If you read the last part of the summary, that's right. This is a mini story that consist of deleted scenes of The Rising Flag.
Thought, I made two deleted scenes featuring Patriot, but regarding the other 'Amanda' I just felt the need of her to be given the attention she needs as well. This is the conclusion.
But deciding to keep her character the same, I decided to take on giving an old familiar face to take this spotlight for this mini story.
'Colonel Amani' -obviously- takes on the antagonist role, simply said.
FYI: By mean deleted scenes, I mean that this story will take place as the same time as Amanda *the SS* is in West Virginia. And as the series of West Virginia goes to play in The Rising Flag, this mini story will as well, but only for a few chapters.
-Prologue: Dead Politics-
It wasn't unusual to encounter things that could kill. Such as feral ghouls that usually roam the isolated areas of the Capital Wasteland.
One, perhaps three than two laser fires does the job to kill one feral ghoul. If not counting the head shot, of course.
As carefully, and as quiet that he moved as possible, the man snuck his way around a horde of Ferals that heard his early laser fires.
But crouching behind an old car while waiting for the hungry brood of Ferals to pass, the man took his chance to make his way around the ruined street.
Living in an undisclosed location, it was the only thing he ever hated whenever he had the need to venture out to fetch supplies. It was hard enough to survive the things rather than the need to feed. And to make it worse. It gets harder each month...
The Super Duper Mart isn't much far now, except...
Rain drops.
The man, cursed quietly as drops of the rain slowly began to increase. The rain was slowly starting to pour. There wouldn't be any time left to make it to the Super Super Mart.
He hated the rain.
Familiar with the street, the man hurried onto a small establishment.
Stepping inside, he met a small bar with a few occupants drinking and chatting inside.
The man shortly dusted his tan trench coat upon entering before casually taking a seat on the booth.
"Rough day?"
Asked the bartender. The man that sat gave simple nod, rather vaguely.
"Ferals on the way. Had to kill some, and snuck past a horde of them."
"That's relating. Goin' to the Super Duper Mart, huh?"
"Yes. Ah had to stock up on supplies for the next month, unfortunately..."
"Understandable enough- Ah shit I forgot... What can I get ya?"
"Whiskey. Been while since ah had a glass..."
"Can't say I blame ya for living in the isolated ruin of the Capital. How's it been out there?"
The bartender asked as he poured the glass of stiff whiskey.
"Been doin' some reconnaissance around the area. Still the same. Radscorpions, Deathclaws roaming even some stray raiders. All those make me think of moving out west. Things has gotta be better west, and ah heard other folks on settlements talk about going to Mojave. Quite a rumor spread even in mah ruined lawn of debris, ah can still get news 'round."
"Then you heard about right pal. The new west coast? Things happened there. Words, news, rumors, you name it. The largest known cause next to the old forgotten Legion out back on Utah? Heard thing's really bad, and messed up happened for folk's on the two-headed bear."
The man took a small sip before slowly leaning forward with a raised eyebrow.
"Ah've only heard rumors. But do tell me what you know about the far west. Is it still the same with the annexation?"
"Never really got there before, pal. But words spread by, an east coast militia-like faction annexed it in California. Never got the full details, but rumor has it, those said militia came further east. Don't know exactly where, but they quite have a similarity with the two-headed bear, except they had an ideal of protecting people of sorts as I was told."
The man sipped on his glass again before asking once more.
"What do ya know about them from the east?"
The bartender glanced around shortly before shifting a bit uncomfortably.
"I heard they went dark. I'm sure you know who I refer to as the two-headed bear, right? Hell we all know who those people are on the far west. But here's the thing... The militia from the far east, somehow went, dark. Lost their shit. Then chased after them all the way to the far west. Spreading rumors began about the NCR being annihilated on both California, and Vegas just recently. Let's keep that low profile for now, capiche? People don't like it when shit talks like that happens. Shit happens, y'know?"
The man slightly shrugged.
"Not that ah mind. None of mah business anyway. Ah only wanted to hear so that I'm aware. I'm not some ignorant though..."
"Better watch your words, pal. Wanderer might be around with her sidekick mutt."
"Oh, please. I'm just an aged man, thriving here in the Capital Wasteland. But ah won't be here long. Ah plan to move out west, probably somewhere between Ohio, or Indiana."
"Midwest, huh? Poor choice for resentment, pal. Ever heard about that rogue Brotherhood of Steel that the Wanderer started spreading tales about ten years back? Wait... You weren't here on the Capital before, were you?"
The man sat quietly as he finished his whiskey.
But looking back at the bartender with an uncomfortable stare, the man hesitantly replied.
"Ah was. In some way. But ah prefer to forget about that. All I'm prioritizing now is moving out the Capital. I'm hoping to be left alone for good, and the outskirts in the Capital Wasteland was mah poor choice and a lesson to pick wiser."
"Well, can't say I blame ya, pal. So what do you plan to do now?"
The man slightly shrugged as he reached into the pocket of his coat.
"Ah plan to head to stock up on supplies. You got any better suggestions ah can go to as an alternate? Clearly, the Super Duper Marts ah go to don't provide me much stale supplies of food."
"You can try Rivet City. There's merchants with good deals of whatever supplies you may need."
The man gave a nod in thanks before setting down a few caps for his whiskey.
"A'right. Ah should make mah way to Rivet City then... Even though ah hate the rain. But it's best not to waste time."
"Always hauling ass like you're on the run aren't ya, Augustus?"
The man felt a breeze of chill down his spine. Only a few nobody's in the Capital Wasteland knew his first and only name. He hated his identity.
But keeping his composure on, he gave a simple response.
"Ah've always been."
First phase is done. Now, back to the Rising Flag.
*what you see here stays here*
ripntear