Gate: Thus the Brotherhood of Steel Lyon's Pride Fought in Their Land
Chapter Nine - Adam
The inside of the APC was currently full. In truth two of the APCs had to be used to transport the scales and the people. Adam looked at the scenery around them as they headed toward the city that Lelei had talked about. Both Sarah and Sentinel Reeder had felt that this was a mission he should personally oversee. He understood that from Reeder's position it was a test. He wanted to know if the vault dweller could actually hold his own and lead.
Sarah it was for a different reason. She trusted him, and more specifically she knew that he would at least try to be mannerly toward the locals. He hated to admit it, but Star Paladin Vargas wasn't one for being subtle. He tended to be fairly rigid when it came to how things worked. He was a proud member of the Brotherhood, and Adam didn't fault him for that. Unfortunately he had the mentality of keeping everything in a more militaristic viewpoint.
He knew that what Sarah needed now was someone that was part of them, but could understand, possibly, where the locals were coming from. She needed someone that would be able to connect with them, help them out, and establish the kind of trust that they needed on this side of the gate. Ultimately, she needed to have someone that would be able be the face they believed they needed.
As it was, Knight Woodward was on top of the APC he was riding inside of. She'd volunteered to ride as cover. He would have argued, but since the missile launcher actually did some damage to the fire dragon he couldn't say much. Having her ride up top might be the best idea in the long run. He had the helmet of his power armor off, and he was looking at the three girls that were currently talking among themselves.
He half listened to the conversation, trying to not intrude on their privacy, but he did hear a few tidbits that he tried to keep from reacting to. Mostly it was the fact that one of them was relieved that they were able to sell the scales, and even more relieved that they wouldn't be forced into becoming a prostitute. Before leaving the vault he would have argued that there were other things she could do. Before venturing out into the world and seeing places like Paradise Falls he would have completely believed that there would never be a reason for anyone to even consider having to do that.
"Paladin," Knight Woodward's voice said from above them, "We're coming up on the city."
"Sounds good," he said as they began to near it.
"Sir, there's smoke," she reported, and he waited for a moment, "Not quite like the fire dragon, but there's smoke."
He shook his head, "Okay, tell me exactly what you see," he said as he neared the open port beside where Knight Woodward was standing, "I mean exactly what do you see."
"Sir," she replied, "There's billowing smoke, it appears that one of the gates, Eastern I'd say, has been attacked. From what I can see I would state that the attackers have been driven off."
He considered it for a moment, "Okay, we're pressing forward. We'll find out exactly what's happening there when we arrive."
He considered things for a moment, "I might need to be outside of the power armor before meeting with the locals," he said as they drew near, "I don't want them to think that we're an invasion party."
"Sound idea sir," Knight Woodward replied, "Although I'd suggest that you wear some combat armor if that's the case. We're uncertain if the locals are going be in the happy to see you kind of mood, or the Imma gonna stab you now mood."
"Point taken," he replied as he stepped away from the girls and actived the release. The back of the power armor opened, and he stepped out of it. When he did he felt the protective weight around him simply disappear. He quickly grabbed the chest plate and old war helmet from the wall of the APC, "Okay, I'm good."
"Do you really think this is wise?"
He looked at Lelei who was studying him, "Removing that armor," she said pointing to his power armor, "removes protection."
He nodded, "I know," he replied, "But I don't want the people of Italica to feel that we're attempting to invade them."
She studied him for a moment, "You want to make them trust?"
He gave a nod, "That's right," he replied, "I want them to trust us. I want to let them see that we're not monsters."
There was little chuckle from Rory, "Oh, you're not monsters at all," she replied, and looked at him, "You're warriors, the lot of you, but you're far more honorable than most I've known."
He gave her a slight grin, "We try to hold to our code," he replied as they neared the gates of the city, "We give to those we can, we attempt to rebuild the world, and we add security to places without it."
He saw her studying him, "I don't begin to know everything that's happened here, but I do know that we're here to help."
They stopped and he stepped to the back of the APC. Hitting a button the back door opened and he stepped out. He looked to see several women wearing full plate armor. All of them looked tired, most looked as if they had faced a battle before they arrived. He could see the exhaustion on their faces and in their eyes. He was thankful for reading so much Grognak before, and for knowing the language of the beast men.
"Good evening," he said speaking in their language, "I am Paladin Jefferson with the Brotherhood of Steel. We've come to trade some materials, but we noticed that there seems to have been a battle. Do you require assistance?"
There was silence for a few moments, and then he saw a woman wearing plate armor walking toward him. Her red hair was pulled into a ponytail, her eyes were that of a weary commander, but she had the determined stroll of someone that carried the weight of responsibility well upon her shoulders. She neared him and took an appraising moment, "I am Princess Pina Co Lada," she said as she held her regal eyes on his own, "We are protecting the city of Italica. I came to the aid of the city, and have learned that a large group of organized bandits have cited the city for attack."
She breathed out, "If you truly wish to help, we will accept your offer with grace and dignity."
He nodded, and motioned with his hand. As soon as he did a few of the others stepped out, "Where do you need us to be stationed?"
She studied him, and he could see that she was attempting to consider the options. For a moment there was a very real thought of what she could be considering before she pointed toward an area away from where they were, "The eastern gate," she said as she looked at him, "We will hold this gate, but the eastern gate must be held. We do not know which will be attacked, but we ask that you hold it."
He nodded, "Very well," he replied, "We will hold the eastern gate for you. Allow us to move our transports over there, and we will set it up."
Slowly she directed those around her, and he watched as the people began making way. He moved back to the APC and the others followed him. Within moments they were loaded into it, and once again it began to move. The cobblestone roads of the city were easier to move through than the simple countryside, although all of it was far easier to move through than most of the Capital Wasteland.
Following the directions that had been given they arrived at the eastern gate, and he noticed right away that they were the only ones there. It wasn't the first time that something like this had happened. It actually reminded him of some of some of the jobs that Moria sent him out on. From finding the library, to going to Rivet City, to checking out the Super Duper Mart he'd pretty much been on his own when it came to dealing with threats. Every single trip was practically a suicide run, and it had been through pure luck that he'd managed to make it through.
This felt much the same. He watched as those with him began to get out. He felt the air and saw the light of the day as they stood there, "Feels like we were sent out to be sacrificed," Knight Woodward said as she neared him, "Got the feeling that we were sent where they believe the battle will start."
He gave a nod, "Yeah, I've got the same feeling, but it's not the first time."
She gave a laugh, "No kidding, I still remember the Adams Airforce Base," she said as she stood there, "Paladin, sir, I want you to know that I'm honestly proud of how you've been handling yourself."
He gave a slight grin, "Thanks, not bad for a kid straight out of the Vault, huh?"
She looked straight ahead, "Sir, honestly you're a standing member of the Brotherhood of Steel. You're more than just some Vault Dweller. You honestly have shown more backbone than most of us thought that you would."
He grinned, "Thanks," he replied, "I have to admit that I'm proud to be serving alongside you as well. Actually, I'm proud to be serving with all of you. So, how about we get through this, and then I'll see if we can't celebrate afterward?"
There was laughter around him, "Sounds good sir."
He looked out into the distance and studied the light as it was coming, "They won't attack in the day," he said as he studied them, "If they're anything like raiders they'll wait until night. I mean that makes the most sense."
Rory neared him, "Mmm," she said as she looked out where they were likely gathered, "They will want the cover of the night to protect them, and they will come in force. There will be so much blood split tonight, so much fighting and death."
She breathed in, and he could see the look of excitement in her eyes. It was something that he knew a few of the members of the brotherhood had as well. It wasn't all of them. It wasn't even a huge percentage of them, but there were members of the Brotherhood that absolutely lived for fighting.
"There will be," he admitted after a moment, and then he looked at the others, "I want us to make sure that civilian casualties are kept to a minimum. We're here to protect the people of this city, and that means that we ensure that tomorrow they wake up and enjoy their lives. We do what we have to do in order to keep this city from falling."
"Ad Victoriam!" came the unified answer to his declaration.
"Ad Victoriam," he repeated as he looked out over the field, "Yes, Ad Victoriam."
There was a moment, "What is Ad Victoriam?" asked Lelei as she neared him, "What does it mean?"
It was Knight Woodward that answered her, "Ad Victoriam is from an ancient language in our world, it means to victory," she replied, her voice sounding calm, "It is our battle cry, the sound of charge on the lips of every member of the Brotherhood of Steel. Because we will not go back on our purpose, our code, our promises. We will not abandon those in need of our protection. That is what it means to be part of Elder Lyons' chapter of the Brotherhood of Steel."
Rory grinned as she looked out past the gate with Adam, "Ad Victoriam," she whispered as she watched the night.
The dusk had settled, and Adam watched the night before them. He listened to the sounds outside, and he heard the first sounds of attack. They weren't close, and he looked toward the western gate. There he saw a collection of torches, he could see the attack happening, but he couldn't see the direct effects. He reached into the small pack he had with him and began trying to find what he was looking for.
The medicine was something that had been introduced to the wasteland via caravan a few months before, and it had certainly helped with nighttime patrols. He found the vial, lifted it, and popped the cork on the top of it. The taste was bitter, like always, but within seconds the area around him looked almost like he was looking through the hud of his helmet. He could see far more clearly, and he saw the arrows flying through the air at the western gate. They were aimed high, and he could see the attack as it happened. They had waited for the night to come, much like he had believed they would, and now they were making their move.
He looked toward the direction and then shook his head, "Well, she lost that gamble."
"Sir?" Knight Woodward asked as she neared him, her power armor making the normal sounds as it shuffled, "What's going on?"
He pointed toward the western gate and she looked toward it. He waited for a moment and then saw her shake her head, "She had hoped that they would be attacking the Eastern Gate again. I'm guessing that's why most of the eastern part of the city has been vacant. She had them moved toward the western side. So, we really were supposed to be sacrifices, right?"
He nodded, "Sure looks like it," he said as he watched the attack, "It doesn't meant that we're going to just sit still. I want you to contact Alnus Hill, let Sentinel Lyons know what's going on. Request air support, and explain the numbers. We're facing roughly fifteen to twenty thousand. They appear to be well armed for their technology, and from what I'm seeing they're all trained as soldiers. So, they are working together as an invading force. This isn't like dealing with raiders. This is closer to dealing with the Talon Company.
There was a pause from Knight Woodward, "Sir, if they're really like the Talon Company then those people are screwed if we don't go help them."
He nodded, "Which is why we're going to," he said, before he looked at Rory and saw her on the ground. She was moaning in ecstasy, and she was clutching her large ax almost as if it was a teddy bear, "Okay, what's up with Rory?"
He saw Lelei moving closer to him, "Rory is the apostle of Emroy. As such it is her duty to guide the fallen warriors to their afterlife. She acts like a sort of bridge," she said as she pointed toward her, "The experience is very pleasant."
He breathed out for a moment, "Yeah, I can see that," he said as he watched her, "Rory, hang in there, as soon as we've contacted for backup we're going to be moving forward and helping out."
His words fell on deaf ears as she jumped up, and he watched as she lept with super human strength and moved toward the tops of the buildings. She began running, and he shook his head, "Ah hell," he said before looked a the others, "Okay, contact Sentinel Lyons now! Everyone inside the APCs, we're heading to the western gate!"
He walked toward the APC and opened the back of his power armor. He tossed his helmet into it, stepped into his power armor, and then let it close around him. He then reached down and grabbed a minigun, "Knight Woodward, contact Sentinel Lyons, and then get on top of the APC. I want you to help provide cover fire."
He looked toward the rest of them, "Into the APCs, we're going to storm the western Gate, we will provide cover for the troops there, and we will show these invaders exactly what happens when they decide to attack protectorates of the Brotherhood of Steel!"
The rousing cheer was enough to let him know that they were ready. He got onto the top of the APC, and he watched as Knight Woodward did the same. Within seconds they were loaded, and the APCs began to move. He knew that taking Tuka and Lelei could come back to bite them in the ass, but he couldn't leave them behind. Instead the two APCs rushed through the empty streets moving toward the western gate itself.
He looked up and saw Rory ahead of them. She was moving as fast as the APC itself, and that amazed him. He'd read comics before about people with super speed, but he'd never actually seen anyone able to run as fast as the APC was moving. He was certain that there were things that moved faster. If he was being honest he knew that the Vertibirds themselves moved faster than the APCS. Still, it seemed to indicate that everything said about Rory was the truth.
She really was blessed by some goddess. It also meant that there were things here that didn't quite fall into the realm of reality as he knew it, but then again there were strange things in the Capital Wasteland. Hell, the Dunwich building itself was practically cursed. He'd felt weird vibes coming off of it before, and he knew that feral ghouls were attracted to it for some reason. They seemed to gather there for whatever reason, and they moved differently from the other ferals. They acted almost like something was controlling them.
So, knowing that this wasn't the strangest thing he'd seen, but it certainly fit into the top fifty. He looked ahead and saw the roadblock ahead of them. He nodded. He activated the broadcaster on his Pip Boy and looked ahead, "Everyone that is armed, disembark and move forward. Provide cover fire, assist in making sure that these men and women see tomorrow.
Without hesitation he heard the sound of Knight Woodward's power armor leap from the top of the APC and lead hard on the cobblestone. She ran forward, as fast as her power armor would allow her, and she leapt down the stairs past the roadblock. Once again the echo of the landing rumbled as she kept moving.
"Shit, everyone move out now!"
Adam moved past the roadblock, ran down the stairs, and saw the attack that was happening. Six individuals from what he assumed was the city's defense force had been killed already. Their bodies laid desecrated before those in attendance. In truth they were just one step away from what he'd seen when they dealt with Raiders. Sure, they hadn't been cut apart with their skin peeled back in some gruesome display, but it was still close enough for him to see the resemblance.
The other thing he noticed was that Knight Woodward was fighting back to back with Rory. The both of them were dealing with those that were flowing into the blocked off court yard. He breathed out and took aim. Without hesitation he began opening fire at those that were attempting to rush in behind both Rory and Knight Woodward. He watched as the Minigun tore through their shields and armor.
They fell, and he had seen the look of shock on their faces before they fell. They had obviously believed that their armor would protect them. They had believed that it would be enough to stop anything from hurting them, but instead they were just dealt with. He could hear more gun fire around him, and he could see what was happening. There was still a good deal more than they could deal with at the moment. They didn't have the benefit of there not being civilians present.
If there weren't any civilians he'd go ahead and call for missile launchers and grenades to be used. But with there being civilians present he didn't want to risk them being hurt in explosions. Their weapons had whatever ammo they had on them, and his own minigun was down to about two hundred rounds before he'd have to refill the drum. That was going to be a problem when it ran out.
He watched as more people began to rush in, and he stopped. He hoped that Knight Woodward had finished calling for backup, and he pulled a flare gun from one of the holsters that had been rigged to his power armor. He aimed it, fired it, and watched as the bright white flare shined above them. It made the entire thing seem almost like it was daylight. Now they had a location of exactly where they were going to be needed. He went back to picking out targets, allowing his VATS to help him pick out the best shots, and he fired accordingly.
Each shot was fired with the kind of accuracy that could only be done with the assistance of the Vault-Tech Assisted Targeting System. The devastation of it proved exactly how helpful the device that so many had taken for granted in his old Vault truly was. When the program reached its limit and needed time to recharge he continued to fire. It wasn't a blind firing. He didn't just spray and pray, but instead he aimed to the best of his ability.
VATS had allowed him to fire at the best possible options for attacks. His own aiming had allowed him to make hits, but they weren't all as devastating as the hits had been with VATS. Instead of killing some he'd watched as several had fallen from wounds. He'd unintentionally severed arms and legs with his rounds. There wasn't any time to regret what he was doing, not that he did regret it.
Sure, he would rather put them down instead of mutilating them like this, but these men were attempting to take this city by force. The way they treated those that had resisted was enough to tell him what they would do to them when they were done. They were determined to be evil and vile. He looked at the digital counter at the edge of his vision in his hud. He watched as his ammo dropped from two hundred and fifty to a hundred, then to seventy-five, finally it was down to fifteen, and there was still more coming. He felt the weight of Cthulhu's Gambit on his side. It wasn't that the weight of the gun really weighed him down. In truth it wasn't even noticeable while he was in his power armor. But it was the weight of what it could do. The fact that a single bullet from it could be as devastating as a mini-nuke. He considered pulling it, but the same reason he didn't have them switch to missile launchers was the same why he didn't pull it.
"Paladin Jefferson, we're headed inward."
The voice was that of Sentinel Lyons. He smiled inside of his helmet as he heard the sound of music above them. Within seconds he heard the sound of miniguns firing outside. He could hear the death screams of those still outside of the walls. The sound of missiles being used outside of the gates could be heard, and then he heard Sarah's voice again.
"Get everyone out of the parameter inside of the gate. We're going to clean up in there."
"Everyone pull out!"
He saw that Knight Woodward was still fighting hard, and he could see Rory. He hoped that the power armor would be able to handle what he was about to ask of it. He lept the barricade, thankful for the enhanced hydraulics inside of the power armor's legs, and grabbed Rory around her waist. She began to protest as he moved back toward the barricade and jumped. He looked to see Knight Woodward realize what was going on and she jumped clear.
No sooner had that happened then he heard the sound of miniguns again. The civilians had already began moving away, and he felt thankful for that. He put Rory down. Something felt off, and he looked at her hand. It looked like it was deformed for a moment, but then almost as if magic itself the hand righted itself.
He looked down to see a large dent in the chest of his power armor. The steel that surrounded the power armor was at least an inch thick. He was suddenly very glad that he had been wearing it. He looked back to see the rest of the invading army dealt with. They were either dead or being taken captive. He breathed out and watched as Sarah moved toward them.
"Paladin," she said as she neared him, "It looks clear here," she said as she studied him, "We're going to pull out in a moment, stick behind finish your original objective, and see about setting up some kind of trade agreement with the city itself."
He nodded, "Of course," he said before she turned around, "Thank you Sentinel Lyons."
He watched her pause, "Ad Victoriam Paladin Jefferson, We live to fight another day."
With that she left, and he watched her go. He relaxed and then looked at Rory who was obviously a little put out, "I had hoped to deal with the rest with just us."
He laughed, a true normal laugh, "Yeah, and we possibly could have, but not without endangering the civilians. We needed the extra firepower to keep the non-combatants safe."
She nodded, "And that is what makes all of you so interesting."
She looked back at the APCs, Well, I suppose that we need to sell what we've came to sell, and then later I would like to ride one of the flying things."
He watched as she walked off, and part of him wondered if he would ever get used to the fact that there was people in this world with what had to be superhuman abilities.
