Tiberius67

A Life in Salem - A Fallout RP

Mary Hawthorne - S&W Weaponry

"Yeah, I like to read about it, but after my last endeavor,” she paused and swallowed hard, “I don’t even know what to say about Calypso and her Jade Emperor."

"This Calypso", Mary asked, "Was she trying to convince you she knew magic?

"I believed in her and her beliefs for years", Shelby continued, "it slowly unraveled and I had my doubts. Ended up being a load of sh…crap.” Shelby sat back down and propped her feet up, “I have a real hard time believing in anything magical, good, bad or whatever. The idea of witchcraft entices me though, and I do enjoy imagining it was real and all.”

"It's not as glamorous as they make it out to be in books, and old movies and TV shows", Mary replied, "Ever notice that Museum at the edge of town? I found a pamphlet about it in my house, it talks about how the museum was about the women who were killed here hundreds of years ago because folks thought they were witches." Mary scoffed, "You'd think those fools would have realized if they had caught a real witch the odds of getting a halter around her neck were slim indeed."

Waylon popped in “Hey, I’m going to go help Frieda with watch tonight.”

Shelby was sitting in a chair with her feet propped up, “Frieda? Whatever, have fun, I’m sure your watch the town,” she rolled her eyes.

“Brat,” Waylon turned and headed back out as Shelby shook her head.

"Frieda?", Mary asked, "She is that woman who was shooting at the green man this morning, yes?"

Shelby looked at Eliza resting and got up and sat closer to Mary, “Do you believe in that stuff? I wish that it was real and that I knew how to...um…do the spells and such.” She hiked her thumb towards Eliza, “I would heal her up as quickly as I could. I’m a blade smith, and I’ve read fantasy books about enchantments and such, that would be pretty neat to enchant my blades. But, I just like to learn, and the stuff that attracts me is mostly considered dark.”

"If magic really exists", Mary said, "Gaining such power wouldn't be easy....it would at least as much dedication and practice as it took for you to learn to make quality blades...and in the end by learning it you'd only be replacing your everyday concerns for bigger and more dangerous ones. And you'd have to hide your power because folks would see you as a threat if they knew...because such power is never free, somebody had to pay the price for it and they know that it's likely to have been someone like them. And when people see something or someone as a real threat they band together and end that threat. We and the Chinamen saw each other as a threat, and look around you to see how that ended up." She then added, "At least, that is my take on it. If magic were real...and easy to do...it would be everywhere. So, it stands to reason that it's either not real....or those who do know it are in hiding."

A Life in Salem - A Fallout RP

Mary Hawthorne - S&W Weaponry

“Where are you from Mary?", Shelby asked, furrowing her brow, "I only ask because I've only ever seen horses out west. I mean, that's not to say they aren't anywhere else, just curious.”

"Mary, you damned fool!", Mary thought bitterly to herself, "Did ye think these people dullards? That they wouldn't ask such a simple and obvious question? Fool! Idiot! Do ye want to end up like Joseph Curwen and his friends..slain by hunters?"

Mary's mind raced for a place that would be plausible. Shelby's accent was Northern for sure...so somewhere south. A place popped to mind...she had gone there on vacation before the war.

"Missouri", Mary replied, "But I haven't been there since I was young....almost like it was another lifetime. Moved here from Maryland, a place called Point Lookout. No horses in Maryland, though."

Not too far from the truth....

“Well ladies", Waylon said after clearing his throat, "if you'll excuse me I believe there's a beer calling for me over to the diner.”

Shelby flashed him a look, “Whatever...bring back a couple would ya?.

“What else for your order Miss?” Waylon acted like he was scribbling into a order pad, “You still want one of those witchcraft books?”

“Ha ha ha, very funny Waylon,” Shelby flipped him off, “That last book was full of shit, that witch shit is just a bunch of bullshit like Calypso was. Not saying it wouldn't be pretty amazing to actually do stuff like I've read, but that's just a pipe dream.”

He flipped her off back, “I'll be back when I'm back.”

“We'll be waiting with baited breath,” she waved him off, “So...are either of you hungry? Thirsty? I have snacky stuff and some Nuka Colas in the fridge.”

"I ate about an hour ago", Mary replied, "But a Nuka-Cola would be nice." She then added conversationally. "You like to read, Shelby? So do I....you like to read novels about witchcraft?"

In From The Fog: A Fallout Far Harbor Roleplay

Steve Miller - Near the Reservoir

“I can move...", Williams said to Castner, "but it will be alot easier, even crippled to get back to town with the power armour especially if we run into any more fish...whatever the fuck face monster thing that was…Are they usually that big?"

“No knowledge on them, see what Corrine thinks”, Castner replied starkly.

“Do you know what that fish thing was?", Williams asked, "Oh and take this.” He then offered Corrine his rifle, the clear implication being that he couldn't use it in his condition.

"I do know what that was...", Corrine replied sarcastically, "Everyone back in town knows what that was. We all tried warnin' ya about them back in the Plank, this mornin' but you weren't interested, then." She looked at the rifle Williams was holding out and nodded at it, a smirk on her face. "Ya sure ya don't wanna point that thing at me, like before?" Corrine pushed the rifle back at James. "Keep it."

"Point it at her....again?", Steve thought. He didn't like the sound of that....now wasn't the time or place, but he would talk to her about that once they got back to the Docks.

“I’ll take point again", Castner cut in most likely to prevent things from escalating, "I didn’t take too hard of a hit.”, Castner stated before turning around. “The vertibird is close. We should try to sneak the rest of the way to avoid anymore encounters. Plus there’s probably some creatures near the wreck attracted by the explosion and fire. We could get the drop on them.”

“I agree with the sneaking but outside of close quarters I’m probably gonna am next to useless in a sneak attack and I’d rather not risk getting clawed by Mr. Fish head again.”

"Anglers tend to stay close to water, seems unlikely we'd encounter another one. Gulpers, though, or shamblers...radstags..." She trailed off, then pulled Steve closer to herself. "Somethin' weren't right about that angler. They can be big, to be sure, but its size ain't what worries me. I ain't never had one live through my spear rippin' into its neck -- its skin was thicker than usual." She reached up and rubbed the back of her head. "Somethin' weren't right," she muttered again.

"That wasn't all", Steve replied quietly, as he wiped away the blood on her forehead with a clean rag to get a better look at her injury. Fortunately it didn't appear serious. Steve hoped there was a first aid kit on the Vertibird. He then added, "it pulled out that spear and then threw it at you...furtunately it's aim was bad, but that's something I've never seen an animal do before, have you?."

Steve then pulled the tracker out of his bag, and used it to locate the correct direction.

"Let's get to the Vertibird and collect what we came for", Steve said to Corrine, "the sooner we get this over with the better".

War Never Changes

Simon Barnaky - At the conference

As Barnaky gave his speech, using the wide angle lenses of the robot's optics, he examined the delegate's faces for clues on how they were taking his speech. Queastor Titus was elated, as he was right to be, he would no doubt waste no time advising Lucius that the Brotherhood had openly declared his support for the Legion in this matter. Young Miss Tenpenny, however, went from glee at his announcement of the Campaign against the Cult to being clearly disgusted and enraged by the revelation of his support for the Legion.

"Hmm", Barnaky thought, "It seems the Texans didn't tell her about what happened in Mexico this morning. Interesting."

“Oh…poor Legion…poor little victims", she said, using sarcasm to disguise her anger, "I know the representative of Texas wished to have the member nations of the soon to be Co-Prosperity Sphere discuss our response in unison and how we should proceed…however, I’ll like to make our position known.”

"Soon to be Co-Prosperity Sphere?", Barnaky asked himself. "Joseph told me that the Texans were up to something involving their neighbors, but what Miss Tenpenny was suggesting is that a full blown alliance existed....the question is, who is it aimed at?"

Barnaky decided he would need to reach out to Robert and also have Joseph get in contact with Vulpes to see what the Legion knew about this. It was also clear now that he would need to sound out Vault 99, and keep his options open with them. They were too wedded to the Old World for his liking, but if the Southern and Eastern factions were allying against him....

“IT WILL BE A COLD DARK DAY IN HELL", Tenpenny barked as she pounded the table angrily, "BEFORE WE SIDE WITH THESE HEATHENS AND SLAVERS! TO US YOU’RE NO BETTER THAN THE CULT!” She plopped back down on her chair, and moved strand of her red hair to the side, and coolly replied “I vote no.”

"The Legion is two thousand miles from your borders, Governor", Barnaky replied diplomatically. "They will never be a threat to you...but that can't be said for the Cult, can it? They are right on your doorstep, and given that they nearly destroyed the East Coast Chapter of the Brotherhood, and were only stopped from overrunning the whole Atlantic Coast from the Capital Wasteland North by the Children of Atom, who were obliged to resort to the use of tactical nuclear weapons to drive them back....you need all the friends you can get right now. What was the old saying? 'Never look a gift horse in the mouth?'"

Titus then took the floor again, and gave a measured speech that pointed out that Caesar Lucius had committed to a program of reform to address the excesses of Sallow's Regime and put his Kingdom on the path towards being a responsible Nation-State, and asking for time to bring the ambitious program to fruition He also mentioned that Caesar was sending a delegation East to see things for themselves. Barnaky knew this to be true, they were currently on a train in Western Kansas, disruptions from the timetable changes dictated by the plans to reinforce the Legion had delayed their progress somewhat.

"I can attest to the veracity of Queastor Titus", Barnaky said after Titus had taken his seat, "My state of existence has enabled me to take a long view of things...something Governor Harris and I have in common, I think...and I have observed the Legion almost since Edward Sallow created it, nearly thirty years ago, as well as conduct affairs of State with both him and Caesar Lucius. We have found the accession of Caesar Lucius to be a most welcome development, and Queastor Titus's declarations are fully consistent with both my observations of how the Legion is being governed, as well as my personal experience with Lucius and his senior officials."

The delegate from Alaska then took the floor, and while his remarks were critical of the NCR, he made it clear that his people had no intention of taking a side in the current dispute between the Legion and NCR, and cast doubt on whether they could effectively do so even if they wanted to. He then indicated that they knew little of the Cult and would require more information before they could decide on whether action against them was appropriate.

"I would be happy to assist you...or any other faction represented here, even the NCR...in your inquiries", Barnaky said. "If any nation wishes to send a delegation for a fact-finding tour, or to observe our operations against the Cult, that can be arranged through diplomatic channels, for those who have formal diplomatic relations with us, or through our Embassy here in New Vegas if you do not."

Omaha - SAC Command Bunker @Kouropalates

The Duty Officer in the Communications Center started as the teletype machine along the wall behind his desk suddenly clattered into life. A teletype machine only used by one individual. It spat out a short message then stopped, and he tore the message off the roll and looked at it. It was short and to the point.

******MESSAGE BEGINS*****

COMMENCE INTRUDE N313. ZERO HOUR TO BE 1700 PDT TOMORROW. PROCEED UNLESS RECALLED. -BARNAKY

******MESSAGE ENDS******

The remainder of the message was delivery instructions...the coordinates for a tight beam broadcast and a frequency to use. The Duty Officer gave the orders for the procedure to instruct the comsat orbiting the West coast to align it's antenna to begin, then placed the message on the desk and retrieved a book from the safe and looked through it until he found the reference for "INTRUDE N313". It corresponded to an Operation called "Shadow Raid", and gave the cipher to use to encrypt it. The order from the Lord Paladin was carried out promptly and the message went out to it's intended receipient.

"Shadow Raid", the Duty Officer mused to himself as he dropped the teleprinter sheet into the shredder, "wonder what this one is about?"

A Life in Salem - A Fallout RP

Mary Hawthorne - Her House

“It is a friend of mines, or rather Shelby's girlfriend Eliza owns him. She got shot up pretty good and ended up at the clinic. We just took her back home to our shop earlier and she asked about the horse because everything she owns is in the… saddlebags I guess.” the man replied with a shrug. He then paused and took a long look at her, and seemed to like what he saw. This stirred some feelings in her she hadn't felt since before the radiation had turned her original body into a ghoul. It was then that she noticed he was rather handsome, in a roughhewn sort of way. A fantasy of him throwing her over the saddle in the living room, hiking her shirt up and taking her as she held on for dear life popped up unbidden in her mind...she quickly pushed it back down, though she found the idea quite arousing even as she knew it was a dangerous and unnecessary distraction. “Sorry, yeah, I'm sure she would like to thank you herself.”

"Sounds good", Mary said. She stepped back into the living room and picked up the saddle and brought it outside. With Waylon's help she re-saddled the horse and put his bridle back on, then they followed the man across town.

“Right this way, our shop is down the road", he said. "By the way, I'm Waylon.”

"My name is Mary...Mary Hawthorne", Mary replied, "good to meet you Waylon."

“Looks like you've been set up here for a little bit", Waylon said, "Surprised I haven't seen you around town.”

"I've been here a few days", Mary replied, "Been busy cleaning up my house. It was dusty enough to choke a mule."


S&W Weaponry - Several minutes later

“No...um...", Waylon said to Shelby nervously, "She was taking care if Eliza's horse and would like to meet her. She had the saddlebags too.” He shot Shelby a look, she quickly returned it. to Mary, it was clear that the two were probably lovers. And Shelby looked like a willful one indeed, it would probably be wise to steer clear of Waylon if she were to take a lover here...as bad an idea as that was given what her interests were.

“We just got her upstairs and situated, she wants to rest, so…” Shelby shrugged, “I don't know how talkative she'll be, but c’mon.” Shelby led them to her bedroom where Eliza laid, “Hun, Waylin found your horse and stuff. This woman, Mary was taking care of him.”

Mary was ushered into a bedroom, where a young woman, that was clearly in a bad way, was lying. A blanket covered her up partially, but her bare breasts were clearly visible. Mary had slept with a woman before, her teacher in the Arcane had taken her to her bed as a way to teach her to set aside her inhibitions and prepare her mind for some of the things required to master her craft...while the sex was pleasant enough, women didn't really interest her in that way, she had always preferred men, even if they weren't exactly human on occasion. The woman looked around groggily, then noticed her and self-consciously pulled the blanket up to cover herself.

“I'm sorry, I'm still really out of it.” Eliza's face was starting to blush, “Thank you for taking care of my horse. We've been through a lot together. I take it you're familiar with them?”

"I am", Mary replied, choosing her words carefully, "We had several when I was growing up. folks around here don't seem to have ever seen one, so I decided I'd take care of him." she then added, "Cleaned him and your saddle up, too." She then stepped up to the bed and took the saddlebags off her shoulder and set them on the bed next to her.

"Here are your things", Mary said, "I had to borrow your gear for the horse and leather, but I didn't disturb anything else. I can continue to look after him for you until you get better...if you want."

In From The Fog: A Fallout Far Harbor Roleplay

Steve Miller - Town Reservoir

As Steve brought the rifle up to take aim, the creature ponced on the Enclaver, who let both barrels from what looked to be a sawed-off shotgun fly right into it at point blank range. It staggered back, roaring in anger and pain, then James fired three shots into it, all of which hit but seemed to have little effect. The creature retaliated by spitting another gob of goo at James, which he wasn't able to dodge. Distracted by this, Corrine charged it from behind, thrusting her spear into the base of it's neck. Steve, afraid of hitting Corrine, held his fire for a moment, holding aim until she got clear. Corrine's spear did not finish the creature, however, it swiped at her angrily, then pulled the spear out of it's hide and threw it back at her, much to Steve's horror, something he'd never seen an animal do before.

"What the fuck?", Steve thought with astonishment, "Just what are we up against out here?"

Now having a clear line of fire, Steve took his shot. The heavy 500 grain bullet bit deep, and the creature let out a horrible screech and clutched at it's chest. It then, even as he worked the action to chamber another round, whirled about and fled, his second shot sailing through the empty space the creature had been occupying a mere fraction of a second before. He chambered another round and fired at it as the creature fled into the mist, leaving behind a trail of disgusting blue-green blood that seemed to glow faintly. As it did not cry out again, Steve assumed he had missed. Steve chambered another round, then lowered the rifle and looked around. The creature had ben driven off...but at a cost. Both James and the Enclaver down, but still moving.

“Hey", the Enclaver said looking over at James, "can someone help me up?”

Steve then looked over at Corrine, realizing she was still lying on the ground. The spear had thankfully missed, stuck in the ground about a yard from where Corrine lay. He rushed to her side.

"Corrine!", Steve exclaimed, his voice filled with concern, "Are you alright?"

War Never Changes

Over Northern Mexico - appx 7:45 AM CDT

"Greg", A.N.I.T.A said in his wife's voice, "New contacts bearing 135 degrees, range 86 nautical miles. Designating Romeo 1 and 2."

A.N.I.T.A was short for Autonomous Navigation Intercept and Tactical Assistant, the on-board computer. A.N.I.T.A was the legacy of the aircraft's beginnings as a project of the Calculator. Originally intended to operate the aircraft itself, it was retooled into a AI equivalent of a RIO, or "Guy in Back" as they called them before the War. While A.N.I.T.A could still fly the aircraft if necessary, the Order was reluctant to rely too heavily on robots. The boffins programmed it to talk to the pilot in the voice of their spouse...if they had one...as pre-war studies they had found in the Calculator's archives had shown a pilot would react quicker to the voice of someone they had an emotional bond with.

"Thank you, Anita", Paladin Harris said, "Please classify."

"ESM signature and analysis indicates contacts are modified Stingray Fighters", A.N.I.T.A replied, "They are consistent with aircraft known to be operated by the Confederation, and they took off from their airstrip at Ft Bliss." A.N.I.T.A them added, "Be advised, they have detected us and are closing rapidly, ETA ten minutes."

"Rick", Harris radioed his wingman, "you see the bogies?"

"Yes, sir", Torres radioed back. "Looks like the Texans want to play....what do we do?"

"Finish up our mission as best we can and get out of here", Harris replied. "Command has enough on it's plate already, without us starting a war with Texas. Hate to say it, but we're gonna have to let them take the first shot. Keep your eyes peeled while I call this in"

Harris then directed A.N.I.T.A to switch him to the command link and advised Offut of the situation. Not surprisingly, they directed them to not fire at the Texan aircraft unless fired upon, and to terminate the mission once Highway 2 had been checked as far as Agua Prieta for further NCR forces.

"Wilco", Harris replied, then switched back to the tac frequency and notified Rick of their orders. The next half hour was nerve-wracking, as they flew above the highway, with one eye over their shoulder at the Texans. But it seemed that they were probably under orders not to engage as well, as they slowed down once they reached about 25nm, well outside of missile range for a Stingray, and tailed them. Finally, they reached the ruins of Agua Prieta, finding nothing but locals and one NCR supply convoy. Their mission now completed, they turned north into Legion territory, where the Tanker was waiting for them above Albuquerque.

"Time to get gas", Harris said to Torres over the radio, "If our 'friends' follow, we'll have to take turns filling up. Maybe this'll convince Command to fix up some more fighters rather than wait until we can get these into series production."

The Gourmand - Later that day

Barnaky, followed by Brothers Martin and Joseph, strode into the conference room, arriving at the last minute. They had been held up waiting for materials to arrive from home....photos and film from the Photo-Recon mission they had run this morning, and film footage of a incident that happened this morning in a settlement just over the Indiana border. Barnaky noticed that many of the delegates that had been here yesterday had not returned....thankfully one of them had been the damned Cultists. The Legion, the Texans...including a delegation from Vault 99, the Pennsylvanians, the Children, and the NCR, of course, among others...including apparently a delegation from New York City..were here. no sooner did he take a seat than House began the conference with a short speech, then opened the floor to the delegates. First to speak was Titus, the Legion representative. Barnaky considered that unfortunate because he had hoped to pass along the briefing he had received before he spoke...but it wouldn't hurt much as it had already been passed along to Lucius's general staff as quickly as they could manage, it may even have already reached Lucius himself by now. He directed Martin to pass the briefing to one of Titus's aides so he could peruse it after his speech.

Titus's speech was quite good, he was using the boorish behavior of the NCR representative against them quite effectively, he thought. He especially liked how he wrapped it up.

"If we here, now, as assembled nations of this continent, issue a formal denouncement of The NCR and their foolish actions here, we will be sending a message to the NCR people", Titus said in conclusion, "No doubt Kimball will try and spin his actions, and those of his minions, as some sort of heroic struggle back home. Something that he was forced in to to protect his people or defend his nation. Or some other such utter nonsense. I wish the NCR people to know and understand just who is responsible for the current state they are in and who will have been the direct cause of their torments to follow. President Kimball Jr..."

Barnaky decided he would second the proposal, he would also use the opportunity to reveal just how treacherous the NCR had actually been....given the sizable force less than a hundred miles from Las Cruces, in Legion territory, had to have been on the march for a week or more before they launched their attack on the Legion's Western border. It might also get some clarity from the Texans....after all, they knew all about the NCR force from the speed with which they responded to his pilots.

“The Free Confederation of Texan States will take time to consider your proposal.”, the Texas representative replied tersely as he gestured for some of his retinue to approach several other representatives, those from the Keys, the Pennsylvanians, and the delegation from Franklin.

“Now I would like to inquire about a matter we can surely agree on.”, the Texan paused for effect, then continued. “What action is being carried out against the Cult of Ug-Qualoth? My scouts report fighting in the north. This cult seems to defy basic human rights, and we believe action against them might be necessary”.

"The gentleman from Texas is correct", Barnaky stood up and replied. "there is fighting in the North, the Cult's bestial behavior violates all norms of human decency, and something needs to be done about them...and I am doing just that. At 3:00AM this morning, my forces have advanced into what was Indiana, to begin the first stage of a campaign to break their power completely before they become a threat to everyone in what was the United States."

"while I have plenty to say about this campaign, and the necessity of it", Barnaky continued, "I am not prepared to move on the subject of the NCR's aggression and mendacity just yet." He then gestured and Martin and Joseph's aides began passing out manila folders to each delegation. Inside the photographs was aerial photographs, some taken at relatively close range, a estimate of the NCR force size and composition, and a map showing their location less than one hundred miles south of Legion territory, along with the projected line of attack, North along I-25 to Albuquerque and then to the Legion capital of Santa Fe.

"Now", Barnaky continued, "no Infantry force can march 400 miles in two days, so it is obvious that Kimball launched this offensive a week or more before this conference even began. And somehow, I don't think Kimball would have withdrew them even if Lucius Caesar had given in to Kimball's territorial demands. Five years ago, my Brothers and Sisters met the NCR in battle outside of Albuquerque. the comprehensive defeat of the NCR forces under General Moore resulted in the Impeachment and removal from office of the current President's father. I had hoped that the son would have learned from the Father's mistakes...but sadly he did not. The NCR will continue to expand, papering over it's mismanagement of it's economy and what resources that our wastrel ancestors didn't manage to squander before they destroyed themselves, then move on to the next victim once they have bled it dry. It is clear now that this pattern will never end until they are forced to change. So, with great regret, I have no choice but to state the following. If the NCR has not withdrawn it's forces in Legion territory, and the force currently in Mexico, by 4:00 PM Pacific Time tomorrow, then a state of war shall be considered to exist between the Midwestern Order and the New California Republic. Though as a concession, I will not object if the latter force turns themselves over to the Confederation for internment until the cessation of hostilities...due to their close proximity to the NCR force's current position."

Barnaky then sat down, adding. "And for the record, I second the motion of Queastor Titus."

In From The Fog: A Fallout Far Harbor Roleplay

Steve Miller - Far Harbor

The abandoned and rotting buildings of the pre-war town...called Bar Harbor according to the peeling signs....loomed up out of the fog as they trudged down the road. It was a downright creepy sight...Steve shuddered a bit even though he felt a odd warm feeling every time the fog touched him. Soon, they passed beyond the perimeter of working condensers, now the ones they passed by were silent and from a cursory glance, much worse for wear. Steve thought it might be worth it to retrieve some later and see if he could puzzle out how they work. From what he heard, the locals had relied on Acadia to provide the things....with them gone they had to figure out how to make them themselves, and fast.

Corrine was the only one of them who had real knowledge of the lay of the land, and from her body language, she was not at all thrilled to be out here. Neither was he...or the others....but he saw little choice. The people back at the docks had been making no preparations that he could see to repel an attack...for that matter, he could hear one of the sentries on the Hull snoring when they had left, which made him question whether they even took the Cultist's threats seriously. The equipment on the Vertibird should give them the edge they needed to buy time to get some real defenses in place...then perhaps they could figure out just what they were up against.

After they cleared the town, the needle on the devices gauge began to climb steadily. They were near...maybe less than a quarter of a mile....but outside the condensers the fog was so thick they could only see a few dozen yards. Soon, a pond became visible ahead...the line of silent condensers leading to it. The pipes running into it suggested that it was the settlement's water supply. Steve was no soldier, but he knew a vulnerability when he saw one....without condensers it would be simple for a Enemy to cut off their fresh water supply.

"We're not far", Steve said, pointing in the direction the signal was coming from, "About two-tenths of a mile, best I can estimate."

“Can’t see shit in fog...”, the Enclaver said as he wandered towards the edge of the pond. Suddenly, the ground began to rumble. Steve stuffed the tracker in his haversack and just as he reached for the leather sling of his rifle, a large mutated creature popped out of the water, roaring a challenge, then spat something at James, who dodged it with catlike grace, drawing his revolver. It then lunged forward, and knocked the Enclaver off his feet with a single mighty blow, sending his rifle clattering along the ground.

"Fuck fuck fuck....", the Enclaver yelled as the creature moved towards him, "Where’s my gun?"

Shots began to ring out as James began firing his revolver at the fetid smelling creature, and the Enclaver forgot about his rifle for the moment and reached for a sidearm. As Steve readied his rifle, he saw movement out of the corner of his eye. Corrine was rushing forwards, a spear in hand.

"Cover me!", she shouted at him as she moved to work her way behind it. Steve worked the lever to chamber a round as he brought it up to his shoulder. He took aim at where his best guess of where it's heart and lungs were and fired, chambered another round, and fired a second shot as quickly as he could. He then chambered another round and took careful aim at it's head, ready to fire again if necessary.

A Life in Salem - A Fallout RP

Mary Hawthorne - Her House

"That'll be lovely, I thank you. Wasn't sure if the was a guesthouse or Inn in town for me to stay at." Rick replied, then suddenly became agitated and stood up excusing himself from table, "SInce I'm...Since I'm going to be staying here...perhaps I should check out the town."

"Lovely weather for it", Mary replied, "I'd go with you but I have to clean up the saddle of the horse and find his owner...if they are still alive, anyhow."

Rick left via the front door, and Mary finished her lunch then packaged up the leftovers and put them in the refrigerator, then washed the pans. With two of those robots working, she could get this house properly cleaned in a fraction of the time it would have taken her to do it. Something odd about Rick though....he seemed better educated, and less worldly than the Wastelanders she had met. And he seemed to be eager to hide that as well....like he was protecting someone or something. But then she hadn't exactly been fully forthcoming either....she had understood exactly what the Cultist's battle-cry was, words in a language never intended for human tongues to utter. As for what it meant specifically...she would have to research it. She would investigate tonight...for now she had other things to do. She went into the living room, where two of the robots now sat upright, their legs curled up underneath them, being charged by a device Rich had connected to the two of them. The third, partially disassembled, sat off to the side. And sitting on a old folding construction sign was the saddle she had taken of the horse, dried blood spattered all over it. Finding some saddle soap in one of the saddlebags, she thoroughly cleaned the saddle and saddlebags, removing the bloodstains. Once clean to her satisfaction, she put the items back in the saddle bag and moved to drape them over the saddle, when suddenly a knock was heard at the door.

"Hello?", came a man's muffled voice outside. It wasn't Rick. Mary walked to the door and opened it, a stranger stood there, a tall, scruffy looking man in jeans and a sleeveless T-shirt. At his hips were a pair of semi-automatic pistols.

"Good afternoon", Mary said, "How may I help you?". She heard out the man's reply then spoke again.

"The Horse?", she asked, "He's not mine, sad to say. I decided to step in when I noticed he was left tied up outside the Diner all night with no food or water. He's not yours either....you look too healthy for that, the saddle and bags were covered in blood and there isn't a mark on you."

"With that said", Mary continued, "If you know who he belongs to, I'd be obliged if you would introduce me. I'm sure they would like him back, not to mention the contents of the saddle bags."

A Life in Salem - A Fallout RP

Mary Hawthorne - Her Home

"That sounds good...", rich said with a nod, he then gestured out towards the living room. "Do you mind if I take a look at those Mr. Handy's for you? I know a thing or two about robots"

"Be my guest", Mary said, "We didn't have anything like that when I was young...well, where I grew up."

Rick walked back to the living room and busied himself while Mary prepared lunch for them both. She could hear the clattering of parts moving around, and odd whirring, but she left him to it as, raised in a simpler age, she had no idea how the things worked. Once lunch was ready, she called for Rick to come to the table.

"Be right there", he replied, "need to charge em up!"

After a moment he came into the kitchen and took his seat.

"So tell me, Rick", Mary said in a friendly manner, "What brings you to Salem?"

Rick looked up at her, "Oh well im doing some travelling and I was just curious about the north. You know away from the minutemen, and battle for Boston. Figured I'd visit the old town of Salem and see some witches. Bunch of nonsense if you ask me, if someone doesn understand something they call it magic."

"Quite true", Mary replied.

"Take a look at those robots. For someone not versed in robotics or science, they'd consider that magic. For me child's play... sorry I've had so many debates on this issues back home at..."

He then immediately changed the subject....clearly he had caught himself just before saying something he felt he shouldn't.

"Sorry...two of the robots are charging right now.", he said. "It'll be a basic charge, maybe last a few day. I see town has no electricity, so if you have a generator, I'd recommend you hook them up over night every few days. the third one just needs some parts and i could get it to work"

"Really?", she said with genuine surprise, "you fixed two of them already? I'm not sure what to say...that was very kind of you." She then added, "I don't have a generator, but I do have a supply of fission batteries to power the appliances and my purifier...would one of those get them charged up for a while?"

Rick cut up some of the meat before him, and atarted to eat, slowly at first, as if he'd never eaten venison before, then faster as he seemed to like the taste of it.

"I wonder what those raiders were shouting when they charged at us:, he said absentmindedly, "Sounded like latin, but im not so familiar with dead languages..." he stopped himself again.

"That wasn't Latin, Rick", Mary replied amusedly. She searched for a current day example, but could think of only one....those annoying Papists from the 'Abbey of the Road' that liked to snoop around Point Lookout, like Marcella. Obediah had wanted to kill that woman, convincing that pigheaded man killing her would only make things worse had taken all her powers of persuasion. But it only figured that if only one organization would survive the War that it would have be the Papists. "I've heard missionaries from the "Abbey of the Road" saying their prayers in Latin, and that sounded nothing like those two." she then added, "They are probably Tribals speaking some made up language."

They weren't Tribals, Mary knew that much. What Rick had told her, and her altercation with the Cultists, alarmed her greatly. She had some research to do, and tonight she would do some investigating on her own. The time she had spent learning alchemy...and other things from Orne and Hutchinson would come in quite handy.

"Are you just visiting Salem", Mary asked, "or are you planning to stay? If you like, you can stay here for a few days...it's the least I can do for helping me with those robots."