Chapter 56 - Cube

Helian and Bryant stared at the screen tracking the supposed location of AR-15. The map went dark in S06 thanks to the frankly insane Sangvis presence in the sector. That and the super jammer they had set up recently. It not only scrambled communications but also doused the area in the Parapluie malware. Dolls that hadn't been hardened against electronic attacks were fried upon contact with the field. Helian and Kryuger exchanged a few glances while Bryant continued to map out possible routes through the sector.

"If Star really did contract Parapluie, we would completely lose her in the Sector. We can't wait for her to leave the jamming radius, we need to pursue."

"Agreed." Kryuger stated with his arms crossed. He seemed troubled. "Sangvis is on the move. Something is going on in the Sector, and it's more than a simple jammer. This may become a major operation." Helian nodded and began pulling up a series of Doll profiles on the screen.

"We've called in some of our best: FN Squad, Thompson Squad, the AR Team will be involved, and -"

"Squad Negev." A confident voice dripping with venom sounded from behind them. The faintest bit of an accent drew Bryant's gaze. The pink-haired squad leader walked forward, only sparing a lethal grin to Bryant. She stood in front of the humans, standing as though she was double her actual size. "Not that you needed anyone else - a specialist like myself could handle this solo."

Bryant smirked, a small laugh escaping his lips. Negev ignored him, but Kryuger and Helian remained stoic. "She may have a head start, but my team can move quicker than even the AR Team." The words were not spoken with cockiness - it was to her a simple fact. "Give us the order."

"...we will begin the operation once the combat teams have been restored. The location for our FOB has been determined and your squad will assist in establishing it." The Doll snickered softly but nodded. The contempt about the mission was clear, but orders were orders. "Once everything has been established, Commander Ursula will have additional missions for you."

"Understood." Negev saluted and left. It was as snappy as his time in the military, and Bryant mused over how this Doll might have made a better soldier than he was in another time. But once the door had shut behind her, Bryant turned his gaze back towards the screen. After a moment, he spoke.

"If we plan to go through the sector, we'll need to improve our supply lines. I assume you'll have me on Support and Logistics, yes?" He simply nodded. That told Bryant all he needed to know.

"I'll need a few days to organize my teams. I'll be ready."

"Good. You're dismissed Bryant, good luck." Bryant saluted and left the room. His shoulder ached, and a phantom pain gnawed at the back of his brain. He could swear his missing arm was spasming painfully. It passed as Bryant rounded the corner. His office was down the hall, and MP40 stood outside. The Doll still had some burn marks on her hair, but her uniform was pressed and neat. Despite her best efforts, the battle had ruffled her appearance. MP40 looked haggard and exhausted, but she smiled as he approached and met him halfway down the hall.

"Commander, hello! How are you feeling?" Bryant gently pat her head and smiled. She let out a soft sigh at his touch, slumping forward ever so slightly.

"Better now. You did great work out there today. Thank you for all your hard work, MP40." The Doll blushed softly at the display of affection, but quickly returned to her professional demeanor.

"Thank you commander! I hope to continue to meet your expectations."

"I'm sure you will. Go rest, MP40. Be sure to get something to eat as well." The Doll nodded and practically skipped down the hall. Bryant chuckled and stepped towards the door. It was open, just a crack. He could have sworn he closed it before he left…it was them again.

He took a breath and entered his room. It was dark, the only light on was his desk lamp. Unlike the last time, all four of the dolls were standing behind his desk, each one looking tense. A stressful weight seemed to crush down on Bryant as he entered the room. But UMP45's eyes held an air of playfulness. How like her.

"Hello, Kommandant." She said while leaning back in his chair.

"Can I use your pillow, Commander?" Came the sleepy question from G11. 416 not-so-gently smacked the Doll before 45 continued.

"We're here because you've won a great prize, Commander?"

"Oh?"

"Ja."

"And what would that be?" Bryant said as 9 placed a small, multi-colored cube on his desk. A new knick knack for his collection, it seemed.

"I hear you're planning on punching into Sector S06 - so are we. And you come highly recommended by Miss Helianthus. Looking for a little side work?" Bryant couldn't help but smile with her. The Doll had a way of manipulating humans. She was a rogue Doll, but that came with some benefits.

"Always. Tell me about the job."


The room was quiet. Finally. The silence didn't last long. The screen flickered to life, and the face of Sangvis Ferri's second in command. Agent stared down at the newly awakened Ouroboros. She sat up and looked at her hand. Pale synthetic skin over the latest in technology. Several technological upgrades and cutting edge parts began whirring to life as her systems came online. She stood and looked in the mirror. Her face twisted from a startled frown to a sadistic smile. She was cute: equal parts alluring and disarming. But beyond that, she saw herself. A weapon. A threat. The apex of SF Industries.

"Ouroboros."

"...yes?"

"We have a mission for you."