Day 10: July 15, 2062 | 1514 Hours | Base S09 Garage One

Garage One at base S09 was also known as Mama Bear's Cave since Grizzly kept her jeep and humvee inside it. The jeep was mainly used for driving around the base while the Humvee was meant for expeditions and operations. Grizzly spent most her time in the garage whenever she was off duty. It was essentially her second dorm, and the best part about it was that she didn't have to share with anyone.

Wearing only her denim shorts, a white tank top with oil stains on it, and a towel around her neck, Grizzly was busy tuning the engine for her jeep when someone knocked on her door. "You can come in!"

The door opened and a T-Doll that Grizzly didn't recognize entered the garage. "Eyo."

"You lost?" Grizzly asked the short doll.

"Name's AEK." She sat on a stool by the table Grizzly put her toolbox on.

"Grizzly," The handgun doll said. "So, what brings you here?"

"I just wanted to check out the garage." AEK swung her feet back and forth.

"You like cars?"

"Cars are cool I guess, but I prefer motorcycles."

"Motorcycles?" Grizzly put down the wrench, removed her gloves, and grabbed a can of beer from the cooler underneath the table. "We do have some in storage. Just gotta clean 'em up."

"Nah, not those lame military ones." AEK held her arms out and pretended to rev up a motorcycle throttle. "I want those real fast ones."

Grizzly chuckled and wiped her face with the towel wrapped around her neck. "I think you might be a little too short for one of those."

"Huh, I never really thought about that." AEK rubbed her chin. "Maybe I can ask the Commander to approve me for an upgrade."

"Good luck with that. If you ask me, the Commander ain't just gonna give you an upgrade 'cause you asked. Besides, you want the body to ride a motorcycle, not to become a better fighter."

"I think getting taller would help in my combat abilities too," AEK said.

"All I'm sayin' is that you gotta convince the Commander that you'll be worth the upgrade." Grizzly explained to her.

"Hmm…" AEK rubbed her fingers together. "I didn't want to have to seduce the Commander in order to get what I want, but I guess that's the only choice now… Not that I wouldn't mind with a cutie like her."

"Hate to break it to you, but I don't think you're the Commander's type." Grizzly said upfront.

"You think she doesn't like bad girls?" AEK asked.

I don't think she's into someone of your appearance."

AEK straightened out her coat. "Pfft, I have a great sense of style."

Grizzly pinched the bridge of her nose, leaving a smudge of grease on it. Never in her life did she ever think she'd meet a doll so dense. Shortly after she closed the hood of the jeep, another knock came from the door.

"Come on in." Grizzly called out.

Juno entered the garage and waved at her. "Hello, Miss Grizzly." Juno's eyes grew wary when she saw the other doll in the garage. "And Miss AEK."

"Oh, hey, Commander. I got a question for you." AEK waved her hand around trying to get Juno's attention despite being right in front of her.

"Yes?"

"Could I get an upgraded body?" AEK asked.

Juno wasn't too keen on the idea. "Why do you want an upgrade?"

"Well, just look at me!" AEK cried out. "I think getting a taller body would make me more effective at combat."

"Well, according to your performance reports, you seem quite effective as is." Juno pointed out.

Damn it, why did I actually have to be good… AEK thought. "But what about being more effective."

"I'm not saying that you won't be more effective, but you just joined us today," Juno said. "I'd prefer to see your performance with my own eyes."

"But-" AEK stopped herself like she was hit by some sort of realization. "Oh, I see…"

"I'm glad you understand, Miss AEK. I'm sure if you live up to your record, you'll convince me to approve your upgrade in no time."

"That'll be easy enough." Confidence filled AEK's voice. "Just let me know when you want to have the night of your life."

Juno tilted her head to the side. "Excuse me?"

AEK looked at Grizzly and then back at the Commander. "Ah, I see. I mean, we can discuss some night battle strategies whenever you can."

Juno's eyes widened when she realized what AEK was talking about. "N-No that's not what I mean!"

Grizzly's laughter echoed throughout the garage while AEK was bewildered by everyone's reaction. "Am I missing something?"

"Well, MGs aren't known for their accuracy." Grizzly wiped the tears forming in her eyes from her laughter. "Anyways, Commander. If you've had enough of innuendos, do you want to go on a test drive? Just finished tuning this baby up."

"Umm…" Juno checked her watch. "Sure, I think I have some time to spare."

"Great!" Grizzly pressed the garage door button as the Commander sat in the passenger seat. "You wanna tag along, AEK?"

"Nah, it's fine. I got some training to do." She winked at Grizzly before heading out.

Grizzly shook her head, hopped into the driver's seat and put on her aviators. "Well, Commander. Buckle up and hold onto your butt!"

"Wha- AHHHH" Juno cried out as Grizzly stomped on the gas pedal.

…

Grizzly stood by the car while Juno threw up on the grassy field. Apparently, the high speeds and narrow misses during Grizzly's test drive didn't sit well with her superior's stomach.

"You good, Commander?" Grizzly looked over at her.

Juno gave her a shaky thumbs up. Her face was paler than normal. "Y-Yea, I'm good."

"Sorry 'bout that." Grizzly rubbed the back of her head as the Commander returned to the jeep. "Got too into it, ya know? I rarely get to have fun and drive my heart out."

"No, it's fine. I'm glad you were happy, but… maybe next time you can give me a warning so I could prepare myself."

"Sure thing, Commander." Grizzly got back into the jeep. "So, need me to drop you off somewhere?"

"The command center." Juno wiped the sweat off her forehead.

Grizzly shifted the gear and drove the jeep at a more leisurely speed. "Y'know, I forgot to thank you for puttin' me on the expedition team."

"Well, you did tell me on the first day you were always looking for any opportunity to drive." Juno told her.

"Heh, I forgot about that. You got good memory." Grizzly sheepishly scratched her nose. "maybe I'll get you a souvenir or somethin' while I'm out there."

"That would be nice."

"Anythin' in particular I should keep an eye out for?"

Juno shrugged. "I think a surprise would be more fun."

Grizzly chuckled. "Alright, but don't blame me if it don't live up to your expectations."