"...Mmm?" Zeldri cracked open his eyes as his phone's alarm clock rang on the nightstand next to him. Picking up the phone, he saw that it was six-thirty in the morning. "...Time to get to work," he half yawned out as he sat up and got out of bed. It had been two days since he opened sub-level five, and Zeldri once more went through the events of that night in his mind. The reveal of the Heart of the Mountain. The papers he'd collected from that room still sat on the table in his room where he left them after returning for the night. Their existence, both the papers and the Heart, could not be revealed. "...Just what the hell did you expect me to do with this, dad?" Zeldri complained to his reflection as he finished brushing his teeth. The reflection gave no answer. Luckily, no one else was with him when he entered sub-level five so no one likely knew it was opened, or that he had the codes since he made sure to immediately return to his room after he collected the papers...right? "...?" That was right, wasn't it? He opened the door, saw the Heart, collected the papers, and returned to his room. Nothing else happened. So, why did he -

"Commander?" A voice and knock came from his door, interrupting his thoughts. When Zeldri opened the door he was met with AA-12 standing in the hall with a rather bored expression on her face. "You shouldn't think about difficult things too much."

"...What?" Zeldri's train of thought was gone so he tried to focus on why AA-12 was in front of his room.

"You have this look on your face like you're thinking about something annoying." She popped a sucker into her mouth. "It's too early for that."

"I see..." The AA-12 line, from what he'd read, had a pension for being lazy, so he guessed their words were coming from that. "Unfortunately, as the commander of this base, annoying things are usually in the forefront of my thoughts as that usually indicates something's wrong." She stepped aside to let him exit his room and the two started walking down the hallway.

"Hmm." The sucker clacked around in her mouth as she continued to follow him. "Sounds like a waste of time."

"In your eyes, maybe. That said," Zeldri glanced back at the t-doll to see that she wasn't particularly rushing and instead seemed to be meandering behind him, "Was there something you needed from me, AA-12?"

"Nothing in particular," she spoke in a disinterested tone that Zeldri couldn't get a read on. "I just need an excuse."

"An excuse?"

"To get out of training, I told StG44 I'm escorting you, today."

"..."

"..."

"...And, they let you?"

"Mhmm," AA-12 nodded.

"Huh." Zeldri was genuinely surprised. StG44 seemed like a very level-headed AI, so to imagine them encouraging AA-12's slack-off habits was weird. Unless... "If you're escorting me, then we'll first go to my office. There's some paperwork I need to start doing."

"K." AA-12 was paying just enough attention to not bump into anything so she probably didn't even register what he said. But, Zeldri had a hunch and wanted to test it. When they arrived at the office, Zeldri sat down in his chair and started going through the day's reports. While he did, AA-12 idly wandered the room looking at what little was there for decorations.

"Rather sparse," she muttered to herself.

"I like to travel light," Zeldri responded as he kept an eye on her out of the corner of his eye.

"Mmm." Her interest was done, AA-12 moved next to his desk and peered at the reports he was completing.

"..." Zeldri strategically gave a yawn and slightly turned his chair so that it looked like he had his back to her. And, his hunch was proven right as he watched out of the corner of his eye as AA-12 silently adjusted the stack of papers. She also quickly finished two reports before moving away from the desk and returning to wandering the room. Zeldri had, over the past week, noticed AA-12 was talking back less when he gave orders, and more easily complied with his strategies. StG44 had pointed out to him that this was a sign of her increased loyalty towards him. He wasn't sure whether he should smile or feel disturbed at a machine feeling affection for him. Brushing those thoughts aside, Zeldri readjusted his seat to face the desk and went for the stack of reports as he figured AA-12 hadn't done much other than straighten them out in a pile. But, to his surprise, the stack of reports was split into three piles with each stack seeming to be how important they were with the far-right reports being the ones he should finish immediately. He quickly looked over the two reports she'd done and found them filled out adequately. Was AA-12 one of those types of lazy people that become extremely efficient so that they can be rightfully lazy? Zeldri remembered something Annika had mentioned to him a while ago. "...Say, AA-12?"

"Hmm?" AA-12 set down the picture of Zeldri and his family that was on a wall shelf.

"How would you like to continue having an excuse for morning drills?"

"..." The sucker in her mouth stopped clacking around and her gaze shifted over to Zeldri. "Go on."

"Annika mentioned an adjunct position that I could assign one of the dolls to. All I'd have you have to do is show up to my office and help with the day's reports, but it would be usable as an excuse."

"Hmm," AA-12 hummed as she thought it over and walked towards his desk. She looked down at it before looking back to Zeldri. "I want a desk. Standing's annoying."

"That's doable," Zeldri agreed despite thinking about whether dolls really needed to care about standing for long periods of time. But, he let it slide. "I'll have Dmitry get the guys to dig up one of the spare desks and office chairs we have in storage, for you."

"...Mmm." Zeldri could have sworn he saw a soft smile play across AA-12's lips, but she quickly put her hand over her mouth to adjust her sucker which covered it. He had a friend who was into anime and would always use terms that Zeldri never fully understood. Was AA-12 a bit of a tsundere?

"Commander?" No time for weird thoughts like that. Annika's voice came over Zeldri's tablet.

"Yes, Annika?"

"The new t-dolls are arriving soon, so I was wondering if you wanted to see them yourself when they arrived."

"Ah, yes. I'll be right up."

"Roger that." Zeldri closed the transmission and got up from his desk.

"Let's go," he said as he motioned at AA-12 towards the door.

"I have to go, too?"

"As my new adjunct, it's your job to accompany me on business like this."

"Mmmm." She grumbled a bit, but AA-12 made no other protests and silently followed Zeldri out of his office. The two made their way to the main level where crews were getting two Ural-5323's ready to transport the dolls. While most of the vehicles they'd found left in the Mountain were inoperable, a few just needed minor repairs to get running. Also, the main tunnel was rather long and it was inefficient to have them walk all the way into the Mountain so at least getting the transports running was a priority.

"Commander!" Annika was at the lead Ural when she called out to them. "And, AA-12?"

"They will be acting as my adjunct," Zeldri explained, "So, they'll be coming with us for this."

"Ah...I see." Annika seemed a bit skeptical about AA-12 being the adjunct but didn't voice her concerns as Zeldri seemed rather confident in his decision. "They should be here in a few minutes, so let's get the trucks out there." The three of them boarded the lead Ural with Zeldri struggling a bit to get into the bed. His leg felt the cold that leaked into the main level and didn't like having to climb up into a truck. It gnawed at him in protest. "Do you nee-"

"I can do it," Zeldri cut her off a bit harsher than he meant to, causing Annika to jump a bit. He settled himself sitting on the edge of the bed facing out so he wouldn't have to climb all the way inside. He let out a heavy sigh as he settled in and apologized, "I'm sorry, Annika. I didn't mean to snap."

"No no!" Annika was obviously flustered. "I stepped out of line by assuming. It's fine! I should be the one apologizing."

"..." AA-12 sat silently as she watched the scene. The short drive up the tunnel was awkward.

While everything important had been moved into the Mountain proper, Zeldri still made sure they kept a presence in the lot directly outside the main tunnel's doors. Some a-dolls were digging up and installing a new chain-link fence, while others were building guard towers at the fence corners and road entrance. The temp shelters were huddled and joined together to form a makeshift FOB (Forward Operating Base) that the people on outside guard duty could use to escape the cold. It was a rather cold day. Luckily, they wouldn't have to wait long as the sounds of helicopters soon made themselves known and three Black Hawks could be seen on the horizon. Annika's eyes widened in surprise. "Did we really spend that much?"

"Apparently so," Zeldri was glad to move on and the awkwardness between them disappeared as the Black Hawks landed in the lot. "Let's see what Persicaria sent." As they approached, two of the Black Hawks opened their side doors and ten t-dolls filled out. The dolls were a mismatch of weapon types, but Zeldri was relieved to see a PK and DP28 machine gun t-doll that he could station at his checkpoint inside. One t-doll from each of the two groups came up to Zeldri and introduced themselves. The first was a rather sharply dressed sniper doll.

"Pleased to meet you, Commander. Please call me Mondragon M1908." Mondragon gave a salute. "Should something come up, please give me the order."

"Hmm," the other t-doll, a pistol doll wielding a Jericho 941, seemed skeptical as she looked over Zeldri, "Are you the one leading this place?"

"Yes, I am the Commander." Was this another doll like AA-12 with low starting loyalty?

"...You don't look like it at all." Her words were harsh, but Zeldri didn't detect any malice behind them.

"Jeri-!" Annika tried to reprimand the doll, but Zeldri raised his hand to stop her and allowed Jericho to continue.

"Take out whatever majesty you have and display it. Do not undermine the identity of a Commander."

"..." Two t-dolls with rigid personalities and were focused on their duty. Persica really knew how to pick dolls for a military man. "Your concerns are noted, Jericho, but unnecessary. I have no plans on insulting my rank. Instead, I want your cooperation to maintain the dignity that such a title deserves."

"...!" Jericho was visibly surprised by Zeldri's response. But, a satisfied smile appeared on her face. "I'm looking forward to your action, Commander." The two gave an understanding nod to each other before their gazes each went to an unknown similarity they had. "It appears you've already seen the horrors of combat, Commander." They both were looking at the other's forearm crutch.

"Yes, but aren't you a doll? Isn't it much easier to get your parts replaced? That seems rather inefficient as it would severely lower your combat potential."

"..." AA-12 and Annika made mental notes to never mention the AR-team to Zeldri.

"True," Jericho didn't seem phased by the question, "And, that would be the case if this actually hampered my movement. But," Jericho lifted her arm with the crutch to show her perfect balance, "This was a cosmetic as my line would often work with the elderly and the appearance of a limp would provide a level of conformity to those I worked with. Now, as a t-doll, I have data pertaining to a martial arts that uses tonfas." She lowered her arm and leaned against the crutch. "If you would like, I could teach you, Commander."

"..." Zeldri had never considered his crutch anything but a hindrance. A reminder. But, if it could become a strength? "Very well, for today you two get the others settled in. I'll take you up on your offer tomorrow, Jericho. Dismissed."

"Yes, Commander!" The two t-dolls saluted before returning to the other dolls and helping them into the Urals.

"Wait," Annika was checking her tablet with a confused expression, "All the dolls we should have are accounted for, so why is there a third helicopter?" The group all turned to the Black Hawk that had yet to open its doors. It seemed to be waiting for the initial t-dolls to clear away. Once they did, the doors opened and a rather gruff-looking man in his late forties stepped off accompanied by what looked to be...a female dressed in full firefighter garments?

"Ah! The Хромая собака (Lame Dog) of the Mountain!" the man shouted as he approached with the firefighter silently following behind. Annika and AA-12 went on alert as the unknown man approached, but Zeldri had a big smile on his face.

"That's Commander Хромая собака, to you." The two men laughed, which confused Annika and made AA-12 disinterested so she exited alert mode. "The fuck are you doing stowing on a company chopper?"

"What? You wanted me to walk here? Сука (Bitch)!"

"...Um, Commander?" Annika was rather confused.

"Right, apologies about the late introductions." Zeldri motioned towards the strange man. "Annika, this is Horris Strolcha, a family friend and an exceptional mechanic."

"But, we already have mechanics for the t-dolls."

"I'm not here for your t-dolls, Miss Annika." Horris' tone shifted to a suave gentleman as he addressed Annika. "But, rather, those." He pointed to the Urals.

"Stop it," Zeldri gave a disgruntled sigh as Horris laughed. "He's here to purchase the broken vehicles from our base."

"Eh!?" Annika seemed rightfully worried. "But, Commander, we can't just get rid of-"

"And," Zeldri cut her off, "Since going through so many will take a long time, he's agreed to pay rent while he does all the repairs on-site here at the Mountain."

"...And, I'm assuming we aren't telling HQ about this?"

"No, they know he's here," Zeldri corrected. "They know Horris is here as a contractor to assist our vehicle crew."

"..." Annika gave a defeated sigh. "Why must you make my job difficult, Commander?"

"Do not fret, Miss Annika," Horris butted in once more, "I assure you I can be more than what you pay fo-OW!" As he tried to schmooze Annika, the firefighter yanked the back of his shirt forcing him to back away. And, now that she was close, Zeldri's eyes were drawn to what was strapped to the firefighter's back.

"Horris...Why does that firefighter a-doll have a flamethrower?"

"I'm glad you asked!" Once more, his demeanor changed. This time, he was sounding like a giddy school girl showing off her new accessory. "This here isn't just any a-doll, but my own custom-built t-doll! Going with your company's rather boring naming scheme, this is M9A1-7. I call her M7, for short." M7 gave a slight bow at her introduction.

"You made a t-doll?" Annika was rather amazed as she looked over M7.

"And, of course, you gave a flamethrower to a firefighter line doll." Zeldri rolled his eyes.

"Yes," Horris answered them both at the same time, "Creating my own t-doll was one of the many wishes I have."

"Wishes?" Annika questioned.

"Right, those," Zeldri turned to Annika as he explained, "For as long as I've known him, Horris has a list of wishes he wants to do before he dies. Though, he keeps adding to the list whenever he finishes one."

"How many do you have?"

"About 90 wishes," Horris said while wearing a friendly smile.

"Is that an M9A1-7 flamethrower!" A blur of blue hair rushed past Zeldri, completely interrupting the conversation.

"K11!" Jericho came rushing over after the crazy t-doll. "Apologies, Commander. She caught a glimpse of that doll and rushed past me."

"...Right. K1-?" Zeldri went to address the strange doll, but when he turned around he found K11 and Horris in deep conversation about M9A1-7's specs. M7, for her part, seemed rather used to Horris doing this and was unfazed. "...K11?"

"Huh?" K11 turned to look at Zeldri as she noticed him for the first time. "Let's see who this is- Commander of G&K!" She quickly approached Zeldri and struck a confident pose. "I'm K11, the emergency encounters specialist, please allow me to show you my talents!"

"..." For every doll Persica sent that matched him, she seemed to send one that didn't. "Don't distract Horris from his work. He's-"

"She isn't," Horris interrupted Zeldri. "If anything, I'd like to have this one work with me on the vehicles."

"...Really?" both Zeldri and Jericho spoke in dumbfounded unison.

"This t-doll you have, K11, is a great conversationalist! She actually followed my methods while explaining M7!"

"How?" Zeldri turned to K11 who was puffing out her chest with pride.

"As I mentioned earlier, I'm your emergency encounters specialist! I'm both a t-doll and a scientist!" Now that Zeldri really looked the doll over, he noticed how many things were strapped to her coat as well as the box she was carrying.

"You're a scientist? In which field?"

"Let's see," K11 tapped a finger on her lips as she thought, "I've studied astronomy, biology, geology, chemistry, physics, computer science, mechanics, engineering-"

"Stop!" Zeldri raised his hand. "You have knowledge in all those fields?"

"Correct! I worked at a science archive so I have a plethora of knowledge in my storage. After that, I was bought by a research lab and became a lab assistant allowing me to put the knowledge into action. Then, I was bought by 16Lab and came here."

"..." Zeldri was about to say something, but then stopped as a thought crossed his mind. "...Is your knowledge broad, or does it go into the various sub-fields?"

"Ooh~," K11's smile became rather dangerous, "Is there something specific you need, Commander?"

"That depends, follow me." Zeldri turned back towards the Urals. "Annika, get the dolls situated in their dorms. Horris, the vehicles are on the main level and I'll show you your quarters later."

"...Very well, Commander." Annika was a bit confused at what Zeldri wanted K11 for but left it be as she started organizing the t-dolls. Horris and M7 immediately got to work on the vehicles that had the most damage while they waited for their room assignment. And, Zeldri led K11 down the stairs to sub-level five.

"This is quite the place you've got here." K11 was studying the architecture of the base as they went through it. Her eyes widened when they approached the massive door that led to the Heart.

"K11." Zeldri wasn't here for sightseeing. "For the sake of...fairness, I will let you know ahead what this will mean."

"..." K11's stance was still rather relaxed, but her attention was completely on Zeldri.

"Before I get you involved, I will put a restriction order on your digimind that will lock access to everything you see while on this sub-level. This includes the fact that I have the codes to even open the door. If you don't accept, then I'll erase the memories in your digimind up to me bringing you here and you'll be with the other dolls. This is something that you take to your virtual grave."

"...Interesting." The dangerous smile from earlier returned. "I like interesting, Commander."

"Very well," Zeldri spoke the verbal override command and used his tablet to finish the lock. He then punched in the code to the door.

"This kind of security, what on Earth do you want me to-..." As the door slid open and the lights turned on, K11 lost her words. Slowly, ever so slowly, she approached the dangling Heart. Zeldri went to a panel on the wall and activated it, causing the chains that suspended the Heart in the air to lower it to the floor. With a trembling hand, K11 touched the Heart's cold exterior.

"I want you to use all your knowledge to do a full inspection." Zeldri approached K11 who was still facing the Heart. The woman in black robes watched from the side with a bemused expression. "You will have all the resources I have available to you to work on this should it need something. I want a full report on its...functionality."

"...Oh...Commander~." K11 turned towards Zeldri. His heart rate spiked as he met K11's unhinged gaze. "I'd love~ to."