Author's Note: Before anybody sends me messages about this, I am fully aware that gojiratoho25 has already done a battle similar to this in his own "GT25's Versus Series" where he pitted Brotherhood Paladins against the Nimbus Commando from the "Star Wars: Republic" series of comic books. I had this battle in mind before he ever even posted that, so at least he didn't use the exact same character as me, for which I am grateful. I actually sought his help out with this battle and was inspired to make a few changes in my original weapons line up after conferring with him. A special thanks goes out to him for his assistance.
And once again, a special thanks as always goes out toe Poseidon Productions for his assistance and beta reading.
Now on with the story!
XXXXXX
(A figure is shown clad in bulky gray power armor pointing a laser rifle at the screen. On the armor's breast plate is the insignia of a sword surrounded by wings and gears.)
Brotherhood of Steel: The neo-knightly warriors of the wastelands dedicated to the collection and preservation of pre-War knowledge and technology...
(Brotherhood paladins are shown tearing through a raider encampment, reducing their foes to ashes with blasts from their laser rifles.)
vs.
(A man in a tan colored long coat with green patches, matching pants, brown boots, and a boxy hat points a heavy blaster pistol at the screen.)
Rebel Alliance: The far-reaching alliance that fought to break the Galactic Empire's iron grip and make the galaxy a safer place to live.
(A trio of Rebel soldiers exchange gunfire with Imperial Stormtroopers during the Battle of Endor, one of them pulling out a thermal detonator and chucking it into an Imperial gun nest and blowing them all to pieces.)
WHO IS DEADLIEST?!
To find out, we've assembled a team of world class fighters to test history's most lethal weapons. Using 21st century science, we'll see what happens when two warriors go toe to toe.
No rules. No safety. No mercy. It's a duel to the death to decide who is...THE FICTIONAL DEADLIEST WARRIOR!
Here in our elite fight club we have gathered doctors, medical scientists and weapons experts to test out the lethal arsenals wielded by each of our combatants to determine who would win a fight between two warriors who never met in a face to face duel:
Brotherhood of Steel
Appearing From: Fallout expanded universe
Known Bases: Lost Hills, The Citadel, The Prydwen
Enemies: The Enclave, New California Republic, The Institute
Armor: T-45d Power Armor
Rebel Alliance
Appearing From: Star Wars expanded universe
Known Bases: Yavin IV, Hoth, Rebel Fleet
Enemies: Galactic Empire, Pirates
Armor: None
"For the first time, we will be having a battle where laser weapons are featured in a space age conflict. Today it's the Brotherhood of Steel from the "Fallout" universe going up against the Alliance to Restore the Republic, better known as the Rebel Alliance," biomedical scientist Bradley Foster started.
"We've got futuristic technology that can punch through power armor and dissolve an enemy into nothing within seconds. How cool is that going to be?" computer expert Eddie Cortez chimed in.
"With the Brotherhood, you have warriors forged in a post-apocalyptic environment. They have to be tough when they are taking on a land ravaged by nuclear radiation and the number of horrors born from the fallout, especially super mutants and freaking deathclaws! The Alliance on the other hand, has troops who are accustomed to fighting in a number of different environments, facing down armored enemies and hostile creatures of all shapes and sizes. These guys are tough, both mentally and physically, and they are unlikely to run at the first sign of danger," trauma doctor Joseph Kaiser concluded.
The camera cuts to a rugged-looking bearded man with short dark-hair worn in an undercut and a noticeable scar beneath his right eye. He is wearing a heavy padded coat with the Brotherhood insignia on its right shoulder and a black officer's uniform underneath. He picks up a laser rifle and looks it over before pointing it at the camera.
Up first to represent the Brotherhood of Steel will be Arthur Maxson.
A descendant of the Maxson bloodline which founded the Brotherhood, Arthur worked his way up from a Squire to eventually become the Elder of the East Coast chapter. He knows first hand the history of the Brotherhood and its role in the post-apocalyptic world.
"The Brotherhood is on a mission to rebuild civilization and we will go through whoever stands in our way to do so," he confidently proclaimed.
Nearby stands an older African-American woman with her gray hair worn in a military style buzz cut. She is wearing the standard-issue T-45d power armor and checks over a laser pistol before pointing it at a nearby target.
Also representing the Brotherhood will be Star Paladin Cross.
A high-ranking member of the East Coast Brotherhood chapter, Cross served as a bodyguard and trusted advisor to former Elder Owyn Lyons, as well as taking an active role in the Brotherhood's conflict against a resurgent Enclave in the Capital Wasteland. With decades of experience under her belt, she is an expert on their weapons and tactics.
"The Brotherhood is an elite fighting force with experience fighting against numerous factions and other hazards the wastes have to offer. The Rebel Alliance shall suffer the same fate as those before them," she nodded.
The origins of what would become the Brotherhood of Steel can be traced back to shortly after the Great War left the world in ruins and the former United States a radioactive wasteland. A group of soldiers led by Army Captain Roger Maxson made their way from the Mariposa Military Base to a government fallout shelter called Lost Hills. As the Brotherhood's first High Elder, Maxson sought to use his group's new found resources to help rebuild civilization.
"It wasn't long before the Brotherhood was extending its influence into the surrounding areas and quickly becoming one of the major powers on the west coast. Anybody who rose up against us whether it was the super mutants or the Vipers was quickly put down," Elder Maxson explained.
The Brotherhood would eventually expand their reach into the Midwest and the East Coast, the latter of which would see them becoming involved in a conflict with the resurgent Enclave and years later, fighting a new threat known as the Institute.
"The Brotherhood has held firm since our inception. We have the knowledge. We have the technology. We have the will. The Rebel Alliance will fall in the end," Elder Maxson concluded.
The Brotherhood of Steel faces down the threats of the battle-torn American landscape with some deadly tech used by their pre-War counterparts:
Short Range: AER9 Laser Gun
Mid-Range: AER9 Laser Rifle
Long Range: Gauss Rifle
Explosive: Plasma Grenade
Special Weapon: Ripper
Today, the Brotherhood will find themselves pitted against an equally determined adversary, one hailing from a galaxy far, far away...
The camera cuts to a woman with her long brunette hair styled in a braid and wearing a brown top with a tan undershirt and white pants. She checks over the DL-44 heavy blaster pistol before looking to the camera.
Representing the Rebel Alliance is Leia Organa.
Originally a princess from the planet Alderaan and member of the Imperial Senate, she would become a spy for the Rebel Alliance. Following her capture at the hands of the Sith lord Darth Vader, her home planet was soon destroyed and she would partake in a great campaign against the Galactic Empire, becoming one of the Alliance's most prominent generals.
"The Rebel Alliance fights to make the galaxy a safer place to live. We fight with a force and sense of conviction this Brotherhood of Steel would never comprehend," Leia explained.
The camera then cuts to a dark-haired man in a brown leather jacket and matching pants, looking over a blaster rifle before pointing it at the camera.
Also representing the Rebels is Wedge Antilles.
A former member of the Imperial Navy who later defected to the rebellion, Wedge would participate in several prominent battles against Imperial forces, including being one of only two surviving pilots following the costly Battle of Yavin. He would later go on to found the elite starfighter unit Rogue Squadron along with the battle's only other survivor, Luke Skywalker.
"Our forces have a proven track record of taking down enemies with superior numbers and firepower. These Brotherhood fellows think having power armor can help them beat us? They're in for a rude awakening," he confidently proclaimed.
The Alliance to Restore the Republic was a loose alliance formed in direct military opposition to the oppressive Galactic Empire. It was originally founded by Loyalists united under Galen Marek to preserve the ideals of the Galactic Republic, coming together under the Corellian Treaty and formally declaring war against the Empire.
"We knew right away what we were getting into when going against the Empire. We had fewer troops and resources, yet we had the dedicated soldiers and the brilliant commanders that served us well," Leia explained.
After some early struggles, the Alliance found its first major victory at Toprawa and would deal a massive blow to the Empire following a pyrrhic victory at the Battle of Yavin. Following the deaths of Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader during the Battle of Endor, the Alliance would finally realize its goal of reviving the Old Republic.
"We had the strong will to fight and an undying hope in our rebellion and because of that we succeeded in defeating the Empire and restoring liberty to the galaxy while the Brotherhood struggles against pitiful raiders and mutants. I have faith the outcome will be no different in this battle we are undertaking now," Leia concluded.
The Rebel forces carry into battle a deadly assortment of plasma powered firearms that can cut through the strongest armor of the Imperial forces:
Short Range: DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol
Mid-Range: DH-17 Blaster Rifle
Long Range: E-17d Sniper Rifle
Explosive: Thermal Detonator
Special Weapon: Vibro-Dagger
We start things out with short range weapons. When the Brotherhood of Steel faced down the threats of the wasteland, they relied upon a trusted sidearm of the Great War, the AER9 laser pistol.
(A Brotherhood paladin fires his laser pistol upon a raider charging at him, the red beam striking the man head on and leaving him glowing before he dissolves into a pile of ash.)
AER9 Laser Gun
Weight: 3.9 lbs.
Length: 12 in.
Cartridge: Fusion Cell
Capacity: 30 Shots
"The AER9 was a commonly used pistol before the Great War thanks in part to its sturdiness and reliability. It is the official sidearm of the East Coast Brotherhood," Cross explained showing off the pistol for the panelists.
"We've never seen energy weapons tested on here before and want to see what they would do to targets that simulate human adversaries," Bradley explained while motioning towards the shooting range behind him, "We have 5 targets set up, representing a group of charging raiders. We have 2 wooden targets, 2 ballistic gel torsos that simulate the effects of laser fire on human tissue, and lastly a bovine slab as the 'leader' of the pack. You have one fusion cell Cross, let's make it count."
"I will not fail you," Cross replied getting into position.
"Alright Cross, on 3...2...1, cut 'em down!" Bradley shouted.
Cross took aim and fired upon the two wooden targets, her shots burning holes through the surface. She then set her sights on the two ballistic gel torsos and fired shots that left blackened holes behind in their chests and stomachs before she focused last on the bovine slab and fired a shot into its center, the slab glowing briefly before it was disintegrated into a pile of ash.
"Holy shit!" Bradley and Eddie called out in unison.
Dr. Kaiser too found himself surprised by the display, but quickly composed himself and made his way over to assess the damage done to the ballistic gel targets.
"You cut through the flesh of both these targets and left burning holes in their internal organs beneath. That's going to be a very painful death for both these guys," he explained before making his way over to the still smoldering heap of ash that was once the bovine slab, yet remained reluctant to get too close.
"There is really nothing to discuss here," he said kneeling from a safe distance to observe the pile, "This man is ash. He's done!"
"That's quite a devastating sight to behold. You're not feeling intimidated are you, Leia?" Eddie asked Leia.
"Not at all," the former princess smiled while pulling out a laser pistol of her own, "We have our own pistol that can punch through that power armor the Brotherhood seems to be so fond of."
Answering the Brotherhood's challenge is a heavy blaster pistol popular with Rebel forces, the DL-44.
(A Rebel soldier darts through a narrow hallway to escape two pursuing Imperial Stormtroopers before turning a corner and firing, dropping them both with shots to the chests.)
DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol
Weight: 2.87 lbs.
Length: 12.3 in.
Cartridge: Plasma Power Pack
Capacity: 50 Shots
"This pistol fires bolts of plasma, or 'blaster bolts,' that can punch through a Stormtrooper's armor with ease. It's reliable, highly modifiable, and it still makes a heavy punch without losing accuracy," Leia explained.
"It's the same test for you, Leia. In addition, since you like to boast of how this gun can punch through armor, your last target will instead by a ballistic gel target outfitted in the torso from a suit of T45-d power armor," Bradley explained.
"Gladly," Leia smiled while taking her position.
"Alright Leia, on 3...2...1, open fire!"
Leia took aim and peppered both wooden targets with several shots from her blaster pistol before focusing her sights on the two unarmored ballistic gel targets, firing blaster bolts that left a trio of noticeable charred holes in each. She then set her sights on the armored target at the end and fired a quartet of shots into the power armored chassis, smoking holes left after she lowered her pistol.
"How's that for intimidation?" Leia smirked.
Dr. Kaiser made his way over to assess the damage done to the targets, starting with the unarmored.
"I'm seeing some solid through and through shots with these guys, all shots either mortal wounds or instant kills," he said before making his way over to the armored target, "Oh man, this cuirass does nothing to protect the wearer. He takes one shot to the liver that is a mortal wound, and another that tore through and fried his aorta. He's dead."
"Would be like fighting your generic run-of-the-mill stormtroopers all over again," Wedge chuckled.
"Don't get too cocky. When you are up against the Brotherhood, you are up against soldiers expertly trained and hardened by years of battlefield experience, not some grunts off an assembly line," Elder Maxson stepped in.
Both laser pistols showed what they could do to their targets, but where do our panelists stand?
"After seeing what the DL-44 did to the Brotherhood power armor, I'm going with the DL-44," Bradley started.
"I wanted to like the AER9 because of its ability to disintegrate a target if it manages to hit that one critical shot, but that's next to impossible unless you are highly trained in the usage of this particular weapon, whereas the DL-44 has the extra rounds before its power pack needs to recharge and the ability to punch through the Brotherhood's power armor. Edge DL-44," Eddie seconded.
"I'm like both of you where I wanted to like the AER9, but my mind is changed after seeing the DL-44 in action. It has more power compared to most other laser pistols in the Rebel's universe. If it can punch through an Imperial Stormtrooper's Plastoid armor without a problem, then the power-armored Brotherhood paladins don't stand a chance," Dr. Kaiser concluded.
In short range weapons, the Rebel Alliance takes the edge with the DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol.
Coming up, it's a two-in-one test as both sides break out their trusted rifles to storm an enemy outpost.
And then later, things get explosive when both sides break out their trusted grenades.
XXXXXX
The battle is just getting warmed up as two futuristic warriors clash in a battle for supremacy. We've already seen the Rebel Alliance take an early advantage with their reliable DL-44 heavy blaster pistol, but our Brotherhood of Steel representatives are not deterred.
"The Brotherhood has endured all sorts of threats born from the nuclear fallout that enveloped our world centuries earlier. Be it human, mutant, ghoul or robot, we've always triumphed in the end," Elder Maxson proclaimed.
"These Brotherhood guys think they are tough, but the Rebel Alliance has endured more than they could ever imagine. The Enclave and the Institute are pathetic compared to the Empire," Wedge Antilles countered.
"For the first time ever on 'Fictional Deadliest Warrior,' we are going to be testing two weapons side by side as our combatants fight to overtake an enemy outpost," Bradley spoke.
When the Rebels needed to take down an enemy from afar, they relied upon a trusted, accurate killer to get them through the Galactic Civil War, the E-17d sniper rifle.
(A Rebel soldier positioned in a treetop sniper nest shoots down 2 patrolling Imperial Stormtroopers on the forest floor beneath him.)
E-17d Sniper Rifle
Weight: 17.64 lbs.
Length: 47.5 in.
Cartridge: Plasma Power Pack
Capacity: 5 Shots
To back up their long ranged counterparts, Rebel forces also stormed Empire fortifications with a trusted battle rifle, the DH-17 blaster rifle.
(A trio of Rebel soldiers are shown weaving through the corridor of an Imperial space ship, gunning down a number of defending Stormtroopers with their blaster rifles.
DH-17 Blaster Rifle
Weight: 6 lbs.
Length: 27 in.
Capacity: 50 Shots
Leia and Wedge stood together on the range before the panelists, the former princess holding a sniper rifle and the rebel pilot equipped with the blaster rifle.
"Here is the scenario. We have set up an enemy outpost with 3 roving guards outside, 1 camouflaged counter-sniper, and 4 enemies inside. Leia, you will be positioned on the ridge overlooking the outpost. Your objective is to take out the roving guards, followed by the counter-sniper. Once all outdoor targets are eliminated, Wedge, you will make your way inside and deal with the remaining targets," Bradley explained.
"Understood," Leia said before making her way up to the ridge while Wedge took a position behind some large rocks and waited with his blaster rifle at the ready. It didn't take long for Leia to find a strategic position and then sink to a prone position with her sniper rifle prepped.
"Alright Eddie, get the targets moving," Bradley ordered.
Eddie nodded and flipped a few switches, getting the three visible targets moving around on their mobile mounts.
"Leia, are you ready?" Bradley called out to the Rebel general, who flashed a thumbs up back.
"Wedge, are you ready?" he then called over to Wedge.
"Yes!" the pilot shouted back.
"Then on 3...2...1, Leia, take 'em down!" Brad called out.
The Rebel took aim with her sniper rifle and fired upon the target closest to Wedge, blowing a hole through its chest. She then took aim on the next target strafing the small building, firing a blast that went a little lower and caught it in the midsection. She then shifted her sights and fired a blast that went through its face.
With the roving targets eliminated, Leia switched her focus on trying to find the camouflaged counter-sniper, eventually finding a small disturbance on the hillside behind the outpost and firing a blast that only managed to tear up the ground nearby. Undeterred by her miss, she took a deep breath, adjusted her aim and fired her last shot, managing to strike the dummy in its shoulder.
"All outside guards down. Wedge, you're up!" Bradley shouted.
Wedge hefted his blaster rifle and kicked down the front door, and fired a full auto blast into the waiting first target. A second target appeared from around the corner, but was quickly cut down in another flurry. Switching on the blast rifle's select-fire mode he kicked down another door and shot down the target standing in front of the door with a blast to the chest. That left the outpost's "captain" in charge and Wedge finished it off with a shot to the chest before firing an extra shot into its face.
"Done!" Wedge called out.
"1 minute, 25 seconds! Good job," Bradley answered.
Dr. Kaiser made his way over to assess the damage done to the roving guard targets.
"All of these shots are perfect. You have nailed through and through holes with all of these targets. There is no way they are surviving this," he reported while poking around at the now cooled smoking holes, "Man, you're just frying this guy's insides," he added before making his way over to the nearby hillside to check on the counter-sniper target and lifting up the remnants.
"You just tore through this guy's shoulder. Judging by your placement, had this been an actual human, his arm would have been blown off and he'd bleed out within seconds," Dr. Kaiser explained before making his way inside the outpost to examine the targets within.
He approached the first target, its surface blackened from numerous blasts.
"I'm counting 1...2...3...4...5 shots, all point blank range with this guy," Dr. Kaiser commented before looking around to the back, "Oh man, I'm more squeamish looking at these than typical gunshots."
He made his way over to the second target, "I'm seeing the same thing here. This guy was just dropped in a flurry of burning plasma. You'd be needing body bags in the bulk."
He then made his way over to assess the last two targets, "This guy is dropped with a shot that tears right through his aorta and the 'captain' has a new hole where his right lung should have been. Then of course, there's your coup de grace," he concluded while lifting up the shreds that remained of the 'captain's' head.
"I noticed you were able to switch to different firing modes with that rifle after you took down the first two targets," Eddie commented while looking the blaster rifle over.
"This is a select-fire blaster. In a full scale battle, I can easily switch over to full auto mode and drop a bunch of enemies at once in a flurry. If I'm one-on-one and needing to conserve ammo, I can switch over to semi-auto mode and go for charged shots, especially effective against armored enemies," Wedge explained.
"Team Brotherhood, your thoughts?" Bradley asked.
"We are not intimidated. Our weapons pack the power and the accuracy we can drop you without getting sloppy like that," Elder Maxson answered.
Following the Rebel Alliance's showing, the Brotherhood prepares to return fire with a deadly two step punch of their own.
When the Brotherhood needs to take down an enemy from afar, they rely upon an advanced sniper rifle that can drop even the biggest, most well-armored fiend of the wastelands, the Gauss Rifle.
(A Brotherhood Paladin takes aim from afar at a patrolling Outcast before squeezing his Gauss Rifle's trigger and sending a magnetically accelerated projectile through the man's power-armored chest.)
Gauss Rifle
Weight: 12 lbs.
Length: 40.9 in.
Cartridge: Microfusion Cell
Capacity: 1 Shot
Backing up the deadly sniper rifle is a sturdy and reliable laser rifle that is battle tested and proven, the AER9 Laser Rifle.
(A Brotherhood Paladin is shown cutting down a super mutant following repeated blasts from his laser rifle.)
AER9 Laser Rifle
Weight: 8 lbs.
Length: 32.5 in.
Cartridge: Microfusion Cell
Capacity: 24 Shots
Elder Maxson and Star Paladin Cross stood before the panelists, the Elder equipped with the laser rifle and the Star Paladin carrying the Gauss Rifle.
"Alright Brotherhood, it's the same test and the time to beat is 1 minute and 25 seconds. Think you can pull it off?" Bradley asked.
"We stand ready at once," Cross replied.
"Very well. Take your positions and Eddie, get the outside targets moving," Bradley ordered and within seconds the roving targets were activated as Maxson and Cross took their respective positions.
"Cross, are you ready?" he called out to the veteran, who nodded back.
"Elder Maxson, are you ready?" he shouted to Arthur.
"Ready!" he called back.
"Then on 3...2...1, storm that outpost!"
Cross took aim from her perch and fired a round through the first outside target's chest, leaving a gaping hole behind larger than that produced by the Rebel's sniper rifle. However, she was immediately forced to reload after her first shot, ejecting her spent microfusion cell for one lying on the ground next to her. It did not take her long to reload and she was blowing the head clean off the second target before repeating the same motion and putting a small crater through the last roving target's chest.
With the roving guards eliminated, Cross shifted her focus on the nearby hill and took more time to scout the landscape for a small disturbance before she took aim and sent a round flying through the clump that was the counter-sniper's camouflage.
"All outside targets eliminated! Make entry, Elder Maxson!" Bradley shouted.
Elder Maxson booted the front door open and fired a blast into the chest of the first target before the second target rounded the corner, only to be met by two more shots, one to the chest and the other to the face. With his first two targets eliminated, he made his way forward and kicked down another door and then dropped another target with two shots to the chest before the 'captain' turned to face him, only to be met by two more shots to the chest before a third reduced him to a pile of ash.
"Done!" Elder Maxson called out.
"1 minute, 35 seconds," Bradley called back.
Dr. Kaiser made his way over to assess the damage done to the roving targets, starting with her first kill.
"This shot is just so damn deadly. Not only is it deadly accurate, but it's also so deadly powerful. That electromagnetic induction just speeds it up to the point you would feel like you're being hit by a miniature freight train," the good doctor commented before moving onto the other targets.
He made his way over to the stump that remained of the second target's head, "We're definitely not putting Humpty Dumpty back together again following this shot."
"Even in slow motion it's hard to tell where everything is," Bradley commented while observing the slow motion footage captured.
"It's the same case for this guy. So far, you are 3 for 3," Dr. Kaiser commented as he made his way over to the nearby hillside looking for the fallen counter-sniper, only to find a red splotch in the nest where it was stationed.
"Right through the top of this man's skull! No further words," he concluded.
"That's a plenty powerful and accurate rifle you've got there, but I have to address the elephant in the room being that you only have one shot before having to reload," Eddie commented.
"In the hands of a seasoned Paladin, all you require is one shot," Cross replied.
"And what if you miss? You're a sitting duck," Wedge replied.
"You have obviously never served alongside one in battle," Cross smirked.
Ignoring the exchange, Dr. Kaiser made his way inside and inspected the damage done to all the remaining targets.
"We have another picture perfect shot going through this guy's chest, dead before he hits the ground," he said walking further into the outpost, "It's the same with your second target, double tapped in two vital areas."
He made his way into the office and examined the third target, "Same as the last two," he said before looking towards the ash pile, "I can't even find your last guy," he sarcastically stated. "Altogether you are 4 for 4."
All weapons have shown off their differing abilities, but where do our panelists stand?
"Starting out with the long range weapons, I naturally felt inclined to give the edge to the E-17d because of its extra rounds, but the Gauss Rifle's deadly superior range and more powerful round thanks to it being a coil gun the operates on a microfusion cell leaves it able to hold its own. This is just too close and I'm calling it even," Bradley started out.
"I agree. Both rifles have their advantages that keep them on even footing, yet unable to bypass the other. I'm calling this even," Dr. Kaiser seconded.
"I'm with you both. The Gauss Rifle's power and acurracy keeps it from being completely curb stomped despite needing to be reloaded after every shot. You also have to keep in mind that this rifle is most likely used by Paladins who have already had years of battle experience under their belts and thus have the training and discipline to make that one shot count," Eddie concluded.
In long range weapons, our warriors are even.
"Moving on to their mid-ranged weapons, the AER9 has rapid semi-automatic action, a decent sized magazine and a fair effective range, yet the DH-17 has select-fire and the ability to charge its shots. You also have to take the extra rounds into account. Edge DH-17," Bradley started.
"More modes and more rounds, edge DH-17," Dr. Kaiser seconded.
"I'm with both of you on this, edge DH-17," Eddie concluded.
In mid-ranged weapons, the Rebel Alliance takes the edge with the DH-17 Blaster Rifle.
Coming up, things heat up when both warriors unveil their deadly explosives and then later, combat gets up close and personal when deadly futuristic blades are drawn.
XXXXXX
The time has now come for both warriors to unleash their explosives upon their new foes. When the Brotherhood forces needed to take down multiple enemies at once, they relied upon a futuristic grenade that could dissolve a living being into a pudde of goo, the Plasma Grenade.
(A Brotherhood Paladin pulls out a plasma grenade and chucks it into a small building filled with patrolling Enclave operatives, resulting in a blast that swallows all of the power-armored soldiers up in the enclosed space.)
Plasma Grenade
Weight: 8 oz.
Length: 6.5 in.
Blast Radius: 3 – 4 Meters
"This type of grenade is a magnetically-sealed plasma delivery unit that can create a large blast of super heated plasma upon detonation," Cross explained showing off a grenade to the panelists.
"Well then let's see just how effective it is," Bradley spoke before turning his attention to the range where a cluster of foam targets stood, "Here we have 6 enemy soldiers charging in formation. You have one grenade to take them all out."
"Consider it done," Cross said taking her spot.
"Alright Cross, on 3...2...1, take 'em down!"
Cross primed the grenade and chucked it into the approaching formation before rushing for cover behind the protective barriers. A brilliant explosion of glowing green light followed that sent chunks of foam flying into the air, a flash so bright the panelists had to be lucky they were wearing protective goggles.
When the blast cleared there were 3 puddles of glowing goo left behind, along with the chunks of the remaining targets scattered about the range.
"Damn, that was brutal!" Eddie commented.
"Indeed, nothing like you'd see from contemporary explosives," Bradley added.
Dr. Kaiser observed the aftermath from a safe distance and instead prodded the remnants of a target ripped in half with his shoe.
"Had this guy been a real person, he would have been missing everything beneath his sternum. No need to further elaborate," the doctor commented while walking past the severed head of another target and then observing the puddles of green goo.
"Damn...you just completely vaporized the guys who were at ground zero. It's quick and painless for them, but everybody else it will be a damn horrible way to go," the doctor concluded.
"It's a smaller blast radius compared to what we bring. I'd be more worried for your people," Leia commented as she reached into a side pack and produced a palm-sized spherical device.
Answering the Brotherhood's challenge, the Rebels respond with a lethal killer of their own, the Thermal Detonator.
(A Rebel soldier pulls out a thermal detonator and chucks it into a sniper nest filled with Stormtroopers, sending them flying in one deadly blast.)
Thermal Detonator
Weight: 14 oz.
Length: 4.5 in.
Blast Radius: 6 Meters
"This explosive is popular with many factions. It uses a thermite and buranium charge in a durasteel casing. It's surprisingly powerful for its small size and can only be turned off by whomever turns it on. Plus, it only goes off when activated, so it's very resistant and secure when carrying them around," Leia explained.
"Alright Leia, it's the same challenge for you. You have one detonator to prove your point," Bradley replied.
"Can do," Leia said getting into position.
"Then on 3...2...1, bring the pain!"
Leia pushed the red button and chucked the detonator into the enclosure, followed by an explosion that once again sent chunks of foam targets flying in all directions, the blast radius larger than before.
"Holy shit!" Bradley and Eddie called out in unison, while Cross and Elder Maxson looked unimpressed.
Dr. Kaiser made his way over to assess the damage once the smoke had cleared.
"These men are all blown to pieces. I hate to repeat myself from earlier, but there's no putting them back together. You are 6 for 6," he concluded.
Both explosives have demonstrated their killing potential, but where do our panelists stand?
"I'm giving this to the plasma grenade. While the thermal detonator has the larger blast radius, it relies upon shrapnel and the following shock wave to kill its target, whereas the plasma grenade can cause more damage with its plasma blast. It can vaporize a foe and effect those in the radius. Edge plasma grenade," Bradley started.
"I'm in agreement. The plasma blast delivers more damage, plus it has the greater psychological effect when you see your buddy turned to a steaming pile of goo. Edge plasma grenade," Dr. Kaiser seconded.
"I'm a third on this. I think the plasma grenade's superior damage outweighs the wider range of the thermal detonator," Eddie concluded.
In explosive weapons, the Brotherhood of Steel takes the edge with the Plasma Grenade.
Coming up, two flesh ripping blades are put to the test.
And then later, the Brotherhood of Steel and the Rebel Alliance, a new battle will be fought between two futuristic forces to determine who will become "The Fictional Deadliest Warrior!"
XXXXXX
The time has now come for both warriors to reveal their special weapons. Up first will be the Rebel Alliance wielding a deadly blade favored by many in the galaxy, the Vibro-Dagger.
(A Rebel soldier is shown fighting in close quarters with a Stormtrooper. The trooper knocks his blaster pistol away from him, yet the Rebel pulls out his vibro-dagger and cuts into a weak spot in the trooper's armor.)
Vibro-Dagger
Single-Edged
Weight: 2.2 lbs.
Blade Length: 8 in.
Overall Length: 14 in.
Material: Durasteel
"This blade uses an energy cell to create rapid vibrations, which increases its cutting ability enough to require little effort from the user. Even a glancing blow can turn into something huge and gruesome when you're hit by this bad boy," Wedge explained.
"Care to give us a demonstration?" Bradley asked motioning towards a suspended pig carcass.
"Gladly," Wedge smirked and took his position in front of the pig.
"Then on 3...2...1, carve 'em up!"
A low hum is heard before Wedge jams the blade into the pig's midsection and cuts downward, spilling out blood and strands of the pig's intestines. He then pulls the blade out and slices the pig's throat open before turning to walk away, only to suddenly spin around and toss his blade right into the pig's face.
"Nothing left to the imagination," Eddie commented.
"No kidding," Bradley added.
Dr. Kaiser made his way over to assess the damage done, starting by picking at the deep gash left in the pig's abdomen.
"You just tore into this guy like nothing and he's going to die a very slow, agonizing death as he struggles to hold his guts in...that's if he can even lift his hands to do so. Your slash to this man's throat cuts through the windpipe for another instant kill, the extra trauma added by your blade's vibrations. Lastly, your blade pierced this pig's eye and goes deep enough to connect with his brain for an instant kill," the good doctor reported.
"You seem to forget that Brotherhood ground troops are outfitted from head to toe in power armor. Your blade would never get past that," Elder Maxson added.
"Then let's put that to the test," Bradley said as Cross wheeled a ballistic gel torso into view that was outfitted in the torso and helmet of T-45d power armor worn by Brotherhood Paladins.
"Let 'em have it again, Wedge!" Bradley called out.
Wedge went for a slash that only managed to scrape against the metal surface. He wasn't deterred and drew back to go for a thrust at the center of the chest, yet nothing happened aside from the tip of his dagger being bent. He then backed up and threw the dagger against the armored torso, yet it just bounced off and clattered to the floor.
"Damn it," Wedge grunted.
"Well it did do something. It bent your dagger," Cross chuckled.
"Now if you'll excuse me, you're going to see a real weapon in action," Elder Maxson said drawing his own special weapon.
Answering the Alliance's challenge, the Brotherhood replies with their own murderous, flesh-ripping device of terror, the Ripper.
(A Brotherhood Paladin is attacked by a feral ghoul, yet he pushes the ravenous freak away and brings the Ripper down on its collarbone, slicing into his foe in a gory spectacle.)
Ripper
Jagged Blade
Weight: 2.75 lbs.
Blade Length: 9.5 in.
Overall Length: 17.8 in.
Material: Steel
"This is the Ripper," Elder Maxson explained holding up the weapon before pushing down a button and allowing the weapon to rev up in a show of intimidation, "It's essentially a weaponized chainsaw."
"Nice," Eddie said eying the weapon closely, much to the consternation of Dr. Kaiser.
"It's the same test for you, Elder Maxson. Show us what that can do," Bradley said motioning towards another pig carcass.
"Very well," Elder Maxson said getting into position and turning the Ripper on.
"On 3...2...1, cut 'em up!" Bradley shouted.
Maxson shoved the Ripper into the pig's midsection and blood would fly everywhere as the teeth cut through flesh and bone, pushing until the end was tearing through the carcass' back. He pulled the weapon out followed by a stream of blood gushing out before bringing it down onto the pig's neck and sawing through until it was severed.
"How's that for a demonstration?" the Elder chuckled.
"Goddamn!" Eddie shouted in amazement.
"Holy shit. I've never seen anything like these kinds of wounds from a chainsaw before," Dr. Kaiser said as he walked over to examine the aftermath. "There's no question this is a kill, but I can only imagine the kind of additional trauma inflicted by those moving teeth. They'd be dead within seconds."
"And the Rebels won't be wearing any armor, so consider yourselves screwed right there," Maxson said to Wedge and Leia, who only shrugged in disbelief.
"Well we still have other weapons that can get past your fancy power armor, so don't get too far ahead of yourself," Leia refuted.
Both blades showed off their deadly abilities, but where do our panelists stand?
"This is a close call as both weapons are capable of dishing out more damage than a typical blade with their added motions, but I'm with the Ripper on this one as it inflicted more damage," Bradley started.
"I agree. While both these weapons can perform a great deal of damage and cut off limbs, you have to keep in mind that the Brotherhood forces wear power armor. While there may be weak spots in the T-45d armor, the Rebel's best chance would be to somehow knock their helmets off," Dr. Kaiser added.
"If it weren't for the Brotherhood's power armor, I would've called this match even, but I'm giving this to the Brotherhood as they would just cut through the Rebels like nothing," Eddie concluded.
In special weapons, the Brotherhood of Steel takes the edge with the Ripper.
As it is with all warriors, there is a critical X-factor that makes them who they are. For the Brotherhood of Steel, it is being hardened by life in the wastes.
"The post-American wastes are a dangerous place to live, no matter how much training you have and firepower you are packing. The Brotherhood has survived for over 200 years fighting a number of hostile forces to become feared and revered throughout the land," Elder Maxson explained.
For the Rebel Alliance, it is their sheer determination.
"The Rebel Alliance fought an uphill battle from day one against an enemy with superior numbers and resources. There were those who lost faith and doubted us, yet we soldiered on driven by the singular goal of defeating the Empire and in the end, we were victorious," Leia explained.
Coming up, it's a battle between two determined futuristic forces to determine who will be "Fictional Deadliest Warrior."
XXXXXXX
With our testing completed and our X-factors evaluated, we are now one step closer to determining who is the "Fictional Deadliest Warrior."
Our team has tested 5 weapons wielded by the Brotherhood of Steel: the AER9 laser gun, the AER9 laser rifle, the Gauss Rifle, Plasma Grenades and the Ripper.
On the opposite side, 5 weapons used by the Rebel Alliance were tested: the DL-44 heavy blaster pistol, DH-17 blaster rifle, E-17d sniper rifle, Thermal Detonators, and the Vibro-Dagger.
In close range weapons, the DL-44 punched through the Brotherhood's power armored defense.
EDGE: Rebel Alliance
In mid-ranged weapons, the DH-17 blaster rifle's multiple options allowed it to shoot down the AER9's offense.
EDGE: Rebel Alliance
In long range weapons, the power and accuracy of the Gauss Rifle kept it on even footing with the extra rounds of the E-17d.
EDGE: Even
In explosives, the Brotherhood's Plasma Grenades vaporized the opposition.
EDGE: Brotherhood of Steel
And finally, the Brotherhood's Ripper carved up the competition.
EDGE: Brotherhood of Steel
Our scientists and weapons experts are done testing. The results are in and the time has come to decide who will be the victor. The battle will be fought in a 5-on-5 squad battle between 5 Brotherhood Paladins and 5 Rebel soldiers. To ensure the battle won't be decided by a single lucky blow, the battle will be simulated one thousand times in a duel to the death.
Who will prevail in a battle between two futuristic warriors?
Post-Apocalyptic Defenders
(Brotherhood Paladins are shown taking down several mangy raiders that were terrorizing a couple in a ruined house.)
vs. Determined Rebels
(Rebel operatives shoot down several Imperial Stormtroopers who had infiltrated their fortress.)
Devious Ingenuity
(A Rebel sniper hides in the brush, picking off two Stormtroopers with strategically placed shots in one fell swoop.)
vs. Power Armored Defense
(Brotherhood Paladins are shown in their armor, weathering attacks from super mutants and their crude, oudated weapons before cutting them down one by one.)
Full Force Attacks
(Brotherhood forces cut down defending Institute synths.)
vs. Cool Cunning
(A Rebel soldier tosses a thermal detonator into a Stormtrooper encampment, taking them by surprise while his colleagues cut the survivors down in a flurry of laser fire.)
"Everything is locked and loaded. Now it's time to just sit back and enjoy the fireworks," Eddie spoke as he typed in a few commands and then pressed 'ENTER.'
XXXXXX
In the ruins of Concord, five men in T-45d power armor are out on patrol. Taking point is a man carrying an AER9 laser rifle, followed by 3 men carrying similar rifles while a man with a Gauss Rifle takes up the rear flank. All of them are packing laser pistols as sidearms, along with plasma grenades and 2 of them carrying Rippers.
They are all Paladins from the East Coast Brotherhood of Steel chapter and they are out on patrol following rumors of suspicious activity in the area, wanting to make sure there were no remnants of the Institute left in the area.
Brotherhood of Steel: 5
The 5 Paladins make their way along until they come across a small clearing and it is there they find an aircraft unlike anything they have ever seen before.
Whatever it is, it has to be too dangerous for any wastelanders to get their hands on and needs to be confiscated.
The leader looked over to the sniper and signaled for him to look for a good vantage point before nodding to the others to follow him and went to inspect the craft, finding it seemingly abandoned with some superficial damage. Upon further examination, it appears to have encountered engine troubles and was forced to make an emergency landing.
Not too far away, 5 other men are making their return following a search for supplies that could be used to repair their drop ship. They are all clad in camouflage that would be more suited for fighting in a forest environment, yet it has served them surprisingly well in the ravaged urban environment. 4 of them are carrying DH-17 blaster rifles, while the man taking up the rear flank is carrying an E-17d sniper rifle. All of them are carrying heavy blaster pistols as sidearms, along with thermal detonators and 2 of them carrying vibro-daggers.
They are members of the Alliance to Restore the Republic, better known as the Rebel Alliance, and were on their way back home when they suddenly found themselves sucked into an all new galaxy via a wormhole. The mysterious happening took a toll on their ship and they were forced to make an emergency landing on an unheard of new planet called Earth, one that was completely foreign to them, yet carried elements that seemed familiar to their respective home world.
Rebel Alliance: 5
The Rebels continued their approach until the leader raised his fist to halt them, hearing a commotion coming from the clearing. Looking over to his left and finding a narrow path that led to higher ground, he motioned for them to follow him and they crept up until they were given a clear view of 4 men in strange metallic armor who were investigating their drop ship.
Did the Empire have troops already stationed on this planet as well?
There was no time to further contemplate as a shot rang out and the man next to him collapsed to the ground with a gaping hole in his neck.
Brotherhood of Steel: 5 – Rebel Alliance: 4
The Brotherhood sniper had taken a perch in the bombed out remnants of an apartment building and was scouting for threats when he noticed 5 men in strange uniforms approaching, all armed with weapons he was not familiar with. He took aim and fired a round through the man's chest, his shot sparking an all out firefight as both sides began exchanging fire.
The Rebels returned fire with their blaster rifles, but were forced to the ground as the unseen sniper fired a round that barely clipped their leader's head. Seeing the leader's predicament, the Rebel sniper got into a prone position behind the small sliver that remained of a brick wall and took aim with his E-17d. Searching from the direction of the shots, he managed to find the Brotherhood sniper perched in the apartment building and fired a plasma bolt right through the man's head.
Brotherhood of Steel: 4 – Rebel Alliance: 4
With the sniper eliminated, the Rebels rise to their feet and attempt to press forward, their blaster rifles switched to full auto mode, yet the Brotherhood holds firm even as one of their number is wounded by a shot to the shoulder, which forces him to drop his rifle and draw his laser gun as he continues to fight valiantly.
It isn't enough and seconds later the wounded Paladin is felled by a flurry to his chest, his power armor pierced by the plasma bolts.
Brotherhood of Steel: 3 – Rebel Alliance: 4
Watching another of his brothers fall in battle, the Paladin leading the charge reaches for a plasma grenade strapped to his belt and primed it before chucking it towards the attacking Rebels. The grenade lands at the feet of the point man, who suddenly halts his advance.
"Grenade!" the man calls out and attempts to push a fellow Rebel out of the way.
He is not fast enough and he is swallowed up in a green blast of super heated plasma that vaporizes him and leaves his colleague lying on the ground with severe burns.
Brotherhood of Steel: 3 – Rebel Alliance: 3
Seeing their colleague in distress, the Rebel leader continues firing away at the Paladins while the sniper shoulders his rifle and draws his heavy blaster pistol and fires the whole time while rushing over to grab the wounded man and lift him up.
The remaining Rebels throw the wounded man's arms around their shoulders and they attempt to retreat as the Paladins continue firing at them, fleeing towards a long abandoned workhouse.
"After them!" the lead Paladin ordered and they made their pursuit.
The Rebels made their way inside and were struggling to come up with an impromptu plan given their dire situation. For now they could only focus on trying to get their wounded friend to safety as they heard the Paladins' heavy footsteps behind them. They desperately needed a solution and getting back to their transport ship was not an option.
The abandoned workhouse provided a perilous path for them to follow given all the fallen debris and unstable floors, not to mention the numerous skeletons littering the surface that did nothing for them from a psychological standpoint.
They continued lugging their wounded colleague along and had just passed through a creaky archway when the man stumbled over a rotted timber and was sent hitting the ground with a sickly thud.
"Help me with him!" the Rebel leader commanded his other colleague, but was halted by the wounded man gripping his wrist.
"No, leave me! I'm just slowing you down!" the wounded man pleaded as he reached into his side pack.
The Rebel leader was about to reply when the heavy footsteps of the armored Paladins drew closer.
"Go!" the wounded Rebel shouted.
The Rebels fled just as a Paladin rounded the corner and found the wounded man lying on the ground. He walked over and used his boot to overturn the man, only for his eyes to widen in horror beneath his mask as he spotted the primed thermal detonator the man held in his hands, the last thing he would ever see before an explosion swallowed them both up.
Brotherhood of Steel: 2 – Rebel Alliance: 2
The shockwave sent the remaining Paladins flying backwards and separated them in the process.
One of the Paladins slowly stirred back into consciousness after he was briefly knocked out and reached for his laser rifle, only to find the crystal arrays damaged from the impact. Pushing himself back to his feet, he withdrew his laser pistol and looked around for any signs of the remaining Rebels.
He made his way down a narrow corridor littered with the skeletons of long dead workers and then entered a room filled with rusted machinery, listening to all the creaks and groans that followed as he walked through.
But then he suddenly heard a low hum and before he knew it, he was lurching forward as a Rebel jumped onto his back and attempting to stab him in the back of the neck with his vibro-dagger.
Fortunately for the Paladin, the vibro-dagger was unable to penetrate the surface, only glancing off.
Given that distraction, the Paladin managed to flip the Rebel off his back and then punched the stunned man before drawing his Ripper, turning it on and then bringing it down on top of the man's head, sawing all the way down from the crown to the bridge of his nose in a gory spectacle that sprayed blood all over his power armor.
Brotherhood of Steel: 2 – Rebel Alliance: 1
There was a sudden cry of rage and the Paladin turned around to find the final Rebel with his blaster rifle pointed at him, unleashing a flurry of plasma into his chest and face until the rifle clicked empty.
Brotherhood of Steel: 1 – Rebel Alliance: 1
The last Paladin overheard the commotion and came barreling in trying to shoot the Rebel down with blasts from his rifle, sending the man fleeing further into the maze of broken down machinery. The Paladin drew another plasma grenade and chucked it towards the center hoping he would be able to flush his enemy out, but instead there was a window the man dove through as the grenade detonated behind him.
The Rebel leader grunted in pain as he hit the ground with a hard thud, but pushed himself back to his feet as he heard the Paladin still continuing his pursuit and took cover behind an overturned car as the Paladin stepped into view.
Down to his blaster pistol and one thermal detonator, a plan popped into mind as he spotted a large rock nearby and picked it up. As the Paladin walked past him, he chucked the rock at a nearby dumpster, which caused the weary Paladin to whirl around firing his laser rifle in the direction of the loud 'clank.'
It bought the Rebel the time he needed and he chucked the thermal detonator so it landed behind the steel-clad man, causing him to turn around and try running away, yet he was still caught in the blast radius and sent flying forward, hitting the nearest brick wall with enough force to break bones in both of his legs.
With his opponent at his mercy, the Rebel stood tall over him and fired a blast into his face.
Brotherhood of Steel: 0 – Rebel Alliance: 1
With another victory scored, the last Rebel raised his heavy blaster pistol into the air and shouted triumphantly.
XXXXXX
Winner: Rebel Alliance
Rebel Alliance:
DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol: 139
DH-17 Blaster Rifle: 210
E-17d Sniper Rifle: 180
Thermal Detonator: 35
Vibro-Dagger: 1
Total: 565
Brotherhood of Steel:
AER9 Laser Gun: 110
AER9 Laser Rifle: 159
Gauss Rifle: 118
Plasma Grenade: 44
Ripper: 4
Total: 435
"In a matchup between two sci-fi warriors, the Rebel Alliance would ultimately prevail thanks largely in part due to the superiority of their ranged weapons, particularly their more multi-faceted blaster rifle and a sniper rifle that they did not have to reload after every single shot. Although the Brotherhood of Steel did score more victories in melee combat and explosive weapons, it was not by much. Coupled with that, while their power armor did offer protection, its bulkiness still hindered their mobility and offered very little protection against the plasma bolts produced by the Rebel weaponry.
"You also have to take into consideration that the Rebels had experience in fighting enemies similar to the Brotherhood Paladins with the Imperial Stormtroopers and they prevailed over an enemy that had ten times the reach, resources and manpower compared to the Enclave and the Institute. In the end, it was another hard fought victory for the Rebel Alliance," Bradley concluded.
"This is only a loss in a simulation. Had this been an actual battle, things would have been different. I don't care what some scribe has to say about that," Elder Maxson retorted.
"The Rebels have a drive unlike no other, even when things look to be their darkest, hope ultimately prevails and the Rebels continue to fight on," Leia concluded.
(The final scene shows the lone surviving Rebel powering up his now repaired transport ship and taking off in the hopes of finding his way back home.)
XXXXXX
Next time on "Fictional Deadliest Warrior" it's an Old Western duel when two crackshot antiheroes meet for the first time ever:
(A haggard looking man with blond hair and the right side of his face heavily disfigured stands clad in a gray Civil War cavalry hat, matching duster, gray button up shirt, blue pants and brown boots, pulling out a revolver and pointing it at the screen.)
Jonah Hex: The legendary bounty hunter of the western frontier who hunted the most dangerous criminals of the time...
vs.
(A man with scars on his face, neck length black hair and matching stubble stands clad in a tan shirt, blue sleeveless vest, gray pin-striped pants, black boots and a matching hat with a feather sticking out, pulling out a pump-action shotgun.)
John Marston: The former outlaw who was forced to take up his guns again to save his family, yet paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Who will be...THE FICTIONAL DEADLIEST WARRIOR?!
XXXXXX
Author's Note: Well I managed to get this out of the way just in time for Memorial Day weekend, so go me once again!
For my usual legal jargon, the Brotherhood of Steel is owned by Bethesda Game Studios and the Rebel Alliance is owned by Electronic Arts.
With apologies to "Fallout" fans out there.
As always, read and review! This is Metal Harbinger saying SPREAD THE SICKNESS, ONE MIND AT A TIME!