[...]
[In a Sangvis Ferri interrogation room, Area S08.]
Alchemist: So, where were we...?
Oh, right. Bombs. Now, let’s talk about bombs.
Do you like them timed or triggered?
F2000 : My... Well...
I guess it depends on the mission?
Humans invented so many weapons to deal with different situations in the first place, right?
Alchemist: Ha. You don’t even have a personal preference? Then you’re missing out.
As a soldier, you should at least like something about war even if you don’t like it in its entirety.
As a Tactical Doll, FF F2000, isn’t there anything on the battlefield that you like at all?
F2000: I’m sorry...but I’m simply not too bothered by things on the battlefield...
H-How about we talk about something more casual?
Shoes, for example. Why don’t we talk about shoes, Alchemist?
Alchemist: ...Shoes?
Is that what Griffin T-Dolls talk about on a daily basis, pretty shoes and cute handbags?
F2000: Well... Many T-Dolls are interested in weapons, so maybe I’m just in the minority.
I’m really sorry. I’m not even your original target, am I?
It must be really disappointing for you to capture a crude and banal T-Doll like me...
Alchemist: ...Why would you say so, FF F2000?
At least I’ve learned from you that even non-elite T-Dolls make some very interesting faces.
Alchemist: Not to mention I can compare you with my other prey...
F2000: ...Quoi?
Alchemist: What, don’t you know? You’re not the only one I caught.
Recognize this weapon?
[Alchemist lifts up a rifle.]
F2000: That’s...T91’s...
W-What happened to her?!
Alchemist: She‘s the only one who slipped away. I wiped out all the rest.
Do you understand now? Your sacrifice didn’t make much of a difference for your friends.
F2000: Phew...
[F2000 smiles in relief.]
F2000: At least someone got away. Then my job is done...
Alchemist: Oh dear...
These Griffin T-Dolls are all so dull...
Thank goodness I know how to keep myself entertained.
[Alchemist draws her own automatic pistol.]
[F2000’s starts trembling. She closes her eyes and draws a breath.]
F2000 : So this...is how I meet my end...
[Bang! Bang!]
F2000 : Eeep!
[...?]
[Alchemist adjusts her aim and shoots one of her dummies.]
F2000 : Alchemist...?
Alchemist: Hush... Say nothing, FF F2000... Don’t let me find you...
You must stay quiet, hold your breath, and just wait...
Until this pistol runs out of bullets or you run out of luck - whichever happens first...
[Bang! Bang!]
F2000 : ...!
Alchemist: “Everyone tries to fit into others’ lives when they’re alive...”
“...Only your death is entirely your own.”
Give it a thought in your final moment, my dear...
Whether we’re alive...the way we are.
[...]
[Three hours later. Staff lounge, Griffin base, Area S08.]
Five-seven: ...And that’s our mission.
FAL, you got that? Hey! Have you gone deaf?
FAL: ...
There are no deaf T-Dolls, 57.
Five-seven: I don’t think the problem is with your hearing module, FAL...
I suspect something’s wrong up here (points to her head).
Your neural cloud is a bit passé - just like your taste. Perhaps it’s time we consider a change in leadership...
What are you reading this time?
[57 walks up to FAL and snatches the fashion magazine out of her hands.]
FAL: Oi!
Five-seven: ...This bag? Isn’t it too old-fashioned even by your standard?
FAL: Look at the price first before you speak, 57. You have no idea how long I’ve been taking my pick.
Five-seven: Whatever. I only care about our mission.
If you mess up, not only will you not have the money to buy the bag, you’ll have your position as team leader taken away by yours truly.
You do know that I’m gonna REPAY you for the favor.
[FAL takes back the magazine, dog-ears a page, then puts it into her cross-body bag.]
FAL: Then I’ll simply not mess up.
Bring me to the commander in charge this time. We’re getting ready to set off.
Five-seven: Hey, have you been listening? And have you actually read through the brief? You’d better not say the wrong thing in front of the commander.
FAL: Isn’t it just a couple of missing T-Dolls? Our mission is to find them, ouais?
[FAL strolls out of the lounge. Five-seven catches up.]
Five-seven: Also, you know about the adversary this time, right? Alchemist. She’s a ruthless one.
FAL: That’s what makes the bounty big. Let’s get this over with quickly and take the money.
Five-seven: Humph, so you chose that old-fashioned handbag after seeing the target?
FAL: Suits her, doesn’t it?
[Ten minutes later, Griffin Control.]
FAL: Bonsoir, Commander. I’m FAL, the T-Doll leader in charge of this rescue mission.
Relax. I know my charm can be blinding, but please listen to me with your eyes open.
Five-seven: (Whispers) I think the commander is simply sleep-deprived...
FAL: ...
Let’s grab a coffee after the job’s done.
Now, our objective is to rendezvous with two of my temporary team members.
They’re the scouts in Area S08, FF FN49 and FF FNC.
They’re only rookies that have been recruited onto the team temporarily, but we do need their report.
Please clear up the way for them to meet up with me and 57, Commander.