Chapter 6: Lame Ducks

Through out the night, Marcus was waken by the sound of search parties of Shady Sands guards on patrol. They were looking for the killer of the bar owner, but every other hour, were passing him by. Occasionally, Marcus got up in the hot humid night and opened his window for some fresh air, and to see what the guards were doing. They continually passed by his window, talking about where the killer could be hiding. This town was part of the NCR, one of the most popular places in all the wasteland, and the guards couldn't even find a killer. Marcus smirked and chuckled to himself, returning to his bed and collapsing on to the mattress. It creaked as the springs were compressed by Marcus' weight. He shut his eyes, and fell back to sleep awaking once again to the sound of another Shady Sands patrol.

After an uneasy rest, Marcus awoke to the sound of the town's commerce. He changed his clothes, even though they didn't smell. It was a natural thing for humans, and so he was programed as well to do it. Once he changed, Marcus walked down the stairs, and into the streets. He decided to go check out the bar, and what the statis of the place was. When he got there, the place was guarded by two Shady Sands guards, both armed with typical assault rifles. Marcus decided to go see if he could get in, and if they had removed the body of the bar owner during the night.

"Halt!" The guard on the left said, holding out his palm to Marcus. He stood examining the face of the guard. His vitals were normal, his body temperature was up due to the heat. His friend was the same, vitals normal and body temperature up. The guard standing in front of Marcus examined him as well, but couldn't tell anything that would be truthful of his real intentions. The other guard approached, resting his assault rifle to his side.

"What do you want, Wastelander? Come to see the crime sene?" The man asked in a deep baritone voice. Marcus looked at him with a blank face, not giving away his true intentions to any degree.

"Well I was here the night the bar owner was killed. We were talking, and he seemed like a good guy. I just wanted to pay my respects." Marcus replied quickly going silent. The two guards looked at him, then at each other not sure what to do. Marcus stood there, waiting, the inteligence of some humans amazed him.

"No one is allowed in, but tell us what the two of you were talking about last night?" The first guard asked curiously. His dark almost sun burnt face was dirty and dry.

"Nothing really, just that he was telling me that his bar was passed down to him. And that the murders I guess that have been going on, were very odd-"

"What do you mean odd?" The first guard asked interupting Marcus just as he was getting to that part. He took off his sunglasses, revealing his hazel brown eyes. The two guards would be oblivious to the one thing that gave him away as an Android. the glimmer in his eyes.

"Well he told me, that the occuring murders were all linked. I guess that woman you guys hauled out of the house the other day, and others that happened before I got here, were linked some how? Some orginization that the woman had found out about wanted her dead. She was going to report it to Officer Garret, but was murdered before she could. He told me the name of this orginization." Marcus acted like he was trying to remember what the secret orginizations name was, but it was clear in his mind. The Railroad, an orginization that helped escaped slaves and androids begin a new life.

"Well do you remember what that orginization was called?" The first guard asked lowering his guard in curiosity. Both were surprised to hear of an underground orginization with the ability to do such things. Marcus looked at them, and smiled acting like he had just remembered.

"Oh yes, the origization was called 'The Railroad'. They help slaves escape and 'Androids'. But I don't believe in Androids." Marcus said with a face of disalution. The two guards agreed with him there, who could create such things in the wasteland. Where did they get the technology for such a thing. The two guards smiled, and looked at Marcus, the first guard resting his hand on Marcus' shoulder in a gesture of power and friendship. Marcus was not their friend.

"Would you mind coming with us to the jail house. And tell our commander what you know?" The first guard said taking his hand off Marcus' shoulder. The other guard looked at him, waiting for a response as well. Marcus thought for a moment, but not about their request. His answer was a definate, yes, he just couldn't understand how easy his mission had become. Their only commander was Officer Garret. He had talked them into letting him meet with their in-hiding commander, without them even knowing his true intentions. Marcus smiled and looked at them both.

"Sure, always willing to help the strong arm of the law." Marcus said flexing one of his arms. Both guards smiled and laughed with Marcus as they headed to the jail house. His mission was coming to a closing, his main target was going to be revealed to him, and without bloodshed needed to get to him. Marcus smirked as he thought about the kill. It was so easy, the only thing needed to be done now was get the data off the dead Androids inhibitor, and get in contact with "Alice". The only trouble was, he didn't know who "Alice" was. Another mystery was about to unfold in front of Marcus, on his road to accomplishing his mission.

Interesting...hurry up and write the next chapter!

Pretty good, but i think you got off-topic on some parts :trophy:

Chapter 7: Surprises Never End

The jail house doors opened, it seemed like everyone in the place was hard at work. But what Marcus had heard during the night, they weren't getting anywhere with finding him. The two guards escorted him down to the basemant of the jail house, some of the guards gave him looks but Marcus shrugged them off, finding their lack of knowledge on the him hilarious. The room was hot, some of the guards sat at their seats, sweating non-stop as the sweat rolled down their backs and forheads.

As the Android had said, there were two guards standing infront of a large metalic door. Both looked at the guards, and then to Marcus curious. The two guards escorting him, sat Marcus down at a table that only had one chair behind it. The guards spoke a bit in whispers, but Marcus could pick up every word they were saying. His increased hearing, was amazing.

"Who is he?" One of the guards at the door asked, looking with a mean powerful face to the two guards. Both looked at each other, and at the two guards stationed there.

"He know's somethings about the murder last night, and somethings about Garrets wife's murder. We figured it was important enough for Garret to know about. Don't worry, he's just some wasteland trader in town for some trading. He'll probably be gone in a day or two, so we have to get what we can from him." The first guard said gesturing to Marcus to come over. The two guards stationed at the door sighed with a angry hesitant face, but allowed Marcus to come over.

"So what do you know about the murder of the bar owner, and Mrs. Garret?" The second guard stationed at the door asked raising his hand in Marcus' face. His intimidation technique was nothing to prize, but Marcus played along a bit, showing some intimidation of the man.

"Well from what I know, the bar owner told me that Mrs. Garret, was killed by a secret orginization that put a hit out on her before she could tell Officer Garret about the orginization. I guess they call themselfs the 'Railroad' and help ex-slaves and 'Androids' make a new life. But I've never seen an Android in my life, and frankly don't think that anyone in the wasteland could create such a high-tech being without letting the rest of the Wasteland know about it." Marcus said cracking a smile at the guards.

Both looked at him, and at each other, both thinking about what to do with him. They sighed a heavy sigh, and looked at Marcus with power. The other two guards stood there next to Marcus, not sure about what to do themselfs.

"Ok, you can see Officer Garret. But don't try anything or we'll kill you where you are." The first guard stationed at the door said pulling out the passcode number, and typing it into the computer terminal next to him. The light on the computer terminal flashed green, and the door slid open revealing a tired man with a long thick beard, and long hair with racks of food and water surrounding him. Behind him was a small cot that he used to sleep on, but the only other thing was a beaten wooden table and wooden chair that he was sitting on.

Marcus stepped forward into the room, the man lifted his head up and with tired shallow eyes looked at the guards, then to Marcus. He seemed a bit skeletal, but there was all this food and water surrounding him. One of the guards ran up behind Marcus, and placed the chair from the desk outside across from Officer Garret at the table. The guard left, and stood at the door inside the room while the other guard with the passcode closed the door, but did not lock it.

"Hello, what brings you here to see me?" Officer Garret asked with a voice that sounded like death itself was coming. He was obviously not in good health, but from the reports Marcus had read, he was in top form and searching day and night for the killer of Shady Sands, who was already dead by Marcus' hand.

"My name is, Marcus. Two of your guards brought me here because they thought I had some valuble information on the murder of your wife. All my information is from the dead bar owner." Marcus said feeling a bit sad for the man he thought would be more of a suitable fight. Officer Garret raised his hand, he was truly malnurished. His arm's were like a skeleton, his face was shallow and pale. This was not the man Marcus thought he would be meeting. He coughed a bit as he looked around at his bunker, than seemed to be more of a prison. Officer Garret looked at Marcus, examining him with his eyes.

"My wife, was a beautiful woman. We were building a life together, but after she was killed. My guards thought it best that I go into hiding until they could find the murderer of the others, and her." Officer Garret looked at the guard standing behind Marcus, and gestured for him to leave them. The guard didn't move, but suddenly Officer Garret pounded his fist on the table as hard as he could, almost bolting out of his seat across the table looking at the guard with his teeth visibly clentched.

"GET OUT!" Officer Garret demanded as Marcus turned around and looked at the stunned guard. But eventually he did as he was ordered, and opened the door stepping out, and closing it behind him. Officer Garret sat back in his seat, and preped himself after the surprising outburst. "I am sorry for that, but my guards can be sometime to weary of people, which is not a bad thing. But they have been doing around me non-stop." Marcus smiled, and nodded like he understood what he was talking about.

"Well, as I was going to say, the bar owner who was killed told me that an orginization know as the, 'Railroad', was working underground here helping ex-slaves and 'Androids make a new life." Marcus stopped for a moment, he was beginning to feel like a broken holotape after he kept saying the samething over and over again. But he continued, while Officer Garret listened."From what the bar owner told me, she was coming to tell you about them after catching wind of what they were doing. So the 'Railroad' heard about that, and didn't like that one bit. So I guess, they put a hit out on her. And the one who killed your wife, and those others before her. Was the bar owner himself. I was personally putting the pieces together as he was telling me this information. It seemed like he knew to much, and so I put the final piece together and placed him as the killer. Though I don't know who killed him?" Marcus said taking a breath, and letting the new information sink in.

Officer Garret was amazed and confused at what Marcus knew. He also seemed impressed at Marcus' ability to piece together a crime such as this. He thought for a moment, looking at all the food and water around them. He smiled, and stood up from his seat. He stood and walked like he was 80, but he was far from that age. He walked over to his cot, and carefully sat down and pulled his legs up onto the cot, laying completely silent, still taking in the news. He rested his arm on his forhead, then quickly looked at Marcus still sitting in the chair.

"This is all great news to hear. But this 'Railroad' orginization is not so underground as they think." Officer Garret said cracking a smile and a quick laugh. "I've know about their dealings here in Shady Sands for years! But this news about my wife, is shocking. I always thought they were a calm collective orginization, but now knowing they were the one's for my wifes murder, and the others. We helped them with their dealings. Those other people who were killed, were Slavers and people who were probably against the Railroad."

Marcus looked at him confused, he didn't have it all down. The people who were killed, were killed by the Commonwealth, but that he couldn't tell. Suddenly like a surprise kick to the face, Marcus realized why Mrs. Garret had been killed, and what the obsolete Android was doing here this far from the Commonwealth. Officer Garret was still talking, but Marcus drowned him out, and began adding to what it was.

The people killed previously were part of the Railroad, working with Shady Sands to free Slaves and Androids here out west. But the Commonwealth had caught news of this, and sent Androids to come deal with the Runners who were trying to leave the Commonwealth, and begin a new life. Obviously the previous people killed, were not people at all, but Androids who had their minds wipped and thought they were truly human. Mrs. Garret, though helping the Railroad with their dealings, was not really apart of their orginization, but war turning towards joining the Railroad.

It was all making sense to Marcus, "Mrs. Garret was spying on the Railroad for the Commonwealth, and married Officer Garret to get deeper into their dealings. After a few months, and reporting to the Commonwealth about the citizens in Shady Sands who were escaped Androids, she began to turn towards the Railroad for an unknown reason." Marcus couldn't put that piece of the puzzle in place yet as he thought, but he continued to add onto what was going on. "After the Commonwealth sent an Android who was the bar owner to come deal with the Runners, the Android must have learned that Mrs. Garret was no longer sending reports to the Commonwealth, and learned that she was leaning in their favor?"

What the Android had told Marcus about her coming to tell Officer Garret about the Railroads hit, was a lie. She was coming to tell him that it was the Commonwealth that had put the hit out on her, but was making it look like the Railroad was doing the killings. Marcus took a deep sigh, and was totally dumb founded by what he had revealed. The Commonwealth was trying to plug every leak they had out here, and keep their dealings quiet. Marcus came out of his trans-like state, and looked at Officer Garret.

"I'm sorry Officer Garret, but I must leave you. I have told you everything I know. If you will excuse me, I have some trading to do." Marcus said getting up from his seat. Suddenly the sound of gunfire and some explosions rocked the ceiling causing some dust to slowly fall onto the ground. Marcus unholstered both of his .223's and stood by Officer Garret, who was shocked at the sudden sight of guns.

"What the hell are you doing!" Officer Garret said shocked, and thinking his life was over.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to kill you. But who is coming, might?" Marcus said holding both .223's at the ready, prepared to shoot whatever came through the door. The sound of people screaming echoed down the stairs, and Marcus could see with his x-ray vision, the four guards outside the door were at the ready with their assault rifles pressed against their shoulders. Marcus returned to his normal vision, and hoped the four guards outside could kill who was coming. He stood there, the sound of footsteps came down the stairs, and stopped at the base of them.

"STOP!" One of the guards said with tone of authority, and some fear. Marcus still stood, Officer Garret sat on his cot, ready for whatever was outside.

"You have someone in there, that I need." A voice said, sounding like a woman. The guards hesistated a moment, not sure what to do. Marcus couldn't understand why they weren't shooting. If it was him out there, the person infront of him would already be dead.

"I'm sorry, but you can't go in there. Give us your weapons, and surrender yourself. We don't want to kill you." One of the guards said with a raised voice. Marcus only heard a faint chuckle come from the woman, and suddenly the cries of the guards as the sound of two 10mm Sub machine-guns cracked and echoed through out the whole jail house. The footsteps grew closer as the suddenly stopped at the door. Marcus stood completely still, not blinking and at full combat readyness. His hands did not shake or tremble like Officer Garret's did. He stood completely ready as the door slid open, and revealed a blonde haird woman with a skimpy dress. Her body was perfectly curved, and her face was beautiful with her bright blue eyes.

She stood there, smiling and giggling at Marcus. He was confused, but did not flinch or move an inch, still at full combat readyness. She took a couple of steps forward, enough so she was in the room with both Officer Garret and Marcus.

"You can put your weapons down, Marcus." The woman said with a high girlish tone. Marcus didn't move, he still stood with both .223's at the ready. "I'm not going to kill you, Marcus. But I would have figured that you would have killed him by now?" She said looking at Officer Garret with surprise and a sweet face.

"I know what the Commonwealth has been doing. Those people killed, were escaped Androids with their memories errased. That I can understand, but they also framed the Railroad into the killing of Mrs. Garret who was working for the Commonwealth at one time. You ordered that obsolete Android to kill her before she could speak about what the Commonwealth was doing after she had sided with the Railroad. Isn't that right, Alice!" Marcus said still combat ready.

She smiled, and looked at Marcus with her beautiful blue eyes. Officer Garret stood up, his body was terribly aged with the lack of food he didn't eat. Alice took a couple more steps towards Marcus, and stopped at the table.

"A3-46, initiate Recall code: Omega." She said looking at Marcus. He suddenly lowered his hands, and stood there at attention. Officer Garret watched in surprise, and tried to get him to raise both of his guns. But Marcus wouldn't do it.

"A3-46, ready for orders." Marcus said quickly and robotic.

"A3-46, initiate Code: Alpha Zeta-B." Alice said without caring about Officer Garret. Marcus stood, his code file, revealing Alpha Zeta-B and initiating the code. He quickly came to, and looked at Alice.

"Alpha Zeta-B initialized." Officer Garret looked at Alice, and clentched his teeth together, and charged at her. She just stood there, as Marcus quickly raised one of his pistols, and fired a single shot into the head of Officer Garret. His lifeless body fell limp against the ground, blood misted from the back of his head and quickly changed to blood pouring out from the single gunshot hole.

"Very good, A3-46, now intiliaze Code: Marcus." Alice said placing her 10mm Sub machine-guns on her belt. Marcus quickly returned to himself, but this time the memory of what he had figured out about what was going on in Shady Sands, was tucked away deep into his memory files. Marcus looked at Alice, then at the dead body of Officer Garret as a pool of blood surrounded his head.

"lets get out of here, and return to the Institute. Your mission is a sucess, Marcus." Alice said walking out with him, and stepping over the bodies of all the dead Shady Sands guards in the jail house. The streets were clear and slient. No one was outside, all of them were hiding inside their houses as Marcus and Alice walked to the motel, and grabbed his other weapons. The woman who owned the motel, wasn't even at her desk, and the young slave boy was not in his corner.

Marcus gathered his weapons, and slung his unused Assault Rifle onto his back as they walked out of Shady Sands, and into the wasteland to catch their Vertibird ride back to the Commonwealth, and the Institute.

that chapter is good

Thanks! You could have just said that, rather than have to scroll down the whole chapter again to see what you had to say.

yea i just realized that LOL my bad :icecream:

:goodjob:

Loved it.

Nice twist Strangelove. And I liked the way you brought Alice into the mix, killing all the Shady Sands guards in the jail house and then killing the guards outside the door to Marcus and Officer Garret. Very BRILLIANT!

HOLY CRAP!!! HOW DID WE LOSE SUCH A GREAT STORY WRITER!!!??? THIS IS UNNACEPTABLE...-By this I mean of course that it's terrible that you left Strangelove...

Chapter 8: New Enemies, New Adventure

As the Vertibird flew through the sky, Marcus looked down out of a window, and saw the sun baked earth below. Alice sat beside him, taking a relaxing rest as they made their way to the Commonwealth. Everything seemed so sudden to Marcus, his mission was complete, that he could be proud of. But what would the Commonwealth's new priority in the NCR be. Marcus could not tell, but for what it was worth, he knew something big was going to happen. The wasteland was vast and wide, the Commonwealth was like a Octopus, all of its tenticles reaching out to certain places out in the wasteland. Marcus could only wait until being assigned a new mission priority by the Institute.

The Vertibird pilot was the same Android, Marcus had met when he was coming to the NCR. But Marcus did not speak with him, the co-pilot was busy talking back and forth with the pilot. Alice still slept in her seat, safely secured as Marcus just sat back and watched out the window, seeing the same landscape over and over. The Vertibirds engines roared as they flew through the sky. The pilot and co-pilot sat checking switches and talking over things, Marcus didn't understand.

After a few hours of flying over the wasteland, Alice awoke and stretched looking at Marcus with tired weary eyes. She smiled and patted her cheeks, perking her up a bit as she sat up straight in her seat. Marcus smiled back at her, and looked out the window.

"Where are we, Marcus?" Alice asked almost shouting over the roar of the Vertibird engines. Marcus looked over, and smiled with a shrug of his shoulders. She smiled back, and looked at the pilot. "Where are we?" She said, trying to perk up more.

"About four thousand miles out from the Commonwealth. But there's been no problems." The co-pilot said looking at her, and quickly returning to his duty. Alice nodded, and looked out the window on her side, only seeing a sun baked earth. Marcus looked at her, he had a serious question on his mind.

"How did you get down stairs back at the jail house?" Marcus asked curious.

"I was working there, secretly spying on them and their dealings with looking into the Commonwealth. I gained their trust, and when I saw you walk in, I knew the mission was almost complete. But after a few minutes, and not hearing gunshots, I decided to take it apon myself. I figured they had shut you down?" Alice said with all seriousness in her voice.

"Interesting?" Marcus said scanning her facial features and her bodies core temperature. His facial recognition program raced through all the different facial emotions, all while taking her temperature. She looked at him, a bit confused at his remark. But didn't think much of it. "Your an Android as well." Marcus said, stunning her with his question.

"Yes." She said looking away from him, and returning her attention back to the window. Marcus smiled, and grabbed her arm best he could.

"Your an Android like me. Why did they send me, and not just have you do the mission since you were on the inside already?" Marcus asked looking at her with a confused and curious look. She ducked her head down a bit, and looked up at him with her bright blue eyes.

"I don't know. It doesn't matter now, what's done is done. No changing that now, Marcus." She said releasing her arm from his grip. Marcus shrugged, and thought about the question. When they returned to the Commonwealth, he would be sure to ask the question to his superior officer.

As the sky became a dark grey, and large storm clouds began to cruise over the single Vertibird, the pilot and co-pilot began to get erratic. They were racing between switches and dialators, knobs and read-outs. Alice looked at them, and then to Marcus who had his eyes trained on the pilots. He looked at them, not worried but what looked like a worried face to any human.

"What's going on?" Marcus asked with authority and curiosity.

"Radar detects two boggies coming in." The pilot said with a frantic worried tone. Marcus looked out the window, trying to see if he could spot the incoming enemy. Alice did the same, but neither could catch a glimpse of the incoming enemy. The Vertibird began to speed up from its cruising speed, the roar of the engines grew louder as the co-pilot bussied himself with trying to spot the enemy.

"[censored] there they are!" The co-pilot said looking out the little slit he had for a windshield. The pilot looked around for a second, and spotted the two distant dots coming at them from the North East. They continued on their course, Alice could see them now, and Marcus moved over to see them as well.

"Who are they?" Marcus asked Alice, as if she would know. She shrugged, and looked at the pilots.

"Who are they?" She asked.

"Possible Enclave Vertibirds out on patrol. We've had some problems with them in this area before." The pilot said looking at the incoming Vertibirds. As soon as they were dots in the sky, the two Vertibirds were there, making a pass over the lone Vertibird. Marcus and Alice rushed to the other window, to see where they were going. One of them broke away, and began to turn around towards them. Marcus looked stunned as it began to fire its gatling lasers at the unarmed Vertibird. The pilot did a quick turning manuver, and dodged the first rounds, trying to make their escape. Marcus and Alice shifted in position as the pilot did the quick turning manuver, causing them to strap into their seats.

"Get us out of here!" Marcus said with true authority and power as he pounded his fist on the seat beside him. Neither of the pilots responded as they continued to evade the gatling laser blasts from the attack Vertibirds, who were both on the attack now. Laser blasts flew past the windows near Marcus and Alice as they just sat there, unable to do anthing to help. Alice clentched her teeth and shut her eyes as several laser rounds hit the hull of the Vertibird.

"Don't worry, it didn't do anything. Armor strength is still at 100%." The pilot said quickly making another turning manuver dodging the first Vertibirds laser blasts. Marcus sat as still as he could, helping to locate where the Vertibirds were coming from, Alice saw what he was doing, and began doing the same.

"MOVE LEFT!" She screamed as one of the enemy Vertibirds came rushing from the left, gatling lasers firing. The pilot did as she asked, and flew right under the oncoming Vertibird, but was hit in the tail by some of the laser blasts. The other Vertibird took this as an oppertunity, and dove at the unarmed Vertibird, firing a non-stop burst into the left engine of the Vertibird. Its engine began to smoke, the co-pilot quickly checked its diagnostic's and saw it was at 15%.

"We've got to set this thing down." The co-pilot said to the pilot as he pointed out the problem. Black smoke chugged out of the Vertibirds engine, it seemed like it would die soon. Marcus looked at it, but was shaken as another laser blast hit the Vertibird once again.

"Ok, we're going to set this tub down." The pilot said looking at Marcus and Alice both. "It might be ruff so hold onto something!" He said as they began to quickly desend toward the ground. Alice held onto her seat as tight as she could while Marcus held onto a nearby pole next to his seat. The Vertibird crashed with a hard thump, and skidded across the ground, kicking up dirt and debris that was in the way. Marcus shot forward, but was held secure by his seat straps, launching him back into his seat.

As the Vertibird came to a stop, the dust began to settle and Marcus looked around at everyone inside the Vertibird. He realized the pole he had been holding onto had been broken in half, he was still holding onto the bottom piece attached to the floor. He looked at Alice, her face was bloody and she seemed to be unconcious. He untrapped himself, and shook her shoulder.

"Alice? Alice! Wake-up Alice." He said shaking her as she started to come around. He looked at the co-pilot, and saw the other half of the pole he had held onto was pierced through his back. The pilot seemed ok, but was scratched as well. Marcus could feel blood trickle down his face as he wipped the blood away. Alice looked at him in almost a daze.

"That was sure a [censored] landing." She said cracking a smile at Marcus. The pilot held his head, and laughed a bit at Alice's remark. Marcus smiled, and unstrapped himself from the seat. He checked for his Assault Rifle, which was still ok surprisingly. Alice checked her guns, which were both unharmed in the crash. The pilot opened a little compartment above his head, and revealed a .44 Magnum in almost perfect condition.

"Where the [censored] did we land?" Marcus asked looking at the pilot.

"We're not to far from a little settlement, I can't remember its name. But its not far, we can try to make it and get some help?" The pilot replied holding his head in pain. Marcus looked at Alice who nodded in approval of the idea.

"Ok, that's what we'll do then." Marcus said when suddenly the sound of Vertibird engines roared over head. "Everyone be quiet." Marcus said as one of the Vertibirds could be heard landing quickly, and taking off again. They all knew what it was, the Vertibird had dropped off some soldiers, but they still didn't know who they were.

"Check over the crash, see if there are any survivors?" A commanding voice said.

"Yes sir!" Four voices replied.

"The rest of you come with me to check on what we can salvage from the reckage." The commanding voice said once again. Marcus readied his Assault Rifle, and both pistols. Alice and the pilot did the same as the shadow of a Power Armored figure approached.

"It's your turn to check, Davis." A voice said.

"No its your dumb ass turn. Don't make me get Paladin Greer." Anothe voice replied.

"Why don't you both check it out?" Another voice, probably the shadowed figure said in an annoyed tone of voice. The two grumbled, and agreed with a nodded. The door to the Vertibird was gone on Marcus' side, as he crouched at the ready, instead having one of his Combat Knifes ready to slice who ever's throat came into the Vertibird. Suddenly a head popped inside, revealing a Power Armored masked figure. It wasn't the Enclave, but the Brotherhood of Steel.

"What the fu-" The figure said just as Marcus grabbed him, and stabbed him in the throat. Marcus grabbed his Assault Rifle, and rushed out. All three figures were stunned as Marcus unleashed a hail of bullets into each one before they could get a shot off. The gunfire would bring the others over here soon, Marcus pointed to Alice to grab the dead Brotherhood soldiers weapon, and ammo if he had any extra on him. Marcus took cover behind one of the broken propeller props of the Vertibird as three other Brotherhood soldiers came into view. Marcus without thought, fired at the three, downing one as the other two took cover behind some rocks.

"GET YOUR SORRY ASSES OUT OF HERE!" Marcus yelled at the soldiers behind the rocks. They quickly replied with several laser blasts that flew over Marcus' head. "Is that the best you got?" Marcus said taunting them even worse.

"Surrender, Enclave scum!" One of the soldiers said. Marcus just laughed as he looked back at Alice and the pilot who were busy scavanging what they could fromt he dead Brotherhood soldiers. They looked like typical Brotherhood of Steel Knight, which they probably were. But Marcus didn't care if they were Paladins. The Brotherhood of Steel and the Enclave were both enemies towards the Commonwealth, and the Institute.

"We're not Enclave you idiot." Marcus said, not helping to laugh after. The stand-off lasted for a few minutes, Marcus watched the sky for anymore Vertibirds. It seemed like the first two had left their friends behind. Marcus sat, both Alice and the pilot were with him ready to shoot the fools behind the rocks.

"Surrender your weapons, and we can talk." Marcus said.

"Not a chance, you killed three of my best Knights." The commanding voice from before said, still with that commanding tone. Alice looked at Marcus, and smiled at how stuborn they were. Marcus still trained on the rocks, made a plan in his head.

"Ok, I'm going to go around them and flush them out. When they run, shoot them dead." Marcus said looking at Alice and the pilot. They both nodded, and Marcus quickly ran to the side behind some small sand dune that rose from the ground just above his head. He looked around before moving again, and quickly ran towards some rocks that were on the Paladin and Knights flank. Neither of them realized Marcus behind the rock as he fired a small burst towards them. Both of them ran out from their cover as Marcus predicted. Alice and the pilot fired rapidly, shooting the Knight down first and then the Paladin. Marcus ran over, and looted their guns and ammo. They were out int he middle of know where, the ammo and spare weapons would come in handy.

"You ok, Marcus?" Alice asked waving to him as he walked over with their loot.

"Yeah, now lets get out of here." He said placing the ammo in the duffle bag, and placing the extra small weapons inside also. He handed Alice and the pilot both a Laser Rifle, and kept one for himself. The other rifles were stuffed tight into the duffle bag, and other bag Alice and the pilot had grabbed from the Vertibird. The three nodded, and went on their way towards the small settlement the pilot had spoken about. A new task had come to Marcus, survival. It wouldn't be easy.

You have a great story, and your a very talented writer, but one of my biggest pet peeves in fan fics is how power armored enemies are always presented as pushovers. I mean, there's not really a possibility that despite being an advanced android, could pierce the heavy and thick power armor with a knife and an assault rifle. And they always seem to have the storm trooper effect, despite being trained soldiers, they miss easy shots.

Oh well, its your story. Not mine. Its still good, I'm just nit picky.

Thanks, and I see what you mean about the Power Armor thing. But I just wanted this particular group of Power Armored BOS to seem like a push over. And even though they are trained soldiers, and are well trained with their weapons, it's still hard to shoot at your target and hit. Believe me, I would know.

Yeah, I agree with Strangelove, in a live fire situation you get all panicky etc. After that you start getting nervous and you miss a lot etc. Even if you were as highly trained in the Brotherhood and you hadn't been in a firefight before... I think it'd be a little bit difficult ya know?

Regardless of that, another great story...why do the Brotherhood have Vertibirds though? What point in the timeline is this taking place in?

Chapter 9: King Herakles

The sun baked earth was all around, nothing seemed to be around for miles, just more brown sun baked earth. The radiating heat was starting to get to Marcus and the others as they trekked along through the wasteland. It seemed like forever since they had vetured from their crashed Vertibird. But from where they were, it was not time to turn back. They had passed the point of no return, and had no choice but to continue forward. Hopefully this settlement the pilot was talking about, would be a friendly one. Marcus didn't have the energy to get into another fight. He was thirsty and tired, just like Alice and the pilot. It seemed like everything that could go wrong, was doing just that.

"Where is this settlement you talked about?" Marcus said to the pilot, licking his lips to keep them moist. The pilot looked at him with tired dreary eyes.

"When you see the large tower on the horizon. That is the settlement." The pilot said looking up at a group of irradiated vultures, just waiting to swoop down on their bodies. But to the vultures surprise, they wouldn't be getting a meal. The synthetic skin that covered Marcus, Alice, and the pilots robotic skeleton was unedible, even by a scavanging bird.

Alice moaned and groaned at the heat, she was starting to fall behind Marcus and the pilot. All of them were sweating their synthetic persperation, which was actually a specialized coolant, similar to anti-freeze in a car. Marcus grabbed Alice, and helped her along. It seemed like they had been walking for days, and if you had come across them, you probably would have thought the same, but the heat was so great without a cloud in the sky, it just got worse.

As the three of them continued, on the horizon, Marcus spotted a towering pillar. He zoomed in with his eyes, and saw it was the tower the pilot was talking about. Alice saw it as well, including the pilot who was falling behind as well, but kept a good pace. They all rejoiced with each other, but still continued on their way. Once they actually got to the settlement, they could celebrate and rejoice as much as they wanted. But they still had the job of getting there.

"I'll be damned." Marcus said looking at the pilot. They all knew it wasn't a mirage, because Androids didn't see mirages. That was something that no robotic expert, even from the Commonwealth and Institute could copy. That's one reason why the Institute used Androids as support on long missions out into the wasteland, incase their human counter-parts began seeing things that weren't actually there.

The group began to get closer and closer, picking up the pace as the tower on the horizon began to grow in height and size. Marcus, Alice, and the pilot all had large smiles on their faces as they got closer and closer. Soon, they could see the settlements walls. But this was no small settlement, it had turned into a large hub of commerce and culture. The large tower was positioned in the center of the town, at the very top, a light shinned down on the town, moving slowly all around, like a giant eye was watching. The walls were made of rock and stones, the people had gathered from the nearby hills. The three quickly made their way to the gate, but were stopped by the sound of a thundering voice.

"STOP!" A man said, his voice was like that of a thunderstorm. His broad shoulders, and all around muscular build, gave the impression of a strong fighter. He was tall as well, taller than Marcus but only by a few feet. The man stood up, he was drapped in a dark blue robe, that had golden stars and moons all over. He wore a crown, that fit nicely on his head. The light from the tower, was quickly drawn towards the large gate, shinning on Marcus, Alice, and the pilot.

"We're travellers from the wasteland. We have been walking for many hours, and are in need of shelter and food." Alice said stepping forward. Marcus and the pilot looked at each other surprised at Alice's anitiative. The large man smiled and let out a thunderous laugh, that was deep and strong. Marcus and the pilot stepped forward next to Alice as the man rubbed the stubble on his face.

"Welcome to my town. As long as you stay out of trouble, and are neither part of the Enclave or Brotherhood of Steel, you are welcome to stay as long as you like. But be warned, the town of Olympus will not take kind if you insult their ways. The tower, Mount Olympus, will always be scanning the town. Watching over you like your mothers did when you were a child." The man took a breath, and raised his hand towards the tall massive tower. "My name is King Herakles. Do not be shy to come to me if you need something." Before Marcus or the others could say a word, King Herakles was gone from their sight, and the large doors to Olympus opened. Guards were walking along the walls holding: Spears, Axes, Swords, and some with shields. They wore decorative looking helmets that had a variety of different colored frills on the top of the helmets. Their armor was designed to give them a more muscular and fearsome look. The women of the town wore nice robes, and had metalic leafs that held their hair. It seemed like something out of Ancient Greece, the only thing different was some soldiers carried old beaten rifles and other modern weaponry.

The large gate closed behind Marcus and the others as a man approached them. He was wearing a red robe, that had a gold trim, his sandles were torn and beaten. He had a kind face, cleanly kept for someone living out in the middle of no where, but Marcus signafied him as a very minimal threat.

"Welcome to Olympus." The man said in a soft kind inviting voice. He had a smile on his face, and held himself to some authority, even though he probably had little to none at all. "I am Platius, renouned scholar here in Olympus. I am the head of the technology and science department here. I also assist our leader, King Herakles, with new knowledge of the wasteland and what is happening. We trade with those who come by, but the Enclave and the Brotherhood of Steel restrict our trading. But that is something you should bring up with General Achilies."

Marcus and the others looked at the man, surprised at all he had to say to them. Exspecially Marcus, when he was in Shady Sands, no one spoke to him. This was something new and odd to him, but it was better knowing a possible enemy up close, rather than one behind you.

"Thank you, Platius. But we need some rest and food." Marcus said stepping towards the short man. Platius smiled, and pointed towards a building, people were sitting outside in their robes eating. Marcus looked back at Platius with a smile. "Thank you, anything you need to know about the wasteland. Don't be afraid to ask us." Marcus said walking with the others to the restraunt. Platius bowed to them as they left him. Alice looked at Marcus and the pilot a little stunned. Everyone seemed to be wearing the same kind of clothing.

"Maybe it's best that we buy some clothes." She said looking at all the people who were looking at them. They were obviously the most recognizable in the town, everyone was wearing robes.

"I think that's a good idea." The pilot replied as they entered the restraunt, and sat down. At least some of the buildings seemed modern. The rest were rock and stone. The three looked at the menu, and talked about what to get. It wasn't long before they were given their food. Marcus scarfed his food down quickly, the pilot did the same, but Alice sat calmly eating. Marcus smiled and looked at Alice, with a mouth full of brahmin steak that obstructed his speach.

"Mawbe, we cam." Alice looked at Marcus with a glare, he quickly went silent and ate his food, then began again. "Maybe we can talk to Kind Herakles after we get a place to sleep and some new clothes. He said we could ask him for things." Marcus said waving his fork in the air. Alice didn't say anything, but the pilot smiled and nodded in agreement. This town of Olympus was strange, it wasn't like any other town or settlement in the wasteland. But they did hate the Enclave and Brotherhood, but how did they feel about the Commonwealth. None of them could tell, hopefully Kind Herakles could give them more information.
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Bonus Short: This is just a little taste of my new upcoming story that I'm also working on. Tell me what you think? It's a work in progress, and will not be ready until I finish Androids Rise.

The figure hid amoungst the ruins of the large ruined city. Everything was silent and calm. The figure layed in the prone position, cloaked in a dark grey cape and hood. The old Dragunov rested infront of the figure, watching for things through the scope. But nothing seemed to be around at all, suddenly another figure revealed itself to the sniper, not realizing or seeing the sniper. Quickly, the sniper took aim at the figure, looking through the scope, sighting in the figure on the ground. It was an Enclave scout, easy pickings for a sniper.

Suddenly without hesitation, a shot rang out, the sniper watched as the bullet hit the Enclave scout in the head. The round went clean through the unprotected head of the Enclave scout. It was silent again, and the sniper waited for a moment to see if anyone would come around to investigate. The sniper had no such luck, and quietly stood up onto one knee, slinging the Dragunov across his back, and picked up the light PPSh-41that rested on a concrete slab that had been blown in and rested on the floor. The cloaked figure took careful precautions on where to step.

It was another kill for the Hero of Minsk. In every Russian settlement and town that you could come across in around the ancient city of Minsk, they spoke about great kills and triumphs that their hero had done against the invading swine known only as, The Enclave.

How'd we get to Russia? Eh, whatever. As long as you write it, I'll read it.

Good chapter too.

Thanks Fuzzy, glad you liked it as always.

But to answer your Russia thing, the new story will have nothing to do with Androids Rise (Incase you were wondering or confused?). I plan on the story taking place partially in Russia, but then move on from there, to I have no idea yet where. But I'm planning on stretching Androids Rise for a couple more chapters (Number undetermined at the time).

Nice chapter, Strangelove. Your new story sounds interesting as well, I'm going to be keeping an eye out for it. But I've had an overload at work, that has kept me quite busy.

I'm sorry, I didn't see upcoming story. I thought it said upcoming chapter.

Sounds interesting and like I said earlier:

Chapter 10: A King's Request

After getting a place to stay and something to eat, Marcus and the others began plotting their next move in their hotel. One of King Herakles' messangers had already been dispatched to tell the King, that the three wished to speak with him about some things. But while they waited, Marcus, Alice, and the pilot tried to think of a plan to get back to the Commonwealth, and the Institute. The room was hot and dry, the air hung where it was, and seemed to never move when a light breeze came through the window. But Marcus and the others were fine, they had food in their stomachs and plenty of water to keep them hydrated. The only thing they didn't have was alot of caps.

"What should we do about getting back to the Commonwealth?" The pilot said holding his hands up in the air, and dropping them quickly onto the bed. Marcus rubbed his chin standing next to the window, and looking out. He seemed to be thinking hard on the matter. Alice was pacing back and forth, trying to think of a way to get some sort of message to the Commonwealth, maybe they could find a new mode of transportation, but the only type of transportation they had seen in Olympus was chariots. Almost everyone was walking, but made way for the people riding the chariots. Most were soldiers, patroling the streets watching for any thiefs or vandals.

"I'm not sure we're going to come to a conclusion today or even tomorrow. But maybe King Herakles can help?" Marcus said out of know where. Alice and the pilot looked at him, still standing near the window, rubbing his chin and watching the people below buy and trade goods. Alice shrugged and agreed, as did the pilot. Alice layed on the bed, her arms folded behind her head resting on the pillow. She looked up at the ceiling of the place, it was so bland, but the city outside was so exciting and different.

Suddenly a knock came to the door, Alice shot up from the bed and looked at the door. Marcus and the pilot looked at each other, Marcus raised his hand for the pilot to stay where he was. Another knock came before Marcus opened the door, Alice and the pilot sat axious as to who it was.

"Hello sire. My king, tells me to tell you that he will meet with you. Come to the palace as soon as possible." The young boy smiled and walked off, Marcus stepped out of the door, and looked at the boy.

"Hay wait!" Marcus said getting the boys attention. "Where is the palace?" he said confused and curious.

"It is the tall building. But that is not the palace." The boy said walking off before Marcus could retort. He stepped back into the room, and looked out the window finding the tall building the boy spoke about. It stood out more than the other buildings, it had four large pillars that had guards walking around. What did the boy mean by that not being the palace. It sure looked like a palace to him, Marcus turned to the others a smiled.

"Let's go see the king." He said walking out the door with the others. The town was bursting with commerce and culture. Even Shady Sands could hold up to this place, even though it was out in the middle of no where, it still had a surprisingly good economy of trade. The three moved through the streets, vendors yelled out their products, enticing some to buy whatever it was they were selling. People moved through the crowds with poles of dead irradiated rabits and other small creatures found in the wasteland.

"GET YOUR RABIT HERE! BEST IRRADIATED RABIT ON THIS SIDE OF THE WASTELAND!" The vendor yelled out. Marcus just walked by, as did Alice and the pilot who were getting bombarded with offers and trade. As they made their way through the market area of town, the amount of people in the streets began to drop.

The housing area of the town was calm and occasionally children would come running by playing with one another. They stopped and watched the three as they made their way to the palace. It was obvious they didn't fit in, they still wore their clothes from the Institute. Children ran up, and without saying a word ran off. They didn't touch Marcus or the others, but got closer and closer, coming very close.

Finally they reached the palace. It had a tall wall around it, that connected to the towns outer wall. Two guards stood at the gate of the palace entrace, they wore the same typical armor and helmet the other soldiers wore, but their's were more elaborate and decorative, unlike the soldiers who's were a bland bronze like color and the only thing colorful was the frill.

"Who goes there?" One of the guards asked as Marcus and the others stopped.

"We have come to see King Herakles. He has told us we can see him." Marcus said shouting a bit so the guards could hear. The guards nodded, and the gate doors opened. Inside the palace walls, the place seemed exactly the same as the rest of Olympus. The guards came down from their posts, and escorted Marcus and the others to the main hall of the palace.

When they got there, no one was sitting in the throne. It was totally empty, the room was empty. No one was around, the place had a slight echo as Marcus grunted in confusion. The guards smiled, and walked over to a wall where a switch showed a red light. The guard flipped the switch, and two large doors opened up infront of Marcus and the group. They all took a step back as the second guard motioned for them to proceed. Alice looked at Marcus and the pilot worried a bit. Marcus smiled, and took the first step. Alice followed, and the pilot came up behind her. The second guard followed behind them, while the first guard stayed above and flipped the switch again, closing the door behind them.

"Where are you taking us?" Alice asked the guard.

"King Herakles of course." He replied not looking at her. She looked at Marcus who looked at the guard confused, but then realized what the messanger boy had meant. The palace was not the building above, but the building below. The group stopped, and the guard keyed in a passcode. The doors shot open, revealing a vault door down a small hallway. It was surrounded by rocks. Marcus stood in amazement at the realization of how Olympus began. Alice and the pilot stood there amazed, but not because of the realization of Olympus' beginning, but because of the vault door.

The large heavy vault door had no number on it, the number had since been wore away as Marcus and the group approached it. The guard keyed in another passcode, and pulled a small lever. A siren began to sound, and the screeching of the door sliding was almost ear splitting. Marcus and the others covered their ears as the door slid open revealing some guards inside with swords at their waist and small round shields on the opposite arm. They stood down as the guard walked ahead of Marcus and the others.

"Right this way, King Herakles is waiting." The guard said opening another door that quickly broke in half, one half going up, and the other going into the floor. The group moved through the large vault towards the "throne room" of the vault. All around small hanging gardens flurished, it gave more feeling and life to the bland sterile color of the vault. "Here we are," the guard said stopping at a door. "King Herakles is a kind man, and will grant you almost anything you ask. But he can also have a tempure which you would not care to see." He said opening the door and approaching the throne. The guard knelt on one knee, Marcus and the others followed, not wanting to do anything that could get them in trouble with King Herakles.

The group bowed their head as King Herakles sat at his "throne" being fed a variety of foods. He smiled and looked at all of them without a word. The guard stood up quickly, and announced the three.

"My king Herakles. The three wastelanders you called for." The guard said bowing and stepping backwards behind the three with his head down. King Herakles stood up and looked at them all, before he approached them.

"It is good to see you again my friends. I was told you had some things to ask me, whatever it is you need, I can get it for you without trouble." The big bulky man said as they stood up at attention. Marcus looked at the king, he was still wearing the same robe he had wore when they had reached Olympus. It was clean and seemed to be made of a unknown fiber. It shinned in the light, it looked soft and did not seem like a heavy fiber. King Herakles looked at Alice with a smile, he had something behind that smile, but she could not tell or know what it was.

"King Herakles, we come here to ask you for help. We need some sort of transportation, so we can head east. Back to our home." Marcus said still standing at attention. The king looked at him, and smiled.

"Of course, we can get you a vehicle with no problem. But it will take time." King Herakles said raising his hand with a piece of meat in it. He took a bite, and swallowed it before continuing. "I am sorry I could not speak with you above ground, but at times of war, I stay down here and make preparations and such." Marcus and the others looked at each other confused, not knowing what was happening in the town. The king could tell this, and smiled with his head ducked down a bit.

"What do you mean?" Alice asked in her sweet girlish voice.

"At this time, me and my soldiers are at war with the beasts known as, the Brotherhood of Steel. It all started when a small patrol attacked a Brotherhood supply line. But the only reason we attacked was because they had tried to cut out trade routes with other settlements throughout the wasteland. So getting your vehicle will take some time to get here." The king looked at Marcus, identifying him as the leader of the group. "What do you think of the Brotherhood of Steel?" He said looking right into Marcus' eyes.

"They are swine that should be put to the butchers knife," he said with an angry tone. "We know of what the Brotherhood can do, and will kill every last one of them, even if it means our own deaths." Marcus said with a tone of power, and almost the need to kill. King Herakles smiled and looked Marcus up and down.

"I am glad you feel as we do." The king looked at all three of them before he continued, "Will you assist us in fighting the Brotherhood of Steel?" he added looked at them. Marcus and the others were thrown off from the request. It was not their priority to assist others against a enemy, even if it was a common foe. Marcus stepped forward, Alice and the pilot followed.

"Yes." Marcus said with a determined look on his face. He looked at the king, his large muscles were probably intimidating to another human, but Marcus could still break him if he ever had to.

"Good. But first let's get you into some of our clothes, and get you fitted with some armor. We don't want you to die out there on the field of battle." Herakles said sitting back in his throne. Marcus and the others bowed in respect, and walked out with some people that lead them to get some clothes and armor. Alice looked at Marcus with an almost blank face, but she had concern for what he said.

"Why did you tell him we would help? It is not our mission to get involved with these people. It is how ever our mission to get back to the Commonwealth, and the Institute." Alice said grabbing Marcus' arm. He looked at her, his face was annoyed and agitated by what she had said.

"If they can get us a vehicle, we should be able to at least assist them. They could help us and the Commonwealth against the Brotherhood. Once we return to the Institute, we can tell the council of what this town has done, and maybe be brought into the Commonwealth?" Marcus said pulling his arm from her grip. "If we don't help, the Brotherhood could come in here and wipe them all out. And frankly, I want to help those who dislike the Brotherhood."

Alice didn't respond, but followed down the hall before being broken apart and taken to the ladies area to get clothed in robes, and fitted for armor. The city of Olympus was getting more interesting by the minute, already Marcus had met their king and seen their style of life. Soon he would see their ferocity in battle.

Which Greek town is this going to turn out to be on the battlefield? Athens or Sparta? Only time will tell. Good chapter again. Keep dishing them out!

Another great chapter. Just a question though, why does the Brotherhood and Commonwealth hate each other so much?

Chapter 11: The Calm Before The Storm

People were running in and out of the room, fitting Marcus with clothes and armor. Everyone was so busy trying to get the right fit for him. It was all a bit over excessive, but Marcus didn't complain. He just stood there, listening to the people rushing in and out. A woman helped him try on different colored robes, she was old, and probably had nothing more in her life but this. She helped Marcus fit his armor, taking pieces and fitting them to him body.

After finally being fitted with a nice suit of armor, and given very bright and nice robes, Marcus walked out wearing a white robe and some olive leaf crown that went around his head, and was held up by his ears. A young boy walked over to him, and held out a letter.

"I come to you from King Herakles. This letter is for you." He said bowing and walking off. Marcus looked at the folded letter, and then to the boy, quickly returning his attention to the letter. Marcus read the letter quickly, it was all about the Brotherhood of Steel, and their dealings with Olympus. This letter interested Marcus, and he quickly scanned it into his memory bank, placing it in a new file. He crumpled the letter, and threw it away into a nearby trash can. The halls of the vault were bland and sterile, but the small hanging gardens made it all seem like it had more life.

Soldiers and messangers passed by Marcus in a hurry. They all seemed to be going somewhere, but Marcus didn't know where, he didn't even knwo where Alice and the pilot were. He stopped one of the soldiers with a sword at his side, the man seemed to be in a rush.

"Do you know where the woman and the short man are? They came with me to see your king." Marcus said looking at the man's eyes.

"The woman is still being clothed and the short man is with King Herakles." The soldier replied rushing off to where ever it was he was going.

Marcus nodded, and walked back to the throne room of King Herakles. Two new men stood at the King's side, clad in the typical armor seen all around Olympus, but it was much more elaborate and colorful, obviously armor worn only for special occasions. The king and the two men were looking at a map, the pilot stood at the table as well, looking intently on what the king and the two men were pointing at.

"King Herakles, what news do you have now?" Marcus said, the king looked up from the map and smiled.

"Ah, your finally here. We were wondering when they would let you go." The king said with a kind smile on his face. "These two men here are my best generals: Achillies and Aries. They just got reports from their scouts that a massive group of Knights and Paladins are gearing up and are on the move. I have no doubt in my mind, they are coming here." The king said pointing at the map some more.

Marcus approached the war council, and bowed his head towards Achillies and Aries. Both men were strong and powerful. Achillie's long blonde hair was braided a bit so not to get in his face during a battle, all the women adored him. Aries had short hair, and had a more brutish look to him. But both seemed like capable fighters. Marcus looked at the map, it showed part of Olympus and where the scouts had said the army of Knights and Paladins were gearing up and moving from.

"My soldiers can hold the town walls no problem." Achillies said looking at his king. Aries pointed to a small collection of hills, that were west of the town.

"That is where my soldiers will be when the attack begins. We will sweep down on them from their flank, and break their spirits. The Brotherhood should never deal with us once this army of theirs is defeated." Aries said with a deep powerful voice. Achillies nodded his head in approval as King Herakles still looked at the map.

"Mount Olympus will shine beyond the outer walls, in range enough for the soldiers stationed on the walls to spot any Brotherhood movement. Since we do not know their exact numbers, it will be hard to determine the outcome of this battle. But with Aries flank attack, it should provide us with a victory?" The King said looking up at Marcus. "You will join Achillies on the walls. Get suited in your armor, and meet at the main gate."

Marcus nodded, and looked at Achillies. The general had a smile on his face, he nodded as well, and bowed to the king walking out of the throne room, and to the main gate. Marcus bowed his head, and walked out to be suited. The pilot stayed, the King had taken a liking to his knowledge of mechanics. But still Alice was no where to be seen. Maybe she was still being fitted with robes, but Marcus had to focus on the battle at hand.

When he entered his room, a woman approached him with a smile on her face. She was pretty, but Marcus didn't think about that.

"My lord, here is your armor and weapons for the battle." She said pointing to the bed where the armor rested, beside the armor was a short sword and shield. Marcus smiled and nodded, the woman walked over the the bed with him. The woman turned away as Marcus got out of his robe and stood their in simple cloth breafs. He grabbed the leather breafs that weren't very good protection from a bullet. Then the woman turned back around, and helped him tie the long bronze colored shin guards around his legs. Next she helped with the chest plate, it felt like a feather in weight to Marcus. He grabbed the rest of the armor, and gently placed the helmet on his head. The frill was black with red on top going halfway down. The helmet restricted his vision slightly, but gave him a fearsome look. He placed the sword in its sheath on his belt, and placed his arm throught the braces.

The woman smiled and bowed not saying a word as she left the room. Marcus walked out, and went down the hall finding his way to the vaults door. When he left the vault, the town was not crowded or noisy like before, it was calm and collected. Marcus made his way through the streets, and finally to the main gates. Up above, Achillies was busy looking out to the wasteland, his armor was different now. He had a less colorful and bright armor like he wore in the throne room, this one was black and with golden trim.

Marcus walked up the steps, and approached Achillies. The general still didn't acknowledge Marcus who was standing right next to him. Marcus looked out to the wasteland, but saw nothing even with his sight zoomed in, he saw no sigh on the Brotherhood army.

"What would you like me to do?" Marcus said looking at Achillies. The general turned to him, showing he knew Marcus was there. Achillies thought for a moment, he hardly knew the man, what could he possibly do to help fend off the Brotherhood?

"Stay by me Wastelander. Unless you want to be killed?" Achillies said patting Marcus on the shoulder. The man didn't seem to be all that caring, but for what it was worth, Marcus would show him how proficient he was with any weapon.

Marcus smiled and nodded as he and Achillies returned to watching the wasteland. Everyone was calm and collected, the town was quiet but the market place was still busy. Everything seemed to be normal, but the noise of the town was not as chaotic and noisy. Everyone knew what was coming, the Brotherhood was a force to be reconned with, but the skirmishes with the Brotherhood of Steel had never been a full on battle. Neither had the Brotherhood ever attacked the town directly, everyone was nervous.

All they could do was wait, the approaching enemy was not far out but still had away to go till they reached Olympus. Until then, all the soldiers of Olympus could do was ready what they could muster, large rugged catapults had been placed through out the town, they were being loaded with rocks and bolders that had been collected from the nearby rocky hills where General Aries soldiers were placed. Everyone was quiet on the wall, the only noise was breathing and the clanking of armor as the soldiers patrolled the walls.

Marcus' mission had turned out to be not exactly what he exspected, but maybe along the way he had gained a new ally, only time could tell if Olympus would rise further or fall.

Alright, so I finally had the time to read through this today, and it looks pretty good. Hell, it's excellent, but I'd expect nothing less from you, Strangelove. There are a few errors I noticed though, mostly, probably having to do with Word screwing up. I saw a few words misspelled, usually small words like more or hey, that had been spelled as similar words. That looks like a Word mix up to me. I saw a few missing apostrophes, also probably a Word mix up. Lastly, I find your usage of the question mark a bit puzzling at times, as there are some cases where it doesn't fit the sentence.

These are, of course, trivial mistakes, made all the more trivial since you're putting out, I'd say, probably three-thousand words a chapter here, so of course you can't catch everything and I understand that. I simply tend to criticize stories I think are better, more.

Anyway, it's nice to see you back in action. (Boy, I'm late to the welcoming wagon, aren't I?) I'm looking forward to seeing more from you in the future, both in fanfic and rp form. Great work so far!