[Tactical Operations Center]

The staff operated with precision in the TOC, ensuring that every detail was attended to. Captain Xayesana raised his voice to command attention. "Alright, everyone! We have a busy day ahead. I want each of you to execute your duties with the utmost professionalism. Let's demonstrate to G&K how the Rangers handle operations. Now, let's get to work!"

As the team settled into their tasks, the briefing began. "Thanks to your hard work, we've identified the SF ringleader in sector SO9," Gentiane stated, clicking to the next slide. "Meet SP721 'Hunter,' a formidable SF doll. SOPII's intel indicates her influence spans this entire region, and she commands a substantial force."

The slide shifted to operational routes. "This is our planned route for reconnaissance. We'll scout the perimeter of Hunter's base and relay intelligence on its defenses to HQ. Concurrently, other Griffin Echelons will be preparing an encirclement."

"Who's Persica?" FNC asked, a hint of confusion in her voice.

Gentiane replied, "Persica is the head researcher at 16Lab—the architect of the technology and weaponry you're equipped with. You should understand the weight of that responsibility. So let's honor her work and our mission."

Gentiane nodded, adding, "Time is of the essence. Team leaders, retrieve your recon gear from Kalina. It's currently 1305; we'll regroup at the helipad by 1315. Dismissed."

[In a separate briefing room]

"We'll deploy the first two squads as the recon team, with the rest on QRF duty, complete with mortar and air support. We're wheels up in 15 minutes—move out!"

"Hoo-ah!" the Rangers responded with determination, rushing to prepare.

Embers 2-1 and 3-1 geared up, outfitted with M4A1 SOPMOD IIs and all necessary equipment. After a focused 15 minutes of preparation, they boarded the Black Hawks, ready for the operation ahead.

[Somewhere in SO9, deep within the forest...]

The recon unit advanced with caution, scanning for any signs of SF activity. The tension in the air was palpable.

"Status report?" Commander Gentiane queried, her voice steady yet anxious.

"Picking up SF signals. Prepare for engagement," G36 replied, scanning the area.

"Remember, this is a reconnaissance mission. Hold fire unless absolutely necessary," Xayesana cautioned, his gaze sharp.

"SOPII, stay focused," he reminded her.

"Yes, understood," she responded, trying to rein in her excitement.

"Command, this is Ember 2-1 actual. We've arrived at the designated location with 1st Echelon, over," Staff Sergeant Harris reported.

"Launching the drone now," a Ranger operator stated, sending a drone into the sky for reconnaissance.

"Heading to 195," came the command.

"On it." The drone flew toward a sprawling Sangvis base, heavily fortified and ominously vast.

"Is this a joke?" MP5 murmured, disbelief washing over her.

"Too many SF down there," another Ranger added, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

"Standardization. That's their strength—they can deploy overwhelming numbers when commanded," M4 explained, her tone serious.

"If we had air support, we could level that place," Xayesana mused, his expression grim. "But this will be a serious challenge."

"Indeed. Individual SF units may lack flexibility, but they compensate with sheer numbers," Gentiane added. "What's that?" she suddenly exclaimed, spotting something on the drone feed. "Ember 2-1, adjust the drone to sector 38!"

"On it." The drone shifted, revealing an underground railway network.

Gentiane leaned back in her chair, her frustration evident. "We won't be able to surround them. This is a self-sufficient base with advanced capabilities. The AI's authorization level is extremely high."

"That's the nature of a ringleader," Kalina stated matter-of-factly. "Do you know the story behind the SF uprising? Rumor has it a high-level AI orchestrated it."

"You're referring to the Butterfly Incident? That AI took control of the dolls at the SF plant," Gentiane replied, her tone heavy.

"Exactly, but the details remain elusive. We don't know what this AI is planning now..." Kalina added, attempting to impart a sense of foreboding.

"We need to prepare for a serious confrontation. Kalina, verify the status of our base dolls and assess our resource stockpiles. We must be ready," Gentiane ordered, her resolve clear.

"Understood!" Kalina began analyzing her tablet, but her expression quickly shifted to concern. "There's a discrepancy in M4's data. It doesn't match standard Griffin format."

"Is that a priority right now?" Xayesana questioned, trying to keep the focus.

"If it doesn't impact our mission, prioritize the essentials!" Gentiane instructed firmly.

"Based on my calculations, with the units we see here and those on standby, there could be thousands of SF dolls at the base," Kalina noted, her voice tinged with urgency.

"Why are they organized like that? Did they anticipate our arrival?" SOPII speculated, a hint of dread in her tone. "AR-15 is among them..."

"Ember 2-1, have the drone conduct a high-altitude sweep around the target and then stand by," Gentiane commanded.

"Affirmative."

"M4, remember our objective! We are to gather intel, not engage," Gentiane reminded her, the tension thick in the air.

"Falling short on deep recon is not an option," a Ranger added, vigilant as he scanned the perimeter.

Suddenly, a voice crackled over the comms. "So, you've finally shown up, M4A1."

"Who is that?" M4 asked, her brows furrowed.

"It's Hunter—the SF ringleader," Xayesana confirmed, tension rising.

"You thought you could sneak around without my noticing? AR-15 is in my possession," Hunter declared, a sinister edge to her voice.

"You bitch, you won't get away with this!" SOPII shouted, anger flaring.

"Get ready to surrender, M4A1, if you want to see her again. You have no other option," Hunter demanded, her tone dripping with menace.

[]

"Don't listen to her, M4! This was all my—" The transmission from AR-15 was abruptly cut off, leaving M4A1 slumped on her knees, a look of despair etched across her face.

"How touching, but those words will only bring you closer to the response I desire. Don't count on Griffin to save you; they won't penetrate my command post. Make your choice soon, Griffin doesn't give us much time." The transmission ended.

SOPII slammed her fist into a nearby tree in frustration. "Damn it! That arrogant SF witch!"

"G36, what are the scan results?" Xayesana asked, urgency creeping into his voice.

"It's faint, but I'm definitely picking up AR-15's signal from inside the base," G36 reported, her brow furrowed.

"Commander, that—"

"Save it! I know what you're going to say. Look at the SF base ahead. It's not something one or two elite dolls can tackle alone. Acting recklessly won't just get you killed; it will endanger everyone around you," Gentiane said, her voice firm.

M4A1 took a deep breath, absorbing the weight of responsibility pressing down on her. She surveyed the area, realizing the lives of her comrades depended on her choices.

"While you may not realize it, you're more important than you think. I've been ordered to keep you safe," Gentiane added, her tone softening slightly.

M4A1 paused, considering the implications of her potential actions. "I'm sorry, Commander. I was rash. Let's carry on with the mission." She pulled the charging handle of her carbine, determination sparking in her eyes.

"M4?" SOPII's voice held a note of concern.

"The commander is right, but we can't abandon our friends. If it were AR-15, she'd do the same," M4A1 replied, a flicker of defiance in her voice.

"She would. But you're not her; you're the leader of the AR team. You guide us to victory with strategy and tactics, remember?" Gentiane urged.

"But... I..." M4A1 faltered, uncertainty creeping back in.

"Listen!" the squad leader of Ember 3-1 interjected, straining to catch a sound.

CHOO CHOO

A train? One of the Rangers quickly adjusted his scope to 6x, attempting to get a clearer view. The trees obscured his sight, but the train's horn grew louder, followed by a resounding explosion and a cloud of smoke rising from the base.

"Command, we've spotted an explosion inside the SF base, over," he reported, shock evident in his voice.

"What on earth is happening down there?" Kalina questioned, concern etched on her features.

"Ember 2-1, lower the drone. We need to assess the situation inside the SF base," Gentiane ordered.

"Solid copy, Commander. Bringing it down now." The drone operator adjusted the altitude, capturing footage of chaos as SF units turned on each other.

"The SF dolls are attacking each other?" Gentiane gasped, astonished.

"This chaos could be our opportunity to strike. Alert all units to mobilize and converge on our location. Bring Embers 4-1 and 4-2 with their 81mm mortars," Xayesana commanded, his voice resolute.

"Yes, sir!"

"I'll contact Ms. Helian," Gentiane stated, dialing in quickly. "Ms. Helian, are you seeing this? We have real-time footage from inside the SF base. The dolls have suddenly turned on each other. While we don't know the cause, this presents a crucial opportunity for us. I suggest an immediate attack."

Ms. Helian paused, weighing the situation carefully. "You're right. Seizing this base while the SF is in disarray could significantly bolster future Griffin operations. Do your best, Commander Gentiane. We're counting on you to deal a fatal blow to the SF."

"Understood." Gentiane immediately reached out to nearby Griffin commanders. "This is Commander Gentiane of Griffin Sector SO9, base 794. Allied commanders, do you read me?"

"This is Commander Sekigun of base 601, reading you loud and clear," an Asian man with glasses responded on the screen.

"This is Kamolov of base 737, ready to finish the mission!" a mid-40s Slavic man added, his expression fierce.

"Pleased to meet you. I'm Gentiane, overseeing this operation. Please deploy as directed, gentlemen."

"Understood. IFF updated; initiating battlefield data synchronization," Sekigun confirmed.

"Adjustments complete. Where shall we begin?" Kamolov inquired.

Gentiane brought up a detailed map of the base. "My echelons have gathered intelligence. This SF base functions as a transport hub, heavily staffed with various SF units. There are rail platforms at the center and artillery emplacements on the perimeter walls."

"It's heavily fortified, and they likely have reinforcements on standby. Commander Gentiane, cracking this base will be no easy feat," Sekigun cautioned.

"Indeed, normally it wouldn't be. However, with the sudden chaos inside, the dolls are turning on each other, and several explosions have been reported," Gentiane explained.

"Hmm? What triggered this?" Sekigun asked.

"That, we can't confirm. All we know is that the dolls started firing on one another, and a train derailed, crashing into containers and causing a chain reaction of explosions. But we can't let this opportunity slip away," Gentiane asserted.

"That makes sense. I agree with your assessment, but how do we proceed?" Kamolov asked, his brow furrowing.

"We lack heavy weaponry, and even with the SF base in disarray, breaching their defenses will be challenging," Sekigun reminded them.

"Allow me to elaborate on that point," Gentiane said, determination etched on her features.

[SF base]

Ember 3-1, along with M4A1 and SOPII, infiltrated the base with precision, moving silently as they eliminated isolated SF units that obstructed their path. SOPII delivered a powerful punch to a Vespid doll, creating a gaping hole that destroyed its core.

"If you all tear each other apart, what'll be left for me?" SOPII surveyed the area, spotting another lone Vespid nearby. "Hehehe... maybe I should take a shot..."

"SOPII, we're supposed to be sneaking around. Keep it quiet," M4A1 admonished, her voice steady but firm.

"Okay...," SOPII groaned, though her restlessness was palpable.

"M4, the drone is detecting a concentrated data flow about 15 meters below you," G36 informed.

"On me," M4A1 commanded. Staff Sergeant Kurtz led the way as they approached a doorway that would lead them to the control room. Ember 3-1's Alpha fire team entered first, clearing the immediate area, followed by Bravo, with SOPII taking point.

"This looks like a control room from when humans were still in charge," M4 remarked, scanning the dimly lit space.

"M4! I found a universal interface port!" SOPII exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

The team stacked up at the door, breaching the room and sweeping for hostiles. Thankfully, none were present.

"Right, I'm going in. Cover me," M4A1 instructed, connecting herself to the system while the rest of the team provided security. As they waited, the distant sounds of battle echoed outside, creating a tension that hung in the air. Alpha fireteam secured the room while Bravo remained on high alert outside.

"Why do SF units go berserk and turn on each other anyway? I want to get out there and kick some ass..." SOPII whined, clearly bored. "Hey, does anyone have a rocket launcher?"

"If we did, what would you do with it?" one of the Rangers asked, bemused.

"Can I shoot it?" SOPII pressed, her enthusiasm barely contained.

"If we had one, you could," the Ranger replied, rolling his eyes.

"Ahh... what a letdown..."

"Are you really that easy to get bored?" another Ranger questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Fighting is the only thing that keeps me entertained! Sitting here is torture."

"Just wait a little longer. We'll find a fight soon enough," the Ranger reassured her.

Just then, M4A1 reestablished her connection to the real world. "I'm back."

"Yay! Welcome back! Were the SF systems hard to handle?" SOPII asked, her excitement renewed.

"They were nothing. Their defenses are about as tough as tissue paper," M4A1 replied, a hint of pride in her voice.

"This is Ember Actual. All Ember combat elements have been deployed for the assault. I say again, all Ember combat elements have been deployed for the assault," Captain Xayesana announced over the secured radio frequency.

"The elite dolls have breached the perimeter and deactivated the base's active defenses," M4 confirmed.

"Oho, those elite dolls did well," Kamolov praised, his tone reflecting a mix of admiration and relief.

"Let's get to work, gentlemen," Gentiane directed, her voice steady with determination.

"I've been waiting for this," Sekigun said, his focus intense. "Sniper echelon, status check."

"Sniper echelon is in position," NTW-20 reported.

"Ready to execute at any time," Super SASS added, her eyes narrowed with focus.

"Received. Take aim at the SF units still active on the perimeter walls. Wait for my signal... Fire!" Gentiane commanded.

The sniper dolls fired their rifles, each shot ringing out with lethal precision, hitting their targets dead-on. The assault had begun.

[]

"Target: SF Vespid. Range: 600 meters. Windage is good," the Ranger spotter reported, his voice steady as he adjusted his binoculars for a clearer view.

The sniper, positioned in a concealed spot, focused intently on his MK22 MRAD, adjusting the elevation and windage knobs on his telescopic scope. "On target," he confirmed, aligning the crosshairs with the Vespid's silhouette.

"Fire when ready," the spotter instructed, his eyes scanning for any changes in the environment.

The sniper took a deep breath, feeling the rush of adrenaline. He exhaled slowly, calming his mind and body. He focused on his heartbeat, letting the rhythm guide his timing. As he steadied his aim, he whispered to himself, "Squeeze, don't pull."

With a gentle pressure on the trigger, he released a controlled shot. The rifle barked, the recoil felt familiar yet powerful.

"Hit! Target down. Moving on to the next one," the spotter called out, already shifting his gaze to identify the next target as the sniper reloaded, his eyes still scanning the field for potential threats.

[]

"Let's open the gate," Staff Sergeant Kurtz commanded.

"Roger." M4A1 approached the gate controls, initiating the sequence to allow Griffin forces to pour in.

"Gate is open! Move in, folks!" Kurtz announced over the friendly channel.

[]

"Let's go, Rangers!"

"Move! Move! Move!"

"Assault that position! Go, go, go!"

The Rangers charged down the hill, joining the G&K dolls in a coordinated assault. Machine gunners armed with MK46s provided suppressive fire, laying down a relentless hail of bullets as the infantry advanced. Up in the hills, two weapon teams mounted an M2A1 Browning HMG and an MK19 automatic grenade launcher, their heavy fire raining down on enemy positions.

"Reset left!" the gun team leader shouted, his voice steady.

"Reset left!" his crew echoed, adjusting their aim and unleashing a torrent of rounds.

Meanwhile, mortar teams executed fire missions, targeting known SF positions.

"Hanging!"

"Fire!" A round was dropped into the tube, and with a resounding boom, it soared downrange, followed by two more mortars that joined the explosive chorus.

[]

"Command, this is Ember 1-1. We've breached the base and are in contact with SF units. Over."

"Roger that, 1-1. Stay sharp."

"Contact right! Contact right!" a squad member called out, bringing his weapon to bear.

"On it! Return fire!" The squad hit the ground, going prone as they engaged the enemy, bullets whizzing overhead.

"G36, once you clear the main gate, deploy your radio beacon and establish a supply line. Kalina, prep a helicopter for resupply," Commander Gentiane ordered, her voice firm amidst the chaos.

As more Rangers flooded through the gate, they methodically cleared each sector, ensuring no enemy unit remained unchecked. The tension was palpable, the air thick with gunpowder and adrenaline.

Suddenly, they encountered a fortified enemy structure. Its weapon system opened fire, forcing them into cover.

"Ember 1-2, we're pinned down by that gun emplacement. Can you provide covering fire so we can take it out with a MAAWS?" a squad leader called.

"Understood," came the reply. "We're going to draw fire on three. One... two... three... suppressive fire!"

Rangers unleashed a storm of bullets at the enemy position, drawing the attention of the gunner. In that crucial moment, a Ranger with the MAAWS exposed himself, aiming carefully.

"C'mon, c'mon! Load it faster!" he urged his assistant, the tension rising.

The assistant loaded the anti-structure round and tapped the gunner's helmet, signaling readiness.

"Back blast clear?"

"Back blast clear!"

"Firing!" The gunner pulled the trigger, the weapon roaring to life as the round found its mark. The enemy emplacement erupted in a fireball, silencing it for good.

"Position neutralized! Let's push forward!" the squad leader ordered, covering fire echoing as they advanced.

As Rangers moved with the Griffin dolls, their assault seemed to be going well—until the tide turned.

"My forward dolls just went down!" RPD exclaimed, eyes wide.

"What? Aren't the SF too busy fighting each other?" DP-28 questioned, confusion clear in her tone.

"Contact left! SF ringleader spotted!" A Ranger shouted, eyes narrowing.

"It's Hunter! Open fire!" The Rangers fired, but she moved like a shadow, dodging their shots with unnatural speed. In a flash, she retaliated, wounding three Rangers.

"Ah! I'm hit! Medic!" one of them cried, clutching his side.

"Command, this is Ember 2-2. We have three Rangers down and need evac. How copy?"

"Damn it, she got away! She's too fast!" another Ranger cursed.

"Understood, 2-2. A Black Hawk is en route. Hold your position," Xayesana replied.

As the Black Hawk approached, the remaining Rangers continued pushing back the Sangvis forces.

"Watch out! SF dolls are starting to fire back!" a Ranger warned, reloading his SOPMOD II rifle.

"Yeah, I see them! Return fire!"

Suddenly, two AH-6 helicopters swooped in, providing gun runs, followed closely by AH-64 Apache gunships, their firepower turning the tide.

"They're coming out of the building! You see that, 2-4?"

"Roger that. Let's nail 'em!" The gunner unleashed the M230 30mm chain gun, devastating the SF troops on the ground.

"Not good! The ringleader is regaining command authority!" Gentiane exclaimed, urgency rising in her voice.

"Focus fire! Priority on wiping out that ringleader!" Kamolov ordered.

"She's too fast! Our targeting systems can't keep up!" another soldier yelled.

"Keep firing! Even if you can't hit her, suppress her!"

Amidst the chaos, a Ranger fired an AT4 HEDP, aiming at Hunter. The shot missed but destroyed a group of SF units, providing a momentary respite.

"First echelon, break through the encirclement! Get to the control room and relieve M4 and SOPII! They need to deal with that ringleader!" Gentiane commanded.

"Roger!" G36's team and Ember 2-1 moved as fast as they could, determination etched on their faces.

"Will they make it in time?" Sekigun wondered aloud.

"We have to try. This is an SF base. A stalemate here means we'll be overwhelmed," Gentiane replied, steeling herself for what was to come.

"Devote all efforts to destroy that ringleader!"

[Base interior]

M4 and SOPII along with Ember 3-1 are currently in a CQB gunfight with SF, they took out a lot of them, but more are coming in to replace those losses, they know they'll eventually thin out but they don't know exactly when they're gonna thin out or if ever until they kill the son of a bitch.

"M4! Can't we go down there to help them?"

"We can't... If SF retakes this place, they'll be stuck here at SF's mercy."

"Reloading!" Corporal Caskey announced as he changed magazines of the SOPMOD II rifle

"Changing mags cover me!"

"I'm up!"

Private Polansky fired rounds down the hall until an energy projectile struck his hand and burned it causing him to yelp in pain "Agh! Fuck!"

"Anybody good?" SSG. Kurtz asked while shooting and killing an SF Ripper down the hallway

"Polansky's hit!" a projectile came from the left and narrowly missed his head "Contact left!" he said as he returned fire to the enemy coming from their left. This is not good it seems like SF is trying to flank them

"Contact left copy that!"

A Ranger treated Polansky by bandaging his hand, he can't use that hand for quite some time, but he can still use his forearm to act as a stabilizer for his rifle.

"Grenade out!" a Ranger tossed a surprise grenade down the hall and everyone took cover so that shrapnel won't hurt them. *BOOM* the grenade goes and everyone fired down the two hallways and hoping they can hit something behind the smoke and dust.

[Outside]

"SF's fire is getting more accurate! Can we really break out of this?" PPSH-41 shouted, ducking behind cover as bullets whizzed by.

"Now's not the time to complain! Carry out your mission!" G36 snapped, her voice sharp against the chaos.

Ember 2-1 and Echelon One fought fiercely, pushing through the hail of fire toward M4's position. Suddenly, an ambush erupted from the warehouse to their right. A Skorpion doll was cut down, its lifeless form collapsing as the Rangers returned fire, the sound of gunshots mixing with shouts.

"G36, right side! Right side!" a Ranger called out, eyes wide as he glanced toward the threat before diving for cover.

"Contact right! Warehouse!" G36 commanded, rallying her team as they took cover behind concrete road barriers, their rifles barking in retaliation.

"The SF ringleader is gone!" G36 reported, grim determination etched across her face.

"Hit-and-run... She's trying to wear us down," a Ranger observed, scanning the area for movement.

"Smart," Xayesana acknowledged, his voice tense over the comms.

"Sniper echelon, can you suppress that ringleader?" Commander Sekigun requested, urgency in his tone.

"She's gone indoors; we don't have a clear line of sight," NTW-20 replied, frustration lacing her words.

"This is Ember 3-3 Bravo, same here—no visual on the ringleader, over." The sniper team added their grim report.

"Commander! SF is focusing their fire on us! We can't push forward anymore! Your orders, please!" G36 urgently requested, the pressure mounting.

"Hunter 3-2, this is Ember 2-1. I need you to flatten those bastards 100 meters north of us, danger close, over!" the squad leader barked, desperation creeping into his voice.

"Negative, 2-1! That's too close—I might hit you in the gun run, over!" the Night Stalker pilot replied, hesitating.

"Fuck that! I'm pinned down with the ladies here, and you're telling me to hold the line? I need a strafing run—right here, right now, over!" the squad leader argued, adrenaline surging.

"...Roger that. Hang tight; this is gonna be rough." The AH-6 Little Bird gunship responded reluctantly, banking sharply as it prepared for the attack.

With a deafening roar, the Little Bird unleashed a hail of fire, its Miniguns shredding through enemy units, sending SF dolls flying. Rockets followed in a blistering barrage, clearing a path through the chaos. "That's all I can do for now, 2-1, out."

"Roger that. G36, we're bounding to those jersey barriers! That's our fallback point. We need to get away from here, understand me?" the squad leader commanded, determination solidifying their resolve.

"Roger!" G36 replied, her focus unwavering.

"Alright, we cover... Now!" The Rangers opened fire, the deafening chorus of gunfire echoing as Echelon One retreated, sprinting toward the barriers while dodging incoming rounds.

"Bravo, pull back!" the squad leader shouted, urgency driving their movements.

"Roger, bounding!" Fireteam Bravo responded, one by one retreating behind the jersey barriers where the dolls awaited.

"Set!" came the call, a brief moment of respite amidst the storm.

"Let's go! Let's go!" the squad leader urged, the command igniting a new wave of adrenaline as Alpha made their move, retreating with precision as Bravo held their ground, guns blazing, ready for whatever came next.

[TOC]

The atmosphere in the command center was thick with unease as the assault stalled under heavy resistance. Gentiane's brow furrowed in frustration, her voice low but firm. "Damn it... there's nothing we can do. We'll have to pull back."

"What? What about M4 and SOPII? They need our help! We can't just leave them to die!" the protest came sharply from Xayesana, his eyes blazing with defiance.

"Look at that!" Gentiane gestured toward the chaos on the screens. "Do you really think we can break through that firepower? We're outgunned and outnumbered."

"So you're telling me you're willing to sacrifice them?" His voice rose, filled with emotion. "Gentiane, don't forget my men are still in there—your men! Are you really going to abandon them? Is that what they teach you in the military academy?"

Gentiane averted her gaze, unable to meet his intense stare. It wasn't shame from his words that made her look away; it was the weight of her own doubts. The thought of leaving M4 and SOPII behind gnawed at her conscience. If only there was some miracle to turn the tide.

"I'm sorry," Xayesana finally said, his voice softening as he sensed he was pushing too hard. He took a deep breath, trying to cool the simmering tension.

Just then, one of the staff members shouted, "Look!" They all turned to the monitors as an explosion lit up the screen. The drone camera zoomed in, revealing the aftermath of a fierce struggle. Hunter lay defeated in the rubble, and standing triumphantly over her was AR-15, looking down like she was nothing more than debris.

Silence fell over the command room as they watched. No audio could be recorded, but the scene spoke volumes. For over three agonizing minutes, AR-15 executed Hunter, a cold display of efficiency that sent a chill through the room. The SF dolls within the base seemed to falter, their cohesion breaking as their ringleader was taken out.

"Could this be the opening we need?" Xayesana whispered, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly as he turned back to Gentiane.

"It might be," she replied, her resolve hardening. "But we need to act fast before they regroup. We can't let their sacrifice be in vain."

The weight of the moment hung heavily between them, a shared understanding that in the heat of battle, choices were never easy—and sometimes, they carried the weight of lives lost and the hope of those still fighting.

[An hour later, at the meetup point.]

"Heeeey~" SOPII called out, waving energetically at AR-15.

The corner of AR-15's mouth twitched, though her tone remained flat. "The two of you sure took your time. I was beginning to wonder if you'd even show up."

"I'm just glad you're alright," M4 replied, relief flooding her voice.

AR-15's expression was serious as she locked eyes with M4. "But M4, if the base wasn't in chaos, would you really have traded yourself for me?"

M4 hesitated, the weight of the question pressing down on her. "I... I don't know."

"Whatever you think, M4, you're the leader. Don't make reckless choices next time." AR-15's scolding cut through the tension, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"But, I—"

"M4." AR-15 interrupted, her tone firm. "We all have responsibilities that dictate our choices, and M16 is still waiting for extraction. We need to focus."

"Mm... I'll be more careful in the future..." M4 murmured, the guilt evident in her voice.

AR-15 sighed, the weight of the moment softening her expression just a touch. "Huh? Sounds like you just said something really cool, AR-15!" SOPII piped up, her enthusiasm a stark contrast to the gravity of the conversation.

AR-15's patience snapped, and she pointed a finger at her sister. "Come here. I want to tell you something."

"Wait, I didn't even say anything!" SOPII protested, her playful demeanor suddenly shifting to feigned concern.

"Save it. You won't be saying anything again," AR-15 shot back, a teasing glint in her eyes.

"M4! Commander! Save me!" SOPII squeaked, scrambling for refuge.

"Alright, that's enough. Time to pack up," SSG. Kurtz interjected, a hint of amusement breaking through the seriousness of the situation. He turned to his radio operator, who promptly handed him the PRC-117 radio.

"Command, this is Ember 3-1. We're rounds complete; we're ready for extraction, over."

"Copy that. Extraction is three minutes out, over." The radio crackled back, and Kurtz passed the handset back, the tension beginning to lift.

As they waited, the camaraderie of the moment offered a brief respite from the chaos they had endured. But even in the lightness, the weight of their responsibilities hung in the air, a reminder that every decision carried consequences.

[The night after the OP, in base 794's canteen]

After settling the tension between Gentiane and the Captain, they exchanged apologies and were soon invited by Kalina to the cafeteria.

"Hahhh... it's finally over," Gentiane sighed, her exhaustion evident. "Every operation has felt like a marathon since we met the AR team."

"Right? We should definitely ask Helian for a raise!" Kalina suggested with a playful grin.

Xayesana chuckled, taking a sip of his soda. "If they give raises, I better get one too. I've been out there clearing areas at night for refugees, and still, no raise in sight."

"Oh! That reminds me," Kalina chimed in, leaning forward. "Commander Sekigun asked if we wanted to hang out with him during our vacation... um, Gentiane?" She trailed off as she noticed Gentiane's dejected expression, her fingers fidgeting with her beverage box.

"Come on, don't tell me you're still thinking about that," Xayesana urged, concern creeping into his voice. "We've already apologized."

"No, it's not that..." Gentiane shook her head. "I just can't shake the feeling of why SF went berserk all of a sudden. And how did AR-15 manage to escape? It doesn't add up. If I can pick up on this, the higher-ups must have their own theories."

"Ms. Gentiane," Kalina interjected, her tone lightening, "just a friendly reminder: a woman who focuses too much on her career isn't likely to win any popularity contests. I hear Ms. Helian keeps striking out during mixers."

"Wait, what?" Gentiane raised an eyebrow, caught off guard.

"You seem pretty free, Kalina. Have you even finished those combat reports yet?" Xayesana shot back, a smirk on his face.

"Okay, fine! I'll shut up and eat..." Kalina relented, her playful spirit returning.

Just then, Helian's voice cut in, summoning Gentiane and the Captain back to the TOC.

"Congratulations on successfully defeating Hunter, commanders. This victory allows Griffin to secure living space for humanity. However, there's no time for celebration; we're moving on to the next phase of our plan. According to intel from the AR team, there's a document detailing a major SF operation in Sector SO9. Griffin HQ has dispatched a special doll squad to investigate."

"Let me guess," Xayesana interjected dryly. "Our mission is to keep them from getting stuck in the mud."

"Exactly, just like before, Captain."

"Well, it's probably not wise to leave them to their own devices. We'll accompany them," Gentiane decided, her tone firm.

"The mission details and relevant information are here. Please prepare yourselves."

"Understood." Gentiane began to scan the files but paused, spotting a discrepancy. "Wait a second, Ms. Helian? The file doesn't include any details about this doll squad."

"Those specifics are not your concern. Please prepare as soon as possible. Helian, out." The transmission cut off abruptly.

"An echelon not found, huh?" Gentiane muttered, determination setting in. "Alright then, let's get to work."

As they shifted into mission mode, the earlier tension faded, replaced by a shared resolve. Together, they would tackle whatever challenges lay ahead.

[To be continued...]