[color=a36209][u][b]High Inquisitor Tektus- The Vessel[/b][/u][/color]

Tektus sat upon his throne in the Vessel, pondering what he had seen.  Seagoing raiders and trappers weren't unheard of, but this was something on another level, both physically and existentially.  That dreadful fleet, composed of ships that shouldn't be afloat and crewed by men that shouldn't be alive, it was unlike anything he had ever beheld.  There was no way that such a terrible fleet's intentions were anything but malevolent- even the grisly aesthetic favored by raiders seemed mild compared to the menacing aura that the ships projected.

"High Inquisitor, we are approaching Atom's Island," one of the crew announced on the intercom. "Where do you wish for us to dock?"

"Dock the Vessel at Southwest Harbor, but do not power down the engines," Tektus commanded.  "I must first question those manning the harbor before we make our way to the Nucleus."  

The submarine slowly and carefully made its way toward the island.  They surfaced near Huntress Island, switching from sonar navigation to visual.  Without sonar, the fog would have left them almost blind if it weren't for the placement of several radioluminescent beacons placed along the coast to safely guide pilgrims to the harbor.  After carefully making its way through toward the harbor, the submarine came to a stop at the pier.

"High Inquisitor, we have docked.  We shall await further instructions."  Tektus rose from his seat and carefully made his made his way out of the Vessel.  As he stepped out onto the docks, he looked at the fog-enshrouded town.  It was very early in the morning, with most illumination coming from oil and radium lanterns within the town.

When the Children of Atom found Southwest Harbor, it was inhabited by Trappers, probably either former inhabitants turned feral by Atom's holy fog, or perhaps they were simply squatters that sought shelter.  Shortly before the crusade to retake the Capital Wasteland, the Children of Atom seized the harbor, turning it into a hub for Children of Atom pilgrims and supply boats, and a hub for trade with the locals of Far Harbor.  So far, this arrangement had proven mutually beneficial with their neighbors- the Children of Atom were able to avoid having to go through Far Harbor on their way to the Nucleus, and the Harbormen had a relatively safe trade route for their fishermen and traders to engage in commerce with the Atom's faithful.

The High Inquisitor was followed out of the submarine by two crewmembers, who began to tie the submarine to the pier.  Tektus slowly walked up the docks, unable to get a good look at the state of the harbor through the fog.  When he came close enough to get a decent look, he was relieved to see no sign of battle, no evidence of an attack.  This was a fairly weak assurance though, he wouldn't be satisfied until he had spoken to someone.

"Who goes there?" shouted a zealot, partially obscured in the fog.  She stepped closer, Radium Rifle raised.  "Oh, High Inquistor, it is you!  Forgive this humble servant, I foolishly assumed that you would head straight to Far Harbor.  What do you require of us?"

"Far Harbor?  Why would I head to Far Harbor?" Tektus asked curiously.  Has something transpired in my absence?"  It was by Tektus' decree that peace was established and maintained with the folks of Far Harbor.  Tensions remained, however, as it was Tektus himself who, before his change of heart, had preached retribution against them, and it took time for the High Inquisitor to undo his previous mistakes.

"My apologies, High Inquisitor, I once again foolishly presumed you had come to answer their summons.  Far Harbor was recently attacked by pirates, and Captain Parker has requested your presence.  I don't have the details, but it's urgent enough that they swallowed their pride and asked us for help to summon you here," explained the zealot.

"I received no such message," the High Inquisitor answered.  "We were already underway by the time it was sent.  But you have my thanks for conveying the message.  I shall speak with Captain Parker as soon as I can.  Remain vigilant, my child, for I fear we face a new threat."  Tektus immediately turned around and walked back to the Vessel, just as the crew had finished tying it to the pier.

"Prepare to cast off, we are setting a course to Far Harbor," he ordered the crewmen.  Whatever those pirates did to Far Harbor must have been terrible if it compelled the normally stubborn Harbormen were asking for his help.  A few days ago he'd have difficulty imagining what could frighten folks that bravely fend off Fog Crawlers and Super Mutants without flinching, but he didn't need to imagine it, not after seeing it with his own eyes.  Atom willing, they would be able to provide him with further information on this mystery fleet.