Nate stared down at the large figure that was closer to the ground then he was. The king he realized rather dumbly his mind moved slower when Merlin introduce the king to him. He was expecting more, a grand figure that inspired loyalty inside his subjects. He wasn't disappointed because how could he? Kings and queens was a outdated idea that meant nothing before and after the war.
The machines on the other hand had nothing but loyalty to there king since from what Merlin told Nate before the meeting many knights died in defense for the king and kingdom. Nate respected that he himself was willing to die for his country even if the president was as useful as a tree stump. Even tree stumps can be of use when a person sets it on fire.
The king is a baby. Why don't they have someone else leading? Does the babe have some memory backed up into it from the old king or did they just named him as king? I just ask Merlin.
Nate moved his hand from rubbing the kings head and turned to face Merlin who looked back at him.
"Isn't he just cute Nate?" Merlin asked.
Nate did agree with Merlin but he had questions. "Merlin the king is a baby even makes the cooing noises. Why?" Nate had wanted to add more to his question but he lost steam.
"Oh, we had to back up what's left of his data into a empty machine body when his old one just stopped. This was all we had on hand at the time since many resources were going into armor, weapons and repairing the subjects and soldiers after fighting the sky kingdom. We won." Nate really wanted to ask if there was a water kingdom but the both of them had other things to work on then teaching Nate of the neighborhood kingdoms.
Sky kingdom wonder what they are like.
The both of them moved over to the Windows behind the king and Nate saw a barren black land filled hundreds of short tree stumps with a grey sky before he blinked and his eyes stared out to a seeming unending sea of green.
Nate thought he could handle seeing the forest after all what was a few large trees compared to some of the forest before the bombs were dropped? Everything. So much green in one place he could only compare it to the parks at Texas when his dad would take out the family to camping, even then those parks were nothing compared to what he sees. A forest a canyon between the castle and the rest of the land. It was amazing. So much so he nearly believed it was Eden.
But it isn't. And he had a demon to stop didn't he?
Nate looked at Merlin even though he wanted to stare out into the endless green and asked what is the demon.
"Yes the demon is a android with long hair, she's been attacking our castle and wiped out some of our outpost, two holdings even a merchant convoy heading to meet traders from the sea kingdom. It's been stressful keeping the more active knights from marching there soldiers into the forest looking for her." Merlin said tiredly.
Nate thought about androids the Institute had some he knew before the gen-3 But after the gen-2 since he read about that attack in diamond city from that lady's newspaper whatever it was called. Institute had nothing to do with these machines or androids. So that left heck he didn't know. Brotherhood won't have built machines like this. Another two fractions in some unknown area in the U.S. building machines and another building androids? Nate can see the headache coming a mile away. And X6-88 was somewhere here in this area. At least Merlin can give him information though he be confused on why Nate doesn't know this himself.
"Merlin can you tell… me everything? Where did these androids come from who made you and where are we?" Merlin looked at him even through he couldn't make facial expressions Nate can see the confusion in his yellow eyes.
"I don't mind but wouldn't you know the androids more yourself then I? Humanity created them after all."
"I'm not a scientist just a soldier, I wouldn't be able to make a android. Besides I'm not from the moon." Nate casually dropped the bomb like the president did.
"Wait we called yo-"
"It doesn't matter just tell me what's been going on."
For an hour Nate listened to a rather water down explanation on what's been going for the last few thousand years, he didn't believe but kept quite on the matter it changed nothing if he believed what came out of the machines speakers after all.
"I'm dealing with a super-powered android that's capable of killing machines much taller and stronger then you, has some tech that can let her… throw her blades around and call them back. Ok."
Of course it wasn't ok on the outside Nate had an expression of stone while in the inside he was very unnerved, this android sounded like a real monster better then courser's. Still even machines can be broken down by an unseen plasma shot to the face.
"Ok I got a plan risky but it have to do."
"I'm listening Nate what will you have us do?"
Nate explained the plan they would have to hide the machines all around the castle mud, leaves and under the rubble others in the darkness where the sun doesn't reach. Merlin introduce Nate to three brothers who were large snake like things with a round head very disturbing due to how the body move but it work for his plan.
Next he had the machines blacksmiths make a new body of the king hollow on the inside to let him slide in a plasma mine a nasty surprise if things go wrong or right. Afterwards he told Merlin to have his fastest machines to spread news of the human that's been called from the moon to meet the king. Merlin asked if spreading that would be good for Nate himself but he was able to convince Merlin it needed to be done. Who had any idea when the demon can stop by? Even Nate would leave these machines to their fate if she took to long to show up.
He had a courser to find.
After four hours and Merlin's fastest men went to spread the message of a human in the kingdom, Nate stood leaning on the window staring into the sea of green and he wondered.
Could he talk Shaun into coming out here? See what the world is like even after all the bombs fell? Will he see the same thing Nate sees here? Potential. For something great clean water, game to hunt trees to cut down for supplies safety and happiness? Or just more of a potential experiment waiting to happen will any of them really see what's here? The air is so clean.
Nate wasn't sure if he even saw what was here. He had to fight the urge to just toss aside the weight on his arm and walk away from it. Dead nation, dead family and friends and a son who didn't really need him.
What do I have? Who even needs me? No. Nora she's waiting for me to come back to visit I have to go back to see her at least. And leave her these shiny smooth rocks I found.
Nate found that funny about Nora he knew she had a rock collection talked about it sometimes but when they moved into that house he now knew how big it was. A medium size suitcase big.
He brushed aside his thoughts when he heard something behind him. Crushing his cigar he turned and walked past the king down the steps until he was a few feet away from the android that's been attacking the kingdom. He stared at her strange body she was dirty and smelly but he can see her skin unnaturally smooth fake looking nothing like the gen-3's with all the details of real humans.
Stupidly long hair, and the black parts of her body made it seem like she's wearing small clothing but it was all smooth metal. Nate wondered why she looked so pretty, what was the point? Not like anyone would appreciate it, Nate certainly didn't.
He had Nora.
The android looked at the android across from her because she didn't believe that human was on the earth. Why would they be? Humans should stay on the moon. Even then she came only because she wanted to see the android that would work with machines of all things.
And she's staring right at him her look far more sharp then his she can see how different he was compared to other models she cross paths with even YoRHa. He looked strange. His brown eyes dim compared others she's seen, taller then her, wider and darker in skin tone to.
Strange armor and guns strapped around his person. It was the face that made her look more closely. The skin wasn't smooth it looked damaged with little what was it called? Scars? She seen it on animals before but not androids. You can take a can to surface damage. What was strange some parts of his left cheek hidden under the hair was white and along his neck. Why was he made like that?
"Here to meet the human? Well I'm here. Name's Nate what's yours?" Nate said as he stuck a hand out for she can shake she only stared at it before her stoic expression became a frown and she moved past his hand and before he could even move the tip of an ugly sword was at his throat.
Staying very still as this blade can cut though steel it would make short work of his harden skin.
"Why is some touched in the head android working with machines? Give me a answer I don't like I start cutting." She hissed out at him Nate still standing still thought on it for a few good seconds.
"I'm human. I have something androids don't have or will ever have." The android looked at him an eyebrow raised and she stepped far to close for comfort and asked.
"Well? Don't keep me in suspense talk." She pushed the blade just a bit closer.
"I have a pulse on my wrist and my neck. Look you can feel my wr-" Before Nate can talk further the android suddenly grabbed his neck and lifted him up her grip harsh and Nate just reacted by hitting her at the elbow and face with a kick to her crotch.
She felt nothing but the fast beating at her fingertips so strange she never felt that before. The fast beat. And still picking up. She placed her other hand around her own neck to feel it. Nothing. Just dirty skin and the hard metal hidden. She didn't have a pulse. Animals had a pulse because those things have hearts. Humans had hearts and blood. Flesh.
"What?" she had let go of his neck and in doing so it Nate start in a coughing fit her hand has moved to grip his armored shoulder to keep him in place just in case. A few things ran in her head first YoRHa can't know she ever choked this human or they send a real kill team after her. Second what?
What's a human doing deep in machine territory hell in their castle of all places. Shouldn't he have a escort of YoRHa around him at his heels? Be at the kingdom of night since the androids own that place with their superweapons? Why is he here?
"Because I want some fresh air you damn paraphilic." The hu- Nate wheezed out after his strange fit was over with. She was confused. What's a paraphilic?
"What's a paraphilic? And what are you doing here Nate." While she didn't care for the first question since the second was so much more important she did want an explanation for the word.
"It means your cool. Like really cool. Spread that around with yourself for an example. But you care more about what I'm doing here right?" She nodded. "Well I was sent from the moon to sabotage the machines in the forest the officers have an eye on the woods here. We need it for supplies. I brake down the machines morale we pass information down to the rest of the androids they clean the place up and start cutting. And send the timber back on rockets to the base."
She didn't know humans did that. He did looked much more well equipped then the resistance members did armor and guns she's never seen before but they looked well used. He's been doing this for a while. Still she didn't agree with everything he said.
"Machines don't have morale their metal with no feelings what can you do that would hurt them?" and why was this man fighting machines. Androids were built for that. It was her purpose, kill machines because they and command took everything from her and for humanity even if they were so distant it seemed like they were dead, she fought. The others would have. So will she.
She wanted to tie up Nate and drop him off at that resistance base and finish his mission. He can just report in it was done by an android let the rest of his officers know she can do it better then any human can. She was made for this. Not them.
"I'm going to kill the king." He pointed to the king that was behind them while the both of them were talking. "They seem to understand loyalty and happiness if the king is killed their performance will drop dramatically. They become easy pickings for the other androids when they step in."
"Why were they spreading word a human was helping them then?" She nearly forgot why she came here.
"How else was I going to get an android here? The tech I used to get here is messing up and it's standard protocol to reach friendly android contact and escorted to android territory for pickup. And you came. Not very friendly but yeah." The lie came easily out of his mouth he's been going over the idea in his head and have just now let it out.
"Well that seems stupid. Why not just pass the information down to us androids? We can take out the targets, no reason for the humans put themselves in danger."
"We aren't going to be on the moon forever. I mean they took me out of storage, might want me train some of those noodles up there make tough nails out of them." Nate took a glance at the green gauntlet on his arm and looked back at the android. "Well times wasting you want to kill the king? I pass this down to the higher-ups they get you whatever you want since your helping me out. Even a visit to the moon or a higher position in whatever group your from. They make it happen as long as it's reasonable."
What? A favor from the council of humanity? What would she be able to do with that. Yes the android has spend her entire life killing machines but even she knew how much pull the council had. What would she get? New weapon? New advance body fight even longer? Or fuck replace the commander on the bunker? With herself.
The android can feel a genuine smile on her face for the first time since she was green.
"You think your boss's can replace the commander on the bunker?" She saw as his face started to twitch before he rubbed his chin with his hand.
"Maybe? I have a friend who has his eyes on a android that's have been in his words "adequate for a higher rank" so this might work for him to. There's just not been enough reason to have more commanders for whatever reason. Still just have a back up idea just in case."
Feeling the smile grow on her face she walked past Nate towards the king sure the commander might not be replaced but she can do other things with this favor.
"Names A2!" She yelled behind her back as she took out the heavy wide blade from her back bringing it in ready to slam it down on the runt of a king. She went into the motions she always did legs lowered arm bent to swing downwards and saw as the blade cut the thing in half along with a green explosion that melted down the body of the king consumed her blade leaving nothing but the handle and burning her skin.
A2 jumped away before it can travel further even let go of the handle as it started to become a… puddle. Of green.
"What the fuck was that?" A2 looked down at the puddle torn between poking it with her heel or walking away from it. The choice was taken from her hands as suddenly a griping pain burned along her lower back and even some of her legs she can even hear the metal melt and drip to the stone floor underneath her.
Turning and noticing how much slower her legs moved, she was going to take Nate and run but before she could the floor collapsed and suddenly her body was wrapped up in a large snake machine as it quickly slammed itself down to the stone floor her head making contact, with the ground it unwrapped from her with rubble hitting around her down form.
Jumping back to her feet A2 notice the machines popping out of hiding places, such as the rubble around her, great piles of leaves and even falling from the ceiling that wasn't damaged. Seeing all this she moved as the shooters fired at, she dodging every hit that came close through again she noticed how much slower she was going.
Whatever hit her in the back must have damaged some components, wires whatever in her back that connected to her legs, slowing her movement speed not enough but it co- before A2 can finish her thoughts the Snake machine came back faster to try slam into her from the side, so she jumped over the machine her blade striking out into its golden orb as she jumped past.
Landing she spun around and kicked a machine into one of the shooters the flying one taking the damage as it slammed into the other it ruined the gun as both slammed into the floor. She jumped backwards to avoid shoots coming at her and into a knight her elbow hitting its torso braking the armor and the metal it was design to protect.
She finished it off by stabbing it and throw it to a pair of shooters that had eyes on her, and similar damage of broken guns followed this case through she threw her sharp blade at and saw as it cut two of the three of them.
A2 once more had to jump into the air as the Snake machine came back around to hit her while she dodged the Snake A2 called back her blade and was about to bring it down on the slower machine until another burst from the wall slamming into her sending A2 straight to the ground letting a few of the shots hitting her.
Rolling to get away from it she sprang to her feet once she reached behind some rubble the machines popped out of. She grabbed a large piece of stone and moving out of cover she threw it at one of the shooters aiming at her direction, destroying the darn thing.
She would have moved to get back into the fight if another snake didn't erupted from the ground sending her flying into one of its snake fellows it also hitting her it sent A2 right back slamming into the floor. Moving herself from the floor she involved herself in a game of catch the android hitting one snake after another all the while attacking the weaker machines around the room. And taking notice of the hits she couldn't dodge the weight of her legs slowing her down and the pain in her back getting worse.
I fought more and tougher machines but I had both weapons and legs were fine. Now? Even these idiots are giving me a hard time. Damn it all.
Seeing no other option A2 activated the chip she called "Berserk" her form taking a bright red the limits set on her model were released and with that done her speed and strength increased giving her the edge she needed.
A2 dodged the snakes and threw her blade at the machine head that flew right by her. Calling her blade back she ran into one charging at her, jumping on top of it and slamming the blade down its head going through the thick armor covering it. The last final snake slammed into her, body caught in its wrap but her hand free she brought it down on the golden orb it falling apart from the force of her attack the snake machine fell apart letting A2 go.
Knowing the amount of time she had left A2 moved to take down the rest of the machines coming out of the wood work.
Nate's boot stepped past the exposed skeleton head of one of the machines and he couldn't keep the wince down when he saw its ugly face.
Whoever made these guys are sick bastard's Nate thought to himself as he kept walking past the ruined machines until he was a few feet away from the android. She was poor sight to see.
More of her skin was missing along her arms and bits of her face leaving the black metal underneath exposed. Her hair even more of mess then before only reached to her upper back now. Worst or best depending who had to meet her in this state she was now sitting up as it seemed her legs were a ruined mess.
"Nate? Give me some time my legs been shot to hell. Don't know what hit me earlier but at least you look ok."
"Yeah A2 your back seems pretty bad. Can even see bits underneath the metal even. Want me to take a look? Got some supplies for this type of thing." Nate said as he stood behind her aiming his plasma rifle at her head.
"Surprising. But it wouldn't matter there's a resistance base some hours away from here I know a shortcut. Le-" Before A2 can finish she was cut off as plasma shots ruined her head and melted the metal with the unrelenting shots at her head even when she fell over, Nate only let go of the trigger when it shot empty.
Reloading Nate picked up the blade she was holding. It was a heavy thing all metal from the handle to the tip. He made some swiping motions but he didn't really know what he was he doing. Knives were more his thing not swords.
Nate turned around when he heard the steps of a machine behind though knowing who it would be.
"Nate the plan of yours worked like a charm! The demon is dead and now we can have some peace with her gone. Come let's celebrate!" Merlin is happy and giddy. Nate is tired and in a hurry to get a move on.
"It worked thanks to your soldiers without them this wouldn't have happen. Don't forget them Merlin."
"Of course Nate there name's will always be remembered with what happen here today." Nate nodded now that the android is dead it was time to look for X6-88.
"Merlin I can't stay here I'm looking for someone. Another human his name is X6-88 any places that a person could go to here?" Nate immediately went to work he helped them now it was time for them to help him. Merlin seemed to be in thought before he replied.
"Yes there is two places in fact. The park and Pascal village, the village is closer. Come with me Nate I bring you there myself.
And so the two walked out of the castle on there way to the village Merlin spread the news of the demon that has been slayed by both the knights who have given there lives to take it down and the human that helped organized the plan. Nate would have preferred Merlin put a bigger focus on the soldiers since they put in more work then he did himself.
He only shot her after all.
Once the both of them reached past the wooden gates that would lead them to Pascal village Merlin said to follow his lead since he knew faster paths.
And so the two went with Merlin telling Nate what to expect a village of machines who have fully disconnected themselves from the network while the people in the forest kingdom still have the connection but are able to act as themselves.
Nate really wanted to meet the person who came up with the whole alien network thing. That person had read to many comics.
Merlin said that they reach the place past this tall shrubs and be ready for the guard to question them. Nate was ready until he saw a large machine that towered above even sentry bots staring at them. From here Merlin led the conversation the giant, machine letting them pass and Nate got a view of the village.
It was built with care and hands it was made going up the trunk of a truly giant of a tree with the base having a few houses and machines running around or just standing and seem to have a few floors each one filled with houses and bridges that led to other trees around them and even more machines. As much as Nate would like to take in the sight he had a person to look for.
"Nate up these ladders Pascal is on the second level." Merlin said as he climbed the wide ladder, Nate followed along to the second level. Walking around a bit Nate had to refuse the questions of a few curious machines as he needed to talk to Pascal.
Merlin did told Nate Pascal is an older model and would stick out from the others so he be easy to spot among the machines. Nate did spot Pascal different design compared to the rest he seem to be talking to a few little machines until they left leaving Pascal alone, seeing this he walked over to him.
"Excuse me are you Pascal?" Nate asked the machine as it made some noise after he finished talking it turned to look at him.
"An android? Oh I mean yes I'm Pascal what can I do for you stranger?" Nate was surprised by the voice of a woman's wasn't Pascal a man's name? A doctor or was it an alchemist?
"Hi I'm Nate and there is something you can do for me. Has a person by the name of X6-88 stopped by? He's tall, dark skin, short hair and has tinted sunglasses with a dark coat."
"X6-88? Strange he told us his name was James. But yes I have he has a home here on the ground level but he left a few days ago haven't been seen here since he left. Can I ask why are you looking for him?" It didn't matter much to Nate if he asked.
"We're partners he went missing nearly a week ago so I was sent find him. That's about it really." Nate paused before asking another question. "How did he get a place here? Did he buy it or something?"
"Oh no he's just staying for a while but if he did wanted to live here I wouldn't say no. He helped us a great deal him and Fred both destroyed a mad machine in the amusement park not to far from here." X6-88 must have just found this mad machine by accident. No reason for the man to get involved in other people's problems. Still this didn't leave Nate a lot of information to work with. He was missing five or four days. He landed somewhere traveled, ended up in the park then here and left.
"Is there any places with androids here? X6-88 was sent ahead to scout the area and report back but since he's missing I was sent anyway even if info is lacking." He wouldn't go back to the park he left after possibly gathering the information he needed from the machines and as far as Nate could guess he must have went to look for more about the androids straight from the source. If he did encounter androids.
"Yes there is it's a camp with some androids that we trade with. Though I don't know the exact place its kept at I do know its in the city ruins." Before the two can keep the conversation going Merlin showed up at the tail end of the talk.
"Hello Pascal, I see you found him Nate. And it sounded like your going to the ruins yes?"
"Merlin its good to see you once more. I just told Nate where other androids as himself can be found."
"Yeah you wouldn't happen to have anyone that knows the android camp is at do you?"
"The resistance camp? Of course I do! We always have to keep an eye on the enemy. You think that's were human X6-88 is at?"
"Human?" Pascal sounded confused by that word. Nate didn't really care he knew a place where X6-88 could be at now.
"Thank you Pascal we leave you to your business." Nate thanked the machine who's gender he didn't really know. The pair left the village with Merlin leading him to the ruins with the android camp saying it take a few hours to reach it and be prepared for any fights that will attack Nate himself due to his appearance.
Nate waved away the worry saying he had something to avoid fights the two didn't need to get involved with. And so the two made there way through the forest until they reached the park where Nate had to pause at the sight of once the two were inside.
"This place is interesting Merlin. Who runs this place?" Nate asked as the two of them stood at the entrance of an alley way that Nate found strange. Built more like a small town instead of a park, then again Nate didn't know for sure his parents spent money on more important things such as food, bills and clothing then entertainment. Nate copied them when he got order put promised himself he would take Shaun to Nuka-world when he was old enough.
He wondered if it survived the nukes. Or if Shaun would even want to go.
"I remembered when this place was still young, it's purpose first was to keep the machines who came safety and stability all this came decades later. Simon the leader just slower lost herself until nothing was left of her. You're friend did a good thing." Merlin watched all the machines in front of them act jolly with their painted faces and clothed self with music coming out of the speakers giving the two a view of happy dancing citizens. Merlin wandered of any of them are sadden with the loss of there leader or it long since passed when Simon lost herself years ago.
Nate looked at the castle that was placed in such a way it made a heart and wondered how fun it be on a roller coaster. "let's keep moving Merlin got to find that man."
With that brief moment of pause the two left the park behind and their thoughts in the back of their heads, Merlin led Nate through the rest of the forest until they stopped at a ruined buildings and rubble blocking there way, Merlin led Nate to sewer gate thankfully Merlin was a smaller machine that was able to climb the ladder down without issue.
Once the two made it through the sewers the duo continued on Nate having had to use his refraction chip when the two passed through machine groups to larger move around this pattern followed for the next few hours Nate following and Merlin leading. It was only after the fifth hour on the road Nate finally had the confidence to ask a question that's been burning to be asked.
"Hey Merlin I got a question to ask."
"Yes Nate what is It?"
"Sorry for the language but why hasn't the fucking sun moved? For nearly ten hours?" After four hours since he landed Nate just thought he was at place with more sun time. Six hours was weird but the sun will move soon? Eight hours and Nate was honestly thinking he must have died because the sun hasn't moved even an inch. At the ninth he finally asked.
"Oh the planet doesn't spin anymore but the earth still spins around the sun and night will come… four months from now? Yes four months." Nate nodded while he wouldn't agree with anyone that told him that, he wasn't going to argue with this. Didn't mean he believed it. Something was going on and he didn't know what but the unknown is disturbing enough that once he finds X6-88 he just teleport the two of them out of here.
Suddenly Merlin stopped and pointed ahead. "There. Pass this barricade you see hanging tarps and a small pound with fish. At the tarps is where the androids have hidden themselves. I won't go any further they attack me has soon as I'm spotted." Merlin turned to face Nate. "I thank you once again Nate I hope you find X6-88 If you need my help again find me at the park. I be there for a while before heading home."
" Thanks Merlin for your help wouldn't gotten this far without your help."
"I believed you would have Nate it just would have taken you some time. I be off stay safe." Nate watched as Merlin walked off and turned the corner of one of the buildings before looking back. He's already came up with a backstory now he wondered if it survive contact with the androids here.
Time to find out.
Nate walked past the barricade as his eyes travelled the area and buildings he wondered if the androids had any snipers that caught him walking towards the base and are just waiting to shoot him. Wasn't like he could do anything about that. To late to active the chip. He just go forward.
Before Nate could walk past the tarps hanging above his head a man walked from the corner pointing a gun at him Nate stopped and raised his hands in the air.
"Got my hands in the air don't shoot." Nate said to the man as the android got closer. He took notice of his desert camo clothing, AK gun and strange optics on his eyes. He stopped moving forward and lowered his gun.
"Yeah I see. You looking to join the camp, stopping by or?" the android asked waiting for a response from the other android with strange armor and guns. Weird skin to.
"Looking for someone. Hoping he stopped by or someone seen him wondering around." Nate lowered his arms and kept them there when the android made no move to stop him.
"Ok. You can come in but you got check in with Yin he deals with any new androids that stop by here either looking to join or passing by. He know more. Still what he look like? Maybe I was on shift if he came by."
"Sure. A bit taller then me, darker skin tone, short black hair, tinted glasses and wore a thick leather coat." Nate saw as the man freeze and knew right then X6-88 was here and or left an impression. He was hoping more of the former then the latter.
"Got to make call. Wait here." And the man stepped back pulling a military talkie from his belt and said things in a whisper Nate couldn't hear. The android put the radio back on his belt and said were waiting for some people and left it at that.
After a few minutes Nate could hear people running towards them and saw as a four person group came along. These four were dressed different then the lone guard, the four had better clothing and bigger guns designs Nate couldn't place. He sighed. X6-88 must have left an unforgettable impression. Damn.
And the four surrounded him as they walked him through the camp Nate saw the other androids looking at the five man group as they walked towards a building with boxes outside of it one of them opened a heavy steel door and motioned for Nate to go inside. He walked right in.
"Nate Ramirez?" Nate turned to look at the man sitting on a bed along side a wall with a table filled with a pitcher of water on it and a container with food that looked like the MRE's he was given back in the trenches of Anchorage. He was feeling sick just looking at it.
"X6-88 looks like I found you. How's the vacation going?" Nate asked as he walked closer looking at the pitcher of water and completely ignoring the container next to it.
"The water is safe to drink sir but I didn't bother with it." Nate nodded as he picked it up and drink straight from it, nearly emptying it. He set it back down.
"And this was not a vacation sir I have been displaced when the relay was damaged by unsupervised students looking it over."
"Yeah I know X6-88 just wandering how it's been with this. Anything to report?" Nate said as he waved his arm at the whole room.
"Yes. This place I for now have called it Twilight I discovered and was told much of this place. Though it would be better if the two of us was at the Institute to share the information I know then stay here." Nate knew he was right better to leave now then stay longer then the both of them had to but still he was curious.
"How long you been here and how much you told them?"
"Four days sir and I revealed nothing, but a reverse of my designation." Before the two of them could continue the door opened as three woman walked in two red heads and a woman with a green fancy cloak. Nate nor X6-88 was surprised by there appearance someone was going to eventually check in on them as soon as Nate came. The two androids that Nate knew were made as twins looked shocked by his appearance while the cloaked woman looked stoic. The cloaked woman looked at the woman one with wavy hair and said something to her she walked away and left the room while the other two stayed.
"So I take it your human just like 6X here yes?" the green cloaked asked.
"Yes I'm am. Names Nate. What's yours ladies." Nate said as he stuck a hand out for a handshake. The green cloak looked ready to reach over but was beaten by the red head.
"I'm Popola sir its nice to meet you!" Popola said as she shook Nate's hand with both of hers her strength making Nate flinched but he knew it could have been worse. He still remembers A2's fight.
"Stop. Your crushing his hand." She pulled back her hands when X6-88 cold voice was suddenly near them both she had a hurt look on her face but she nodded and backed away, X6-88 now standing a bit in front of Nate and to his side.
"Don't worry about it X6-88 its ok. I'm ok it's nothing Popola."
"I'm Anemone, Nate and I would like to get this conversation started, I have YoRHa on my back wanting answers now two humans at my camp which will no doubt make the commander just send a few squads of YoRHa soldiers with flight units move the two of you away. I would like answers before the commander does anything."
Nate nodded at that. Through he wasn't worried why would he?
"Sure ask them I answers them the best I can, and then I would like to ask some myself." Anemone nodded at that her face now less tense.
"That's fine. I go first. Why did he kill three androids apart of my command?" Why you really did leave a good impression did you X6-88. Nate thought to himself annoyed now seeing how much trouble the man was in.
"X6-88 you told them nothing right?" Nate whisper to X6-88
"Yes sir." Nate nodded at. That's good he can start the bullshit train like he did with A2 this one just has to be good for long time interaction.
"You see X6-88 is a courser for the Institute he's not to be on the surface yet, he came here by accident before he can go through maintenance. This left him confused and disoriented, X6-88 been on the surface before but he's always been attacked by androids so experiencing this he hit first and asked questions later. Of course this doesn't mean what he did was right. I make sure you're compensated for your lost." Nate said because he would make sure they got something since he wanted the Institute to have a better relationship with these androids then the people of the commonwealth.
The look on Anemone face showed she wasn't completely satisfied with the answer she was given but nodded anyway.
"Who made you androids?" Nate knew others would have asked different maybe more deeper questions but he couldn't think of any himself nor would he have asked. He keep things simple.
At least that was he believed when he saw both Anemone and Popola flinched back like he struck them with that simple question. Then again he might have since from what Merlin told him androids were made by humans on the moon. But he didn't really believe that, mess who would go to the moon when aliens came from space?
"Is that supposed to be a joke? Humans did." Nate shook his head at that and explained.
"No humans made the designs yes and a few models I'm sure but who made you?" Anemone nodded here head now understanding him.
"Everyone in the camp besides YoRHa androids were made by the army of humanity at the kingdom of night." Nate didn't really know how to feel about a army of humanity. What would be considered human to them? Just the regular people walking around and ghouls, supermutants are gunned down with impurity? He didn't really want to deal with a another Brotherhood.
"How is X6-88 as physically capable as he is? He was able to run with YoRHa androids and strong enough to slam one into a wall. This was brought up by the commander I mentioned earlier." Nate paused. What should he say? He had a few things he came up with but he wasn't sure what he would say. He thought about courser's. Human but not really. He glanced at X6-88 and thought about it.
"I don't know much about courser's beside there training is tough and only the best of them get in. It's a bit of a secret you know." Nate cursed in his head he couldn't talk to X6-88 longer then he know what questions to ask and what not to. This commander through of YoRHa maybe or the Army of Humanity.
"The commander what is she responsible for?"
"The commander leads the YoRHa organization and she answers to the army of humanity." Army of Humanity. Nate is sure now the people behind this android thing is them somewhere at this kingdom of night. But where? A different name for Alaska? He experienced that whole months of no sun himself and it certainly felt like a kingdom of night at that time. But if it was at Alaska who would be behind it all? Not the Chinese they were dealing with American forces after they were kicked out. Remnants of U.S. government? New project with dealing against china? He didn't know.
"Are you… really from the moon?" Anemone asked softly. The moon thing. Why the moon? Why not underground like the vaults the Institute or raven rock? What's so special about the moon the people spread word around humans were living there? Is there something important up There? Is there a moon base?
"No were not. The Institute is a separate organization from the council of humanity and has had no contact with them at all." Where did the council fit into all this? He knows androids fight machines for humans living on the moon and Merlin said they send out calls from the moon to the androids but what else?
"Then what do you mean X6-88 came to the surface by accident? Where is the Institute if not on the moon?" Anemone asked the question the commander was pushing her to ask where X6-88 came from which will now go to Nate.
"Two questions. Can't tell you where we are for our safety. Like I said a accident he wasn't supposed to come here but meet me somewhere else."
"The army of humanity where are they exactly? And when we leave is it possible to come back and talk to you about future relations?" Nate wanted to know where is this army at and hopefully have some kind of relationship between them and the Institute. Something good.
Anemone shrugged her shoulders. "I know that their on a large continent but I forgot the name. And what do you mean by leaving? But yes you can just come back to the camp and we can talk." She asked interested.
"Shame. I mean were leaving back to the Institute, I found X6-88 now it's time to go back and for him to turn in his report." The four of them turned towards the door as it was opened and walked in was the twin with wavy hair a pitcher and container in her hands. She paused as all four of them stared at her.
"Did I missed something important?"
"No you didn't miss but it looks like it's time to leave now we be back." Nate looked at his pip-boy as X6-88 placed a hand on his shoulder and looked back at the three. "Bye."
In a bright flash of light that filled the room the two of them disappeared leaving empty spots in there place.
"What the hell just happened?" Popola said as she saw the two humans disappear right before her eyes. She heard a loud thud and turned around to see Devola on the floor face down.
"Devola!" Anemone rubbed her head already feeling the pain in having to talk too the commander again for hours.
"Damn it all."
-x-
Leave a review I am expecting hate for this chapter and losing some people but oh well.
Armando Garcia- Going have to wait for that.
Jellygoodfollow- Thanks!
Enumeaelish666- Thanks! Nate is human just at this point of Fallout timeline my Lone wanderer isn't nor is my courier. The two are cyborg mutant freaks of nature. More so the Lone wanderer. Living nuke and all. After all this the Institute will have an interest in Nier until they realize holy crap this isn't are world! Once they reach at that point all hats are off. I think only YoRHa has all the weird stuff right now, I doubt they would even share it with humans.