Chapter 2
2282
Capital Wasteland
Destroyed Raven Rock Facility
13:33
(Recording Start)
„Scouting Report 23. The entrance to the facility seems to have been destroyed by a huge explosion in the past. Found several air ducts which were intact enough for me to enter the facility. It's hard to tell what kind of research had been done here. Signs point to Enclave, which means that whoever destroyed it, must be capable enough to fight against their superior Power Armor technology. Quite disturbing. Location noteworthy enough to warrant an exploration mission.
(Recording End)
xxx
The walk from Megaton to the Citadel went along the river bank which after the war with the Enclave had become one of the most secure trading routes in the Capital Wasteland. It wasn't uncommon to see Water Traders or Caravaneers passing by every few days or so. The Wanderer casually made her way towards her destination, bearing the unforgiving heat of the sun with determination. Back then, when she had been an unexperienced traveler, dehydration was a constant concern, but now it was only a matter of spending a few caps at any trader to get a bottle of fresh water. To the Vault Dwellers this had never been an issue, as the Vaults Water Chip made sure that clean water was available at all times. Out here though…
It was funny how little time passed since the Brotherhood took control of the Purifier; to the Wanderer it felt like lifetime ago. Back then when her father was still around. She wiped the tears from her eyes and tried not to think about it. She wondered what he would say about her if he was still alive. Would he be proud? Would he be disappointed she chose a life of killing and danger? On longer walks such thoughts would not be possible, since she had to look out for possible dangers, but during short distances her mind liked to wander back to the old days. She never spoke to anyone about her problems; even Amata only got a glimpse of her burdens. It was better that way, she did not anyone to know how fragile she really got in these few years. In battle everything was easy. There was only kill or be killed and the latter didn't apply to her. Life or Death situations rarely left a mark on her, as there was no point in dwelling about it. She knew that out here it was near impossible to live without some sort of defense. But once a battle was over, when the only thing left was her thoughts, that's when her true demons came out. It was exactly the reason she chose a life of adventure, why she searched for something new to do every day, so she didn't have to deal with them.
She made good time as she already was passing Wilhelm's Wharf and greeted Grandma Sparkle with a wave of her hand. She respected the old woman, since she lived out here in the open, without fear of Raiders or other scum hurting her. Thinking back when she went for Rivet City she was nervous and seeing this old woman unfazed by her surroundings she felt silly.
Some time later she could see the outline of the Citadel. The building stood remarkably well against the mark of time and she already made plans how to use it effectively in the upcoming battle. Sarah may not believe her or just chose to live in denial to the fact, but once the West Chapter would make their way here, war was inevitable. If the Outcasts were any indicator it was only a matter of time, before the two beasts would clash against each other. She just had to make sure they were ready for it.
xxx
(Recording Start)
"Scout Report 27. Left a transponder at the facility for easy location. Will make my towards the capital. Noticed multiple Caravans in the distance. Seems likely that they are on their way towards a town. Will establish contact.
(Recording End)
xxx
Inside the Citadel the soldiers were as busy as ever. Recruits were training with Laser Rifles or were building up their muscles by following Gunnys's hellish instructions. She wondered how much information the rest of the Brotherhood had regarding the West Chapter. Sarah did tell her inner circle, the Lyon's Pride what they needed to know. But she guessed she did not want to create unnecessary tension for the soldiers. It was hard enough preparing the recruits as it were.
The Wanderer immediately made her way towards Sarah's office, mentally preparing herself for the meeting. To her surprise a young Arthur Maxson was having a heated discussion with the Elder.
"We can't waste anymore time in this city the opportunity for the Brotherhood is out there!"
"For the last time Arthur, we are not going to just quit my father's mission just because you are getting impatient. I promised you, you will get your first real mission once you turn 18, surely you can see the wisdom in that." Sarah replied calmly.
Visibly agitated the young man continued, "This is not about me. This is about the Brotherhood. You can't spend our resources on Wastelanders alone. We need to expand and search for new technology. Sarah, please consider it. Your father had the right idea, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't expand. The fight with the Super Mutants all these years has cost us significantly."
"Your concern has been noted, thank you Arthur, you may leave now."
With a disappointed grunt the young Brotherhood member threw his arms up in defeat and left the room.
Sarah closed her eyes and pinched her nose with a heavy tired sigh. After a few seconds she noticed the Wanderer standing awkwardly in the room.
Collecting herself once more she cleared her throat and spoke "Ah, Paladin, I was expecting you."
Her words stung deeply. To outsiders it would be nothing but a polite greeting, but in reality she was putting up a wall again, one that said "This meeting is strictly professional. The Wanderer herself used Sarah's first name all the time, but she never heard her own name spoken. It made her sad every time she met with the Elder.
"Greetings Sarah, I have come to discuss battle plans. I am certain that the West Chapter it's way as we speak, so the faster we come up with feasible defense tactics the better chance we will stand."
"Yes, I am aware of that and I think the Citadel is the most tactical choice. It's walls are sturdy and we can use the heightened position to our advantage. I already spoke with the Lyons Pride and I will form multiple squads, each with their own mission during the battle. Medical support, Power Armor repair and of course battle. We hope to avoid conflict outside of the Citadel, it's our best chance."
"But what about River City, Megaton, Big Town or the other small settlements for that matter? They won't stand a chance against an armored invasion. We need to begin evacuation procedures as soon as possible."
Sarah put on a small smile that didn't reach her eyes and said "It is being taken care of now as we speak. The underground complex of the Citadel is more than enough to house the civilians that are unable to fight. Though, if it comes to it we will have to use the sewer system to escape to the Metro. There is only so much we can do. Many capable fighters have already signed up for duty and will be trained by Gunny. Though Power Armor usage will be exclusive to the Brotherhood."
The Wanderer could see the logic in that. Power Armor training was a long and patient process, and full utilization only worked with veterans. Everybody else would just be a walking brick incapable of using it to its full potential.
"There is just one thing", Sarah began "I wondered if you can use your space ship to assist us in the battle. Quite frankly I think we could stop the war before it would even begin with what Sally has been telling me."
"I'm sorry Sarah, but the Alien crew left the ship long ago. They just up left and disappeared one day and without them, the space ship is useless. We don't even understand how the weapon system works without them. It's basically a home in space now. But we can use the Alien weapons. We can probably have 30 or 40 people equipped with the technology. It would give us an advantage, but there's also the risk of it falling into enemy hands." The Wanderer explained.
"What a shame, at least the weapons will come in handy. Well at least we have the other plan covered. Is that all?"
The Wanderer took this as a cue to leave and stood up. But before she left she passed a few documents to Sarah, which explained how the Metro system could be effectively used as a defense. Should she decide against using the Citadel as the primary defense location.
"Oh one more thing Sarah…"
"Yes, Paladin?"
Warn her about Arthur Maxson (Chapter 3)
Don't warn her about Arthur Maxson (Chapter 6)