Girls Frontline: Paths Yet Found

Chapter 4: The Scientist

Operational 09 Forward Operating Base 793, Neo-Soviet Union

May 16, 2062, 07:32

Weeks had passed since the first mission where they'd stumbled across those wounded Griffin Dolls in the open field. Since then, Helian had consistently fed Sokolov similar missions—each time a Sangvis patrol, and each time, they'd engage and destroy the forces only to find more damaged Dolls in the aftermath.

Sokolov's frustration had only grown. It was like being led through a maze with blinders on. Each mission felt the same: destroy the enemy, recover the broken Dolls, and hand them off to HQ. Yet, the one constant through all of it? Helian refused to tell him why.

Sokolov leaned against the metal railings outside the FOB, the cold morning air biting at his skin.

Just then, his radio crackled to life, snapping him from his thoughts.

Kalina: Commander, Miss Helian wants you back in the operations room. She, uh, says there's someone you need to meet. Apparently, an old friend of hers.

Sokolov raised an eyebrow, pushing off the railing. A friend? That was new.

Sokolov: Copy that. I'm on my way.

He clipped the radio back to his belt, his boots crunching against the gravel as he made his way back toward the operations room. If Helian had a "friend" involved, it meant one of two things: this was either an escalation or another layer of mystery being dropped on his lap. Neither option particularly thrilled him.

As Sokolov stepped into the operations room, the hum of machinery and the soft glow of monitors filled the space. Helian's face appeared on the central screen, her usual calm, collected expression in place. But this time, there was a slight shift in her tone—something different from the usual cryptic orders.

Helian: Commander, I've brought you here because a friend of mine needs a favor. And given your recent track record, I've decided you're the best one to handle it.

Sokolov's irritation flared, though he masked it beneath a neutral expression. He had been following orders without complaint, even as the missions began to feel increasingly suspicious. But now, being roped into a favor for some unknown individual? It was testing his patience.

Sokolov: A favor? With all due respect, ma'am, my team's been running blind for weeks. I'd like to know who this friend is before we jump into another operation.

Helian didn't flinch at his tone. Instead, she offered a faint smile—one that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Helian: You'll meet her yourself. In fact... right now.

As she spoke, a second monitor flickered to life beside her. The screen revealed a woman in a lab coat, her distinctive cat ears twitching slightly as she adjusted her glasses. She exuded an air of sharp intelligence, mixed with a bit of mischief. Her gaze was focused, but there was something in her eyes that hinted she wasn't just another bureaucrat or scientist.

???: Ah, so this is the infamous Commander Sokolov. I've heard quite a bit about you.

Sokolov straightened slightly, narrowing his eyes at the unfamiliar face.

Sokolov: And you are?

The woman gave a small, amused smile before responding.

???: Persica. Head of R&D at 16Lab, specializing in T-Doll development. But I imagine you've heard of me already

Sokolov had heard the name in passing, though never directly linked to his operations. Still, the significance of her presence wasn't lost on him. 16Lab is the heart of technological advancements in Doll AI and functionality.