Okay, quick preface for the next operation. If you haven't guessed by now, it will be running alongside Chapter 10 of the game. That may or may not include Singularity and/or Continuum Turbulence as well. If you haven't gotten that far in the story you may find some spoilers ahead. I will try to avoid any sort of OC or "canon" with the player commander when they show up here, so feel free to self insert or use your own mental image of who they are. Maybe they're you, maybe they're your personal headcanon, idk. I tried to stay as open to player self image as the game tries to when it comes to your players identity. Anyway, have fun.


Hustle and bustle was the duty of the day, everyone trying their best to impress the military. Griffin and Kryuger had been offered the chance of a lifetime to not only assist the military in an operation, but more importantly the mission itself was to deal with the Sangvis Ferri Mastermind once and for all. Everyone was excited at the possibility that the past few years of conflict with the rogue manufacturing company would finally end, and more so that it would be done at the expense of the army as well. The armored units had already begun to surround the region, holding off obvious choke points to prevent Sangvis Ferri from easily sneaking supplies into and out of the region. All analysis indicated that the Mastermind, as well as many of the Ringleader units, were present for the defense.

While the military had numerous camps spread across the region, G&K had found itself forced to keep within a singular zone. The army claimed this was to keep the dolls safe from stray artillery fire, but whispers around the camp seemed to suggest it was the army's way of keeping Griffon out of their way. Hydras moving in formation with military combat droids, supported by heavy assault tanks that dwarfed most anything that SF could muster in defense. Every so often, the dull thumps of artillery firing in the distance could be heard, the shells streaking across the sky before impacting on a target in a far away explosion. For almost all of the dolls arriving, this was the closest any of them would ever get to a real battlefield.

Kar98k stood outside the tent designated for herself and her troops. All of their necessary equipment was stacked up inside, having arrived well before they did so that they could immediately prepare for the upcoming offensive. There was a buzz in the air, something magical about seeing all of these dolls in one place. Everyone was ready to fight, running around back and forth getting ready. It wouldn't be long before they started to move out, everyone eager to get a little bit of action before everything was over. Some of the human commanders, however, weren't as excited as their dolls. A lot of them were nervous to be working alongside the army, while some of them didn't like the idea that the army might be taking all of the credit. It was interesting to see the difference in how humans and dolls react in a full combat setting.

Kar98k let her team set up inside, preparing themselves for the upcoming battle. This was an all hands on deck mission, everyone was going together. Thompson, one of the Chief Commander's dolls, began making the rounds around the camp, informing the various commanders of what time they would get together to begin planning the operation. Apparently, the Chief Commander had finally arrived from the military's main camp to pass along what the army needed from them. Nobody seemed surprised that the army wasn't going to bother making a personal visit to plan for the joint operation, and if anything it seemed that Griffin was here more as a formality than an actual need. If they weren't properly utilized, what purpose did even have in being there? Something about the operation didn't sit well in Kar98k's mind, but it was beyond her to start asking questions now.

She arrived at the main operations center along with a few other commanders, filing in promptly. Arriving before most of the other commanders, Kar98k had an opportunity to get a good look at the holographic map displayed before her. If she wanted to run her brigade from the base rather than on the ground, she would probably utilize her own more often. Due to this, the table was a piece of foreign technology to her; leaning on it a bit too far, it flickered and faded before she withdrew. A few other commanders snickered at her confusion as the table returned to normal. She was more used to the port on the side that allowed her to plug directly into the table and contort the hologram that way. However, Kar98k decided she would try to at least appear normal to the other commanders. Looking around at the growing number of humans in dark red coats and berets, she was starting to look too far out of place in her black attire. She was starting to reconsider her refusal to receive a customary G&K dress uniform.

As more and more humans shuffled in, Kar98k felt more eyes upon her as they began to question her presence in secret. They'd all heard of her, and they all had their own different opinions. Many of them spoke about her like her enhanced audio couldn't pick it up, both good and bad. One commander thought she was crazy to lead from the frontline, while another found it extremely attractive. Some of them considered her status as either a human or a doll, some suggesting she was both. Many of them seemed focused on her physical status, both internal and external. While some of the humans criticized her power core issues, others made her wish she had wore a much longer skirt.

Looking around there was a fair bit of judgement that could be thrown back at the others if she saw fit to defend herself. There was a commander who sacrificed almost three echelons to take down a single Ringleader, throwing them against defenses instead of withdrawing to a better position. The one commander who had his eyes glued to her chest had the lowest operational success rate out of everyone. There were alcoholics and smokers, as well as gamblers and cheaters. However, there were also heroes and fighters amongst them as well. A while back, Sangvis Ferri led an assault on a G&K meeting, and many commanders joined the frontlines with their dolls. Many of those humans were also here today, ready to charge alongside their troops. Most anticipated was the Chief Commander themself, whom no one could really decide on how much of their fable was real or fake.

As soon as the Chief entered the room, eyes and gossip suddenly shifted. Whoever or whatever they were did not matter anymore, their own history preceding them. Kar98k couldn't tell if they were happy to be famous, or thought it was a curse. They moved around the room, greeting friends and teammates they've gotten to know personally. They even introduced themselves to commanders they've never met before, hoping to get a read on who they were. She could tell from watching the Chief that they were looking everyone up and down, checking their stance and speech. Even here, they were thinking about tactical applications. When they approached Kar98k, they didn't give her the same treatment. Instead, they simply held out a hand and gave her a warm smile. "It's good to know that no matter where I go, I can trust a doll to be there to keep me safe."

"Thank you, sir." She took their hand and smiled back. They then pat her on the head and carried on with introductions with the other commanders in the room. Something about the action made her feel warm inside, as if the chill in the air and the sounds of combat disappeared. For a moment, Kar98k felt true blissful happiness.

Once the introductions were over, the Chief immediately got down to business. Plugging in their own data tablet, the holographic map updated to include military force deployments. "As you can see in the yellow forces on the map, the military plans on taking numerous Sangvis Jupiter artillery emplacements." The Chief explained, using a long, thin stick to point at the map. "They will be moving through these lowlands here as a primary distraction since they're forces can handle a few volleys. They will also be concentrating artillery fire in this sector, so we will be moving in to claim the Jupiter cannons along this side."

"Their artillery will need a proper ground side look out to really get a read on where to fire." One of the commanders stated. "If we could get some RF dolls on a high position then they could easily spot targets for the artillery."

Kar98k spoke up. "As both a commander and a RF doll, I can easily take my team to a position to spot targets and hold out if need be."

The Chief Commander nodded in approval. "I figured this would be the case, and I've already chosen the perfect position for you to storm." Using the stick, they pointed to a hilltop with a bunker overlooking the military's line of attack. "This was supposed to be a Jupiter Cannon bunker, but they didn't get a chance to build the cannon yet. Military scouts report snipers and spotters for the other cannons are hiding out in this bunker. You and your girls clean it out, and we can wire you into the military comms to provide data."

Kar98k nodded in approval. Many of the other commanders were given a slew of other roles befitting their skills and abilities. Some didn't seem happy with their assignments, but they knew they were given jobs for what they were worth. The field commanders were the most excited for the battle, ready to fight alongside the other dolls while the tactical commanders remained in the headquarters. After about two hours the planning was over, every little detail laid out for advancement and retreat. If everything went off without a hitch, they'd be done in a few days. Kar98k stayed to analyze the map a bit more before returning to her team's tent. Pushing aside the flaps, she found most of them had left to wander around the camp. MP40 stayed behind to continue checking over their gear and equipment. "Is everything still here, captain?" Kar98k asked.

MP40 snapped a salute then relaxed. "Just making sure we don't find ourselves in a bind out of nowhere."

"Keep up the good work then." Out of curiosity, she reached out and pat MP40 on the head. Immediately the doll stiffened and her eyes widened, before she shivered like she had received a chill.

"Oh, uh," she sounded flustered for a moment, "what um-"

"What was that indeed?" Kar98k asked, wondering what had just gotten into her. She really hoped she didn't react like that when the Chief did it either. "Just an experiment, captain."

MP40's face was flushed. "Please warn me the next time you do that."

"I need to know, do it to me." Awkwardly, MP40 reached out and pat Kar98k on the head. Once again, she was filled with that warm and fuzzy feeling. "What the hell is that?"

"Oh god I'm glad I walked in before you took your clothes off." FG42 strolled into the tent, counting a stack of paper money. "You guys just figure out the thing humans put in dolls to make us all gooey for them?"

"Is that what that is?" MP40 asked, patting her own head with no reaction.

FG42 unbuttoned the top part of her shirt so she could stuff the cash into her bra. "Yeah, it's one of those weird things they installed in a doll's Neural cloud. The shit they have installed in our heads is crazy the more you think about it. Makes me wonder what crazy human crap they have installed in the Commandant."

"Actually, I was talking to Addy the other day and it's Kommandanten." MP40 corrected. "She actually speaks German."

"Oh so are we gonna start doing the more traditional salute too?" FG42 held her arm out straight and at an upwards angle. "Like this right?" She laughed.

"I would prefer if we didn't do anything that might draw any more ire from the government that typically employs us." Kar98k was referring to the Neo Soviets, a nation who had a very long history despising a particular era of German history. While the Brigade's imprinting on their weapons did not imply any belief in political affiliation, humans still made their assumptions. It was hard enough simply wearing the uniforms they felt so attached to, they didn't need to add the archaic customs of human hatred to the mix. Besides, the world had a new share of much more tangible monsters to deal with than worry about a couple of dolls wearing old clothes. The new mistakes of humanity would continue to overshadow the previous errors.


Kar98k felt uncomfortable eating her dinner with the other human commanders. It was one thing to have her own office to do paper work and work on reports, but this was something else entirely. They had their own special officers tent set up with amenities that the other tents lacked. Apparently, the Chief Commander was initially opposed to this idea and would also rather spend their time with the dolls, but eventually capitulated under the insistence of the others. The humans gossiped amongst themselves, pretending that Sangvis Ferri wasn't being harassed by cannon fire outside. Kar98k wished she was with the other dolls, the people she really belonged to. The humans dragged her along as one of them, hoping to get a chance to mingle with her and include her in their social clique. However, she simply spent her time awkwardly eating her food while they inflated their own egos.

There was one commander, a big burly fellow, who approached Kar98k not as a commander but as a soldier. The man served in the army, but found himself working in the civilian sector after losing one of his legs from the knee down. While he had a prosthetic replacement, he also felt like he didn't belong with the other humans in the tent. The two talked as equals, sharing stories about leading from the field. Apparently, the dolls under his command would be providing support for her team tomorrow, and he felt confident knowing that they were risking themselves for someone halfway competent. Before returning to the other commanders, he made sure to also give her a pat on the top of the head.

"Not used to that kind of thing, are you?" The Chief Commander asked, having seen her reaction. "Even with all those upgrades you're still just one of the girls."

Kar98k felt a touch embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I'm just not use to that kind of personal contact."

The Chief smiled at her flustered behavior. "Just like humans you're all different and unique. Even the SF dolls."

"Please don't tell me you intend on patting their Mastermind on the head until she surrenders." Kar98k asked.

Both of them laughed. "That is an interesting idea, what are they like when they're not trying to kill us?"

"Scarecrow had a fine collection of wines and classical records that I reclaimed."

"Records?" The Chief rubbed their chin in incredulous thought. "Which Soviet Union are we in again?"

"You know how dolls are," Kar98k explained, "some of us collect records while some of us annoy the hell out of me by barging into tents while they should be doing something productive."

Kar98k scowled as G43 stumbled into the officer's tent, pushing her way through the crowd in a huff. "It's FG42, Commandant."

Kar98k sighed. "What did she do?"

"We're playing cards and she cleaned me out!" G43 began to beg. "Please, I need some more cash, I swear I can beat her!"

"Tell her you two can play cards for something that isn't money or valuable." Kar98k pointed for her to leave. G43 bowed her head and walked out of the tent, stumbling on her way out. Kar98k sighed again as she looked back at the Chief Commander. "I have a bad feeling I'm going to return to them playing each other for their clothes."

"Well, you girls sure are unique." The Chief laughed. With a smile, they reached out and ruffled Kar98k's hair before leaving her with a laugh.

Kar98k reached out and grabbed their shoulder to stop them. "Sorry," she said once she realized she probably overstepped her boundaries, "I just had one question."

The Chief Commander turned their attention back to her, understanding she probably had something important to say. "Of course, what is it?"

Kar98k took a deep breath. Something had been nagging at the back of her mind for some time, ever since she found out about the mission. Seeing the military artillery blasting away at Sangvis Ferri only made her realize just how pointless all of this really was. "Does any of this seem strange to you?"

"You too?" The Chief frowned, but not out of disappointment in her. What did they know? "This whole thing reeks of danger, and I'm not talking about Sangvis Ferri. I don't think they have a collapse bomb to set off in case of emergency, but they're certainly okay with sitting by and letting Yegor's cannons keep blasting away."

"Is this a trap then?"

The Chief sighed, then leaned closer to Kar98k to whisper into her ear. "It's the military I don't trust." Kar98k thought back to her previous dealings with them, as well as their cold treatment of her and her dolls leading up to this operation. Most formal military see themselves as better than dolls, just like most humans saw themselves as superior to doll workforces as well. The Chief kept whispering to her, "they want to capture the Mastermind alive."

Kar98k raised an eyebrow. "Alive?"

The Chief nodded as they stepped away from her. "That's all I know, honest."

"Well what do we do?" Kar98k asked.

"Our jobs." The Chief turned back to the other humans, leaving Kar98k to process what they had said. Capturing something like the Sangvis Ferri Mastermind wasn't going to be easy, the defenses surrounding it would no doubt be military grade. That was considering if the Mastermind could even be taken away in the first place. Unless of course the military had some sort of plan to lure the Mastermind out into the open, but what was good enough bait to draw such a big figure out? Scarecrow had mentioned that Mastermind was looking for a particular doll, but surely they wouldn't risk everything by using a single doll as bait. What doll would even agree to something like that. Unless of course, that doll didn't have a choice. That would explain why so much of Griffin's forces were deployed for seemingly no reason. If that doll was here, Mastermind would surely take an interest in them. The real question was who was this doll, and why are they so important?