Chapter 9
Damon was conflicted. Since leaving Megaton, he had made his way across the wasteland, second guessing his decision not to join back up with the Outcasts. Whenever he convinced himself that it was a good idea, though, flashes of the Night occurred to him and strengthening his resolve. He would not go back to the Outcasts unless they changed their ways. He had even fantasized about going back to the Brotherhood too. But he thought that the way they did their job was even worse than the Outcasts. They were fighting, and losing, a war against an enemy that they couldn't win against without support from the West and the new technology that they could get if they looked for it like they were supposed to. A noble cause. Doomed, but noble. It was, in fact, the reason he had left for the Outcasts. And so he warred with himself in the confines of his mind. This is also the reason that he almost stumbled into a full blown firefight.
He'd barely heard the gunfire before he was suddenly in a mini-war between some Super Mutants and a few Brotherhood members. The four Knights were armed with Laser Rifles. They wouldn't be enough to stop the ten Super Mutants bearing down on them, two with Miniguns. One of the mutants saw him and took aim with its Hunting Rifle. It fired and the bullet pinged off his armor. He couldn't hope for another one to bounce off. He drew his rifle and took aim through his new scope. It gave him a perfect view of the mutie's head, which he burned with some well placed shots.
He saw some of the Knights look his way and then rally to help him. Suddenly, the mutants found themselves being out fought. Both of the minigunners went down and the other surviving five retreated, beaten. But that wasn't the end of it. If you remember, the Brotherhood and the Outcasts aren't on good terms at the time. This didn't change matters. The Knights aimed their weapons at him and advanced.
"Why lookie here." Said one of them. "A lonely Outcast. What should we do with him David?"
"We aren't supposed to fight them. We don't want to start a war between the Brotherhood and the Outcasts."
"I know. But it'll just look like the Muties got 'em."
"I don't want to cause any trouble." Said Damon. "I'm not even an Outcast."
"So," Replied the one who must be David. "if you're not an Outcast, how did you get their armor? They don't exactly hand out their Power Armor to locals."
"I..." Damon had to think fast. They might shoot him if he admitted to ever being an Outcast. "I found a dead patrol. A Deathclaw got them. Took their weapons too. It's a dog eat dog world out here."
The leader David, probably a Paladin, seemed to ease a little as he thought through the story. "Okay." He said finally. "I doubt that an Outcast would come into the ruins, alone or not. Sorry for the mistake...?"
"Damon." Said Damon, pleased that he wasn't going to have to kill anyone that he didn't have to. They holstered their weapons and shook hands.
"You're a good shot Damon. You should look in to joining the Brotherhood. We could always use quality recruits. You'll also get your own set of Power Armor." He paused and looked at Damon's armor. "In better repair too. Though that paint job kicks ass..." He added to himself.
"I'll think about it."
"You do that. Come on boys, we have to get to the Citadel. You take care Damon." With that the Knights headed north towards the Citadel, leaving Damon to watch them go, thankful to have averted bloodshed. With this incident over, he proceeded onwards to Rivet City, more careful about mutants now.
