"Ah, Sentinel Rogers. My brothers told me you were coming. Please, sit." He says gesturing to the chair across from him.
I nod and sit.
"So, what's this about an Elder Maxson sending you?" He asks.
I clear my throat, "well sir, Elder Maxson sent our team here to help eradicate the enclave once and for all, along with rescuing a civilian." I answer confidently.
"Civilian? What's so special about him." He asks.
"He's my son sir. He's a high value target to The Enclave for his high aptitude for electronics and sciences. He has also studied under an organization known as the Institute. I only assume these are their main motives of taking him. It's in the best interest of both me and the brotherhood if we get him back." I say. I decide to omit the part about him being a synth being the most likely motive of taking him.
He nods and stands putting his hand to his mouth, thinking.
"How do you propose we do this?" He asks.
"We intend to build the forces here back up and train. Then, with the help of the NCR and the Legion, we can defeat the enclave." I say.
"The Legion?" He asks confused.
"Yes. Something my people used to say back in the day was 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend.' In other words, if we can somehow pin the Legion against the Enclave, then that will drastically change the outcome of this war in our favor." I say.
He nods in agreement, "very well, I like it. We must be careful however. Too many variables for any deviation."
"So you'll allow us to stay?" I ask.
"Yes."
"Thank you sir. And one last thing before I go, if I may?" I ask.
"Go ahead."
"What about Max? He helped us get here after all." I say.
"Out of the question." He says returning to his work.
"Sir, allow me to explain the-"
"I said no. He has tried to kill us all before, and I will not allow it to happen again. His banishment remains." He states.
I lean back in my chair and think, "what if he can prove his worth?"
"No, you're dismissed Sentinel." The Elder says.
"Please just hear me out." I say leaning one elbow on my knee.
He sighs, "fine, if only to get you out of here quicker."
"So, Max has a good relationship with the NCR. Plus he knows the land and it's quirks better than anyone here. Let him show he's worth it." I argue.
He sits and stares at me for a moment, "fine," he says tossing his pen on the desk, "report to me with him in one hour for my final decision. Allow me to think it over first." He says then waves me off in a silent dismissal.
"Thank you sir." I say.
I can't tell if I completely trust Max yet, but without him, it'll be hard to get much done. At this point, he's our most valuable asset.
I leave the room and return to the group, all eagerly awaiting any news.
"Well, everything's good to go. The only thing is that me and Max have to report back in an hour for a final decision on his banishment." I say.
"You argued my case?" Max asks surprised.
"Yea. He wasn't open to it at first, but at least he's at the table. Now, we just wait." I say. He nods understanding.
"As for the rest of us, Eddie here is gonna escort us to our new rooms to get settled in. We're gonna be here for a while." I say.
They nod and we follow Eddie to our new home.
——————
An hour passes and me and Max are headed to report in to the Elder. Max looks visibly nervous as we get closer to the meeting room.
"Don't worry. Elder would be stupid not to keep you. You're one of the most important people here honestly." I say.
"You think?" He asks looking to me worriedly.
"I know it. You know the people and the land here like the back of your hand. We need you." I say.
He scoffs, "And here I was thinking it was my shining personality keeping me around."
I chuckle and shake my head, "it's a close second."
We enter the room and Elder McNamara is standing now, flanked by two paladins armed to the teeth.
We step about halfway to the desk and salute, "Ad Victorium" I say.
"At ease," he says and we both relax, "now, let's get down to business, you both are here today to learn the fate of Knight Price." He says.
"Yes sir." I answer.
"Very well. Now, my decision was a hard one to make given the history and the circumstances. However, I've decided that upon the completion of a successful recon mission at the Cottonwood Cove encampment, then Knight Price's banishment will be lifted. There's a brotherhood safe house near the camp, which is where you both will be further briefed on the situation. When the mission is complete, report back with your findings." He says.
We both nod in understanding.
"Very well, dismissed." He says.
—————
"Sorry." Max says.
"For what?" I ask.
"For getting you into this mess. The only reason he assigned you with me is so you can watch me." He says as we walk back to the rooms.
"Hey, don't worry about it. I wanna know what we're dealing with anyways." I say punching him in the arm.
He chuckles and shoves me slightly.
"Well, we should probably head out soon. Lets say about an hour?" I suggest.
"It's a date." Max says with a smirk and walks off.
I roll my eyes and open the door where the group is set up.
"He said he could stay." I tell the group.
"That's good." Masters says.
"Yea but only if he goes on a recon mission up north, with me." I say.
"Wait, without us?" Cade asks.
"That's not part of the mission." Shire says annoyed.
"I know, it's risky, but we need Max. He has good knowledge of the land and has good connections. If we're successful on this mission, then we made things so much easier for ourselves." I say.
"When do you leave?" Kennedy asks.
"An hour." I say.
"Well be careful boss, don't get yourself killed." Cade says.
I nod and prepare for the recon mission.