This was another painful one to write. But I want to explore the Responders even for a little more. However, though, I won't be including out way too many about the faction, as I plan to go faction to faction. Now. Without a further a do, onto the story. Hopefully, this was worth the wait. Again...
At any length. A person with heart of gold would go beyond their limits to fulfill their selfless acts. No matter the odds, and outcome.
Song used: For the Responders
"Have Faith in Me" by A Day to Remember
-Forgotten: Responders-
It was after spending almost three hours commandeering Morgantown Airport, the whole place was fortified with guards and vertibirds flying in and back out to the borders of West Virginia. A fully operational Enclave outpost has been established.
Amanda, as rarely that she does, kindly excused herself and assigned multiple field officers in charge before retiring back inside the main building, and back at the main Responders break room.
Spending almost half an hour, toggling and scrolling on her map, she focused to make the locations that had labeled names in them, but occasionally, she marked a small list of locations on her map based on where she presumes the Responders would be setting shop as their base of operations. In the slightest, Amanda was feeling intrigued to know more, despite slowly feeling terrible about the unfortunate fate of this faction that fell from the Scorched. She was still bothered by the log entries on the terminal about the Scorched -Most particularly. Those huge mutated bats is what worrying her more.
She had finished marking her last choice of locations on her map. Charleston was her own and only stop. Amanda immediately then headed to the maintenance area for her Liberty power armor.
'Should I have consulted Nick? Nevermind... He's already bothered with his own task... Wouldn't want to bother him... Amanda. What were you thinking..?'
Amanda mentally shook her head in dismissal as she entered her power armor. It was another trip, at evening, of all the time she has to take a trip. But her mindset focused mostly about this group. One that strive to fulfill their pre-war roles in the early days of post war. It was kind of hard to think of it for Amanda. Knowing these Firefighters, police, emergency medical staff etc, all having the ideal of fulfilling their roles, even after the world it once was ended. How... Depressing.
"Have faith in me"
Amanda was quiet. Her mind however, pondering of the things people during the early days of the apocalypse had to see, endure and even struggle with. But to see the remains of a fractured society almost two centuries later, was an intriguing start. On behalf of it, disturbing. She was still bothered by the Scorched. How it spreads, and where the infection comes from. Perhaps it would be safer to guess that is came from the radiation as caused by the bombs. Or better yet, the mutations caused all of this.
Another part of her thought popped in was about the Brotherhood of Steel being on Appalachia. How in the hell is that even possible? Although she is aware that the Brotherhood was formed by pre-war army deserters, but they were on the other side of the continent. California in particular, and there is one Brotherhood here? On the east coast? Amanda doubt it. Wouldn't the radiation be too strong back then when the Brotherhood was formed? They can't possibly send people across the entire dead nation just to form another Brotherhood. But here she is, speculating once again. Amanda frowned. She just couldn't help herself, but perhaps... She may get there. She just needs to focus her attention on these Responders...
Leaving the vertibird on standby about 106 meters away from Charleston. Amanda took the trek on foot alone while in power armor. She frowned as she had to keep hoping in and out of her power armor just to keep track of her marked location on her map. She really need to find an alternative over the Pip-Boy map...
Taking her a total of ten more minutes on foot, Amanda arrived at the city of Charleston. One particular building was the Charleston Fire Department before her. Amanda resumed in he rose and cautiously proceeded. The door was opened, but passing by skeletons, pre-war, and dressed in firefighter outfits, Amanda avoided staring long to prevent herself from getting distracted by the gnawed remains. She feels extremely uncomfortable. Better yet... Terrible...
What she found inside the Fire Department, however, were protectrons. All with the rusting firefighters paint, presumably Responders affiliated protectrons.
"'Cause there are things that I've seen I don't believe"
Amanda was cautious for a moment, seeing the robots mindlessly walking around.
"Greetings. Civilian."
Amanda was startled by the time she heard a protectron speak before her as it approached.
"Welcome. To. Charleston. Fire Department... We. Are. The. Responders. How... May. I. Help. You..."
The robot spoke in the usual protectron voice modulator. Amanda was cautious at first, but see that the robot was just standing idly in front of her, waiting for a response, Amanda cleared her throat and replied.
"You're the Responders? Can you... Tell me more about your group?"
Of course. Amanda already knew about the group. Though, parts of it, but she perceptively intended to ask to gain any insightful information. At least even out of a robot.
"The Responders. Are. A. Group. Of... Pre-war. Police. Firefighters. And... Emergency. Medical. Staff... We... Were. On. A. Mission... To. Help. People... Struggling. After. The. War... No. Matter. The. Cost... We. Tried. To. Help..."
"So cling to what you know and never let go
You should know things aren't always what they seem"
Amanda listened very closely but then asked once again.
"And to my knowledge... You've fought the Scorched... Is this building your main headquarters?"
"Scanning. Data. Banks. Processing... Scorched data. Found... Scorchbeasts data. Found... Scorchbeast. Data. Analysis. Lost... Data. Corrupted... -Affirmative... We... Fought. The. Scorched. And. This. Building. Is. Our. Headquarters... Mainly. For... The. Firefighters. Here... They. Are. The... Nucleus. Of. The. Fire. Breathers..."
Amanda raised an eyebrow in curiosity. But somehow, she feels like she isn't going to like what she wants to hear...
"Fire Breathers?"
Amanda asked.
"The. Fire. Breathers. Were. The. Elite. Fighters. Of. The. Responders... They. Fought. Scorched... Alongside. The. Police. But... They. Are. All. Gone. Now... They. Were. Wiped. Out... Scorchbeasts. Resistance... To. Strong... Outnumbered... Casualties. Several... Our. Department. Leaders. Melody Larkin. KIA...And. Station Lieutenant. Hank Madigan. MIA..."
"I said I'd never let you go, and I never did
I said I'd never let you fall and I always meant it"
Amanda mentally took note of the information. But quickly then asked.
"Can you tell me more? But I would like to know about this building..."
"Charleston. Fire. Department. Was. Overrun. By. Mutants... After. Responders. Ceased. Function. Year: 2096... We. Responders. Protectrons. Liberated. This. Building. Year. 2103... We. Guard. This. Headquarters. Ever. Since... In. Case. Of... Possible. New... Recruits..."
"If you didn't have this chance then I never did
You'll always find me right there, again"
Amanda's heart sank. She heard enough...
"That's all... That I'd like to know..."
Amanda reluctantly said in response. She couldn't believe that she actually feels a remotes of sympathy for these long gone people... But it's only fair... No one was possibly there to mourn when they all fell just by trying to help...
"Very. Well... Resuming. On. Sentry. Guard..."
The protectron began to wander away among with the other robots guarding the building. What a horrible fate... But mentally shaking her head, Amanda resumed on her exploration. Letting the protectrons mindlessly wandering everywhere. Amanda was hardly surprised to see the robots still functioning. But then she remembered Codsworth. And to think that Codsworth remained doing house chores even when the world ended, part of his programming perhaps, that Codsworth retained. Like these Protectrons. Programmed, and still serving a long gone organization. Noble ideal. But was it worth the price?
'Focus. Amanda. They're none of your business. They're gone. Nothing you can do anyways...'
Amanda firmly said to herself as she wandered around the building. But as she wandered further, she found herself looking at a class room area. Amanda approached in and looked around. Nothing much to it at first, but then she spotted a note on a small desk. Amanda approached it then picked the note up.
Asphyxiation and You!
A Safety Guide Courtesy of the Worker Protection Team at Garrahan Mining Company.
Do you like breathing? Of course! We all do! But the hazards of the modern mine can get the best of us. This short pamphlet will walk you through the various situations you may find yourself in during your time in the mine.
DEALING WITH FIRE Found yourself in a smoky space with no breathing apparatus? Don't despair! Grab the nearest rag of cloth, dunk it in some water, and cover your mouth! Then stay low as you make your way to safety!
DEALING WITH WATER Just like loopy Uncle Larry at the family barbeque, whenever water makes an appearance inside a mine, things can get out of control fast.
If you find water is improperly draining during extraction or water seems to be coming from places it shouldn't, it is your responsibility to report it to your supervisor immediately!
DEALING WITH GAS Knock, knock!
Who's there?
A mysterious gas from inside the mine!
A mysterious gas from... oh no! You're dead!
Mine gasses are no joke! If you or your monoxide detector smell something fishy while working underground, get out immediately! Immediate evacuation of the space should be your only response.
'This would be helpful... Any information would be...'
Amanda mentally said before putting the note on her inventory the same proceeding to wander around further. This is where Amanda finds her way into the second floor of the building. Amanda found an office, and gaining her attention was a terminal, and a holotape on a desk. Then another one on a console. Amanda grabbed both but played the first one that she noticed.
Amanda immediately got off her power armor to play the holotape.
"You don't mind if I record?"
"You're captain, Melody. Don't need my permission."
"Hmph. So, how's it look out there, Hank?"
"Well, I found some more survivors. Started shooting at me the second they saw me, like the rest."
"Sounds about par for the course. Seems there's not a sane mind south of Mount Blair. Anything else?"
"Ash is piling up faster than we expected. But going by the maps the earlier teams did, it at least doesn't seem to be spreading anymore."
"So we've only lost Welch, Beckley, Lewisburg and everything around 'em. Little blessings, I suppose."
"Oh. And actual good news. Garrahan Mining."
"Been a long time since I've heard "good news" and "Garrahan Mining" said back to back."
"No kidding. But that Excavator armor they made. Ruined the company? Rumor is it's tough as nails, and they've still got the schematic plans on site. Could you imagine what a patrol would be like if we could figure out how to make those things?"
"Locals would hopefully be a lot less inclined to shoot first."
"Bingo. You give a day or two, I can head back down there, see what I can-"
"No. Garrahan can wait. You need rest. Head up to Morgantown. That Excavator armor'll still be there. Now go."
The recorded message ended. Amanda was left pondering for a moment. Excavator Armor? That was interesting... The hundred bottle cap question however is... What kind of armor? Amanda quickly scrolled through the map on her Pip-Boy. Marked. Garrahan Mining. She can send a salvage team to locate and recover that armor, those schematic plans, and whatever useful resources that can be retrieved. But for her, Amanda's focus was the Responders above anything else for now. On behalf the plague in this region of course.
"Intruder! Spotted! Engaging..!"
Amanda heard a Protectron, but quickly afterward, there was gunfire. It came from outside. Amanda immediately hopped back on her power armor before rushing outside cautiously with her laser minigun in hands.
Oh, how she was surprised to see a group of Scorched. Armed with melee weapons, and a some even armed with hunting rifles. The Protectrons were rushing outside to fend the fire department. Amanda was surprised by this... These aren't ghouls that's for sure. They retain the ability to use weapons... Damn Scorched...
"I'm going crazy
'Cause there are things in the streets I don't believe"
"Defending. Responders. Headquarters..!"
Amanda saw a protectron, among its kind taking the fight on the Scorched. They're far dated, but still retain the capability for combat. But for how long?
"So we'll pretend it's alright and stay in for the night"
"What a world"
"I'll keep you safe here with me"
Amanda had three choices. One. Kill both sides and be over it. Like she would preferably do. Two. Immediately return to the vertibird. Or three. Stay and defend.
It took Amanda half a minute until she finally made a decision. She carefully fired her laser minigun at the Scorched, assisting the protectrons in the process.
The Scorched, however, put up a fight and managed to put down one protectron. But with Amanda on the robots' side, she mercilessly gunned down the Scorched armed with hunting rifles.
"Take out the melee combatants!"
Amanda ordered as she focused her fire at the ranged attacking Scorched. The protectrons who obliged managed to out down the melee attacking Scorched, and by the the time they apprehended the rest, Amanda finished off the last Scorched with a short stock hunting rifle.
"Securing. Perimeters..."
Amanda heard one of the protectron said and watched as the robots began securing the surroundings. Though, effortlessly, but still... Amanda stood there and watched the dead bodies of Scorched. They were armed. Just like the group that she firstly encountered. Only this one have Scorched with guns... This is going to be a problem for the Enclave. Her problem...
Amanda took the effort to drag the offlined protectron back inside the building. She figured it can be repaired and reprogramed to serve the Responders further once she gets some of her troops into securing this building. Wait... What? Amanda pretended to ignore the idea. But otherwise, would still go along with it.
Amanda got off her power armor shortly before deicing to inspect the damages the offlined protectron took. Minor shots from the rifle rounds. Easy to repair, but it can wait until she gets this department fully secured. Amanda suddenly then remembered the other holotape that she took from the console on the second floor. Taking it from her inventory, she ejected the previous holotape before playing the next one.
"Really? You're going to record this?"
"You're damn right I am! I want Madigan to hear about this when he gets back. I want him to know what you're trying to pull here!"
"You are way the hell out of line, Chase!"
"I'm out of line?! I ain't the one agreeing to send the Fire Breathers on a suicide mission without our best man!"
"That's enough! Both of you, stop it! Look... Leo... the reports, they're talking about a horde of Scorched on the other side of those mountains. You know as well as I do that sealing the tunnel's our best chance to stop them. Maybe our only chance. If the Fire Breathers don't move now, everyone dies. It's just a matter of when."
"We just need more time! He's coming back. I'm telling you, he'll be here! We just... need time."
"We are out of time, Leo. Melody's going to lead the mission. She's got experience in this kind of thing, and I'd trust her with my life. With all our lives. Now turn off that damn recorder and do your duty, Fire Breather."
"Yes ma'am."
Amanda took a deep breath. Why. Just, why. Why would they keep risking everything even when the obvious is right there... Amanda never wanted to understand the functionality of the Responders further. But maybe that was just how they really were... Selfless... Amanda couldn't believe that they'd actually be willing to risk even their very lives for... For what for, exactly? People? To help people? Amanda quietly pondering at that...
Amanda then found herself sitting next to her power armor pondering. She hasn't made risks before. She's always that hesitant to do so at some degree. But these Responders... Amanda feels something different for them. The ideals. The efforts. And hell, even the main function of their group... But that led to their downfall eventually. All because they were so willing to risk things at any degree... But... Could she be willing to take a risk like that? What if the nukes were fired elsewhere long ago? And what if, the Enclave does overpower the Scorched, but doesn't find any nukes? Then what? Amanda haven't thought this one... She frowned. She didn't wanted to think about it, but she really didn't want thought about that one... The only way to find out if the nukes are still on their silos would be... Taking the risk being here on Appalachia.
Almost immediately she wanted to reconsider to have her forces back out due to this plague. But... They're here now. What what's the point of going back, when they're coming for the long run to get those nukes? And possibly... Put Appalachia and it's resources untouched into great Enclave use... If only Amanda would be willing to take a risk... But risk what? Her soldiers? Amanda buried her face on her hands as she sat quietly.
"Why does it have to be like this... Its torturing me..."
Amanda groaned with a frown. But as she lifted her face up from her palms, she noticed a Vault Tec supply cache. On top is a holotape. Fuck...
Amanda stood with a frown before approaching the holotape.
"Great. You again. Overseer..."
Amanda muttered, almost a little sarcastically before picking up the holotape and playing it.
"Overseer's log. Charleston Fire Department. Automation used to define life in West Virginia, now it's the only thing left. These training programs that the Responders have set up; how many survivors were running through these? It takes a certain calling to voluntarily run into the middle of a fire. Rescue people. Looks like they kept up that spirit even as the dangers changed. They must have fought the Scorched up close more than anyone. I need to find out what they knew."
Same as Amanda is trying to find out. She needs to know more. But with so little time to spare... She also wants to find Whitesprings Bunker other than spend her time doing this...
Amanda have had enough. She needed this place secured for good and these robots... Repaired and maintained, to say the least. Something within her made her feel like she wants the presence of the Responders alive in Appalachia. And these robots affiliated with the organization are the only ones left keeping it alive...
The next couple of hours were sleepless for Amanda, as she called the vertibird with a flare grenade and helped the robots secure the perimeters shortly while having to contact for a team to fully secure the fire department. Then, morning came, and Amanda was still awake, watching AI and human personnel alike securing Charleston Fire Department. It might take a while before they can say they've secured the rest of Charleston, but this would do for now...
"Amanda! Oh, thank god."
Amanda saw Nick jogging up to her with a relieved look on his face.
"I was worried I couldn't find you at Morgantown Airport, had to hear from one of the Lieutenants that you're requesting backup here on Charleston. You mind sharing why you've went out last night?"
Amanda frowned but didn't argued. She was feeling tired but, she was still struggling to keep herself steady.
"I was searching for any and all information that I could find... About the Responders..."
Amanda replied. It was the truth, though. Nick gave a small nod.
"Well, speaking of which, I just helped our folks back at Morgantown. We, got access to another part of the airport. A Responders quarantine zone. Seems the Responders got information about some equipment at the AVR Medical Center."
Nick suddenly said, surprising Amanda by the slightest.
"If that may imply anything... It would no doubt be the Inoculation Project..."
"I've heard about that. The medical staffs along with the tech teams have found out more information from another terminal inside the airport. Assuming you found it first, but to let you know, a small expedition ream had already been dispatched to the AVR Medical Center to see what's equipment can be salvaged for the Inoculation Project."
Amanda was little pleased. But tiredly, she was alarmed.
"We can't have everyone spread out too thin unless closely monitored. We need to remind ourselves of the Scorched... If we will have expedition and search teams, have them travel by vertibirds, with limited time frame to explore. We have plenty of vertibirds to spare. We just have to prioritize minimizing contact with the Scorched for long periods if possible."
Amanda tiredly responded. Nick stared at her a little worriedly.
"Well... About that... I've heard about these... Huge bats... And here I thought I saw something back at the-"
Amanda sighed, interrupting Nick.
"You're tired. You didn't got any rest. Did you?"
Amanda frowned but didn't responded.
"Let's get you back at the Airport. The whole place is well fortified and the field officers have everything operational..."
Amanda didn't said anything in response, other than glancing at the Responders protectrons that the maintenance crews were now giving repairs.
"Is... Something wrong?"
She heard Nick ask. Amanda immediately shook her head.
"No. It's fine... Nick. Let's just head back to Morgantown..."
Amanda hopped back on her power armor before taking a vertibird with Nick on the way back to the airport. Little does he know that Amanda was feeling multiple emotions at the moment while in her silence. Amanda on the other, was too bothered about the Scorched. The other being the Responders. Just what she needed... She frowned under her helmet.
"They've got me on the outside, looking in
But I can't see at all"
"Amanda."
She heard Nick call out. Turning to him with a tired look on her face, she waited for Nick to continue.
"The team I've ventured out yesterday? We've encountered a pack of super mutants at Spruce Knobs. One AI casualty, but nothing the technicians can't rebuild for reprograming."
Amanda frowned.
"Another one to add into the pile of obstacles to worry of... Great... Just great..."
Amanda muttered. She then yawned but then heard Nick speak once more.
"Our vertibird traced the mutant source, and found a town. Huntersville. We were supposed to dock in but we were outnumbered and we took fire from below. Lots of super mutants there, and clearly made the town for themselves. But back on Spruce Knob, I've discovered a small little cave within the lakes and found what appears to be a camp. Holotapes, notes, two notes etc. Something about a War Game that took place here shortly before the bombs happened."
This gets Amanda's attention.
"War Game?"
Nick handed her a pair of holotapes, then a pair of notes.
"Found those on the little campsite in that cave system. Pre-war. Military personnel. But you're the one with the Pip-Boy to play the tapes, and I figured handing them to you directly like you told me..."
Amanda eyed the holotapes given to her, and the notes... Amanda was too tired anyway. So instead, she sighed heavily from exhaustion and gave a small nod.
"Thank you..."
She earned a surprised look from Nick. Amanda was surprised herself, too at what came out of her own mouth. Shit...
Upon arrival at Morgantown Airport, Amanda immediately parted ways with Nick and headed to her small arranged office on one of the large tents built on the side of the hangars. She was clearly wanting to make a personal log entry on her terminal, but considering for another time soon, she decided to leave all the holotapes and more that Nick gave her before summoning all active field officers for a meeting. A twenty minute long meeting to discuss the progresses on Appalachia. Pausing the search for nukes, and taking the priorities first hand on the Scorched, and the Scorchbeasts. Amanda was still terrified at the thought of said huge bats. But she knew better to be cautious, especially now.
The meeting ended with Amanda organizing a two team expedition crews to Garrahan Mining. She was intrigued to have any useful resources retrieved out of the location, and most definitely, that Excavator armor that and its plans. Perhaps she could utilize what resources available there can be. For the benefit of the Enclave. And the Responders, maybe. But just maybe...
"With the weight of the world on my shoulders
They just wanna see me fall"
After the meeting, Amanda made her way back to her office. Amanda laid her head on her folded arms on the desk. Though, sleepy, but her mind was pondering on what she was supposed to do with the problem regarding the Scorched plague... That Inoculation might prove worth the shot. She had already sent expedition crews to the AVR Medical Center. She wanted to come along to see for herself what equipment can be salvaged, but unfortunately for her... She has limited time to explore. Better yet, explore the Responders itself... Speaking of which, Amanda had gotten stuck thinking about the group... Their fate. How no one was there to mourn them when they were all wiped out and forgotten... Wait. What was she thinking?
Amanda immediately jolted up as awake as best as she can muster.
'Don't give in. Amanda. Those people are gone... They've died doing what they thought they were doing was the right thing to do... Or so... It was the right thing going to do... Dammit. Amanda... Get a hold of yourself.'
Amanda frowned bitterly... Maybe... If there's time... She can try to... Revive the Responders... After all... They reminded her of the Minutemen... But, maybe brainstorming ideas for now should do before actually committing things... She's still have a Midwestern Brotherhood of Steel to commandeer once they arrive in Appalachia... Hopefully things will turn out fine once things get fully settled... Amanda was just too worried about the Scorched... But she couldn't help but think of other people somehow... Maybe if the Responders weren't wiped out, there would be descendants. Then, there would also be coexisting factions, like those Free States and those... Brotherhood of Steel... Amanda was confused by the Brotherhood part...
'Dammit, Amanda... If you don't want to live in your conscience about letting the Responders be forgotten then help them. That's on you. Better yet... Reform them when time comes... Dammit... What is wrong with you..?'
Amanda took a deep breath. She feels so terrible for those people. But she was glad that she doesn't have much time to spare to get to know the Responders' overall fate and struggles. Amanda doesn't know how much tragedies she can take in one swing. But for the sake of her goddamn mind, she might as well help the Responders on their goal. But that is once she's ready. Once the Enclave is ready...
"Have faith in me"
With her mind slowly becoming at ease, Amanda decided to erase the thoughts in her mind, then decided to read one of the notes that Nick gave her.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
SECRET DEPT ARMY P-003
US ARMY RANGERS
WAR GAMES
CHINA OPERATION SCENARIO #03-C
TO: LIEUTENANT ELIZABETH TAGGERDY
SUMMARY:
Your Unit (now specified as FRIENDLY) is ordered to act as US Special Forces deployed behind the lines in an unspecified Chinese province, and tasked with Sabotaging target Armored Personnel Carrier.
Secondary objective is to gather CHINESE FIELD INTELLIGENCE.
Although stealth is adviced and preferred, FRIENDLY can achieve objectives in any manner.
There are two (2) detachments of Marines posing as HOSTILE Chinese Forces.
For the duration of this operation FRIENDLY must act on its own initiative. Further details in supplemental booklet.
UNITED STATES ARMY
APPALACHIAN TERRITORY
Amanda took a moment of thinking. It's quite odd to have a War Game in the middle of the war. The outcome wouldn't be unlike expecting for these soldiers...
Looking at the other note, she found the other note to be sticking on another different note, making it a third one. Amanda carefully separated the two notes, therefore reading the second one.
Arrived at Appalachia. It's beautiful, safe, the Thunder's treating the whole thing as an extended field trip.
Asked Wilson to knock some sense into them. A favorable Performance Evaluation could mean choice assignments in upcoming offensive. These War Games are being monitored closely. It feels like something big is around the corner.
I sympathize with the men, though. Man, its good to be back in America. And after the games, a two week furlough. De Silva grew up around here. She's offered to show us the local watering holes. But mission first.
Part of the note about being back in America after fighting the Chinese reminded Amanda of Nate... Amanda let out a huge mental sigh at that. Then frowned shortly... Nate's gone. And she has to remember that...
Seeing the third note... Amanda's eyes narrowed at what was written on it. She then started to take one of the holotapes for the first log entry.
"We're on the mission boundary, right, Weber?"
A strong sounding feminine voice began. Possibly Lieutenant Taggerdy.
"Uh, we're at... Spruce Knob. Uh. Two clicks. We're two clicks from the edge."
Another voice came. This time is male.
"So we hug the line, move hard, move fast. And we may catch the Marines with their pants down."
"LT, you may want to listen to this..."
A third voice came in. Also male.
"What is it, Moreno?"
"The Comm. The chatters' wierd. Let me...Zzzzz -Confirmed nuclear strike on New York. Shit. Shit.- Zzzzz -Oh God... It's the end... The end...- Zzzzz The whole channel's been... Blocked? Not sure how they're doing that..."
"Man, the brass had gone all out. Is this part of the War Game, Lieutenant?"
"In the event of a nuclear exchange, we are to immediately seek orders from a superior. But the further purpose of these War Games, however, we are completely on our own -Cut off from Command."
"Any standing orders we can fall back on, Lieutenant?"
A fourth voice came. Male, but sounding a bit older.
"None that I know of-"
"Whoa. Did you..?"
"There's one over there, too..."
"Uh... This isn't no War Game..?"
The recorded message ended with Amanda in surprise. The War Games took place shortly before the Great War... Holy fuck.
Taking another holotape, Amanda guessed it to be the next one recorded by the Army Rangers.
"Trying Band... Uhhh... AH-13 *sighs* Zzzzz -Lieutenant! I got something!"
"I can't make anything out!"
"Zzzzz -Maxson to Appalachia, I repeated. This is Captain Roger Maxson-"
Amanda immediately ejected the holotape out. Her eyes wide open in shock. Mouth almost open agape.
"What the FUCK. Maxson? Roger Maxson..? Son of a-"
Amanda stopped. That name. The last one in particular is what a damn convenience to be too much of a coincidence... She's just about to dive into another forgotten tale like the Responders... But perhaps this one, is one load of shit unlike the first one.
I apologize for the short chapter. The intention is mainly Responders centered, before leading to a new discovery for Amanda. I bet those ancient holotapes on the Lost Hills bunker ain't got shit on this historic discovery Amanda's about to discover...
Side Note: About the song lyrics of used song, I intended to put only parts that relevance the Responders as a whole. If you're interested, look up the song, title and band listed above the chapter. Really good band and a fitting particular song for the Responders in my opinion.
Also as of now, I will be working on the next chapter right away. Might take another while, though. But we will get there. And as much as I personally dislike the Brotherhood of Steel for their origins and their greedy ideals, I have to soldier up and proceed into the story further. So if you don't want to miss out, be sure to stay tuned for the next chapter!
ripntear