Chapter 16: Press Button For Eden

To my surprise, the Enclave never once showed itself during our time establishing the Legion as the governing force in the Capital Wasteland. All of the eyebots and radio signals that had been broadcasting the President's messages of good will went dead days after our arrival. I expected Seven had something to do with this, but I was too busy with the details of revitalizing the area to concern myself over it. I had the Legion on alert for Seven and anyone sporting Enclave uniforms or symbolism. We didn't want to miss a chance to get some information from them.

As we were coming close to finishing the incorporation process, I called the leadership together to discuss our next move. We met on the Prydwen as it took its slow patrol around the skies of the wasteland. T'Preea, Jeff, Malpaius, Serena, and the others were seated around a long, steel table. For his part, Meirune sat on his haunches at the end so that he could fit in the room.

I looked around the table after going over several reports, "It seems we're nearly finished with the process of incorporating the Capital Wasteland. I think things have gone pretty smooth so far."

"Apart from some raiders who wanted to resist, we've not had much trouble with compliance," Malpaius assured me.

"Churches have been welcomed into every settlement," T'Preea added. "There were minor disagreements on certain tenants of the faith among locals, but your radio sermons seem to be fixing that."

"Vault One-oh-one has chosen to comply with Legion law but has opted to stay secluded unless needed," Serena said. "I don't see the harm in it. They've been living in isolation since the bombs dropped. No sense in forcing interaction if inaction keeps the peace."

"The pack grows larger," Meirune grunted. "The Ala Miraculorum's diluted virus dosages have helped them adapt to more complex commands. We believe they will be ready for full dosages soon."

"You can keep them in control even when they have their own minds?" Malpaius asked, concern clear in his voice. It was a valid question. Deathclaws were a threat with their natural animalistic cunning. Giving them all the Forced Evolution Virus could create a population of beings that could, with time, overtake humanity.

Meirune nodded, "The Ala Miraculorum has gone to great lengths to map our genetic code. Certain aspects of their behavior will stay intact. Most importantly, the instinctual need to follow an alpha's command. They will obey me."

"And what if you're not around?" T'Preea asked. "Won't we need a backup plan?"

"I am watching the pack closely," Meirune replied. "I will use the Legion's command structure to promote betas that the pack will obey in my absence. They will be small clutches who will operate according to my will just as each squad of Legion soldiers obeys the Caesaris."

"Malpaius," I said quickly, "I want you to work with Meirune to help the clutches train properly. Their size and strength is an asset, but we want them to be able to work with human squads if they need to. The Legion must always be of one mind and purpose, so when one unit joins with another, the units should be able to know who's in charge and what tactics to use."

"It will be done, Caesaris," Malpiaus bowed his head.

"Meirune," I said as I looked at the deathclaw, "for now, your clutches should understand that whenever they join with a human unit, the human leader is in charge. Until they reach your level of intellect, this will ensure there is a default command structure. Eventually, we can expand the possibilities to allow for the situation to determine who gives commands once we're sure of the stability of each clutch's FEV results."

"A wise decision, Caesaris," Meirune nodded. "It will be so. But there is something else I would like to suggest."

"Oh?" I asked curiously. "What's that?"

"Armored deathclaws should have places on their armor where humans can comfortably hold on to or strap themselves to for easy transport," Meirune said. He waved his claw to T'Preea, "The High Confessor pointed out that we can easily carry multiple humans if we have to. So we can quickly carry them into battle, or be used to carry the injured off of the battlefield to get to help sooner."

I looked between Meirune and T'Preea, and nodded in agreement with the suggestion, "That is an excellent point. The two of you should be commended for thinking of additional ways the deathclaws can be of use in the field."

"Serena," I said as I looked at her. "Can you work with the Ala Miraculorum to redesign the deathclaw armor to accommodate these additional options?"

Serena nodded, "Of course. It shouldn't be much of an issue. We were trying to consider what more we could do with their armor beyond just mounting guns and spikes to them anyway. This will be a nice change of pace."

I nodded in agreement before moving on to the next subject, "Still no word on the Enclave?"

Jeff shook his head, "No, Ma'am. They've been radio silent for months. The Raven Rock facility was abandoned and completely destroyed. We tried scavenging data from their servers but they were too thorough. Their tech is advanced and can give the Ala Miraculorum a run for their money."

"They've scoured the territory of their presence," Malpaius confirmed. "We've had scouts hunting everywhere and we've found nothing beyond the destroyed facilities."

I hummed with consideration. The Enclave was a formidable organization with vehicles and manpower second to none. Even the Legion was still a few steps behind them, but we were catching up quickly. With Seven's devious mind, and his knowledge of the world, they would continue to be a threat until they were dealt with.

"Continue to stay vigilant," I insisted. "We don't need any surprise attacks. How's recruitment coming along?"

"The Church has had hundreds of new acolytes join," T'Preea smiled. "Once they're done with their education in the faith's tenants, we'll be looking at each acolyte to see where their skills will be put to use the best. Most will be sent to local churches to offer aid, but I think there are a few standouts that will be able to join the Ala Miraculorum, or the Angeli de Steel as scientists, mechanics, or medics."

"Recruitment for the Legion is up as well," Malpaius added. "Recruits are coming in every day. As per your request, recruits are grouped together over two weeks then begin the training together."

"How many troops will we have in the four months?" I asked, trying to work the logistics in my head.

"Fully trained and equipped?" Malpaius asked. "I would say close to five hundred or more. I can get an exact number for you by the end of the day… barring any washouts, of course."

I smiled and nodded, "Of course. Please have that number ready when you can get it. We'll need to know how many troops we can afford to station in the settlements."

"It will be done, Caesaris," Malpaius confirmed.

"With all of that out of the way," I said with a smile, "I'd like to let you know that I will be taking the next day to explore a lab. I will be taking Meirune, T'Preea, and Serena with me. If we find anything of note, we'll bring it back for examination."

"I can have a group of Legionnaires ready to escort you in a few minutes, Caesaris," Malpaius offered.

I shook my head, "No, thank you, Legate. I would prefer to do this with the group I've chosen."

"With all due respect, Caesaris," Serena said diplomatically, "I believe the Legate's suggestion is a wise one. We don't know what we'll encounter on the way. We also don't know if the Enclave has actually left the area or is simply blending in with the locals till you're vulnerable. No doubt you and Meirune are formidable, but the Legion needs to see that they are a part of your efforts, however small they may be."

"And a squad of Legionnaires will help dissuade any attacks," Malpaius added. "Escorting you will also be good for their morale. Those chosen will feel privileged. Those not chosen will work harder to be chosen next time."

I sighed and nodded in concession, "Very well. Have ten Legionnaires ready and waiting for us at the vertibird. Meirune, have your armor equipped."

"As you command, Caesaris," Meirune replied and lumbered off to start the process of equipping his armor.

Malpaius left to choose the Legionnaires who would be joining us.

I looked over at Serena, "Before we leave, could you send instructions to the Ala Miraculorum?"

She nodded, "Of course. What do you need me to tell them to do?"

"Have them begin designing some power armor for Meirune," I grinned. "His birthday is coming up and I'd like to surprise him."

Serena laughed, "Alright. That should be a treat for them to work on."

"And one more thing," I said quickly.

"What's that?" she asked curiously.

"Have the Bioscience Division get their best people ready to receive a package," I replied. "I want them ready to study, research, and reverse engineer what we might find today."

Serena arched her brow curiously, "What are you expecting to find down there?"

I winked playfully, "Paradise."

"For the record, I don't remember as much about this franchise as I did in Thedas."

"Then this will be a pleasant surprise," I giggled.

After Serena left, T'Preea and I gathered our things and prepared to leave. T'Preea changed into her gear. She liked power armor, but preferred to wear armored plates over a cowgirl inspired outfit woven with ballistic weave. She wore a brown duster with a cowboy hat. She carried a high powered radium rifle on her back, and the Magnumnomicon on her right hip. All in all, she looked like a bonafide wastelander.

The process of equipping my power armor was complex and involved. Unlike typical power armor, mine wasn't a single enclosed piece of machinery that you stepped into and it closed up around you. Mine had separate parts which had to be equipped and connected, then the clothes and ornamentation had to be put on over it. I had convinced the kids from Little Lamplight to join me and become my personal aids. Half of them came while the other half remained in Little Lamplight, which I molded into a proper little town and allowed to continue as a sort of working halfway house for orphaned children.

As we approached the virtibird that would be taking us to our location, the Legionnaires were ready and at attention. Serena was there as well, wearing one of the newer types of power armor the Ala Miraculorum had devised specifically for the Angeli de Steel. The armor was made from lighter materials, with kinetic impact absorbers, jump jets, and a coating that redirected energy based projectiles.

The Legionnaires turned and saluted as I arrived. Serena gave me a salute as well.

"I see most of us are ready to go," I said as I approached the group. The virtibird's engines were humming as the pilot ran through his flight prep.

"Just waiting on Meirune," Serena replied. "Takes him longer to get ready than the rest of us."

"Well, at least we won't be waiting too long," I shrugged.

Sure enough, Meirune arrived shortly after in his full armor. It was always an impressive sight to see. Meirune was massive, even by deathclaw standards. And seeing him in his armor was like watching a demonic tank stomping toward you.

"Ready to go, Caesaris," Meirune said as he approached.

"Excellent!" I replied excitedly. "Let's file in!"

The Legionnaires entered first, standing and grabbing the handholds hanging from the ceiling. I went next, taking a seat just behind the pilot and co-pilot. Then T'Preea and Serena, who took seats opposite me. Meirune entered the virtibird from the back, using a ramp that led to the small cargo bay. Once everyone was in, the pilot fired up the virtibird and a large arm that held the machine in place extended out. The virtibird's wings rotated so the props would create lift. The arm let go of the small ship and we were in a freefall for just a moment before the propellers caught the air and kept us aloft. Once we were airborne, the pilot activated the thrusters and the ship lunged forward.

When we were finally moving, I leaned forward and gave the pilots the approximate location of our destination. With a flight speed of around two hundred fifty miles per hour, we were never more than an hour from any point in the Capital Wasteland. The flight took us just over half an hour before the pilot confirmed that he had a visual of the destination.

"Caesaris," the pilot said over the communication set. "We're here. Where would you like us to set down?"

"Meirune, Serena, and I will disembark now," I replied. "Once we give the all-clear, land nearby wherever you think is safe."

"As you command, Caesaris," the pilot said. He flicked a few switches, "We're locked in stationary. Cargo bay is open. You can jump when ready."

"Thank you, pilot!" I replied as I moved to the side of the virtibird. "Serena. Meirune. Are you ready to go?"

"Affirmative," Serena responded as she stood on the opposite side of the virtibird, ready to go.

"Ready for your signal," Meirune's voice came over the radio.

"Alright. We're jumping in three… two… one… Go!" I said and lept from the virtibird. The sensation of freefalling through the air was new for me. I had practiced aerial insertions in my first life, but that was from a helicopter and I was attached to a line to control my descent. Here I was falling through the air with nothing to slow me down. Unlike Serena, I didn't have jump jets attached to my armor.

We had jumped from about two hundred feet, so the fall only lasted about three seconds, but the experience was exhilarating. Serena activated her jump jets to slow her descent to safely reach the ground. Meirune insisted on testing his kinetic absorbers and landed without any sort of assistance, slamming into the ground with the absorbers venting the kinetic energy of the impact into a cloud of hissing air from ports on his armor. I melded into the ground instead of landing, allowing the stone to slow my fall, then deposit me calmly back on the surface.

Serena had her rifle at the ready, looking around to check the area. Meirune had activated the large cannons on his shoulders so they would be prepared to fire while he sniffed at the air, checking for the scent of others nearby. I reached out with my stone sense and checked for any anomalies. In the game, this area had the highest concentration of radiation in the entire series, but I had absorbed it months ago.

"Seems clear," Serena called over her armor's loudspeaker.

"Just some animals," Meirune confirmed.

I nodded and activated my radio, "Vertibird, Caesaris. You are clear to land."

"Roger that, Caesaris," the pilot responded. "Commencing landing."

A minute later and T'Preea led the Legionnaires off the veritbird and over to our location. We stood at the entrance to a small box canyon.

"So, here we are," T'Preea said. "What are we doing here? There's nothing here."

I chuckled, "Follow me."

I led the group into the little canyon to a small door covered in steel bars. I gave it a tug but it was locked tight. I had a feeling I could probably open it if I wanted to but decided against it.

I stepped back and smiled at Meirune, "Would you mind opening this?"

Meirune nodded stepped forward, "Glad to." He dug his claws into the door and ripped it off its hinges.

"Subtle," T'Preea chuckled.

I continued forward through the doorway. Behind the door was a cave with metal grate stairs that led up to a vault door with the numbers eighty-seven on it, "Bingo!"

"A vault?" Serena asked. "Vault eighty-seven? If you're coming here with a bunch of us, it can't be one of the good vaults."

I smiled back at Serena, "You'd be right."

"Not exactly what I was hoping you'd say," Serena sighed. "I was hoping you would say 'nope! This one's abandoned!' or 'This is one of the good ones'."

I laughed, "We, I'm sorry to say that you're right this time."

"Lucky me," Serena replied.

"It'll be fine," T'Preea said. "We've got Meirune and ten of the finest Legionnaires here to handle any trouble we come across."

"For the Caesaris!" the Legionnaires shouted in unison. "For Mars and Atom!"

"That's what I like to hear," I nodded with approval. I led the group up the stairs to the vault door. Meirune had to wait at the foot of the stairs since they weren't wide enough for him. I'd had the Pipboy that Nora saved for me built into armor, and used its connection plug to tap into the door's panel. I popped the plastic cover off of the panel and flicked the switch to activate the door.

Emergency lights and horns started to go off as the door's mechanisms whirred and hissed to life. The door rolled away and a steel entrance ramp extended to the platform we were standing on. As we made our way across the platform, Meirune crawled up the stairway and followed behind us. The vault looked like any other at first. There were a few different doors that would lead to different areas of the vault, most everything destroyed or run down, but the power was still active. Vaults, for all the terrible purposes they were mostly devised for, were exceptionally well built, and their nuclear power systems could last nearly a millennium if left alone.

"This place stinks," T'Preea said as she covered her nose and mouth with her hand.

"Super mutants," Meirune growled. "I'd know that stench anywhere."

As always, things were bigger and more complex than they were represented in the game. I was lucky to have my stone sense. Our footsteps sent echoes through the floor that I could use to map the layout of the facility. Those, along with the steps of other living creatures in the area, helped me get a layout of the vault after a minute or so inside.

"There are about a dozen other creatures moving around in here," I warned everyone.

The Legionnaires moved ahead of me, ready to defend me at all costs.

We passed through the halls slowly, cautiously. Windowed labs held tubes of mutated monstrosities, failed subjects of FEV testing. Bags of gore hung from the ceiling by crusted over chains. Lights flickered and cast sharp shadows through the rooms and halls. There was plenty of research to salvage, so I made a note to request a team from the Ala Miraculorum come through and see what they could use later on.

"Get down!" I shouted as I sensed a pair of footsteps about to round a corner ahead of us.

The Legionnaires quickly knelt down, the two at the front bringing their shields up just as a series of gunshots lit up the hallway ahead of us.

"Trespassers!" a gravelly voice shouted. Another series of shots rang out through the hall with the bullets smacking off the Legionnaires' shields and the metal walls. "You won't make it out of here alive!"

The Legion soldiers remained calm and professional, moving up a few feet at a time while remaining behind their shields. Those in the back peaked out from behind the shields to return fire until they were close enough to corner that the mutants were firing from, one of them lobbed a flashbang grenade.

"Fire in the hole!" the solider shouts and we all averted our eyes and covered our ears.

The flashes of lights and the rapid pops from the grenade were still able to effect us somewhat because of the enclosed space. But the Legionnaires kept it together. The effect lasted only a moment, but as soon as it ended they opened their formation and charged ahead. They drew their swords and cut the mutants down quickly. Unfortunately, the commotion got the attention of other mutants and I could sense them heading our way.

"We've got incoming," I shouted. "Form up! Meirune, hold the hall those two came from. Legionnaires, the opposite side. T'Preea, Serena, we'll hold the center."

I wasn't worried, but I allowed for urgency in my tone. I could have killed the mutants before they got anywhere close to use, but the others needed battle experience. Serena and T'Preea had both helped against the darkspawn back in Thedas, but that wasn't nearly as much experience as I had. The Legionnaires and Mierune were still new to it all, relatively speaking.

Dozens of super mutants charged through the halls shouting threats and battle cries. As soon as they turned to the hallways we had set up our defenses in, all hell was let loose. Mierune roared viciously and charged forward. Bullets bounced off his armor and he waded through the mutants as easily as if he were walking down the shoreline, ripping and tearing through them whilst leaving a trail of geysers of blood and gore.

The Legionnaires had set their shields up as a small barricade they could safely kneel behind. They lobbed small grenades down the hall and fired in a calm, orderly manner. Their teamwork brought the mutants down efficiently. They weren't as brutal or vicious as Mierune, but they were just as effective.

Serena opened fire in the direction we had been headed. Her steady shots dropped mutant after mutant with surprising ease. The power armor she was using allowed her to use a rifle that should have mounted to a vehicle. Its bullets punched baseball sized holes through the mutants, as well as the next two or three mutants behind it. She stayed calm, and if it weren't for the fact that she was actually pulling the trigger, you would have been forgiven for thinking she wasn't even aware of what was going on.

T'Preea, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. She was counting her kills while singing 'ten little indians'. She was firing shots to the rythm of the song and dropping mutants just as quickly all while using her rifle. She never once had to resort to using the Magnumnomicon. She was having fun with the firefight, which actually surprised me.

I stood in the center, watching the violence unfold, ready to intervene if needed. I didn't have a gun, but I carried around a super sledge of my own making. Not good for long range, but I had more options than the others for that.

The battle lasted for about a minute, and no super mutant ever got close to our position. After the gunfire died out, I called for everyone to regroup. The Legionnaires collected their shields and formed up once more. Mierune returned with a wild excitement in his eyes, dripping with viscera from the mutants.

"Did you have fun?" I asked the deathclaw with a smirk.

"I elected to indulge myself," Meirune chuckled.

I shook my head and weaved mana together to summon water over the massive creature to wash him off.

"Next time try to keep it cleaner," Serena said, her tone disgusted as she watched the gore pool on the floor around us.

Meirune snorted, "When I'm not so cramped, I might be able to do that."

"Let's move on," I said. "There's only one more living creature in the area and I don't think it's a threat."

"What makes you say that?" T'Preea asked.

"It's locked up," I replied as I continued forward.

"How do you… nevermind," Serena sighed. "Not sure why I would even ask that at this point."

"It's friendly, if you want to bother with a super mutant," I called back. "But I'm not sure how friendly it'll be when it finds out we're killing super mutants on sight."

"So we leave it," T'Preea said.

I shrugged, "We can see what it thinks. Some mutants understand that they can't really reproduce and accept the fact. We may need to reconsider our stance on the matter so long as they understand they can't make more mutants."

"I would reconsider the stance," Mierune said as he followed behind us. "The mutants cannot reproduce, but they can be useful while they're still around. Since they can live for over a century, they will be a useful tool for some time to come."

"It's something to consider," I hummed. I turned at looked at Mierune, "Can you find the mutant and discuss the matter with him? I trust you to explain things in good faith. If it agrees, release it and we'll meet you at the entrance."

Meirune nodded, "It will be done, Caesaris. What if it refuses?"

"I'll leave that decision to you," I smiled.

Mierune nodded and set off to find the mutant.

We continued through the vault for a few more minutes until we came to a room with a massive metal tube with a Vault Tec symbol on it. I pressed the center of the symbol and a hiss of air burst out and the tube twisted in two separate directions. A series of gates and other defenses pulled away to reveal what looked like a steel suitcase sat on a concrete dais. I grinned wide as I ran my fingertips over the case.

"Finally! We've got one," I whispered reverently.

T'Preea and Serena looked at the case curiously.

"What is it?" T'Preea asked.

"It's a G.E.C.K.," I replied. "A Garden Of Eden Creation Kit. It can essentially create a healthy biome of land for miles. It refreshes the soil, has viable seeds, a cold fusion generator, and more. These kits, once replicated and produced on a large scale, will be able to fast-track the revitalization of the wasteland faster than we could have hoped."

"Really?" Serena asked as she looked at the case. I could hear the doubt in her voice. "All that in that case?"

I nodded and picked the case up, "This is what the Ala Miraculorum will need to research and learn to replicate."

"Want me to carry it?" Serena offered.

I shook my head, "I've got it. Let's head out. We can mark the coordinates so that the Ala Miraculorum can come back and try to salvage any research or data."

She nodded, "Alright. I'll be sure to let them know when I get there."

The Legionnaires moved ahead to escort us out. It would take us several minutes to reach the surface. Mierune was waiting with the mutant by the vertibird. The pilot and co-pilot were prepping the ship to take us home. The mutant settled into the cargo bay with Mierune while the rest of us took the same seats we had on the flight to the vault.

Ten minutes into the flight, Serena looked at me, "I'm sorry, Merida."

I looked up at her curiously, "Sorry? For what?"

"The future is ours," she replied over the radio.

"No…" I said in disbelief. 'The future is ours' was the motto of…

I didn't get to finish the thought. A bright flash of fire and concussive force ripped through the virtibird. I sat up and gasped. I was back in the cushioned bed again, enclosed in glass. Faren was there, opening the encasement. I was confused but leapt into his arms, taking every opportunity to feel his embrace once again.

"Merida," Faren said as he hugged me tight. "Are you alright?"

I looked at him, still trying to process what had just happened and trying to figure out how I'd gotten back to Thedas, "...I don't know…"