Disclaimer: The Loud House and associated characters belong to Nickelodeon and Chris Savino.

Aztec 13: The Deacon's construction is also significant later.

Atom King: That remains to be seen!

vanhellsing9000, Cannai: Thank you very much!

nuuo: The fights will get more difficult as time goes on. As for Lisa's robots, I have no plans to include any more currently. However, that may change if needed. I already have a full roster of characters to manage.

Cypher

By LolaPresents

Season 1 - Episode 2

Containment- Part 1

[Barracks]

The dark room was mostly silent, save for the rise and fall of those asleep. And while his family slept, as fitfully as expected, he remained awake, repeatedly replaying the events of the day prior. While he'd come to terms with piloting something essentially an enhanced version of himself, he understood that it had no brain and wasn't a conscious being. The part that bothered him most was how much he had to learn.

From what they knew, the Daemon Lincoln fought was one of the smaller classes. He wasn't sure he had the fortitude and experience to defeat anything more potent if that were true. And yet, as far as he knew, they were the only ones with such an operation. It was up to him and him alone to take down the Daemons. Only the Deacon had a limited power supply and, therefore, a narrow range. What of the rest of the country?

Soon, a thin sliver of light appeared and widened as the two halves of the door slid open, revealing a feminine silhouette. Lincoln raised his head to see who'd entered, seeing his sister, Lori, momentarily standing in the doorway as her eyes adjusted to the lack of light. Unexpectedly, she noticed the reflection of the hall's illumination in his eyes, quietly walked over, and sat on his cot.

"Morning, Lincoln," she whispered, sipping her freshly brewed coffee. "How are you holding up?"

Lincoln sat up, letting his blanket fall to his lap. Resting his arms on folded legs, he concentrated on her dimly lit form.

"I'm doing alright, I guess," he offered unconvincingly. "So much has changed in such a short time. I thought I was dead when that Daemon exploded. Then, learning about the true nature of the Deacon was a little disturbing. But..." he sighed. "I get it. There's only so much Lisa could do."

"Yeah..." Lori returned, whispering into the night and staring at the far wall. "You did great out there, though. You were courageous. I admire that."

"Thanks. But, it feels more like I stumbled through it," Lori's brother admitted, aided in his confession by the dim light. "I always thought I had it together. You know, the dependable one. But now, I see that was always you," he conceded. "Tell me, how did you do it? All those years, keeping us in line and not going mad?"

Lori's eyes widened, and she pressed her lips together in surprise and shock. Nobody had ever thought to ask her such a question, and she had no proper answer.

"I..." she stammered, faltering with her thoughts. "I don't know. I just did it. With Mom and Dad working and me being the oldest, I was the only one that could."

"Yeah..." muttered Lincoln, gazing through the darkness at his lap. "The only one that could. That's how I feel, and it's a lot of pressure."

"Hey," Lori quipped, turning to face her brother. "We'll get through this. Together. You don't have to do it alone. We'll be right there with you."

"Thanks," responded the solemn boy as he stared at the ceiling. "I wonder what life is like out there. You should've seen it. The neighborhood got deserted. Where did they all go? What are they doing?" he asked before returning his sister's stare. "I wonder who made it out alive and..."

"Yeah, me too," breathed Lincoln's eldest sister. "Bobby, Ronnie Anne, everyone we knew and loved..."

"Hey!" chirped Lincoln. "Maybe in between attacks, we could perform reconnaissance and rescue missions."

"That..." murmured Lori, cocking one eye. "That's not too bad of an idea. I'll bring it up at today's meeting."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to stir up any bad memories," Lincoln offered, averting his gaze. "It's just something I've been thinking about."

"Same," chirped Lori, coming to a stand. "For now, get some rest. I'll see you in a few hours."

Nodding, Lincoln laid back down, gathered his blanket around his neck, rolled over, and tried to get some sleep.

[Commissary]

Pleasurable scents filled the dining area as Lynn and Rita made breakfast for everyone while Todd served the meals. All the younger siblings awoke early with youthful vitality. The older ones tended to sleep in. However, Leni and Luan joined them at the table and ate or waited to get served. Even Lily could sense the severity in the atmosphere and was eating normally instead of playing with her food.

"...no sightings yet today, however, military officials say..." the radio broadcast droned as the remaining family members strolled in. "...in Seattle, Washington over the weekend, completely decimating..."

"Geez..." muttered Luna, sluggishly taking her seat. "The weekend? I've completely lost track of what day it is."

"I wouldn't worry too much about that, sweetie," Rita chimed, sitting beside Luna, her hands hugging a large cup of coffee. "It's not like we have a schedule to keep anymore."

The bunker was underground and well insulated, maintaining a consistent, natural temperature. Regardless, it was several degrees cooler than most would have preferred, so it wasn't uncommon to see someone carrying a heated thermos or a steaming mug.

"That's not entirely true, mother," interjected Lisa disapprovingly. "Everyone is due in the hangar for training after breakfast."

"Aw, man..." sighed Lana, momentarily before the rest began offering their complaints.

Then, amidst the clamor, something got their attention. A loud, muffled sound reverberated through the ground above them, followed by several dull clangs. After the sound of hissing and scraping metal, everything went silent for a moment.

"What was that?" shot Lincoln, coming to a stand. "Are we under attack?"

"No... I don't think so," responded Lisa. "It sounds like someone's entered the silo. Though, I don't see how that's possible."

Lori stood and pulled her firearm, concentrating on the small cylindrical tube leading upward and out of the bunker. Nodding silently, she motioned for everyone to follow her lead.

While they formed up, taking positions around the room, Rita scooped up Lily, ducking behind the counter with Lynn.

Soon, several men in thick, black body armor came bounding down the rungs, spreading out, two on either side of the latter. Brandishing their rifles, they guarded the iron ladder.

"United States military!" one announced while the others focused their superior weapon on the group. "Lay down your arms!"

Everyone turned an eye toward Lori, keeping their other on their targets. After a moment's consideration, Lori lowered her pistol and holstered it. However, she left the strap loose in case things went south.

"What's this all about?" she asked pointedly, folding her arms.

However, the soldier didn't respond to her query. Instead, he leaned into a shoulder-mounted mic. "All's clear, sir. You may proceed."

Lori squinted in irritation as more footsteps rang out. Soon, a pair of boots appeared, followed by legs, and a husky uniformed man appeared. Turning, he faced the family with his hands clasped behind his back, numerous awards and decorations pinned to his chest and lapels.

"General Wright?" gasped Lisa, securing her sidearm. "What's the meaning of this? If you wanted to talk to me, you could've used the radio and told me you were coming."

General Wright surveyed the family and the bunker they holed up in, then brought one hand around to adjust his shades. "Stand down," he muttered before considering Lisa. "I couldn't risk using the radio," he announced stoically. "If the public knew we needed help, all hell would break loose, and we'd lose our remaining credibility."

"I'm surprised you have any at all," Lincoln spat. "If it weren't for you, none of this would be happening."

"You're intruding in our home," barked Rita, recalling the officer from before. Handing Lily off to her husband, she stepped between her children and him. "You owe us an explanation."

Smirking, General Wright returned his hand behind him and stared her down. "To put it bluntly, we monitored your little exercise yesterday with our drones and are here to take over your operation," he informed everyone firmly. "I hope you have no objections. Resistance could prove..." he mumbled. "Bothersome."

"Hold on a ding dang minute!" barked Lisa, pushing her way to the front. "Who do you think you are, coming here demanding such a thing? We've worked hard for this and are doing just fine without you!"

"Yeah!" sputtered Lola, wanting to speak her mind. "You can't just waltz in here and take all the glory for yourself!"

"May I remind everyone that you are still American citizens," he said, smirking again. "Possession and operation of weapons of mass destruction by civilians is illegal. But don't worry, I'm not here to take anything from you."

"Explain..." demanded Lisa, staring down the man while her siblings formed around her.

"As you may or may not know, our lab got destroyed when the Daemons escaped," he informed everyone. "All our research was lost. Therefore, the path forward became clear when we saw what you'd done."

"And what path is that?" Lisa prodded, glaring at the officer who hadn't yet moved. "Don't think I'm handing you anything more. Look what you did with what I already gave you!"

Lowering his gaze, General Wright closed his eyes and sighed. Then, after stroking his greying mustache, he looked up sharply.

"Miss Loud," General Wright barked. "Royal Woods is not the entirety of our nation. There are others in need of your services. However, I assume supplies and materials are limited. No? I'm offering you the chance to expand your operation," he revealed. "You can keep your pseudo-military operation going. Only, you'll answer to me in return."

"In exchange for what, precisely?" inquired Rita, having grown quite red in the face. "I know you're kind. You never do anything without expecting something in return."

"Quite," the officer stated. "It's quite simple, really. In exchange for our sanction and support, when this is over, you will turn over everything associated with the operation to us."

"That..." Lisa stammered, looking bewildered at Lori, then toward her mother.

"Give us a moment," Lori interjected, motioning everyone toward the lift. "This is something we need to discuss."

[Barracks]

Everyone's cot remained unmade from the morning hustle and bustle. The hampers were overflowing with used uniforms, pajamas, and other articles. The overhead fluorescent lights hummed peacefully until the door slid open. It seemed that drawing enough power to operate the door was taking a toll on the electrical system. However, it flickered only briefly, stopping once everyone filtered in.

"What do you think?" Lori asked of her siblings, pacing between the bunks nervously.

"Brah... I think it's a load of crap," Luna stated flatly. "Look what they did with Lisa's research already. We can't give them more."

"True," replied Lucy. "However, they'll probably take it anyway if we refuse, and we'll get left with nothing."

"That is a likely outcome," Lisa confirmed, sitting on her bed, angrily gripping the edges tightly. "However, he had a point. We need their resources if we're to continue."

"What I want to know is," Lana spoke up. "What did he mean by expanding? I can only fix so much."

"Hey! Yeah!" blurted Luan. "Was he talking about making more Deacons? Or, what?"

"Again," Lisa sighed with seeming foreknowledge. "That seems the most likely scenario."

"But we need all of you in the command center!" Lincoln shot. "Who would pilot them?"

"Enough!" Lori barked, gaining everyone's attention. "That's a discussion for later. Right now, we need to vote on this. All in favor..."

[Commissary]

A few moments later, Lori stood brazenly in front of General Wright. They'd come to a decision, and though none were happy about it, the military's offer was too timely to refuse. Still, there was something Lori needed to know before committing. And, as her siblings stood firm behind her in support, she addressed the matter.

"Do we have your word that we'll retain full control of operations?" she questioned him. "And that you'll stay out of our way, no matter what?"

"Hm," the man grunted, nodding once. "How you carry out your orders, I don't care. All we want are results."

"Fine," Lori said after studying the man and offering her hand. "We have an agreement then."

"Wonderful," Wight responded, the overhead fluorescent lights refracting off his silver shades as he shook Lori's hand. "In that case, I'll arrange for anything Lisa needs."

[Bunker]

After seeing what they were up against the day prior, everyone joined Lincoln's training sessions. Even Lily, whose only job was to cheer them on, wanted to participate. Reluctantly, Rita set the toddler down and let join them, as long as she stayed a safe distance from the others.

While Lynn called out the exercises and counted them off like a seasoned drill sergeant, she moved between them all, correcting stances and form. For nearly two hours, the young athlete pushed her siblings far beyond anything they might have gotten from gym class.

However, when Lola became light-headed and nearly passed out, Lynn blew the little whistle that hung around her neck. It had been a good start for their team training, but a team is only as strong as their weakest member. Not wanting to shorten the roster, she praised everyone's efforts and dismissed them.

[Latrine]

The sound of rushing water, steam, and the occasional bubble filled the shower stall as everyone washed away the day's grime and sweat. For some time, this had been a daily routine for him. But it was new for the other, who'd only recently joined Lynn's physical training regiment.

The one thing Lincoln had yet to acclimate to was showering with his sisters. He understood the reasoning. However, he was in an odd predicament. For one thing, girls got used to showering together at school. For another, he was beginning puberty while his sisters were either already going through it or not even close.

Like most pubescent males, Lincoln was at the mercy of his unpredictable hormones. It was that he had any interest in his sisters. However, Lincoln couldn't deny they were all lovely. His hesitancy had more to do with the potential for embarrassment if he got an unprovoked erection. Closing his eyes and sighing, he stepped under his showerhead, fully clothed again.

"Oh, for crying out loud..." Lori sputtered, seeing her brother's modesty after lifting her arm to wash her pit.

"What?" muttered Leni, turning to see what her sister was looking at. "Did Lincoln forget to take his clothes off again? I've done that before."

Lincoln was about to respond in a hasty defense when he felt something tug at the waist of his drenched trousers. Startled, he peered down at Lana, who gave him the most confused stare.

"What's the matter with you, anyway?" the tomboy asked as water cascaded over her petite form. "We're just taking showers. How many times have we bathed together before all this started?"

"T-That's different!" Lincoln emphasized, his eyes wide and a drop of blood emanating from his nose. "I'm older now and-"

"So, that's what this is about?" Lori chuckled. "Let me guess. You've started puberty, and you're self-conscious?" she rhetorically asked. "Fine," she sputtered, turning and walking over to him before motioning for the others to follow. "Look at us, Lincoln," she demanded.

"Oh, man..." his brain stammered, remaining motionless as he reviewed all the possibilities. "This is bad. What if..."

If Lincoln was ever going to get over the awkwardness between them and function normally, they had to do this together. Modesty and privacy were a thing of the past. Neither had a place during a war. Should Lincoln get forced to administer first aid to one of his female family members, time was of the essence, and embarrassment would only get in the way.

"That's an order!" Lori barked, sensing his hesitation.

Slowly, Lincoln's head began turning, seeming all too robotic-like, jerking forward in small spurts until his sisters came into view. The poor guy felt like every bit of blood he possessed rushed to his head. He felt unsteady on his feet and struggled to remain upright. While he'd seen glimpses of his sister's bodies before, as they flitted back and forth to the restroom in little more than a towel, this was too much.

"Uh... yeah..." he stammered, feigning a smile and brushing one hand through his hair as he tried not to stare at his sisters. "I, um..."

"We're girls, Lincoln," Luna said, standing before her brother. "This- This is what we look like. And you're just going to have to get used to it."

"Now..." sighed Lori, folding her arms under her breasts and putting all her weight on one leg. "It's your turn."

"WHAT?!" Lincoln gasped as his sisters closed in on him. "You can't just demand a guy get undressed like that!"

For a few moments, all anyone could see were feminine arms and legs, flailing and grasping as they wrestled with those of their brother. Soon, articles of clothing began getting tossed from the center of battle, and the girls stepped away, leaving Lincoln standing in the middle, naked and red-faced, his hand clasped over his lap.

"ACK!" he barked as he frantically looked for a way out of the showers.

[Barracks]

That evening, everyone turned in soon after dinner, and all but three were fast asleep. Lily had a stomach ache, and Rita was trying to comfort and medicate her while Lori stared at the concrete ceiling. General Wright's words rang through the latter's brain like a church bell tolling in the distance.

The man had a point. Royal Woods was only one city. The country was huge, let alone the world. Many people needed protection and, if possible, rescuing. There was no way they could do it alone. A nationwide effort would require more supplies, Deacons, and teams. However, something was bothering her.

If resources and housing were limited, where was everyone now? Where were their relatives and friends? Eventually, her mind drifted toward Bobby, and small tears began welling in her eyes, unsure if they were in response to missing him or the unspoken knowledge that he might no longer be alive.

"Are you okay?" came a whisper from the cot beside Lori's.

Sniffling slightly, Lori curled into her blankets and rolled over, staring at Lincoln's face. She was unsure if she woke him but appreciated his concern.

"Yeah, I guess," Lori offered. "I'm sorry about earlier, but-"

"I get it," Lincoln sighed, studying his eldest sister. "It wasn't so bad once I got used to it."

Chuckling, Lori rolled onto her back. "Goodnight, Lincoln," she whispered.

"Goodnight, Lori," Lincoln returned before closing his eyes.

Tomorrow, Lori decided, she'd find out what became of Bobby.