Elder Maxson — POV
Boston Airport — Command Deck
Arthur Maxson stood overlooking the runway from the Prydwen's command deck, arms crossed, expression carved into stone. Below, the Vertibird crews moved in tight formation, the cold morning wind snapping Brotherhood banners against steel.
He'd been briefed that Commander Sierra was personally escorting two "strategic scientific assets."What he hadn't been briefed on was why she insisted on Minutemen escort and direct oversight.
He knew her well enough to recognize that anything Sierra delivered came with a price.
The clanking of power armor drew closer.
Captain Kells:"Elder Maxson, the Minutemen convoy is approaching. Commander Sierra is at the front."
Maxson inhaled slowly.
So she's really bringing them here herself. Interesting.
Sierra's Arrival
The convoy stopped beneath the Prydwen's shadow: two armored Minutemen squads, Team 404 cloaked nearby (Maxson could feel their presence trained on him), and Sierra at the front—calm, perfectly composed as if she owned the runway.
Behind her stood Doctor Madison Li and Virgil.
Or what was left of Virgil.
Maxson's eyes narrowed.The former super mutant was unmistakably transforming—smaller frame, green skin fading, hair returning. A living proof of scientific blasphemy… and scientific potential.
Sierra stepped forward, saluting with crisp precision.
Sierra:"Elder Maxson. Per our agreement, I deliver Doctors Madison Li and Brian Virgil into Brotherhood custody."
Her tone implied something else entirely:
Custody — with conditions.
Maxson kept his voice level.
Maxson:"Your punctuality is appreciated, Commander. The Brotherhood is prepared to integrate them into our operations immediately."
Her eyes met his, unflinching.
Sierra:"Under Minutemen protection, as stipulated."
There it was.
The subtle challenge.
The reason Kells had been muttering curses all morning.
Maxson's Internal Thoughts
She has the gall to walk into my territory and dictate terms.And yet… she's the only one I'd even consider bending for.
He remembered Washington.He remembered the woman who fought beside Sarah Lyons—quiet, relentless, terrifyingly capable.A woman who survived the fall of D.C.A woman he once assumed had died long before the Prydwen took flight.
And now she was delivering the tools needed to complete Liberty Prime Mk II… wrapped neatly in strategic leverage.
Damn her.And damn me for respecting her.
The Formal Exchange
Maxson nodded.
Maxson:"Doctor Li, the Brotherhood welcomes your return. Liberty Prime requires your expertise more than ever."
Madison's jaw tightened—she clearly remembered how she'd left the Brotherhood.
Sierra subtly shifted closer, protective.
Then Maxson turned to Virgil.
Maxson:"And you. Your research into reversing FEV mutation is… unexpectedly valuable. You'll have access to dedicated facilities."
Virgil snorted.
Virgil:"Is that before or after I get shot for existing?"
A few Brotherhood knights stiffened.Sierra's expression didn't change.
Sierra:"Elder Maxson agreed both scientists remain civilians under Minutemen supervision."
Her voice was calm. Too calm.
Maxson's jaw flexed, but he held the line.
Maxson:"I honor my agreements, Commander. They will not be harmed. And they will not be interfered with."
She inclined her head slightly—acknowledging the concession without gloating.
The Real Conversation — Underneath the Words
Sierra stepped closer, lowering her voice so only Maxson could hear.
Sierra (quietly):"We both know the Commonwealth is more unstable than you're admitting. These two are essential—for both our factions. Let's keep this… civilized."
Maxson studied her.
She's not telling me everything.She never does.
But whatever she was hiding, it was serious enough that she'd bring the Institute's two most important scientists directly into Brotherhood territory.
Maxson (low):"…What aren't you saying, Sierra?"
Her eyes flicked toward Madison Li for a fraction of a second.
Then she looked back at him.
Sierra:"Something is coming, Arthur. And when it does… you're going to need them alive."
A chill slid down Maxson's spine despite the cold air.
She never uses my first name unless it's dire.
Maxson's Final Decision
He stepped back, raising his voice again for the observing knights.
Maxson:"Escort our guests to the research wing. Treat them as protected assets."
Then, quieter—only for Sierra:
Maxson:"We'll talk later. Privately."
Sierra nodded once.
Team 404 materialized briefly on nearby catwalks, making Brotherhood soldiers tense. HK416's eyes flicked over Maxson—evaluating him, judging him—before the team vanished again.
Damn her toys, Maxson thought irritably.But damn me more for wanting them.
Madison and Virgil were escorted into the airport bunker.Sierra turned to leave with her Minutemen.
Maxson watched her go—respect, frustration, and unease coiled tightly in his chest.
The hangar bay of Boston Airport hummed with activity—Liberty Prime Mk II components gleaming under harsh fluorescent lights. Brotherhood soldiers moved in precise patterns, their power armor clanking with disciplined efficiency. But to Sierra, the display of order was hollow.
The door to the briefing room slid closed behind her and Maxson, isolating them from the activity. She didn't look impressed, nor intimidated. Her eyes were sharp, calculating, and cold.
Maxson leaned on the edge of the table, arms crossed, expression hard.
Maxson:"Why them, Sierra? Madison Li and Virgil. I trust your judgment, but you just walked onto Brotherhood territory and dictated conditions. Minutemen supervision. Civilian protection. You better explain yourself."
Sierra's lips pressed together. She didn't blink, didn't flinch.
Sierra:"Because I cannot trust the Brotherhood to provide adequate protection."
Maxson's brow furrowed.
Maxson:"Excuse me?"
Sierra met his gaze evenly.
Sierra:"Do you remember Jefferson Memorial?"The Enclave's takeover. How James—lone wanderer's father—died protecting his son and ensuring Project Purity survived.Her voice hardened, but remained quiet."The BOS were supposed to be the protectors. They failed. Entire installations, families, heroes… lost. I cannot risk history repeating itself."
Maxson's hands flexed. The weight of her words sank in. He remembered Washington. He remembered the fall, the chaos, the Enclave's ruthless efficiency.
Maxson:"…So you brought them here under Minutemen supervision. Not for diplomacy. Not for courtesy. Simply because you don't trust us."
Sierra tilted her head."I trust you to contain them in theory. But Madison and Virgil—without protection that I personally provide—they die. Athena moves faster and unperdictable than either of us can predict. Shaun has already been experimenting, and with Liberty Prime Mk II is still incomplete. I need them alive and safe until we understand what Athena intends."
Maxson exhaled slowly, pacing once around the table. His gaze drifted to the Liberty Prime components, gleaming under the lights.
Maxson:"So your Minutemen escort isn't just diplomacy. It's insurance."
Sierra's lips curved into a faint, thin smile."Yes. Insurance against incompetence. Against overconfidence. Against history repeating itself."
Maxson's jaw tightened. He studied her carefully."You're walking a fine line, Sierra. You're asking me to bend my authority because you fear our judgment. And yet you deliver our future weapon and the cure serum for super mutants into my custody."
Sierra's eyes softened fractionally, though her posture didn't change."I deliver what's necessary. Nothing more. But mark my words: I am not leaving this to chance. History has already taught me the cost of misplaced trust. You understand that, Arthur."
Maxson rubbed his jaw, exhaling, his posture relaxing slightly."I understand your concern. But I will honor your conditions. Madison Li and Virgil will remain under Minutemen protection. I'll personally supervise, but I will not allow them to be misused."
Sierra inclined her head."Good. Because Athena won't wait for the Brotherhood to get comfortable, and Liberty Prime is only half the equation. Every hour we delay—or every misstep in trust—could cost lives. Do you understand?"
Maxson's eyes hardened, the weight of leadership pressing down."I understand. And if history is a teacher, so am I."
They both fell silent. The hum of the hangar and the faint clang of Liberty Prime components was all that filled the room. Sierra allowed herself one brief thought: If only James had survived, none of this would have been necessary. But I cannot change history. Only what comes next.