Day 23 - 1015 Hours / 10:15 AM – The Town of Concord
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Jake's HUD:
'Summoned Soldiers: 327/520'
'Summoned Combat Nikkes: 1/190'
'Summoned Vehicles: 57/230'
'Summoned Combat Robots: 33/100'
'Summoned Civilian Nikkes: 80/130'
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Laura was piggybacking on Jake's back as he walked through the busy streets of Concord, Navigating between bustling vendors selling vibrant fruits & handcrafted goods, and scattered pedestrians in casual attire going about their day.
The sun hung high over the rebuilt streets of Concord, Casting long shadows across the freshly paved roads & the reinforced storefronts that now housed a burgeoning local economy. The air, Once stagnant with the scent of decay and gunpowder, now carried the aroma of mutfruit stew and the rhythmic sounds of construction. MCDF banners snapped in the breeze, A symbol of the order Jake Maxis had carved out of the chaos.
Jake walked with a steady, rhythmic gait, the weight of Laura Kinney—X-23—on his back feeling like a light burden. Despite her lethal nature, the young mutant seemed content, her chin resting on his shoulder as she watched the bustling town with her keen, predatory eyes.
"You're remarkably quiet today, Laura," Jake remarked, His Affable & Nurturing side shining through. "Usually, you're scouting three blocks ahead."
"It is peaceful here." Laura whispered, Her voice barely audible over the chatter of vendors. "The scent of blood is faint. It's... different."
Jake smiled, patting her knee. "That's the idea."
As they approached the town square near the Museum of Freedom, A group of ten newly arrived settlers stood gathered around a logistics officer. Among the travelers in tattered rags and dusty coats, Two women stood out with an intensity that immediately triggered Jake's Uncanny Instinct.
One was a woman with a platinum blonde military cut, Her posture rigid & authoritative despite the weariness in her blue eyes. She wore a set of reinforced combat fatigues that had seen better days, The markings of the East Coast Brotherhood of Steel scrubbed away but still visible in the faded fabric.
Beside her was a younger woman with dark brown hair pulled into a practical bun, Wearing a set of 1st Recon survival armor and carrying a pneumatic power fist strapped to her hip.
Jake stopped in his tracks, His Clairvoyance & Field Scan highlighting them in a neutral yellow on his HUD. He blinked, Expecting a System prompt, but his interface remained silent.
"Neo, Status check." Jake muttered under his breath. "Are they from the 'Archives'?"
[System Message: Neo Politan]
"Scanning... Checking the 'Fictional' database... Nope! These two are locally sourced, organic, and 100% Fallout-native, Boss. No System signature. They're the real deal!. Looks like the Commonwealth is getting some high-tier imports the old-fashioned way."
Jake's Principled mind raced. He recognized them from the histories of his old world—Sarah Lyons & Veronica Santangelo. According to his knowledge, Sarah was supposed to have died in a frontline assault, and Veronica should have been in the Mojave.
He approached them, lowering Laura to the ground. The platinum blonde woman, Sarah Lyons, tightened her grip on her laser rifle, her eyes scanning Jake's MCDF gear with a mix of suspicion & professional respect.
"That's far enough, Commander." Sarah said, Her voice Stoic & Authoritative. "We're just travelers looking for a place that doesn't smell like a Raider camp. We heard Concord was under new management."
"It is…" Jake replied, His Charismatic & Humble presence easing the tension. "I'm Jake Maxis, Commander of The MCDF. You look like you've traveled a long way, Sentinel."
Sarah's eyes narrowed at the title. "I haven't been a Sentinel in a long time. Not since Arther Maxson decided that my father's legacy was a 'deviation' from the Codex. He staged a coup, overthrew the leadership, and made it very clear that anyone loyal to the Lyons line was an enemy of the state. I chose exile over a shallow grave in the Capital Wasteland."
Veronica stepped forward, Her expression Sarcastic but her eyes Inquisitive. "And I'm just a girl who liked technology & girls a bit too much for the Mojave Chapter's taste. They locked the bunker doors & told me not to come back. Turns out, 'Steel' doesn't bend, it just breaks people. So, I walked east until the sand turned into trees."
Jake felt a pang of empathy. These were legends of the wasteland, Broken by the very organizations they had tried to save.
"Well, The MCDF doesn't have a 'Codex' that puts technology above people." Jake said firmly, His Unbreakable Will evident in his tone. "We protect the Commonwealth. We rebuild. And we could use people with your experience. But I run a tight ship. No secrets outside of operational security."
Jake hands a piece of a paper saying to Veronica & Sarah. "Minutemen Soldiers' Creed
I am an Minutemen Soldier.
I am a Warrior & a member of a team.
I serve the people of the Minutemen Commonwealth, And live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade!
I am disciplined, physically & mentally tough, trained, and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, My equipment & myself. I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to Deploy, Engage, And Destroy the enemies of the Minutemen Commonwealth Defence Force, In close combat.
I am a Guardian of Freedom & The Minutemen way of life.
I am an Minutemen Soldier." Veronica & Sarah looked at Jake. "What do you do with the Creed is up to you. Accept it or not, You can still join us… Just no killing if the innocent." He says with confidence then nodding to them.
Sarah Lyons held the weathered slip of paper between her gloved fingers, Her eyes tracing the words of the Minutemen Soldiers' Creed. Beside her, Veronica leaned in, her pneumatic gauntlet hissing slightly as she shifted her weight. For a long moment, the only sounds were the distant hammers of a construction crew and the low hum of a patrolling M1126 Stryker ICV moving toward the north gate.
Sarah's expression remained Stoic, But her grip on the paper tightened when she reached the line about never leaving a fallen comrade. It was a stark contrast to the cold, Calculated efficiency Arthur Maxson had begun to preach back in the Capital Wasteland—a philosophy that valued the preservation of a circuit board over the life of a Paladin.
"It's a heavy promise to make, Jake " Sarah said, looking up, her blue eyes piercing. "I've seen creeds used as shields for tyrants. But this... this sounds like something my father would have written if he'd had more than just a handful of loyalists and a decaying Citadel."
Veronica gave a short, Sarcastic huff, though her eyes were Inquisitive as she looked at the MCDF soldiers stationed nearby. They weren't wearing the clunky, oppressive Power Armor she was used to; Instead, They wore high-quality tactical vests, carrying Customized M4A1 Carbines with advanced optics that looked far more sophisticated than anything she'd seen in the Mojave.
"I like the 'Guardian of Freedom' bit." Veronica remarked, Tucked the Creed into a pouch on her 1st Recon Survival Armor. "The last guys I worked for were more 'Guardians of a Very Dark Hole in the Ground.' But I have to ask, Maxis—or 'Commander'—where does a local militia get this kind of hardware? I'm seeing logistics here that would make a Scribe weep with joy. That tank over there? That's not a restored pre-war relic; That thing looks like it just rolled off an assembly line."
Jake maintained his Steady & Patient demeanor. His Mental Fortification kept his pulse level even as he felt the urge to explain the System. To these two, He was just a man who had somehow organized a miracle.
"The Commonwealth is full of untapped resources, Veronica." Jake replied, Hus voice Humble. "We've secured some high-end manufacturing sites & data archives. We don't just find things; We build them. If you're looking for a place where your mind is valued as much as your trigger finger, you've found it."
Behind Jake, Laura moved closer, her Enhanced Senses picking up the lingering scent of ozone & old oil on the two women. She didn't sense hostility—only a deep, bone-weary exhaustion.
"They are not like the others." Laura whispered to Jake, Her green eyes tracking Sarah's laser rifle. "They have the scent of old wars. They are... survivors."
"Look…" Jake said, Turning to address the whole group of settlers, but keeping his focus on the two veterans. "Concord is a safe haven, But it's also a Military Civilian Operating Base. We provide food, medicine, and protection. In exchange, We ask for whatever their skilled & experienced at."
"Also, Sarah… I heard you had Power Armor. If I may ask do you still have it? And hid it somewhere, Or were you forced to abandon it?" Jake asks Sarah curious about the armor.
[System Message: Neo Politan]
"Ooh, Boss, look at you! Collecting legendary NPCs like they're limited edition trading cards. Just remember: These two aren't 'summoned.' They've got their own wills, their own baggage, and they definitely won't bleed blue if they get a paper cut. Keep that 'System' talk behind the curtain, Okay?"
Jake ignored Neo's snarky commentary as he waited for Sarah's answer.
Sarah Lyons took a slow, heavy breath, her gaze drifting toward the horizon where the ruins of the Boston skyline jaggedly met the blue sky. The question about her armor clearly struck a chord, touching on the pride she had once carried as a Sentinel of the Brotherhood.
"Power Armor is a beacon, Jake…" Sarah began, Her voice Stoic but carrying a trace of bitterness. "When I fled the Citadel, wearing a suit of T-45D was like painting a target on my back for Maxson's loyalists. I managed to make it to the border of the Commonwealth, But my fusion core was redlining, and the hydraulic seals were failing from constant skirmishes. I had to ditch it in a submerged military transport near the state line. It's rusted out & useless by now."
She looked at her own hands, calloused & stained with the grime of the road. "Without the frame, I'm just another soldier. But a soldier who knows how to move without three hundred pounds of steel holding her up."
Veronica chuckled, Leaning against a nearby crates of MCDF supplies. "At least you had a choice, Sarah. My 'suit' was basically a glorified welder's apron & a sarcastic attitude. But I get it. The Brotherhood thinks the armor makes the person. From what I've seen walking through your gates, your people actually seem to believe the person makes the armor."
She gestured toward a passing squad of E-3 Private First Class soldiers. They were moving in a tight diamond formation, Their Customized M4A1s held at low-ready. Their movements were fluid—a far cry from the clunky, methodical gait of a Paladin.
"Well… If you want we can give you a new one, It has been Reverse-Engineered it's been named P-05. It's probably not as good as your original Power Armor, But I think it's great!" Jake said to Sarah.
Sarah Lyons' eyebrows shot up, A flicker of genuine surprise breaking through her disciplined mask. To a former Sentinel of the Brotherhood, The idea of a "local militia" reverse-engineering Power Armor—let alone producing a new model—sounded like a pipe dream. Yet, As she looked around at the M1126 Strykers & the disciplined E-3 Private First Class soldiers patrolling the perimeter, she realized that Jake Maxis wasn't a man given to idle boasting.
"Reverse-engineered?" Sarah repeated, Her voice skeptical but intrigued. "The Brotherhood has spent centuries hoarding that data. If you've managed to create a functional frame without their archives, you've done what most of the East Coast thought was impossible. I'd like to see this 'P-05.'"
Jake nodded, His Charismatic & Steady nature leading the way as he gestured for the group to follow him towards the Red Rocket, now a reinforced garage close to Fort Hope. Laura hopped back onto Jake's shoulders, Her Enhanced Senses still focused on Sarah & Veronica, tracking their heart rates and the faint scent of adrenaline.
Inside the Red Rocket Garage, The air was cool & smelled of hydraulic fluid and ozone. Under a series of bright LED floodlights stood three suits of Power Armor.
They weren't the bulbous T-45s or the sleek T-60s Sarah was used to. The P-05 "Minuteman" Variant looked more utilitarian, With angular plating and an integrated sensor suite on the helmet that hummed with a low, electric vibration.
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MCDF P-05 Power Armor Specifications:
Component: Chassis
Technical Detail: Reinforced Steel-Ceramic Alloy
Performance Note: Lighter than T-45, Higher tensile strength.
Component: Power Plant
Technical Detail: Micro-Fusion Core (Enhanced)
Performance Note: 15% longer operational life per core.
Component: HUD
Technical Detail: Integrated Tactical Overlay
Performance Note: Linked to MCDF Team Link for real-time tracking.
Component: Plating
Technical Detail: Modular Ablative Armor
Performance Note: Designed for quick field replacement.
Component: Weight
Technical Detail: 240 lbs (Unoccupied)
Performance Note: Optimized for mobility & indoor urban combat.
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"It's beautiful." Veronica whispered, Her Inquisitive eyes practically glowing as she walked a slow circle around the suit. She reached out, her fingers hovering over a hydraulic line. "The welding is... it's perfect. It's not just salvaged. This was machined." She looked at Jake, Her sarcasm momentarily replaced by awe. "Where did you get the lathes for this? The precision alone is pre-war grade."
"We have our ways!~" Jake replied with a Humble smile. "Twilight is the head of our R&D. She ensures our equipment meets the highest standards."
Twilight Sparkle stepped forward, Her Intelligent & Organized mind already calculating how to best fit Sarah into the suit. "The P-05 was designed to bridge the gap between heavy infantry & armored support. It features a simplified interface, Making it easier to maintain in the field. Sarah, with your experience, you could push this suit to 110% of its rated capacity."
Sarah ran a gloved hand along the chest plate of the P-05. She could feel the quality of the metal. It felt like a fresh start. "A soldier without her armor is a shadow. This... this could make us a sun." She looked at Jake, Her expression becoming Principled. "If I take this, I'm taking the Creed with it. I don't fight for technology, Jake. I fight for people. If the MCDF stands for that, then I'm yours."
"I wouldn't have it any other way." Jake said, His Unbreakable Will reflecting in his eyes.
"Laura will you be coming with us? I'll be showing Veronica & Sarah, The Old Enclave Facility Remnants that is underground & I know you may not want to go in there." I say to Laura.
Laura tightened her grip on Jake's shoulders for a fleeting second, Her Senses already picking up the stale, recycled air & the faint scent of old ozone emanating from the hidden elevator shaft behind the garage's main console. To her, underground facilities meant cold tiles, needles, and cages—the memories of the Facility that birthed X-23 were never far from the surface.
"I stay…" Laura whispered, Her voice flat but firm, her chin digging slightly into Jake's shoulder. "The air smells like... dead metal. But you are there. I will be your shadow."
Jake reached up & gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I appreciate it, Laura. I'll make sure we don't stay down there longer than we have to." He then turned his attention back to the two women. Sarah's expression had shifted from professional curiosity to a cold, focused intensity the moment he mentioned the 'Enclave.' For a member of the Brotherhood, that name was synonymous with the ultimate enemy.
"An Enclave facility?" Sarah asked, her hand instinctively drifting toward the hilt of her combat knife. "Maxson told us they were wiped out at Raven Rock and the Mobile Base Crawler. If there's a remnant here in the Commonwealth, it's a threat that needs to be neutralized—not just 'remnants' to be toured."
"Relax, Sentinel—Captain!" Jake corrected himself, Offering a Steady & Patient smile. "It's been neutralized for a long time. My team and I cleared it weeks ago. Now, It serves as one of our primary research & storage hubs. It's where we found the data for the P-05."
Veronica, meanwhile, looked like a kid who had just been told the candy store was actually an all-you-can-eat buffet. "Enclave tech? Oh, man. They were bastards, sure, but their miniaturization tech & composite material layering were light-years ahead of the Brotherhood's 'tinker-with-pre-war-garbage' approach." She nudged Sarah with her elbow. "Come on, Sarah. Think of the shiny toys. Or at least the shiny scrap."
Jake led them to the back of the garage, Where a heavy industrial lift sat concealed behind a false wall of tool racks. As he tapped a command into his wrist-mounted terminal, The lift hummed to life, the floor vibrating with the power of heavy-duty fusion generators.
The lift descended smoothly, The dim red tactical lights of the garage giving way to the bright, sterile white of a high-tech bunker. As the doors slid open, They were greeted by the sight of an expansive sub-level. Combat Robots—Sentry Bots & Modernized Protectrons—moved with purpose along painted yellow lines, carrying crates of ammunition and medical supplies.
"Welcome to the 'Deep-Six' Archive!" Jake announced, His voice echoing in the vast chamber.
Sarah stepped off the lift, Her boots clicking sharply on the polished floor. The sound echoed through the vast, subterranean expanse of the Deep-Six Archive, a rhythmic strike of leather against pristine, industrial tiling that hadn't seen a speck of dust since the MCDF took over.
As the group moved forward, The sterile white light of the facility revealed a motor pool and hangar bay of such staggering proportions that even Sarah, a woman who had grown up in the shadow of Liberty Prime, found herself momentarily breathless.
Before them sat rows of Medium Main Battle Tanks (MMBTs). The T26E3-2M Ultra Pershings & Tiger II (H) Sla.16s stood like slumbering metal titans, Their long-barreled cannons angled toward the ceiling.
Unlike the rusted husks found in the ruins above, These machines gleamed with fresh coats of matte-olive & charcoal-grey paint. Their tracks were clean, their composite armor plating thick and formidable, indicating a level of maintenance that suggested they were ready to roll out at a moment's notice.
Flanking the heavy armor were the Anti-Air Vehicles (AAVs). Sarah recognized the distinctive silhouette of the Gepard 1A2, Its twin 35mm autocannons pointed skyward, ready to shred anything that dared challenge the MCDF's airspace. Beside them were the LAV-ADs, Equipped with both 25mm Gatling guns and Stinger missile pods, providing a mobile, lethal umbrella of protection.
"By the Goddess..." Veronica whispered, Her voice barely a breath. "Jake, This isn't a 'Research Hub.' This is a staging ground for a continental conquest."
Further into the bay, The ceiling opened up into a massive hangar section. Under high-intensity floodlights sat the aviation wing. Several AH-64 Apaches—Attack Helicopters (AHs)—were being serviced by automated arms, Their Hellfire missiles & 30mm chain guns looking terrifyingly efficient.
To their right stood the 'Giants of the Sky': Light/Heavy Transport Helicopters (L/HTHs). The CH-53K King Stallions and V-22 Ospreys loomed over the technicians, their rotors folded for storage but their cargo bays capable of moving entire platoons across the Commonwealth in minutes.
Finally, Lined up near the exit ramps, were the Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs). M1151 Humvees & JLTVs, Some mounted with M2 Browning machine guns and others with TOW missile launchers, formed the backbone of the MCDF's rapid-response capability.
Sarah walked toward a T26E3-2M, Her hand reaching out to touch the cold, reinforced steel of its hull. "I've seen the Brotherhood's best formations. I've seen the NCR's heavy troopers. But this..." She turned back to Jake, Her blue eyes sharp with a new kind of intensity. "This is an industrialized war machine, Jake. This kind of power... how do you keep it a secret? How does the Institute not know you have enough hardware down here to level the Ruins of Boston three times over?"
Jake stepped up beside her, His Affable & Principled nature keeping his expression calm. He knew he had to be careful; Sarah & Veronica were "native" to this world, Not part of his System-born forces.
"The Institute is used to looking for electronic signatures & teleportation traces." Jake explained, His voice steady. "They don't expect a conventional army to be hiding in plain sight. We keep our movements at night, use stealth-shrouded transport routes, and our communications are hard-wired or encrypted through frequencies they haven't cracked yet."
He looked around the room, feeling a swell of pride in what the MCDF had become. "We don't want a war, Sarah. But we're tired of the Commonwealth being a playground for monsters and tyrants. If they bring the fight to us, we won't just hold the line. We'll break theirs."
Veronica looked at a Gepard 1A2, Then at Jake. "I'm starting to think my 'welders' apron' might be a bit underdressed for this party. You mentioned a P-05 for Sarah... does that mean you have something for a girl who likes to get up close and personal?"
Jake chuckled. "Mmm… We have the (Exo-Skeleton Prototype) EP-17, it's a Exo-Skeleton Prototype Suit. And yes it's safe, We are planning on naming the suit to "ES-20" Veronica, you can wear that you'll have to wear body armor." He looks at Veronica to see how she may react.
The air in the subterranean hangar was thick with the scent of high-grade lubricant and the low-frequency thrum of idling fusion reactors. Veronica's eyes darted from the massive T26E3-2M Ultra Pershing tanks to the sleek AH-64 Apache airframes, Her mind clearly racing to calculate the sheer industrial output required to maintain such a force.
When Jake mentioned the EP-17 Exo-Skeleton, Veronica stopped dead in her tracks. She looked at the prototype rig hanging from a nearby pneumatic calibration rack. It was a skeletal frame of carbon-steel & hydraulic actuators, Designed to be worn over standard combat fatigues and ballistic plating.
"An exo-frame?" Veronica asked, Her voice dropping its sarcastic edge for a moment of pure technical appreciation. She walked up to the rig, her fingers tracing the reinforced torque-joints at the elbows and knees. "The Brotherhood played with designs like this, But they always abandoned them in favor of full Power Armor. They said 'If you're going to use a battery, You might as well bring the tank with you.' But this... this is elegant. It's low-profile."
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MCDF EP-17 (ES-20) Prototype Specifications:
Component: Actuator Type
Technical Detail: High-Torque Hydraulic Servos
Operational Impact: Increases lifting/striking capacity by 150% to 200%.
Component: Power Source
Technical Detail: Armored Integrated Micro-Fusion Cell
Operational Impact: 72-hour continuous combat operation, Or 120 -hour continuous combat operation if used moderately.
Component: Weight
Technical Detail: 45 lbs (Distributed via frame)
Operational Impact: Zero-sum weight feel for the operator.
Component: Compatibility
Technical Detail: Level IV Modular Body Armor
Operational Impact: Provides ballistic protection without losing agility.
Component: Hardpoints
Technical Detail: Dual Forearm Rails
Operational Impact: Specifically tuned for Pneumatic Power Fists, Or it could be changed.
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"It's not just about protection, Veronica," Jake explained, stepping up beside her, his Steady & Patient aura acting as a grounding force. "The EP-17 is about mobility. You can't exactly do a backflip in a suit of T-60, but in this? You're faster, stronger, and you can still fit through a standard doorway without taking the frame with you."
Sarah Lyons watched the exchange, Her arms crossed over her chest. She looked at Jake with a newfound level of professional scrutiny. "You're arming a girl who's known for punching her way out of problems with a frame that triples her strike force. You're either very brave or very confident in your discipline, Maxis."
"I'm confident in my people." Jake replied, his Idealistic & Principled nature shining through. "And I think Veronica deserves to fight the way she's most effective."
[System Message: Neo Politan]
"Boss, I hope you've got a good 'Terms & Conditions' manual for that suit. Giving Veronica that much torque is like giving a toddler a rocket launcher—hilarious, But potentially messy for the furniture. Also, friendly reminder: Sarah is still looking at the tanks like she's trying to find the 'Made in Vault-Tec' sticker. Keep the mystery alive!~"
"I'll take it." Veronica said suddenly, Turning to Jake with a bright, mischievous grin. "But I want to calibrate the haptics myself. If I'm going to be the MCDF's resident wrecking ball, I want to make sure I don't accidentally crush my own sandwich when I'm off-duty."
"Deal!" Jake laughed, Nodding to a nearby Combat Engineer to assist her with the fitting.
As Veronica began the process of integrating her 1st Recon armor with the frame, Sarah walked closer to Jake. Her expression was solemn. "Jake... the world out there is a graveyard of good intentions. I've seen what happens when one group gets this much power. They either become the monster they're fighting, or they get wiped out by someone more ruthless."
She looked at the MCDF Soldiers' Creed she still held. "Which one are you going to be?"
Jake looked her in the eye, His Hardened Will evident. "Neither. We aren't here to rule. We're here to ensure that the people of the Commonwealth never have to be afraid of the dark again. Whether it's Raiders, Mutants, or the Institute... we are the wall."
Sarah studied him for a long beat, Then slowly offered her hand. "Then let's see if this 'Wall' can hold. Lead the way, Commander." Sarah looked at Jake seeing that he wanted to say something… "Maybe… maybe in the future we can rebuild… A new United States… Free from its old corruption & its evil morals…" Jake said as Sarah saw the hope in his eyes, As she then smiled softly.
The hum of the Deep-Six Archive was a constant, low-frequency vibration that resonated through the floor and into the bones of everyone present. While Sarah & Veronica were captivated by the sheer industrial might of the MCDF, The environment was having a far different effect on the young woman still perched on Jake's shoulders.
Laura's breath had become shallow, A sharp contrast to her usual silent, rhythmic breathing. Her fingers, normally relaxed on Jake's chest, were now digging into his tactical vest, her claws retracted but her knuckles white. To anyone else, She looked merely alert. To Jake, Who felt the frantic thrum of her heart against his back, she was drowning.
"Laura…" Jake whispered, His voice low & Nurturing. "We're almost done here. Just a few more minutes."
"The air..." Laura rasped, Her green eyes darting toward the sterile, white-tiled corridors. "It smells like cold steel and... and blood that hasn't happened yet. It is the Facility, Jake. Different walls, same silence."
Jake felt a pang of guilt. He had pushed her too far by bringing her down here. "Neo, Find the fastest route to the surface lift once we're finished with the calibration." He thought, Keeping his expression neutral so Sarah wouldn't notice.
[System Message: Neo Politan]
"Already on it, Boss! I've mapped the express maintenance shaft. Just keep your 'Secret' under wraps. Captain Platinum-Blonde over there is already looking at the walls like she's trying to find the source code."
At the center of the lab, The hydraulic arms of the calibration rack hissed, releasing the EP-17 Exo-Skeleton. Veronica stepped forward, the suit now fully integrated over her 1st Recon armor.
The frame whirred to life with a high-pitched electronic whine. As Veronica moved her arm, the hydraulic servos followed with fluid, terrifying precision. The carbon-steel frame gave her a skeletal, predatory appearance, the micro-fusion cell on her back pulsing with a soft blue light.
"Oh... oh, I could get used to this." Veronica said, Her voice echoing slightly in the lab. She threw a experimental jab into the air; The speed was so great it created a sharp crack of displaced air. "The lag is non-existent. It's like the suit is reading my muscles before I even move them."
Sarah Lyons watched, Her professional skepticism warring with genuine awe. "It's a force multiplier." She noted, Her voice Stoic. "In the Brotherhood, we'd call that a 'Paladin's Grace' modification, but this is... more integrated. It doesn't look like she's wearing a machine. It looks like the machine is an extension of her."
Veronica turned to a thick steel testing pillar. Without a word, She activated her pneumatic power fist. The EP-17's arm reinforced the blow, the servos whining as they dumped maximum torque into the strike.
CRACK.
The steel pillar buckled, A massive dent forming where her fist had connected. The floor beneath her boots didn't even shift; The suit's stabilizers had dispersed the recoil perfectly.
"Jake..." Veronica said, Turning back with a grin that was both ecstatic & dangerous. "If you're looking for a New United States, you've got the right tools. Just tell me where to point this thing."
Jake lowered Laura to the ground, Keeping his arm around her waist to steady her. She leaned into him, Her gaze fixed on the exit, her Resilience being tested to its absolute limit.
"The 'Old World' failed because it became a machine that ate its own people." Jake said, Addressing both Sarah & Veronica while ignoring the flashing UI prompts on his HUD that only he could see. "The Brotherhood, the Enclave, the Institute... they're all just different versions of the same mistake. They think they're the only ones who matter."
He looked at Sarah, His Unbreakable Will shining through. "I don't want to just 'survive' the wasteland, Sarah. I want to end it. I want a nation where a girl like Laura doesn't have to fear a lab, and a woman like Veronica doesn't have to hide who she is to keep her rank."
Sarah Lyons stood silent for a long moment, Looking from the high-tech tanks to the determined young man before her. She saw the Idealistic spark in his eyes—the same spark her father had before the Capital Wasteland tried to snuff it out.
"A New United States..." Sarah mused, Her voice softening. "It's a dangerous dream, Jake. People kill for dreams like that. And they die for them even faster."
"Then it's a good thing we're the ones with the tanks." Jake replied with a Humble but confident nod. "Let's get Laura back to the sun. We have work to do."
As they moved toward the lift, Jake caught a glimpse of a shadowed figure watching from the upper observation deck. It was Twilight Sparkle, her Navy Blue hair catching the light. She gave him a subtle, knowing nod—the silent acknowledgment of two people who knew exactly how much of this "miracle" was human effort, and how much was the System.
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A/Comment: Double! Upload! Great right? Well, Have some good news… Maybe? Jake my MC, Will not be going to other worlds for maybe… Six Chapters? Or more. If to want to focus on the Falloutverse, Not the Multiverse.
Though! He may get a Minor Missions, Also! For more info, These Minor Missions will only increase
Summoned Soldiers & Jake may be going back to 'Zombies' Marvel Universe – P.S.: This Zombies are not from the Show or Comic Marvel Universes!
Also, As for the DC Heroines worry not, They are safe from radiation & maybe the next Chapter we'll talk about it! Maybe… Thank you, All! For reading! Cya Later!