Girls Frontline: Paths Yet Found

Chapter 8: Hunter and Prey

Briefing Room, Operational Area 09 Forward Operating Base 793

May 17, 2062, 22:45

The briefing room was abuzz with chatter as the dolls from every echelon gathered, exchanging small talk.

The sound of the door opening silenced the room as Sokolov and Kalina stepped in, still engaged in a quiet but intense conversation. Kalina's usual upbeat demeanor was replaced with something more serious, while Sokolov's stern expression was as unreadable as ever.

Sokolov glanced at the gathered dolls before raising his voice, his authoritative tone cutting through the lingering murmurs.

Sokolov: Settle down, everyone. We need to get started.

Kalina stood beside him, nodding in agreement as she clapped her hands to gain further attention.

Kalina: That's right, ladies! We've got something important to go over, so let's focus.

The dolls began taking their seats, the room quieting as the gravity of the situation became clear. Sokolov stood at the front of the room, his posture stiff and eyes scanning the crowd. After a brief pause, he began the briefing.

Sokolov: We've identified a new Sangvis Ferri Ringleader—SP-721, codename "Hunter." SOPMOD II from the Anti-Rain team encountered her during a recent scuffle.

A map flickered onto the screen behind him, outlining a sprawling area of Sangvis Ferri-controlled territory. Red zones highlighted the areas under Hunter's control.

Sokolov: As you can see, her reach is extensive. The fact that she could divert resources to attack this base while still hunting AR-15 means she has a large number of forces at her disposal. And most importantly she probably has a Forward Operating Base.

Sokolov tapped a button on the console beside him, and the map behind him flickered again, replaced by grainy footage from a drone. The video showed a vast industrial complex surrounded by fortified walls and Sangvis Ferri units patrolling the perimeter. Various anti-aircraft weapons dotted the area, including missile batteries and automated turrets.

Sokolov: This is the footage we received from a reconnaissance drone. The drone confirmed what appears to be Hunter's forward operating base. However...

The video abruptly cut out as a streak of light shot toward the drone, followed by static. The room filled with the faint sound of interference before Sokolov shut the display off.

Sokolov: The drone was shot down shortly after we captured this footage. We have limited intel, but it's enough to know that the area is heavily defended. We don't know the full extent of her forces, but we do know that Hunter has a significant presence there.

Kalina crossed her arms, glancing over the room of dolls.

Kalina: This is why we absolutely must not engage recklessly. We're only gathering information on enemy positions and troop strength. The attack that took down the drone shows they're aware of our recon efforts, so expect heightened security.

Sokolov: Yup. Your mission is to slip in and out undetected. We can't risk alerting Hunter to our larger plans. We need detailed reports on her base layout, troop numbers, and anything that could give us an edge when we coordinate the larger assault.

Sokolov scanned the room, his eyes settling on each group of dolls, measuring their readiness before continuing.

Sokolov: I'm also introducing two elite dolls who will be joining us on this mission—M4 and SOPMOD II from 16Lab. They'll be attached to Echelon 1 for this operation.