Story/A Snowy Night Capriccio/E1-1 (Part1)

In the warehouse of a Sangvis base.

Destroyer stops taking inventory and lets out a sigh, gazing out of the window at the drifting snow.

Destroyer

Two years ago today, we had a party... last year today, I got a present from Agent... This year... there's absolutely nothing this year...

Destroyer activates the AI interface installed on the wall.

Destroyer

It's Christmas today, let's play a fitting song.

S.F. Music

Surroundings analyzed. Playing a human song written in the 20th century titled "Prison Grove".

S.F. Music

"An icy wind burns and scars..."

S.F. Music

"Rushes in like a fallen star..."

S.F. Music

"Through the narrow space between these bars..."

Destroyer slams the off button on the AI interface.

Destroyer

That's enough, now shut up.

Destroyer looks outside at the falling snow once again, and lets out another sigh, this time more dejected.

Destroyer

(Sigh) I really wanna celebrate Christmas...

... Fifteen minutes ago.

Destroyer

... So, Agent. What's our plan for Christmas this year?

Agent

What Christmas plan?

Agent

Are you unaware of how dangerously low our supplies are?

Destroyer

Stop acting. It's just us here, if you tell me I promise I won't tell.

Agent

...

Agent

It would appear that leaving you idle was a mistake.

Agent

Take this manifest and do an inventory check.

Agent

You can speak to me again about a Christmas plan once you get a grasp of the situation we are in.

Destroyer

(Sigh)

Destroyer

As much as I know she's telling the truth from taking inventory...

Destroyer

I still don't want to give it up...

Dreamer

Agent sure is getting reckless, enough to leave inventory to you.

Dreamer

Although, considering how little supplies we have, I suppose even an idiot can count them, right?

Destroyer

... Are you... calling me an idiot?

Dreamer

You said it, not me.

Dreamer

Come to think of it, according to the recon report we just received, Griffin is having a huge Christmas celebration.

Destroyer

What?! Those Griffin T-Dolls can afford to celebrate Christmas even though they're poor enough to scavenge our parts?

Dreamer

Their Commander left the base early in the morning, presumably to go shopping in the city.

Dreamer

Well, even though we can't spare the effort to have a proper celebration, we can at least play some Christmas songs to lift the mood.

Dreamer speaks as she activates the AI interface.

Dreamer

It's Christmas today. Play something fitting.

S.F. Music

Surroundings analyzed. Playing a Christmas song.

S.F. Music

"We wish you a merry Christmas."

S.F. Music

"We wish you a merry Christmas."

S.F. Music

"We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year! ♪"

Destroyer angrily slams the AI interface off again.

Dreamer

Someone's got a bad temper today.

Dreamer

However... we could redirect that temper toward something... more productive...

Destroyer's eyes sparkle with excitement in the dim warehouse.

Destroyer

Then I'll go scouting. It's not like I've got much to do today anyway.

Destroyer

I might even seize some supplies to fill up our empty warehouse.

Dreamer

How unusual, the idiot has the resolve to volunteer for a mission.

Destroyer

So you WERE calling me an idiot!

Gager, who has been eavesdropping, barges in suddenly.

Gager

Are you guys about to go scout out the Griffin base?

Gager

You can't trust an idiot to carry out a mission on her own, let me go with her.

Destroyer

HEY! How can you act so snobby while eavesdropping?

Destroyer

And who did you call an idiot?!

Gager

I called an idiot an idiot.

Gager

I'll meet you at the back gate in ten minutes.

Destroyer

HEY— —!

Dreamer

This dreary Christmas is starting to liven up. ♪

... at the Griffin base.

???

... We've already given the Commander a heads-up, please do take care of Gr G11 for us, Kalina.

???

We will return immediately once we acquire the necessary supplies.

???

Well. all she does is sleep anyways. Just think of her as an ugly, heavy vase that we've deposited for safekeeping.

???

Just sleep tight here, Gr G11. You'll get the surprise you've always wanted when you wake up~ ♪

Kalina swiftly moves the sound asleep Gr G11 to the Commander's room to keep her away from other T-Dolls.

As she gazes at Gr G11's sleeping face, an idea suddenly comes to her. She digs out a Christmas outfit and changes Gr G11 into it.

Kalina

Oh, you never took the gift from last Christmas with you!

Kalina

You can still wear it this year, and I get to save some money on buying another present. ♪

Gr G11

Hmm... Christmas...

Gr G11

Presents... Heheh...

Kalina leaves the room and quickly heads to the hall where the T-Dolls have gathered.

Kalina

Merry Christmas, everyone! What a wonderful day!

Kalina

Regrettably...

Kalina

Our commander had to leave the base on short notice for work...

The T-Dolls burst into an uproar upon hearing the news.

OTs-44

(Sobs) Commander... How could this be?

Springfield

I'm sure it must be something important, otherwise the Commander definitely would've spent Christmas with us.

WA2000

W-who cares?! I'll celebrate Christmas even without the Commander!

SVD

If the Commander isn't here, the booze in the cellar is fair game, right?

Suomi

You nasty barbarians are thinking about sneaking booze out of the cellar now that the Commander's away, aren't you?!

SAA

Only one way to settle this, it's duel time! Winner takes this can of cola I have!

CZ75

Oh, it's time to duel? Now that you mention it, I still have a score to settle with NZ75...

Ameli

It looks lively in here...

Helpless facing the crowd of rowdy T-Dolls, Kalina rubs her forehead.

Kalina

Ahem! That's enough, settle down!

Kalina

The Commander can't spend Christmas with us this year, but—!

Kalina

We should still have a proper celebration, for all the hard work we put it!

Kalina looks at each T-Doll present to build up suspense.

Kalina

Which is why I've decided to organize the first ever Secret Santa at Griffin!

The T-Dolls start chattering excitedly.

Kalina

I've already sent out the document explaining the details.

Kalina

To put it simply, everyone prepares a present and leaves it at a designated location with a given number.

Kalina

After that, everyone who has deposited their present will get to draw a number for a random present. All free of charge, of course!

Kalina

Isn't that exciting?!

Hearing Griffin T-Dolls cheering in excitement, Kalina nods with satisfaction.

Kalina

What's even more exciting...

Kalina

The Commander has also prepared a gift. We'll have to see who's lucky enough to get it!

SAA

Yaho! Commander must've prepared a year's worth of cola for me!

Am RFB

As if! I'm sure it's the newest game bought especially for me!

Ameli

Hmm... Guess I'll just include the button that just tore off of my jacket in the present.

Suomi

I gave the Commander an introductory CD last year... Then this time I'll...

WA2000

Preparing gifts and whatnot is such a chore... But since it's already decided, guess I'll just have to do it properly...

Springfield

Then let's all head out to search for present materials around the base.

... Behind a shady corner near the Griffin base.

Gager

... Spying on Griffin's Christmas plans? Did you really come all the way here for something so pointless?

Destroyer

Though we are both Sangvis, the difference between our artistic pursuit and discipline is obvious.

Destroyer

For instance, I can precisely tell how pointless it is to persist in giving the traitor, Architect, a present every year.

Gager

... Cut the chit-chat while we're at work.

Gager

Look out, the Griffin groundhogs are coming out of their hidey-holes.

END