[Evening of the same day]
"Goodjob, Commander!" Kalina greeted when they touched the ground from the choppers and got inside the tac room.
Morrison nodded. "Thank you, kiddo. Anything else that happened while I'm out there?"
Kalina shakes her head as she looks behind him. "It's her isn't it? The one you're theorising that SF was following?"
Morrison patted her head (much to Kalina's delight) as he released a chuckle. "I was only half right, turns out there's more of Miss M4 out there, right?" He looked behind to M4. "We'll get your sisters back."
M4 nodded meekly. "T-thank you so much Commander…." She started.
"Listen kid, that's only half the reason I'm doing this, it's also to repay Persica the favour I owe them some years ago." He nodded, at the terminal with Helian on the line waiting for him to pick up. He pressed the button.
"Congratulations on the success of your last mission, Commander. I received the report about it while I was on the way.
Firstly, your effort in exterminating Executioner and rooting out Sangvis troops in the area was highly commendable.
On top of that, you've successfully recovered M4A1 and uploaded a copy of her memory logs, which HQ will start to analyze immediately.
And now, we need to push our front forward so as to completely eradicate Sangvis influence in the area.
Due to the limitations of our contract, Griffin cannot actively participate in the operation at this point.
We need you to prepare for future operations by clearing the road leading to this area."
Morrison narrowed his eyes. "Reasons?"
Helian sighs. "Other sectors also needed assistance, you of all people should know that, Morrison.
Don't worry, we won't abandon S09 easily, it's just we can't focus on one area all the time"
Morrison remembers his time as the commander of MS Team… "Understood… but I still expect Intel drops from you for future operations, Helian." He turns off the terminal, as he stares at the two other people at the room. "Tomorrow 0600, we're moving out there."
He pointed at the tactical map, or specifically at H-7.
"Grid H-7, Although they said it was SF clear, with the influx of Sangvis troops here, I won't be surprised if the reports are outdated.
Why that? Mainly because that's a vital point for troop transfer, due to it being near the main roads for deliveries, aswell active settlements being walking distance of a day.
M4, I'm expecting that you'll help us with this, yes?"
M4 nodded and gave a salute. "O-okay Commander!"
"Good, dismissed."
They all walked out of the room, with Kalina going to the data room to compile the combat data reports for him to sort through, while M4 headed to the cafeteria with him.
Once they arrived at the cafe, both of them became the center of attention. M4 asked the questions nervously from 1-Alpha while Morrison praised everyone on job well done (head patting the HG's.)
Morrison then announced to them that they're having another clean-up to do at H-7, which both echelon agreed.
"Commander, may I ask something?" G3 raised her hand. "Earlier, when Miss M4 asked the favour, why were you crying?" Everyone stopped talking, looking at the commander.
Morrison took a gulp.
Relax, it will be fine.
It should be fine.
My instincts aren't kicking in for protest.
It's fine…right?
"I just remembered something from the past. I got a request similar to that" Morrison said, as he grabbed a cup of whiskey and drank it all in one gulp. "Let's leave that story once we're free of combat for awhile.
All of you take a rest for the night because tomorrow is gonna need all of us in good shape tomorrow."
Some groaned at him leaving the story hanging, but understood that some people don't like sharing those kind of story like their commander, either unwilling temporarily or permanently.
[0835, Day12]
Morrison got lucky and managed to do the operation's 1st half without any issue real fast.
Yet, he still have no luck on finding any of the remaining Anti-Rain members.
Suddenly the doors to the tactical room opened as M4 with a slightly desperate face.
"Commander! M16 just got in touch earlier!"
Morrison looked at her, face brightened up with the news. "She did?"
M4 nodded. "But she have to cut her connection quickly due to the SF units near her. She said she'll meet us soon."
Morrison nodded. "Atleast that means she's still alive, now the remaining MIA's are ST-AR15 and M4 SOPMOD. Good job, M4."
M4 became bashful because of that compliment. "U-hm, thank you…!"
"Keep us posted, we need to continue clearing this area first, who knows maybe we'll find the other two." He says, trying to reassure the cinnamon roll (decided by the girls, not him. In his opinion they're the most dangerous ones.) leader of Persica's Black Ops crew and dismissing her.
She left the room and Morrison got into deep thought about her team
Anti-Rain, or AR Team for short, they're somewhat comparable with "his former team and family"
Morrison was definitely aware of their existence, although not directly besides M16 who he have to meet a few times back then, the older AR being one of the few survivors from the Butterfly Incident and his lead.
Unfortunately, this lead was a dead end when he found out she got memory wiped, even Persica was confused on how.
It's also the favour he owes from Persica for even helping him when it was still hot and under red tapes.
It's just him repaying that favour by getting this girl and her team back and alive.
Morrison fiddled with the necklace, before returning to work.
[Day13]
Click.
Helian appeared in the terminal, it's time for the second day of operation H-7
"Commander, M4A1 reported the situations of the other members on the AR Team. HQ wants you to give them reinforcement.
We will assist you to a certain extent by providing intelligence."
Morrison sighs in relief. 'Better than nothing.' he thought
"The AR Team can only safely evacuate if the Sangvis communication outpost in the area is secured and shut down. When taking over the outpost, Commander, please upload the data stored in the system.
We might find information about the local Ringleader. All right, please move out. Godspeed." Helian finished her briefing before blinking out, ending the call.
He called out for Alpha and Silver again to get ready, it's time to get to work.
Some time later….
Morrison was listening to M4's side of report with FAL and G3 of Alpha, PPK was also present for Silver team when she froze up for a second before connecting immediately into the terminal.
"...you copy, M4? This is AR-15." the voice of a girl rang out, AR-15, revealing herself.
M4 immediately answered with worry. "Copy! Are you all right, AR-15?"
Another joined the call. "What about me, M4?! I was worried sick about you but you didn't even ask about me!" Another one with a childish tone asked, Morrison assumed it's SOPMOD 2 according to how M4 described them.
M4 brightened up more "SOP-II! Are you there too?"
"We're both fine. We've come to rendezvous after receiving your signal." SOPMOD answered.
M4 released a relieved sigh. "Good. M16 is still on the way, so we are to focus on getting to you first."
She seems to have pinged a location near H-7 and sent it's coordinates to the two missing dolls, while also marking it at the tacmap.
"AR-15, shall we make this our rendezvous point?" The leader of Anti-Rain asked.
However, AR-15 didn't answer.
'That's worrying.' Morrison thought.
"AR-15?" M4 did a good job on not quaking.
"...Ah sure, over." AR-15 finally answered.
"What? Wait, wait, wait! I haven't finished talki…" SOPMOD said before the line got cut by them.
The people in the room gave each other looks
"Time?" FAL asked.
"0900, hopefully that gives them enough time to plan in their side." M4 said tensely.
G3 approached and tapped her shoulder. "Don't worry, Miss M4, just trust your team alright?"
Morrison looked at the coordinates and is already making notes for tomorrow.
He has to make sure he keeps 'his promise'.
[Day 14]
He went to the Rendezvous point in a temporary HQ, with a UMP40 instead of the Zastava M76.
They cleared out most of the SF units, some problematic one's like the prowler's got prioritised.
Then the problem occured.
"Commander! Sangvis Force coming towards us from the east!" M14 reported.
"Diversion? Alright, proceed to plan C, get to position Silver team.
Alpha team, get back with M4, if she found both VIPs bring them here, we're proceeding with Plan C because of their diversion." He commanded.
Morrison went out of the tent, as he looked at the area he decided to be a temporary HQ.
He kissed the necklace and muttered "Please lend me your strength. 40, 45."
He sprinted into his position. He's needed by his echelons.
Once he reached his needed position, Alpha also got back in time, in a hot-wired car and armored jeep.
The car opened where a red blur leapt out with M4 following closely behind from the driver seat.
"Commander, this is another member of the AR Team, M4 SOPMOD…" she started the introduction but got cutted off by the strawberry girl, wearing a dark jacket with a bright red accent; a notable metal arm/claw replaced her left arm.
"M4 SOPMOD II! Commander, there's no time to explain. Get in the car!" She introduced herself, before trying to drag Morrison into the car. M4 stopped her.
"What are you doing? The commander has no plan of escaping!" She asked.
"But AR-15 said that Sangvis troops are gonna invade Griffin Control soon." SOPMOD said with distress.
Morrison chuckled at that, earning a confused look at him from SOPMOD.
"Do not worry, SOP-II. We are not on our own this time.
The Commander and all the T-Dolls at the control center will fight together with us." M4 explained.
"And we have a plan… well, plans, we're doing C, which involves us using the city proper as a killzone." Morrison continued, explaining the plan for the newly arrived AR.
"Oh? We finally...have companions?" SOPMOD asked.
Morrison thought about MS Team, before pushing it to the side.
M4 nodded with a smile. "Yes. It is what you have always wanted, is it not?" She looked towards Morrison.
"Are you ready to work hard alongside new companions?"
SOPMOD grinned. "Always! Commander, please give the order!"
Morrison looks at her gun, and sees the grenade launcher underbarrel.
"SOPMOD, how do you feel about blowing shit up?" He asked with a grin.
SOPMOD grinned widened, excitement also bubbling from her.
The Sangvis invasion was deflected, plan C worked flawlessly.
Morrison reloaded a fresh mag for his UMP40 before walking towards Anti-Rain and Alpha.
"Silver, keep your eyes open." He said through the radio as he reached the full auto t-dolls.
"Sangvis is retreating! I did it!" SOPMOD said with triumph. M4 lightly bonked her.
"Do not cheer only for yourself, SOP-II. This is the fruit of everyone's labor." she chastised. SOPMOD just turned towards Morrison.
"I contributed, Commander! Praise me!" She asked.
Morrison chuckled. "Good job, kiddo. You did some good salvo along with FAL and G3 here."
FAL took the complement with a smile and stride while G3 shrinks abit and blushed at the praise.
"What about me, Commandant?!" FNC asked
"And us too!" The SMGs joined in, mini-Uzi and STEN, at the same time.
Morrison head patted the 3 younger looking dolls. "You three aswell, Great job with your shots, FNC, you can ask for an extra chocolate later. You two also did great. Mini-U, you did great on keeping them occupied while leading them to STEN and the others. STEN you did good with your nade throws too." He says, before flipping the radio on again.
"Silver, great job. Springfield, please give FNC her extra chocolate later for a job well done, and thanks for the assist."
"Ofcourse, Commander. And thank you." Springfield said.
"M14 you're getting a head pat later."
"Mhm! Thank you Commander!" M14 said energetically.
"Great job helping them PPK, SAA, Tokarev. No, I'm not letting you step on me, PPK. I'm not into that, I'm telling you. SAA, you're getting a cheese patty, Tokarev, please make sure these don't go overboard and thank you again. I'll make sure to get you something later, maybe a drink?"
The three pistol gave an affirm..
While he was doing this, M4 sighed in disbelief.
"Look at you, wagging your tail only at the commander. Is it really so bad when I give orders?"
SOPMOD giggled. "Oh my, so even M4 gets jealous?
I just find the commander the most dependable."
M4 tries her hardest not to pout. "Fair enough. Then do your best serving under the commander."
SOPMOD gave a mock salute cheerfully.
"Okay! I'll be good!
I'll do whatever Commander says as long as...I can tear that 'Hunter' to pieces!" She said the last part with anger.
M4 noticed the anger of his sister.
"Hunter?"
SOPMOD nodded. "SP721 'Hunter', the Sangvis Ringleader in this area according to AR-15's investigation."
Morrison was drawn from the info. "A Ringleader is here?"
"Then...where is AR-15?" M4 asked with dread.
"She...drew Hunter away so that I could retreat." The grenadier answered, then looked at Morrison. "Commander, Hunter is a wily bastard. AR-15 won't last long on her own!"
Morrison narrowed his eyes. "Alright I'm all ears…"
"Silver and Alpha, gather up in the Temp HQ, we'll be moving soon." He gave the command through the comms.
He reported it to Helian too on the way.
What she said made Morrison smile.
"Commander, I'm calling you to give you a new mission. Thanks to you, the Sangvis Ringleader lurking in Area S09 has finally been identified.
SP721 'Hunter' is a highly dangerous Sangvis T-Doll.
We must launch an immediate search and make preparations for follow-up actions. Other Griffin troops will also prepare to surround her.
We're handing this important mission to you
Scout the surroundings of Hunter's lair and report its defense to HQ."
Time to find and hunt the 'Hunter'.
They were scouting the area SOPMOD said she last saw AR-15.
"Hump, you really did show up. M4A1." A voice suddenly cutted in through the comms making all of them stop.
Morrison didn't recognize it.
However, SOPMOD did. "Hunter! It's that Sangvis!"
"Oh? Is that brat here as well? In any case, as you've probably guessed, I have AR-15." Hunter haughtily said, making everyone freeze.
SOPMOD snarled. "Struggling till your last breath, bitch?!"
Hunter scoffed, making Morrison annoyed. "Humph. More like it's part of my hunting strategy.
Griffin can't take this place in short notice anyway. There's no point in keeping up this stalemate.
Drop your weapon and surrender to me, M4A1, and you can have AR-15.
Now here's some proof…
Click!
"Don't listen to her, M4! It's all my…" The distressed sound of AR15 cuts in.
Click!
"I believe her words will make you give the response that I want.
Don't put your money on Griffin. They have no way of coming in.
Make your choice soon. Griffin isn't giving us much time." she said before cutting the line off.
Morrison looked at the two AR team.
M4 looked scared and angry at the same time, while SOPMOD is seething.
"THAT BITCH!" she shouted. "M4! We need to go now!"
Morrison stopped them however, when he remembered the last line from Hunter.
Griffin isn't giving us much time.
"They didn't know I was listening to the whole thing." He said, before connecting to Helian. "Helian, we just got confirmation that Hunter is still in the area."
"I see, we also have a peculiar situation at our side.
The Sangvis troops suddenly went out of control, taking most of their units out of action.
We don't know the cause of their malfunction, but this is undoubtedly the perfect chance to attack.
Move out immediately. Find Hunter and finish her!
It's up to you to deal a fatal blow on Sangvis Ferri, Commander!"
Morrison grinned again, looking at the two Anti-Rain member. "You two, looks like lady luck is shining upon us. We got confirmation on killing the bitch."
The two were too eager at the anticipation.
One hour later, almost every SF unit is down. Hunter is still haven't been caught.
SOPMOD spotted someone in the distance, before rushing ahead. "Look!! It's AR-15! She's here!"
Morrison and M4 followed her along with Alpha team.
ST AR-15 is a pink haired girl wearing a blue jacket above of what it seems to be a white blouse, she also wears a thigh socks in her left thigh.
"You two sure took your sweet time. God knows how long I'd be stuck in there if I had been counting on you." She said cooly as they neared.
"AR-15... Glad you are okay." M4 said with relief.
AR-15 however seems to narrow her eyes to M4. "M4, if this commotion hadn't happened, were you really going to trade yourself for me?"
M4 faltered. "I...I do not know…"
AR-15 continued. "I don't care what you were thinking, M4A1. You're the leader. Don't make stupid decisions next time." she chastised M4.
"But I…" M4 tried to reason weakly.
"We each have our own responsibilities, M4A1, and that means sometimes we don't have a choice.
Not to mention M16 is still awaiting rescue." she said huffing.
SOPMOD however, seems to ignore all of that and decided to say something to the pink haired girl.
"Ooooh, AR-15 just said something really cool."
"...Come here. Let me tell you something." she said darkly, trying to grab SOPMOD, who dodged the attempt.
"Wait! I haven't even said anything!" She shouted.
"You won't need to. I'm gonna shut you up for good."
SOPMOD ran to hide behind Morrison and M4.
"Commander! M4! Help me!"
Morrison laughed at their antics, while M4 sighs.
"Only you left, M16…" she whispered to herself.
Author's Note:
Forgive me for the blunder earlier, I somehow managed to upload last night without double checking for mistakes (which I didn't notice until I woke up this morning.)
Now we're done with Chapter 3 of the game, the only one left is M16...and the introduction of 404 Squad.
May Morrison have mercy from god because I, the author, won't.