A/N" I do not own or pretend to own anything by Fallout series". This is just my view on everything he did during the game, which would have taken a group of people to do. This is AU but will still fallow most of the original story line with me adding my creative touch to the side missions and main ones.
Finally I would like to thank everyone who has read, and enjoyed my story so far. I realize my grammar and spelling is poor, and that's a nice way of putting it. But, soon I will be wrapping this story up.
The Dragon Knights
Chapter 24
The Offensive Begins
A month had pasted since Michael had gone back home to Vault 101, and help discover the cure for the Red Death Plague. Although the cure could not save the 73 known cases of people who perished from it. Most estimates put the death toll some were around 130 throughout the entire Capital Wasteland, before the cure was spread across the nation. Those people who might have supported the Enclave before the plague attack, were now for the war, and joined the federation of Free states. Finally with the Enclave bogged down at all fronts, they were forced into a war of attrition, with both sides ramming into each other before retreating back to there controlled areas. But momentum was on the side of FFS, as more weapons were coming out of the old Converga Factory turned Weapon's Factory. The militia's numbers had doubled since the plague. The traders Union was now able to get everyone on a daily basis, vs once every three days. Finally Michael believed they were ready to start making strikes themselves against the Enclave. Never wanting to meet in the same place more than once, the Federation of Free states War Council had gathered inside Vault 106. Michael, Sarah, Reilly, Crow, Senora, were inside the radio comm room, discussing the possible targets for them to strike.
"So...Commander, how are you doing?" Asked Reilly, who appeared next to Michael while he looked down at brotherhood of steel guards.
"Not bad Reilly. You know, I finally think I have gotten use to all of this," he said taking a drink from his purified water.
"What do you mean, all of this?"
Michael turned and put a hand on her shoulder. "That's easy my old friend. When I say all of this, I mean being in charge, taking responsibility for everything. At first I was a worried, knowing the fate of some many lives were in my hands. But... after the battle for the wastes, things seem to have slowed down for me. It's not the mountain I once thought it was."
Reilly shook her head in disbelief. "Only you would say leading a new nation was something that gets easier over time."
"Don't laugh too much, if something happens to me and Sarah, your third in line to be Commander in chief," he added smiling.
"Let us pray that never happens," stated Sarah walking over and giving Michael a quick kiss.
Sarah leaned in next to Micheal's ear." Advance Scout Recon Group spotted a few vertibirds, but they never came with in 2 miles of Jury Street Metro."
"Anything from the Dragon Knights?" He asked quietly, while waving at Senora entering the room.
"No, they report all clear."
Michael nodded his head, and put a hand on her forearm." I think were ready to call this meeting to session.
Just as everyone took a seat, Crow held up his hand. Reaching down he pulled something out from his small caravan carrying bag.
"Ladies and gentleman, may I present you to the Federation of Free States... Flag," he said pulling out a small model of the flag, and placed it in the center of the table.
The flag had a solid dark blue background with a silver shield in the center of it. On the shield's sides it had all 5 major groups symbols on it, with the FFS in the center of the shield. Finally in the upper right hand corner, there was two black guns crossing with a green background.
"Who came up with it?" Asked Senora picking up the miniature model and examining it closer.
Crow chuckled a bit. "A young woman named Sandra Davis, who know lives in Megaton I believe."
Michael laughed a bit himself. That was Byran's girlfriend he made when Areful was destroyed. Looking down at the flag, he could feel the pride welling up inside of him.
"We're already handing out flags to every major town, group, and military outpost," Crow finished telling all of them.
"Awesome job Crow, now lets get to business. What is the latest reports of activity along the front?" Asked Michael.
Sarah opened up a small folder." We've had a small bursts of scattered long range fire, but judging by the impacts there accuracy is sorely lacking. There hasn't been a scout force spotted in over two weeks, that could mean, there planning something, or there.."
"No longer able to strike back," finished Reilly with a smile on her face.
Michael began to ran a hand through his goatee. "Reports are about the same on the northern front, although we are seeing more vertibirds making there way south, past Megaton," replied Senora finally setting the model flag down.
"How are our supplies right now?"
"Good, with the money we have been making, we have hired more guards. With more guards we can now keep a constant chain of supplies moving 24 hours if need," added Crow reading a small report, before handing it too Michael.
Reilly stood up. "Look, I personally think we're ready for an attack of our own. I realize we had to play defense for a while. But right now we have our enemy on the ropes, now is the time to land a few jabs, before go for the knock out blow."
Looking around Michael could see everyone's eyes were on on him. "Well said my friend, and if everyone is for this, I know the perfect target."
Michael opened his small folder in front of him and pulled out 5 copies of the same paper, and passed them to each of them.
"While we were busy patrolling the southwestern front, we noticed a large group of vertibirds making there way towards the Evergreens Mills foundry. Using a few stealth boys we had, the Dragon Knights were able to see they indeed were busy making the foundry usable again. From the parts they are producing, it appears there trying to make new vertibirds, or at least make parts for them. Behind the foundry there at least always 15 helicopters sitting on a concrete landing zone," he finished explaining to everyone.
"So how do you want to go about this then?" Asked Senora putting down the map/chart.
"Well first thing is first, we need to capture or disable there the vertibirds in rear. Having those helicopters is something we need to counter their own air superiority. Second will need to have snipers and artillery perched on the sides to take out there communication. Then we can charge in the middle, along the train tracks that split inside the valley," replied Reilly pointing down at a center map of the Evergreen Mills.
"How do you plan on getting inside the foundry from the landing pad? By the time you make your attack on the air field, they will be waiting for you," said Sarah giving him a worried look.
Michael looked down and opened up a couple files on his pip-boy. "One of our former members, Joe Wilson was held captured there for about a year, when we first assaulted the foundry. He used some explosives to cave in some back tunnels, but from his reports there was another tunnel built here in the heart of helipad. We can take that tunnel, and surprise them inside."
Sarah looked down at the map and back up at Michael. "What happens if that tunnel is no longer usable?"
"We improvise, that's what we do best," he added with a grin on his face.
"So who is going to be doing what for this attack?" Asked Reilly giving Michael a hard look.
Michael knew they couldn't take a battalion of troops off line or risk having one of 3 enclave army's overrunning them. Looking down at the map, he thought for another minute, until he had it.
"Okay, I've got it. I will lead the Dragon Knights, Lyon's pride, and members of the brotherhood of steel for the rear attack. Will do our best to try and secure or disable as many vertibirds as we can. While were busy assaulting the landing pad, I want two sniper brigades, one will be led by Victoria Garcia on the right, with the second being led by Dusk. Senora I need 10 of your best snipers, to help guard the sides. Finally the Rangers, I want you to take the fortresses and assault the center of the valley, with the a small group of outcasts following behind them, for the assault."
Crow stood up, before pointing down at the map. "It sounds like it might work, but the only problem could be, if they get reinforcements from other Enclave divisions."
"I've got it!" Shouted Sarah causing everyone to jump a bit. "We can have all battalions on high alert, and mass troops all along the front. Then we can start a bombardment, acting like were getting ready for an attack, that way they will be forced to stay put, or risk being invaded."
Michael pointed at Sarah. "Fucking brilliant Sarah. I will get commandant Danvers on the radio, and relay the diversion tactic. Sarah make sure Elder Cross is ready too, while Reilly I want you to contact Protector Morgan."
"When do we start this operation?" Asked Reilly
Michael thought for a moment. "Lets give everyone two days to be ready, this way we can have some extra heavy guns with us. So... are we all in favor of launching operation Thunder Punch."
Looking around the room, everyone else raised there hand in agreement, ending any need to vote on the issue at hand. "Alright that settles it then, I will see everyone here in two days bright and early, we attack bright and early."
Just when everyone was standing up and pushing in there chair's, Sarah cleared her throat. "Actually I was kinda hopping they would stay here for a little bit."
Everyone looked confused, and no more than Michael did giving her a weird look."What for Sarah?"
Sarah walked over to Michael and took his hands in hers. "Because I have debated about it for a while now, and I am tired of waiting. You could die out there, and I don't want to know I never got the chance to marry you before than. Let's get married tonight."
Michael was taken back a little bit by her request. But looking down at her, how could he even begin to disagree. Leaning down he kissed her softly. "Okay, my love. Tonight, inside this vault, will get married."
8 hours later everyone who Michael and Sarah wanted where at the wedding. Michael pulled on the tie of his prewar suit again. Despite the fact he loved Sarah more than anything, he still felt nervous about the whole thing.
"If you don't stay still, you're going look even worst than you do," replied Jessica who was wearing her mercenary armor.
"I know, I know, it's just I am a little nervous."
"Hell, don't you remember how I was like," added Whiplash wearing a black suit similar to Michael.
Bryan laughed a bit."Yeah, if I recall you actually threw up right before the wedding."
Everyone laughed a bit, while Sydney walked over put a hand on his shoulder. "Just think of it as another mission. You know what you have to do, just make sure you don't do anything stupid."
"I'll keep that in mind Sydney," Michael said, when suddenly Victoria and Reilly came inside the room.
"Hey, were ready to get this show on the road," stated Victoria to everyone.
While everyone headed for the exit, Reilly waited for Michael to join her. Walking out together, he could finally see how they had set up the main inner chamber. There was about 25 chairs set up on either end. Reilly was going to be his best man, or this case best woman. With Whiplash and Bryan were his groomsmen. Victoria was Sarah's matron of honor, with Knight Captain Durga and Dusk as her two brides maids. The Rangers, Dragon Knights, Moira, Crow, Gob, Vance, Ian, Dr Li, Anna, Catherine Rothchild, were seated on Micheal's side. On the left he spotted Lyon's Pride, Derek Rothchild, Scribe Vallincourt, Scribe Jameson, and at least 10 other brotherhood of steel members.
"Don't worry, we have 4 Brotherhood of steel members guarding all 4 entrances into this area, along with 3 patrols outside the vault," whispered Reilly to Michael for she noticed him taking count of the number of guards they had.
"Thanks," he whispered back before taking his place up at the damaged alter they had found in abandon chapel.
"Don't you worry lone wanderer, I'm only recording this. I will play the wedding back for the rest of the Wasteland, tomorrow," Three Dog added pointed behind himself to Margret, who was about 10 feet away from them surrounded by radio equipment.
Suddenly they spotted Elder Cross appear, with Sarah by the arm. Sarah was actual wearing a prewar wedding dress, she must have gotten from her mother. The fact it was completely clean, meant her father must have taken great pains in restoring it.
Making there way slowly up the alter, Cross smiled at them. "I wish you both many years of happiness."
"Okay... ladies, gentleman, and my fellow gunmen, lets get this wedding started. Now I could give you the traditional wedding ceremony speech, believe it or not, we found a book on this. But, as we all know these is not even close to a tradition wedding. So lets mix this up a bit," he added addressing everyone.
Three Dog then quickly looked down at Michael and Sarah. "Love is something that no bullet, no bomb, and no war could ever stop. Even during these tough times, it shows that something beautiful can be found during something so horrible as War. And I know I speak for everyone when I say this, it makes us all happy to finally see you together."
"Michael do you have the rings?" He asked.
Ginny West stood up and started walking down the small space between each rows of chairs hand and hand with Katie, who was carrying the rings. Bending down Michael took the rings from Katie, who looked so excited. Taking a hold of her hand he put her ring on, while she did the same to him.
"Alright my children lets wrap this thing up. Let everyone hear bear witness to this marriage. Today we join Commander Michael Rivers and Sentinel Sarah Lyons together, until death to us part. You may now kiss the bride."
Taking her hands in his, Michael leaned forward and kissed Sarah softly, finally pulling away and opening his eyes. After this was done, the crowd cheered and even fired a few shots into the air. Taking her hand he led her down the rows of chairs, and towards his own personal quarters.
"Well Mrs. Rivers your stuck with me now,"teased Michael while they walked side by side.
Sarah playfully smacked his arm."Your such a smart ass, but you know what, your my smart ass."
Two days later all 52 members who would make up there assault teams will inside Vault 106, making last minute arraignments for the battle. Around 8pm it began to rain, and if did not stop 2 hours later, it threaten the entire operation. Finally a little after 2 am it was deem safe to go out again. Michael ordered the outcasts led by Defender Sibley, and both sniper brigades led by Dusk and Victoria ahead to clear the area, before the assault. About 2 hours later the 10 brotherhood of steel members who would join the Dragon Knights and Lyons Pride on the landing zone attack, left pulling the 4 88's guns they were taking with them. Finally just before 6 the Dragon Knights, Reilly's Rangers, and Lyons Pride all crammed inside the fortresses and set out for Evergreen Mills.
Michael, Sarah, and Reilly were all in front seats while everyone else was standing inside the back with the metal slabs already pulled down. After the last attack by the vertibird, they changed the top turret to a Gatling laser gun, and replaced two of modified assault rifles, with modified plasma rifles instead. After a month Michael finally completed the Ian Cannon which Rory had started before he passed away from the virus. The cannon used both microfusion and energy cells combined them into one mega Electric Magmatic Pulse capable of completely frying any electrical equipment with in 10 foot radius. The only draw back it could only fire one blast at a time, and took about a minute to cool down, or else the cannon could explode from the heat. This was installed on the back panel turret, and could be detached if need to be taken on the go from the truck itself.
Once they were getting close enough to the foundry, they spotted the advanced sniper unit signaling them to stop. Pulling up beside them, Michael leaned his head out the driver's side window.
"Okay, this is afar as you can go inside the truck, or risk being spotted. Right now the Outcasts are down inside the valley, about 200 feet away from the entrance," replied Victoria.
"What about the brotherhood strike team" Asked Sarah, hopping out of the fortresses.
"They split up 5 on each side, and wait with the Regulator sniper teams, ready for your orders," said Dusk, shaking Sarah's hand.
The rest of the Dragon Knights and Lyon's Pride had already piled out of the back and had quickly joined there fellow leaders. Michael looked up and gave Reilly a small nod, before drawing his pip-boy up to his mouth.
"Remember the key to this plan is patience. The diversion the rest of the FFS is going to do starts at exactly 7:30. We can't start attack until they open up first. Even then I want you to stay put, will tell you when to begin your attack," Michael finished telling them.
Reilly who switched over driver side smiled down at him. "Commander you worry to much, when have we ever let you down."
Giving Reilly one more look, they set out. Sarah and her Lyon's Pride fallowed Dusk on the left side, while Michael and his Dragon Knights fallowed Victoria on the right side. Since the Enclave had detection sensors that surrounded the entire area, they were forced to walk about 50 feet away from the valley. Once they were in eye sight of the regulator's and brotherhood members, Michael could finally see what the Enclave had done with the foundry.
The back slaver pens had been cleared up and were now being used as some type storage area with a magnetic shield set up guarding the entrance. In front of the railroad tracks was a barricade wall that stretched the entire length of the back walls, barring entrance into the pens. Looking up they could see the old towers with sat lite on top of them were rebuilt with 3 power armor troops stationed in both towers. What was surprising was the rail cars that had not been derailed were now back into service and was even being pulled by 2 death claws at the front, so they could wheel there supplies out of the valley. The old pen that once held a super mutant behemoth, now looked like a ammunition storage, with it's own shield protecting it. Finally looking at the foundry building they could see smoke coming out of it's tall rebuilt smoke stacks, with a lot of banging being heard.
"Hell those workers aren't even armed," replied Bryan looking through his new scoped gauss sniper rifle they had found, when they intercepted and destroyed a Enclave supply wagon that had wondered to far into their territory.
Michael too noticed this, watching a group who went past a rail car and enter the guard foundry building door.
"I guess they believe themselves safe,"added Whiplash putting a new cell inside his plasma rifle.
Jessica who know wielded a mini gun, put on a evil grin. "There fucking loss then."
Michael raised his hand to silence them, as Victoria moved over to join her sniper squad. "Just give us the word, and will take care of the rest."
"You bet my friend," said Michael signaling to the 5 brotherhood members to join him.
Crouching they slowly began to make there approach around the right side, and towards the vertibird landing zone. Getting closer they counted at least 15 vertibirds that were still grounded. There was several engineers around a few of the vertibirds that had just landed. Once on the ground the shields were reengage.
"I don't believe it, it's Major Hightower," whispered Sydney pointing to a man wearing an Enclave officers uniform, getting a salute from another officer. He was being flanked by 2 Tesla power armor troops with another 4 stood guard next to his private helicopter.
"Sarah, can you confirm, is that Major Hightower?" He asked into his pip-boy.
A few moments later her voice called back. "Roger that, that's our man."
"Do we change our plan?" Asked Whiplash when Michael and Bryan came back from scouting ahead.
Michael shook his head. "No, if we do, then will all could be destroyed here. Right now, we still have another 20 minutes to wait."
"But we did spot the shield generators they have on both sides," said Bryan pulling out the mortar they had taken with them.
Sydney waved over two Paladins to join her. "There inside the field itself, but they open up for a brief moment when they began to take off. That's when we will have your chance to destroy them," Michael said, before ordering Sydney and the two paladins forward.
Despite the fact he had been involved in many battles before, he still felt that tension right before an attack. Looking down at his pip-boy counter he had set up, it read 30 seconds and counting down.
"Okay the diversion attack is barely 30 seconds away, you all know what your jobs are, good luck," he said into his pip-boy, just when count down hit solid zeros.
In the distant they could hear large explosions ringing out, with a few landing close nearby from the Megaton boarder. A siren started ringing out with a loud announcer erupted.
"Enemy bombardment detected on all fronts. Everyone get those vertibirds prep for take off, it appears the enemy is making a large scale assault on all fronts."
Sydney along with two paladins watched while scores of solders and pilots began running towards there vertibirds. Suddenly the shield that was around the landing zone lowered.
"Now!"Shouted Sydney ordered the paladin to fire the mortar round.
Looking up she spotted the same thing happening on the opposite end. Dropping to the ground she put her hands over her head, and watched the generator explode into pieces. Two engineers standing too close the generator had half there bodies blown off.
"Were in business!" Sydney yelled behind herself.
"Go, go, go!" Michael shouted standing up, as they charged forward over the small hill.
Charging forward they entered through the landing zone on both sides firing at will. Looking to his left he spotted Sarah, Dusk, and Vargas pull out 2 pilots out of a vertibird. Once on the ground they fired a couple shots in each of their heads.
"Jessica take the right side, I'll take the middle!"
Going forward they suddenly found themselves under fire from turrets on that hung up from the sides of the fence.
"On it," replied Whiplash who pulled out his custom grenade launcher and fired hitting the right turret dead center.
Just when he was about to take out the left one, a laser round hit him in the shin dropping him. Michael peered around the vertibird he was using for cover to see at least 10 power armor solders standing guard at the entrance to back of the foundry.
Whiplash shook off the pain and fired the second grenade at the left turret, destroying it.
"Look out Michael!" Yelled to two Knights who were charging forward. Hearing his shout they attempted to turn around, but it was too late. Laser rifle pelted them repeatably before they both dropped to the ground riddled with scores of holes.
Jessica began to open up with her mini gun providing Sydney time to help drag the wounded Whiplash over to her side. Michael and Bryan both laid down under the vertibird and took aim with there sniper rifles.
Two shots rang out hitting two of the power armor troops wielding the Gatling guns. Byran's shot caused the woman's head to explode into a bloody mess.
Looking through his scope, Michael noticed the Lyons Pride group was edging closer to center, while rest of the brotherhood was hiding behind another vertibird drawing there fire. Bryan fired again hitting another trooper right in the chest, blasting a small hole through his armor.
Looking to his right he noticed at least 2 more Tesla power armor solders coming out wielding missile launchers.
"Shit, Bryan move!" He shouted grabbing him by the pants to pull him back up. Waving both hands to the 3 paladins who were behind him, they began to run away, when the missiles impacted the helicopter. The explosion sent them flying, causing Michael and Bryan to both slam into another nearby vertibird.
Sarah who was almost knocked down from the shock wave, wanted to go and see if Michael was okay, but knew she had a job too do. Pulling out her Nuka cola grenade, (one they were all carrying) and signaled for them to go around the right. Swinging up to the right, they all tossed there grenades which impacted right on top of the Enclave line. The flames began to cook them alive, burning all 10 solders to death.
Next thing Michael could remember was feeling like sound one had just hit his head with a hammer. He could hear someone was shouting at him, but it sounded like his head was under water.
"Commander sir, can you hear me?" Asked Sydney who was peering down over him.
Getting up slowly he felt the right side of his head, there was blood on his hand. "My head hurts," he heard himself say before he leaned up against the helicopter for support.
"Hold still," she replied while beginning to wrapped his head wound.
Looking down he noticed Bryan was still unconscious from the blast. "Both of his legs are broken," said Jessica who had to push one his shin bones back inside, causing him to wake up abruptly.
"Son of a fucking bitch!" He shouted out in pain.
"Where is Sarah and Lyon's Pride?" Michael asked still trying to get ride of that ringing in his ears.
Whiplash who came hobbling over put a hand on his shoulder. "Waiting for you at the back entrance inside the foundry. The tunnel that was built here was covered over with concrete for the landing pad, and would take days to break through."
Michael understood they would have to go through the back doors after all. "Come on lets go."
Jessica put Bryan over her shoulders and helped carry him over to the back entrance, that had two opposite doors on either side. Coming closer Whiplash hobbled over and began to help Vargas with opening the doors.
"Are you alright?" Asked his wife looking at his head wrap.
"For now, my love."
"Okay were in," said Whiplash from the nearby computer terminal causing both doors to open abruptly
Sarah moved towards the right door, while Michael went towards the left. " Paladin Snake, I want you and your 8 brotherhood of steel solders to guard the air field," replied Sarah to her brotherhood of steel members.
Michael gave Bryan a hard look. "I know, I know. Don't you worry, I will stay here, as I would just slow you down," he said back to him.
"Okay Victoria, Dusk, were going inside now, start your attack," said Sarah into her pip-boy before they both groups descended inside the foundry.
Victoria and rest of her regulator's sniper division began to move forward, while the four man militia team began to pull the 88 gun with them. The second gun was with dusk's sniper division while the other 2 were down on the ground with the outcasts. Each gun had a 4 man group, hand picked for there speed and accuracy.
"Okay, sergeant Miller, I call out your shots, you do firing!" She yelled while they got into position spaced about 10 feet away from each other.
"Yes ma'am."
Looking down Victoria spotted a group heading for the north tower. "Concentration all fire on the towers first," she yelled.
Really the 88's only need 3 men to operation, a gunner, loaded, and spotter. The fourth man would be used to relay hand signals to the other each relay man. Barely a minute later, Victoria heard the militia team load a round and a few seconds later she watched the rebuilt north tower explode, with 4 different shells impacting the tower within seconds of each other.
"Hit it again, bring it down to the fucking ground!" She shouted to Sergeant Miller.
Victoria lined up her scope and found Dusk in her sights. Putting her hand over the scope she used the sun's reflection to signal to her, to start firing.
Looking down she spotted a group of workers going for laser guns, near the one rail car. Right before she could fire, Victoria spotted all 5 of them drop instantly with all head shots. Once again the ground shook violently as she heard rumbling from the north. Looking through her scope, the watched as the north tower finally came crashing down upon its self.
Taking aim with her rifle she fired and hit a female enclave officer in the back of the head, making her body slam into the ground hard. She was trying to reach a small group of metal huts that had been set up near the left side.
A second crash told them the southern tower had finally collapsed. Just when Victoria was about to give them an bombardment order, the 88 cannon exploded in front of them, sending metal sharpen everywhere.
Victoria slowly opened her eyes. Her sniper rifle lay in front of her bent in two places along the barrier. She could feel a sharp pain in the side of her neck, pulling out a piece of metal sharpen, she quickly put her hand up to stop the blood from coming out.
"What happen?" Victoria asked out load, when she heard two vertibirds flying over head. They must have been on patrol before they started there attack, she thought. Crawling on her stomach she tried to reach a wounded regulator when the vertibird came back and peppering the ground with laser fire. Victoria rolled away from the fire, just as the top half of a regulator landed 2 feet away from her. Standing up she spotted Dusk's group firing there 88 at the helicopters trying to gain there attention.
"Reilly go, now!" She shouted running forward picking up a working sniper rifle from a dead regulator and slide herself inside the valley's hill side, just before another missile impacted the area where she was.
"We're going in," Reilly said into the trucks' intercom.
Brick quickly hopped up into the top turret, while Hammer, Ginny, and Ryan maned the side guns. Butcher raced across the back of the truck, before pulling down the Ion Cannon, and strapping himself in.
Racing forward Reilly could see the wreckage of a second 88 with all of its militia firing crew laying dead next to it.
"Where are the Outcasts?" Asked Ginny looking through her port hole.
"There already inside the valley, seeking cover from the vertibirds!" Yelled Brick who noticed them helping the third gun team pull the 88 off the train tracks, and to the right side.
Going over a small hill, the truck managed to get some air before landing hard back on the ground again.
"Sorry, about that. Okay were about to go inside the valley now," Reilly said driving over the rail road tracks.
"Shit behind us," shouted Brick, spotting a vertibird that was now tailing them.
Brick began to fire the Gatling laser gun at the helicopter with it returning fire back at them. Going inside the valley, multiple laser shots began hitting the mountain sides, as the valley began to narrow.
"Do it Butcher!" Yelled Ryan.
Locking on the target, he fired the Ion cannon at the vertibird. The combined EMP blast erupted from the cannon and hit the nose of the vertibird dead center. The blast ripped right through it's shields and detonated a massive blast directly on the helicopter. Once the blue smoke cleared, they could see the vertibird had lost all power and fell like a rock out of the sky, crashing into a derailed rail car. The mini nuclear explosion that followed shook the surrounding area a bit.
"Holy shit, that's what I call fire power!" Shouted Ginny who was busy watching the destruction first hand.
Reilly too was a bit distracted by the destruction of the vertibird when the truck began to skim across the nearby stone wall.
"Shit," she said, before trying to correct her mistake, forcing 2 Outcasts to dive to the right to avoid getting run over.
Going around the a second set of rail tracks, they finally entered the center area. Charging forward Reilly slammed into a death claw guarding the gap between rail cars and the massive storage pen. Despite the blow, the death claw was still alive, until she rammed into the shielded pen, crushing it to death.
"Enemy fire from the north!" Yelled Reilly directing there fire towards the small camp of power armor solders and officers attempting to stop there advance.
Backing up slightly, Reilly parked the truck while they provided suppressing fire, for the outcasts to join them inside the center of the Mill.
"5, 6," Brick said to herself as she began to count the people she was mowing down with her laser gun.
Firing another burst which sent a male officer flying over a table, Brick felt two bullets go through both of her shoulders.
"Shit," she said ducking inside the truck.
"We've got enemy robots on our rear," replied Ryan who quickly hopped up and took Brick's spot on the turret.
"Reilly back this thing up," yelled Butcher, who had just reloaded the Ion Cannon.
Backing up Butcher spotted 3 sentry bots, and 2 Mr Gusty's coming from a the old slave pens firing at anything that was moving. Two missiles impacted the back and side of the truck, but thanks to the new armor most of the damage was absorb by the metal slabs.
"Eat this motherfuckers!" Butcher shouted, before firing the cannon.
The cannon pulsed a bit, before firing the bright yellow and blue energy ball, hitting the one sentry bot right in the chest plate. The blast spread out unleashing blue electricity that fried anything in its path, killing 2 power armor troops, and bringing down the shield that surrounded the back barracks.
"Hang on, our hold friend is back," said Reilly who was forced to drive backwards again, trying to avoid the laser fire that was hitting the front end of the truck.
"Shit, shit, shit," Reilly said to herself while the laser rounds were impacting on the glass and front of the truck. Two blast got through the fracturing glass but both missed her by inches. Wiping the truck around she drove away from the helicopter that was descending to give chase.
"What are you waiting for Butcher?" Asked Hammer while he reloaded the cannon for him.
"It's still too hot to fire, if I fire it now, it will explode, killing all of us," he said with a panicked voice.
Suddenly the vertibird flew up and was hovering right over them, flying at there same speed.
Ryan couldn't raise his Gatling gun up high enough to shoot at the helicopter. Looking up he spotted the craft opening its back doors. The shield around the vertibird was lowered, as he spotted the two mini nukes that were hanging out the back panel, getting ready to drop.
Reilly suddenly spotted a woman wielding a sniper rifle on top of a over turned rail car. Driving the truck closer she could see the blue and silver pattern of the dragon knight colors.
"Victoria?" Reilly asked her self, as she thought she had been killed by the vertibirds sneak attack on her earlier.
Victoria looked down briefly at her and gave her a wink, and fired a shot while still looking at her. The explosion that followed sent shock waves in every direction, while a mushroom cloud appeared in the sky separating the clouds themselves.
Victoria suddenly stopped smiling when she noticed how big the explosion was, and quickly ducked inside the over turned rail car, moments before the shock wave impacted the side. The side door was completely blown inwardly as she felt like someone had knocked all the wind out of her.
"You still alive in there woman," replied Outcast Defender Sibley who with another outcast helped pull the door off her.
"I think so," she said holding her neck wound that was bandaged up.
Sibley offered her hand, which she took. "Now that's how you use a sniper rifle," was all she said before they began to run towards the main building. All Enclave resistance outside of the building had been destroyed.
Coming closer she could see the artillery gun crew was stationed about 10 feet away from the Rangers and the fortresses. They were busy hoping out of the truck, grabbing there weapons and helmets.
"Corporal Anderson, it appears they have sealed the front door shut," Reilly said talking to the 3rd 88s flagger.
"Yes ma'am, would you like us to clear this road block."
Reilly smiled." By all means corporal."
Looking up the 4th 88 team, he signaled to Dusk who in return gave them the message.
"Fire."
The two shells impacted the front door, sending up a cloud of dirt and dust. After a few seconds they could see a sizable hole leading inside the Mill. There was several bodies laying around the front door, with 2 engineers who were wounded attempting to crawl away from them.
"Okay, lets go and give them a nasty surprise," replied Reilly, with the rest of the Rangers and 4 of the outcasts going through the front door.
Mean while the Dragon Knights and Lyons Pride had entered the Mill's back entrance. Going down a small flight of stairs they came to 2 opposite doors.
"Jess, Sydney Grenade that door," Michael ordered, as he watched Sarah give a the same order herself.
Throwing the grenades both groups ducked for cover. The explosions caused the weak metal doors to fall down. Running through a cloud of smoke, Jessica was briefly amazed at what she saw. There was furnaces on either end for modeling and making the metal they need for parts. About 5 feet in front of them was assemble lines that would carry the parts along the entire cave system with, separate work areas for separate parts.
"Robots dead ahead!" Shouted Sydney who came whizzing by her and started firing her SMG at four assemble line robots.
Jessica opened up with a wide burst with her mini gun easily ripping through there weak armor.
"What no welcoming party?" Asked a confused Whiplash who quickly hopped over the assemble line and joined Sydney checking the right side for any surprises.
"We are all clear over hear," replied Paladin Jensen one of the two new members of the Lyons Pride.
Sarah nodded her head." Knight Captain Artemis, you and Paladin Glade in the front. Michael will lead this assault for a change."
Michael smiled a bit. "Sure what ever you say Mrs Rivers."
Going up and around the side, they came across the largest part of the cave system which would lead back inside the Mills entrance. They could see groups of workers, engineers, and 10 power armor troops hiding behind a makeshift barricade of pieces of metal, wooden tables, and other things laying around.
More importantly Michael spotted Major Hightower who was surrounded by at least 3 Tesla power armor troops.
"If you surrender right now, I will give everyone full quarter," Michael said pointing his Chinese Assault rifle at them.
Major Hightower laughed a bit. "Surrender to you primitives. You must be dreaming. Right now our forces are wiping out your main attack in the front. It won't be long before they join us here and kill everyone last one of you."
Suddenly something rocked the entire building causing everyone to have to grab onto something or risk falling down. Michael gave Vargas a small nod, as he could hear the sound of the fortresses driving around.
Looking down he could see the conference the major once wore was quickly faded right in front of there eyes. The major fired his plasma pistol at him, missing him by a mile, causing them to return fire down upon them.
The fire fight began to intensify more with 3 workers already dead, while another 3 power armor troops were laying on the ground dieing. Sydney was crouched down behind a over turned table herself. Looking over she felt a laser round skim across her helmet. Ducking quickly behind it she could hear the the metal burning a little.
Looking around she spotted the wounded Knight Captain Driver, and the injured Whiplash staying back while Glade and Jensen caused 2 more Enclave power armor troops on fire. There screaming was heard even over the gun fire. They had been exchanging gun fire for at least 5 minutes now, when suddenly the building rocked again. This time the explosion was nearby, making all of them put there hands over there heads to shield themselves from fallowing rocks.
Michael stood up briefly and watched as 3 injured pilots coming through the back door. Quickly fallowed by 2 officers, and 3 Power armor troops.
"Major we couldn't stop them, there coming," said a panicked female officer.
His eyes went wide, like someone had slapped him across the face. Michael with his back to there barricade told everyone to stand up. Standing up all at once, they pointed there guns down at them. Looking up he spotted the back down being kicked in, with Outcast defender Sibley leading the charge, with Reilly and her Rangers began to descend down the stairs. Stopping they all pointed there guns at the surviving 20 members of Enclave solders and citizens.
"This is your last chance, surrender now, and your lives will be spared, "Michael repeated.
The major simply shook his head. "You may think you have the upper hand now, but we have been using our short range radios to communicate after you destroyed our sat lite up link towers. In a few minutes our reinforcements will come and there will be no mercy for you then."
Sarah turned to look at Michael, who lowered his assault rifle. "Give us some credit major. We have been jamming all short range radio signals hours before we got here. All your Enclave will know is you are not transmitting, that's all you piece of shit," replied Sarah.
Hearing this Michael was stunned to see the power armor troops to throw down there weapons, and held there hands up.
"Stop that, pick up your weapons and fight!" Shouted Major Hightower.
The workers and engineers quickly tossed aside there own laser weapons, and held up there hands. "You 1st lieutenant Powers, I order you to make them start firing. Right now!"
The female officer pulled out her plasma pistol and pointed it at Michael. "I surrender Commander Rivers," she said tossing aside her pistol.
The outrage that was on Hightower's face was priceless. Michael and Sarah both started down the flight of stairs.
"Find if that's how you want, I'll take as many of you traitors with as I can," he said pulling out two plasma grenades.
Suddenly a small burst of 3 rounds ripped through Hightower's head. His body went limp and quickly fell onto it's side.
Michael lowered his Chinese Assault rifle and shouldered his weapon. Coming closer he walked right up to 1st lieutenant powers who held out her Enclave saber to him.
"Now as acting Commanding officer of this facility, I official surrender," she said giving him her sword.
Reilly turned to Hammer and Ryan and handed them a FFS flag. "Go plant that on top of this building."
"Yes ma'am" they both side at the same time.
Michael took the sword and held it up high, making everyone cheer. Sarah removed her helmet and order the Lyons Pride to watch the prisoners, before she walked over and embraced him.
Michael took a deep breath and pulled back slightly."See that wasn't so bad," he added giving her boyish grin.
Sarah shook her head while chuckling a bit. "Remind me again, why did I marry you."
"Because you love me," he told her as they walked hand and hand out the front door.
A/N Questions? Or Any Comments? I am always willing to listen. Also thanks to all who have made my story a favorite. I will try to get a new chapter out every Sunday.