Gate: Thus the Brotherhood of Steel Lyon's Pride Fought in Their Land
Chapter Interlude - Bozes Co Palesti
The city they visited, the giant ship that looked as if it could house an entire city, was a testament to the ingenuity of those that had created the world they were in. Still, there was evidence everywhere that the world that was created had been destroyed. For Bozes it was an opportunity. She saw a people that needed to be united, reminded of their potential, and there was little doubt in her mind that they would benefit from the Empire's presence.
If they were brought in under the Empire it would undoubtedly make the empire the strongest nation in their worlds. It would also ensure that their rule would never be questioned. She could see the power of the Brotherhood under the direction of the Empire. She could see Princess Pina being the one to control them. They would be brought into her order, and thus only subject to the Emperor.
But she needed to see what they were like. Would these barbarians be willing to follow the empire? If it came down to a war she wasn't sure how well they would do. They had devastated an army of fifteen thousand easily. She knew of the attack on Alnus Hill, and she knew that they had managed to not only repel them, but they had managed to kill multiple wyverns. Doing that was difficult at best.
It was proof of their power. Their magic, their technology, was greater than what they had access to. She could see that it would be foolish to simply attempt to oppose them again. She sat beside Princess Piña and listened as the others began discussing matters around them. The waiting room they were in had decent sofas to rest upon. There were small books sitting there, and she reached down toward one.
The book had a picture on the front. A woman dressed in a sleek black dress. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and she opened it to see her talking to a man in the shadows. The drawing was wonderfully done. She could see the stubble on the face of the man, and she could see the way the woman was drawn that there was an attraction between the two.
She turned the page of the book, and the scene before her caused a blush to cover her face. The woman in the sleek black dress had it pooled on the ground around her ankles. She stood there, her breasts exposed, but what surprised her was the other woman. This one had a half mask over her face. She was a platinum blond, her own body looked more athletic than the one that she was currently kissing. She studied the images for a few moments, and her eyes widened at various panels.
She felt a presence and looked to see Princess Piña looking at the drawings as well. Her own eyes wide in surprise. The pictures were well defined, and it was surprising to see something that showed sex between two women so openly. Turning the page she was confronted with the man from before, but instead of being with another woman he was kissing another man. She felt her face turning red, and she studied the pages in desperation to see what they were doing. Only for it to come to the final page. She stood there, trying to see what it said, trying to desperately understand why it ended. She looked up when she heard something.
"They're ready for us to go meet with them," Paladin Jefferson said, "Are you two ready?"
She nodded, stood, and held the small book she had been holding. She could see that he was looking at them with what she believed was understanding. She didn't say a word, but instead she saw him talking to someone. He passed some strange metal tabs to them, and then looked at them both, "The book is yours now," he said, "I purchased it from the owner of the hotel and waiting room."
Bozes looked at him, uncertain of what to say. He'd purchased her this book, and she hadn't even mentioned that she was interested in it. Then again it was possible that he simply understood that she was. Holding the book she looked at Paladin Jefferson. He was currently claimed, she understood that, but at the same time there was something to be said about his nature.
He was certainly different from the men in their order. He was certainly disciplined, but he wasn't defined by his place in the Brotherhood of Steel. His position wasn't all there was to him, and she had seen that. It was the way he spoke to those around him, and she had seen their reverence toward him. He was treated differently. Instead of a paladin he was treated like a hero of legends. She could see the way others spoke to him. They held in the same kind of respect that their own people had when they spoke of the heroes from before. If she was to place the kind of respect that he had it would be similar to that of Grognak.
The ancestor of Princess Piña Co Lada was the closest that she could come to for a true comparison. She shook her head. Sentinel Lyons had claimed him, and more to the point she understood the woman fairly well after their sparring match. She would not want to impose where she would likely not be wanted.
"Bozes," Princess Piña said softly, "I have not seen you look toward another like that before."
She looked at Princess Piña with surprise, "Your highness," she said, her voice sounding a little cracked, "I am merely admiring one for his strength of character."
Princess Piña gave her a coy smile, "Oh?" she asked softly, "Merely for his strength of character? Is it perhaps that you've found the one that you're truly interested in seeking?"
She shook her head, "No," she said, her voice firm on the matter, "He has one already."
The Princess gave a small laugh as they walked, "True, but one could argue that you are his type. After all, she looks remarkably like you."
Bozes felt her face going flush. She didn't want to admit that there was an attraction, but there certainly was a small one. It meant that what she felt toward him could be considered a passing fancy. Besides, she herself was from nobility. Her virtue was practically worth a small fortune. If she was to be used as a bargaining chip it would surely sway anyone that was allowed to claim her. Of course she had no desire to be used as a bargaining chip again.
The one time that she was used as one had been quite enough. She looked at the Princess and shook her head, "I do not feel that it is my place," she replied simply, "Besides, I respect Sentinel Lyons. She is a true warrior, and it would seem tackless to attempt to battle her in this fashion."
She noticed that Princess Piña was shaking her head, "We do not know if they are polyamorous or not," she said to her, "But if they are would it not be worth it to see if there is an attraction? It could potentially strengthen the ties between our people."
Bozes looked at her and then looked at the ground, "Is it an order Princess?" she asked, her voice almost sounding timid, "Do you want to me to proceed and see if there could be more?"
There was a moment of hesitation, "Not if it is something you truly are against," she replied after a moment, "Bozes, I will not apologize for ordering you to prepare to give yourself to Paladin Jefferson. What had happened was well worth that cost. I understand your hesitation, I truly do, but what I've seen of both Paladin Jefferson and Sentinel Lyons has spoken greatly of their character. They are honorable, and they respect honor and dedication. In many ways the Brotherhood of Steel is a reflection of our own Empire."
They followed the others as they moved toward the council chambers. Once there they noticed several people sitting around the table, and they were offered a place near Paladin Jefferson and Elder Lyons that had just arrived. Taking a seat Bozes noticed that the others that were sitting were dressed in clothing that looked to be good repair, but was clearly different from what she had seen so far.
"Welcome to the Capital Wasteland Committee Meeting," a dark skinned man said, "We are here to discuss the rebuilding process that has been happening, along with discussing the proposed joint forces toward gaining more resources."
Bozes looked around the room, unsure of what was said until she heard something from behind them. The sound of the Protectron caught her attention. It's strange voice filled the air, "Welcome to the capital wasteland committee meeting," it repeated in her language, "We are here to discuss the rebuilding process that has been happening, along with discussing the proposed joint forces toward gaining more resources."
There was a moment of silence before she saw Lelei look at those in attendance, "I can translate easier and sum up what is said for those that do not speak your language."
There was a moment and few nods. She watched as the Protectron moved from the room. A few moments later they began talking again, and she looked toward the sage who was listening, "They have said that they are discussing the possibility of having some of the guards that are stationed here going to help the Brotherhood of Steel on the otherside of the gate."
She looked at them, "Why do they need the help?"
Lelei looked at her, and then at those talking, "They wish to know why the Brotherhood needs the extra help."
There were a few more moments of the others speaking, "Because the Brotherhood wants to keep good relations with the others here, and they admit that the guards here have more experience when it comes to maintaining order in a civil place instead of fighting a war."
Princess Piña nodded as she listened, "They don't want to be tyrants," she said after a moment, "They believe that those who maintain the laws in a place that knows peace would be suited to doing so in our world."
Bozes studied her, "Why not simply join with the Empire? Would it not be simpler to allow us to govern?"
Lelei studied her, "The treaty has made Alnus Hill part of their land, their world, and it is separate from the Empire. If they join the Empire then the treaty is no good."
The answer was simple, but it was also the truth and she knew it. She understood that if they joined the empire then it meant they would no longer be separate. It also meant that those on this side not affiliated with them would be outside of it. She considered the idea of simply bringing them all under the empire. Would it not be simpler? They would have access to guards, access to lands, access to the laws of the empire.
Looking at them she could see that there appeared to be those that would oppose it. She didn't want to admit it, but Paladin Jefferson would likely be one to oppose it. He seemed to be loyal to those he was allied with. She had seen his kindness, and there was little doubt that it would be used against him. There were many on their side that would use his kindness, his good nature, and then when they were finished they would attempt to remove him.
She didn't want to see that happen, but then why didn't she want to? He was different, a warrior, perhaps even a hero, but different. What happened to him shouldn't make any difference to her. And yet she knew that it would. She understood that it would make more of a difference than she was willing to admit. She looked at those around her, and then at Lelei, "I understand, but perhaps we could create an alliance? Would such a thing be worth investigating?"
Doctor Madison Lee
Looking at him she saw James. She saw the man she had followed into the idea of providing fresh and clean water to the entire wasteland. It was an idea so revolutionary that it should have been the catalyst to make real changes. It had created some change, but the real catalyst had been Adam. His mission to find his father, his mission to fulfill his parents' dream, and then this possible new wealth of resources had done more than the water purification at the Jefferson Memorial ever could.
She wanted to hate him a little. She wanted to hate that he looked like James, and she wanted to hate that he should have been her son. She was a scientist, but she was also a woman damn it! She was fragile as any other woman, and she was frightened at the prospect of what she felt meant. She had no children, but she had fellow scientists. She looked from him to the those that were in the room with them.
The small signs that there was something different pointed toward something substantial. None of them had the slight burn that naturally occurred on wastelanders. The small burns caused by radioactive rain, or by coming too close in contact to those beings so tainted by radiation that it practically rolled off of them. They were basically like true vault dwellers. Those that were kept in the Vaults through the worst of it.
It meant a world that was free of radiation. It was a scientific discovery that made everything else, including the purifier, pale in comparison. It was a discovery that once again was taken from her, and it was lifted up by the very one that should have been her son. James had shown an interest in her once, but she had declined. She thought it best to keep things professional, and how she hated the result. No, she didn't hate the result. She was angry, but she didn't hate Adam.
As much of James as there was in him there was equally as much of Catherine. Her oldest friend had been constantly by her side. Sure, she had this absurd idea of spirituality. She believed that perhaps the old religions weren't completely wrong, but then if they had some truth where were the ones they talked about? Why did they let this world become destroyed? No, science was the one true faith for her.
"Am I to understand that you want us to allow a selection of our security force join the Brotherhood of Steel?" she asked, her voice nice and cold, "Owen, perhaps I'm not seeing the bigger picture here, but we were, and currently are, a research and development society. Our foundation is in scientific progress."
She looked at him, allowing her glare to be nice and icy, "That's in the complete opposition to your own purpose, isn't it?"
She watched as Owen studied her, "Madison, I will fully admit that the Brotherhood's purpose has always been the safeguarding of technology. It is our belief that the technology is exceptionally dangerous in the wrong hands. One only has to look at the history of our world to see that."
She rolled her eyes, "Owen, that history was written two hundred years ago. Much of the technology that the Brotherhood of Steel has safeguarded could help the people here. It could help us rebuild faster," she said as she studied him, "Imagine what it would be like if we had access to a reestablished global network? If we could connect with other communities across the globe through our terminals. I know that the possibility exists. Every terminal, every single one, has the ability to connect to one another."
"She's not wrong," a voice she didn't know said through a speaker, "It's not just terminals though. Protectrons, eyebots, sentry bots, even those brain bots all are able to connect together."
The voice was coming from the protectron that had been in the room with them. It walked in, and she noticed that its head was glowing a soft green, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Robert Edwin House, the founder of Robco, and one of the main collaborators for various projects put into motion by the United States Government."
The protectron moved closer to them, "I can say without a doubt that what exists beyond that gate is exactly what I had hoped for when I considered the idea of colonizing other planets," he replied as he moved, "As for the Brotherhood of Steel, I have no quarrel with you. Your belief that the common thug does not need access to technological advancements falls well within the realm of understandable precaution."
The protectron stretched out a hand toward Madison Lee, "Just as the good doctor here has a point that those same advancements could have easily helped the simplistic men and women that still live in what had once been the United States."
"Our records indicated that Robert House disappeared shortly before the bombs fell," Elder Lyons said, his eyes seeming to watch the movements of the protectron, "So, am I to take it that you are a ghoul?"
There was a short laugh through the protectron's speaker, "Hardly," he said, "Dr. Braun created a device which allowed his mind to be preserved along with his body. The device is effective in what it does. He designed it to interact in a virtual world, to allow him to live within a fantasy. I helped to supply the materials needed for it, and while doing so I took the basic plan and repurposed it. He survived in a virtual oasis, I survived with the ability to interact with the world through my creations."
There was a slight pause before the protectron moved again, "Sorry," he said after a moment, "Most don't realize that all protectrons, sentry bots, eye bots, and brain bots also act as transmitters. They allow practically wireless access to anyone with a similar transmitter. A simple Pip Boy broadcaster will work. It is what allows me to be practically anywhere. It is how I saw the world on the other side of the gate, and it is what is allowing me to speak to you from my home on the Vegas Strip."
Unknown individual
Pain racked her as she cried. Her hands were bound, stretched above her, and she wasn't even allowed the most basic of clothes. Her body which had been toned thanks to training and vigilance had more scars added to it. New burns, cuts, and other abrasions had been added over the past couple of months. She wept bitterly as she hung in place. She had prayed, and still prayed, that the father would save her. She heard the door open and her tears dried up. She would not allow him to see her in anguish. He wouldn't have that prize.
"Ah, awake are we?"
She refused to answer. She'd long since learned their language, but she wouldn't reply, not until every other option was removed. She watched as he stepped forward, and she expected a strike. Something solid that would connect with her already bruised body. She expected pain, and he didn't disappoint. The difference was that it wasn't a beating. Instead her arms strained as she was lifted until only the tips of her toes touched the stone floor under her.
"Would you really hold that beautiful voice from me?"
She closed her eyes, felt him behind her, heard the sounds of clothing being moved. It was expected at this point. He grabbed her hips, causing her to hang even more from her wrists. Her wrists which hurt and felt as if they were close to being ripped apart. There was no gentle adjusting. There was just pain. Pure, unrelenting, and powerful pain ripped through her as he began to take more of her dignity.
"Tell me about them," he cooed as he buried himself inside of her, "Tell me about the Brotherhood of Steel."
She held her tongue, knowing that words now would betray those she considered her family. She felt a strike on her ass, she felt him completely hilted inside of her, and she finally released a scream. He'd managed to destroy her defenses again. She still didn't cry, but the laugh from him was enough to make her feel like vomiting, "That's it, that's the voice!"
She felt him handle her roughly, removing all of her dignity, destroying all of her honor, and causing her to feel as if she was as worthless as a rotted molerat. She hung her head in shame as he violated her. "I want to know about them," he cooed, "I want to know about their weaknesses. Obviously they are weak, you're a member of them."
She wanted to retort, to tell him that the only reason they captured her was because she had to escape her power armor. She wanted to tell him that the only reason she was here was because she had been knocked out, tied up, and then locked into the dungeon before she ever woke up. If it hadn't been for that she would have never allowed herself to be taken.
Instead she dealt with the pain, and she prayed silently to the father. She prayed that he freed her, that he released her, and that would allow her to leave this place. She prayed for the end to come swiftly, and she prayed for his mercy when she finally was released. She felt him pull from her, a small sliver of hope welled up inside of her, but that hope was dashed when she felt what he was planning on doing. She felt him at the other entrance, and she panicked. She felt her heart beating as if it would pound out of her chest.
"No," she said, her voice betraying her, "NO!"
She felt him shove, ripping into her, and she cried out. She cried out at the indignity, she cried out at the horror of it, and she cried out as he took the last bit of her dignity. There was nothing left. She was a plaything to him, nothing more. He was worse than the raiders. Yes, they would rape, but then they would kill. They would be slow and methodical about it, but her suffering would eventually end.
He had kept her alive for this. He sent strange individuals down that would heal her wounds, allow her to recover, and then he would return and do the same things over and over again. This time was different. This was the first time he'd done this. It was the first time he'd taken that place, and she had nothing left. She hung her head hoping that it would just end. He pulled from her again, and she felt something wet.
"Oh, it looks as if I will need to send the healers. I never knew that a woman would bleed from there. Perhaps you were a virgin there as well, huh?"
She closed her eyes tightly, and she felt his gloved hand on her throat, "Now, tell me about them, or I will make sure that it is worse."
She shook her head, and instead she recited the words she had been saying in her head, "The Lord is my shepard, I shall not want," she groaned in pain, "He restores my soul, he guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
A vicious growl escaped her attacker's lips, "SHUT UP!" the punch was what she was expecting. She saw stars as her head bounced off of the wall. She felt another strike, and then another, again and again until she was barely able to see. Blood caked the back of her head, and she prayed that he would simply forgo sending the healers. That he would just let her die.
"Pigheaded woman," he said as he stood, "Still, you have been enjoyable, in a barbaric kind of way. I'll send the healers, and I will see you in two days' time. Take that time to consider your answer for next time."
Stephanie Prophet wept as she hung in the air. Her light red hair was caked with blood, her pale skin had places that were purple, yellow, and green from the beatings. She hung bleeding, and she wept. She wept because it felt as if the father had abandoned her. She wept because her brothers and sisters in the Brotherhood didn't know she was here. The likely believed that she had been vaporized when her power armor exploded. She wept for the lost dignity and honor she had. She wept for what was coming in the days and weeks to come.
She wept.
