Heart of Steal
Chapter 7: Knowing is Power
Galaxy News Radio, the Early Dawn Elementary school, and most of Chevy Chase was now secured. Quin Schieber was asked to continue the sealing off the area with the assistants of a few knights and some junior scribes. The tunnel entrances to the D.C. Metro Junction and Tenleytown were enclosed with welded metal sheets, pneumatic locks, and access terminals. The security system was only difficult because the password was made Roderick, the name of the Brotherhood of Steel Knight that lost his life in the battle. It was a direct honor to make sure he was always on the minds of those who used the tunnels to enter the now secured Chevy Chase and GNR.
A small contingent of Brotherhood was left behind to maintain security, but as the only way in was through the destroyed section of GNR, the chances of a large attack by the super mutants was now unlikely. The tactical advantage had returned to the Brotherhood. The mood back at the Citadel was one of controlled optimism. The return of the initiates and the success at Chevy Chase made the Brotherhood felt that they were able to accomplish missions without assistance of their honorary member, the Lone Wanderer.
The Lone Wanderer had been a blessing for the Brotherhood. Nearly taking out the Enclave single-handed, with the assistance of the defunct Liberty Prime, Lyons' Pride, and Paladin Tristan's leadership with Sarah Lyons incapacitation. For over twenty years, the Brotherhood of the Capital Wasteland had been only able to keep the super mutants at bay due to their large numbers. The Enclave proved the greater threat, one that without the Lone Wanderer would have been difficult to resolve quickly. It would have been a war of attrition, but one vault dweller changed all that.
GNR proved more effective with the deeds of the Lone Wanderer, especially after becoming an honorary member of Lyons' Pride. The actions gave the people hope in the Capital Wasteland, new found hope that had been lost after twenty years of keeping the super mutants at bay, despite the Brotherhood's wish to eliminate the threat en total. The Lone Wanderer then disappeared from the Capital Wasteland, adding to his cult following and the creation of a pseudo-sainthood, that the Brotherhood couldn't help but enable more. Scribe Bigsley had suggested the use of the pro-Brotherhood radio station to bolster recruiting, however, the suggestion was prior to the Lone Wanderer and prior to the defeat of the Enclave.
The time was not right then, but after the defeat of the Enclave the timing could not have been better. It was through this outreach into the Capital Wasteland, through the air waves and patrols, that the initiates came to the Citadel. Elder Lyons' mind was working, taking in all the events as he walked into the conference room. Sitting around the table were all the initiates, Paladins Bael, Tristan, Cross, and Lyons. He sat down at the head of the table just as Scribes Rothchild, Jameson, and Yearling came in to fill the last remaining seats. The conference room was filled, all in attendance knew something major was happening.
"Thank you all for attending this meeting," opened Owyn Lyons, "as you all can guess, there is something important that needs to be announced. Scribe Yearling first came up with the idea, so credit must be given to her, however the logistics were worked out by Scribe Rothchild in private conversations with me. For over twenty years, the Brotherhood of Steel has been the protector of the people of the Capital Wasteland. We've protected them from the Enclave. We've protected them from the super mutants by keeping them within the ruins of D.C. We've helped make clean, not radiated, water available for free. We have done a lot for these people.
"But we know very little about them. One person was able to solve more community issues in a little over a year's time than what the Brotherhood was able to do in twenty years. This organization lacked the ability to send people to all the communities and asses their needs; and the reason for this has to be on our numbers, our limited resources, and our isolationism. When I turned this Brotherhood to the assistance of the people of the Capital Wasteland, it caused a schism to occur that saddens me to this day.
"I am an old man, this year marks my 77th birthday. I was there when the late Elder Maxson declared war on the New California Republic. It was that war, the death of so many good men, women, and children, on both sides that shaped how I've acted here in the Capital Wasteland. That was the darkest times for the Brotherhood in the west. This Brotherhood of Steel in the east will not repeat those mistakes, and it is with these communities that we must work to create a stable future. Our system of assurance and information gathering needs to be improved for this.
"You initiates have shown what a group of individuals from the Columbia Commonwealth can achieve together and apart from each other. It was your work that reinvigorated this Brotherhood as an organization, just as it was the child of James and Catherine that saved this organization from the brink of defeat. For that, I am personally thankful for each and everyone of you. But I fear none of you are destined to be Brotherhood of Steel Knights or Paladins."
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?" Shouted out Alvarado as he stood up, "we all faced death, slavery, or mutation by fucking super mutants. And now we're not going to get in? I can't fucking believe this! I nearly lost a leg to a fucking zombie, and lord knows what a fucking ghoul bite does to you!"
"Initiate Alvarado, sit down and shut your mouth," ordered Paladin Bael, his stare was like lasers burning into the back of the initiate's head; Alvarado sat down and rubbed his leg thinking of the hunk of flesh that was missing from him.
"I must apologize, Initiate Alvarado, I did not mean to upset you or minimize what you have experienced." Stated the old man as he ran his fingers through his beard, "however, there is no place in this Brotherhood for all of your skills. That is why, based on the idea of Yearling and the logistics of Rothchild, that we need to create a new branch for the Brotherhood that deals with intelligence gathering on communities. That is why, effective immediately, all of you initiates will be members of the Brotherhood Intelligence Operative Services. All of you initiates are now raised to the new rank of Operative, this rank exists outside of our hierarchical framework allowing you to maintain direct oversight. Cristano Bael will be your operations manager and as such will be raised in rank to Star Paladin. Scribe Yearling will also be your information analyst and liaison.
"This runs into a secondary issue, a centralized base for you to live between missions that would be accessible to Yearling and Bael. This would also be an area to store your equipment, including your power armor. However, it will be strongly recommended that you only use it in heavy conflict, we are not here to be an oppressive symbol."
"Sir, I believe I have the perfect place in mind," stated Scribe Yearling, "the Alexandria Arms Hotel would be perfectly suited to close of the southern plaza of the Citadel. It would be a good fortification and a close to both the Citadel and...my work station."
Elder Lyons ignored the disdain in Yearling's voice and nodded to the newly elect Star Paladin Bael, "do you know of this place?"
Bael nodded, "it's a raider hold out we haven't had the time to clear out yet, they weren't overtly violent but if we invade they certainly will be."
Owyn Lyons shook his head and sighed, "such are the choices we make. Now I would ask all our operatives, Scribe Yearling and Star Paladin Bael to proceed to the courtyard for operations debriefing and further information on the organization," the newly appointed operatives and their leadership left the conference room; Elder Lyons turned to the remaining members, "Rothchild, Cross, Tristan, and Sarah, there is something that needs to be discussed."
"Yes, Elder Lyons," said Star Paladin Cross.
"The Brotherhood needs to expand and utilize what resources we have," stated Lyons, "As it is, our forces operate based on stations and one moving squad. We were able to change that system a little at the Battle of Chevy Chase, however, the need for multiple squads that can be mobilized for areas has increased with the loss of Liberty Prime. That is why I wish to promote Julian Tristan and Fara Cross to the position of Sentinel. Likewise, Sentinels Tristan and Cross will chose their team members from those willing and available. You can only have seven members, just like Lyon's Pride, and you are allowed to name your units, along with symbol, for your own personalities.
"Lyons' Pride will still be our top mobilized squad unit, but this way the Brotherhood will be able to shift and act in multiple areas of the Columbia Commonwealth. The ruins of D.C. are important, but we also have communities in the former states of Virginia and Maryland."
"Is that what we will refer to the Capital Wasteland as now, sir?" Asked Sentinel Tristan.
"Yes, this name must be killed just as the new Columbia Commonwealth needs to take root," stated Lyons, "which brings us to why I really asked you all to stay. The renaming of this place is a small part of what our goal will be in the future. A new government will need to be established. The tensions of the New California Republic with the state of Maxson should be a guiding light to how we proceed here. I do not say that we should accept docility, the Brotherhood of Steel has risked too much for that; however, to mobilize a confederated commonwealth with the Brotherhood as an overarching military organization would be better suited.
"We would not be independent of the Columbia Commonwealth, but maintained and beheld to it's governance. We can not have what arose in the NCR, that would destroy all of our work. That is why this organization cannot be heredity. I am an old man, and as such I see my inclusion to the great Codex sooner than what I saw twenty years ago. I would like to name my successor in front of you all, in sound mind and body, and I hope they will acquiesce to my wishes.
Lyons turned to Scribe Rothchild, "Reginald, you have been with me since Lost Hills, I would like you to succeed me in my position as Elder when I pass away or resign. You of course can chose who will be the next Head Scribe. The education of Squire Arthur Maxson is a detailed one due to his position back on the west coast. He is our greats weapon, more-so than Liberty Prime ever was or will be. Young Arthur will unite the waring factions back home to finally bring peace amongst the Brotherhood of Steel."
"Father, he is a young boy," stated Sarah Lyons, "do not expect so much from him."
"I expect nothing, in this life," agreed Owyn Lyons, "but the more you work towards something the more it will come to fruition. That is why Young Arthur needs to be molded into the man he will be. That is why he needs strong personalities like yours Sarah, to help educate him. That would be the wish of Johnathan and Jessica Maxson if they were still with us. That is why we must all work forward to this new world we can create, starting in the Columbia Commonwealth," it was on these words the meeting ended.
In the courtyard of the Citadel, laser and metal ammunition discharge could be heard and smelt in the air as it hit fake targets. The initiates were slightly confused and stood in a semi-circle around around Scribe Yearling and Star Paladin Bael. They all looked at each other and then back at their newly mandated leaders, waiting for that one person with enough courage or balls.
"What the hell was that," asked Zimm as he pointed back to the conference room with his thumb.
"What are we now?" asked Newton.
"Where will live now," asked Pop in confusion.
"Are we still members of the Brotherhood?" LaCroix was nervous.
"What are we suppose to do as operatives?" Questioned Schieber.
"When do we start," asked J.R.
"You are all part of the Brotherhood, just in a new branch," said Yearling, "and we must keep our order if we are to be successful, with respect in our minds, deeds, and words. All of you are Brotherhood of Steel Intelligence Operatives, you will be collecting information and occasionally acting on that information for the benefit of the Brotherhood and the people of the Capital Wasteland. You are now the liaisons between the locals and the Brotherhood, but never forget that you are Brotherhood of Steel first, and foremost. Understood?"
"Ma'am, yes, ma'am," rejoined the newly promoted intelligence operatives.
"We're going to need a base of operations, Yearling," said Star Paladin Bael in his gruff voice, "you think this Alexandria will be suitable for our needs?"
"I do," replied Yearling with sincerity, "there is no reports of what it looks like internally, but if it was anything like Arlington Library, expect many raiders and fortifications. The positive side would be that raiders mainly use small arms."
"We have some T45-b power armor from Bowditch that'll be more than enough to neutralize raiders in the Alexandria," stated Bael, "though these kids will need training in power armor from Gunny first. We'll be able to get them trained and practiced today with those suits from Bowditch, but all repairs they'll need to make on their own."
"It'll be a learning opportunity," commented Yearling.
"Pardon me, Star Paladin Bael and Scribe Yearling," stated Roe, "but would you mine talking to us while we're standing in front of you."
Yearling and Bael both looked at Roe, appraising him for a position other than Operative First Class. Lyons had admitted to both of them that he saw potential in the former Initiate, but his temperament needed control. Bael reminded himself of that at the Battle of Chevy Chase, and the brash action that Roe took to retrieve his man. Yearling hat read the reports from Chevy Chase, and the briefing of the Dupont Circle, which made Roe's attitude and character apparent. He could be an asset to the Brotherhood Intelligence Operative Services, or a major obstacle. What mattered was how he was trained and if he complied with direct commands.
"Point noted," commented Bael as he looked over to Yearling who nodded, "now go get your training from Paladin Gunny, suit up, and meet me at the plaza by nightfall. Just remember, he's not as forgiving as us, so keep your attitude more polite and respectable."
"Sir, yes, sir," shouted the operatives as they turned around to find Paladin Gunny.
"You think they'll be able to pull it off?" Asked Yearling in an aside to Star Paladin Bael.
"They've been through a lot worse," answered Bael as he rubbed the still tender wound on his neck, "you think this intelligence thing will work out?"
"You know I don't always favor Elder Lyons' decisions and that resulted in me being exiled to Arlington Library," stated Yearling as she brushed her blonde hair from her eyes, "but frankly, if we want to survive, we can't afford to be an island of civilization within the Wasteland. But we also need to remember that we aren't the locals, we're beyond and above that."
"So you believe Lyons has gone native," asked Bael.
Yearling looked him right into his eyes, "yes; and we need to do everything to save this organization from melting away into the Wasteland."