Pausing as he took a breath, Adam took in the new world around him. The sand of the beach shifted below his feet as he narrowed his gaze toward the forest to the east. All around him, he could hear his fellow White Fang members hauling supplies off their ships. The small fleet of ships, both air and sea-based, had carried several hundred members of the White Fang to the northwest coast of the Wasteland. It will be his responsibility to ensure their safety and lead them in the creation of a new colony, the start of a new Kingdom.
"Sir," One of his brothers called out.
Adam turned, looking out at a lizard Faunus with a short horn on the bridge of their nose.
"Yes Brandon, what is your report?" Adam inquired.
"It will take five hours to unload everything, but the ATVs are ready for use," Brandon reported.
"Good, organize our Scouts into teams of six and have them investigate the surrounding area. I want all present wildlife, terrain, and possible dangers listed." Adam instructed.
"It will be done," Brandon responded before walking off.
Adam took another look around the coast, noting points of elevation and possible sources of water. He turned back to the gathered White Fang and whistled to get their attention. "Once the airships have been emptied, park them on the empty stretch just past the beach, they will mark the center of our camp. Have the ships anchored near shore, but within reach of the camp." He shouted as many of the White Fang nodded. He then turned to a small group of White Fang soldiers; "I want a defensive ring and patrols organized before night falls, once the scouts are finished with their investigation I want all the information to be shared in case there is a threat nearby." He said. As the small group nodded and moved out to spread the word he turned back to the forest.
The light roar of the ATVs echoed out as Adam's gaze narrowed.
He would make this work, create a nation to rival the greatest Kingdoms.
Data washed over him, sounds and images flashing through his mind only to be left behind for the next set. He had learned much since his escape, a new world of opportunities now stood within his grasp.
If only the people of this world could see it.
Minstral, a den of corruption filled with incompetence and power-hungry criminals.
Atlas, the most technologically advanced nation, sitting on a high horse with little intention of helping anyone but themselves.
Vale, a mirror of Pre-War America, blind to the growing dangers around them.
Vacuo, a husk of its former self, having been picked clean by the other nations around it.
Not to mention the changes in the Wasteland proper: the presence of two nations on the East Coast, the reformation of the NCR, and This... Legio Unum.
And the STN, A loose collection of tribes and communities who swore loyalty to Vegas for protection and trade.
Ah... Vegas, his stolen jewel.
Courier Six, his most trusted worker, stole his city.
He let the Followers scour through his data files, led an effort to reform the NCR and her policies, and headed the restoration of the whole city and her industries.
Six stole his work and made it his own.
He would have applauded Six's effort if it wasn't for the gapping wound left by his betrayal.
He could see that humanity was improving, yet not at the rate it could be.
Now the game had changed, the Wasteland now shared the world with another.
House's introspection was then interrupted as static took his "Vision."
The sea of black and grey soon dispersed and House found himself face to face with Six. The man was seated calmly with a table set between the two of them.
"Hello Robert," Six spoke as he held a revolver in one hand.
"Hello Six... I should be surprised that it took you this long to drag me back." House replied.
"Ah... I've been rather busy for the last few days Robert, took us this long but now you're here," Six said as he stood up.
"Us?" House inquired. House moved his current shell around, the stripped-down Securitron turning with great effort. He was not in the Lucky Thirty-Eight or Vegas; he was in some sort of lab. "Hmm, The Big Empty. I had heard of this place a long time ago," House commented. Six shook his head as he approached House. "So, what is it you wish? I know you have no desire to kill me," House said.
"Robert... You've seen the outside world haven't you?" Six asked.
"Indeed," House replied.
"What do you think of it, both the Wasteland and Remnant?" Six asked.
"You wish for me to judge your work, the work you stole from me?" House inquired with anger in his voice.
"Maybe, or maybe I want you to see something your plans were missing." Six retorted.
House paused with the robotic limb of the Securitron half raised.
"You saw my work, saw how I made Vegas flourish greater than before, you also saw the alliance created by the nations of the Wasteland." Six explained.
"Yes, I did see those, good work with the NCR by the way," House complimented.
Six let out a short laugh; 'Yeah, Redhawk has been hard at work since Kimbal died," Six responded.
"Still, you wish for us to work together, after what you did to me?" House inquired as the limb of the Securitron stopped just short of Six's neck.
"I know for a fact you see a new opportunity with the merge of the Wasteland and Remnant, all that squandered potential in the kingdoms." Six said.
"Oh... Six, you are a snake you know that." House said.
"I have my moments Robert." Six replied.
"Still, what makes you think I would ever work with you again?" House inquired.
"I have the plan written up, Give it a read," Six said as he handed a set of documents to House, his camera scanning the details on each page.
"What of Vegas?" House asked as he lowered the documents.
"Vegas is still rebuilding Robert. You can play a part in it if you accept working with others rather than controlling it all on your own," Six offered.
"You wish to reestablish Robco and create a long series of contracts that benefit the Wasteland and her alliance while maintaining peace with these... Kingdoms?" House questioned.
"For a start, I sent word to both Nate and Mary and they're willing to give you a chance so long as you don't try to betray me." Six explained.
"How ironic, speculating on betrayal," House commented.
"House... I know that you despise me for what I did to you, but the STN exists to advance humanity as a whole, the same goal that you espoused," Six explained. "Look around; the Big Empty is being used to advance medicine, agriculture, and industry, all thanks to the Followers of the Apocalypse and the many others." six said.
House remained silent before the arms of the Securitron fell back to its sides. "Fine... you have your deal Six, but know this... One day I will be in control of Vegas once more, it won't be through a coup or a betrayal, but through the very people of the city," House said.
"I can live with that Robert, now come on there's a meeting in less than an hour." Six said as he began to leave the room.
House followed after him, plans already forming in his mind.
Marrow took cautious steps as he made his way through the Airship. He had the misfortune of being placed on one of the ROC Airships due to spacing issues, though he wasn't the only one.
Still, the sudden shift from the blank, white, and sterile air of that Brotherhood Hospital to the pragmatic grime of the ROC Airship was most jarring. It was just another case of Faunus Senses betraying him.
He barely did much while on the ship, he wasn't a soldier of the ROC, just a passenger.
He had been briefed by Wilhelm before they had left, so he knew that there was no bad blood between the Kingdoms and The Wasteland.
Marrow was then pulled from his musing as he felt his body collide with a wall of flesh. The sudden collision sent him to the floor, a groan of pain was let out as he looked up to see what he had walked into. It was tall, and extremely muscular, with a large metal object strapped to its back.
"Excuse me?" The large figure asked with a graveled voice.
"Ah... sorry I wasn't looking where I was going," Marrow quickly apologized as the figure extended their hand to help him up.
"It is... Alright, I don't think we have met before." The figure said.
"Uh, yeah, my name is Marrow." Marrow said as he now stood on his own two feet.
"My name is Fawkes. You are one of the people from Atlas, correct?" Fawkes asked.
"Yes," Marrow said.
"It is nice to meet you, I remember the looks many of the people from Atlas gave me when the meeting was held," Fawkes said.
"Uh... I," Marrow stammered, not knowing how to respond to Fawkes.
"It is not an issue, I have been given far worse looks by others," Fawkes said.
"Still, you were at the meeting?" Marrow asked a small bitter feeling welling in his throat at the reminder of his team's failure.
"Yes, we spent over five days debating trade and policy," Fawkes said.
"Seems nice," Marrow replied.
"Not completely, but the meeting achieved a form of peace between the Wasteland and the Kigndoms," Fawkes continued.
"I see," Marrow trailed off as Fawkes began to walk away. "Hey, where are you going?" Marrow asked as he began following the large super mutant.
"There is a meeting on the bridge if you need to, the canteen is a brief walk to your left," Fawkes said while pointing to the hall on the left.
"Alright, I'll see you again," Marrow said as he watched Fawkes continue to their destination. He knew he couldn't push the issue; he was still just a guest on the ship.
Cinder trudged through the back alleys and passages of Vale, her eyes sharp as she caught sight of her destination. Junior's bar, the lights off with no guards visible on the outside. She had a new mission, one to ensure that she could pull off her plan without any issue.
Especially since everything had changed.
Over the last few weeks, this new world has thrown her entire plan off.
The White Fang had pulled out of the Kingdoms, people from this Wasteland were now moving to and fro between the continents, and because of that Brother's damned historian Mercury kept rambling in his sleep.
When she sent word back to her Mistress, her only instruction was to stand by as reinforcements were on their way. She hoped that those reinforcements would be Hazel, she would rather fry Watts like the rat he was and the less said about Tyrion the better.
But for now, she had to remind those in Vale's underworld that she was still in charge.
Marching with authority, she strode into Junior's bar, the large doors proved little challenge as she pushed it open without needing any of her magic. She could hear the panicked steps of Junior's men as she strode directly into the main lobby of the bar. She could see both Junior and Roman were at the bar, the former suppressing a scowl while the latter gave her a frown. She could also see a large crate with an increasing number of goons putting themselves between herself and its contents.
"You could have knocked," Junior said as Cinder took the stool near Roman.
Cinder only glared at the info broker before she tapped the bar. "So Roman, what is so important that you would rather waste your time here rather than do the job I am paying you for?" Cinder inquired, her eyes letting off a faint glow.
"The times are changing Cinder. You can't provide the manpower to rob Dust shipments anymore," Roman replied.
"It is only a small delay, you will continue to do your job as I instructed." Cinder sneered as she leaned closer.
"I hope I'm not interrupting, but you should know what you just marched into." Another voice spoke up.
Cinder turned and glared at the new voice. It was someone dressed like a stereotypical gangster with a fedora and a grey dress coat worn over a white top and black slacks held up by suspenders. She could see many others in similar garb sitting down amongst several tables alongside several men in more punkish attire. She could recognize the punkish men as Miss Malachite's men, but what they were doing outside of Minstral she couldn't say. The Gangsters though, she couldn't place any form of allegiance that she recognized.
If they choose to fight her, she could deal with them all.
"Who would you be?" Cinder inquired.
"Who we are is none of your business, but you should leave," the man said. Cinder narrowed her eyes at him before they traveled to the rest of the group. She could see many of the Malachite men and gangsters were ready to pull out their weapons.
"You should follow their advice," Junior spoke up.
Cinder turned her glare back to him before she looked back at the gathered patrons. "Roman, you have two days before I expect you to continue with your job," She said before she channeled her magic into her arm. With one touch a mass of heat traveled to one of the glass pillars on the dance, violently warping it. She looked back too the crowd of criminals, some had stepped back while others now had their guns raised at her. "My business here has been concluded, good day," She said with barely concealed annoyance.
She could see them glare at her, but she knew they were helpless if they tried to fight her.
