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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2014 2:33:09 GMT -5
(OOC: Yo Butters. Or should I see Count Butters *curtsies*. Bare in mind that they are in pretty thick undergrowth, the area is currently full of smoke and fire, and there's very little of Epsilon Iota left. It would be easier to crawl or crouch past your boys than usual. Fear not - I am going somewhere with this. Mister Mussolini is not long for this world and I am basically dispatching him in a way that allows him to say goodbye to his people. Zel has looked this over, plus Me and Meta have conferred on this, but will change if he too has issue with it. Cheerz - Hazza)
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Post by Court Baron Butters on Jun 5, 2014 21:21:09 GMT -5
((OOC: Fair 'nough)) [Roanoke Island - south of Manteo City] Alphonso, and Nalania were still in shock, having looked back to find that their comrade had wondered off, the two shared one thought He could already be dead. Alphonso decided he better grab the folding shovel, and start digging graves, Nalania watched as he did so, but her eye was caught by the hulking image of her comrade meatpoochie returning from the brush. Meatpoochie had just finished prying what spare ordnance he could from the fallen stormtroopers, while doing this he noticed something that stunned him, he ran up to see his the remains of his team. As Meatpoochie made his way up the hill to his friends Alphonso blurted aloud at him "Pooch! We've got an issue, Stephens gone MIA."Meatpoochie turned to look at his commander and comrade, they were well worn, beat up, bloodied, and battered, and Meatpoochie looked no better. "Wha-What the hell are you talking about? I thought I was supposed to be the jokester here." Meatpoochie laughed to himself, but his chuckle trailed off as he looked around, and then back at the two soldiers in front of him. "Seriously, where is the kid?"Alphonso sighed, and put his hands on his temple. "We don't know poochie, but finding Omega squad still has to be priority here, if we find him, then we find him, but we can't go out of our way to look."Meatpoochie laughed in disbelief of his commanders words "Mission takes priority! What the hell are you to doing up here with shovels?Nalanias face cringed as she heard her partners words, she was already fatigued, and grew more furious as Meatpoochie spoke, she walked a few feet towards Meapoochie. "Ulric...we're digging graves, lay off, we could all use a break." Meatpoochie couldn't looked straight at her, it had been so long since she...since anyone had used his real name. The two stood there for a moment while Alphonso went back to digging. After a moment Meatpoochie looked back at Nalania, he couldn't keep a smile his face only continued to sag down into a frown. Look at us Nalania..." There was a still puddle next to the two of them only interupted by the splashes of rain, he turned to look in it, as did Nalania, Meatpoochies long blonde hair had turned brown and green from the mud and slush common in the swamps, Nalanias blood starkly contrasted against her dark brown skin. Meatpoochie paused for a second taking in a good look before talking again "Look at us...We have nothing...We ARE nothing. Smith is dead...Robert is dead...Claudia..."Nalania finished his sentence "...Dead..." Nalania's tears joined rain drops as they hit the puddle of water. Meatpoochie continued his statement "We lost Marcus...And now Stephen, and fido. Our helmets are sitting in the rain malfunctioning from the blast...We're fatigued, we're hungry...And thirsty- He was cut off at the last second. "I'm scared Ulric...I-I don't know what to do, I'm a soldier, and for the first time in a long time...I am completely lost for words, or actions, or anything. I just-Fuck! I just want to do what I think they would all want dammit!"Meatpoochie grabbed her hand, and lead her over to the Alphonso - still busy digging - and they all pitched in to return their partners, and the wolves bodies to the earth. ------------------------------------------------------------------ [Roanoke Island - less south of Manteo City] Stephen was caught off guard by the wolfs ambush. 'You there! Hands up! No sudden movements.' The scientist nearly jumped out of his boots, as all guns turned to him, in a panic state he leaped to the wet earth, and crawled into a fetal position (As he was trained to do). Stephen put both of his hands on the glass dome covering his head, speaking again, the wolves questioned him 'Who are you, who shot that flare, and where are my gate guards?' Still on the ground Stephen yelled "Please don't kill me! I'll betray anyone!"The brave soldier continued to cower alone in the mud waiting for a response from the wolves, but he heard shouting from multiple people, not the wolves, These voices were new. Who were these men? Stephen wondered, and in another instance he heard yet another different voice...One he could have sworn he'd heard before. 'It's me! Mussolini! Hauser is my Sargeant! Zoller is my Commandant!' Before Stephen could even lift his head to see what was going on (Not that he had plans to do that any time soon) he heard the flash of what sounded like hundreds of energy rifle wielding soldiers charging into battle, as the onslaught ensued so did Stephens imagination. The scientist pictured feet on the ground hundreds of Enclave soldiers here to back the lone Enclave scientist caught in the middle of a war...He was saved...He was saved! Even if only in his imagination |
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Post by <> MetaWulf <> on Jun 7, 2014 21:41:35 GMT -5
Chapter 5,
Scene 5-2 ( complete )
Broken Highway, NC Coast
Gallow Team continued to advance down the highway as it neared three in the morning. Insects and various fauna filled the night air with noise, and the vegetation had reached another point where it was spilling over the road from either side. Looking back, the old Wolf placed a finger to his eyes and continued on. Rikki jogged quietly to the right side of the road, holding her rifle in a ready position. Gallow Team members spread out, creating a sloppy V formation as they escorted the caravan south. Rikki nonchalantly took a hit of Field Jet, a tamed down sister to the potent narcotic.
"Keep it together, Rikki." Gallow said quietly as they forded a shallow sinkhole.
"I'm just stayin' alert, boss." the girl said with a grin as she pulled herself out of the muck and adjusted her weapons once again. "Some of these turds look like they're gonna fall alseep on us. As if-"
"Rikki, keep your damn mouth shut. Not another word until we reach Kitty Hawk, ya hear me?" The members of Gallow Team travelling in the front of the caravan focused on Rikki. She had rubbed everyone the wrong way for the last week, but now she had finally broken the stoic patience of Gallow. The woman opened her mouth, but did not speak. Their veteran leader continued ahead of the group, simply waving them onward. The young woman growled and resumed moving with the caravan.
Jurassic Putt, NC Coast
Tigru finished tying the bundle of dynamite to a rusting vehicle, wiping the sweat from his forehead with a rag. The cool night air was humid, and the pressure was growing on the mercenary. If what Amos said was true, they were about attempt an ambush and murder and entire Wolven caravan returning from the Pitt. It had been nearly a year since the mercenary himself had left Whalebone, but he figured the Wolves would be using the same system as always for the run. And that meant well armed escorts. Depending on the priority of the cargo, perhaps more than a few.
"You done?" a voice behind Tigru bellowed. The mercenary turned slowly to greet the giant, who had removed his coat. Rippling muscle and veins covered his body, and his right arm was truly a nightmarish appendage in the moonlight. In his right hand he held a peeling fire axe. In his left
"Almost. Get your boys outta here so I can run the trip-wires and drop a few mines. And make sure your boys don't go thinkin I'm a Wulf." he said while adjusting his gloves and being sure to avoid looking into the mutant's remaining eye. Producing some thin cable wire, the man went to work before the Native could respond.
"Heh." The large Native gave Tigru a smug grin despite his back being turned. "Not much o' a stretch, is it? Jus' keep yer mark covered, human." Amos chuckled to himself and returned to the Jurassic Putt golf course, leaving Tigru to finish his trap.
Overgrown with mutant flora, some of the cracked and broken dinosaur statues still remained. Grunting, Amos ducked inside the belly of a rusting triceratops. It's top horns had fallen off throughout the years of weathering, and the mutant observed the road from these holes. The rest of the mutants had found spot along the ruined course to hide, and a few had climbed nearby trees. It would start out quiet, as Grandma had wished, but eventually the bullets would come. Amos would make sure all the body found their way to the holding pond in the center of the course. If was near the highway, and currently held fifteen thrashers, most of which were heavy females. Amos and his boys had carved out the edge of the pond months ago, making it difficult for all but the most powerful gators to escapes from. Then the had fed them some small creatures, but otherwise the gators currently possessed a deep hunger.
The dynamite and mines were a last resort. The main tactic was to subdue the soldiers as quickly as possible, then feed the corpses and survivors to the gators. If would look like the caravan had happened upon fresh nesting waters, provoking an attack my multiple thrashers. Placing a few dead thrashers around corpses cleverly around Jurassic Putt would seal the deal. He planned to smash their radio on a rock before they could call for help.
From the muck covered green water came a hiss. The gators were hungry. And Amos Moses intended to feed them fresh Wolf within the hour.
Somewhere in the Dismal Swamp Region, NC
"SHUT UP!" Paxton yelled at the giant monster. "YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN BE LOUD! AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!"
Paxton screamed at the Alligator. Screamed at him with all he could.
The heavy, opaque film covering Granddaddy's left eye slid open slowly. The behemoth's eye focused on the shouting creature of warn flesh downriver. Annoying pink thing. How Foolish. The monster saw an image of it's boat sized jaws silencing the pink creature forever, hissing. Hungry. He began to turn towards Paxton Micheals, jaws opening slightly for another roar, when the great reptile suddenly froze. His nostrils opened to the size of fists. There was a smell in the air now. Not of the pink thing and it's terrified companions. There were females nearby. Many females. Granddaddy's hormones forced him to haul his considerable bulk out of the water, his tail leaving a rut as he moved through the trees and foliage. The humans were of not concern. He let out an rumbling growl, picking up speed as he powered through the brush and towards the ever strengthening scent of fertile female thrashers. The creature was not intelligent enough to question why so many would be in one small area.
Herb and Gerb exchanged glances, then both focused on Paxton. They gave the boy child-like looks of wonder and amazement. Granddaddy disappeared into the thick growth of the Carolina Coast as the twins both bowed before the schizophrenic. Gerb slipped in the mud, steadying himself with his brother's arm.
"Fren," Herb began. "You just chased away da bigget, meanet thrasher in da whole swampuh. You is da most powerful humans Gerb un Herb meets." the mutant said, his abnormal eye sinking lazily.
"No ohnyun loud 'ellin!" Gerb said enthusiastically while raising his arm above his head to imitate Paxton. His body odor was quite strong.
Herb's lower lip was pushed out and his face contorted in distant concentration. "Know whut? You be's so powerful, Herb tinks you cun kill da monster in da mootain." His brother cowered, obviously afraid of said monster. Herb continued. "Mootain is long far away, but Herb bet's you come from far anyhows. Dat monster, da mootain demon, it dunt ever left der. But, you cant go anyhows. Cus it kills yah. Dog men are 'fraid of it. Dat means it's big bad. No way it's not big bad. Amos wot go tah der, evun, un he pretty big bad too."
"Big bad." Gerb whispered quietly while itching himself.
"So." Herb began as he collected his belongings from the mud and began "cleaning" himself of the muck. "Gerb n' me's get fish. What yo do here in swamp?" the mutant asked as the they resumed leading Paxton Michaels along the river in the direction of their home.
Whalebone - The Charleston Motel
“What?” Thiago asked, turning his head as Jade started asking him about women and kids. "Well, uh… No… ‘fraid not.” Thiago said, leaning his head on his elbow, which was propped up on the arm of the chair. “I had a girl a long time ago, back when I was with my family… Never got married or nothin’, she’s long gone now. As for kid’s… if I do, I don’t know about them. Probably not though,"
“How about you…? Got a guy somewhere?”
"Yeah, right. I'm a loser around here, Thiago. I couldn't even pass the active soldier tests." Jade said in a relaxed voice as she scrubbed her neck. "And when your don't have skills, most Wolves tend to overlook you. And I'm a trainwreck to boot. I couldn't maintain a relationship to save my life." she added with a chuckle as she submerged the rag.
Jade continued to bathe in silence, reflecting on her failed past relationships. "Never had any children. Don't even know if I can. If I had, I wouldn't be a Gate Guard. Wolves who succesfully deliver children are highly respected around here. Single, childless girls with minimal skills, on the other hand, don't count for much." the guard continued as her left leg emerged from the dirty water. "Not tah say I can't drop Nuka bottles from a couple hundred yards all day long. But that's mostly the rifle."
"I guess what I'm saying is I'm nobody special." The young woman finished as her bath was concluded. Pulling the drain plug and standing up slowly, Jade carefully stepped out of the bathtub. The girl began shivering as she snatched the worn-out towel hanging from the wall, wrapping it around her torso tightly before then wringing her hair out over the nearly empty bathtub. Jade proceeded to kneel beside the tub, and began to wash her soiled clothes in the soapy water.
"Remember in March when you were in Kitty Hawk selling blueshell, back when we met? I had never realized outsiders weren't bad people until you and I talked that day. Well, the fact that the crab was delicious probably helped. And your unique companion, of course." the girl said with a chuckle, greatly favoring her left arm while washing the garment and leather. "I'd enjoy seeing her again."
After rinsing her clothes and hanging them up in the bathroom, the young guard made her way across the room and opened the window. The coastal breeze rushed in quietly, and Jade turned to face Thiago. Sitting back against the window's base. A gurgle was heard as the last of the water found it's way down the drain. "Thiago... would you wrap this for me?" She asked, holding a roll of gauze up in her left hand. Her right shoulder's bullet wound had visibly shrank, but was still in need of dressing.
Manteo City Streets
“It would seem we have quite a bit to talk about, alright then.” Ling smirked, before looking down the street. “I uh… I think the sixth street bar’s the closest, and although I’d prefer Pamlico Jack’s, I think we should go to the Abemarle Tavern, see what’s going on there. We can always go to Pamlico’s later on if we feel like it.” She smiled, before heading off.
Orlando chuckled. "The Albermarle Tavern it is. This way, ma'am." he said with a playful grin, before taking her arm and leading her down the crowded street.
“So how’s duty been keeping you? Got any new scars?” she asked as her eyes scanned the crowd for faces she recognized. Those that knew her gave respectful nods, or pats on the shoulder, which she returned in kind. One girl gave her a particularly embarrassed look, and tried averting her eyes and attempted to avoid Ling’s attention, but she’d seen her already.
"Actually, it's a funny story, I-"
“Excuse me for a moment Orlando." Ling growled, before walking straight up to the girl. “I know you've been with Grey.” Ling flatly began, “Now, I’m not mad that you've been with my son, but, I believe it is about time you two consider moving out and get settled yourselves. Tell Grey when you see him next that if I come back from training his brother anymore times and you two have been messing around in my house, I’m going to kick him out into the streets. Other than that, welcome to the family.” Ling gave the girl a small smirk, before turning on her heels and then walking back to Orlando and continuing on.
"So that's Grey's love, huh?" Orlando finally asked after a comical silence. "Cute girl. Boy's got good taste." the Wolf said, shooting Ling a wink. The man rubbed his short beard thoughtfully as they walked. "I always knew your children would be as smooth as their mother. Hell, I remember when you had men fighting over you left and right." he said with a bashful chuckle. He had been one of those men. Orlando and Ling continued down the street, turning on to Surf Street. Although the alleys and side streets had cleared, Surf Street and a few other large drags still bustled. A vendor waved a steaming stick of fried crab at the veteran Wolf, who waved his hand and thanked the contractor. The Tavern had better food waiting for Ling and himself.
"Oh, right, scars." Orlando said after a moment. "There's this monstrous mutant Native, they call this thing Moses. Like the ...african guy who was a buddist, i think, to be ironic? Catholic? Anyway, the damn thing and a bunch of other inbred muties set a trap for us. Snoop and Wilos were killed in the beginning. Henry near the end. I shot Moses twice as he escaped. I didn't miss, Ling. How can these hillbilly's turn around and run away after taking a few magnum rounds? Tha damn thing removed Polo's arm. I don't think he's gonna make it." As they walked between scattered groups of people, Orlando looked sober. "I know it's not exactly appetizing talk, but word is Alpha plans on hunting him down. Thought you should know. Not that I doubt Cade or his team, Ling, just tell him to be careful."
The couple crossed the street, passed through an ivy-covered archway, and entered the Albermarle Tavern. The establishment was dimly lit, but clean and in good condition. Two small groups of revelers remained, along with two solitary drinkers at the bar. A single, dark haired woman seemed to be the only employee out front, but a cook could be heard speaking to someone in the back as he fried someone's meal. The tavern smelled of fried fish, blue shell, and various other delicious delicacies from across the wasteland.
- - -
“Have you ever seen the grotesque Shamblers who wander the Wetlands?" Zoller intoned quietly with an eerie calm.
"No." Scarlett replied quietly as the wind blew her curls around her shoulders. His expression causes her to become uneasy.
"Or the festering glowing ghouls who lurk in the swamp? They are men. They are women they were children. Prisoners of Nachzeher, tribals and deviants and those who displeased the Fuhrer. They are sent to the Rad Chambers, said to contain….said to contain something evil, glowing green in the dark. It changes men into monsters and kills all humanity. That is the punishment for failing the Fuhrer. The loss of the soul.”
"Every person in this city, man, woman, or child, owns at least a single firearm." Scarlett persisted. "Machine gun nests. Snipers. Sweeper Teams. Trying to take this city will bleed you dry of men and supplies"
"The plan is not to take the city," Zoller snapped, revealing a little more than intended. "Our intelligence suggests that Dar-win's Commander is discontent with his leadership. Infiltration - kidnap of a significant Wolven tribesmember - will make the ground fertile for revolution. We will walk through Manteo's gates on the eve of it's first civil war. Ein Volk. Ein Reich. Ein Fuhrer." He paused, eyes darting under his helmet. "I'm afraid merely knowing this puts you in danger," Zoller explained. "Needless to say, should the Wolves take me alive I will attest to your collaboration with my efforts." He at least had the decency to shoot Scarlett an apologetic look for this.
Finally they were at their target. The Manteo Mansion. As its ominous shadow stretched before them like a crooked man, Zoller looked wildly around him. No sign of Hauser. Almost frantic, he pressed the radio on his hip, but nothing more than static greeted him. Between the sour faced guards, the total lack of his squad and Scarlett's kind eyes, Zoller was faltering. What chance did he have? Manteo was at peace. The Wolves had guards and weapons to spare. The place was a tomb. Scarlett promised to bring him back later. He didn't believe a word with it. But he was tired and unfocused and a long way from following orders. The dog looked up from the dirt, glancing at Zoller almost accusingly.
"Scheiße" spat Zoller, as he gripped Scarlett's hand in his and took her and the dog wordlessly back to the hotel.
Scarlett remained calm as Zoller lead her back along the side streets of Manteo. Many Wolves were returning home to retire for the night, but a good crowd still occupied the main streets and the various vendors. When Zoller, Scarlett, and the dog emerged onto Surf Street she smiled. Wolves and contractors were still thick along the busy market street, many of them participating in drink and smoke. Various Old World songs drifted from the bars and taverns, filling the north side of Manteo with a mixture of vocals and instrumentals. A vendor hailed them as they passed.
"Aye, Red, I know you want some of meh fried trasher! You two come and have a bite!" An elderly, skinny grill vendor called to Scarlett.
"It smells delicious, Renner, but my friend and I have already eaten. We're retiring for the night." Scarlett said after she stepped over to the vendor, clenching Zoller's hand in reassurance. She was eager to lower the old contractor's voice, and not to draw attention to the couple. It seemed no one had notice, or no one had cared to notice the old man and the pair on the sidewalk.
"Oh, how nice. You know, Red, I've never seen this Wolf before."
"Renner, you senile old man! You've met him three times, and you keep forgetting. Soon you'll be burning your gator because you forgot it on the grill, and then how will you make money? Perhaps should check with Selena at the clinic, maybe she can help with your memory like she did your leg." Scarlett replied sternly yet amiably. Normally she would not have been sharp with the harmless old man, but she felt as if he didn't drop the subject immediately, he wouldn't be living much longer. The old man, however, chuckled bashfully. He was obviously open to the possibility of having met Zoller before and having forgotten.
"Heh heh. I see, sorry about that, ma'am. Yeah. Ya know i get confused sometimes... well good for you, ma'am! Sorry about that... eh, Tim? Now I remember. Wont happen again, sir! Pleasant days and pleasant nights." he said, busying himself with basting a chunk of grilling meat.
As Scarlett led Zoller away from the vendor's hut, she looked to Zoller with her emerald eyes. "He's harmless, I promise." The woman said, brushing her crimson curls behind her shoulder. "If you are in fact hungry, we can make something. I know you'd rather not linger out here." They moved down Surf Street, largely unnoticed in the thinning revelers and festival patrons. The gravity of Zoller's words a minute ago lingered in the contractors mind. They passed a group of people wearing metallic wolf masks. The masks followed Zoller and Scarlett as they passed by, with Scarlett again squeezing Zoller's hand in reassurance as she nodded to the Wolves. They nodded back, then appeared to continue the conversation among themselves.
Turning the corner to the alleyway, the dog trotted ahead of the pair. Eager to return home, the mutt nearly ran into the legs of a Wolf standing in the dimly lit alley. This man, too, wore a metal mask. His mask, however, bore a crack down the left side. The dog skittered backwards into the heeled shoes of Scarlett, giving a single startled bark to the cigarette smoking wolf mask. The contractor stopped suddenly with Zoller behind her. The man was a Wolven Guard.
Above it all, the sound of a violin rang from the rooftop of a nearby building. Scarlett gave the Wolf a smile, appearing calm despite her heart pounding in her chest. "Pleasant nights." Scarlett said to him, the previous encounter still fresh in her mind.
"Aye." The guard replied. "Who's your friend?"
"Oh, just a devilishly handsome new recruit." The woman said, squeezing Zoller's hand once again. She knew he was uneasy, and the situation could go south quickly.
"I see. So what the hell is he doing in Manteo, Red? You know pups aren't allowed on the island."
"Well, if you must know, he's escorting me back to my apartment, Kindle. I hear he's quite skilled in close quarters." There was a moment of silence as the mask studied them. Scarlett knew it was her best option to make it look like Zoller was simply a new Wolf whom she brought to Manteo, against the rules, to bed her. Kindle was a smart man. Any other lie, one of substance, might have made him suspicious.
"...Aye, then. Make sure he gets back to Kill Devil in the morning. This never happened. And if I see the pup again, I'll have him escorted back to the Den with a mark against him for truancy." Kindle grumbled, tossing his cigarette to the wet alley's stone and walking past the couple. When he had disappeared, the red haired young woman sighed and looked to Zoller.
"We need to make you look like a contractor. You're too unrecognizable to the guards here, and it's drawing attention because Manteo is mostly high ranking or at least recognizable Wolves. You'll need to take the role of a contractor tomorrow. I should be able to get you some falsified merchant documents by noon or so, and I have a few men's garments in the closet..." the young woman added as they began to close in on her apartment building. She seemed deep in thought as they entered, ignoring the guard sitting in a metal chair by the door. The man seemed genuinely uninterested in the couple.
Closing the door behind them and locking it, Scarlett tossed her key on the small coffee table and hung her coat on the wall. The dog trotted over to his water bowl and began quietly lapping. After setting her bag on the carpet, Scarlett walked past Zoller and looked out her bedroom window to the streets below. "Make yourself at home, soldier. You should sleep. The sun will be up in a few hours, and Manteo will be back to the usual business later this afternoon. Which means more guards and mostly sober Wolves, so the chances of us get caught are higher, I'd say..."
The woman crossed the room to her bed, producing her hidden revolver from under her dress. Scarlett sat it slowly on the night stand, making it obvious to Zoller that she didn't plan to use the weapon and was making no sudden movements with it. When she had finally found a chance to shoot him on the street earlier, she couldn't bring herself to do it. She may have been a skilled liar, but Scarlett have never been much of a killer. When she had placed the .32 pistol on the stand, she poured herself another drink and it disappeared quickly. His words circled in her head, along with visions of twisted abominations and a ruthless military. Visions of Zoller commanding an army of murderers.
"I saved you again, I believe, so I'd like you to listen to me. What they did to my team and myself was wrong. But I have found forgiveness in my own heart, and I have found a place here."
"The Wolves are, in many ways, still primitive. They, as a people, have much to learn. But their leader, Darwin, he pushes them to build an empire built on it's people, for it's people. A nation of shared knowledge and strength. He pushes for a nation strong enough to thrive, and support each of it's people with the freedom to live however they choose, so long as they remain productive in some way. I'm not defending them.. Zoller... I'm just saying that your people have never seen the other side of them. A tribe that has fought it's way from rags and dirt to a civilization, in some sense of the world. Though their actions are often questionable, their intentions are good for the Wasteland..."
"I want to know why... Why do you willing serve such an evil man? Surley your heart isn't as black as his?" Scarlett stood in front of Zoller, tossing her crimson curls over he shoulder while gazing into his eyes. Placing her hand on his face, the young woman's expression was one of mystique. Her mouth opened slowly, and she spoke in a soft whisper. "Is there a man in there, Zoller? Or are you more of a beast than the very savages you are so determined to destroy?"
Manteo Mansion - Observatory Room & The Eastern Wing
Ghost nodded, then exited the observation room quietly. The man had been surprised that Darwin had not chose to show the room's capabilities to the strangers, but the thought had been discarded quickly. Darwin was a complex man, in ghost's opinion, and it seldom rewarded any Wolf to analyze his decisions. The four strangers behind him followed without speaking, and he assumed they were surveying the grand hall again.
A massive staircase greeted them in the center of the hall, and Ghost led them up it's many stone steps covered in ancient velvet rugs. While the grand staircase had cracked in many places, the structure seemed to have weathered the apocalypse well.
Reaching the second floor, the Wolf led them down a wide landing and through a set of double doors. The hinges were silent, and most of the lights were on. Upon closer examination, it was obvious the light fixtures currently working had been spaced enough to give sufficient lighting while consuming much less power.
"This is the eastern wing." he said matter-of-factly. "There are twenty rooms." Walking down the mansion's ornate and spacious hallway, the soldier's gaze never became curious to the city outside the tall windows. A silence passed as the group walked quietly. They hadn't seen anyone since they had left the observatory room.
"This is you." he said as he tapped the door with his index and middle knuckles. Standing beside the door quietly, Ghost observed them enter the room. When they were all inside, Ghost stepped over to one of the high windows. Instead of looking at the Wolves and contractors below, the man gazed at his own vague reflection. Ghost caught William's reflection as the man entered the hallway behind him. He would have known even had he not seen it. It was his job.
“I thank you again for your hospitality friend. But tonight is a celebration, and while I am not yet familiar with your customs, I find sleep is not yet calling at my doorstep. If I would not impose, I don't suppose you could show me more of your city, and allow me to get to know you better?”
Ghost stared out the window for another moment, then turned and faced William. He took one more moment to study the young Knight before giving a slow nod and a single reply.
"Alright."
Ghost adjusted his tactical vest and cleared his throat. "Follow me." He didn't know what William would think of the brothels, the drunks, or the gambling facilities, but then again the stranger wanted to see the den of the Wolves, and until Scarlett was found, Ghost was in charge of keeping tabs on the strangers. Observing was easier than spying, so this would work in his favor. Nodding towards the hallway, he and William made their way down the eastern wing's corridor. Ghost led them at a casual pace. It had been a long week, he had already worked a double assignment with no sleep, and so he decided he would grab a drink while they were out to relax. Chances are he'd be called back out tomorrow at some point anyway, and he needed to unwind a bit and rest.
Passing through the doorway and onto the grand staircase, they descended the wide steps and found themselves in the grand hall, a few yards from the recieving room. Ghost adjusted his gear before they left, nodding to the Wolven guards on either side of the receiving room doors. Both of them nodded back to the leader of Ghost Team, but otherwise remained still as the pair exited the Manteo Mansion.
"Beautiful morning. Too bad another storm is coming." The Wolven veteran said quietly as they stood infront of the metal gates to the Mansion. The sound wouldn't rise for another few hours, but the temperature hadn't dropped below seventy degrees. An ocean breeze rushed across the island as the the gates were unlocked and opened, allowing the two men passage off of the mansion's lawn. "Looking for anything in particular?" Ghost asked in his signature, monotone voice. "Drink? Food? Women? Gambling? Sport? Machines? Wildlife? Craftsmen? Did I mention Women?" It was unclear whether the statement was Ghost's idea of a joke or if he had really run out of ideas and repeat himself. The man had never had much charisma. In his line of work, he seldom talked to anyone besides Victor the radio tech and Ghost's own Team.
Manteo Mansion - Auditorium
"...and I can assure you all that-" Darwin's words were cut off as the double doors to the massive room were kicked open. Alpha Team entered the auditorium, Alpha herself in the lead. Wolves shuffled away from the isle, eager to be clear of the power armor's path. Clint and Cade followed their leader, weapons in hand but at ease. Clint smirked as he passed his fellow Wolves, knowing most of them to be a lower rank than any of the members of Alpha Team. Behind them trudged Big'Un, his muscles rippling under his dark skin. In his left hand was Rachel Seth's wrist, and he escorted her less gently as they entered the room. Many eyes fell on the Queen of the Bandits as she was escorted in. Most of them were shock. Many of them turned to hate.
"You wanted the cunt? Here she is." the speaker in Alpha's power helmet growled as she ascended the stairs to the stage. Nodding to Big'Un, the Alpha Wolf stepped back. The giant man stepped forward, pushing Rachel to the center of the stage before him. An ancient spotlight came to life, focusing on the woman. "She should be hanged tomorrow in the square. Or shot. The parasite doesn't deserve to live." the woman in the camouflage power armor growled. Many of the Wolves before her nodded or barked in agreement.
"Perhaps." Darwin responded as the other Wolves became quiet once again. The man approached Rachel, causing BIg'Un to release his hold on her and give him distance. "But not before she's had her say." He concluded, to the obvious disapproval of many Wolves in the audience. One even racked his weapon. Darwin's gaze shot to the man, who sunk slowly into his seat under the attention of the amber lenses. The guards turned their attention to the Wolf called Samuel, and one of them took his firearm at gunpoint. He would be reprimanded afterwards. Darwin returned his logistic scans to Rachel Seth.
"So you are the mastermind, and I use the term very loosely, of the cretins from Stumpy Point?" his own speaker concluded. The lens cluster rotated, scanning her body twice for heat signature, form, hidden weapons, and cybernetic enhancements. The dark suit of Enclave armor chuckled. "Not what I expected at all. You're nowhere near as intimidating, and your fairly pleasant to look at, for a muck dweller. Is that why your men followed you? For the view?" This got a chuckled from many of the Wolves around her.
Alpha stepped away from the stage, obviously receiving a radio transmission as she placed her glove instinctively on her earpiece. Tapping her helmet, she spoke in a low tone as the crowd focused on Darwin and the lightly armored woman under the spotlight. After a moment, Alpha looked to Darwin from her position on the side stage. He must have turned his radio off. It didn't appear he got the message. A smile crept across the inside of her own helmet, and the young woman licked her lips. Alpha looked to Cade from her Team's position on the far side of the auditorium.
"Come on. We've got a situation. We're leaving." she said to him before raising her hand. Alpha Team exited the room quickly, getting a few questioning glances from their fellow Wolves. Other Wolves ignored her, knowing it was the best way to avoid trouble anyway. Darwin noted her sudden exit, but returned his attention to Seth. He had indeed received the same transmission as Alpha, and the turn of events would be very beneficial to his goals with the Wolves. Things were going quite well.
Darwin's filtered voice became serious. "You walked straight into the Wolves' den, Ms. Seth. You must be suffering from radiation induced insanity, or you have something so ridiculously important to say that you'd risk your life. You know many of these Wolves have friends or family that your muck-dwelling-thugs have injured or killed, you and the 'Troopers' you seem to be so close to. I allowed you to live for these few years in a show of mercy, and this is how you repay me? Aiding these new soldiers, and then your ridiculous and ignorant attempt at taking Kitty Hawk? But I'm getting ahead of myself now, Ms. Seth. Indulge me, just why in the hell are you here? And why should your life be spared?"
Manteo Mansion - The Master Bedroom
"Angel, did you know Alpha is planning a violent rebellion to overthrow my husband?"
Angel was both surprised and not surprised by these words. Alpha, as a general rule, did not like Angel, and her mind closed up like a clam shell upon even seeing her in the few times that they met. Angel, whose feelings towards Alpha were mutual, avoided her like the plague.
"No..." Angel shook her head, a bit of disbelief showing in her voice. "How could she? Why would she? I thought that she respected Darwin? Does HE know about it?"
Marilyn chuckled hesitantly. It was obvious she was not as comfortable as she wished to appear. "It's been coming for a long time now. I suspect my husband knows." The woman looked to Angel and gave her a comforting smile, but her thoughts continued to hold a sadness. "Lita has... always had reason to resent my husband, Angel. After all, Darwin did kill her father in self defense before we made the great journey here. As close as they began in the years he trained her, she has always held a... grudge of sorts." Marilyn continued. "Darwin tried to teach her to feel compassion... to help her see other ways of life. At first he wanted to help her change. To see things as, perhaps, you and I do. objectively. But it seems Alpha only wants blood and power. She's become a liability." The lovely blonde ran her fingers through her hair, crossing the room with a glass of wine in her hand.
"Sorry for rambling, and I don't mean to concern you, Angel." But Angel could see past Marilyn's fatigued efforts to conceal her feelings. She knew more than she said. And she was somehow confident that Alpha would fail.
"Life is complicated, as you well know Angel, but most people fall into one of two categories. Creators and Destroyers. My husband is a creator. Alpha, undoubtedly, is the latter of the two." she said softly. "My husband will make use of her skills why she provides them to us, but like all destroyers, my cousin's usefulness will come to an end. And when the time comes for her to cause problems or rebel, Darwin has already made preparations for such an event. Please keep as much distance from her as possible in the meantime." Marilyn concluded as she made her way to a oddly shaped couch and relaxed on it's rolling cushions.
"There will be more dark days ahead, Angel. I guess that's what you should take from my fatigued rambling. I hope when the time comes, you remember your family." The woman said as she allowed her head to rest on a red pillow.
Croatan Sound, off the coast of Roanoke Island
Boat Six cruised down the coast, the twin engines rumbling as Ahab adjusted the trim. On point, Delphi was manning the machine gun. Besides the mechanic, the rest of Boat Six's passengers were Red Team.
Red was the youngest team leader, and the youngest of his rank within the Wolven chain of command. At twenty years old, the young man had been given his own team six months ago. The group had yet to work out all of their differences, and Red thought about how well they would preform when thrown into a full scale assault.
A victim of circumstance, Red Team was the only official squad near Boar Six as it refueled. This led to Victor forwarding a message to Red from command as his team had been retiring for the night. They were to grab their gear and be on Boat Six in three minutes. It had been close, with the young leader having to literally pull his last member on board as the watercraft departed.
And here he was, skimming across the dark salt water at three in the morning. Minutes from a moving deployment on the beach, straight into the mouth of hell. ( If the radio chatter was not panic.) And Red knew his team wasn't ready. Loading a variety of exotic rounds into his battered hunting shotgun, the young Wolf locked eyes with his second.
Sunken Highway - Outskirts of Manteo City
Chup watched the waters below slap lazily against the reaming supports of the bridge. There was much she didn't understand about her home, and much she didn't understand about people. One thing that she did know, as strange as it was, seemed to be the fact that people always found reasons to kill people.
As Chup rose and made her way to the north edge of the ruined bridge, she spotted lights approaching quickly her from the direction of the Manteo Docks. Ducking quickly behind the cracked edge barrier, the lights swiftly passed the broken bridge. The girl stood up slowly, watching the massive Boat Six motor down the sound. Wolves covered it's deck, weapons in hand. They hadn't noticed her. As her gaze followed the vessel, something caught her eye. Distantly, faint spots of light were dancing around the southern bend of the island. Something seemed to be happening in the flooded forrest of the southern Roanoke shorline.
Southern Roanoke Island
“Order Sechs und Sechzig.” Reinhardt rumbled. “No survivors.”
Echo's focused her goggles over to the armor clad warrior on the motor bike, no doubt one of the Storm Troopers Echo had heard about so much recently. The woman crouched low and barked a low command to her team. "Fall back and prepare to engage Troopers. Call for backup, Reeter. Tyson, grab the techy." Echo Team moved slowly towards the treeline with weapons ready.
Mussolini was bloody. Mussolini was drained. Yet with the familiar drone of the Commandant's motorbikes, he found himself the energy to stumble upward out of hiding, and run blindly toward the bikes.
"Don't shoot!" He cried. "It's me! Mussolini! Hauser is my Sargeant! Zoller is my Commandant!"
But the tri-beam lasers blared. The Browning fired. A volley of bullets and energy discharges hurtled towards Stephen and Echo team, And for the second time that day, Mussolini hit the deck...
"Cover!" Echo cried as she ran to a nearby tree, pressing her light armor against it as bullets and lasers riddled the wood. Her Team scattered in a loose crescent formation, with Tyson dragging the enclave scientist behind a rock. Abandoning the scientist behind the stone, Tyson dove into a pile of brush as the reeds were assaulted with fire. The border between the flooded woodland and the dunes became a war zone. Carrion Gulls and Ravens took flight in all directions, cawing loudly in alarm.
*static* "Vic! We're pinned down! Storm Troopers and Enclave? I don't know how many-" *static*
A bullet skimmed Echo's helmet, ripping it from her head and giving her a minor case of whiplash. "Shit." the woman cursed as Tyson, her 9mm sub-machine gunner, returned fire from the downed tree behind her. "Kidd, flare gun?!" she said as she found the tree again.
A small Wolf who had been knelt behind a stump switched his lever action shotgun to his left hand, produced the flare gun, and fire it into the sky. The gulls circling the southern portion of Roanoke Island became illuminated, as did the chaotic battlefield below. A rising light painted the area crimson, like the moon above.
"Your radio's broke!" Kidd yelled over the gunfire, flinching as chunks of wood landed against his cheek and neck. "...You want my helmet?"
"No! Yell for Samson!" Echo growled, shoving her black hair out of her eyes as a laser scorched past her. She crouched down and pulled the goggles free from her helmet, then placed them on her head.
"Sam-son!" Kidd hollered from behind the gnarled stump. Orange lasers cut through tree branches nearby, sending smoking leaves in all directions.
"Right here." A large Wolf growled as he hustled between battle damaged trees. Before he reached the cluster of grass and twisting trees near his leader, however, a bullet entered his hip. He stumbled as more lead disfigured the foliage around him, until a plasma charge smashed into his torso. He died painfully twenty yards from Echo and Kidd location.
"Holy shit-" Kidd's words were drown out by a frag grenade exploding. One of Echo's men, Greel, had brought three of them. From the sound of it, it has found a mark nearby.
"Son of a bitch!" Echo growled in frustration, quickly sprinting to a larger cluster of twisted trees near Kidd's position. The earth behind her was scorched with laser beams and plasma. Breathing heavily, the Wolf looked over to the stump. Kidd lay dead, the top half of his skull burnt away. Smoked rolled from it and the blackened stump. Echo slid back against the trees as screams filled the air. It was then that she realized the stupidity of only bringing her small team to investigate a distress flare so close to Manteo. The two guards were obviously dead, and by now, so was half of her team. Her world had just come crashing down in an instant.
Two of her Wolves appeared from a dune, returning fire with 10mm SMG's. One of them was cut down instantly. A third emerged from the brush, riddling a trooper with 5.56mm rounds. Echo partially appeared from behind her mutant flora, sending a few controlled bursts to the advancing enemy. When the clip of her Chinese assault rifle was empty, she returned to her position and reloaded. Lasers assaulted the trees protecting her. Tyson returned fire on the wielder of the laser rifle. Somewhere farther off, another of Greel's grenades detonated. Standing water, roots, and blood were thrown in various directions.
"Richy has a radio!" Tyson called above the chaos. Behind the twisted treeline, he and the Enclave man were temporarily protected from Storm Trooper fire.
"Richy's dead." Echo cried matter-of-factly as she slapped a fresh clip into her rifle. She then loaded the last of her rounds into the spent clip, yelling as she did so. "His corpse is over yonder in those reeds. Radio might work. Might be fried." Shoving the clip into her vest, a round was pushed into the firing chamber. "I'll cover you."
Tyson sprinted across the wet grass, sliding into the reeds as lasers scorched the flora. Using his fallen brother's corpse as a shield, Tyson snatched the radio and pressed the button. When static greeted him, he gasped.
*static* "This is Tyson of Echo Team! VIctor, we're getting fucked up down here, man! Repeat, taking casualties! *static*
*static* "Hold tight, Echo Team. Alpha Team and Grizzly Team are inbound. Boat Six is also en-route. Caroline, Coil, and Turbo are coming from the other gate. Stay alive. Try to get to the beach." *static*
"Da fuck did they say?" Echo called from behind her cover as she loaded her last clip into the rifle.
"Said hold tight!" Tyson called back. The team leader and the soldier exchanged unhappy looks.
Swan Quarter, North Carolina
The book in Sting's hand was Dante's Inferno. This edition, a particularly battered hardback published in 1954, was discovered in a cabin last week. Moving his finger across each line as he read, the gaunt looking man wore a tired expression as he finished another page. He took a moment to admire the printed image of the scene, with demons punishing sinners violently before Dante and Virgil. Sting's discolored tongue the tip of his index finger before he turned the page slowly.
There was a knock on the front door of the peeling house . "Sting, it's Reggie! Let me in!" a muffled voice shouted as he attempted to peer through the dirty glass diamond in the door's center. Reggie Ray bobbed around, attempting to see inside the dirty glass.
Looking up from his book slowly in the direction of his door, the man then spoke softy. "Please let Reggie in, and then punch him in the mouth. Hard."
A young man in camouflage leather armor moved from leaning against the wall to a standing position. He gave Sting a nod, tossed his cigarette into a standing brass ashtray, and then walked across the room. His boots were loud on the wooden floorboards. The young man opened the door slowly and allowed Reggie to enter the house, snatching the man's coat as he closed the door carefully.
"What the hell are you doin', Rome? You better-"
Romeo locked the door, then turned and delivered a hook to Reggie's mouth. The man stumbled backwards and was caught by Romeo's grip on his coat. He swayed. "What the fu-?" Reggie groaned as his hands covered his lips.
"Shut up, scab." the young man said, his green eyes dilated to an unnerving extent. Pushing Reggie out of the hallway, he adjusted his leather armor before pointing to the living room. "Move."
"Come in, Reggie. Have a seat, ol' pal." Sting said as he closed the book and placed it on the table beside him quietly. The bleeding man looked at the raider with deep fear. Reggie then slowly entered the living room. Sting motioned his open hand to a rotting chair, in which Reggie hesitantly sat.
"Reggie, do I look like a bitch?" the man asked quietly as he removed his tinted reading glasses. The discoloring in his left eye gave it the appearance of a cue ball with a black dot drawn on it. It studied the dirty scavenger without blinking.
"What?" Reggie asked in a muffled voice, still holding his mouth.
"Does he look like a bitch?" the Romeo said flatly, staring at Reggie with his soulless green eyes.
"What? N-no. No!"
"Then why did you fuck me, Reggie?" the man with the dirty mohawk asked softly, producing a switchblade stiletto. The raider blinked repeatedly and stood up from his own chair.
"I didn't, I swear! I didn't! I came to sell you some more information! I swear! It's solid! C'mon, Sting. Don't do this."
"You stole from me, Reggie." The raider said in a voice so low it was nearly a whisper.
"No! It was Ken! And I came to tell you about the Bandits! You told me you'd pay me for information."
"I said I'd pay you for information on the Wolves and the Reich. You think I give a fuck about Seth and her butt fuckin' bandits?" Sting questioned as he stood behind Reggie. He tapped the tip of the blade on Reggie's balding head. The dirty man in the chair began to noticeably tremble.
"No, it's not stuff like that! The Bandits, they're dead! Most of them! Seth was captured! Most of her men got popped by snipers and sweepers! It's true! The bodies are floating down the sound right now! Stumpy Point is empty! 'Cept for those guys in them pants!"
The raider paused, rubbing his stubbly chin thoughtfully with his free hand. "Oh, really?" Sting said softly. "And how did you find out?"
"The merchant says all the Bandits t-took off... then, just an hour ago, I saw the bodies. I swear it! You gotta believe me!"
"Sssh, Reggie. I believe you." The raider said, holding the blade up into the lantern's light. Only the faintest amount of corrosion could be spotted on it's mirror-like surface.
"Well, Then w-why are you still h-holding the knife, Sting?"
"Like I said, Reggie. You stole from me."
When the dirty bandit had been disposed of, Sting cleaned his knife then his glasses. The once again rubbed his stubble chin as he replaced the blade up his sleeve. Outside, a howl was heard. After a further quiet moment of deliberation, he then put on his tinted glasses and spoke quietly. "Romeo, round up some of the hunters. We're gonna check out Stumpy Point."
Beneath Roanoke Island - Vault 121
In quiet hallways littered with old paperwork, many of the ancient speakers suddenly crackled to life. An recording of a woman's voice echoed softly through the Vault now. She was calm and apathetic, as if someone had just woken her from a deep sleep or as if she could give a shit less about her programming. As a computer terminal surged and exploded in the basement, a large monitor system nearby flickered. The woman's voice began to repeat it's broadcast. *static*
"Warning: Temperature Levels in the Reactor Area have reactor over one hundred degrees. Immediate attention required in the Reactor Area." "Warning: Power Output has fallen below seventy-five percent. Immediate attention required in the Reactor Area." "Warning: Several vital systems have failed due to insufficient power. Immediate attention required in the Reactor Area."
"Warning: Salt Water detected in Reactor Area, Level B2, Auto-Tran Maintenance and Auto-Tran railway. Immediate attention required in these areas."*static* The speakers were silent for approximately fifteen minutes, then the message began to repeat. The automated danger assessment system, or ADA, as it's creators had lovingly dubbed it, would faithfully repeat the message until they problems were fixed or it lost power. Unfortunately, all the Vault technicians whom may have valued these warnings were killed by the very system currently attempting to alert them. ADA's voice echoed through Vault 121 in relative futility. ~ Post Complete ~
( I am still doing some minor editing to grammar, spelling, continuity, ect., but for all intent the post is done.)
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Salvahkiin
Archer
My Siren's name is Brick, and she is the prettiest.
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 4
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Post by Salvahkiin on Jul 6, 2014 0:01:02 GMT -5
Duty calls. Duty always calls. Coil knew this well. Even as he laid down to catch some shut-eye before night watch, duty called.
"Wait, wait, wait. Storm Troopers? On Roanoke?! What the fuck? I thought they were smart."
"They are. They brought quite a force."
The familiar sound of the lid on the specialist's machine gun being slammed down reverberated through the shack. Anyone who had worked with Coil before had known that he liked to chew through ammo. Not that he worked with people often. He liked the solace of being a loner. Plus, less chance to screw up.
The big man sat his main weapon on a table, and grabbed his sidearm, and slid the clip out. All was fine, so the clip was slammed back into the 10 mil. A bullet was then loaded into the chamber, and it was placed into a hip holster, opposite a bowie knife.
Coil picked up his trademark weapon, and double-timed it to the fighting. He could hear the fighting from a further distance, but the noise was easy to pinpoint. He took cover behind an old, mostly destroyed shack, but the remains of the brick walls left some room for his hefty frame to fit behind. The Wolf peeked up and over the cover to examine what was going on. There was room inside the shack for him to set the gun's bipod up, allowing him to accurately kill.
Coil dove through the shack, and kicked the rusty bipod up. He rarely used the bipod, and so did not much care for keeping it in pristine condition. It'd probably bite him in the ass soon. He set the gun up, and started doing what he did best.
Kicking ass.
Rachel studied the room silently, up at the end, she singled out Frederick, she raised her head at that, she gritted her teeth.
"You wanted the cunt? Here she is."
"She should be hanged tomorrow in the square. Or shot. The parasite doesn't deserve to live."
"That's not for you to decide. And I'm thankful for that."
"Perhaps."
"But not before she's had her say."
"So you are the mastermind, and I use the term very loosely, of the cretins from Stumpy Point?"
"Not what I expected at all. You're nowhere near as intimidating, and your fairly pleasant to look at, for a muck dweller. Is that why your men followed you? For the view?"
Rachel felt a little bit less tense when Alpha and her team left the room. It looked like Alpha would kill Rachel in front of Darwin, less chance of it now.
"You walked straight into the Wolves' den, Ms. Seth. You must be suffering from radiation induced insanity, or you have something so ridiculously important to say that you'd risk your life. You know many of these Wolves have friends or family that your muck-dwelling-thugs have injured or killed, you and the 'Troopers' you seem to be so close to. I allowed you to live for these few years in a show of mercy, and this is how you repay me? Aiding these new soldiers, and then your ridiculous and ignorant attempt at taking Kitty Hawk? But I'm getting ahead of myself now, Ms. Seth. Indulge me, just why in the hell are you here? And why should your life be spared?"
"The Storm Troopers. They've killed any Bandits that survived Kitty Hawk.... Have you heard the term, the enemy of my enemy is my friend? The Troopers want me dead more then they want you dead, currently. I have information, I doubt it'll pay for my survival, but I want the cunts hung. I didn't mean for this to happen. If I had denied the Fuhrer's request, I would've been killed. And moving a few hundred men is gonna attract attention. Plus, I wanted Frederick back. Right now, you have no good reasons for sparing me, beyond simple information. But I don't have anything left to go back to at Stumpy Point, I just want revenge."
(Regarding Volker, I don't see what I could possibly do.)
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Post by Zelus on Jul 16, 2014 9:09:02 GMT -5
Whalebone - The Charleston Motel
“Train wreck…” Thiago muttered under his breath. “You can find some good things in a train wreck.” Thiago commented, rolling his head about on his neck. “Besides… maybe you just need some trainin’ or something.”
Though with his back to her, Thiago looked a little concerned as she spoke about herself. He grimaced a bit, wondering if this was really the effect Wolf life had on people. To be fair, he wondered if his own family was like that too. Thiago had taken to fishing like, well a duck to water. He couldn’t imagine what life would be like without the skills he had today. He’d probably be dead by now. He was never too good with a gun, and he was only skilled with his spear gun through years of practise and the need to survive. Not that there was ever any run and gunning with his family. They just moved up and down the coasts living off whatever they could find and avoiding the big fights.
When she called herself nothing special, Thiago breathed a loud sigh with a mix of anger and disappointment. “Jade, you needn’t feel like that. You’re one of the friendliest Wolves I’ve come across and you’ve been good to me. That counts for something that makes you special. I wouldn’t have my relationship with you kin, if it wasn’t for you. Hell, if I wasn’t with you back there, I’d probably ‘Jaw bait, and you know how ironic that would be.” His voice was flat as he stated every word as if they were fact.
A while later, Jade started talking and Thiago smirked. He did remember. “Ah yes, the gull... She’s probably really pissed I left her on Pilar right about now. That being said, she’s probably mocking the lurks up landed up in my traps. She does that often.” He chuckled, rubbing at his beard. “You’ll probably see her when we go home… if she doesn’t come looking for me before then.
As Jade passed him, Thiago took a moment to glance in her directly, breathing a sigh of relief as he saw the towel… not that it made the situation any less awkward. He glanced away after watching her for a moment, as she turned around. “Wrap this?” he asked, turning back, before looking up at the gauze. “Oh, sure.” He replied quietly, as he got to his feet and wandered over to her. As he took the gauze from her, he glanced outside. “Feels good to get away from the battlefield.” He murmured, before going to work on her wound. He wrapped the wound up, maybe not in a professional manner, but in a manner as if to say ‘I’ve done this countless numbers of times’. Indeed he had, it was one of the skills he’d picked up as a life-long fisherman.
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Manteo City Streets
“Yeah, that’s her. No idea who she really is, but she looks fine for my boy. Plus they’d been seeing each other for a while now… They always try and sneak her out before I catch wind of it.” She smirked, more to herself than to Orlando. After all, she’d always caught them, she knew all of the tricks in the book, having done most of them or experienced them with her later kids.
Orlando then reminded her of her younger days and she gave a sad little snort. “Ah, to be young and fresh again,” she chuckled; inwardly she knew that she preferred her life now. It was hard for her in the beginning.
Ling had had her fair share of run-ins with the mutant natives in her time. Hell she’d killed a bunch of them too. She was a little more cautious of them nowadays, particularly with training her youngest. She couldn’t risk getting her son killed, so she made sure to avoid them. She did hate them, but she respected their strength, even if they were little more than beasts. “I’m sorry to hear about your men.” She said quietly, before looking over at Orlando and giving him a quiet pat on the shoulder. “Maybe when I’m done training Chang, we can go hunt the natives in their memory.” Ling offered, before looking up at the sky, as Orlando spoke of her son Cade.
Ling nodded out of respect for his opinion. “I understand your concern, but Alpha wouldn’t have picked Cade, if she didn’t think he was one of the best. I’m sure he’ll be fine. And if not, I’ll march right into the afterlife and kick his ass back here.” She smirked, jokingly, though she was somewhat worried herself. She had confidence in them, but she’d heard all kind of things about Moses. She remained somewhat uneasy.
As they entered the tavern, Ling glanced around and found a table for two. “We’ll sit there, get us some drinks. I’ll get the next ones.” She stated in her firm way, before heading straight over to the table, and dropping down into one of the chairs.
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Manteo Mansion - Auditorium
As Cade’s eyes fell upon Darwin, he stared cautiously. Like most of the members of Alpha team, he was fairly at ease in his presence, but Cade had the nagging feeling in the back of his mind. One day, Alpha might start a civil war with this guy, and so Cade studied him closely whenever they were in his presence, which wasn’t too often. Cade barely took notice of Seth as she was shoved to the centre of the room, but took a moment to look around at the other Wolves. His expression was one of apathy towards them, a façade as he studied each of them, and Darwin’s reaction to them.
Some of them were probably more inclined to favour Alpha’s beastly desires, but were too afraid of Darwin to put any real passion behind their convictions. He inwardly growled, these were the men and women Darwin chose to keep in his inner sanctum? A bunch of cowards, he thought to himself. It was a joke, but he didn’t laugh, it wasn’t the right time.
Truth be told, Seth’s death meant very little to Cade. She was caught, her bandits slaughtered, that was good enough for him. He’d rather be out pacifying the rest of Stumpy Point… if there was anything left of the place. He imagined it to be an empty camp now, gutted like a pig.
As he stood there, watching Samuel’s gun get taken, and knowing what would follow, the dim light of an idea seeped into his mind. Perhaps this one would be willing to be Alpha’s eyes in Darwin’s inner circle. Even if the guy wouldn’t be allowed in again, he might have some connections to the other Wolves inside. He’d have to bring it up with Alpha later on.
It was then Alpha stepped away, his gaze turned to her for a second, before glancing back at Darwin, listening to his conversation with Seth. He wondered if Darwin would keep her alive as a trophy. It wouldn’t be the first time a Wolf had done that, it wouldn’t be the last time either. Though Darwin’s wife might’ve had something to say about it, he wondered whether she actually had any say what kind of pets Darwin had in his home.
“Right.” Cade muttered, before waiting for the rest of his team to leave, calmly continuing to watch Darwin, before slowly turning himself and following his leader out of the doors.
Once out of earshot, Cade hastily followed after his team, carefully embedding the scene in his mind’s eye. He’d think it over in detail when he had time, but for now they had better things to do.
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Post by Ambassador SteelPlate on Jul 21, 2014 22:48:48 GMT -5
Paxton pushed Gerb away from him when the "man" began raising his arms. "You smell!" The schizophrenic barked at him. He hadn't really minded, though. Paxton himself didn't always smell very good either. It was probably years since he bathed. Probably hadn't since before the voices came. Those damn, dreadful voices.
Already Paxton completely forgot that he had almost been eaten by a giant alligator.
Herb and Gerb began bowing down to him and then bored him by talking about some kind of mootain demon. Paxton didn't know what a "mootain" was. Was it some kind of salad? It sounded like it. Mootain. Moooootain. MOOO-TAIN. Yep, that sounded right. But what kind of salad?
"Good question!" Paxton cried out randomly in the middle of Herb and Gerb's speech about the demon.
"What yo do here in swamp?"
"The Ghost Lady is after me..." Paxton said, remarkably sounding almost sane. "I"m hiding from her here. I don't know where she is though. So that's good...unless she knows where I am...which would be bad. Very bad. Ghost Lady can go invisible like a ghost. Appears out of nowhere. Keeps me up at night. Forcing me...FORCING ME...to listen to the voices. THE VOICES!! THE ONES THAT DON'T SHUT UP!" A nearby rock told Paxton to shut up or it'd rape his mother. Paxton kicked the rock "I'll rape YOUR MOTHER, you stupid rock!" He turned back to Herb.
"What about you, weirdo?" Paxton asked him. "What are you doing out here? Are you also hiding from the Ghost Lady? Did she do it to you as well? Who did it to you?"
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"There will be more dark days ahead, Angel. I guess that's what you should take from my fatigued rambling. I hope when the time comes, you remember your family."
Angel couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness at the mention of her family. She had no idea what happened to either of her parents, though she was certain that both of them were dead. She wasn't sure what remembering them would do for her in the time of darkness, but now didn't seem to be the moment to question Marilyn on that. Right now, she wasn't sure what to say. What could be said after learning about the possibility that one of the highest ranking members of the Wolves was potentially planning to rebel against the entire system that had been created.
"I know you want me to keep my distance from her..." Angel said. "But...do you think I should maybe try to find something out from her? Maybe try to peek into her mind when she doesn't suspect it? Try to catch a hint of what she's planning so that we can know WHEN she will strike, rather than just waiting for it? I know Darwin has plans...and I trust him...but I also know that anything can happen. I learned that from when the Enclave came one day, without warning, and killed my family and made me what I am now..."
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Post by GuardsGhost on Aug 7, 2014 14:18:29 GMT -5
Walters eyes remained fixed on the Fuhrer, he had been silent as the Fuhrer spoke with the knights, and didn't even twitch when the Stormtroopers shuffled. The hooded man just continued to shuffle his deck of cards, waiting. And waiting. He slid a card out from the deck, glancing over it. The King. Unsurprising, as usual. When the Fuhrer finished talking, and asked for the flattering to stop, his thin lips twitched into the slightest of grins. He slid his deck of cards into one of his pouches, and then nodded.
"We are here on behalf of our Lord and Ruler, the King of Camelot. He sends you welcome, Fuhrer. But he also invites you to a meeting. A gathering of sorts. It is entirely up to you whether you come or not."
His tone of voice was frank, without any of the flattering undertones to it or false honors. Just quick and to the point.
"Your eyes are acute as well, we have indeed modified our armor to fit our needs. We've removed that which was unnecessary, and improved upon that which was relevant to our concerns. Should you attend, I'm sure some of the Knights would be happy to whack each other with their swords to show you as much. If you'd like my personal opinion on the matter, I'd suggest you bring something to read. It gets quite dull after the first few sorties. I prefer the archers myself."
Walter dipped his head slightly, and then straightened again. He clasped his hands behind his back, only now glancing over his shoulder at the Stormtroopers. He raised a brow beneath his hood, and nodded, tapping his chin in thought. "I must say, the utilitarian nature of their uniforms is quite impressive. The style intimidating, as it should be. If I am correct, these men would be some of your finest. Warriors who could stride onto the field, soaking up the savages' crude tools and returning fire with the destructive power of an age long gone. There's something almost poetic about it."
He then abruptly changed subjects again, "If you require time to think upon attending this meeting, or have any questions regarding it, feel free to ask. We are, at your mercy as you are our host."
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Post by <> MetaWulf <> on Sept 28, 2014 20:32:35 GMT -5
[ OOC: While we are waiting for Immortal's post, I'm going to allow Harry and Butter to post. Post when you can, Immortal. ]
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ShockHelix
Administrator
Deity of Death
No mercy for the weak. No pity for the dying. No tears for the slain.
Posts: 666,666,949
Likes: 27
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Post by ShockHelix on Oct 20, 2014 10:16:52 GMT -5
“My friends, I sense I have offended you. This was never my intention. For a member of the Fourth Reich, to see a suit of power armor without hearing the click of servos is…odd. Rather like using a plasma rifle as a blunt object." Bronwen tried not to glare, her fury slowly building. Odd or not, using a plasma rifle as a blunt object was simple idiocy. Even if she despised the weapon, there was no mistaking the purpose of it. Unless the man was an idiot, she could not help but assume offense was exactly what he DID intend. Even without her abilities, she could feel the tension in the room, see the guards shuffling and clutching at their primitive weapons. The false security they felt in those tubes of metal would be no help to them. By the time they would eat through the the 'butchered and disfigured' armor, Bronwen would have them on their knees and Walter would likely have them burned to a crisp. It was hard to see where you were shooting while your eyes were burning off. "But I'm sure we seem equally strange for you."
As the introductions finished, she could already see the relations in the room deteriorate further, and it seemed that the Fuhrer was not as daft as she might have hoped. She longed to delve into his thoughts, but abstained from her using her ability. There was no honor in gleaning a man's secrets without his consent. Not yet, at least.
“. . . It is an honor to finally meet you, Herr Fuhrer.”
"No it isn't. My lords, unless you possess the finest spy network in the East Coast Wasteland, you haven't seen or heard enough from me to be honoured. Indeed, what you must have seen of my Storm Troopers on your way to this room no doubt filled you with mistrust and caution, and that ladies and gentleman, is the most natural thing in the world. So let our two societies meet in these walls as friends, and have no more talk of honors or flattery or any such tedium"
They were hardly lords, and it was another insult, though the Fuhrer likely did not comprehend this one. She probed at Sir Killian's mind, and could feel the rage seeping around him before drawing away. She pried at Adam and Walter too, to see if they shared similar emotions. If the Fuhrer knew the world he kept around him would fill them with mistrust and caution, then she could only wonder how he felt it was right. Perhaps the man knew more of his predecessor then she had originally thought. And yet they had honored him, despite his shortcomings and questionable surroundings, and now he had the nerve to throw it back in their face. Of all the groups they'd visited, even after some bloodshed, Bronwen was surprised to find that she felt the least welcome here of all places.
As the guards clenched their guns tighter, and murmured amongst themselves, Bronwen grew further annoyed at the situation. "Nerves. I would love to talk to you all day. It's not often I get visitors, but as you can see, my men get a little restless when I am sitting around idle. That's the trouble with a dictatorship. However benevolent it may be, it makes one awfully dependent." The Fuhrer's dry tone and the unease of the guards made his words sound hollow, and she mused her thoughts to Walter.
'Rude, uncouth, and he does not appear to be a very good liar. Nothing about this man seems benevolent. And you would think his guards would be more calm. It makes me wonder if there's a tendency to shoot guests around here.'
"We are here on behalf of our Lord and Ruler, the King of Camelot. He sends you welcome, Fuhrer. But he also invites you to a meeting. A gathering of sorts. It is entirely up to you whether you come or not. Your eyes are acute as well, we have indeed modified our armor to fit our needs. We've removed that which was unnecessary, and improved upon that which was relevant to our concerns. Should you attend, I'm sure some of the Knights would be happy to whack each other with their swords to show you as much. If you'd like my personal opinion on the matter, I'd suggest you bring something to read. It gets quite dull after the first few sorties. I prefer the archers myself."
Bronwen held back a grin, though Adam and Killian dipped their heads slightly at his joke, amusing Bronwen further. Magician's had more pressing matters then to watch the knights and paladins spar, and they never skimped on letting the rest of the kingdom know as much.
"I must say, the utilitarian nature of their uniforms is quite impressive. The style intimidating, as it should be. If I am correct, these men would be some of your finest. Warriors who could stride onto the field, soaking up the savages' crude tools and returning fire with the destructive power of an age long gone. There's something almost poetic about it."
'And primitive. . . .' Bronwen broadcast with her mind to Walter. They certainly looked the part, and she did not doubt their weaponry was fierce. It would not be a stretch to guess the Fuhrer's men might be the most dangerous of the tribes they had visited to this point, perhaps save those who had been furthest to the south or the ones they'd yet to visit to the east.
"If you require time to think upon attending this meeting, or have any questions regarding it, feel free to ask. We are, at your mercy as you are our host."
Or at the least, Bronwen agreed, it is the wisest to let the Fuhrer believe as much.
“If I would not impose, I don't suppose you could show me more of your city, and allow me to get to know you better?” “
"Alright."
William smiled, grabbing his large shield off the wall from the room and nodding to the other knights, following Ghost at the man's request, inspecting the hallways as they passed through them. He was intrigued by the man bearing the name of the restless dead, wondering who would desire to take such a title for themselves. The guard showed the man respect as he led William from the hallway, making the knight smile as well. From what he had seen so far, this Ghost was not much different from the paladins back home, fully dedicated to protecting the magician's and lord's they served.
"Beautiful morning. Too bad another storm is coming."
“A good time for hunting the mutated crabs then. They tend to scavenge for food just before the surf is churned up.”
"Looking for anything in particular? Drink? Food? Women? Gambling? Sport? Machines? Wildlife? Craftsmen? Did I mention Women?"
“Any of the above and more. I am quite interested in seeing how your society functions on every level. Though perhaps a drink and a toast would be most suitable for the time?”
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2014 11:37:17 GMT -5
[ The War Room, Nachzehrer ] "I must say, the utilitarian nature of their uniforms is quite impressive. The style intimidating, as it should be.”As if personally insulted, suddenly the Fuhrer’s eyes flashed with coldest fury as he glared down at the Magician. “So you find my soldiers intimidating? Do you have a reason to be afraid?”An ugly silence filled the room as the Fuhrer fixed a withering gaze upon the Magician, as if he was trying to will the man into a state of agonising pain. Now the old Reich symbol of the Eagle seemed all the more appropriate, as the Fuhrer looked upon Walter like a predator would a field mouse… …and then the Fuhrer started grinning. “Apologies my friend! Apologies! My duties don’t leave much time for joking. I get the practise where I can, but as you can see, further study is required.” The Troopers behind him gave a smattering of appropriate laughter. "We are here on behalf of our Lord and Ruler, the King of Camelot. He sends you welcome, Fuhrer. But he also invites you to a meeting. A gathering of sorts. It is entirely up to you whether you come or not.”Raising his eyebrows, the Fuhrer leaned back in his chair, fingers drumming on the cold corrugated iron war council table. “Hmm. A "gathering". How I envy your ruler's free time. It's an uncommon way to hold a treaty,” he mused, thoughtfully stroking his bald chin, “but a very common way to conduct an assassination. I trust I won’t be jousted to death upon arrival?”This time the joke was obvious, as the Troopers behind the Fuhrer laughed genuinely – and a little harshly – at this little funny. The Fuhrer merely smiled benignly. All of the jibes, put-downs and attempts to provoke the Knights to rage were being masked by an expert veneer of civility. "Of course" the Fuhrer replied. "Nothing delights me more than a fresh alliance." The Fuhrer stood up, and circled the War Table to meet his guests. "There are matters I must attend to in the camp, but once completed I shall meet with you outside the gates. Until then, I leave you in the capable hands of Volker here. Until then, Gentleman," he nodded at Bronwen "Lady. Auf Wiedersehen." And the Fuhrer left the War Room. [Nachzeher - Gates]
The Fuhrer hurried to the gates, where suddenly he became an entirely different man. Fraught and panicked, this bedraggled invalid sagged in the Fuhrer's mighty uniform and took every breath as though it was his last. As though his life depended on it, he dug through the earth like an animal until an old ham radio was uncovered. He flicked the dials dementedly and the old box crackled to life. "H...Hello?" said the Fuhrer tentatively. "Joseph." the voice on the other end was hoarse and stark, with an oddly artifical touch of accent. "What do you have?""The tribals. The ones spotted by the Nachtenguard. They seek an audience...a a meeting with y...the Fuhrer Laughter spiked across the radio waves from the other side. "Is that right? Well we better deliver, hadn't we? Go with them. Send word of everything you find. Have Volker come with you, but he is to report directly back to the Bunker at Stumpy point once this "meeting" is concluded. Is that clear?""Y...yes."The radio whined with static. "I have to go. You're doing excellent work, Joseph. Just fucking excellent work.""T...thankyou...Mein Fuhrer"The radio died.  The Fuhrer Triumphant [Southern Roanoke Island] From her bike, Reinhardt watched the Wolven flare turn the night’s sky blood red. Turning up the throttle, she bit down hard on her chapped lip and roared ahead into the forest. Eigelmann, as her second, matched his own speed to be directly by her side. “The pig-dogs have signalled an alarm!” he yelled the other commandants, not to mention the Secret Police hiding God-Knows-Where in the undergrowth. For that reason, he was practically screaming over the combined growl of five bikes. “Find the Enclave and slay the Untermenschen! Raus!"But it was a fruitless search. Nothing was out there aside from reeds, corpses and a shitload of smoke. The Wolves could be sitting down to a rowdy game of cards and there would be no way to tell. Grim-faced, Reinhardt removed a long length of chain from her bike, usually reserved for tying up Schraeger - but the Thrasher was busy running free, sniffing out hiding Wolves. Reinhart threw the chain to her other Commandants who, hiding their dread, clipped the chains to their bikes. And what happened next was as fast as it was deadly. Reinhardt pointed to a tree - a scorched but sturdy stubbon old redwood. With the point of a single finger, Reinhardt ordered over sixty rounds of laser bolts and plasma bursts to riddle the tree, turning it into a giant bonfire. The tree burnt with an eerie green flame, borne of the plasma. Reinhardt's Browning blared what seemed like a billion bullets up and down the old oak, putting lumberjacks everywhere to shame. "STORM TROOPERS!" Reinhardt bellowed. "WHEN THE RATS GO TO GROUND!"The other commandants tightened the chain. " LEAVE NO GROUND TO GO TO!" Rumbled the reply. *SSHCNEK* The chain rapped around the base of the giant tree with a disconcerting thud. It was a tall order, but five pre-war engines, five combined wills and one length of chain was enough to bring this smouldering wooden inferno crashing down to the ground with a hellish thud. Other trees soon caught the blaze too, as spectacular torques of smoke danced into the night. Eigelmann detached the chain. "Ha!" He exclaimed, riding on adrenalin, as the Secret Police continued to fire into the smoke and glowing orange. "The Wolves will tell their grandchildren about this. They will call it the Great Night of Fire and Blood!"Reinhardt's eyes scoured the glowing forest for Wolves and Enclave. "There will be no grandchildren." She replied. [Scarlett's Room, Manteo] Closing the door behind them and locking it, Scarlett tossed her key on the small coffee table and hung her coat on the wall. The dog trotted over to his water bowl and began quietly lapping. After setting her bag on the carpet, Scarlett walked past Zoller and looked out her bedroom window to the streets below. "Make yourself at home, soldier. You should sleep. The sun will be up in a few hours, and Manteo will be back to the usual business later this afternoon. Which means more guards and mostly sober Wolves, so the chances of us get caught are higher, I'd say..." Listening through the wall, Zoller kept an ear out for any signs of activity from next door. Once satisfied, he withdrew the plasma pistol and peered outside into the rainy streets. With no immediate danger, Zoller pulled out an old pre-war packet of cigarettes from his belt and lit one, smoking thoughtfully. When Scarlett pulled out the revolver, Zoller’s grip on the plasma pistol tightened. Within a single bound he crossed the room and took the pistol from the stand. He examined the gun. Checked the barrel. Gave it a spin – fully cocked and loaded. The woman had every opportunity to kill Zoller from the start – but didn’t. She could have ended her torment and ensured her safety, but chose not to. Why? Some ill advised sense of morality? Years of oprresion? Or something else entirely? They had a connection after all – both felt it. Zoller didn’t know where to be saddened or relieved. Instead he merely replaced the gun on the table and gave Scarlett the slightest of smiles. "I saved you again, I believe, so I'd like you to listen to me. What they did to my team and myself was wrong. But I have found forgiveness in my own heart, and I have found a place here."To Scarlett’s undoubted surprise, Zoller sat down on the bed with his legs crossed and arms folded – like a child waiting for a story. He put the cigarette out with his own fingers, discarded the butt on the night stand and reclined on Scarlett’s bed, genuinely interested in what was to come next. Although Scarlett’s beauty was proving distracting – the woman was something else. Besides, Zoller had heard this speech before. About dozens of tribes form across almost every corner of the Great Dustbowl Wastes. Each unique. Each brave. All dangerous. All fallen. " I'm not defending them.. Zoller... I'm just saying that your people have never seen the other side of them. A tribe that has fought it's way from rags and dirt to a civilization, in some sense of the world. Though their actions are often questionable, their intentions are good for the Wasteland..."Zoller sighed ruefully, despite himself. “They usually are at the beginning.” He observed. "I want to know why... Why do you willing serve such an evil man? Surley your heart isn't as black as his?" Scarlett stood in front of Zoller, tossing her crimson curls over he shoulder while gazing into his eyes. Placing her hand on his face, the young woman's expression was one of mystique. Her mouth opened slowly, and she spoke in a soft whisper. "Is there a man in there, Zoller? Or are you more of a beast than the very savages you are so determined to destroy?"Zoller took Scarlett’s hand gently in his. He was trembling. For a moment, it looked like he was going to break Scarlett’s hand in his own. But instead he kissed it gently, taking her fiercy curls in his fingers and brushing them back in front of her deep green eyes. “The Brotherhood,” he said slowly, as if trying to remember what the word meant. “I was born among them. I and my elder sister, Zoe.” The fading embers of humanity seemed to ignite anew at the mention of the girl’s name. “ Our chapter disbanded before I could even walk. The remaining Brotherhood left the bunker with my sister and I. She herself was barely a girl of five. Our parents were lost to…” Zoller’s eyes strained under the weight of memory. “Raiders. I think. I can’t remember what she…what Zoe told me. I grew up learning about the Brotherhood from my sister. Because by the time I could talk, my people were Brotherhood no more.” Zoller smirked bitterly, angry at the past. “They were the Iron Hawks”.Zoller pulled away from Scarlett, and brushed away her hand, as if not wishing to corrupt her with his hatred. “The Iron Hawks dedicated themselves to bringing the technology of the Brotherhood to the Wasteland. To share our good fortune and bounty in a way that we never could under chapter law. But the tribes were unforgiving and cruel. They killed us. Raped us. Burned us. Very soon there were too few of us left to fight back. So we took what weapons we had and fled to new territory with a new philosophy. A *tribal* philosophy. Survive at ANY cost.”“I grew up fighting for the Iron Hawks. Wearing armour from a long dead chapter, decorated with bones and iron. Oh, we were very much like your Wolves. Our goal was to rebuild the Wasteland. Improve it. With such noble goals, slavery, chem dealing and brutality were permissible. After all, our intentions for the wasteland were noble.”
“The problem arose when we met another tribe similar to ourselves. Too similar. The Black Skulls were as strong in number and fire power – and just as stubborn. They too believed what they were doing was right – only our wars with the Black Skulls were not about right or wrong. They were about supplies. Ammunition. Slaves! Pointless trivialities. My sister tried to abandon the Iron Hawks. Take me to safety. So they raped her, and sold her as a slave to a passing merchant. I was twelve.”
“Four years later and the battles were raging on. I was a young scout looking for supplies. I happened up an old Museum, dedicated to an old war. An ancient war, long before the Great One. In that Museum I found the Fuhrer. He was the one who taught the Iron Hawks to fight. Gave them the discipline and training to face the Black Skulls. I fought alongside him that day. Put my trust in a total stranger. And we faced the Black Skulls and their legions of slave on the bloody sands of Tennessee. This enemy had slain our brothers, fathers, mother and sisters an hundred times over. But on that day, this stranger, the Fuhrer stood with us. And he showed those fearless warriors what fear truly was.”
“We crushed them that day. We forced the survivors to dig a gaping hole in the desert to bury their dead, and when they could fit no more, they piled them on top of each other, vermin scurrying atop a mountain of flesh. The men who murdered my sister were given a worse fate: they were spared. The Fuhrer had them serve in the military under me – a mere child. Every day they lived in fear…awaiting a bloody retribution that may never come. All of them are dead now. And I alone remain to fight for the better world I don’t deserve.”
Once his speech was done, Zoller approached Scarlett again with softness. He took her face in his, tracing a single finger down her luscious lips. “Slavery. Cruelty. Battles. Scavenging. The Reich works to rid the Wasteland of all such weaknesses. I don’t long for a better tomorrow because I’m not human, Scarlett. I do it because I want to be.”When he kissed her, fire burnt in Zoller’s veins and he felt alive. Something was to change forever in Zoller at that point, and whatever Scarlett did next, he knew nothing would ever be the same again. |
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Post by Court Baron Butters on Dec 7, 2014 19:50:42 GMT -5
[Roanoke Island - south of Manteo City] Dark blackened mud splattered, and sloshed about violently as Meatpoochie, Nalania, and Alphonso finished up the shallow graves. Nalania checked over the holes in the mud, 'one for each of the two wolves, one for claudia, and one for robert...Perfect' she repeated in her head. The graves were far from perfect, just shambled piles of mud barely covering the corpses of fallen comrades, and the two wolves, the team had confiscated anything of value, excluding their armor which was too heavy to carry. The teammates shot each other looks, but said nothing as the rain fell and splattered against their armor, the mud was getting thicker now, and started to clump underneath their boots, their footsteps would be heavy now. Alphonso clutched the team backpack, and grabbed the small cylinder of mustache wax out of it, the container was dirty now, and had small fragments of dirt now clumping up with the wax, he ignored it, and went along with grooming his handlebar mustache. Alphonso looked up to his team, and then put away the mustache wax. "Alright then soldiers, time to press on." he stood up, grabbed the backpack, and began walking towards the city. Alphonso was stopped as Nalania placed an open palm firmly against breast. "With all due respect what the hell are you doing?""Is that how you've been trained to talk to your commanding officer?"Nalania sighed, put her hands on her hips, and then spoke sarcastically. "Just where the hell are you going... Sir!"Alphonso's face stiffened, and he made a crooked frown. "We've wasted entirely too much time here Nalania, we must press on to the city. "And then what sir! Sit in front of the gate till we're shot down by whoever lives inside! We need to regroup you stubborn fool"Alphonso grabbed onto Nalania with both hands, and growled with rage. "Regroup! Regroup with who? Satan? There is no one coming back for us unless we go back to base camp to get our radio, and with our thinned numbers there's not a chance in hell. This whole -mission-... It was a suicide from the start don't you get it? The Enclave aren't waiting for us, their not coming back here!"Alphonso stepped back from Nalania, and waved his hands in the direction of the swamp. "Look at this place Nalania. What the hell would omega squad have business doing in a place like this, they're not down in that vault, and even if they were they'd be dead by now!" There was a long pause, Nalania just stared straight ahead at Alphonso. This was the most emotion he'd shown in a while. Nalanias face had been bruised and dirtied by the splattering mud. Meatpoochie, could only stand their, and watch the spectacle, he watched as Nalania slowly sank over, falling into Alphonso's arms. --------------- [Roanoke Island - less south of Manteo City] Stephen was in no better shape, as he lie in the mud imagining the Enclave air force hovering overhead wiping out the bad guys, his helmet became smudged and muddied, he could barely see out of it now, the only sensation he felt was, an upward force, pulling him from the mud, and throwing him behind a rock, but to him; a brave warrior from the Enclave had snatched him right out of hell, and returned him to the ship where he could escape, and get out of this hell. When in reality, he was pinned behind a boulder barely big enough to provide him with enough cover to save him from the assaulting lasers from all directions... He was truly boned. As Stephen wiped the dirt from his helmet he was brought back the real world, a starkly contrasted reality, where he was captured by the wolves. Stephen clutched the deathclaw control device, and buried it in the mud where he lay. |
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Post by <> MetaWulf <> on Dec 14, 2014 20:00:39 GMT -5
WIP
Hold Posting...
( OOC: I am adding a few pieces of the post as it nears completion. If you don't want spoliers, or if you'd rather read the post complete, STOP reading now and return when the WIP tag has been removed from this post. Thanks. )
Broken Banks Muddy Water Round 6-1
( Across the coast of North Carolina, storm clouds roll across the night sky. Thunder rumbles across the wetlands as well, sending ravens and gulls in search of shelter. Swamp hounds quickly find refuge in banks and under trees. Thrashers sink below the scummy waters. Another calamity is coming from the ocean, and this one seems to smother the horizon in black fog and move the very sea beneath it. Waves begin to crash against the Eastern coast of the Broken Banks, and the cool ocean breeze turns slowly to a chilling wind. As lightning flashes become more and more frequent, a light misting rain mixes with it. Within the hour before sunrise and while the storm caresses the edge of the barrier islands, our story continues... )
- - Broken Highway, Coastal Wetlands
A handful of crumbling structures and old buildings loomed up ahead. Gallow walked quietly towards them, leading the caravan down a steep incline. Cool ocean air rushed through the trees, causing a crescendo of rustling. One of the brahmin snorted anxiously. Wet trails had slowed their journey home. The first wagon suddenly began to slide in the mud, but with the effort of three recruits and a Wolf, it was saved from tipping over and shoved out of the pot hole. The brahmin groaned, the recruits heaved, and the wagon resumed rolling across the wet earth.
An unknown beast howled in the distance. Another replied. Swamphounds. Rikki thought to herself, dismissing the noises. She was mistaken, of course.
The caravan continued on, with Gallow turning his attention back to the structures ahead. The old Wolf had always though that area would be a good spot for an ambush. Broken motels. Overgrown warehouses. The creepy place with the lizard-things. He had passed the dilapidated office and the crumbling golf course a couple dozen times now, but the dark ruins still made him uneasy. Foliage off all kinds snaked across the broken statues and figures. Vines climbed high on the signpost. It hung from the windows and poles like green curtains. Surprised there's anything left of this place. What had it's purpose been in the Old World?
Thunder rumbled in the distance again. The earth shook softly. Only seven hours after the last storm, it seemed another was on the horizon... and she was rolling in hard. The Coastal Banks had suffered from spontaneous weather as long as the Wolves had been on it, and in truth long before mankind. The Wolves had learned to deal with it as best hey could. Gallow rubbed his beard and turned back to his team. They, too, had their eyes on the coming storms.
"Alright, you hear the squall a comin'." he grunted, chugging a warm Nuka-Cola. Tossing the empty bottle, he held his weapon again. "Get tha molasses out your asses, we don't want to get caught on the bridge when tha waves kick up."
Rikki was not listening to Gallow, however. She had instead focused on the broken statue of a stegosaurus up ahead. Creepy. Of course the girl didn't know if was a stegosaurus. Hell, she didn't even know what a dinosaur was, let alone that the creatures had once roamed her planet. The concrete monster had always made the girl uncomfortable, and she lit another cigarette anxiously while watching it with a mixed sense of curiosity and disgust. The way the lizard's bulging eyes seemed to be staring at any passerby was unnatural.
Did it just move? No. That's stupid. Are we a little girl, Rikki? This isn't D.C. You're a fuckin' adult now.
The young wolf turned around, seeking a glimpse of the caravan. As she did so, a shadow fell onto one of the recruits. smack. Another fell onto a caravan, making a muffled thud. The strange animal noises were heard again, much closer now. As Rikkie turned to find her leader, she was smacked in the head with a stone. Her vision spun as she collapsed in the mud. Just before she fell unconscious, Gallow's revolver fired once. It echoed in her ears over and over.
By the time the Wolves knew what was happening, half of them had been killed. Slain. The brahmin jumped around, frightened but bound by caravans. All remaining recruits were being knocked out or killed, depending on how the blows fell. Amos Moses towered over Gallow, the old Wolf's head spinning from an unseen clout. His magnum barked a second time, sending a round into the chest of Amos. The hideous mutant glared down at the man, allowing the leather coat to slip off him massive shoulders theatrically. He flexed his mutant right arm, it's long fingers curling into a hammer. Steam rose from the monster's shoulders, granting him a visage of true evil.
"You look scared. And confuse. Dat's good. You got somethin' you want ask Amos?"
"Wh... why? What...?" Gallow managed, blood running from his head down to his short beard. The world seemed cloudy around him, even surreal. The magnum boomed again, just as Amos lurched forward. It found his right shoulder. In the blink of an eye, the revolver was sliding across the mud and the old Wolf's hand had been broken.
"That's whut Amos s'posed you was gon' say. Too bad yo ain't so smart, after all." the mutant replied before snatching Gallow by the neck. As the twisted abomination lifted the weathered old Wolf high into the air, lighting flashed among them. Rain tricked down from Gallow's coat. The pressure around his neck increased.
The captain caught glimpses of his team and the recruits being slaughtered and thrown to nearby swamp devils. Screams echoed out, as did bellowing grows and hideous snaps. One of Gallow's men found a weapon and emptied a burst into his attacker. Ten rounds. A second mutant brought a rock across the back of his neck, killing him. The weathered Wolf tried to call out to his fallen soldier, but could not.
Thunder rumbled across the land as Amos began to squeeze shut the struggling Wolf man's neck. The Wolf man produced a knife, driving it a few inches into Amos' arm. It had little effect, causing the mutant to simply grunt and removed it with his left hand. The Wolf man was such a weak thing without it's gun, wasn't it? The monster's left hand ripped the helmet from Gallow's head, and it gazed long into his brown eyes as the old Wolf died painfully.
"Boss!" Rikki cried out, finding her feet in a daze and shouldering her rifle. Lightning flashed. Just before she could fire on Amos, the hulking Native hurled the corpse of Gallow at the girl. They collided, and she tumbled with the dead Wolf before hitting the mud heavily. Rikki screamed as she crawled away from the body of her former captain. Somewhere behind her, a handgun fired twice. A scream followed. The rain continued to soak them.
With three heavy steps, Amos made it to the young Wolf. Rain ran down his muscular form, creating steam from his high body temperature mixed with the cold rainwater. To Rikki, it was something straight out of a nightmare. A growl escaped his jaws.
"Yer pretty, but I'm gon' feed yah tah mah gaters. Momma said no one left. Too bad, little 'un."
She took a knee as he raised his hand, her words quick and her voice hoarse as she prayed. "Great Mother, please have mercy on your c-"
The gnarled fist of Amos Moses struck the young Wolf in her helmet, knocking Rikki unconscious for the second time in three minutes. The mutant's right hand found her wrist, and he dragged her to the murky pool in the center of the ruined Jurrasic Putt mini-golf course. Rikki was cast into the crimson swamp, and a blanket of cold darkness surrounded her. Lightning flashed and the rain continued. Soon nearly every Wolf and associate had been fed to the swamp thrashers.
Amos shoved a drooling Native away from the frightened brahmin, patting one's skin with his mutant right hand. He breathed heavily, the rush of battle fading from his muscles. A few of his kin had been slain, but they had succeeded in killing the Wolves without resorting to the explosives that Tigru had set down the road. The gators continued to feast on the bodies of the Wolves as the remaining Natives gathered their gear. Amos had stolen their wagon. The cargo did not matter at the moment, if the Wolf men put it in wagons, it was always valuable. And now there were less Wolves on the coast. It had been a good night.
"We's takin' back what wus ours first... Take wagon back to tha Cove. Show momma whut we got. Ah'm gon' finish cleanin' up. Cover yunz tracks. ...Is jus da start. "
- - The Charleston Hotel, Whalebone
“Wrap this?” he asked, turning back, before looking up at the gauze. “Oh, sure.” He replied quietly, as he got to his feet and wandered over to her. As he took the gauze from her, he glanced outside. “Feels good to get away from the battlefield.” He murmured, before going to work on her wound. He wrapped the wound up, maybe not in a professional manner, but in a manner as if to say ‘I’ve done this countless numbers of times’.
"Yeah. Feels good to get away..." Jade replied, lost in her own thoughts as the fisherman tended to her wound. Kitty Hawk had been blatantly attacked, and the young Wolf felt overwhelmed that she hadn't made much of a difference in the defense. Jade's mind needed to hold someone responsible, and she once again focused on herself.
"I know I said it already, but sorry for everything" She finally said, looking over to him soberly. The Wolf walked across the room slowly, looking out the window to the makeshift city that was Whalebone. With it's overpopulated leaning structures and houses built on buildings connected by bridges, things never seemed to quiet down. And now, given the surge of refugees and sudden gathering of Wolven soldiers, Whalebone's streets were filled even in the early hours of the morning.
"You know, we should think abou- "
A long, low sound echoed across the ramshackle city. Most of the Wolves still moving around paused, waiting for some kind of acknowledgement.
After another long, bleating tone the weathered speakers scattered around Whalebone crackled to life.
*static*
This is an official transmission. All ranked Wolves report to the nearest barracks. Roanoke Island is under attack. I repeat, all enlisted Wolves report to your nearest barracks or team leader for further instruction. Repeat, this is an official transmission. All ranked Wolves report to your nearest barracks or Team Leader.
*static*
A moment of silence fell across the town, with only a steady drum beat coming from Whalebone Hall. Soon the bootfalls of Wolves echoes across the makeshift catwalks and cracked streets of the town. A few shouts could be heard. From somewhere below Jade and Thiago, the Hotel doors were slammed.
Turning again to the fisherman, Jade met his gaze. "But... Who could be stupid enough to attack Roanoke Island?" the young woman asked fully aware Thiago guess would be as good as hers given the situation.
"Looks like I'm you're good luck charm." A forced chuckled escaped the girl's lips as she gave Thiago and apologetic look. "I'm not ranked, so I'm not a military asset. I'm not bound the call of our military. ...I'm feeling much better, so whether you want to fight or stay here or leave back North, I'll follow." she said absently, keeping an eye on the open window as she retrieved her gear and began dressing.
- - Sunken Highway, Outskirts of Manteo City
Chup watched as the southern shelf of Roanoke blossomed into a smoking firework show over and over again. The wind and the rain suddenly caused the young girl's hair to slap uncomfortably across her eyes. She had been much to interested in the shadows to care.
They had abandoned their swirling patterns around the sunken ruins of the old highway bridge, quickly disappearing towards the distant beach. The stormy morning skies and the unfortunate weather made it difficult for Chup to see the southern beaches ballad of light, or where the shadows had gone. Standing on the edge of the broken bridge and glaring long into the waters below, the girl then began a walk back to the beach and off towards the battle.
- - Fourth Street Hotel, Manteo City
Zoller took Scarlett’s hand gently in his. He was trembling. For a moment, it looked like he was going to break Scarlett’s hand in his own. But instead he kissed it gently, taking her fiercy curls in his fingers and brushing them back in front of her deep green eyes. “The Brotherhood,” he said slowly, as if trying to remember what the word meant. “I was born among them. I and my elder sister, Zoe. Our chapter disbanded before I could even walk. The remaining Brotherhood left the bunker with my sister and I. She herself was barely a girl of five. Our parents were lost to…” Zoller’s eyes strained under the weight of memory. “Raiders. I think. I can’t remember what she…what Zoe told me. I grew up learning about the Brotherhood from my sister. Because by the time I could talk, my people were Brotherhood no more.” Zoller smirked bitterly, angry at the past. “They were the Iron Hawks”.
Zoller explained his past, a hard life that Scarlett could relate to with some ease. The fighting. The grief. The loss.
Once his speech was done, Zoller approached Scarlett again with softness. He took her face in his, tracing a single finger down her luscious lips. “Slavery. Cruelty. Battles. Scavenging. The Reich works to rid the Wasteland of all such weaknesses. I don’t long for a better tomorrow because I’m not human, Scarlett. I do it because I want to be.”
As Zoller kissed her, Scarlett had been about to reply. Instead she remained silent, her rebuttal lost in the moment she had expected but was nonetheless unprepared for. I'm already committing treason against the Wolves by helping him, what more damage could it do...? The smell of the strange warrior was overwhelming, and his intentions were obvious. The woman allowed his advance, oblivious to the danger that was coming for them both. Scarlett awakened soon after, tangled in sheets. The woman experience a breif moment where her life was back to a routine, when the breathing of another in her bed was noticed. Reality flooded back like the tide. Her curls enguled the pillow like some sort of sea creatures, rising slowly from the bed. The sun had just began to rise, and through her curtains came the distant sounds of Wolves moving in the streets. The drums from the Festival continued to beat in the distance. The sound had changed, however. It was the sound of fighting. A rhythm of war. "Zoller, wake up. Something's happening." the woman said quietly, giving his shoulder a nudge as she rose from the bed. Her crimson curls swayed lazily as the Scarlett looked out from the sun-bleached blind. Snatching a gown from her reading chair, Scarlett whistled softly. "There a lot of Wolves going mobile. Full gear. Long Fangs on the rooftops. I can see a turret. This is bad. Zoller... why are they acting as if-"" *static*
This is an official transmission. This is not a drill. All Manteo assigned Wolves report to your post immediately. All other ranked Wolves report to the nearest barracks. Roanoke Island is under attack. I repeat, all enlisted Wolves report to your nearest barracks or team leader for further instruction. Repeat, this is an official transmission. All ranked Wolves report to your nearest barracks, post, or Team Leader.
*static* Outside the window, a Wolven Team ran down Fourth Street. Their boots smacked the weathered asphalt and broken roads loudly. As they moved, their team leader shouted some sort of briefing. The drums became louder, and more bootfalls could be heard across the roof. Scarlett backed away from her window, slowly closing the blinds. The woman's gaze turned to the man she had met last night, whom she had saved from interrogation. At first she was curious. Now Scarlett didn't know what she was. Feet treading silently across the wooden floor, she produced clean undergarments from an ancient dresser. "Zoller... what are you going to do?" She could have elaborated on the question, but Scarlett knew him to be keen. He had no doubt recognized the complications to his plight much better than she.
- -Albemarle Tavern, Manteo City
Ling nodded out of respect for his opinion. “I understand your concern, but Alpha wouldn’t have picked Cade, if she didn’t think he was one of the best. I’m sure he’ll be fine. And if not, I’ll march right into the afterlife and kick his ass back here.” She smirked, jokingly, though she was somewhat worried herself. She had confidence in them, but she’d heard all kind of things about Moses. She remained somewhat uneasy.
As they entered the tavern, Ling glanced around and found a table for two. “We’ll sit there, get us some drinks. I’ll get the next ones.” She stated in her firm way, before heading straight over to the table, and dropping down into one of the chairs.
Orlando smiled warmly, nodded, then walked to the bar. "Two Rum-n'-Nuka's, if ya please." The veteran Wolf said as he apporached the bar. "She hasn't changed at all." He added so low that only he could hear.
Returning with their drinks, the man nodded as he handed Ling her own. "To your boys, to friendship, and to the Wolves." he said as they toasted. He took a seat across from her at the old table, giving her a tired smile. "
- - Streets of Manteo City
Ghost walked casually down Fourth Street, nodding to a large structure on the right.
"That's the Hole. Strange building. Locals use it as a place to gamble. The central floor is low and flat... sorta like glass." the soldier grunted. He could have told William that Darwin frowned on all gambling. He could have explained to this stranger that his people required a certain amount of what the knight would likely see as 'sin', and that he himself did not partake. But he did not.
"Cards are popular, so is dice. Majority of the caps are taken on fights, though. Mostly younger Wolves looking to prove themselves. Or test themselves. Cuts down on alley fights." he added, turning his attention back to the streets. "Do your folk gamble?" Ghost asked. He assumed they did not, but his duty required him to be sociable when it aided him. He hadn't talked this much in a long while, anyway, and in truth it wasn't unpleasant.
They walked on, turning down Fourth Street. The captain raised an eyebrow as another Wolf rushed past, but resumed his pace shortly afterwards.
"Manteo is mostly living space. Aside from the Mansion, the Complex, and the businesses, the rest is housing." Ghost continued, attempting to explain it to himself as well. "We haven't grown enough to fill the city yet, so many outer structures have stayed in ruin until we have more workers. The wall took us three years to finish. After the first year of building began, the Natives started to push back from the North. We fortified Kitty Hawk as a Gate town and barrier to the mainland. Between the Bandits, the Natives, and the wilflife here... Manteo has become our sanctuary and our new home. We've been here nearly eight years now. Despite it's flaws and despite ours, that man in the Mansion is building something greater than any of us as a lone person."
It was strange, Ghost seldom talked in detail. Even less often did he allow his opinion to be heard. His paced slowed, and he stood infront of a small diner. The captain paused, then turned to William. As the sun struggles to rise through dark clouds, the soldier put aside his better judgement.
"Tell me, William, as a man of honor. Are you're people a threat to the Wolves?" On any other occasion, Ghost would have never asked the question. Something about this morning was odd. Whether is was lack of sleep or a gut feeling, the soldier awaited the stranger's reply.
The another. Finding his goggles and ear piece, the Wolf captain turned on his radio. He motioned for the outsider to wait.
The speakers along the street remained silent, but the steady drums echoed across the island. Windows were randomly flung open as sharpshooters climbed to the rooftops. Footfalls were heard as armored Wolves ran through the streets, eager to destinations unknown. Ghost quickly found his way to William. Plugging in his mic, the Wolven soldier took a knee in the street.
"Den this is Ghost, copy? What the fuck is happening?"
*static*
"Hostiles on Roanoke Island, just south of Manteo. Echo Team is dead, along with a fe scouts. Alpha Team and a handful of first responders have just made contact. It sounds like a warzone, brother. The full scale of the situation isn't clear. Where are you?"
* static *
"Ninth Street in Manteo. The guests, remember? I'm heading to the gate. Ghost, out." The Wolf captain turned off his radio for the moment, then looked to William.
"Enemies in the wetlands... heavily armed warriors have landed on the island, and are pushing for this city. It's the same soldiers I was looking for when we found you. It's a new enemy... soldiers in old world uniforms... we've spotted them active with the bandits in the swamplands... but... we had no idea. Perhaps your aware of them. I can't allow them to reach the gates." the man's mouth turned to a grim gesture. "I'm going to aid the other Wolves. You are welcome to follow me, if you wish. If the radio chatter is to be believed.... then we need all the help we can get until reinforcments from Kill Devil arrive." Ghost said to William.
*static*
This is an official transmission. All Manteo assigned Wolves report to your post immediately. All other ranked Wolves report to the nearest barracks. Roanoke Island is under attack. I repeat, all enlisted Wolves report to your nearest barracks or team leader for further instruction. Repeat, this is an official transmission. All ranked Wolves report to your nearest barracks, post, or Team Leader.
*static*
As if on cue, the iron shutters to the turret towers in Maneto City slid open noisily. Should the enemy reachs the inner city, heavy automatic rifles would keep them off the main streets.
Torches all over the city blazed to life, and from a distance Manteo seemed to be slowly engulfed by a golden bubble of light for the second time in one night. Fires that had burnt down over the night became stacked with fresh wood, sending a pillar of smoke into the sky. The Complex lit up completely, with ancient iron searchlights scanning the waters of northern Roanoke. The city, as planned by Darwin, weaponized it's self. The light rain mattered none to the goggle and headgear sporting snipers. Long Fangs, as they were often called on the street, moved across the walls and structures of the city. Their shadows passed over Ghost and William.
Ghost paused to lean against a weathered Nuka-Cola machine, sending a message to his own team. Particularly, Geoff, Rude, and the Lone Wolf Caroline. With a nod to William, the soldier began leading them to the Southern Gate. Around the Wolf and the Knight, other soldiers and armed civilians jogged to variousposts and streets. It was an oddly organized chaos, as if the Wolves simply accepted fighting for their homes and lives as they would a change in weather.
Across Manteo City, the power flickered once again.
- - The Manteo Mansion - Auditorium
"The Storm Troopers. They've killed any Bandits that survived Kitty Hawk.... Have you heard the term, the enemy of my enemy is my friend? The Troopers want me dead more then they want you dead, currently. I have information, I doubt it'll pay for my survival, but I want the cunts hung. I didn't mean for this to happen. If I had denied the Fuhrer's request, I would've been killed. And moving a few hundred men is gonna attract attention. Plus, I wanted Frederick back. Right now, you have no good reasons for sparing me, beyond simple information. But I don't have anything left to go back to at Stumpy Point, I just want revenge."
The power helmet looked at Rachel Seth, it's lenses focusing on her eyes. The tribals in the auditorium studied Rachel Seth. She had been a rumor to most of them, just a name associated with the thugs on the mainland. Whispers followed the bandit's speech until Darwin's helmet replied.
"The life of your technician will be spared. He is placed under debt contract to us for his crimes. Your argument has been heard. As insightful as your backwoods logic may be, Ms. Seth, I tend to think for myself. I think your a parasite, Ms. Seth. The Wolves have no need for parasites. You and your murderous band of hoodlums. Normally I would allow the other leaders to decide your fate. You, however, are such an easy case that I won't waste their time..." the room grew completely silent.
"Rachel Seth, for the crimes of murder, destruction of Wolven property, theft of Wolven goods, attacking our hunting parties and caravans, attacking our home, aiding an organized enemy of the Wolves, and generally being a headache to myself, you are sentenced to death. You will be hung by the neck until dead at dawn, in public, so that the Wolves may find some small closure in your death."
There was a hushed roar of approval from the auditorium, many of the Wolves smiling at her and nodding. Others continued to regard the former leader of the Stumpy Point Bandits with disgust.
"Remove Ms. Seth from the Auditorium. If she resists or attempts to flee, execute her via firing squad." The dark suit of power armor turned back to Rachel as the soldiers took hold of her arms.
"Goodbye, Ms. Seth. It was pleasant meeting you." With that, Darwin turned and began his own exit of the auditorium. Sacrifices such as this were sometimes necessary. Pushing the situation to the back of his mind, the Leader of the Wolves wrestled with the growing problem just south of the city.
Darwin exited the mansion's auditorium, followed closely by two Wolves: Helia and Digger. His cape flowed behind him and the power armor gaited across the Grand Hall and up the stairs. A young Wolf scrambled up behind them, handing a paper to Helia. He nodded and quickly left them. Soldiers near the west hall nodded to their lord. He nodded in return as he passed.
"Helia, I want you to radio Victor. Tell him that Kill Devil is to deploy any boats available. I want eyes on everything near this island. Leave only the Highwind and the Liquid on dock, but keep then fueled. The recruits are to continue with their normal schedule. All teams and Wolves not assigned to Northguard or the island are to be pulled to Kill Devil, Whalebone, and Manteo immediately. I want all the Gates closed to Manteo, except the bridge. Send Rock over."
"Of course, Lord Darwin. Sir..."
"Yes, Helia?"
"Ghost has decided to join the battle... his team was off duty when they found out. Do you wish me to call him back?"
"No, Helia."
"Also, Sir... Gallow Team last reported in they were a few hours from Kitty Hawk Bridge. They are still out in the wilds. We're having trouble reaching them. "
"I see. Have Victor try to contact them and Turbo. Inform Turbo to return to Kitty Hawk as quickly as possible with the caravans."
"Yes, sir." Helia nodded, then quickly jogged off. Her boots echoed across the marble floor of the hall and down the stairs, then she vanished beneath the grand staircase.
"Digger."
"Yes, Lord?"
"Alpha has reached the enemy by now. Grizzly Team is with her, there's some Lone Wolves, and I've sent the new team in. Now, Dig, listen closely: I want you to find Rico Team, load them onto Boat Nine, and send them in only after the presence of my former brothers has been confirmed. You know what the Team's objective is. Radio Ghost, and tell him his priority is to aid Rico Team when they arrive. Tell them to stay away from the other teams, and absolutely do not allow Lita to interfere."
"Of course, sir. Understood."
First Rachel Seth fell into his lap, and now Alpha was preoccupied while the missing pieces of his puzzle landed on Roanoke Island. Things were working out in Darwin's favor. A chuckle escaped the helmet.
- - Master Bedroom, Manteo Mansion
The cracked doors to the ornate bedroom swung open as the power armor entered the room. Marilyn sat up slowly from her strange lounge chair, pushing her hair behind her shoulders.
"What's going on?"
"Get dressed, Darling. The enemy is on Roanoke Island, and we have much to discuss. In the unlikely event that this turns into a full scale assault, Manteo it's self will be tested." the helmet said flatly before turning to focus on Angel. "You too, Angel. The time for you to help me open the Vault is almost here."
"Dammit Darwin, I want to know what's under this island!" It had been said. Never before had Marilyn of the Wolves questioned Darwin's intentions so directly. Never before had she so blatantly demanded something of her husband. He studied her from his helmet, before slowly unlatching the seal and removing it. Dark locks of hair spilled from the power helmet as Darwin met his wife's gaze.
"The keys to paradise, my dear."
An hour had passed. Darwin stood on the roof of the Manteo Mansion, his helmet focused on the southern horizon. Despite the rain, some of the flood woodland burned. The distant echoes of gunfire and the occasional explosion made it to the city. Rain drizzled off his armor, causing steam to rise slowly from his battery pack.
Darwin had promised the Wolves Paradise nearly eight years ago to the day, and although many of them believe the Banks to be so, the man would not surrender Roanoke Island until he had gathered the items needed to complete the final task.
"Will they reach the city?"
"No. They don't have enough support to push into Manteo. Reinforcments from Kill Devil are arrvinging as we speak. The Troopers have no retreat. The Wolves will fight them back to the Southern Beach, where the boats and other teams will clean it up. Although they are doing more damage than the bandits, it was still a small push."
"So why all the preparations with the Complex, the guard, and Kill Devil Hills? Why so pressed to complete the Highwind? Why guards at the Vault?"
A long moment of awkward silence passed. Daud was about to apologize for speaking out of rank when Darwin finally replied. The speakers conveyed an odd honesty in the man's voice.
"I believe someone is testing us, Daud. Caution is needed from this point on."
- - Smoking Battleground, Southern Roanoke Island ( Wolven Death Toll: 58 and rising )
Grizzly Team arrived just after Alpha's first shot. The group sprinted through the wood line, with the old Wolf at the helm. He paused on a grassy dune, looking down towards the flooded battlefield.
The rain continued to fall lightly across the island.
"There's Alpha Team. Orders are to push in behind them. Keep their backs clean while they cut in. Move."
The group of twelve Wolven soldiers ran quickly through the brush and down to the battleground, unloading their weapons to clear a path and pause the enemy fire. The old Wolf's hunting shotgun continued to pump slugs across the smoldering trees as his team moved through the wet growth quickly. Their position behind the treeline save them from much of the laser fire, but one Wolf dropped down face first in the water, a plasma blot still melting his neck.
Howls echoed across the island now, battle cry of the Wolves. Thunder rumbled across the Carolina Coast. Grizzly paused as his team held the wood line behind Alpha Team. His heart beat heavily in his chest, and it seemed the old Wolf once again knew his place in the world. Removing his giant revolver from the trench coat, Grizzly then shot a blue flare across the flooded wetland of Roanoke Island. It arced through the rain, landing silently in the brush to the south. It landed just yards from the frantic Echo and her dead team.
"Sir?" Big'Un grunted as he held the dripping minigun. His shoulder armor rested against the wet bark of an old willow tree. Thunder rumbled and gunfire was heard. The mountain of a man waited patiently for his leader's reply.
"Quiet. I want the leader..." From her position in the mud, Alpha's helmet focused down the sights of the Wolf-Fang rifle. In the digital sights rode an odd suit of tech armor, a working motorcycle beneath her. The soldier was attempting to burn the flooded forest down. Fortunately, it was wet as hell. And it was just beginning to storm. Thundered rumbled behind the drone of the motorcycle engines. Time seemed to slowed. The helmet blipped twice. Alpha Team was still. Lita pulled the trigger.
An echoing ka-boom rumbled forth from the gauss rifle. Bark was peeled off the supporting tree and the T-51b suit slid backward a foot or two. Leaves blew out in all direction from her position, and static sparks sizzled across the wet earth.
Before the flash or the sound could reach Reinhardt, the magnetically-charged-supersonic-bullet did. Lita had aimed low. The magnetic projectile tore through the motorcycle and out the other side, obliterating the better half of a tree trunk afterward. The motorcycle ignited, and to Alpha's pleasure, went down in flames. As the armored soldier went down with it, Lita stood up and reloaded the Wolf-Fang from the high ground.
"Big'Un, don't spare any rounds keeping them from closing us in. Clint, Cade, stick behind me. Potshots if they get too close. Cruze, you put eyes on Echo. Take her weak ass straight back to Manteo. Everyone else, let's move. Every one of these fuckers is to be killed, but their officer is mine. Left Field run. Honest injun."
Alpha Team burst out of the cover and advanced down to the attacking Storm Troopers. Big'Un, his hulking form flanking Alpha, began to spray the enemy line with 5mm AP rounds. The whine of the minigun was high-pitched, and the well-oiled machine spewed death from an ammo chain. Brass littered the damp foliage of Roanoke Island. Wild Bill howled like an animal before sending a missile whistling into a cluster of Storm Troopers taking cover. An explosion followed. The Wolves' heavy assault team carved a path of blood across the familiar terrain, using the land and growth as their cover.
Alpha herself advanced towards the field where the armored soldier had wrecked the motorcycle. Servos groaned as the woman sprinted, causing heavy tension on her limbs. The power armored Wolf suddenly took a knee, and the gauss rifle released another ka-boom. This time, water spewed in all directions from Alpha as the round bolted through the air and tore a plasma rifle wielding Storm Trooper in half. With another crack of thunder, rain began to fall more heavily.
Clint rolled over Lita's wet shoulder pauldron, landing heavily in the mud. His magnum barked several times, disarming a soldier that had Alpha in his sights. Clint emptied the last few rounds into the treeline before reloading. Alpha, having finished reloading, rose to her feet. The camouflaged power armor slogged heavily through the water as she near the crash sight.
The machine gun of Anubis cut down attackers from the south-east. A Trooper rushed them, his plasma rifle sending a glowing prjectile past the masked soldier and into the chest of Moss. The Wulf cried out as he fell into the mud, squirming as he died. Sig quickly sprayed the killer with his assualt weapon as he reached the corpse, relieved it of the shotgun and supplies, then continued on after Alpha. They would mourn later.
Alpha slung the gauss rifle and shouldered the weapon, her suit sinking slightly in the slick mud as she used a rotten, rusty semi-trailer as cover. Her team cleaned up around them, working together to cover three sides. Big'Un stood to the rear, cycling countless rounds from his minigun into any of Reinhardt's men he spotted. Clint slid down a hill and into the water, watching his leader's back with the magnum. She glanced to Cade, making sure her shadow was present. The rest of Alpha Team had dug into tight spots. Reinhardt and her group were temporarily left to deal with Alpha Team or retreat back directly the way they came. Quickly, the power armor emerged from cover. The gauss rifle glowed ominously.
"I feel like I should at least ask the name of the fool insane enough to lead soldiers onto my island." Although the power helmet masked her voice, it was still clearly feminine. It also sounded oddly amused. Lita studied Reinhardt and her strange armor through the T-series visor as she stepped before her adversary. Sensors told her that the suit was likely bullet proof. The helmet looked like something from the Old Worlds war minds. The woman in the camouflaged power armor kept the gauss rifle aimed loosely at Reinhardt, but would not fire unless the soldier in dark armor moved first. Her opponent's weapon looks devastating as well. Around her, Grizzly and Alpha Team held the Troopers from advancing for the moment.
- - Scorched Wetlands, Southern Roanoke Island
Boast Six jetted down the coastline, pulling in fast towards the southern beach. Illuminated by laser and small arms fire, the treeline was partially smoldering. Inside the battle lights danced through the trees like a rave party. Explosions were heard, as were screams. When the operator of Boat Six spotted the blue smoke, he called out above Boat Six's mighty twin engines.
"There's the spot! Go on now" Ahab hollered, pointing at the blue smoke above a portion of the treeline. A stray bullet whizzed by the watercraft. It was only the first. Quickly, the heavy machine gun roared to life. It's barrel spewed rounds below the flare and across the enemy's line. Storm Troopers near the coast who did not dive down were torn apart by the weapon's deadly spray. Trees twisted and jerked, some of them falling with a groan.
As the watercraft continued wreaking destruction from the water, all of Red Team chewed a small pink tablet. Chasing them with various drinks, they then jumped off the deck of the cruising boat. The jump was hard, and a few of the Wolves were stunned. Most of Red Team managed to keep their heads and weapons mostly dry. Boat Six's wailing machine gun and roaring engines motored down the coast, drawing attention and wreaking havoc on any Storm Troopers foolish enough to be spotted out of cover.
Red Team hauled ass up the beach, salt water rushing from their gear as they climbed the sand dune. Already most of Red's men had become winded from the swim and the sprint. When the young team of Wolves crested the dune, however, they witnessed battle on a scale like none of the young Wolves had seen before.
Alpha and Grizzly's veteran soldiers were attempting to hold back the rushing tide of laser wielding men clad in strange armor. Many of the trees had been set ablaze, either by energy weapons or the motorcycle riding men. A grenade exploded below, and a nearby willow tree released a rumbling groan while gravity finished the job.
Red took a knee, his second in command at his side. Likity handed Red a pair of binoculars. The rest of his Wolves remained hidden behind a scorched sand dune.
"Den, this is Red. Repeat, Red Team here. We've hit the beach. Radio chatter is not panic. Repeat, the Storm Troopers are attacking... I see dead Wolves. Victor... How the fuck did they get on Roanoke?"
* static *
"We aren't sure, yet. Red, do you see Alpha, Grizzly, Echo, or any other captains?"
* static *
Red took a deep breath. A scream echoed from the trees nearby. The young leader attempted to get a grip on himself when Likity pointed silently to the marsh. "Den, I see Alpha and Grizzly Team. They are near the old-town intersection in the woods. I think they're outnumbered. I can see most of Echo Team, too, but I think they're all dead."
* static *
"No. Listen to me, Red. Echo is still alive. She has a hostage that we need back in Manteo ASAP. Your orders are to retrieve the captain and her hostage, then escort them both back to your deployment area. Boat twelve will pick them up. Do you copy?"
* static *
"Yes." Red answered quietly. "Out." Likity took the radio back from his captain, as well as the binoculars. After a moment of waiting, he finally asked Red about the radio transmission. "So we're going down into the marsh instead of giving back-up to the teams in the woods?" The soldier asked, checking his rifle. Likity sad nothing else, but it was obvious to Red he wasn't happy rushing head first into this situation without direct support from other teams. Especially when the enemy was heavily armed and outnumbered the team. "Yeah, Lik, we're hitting the lowland. Let's move, we've got a prisoner to secure." The battle for Echo Team was over, with only two out of the twelve left alive. The woman had her back to a smoking tree, clutching her Chinese assault rifle. Thunder shook the Banks as they endured. Out of ammo, no plan, and out of time. Fuck me. she thought out loud. Shielding her eyes from the rain and smoke, she glanced back at the Enclave scientist and Tyson. A plasma bolt scorched the treetop above her, sending white smoke rolling off the leaves. Rain fell heavily, drenching Echo and her gear. Tyson had moved to throw her a clip when a well-aimed plasma bolt caught his neck. The magazine fell into the bloody water with a plop. She groaned as her last soldier sizzled before her eyes. In the last minutes of her life, Echo drew her handgun and clutched it like a child would a doll. Her gaze met the eyes of the enclave scientist again. "Are you afraid of death?" she asked in a strangely calming tone. "Wolves are taught that death in battle, especially in the act of protecting yourself and your people, is honorable." Echo looked down at her leg, a bullet wound oozing blood into the mud below. Great. After a moment of pause, the Wolf began to bind the wound.
"I don't want to die here. And I don't think you do, either. We have to move. Those fuckers will be standing over us in a minute or two if we don't get to a better position. I need you to help me run. Two moving targets will better our odds. If we make it through those trees, I can get us back to the water. Back to the boats. So, are you coming with me or staying here and trying to reason with them?" Echo asked above the gunfire, obviously doing her best to control the nervous tremors of her body. - - The Vault The nuclear reactor beneath Roanoke Island arched across it's chambers, scorching the walls surrounding it and causing the flooded salt water to boil around it's rusting base. Steam hissed from an ancient pipe as another bolt snapped. For centuries something had been steadily draining the reactor's power, and with the recent strain of powering Northen Manteo it was quickly dying. The speakers continued their haunting loop.
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