The REALLY Wild Wasteland. (The Fallout RP!)

[Random Fella]

"Brain Amigig?"
By the time Trixie had turned around, Robin was scanning the device, claiming it to be an important piece of machinery.
She knew Robin knew a lot about bots and the like, and the capabilities of the pip boy.
"Don't throw that thing around! It must be delicate!"
She was slightly spectacle, but her curiosity overwhelmed her common sense.

"Let me take a look at that."
Trixie held out her hand but to no avail, there was no way she was going to observe this part without making some sort of deal.
She looked back at her pack Brahmine, a large hole through it's head from one of the first bots firing, she had been with her so long, but it didn't phase her past the point of losing coin.
"How about this" she pointed to her Brahmine "If I join your little drink, and beat you, you'll give me that there... Brain Amigagola did you call it? If you win you can have a share of the meat from Jesse.
She thought for a moment again
"I'd rather have that thing on your wrist though"

 

[Generic NPC 22]

The Wild Wastelands | 324 West Black Road (The Black Shack)
#411's Plans​

Enclave Intelligence Specialist #411 felt the briefest pangs of pity when she looked upon the wounded woman who had foolishly squandered the gift the Enclave had graciously given her. These feelings were soon overwhelmed once again by the anger and disdain she felt towards to the Former Enclave Asset. It was nothing personal towards Lucy, Jonathan or the BlamCo Nitwit but if there was one thing that #411 had learned during her time with Enclave Intelligence, it was that masking all her feelings under a blanket of anger and hatred made it hard for people to discern her intentions.

Another skill set that she had developed during her time with Enclave Intelligence was an uncanny ability to read her subjects. It made her job of interrogating the various prisoners that were subject to her hospitality even easier to question, especially when she knew what their motivations were.

When observing the former Enclave Member, Jonathan Aristotle McKenna, and how he looked at Lucy, his motivations were clear. Enclave Intelligence Specialist #411 quickly decided how to best use Lucy Black's self mutilation towards getting Jonathan to agree to #411's plans.

"Well, what do you say? Let us hear the full extent of your plans and my role in them, and we shall give you our terms." The Former Enclave Tinkerer demanded.

"Let's get her to Megaton first." #411 stated, gesturing for the BlamCo nitwit to pickup the unconscious One Eyed Gauss Girl before depressing a button on her own Enclave Issued Power Armor. There was a slight whirring and humming that was emitted from the armor as the seemingly light absorbent black paint job that made the Enclave so feared was replaced by the silver of the Enclave's chief rivals in the Wastes, the Brotherhood of Steel.

"Before I tell you anything, just know that even a whisper of what I say coming from your mouths is as good as putting a pistol to your head and pulling the trigger. I won't have any problems submitting the report stating that you are a danger to the Enclave and its goals." She stated, threatened, crossed a finger across her throat.

"I have an army that needs weapons and training." Enclave Intelligence Specialist #411 stated simply, "I inferred from the lock on your personnel file that you were either someone that could create the weapons that I need or train the army itself."

Looking at the Former Weaponsmith and the BlamCo Berserker, ideas formed in #411's head, plans were plotted and conclusions made.

"Since it looks like you two are a package deal, I could either eliminate the baggage," She said in reference to the woman carrying Lucy Black, "or I could include her. I will need you to design and create weapons for the soldiers that I've gathered. Your... compatriot... can train them, seeing as she managed to eliminate two Enclave Heavy Weapons Specialists with nothing but a sword. Once they're outfitted and trained, your work is done. Unless you'd like to take part in the changes to come, help remake the Enclave be the beacon of hope that it should be."

That was it. That was what she needed from Jonathan. As for the BlamCo Fanatic, it was the perfect opportunity to gather more converts.

[hr]

The Wild Wastelands | The Vault Tec Headquarters Crater
#209's POV​

If there was one thing that one thing that Enclave Heavy Weapons Specialist #209 hated, it was haggling with a merchant. If there was one thing that he hated even more, it was watching two merchants haggle with each other. Now normally, he would have settled the matter in his typical manner, he would have tossed them in a river before shooting them full of holes. Fortunately for Wrench girl and her friend, he was working on delaying his gratification. Instead...

"Huh... huh... huh..." Enclave Dominator #209 chuckled to himself as he imagined the two fighting each other with pillows.

There was a small alarm triggered when his armor detected a buildup of liquids in #209's armor. Apparently, he'd been drooling.

 

[Texas Joker 52]

Arizona

The Wild Wastelands | Ruined Skyscraper Camp​

The old Ghoul couldn't think of anything to say when Thomas pointed out that time, particularly after the end of the world, hardly made people less superstitious. If anything, it had made it much, much worse. The fact that he said it with such a forlorn tone threatened to tug on the few heartstrings that Arizona still had.

"Of course, you're right, Arizona. Without knowing her, you're hardly in a position to judge her mental or emotion state. Which brings us to the closure of this topic. Of course, that doesn't mean that one of your status doesn't hold a few stories of her own. For one, we could start with the reason that we're traveling to Dunwich."

Once he mentioned the job she had taken, she grunted softly and her face returned to it's default expression of mild grumpiness as she reached into one of her fatigue's pockets for her pack of cigarettes and her Zippo. She was overdue for a smoke.

"As far as I know it's home to your... less polite kin. I'm not sure if you and they get along but I know that they and I have not had the pleasure of sitting down for a drink and telling stories surrounding ourselves nor have I had the pleasure of asking for their advice on personal matters. I believe that they have a problem with solicitors."

"Fulla Ferals, eh?" she asked, glancing up with a wry smirk as she placed a crooked cigarette between her teeth and struggled to light it.

"Yea, Ferals don't tend to like 'Smoothskins' like you, pardon the term." she said with a chuckle, before she glared at her lighter as she tried to flick it on a few more times to no avail.

After a few moments, she sighed, pulled the cigarette from her mouth and waved it dismissively, "Well, about five minutes before I picked you up, I was given a job. Something's happening in that building, and it's affecting Ghouls, sane and Feral alike. Messing with their minds and making them act all screwy, something to do with a cult. I'm supposed to go in, figure out what's going on and find a way to stop it. Damn you, stupid fucking thing, work!" she told him before going straight back to struggling with her lighter.

When she finally got it lit, she smiled a little to herself and took a long drag before glancing over at him and holding out the cigarette.

"Oh, I almost forgot. You smoke?" she offered.

 

[Generic NPC 22]

The Wild Wastelands | Ruined Skyscraper Camp
Cigarettes and Booze​

Thomas considered confirming his status as a non-smoker but stopped. He'd been doing quite a few things that had life shortening consequences between drinking his liver into submission and taking on the task of guide to a Ghoul enroute to a church meeting so why should he have stopped there. Taking the cigarette, the Former Undertaker took a long drag... and started hacking his lungs out.

~COUGH! CHOKE! WHEEZE! CHOKE! COUGH COUGH COUGH!~

Perhaps smoking was one of the few vices that she should have considered not picking up. Still the sensation of the nicotine in burning his lungs wasn't unpleasant nor was the rush that entered his brain soon after.

"Sounds like a rather dangerous job. I'll try not to get in your way, Arizona." Thomas said as he laid back in his sleeping bag and looked up at the cracked ceiling. The thought of cults and religion had got him to thinking about his own beliefs, "Back home, we used to visit this old temple. It preached peace and harmony. It was massive and there were always images of people being happy. They say it was built before the bombs fell so given your ... experience on this world, have you ever been there? Have you been to Disneyland?"

 

[evilengine]

Chester flipped the lid of his storage box back down with a dull thump, before sitting ontop of it, sighing.

Ah well, one born every minute... he thought, looking around the merchants, mechanics, guards, and the newfound Enclave grunts who now milled around one another, talking, arguing, or scrambling for salvage among the fallen combat machines. In the case of the armed lady who was previously taking cover with the crusty ol' ghoul, she looked to be conversing with that grease monkey from before.

Back now the danger has passed? Hrmm... suppose I can't criticize survival instinct can I?

He looked back into his still open jacket, rummaging through the dozen or so pockets lining the inside. Two empty bottles and a flattened juice carton later he guessed he was out of any drink after all, and seeing that kid necking some of that sweet Sunset Sarsaparilla he found himself developing a thirst too.

Don't be the outcast, Ches'; mingle with the others! That's no sign of gent.

Locking the shop-box back up and refastening his coat he heaved his backpack on more comfortably and made his way over to the others standing nearby the old Vault Tech place, or so it said in those big chunky letters above.

"Howdy, ladies," he croaked, casually rubbing his hairless scalp as he came to a stop beside Trixie and Robin.

"Don't think we've bin' properly introduced, have we? Name's Chester...oh, well I guess you may have guessed that from my sales pitch jus' now. Sorry bout that, force o' habit when you've been on the road for as long as this crusty bag o' bones has. Especially when a fresh opportunity like the armoured fella crops up." He jerked his head to #209 nearby, before noticing he'd interrupted the two women discussing something about...

"Say, ain't that one of them fancy-pants Pipboys I keep hearing about?" He asked, not giving the women time to even answer his introduction. "Never seen one up in the flesh like this, let alone on the arm of a young thing like you." He gave what he thought was a charming smile followed by a wink, but the fact several of his teeth were missing and his eye twitched horribly likely didn't give the impression he hoped.

 

[Random Fella]

"Condolences?" Trixie stood over the Brahmine she had traveled with for years
"Yes, well. It's worth a lot less to me dead."
Scanning over the rest of the robots and the satchel she had filled she was finally happy with what she had salvaged. Turning back to #209.
"Hopefully that alarm doesn't mean you've wet yourself, and you've already had your freebee beer." She pointed to the shattered bottle on the ground beside him.
"But if you want any more..."
Trixie held her arms to her sides with her palms in the air, to gesture that simply stated 'how do you think you're going to get more', she didn't have the funds now to be giving things away.

Not long after, Chester approached them, but before she had a chance to respond to his introduction, he was already well underway asking questions about the pipboy. Trixie crossed her arms in a pout, everyone around here was the same, a fake smile to try to get straight to the point. Then again, how was she any different?

 

[Generic NPC 22]

The Wild Wastelands | The Vault Tec Headquarters Crater
#209 Attempts to Barter​

Enclave Heavy Weapons Specialist #209 was in the middle of a rather enjoyable fantasy when he was rudely interrupted by one of the subjects of said fantasy, namely the one who was interested in a piece of scrap Bot Memory, most likely the storing what #209 assumed was instructions on how to give a killer Hot Oil Massage (HEY! Bots had oil and lots of arms! So why not?!) Honestly, she didn't look like the type that enjoyed hot oil massages but #209 was a rather poor judge of character. I mean his best friends were a pack of Enclave soldiers that shot first and asked questions later... and that was during their down time.

"Hopefully that alarm doesn't mean you've wet yourself, and you've already had your freebee beer." The Woman whom the others called Trixie said as she held out her hand in the universal motion of "GIMME GIMME GIMME!"

"Shoot. I'm rather fresh outta caps at the moment but I got some Enclave Bucks if you'll accept that." #209 said, though it was a hopeless proposition since the only place that you could spend an Enclave Buck was in the Enclave Vault and the only people that were allowed entrance into the Enclave Vault were Enclave personnel.

This was apparently wide spread knowledge since most of the traders looked rather dubiously at the prospect of learning that the potential clients were fresh outta caps. Of course, he could have made each of the traders so a fine impersonation of Swiss Cheese but there was still the issue of two of the traders being the first ladies that #209 had seen in a rather long time.

"Crap. I guess I've got some weapons I can barter with." #209 muttered as he went over to his jeep and pulled out an assortment of rather heavy looking weapons that would be a pain in the ass to carry without something to transport them with, not to mention the fact that you needed to have an Enclave encoding chip to fire the weapons.

Oh! Bright Idea!

"Hey #309! You got any caps on you?"

"Yeah why?"

"I need them!"

"Still, why?"

"I need them to get laid... I mean... to buy a drink for these fine ladies and their pal Chester over here!" The Smooth Enclave Heavy Weapons Specialist said. Smooooooooth.

"FINE!"

 

[Drummodino]

The Wild Wastelands | Shack of Reminiscence​

The more Charlie heard about Sylph's father the more he loathed the man. Beating and whipping his child, forcing her to adopt a more "suitable" personality based on his ideal image of a daughter, Charlie didn't think he knew of anyone more unsuited for fatherhood. Wherever the bastard was he hoped it was far, far away from the pair of them.

"Is Cannon your real family last name?"

It seemed that Sylph wasn't very comfortable with the topic of conversation, changing it rather bluntly. Charlie still had more questions, but he held his tongue for now.

"Yes it is." he stated simply. "My family runs the Cannon Brahmin Ranch out west. Why do you ask?"

It should be noted that Charlie is not especially adept at the concept of irony.

 

[Rip Van Rabbit]

Kristin Blamco - Springvale
"Fly me to the moon"​

"Since it looks like you two are a package deal, I could either eliminate the baggage," The Soya agent greeted The BlamCo Heiress in a brief condescending manner, "or I could include her. I will need you to design and create weapons for the soldiers that I've gathered. Your... compatriot... can train them, seeing as she managed to eliminate two Enclave Heavy Weapons Specialists with nothing but a sword. Once they're outfitted and trained, your work is done. Unless you'd like to take part in the changes to come, help remake the Enclave be the beacon of hope that it should be."

For the first time, Jonathan and #411 bore witness to Kristin's daggered glare. An expression of intensity that was only rivalled by Miss Black's one-eyed harrowing focus. The contrast from the upbeat Princess' usual carefree disposition was a foreboding sign of danger to the perceptive eye. Miss Black was carefully placed on kitchen counter.

"I will not be long, Agent of Soya.", Kristin peered down the bridge of her nose at #411. Then her eyes shifted to Jonathan, her expression softened as she nodded respectfully, the slightest of smiles could be seen. "As an agent of BlamCo, I must see to the burial rights of fellow warriors that have fallen in battle. Regardless of their dairy-less origins.", the somber weight of responsibility layered the Heiress' voice. She took no joy in this part.

Unknown to the arguing occupants of the room, Kristin had been attempting to clear the haze of bloodlust that the battle had brought. During that time, the BlamCo Heiress had taken to removing the armor from the Soya agents that had fallen beneath her blade. Most had to be pried or further broken from their bodies, but Kristin had succeeded in pulling the two men from their shameful encasements, unshackling them from an afterlife in Purgatory by allowing the Gods to reach their hearts and tug at their souls.

Now let it be said that Kristin Blamco did yearn for battle in the name of BlamCo, but that did not mean that those who were misguided were left to rot. Such an act would be dishonorable. Kristin was prepared to walk against the rivers of death, two souls in hand and offer them to the Gods as forgiveness and respect. Which roughly translated to Kristin dragging both of the men outside by the ankles, through the dirt and 200 paces from Miss Black's home and into more burnt-out ruins where dirt was scooped over there bodies. One BlamCo cheese cupcake, taken from the kitchen, adorned the foreheads of the corpses that were stripped of their clothing.

Kristin kneeled between the bodies, her Bumper sword in her left hand and two cupcakes in her right.

"The Gods of Cream, Milk, Cheese and Nipples. I firmly clutch the instrument of death in my left hand and an offering of Dairy in my right.", Kristin closed her eyes and bowed her head, "As I ask for forgiveness, allow me to be so bold as to present you with the unshackled souls of the forsaken. I ask of your benevolence! They know not what the Moon holds. They knew not of the Round Cheese-made Heaven that smiles upon us during the evening."

Kristin sheathed the Bumper Sword across her back and placed the cupcakes on the Fallen corpses.

"Let them play amongst the stars."

Kristin got to her feet and started to make her way back to Miss Black's home.

"Rest in peace." The somber Princess spoke under her breath as she steeled herself for the declaration that was to follow.

[HEADING=2][Presence] [http://fallout.wikia.com/wiki/Presence][/HEADING]​

"You do not seem to know when to give up, Agent of Soya!", Kristin declared as she entered house once more, her voice echoed along the hallways and she slowly reached the kitchen once more, brandishing her Bumper Sword. "Regardless of how many times you offer, threaten, bargain or merely talk...just accept defeat. You have lost this day."

Slowly advancing towards #411, Kristin's voice boomed with absolute pride. [HEADING=3]" 'Baggage'...'Train them'. You wish me to roll over for your imaginary army while your own bodyguards were so easily dispatched? Surrender myself to you while your words ring hollow? How utterly foolish!"[/HEADING]

The Dairy Queen circled #411, her silver hair that usually cascaded down her shoulders was wildly swept by the strong winds of the day, eventually she had moved closer to Jonathan. Close enough for the Pugilist to look upon the face of steadfast conviction and defiance. Her kind green eyes had become harsh and every facet of her disposition was positioned in a manner to project her presence upon others.

[HEADING=3]"That seems to be the sort of language that your kind is used to. Desperation brought about by cowards who have forfeited their right to make demands when they encase their bodies in shameful armor. You have given me no reason to fear the 'might' of your imaginary army!"[/HEADING]

Kristin put a hand on Jonathan's shoulder as she stood by his side. From his view, he could see the effortless manner in which Kristin Blamco pointed a modified & reinforced Bumper Sword in one hand at #411, surely a man of his intellect could make an estimate of the weapon's mass.

[HEADING=3]"I can see your army now. Dead men walk as they swarm before me. LEST YOU FORGET...that we, the agents of the Gods. The Paladins of BlamCo are now the ones that stand in thine way!"[/HEADING] Kristin took a few steps toward #411. [HEADING=3]"This war had already begun the moment you stepped foot within the home of Miss Black and by extension, the new Springvale BlamCo Branch. My Advisor graced you with a declaration and I am allowing you to live another day!"[/HEADING]

And on that furious declaration, The BlamCo Heiress swung the-blade-that-had-cracked-the-Earth at the discarded helmet of #411 with tremendous force. Crushing the helmet beyond repair and shattering more floorboards of Miss Black's poor home in the process.

"I care not for your poison-laced proposals! We, Blamco's, carve our own path!", Kristin turned to Jonathan, "What say you, my dear Advisor!?"

 

[Generic NPC 22]

The Wild Wastelands | 324 West Black Lane (The Blam Shack!)
Preachy Preachers are Precious​

Enclave Intelligence Specialist #411 held her ground against the ground trembling typhoonous tirade that was Kristin Blamco's declaration. As ridiculous as her strung together phrases were, there was something rather impressive about the way the woman commanded the room with her presence. She paid attention to each nuance of every gesture not because #411 was plotting to run for government office one day but rather to be utilized during future interrogation sessions. As rivetous as the speech was there were a few informational inconsistencies that needed to be cleared.

"If you're quite done..." The Enclave Intelligence officer interjected before giving Jonathan a chance to respond, "I should clear up a few things. First and foremost, there are no men in this army. They are in fact all women."

Picking up the viewing tablet that contained the Vulture E-32's feed, the Enclave Agent changed the frequency to pick up that of another EyeBot, this on hovering near the ruins of Vault 108.

"Look for yourself."

The Tablet's image had changed and no longer showed the where about of Thomas Shifty McGee but instead focused upon a swarm of similar dressed and similar looking women. They were so similar, in fact, that they were very difficult if not impossible to tell apart. Each one of the blue haired, sky blue eyed women was dressed simply in a red vault suit that had a skirt rather than the traditional pants. They were all crudely armed with various found weapons such as pipes, chains, knives, crude spears and each was jabbering at one another in what appeared to be a language that wasn't English.

Of note to Kristin was a stockpile of empty BlamCo packages near where the group was gathered. It appeared that they were preparing a simple, warm and nutritious meal consisting of BlamCo Mac N' Cheese. Unfortunately the meal would not taste very good since it appeared that they were burning the meal.

"They need your help," #411 said to Kristin and Jonathan, "They'll either starve or die ill equipped to take on the Enclave."

[hr]

The Wild Wastelands | Abandoned Blam Shack of Confessions
Night Night​

Sylph thought about why she had asked the question. There was no real reason for the query other than the thought of perhaps it was some sort of name that the man had created to fit his chosen persona and weapons. Or perhaps, Charlie Cannon came from a family of human cannon balls.

"No reason." She stated, though it was a poorly hid lie, "It's just that it sounded like you made up the name."

Of course Sylph wasn't Sylph'd real name. She'd forgotten what it was since the last time it was uttered was before she was sold to her Father. Perhaps she was looking for a way to connect to Charlie Cannon that didn't involve being put under his control, not that she hadn't thought about it. He seemed like a kind enough man, one that wouldn't overly abuse her leash were it placed in his hands.

"Maybe we should sleep soon and then we can decide where to go in the morning." Sylph suggested as she pointed towards the lone cot in the room, "I'll take first watch while you rest."

 

[Drummodino]

The Wild Wastelands | Abandoned Shack of Sleepytimes​

'Made up my name? Why would I do that?' Charlie wondered. He'd never really thought about his name too much before, it's what he'd been given so it was what he used. He mused that if he'd been called something ridiculous like "Slagathor" or "North West" he may have gone by something different.

"I'll take first watch while you rest."

The cot Sylph was pointing to looked very uncomfortable but it was probably better than the floor. Charlie didn't intend to sleep there though, at least not initially.

"No no, you should sleep first since you're inj-"

Charlie's protest was broken by a jaw-cracking yawn bursting from him. Slightly embarrased he chuckled a little before standing up.

"Okay I'll sleep first then. Wake me up when it's my turn to keep watch."

Rolling out his sleeping roll Charlie collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep almost immediately, his dreams full of exploding mirelurks and stab-happy, blue-haired little murderers.

 

[Neuromancer]

Black Residence: You Can (Not) Go Your Way​

"Let's get her to Megaton first."

Oooooh, she's going for the sympathy points. Careful, she's a good one.

What the figure was true. The only reason she would probably show caring, even a hint of it, would be to find a way to get Jonathan to agree with her. Unfortunately for her, Jonathan had been playing this kind of game way before she was probably born; 'twas why he got as far in the Enclave as he did. Even if he was the greatest scientist to grace earth since Isaac Newton, the stigma of being caught hacking would have ment he would be left to rot in a room that was much more akin to a cell. He needed to learn how to manipulate people if he wanted to get anywhere, and over the years he had grown to so good at it he would probably believe his own lies if he pressed himself long enough. A few key words and an unsuspecting mind makes all the difference when trying to get what you want.

Luckily for Jonathan, he still had his wits about him, and remained unmoved by her show of sympathy.

What was curious, though, was how she turned the colouring of her armour from black to silver. Such technology was still in a theoretical stage when he was still around. Just how much had they progressed technologically in as little as ten years?


"Before I tell you anything, just know that even a whisper of what I say coming from your mouths is as good as putting a pistol to your head and pulling the trigger. I won't have any problems submitting the report stating that you are a danger to the Enclave and its goals."

Awww, look at her. She's soooo cute when she's trying to threaten the guy that took her gun away and could blast her head off. Probably. You aren't that incompetent, are you?

"I have an army that needs weapons and training."

An army. She has an army. And it's loyal to her. Riiiiiiight.

Such a claim really was quite outrageous. A single person getting herself an army, all the while not showing her true colours and remaining trusted enough to carry out missions showed either of two things: The new enclave was incompetent at keeping their agents at check, or she was bullshitting them. Unless...

"I inferred from the lock on your personnel file that you were either someone that could create the weapons that I need or train the army itself."

Lock?

Lock?!

Why was his profile locked? He once was amongst the most high ranking personell of R&D, true, but years passed and he was never confirmed dead. So it would make sence if the file was left unlocked in case a patrol or agent on the field would find him or his remains and update his status. And if there was a lock, that meant she didn't know everything about him.

"Since it looks like you two are a package deal, I could either eliminate the baggage,"

Right. Eliminate the woman that just took down two power-armoured specialists with a goddamn sword. On her own. Without a weapon. Hollow threats! Hollow threats Everywhere!

Still, Jonathan didn't like the way the agent was referring to Kristin. Kristin looked like the person that was too proud to take kindly to being called baggage

Seriously, though, isn't it pissing you off how she acts like she's the most threatening person in the room where all she has going for her is that if she goes down so does this Thomas McGee? Which could, for all intents and purposes, be a faint? I say kill her.

"Or I could include her."

She speaks as if she actually has a choice! It was cute before, but it's getting old.

"I will need you to design and create weapons for the soldiers that I've gathered. Your... compatriot... can train them, seeing as she managed to eliminate two Enclave Heavy Weapons Specialists with nothing but a sword. Once they're outfitted and trained, your work is done."

At the very least, her plan, if that was actually the case, was laid bare. And it was evidently clear that she needed him more than she showed. And Kristin. The agent was clearly attempting to feint her need of Kristin's battle prowess by insulting her. Good. That meant he could be more flexible with his demands.

"Unless you'd like to take part in the changes to come, help remake the Enclave be the beacon of hope that it should be."

Yeah, I'm sure she'd listen to your objections very heartily after you give her everything she could possibly want from you. Then she'd pat you in the back, thank you kindly, and shoot you in the head.

Everything that was needed to be said was said. All that was left was the discussion of the terms. Jonathan turned to face Kristin and-

Shit.

Shiver me timbers, look at her!

So lost in thought was Jonathan, making sure to make a point of every little detail the Agent said, that he had completely ignore what the BlamCo Princess was doing. And as Jonathan looked at her, all he saw in her stare was barely contained murder. The contrast to her regular appearance was evident to him, and he was filled with fear that she would let loose on the Agent and ruin everything. As she turned to face Jonathan, her features noticibly less violent, Jonathan softly shook his head, as though trying to tell her not to do anything rash, worry evident in his face.

What happened then, Jonathan did not quite expect. Jonathan and Agent both stood silently as Kristin was... giving due to the dead? While he expected Kristin to be kind (in her own, abusive way) to her subjects, he never expected this kind of work for those she deemed godless, that had attacked one of the people she considered her own. She was... kind. Kinder than most people Jonathan had met.

Then, as though the funeral rites were the calm, Kristin turned her attention back to the agent and brought the storm.

"'Baggage'" Kristin started, her booming voice filled with pride.

Shit. I knew she wasn't gonna let that slide.

Oh! Oh! I wonder if she'll cut her to pieces horizontally or vertically. Let's make a bet! I say vertically!

"'Train them'. You wish me to roll over for your imaginary army while your own bodyguards were so easily dispatched? Surrender myself to you while your words ring hollow? How utterly foolish!"

I'll be honest, I didn't expect her to pick up that the whore of Babylon was preaching bullshizzle. I must admit, she's smarter than she looks. Not like that says much, mind you, but I won't classify her as goldfish-head anymore. I hereby announce that she, from this moment henceforth, will be classified as dodo-head.

The princess circled the Agent as a wolf pack does with its prey, and it was evident from the way the princess eyed the agent that even the slightest of provocations would mean the agent's end.

"That seems to be the sort of language that your kind is used to"

'Your kind'. You should probably take offence to that. You are, after all, also one of her kind, aren't you?

"Desperation brought about by cowards who have forfeited their right to make demands when they encase their bodies in shameful armor."

Hey, you don't have to wear armor to be a coward! Just take a look at Johnny boy, here!

You have given me no reason to fear the 'might' of your imaginary army!"

At that moment, Kristin placed, rather forcibly, her hand on Jonathan's shoulder, and he barely held back groaning from the pain. As she rather effortlessly raised her humongous weapon and pointed it at the Agent, and upon seeing the flare and hint of murder in her eyes, Jonathan started frantically shaking his head in disagreement of the course the BlamCo Princess was taking as he stared at her in horror.

"I can see your army now. Dead men walk as they swarm before me. LEST YOU FORGET...that we, the agents of the Gods. The Paladins of BlamCo are now the ones that stand in thine way!"

I don't like the way this is going. I REALLY don't like the way this is going.

Jonathan's heart rate skyrocketed as Kristin started taking steps towards #411.It was at that moment that Jonathan heard the sound of... popcorn being eaten? He turned towards the direction, then saw it was the figure eating and so frantically turned back to face the princess.

Whaaaaat? said the figure, her voice muffled from the munching of the popcorn, This shit is getting intense!

"This war had already begun the moment you stepped foot within the home of Miss Black and by extension, the new Springvale BlamCo Branch. She said as she raised her sword at the agent. If this were a cartoon, Jonathan would probably be munching on his hat from the stress of the moment.

Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! SHIT!

Holy Shit! Here it comes!

Kristin swung at the agent's helmet, utterly destroying it.

"My Advisor graced you with a declaration and I am allowing you to live another day!"

Jonathan let out the deepest sigh of relief he probably had in years. He felt that he was pretty close to having a heart attack.

Well, that was disappointing. My fault for getting my expectations high over a bunch of incompetent idiots.

"I care not for your poison-laced proposals! We, Blamco's, carve our own path!"

She was ruining everything!

"What say you, my dear Advisor!?"

After a moment of staring at her blankly, Jonathan facepalmed with such force that his face visibly reddened where his palm hit. Before he could muster a response, #411, apparently unmoved by the Princesses' display of force, presented a counterargument.

"If you're quite done, I should clear up a few things. First and foremost, there are no men in this army. They are in fact all women."

Take that, Patriarchy!

#411 proceeded to pick up her tablet, and, after tinkering with it for a bit, changed the feed. What Jonathan saw left him in shock, though he suppressed himself from showing it.

Clones. They actually have freaking clones!

Yeah, can you imagine a world with more than one whores or dodo-heads? That would be terrible!

As Jonathan stood there aghaust, thinking back to remember what he knew about the cloning project, he noticed how the agent seemingly highlighted stockpiles of BlamCo Ham & Cheese and the clones' inability to cook it well.

"They need your help, they'll either starve or die ill equipped to take on the Enclave."

She's a devil in disguise, alright.

"MISS KRISTIN!" Jonathan shouted commandingly, to make sure he got her attention. "If you could spare a moment of your time, I would like that we discuss matters... privately."

Kristin approached, and Jonathan moved further away from #411, to make certain that what was said wouldn't be heard. After making it a ways away, but not far enough that monitoring #411 would be difficult, Jonathan put his hat in the way as a makeshift wall, to make sure that the agent wouldn't pick up what he wanted to say through the movements of his lips.

"My dear princess," he started in a whisper, just loud enough for Kristin to hear, "I understand your frustration, believe me. Working for the enclave, even a splinter cell, is the one thing that I realy don't want to do. But now is not the time to act without thinking!

He then said the rest not in words, but by lip motion

(Unless we come to an agreement with her, Thomas' life might be at stake, and he means the world to Lucy. Please, let me handle this.)

But how are you going to handle this? came the million dollar question from the ever present and ever mocking figure. And as much as it pained Jonathan to admit it, it was right. He wasn't sure what to do to not fall into her web and not jeopardize McGee's life. He lowered his head and placed his hand on his chin in contemplation.

Yep, I would say that your situation is pretty hopeless. From where I'm standing, eating this delicious popcorn, you have two options: You can join her, repeating the whole "working for the people you hate due to fear" thing and possibly installing a new dictator to replace the last. Here's the new boss, same as the old boss. Or, you could refuse co-operation with her, she reveals your declaration of war to the rest of the Enclave, probably kills McGee and your days are numbered. Whichever you choose, you lose. So, what kind of loss will you choose?

Jonathan's face lit up as an epiphany came to him.

Neither.

What?!

Jonathan turned back to face #411 with a flare in his eyes and a grin of satisfaction on his face.

"I have heard the full extent of your plan, analyzed it, and found it wanting." he proceeded to point at the tablet, "Unless I am mistaken, those are clones. I recall the Clone project, a friend worked on it. It was created as a way to counter the small numbers the Enclave always had... but not replace the regular soldiers. The reason is apparent from the feed: They are incapable of complex thought. And, again, unless I am mistaken, they are hardwired to follow the orders of one person. Unless you believe that brute force will be enough to deal with the Enclave, both are crippling weaknesses. What if they get outsmarted and outmaneuvered? What if their commander gets killed? You are leaving too much to chance, and I stand unimpressed."

"Fortunately," he said as he assumed a more relaxed stance, "I have a way to counteract this. It's simple. You'll need allies. Regular, human allies. Unfortunately, your ties to the Enclave would probably shut all potential allies off." he pointed at himself with his thumb, "That is where we come in. Kristin and I will wander the Wasteland and strike deals with the major players of the region, so that we have more than just clones to work with when it comes to war. Once alliances are established, I will create weapons for your clones, and we will commence the uprising."

Ah, I see what you're doing there. Impressive.

"Sure, it may take a longer time, but I would rather do things slow and succeed than rush and fail, don't you? Besides, through the uprising our new allies will see our will to change the Enclave into a force of good, and thus trust us more, solving the problem of our reputation. We'll need to eventually work with the rest of the Wasteland if we want to change things for the better. And we are, after all, doing all this to change things for the better, aren't we?" he cast a knowing glare at the Agent.

"So, what say you? I think I have noted why your plan wouldn't work rather well. And even if I am wrong, my plan still gives us a better chance to suceed, better long-term benefits, and we'll work towards the same goal in the end."

 

[evilengine]

Chester smirked, watching the young lady vanish, leaving a barely visible wispy shape quivering in the air, before coming back into sight just as quickly as she had disappeared.

"Mighty fine trick you have there, little Miss. Don't wish to imply nothin' but you don't look the violent type, so you best keep that pipboy of yours in prime condition, hate to see anything untoward happen to a young thing like you." He sniffed loudly, hacking a loud and unpleasant sounding cough, followed by a spit to the ground, wiping his mouth and nostril holes with a rag from his pocket.

"Now, in answer to yer question..." he continued, stuffing the rag back where it came from. "I'm not as old as I look, would you believe I'm only 103 this coming February? 103... makes you think, huh? Makes you think..." He trailed off, eyes looking kinda glassy for a few moments as Robin spoke across him to the Enclave nearby.

"Them soldier boys givin you trouble?" He asked, snapping out of his thoughts. "I know the ol' sayin boys will be boys n' all, but don't let em get the better of you, young Robin. One moment they be sliding a drink into your hand, next minute... well, I'd rather not say. Best keep yer wits about yourself" He kept a beady eye on the Enclave, letting out a low Hrmmm every now and again, before turning to Trixie.

"You're a quiet one, arn't yer? Don't mind me I won't bite... you gotta name and a profession, young lady? I know a grease monkey when I see one..." His eye twinkled at Robin. "But unlike our friend here you ain't got that look about you."

 

[Random Fella]

Trixie giggled at what Robin said to #209
"Rejected...!" She remarked in a hushed tone.

Listening to what Chester was saying to Robin, Trixie scoffed.
"Them soldier boys don't normally need to get the better of you, shoot first ask questions later isn't just a term referring to guns for some of them." Trixie stated against Chesters advice to Robin. Turning back to #209 for a moment "No offense".

A slight *chss* sound was made as she opened some Sunset.
"The name's Trix. What do you mean 'profession', what do you think I'm doing in a traveling caravan." She continued.
"Maybe I'm not a greasy monkey as you claim, but I can probably repair any weapon you can find for me. I guess I should be more specific, I sell things people actually need to survive in this hellhole." She gave Chester a look as to offend the usefulness of his wares. "Weapons, ammo, and basic meds." She thought to quickly correct her statement. "No Psycho!" she pointed at #209 as she said that. "I know how you enclave boys relieve the stress. I don't have any." She turned back to Chester again to continue. "And as you perhaps could tell from before, maybe not from the other guards that cowered behind the rocks, sometimes I get some pay for protection. It was just lucky I happen to know a thing or two about them bots."

Taking a swig from her drink and opening another for the now cap-holding Enclave she turned to Robin. "You should watch who you boast about that thing on your arm to, bird. Some people would go to extremes to get their mitts on something like that.

 

[Rip Van Rabbit]

Kristin Blamco - Springvale
"An unlikely agreement"​

"Look for yourself."

Kristin remained silent upon receiving the portable screen. Allowing Jonathan a moment to take a good look at the screen, Kristin started to fiddle with the controls. Thankfully, one of the buttons were clearly labelled 'zoom in' & 'zoom out'. She cycled through a variety of emotions as she pawed at the screen to move the camera around.

- Firstly, she was shocked that this supposed army was composed of young, unarmored and ill-equipped females. How could such a woman consider this to be an army?!

- Secondly - and this was dire - they all seemed to match the blue-haired, red dress description that Miss Black had described. This girl, or these girls...one of them at least, must be the much cared for 'Sylph' as Kristin was told. The BlamCo Heiress had agreed to the search and immediate safety of the blue-haired female, in exchange for Lucy's allegiance to Blamcoism. Never had she thought that finding such a person would be so simple.

- Thirdly, these girls were in no manner suitable for direct close-quarters combat if their crude weapons of choice were any indication. Their opposition had to be taken into consideration and the weapons should counter that of their enemies. If these girls were to fight the Enclave, shameful as they may be, they would no doubt be cut down within a matter of minutes. Now Kristin had never received formal training for how she handled her blade, but she was praised for her passion...not her form. These girls showed neither discipline nor passion, as evidenced over the monitor when a 'Sylph' dropped a hammer on her own foot.

- Fourthly, were these girls coerced into a war, or did they truly fight for own beliefs? For all she knew, these girls were cannon-fodder. And as an honorable knight of BlamCo, Kristin would have none of that. While battle was glorious within Blamco tradition, human life was not to be senselessly wasted, especially those of warriors on the battlefield.

- Fifthly and finally, Kristin had to address the Brahmin in the room...their food preparations were severely lacking. T-they were burning the food. They know not what real food tastes like! How will they fight on an unholy stomach?! Their bodies are weak and proper sustenance could turn the tide of battle!

Completely lost in thought, she was pulled aside by Jonathan. "I need a few moments to consider your offer...", Kristin muttered to #411 without looking at her, still staring at the video feed, clearly concerned over what she had seen on the monitor.

Kristin nodded earnestly when she followed what Jonathan was trying to tell her. So this was why the Agent of Soya had not already been dispatched by Jonathan or Lucy. Kristin hadn't heard anything of the their exchange while she had engaged the bodyguards earlier. This 'Thomas' fellow must have been important if Miss Black was willing to gouge out an eye rather than talk. Well, her mind was made-up, she would aid the needs of those who followed her to the best of her abilities.

Kristin watched Jonathan during his speech, he could navigate the inner workings of this woman's plans better than she could. She felt both grateful and bitter over the awe-inspiring display of subtle conversational prowess. Perhaps this required further explanation, being left out of the loop due a lack of skill or ability was exactly what lead to the failure of the New Vegas BlamCo Branch when she was put in a managerial position. Kristin knew nothing of the business's inner-workings or financial affairs...she just loved to prepare the meals. Watching Jonathan weave through the strategic conversational trappings had reminded her of how the New Vegas Council chastised her for ruining the BlamCo branch, bringing further shame upon her family's name...all due to her own ignorance.

She was grateful that Jonathan was a man of honour, one that stayed true to his word by assisting her. She had felt the sting of rejection and false-approval just enough for her to recognise the signs, but not enough for it to stop hurting...the BlamCo Heiress had made many 'friends', only to discover that they were either after her affluence or food. This was not the case though, Jonathan stood before an Agent of BlamCo and Soya and he had chosen BlamCo.

The thought made her smile to herself, returning some measure of her own joviality. When they had the chance, Kristin intended to make a nice meal for Jonathan, perhaps some wine as well to show her thanks.

Jonathan's speech was finishing up, and while she agreed for the most part, she loathed the idea of working for an Agent of Soya. But after the shocking display on the video feed, Kristin was not about to let countless lives be lost over her personal grudges. If anything, this was a test from the Gods.

"I have more to add.", Kristin walked over to Jonathan's side, smiling at him before turning to face #411. "Your army appears ill-equipped, but that's where my esteemed Weaponsmith falls in. I care more for the lives of these girls on the monitor. I will not allow them to senselessly march to their death without giving them a fighting chance and proper training."

Kristin Blamco, Heiress to the BlamCo family fortune sighed and with great emotional effort, pushed aside her personal grudges against the Agent of Soya.

"In time, I will gladly train these girls, not for the Enclave, but for the sanctity of their lives as warriors.", Kristin looked at #411, not with malice, but with absolute sincerity. "I ask that Lucy Black is left alone and whatever you hold above her head is given back to her. And once we are done, our ties to you will be severed. As the Princess of BlamCo, those are my conditions for working with you."

 

[Texas Joker 52]

Arizona

The Wild Wastelands | Ruined Skyscraper Camp​

Mean as it was, Arizona snickered a little when Thomas' attempt at taking a drag from her offered cigarette resulted in the typical hacking cough of a first-timer. Taking the cigarette back, she placed it between her teeth and grinned.

"Yea, it burns the lungs real nice, don't it?" she teased, before sitting up and reaching into her duffel, "Don't force yourself. Not everyone has the constitution to take up smokin', even in the wastes."

"Sounds like a rather dangerous job. I'll try not to get in your way, Arizona."

She replied with a grunt before she finally pulled her pack up and started to dig through it in earnest, pulling out a beat-up roll of armorer's tools. Then she stood, strode over to her new partner's side and picked up his rifle. She was about to start taking it apart and servicing it when he spoke up.

"Back home, we used to visit this old temple. It preached peace and harmony. It was massive and there were always images of people being happy. They say it was built before the bombs fell so given your ... experience on this world, have you ever been there? Have you been to Disneyland?"

She looked up at him for a few moments with an expression of confusion, and her cigarette threatened to fall out of her mouth before she realized exactly what he was talking about. His earlier mentions of 'Lord Walt' suddenly made much more sense.

"Wait, so that's who you're referring to with this 'Lord Walt' thing. You're talking about Walt Disney. Man, should've seen that coming..." she murmured to herself before shaking her head and going back to his rifle.

"Can't say I have. Before the bombs fell, Disneyland was for families that were rich and could afford to make the trip. Which meant that I was shit outta luck, even if I wanted to go. As for old Walt Disney himself, sure he got himself frozen, but I don't think anyone has any clue where he is now, and I doubt anyone would know how to thaw the poor guy properly nowadays anyway." she told him, before exhaling a thin trail of smoke and quickly adding, "Though you never know with the Wastes. Guy might be up and about, singin' 'It's a Small World' as we speak."

It wasn't that she particularly cared about his beliefs, since she'd come to the conclusion that Wasteland folk would believe anything. It was more that she saw no reason to try and convince him that what he believed, whatever it was, was wrong. After all, who was she to say otherwise? She didn't particularly believe in anything.

She flicked off the ash building at the end of her cigarette before she started to work on the rifle's barrel, saying, "Anyway, we'll need to get moving once the sun's up. I don't like the place. We'll stop by the first town on the way to Dunwich to restock on supplies."

 

[Generic NPC 22]

The Wild Wasteland | The Enclave Vault | Interrogation Room #23
Conversations between a traitor and Fallout Jack (Except #1) - Co-produced by [user]FalloutJack[/user]​

Enclave Intelligence Specialist #667 stalked the room like a dog waiting for the command to rip out its victim's throat. He was edgy, nervous, anxious. He was waiting for orders from the people who made more important decisions than he. Until recently Enclave Intelligence Specialist #411 was one of the those people, until she'd been extricated from the field for disobeying orders. At least that's all they had on her so far.

#667 was told to leave the room. Once that was done, there was a pause, and then FalloutJack did indeed enter the room! He was carrying a strange blue-glowing device that hummed. It was roughly the size of a thermos and, once activated, let off what looks like a brief EMP field - but of a very specific modulation and power field - to short out every audio/visual device in the room. This also included Jack's powersuit eyes, and even the green highlights went out!

FalloutJack: Oh, son of a- COME ON!

He banged his helmet'd head against the wall, almost comically. Then...

Skilldex --> Repair --> Powersuit

...it's fixed! Amazing! He put down the device in front of #411.

FalloutJack: So anyway, I just shorted out every surveillance device in here. Let's talk.

Seeing FallouJack enter the room, the woman in the chair, Charlotte Sorrowfeld, couldn't help herself. She smiled brightly at the sight of the man who had once saved her and given her purpose. The presence of the EMP based Audio/Video Disabler was cause for the woman's smile to fade, the presence of such a device meant that FalloutJack wanted their discussion to be off the books. Despite the deadly serious nature of the implications against her and the presence of the man whom she was risking everything for to place at the head of the Enclave, she couldn't help herself.

"Hi Jack. It's been quite a while. You never write." The Bruised Black-Haired Belle quipped as she sat up straight, despite the pain from the repeated blows to her lower back. She gestured at the device in Fallout Sector's leader's hands, "Since you brought that, I'm assuming that you're not here on official business?"

FalloutJack: Oh no, I'm looking into your case. This is how I deal with sensitive matters. And basically...my work keeps me alot. I mean, I just came back from a mission, and you know I get all the weird ones.

He uncuffed #411, took a seat, produced two cups, and opened the- Hey, it IS a thermos! It was a thermos with integrated technology...

FalloutJack: Scotty made it. Want some?

Charlotte nodded quickly, if not a bit too enthusiastically, causing the room to spin for a moment. She wavered in her seat for a moment, managing to steady herself before toppling over and making more of a scene that she already had. She made a note to chastise Enclave Intelligence Specialist #667 about his methodology. A prisoner with a concussion was as good as having a brain dead corpse in the chair.

Whatever it was that FalloutScott had made and put in the thermos, it tasted rather mellow, like honey mixed with... something else. Charlotte hoped that the something else wasn't coolant.

"You know what I like about you?" The woman started, "You're willing to put your life on the line for everyone... not just the Enclave. I read that report about how Natsuki... became a mother and Lilith's origins. If it wasn't you that had written that report, I'd have filed to have the submitter of the report placed in a straight jacket. I mean, a Pub in the middle of no where with a colony of Deathclaws unanchored in Space and Time? That's a little far fetched. But to top it all off, you managed to travel back in time to the moment of the colony's inception and infect the Deathclaw with a modified form of the FEV, not knowing if you would be returning back to your own time... or if you could return at all."

"But you said that you're here because you're looking at my case. Thoughts?"

Jack wouldn't be drinking it if it contained something weird. However, true to Scotty McLaylen tradition, it IS somewhat spiked. Actually kind of a blessing right now, when you think about it. Jack removes his helmet to drink.

FalloutJack: Like I said, the really weird missions. Besides, I had to. The Matriarch would've impaled Natsuki as she was leaving the bar, otherwise.

He hadn't liked that moment, and it shows, but then he moves on.

FalloutJack: Charlotte, why did you investigate Lucy Black? Surely, my report stated well enough that I was taking her off the board and that she was glad to be off. Her beef with the Enclave was more a personal matter between me and Isaac. Resolving that to some extent removes her need to fight us. Plus, my respect for the man had me wanting her to be out of this, anyway. You've made your report, but this wouldn't have happened if you'd done as I asked.

[hr]

The Wild Wasteland | #324 West Black Lane (The Black Hovel)
Traitorous Negotiations​

The expression on Enclave Intelligence Specialist #411's face did not exactly reflect one of amusement as she heard the counter proposals to her plans. While she was not so infantile as to expect the BlamCo Nitwit and her Asinine Acolyte to agree to her plan without so much as a peep, it did not mean that she had smile while listening to said counter offers. She had to remind herself that she lacked requisite leverage and influence over these two BlamCo-ites to force them to agree to her plans, a tragedy really since her plan was simple. The more people they added to the plan, the more there was room for things to go awry.

The Enclave Specialist sat in the chair and looked ahead blankly as she analysed the potential impact of their counter offers on the goal of her plans. At all costs, Enclave Intelligence Specialist #411 wanted to avoid the worst case scenario, the implication of FalloutJack as an accessory to her plans. Charlotte Sorrowfeld was willing to sacrifice herself and her adopted daughter but not the man who had saved both of them. Once she got back to the Enclave Vault, she would be able to research whatever she could on the two BlamCo Savagaes and find their weaknesses... that is if she survived the charges that she assumed were pending upon her return, namely disobeying the orders to leave Lucy Black alone.

With the scenarios sufficiently analyzed, the dark haired Intelligence Specialist turned towards the two.

"I'll agree to your terms if you agree to mine. First: You have a six month period to recruit whomever you want to assist you. This is period is all I can allow before the girls become a larger threat to the Wasteland than your own nearsighted perception of the Enclave. Second: When you get back from taking Former Asset Black to Megaton, there will be a young woman waiting for you. She is to be the first of your allies. She has the loyalties of the 'Sylphys,' as those who've encountered them have taken to calling them. Third: The young woman is to be kept safe. Should any harm fall upon her, you'll not only have to worry about the 'Sylphys' hunting you, you'll have to worry about me. Fourth: In regard to Miss Black's friend, I will rescind my order upon my extrication from this location, which I should add, is on its way." Enclave Intelligence Specialist #411 stated, "When you killed my bodyguards, The Enclave were notified via a sensor monitoring their vital stats. There is a team on their way as we sit here and waste time. It would be difficult to explain that you two had nothing to do with their deaths should you still be here."

This was #411's goodwill gesture. If she wanted to kill the three, she only had to stall them until the extraction team arrived and informed them of the events.

"I suggest you accept my terms and take Miss Black to Megaton, but before you leave, "#411 paused with a smile on her face, "I want you, Miss Blamco, to swear upon the honor of BlamCo that you will uphold your end of the bargain."

[hr]

The Wild Wasteland | BlamCo Supply Shack
Sylph Spots Friends?​

The Red Menace watched Charlie Cannon fall asleep before she started wondering what it was or why it was that she had bothered to converse with Charlie Cannon the way she had. He was... an idiot... though not on the level her other half was an idiot, but strangely enough it felt oddly soothing to have someone looking out for her welfare due to their own morality rather than looking out for her because they needed to use her somehow. It was the first time in her memory that someone had done that since her arrival in the Wastelands.

The Crimson Crusader shook her head as if she was clearing cobwebs from her brain. She... felt like there had been others like Charlie Cannon but they were like shadows in her mind. She could neither remember name or face of any of them. The knowledge that she could forget people such as that was more than a little disturbing to Sylph. Was she losing her mind?

Brushing the thought aside, she stood up and quietly walked outside of the Shack, resting up against the door frame and looked out into the night. The Wasteland was dark at night and had it not been for the stars, Sylph might as well had stayed within the shack itself since she wouldn't have been able to see an intruder even if it was doing jumping jacks on the tip of her nose.

There was one oddity though, an odd light located just above the horizon, a flickering, dancing light. It was a camp fire, located in a building not too far from where Charlie Cannon and Sylph had made their own camp. Keeping her eye on the fire, Sylph decided that she would investigate who was there in the morning.

[hr]

The Wild Wastelands | Ruined Skyscraper Camp
Disney World was for Amusement?!​

Arizona's reference to the Thomas McGee's most holy of holy sites as being a simple amusement park was... confusing. He had no reason to doubt anything that she was saying but for her to state that the Holy City of Disneyland was a vacation destination for the rich and spoiled was... slightly more painful that a nail extraction. Her sentiment that Lord Walt might be alive and still preaching was ... more comforting but still left Thomas slightly moody that he might have missed the resurrection of the man that had been the center point for his belief structure.

"I'll have to take your word for it, Arizona." The Formerly Friendly now Moody Undertaker said as he turned his back to the fire and to Arizona, "There's two towns on the way to Dunwich. The closest to Dunwich would be Tenpenny Towers. Last I heard, they weren't exactly welcoming of ... smooth skins. The other is Megaton. I'd prefer if we went to Tenpenny though."

[hr]

The Wild Wastelands | Vault Tec Headquarters Crater
Rejection?! No... way!!!​

Enclave Heavy Weapons Specialist #209 wasn't offended by any of the talk revolving Robin's rejection of his advances. He was QUITE aware of the manliness that his armor exuded and were he a woman, he would have had second thoughts about the possibilities revolving a romantic tryst with someone of #209's MANLINESS! For one, Robin would have to start carrying around a rather large stick with which to shoo away any romantic rivals, such as Trixie. Also, having been similarly rejected by Enclave Intelligence Specialist #411 a number of times, he knew that sooner or later, Robin, Trixie and #411 would give into his persistence. Persistence, as #209 had come to understand, was an admirable quality. Besides, if #209 wasn't Robin's type, clearly she was batting for the other team, which was just fine with #209.

Still he did want to have the appearance of being inhospitable.

SLAP!

That was the sound of Enclave Heavy Weapons Specialist #209 slapping Robin's back as a sign of understanding between comrade in arms.

"Naw! I don't care if you like women! But I might get offended if you turn me down for drinks. I mean, you did bruise my knee." Lies. There was no bruising on #209's knee!, " and while my typical punishment for someone doing that might be to cookie cutter my name into their abdomen with my trusty ole Plasma Vulcan, I think your punishment will be drinking with the Enclave Dominators!"

"As for you, Trixie, we Enclave Dominators do not do Psycho thank you very much," The ED 209 said with mock offense, "We take pride in our bodies and work to bring out its fullest potential. How're you gonna do that with Med-X or Psycho or Stimpacks or Coffee?!"

But enough with the boasting. It was time for drinks. Taking the purchased been from Trixie, the Enclave Heavy Weapons Specialist reached into his pack and pulled out a bendy straw and a miniature Tiki Umbrella before taking off his helmet. Released from the confines of his helmet, Enclave Heavy Weapons Specialist #209's blonde hair spilled down the back of his slender neck? The bangs falling down and covered one side of his face with its high feminine cheekbones and soft jawline? Um... what's going on here? He's a he right? Right?

 

[Random Fella]

"Well, I wasn't expected that" Trixie commented in disbelief as #209 removed 'his' helmet.
Almost staring she glanced back and forth from her bottle of Sunset to #209
"I need to get a new supplier..." She said, pouring the rest of the contents of the bottle to the ground with a drawn out sigh, as if it were tainted.

 

[evilengine]

A slightly confused blink, followed by a low raspy Hrmmm was Chester's only response, he was about to resume his conversation with Trixie, that is before noticing she was pouring away her Sarsaparilla.

"You ain't drinkin that? Cause I'll have it if you don't want it," he asked, watching it splatter on the dirt, seemingly forgetting about #209's dramatic reveal.

"Can't be nice being cooped up in a stuffy headpiece all day," he said, turning back to #209. "If you're lookin for some hair brushes or accessories to keep yourself fixed up I might be of assistance." He opened a smaller bag hanging on his side, jammed inside were a couple of nearly finished toilet paper rolls, magazines, toothbrushes, a cracked compact mirror, as well as combs, brushes, bobby pins, hair grips and rollers.

"Anything that'll suit your needs, and you ladies too!" He added, removing an occasional item and holding it up in the sun, so Trixie, Robin and #209 could clearly see. "For but a couple of caps you young things could be even prettier, of course I also accept trades and NCR dollars too! Don't be shy, get em while stocks last!"

 

[Neuromancer]

Black Residence: You Can (Not) Win​

As Jonathan finished his proposal, his mind was filled with anxiety. He was running out of cards to play, and he would rather not use his trump card if he could avoid it. If he did, chances would have it that the wall of cold emotionlessness the Agent was hiding behind could break, tensions could rise and the chance of reaching an agreement could be jeopardised. And so, he fell silent while still keeping the air of confidence he had developed, hoping that #411 would give in. The Princess was quick to follow up his demands. Before she did so, though, she threw a warm smile at him.

There was something... wrong about that smile. Jonathan wasn't sure why, but he thought he saw a hint of... bitterness in it? Regret, perhaps? Why would she feel that way?

Don't you have more serious things to worry about than what could potentially cause the dodo-head distress? For all you know she could be in her period or something. I bet she bleeds cheese instead of blood.

Right. The figure was right. He couldn't show distress or that he cared. The more he conversed with the Agent, the more it all came back to him. If he wanted to get her to agree to terms as beneficial as he could get, he needed to make sure not to show any emotion towards anything. Doing so could potentially give his opponent more leverage to use against him. No, that wouldn't do at all, not with the stakes this high. Above all, he needed to treat all this with a sense of detachment without losing sight of his goal, like a game presenting a challenge he had to overcome.

"Your army appears ill-equipped, but that's where my esteemed Weaponsmith falls in. I care more for the lives of these girls on the monitor. I will not allow them to senselessly march to their death without giving them a fighting chance and proper training."

The princess, despite her goodwill, was incapable of playing the game. She was revealing her hand too quickly; showing emotion and, above all, showing that she cared for the lives of those that were, for all intents and purposes, expendable. This was potentially harmful, as if the agent was as good at playing this as she seemed, she would definately use it for her advantage.

You tell her to let you handle this, but she won't shut up. Comprehension is hard. But then again, it's your fault for bringing her into the negotiations in the first place.

Jonathan had wagered it would be prudent to do so. The Blamco Princess would most likely have invited herself anyway. Kristin looked hardly the person to stay out of something as important as this. Jonathan hoped that by being the one to bring her in the discussion he could a)control her more easily to keep her from causing harm. b) come off as powerful to the agent by giving off the illusion that Kristin and him worked together as one and make things more difficult to her, as she would have to include Kristin in her plans if she wanted an agreement to be reached. Regardless of whether or not Kristin could potentially have wanted to. If Jonathan wanted results, he needed to treat her as a pawn on the chessboard, something that he was not too proud of.

"I ask that Lucy Black is left alone and whatever you hold above her head is given back to her. And once we are done, our ties to you will be severed. As the Princess of BlamCo, those are my conditions for working with you."

No, no, no! You don't make your demands until after you make sure the other party agrees to your proposal. Only if they do, and after gauging how much leverage you have over them, you start making demands. Kristin Blamco may have well robbed them of an advantage, both in the way of now being unable to add demands, and by revealing what they wanted out of her. It was too late for him to intervene, doing so would have shown that Kristin and him weren't as united as he wanted it to look.

An uncomfortable silence fell in the room as the Blamco Princess finished her proposal and Agent Hero Worship contemplated on what to say next. She was good at this; whatever she may have been feeling about what was said, she didn't show. She obviously was disatisfied with the way things went, as one would expect of someone having her plans foiled to a degree, but besides that, no anger or frustration was shown.

She sure is taking her time. Think your counter-proposal left her in disarray?

"I'll agree to your terms if you agree to mine."

Alright, here we go. [small]Finally.[/small] Prepare for caustic commentary.

"First: You have a six month period to recruit whomever you want to assist you."

Despite not showing it, Jonathan couldn't help but feel a certain extent of relief as he heard those words. Not only was she agreeing to the most critical part of the deal, but also giving him way more time than he had hoped he'd get.

Good thus far... Though if I have a feeling that she won't be sitting idle during those six months. Better plan ahead, eh?

"This is period is all I can allow before the girls become a larger threat to the Wasteland than your own nearsighted perception of the Enclave."

Oh ho ho, what's this? She's either bullshitting you or she's a worse planner than she seems. If what she says is true, then it's like using a huge boulder to smash an obstacle you can't jump over in a hurdle race! You replace a problem with a bigger one! If that isn't solid reasoning I dunno what is. Or, it could just be an excuse. For all you know she needs those 6 months to raise a second clone army. Just to deal with you, in case you get any funny ideas. However, if what she says is true, then she needs you even more than she lets on, due to the time constrains.

"Second: When you get back from taking Former Asset Black to Megaton, there will be a young woman waiting for you."

Oh, great. As if the dodo-head wasn't filling the mongoloid quota by herself.

"She is to be the first of your allies."

Oh, how generous of her to hand over an "ally" to us, free of charge. I bet there's no catch or anything like that.

"She has the loyalties of the 'Sylphys,' as those who've encountered them have taken to calling them."

Sylphys? She means the clones? She's handing over the clone commander to us? The catch must be larger that Moby Dick!

"Third: The young woman is to be kept safe. Should any harm fall upon her, you'll not only have to worry about the 'Sylphys' hunting you, you'll have to worry about me."

If I had a drink for each time she throws around hollow threats I'd had died from liver failure a while back. Still, her threat reveals she cares for the girl. Which could potentially be used for your benefit.

"Fourth: In regard to Miss Black's friend, I will rescind my order upon my extrication from this location, "

That's all well and good, but why is she grouping it with her list of demands? Doesn't make sense, considering it isn't one.

"Which I should add, is on its way. When you killed my bodyguards, The Enclave were notified via a sensor monitoring their vital stats. There is a team on their way as we sit here and waste time. "

Waste time, huh? Well, sorry we're not gullible enough to agree to whatever bullshit proposal you come up with. Nobody likes a sore loser.

"It would be difficult to explain that you two had nothing to do with their deaths should you still be here."

As I am sure it would be inconvenient for you if Johnny boy here would spill out you're planning a rebellion if he was being interrogated. Brittle and cowardly as he is, I bet he'd break just from the sight of the interrogation tools, amirite?

"I suggest you accept my terms and take Miss Black to Megaton."

Wow, she basically gave you everything you wanted and more! You've wo-

No, I haven't.

Hmm?

The devil let out a psychotic smirk as she continued, "but before you leave, I want you, Miss Blamco, to swear upon the honor of BlamCo that you will uphold your end of the bargain."

It was as Jonathan had feared. #411 was taking advantage of the fact that Kristin had shown empathy for the clones, and was using that in an attempt at manipulating her. If Jonathan was to warn her about it, he would be revealing his some of his cards for free. On the other hand, if he let Kristin take the vow unknowing of what that might ordain he risked greater long-term harm, both to the plan and to herself.

I don't see what the big moral struggle is. You reap what you sow. She brought herself to this position by acting like the dodo-head she is; let her bear the consequences of her actions herself and don't potentially jeopardise the plan for her sake. The nimwit isn't worth it.

Jonathan stared at Kristin puzzlingly, being careful not to betray his thoughts by showing emotion. He wasn't sure what to do. The devil had played him well on that part, giving him a lose-lose situation.

Kristin, behind her veil of confidence, looked rather conflicted. She didn't know what she was walking in, but her pride wouldn't let her consider things long before it took over and she accepted.

...

Damn it all.

"Miss Kristin," he started again, his tone and stare completely neutral, "a moment of your time again, if you will."

The situation repeated itself, and soon enough Kristin and Jonathan stood away from the agent under the protection of Jonathan's hat. It was there that Jonathan let his emotions show as he stared at her with a tired, disappointed stare.

"The fact that she wants you to swear," he whispered again, his tone matching his stare, "means that there's a catch, and probably a big one. Miss Kristin, if you didn't show your eagerness to help the clones to her, we could have possibly avoided this situation." this wasn't your typical I'm-reprimanding-you-because-I-am-an-insecure-little-*****-and-I-wanna-feel-better-about-myself kind of reprimand; his criticism was one of genuine care. If he told her, maybe in the future she'd be more careful with her words and avoid such difficult situations.

"I want you to know that, if you swear the oath, you'll, no, we, will probably be walking into some sort of trap. She'll probably use your desire to help the clones and the sympathy you harbor for them to try and manipulate you. To her, the clones are expendable as long as it means she advances her goals. Miss Kristin... know that you'll likely have to choose between being true to your oath and what's best for the wasteland."

His stare sharpened, "It would have been convenient not to have told you this and left you to swear the oath, considering how good a deal we're getting, but I cannot in good concience let you unknowingly walk into the wolf's den. If you take the vow, it would be a good idea not to grow attached to the clones." he let out a deep, defeated sigh and continued, "Swear or not, it's up to you. Think hard about your decision. The final say is yours."

Finishing what he wanted to say, Jonathan returned to the expression of emotionless neutrality he had assumed when he was dealing with #411 and walked back to his previous position, staring at the agent blankly. He had said what he needed to say. It was all up to Kristin now to make her choice and decide their course..