Artemis Files (0.5)

Chapter 16

Mid 2273 - Brotherhood Base Midwestern Chapter

The High Elder paced back and fourth, seething, though he hadn't yet spoken. Artemis sat kneeling on the ground, her hands tied tightly behind her as well as her feet. Behind her, a soldier in power armor stood, a Paladin judging by the insignia on the shoulder. She could practically see the steam coming out of his ears, his eyes practically shot daggers. Artemis wanted to beg for him to just say something already, the silence was killing her on the inside, but knew that might make her situation worse. The pain that was starting to creep into her shoulders, wrists, and ankles, as well as the tension building in the room, made the time go even slower for her.

"I had hoped that we had an understanding, that you seemed like the decent sort. Someone who was trying to actively right the wrongs she committed in the past," he said finally speaking. His voice was strained as if he wanted to yell, but knowing that wouldn't do any good. "We gave you medical attention, a place to stay, allowed you to join our ranks as an initiate. The Paladin I assigned to train you even tells me you had potential to rise rather quickly though the ranks. And now my son finds you attacking one of my best men who you claim had an assassination plot against me and the local Elder with no proof. Not only do you have no proof but you didn't even come to me with the info, per my orders."

"B-but, sir I-" she began.

"But nothing," he spat, his eyes looking directly at her now. So full of anger they were. It was the look in those eyes that told her everything. Now she was seen as a traitor in two factions. The Institute, which had been somewhat on purpose after her last mission went wrong. And now the Brotherhood, where she currently had no escape. They would have her killed. "You went against my orders, and you broke our laws by attacking and trying to kill your fellow Brother of Steel. You actually DID kill the woman he was with." He looked at her with all the anger he could muster. "There's only one way we take care of trai-"

"High Elder, sir. I'm sorry to interrupt," someone said as they barged into the room. They were panting as if they'd been running. A scribe judging by the robes she wore, a ghoul too. There was something small and square in her hand and Artemis' eyes widened when she realized what the Scribe was holding. "It turns out the girl was telling the truth. Khamsin was trying to kill you, sir, and by the sound of it, he would have enacted his plan soon. It would seem this Initiate saved your life."

"And I'm to assume there's proof on that tape you're holding?" He sounded like he wanted to believe this scribe, but was still skeptical. Without a word the scribe pressed the play button and the tape began to play. It wasn't super clear, the sound of rustling leaves and snapping twigs muddled some spots. But thankfully Artemis had caught enough of the conversation for everyone to hear. As it played the High Elder's eyes softened and then grew angry again, but not towards Artemis. Towards Khamsin, and she's pretty sure she can hear him whispering things like, "that damn traitor," and "how could I have been so blind" under his breath.

When the tape finally stopped, the scribe spoke again. "It was a bit dirty, but other then the enhancements we did on it to hear them talking more clearly, it hasn't been edited. Artemis... it seems she's speaking the truth, sir."

The High Elder nodded and dismissed the Scribe, saying he would speak with her later. He went back to pacing back and fourth. Saying nothing. There was still tension as he thought about what to do next. "Untie her binds, Paladin, and take her back to the shared quarters with the other Initiates. I'll send for her later. Until this is all cleared up she's not to go out hunting, training, or any other missions." The Paladin nodded and did as he was asked.

Once her binds were cut loose, her wrists and ankles felt better immediately, though that didn't stop her from immediately shaking them and allowing them to get some air. She didn't get much sleep that night, and much to the annoyance of the other Initiates, she'd taken to tossing a ball in the air, catching it, and then throwing it back in the air. Normally it was a quiet thing to do to pass the time. But normally a person didn't do such things in the middle of the night when most people were trying to sleep.