"Establishing connection." Alexsander spoke first, inputting the codes provided by Skorpion. "Lena, keep line of sight."

The drone operator muttered something rude. "Working on it."

Ian tuned out the interplay between the members of his command staff, taking a few seconds to take stock of Skorpion. When Kalina said they performed an ad hoc repair job, the base Commander didn't know what to expect. Bits of metal still showing between patches of artificial skin, a large chunk of that now hidden behind her eyepatch, and other obvious signs that he wasn't actually looking at a real woman, and instead a marvel of modern technology were not it.

Fleur, her task of showing Skorpion around complete, hunkered to one side of the large map on the table. From the set of her shoulders, and the deep frown on her face, the teen had opinions, ones that Ian wanted to hear, but they would have to wait. First, he needed to talk to the target. This cat and mouse game had gone far enough.

"Connection made." Aleksander's report broke his musings. "Text based reply, asking if this is Skorpion?"

The Doll in question perked up. "Can she hear me?"

The man checked his screen. "She can." A pause, and a few more taps, then the rough hiss of an open audio connection filled the room. "And now we can hear her."

Skorpion stepped forwards, speaking tentatively into the air. "Miss M4?"

"Skorpion!" Shock, relief, confusion tinged the reply. "Executioner said-"

"Executioner?" Ian's voice cut across any other response. "The Ringleader." He largely dismissed Scarecrow's claims as a bluff, but if M4 had actually engaged another Ringleader, that implied that Scarecrow's intentions were more nebulous.

"She claimed that Scarecrow tortured and killed Skorpion." M4's voice crackled, as she ducked into thicker tree cover on the video feed. "And that Griffon abandoned me." Those words came with an undercurrent of relief, although at not being abandoned, or simply being found, Ian couldn't say.

All eyes flickered to Ian, implicit judgement clear. It would make for an awkward conversation when M4 arrived on base, or spoke to any of his subordinates, but that could not be helped. "We have no intention of abandoning you, or your squad-mates." Someone snorted, low enough that the audio feed wouldn't pick it up, but the room did.

"They were just waiting for me to wake up." Skorpion filled the silence, then wilted as she admitted, "They had to save me from Scarecrow."

M4 sucked in a breath on the other side of the comm. "Are you-"

"I'll be fine!" Skorpion forced the upbeat tone, and everyone in the room knew it.

Everyone except M4. "That's good. Please take care of her, Commander."

"Of course." The words were robotic, formula, something Ian said dozens of times in his life, but they seemed to satisfy the distant Doll. "Did Executioner reveal any further intelligence?"

M4 took a few moments to reply. "No." Unsurprising, but Ian couldn't help feeling disappointed.

Nonetheless, training and habit dictated that he dig for more details. "When did you engage and what is her current status?"

"Almost two days ago." M4 hummed, then grunted. The drone footage suggested M4 had vaulted a large tree, and she kept jogging for a good distance before verbalizing the next part. "I killed her."

All follow up questions died in Ian's throat, his mind jumping to the reports on Executioner. Everything about her combat profile indicated that she was superior to Griffon Dolls in single combat, massively so. Yet, this Doll, one he had been assigned to rescue, claimed to have killed her. Alone. Luckily old habits provided the obvious reply. "Please confirm. You killed the Ringleader Executioner."

"Yes." A pause, then the follow up. "Is…is that a problem?"

No, that was not a problem in the slightest. Even if M4 killed a Ringleader on a fluke, the fact she had the ability to live long enough to have that fluke happen, spoke of her ability. And she had three teammates. "No, it is not an issue. Just a surprise." Another thing to take up at a later date. "Have you remained in contact with your squad?"

"No." On the screen, M4 shook her head. "We split up for safety." Stopping, she leaned against a tree, gazing drifting up to track the circling UAV. In the back of his mind, Ian figured that somewhere, a movie maker would have approved of the shot. "When I arrived at the first meeting point, they were gone."

Ian hummed. "How many rendezvous points?"

"Three." A pause, her eyes dropping again. "I'm on my way to the last one. I-I haven't seen any of the others." He could feel the implicit question in her words.

"We have been tracking you, but have received no indication as to the location of your squad, or indication they have encountered hostile forces." In this case, the cold comfort seemed better than the lie. "I can sweep a wide area if provided a general location, but our primary objective is your safety."

"They should be," A pause, the Doll seeming to think. "somewhere around the ruins of Simferopol." That aligned surprisingly well with the plan. "We're supposed to meet at the airport, then M16 says she has a contact in Sevastopol." Several of the others nodded along, seeing the wisdom in using the only major port on the Black Sea as the point to flee, instead of trying to fight across Sangvis occupied territory while being pursued.

"Understood." Glancing down at the map, Ian traced a few lines to confirm before speaking again. "I have already deployed troops in that area to extract you. Continue on your current course, you will meet with them before the end of the day."

"Commander!" Relief flooded the words, and M4 visibly sagged.

"Upon linking up, we can coordinate the search for your squadmates." In the meantime, he could put some effort into the search himself.

"Sir!" With a crackle the line cut, M4 apparently recognized the conversation as over. In its place, Aleksander began to relay the new information to PP-2000, and via her, the two Echelons already in the air.

"Is taking out a Ringleader alone that impressive?" Fleur broke the terse silence that followed. "I've seen what Scarecrow can do," Here, Skorpion visibly tensed, "but Kalina thinks Groza or FAL could have taken her?"

In principle, Ian knew Kalina's assessment to be correct, having made it himself, but also knew that wars were rarely fought in such a neat vacuum. "Scarecrow is a scout model, not intended for direct Combat. Executioner is." He pulled up the diagrams, mostly for effect. "Her original spec was drawn up during the last years of the war. Designed to be thrown at hard targets. Take a pounding, break down doors, and CQC whatever survived."

"Oh." Aleksander and Lena both shifted, the mention of the war not sitting well. Fleur hunched her shoulder, frowning at the technical drawings, understanding without properly comprehending what he meant.

The mundane tasks of overseeing a medium sized deployment took over, Fleur relaying details from Kalina, status updates from PP-2000, airborne observations from the other Echelon leaders, points of interest marked on aerial photographs as they appeared. Throughout it all, Ian could see Skorpion shifting back and forth, starting to speak then giving up.

"Commander?" His attention turned to the still wounded Doll, who quailed under the scrutiny. "I can fight."

Fleur, in the process of leaving to help sort supplies they wanted to send with the second flight, winced. While Fleur's reactions were never a perfect hint, Ian had worked out that he could extrapolate a lot from them. And right now, she didn't think Skorpion going out to fight was a good idea, but none of his Logistics and repairs staff would come hunting for his blood if the order was given.

Seeming to take the silence as a cue to provide justifications, Skorpion kept going. "I already asked Miss Groza, and she said it would be alright for this one mission." Ian didn't find that terribly surprising. With PP-2000 currently serving as the base pilot, Groza found herself down one member, going into a combat zone, and would want to make up the difference.

None of that addressed the issue of Skorpion not technically being under his authority, or if she would be more hindrance than help in battle. "How limited are you?" Ian made a mental note to investigate just how far the definition of 'order' stretched at some point. Knowing how to phrase a question so a Doll would answer honestly might be useful.

Skorpion waved. "My left leg is a little shaky, but I can shoot, and throw grenades!" Right. Her profile mentioned that made up for her lighter weight weapon with explosives. "I can't run for a long time, but I can still guard supplies, or hold a position."

Ian rubbed his eyes. "Why?"

"Huh?" That took her aback.

"Why?" The Commander repeated. "I understand that you can fight. I've seen humans fight through horrid injuries, and we can't selectively dampen our senses to ignore sensations." Skorpion winced but didn't argue. "I want to know why you want to go out there and fight. You don't need to, and by all rights are better off not doing so. We already planned around the existing situation."

"I want to help Miss M4." When Ian didn't speak, holding the Dolls eyes without commenting, she added. "Payback. They killed my squad. I…" Ian relented, turning away with a long, tired sigh. Revenge wasn't a pretty motive, but he could accept it, and work with it. The plan didn't call for throwing Groza, or her team into the thick of the fighting, so he could take the risk.

"I will be blaming you if I get grief for this." Ian started, then paused to ignore the snorts of laughter and disbelief from the staff. "As long as we can supply you, I will allow it."

"We can." Fleur it seemed, stayed to listen. "Kalina is, it seems, prepared for everything."

Humming the Commander waved them off. "Be ready to deploy the moment Nighthawk returns, and inform Groza she'll receive an updated briefing in the air."

Skorpion saluted. "Commander!" The formality lasted a few seconds, before she turned and dashed from the room.

"You sure that's a good idea?" Lena waited a few seconds for the door to close before asking the question. While she didn't stop plotting automated flight paths, he could tell most of her attention remained on him.

"It isn't." That earned him a sharp look. "This lets me keep tabs on her, and give her tasks that aren't going to endanger everyone." Using the few seconds it took to change the views on the table to sort his thoughts, the Commander sighed. "I inadvertently set a bit of a precedent in Prague. By letting Groza act on her judgement in regard to bringing FAL on board, it gives the impression that I'm willing to…indulge, I suppose, my Echelon leaders acting to solve personnel issues."

"And given how they all think you're a heartless prick trying to go back on that now would backfire." The Drone operator finished. Aleksander choked on a laugh.

"I might have chosen different words, but the idea is correct." A shrug. "Better to let her do this, and then keep her out of the way. Burns fewer bridges, keeps Skorpion from doing something dumb like going anyway, and forcing my hand."

"Sir, some day you are going to explain how you can understand that, but still manage to end up in these situations." Lena shook her head, returning to her work.

-Faded Glory-

In KSG's opinion, Simferopol's dilapidated airport made a reasonably defensive position. Situated north of the city, it afforded the snipers long sight lines, and there were enough buildings to serve as cover and to base their operations out of it. Fortified by one of the rebel groups funded by the west, the airport had been used as a defensive strongpoint in the past, and it would serve them well if needed again.

KSG had sent her Echelon to establish a defensive point at the airport perimeter, as well as start scouting the suburb to the east. Once they confirmed the operational plan, she would rejoin them, and they should be able to push in and clear out any patrols or major strong points in the area.

FAL's Echelon was deployed to the south for similar reasons, leaving KSG with her fellow Captain, standing over a paper map of the area making things they saw from the air.

"Groza." Right on cue, the third Echelon leader stepped into the building they had turned into a temporary discussion booth, greeted by FAL. "You spot anything on the flight in?

"Muzzle flashes in the distance." Groza circled an area to the south-east with her finger, near or in the city itself. "SV-98 says it looked like Griffon Dolls engaging Sangvis patrols." For her own part, Groza shrugged. "We're flying it, and it's not exactly an easy thing to see."

KSG nodded along. "Sector 2 forces. Simferopol is on the western edge of their operational zone, and apparently they got pulled into a firefight while on patrol." Groza's eyes narrowed, and KSG could see the gears turn in the Russian's head, trying to assess what layers were involved. "Their Commander contacted Sector 9 a short time ago, they are currently speaking."

"Nothing is final at the moment, but we may be getting some unexpected help." FAL's frustrated tone came in stark contrast to her relieved expression. "We may need to clear a corridor to them, but this area appears to only have light Sangvis patrols."

"Understood." Groza marked a few points of her own, which continued to paint the picture that Sangvis forces were barely present in the north, but massing to the south.

Listening to Groza's reply, and looking down at the improvised tactical map, KSG could already feel herself falling back into old habits, the grim precision of military work being far too natural. In the distance, a few sporadic bursts of gunfire could be heard, only adding to the feeling. "Once we've secured the immediate area, we can push south as needed."

The other two made motions of agreement. "Biggest threats appear to be the area to the east." All eyes turned to KSG, Groza implicitly asking if her squad should assist, FAL double-checking KSG's confidence.

"Sangvis light infantry isn't an issue." MG4 would have her head for suggesting anything else. "We are less mobile than you are, so you are likely to complete your sweeps faster."

"If we do, we can coordinate at that point." FAL crossed her arms. "We will have a better idea of the enemy forces at that point, and can act accordingly." The next few minutes were consumed by planning and exchanging information before they fell into a bit of a lull.

"A question." Finally, KSG's curiosity overcame her desire to simply observe. All attention snapped to her. "Is this typical of your Commander?" She could see the confusion. "Staying more hands off, and allowing you-us, to make plans of our own."

"With a few exceptions, yes, he has preferred a more hands off style of combat leadership." Groza took up the answer, and KSG didn't miss that FAL glanced at her counterpart first. "We have never asked, but he seems to be willing to trust our judgement with squad level decisions."

"He tends to provide intelligence, additional observations, or guidance from back on base." FAL took over. "If something changes in the theater, or a new circumstance is encountered he will provide additional orders."

"I see." That phrasing, squad level decisions, told KSG enough about when the man had asserted command authority, and explained some of why he had landed himself in this mess.

"Something is bothering you." FAL caught on quickly.

KSG considered how to approach that answer, before realizing that the truth would serve her best. "Just comparing him to some of the officers I served over the years, and trying to reconcile my first impressions with your own opinions." Her lips quirked. "It is a confusing picture."

FAL and Groza traded a long look, and for a moment, KSG wondered if they were using a lower-level channel to talk before they turned back to her. This time FAL took the lead. "Given that the Commander has presented a confusing persona, that is not surprising. His intentions and motivations are opaque at the best of times, despite him insisting that he has only our best interests at heart."

"So I inferred." It took some effort to avoid sighing. Neither of the other Captains provided what she would call 'useful' information, but they also seemed quite accustomed to playing things close to the chest. "While topical, we should perhaps return to the task at hand. I can satisfy my curiosity some other time."

-Faded Glory-

"Prowler patrol, six units." MG4 listened to the chatter from the other Echelons with one ear, filtering out the drivel, while keeping most of her attention on the interplay between her own comrades. It kept things from getting too boring, aiming a machinegun down a road and waiting for something stupid enough to walk across her sights.

"Come on, it'd be fun!" Honey Badger insisted, MG4 could imagine the more outgoing doll waving her arms as she spoke. I get them on that road, you guys can tear them up!" While MG4 hadn't followed the entire plan, she knew it had something to do with luring Sangvis forces into her field of fire. Thus far, Ak-Alfa and Honey Badger had done most of the fighting, engaging the few patrol units they encountered.

"And how, Badger, do you intend to get them on the road?" Ak-Alfa's retort gained some heat, the slow shift as the squad second lost its patience.

"I can dodge!" Honey Badger tried to object, and MG4 didn't attempt to hide her exhale of frustration. She knew Honey Badger didn't mean to wind Ak-Alfa up, just that Alfa didn't understand the wilder preferences of the other Doll, but Honey Badger refusing to understand that getting shot hurt frustrated her as well. "They're stupid, we shoot at them, let them see me, and they run back to MG4."

MG4 checked to see if KSG had joined the comm. The planning phase had been concluded, which meant they would be moving soon, but KSG's reply indicated that she wanted to let Alfa handle this situation.

Alfa took an audible breath before speaking. "I believe KSG would prefer a plan that has less risk of personal injury."

"I'd be fine." Honey Badger insisted. Still, she seemed to realize that Alfa wouldn't be backing down, and changed tactics. "What do you think, MG4?"

That taking an AP round to the chest killed a Griffon Doll just as effectively as a Sangvis one. "If you are running around the battlefield, it is rather tricky for me to fire without a risk of hitting you." She paused to let that sink in, hoping Alfa would take over.

Luckily, she did. "If someone is playing bait, it's KSG." MG4 filtered out the reply, Alfa's tone losing some of the anger it previously held, and thus she didn't need to pay attention.

No longer needing to pay attention to a brewing fight between Alfa and Honey Badger, MG4 let her weapon rest, and sat up, stretching. She would need to move forwards soon, SRS's map suggested that they had removed the major concentrations of targets in this area, and engaging the next large group would require everyone to advance.

The grind of boots on concrete broke her reverie, MG4 turning to find KSG walking up the stairs to her little hiding place.

To an untrained eye, their leader would seem perfectly relaxed, weapon slung across her chest, articulated armor plates folded against her legs. To MG4 those same signs suggested the older doll was a bundle of tension. And not the usual tension that came with a new assignment, or temporary Commander, but something deeper.

MG4 started to pack up her weapon. "Captain."

"Situation?" Right to the point as ever.

"This area is clear. When Alfa is done explaining why Badger's ideas are bad, we'll be moving up." That drew a brief smile. "She's being surprisingly patient."

KSG nodded, and MG4 thought she saw amusement behind her leader's eyes, before stepping into the call. "Alfa. Status."

"Area is clear, preparing to move up." An instant reply. "The next area has a higher force concentration, in the process of finding MG4 and SRS a spot to hunker down."

"Killbox, or roving?" As KSG asked, and Alfa answered, another line of chatter opened in the background, the third combat team joining the fray.

"Mix. Edge of an urban area. There is an apartment block that they could use to set up, kill anything we flush out." Alfa highlighted the spot on the map. "If you want to escort MG4, SRS can meet you there."

KSG cocked her head in MG4's direction. Alfa and Honey Badger were currently together, and the question hung between them for a minute. MG4 nodded.

"Negative. Honey Badger, rendezvous with me…" KSG marked a spot. "Here. Alfa, you'll escort SRS and MG4."

"Understood." Everyone could hear that Alfa didn't like it, and MG4 could see KSG shake her head, the small flexes in the plating around her legs suggesting her disquiet, but she wouldn't argue.

"Where should I meet you?" SRS spoke up for the first time.

"Stay where you are, we'll come to you." Alfa instructed. "MG4?"

"Coming." No reason to wind up Alfa more than required.

-Faded Glory-

Even years later, MG4 found the way that Doll bodies shattered deeply uncomfortable. Shifting, she sent another burst downrange, watching several Rippers shatter, bodies torn apart, adding more scrap and lubricant to the detritus on the street.

SRS took a shot, the two remaining Prowlers collapsing lifeless to the concrete. "Good shot." MG4 mumbled, already tracking for the next group. A shotgun blast rang out, followed by the chatter of an SMG.

"MG4, window." SRS's words were not quite fast enough, as a Jaeger's shot blasted a hole in the roof above, the riflewoman yelping in surprise as dust and concrete flecks fell around them. MG4 emptied the last dozen or so sounds of her belt into the window SRS had indicated. About half the bullets hit nothing, but enough made it through the window to remove the Jaeger from existence.

"Reloading." MG4 tried to ignore SRS's shaking as she set to the familiar motions, cursing the fact the familiar rhythm never left her. SRS ducked back behind the wall, yelping in surprise as gunfire pattered against the walls. Sitting back up, MG4 set back to work. A bullet slashed past her ear. Another actually cut into her shoulder, both shooters falling in short order.

That burst of fighting done, a lull settled in, one or two enemies trickling out from the buildings, letting SRS shoot them dead without interference from MG4.

"How do you remain so calm?" In between shots, SRS asked the question, prompting MG4 to give her a strange look. "Even when we are being shot at, you never change. You could be snacking, reading, or gunning down enemies and I'm not sure your expression changes."

"It's not tanks." The machine gunner muttered, ignoring the confusion on SRS's face. "Sangvis are predictable and stupid."

"So, you rate them as little threat?" In the silence, SRS took another shot.

"Compared to tanks." MG4 reinforced the emphasis. She put her focus back on the street, instead of talking about the war with SRS. Of the four of them, the sniper was the youngest, and something about speaking with her about things like tank assaults and urban warfare felt wrong to MG4. Still, she needed to continue somehow. "Tank officers get creative. Sangvis doesn't."

"So you insist." SRS huffed, failing to suppress her frustration. "Even KSG is not so blasé about combat, and her job is to stand around and get shot at."

MG4 contained her frustration to a small grunt, and the murder of a few new Prowlers. "SRS."

The sounds of fighting with the rest of the team were the only accompaniment they had for a while. "Is it so bad that I want to have a normal relationship with you, MG4?" That caught the machine gunner's attention, head snapping around, implicit questions clear. "In one breath, you agree that we are sisters, and in the next you push me away."

MG4 didn't know what to say to that, and so she said nothing, looking back out, desperately hoping that something would save her from the increasing awkwardness. At her side, SRS sighed but took the cue and let the subject drop.

-Faded Glory-

"Clear." KSG stepped gingerly over the bones on the floor, always mindful to keep her armor between herself, her companions, and any incoming fire.

"Brings back memories." Ak-Alfa distaste tinged the words, a distaste KSG couldn't disagree with.

"Yes." It did feel oddly familiar, even if there was less chaos around them. With every move, the oppressive air of a bombed out city returned, painfully comfortable.

"Memories?" Honey Badger spoke loudly, enough that she doubtlessly got the attention of anything still in the rotting strip mall. KSG subtly signaled that Alfa should let it go, before her second snapped. "From what you guys did before?"

Alfa kicked a pile of debris aside, moved to the far side of the storeroom, taking a look down the next door. "Hallway clear." The important task done, Alfa fixed Badger with a withering glare. KSG who could feel it, even as she turned away. "What else would it be?"

"Alfa." KSG verbalized the admonishment, and her second growled under her breath. "You agreed." Provoking Alfa could be seen as mean, but sometimes, KSG knew it worked best to prove her point.

The retort came immediately. "Agreement doesn't mean enjoyment." As they spoke, Honey Badger had moved up, now standing at KSG's shoulder as the shotgunner crouched in the next doorway. Outside machine gun fire rattled, and in her way, Alfa shifted to the topic without explanation. "She's going to be upset with you."

"No, she won't."

Honey Badger frowned. "Who? And why?"

"SRS." KSG beat whatever snappy reply Alfa doubtlessly had. "She's still trying to figure out what her relationship with MG4 is."

"And the Captain is butting in." Alfa's words would only confuse Honey Badger more, and KSG suppressed the urge to rub her temples.

"First. I am not butting in. SRS is still relatively inexperienced in combat, and MG4 can protect her. Second, while she may become frustrated, SRS would rather address what she sees as a problem." Alfa started to object. "I have spoken to her about this, Alfa."

"Fine." Short, and to the point. They would speak about it later, but for now, Alfa wouldn't push her about it.

The same could probably not be said about Honey Badger, who seemed to be chafing under the more mundane aspects of being a soldier. Bouncing on her heels, fingers tapping against the grip of her weapon, she served as the picture of impatience.

And right on cue, that impatience broke. "I'll check the next-" With those words, Honey Badger started to dash around KSG, into the actual storefront.

"Don't-" Alfa tried to interject, but KSG took the more direct approach, arm snapping out to cut her subordinate off. In the same motion, she took a step forward, pulling her shields into forwards with a mental tug.

Disguised as just another pile of scrap and debris, the Prowlers engaged, guns chattering. Bullets splattered harmlessly against KSG's shields, as she pulled Honey Badger down to fully cover them both. Luckily, Sangvis units were programmed to aim for the center of mass, so KSG didn't need to worry about her legs. Honey Badger's eyes were wide, the surprise seeming to take her aback.

"In fifteen seconds, dash right. You want to make it to that counter before they reload." Honey Badger nodded, gripping her weapon tighter. "Your job is to cover that entrance." KSG jabbed a finger at one of the two other ways into the room, directly across from the counter. Again, she got a nod. "Alfa."

"On it!" Her second had taken cover behind them, and popped out, return shots killing the first Prowler, while Honey Badger took off, letting KSG rise and fire.

Metal sprayed, shrapnel and fragments filling the air as the projectiles tore through the Prowler before hitting the wall, and metal behind.

At the same time, a trio of Guards charged from the door that Honey Badger was not watching, shields raised. KSG pivoted on her heel, firing twice in rapid succession. Honey Badger popped up, the softer pops of her weapon coming in sharp contrast to the circuitry and silicon torn out of the central Guard's head.

The one KSG had fired at took both blasts to the shield, staggering but continued forward. That small opening proved enough for Alfa to land three rounds. Before any of them could take out the third Guard, more gunfire streamed from the doorway, forcing Honey Badger to duck for cover, and the Guard brought their weapon up to fire at KSG. More Sangvis streamed in.

"Fuck." Contrary to logical wisdom, KSG stepped forward, catching the Guard's shot on her defenses. The Sangvis drone had a brief second to seem surprised, shield out of position to defend against fire from Honey Badger, before KSG fired into its chest.

Metal shrieked, the reinforced body of the Guard giving way. All attention snapped to KSG.

Her second shot blew the head off a Vespid, pellets carrying on damaging the one behind. Honey Badger emptied her magazine into the crowd, killing that one, and others. More bullets peppered her shields, as KSG emptied her final two shells into a pair of Rippers, letting her companions take the rest.

Smoke and oil clung to the air as the echoes of gunfire died down, giving them a second to breathe.

"Clear-" Alfa started, at the same time Honey Badger tried for a warning.

A final Sangvis unit, brandishing a knife, smashed through the wall itself, momentum carrying them straight into KSG. A knife blade flashed past her ear, the shotgun user rolling with the impact, bouncing to her feet fast enough to evade the next blow. The knife using Sangvis didn't slow down, continuing to attack.

Dimly, KSG could hear Honey Badger saying she didn't have a clean angle. KSG took a breath. Her opponent faked to the side, then abandoned the tactic to blindly attack.

It felt almost rehearsed. KSG pivoted to the side, letting the first knife strike pass harmlessly, before her hand snapped out to catch the wrist of the other arm. With a hard yank she pulled the doll off balance, all but slamming them into the bricks behind. Dust and plaster chips erupted, and four gunshots rang out.

Slowly, the corpse peeled off the wall, crashing lifelessly to the floor. KSG considered before very deliberately stomping on its head. The metal shrieking felt good.

"KSG!"

"I'm fine." Knocking some dust off her uniform, she turned to the others. Honey Badger's eyes were wide, body shaking a bit as the rush of combat died away, while Alfa only looked annoyed. "Status?"

"We're both fine." Her second snapped, walking over to pick up KSG's shotgun and hold it out.

"Thanks." They traded nods, and Alfa relaxed, satisfied her point was made. Turning her attention to Honey Badger, KSG nodded. "Congratulations."

That caught the scout off guard. "Huh?"

"You've survived your first ambush." Starting to reload her weapon, KSG offered a thin smile. "Without panicking, screaming, or dying."

"A surprising accomplishment." Alfa admitted, giving Honey Badger a reluctant but accepting nod.

"Take a break, then we'll finish clearing the area." KSG's eyes flickered. "Both of you."

-Faded Glory-

Having finished their patrols much faster than KSG, FAL and Groza had set about commandeering the airport's traffic control tower to use as a proper meeting room and command center. The helicopter and its pilot were sitting on the tarmac, a few of the Dolls gathered near it, who Honey Badger headed straight for, while KSG and Alfa made their way toward the meeting.

The Commander's hologram, combined with the leaders and second in commands for the other two Echelons, occupied the room, and KSG took her place around the table.

"To summarize the events of the day on my end," The Commander started without preamble, "Sector 2's Commander deployed one of his Echelons into the area to investigate reports of increasing Sangvis activity for the next few days." None of them spoke, simply nodding along to the information. "While chasing down a large concentration of Sangvis forces, they were drawn into the city and a protracted firefight ensued." The Commander took a look between all of them. "Sector 2 also reports that Sangvis is more coordinated and effective than can be expected from standalone units."

"A Ringleader?" Groza frowned, shifting her weight in discomfort.

"I can agree they are more coordinated." KSG intended to raise that point herself, having come to that realization on the walk back. "Laying ambushes, and coordinating with one another."

"My counterpart in Sector 2 did not say." The Commander shrugged. "While working from a limited data set, based upon my own observations I believe you are correct. Another Ringleader is lurking in the shadows." His lips twitched. "And while they are not as convinced, Sector 2's Echelon will be working with us to clear out the Sangvis in the area."

"I was under the impression that we would not be receiving outside help at behest of our client?" FAL crossed her arms. "Or have you found some blackmail on our client?"

"No, I have not." Amusement tinged the Commander's expresion. "Sector 2 is in the area for a search and destroy operation targeting the Sangvis buildup, and we are in the area for a classified operation that happens to require the destruction of the Sangvis units."

"I doubt our employer is going to see it that way." FAL's tone suggested experience. The way her second shifted agreed with that assessment. A sharper note entered the words that followed. "Double talk and half-truths have a tendency to backfire at the worst times Commander."

He paused, giving FAL a long, searching look. "I am aware." The moment stretched out again, to the point KSG found it legitimately uncomfortable. "I cannot control the actions of others, and given the situation me attempting to convince them to leave would be more suspicious than accepting help." None of them could argue that point. "Also, I doubt I could have convinced him to pull his forces out anyway."

"Pardon?" Groza's shock was apparent to everyone, with SV-98's jaw dropping.

"I acknowledge I'm not the most charismatic person Groza." A brief, lopsided smirk, before he returned to a neutral expression. KSG, and everyone else, wanted more, but the man didn't seem keen on providing that.

Without any further information coming, KSG felt compelled to ask. "Which Echelon from Sector 2 is present?"

The Commander paused, looking off to the side. "Suomi. I am unsure if that refers to a squad leader or is simply a confusing callsign."

KSG exhaled, wincing as she realized a small error of judgement might manage to create a significant problem. "Ah. That may be troublesome." In hindsight this part of the plan might not have been the most well considered.

"Troublesome?" The Commander repeated, one pixelated brow rising in silent demand for further information.

KSG bobbed her head, trying to find the best way to explain without stepping on toes, or giving anyone the wrong idea. "Suomi has opinions about Russians."

"Define opinions." A hard edge bled into Groza's tone, and KSG's concerns mounted. While Groza didn't seem overly patriotic, KSG had no doubt that the blonde would defend her teammates, which when combined with Suomi would be trouble.

With KSG not immediately volunteering the explanation, Alfa happily took up the task. "Only good Russians are dead Russians." All eyes snapped to her, all of the other Dolls seeming to be taken aback by the aggressiveness of the declaration. "Including those who use weapons derived from Russian technology."

"And what, she'll try to pick a fight?" SV-98 made no effort to suppress the challenge in her tone, crossing her arms. "It's not the first time someone's had an issue with one of us, we can handle it."

KSG ignored said challenge, opting to provide the information the rest of the room wanted. "Suomi fought the Russian invasion, and still carries a grudge." Groza and FAL both cast looks at the Commander's hologram, ones KSG did not miss.

"She would kill you." Alfa, meanwhile, went straight for SV-98. "You are a marksman, trained to engage at range, and have almost no CQC experience."

Unspoken, all three Echelon leaders agreed at a glance to let this play out, curious as to where it was going. "And your point is?" SV-98 crossed her arms. "It's one Finnish Doll."

"That if you pick a fight with Suomi, she will get in your face, where you are inexperienced, and incapable, and your lower performance chassis will let you down." Alfa declared, all of her usual sardonic tone vanishing, replaced with deadly seriousness. "Groza," a nod to the blonde, "Might be fine." Attention returning to SV-98, Alfa shrugged. "But, if Suomi really is here, you try and pick a fight with her, I will offer you no sympathy." SV-98 looked ready to continue arguing.

"I would love to say that Suomi is capable of professionalism, but she can be stubborn and thickheaded." KSG took that chance to step in, before the two seconds got into a fight. "Alfa is absolutely correct. Suomi is a high spec Combat Doll, on par with Groza, FAL, or myself." Turning to the Commander she continued. "So long as her attention is kept on other things, and either my Echelon or FALs remain between her and Groza and her team, it should be possible to prevent any major issues."

"You are certain." The Commander's voice tinged with something cold, an implication that KSG struggled to parse out.

"Suomi and I have hashed out our differences, and we have a mutual understanding." KSG's lips quirked. "Her Echelon will recognize the problem and run interference."

"Understood. If anything happens, inform me immediately." Nods all around, and the topic, while not dropped, seemed to be considered settled. "Back on topic, M4A1 is roughly three hours away from your current position, and appears to be bringing a rather sizable wave of Sangvis reinforcements."

"What?" The explosion of questions ran together.

The Commander waited a few moments for the hubbub to die down. "We're on a time limit. They're at least a day behind her if they keep pace, and I want you out before that group arrives."

"I see Scarecrow is as trustworthy as you are, Commander." Groza muttered, and the man huffed.

"I will thank you very much, I honored that deal. I did not send military forces into the agreed upon area. The fact I fully intended to go back on my word if required is irrelevant." KSG suppressed a shiver, and the question of how the man delivered that line without a hint of remorse rising, and being squashed as having a self evident answer.

"Before we become side-tracked again," Five-seveN jumped in, "Should we perhaps seek to preemptively acquire M4A1? PP-2000 is already here, the flight would not be a long one."

"It is a possibility." The Commander agreed. "That is part of why I called when I did. Before Sangvis moves to counter your presence, we have a window and we should figure out how to use it.

-Faded Glory-

"AR-15!" SOPMOD whined. She knew it was whining, but there had to be something that would get a rise out of her pink haired sister. Instead, AR-15's dour attitude had been getting worse, and SOP was having none of it.

"What?" AR-15 turned, glare firmly in place.

SOPMOD twirled on her heel, walking backwards while facing her sister. "Do you think M4 is safe? She's been late." For all her faults, M4 was never late.

"How could I know." AR-15 shot back. "We've been stuck out here, without radio contact or even a Sangvis to interrogate." Which meant vent her frustrations on.

"Aren't you curious?" SOP challenged. What sort of fun was M4 having? Would she find anything interesting? For her part, SOP couldn't wait to hear about M4's adventure, and hoped her sister had more fun than she was, being stuck with AR-15, and not a Sangvis in sight.

An edge entered AR-15's tone. "I trust M4." And that shut down any further conversation. SOP spun around again, quickly ducking her head around a corner, just to check.

Meeting up with AR-15 made everything less lonely, even if they didn't always agree, but her pink haired sister could also be so boring, and stiff. While she didn't object to SOPMOD's collections of Sangvis parts, she did object to taking the time to collect them, and that took all the fun out of it. She couldn't find the best bits without time to look.

"Well well. I think this game has gone on long enough, Griffon Dolls." The voice came from everywhere, echoing off the ruined buildings and walls. SOP spun in a circle, weapon rising. "Your worries for your sister are touching, but they are pointless."

"Typical Sangvis." AR-15 spat, but SOP heard the small bit of surprise in her voice. "Eavesdropping isn't beneath you?"

"If one shouts on a public street, they cannot be upset at being heard." The voice didn't seem concerned. "I've enjoyed the hunt, but I'm afraid your struggles are over."

"Show yourself." SOPMOD pressed her back her sisters, as AR-15 issued the demand. No matter where the Sangvis came from, she would find them.

"I don't think I will." A soft laugh, menacing. Somewhere, a rifle cracked, then another. "Do try and run to Griffon. It's much more enjoyable when the prey struggles, you know."

"SOP." The shift in AR-15's voice caught her attention. Commanding. Lethal. "Get to Griffon." And bring them back.

"Save me some parts!" SOP didn't hesitate, turning, and bolting down an alleyway. She'd need to go north, back the way they came, but she could find Griffon. A Ripper stepped into her path. It died in a spray of parts, and SOP cackled with glee. Another Sangvis appeared, and briefly stuttered. SOP pounced.


AN: The home stretch for the AR team rescue begins. Almost. We'll still have to catch a Jack Daniels addict, but the first three are almost home. With a side of new faces.

I don't think I'm supposed to be having this much fun, but finally getting around the AR team, and getting this particular albatross off the stories back has been both a relief, and a good time.

As always, questions, comments and concerns are always appreciated. Hopefully I can keep these coming at a steady rate, it's all planned out.