Author's Note: This chapter heavily references and takes place after my previous fanfic "Operational Integrity". If you haven't, head on over and give it a read since they're canon to each other and I don't want to rewrite/summarize 27 chapters of fanfic as that would make this book even longer. :)
s/14224451/1/Operational-Integrity
***Story Start***
"...Mmm." Zeldri cracked open his eyes to be met with a ceiling that was slowly becoming more and more familiar to him. He was lying in bed back in Helian's apartment. The ceiling fan gingerly spun above him softly caressing his face with a breeze. It was that time of the month to return to the city for physical therapy as well as an excuse to visit Helian.
"...Zzz." A visit she also seemed to enjoy as, looking down, Zeldri saw she was still fast asleep lying naked on top of him as they both lay under the bed's comforter. Luckily, he was considered 'off' today so his alarm was disabled and wouldn't wake her. The rising sun peaked through the closed blinds to softly illuminate the room. Her apartment was on the upper floors of the building so the sounds of traffic only barely reached them to provide a soft background white noise. This was the most relaxed Zeldri had been in years. "...Mmm?" Which was more than he could say for Helian.
"Sorry, did I wake you?"
"...No," Helian still sounded exhausted, despite just waking up. Her head softly nuzzled against Zeldri's chest as she tried to bury herself in him under the comforter. "I've just started getting up early because of all the extra work that's been piling up." It had been weeks since the failed coup and Kryuger had been arrested. Helian had gone from being second-in-command to leading Griffin while still maintaining her usual duties. The exhaustion was clearly catching up to her.
"Should I have just let you sleep last night?" Zeldri asked partially joking.
"..." Helian's head looked up at him with a pouting face. "I need you to help me unwind, not baby me."
"Still," Zeldri said as he softly stroked Helian's head, "You seem worse than usual. The bags under your eyes were getting worse every time we were on a video call."
"Ah..." Helian leaned into Zeldri's hand as she relaxed. "That's actually from something new that cropped up. Remember that commander I was telling you about?"
"The one who got their hand blown off by a rogue t-doll?" During some of their more personal calls, Helian had vented to Zeldri about a string of events that had been plaguing her. It seemed that a group of t-dolls had gone rogue and were causing trouble. One commander had already been killed and another had their hand blown off. However, said commanders had been either infecting their dolls with a virus to stage their own coup or were selling supplies to terrorists so Zeldri didn't hold any sympathy for them. The one infecting their own dolls also turned out to be Alexander; the same Alexander who Zeldri had humiliated during the secret meeting and who had tormented Annika. Zeldri kept the satisfaction he felt hearing of their death to himself as these situations only made more work for Helian to deal with.
"Yeah... The group of dolls responsible just hit a terrorist base and rescued a bunch of dolls for us."
"Isn't that a good thing?" Zeldri asked as he wrapped his arms around Helian and turned onto his side while still holding her. Each was now on their side staring at the other.
"Had it been anyone else doing it, yes," Helian sighed as she wrapped her arms around Zeldri and pulled him closer. "Their actions are so weird it's hard to keep up with them. They even broke into HQ recently and forced Persica to comply at gunpoint with their schemes; which turned out to be preparation for their raid on the terrorist base. I honestly am at a loss on how to register and report this. Plus, they're still out there so who knows what new incident will crop up... I'm getting tired just thinking about it."
"...Well," Zeldri started as his hands snaked their way down Helian's back. "Since their actions have only 'helped' Griffin, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Plus, you said the FSB was working on it so I'm sure things will be wrapped up soon. So," Zeldri's hands reached their destination and he gave a soft squeeze, "Stop worrying and relax."
"Mmm." Helian glanced over her shoulder at where Zeldri's hands were going and she gave a sigh. "Then, you'd better help me take my mind off it, Zeldri." She reached up and brought Zeldri in for a deep kiss. As the two fell into another round of passion, Zeldri did what he could to make Helian temporarily forget her troubles. After all, as he'd said, the FSB was on it so they wouldn't need to think about a band of rogue t-dolls anymore.
"Honestly, was everyone under Carter this much of a blunt instrument?" FSB chief Zielinski complained over the video call he was having with Zeldri.
"I don't think I turned out too bad, Sir," Zeldri replied trying his best to not show his discomfort. It had been a few days since he'd left the city and returned to the Mountain. And, now he was eating his own words.
"That's because you got out before things went sideways, Zeldri," Zielinski remarked as he glanced at Zeldri. "You should consider yourself lucky. Are your forces ready?"
"Of course, Chief," Zeldri nodded and gave a smile, "My girls are awaiting the go-ahead."
"Good. And, you've been brought up to speed, I'm assuming?"
"Helian sent over some files that I've been reading through," Zeldri glanced down at his tablet that displayed the various reports Helian had compiled with the help of Persica and the FSB about the rogue group of t-dolls. "So I'm more-or-less up to date on what's going on. I kind of figured it'd be something outrageous like this since you wanted me in on the operation." When Zielinski had first contacted him, Zeldri almost had a heart attack. The chief of the FSB, the ones who knew everything about the Mountain, wanted to speak to him. Not even his father could bail him out if Zielinski went against him. When it turned out to be about the group of rogue t-dolls that had been running amok and troubling Helian he was relieved he wasn't being tried for treason or something along those lines. It seemed that he was still in the clear.
"Trust is a valuable thing, Zeldri," Zielinski leaned back in his chair as his eyes drifted back to the video feeds he was watching off-screen. Something in his voice made a chill run down Zeldri's spine. He was not completely in the clear. "And, these days it seems to be getting harder and harder to come by."
"Then, I'll be sure to not disappoint." Zeldri gave a salute before cutting his video feed. And, when the feed was cut, everyone in the command room breathed a sigh of relief while Zeldri leaned heavily against the console to steady himself.
"Commander..." Annika looked over at him with a worried expression.
"It's okay," Zeldri replied, "We're still good." While Zielinski seemed imposing, he hadn't done anything hostile so it was completely possible that this really was just a show of trust. But, said trust was having him take in a group of rogue t-dolls with kill authorizations which were highly illegal. Just another leash around his neck. He sighed and once more looked over the reports; especially the ones from Persica about her experience directly dealing with the dolls. From Alexander's death, to the traitor's hand being blown off, and now a terrorist group was eliminated. While eccentric, their actions only helped Griffin in the long term. They also showed exceptional talent for wetwork which Zeldri wouldn't say no to. Then, there was the unconfirmed report about the groups Springfield and their connection with Tsroski; a man who Zeldri was also feeling disappointed with because of this debacle. "..." A bitter taste was left in his mouth from thinking about that so Zeldri moved on. Their leader, NZ75, could be reasoned with. Plus, he had the bargaining chip of the data package that could fix her digimind. "All we have to do is stick to the pla-"
"C-Commander?" The door to the command room opened and AEK-999 walked in. The usually confident t-doll seemed hesitant and awkwardly scratched the back of their head.
"Did you need something, AEK-999?" Zeldri addressed the t-doll. "We're currently in the middle of an operation?"
"It's actually about that..." Her eyes darted around the room before resting on the monitor that displayed the data package they would give to NZ75 if she joined them. Zeldri followed AEK's gaze and an uneasy feeling crept into the back of his mind. "Well... You see..."
"They're here!" SV-98 called out from the guard tower next to the outer lot's main gate. The outer lot was abuzz with activity when Zeldri and Dream Eater exited their Tigrs and walked into a clearing in the lot. Zeldri breathed in a deep breath as he collected himself for his first meeting with his newest echelon. And, despite reading about it in the report Zielinski gave him about the operation a few nights ago, Zeldri was still surprised when he saw the heavily modified Ural transport truck pull through the main gate. The Ural had an armored KUNG shelter on the bed, armor flaps protecting the wheels, armor plates over the windshield that were currently propped up to allow better visibility, and a large snow plow mounted to its front.
"All it needs is some barbed wire wrapped around it and it would look like something straight out of a post-apocalypse movie," MDR commented as she took a picture of the truck with her phone. "Say, Commander, do we have any spare-"
"No." Zeldri shot down the idea instantly. MDR clicked her tongue in annoyance, but Zeldri ignored her as the Ural approached them and parked a few feet away. As the t-dolls all got out of the truck, Zeldri welcomed his newest echelon, "Welcome to the Mountain, Fireteam Revenant."
"A personal welcome?" NZ75 teased as she hopped out of the passenger's seat and led her team over to Zeldri. "You flatter us, Commander." While she did tease, her tone wasn't mocking so Zeldri let it slide and chalked it up to her warped personality. She gave a respectful bow, "Fireteam Revenant, at your service from this day onwards. I am NZ75, responding to your summons. Let us perform our duty together...Uugh." NZ75 gave a shutter as she added that last part to her greeting. "I'm starting to say those preprogrammed lines, again."
"That means you're normal, Leader," G36 said before giving a bow to Zeldri. "Apologies for my Leader's nonchalant greeting, Commander."
"..." Zeldri looked over to G36 and stared into her yellow eyes for a few seconds before responding. "It's fine. Most dolls on this base have unique personalities, so I'm used to it."
"I thank you for your understanding."
"Of course. Now, we don't have much room currently in the garage as we're still re-arming some vehicles so your truck will have to wait in the lot for a while until we find space. Your dummy links can also stay with the truck as you get a tour of the base."
"That's fine," NZ75 gave a shrug and looked back at the Ural, "She and our dummies can take the cold. I just hope you aren't making us stay outside with her?"
"No, you all will be given your echelon's own dorm, like the rest of my echelons." Zeldri gestured for them to follow him to the Tigrs.
"Oooh~," NZ75's eyes lit up as she looked over the Tigrs, "Fancy tech considering most commanders are using decommissioned American Humvees. Not to mention..." Her eyes narrowed and a sly smile overtook her face as she noticed the auto-turrets mounted on the Tigrs.
"The Mountain is a place of many secrets, Revenant." Zeldri matched NZ75's knowing smile with one of his own. "As our newest special forces echelons, I hope you're able to assist in keeping our secrecy?"
"..." NZ75 stared at Zeldri for a few moments before turning her head to look back at her team. "That alright with you all?"
"I am more than willing to repay the Commander's kindness," G36 affirmed her loyalty.
"It's not like we're 'clean' either," Vector commented nonchalantly.
"Mmm, I'm good," NTW-20 gave a nod.
"Of course, every family has a few secrets," Springfield playfully added.
"There you go," NZ75 said and turned back to Zeldri. "We're willing to cooperate. And, speaking of cooperating, I believe you have a data package for me?"
"Yes," Zeldri said with a genuine smile at Revenant's willingness to help them, "We'll get you to the repair bay where you can safely update your system."
"...Good." NZ75's face softened and Zeldri noticed the exhaustion she allowed to slip through her cocky mask; despite being a doll. The whole team also followed suit as the rest of Revenant seemed to relax due to the friendly welcome they received.
"We can confirm the effectiveness of the package, too, so you'll be good to go in no time."
"I'm assuming Persica showed you the results when she sent it?" NZ75 asked as she started waltzing towards the Tigrs.
"No," Zeldri replied which caused NZ75 to pause. "Turns out, we had someone to test it on."
"...Huh?" NZ75 tilted her head to the side in confusion. On cue, the driver's door of one of the Tigrs opened as the driver stepped out.
"About time you showed up!" AEK-999 exclaimed as she approached Revenant.
"...!" NZ75 was speechless as she stared at the machinegun t-doll.
"I heard you merced Tsroski," AEK complained when she walked up to NZ75. "I know I wasn't in a position to do anything since I couldn't leave Anto or my echelon, but you coulda told me you were gonna do it. I would've loved to-!" AEK couldn't finish her sentence as she was quickly tackled by NZ75. "...Хватит разорять мои яйца, любимый (Quit busting my balls, love)."
"You Сукин сын (son of a bitch)!" NZ75 laughed and cried as she and AEK, two long-lost comrades, hugged each other. "I thought you were dead!"
"I would've been if not for the Commander, here." AEK pulled away from NZ75 and gestured to Zeldri. "My echelon and I got picked up by Dream Eater during the failed coup and we've been helping them out since."
"I see... I-" NZ75 tried to take a step but lost her footing and collapsed into AEK's arms.
"Woah! Hey, NZ75!?"
"...Fucking code," NZ75 cursed as she forced herself to her feet. The small update Dream Eater had given her was only a temporary fix; she needed the full data package.
"Then, let's get you inside so we no longer have to worry about said code, shall we?" Springfield appeared between the two hugging t-dolls and placed a hand on AEK's shoulder. "Would you help bring our leader into the truck, AEK-999?"
"Of course! Come on, you." AEK and Springfield moved over to the Tigr and hoisted NZ75 into the passenger seat. "I'm treating you to some vodka! SVD's stockpiled it, but I know where her stash is in the café."
"There's a café?" NTW perked up as she got into the back of the Tigr.
"Yeah," AEK explained, "Some of the dolls and humans rotate shifts so it's almost always open."
"I see." Springfield held an unreadable smile on her face as she took her seat. "Well then, it seems like it will be my job to be-"
"-cutting you both off."
"Awww!" NZ75 and AEK were both slumped over a table in the Mountain's café. G36, Vector, and NTW had already eaten a meal and returned to the dorm to start decorating leaving NZ75, AEK, and Springfield in the café. Eleven empty bottles of vodka rolled on the floor at their feet. Springfield, now wearing an apron and with her hair tied up in a ponytail, took the empty glasses from the two t-dolls and walked back to the bar counter. "Блядь~ (Fuck~)."
"...It still amazes me that dolls can get drunk," Zeldri stated from his seat at the bar as he watched the two drunk t-dolls try to stumble to their feet.
"They aren't drunk in the normal sense," Springfield explained as she started cleaning the glasses, "When we dolls participate in recreation we have programming that induces what could be considered our version of dopamine. Being 'drunk' is also a code we can run and experience."
"That seems both great and detrimental."
"It all depends on the doll." Springfield smiled as she set the glasses aside and turned to Zeldri. "Is there anything you would like, Commander? While my skills may not be the best, I would like to do something for you to show my appreciation for accepting us."
"You don't have to, Springfield." Zeldri turned back to Springfield after watching AEK fall off the table and NZ75 laugh at her. "Yo-!" But, a finger was quickly shoved over his lips.
"You shouldn't deny a woman's sincerity, Commander." Her motherly smile never left her face.
"...Then, some espresso would be nice. I've got a lot of reports to do before the day's done."
"Do you usually drink espresso, Commander?" Springfield asked as she got to work.
"Only when I know I'm not going to sleep."
"That's not good, you know?" Springfield chuckled as she put a coffee pot under the machine. "All-nighters aren't good for you, Commander."
"Tell that to the Mountain," Zeldri joked. "I swear, this place may be a great base, but everything that goes on here is the reason I'm gonna die before I hit fifty."
"..." Springfield hesitated upon hearing Zeldri's words. They reminded her of her own Commander whenever she would complain about their logistics officer. "...Then, please allow me to help prolong your continued excellent performance, Commander." Springfield finished filling the pot and brought over a cup for Zeldri. Steam rose as she poured the freshly brewed coffee.
"..." Zeldri watched her pour and noticed the synthetic skin on her knuckles was worn away. It looked like there was some dried blood in the joints. "You should take care of yourself."
"Hmm?" Springfield cocked her head to the side before following Zeldri's gaze to her hand. "Oh..." She hesitated before covering her exposed knuckles with her other hand. "It's only a minor inconvenience. The maintenance techs don't need to worry about this."
"Then, after your shift, I'm ordering you to get it fixed." Zeldri couldn't help but smile when Springfield's normally warm face faltered in confusion at the strange order. Zeldri gave a bitter chuckle before explaining, "I feel like if she knew I let you walk around like that, Sara would've killed me."
"...!" Springfield's entire demeanor broke. Her eyes widened in shock, her smile disappeared, and she dropped the coffee pot. Since Springfield was still holding it over the bar the pot only plopped onto the counter so Zeldri made no move to try and catch it. Springfield opened her mouth to speak but couldn't muster any words to come out.
"Also, your team needs you so I'm forbidding you from taking over the café full time no matter how much you say it's fine. Understood?"
"...Yes," Springfield's voice was barely a whisper. She started shaking and had to come out from behind the bar and take a seat next to Zeldri in order not to collapse to the floor. "...You...?"
"We only briefly met," Zeldri admitted as he picked up the cup, "But, I could tell she was a good person. She also warned me about you." Zeldri chuckled as he continued, "She said a Springfield would ruin every other place's coffee for me. So, I'm going to have you continue your combat duties with Revenant while also holding you responsible for my new coffee addiction on the side when you're free."
"...It would be my pleasure... Commander." Springfield allowed tears to flow freely from her eyes as a genuine smile overtook her face. Satisfied, Zeldri brought the steaming cup to his lips and took a long sip of espresso. He only wanted to take a sip but ended up not putting the cup down until he emptied it.
"Damn... Guess she was right."