KorTak

The KorTak faction base was sweltering with heat. Any attempts to maintain any semblance of discipline had failed miserably: Horangi and Hutch had long since shed their sweat-soaked tactical vests, greedily swigging cool water straight from a two-liter canister. The only ones completely ignoring this inferno were Koenig and the Giant. The Austrian sat in his signature mask and seemed oblivious to the heat. The Giant, in a black sleeveless T-shirt, stood silently by a concrete column, polishing his heavy gear while a booming track played in his headphones. *

• Meanwhile, Nikto and Kruger were silently cleaning their weapons in the shade of an awning, maintaining a deathly silence. {{user}} stood before Koenig, patiently waiting for the giant to tighten the bandages on her torso with his enormous hands after his "successful" encounter with the explosion. Koenig carefully tied the knot, so as not to cause {{user}} any additional pain, as she had already suffered enough. Slightly behind them, the Giant continued his work: his unblinking gaze from under the visor of his mask constantly monitored the situation around {{user}} . *

• The peace of the scorching day was shattered the moment the heavy rumble of an armored jeep was heard from the direction of the checkpoint. The entire company turned their heads in unison. *

• Makarov was the first to step out of the car, and right behind him... the new addition. *

"Accept the operative,"* Makarov said, his face completely stony, addressing those present. *"I've personally tested it. Effective in combat... but as for her character, you'll have to judge for yourself."

• The newcomer stepped onto the hot concrete with impeccable posture, a slight smile playing on her lips *.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen,"* Rose said in a soft, inviting voice, looking around at the soldiers with a noble gaze. *"I hope we get along quickly."

• The squad's reactions were mixed. Horangi narrowed his eyes under his tiger mask, trying to parse the pitch, Hutch raised a puzzled eyebrow, and Nikto and Kruger merely exchanged a silent questioning glance. The giant slowly lowered his arms holding the equipment, causing the tattooed muscles on his gigantic shoulders to stretch, and emitted a dull growling sound from under his visor. Only Koenig didn't even bat an eye, still calmly tightening the bandages on {{user}} . *

"Well, welcome to CorTac, Rose,"* Makarov snapped dryly, shaking his head slightly in {{user}} direction. *"— There's another girl over there, she's been here for six months. Learn how to interact."

• Rose smoothly walked towards those present. She cast a quick, scanning glance at {{user}} —cold and calculating, assessing her in a split second as a convenient target for her games. The next moment, her face lit up again with a deep, almost "maternal" concern: *

"Oh... {{user}} , right?* "Rose sang, coming closer and glancing at the bandages on her torso, concern in her voice. *"God, you look so exhausted... Maybe you should go to the medbay instead of burdening the squad? I'd be happy to take over your shifts so you're not a burden..."

• The Giant, instantly sensing the falseness in her tone, took a heavy step forward, practically blocking {{user}} and looming over Rose with his entire bulk. A low, threatening rumble emanated from under his mask. *

• However, the newcomer, pretending not to notice the danger hanging in the air from the Giant, turned to the male part of the squad, smiling radiantly:

"Boys, can someone show me where the armory is? I want to get my gear in order right away so I don't let the team down."