Alfhedil

Fallout: Into the Storm

This week has been rather destructive on my sleep patterns, but hopefully workplace issues should be resolved this weekend and I can get into a somewhat normal posting routine soon. To that end, I'll be working on an advancement post later tonight while at work, so expect some plot movement within the day +/- a few hours. That is unless everything goes tits-up yet again :v

Fallout: Into the Storm

@Apocalypse It's all good, I honestly didn't think I would get a post out this morning because of how little sleep I've had the last few weeks.

Fallout: Into the Storm

@Oskar DiLondra Sounds good to me, there's bound to be more than a few people like that hanging around, especially near the wall and the few safe entryways into the Necropolis.

Fallout: Into the Storm

Khaliya, The Swordwind

December 3rd, 2286
Fleetwood Subway Station
Interacting with - @Apocalypse

No stranger to being observed either on the battlefield or off, Khaliya's sharp eyes returned the analyzing gaze with one of her own. Of course, she maintained eye-contact as she did so, but took in every detail she could from there on the ground with The Mask. She had been quick to notice the cybernetics, and something about the woman told her she was no stranger to them herself, perhaps even having a few of her own. That was something of interest that she quietly filed away for later use in case the need arose, but for now all she offered was that same carefree smile.

"They are a mere setback, namely from a momentary lapse in patriotism. Brotherhood cybernetics may be the best in the wasteland, but they have their faults unlike certain others."

Khaliya didn't go further with the statement, though something about her tone and the way she moved on to the next topic made it seem as if she knew more than she let on. That or she simply didn't like talking about how she came about getting half of her body sleeved in cybernetics.

"Perhaps when we're done with this little adventure we can have a moment to talk about your friend and discover if they're a mutual acquaintance. For now, we are on the same side and I appreciate having someone at my back that knows their way around plasma. You rig that rifle up yourself?"

Now she took a moment to truly indulge herself, both hands on her plasma pistols and bringing them up with a twirl to flourish them. It let Alexis see quite clearly that they were older models and extensively modified, namely to discharge fast and hot in a machine-pistol configuration.

"Brotherhood frowns upon unsanctioned modification of equipment, but when you're a Star-Paladin and you've got plasma heirlooms then there's not much they can really say."

---

@HamakazeKai

For a long moment after Bailey activate the radio a series of cryptographic ciphers clicked on and off, encrypting the channel and only once it chimed a gentle notification of completion did the voice speak.

"Ares 4-1-H. Receiving signal. Noise from nearby radioactive zone interfering with full ciphers, will be brief. Eagle has spread its wings, talons sharp and ready. Presence of treason understood and reported by Sigma P-6-T. Enter into operations area and rendezvous with agent at 40.89 and minus 73.85. For now do not engage treasonous forces and focus on making contact with agent. Silence is to be maintained after confirmation of orders."

Fallout: Into the Storm

@Apocalypse Knew I forgot something. Would have to be looking close enough when it comes to her arm and shoulder, as it has the same profile as if it was natural. The foot would be quite obvious though, as she's barefoot outside her armor. Would probably also see that her left hand is prosthetic as well, and if someone was really observant, could notice the slight stiffness to the motions of her cybernetic parts and the subtle limp in her left leg.

Fallout: Into the Storm

Khaliya, The Swordwind

December 3rd, 2286
Fleetwood Subway Station
Interacting with - @Apocalypse

The subtle hum of her armor encasing her provided just enough background noise to cover the silence in between their greetings, and reminded her that perhaps she was putting herself a little too much in the center of attention. It was just a little thing, but with so many eyes on her, she couldn't help but slowly assess the threat of each person in kind, how they chose to bide their time while waiting and their own reactions to her and her husband. Thoughts turned to ideal angles of attack, priority targets, non-combatants, possible crossfire opportunities and- Khaliya hid her irritation well with a smile, seeing the extended hand before her and the mutual decision to stand down.

It was the smart move of course, just as Jeremiah had pointed out to her just a moment ago. They had to work together for the mission and being at odds right out of the gate would not do well for that. Just as well, she needed to perhaps prove that she wasn't entirely like what the Brotherhood was made out to be. With just a press of the actuator within the glove of her right hand gauntlet, the back of her power armor opened up to release her. Mechanical clasps keeping her in place within the exoskeleton clicked open and with a slight hop she came out the back and stood upright, running a hand through her shoulder-length dirty-blonde hair. Off to the side Jeremiah had seen what she was doing and disengaged from his own conversation to do the same.

Now free of her power armor, she presented an entirely different picture than when she stepped into the subway and definitely from how urban legend had described her. Standing at just barely over five feet, she was a head shorter than most of the others in the subway and walked with a casual ease that made it seem as if she was not at all serious about what lie at the end of the tunnel. Khaliya simply smirked up at "The Mask" who stood more than a foot taller than her.

"Khaliya is fine." Grasping her hand firmly, she was already dedicated to the comment that made Jeremiah groan from across the station. "I'll have you know, that most of what you've heard about me are tall tales." She pulled away, putting both hands in the pockets of her uniform pants and just swayed slightly there with only pavement beneath her feet, the toes of one foot flesh and pressing into the concrete while the other being the metallic of a mid-grade cybernetic.

"Perhaps at least one of our team-members here has a map, though if not my husband and I have enough experience with recon to guide us where we need to go. Where exactly that is, I have no idea just yet, but I'm sure we shall find out in due time."

Fallout: Into the Storm

Good to see a bit of tension already between actual player characters and a good round of posts from everyone so far. I'll let it build a little more before incentivizing the party to get moving, though will drop a gentle reminder that we do have a discord server for the RP, link is in the first post of the OOC.

Fallout: Into the Storm

Khaliya, The Swordwind

December 3rd, 2286
Fleetwood Subway Station

Half of them will die within the first mile. The thought had come unbidden and it took a moment for her to recognize just how right she was. It was rather unfortunate, as it was clear a great deal of effort had been spent to acquire such… Unique people. More than a couple medics, skilled mercenaries, what seemed like a raider well out of his element and prime, and not to mention herself and Jeremiah. He was taking to it rather well, too well in fact. Off to the side he had approached a small gathering keeping to themselves, speaking softly and with that damned smile of his that made her worry and relax all at the same time. True, the Necropolis had foiled even the Brotherhood's attempts to discover its secrets, and countless other groups had broken themselves upon it. Something about this particular group though…

Khaliya stirred from her idle thoughts, sensing attention on her and seeking it out. Another woman was staring over at her and it was with some bit of recognition. Slowly the expression on her face changed from the idle observation of before and into a wry smirk, patting her hand on the pommel of her blade and sending a wink over. Nothing like a little bit of tension in the air and possible old animosities to get her back in the mood. Speaking of which, her eyes settled back on the Talon Company mercs, who were also staring quite firmly in her direction. Now those people she recognized. Jeremiah had seemed to catch on to the growing need to fight in the group, the crunch of his boots guiding him over to stand between her and the mercs.

"They're here for a reason, just like us Lia. We need to work together."

All he got from her was a rolling of the eyes and a sigh that spoke of her resignation. For now at least the situation was defused and they could all get back to wondering just where the hell the Pariah was. Khaliya had her suspicions of course, but that was for her and perhaps her husband to share. Perhaps not all of them were here yet. Despite being a fairly large and well armed group, it would have been smart to- That thought was interrupted by someone else gaining her attention, this time by addressing her directly.

"What is the mighty Swordwind doing between us, lesser people?"

The voice was rough and metallic, and in the span of the moment between being addressed and turning to answer, Khaliya assessed the potential threat. She wasn't immediately familiar with this one, so it wasn't one who she had fought in battle before, but the woman was ready for a fight. That at first made it seem as if she was looking to start one, but her posture spoke differently, as did the tone of her addressment itself. Curiosity?

"Just like you, I was offered something." Her hand still rested on her sword, and part of her was more than eager to find out who could draw first and finish that particular fight. At such close range, Khaliya was confident it would be her, though if the other woman did get a shot off… It would be dangerously close, and there was a decently high chance that if she missed another would be hit. All she had to do was give a glance behind her and see a woman smoking nearby, and a man stooping to light a cigarette of his own with a candle. Not today. Slowly she removed her hand from her sword, though it remained close at hand just in case.

Khaliya eyed up the woman carefully now, wondering on who and perhaps even what she was. She had the bearing of someone who knew how to fight and was decently equipped for it, which only made her wonder just what the Pariah offered her.

"Though it seems as if our Pariah is a no-show for his own party. Not like we needed a tour-guide anyways."

Fallout: Into the Storm

The IC is officially open for posting. As long as your CS is over in the character's tab, you are free to post in the IC section and join the group. Not my best work there, but it gets the job done and gets us started.

Fallout: Into the Storm

December 3rd 2286 - 15:00
Fleetwood Subway Station - Last Light

---

Before them the wall loomed. Dark and terrible, it was made from the carcasses of destroyed vehicles, collected rubble and whatever else could be collected by whoever had taken it upon themselves to seal the ruins beyond. So close to the border it didn't matter what time it was, it was always night here. Mutters of discontent could already be heard, the gathered dozen or so already present staring up into the rain that at any moment could become acidic. They, like many others, had been called to the Necropolis by some cause or another, and just like all others they were feeling second thoughts upon being presented with the reality of their quest. Perhaps it was the lingering silence that hit upon them the most, only the gentle drip of raindrops upon pavement breaking it. No gunshots, screams or creatures calling into the wild. Just the shifting of the city's bones and the ever present rain.

Someone called out to them from a nearby subway tunnel, one of three still somewhat intact that lead straight into the city. It was where this group had decided to meet, and their route inside. And so they descended into the depths one by one, leaving behind the deserted suburbs above.

While above there was only the rain and the picked-clean ruins of the city streets, below was an almost jarring shift. Candles burned along the handrails and walls, small offerings of preserved foods and water for any brave enough to face the Necropolis. A few lived within, making a home of the station's former control booth and greeting each adventurer with a face that was both warm and foreboding at the same time. These people had seen many like them, and knew that any who chose to take to the rails and push forward would not return. So they had dedicated themselves to ensuring that the last face they would see would be one of hope and warmth, at the very least to ease their passage.

This particular group was more diverse and unruly than most they had seen, drawn from across the East Coast and a few from beyond. A man quietly counted pills in a lunchbox, one of a few medics that had been selected, while another nervously did the same with bullets. To the side a small group of three sat together and whispered softly to each other, eyeing up the others with undisguised concern. Their jackets bore the mark of a red talon on the breast, making it easy to assume they were remnants of the ill-fated Talon Company. Crunching of pavement and the mechanical hiss of well-oiled joints and pneumatics announced two more entering the subway tunnel. Brotherhood of Steel paladins, one bearing a star upon her shoulder and with helmet mag-locked to her waist, the other taller by a decent foot and trying his best to show some form of camaraderie with the others. The woman, Khaliya as identified by the holotags around her neck and conversation with the man, did not. Instead her emerald eyes scanned across each in turn as if evaluating them and afterwards she turned to her companion.

"He's not here." She said firmly, keeping her tone low and staying close. It took little to pin down exactly who she was speaking of, as a few of the others had already drawn the same conclusion. Their mysterious benefactor was not present despite instructions to meet them at this specific location by this time. Already the group was growing restless, and with their varied backgrounds that had enemies in the same camp, she felt as if standing in a tinder box with a match nearby.