章節 46: No-Man's-Land

Head Paladin looks back at Afton after hearing that the Elder had apparently abandoned them, "Well, that makes this much easier then." he mutters before speaking back into the Intercom, "Veronica, I need you to gather all the scribes, have them prepare for combat, Power armour and all. There should be enough for everyone, make sure we leave nothing behind." he quickly orders before shutting off as he hears Veronica hurrying off.

"What should I do... Elder." he says semi-cheekily.

McNamara grimaces slightly, "Go to Senior Knight Ramos, have him equip any Initiates tall enough in Power armour, we mustn't leave anything for the NCR to pick through. I'll be heading to the Intercom room to make an announcement, be safe Initiate."

Afton leaves and relays Ramos's orders just as McNamara's voice is heard over the Intercom system, "Brother and Sisters, I am Head Paladin McNamara and I am sorry to say that Elder Elijah as gone missing, presumably abandoning us. Do not despair, I will be taking up the position of Elder and leading us out of this sorry situation we have found ourselves in. Continue to defend the entrances and await further orders, we are out of food and water, so we'll make our move upon nightfall.

In my place I promote Paladin Edgar Hardin to Head Paladin, treat his orders as if they were my own, Ad Victoriam brothers."

With that the Chapter burst into movement, all of the Initiates tall enough to properly operate Power armour were given a set, all of the Scribes were outfitting aswell, there was enough armour for everyone, and they even had extra sets in the Hidden Bunker where McNamara had been funnelling resources.

Due to the sudden surplus of weaponry, Afton had strapped a Plasma pistol to his side, and slung a Tri-beam laser rifle onto his back. He currently had two laser rifles and a plasma pistol on his person, along with a few plasma grenades in a pouch at his side.

Everyone else was getting as kitted out as he was, they needed to take as much as they could and destroy the rest, the Codex made it clear that technology could not fall into the wrong hands.

Sandra, Melissa, and Miles all had wary looks on their faces, despite all the weaponry the currently had, they felt more vulnerable than ever. The main reason for this was due to the fact they'd literally be running into the enemies line of fire, and hoping not to get shot.

Fortunately, they would be surrounded by a wall of Power armour, the most vulnerable people like pregnant women or people with children would be shielded with the other member's bodies.

Eventually, nightfall came and Afton found himself at the back entrance of Helios One, surrounded by the whole Chapter. He looked behind him and saw his mother standing there, clad in Power armour while presumably smiling at him reassuringly through her helmet.

His teacher Adah Lindgren was next to her, he hadn't known but the woman was apparently once one of the best fighters in her class. He was pretty sure Veronica was someone near the front of the formation along with his father, close to McNamara who'd be leading them.

Elder Elijah had apparently sabotaged the Helios One facility while activating all the security, only those with Brotherhood holotag's would be allowed through. This allowed everyone to get ready quicker due to them not having to sabotage it themselves... Atleast the old man had done something positive, aside from leaving of course.

Veronica wasn't happy about it as the man was basically a father to her, but she restrained her emotions for now due to the situation. He'd make sure she's alright if they survive, he didn't know how she was handling not only losing her father figure, but lover almost all at once.

McNamara stood in-front of everyone, his helmet in his hand so he could look them in the eye as he spoke, "You have all been notified of my plan, there is a bunker through the canyon and at the base of black mountain. Supplies have already been dropped off there and the NCR will not be able to find us once we're inside. All we need to do now is get there, and by Maxon I swear we will leave this place, dead or alive!

The NCR will fire upon us as soon as they are aware of our plans, all of you donning Power armour will be required to shield the centre of the formation with your bodies. We will undoubtedly lose many, but this is our only shot at survival.

My Paladins and I will lead the charge to take the brunt of the damage, I will tell you this now, it doesn't matter if I fall in battle, keep moving, Head Paladin Hardin had been given the information he needs should I be unable to lead you.

We are all bound in steel, brothers and sisters in arms, family by the Codex. I love you all, and I promise I will do everything in my power to see us through this. Ad Victoriam!" he shouts, slamming his right hand over his chest, immediately being mimicked by everyone present.

Elder McNamara puts on his helmet while grabbing his Gauss Rifle, everyone knew what was coming, and their muscles tensed while adrenaline pumped through their bodies. Afton imagined this is what the soldiers in WW1 felt just before they were commanded to charge into no-man's-land.

Without another word McNamara opened the doors and ran through, followed by other Paladins. Afton took one last reassuring glance behind him at his mother and Adah before following everyone else.