A New Wasteland (IC)

[Kernan]

A New Wasteland



Enclave propaganda outside The Republic of Dave

Its 2279 and the Capitol Wasteland has changed without question. The Enclave has sprung back from the cusp of destruction with the help of the Lone Wanderer from Vault 101. Despite both his father and mother's dreams for him, he has cleansed the Wastes of all things deemed impure by the Enclave and their modified FEV. Thousands died in the aftermath of the FEV's distribution with thousands more creatures also falling victim to the waters. The land around DC became a graveyard of unimaginable scale. The Brotherhood of Steel East, with its technological prowess and military discipline, was once again forced from its home and left DC for somewhere else. Rumors say they finally found haven in a place called Point Lookout after wiping out all local tribes, however those are just rumors. Some say that Sarah Lyons, who was present at Project Purity when the Wanderer deposited the FEV, still lingers in the Capitol and surrounding area, fighting the Good Fight from a mythical place called Oasis. Galaxy New Radio has been silenced by the Enclave with Three Dog also been seen at Oasis; however both Three Dog's survival and the existence of this "Oasis" are in doubt.

Now more people have came to be part of this "New America" led by a mysterious President Adam. Order reigns and the Wastes have started to rebuild. However, all is not well. All dissenters disappear into the Wastes followed by Enclave troops, never to be seen again. There are still subbourn areas of resistance, the Republic of Dave maintains its independence with a massive influx of refugees from Enclave territory. The slavers from Paradise Falls also have been able to keep relatively free from Enclave influence by selling slaves to the Enclave for their military and scientific experiments. That is the world you live in. It will be the world you will die in. That is, unless you change it.

Code: Select all

Application
[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Age:[/b]
[b]Sex:[/b]
[b]Appearance:[/b]
[b]SPECIAL Stats:[/b]
[b]Starting Equipment:[/b]
[b]Starting Location:[/b]
[b]Short Bio:[/b]

Name: President Adam (Real Name: Adam Reichnau)
Age: 56
Sex: M
Appearance: Medium height, bald, thin, has thick glasses, dresses in a suit all the time
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats: S: 4, P: 5, E: 2, C: 8, I: 10, A: 5, L: 6
Starting Equipment: Pre-War Formal Wear, Glasses, 10mm Pistol, 100 10 mm ammo
Starting Location: The Pentagon
Short Bio: He was an avid admirer of Dick Richardson, former President of the Enclave. He was born to a whore in New Reno, and found a home in the Enclave, growing up in under their supervision, growing to be an important figure in the administration. When the Oil Rig exploded he was on a mission to the newly established NCR to investigate its potential and was devastated when he learned of the death of Dick Richardson. He then dedicated his life to running a new Enclave and founded a dozen or so groups on his way East, only for them to be squashed by the locals. He finally ended up in DC to find a new Enclave and a new President much to his joy. He quickly joined the East Coast Enclave as a administrator and again rose through the ranks using his intelligence and charisma to gain a legion of loyal followers in the Enclave. When Richardson and Colonel Autumn died, he saw his chance at taking over the Enclave and took it. His men moved rapidly to take over all Enclave positions in the Capitol Wastes and soon after he had set up shop as the President. His word was now law.

He then went about and brutally eliminated all opposition to his rule in the Enclave, killing and exiling hundreds maybe thousands. However in the end his power base was secure and he had total control of the Enclave East. With a legion of fanatical supporters by his side he then began to make stirring speeches and launched a series of attacks on the BoS and the BoS Outcasts. This was however childsplay to Adam's ultimate goal, retaking The Citadel from the BoS. His attack began at dawn with vertibirds dropping X-01 Hellfire troops into the Citadel Square. This threw the Brotherhood into chaos as fighting erupted, distracting them from the main attack. It was not long before Enclave troops had gotten into The Citadel from the front door, opening it for all future reinforcements. While the BoS were brave, they were not stupid and realized that their time in DC was up. They then went all out and broke out of the battle, escaping with 1/10th of their former strength. They then were led out of DC under Enclave guard, Adam had won. Adam then set up shop in the former Citadel, renamed it the Pentagon, and set out to expand Enclave power.

1. OP has final say
2. Keep it local
3. No killing of players unless okayed
4. Try to post at least once a week, if not your character will be terminated
5. Cause no big disasters unless cleared with OP
6. Don't be an overpowered killing machine
7. No one liners
Will be added on if needed

Megaton: Did not explode. It was peacefully occupied by Enclave soldiers soon after Purity went live. The FEV killed some people, including the sheriff, but now they are being preseided over by a Enclave appointed sherrif named Eric. Eric runs the town like a military base and Megaton has a Resistance cell operating in the city. The nuke that gave the town its namesake has been deactivated and relocated to an Enclave research center to be taken apart and examined. The Church of the Atom, irked that its God dispelled, headed North to a place where it was rumored Pre-War ICBM's were still being held, Fort Constantine.

Rivet City: Tried to retain independence but a vertibird landing on the flight deck quashed those hopes quickly. Harkness, having not being turned over to the Institute, was forced to surrender his security detail over to the Enclave, who allowed him to continue running the show, but with a Enclave administrator over top of him. The City itself has acted as a sort of Hub of the East, being a trading center between the Frontier Town of Megaton and the "civilized" New America. People flock to it from all over the Wastes and there are even talks about launch an expedition into the half sunk part of the ship to reclaim it.

Tenpenny Tower: Initially seized by the Enclave, it was turned back over to Tenpenny after a generous 'donation' of unknown amounts. The Tower as it's referred to by the common people is a pinnacle of high class, Enclave society. President Adam goes there on occasion and parties for the higher ups of Enclave society. The richest of the rich are able to stay there and they enjoy it, with Ghouls being used as slaves, along side actual slaves.

Paradise Falls: Being on the border of Enclave control left the slavers there at an interesting point. The Enclave was to spread thin keeping order in their territory to get rid of them, but people were no longer hanging around outside the Enclave's protection. So, their leader Eulogy made a deal with the Enclave. They will not arrest the whole lot of them, and in return the Slavers will act as a Enclave puppet off the records. With no real alternatives to prevent incursions from the Republic of Dave, they agreed.

The Republic of Dave: Once just a group of ramshackle buildings around a flagpole, now it is a legitimate power. Flooded with former BoS and BoS sympathizers it has become a bustling community free from Enclave influence. It's leader, Dave, has been forced from power and a new man, also named Dave, has taken power. He runs the Republic like an actual Republic and expects to oversee the first elections sooner or later. The Republic is also the HQ of the Resistance with the unofficial support from the government. The Enclave will send a few troopers up there every once and awhile but no major push to take it has come, yet.

Oasis: The fabled splotch of green in the puke yellow of the Wastes, it is home to some truly legendary figures. Three Dog and Sarah Lyons, expats who knew the Lone Wanderer personally, are said to be there. There also have supposed godlike man-tree hybrid to lead them so there is skepticism over its existence. The Enclave, wanting to silence any serious voices against them, seeks to find Oasis, eliminate all people inside and harvest it to spread life to the Wasteland.

Accepted Apps:
Adam Reichnau - Kernan
Declan "Nine-Finger" Sheridan - Redern
Dr. Xavier Crewe - Zaporizhian Host
Jeremiah Adams - Alsheb
Hiram "Uly" Holliday - Free Empire of the Low Isles

[Kernan]

Adam Reichnau sat at his desk with a map of the Wastes in front of him. It had been only a few months since the Battle of Project Purity ended with the Enclave triumphant; but all was not well. Despite their rapid expansion the Enclave still had trouble on the Homefront. The Resistance continues to evade capture and operate out of a base not yet known. Despite recent defeats they still seem to gather strength by the day. The corpses all creatures killed by FEV have yet to be disposed and that is a effort all in itself that should probably be left to the elements. The Enclave is now settling down into the monotony of governing, a stark difference to the flurry of war with the BoS. His scientists were busy dismantling the advanced BoS tech and finding out how it works. The reports say that progress is going ahead at a steady pace. The Megaton Bomb has been also successfully dismantled and its inner workings are being studied. If all goes well, the Enclave will soon have some of its own. Suddenly someone approached him with a radio broadcaster. He was due to make another speech. He will use this one to announce the launching of Project: Rebirth. It was an attempt to placate his rambunctious General Staff.

"Before my announcement I feel I must once again reiterate the new laws: All crimes will be punishable by death until further notice. If you find a corpse mark it clearly and await Enclave reinforcements. All automatic and energy weapons within land controlled by the Enclave are to be handed over to Enclave authorities. It's also a crime to cross into the Wastes for any reason, punishable by death." he began. He took a short pause before continuing.

"Hello my America. I am your new President Adam and I come to you with a momentous announcement. A Rebel raid on a Water caravan has been repulsed with ease. Initial reports put the toll at 4 Rebel dead and no casualties on our side. Despite their claims as being 'for the people' they still attack caravans carrying the life saving liquid. Why would they if they were truly 'Fighting the Good Fight' as they claim. That is why I am also taking this time to announce my new plan to combat both the Rebels and the anarchy to the North of our civilized nation. Operation: Rebirth. It's no lie that just north of the Potomac River the life bringing Enclave soldiers have no authority. That is why I am beginning Phase 1 of the planned Operation. In it Enclave forces will gather at points along the River to begin a great General Offensive into the Wastes. Humanity was once one of many languages, and most of those have gone extinct in the wake of the Great War. Although I hate to admit it, peace was one of those languages. We all know of the Anarchy. The time where mutated abominations tainted our great land, relics of an old system. Well this is the new system and it will now take its place as rightful ruler of the planet. One of peace, order and cooperation between all peoples. Now, despite my boisterous claims, the Enclave cannot spare such troops to begin the offensive alone. That is why I am now also declaring all members of mercenary groups are gaining an official pardon in lieu of service to the Enclave. If you wish to take me up on this offer, go to your nearest Enclave recruiting station. I wish for the best for you and the Enclave.

[Redern]

He had been driving on the roads of his birth, trying everything in his power not to hook up his car's nuclear reactor to explode and destroy a section of this meaningless region. That was when the first gunpowder explosions rung from the side of the dirt filled road past, or some may say through, the car window and past his ear. The plastic interior crumpled as bullets flung themselves further inside. A bullet sped by his ear and Nine-Fingers lost control of his left hand. He couldn't feel the hand but he could feel the blood trickle down to his arm. Nine fingers pulled the steering wheel to a desperate turn right causing the car itself to flip over some heavy thing. Quickly he reached to the back of the car with his right hand, pulling out a shotgun and a baseball bat. As he stumbled, shot to hell and back, out of his car, he saw the corpses of two crushed supermutants.

He heard a tick.

The car was about to explode.

Nine-Fingers jumped forward into an almost perfect roll, except of course the misplaced rock that slammed into his open wound and a pulled muscle in his ankle, as the whole car blew itself up in a green irradiated mushroom cloud. He felt his body scream from the radiation being pumped into him, he felt himself scream as he pulled a misplaced rock out of his own hand. He had too much jet in the back of that car for the Raleigh guys to forget about him. Nine-Fingers was wounded, in the middle of nowhere, and in a ton of trouble from his bosses.

[Ort]

Charlie

---

"Who's this guy we're lookin' for?"
"Dunno, but he's a high-priority target - kill on sight."
"How can one guy be that dangerous, what? Is he the fuckin' Silver Shroud?"
"I don't know and I don't care, but I ain't takin' any chances."
"We've got more to worry about from fuckin' ferals in these tunnels than... well, this guy we're lookin' for."
"Look, I don't give the orders - just follow 'em."
"If it was up to me, we'd be up the-"
Click - Tick Tick Tick.
"SHIT! It's a tra-"
BOOM!
The closest Enclave soldiers' bodies were obliterated by the blast whilst those further away were flung aside: limp, like ragdolls. Those who hadn't been harmed by the improvised explosive device fanned out, establishing an impromptu perimeter and aiming their plasma rifles towards the darkness; this wasn't how they'd expected such a seemingly simple mission to go.
"Whoever you are, show yourself and you won't be harmed!"
Nothing... and then brightness. A searing white light emanated from within the tunnel, the Enclave soldiers' night vision temporarily blinded them - that's when Charlie attacked. Footsteps? How many? The Enclave soldiers couldn't tell, their attention was on their current inability to see. The sound grew louder, that's when the first Enclave soldier managed to disengage his night vision and stare into the abyss - his sight returned to him. A huddled mass of ambling forms edging ever closer and, although the bright light obscured their actual appearance, the Enclave soldier was sure about their true identity.
"GHOULS!"
They didn't have much time to prepare, if anything, the soldier's shout had hastened the ghouls' advance - most were still unable to see and those that weren't blind, didn't know whether to fight or flee. Beset by ghouls, blinded by a bright light, and abandoned by those capable of fighting; the Enclave soldiers' luck was about to run out. A cacophony of screams filled the tunnel, echoing throughout the surrounding Metro. Some managed to fight back but most were quickly torn apart by the horde of ghouls, their sheer ferocity besting the Enclave soldiers' training.

* * * * *

It wasn't a particularly lengthy battle, most of the remaining Enclave soldiers hadn't been able to put up a significant fight and had gone down quite quickly. Charlie surveyed the damage he'd done, albeit indirectly. It had taken him weeks to lure and trap that many ghouls in one area, although it'd apparently been worth it in the end. He'd known that they'd come looking for him eventually and hadn't wanted to be caught unawares. The tunnels wouldn't be safe anymore, after losing such a sizeable force, they'd only send more - who'd be prepared this time. No, Charlie wasn't going to stay in the Metro. Maybe head north, he'd heard it was safer up there. Anywhere but here really, the ghouls weren't exactly great company and the looming threat of Enclave soldiers wasn't an entirely enticing prospect. Charlie set about scavenging what he could before the ghouls ate everything.

[Kernan]

Adam awoke from his sleep to see his top military advisor, Marshal Washington, standing at the door.

"What is it Washington?" Adam asked as he walked over to the doorway

"I'm sorry to have you woken up sir, but there is an urgent matter to attend to." Washington said

"Yes? Out with it!" Adam commanded.

"Sir, we have reports of Children of Atom, the cult from Megaton, arriving at an old Fort in the Wastes. Some rumors say that the Fort there are at, Fort Constantine, has functional nuclear weapons. If they find out how to work them, even accidentally, they could rain nuclear fire down upon all we have built." Washington said.

"What are you suggesting?" Adam asked

"I would like authorization to prepare an expedition north to Fort Constantine to take it from the Children of the Atom, detain the lot of them, and take those nukes for ourselves." Washington said.

"Well, will they resist? Will the Children fight back?" Adam asked

"We can't say. We will use violence only as a last option however." Washington said

"Okay, draw up a formal proposal and we will talk again later." Adam said.

[Zaporizhian Host]

Dr. Xavier Crewe

He crouched behind a bush while listening to the broadcast on my radio transmitter. I have no where else to go. I have gone too far to turn around, and nothing can be worse than the institute. Nothing.
Despite the Enclave President's speech making him doubt himself, he recognized his desperate position and the sacrifices he'd made to reach the Enclave. He'd wandered through the former city of New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, facing unspeakable horrors. Regretting his escape from the Institute and Commonwealth on uncountable occasions, he had no where else to turn to now. Xavier could only hope that the Enclave would not reject him, or anything worse.

He walked besides the Potomac river, heading south. He was deep into Enclave territory, and had managed to avoid multiple patrols and guard posts. What he wanted was to reach this Pentagon building himself. After a while, he saw flags and guard posts on the other side of the river, in front of a very large building. Now was a single problem, he had to cross the river. The irradiated water would not be a problem for his radiation suit, but he looked at it suspiciously at it. There could be dangerous creatures in it, like centaurs or mirelurks. He put my foot in the water, and walked out until it was so deep that he had to swim. Strangely enough, his radiation measure tool did not detect any high amounts of radiation at all. Xavier swam over the still river. The cold water was barely perceptible through the radiation suit, and he walked up the river quite easily, shaking some water off it.

He walked until he was very close to the entrance. The guards stopped him, aiming their guns.

"This is a restricted area. Anyone not authorized are to leave the Pentagon immediately," one of the guards said rudely

"I am sorry sir" He started, pushing a button on my suit revealing his face. "My name is Dr. Xavier Crewe from the commonwealth, far up north. I am a biologist from the Institute, a research organization with immense capacity, possiby several decades ahead of anything currently achieved here. I have travelled through the wastelands for months, if not more. My goal has been the enclave in the former...Capital, of this nation. I am here in hope for a new home. I know this might sound suspicious, or even bold but please, for the sake of the people in this land, me and the Enclave, inform your superiors of my arrival".

He looked up into the power armor helmet with a concerned but hoping look.

[Redern]

Nine-Fingers had been walking for what felt like a day. He could tell from where the sun was, that for once in his life he might not have been wrong on his estimations. In front of him sat a small lake, the remains of the great raging Potomac. He couldn't remember if you were supposed to drink from it. On the other side of the lake, across a small destroyed bridge, sat two men encased in great metal armor. He remembered the Brotherhood of Steel from his childhood. As he ran, Nine-Fingers through his arms in there and screamed a mighty long list of swear words as he weeped for joy and the fact that his twisted leg is really painful.

"Sir the Enclave asks you to stand down." Said the taller of the two, pointing a plasma rifle at Nine-Fingers from beyond the lake, "My associate will come over and send you in for processing."

"What? F*** that!" Nine-Fingers fired off his pistol at the man with the plasma rifle, but the first bullet practically bounced off him.

Soon it was a flurry of plasma blasts and bullets, Nine-Fingers hid behind a burnt out car firing off his pistol. Very quickly, he heard a splash of water and he quickly realized the two were swimming over to catch him. As there heads poked out of the lake, he fired his trusty shotgun smashing the eyepieces of one of the men. They continued walking closer, and Nine-Fingers raised his arms in surrender.

"You are under arrest for your crimes against New America. Please come with us."

[Kernan]

Adam was preparing for Washington's presentation when someone knocked on his door.

"Come in!" Adam yelled.

The door opened and one of his officers.

"What is it?" Adam asked. He was supposed to be out in the field.

"Sir, we have captured Declan Sheridan, he is being detained at the former Slaver camp at Paradise Falls until further notice." he declared

"You got him? How?" Adam asked.

"He...he just gave up, sir." the officer said.

Adam was puzzled. The Enclave had been harassed by him for months and hadn't known much about him other than his name, much less catch him. And he just surrendered. It was worrying.

"Keep him under close surveillance but don't get too close. I will deal with him later." Adam said

The officer nodded and walked off.

[Redern]

It wasn't as bad as Nine-Fingers first thought it would be. His wounds were being treated if nothing else. He had always heard horror stories of Paradise Falls, the old raiders selling off sex slaves to the highest bidder. Well Nine-Fingers wasn't pretty enough to be a sex slave and it seemed like he must of garnered some sort of a reputation smuggling jet up here. A man came in, metal armor like the others. Nine-Fingers hadn't gone this way in a while, he tended to avoid the guys who stole technology and while he had heard of the Enclave, he didn't realize they had similar armor.

"Mister Sheridan, we have some folks who may be willin' to buy ya'." Said an enclave officer with a mild southern accent.

"Well who the f*** is it?" Said Nine-Fingers calmly.

"A Mister Alexander DuPont."

"He's from New Raleigh, I lost a shipment of Jet that was supposed to go through here. Probably wants that stuff back. If not he'll just shoot me." Said Nine-Fingers desperately needing either a smoke or a flask, "You should probably pat him down."

"Ya' not the one in charge here." Said the officer, anger trapped in his raspy southern voice.

"Look, I surrendered to get away from that guy." Nine Fingers said, he decided to evolve the lie a bit more, "From that life. I want something more than me."

"What ya gettin' at?"

"I figure I might be somewhat helpful to the Enclave." Said Nine-Fingers, he heard about there crimes, but he knew about what the guys from Raleigh do. He didn't want to be tortured to death.

[Free Empire of the Low Isles]

A radio quietly played music in the background, the singer's voice garbled by the horrible radio and the static from the radiation storm going on outside. The rain came down on the bomb in the middle of Megaton, with a few Children of Atom still standing around it and preaching. Most of them had left, for some unknown reason. It wasn't like the citizens of Megaton cared, they were just happy to be rid of most of the lunatics. Back inside, inside Moriarty's tavern, a rather intense game was going on. A game of cards.

A gambler of some local renown chuckled happily as he looked at tonight's score. A couple hundred caps, fifty .44 bullets, and a can of purified water. It was good, and the people he was playing were utter losers. A jittery widower that was probably on a withdrawal, an old ghoul that put in five caps and said he was new at gambling, and a new kid, young and inexperienced looking, that had just blown in on a northern wind.

The gambler tapped the deck on the table, ratty and well-worn. "The name of the game is Paramours. Anyone need a run down for the rules?"

The ghoul looked up, it's decaying face nearly unreadable. "Uh... is it like Caravan?" he rasped.

"Not even close, buckaroo." the gambler said with a sneer. "And that's the answer to my question! Paramours is a somewhat simple game. We each get three cards. Whoever's got the lowest total from the numbers of those three wins."

"Sound eas-"

"Ah ha! But there's a twist!" the gambler interrupted, cutting the poor, jittery, wiry man off. "You see, those little images up in the corners mean something. Anyone with a pure house, meaning anyone with hand that's purely one symbol, trumps anyone with a mutt house, meaning someone with a mixed-symbol hand. Clubs, this weird looking thing..."

He held up a card with the club on it.

"Trumps a hand of diamonds, diamonds trumps spade, and spade trumps clubs." he continued to explain, while holding up a card to each name.

"What about thi-" the ghoul started, while holding up a card with a heart on it.

The gambler interrupted again. "That, my dear friend, trumps everything. A house of hearts will beat anything you got, beside another house of hearts. If that happens, or any matching houses for that matter, it comes back down to the number. Whoever has the lowest number wins."

The kid, who had been quiet until now while he was nursing a cup of whiskey, looked up. His face had a generous amount of stubble, for a person of his age. "What about the joker?"

The gambler raised an eyebrow. "Ain't no joker in this deck, kid. But if there was, if you got one, you win flat out."

"Gotchya."

The kid dropped his head again, staring into the whiskey.

The game began, cards being handed out, and music playing in the background.

After a couple of rounds, letting them get a feel for the game, the gambler smiles. "Right then, now we got a feel, let's play for keeps. This one is for all the marbles. All the bullets, the can, and the four-hundred caps."

The other players nodded, the kid, barely tipping his hat in acknowledgement. The cards were handed out, and the gambler smiled. A king and a queen of hearts.

And a ten of clubs.

This always happened to him, but he didn't care. He did what he always did in response. Cheat.

He looked up at Nova, the smile wide on his face. "Looks like you're getting work tonight, hun! I got me a pure house o' hearts. Wanted to tell ya, since it reminded me of ya."

Nova rolled her eyes, and gave a seductive wink, playing along. The ghoul looked away, apparently embarrassed by the come on. The old addict growled, and folded, leaving his money in the pot as he walked away. The kid didn't even seem to pay attention to the game itself, let alone the gambler, preferring to nurse his whiskey.

While 'everyone' was distracted, the gambler switched the ten of clubs for the ace of hearts in his sleeve. I always liked that I have a literal ace up my sleeve... he thought, as he looked at the two remaining players.

The kid then looked up, and at the ghoul. "Just fold, friend. There's no point since you're gonna lose."

The ghoul looked surprised, and then tried to cover it up. "Wh-wh-what do you mean!? You don't know what I have!" he stuttered out.

"Yes I do. I can tell by the way you hold yourself. Not to mention your reaction to me saying that. Just fold. You aren't gonna win anything. Holding out makes you seem stupid when he calls." the Kid replied.

The ghoul sighed and nodded, taking the kid's advice and folding. The gambler looked at the kid suspiciously, and then shrugged. Not like he has anything that could beat me.

"Alright, I call then, kid." the Gambler said, showing his cards. "Read 'em and weep."

He then looked at Nova, who sighed and went to get the bed ready.

"You should read mine."

The Gambler slowly turned back around and looked at the Kid's hand. A king of diamonds, an ace of hearts, and... a joker.

"H-how... You cheated!" the Gambler growled.

"You never said switching cards was against the rules." the Kid, his eyes dull, responded.

The Gambler was furious. How dare this child beat him! By cheating! Sure, the Gambler himself cheated, but the human mind never counts wrongs he's worked himself, only those worked against him. He reached for his gun...

Outside, the quiet pitter-patter of the radioactive rain sounded, the prayers of the remaining Children of Atom faltered as one of their own fell to the influence of the radiation.

And a gunshot sounded, breaking the silence, as soon as the Child's body hit the puddle.

Inside Moriarty's Saloon, the story wasn't much different.

A body hit the floor, accompanied by a woman's scream. The Gambler laid there, a hole in his throat, blood pouring out. Choking sounds came from him, the only other sound besides the rain and the rapid breathes of Nova. Uly's pistol barrel smoked from the edge of the table, where he still sat, finishing his whiskey. "And here I thought we were the best of friends, Gary... Shouldn't have pulled a gun on me."

Uly stood up and walked around the table calmly, ending Gary the Gambler's life with mercy, a shot to the head rather than choking on his own blood. Then, the wanderer looked at Nova, and frowned. "Dear, he was despicable. No need to cry for him." he said, raising an eyebrow.

Nova nodded, and then took a deep breath. "He was my main source of caps... and the shot scared me. You should warn a lady when you shoot someone!"

Uly shrugged, and started pocketing his haul. "Sorry ma'am. Here. For the lost night and for cleaning up the body." he said, handing her two hundred caps.

She raised an eyebrow, pocketed the two hundred, and then cocked her hip. "Sure you don't want to take the night for him, hun?"

"No ma'am, but the offer is appreciated. Maybe one day..." Uly replied, tilting his hat. He made for the door.

"Wait! ... What's your name, handsome?"

Uly stopped and turned around. He smiled and took his hat off with a bow. "Hiram. Hiram Holliday. But you may call me Uly, everyone does." he said, in the bow, and then he was out the door.

Hiram 'Uly' Holliday stood in the rain for a little, his coat and protecting him from most of the radiation. He jostled something in his pocket, tilted his head down, and both hands came to his face.

A fiery light lit up his face, as the lighter lit the cigarette in his mouth. He put the lighter back in his pocket and looked out across Megaton, looking into the Wastes.

He brought his fingers up and let out a smoke ring. "Welp... where to now, genius?" he said to no one in particular, and then he started his walk out of Megaton. Who knew what adventures, treasures, and dangers awaited him?

[Kernan]

Adam slogged through another day of administration. His secretary had already put his day's schedule on his desk and it was unusually active. Apparently he had slept through a number of appointments, but none of them were from anybody major so he didn't much mind. However, two things on his schedule did catch his eye. One was about a Institute scientist wanting to meet him. If Adam remembered his debriefing correctly the Institute was from the Commonwealth further North, and was highly advanced. Probably even more so than the BoS. This man was from it and was willing to work for him, it was practically a dream come true. The second was Eulogy, from Paradise Falls. This was less of a dream and more of a nightmare. Eulogy was officially on his payroll sure, but nobody could know. If he was spotted coming into the building with no questions asked, it would wreck the public's trust in the Enclave that Adam was trying so hard to build. There was a knock at the door and before Adam could respond Eulogy walked in and sat in a plush chair right infront of his desk and leaned back.

"Hello Adam." Eulogy said with a suave, know it all voice.

"Its Mr President to you Eulogy. What do you want?" Adam asked, his voice dripping with annoyance.

"Im just bringing to you an update on ol' Nine Fingers or whatever he calls himself." Eulogy said as he began to look around the room.

"What is it? Hurry up, I have a very important meeting soon and I can't have you fucking it up." Adam said

"Whoa there. Calm boy..." Eulogy began

"I am not your boy Eulogy! You are mine! Now spit it out!" Adam yelled. Eulogy had a way of pressing his buttons.

"Fine...look, a guy from New Raleigh tried to buy...i mean... acquire Mr Nine Fingers. Mr Fingers did not want that and instead offered to work for the Enclave." Eulogy said.

"Doing what?" Adam asked.

"Well i'm not to sure." Eulogy responded.

"...Fine, bring him in here, maybe we can work something out." Adam said

"Ah, okay. I will see you later, Nine Fingers in tow." Eulogy said before rising from his seat. Adam rose from his and shook Eulogy's hand, it was greasy and clammy. Eulogy then gave a small nod before leaving.

"Hey! Eulogy! Tell them to bring in the Institute guy." Adam shouted as he sat back down.

[Redern]

Nine-Fingers hadn't enjoyed the prospect of working with the Enclave. He usually enjoyed being manhandled in a weird masochistic sort ofway, but here there was nothing. He had no control in the situation. In cold iron electronic beeping chains surrounded by half a dozen ugly power-armored metal guards, he was being pulled slowly to the giant five sided concrete building. Nine-Fingers hadn't wanted to work for the Enclave, but it was better than DuPont getting him and it was better than being used as slave labor. Maybe he could even win his freedom. He hoped, and at one point prayed, that there would be some value he could extract from this in the end.

"Speed up, Sheridan." Said an enclave soldier with his helmet removed about two thirds of the way through the march. He had a particularly disfigured ugly looking face.

"F*** you." Said Nine-Fingers, gathering up what little water in his body he had yet to spit in the soldiers eye.

As Nine-Fingers rolled his head back for the spit a Plasma Rifle smashed into his back. With a pound sound of pain Nine-Fingers rolled himself back up, right into a kick to the chest bringing him back to the ground. Gathering up the strength to roll back up again he looked at the soldier with utter contempt. He then head butted the soldier and swatted away the plasma rifle. Before quickly jumping to the ground and taking a quick beating by the angry officers. A little revenge isn't worth dying over. It took another four hours to reach the Pentagon. A walk that was, outside of another small fight, fairly calm had come to a close.

"Sir! We have brought Mister Sheridan." Said the ugly faced soldier going on to an intercom.

"Search 'em!" The officer responded, "Also what in the sam hell is it that Sheridan thinks he can offer us?"

"You here that a**hole! Tell 'em." Said the officer as he pushed Nine-Finger's face right into the intercom before patting the man down for a fourth time this trip.

"I have family in Megaton. Any group associated with Megaton I've got an in." Nine-Fingers said, not lying for once, "More than that, I got a reputation for not liking authority all that much. They would believe me."

[Zaporizhian Host]

Dr Xavier Crewe

The guards looked at each other carefully, and then back on Xavier. One of them mumbled something to the other, and the other nodded. Xavier was left with one of the two guards, with the other one walking away.

After a few minutes, the silence was broken when a man without armor came out of the Pentagon, seemingly a scientist.

"Welcome, sir. You are from the Institute, if I understood it right?" The scientist raised an eyebrow.

"You are correct. I ensure you that I have about 20 years of experience as a biologist in of the most advanced research facilities known on the east coast. I also have knowledge of other technological areas, although I must admit that biology is my main expertise. I am highly interested in joining the Enclave. Or New America, if we are to be visionary" He smiled, confidently.

"I am sure we can find a place. I can't guarantee anything though. I will make sure you meet someone appropriate to discuss this in detail. For know I invite you into to the Pentagon, the heart of the Enclave." The scientist showed the way, and Xavier followed him. They had to pass through a security check. The scientist left him, and helpful personnel checked through all his items. When the scientist returned, he pointed at Xavier's suit and said: "I'd wear that if I were you. You will meet the President himself."

Xavier was shown to a clean restroom, where he put on a white shirt, grey suit and red tie. His only clothes, aside from a labcoat and radation suit. He combed his hair carefully and washed his face, hands and eyeglasses with care. An enclave guard showed him the way and proudly told him about the history of the building, how the enclave had taken control over it and how important it was. He listened, and made sure to remember as many details as he could.

They stopped outside a nicely decorated corridor, quite oddly nice for the standards of the Enclave, even for it being quite "civilized" compared to other wasteland groups. He heard people speaking inside, presumably men. The guard took him into a room in front of what was marked as the President's office. He sat down on a chair, looking into a mirror. He tightened his tie, made sure his hair was right and breathed in and out. The guard knocked on the door, and opened it.

"You're up" he said briefly, showing him out to the corridor. He was met with a smoothly dressed man of african american heritage who looked at him judgingly.

"Well, what have we got here?" the man said, smiling "Eulogy's my name, Eulogy Jones. You're up from the institute in the north, I hear. I could have seen you weren't one of the Enclave lab rats miles away. I hope we meet again" he ended, giving him nothing more than a smirk before making a gesture to the President's office, and walking away. Xavier looked at him suspiciously, imaging him not to be thataffliated with the Enclave.

Xavier walked into the office, seeing an awe-inspiring middle-aged man.

"Mr. President" He started, clearing his throat. "My name is Dr. Xavier Crewe. I'm pleased to meet you"

[Kernan]

Adam rose from his chair as the scientist introduced himself and shook his hand. It was strong, but not strong enough.

"Ah, Mr Xavier! I think I need to keep you from the lady scientists or nothing would get done eh? Hahaha! Anyway. My name is Adam, but you will call me Mr President, it's just formality, you know how it is. I hear you have some 20 or so years of bioscience experience? Could you explain what that entails? Is it a specific subject like plants, animals, humans etc, etc?" Adam asked.

This was simply a formality. Adam was already preparing to appoint him head of the Advanced Science Division and charge him with secret projects. Maybe this Xavier could be his key to dominating the Capitol Wasteland not through force, but intimidation.

[Zaporizhian Host]

Dr. Xavier Crewe

The president shook his hand forcefully, and Xavier tried to do his best to respond to it with the same.

"I was primarily involved in a project to observe FEV mutations. Our goal was to find modifications, if not ultimately a cure. Personal achievements include but are not limited to researching easier methods of removing radiation from lifeforms and materia on wide scales, production and conservation of synthetic food, more efficient pharmaceuticals and theory based restoration of pre-war animals. I have documents of several research experiments, many of them my own. I have brought synthetically produced plant seed samples, that can grow in inside or outside enviroments with water and light only. It needs some modifcation, but it could possibly produce fruit within few years. I do have some experience with biological and chemical weapon agents as well." He said the last part quickly and indistinctly, although he knew that the president heard it.

"I must admit that I am interested. What kind of laboratory resources do you have here? And what are your goals, mr President, with my potential work here?"

[Kernan]

"Well Xavier, we have the best labs outside of the Institute. You may not be used to using post-war machinery, but if you can't figure it out i'm sure someone can help you; everybody would completely understand. My scientists can show you around once you get down there and introduce you to all those machines, I really don't know. All I do know is that I paid good money for most of those, and the damn well better be as good as can be acquired. Anyway, I am going to appoint you to the Advanced Sciences Division. It is directly under my control so if you have any experiments to propose, i'm the guy to impress. Speaking of experiments I have gone through the documents provided and found them to be mighty interesting. I must say that I am floored by your expertise in the field, I have nobody to equal you. And on to your last question, about our goals here in New America. I will be frank with the Xavier, while I may speak of peace we are still at war. Just a few clicks North of here is still untamed wilderness and anarchy. Those savages cannot be beaten by force alone. My goal is to dominate this once great country once again, from sea to shining sea, and bring civilization back to the world! To finally defeat the ancient but still very real threat of Communism! You know there is a community up there calling itself the 'Republic of Dave' when all it really is is a bunch of filthy Communists! Ah, but I digress. You did not come here to hear me rant like President Eden. No, you came here for Science!" Adam said. He suddenly jumped to his feet.

"And with God as my witness, science will be done! The guards outside will show you to your offices, work shall commence as soon as possible. As a show of goodwill, your first experiment, whatever it is, is officially greenlit. Now go and make America proud!" Adam declared in his most presidential voice. As Xavier got up to leave Adam sat back down and prepared to return to work, but a guard came into his office and saluted

"Sir! Mr Sheridan is here to see you." he declared.

"Oh goddamnit, I forgot about him. Oh well, bring him in with his hands in chains. Two guards are to be here with him at all times, weapons ready to fire at a moments notice. He is to be checked thoroughly again before entering this office. Do I make myself clear?" Adam said

"Yes sir. He will be inside momentarily." the guard responded before leaving.

[Redern]

"Mista Sheridan. Please come with me." Said Euology with a smile.

They walked past dozens of offices and bathrooms, so many god damn bathrooms. Nine-Fingers looked inside each trying to give a little wave or a nod to everyone he saw as if he belonged there. At one point he attempted to tip his hat to an officer, but his hand chains made him drop it. Eulogy gave him a glare of pure disdain as he picked up and nicely fit it on Nine-Fingers head.

"You uh, your good at that." Nine-Fingers said with a strange smile.

"I don' support that type of lifestyle sir." Said Eulogy with a smug smile.

"Fair enough." Nine-Fingers replied kindly.

Nine Fingers was brought into the room almost shockingly nicely. He was expecting to be tossed in or something but he was taken in.

"I brought ya' your captive, boy." Said Eulogy.

"My ma and pa were part of the Children of the Atom, hell my pa was a deputy. Plus I f****** hate the Children of the Atom."

[Kernan]

Adam did not stand for this man. Both literally and figuratively. This man was a butcher, misguided to no end and now, in his moment of weakness, he expects mercy? He expects Adam to just...let him be? To allow him into the select ranks of the Enclave? Hah, fat chance.

"Hello Mr Sinclair." Adam began, utter contempt dripping from his voice "Nice to see see you in chains. You have made many children fatherless you know that? I know you want to work for us but frankly, unless you got a damn good deal, I will personally have you chained to a goddamn rocket and shot into the sun!" Adam said. His voice steadily rose as he spoke until he was almost shouting by the end. He didn't like to shout, but sometimes you had to if you were to emphasize your point.

[Redern]

"What the f*** are you talkin' bout? My names Declan Sheridan, I'm just a smuggler. Try to avoid you people most of the time. I fight Super Mutants more than you guys." Nine Fingers looked around at the fancy office, before he went back to staring at the furious President. "Anyways as I was saying before, I got relatives in Megaton. I know about your problems with the Children of the Atom, my mom was a member. You hook one of them explosive anklet things on me, I sneak that s*** in, hang out and give you guys the info you want."

[Kernan]

Adam reclined in his chair as he thought about his proposal. Adam, and in extension the Enclave, was a vocal critic of the cult Children of the Atom. Their worship of nuclear weapons was dangerous not only for themselves, but for the entire nation. They kept anybody at a safe distance since their first God was deactivated by the Lone Wanderer. Also many nukes were still active and ready to go off any time. America cannot, no will not, suffer even one more nuclear blast. So this man's proposal certainly had merit.

"But you left the cult. What makes you think that they will take you back?" he asked.

[Redern]

Adam reclined in his chair as he thought about his proposal. Adam, and in extension the Enclave, was a vocal critic of the cult Children of the Atom. Their worship of nuclear weapons was dangerous not only for themselves, but for the entire nation. They kept anybody at a safe distance since their first God was deactivated by the Lone Wanderer. Also many nukes were still active and ready to go off any time. America cannot, no will not, suffer even one more nuclear blast. So this man's proposal certainly had merit.

"But you left the cult. What makes you think that they will take you back?" he asked.

"I never joined in the first place. My parents joined right after I left. When they found out where I lived they sent a few courier to try and convert me. Annoying as hell." Nine Fingers looked at the ground for a moment, part of it was shame, part of it was involuntary due to the fact that he was lying, "My ma would take me in. She's getting older. Kinda wanted to see her anyways." He said it with almost a chuckle and a slight smile. Some part of him was feeling sympathy or compassion.

[Alsheb]

Jeremiah Adams
Former Paladin, Brotherhood of Steel
Temple of the Union, Capital Wasteland

With a shock, Jeremiah awoke from his feverish sleep. Nightmares. Again.

Ever since the defeat of his squad at the Battle of Project Purity a few weeks ago, he had been plagued every night by the memories of that massacre. All of his friends, companions, brothers in steel... dead. He, heavily wounded, had been able to escape through the Potomac river, and limping back to Rivet City. From a distance, before passing out due to blood loss, he had witnessed the Enclave flag waving over the Jefferson Memorial, a clear sign that all was lost and that the usurpers had taken over.

"Everything alright? I could hear your squirms all the way downstairs."

The voice of Hannibal Hamlin, the leader of the escaped slaves in the Temple, was soothing to Jeremiah. For several days already, he had been staying in the Temple of the Union, the former slaves receiving the wounded Paladin with open arms. Nobody even bothered to ask him where he came from or who he was. Thanks to their medical care and hospitality, Jeremiah had been able to gain some more strength.
Hannibal put his hand on Jeremiah's forehead and smiled.

"The fever is gone. Finally. I would still recommand you to take a daily dose of Med-X for the coming days, but you should be okay now."

Jeremiah got up, his wounds still stinging painfully, but at least the fresh bandages didn't show any signs of blood. His wounds were slowly healing.

"Thanks, Hannibal. I can never thank you or the Temple enough for your help. But I need to go as soon as the daylight allows it. I swear I won't tell about-"

"There's no need to convince me, Adams. I trust in the word of a Brotherhood soldier"

Jeremiah opened his eyes widely in shock and wanted to protest, but Hannibal interrupted him immediately.

"You may not be wearing your power armour, but I can recognise the attitude and the fighting spirit that burns inside you. Not to mention the fiery spark of vengeance in your eye."

Jeremiah could only nod. Revenge was the only thought on his mind right now, the one thing that kept him going and helped his healing. He refused to die, refused to be just another victim of the Enclave. His goal was vengance, exacted upon the Enclave one soldier at a time.

A few hours later, with the sun rising in the East, Jeremiah Adams, formerly Paladin of the Brotherhood of Steel, bade farewell to his newly found friends. It raised his spirits to know that even in a time when the Enclave took over the South, there was still some good in the Wasteland left.
He took his Hunting Rifle in the hand, stowed his .45 in its holster and fastened his Combat Armour around his chest.

The road was long, and the destination was quite unclear. But he had heard of an independent mini state up north where a man called Dave had given refuge to those who fled the Enclave onslaught.

[Kernan]

Adam reclined in his chair as he thought about his proposal. Adam, and in extension the Enclave, was a vocal critic of the cult Children of the Atom. Their worship of nuclear weapons was dangerous not only for themselves, but for the entire nation. They kept anybody at a safe distance since their first God was deactivated by the Lone Wanderer. Also many nukes were still active and ready to go off any time. America cannot, no will not, suffer even one more nuclear blast. So this man's proposal certainly had merit.

"But you left the cult. What makes you think that they will take you back?" he asked.

"I never joined in the first place. My parents joined right after I left. When they found out where I lived they sent a few courier to try and convert me. Annoying as hell." Nine Fingers looked at the ground for a moment, part of it was shame, part of it was involuntary due to the fact that he was lying, "My ma would take me in. She's getting older. Kinda wanted to see her anyways." He said it with almost a chuckle and a slight smile. Some part of him was feeling sympathy or compassion.

Fine. I can see your point. I will have Eulogy fashion a ankle brace to be fitted around your ankle and fitted to be detonated if you disobey orders. There will be a speaker and mic for the Army to keep track of you. I want you to find and describe as accurately as possible the nuclear storage facilities. If that is unable to be done, eliminate the cult so we can move in. However, if you choose to eliminate them we will be forced to exile you to the Wastes. Do I make myself clear?