McNamara continues after allowing the crowd to process his words. "Now, how the subject the Head Paladin so gracefully brought to our attention... Our position underground in the bunker..." he says almost mocking Hardin.
"As I said before we moved into this place, it was necessary to keep our enemies unaware as we regained our strength. Unfortunately, it appears we've been deluding ourselves with the notion that we were still hidden. With the recent attack, it is obvious we cannot remain here, regardless of the outcome of this trial, we will surface again and take our rightful place in the Mojave, as protectors of the people, and guardians against misbegotten and dangerous technology." he states, removing that angle of Hardin's argument entirely.
All the man had left to oust McNamara out of his position was the Chain That Binds, yet, the Codex did indeed grant special protections depending on the circumstances. And, unfortunately, the potential destruction of the Chapter just so happened to be one of them.
Elder McNamara looks around at everyone, "You have heard us, but it is for you all to decide, as trusted members of this community and Chapter, you all will have the choice on what occurs now." he pauses, "Those for my removal as Elder?"
A great many of the crowd hold their fists out and give a thumbs up, meaning they were for the motion. The split wasn't great, maybe 60/40, but it was still enough to be obvious at who'd one their favour.
Elder McNamara slowly nods, "And those for Head Paladin's ascension to Elder?"
Again, people hold their fists out to vote, but it is much closer this time, forcing someone to count each individual to come up with a number... The eventual verdict is 53% for Hardin, and 47% against.
McNamara nods, not showing any inkling of disappointment or anything else to indicate his mood, "You have all spoken, I will return to my rank as Paladin, while Edgar Hardin takes up the position of Elder. It will be in your purview to select a Head Paladin, Elder. I would recommend you do so quickly, as time is of the essence." McNamara states as he steps down from the raised dais where the desk was located.
Hardin replaces McNamara and stands behind the desk in his Power armour, smirking at everyone with a smug look on his face. "My first action as Elder will be to decide the fates of the traitor and his companions." he states, causing McNamara to stop and glare over his shoulder at Hardin.
Afton could only watch the events with a grim look, "Shit." he thinks to himself, wondering what Hardin would do to them... He didn't want to do anything drastic, these people were family after all, but if he was forced to he'd beat and kill his way out to freedom...
He glances over at his group who were already sending nervous looks at him... Hardin was already listing out their various crimes however...
"Knight Parker, for the theft of dangerous technology and abandoning the Chapter without going through proper protocol, your punishment will be imprisonment for five years, that should set you straight... All in favour?" Hardin calls out, already pointing his thumb to the floor...
"Hardly partial, are you..." Afton grumbles as he watches people around the room decide.
Unfortunately for Hardin, it appears that Afton's action of providing the Ventilation components were enough to prove his innocence... Why would he return with them if he was a traitor after all, especially after he'd killed the invading enemies?
Upon seeing this Hardin's face looks like a puckered asshole, Afton almost breaks into chuckles at the thought but manages to hold back. Still, he angry glare caused a few in the room to stand up straight. Seems like some of his supports hadn't voted the way he wanted.
Hardin shakes his head and continues, "Knight Parker, you are exonerated of your crimes and are not stripped of your rank." he says before looking at the rest of his group, "However, these outsiders are something else entirely. I accuse you all of committing trespassing, attempted infiltration and sabotage for our enemies, what say you?"
Boone just shakes his head, "Bullshit."
Afton's eyes widen at his words, he looks to Karl and gestures downwards with his hands, wanting the man to quell the situation... Unfortunately, such a gesture in the Rangers apparently meant something different entirely.
Karl nods sagely at Afton before turning his attention to Hardin. "I've been listenin' to you lot so far, and I've been wonderin', why's this guy have such a large stick up his ass? You one o' those Be-de-ess-em folks? Cuz I'm not interested if you are..."
The room shifts uncomfortably at his insulting words, and the only thing audible is the slap caused when Afton facepalms himself. "Karl you fuckin' idiot!" he mentally screams, you don't just insult a newly made Elder and expect shit to go well... Hardin is likely to try and use a show of force to cement his position.
The look on Hardin's face says it all... The man looks as if he's about to blow a gasket. The Brotherhood was very strict, prim, and polite... Hardin likely hadn't been directly insulted to his face like that for many, many years... Thus, his skin was so thin it was almost see-through...
"How dare you, Outsider! Who gives you the right to speak to me like that? I should have you all stripped naked and lashed right now!" he exclaims.
Veronica steps in front of the group with her arms crossed, "You can't do that, Elder." she states.
"And why do you say that? Scribe Santangelo?" Hardin asks, his brow visibly twitcher in anger.
"Because none of them are members of the Brotherhood, and thus can't be expected to follow the Codex. To do so would be an act of tyrants. Remember Arthur Maxon's words; Shield yourself from those not bound to you by steel, for they are the blind. Aid them when you can, but lose not sight of yourself. Aid them, but do not lose sight of yourself." she emphasizes.
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Hardin scowls at Veronica, as much as he hated to admit it, she had a point. The Codex clearly stated that their role was as protectors, not rulers. Still, he couldn't just let these outsiders stroll around HIS Chapter as if they belonged here!
"You may quote all the passages of the Codex as you like, but misconstruing them to suit your needs is the height of heresy! Mind your words now, Scribe Santangelo." he growls out.
Veronica shakes her head, "I refuse! You were never like this in the past Hardin, and I don't know what's caused it, but this isn't the right way... If we are going to reveal ourselves to the surface, why start by punishing, and imprisoning VIP's?"
"VIP?" Hardin asks, confused... He glances over at the outsiders but couldn't see anyone that'd fit the bill.
Veronica nods and gestures at them, "The entire group are well known in the Mojave as Mercenaries, and-" she points at Tamia, "She reports directly to Mr House, the first one to do so in centuries! Do you really want to make enemies with him?" she asks.
...
"I was unaware of that. Very well... Outsiders, you are free to leave." he says, but as Anja attempts to follow the group he speaks up again, "Not you, Abomination. The other's may be innocent, but mutants don't need, nor deserve our mercy. You should be punished for even daring to step foot in our Chapter! You will be taken outside and shot, where your filthy blood won't dirty the floor." he states, waving at the Knights as they go to drag her away.
"Hold up!" Afton exclaims, walking up and grabbing one of the Knight's elbows to stop them, "You'' have to go through me if you want to hurt her, I promised her safety, and I intended to keep it." he states.
Hardin shakes his head, "Knight Parker, you will stop interfering in their duties and head down to the barracks. I may not be able to punish you for McNamara's crimes, but I can keep you busy for years to come..."
Afton growls at him, in the past he'd been pretty friendly with Hardin, but apparently he's become a massive cunt since he was gone. Honestly, he was shocked McNamara had vouched for him, but that'd saved his rank as Knight, something he really didn't want... As he was still technically a member of the Chapter, he'd be forced to obey Hardin's orders. And he had no doubt the man would stop him from venturing into the Mojave alone again.
Honestly, what options did he even have anymore? The NCR would soon be against him, the Legion was already against him, and if he didn't allow the Brotherhood to shoot Anja, they'd be against him as well... But, could he really allow them to execute his companion? Someone who he'd fought beside, someone who'd risked her life for him on many occasions?
The answer was no. No, he could not allow them to do that.
Afton spits on the floor and glares up at Hardin, "You can take my rank as Knight and shove up your ass you piece of shit! You will not harm her!" he shouts, causing the few that knew him in the room to gape at him.
Hardin glowers for a moment before his face morphs into a smirk, "Oh? Is that an official statement of your abandonment of the Brotherhood?"
Afton nods, "You can word it how you like, but I can't abandon people who'd shoot my friends on a whim. If you are willing to do that, then you are no brother's of mine." he states.
"Then it will be so, Knight Parker, as Elder I strip you of your rank and any affiliation with the Brotherhood of Steel. You are to be exiled and never return, may Maxon have mercy on your soul." he says, before turning to the two knights holding Anja, "Continue your duties." he says, as if Afton's words meant nothing.
Afton, finally losing his temper, pulls the Knight away from Anja, almost causing them to topple over in the process. He then pulls the ghoul behind him and puts his fists up, ready to beat the shit out of any that approaches... Unfortunately, guns beat fists... Everyone nearby raises their weapons at Afton, ready to fire.
He probably wouldn't die if he got into a fight with them, but Anja would. Gauss Rifles are incredibly powerful, even if they hit the floor next to him, the force of it would be enough to blow the leg off of a regular person. He might do better, but it was still a 50/50 whether or not he'd live through fighting everyone.
"You're a coward Hardin, hiding behind your guards while deciding who lives and who dies. You have only just become Elder and the power has bloated your fat head!"
Hardin shrugs, "And what would you have me do, Parker? We do not spare mutants, the Codex is clear on that. Would you rather have a Trial by Combat?" he asks with a raised brow.
Afton upon hearing this quickly nods, he'd almost forgotten about that... It was one of those lost and vague passages in the Codex, intended to only be used when a dispute could not be solved peacefully. Usually it was only supposed to be between Brotherhood members, but since Afton left he wouldn't be able to challenge Hardin... Though, it didn't matter since Hardin was the one who'd challenged him. "I accept."
Hardin grins at him, "We will fight in the training room then. You may confer with your allies and the Abomination." he states, leaving the room to presumably prepare for the trial.
Hope you bois liked the chap, if I missed anything please let me know. Thanks!
Also, thanks to my patrons for their support :
Joseph Suh
Chris Lindsey
Kingsprovince
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