Chapter 3: The Good Commander

Studying the command center had been relaxing in a way for some reason. Scabs collected all data and sorted it all by type and usefulness. Like mail delivery, that's a common job so it's not that important so it goes into Common/Five. If the delivery involved something dangerous though then its Uncommon/Five depending on the seriousness. Which is fine with me as we work on a different scaling of threat levels for jobs. Level Five is basic, Level Four is questionable, Level Three is prep for war, Level Two is war, Level One is world war, Level Zero is extinction, which is how we've classified jobs and threat's all these years.

Which means different pay grades as well, Level Zero though has no pay grade that's free because you may not return.

[You are enjoying this I see Colonel, anything you think you'd like doing? Because we have a few requests for OPs]

"Hmm…. Mail delivery? To get the lay of the land as sats aren't THAT reliable."

[Mail huh? Let me pull up all relevant OPs around that on the command table]

"Thank you…"

Standing idly by the command table I watched as Scabs pulled up everything related to well delivery. Hmm relief, mail, weapons, produce, animals, materials, some rather basic stuff which is preferable for scouting the land out. Drumming my fingers along on the rim of the table the command center doors opened. Pancake along with a girl with a more modern dress style and green highlight in her dark hair entered. The girl carried a tray with still steaming contents and a wrapped up sandwich on a tray.

Her eyes lit up slightly when she saw I seemed to be in a better mood. Then confusion set in when she saw the OPs that were spread across the command table. The sight of them prompted her to gently set the tray down near me before looking them over. Chuckling softly at her curiosity and growing confusion I picked the sandwich up taking a bite out of it. The fact I've learned how to eat even with a lower face mask on is weird to most, but this helps Scabs feel included.

[Huh taste great just like those fudge brownies]

Shaking my head at the comment I'd set the sandwich down before picking the cup up and taking ginger sips. Not because it's hot but to savor having something to drink that's not not water for a change. Pancake sat at my side wagging her tail happily as she studied my mood, heh therapy dog all the way.

"Um… Commander? Why are you looking at all these boring operations? If you don't mind me asking."

Glancing to the young Doll I hum softly before pointing at certain ones as I explained reasonings.

"I don't mind, I'd like it because input and perspective is invaluable in situations from those you will trust. As for why I have such operations up, it's because I want to study the land myself as satellites can be inaccurate. Also because like this weapons delivery it gives us a connection to a militia in this area, this animal delivery gives us connections to several farmers and villages, this relief supplies delivery gives us connections but also information on our enemies. They may look boring to most but the most mundane of things can sometimes give the greatest benefits."

"Master has a point, hehe he did the most boring job of guarding a mayor all for a broken down aerial drone that wasn't even military grade."

"They had just suffered an attack and lost mostly everything so I picked what I thought most valuable."

[You accepted a Level Three job for a piece of scrap drone, which has been invaluable I admit Colonel but it was a questionable decision]

Rolling my eyes at Scabs comment and Pancake's amused look. The Doll looked at me silently so I just sipped my drink and ate my sandwich some more. Content to just let the T-Doll stare at me however long needed before they speak up. Eventually she spoke pretty softly with a wry smile on her face.

"You're weird, wanting input from us. However, I think I see what you're meaning Commander. Could…. Could I tag along on one of these? It's super boooooring but I want to see it in person."

"Mhm… sure M14 or should I say M4A1?"

"You… how?"

"Several things but mostly because I was told I may work with the AR team designed by that woman. So if you wanna tag along and rough it out delivering such boring things. Then which would you like to try?"

She was surprised by my comment but when I asked her which OP she'd like to try, the young one basically vibrated. It is honestly adorable how she acted before excitedly pointing to the relief delivery one. Interesting choice but unpredictable as well. Nodding my head the operation dubbed "Fallen Town" was selected. Looking at the details closer with the young Doll as Pancake watched us we bounced things around about it like who to bring.

She surprisingly had some T-Dolls in mind for this which were as follows. For handguns she suggested P226, Tokarev, PSM, G17, Jericho, Thunder, Spitfire, P7, Python, PX4 Storm, Grizzly, Contender, and NZ75 based on their personality, hobbies, temperament, and appearance. For that much consideration I gave her a rather generous appraisal.

"Pretty good thinking M4, you picked out people who have potential to help move things along smoothly. Not cause much conflict, and soothe anyone stressed like children. Excellent job for the first few picks as you know them more than me thus can help me with this easier than guessing. Who else do you recommend though?"

The praise stumped the poor girl before she seemed to process what I had said. A rather toothy smile bloomed on her face as we continued to pick out our relief group. M4A1 happily shared and snarked about a few of the Dolls but she helped pick and choose the best ones for this. Assault Rifle wise we have AUG, Art556, G41, K11, MDR, ZASM21, ADS, Sig-556, Famas, Type 03, and HK33. Along with M4A1 herself for well some extremely personable people mostly.

SMG wise we have AK-47U, P90, Thompson, 100 Shiki, Vector, Honey Badger, Klin, EVO 3, F1, SCW, Skorpion, TMP, Type 64, and Spectre M4. From what I heard about these ones, they're all mostly mischievous which can help lighten a mood. For RFS or sniper support we have Ballista, JS05, Lee-Enfield, SVD, Springfield, KSVK, and OBR. According to her these are all essentially quiet listeners or mother hens, which may help certain groups of people.

MGS we have PKP, MG4, MG5, Lewis, AEK-999, Ameli, MG3, Chauchat, UKM-2000, 62 Shiki, and MG34. The fuckin hyperactive yet serious team of people who could possibly help distract people with something fun. SGS we have AA-12, KSG, S.A.T, Super-Shorty, NS2000, and RMB-93. The mixed group of serious, mother hen, mischievous, and oddballs that can go anywhere and be fine.

"Hm, this seems fine to me, weird balance but I'll trust your judgement on character. As you know them, we do want relatively friendly people, not someone likely to snap someone's neck. So from your descriptions on them I'll give you a three out of five for this set up. Because you tried, you thought of how not to scare people shitless, and picked out people who could help in certain areas like cooking. However, you also put several who possibly would start a fight with each other together, and didn't make a real balance between them all. All in all though you did wonderful with this."

The T-Doll looked disgruntled at my scoring and cons but had a smile otherwise as I pointed things out and praised her judgement on choices. Tapping submit on the roster and operation to be done the following T-Dolls all were notified about it and why they were chosen. The meetup spot was at the garage hanger at 1400 to give the logistics staff time to get everything loaded and vehicles prepared. Pancake looked highly pleased and amused that we actively did something like this.

Of course it's optional if any of the Dolls don't want to come, but from the responses M4 has shared with me they seem willing and eager. Even the supposedly serious ones seem eager as this surprised them yet also made them happy. Guess having a Human willing to march into hell with you, and consider your opinion on wanting to do something is strange yet welcoming. Given that most hate, demean, and sometimes abuse the rather expressive and lively Dolls regardless of if they're an A-Doll or T-Doll. I've received such treatment as well because of my work and the fact most don't see me as a person just a machine.

Picking up the tray while setting my cup down onto it I looked at the time. It's 1000 currently so we've got three hours to go before loading up and heading out on the OP. Using my free hand while holding the tray in the other I ruffled the Dolls hair with a smirk.

"Thanks for the help kid, if you need me just ask around or find me at my…. Huh forgot I won't be sleeping there…"

"My haaaair! Also I'm not a kid! But um… if you won't be sleeping in the Human dorm area would you like to sleep in the Doll dorm area? There's an empty room big enough for a person to sleep in alone with an old dog bed because of who used to live there."

Hm… you know that's fair? I'll be mostly working with the Dolls so being nearby if they need anything would be a good idea. So why not? Going to basically live and temporarily die with them on a battlefield might as well dorm with them.

"Sure… thanks for the idea, are you sure you girls won't mind though?"

"Don't worry I mentioned it on Griffchan and everyone who saw it is rather happy to let you live there! Springfield herself seems rather excited that she wants us to go to her cafe before we escort you there."

Humming a little in thought I conceded and so the three of us left back for Springfield's cafe. Which is the Dolls cafeteria while Human's have their own, yet that one is probably fucking boring compared to the lively Dolls I've seen, met, and heard about. Plus my own kind tends to be wary of me so yeah… I'll hang around the more lively and unafraid bunch. On the way we met some of the more friendly staff who absolutely adore the Dolls like family or friends. So when they met me although they had some… apprehension… M4's whining and general happy mood with me made them lighten up.

Senior Chief Engineer Alexander Haldren, a bald, extremely dark skinned black male, with blue eyes, a noticeable burn scar on his forearm, greasy jumpsuit, and a friendly attitude as if he's a hyperactive wolf. Was the most upfront and friendliest though as the man outright made me cackle with his first few words about me.

"Huh? So you're the Commander that pissant creep Commander has problems with on day one? You don't seem like a caveman or a monster, you look like my kind of guy, a reliable man with a touch exterior but a kind heart. Some of the Dolls also seem excited to meet you after they heard your job and little missy's remarks about you. So I took a peek through my Linker at Griffchan with Colt 1911's help and I say this wholeheartedly. Welcome to the base and please take care of these girls, they can be… special but they're good kids so please take care of them."

M4 looked embarrassed to have her comments pointed out with a smirk by the mechanic. Yet she smiled bashfully with pride at seeing essentially the father figure and best friend to the Dolls like me. It's honestly adorable that the kid has sung my decrepit ass praise supposedly to give everyone a better impression of me. Pancake and Scabs though seemed fucking estatic at seeing a majority of the Human's being friendly with me. Children, but essentially my children given my ass is a hundred twenty-five.

Arriving at the cafe M4 was hyperactive with telling me about her siblings in the M4 series. She may complain about them but she genuinely loved them as family so I silently listened to her. Upon entering the cafe though a lot of Dolls greeted us one playing an acoustic guitar seeing us enter played a little jaunty tune. The shit eating smirk on her face when she played a tune basically going boooo at M4 was hilarious given the young Doll growled.

"Sorry about suddenly leaving earlier if you were there, once again I'm Kaiser Lockhart the Field Commander, this is Pancake. I hope you don't mind my behavior at times, with how old I am there's a lot of scars."

The Dolls had a variety of expressions on their faces but they were pretty welcoming. BAR a hyperactive Doll I met once before stalked close to me and then out of character for her it seems. She hugged me….

"Welcome to the base you fucking crazed monster. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask me, I'll mow any problem down with enthusiasm for you. After all, you did take six tank shots for me when I couldn't even move before getting pissed and going berserk on that tank. Heh sorry I sorta took a while to remember everything after you left."

Sighing I pat the Doll on her head while grumbling out something quiet enough for her to hear only. This made the rather tomboy Doll let go and smile softly before she cackled on her way out of the cafe. Yeah she's still weird even after all these years but mellower, since she didn't try breaking my bones. Springfield came out from behind the bar as a doll that matches M4's description of S.A.T came and took the try I carried. She smiled warmly at me before taking it back into the kitchen. Giving a small wave to the Dolls and a reminder our group of four left the cafe.

"If you're on the roster for the OP in two and half hours please be on time. People need those relief supplies so unreasonable delays aren't to be tolerated. You will get chewed out."

The Dolls gave me various forms of verbal confirmation and good luck. Pancake had to remark on this, making me groan but smirk at her words.

"You already seem to be making a good impression, so you'll have some good memories to be made. Just if anyone tries confessing I'm going to nag them to death with my high standards."

Springfield and M4 watched our interaction with amusement as the two of us bantered. At one point though because M4 started to whine I threw her over my shoulder and ran off. Lots of cursing and screaming was had as the others chased after us with passerbys laughing at the antics. By the time we arrived at my new room M4 was sulking from embarrassment.

"Come now you were complaining we were too slow so I gave you what you wanted, speed."

"You didn't have to do that though! It was sooo embarrassing to see everyone laughing at me! You also suck as a mount, it was too bumpy!"

"Master is just being nice and having some fun so don't pout~!"

"It was adorable to see though, like an older brother or something teasing their sibling."

It was amusing to mess with someone like this after a long time. My room though was rather dull besides the dog bed in it. On a desk though was a laptop, an exo suit in the corner, and a Linker hooked into the exo. Checking everything out carefully we eventually left back to the cafe to prepare snacks for the road. Because most of the Dolls probably wouldn't have eaten or drank anything to help recharge their cores besides charging in their rooms. So they were pleasantly surprised when they saw me walking with the others while loaded down with food and drinks.

G41 who I was told was more animalistic ran around me with a pep to her step as she sniffed me. She wanted to likely tackle or climb on me but behaved seeing everything I was carrying. She did lick my hands though before being corralled by Python. My bike Harley was also ready to go as it had been delivered here after our hasty pickup. A trailer hooked to it so I put the snacks and everything in it as it's pretty enclosed and can be kept cool.

"Why all the food and drinks Commander?"

Looking towards the voice it was Honey Badger as she was the only one in a bikini top among the group. Closing the trailer up I started Harley to start keeping everything from spoiling or going stale.

"Well I asked what all of you liked and if Springfield would help me make them. So we got labeled snacks and drinks for you to enjoy when we take breaks on the road."

"You….made each of us individual road trip food and drinks?"

Understandably all the Dolls but those with me at the time were surprised, but Springfield hummed with a smile on her face.

"He knows some of you probably haven't had lunch yet, and how things may get a little frustrating or bland for us. So I was surprised when he asked me about everyone's preferences. He even personally helped make everything by hand as well for you all to have some small enjoyment before we get stuck working."

"He's weird… said MRE's can be good but he'd rather do this if it's possible before using MRE's. Though… I do like he made me something I could enjoy during the rest stops along the way."

M4's side comment wasn't needed but it got the Dolls to look forward to the breaks while we drive. That's good, it's been a while since I've actually led a group so I wanted to make it pleasant and easier to get to know the one's I'll be working with semi-regularly. So making something personal no matter how infuriating it was is a good step in that direction. Fucking pasta… how was making spaghetti so complicated when it's usually so easy?!