Chapter 511: Turns out, not that hard to find...
Afton groggily wakes up after having spent the entire night sleeping in a chair next to the Vertibird. He looks up at what was earlier just barely put-together parts and spots the almost completed Vertibird. All that was left now was to fit it with equipment, defensive things like flares and reinforced hulls, and offensive things like Railguns, missile launchers, and Gatling Lasers.
Of course, he'd either need to be quick about installing all of this or ignoring it for now and doing it later... Today was supposed to be the day they finally found Christine after all. Veronica was already aware of it, and should already be up and ready to leave at any moment... If anyone was more eager to see Christine than Afton, it'd be Veronica.
The only other problem would be the fact that only Afton and Veronica knew how to actually fly a Vertibird, the Brotherhood of Steel's simulations allowed them to pick up the skillset, despite their covert mode of operation and complete lack of Vertibirds.
Afton still wasn't sure who he'd be taking with him... He still needed people operating in the Mojave to make things work after all. Taking Anja and Veronica while leaving the rest should work, the conditions they were headed were still completely unknown, so Anja's status as a ghoul could be incredibly helpful.
Josie could've come if she'd picked up how to operate Power armour quickly enough, but that sadly wasn't the case... So, unless she wanted to come while wearing full hazmat hazard gear, she'd be left behind... Even if she complained about not getting to ride in the Vertibird on its first flight.
Yeah, he wouldn't name it yet, partly because there was a big chance of it being destroyed, and partly because it wasn't actually completed yet... It was simply a Brotherhood of Steel quality Vertibird right now, nothing more, nothing less.
Though, now that he thought about it... Didn't the West Virginia branches have automated Vertibirds?... That might be something to look into.
He leaves the workshop for a moment while calling Glados to him, her drone floating next to him as she updates him on the progress she'd made during the night. Apparently, she'd almost cracked it, but still had to get through some limited last defences.
While she does this, Afton gets some Spiderbots to gather his companions so he can give them a review before he leaves. He wouldn't want to leave them confused and bumbling around alone after all.
After half an hour everyone was gathered, Karl, Tamia, Boone, Josie, Anja, and Veronica. Karl looked a little confused at being present, but didn't raise any concerns as he knew Afton wouldn't try and send him back onto the field in his current condition.
Afton stands from the desk and tosses them each a copy of everything he'd compiled on Christine, Elder Elijah, and the Sierra Madre.
As the group reads through them Karl raises a brow and looks at Afton, "So you're going on vacation to a casino?" he asks semi-sarcastically.
Afton shrugs, "I'm not sure how much of a vacation it's going to be, but as long as I get to crush Elijah's skull I think it'll be worth it." he says, getting a flinch from Veronica.
Despite all the evidence towards the man being a complete and utter bastard, she still held a soft spot for him... He was her mentor once upon a time. Regardless, he'd made sure to beat into her head and psyche that he needed to be put down, if not for his crimes against the Brotherhood, Afton's parents, and everyone who died at Helios, than for his crimes against Christine.
His words had given her a determined look, but he didn't know if that would last if face to face with the man... They'd just have to wait and see.
Afton coughs into his fist, "Unless anyone has any disagreements, I'll be taking Veronica and Anja for this mission, for the reasons already listed." he explains with a gesture a the files before them.
Tamia raises the paper and points at it, "Wait, so the Think Tank sold technology to this place? Isn't that, like, super dangerous?" she asks, having seen the many monstrosities hidden around Big Mt. She was also aware of the fact that Afton had destroyed most of the dangerous shit before they'd arrived.
Afton slowly nods, "Ah, that... I tried to ask the scientists about it, but apparently most of the information about the stuff they sold was destroyed during the Great War. It's only because of the Z-38 Laboratory that we know the Sierra Madre had any contact with the Think Tank at all..."
"That's... Unsettling. To not know where the technologies of this place might be is ominous to say the least." Veronica mutters.
Afton shrugs, "Trust me, I've already gotten rid of most of the worst shit this place had to offer..." he's about to continue when Glados' drone floats down beside him, "We have found the Sierra Madre." She states in her typical robotic tone.
Afton grins, "Where?"
...
"The Sierra Madre Casino is... In the Sierra Madre mountains in Mexico." she states, causing Afton's grin to disappear.
"There's a mountain called the Sierra Madre?... I feel kind of stupid not knowing and checking it now..." he mutters.
"Mountain Range, but yes and no... Its name suggests its location, but that doesn't mean it would be there, or if it would be easy to find." Glados corrects, "Additionally, most evidence of the Sierra Madre mountain range has been removed from most databases from a third party... I have yet to discover who is responsible."
...
Afton glances at Veronic and Anja, "Alright, get your shit, we goin' to Mexico!" he exclaims as if they were a frat house looking for a thrill.
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