Chapter Three
Please read, review and enjoy!
The whirring blades of the vertibird sliced through the air, drowning out all other sounds as Ella stared at the battle-worn aircraft before her.
"Get on" Danse instructed, his voice barely audible over the deafening noise.
"You want me to get on that?!" Ella exclaimed.
Her stomach lurched as he nodded. The vertibird's rotors whipping up a gust as she took a hesitant forward. Taking a deep breath, she pulled herself up, the ship bobbing under the weight of Danse's armour as he clambered onboard.
"Strap in" he ordered.
He didn't need to ask twice. She fumbled with the straps, her hands slick with sweat as she struggled to secure herself in. Then, with a sudden lurch, they lifted from the ground. Ella gripped her harness tightly, her knuckles turning white as they ascended into the sky.
The ground quickly disappeared, the buildings shrinking as they soared higher and higher. The wind whipped around her, her heart pounding in her chest, but despite her fear, she couldn't help but peer out the open side door. The Commonwealth stretched below them, an endless patchwork of ruin and wilderness that looked strangely beautiful from above. It was bigger than she ever imagined. Her farm feeling even smaller, a mere speck within the vast, broken world below.
"It looks different from up here, doesn't it?" Danse's voice was calm, looking at ease as he stood by the open door, holding on to nothing but a thin strap.
Ella managed a nod, fear gnawing at her as they continued their ascent. Doubts swirled in her mind, each louder than the last. She had left the safety of her farm for a world she barely understood. It was too late to turn back; she'd already stepped into the unknown. She just hoped she had made the right choice.
"There she is" Danse announced, his tone filled with pride.
She turned to look at him, his words pulling her from her thoughts - that's when she saw it. A formidable metal fortress emerging from the clouds, its massive hull gleaming in the sunlight, casting a long shadow over the land below.
The Prydwen.
"Impressive isn't she" Danse stated, as they neared the imposing warship. "Captain Kells is waiting for us on the flight deck. Just stay close to me and answer all of his questions."
Ella nodded; her throat suddenly dry as they approached the Prydwen's landing platform. With a final jolt, the vertibird touched down. Danse sprang from it with practised ease, the metal walkway shuddering under his weight. Ella followed with shaking legs, grateful to be back on solid ground as they headed towards the Captain.
"Permission to come aboard sir?"
"Permission granted and welcome back Paladin" Captain Kells greeted them. He was a stern man, with brown skin and a thick moustache. His posture was straight and rigid, commanding attention. "Allow me to be the first to congratulate you on a successful mission, and is this our new recruit?"
"Yes Sir" Danse replied, "I field promoted her to initiate, and I'd like to sponsor her entry into our rankings personally."
"Yes, we've read your report. You'll be pleased to know Elder Maxson has approved your request, but he wishes to speak to her himself before making any final decisions."
"Of course, sir," Danse replied "Ad Victoriam Captain."
"Ad Victoriam Paladin" Kells replied before fixing Ella with a steely gaze. "So, you're the one Paladin Danse has taken under his wing. You don't look like much to me, but the Paladin seems to think you'll make a fine addition to the Brotherhood. While that remains to be seen I want to make one thing clear. The Brotherhood has come to the Commonwealth with a specific goal, and I won't allow anyone to jeopardise that mission. Understood?"
"Yes sir" Ella stammered.
"Good. Once you have settled in, you are to proceed to the command deck for the address. After which, Elder Maxson wishes to have a word with you. Dismissed initiate."
Ella sighed in relief, grateful to be out from under the captain's stern gaze as she hurried to catch up with the Paladin.
"Everything all right?"
"Is he always that serious?" she asked quietly.
"You think that was bad, wait till you meet Maxson" Danse snorted "Come on, I'll show you around."
Following him inside, the enormity of the Prydwen soon became clear. Wide corridors stretched before her, designed to accommodate the armoured knights and paladins, who strode confidently by. The cold steel walls, illuminated by harsh fluorescent lights revealing a hive of activity. People moved with purpose everywhere she looked: mechanics in grease-smeared jumpsuits, scribes armed with clipboards, while initiates recorded crates of supplies with furrowed brows.
The air smelt of metal and fuel, the sounds of clanging metal and the buzz of tools ringing in her ears as Danse led her through a maze of passageways, his authoritative presence cutting through the chaos. He introduced her to various members of the crew. Proctor Quinlan greeted her warmly, before turning his attention back to a schematic before him. They found Proctor Ingram in the engineering bay, surrounded by a haze of welding sparks as she worked on a half-assembled suit. Ella couldn't help but stare at the towering rows of power armour, their imposing presence making her feel small and insignificant when Ingram caught her looking.
"Impressive aren't they" she stated, her face covered in grit and dirt "If you fancy one I'm afraid it's gonna be a hell of a wait. Materials are running low, and I've got a backlog of repairs as long as–"
"Actually Proctor, my initiate hasn't decided on her path yet" Danse interjected, his tone firm but respectful.
Ingram's brows shot up. "Fair enough," she said, sounding bemused "If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me."
With time ticking away, they continued the tour. Passing the hangar, the armoury and various rooms utilised for training when they stopped at a door at the end of a hallway.
"This is it" Danse announced, opening the door "Home sweet home."
Ella stepped inside. The room was small, basic and functional, designed with military efficiency. A single, narrow bed covered in thin grey bedding was pushed against the wall, a metal locker, stood at the end of the bunk, providing space for her belongings. A door led to an adjacent bathroom, just a toilet, a sink and a small mirror that held a few essential items; a cup, a toothbrush, a towel and a bar of soap.
"It isn't much" Danse admitted "but it's somewhere to rest your head at night. There's a shared shower block down the hall. I suggest you use it while you can. There's a uniform in your locker to change into, I'll wait nearby until you're done."
"Thank you."
With a nod, he left her to it. Gathering the supplies, she headed for the shower block, grateful to find it empty. Entering a stall, she let the water run over her, washing away the grime and dirt as recent events - her father, the raiders, the ghouls – swirled in her mind. She shook her head, refusing the memories to take hold. Now wasn't the time.
Emerging from the stall, she pulled on the black one-piece Danse instructed she wear. The material tight and unfamiliar against her skin, unlike her loose, dirt-stained clothes on the farm. Tying her hair back, she caught sight of her reflection, surprised by how different she looked. The uniform was sleek and durable designed for both protection and mobility. She could feel additional support across her arms, chest and knees. The Brotherhood's emblem sat proudly upon her right arm, a high collar offering protection around her neck. She looked like a soldier, not the farmer's daughter she had been.
"Have I got this on, right?" she asked, stepping out to meet Danse "I couldn't figure out what all these clips are for?"
Danse leaned against the wall, fighting slight amusement as she pointed to the various clips and claws that adorned her uniform.
"Don't worry about them, that's for later" he told her "Follow me. You don't want to be late."
As they continued through the steel labyrinth, Ella concluded she would never find her way around when a familiar face stopped her.
"Ella!" Haylen beamed "I'm so glad you decided to join us," she said warmly, casting her eyes over her "The uniform suits you."
"Um, thanks."
"Oh man are you on your way to the address?" Ryan, standing nearby, asked, "Mine wasn't long, but man, it felt like the most important moment of my life."
Ella's stomach twisted with nerves. Her face must have given her away as Danse stepped forward.
"All right you two" he interrupted "Back to your posts. We've got work to do."
They headed on their way, passing Rhys, who scowled in disgust at the sight of her in uniform. Ella's stomach fluttered nervously as they reached the command deck. The sight of the other anxious initiates doing nothing to comfort her.
"Make sure you pay attention in there. Maxson wishes to speak to you after the address so don't leave afterwards" Danse instructed "When you speak to him, address him as Sir or Elder and be sure to look him in the eye. I'll be in the mess hall when you're done."
"Wait – you're not coming with me?!"
Danse shook his head; "This is just for initiates" he told her "Good luck."
With that, he turned, his heavy footsteps echoing down the corridor, leaving her alone.
XXX
Ella stood in formation with the other initiates. The air thick with nervous anticipation as they waited. The room was dimly lit, shadows creeping in from the large observation window as evening fell.
The sound of heavy boots approached, drawing everyone's attention. Each step was a drumbeat, pounding in time with Ella's heart. The sound grew louder, closer until Elder Maxson appeared. He was tall and imposing, his presence commanding respect without a word. Muscular and broad, his physique was a testament to his rigorous training. A large, jagged scar ran down the side of his face. His stern features were framed by short dark brown hair and a neatly trimmed beard.
Maxson stopped before the assembled initiates, his posture straight and unyielding as his piercing gaze swept across the room. A palpable awe filled the room as Maxson began to speak,
his voice strong and clear.
"Brothers and sisters, the road behind has been long and fraught with difficulty. Each and every one of you has surpassed my expectations by rapidly facilitating our arrival in the Commonwealth. You have accomplished this amazing feat without a hint of purpose or direction. And most impressively, without question. Now that the ship is in position, it is time to reveal our purpose."
Ella listened quietly, feeling the weight of Maxon's words. His tone was unwavering, filled with conviction and determination as he continued.
"Beneath the Commonwealth, there is a cancer known as the Institute. A malignant growth that needs to be cut before it infects the surface. They are experimenting with dangerous technologies that could prove to be the world's undoing for the second time in recent history."
Stopping before her, Maxson locked eyes with Ella for a brief moment, freezing her in place. His gaze was intense, searing right through before he continued.
"The Institute's scientists have created a weapon that transcends the destructive nature of the atom bomb. They call their creation 'the Synth.' A robotic abomination of technology that is free-thinking and masquerades as a human being. This notion that a machine could be granted free will is not only offensive but horribly dangerous. And like the atom, if it is not harnessed properly, it has the potential of rendering us extinct as a species. I am not prepared to allow the Institute to continue this line of experimentation. Therefore, the Institute and their Synths are considered enemies of the Brotherhood of Steel and should be dealt with swiftly and mercilessly. This campaign will be costly. And many lives will be lost. But in the end, we will be saving humankind from its worst enemy... itself. Ad Victoriam!"
Cheers erupted, cries of loyalty and unity ringing out as the enormity of her new role pressed down on her. She was now part of a force dedicated to saving the commonwealth but what would her role within it be? Danse had assured her that she didn't have to be a soldier, yet she feared that Maxson might.
Her nerves skyrocketed as the initiates slowly began to file out of the room, leaving them alone. Maxson stood with his back to her, looking out over the Commonwealth below. The silence stretched, her uncertainty growing with each passing second. Finally, he turned to face her, his expression softer but no less serious. His piercing blue eyes bore into hers, assessing, measuring. Her heart pounded in her chest as she waited for him to speak. The weight of the Brotherhood's mission, and her place within it, hanging heavily in the air between them.
"I take it you're the recruit Paladin Danse has requested to take in" he stated firmly.
"Y-yes Sir."
"I've read his report. He seems to think you could be a benefit to the Brotherhood. I, on the other hand, have doubts."
Ella swallowed nervously, forcing herself to hold his gaze as he looked her over.
"You seem unprepared and unsuited to this life. You have no combat experience and seemingly, no survival skills. This concerns me. I need to know every member of the Brotherhood is an asset. That they have what it takes to not only survive but excel." He stated, fixing her with a hard stare "So tell me, why are you here?"
"My home was attacked" she choked, barely able to get the words out "I lost everything.… I didn't know what to do. I was lost, wandering aimlessly when I came across Haylen."
His face softened slightly "I see" he paused, then continued "I heard what happened with Haylen. Putting yourself on the line like that, was brave. It is exactly the kind of spirit we need in our ranks."
Ella's eyes widened, hope flickering in her chest.
"Seeing as he is one of my most respected field officers, I will trust Danse's judgment," Maxson confirmed "Therefore, I am granting you the position of Initiate, with Danse's sponsorship. But you have a lot of work to do to prove your worth here."
Relief washed over her. "Of course. Thank you, Sir, I won't let you down."
"Welcome to the Brotherhood initiate. Make us proud."
XXX
The mess hall was difficult to find, but Danse wasn't. Standing two feet higher than everyone else in his armour, his presence tall and commanding as he awaited her.
"There you are" he greeted her "I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to make it back. How did it go with Elder Maxson?"
"He's…intense" she breathed "I thought he was going to throw me out back there."
"Elder Maxson is understandably particular when it comes to new recruits. It's his job to scrutinise every person who wishes to join our ranks. Not only for our benefit – but for theirs too."
Ella frowned, was that what Maxson was doing? She thought he'd been measuring her to see if she was good enough for the brotherhood, an asset to them and their cause. It hadn't occurred to her that maybe, he'd been deliberating whether they were right for her.
"I'm in over my head" she admitted quietly "I'm not cut out to be a soldier."
Danse looked at her, his stern face softening slightly. "You're here because you have something to offer. The Brotherhood is more than just soldiers. It's about dedication, unity, and doing what's necessary to safeguard humanity. Your role, whatever it may be, is vital to that."
His words reassured her. The pressure in her chest lessening slightly.
"He mentioned something about you being my sponsor. What does that mean?"
"Maxson believes to keep the brotherhood strong, we have to bond as brothers" Danse replied "As your sponsor it's my duty to teach you everything I know. To make sure you have what it takes and ensure our ideals are being observed. Not to put a too finer point on it but, if you screw up…we go down together."
Ella stared at him. The reality of the situation setting in; "No pressure then."
Danse shook his head "I wouldn't have offered to take you on if I didn't believe you have what it takes" he said firmly "but enough of that for now. Let's get you something to eat."
Ella's stomach rumbled. With everything that had happened, she hadn't realised how hungry she was. They approached the serving counter, a disgruntled cook standing behind it as an unpleasant smell filled her nose.
"This is Gary, the ship's cook" Danse introduced "Gary, this is our newest initiate."
Gary greeted her with a grunt, offering nothing more as Danse continued "You can pick anything from the counter" he said, gesturing to the food before them. "It's first come first served, so if there's something you want be sure to get here early."
Ella looked at the sea of colourless, bland, vegetables before her. Desperately fighting the urge to wrinkle her nose so as not to offend Gary. The carrots were pale and shrivelled, the peas mushy and dull, and the potatoes grey and unappetising —nothing like the plump, vibrant crops from her farm.
"Or Gary can fix you something from the day's specials – if there is any" Danse added, pointing to the board displaying the options above them. Ella's eyes widening in horror as she read the words 'squirrel on a stick.'
"Um, no, thank you" she replied quickly. Too quickly "I'm not hungry."
"Nonsense" Danse insisted "You'll need your strength."
Ella thought of the homemade soups and hearty stews of home as Gary topped her plate with wet sad veggies. Noting Dase opted against the squirrel as he ordered his own meal. Guiding her to a table, he exited his power armour. He looked less intimidating out of it, but still, as striking in an orange flight suit that hugged his strong, muscular physique, a testament to years of vigorous training and battles.
"The food's not too bad" he said gently, sensing her hesitation as he sat down, "Well as long as you don't smell it first."
Ella smiled softly as Danse popped a piece of meat into his mouth. His face betraying the taste as he forced it down. "Today's been a big day for you. How are you feeling?"
"It's a lot to take in" she admitted "If it wasn't for you, I'd still be out in the wasteland – or dead."
Danse shook his head brushing her off, "I was just doing my job. It's what we do."
"Still," Ella said, meeting his gaze "thank you."
"I'm not going to lie to you. The days ahead will be hard. It'll take some time to adjust" he said firmly "but I'm willing to give you all if you're willing to do the same."
"I am" she replied earnestly "I promise I'll do my best."
Danse nodded in approval. "Good. Now, once you're finished, I recommend you get some rest. We start first thing tomorrow."
AN:
Hello, just checking in to see how people feel about the length of this chapter? Too long? Just right? I ask as I have a few more sat ready to go but I feel like this is gonna be a long story - is that a good thing? Hopefully, it is haha.
Anyway, hope y'all enjoying, have a good weekend!