Fallout:South The Mason MK-IV IC Thread.

[Dragos Bee]

Grey Family

Note: This was written with permission from NewLakotah.

Deborah Grey

As she and a still-sullen Étienne left her office and walked towards the nearby family apartment, Deborah Grey noticed that the two were being followed. Normally, Étienne would have caught on to the presence of stalkers earlier, but their argument must have sapped him of his focus on outside threats. As her hand wandered to the handle of her Laser Pistol, the lawyer would be proven wrong when her ward suddenly yanked her left arm downwards; the usual signal that she had to duck or be sniped.

The 'Crack!' of a bullet hitting the sidewalk stones behind her was a sign that Étienne hadn't lost his touch, even as he yanked his adoptive 'mother' forwards, the both of them running amongst screaming crowds, trying to wave past the flow of panicked folk to try and reach the safety of their home. As Enrique had taught her, Deborah ran zig-zags; thankfully, she wasn't wearing high heels.

The stalkers behind them gave chase; Deborah can distinguish three sets of swift footsteps. Étienne was leading her past the house and into a ruined furniture store now serving as an urban garden. Bowling over a few urban farmers in protective gear, Étienne crouched down before taking the next moment to draw his sniper rifle and disable the safety while Deborah was left to fend off the three other assassins with only her laser pistol.

Crouching down, allowing her clothes to be stained, Deborah fired at the chest of one of the footpads, melting through crude metal armor and burning his rib. The other two were taking out a homemade rifle and a knife; it seemed that one was going to lay down covering fire for a rush.

Étienne Beauchamp Grey

Étienne located the Sniper in an old bell tower a few hundred feet away, and blew off the man's shoulder without hesitation with an explosive round. Another two shots and the man was dead, but during the time he took those two shots, one of the assassins was already rushing towards Deborah with knife in hand while the other forced her to keep her head down. Drawing his pistol, he buried a round in the assassin's right shin and caused him to drop to the ground, cursing. This allowed Deborah to draw her laser rifle once more and hit the last assassin's gun barrel, blasting the weapon off his hand. Said stalker then turned to flee; Étienne allowed him a few feet, then shot the guy in the back.

That was not the end of the enemy, however, as he was wearing armor made up of small metallic rings - were they called chainmail? Looking at Deborah, he then said, "Don't come out yet; I'll go interrogate our suspect."

Not taking the time to look at her nod, Étienne walked over to where the last assassin was crawling in pain, his pistol drawn just in case the stalker tried anything. He forced the man to turn his head to his' - and then froze.

"Colin Brooks!" were the next words that came out of his mouth.

Enrique de Santander Grey

He and Ryan were just coming back from their second-place win in the Indianapolis speedway when Enrique heard the sounds of gunfire to their east. Rushing to the scene of the fighting, zig-zagging past fleeing crowds and arriving police, they found the situation under control, with Étienne pointing his gun at a man with his face fixed in hatred, only barely prevented from firing his weapon. Rushing to the scene, Laser Assault Rifle drawn just in case there were more stalkers/assassins around, he asked his adoptive son, "What happened? Is Deb all right?"

Ryan Brooks Grey

Ryan heard Deborah walk towards them, and gave her a nod of acknowledgement even as he walked to Colin Brooks, his birth father... And the one who sold him and his best friend into slavery in Indianapolis. Bitterly, in a tone he knew his new family rarely heard him say, the boy asked, "Former Dad, I see you've sunk into new lows for beer money."

Everyone but Étienne turned towards Ryan as his birth father spoke, "Pweh! Kill me and you'll piss off Madame Goldie for good; she sent me to give you all a warning."

He chuckled in mockery. "If you let that 'highborn' from Eerie go scot-free, she's going to make you suffer. Give him a fair trial or one unfair in his favor and trust me, I'm not the worst you'll get. So you'd better make her happy or -"

Étienne punched him in the throat; not strongly enough to break anything, but enough to hurt. He then said, "Is Madam Goldie stupid as well as vengeful?! Tell her that if she sends another thug after us ever again, we'll sue her for all she's worth and then some! Then she can go sell herself in the streets." He looked at Deborah. "Isn't that right, Mom?"

Ryan knew from Deborah's shocked expression that Étienne had given the impression that he'd never call her that just a few hours ago...

[Ralnis]

Centerstone

Within the underground technological compound of the Centerstone, a single man was handed a tape in his Pipboy. He listen to the contents closely but he still had some reservations about the timing, nevertheless he soldiered on to the mission. He was named Father Daniels, and his mission was a clear one. The Children's influence was vast but through the catalyst of the United Republic, they had become one of the most powerful religious movements in the East Coast. Still, the Father's mission was to spread the glory of the Unity but his mission was of a two-faced nature.

Being sent to North Carolina was where he will do his work and in his mission he will begin the true event that will make the Master's Glory known throughout all of the Wasteland.

[Cavendian States]

Republic of Pamlico

The Center
Tryon District
New Bern
Republic of Pamlico

Shortly after the initial meeting concluded, the Secretary of State had gone on to present the results of the negotiation in front of the Junta. As expected, the Marshal -- and many of the other Junta officials -- were pleased. The pact of non-aggression and the United Republic's assurances meant that Pamlico could afford to take a step back and focus on other threats. In addition, the agreement meant that there would be increased trade, benefiting the local merchants as well as the economy.

The Marshal, however, was initially reluctant to contract the "Black Death" platoon out to the United Republic. His opposition was understandable. Every "Black Death" soldier had been raised from birth to fight. They were the most elite unit in the military, although they were often overlooked in favor of the Pamlico Marines.

However, the promise of coffee (a resource well worth its weight in caps) as pay, along with the fact that they would be participating in the planning of the Greenville operation, was enough for the Marshal to relent. The Junta soon adjourned, giving time for Keaton to mull over his thoughts.

The Secretary of State would return, unsure of what to expect in the next day of negotiations. "I hope you two have enjoyed your brief stay in the Pamlico Republic," He told them, smiling.

Once again, he was taken aback by the delegation's requests. Several hundred tons of weapons and ammo... From what Keaton could piece together, the United Republic was having trouble in their operations down south. They needed mercenaries, and by extension, caps to pay them.

"The Pamlico Republic is certainly interested in your offer. If it's possible, we are also in dire need of any medical supplies you can spare. Energy weapons are also appreciated," The Secretary of State paused, "Of course, we are willing to provide the caps for them."

"As for mercenaries, there is definitely no shortage of them in the Outer Banks. The whole region is festering with sea raiders and pirates looking to make a quick buck. While organized mercenary companies are common, a lot of mercenaries are guns-for-hire, travelling solo or in a small group. I expect that we can scrounge up a few hundred, at the most. Many won't be interested in fighting all the way down in South Carolina." Keaton finished, waiting expectantly for a response.

[Dragos Bee]

Grey Family

Note: This was written with permission from NewLakotah.

Enrique de Santander Grey

There were over two dozen times in the last five years that the Grey Residence had been attacked at mealtimes; a couple of them with the kids present. The protocol was this; for Deborah and now Ryan to dive under the table and fire their pistols from there, while Enrique drew his titanium-alloy sword and engaged the enemy in close quarters. With Étienne rolling to fire his AK-47 to give him covering fire, this was a less risky strategy for the man, espeically given that his opponent chose to draw a machete and close in to melee range. Must be a newbie, he thought as he parried the weapon and drew his gamma gun with his other hand, bringing down his opponent with one shot even as two other assassins drew long knives and charged at him, only for the swordsman to duck and cut at an assassins' hips, while firing at the other.

The thug he had cut at had jumped back just in time to spare his legs damage, and threw his grimy blade at Enrique, almost grazing his ear before drawing a pipe pistol only to have his left leg disintigrated with a plasma shot by Ryan. Étienne, meanwhile, was pointing his gun at two thugs, who were cowering before him in fear.

As Deborah got up from the table and dusted herself off, she would say to Enrique, "I'm proud of him. And you too, of course."

Enrique smirked. "Thanks, love. I presume you two've angsted your problems out yesterday?" After seeing his wife nod, the man smiled. "I never worried that you two'd kill each other, you know that? Neither did Ryan. Étienne may get angry all he wants, but he won't do anything drastic to you or any other of his family."

"I'm still here, Dad!" Étienne was still pointing his gun at the remaining assassins; so was Ryan. At the sight, Enrique felt even prouder than before, and from Deborah's smile, he can see that she felt the same.

Étienne Beauchamp Grey

Amazing what a few thug attacks can do to repair his relationship with his former master, now his adoptive mother. Étienne Beauchamp Grey then spoke, "All right; four of you are now dead and the two of you live only because we will it. So answer this question: Did Madam Goldie send you?"

The two remaining assassins nodded, and Étienne can only say in contempt, "She must be trying to save up on cash, then; you guys are incompetents. Now, shuck off your weapons and armor; don't think I don't know about knives in boots or hidden pockets!"

As the kllers disarmed themselves, realizing that they couldn't hide anything from the boy, Étienne heard Deborah say, "So, should I get the ropes and gags? The police ought to come calling soon..."

Deborah Grey

A few hours later, the entire family went to meet Madam Goldie, taking a local carriage as nuclear-powered cars were mostly for the Speedway and the very rich. Openly carrying their weapons, they alighted from the coach and entered the gates of the brothel owner's second establishment, intimidating the bouncers into letting them in without interference. Glaring at the eunuch receptionist, Deborah would say, "We need to talk to the Madame. Now. No, we don't have an appointment, but if she doesn't see us right now, we're suing her for this entire place, you hear me?"

The eunuch nodded, and spoke to a speaker box on his desk, "Madam, the Greys want to see you; I told you sending those men and women after them was a bad idea."

A few minutes later, heavy footsteps can be heard as Madam Goldie arrived, her thick build showing no sign of fear as she twirled her velvet-and-ermine robes at her visitors.

"Deborah! How good to see you!" she said haugtily, her voice thick yet light. "You have to forgive me for losing my temper twice, knowing that you agreed to defend the one who almost burnt me and my girls down along with my other building."

The lawyer's voice was even when she said, "You're forgiven. But you do realize that you've made it more likely that the royal brat would get off scott-free, right?" She then waved her hand dismissively, "Listen, if you keep trying to kill us, we won't just sue you, we'll make sure that the rest of the Lawyers' Guild does not patronize your women and men anymore. An attack upon us is an attack on us all, you understand?"

Madam Goldie made her own dismissive gesture, showing off her rings, and brought forth a cheque. "Or, we can reach an out-of-court settlement where I pay you to keep mum about my incompetent assassins while I promise not to touch your family until the next inconvinient court case. How's that sound?"

Deborah smirked; she knew she'd won. "Very well, a mere 500 caps, then, provided that the promise not to send assassins is in writing."

Ryan Brooks Grey

Ryan knew what would happen next as Madam Goldie nodded in agreement before saying:

"Can you all please leave? You're scaring the customers."

A mere 500 caps? he thought. You're really lucky we value our peace of mind more.

[Routcher]

Florence, the United Republic

"Very well," the merchant smiled, "two ambassadors it is." He was a bit put-off by their method of selecting the ambassadors, but as long as there was potential profit he didn't mind. He readied the barge for departure, and in no time was on headed down the Tennessee River towards home. The barge only had rooms for three people, the pilot, the merchant, and a guest; so the two ambassadors would have to share or figure out another plan. He was overall satisfied with his haul, having been able to bring back many goods that were a bit harder to find in River City, and the ambassadors and the promise of a trade agreement all but guaranteed the General Assembly would reward him no small amount of caps for the find.

St. Louis, Osage Nation

The flotilla of the Grand Mayor finally arrived in St. Louis, and the many merchants and navy sailors stepped unto the dock and began pedaling goods to the locals, who enjoyed a significant discount due to existing deals with the Osage Nation. The Grand Mayor himself traveled to city hall to meet with Osage officials, giving updates on the expansions and the finances of the Republic, so that they may in turn report these updates to Osage Nation leadership. Overall, the trip was shaping up to be a success, even with the massive discounts the Osage have. Mayor Murphy always loved going to St. Louis, and often wondered what it would have been like before the war.

No matter, it was almost time to return to River City.

River City Republic updates
-River City has begun the construction of a Brahmin ranch. This will be the third brahmin ranch in the Donaldson Point area, and the sixth overall in Republic territory.
-A bounty has been put out for a local raider gang. 500 caps to whoever can bring the leader's head, 1000 caps for whoever can bring him alive.
-The General Assembly will soon meet discussing expansion, River Navy budget, and Marine Corp training and equipment.
-River City is in the planning stages of building a heavy weapons workshop. This is not expected to begin construction for some time yet.
-Reelfoot Lake Inn in Tiptonville is open for business for travelers to come and relax. The other half of the old inn building is being turned into a Navy Training and Recruitment Center, and will use the lake twice a month for various training exercises.
-Reelfoot Forest, an old wildlife reserve around Reelfoot Lake has been mapped out by Republic settlers. It is advised for citizens to NOT wander into the woods due to dangerous irradiated wildlife, although the Navy and a few brave merchants are considering capturing Yao Guai pups to be tamed and/or sold.
-Hickman has made decent progress on the construction of a basic arms workshop, being a quarter of the way complete.
-Woodland Mills settlers have discovered an old lumber mill, and although there are now longer trees growing in large numbers at the settlement, some of the machinery appears to be in good enough shape that the General Assembly is discussing hiring a mechanic to look at it in the next meeting.
-Woodland Mills citizens have noticed people in the distance scouting out the settlement. It is high suspected to be citizens of Union City, but in either case the Marines have doubled their patrols.

[Ralnis]

Tombstone,
Somewhere Underground

The 350 criminals that came from the Republic's own conquest of South Carolina came to the lands of the Super Mutants. Lucius was actually quite pleased to have such a large patch that have been unfit to be alive as humans. It was no matter to the Super Mutants, because once their lives are forfeit, then they will serve a better use. The prisoners tried to plea, bargain, and threaten the Super Mutant scientists but it didn't matter for they won't remember the insults they spat at them once the transformation is completed.

"Bring me the first subject." Lucius told one of the Super Mutant soldiers.

The first subject was a female in her early 20s, she was vainly struggling against the inhumane strength of her carrier and the restraints that held her down. The Super Mutant scientist got a syringe full of FEV and looked at her with the signature Mutant scowl.

"Don't worry human, you may have been deemed unfit for the Wasteland but you will serve a greater purpose. In this syringe is a beautiful experiment that serves as the blueprint for the cure of Mutantkind. If you succeed in becoming something better than us, then Master be praised. If not, then we always have hundreds more humans to go through with more tweeks to find that perfect mutant."

He injected the FEV in her and the Mutant awaits to see what comes from the experiment.

[Dragos Bee]

United Republic

In the nation as a whole, the farmer-worker co-operatives have received requests to begin construction of components for six new warships; four Steam Paddle Boats and two Ironclads. Construction began as soon as the requests and 'downpayment' were received, and the next few months would be very, very busy indeed. But the United Republic, as long as its buffer states held and there was no major war or internal threat, can manage this burden nicely; it had not pushed to its limits yet and will not do so lest it reveal them to the spies of other nations.

A message had been sent by Co-President Sedna Hill to the Unity; the United Republic was willing to send the raw materials to construct three extra steamships for the Unity's own navy, as well as a large amount of caps; the value of all three ships. These caps were raised by the United Republic Association of Credit Unions, the largest financial establishment in the nation (smaller credit unions served more local needs).

The URACU was used by the United Republic for two things: One, financing relatively large-scale public works projects, and Two, as an instrument of financial influence abroad. Despite being anti-capitalist at home and eager for converts, the foreign policy of the nation wasn't naive; to preserve itself, it needed buffers. To create buffers, it needed soft power. To gain soft power, it needed money. And so a few uncomfortably large Credit Unions were allowed to exist, closely-watched.

River City

The Ambassadors decided to share a room, and due to the cramped spaces, their discussions on foriegn policy can be heard.
"We need to establish a diplomatic backdoor to the Osage; we cannot afford to remain on bad terms with both them and the Texans," the boy.

"If the Osage want anything we have, it'd be coffee from Cuba, and I think they'd rather get it from us than the Texans," the old woman said. "I think they'd also want 'Maya Blue' pigment made from Georgian clays."

"Considering what the radio said about the problems in South Carolina, I think we should politely ask the Osage if we can use River City and its trading network as a recruitment ground for mercenaries," the boy said. "Also, as for River City itself, I think we should ask it the same thing the other ambassadors are asking other states; raising 500,000 to 1,000,000 caps for the URACU's foriegn exchange reserves."
"Now," the old woman said, "We should not forget about the interests of the Church, the Mosque, and the Worshippers of the Great Spirit; if they are allowed to preach in River City, that'd be great; they'd also serve as a secondary source of funds..."

Little Mountain, South Carolina

Only a few hundred mercenaries from further northeast, but the diplomatic channels of the United Republic were well-developed, even Cuba wasn't immune despite its dislike of its northern neighbor. If mercs can't be gotten from the Continental US, then they'd get them from the Carribean or even the Yucatan; shipping them all by sea and air. Aisha Felat needed a full battalion of 1000 mercenaries before autumn started, otherwise, Greenville would hold out against the liberation effort for years.

ICA, North Carolina

N/A

Pamlico Republic, North Carolina

The male ambassador spoke, "Medical supplies, yes. Energy weapons and the cells needed to power them...no; those are too precious."

The female ambassador smiled, and said, "Nevertheless, it seems we've reached an agreement; thank you for your time again. A few hundred would be good enough, especially as we're seeking other channels to search for mercenaries with, for full disclosure. Thank you."

A smile from the male ambassador, "And thank you for allowing us to use the 'Black Death' Platoon as well." A pause. "Now... A few more questions. One, will you allow missionaries from the Catholic Diocese of the United Republic, Progressive Islamic Sects, and Reformed Seminole Animism to have tax-exempt status in your lands? Two, how advanced are your banking establishments, and will you allow our merchants to set up Credit Unions to work alongside them to benefit a boarder section of the populace?"

[NewLakotah]

Cleveland, United Erie Empire
The Imperial City
Royal Quartier

“That damn fool of a kid!”

The Emperor was angry. He wasn’t typically one to burst out in anger, but today was the last straw. Especially when dealing with his nephew. He had gotten word that his youngest brother’s youngest son, the 23-year-old Prince Lawrence Williamson had found himself arrested in Indianapolis, the city that had created itself in the image of a pleasure city. A definite target for a man like Lawrence. He had a string of offenses and a wild side that had hurt the image of the family. However, it was easy to cover up within the borders. Paying off people to keep quiet about drunken violence and vandalism. When Prince Lawrence had left the Erie to go off to Indianapolis, the Royal Family and Court had breathed a collected sigh of relief, thinking it was the end of their troubles with him, and he might even come back somewhat more mature.

Instead, Emperor Alexander had found himself with a report that Lawrence had gotten himself arrested there, for burning down, of all things, a brothel.

“Press will have a helluva day with it if they find out what’s happening in over there. Can’t quite stop them from talking.” Lawrence’s father and Emperor Alexander’s brother, the Prince Vincent, Duke of Youngstown, responded. He had also grown weary of his trouble child’s antics.

“We could bomb the bloody place.” Vincent smirked at Alexander’s comment as he continued, “I mean he burned down a brothel! Of all places I thought he would burn down, a Church maybe, but a brothel?” Alexander would have smiled at his own joke, if he was in a mood to smile.

“Apparently, he has some attorney there, Deborah Grey. Apparently she’s defending the Prince.” Prince Vincent responded. Emperor Alexander shuddered a bit at the term ‘prince’. He hated that somehow, Lawrence had been able to retain his titles and status. It was the trade-off of keeping everything down low. Can’t exactly strip his position if you can’t say why. Alexander turned around at him abruptly.

“Well. Get in touch with her, inform her that all damages exceeding the ‘Prince’s’ personal wealth will be covered by our personal treasury. Inform her that it is our imperative that things remain quiet from her. Also,” he pauses for a second. “Inform her to tell her client that his titles will be stripped, at least temporarily, as you know for what. I think its time, Vinny. We can release our own version, simple it down a bit. Understood?”

Vincent sighed and nodded. “Yes, I do.

TO: Deborah Grey (Esq.) of Indanapolis.

On behalf of the Royal Family, the Imperial Court, and the Empire, I would like to extend our thanks to you for defending a member of the Royal Family who is under charge for criminal offenses.
As I am sure that you can understand, it is our imperative that such an event remain as quiet as possible, yet we cannot allow that a member of the Royal Family, and member in the line of succession, be placed under arrest and place in jail or sentenced to death in a foreign state. Thus, we cannot state the importance of keeping such events quiet and out of the public eye, press and courts for as much as possible.

Therefore, we can commit to you any funds that exceed the Prince’s personal wealth from my own treasury funds, should the costs exceed his total in order to ensure the peace is kept.

Also inform your client, that upon his return, that Prince Lawrence Williamson, will be stripped of his titles, his Lordship and his Dukedom. Because of his family name, heritage and national law, his will remain as a Prince of the Empire, but his place in succession will be moved, as authorized under the Royal Act of 2270. He is also required to return to the United Erie Empire, and be ordered into Naval Service as an Ensign.

We thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Prince Vincent Williamson, Duke of Youngstown, Lord Superior of Sidney
Maj. General of the Imperial Army (Ret.)

[Dragos Bee]

Grey Family

Note: This was written with permission from NewLakotah.

Deborah Grey

The Judge, an old man in the traditional powdered wig and black robes, spoke in grave tones into the microphone: "We find the defendant, Lawrence Williamson of the Eerie Republic... Guilty of destruction of property and endangerment of lives, as well as disruption of business in the City of Indianapolis. After consideration of the Defense's arguments, we sentence him to a fine equivalent to the cost of a new establishment, as well as banishment from the City of Indianapolis for the duration of 10 years. And with that, the Court is adjourned."

No one objected, even as Lawrence Williamson breathed a sigh of relief. As the judge, jury, lawyers and audience departed the premises, Deborah Grey and Étienne met with the aristocrat to collect their payment.

"Here," said Lawrence, somewhat grateful, "And I trust this is all quiet? That the city isn't bragging about this matter?"

After Deborah nodded, Lawrence then continued, 'Thank you for everything, Mrs. Grey." He looked away. "One last favor, though; can you tell me what I should do next? I don't want to lose my titles once I get back, so is there a place for me elsewhere? Some other country that would accept a dashing young aristocrat like me?"

Étienne glared at Lawrence, saying, "Or, you can get back your titles, Dukedom, and Lordship by serving as an Ensign and working hard against pirates and raiders and anyone prowling the Great Lakes for ill purposes. You may not know this, but a lot of people would prefer being an Ensign of a nation's navy than a slave or vagrant." A purse of his lips. "Trust me, the impossible can happen if you work hard enough and take any opportunity you could." A smile. "After all, I was a slave myself, clad only in rags even as my best friend and I risked a fate worse than death. Now I am the honored son of the lawyer who saved you from that same fate."

Lawrence smiled at that. "My family will pay the fine for the rebuilding of Madam Goldie's brothel, and double that to further mollify her. As for your mother, I'll pay her the 6000 caps due to her at the end of the case."

He immeidately handed over the check, then said to Étienne, "Oh, and if I manage to get trusted with a higher rank in the Navy once more, I'll call you; I heard about how you and the rest of your family were able to mow down dozens of Madam Goldie's thugs just some days ago. Such talent will be welcome... If only because it'll help cover for my own shortcomings... "

He trailed off, then turned to join his guards. And with that, Deborah turned to Étienne, saying, "I presume you've forgiven me, then?"

The boy chuckled, and said, "Just about, just about forgiven."

[Al-Ghaihr]

WGHP Broadcasting Studio, High Point, ICA

The Pre-War broadcasting studio that mostly served news and shows via television, radio sat near the outskirts of High Point while a line of people were eager to observe what was happening inside. One of the sets was being used for a Gameshow. The current show was going on and people were eagerly tuned in to see what would happen in this episode of "Wasteland Trivia" with your Mr. Handy host "Alex" and some Wastelanders. The Mr. Handy proceeded to hover over to the citizen as he stood behind the contestant booth and asked.

"When was the ICA found? You have four options. A. 2263 B. 2163. C. 2063. D. 1963! A reminder. if you get your answer right, you win this suit of Military-grade POWER ARMOR! This'll help you hunt down meat for sure!"

The citizen looked around nervously, sweating bullets as he smiled nervously at the audience. He begun speaking "I-.. I-.. remember as I was kinda there but I'm just a farmer.. I think it's B?" and the audience shouted "OOOO!" as Alex begun spinning around before saying to the citizen "Incorrect! Thank you for playing Wasteland Trivia. WGHP Broadcasting has to give you a prize for your time and thus, you have two options at a lesser prize. On the left is a Vault-Tec painted AK-47 -ERROR, WEAPON- as apart of our corporate sponsorship! Reserve your spot today before the Nuclear Holocaust! or...... our very own High Point Armory's new release... The RR-MK1! The Rifle Revolver Mark One, otherwise known as the Frontier Defender. It shoots two rounds which are 270. Winchester as the rifle round and as apart of a special promotion for you. 12 GAUGE in the center! This should be enough to handle any raiders or pest!"

And the citizen grinned as he picked the RR-MK1. A cheery themesong begun playing and Alex begun speaking "That's it folks! Another successful game of..." and the crowd begun shouting "W-A-S-T-E-L-A-N-D TRIVIA!!" and Alex spun around again emitting a cheerful series of beeps as he once again spoke "Remember to tune in every Thursday for Wasteland Trivia at 7 PM. Murder Mystery at 8. Wasteland Survival Discussion at 9. Local news at 10. Thank you and have a good night!" as the cheerful music resumed.

---

Nuka Cola Plant, High Point, ICA

Interested citizen James Markhall was interested in setting up a soda brand in the Islamic Commonwealth of America. He personally got the President and his economical adviser to come along and see what can be done. James begun speaking "Well. Obviously we'd have to repaint a lot of it which could take a few weeks. Get the machinery up and running. Perfect a new recipe and get some cane sugar along with other ingredients."

And the President of ICA nodded while examining the machinery before saying "And what will be the name of this so-called Cola you have in mind?" and the man responded "I suggest Mecca-Cola or Arabia-Cola. What do you think Mr. President?"

The President responded "Arabia-Cola, we'll try to get some techies sent in to get this stuff up and running again but they are pretty busy. As you said, most likely a week or so."

[Routcher]

River City

The two ambassadors from the United Republic were taken to the Grand Mayor, who rewarded the merchant with 3000 caps for the find. Since the General Assembly was about to start their meeting, and the Mayor had just returned from St. Louis, the ambassadors were welcomed to the meeting, and their goals were discussed in full.

"We will have no problem locating and sending the items your Republic requires," Mayor Murphy spoke, "and as long as you keep the goods flowing- especially the coffee- you will find River City to be a most valuable trade partner. In regards to your mercenary search, I can only tell you that we will do our best to find you hired guns, but do keep in mind many of our contacts are busy performing jobs down south as it is, and may be hard to locate and contact."

The Speaker of the General Assembly, Mr. Abernathy, who had recently returned from his semi-successful trip to Memphis, spoke up. "We are delighted to host you for as long as you wish to stay here, and will begin work on a proper embassy building immediately. In the meantime, enjoy a stay at the Reelfoot Lake Inn free of charge. It is our newest hotel, and we hope you find it suitable."
The meeting went on, and eventually an ambassador to the United Republic was chosen, Mr. Hunter Yeager.

Results of the Meeting of the River City Republic General Assembly
-Work on an embassy building for the United Republic has begun.
-Hunter Yeager, former Grand Mayor of River City, will be the ambassador to the United Republic. He ships out at dawn, aboard a merchant barge carrying the first shipment of timber to the United Republic.
-The River Navy has received additional funding, to give sailors and marines a raise, start a recruitment drive, give marines additional training, and to order a new standard weapon for servicemen to choose from: the submachine gun (Thompson).
-The River Navy Home Guard has ordered the construction of a river-steam boat. Estimates say the boat should be ready for trials in 6 weeks. Upon completion, it shall be the first ship of its kind in the navy, and the first to be built by Republic citizens. There is one other river-steam boat operated by citizens, but this was constructed pre-war and is owned and operated by a private business.
-The next expansion target was The Ridge, a town of 200 just south of Tiptonville. An election would be held soon.
-A secondary expansion target was Samburg, along Reelfoot Lake. This settlement has only 26 citizens, and while an election will be held soon, it should be noted that several members of the General Assembly have suggested putting the Marines to use and just seizing the settlement. Currently, this idea is a last resort.
-The River Navy South Division has ordered the construction of a new headquarters on a large river island just west of Tiptonville. It will allow boats to dock without clogging Three States Port in River City, as well as give allow the Commodore to work closer to his operational area. Long term plans involve the construction of artillery on the island to better support Republic assets and enforce river regulations.
-The Grand Assembly has been officially expanded from 12 to 15 members. The additional members will be elected representatives of Tiptonville, Hickman, and Woodland Mills.
-The flotilla of trade and diplomacy to New Egypt was a mixed success. While not interested in any long-term trade deals, the Republic was assured access to the Gulf of Mexico would not be hindered by New Egyptian vessels.
-A mechanic will be hired immediately to take a look at the pre-war lumber equipment at Woodland Mills.

River City Republic Updates
-The new Brahmin ranch has made moderate success in its construction. It is now 25% complete.
-The Navy Training and Recruitment Center in Tiptonville is now operational.
-Hickman has seen continued success with its workshop construction. It is now half-way complete.
-Woodland Mills' workshop project has gone well. It is 10% complete.
-The people watching Woodland Mills were right to be worried. A night raid against the town was attempted recently. The marines managed to repel the raid, but did not kill or capture any raiders. Thankfully, nobody was hurt this time. Watches have been doubled by both the marines and the police force.

[Cavendian States]

Republic of Pamlico

The Center
Tryon District
New Bern
Republic of Pamlico

"Of course, I understand," The Secretary of State replied. "As for our special forces platoon, I must warn you that they are a very...independent group. Regardless, I expect that they'll follow orders. They shouldn't be a problem, anyhow."

"In regards to these missionaries receiving tax-exempt status, they will have to do it through the proper channels. The Department of Finance handles that. So long as they are able to prove that they are acting in good faith and don't pose a threat to the Pamlico Republic, I believe that they could receive tax-exempt status rather quickly. Not that it will mean much of a change -- our taxes are already extremely low. We make most of our revenue from tariffs and tolls." Keaton added hastily, before moving onto their next question.

"For our banks, I'm not exactly well-versed in such matters. From what I understand, they perform a lot of the usual functions -- allowing deposits, paying interest, lending money, and investing in financial ventures. I don't see why a Credit Union couldn't be established, although that sort of thing isn't in my jurisdiction. You should talk to the Secretary of Finance later."

Vann Company Building
Business District
Atlantic City
Republic of Pamlico

The Vann Company Building is located in Atlantic City's sprawling business district -- an area rife with merchants, hagglers, vendors, travelers, and cheap guns-for-hire offering their services to all passersby. It had become an enduring symbol of the city. Once a minor town situated on the eastern tip of Carteret County, it had become a thriving port that sent goods all throughout the east coast. Yet its prosperity was not shared by all; while powerful merchant families raked in huge profits, the residents of the city's outer slums remained poor. Many had come from the countryside, looking to find the "Queen City of the Atlantic" -- a place where they could advance in society and live in luxury. Instead, they encountered only slums, poverty, and squalor.

The building, as its name implies, is owned and operated by the Vann Company -- a group of merchants lead by the Vann family. They are the descendants of Jacob Vann, the second Marshal of the Pamlico Republic. Despite his numerous accomplishments, Jacob Vann was widely criticized for exploiting his position in order to achieve personal gain. Through his ties to established trading companies, he accepted bribes in exchange for government subsidies and other favors. His policy of crony capitalism allowed him to amass a huge fortune, one that would be inherited by his children after his death in 2216. The company itself was established a few years later. Through its questionable business practices, the Vann Company crowded out the competition to become one of the biggest trading companies on the Outer Banks.

However, the Vann family is not the only powerhouse on the block. Three other major groups exist, all jockeying for wealth, status, and power.

The Cooper family is the oldest out of all the families, representing the old, pre-Pact days of the Republic. They were a powerful political force in New Bern, back when the city was its own state. They controlled elections and officials, from city councilors to the mayor himself. The Revolution of 2179 put an end to that, as the old government was destroyed in favor of a new one. Shut out of government, the Coopers naturally turned to other means to maintain their power. Trade, as well as the wealth associated with it, had been disrupted by the Croatan War as well as New Bern's political chaos. Many a merchant had been driven out of business, with entire companies going bankrupt. The field had been cleared for daring entrepreneurs -- in this case, it was the Coopers. They monopolized trade to the south and established a name for themselves in the Outer Banks.

While not quite as wealthy as the Coopers or the Vanns, the Crystal Caravan Company (commonly called the CCC) makes up for it by its influence and power. The CCC, a conglomeration of various families and merchant guilds, maintains dominance over Pamlico's caravan industry. Its control over a number of lucrative trade routes (including US-70, the road that connects New Bern with Atlantic City) has allowed the company to prosper. In recent years, the Crystal Caravans have attempted to broaden their horizons, creating a subsidiary company called the Emerald Isles Express, which specializes in (you guessed it) sending couriers throughout the Outer Banks. This rapid growth, however, has been checked by its regional limitations, with the company itself only operating in the Outer Banks.

The fourth, and final group is the prestigious Takayoshi family. The family itself was descended from Mark Takayoshi, who served as one of the Founder's advisors in the early stages of the Republic. After the Founder's death in 2195, Takayoshi fell into disfavor with his successor. He lost his position in the Junta, instead choosing to move into another promising industry -- banking. As the Republic slowly recovered, trade began to pick up. And with trade, the merchants needed financing. The Takayoshis, over the decades, would become synonymous with banks and finance. The family has since diversified, acquiring the Pippy-Cola Company and becoming involved in a number of other local industries.

---

The lobby of the Vann Company Building was shortstaffed that night; one sleepy-eyed guard was manning the night shift. Everyone else had gone home, and the building was closed. The guard wasn't expecting much -- simply another day in the job and, most importantly, another paycheck in a few days. He wasn't a local, having been brought in from Washington, a city-state up north. He had heard the stories of the Pamlico Republic and the brutal training they had to endure when they joined the military. It was terrible, and yet the guard admired them grudgingly. He couldn't deny that they had forged a powerful nation out of what was once nothing. Their soldiers -- especially their marines -- were the envy of the Outer Banks...

The guard's wandering thoughts were interrupted by a series of curt knocks. Snapping out of it, he arose from his half-sleep rather irritated, expecting another irrational local who couldn't understand that the building was closed. Shuffling over to the building, he was surprised to see that the individual in particular was well-dressed. He wasn't like those delusional mercenaries and desperate beggars who sometimes frequented the business district at night.

Opening the door, the guard began to speak, "I'm sorry, but the building is clo-" He was cut off by the man, who apologized profusely before introducing himself as Lucas. "I assume Mr. Vann isn't in the building."

The guard, taken aback, replied almost instantly, "No, he's not here."

"Very well, then," Lucas said, "Once again, I apologize for disturbing you." He passed the guard an official-looking document, engraved with the seal of the Pamlico Republic, "The Marshal wants to see Mr. Vann in New Bern. I hope you'll pass this onto him."

Before he could even respond, Lucas wished him a good night. He left, disappearing in the shroud of night. The guard stood there for a moment, stunned. Clutching the document in his hand, he soon retreated back into the building, locking the doors as he did so.

Unbeknownst to the guard, a similar scene was happening in locations across the city. The Marshal's official summons were sent to three other buildings: the Crystal Caravan Company Headquarters, the UniMet Center, and the Port Brook River Complex. In Atlantic City, these buildings were practically synonymous with the names to which they were associated -- the Coopers, the Takayoshis, the Crystal Caravans -- all symbolized power and success. It was always unusual for these powerful groups to convene in one place, although it wasn't unprecedented. The government wasn't afraid to use the families to advance their own interests, with the same being true for the families. It would all be coming to a climax in New Bern -- the endless feuding, the politics, the rivalries, and the competition that had defined the families since their inception...

[Al-Ghaihr]

CPP Greenery/Lab, ICA

The sound of Power armor marching echo'd through the hallway until they reached one open door. "Get in there!" was muttered as a rifle butt struck the man's back. He was dragged in by another soldier. Commander of Military Science Adam Davis was present to see if any military application could come from the demonstrations that were to be offered by the Carolina Commonwealth Pharmaceutical company.

The two scientists with CPP laid the man who was sweating profusely and sneezing, as well on the verge of vomiting knew the mans condition, even his history. A raider who was imprisoned within the ICA's systems and was offered by the President along with others for testing today of the various new medications deprived. One of the scientists prepared an IV and stuck the man with the needle as it begun slowly moving Buprenorphine into the mans body. They noticed almost immediately, a change in the mans condition.

One scientist commented before discontinuing the IV. "Should last 24 hours, given he was a heavy heroin addict. Mark it on the chart as around 1mg given and that's with heavy tolerance." And then, it was on to see the testing of a new device that could help the army.

A grenade launcher sat on a table along with several special non-explosive grenades. A group of men were arranged to stand in a crowd, heavily armored and armed but with no ammunition. There was thick glass and metal along with gun-ports and an obvious gap where the device would be delivered from.

The soldiers entered into the room along with the military commander and the scientists. All who did not wear power armor which automatically had protection put on gasmasks with brand new filters besides those who would be effected and thick gloves while handling the grenades and launcher. One of the scientists begun speaking, "As you can see, this is a group of heavily armed opponents that would take a lot of ammo to destroy. We've devised a weapon to try to bring down forces like this. If your soldiers would take the time to demonstrate, this is no trickery.

The army commander motioned and one of the men stuck the rifles barrel into the gunport, shooting a few select men with no effect/limited effect due to the armoring they wore with exclamations from the raider group who mocked their "new device" and that they are all going to die (the scientists, that is.) and then one of the scientists picked up the grenade launcher.


"If you'd observe, commander." as he opened the barrel and slipped the non-explosive grenade into the launcher and locked it back. He proceeded to fire it into the crowd as it begun to emit a white smoke. The action was repeated multiple times. The men begun to exhibit signs of an opiate overdose before finally succumbing to the new device. "This is weaponized Fentanyl, heavily potent and easy to make, and can be made into numerous derivatives which are even more deadly. Fired from the grenade launcher. May need a few grenades to take them down, but good for incidents like this. That'll be all gentlemen." the scientist said.

The group proceeded to exit the area after a thourugh decontamination shower. This was considered a victory for the Islamic Commonwealth of America as well as Carolina Commonwealth Pharmaceuticals.

[Ralnis]

Charleston,
Occupied South Carolina

It had been a few days since Father Daniels has established the South Carolina branch of the Children. Daniels was met with some mix reaction by the natives but with more positive note from the Republic troops, knowing the work that the Children do so they were allowed to work with the military. Power Armor militants and technical experts came in as support to try and enforce the Children and help with repairing the city after the invasion.

Lexington,
South Carolina

It was a dim room inside the farming settlement, two men were sitting on an opposite table. Shot glasses were filled with low-quality whiskey with some salt around one of the rims. One of the men was wearing a standard three-piece suit, scavenged but cleaned in some fashioned. He sat there in some thick sunglasses and a neutral look on his face as the man in front of him was more serious and looking with a look of anger and disgust.

"So your saying that you want me to roll over while the damn anarchists come and take over our lands while we wait for your call?"

The man in the suit shifts his sunglasses,"That's what my first proposal is, it will take too long to actually send the supplies and train enough troops to counteract this. However it will take enough time that there could be a strong army to help us in our plight for freedom."

The man lifts an eyebrow,"and why would you want to separate? Seems like your nation is very profitable being their dog."

The sunglasses man chuckles," Let's just say that we are coming to the end of our deal and I doubt they'll let us go so easily. This is mostly how our leaders are going to go about with how they will fight."

"Right, that's the disturbing part." The stern man sighs,"fine, I don't like working with your kind but I see we have a common enemy. I'll tell my men that we're working for ya and I'll start gathering my men and a few others who see the 'writing on the wall'."

"Good, come to Fort Jackson, it's inside our jurisdiction so there wouldn't that much of a problem. You will be trained in some better training and using weaponry while defending caravans and giving support to those who need it. Even if you hate it, you have no choice but to comply as we can, and will, purge dissent in the most effective way possible. Do I make myself clear Mr.Cutter?"

"Hmph, yeah I hear ya. Loud and fucking clear."

Florida Keys,
Unity

While her husband was working on perfecting the FEV, Dorthy was organizing the navy to build 3 steamships for the Unity's navy. It was still a new navy but the Nightkin new of the Cuban threat that they had to guard their lands given to them. Of course they had very high-tech compared to the United Republic, but they lack resources. However they could get this done in a couple of years since they knew how to build the ships and the engines thanks to studying the technology back from the Midwest Brotherhood.

Still, she worried about the testing of the experimental FEV so he sent some scouts to find what had been the current rumors around the Republic and beyond. It was then they stumbled upon a radio signal to someone called the ICA, the Islamic Commonwealth of America. Dorthy didn't know what Islam was but she heard that they had advance technology from studying the airwaves.

A message was about to be sent but they realize that the United Republic had found them out beforehand. After asking for some information, Dorthy believes that the ICA could be able to help perfect the FEV and help her husband's quest to complete the Master's work.

To: The Leadership of the ICA

Dear ICA,

My name is Dorthy August and I am one of the leaders of the Unity, a small band of Mutants who are researching to perfect the FEV for all of Mutantkind. We are a vassal of the United Republic and mean you no harm but I wish to talk about how you may help us in our quest to have children and become smarter. Should you answer and accept a deal we will pay whatever means that will be needed to save our race from doom.

I await your answer

She also sent a message to River City, a place where they traded on the Mississippi. It has an important place to do trade up river and could be a source of trade that the Unity needed. A message was sent to the leadership of River City for the trade they need.

To:The Leadership of River City

Dear River City Leadership,

I am Dorthy, one of the leaders of the Unity, a small band of Super Mutants that are vassals of the United Republic. We come in good faith that we wish to trade with you as being on the Mississippi allows us to also trade with the wider Wasteland. I wish to send an envoy to your city to discuss further diplomatic talks with you.

I await your answer

[Dragos Bee]

United Republic

The United Republic's leadership was not completely blind; the Unity's professions of loyalty were obviously of a temporary and provisional nature. Problem was, though, something had to be done to observe and finally counteract the Unity and Cathedral without using police-state tactics, and that meant that if the UR needed a Secret Police or something similarly abominable, 1.) it needed to be kept actually secret, and 2.) it needed to be part of a group that can be publicly disavowed and cast aside. The Necessita filled both those roles.

Ostensibly a panel within the Catholic Diocese of the Southern United States tasked with rooting out child abusers and other forms of corruption, the Necessita also cooperated with its Islamic and Seminole counterparts to watch the Children of the Cathedral and by extension, the Unity. Supported by the United Republic People's Protection Forces' High Command, it made sure that agents were observing the Cathedral's establishments, auditors were monitoring its financial transactions, and that spies posing as converts attempted to infilitrate the Cathedral's members every other week. But information wasn't enough; the Necessita also had the support of the URPPF's battalions in Florida; 5000 Infantry and 1000 Cavalry, and large portions of the Fleet.

Not merely that, but they had invested, through 'Religious Credit Unions', into the development and manufacture of exploding bullets that can pierce through Super Mutant Flesh before blowing up muscle and nerve. They also planned on asking their Muslim counterparts to send an embassy to the ICA, ostensibly to ask for an 'Islamic Conference', but in truth to gain an advantage against the Unity...

Little Mountain, South Carolina

Aisha Felat had received some good news: the mercenaries had finally arrived; 1000 of them of surprisingly good quality. Same for the Pamilco Republic's 'Black Death' platoon, soldiers trained from birth that can equal the Pathfinders of the United Republic if not even exceed them (not that she'd admit that in public!). Of course, the mercs that had been hired from a certain place in the West might be spies from a certain nation, but that was all right; in exchange for Greenville, she'd let them have their information.

Now that the forces needed for Operation: Greenville, were complete, it was time to give a speech. Having ordered her troops to assemble at the foot of Little Mountain, Aisha faced her forward battalions, before speaking into a small radio.

"All right, girls and boys, here's what our enemy are like: Murderous Confederate sister-f**ers who think nothing of murdering and enslaving those whom they don't like. They don't think of anyone besides themselves as equals, if even that, and they jockey among themselves to see who is more equal than others. They are a cancer and need to be cut out before this state can know peace." A pause.

"Now, what are we going to do to them?! We're going to march up to their ruined city before harvest time, surround them, and then ask them nicely to surrender. If they don't, we kill them." Blunt and simple, although the actual strategy was more complex.

This was what she had discussed with her commanders and the leader of the 'Black Death Platoon': To march to Greenville as fast as possible with well-rested troops, catching their farmers off-guard at the very beginning of harvest. This will cut them off from their source of food while ensuring that the United Republic armies continue to be well-fed. Then, various probing attacks by infantry - merc and non-merc both - will be launched to test the strength of the enemy defenses and divert attention from the back and rear of the defending lines.

All the while, the Pathfinders and their Yao Guai will look for places in the city that had been overgrown, overlooked, or both in order to sneak behind enemy lines at night and wreak havoc among the defenders. This, in turn would be another diversion for the 'Black Death' Platoon to locate three things: One, the enemy's main arsenal, Two, the enemy's main leadership, and Three, the remaining food stores of the enemy. Once those locations are set up on the map, the Black Death Platoon will place paint bombs filled with red paint on the roofs of those places, which will be timed to blow up in the afternoon, when the day was hottest.

They'd then withdraw so that the 5 P-51 Mustangs authorized for this operation can 'take care' of those buildings; true, they were not equipped as bombers, but never underestimate the power of aircraft-mounted machine guns and their incendary bullets. That, and she was sure she put in an order for those aircraft to be equipped with at least one rocket each...
River City

Automatic agreement by the ambassadors.

ICA, North Carolina

N/A

Pamlico Republic, North Carolina

Automatic agreement by the ambassadors.

[Routcher]

To: Dorthy, of the Unity

We are always interested in finding potential trade partners and friends. We welcome your envoy with open arms, and will be more than happy to accommodate them by opening an embassy in our city for them to reside. Once the envoy has arrived, and we have your location on a map shown to us, we hope to send envoys of our own. We hope this letter gets to you successfully.

Regards,
The General Assembly of the River City Republic

The Ridge
A small settlement of 200, The Ridge (formerly Ridgely, Tennessee) is hosting an election to see if they will become part of the Republic. Since all citizens are over 16, all will have a chance to voice their opinion. The election ended with (For 150-50 Against), and The Ridge will now become a member of the Republic. Sadly, 20 people were so upset by the vote that they left the town to strike it out as independents someplace else. The population is now 180. Of that number, 10 were drafted into the River Navy, with 7 of them becoming Marines and the other three being split among the other divisions. The following buildings have been repurposed:
-Red Rocket Gas Station as a trade post
-Shaw Farms as a....farm to grow fresh produce (current crops are tatos and corn)
-Ridgely Bank as a River City Savings & Loan location
-Tire shop will be converted into a scavenger base
-A nearby lanfill and an nearby salvage yard will be used to search for useful junk
-The school is now the town hall

An election was also held in Samburg, a small settlement along Reelfoot Lake of 26 people. They voted unanimously to NOT become citizens. For now, the General Assembly plans to let that happen, however some are thinking of ways to seize the town by force.

River City Republic Updates
-An embassy building for the Unity is under construction.
-An embassy building for the United Republic has finished construction. The two ambassadors have been moved to their new home, and are free to decorate and renovate the property as they see fit, at their own expense.
-A recruitment drive for the River Navy has begun. If it goes well, as many as 20 new recruits could be signed up, however, conservative estimates put the number no higher than 10. Results will be in soon.
-River City Marines will undergo night raid training soon. Since we cannot afford to pull them from Woodland Mills due to current events, the training will be done on the abandoned part of Woodland Mills, the closest part to Union City.
-The riverboat is 1/6 complete.
-River Navy South Headquarters has experienced a setback on gathering construction materials, and construction has not yet begun, much to the dismay of the Commodore.
-The General Assembly will meet again soon to discuss expansion, the Woodland Mills security situation, the Samburg option, foreign relations, and other miscellaneous matters.
-The mechanic has arrived at the lumber yard in Woodland Mills and managed to get some of the pre-war equipment working, which will make obtaining lumber from the region a bit faster than usual.
-The new Brahmin Ranch has seen usual progress on the construction. It is now 35% complete.
-10 New recruits from The Ridge have been sent to Tiptonville's Navy facility for basic training.
-The workshop in Hickman has seen good success with it's construction. It is now 75% complete.
-The workshop in Woodland Mills has seen decent progress on it's construction. It is now 25% complete.
-So far, the situation in Woodland Mills appears quite, although there is still the feeling of being watched.

Note to all with an embassy in River City, your ambassadors are welcome to submit concerns and talking points to General Assembly meetings. The Assembly will discuss the matter and vote on how to resolve it.

[Al-Ghaihr]

Vault 25, ICA

It was a rustic day at Vault 25 underground, most of the inhabitants were the rich and famous who lived in North Carolina. Most were cyrogenically preserved or transferred their brains to robobrains. Dr. Heinrich Von Eruktness lived in the vault and the Vault's Overseer who ironically somehow had the money to transfer his brain to a Robobrain with electronic control to the Vault. The overseer proceeded to murder Dr. Heinrich Von Eruktness somehow and covered it up. His body laid in the lavish Atrium of the Vault.

A Mr. Handy by the name of Grace secret emergency beacon saying there was a murder in the Vault along with giving the coordinates to Vault 25, although she wasn't sure who did it or how it was done as she was just a robot with no investigative firmware.

William and Mary Apartments, High Point, ICA

A loud banging on the door awoke Detective William Dove who approached the door and opened it. Outside were two of ICA's police-officers. He was being requested to board an Vertibird for an murder investigation that seemed very serious within the ICA's borders. In a vault, no less.

The Detective nodded his head and accompanied the two police as he was told the very little details of the crime and that they only knew it was a beacon. They knew they would need help if they were to solve this case. it was put in as a request to the United Republic's embassy that they send their best homicide investigator to learn the Tragedy of Vault 25. The officers and the detective took off to a working scout car which they got into and the latter peeled off to the Piedmont International Airport/Airbase

Once arriving there, they would wait for their counterpart(s) in the United Republic to arrive so that an semi-neutral and unbiased investigation could take place into Vault 25 and see what happened.

[Solisian Union]

At Starkville, several kilometers away from the borders of the USF

Esteban Primitivo grinned as he put his boot down on the chest of a dying female raider in the middle of Starkville. He and his platoon of USF DG troops have completed their hunt for raiders in this area close to the USF. Esteban chuckled before he spoke to the heavily wounded woman "So...you and your buddies though they could just pass by our borders without even getting a scratch? Right now, you're dying pretty soon and with a bunch of your guys. The rest are either too injured to get out or have already gotten out. So what's it now, lady?" He pressed his boot against her chest harder, forcing the woman to groan and cough violently. He said "Tell us where they could have gone."

---

An hour later

Esteban and his men were laughing as they returned to the borders, some of the men cleaning up their uniforms or weapons as they recalled all about their good hunt. There were 30 raiders slaughtered and an estimated 10-15 missing. Esteban congratulated them and promised them free drinks and dinner soon once they get home.

Meanwhile, in the capital of the USF, the news about Estebans raid reached the Syndicate President and Syndicate Secretary. Both of them, along with their aides and their guests, clapped their hands. The radios too proclaimed that raiders northward have been hunted down and forced to flee or were slaughtered.

[Waztaskio]

Warwick - Camp Bluewater

---

Camp Bluewater, the only official military base of the Provincial States, serving as the official training grounds for the army and by extension, local minutemen militia's who wish to engage in heavy tier training as directed by their local commissioners. Originally Camp Bluewater was the local airport of Providence, Theodore Francis Green International Airport. Of course, these days people aren't concerned with catching flights which are no longer a viable travel option. In fact, that was one of the reasons Camp Bluewater was chosen to be based in an old airport. One, it was in close proximity to the capital. Two, it was unused by anyone and provided a large area for training facilities to be set up, garrisoned, and supplemented. It was the location where every military order was directed through, where every recruit would be inducted and trained in the tactics of the Army, and where they would remain for the remaining stint of their contracts. Over the previous few decades, the Provincial States have taken various steps to demolish previous military establishments that remained and directed all scavengable material towards construction of barrier defenses and local facilities in Camp Bluewater, and from what I could tell from the outside, it was heavily fortified.

As I had approached the facility, a voice was sent in my direction. A shout, I presumed, echoing throughout the empty air and from the approaching guard post as I approached the security perimeter. Looking ahead, I was being approached by two soldiers with assault rifles approaching me. They looked cautious, but not afraid. With a brisk yet firm pace, they made their way from the secure perimeter to meters from my position as one of them slung the weapon across his shoulder.

"This is a restricted area. State your business, and intent citizen." The soldier said, looking me well up and down for any sign of threats, while his partner gripped on his weapon as if ready for me to try something, or move too quick.

"My name is Cassidy Vane, and I've been sent here on special assignment. My papers are in my belongings." I said, tapping my finger on my suitcase I was carrying around by it's upper handle on my right side. It was pretty generic, being made from cloth with standard clip locks with a few unique markings of my own making for it to stick out. The soldier proceeded to glare his eyes down at my suitcase, before taking a look back at me as if looking to catch me in a lie.

"Special assignment, eh'? Let me see those papers then, Miss Vane." The soldier said.

I pulled out the papers from my suitcase, handing them over as he shuffled through the orders, then motioned for his partner to look them over briefly before they both gave a nod to the other.

"Doctor Vane, I'm pleased you will be joining us here at Camp Bluewater. And from your papers, apparently you will be taking over as the new Commander of the Army Air Corp. In any case, I will need to take you to the commanding officer of the base General Curtis Lockheed. He has been awaiting your arrival, please follow me." The soldier said, handing back my papers. I took them, not wishing to delay or stall any further. The soldier took the lead as I directly followed at a simliar pace past the security checkpoints and into the base, followed by his partner. Inside the terminal, the scenery was rather unremarkable. There were soldiers doing various forms of physical training from running, to pushups, situps, crunches, to soldiers carrying out tasks such as cleaning or administrative duties at a makeshift desk scattered along the old lobby of the airport. The sounds of typing and talking filled the air, as intelligence reports were being received and transcribed by operators stationed on base from the local minutemen and from what I could guess, commanders of actual army operations ongoing in the background.

Walking past the scene, we later reached the old administrative offices of airport staff converted into a makeshift command quarters. Doors had various ranks and names of people assigned to the rooms, along with their roles such as "Readiness NCO, Training NCO, Commanding Officer, XO," etc. The soldier I was following had stepped out from infront of me, and motioned me further down the hall to my destination. As I continued walking aimlessly past the offices, I eventually came up on the one I was looking for and knocked three times before I was told to enter, which I did.

"Yes, how may I assist you? I assume you're on this base because you're important, so please save the formalities." A man said. Sitting behind a wooden desk, a man dressed in full military fatigues with various ribbons sewn onto the uniform looked up to me. His face seemed to not have that much emotion, and honestly it seemed to me that even if he did have emotion it would be a dark abyss into dullness, but I digress.

"Yes, I am the new commander of the Army Air Corp Doctor Vane, and I was sent-..." I was soon cut off by the general.

"By the Governor, I'm aware Doctor Vane. Forgive my brisk nature, but I am a very busy man. I didn't ask for a new commander, nor do I find a need however the governor believes otherwise. So here is how it's going to work. You're going to work on your little projects, on time unless extension is given, and stay out of my way. Think you can handle that?" General Lockheed said, looking down at his desk and writing papers before even receiving an affirmation from me. Asshole...

"Yes...I understand." I said reluctantly, rolling my eyes to myself.

"Good. Your quarters will be set up, and the lab has been pre-inspected and established. If you need something, speak to Sergeant Mendoza. He's around here somewhere, probably supply. Now please, if you don't mind Doctor Vane, I'm a very busy man." Lockheed said, standing up from the desk and turning his back towards a few cabinets as I saw myself out.

"This is going to be a long assignment..." I said, taking out a cigarette from my lab coat pocket and giving it a light, before continuing to make my way through the old installation to find supply.

---

Providence - Providence State General Assembly

---

"Harder, yes, common..." where some of the sounds coming from the office of President of the Senate Scott Piles. Ever since he was first elected to the Senate in 2271, Piles had a reputation of womanizing and seduction. Throughout the halls of the Senate, there are inside jokes that Senator Piles would "Pile more then just bills, if he believes he can get more later." Although the senator never cared for gossip, he could always enjoy the glory that came with being a well known figure and that people were talking about him. A wise man once said, "The only thing worse then being talked about, is not being talked about." Moans continued to be heard in the office of the senator as President Maxwell made his way down the halls of the building which before becoming the meeting place of the general assembly, was an old library. The irony of silence, right?

"God, this early? He just can't hold it in, can he?" I said to myself, but knew that I was not the only one thinking it. He was an animal descending into his primal instincts, and he didn't discriminate. Not on race, not on personality, and not on gender either. He liked them all equally, with his only deciding factor being if he may be able to get future favors. Which must have worked in his favor, or else I couldn't see why else he would've made President of the Senate, but I digress. As I approached the door, I looked over at his secretary who seemed to be tuning out the noise coming from behind the senators door. She was honestly pretty cute, but I guess she has higher standards for herself. Either way, I felt sorry for her in a way for having to deal with the situation she found herself in. Turning away from her and back to the door, I gave three hard knocks on the door which soon retorted in a shout from inside the room.

"I'm busy! Come back later!" The senator shouted, with the moans becoming a little louder.

"Damn it....Stevens, will you do the honors?" I said to one of my closest bodyguards, as I moved out of his path and allowed him to work. He managed to pick the lock on the door, and burst his way into the office with me following close behind. As I entered, I could see the senator hastily pulling up his pants and another woman sliding up her underwear and trying to hide her face by turning away from me and my security.

"Couldn't this have waited? I was closing an important deal here." Piles said, clearly a little annoyed that his session had been disrupted by an unannounced governors visit. I simply sighed in disgust, as I watched the women scurry out of the room and down the hall. Her head in shame.

"Clearly..." I said, attempting to clear my mind of the image presented to me from a few moments ago.

"What do you need anyway, governor? And I hope it's of upmost importance. More so then my upcoming vote, which may now be in jeopardy as I was just having a conversation with the remaining House member who could stall the agenda due to your incessant need to burst into offices unannounced." Piles fumed, looking at the governor who had by this point dismissed his security detail.

"It's very important, and one that could await a few-...sessions of discussion. I'm here on official business, and I need the Senate to be on-board." I said.

"If it's for an increase of military personnel, that dog don't hunt. I already told you, it's just not in the budget." Piles replied, giving a sigh.

"No, it's not. It's for something else. I need the Senate to authorize me the creation of a new agency, the Commonwealth Provincial Company or CPC. It'll mostly be privately run, and serve to advance interests in the area of foreign policy. All I need is the startup funds." I said, crossing my arms as I watched the senators reaction.

"The Commonwealth Provincial Company? And what is this companies goal supposed to be?" The senator asked, obviously not sounding very enthusiastic.

"Transportation. Along with some subsidiary roles. Think of them as the tool in which influence shall be wielded, and profits will be reaped into the coffers of our fine state. I can't go much more into details, but I can say that it's vital that I get this approved." I said, uncrossing my arms.

"I don't know Max, seems too vague to me. And besides, what will I get in return if I agreed to this?" He smirked, looking me over.

Ah, yes the wonderful politics of dealing with Senator Piles. This was the part that could make or break what someone wants or craves, and it all depends on the pitch. It has to be just right.

"Well, for one. You'll get owed a favor from me directly, but only one. And whatever it is, we'll get it done. For two, I'll publicly campaign for you in all your upcoming elections for as long as I live. And for three, I'll ensure that if you ever get into any-..."trouble," I'll ensure it's dropped. What do you say?" I pitched, biting the bottom of my lip slightly as I awaited his reply.

Piles simply grinned, taking his time to think before eventually giving a slight nod.

"I think we have a deal. Let's shake on it." Senator Piles said, extending his hand out towards me.

I quickly put up my hands and nodded no, "Absolutely not. I don't even want to think where that hands been. Just-...get it done, alright?"

And with this, I proceeded to leave with my staff out of the building. Piles may be a bit disgusting, but him and me did go way back. And-...I did trust him. Despite that fact that as time goes on, he gets to be more of a pain in my ass. For now though, we'll see if he can do what is needed.

[NewLakotah]

Chapter Two: We Have Met the Enemy - And They are Ours
“If war was once a chivalrous duel, it is now a dastardly slaughter.”
― Artur von Bolfras

---

Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
United Erie Empire
II Corps Headquarters
D+1 0540

The offensive had gone smooth enough through its first day of operation. Waynesburg, a micro-community located along the highway leading south, had fallen to the cavalry first. The residents had watched with shock, as first grizzled old cavalrymen rode into town, followed by dirty and dusty infantrymen. Soon after, the town was swarming with different units. Artillery, supply wagons and trucks, infantry detachments tasked as military police, a few National Constables and officers to help facilitate road traffic and policing of the area, and finally, the military command structure.

Armstead had arrived with her staff a few hours after Waynesburg had been occupied. It had been taken at H+6, slightly slower than it was supposed to be. Mostly due to the poor road system outside of the Imperial borders and the sudden wind and rain that battered down on the hapless troops. Outside of the Imperial borders, the road system took a marked turn for the worse, slowing down the artillery and wagons especially. Behind the lead infantry and cavalry, a massive traffic jam soon slowed down the whole offensive. Nonetheless, the troops managed to push before stopping in the hills and setting up camp and digging foxholes and slit trenches a few kilometers outside of Mt. Morris and the first major enemy defensive installation.

Waynesburg itself had became the first major waypoint for supply trains, the artillery and logistics units. The town had gone from sleepy farm town and small coal area, to a major military base in only a few hours. It was now bustling with resting infantry and cavalry, units marching through, supply trains passing or setting up in the town. Artillery rolling past, engineers rebuilding or fixing roads or rubble. A few infantry and cavalry, and even Constables, acting as traffic wardens for this mess. Inside the old town hall, was Lieutenant General Armstead.

Armstead herself was staring down at the large map of the region that was sprawled out on a rickety-old table. A cavalry captain was standing off to the side, giving a report. He was soaking wet from the rain, which ran streaks down his face through the dirt and mud that was splattered there and caked on his riding boots. He was pointing down at the map as he talked.

“We got up to ‘ere, along this part of the river. We saw some pillboxes here, on the far side of the river. Barbed wire was covering both sides of the bank for at least a few hundred metres in both directions. Sandbag walls and trenches were noted there as well. Only a handful of defenses appear to be on our side of the creek. However, we did run into a scouting party of their own along these hills. We had a short firefight, but they were in no mood to fight. Visibility was difficult in the rain, so we couldn’t get a solid guess on numbers, but there are at least 3 to 600 enemies dug in around the highway, and this secondary bridge to the south and the mouth to the north appear to have been blown up.” He stopped and stepped back.

Armstead nodded at him. “Thank you, Captain.” She turned to the rest of the assembled gathering. There was her divisional commanders, Lord Sir Mark Winston, the Lord Canton and Major General Winston Gravefield. Major General Lord Canton was a 34-year-old military protégé and his first time commanding a division in combat. He had graduated near the top of his class from the Royal Military College, gaining his commission as a lieutenant in the Royal Artillery Corps. His excellent leadership skills, strong mathematical ability and tall, dark stature, soon won him many supports in the army command structure. He quickly rose through the army ranks, reaching the rank of Captain at only 24, and major a year later. He attended the Imperial Army War & Staff College soon after, again excelling there. He was soon placed in command of a regiment of artillery, before working as a divisional staff officer. However, he had always felt himself more of a frontline leader rather than a staff officer, and put in his transfer from artillery to infantry, becoming an infantry regiment commander at 29.

During several border skirmishes, he had managed to prove himself as a fine infantry officer as well, using his knowledge of artillery to his advantage. He was knighted after this, soon after receiving the title of the Lord Canton after the death of his father. Now, as 2nd Division’s commander, he was leading the strike force straight into Morgantown, and thus was the key commander in the situation.

4th Division’s general, Major General Gravefield was in charge of the wide flanking arm of the assault, clearing out the Pittsburgh suburbs, and then heading south to West Virginia through the Cumberland Gap in Maryland. There were only a few towns in the region, so his move was much more limited in focus, with 2 Brigades held back in border security duties.
Now, however, the important task was assaulting Mt. Morris and driving straight into Morgantown. Armstead looked down at the map and the few pictures that had been taken from the previous day’s flight. It appeared as though not much had changed overnight, only perhaps a slight reinforcement from Morgantown. Armstead glanced around at the assembled crowd, singling out General Canton.

“Lord Canton. Its your men moving in, what do you think?” She asked. Lord Canton stepped forward a bit before speaking.

“Well, Ma’am. We certainly have superiority in numbers and firepower. I think we should use that to our advantage. Now, our second advantage is that they are going to have spread themselves out, at least that’s my thinking. They will have to cover this bridge here, but also protect their flanks. Now, setting up here, in this large hill, would ensure solid visibility of the area, to ensure that we cannot outflank them. So, with that. Our best effort is to attack forward with 3rd Brigade. And send out cavalry and infantry to both flanks, attempt a crossing at any point that is possible, and tie down whatever forces they have.”

“Quite, I agree. Now, in the town, I can see more issues arising. These houses, buildings and such. They provide excellent protection. Thus, I want, before any attack, a barrage on this town. But, I want them to know that we are coming, so any remaining civilians can be exacuated. Colonel Armstrong, I am sure that you can provide the leaflets and the air support we need?”

Eddie Armstrong nodded, “Absolutely, Ma’am.”

“Very well.” Armstead responded with a sigh. “Lord Canton, I am placing all battlefield arrangement and artillery support at your command and your disposal. Now, I want that bridge by noon, understand. We’re already behind schedule ‘cause of this damned weather.”

The assembly broke up, with Major General Lord Canton heading out with his staff, and Armstead starting to talk with Gravefield about his advances separately.

---

Mt. Morris
Green Groves Irish Grenadiers (Irish Grenadiers)
D+1 0845

Lord Canton had been quick to assemble his forces and lay out his attack. He had gotten word quickly to the town, in part due to leaflets dropped by the Air Service and fired by artillery into the town. They had done that at 0700. Thus, the residents and civilians would have 1 hour to evacuate the town. At 0815 hrs, the first artillery barrage, from the heavy artillery divisional artillery battery, the brigade artillery and the horse artillery. In all, 28 guns artillery guns opened fire, not including the 120mm mortars. The 18-pounder field guns opened fire first, starting along the river bank before creeping back, through the town in a solid sweep. Then the heavy 155mm howitzer battery opened fire, targeting in 2 separate actions, each bridgehead before sweeping back in in their own creeping action. Then the heavy mortars piped in, these were focused attacks. Hitting the bridgehead, the trenches, the sandbag fortifications and the pillboxes in targeted bursts of fire. Then at 0845, the barrage stop. It was only a 30 minute short barrage of fire. It wasn’t designed to decimate the enemy, instead to target the entire area. This way the enemy would jump up, expecting the attack to come at any second, others would jump up to help the wounded, or repair defenses. This would expose them to the artillery observes spread out along the hills and tree line, thus marking their positions for the next barrage, the attacking barrage.

Meanwhile, the infantry had formed up along the north bank of the river, spreading out across the terrain, in the hills and tree cover some metres behind the line. For now, everything was dead quiet. The Irish Grenadiers would have the honours of assaulting the main bridge straight away. To their right was the Prince Hannah’s Erie Light Infantry Regiment (PHELI’s or the Hannah’s) and to their right was the Archduke of Pittsburgh Own Imperial Regiment of Infantry (Archduke’s Own – Archduke Imperials), the three rifle regiments of the 3rd Brigade. Their cavalry regiment, the Lord Dunmar’s Regiment of Horse (the Dunmar’s) remained in reserve, acting as a reserve attack to reinforce the success and to purse the enemy and continue the offensive as quickly as possibly.
It had taken some time to get the soldiers all into position, as they moved into position under the heavy fire of the artillery. Now, they were ready. Huddled masses of blue waiting for the signal to begin the assault. The sky was still dark, but the rain had, thankfully, stopped.

For Captain Logan Mendez of the Irish Grenadiers, the start time couldn’t come soon enough. It was the wait that was awful. The dead silence after the tremendous barrage was more deafening then the artillery. Mendez was a career officer, having first enlisted at 17, before literally fighting is way up. For him, the sky was the limit, as long as he survived the day, he thought. Around him were his men and women of B Company were lined up along the main road, laying low in the ditch lining the road waiting for the order to go. B Company was given the lead role in the assault, the first company to rush the bridge. E-Company, the Heavy Weapons and support company had moved in closer to the river, but they would not be making the first assault. Instead they would provide the heavy machine gun, mortar and other heavy weapon fire support that they would need as they made the assault. For now, however, they would simply wait.


0855
The Assault

The men were still laying quietly now for almost 10 minutes, the only movement being officers moving quietly between the lines talking in soft tones and glancing down at their watches. Artillery observers spoke into receivers, and were writing down quick range estimations for enemy positions. However, for everyone else is was silence, only a few muttered whispers drifted over the area.
Then there was suddenly a soft buzzing, distant, but growing louder and louder. Then soldiers looked up, squinting up at the grey sky. The droning was louder now, and they could see it. A squadron of F4U Corsair fighter bombers supported by a squadron of Spitfires. They were past their lines quickly, as the officers got the men up fast. Suddenly, machine gun fire from across the river opened up, targeting the aircraft. Then soldiers started their jog down the road.

The thud of artillery fire soon opened up, and the metallic thunk of mortars, both light and heavy, soon chimed in. The bridge in front of them was soon covered in a wall of smoke, curtesy of the mortars. Suddenly just beyond that there was a massive explosion. That of two 500 lbs bombs exploding on the roadway’s defenses.

“Forward!”

The order came in a shriek yell and the soldiers broke into an all-out sprint straight into the smoke. Among them was Captain Mendez. He was totally blind, running straight across a bridge surely into enemy fire. He could barely make out the shapes of men running around him, hear the dull thuds and sharp explosions of artillery fire in front them. But that was moving off, heading away from the bridge in the standard creeping action. The infantry’s own light mortars were also firing away, firing smoke and other rounds down. Heavy machine gun and bren and even rifle fire was coming out from behind him, laying suppressing fire along the bank.

Mendez was out in front, as he was supposed to be, as all officers are supposed to be. He could almost start to see the end of the smoke, the mortar fire slowing and the artillery fire was more distant. He could see nothing. At least, not yet.

Suddenly, the air around him burst into fire as light machine gun fire sprayed out from a partially destroyed pillbox at the far edge of the bank. He dove down along the solid concrete side as chips of concrete flew up around. Directly in front, he could see a line of barbed wire, unbroken, strewn across the road, behind it were sandbags. They were badly tossed about and dead bodies were sprawled out all around it in a horrific display of carnage. However, there were still enemy soldiers there. Jammed behind what little cover was left and in the carters that the artillery and bombs had left. Rifle fire pinged all around them. Every now and then, Mendez would hear a sickening thud, the sound of the bullet impacting flesh.

“Return fire. Get covering fire!” Mendez shouted back, pulling up his own rifle to squeeze off a few rounds towards the riflemen. The steady pounding of a Bren Gun opened up a few feet away from him, spraying the sandbags and the people behind it. He suddenly saw one man dart forward, carrying a PIAT gun. He crouched himself along the low wall then popped up, firing his gun straight into the pillbox. It was a perfect hit. The interior of the shelter exploding in perfect fashion.

The enemy rate of fire slowed. Only a few rifles were banging away, while his own soldiers were still firing away with fury. Mendez looked around, saw one of his platoon leaders, Shauna Lance a few metres away getting her own platoon into formation. Mendez bounded over to her in a second.

“Lieutenant! Get your platoon over there now, we will provide cover from here!” Mendez yelled over the din.

“Yes, sir!” Lance responded, jumping up and motioning for her men to follow. “Let’s go, on me!”

The soldiers bounded up, while the rest of the company kept up a steady rate of fire at both the sandbags and the few homes that were still around. A few men had rushed forward with wire cutters and were desperately cutting away Mendez watched as Lance’s platoon moved quickly down the bridge and into the streets opposite. One section separated out, darting towards the pillbox as the others spread out around the damaged sandbag emplacements and surrounding fortifications. The rest of the platoon spread themselves out in a firing line, using what cover they had, giving the company a screen of protect to move forward.

With this Mendez was up on his feet running forward, yelling back at the rest of the company to follow. He darted towards the pillbox remains, throwing himself hard into the concrete wall. He saw a few dead enemies lying around it and inside. Courtesy of the PIAT. Next to him were a few other soldiers, including a Bren gunner who was busy firing away into the town and Lt. Lance. Mendez looked around for a second, gathering his perspectives. He suddenly noticed the lack of fire from the enemy. Most of the fire seemed to be coming from his men.

He looked back over the bridge. The smoke was still hanging eerily over the scene, but he could see through it now. There were soldiers still on the bridge, firing away with rifles and machine guns. Others were lying sprawled out, some motionless, others writhing. Medics, easily identified because of their large red crosses on their shoulder and emblazed on their helmets, darted between the wounded, applying bandages, stimpaks, morphine and giving out water. On the far side the supporting companies were still along the side of the river, mostly silent now, as they did not want to accidently fire on their own men. Other soldiers were heading down the bridge; Mendez’s reinforcements.

“Sir, look!” Lance said, grabbing his shoulder. Mendez turned, looked down the road to see a sudden line of blue emerging from their right flank among the houses. It was the Hannah’s, their regiment moving in from their flank. He turned again to see several Morgantown soldiers coming out with their hands high above their head, and others darting down the road, a few stopping only long enough to fire a few shots to keep the enemy off of their backs. Mendez smiled. It appeared the enemy was done, the bridge was theirs and totally intact.

---

The soldiers had spent about the next hour clearing through the ruins, pulling out hiding civilians from basements and the occasional soldier who had attempted to hide. A few offered resistance, but most surrendered and the town was announced clear at 1000 hrs. Medics had moved in quickly providing aid to soldiers on both sides as well as the civilians. Chaplains moved among the dead and dying, giving out their last rites, others tended to civilians. Civilian government ambassadors and representatives moved through the civilians, talking to and helping them organize. Food was handed out, and several military surplus tents were requisitioned for civilians who had lost their homes. Efforts would be done soon enough to help rebuild them, since, as of now, their were citizens of the Empire.

The Erie forces had lost 16 soldiers killed, another 23 wounded. It was a steep price, especially for B Company who had lost 9 of the dead and 14 wounded. It had been a risky move, assaulting the bridge straight on in an all out assault. However, it had paid off. The Bridge was captured, and the speed and power of the attack had caught the defenders off guard. They had lost 22 men killed and 30 captured, many of whom were wounded. The escaping forces were also later subject to heavy strafing runs by Spitfires and Corsairs. This forced them to abandon the roads, leaving their supply wagons and large equipment behind.

For the Irish Grenadiers, they would be cycled back in line, taking up a rear guarding position as the Princess Hannah’s Erie Light Infantry took the lead. Now, they marched straight onto Morgantown, and settled into positions along the hills facing the town and the large river that blocked them from it. As per the formal strategy, corsairs flew overhead and dropped thousands of leaflets, demanded Morgantown’s immediate surrender or be subject to full bombing and artillery barrages beginning at 0500 the following day. Civilians would have until then to evacuate. Or face the full fury of the Erie Empire.

---

Cincinnati, United Erie Empire

Something rather strange had happened. A large trading vessel arrived in the city along the Ohio River. The sailors claimed to be from a small trading state, the River City Republic. They had seemed peaceful enough, so the guards let them carry on, only inspecting the goods and ship, as it was customary, for any contraband or smuggled goods.

The sailors were genuine enough, and their goods of a solid quality enough that the people around were soon at ease with them, regardless of their sudden appearance. They did, however, eventually ask to see the person in charge of the city. One guard soon left, and brought back Undersecretary to the Governor-General of Cincinnati, Rachel MacDonnell. She arrived and greeting the sailors with customary pleasantries and greetings, before enquiring about what they wanted and what nation they represented.

[Cavendian States]

Republic of Pamlico

Main Office -- Department of State
Tryon District
New Bern
Republic of Pamlico

"It's a great honor, both for you and the Republic. Recently, the United Republic has allowed us to open up an embassy in their capital -- and, of course, with an embassy, we need an ambassador. Given your decades of hard work, dedication, loyalty, and sacrifice, the Marshall has personally advised me to appoint you to be the first ambassador to the United Republic," Secretary of State Keaton smiled at Daniel Stilwell -- a military veteran and career diplomat who had served in the State Department for years. Stilwell had often served as the head diplomat of various delegations. Under his leadership, he had worked out disputes, negotiated trade agreements, and signed treaties. His successes were noticed by Pamlico's top leadership, and many believed Stilwell had the makings of a future Secretary of State.

Stilwell was well aware of the importance and prestige the position would bring. Unlike his past dealings with the city-states of the Outer Banks, the United Republic was on an entirely different letter; it was a significant regional power, stretching from the Keys to the Carolinas. The ambassador would have to deal with a new slew of various issues, all broad in scope, with every decision potentially having huge ramifications for the Pamlico Republic. However, if any one could do it, it was Stilwell -- he was one of the most senior members of the State Department, outranking even Keaton...

"I'm honored to accept such a position," Stilwell replied, striking a humble tone, "Thank you -- and thank His Excellency, the Marshal, for such a grand opportunity."

"All that's left is the oath of office. After that, you'll be an official ambassador," Keaton said, "Now, repeat after me."

"I, Daniel Stilwell, solemnly declare that I will, to the best of my abilities, defend the citizens of the Republic of Pamlico against all threats; that I will uphold and honor the ideology of the Founder; and that I am fully aware of the duties, responsibilities, and powers of the office on which I am about to enter. This," Keaton paused, "I do declare." Stilwell finished shortly after, having repeated the Secretary of State's words verbatim.

"Congratulations, Mr. Stilwell. I'm proud to call you the Pamlico Republic's first ambassador to the United Republic. The details will be sorted out soon, once we get word from the United Republic on an embassy. Until then, I would begin preparing..."

Operation: Greenville
Little Mountain
South Carolina

The leader of the "Black Death" platoon was the exact opposite of who you'd expect him to be; he was a quiet, unassuming figure, a man with little in the way of philosophy or ambition. To the few who knew him, he seemed like nothing more than a machine, designed to accomplish whatever task the brass directed him to do. Cold, calculating, and efficient. Those words had been programmed into him since his birth.

His real name was Joseph Kendall, although he often went by his code name, "Havoc." It was more convenient that way, given that he had no identity outside of the military. He lived to fight for the Pamlico Republic -- nothing else.

Kendall stood along with the platoon's second-in-command, a merciless lieutenant named Karla Reed. Kendall trusted Reed with his life -- she was extremely competent and could hold her own even when he wasn't there.

The two -- the only members of the "Black Death" platoon present -- listened intently as the United Republic's commander, Aisha Felat, outlined the plans to take Greenville. The role of the "Black Death" platoon was simple -- find and mark the location of the enemy's arsenal, leadership, and food stores with paint bombs.

It was a sound plan, although it would be difficult to execute. The city's garrison, by all estimates, numbered 2,000 well-trained men. Any army worth its caps would be heavily guarding its weapons, food, and high-ranking officers. While infiltrating enemy territory was their specialty, the "Black Death" platoon had less experience with cities and urban areas. They were used to the wide expanses of the Frontier, sniping from a distance while the enemy was rendered confused and disoriented.

Despite these drawbacks, Kendall was confident that the "Black Death" platoon could accomplish their mission. The entrenched enemy garrison, despite its size, had a lot of area to patrol. They would distracted by other attacks, leaving gaps in their defenses. In addition, the platoon would be striking in the middle of the night, limiting the enemy's field vision.

Kendall approached Felat, "Ma'am, the 'Black Death' platoon has no objections to your strategy. However, before the operation starts, we'd like to request a debriefing. Our platoon works best when we have the appropriate intel for the mission."

[Dragos Bee]

United Republic

N/A for the nation as a whole.

Pamilco Republic

A message would be promptly sent; Daniel Steelwell and the Pamilco Republic Embassy will be given a building located on the northeast of Tallahasee, a Post-War structure built from stone and brick and a little concrete. This building, though somewhat crude and unadorned, would be surrounded by exquisite gardens of brightly-colored flowers, as well as row after row of fragrant trees. All of this was irrigated by a set of channels through which water flowed, with the hub of said channels ending in a fountain on the centre of the courtyard.

The interior, meanwhile, was warmed and cooled by strategically placed windows, pipes that carried water through the walls to cool their surroundings, and filled with brightly-colored woolen tapestries. However, there were also signs of advanced technology, like an electric grid, electric lights, and of course, terminals and typewriters. All in all, it was a suitable home for Steelwell and his staff.

ICA, North Carolina

The request for a detective would be met with a response by Raiza al-Sulayhi: "I don't think that the United Republic's own professional investigators are used to Vault intrigues, and thus, they would be useless in such circumstances."

A pause. "Also, a message has arrived from back home; the Ulema in the United Republic wishes to meet with the ICA's religious leadership for a 'religious conference'. I trust there are no objections to such an event?"

[Dragos Bee]

Grey Family

Deborah Grey

All four members of the Grey Family were reading the newspaper. All four members of the Grey Family then looked up in shock at the same second. It was Étienne who spoke first, "They found more Children of Atom?!"

Enrique's mouth was gaping in shock, his eyes opened wide but unfocused. "And they're selling them on the slave market next month." A sigh before he looked at his wife, "And I don't think they'd end up with decent people like you if they're being sold in bulk."

A silent plea was in his expression; Deborah clearly understood as her next words were, "We'll find a way to help them, I promise." She stood up and faced her husband and children (adoptive). "All right, does anyone think that we should go to the Kennethson estate?"

The Kennethson Family and Estate was not mentioned lightly; Matthias Lionsgate was a member of the Board of Merchants of Indianapolis and a descendant of one of the people who had rebuilt the city as a hub of trade and entertainment. He was also the only abolitionist in the Board, justifying his position by emphasizing that in the long term, automation and industrialization was more profitable than slave labor given time. Coincidentally, he was also the youngest member of the Board; only 38; Deborah's age. That similarity in age also opened other possibilities, possibilities that Enrique wouldn't like.

Enrique de Santander Grey

And indeed, Enrique didn't like it. But, to rescue his people from the clutches of slavers who would probably think nothing of 'breeding' them to make more slaves, he would have to endure Matthias' presence and the way that guy looked at Deborah. And by that, last time Enrique had met Matthias, he had both condescended to Deborah due to her owning slaves while making no effort to hide that he found her beautiful... Even though he was already married. Even if Enrique hadn't been freed by Deborah at that time, it still rankled. So he was the first to say, "Let's go; note however that Board of Merchants or not, if Matty has any un-business-like thoughts on Deborah, I'm going to... Let's just say it won't be pleasant."

And with that, Enrique looked at Étienne, whose expression was unfocused for the first time since they had met. Why was that?

Étienne Beauchamp Grey

Unknown to all (except perhaps Ryan) Étienne was thinking about one of Matthias' sons, Alistair, whom he had met in a social event back when he was still legally Deborah's slave. It was at a banquet hall rented by the head of the Lawyer's Guild, Ben Buxaplenty, for a large party to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Lawyer's Guild. He has been guarding Deborah then, although as part of protocol, he had only been permitted a small holdout pistol as a weapon. While his then-master was conversing with Matthias, with Enrique looking on jealously, Alistair had approached Étienne personally, his light brown hair glossy in the chandelier light. The other boy was his' age, with a warm-looking, heart-shaped face and a lean, athletic build barely hidden by his formal clothing. Étienne didn't know what to say or do when Alistair had asked him:

"Hello; you're Étienne Beauchamp, right? That lady's second bodyguard-slave?"

When he had nodded, Alistair had continued, "What does it feel like, being a slave? Is it truly as bad as they say? I heard it depends."

Étienne had looked away at that, embrarrassed, before pointing to his slave collar and the explosive inside, then saying, "I know my master is talking to your dad, but can we not talk so close to her?"

Alistair's shoulders had slumped, "Oh. Yeah, sorry, I forgot." He then walked back to his father and spoke a few words first to him, then to Deborah; Étienne heard the latter say, "It's no harm; Étienne can talk with your son for a while."

It was then that he began to doubt whether she was really a bad person...

Ryan Brooks Grey

Ryan broke the flashback before saying, "Or, as well as going to the Kennethson Estate and Étienne's crush, we can also ask the Eerie Empire for help; they owe us a debt." He then drew a business card, "As it is, I have Lawrence Williamson's radio contacts and I can rig up an encryption device to hide the content of the call; said encryption won't necessarily work, but we have a Lawyer who can make her language as un-criminal as possible. So let's go call Lawrence; perhaps even sell it as an opportunity to redeem himself in his family's eyes."

Everyone looked at Ryan in shock and approval; they knew he was right.

[Routcher]

River City

The General Assembly held it's meeting, the first in history with 15 members this week. They discussed matters relating to expansion, budget, trade, diplomacy, and various other things going on in or around River City Republic lands.

Meeting Notes:
-The General Assembly will be expanded to include 16 members, as decided by a 15-0 vote by the General Assembly. The additional member will represent The Ridge.
-A motion was introduced to amend the constitution, making it mandatory for General Assembly membership to increase by one for every new settlement to join the Republic. This will be debated on and voted on in the next meeting.
-A scavenger expedition, funded in part by the East Ozark Supply company, will be sent to the ruins of Anna Lynne, Kentucky, between Hickman and River City. Additionally, the party will explore the northern chunk of the Reelfoot Wildlife Refuge. The EOS will supply scavengers and guards, and the River City government will cover some of the expenses and utilize River Navy vessels to transport the party and the goods across the river. Goods will be sorted in River City, with the government claiming all found weapons, ammunition, and armors. The EOS will have exclusive access to the rest of the finds, and are able to bid for weapons, ammunition, and armor discovered from the government. If all goes well, Anna Lynne will be claimed as an extension of Hickman, and likely used as a housing development and farmland in the future. The Refuge will be kept as a hunting ground.
-Future expansion targets include Bogota Post, a small community of 16 scavengers on the road to Dyingburg. They are likely to accept citizenship, as the increased protection from New Egyptian Slavers would comfort them greatly (Dyingburg was sacked by slavers years ago and only recently has seen a sizeable population return). The General Assembly hopes to use Bogota as a southern trade post until they are ready to expand further south. It would also benefit as a lookout point to warn of incoming New Egyptian raider parties.
-Also considered for expansion is Cayce, Kentucky, east of Hickman. A land of 22 farmers, the hope is to grow gradually closer to Fulton, to better scout out the town and also open a trade post there soon.
-Also considered for expansion is Columbus, Kentucky. The hope here is to expand our presence upriver, and incorporating this town of 30 people seems like the right start.
-The General Assembly voted on using force to annex Samburg. It was narrowly defeated 7-8. The Grand Mayor has suggested conducting Naval Exercises dangerously close to the settlement, hopefully antagonizing the settlers to open fire on Republic forces, giving them a casus belli that would appear to be justified.
-An emissary from Union City visited River City recently, requesting that we stop harassing their citizens. It would appear that whoever is scaring the citizens of Woodland Mills is doing the same to Union City. The government has assured Union City that they are not to blame, and has offered to sign a defensive pact with Union City. The emissary took this offer back with him, and we hope to have their answer soon.
-A citizenship fee was decided on by the General Assembly. Individuals who wish to emigrate to Republic lands must pay a fee of 20 caps a month to stay, or pay 1000 caps to become a citizen immediately. (Vote: 10-5)
-A Jet manufacturing license fee was adjusted from 5 caps a month to 10 caps a month. (Vote: 12-3)
-In the matter of the Woodland Mills security situation, the General Assembly has voted (15-0) to invest money in settling up automated turrets along the eastern border of the settlement. Additionally, a Protectron Unit was purchased from a travelling robotics salesman and given to the Marine Corps. It will provide a 24 hour patrol to Woodland Mills.

Other updates
-The embassy building for the Unity has completed construction. Once the ambassador arrives, they will be moved into the property, and will be allowed decorate or renovate as seen fit, at their expense.
-The recruitment drive for the Navy has seen decent results. 10 new sailors were enlisted, and sent to basic training at Reelfoot Lake. Three will join River Fleets North and South each. Three will also join the Marine Corps, and one will join the Home Guard.
-The Riverboat is now 2/6 complete.
-River Navy South HQ has finally seen the beginning of its construction. It is now 10% complete.
-An ambassador will be sent South, to meet the United Syndicalists of the Future, a faction the Republic has done business with with in the past, but has never had formal relations.
-The Brahmin ranch has seen slow progress due to sub-par workers. It is now 40% complete.
-The workshop in Hickman is almost complete. It is now 90% complete.
-The workshop in Woodland Mills has seen slow progress recently in it's building. It is now 30% complete.
-A raid has occurred against Woodland Mills once more. Luckily, almost all of the evil-doers were killed, with a body count of 12 being the end result. The residents confirmed they were not citizens of Union City. Someone else has been stalking Woodland Mills. Hopefully with 12 less raiders to worry about, there won't be much more trouble. Loot from the bodies include some pipe guns (sold to EOS), an assault rifle (confiscated by the Marine Corps), and a laser pistol (also confiscated by the Marines). Also looted were army helmets, which were given to the Marines. The Captain of the Marine Corp, Robert Oliver, has requested that army helmets be purchased and made standard equipment to the Marine Corps. River Admiral Booth accepted.

(Atem's story continues tomorrow)

[Elerian]

Violent Delights Have Violent Ends

Dhatri exhaled a breath slowly into the chilly Pennsylvania night. His breath turned to vapors and curled up over the black binoculars he held to his eyes. In the distance, several figures sat around a campfire, one was playing a guitar and strutting about drunkenly singing, oblivious to the death that was about to come to him and his friend’s. Dhatri turned the old loose knob of the radio. It crackled to life and as it picked up a signal, a familiar tune began to quietly resound off the walls of the surrounding buildings that Dhatri lay near. He inhaled a deep breath and grabbed his nearby Rifle. He’d had the gun for many years, and all through that time she hadn’t failed him once, he wouldn’t trade her for any other. He’d modified the gun many times over the years, adding his own personal touch. He pulled the lever of the rifle and loaded a round into the chamber.

“Believe me; I don’t want to set the world on fire.” Dhatri pulled the trigger. Metallic death sped at 2000 feet per second straight into the chest of the drunken man, killing him instantly. The man lurched backwards and with blood spraying on his companions, he fell into the fire. The shouts of surprise of the soon to be departed echoed off into the vast wasteland. But no one would hear them. Not even Dhatri, he had ears only for Orville Jones, and the Ink Spots.

“I just want to start a flame in your heart.” He pulled the trigger a second time. Moments later another man was dead, his life’s blood swallowed up by the hard dirt of the Waste, by morning much of the evidence of what had transpired would be wiped clean by nature, such was the way of the wastes.

“In my heart I have but one desire.” His aim was off this time, shredding a man’s knee, and nearly severing the man’s leg. There were two left. One had hit the dirt and hid behind a rock, the other was running off into the wilderness, sealing his fate.

“And that one is you.” Another round fired, another man dead, though Dhatri had been off target by nearly a foot. Damn he was getting old. The maimed man was screaming out in pain as he clutched his ruined leg. The other man had found Dhatri’ position in the hills above the road.

Shit.

“No other will do.” Dhatri quickly loaded another round and shot the screamer in the chest, blood sprayed all over the fire, nearly putting it out. It had been a mercy kill, while Dhatri was no saint; he disliked needless pain, and bloodshed. But tonight wasn’t a night for peace, tonight was a night for murder.

“I've lost all ambition for worldly acclaim.” Dhatri took aim as bullets rained down on the dirt all around him. He needed only one shot to ensure this kill. His foe ducked back down behind the rock to avoid being shot, or to reload. It made no difference, Dhatri would kill him as soon as he was in sight. Seconds later he popped his head back over the top of the rock, but he fired no more, he was dead before he could pull the trigger. Dhatri got back up into a sitting position, all the while humming along with the rest of the song. The rest of the Gang were already on their way to loot the bodies, take the pack Brahmin, and clean up the mess. It would be as if it hadn’t happened. Dhatri really didn’t want to see the world burn, but in the wastes, anything goes.

---

We Were Never Heroes

“Do not leave us, we beg of you, stay. We will hide you.” She pleaded, several tears slowly streaking down her face, wetting the lightly golden skin of her face.

“We don’t want to leave. It’s for our very survival. We’re hoping to be back within a few months time.” said the uniformed young man before her, he was barely a man grown.

“Return to us soon then, i’ll pray for you.”

“I can’t make any promises, but you shouldn’t speak like that. You don’t know who will hear” He spoke, before turning around and walking away. Several more uniformed men joined him, one from almost every house on the block, before they disappeared from sight.

“You must not weep my beloved, if they were to stay, they’d be found out one way or another. This way, there stands a chance that they will return.” Said an old, comforting voice. She turned to see her father, smiling sadly at her.

“How can you know this for certain?” she asked.

He shook his head, “I know only from experience. There was a push for a campaign like this before, back when I was young and foolish like him. The only thing I know for certain is that when he returns he won’t be the same boy you remember”

She embraced him, and held him close for a few seconds. His body was warm, and drew her in closer. She felt his breath over her shoulder, and his hands clasping her back. It seemed like an eternity they were together before, he released his embrace and returned to the kitchen. She sank into a chair and stared at the ground, a million thoughts racing through her head.

She looked up, tears clouding her vision, and looked forlornly out the window the way her son had gone. She could only see them all screaming as fire and smoke engulfed them, their bodies turning to ash and being swept away. She closed her eyes, as she heard voices calling to her, and all went dark.

He was gone, and she was alone.

---

Hell is Empty and All the Devils are Here

[HOLOTAPE BEGINS]

[UNIDENTIFIED MALE VOICE]: "And I tell you, brothers and sisters, the time of ascendance is before us! We stand, together, at the precipice of the kingdom of heaven!"

[CHEERING]

[UNIDENTIFIED MALE VOICE]: "Oh, lord, oh, my life could never contain a fraction of the love you give. You move the earth and the clouds, the heavens and the beyond. You are everything and we are nothing before you!"

[IN UNISON]: "Amen!"

[UNIDENTIFIED MALE VOICE]: "Amen! Amen! We are gathered here today to praise the lord and the gifts he has bestowed upon us in these dark times. He has delivered us unto his kingdom! I have seen the future my friends, with eyes that were not mine and through the smiles of the ascended, I have seen it! The King has risen, and we must prepare for his coming!"

[INTELLIGENCER MARTIN]: "P-Please, please, just let me-"

[UNIDENTIFIED MALE VOICE]: "It is our duty alone to cleanse those who would blaspheme against the lord! We must provide them the same deliverance that was provided unto us! Entrance unto heaven is not free, my brothers and sisters! It must be paid for with a blood sacrifice!"

[UNIDENTIFIED MALE VOICE #2]: "Kill the Sinner!"

[UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE VOICE]: "He's unclean!"

[UNIDENTIFIED MALE VOICE]: "Now, friends. It is with this tribute that the debt is paid."

[INTELLIGENCER MARTIN]: "Jus-Just let me go. I won't-"

[UNIDENTIFIED MALE VOICE]: "It is with his blood, that he may be reborn!"

[INTELLIGENCER MARTIN]: "Wait, no, don't touch me! Stop! Wait!"

[UNIDENTIFIED MALE VOICE]: "It is with this flesh, that he may become like the King!"

[INTELLIGENCER MARTIN BEGINS SCREAMING]

[STATIC]

[TAPE ENDS]