Girls Frontline: Paths Yet Found

Chapter 5: Rendezvous

Forward Operational Base 793, Operational Area 09

May 15, 2062, 08:10

Sokolov sat in his office chair, the faint hum of the overhead lights breaking the early morning silence. He glanced at the photo on his desk, a snapshot of his old squad taken during the Baltics campaign. Some faces were crossed out, memorials to those who had fallen, while others remained untouched, reminders of those who had made it through. His eyes settled on the crossed-out face of his mentor, a man who had guided him through the toughest moments of his career.

The memory crashed over him like a wave—a gunshot, followed by the horrific sight of his mentor collapsing to the ground. The flash of that day haunted him, replaying like a grim film on a loop in his mind.

Just as he was about to slip further into a nightmare, the sharp ring of his phone cut through the quiet.

He reached for it, glancing at the screen. An unknown number...

Sokolov hesitated for a moment, staring at the unknown number flashing on the screen. He knew answering was probably a terrible idea, but something in the back of his mind nudged him to take the call. With a sigh, he swiped to answer.

Sokolov: Yeah?

The familiar voice that followed made his muscles tense instantly, though it carried a tone of casual sarcasm.

Persica: You know Commander, you really need to work on your cybersecurity. Seriously, anyone could be listening in right now. It's almost like you're inviting trouble.

He rubbed his temples, exhaling a slow breath.

Sokolov: What do you want, Persica?

Persica: Relax, Commander. I just wanted to check in and see how you're holding up after the last op. You didn't exactly leave me a five-star review after delivering the data.

Sokolov could hear the smirk in her voice, but he wasn't in the mood for games.

Sokolov: We got your data, didn't we? If you called just to needle me, I'm hanging up.

There was a brief pause on the other end, and Persica's tone shifted slightly, though it remained laced with sarcasm.

Persica: Alright, alright. No need to be so sensitive. I'm just making sure everything's in order for the next mission.

Sokolov leaned forward in his chair, cutting off Persica before she could continue.

Sokolov: Hold on. Since when are you assigning me missions? Isn't there another commander you can harass? 

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for the first time in the conversation, Persica's tone shifted to something closer to serious.

Persica: Oh, trust me, I would've, but when I asked Kryuger who'd be best suited to help me, guess whose name he threw at me?

Sokolov clenched his jaw, feeling his irritation rise.

Sokolov: Of course he did.

Persica could be heard snickering, further testing Sokolov's patience.

Persica: You're a KSSO member, Sokolov. The so-called 'Vanguards of the Union,' right? How could Kryuger not rely on you?

Sokolov: Don't remind me. I hated that name the moment they slapped it on us.

He sighed, rubbing his temples in frustration. He knew Persica wouldn't let up until she got what she wanted.

Sokolov: Alright, fine. What do you want, Persica? Let's get this over with.