"Hyena!" A familiar voice calls out. "Hyena! Wake up, you dumbass!"
Hyena opens his eyes to find himself on a beach, he can hear the waves silently coming ashore. Hyena can see seagulls fly overhead from on his back. The sun shines brightly in the clear blue sky. He raises himself to find that he's wearing his usual jungle fatigues and brown boots. He looks towards the voice to see two men looking over him.
Both men wear the same outfit as him and bear an "MSF" logo patch on their shoulders. Both men have their standard issued balaclavas off, revealing their faces. The first man has copper-toned skin, just like Hyena, while the other has pale skin with freckles on his face.
"Damn, dude, you were really out cold." The copper-toned man says with glee. He takes a seat next to Hyena on the sand. "Enjoy your rest?"
"Yeah, it was nice. I had the weirdest dream, though." Hyena says, stretching his arms and legs.
"Really, what was it about?" The pale man asks, taking a seat to the right of Hyena.
Hyena takes off his balaclava and bears a frown. "It was weird; there were women who bore guns they were named after." He scratches his head. "And there was this weird conflict that was going on."
The copper-toned man lies on his back and places his hands behind his head. "That does sound weird. What do you think Timber?"
The pale man copies the copper-toned man and lies on his back. "I have to agree with Steel, that does sound like a weird dream."
Hyena shakes his head. "It gets even weirder." He brings his knees close to his chest and hugs them. "I had a dream that mother base got destroyed, and a lot of our guys died." Hyena chuckles dismissively. "But what are the odds of that happening."
The men laugh. Steel and Timber stop laughing, but Hyena continues to laugh, but hysterically. Tears start to form in his eyes as he laughs, and clouds begin to form in the cloudless sky.
Hyena stops laughing and wipes his eyes. "Sorry, just thinking about that is too funny. I mean, like how could that even happen?" He lets out a giggle.
Steel and Timber remain silent. The clouds darken the sky completely, not letting a single ray of sunshine through. The tide of the ocean starts to recede.
Hyena's face starts to twitch as he watches something emerge from the ocean. At first, he can't make the shape out, but as it approaches its silhouette takes the form of a person. The person moves towards Hyena at a steady pace, the rest of its body becoming visible as it makes its way out of the water.
The figure stops at the shoreline, and a sliver of sunshine makes it through the clouds illuminating it. The figure is a woman bearing armor that Hyena can vaguely remember. It's only when he sees her long brown hair and her beautiful face does he make the connection.
"I killed you." Hyena whispers to himself.
The figure tilts its head at Hyena, her face in a neutral expression. She slowly walks towards Hyena, who starts to move backward on his elbows.
"Guys help m-" He cuts himself off as he looks at Steel's emotionless face, a bullet hole predominately in his forehead. "Timb-" He looks at Timber to see he also bears the same face and bullet hole.
Hyena looks forward, seeing that the woman has picked up her pace, moving ever quicker to his location. He moves backward, but he goes nowhere as he feels his elbows sinking further and further into the sand. He tries to turn around and crawl on his stomach, but he makes no more progress than on his back.
Hyena feels a hand grab his shoulder and turns him around on his back. The woman finally caught him. She wraps her hands around his neck and begins to choke him, her seemingly innocent face contrasting her actions. She leans her head in close to Hyena's face as if she is leaning in for a kiss, her purple eyes meeting Hyena's dark browns.
Hyena struggles against her hands, but cannot find the power in his arms. He can feel himself losing consciousness, but strangely enough, he feels at peace. Just as the darkness starts to envelop his sight, a sudden light appears in the distance, and he can no longer feel hands against his neck.
The light is dim and stands still, just barely shining in the overwhelming darkness. Then, just like a train, it comes straight to Hyena's vision, and it envelops his sight.
Hyena wakes up with a start and grabs his neck. His breathing is heavy and unsteady as he checks his surroundings. Nothing but the sight of metal and the dull sound of helicopter rotors turning. He steadies his breath as he adjusts his eyes to the light shining through the windows. He looks to his left to see that Makarov is still leaning against him, her eyes shut, and her cap on the seat next to her.
Hyena places a hand on his face. "Just a dream." He assures himself, his voice weak.
"Some dream, eh, comrade?" PPsh-41, who sits in front of him, remarks her head directed out the window.
Hyena takes off his balaclava and looks at her with a stern, but exhausted look. "You were watching me?"
"Yes, you were tossing and turning," PPsh-41 says with a worried tone. "I thought of waking you, but your face went so peaceful near the end."
Hyena rubs his head and looks out the window. Nothing below the helicopter, but white snow for miles.
"How far are we from the base?" Hyena asks, resting his head back against his seat.
PPsh-41 looks at the AI pilot then looks back at Hyena. "Should be less than an hour."
"Good. I want to sleep in an actual bed." Hyena shifts uncomfortably in the seat. He looks down at his blood and oil-covered BDU. "And probably take a shower."
PPsh-41 looks at him with a sweet smile. "That's a good idea, comrade."
The helicopter enters the base's airspace at around 0530. It struggles to land on the landing pad and comes down roughly. The old landing gears struggle to maintain the weight of the helicopter and start to fold under the pressure. Just when they are about to wrap under themselves, the helicopter's rotors shutoff, and the folding stops.
Hyena opens the door of the helicopter and is greeted by the familiar face of the Commander and DP28. An unknown woman with long blonde hair, wearing a brown ensemble consisting of a skirt and military jacket paired with black and grey stockings and a military styled black cap, stands behind them next to a stretcher.
Hyena lets PPsh-41 exit first then follows her. He then picks up the still sleeping Makarov and holds her in his arms. The unknown woman rushes forward with the stretcher and moves it in front of Hyena. He places Makarov on it, and the woman rushes off with the stretcher into a nearby building without saying a word.
PPsh-41 and Hyena stand shoulder to shoulder and salute the Commander. The Commander gives a quick salute back.
"Good to see you in one piece." The Commander says with relief. "At ease."
Hyena's eyes dart around the base. Its the first time he sees it in the daytime, and he takes in the sights. From what he observes, the landing pad is in the middle of the base, and the base is surrounded by a 16-foot tall cement wall in a square formation. Automated turrets rest on each of the four corners of the walls, and within the walls lie two significant buildings, one is the infirmary and barracks while the other is a mystery.
The Commander notices Hyena's eyes. "I forgot this is your first time seeing the base, Hyena. Take it in. This is your new home."
"Not bad," Hyena says. "Its no mother base, but it'll do."
The Commander gives a toothy smile. "I'm glad it meets your expectations. In truth, we were able to renovate because of your efforts."
Hyena tilts his head. "Were the crates the right ones?"
The Commander starts to walk away and beckons Hyena to follow. Hyena catches up to the Commander and walks side by side with him with PPsh-41 and DP28 following behind.
"Yes, they were the right ones. Parts. Rations. Building Supplies." The Commander can't help but smile. "I can consider the mission a complete success. We should celebrate."
"I think its too early to celebrate," Hyena can't help but smile at the prospect. "Isn't this base still under direct threat from the enemy?"
The Commander laughs. "I think the enemy will always have an eye on this base." He puts his hand on Hyena's shoulder. "It's our responsibility to celebrate when we can. Never know when it might be your last."
Hyena rubs his head. "I suppose there's no arguing there."
Commander ruffles Hyena's hair. "Good. Meet me in my office at 2000."
Hyena stops and salutes the Commander. "Understood, Boss."
The Commander gives a wave and continues walks and heads into the mysterious building with DP28 leaving PPsh-41 and Hyena alone.
"You know how to get back to the barracks, 41?" Hyena asks.
"Yes, comrade." She shyly says
Hyena looks at her with a confused expression but just shrugs it off. He follows her into the other main building and traverses the corridors. He takes mental notes of the number of twists and turns he takes before reaching his destination. They reach his barracks within a few minutes and stop at the door.
"Well, here you are," PPsh-41 says quietly.
"Thanks, 41." Hyena places his hand on her shoulder. "Dunno what I would do without cha." He gives her a toothy smile.
PPsh-41 blushes and lowers her head. She quickly walks down the hall and turns the corner disappearing from Hyena's field of vision.
"Strange how she's so confident in combat, but becomes bashful when out of combat." Hyena thinks to himself, entering his barracks.
Hyena is almost instantly taken aback as he enters his barracks. The once shabby room has been completely redecorated. The floors have been carpeted, and the walls have a fresh coat of paint on them. Where the lockers used to be is a mahogany wardrobe. A new bed has been moved into the room as well as a table and mini-fridge. He checks the mini-fridge to find it stocked with alcoholic beverages as well as milk and orange juice.
"Does he expect me to be entertaining guest or something," Hyena says confused.
He goes to the wardrobe and opens it. A new type of BDU has been put in the closet, and his jungle fatigues have been washed and hung up. Hyena takes out the BDU to better inspect it. Unlike his current one, this one has a much more comfortable interior and feels more durable. It has fur lining by the hood and comes with a white scarf that can cover up to his nose.
What catches his eye, though, is another outfit in the wardrobe beside his BDU and fatigues. He takes the outfit and looks at it. A red trench coat accompanied by black slacks and black military boots. Hyena checks underneath the trench coat to find a white shirt and black tie. Inside the trench coats, pocket is a red beret with the G&K logo on it. There's a note attached to the sleeve of the coat.
"Wear this around the base and when going out." Hyena reads. He sighs. "Is this G&K a formal military or what?"
"It's actually a PMC." A Russian-accented voice responds.
Hyena quickly pulls out his handgun and points it towards the voice only to find a pink-haired girl. Her pink hair has been braided long past her hip, and she wears a black Russian sailor cap and uniform. She leans against the doorway, looking at Hyena.
The girl looks at Hyena with red unblinking eyes. "I heard you're the new merc that saved the base." She says, unconcerned about the gun pointed at her.
Hyena lowers his gun and lets out a sigh. "Is everyone here a Soviet?"
"If you mean Russian, then yes." The pink-haired girl says, stepping into the room. She jumps onto his bed. "I'm PPS-43, by the way."
"Hyena," Hyena says, putting the uniform on the table and getting it prepared to be worn.
"I was directed by my big sister to show you to the showers." She says, stretching on the bed. "This bed is really comfy."
Hyena sighs and looks at PPS-43. "What are you exactly?"
PPS-43 looks at him with confusion. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, are you human or not?"
"No, I'm not human. I'm a T-Doll created by I.O.P."
Hyena raises an eyebrow. "So what, you're a robot essentially?"
"In a sense. Yes."
He walks over to her and stands over her. He reaches out his hand and pinches her cheek. She recoils at the pinch.
"Don't feel metallic. Then again, neither did Makarov." He says to himself. "And it looks like you can feel pain."
"Don't just touch me out of nowhere!" PPS-43 says, holding her cheek.
Hyena waves his hand. "My bad. My bad."
PPS-43 pouts and looks away from Hyena.
"C'mon, don't be like that," Hyena apologetically. "I'm sorry."
She looks at him with spears in her eyes. "Let's just go to the showers so I can be done with you."
Hyena lets out a heavy breath. "Alright. Lead the way." He says, picking up the uniform from off the table.
PPS-43 walks out of the room with Hyena following behind at a distance. They walk down the hallway and approach a door with the sign "SHOWERS" over it. They both enter the room. The room has tiled floors with a drainage spot located in the middle of the room. There are four showerheads placed against the wall. Between each of the shower heads is a border separating one from the other, which allows some semblance of privacy. On the opposite wall are places to hang clothing and hangers.
"I'll leave you to it, comrade," PPS-43 says emotionless.
She leaves the room, leaving Hyena alone. He places his clothes on a hanger and strips his BDU, leaving the BDU on the ground. He steps into one of the showers and turns it on. The warm water feels nice against his naked body. He begins to wash the oil and blood from his skin. It's only now that he realizes how grimy he has become since coming to the base. As he washes his hair, he can hear the door to the room open.
The water from the shower beating down on his face prevents him from looking at the newcomer, but he can hear their footsteps distinctly.
Step. Step. Step. Step.
The footsteps stop directly behind Hyena. Hyena ignores the newcomer thinking that they are just placing their belongings on a hanger. He washes the shampoo out of his hair and opens his eyes, turning slightly around in the process. He can see that the newcomer is DP28 and that she stands right behind him. He turns back around and faces the shower.
"Can I help you DP28?" He asks hesitantly.
She remains silent. Hyena can hear the sounds of a buckle being undone and clothes hitting the tiled floor. She takes a place next to him, the border being the only thing separating them, and turns on the adjacent shower. She stands taller than the border and can easily look into Hyena's section.
Hyena keeps his eyes forward and rushes to finish his shower. He finishes his shower by scrubbing down his dog tags and turns off the shower. As he turns around to leave the shower area, he catches a glimpse of DP28 from the corner of his eye. Her body is entirely turned towards him, and her hand's rest on the border, looking into Hyena's section. A solemn smile rests on her face as she has a clear view of Hyena's front side. Hyena quickly covers himself with a towel and turns away embarrassed. He heads towards his clothes that rest on hangers.
He puts on the officer uniform he was given and leaves the showers. He keeps the beret in his right hand. He checks his watch.
"1930." Hyena reads. "Best head to the Commander's office," he says to himself. He walks down the corridors back to the helipad. From there, he makes his way to the mysterious building and enters it.
Compared to the dark hallways of the other building, this new building's corridors are well lit, and the floors are wood compared to the metal tiles of the other building. From the entrance of the building, Hyena makes his way down the hallway following arrows on the wall. He is lead to a wall with directions on it. The words "COMMANDERS OFFICE" are emblazoned at the top, and Hyena heads in its direction.
After some walking through increasingly decorative corridors, he finally makes it to a door which he believes is the Commander's office. As he approaches the door, he starts to hear music coming from inside. He puts his hand on the doorknob and turns it opening the door inward. He is greeted by the Commander sitting in a seat behind a desk. A guitar is in his hands, and he strums the strings.
"Ja- Soldat, Ja nie spał piat' liet" The Commander sings completely ignorant of the newcomer in the room. The Commander continues singing as Hyena enters the room. "I u mienia pod głazami mieszki Ja sam nie widieł, No mnie tak skazali."
The room, from what Hyena quickly scans, itself is quite barren except for the desk and a picture on the wall of a group of men wearing military uniforms posing for a photo. The floors are solid wood, and the walls are painted a dark blue. There lies a chair in front of the desk which Hyena takes a seat in. The Commander finally notices Hyena's presence and stops his singing placing the guitar against the desk.
The Commander looks at Hyena with a stern look. "You're early. It's only 1945."
"Yeah, well, something happened in the showers, and I ended up rushing here," Hyena says, scratching his head.
The Commander scans Hyena's outfit and nods. "Looks good on you." He gets up and moves to a cupboard in the corner of the room.
Hyena checks himself out briefly. "Yeah, well, I'm not used to wearing clothes like these. I think you're spending too much on me."
The Commander laughs. "On the contrary, I think I'm spending too little." He withdraws a bottle of vodka from the cupboard and two shot glasses. "You're the only other human on base, and you did a great job on the mission, better than expected."
Hyena fiddles his thumbs and blushes. "You honor me, Boss. I only did what was necessary for the mission. Nothing more."
"Don't be so humble." The Commander places the bottle and glasses on the desk and sits in his chair, folding his hands in front of him. "Not only did you secure the crates, but you brought home Makarov, who quite frankly, I thought was gone for good." The Commander shrugs his shoulders. "That's praiseworthy work if I've ever seen it."
"Speaking of Makarov…." Hyena starts
"Don't worry about her." The Commander interrupts. "She'll be repaired and returned to duty within the day." The Commander places a glass in front of Hyena. "Let's not worry about that and drink!" He pours some vodka into both their glasses.
"What are we drinking too?" Hyena asks.
"Well, first…" The Commander lifts his glass and toasts with Hyena. "To the fallen T-Dolls of Echelon 1. May you rest in peace."
"May they rest in peace." Hyena repeats.
Both men down their shots. The Commander refills both their glasses.
"You next, Hyena."
Hyena thinks for a bit holding the glass in his hand. He toasts with the Commander. "To my fallen brothers of Mother Base. It was an honor to fight by all your sides."
"To the fallen of Mother Base."
They both down their drinks. Both men look at each other smiling, but their eyes tell of their sadness. They place their respective glasses on the table. The Commander gets up again and grabs the vodka bottle and glasses and heads toward the cupboard.
"By the way, Hyena." The Commander starts.
"Yes, Boss?"
"I got news about your friend. The one being held at the region HQ."
"I hope its good news," Hyena says, barely containing his excitement.
"Well, its a bit of both. The good news is that your friend is being absorbed into G&K just like you were, and according to the news, he's adjusting just fine to his new position."
"And the bad news."
"The bad news is that he's not going to be redeployed to our base. He's been assigned to another Commander, and you probably won't see him for a while."
Hyena looks down at his hands. "Well, I guess it could be worse. I'm just glad he's still alive."
The Commander walks over to Hyena and pats him on the shoulder. "I figured you'd be alright with it." The Commander walks back to his seat and sits down. "That reminds me. How prepared are you for another mission?"
"I would say I'm well prepared for another mission," Hyena says confidently. "Just tell me when." Hyena stands up from his chair.
"Good." The Commander picks up his guitar and starts to strum it again. "I'll let you know the details later. Dismissed."
Hyena gives a quick salute and leaves the room. The Commander picks up the stringing of his guitar. He lets out a cough and begins singing again.
"Ja - sałdat
I u mienia niet baszki,
Mnie otbili jejo sapagami
Jo-jo-jo, kambat ariot
Razorwannyj rot u kambata
Patamu szto granata...
Biełaja wata,
Krasnaja wata nie leczit sałdata"
EPISODE 1 END
(As always thanks for reading another chapter in this ongoing fanfic. The song the commander sings, if you're interested is called Ya Soldat on youtube. Be sure toleave a review so I know where to improve and how I can make these chapters any better. Thanks for reading!)