Chapter 412 - The Steel Waste...

Afton walks through the old Brotherhood bunker halls with a look of fond reminiscence. Of course, there were a few changes here and there. The scorch marks on the walls denoting recent Energy Weapon impacts, the pile of green goo and ashes at the bottom of the entrance staircase which is likely the remains of the enemy, and the increased number of active sentry turrets showing the substantially increased defences.

He wondered what else may have changed as he looks upon the place. During his stay in the bunker, everything had been somewhat stagnant, people barely left the place, and rarely did anyone ever participate in actual combat.​​

This was mainly due to Elder McNamara's fears of being discovered by their enemy... But, now that the Legion had shown they know of its location, he wondered what his next course of action would be... Would they perhaps move to a new location? Or maybe they would finally make themselves known in the Mojave...

Afton hoped they would, as his relationship with the NCR was basically over. He had no doubts that his links with the Brotherhood of Steel were being broadcast across every form of communication the Legion had available.

The only places he'd likely be welcomed would be here, Novac, Primm, and perhaps the New Vegas Strip, should House support him as Tamia's 'subordinate'.

He smiles at the few Paladins, Knights, and Initiates who're watching him with mild fascination as he walks past. Most knew him but had likely thought he was dead. Now seeing him being escorting by Hardin directly after the recent battle already had numerous rumours spreading.

"So, Hardin, still trying to get the lockdown ended?" he asks as they walk.

The Paladin doesn't say anything, simply continuing to usher him forward.

Afton continues, "Because with this attack, McNamara will have to do something drastic. His reasons for staying hidden are now null and void. I'm honestly looking forward to seeing what he decides." he says jovially.

"Mmhm." Hardin grunts in some twisted form of acknowledgement.

Soon enough, they reach the room where the Elder resides, McNamara was already looking at the door as Afton walks through it, the man giving a small glad, yet sad, smile. Around the entirety of the room were Paladins and Knights with their weapons ready.

Afton was pushed to stand before the Elder as the rest of his group was ushered to teh side of the room, it wasn't hard to notice the variety of angry looks sent towards Anja, but he ignored it for now. He would act upon their bigotry until he was forced to... Hopefully, he'd be able to explain his actions before that happened though.

Elder McNamara looks over at the group and smiles at Veronica who in return gives him a pointed look, as if she were saying 'You better be fair about this, or else...'. He'd always had a soft spot for her, and Afton knew he regretted what'd happened with Christine, even if he hadn't lifted a finger to help.

Hardin steps forwards to address Elder McNamara, "Greetings Elder, I come before you with the traitor that escaped. I hope you will give a fair and concise trial to ease the worries of the people." he states.

McNamara just nods and waves his hand at Hardin, "Well, first, before we begin this 'trial'... I would like to know Knight Parker's progress on the mission I sent him on." he says, the glint in his eye showing that he was on Afton's side on this.

Afton grins back, "I completed it, Elder. But, my bag was taken so I won't be able to present it to you." he says, sending a cocky look at Hardin who growls in response and drops his bag on the floor in front of him.

Afton rifles through it and pulls out the various tech that'd be needed to repair the ventilation system, giving them to a nearby Paladin so he could inspect them for traps before laying them on McNamara's desk.

The Elder examines it for a couple minutes before giving an almost radiant smile, "You have done well, Knight Parker. You may have single-handedly saved all our lives, though, the circumstances have me rethinking my initial stance on this location." he says, and Afton nods.

Fixing the ventilation system didn't make much sense now that everyone knew where the Bunker was. How long would it be until the NCR dumped some more toxic waste into it and killed the rest of their group off.

"Elder, I cannot accept this! I do not believe you sent this man on a mission. I have investigated this multiple times and found no records stating you gave any such order! And, even if you did, why did he steal valuable technology before leaving!?" he states, pointing at the Pipboy on Afton's wrist.

McNamara looks conflicted for a moment before he speaks, "I orderéd Knight Parker to take it as it would assist him in finding the materials I required. The Pipboy comes with a formidable mapping system, cataloguing system, as well as many other features. It is likely this device that allowed him to accomplish his goal where many other people before him had failed."

"What do you mean? There are no records of people being sent out on this supposed 'mission'. This is a complete breach of your authority, Elder! I refuse to allow this... Waste, to avoid punishment for his action!" (AN : Steel Waste :D)

McNamara shakes his head and looks to the projected screen showing a map on the wall, he taps the terminal a couple times and shows classified mission logs detailing the three scout teams that'd be sent out to find the components needed to fix the bunker... All are reported to be missing in action.

This causes a good amount of murmuring from those watching this, the Paladins and Knights around the room had no idea people were sent out, and were completely unaware of how close their Chapter was to extinction... Being forced out of the bunker without proper preparation could lead to another ambush by their enemies.

Hardin looks as if he's about to blow his top at this, "Elder! You had no right! The Codex states that you cannot order those who are not directly under your command! This a complete breach of power, and is a punishable offence!" he pauses and looks around the room, "For disregarding our long-held rules and traditions given to us by the Codex, I raise the motion to strip McNamara of his position as Elder!" he exclaims, causing silence to overtake the room.