."
"Then only show them the few seconds where they can see the figure and not the portal!" the commander shouted.
"Need I remind you that I am your superior officer. Any and all information that is collected and distributed goes through me, and I have full authority over what information goes where and who has access to it."
The commander lowered her head, "I'm sorry Ma'am."
"However seeing how passionate you are about this matter, I will see what I can do. But I am offering no promises that there will be an outcome that you desire."
"Thank you Ma'am."
"That being said, before any of that can be considered, the complex and surrounding area needs to be under our full control. I can assume that you will have the situation under control by the time the other commanders are informed about the recent change in plans?" Helian asked.
"Yes Ma'am." the commander said "My teams are already securing the premise as we speak."
"Good, I expect a full report made and sent to me by the morning. Is there anything else you would like to discuss?"
"No Ma'am, that is everything.'
"Good, if there is nothing else to discuss then I will let you do your work." Helian said. After she said this the communication with her ended, leaving the room in a state of silence.
Before she left, the commander turned to Kalina, "I want you to get started on writing the report on everything we know so far."
"Don't worry, I'll get on it right away." She said with a smile.
7:26 Local time, Griffin Sector S05 Area Detention Center codename "Mario's Princess"
The following morning was just like any other morning in the facility. The facility was once an old human sanitarium back in the mid 20th century to house the mentally unstable members of human kind. Today it has been converted to house malfunctioning and/or corrupted T-Dolls.
Within the facility, an almost robotic voice comes over the speaker system. "Routine inspections over. Tactical Dolls M4A1, M16A1, M4 SOPMOD II, please return to your quarters."
The three dolls exited the room. One of the dolls made a sigh of relief.
A small doll wearing a red Scandinavian type dress begins to direct them down the hallway. "This way please."
One of the dolls wearing a dark special operations jacket and miniskirt began to speak. "Gosh it's finally over… It's the same thing over and over every single day. When is this going to end?"
Another doll beside her answered her question. "Don't worry Sop-II, 16LAB is working on a way to counteract Parapluie. Once they get some result, they will turn us loose."
"Well I hope they finish up soon." Sopmod 2 said. "Ar-15 may be gone, but Sangvis Ferri is still running amok doing god knows what."
"Don't worry. We will get our vengeance. Helian promised us that once we are cleared, we will be assigned to take down Sangvis for good."
SopMod 2 began to make an almost evil looking face. "When I get out of here, I'm going to track down every last one of them, and I'm going to tear them climb from…"
"Shut it!" The doll at the front said. She turned her head to face the offending doll. "Will you just be quiet for five minutes?!"
SopMod 2 looked at her team leader with a surprised look. She had never heard such an outburst from her leader before.
"I'm sorry." Their leader said softly as she turned back.
"Sop-II, do you mind keeping it down a little. M4 has been taking this the hardest. You know how much she tried to put on a brave face for the commander."
"Sorry M16." SopMod 2 said. "I'll keep that in mind for the future."
As they moved through the facility, the doll guiding them back to their quarters turned and presented them with a tray of food.
"I am to inform you that breakfast is being served right now."
M4 looked down at the tray. "Cinnamon rolls again?" She said softly.
"My apologies, but at the moment all of my cooking skills consist of, are sandwiches and cinnamon rolls."
"So it's bread again?" SopMod 2 asked.
"I'm afraid so, command has limited the amount of resources coming into the facility as of late. This is the best that I can do."
M16 spoke up, "It's fine m45, you are doing your best with what you've got. The fact you try to spruce it up by making cinnamon rolls is more than enough."
M45 turns towards M4 who is walking away. "Miss M4, will you be joining us in the cafeteria, or should I send your food to your quarters?"
"I'm not hungry." M4 says.
"Miss M4, command has asked that you keep in mind your eating habits…"
"You mean that command has ordered me to eat. Is that what you are trying to say?" M4 asked. "So no matter what it is, as long as it's an order from Griffin I have to obey it?!"
M45 puts her hands up. "Please M4, calm down."
M4 continues "Who are they to lock me up in here?! We are T-Dolls produced by 16LAB! Were only loaned to Griffin!" She turns to m45 "DAMMIT!" m45 winces in fear at M4's outburst. Before she can continue, M16 intervenes.
"M4 that's enough!" She says "I know you're angry, but she is just a supervisor. There is no reason to turn her into your punching bag."
M45 begins to speak, "If everyone can just calm down.." Before she can continue, she gets a notification that someone is calling. "Who could this be?" She answers the call on a portable tablet she carries, and on the screen a familiar face appears.
"Good morning m45," Helian says "I hope everything is going okay there."
"Yes Ma'am everything is fine. I was in the process of escorting the members of AR-team back to their quarters after their scheduled morning treatments."
"Good to hear, I actually wanted to talk to them if that was okay."
"Of course, I'll put you on the nearest monitor." After saying this m45 moves the call to a larger monitor sitting on a nearby wall.
"Thank you m45." Helian says. "Now to the AR-team, how have you all been since the last time we talked?"
SopMod 2 speaks first, "I would like these tests to finally end so we can be cleared for active duty again. I really want to smash some Sangvis heads in right now."
"I'm sure you do." Helian said "That being said, the commander sent you all a recording that you may want to hear." She proceeds to play the recording that the commander made yesterday to the members of AR-team. They listen with a sense of happiness and relief that they have not been forgotten. Once the recording ends, Helian begins to speak.
"The commander cares a lot about all of you. I do hope that you can appreciate that."
M4 turns her head to the floor, feeling disappointed and ashamed at herself for her recent outburst.
"Now onto something that will bring a little joy to your hearts." Helian said, "Persica has approved your use in the field, granted under supervision. She says that she is sending a T-Doll to the facility to escort you out and act as a temporary member of your team until further notice."
M16 looks at her with a look of suspicion. "Why the change all of a sudden?" she asks. "First you tell us that we can have no contact outside of this place, and then you tell us we are clear for duty not even moments after we finish one of our tests. What happened?"
"The situation had developed. Most of the information is classified at this time, but the short of it is that Commander Gentiane took part in a recon op and found something that may interest you."
Helian taps away on her tablet, on screen came a video. The video was taken from a doll's built in surveillance system, and shows a team inside a large room with lots of what look to be experiments of some kind. As the doll moves her head around, they can see a figure in the shadows that almost looks like…
"Is that who I think it is?" SopMod 2 asked in disbelief.
"We don't know at this time. The team that recorded this footage was tasked to capture the figure, however all contact with the team has since been lost. Your mission is to locate the missing team, and finish their mission."
The members stared at the image on screen for what seemed like forever. Then M16 spoke up.
"So, is this mission capture or kill?" she asked.
"Capture is preferable, however if it comes to it, then kill if necessary."
M4 stared at the image while the others talked around her. So many thoughts were going through her head, so many questions. But one stood out above the rest. She asked this question over and over in her head before she mumbled the thought softly to herself.
"Ar-15, could that really be you?"
A.N.
Well thank you for reading the very first chapter of what I hope to many more to come. Like I said before, this is my first story so any and all criticism is welcome. Also if you have questions I am more than happy to answer them, however I will say my knowledge of GF lore is limited, but I will answer what I can.
I will post as often as I can. My goal is to post at least once a month, so if within 30 or so days there isn't an update, then you have my full permission to PM me for the purpose of bugging me.
Thank you again for getting this far. See you next time.