Glory and Gore - Prologue
Elder Sarah Lyons
The Citadel, DC Wastes
"When I woke up after the purifier and I saw you unconscious on the next bed over, I was so hollow. I felt cheated. I was prepared to die that day. You were supposed to live and carry on the fight and I was supposed to finish what my parents started, even if it took my life. Despite how kind your father was as I was finding my feet, I knew he wished the same thing as I did. So when he put me to Old Olney and Adams I didn't mind. I was angry. Doing what I do distracts me from my other issues. It was the only way I could cope with you being in a coma right after discovering I loved you. He eventually figured out how I felt about you. I visited you every time I was back at the Citadel but most chalked it up as guilt. But your father saw right through that, Cross too. I don't think he minded, or that he didn't like me. He just saw a way to use my feelings to get things done. Especially off the record things like the trip to the west and this plan. I think he saw our relationship as an issue for your future. When we were hammering out this plan we agreed it was best I leave. I'm sorry it had to be this way. But after meeting John and seeing firsthand what the Legion is capable of, there was no way I could sit back and let this continue. Your place is in DC leading the Brotherhood and mine is doing what I do best. I know this isn't what my parents wanted for me, but the Lone Wanderer is what I've became and it is who I am. I don't know what will become of me if I make it through all of this, but I hope you can find happiness. You deserve it. If anyone can lead the wastes through this, it's you. Steel be with you, Sarah."
The pip-boy clicked, signaling the end of the recording. Sarah sadly looked down at the beat up pip-boy 3000 on her left wrist. It had once been the Lone Wanderer's, Neal's. She listened to it every morning when she got up. She didn't know why she tortured herself like that, but for some reason she hadto. Maybe it was her guilt or her anger.
Sarah put on her Elder's robes and headed out to the yard to begin her workout. She couldn't expect her troops to work their asses off if she didn't do so herself. It pitch black out, but Sarah could navigate her way around the grounds with her eyes closed. She had noticed it had been increasingly difficult to get through a routine she once breezed through. She was getting older and rarely saw action anymore. She didn't know how her father could have stood it in his younger years. He had taken the role of Elder at a young age much like her. Sarah was just about to finish up her run when her stomach lurched. The pain forced her to her knees. She heard the sound of approaching footsteps.
"Sarah?" a female voice called worriedly.
Sarah didn't respond. She had come to know her newest advisor's voice quite well.
"What happened?" Veronica asked, the small former scribe kneeling beside her.
"I don't know. I haven't been feeling the best lately." She held her cramping stomach.
Veronica had been sent by the Courier to help Sarah and the Brotherhood prepare for the Legion. She had once been one of the West Chapter's scribe, though when she met the Courier she followed him all the way through the second Battle for Hoover Dam. She realized her calling was elsewhere and joined the philanthropic Followers of the Apocalypse.
"I'd better take you to Arcade." She said, speaking of another one of the Courier's followers.
Sarah shook her head, "I can't go stumbling into the med bay like this."
"Ah, morale, right? Okay, I'll walk you back to your quarters and discreetly get Arcade." The smart-mouthed scribe said. For her small stature, Veronica was deceptively strong. Sarah noticed this as she was helped to her feet.
"I can see why you got kicked out of the West Chapter, a smart mouth like that isn't going to win you any favors." Sarah chided through gritted teeth.
Veronica scoffed, "What, are you gonna throw me out too? It's okay, I'm used to being a stray." She said, feigning hurt.
Sarah laughed, "I'm not one to squander favors."
"And here I thought we were friends. All you Brotherhood types are the same, bound by duty." Veronica joked.
"Yeah, honor is so pre-war." Sarah jested with a smirk, despite her aching abdomen.
Veronica laughed, "I'll be right back."
Sarah had to admit, having the witty scribe follow her around was nice. Her sharp remarks always kept things interesting. Though it did make meetings a bit difficult during meetings. Speaking of which, she had one coming up very soon. Sarah had to figure out how she was going to explain why she would be late.
Lone Wanderer and Courier
Midwest Brotherhood Compound, Chicago Wastes
Neal and John stood around a circular map of what was once the state of Illinois. The new post- apocalyptic civilizations had been marked on it. They were currently in Chicago, the main base of the Midwest Brotherhood. Before them stood the Elder of their chapter, the massive super mutant whose chosen name was Tecumseh, after the famous Native American chieftain. He was a strategic genius and an excellent speaker, making him an inspiring leader and strong figurehead.
Beside him was his second in command, Alice Forsyth. She was of African descent and stood almost as tall as Neal, but beside a super mutant they all looked small. While Tecumseh hashed out his plans from his solar, Alice was out executing them. She was in charge of the Midwest's most elite unit, Dagger Team. She was as sharp as her machete and her combat skills rivaled both the Courier and the Wanderer. She had begun to help Neal with his melee weapons skill, especially with the machete.
Neal had especially like the super mutant's chosen name, after all, Tecumseh's words of wisdom were his favorite to study. The super mutant and his second were a great team and both had quickly earned the Wanderer's respect. The Courier had not lied when he said the Midwest Brotherhood was strong.
Today was a little different than other meetings. The Legion would be arriving in nearby settlements in a few months' time and they needed to be ready.
"We need to get our infiltrators set up in a month's time. This way we can have informants within their ranks before they reach us." Tecumseh said.
Alice's striking blue eyes looked at Neal for a moment before motioning to one of her Paladins, Neal thought his name was Zane, head of Urban team, the intelligence unit. Neal recalled hearing people call him "In-Zane" behind his back, for all of the crazy stunts his team executed. The ghoul exited the room and was gone for a bit.
Neal couldn't help but marvel at how diverse the Midwest Brotherhood was. It was everything he wished the DC chapter could be. They allowed anyone, even non-humans, to join their ranks if they had a trade they could bring to the table. Their numerous bunkers employed many civilians to aid in upkeep and other supporting roles. It made them incredibly efficient. Neal glanced at the modified logo emblazoned upon the Sentinel's breastplate. The entire logo was blue instead of the varying colors he was familiar with. Alice had explained it symbolized unity and that they did not discriminate who could and could not fight for the cause.
Paladin Zane finally returned with a woman in recon armor following him. When she stood next to Alice she looked small, when she was likely of average height. The young woman appeared to be a stealth specialist. She stood stiffly at attention until Alice dismissed her.
Alice turned to face Neal, "Wanderer, this is Knight Velez of Urban team. You will be working with her a great deal. Paladin Zane has recommended her to be a part of your infiltration team."
Neal nodded at Velez and inspected the recruit carefully. She looked to be of Latino descent, especially with her curly hair tied up in a bun. She looked to be in great shape and light on her feet from observing the way she entered the room. Her dark brown eyes scanned him as well, he could tell she was good at reading people. It was a given, provided she was an intelligence specialist.
Tecumseh cut in after a moment, "You two will have plenty of time to get know each other in the field. For now, we need to brief you on the situation."
"It's been almost three years since we lost some of our operatives in forward positions like Kansas City. Judging by that, the Legion is taking its time and gathering as many recruits and slaves as they can. We have to assume they tortured information out of our operatives and that they know we are here. There is also a chance they merely captured our operatives and assumed them to be civilians, but we cannot know that." Tecumseh pulled out a larger map showing the different Brotherhood bunkers across the Midwest. He pointed to St. Louis with his giant greenish-yellow finger and tossed back the left flap of his blue robes with his other hand.
The blue with teal trim monstrosity that was Tecumseh's robes were so massive that Neal and John had once speculated that they could, along with Alice, use it as tent and live comfortably. But all joking matters aside, Tecumseh was big even by a super mutant's standards.
"The Lone Wanderer, Courier, and Knight Velez along with Urban Team will head to Bunker Gamma, north of St. Louis. There you will prepare for your trek westward. Sentinel Forsyth and Dagger Team will be escorting you there. From there you will start your operation. The Courier is going to stay behind with the Sentinel and run his assignments separately." Tecumseh said, his booming voice filling the room.
Neal noticed Alice give him a knowing glance. He knew exactly what it was about, but he wasn't about to discuss it here and she knew that.
"You leave tomorrow so you have the rest of the day to prepare. Dismissed."
Amata Almodovar
Republic of Dave, DC Wastes
Amata stood just outside the chain-link gate of the Republic of Dave. She glanced at Julian as he stood to her right, looking sharp in the hand-me-down power armor. She knew the checkered past of this settlement and she had to remember to try her best not insult its denizens, they had been through a lot. Amata had made sure to thoroughly read the report Neal had written about his encounters with the place. Initially, he had tried to encourage the people to rise up and pick a new leader besides Dave, but eventually he decided it was better with Dave running things. It was important that the Republic of Dave become part of the Compact as soon as possible. Their crop growing would become vital in the coming years.
Amata was doing everything she could to unify the DC wastes, but it was not as easy as she had expected. It would seem the imminent threat of the Caesar's Legion was not enough to persuade the outlying settlements to unify. Part of the issue was Amata did not have a viable evidence that she could show these leaders. She realized that to some she appeared to be a crack-pot doomsday prophet. It had taken some soul-searching and some time alone with Julian to regain her resolve and resurrect her confidence.
"Hi, my name is Amata, I'm here to speak with your leader." She said to the wary man that stood on the other side. The man was young, not much older than Amata was. He wore his hair in a flat top style and gaze fiercely from her to Julian. The intensity of his gaze was amplified by his downward slanting brow.
"Have some respect, I'm second-in-command of the Army of Dave!" the irritable young man demanded.
Amata had heard of Bob, he was Dave's son. An arrogant piece of work with absolute power on his mind. Amata could see why Neal had been so condescending towards the young man. He was her age, nearly twenty two, though he acted as if he were thirteen.
"I didn't mean any disrespect, Bob, I just want to talk with your father."
Bob's eyebrows creased so tightly they almost looked vertical on his forehead, "How do you know my name?"
"I'm a friend of the Wanderer's. I'm told your dad owes him a favor. That's why I'm here."
Bob frowned before reaching out and unchaining the gate. As Amata crossed the threshold, Bob shut the gate swiftly behind her.
Julian grunted in frustration, "What the hell?"
"Only one allowed in at a time, asshole." Bob said smugly.
Amata raised a hand towards Julian to stop him from doing something they would all regret.
"I'll be fine, Julian." She said calmly.
Julian didn't appear convinced for he glared hotly at Bob.
"Don't worry, buddy. I'll take great care of your girlfriend here." He taunted.
Amata resisted the urge to respond and simply pretended not to hear. Julian was not as subtle as he muttered curses under his breath.
There were a number of things that Amata saw that raised red flags in her mind. The way the people acted around her, it was as if they rarely met outsiders. It was the way the vault had reacted towards James and his infant son she now knew. This place reminded her of the vault and if she was right about that, Amata had to guess this "Dave" would remind her of her late father.
As Bob practically kicked the door in to the large house at the end of the settlement, Amata noticed that this building was not a place for meeting. This house was actually a house for only one family. The metaphorical 'first family'.
"Dad! You've got a visitor. She says she's a friend of the Lone Wanderer or somethin'!" Bob shouted.
Amata could see three children of varying ages running about the house. There were two women sitting on opposite sides of the room.
"But I don't like mommy number two. What's wrong with just one mommy? But President Daddy says he needs two mommies." A blonde little girl said to the older looking of the two women, who hushed her.
Amata did her best to keep her expression from showing shock. This might be worse than she initially thought.
One of the women stepped forward and introduced herself, "Hi, I'm Rosie, President Dave's first wife." She reached out a hand to Amata which she took. The greeting was interrupted by the younger of the two women.
"First wife?! I'm the first wife! YOU'RE the second wife and not good for anything!" the blonde yelled. She didn't look too much older than Amata.
Thankfully before the argument could go any further, Dave came down the staircase.
"Cool it you two!" he warned. He shifted his attention to his latest guest.
"Did I hear Bob right, a friend of the Wanderer?" Dave asked politely.
Amata nodded, "Yes, sir. I was hoping I could run something by you."
Dave looked hesitant and a little irritable, but he hid it well.
"Oh, alright. Right this way."
Elder Sarah Lyons
The Citadel, DC Wastes
The morning briefing was especially dry today. New recruits were being sent to test their skills on the Anchorage simulation. Most of her meetings recently had to do with either reports on the recent in-flux of new recruits. The Brotherhood was taking on numerous outside recruits for the first time. The other high ranking members attending this meeting had been surprised at the number of capable recruits that had turned out. Sarah knew that she had Amata and Reilly to thank for that, Their respective parts of the operation had been going surprisingly well. Amata's coordination of the civilians within with alliance was excellent. She had managed to secure the pledge of Rivet City, the large settlement within an old world war ship had been a huge win for well-being of the wasteland as a whole. A large chunk of the recruits were from there. Sarah had also received word that the remaining scientists from Project Purity had offered their services. They were currently working on sustainable food sources. That was especially important in the confines of a steel ship.
Sarah glanced over at Veronica who was haphazardly taking notes at Rothchild's report on rebuilding Liberty Prime. Veronica had been instrumental in helping Rothchild and the other scribes on narrowing down what parts they would need and what common items would work. They were a long ways away from operational, but things were going much better than anticipated. Rothchild had initially been hostile with Veronica, but once she backed her talk with solid skill, he had welcomed her.
Sarah passed through the rest of the meeting in a blur and finally made it to some quiet time for administrative tasks. Though command was something Sarah excelled at, she wished more than anything that she was back in the field. Command in the field was one thing, leading from a boardroom was another…and Sarah didn't enjoy it at all. While her father was still around to help, his coach was infuriating at times. She wanted to scream at him for dropping this burden upon her. Why didn't he just do this himself? But then she knew why, he was so old and frail. He deserved a little retirement, didn't he? That was a question Sarah hadn't yet decided the answer to. He had essentially forced the peace and happiness in Sarah's life away from her. It was for a good cause, sure, but the way in which he did it was all but inexcusable. Sarah despised him for it.
Sarah flipped through reports from Reilly and Amata that had been delivered late last night. It reminded Sarah that she wasn't the only one who had given up much for the greater good.
Amata had been through a lot in the last six months. Her life had essentially been turned upside down. Though most of it was beyond her control, she had risen to the occasion when the Wanderer had asked it of her. Sarah honestly didn't think the vaultie had it in her, but Neal's confidence in his former flame had proven correct. Amata was an excellent leader. While she was not the field commander Sarah was, she was great at inspiring morale of the average wasteland denizen. She was kind and compassionate, yet she was firm when needed.
Sarah flipped through her reports on pip-boys. Amata had been instrumental in securing a large amount of pip-boys. She was able to salvage older ones from the vault and find the people to get them in working condition. Reilly's mercs were also scavenging other vaults for more pip-boys. Though many of them were found damaged or nearly destroyed, a few of the former Vault 101 citizens knew how to fix them and had begun working on them. A steady shipment was making its way to Fort Independence.
Sarah wasn't handing out pip-boys to just anyone in the Brotherhood. Only high ranking Brotherhood soldiers and scribes were given one. Even so, it had to be earned. As far as the Operation: Anchorage simulation, Head Scribe Rothchild had devised a cheat to make it work without each individual needing a pip-boy. Basically put, there was one pip-boy used by all for the simulation. After it was used, a scribe would simply wipe the contents of the pip-boy so the next person wouldn't pick up where the other left off. The only drawback was the soldiers using it more than once had to start from the beginning. Rothchild was working on a way to skip through sequences.
Sarah looked at Gunny's report on recruit progress and was mildly impressed. There were only a few recruits on the verge of washing out. Gunny was in charge of training soldier recruits while Veronica was unofficially in charge of scribe recruitment, since Rothchild's genius couldn't be 'wasted' on such a task…or so he puts it.
Sarah was pleased with the progress the Brotherhood was making. She was actually pretty good at leading, though more indirectly than she was used to. Sarah made her way back to her room with Veronica hot on her heels. When she opened the door, Arcade was waiting for her. The look on his face was as impassive as usual.
"What is it?" the scribe demanded.
Knight Frida Velez
Midwest Brotherhood Compound, Chicago Wastes
Knight Frida Velez watched as the Lone Wanderer trained with Sentinel Forsyth and the former NCR soldier and friend of the Courier, Boone. The Wanderer wielded a machete surprisingly well for having picked it up less than a month ago. As she studied her soon to be partner, she couldn't help but recall the heavy glance between the Sentinel and the Wanderer. Most around the base were too intimidated by the Wanderer's reputation to let their gazes linger on him and really observe him. At least while he was looking. Frida had been surprised that he was about the same age as she. How someone so young could amass such and impressive track record intrigued her. The Wanderer's life has been the furthest thing from easy, but it forged an impressive warrior.
As she watched him trade blows with the Sentinel, Frida's trained eye could see a hesitation in his swings. There was an invisible weight that held him back. Perhaps lacking closure? Frida would have to talk with him more to get an indication. If they were going to be put through hell and survive, there must be no distractions.
Frida noticed she and the Wanderer weren't all that different. They both had enormous responsibility thrust upon them at a young age. They were both highly gifted individuals, though their talents varied from one another. The Wanderer was an impressive physical specimen, much like his Mojave counterpart. But it was what made him that intrigued Frida. If she was going to work with him, she needed to know how he thought and how she could guide him. She knew the Legion well, so teaching him what impressed superiors and what made them upset would be paramount. His life was not even the main concern. As far as she knew, the Wanderer was nearly indestructible physically. When it came to the mission though, he needed to stay on task and make the right calls when he was being tested. She wouldn't be there for everything, but her team could prepare him. Frida gave the Wanderer one last evaluating look before heading to find Dr. Navid.
Elder Sarah Lyons
The Citadel, DC Wastes
"You're working yourself too hard." Arcade said simply.
Sarah shrugged, "I don't know what I'm supposed to do. The new program demands my attention day in and day out."
Veronica seemed to have an idea, for her head turned quickly to face the young Elder.
"Are Elder's allowed to take leave?" Veronica asked. Arcade approving expression encouraged the idea.
"That depends." Sarah said, not committing.
"Well, what if it's business related?" Veronica asked carefully.
Sarah's eyes narrowed, "What do you have in mind?"
"Well, how about we take a little tour and check out the status of a few places. See how things are going and get a feel for how the changes are affecting people." Veronica said, still being purposely cryptic.
Sarah nodded slowly, "Okay. But I'd need more details before I can schedule that."
"You've got it ma'am."
Lone Wanderer and Courier
Midwest Brotherhood Compound, Chicago Wastes
"How long do you have?" John asked quietly, glancing around the room cautiously. His piercing blue eyes met an equally hardened gaze as he waited for a response.
"Not much." Neal said grimly. "I wish there was another way."
John gave him a knowing look.
"There is a bright side to it." John provided.
Neal looked at him quizzically, "How do you figure?" he asked.
"All of the pain you've experienced…It fades away."
Neal considered this for a moment "Yeah but if it meant keeping the few really good times…I'd deal with it."
John nodded, "I agree, you can't count on your second time around being better than the first like it was for me…but hey. Who knows? Maybe it'll all turn out okay." He said hopefully.
A silence fell between the two as they both considered that. They exchanged a hard look that said they both knew that wasn't going to happen.
John frowned, judging by the creases on his face, it was an expression he wore frequently.
"Try not to think about it too much…" he said, fidgeting with his hands for a bit, "At any rate, you're making great progress. The Think Tank might be able to salvage—er—some of it." He said, quickly editing his word choice as a sister in steel passed by.
Neal nodded, though unconvinced.
He got up and headed for his room. His room wasn't anything special, though none of past dwellings had been. His favorite by far had been a certain Sentinel's back east.
He sat down the single bed, the old springs giving a slight creak under his weight. Neal weighed much more than usual for a man of his build thanks to his upgrades.
Neal slipped off his boots and slid them under his bed before lying on top of the covers. He looked around the single room. It wasn't much different from his room in the vault, but by Brotherhood (and wasteland) standards, it was a luxury few had.
The main reason he had a room to himself was his severe nightmares and sleep talking. Though it was precautionary, intelligence didn't want him to give away the mission or the urgency of it. They also wanted him to have some time to reflect, while he still had it.
Neal thought about Sarah most of the time when he was settling in for bed.
The Lyons' Pride had just taken out a large pocket of super mutants near the Smithsonian. Spirits were high then, they had only the super mutants to worry about after the Enclave's defeat. They had decided to camp out instead of making the trip back in the dark. Everyone was settled in and Colvin was elected first watch.
Neal and Sarah had snuck off to secluded area for some highly anticipated alone time. Their secret romance was at its most passionate in the time following the war with the Enclave. The Brotherhood as a whole was more lax with no substantial enemy to fight and the distribution of aqua pura was a very positive duty that they hadn't had before.
"The way you liquefied those mutants today…hot." Neal flirted jokingly.
Sarah rolled her eyes, "Wow, charmer. Is that the best you've got?"
Neal gave her an indignant look, "Please." He said mildly. He smiled and lazily draped an arm around her waist.
She smiled, then frowned at a thought, "I wish we didn't have to hide this."
"I know, But duty comes first." said Neal.
"For once I wish it didn't." said Sarah bitterly.
"It doesn't right now." Neal said, leaning in and kissing her. He broke the kiss for a moment, "Right now, we're off duty." He kissed her again, more deeply. What followed was their first time together.
As Neal drifted off to sleep he remembered that she was what he fighting for. If he survived they might just have a chance for the forbidden dream to become a reality.
Author's Note: This is the prologue to the sequel, Glory and Gore. If you have not read the previous story, The Wanderer's End, you may want to. Things might not make sense otherwise, but it shouldn't hinder your reading too much. Glad to be back!
New Note: There seemed to be a lot of confusion regarding this prologue. I put this prologue in The Wanderer's End to let some of the followers who do not follow me as an author that I will be starting a sequel. For further updates please go to story page Glory and Gore.
I apologize for not clarifying, I rushed this out a bit. I'm also sorry for the lack of transitions, I usually put the lines in but I was in a bit of a pinch so I forgot to. I also took one of your suggestions and put a character and location in bold and underlining so you know who you're reading about.