[b][color=6ecff6]Chapter 10[/color][/b] Off the Shores of Cordova, Prince William Sound 6:59 PM Off the shores of Cordova a ship sailed ever closer to its docks. A Pre-War personal Yacht the size of a large fishing boat. The crew all Vanderbilt’s men dressed in fancy suits wielding submachine guns, shotguns and rifles. There were fifty men armed and ready to go ashore and unknowingly into the nest of Giant Hornets. As the boat cruised into the docks the only thing to greet them was a flurry of stinging insects. The men went into a panic taking limited cover on the boat. “There’s too many of them! We can’t dock!!” “We must the Boss wants these newcomers.” *Thump* went a stinger as it pierced the port side of the boat. “There must be hundreds of them!! Why Cordova! Why now!” “No way of knowing now, but we can’t take this assault and there’s no way we’re storming the docks and overtaking the Giant Hornets. We have no choice we’re turning back.” “Bring us around!! And quickly! They’ll swarm the ship!” The boat pushed through the waters as it turned about and made it’s way out of Cordova’s port. “The Boss won’t be pleased.” “No. No he won’t. Let’s just hope he’s already let off some steam. It’s our only chance.” Barn Restaurant and Inn 7:39 PM Survivors rushed the door holding planks of wood taken from just about whatever they could find, popping nails into the door as fast as they could. Samuels turned to their saviors clearly bothered by the giant insects.”What were those things!?” Buck spoke right after Samuels so quickly that Nathan had no time to speak.”What he means to say is thank you for helping us.” Nathan gave these outsiders the once over before speaking up.”Well you’re welcome, wish I hadn’t though. We were already short on supplies, and your injured friend likely has poison coursing through his veins. Those things are Bald Faced Giant Hornets, and they’re exceptionally venomous. I’m Nathan. By the way.” Veilmont sat crouched next to Keller as she removed the stinger.”We need to apply antivenom Veilmont. Help me hold him down.” She said as she quickly wrapped his leg applying ointment before making it taut. “Of course.” Veilmont said as he held O’Harris down by his legs and torso. Kevin rushed over a bottle in hand.”Not sure I’d do that. Your antivenom might not work. Unless it was made with the venom of the creature that stung him, in this case the Giant Hornet.” “And what do you propose, let him die?” Keller said angrily. “No.” Kevin said as he kneeled closer.”Here give him this Waxen Jam. It will purge the toxins from his system, it’s also quite unpleasant. It will save his life.” Keller looked into Veilmont’s eyes and said.”You trust him?” Veilmont nodded.”If they wanted us dead, they’d have left us to the Hornets. We’re trusting you stranger.” Kevin steadily poured the concoction into O’Harris’s open lips. As it collected in his mouth the taste was far from being unpleasant, it had a slimy consistency and above all it smelled like someone’s feet. The Trooper tried to cough it up, but Keller and Kevin held his mouth shut as he gulped it down. “It has a rancid smell. How long?” Veilmont said while he plugged his nose. As Kevin stood up he spoke casually.”Not too long, should be healthy in a few minutes.” O’Harris began to speak, coughing and gagging for fresh air.”That’s the worst thing I’ve tasted in my life. It smelled worse than Beckard’s feet.” “You alright O’Harris?” “Yeah Doc. I’ll live, but I’ll need something to wash it down.” “Well good to see your friend will make it, but I still need to know who you people are? Your definite strangers to this land. What are your goals?” “We’re..” Buck said looking at O’Harris. “With the New California Republic, and we’re here to make contact with the local powers. Specifically the friendly ones.” Nathan began to sweat, he showed signs of agitation at the words NCR. But never could he imagine the New California Republic would make their way to Alaska.”I.. Uh - see. Uhmm.” He said as if to clear his throat. “You’ll want to find the Arctic Rangers then, hopefully they’re on their way. We sent out a distress signal right before the Hornets took out the radio tower, we still don’t know if the Rangers received our message.” Nathan said partly distressed as he concealed his Colt 1911. Veilmont joined them.”Those Giant Hornets why are they here?” “Couple of idiots managed to sneak a Queen out of her nest, and after getting her to town the rest of the nest followed. My guess whatever they used to calm her down wore off, and their plans for her went up in smoke after that. Anyways, I um need to check on our supplies, adjust the rations for more mouths.” Nathan said eagerly looking for a way out. “Thank you again Nathan, to all of you.” Buck said as she eyed some markings on Nathan’s gun. “That symbol.” She said inquisitively. “It’s the thirteen commonwealths. The symbol of the Enclave. Odd, that mean anything to you?” Her tone taking a more aggressive approach. A defensive Nathan spoke. “No it’s just an old handgun. Many guns are, um scavenged. It’s just something old I swear.” “Now miss.” Another Villager walked up. “You’ve no right to speak to Nathan like that. We saved your skins it’s best to not stir up any trouble.” Buck reached for her gun as the other Villagers did the same. Veilmont stepped in hoping to defuse the situation.”Look. It was just a question. We’ve no need to resort to hostilities. Any chance you're mistaken Buck?” “Could be sir. Not about that symbol though, I would recognize it anywhere. It could be something scavenged.” Veilmont inched forward to Buck.”Then we’ll leave it at that. Just a misunderstanding. Apologize to the nice people Buck.” “I was simply mistaken. That’s all. Forgive my misunderstanding.” “Good. Good Buck. Let’s all just calm down. We’ve no need to resort to violence. We already have giant insects outside the doors.” Nathan grabbed the arm of one of the Villagers.”Let’s worry more about the Hornets. It was a mistake.” The crowd quieted down but the tension was still thick. Outside however in the edge of the forest something was stirring in the trees. Hornets would soon be the least of their worries. [b][color=6ecff6]Chapter 11[/color][/b] - Vault 118 -- 7:23 PM - A woman with a sleek waist and curly feathered blond hair that touched her shoulders walked past a table as she gingerly ran her fingers over the top of the large oaken table. Carved and cut into sections from massive tree trunks. She held reports of the various goings on regarding far flung villages and the movements of the highest ranking Rangers. And in his chair sat North Ashland a platter of hot food to his left a warm drink to his right and in the middle more papers. He looked at her weary eyed.”Miss Heartgrove? What reports have the Rangers sent in?” Sera stopped and sat on the edge of the table one leg over the other just a ways off to the right of North. “Just general reports sir.” North picked up his drink and took a sip as Sera continued reading. “Lance Thompson seems to be off the grid again, he’s likely charging into raider territory somewhere. - Cobra, however checked in from Nome. He took care off a Tyrant - or Kushtaka in Inuit tongue. -” “I’m well aware of what a Kushtaka. Poor Otter. Animals shouldn’t get too comfortable around Humanoids, it just causes trouble and death.” North commented. Interrupting Sera as she spoke. “Yes of course. Just being accurate. Now then - King stopped by Mendoza’s territory in Huffman. The reports Mendoza files can’t be right, spectral beings, walking dead. Hogwash. I’m sure it’s just Cultists using some hallucinogenic gases. King will report her findings, and give Mendoza a hand in rooting out some entrenched Cultists.” Sera stood up stretching her back as she slowly sauntered about the room again. “And finally. The White Swallow. She hasn’t checked in for weeks now. Either she’s gone on one of her Walkabouts. Or somethings happened to her.” North sat down the fork he was using and turned to Sera.”Swallow, in danger. Unlikely. She’s a resourceful one, that and few want to bother with her. She’ll fry anyone one her bad side with a few zaps from her fingers.” Sera gave a slight nod, and spoke unconvinced.”Yes a powerful Psyker she may be, still still resorts to swords and crossbows. Not as effective as more modern weaponry. Good for animals she may encounter not well armed raiders or slavers.” “Now onto Claire and Jonathan, they’re still a days out from Cordova. Which means Barron will already be in the lead.” Sera said finally reaching the last page as she set down the clipboard. “We’ll be playing tag with Vanderbilt soon enough then. He’s greedy and short sided. He knows not what could happen. Godspeed you two. Before anyone else begins to move.” - The Forest - A Days Out from Cordova - 7:41 PM - “We’ll be making camp soon, want to play another round of poker again tonight? I’ll go easy on you - for a while that is.” Claire said with a wide grin. Jonathan distorted his face at the thought in annoyance.”After last nights game, no. I owe you twelve bottles of expensive ale you swindled out of me.” “Hey.” Claire said gleefully. “I gave you the chance to gracefully bow out, but nope. Still kept going. I swear gambling was made for suckers like you. - Wait. See that over there? Those docks are new.” “I do see them. And they seem to be crawling with Santa’s little Slavers. They’re up to no good that is for sure.” “Let’s go and introduce ourselves, I’ll make for that nearby tree line, you charge down the middle. I’ll cover with my sniper.” “Sounds like a plan.” Jonathan said. “Don’t go dying on me, I still want those twelve bottles.” Jonathan smirked and whispered.”Ever the Con Man.” Before riding off. [b][color=6ecff6]Chapter 12[/color][/b] Barn Restaurant and Inn - 7:45 PM Cordova time - The tension was thick like fog clouding the minds of those who took shelter in the Restaurant, the NCR included. Although the incident was partially resolved many doubts still lingered and the Alaskans had begun harboring feelings of anger and fear towards these strangers. No one besides the NCR was aware of what the word Enclave meant, why would they. The NCR had their suspicions regarding Nathan, about if he indeed was an Enclave remnant and if so why he was in Alaska. None of them could fathom a reasonable explanation. The only thing they knew for certain was the locals weren’t as welcoming before. Veilmont peered out the cracks in the window his face pressed against the wood nailed along it’s width. “There’s soo many of them. We can’t stay hold up here forever.” “I agree.” Samuels spoke eyeing the other side of the room where the Alaskan’s kept to themselves. “They don’t like us now, this is really bad. And we don’t even know that this Nathan is Enclave. There’s no reason for them to be here, is there?” “Not that I can think of.” Ranger Brick Moss said as he stood up from a bar stool. - 7:53 PM - As the minutes passed and dinner was being prepared, the NCR had moved into one of the back rooms so to give the locals their space. “Sun's getting low, three or four hours from now and it’ll begin to set.” Buck spoke as she moved away from the window. “Do Giant Hornets sleep?” Veilmont walked over and spoke.”Let’s hope so. There’s a chance we could slip out, maybe. Depending on what entrances aren’t boarded.” The sounds of light footsteps could be heard approaching the door, followed by someone rapping on the door. Samuels walked over opening the door with his left hand. A young woman stood in the doorway, as she quickly but somewhat nervously glanced in the room before her eyes focused on Samuels. “Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes.” She paused looking at the strangers. “I don’t know what you have against my Grandfather, he’s a hard working man. He raised me ever since I was a child.” Samuels looked her over.”You’re his granddaughter? Miss, it’s not so much your Grandfather more so what he could be affiliated with. Does the word Enclave mean anything to you?” She paused. And took her time to respond.”None. My Grandfather is a good man, he’s done no wrong to anyone. Whatever you believe him to be is wrong. ” “There’s a chance we are Miss. But the Enclave are dangerous, they plotted genocide once and would surely do so again. If there is a chance your Grandfather knows anything, something just a small as were he found that gun of his. It would help us stop them.” Constance’s tone turned to mild anger.”He’s not involved with people like that, no one is. The Ranger see to that. If they’re as bad as you say, then leave it to the Rangers.” “We don’t know Miss. If we’re right then there’s too much at stake for that.” “You’re wrong!” Constance yelled.”You don’t know anything.” Rushed footsteps came running down the hall. As an arm jerked Constance back. “Get away from her! You stay back now!” Nathan said holding back his granddaughter with his right arm extended pistol in hand. “Grandfather?” “Get back down stairs Constance. These strangers are not to be trusted.” “Bu-t.. Grand..” Nathan pulled her back.”No excuses, I want you back downstairs with the others.” Constance stood flabbergasted looking at her Grandfather. But ran downstairs a few moments later. “You people hold no power here, Murderers! The Old-World is no more you saw to that; leaving us relics to rot away.” “So you are Enclave!” Buck sneered. “No longer. The world would have been better off, my Granddaughter would have never experienced monster bees, or need to fear of Slavers.” Nathan yelled with a fury as he balled his fist. The Troopers tried to move forward, go for their weapons but Nathan kept his gun aimed at anyone who budged. “No matter who I was, you have no power here. Kill me and you’ll make enemies out of everyone in this state, there’s no Enclave here, no hate for them.” Nathan said as he waved his gun around trying to keep the NCR Troopers back. “When the Rig and Navarro fell we heard the last transmissions we would ever receive. I’ve been here all my life, me and others went native. There was nothing left no reason to continue. Just a small number of us to repopulate after the slate was wiped clean. I never stepped foot outside of Alaska. No one did. I’m just an --” Outside explosions erupted as gas enveloped the town. The Giant Hornets buzzed madly about before falling into a daze and nodding off to sleep. It was then that an impact shook the building. Nathan and the NCR rushed downstairs each forgetting momentarily what was said, as Nathan only thought of his Granddaughter. A colossal spear, or arrow pierced the building; as large as a piece of rebar. It had outstretched hooks that sprung out and gripped the door. Nathan stepped forward in absolute fear.”No.” Was the only word he uttered before the door was ripped completely off it’s hinges. The people panicked and ran to the back of the building. Leaving only the NCR with their weapons drawn. Smoke filled the room as massive figures rushed inside past the gunfire holding giant plated shields. They knocked the NCR Troopers aside while the Rangers took position. Through the smoke these towering figures set foot into the building, their eyes a golden glow. One approached with the others fiercely guarding it. As it left the smoke it’s features became apparent, long protruding horns like that of a Deathclaw; plated arms and legs with claws extended, and a thick coat of grey fur. It scanned the room before it took another step it’s claws clicking on the floorboard. “YOU!” It said in English.”You are to come.” The Rangers sat behind overturned tables. “And if we refuse?” “You will be taken by force. We are a hundred strong.” Veilmont looked to the others.”What will you do with us?” “Our Clan head will speak with you, cooperate and no harm will come to you, resist and I will take great pleasure to rend your limbs apart piece by piece.” Samuels and Buck convened quickly, coming to a conclusion.”We don’t have many options then, but what about the people here?” “They are of no concern to us. It is best they leave while they can, the smoke will keep the Hornets asleep for now.” “I guess we’re leaving with you then.” Samuels said. “Your weapons will be taken from you, and you will follow closely. Leave our sight and the rest of you will be hunted down.”