The Shi ambassador had invited Hawkeye to stay at a nearby hotel free of charge. If there was something he wanted, they would gladly grant it to him. Most average folks wouldn't hesitate to take up such an offer but the man from Langley knew there was more to this than being a guest on foreign soil. This was not to say that such actions from these San Franciscans were not genuine but there was a chance that it was an act of deception to mask ulterior motives at play. In the world of spies and espionage, there will always be tension to look out for and anyone who considered relaxing their guard had a tendency to enjoy short careers as field agents. Although he declared his intentions openly to the Shi government, one could never be too sure.
Hours were spent at the building's cafe as he waited for the moment to be called back into a meeting with Hu Ye. The only way for him to pass the time was to drink an endless supply of coffee while sitting quietly at a corner table where he could see the employees and the customers come and go. He carefully studied each individual who came and went while pretending to mind his own business by reading the newspaper. There was an expectation that most of it would be in Chinese; however, all the words were surprisingly in English so that meant he could maintain the mask of ignorance. Perhaps the only weakness the agent truly had was the coffee itself and if he was dealing with counterintelligence, they could have placed a sleeping drug in his drink or had poison. Then there was the restroom if his bladder couldn't hold it all. If someone followed him there, there was a good chance that only one person was going to leave the room alive.
All those details; fortunately, mattered little when he noticed a discrepancy for one woman who differed from the others. A hazel-eyed brunette was busying herself by talking to a barista behind the counter seven tables ahead. Where the employees wore uniforms behind green aprons or the customers wore more formal wear, the woman had a crimson dress and on top of that, it was designed with a single thigh slit. Such apparel would drive young men mad to spark a conversation with her so they could have the chance to make sweet love. Yet, he saw through the entire act from the moment she entered the cafe and revealed a pattern of glances and looks in his general direction. The stranger was no doubt gorgeous to him but experience with female agents of the Einheitspakt had taught him caution, in better terms, don't think with the dick.
His observations ceased to matter with his newspaper unfolded while the corner of his eye saw the stranger in red finish her conversation. Then Hawkeye heard the clicking of high heel shoes tap against the tile floors, bypassing the number of men who seemed interested in her. Once the woman was past the second table, he placed the paper over his lap as his hands were kept underneath the table. Maybe it was paranoia but this moment could be the consequences of his actions coming to roost as one black man would describe it.
She stopped at his table with her hand resting atop her hip, "Hello sir. You won't mind if I take a seat at your table?"
"It's fine. Not as if I'm doing anything important," said the CIA agent attempting to use small talk to his advantage and to keep her attention off his right hand snaking around for his holstered pistol, "Why me of all people?"
"Isn't it obvious? Hu Ye doesn't let outsiders enter the palace unless you're important enough to grab their attention. Even the NCR's efforts at being cordial haven't been that successful," She replied before taking a seat across from him.
"So what brings you here?"
The fingers on his right hand were able to find the clamp, ready to pull out his father's service pistol from the Second World War. A moment of relief as she leaned forward and gave him a heartwarming smile. Then her red lips whispered to him, "We know about the holotapes that you brought to the ambassador."
"You work for the Brotherhood of Steel?" His voice joined the volume of hers as the conversation evolved into matters of intelligence gathering.
"Yes and no," She bluntly stated before looking over her shoulders for any would-be listeners, "Although most members of our organization generally follow the ideals laid down by our forefathers, we do have our doctrinal differences within the ranks."
"I suppose you are going to tell me something important."
The barista came out from behind the counter while carrying a tray with two mugs of coffee. They paused as the blonde passed the drinks at the table full of spies before walking back to her workstation.
"What does that have to do with me?" Wondered, curious about the reasons for this conversation to happen, "Are you trying to disavow your people?"
Her sultry voice remained the same as earlier while her eyes hardened and focused her full attention on him. "The Washington Brotherhood is considered by our people as an unwelcomed part of a family member. Once, they were part of the Midwestern Chapter but they have broken off and made themselves nothing more than an army of raiders. My mission as part of the Circle of Steel was to deal with them internally… until your people came along."
"You make it sound like that was a bad thing," He remarked.
She leaned back in her chair. "Aside from the holodisks, your forces now have their hands on the most advanced weapon systems. My superiors do not believe they should be in your hands."
"Unfortunately, it is no longer up to me. The people I'm working with want that to see what makes that tech useful in their eyes and I would oblige them with my assistance. More importantly, what makes you think you have the right to make that request from me? Those are no longer your assets."
The young woman shook her head in disbelief. "Technology is not something your average wastelander should have their hands on. It is too dangerous to be let into the wrong hands."
"Who are you to make that kind of statement?" Hawkeye remarked as his left hand reached for the coffee mug and took a sip of the bitter dark liquid. Her mistake was presuming that he was just another man in this destroyed country of theirs, "I am no wastelander, ma'am. Even then, I will not accept these considerations."
"Shame that this exchange has ended poorly. The next time we meet, our encounter will end with an assassination." It was not going well for her at all. Despite this, Hawkeye could finally relax with the potential threat temporarily gone.
They were not going to see eye-to-eye but the threat of his would-be killer invited a lesson instead of hostility. "Take my advice, girl, don't promise threats you can't follow up. I would be disappointed for our next date."
He ended the meeting on his terms while the hand nonchalantly reached for his mug and took another sip. A few glances were stolen from the young lady as if this conversation had left an impact on her soul. That was not the intended outcome but sometimes life preferred to throw curveballs at surprising moments. Her sexy appearance did not diminish but the attitude of his denial seemed to cause the stranger to rise from her seat and depart her way out of the cafe. The field agent wanted to pity her for her failed mission; however, this was the brutal reality in this career.
Christine Royce was angry and with good reason. She had expected to threaten the man into compliance with a bluff but his demeanor changed the equation of how to deal with that. The young woman returned to her apartment room and sat on her bed. All those hours of preparation and putting on makeup to seduce a man who saw through her disguise the moment she entered that cafe. Whoever this stranger was, he was good.
The splits within the Brotherhood had weakened them and exposed the organization to the small fledgling examples of civilization. If the Immortal had not broken off from the Midwestern Chapter, the resources he lost at the Battle of North Koover wouldn't have fallen into the arms of foreign soldiers from across the Pacific Ocean. It was bad enough that the Lost Hills Chapter had declared open war against the New California Republic with the intention of removing technology from the public's view; unfortunately, the war was going poorly for her people. For all of the might of power armor infantry, it was never enough to match the NCR and its professional troops. Sure, they tried their best to make the best of their situation but they were losing.
She laid her back onto the comforts of the mattress and relaxed while staring at the ceiling. Then Christine thought about the reports of the Immortal's defeat and subsequent death changed how she viewed the world. When it came to the NCR, the Brotherhood knew how to deal with them and the chance of finding a victory and making them count but the newcomers from the west were different. Their combat capabilities were unthinkable in this day and age; yet, these strangers managed to replicate the military of pre-war America. How were they to survive such a threat? Artillery, aircraft, tanks - none of their armor could withstand such a force.
Her hand reached for the wig resting on her scalp before taking it off and tossing the fake hair to the pillows. It was a good thing that her beloved wasn't here to learn about the truth of the situation. She didn't deserve to know how stressful this life was and had her superior not intervened, her girlfriend would have come. Veronica always had a charm that nobody had and she loved her enthusiasm for having class; however, the fond memories reminded her of the man who ordered the two to separate their lives from each other. She would not forgive Father Elijah for his crime of taking away the joys of love.
Ambassador Hu Ye was pleased with the information he had given to the emperor. The new developments these papers implied were enough to be of concern for the future. Living in the shadow of the Enclave's oil rig was bad enough but the man's claims of hailing from another world brought a terrible fruit. Russia had endured a series of wars beyond anything the wasteland has ever seen and not even the New California Republic was prepared to deal with them. Yet, there were other concerns that if this Russia was brought into this world, what was keeping parts of their world back? He sat quietly at the table where the previous meeting first took place. The holotapes and the manila folder with classified information lay before him, items provided by the stranger from another world. Alongside them was a Pip-Boy, an old machine where it's utility was the summation of old and forgotten technology.
Doors ahead of him were opened once more as the representative of Shi's people saw the agent enter the room. Formalities were no longer needed to address each other. "Agent Hawkeye, I hope your stay has gone well."
"I had an agent of the Brotherhood of Steel confront me so that was fun," He said sarcastically as he approached the table, "Did you finish what you need to do?"
"Yes. Our scientists have decrypted the holotapes and it would be shocking for both of us. Your documents were a sufficient trade for our assistance. My people are much safer thanks to them." All of it was genuine as the American approached the table and began to collect.
"So what did you see that is worth my attention?"
Now was for the time of revelation. The discovery was both interesting and peculiar but Shi had no need for them. Its usefulness was too far away to be worthy of attention and the man before him would certainly be surprised. "After the decryption, it contains information about old US military bases before the war set in Alaska. Some of these are connected by underground systems, which contain top secret technology before the war."
"I shouldn't be surprised that the Brotherhood had it," Hawkeye commented and folded his arms, "Anything else you should tell me."
"There's a facility containing cryogenic sleeping pods in the case of war and to maximize the garrison's comforts. If what these holotapes say is true, then you have a chance to talk to pre-war survivors before the bombs fell."
"Now I want to call that horse shit but given the circumstances of an entire country being teleported away, I can probably believe that. It probably explains why they were all that way near New Victoria."
Hu Ye grabbed the Pip-Boy and gestured to hand it over to the agent. "Take this. You may need it."
"What the hell is that overglorified watch?" He asked.
"It's a Pip-Boy," The ambassador answered as Hawkeye accepted the piece of old technology, "If you intend to go to Alaska, this may prove useful for unlocking the secrets within. Now if you also want to survey through the holotapes on your own personal time, the machine carries many functions that would be quite handy."
Soon the machine was wrapped around his left wrist before stealing a glance at the representative. "Thank you, I appreciate your assistance."
"You're welcome," He answered as his back rested against the rails and his chin rested in the palm of his left hand. There was just one more detail to talk about to ensure this meeting did not reach the news of outsiders; especially, the NCR, "A bit of advise in the future, do not claim you are from the United States government. That statement will put a target on your back."
"Is it related to that group you called the Enclave?"
His head nodded to confirm his suspicions. "It has a different meaning around these parts and the New California Republic will treat you with absolute hostility."
"Can't I just talk it out with them?" Hawkeye wondered, perhaps trying to find a reasonable solution to an already problematic past, "They would probably understand."
"Yes, they would, if you associate yourself with the Russians. Otherwise, they might lock you up by thinking you're related to the evil organization that lived on the oil rig not too far from here."
The agent's expression changed with his blood drained from his face. "So that's why I had bad vibes about that platform."
A pair of footsteps entered the room as the American turned around and the ambassador looked past him to find someone entering the room. "Hawkeye!" The man's accent was far too foreign to be recognized as the stranger approached in a green uniform, "Communique from the Chita. We have to return to New Victoria effective immediately."
"Is it that important?"
"Yes," He answered, "We need to go!"
Hu Ye watched him look over his head and smile. "Thanks for helping."
"You're welcome." Came his reply, satisfied with the meeting's outcome.
The loud sound of a metal shutter closing was enough for the Russian soldier to open his eyes. As he woke, the first sight he saw was Heinrich tied up in a chair across from him. A massive bruise covered the German's left eye while his head leaned forward. Their fight at the bar had not gone well and the news of that clash was bound to reach the American spy. Until they returned to his company and perhaps his good graces, Gleb looked around to find a way out of his current predicament.
They were kept in the dark confines of a warehouse in the center of the building. It was filled with aisles containing an organized collection of crates stacked on top of each other. From that simple observation alone, this building was part of a supply network and when there was a network there were vehicles to hijack and make his escape. Yet, one obstacle stood in his way, the ropes wrapped around his chest and wrists.
Footsteps echoed against the concrete from behind and the captor revealed himself. "You two got a lot of balls to get into a fight with us. Do you know what you're dealing with?"
"A self-important idiot who will throw a hissy fit of a baby," He antagonized the man as he appeared out from his right. Nemor carried a fire axe with the weapon resting on his shoulder. Then he leaned forward sniffing the Russian uncomfortably close, "What?"
"I like to get a good smell of people before I axe them any questions." Gleb realized what he just said before laughing at him.
"If you're intent on killing me, you're doing a shit job."
Nemor did not hesitate to use his free hand to clench into a fist before slamming it into the soldier's stomach. "Not so cocky no, are you?"
"Shame," The Russian mockingly said while his lungs scrambled for fresh air. It was painful to receive the full impact of his punch; however, his pride wouldn't admit defeat at this moment in time. He looked up to find the muscular gangster towering over him with a scowl on his face, "What's the matter? Did your father not give you enough beatings or was it not enough? Hell, didn't he leave you for a pack of cigarettes?"
"Shut the fuck up! My dad was a saint!"
"If you know what's good for you, let us walk out of here." Gleb stated, hoping he wouldn't have to rely on implicated threats."
The scarred man lifted his axe off his shoulder and held a tight grip on the handle. "You got to have a whore's luck if you think I'm going to let that happen."
He swung the axe forward with the blade aimed at his head but the veteran kicked his feet off the ground and tumbled to his left, missing it. The wooden chair cracked against the ground and his hands felt the back rails loosen from the impact. Yet, the would-be killer remarked on his agility.
"Dodging me like a ninja ain't going to save you." There was nothing he could do as Nemor's foot stepped on his shoulder and raised his axe high above his head.
Gunfire echoed outside the warehouse causing Nemor to pause his execution. His head turned to the left as the sounds of shutters slid open. Dozens of footsteps stormed into the building while the Russian was helpless before his captor. Then he heard an American talk like the rare cowboy films that Gleb managed to find in his country. "Well, well, well. Look at what we have here."
"Heck Gunderson? What are you doing here?"
"That's easy, son. You and your boys left a mighty fine trail for me to follow. Attacking my caravans a sin around these parts," Whoever this individual was, his timing was impeccable as he cocked his weapon, "Why don't you hand yourself over to the NCR and maybe I'll give'em a good word on my behalf?"
Nemor snarled as he focused his full attention on the intruders and rushed after them swinging his weapon. "Fucking NCR bitches!"
"Open fire!" Automatic fire echoed throughout the building, awakening a beaten Heinrich in his chair while the former Ural Guardsman managed to untie the ropes from his wrists and slowly slipped out from captivity. Then he looked to find the gangster bleeding out and curdling in his own pool of blood before catching the sight of armed soldiers in brown uniforms in a firing line. However, he caught a glimpse of a stranger wearing a cowboy hat and a checkered shirt. The foreigner's appearance would make him a natural rancher from the American Wild West but the shotgun was quite an imposing sight for the rescued soldier.
Soon the shotgun-wielding American approached him while his mouth seemed to be chewing something inside. "Hello, gentlemen. I see the miscreant kidnapped a few fellows. What are you here for?"
"The German and I got into a bar fight with the scumbag, we lost," He said clear and cut. Gleb was not going to give his rescuer and his weapon another kill, "Bastard said something about a payday before it happened."
"I see. Well, I'll let the authorities clean this place up and recompense me with the loot. Your buddy seems like he's in a world of hurt. Come with me, I'll pay the bill for the doctor's appointment."
Author's Note: I forgot to post this chapter before going on a hiatus. My fault entirely since I'm juggling between multiple sites for fanfiction at a time. I'll start working on Chapter 11 once the Europas Narben updates show up so the mod can touch up on the Reichskommissariats in Eastern Europe.
Jctherebel: Soon they'll find that they're small fish in an even bigger pond.
Nukeblast81: I'm juggling in-between including the East Coast or not. It depends on how events pan out in this story but this is Fallout - it throws random bullshit at people just as it is serious. Who knows? Maybe the developers might bring something new in the TNO mod and I'll like it instead of holding my own personal gripes against their changes.
Guest: A little bit before the events of New Vegas. I did give hints at Cass doing some long-range trading on behalf of the NCR and Christine doing her duties for the Circle of Steel before she was tasked with hunting Father Elijah.