Tiberius67

War Never Changes

Electric City - Throne Room

“That the Lord Paladin has seen fit to declare this Cult to be scourged is a troubling matter in and of itself", the High Elder exclaimed, after several minutes of deep thought, "I wish to see the evidence that would justify this declaration, and if it be found truthful, know this ambassador. That the steel banners shall be raised, and from here, a force such as to make the word tremble shall be issued. Should it not be worthy however, know that the Western Brotherhood will make no efforts to assist your nation in your war.”

"Of course, High Elder", Ambassador McCarthy replied, gesturing for aides to bring up a push cart with a steel box on it. "enclosed within, is a complete copy of the evidence upon which Lord-Paladin Barnaky based his decision to exercise one of the most solemn and terrible powers a Elder of the Brotherhood can wield. It consists of over 1,500 hours of recorded video, ranging from on-scene documentation of the aftermath of Cult attacks, live interviews of survivors, interrogation records of enemy combatants, as well as after-action reports, technical analysis of captured enemy weapons and materiel, and other items of interest....all indexed to aid in analysis. In addition, is thousands of hours of radio broadcasts emanating from the cult itself."

Macarthy then added, "While this will require time to properly analyze, we have prepared a short presentation that will provide a representative example of what users of this database will find.....if it pleases the High Elder, I can deliver it now, before you."

"Thank you my lord", MaCarthy said, and began at the High Elder's bidding, starting the projector. On screen, stood two grim faced officers, wearing what appeared to be dark blue overcoats, and hats with the Brotherhood insignia on them, waiting for something. Nearby, behind them were several Power armored Knights. Behind them, a a settlement burned. A movieboard was held out, on it was written "Mackinaw City - Commodore Hackett inspects aftermath of Cult attack". As the two officers proceeded through the gates, whcih had been battered in, corpses could be seen hanging from each lamp post down the main street of the settlement. it got worse from there...

"About ten days ago", McCarthy said as the film ran, A large Cult force descended from Canada into northern Michigan. This settlement, Mackinaw City, was their first target. Survivors say they attacked about oh-two-hundred hours Central Time. The occupants of the settlement had no warning, and were overrun in minutes. After a general massacre of the settlement's inhabitants, they moved on, leaving a small force behind for the purpose of holding the Soo Locks, known locally as "The Passage", the highly strategic link between Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. After Commodore Hackett's Marine detachment secured the locks, and settlement ruins, the scene was documented before burying the slain Wastelanders. As you can see here...", as cameraman film caught the elder of the two officers dart out from a courtyard and began retching. The cameraman walking into the courtyard to find a young woman skewered on a spit, being roasted over a fire. Before the film abruptly stopped, a familiar marked container of pre-war BBQ sauce could be seen perched on the rocks around the firepit..."evidence of cannibalism was found, as it has been in many sites occupied by the Cult for any length of time.

The film changed to a night scene, this time the camera was the familiar gren tint of a military FLIR sensor. A Super Mutant was walking towards a old Super Duper Mart, it's sign being altered in a rather lewd fashion. At one point, the Mutant turns, and the camera focuses on it's face.

"This", McCarthy continued, "is Frank Mitchell, First Gen Super Mutant, onetime follower of the Master, and former second-in-command of the Mutant Liberation Army, a long time enemy of our Order. After the MLA's field Army was smashed at the Battle of Lincoln in 2230, we lost track of him. Recently, he was identified as one of the lieutenants of the Cult's field commander in Indiana, "Rog'Resh". That individual is himself a Mutant, rumor has it he is a mutant of the Vault-Tec strain from the Capital Wasteland." the footage shifted to a stoutly fenced compound. Penned inside, were well over a hundred feral ghouls, tended by non-ferals.

"At this position, the defenders were maintaining a large force of feral ghouls. They use them for combat, as well as a terror weapon to compel compliance from the Wastelanders around them. In the database, you will find considerable footage of their deployment in combat."

"In conclusion", McCarthy said, "the following is a radio intercept confirmed to be a speech my the Leader of the Cult, their so called "Blind Prophet"...it appears to be his declaration of War against the Brotherhood and the Integrated Republic of Detroit. It was broadcast throughout the Cult's lands."

"FAITHFUL!" A voice roared, "He who lures beyond has a demand for us! A demand, everyone of us must, and will obey! Nobody of us shall linger, nobody of us shall rest! We, his tools on this world, shall carve his name across every stone, every tree and every soul! We shall honor him, be it in our first scream or in our dying breath! But, there are those, who not share our devotion...

For a moment, there were screams of anger, red and roaring, as accursed devotion was unleashed, and the voices of the Faithful rang through the city. But once more, they died down, as the Prophet raised his hand.

"They, who call themselves the "Brotherhood of Steel" have dared to march against us! To march against Ug-Qualtoth himself! They, who call themselves the "Integrated Republic of Detroit" dare to encroach us! THEY DARE TO DENY UG-QUALTOTH!"

"I call on you! Every single one of you! You shall deliver his Wrath, his crimsion fury! The same fury that has already crushed so much in its path! I call on you...TO DESTROY THEM ALL! I CALL ONTO ALL OF YOU, I CALL FOR A CRUSADE AGAINST OHIO AND ALL LAND THAT LIES BEYOND!

I CALL FOR A CRUSADE AGAINST THE BROTHERHOOD OF STEEL, AN AGAINST THE REPUBLIC OF DETROIT!"

Omaha, Nebraska

Barnaky read the note Martin had handed him. The Legion had sent it using the SATCOM suite he had arranged to be installed in Santa Fe, at Lucius's request, so there was no question regarding it's authenticity.

"I, Caesar Lucius, Imperator of The Legion invite you to a meeting of delegates in the Legion’s capital of Santa Fe to determine the future of the West Coast and of our respective nations. Safe passage is guaranteed throughout Legion territory to all those that bear Caesar's mark."

"What do you think he is planning?", Barnaky asked Martin.

"The Embassy tells me they were informed that Lucius has also invited The Western Order, the Texas Confederation, Mr House, and even the NCR, sir.", Martin replied. "It would seem Lucius has decided to pursue a Post-War settlement now, rather than later....the success of his arms against the NCR in the recent war does put him in a unique position to be magnanimous towards Shady Sands."

"True", Barnaky replied. "None of us can afford a resumption of hostilities, the way things are heating up out East."

He then looked at Martin and added, "pack your bags, and have the Special Train prepared....we'll be attending."

"Yes, sir."

About an hour later, a encrypted reply was sent both to Caesar himself, and to the Ambassador in Santa Fe.

The Capitol, Omaha

Caesar,

I have received, and an honored by, your gracious invitation to the conference you are convening at your Capital of Santa Fe. Both I and my Secretary of State shall, along with a small retinue of aides, be pleased to attend. We expect to arrive in Santa Fe by rail in about two days time. I look foward to meeting you soon.

With Regards,

Simon Barnaky
Lord-Paladin
Midwestern Order of the Brotherhood of Steel

War Never Changes

Windsor State House

“I see", President Traowski replied peevishly, clearly not pleased by what he had said. "I guess I’ll have to see what your Commodore Hackett has to say about the situation. I’ve already started to mobilize the Republican military, so I have some time before I can even begin to take my city back.”

With that, she turned her back to him again and the audience was over and Pendergast was ushered out of the office. Inquiries were made, and he learned of a nearby hotel where arrangements would be made for him and his escort. He didn't even have a change of clothes, but he'd make do....having grown up in a Regime where asceticism was a virtue made temporary hardships far more bearable. As they made their way to the hotel, Pendergast reflected on the brief conversation he had had with Traowski. She did seem determined to fight, and the chatter he picked up at the State House about arrests and summary executions made it clear that she was...however belatedly...finally cleaning house. He would suggest to Hackett that he offer the services of the Inquisitors with the relief force....they had long practice in finding Cult cells and pulling them up by the roots.

But despite Traowski's irritation at the information he could provide....the meeting, in fact, had gone far better than he hoped. She had not asked the question he had been dreading to have to field.....Why, exactly, did the Brotherhood have a relief force eighteen hours steaming time from Detroit? Hopefully she never would.

Electric City - Throne Room

“So", High Elder Gladstone intoned imperiously, "The Midwestern Brotherhood has at long last stepped foot inside the Western Brotherhoods halls. A momentous occasion for sure, so come, speak to me, what is it that Barnaky would desire? I think you will find that much has changed since our last meeting.”

"What he has always desired, High Elder", Brother McCarthy, leader of the delegation replied, "To end the century long separation between us. He also has instructed me to extend his congratulations on your recent success against those who had challenged your lawful authority." He then continued. "In compliance with the agreement between your Lordship and Lord-Paladin Barnaky, I have come to you to present my credentials as the Midwestern Order's Ambassador to your Court."

Once the ceremony of presenting his credentials to the elder was concluded, Brother McCarthy continued.

"If it pleases the High Elder", McCarthy said, "It is incumbent on me to notify you of a recent change in the state of affairs in the Midwest. In the Eastern part of what was the United States, a group has arisen that is a threat to civilization, if not the future of Mankind itself. Having recognized the severity of this threat, the Lord-Paladin has devoted all the power our Order can muster to destroying it. With your permission, I will read aloud Lord-Paladin Barnaky's official declaration regarding this group.

"The Capitol, Omaha, Nebraska

Whereas, the followers of the so-called Cult of Ug-Qualtoth have, in obedience to the commands, and encouragement of, the leaders of their so-called Faith have murdered many thousands of innocents, often in unspeakable ways,

Whereas, they have embraced Mutants who once served the Master, and elevated them into the highest offices of their Regime, and gave them license to persecute any unfortunate enough to fall into their power,

Whereas, they use feral ghouls as a weapon of war routinely,

Whereas, they intentionally misuse the relics and technology of the Old World, whether it is prohibited by the Codex, or not, to further their own malign ends,

Whereas, they condone, and even encourage, the practice of cannibalism,

Whereas, they have, since their unprovoked attack on forces of my Order in Cleveland seven years ago, committed so many unprovoked acts of subversion and aggression against my People, and innocents outside the lands held by my Order, that they would require many pages to make a full accounting,

Whereas, the Cult aforementioned, has openly proclaimed itself a Enemy of the Brotherhood of Steel and of any sort of human civilization,

I, Simon Barnaky, Elder and Lord-Paladin of the Midwestern Order of the Brotherhood of Steel, by the authority vested in me, do hereby proclaim that for the good of Mankind, and to vindicate the injustices they have showered upon my people, the group known as the Cult, and all it's works, must and shall be Scourged from the face of this Earth. To that end, I command all those subject to my authority to provide their utmost effort to this Sacred task. Furthermore, I respectfully call upon our Brothers and Sisters in other Orders to join us, and our allies outside the Order, in eliminating a threat to all no less dire than that presented to the World by the Master and the Enclave.

Finally, I hereby give fair warning that any person, or political entity, who knowingly supports the Cult and obstructs the effort to implement my Command shall be considered to be de facto allies of the Cult, and therefore Enemies of the Brotherhood, and treated accordingly.

Signed by my hand this day in the Council Chambers at the Capitol

Simon Barnaky

Elder and Lord-Paladin
Midwestern Order of the Brotherhood of Steel"

"High Elder", Brother McCarthy said as he bowed respectfully, "My Lord has sent with us, for your perusal, evidence that will substantiate the charges that justify issuance of such a grave and terrible command. We await your pleasure."

War Never Changes

Cherry City - 3:30 am

"Damn it, Sarge!", Les, the night guard on the docks said exasperatedly, "What has gotten into you?"

Sarge, the battered old Mr Gutsy that was the subject of the man's protests did not reply. It simply stayed put, quietly whirring, looking out into the Lake and ignoring him. Les had never fully trusted the old robot...and neither did the Mayor, which is why he spent his nights patrolling with it, mainly to make sure it didn't open fire on Lakefolk pulling in at night....but Calypso had given it to them, and refusing a gift from her was...well, unwise to say the least. But, old or not, keeping the robot active was probably for the best...given the lack of any news or orders coming from the Island for the last few days, and the stories from Lakemen of pitched battles between the Brotherhood and some sort of Sea Raiders at the north end of the Lake. Bill, the evening watch, had told him when he took over that one of the Brotherhood's Monitors had been sitting at anchor off the mouth of the bay, just off the lighthouse at Old Mission Point, all afternoon and into the evening. That was odd, the Brotherhood never paid them much mind before, though occasionally a ship of theirs would pull in for some shore leave for the crew. But Les wasn't worried about the Brotherhood....he wanted to continue his patrol and the balky robot was delaying him.

"Come on, you", Les said irritably to the unresponsive robot, grabbing it by the carrying handle on the back if it's some and pulling the still hovering robot along with him, "We need to go to the Academy Pier".

He got about ten feet when the robot suddenly grabbed his arm and pulled his hand off of the handle.

"Stop that, Lester", it said in the familiar faux drill sergeant voice that Mr Gutsy's used, and floated back to where it was.

"Wha...what did you call me?", Les said flabbergasted. In his 49 years no robot had ever talked to him like that before, much less used his name. As the robot had begun ignoring him again, he stomped up to it, grabbed it's dome with both hands and spun it about to face him. "Answer me, you bucket of bolts!".

"Well", the robot replied, "your name is Lester, isn't it? Lester Nessman, 49, night watch on the riverfront? That's what the files say, anyway....as corrupt as the OS in this thing was, maybe that got screwed up and you're someone else...though the other guy called you Les."

Les's jaw dropped and he involuntarily took a step back. He hadn't imagined it, the robot was talking to him like it was a person. He knew enough about technology from years of working on Calypso's various projects...from the old Lake freighter tied up at the Academy dock to Cherry City's radio station, where he was engineer....to realize he wasn't talking to a robot, not anymore. Someone was talking to him through the robot.

"Relax, Lester", the robot said, "Nobody has to die needlessly....they'll be here any second."

"Who are you really", Les said slowly, "And what do you want from us?"

"Scribe Adam Walker of the Brotherhood of Steel, at your service.", it replied. "You can call me Adam, or Brother Adam if you like. I'm on the Monitor you and Bill were wondering about, the Inexorable. I hacked this robot to prevent any...well, accidents. Good thing I did as this thing's combat inhibitors are just about shot. As far as what we are doing, and how it affects you and the other good people here, Paladin Wallace will explain it all later this morning, but for now, suffice it to say Calypso ran out on you, and we're intervening to prevent you from being massacred by the really sick people she ran away from....they are about three days march from here, you should know."

As he tried to formulate a reply, a gray steel hulled open top boat coasted up to the pier....the light from a oil lantern revealing it was packed with people, some of which leaped out onto the pier and tied the boat off. The first ones were sailors, wearing the grey-green rubber hazard suits that Lakemen from clans aligned with the Brotherhood wore, behind them came men in a form of Power Armor he'd never seen before....along with some men in red woolen tunics with the most outlandish armor he'd ever seen over it. Aside from some quizzical gazes, they left him alone and proceeded to form a perimeter as if they were waiting for something else. He thought of doing something, but he knew it would be pointless....and if they had really meant this town harm they would have just killed him.

"The advance party", Adam said through the robot, "If you think they're something, just wait until you see what's coming up next."

Moments later, the bulk of a large pre-war freighter loomed up out of the dark. Unlike the boat, it slowed but did not stop, and noisily ran itself aground, seemingly on purpose. The reason why became clear when the bow of the ship opened up, and a ramp was lowered, followed by a old Army APC driving down the ramp and onto shore, followed by two more, and behind them a force of more Brotherhood soldiers.

"It'll be OK, Lester", the robot remarked, "There will be some changes but life will go on largely as it has before." It then added, "Look on the bright side, remember that "50 and out" rule Calypso had? Not a problem for you anymore."

Windsor, near the Windsor State House

Horace Pendergast, the Brotherhood's representative to the Republic, along with his two Knight escort, made his way through the streets towards his goal, the State House, where he was told that the President was awaiting him. For over two weeks, he had gone through every official channel, and even a few unofficial ones, to try to reach her or a Cabinet officer, but he had been stonewalled at every turn. Only now, at the brink of annihilation, did they want to speak with the Brotherhood. So be it, getting their cooperation at this point was better than the alternative....Commodore Hackett forcing the issue when he arrived in about eighteen hours. Hackett certainly knew his business on the deck of a ship, but the man did not suffer fools gladly, and there were fools aplenty here. He had half expected Hackett to simply have them all shot and take over if they tried with him what he had endured for a fortnight.

He wondered what Barnaky would do when he learned the Cult had overrun Detroit itself and were only tenuously held at bay from it's sister city, Windsor....until Hackett arrived, he didn't even have secure coms with Omaha, he'd had to burn his papers, smash all their electronics and set fire to the quaint little brownstone he'd settled on for a Embassy. Only once he had made sure he left behind nothing but ashes for the Cult, did he flee to Windsor with little more than his trusty laser rifle...a relic of his days in the Army...and the clothes on his back. Probably just tell Hackett to redline his boilers and get here asap. They couldn't afford to let the Cult have the Republic's industrial base....it would make a big problem even bigger.

Eventually, he reached Windsor's State House. After some squabbling, he was ushered through the defense lines around the building and ushered to the Governor's Office, where a blonde woman was looking out the window pensively at the hellscape across the river.

The aide that ushered him to the office announced his arrival, then exited, closing the door behind him, and the woman turned to face him.

"Madam President", Pendergast said, "I am Horace Pendergast, the Midwestern Order's Ambassador to the Republic. I was told you wished to see me?"

War Never Changes

Simon Barnaky - SAC HQ Bunker

“I’m told the Brotherhood salutes their members with the phrase ‘Ad Victoriam’ in the Legion’s own tongue.", Aurelius said, "A fitting phrase I think, and more than rightfully used here. In The Legion, our rallying cry is ‘Legio Invicta’, meaning ‘Unconquered Legion’. A reminder that despite all it has gone through, the Legions of Caesar still stand. However, I will gladly offer a salute in The Brotherhood’s own manner.”

The Legate clasped his fist to his chest in a smart salute,

“Ad Victoriam, Lord Barnaky.”

Barnaky snapped to attention and returned the salute smartly.

"Legio Invicta, Legatus Aurelius."

"The fate of all Mankind rests on the outcome of this war", Barnaky continued, "Together, we will prevail!"


Fort Knox, Kentucky

"Die, you fucking fascist bigots!", screamed the ghoul over a ancient loudspeaker, "You will fall before the wrath of the Golden Throne of His Most Illustrious Majesty, Herman the Undying!"

Items began to lazily arc over the ramshackle, but stout walls, of the settlement. As they began to land, Paladin Stroud could see they were pieces of rotting meat....crudely severed pieces of animals, even body parts of a few humans. Also bladders full of some liquid that sprayed everywhere when they landed. To an untrained eye, it would seem they were showing disrespect, or perhaps trying to spread disease. While they would not be wrong....the true purpose was to mark the target for their deadliest weapon. Stroud was not surprised, even if they had not been warned by the local humans, it was exactly the sort of tactic he expected from the zombies.

"Here they come", Stroud said across the all units channel, "Hold your fire until they deploy."

Abruptly, the gates opened inward, and vomited forth a gibbering nightmare....hundreds of feral ghouls. This ghoul settlement had used salvaged Pre-War weapons and the terrifying threat such a horde of ferals embodied to cow the humans in the surrounding area and extort tribute from them for "protection". With the situation to their liking, they hadn't given much thought to the future, assuming things would always go on as it had.

That was a fatal mistake.

"Eradication robots, Snipers, Fire at Will", Stroud ordered. "All squads, cover the Eradicators. Battery A, stand by" Immediately, four Eradication robots, modified Pacification robots, with their stun weapons replaced by heavy automatic lasers, and a beefed up powerplant to enable sustained fire long enough for any normal engagement, dropped their stealth fields and brought the horde of ferals under a deadly crossfire, the laser beams inflicting terrible carnage on the unarmored ferals, while the infantry, with aimed, deliberate shots, picked off any ferals that made it through the flurry of lasers well before they could reach the robots. Meanwhile, snipers engaged and eliminated any zombie foolish enough to reveal themselves on the walls of the settlement or building tops that cleared the wall. Realizing that the battle was going wrong, the ghoul commander began to panic. From inside the settlement, the "thump" of mortars firing were heard.

"Incoming!", shouted Stroud as he, followed by the other troopers, sought cover or flung themselves to the ground. Within seconds, five mortar shells hit the ground. Reasonably well aimed, the shells impacted in the area the infantry was deployed. Immediately, the troopers got up and advanced away from where the shells had landed....with the snipers suppressing the enemy's forward observers, they were unlikely to be able to adjust. But the enemy mortar-men were about to have a bigger problem....

"Command, Battery A", came the message to Stroud. "Executing Charlie Bravo fire mission in five."

"Acknowledged", Stroud replied, "proceed"

From the direction of Godman Field, two miles behind them, the rumble of artillery could be heard, and the shriek of shells over their heads was followed by large and satisfactory explosions inside the walls of the settlement, followed seconds later by another barrage, and then another. The enemy mortars managed to get off two more volleys...both of which landed harmlessly where the infantry had been...before they were all silenced.

"Score one for counter-battery radar", Stroud said to the Knight-Sergeant beside him, "Once the ferals have been mopped up we can finish this." He then switched to the frequency for the artillery unit, and directed the Battery's Forward Observer to target the walls in the spots they had decided to enter the settlement. The barrage quickly shifted to the walls, the 105mm shells breaching them with ease. Soon, the feral attack had been cut to pieces and the time had come.

"Forward, Brothers and Sisters!", Stroud howled with fanatic fervor across the radio as he hefted his Super Sledge and charged the nearest breach in the walls, "Scourge the unclean! For Barnaky! For The Brotherhood and Mankind! Attack!"

With a mighty shout, the Infantry rose to it's feet and followed their commander, storming the walls in half a dozen places and fighting their way into the settlement. Thrown into disarray by the artillery barrage, the defenders were completely unprepared to put up a organized defense and were quickly routed by the Brotherhood Knights. The few ghouls who survived the assault attempted to flee, only to be cut down by the Eradicators roaming the perimeter outside the walls.

Unable to escape, the ghouls were remorselessly forced inward, making their final stand in the enormous two story building in the center of their settlement. A fortress-like structure made of solid stone blocks and concrete, it was clearly of Pre-War construction. Above the massive twin steel doors was, deeply engraved in the stone lintel, "United States Bullion Depository". their mission was to secure it, and recover it's contents, if any remained. The massive doors were shut and locked, but as they were about to learn, any sense of security the defenders derived from that was and illusion. Finding a dataport next to the wall, Stroud plugged his suit computer into it and linked to the facilities's internal network, loading a program that they had found in the Calculator's Archive, provided by the Federal Government long ago for just this purpose...the contents of the facility were expected to be of use to the new America rising out of Vault 0, after all...that gave him Admin level control of the internal security system. Flipping through the remaining internal cameras, he noted the location of the remaining ghoul defenders, then sealed and locked all internal doors, and turned on the internal defenses. Once the lobby was clear, he unlocked the front doors and his troops rushed inside, and the slaughter began.

The next day

"Why did the Old World people build a fortress to hold this stuff?", Henry Miller, Mayor of nearby Elizabethtown asked, sweeping his arm to take in the stacks of gold bars, waiting to be loaded onto trucks and hauled back to the airport. "Aside from looking pretty, it doesn't have much practical use."

"They used it for money", Stroud replied, "Like folk use bottlecaps now. It's also good for making certain technological items."

"Hmpf", said Miller, "I thought they used outhouse paper for money"

"They did", Stroud said with a chuckle, "Idiots printed so much of it that it wasn't good for much else besides outhouse paper."

Miller laughed, first time in years he had really felt like it. The ghouls here had made their lives miserable, and now they were gone. Miller wondered what would become of them, if they hadn't been able to rid themselves against "Herman the Undying" and his mob they wouldn't have a chance against the Brotherhood, who had stomped them into a pulp like they were nothing.

"From what I've seen at Godman, you're a fixing to stay?", Miller asked tentatively.

"Yes", Stroud replied, "We need the airfield, and we also have no intention of leaving your people to twist in the wind now that we've created a power vacuum. That's why I called you here...."

In From The Fog: A Fallout Far Harbor Roleplay

Steve Miller - The Hull

Steve's blood froze as the restarted condenser cleared the fog from where Rose stood.....or had stood anyway. He'd seen some things in his short but active life...but nothing like this. She was gone, all that remained was the rifle that she had thrown to the ground in frustration. Steve's knees buckled for a moment and he was forced to steady himself against the parapet of the Hull.

The Cultist leader turned back to Corrine once again, the simple mask he wore concealing his features with impassive blankness.

"Your town is living on borrowed time," He said, "Tell your people that they must make their choice soon. Far Harbor can not remain as it is. Someone must make them choose..."

With that, the assembled group of Cultists turned and walked back into the fog-covered ruins of old Bar Harbor, melting back into its forbidding depths and leaving only questions in their wake.

"Anyone else think that was staged?", James...the Enclave one...asked loudly. "They took that railroad agent too quickly and easily....did anyone see her arms go down when the fog approached her?"

“She seemed surprised, but didn’t move like the rest of us would have," Castner replied, shaking his head. "The cult must have some way of effecting synths with the fog. Maybe Rose was forced to go. I hate to say it, but it seems like some kind of magic.”

"Oh and can someone help me get this off?" James asked as he backed into the power armorrack, "should go and see the doctor about my arm before the foggers come back."

Castner sighed and helped the Enclaver out of his power armor. “My makeshift bandages from earlier will do for now. I’m going to talk to Corrine and Steve about our next move.” As Steve descended the stairs, Corrine rejoined him. Castner got out of his suit as well and went to Corrine and Steve.

“It’s good we got Avery, but we need to start preparing the town. That sounded like the last bit of diplomacy we would get. We should get all those projects we had in mind going with the vertibird stuff. Do you still have people good at working on the Hull and other engineering?.”

"Agreed", Steve replied, "We don't have much time, and a lot to do."

Longfellow scratched his bearded chin a bit in contemplation, "Not sure really. The Mariner ain't around no more since she left to go find the Red Death. And nobody's really taken up the mantle to keep up the hull. I can maybe get a few strong backs together for lifting and the like, but we could use somebody who can tell them what to do and how to build it up better for protection."

"What kind of tools do folks have here?", Steve asked, "Does someone here have power tools for working with wood, metal and the like?" after a pause, Steve continued. "And I apologize in advance if it's impertinent to ask this....but where does this settlement get it's power from?"

Steve then looked back at Castner. "Referring to what you said earlier...magic, James? That's not something I expected to hear from a man of science", Steve said with a chuckle, finding it ironic that magic had been the first thing that popped into his mind as well, silly as that may be. "Kinda odd though how the rifle, then the condenser, fail then Rose doesn't react how she should. But then...a synth is a machine. A far more complex mechanism than a rifle or that condenser, but a mechanism all the same. What could affect all three within such a short period?"

Castner paused abruptly and stared at the spot where Rose was. “Rose couldn't have just disappeared,” he said slowly “What if they somehow forced her to run off into the Fog? If she moved quickly, she could have run off in the short time we couldn’t see her. I’m going to check for tracks. They could lead us to the cultists. Can either of you help me?” James went over to the ground near where Rose stood and started looking for footprints or other signs."

Steve joined James and Corrine as they approached the spot where Rose had been standing. As tracking wasn't something he had any experience in, he let Corrine take the lead and stayed back so as not to interfere. Instead, he picked up Rose's cast off rifle, giving it a cursory examination [opening breech enough to see if it loaded (without ejecting the round) and making a quick examination to spot obvious problems that would have caused a 'failure to fire']. He then looked over at James and Corrine.

"Find anything?", he asked.

War Never Changes

Simon Barnaky - SAC HQ Bunker

"Do you have any objections to this plan Lord?" Aurelius asked.

"None, Legate", Barnaky replied. "Paladin-General Wilson is in the process of shifting his Headquarters from Bunker Alpha outside of Chicago to Indianapolis's Airport. He is overall Commander of this Operation, and reports directly to me. Military matters should go through him, but as far as matters of State I am at your disposal." Barnaky then pressed a button on the remote and some icons and arrows appeard on the map, originating in Chicago and circumnavigating Michigan to Detroit, he then continued. A Expeditionary force is being assembled in Chicago...it's goals are to make a landing in northern Michigan, at Cherry City, or Traverse City as it was known Pre-War, and reinforce the forces at the Soo Docks. The ultimate objective is Detroit. Our staffs can work out the details of redirecting the formations you are committing to that front. Outside of Detroit and the parts of Michigan that are claimed by the Republic, Michigan is sparsely populated, we estimate by well under 50,000 people. The Cult's armies depend on foraging in the field....helping the civilians escape the Cult offensive, and bottling the Cult up there, will force them to battle on our terms, or starve. It won't be easy though."

"And you Vulpes?", Aurelius asked, "What is your opinion?"

"If Lord Barnaky approves, then I have no objections. My only concern is that as the Legion advances east, we have adequate knowledge regarding the terrain but more importantly the enemy we are facing. With that in mind Lord Barnaky, I would ask that my Frumentarii be briefed by your Inquisitors on the nature of the cult and effective ways to counter them. A psychological war may be improbable to fight against madmen, but not impossible. All men fear something: perhaps we can supply it to them."

"Funny you should mention fear, Vulpes", Barnaky said, musing to himself. "Brother Joseph tells me he may have have found something, but he is not sure what to make of it. It's very strange...you should talk to him about it. As to briefings on the Cult and it's nature, he has a program ready...not only for you and the Frumentarii, but for the senior officers of the Legions as well. With possession of Pittsburgh came a considerable Pre-War industrial base, and they have made good use of it. Their troops are well armed with crude but serviceable weapons, and they make extensive use of vehicles and artillery. They are also fond of mass assaults employing feral ghouls and have a sizeable number of Mutants among their ranks."

"On that note as well," Aurelius interjected, turning to Barnaky, "I would inform you that Caesar has ordered me to show no mercy to these cultists. Civilians will not be harmed, but those tainted by the Cult, and any who serve it...we will be crucified. They can howl to their abomination of a god when they're up on a cross...we'll see if it answers them then."

"Hah", Barnaky chuckled at the vision the Legate's phrase conjured up in his mind, "Nice turn of phrase, Aurelius. We shoot or hang them, then display the corpses....that gets the message across well enough for our purposes. Crucifixion ought to get the attention of those who willingly align themselves with the Cult, at least. We plan on annexing all of Indiana and much of Michigan when this is over, if blood must be shed, it's best to get it done and over with up front. One thing you should know though, is that the Cult often press-gang common Wastelanders into serving, and even fighting for them, against their will. We do try to screen those out for interrogation...and re-education if judged salvageable...when practical before dealing permanently with the rest. As for confirmed Cult members...I don't know what they do to them there, but any of them that go to Pittsburgh, which seems to be a pilgrimage for them, are driven quite mad by the experience. We get what we can out of them then put them down like the mad dogs they are."

"The Cult itself has no positive message, a vision for the future, or really anything to offer the Wastelanders out there", Barnaky continued, "It relies on terror to compel obedience, and even obedience to their commands offer no guarantee of safety. Lift the Cult's boot off their necks, and offer them a future, and the civilians swing right into line....and they know better than anyone who among them needs killing."

War Never Changes

SAC HQ Bunker- Operations Room

"Comfortable and expedient, thanks to you my Lord," Aurlius replied as he accepted the robot's offer of a customary handshake with some hesitation.

"Glad to hear it", Barnaky replied. "Rebuilding the rail net was one of the best investments we've made...the economic and strategic benefits that flow from it far outweigh the cost, as high as that was."

"I would introduce to you as well", Aurelius continued, "Primus Frumentarius Vulpes Inculta, leader of The Legion's Frumentarii."

"An honor to meet you once again my Lord," Vulpes said with a bow, "Our brief time in Vegas was unexpectedly short. I'm afraid the treachery of the NCR dogs made certain of that."

"Likewise, Primus Frumentarius", Barnaky replied, "both Brother Joseph and I regret that the conference failed before we could meet with you and your Lord. The Californians are indeed a foolish people...they have all the vices of the Old United States, yet few of it's virtues. Hopefully, Lucius Caesar sending their President home in a box will finally make them see the error of their ways."

"Thanks to the valor of your Legions", Barnaky continued, "I don't see them plaguing us with their stupidity and greed for the next few years at least....which is convenient as we have work to do."

Barnaky then picked up a remote from the map table and pushed a button, and the world map on the large screen on the far wall changed to a map of what was the Eastern United States, with the declared borders of the Brotherhood, Cult, the Detroit Republic, and smaller powers were marked.

"I'll give you a brief rundown of the situation", Barnaky began, "and answer any questions you have. I've also arranged for your Command staff to be fully briefed."

"We are advancing on three fronts", Barnaky continued, "The Southern force is moving on Louisville, Kentucky, along I-64 and the Ohio River. So far, they have met little resistance...mostly Raiders and petty local despots. The Central force, proceeding down I-70 and I-74, has reached Indianapolis and placed it under siege. Two days ago, the Airport was secured and the Paladin-General is moving his Headquarters there to be closer to the front. The Northern force is advancing East along I-90, with the objective of reaching the I-69 interchange. Then forces from all three fronts would cut off Fort Wayne, the main Cult stronghold in Indiana, and destroy the forces there. All the while diplomatic efforts would be made to secure the cooperation of the Detroit Republic for an advance to Columbus, from which we can directly threaten the Cult's heartland. But a complication has come up which may require a re-evaluation of the plan."

"The enemy, of course, has responded with moves of their own", Barnaky said. "They have launched a full scale Invasion of the Detroit Republic, and are doing better than we would like. Their initial objectives appear to be Toledo and Columbus. Columbus was expected, for the reasons I gave before, but some of their moves in the north were surprising."

"A large force entered Michigan, coming South from Canada along I-75. They seized the Soo Locks...which would have cut off maritime traffic between Lakes Superior and Huron...but thankfully did not seem to recognize it's strategic importance as it was not damaged and only lightly garrisoned. They are awfully determined to get into Lake Michigan...no matter how many of their ships my sailors sink they keep coming." Barnaky shrugged, a odd expression for a robot to make, "So be it. If they want to die, we'll gladly oblige them. Analysis of captured communications and interrogating the occasional prisoner generally back up the Cult radio broadcasts that one of their objectives is Chicago...a goal that we see as unrealistic, to say the least, given the depth of Chicago's defenses. We've taken steps to guard against that, nevertheless, as they may have a unconventional strategy in mind...similar to your rather effective way of removing Searchlight from the strategic chessboard at a stroke in the Mojave War, Vulpes."

"Another force is currently contending for Toledo", Barnaky continued, "This move we expected. We believe the Cult intends to take Detroit...this would effectively bring down the Republic and add the bulk of it's industrial base to theirs. Unfortunately, the Republic was not prepared for war, which mystifies me, and is losing on all fronts. We see no choice but to intervene. Detroit must be held at all costs, but there is another opportunity here....the possibility of bottling up two of their Field Armies inside Michigan where we can force them to battle on our terms and annihilate them. At the same time, we must continue the advance on Columbus to keep the pressure on, prop up the Republic...and open the path to Pittsburgh so we can strangle this Cult in it's cradle."

"Given the size of the Legion's contribution to the war effort", Barnaky said in conclusion, "It is only appropriate the Legion's role reflect that contribution. To that effect, Legate, I would like to offer you command of one of the Fronts...either our efforts in Michigan, or the Drive on the East, towards Columbus. We will, of course, attach to your command appropriate specialist and support units, who will report to you. While this is without precedent in Brotherhood history, blind obedience to the Codex invariably led to the undoing of every other chapter but mine....so while I respect precedent when I can, I'm not afraid to replace them with new ones when Duty requires it."

"That's the situation in a nutshell", Barnaky said, "If you have questions I'd be pleased to answer them."

War Never Changes

Central Nebraska

The passenger train, pulled by a massive 4-8-4 "Northern" steam locomotive, rocketed across the plains at a steady 75 miles an hour, the two large red flags bearing the Bull of Caesar affixed to the front of the locomotive proudly flapping in the breeze. While she was rated for a maximum speed almost twice that, doing so would complicate things for the railway officials clearing the path for the Express train so it could maintain this speed all the way to it's destination. Passengers inside, if they chose to look out the windows, could see small, tidy towns and massive fields of razorgrain and other crops, tended by purpose built robots roll by. Often, they passed by other trains, waiting patiently at sidings for them to pass. Occasionally, they passed by work gangs, made up of robots and what seemed to be prisoners, dismantling abandoned Pre-War towns and cities down to their very foundations for recycling. As the train began to approach Omaha, the towns got larger, and upon reaching the outskirts of the Brotherhood Capital, the factories, both refurbished pre-war installations and new ones, underlined the growing economic strength at the Brotherhood's command.

Pulling into Omaha's main train station, a unit of power armored soldiers had formed a cordon along the platform, keeping curious civilians of all kinds, including a contingent of Barnaky Youth in their black uniforms and red scarves, that were waiting to embark on trains at a respectful distance as the occupants disembarked, to be greeted by a party of senior officials, and ushered outside where a a convoy of passenger cars, buses and trucks, waited for them. Making their way through the city, while some buses and trucks could be seen, most traffic through the rebuilt and busy city streets was either horse drawn or bicycles. Omaha, with a population slightly over 125,000, was only surpassed by Chicago in size in Brotherhood territory. The ravages of the Great War had erased long ago, the buildings they passed by were either properly repaired Pre-War structures, or stoutly built new ones, of brick or concrete. Driving south, they eventually passed out of the city, and to what was clearly a old military base, the repaired and repainted sign identifying it as Offut AFB, along with a old insignia that one with knowledge of the Old world military would recognize as the insignia of the Strategic Air Command. Behind, and towering over it, was a granite marker on which the Midwestern Brotherhood's logo, cast from bronze, was set to show who controlled the base now. Entering the base, like in Omaha itself the buildings were either old, but meticulously repaired, or entirely new structures. The runways were in use, with military aircraft, most but not all cargo aircraft, taking off or landing frequently. Security was tight, with a heavy presence of power-armored infantry and The convoy proceeded deep into the base, eventually pulling up to the entrance to a underground bunker, where the occupants, after clearing the checkpoint, were led inside.

SAC Command Bunker - Operations Room

Barnaky, or to be more precise, the robot he was controlling, looked up from the map he had been studying as the polite applause began, to see the party of Legion officials, along with their Brotherhood escorts, enter to the applause of the entire staff. The pair at his head, he immediately recognized from photographs. If he could, he would have smiled warmly as they strode up to him and the introductions were made.

"Legate Aurelius", Barnaky said warmly as he extended his hand, "Welcome to Omaha, your reputation precedes you...it's good to finally meet you!". He then added, "Please forgive the robot, I've found using this form is easier for others to, well, relate to than other methods. How was your trip?"

War Never Changes

Markle, Indiana Highway 3 bridge

"Her eyes," Robert remarked to Harkness as he recovered from the shock of his first real encounter with a devoted member of the cult, "She had to be utterly insane. And what was she babbling about? Abominations and Ug-Qualtoth? I mean I've seen some crazy things in my time with The Brotherhood: chemed up raiders...even the President-loving zealots in The Enclave, but that...that was something else."

"Ug-Qualtoth", Harkness replied, saying the name with great distaste, "is what they call thier "god". According to their dogma, it's an immortal alien being of immense age...supposedly existing long before Mankind...and power. It supposedly sleeps deep underground near a place called Dunwich...from Pre-War records a sparsely populated rural community in Eastern Massachusetts. Oddly specific, given that from the best the Inquisitors have been able to tell the Cult itself originated from a backwater coastal community in Maryland. It is currently asleep, they say....supposedly because conditions aren't right for it to be active...they either seek to wake it or to have an army to place at it's disposal when it does, I'm not sure which. I've sat through the briefings...all squad leaders and above have...it's nonsense, of course, but they all believe it implicitly....and that makes them extremely dangerous."

"Heard about your run-in with the Enclave", Harkness added, "Good work ridding the world of those bastards."

From the West, the sound of rotors could be dimly heard.

"Your ride is here", Harkness said, then giving the order for flares to be lit and placed to mark the LZ for the Vertibirds., and for the troops to lay down suppression fire on enemy positions as the Vertibirds approached.

Soon, two Vertibirds, flying fast and low, flew in, and one at a time, hovered low above the river, as crewmen in side pushed objects into the water, then returning and landing, rotors still running for quick takeoff. Two figures, in black fatigues with combat armor over them, jumped off the Vertibird, making way as the Knights loaded their wounded comrade and his damaged suit into the Vertibird, and then approached Harkness and Kyle.

"Brother Harkness, I presume?" the leader, a intense looking woman, asked. Harkness nodded. "I'm Inquisitor Stahl, my orders are to take custody of your prisoners, as well as Brother Kyle and the other people rescued from town."

"Been expecting you, Inquisitor", Harkness replied coolly. While the Inquisition was necessary, he still didn't like the amount of power they were given and didn't fully trust them. "May I introduce Brother Kyle, Lancer-Sergeant of the Eastern Chapter?"

"Pleased to meet you, Brother", Stahl said, extending her hand to Kyle, "On behalf of the Midwestern Order, I welcome you to our lands." she then added, "Please come with me. You and I, and the other rescuees will take the first Vertibird. My associate will travel with the prisoners."

Stahl led Kyle to the first Veribird, where the three civilians were being helped onboard. As the pair embarked, the old woman..now hogtied..and a couple wounded and cowed Raiders in handcuffs were unceremoniously loaded onto the second Vertibird. Once loading was complete, Stahl raised a gloved fist and pounded twice on the bulkhead separating the passenger compartment from the cockpit and the engines immediately revved up and the Vertibird took the the air, and slowly began to head west.

"We'll be at the forward command base in Indianapolis in about fifteen minutes", Stahl said, "After what you've been through, I'm sure you'd like a hot meal and some sleep before we interview you...they are also sending someone from Omaha to speak to you directly..but if you have any questions, i'll answer as best I can."

Outside Markle, IN, I-69 Bridge 8:00 am

Frank stood on the single intact span, seething as he beheld the smoke curling from the rubble of the camp at the East end of the bridges, and beyond it to the smouldering hulks of all too many of thier vehicles along the highway leading back to town. They'd managed to save one span, but only just...and the price they'd paid for that victory was outrageously high. Forced to make a headlong advance down the interstate, the Brotherhood had been waiting and taken a terrible toll on their Marauders, demolishing the north span of the bridge before they could close to engage. fortunately, they had not completed wiring the south span for demolition, and they had managed to reach and disarm many of the charges already placed before they detonated them to cover their retreat. While the bridge was damaged, it was still serviceable. A Marauder was rapidly approaching from the town, deftly swerving around the smoking wrecks at full speed as if it was running an obstacle course. it roared up, screeching to a halt next to the Mutant. The armored driver side door groaned open, and Peg, now wearing clothes, at least, climbed out. The grim expression on her face said it all, but Frank had to ask anyway.

"What's the situation in town, Peg", Frank asked. "And where the fuck is Slade?"

"it's fucking bad", Peg replied bitterly, "They blew the fuel and ammo dumps, the fusion generator is completely fucked...and if that wasn't enough, they let the ferals out, too, and then painted their symbol all over the place, including the water tower. We can't even put the squares to work fixing this mess until they can round the ferals up again. As far as Slade, he went into the river when they blew the Highway 3 bridge. He made it out...and they've run about all the Rad-Away in town through him...doc says he'll probably make it, and we'll know in about twelve hours if he's gonna change or not." She then added, "Just found out about something else you aren't gonna like."

"Out with it, Peg", Frank said wearily, "it can't get much worse."

"Slade had caught one of their soldiers and was holding them in the Jail with this month's tribute", Peg said, "I'm told his Vertibird, or whatever, had broke and he had to land where a patrol managed to catch him." She added, "Both are gone, by the way."

"And why wasn't I told of this?", Frank hissed. "Did Slade think that was not important?"

"He's dumb as shit...", Peg said with a smirk, "...but he ain't stupid. He knew it was important....he just wanted all the credit with Rog'Resh for serving him up a Brotherhood prisoner for himself, that's all."

"Of course he did", Frank said disgustedly. "Go back....once the ferals are rounded up roust out the locals able to work and send thirty or so out here. We've got to start fortifying the approaches to that bridge."

War Never Changes

Highway 3 Bridge

"That's incredible," Robert said, with a mixture of awe and surprise, "I'm glad to see the Midwestern Chapter has fared far better than we did. Whatever our differences, at least we might both be considered Brothers-in-arms, and its good to know that at least one chapter has found success."

"I appreciate that", Harkness replied, "Many Brothers and Sisters, especially in the West, don't understand that the world has changed since the days of Maxon, we can't go on like we had before. We have to either adapt or die. We chose to adapt, something many have not forgiven us for. The Western Elders ignored the suffering of the Wastelanders around them until it was too late, the result of their error was to be driven from the Order's very birthplace into exile in Oregon by the NCR. We haven't had contact with your Order for some time, but I understand Elder Lyons came to a similar conclusion as we did....it's a pity that his successor, Maxon, didn't seem to agree. I'm sure our leaders will be interested to hear...a moment please.", Harkness was interrupted by a incoming message.

"Yes, my Lord, the charges are set", Harkness said, clearly communicating with someone over the radio, "We were only waiting for Brother Murphy to deliver Brother Kyle and the others. I understand...we will be ready for them."

"We need to move", Harkness said to Kyle as he picked up the pace, "The enemy has figured out what we are up to, and there is a strong force heading here to try to stop us."

As the pair jogged towards the end of the bridge, Harkness began issuing orders for the battle to come. Once they reached the other end of the bridge, Harkness did a roll call to ensure that all squads were present, and then gave the order to hold fire, except for Delta, spread out in a skirmish line, until the supports were blown. They then took up their positions and waited...but not for long. Soon, a sizeable force of Raiders, at their head a scrawny, robed, old woman, pushed down the road and onto the bridge. Delta squad began to fire, picking off Raiders with each volley, but that seemed to only spur them to advance faster. Harkness watched, waiting grimly for the center of the column to move into the kill zone. Once the Raiders were committed irrevocably, Harkness raised the detonator and thumbed the safety off.

"Fire in the hole!", Harkness called out, then pushed the fire button. The charges below the bridge detonated and the entire structure began to collapse into the river in spectacular fashion. eliminating the bulk of the enemy force at a stroke. The Raiders behind her cowered at the blast, but the crazy old woman kept moving forward, babbling crazy talk.

"Weapons free", Harkness called out on his radio, "Light 'em up, but try not to waste that old crone!"

Now, Harkness's entire force opened fire upon the trapped and decimated enemy, who began dropping like flies in the crossfire.

"BE AWARE, SLAVES OF STEEL!" the old woman screeched as she strode forward, heedless of the carnage around her, "SERFS OF A BRAIN IN A JAR! FOR WE CAN KNOW NO FEAR! IT WHAT SLUMBERS UNDER DUNWHICH WILL AWAKE! AND IT SHALL FIND A REALM UNITED IN ITS WORSHIP! I HAVE SPOKEN THE NAME THAT BURNS!"

A laser beam stabbed into her shoulder, causing her to fall, but then she staggered to her feet and began to move forward again.

Now only a couple yards from Harkness and his command squad, she looked at them and pointed. glaring at the group. "THERE IS NO SALVATION FOR ANY OF YOU! UG-QUALTOTH WILL FEAST ON YOUR SOUL, AND CHEW ON YOUR SPIRIT..." It was then, that suddenly fear appeared on her withered face, and she stopped to scream. "S..souless Abomination..w..what is that thing...."

Stumbling backwards, she began to crawl away. Harkness looked to where she had been looking, finding it was at the very spout where Brother Kyle, who looked a bit astonished himself, stood, his laser rifle at the ready. Harkness turned his attention back to the woman and spat out an order, two solders sprung forward, one grabbing her arms so she could not detonate any suicide charge, the other roughly frisking her.

"No bomb, sir", the second solder said, then none too gently picked up the struggling woman, and carried her to the rear, still shrieking nonsense about her "god" and "souless ones".

"Search her more closely, and put a gag on her", Harkness instructed, "I don't want to listen to her bullshit all the way back to base." The fighting on this side of the river now over, he called another roll call. the squad leaders reported all troops accounted for, and one casualty, a soldier in Delta squad had been hit by a armor piercing rocket. His suit had saved him, but he was badly hurt and needed CASEVAC, which Harkness called in for. After receiving their reply, Harkness went back to the unit channel.

"Form a skirmish line along the riverbank and prepare to provide suppressive fire...", Harkness said, ".....the surprise package is en route...ETA 10 minutes."

"Surprise package?" Robert replied with unease as he gripped the laser rifle he'd be given tightly, "What sort of surprise are we talking about here?"

"Some new playmates for these people the Scribes came up with", Harkness said, "Basically, small robots optimized for underwater deployment. They want to see how well they can keep them from trying to repair the bridge or cross by boat....as well as how they adapt to their deployment. Harassment, at this stage of the development cycle....they'll help to remind the enemy that we're coming back one day and making them think about whether they really want to be here when we do."