Fallout: The Wild, Wild Midwest (IC)

[Zokarest]

"War...War never changes..."

-Ron Perlman

After years of struggle and in-fighting, humanity finally came to the breaking point...in the year 2077, the world was consumed in atomic fire. The slate was wiped clean once and for all and thus a new age began. Where once there was prosperity and peace, there is only hardship and war. During this dark age, heroes arose from the ashes of an old and corrupt world. In 2161 the Vault Dweller defeated the Master, dispersing his Super Mutant army and ending his genocidal reign of terror, in 2241 the Chosen One defeated the Enclave in the West...in 2277 the Lone Wanderer did the same in the East and, finally, in 2281 the Courier decided the fate of the Mojave, but not before clashing with his opposite under the flag of the Old World at the Divide...deciding the fate of humanity once and for all.

The year is now 2290, and now all eyes turn to the center. The Enclave has retreated in-wards, consolidating their forces in Chicago and Omaha. They faced little resistance from the locals and even began to put them to work as a sort of slave labor force...however, then they came to Kansas City. Kansas City. One of the last bastions of what remains of the Brotherhood of Steel in this region. Troops from the East prepared once more and began to move in, they wanted a taste of revenge. That was two years ago. Two years of bitter street fighting and both sides are still going strong, little do they know that to the West a new enemy emerges. Caesar's Legion. No one knows why they have come, and one can argue that the people of the Kansas City Wasteland don't care. However, this enemy is greater than either the Enclave or the Brotherhood could ever imagine. Now, these factions will begin their dangerous dance. The fate of the Kansas City Wasteland, and others beyond this one, are now in the balance.

---

Downtown Kansas City, 0600 Hours

Matthew stood in the command tent of his company, observing the holographic display in front of him. Beacons attached to the individual platoon commanders were sending out IR signals periodically, displaying their position throughout the city. He keyed his helmet radio twice, suddenly his radio filled with chatter. Reports. Reports. Reports. He sighed, strolling over to the nearby computer, updating his journal quickly before keying his radio three times. With that, his company fell back from their positions and returned to camp. Rolland had completed the new rotations.

As the assorted men of his company filled the camp he gave the signal to his technical sergeant, who sent out a signal to the platoon commanders and command staff. It was assumed that this would be a drill inspection, and therefore many men were armed and armored in the center of the camp. Truly, to outsiders, it would be a terrifying sight to behold, troops in their 'Black Devil' armor with their accompanying heavy weapons or plasma rifles, this war had truly rallied the forces of the Enclave towards a noble goal, in Matthew's opinion. Rolland strolled amongst the rows, five platoons, each of approximately twenty-eight men, each divided up into four seven man squads. Rolland then stood in front of the gathered soldiers and began to speak.

"Men, today is a great day in this fine god forsaken war-zone. This conflict has indeed taken it's toll on us, and yet we will emerge victorious. Many of you will die, but not in vain, instead it will be for the greater cause of rebuilding our broken and forlorn nation. However, before any of you die, you will now be assigned your new rotations. They have been posted on the Company Commons Board, per usual. Now then, return to your duties!" Matthew then returned to the Command Tent, beginning to draft his report for Enclave Military High Command. His soldiers had pacified the Raiders when they came in, and now they would begin the process of pacifying the Brotherhood of Steel.

[Aeken]

Hellfire Squadron, Downtown Kansas City


The sound of Vertibirds were evident in the sky. Flying vehicles were scarce in the Wasteland, as were heavily armed troops in them. Jenkins peered from the observation slit from inside the cockpit, eyeing the active air force base beneath. Vertibird sensors detected the source to an Enclave transmitter. This was most pleasing to the Colonel, who was concerned about the state of the rest of the convoy that trailed behind.

Enclave troops below cleared out of the way of the vehicles, wind gushing down at the dirt littered ground. All Vertibirds touched down accrodingly, leaving path for commuting troops. Jenkins exited his Vertibird, removing his helmet that revealed his scar-ridden face. He ran up to a ongoing soldier.

"Soldier!" Jenkins said sternly. "Where is your commanding officer?!"

"Over by the Command Tent... sir"

Jenkins proceeded to the location, the rest of Hellfire Squadron following closely. He pulled back the tarp, nodding to the guards as he went over to Matthew. He assumed he was the commanding officer of the installation, and was prepared to address him as one.

"Sir, Colonel Jenkins reporting from the Hellfire Squadron in Capital Wasteland-- awaiting orders!"

[New Aksarben]

Somewhere in the Former Kansas City Metro

A lone man picked his way through the rubble of the city. He occasionally entered any uncollapsed building to pick through anything left. The wanderer had noticed several signs that the city wasn't as abandoned as it seemed, at least in this area. Jake, the wanderer, thought back as he looted what used to be a bank, still full of now-useless paper money. The most blatant sign was a giant Vertibird that flew overhead when he was searching a Super-Duper Mart. They obviously hadn't seen him (despite the fact the place was sans a roof) as they kept on their path deeper into the city. One of the less obvious signs was the apparent lack of raiders and marauders. It seemed as if all the raiders in the area had been scared off long ago. He had looted, then burned, a raider camp that seemed to be hastily abandoned. There he had found something rare. ammo for his plasma weapon. Jake had literally no idea why plasma ammo would be there, but it was. Jake snapped back to the present time, and finished with his search. He had only found mostly Caps and some ammo besides the paper money in the bank. 'Someone must have holed up here once and forgot these.' He thought to himself depositing the rifle ammo in his pack. Throwing the pack over his shoulder, he proceeds to leave the bank and head further into the city, towards the downtown district of KC.

---

Offutt AFB, South of Omaha

Major Niel was bored and anxious as he sat in his office within the SAC HQ. It was by far one of the best maintained buildings in America, only behind the other (secret) Enclave bases. He looked out the window at the runway, which was also encompassed by the debris wall constructed around the base, on which the few surviving bombers from the old world rested. They were very clean, and only slightly rusted. The pilots were training in the simulators(like at the Boomer base in the Mohave). IT was a bad idea to actually train in the bombers, because of the limited fuel supply. After observing the daily routines of the maintenance crews, Niel looked back into his office. In truth, it was the old conning tower of Offutt AFB, and was still used as such. The real offices were a crater. Several other Enclave soldiers were testing to make sure all the radio equipment still worked, and other such menial tasks. Niel, however, was just waiting for the Enclave council to radio him orders. His job was mostly that or organizing the Base. Since Jake left months ago, very few Raiders had been seen in the area, making it much safer for caravans to cross the Omaha wastes.

[Landenburg]

Talon Company, Liberty

Jace loaded a clip into his Chinese Assault Rifle and prepared to unleash hell. His target was unsuspecting, unknowing of the death that was to occur on this day. Today, Jace is adding another kill to his long list.

Pop Pop Pop!

His Chinese Assault Rifle popped off three rounds in quick succession, two of which hit the target in the back of the head, causing a minor splatter.

Goddamn Molerats. Jace muttered, dragging the beast towards the town's butcher.

[Soviet Ruk-Tsan]

New Beijing, Midwestern Wasteland, 2290
"Good morning, soldiers of freedom! Here is the latest news, from People's Liberation Radio!" The radio alarm clock blared, waking Xing from his sleep. "他媽的。" He swore to himself, reluctantly getting out of bed, and putting on his uniform. He had an imposing stealth suit sat up against a wall, but it was only for business out of town. He attached his Officer's Sword to his side, as he always did, and left the room, slowly descending down the stairs to the door. Xing opened the door, walking out into New Beijing, his realm. He smiled as he passed the common people, making his way towards the barracks, close to the gate. There was currently a training exercise outside the building for youth recruits, practicing aiming, on Radroaches.

He knocked on the door to the barracks, and was greeted by a Caucasian grunt. "Nihao, Chairman Xing." He said in broken Chinese. Xing nodded to him, appreciating his effort. He walked through the barracks and stopped at the door to General Mingha's office. General Mingha was the current leader of the military, under Xing himself, of course. He entered, and Mingha looked up from his terminal, and smiled. "你好主席。 我相信你是嗎？" Xing nodded, and said "是的，我很好。我希望有一個更新的遠征。" The general nodded, not surprised. There had been rumors of an abandoned storehouse for a raider group that have since moved on, with many valuable resources left forgotten. Xing had had an expedition put together to check if the rumors were true, and if so, to bring back these 'valuable resources'.

"非常好的消息。返回的男子大約一個小時前，確實帶來了與他們的貴重物品。" Xing smiled, but obviously wanted clarification. General Mingha reached under his desk, pulled out a large bag of caps and dropped it on the desk. "又有多少呢？" He asked, in awe. "捌零零零。" Xing was ecstatic, and Mingha didn't look too unhappy himself. This would go a long way, Xing thought to himself, grabbing the bag to take to the treasury. "什麼事嗎？" Xing asked before leaving. Mingha replied cheerfully. "幾個步槍，手槍和刀，少量的彈藥，，和幾個simpaks我已經發送到診所。" Xing grinned, and waved, before exiting, a fortune in his hand.

1: 他媽的=A naughty word
2: Nihao=Hello
3: 你好主席. 我相信你是嗎？=Hello Chairman. I trust you are well?
4: 是的，我很好。我希望有一個更新的遠征。=Yes, I am fine. I want an update on the expedition.
5: 非常好的消息。返回的男子大約一個小時前，確實帶來了與他們的貴重物品。=Very good news. The men returned around an hour ago, and indeed brought valuables with them.
6: 又有多少呢？ =How many?
7: 捌零零零。=8000
8: 什麼事嗎？=Anything else?
9: 幾個步槍，手槍和刀，少量的彈藥，，和幾個simpaks我已經發送到診所。=Several rifles, pistols and knives, a small amount of ammunition, and several simpaks which I already sent to the clinic.

[Cylarn]

Two weeks ago

He rode atop a brown horse across the wasteland, his Service Rifle sitting in a sling attached to his "Texas" saddle and his old pack on his back as the horse navigated itself on the old interstate. Formerly an NCR soldier, Jed had left the Army shortly after the Legion's retreat from the Mojave, working as a mercenary in the Mojave, branching out to Utah and further east. He was in New Canaan during the White Legs' attack, and fought alongside the Dead Horses and the Sorrows as they escorted the noncombatants and the wounded through the Grand Staircase and away from the fighting in Zion Canyon. After concluding his work for the New Canaanites in Zion, he further helped them to eradicate the 80s that were dangerously close to their encampment before heading into dangerous territory. Along with several other mercs, he was hired to carry out an ambitious task: create dissent in Legion territory among the Conquered Tribes. Although the rebellion was put down, a spirit of freedom remained, causing various desertions in Legion territory.

The small community of New Well was built around an aquifer, providing the residents with fresh, clean water. Although they had a wall, as well as a small militia, this small settlement would be overrun by a Legion assault. As Jed approached, a sentry aimed a hunting rifle at him, demanding that he stop his horse. Slwoly, Jed stopped and looked at the sentry before lighting up a cigarette.

"The Legion is comin', and y'all need help," Jed said.

After meeting with the leaders of New Well, Jed shared his intelligence. Having spent a week observing the Legion, he knew that they were preparing to make a move on the KC Wasteland, and he would be damned if they continued to spread. He soon made it clear that he would train their forces to resist the Legion. For 2 weeks, he trained them not only in military tactics, guerrilla warfare, reconnaissance, weapon maintenance, and the use of explosives, but also what to do if the Legion defeated them militarily. Rather than be absorbed, Jed advised the people of New Well on the importance of preserving an escape route and destroying the aquifer in order to prevent it from falling into the Legion's hands.

The Present Day...

Outside an old, battered bar called "The Dusty Wrangler", Jed sat at the bar counter, enjoying a cold beer as he listened to the sounds of Western Country ad Folk Music. There were other Wastelanders sitting around in the bar, which sat on a small hill overlooking Kansas City. His horse was tethered to the outside post, along with a few other horses. These beasts were rare, but they were hardy animals, capable of killing packs of wild dogs. Jed's horse, Dean, was a tough animal, having survived a brutal life as the steed of a brutal Centurion of whom Jed had decapitated. Now, he was simply working for more work, having been paid 4,000 caps by little old New Well.

[New Aksarben]

*Snip*
The Present Day...

Outside an old, battered bar called "The Dusty Wrangler", Jed sat at the bar counter, enjoying a cold beer as he listened to the sounds of Western Country ad Folk Music. There were other Wastelanders sitting around in the bar, which sat on a small hill overlooking Kansas City. His horse was tethered to the outside post, along with a few other horses. These beasts were rare, but they were hardy animals, capable of killing packs of wild dogs. Jed's horse, Dean, was a tough animal, having survived a brutal life as the steed of a brutal Centurion of whom Jed had decapitated. Now, he was simply working for more work, having been paid 4,000 caps by little old New Well.

Jake entered the bar. It was a few days after he searched the bank, and he had searched and looted a few other places before he spotted "The Dusty Wrangler". He looked around briefly, then walked up to the bar and sat down. He asked for a Sunset Sarsaparilla, which they actually had. He paid the man working their and started sipping the drink. It was cool, but not very. He noticed that sitting next to him was a guy wearing a cowboy hat and some parts of a police uniform. Jake thought the combination was pretty strange so he asked, "Where 're you from?" to the stranger.

[Cylarn]

*Snip*
The Present Day...

Outside an old, battered bar called "The Dusty Wrangler", Jed sat at the bar counter, enjoying a cold beer as he listened to the sounds of Western Country ad Folk Music. There were other Wastelanders sitting around in the bar, which sat on a small hill overlooking Kansas City. His horse was tethered to the outside post, along with a few other horses. These beasts were rare, but they were hardy animals, capable of killing packs of wild dogs. Jed's horse, Dean, was a tough animal, having survived a brutal life as the steed of a brutal Centurion of whom Jed had decapitated. Now, he was simply working for more work, having been paid 4,000 caps by little old New Well.

Jake entered the bar. It was a few days after he searched the bank, and he had searched and looted a few other places before he spotted "The Dusty Wrangler". He looked around briefly, then walked up to the bar and sat down. He asked for a Sunset Sarsaparilla, which they actually had. He paid the man working their and started sipping the drink. It was cool, but not very. He noticed that sitting next to him was a guy wearing a cowboy hat and some parts of a police uniform. Jake thought the combination was pretty strange so he asked, "Where 're you from?" to the stranger.

Slowly, Jed looked over, taking a sip of his beer as he looked the young man over. The boy was wearing body armor, and he carried a myriad of firearms. The kid asked him where he was from, and Jed contemplated lying, but he decided against it.

"Hub," he said, taking another sip of his beer. "You?"

[New Aksarben]

Jake entered the bar. It was a few days after he searched the bank, and he had searched and looted a few other places before he spotted "The Dusty Wrangler". He looked around briefly, then walked up to the bar and sat down. He asked for a Sunset Sarsaparilla, which they actually had. He paid the man working their and started sipping the drink. It was cool, but not very. He noticed that sitting next to him was a guy wearing a cowboy hat and some parts of a police uniform. Jake thought the combination was pretty strange so he asked, "Where 're you from?" to the stranger.

Slowly, Jed looked over, taking a sip of his beer as he looked the young man over. The boy was wearing body armor, and he carried a myriad of firearms. The kid asked him where he was from, and Jed contemplated lying, but he decided against it.

"Hub," he said, taking another sip of his beer. "You?"

"Never heard of a place 'Hub' " Jake told him. "I'm from a Nebraska. My home was burned years ago by raiders, though." He took another sip of his drink. "So I guess I'm just a wanderer now." Jake looked down at the bar after saying that. Despite it happening years ago, he still couldn't help feeling depressed when speaking of his old home. He also hadn't lost any of his hatred for raiders, either.

[Cylarn]

Slowly, Jed looked over, taking a sip of his beer as he looked the young man over. The boy was wearing body armor, and he carried a myriad of firearms. The kid asked him where he was from, and Jed contemplated lying, but he decided against it.

"Hub," he said, taking another sip of his beer. "You?"

"Never heard of a place 'Hub' " Jake told him. "I'm from a Nebraska. My home was burned years ago by raiders, though." He took another sip of his drink. "So I guess I'm just a wanderer now."

"I guess I am too," he said. "They call it California. You've probably never heard of it, but we have our own nation. It's better than all of this, and we have order, safety, and a strong army. I fought in the Army for a while, b'fore comin' out here. I came through Utah, and then...say, have you seen a bunch of slavers runnin' 'round in football gear 'round these parts?"

[New Aksarben]

"Never heard of a place 'Hub' " Jake told him. "I'm from a Nebraska. My home was burned years ago by raiders, though." He took another sip of his drink. "So I guess I'm just a wanderer now."

"I guess I am too," he said. "They call it California. You've probably never heard of it, but we have our own nation. It's better than all of this, and we have order, safety, and a strong army. I fought in the Army for a while, b'fore comin' out here. I came through Utah, and then...say, have you seen a bunch of slavers runnin' 'round in football gear 'round these parts?"

"Nope. Havn't seen anyone like that. I also just arrived in this area so I don't know much of what's goin' on." Jake said with a shrug. "I came from the Omaha metro area, after spending some time with the people at Offutt Air Force Base. They were nice, and I helped take care of their bandit problem. I got my armor n' plasma pistol from them. Surprisingly well-armed for a such a small place, though." He observed. He hadn't really thought about that before, but it did seem odd.

[Cylarn]

"I guess I am too," he said. "They call it California. You've probably never heard of it, but we have our own nation. It's better than all of this, and we have order, safety, and a strong army. I fought in the Army for a while, b'fore comin' out here. I came through Utah, and then...say, have you seen a bunch of slavers runnin' 'round in football gear 'round these parts?"

"Nope. Havn't seen anyone like that. I also just arrived in this area so I don't know much of what's goin' on." Jake said with a shrug. "I came from the Omaha metro area, after spending some time with the people at Offutt Air Force Base. They were nice, and I helped take care of their bandit problem. I got my armor n' plasma pistol from them. Surprisingly well-armed for a such a small place, though." He observed. He hadn't really thought about that before, but it did seem odd.

"Well, those slavers are probably the greatest threat to this wasteland right now, but maybe your buddies could help us out," Jed said. "Tell me, what kind of gear did they have?"

[New Aksarben]

"Nope. Havn't seen anyone like that. I also just arrived in this area so I don't know much of what's goin' on." Jake said with a shrug. "I came from the Omaha metro area, after spending some time with the people at Offutt Air Force Base. They were nice, and I helped take care of their bandit problem. I got my armor n' plasma pistol from them. Surprisingly well-armed for a such a small place, though." He observed. He hadn't really thought about that before, but it did seem odd.

"Well, those slavers are probably the greatest threat to this wasteland right now, but maybe your buddies could help us out," Jed said. "Tell me, what kind of gear did they have?"

Jake thought back. "I saw some guys with really heavy armor, like what knights might have worn, but bigger n' creepier. Tons of plasma n' laser guns. Normal guns, too, of course." Jake remembered the most interesting part. "Oh! n' get this! They had actual planes! Really large and bulky ones.The base was also in really great shape as well. Everything looked almost brand new! like the base had been occupied by them since the Great War. They were visited by groups of people quite often as well. Some were just caravans but there also was large convoys occasionally, with people dressed up in a similar way to those in Offutt AFB, and with similar guns." Jake explained to the old soldier. "What about those slavers? Where did they come from?"

[Zokarest]

Downtown Kansas City

Matthew looked back at Colonel Jenkins and rolled his shoulders before taking off his helmet. It was in this moment that any man could most definitely tell that this one individual had suffered the effects of a two year long campaign. His chestnut brown hair was thick, and his calm blue eyes held little emotion in them. An age of warfare had definitely taken it's toll on this one individual. It is especially apparent on his face, a large scar blatantly apparent on his right cheek. He had suffered it in a close-quarters battle during the pacification of the local Raider Tribes. He inspected the Colonel for a moment and then returned his salute, "Sir! Captain Rolland, Commander of First Company, Second Battalion." He picked up his helmet and strolled over to the nearby computer, logging his arrival quickly and motioning to the Colonel, "Follow me, sir. I will give you the run down on the local situation. This isn't like the Capital Wasteland, this is much more brutal city fighting than what we experienced back in DC."

[Aeken]

Downtown Kansas City

Matthew looked back at Colonel Jenkins and rolled his shoulders before taking off his helmet. It was in this moment that any man could most definitely tell that this one individual had suffered the effects of a two year long campaign. His chestnut brown hair was thick, and his calm blue eyes held little emotion in them. An age of warfare had definitely taken it's toll on this one individual. It is especially apparent on his face, a large scar blatantly apparent on his right cheek. He had suffered it in a close-quarters battle during the pacification of the local Raider Tribes. He inspected the Colonel for a moment and then returned his salute, "Sir! Captain Rolland, Commander of First Company, Second Battalion." He picked up his helmet and strolled over to the nearby computer, logging his arrival quickly and motioning to the Colonel, "Follow me, sir. I will give you the run down on the local situation. This isn't like the Capital Wasteland, this is much more brutal city fighting than what we experienced back in DC."

"Good. I would assume after Augustus and Eden's defeat that the Enclave has retreated to Chicago, but I must say, inserting ourselves in Kansas City is quite the gambit," Jenkins said with a shrug. He had hoped their arrival was on time-- judging from the troops here, it was meant to stay. He had hoped to see no BoS soldiers in the area, but was certain if the BoS was in the Captial Wasteland, they would be in Kansas City. Jenkins put his hand through his short cut hair, sighing in relief that the base wasn't his enemies. Rolland seemed like a capable commander. Jenkins was awaiting to see if Rolland was up to the task.

[The Soviet Union of Mother Russia]

Prologue - Colorado.

Centurion Atticus had studied much of his time as a commander the pre-war tactics, finding his inspiration from the last large war, the world war two. Using the upon the transfer to his unit, he found a passion for the improvising uses of transport by the Imperial general Yamashita. He saw upon the holotaps from Ceasar's collection he had with him from his Follower Of The Apocalysp days, seeing this useage of movement before a briliant tactic, as bicyles required no fuel, little maintance, and was easy to learn, whilst making his unit move twice as fast, if not more. Due to this secret weapon not being used by the NCR. Atticus orderd his blacksmiths, aswell as pioneers to craft these bicyles over the period of some months. After the period had stopped, and he was given the order to move out within the week, he went to the encampment for his craftsmen, inspecting the bicycles as he tested them out. Seeing the rubber was salavaged from regualar tires, it would mean the regular maintance was cut in half, aswell as making it easier to repair the tires. However the price of this was the test subjects found it harder to turn with, as it was not made to be as having the same agility of a regular tire, none the less he saw they only should go one way, forward, so he procedded with the plan.

After finishing the bicycles for his main infantry, seveal rows of these bikes painted, and decorated with the Legions symbols were waiting in halt. He orderd the soldiers of the Legion to step over to the row, noticing the strange, and odd looks given to them, as they slowly went over, trying them out. After a few hours the majority knew how it was working, and with that, he knew it was time to proced. Strapping the officer staff, aswell as the selected members of the IV Julius legionariorum went inside improvised pre-war trucks, and a few buggies, the rest of the regular soldiers took upon their bikes, slowly driving out of the large complex. As they drove out of the large fortified military complex, they took the highway, starting to head east.

Current time, outskirts of Lenxea

As the large unit approached in the dawn of the morning, the sounds of metalic griding, and the sounds of engines roamed the area, as the inhabitants of the small town looked outside their windows, seeing the horizon being filled up with the legionaries upon their bicyles, aswell as the in the middle, a handfull of desert buggies, trucks, and one improvised APC, having the Centurion watching from its observation post. As the inhabitants glared upon this strange sighting, not familiar seeing these strange pre-war transport such as bicycles, they looked with awe, before starting to back away, heading for their homes, scared of what might come. Only a few awaited the legionaries, somewhat pleased as they heard the rumors of the safe, and stable areas under the banner of the Legion.

Upon the arrival of the large IV Julius legionariorum legion, the legionaries quickly went into standard protocol, rounding up the wastrels in a long row inside the town square, awaiting the fate be decided for the Centurion's command. Upon stepping out of the APC, the centurion walked outside with his two praetorian guardians. As he stepped along the row of the scared, and clearly shocked tenants of the town, he folded his hand behind his back, walking down the strech of the row, before turning around to face it as he reached the middle, overlooking them he stepped upon the roof of one of the buggies.

'' In the name of Ceasar, this town will now be safe, and secured from the wastrel, and profiligates attempting to spread their threats towards the people of the Wasteland. No longer will your town be harassed by these greedy profiligates attempting to consume the wealth of the wasteland, in exchange for the firm hand upon the population. With the cooperation of your city, you will be given safety, in condition that you will give your tribute for the Legion. If you cooperate, you may run your town in peace as it was before, however on the condition that you shall obey the laws of our empire. Hereby I ask for you all to submit, and I shall give my word that you will not be harmed, unless promoted ''

The inhabiants looked around to the ones next to them, making faint whispers, before looking back. Afterwards a small group led by a Decanus stepped down the line, pointing out the suitable males for military service, quickly escorting them away as they would be awaiting re-education for conscription. The ones that remained were the women, the elderly, and the men with physical defections, or that appeared weak. The women were quickly taken into a new group, being escorted into another area, likely being awating their roles given, as many of them would be bound to serve to provide the units with food, assistance, and '' physical attentions '' The remanining of the row was now the elderly, and the ones that were weak, and had physical defections. As the Centurion looked at them, he gazed upon a moment, before shurgging them off, seeing they were not fit for being workers, or any purposes of service.

Whilst the large transfer by the inhabitants was going on, a few of the citizens with NCR indentification, or other backgrounds that made them a possible threat were rounded up by a squad of Legionaries, taking to the outskirt as they were forced to dig a large hole, as they would afterwards would been shot, covering the hole they had dug afterwards. The Legion would not take chances with obstacales in the name of progress, as it was against the status quo.

Meanwhile the sappers, and pioneers of the Legion started to raise a improvise wall around the town, using scrapped cars, and brahmin carriers, letting the area be encircled by the makeshift walls in a matter of hours. With the newly made walls, the banners, and flag of the IV Julius legionariorum were raised, marking the new guest in this region. Clearly this legionariorum was here to capture more conquest in the name of Ceasar, taking the advantage of the victories made by Nevada. Getting a foothold in Kansas would make an addtional suitable sub-city for operations, allowing them to open a front against the main elements of Brotherhood Of Steel, however the Enclave they were unsure about, as they never had met them in person before, not until now.

[Stovilium]

One week ago

"Front clear, nothing but crap."
"Moving on your go."
"Checking sides...All clear, move up."

Sierra squad mobilized and began to move down the empty sidewalk, crouching and in tight formation, weapons drawn. Blake looked ahead; "Kansas city, the last place any NCR guys would be." he looked back, spotting Stephen and Lisa behind him, followed by their comms officer and some rangers. They were checking the rubble that once represented buildings before the great war. Blake looked to his left, to the opposite side of the road, and saw the rest of his squad, his fellow veteran rangers leading, with rangers and troopers making up the middle and with Donald, their heavy trooper, picking up the rear. Blake signaled for their attention, before pointing to the small motel a few hundred meters away, with a large sign above the entrance reading 'South Kansas City Motel'. Peering down the scope of his sniper rifle he could spot several figures perched around it. signalling his team those on the right peeled off behind the motel, before splitting up and circling the building around 30 meters away. Blake's team slowly crept up to the motel, where Blake peered once more down his scope for a better view. He sighed, "No civilians, just raiders." he spoke into the radio.
"Roger, ready to engage."It responded. Blake locked and loaded, peered into the scope and said "Fire"...

A brief time later Sierra squad was searching through the motel, checking rooms and bodies alike.
"More ammo here, a few .44 rounds and a heck a lot of 9 to 10mm's" Christopher called out from below to Blake, up on the balcony.
"Good to know Chris, Lisa spotted some geckos west of here and some nightstalkers due east. Send Tony and Christine west and Gerald and Daniel east for the food. As for rations here we have more than enough of the godawful canned crap but a fair amount of water." Chris nodded and walked off to find his fellow troopers.
Blake then walked to Alison, "Any look on getting word out to any NCR?" He asked to his comms officer.
"Sadly nope, however we have possibly the best signal for radio Kansas, thanks to yours truly." She laughed. Blake nodded with a smile and took a look north, straight at Kansas and thought to himself, 'May as well head up there, plenty of people and plenty to find...'

Three days ago

Blake and his men walked down the main streets of Kansas city, there were people around but what was new to him was that no one knew what a veteran ranger was, 'funny how I miss watching as people just stare at you in your armour...' he thought to himself with a smile as they made their way further in. Eventually they reached a small location south of the city, but still pretty deep into it.
"hay Blake," Rachel, a veteran ranger herself, asked, "What's the point of being here? I mean we have nowhere to go, why not just stay at the motel, or find a vault, or..." She was cut off by Blake. "What good are we on our own? At least here we can continue to be what we are, soldiers in the New Californian Republic. Caesar's legion has the Mohave, I doubt it will be long until they make it here, or back east. In any case, we should either find out the deal here or find a way back east to help out." Blake sounded uncertain, his plan ended making it to a city, what to do next was uncertain to him. "Until now how about we set up in a building somewhere here, get ourselves dug in, then work out a plan." He said, pointing to a potential candidate for a location, a second motel, relativity undamaged and similar to the one on the outskirts, only this one seemed to have more to it. After a short inspection it seemed as if people had been living here not long ago, as a search showed an assortment of caps, a few stimpacks and bits of food here and there.

Today

Blake woke up from his room, it was still odd to sleep in an actual bed, not some poorly designed piece of cloth to rest on. His radio was still tuned into KC radio, one of the few stations he actually liked. Getting dressed he made it outside, the rangers had made some fine improvements to the place. The gate had been fixed, the stench of drugs and chem addicts had left shortly after Sierra squad chased them away from the motel, which they named 'Ranger station Sierra' with a small pot of black paint and a brush that they had found. His men were still performing the last of their morning exercises when Blake made it to the ground level of the motel. Rangers Tony and Frank had recently traded their gecko hides for some cheap beers the night before, so moral was higher than normal. Word had began to spread around the south of Sierra squad and trade had began, mainly for the gecko and night stalkers that the team could readily hunt. In return they would get drink, caps and importantly ammunition. Stephen and Lisa approached him; "Ready to go?" Lisa asked. Blake had agreed to set off with two of his other veteran rangers in order to see the local area, leaving Chris in charge of the motel and 2nd in command. "I'm thinking we head to the west." Stephen suggested, to which Blake simply nodded. he adjusted his beret while his friend put on their helmets and they set off west.

[Zokarest]

Downtown KC

Matthew sighed as he picked up his plasma rifle, slinging it over his back by it's sling. As he moved through the camp he motioned to a couple squads of soldiers. He looked back at Jenkins and sighed before speaking, "Colonel, we're in a bit of a sticky situation. With the pacification of both Chicago and Omaha pretty much finished, we're just consolidating now. A defeat here could send us reeling back into Omaha, however, a victory here can put us in the right direction." For a moment he keyed his radio twice, then the radio chatter began once again. Enclave movements had begun again. Though, he could have sworn that he had heard pray tell of movements to the West. He shrugged at this news. He was indifferent to whoever it could be.

However, then this little ring came on...what? The NCR? HERE!? Impossible. He sighed and stopped at the camp's barricades, inspecting them for a moment before turning to the Colonel, "Your group has the right to set up it's own base camp here, with us. In fact, we might a well petition for Fort status at this point. A good fighting force at a hard point. We could be able to hold off the Brotherhood for a minimum of three weeks. This sector is mostly peaceful, so reinforcing here and then pushing in to hostile sectors seems like the best idea, don't you agree?"

[Cylarn]

"Well, those slavers are probably the greatest threat to this wasteland right now, but maybe your buddies could help us out," Jed said. "Tell me, what kind of gear did they have?"

Jake thought back. "I saw some guys with really heavy armor, like what knights might have worn, but bigger n' creepier. Tons of plasma n' laser guns. Normal guns, too, of course." Jake remembered the most interesting part. "Oh! n' get this! They had actual planes! Really large and bulky ones.The base was also in really great shape as well. Everything looked almost brand new! like the base had been occupied by them since the Great War. They were visited by groups of people quite often as well. Some were just caravans but there also was large convoys occasionally, with people dressed up in a similar way to those in Offutt AFB, and with similar guns." Jake explained to the old soldier. "What about those slavers? Where did they come from?"

"Flagstaff," Jed said. "They're called Caesar's Legion, and they style themselves as Roman Legionaries. They're just 86 conquered tribes that have shed their identity. They got past the Hoover Dam out West, but luckily, we kept 'em from spreadin'. I...fought them, and it was truly hell to fight. Now, they've been spreadin' East. Now, I know who you're talkin' 'bout, and they're more than trouble for everyone, but hopefully, they can handle the Legion."

[New Aksarben]

Jake thought back. "I saw some guys with really heavy armor, like what knights might have worn, but bigger n' creepier. Tons of plasma n' laser guns. Normal guns, too, of course." Jake remembered the most interesting part. "Oh! n' get this! They had actual planes! Really large and bulky ones.The base was also in really great shape as well. Everything looked almost brand new! like the base had been occupied by them since the Great War. They were visited by groups of people quite often as well. Some were just caravans but there also was large convoys occasionally, with people dressed up in a similar way to those in Offutt AFB, and with similar guns." Jake explained to the old soldier. "What about those slavers? Where did they come from?"

"Flagstaff," Jed said. "They're called Caesar's Legion, and they style themselves as Roman Legionaries. They're just 86 conquered tribes that have shed their identity. They got past the Hoover Dam out West, but luckily, we kept 'em from spreadin'. I...fought them, and it was truly hell to fight. Now, they've been spreadin' East. Now, I know who you're talkin' 'bout, and they're more than trouble for everyone, but hopefully, they can handle the Legion."

"Who are they? I've never seen a group so organized in the wastes. the largest before that was my own hometown."

[Cylarn]

"Flagstaff," Jed said. "They're called Caesar's Legion, and they style themselves as Roman Legionaries. They're just 86 conquered tribes that have shed their identity. They got past the Hoover Dam out West, but luckily, we kept 'em from spreadin'. I...fought them, and it was truly hell to fight. Now, they've been spreadin' East. Now, I know who you're talkin' 'bout, and they're more than trouble for everyone, but hopefully, they can handle the Legion."

"Who are they? I've never seen a group so organized in the wastes. the largest before that was my own hometown."

"The Enclave," he said. "They're the remnants of the Pre-War US Military, and they launched a major offensive in the West decades ago. Luckily, we repelled 'em. They're sick, twisted, and they have their own view of "mutants". Basically, if you ain't from one of their settlements, you're a mutant, and you need to be destroyed. They're terrible people, but to be honest, they might be the only hope for the Wastes, besides the Rangers."

[Lunas Legion]

Highway 69 Rest Stop

Jon sighed as he drank yet another bottle of Sunset Sasparillia. The old shop which had become the common room for the Longstriders was filled with salvaged couches arranged around a lone radio.

The Longstriders were not a large group, nor were they heavily armed. But they had experience in plenty, Jon mused as he picked up his trusty lever-action rifle and began to fiddle with it yet again.

Trade had been good for them, selling what they could scavenge as well as information for the caravans that passed through.

Raiders thought they were a easy target, and actually provided their main source of income through the loot scavenged off of them.

It was only a matter of time before the Legion noticed the Longstriders, however.

[New Aksarben]

"Who are they? I've never seen a group so organized in the wastes. the largest before that was my own hometown."

"The Enclave," he said. "They're the remnants of the Pre-War US Military, and they launched a major offensive in the West decades ago. Luckily, we repelled 'em. They're sick, twisted, and they have their own view of "mutants". Basically, if you ain't from one of their settlements, you're a mutant, and you need to be destroyed. They're terrible people, but to be honest, they might be the only hope for the Wastes, besides the Rangers."

"I'm from one of the settlement that had existed almost from the end of the Great War. We even had some Ghouls that lived there! Why didn't they try to kill me when I met them?" Jake said. "They can't be all bad."

[Stovilium]

Blake walked as Lisa and Stephen walked closely behind. The area was mostly calm, and the group were surprised that they had not encountered even the least bit of trouble, maybe it was the neighborhood, maybe it was the pre-war riot gear and duster coat with sniper rifles on the backs of them. After a brief walk they had decided to look at the stores around. Sure enough a street vendor was near, and soon they were engaged in conversation. "So, what brings you into Kansas city?" Than man asked.
"Lack of options" Blake replied, looking over the selection of food and miscellaneous items. "So who runs this place?"
"Well there are a bunch of large factions around this area. Currently there are some brewing tensions around the wasteland between two very strong groups."
"And what might those be?" Blake asked as he paid for a bottle of water and began to walk away.
"You might not have heard of them, but i believe it was the brotherhood of... something. Steel I think" Blake dropped his bottle.
"The brotherhood? Jesus... What is the other side called?" he asked, shaken up by the news.
"The enclave I believe , they have themselves a bunch of vertibirds and such. Say are you alright?"
Blake replied "Yes, I have to go though," before leaving to speak to his friends. "Guys, we have some problems. The BoS and enclave are under tensions around this whole place, it seems serious and i don't think either side are going to like to see us."
Lisa thought for some time. "This is very bad. But I doubt that they are going to hit just 16 of us with so much force, it seems that they are going to be more focused with each other."
"In any case, I want you two back at ranger station Sierra, tell everyone to be on good terms with both sides, stay helpful with the locals too, don't give them the idea that we are trying to attack any of them. I'l just go for a walk around here, probably grab a beer or so for everyone back home." Lisa and Stephen both nodded and left back for the ranger station. Blake made his way into the bar, 'the dusty wrangler', and sat down on the stool. "One beer for me, keep sixteen for me for when I leave please." he said, handing over the caps.

[Cylarn]

Blake walked as Lisa and Stephen walked closely behind. The area was mostly calm, and the group were surprised that they had not encountered even the least bit of trouble, maybe it was the neighborhood, maybe it was the pre-war riot gear and duster coat with sniper rifles on the backs of them. After a brief walk they had decided to look at the stores around. Sure enough a street vendor was near, and soon they were engaged in conversation. "So, what brings you into Kansas city?" Than man asked.
"Lack of options" Blake replied, looking over the selection of food and miscellaneous items. "So who runs this place?"
"Well there are a bunch of large factions around this area. Currently there are some brewing tensions around the wasteland between two very strong groups."
"And what might those be?" Blake asked as he paid for a bottle of water and began to walk away.
"You might not have heard of them, but i believe it was the brotherhood of... something. Steel I think" Blake dropped his bottle.
"The brotherhood? Jesus... What is the other side called?" he asked, shaken up by the news.
"The enclave I believe , they have themselves a bunch of vertibirds and such. Say are you alright?"
Blake replied "Yes, I have to go though," before leaving to speak to his friends. "Guys, we have some problems. The BoS and enclave are under tensions around this whole place, it seems serious and i don't think either side are going to like to see us."
Lisa thought for some time. "This is very bad. But I doubt that they are going to hit just 16 of us with so much force, it seems that they are going to be more focused with each other."
"In any case, I want you two back at ranger station Sierra, tell everyone to be on good terms with both sides, stay helpful with the locals too, don't give them the idea that we are trying to attack any of them. I'l just go for a walk around here, probably grab a beer or so for everyone back home." Lisa and Stephen both nodded and left back for the ranger station. Blake made his way into the bar, 'the dusty wrangler', and sat down on the stool. "One beer for me, keep sixteen for me for when I leave please." he said, handing over the caps.

Blake would soon see a man looking over at him, noting his armor and gear. Jed knew who the guy was with; he was NCR, and it made Jed wonder whether or not the Rangers were in KC, which they probably were.

"Welcome to Kansas City, Ranger," Jed said.