Book 2 Chapter 3: Cleanup and Prep

Book 2 Chapter 3: Cleanup and Prep

The flight in the Shrike out of STAR territory and back to Jasper was quiet. Leah kept her eyes closed as she performed whatever agent functions she had, and Graves was focused on piloting, as eager to talk as he always was. I was surprised to find myself thinking of Mercy, and wondering whether or not she was still reading the book Id given her. Things were likely to change for her people in the Republic sooner rather than later.

I took some time to categorize all the information I had so far. The Remnants had arrived, at least partially. So far they consisted of maybe thirty people in power armor, but they also had intel, tech, and what seemed like near total control of STAR. Theyd made their goals clear, and even if my trip across the Cut for them amounted to nothing, theyd certainly remain a force to be reckoned with either way. They seemed friendly, but that just made me trust them less.

I thought back to the Cabinet members. Masters was definitely in charge, there was no doubt about that or attempt to hide it. Matthews reminded me a little of Julian, had the same burning curiosity behind her eyes. The others hadnt really made much of an impression on me, though Adams had seemed familiar. Not in terms of looks, but his voice. I went through my supplies, triple checking my ammunition and making a few notes of the topography we flew over, and the route that the plane was taking. I placed the notebook back in my pack when it hit me. He was the voice on the radio, the one that had been broadcasted giving speeches about America and boosted my nationalism stat. Leah had mentioned that theyd been paving the way for their return, I shouldve guessed that was part of it. I was surprised that a man with such conviction on the radio looked so pathetic in person. I suppose he just really had a face for radio.

It was after dusk by the time the Shrike landed. Graves gave me a nod as I hopped out, and Leah followed close behind me. She handed me a tube much like the one Id carried the initial agreement with Potts.

I took it. How will I contact you? I asked.

Her eyes closed for a moment and I received a notification.

Someone is attempting to use an ability on you. Allow? Y/N

I looked at her with nonexistent eyebrow raised.

Its just a messaging attempt. If you allow it, then itll allow me to establish a messaging system between us.

I hit Y, and a small box appeared in my vision.

Hello

How do I respond?

Just say what you want and it should appear. You can also subvocalize.

Okay

Were they all caught off guard? None of them managed to kill all the raiders?

She shook her head. They targeted settlements that usually dont see a lot of raider action. Jasper seems to be the only one that managed a half-decent defense.

Howd you learn about Jasper so quickly?

We didnt. Khan ordered patrols out to every settlement after the first two reports. We just happened to come to this one.

I nodded. That explained how they couldve arrived here so quickly after the attack. Do you have any leads on the raiders? Know the location of their base? Their leader? Anything?

We know they go by The Widows, and theyre made up entirely of women. Up until now they focused on smaller scale raids and manipulations. Tricking men into ambushes, pretending to need saving, that kind of thing.

I didnt mention the fact that it wasnt just men that theyd tricked, considering the encounter wed had with them on the way to the Black Woods. No information on how they got the buses? The fuel? They seem very well armed and equipped for a raider group. I doubt they got all that gear just from petty raids like they were doing before.

No clue.

I opened up my system, and put in the details. Once the investigation was successfully opened I returned my attention to Angela.

Im starting an investigation now. Ill need to head to Fette to gather some information.

Angela nodded. Thank fuck. You can give the bad news to the Khan that this settlement got hit too.

Youre not heading back to Fette soon too? I asked. I had expected to be able to convoy with her crew. I preferred to travel alone, but with the danger vehicles posed, it was usually a good idea to have a few extra bodies around me.

No. Khan wants us out patrolling more heavily, this region is the lot I drew.

Rose scoffed. Good. Better to have someone competent fucking these widows, rather than a bunch of useless cun-.

Im going to head out for now, I had spoken more in the last twenty four hours with different people than I had in certain entire years of my life and I had a distinct desire for solitude that felt almost overpowering. I tipped my hat and started the trek out of Jasper and back toward my deadzone. Id had enough of people for a while.