The Hope of Humanity: Lost in the Wastes
Chapter 4: Follow the Irradiated Road
Having eliminated all Super Mutant resistance at Germantown, the Master Chief escorted Red & Shorty safely back to Big Town. As they crossed the small bridge that served as the entrance, Dusty stared in disbelief that the man in the green armor had actually managed to bring back his friends.
"YOU DID IT!" shouted Dusty as he stood up from his chair.
Upon hearing Dusty, the denizens of Big Town all ran to the entrance to see what was going on. Red & Shorty sprinted past John and embraced their friends in hugs and handshakes.
"Reunions never get old," chimed in Cortana.
After the celebrations died down, Red turned around and walked up to the Chief.
"Thank you so much for getting me and Shorty out of there. I'm assuming a guy like you would want some reward for saving us. We don't have much here at Big Town, but I do have some caps to give you that we usually use to buy off slavers," Red began to ruffle through a knapsack of things.
"I need information," responded Chief. "I was told you would be the person to talk to."
Surprised, Red put away her bag containing the town's caps.
"I'd be more than happy to help." said Red cheerfully.
John nodded. "Where can I find a UNSC encampment?".
Red thought deeply. "UNSC? I'm not really not sure what you mean by that."
"United Nations Space Command." John informed.
"Space command, huh?," Red continued to think, trying as hard as she could to help the man she owed her life to. "I'm really sorry, but I don't know anything about a space command."
"Maybe the UNSC disbanded Chief….wouldn't surprise me given the conditions here," despaired Cortana.
Chief continued on unfazed. "What about the Covenant? Are there any left on Earth?"
"Hmmm Covenant? No, there's no Covenant that I've heard of around here." answered Red.
Inside his helmet, John's eyes opened wide. How could she not know who the Covenant was either? Something was very wrong.
"The Covenant…the alien alliance that humanity fought for about 25 years," explained Chief. "They're the reason Earth is like this, correct?"
"Aliens? Um, sorry friend, but aliens don't exist. The wasteland is the way it is because of a war some 200 or 300 years ago, and I'm pretty sure it was between humans." said Red.
"300 years ago?," Cortana exclaimed. "We must have went through a "slow slipspace", probably a result of the portal closing as we went through it." Cortana conjured her theories. "And a war between humans? Perhaps fighting over resources…there has to be records of what happened, Chief."
"Is there somewhere I might be able to find out more about the war?" asked Chief.
Red placed and hand under her chin and began stroking gently, as though trying to indicate she was thinking very hard. "Down in the D.C. area," Red began, "There's a group based there, they call themselves the Brotherhood of Steel. I've only heard about them through the occasional Galaxy News Radio broadcast and the rare trader that comes through here." Red paused for a moment to collect her thoughts. "According to traders, they pay very well for anyone who can bring them any writings from before the war that are in good condition. If anyone is going to have information, it'll be them."
John nodded. "Where in the city are they located?"
"A place called the Citadel. I've never been to the D.C. area myself so I couldn't really direct you there." said Red. "But maybe this will help you find out." Red pulled out a small sack and threw it to Chief. John opened it up and looked inside to see about a 100 or so bottle caps.
"Thanks…what exactly…is this for?" John inquired.
"You don't know what caps are?," laughed Red. After seeing that John did not find it as funny, she continued, "Oh….you're serious. Um, well, they're caps. Currency of the wasteland."
Chief gave a subtle nod to convey his understanding. "I need to get going."
"Wait a second!" yelled out Red, a little stunned by the man's abruptness. "You've done so much for us…and we don't even know you're name."
"Master Chief." stated John sternly.
"Thank you, Master Chief." said Red. "You don't have to leave right away you know. If you want to stay for a night to rest you're more than welc…." Before Red could finish her offer John turned and crossed over the bridge. "Or…you could just leave. Either way's fine I suppose."
As quickly as he came into the lives of the citizens of Big Town, he left just as fast. The Master Chief had changed the perspectives of the people who lived there. He gave them hope, to fight back and not simply accept their fates. While slavers still posed a threat, unlike the Super Mutants, they could be negotiated with. The Super Mutants themselves were sure to leave the people of Big Town alone for some time after such a devastating attack on Germantown. Red would make sure to use this valuable time to organize Big Town into a real settlement, not a source for human resources.
Using Cortana's internal database, the Chief was able to map out a general direction to Washington D.C., which was due south of his position. The problem wouldn't be finding D.C., but finding out what the "Citadel" was, and who these Brotherhood of Steel characters were. Would they be friendly? Hostile?
Walking parallel to a lake, John saw the damaged remnants of the past. To the left of the Chief was an overturned boat grounded by years of receding water with its cargo of metal crates scattered. In the middle of the lake was the debris of a collapsed highway overpass. "According to my map…this is where the Potomac River used to run." noted Cortana. "Look how dead this everything is….," she lamented.
The soldier pushed on. Up ahead the Chief could make out the silhouettes of damaged buildings and homes. Upon closer inspection, John could see that this was once the ruins of a suburban town, now almost devoid of life, except for a few unfriendly faces looking at John through the windows of a hollowed out elementary school. Further ahead, the Spartan saw what looked to be a floating metal ball with long antennas extending far behind it. Emitting from its speakers was a cheerful song that contrasted the bleak landscape around it. "I've never seen anything like that before," said the AI, "I believe its playing Yankee Doodle. Hah, imagine that. Kind of reminds me of the Monitor."
On the street the small robot patrolled was a metal sign with words 'Megaton' painted on them, and pointing south. John assumed this to be some sort of settlement. His suspicions were confirmed when he saw a large wall of metal and a large door protected by a watchman perched up as lookout and a humanoid robot of sorts guarding the entrance.
"Welcome to Megaton." Spoke the robot in an 'electronic' tone. "The bomb is perfectly safe, we promise. Please hold for threat level assessment. Threat level maximum. Admittance denied. Move along partner." Ordered the robot.
John stood around for a few moments, a little confused at what just happened.
"You heard the deputy," yelled the guard from above. "You're too much of a risk to let in here. Sorry pal, but you best just be going on your way."
Knowing he very well could force his way inside but not wanting to start trouble, the Chief complied. He shifted his direction east and moved on to D.C. Some distance off, Chief spotted 3 pig-sized hairless animals and what looked like an overgrown scorpion that was many times past its natural size. The creatures were engaged in a struggle, the scorpion verse the other 3.
"What the HELL are those things supposed to be?" yelled out Cortana.
The 3 hairless beasts, despite numbers on their side, were soon killed, and the large overgrown scorpion began foraging. Spotting John, it charged quickly, closing the distance in only a few seconds. Unnerved, John stood as the creature approached and reached out with its claw to grab the Spartan. He jumped over the monster, momentarily disorienting it. The Chief grabbed the tail of the scorpion, then putting his foot on its backside, ripped the large tail off the scorpion. Now without a tail, the mutated beast had lost its balance, and using its last moments of life while its guts poured out, attempted to snatch John in its claws but to no avail.
"That thing gave me the creeps. I must say though, that was quite impressive," congratulated Cortana.
"I do my best," remarked the Spartan.
John resumed his trek east so as to make his way into the D.C. area. Passing a super market on his left, he saw another of the oversized scorpions, this time battling 2 humans who were dressed in similar clothes as the ones Chief had encountered when he first landed. One of the humans, wielding a lead pipe, attempted to beat away the beast, but stood no chance and was quickly cut down. The other human, a female armed with a revolver, ran backwards while taking shots at the scorpion. The woman hit her back to a fence, where she began to climb the, attempting to get out of the reach of the monster's tail. Taking too long to get up and with the scorpion closing in fast, the Chief knew she wasn't going to make it out of harm's way. John took out his M6C and shot off 3 rounds into the giant scorpion's "head" of sorts, stopping its rampage. The woman looked around to see huge man in green armor, and still in shock, dropped down to the ground, holding her heart to signify her level on anxiety.
"Usually I'd mug you," cried out the lady. "But seeing that you saved me," the woman said in between her panting, "I'll let you go this time."
"How nice of you," muttered the Chief. "What are those things?"
"Giant radscorpions," Said the woman. "Now go! My friends inside are gonna come out to see what the gunshots were for, and they'll attack you once they see you, now GO!"
John nodded, and hoping to avoid any unnecessary conflict ran ahead so as to not be seen. After quite an eventful journey, the Chief finally made it into the city limits. Continuing down a street, John observed what horrible conditions the roads and vehicles were in. Up ahead, the Chief spotted a lone elderly woman sitting on a dock eating. The super-soldier made his way up to her.
"Excuse me," said John in his deep, monotone voice. Judging by the old woman's reaction, John might as well have fired a cannon next to her.
"Oh dear!" screamed the old lady. "I'm sorry, you frightened me! I didn't hear you coming."
"You know what the ladies like, don't you John?," joked Cortana.
"I apologize." Said John, being as soft as a man trained since childhood to be a soldier could be. "I'm looking for a place called the Citadel."
"What? No introduction? Where are your manners young man?," patronized the woman.
The Chief sighed to himself inside his helmet. "Sorry…my name is…John."
Now satisfied, the lady returned his introduction, "It's very nice to meet you John. You can call me Grandma Sparkles."
"Ok…Grandma Sparkles…do you know where I could find the Citadel?" asked John.
"Oh, you mean where those Steel hooded boys hang out?"
"I believe they're called the Brotherhood of Steel." John corrected.
"Oh that's right. I remember when they used to come down to my wharf on patrol all the time. Some were downright rude and all business, I think the mean ones made their own little club not too long ago actually. But a few of them were real gentlemen, so helpful, and good looking lads too. If I were only younger I'm sure I coulda kept them around longer, if you know what I mean." Grandma Sparkled giggled, making herself blush.
"Ma'am, do you know where…" John began to ask before being interrupted.
"I remember one man imparticular. His name was Owyn. Oh boy, did he know how to treat a woman." Grandma sighed. "It's a shame he doesn't come around here anymore, got more important things to do I suppose."
"Could you possibly direct me to…" John started only to be interrupted again.
"You must be absolutely exhausted wearing all that armor sonny. Can Grandma Sparkles cook you up something to eat? Perhaps some Mirelurk meat? Maybe some Iguana bits?" asked the woman.
"Iguana?" questioned a surprised Cortana inside Chief's helmet.
"Uh, no thanks. I just need to know where…" John couldn't finish a question before being stopped.
"My sons absolutely love Mirelurk meat. They actually went out to go get some, they've been gone for a while come to think of it, so they should be back soon if you want to wait around for some fresh Mirelurk." Offered the old woman.
John sighed. "It's ok, I must go soon."
"Oh…you're leaving already? Such a shame. Well, best of luck on your travels stranger, I think it's about time for this ol' gal to be getting some shuteye." Grandma Sparkles stretched out from her chair and yawned as she headed over to her shack.
"Wait!" yelled John holding his hand out to stop her. "I need to know where the Citadel is."
"The Citadel? Oh, why didn't you just ask? It's right down there, no more than a 5 minute walk. Go right past that big yella' bridge, and stay on this side 'a' the river, you can't miss it. Just watch at for them raiders, a few of them live under the yella' bridge." Grandma Sparkles walked over to a shack, opened the door and before closing yelled out "Y'all come back now, ya'hear?"
"I might have gone rampant if I had to listen to her any longer…" complained Cortana.
"I'd rather take on a pair of Hunters than talk to her again," added the Spartan.
John headed off in the direction Grandma Sparkles had pointed them to. John pulled out his M7S and M6C, just in case he should have to fight these "Raiders".
"Interesting," blurted out Cortana, "If that old coot was right, then according to my database the Citadel is located where the Pentagon is…or, was. Maybe these Brotherhood guys could be UNSC remnants."
"Let's hope,"
At the Citadel, Paladin Bael stood guard at the entrance with his minigun, scanning the area for any potential threats. It had been a while since the Citadel faced a real attack by the Super Mutants. The only real fighting takes place at the southern end, and even then its mere skirmishes against some Super Mutants who've wandered a little too far off from the rest of their group. Despite that, Bael stood ever vigilant. Among the lower ranking Brotherhood members he had a reputation for taking his guard duty very seriously, often times volunteering to serve double shifts guarding the entrance.
As the sun was set below the horizon, the sound of a combat shotgun went off, followed by increasing amounts of gunfire. Yelling erupted from the underneath the bridge.
Only about a month ago, a few raiders set up camp under the bridge. Every now and then the raiders would attack anyone foolish enough to wander onto their turf, and although the Brotherhood didn't approve of such random acts of violence, they were too busy with their own affair to care. They served as a good buffer from any super mutant attacks that might come from the north, and the raiders knew better than to try and attack any Brotherhood Knights.
This gunfire was different, however. It didn't die off as quickly as it usually does. In fact, it sounded like chaos and panic amongst the raiders. With no sunlight left, Bael could barely make out the silhouettes moving around under the bridge.
"Knight Jervey, take the Sentry Bot and find out what's happening over there," Bael ordered.
"Yes sir!"
The Knight standing guard with Bael moved out with the Sentry Bot to investigate what was happening. Getting closer, Jervey watched as a raider ran and jumped off the ledge, tumbling and scurrying along the ground, desperate to get away from whatever was attacking them.
"Identify yourself or I will shoot!" shouted the Knight as he aimed his Laser Rifle into the darkness.
After a few seconds of silence, a light shined onto the helmet of Knight Jervey, temporarily blinding him. A deep voice accompanied the light, "I am Master Chief Petty Officer John-117."
"I order you to come out and show yourself!," commanded Knight Jervey.
From the darkness emerged a 7 foot tall man donned in green power armor, holding a pistol in one hand along with some type of silenced SMG in the other, and a cannon-like weapon attached to a backpack. The armor was unlike anything Jervey had seen before. The Knight was stood there, stunned for a moment, intimidated by the super-soldier.
"Everything alright here?" asked Paladin Bael, coming up to check on the situation.
"Uh, yes sir, I do believe so, sir." answered Knight Jervey. He proceeded to point at the man responsible for clearing out the raiders camped under the bridge.
Paladin Bael looked at the large man in green armor, not allowing himself, a paladin of the Brotherhood, to be intimidated. "And just who might you be?" Bael questioned condescendingly.
"Master Chief Petty Officer of the UNSC Navy, call-sign Sierra 117." responded John.
Paladin Bael stared down the Spartan, not quite sure how to respond. "Alright….so, what brings you to D.C. soldier?
"I'm looking for the Brotherhood of Steel."
"Well….you found 'em."
Author's Notes: Hey guys, I just wanted to thank everyone who's read this story so far and the positive reviews I've received as of now. Please feel free to write reviews, I appreciate any criticism or suggestion you may have for the story.
