A/N: I always struggle to write chapters after big events happen, as they feel fluffy and dull in comparison. Oh well, I believe I only have one chapter left to write before the big showdown with the Untarnished so I hope you will continue to read and comment along!

Chapter 26: Reassessment

"Welp. Shit."

Proctor Ingram leaned over Beth's body, arms crossed and head cocked as she muttered those two blunt words.

Danse, Nora, Haylen, Teagan, Kells, and Maxson joined Ingram in Maxson's now battered and bloodied quarters. All were huddled over the charred remains of Bethany McNamara in a kind of confused vigil. Demoralization diffused throughout the room like venomous gas.

"I had no choice," Arthur retorted, defensively. "Bethany attempted to kill Nora."

"I am not blaming you," Ingram countered. "But weddings do need a bride."

Teagan' ever-present scowl dug deeper into his face. "I don't know why you bothered dragging me and Kells into this. It's not like there is anything we can do to fix this."

Maxson matched Teagan's frown with one of his own. "We may be at war with the Untarnished by the night's end. I need every loyal soldier I have by my side."

Kells eyes darted to Maxson uncomfortably. "With all due respect, sir, if conflict does break out, I am not sure how many soldiers will stand with you. Many Prydwyn troops were either transfers from out west or were previously stationed on the Citadel under Elder Casdin. They are loyal to you for now, but that could change if you order them to kill other Brotherhood soldiers."

Danse's large body slumped. "We'd intended to use the wedding ceremony as an opportunity to address the troops and rally them to our cause," the paladin explained.

Silent dismay ensued.

The next words Nora said were, perhaps, not surprising.

"I have an idea."

"I will not hear it!" Arthur barked, whipping towards her with unconcealed agitation. "I've had quite enough of your ideas."

Danse stepped forward towards the Elder. "Sir, if we don't formulate a fallback plan quickly, we will fail in our mission."

The paladin's statement was calm, composed, and frustratingly true. Maxson's normally impassioned words failed him, and he found himself unable to conjure a satisfactory reply. Instead, he rubbed his beard gruffly until the skin grew pink and tender.

Danse took advantage of the Elder's silence and turned his attention to Nora. "What plan do you have in mind, soldier?"

Nora did not answer, and instead hunched over Beth's body, rummaging through her pockets with fervor and greed. After several seconds, she produced a key card and inspected it carefully. Finally, she raised herself and began marching towards the door without explanation beyond a cryptic, "Be right back." As the steel door creaked open, she sent a fleeting glance backwards. "Danse, Ingram, I'd appreciate your company," she offered before exiting. "I don't want the Untarnished taking potshots at me while I'm out."

Ingram and Danse exchanged puzzled glances. Eventually, Danse nodded. "Affirmative," he bellowed. The pair joined Nora and exited.

When the three returned, Danse and Nora were carrying large balled up wads of ivory cloth. Ingram held a petite pair of glimmering shoes. "

We were able to use the keycard to get into Beth's room," Nora explained as she dumped her findings onto the bed.

Danse and Ingram followed suit. The trio then gingerly unfolded the contents of their findings.

They'd brought back Beth McNamara's wedding attire.

Brotherhood weddings were typically a stark matter, with both bride and groom adorned in uniform. For this particular occasion, however, a move lavish exception had apparently been made. Beth's dress was spotless and silken, adorned throughout with small glimmering baubles. It was accompanied by a thick, opaque veil and petite dress shoes.

Nora's mysteriousness was beginning to grind at Arthur's patience. "What is the meaning of this?" Maxson found himself grumbling.

Nora did not look at Arthur. Instead, her eyes fell to Scribe Haylen. Haylen caught her gaze and took a cautious step back. "What?" the scribe asked warily.

Nora answered slowly. "The wedding dress has a pretty thick veil…And, the thing is… Haylen kind of looks like Beth from far away."

Teagan shook his head, his voice dripping in skepticism. "Are you suggesting we use Haylen as a, what?…substitute?"

Nora 's normally kind eyes now wandered over Haylen in a shrewd and calculating manner. "Well….Yeah."

"Enough," Maxson crossly cut in with a slash of his hand. "The entire concept is inane. What if the Untarnished seek Beth out before the wedding commences? Even veiled, anyone in close proximity to Haylen would realize her true identity."

Nora replied easily. It was evident that she'd already considered this problem. "So we keep Haylen isolated. We don't let anyone who knows Beth get too close."

"And how do you propose we accomplish that feat?" Arthur snarled. "How do we explain to the Untarnished that Bethany is suddenly and inexplicably unavailable?"

Nora shrugged casually, apparently now used to the Elder's riled outbursts. "Danse, Kells, Teagan, and I will dispose of the body and take shifts guarding your door," she explained. "If anyone comes looking for Beth, we'll tell her she's with you and that you gave us strict orders not to be disturbed."

Arthur scoffed, disgust coating his throat as Nora's vague connotations materialized in his mind. "Are you suggesting, paladin," he bit back with resentment, "that we imply to visitors that Beth I are in the midst of intimacy?"

Nora frowned. "I wouldn't put it so bluntly, but yes."

Danse shot Arthur a sympathetic look and frowned. "We do not know why Beth decided to visit you alone tonight, Arthur. Before finding Nora, her objective may have been to seduce you, in which case Nora's plan is consistent with Beth's original strategy."

Maxson was about to growl another dissent when a new voice entered the fray.

"I'll do it!"

All heads snapped towards Scribe Haylen's sudden outburst. Hayeln's face flushed at the sudden legion of eyes upon her but she continued proudly. "I will substitute for Beth." Her words seemed to bear an unseen weight down about the room. None spoke as she explained. "No one seems to have any better ideas and at least this way we have a chance." She turned to Arthur with a wry smile. "But if we do go through with this, I want an annulment by tomorrow night."

Arthur smirked. "Granted."

Nora and Danse both shifted with discomfort.

"What about the body, sir?" asked Kells interjected, beckoning towards the charred corpse.

Danse answered. "Nora and I can retrieve our power armor and anonymously move the body via a cargo container. It will appear to others that we are merely transporting munitions or armor. We can then store the container aboard the Prydwyn until the Untarnished are dealt with. The troops are on shore leave, so the ship is essentially vacant."

"The body and container will be of significant weight. I will help you transport the corpse," added Kells.

"Alright, then Teagan and I will guard Elder Maxson's door," added Ingram. Her eyes twinkled. "We should all scatter….give the 'happy couple' some time alone so the Untarnished think they are getting busy."

"Ingram!" Haylen scolded, the ruby tint in her cheeks now creeping down her neck.

Ingram smiled coyly. "What?"

"Ingram is right," Arthur grumbled. He did not, in fact, think that any of them were right. The plan was an imprudent death wish. However, his stress and frustration were culminating into an oppressive migraine. He rubbed his forehead delicately. He needed solitude. "Leave us."

With that, the soldiers made their way to their respective roles, except for Danse, who paused and turned back towards Maxson and Haylen. "Be careful," he warned.

Arthur was about to respond before realizing Danse's coal-black eyes were not directed at him, but at Haylen. The scribe nodded sternly. "I will, sir," she answered.

Nora then mimicked Danse, stopping short of the exit and half-turning towards Arthur. Her eyes darkened and trembled. "I'm sorry, Arthur," she muttered forlornly, though she did not elaborate further. Before Arthur could respond she was out of the door.