"...Mmm?" Zeldri cracked open his eyes to be met with an unfamiliar ceiling. He was lying on his back in a bed with a comforter pulled up to his chin. A ceiling fan was gingerly spinning above to provide some airflow. Sunlight did its best to peak in through the closed blinds on the window to his left that softly illuminated the room. While the light announced the morning, what actually woke Zeldri up was the buzzing of the phone on the nightstand next to him. It was 7:15 AM and time to wake up despite how much he'd rather not. "...Mm?" But, when he reached for the phone to stop the alarm a smaller, more slender hand beat him to the phone and shut off the buzzing.
"Mmm..." an annoyed groan came from under the comforter as the slender hand plopped back down onto the mattress. Zeldri pulled the comforter down to uncover a head of gray hair resting on his bare chest. "Mmm!" Another annoyed groan came as the warmth of the comforter was removed and the head turned to reveal a pair of tired, yellow eyes. Helian looked grumpy to be awakened.
"Good morning."
"It's my day off," Helian defiantly stated and pulled the comforter back up over her head.
"For you, it is," Zeldri chuckled at the sulking Helian, "I'm still on the clock today and need to start getting ready for the operation." Again, Zeldri reached for the phone. But, it was snatched away by the slender hand which disappeared under the comforter. "Heli-?" Zeldri was about to ask for the phone, but his words caught in his throat as he felt her stir on his chest. The comforter lifted away from him as Helian sat up on her knees on top of Zeldri. What rays of sunlight that did manage to peak through the blinds illuminated Helian as the comforter fell off her head and folded down her back to partially reveal her naked body.
"...There," she said and tossed the phone down next to Zeldri when she finished sending an email, "Now you have the day off, too."
"...I feel like this is an abuse of power."
"Are you complaining?" Light glinted off her yellow eyes causing them to softly glow beneath her messy hair as she looked down at him.
"I never said it was a bad thing," Zeldri stated as he admired the woman on top of him.
"That's good to hear," Helian cooed as she brushed the comforter fully off her body and moved to sit on the side of the bed. "Because now you get to take care of me for waking me up so early on my day off."
"..." Zeldri couldn't help but give a tired laugh as he turned his head to follow her movements. "Lucky me." His winterized commander's coat was tossed over a chair next to the nightstand. It was a bit chilly without the comforter, or Helian on top of him so he reached for it. "Hey!" Only for it to be snatched by Helian.
"It is rather cold this morning," Helian idly mused as she draped Zeldri's coat over her shoulders. "So, I'll be taking this while you prepare breakfast." With that, Helian left the bedroom with a smirk on her face.
"...This woman." Zeldri shook his head and got up to follow after her. For the first time in a long time, Zeldri's right leg didn't hurt as much that morning. Also, the two wouldn't actually start making breakfast for another hour.
A few days later, the joint operation was ramping up as Griffin and KCCO personnel began arriving at the staging area. Helicopters were constantly coming and going as they transported troops and supplies to where they were needed. Trucks zipped around the base which had been constructed overnight thanks to the tireless efforts of a-dolls. And, one man was admiring a Typhon that was getting some last-minute checks done by some maintenance staff. "...I wish I could take you home," Zeldri spoke to himself as he eyed the tank.
"Please don't make my job any harder, Commander," Annika's voice pleaded over the earpiece he had on.
"I'll try to be good," Zeldri joked which got a groan out of his logistics officer. "My terrible wants aside-"
"So you do know."
"-How're you and the staff fairing with the train?"
"All systems are green, and we have a stable connection to all our dolls, the Mountain, and Griffin." To Zeldri's benefit, a rail line ran near the AO (area of operation) which meant he could safely house his staff onboard the Mountain's train while still having them nearby to assist in the operation. The train's command car also acted like a signal booster which helped provide connection stability for Griffin's t-dolls. Official reports would state Zeldri had echelon Storozh 'commandeer' a nearby signal tower from Sangvis forces to assist in the upcoming operation.
"And your defenses?"
"Operational, and our t-dolls are in position." While the train was out of the way, it was still an unknown entity to his allies which meant he would need to defend it himself in case Sangvis discovered it. To that end, echelon Storozh and SVD's echelon, Train Team, were with the train to act as defenders. For additional defense, the train had its two flatbed cars hooked up to it so it was pulling all three of its original cars. The command car was in front, behind it was the first flatbed which had barricades and sandbags set up along its edges to give the t-dolls cover in case of an attack, and the final flatbed was occupied by a tied-down 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV. They had managed to bring it down to sub-level four and used the overhead crane to help get it onto the rear train car where it was heavily strapped down. It was mainly a last resort against something his t-dolls couldn't take care of, and Zeldri wasn't entirely sure what firing it would do while on the train car, so he hoped everything would turn out fine and he wouldn't need to find out. "Are you sure you don't want someone accompanying you, Commander?"
"I'm sure. I'll be moving with Commander Anto during the operation since he generously offered to join up with me to increase our force's fighting power." Zeldri reluctantly left the Typhon and continued through the base. "Keep me updated on any changes to Sangvis' movements, Annika."
"Will do, Commander." After relaying her confirmation, the communicator went silent as the line was cut. Zeldri continued in silence and made his way to where he would meet up with Anto for the start of the operation.
"...Tsaritsa?" Zeldri spoke in a hushed voice so that the ambient sounds of the base would drown him out to any listeners.
"You called, Commander?" Her voice entered his earpiece as she directed her attention to him. As this was the biggest day in Griffin's history, and the possible end of Sangvis Ferri, Zeldri wanted all hands on deck. Tsaritsa was using the train as her hub to oversee the operation.
"How're we looking?"
"All t-dolls are fully dummy-linked, including A-545, and are prepared for combat. Sangvis Ferri, from what I can tell from satellite images, has already started digging in to mount a defense. Though, with your newfound allies in the KCCO, I predict their defensive line will easily crumble allowing Griffin's t-dolls to clean up the stragglers. This operation will be over before dinner."
"Good." While he was confident in their victory, he still wanted Tsaritsa here just in case. "And, the military?"
"Military personnel and dolls are in position and preparing to begin combat. Their comms are abuzz with the typical chatter for a military operation. Though, there are lines I can't seem to get into, for some reason."
"They're that secure?" Zeldri asked as he watched a soldier lead a group of Archer units to a waiting transport truck.
"Yes, and while I can't tell what's being said, I can tell who's doing the sending and receiving."
"And?"
"It seems to be a communication line hosting messages to and from General Carter, FSB Chief Victor Zelinsky, and an additional third party."
"Chief Zelinsky and General Carter make sense because of how focused the KCCO is in one location, but what about that third party?"
"Unknown. All my attempts to track, or uncover their identity has been met with failure." Zeldri swore he heard Tsaritsa grumble in annoyance. "It's getting on my nerves."
"Keep an eye on it, but don't put your focus on it. Has the Parapluie update been distributed?"
"Yes," Tsaritsa answered and the annoyance left her voice now that they moved on. "All your dolls are now, theoretically, immune to Parapluie infection. Since it is highly likely that Sangvis Ferri will launch a Parapluie attack, I will focus on monitoring your t-doll's systems."
"If you see an infection breakthrough, forcefully shut down comms."
"Of course, Commander." The communicator beeped as Tsaritsa cut the line leaving Zeldri to his thoughts. The new information about an unknowable third party put him on edge, but he couldn't do anything about it aside from having Tsaritsa keep tabs on it. Picking up his pace, Zeldri eventually reached the meeting point with Anto.
"Anto!" Zeldri called out when he recognized Anto who was talking to one of his echelons while PPK stood silently next to him.
"Hm? Ah, Zeldri!" Anto's face lit up upon Zeldri's arrival. "Perfect timing. I was just finishing up some last orders for my echelons before I was going to go look for you. Uh, PSM," Anto turned to his echelon, "Meet up with echelon three, please."
"Of course, Commander." PSM gave a bow as she accepted the order.
"Well then, everyone, let's go as planned!" S.A.T.8 excitedly called as she rushed ahead.
"I respect your discretion," AK-74M stated with a bow toward Anto.
"Mmm, let's go," AK-Alfa gave a firm nod and followed her team.
"This is our big day!" Anto exclaimed, "Everyone, be on your best behavior in front of the military. That goes double for you, AEK-999."
"Geez," the silver-haired t-doll, AEK-999, groaned and scratched the back of her head. "Хватит разорять мои яйца, любимый. (Quit busting my balls, love)." She innocently whistled when Anto narrowed his eyes at her and she quickly followed after her echelon.
"...A creative mouth, that one," Zeldri noted as he watched the MG t-doll leave.
"Yes, she's a rather strange one, but she's also ruthlessly efficient which is why she's here." Anto motioned for Zeldri to follow him along with PPK and the three of them made their way to a Ural transport truck with a KUNG shelter unit that was nearby.
"..." And, begrudgingly watching from a powered-down Black Hawk across the yard, A-545 stared after her commander in silence.
"He'll be fine, A-545," Mondragon reassured her leader as she checked her rifle and those of her dummy links.
"He doesn't have an escort," A-545 mumbled while still not taking her eyes off the Ural Zeldri was in.
"To be fair," MDR piped up, "He's with Commander Anto and his PPK. Not to mention all the military personnel he'll be with once we kick things off." She tapped away at her phone while her dummy links finished checking their gear. "The Commander'll be fine. All we need to worry about is making sure the military doesn't make us look bad! I mean, sure, it'll be easier to crush Sangvis now that we have their support, but now they'll take all the credit for the win!"
"Please think of something other than glory, MDR," Mondragon chastised.
"I agree with MDR, though!" UMP40 raised her hand as she jumped into the conversation. "They'd better remember to mention all the hard work we'll put in once the day's won."
"Exactly!" MDR sat next to UMP40 and took a selfie with 40 holding up her hand in a peace sign.
"..." AR-57 quietly listened to her team as she went over the plan and rummaged through her sack of gear.
"...Mmm," A-545 couldn't take her eyes off the Ural with Zeldri in it. It didn't sit well with her that he would be by himself, essentially, and said the military and Anto would do fine. It bothered her even more that she couldn't be the one to guard him. But, she would endure it. She had to, no matter how much it was bothering her.
"Alright, ladies!" the pilot called back to them as the Black Hawks engine kicked on and the rotors started spinning up. "We've been given the green light!"
"...It's time," A-545 silently whispered to herself as she clutched her rifle with anticipation. She opened her comms and declared their departure to Zeldri once their helicopter left the ground. "Task Force Dream Eater, heading to the combat zone."
"Fireteam Rosefinch, moving out," Makarov reported as her echelon's Black Hawk hovered over the base.
"Fireteam Sweeper, on our way to the LZ," Jericho stated as she closed the side door of her Black Hawk.
"Fireteam Tankery, we've finished preparations and proceeding to combat," MP-448 announced as she watched Kord set herself up on the side of their Black Hawk.
"All teams confirmed." Zeldri looked down at his tablet as his echelons all linked up. "Can you see them, Anto?"
"Yup, they just showed up for me." Anto was tapping away at his own commander's tablet. Since they would be directly working together, they decided to share echelon data to make things easier. "My my, so this is the rumored A-545 of the Mountain?" Anto chuckled as he looked over Dream Eater. "Her stats seem rather tame, but those skills look interesting. She even has two of them!"
"She's not a next-gen prototype for nothing," Zeldri responded with a smile. "She'll more than prove herself today for everyone to see. They all will."
"...Yeah." Anto's tone shifted to a somber one as he continued to stare at his tablet. After giving a sigh, he turned to look out the back of the Ural which was driving along a dirt road toward their command post. "If only Sara could have seen this day."
"..." After Zeldri had left the secret meeting and returned to the Mountain, he learned that Sara's base was completely wiped out in a Sangvis attack. It was so bad that the military had to step in and contain the base. From all the reports he read, no one made it out. "We'll pour one out for her once this is all over."
"Согласовано (Agreed)," Anto said and gave a firm nod. The two spent the rest of the ride in silence tapping away at their tablets. The commander from sector 09 was leading the operation for Griffin's forces, so Zeldri and Anto were doing their best to relay and update orders according to the battle which had begun to unfold.
"We're here!" the Ural driver called back to them and stopped the truck. When Zeldri, Anto, and PPK piled out of the truck they were met with what Zeldri was all too familiar with; war. Dark clouds had gathered overhead to blot out the sun. A harsh wind swept over the ruined Earth, and dead trees littered the land. Cracks of gunfire and explosions echoed around them as the battle started heating up. And, their command post, a half-caved-in trench bunker that overlooked the current combat happening just beyond. The ground shook beneath them as a group of KCCO Hydras passed by them as they began marching toward the frontline.
"...You get used to it." Zeldri saw Anto freeze up for a moment as he took it all in.
"I hope I don't have to," Anto replied with a shaky breath.
"Would you like to take a quick breather, Master?" PPK asked. Despite her usual calm smile remaining on her face, there was a hint of worry in her voice as she watched Anto take deep breaths to calm himself.
"No," Anto declared and puffed out his chest, "I'm representing Griffin & Kryuger today in front of our nation's military." He nodded to himself a few times and quietly spoke, "I can do this."
"Don't worry," Zeldri said in a relaxed voice and motioned for Anto and PPK to follow him. "We're all on the same side here. Let's finish this."
"Of course!" With renewed vigor, Anto caught up and marched alongside Zeldri while PPK happily stayed a few steps back. The three made their way into the bunker where they passed multiple KCCO personnel who either gave them cautious glances or just ignored them. "...Not the most friendliest of welcomes," Anto quietly noted.
"We're a PMC," Zeldri casually replied as he ignored the looks, "I had similar thoughts back when I actively served. PMCs are seen as highly volatile and usually not well organized compared to the actual military."
"Because you aren't," a familiar voice called out to them as they entered a room that had a window overlooking the battlefield. Peter was standing next to the window while two soldiers stood next to him. One watched the three enter the room while the other was looking out the window with binoculars. Some other soldiers were working on computers that had been set up along the walls.
"You say that like my girls will disappoint?" Zeldri joked as he walked over to look out the window.
"...Your girls?" Peter silently repeated Zeldri's words to himself before glancing at Anto and PPK. He grumbled at the sight of the maid t-doll and quickly looked away to follow Zeldri's gaze out the window. "In either case," Peter cleared his throat and kept a professional air about his voice, "It's not like your dolls will need to do much. We've already broken through their first line and are actively cracking the second."
"Blitzkrieg?" Zeldri idly commented as he watched a Typhon's cannon light up a distant hill.
"No point in dragging this out, is there?"
"But," Anto spoke up as he checked his tablet, "What about getting cut off? While you are breaking through, all your forces are on the front with no one staying back to cover the ground taken."
"...Then just let your dolls do the rear guarding," Peter stated in a rather cold manner. Anto felt a lump form in his throat and went to stand next to Zeldri. He kept his head down and continued relaying orders with his tablet.
"..." Zeldri remembered that Peter didn't like dolls or Griffin, but he figured they'd put that behind them considering the gravity of their mission. They had an easy victory on their hands, so why was the air around them suffocating with tension as sharp as a knife?