is anyone still reading this?
Avery
Home isn't a place I had thought about in a while, I didn't believe Sanctuary was much of a home. Anywhere that Nate and Shaun were, probably would be what I call home. But I don't even have that now.
Danse took me to the roof where an old military vertibird was sitting at the helipad. The way it looked that's exactly where we are going, I tried not to let my fear of heights deter me from stepping onto the vertibird and grabbing the railing so I wouldn't fall.
"To the Prydwen!" Danse called over the sound of the rotor blades began spinning, I held on tightly as Danse climbed in next to me.
"Are you alright initiate, you seem a bit pale?" He questioned and I simply nodded, I felt like I would be sick if I opened my mouth. Danse's deep chuckle filled my ears calming my nerves as we finally made it in the air.
"Beautiful isn't it? The Commonwealth could be so much more, but its inhabitants refuse to allow us to help them in any way. They are volatile creatures that insist upon living their lives in this misery, we could protect them, bring back order to this lawless land. I truly want you to be a part of this, of something more where you have people who care about you and who would give their lives to protect you. This is why I asked you to join us, you have the potential to be great within the brotherhood." His words sounded like a promise and a reminder of who I used to be before the bombs fell.
The brotherhood is the closest to a military chain of command I will ever have again. "I'm with you, the way you see this world. I would like to see it the way you do one day." It was almost as if I was volunteering myself to stay with him... though he didn't seem to mind. The ride passed in the blink of an eye and we were boarding the Prydwen. Danse jumped down before me offering his hands so he could lift me down on to the platform. I playfully rolled my eyes at him and allowed him to lift me down onto the Prydwen. We walked side by side to a man dressed in a captains uniform, they greeted each other by standing at attention and placing their fist over their hearts.
"Permission to come aboard sir." Danse questioned showing this man the utmost respect. "Granted, let me be the first to congratulate you on a successful mission... Is this the new recruit?" He eyed me up and down and I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable.
"Yes, sir! I field promoted her to initiate and I would like to sponsor her entry into our rankings personally." I felt a surge of pride course through my veins as Danse announced his plans, I was happy to know how much faith he had in me.
"You'll be pleased to know Elder Maxon has approved your request and has placed the recruit in your charge." Danse heaved a sigh of relief, I tried not to shutter. There was a chance that I could have been taken from Danse' charge?
"And my current orders?" Danse questioned.
"To remain on the Prydwen until further notice." Danse nodded at the man before turning to me, leading me inside the large airship. When we got inside a lot of brotherhood members were gathered around a man no older than 25 years old. He had a large scar down the left side of his cheek. He has a scruffy black beard with piercing gray eyes. The man hadn't spoken but the way his eyes looked around the room stopping on me. Without a doubt was the most intimidating gesture he could have made. When he spoke his deep voice commanded everyone in the room so all eyes were on him.
"Brothers and Sisters, the road behind us has been long and fraught with difficulty. Each and every one of you has surpassed my expectations by rapidly facilitating our arrival in the Commonwealth. You have accomplished this amazing feat without a hint of purpose or direction, and most impressively, without question. Now that the ship is in position, it is the time to reveal our purpose and our mission. Beneath the Commonwealth, there is a cancer known as "The Institute" a malignant growth that needs to be cut before it infects the surface. They are experimenting with dangerous technologies that could prove to be the world's undoing for the second time in recent history. The Institute Scientists have created a weapon that transcends the destructive nature of the atom bomb. They call their creation the "synth", a robotic abomination of technology that is free-thinking and masquerades as a human being. This notion that a machine can be granted free will is not only offensive but horribly dangerous. And like the atom, if it isn't harnessed properly, it has the potential of rendering us extinct as a species. I am not prepared to allow the Institute to continue this line of experimentation. Therefore, the Institute and their "synths" are considered enemies of the Brotherhood of Steel, and should be dealt with swiftly and mercilessly. This campaign will be costly and many lives will be lost. But in the end, we will be saving humankind from its worst enemy…itself. Ad Victoriam!" He chanted and the others chanted with him, his words captivated me.
They were the answer to destroying those beasts that stole Shaun from me. His eyes stayed trained on me as the other knights passed us and returned to their posts. I stepped closer, Danse shadowing my footsteps as we faced Maxon.
"I care about them you know... The people of the commonwealth." I raised an eyebrow as I crossed my arms over my chest.
"Care about them? I thought we were preparing for war?" I questioned as the corner of Maxons lips turned up slightly.
"To prevent a war, the brotherhood has to start one of their own. The difference, is our war won't reduce civilization to ashes." I swallowed hard, his words were a complete contradiction, but the way he said them with such utter and total confidence made me feel like there was more to this than I was seeing.
"And just what would you like from me?" His eyes scan my face almost as if he is memorizing it.
"I want you to start taking responsibility for this planet, to start making a difference. From what I've heard from Paladin Danse's reports you've already begun that journey. Also seeing as he is one of my best officers, you couldn't get a better recommendation." I turn to smile up at Danse who only nods in response.
"There for from this moment on I grant you the rank of knight. And befitting that title, we are granting you a suit of power armor to protect you in battle. Wear it with pride." He says softer this time allowing him to sound like a normal man and not a blood thirsty general.
"Yes sir, I will do what I can for the brotherhood." He nods.
"In any event, once you get familiar with the Prydwen and my staff, report to the flight deck for your new orders. Welcome aboard the Prydwen, Make us proud." He says as he salutes me and I return it before turning back to Danse who is grinning.
"Well let's go meet the crew, you can go on by yourself. Or you can have me join you if its not too intimidating. Sometimes recruits get nervous while their superiors are watching." I playfully roll my eyes at him and smiled.
"Of course, I want you to join me."
After meeting all the other proctors, I found myself in the medical wing. "Glad you finally stopped by soldier. Are you ready for your medical exam?" I looked back to Danse my face flushing slightly.
"Uh, what kind of Medical exam are we talking about here?" I questioned nervously turning back to the doctor.
"Not the one you are thinking. Im going to ask you a series of medical questions, and I would like you to answer me to the best of your abilities. First question. As a child were you ever exposed to radiation for an extended period of time?" I dont remember radiation ever being a problem.
"Uh, my father used to tell me I would sit way too close to the television when I was younger." I joked and the doctor stared at me like I was crazy for a moment.
"The television? wait a second, you were a vault dweller? Let me check my notes, you are probably healthier than everyone else aboard. Anyways sorry I missed that in your records, just going down the list of questions, im sure you understand." I only nodded for him to continue.
"Okay, next question and please answer honestly. Have you ever had sexual relations with a species considered nonhuman?" I looked to Danse uncomfortably.
"He means such as a Ghoul, a supermutant. youd be surprised how many people do things such as this these days." My whole body goes ridgid at the mention of a ghoul. The only person I have had sex with since I awoke here was Hancock and im pretty sure he qualified as a Ghoul. I opened my mouth blinking confused as I stared between them.
"N-no." I said shaking my head trying not to feel completely guilty about lying to Danse about it.
"AVERY!" I heard my name being called followed by a loud commotion from outside. Danse and I looked at each other before we both ran out of the Medical wing to be greated by Hancock, Deacon, and MacCready surrounded by a bunch of brotherhood members.
"Hands where we can see them or you die right now!" Ingram shouted I ran between them covering the men from getting shot.
"Everyone they are with me, please lower your weapons and I will get them out of here." I said raising my hands in surrender.
"Take them to your quarters, you can have your privacy there." I nodded to Ingram as everyone sneered in Hancocks direction as he walked with us to my quarters. Danse stood at the door with his arms crossed glaring at the trio who had borded without permisson.
"Can you get him out of here?" MacCready questioned as he crossed his arms. Deacon hid behind his shades but I could feel those unnerving eyes on me, while Hancock seemed more amused than anything.
"I dont intend to leave Knight Avery with a filthy ghoul and a bunch of insabordinate civilians." They glared at him and I just sighed, too tired to fight with all of them.
"Danse please I won't be long I promise." His choclate eyes narrowed at me, I could see the anger brewing inside them and I knew I was going to get in trouble for this later.
"Fine, but get these people off of brotherhood territory soon, they arent welcome here." He growls the warning causing me to sigh once more.
"We wouldnt want to join a group of bigots anyways." Deacon responds his voice playful but I can hear the annoyance behind it. Danse doesnt say anything more he simply stomps out of the room in frustration.
"Why are all of you here?" I question walking over to Hancock. "I got word you were running with the brotherhood of steel and im seriously wondering what the hell is wrong with you love?" Hancock says walking up to wrap his arms around me. I lay my head on his shoulder as he embraces me.
"The only thing I care about is finding my boy." I whisper pulling away from him. His ruined hand runs through my hair as Deacon ignores it and drops onto my bed, my eyes follow him only to notice hes a bit beat up.
"What are both of you doing here?" I say turning to MacCready who looks away uncomfortably.
"I came to check up on you sweetheart, see if these brotherhood bastards are treating my boss well." Deacon jokes while MacCready opens his mouth for a moment before closing it.
"I was roped into this, I know you need space." He says softly making both Deacon and Hancock stare between us curiously.
"I dont need you three to baby sit me, I can do this, with the brotherhood of steel backing me I can survive this. I can get Shaun back." Deacon sits up and shakes his head.
"Dont you get it? These guys are only in it for themselves, they believe everything nonhuman should be destroyed. Innocent people will die at their hands and you are all too wiling to help them. Come on sweetheart, think this through." I cant look at him or MacCready, I opt for staring at the wall as Hancock steps aside for Deacon to reason with me.
"these people are the ones that have the power to help me track down the institute. No one else in the commonwealth can or cares to." Deacon sighed and sat up on my bed.
"There is another group that could help you, you just arent looking for them." I turn back to look at him biting his lip.
"What group?" He sucks in a deep breath.
"The cats out of the bag I suppose, there is a group out there called the railroad. They protect and help synths being persicuted by the institute." I hadnt heard anything about this group before.
"how do I find them?" I question looking at the floor, part of me is skeptical. I dont really intend to find this group but if it makes him feel better I will hear him out.
"Following the freedom trail." Suddenly it makes sense, he said when I needed to find him that's were he'd be, at the end of the freedom trail.
"please Avery... consider your options." I swallowed hard as he placed his hand on my cheek making me look into his eyes. I didnt realize he was leaning closer until his lips met mine for the very first time. His lips were soft and gentle and even though it was a simple peck I felt warmth coursing through my veins. I couldnt bring myself to close my eyes, I simply stared at Deacons face against mine, because I didnt think it was real. He pulled away looking deep into my eyes once more.
"please sweetheart." He asked again, this time I didnt know what to answer. my mind was swirling with images of his kiss, at this moment, i wanted nothing more than to comply, to do anything Deacon asked. His thumb skimmed over my lower lip as he awaited my answer and finally gathering my bearings I nodded. I was falling into his trap once more but I didnt care, I was willing to throw everything away right at this moment just to feel what I just felt one more time.
"Well since someone got you to see the light, it looks like we should be on our way." Hancock says softly and I snap out of the spell Deacon had cast on me only to realize that he and Maccready had just watched that. they both looked away uncomfortably, I didnt say a word as they both walked towards the door.
"Were on our way out." MacCready said as they passed Danse who entered my quarters.
"Knight, is everything alright?" Danse questions as he eyes how close Deacon is.
"Oh, everything is alright now." He says as he wraps an arm around me pulling me against his side.