Renewing a Nation
A Fallout 3 Fanfiction
Quest Added: Rebuild the Nation
Disclaimer: I don't own any aspect of Fallout or its affiliates.
Summary: With his conquests of the Capital Wasteland coming to an end, the Lone Wanderer (Daniel) had decided to settle down in any way he can in his 'luxury' apartment in Megaton. He is quickly called out of retirement by the Brotherhood of Steel to aid in the mass reconstruction effort for the Wasteland. Follows a very high karma Lone Wanderer. Romance: Lone Wanderer/Sarah Lyons.
Description of the Lone Wanderer (Daniel): Blonde hair. Blue eyes. Tan complexion. Small wave hair style.
Note from the Author: Hello once again, noble readers. This next chapter is for you. Some female readers have asked, "Is there a Mrs. Wallace?" Well of course there is. You're her. And you're just as beautiful as the day we met. Very sorry about the delay in posting…Madam College likes to take a lot of my time.
Chapter Six: General Election
The construction of Fort Jefferson was going along better than expected. A few days ago, the massive light system went on, illuminating the fortress in a warm light. Workers were very content with their work and housing. Sarah had taken full authority over the project, and her leadership skills were invaluable in achieving the project's goal ahead of schedule. Surprisingly enough, many of the ghoul workers opted out of the housing program following the completion of the Fort. Rumors went around that cities like New York City and Chicago were involved in civilian efforts to clear a slate for reconstruction, no doubt influenced by the works in D.C.
When asked why workers were opting out, one particular ghoul replied, "Got me some family in Chicago. They staked a claim not too far from downtown in an apartment complex. Moving there as soon as I get enough money in my pocket and this project is done."
Sarah was really enjoying her job overlooking the construction of the Fort. It kept her mind occupied and it gave her an opportunity to see Daniel every day. She herself was anxious to see what the imposed election would bring.
Daniel spent as much time as he could reading. Reading about pre-war America. The glorious days of the 1950's, the 'Roaring' 1920's, the numerous wars America was involved in. Above all, he read about politics; democracy, monarchies, autocracies, and even communism. He figured that if he was shoved into a political leader position, he would be prepared for it. But for fun, Daniel loved to read about the Presidents. He admired President Theodore Roosevelt and his ideas, especially his environmental reforms. Daniel hoped to someday reintroduce trees and other types of flora and fauna into the American wilderness.
Under extreme pressure from Three Dog, Daniel agreed to make a trip to New Vegas to address a crowd of his fans and followers. The speech would take place on the New Vegas strip, out of NCR territory where he was deemed unwelcomed. The Brotherhood of Steel, however, was nervous to send troopers to act as personal bodyguards for Daniel. Tensions between the NCR and the Brotherhood were well known all over America. Daniel asked if Sarah would accompany him not as a guard, but as a friend. She was hesitant at first; worrying that being openly near Daniel in public would cause rumors. Daniel convinced her to go with a bit of intimate contact and wooing in private. Unfortunately, Elder Lyons stood firm on not admitting any Brotherhood knights to go, fearing a violent conflict. Colonel Hayes, however, was more than happy to commit a company of troopers to act as a body guard.
The following Friday, Daniel and Sarah dressed not in their Brotherhood uniforms, but in cleaned and washed pre-war formalwear. Daniel was astonished at the sight of Sarah. She looked absolutely beautiful in her knee length, pink dress and her hair up in a bun. He took no time in informing her of her beauty.
"Wow, Sarah. You look absolutely beautiful." Daniel commented as they made their way to the waiting Vertibird.
Sarah smiled. "Isn't it every girl's dream to dress up like a princess?"
Daniel dressed the very best he could in the finest formalwear he could muster. The both of them, along with Lieutenant Price and B Company of the 1st Regiment, boarded the Vertibird around three in the morning and sped off for New Vegas. Needless to say, Daniel and Sarah dozed off until the sun rose over the plains of Kansas and eastern Colorado. Both were surprised to see that the forests of Colorado were still standing, affirming Daniel's theory that damage from the bombs faded the further west they went.
To kill time, Daniel brought along another book he was reading.
"When are you not reading?" Sarah commented with a smile.
Daniel smiled and looked up from his book.
"Great question…ask me when I finish this one." Daniel said smiling back.
"Well I guess since the Scribes aren't extremely knowledgeable about the way of life before the bombs fell, I'd take the initiative and learn myself." Daniel commented.
Sarah was impressed. "That's pretty admirable of you. What are you reading this time?"
"Locomotives of the Great West." Daniel said showing her the slightly charred cover of the book.
"What's a locomotive?" She asked. As a girl she was never really given history lessons anything prior to about fifty years before her birth. Back when they lived out West..
"It's basically a train. Back in the late 1800s, they made the first transcontinental railroad. It connected East to West. If you ask me, it sounds like a great idea. If we can get the rails repaired, people can jet from East to West in a safely guarded train rather than trying to hoof it to the opposite coast." Daniel added as he squeezed Sarah's hand.
Sarah smiled. She really liked their new openness with each other. No longer did they have to hold hands behind closed doors. Wastelanders loved seeing the two together. The couple was one of the first emerging celebrities of the Wasteland. In the back of her mind, Sarah wondered once and a while if Daniel would actually ask her to marry him. Marriage was still shoved into the back of her mind, but it still managed to emerge once and a while.
Daniel on the other hand, had decided to pop the question while in New Vegas, away from the prying eyes of the Brotherhood. He wanted somewhere peaceful and quiet to ask her. He kept the ring on him at all times in a small box. He had been able to fit the box at the bottom of the shoulder holster he always kept on him. The box never seemed to get in the way of the pistol, so he kept it there.
They soon began their approach on New Vegas just as the sun met its zenith. The Vertibird landed atop the Tops Casino. The first to get out of the 'Bird was the 1st soldiers. They quickly established a perimeter. Just as Daniel exited the Vertibird with Sarah, he eyed one of the snipers sent along with them, making sure he was getting a good view of the perimeter. Trial and error in the Wasteland had taught him just so.
They both exited the chopper and were flanked by escorts as they met a man in sunglasses, a fedora, and a pinstriped suit.
"Mr. Warner, welcome to New Vegas and the Tops Casino. My name is Harold. I'll be helping you during your time here in New Vegas." The man said gesturing them to the elevator that was situated on the roof.
Sarah shook her head. 'Did he just say, Mr. Warner?'
"Daniel?" She said in a hushed voice.
"I'll tell you later." Daniel replied knowing what she was going to ask.
They were lead to the Presidential Suite of the Tops Casino complete with a pool table, bar, shower, and bedroom. Quite simply, the suite was grandiloquent.
"The time is half past 10, Mr. Warner. You are scheduled to give your speech here on one of our balconies at 2 PM sharp." Harold said and left the young couple alone in the suite.
"Warner is my actual last name, Sarah. I've kept it somewhat secret until now just because everyone knew that my father's last name was Warner. To have people associate my last name with my father would have caused more harm to me than what had come to pass. I'm sorry I kept it from you, but it was for the best." He explained looking out the window into the busy streets of the Strip.
Sarah raised her hands in front of her chest. "Oh, no Daniel. I was merely curious as to why you didn't tell anyone. Daniel Warner…has a nice ring to it." She said sitting down on the recently refurbished sofa.
"So does Sarah Warner." Daniel mumbled.
"What was that, Daniel?" Sarah asked genuinely curious.
Daniel turned around to face her.
"Nothing. Um…why don't you go down to the casino floor," Daniel said walking up directly to her to the point that both of their chests were touching. "and play some slots." Daniel said and kissed her. As he kissed her, he grasped her hand and placed a small, pocket-sized revolver into her hand and ended the kiss as he closed her hand around the gun.
No words were exchanged. Sarah simply smiled and walked into the elevator.
Two o' clock ticked home.
"Ladies and gentleman, it is with great pleasure that I and the Tops Casino present the candidate for President of the United States, Daniel Warner!" announced the checker-suit clad owner of the Tops Casino.
Roars of applause and cheers rang out as Daniel, quite nervously, took a mighty three steps out onto the balcony, revealing himself to all. He simply smiled and waved, a skill he learned from one of the numerous books he read on politicians.
The crowd seemed to quiet down and Daniel knew it was time to make his speech. He approached the microphone to address the people of the Mojave Wasteland for the first time.
"My friends, fellow Wastelanders, and American citizens. It is with great pride and pleasure that I make this trip to visit all of you this week. The area in which you reside is only a place I had up until recently read in books. You truly live in a remarkable place. To be quite honest, a much more preserved place in a nation once ravaged by war, and nuclear degradation. I'm sure you've all heard of me. The reestablished media takes great pride in presenting me as 'larger than life.' But let me assure each and every one of you that I am no different than you are. I endure the hardships just as you do. I know what it's like to drink from a puddle of muddy, irradiated water. I know what it's like to feast off the mutated creatures of this earth. I know what it's like to see the one's you love perish. Many people encouraged me to run for the office of President…and I was reluctant to do so. But then I realized that unification and reconstruction are two extremely powerful things. A unified America through trade and cooperation, and the unification of this great nation can ease the burdens we face every day. Reconstruction takes the pain out of the burdens you face. For once you have reconstructed that which is broken, you can no longer trip over it every day. I run for this office not for personal gain. I run for office because I want my children to have a better life than I did. I want them to look at the world we live in and marvel in the modern age we reside in. I run for the office of President of the United States. If you do not wish a president at this time, simply please do not vote. I will not take office if the ballots fail to reach a specified number. Lets us join hands in bonds of brotherhood and take up the hammer and pickaxe. Do this!...and we will be a country once again." Daniel finished with beads of sweat forming on his brow.
The crowd roared once again to life and cheered him.
All Daniel could do was smile.