Chapter 19

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New Vegas, Hidden Valley

Beneath the sands of Hidden Valley lies an underground bunker once used by the U.S. military, now occupied by the Brotherhood of Steel Chapter of New Vegas. Following their disastrous defeat at Helios One at the hands of the NCR, the Brotherhood retreated into the shadows to regroup and lick their wounds.

For now, they rested and waited, troubled by the news that their supposed leader, Elijah, had vanished following the battle at Helios One. No trace of him had been found, no body and no clue to his whereabouts as they retreated back to the Hidden Valley.

Many members of the Brotherhood harbored deep disdain for the former Elder, with some outright hating him for his perceived desertion during the battle at Helios One.

While he was undeniably a genius, a cunning strategist, and a brilliant tactician, his obsession with control and arrogant demeanor made his leadership questionable. He often treated his members as mere tools, with the exception of Veronica, who seemed to earn his respect.

Some Brotherhood members blamed him for the failure at Helios One and the tragic loss of lives, fueling their resentment and doubts about their former elder.

Nolan McNamara, the successor to Elijah, now led what remained of the Brotherhood after the battle at Helios One. Hailed as a hero by his chapter for bravely storming the NCR's defensive line and guiding his people to safety, he had earned their respect and loyalty.

Nolan McNamara

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Nolan McNamara

However, as he sat in his chambers, murmurs began to circulate within the chapter regarding his leadership. Nolan had ordered a complete lockdown, allowing only small scouting parties to venture out, driven by concerns over potential NCR retaliation.

This decision, while made with the intent to protect his people, but overtime some members of the chapter questioned his judgement whether isolation was the best strategy for their survival as slowly their supplies slowly to dwindle.

Nolan was acutely aware of the growing unease within his ranks and the need for decisive action.

However the horrors of Helios One, the crushing defeat and the loss of so many, had left deep scars, fueling his fear that the NCR would send scouting parties to hunt them down.  This fear, etched into his memory, clouded his judgment. 

However, unbeknownst to him, the NCR, currently embroiled in conflicts on multiple fronts, was not actively pursuing the Brotherhood at least, not yet.

On his chambers, Nolan sat as he tap his fingers on the cold metal makeshift table as he ponders decisions upon decisions to how to move forward.

A few days ago, troubling news arrived from returning scouts, shattering the uneasy calm within the bunker. A new faction, seemingly appearing from nowhere, had claimed a vast territory and disturbingly close to Hidden Valley, raising the risk of discovery. 

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