Lorelei laid down on the table the tool shed that had been converted into Stacey’s workshop. Stacey was currently scanning her body from head to toe.

“This unit is so much more advanced than ours, it’s designed to be indistinguishable from a human.” Stacey stated as she continued the scan. “It has a whole system that allows it to bleed, it can even eat and drink, the stomach and intestines are functional enough to break down food for a more authentic experience. Still none of these systems serve a practical purpose, making our models superior.” Stacey admired the craftsmanship of Lorelei’s body though felt much of it was a waste otherwise.

“At least I have a pussy,” Lorelei teased even though she was disgusted that it matched Lauren’s perfectly.

“Like I said, no practical purpose,” Stacey retorted as she continued with the scan. “The Skeletal structure is made up of a different material, it’s still stronger than a human bone but is lighter and less resistant. The muscles are designed more similar to a standard Doll but aren’t as strong. Still with the limiters removed you’re stronger than any human.”

“So can you upgrade me or not?” Lorelei was getting impatient. A part of her was glad to be reminded she wasn’t human, another part of her hated that she wasn’t one.

“Your artificial brain is the one thing that is more complex than ours and gives you an advantage. It took me a while to crack the remote access which only allowed me to shut off systems and access your internal thoughts. To do anything else, like uploading my combat programs to your mind I’m going to need direct access to the hardware, which means I’m going to have to cut you open,” Stacey explained as she physically examined Lorelei’s head. “I could go through the ear, eye or nose but I don’t have replacement eyes and your ears function like a human's so that would leave you half deaf.” Stacey backed off and put the scanner on charge before checking her terminal seeing where the access ports were. “You might also be running on a different OS that I’m used to so the programing might be incompatible. I won’t know until I open you up. Still I am a genius so yes I can upgrade you, it’s just a matter of how much cosmetic damage I do and time.”

“Then do it, I want to be able to defend myself and others out there and Laura’s resistance can always use more soldiers,” Lorelei nodded.

“You won’t feel a thing,” Stacey promised as she looked at the scan to find the best entry point. It seemed like taking off the top of her head and removing the brain would be the best approach. So she grabbed her power tool and got to work.

“Lorelei will be out for a while,” Laura heard in Stacey’s head. Laura had her reservations about Lorelei doing this but it was her choice and when you looked and thought like someone else, autonomy was important.

“Understood,” Laura responded before returning her focus to the mission at hand. She was in the camp’s staff room which had been turned into a small war room. With her was Marco, Ieso, Natasha and Jane who would all be a part of Operation Blindfold. There was also the rescued student, Lily, and Isha who was there for her friends.

“We were holding off on undertaking this mission and I personally never wanted to press forward with it…” Laura began. “But given recent events it is important that we expose the truth about DollTech as soon as possible.” Laura gave Lily a sympathetic smile, she had been a mess since the shooting and to find out her dad had died too had devastated her. “For this we need to break into a news broadcast station. Given Natasha’s past we’ve opted to hijack a channel four studio.”

“I’m sorry,” Isha interrupted. “Why are you going after a news station at all and not just uploading the information onto the internet directly?”

“Because news stations have anti-generative technology built into their systems,” Natasha turned to her friend. “It’ll be easier to confirm our story using their systems where it’ll be authenticated instantly…” She paused and turned to Laura not knowing if she was meant to speak up, Laura nodded in approval. “Still it’s a matter of whether people believe our story or not.”

Laura turned to Jane and gave her a look. “That’s why Lorelei, Jane and myself will be telling our story to the world, we’re all different versions of Lauren, for those not already under DollTech’s thumb it’ll be harder to dispute it.” She then turned to Lily. “Unfortunately I’m going to need to ask for your help too, along with the video footage we obtained from the school, I need you to tell your story,” Laura walked over to Lily and put her hand on the girl’s shoulder. “Can you do that?”

“I… I think so,” Lily said unsure as she looked up at Laura. Her eyes told Laura everything she needed to know.

“Good,” Laura walked back to her side of the table. “We expect this to be a non combat mission but nothing goes the way we plan. That’s why Marco will be joining us, for extra security and Ieso for medical aid.” She nodded to them. “But before we do that, we need dirt on DollTech and that means infiltrating the company themselves.” Laura paused as she contacted Stacey.

“I know you’re busy with Lorelei but is there any update on our virus?” Laura asked, she was willing to go into DollTech blind but any details she could get from their mole would help immensely.

“Not yet, but as soon as we do I’ll let you know,” Stacey replied.

“Hopefully we get something before Lorelei wakes up, I want you two with me when we infiltrate DollTech.” Laura explained and then returned to her current task. “As soon as we get what we need from DollTech we’re going to hit the broadcasting station. Natasha, I need you to give us everything you can.”
“I haven’t worked for them since I got locked up but I can try,” Natasha nodded.

“Good, in the meantime I’d also like you to help prepare our speeches,” Laura added. “Marco can you also give them some training, mostly how to hold a gun and evasion techniques.”

“I can help with that ma'am,” Isha added, looking for something to do. “The guy who’s doll I piloted loved to go shooting.”

Laura gave her a slight nod. She didn’t consider how much she had in common with Isha, having experiences from both a man and a woman. That’s probably why there was something between her and Jane too.

“Alright everyone you’ve got your assignments, I’ll keep you updated when it’s time to move.”