And chapter 11 is here everyone, hopefully you all enjoy.
You all ready?
Song used
"Hard Boy" by Frawley
-Extra Service: Discovered-
There were twenty signals that responded. However, only ten were detected. Those 10 with two locations offline. Amanda figured to expect those two would be, for obvious reasons. However, the other ten weren't shown. Perhaps those ten didn't got the signal well, depending on their signal strength, that or, those other ten locations intended not to respond. If so, Amanda figured that perhaps, she'll have to deal with deserters. But frowning, Amanda knew she'd make no difference with the previous Enclave if she'd have deserters dealt with. Her purpose was to make a much better image of the Enclave in the Commonwealth while maintaining her control over those she puts under her wing. A an image, through her vision of course, and she didn't liked agreeing to execution, despite her craving for power and control, still. However, she still wouldn't let those deserters getting off just easily as she'll track them down.
After finally making the airbase fully operational, Amanda had left her assigned AI guard to maintain security on the airbase. She was very pleased after spending hours of learning how to operate a vertibird, learning the blueprints about Tesla modifications on power armors, even managed to come up with some adjustments on the blueprint of her own. She figured installing Tesla modifications on Patriot would help personalize her personal companion and future second in command.
But what pleased Amanda even more, was the huge abundant stock of spare X01 parts on a storage room in the second hangar. Despite the signature dark grey Enclave paint, the spare chest pieces still needed the insignia. Which, Amanda took advantage of replacing the current power armor parts of her two AIs on Sanctuary with X01 parts. She just wasn't feeling good about the thought of having an automated X01 roaming in the Commonwealth with the Enclave insignia. Yet.
But after a long walk travel, she finally arrived back at Sanctuary, just before the sun started to set.
Emmidiately working on her AIs by the time she entered the garage, Amanda was suddenly interrupted.
"Hey. You're back. Everyone pretty much needed to sleep, Codsworth needs some recharging. I figured waiting for you."
Frowning with a curse under her breath, Amanda turned her head with an annoyed look to see Piper approaching.
"Oh... Uh, sorry... Am I... Bothering?"
Rolling her eyes as she fully turned her attention to the other woman, Amanda cocked a brow with her annoyed expression still plastered on her face.
"What do you think?"
Seeing a short frown on Piper before sighing afterwards, she got a reply.
"Okay. It was a stupid question. I get it. And I'm sorry-"
"Piper. If you're worried I assure you. I'm fine."
"I know I just... Wanted to return the favor... You're a good person, I know it. Even if you're... Like that."
Amanda frowned bitterly before folding her arms firmly.
"Like what?"
"Like... Don't be mad. But... You're like... That short tempered woman people would start wondering just how many problems you have, but even there are people insisting to help, you decide to keep things to yourself because you look independent, but with the mix of... Manipula... Tive?"
Amanda stared at the other woman for a long moment. Not a word ever escaped her lips as she only stood slowly from her chair before taking a few steps forward until she was two feet away from Piper.
Slowly leading to the other woman with her eyes slowly narrowed, Amanda cleared her throat and began.
"You have my attention. Now... Speak. Tell me what you want to say until you're done."
Seeing Piper slowly leaning back, Amanda softly grabbed her wrist, preventing the other woman to attempt to slowly step back away.
"Amanda-"
"I'm all ears. My attention is on you. Now... Tell me what you want to say before you go inside. You want my attention, hm? Well, now you have it."
Seeing Piper looking down reluctantly, Amanda only stared with a firm look on her face.
"Well?"
"I... Amanda I just..."
"Just what?"
Amanda leaned even forward. Until her nose was clearly in contact to Piper's.
"Amanda..."
Amanda simply leaned back before staking a step away before folding her arms.
"I knew it. I figured this is why you care so much. But I'll have you know, Piper. That I have better things to do than spend my little time on such things."
Amanda simply said with a frown. She didn't had time for things like that such that she once had with Nate. She knew herself better, and her priorities comes first.
"I'm sorry... Amanda... I don't mean to-"
"Go get some rest, Piper. Lock the room if you like, I'll be far long awake all night working on Patriot and the spare AI."
Seeing Piper only looking down in silence, Amanda frowned, before she got a response.
"O... Kay. Just to be honest... I... Nevermind..."
After finally being left alone, Amanda resumed her focus on working on the AIs, only to be bothered a thought the she still couldn't shake off, that suspicion why was Nick even in Sanctuary earlier.
Deciding to erase it the thought on her mind, Amanda decided to focus in working on the AIs. She had enough distractions, and she needed to remain focus.
After three hours of replacing the current parts with X01 parts, as well as putting the Tesla modifications on Patriot, Amanda let out a huge sigh of relief afterwards before leaning back on her chair. A perfect sight to see these X01s ready to tackle missions, but since she has two days off her little service to the USAF, Amanda could use a little bit more of exploration and get these AIs for a field test. But as Amanda tried stand up from her chair, she found it hard as she was needing rest. She had been forcing herself to keep pacing forward on this she's doing.
Opening her eyes, she found herself in Vault 111. The Facility wing. Looking around, she was inside the cave entry, right in front of the opened gear door. She expected the cave entertaining already had guards in it, but deciding to enter the Vault, she eventually made her way inside. Oddly enough, there was no one around.
Amanda mentally cursed with a frown as she walked further, and heading straight to the only office on the facility wing, Amanda peeked in to find no one.
Stepping in, she heard a slight, silenced coughed.
"General?"
Cautiously stepping in further, she found a fresh stain of blood on the floor behind the desk, there, she found the General laying on the floor, his bloodied hands clutching on his abdomen.
Amanda's eyes widening at the sight, she emmidiately got on her knees, and picked up the bleeding man.
"General! General!"
Only earning his attention as he only likes at her, his face somehow showing a grimacing look.
"General, what happened here?"
Amanda began, but as she held the man in her arms, the General slowly began breathing heavily, his hand slowly pointing outsides the door.
"General... What happened? Where's everyone?"
She recieved a small cough, but as she watched blood on his mouth, Amanda watched as he slowly opened his bloodied mouth and got a whispered reply.
"R... Run..."
"General Ward!"
Seeing the General's eyes closing, Amanda began shaking the man violently.
"General!"
Amanda kept shaking the General, but it was too late. The man was gone. But where was everyone?
Frowning bitterly, Amanda slowly placed the man down on the floor before cautiously stepping through the door out of the office to where the General was pointing.
As she got out of the office, Amanda began looking around. There was no one. But hearing one thing, she couldn't make out the sound, but as she listened further closely, she heard deep breathing.
Taking out her laser rifle, Amanda aimed at the front corridor, the breathing was getting loud.
Keeping her laser rifle aimed, Amanda waited, and waited as the breathing got closer. But nothing came walking out of the corridor. It hit her in realization. The breathing was still close, but loud and deep. She didn't had the to react as she was grabbed from behind by metal hands and was thrown into the main center of the Vault near the gear door.
Grunting in pain with her teeth gritted after crashing on the floor, Amanda slowly regained control on herself as she reached for her laser rifle, aiming it to her attacker, it was someone wearing an X01 suit of power armor. A very old, worn and rusted suit of X01 coated in fresh blood.
The breathing was heard again, but much rather deep as it slowly stepped forward, it's hand servos clenched into fists, droplets on blood was obviously noticeable.
Amanda stood on her spot and began firing at the person, but as the armor only kept walking, she was then grabbed again and was slammed on the wall.
Despite the pain, Amanda gritted her teeth as she violently shoved the person with her laser rifle, forcing whoever it was to drop her on the floor. But it didn't worked as her rifle was grabbed and was tossed aside.
Standing tall in front of her, Amanda only wiped the blood on her lip, her eyes showing a fierce of anger rather fear. Perhaps she was no longer afraid to die, but as she emmidiately got up to tackle the armored attacker, she was successful only to be punched in the face by the time they both collided on the floor, sending her stumbling backwards.
Getting up again, her hands clenched into fists, Amanda was determined to fight, whoever this was.
"Take off your fucking helmet, show yourself!"
There was a long pause, staring into those yellow eyes on the helmet, Amanda's teeth gritted even more as she waited. It finally complied, and removing it's helmet slowly, it wasn't a man. Long, brunette hair, pale white skin, and a pristine face of a woman. With green fierce eyes.
"Your face... Who are you... Who. Are. YOU!?"
Amanda furiously demanded, but as she watched the woman stepped forward, she got only one response as the other woman took out a plasma pistol from behind.
"I. Am. The Enclave."
The woman drew out her plasma pistol and pulled the trigger at her.
Amanda gasped awake loudly, and reaching for her combat shotgun she frantically began looking around.
Finding herself on the garage while covered with a slightly torn blanket. But there was nothing from what she saw.
Seeing Patriot now activating himself and slowly looking around before turning to her, Amanda only stayed quiet as the AI slowly began.
"Commander. Is there something wrong? Were we infiltrated by communists?"
Turning her eyes to observe the entire figure of dark grey X01 with Tesla modifications, Amanda let out a sigh of relief as she removed the blanket.
"It's fine, Patriot. Nothing is wrong."
"Scanning: I scan lying. On the scale 1 to 10. Commander, you are not well. My scans indicate you are suffering from mental frustration, over fatigue and lack of rest."
Amanda bitterly frowned before setting down her shotgun.
"I'm fine, Patriot. I probably just need to eat."
"You need medical help, Commander. You are not functioning properly."
"Dammit, Patriot I said I'm fine..."
Amanda bitterly spat, but seeing the AI only staring down at her, she got another response.
"Your state is very serious, Commander. I am not certain you are well enough to be on duty today."
"Alright. Fine. I'll go see Dr. Kane..."
"You're temper is getting over you, Commander. Suggestion to keep calm would be advised."
Amanda's face turned even bitter as she only stood before rearranging the tools on the crafting station.
"I'll be fine. It's nothing."
She began muttering before finally heading inside the house to clean herself, unfortunately for her, Patriot still followed her before stopping on guard in the living room.
"I see you're awake, mum! Breakfast shall be ready soon!"
Passing by Codsworth, Amanda only gave a slight nod, before entering her shared room with Piper to grab a clean towel on the old closet.
Walking out of the room and onto the bathroom, Amanda walked passed Piper from the kitchen.
"Hey, you're awake. I'm glad you got enough rest. Been checking up on you to see if you're awake, and gave you a blanket. Figured letting you get you're deserved sleep than disturb you."
Amanda only gave a small nod.
"Thanks... Piper. But I'm fine. That's it."
Seeing Piper slowly nodding, Amanda was relieved the other woman wasn't being a bit pushy, she could get used to it for a bit. But setting aside her exhaustion, Amanda knew she had a lot of work to do.
Walking back to the living room to Patriot.
"I need you to get the T-60 all set up on the Master's bedroom. We'll be moving out to see Dr. Kane."
"Yes, Commander."
After taking off and onto the bathroom, Amanda quickly began cleaning herself right away, but after drying herself, she found herself looking on an old mirror. Her reflection was indeed not looking so well. But that face on the mirror... Long brunette hair, pale white skin, that pristine face of a woman, and those green fierce eyes. Amanda bitterly frowned. That was just a dream. Nothing more.
Emmidiately heading to the bedroom, Amanda closed the door, seeing the dark grey T-60 all opened from behind ready for use, Amanda began dressing herself ready, but looking over her bed, she prepared two clothing. The same blue jumpsuit of Vault 111, and a black military fatigues. Only one of the abundant supply of military clothing she decided to take from the storage rooms at the Enclave airbase.
Amanda bitterly frowned once again, but after taking a short time of drying her hair, she finally began dressing herself.
Looking on a mirror to see her reflection again, she smiled gently which later on turned into a grin. That black Enclave fatigues perfectly suited her figure well, and all she was missing was an outer clothing. Amanda then began taking out another Enclave clothing from her inventory. The only long black coat she ever found on the storage that came in pair with a black scarf.
Putting it on, Amanda grinned even more. The sight of her reflection was a perfect representation of how she should be. And Amanda loved that.
Getting on her T-60, Amanda began to head out of the room and outside only to see the Codsworth approaching her with a glare of food.
"Oh, you're heading out again, mum? But I've prepared breakfast."
Amanda only shook her head before giving a response.
"Just give it to Nat, or to Piper. I'll eat outside."
"When will you be home, mum?"
Amanda took a moment before giving a simple reply.
"I'm going to explore for a bit more, and I'll be setting up a camp. Don't worry I'll bring the AIs with me. I'll be home tomorrow. And tell Piper not to worry."
"Well, I suppose it'll be alright I guess. Just be safe out there and be back soon, mum."
And a only gave a nod in response.
Walking out and meeting up with the two AIs on X01s, Amanda began.
"Let's move. We're going to visit Dr. Kane in Vault 111."
She simply said you're leading the two AIs on the other side of the Vault, and after passing through the guards on the cave entry, Amanda was relieved to see people on the Vault. She just kept trying her best to ignore what dream she had, and passing the General's office, Amanda told her two AIs to stand guard outside the elevator before making her way on temper sexton of the Vault, there she found the doctor on the labs taking note on a clipboard.
"Dr. Kane."
Getting the doctor's attention, Amanda spoke again.
"Have you done replicating those AI chips?"
Recieving a small nod, she was then gesture to follow further in the labs before she was finally given twenty AI chips.
"Twenty AI chips for now. I sure hope you know what you're doing, Mrs. Amani. This, isn't something General Ward would approve of but I'll pretend that the two of us don't know about these AI chips..."
"Nonsense, Dr. Kane. I know exactly what I'm doing."
"Very well."
After the conversation, Amanda emmidiately made her way back to her AIs and altogether, led them back to god Enclave airbase, by taking another different route around, just in case she wasn't followed. And after a long walk, they finally arrived at the airbase where Amanda instructed the current three AIs to install the 20 AI chips on the spare X01s before making her way to the establishment across the hangars which she turned as the airbase control room, surrounded by six turrets.
Checking the terminal and seeing it the same there was no response on the terminal, not that she needed a response. But as she stepped outside again, her Pip Boy began picking up signals.
Getting off her T-60, Amanda checked the Pip Boy for a split second before a grin was plastered on her face.
Her green eyes turning up to the fray sky, it didn't took seconds as she saw the glimpse of not one, but a total of 26 vertibirds emerging from a distance.
Simply stepping off the huge runway, Amanda placed her hands on her back and watched as each vertibird descended from above, soldiers in similarly dressed uniforms began emerging out of each aircraft, some well armed, others not so much. But all wore military grade body armor with the Enclave insignia visibly exposed. All except each men and women that began stepping out of the vertibirds were wearing old and rusted gears.
"I see you're all here."
She finally began as she took a single step.
Seeing each faces with all attention on her, Amanda continued.
"I know. You've all struggled for the past decade. And I know you're all out of options. But seeing today, you're all here and reunited, I assure you all that we will thrive. As one."
Amanda simply added, but seeing such relieved expressions, she wondered. Just how desperate were these people now?
"Were willing to serve, Ma'am. We don't need backgrounds, or anything, but to return guiding us to this location, were ready to serve you at any cost."
Hearing a man reply with the rank of SFC, Amanda gave a nod. Perhaps, they didn't cared at all if she's from a Vault. As long as she's involved with the Enclave, these men and women would follow orders. After all, who was still around to object to her decision on this she's doing. Reforming a new Enclave? Nobody from the previous leaders are any left. And these service men and women didn't looked the type to be those people to judge.
Clearing her throat, Amanda began.
"This airbase has an abundance of supplies. Seeing it once an Enclave supply airbase, we wouldn't have to worry on keeping check on current supplies. So emmidiately, proceed to the third hangar and get your issued X01 suits of power armors then proceed to hangar 1 for reissued firearms."
"YES, COMMANDER!"
Gaining quick salutes from each men and women, Amanda watched the personnel began marching to the third hangar, but then came marching out pass the humans were the AIs she planned to be basic offense units possible. Amanda loved the sight as she began addressing the AIs to issue themselves weapons, and after ten minutes of waiting, all humans, and AIs all in lines of ten stood in front while facing her.
This was now happening on her favor. Time to make her first move as the Enclave Commander.
"Listen up. I know you're all wondering, confused, and lost of hope. But this isn't about restoring America anymore. This is, about liberating the Commonwealth from the thorn that prevents it's people from thriving. Isn't that what the Enclave always wanted to do? To build America's future. But no. It's time, we will build what future we can build, not for those who once sat atop the Enclave. But for us and we won't kindly take failure as an option. No matter what the cost is."
She paused, her eyes observing each personnel fully listening to her. She now has their attention. And all she needed now is to lead them, the way she sees it.
"We will change a huge rule that the Enclave made as their mission on the wasteland. And that is separation. We will separate ourselves from the Enclave that were wipes out not once, but twice. But if there's one thing that we will NOT change? Is the mission to kill off what poses a threat to us."
She stopped to clear her throat before continuing.
"And if the old Enclave now in hell thinks that we will fall like them? We will prove them damn wrong. Because we will not follow their incompetent path. We will make a path for ourselves. We will follow what we want in the name of true freedom by doing so without a President to tell us what to do, and we will do so without their patriotic propaganda bullshit in the middle of an apocalyptic wasteland!"
Stopping, Amanda took one step. Her expression became firm before finally adding.
"It's time. For us to not allow patriotism take over our heads to prevent falling for the same mistake the previous generations of the Enclave had befallen, that led them to failure and downfall. We will make our own story, our own history. Not something for the past, previous and former Enclave leaders but something for ourselves. Something that we can call our own as the Boston Commonwealth chapter of the Enclave!"
"OOORAAAH!"
Amanda stood straight, her eyes now eyeing each personnel and finally added her last part of her speech.
"We will start lifting our name by obtaining what we need, train and prepare ourselves to fight any hostiles, recover useful resources and if we are ever brought to the chance to show lethal force, we will show those who will oppose us that they will regret ever challenging us, and for daring on stepping on our way!"
"OOORAAAH!"
Sure the conclusion of her speech and tnow boosted the morale on her personnel, Amanda began addressing units on maintaining the airbase functional, others she addressed on operating the computers on the control room and the rest which were mostly consisting of the AIs proceeding on vertibirds and are all ordered to search for more resources in the Commonwealth.
It was all going to her plan and favor now. The sight of these personnel fully motivated to serve once again, it was enough to tell Amanda that she's earned the trust. After all, trust needed to be earned. But this lot of personnel aren't enough. She wanted more.
After giving command to the assigned operators on the control room to locate possible military checkpoints and possible settlements, Amanda began ordering the other AIs to proceed to located checkpoints and even got one of the stored vertibirds ready for take off with AIs as her pilots. Bringing Patriot with her, Amanda finally ordered some human personnel to discard her no longer needed T-60. She needs to start representing herself without hiding under the less advanced power armor, so wearing her full black Enclave fatigues, her long black Enclave coat and a black scarf, it was a perfect timing to finally wear her own version of officer's uniform before finally getting on the vertibird with her AI second in command.
"Commander, we've recieved possible location of an old military bunker! Proceeding to designated location!"
Hearing one of the AI pilots said, Amanda recieved a plasma thrower from her second in command and was then handed with some munitions for her to use.
"Officers issued weapon, Commander."
Giving a small nod, Amanda gave a response.
"It's time we pair designated weapons to designated power armors. Plasma rifles shall be issued to our basic AI offense units on X01s. Our human personnel would only wear their issued X01s until we finally recover that rumored X02 to be their main standard issued power armor, be sure to inform our troops once we get back, Patriot. I will need your assistance as my second in command."
"Yes, Commander!"
The idea was going well, however, she was not sure yet on the idea of wearing an Enclave light body armor. She knew it was too soon, and she had that distinct feeling that General Ward would fully disapprove if she's revealed herself with an Enclave insignia. Amanda needed to take cautious steps while slowly scattering her units for more additional resources.
After half an hour of flight, the vertibird dropped her and Patriot on a forest down a hill. Telling the pilots to be on standby, Amanda checked her Pip Boy and found a signal for a possible settlement that was coming from south.
"Patriot, be on guard."
After recieving a nod from Patriot, Amanda bean taking the lead further south which was up the hill, but ten minutes later on walk, not even teaching the top, Amanda got the sight of an old bunker.
"Commander, I'm detecting possible life signals coming from inside that bunker. Possible communists."
"We can't be sure, Patriot. But I need you on guard, so stay here. I'll go in."
"Yes, Commander."
Cautiously opening the metal door to the bunker, Amanda finally ended the bunker, her plasma thrower in hands.
In disbelief, it was only some kind of shop. An aged man behind a counter wearing a rusted metal armor.
"Hey there. Something I can help you with?"
Amanda carefully approached before putting her gun away.
"This bunker is one of the locations we've recieved for possible settlements, but it would seem it's not how I expected it to be. So, what's the story of this bunker?"
Amanda cautiously asked and recieving a friendly grin, she got a response.
"Well for starters, my name's Chuck... Chuck Finley. I'm part of the group called Outcasts from the Brotherhood of Steel. Were from the DC area."
Amanda's eyes narrowed, she didn't liked what she heard but trying to stay calm and holding back her temper, she only listened.
"We call ourselves the Brotherhood of Gold. And this bunker is our home here in the Commonwealth."
"You're here to horde technology for your greedy deeds am I right?"
"Oh ho no. No, no. You got that wrong, ma'am. Well, we do try to obtain any technology as we can recover, but were here in the Commonwealth for a much better purpose than the Brotherhood of Steel."
Cocking a brow with her head tilted slightly to her side, Amanda began to question.
"What's your business here?"
Seeing the man simple giving a small lazy shrug, Amanda got a reply.
"Well you see, were on a bit of a crusade here. Unlike the Brotherhood, were here to champion the cause of the innocent, the helpless, the powerless, you know, in a world full of criminals who operate above any law."
Amanda folded her arms with a snort.
"What, like your a secret version of the Minutemen?"
"Well, you could say that. Eherm- Now, sorry about that... But our entertainment options here are kind of limited. Yes, we end up watching alot of Knight Rider returns but we ain't like the Brotherhood of Steel with all that medieval shit. The first Outcasts was, but not us anyway. Were just a small organized faction out of the Outcasts. Which, we decide to just why not give the name Brotherhood of Gold since, we were once part of the DC Brotherhood."
Amanda mentally sighed. Could she trust this man who's been formally part of the Brotherhood of Steel?
"That means you were part of the Brotherhood of Steel on DC."
"Well, to answer it, yes. We were part of the Brotherhood of Steel. And were like the Brotherhood for a bit, but were without that whole Nazi vibe bullshit they do. To think of it, we do have a difference, because unlike the Brotherhood of Steel, we generally think that all sentient humanoids have a right to exist."
"Oh really? Can you tell me more?"
Amanda slowly asked in caution. She was still hesitant about this man.
"Well, to tell you more about us, we don't start up fights with anyone just because their skin or DNA is a little different than ours. Well, all except for the Feral ghouls. Fuck those guys. And most Super Mutants, too. Bunch of bitchy little girls."
Amanda raised a brow in curiosity. She figured knowing that a bit more about this discarded side of the Brotherhood.
"So, what do you do for most here in the Commonwealth?"
"We mostly do mercenary work to pay the bills. Hostage rescue, animal control, escort some travellers to and from trading hubs. Shit stuff like that."
Amanda wore a skeptical expression before giving a reply.
"So what, you're playing knight in shining armor here?"
"Well... You could say that. But we try not to be evil above anything else here so we only stay doing what we do. But we don't only just accept payment to pay bills. Like I said earlier, we also search and try to accumulate as much technology as we can. But we don't do that just to use them for personal gain unlike the Brotherhood of Steel by hording technology. We do it to use what technology we accumulate to help out for greater good."
Trying to process in accepting what she's hearing, Amanda then got an idea to ask.
"What's the story of the Brotherhood of Steel? Just give me a summary based off what you know."
She slowly asked, her arms firmly folded on her chest with a hard look on her face.
"Well, it's complicated. But to give you full summary, I guess I can do that. To start off, the Brotherhood of Steel started out in the west coast shortly after the Great War. - They're the second pre war faction after the Enclave - and it's original mission was to horde and preserve pre war technology. Then, just a little over 30 years ago, the Brotherhood sent a group on east to explore, and well that group eventually settled in the DC wasteland. Which is where most of the people here grew up."
Amanda are a nod as she took all the information in.
"Was your former Elder named, Lyons at that time?"
"True fact. His full name was Owyn Lyons. However, at that time, in addition to acquiring technology, Lyons believed it was important to be a good neighbor and help out the local community. Which naturally didn't sit well with the other Brotherhood. Lyons began calling those who opposed to the idea as 'Outcasts' and so, those others Lyons gave the name on decided to leave, led by a Knight who went by name of Protector Casdin, and then the Brotherhood Outcasts was born. I was just a young Initiate at that time when it happened. And we wore the name Outcasts with pride to mock Owyn Lyons. Now to tell you, before we left 'Lyon's Pride' Brotherhood of Steel, we were involved on a massive project to provide clean drinking water to the DC wasteland. Pretty much similar to how the last Colonel of the Enclave 10 years back had in mind, but his was for an agenda he had... It's a long fuckin' story."
Amanda vaguely nodded.
"What happened then, about the DC Brotherhood?"
"Well, over time, more and more members of the Brotherhood on the east coast chapter began assisting the DC community, resulting as a waste of our resources, when it wasn't even necessary."
"And then Lyons died?"
"Yep. As well as his daughter, Sentinel Sarah Lyons - Who was believed to be KIA during their battle against Super Mutants - but let's just say, shit just got a little interestingly stupid after that. Some nobody with no name just came in then ended up leading the Brotherhood, and even earning the rank of Sentinel in replacement to Sarah Lyons. Then brought a giant killer robot called Liberty Prime to life, and led the DC Brotherhood, which led to the last stand of the Enclave on Raven Rock, where they destroyed the Switchboard. Fuckin' stupid if you ask me. 18 year old girl with no name acting like she knows how the wasteland works. Ignorant one, too."
"You've met their former Sentinel?"
"Sure did. She was a wanderer only on the DC, with her sidekick mutt tagging along. Stupid dog almost tried to bite me when I only told his owner off of the Outcast headquarters. I met her first and last time while I was stationed on guard duty on our very first base of operations of Fort Independence on the west of DC. Didn't liked the kid. She's an arrogant, ignorant girl, who only cares for the Brotherhood's interests. Fits her well as a good candidate for Sentinel with Brotherhood standards. Well, Lyon's Pride Brotherhood standard anyway. Their former Sentinel was ignorant."
Amanda mentally noted everything that the man said, she may perhaps do a bit more research about this DC Brotherhood.
"And then what happened next?"
"Then, just a few years back, there was a power struggle. And ultimately, our choices were not optional but to follow a 16 year old mini-Hitler who was appointed as Elder by the west coast Brotherhood, or to leave for greener pastures. Kids started to rule out DC. 20 year old Sentinel, and a 16 year old Elder. Didn't sit well for the others. So, most people stayed, others chose to leave. Then our group here moved northeast to the Commonwealth and we've been making a living here ever since. But we were forced to call ourselves the Brotherhood of Gold. Outcasts were forbidden banned on DC due to to obvious reasons. There are also rumors, that the Brotherhood of DC hunts down remnants of the Outcasts. Some of the Outcasts rejoined the Brotherhood of Steel, the East Coast chapter anyway led by Elder Arthur Maxson. That mini-Hitler is the last former descendant of Roger Maxson. Main founder of the Brotherhood of Steel out of the destroyed pre war military. Basically, pre war US Army deserters as the Brotherhood started."
"And then this new Elder in charge is a separate division of the DC Brotherhood?"
"Yeah. Heard they've been on the Adam's Air Force base after the Enclave fell from the DC Brotherhood."
"What are they doing there?"
"Dunno. If my gut is right, I think they've been building something way bigger than Liberty Prime. Based on the small information I have, they've been there for two years scavenging for parts, the rest? Comepletely a mystery."
Amanda gave a slow nod. She got what information she needed. But seeing this small band, Amanda cleared her throat before starting. Perhaps she can make an arrangement with this faction.
"I'll be straight honest with you. I don't like the Brotherhood of Steel. They're to be considered as enemies of the Commonwealth. Bunch of greedy leeches that hordes technology and nothing more."
"Eeyeah... That's, completely up to you. For us here? Were done with the Brotherhood of Steel. And we want no part of their shit anymore."
"I see. You're only doing what you think is right..."
Amanda paused before clearing her throat and slowly continuing.
"But would you be willing to fight the Brotherhood of they ever dare harm the innocent? The helpless? And even the powerless?"
There was along pause for the man as Amanda waited for a response, but hearing him clearing his throat, Amanda got a response.
"We won't stand a chance against the Brotherhood of Steel. But I'm not saying were afraid either. They hurt any innocent? We'll go after those people that did shit on those good people, but that's it."
Amanda gave a nod, but then as she mentally frowned, she had an idea.
"How about I recruit you to my cause? You did said you're a small faction, and don't want anything to do with the Brotherhood of Steel, and ultimately, I can tell that you and possibly your people here hate the Brotherhood... How about I offer you to be part of my cause?"
Seeing the Chuck slowly raising his brow, Amanda got a reply.
"Well, of what sort? You see, we work on a term of 'You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours' system here. Being mercenaries and all."
"Nothing like that, Chuck."
Amanda replied with a visible frown.
"I'm implying of taking you in to my cause. We share the same enemy. I have this strong feeling that the Brotherhood on the East Coast would be here in the Commonwealth. I've even encounter a small team, demanded me to surrender my power armor, left me no choice but to kill them."
Her bitter response seemed to have visibly sent the man back in surprise.
"Wait. They did that? Oh- Uh, sorry that was a stupid question. Well, of course certainly they'd do. After all they'd horde and issued their Brotherhood in DC with T-45 suits of power armor. I can see it makes sense why'd they do that. But, why force you to surrender your power armor? I don't remember that being part of the original Brotherhood of Steel's mission. All I remember was, search, accumulate and preserve technology that'll benefit the Brotherhood."
"Exactly, Chuck. Now... What do you say? I'll offer you a much better and secure location and you'd be given access to advanced technology, for use in service under my command."
"Were not greedy, just for the record. We only share that first standard of the Brotherhood in accumulating technology. But not for greedy intentions."
Amanda rolled her eyes.
"Listen. That's not what I'm implying. What implying is, for you and your people to join me. We are an organized faction better than the Brotherhood, but gathering technology isn't our only goal. But to rather mostly grow our numbers, we have the strength, but we need to recruit to increase numbers."
"I see you're open to recruit outsiders. I don't see anything wrong with that. Heh, reminds me during our Outcasts days, Protector Casdin had this strict rule not to let outsiders in to the ranks."
"I see... But is your leader here?"
She saw the man frown shorty before folding his arms and got a response.
"Fuck Protector Casdin. He started the Outcasts, but didn't expected him to be the one to leave us in the air when Maxson became Elder."
"So you're the leader here?"
"Oh ho, hell no. I may be the oldest, but no one's really in charge. To tell you, we came from a strict hierarchy with the Brotherhood of Steel. And we all saw how stupid that turned out. Their military-like ideals are fine, really, but their medieval bullshit were just plain ridiculous. And according to the Brotherhood rules, everything has to run through proper channels. Theoretically, if an Elder is taking a dump and runs out of toilet paper, and then there's a Scribe on the stall next to him, the Elder isn't technically allowed to ask the Scribe for the toilet paper. Oh ho, no. He's gotta run the request through several levels of command just to wipe his own ass. It's a goddamn ridiculous example I know, but you get the point. Were a small enough group, and we don't need another hierarchy fuckin' us up."
Amanda only gave a nod.
"Well, how does this 'Brotherhood of Gold' works?"
"Oh, that's simple. If someone has a mission, they recruit a team from within our ranks. And then they become leader for that mission. For internal disputes like who took so and so's yogurt from the fridge, well, a neutral arbitrator or jury of peers typical settles those little bullshit scenarios."
After giving a simple nod in response, Amanda cleared her throat and began.
"You seem to know how to operate well. Just the perfect faction I'd pick to be my faction's covert special forces in mind."
Amanda smile said, this got her a curious look from the man.
"Like, fully enlisted members of an organized faction like yours?"
"Pretty much. But you'll be serving as a black operations division unit for my covert ops."
There was a long pause, but after seeing Chuck clearing his throat, Amanda got a question.
"What faction are you? But do tell me you're not one of the Gunners. Those fuckers can be a pain in the ass."
"Were above better, Chuck. And we, are the Enclave. A much competent division here in the Boston Commonwealth."
"What. The. Fuck. The Brotherhood ain't gonna like that shit, but it's not like I still like them to even tell them, I mean, both Outcasts and the Enclave are forbidden in the DC wasteland by the Brotherhood, after all."
"So what do you say?"
Amanda waited patiently with her arms folded as she watched Chuck taking a long pause.
"I see you're going with 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend' term. Your offer seems reasonable, though, were not that desperate but thinking about what you said about the Brotherhood here in the Commonwealth. There's a chance the peoples' lives could be at stake if that'll be possible. Especially if the Brotherhood you're referring to is under Elder Maxson's command. He's not like Lyon's Pride Brotherhood of Steel. Maxson's got the old vision of the first Brotherhood's goal to horde technology. And he's a lot the opposite of Lyons."
"Then what do you say?"
Amanda waited again, she noticed an unsure look on the man's face but then, she was asked.
"Can you give a very good reason why we should join the Enclave? At least the, Commonwealth Enclave anyway."
Amanda mentally cursed. She didn't wanted to expose her own motives, but she's needing the number of personnel for her cause, Amanda mentally frowned bitterly before she was left no choice but to instead say what Chuck obviously wanted to hear. Even if she never liked the thought of saying it.
"Were trying to redeem the Enclave. By actually trying to reform the wasteland by accepting it as what it is. Were not like those patriotic crackheads that only thinks about wiping out the entire population on the wasteland just to 'Rebuild America's future' by being the pure Americans untouched by radiation etc bullshit."
"Well, I'll be damned. You're actually trying to do something right? What's this 'The Enclave hit their head on a wall and finally got into senses' term? Well, would you look at that."
Amanda had to fought the urge on glaring at the man. That wasn't her goal. But seeing that cover-up excuse was the only option she had to get these people to join, she had to take risks. After all, she had been taking risks ever since she set foot on the wasteland of the Commonwealth.
"What do you say, Chuck? We're not partners, and not alliance. But as the Enclave. And since you're experienced in mercenary works, no doubt you've all been through dirty works, for the greater eherm- Good. Sorry about that. But if you join us, we will thrive altogether and you'll be our very own covert ops. Simply said? Black Operations Division. In service to the Enclave to run secret missions, similar to those mercenary work you've all been contracting yourselves into."
Amanda explained, and earning a grin from Chuck with his arms folded on his chest, she got a response.
"The remnants of Brotherhood Outcasts and the Enclave, working together? That's quite an interesting alliance to think of. Really, though. Never thought if it before."
Amanda bitterly frowned and replied.
"Erase the Brotherhood. I don't like it. And I'm sure you're all sick of it as well. But since you function by making decisions altogether as a small faction, allow me to explain all this, if, you'll introduce me to your colleagues, and I will explain detail by detail. Then we can finally work on your enlistment as the Enclave's Black Operations Division. Code name: Outcast."
Amanda finished, and finally got what she wanted by the time Chuck grinned before giving a nod.
"Alright then. Let's head down the bunker, I'll introduce you to the rest so we can get down to details."
Amanda gave a satisfied nod.
"Lead on, Chuck."
After being led under the bunker, Amanda was quite impressed how these people managed to hold themselves underground and inside the bunker. They even had equipment of their own, but seeing they're literally out in the Commonwealth on their own, Amanda's reluctance in the idea of enlisting ex Brotherhood of Steel members finally wore off as in their quick introduction, their meeting lasted for a straight of three hours. Much to Amanda's frustration. And most of the discussion was about the Brotherhood of Gold's mission to help the innocent, which Amanda was left no choice but to agree. Even though she wasn't in favor to be the good person on this situation. But in the end, she finally convinced them to become part of the Enclave, the offer was a new home in the Enclave airbase, full protection and full access to advanced Enclave technology in their service, and she even included the plan to thrive and fight as one faction against the criminals on the Commonwealth as she said it with no choice but only to earn their interests at heart. But in the end, it was a success. The Enclave's Black Operations Division code name: Outcast was now a fully operational division on the Commonwealth Enclave at her disposal and even better, under her command.
After the long meeting and the conclusion of the final agreement, Amanda had to be honest and told the people that she had remnants of the previous chapter of the Enclave. Amanda did worried at first that these people might panic, but after stating that said remnants were desperate to make it out a live and were all willing to serve under her wing with her ideal of cleansing the Commonwealth from corruption, to even redeem themselves from mistakes, the Outcasts remnants were fully convinced to her brilliant cover-up excuse and even promised to her that no tension shall break once they relocate to the Enclave airbase.
But deep down inside, Amanda hated acting as the good person. She just couldn't find any reason anymore to why should she, as she had just lost her husband and her baby Shaun to this cruel world. So why waste her efforts on preventing others from losing those that they love and care for when nobody was there to prevent things when she lost hers? Amanda found it unfair, in which she believed to think was now just a waste of her time to actually help people, when she didn't even got any help when that time she needed it the most took her husband and her infant son.
Losing her love ones only to live longer than them to get chances to help others not to lose their loved ones was not fair for her. Almost as if it was like she's cursed to carry this burden, and the only comfort she'd ever accept is killing these people that took her family away from her. The Enclave was the only logical option that she had in order to do what she wanted, and she won't let anything or anyone get in her way, as the only way to redeem herself was to find those people that fucked her family up and to make them pay as painful possible once she get her hands on them. After all, all of this she's doing was to achieve her personal goal anyway. She was just being dragged into these problems that she needs sorting out on.
"Would you like to stay and join us for food, Commander Amani? You must be 'famished' after all that long ass discussion we had."
Hearing Chuck ask as she walked with him, Amanda only shook her head.
"No need, Chuck. I have other things to do. But I'll have some vertibirds on the air to pick you all up and to transport all of your resources to the airbase. Those will all be a huge benefit to the Enclave."
She earned a chuckle as she walked with him.
"And to quote the previous Enclave- Eherm. 'God bless America. God bless the Enclave?"
"Patriotism is not necessarily required. We're the Boston Commonwealth Enclave. And we won't follow those ridiculous propaganda bullshit that those failure chapters once followed."
"And that's exactly why we felt we made the right choice joining the Enclave. The Commonwealth Enclave I mean."
"I trust your loyalty on me, Captain Finley."
"Well would you look at that. I'm a Captain now. But I'd prefer it this way than going full medieval on the ranking."
"Just don't bring up the Brotherhood. The previous Enclave remnants were all having a hard time after 10 years ago."
"You can trust us, Commander. And we'll try to be friendly so they won't have to be wary."
"Good. Now have the beacon on this bunker ready, Captain Finley. Once I get back to the airbase, I'll link up our private communication to your beacon then I can send in the vertibirds for your extraction. As for this bunker, this would still prove beneficial to serve as our communications hub. All we would need is a listening outpost..."
"I can get a scouting party to locate us a listening outpost, Commander."
Amanda gave a nod ending their conversation. But as the now captain Chuck Finley walked back down the bunker to prepare the new enlisted personnel, Amanda finally let herself out to meet up with Patriot before heading back to their vertibird.
Opening the metal door and walking out of the bunker, Amanda was surprised and was obviously caught unexpectedly after being greeted by Patriot, although she was still getting used to seeing Patriot's Tesla modified X01 body, but it wasn't her AI second in command that surprised her. It was the coat wearing individual that stood next to the towering AI.
"So this is what you've been doing. Having Piper and Codsworth very worried, I had to see for myself as to why you've been acting so strange."
And this is the third part of that long devided chapter.
Amanda's outfit is basically the Enclave military fatigues from the America Rising mod, her black coat is also a mod called Femshepping's Autumn Fashion Coat from Nexus mods.
Oh, and by the way! I wanna give a shout out to Paladin Bailey for giving me the idea of the BoS Outcasts & remnants mod, and to respond to Paladin Bailey's review, yes I watched the mod gameplay by Klone Wolf and figured they would be a perfect addition as well for this story, but on a different way. As for Project Valkyrie mod, I can't say for certain if I can find a way to squeeze it in this the story as well, but we'll see. For now, let's allow the story to get a bit more, darker, than it is.
Now anyways, thank you all for reading and be sure to stay tuned for the next chapter.
ripntear
