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.
Chapter 28
Take It Back
Flying past the remaining robots who were still functioning from there own battle, Michael turned the vertibird slightly left, crossing the Potomac River.
"Um, won't they shoot at us, since we are still flying an enemy aircraft?" Said Janice who had unstrapped herself and was now standing right behind Michael.
"Good point. I will open a comm channel," he said patching into the vertibirds mini satellite it had on the side.
Right before he could starting opening communications with the FFS, several shells exploded near them, making the helicopter shake.
"Shit!" He said as the last shell exploded very close by with flames and pieces of metal impacted the right side of the vertibird.
"Alpha Bravo, vector 6. Incoming aircraft is not hostile, I repeat not hostile."
Another explosion forced Michael to veer sharply left, forcing Janice to bottom of the helicopter, with Michael pulling up to dodge another attack.
"Roger that, code confirmed. You are to land immediately, or else you will be shot down," replied the female radio operator.
Looking around the shelling had stopped. "See, problem solved," he said turning around to Janice just now getting back on her feet again.
Flying past the artillery guns, Michael spotted a safe area for them to land. Lowering the helicopter he could see at least 6 FFS militia, and 4 regulator's closing in on the descending air craft. Landing he spotted Victoria giving orders to everyone before lowering the back panel.
"Come out now, with your hands up!" Ordered Victoria with her plasma pistol pointed at the entrance.
At first Janice came limping out, quickly fallowed by Fawkes with both of them having there hands up. Right when 3 militia were about to take them into custody, Michael stepped out.
"Stand down corporal."
Suddenly the corporal stepped back up and gave him a salute. "Commander Rivers, sir."
Stepping down from the back panel, Michael finally came into full view of everyone else. Smiling he walked forward to a stunned looking Victoria, who had dropped her pistol on the ground.
Getting closer he could see she kept shaking her head while laughing a bit. "Welcome back, Commander. What took you so long?"
Michael laughed as well, before hugging his fellow Dragon Knight. After a brief exchange they started making there way back inside the camp, with Fawkes and Janice right behind them. Entering the HQ tent he could see all the Dragon Knights and Reilly's Rangers were getting prepared for the next attack, until they spotted him.
No body moved or said anything at first. "What, were you expecting someone else?"
Suddenly everyone moved forward welcoming him back with hugs and pats on the back. After the mini celebration finally calmed down, Michael showed in Fawkes and Janice.
"So ugly made it then," said Sydney with a small smile on his face.
"I could say the same thing to you human"he fired back.
"Now, now. Play nice everyone,"added Reilly while Butcher made Michael sit down to take a look on his head wound.
Once Butcher was done dressing his wounds, he nodded his head towards Janice who was being treated by a medic from the militia. Heading over to help the male medic, Michael spotted both Jessica and Whiplash arguing about something near the map screen.
"We don't know that. And besides acting Commander in chief Sarah Rivers told us to stay put," said Whiplash getting close to Jessica.
Jessica never one to back down to any one got right into Whiplash's face. "Well I don't fucking care. Something isn't right, I mean to investigate whether you like or not Sergeant."
Right before Jessica could rear back and take a swing at Whip, Michael grabbed a hold of her wrist stopping her.
"Easy now. We have more pressing matters at hand."
At this Bryan who was busy readjusting his Gauss sniper rifle along with Ginny, stood up. "Commander, what do you mean?"
Reilly whistled sharply making everyone go silent. "There the floor is all yours Mike."
"Listen, as you could have guessed by now Raven Rock has been destroyed, along with President Eden and Lieutenant Colonel Ashley Jones. But more important Colonel Autumn has launched an all out offensive in the southern regions. This attack is just feint, to keep the armies busy while Autumn takes the majority of his force north, to attack the citadel, Megaton, and surrounding areas," he said pointing on the map, showing the bulge in there lines the Enclave would cause between 3rd battalion's brotherhood of steel on the east and the Outcasts on the west.
Michael let everyone digest what he had told, before turning around to face them." Are you sure about this? I mean what about the remaining army across the river. Maybe they told are leading us into a trap, " replied Ginny with a worried expression.
Victoria shook her head. "No, we spotted the Enclaves robots wipe out all remaining resistance east of the river. And with the Raven Rock destroyed the Enclave's presence in the northern Capital Wasteland is gone."
"So what is our next move then?" Asked Whiplash who had a serious look on his face.
Michael pounded his right fist into his left palm. "We strike back. If there is one thing I know about Sarah and the Brotherhood of steel, they will not go down with out a fight. First thing we destroy any Enclave presence near Greyditch and Megaton. That will free us to save the 3rd army near the Citadel, before making our final push towards the purifier and Rivet City."
At this Reilly turned to face him. "Wait are you saying this it? The final battle is here?"
Michael shook his head. "This hopefully will be the final major battle in the Capital Wasteland region. There still is Adams Air force Base located in Virginia, we have to deal with, but one thing at a time."
"Shit, well we better get moving right now if we plan on saving the wasteland," stated Jessica to everyone.
"Lets do this in groups. I will led the ground forces inside fortresses. While Michael can lead the air attack, with our 7 functioning vertibirds," said Reilly addressing everyone.
Michael nodded his head in agreement. "I like it. We will take a small force with us, along with as many of the heavy guns we put in the helicopters. Reilly, I want you and your ground forces out of here in 30 minutes. You have a long way to go, in a short period of time."
True to her word, Reilly had organized a 75 person army of Militia, regulator's, and Rangers, with in 20 minutes and was gone 5 minutes later. Loading up at least 10 guns inside there vertibirds, they where forced to leave behind the heavy 105's though. Also they were taking a 25 man hand picked team with them, while leaving behind a skeleton crew to man Camp Rivers.
"I don't need to tell you how in important this, so I won't. We all have been through so much, it's hard to believe how far we have come. When Jessica, Max, Lucy, and myself, first created the Dragon Knights, I doubt we could have ever thought it would lead to this. But when I look upon all your faces, I know everything we have been though was worth it. And if today is the day we die, I want you to know this, it has been an honor to serve with all you,"he said holding his hand out in the middle of the tent.
Jessica stepped forward and put her hand over his. "Lets go kick there fucking ass."
"It's been an honor and privilege to fight along side you, Commander,"added Whiplash putting his hand in the middle too.
Sydney sighed heavily before walking forward and putting her hand on top of Whiplash's."Together my friends."
"You guys took me and showed me I could be so much more. I will never forget that, and what it means to be a Dragon Knight,"stated Bryan standing in front of them, before placing his hand in the center too.
Lastly everyone looked at Victoria, who was leaning up against the tent's side pole. "I am not much for words, so I will be short. I will see you at the end of the day," she said finally putting her hand on top of Byran's.
Michael looked at everyone's face before putting his other hand on top of the others." Good luck, and God speed my friends."
Heading outside, he gave his final orders to 1st Lieutenant Wraith, who would remain behind and guard the camp. Leaving the center of the camp, the Dragon Knights walked back towards the landing zone and there vertibirds. Since Michael, Whiplash, and Victoria were the only trained pilots the Dragon Knights had, they each would be taking a helicopter, with the last 4 aircraft being piloted by 2 regulators and 2 Militia members. Fawkes, and Sydney would ride with Michael, as Bryan would go with Whiplash, leaving Jessica to fly with Victoria during the mission.
Hopping inside his recently captured vertibird Michael could see that he there was 6 regulator sniper team, along with one 88 gun stuff in his back.
"Names Bullets, Regulator Sniper Sergeant,"said a older White male wielding a custom made rifle in his hands."
"Well, Bullets I am going to bring you into Hell, are you ready?"
The sniper sergeant didn't even flinch. "Always ready Commander, sir."
Michael laughed a bit before heading towards the front. Giving Fawkes a small nod, he walked around his chair and took a seat. Sitting next to him in the copilot's seat, was a nervous looking Sydney.
"Um, Mike, not to sound like I don't appreciate your trust in me, but I am no pilot," she replied looking him in the eyes.
"I know that Sydney,"he said putting a hand on her shoulder,"But, your not stupid either. Trust me, you will be fine."
Going through there pre-flight checks, he finally turned on his engines. Taking a hold of the control stick, he slowly pulled up, making the helicopter ascend up in the air. Looking around he waited for the last aircraft to ascend into the morning sky.
"Everyone check in, and make sure we all synced up," he said into his helmet's head set.
"Dragon 2, is a go,"stated Whiplash.
"Dragon 3, loud and clear,"replied Victoria.
"Echo 4, ready sir,"added Roger a Militia sergeant.
"Desert 3, ready whenever you are," replied Hawk an, regulator officer.
"Echo 2, on your mark," replied Tomas, a ghoul militia Lieutenant.
"Desert 1, here,"added Bryce another regulator pilot.
Michael took a deep breath. "And finally Dragon 4, here. Good, we all can hear each other. Lets keep a 20 feet gap between us, so we can create a confused pattern of attack. Lets go save the Capital Wasteland."
20 minutes later, they flew by Reilly's ground force as they neared Springvale, before heading towards Grayditch, hoping they were not too late. Arriving at Grayditch, and Marigold station, they discovered no signs of the Enclave or anything they showed the town had come under fire.'
Despite the noise, they could hear the sounds of battle echoing from the Citadel and fort independence towards the south. Quickly flying past Grayditch, they sent there heading to the Citadel, as fast as they could go.
Just when they first entered the Arlington Cemetery region, Sydney spotted enemy aircraft on there small radar screen.
"Okay, here we go, enemy contact on our 12," said Michael into his headset.
Flying forward he could see at least 4 separate vertibirds barely 500 feet away from them. Going forward Michael made sure to get there attention, letting them think there was only one helicopter that was opposing them. Firing 2 missiles while unleashing a constant spray of laser fire, he hopped to break the steady formation of the Enclave's attack. Both missiles were absorbed by the enemy's shields on the two center vertibirds.
"Michael?" Asked a worried looking Sydney as he kept them going forward, all the while laser fire was shooting past them, or being absorbed by there shields they had.
"Hang on!" He shouted splitting the middle of there Enclave's formation, making them all fan out so that they did not impact each other.
Pulling up on the yoke, he made the helicopter flying up an arch. Just when they were about to go upside down and stall, he turned sharply on the left, righting the vertibird.
"Open fire!" Yelled Victoria into the headset.
Suddenly all six of there aircraft fired 2 missiles a piece at the enemy vertibirds who were completely caught off guard. The vertibirds shields could not hold with the bombardment they receive from the multiple impacts. Two of the four helicopters exploded into balls of flames, as there nuclear reactor caused two small mushroom clouds to appear in the sky, forcing everyone to hang on from the shock wave. A third vertibird was severely damaged, as there was black smoke coming from 2 of the 3 engines the aircraft had.
"I'll finish it off, replied Roger putting his vertibird in a trail position behind the wounded helicopter.
Coming back down into the back ground, Michael watched as the burst of laser fire began pelting the injured aircraft. Looking down on his monitor he could see Whiplash, Hawk, and Tomas were busy firing at the last vertibird that was still in the area.
"Got that the mother fucker!" Shouted Roger.
The wounded helicopter dramatically began to noise dive towards the ground. Suddenly Rodger's helicopter exploded violently sending pieces of it everywhere, forcing Michael to jerk the helicopter downward to avoid the shock wave. Looking down he could see a small ground force of 15 soldiers were down inside the graveyard, using the headstones as cover.
"Watch out, enemy ground troops in the heart of the cemetery. Victoria, on my 12 and will pepper the shit out of them,"said Michael into his head set.
Lowering his helicopter closer to the ground, he spotted Victoria beginning her descent as well.
"Holy shit, look out!" Yelled Sydney noticing two more Tesla Power Armor troops aiming there fatman's at there vertibird. Suddenly an explosion ripped them to pieces with ground and broken headstone parts thrown violently up in the air.
Laying down a blast of laser fire, while at the same time shooting two missiles near the center of the group, he pulled up, before turning his vertibird back around again. Watching Victoria due the same thing, they each made one more pass. Firing down at the retreating soldiers who had no wear to hide, they could see the last 5 Enclave members get ripped to pieces with the combined fire power of each helicopter.
"I owe you one Vicky," he said as they both pulled up, heading back towards the sky again.
"No problem Commander."
Just when they began to make there ascent, Michael spotted something heading towards them. "Watch out, it's going down!" Shouted Tomas, getting there attention.
Veering sharply right and left, they both avoided the falling vertibird at the last moment. A few seconds later another explosion fallowed, causing both of there aircraft to shake at first, before eventually dieing down.
"Everyone okay?" Asked Michael noticing there was damage to Whiplash's vertibird.
"First engine took some damage, but is still working at 50% though,"he stated relaying the damage to him.
Michael turned to look at Sydney."How much of a beating did our shields take?"
Sydney looked up at her view screen."40% and holding, although our front end shows damage, but other than that, we are good to go."
"Victoria, and Hawk. You guys take the point. Whiplash and myself will take the western direction, while Tomas, and Bryce will come in from the east side of the Citadel," said Michael heading over to the west side.
Once everyone was in proper position, they started there flight towards the main battle.
Mean While Sarah Rivers just reloaded her plasma rifle, before looking down at the mass of Enclave troops who had now surrounded the complex on all sides. Across the river, she could see and hear the sounds of heavy gun fire, as the 4th battalion was fighting to hold on, and could not offer them any help.
Looking down the catwalks that aligned themselves all along the Citadel, she could see more and more Brotherhood members beginning to appear as well. Manning all the heavy artillery was drill instructor Paladin Matthews and his initiates, who were mostly still raw recruits who had never seen any action.
"Vargas, did we get everyone inside the base?" She asked her fellow Lyon's Pride member.
Vargas nodded inside his helmet. "Yes, ma'am. We dragged as many of the dead we could, but all the crew inside our three destroyed vertibirds were too burned to move."
Sarah sighed heavily and finally put her helmet back on as well. The surprise attack was barely 9 hours ago, but after heavy fighting, they were finally pushed back to the Citadel. They had fought so hard to prevent this from happening, but there was no choice, if they had stayed outside any longer, they would have all been killed. Right now the Enclave's 3 remaining vertibirds were circling the area, just outside of there gun's range.
"Excuse me, Mrs Rivers, here is the report you wanted,"replied Knight Captain Durga, before heading back down to the center of the bailey, rejoining Elder Cross.
Cross was giving final directions towards two groups of Knights and Paladins, ordering them to seek cover away from the heart of the bailey. The reports confirmed her worst fears, they 4 vertibirds that flew past them 1 hour ago, were heading north. Which meant they were going after Grayditch and then Megaton. She was still reeling from the news that Michael was more than likely killed, and now there was a chance that she could lose her adopted daughter.
"Sarah, are you okay?" Asked Catherine Rothchild, who was wielding a laser rifle.
She shook her head and gave her mother in law a somber look. "No, I am not. I am stuck here while my husband is either dead or a prisoner of the Enclave. Not to mention there appears to be an assault heading towards Megaton. And we are surrendered, waiting to make our last stand. So no, I am not okay and I don't think I ever will be."
Catherine stepped forward and put a hand on her shoulder. "If you were truly okay, I would be concerned. I just wanted to make sure your mind is ready, I didn't want to bring up the personal problems you're already facing."
Just when Sarah was about to respond, they heard that distinct sound of artillery shells being fired. Dropping down below the small barricade that circled the entire complex, she looked up slowly waiting for the explosions. A few seconds later she watched the Enclave line that was 500 feet away exploded in a haul of fire, and death. More and more shells began raining down upon on there lines, forcing them to spread out and come closer towards the Citadel. Looking up she could see a vertibird flying north, were the shells were coming from. Suddenly the helicopter was hit with 3 EMP blasts crippling the aircraft, as it fell like a brick down to the ground. Impacting the ground it skidded to until plunging into the river.
Just when the Enclave began to pull to the west and eastern sides, those sides were suddenly erupted into a hail of shells as well. Enclave men and women were blown into pieces, as body parts were strewn every where. Finally they had gotten the message and began to charge the Citadel, itself.
"Here we go, open fire!" Shouted Sarah to everyone on top of the catwalk.
Michael watched from the ground, as the bombardment was tearing apart the Enclaves lines. Barely 5 minutes into the assault, they could see the Enclave was now engaging the Brotherhood at the Citadel. Bullets and his sniper team had made there way towards the Enclave and set themselves near the bank of the Potomac.
"Okay, Sergeant Steel, we are taking fight to the enemy. Fire 4 more rounds a piece, before stopping. Watch the flanks, and make sure we don't get flanked!" Michael shouted to the Artillery sergeant, as the guns continued there attack.
Running over to his vertibird, he gave the sergeant a final salute, before hopping into the pilot's seats. Lifting off, he could see on his viewing screen that the 5 other vertibirds they had brought were also in the air as well.
"What's the plan Commander?" Asked Hawk into his headset.
"Engage the vertibirds. They have to be our first priority. Afterwords we will help out where ever we can,"stated Michael to everyone.
Looking down he spotted the last round's were being fired from there 88's. Turning around Steel gave him a salute, signaling it was safe for them to fly forward. Charging into the battle, he could see the Citadel and it's defenders were struggling to hang on. They were shooting missiles and tossing plasma grenades at the complexes doors, attempting to blow them off there hinges.
"Tomas, Bryce, stop them from blasting the doors off. Everyone else engage the enemy aircraft," he ordered.
Flying forward Tomas and Bryce broke away from the main group, heading towards the river. Getting a little lower they could see the enemy seem to not even care that two helicopters were closing in on them.
"They must think were with them,"replied Bryce to Tomas.
Suddenly they both began to open up on the surging Enclave soldiers, shredding them to pieces, as they both fired 3 missiles near the entrance, killing at least 8 soldiers. The remaining troopers backed off and dove over the bank, for cover.
Watching Tomas and Bryce devastate the surging enemy, Michael and the rest of the air squadron quickly engaged the remaining 3 vertibirds. By now the enemy helicopter's were away of them, and charged right at them. Realizing they were going to try and break there formation like they did early, Michael pulled up on his vertibird to slow himself down. This suddenly motion caused his fellow pilot to over shoot him. Quickly turning the helicopter around he began to blast the under belly of the aircraft.
The enemy's shields began to weakened from the sustain fire. Even when he lowered himself so that they were both level, the pilot was still offering his tail end to him.
"Sydney push the right blue button on your yoke," replied Michael who was still peppering the back end of the vertibird.
Grabbing a hold of the yoke, she pushed the button. Suddenly one of the two sidewinders the helicopter had took off. The missile locked in on the vertibird and raced forward striking the back engine with a tremendous force.
"Now finishing them off, Sydney."
Flipping the top controls, she fired two missiles at the wounded aircraft. The missiles strike the right side and right engine, rocking the vertibird. Suddenly the helicopter began to spin on it's left, spiraling downward until, it exploded on the impact of the ground.
Reaching he grasped the hand of Sydney."That's how we do it."
"Commander watch out!" Yelled Fawkes, causing them bring there attention back to the battle.
With out warning they all three felt a sidewinder missile impact there back and bottom section of the vertibird, making them lurch forward.
"How bad is the damage?" Asked Michael making the vertibird move back and forth, dodging the vertibird that was now on there own tail.
"Not good, but right now we are still flying," she added with a worried look.
"Michael go right, will get your back,"replied Victoria into her headset.
Going right he could see Victoria cutting off the chasing vertibird while Whiplash came in on the right firing his Gatling laser. Behind he could see both Hawk was giving chase to the remaining vertibird as they went father south and deeper into the Enclave territory.
"Hawk, no come back, there leading you into an ambush!" Yelled Jessica into the headset she had on herself.
Hawk waited a bit before responding. "I am not letting this one get away."
Suddenly a series of plasma flame, and laser projectiles came from all direction engulfing the vertibird. They could hear Hawk's screams in there headsets, before an explosion silencing him.
Michael slammed his left fist against the window. "Damn it."
"Mike, what's that red light mean?" Asked Sydney noticing the flashing red light on the middle screen.
Looking down he spotted what she was talking about. "Shit, that means our fuel lines to the nuclear reactor have been severed. If we keep flying the reactor will meltdown."
Looking left and right to try and find a safe place to land, when he felt the back engine go dead. Sydney and Michael both exchanged looks before grabbing a hold of the yoke.
"Mayday, we are going down. I repeat we are going down!"
Guiding the aircraft downward while Sydney watched the view screen to check on the two remaining engines. Going lower he felt saw the right engine give, causing them to start listing to the left. Pulling hard on the right, he managed to steady the helicopter, right before they impacted the ground as there landing gear had been blown off during the attack.
Skidding forward he could see they were going to hit a series of Enclave barricades that had been set up on the first line that had surrounded the Citadel.
"Hang on!" He shouted as the left and right wing of the helicopter snapped off from the impact, making them slammed forward.
The vertibird then went into a hard spin. "I think I am going to be sick,"said Sydney leaning back into her chair.
Suddenly there was a loud thud, which meant that Fawkes had finally been tossed to the ground, from the force of the spins they where generating. Closing his eyes, he gripped the straps that was keeping him still in his seat. Finally after skidding 35 more feet, the broken vertibird stopped.
Michael finally opened his eyes and let go of his straps, which now were painfully sticking into his shoulders and chest.
"Michael, Sydney you guys okay?" Asked Whiplash into his pip-boy.
Bringing up his own recovered pip-boy he answered back. "For now, although I think my collar bone ins broken," he said just as Sydney vomited off to her right.
"Heads up, you are in thick of Enclave lines!" Shouted Bryan.
Reaching down he grabbed his katana and unsheathed it. Cutting his straps, he freed himself from his chair, as he fell forward a bit. Getting up, he helped Sydney out of her seat as well. Right before laser fire erupted inside the cockpit, shattering the glass and sending both of them to the ground. Fawkes was already on his feet, wielding his Gatling gun, and began return firing at the enemy. Crawling forward both Sydney and Michael reached there packs, and ready there own weapons.
"Whip, and Hawk provide cover for Michael's down vertibird. Tomas on me, lets bring this last son a bitch down," said Victoria turning veering left, while Tomas swooped in low, before bringing his own vertibird back up again, and giving quick chase after them.
"Watch out, we are getting more and more fire from those ground troops,"replied Hawk as they peppered the area near the down vertibird, killing another 2 soldiers.
Victoria raised her helicopter up a little bit, as Tomas joined her. Once level they both came swooping in and both shot two missiles a piece at the vertibird on the right and left sides. Finally with the last vertibirds's shields being down, they both opened up with there own laser attack. The bursts of fire, began to rip apart the aircraft, before a lucky burst hit the main reactor core, causing it to explode, instantly.
"That's way too close!" Shouted Jessica ducking her head as the flames and debris impacted the front of her helicopter.
Lifting her head back up, she could feel minor burns on her forearms and thighs, but other than that was okay.
"Hey, Vicky you okay?" She asked.
When she didn't get any response she, reached out and shook her. Still nothing, she quickly realize something was wrong. Unstrapping herself Jessica grabbed Victoria, and turned her around. She had pieces of metal and glass stuck in her chest plate. Looking up she fallowed the blood trail which led her to Victoria's neck, and face. There was one large chunk of glass pieced inside her throat, with another piece of metal rammed deep into her right eye socket.
"I am sorry Vicky," she said reaching out and breaking Victoria's ring finger, so she could get a hold of her Dragon Knight ring.
Jessica not knowing anything about flying could feel the vertibird beginning to nose dive a bit. Running into the back she grabbed hers and Victoria's backpack, and lowered the back panel.
"I am sorry guy's but Victoria's dead. I am jumping before this thing impacts the ground,"she stated into her headset, before tossing it aside.
Giving Victoria's body one more look, she spotted the water below them, and jumped. Pointing her feet down, she violently splashed into the radiated water.
Whiplash was still stunned by the news that Vicky was dead, but when the nose diving helicopter finally struck the bank on the other side of the Potomac River.
"Come on Reilly, where the hell are you?" Asked Whiplash more to himself, than to Bryan?
Suddenly there was a horn blasting from the north. This caused everyone to turn around to face what had caused the noise. Reilly honked the horn one more time, as her 75 person army all raised there guns in the air, getting there attention.
"Here we go!" She shouted pushing down the accelerator and charging forward, while the rest of the ground forces sprinted forward.
Despite the fact that the Enclave had better equipment, and weapons, they were now outnumbered. Not to mention, now the FFS controlled the sky, and had the tactical advantage of shooting down from the Citadel. Realizing the situation, the Enclave forces began trying to retreat across the Arlington Memorial Bridge. With out warning Bullets sniper division opened up. 3 officers were suddenly struck in the head causing them to explode into a bloody mess. While another division on the other side of the river stood up and picked off another 4 more soldiers before, the last 10 threw down there weapons and surrendered to Bullets.
Mean while the second group began to retreat back behind the Citadel and towards Alexandria Arms. Climbing out the front of the cockpit, Michael watched as the massive ground force began to give chase.
"Reilly, ride them to the river," he said into his pip-boy, as he could see her in the distance running over a Tesla Power armor trooper.
"Damn right. Come on boys, keep pushing!" She shouted into a loud speaker, causing them to cheer, before they started charging again.
Michael helped Sydney out of the broken cockpit. Giving a small pat on the shoulder, he helped lowering her to the ground.
"Sydney how bad is your leg?" He asked noticing her limp.
Sydney merrily shrugged it off. "More than likely broken, but right now we have more important things to do."
Nodding back at her, he felt the back panel slam into the ground. Looking behind and through the broken cock pit, he saw Fawkes walk out like nothing had happen at all. Waving his hands up, he gave the signal Hawk, Whiplash and Tomas to land there vertibirds. Jumping down on the ground, Michael almost slipped from the amount of blood that lay all over the place. There was small fires,limbs, and craters everywhere.
Wiping the sweat from his brow, he spotted a slightly injured Jessica walking towards them. Coming up to meet her, she collapsed into his arms.
"Easy there Jess. You look like you broke a lot of bones when you impacted the water,"he said as Bryan and Whiplash made there way over to join them.
"I am sorry I couldn't save her," she added handing Michael Victoria's Dragon Knight ring.
Michael closed his eyes briefly and gave the ring a small squeeze. "You did your best lieutenant. Victoria gave her life for the greater good. There will be time to properly mourn her loss, but right now we have to keep pressing the attack."
Jessica nodded her head as both Bryan and Sydney put on arm around there shoulders and began to help her walk over to the entrance of the Citadel. It took 4 Paladins to open the damaged door, as they showed them inside the damaged building. As soon as Michael entered the bailey he barely had time to look up before, something heavy slammed into his chest, knocking all the wind out of his chest.
"I knew it, they told me you were gone! But I knew you wouldn't leave me!" Sarah said with tears streaming down her face.
Despite the fact he had a broken right collar bone, and the fact he was still recovering from his head injury, at the moment, he didn't feel any of it. Circling his arms around her armor, he relaxed and let her cry into his broken collar.
Looking up he spotted his mother. She looked tired and battled fatigued, but still offered him a teary smile in return.
Pulling back slightly he gave Sarah a kiss. "Come on, we can have our medical staff look at your injuries."
Sarah took his hand in hers, and began to pull him. But when he didn't move, she quickly turned around.
"We can't sit around any more. We have to press our advantage. The time to remove the Enclave from the Capital Wasteland is now," he said with a defiant tone in his force, as the remaining Dragon Knights all folded there arms across there chests.
Right before Sarah could ask how they were going to do that, Elder Cross spoke first. "How may I ask you plan on doing that? We don't have enough healthy men, to assault there well prepared defenses at the Memorial or Rivet City."
At that Michael turned to Whiplash and gave him a slight head nod. At that Whiplash reached inside his back pack and pulled out the Multiple Energy Phase Converter chip, he had received from President Eden, before he blew himself up.
"That my friends is a Multiple Energy Phase Converter. I managed to convince President Eden to give it too me, before destroying Raven Rock, a few hours ago. I believe this was all you need in order to get Liberty Prime ready for action,"he said staring at his mother.
At first no one moved or said anything, until Whiplash walked over and placed the chip into Catherine's stunned face.
"Please Mrs. Rothchild, time is of the essence."
Suddenly it was like a bomb went off. "Yes, yes of course. Derek and Dr. Li should be in the labs right now," she said running for the lab doors, with everyone else trailing behind her.
Going inside they were once again greeted with the massive sight of Liberty Prime. After Catherine told her husband and Doctor Li the exciting news, they gathered 12 person team, combined of Brotherhood and Project Purity scientists to install the chip. It was during this 10 minute break, Michael, Sydney and Jessica got some medical attention.
"There, I did as best as I could. But it looks like you broke multiple bones in both of your legs. I suggest you make your way over to the A ring so we can start treatment,"replied Scribe Peabody who was trying to help as many wounded as he could.
Michael grunted a bit in pain while Bryan shot the stim-pak directly into his shoulder. Turning over he heard what Peabody had told her, and new right away what her response was going to be.
Jessica reached over and grabbed some buffout. Downing a some pills, she stood up. "Like fucking hell I will. I haven't fought all these years to miss the most important battle around here since the Great War. The only way I will go seek further medical treatment is when I am dead."
And with that she picked up her mini gun and hobbled away from him. Looking ahead he could see Sarah was giving her 6 surviving members of Lyons Pride a pep talk.
"Thanks Bryan,"he said after he had given him some jet for the pain,"get the troops ready for action."
Giving Bryan one more nod, Michael calmly walked over to Fawkes, who was looking up at the giant robot.
"Kinda makes me look small."
Michael chuckled a bit. "Indeed my friend. But it's not the size that counts, it what you do with it."
At this Fawkes gave him a curious look, or Michael thought so, since the mutant's face was always stuck in the same look.
"I am beginning to find this out. Don't you worry Commander, I will fight for you to the bitter end."
Right before Michael could say anything pipes blew some steam near them, forcing them to back away from the giant robot.
"It's working. Its fucking working!" Derek said to himself as he watched the small computer monitor that they used to program the robot.
Suddenly the giant robot's bright red eye light turned on. A few more steam valves opened up, before the robot's head look around a bit.
"Liberty Prime is online. All systems Nominal. Weapons hot. Mission: the destruction of any and all Chinese communists"
With out warning everyone pumped there fist and cheered at the sight of there secret weapon, ready for action. Once the small celebration died down, Sarah began to lead her strike team up the stairs. Grabbing the G.E.C.K from Dr. Li, Michael and rest of the Dragon Knights quickly fallowed behind them and entered the bailey. In the heart of the bailey the robot began to emerge from a nearby crane, that was pulling the giant robot up from the lab area.
Near the shooting raise, he spotted Elder Cross, and 10 man squad made of knights, paladin and 2 inanities. Turning his direction back to Sarah he spotted an Ham radio. Whiplash and Knight Captain Durga were busy getting it ready.
"Go ahead Michael you speaking to the entire capital Wasteland,"stated Three Dog on the other line.
Bending down and picking up the receiver, he thought for a moment before speaking. "People of the Capital Wasteland. Now is the time. Today we end the Enclaves hold on our land. I want you all to remember, everyone of you has made this day possible. Thank you, for your tireless effort and support. I have one more thing to say before I go. All fronts are given a go, engage the enemy. I repeat engage the enemy and drive them back to where they came from. That is all."
Putting down the receiver he was about to rejoin his comrades when Durga appeared in front of him.
"Here take this combat armor and helmet. I know it's not as good as your Dragon Knight armor but it should offer you more protection, than that leather armor," she said thrusting the armor and helmet into his hands.
Smiling he quickly started to put on the armor. "Thanks knight captain, I owe you one."
Heading outside Michael rejoined everyone else, to watch the crane finally put Liberty Prime down, near the river's edge and Arlington Memorial Bridge.
"Great speech there Mike, but lets finish this," stated Sarah putting on her helmet.
Michael turned to look at the bridge. "Right you are my wife," he said putting his Chinese assault rifle back up, and grabbing his special sniper rifle instead.
Right before they could even take one step on the bridge, prime spotted something. "Communist target detected".
At first they couldn't see anything ,expect a few photonic resonance barriers that was blocking the most direct route to the Memorial.
"It's a vertibird!" Yelled Bryan looking through his Gauss sniper rifle.
Suddenly Prime shot multiple laser bursts from his eyes causing the helicopter to catch fire and violently crash into a destroyed building across the river, before exploding.
"Hell yeah, that's what I am talking about! "Shouted Vargas raising his Assault rifle in the air.
Liberty Prime looked around a bit before it lurched forward marching down the intact bridge. As soon as they stepped one foot on the bridge, they came under artillery fire. The shells landed nearby, while several hit Prime it self. The robot was not even fazed by the barrage, before it started annihilating anything in it's path with it's twin mounted laser cannons.
"Shit!" Shouted Cross as an shell had impacted near them, killing a knight and Paladin.
"Stay close to Prime!" Shouted Sarah making everyone move with in 15 feet of the giant robot.
Looking up Michael spotted 4 Enclave troopers wielding missiles launches coming down on the left and right side a piece.
"Enemy contact on both sides! "He yelled getting there attention.
Once Prime was level with the soldiers on either side he turned to face the right side. "Embrace democracy or be annihilated".
Swinging it's massive arm forward it smacked the 4 solders off the ledge and through a building. Suddenly 2 missiles impacted the chest of Prime, who simply turned to look at them. Reaching behind itself, Prime grabbed a nuclear warhead, and chucked it in there general direction. The explosion sent up a mushroom cloud in the sky, as Michael had to dive to his right, in order to stop a missile launcher from hitting him.
While on the ground he spotted a officer trying to give orders to his troopers. Quickly taking aim he fired hitting the man in the side of the head, causing his head to explode into a gory mess.
"Come on Commander, we have to keep moving," said Fawkes lifting him up by his belt.
A minute later they came across the first photonic resonance barrier that blocked there way. Prime walked directly up to the barrier before stopping.
"Analyzing problem. Weakness discovered. Removing obstacle."
Reaching out it grabbed both barrier ends in it's hands. With a mighty tug he ripped both ends out of the ground, before tossing them aside from the road.
"Freedom is the sovereign right of every American," said Prime blasting another 3 Enclave troopers, and stomping on another two.
Michael exchanged a stunned look with Bryan who had a could only laugh a bit. "Okay... Let Liberty Prime clear the road. Mop up the rest! "Yelled Sarah firing a bursts of her plasma rifle at an injured Tesla power armor trooper.
Mean while Reilly and her combined ground forces had just started crossing the Enclave made bridge at the ruined Arlington Library. At first they encountered little to no resistance, mostly mines and other traps. Only after a group of snipers that had killed 3 militia's members did they see why. Driving forward they pelted a small barricade and group of cars with scores of rounds, silencing the sniper division.
"That might be a problem," said Hammer from the top turret.
In front of them was photonic resonance barrier blocking the entire bridge. Reilly drove closer, when suddenly a small blast erupted from under the truck.
"Shit! She said running over a small group of mines that was 10 feet in front of the barrier.
Ginny, Butcher, and Ryan felt the under bellow shake violently, but after a few seconds later, they saw the metal armor was still intact.
"Were all okay back here," said Butcher into his pip-boy.
Ginny looked through the bullet proof glass and spotted the barrier. Looking back at the Ion cannon, she got an idea. Walking back to the gun, she quickly strapped herself in, and loaded the two cells into the cannon.
"Reilly, turn the truck around. If what Michael say's is true, this cannon should get the job done," replied Ginny into her pip-boy.
Backing up a bit, she quickly turned the fortresses around, giving Ginny 25 feet to work with. Taking aim she fired the blast at the barrier. Moments later the barrier went down, giving them access to the entire bridge again.
Driving backwards a bit, she quickly spun the truck back around and stopped. "Hang on, here we go!"
Pushing the petal all the way down, she drove forward at full speed. The combined army that was behind her, started sprinting to try and catch up. Suddenly the bridge came under heavy fire with scores of laser and plasma rounds erupting all around them. Returning fire Reilly spotted a small army of robots was guard the remainder of the bridge. Charging forward she knocked 3 robo brains out of the way, before skidding to a halt again with the back end facing a 4 sentry bots who were 40 feet away from them.
"Ginny fire, fire now!" Shouted Reilly as they aimed there missiles at the truck.
Lining up the shot, she fired the emp burst just as 4 missiles went off aimed at them. Noticing this Reilly turned sharply hoping the missiles would hit the right side, where the armor was stronger, and not the back end where Ginny could be hurt.
Two missiles impacted the side of the fortresses, exploding with a tremendous force. Ryan who was manning the right side was thrown backwards. Getting up he could see despite the blow the armor was still holding. Behind them they saw the other two missiles that missed the truck struck the right and left side of the bridge. The explosions sent up walls of flames, killing or injuring six regulator's and militia soldiers.
"Damn it," Reilly said curing to herself as she turned the truck back around yet again.
Driving forward she rammed the 4 disabled sentry bots, clearing the road for the remaining army. After destroying another 5 Mr. Gutsy at the end of the bridge, they finally made there way on solid land again. Stopping they waited for the main army to finally catch up with them.
"General Reilly were here. Come on lets end this! Shouted Major Lepelletir to the Rangers inside the truck.
Reilly grinned to herself. "Fucking right."
Charging forward they started returning fire at the Memorial, at the last stand the Enclave at set up. Up on the small hill that overlooked the nearby area, they could see 6 artillery guns that was firing at the north. With out warning the entire artillery ground lite up with a green mushroom cloud. The massive shock wave hit the truck hard, making Reilly loose control a bit. Turning to the right and left quickly she manged to keep the fortresses under control, before they spotted what had done the damage.
"Holy fucking shit. Look at the giant thing," said Hammer spotting Liberty Prime shooting down another vertibird that exploded in the air.
"Reilly, what took you so long?" Asked Michael from his pip-boy.
Reilly shook her head. "Smart ass. So what is our next move?" She asked racing across the hilly ground towards them.
"The best way is across that catwalk, and into the gift shop."
Spotting Michael, and the rest of there attack squad, she veered slightly right and up the catwalk. Hitting the small ramp, the truck actually got some air, before it came crashing back down crushing an enclave officer and Tesla power armor trooper.
"Fatman!" Shouted Hammer spotting two solders getting ready to fire at them.
Turning sharply to the right they barely avoided the mini nuke as it went past them and exploded inside the irradiated water down below. But the momentum of turning to avoid the mini nuke was carrying them into the nearby guard rail on the catwalk. Reilly desperately tried to turn left but they where going to fast. Instead the truck's damaged grill screen hit the guard rail at angle at full speed. Because of the angle of the impact it tore off the grill screen and crushed a bit of the front end before the momentum of the blow sent the truck rolling on it's side.
The truck rolled violently 5 times before slamming hard into the right guard rail again. Rolling against the guard rail for another 10 feet the truck finally came to stop on it's right side, with the smashed in front end sticking off the catwalk a bit.
Like everyone else, Michael could not see the accident but they could hear the sound of twisting metal and loud bangs.
"Reilly, Reilly!" He shouted hoping she was still alive.
Liberty Prime now was holding it's position in the backside of the Memorial. Running ahead Michael's squad and Major Lepelletir's army group finally met going up the catwalk as Prime had removed all resistance along the backside.
Running up the slight incline, he finally could see the what had happen. About half way down the cat walk, the truck had struck the guard rail and flipped several times before coming to stop 3/4's the way down the walk.
"Major keep going, and eliminate any Enclave resistance you find. You should find Commandant Danvers and Regulator Captain Cruise assaulting Rivet City. Secure all the area between the front side of the memorial and Rivet City!" Shouted Michael to the major as they were running towards the flipped fortresses.
"Yes sir," she said charging forward and past the smoking truck.
Ahead they began to fire at the retreating Enclave troopers who were quickly overwhelmed with sheer numbers, as 10 of them were dead with in minutes. Finally Michael, Sarah's and Crosses group reached the flipped truck.
"Whip, you and Bryan, and Sydney help the ones in the back. Me and Jessica will check on Reilly in the driver's seat," he said running around the right side.
Just when Vargas was about to help Bryan up, he head violently kicked back as Sydney found herself covered in blood and brains. Jessica who was standing on top of the passengers side door, turned at the last moment, before a shot struck her in the middle of the back and out her chest, despite her combat armor.
Jessica fell forward and would have hit the ground in Michael and Sarah had caught her first.
"Snipers, top of the Memorial!" Shouted Cross to her group making everyone fan out.
"Suppressing fire, right now!" Ordered Sarah.
Suddenly they began to open up on the 2 snipers forcing them to stay covered. At this Bryan and Dusk rounded the corner and climbed on top of the truck again. Normally this would make them sitting ducks like Jess and Vargas, but with the suppressing fire, it allowed them to take aim.
"You take the right, I will get the left," stated Dusk to Bryan before they both took aim.
Barely a few seconds later both snipers found themselves with bullets in there brains, finally silencing them. Setting Jessica down they could see she that Jessica had been shot in the heart. But thankfully the bullet only hit the side, or else she would be dead outright. Not to mention her special healing ability was the only thing that was still keeping her alive.
"How bad is it?" She asked coughing up some blood, as she sat up.
Michael looked at Sarah before shaking his head at her. "Not good my friend. Your body is trying to heal itself, but you are losing too much blood."
At this Sarah left them and began opening the passenger side door with the help of Fawkes.
"So I am actually dieing," she said with a small laugh,"Oh well, can you help me up?"
Giving her his hand he helped her up to her feet. "Thanks," she said dropping her mini gun and grabbing her laser pistol in her left hand, while her right she put over her wound.
"Reilly is still alive, although badly bruised and beaten!" Shouted Sarah as she came out and placed the still couscous general on the catwalk.
Michael bent down the injured Reilly."Reilly can you hear me?"
She simply nodded her head as some blood came down the side of her face. "Please tell me the others are okay? Hammer's gone. He was in the top turret."
A minute later the Lyon's Pride had finally opened the back panels. Inside they discovered the rest were still alive. Both Ginny and Butcher were unconscious with severe injuries, and broken bones. Ryan was the worst of them all. Both of his legs were bent at horrible angles with his shin bones sticking out. But more importantly he had regain couscous, and was an a tremendous amount of pain.
"Michael, Sarah, you guys go. Will stay here and help them. Don't you worry we won't let any one of them die," said Cross with a determined look on her face.
Giving Reilly one more last look, they finally raced past the destroyed truck. Going down the last leg of the catwalk, they finally discovered the severed top half of Hammer's body floating in the nearby water.
"There's the gift shop entrance," said Sydney noticing the door.
Giving Sarah a small nod, she ordered Paladin Glade and Knight Artemis to kick open the door. Going inside they quickly discovered the gift shop was empty. Signaling to everyone else it was safe to enter, they joined them inside.
By now Jessica was leaning heavily on Bryan to help her walk, with blood coming down her armor.
"Just help me walk," she said stopping him from asking anything more about her wound.
Glade, Artemis, and Dusk all went ahead towards the middle rooms, checking for any more Enclave presence. About a minute later they all came back.
"Nothing, ma'am,"replied Dusk raising her sniper rifle and putting it on her shoulder.
At this Michael put away his own sniper rifle and switched it with his Chinese Assault rifle. Putting down his pack, he reached inside and pulled out the G.E.C.K, and gave it to Jessica.
"Don't worry I won't let it out of my sight," she said weakly.
"Okay, just take weapons and ammo, drop everything else," Michael said to his Dragon Knights.
Once they had all dropped there packs and extra gear, everyone moved forward and down the hall. Coming up to the rotunda doors, Sarah once again ordered Glade and Artemis forward, while everyone else had there guns drawled and pointed at the doors.
"Do it guys."
It took several times to kick in the doors, but on the 4th try they finally gave way, allowing them entrance. Walking calmly inside they spotted Colonel Autumn and 2 Tesla Power armor troopers, one on top of each stairwell blocking the way.
Everyone had there guns squarely pointed at the Autumn and his guards, showing that he was outmaneuvered and out gunned.
"When I heard the rumors that Raven Rock had been destroyed, at first I thought they were just that rumors. But when I realized it was you who was personally leading the counter attack, I knew it's fate, and mine were sealed."
Michael stepped forward and lowered his assault rifle. "If you surrender now I will give full quarter. I have made sure every Enclave POW has been treated fairly and fed to the best of our abilities. So I will ask again, surrender or prepare to be annihilated."
Colonel Autumn reached down and pulled out his 10mm pistol, making everyone take a step forward, when Michael held up his hand, stopping them from firing.
Autumn looked down at his own weapon. "You know my father once told me, we wear our sins on our shoulders. And at the end we have to be willing to face them, or the only person we are fooling is ourselves. Today has proven the only person I was fooling was myself, thinking I could snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. You have been a worthy adversary Commander in chief Rivers... Goodbye."
And with that he quickly raised his gun to the side of his head and fired, killing himself. As soon as the colonel's body hit the ground, Michael looked at his two remaining guards.
"Drop your guns, now or die," said Sarah stepping forward and taking off her helmet.
The two guards gave each other a look, before tossing down there plasma rifles on either side of the stair well. Putting there hands above there head, they came down the stairs and were quickly taken into custody by Knight Captain Driver, and Dusk.
"Whip, how bad is the radiation levels inside the purifier?"
Going forward he took a quick scan with his pip-boy before coming back. "About 50 rads per second."
"So, who ever puts the G.E.C.K in and enters the pass code will not be coming back then?" Asked Bryan with a somber expression on his face.
Right before everyone started discussing on who was going to sacrifice themselves, Michael walked past Sarah and took the G.E.C.K from her hand.
At this Sarah stepped in front of him. "No, your too important to this country... and me. You have a daughter damn it."
Michael grabbed a hold of her hands in his. "I know and that's why I have to do this. My parents gave everything they had for this. As Autumn so elegantly put, this is my sin to bear. Don't worry my love, I know Katie is in good hands with you."
Giving her one last kiss Michael took a deep breath and started walking forward. Climbing the stairs he stopped half way and gave one more look at everyone. Holding up his left hand he gave them all a brief salute. Once everyone gave returned he turned his attention back to the purifiers entrance doors, which were sealed shut.
Suddenly with out warning Jessica sprang to life, and ran past everyone who had there focus on Michael. Sprinting up the stairs she reached the top stair, just as Michael was about to enter the door. Sweeping his legs out from under him, making him fall hard onto the metal grate below. Even before he could understand what was happening, Jessica picked up the G.E.C.K and entered the chamber. Waiting a second for the second glass doors to unseal themselves, she entered the purifier room.
Michael sat up and finally realized what happen. Looking back down at where the G.E.C.K should have been, but instead he spotted Victoria and Jessica's Dragon Knight ring instead.
"Jess, are you trying to play hero?" He asked pounding his fists against the glass.
Smiling she turned around to face. "Yes sir. Now if you don't tell me where to put this, then even I will die from the radiation."
Michael shook his head. Only he knew that Jessica was already dead, it was only a matter of time. In truth he didn't want to die, but he wasn't about to let anyone else take the responsibility of sacrificing themselves.
Jessica coughed up even more blood, as this time there was solid chunks on the monitor. "Okay Jess, you want to chemical fusion molecular assembly-device to the main frame directly in front of you."
Nodding she hobbled over to the main frame and opened the G.E.C.K. Opening the bottom towers she pulled out two wires, and contacted them on either side of the device. Suddenly the device glowed a bright blue, as a mini power surge went through the entire complex. After a moment they could see the giant purifier inside the tank was surging with power and began to spin faster.
Jessica was having a hard time breathing as she reached down and grabbed her chest. "Jess you have to get up and enter the code. It's 2-1-6, come you can do this."
Opening her eyes, she slowly lifted herself up by grabbing a hold of the control panel, as the pain in her legs was too much, to try and use them now. Propping her head on the her elbows for support, she reached and put in the three digit code. Entering the last number she fell flat on her back with a broad grin across her face.
"Thank you Jess," he said softly, more to himself then to her.
A few seconds later the radiation that had saved her life so many times before, finally took her life, as her head rolled over on it's side. Backing away from the glass he saw the another power surge forming inside the purifier again.
"Michael watch out!" Yelled Sarah.
Right before he could head for the stairs, a second and more powerful surge ripped through the complex, sending Michael over the railing and crashing on the hard metal floor.
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.
