Finally, with that conflict set aside, one more to tackle into. I think.
And to quote one underrated game...
"There is always another enemy."
Song used
"Revolution" by The Score
-Musket and Bear: Freedom / Expand-
"To the point that she's clearly acting off and differently... For the most part, she's been rather... Less short tempered."
Piper thoughtfully said.
Standing tall while in her X02, Piper focused her attention on Deacon, who was finally awake. Though, he was still recovering from the severe injuries he sustained from torture, Piper was rather intrigued than surprised when she was called in to the medical bay and requested by the Railroad agent.
"Don't tell me that because of her sweet charming moves, you forgot there's still the Institute and Synths still roaming around in secret."
Piper frowned.
"It's because of the amount of things I had to think of, all at the same time and I couldn't even make up a decision clear with so many thoughts distracting me-"
"But you were still tricked into believing that she's-"
"I don't wanna hear it, Deacon!"
Silence filled the medical bay shortly after she snapped at the bald man on the medical bed.
"Look, Piper. I know you like the woman. But how could you seriously fall for that? I know I should've warned you in the first place, but I couldn't do anything. The airbase was blacked out all of a sudden ever since that 'Colonel' made her first propaganda speech."
"So, you just stayed shut?"
"Hey, I almost died, Piper... But then again, I kept my mouth shut, even when they demanded me to tell what I know about the Enclave on the airbase. They knew- She knew that the Railroad has been sold to the Enclave and are now working under it, but for some reason, after hearing whispers around from the other agents that the Colonel doesn't seem to have any sort of knowledge about our operations within the Enclave, I got curious. Then became suspicious and used the chance to snoop around a bit more until some guy caught me, even killed a few USAF patrol and nabbed its Sergeant with me."
Piper groaned. She didn't want to talk anything relating about what just happened.
"Listen, Deacon. You know I'd be wanting to talk about the synth. Not the things that she did while she was still fooling us."
Piper said almost bitterly as she folded her arms.
There was silence afterward. Rather, an awkward silence... She actually fell for a synth. Well... Almost fell for the synth. A fucking synth created by the Institute. Piper felt disgusted... And stupid.
"At least now... Patriot would be happy. Knowing his favorite and only Commander never really betrayed the Enclave that they recreated."
Hearing Deacon speak again, Piper stood frozen for a moment in silence. She hasn't heard of Patriot for over three days since when he left Sanctuary to rejoin the defense in Concord.
"Hey, Piper. I need to tell ya something else too. You still with me?"
Piper was suddenly interrupted by Deacon before immediately reloading her attention back at the agent.
"What is it, Deacon?"
There was short pause from the agent before she got a response.
"Do you think the Institute has capabilities on... Sending their Synths far off? As in... Even out of the Commonwealth?"
Piper raised a brow under her helmet.
"Look, I know it's a stupid question. But... How else would the Institute... Replicate our Colo- Commander? Unless they got their hands on her but it just seemed too impossible."
Piper slowly shook her head and gave a simple response.
"It's just possible, Deacon. It's the Institute after all. But, speaking of replicating someone like Amanda... They can simply do that if they even want to. You should know this more like I do. But the fact that they can create a synth of an individual with those Gen 3s, they wouldn't really need to kidnap their targeted individual themselves when the synth replicas can do it themselves."
She paused. Piper took a long moment in silence before continuing.
"I doubt Amanda would be that easy to catch. Rather, too impossible even. With all that amount of soldiers surrounding her? The Outcasts on her back? I just doubt it."
"So, you're saying she could still be in California?"
Piper took a pause. Amanda could either be in California. That was, in the fact the only thing she lastly knew where Amanda was before she- The impostor entered the image... Fuck. Two different images of Amanda really fucked her mind up...
"She could still be there... Didn't she went after the NCR because of the oil rig was threatened to be liberated? That was the original cause to all this. When she was starting to gather more resources for the Enclave, as I was told by the others on the airbase..."
"Then maybe, she could still be out there on her own with the rest of her soldiers. Not to mention, she's got Chuck. Captain Chuck of the Outcast backing her up on managing her soldiers."
The Outcasts. That's a plus. Their status were never even mentioned at all recently...
"Look, Piper. As much as I wanna talk, but I feel like shit right now. Once I'm all good to go, I'll head over to the airbase and inform everyone there of what I know."
Piper gave a small nod.
"Fine. Just get well and let me know when you're ready. Because clearly, not everyone in the airbase and the Castle will likely take this news well about an impostor infiltrated our ranks."
And with that Piper turned away and began walking out of the medical bay only to hear Deacon shouting from behind in amusement.
"I still doubt the real Amanda would like you!"
Piper mentally cursed as she frowned under her helmet but kept walking.
Could Amanda still really be alive? If so, maybe she should try to see for herself. But then again, she can't leave the Commonwealth. Not at this state that it's in... There's still the NCR troubling the Commonwealth...
It was very unlikely to see an Enclave vertibird on the USAF base. But the fact that everything was going smooth with these military organizations, perhaps it was fine to see such an alliance. A stable temporary alliance until the Minutemen-NCR conflict ends, at least.
The Enclave after all, is an independent organization. And they wouldn't want to disappoint Amanda. The real Amanda.
After getting in board the vertibird, she was transported back to the Castle, where Piper immediately proceeded to the captain crunch as the head in charge.
"Captain."
"How's how agent?"
Piper shortly inhaled before giving a reply.
"He's okay, now, and still recovering, which is good news. But for the most part, he won't be joining for the conference meeting in the airbase. Not until he's fully recovered."
Seeing the Captain fold her arms, Piper received a response.
"Very well. But the conference meeting will still be occurring in the airbase. It's about the Minutemen and the NCR."
Piper's eyes blinked under her helmet a few times before asking.
"What about them?"
"Well, there's been reports, from the USAF about NCR patrols threatening farmers, and settlers alike for their crops. Now, as we may know, the NCR is likely to step atop over those that are as weak as the poor. Much likely, absorbing them into their numbers."
Piper mentally cursed. There was still another problem...
"Knowing the NCR. Their numbers would mostly be divided, with that the reported patrols are most likely coming from Quincy. Colonel Moore seems to have bought some time for her forces to gather resources while the USAF and DC Brotherhood conflict was still going. Now there's time, no doubt, she would most likely take this opportunity to expand her forced here in the Commonwealth, while the rest of their enemies -The Minutemen- are off shore fighting the other half of her forces."
Piper folded her arms and shortly grumbled.
"She thinks she can overwhelm both the USAF and Maxson's Brotherhood of Steel?"
"Pretty much likely, Lieutenant. Especially when Maxson's Brotherhood are reluctant in getting themselves in conflicts, the USAF on the other, are still in the state of growing its numbers -to make it worse, it's General's absence- which makes only the Minutemen can match the NCR in this conflict. I know... It's ridiculous. But with most of the Minutemen forces are on Far Harbor, we would have to take action to this."
There was pause. And to hear the Captain sigh, Piper realized that she knew what the Captain would say next.
"On our division, the airbase division at least, have the Minutemen controlled by Patriot. A non Enclave related organization, but a minor powerhouse that he grew and expanded. Turning it into a fully armed militarized force. That, automatically makes the Minutemen as our neighboring force. They're mostly loyal to us, rather than the USAF. So, it's only fair we return them the same loyalty. We will help them protect the Commonwealth."
It was everything that Piper expected to hear she gave a crisp nod. But just lingering on her mind, was the thought of the Wanderer, and her Brotherhood.
"What's the status of the Sentinel, and her Brotherhood?"
"It was a quick mop up, really. 65 Brotherhood soldiers, 2 USAF soldiers and 2 of Maxson's Brotherhood knights dead. But the full result was a success of the Brotherhood fleeing Jamaica Plains yesterday after two days spent wiping every raider in Nuka World. Those who surrendered were executed finely. So, we won't be worrying about raiders for quite a while. At least for now. The Sentinel, however already left before our forces got there yesterday. I'm just glad that we gained no casualties on our side as our AIs would only need minor repairs."
Piper let out an obvious sigh of relief before straightening her posture.
"Ready to follow orders, Captain."
The Captain nodded at this.
"Very well. I will attend to the conference meeting in the airbase. But before that, I'll have to rally a 75th battalion to Goodneighbour. There, you will rendezvous with a 60th Minutemen battalion that are sent from Far Harbor. You will be using Goodneighbour as your temporary outpost. We've already talked to mayor Hancock. Says he will be inclined to let our forces in, so long as his town is given its promised protection. You will also be one of the squad leaders in the battalion, so make me proud."
Perhaps, she didn't expect that at all. One of the leaders of a battalion? Maybe she'll drop just fine...
"I'll do my best."
"Alright then. Now carry on. You have a vertibird to catch with the others."
Piper emmidiately nodded and was dismissed.
After getting her fully repaired plasma rifle prototype, she immediately rushed back outside where dozens of tanned Enclave vertibirds awaited soldiers rushing on each.
Getting a board on one of the vertibirds, Piper shortly inspected her newly repaired gun before turning her head over to the view down below as the vertibird began descending.
It was another fight. Another that needed to be fought...
It wasn't long until they were dropped twenty meters outside Goodneighbour. It was a widely open road, prone to ambushes, but the sight of 75 Enclave personnel marching, no retarded fuck would dare initiate an ambush, unless it's a filthy brain-dead raider.
On the front as she marches, Piper saw a male ghoul in red overcoat and black colonial hat. It was the mayor of Goodneigbour.
Piper stopped in front of and greeted.
"Hancock."
To see Hancock's face in a bit of surprise, she earned a slow, surprised response.
"Piper? Well I'll be damned... You finally had enough being the press?"
Piper shortly formed under her helmet.
"It's my right to quit. After all, the railroad agents are doing fine in what they find with my sister printing what can be allowed to print on the papers."
"Ah, so, you really don't want anything to do with that, huh?"
Piper rolled her eyes and replied.
"I already found a suitable career."
"Ah. Being one of the Enclave is the career the suits you? Alright, I won't judge."
Hancock said with a shrug, but then gestured towards to his town. It was still a wreck, but most of the establishments were slowly being rebuilt at least.
Gladly entering the town, it was almost a ghost town as no civilian was in sight. Piper assumed most moved to Diamond City, or somewhere else especially when words spread by that Diamond City's door was suddenly taking in settlers that aren't ghouls.
It took almost an hour of to reorganize the town, thankfully it wasn't that big, but not to small either, armed X01s patrolling outside the town, and humans in X02s establishing communications it the Castle, with the non-ferals in X03s maintaining security on all possible entries on Goodneighbour. Hancock was quite pleased, not by the sight of his fellow non-ferals in X03 Hellfire, but rather by the protection on his town, except it wasn't intended to keep the town safe, but rather intended to prepare for an all-out strike to retake Quincy back from the NCR. The Castle division of the Enclave only needed some temporary holdout to keep on standby before the rest of the Minutemen return from Far Harbor. Perhaps, every commanding officer were that loyal to Amanda. Even adapted in being manipulative... Something that the Synth couldn't do that Amanda easily could...
Addressing personnel on standby, watch duty and patrol, even fortifying the town, Piper was suddenly interrupted while doing her job.
"So, what's your business here, Piper?"
To see Hancock walking up to her after hearing his question, Piper shortly raised a brow.
"Our business?"
"You know... Why you're really here? You know you can't fool me. Maybe the rest of the people of Goodneighbour, but me? Not a chance, Piper."
Piper frowned.
"It's classified. All I can say is that were doing this for the good of the Commonwealth."
"Hey now, I'm just curious. No need to be straight up mean."
Piper sighed shortly.
"I'm not, Hancock. I'm just doing my job. This is my job."
"Being an Enclave field officer? Yeah... But, you still take chances getting words out for the press?"
"Dammit, Hancock. Don't. Push it."
"Alright. Sorry... Can't blame me for being curious..."
Seeing Hancock raising his hands in defense, Piper shortly looked down before sighing quietly.
"I... Already gave up my career being a reporter... And I meant what I said earlier. That the Railroad agents are better off doing the job, getting the truth out and letting the public know. Though not all of it are meant to be said, I learned that some things are just meant to be... Classified."
"And you learned that from your Colonel?"
Piper didn't replied. In fact, she couldn't reply...
How would she give a response about the synth? She knew that telling the truth was the right thing to do, but the fact that situation was still ripe, like a fresh bullet wound yet healing... It was just too soon to tell the truth... And people around the Commonwealth wouldn't be able to process the truth right away, especially right after the conclusion of the USAF and DC Brotherhood conflict. Not to mention, people are still afraid about the Minutemen-NRC conflict still in effect... Telling the truth about the synth Enclave Colonel and causing an even more panic in the Commonwealth was the last thing that Piper needed... Fuck.
Her eyes through the orange tint on her helmet gazed down at Hancock still staring at her in curiosity. Piper was an honest woman. Not because she was once a reporter, but the fact that she was just really honest, she really wanted to tell the truth. But when again, fear can have a price just by telling the truth. Or worse... She didn't want to make another mistake again like the last one... Trusting, and almost falling for a synth... The price? Was Sarah's son, Owen Lyons. Yet, it only felt like half of the price was paid for yet mistake... Piper didn't want to make it worse by letting it happen again...
Clearing her throat, Piper a slow reply.
"It's classified. Just... Don't ask too many questions. Please. Civilian."
The word 'Civilian' got Hancock flinch back in surprise. Piper wished that she didn't had to say it, but she was just wanting to keep things calm at the very least. Though she does plan to let everyone know about the truth... If she finds the real Amanda. Or if the other woman would make appearance again... Even though it's just too impossible. No shit.
"Hey now, I won't ask... Alright, fine I'll leave ya to it. Just promise you'll keep my town safe... It's all I have other than it's people living here."
Hearing such a raspy, yet, obviously tired soft tone from Hancock, Piper gave a slow nod.
"Of course. I wouldn't want to disappoint my commanding officers, and mostly Patriot."
"Alright then, I'll head to Nordhagen beach. With all this shit goin' on, I can barely think of what to do. But if you need any help, just pick me up."
Piper shortly raised a brow.
"You mean, being a companion?"
To see Hancock giving a shrug, she also got a response.
"Yeah. If you're interested."
"I'll think about it. For now, I have a job to do as an Enclave Lieutenant."
To earn a slight nod from Hancock, Piper only watched as the ghoul walked away and out of his town. Oh, how she missed being Amanda's companion...
Half an hour spent, Piper was relieved by another Lieutenant to give orders.
Walking to over to a small tent just outside a small establishment, she hopped out of her X02 by the time she stopped on a repair station.
Taking a sit on a small bench, she inhaled deep. Leaning hack, trying to keep herself relaxed while focusing her eyes on the sight of soldiers on duties, obviously preparing ammunition and other sorts of munitions, Piper let out a huge sigh.
She needed time. Perhaps... This was the time... To finally think. To release all pressure on her mind. So many thoughts, regrets, and curses that she wanted to blame on herself just because she let her guard down all because of an imposto- No. Fucking. No. She wasn't going to think about... That. Not for now. She needed to think about everything that quickly slipped past her recently. Her stupidity, her blindness, and even foolishness.
She needed this.
It all started when Amanda came back. Or, Colonel Amani appeared, bringing former remnants from all district chapters of the previous Enclave chapters.
It all slowly began dragging her into thinking about acknowledging the old Enclave's ideals... But to quickly skip the bitter parts, she began acting up. Leading such bitterness she had towards fellow military personnel that wasn't Enclave. General Ward mostly being her hated target other than Paladin Danse next to Elder Maxson.
Then all of a sudden... It got to the point where she had that encounter with the Wanderer, or Sentinel of the DC Brotherhood. With ultimately led to her losing self-control of her own mind. It was almost like a poison. A small effect of that first patriotic speech... Then all the way to Colonel Amani's gentle words. And that soft, loving voice... In Amanda's voice...
She didn't know. For real. Piper didn't know what she was even doing neither the fact that she was stressed. Her own lack of sleep, thoughts to think of, and mostly keeping all those thoughts stored on her mind only made her worse. It made her vulnerable. An easy target trying to figure out what to think first. Which to think first. For so many thoughts on her mind, it made her easy to take advantage of. She almost thought Patriot by mistake to actually take advantage ever and manipulate her. Only to realize how wrong she was in the end, when she chose Amanda over the AI who was only trying to help her get to see what sense was actually there in the first place.
There came a price. Defenseless settlers, civilians, paid the price for her mistake. Then... Owen... Piper couldn't imagine how to feel if it was Natalie that was taken among those poor people during the attack on Sanctuary... But part of her actually broke her to see Sarah losing her own son... In the hands of... Colonel Amani's soldier's dressed in T-45s. Oh, how she wanted to tell Sarah that... How she wanted to tell Patriot that... Everything that she discovered about the other division. No. That was not part of the Commonwealth Enclave. That... Was another Enclave... But Piper only knew much about the real Enclave. If... Colonel Amani and her Enclave were right on what they were trying to represent in the Commonwealth, or in any part of the wasteland... Perhaps, they are the original Enclave...
Piper shivered. She couldn't imagine how they will function without Amanda... But with Patriot guiding them... Maybe there's a chance the can fight against Colonel Amani. Not to mention, the Commonwealth powers combined may even work as well. But the thought of fighting an enemy that bears the same name and insignia... It was so fucked up... She could only imagine how Danse and Haylen felt when they first fired shots at the Wanderer, and her Brotherhood... But what they did was justified. Piper still knew what was right. Thanks to Patriot... She learned to accept that Danse and Haylen only did what was right. She was a damsel in distress at that time after all... So, it was clearly justified, even though it was so surprising to see them pulling triggers at their fellow Brotherhood. She hated to admit it. But she owes those two...
But what about the thought of... The Commonwealth fighting Colonel Amani's Enclave?
"Lieutenant."
Being interrupted by a Sergeant, Piper immediately perked up and gave a slow nod.
"Sergeant?"
"The 60th Minutemen battalion has arrived. Although they don't have Garvey representing the battalion, they have an older soldier leading the battalion. Would you like to speak to her or shall I ask for another officer?"
Couldn't really tell what the Sergeant's expression was under his X02 helmet, but judging by the tone of his speaking, he must've seen her quietly thinking heavily.
"No, it's fine. I'll go talk to her."
With the Sergeant nodding, Piper immediately hopped back on her X02 and followed the Sergeant at the main center of the town. There, Poor saw a great number of well armed and geared Minutemen helping the human personnel in X02s. Dr. Kane was right. Patriot really did militarize the Minutemen.
Seeing most men and women rather than wearing the usual Minuteman field outfit, they were all wearing dark blue fatigues under black bullet proof vests, wearing dark blue bowl helmets with goggles strapped on. Others wore dark blue hoods matching the color of their fatigues, and all armed with CR 74-L combat rifles. Presumably infantry units. Other men and women. However, wear the same colonial outfit and duster which reminded her of Preston. But all were wearing black triangular pirate hats similar to Hancock's. And much unlike Preston who uses a laser musket, these colonial men and women were equipped with modified Gauss Rifles. Oh, they were for sure better equipped and funded than the USAF alright...
"Lieutenant, huh?"
Turning her head down at an older woman wearing the same militarized gear. Her figure clearly blocked by the bullet proof vest but her height tells she was average despite for an aged Minuteman.
Dismissing the Sergeant, Piper refocused on the woman who had a Sergeant rank on the sleeve of her fatigues.
"Yes. You are?"
"I'm Ronnie Shaw. One of the toughest and the oldest members of the Minutemen at your service. But, I go for Sergeant now, at least I'm trying to get used to it."
Piper gave a small respectable nod.
"That's understandable."
"Well now, let's get straight to business. As you see here, were a 60 number battalion sent from Far Harbor. Most couldn't be added while there's still some NCR mop up to do there off shore. Preston on the other, stayed behind-"
"He stayed behind? I thought he'll still be here-"
"No, no. He didn't come along because he was tasked to remain on Far Harbor defending settlements there. As a matter of fact, were cut short. Not of people if you're wondering, but cut short of time. You see, we've been trying to defend Far Harbor at all possible locations there be, but the splintered group led by a man called Courier Six has been slowly dissolving. And hearing rumors that he's retreated to Quincy where most of their forces are now, our field commanders decided to divert a battalion back to the Commonwealth, where they'd be going after the Courier to catch him. Alive. Then, this is where you guys in the Enclave come in. Sorry if were not here during that whole USAF and Brotherhood conflict, but were really in lack of time on everything. Resources aren't the problem, but biding time to fight the NCR all at the same time is. We can't really rely on Preston either due to his lack of leadership."
Piper sighed shortly.
"We were sent here to aid you against the NCR. As a matter of fact, we're supposed to take down its Colonel too, but the fact that-"
"Yeah. We all know how big these fuckers are. But they'll regret ever messing with the Minutemen. They've been putting propagandist papers on Far Harbor about themselves. How they'll benefit the Commonwealth, and how 'The NCR is best for the Commonwealth' fuckers even insult us with the recent papers 'Why the Minutemen is bad for the Commonwealth' bullshit."
Piper folded her arms and sighs again.
"I've heard stories, how the NCR had befallen to corruption. How they absorb everything in their path."
"Exactly! That's what they were trying to do on Far Harbor! They killed two cultist groups there... I forgot the other. But I remember the Children of Atom being murdered before taking their heir and absorbing whatever was there. Then came their banners of a two-headed bear was all over too, thankfully, people there don't buy their shit."
Piper gave a small nod.
"That's good to hear. But don't feed the bear. You know once they lie, you die."
"Exactly how we see it in the Minutemen! Now... To get to the point, were really here to catch Courier Six. You're here to put down their Colonel Moore? Then let's work together, and we'll get our fair share of the outcome. But what we need is strategic points surrounding Quincy, because I doubt mortars would be effective. Not when the surroundings of Quincy still has civilians there that refused to evacuate."
"We'll plan a strategy, Ronnie. But before we get further down to business..."
Piper raised as she slightly leaned forward.
"Who's in charge in Far Harbor? I know i have some faith in Preston, but I just really doubt he'll be useful on anything unless someone is telling him what to do. So... Who is really in charge?"
There was along moment of silence from Ronnie as she only stared up at Piper. Piper studied her face. Blank. But somehow, reluctant...?
"Like I said earlier. We have field commanders. Promoted Captains, and a few appointed Majors are in charge of giving field orders. But the rest about fighting the NCR in the first place? That's really on Preston. We just followed him because it's the right thing to do. But that's the only decision he had ever made, so far."
Piper shortly frowned under her helmet before asking again patently.
"I am aware of that. But what I meant is... From whom are you taking these orders?"
"Sorry, Lieutenant. No hard feelings, but that's classified Minutemen information. It's above your rank... And even to Captains, too. Only our Majors know about full briefings. Maybe Preston knows, because he's mostly included to attend on field commanders meetings, but he rarely says a thing other than settlements needing help."
Piper's eyes widened shortly. Classified. And that's what she gets. Unless she gets to Far Harbor... She may find out... But she doesn't want to disobey military protocols...
"Anyway, we'll be setting up positions once our scouts arrive to report. You gonna join in? You're non-ferals may prove very useful with their heavy incinerators. Along with those automatic power armor soldiers of yours."
Piper shortly raised a brow.
"Scouts? You've already have scouts around?"
"Yep. Not a full 60 battalion is here yet, we've sent a four man scouting party on vertibird flew to the south of Quincy to study their defenses. Thankfully we haven't seen them have such firepower back at Far Harbor, but their overwhelming numbers are the pain on our asses."
Piper gave a nod in acknowledgment. If that's how the NCR would depend on, being their numbers... Perhaps they can use advantage of their firepower. Though, the Minutemen may still be continually growing, their improved firepower would be quite enough. But with the Enclave's firepower added, they can decimate the NCR at Quincy... Only problem would be the civilians that wouldn't leave the soon to be battleground...
Refocusing back on Ronnie, Piper gave a quick response.
"This town is already soon to be fortified, and would soon be operational. For now, help the men here get everything done and prepped before we can tackle on a strategy. If your scouts returned have them on patrol again, but around settlements and tell the other Enclave commanding officers here to prepare a scouting party to join scouting settlements. Just to make sure none of the known settlements, small to big are being terrorized by the NCR."
"Something that Preston would say about settlements. But close enough."
As she was just about to leave, Piper heard Ronnie immediately speak.
"Take some men with you if you're heading out."
Clever. The old woman actually saw it in her that she was making a leave out of Goodneighbour.
Turning back to Ronnie Piper gave a nod, but with a question.
"Say... How come you don't have power armors? Didn't the Enclave donated T-45 blueprints to the Minutemen?"
To see Ronnie shrug shortly, Piper got a simple reply.
"The NCR fuckers wears the same power armor. A little different in style and appearance, but they use those T-45s like that other Brotherhood from the capital. Not most of the men, and women liked wearing T-45s ever since. Makes them feel like a walking target instead of walking tanks. But were good. Our field commanders had said it won't take long until we receive another power armor blueprint from the higher ups. Sorry, but the next part is classified."
Piper shortly frowned by the end of Ronnie's statement, but nodded either way.
And with that Piper dismissed Ronnie before calling out four colonial Minutemen with modified Gauss Rifles along with two AI X01s on standby.
It wasn't necessary. But the fact that she spent three days going back and forth between the Castle and the National Guard training yard to check up on Deacon, Piper has forgotten about Sarah. Having body guards on the way to Sanctuary wouldn't be a bad idea either.
Figuring a short visit perhaps may be nice at least just to see how the other woman was doing. It was three days since the attack on both Sanctuary, and Concord, but to think back about Sanctuary, it was hard for Piper to think of it. And she still blamed herself.
Travelling on foot with her small group of body guards, Piper couldn't really help but glance at the colonial men walking with her. They did come from Far Harbor, so maybe they know a bit more?
Slightly turning her head to a long haired redhead woman in colonial duster, Piper slowly began to ask as they walk.
"How was Far Harbor?"
With the woman turning to her while wearing a calm expression in her face Piper got a response.
"Were close to pushing back the NCR there. But with their Colonel still around, we still have to prioritize fighting them. While trying to catch the Courier. Thanks to our sources, we got good information on what we need to worry about the NCR."
Piper gave a small nod and asked.
"What do you know about them?"
"Most are classified. But a handful of it are briefed to the rest of us. Basic information of the NCR taking this opportunity to expand here in the Commonwealth by consuming it into their own greed. But we won't forget the real reason they were here. The Colonel was here after... Your Enclave. It seems that her higher ranked commanders from either California or Mojave has tasked her to try to eliminate you and your organization. But on the other hand, there's Courier Six, as he's just known. A no name asset of the NCR, but based off basic info, he's helped the NCR four years ago to overthrow most powers in Mojave. An abusive tribal faction called Caesar's Legion eliminated and even overthrown this Mr. Robert House who was once in control of New Vegas, and even others etc."
"And let me guess... He's here to help the NCR expand?"
"Much likely, yes. So technically, they're decided into two sides with two different reasons for being here in the Commonwealth. But they wouldn't be doing these without higher ups telling them to do so. But just recently, rumors has it that the NCR here in the Commonwealth had gone on a total blackout communication with the California and Vegas have. But thanks to our informant who's done such an outstanding job for as asset gathering Intel we got valuable information. But sadly, most of it is highly classified."
Piper gave a slow nod.
"Nick Valentine is your asset, hm?"
"Discarded synth detective? Yes. Knowing the NCR not aware of the Institute and Synths, they're very easy to rule out."
"So, I've heard... But, most in everything that's happening at Far Harbor, classified?"
"Unfortunately, yes, Lieutenant. Top brass likes to keep things shut. Like those NCR propaganda papers on Far Harbor would say, 'What I know, I keep to myself careless talk cost lives' but I believe our top brass keep things secret for a better purpose. For the Commonwealth."
Piper only gave a small nod, but for a brief moment, she was mentally wondering... A secret higher ups...? Perhaps it could be Patriot again. The AI proved to be far more advanced than the basic AIs the Enclave has, and noting the fact that he's supported both USAF and Minutemen mostly on military equipment and even funding, it's just really possible.
As they finally arrived at Sanctuary, it was quite a sight once again, as the walls were all placed back on, fortified defenses improved and even a good number of USAF guards now patrol around the settlement. They seemed to take it seriously now, after what happened at the settlement three days ago...
Upon entering, Piper excused herself and immediately headed over to Amanda's former home. There, she found Codsworth washing up Dogmeat.
"Hey, Codsworth. It's good to see you again."
"Ah! Miss Wright! So nice to see you as well! Are you here to visit young Nat? Miss Lyons?"
Piper quietly sighed, but nodded.
"Is Nat okay?"
"Why yes, Miss Wright! Actually, she's over the other houses over the far right. She's turned it into a shop. Strong is helping her as well, and surprisingly, that super mutant actually can help well, minus his usual comments..."
Piper gave a nod.
"And Mcready? I know hired him as Sarah's body guard, but seeing his contract is done..."
"Oh! Mr. Mcready never left Sanctuary actually, Miss Wright. As a matter of fact, he's settled next door into the house on the left to ours. He's also taken another contract, this time with the USAF."
Nodding in acknowledgment, Piper then asked again, but this time, rather slowly.
"And... Sarah?"
There was pause from Codsworth as he stopped washing up Dogmeat who barked up at him as if complaining why he stopped.
"Miss Lyons... Well, a little over than a day after... You know... What happened... She's had young Owen buried along with the other settlers just near Vault 111. But she left two days ago, she says if she doesn't come back, don't tell you. But I couldn't keep a secret to a family member, but should I?"
Piper didn't say anything in response. She was rather too shocked to even manage a word to say anything about this.
"Miss Wright? Are you okay?"
"I'm... Fine... I'm fine, Codsworth..."
Letting a deep sigh, Piper refocused her attention back on Codsworth.
"Has she said anything? Anything at all before she left?"
"Well, other than the fact that she wanted to go after the people who... Attacked Sanctuary... Her hatred for the Brotherhood of Steel seemed to have grown... Especially for those that came from the capital of DC. She only told me not to tell you of her leaving, if she doesn't come back. But, she has been gone for two days now. And I'm starting to worry even more on wherever she may be..."
Piper knew about the attackers... But telling Sarah would only fuck her up... But... It's the truth, and she needed to get it out. Somehow.
"Can you tell Nat I say hi when she gets back home?"
"Of course, Miss Wright! But wait, are you leaving already?"
Piper gave a small nod.
"I need to go to the airbase... It's about NCR related..."
"Oh, dear... Please be careful out there, Miss Wright. There have been words passing around of patrols stopping by on settlements. I wouldn't be surprised if that's why the USAF guards has increased quite a bit because of it..."
Piper gave a small nod.
"I will, Codsworth. Take care of Nat for me, and Dogmeat, too."
"Of course, Miss Wright!"
Giving Dogmeat a gentle pat on the head, she earned a playful bark.
The sight of Sanctuary was well secured now. Perhaps the USAF guards can handle it if any NCR patrols may happen to stop by...
After saying goodbye to Codsworth, Piper made it back to her group and led them to the airbase. A long travel on foot, but to rush time as it ran, they were really needing to make use of each minute they have while preparing to strike the NCR. Clearly, the NCR would not leave unless they're threatened by force. Something similar to the Wanderer, and her Brotherhood.
After another long while of travel on foot, they arrived at the airbase. It was like it was usually before, and upon getting past the heavily armed guards outside, Piper noticed recruits already being addressed by drill sergeants. Perhaps the airbase chose to ignore Colonel Amani's orders...
As she decided to excuse herself from her body guards, Piper immediately rushed into the main building across the hangars. A conference meeting could be happening now, but deciding to skip past the large meeting room, Piper decided to find any Enclave Captain around to report about Goodneighbour.
Nothing but personnel passing by.
Deciding to walk back outside as she finally turned back to the direction she came from, Piper suddenly bumped into a person clearly not in power armor.
"Augh, dammit... Sorry- Wait... Soldier. Where is your power armor?"
Piper strictly asked but hearing a small curse under the person's breath, Piper recognized it a feminine. Then came to her gaze was female individual wearing black Enclave fatigues, black light combat armor with the Enclave insignia in white on the chest, and a basic plasma rifle that were only issued to human and non-feral ghoul recruits alike.
Piper's eyes widened. Fuck...
"Sarah..."
Yeah. Amanda's plot actually worked. Sarah joins the Enclave. The Commonwealth Enclave, at least...
More to come in the next chapter.
Response to recent review: It is getting quite complicated to write with the switch of character perspectives. But hey, at least you got the point.
(no spoilers from me) also, I'm afraid it's gonna be a bit of a complication about Patriot's fate whether it's remained sealed, or unknown as the story continues.
ripntear