Alright, here is the next part continuing form where we left off. I have to say that I am excited for what is coming next and if I was not going to be tied up over the next few days then I would be writing it right now. I know that many of you have messaged me that what has happened to humanity has sucked and the character in my story never seem to get a break, but as we continue I just want to say that every high is defined by the low. So enjoy this next chapter and I will see you at the bottom. :)
"Well I have to say, General," began Walker. "You have a funny way of asking for it."
"I'm afraid you haven't given us much choice, Walker," said Captain Lorrie Baker. Walker was taken aback to see her, especially since she set to the right of General Wright. Without the dirt and the grime that had covered her on Earth, she looked like a completely different woman. Her stare, however, was unmistakable as was her knew prosthetic arm, the light shining off of it.
"And what the hell have I done," asked Walker more pissed than amused at her slander. "I have done nothing but save your asses. Would it have been better to let you all die on Earth?"
"You're a dog, Walker," quipped Baker. " A dog that refuses to heel to its master. You're a loose cannon that refuses to fall in line. If your history is accurate, you have always will be that way."
"Captain Baker," Said General Wright raising his voice and breaking into the spat before Walker could respond. "You forget yourself. This man is a hero and if it wasn't for him you wouldn't be here. Now calm yourself or you will be removed from this chamber." Bakers eyes flared with anger and Walker could see her aching to respond, but she crossed her arms on her chest and sat back into the seat.
General Wright turned his attention back to Walker. " John Walker, Courier. On behalf of this Committee and on behalf of the Coalition, I apologize for the recklessness of my subordinate. The rest of us were not brought to light on who you were till just a few minutes ago during the Captain's debriefing. So help us all, if we had know, these disgraces would have never have been performed. Baker, for your protection, listed you and the asari under aliases, and for any discomfort that you experienced, there are not enough words to properly apologize for this situation."
"Situation?" asked Walker balling his fist as he tried to let off some of his frustration. "In that cell, your boys took Liara to do God knows what to her. If this is the..."
"Mr. Walker," said the General cutting Walker off. "Her kind and her kind's partners are responsible for billions of human deaths. They lord over us as though we are less than cattle. Those men that did that to you two were out of line, severely, but those two men, personally, both lost their entire families to Citadel forces. Those families represent the smallest percent of all the innocent civilians that were run through when the Citadel broke into the Sol system. I apologize for them, they were wrong, but understand that the same sentiment runs strong throughout humanity. I am sorry you and your... friend, had to experience that. I give you my word that so long as I have the power, that will not happen again."
"Gentlemen," said Director Nelson piping in. "There are more pressing matters at hand. The time we have to secure our freedom from the Citadel can only last so long. All of these issues can be resolved later, but if we don't act now there may not be a later. Please, Courier, we are in desperate need of your help. Will you listen to our plea?"
Walker looked around the table where the members of the Committee sat. He looked to his own comrades. Liara was angry, angry at the situation, probably angrier than he was. Allimer and Jenkins were cool and collected, and they both returned his gaze, telling him that they were behind him, especially after all this way. He then looked to Allimer's nephew, Kernell. The Lieutenant looked confused about the entire situation, but it would seem his fate was also in Walker's hands.
"Fine," said Walker trying to ease the anger out of his shoulders. "Say your peace. I, we, will listen to what you have to say."
"Thank you, Courier," said General Wright sincerely. "I promise you we will make this up to you, but for now let's get to the situation at hand. Nelson."
"Right," began Nelson as she activated her pipboy and ordered a holographic display to come up behind the sitting Committee members. "As you know, Courier, the Enclave forces you encountered managed to get away with the Key. That device has the ability to restrict who can and cannot enter into any system's Mass Gate that it is installed. From what intelligence we have been able to gather, they have taken the Key to a space station just outside of our Sol system."
"This display that I have brought up show's our system in real time and the red circle indicates the location of their station." Walker watched as the planets slowly went around the sun and a red circle to the outside of the planets projected paths. "As you can see," continued Nelson. "The station is outside of the solar system, placed with the intention of being nearly impossible to find in the vast space that lies between the various solar systems. Simply put, we need you to get to that station, collect the Key, and return it here, to us."
"Uh," said Walker with a small laugh, a little lost on the scope of what was being asked of him, of how unfamiliar all of it was. "I thing you might be under the wrong impression. What you are asking me to do is so far from furthest concept of anything I have ever done. For me, two days ago was a different time, when most people ever left a few hundred miles of where they were born much less travel outside of the solar system to assault a space station. I think you're asking quite a bit more than I can handle."
"Walker," said Baker leaning forward her fellow Committee members gave her a glare, particularly General Wright. "I'm afraid that I have to call that little spiel you just gave is a load of bullshit." Walker started to protest, but she continued. "In only the small time that we have had the... pleasure, of knowing each other, you managed to escape from a superior force, find a ship buried under the rubble of Earth, and make it to another planet. And along the way you killed quite a few heavily armored Enclave bastards. Do we have more experienced personnel than you that specialize in this type of operation? Yes, we do. But you are the only one that is capable of leading this operation."
"And why is that, Captain," asked Walker.
"Because, in your possession, you have probably one of the most advanced AIs I have ever encountered, specifically left behind by House with the protocols to follow your every word, as well as one of the only two warships that humanity has. Furthermore, you seem, both historically and presently, to have the knack of getting things done. Differences aside, Walker, you are our best shot."
"What about your own ship, Captain? said Allimer speaking up for the first time. "His ship is only a cruiser and yours is a battleship. Isn't that better suited for a station assault?"
"I'm afraid the Beam is tied up in preparation for another matter, Sergeant," responded Baker curtly.
"And just what is it that it is preparing for?" asked Walker.
Baker looked over to General Wright. He gave a nod and looked over to Nelson. "Go ahead, Director," he said to her.
"Thirty-eight hours ago," started Nelson. "Citadel forces withdrew the majority of their forces away from the Sol system." The display behind her changed again and showed what Walker could only assume was a map of the galaxy. About a third of it was colored in red and marked as Citadel Space. The sheer size of it and how any one organization could control that vast of a territory boggled Walker. Then a portion of the map towards the top right started flashing yellow and red. "In the section where the map is flashing shows where the Citadel is pushing its forces towards. From what we have been able to gather the Geth, a sentient race of machines created by a race called the Quarians, have launched a surprise offensive into Citadel Space. While not more than the Citadel can handle, those in charge have elected to use non-critical assets to defend the area. Luckily for us, this leaves only one Batarian dreadnought and a few smaller ships in the system. However we are expecting some reinforcements to bolster those number by the end of the week."
"And why does that benefit us?" asked Walker.
"Because Walker," responded Baker. "This is the weakest Citadel forces have ever been within this system post fall. With our two ships, and with the Key installed in the Mass Gate, we can free ourselves. My ship is currently being prepared to engage and retake this system."
"Good God," said Allimer softly as he glanced at the screen. "It's so close."
"Correct, Sergeant," said General Wright. "It is within our grasp, but we have to act now. With you or without you, Mr. Walker, we will launch an attempt to retake this system. The best case is that we have the Key in hand and integrate it into the Mass Gate. Otherwise, with our current status, there is little we can do to damage or prevent the gate from being used to retake the system."
"I get what you're saying," started Walker. "I really do, but are you all outmatched. If I'm not mistaking, this dreadnought is a powerful ship, isn't it?"
"It is," said Baker. "It belongs to the most powerful class of their ships."
"With that ship, and the other ships they have in the system, won't they be able to fend off the Beam, even if the Dawn was in the fight too?" asked Walker.
"I will handle that question, Director Baker," said Nelson before Baker could respond. "You are aware that the reason for the Citadel's initial reason for the war against was to attain our technology?"
"Sergeant told me something along those lines earlier, yes," said Walker.
"Well, then let me explain a little bit of what has happened, if there are no objections," she said looking around the Committee. None were given. "Very well then. The Citadel wanted our technology, specifically our power generation and manipulation technology. On the onset of the war, one of our ship could take on over twenty of theirs. Our weapons were much stronger than theirs, and we also had the ability of projecting energy shields over our vessels, something the Citadel Races had been unable to do. While at that time, the Three Nations had only managed to spread to a couple of other systems, and our population and military assets measured only as a barest fraction of what the Citadel held, defensively we managed to easily hold our own. We even managed to launch multiple strikes against inner worlds within Citadel Space. However, due to the civil war started by members of the NCR as well as the computer virus that devastated our in system defenses and ships, Citadel forces eventually managed to invade and defeat us.
After the fall, the Turians, at the time one of the three races that made up the Citadel Council alongside the Salarians and Asari, began experimenting with our technology they had taken. As the dominant military power of the Citadel, they had pushed for military integration of our technology to increase their power, and had done so during the war by incorporating certain technologies of ours into their ships. However, around three months after humanity lost, one of their experiments went haywire. Using our technology, as well as an unknown technology, to us anyway, they created what were called meta-turians. They were the first steps in the Turian's plan to create a super soldier. The first subjects were drawn from volunteers within their military ranks and as they were subjected to the first round of experiments, while showing superior combat abilities, they were completely uncontrollable.
These first subjects were what went haywire, and managed to break containment. Using the experimental nano-technology the turians captured from us, these meta-turians were able to spread their condition to other turians and other life forms on their home planet like a bad plague. Within a week, the turian's home world had fallen as had a few of their colonies and colonies belonging to other races. With turian forces in disarray, and still rebuilding from their war with us, they were unable to contain the threat. With little choice, the other members of the Citadel began to quarantine the infected areas, and called in the help of the Batarians. After another couple of months, they managed to stop the spread an eliminate most of those infected, mostly by orbital bombardment of the infected areas.
After the mess caused by the Turians, they were stripped of their Council position and have been since seen barely any better than us by the other races of the galaxy. The open seat on the Council was given to the Batarians, who had shown surprising strength and effectiveness at stopping the plague. I tell you all this, Courier, to give you on what has happened as well as answer your question. Upon ascending to the position of the Council, the Batarians drafted a treaty outlawing human technology blaming it for the plague that devastated those planets. With strong support from the Salarians and Asari, as well as a majority of those in the galaxy, the treaty was quickly adopted. With this treaty, most of this technology was outlawed and even enforced by some in the Terminus Systems, an area outside formal Citadel control. Since the technology was not very widespread due to the Citadel desire for a monopoly over it, this treaty was easily enforced.
Because of this, most technology in the galaxy continued along the traditional path similar to as before, moving along lines based on the technology left behind by the Protheans who built such things as the Mass Gates. This treaty has been harshly enforced by the Batarians, who have since taken up the role of the dominant Citadel military power. As such the ships left in the system, while more advanced than they were during the war twenty years ago, should be able to be handled by even the Beam by itself. The reason they have kept such a strong presence in this system is because they fear a rouge human ship could pose a threat. However after twenty years of no threats, it appears they are willing to make a concession since the ships here were in one of the best positions to help with the Geth invasion."
"If our ships," started Walker. "Are that powerful over the Citadel ships, then why haven't you already taken control of this system using Baker's ship?"
"Simply put" said Baker, "as said before it is nearly impossible to hold this system without the Key, even with our superior ship against theirs. While we have superior ships, they have superior numbers, eventually they would be able to retake the system. That is why we desperately need the Key. Also, the Beam was involved during the war with the Citadel and it did take its toll. It has not had a proper refit since before the fall and is nowhere near the condition it was at its prime. It will be hard enough to take out what ships there are now, and would be nearly impossible to do so with the ships that are usually here."
"There is also the threat of the Enclave's station just outside the system," said Nelson. "Since after the fall, and the lackluster results the Coalition has had since its founding, the Enclave has achieved strong support on Mars. Furthermore, while we had known that the station had existed for some time, it was only recently, and with the cost of a good deal of lives, that we were able to ascertain exactly where it was." She accessed her pipboy again causing the display to change to a slightly blurred picture of the space station. "As you can see, it is fairly large and fields a great deal of defenses. Furthermore, as you can also see, there are at least seven ships anchored there. Four destroyers, two cruisers and a battleship. We have also been able to find that these ships have existed for some time and that station has existed since before the Fall, a troubling thought all of its own."
"Then, if they have the ability and support, why haven't they thrown back the Citadel forces from this system?" asked Walker.
"Because they are not stupid," answered Baker. "Without the Key, we cannot stop the Citadel from reclaiming this system through the Mass Gate. Of course, as we found out on Earth, the Enclave has also been searching for the Key. But it is the threat of that station which should cause us the most worry. Even if we managed to repel the Citadel and install the Key into the Mass Gate, we would be open targets for the Enclave forces. They could overthrow us just as we seize victory. Your ship and Aria are the best weapons we have to disable or destroy that station and fleet. Even if we had the Key in our hands right now, we would have to take out that station first. We cannot allow the Enclave to gain control over what remains of humanity. You've seen firsthand the atrocities that they are eagerly willing to commit. How many will die if they rule?"
"That is everything we know, Mr. Walker," said General Wright. "We have an opportunity to free humanity, and that opportunity has a very small window and a large obstacle. Citadel reinforcements are due within a few days and we have to eliminate the Enclave threat and retrieve the Key before then. We may never have this opportunity again. The Coalition doesn't have the resources to keep going as is for another twenty years, and with support for the Enclave rising and ours falling, the people may not even want us to. I ask you, sincerely, help us free humanity. If you choose to do so and assault that station, I cannot guarantee that you will succeed, but I will give you every resource that we have to help you do so. Please, I beg you, help us."
The severity of the situation was almost too heavy for Walker to grasp on to. "General Wright," he began. "Everything I know is obsolete, everyone is knew is dead. If you want me to help, you then I think I just might, but only if they agree as well." He rose his arm to indicate his team, Allimer, Jenkins, and especially Liara. He looked towards them all. "What do you all think?"
"I think we should go for it," said Allimer without Hesitation.
"I agree," said Jenkins. "I have fought for this for so long. I could never forgive myself if I let this chance pass."
"Liara?" asked Walker. It's up to you. I will stand behind your decision."
"Are you kidding me?" asked Baker nearly hysterical. "It is her kind that we are fighting against. You would rest your decision on her say? Why would she ever help us against her own?"
"Because some of us do not like what has been done to humanity!" said Liara to Baker raising her voice in the process. "There are many of us Asari that have done everything they can to help humanity. My mother has spent the past twenty years trying to remove the Citadel as overlords of humanity. No people deserve this and this was all caused to the greed of the Citadel. It is not right and I will never support it." She faced Walker. "If you want to free you people, John, then I will do everything to help you. And if we hit the Enclave in the process, all the better, especially after what they have done to me. I say we do it."
"Well said, Asari," said General Wright giving a nod to Liara. So I take it that you will help us, Mr. Walker?"
"I will," answered Walker. "But don't forget. The Dawn is not a ship of the Coalition. It is my ship, and everything that happens on it or with it is by my decision solely. Do not forget that. Also, I want Allimer and Jenkins with me."
"Done," said Allimer and Jenkins together.
"Hold on," said Baker. "They are members of the Coalition and under my command. You have no right."
"I'm sorry, Cap'n," said Jenkins. "But I'm afraid that the Sergeant and I are officially resigning. We have no more interest in serving under you." Allimer gave a nod in agreement.
"Very well," said General Wright causing Baker to harrumph in angry response but not willing to openly challenge the General. "They are yours, and Sergeant Allimer, Corporal Jenkins. You will always be welcomed within the Coalition. You have done us more than we could have ever asked. If there is anything you two ever need, we are in your debt."
"And what of my nephew?" asked Allimer.
"I will leave that to you, Director Nelson," said General Wright giving Nelson the floor.
"Lieutenant Kernell," began Nelson. "While I am not happy that you let your uncle hack into our system from your office right under your nose, you have proven yourself a fine intelligence officer. I expect you to report as you normally would. Any objections?"
Before Kernell could respond, Allimer did it for him. "He would be happy to, wouldn't you boy?" he said to his nephew giving him a stern look.
For one second, confusion flashed on Kernell's face before he caught himself. "No, that will be fine," he said. "I have no objections."
"Good," said Director Nelson with a small smile.
"I would also like for him to be the official liaison with the Dawn," said Allimer.
"If you have no objections, Mr. Walker," said General Wright after thinking on it for a moment, "that will be fine."
"That is fine by me," responded Walker.
"Very well," said the General. "Now there is a lot to do and time is of the essence. Director Nelson, Director Baker, see to them and get them everything they need. We need to act as quickly as possible. With the Key in their hands and Citadel forces weak, the Enclave won't very long before beating us to the punch, so we need to get the Key from them. Walker, you have my full support. If there is anything you need, feel free to contact me directly. Committee adjourned."
With that the members of the Committee stood up and began to proceed out through the two back doors behind their table, except Baker and Nelson who came up to Walker and his men.
"If you will please follow me," said Director Nelson who along with Baker turned towards a door on the left side of the room with two soldiers on each side. Walker and the rest did so and found themselves in a large conference room. Plush black chairs surrounded a large oval wooden table holding in the center a pitcher of water and as many glasses as there were chairs. Overhead and along the walls were displays feeding all kinds of information for those into the room.
Nelson and Baker took a seat on the far side and beckoned Walker and the rest to do the same. They did so, although Walker felt a bit uncomfortable.
"First," began Nelson, "we need to get down to crewing your ship."
"I already have the covered," said Allimer. "Speaking of which, we need to be leaving soon to rendezvous with them."
"I see," said Nelson. "Well then, perhaps we should discuss your options on how to get into the Enclave station."
"I thought we would be using the ship," as Walker, slightly confused.
"For support, yes," started Baker, "but if you want to get close to that thing, even with stealth systems, you're going to need something more covert. You're ship should be used to provide support and evacuation should you need it and eventually to knock out the station once you have the Key. Of course, Walker, I suppose it is your ship after all, and you are free to command it as you wish. However, I would suggest that on this issue, one that is so important, you would listen to the advice of those with some experience. I assure you, this is not ideal for any of us."
"What do you mean by that?" asked Walker.
"She means that if she had the ability, she would have taken control of the Dawn cut you out of the process, Courier," said Aria, her voice emanating from Allimer's pipboy. "Since the time of your capture, I have detected over three hundred attempts to access my systems, as well as an order after Captain Baker to have access. Unfortunately, she lacks the proper authority."
Baker just smiled. "Like I said, not ideal. Now let's get back to the matter at hand, shall we?
"Yes," said Nelson. "Now, as for infiltration we have a few options as shown here." The displays over the table switched from various graphs and instead displayed two different individuals, one man and one woman. "The Coalition has identified these individuals as working for the Enclave as smugglers. Each operate a ship outfitted with some of the best technology there is to smuggle both goods and personnel to and from the space station. These are die hard Enclave supporters and they are paid very well to do their jobs. While it will be difficult to... convince one of them to ferry you to the station, this is the best chance that we have available. Most importantly, our sources tell us that that each are scheduled to do a run to the station from Mars within the next twelve hours. They are a Mr. Jacob Young and a Ms. Catherine Parker. I will let you decide on your course of action."
"I don't know," said Walker. "What do you think we should do, Allimer?"
"You're asking me?" he asked.
"Your the Dawn's executive officer, aren't you now?" answered Walker. "You're familiar with the situation and the people. You've apparently got a crew together. How on God's brown Earth could I not be asking you."
"Alright," said Allimer leaning back into his seat and looking at the displays. "I think we should go with Young. If I could get a couple of guys, I could get him and secure our transport without problem."
"Take who you need when you're ready Sergeant," said Baker.
"Let's move on then, shall we," said Nelson. "We need to discuss your ship's extra personnel. Since apparently you already have your crew set up, all that I suggest is that you take on two strike teams. Both Bravo and Delta teams are available for you now. They, like Sergeant Allimer and Corporal Jenkins, are of our best."
"Allimer?" Walker asked looking towards the Sergeant.
"I've worked with them all," he said. They won't cause any trouble."
"Then it sounds good to me," he said. "What's next?
"Nothing," said Nelson. "That's all there is."
"Hold on now," started Walker surprised. "You have to have something else. What about the station, or where the key is. Hell, how about some info on what we will be facing once we get inside."
"I'm afraid that you know as much as we do on that one," answered Nelson. "Outside of the information that we have already given, there really isn't any more that we know. The Enclave have done well at keeping us in the dark about them and what we have has already cost us many lives. We could find out more if we had the time, but time is a luxury we cannot afford. Our success depends on you and your men, Courier. But there is one last thing." As she said her last sentence, the door to the conference room split open and a man pushing a cart walked inside. The cart held Walker pipboy as well as his and Liara's weapons. "Rest assured that none of it has been tampered with. On that you have my word. Now, the Captain and I must get back to your duties. If there is anything you need, the Coalition is here for you. I pray you the best of luck, Courier."
Both her and Baker stood up and began to leave the room. "Don't screw this up, Walker," said Baker as she passed by him. "Like it or not, the fate of humanity rest on your shoulders." Before he could respond she, along with Director Nelson and the soldier that had pushed the cart, exited the room and the door closed behind them.
"Well, what should we do next?" asked Walker to no one general.
"We should get moving," answered Allimer. "We don't have a lot of time to waste. I think it would be best if we parted ways for a time, Courier. Jenkins will get you to the rendezvous topside where you can meet you new crewmen, and determine if you want them on board or not."
"And what are you going to be doing, Sergeant?" asked Walker.
"I am going to coordinate what we need with my nephew, borrow a couple of marines and meet up with you at the rendezvous with Young." I should arrive there not long after you."
"Alright," said Walker. Does anyone have any objections to any of this." He was met by silence. No objections were given. "Then let's start this," he said standing up and going over to the cart. He picked up his pipboy and placed it on his weight, its familiar weight giving him a small measure of comfort. As he thought about how different things have change since what to him was only a few days ago, he felt for a moment amazed and prayed that he and those he now stood with would make it another few days.
-)(-
Diane Nelson, Director of Coalition Intelligence, watched as the Courier's group split and prepared for their coming battle. She felt uncomfortable with what rested on the Courier's shoulders. He was inexperience in nearly every matter he was about to face, the only thing familiar to him would be how to take the life of his enemies. She knew that for him, spaceships, space stations and aliens were for most of his life something of a fantasy gleamed from reading near destroyed copies of old science fiction magazines and novels that managed to barely survive the Great War that nearly obliterated Earth. He was under House in his time, in a time where House started to prepare his plan to put humanity back into space, but she wondered how the Courier how to feel being pummeled by all that had resulted in that goal. It was probably something he never imagined.
But while he was inexperienced, even ignorant about modern affairs, she knew that House had kept him alive for a reason, alive and well hidden. But this was a necessity, he had the ship that could properly handle the mission, a ship solely loyal to him. His AI was also a major boon. Plus he had Allimer on his side, a man that had spent nearly his entire life in the service and one of the most capable leaders the Brotherhood had ever had. For the fate of humanity, she hoped their mission was successful.
A chirp emanated from the door, alerting her that someone was requesting entry. She allowed it hearing the door split open.
"Do you think they will manage?" asked General Wright as he entered her office and took a seat in one of the plush chairs in front of her desk.
"I think they will," she answered turning around to face him. "It will be what to do with him after, if, we take back the system."
"Indeed," he said as he activated his own pipboy, its orange holographic light surrounding his left arm. "Duncan just finish with the program, I'm sending it to you now." A light flashed on her own pipboy indicating that she had received it. "Is everything in place?"
"Yes," she answered. "It will prove no problem."
"Good, then I suggest you get to it. We don't have a lot of time."
"Yes, sir," she said as she began to make preparations, ready to do what had to be done to ensure humanity's salvation, no matter the cost.
-)(-
The glow of Red Valley at night greeted John Walker when he, Liara and Jenkins finally made it topside. According to Jenkins, the thirty minutes they had spent moving through the tunnels underground had been one of the fastest routes available and only able to be used by them due to the severity of the mission. Walker and Liara walked behind Jenkins who led the way to their rendezvous. They both wore worn cloaks that alongside with the darkness of the night help conceal them, especially Liara. Citadel races were not always the most welcomed in Red Valley at night and more than a few had been killed or worse, at least according to Jenkins.
Walker knew that for the rest of humanity, the mess that was Red Valley was sore to the eyes for most and a reminder of what had been lost, but for him it was simply astounding. In his time, humanity did not have anything near this. He wouldn't be surprised if there were more people residing in this one city than had existed on Earth in his time. For him, it was hope that the future could hold great wonders and if humanity had been able to recover from the Great War, then it would be able to recover from this. As he walked behind Jenkins, he vowed that he would help it be so. For the first time since he had awoken, he had a goal and having it gave him a boost of energy and determination he had lacked before. Now he was ready to do what would be required, he would succeed.
"We're here," announced Jenkins as he turned into a dark alleyway between two high skyscrapers about fifteen minutes later. This section of the city was like a graveyard at this time of night with few light burning. A little down the alleyway Jenkins paused for a moment in front of a door, then pushed it open and went inside leaving Walker and Liara to follow. In they went, down a dark hallway illuminated only by the light on Jenkins' pipboy. As they went further down, a crack of light emanated from under a closed door. Jenkins motioned for Liara and Walker and he checked his pipboy. Satisfied with whatever he went about doing, he approached the door and opened it, lighting up the hallway. Walker could hear the voices inside greeting Jenkins and he went inside, waving to Walker and Liara to do the same.
Inside, bathed in soft white light, twenty five men and women watched the Courier and Liara enter, all silent and attentive.
"It's good to see you again, Courier," said Doctor Hammond breaking from the crowd and moving to shake the Courier's hand.
"You too Doc," he responded.
"Doctor, you don't need to be here," said Jenkins.
"I know," said Hammond. "You had Doctor Mendez on the list, but his wife just gave birth to a baby girl yesterday. It didn't feel right to ask him to leave them for this, not now even though he would have accepted it. Plus, not trying to brag, but I am more qualified than anyone else for this type of mission."
"What about the Coalition, Doc?" asked Walker.
"I'm think I'm done with working for the Coalition, Courier," he said. "If you're willing to help me, I be honored to be the Dawn's medical officer."
"Considered yourself hired, Doctor," said Walker. "I would be more than happy to have you by my side."
"Well then," started Hammond. "Let me introduce you to your new crew. We don't have much time so let's get the introductions under way." He motioned to a few of the men and women who stepped forward from the rest. "These men and women will head the departments of your ship, unless you have any objections. Allimer, Jenkins, and myself have all worked personally with these men and women for a long time. They are the best that is available.
"Alright then, let's begin," said Walker.
"First," started Jenkins as he begin to point out various people in the room that each gave a nod as they were selected, "We have Alfred Cooper, who will serve as your helmsman. Next we have Caroline Watson who will be the head engineer on the Dawn. Over there is Ryan Bishop who will serve as your navigation officer as well as oversee the CIC. Next is Stephen Carpenter who will serve as the Dawn's head technician who will oversee everything from the oven to the shuttles. And finally there is Riley Silva who will be your marine detail commander. She is one of the finest soldiers humanity has to offer. The rest of the men and women in the room will serve throughout the ship. All have experience and all will serve the Dawn to their fullest capacity. They are also all trustworthy and loyal, on that you have my word."
Walker looked around the men and women around the room and they all looked back. He knew nothing about commanding a ship and had no clue on what constituted on what qualified as a good crewman. But by his gut and experience he trusted Allimer, Jenkins and Hammond and if they were going to work with him then he had to trust that they knew what they were doing. He had to.
"Let me first say thank you for coming her and offering your services," said Walker. "But I have to ask, if you are all the best, which I do believe you are based on their words, then why aren't you working with the Coalition?"
The engineer, Caroline Watson, stepped forward to answer. "I think there are two reasons most of us can agree on. First of all, we all live to work on ships, and the Coalition really doesn't have many of those floating around. So if we wanted to keep up our skill, we had to find work elsewhere and there are plenty of civilian ships around here trying to help out, even if the Citadel likes to serve as a major pain in their sides. And the other reason, and I don't think anyone will disagree with this, the Coalition isn't the best organization to work for. Over the past few years, it's just become different. Many of us don't feel comfortable working too much with them." Walker could tell that there was a deep depth to what she just said, and he wondered all that the Coalition had done.
"And if you don't mind, I have a question for you," said Watson.
"Shoot," said Walker mentally bracing for whatever was about to be asked.
"The reason we are all here is because we all owe Allimer, Jenkins and Hammond more than we could ever repay. For those three men, there is nothing we can do to repay them. If they want us to serve on a ship, then we'll serve on a ship, no matter for how long. But we have never seen you and we have never heard of the Dawn. As far as I am aware, the Coalition only has one ship, the Beam under Baker, and you think that we would have heard something of a second human controlled war ship. So my question, sir, is who are you and why should we serve under you? Have you ever even commanded before?"
With the reaction from the rest of the room as she asked her question, Walker could tell they all thought the same. He would of too if he had been asked by a stranger to serve underneath him. He figured they were owed the truth. It was the best he could give.
"Alright," he began, "I will answer your questions, and you deserve to know the truth. But first let me say that none of you need to feel obligated to serve under me, no matter who you owe. If you want to leave, I will not hold it against you. Now, do any of you, besides Hammond and Jenkins, know who I am?" They all shook their heads. "Very well, Doctor Hammond, I think it will be best if they hear that from you."
Hammond gave him a nod. "Now what I say to all of you is the truth, and I swear to it, no matter how impossible it seems. The man we are asking you to follow is John Walker, the Courier who alongside Robert House, founded the nation of Vegas."
At first silence met Hammond's words and Walker waited for what he knew to come, as surely it did. Within another second some broke out in laughter at what Hammond said and others looked at Walker intensely, wondering it if it could be true.
"You really expect us to believe that,Doc?" shouted a man from the back over the laughter. Others agreed with his question.
A bang popped behind Walker causing him to turn around. The room's door had swung opened and slammed against the wall. George Allimer walked in, a man who's arm and legs were bound and with a hood over his head was on his shoulders and another man walked behind, closing the door as they entered.
"You will believe it because it is the truth," shouted Allimer quieting the small crowd. This man is who we said and if any of you don't believe me, well then your welcomed to leave." No one moved.
"Thank you, Allimer," said Walker. "I am who they have said I am, and that is the truth. As for why you should serve under me? I won't lie, I have never commanded a ship, but I have commanded before, many fine men and women. But if you are going to follow me, then it's shouldn't be because of anything I saw, or any favors you need to repay, but because you want to. If you want to go with me to the Dawn, then I will be all the happy to have you all on board. I'm afraid there is really nothing more to it than that."
"I will have to disagree with that, Courier," said Allimer. "You will follow him because he is your rightful commanding officer."
"What do you mean?" asked Alfred Cooper, the helmsman.
"Aria," said Allimer," if you will explain."
"Of course," said Aria, her voice booming from everyone's pipboy causing a surprised reaction from all in the room. "As ordered by Robert House on September 21, 2464: If for whatever reason Robert House was rendered unable, or in any way incapable of performing his duties, then if available, John Walker, the Courier, is to assume the role of the leader of the nation of Vegas and take Vegas' seat on the Board. Furthermore, with agreements put into place by the Three Nations by their governments as the Citadel neared victory during the war, any surviving members of the Board will gain ruling powers over the Three Nations until such time as the three nations are restored as part of the emergency protocols agreed by all. With this in place, John Walker is the legal leader of the Nation of Vegas, The Brotherhood Federation, and the New California Republic and their respective territories and peoples."
Silence answered Aria's declaration. Walker stared at the floor, he himself stunned by the announcement. He wondered why would House do such a thing?
"Everyone of you here is former military of the Three Nations," said Allimer. "Now if I recall, none of those nations ever surrendered and that means they still stand, no matter how beaten or broke, and so long as we stand then they cannot die. Everyone of you have taken oaths to serve those nations and answer the call if you are ever called to serve, no matter how long you have been away. Well you leader is calling you now. And I for one intend to answer." He moved to stand in front of Walker. Walker watched as gave him a salute. "John Walker, General George Allimer of the Brotherhood Federation, Commander of Special Operations, look forward to serving you as we free humanity from the clutches of the Citadel."
"General?" asked Walker surprised. "I thought you were a sergeant."
"In the Coalition, yes," responded Allimer. "But before then, I served as a general of the Brotherhood Federation, directly under the command of High Elder Jason Brandy. And I now pledge you my service."
"Well then, General, it is an honor to have you by my side," said Walker as he returned a quick salute, just as he would when he commanded Vegas' forces back in his time.
Allimer turned around to face the Dawn's potential crew. "Now, what do you all have to say. Every man and woman besides Hammond and Allimer turned to Walker, stood upright, and as though they had practiced every day, gave him a salute.
Walker returned it. "One more thing. Do any of you here have a problem working with Liara?" he said gesturing to her. No one offered any complaint and while he was thankful for it, he would still keep a sharp eye out. "Well then let's get to work. Allimer, let's see what your guest has to say. We have a station to take and a system to free."
A cheer went up from the men and women around the room. It empowered Walker. He was ready for what was to come, no matter what it brought.
So concludes this chapter. I cannot wait to put out the next chapter as it will be one filled with action as humanity begins to rev up to begin the fight for the Sol System. I hope you all are enjoying this story so far and I will try to put out the next chapter or two relatively soon, most likely around New Years, give or take a couple of day.
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I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Years and hope this chapter finds you all well!