I feel like shit writing this. Hopefully this is worth the wait.
Execute
Negotiate
Conquer
Liberate
Annihilate
Victory
Evolution
-Forgotten: Grievances-
Standing still, eyes peeled, and alerted. Amanda took note on each of the dead corpses laying dead on the road that used to be scorched but looking more but carcass. -This was something she'd expect from unexplored territories, but not entirely as she had not thought of herself fending off such things with the likes of these...
"Amanda! I heard gunfire, what the hell-"
Nick's voice suddenly came to her hearings, and seeing the synth jogging up to her with a pistol in hand, she didn't responded, instead allowed the synth to summarize the scene before him.
"More of these... Scorched, I see..."
Nick's pause eventually led him into turning to her for a response. But Amanda only gave a slow shake of her head before taking glance at the church.
"I found another message from the Overseer. Her message stated the Scorched, along with this area used to be an evacuation point, with a so-called group called Responders before they were wiped out..."
Amanda responded but then after noticing skeletons in police outfit, and medical staff dressed skeletons, she knew Nick already observing the skeletons, but the synth said nothing, and so Amanda decided to continue.
"We need to search again... There could be more of those messages left by this Overseer..."
Amanda stated, bringing a new topic.
"All right then, lead on. But we might need some backup... Things are starting to creep me out a little with these things called the scorched seemingly to come out of nowhere..."
Nick replied slowly, his yellow eyes darting back and forth on each dismembered Scorched. Amanda however, frowned at him under her helmet, but let out a small audible sigh.
"Fine..."
She responded, sounding almost impatiently. After tossing out a flare grenade, they waited about a minute before a new vertibird arrived for their extraction.
"Ma'am, our fleet are already on their way to Appalachia. Our expedition crews have already secured a soon to be operational watch point at the Morgantown Airport, Ma'am."
The pilot informed by the time Amanda and Nick got in board. Amanda just gave a nod before responding.
"Contact the highest field officer in charge to have small detachments dispatched. I have some locations on my map that needs to be explored."
"Yes, ma'am!"
As the vertibird began to take off, Amanda nieces Nick staring up at her with a worried look on his plastic face.
"What?"
Amanda questioned. But Nick hesitated at first before fee giving a reply.
"A brigade of soldiers and a fleet of vertibirds may sound like alot. But what do you have in mind? At least let me know so that I'm aware..."
Nick trailed off to which Amanda frowned in returned, if he could only see her face. But clearing her throat shortly, she replied.
"We'll get there. For how... I might have to take this opportunity to give a briefing to all field commanders about the Scorched, so they know what we'll be dealing with -And not to mention... If anything else we've missed out there, we'll have to take precautions on our steps here on West Virginia until we make such unlikely encounters and discoveries ourselves..."
Amanda stated firmly.
"And then, we'll get back to hunting for the Overseer's logs, huh?"
"Exactly. You may as well take some men with you on the expeditions if you'd like to join yourself, since you've already got a feel of Appalachia itself. While I, would be summoning field commanders for full briefing once I get the opportunity to do so, as well as contacting Vault 0 later on."
There was a long silence after Amanda finished her response to Nick. But Nick just simply stared at her for a bit more before breaking the silence.
"If it's about Patriot, I'm sure he'll be fine..."
Amanda glared at him right away at what he said.
"Easy for you to say... He was already in critical condition. I'm not even sure how long it may take for him to be fully repaired, considering the amount of damages he sustained... I'm merely surprised at what happened to him. But I'm not letting that slip..."
Amanda's metal hands clenched shortly.
"It's hard to pick that up... Knowing that the Institute actually managed to replicate you even when they didn't get their hands on you... But considering... That old case you filed to me? Those people that murdered Nate, and took Shaun might be working for the Institute. I'm not gonna doubt that."
Nick stated slowly with a pause, but shortly continued, sounding a little seriously this time.
"I doubt the Institute would send their Gen 3s to do just that -Going to a sealed Vault just to murder a parent and snatch a child- As they mostly just send their dumbest Synths being the Gen 2s as their bareback foot soldiers. Unless they hired people from the outside... Which brings me to an assumption..."
Amanda held out a hand for Nick to stop.
"Why are you bringing this up, Nick? This isn't about Nate, or Shaun."
Amanda watched as Nick sighed before slowly shaking his head.
"I've never forgotten about your case, Amanda. As a matter of fact, I've been splitting my time working between on your case, and as a Minutemen asset against the NCR back at Maine. It wasn't easy I'll tell you that. But for the sake of your child, someone has to keep searching for clues in order to find for him, if you're not going to do it, am I right?"
Nick finished. But Amanda didn't replied. She just stared at the synth without a word before turning her gaze away from him. This was never about Shaun or Nate, and she would not let herself get dragged away from her main objective here on West Virginia... She disliked that.
"Contacting all vertibird units, requesting air support! Heavy hostile resistance here on Morgantown Airport!"
A human voice of a female suddenly said through the radio on the cockpit.
"We'll get the XVB02 verti-assaults enroute!"
The pilot responded immediately. Amanda turns her attention to the AI pilot before turning back at Nick without a word.
The flight to Morgantown Airport was quick as they docked outside what appears to be a minor battlefield between AI X01s and Scorched.
Amanda immediately got out of the vertibird and followed the assault of AIs forcing their way through the Scorched. Although they did some extreme amount of damages to the numbers of the Scorched, but the swarm of its numbers showed how easily they overrun the airport from the pre-war skeletons that wore police, emergency medical staff and firefighters scattered all over the area.
"This is unusual... Never expected this even from feral ghouls..."
Nick suddenly muttered while firing his laser rifle on an easy target Scorched. Amanda however didn't responded as she only kept firing her laser minigun, providing even covering fire for the AIs to sweep further the airport. Then the verti-assaults came, gunning down most of the Scorched on the heavily swarmed spots.
Took more than twenty minutes, they cleared the airport of slaughtered Scorched. Amanda had spent the first ten minutes of her power armor in field maintenance until maintenance crew were available enough after being dropped off by the newly arrived fleet of vertibirds.
Leaving her power armor on maintenance repair, Amanda approached Nick who was talking to one of the lieutenants. But waiting for the lieutenant to walk away, Amanda then approached the synth.
"You look troubled. What's the inconvenience."
Amanda began. But not in question, and rather demand to which Nick shortly sighed before responding.
"The Commonwealth Enclave division, airbase has reported filed complaints reported straight from the Railroad."
Nick paused, a look of hesitancy on his face was shown shortly before he continued, much to Amanda's impatient expression as she stood without on power armor.
"It seems that the Railroad had been getting complaints from the Brotherhood of Steel, under Elder Arthur Maxson, regarding the issue of the, err... Brotherhood of Steel presence in the Commonwealth. About a huge brigade you sent to Boston from the... Midwest? That's the one. It seems that the Brotherhood under Maxson had a huge dislike with this, Midwestern one as I was told..."
Amanda folded her arms before responding bitterly.
"The Midwestern Brotherhood of Steel has been fully integrated into the Enclave's special forces to work with the Minutemen in terms of fulfilling humanitarian responsibilities. You know I can't keep relying on the Outcasts when they're already busy enough doing their responsibilities as a black operations division for the Enclave. And just to clear this up -The Midwestern Brotherhood of Steel is there in the Commonwealth for military reasons, and that being on joint military exercises, drills and battle scenarios in order for them to adapt, and to be even more familiarize with the Enclave further to deepen military relations.
And its not my fault if their advanced Brotherhood power armor were designed to terrify civilians and, outsiders like Maxson's Brotherhood of Steel..."
Amanda responded, only to earn a sigh from Nick who replied.
"You're planning them to be the main front here on Appalachia?"
Nick slowly asked, almost sounding a little tiredly. Amanda vaguely nodded.
"Yes and no. Yes, they are planned to be the main backbone force here for Appalachia. And no. They're not only going to be deployed here. I will divert some of their detachments back to Chicago once the Outcasts clears it off from a technological band called the Reavers. Once it's cleared, the Midwest Brotherhood detachments shall be diverted there along with a Minutemen battalion to reintroduce technology to the locals. Mostly tribal bands and settlements alike that deserves educational learning in oder to thrive and function properly in Chicago as... Free-willed citizens..."
Amanda simply stated, which surprised Nick.
"Oh... Well... Isn't that a good thing?"
Amanda folder her arms firmly and responded.
"It's not my goal, but the Midwest Brotherhood's. My intention is only to support their failed goal decades ago in order to help rebuild a part of this ruined soil. At least the Midwest can be reformed and rebuilt, unlike Texas..."
"What about about it?"
"Nothing but hopelessness in Texas right now..."
There was a pause. But deciding to end the conversation there, Amanda walked away and approached a field commander to organize a short meeting on one of the old standing tents nearby. A meeting that took about twenty minutes full of debriefing, setting up strategic points and of course, Amanda added a hint for holotapes -Holotapes of Any kind, to which she decided to pass down to her soldiers to search for the Overseer's logs of any holotape that may ever he found. Then, proceeded to her last command for today of making Morgantown Airport operational again for a temporary outpost.
Sitting inside a different tent and speaking through a live radio frequency, Amanda spent two minutes hearing of Chuck's full report of New Vegas, and Cheyenne Mountain.
"There's also another thing that I need to add, Ma'am... Preston, I mean, Colonel Garvey wishes to discuss about the New California Republic to be reinstated."
Silence took over. Fucking reinstated? What the fuck is that useless fuck thinking? Amanda took a deep breath before responding, in a rather harshly, bitter tone.
"I'll have a word with him once I patch through a live comm with the Minutemen."
"Should we... Place any Minutemen Commander in charge if the NCR gets reinstated, Ma'am?"
There was no response until Amanda clearly clenched a fist before finally responding.
"We'll see to it when that happens, Chuck... Just focus on your current orders for now..."
"Yes, Ma'am."
The line went dead. And Amanda was pissed...
What's one less obstacle for her to worry when another one piles up to the others? That's the last thing that Amanda needed. She hated that...
"Hey, Amanda... You uh... Busy?"
She hears Nick's voice for interrupting before setting her eyes at the synth, looking annoyed herself.
"What is it?"
Amanda responded while also gesturing a hand for the synth to enter the tent in which he did before taking out something form the pocket of his coat.
"Found this myself while I was helping our folks secure the main building."
Nick replied before handing out a holotape for her. Amanda raised an eyebrow for a moment before slightly narrowing her eyes.
"Don't tell me you're more than inclined to do the same thing I ordered my men... Or just because I told you so earlier?"
She spoke a little bitterly to which Nick frowned upon shortly before giving a response.
"Well, I try to make myself useful every now and then when nobody bothers giving me orders. Least I can do to help you out..."
Amanda glared at Nick, but deciding not to argue, she instead forced herself to simply nod.
"Whatever... Just leave it on the table when you have nothing else to say."
Rather a harsh statement coming from her, something about Nick's sighing for responses made her wonder if the synth was either tolerant, or he had gotten long used of her attitude... Amanda kind of felt guilty for that... She then cursed mentally with a frown. But looking down at the holotape on the table, she finally decided to pick it up before casually inserting it on her Pip Boy.
"Overseer's log. Morgantown...
I used to love coming here on weekends. Taking flight lessons. Now it feels like I walked into a nightmare...
Those "Scorched" things are everywhere. I kept quiet... They didn't see me... I managed to observe them for a bit. Whatever this disease is, it seems to completely take over its host. The ones that used to be human, eventually they... Go rigid. Like some kind of stasis. And if they stay like that too long, they sort of... Burn up. From the inside out. Vesuvius in reverse.
I wondered what could possibly cause all this, and then I got my answer. It swooped down from the sky. Screeching. Breathing. INFECTING everything. I don't know how to fight this. But we need to consider all of our options. Even the nukes. We find the source of this Scorched plague and wipe it from the map before it can leave Appalachia.
But first thing's first. We can't let the disease spread to us. Looks like the Responders were developing some kind of inoculation. I'm going to pick up their work. You should too. This is the Overseer. Signing off."
Amanda took every mental note of the pieces of information about this plague. It was indeed something, however, part of herself tells her that this would be an unlikely obstacle like the rest she's forced out of the Enclave's way. This was a serious threat that originated from post Great War. A result of the Great War, or perhaps... A result of something else? Amanda wasn't sure, yet. But she needed to do deal with these Scorched. This plague, and whatever that thing was that the Overseer witnessed in those days... From the sky. Screening. Breathing. INFECTING everything. Those words, and the last part had stuck in her mind as she gathered herself from her thoughts.
'What happened in all those years that I've missed... But it's been far too long now... I've been far too late to know...'
Amanda ejected the holotape off her Pip-Boy and walked out of the small tent. There outside, she watched her soldiers on their assigned duties mindlessly aware of her silent treatment stare from a distance. These men, women and AIs she's risking... But not likely. It's the Midwestern Brotherhood of Steel. But still... Amanda wasn't stupid. She just needed to better her informative briefings to her soldiers and prevent them from being harmed, or worse. But it's not like these Enclave personnel would be the one taking the serious role on this region. And that's what bothers Amanda. The ones she's assigning to serve as the main front are fully unaware of this foreign region.
Immediately. Amanda rushed to the assigned larger tent still being organized as a communications hub.
"Commander. May I help you, Ma'am?"
The communications officer greeted with a slight bow by the time Amanda entered.
"I need you to patch me up to the airbase in the Commonwealth."
"Yes, Ma'am. Right away."
A few moments afterward, she was now on the line with the communications officer on the Enclave airbase.
"Commander Amani. We've recieved the call. Are we given new standing orders, Ma'am?"
"Negative for now. But I want status report about the joint military exercises between the Midwestern Brotherhood of Steel and the Minutemen."
Amanda slowly said and waited for a response.
"Yes, Ma'am. The performances of the Brotherhood from the Midwest seems to be improving overtime, and they're becoming adaptive with the use of our currently issued technology and equipment. Surprisingly they do not keep to themselves as we were all expecting it first, but the opposite seems to be showing, Ma'am. They're showing signs for the suitable choice of humanitarian responsibilities and aid for civilians alongside the Minutemen."
Amanda hated the fact that she somehow felt relief from the news. Wait... What?
"Good. You may proceed on the report. You have my full attention."
"Yes, Commander. Another report just came in recently, yesterday, was the Brotherhood -Our Brotherhood- showing promising abilities in combat based on the results of their performances. Their numbers aren't that much yet, but we are now helping them to further their ranks now that their field commanders, Paladins, have informed us that you are planning to use them as the main offensive front there on West Virginia. The recruiting process is astoundingly well and recruits coming from Maine are now bolstering their ranks.
On a side note: They form of a good relationship with the Railroad, Minutemen, and even the former US Army -In terms of humanitarian aids- But their main priorities are still being focused on their military trainings and combat scenarios alongside the Minutemen."
Amanda gave a small satisfied nod.
"Very well. Good work."
Amanda said. Almost smiling in satisfaction at the full report itself.
"Um... Commander... I'm sorry to report this but... We have a problem..."
Amanda's attempt to smile vanished. Then came a frown.
"What is it?"
"The Brotherhood of Steel under command of Elder Maxson presses the matter of their complaints regarding Brotherhood presence from the Midwest, Ma'am. They're complaints are far too illogical and pointless sent to the Railroad who reported to us of the filed complaints. Technology that we've entrusted on our Brotherhood and they're newly established headquarters in General Atomics Factory was the main controversy. The Brotherhood under Maxson claims the territory as theirs even without any proof of their presences neither liberation there. Also, there has been a tension between the US Army the Brotherhood here in the Commonwealth recently Ma'am. It's about the technology too... We are concerned that we may get affected, and that our newly addition branch to our military may get compromised..."
"Dammit!"
"Were sorry, Commander..."
"No. It's fine. I'll deal with Maxson myself when I get back. Personally. Just continue on your duties, and have our soldiers stand down. Let the US Army and Maxson's Brotherhood deal with their issue with one another. But if anything triggers a conflict between the two... I suppose we can send a recall to all of our reservists there on the Commonwealth to support the US Army."
Did she just said that? Of course. She did. She hated what came out of her own mouth... But Amanda never take her words back once she says them... She doesn't owe General Ward, and the US Army anything, as a matter of fact, it is they who owe her. But Amanda knew better to have the former US Army occupy smaller territories than the Brotherhood under Maxson. Let alone allow them control on parts of the Commonwealth. Only the Enclave, and the preexisting organizations has the legal rights to control the Commonwealth, not outsiders.
Amanda walked outside the communications hub and began watching her soldiers on their assigned duties shortly while pondering of what she had just been told about the current status of the Commonwealth. Then she noticed Nick speaking to one of the field officers.
Amanda waited for the officer to walk away before deciding to approach Nick.
"You seem pissed... Something wrong?"
Nick immediately noticed by the time she made approach. Amanda frowned before folding her arms and responding.
"The Commonwealth reports. But I'm setting that aside considering we have much more important priorities than the factions back there."
Nick stared at her for a long moment, almost as if pondering about what she had just said.
"It's the Brotherhood. Isn't it?"
Amanda didn't responded as they began to take a small stroll on the airport.
"You know you can tell me, right?"
Amanda frowned when she heard Nick again.
"They immediately reacted about the Brotherhood of Steel existence there in the Commonwealth."
"The one's from the Midwest, huh?"
Amanda didn't said a word shortly as she was too hesitant.
"Well... Knowing Maxson's intention there in the Commonwealth... It's safe to assume that he'd want whatever technology is there all for himself and his Brotherhood... Was there really any other reason that needed to be explained?"
Amanda looked at Nick at what he said. He does have a point, but close enough to accurately guess the main issue.
"That is the point, Nick. Technology. Enclave technology that we've entrusted and issued for our own Brotherhood of Steel. Maxson seems to think that our Brotherhood does not deserve possession of such technology highly advanced than theirs. But that is none of their goddamned business."
Amanda bitterly said, earning an obviously concerned look from Nick, who didn't said a word afterward.
"You tell me, Nick. Do you think Maxson and the Brotherhood of Steel with the ideals of those on Lost Hills are the right side to pick? Or are they optional? Surely, you're aware of their true skin and colors."
Amanda added firmly. Much rather, insultingly.
"Well..."
Nick began to respond with a small cough before continuing.
"They can offer protection to people. But I'm not saying they're... Good people. Sure. They helped defend the Commonwealth, but that was out of necessity. If they had options, they'd probably would just leave the US Army and the Enclave to defend for themselves... I hate to admit it, but I do not take kindly of their presence in the Commonwealth. They're racism towards non feral ghouls, and non hostile Synths like me? It insults me."
Amanda watched Nick letting out a sigh before slowly shaking his head.
"It gives you a reason to nuke their main base of operations at California, hm?"
"What? No. Amanda, that's not what I meant-"
"I know. But, it is tempting..."
There was a pause before they both stopped walking with Nick speaking.
"I know you hate the Brotherhood. I have my fair share of dislikes toward them for being a greedy bunch of bigots but, we wouldn't go too far, Amanda. We can't resolve into being inhumane by... Wiping them all out in a single blow. They're people, too. People with their own beliefs."
Amanda gave a huff at this statement Nick gave.
"Beliefs. Being the 'Technological saviors of mankind' belief? That's bullshit, Nick. A mere fantasy. Especially when we can clearly visualize the Brotherhood as a bunch of paramilitary raiders. They're terrorists, Nick. They're not like the Enclave, who is the legitimate descendants from the pre-war US Government. Those with the rightful legitimacy to enforce law and rebuild what can be rebuilt."
Amanda stated as she folded her arms firmly.
"How are you even saying all that? We barely know where the Brotherhood even came from out of scratch..."
Amanda just simply shrugged.
"I've seen the thriving City of Arroyo. The president there, descendant of former Arroyo tribe Elders shared a history of their bloodline. Originating from this savage that destroyed the CONTROL station Enclave oil rig, all the way back to the very first huge influencial myth on this entire Wasteland, whom they claim their ancestor from Vault 13 on Southern California. I'm surprised, that Arroyo on Oregon stood and remained as a nation of itself, despite the NCR presence there over the years..."
"You mean that old folklore? The Vault Dweller?"
"The one and only, Nick. I was told by the President of Arroyo that their ancestor was one of the few outsiders to ever get to meet the Brotherhood of Steel on the inside of Lost Hills bunker. Meeting this Elder, John Maxson. If that's true. That is all that I've gathered about the Brotherhood history... But I still think that they cannot be trusted. Their ideals, disgust me."
Amanda stopped. She was getting off tracked, even worse, she was being distracted for too long.
"No wonder why you hate the Brotherhood so much... But what does this Midwestern Brotherhood make use of to you?"
Nick slowly asked.
"They're just absorbed. But put to far greater use. The irony of those that the west coast Brotherhood wanted to get rid of, is finally pulling their weight back up thanks to the Enclave. The Brotherhood's sworn enemy is their opposing reflection, deflecting their original ideals. All very too similar to that saying: The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
Amanda paused then sighed before continuing.
"Let's change the subject: Since I am quite cut away from my spare time to explore Appalachia for the Overseer's logs, I'd appreciate it if you'll..."
She pauses, then started to look hesitant.
"... Help my assigned teams in searching for those logs. Those logs are very important as they're the only leads we have in finding those nukes."
Amanda bitterly added. Nick just gave a small nod.
"All right then. I'll join one of the teams searching for the logs-"
"Not just the Overseer logs, Nick. Everything you may find. Notes, other holotapes, anything that may contain any sort of message or relevance here in Appalachia. I need someone in charge on discovering more about this Responders group until Chuck or any suitable officer arrive here for the assignment."
Amanda forced every word out of her mouth. She wasn't likely to trust Nick in these things, but considering... She has to make use on the available personnel. Or asset there is.
Nick pondered for a moment before responding.
"I'll see what I can do. I guess it's... Gonna be a long while here on West Virginia..."
Amanda frowned shortly before responding.
"We'll discuss the entirety of West Virginia. Once we gather enough of what we need. For now, just do your assigned task. I'll probably be stuck here in the meantime reorganizing the whole place, and keep tabs on Vault 0..."
"Well... Can't be that bad. Right?"
There was pause. Amanda sighed then stated firmly.
"Things are already looking bad, Nick... We're on an arms race... Sure, the other factions may not seek the same weapons we're pursuing, but we're trying to keep our pace with time. We can't waste every second that we have."
Nick sighed before folding his arms.
"I... Well... I get your point, Amanda. I just want you to listen... At least... Just once..."
Amanda didn't replied. She looked away before hearing Nick sighing once more.
"Right... I'll... Take my leave. Help the others..."
Nick slowly said before making his leave. Amanda watched him walk away. Amanda mentally sighed. Of all the people she's known in this Wasteland, even more than Piper... Nick was the only one that kept making her feel regret at some degree... Amanda hoped to never fall for it...
There were soldiers assigned to scout parts of Appalachia now. Among them is Nick, also looking for holotape messages, and notes etc. Things that can slowly make their mission easier on this strange alienated region... Amanda took her chance to find what she can herself. She made her way inside the building. Searching on her own, until she found the same Vault Tec supply cache, which she presumably figured where Nick found the holotape. On the east from the supply cache, was a closed door that Amanda curiously entered to find an old supply closet. A skeleton laid on the floor, along with a holotape. Amanda figured better than nothing as she picked it up before playing it on her Pip-Boy.
"It's been a few hours. I can hear them clawing at the door. I've locked myself in a storage closet but.. ... I don't think the door opens from the inside. It's okay. Everything's okay. Acute stress reaction. Panic and emotional distress. Breathe. Breathe.
I would guess it's been 24 hours since the attack. The sound of combat has... *weeps* ... has stopped. They're still outside. I have roughly 8-10 weeks, provided a source of fluids. Starvation onset within 10 days. Effects of psychological shock ongoing but repressed. I can worry about the PTSD later.
I .. believe it's been three days, three nights. Adrenaline has dissipated. I'm so thirsty. I'm so h-hungry. I still can't unlock the door. Must conserve strength. Using energy to bang on the door or yell has proven wasteful. A source of fluid nourishment has not been found.
No one is coming. No one is coming for me. My f-friends .. are all-all... all dead. *weeps* Children. Were born into this violent world. And - *laughs* and left so violently from it. My god.
Never.. n-never.. leave. Don't. Feel hungry. Thirsty. No one is coming. First lumbrical. Index finger. Flex MP joint. *winces* It hurts. Flex. MP joint. Extend. IP joint. And... contract muscle. There. We. Go."
"Responder... A dead one..."
Amanda silently muttered.
Amanda wandered a bit more, then stumbled into a break room. There she found a skeleton, and a note. Another message from the passed two centuries...
If Jeff or Melody or anyone else finds this, I'm happy to know that someone made it out, but I think it's the end of the line for us. Tanner and Janson aren't doing so great and I'm not far behind them...
It's still hard for me to come to grips that those... things used to be our friends, our family. I can't take the thought of us changing and hurting other people, too. So I won't let it happen. If the last thing I can do is make sure that we stay ourselves...then I'm okay with that.
Serving with you all has been the highest honor.
-Caleb Widmer Paramedic Morgantown EMS
Something about this note was hurting deep. Amanda felt a bit of sting from the pained words written on this note. She tried to ignore the feeling as she moved on, then finding her way to the kitchen area, in search for more holotapes, or notes, Amanda found a note on the corner nearby a cigarette machine. She curiously approached the note before picking it up to read it.
Tammy,
I know the Mountains are dangerous right now - but we need to get a report from the Free States. The farmers are in a bad way worried about that broadcast from the Brotherhood of Steel.
So find someone that can get to Abigayle's Bunker up past the RR Mega Stop.
Ask her the following: * Defiance is that Brotherhood headquarters right? Are the Brotherhood OK? * What's coming for us? * Is everything OK over there?
I know the Brotherhood hasn't made any friends lately, but the whole thing is very disturbing.
Maria
Amanda's eyes widened. The Brotherhood of Steel on Appalachia... But she strongly assumes these Responders are over 200 years gone now... These Scorched as well... And the Brotherhood... Amanda closed her eyes for moment as she processed all this information...
Clearly, the Enclave already existed during the pre-war era, though in secret. But the Brotherhood of Steel... From where do they stand from? They existed in the first place? Of course... Post Great War... But this was too far fetched even for herself to believe it. But there was just so much in this forgotten region left forgetting in so many years... Perhaps she missed out this information on the west coast? But... She doubt it...
Now in her mind, Amanda was taking notes of the most important parts of the message: Defiance. A Brotherhood Headquarters, and this Free States that she hasn't heard of before. Possibly another faction forgotten forever 200 years ago...
Something was definitely not right in these parts of Appalachia. Perhaps... Something is not right in the entirety of Appalachia... These Responders seemingly in alliance with the Brotherhood of Steel from what Amanda could tell, but the 'thing is very disturbing' part is what gained more of Amanda's attention. She needed to find more... She has to...
Amanda made her way back at the first floor. Then to the command center of the Responders she passed by, she noticed three things. A note stamped on the wall, and on the terminal near the command center was a holotape. Amanda went for the note first before heading over to pick up the holotape.
After inspecting the note, Amanda began to read what was written.
Battle Plan
- Baggage Claim should pull back to Utility. Hold out there as long as you can before regrouping at Arrivals.
- Arrivals retreat point is Security. Get everyone in and lock the gate behind you.
- If all else fails, everyone falls back to Command.
Good Luck
'Must be a tactic against the scorched... Or... A last resort...'
Amanda thought shortly before playing the holotape.
"Hey everyone, this is Derek, making my final report on the events at Harpers Ferry.
Hopefully this reaches you all safely. Whatever happened here, it was big. The whole area is... it's devastated. If any of our people survived, I can't find a trace of them. I talked to some of the locals. They say creatures came from the sky and laid waste to the town. Some of the ones who got hurt in the attack were transformed or something. They apparently turned into monsters and attacked anyone they could reach.
Raleigh says he and his people are going to seal themselves up in their bunkers and try to figure out a way to fight these creatures. In other words, we won't be getting any more help from these Free States guys.
Maria, I was hoping you could get in touch with Ella, see if maybe she can lean on Raleigh a little, get him to see that this isn't the way. If you ask me, I think it's damn selfish of them to turn their backs on the rest of us, on people who need their help to survive. There's nothing else l can do here. Guess we can scratch Harpers Ferry off the map. I'll be heading back soon, but I want to check in on some of the farms along the way. Should be about a week."
Now things were becoming confusing for Amanda at this point. First the Brotherhood of Steel's existence post Great War. Now... Monsters from the skies? Amanda was aware of the Scorched now, and she can guess its what the people mostly struggled here on Appalachia. But what the hell was going on here that had been ignored for over two centuries? She can't possibly just believe that everything is all about this Scorched plague... And even if it still does exists as she and Nick saw... What other things lurk Appalachia that she didn't know... Amanda can't possibly have the time for all of it... It would only result her into a breakdown... But maybe she already is headed that way. From the Commonwealth, to California, then Mojave, and now here. West Virginia. Amanda couldn't take much of this... But she needed an escape... Maybe this can be her temporary escape from being an Enclave Commander... Just for her sake of being given the space she needed but never bothered to think of...
Amanda sighed. But out of the corner of her eyes... She noticed a hardly recognizable skeleton on the console. Next to it was a holotape...
Amanda picked it up, and slowy. She read the written message.
My name is Maria Chavez, and I am about to die. The Scorched have overrun our defenses. They're coming for us all. If you find this, please listen carefully.
We were called the Responders. After the bombs fell, we tried to help people. Maybe I can still help you. The terminal nearby... if it's still there, use it. Learn about the Inoculation Project. It might just save your life.
Shit... they're here. I'm out of time. Read the terminal. Learn about the Scorched. Remember us. And... good luck.
Amanda took a deep breath... These are long dead people now. She isn't supposed to care. But now... Maybe things are just meant to change for the nukes to be on her possession... At least that's her mental excuse to her current behavior as she finds these messages of the unfortunate lives two centuries now...
Amanda wandered around mindlessly. She was cursing quietly to herself. She isn't supposed to care. She isn't supposed to turn soft on these people that had been long gone now. And it's none of her business... But as she struggled to maintain her mental focus, Amanda noticed a nearby terminal. Deciding to activate the terminal, she was surprised not because it was still able to power on. But the amount of log entries on the terminal itself.
:::Welcome to Robco Industries [TM] Termlink:::
RESPONDERS LABORATORY TERMINAL
[Inoculation Project Announcement]•
[Scorched Research]
[Scorchbeasts]
[The Scorched Plague]
[Anti-Scorched Tactics]
Amanda found a list of entries about the Scorched. Her eyes studied each entry, and to her curiosity, one of the entries, that being the first was the said project mention by this Maria Chavez. Leaving the rest, further about the Scorched. This is one big hit for information. Amanda just got her first main heads-up about the possible enemy here on West Virginia. One that she's likely to encounter...
:::Welcome to Robco Industries [TM] Termlink:::
RESPONDERS LABORATORY TERMINAL
:::Inoculation Project Announcement:::
Folks, I've got some exciting news to share.
As you all know, Dr. Hudson has been continuing her research in the lab at AVR Medical. Well, she just reported in to let us know that she's made a significant breakthrough, and it looks life an inoculation against the Scorched plague could soon become a reality.
Let's all keep our fingers crossed, and make sure to do everything we can to help Claire complete her work. Our very survival depends on it.
- Jeff Nakamura
Amanda took a moment in silence. This inoculation may prove helpful against the Scorched. But the thought of it made her ponder: If the Responders were developing an inoculation project, which is targeting to resist the Scorched plague, that could only mean that this Scorched plague itself would no doubt be highly contagious, and infectious at some degree.
Amanda was growing worried of this...
:::Welcome to Robco Industries [TM] Termlink:::
RESPONDERS LABORATORY TERMINAL
:::Scorched Research:::
-Introduction-
The Scorched: A Field Study of Dr. Claire Hudson
Those of us struggling to survive in the post-war world face countless threats. The search for safe and sustainable sources of food and water would be enough to challenge anyone, but the strange mutated creatures appearing throughout the region greatly increase the danger of day-to-day life.
None of these threats, however, compare to the Scorched.
To better understand these monsters of the wasteland, I've spent time observing them and gathering information from those individuals lucky enough to survive firsthand encounters with the Scorched.
There are still far more questions than answers, but I believe I have made progress in my understanding of these enigmatic and fearsome creatures.
Details on specific subjects follow.
This was the trigger pulled. Amanda felt fear. For the first, goddamn time as part of the Enclave... She felt fear. Not for herself, maybe, but for the safety of the Enclave. If this Scorched Plague is indeed highly contagious enough to affect her human troops of the Midwestern Brotherhood of Steel, she will have to prioritize dealing with this two century old threat first hand. Amanda needed to follow these leads she's currently have to prevent her soldiers from suffering whatever fate may be resulted by this Scorched.
Searching for the nuclear silos can be progressed in the process along the way. Hopefully. -But the Scorched, is a big change of plans now...
As Amanda refocused back in the terminal, she noticed something different on the entries. The third entry.
:::Welcome to Robco Industries [TM] Termlink:::
RESPONDERS LABORATORY TERMINAL
:::Scorchbeasts:::
Scorchbeasts. The name conjures terrifying images of huge mutated bats that poison the ground and warp living creatures into deadly thralls.
We first learned about the Scorchbeasts from the Brotherhood of Steel, whose soldiers encountered the creatures to the southeast. At first nobody believed that what they were describing could be real. We thought it was a bullshit story giving the Brotherhood an excuse to commandeer our ammo and supplies.
We were wrong.
I'll never forget the first time I saw one of those monstrosities, black wings against a blood-red sunset. Talk about a reality check.
We know far too little about these creatures, but we do know they aren't strictly nocturnal. They also seem equally willing to move alone or in small groups, and they're highly aggressive. Worse than that, they're dangerously radioactive, which I believe is an important clue about their origin.
If we ever get hold of one for study, I think we could learn a lot about them. Unfortunately, being anywhere close to a Scorchbeast is a near-certain death sentence, and not just because of the radiation.
I'll cover that more in the next entry.
Amanda swallowed hard on this. Not the fact that the Brotherhood was involved. But the fact that this discovery, of an unimaginable beings could exist to terrorize. Huge mutated bats. The full explanation clearly was enough for Amanda to guess the entire reason why West Virginia was even a forgotten, lost region. Or maybe it was best to have been forgotten at all, but considering that she is here now... The Enclave is here now. She has stepped into a strange new world, possibly worse than the shit holes of California, Vegas, and Texas combined.
:::Welcome to Robco Industries [TM] Termlink:::
RESPONDERS LABORATORY TERMINAL
:::The Scorched Plague:::
I'd love to give a detailed explanation of what the Scorched plague is and how it works, but right now, we know so little, it just wouldn't be possible. Frankly, it's damn frustrating.
What we do know is that living creatures that come into contact with a Scorchbeast sometimes begin to mutate. The victim's skin turns dark, almost black, with the smell of ash.
Some kind of biochemical process takes hold at this point. Lesions that burn with intense heat begin to form on the victim's body. The affected creature appears to be covered in smoldering embers.
In the case of humans, higher mental function eventually disappears, replaced by extreme, almost animalistic aggression. We call the creatures that are transformed in this way "Scorched".
Needless to say, watching a friend or loved one go through this process is both horrifying and heartbreaking. Worse, there's almost nothing we can do about it.
I say "almost" because we've been able to gather enough information about the Scorched plague that we might be able to develop a vaccine against it. That's a huge maybe, but we recently found some equipment at the AVR Medical Center that's in pretty good shape.
With the right facilities and a steady supply of Scorched to study, we might just find a way to counter this terrible disease or possibly even reverse it. Only time will tell.
Like those penetrative tips of knives cutting her open. That's how it felt for Amanda as she these entries. She never thought of such things. Vile things, existed, and were missed out over the span of 200 years. But she can always blame the Great War for the creation of these giant bats.
But on a side note, she finally discovered the origins of the Scorched infection. It comes from these Scorchbeasts: These proclaimed mutated huge bats from the skies above.
And then it hit Amanda. All of a sudden... Of a quick momentarily flashback that she saw Nick looking at the sky, almost frantically.
"I think I saw something, but- I must be a little tired and seeing things... I guess never mind that..."
That was one way to sum it up. Even though it's her only speculation to have for now. Amanda took a deep breath before selecting the final entry.
:::Welcome to Robco Industries [TM] Termlink:::
RESPONDERS LABORATORY TERMINAL
:::Anti-Scorched Tactics:::
I hope by now that I've made one point crystal clear: the Scorched are lethal. They are nothing less than an existential threat. If we cannot find a way to defeat them, or at the very least contain them, there's no reason to think they won't spread far and wide, transforming or destroying everything in their path.
We don't know nearly enough about the Scorched to develop real tactics. What we know so far mostly amounts to common sense approaches for dealing with any deadly predator. I'll summarize those points below.
If you're unfortunate enough to encounter a Scorchbeast - likely because it has decided to hunt you - do everything in your power to keep away from it. If you've got a gun and can find an enclosed space to fire from, that's ideal. Scorchbeasts are too big to fit into small spaces.
Remember that Scorchbeasts emit strong radiation. That, coupled with their powerful bite, should compel you to keep your distance at all costs. If you've got no other choice, you should at least consider using some Rad-X before you engage the creature at close range.
Scorched humans are savage and deadly. While their ability to speak is limited, don't think they're mindless. They retain enough intelligence and memory to use guns and other weapons, and they're hostile to just about everything they perceive as a potential threat.
Fight the Scorched as you would a Raider, albeit one with a deadly plague. Of vital importance is keeping your distance to minimize the risk of infection. Stay in cover when you can, but give ground when you need to. Do not let them get close.
I know that's not much to go on. There's still so much we don't know about these creatures. Hopefully it'll help at least a little.
This concludes my report.
Rad-X. The Enclave medical staff provides every personnel with a stash supply of it. But that's not to say that she will use her Brotherhood soldiers as the fodder against these giant bats... Amanda frowned. She needs a strategic plan against these vile creatures, and while these entries prove helpful on their own, Amanda was still worried. Other than that -Afraid.
'Those nukes better be worth it... Amanda... What have you gotten yourself into...'
This took long to write all because of the researching about the Responders. Originally, I plan to add more, but considering that I don't plan Amanda to focus only on one faction in West Virginia, I only had to incorporate parts from the amount of what I've gathered. I've gathered alot from my own research to be honest, but unfortunately, I have to scrap other parts, like other notes and holotapes about the Responders as I plan to tackle one Appalachian faction to another with select, and provided lore that I've incorporated.
Now. The reason why we are in West Virginia, it's not mainly because of the nukes, or the events that took place there 25 years after the Great War, and it's aftermath 200 years later.
-The reason is to further build up Amanda's character to show her struggles, and her mentality being tested at this point while facing a two century old forgotten threat still on Appalachia. I am aiming to further introduce her character, advantages and disadvantages before getting into the real main event for the Enclave. It's a lot of planning, brainstorming, and incorporating but I am making good progress. Just have to tie some lore basing these featured factions to challenge our Sole Survivor further.
On a side note. Here are my other plans so far to incorporate into the story: Taggerdy's Thunder/Appalachian Brotherhood of Steel, Free States, Whitesprings Bunker, Foundation, Appalachian US Army, United States Secret Service, and last but not least -MODUS.
Note to self: Appalachian US Army, Free States and, MODUS are going to be the hardest parts for me to incorporate, but we will see when we get there. For now, be sure to stay tuned.
ripntear
