[Brad Johnson]

Sutler let go of Miuex and looked down on Manhattan, the once total darkness of the city had been replaced by the blinding light from towering infernos' that were already begining to engulf whole blocks. Miuex was shaking, obviously just as demoralised as, hopefully, his enemy. Sutler lit a cigarette and turned from the window to face Miuex; an almost devilish arua of orange surrounded Sutler from the huge backdrop of the flames outside, his dark uniform was lined by an orange glow. Sutler had to look at Miuex in a new light, for even he, Sutler, an engine of hatred, violence and bitterness, could sometimes respect his oppenents, like that NCR Ranger who had last days before breaking. Un-charactistically he clapped Miuex on the shoulder.

"Man-up Miuex, people have done worse things to combat the communist menace before. The whole world ended because of it, this..." he pointed out of the window. "This'll be just a footnote in the new history books, the ends justify the means Miuex. Now you're pre-war, civilised, I can understand why this my disturb you, you weren't brought up on hate like me I assume? I would do this everyday and not break a sweat, this..." He pointed again. "This is just War 101 to me and my ilk. Whilst I might not care for your wars and motives, I can at least respect a man who is willing to go balls to the wall to achieve what he wants, none of your people died right? They were the enemy as much as Snowe, civilians or no, they all contribute to his war effort, they're, or were hah! They were his capital, you did the right thing, hell, should have told me I could have helped, I might have looked on you a little more favourably, I already did anyway but this..." Sutler turned again and looked at the fire, the screams of the people were presumably hidden beneath it's roar, the night sky glowed as orange as evening. It reminded him of Navarro, when the fractioning columns exploded, or like when Raven Rock exploded and plumes of black smoke and burnig flesh poured from the mountain. "Welcome to the real world Miuex, this is what war is now. Everything is a target, everything that can aid the enemy is viable; I say again, the ends justify the means."

[Heather Kush]

Alexander Scalatti and John Fairfield

Alex turned on his pip-boy and called Harris. "Harris, I want as many muties as you can muster to attack New Manhattan."

"Fine, I'll send them in my boat."

Alex walked over to the balcony. New Manhattan was pitch dark. There was no lights whatsoever. The city appeared to be in chaos with people running, yelling, screaming. Commie bastards.

John ran over to Alex on the balcony. "Can I use your radio for a sec?"

Alex nodded, "Sure, don't waste the power though."

John grabbed Alex's arm and typed in a number. "Hello, this is New York City operator, who is this?" A robotic voice said.

John slapped his face. Damn, i'm not in Michigan anymore. "Hello, this is the president of the Lake Federation, can you route me to Lake Federation Military Command."

"Error number 670, Lake Federation not found."

"Comon! Route me to Michigan!"

"You are out of minutes, do you want to order a premium package?"

"I don't want a [censored] package! Route me to Michigan you stupid robot!"

"Screaming will get you nowhere, would you like to pay money for this call."

"Arrg, fine."

"Wait one minute."

The minute felt like an eternity. Suddenly, John heard a voice. "This is Lake Federation Military Command, may I help you?"

"This is John Fairfield, order attack number 666, I want New Manhattan burned."

"Alright, sir, wait two minutes, three companies of 150 men each will begin attack."

[laila hassan]

OOC: What? I just fire-bombed New Manhattan, it's already burned Alex :laugh:

[Jade]

OOC: What? I just fire-bombed New Manhattan, it's already burned Alex :laugh:

OOC: John wants it double burned.

[Gwen]

Alexander Scalatti and John Fairfield

Alex fell to his knees as the bomber dropped the fire bombs. The city went up in flames. The yells of those burning alive were loud and shattering. All those people...

His fedora fell to the ground, but Alex did not pick it up. He was in a daze.

Sergeant Fredrick

"ATTACK!!!" The soldiers charged out of the bunkers and were charging when suddenly, a distant rumbling was heard. Fredrick looked into the sky and saw the biggest flying object he ever saw in his life.

Fredrick was mesmerized, until he noticed the doors under the plane open. Then, tiny bombs began to fall out. "[censored] it!! TAKE COVER!!!!!"

Fredrick and six other soldiers jumped into an old cellar. They shut the door just in time. A large bright orange light was seen and felt. "Were we bombed?"

Fredrick sighed. "No, the city was bombed. Those were too many bombs to just kill us."

[Kate Schofield]

Mieux had recollected his calm manner, after downing half a bottle of scotch. Sighing heavily, he just sat down at his desk, head slumped, "You're right James," Mieux had never done this before, "I just, I don't know. I only have one last 'big bang' and that will be my disappearing act if all else fails." He stared up at the president, finally seeing each other eye to eye, understanding how Sutler was so distant. Years of 'do or die' choices had turned Sutler into such a hard man, and Mieux had just entered Sutlers court, he went from owner of a luxury empire to political leader of a luxury empire. "Mr. Sutler, my men are to be held at the gates, but if you feel anything changes the situation, I give you four star general priveleges over Arcadia military assets. I need to sit down a moment." He stepped out of the command room, he stepped into his sitting room, surrounded by his pre-war comforts and things he comfortably knew.

In the little sitting room, he was playing "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWFTGwZ2NAQ" on the record player, he was staring at an old portrait of New York City before the war, before it became the place he no longer recognized when he looked out of his windows. He tried to convince himself no one died in those fires, but he knew it was a lie, and he was upset, he sat back in his leather armchair, his hand on the arm and under his chin. 'So this is what I have to do to secure my power? Why does it even matter? I'll be dead in a few years, and yet I have no one to suceed me when I die.' he thought to himself, staring at the plus red rug under the coffee table. He started to tear up, not so much out of pain, but when he was under alot of stress, he'd imagine his life before the war. The Corvegas zooming the street, the people at the newest cinema film, new episodes of 'The Adventures of Captain Cosmos', newspapers expressing the latest news of the ever paranoid government. He silently cried, wishing he could go back to those times, no matter how much law he had established, he missed his days being the rich young businessman that gambled at The Tops with a lady luck on one arm, and a bag of casino chips in the other. He stopped himself, his firm resolute feelings surging up. "GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF!" he could hear the little voice saying, "You're a man for God's sake, and a leader, leaders have to make these kinds of choices sometimes. Now go out there and do your job. If you fall and crumble now, so will Arcadia. All your work wasted." He stood up, stood under the cool air conditioning a moment and fixed himself up, a newly inspired confidence, he was back to his suave and overly confident attitude now, ready to take on anything that came his way.

[Kate Schofield]

John Fairfield

John stared at the burning city. John saw that Alex was still in a daze. Who ordered this? John grabbed Alex's arm. Alex didn't even move. Damn, he is a daze.

John typed in the same number. "Hello, this the New York City Operator, may I help you?"

Not again! "Look, you stupid bucket o' bolts, hook me up with Lake Federation command."

"Error 670, Lake Federation not found. Rerouting, rerouting, Is Lake Fish and Fries your call destination?"

"[censored]! No! Rout me to Pittsburgh."

"Error 678! Lack of minutes! You must purchase a premium package."

"But I don't want one!!!!!"

"Would you like a silver package?"

"I don't want a call package!!!!!"

"Would you like to pay via US dollars?"

"Fine, just route me!!!"

It took a minute, then John heard a voice. "Hello, this is Lake Federation Military Command, how may we help you?"

"Its John, Fairfield, who in the [censored] ordered the bombing? I sure didn't!

"Sir, our specialists are looking into it."

[marie breen]

Director William Snowe

"We've been carpet bombed, repeat, we have been carpet bombed! SAM sites are now shooting at the bomber...standby...yeah everything above except the Ivory Square is totaled."

William sighed and groaned. "Nikov...he better pull through." William got up and ordered the elite units to go in and kill everything that moved. Almost 90% of the citizens were in a GP bunker, it's not like anything above survived anyways.

He headed through the bunker and saw the damage. Nikov was wrong. There was no detonation IN Arcadia. Everything was in the Securitron bunker. Although most of the bunker survived, the Securitron wing was totaled and almost pitch black. William breathed a sigh of thanks that the medical wing was spared and the soldier's quarters were spared.

William headed up and New Manhattan was a ruin. His ace in the hole, the Lamina unit, was far away in Jersey. Then it hit him. The pinch that Mieux detonated didn't do much damage but it knocked out the SAM site's defense targeting system long enough for that bomber to get in. What else does he have up his sleeves?

He shook his head and geared up for a final guerrilla assault on Arcadia. Only 400 Elite Troops were in New Manhattan and the only thing they had was V-L 1-3 Support and satellite support. William radioed Alex Scalatti with his radio in the Tower.

"Alex...you have to listen. Mieux has carpet bombed New Manhattan. Is that what you want? All your former friends in Manhattan are cowering in MY bunker because of Arcadia. Bridgeport has to help. Instability in this region has only gone up when Mieux and you did a joint attack on us. Either that...or every piece of this city gets vaporized. My generators can't handle this much strain and it would be a matter of time...specifically 45 hours, before it explodes. Taking Arcadia and blanketing Bridgeport in radiation. It's not a threat...it's a warning."

Captain Nikov

"MOVE IN MOVE IN" The squad heard as a couple soldiers, armed with T45d power armor advanced towards Nikov and his squad. Nikov slowly went to the second floor balcony and sniped one of the soldiers with an armor piercing round. He went down before the others noticed and started shooting at where Nikov was.

Nikov spoke through his radio. "Blow it."

With a couple threads and wire, they had rigged 5 grenades on the second floor staircase. Once everybody was in the second floor, they waited for the armored units to get in. One pull and some died and others had no way of getting to the second floor.

The remaining armored units fired at the man who pulled it. Sure enough, he fell over. If he were dead, there was almost no blood, if he were alive, he'd be suffering from pretty severe burns. Nikov waited again and shot his last armor piercing round. One died again and the squad was defenseless. At least there was only one guy left.

Paranoia would do the rest.

[Emma Louise Adams]

Lyn Grave

Lyn sighed as she heard bombs falling outside. "I'm sorry, but I am honor bound to fight." With that, Lyn exited. She found the alpha male still waiting outside. Despite a few burns among the sea of flames consuming the city, he seemed fine. Lyn vaulted onto the deathclaws back, and he sprinted off the the location they climbed the wall earlier. He climbed over to find the rest of the deathclaws assembled. Lyn jumped off the alpha male, and with a bit of finegaling with the alpha male's and matriarch's minds, force triggered their mating season. The alpha male ran off with excitement to join the matriarch. I really hope for everyone's sake that people keep their distance from -that-. Lyn then vaulted onto the back of the nearest deathclaw, and they made their way to Arcadia to figure out what was happening. The rest of the deathclaws stayed behind, and would spring into action as soon as they heard gunshots.

[Damned_Queen]

Mieux, standing next to Alex, had heard this radio signal. "I fire-bombed his city, nothings destroyed, just singed." speaking audibly to Williams, "I don't suppose there is any chance of you surrendering New Manhattan to Alex and myself, and Gauss Project leaving New York City is in order is it?" Mieux, made a grin, "You let us annex New Manhattan, and I'll keep that Ivory Tower of yours standing as a sign of respect, granted, now it's a soot covered tower." Mieux then looked to Alex, " Alot of your men played agent for me, so they knew my plan, they are likely safely hidden from the fires. Don't let Williams con you, he started all this by attacking my city and my soldiers. In fact, he has his squad here, though trapped on a roof top. But not for long." Mieux turned on a security camera, showing Williams elite squad fighting off Mieux troops on a rooftop down in Arcadia." But, they are about to go aerial." Mieux said, the camera showing a man in combat armor on a rooftop opposite theirs, firing a missile launcher at the invading squad. "If they are all dead, deserves them right for killing my men, if not, then lets hope they are smart enough to flee back to their 'free' city back to their master like the dogs they are."

Arcadia's Gates

The Captain of the Guard watched as Manhattan burned, like demons out of hell Deathclaws came out of the flames. "READY! AIM!-" A young man in a combat helmet and balaclava said aloud "WAIT SIR! A human is astride one. She must be Mr. Scalatti's partner from Bridgeport." The Captain shouted loudly. "OPEN THE GATES! QUICK!" They made way for the Deathclaws, giving wide berth out of natural fear of the creatures. Captain Masters approached the woman, "Ma'am, if you are seeking Mr. Scalatti, he is currently in Mieux Hotel, in the Penthouse, you are a known VIP, just state your name to the Sentrybots guarding the tower now. It's under lockdown. No one get's in or out without their knowing. But...er..you're uh....friends here will have to stay outside the tower."

[Danial Zachery]

Sutler broadcast his message over the PA system before following Miuex into his salon and helping himself to a glass of scotch, he stubbed his cigarette out and sat opposite Miuex.

"Thank you for placing your military in my hands Miuex, if I feel the need arises I will do as necessary." Sutler was almost reveling in these new developments, almost cheerful even, he drained his glass of scotch. "These are the types of decisions you must become accustomed to Miuex, guiding the lives of so many people requires tough choices, those people out they're were the enemy, it was that or continue to listen to Snowe's foolish demands whilst the blood of your people pooled in your hands; for one man to become richer, another must become poorer, if financial anology helps. This place is your legacy, it cannot be rebuilt, all those wasters out there will be. Just like the Enclave has become my legacy, I cannot fail it, it's all I have left to do, my family is dead, all I have left is the Enclave, once it has been saved... well then I won't know what to do."

OOC: Pretend this was before you radioed Alex.

[Lyndsey Bird]

Captain Nikov

"Missile!" One of the squad yelled before the building blew. Of the 8 members in the squad, only 5 survived the initial blast and only 4 survived the aftermath of the explosion. They rushed out of the building into the streets of Arcadia. They armed their fully automatic Gauss Rifles and headed towards Justin's tower. There would be no retreat, no surrender.

Director William Snowe

"Alex...I may have done many things that I regret. But let the peace last until I step down as Director. And Justin...my men will march on your city if you don't back off. Just back off...I wish this to be normal. You have 45 hours before my generator overloads and destroys everything."

William sighed and grabbed his Gauss Rifle before heading out to the encampment near Arcadia. He clapped his hands and the soldiers looked up from their card games and bets at their leader.

"This is our final stand. This is WHERE we make our final stand. Are we going to die? Most likely. But I'll be damned if Justin takes control of Manhattan. We're on a timer of 45 hours. Once that happens. Everybody in a 10 mile radius will be vaporized or at least covered with radiation."

The soldiers looked at each other before William continued. "We need three squads to disable Arcadia and take Mieux, Sulter, and Alex hostage. The rest of you will come with me to defend our homefront."

Eventually, three squads were selected and all of them went into Arcadia and linked up with Nikov's squad. The rest all filed into the New Manhattan walls. Soldiers on the SAM sites, the Vertibirds, and even the elite Lamina squad all filed into New Manhattan to defend the burning city.

William linked up a microphone to a massive speaker and spoke into it, specifically at Arcadia. "We will not go quietly into the night! We will stand and fight! In 40 hours, the fate of this battle will be DECIDED! Either we push back Arcadia to the city or we all die. Let the countdown begin."

[NAtIVe GOddess]

Lyn Grave

Lyn looked back over the city. Assembling troops, that is reason enough. Lyn ordered the 40-ish deathclaws to storm the city. Lyn sighed as she moved closer to Arcadia.

[carley moss]

"Son of a-" Mieux grimaced. He ran to his terminal and sealed the towers blast shutters, keeping everyone inside safe, and everyone outside unable to get in. Mieux forced his portrait onto William's terminal. "You do realize I'd rather see New York destroyed than let you win. Now that my blast doors are sealed. No one is getting in. That said, I have no desire to let your generators blow me up. But, I have my own luck Mr. Snowe, I have built my work for TWO-HUNDRED-YEARS. And I WILL not let you thwart my work, you have no army, no power, face it, you're out of luck, as I have no more plans to launch offensives, and by the time your squads reach to towers exterior blast doors, they will die, by frag mine or by Sentry Bot fire. However, if you accept my annexation of New Manhattan as an outer suburb of Arcadia, I will extend power to your city long enough to rebuild your generators, and a relief effort. Snowe, we're both grinding our hot, dry, gears against flint, it's only a matter of time before we both spark into flames, and kill all our citizens. Look at it this way, you giving up majority control, you'll be hailed a hero of your city, be a fool, and you will die a fool, meanwhile, we in the tower can evacuate this tower unharmed. Save your city or dont, I don't care Snowe." he had Snowe right where he wanted him.

[Shianne Donato]

Suter stood up and strode over to Miuex.

"We're under attack Miuex? [censored]. Get me my weapons back now, I'm useless without them!" Do you have a plan, God only knows what ancient tricks you have prepared."

[Marie Maillos]

Lyn Grave

Lyn saluted the man as he directed her to the tower. "I will leave the deathclaw here to help defend the city. He is intelligent enough to understand English, and he has orders to follow your commands. If you would rather not have him around out of discomfort, you can just tell him to return to Bridgeport." Lyn jumped from the shoulder of the deathclaw and made her way to the tower at a brisk pace. She gave her name as she took the elevator up to the penthouse. As she got to the top, she quickly found Alex.

"Hey, mind filling me in?"

[Hairul Hafis]

OOC: For the sake of continuity, we'll say you arrived just before I signalled the lockdown.

"Of course I do my good man, my escape route. You're troops were all on the roof of the Vertibird hangar. Your weapons?" Mieux raised an eyebrow, I got rid of your 'disarm' rule ages ago, they should be in your suite, but do hurry, if we need to evacuate, anyone not in this room better be able to teleport." The doors of his penthouse elevator clanged open, Mieux turned and smiled saying in a charming and aloft voice, "You're not likely to get any word from Alex, the fire bombing scarred him to an extent, can you tell me what's going on in New Manhattan?"

[Céline Rémy]

Alexander Scalatti

"Hello? Hello?" Alex was in a pitch dark place. He could see his body, but that was it. Then, in the distance, Alex saw a light. He began to run toward it, but it never seemed to get any closer.

Then, the black began to turn orange, the floor began to collapse, showing a lake of fire. Alex began to fall. "NOOO!!"

____________________________________________

Alex snapped out of the daze. Below, William had organized his men for an attack on Arcadia. John was yelling into his pip-boy. "John, hand me my fedora."

John grinned. "You're awake, here." John handed Alex his fedora.

Alex turned on his pip-boy and called Harris. "Where are your mutants man?"

"On the way, in fact, we are nearing Jersey."

"Head to Arcadia, our idiot friend is attacking."

Alex turned off the line. Alex took out his pistol, walked out onto the balcony, and scanned the street. GP soldiers were flooding through the gates. Alex aimed his pistol, and took a shot. A GP soldier's head flew off.

[Alex Vincent]

Lyn Grave

"Oh, not much...Most civilians were evacuated to the bunker. William was amassing troops, and I ordered the majority of my deathclaws to assault the city. Now, if you don't mind, I would appreciate hearing the full story as well." Lyn scratches the back of her head as she turned toward Mieux.

[jeremey wisor]

OOC: Too fast. I'm going to be inactive for hours toady so...um...fill me in when I get back and don't godmode me.

[Sophie Morrell]

Don Frank Vercelotti

The Don had just gotten off the treadmill when he first felt the ground quiver, and then the sound came. Bombs dropped onto the city that had been his home for his entire life. Frank forgot all about the pain inside him and headed for the door. The doctor grabbed Franks arm firmly, not allowing him to leave.

"I have to fight!" he yelled, as he watched Lyn exit before him.

"It's too early-" the doctor began, but was unable to finish.

"I don't give a flying [censored]!" the Don barked in reply. "I need to get out there!"

The doctor stood and contemplated for a moment, and then finally made up his mind. "Fine, but one final test, for my research."

"Screw you." Frank hissed, turning for the door, but the doctors grip tightened. The Don finally resigned himself to the final test. "Make it quick" he mumbled through gritted teeth.

"Very well." the doctor agreed. "Your synthetic heart was made from a bulletproof substance. We need to check its effectiveness. There are some scanners over here-" before he could complete, Frank darted out of the room. "Wait!" the doctor yelled, following him.

The Don stepped out of the room and faced the security guard at the door. "Your sidearm." he demanded.

"Sir?" the guard asked, confused.

"Give it to me, or I'll take it!" he ordered.

"But sir-" he said before falling onto the floor flat on his back. The Don delivered a swift blow to his temple which had knocked him out. He then pulled the pistol out of the guards holster. The doctor simply watched in horror.

Third times a charm Frank mused, aiming the gun directly at his heart and shutting his eyes tight. He fired.

---

Looking down at his chest, Frank noticed a gaping hole, similar to the one before, only no blood poured out. Instead, a slimy transparent fluid oozed from the gap in his flesh. The doctors jaw dropped.

"This is unbelievable" he mouthed in awe, then suddenly burst into action, leading Frank back into the room, laying him on the bed, and began operating, removing the bullet, and stitching the hole up.

Moments later, Frank was all patched up and ready for action. "There, my heart is bulletproof, you happy?" he mocked the doctor as he finished stitching his chest.

"Im thoroughly impressed." he gleamed, unable to hide the satisfaction in his voice. "You're free to go now, if you must." he said, and shook hands with the Don. "It's been a pleasure Mr. Vercelotti."

"Same here, Doc. Thanks" he replied, nodding.

---

Before long, the Don was fully dressed in a tailored pinstriped suit, and polished leather wingtips. He also shaved, and combed his hair, keeping it slicked back, as per usual. Now it's time to get out there and get cracking. he decided, leaving the medical wing of the bunker.

Upon exiting, he wasn't greeted with the pretty sight. The entire city in flames. Frank could feel his heart rate quicken. Everything I've ever known, anyone Ive ever met; gone. he realized grimly, as he fought tears. Someones gonna pay for this. he swore. And began walking towards the city, still holding the pistol belonging to the GP guard. Im going to kill someone tonight.

OOC: Permission to kill John Fairfield?

[Carys]

"STOP!" Mieuxs voice boomed. " I order a neutral ceasefire until Director William Snowe of New Manhattan has made his choice to join us or refuse." Almost immediately, after the announcement over the cities PA systems, The streets were flooded with music from Arcadia News Radio, yet no sounds of gunfire.

Down on the streets below, troops, Deathclaw, and Sentrybot all held their positions at the cities main street, and Gauss Project soldiers did the same, no one was relaxed, highly tense, no one fired their gun, but they each watched each other wearily. The troops of the Enclave were on various balconies on high levels, ready to fire again if need be.

Mieux put the microphone down on the desk. "There, that will buy both sides time until Snowe makes his decision, in the meantime, we wait. Sitting everyone down at a table, awaiting Snowe to make his final decision. Mieux, finally having recollected all his Pre-War charm again, "So, first off, Miss....." Mieux said, raising an eyebrow, " Lyn Graves" the young woman said, "Miss Graves, tell Alex and I what happened to his friends, did they reach their hide out in time?" Mieux sat back on the cream colored couch of the living room area, drinking a glass of cold water, the giant window showing New Manhattan still burning, but not as fiercly as it had an hour ago.

[Rachel Cafferty]

OOC: Fairfield is in Mieux's tower, which is on lockdown. I don't think anyone is getting in there.

[djimi]

OOC: Well in that case; sod it. What should Frank do now? Any ideas? Anyone?

[Chavala]

Empire News

Todd: "We have breaking news for you. A bomber, presumably GP, Enclave, Arcadia, or Lake Federation has just carpet bombed New Manhattan and now William, that commie drunk, is now attacking the peaceful city of Arcadia. Here is Hans on the scene."

Hans: "Thanks Todd, HOLY [censored]!!!"

Todd: "Hans?" Hans?"

Hans: "My God! Alexander Scalatti just shot a GP soldier's head clean off! Wait, Justin is about to speak!"

Justin Mieux: STOP!" Mieuxs voice boomed. " I order a neutral ceasefire until Director William Snowe of New Manhattan has made his choice to join us or refuse."

"There, that will buy both sides time until Snowe makes his decision, in the meantime, we wait. So, first off, Miss....." Mieux said, raising an eyebrow, " Lyn Graves Miss Graves, tell Alex and I what happened to his friends, did they reach their hide out in time?"

Todd: "Wow, thanks Hans. We will keep you updated on these events as they go on. Here are some classics for you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xpSeaxRpCc