And finally, here is chapter 13. How much of the deepest depths of the ocean had been explored? 5%. Think of this story, as the ocean itself.
'Freedom is the right for all sentient beings'
Whoever made that quote. Is an illusionist being.
It's all but lies, and a propaganda thing.
Song used
"Monsters" by Timeflies (feat. Katie Sky)
-Under a Monster's Mask-
There had been no words ever since Amanda left Sanctuary, on board an Enclave vertibird. Piper just didn't understood why. Why the Enclave in particular? And her agenda was to go after the people who wronged her family? That was already too brutal to think of. But the thought of reforming the Enclave? It was worse.
Sitting on the living room in silence, Piper only stared on the floor, still trying to process everything that had happened. In fact, it had even stopped her from working on her papers about Amanda, as the woman out of time on the search for her missing infant, Shaun. Although, Nat continued working on the printer, Piper only remained quietly thinking.
It had been like yesterday, but had passed a week now. And she was worried. Hell, she wasn't the only one. Even Codsworth was worried, and had spent his days roaming around Sanctuary in hopes for his master to come back. But nothing, and not even a word from Amanda was heard ever since. And so much to bother her, Piper had that feeling of Strong seemingly just putting a poor excuse going out of the settlement to hunt himself some milk of human kindness, bit she assumed the mutant was just doing a poor job trying to find Amanda who promised him she'll help him find his desired drink.
However, but as it concerned her about Amanda's completely out of controlled self, Piper still cared. And finally standing up, Piper walked outside and onto a nearby tent where General Ward was giving orders to the pre war personnel.
But only by the General speaking to Preston, regarding their alliance with the Minutemen and their idea to recruit had slowly began to work.
Piper frowned but deciding not to enter, she instead entered the white tent, where she found one some of the science staff, one of them was the one in charge being the woman she recalled Dr. Kane.
"Ahem. Doctor?"
Getting the doctor's attention, Piper got a response.
"Miss Wright, can I help you?"
Piper wasn't sure how to start, but deciding to get straight to her point, she cleared her throat and slowly began.
"It's about, Amanda... Has she... Told you something else? Like about, anything she didn't told General Ward?"
Seeing the other woman shortly adjusting her glasses, Piper then got a response.
"Nothing that much. She's a very secretive woman."
Piper frowned, but she then sighed.
"Dr. Kane. Please. Tell me anything that you know..."
She earned a short glare from the doctor.
"If it's for the 'Publick Occurrence' I assure you, that you won't get anything out of me."
"It's not. It's, private. I swear. But, do you know? Anything at least? Please tell me and I promise it won't reach the public."
Piper earned another glare, but finally, got her response.
"Amanda didn't really said much. But what I didn't think is that she'd really do such a thing like that."
There's was a pause as Piper waited patiently.
"Amanda asked me to build 80 AI chips. Based in my little research, it's a small programmable chip used to autopilot power armor."
Piper folded her arms and looked down.
"I think I know where she plans using that... But..."
"You care for her. I think you do over a bit too much."
Piper flinched slightly but then replied.
"She's done so much great to me and Nat. I know it may sound simple of just bringing us here in Sanctuary, but taking us in to her house, it really means alot to me. Even if, she..."
"You don't have to continue. However, we can still try to reach out and hopefully pick up her signal. Our communications on Trinity Tower had been picking quite a number of settlements nearby. Much to Preston Garvey's favor. We've been recieving messages as well from the personnel on the National Guard training yard, stating that the military checkpoint they try to secure are always being secured first by automated enclave power armors. Which, I'm starting to question myself why I even agreed to help Amanda with those AI chips... We should assume the worst, that she had made more of those AI chips for over the past week. She's abused technology on her favor. But I can see that she thinks it as her way of increasing the numbers of her cause. Thankfully, still, that those AI power armors weren't hostile, as said by our scouts. But all do act like military personnel on their own... I find it... Interesting to think how Amanda doesn't seem to be abiding the same role of the previous Enclave..."
Piper only listened. She just couldn't believe just how Amanda has gotten far on her deeds for only a week, but seeing Dr. Kane, frowning, Piper raised a brow.
"It's caused quite a panic as well, when we've recieved a massage from our recon units that one of the old bunkers as should be storing a huge cache of aircraft atomic bombs and useful technology. We also recieved a message 3 days ago that a group of highly trained Enclave unit had already taken over the Boston Airport. Our scouts reported similar Enclave power wearing units. But as stated, their suits' paint job are black and bits of red stripes, along with a red gear and sword for insignia. Not obviously standard Enclave personnel.:
"But the Boston airport... Is overrun by feral ghouls..."
"Like I said, Miss Wright. Highly trained Enclave personnel. If my guess, some kind of black ops under the Enclave's wing doing their gruesome work. But other than that, it would seem that their forces are increasing. Reports for the past 5 days were all about Enclave human personnel seem to be starting to increase. Amanda must've gather more remnants, that or, she's finally recruited and trained humans. But like the AIs, they're non hostile even to our nearby settlements. That's, some unexplained miracle. They're also donating supplies, earning the trust and gaining more recruits from all over the Commonwealth without actually abducting anyone and forcing them to serve. A complete opposite of what the original chapters of the Enclave didn't do base on the old Enclave informational we've recovered. And to add an even more diffrence... Amanda's Enclave are recruiting non feral ghouls, as well."
That satisfied Piper, at least for a bit. The thought of the Enclave was not showing hostility is still a good sign, from Amanda. She just needed to find the other woman and try to convince her to dissolved the faction she reformed. It was for the best, as Piper knew.
"There's only one thing complicating things, though..."
Piper heard Dr. Kane.
"I'm afraid we're gonna have to... Keep our forces meshed together. The Minutemen and the USAF must be prepared in case if any conflict may erupt."
Piper slowly then began to ask quietly.
"What is it all about, Dr. Kane?"
"It's about the Mojave wasteland. They must've found out that the Enclave made a reappearance once again, and they came here from the Commonwealth. Which is why they set up a private communication link to ours and had been demanding for answers regarding about Enclave vertibirds flying by and around California back and forth, in and out, carrying huge metal containers. And they feared the worse and assumed those containers were property of the Mojave wasteland. They think the Enclave is stealing resources from them. They may be right perhaps, but, they may be wrong. But we never know, as only Mrs. Amani fully controls the Enclave. And she's pulled several strings for only over a passed week. She's done a lot already on such a small amount of time..."
"I'm aware of the history of the New California Public with the Enclave. But I didn't knew it was all true. But I refuse to believe that Amanda would steal resources. I just... Know it..."
"It does not matter now, Miss Wright. What matters is... Knowing why is she pacing back and forth of NCR territory. Now, we will soon have NCR soldiers patrolling the Commonwealth. Not to mention, the NCR also ceases chances on expanding their forces across the wasteland. And the Commonwealth is being one of those regions? That's where I'm worried about most."
Piper folded her arms with a raised brow.
"How did you know all that?"
"While you were out scavenging yesterday, an NCR vertibird arrived. A man called Courier went up to General Ward and spoke about a peace treaty to the Commonwealth and stated that the NCR has business to expand as well. I hardly believe that first part of the statent. You know why."
"The Enclave. That's why they're here."
"Exactly... That's why we need to keep our focuses all scattered and on patrol all over the Commonwealth. Although, thanks to exchanges of information, we got a disadvantage from the NCR. They only have enough vertibirds to transport their troops and a limited cache of fuel. Their weaponry aren't that much, but they're looking to exchange tech with the USAF. General Ward declined, which is a wise decision. That's why he's been focused on getting the USAF and the Minutemen with it's numbers getting increased for the past few days."
There was a long pause afterwards. Piper tilted her head on her side.
"Dr. Kane?"
She watched as the doctor sighed before removing her glasses.
"I'm starting to get the feeling that it may happening again..."
"What do you mean... May happen again? Dr. Kane?"
"Another Great War. The resources is where it all mainly began before it triggered into nuclear warfare."
"About the oil?"
"Yes. If you're all aware of the history of the Great War. And it's where this situation is leading up again... And to think that the NCR had sent us a message 6 days ago and some diplomat yesterday, they've had a battalion being deployed on the way here to Commonwealth via vertibirds. For the 'Peace Treaty' as their Colonel Moore said through our radio communication."
Piper froze. The NCR is a large faction with thousands of soldiers, based off from what she heard. And even with the USAF and the Minutemen both increasing their numbers, it would still mean that they won't stand a chance if anything breaks out from the tension. What was Amanda really doing? Does she want another Great War to happen?
After ending her conversation with Dr. Kane, Piper figured reaching out to Nick. She the let frowned. She knew she was nk longer allowed in Diamond City. But her papers had been smuggled for over the passed week, thanks to Nat who kept working on her papers about Amanda's search for Shaun. Piper had the idea of making an article about the Enclave, however, she needed some help, but that person she needed help with has been rather off the grid for a week now. Nick had never returned to visit Sanctuary.
'What am I gonna do now...'
Piper mentally began the in wondering, but getting an idea, she snapped her fingers as an idea of getting help from the Railroad would be the option for now. Although, she didn't liked the ridiculous small faction that intended to save synths, but she needed the help to infiltrate Diamond City to reach out to Nick.
As she walked on the settlement, Piper only stood just outside the the house and only kept thinking in silence as she watched newly trained Minutemen marching on the road in line and on a separated line, was the newly trained personnel recruited for the USAF. Piper found it confusing, as both had the same ideals of protecting people. But it was for the greater good intentions. If only Amanda saw it that way. Perhaps... Something on her mind, sparked her an idea to make an article of. After all, she hasn't worked on any article ever since Amanda left Sanctuary.
"You know... Seeing these pre war military slowly getting back to existence, I like to think that they'll fit as the replacement for the Minutemen. Y'know. The ones that are helping the people on a minutes notice? The type of local militia for the Commonwealth. Heh. If the CPG could've still been around, I guess we can try to reform the old pre war US Army by turning it into a local militia for the Commonwealth. Then the Minutemen can serve as the main backbone of the Commonwealth army."
Turning her head to her left, Piper saw a bad man, wearing nothing but a white shirt, jeans and sunglasses. Piper frowned shortly for the interruption, but this is what she was thinking about just now.
"you always have to keep creeping out on people, Deacon?"
Piper gained a snort and watched as the bald man folded his arms.
"So. You working on your papers about what's going on? Let's see... These pre war military? The Minutemen comeback? Or... The NCR soon patrolling the Commonwealth?"
Piper frowned, she felt insulted but not as short tempered as Amanda, she only rolled her eyes instead before giving a sour reply
"I'm not in the mood to work on papers, Nat keeps insisting, I just let her do so. But I'm working on the Enclave."
"That's a cold one rising up in the Commonwealth. Everybody knows about the Enclave now, it's not your papers, but it's the Enclave showing themselves. Strange isn't it? Words spreading through the Commonwealth that the Enclave are helping people, to gain recruits. And what, are we just going to forget about the Institute now? Well shit..."
Piper only stayed quiet, but a thought suddenly came to her mind.
"You've been keeping eyes on them, huh?"
"It ain't easy though, but yeah. Their Commander is the hardest to catch up on. Barely got anything useful for an information about her. But, here's what I know. She's leading the Enclave differently, unlike the previous ones. And as if that wasn't enough, her army is growing faster like wild fire. Hancock on Goodneighbor's been damn worried he might lose all the non feral resident on his town. All enlisting their names to join the Enclave. Why? Because the Enclave actually gives a benefit to them. They actually get a salary of caps, they don't get discriminated fit being ghouls, and they're treated as person, the best part of the offer is a new home for them, dont know where the Enclave is."
Piper was thinking about what Deacon said. The Enclave kindly recruiting? And their offer is way better than the Minutemen and the USAF are offering benefit for joining?
"And as if that wasn't enough, the raiders on Nuka World all began putting themselves on lockdown ever since the Enclave's Black Ops began sweeping through raider by raider territory, And as if that wasn't enough, Enclave troops began taking over the surrounding areas outside Quincy. And as if that wasn't enough, Diamond City also began putting all citizens on lockdown because of the rumours spreading about the NCR soon patrolling the Commonwealth."
Piper only listened closely, she couldn't believe what she was hearing. But the news was 50 - 50 good and bad. Piper knew there is still a chance to convince Amanda to turn herself away from what she's doing. But, the thought of the Enclave already now recruited and under her wing, there's nothing Piper could do but hope some kind of miracle might change Amanda's mind. But she was then interrupted by Deacon yet again.
"And as if that wasn't enough, the Enclave offered us a position to as the Railroad if we'll help them keep an eye out on things here, especially if the NCR and the Brotherhood of Steel could be soon stepping in the Commonwealth.:
This surprised Piper.
"What did they offered you?"
"Oh, simple. The protection the the Railroad couldn't afford o it's agents, and made a peace talk to Desdemona. The Second in command anyway did a peace talk. And as if that wasn't enough, just 4 days ago, the Enclave delivered the donated a stash of T-51b suits of power armor, as the Railroads' personal issue of power armors. Gotta hand it to them. They're not like the previous Enclave. But what I just don't know yet why they're doing this 'Being the good guys' game on this kind of situation."
Piper only stared at the man for a moment, but trying not to think of anything else other than the good signs Amanda's Enclave were showing, she had little faith that she can hopefully change convince the woman's to change her mind. But she needed help.
Focusing her attention back to Deacon, Piper cleared her throat and slowly began.
"How about you help help me, Deacon? I need help on some... Things, that needed doing. Amanda is not here, but I want to think and believe that she's just being drowned by hate to even think she's doing the right thing herself."
Piper waited a long time before she even got a response.
"Well, I guess there's nothing wrong if I help. But what's the catch?"
Piper thought of what to essay for a moment.
"We need to work under the public's eye."
She earned a surprised look from Deacon before receiving a laugh.
"Don't make me laugh, Piper. You know you're not the private type of person."
Piper glared at him for the response.
"You helping me or not? Because if you're not, I'll just find someone else to do so."
"Hey, hey it's fine! I'll help ya, Piper. So long as we don't get the attention of everyone mostly roaming around the Commonwealth."
"And who are those you mean?"
"Well duh, the Enclave, battling raider's and super mutants? The Minutemen roaming around helping and building settlements? Not to mention. Your resident pre war General has ordered some campaign against the feral ghouls. So it's basically the good factions roaming around can't tell what's the Enclave's agenda for all this why they're being the good guys, but I just feel it that they are keeping something. Something, only their Commander knows. Your girlfriend."
"Shut the hell up, Deacon. Amanda is nothing like that. And I respect her despite being a short tempered, troubled woman she is."
Piper remarked in response.
"If you two are going to find the Commander of the Enclave. I'm going."
Emmidiately turning around to see Preston walking up the to them, Piper folded her arms.
"This is supposed to be private, Preston."
"I owe her a lot, Piper. The General may be a good man, and I respect him and his leadership. But seeing his loyalty only lies truly to the pre war USAF, the only one that I see is the Commander to be the General for the Minutemen. She is just like General ward, but unlike the General, the Commander had the charisma that the previous leaders and even the previous General of the Minutemen didn't had before. The only reason why the Minutemen is functioning again, is because of General Ward. But he approves of Commander Amani to be the Minutemen General. Now that I've given you a reason. Will you let me help you find the Enclave Commander? She's still human, despite her unspeakable anger."
Piper took a long pause, but seeing he determined look on the man, Piper finally replied.
"But you're doing fine, Preston. The Minutemen is doing fine."
"But I am not the leader material, Piper. I serve the Minutemen to follow orders, from the leaders. Commander Amani is the leader I see fit for the Minutemen. As General."
Hearing Deacon snickering, Piper only listened as the other man responded to the Minuteman.
"And you expect her to abandon her Enclave? She had already more than a battalion. And their numbers increase more like a wild fire than both the USAF and Minutemen in recruiting."
"I'll take my chances."
Piper finally decided to interrupt.
"Okay fine. But here's what I need you to do, Preston. I need you to get Nick Valentine. We need his help to investigate, however, we can't just simply try to reach out to Amanda. It'll be an offense to the Enclave. Remember, we can believe Amanda can still change for the better, but the Enclave, we're never sure. And knowing their leader is much more competent, respectable and charismatic, no doubt they'll protect their leader at all cost even without a given order. Which makes this alot complicated, as we don't want them as our enemy. We don't want Amanda as our enemy."
Recieving a pair of nods, Piper got a response from Deacon.
"I don't see why not try to observe for a bit more for now. Maybe they have a good reason? Good intention?"
"We can't be sure. That's why General Ward ordered all active USAF personnel on patrol to be on standby on case anything happens. If anything happens, for sure it may be the Enclave's fault."
"Are we forgetting the Institute?"
Piper emmidiately pushed aside the two men with a stern look.
"Enough. We're not doing this for any side. Not for the Institute, and not for the Enclave. We're doing this for Amanda. That's it. And if the Enclave do wanted to change, they'd show it themselves, and that's completely up to them. But Amanda is a different story. She's been drowned with hate. For whatever reason why, she's fully turned herself away from reality, to make it worse? The NCR thinks this is all just another Enclave scheme. We don't want a war to happen. Not especially with the NCR."
Piper firmly said, although she seemed to have convinced Deacon, Preston on the other wore a very disapproving look.
"If the NCR will try anything in order to harm the Commander. Then I'll take the pledge on voicing out for the Minutemen to be engaged on a conflict. The Minutemen may still be slowly regaining it's force back, but we've been through worse for the hardships. We've fought feral ghouls, raiders, Gunners and even super mutants even with the facing of losing fellow Minutemen. Were not afraid to stand against the NCR if they want to start a conflict."
"Don't let that ego get to your head, Preston."
"Deacon that's enough. Let's just get to work. We have a lot to do."
"I have an idea."
"What is it now, Deacon?"
"You'll see. For now, just have Preston getting Valentine on Diamond City and I'll handle getting helping hands."
At this point, Piper wasn't sure what to think of this, not seeing there wasn't a choice, desperate times requires for desperate measures. But as she took separate ways with the two men, Piper emmidiately headed back to the house where she was emmidiately met by Codsworth.
"Oh, Miss Wright! Is there something wrong? You seem to be in a hurry..."
"It's, nothing, Codsworth. Say. Could you... Look after Nat while I'm gone?"
"Oh, of course! It's my duty to serve the members of mum's family!"
Piper couldn't reply. How could she and Nat be a part of Amanda's family when the woman already didn't trusted her? Perhaps, she didn't knew what she was saying and doing? Piper knew at first sever since Amanda offered her and Nat to move in to Sanctuary, she knew the woman was good person. But something was wrong with her, and due to her independence, it's making her what she is. And Piper still cares.
After getting what she needs and her small gear, Piper finally exited the house and began making her way towards the tent where General Ward was still giving command on the personnel.
"General."
Getting the General's attention, Piper got a response.
"May I help you, Miss Wright?"
"I need to know if the relay towers are anything to do with the USAF?"
"The relay towers of AM 810 and FM 52. 7 radio stations? No, in fact, it must've been activated by Mrs. Amani. Which is why we have a strong communication signal and have full control of the channels to even reach out to settlement frequencies. Is there something on the matter?"
"I'm need your help to link up the relay towers to any broadcasting station anywhere here on in the Commonwealth. We need to try and establish communication to any channel frequency to easily help us trying to find Amanda. We can't just simply go and nicely ask her Enclave."
Piper gained an approving nod from the General before a reply.
"I thought of the same thing, Miss Wright. Giving a direct approach to the Enclave is a pose of threat, for them. But what do you suggest as an alternative solution once we do so?"
"We will operate privately. I hate to say this. But at this time, we're turning off the press. I know we all believe Amanda is a good person. But reaching out to her is as impossible as trying to prove the Diamond City Mayor is a synth. Hell, maybe even much impossible this time..."
"Do not worry, Miss Wright. We'll contact our scouts on the Wattz building and assist you you on this private task. Shall we operate secretly, we shall do it without the attention of the people of the Commonwealth. Otherwise, it may cause mass panic. The people are already starting to suspect why all USAF, Minutemen and the Enclave are trying to be the kind factions, but what they suspect more is the Enclave's mass recruiting from all humans and even nom feral ghouls. The last thing we may want is the entire Commonwealth on community lockdown if they ever find out about the NCR planning to venture here. Now is not the right time for them to know. The news is too fresh, and the wounds Mrs. Amani left are still not healing from the people whom began trusting her here. But yes. If you plan to further increase our established communication I'll contact our men on the Wattz building to assist you. Hopefully this may give us some insight as well on where Mrs. Amani could be..."
Piper gave a small nod. She was really relieved that the General understood the situation well, and even handling it well with no issue. Which made Piper wish, if only Amanda had the same vision. But clearly, her vision was nothing more but a very dark sight. Everything she does are completely unexpected.
After heading out of Sanctuary, Piper made her way to the liberated Wattz building, where she was given help by the personnel there in scouting locations, but got a location of a police bureau station however there was a catch when they located the area.
After travelling on foot for twenty minutes with a small team of personnel, they arrived at the said police station.
"We should stay cautious... Follow me."
Slowly making a cautious approach, Piper and the small squad emmidiately made an entry only to find the police station empty.
"Secure the area. Check those computers and see if we can try to contact command."
Hearing one of the personnel say, Piper found an interrogation room. Inside was a corpse of a man who presumably was killed off perhaps just recently.
Piper had to hold herself from vomiting at the sight of the corpse forced on a table, and bloodstains all over the room with a small ripped note on the floor out of cigarette wrapper
Curiously picking up the note, Piper began reading what was written.
CHECK THE WALL
Raising a brow, Piper began checking the wall, but a small crack and hoke on it, she found a small folded note. Taking it, Piper found another note.
Go to Boston Police Ration Site. Southeast.
Piper emmidiately rushed out of the room and began and headed back to the personnel.
"I found something. It's a Boston Police Ration Site. We need to get there."
Piper emmidiately said. Bit deep down, she was nervous just by remembering the dead tortured man on the room. She was starting to think if Amanda's Enclave even did that, but going deciding not to think of it, she was joined by the personnel.
For another twenty walk southeast, Piper saw a big establishment, but seeing the main entrances locked from inside. Much to Piper's displease, she had to find her way around, which she risked climbing the old platforms and crates outside establishment, where she found a broken glass window on the rooftop.
Carefully making her way down, Piper emmidiately began unlocking and opening the doors for the men to secure the establishment. But she got the strange feeling of being watched. As if, someone, or.. Anyone, watching her and the personnel from afar?
'Dammit Piper. Stop being paranoid...'
"This area is cleared! Secure the lower section!"
Going along with the men as they headed down and what appeared to be a tunnel passageway, Piper noticed radroaches all over the tunnel.
"Achk, god! Shoot those radroaches!"
She emmidiately shouted as she drew the assault rifle Amanda gave her.
"Precision fire men, and take slow approach!"
Deciding to keep behind the personnel as she joins along firing on the roaches, but as they reached the far end of the tunnel, they arrived to a big room filled with computers. It was some kind of radio station as Piper tried her best to make of the place.
"Check these computers, see if they're still functional and try to contact command!"
Letting the small personnel do their work, Piper found a locked room and a terminal on a wall. Not there, on the floor, was a single note.
"What the hell?"
Piper muttered under her breath before picking up the note.
4/6/2279
It's been a pain on our rears trying to pry information off that man named Connie. Having the man beaten up and all his fingers hammered, he still didn't budge. Kept singing America the Beautiful in hopes of calling that nonsense he called the Black Devil. Bullshit.
However, when he finally gave up, he finally stopped the words, it was on this police ration site. The X02 was indeed here. That deserter, if perhaps had lived on this ration site, may have been that 'Black Devil' these raiders once feared here in the Commonwealth.
Doesn't matter now. All we need is to Accra through that locked damn door. Why did that fucking deserter had to give us this hard pain on our asses just to get an Enclave prototype X02 power armor. It belongs to the Enclave. But if we won't be able to break it out storage room, I guess we'll just have to keep an ruse on this ration site to protect the suit.
God bless the Enclave.
-Sargeant Hodges-
Piper froze. Enclave? Which Enclave? Piper couldn't tell. But this note dated 7 years. 7 years before Amanda even emerged out if Vault 111. Unless... It hit Piper in realization.
Emmidiately deciding to help the soldiers on the computers, Piper stumbled upon one with three entries. This one computer wasused not for radio purposes. But some kind of personal terminal.
:::Welcome to Robco Industries [TM] Termlink:::
[Leaving The Enclave]•
[Becoming The Devil]
[A Humble Request]
'Enclave... The previous Enclave? God... Which Enclave, specifically?'
Piper mentally thought with a frown before selecting the first entry.
:::Welcome to Robco Industries [TM] Termlink:::
:::Leaving The Enclave:::
I was once a proud military officer . A patriot who once wore the Enclave uniform with pride . And, on such a young age, I finished with honors in the academy, rose through the ranks and became a Lieutenant . Therefore, I became a part of an elite troop called Devil's Hand .
As a special forces unit member, commanding officer, we were given access to new prototypes, the crown jewel was the rarely limited issue of X02 power armor, a supposed prototype replacement for the Advanced power armor mark II . But since the lack of production, and the risk of sending prototype power armors back in DC . My CO, Colonel Augustus Autumn had only issued a few, which was us selected elite special forces . The rest of the spare X02s was transported to the Poseidon Oil Rig . Colonel Autumn never liked the idea of a common, standard issue of X02s . He thinks that it's a risk that if any of our soldiers die in battle, the Brotherhood of Steel would loot off the technology . He has a good point, though . It's all about the technology in the first place . But I can't understand that man . He seems to hate the Brotherhood of Steel for . . . I don't know whatever reasons he has .
That man has problems, and is completely misunderstood about his temper when speaking of the Brotherhood of Steel .
But the X02s he issued has helped us alot . We cleansed the wasteland of the mutants, ghouls . And even the unpure .
We even found old technology, unchartered lands . We did it all with ruthless efficiency . Because it was all orders .
And because of those order, I was decorated . Distinguished . And yet, felt more disillusioned than anything .
We mocked outsiders for being unclean because of radiation, but after each successful mission, I was the one who felt dirty .
It may be orders, yes . And everything was done to maximize Enclave resources and strategic positions, with no consideration for those who paid the cost of our labors . Some were children . Others were barely born . But if you asked me why I defected, it wasn't for one thing . It's the crying children, the weak elderly . All on forced labor . Abducting outsiders only trying to make a living for themselves in the wasteland .
What hurts even more, was that belief I believed in what we were doing simply eroded over time . Like a callous slowly peeling off the skin . I used to believe that the Enclave was here, and there to actually protect the ideals that this country was founded on .
Now I realize that I couldn't be further from the truth . They were lies .
And I've never felt such a huge regret .
And so eventually, when Colonel Autumn died, I took my chance . And left the Enclave .
For good.
This was an Enclave Lieutenant, 10 years during the Enclave's presence on the capital wasteland. Piper never expected, that despite being cold, heartless, care less, and ruthless the Enclave is, there were those who actually woken up and faced the truth of reality. This one Enclave perspective hit Piper than she expected. Now, she's thinking about Amanda even more. She needed to convince the other woman to face reality.
Because if this Enclave Lieutenant did, Amanda can, too.
:::Welcome to Robco Industries [TM] Termlink:::
[Leaving The Enclave]
[Becoming The Devil]•
[A Humble Request]
:::Welcome to Robco Industries [TM] Termlink:::
:::Becoming The Devil:::
At first, I wasn't sure if they'd come after me . Unlike both the advanced power armor mark I and II, the X02 was a really valuable property . One of the only a handful ones rarely ever produced and sued at much . Like that most advanced yet Enclave X03 Hellfire which blueprints were on the Boston Commonwealth, but never got produced . But despite the odds, the Colonel was facing a number of issues on the front line of DC after President Eden's death .
And as it turns out, the following of Colonel Autumn's death provided an ample distraction for my defection . But maybe, there'd come a time where the rent would be due .
I was left to roam the Commonwealth by myself .
So one day scavenging, I came across an old holotape for a locally syndicated radio program . The Black Devil .
I would admit . It may be a pre war radio play . But the show was terrible , and was rightfully cancelled after a few episodes . The Devil was a caricature, with horns and pitchforks and multiple catch phrases . But out of most, the name of the character drew me in . He was a devil , just like me . But somehow he didn't let that define him . They turned him into a real patriot .
And before I knew it, I started emulating of his back story . I also found an old police ration site with plenty of resources . That's when I in the radio, the Black Devil started listening to distress signals on the radio and began helping them . In the radio program, the Black Devil could hear the songs of America from thousands of miles away . I can't do that . But what I can do is set up a radio signal to transmit the old Enclave songs I have on holotape, and high jack a few eyebots to monitor settlements remotely .
Some of the settlers have picked up the cue, and started playing the music whenever they need help .
I've also limited the station broadcast songs at the moment . Though, I have eight in total, but I'd rather not play them all .
Some of them open up old wounds . . .
Piper was silent for a long moment, before wondering. What if, there really is a way of redeeming the Enclave on the Commonwealth. But the thought of Amanda's state, and her unspeakable anger, it just doesn't seem too possible...
After a long moment, Piper finally selected the final entry.
:::Welcome to Robco Industries [TM] Termlink:::
[Leaving The Enclave]
[Becoming The Devil]
[A Humble Request]•
:::Welcome to Robco Industries [TM] Termlink:::
:::A Humble Request:::
I need to shut off that radio . For my own sake .
Back when I was still with the Devil's Hand, we used to play the songs in the throes of battle . When I became that Black Devil, it put my mind on where it need to be . But now, too many of the wrong memories get triggered by the melody whenever a song from a settler in need plays on the station for my help .
Besides, with my health being what it is, I can't be the Devil anymore . So I decided to leave the suit here in hopes of someome will take up the mantle in my stead .
To whoever is reading this now . Please . I only ask you one favor .
To get through the door, you need to get the radio back on . All I'm asking is for you to shut if back off, but this time, for good . For my sake . Please .
The console has a kill switch that will short circuit the radio signal . Triggering that should also disable the electronic lock on the safe, in case you need a reward to make it worth your while .
The reason why I'm asking you this favor, is because I might still be out there, trying to find a home in the west coast . And living as a common civilian .
And if I should ever pass by a radio, I'd rather not hear that music . Ever again .
Piper felt terrible for the person. Despite being an Enclave officer, and deserter, the person deserved better for their greater action. But assuming these entries are probably years old now, Piper could only wish the person the best, wherever he or she is on the west coast.
But after backing up the terminal, Piper found two new entries.
:::Welcome to Robco Industries [TM] Termlink:::
[Leaving The Enclave]
[Becoming The Devil]
[A Humble Request]•
[Short Circuit Radio Transmission]
[Restore Enclave Radio]
This was a tough choice for Piper to make. If she chose to do the former Black Devil their favor, where r they are in the west coast, they'll be living in peace as a civilian without getting triggered by past memories that they no longer wish to remember.
But the USAF and perhaps even the Minutemen will need more communication establishments.
Piper took a long moment in silence thought. But them clean idea to her mind. Why not reactivate it and take after the Black Devil? Sire, this ration site would prove useful am an additional communication establishment for the USAF and the Minutemen, but she doesn't have to keep the Enclave songs for the sake of the Black Devil. After all, that Enclave radio may prove useful to help and try linking up signal to Enclave here in the Commonwealth in order to reach Amanda. But if there really isn't away to do so... Perhaps it's up to herself now while she tries to reach out to Amanda.
:::Welcome to Robco Industries [TM] Termlink:::
:::Restore Enclave Radio:::
Accessing program . . .
Loading . . .
Loading . . .
Loading . . .
Radio signal restored .
With the door automatically opening, Piper slowly entered the room. A box of disabled eyebots, a small weapon workbench, a safe on the back of the corner, and lastly. That Enclave's X02 power armor. An all black painted power armor with an unlikely different appearance like the known power armors all over the Commonwealth.
Inspecting the head, Piper felt quite disturbed at the full facial appearance, it had quite an animalistic look, and even had a pair of horns on the far back of the helmet.
Checking the back of the X02, Piper saw that it already had a fusion core installed.
Walking over to the small safe in the wall, Piper found four fusion cores and three boxes of ammunition on it.
Piper wore a very hesitant look on her face. But she cared for Amanda. And seeing this Enclave power armor only waiting of anyone to finally use it again Piper let our a huge sigh of irritation.
'For you... Amanda. Just for you...'
Without a word, Piper opened the back of the suit and finally hooped inside the X02.
The back access sealing her close inside, Piper tried to make herself feel at least a little comfortable. But as she finally stepped out of the room, Piper was startled at the sound of gunfire coming from outside the ration site.
"What the hell was that?"
"It came from outside-"
Another gunfire came and soon follow more.
Seeing the soldier emmidiately running back outside to aid their fellow personnel, Piper frowned in hesitation. She's inside an Enclave X02 power armor. One of the only handful deployed for field use. Piper knew she's not doing this for any intention of agenda. She's doing this for Amanda.
But hearing the gunfire coming from outside, Piper knew she's got the ability to make a choice. A choice to use the X02 to help the good while doing it for Amanda, or she could bedevil it.
Piper took out her assault rifle and checked the full clip magazine before jamming it back in.
But her mind, it looks like it wouldn't hurt if she would try to be more than just being a reporter.
This is basically an insight from the perspective of the Enclave during Autumn's reign as Colonel as this chapter presented. The Black Devil from the creation club was a perfect way to bridge in the X02 right into the story.
So... It's Piper who's obtained the Black Devil's X02 power armor. Were you all expecting it was Amanda ever since she enabled the two relay towers? Like I said. Hope you're all prepared for more twists.
But anyways, I wanna thank you all for reading and hope you all stay tuned for the next chapter.
ripntear
