Here is the continuation of the previous chapter.
Heaven's already full. -Luckily, Hell's got a lot of free space.
Song used: For Appalachia
"Things Change" by grandson
-Forgotten: Empty Roads-
"So right now, we're on a part of Appalachia..."
Ignoring Nick. Amanda remained staring at the sight of the abandoned mines before them.
It wasn't hard to locate Mount Blair, especially when she and Nick began to spot tracks of rail road, leading them to the abandoned mines, but it was no surprise either to find the area empty of any sign of any life at all.
"Empty..."
Turning to Nick who began, Amanda responded.
"let's check around the area. Perhaps we may secure this as well and get some vertibirds here..."
Earning a nod from Nick, Amanda set her sights on the top of the enormous excavator before turning back at Nick.
"Do you have a flare grenade?"
"I used all that I had on my inventory when I was at the Commonwealth..."
Amanda mentally sighed before handing Nick a pair of flares before speaking, a little hesitantly.
"If you need any help... Use it to signal me."
Amanda earned a slow nod. But as they parted ways once again, she eventually made her way past old skeletons dressed in mining outfits. And for some reason, she also noticed a skeleton dressed in firefighter suit as she passed by.
The strange, yet alluring thing was the strange plants that she noticed by bits. Perhaps the nukes didn't touched Appalachia, but in return, didn't got spared from the radiation...
A little more time taken by the time she was close to the top, and next to the Rockhound excavator, she decided to checked the large vehicle only to find a holotape on the consoles in the northern section of the excavator.
Amanda got off her power armor and inserted the holotape on her Pip Boy.
"Whew, I'm damn glad that headquarters upgraded the Rockhound's power system. Now that we have reactors installed, we can finally stop depending on the local power grid and diesel engines to keep this baby humming. I can't even count the number of times the machine stalled because of blackouts or the engines quit.
Of course, working right next to four nuclear reactors isn't as cozy as it sounds. The engineers say those things are perfectly safe, but they aren't the ones that'll be vaporized after a meltdown. Still, those fat bonuses I've been getting on my paycheck are hard to ignore, so looks like I'll be staying for a while. Anyway, it's almost time to change out the Ignition Cores. I'll record more later if I have the time."
Amanda ejected the holotape before leaving it right where she found it. It was no use, but still, a good little information about the large vehicle that littered on Mount Blair.
Just as she was inspecting around the surroundings of the Rockhound, Amanda noticed an old, rusted supply cache with a Vault Tec logo slightly recognizable.
Checking the supply cache to find it empty , Amanda figured other people may had already gotten to it first, but to her luck on finding a scrap of whatever leftovers. She noticed an old holotape.
Getting off her power armor and inspecting the holotape, Amanda inserted it before playing it.
"Overseer's... Overseer's personal journal...
I found him. Evan. He's down there, just like I thought he'd be. But I... I didn't think he'd be... one of those things. The green lesions on his face... Oh god... I did this to him. It's all my fault. They told me I could have Vault 76, but not... not if I was married. They would've had to give Evan a spousal exemption and give him space in the Vault..."
Amanda's eyes slightly narrowed at the mentioning. Vault 76... And this was coming from its Overseer...
"But... there was someone more qualified. A civil engineer, someone with the skills to help rebuild. He was a distant cousin of a Vault-Tec executive and almost made the cut... 76 was for the best and brightest, and Evan didn't qualify. Deep down, I knew they were right. So I broke off the engagement. I... sacrificed him. For the Vault.
For Appalachia..."
'What the fuck is this? For the best and brightest?'
Amanda mentally wondered as she was struck by the words. So, if the Vault was truly meant to save people... There could still be others scattered around. -Mainly, descendants of the West Virginians...
"I know what I have to do, but I... I just can't. I love him. I already killed him once, I can't do it again. Please, I gave 76 everything. You were all so brilliant. The first few years were hard, but we learned to trust each other. You learned to trust me. I was young... So young... Younger than most of you. But you accepted me as your Overseer. But I need a favor
... I need you to go to the only warehouse in here, and do this for me. Let Evan rest. He didn't deserve any of this.
The Scorched. Eliminating this plague. It's not just about survival now. It's personal. We have to secure the nukes. We need to find a way to remove this disease off the map..."
Scorched? Plague? Disease?
Amanda was silent for a long moment after the recorded message ended.
What the fuck did happened here on Appalachia during all those years after the Great War? But with this 'Disease' being mentioned, and so was this 'Scorched' concerning her. Amanda felt a knot on her stomach at the thought of something haunting this seemingly abandoned region. But she needed to know more, if she will want to secure those nukes. And to hear about to nukes to be secured by the dwellers of Vault 76. She needed to get those nukes, and make sure only she, would possess them for the Enclave. Even though its both of a 50-50 chance those nukes might've been used or not. But there was just no saying until she sees it for herself...
But as an alienated individual from West Virginia. Amanda needed a start to learn more about what she needed to know about. Things that may potentially get in her way in obtaining those nukes in Appalachia...
After recollecting herself from her thoughts. Amanda decided to keep the holotape, before getting on her power armor. This, Overseer, of Vault 76 may prove useful despite being dead for two centuries. -A little insight through her perspective would be essential to help provide a path in finding those nukes...
As she was checking around for a bit more. Amanda noticed a red flare from the distance.
Amanda frowned under her helmet before hurrying back to Nick, and to arrive back and seeing him with his gun in hands, and the detective looking very alarmed. Amanda slowly approached and began by the time the detective noticed her.
"I saw the flare. What happened?"
Amanda questioned, and just before she earned a response, she noticed Nick looking around the clear sky, almost frantically.
"Nick. Is something wrong?"
Amanda questioned again, this time with a frown.
To see Nick sighing shortly before turning to her. Amanda folded her arms and waited impatiently for a response.
"Well?"
Amanda asked impatiently.
"I think I saw something, but -I must be a little tired and seeing things... I guess never mind that..."
Amanda raised a brow and stared at Nick for a long moment before earning a frown from the detective.
"Well. The area here is secured. No ferals, raiders or deathclaws so far..."
"Good. And I'm certain that the flare you used signaled a vertibird. We can use that as an advantage to set up a temporary holdout spot here. But until any vertibird arrives... Follow me."
Amanda readied her laser minigun but earned a confused look from Nick.
"Where are we going?"
"To the only warehouse here, Nick. I found a holotape, and apparently... The person who recorded a message wishes for a small favor. I don't know if Evan is still roaming in that warehouse, but we'll have to see for ourselves."
"Evan? Who's Evan?"
Amanda frowned as she and Nick found their way toward an old warehouse.
"I'll... Get to the point later."
Amanda simply replied, then noticed an old key card on a table next to a wall, which leads to a staircase down to a basement.
"Amanda?"
Amanda heard Nick, but didn't responded as she picked up the key card then proceeded down the steps, and towards a locked door that required the key card.
After sliding the key card on the slot, Amanda opened the door and to meet a slightly dark view inside the warehouse. She cautiously entered with Nick followed behind.
"Ugh... This place had definitely seen better days..."
Hearing Nick's comment, Amanda was slightly startled by the sound of a gargled groan.
"Keep your voice down... There's something in here..."
Amanda stated in hushed tone, but as they cautiously crept forward. The gargled groans directed them to a door on the far end of the warehouse.
"Feral... Definitely..."
Hearing Nick's hushed comment. Amanda began shaking her head slowly.
"I don't think so..."
Amanda slowly responded, and as she finally opened the door.
Her eyes through her red visor met the sight of a glowing... Thing. Evan. He- It, however, didn't looked anywhere near being a feral ghoul...
"What the..."
Nick's voice suddenly gained it's attention before letting out an inhuman scream before charging towards them.
Amanda didn't moved, as she began to fire her laser minigun at the thing that used to be Evan. Although it took quite alot of laser fire before she actually managed to put the Evan thing down, but to inspect it's carcass... Amanda came to a quick realization.
"Scorched..."
"Scorched? Never heard of that before..."
Amanda turned to Nick before responding.
"The holotape I found was recorded by a woman. The Overseer of Vault 76. She mentioned the Scorched, a disease that presumably comes from a plague here on Appalachia... If there's one thing in result, no doubt it's that."
Amanda pointed down at the dead Scorched on the floor.
To see Nick's expression rather grim at this. Amanda continued.
"We need to know more about the Overseer. If she ventured all the way out here after leaving her Vault just to find her lover, Evan being a Scorched... There's no doubt... She would leave recorded messages for the other Vault dwellers of Vault 76."
"And how are you sure, Amanda?"
Amanda frowned at Nick's question.
"Judging by her personal recorded message. She clearly refer to the Vault dwellers of Vault 76. Assuming, she also leaves recorded messages anywhere out there to help the other Vault dwellers to survive... Its possible..."
Amanda saw a confused look on Nick's face.
"Huh... I wonder... Why would they leave their Vault? I thought you said Vault 76 was meant to save people?"
"That's what I thought when USAF Dr. Kane firstly mentioned to me. And speaking of Vault 76... We're going there, to see if there's anything we can find that might be helpful in this... Expedition."
Amanda immediately left the room and walked outside the warehouse with Nick followed behind.
As they reached back to the abandoned mines, Amanda saw three Enclave vertibirds with some armed AIs securing perimeters.
"Ma'am, we got your flare signal."
An AI began by the time Amanda approached.
"What is the status of our battalion on the outskirts?"
"They've secured Williamson, Ma'am. Our scouting parties also reported that they've come across settlers. Humans and non ferals alike banded in settlements outside West Virginia, Ma'am."
Amanda nodded.
"Phew... Am I just glad that there are still people around..."
Ignoring Nick's comment. Amanda responded to the AI.
"Have four more vertibirds here and secure this area. I would also need some emergency munitions supplies for personal use while scouting Appalachia."
"Yes, Ma'am!"
With the AI dismissed. Amanda got off her power armor before checking the map on her Pip-Boy, which now showed the map layout of West Virginia.
"So, where are we going next?"
Hearing Nick's question. Amanda shortly frowned before toggling around the map on her Pip-Boy until she managed to find the location of Vault 76.
"Fuck..."
Amanda frowned bitterly before turning to Nick and continuing.
"Further up north. Vault 76. We'll take a vertibird."
"All right. But... You mind telling some things I might at least wanna know before we go there? I'm starting to get off tracked here trying to figure out what the hell are we really here for..."
Amanda shot him a glare at the last part of his statement.
"It's above your pay grade, Nick."
Amanda watched as the detective immediately raided his hands in defense.
"Hey, I'm not in it for the caps, Amanda. I'm here to help you out. But... At least tell me so I know the things I'm agreeing on with you, and the things I'm not..."
Amanda took a long pause after Nick responded.
"Amanda?"
Amanda frowned bitterly before looking him in eyes and responding, rather harshly.
"I'm here to secure Appalachia. And mostly, to secure the nukes still on the silos."
True. It was her intentional goal in Appalachia. But she knew that she shouldn't be surprised by the time Nick stared at her in shock. She didn't cared, though.
"Amanda... What the hell are you trying to do? Start another Great War?"
Seeing Nick's questioning look and hearing his firm tone. Amanda held herself back from arguing. Clearly... She had other things to do right now than arguing.
"I never asked you to come with me, Nick. You can take a vertibird back to the Commonwealth now if you want. But I'm staying here, and securing those nukes for the Enclave. I don't want anyone. Not anyone from any other faction in this Wasteland to ever get a hold of those nukes but me and the Enclave."
Amanda took a small pause before continuing.
"I'm not asking for you to stay, neither did I asked you to come along the way out here with me, Nick. If you want to pull back. You can go. If you want to stay, you can stay. But respect that I'm not stopping here. At all."
And so, she waited for a response from Nick, staring at her in silence. Rather wearing a very, hesitant look on his plastic face.
"I want to help you. But not this way... But I keep promises. And I made a promise to myself..."
Amanda frowned bitterly before glaring at Nick.
"Nick. I'm not asking of you to help me. You don't owe me anything -And you've already paid your debt on me for saving you at Vault 114. There's no reason at all for you to do this."
Amanda watched as Nick sighed before earning a response.
"I know. I know, I know... But I made a promise to myself."
Amanda raised a brow at his statement. Clearly, it sounded incomplete.
"And I made a promise to Codsworth, General Ward. And Piper, right before I left the Commonwealth and back to you at Mojave. There are people that care for you, Amanda. And they're worried about your well-being..."
Amanda field her arms firmly before responding a little harshly.
"I did not asked for their concern. I did not asked for yours either. You completely mi-"
"Yes, Amanda. We completely misunderstood you. I know that's what you'll say."
Amanda's eyes furrowed in surprise. Why the fuck does she have to deal with this damn synth again...
"Look. Just hear me out. All right?"
Amanda frowned bitterly at Nick as she only listened.
"Everyone in the Commonwealth knows your name now. They know who you are, where you came from. -And what happened to you at Vault 111, thanks to Publick Occurrence. I know alot of people don't understand why you're still alive despite being over two centuries old. But there are those lot that actually look up to you. Everyone in the Enclave at the Commonwealth, the Minutemen. And hell, even the Railroad has some faith in you for sparing synth fugitives.
Do you really want to ignore all that? All for this? And for what, for the Enclave again?"
Amanda couldn't say anything. She was lost for words. But, why would she listen to this kind of topic when she wasn't asking for concern, or sympathy of others? She just wanted to do what she thinks is best for the Enclave...
"Amanda. If you're going to secure those nukes. Then what? What do you plan to do? Tell me here and now, so that I'm aware in the end."
Amanda remained silent as she only stared at Nick. Why was he acting like this? This was none of his concern, let alone none of his business at all...
But to give him what he wanted to hear. Amanda cleared her throat before giving a response.
"I will use it to kill any oppressors that dare pose a threat to the Enclave, or dare harm the Enclave. This is my home now, Nick. The Enclave. Why won't you just let me go, and let me be free to do what I want?"
Amanda bitterly stated.
"Talk about freedom, in the middle of a post apocalyptic age? Amanda... You are a free woman. But what you're doing is so close to a path to cruelty. If you use those nukes, think about the fear you'll cause of many others only trying to live their lives. Think about the many lives you'll wipe out just to what, kill any oppressors that dare harm the Enclave. The nukes aren't any useful in this age of society. Let the Great War be the example why...
At least for once, Amanda. Listen to me. I can't promise to keep reminding you about this while you keep going further in hoarding the instruments that once destroyed Old World..."
Amanda had her eyes setting down in the ground shortly. But looking back at Nick who was sighing. She heard him continue.
"I'm taking alot of risks on this but... If it's the only way to keep up with you... I'll probably regret this...
But I'll make a bargain with the Enclave."
Amanda raised a brow at this. What's he up to now?
"If you want to secure nukes here on Appalachia... Fine...
-I'll help you... But in return... You will go back to the Commonwealth. And you we will agree to seek medical care for you. Do we have a deal?"
Amanda felt insulted at this as she glared at the detective before giving a response.
"I'm not mentally insane, Nick. Why are you saying this to me?"
"Because I know it's the only thing that will help you. I'm no doctor. But I'm sure the Commonwealth have the best doctors to offer to help you on what you're really troubled with. I've... Always noticed since I started working as an asset of the Enclave. You're troubled, and misunderstood.
But I'm not implying that you're losing it either. I just wanted to help you. If... If only your husband, Nate still alive... He would no doubt do the same..."
Amanda took a deep breath. Why does Nate has to be involved in this. Although she loved Nate... But the two of them never had a perfect relationship either, despite being happily married as far as she could remember. But even if they didn't had the perfect married relationship, Amanda remained loyal, and faithful to Nate during his days away to serve while she, on the other, was left back home to take care of their infant son, Shaun. Nate's son that he never got to see.
"Amanda. For the sake of your husband to finally be at peace. Do this for him. You need serious help. And I'm not the only one willing to help you..."
Amanda closed her eyes for a moment before focusing on Nick, who was patiently waiting for her response, giving her all the time she needs to think... Nick was trying so hard... And for some reason?
Amanda hated that.
"Okay... Okay..."
Amanda hesitantly responded. Rather, hushed in tone.
"We'll have a deal... I'll return to the Commonwealth... Once we secure those nukes..."
Amanda paused before straightly focusing on Nick's yellow eyes.
"I won't promise anything. So I'll agree to make a deal straight away. Just let my Enclave be. They've suffered too much failures more than I've had..."
Amanda watched as Nick's face softened.
"You really care for the Enclave's reputation, do you? Despite being... Who they were back then..."
"No. I care for the Enclave. As a whole. Not only for its reputation... It's all that I have now. At least respect that -Even if they were back then like me. Misguided, and misunderstood..."
Silence filled the air. Until vertibirds finally arrived...
"Looks like the backup has arrived... Well... We going to Vault 76 now? Might the best time, Amanda. I would for sure look forward to see what it looks like, and know its purpose further."
Amanda stared at Nick who suddenly changed the subject, and watched as he approached the AIs piling out of the vertibirds to talk to.
Amanda felt terrible now...
She's gotten this kindhearted synth to take part of her questionable goal... A darker one, in fact...
Perhaps, guilt is indeed a part of life despite its bizarre taken routes in this civilization...
Amanda finally erased the thought in her mind before setting foot to one of the vertibirds.
"Wait up!"
Seeing Nick catching up to her, Amanda decided to pay no attention, turning to the AI pilot, she began.
"Take us north from here. I'll keep track on the map of my Pip-Boy to guide us."
"Yes, ma'am!"
With the vertibird taking off, Amanda glanced down to see her AI X01s securing the perimeters. She mentally sighed.
"I asked about Patriot. And I was told that he's in Vault 0... Where's that?"
Hearing Nick's question. Amanda hesitated to respond, but forced herself to do so.
"Cheyenne Mountain. West Coast."
"Is he gonna be alright?"
Amanda didn't responded, and instead. Hopped off her power armor before focusing on the map of her Pip-Boy.
"Still a bit far up ahead..."
Amanda muttered under her breath.
"You know... I never really expect to see a place like this, still holding out. But it makes you wonder how the place isn't even giving any signs of life, when it's even this beautiful and peaceful out here..."
Hearing Nick commenting with a shortly. Amanda quietly sighed before simply responding.
"I wouldn't mind the emptiness. So long as I secure the nukes, then the Enclave can start colonizing West Virginia."
"And you don't even care to know about things? Let alone, wonder what when happened here in all those years while the rest of the Wasteland seeme to have forgotten about this place?"
"The only thing I would want to know about is what would be of use to the Enclave. Like the Whitesprings Bunker the Enclave once used after the Great War for example."
Amanda met a small frown.
"Don't. Even. Argue."
Amanda sternly added as she focused her eyes back on the map of her Pip-Boy.
"Charleston..."
"What?"
Amanda frowned before turning back to Nick.
"Still a bit far from our destination."
"You know, it doesn't hurt to explore, right? We don't really need to rush securing those nukes..."
Amanda shortly glared at Nick.
"I don't want any delays exploring for nonsense. Unless its worth the exploration -As in anything useful for the Enclave- I can put a schedule for exploration."
Glancing down on her map, it labeled 'George Bridge' on the center.
"What about this Whitesprings Bunker?"
Amanda turned her head to Nick who asked.
"That's a little personal, Nick. Classified."
Amanda watched as Nick sighed with a frown. But deciding not to say anything else as she waited, Amanda felt a little bit of relief by the time they arrived on little clearing.
Jumping out of the vertibird and on her power armor, Amanda took one long look around her surroundings.
"Be on standby."
She simple said to the AI pilot, before turning her head to Nick who was scanning the environment with a look of disappointment in his face.
"Empty..."
"Doesn't matter, Nick. Let's go."
Amanda simply said and began crossing the open road, and headed forth to a small mountain with Nick in tow.
"You know where we're going?"
Hearing Nick's question, Amanda frowned under her helmet.
"Got it marked on my map. And no more questions."
Noticing a visible frown on Nick's face, Amanda paid no attention as she took the lead on the long stairway of stones stop the mountain until she met an old welcoming message of 'Vault Tec Celebrates 300 Yrs of America' to which she cocked a brow at.
"Not much of a celebration now by the looks of what we've seen on this place since we got here..."
Ignoring Nick's muttered comment. Amanda led the way further and arrived at the top with Nick.
And facing the main entry way the 76 on the old rusted gear door. Amanda slowly stepped forward before pressing her metal palm on the gear.
"So, you really are true... But your fruition of colonization doesn't appear on sight..."
Amanda mumbled before looking around, trying to find a control panel to get access to the Vault.
"Dammit..."
She cursed. But sighing shortly, she then turned to Nick who was admiring the view from afar below the peaceful daylight.
"If you're done daydreaming, then I can tell you that there's no possible way for us to get access to Vault 76. -Not without a control panel to use the Pip Boy on."
A slightly startled Nick immediately spun around to her before responding.
"Oh. Well... I guess there's no point on trying then. But can we just agree at least that the view is quite admirable..."
Amanda folded her arms firmly with a frown as she watched Nick staring back into the view of a seemingly peaceful -Yet deserted sight of Appalachia.
"This was a huge waste of my time... I want those nukes..."
Amanda slowly stepped forward and stopped right next to Nick, before staring into the blue sky above.
"You've obviously never seen a non-grey sky before?"
Amanda questioned a little bitterly in disbelief.
"Not a chance... Heck, even the Commonwealth couldn't offer such a thing like this place has shown us... But I'd still say the Commonwealth is better than any place. At least in my opinion that is..."
Although the conversation was right off the topic, Amanda was starting to grow impatient. But a tiny part of herself actually agreed to the synth detective... A mental curse as Amanda frowned.
"Let's just leave..."
Amanda decided to end the moment.
But as she was about to head back down the long stone steps with Nick in tow. -Amanda came across an old, better yet, rusted mister handy.
"The fuck..?"
Amanda stared at the floating mister handy, rather in hostility before questioning.
"Identify yourself, robot."
Amanda bitterly spat, but to see the robot slightly move back in surprise, she earned a response.
"Oh, I did not expect to see people for such a long time! Though I never doubt the residents to fail on the reclamation but you, good madam, are a proof that Appalachia was successfully rebuilt!"
Amanda stared at the mister handy for a long moment.
"Oh! I uh, I'm sorry madam, but I forgot to introduce myself to you -I am Pennington. One of the former maintenance robots in Vault 76, and I had been roaming around the surroundings outside the Vault to ensure its security."
Amanda slowly raised an eyebrow before responding.
"You're not aware, that Appalachia is... Empty? I'm from Boston, and it's been approximately 210 years now since the Great War..."
"Well yes, I am aware of how long it has been -But, I was sure of it! The residents all left the Vault on Reclamation Day, and I am certain that they've rebuilt at least some places here in West Virginia..."
"We haven't explored much yet around here... But if you claim that the residents of Vault 76 all left the Vault I assume that they've all moved on to other places outside West Virginia. Since I doubt anything changed around here..."
Silence filled in. But that was until Pennington decided to speak.
"I wasn't actually aware on what really happened in those days during Reclamation Day... But considering it's been quite so long -I may as well give you this."
Handed two holotapes. Amanda slightly raised a brow.
"The other holotape is nothing like the other that I had given most of the residents as I was instructed by the Overseer. Hmpf... Most of them were too cocky, and excited to see the outside of the Vault that they just simply took off elsewhere as far as I remember -Without even taking the holotape logs... But regarding the other one, I found it from the Overseer's C.A.M.P not very far, and just south from here."
"Well, what are you doing now?"
To hear Nick asking this time, Pennington gave one simple response.
"Why, securing Vault 76 of course! There are still some mister handy robots inside the Vault manning up the fort after all, so I might as well do my job being the guard outside."
"You've been out here for over 200 years guarding this Vault?"
"Why yes! If, needed to... That was, a part of my protocol after all..."
Amanda, who was paying no mind had already left the conversation as she busied herself on marking the location of the Overseer's C.A.M.P on her Pip Boy before hopping back on her Liberty.
Although she didn't paid attention at Pennington afterward even as he left, Amanda simply jerked her head at Nick, signaling that it was time to move.
As they made a trek through the forest, Amanda had somehow found herself fallen deep into a thought of what Pennington told them about the residents rebuilding Appalachia -But considering there wasn't much of a sign it even happened, or could it happen, then perhaps they've all move on to other places? It had been over two centuries ago after all, and those people are long dead...
But the thing she and Nick encountered on that warehouse that used to be a man named Evan... This plague, and this Scorched... -Something didn't seem right, and to feel it in her senses just by wandering in the empty, vulnerable forest... Amanda swore that something deep within haunts Appalachia, and if that is one caused by what the Overseer mentioned...
"The C.A.M.P!"
Amanda was interrupted from her thoughts by the time she heard Nick, who jogged up to an old, empty site that used to be the Overseer's C.A.M.P.
Immediately following suit, Amanda paid no attention on what was left of the small site long organized by the Overseer as she left Nick do the inspection -But instead, she hopped off her Liberty before playing the holotape Pennington handed her.
"Overseer's log, or should I say, direct communication. Because whoever is listening to this had the moxy to try to find out where I've gone.
But I'm glad you did. Truth is, I need your help. I've been given a task, and... I've decided to break protocol and tell you what it is. Because If there's one thing I've learned in these past few years, it's that we need to rely on each other.
There were three active nuclear silos in Appalachia before the bombs fell. They blew up the world before. We can't let it happen again. So we've got to locate and secure all of the silos, or die trying. Hopefully the former. Hmph.
But it's been twenty-five years. I just don't know what we're going to find out there. Or where to start... My directive was to go to the nearest population center and assess the situation. I'll set up a C.A.M.P. on the way once I get my bearings. Find me there."
She didn't care if the Overseer was long dead. Like hell she would at all, but considering she wanted something that the Overseer has knowledge of, Amanda hated the fact that the Overseer was right about what she said on the first parts of the message.
But to enlighten Amanda. -Three active nuclear silos were still indeed on Appalachia. But in 50-50 chances it could still be hidden, or long used, to which she was still not sure of. But that doesn't mean she would care about Vault 76 either as her only want in Appalachia were the nukes...
Immediately, Amanda replaced the holotape with the other one.
"Overseer's log. South of Vault 76.
I knew this wasn't going to be the Appalachia I remembered, but... mutated animals, haywire bots, and no people so far... We have to be ready to rebuild in - what I can confirm - is hostile territory. Fortunately, Vault-Tec was prepared.
You see this? The cooking station, the stash box, the workbenches. All built with the C.A.M.P. You need a home base out there. The Construction and Assembly Mobile Platform is designed to give you one. Just add resources, planning, and a little elbow grease. When you move your C.A.M.P., everything you've built is stored, ready to be placed back down in the new area. Use this to establish a foothold whenever you're in unfamiliar territory.
I've left my C.A.M.P. behind so you can use it. I know I'm breaking my own advice by not taking it with me, but after seeing Appalachia for myself, I need to make sure every resident of 76 has a safe haven they can start from. I'll make do without it. If it's still standing, the town of Flatwoods is further down this road. Find me there. This is the Overseer. Signing off."
Like hell she'd use an obsolete piece of trash of a campsite compared to the Enclave's field maintenance stations... But taking word of the main part of the message. Amanda marked Flatwoods on her map right away.
"Nick."
Amanda called as she lazily jerked her head at the detective who slightly nodded.
"I heard the news. But you should consider keeping the holotapes, though. In case we come across more."
Amanda just simply nodded before hopping back on her Liberty.
She noticed then that Nick wore a tired look on his plastic face. A kind of an exaggerating one.
"One could hope you won't nuke Lost Hills... Or D.C..."
Amanda paid no attention at the comment that Nick gave as she walked past him.
But as she led him back to the vertibird, Amanda instructed the pilot to take them to Flatwoods, then gave a long awaited response to Nick.
"One could hope, that the High Elders on California would give a reason to be nuked..."
"Amanda!"
Amanda simply turned to meet his scowling expression. She only smiled gently out of her twisted amusement. How she loved hurting and tormenting others, but at the same time, she felt bad only for this synth. But it wasn't her call to be blamed at for him joining her.
"You best remind me of that, Nick. But either way -I don't hold a grudge against the Brotherhood of Steel. Only on the Outcast, and Midwestern part at least."
"And the rest are almost everyone else being in the Brotherhood? Well, for your information, Maxson's Brotherhood helped the USAF defend Concord before our people in the Enclave made a move. We should at least give them some credit for that..."
Amanda pondered for a moment. Of course, she was aware. But considering both that factions were laughing stocks, mostly the pre-war military of course, she gave a lazy, yet insulting response for their 'Contributions' for the Commonwealth.
"We should give them a benefit of a doubt. Keep in mind: Both Brotherhood and USAF had ended their ties with the pre-war Government. They have no rights to call themselves army of the Old World as they are to be considered deserters. While we, the Enclave, never broke apart from the Old World. Minus the deserters of the former Enclave that the Outcasts are continually pursuing and executing on Texas."
Amanda stopped. She didn't wanted to give full details of the facts and her opinions, when she had found herself respecting mostly every single thing about the Enclave. She didn't wanted to mention the remnants in respects for their secured peaceful lives on Freeside with Arcade Gannon. -As they were the only former Enclave members she had spared despite them -Minus Orion Moreno- no longer wanting any part of the Enclave, while the rest of the pursued deserters had been dealt with accordingly...
"Amanda, I can understand that. But we -You, should take cautious approach at least. I know your men are loyal. But wherever you go, they'll follow. By that, all I ask is for you to follow what the pre-war United States should've been. We both know the Government didn't had any share of goods during the Old World. But at least, if you plan to use the Enclave, try not to abuse it, like what your ancestors did..."
For the first time. Nick said something that made sense. After all, Amanda didn't wanted to agree, but everything Nick said about the pre-war government was right. And she despises the old dead fuckers for the Great War. But to fully voice her own opinions... She never care about the government. Not for now at least -As her main priorities were to secure the Enclave's military advances, strength and the means to kill its former, and future enemies with sheer force, should they step on the Enclave's superiority.
But when all is finally settled... When she's fully satisfied with what she achieved for her Enclave -Then maybe she and the Enclave can finally bury its horrific past, and declare their existence as the only true military of the United States.
Rebuilding America...
Amanda said nothing, as her head only focused down at the view of Appalachia. She hated Nick for somehow making her agree about West Virginia. It was still beautiful, and was still in its pre-war image. The only changes were the odd, alien-looking plants, and the plague that haunted West Virginia. -She still needed to know more of that, if she would want no obstacles to get in her way in obtaining those nukes...
"Arriving at our destination: Flatwoods! Preparing to dock, ma'am!"
The pilot informed, and as the vertibird pepared to dock, Amanda readied her laser minigun.
"Ma'am, I am a little low on fuel! I will return to Williamson now, but I will send a new vertibird here for your extraction!"
Hearing this from the pilot, Amanda mentally sighed before nodded slowly.
"All right. Tell the replacement to be here asap. We're on a schedule."
"Yes, ma'am!"
And with that, Amanda and Nick both jumped out of the vertibird.
"Flatwoods. Looks like a shady town to me..."
Nick quietly commented. Amanda, however, paid no attention before stepping out front.
"C'mon... We have to search the town."
Amanda earned a small sigh before a slow nod from Nick.
"All right then. Lead on."
Just as they entered the town. It was no surprise to find it empty, and as they stopped by on a road, Amanda ordered Nick to check out the nearby establishments, with her of course, securing their position.
With Nick wandering off to check out the establishments, Amanda decided to take a small detour until she found what appeared to be an old church that seemingly looked like it was used as an evacuation point.
Skeletons, tents, stretchers even old medical supplies that weren't salvageable and of course -Old, rusted bullet casings.
Amanda approached the tents, and specifically, picked up a spent shell. Rifle round, she figured. But turning her attention to the far right of the entry of the church -Was another cache of Vault Tec supply boxes. Amanda immediately approached it to find one holotape laying in dusts on one of the boxes.
Taking it, Amanda suddenly heard a small, dusting noise that cake from the distant. Almost coming from the east and west of the church.
Amanda narrowed her eyes under her helmet as she listened again for the noise. None. -And so, she immediately took her chance to exit her Liberty and play the newly found holotape on her Pip Boy.
"Overseer's log. Town of Flatwoods. My God... There's no one here. The old tavern, the church. People were using them for shelter, but... They're gone. Mutations we expected, but there's something else... A disease. I was attacked by... Well, it used to be a person. But it had these green, glowing lesions. And its voice... Angry, tortured. "We are one." One what? Whatever happened here is beyond anything we expected. And we expected a lot.
Before they were wiped out, the survivors called themselves the Responders. Looks like they were made of firefighters, police, emergency medical staff. They even have an automated system to teach people about treating water, food, survival. I'm doing their tests, and you should too. I know it's even worse than we imagined. But someone's got to know where the missile silos are and how to secure them. The Responders are the best lead we have. This is the Overseer, signing off."
Used to be a person, with green, glowing lesions? Those are definitely this Scorched. Taking the Evan thing for example -Nowhere near to be recognized as a ghoul. Non feral, or feral.
But considering. Amanda took note of the skeleton with a firefighter outfit that she saw earlier back when she was checking out the Rockhound Excavator. Firefighters, Police and emergency medical staff formed a faction with the obvious name of Responders as based off their roles during the pre-war times...
Perhaps she'll make use of that faction for the Enclave if possible? But keeping the thought in mind for her list of adopting, Amanda immediately hopped back on her Liberty.
But in her mind. The worried tone of the dead Overseer caught her attention regarding the disease coming from this plague. -One can only wonder why this place was so abandoned, and forgotten to be once a part of pre-war America was the thought of the Scorched. Assuming they're far worse than the ferals...
Amanda's eyes averted to her far left. She noticed a silhouette of four figures -Six figures.
And over to her far right, she saw five, only this group were holding handheld weapons.
Amanda held her ground and held her laser minigun tightly as she waited for the silhouettes to approach. -And that's when she was fully able to make up of the appearances.
Their skins were rotted. But unlike ghouls that shared the same trait, they had some sort of green sticking out of their skins -Amanda almost mistaken them for green emeralds popping out of their dried wounds, but taking note that five of the things held handheld weapons, Amanda didn't took long in realizing that these things were the reason of keeping Appalachia, and presumably West Virginia, completely empty of inhabitants. The Scorched.
Like animals as they all made their approaches. Amanda took note of their inhumane shouts, from one group to the other. They were responding to one another as they attacked altogether like one organized unit. Amanda assumed their minds work on some sort of one internal link, that allowed these things to communicate as one. -Similar to what the Overseer mentioned.
However, the Scorched function on a hive mind as they communicate and attack -As one.
It was too late to retreat, and there was seemingly no good option to retreat to the church either. -Amanda held her ground, and decided to defend herself against these new-found enemies.
'Almost Hell -West Virginia...'
Amanda mentally thought as she fired at the incoming group of Scorched, surrounding her in both sides.
-Oh, how horrifying shortly, but then became rather irritating their gargled screams were as she suppressed fire her laser minigun.
Almost thought the story is dead? -Not a chance.
And just to clear a minor thing. -Amanda's Liberty power armor isn't the one from FO:76, but instead, the mod based off Liberty Prime from FO4. It's no big deal, but I figured clearing it up now.
-Not really a spoiler: I'm also planning some things for Patriot to further his role as Amanda's main companion. Perhaps, the FO:76 Liberty power armor may come to use after all, along with the Responders. I'll probably see to it, but for now I'm just brainstorming while in the planning.
Anyway, here's an update:
So far, I'm currently working on the plots of each future chapter regarding Appalachia -And no. I do not intend to include the new updates FO:76 is getting (That being Steel Dawn) as I have everything I want to be in the story fully incorporated as planned.
Also, I am currently working on the next chapter as well, but despite trying my best to work on things, I can't guarantee for an update in the next few weeks, or so.
Until next time.
ripntear
