[IC] Fallout: South the Mason (Contains PCs as well as Factions!)

[Letter Bee]

Nathaniel Green

Why did you choose the Texan Commonwealth as the state to infilitrate? The 'Republic of Texas' seems to be the much stronger military power - a crucial part of a hypotethical Anti-Legion alliance. The voice was that of his NCR handler, who was communicating to Nate through the latter's dreams; this was enabled by the 'Navarro Chip' implanted in the young man's brain, a chip that allowed for instant communication when he slept. Now, however, Nathaniel was being questioned, and he knew he had to tell the truth while at the same time keep out bias.

It was because the Texan Commonwealth seemed easier to influence, due to its lower level of social organization, verging on decentralization. Ironically, it is easier to persuade a class of nobles than one autocrat, even if said autocrat gives herself a democratic mask. And yes, the Republic's policy on Ghouls is a factor in my choice; I do not deny that. But the fact remains; the 'Republic of Texas' is harder to influence than the Texan Commonwealth, especially when they wait years to free the slaves they buy. Nathaniel gave his answer. There is also the fact that in a matter of weeks, I managed to infilitrate one of their Universities; something I could not have done in the Republic...

Nathaniel Green - Flashback

Nathaniel had gotten charity from a local church, who had given him food and a decent set of clothes, as well as some of the local currency. Now, he was ready to make his way to the University in Dallas, a University maintained by the local lord from the prosperous tithes from his fief. In his tunic and hose, he made for an imposing figure, especially with his slow and steady stride, a stride that hid his clumsiness. That said, he had to carefully maneuver around any carriages and heavy equipment, which further slowed him down. So, just before he got to the University, it rained briefly, a rare squall that made sure he was drenched when he finally reached the building. Talking to the receptionist, he would say:

"Umm...hello? My name is Nathaniel, and despite my apperance, I am a learned man; literate in several of the Old Languages and a savant in military science. Can I talk with your Dean; note that although due to the recent rains, I will need some time to get my clothes dried out - I can't ask you to give me appropriate attire, could I?" Nathaniel then chuckled. "Either way, I entered the Texan Commonwealth to meet fellow scholars and learned people, and lost much in the way." A partial truth. "So, I would like for you to consider my offer."

As the receptionist's eyes narrowed and she made to call for the guards, Nathaniel decided to demonstrate that he actually did know something, and recited, in English and Latin:

Arms and the man I sing, who first made way,
predestined exile, from the Trojan shore
to Italy, the blest Lavinian strand.
Smitten of storms he was on land and sea
by violence of Heaven, to satisfy
stern Juno's sleepless wrath; and much in war
he suffered, seeking at the last to found
the city, and bring o'er his fathers' gods
to safe abode in Latium; whence arose
the Latin race, old Alba's reverend lords,
and from her hills wide-walled, imperial Rome.

That did the trick; the Receptionist's eyes grew warmer, and she said, "My, my, Virgil's Aeneid! The Dean will be delighted to see someone who can recite it in multiple languages...even as he'd frown on how you make it sound so ordinary. Very well, I'll schedule the next hour."

Nathaniel Green

So, a few verses of Latin and English Poetry and you gained their trust, the NCR handler said. If Moore doesn't already think that you and they are pussies, then she'd think so now. Nevertheless, good work. What have you done since then?

Demonstrated my knowledge by giving a few lectures on military tactics, interspersed with flattery on how their King has a good tactical mind; which he does. I stayed away from any heavy or complicated equipment, as well as glass instruments, which was a bit inconvenient for me. I also wrote about my experiences in the West, keeping out anything sensitive about the NCR, but making much of my experience as a slave. This is one of my writings...

Nathaniel Green - Flashback:

Overnight, a large poster would be put up on a broad just outside the City Square of Dallas, where as many citizens as possible can view it when daylight struck. Though this poster was made up of cheap paper, the writing was in English; understandable yet eloquent. The title on the top of the poster, written in childishly neat letters, was: On the Betrayal of the Twisted Hairs, a True History by Tacitus Secundus.

This detailed, in exquisite detail, the Twisted Hairs' existence and power, their alliance with the First Caesar, and then their betrayal, no less than a few years ago, by the Legion they had expected to share power with. There were graphic descriptions of crucifixions, rapes, torture and enslavement, as well as the destruction of the tribal identity and culture of the Hairs. The last paragraph stated:

Just as the Legion betrayed their own allies, so will they betray anyone who deviates the slightest from their vision. You call yourselves a Monarchy with Nobles and Burghers, yet Caesar the Second - Vulpes - wants all to bow to one person, himself. Your history states that you regard the Romans as a thing of the past except when the Church refers to them, when Caesar himself decrees that there are no such thing as Romans; that his inspiration was the God Mars himself. Good people of Dallas, wake up; Caesar Vulpes, whose Legions have already appeared in the West, is a Heathen Tyrant. Even before that happens, his mind would already be preparing for a world where you are under his boot.

Do not wait to be like the Twisted Hairs. Prepare to defend yourselves.

[Letter Bee]

Library of Congress/Book Runners

The polluted and irradiated waters of the River Potomac would suddenly become clean and potable; news of this would spread in a matter of days, same for the identities of those responsible - the Library of Congress. Already welcome in the Wasteland for driving out the Enclave, Super Mutants, raiders, and slavers, the Libray of Congress' reputation would skyrocket after this deed became known. Which was all for the best; the Library genuinely wanted to spread security and learning throughout the Wasteland.

Already, it was starting up schools to spread basic literacy and general knowledge all over DC and Baltimore, with wandering lecturers and teachers guarded by Robots accepting as many students as they can take. Civilian technology was being handed out, along with food, water, and medicine. In exchange, all that was wanted was free entry and exit from towns and cities, as well as a purely nominal 'support fee' from the relatively richer settlements.

But at the same time, the Library was also resettling several abandoned but potentially profitable holdings, especially those in fertile land. While its advanced Workshops/Factories were able to meet double its needs, the fact remained; Eleanor Delano Paradise was planning for a future where the Library would be a permanent fixture in DC and Baltimore and even wider areas...

[TimIrons]

American Republic

It took time for the Republic to finally clear the streets of new york of super mutants, raiders and slavers. The Republic quickly established itself as a major power in the area. Manhatten island was quickly locked down, APCs were dragged to be stationed on the bridges leading to the island ensuring no one could access the area while the government rebuilds. The raiders and mutants have done a number on many of the once perfectly preserved skyscrapers. Many of them would need extensive work to restore it back to its original form. News of their achievements soon spread across the wasteland.

The power station close to the city was the first to be restored, lights finally came on, several cases of GECKs were also used to terraform the area, its reactor combined with the fusion reactor in the vaults and power station ensured plentiful supplies of energy to the city. For the first time in over 200 years, the gleaming skyline of new york city came back on. Becoming a beacon of hope for the surrounding area. Fertile land also opened up many opportunities for agriculture. Its advanced medical facilities cured the citizens of common deadly diseases. Schools sprang up across the republic, reusing the old schools back in the day. Teaching the wastelanders the concept of democracy, the wonders of the old world and what is deemed acceptable in American society and the skills necessary for society to grow.

Atlas Corporation has already set out establishing itself back into the wasteland, setting up numerous outposts and bases. The water chips now provided clean and plentiful supplies of clean water for the citizens of the Republic. Trade flourished between settlements and the city itself. Security forces quickly expanded into the surrounding areas and cities. A clear line was drawn between the rapidly developing cities and the wasteland. Attracting raiders and criminal elements to the city. Ghouls, however, were not allowed into Manhatten island where most of the humans lived. Many lived across the river in new jersey.

The foundry and automated workshops in the underground bases produced what the republic needed especially new weapons for its troops. But it was clear from the beginning that it would not be enough to sustain a huge county. Expansion towards the eastern section of the republic was slowly put in place careful not to overextend itself.

Fuel became the main source of concern for the Republic, Coal was still common in the surrounding areas and were used to power the regions and some converted into fuel for the republic's vehicles. A small trickle of fuel flowed into the city reserved only for the military vehicles. The millions of cars littering the place were quickly scrapped for parts and materials. Atlas facilities, especially its oil and research facilities in the north were of priority.

The government settled into their new buildings and got to work revitalising the United States. A link to one of their satellites was briefly established and with it brought vital information about the state of the continent. What they saw concerned them greatly. they did not have a full picture but if the images were right. significant developments are happening in the west. What concerned them more was the loss of contact with major US bases in the vicinity, Raven rock was one of the bases that should have survived the blast, but so far they got nothing.

Rumours of a new power in Washington DC was a source of major intrigue as well but so far the Republic does not have the resources necessary to explore so far south. Microchips were also the new focus of the republic, with huge potential over the bulky vacuum tubes, it could open many more options and doors to major developments.

[Versail]

Republic of Texas, Houston.

Houston was a hot and hostile place to live. The large masses of people who made up its inhabitants were by and large used to this fact. The large destroyed skyscrapers in the city, once a source of pride for the city, now were a sign of shame for the elite of the city. Afterall why had they not been replaced, or at least repaired? In the grand scheme of things it did not matter and for the majority of the citizens of Houston it did matter as those buildings did not provide food, shelter or water for them or their families.

Most people of the city would do as they did every day. Make the long trek to their work station. Whether this meant going to the workshops, farms and ranches, or setting up their stands in the various markets in the town. Much of the signs of independence were still there from before Houston was absorbed into the Republic. Chief among these were the merchant guilds who ran the area before. They had misgivings about the new way Houston was ran and made it known to the central government. All their protests did however was bring the wrath of the Rangers unto the city.

As happens most days when the rangers came through the town the garrison came out to meet them. The 3,000 strong force stationed there by the Republics high command was only partially recruited from the people of the city, with most troops coming from Austin and San-Antonio. This measure did not go unnoticed by the locals. However despite protests from the elite classes the majority of the city did not mind this as the troops provided a sense of security and order, a thing lacking in the mercenary troops the ruling classes from before had employed.

Republic of Texas, Austin.

Austin during the winter months, or what passes for winter given that 90 degree weather is as cold as it gets in the area, is a vibrant place as befitting its stature as capital of the republic. Most power both political and military is centered in city and almost all new recruits undergo training in the nearby city of Fort Hood. In addition military high-command makes the city’s former business district their home, concerting many of the old buildings there into more militarized versions of their previous selves.

Signs of the conflicts the republic has taken part in are common around the city in the form of statues. The Ghoul Uprisings, the Brotherhood War, The Raider invasion and many others are immortalized in plaques on the bronze and copper of the figures that stare at the residents. The garrison troops guard the government buildings that the statues are close to and are often a part of. In the city at 0600 hours the city's loudspeakers ring with the national anthem and patriotic messages continue for the rest of the day until curfew at 2200 hours.

When the time comes the towns people go to work in the various occupations with minimal delay. The factory and workshops in town begin to give off clouds of smoke signalling their continued operation. At the edges of town farmers plow their fields needed to feed the country and to provide for the exports that bring the nation wealth.

Republic of Texas, San-Antonio

Shots rang out. The town's last ghouls had been found the week before and after their short and just trial had been found guilty of treason. The reason: being ghoul. Afterall any ghoul who resides in the republic must be a terrorist and traitor, it is in their nature of course. The town went on with their day after this as the excitement had run its course. The productivity of the town was lower than that of Houston due to its lower population but the people were eager to reaffirm their loyalty to the republic.

The outskirts of the town had been the target of many raids by the remains of the Brotherhood of Steel due to its relative vulnerability compared to Austin and Houston. But the towns guard and the national army had recently put an end to the raids which brought a smile to many townsfolk.

However the towns law enforcement had been decimated and would have to be replaced. The years of raids had harmed the town and only the presence of national troops and what remains of the town guard kept order. Many expected the texas rangers to brought in which would bring order, but the martial law that would follow was not something that would be liked by the locals. Regardless of their protests however they would be reminded of the standards the republic expected of major cities in the republic.

Republic of Texas, Beaumont

In the city there was an unusually large gathering of troops. 3,000 infantry and 500 rangers is far beyond what is expected for this small town. However preparations for invasions rarely are quiet, especially when it’s for a conquest of a nation as large as the Orleans Empire with its 240,000 people and large amounts of territory.

However there was an additional danger to the invasion plans. In the city the troops were gathering in a cult, much like those found in the pre-war period, was found. This while not the main concern of the troops gathering was something to take note of. In addition there was much resistance expected when the invasion actually began and lots of ground to cover before the Marines and Guard units reached Orleans itself as without support from land based forces the amphibious assault will be outnumbered by several times over.

Yet it was nothing that the troops could not handle with enough courage, weapons and information from local collaborators and recon assets.