[Forum Game] Fallout Realism: The Great Bear

[Shebedaone]

" Haiya !!! " John swung the rusty old blade in a downward arc. Bringing the sword up he slashed the straw dummy which burst into a pile of hay. The Japanese boy admired the rusty old katana ( a family heirloom from the Second World War). He had started training with it after finding an old film about Samurais in Tamemori's (Fukuzuwa's best friend who also shared John's unhealthy interest in their ancestor's culture). After watching the way the samurais fought the Portuguese Gaijin with an effortless grace he took out his family's heirloom from his father's drawer. Ever since that day he had been imitating the samurais in their sword strokes he had even made a Kimono out of his old clothes which he now wore.

" Oi Japakawa !!! whatcha doing ". John grimaced. Fred Miyazaki the neighbourhood bully had always bullied the nerdy Japanese Teen since they were toddlers. Now Fukuzawa would show that Gaijin the error of his ways. There at the door to the Storehouse where Fukuzuwa had been training stood Fred Miyazaki the handsome Eurasian child of the Miyazaki couple muscular from helping his father Miyazaki Senior in his Construction business made both girls (and some boys) fall head over heels for him. If it wasn't for him bullying most of the teens in the neighbourhood he'd easily be the popular kid.

As Fred threw a punch at Fuzukuwa. Fuzukawa swung the old blade and cut the bully's arm cleanly of his shoulders. As blood drained from the Eurasian's decapitated arm Fukuzuwa stabbed the katana into the Eurasian's chest effectively killing him. Fukuzuwa wiping the blood from his face grinned. " Now where will I hide the body? "​

 

[iisbroke]

The oldie radio station itches out a song in the small room. Wesly Thorne always prefered to relax in his home at The Hub, merely made sense to him. His duties kept him at Shady Sands though. As Secretary of State he could have a large open space, a suite at some luxury hotel. He never spent time in such places, always moving around for work. An old cot in the office was his usual resting place. Today was for more personal affairs though, so he sat at a wooden desk in a tiny room. Thorne glances at the peeling wallpaper of a greener California, then gets to reviewing the latest letters.

His attendants organized them: Work, Family, Lobbies, Bribes, Threats, Other. Since New Canann was discovred the number of requests to allow some sort of advantage from the various merchant families has seen no end. Fargo Go Traders, Happy Trails, and Crimson Caravan are the chief senders. Either them officially or subordinates seeking to clamor up the ranks of their own orgnizations. The most competent of the traders were the Crimson Caravan yet that meant they could easily circumvent Thorne's judgement. They wouldn't be the only trading company for long, but first start would work best.


To Alexander Lee ( @Sneakyflaps):

I pen this paper to inform you of a recent finding of mine, a new settlement to open up trade with. I will need another expedition to set out, and having legitimate and competent traders will certainly assist in opening trade. I can't promise you exclusive rights to trade in the future, but I'm certain you see the advantage in being the first trading company to greet this new civilization. I expect a response soon.

From Wesly Thorne, Secretary of State

 

[Sneakyflaps]

To Wesly Thorne, Secretary of State (@iisbroke)

Mr. Secretary,

I was most intrigued as a read your letter, it is not often with all of the internal squabbles which has haunted us for the last few years, that important news from outside our borders manages to take precedence. I am more than willing to assist you in any way which you desire for this trade expedition which you have mentioned, and while I understand that you cannot grant us sole rights, then I am grateful for what you are able to grant us now. As we both know, the best way to establish peaceful relations, positive contacts and general cooperation is through trade, and as such I shall be most happy to meet with you so that we may agree on the finer details of this proposed expedition.

Alexander Lee

 

[baboushreturns]

Hey guys sorry for my long absence I've been enjoying a long vacation in Serbia. I'll be back on Friday and hopefully will have an update up over the weekend. Thank you for your patience. Please send me orders if you haven't already @Arrowfiend thank you!

 

[Terraferma]

The Route to war
​

Outskirts of Shady Sands, Forward Command Tent

The building was much too stifling, and so was the press.

Instead of remaining at the heart of the country at Southern Command HQ, General Kimball found it prudent and frankly relieving to move his martial efforts just outside the city. His command tent left much to be desired (It had a gaping hole in it near his head) but he cared not. Being away from the civilians was something he enjoyed, especially during wartime.

“The…6th and 7th battalions are reporting significant movement from code named Peabody. Colonel Aker noticed several probing attacks to test our defensive positions in the area. A couple of isolated patrols were ambushed but due to significant troop numbers AND the rangers, damage has been minimal. He feels pretty confident that any attempt on an attack will be thwarted.”

There he sat behind worn metallic desk, listening intently to his Lieutenant. “What does Colonel Torvolt have to say on the matter?”

“…He shares his sentiment.”

“So he does. Continue.”

“Route 395 has been effectively cut. Any initiatives by officers and command staff on the ground have been ineffective. Everything from New Reno to the south has been stopped. And the economy is definitely feeling it.” Kyle looked up from his 7-page report grimacing.

“So much for officer’s initiative. What else you got?”

“Raids. Kidnappings. More raids. Improvised explosive devices, IEDs. The usual shit storm that the press blames us for.”

“We expected a strike elsewhere that’s why. Which may still arrive. Which is why I am going ahead with the 9th to retake 395, the 5th and 10 battalions are coming with me. The new 14th and 15th will remain here along with the militia and the…other boys, to protect Shady Sands.”

“Understood sir.” McNeil gave a salute as he put away the papers, he was about to make his way out before being abruptly interrupted by his superior.

“The two new battalions are fresh. Too fresh. They need more time to train, this enemy is not to be underestimated. As such they will remain training for 6 months before deployment, if we’re lucky we will have retaken the highway and pushed the enemy back out. Leaving them to be deployed to keep the peace and order elsewhere.”

The XO gave a nod.

“One more thing, have the 4th battalion in Maxson on stand-by. If things get heated in Mojave, I want to counter Peabody every step of the way. No screw ups.”

Kyle chuckled readjusting his faded olive colored fatigues.

“Maximilian is probably hoping for stuff to really get started. He is bored in Maxson.” With a tipoff the cap he was out the tent. Dust and dirt floated on in on the count of it being a breezy day outside.

“I bet he is.” Aaron muttered.

Outwardly, he has gone on to insinuate that the raiders were going to get a good lick and within several weeks the highway would be recovered and things would go right back to normal, right back to the way things were.

Still…

He knew what his opponent was capable of and he dreaded a bogged down engagement. He truly hoped this would last a year tops. At least when it came to retaking 395. The new battalions would see to it.

Instinctively Kimball reached for his pocket, though empty he was reminded of his long term investment.

“Hope it pays off.”

Staring ahead he could still hear that wrecked old half destroyed clock. He didn’t bring it with him but time really was ticking. And the republic was thirsty for victory.

Thirsty for glory,

Thirsty for hope.

 

[baboushreturns]

The Great Bear: August to December 2262​

While war raged on in the mountains and Vault City rocked the Republic with its rioting, Congress had its busiest session since the currency crisis. During the session, four motions made it to the floor including a motion to impeach Congressman Hayson which was narrowly defeated. Another act attempting to nationalize the gold industry also met defeat and only the Territories Property Tax Bill was able to pass the session unscathed. In an effort to raise money to support the war effort, the motion modestly increased taxes on farmers and brahmin herders by around 3%. This bill brought in thousands of dollars to the state coffers and eventually offered some relief to Maxson however it greatly angered many brahmin and agri-barons who accused the government of communist sympathies. It also hurt many small-scale farmers who needed every penny to scrape by. With the economy suffering as a result of the various wars and Maxson’s bankruptcy this move pushed some over the edge.

[NCR economy moves to recession, Territories Property Tax Bill passes, All other motions fail]

Informed several months ago about the Desert Rangers had opened a small embassy in Shady Sands, Elise invited several of their representatives to come treat with her in Great Valley. There she discussed with them the future of both organizations and convinced them to share their intelligence with the NCR. She also impressed upon them the power of the NCR Rangers taking several of them along on the raids her forces carried out during the year. These efforts helped breed a greater sense of kinship between the two organizations and rangers in California and Nevada slowly began to develop a sense of respect for one another.

[Desert Rangers share important intel with Elise]

With California’s most important north-south artery closed, Kimball found himself in an impossible position. Under immense political pressure and with nearly the nation’s entire elite calling on him to act the young General had few options. While originally he had intended to train up the 14th and 15th Battalions six months before their deployment the training was rushed and soon they were put on active duty after only four. Through August the 5th, 9th and 10th Army Battalions had attempted to clear the road. Yet, little progress had been made especially given their great numerical advantage, likely due to enemy control of the mountains which overlooked the highway. In an effort to remedy this Kimball brought in rangers from across the south to fight the tribes in their own style. However, without adequate knowledge of the terrain, many of the rangers struggled while those who knew the area were overstretched by the enormity of the front. Several rangers were even captured in a daring raid led by the Coba warchief. With these frustrations on his mind, Kimball ordered a general offensive in the first week of September to reopen the road once and for all.

Using the 9th Battalion to target enemy raiders in Bakersfield territory while the 10th fought north of Shady Sands, Kimball positioned the 5th, 14th, and 15th for a drive up the center. What ensued was a general slaughter. For weeks Kimball’s men struggled to make progress in terrain where the enemy almost always had the advantage, but which also which created a logistical nightmare for the army. With no dedicated logistics corp the NCRA had long relied on individual quartermasters to acquire supplies for their commands on a unit to unit level by assigning men to haul supplies from their battalion depot. This system swiftly fell apart given the size of the operation and the difficulty of the terrain, leaving the soldiers short on everything from ammo to food. As winter came closer the situation became untenable and many troops suffered badly from exposure to the cold.

However, by December Route 395 itself and some of the mountains around it had been cleared completing Kimball’s main objective. In addition, the Blue Rocks had been forced out of Owens Lake marking a small triumph for the Lee family in particular yet, these successes came at a horrible cost. Over 400 NCRA troopers had been killed, wounded or were missing in action following months of dreadful fighting. The 14th and 15th Battalions were among the units hit hardest and morale had hit rock bottom across the army with an upsurge in desertions as the coldest months of winter neared. Kimball himself had been stunned by the senseless violence convinced as he was that the tribes would be incapable up putting up real resistance to his battle-hardened troopers. However, he had not planned for the difficulties of the terrain on which he was fighting or the familiarity of the tribals with this ground. As news of these losses spread around the Republic, there was some shock and many grieved yet, few blamed Kimball. Instead, anger and resentment towards President Peterson grew and many liberals called for a settlement with the tribals.

In the Mojave Lone Horn received reports from the mountains with some glee. Taking advantage of the situation his tribals began their own raids against Californian supply lines across the Mojave. However, with the rangers there still strongly in position these raids generated few victories for the tribals and significant casualties. Despite this Lone Horn did have some success in rallying his people who’s will to fight on had never been stronger.

In other news, Kimball continued his efforts to train his forces in the use of power armor. Utilizing the captured suits founds in Maxson sixty handpicked troopers underwent intense training. However this program came to not for try as they might, the NCRA lacked the scientific know how to uncover the secrets of this pre-war technology. However, this did not mean the armor was useless. One young officer name Lee Oliver proposed stripping the armor of its technology. This would leave behind a suit capable of protecting its wearer despite being quite heavy.

[-83 5th Army Battalion, -21 6th Army Battalion, -13 7th Army Battalion, -46 8th Army Battalion, -47 9th Army Battalion, -72 10th Army Battalion, -109 14th Army Battalion, -90 15th Army Battalion, -13 Rangers, -2 Clout Kimball, Effectively kills Peterson's Presidency]

Following a string of successes throughout the summer Mattis and his command were riding high, confident in their ability to put a permanent end to the Den’s raids. Attempting to capitalize on his established strategy Mattis ordered more radios for his forces in an attempt to improve their communications. Brought in from Shi factories near Frisco the radios made a big difference as individual units down to the squad level were now capable of near-instantaneous communication. This allowed Mattis to conduct operations with much greater flexibility than he had ever enjoyed before and lead to several more victories against the slavers. By December the raids had begun to taper off significantly yet, an unexpected discovery soon shook the nation to its core. After one particularly savage skirmish with a group raiders near the border soldiers from the 12th Battalion recovered a letter written signed by Metzger. Its contents proved disturbing as in it the Den’s king thanked an unnamed ally for their continued support. The letter proved what many in Redding and Klamath had been saying for months, the Den was indeed receiving support from inside the Republic and with devastating consequences.

[-14 12th Army Battalion, -27 13th Army Battalion, Conspiracy Uncovered]

Although initially hopeful about negotiations July’s preliminary talks went nowhere. Elise had been insistent that the tribes give real concessions which many of them were unwilling to do, feeling they had enjoyed the better part of the fighting for much of the conflict. Therefore she was forced to walk out and by August the war had resumed with even more venom and fury than before. Realising she needed to bring the war south in order to end it, Elise authorized limited offensives conducted by her rangers which were not aimed at taking territory but at sapping the enemy’s morale. While the army continued to man its checkpoints and outposts, Elise had the NCRAF and her rangers conduct thorough recon missions of the enemy encampments before going in. This strategy seemed to work and in a series of brilliant night raids, the special forces torched enemy encampments, burned food reserves and captured tribal weapons caches. Although previously Elise had gone to extreme lengths in order to avoid civilian casualties she now ended many of these restrictions and quickly the fighting became more ugly. After several months of these raids, some in the opposition had already had enough. With winter coming many feared death at the hands of exposure and hunger, foes that the people of Great Valley had long battled. Yet, for those who chose to fight on their will to resist became more resolute and their attacks became more desperate. Still, other tribes began a slow migration north or south away from the conflict. However, many who chose this would be picked apart on the road by old rivals or hungry super mutants.

[-13 men 2nd Army Battalion, -15 men 3rd Army Battalion -11 Rangers, many tribes in a corridor between Sac-Town and Frisco agree to peace]

Klamath​

After a long absence from the public spotlight, Congressman Broderick was back with a fury during the fall of 2262. Returning to his old tactics Broderick put the establishment and the wealthy squarely in his crosshairs once again. Traveling in a long tour across the country Broderick decried the corruption, ineffectiveness and ineptitude of the state. He went after California’s media outlets as well and called for many populist reforms. This message struck a chord with many people in states like Maxson or Redding who felt forgotten and abused by the establishment. Broderick even made inroads into Shady Sands which had long been as moderate a state as there could be. And while his reputation had taken some damage during the scandals of 2261 many of Broderick’s supporters simply ignored the issue. Most of them belittling it as no more than an establishment ploy to bring down their savior. With Presidential elections looming in January 2264 Broderick found himself one of the most popular politicians in the country if not the most divisive as well.

[Mead and Labor Charter grows to boast some 15,000 members nationally, +2 Clout]

Redding​

With the recent gold rush times had never been harder for Redding’s miners. It was not uncommon for crews to work 15 to 20 hours shifts which meant some men were literally worked to death to meet quotas. The pay had never been great either especially in the privately owned mines and many owners but particularly the Van Graffs were quite reluctant to give out raises. For a long time, few people on the national level seemed to care. Both of Redding’s Congressmen had been in the pockets of big business when the Reserve Act was passed. Yet, in a stunning upset, Abraham Houston managed to beat t. Rob’s successor in a special election late in 2261. Backed primarily by blue-collar workers like Redding’s gold miners Houston brought their concerns to Congress with him. Attempting first and then failing to pass a measure aimed at nationalizing the gold industry Houston cemented his reputation back home as a man of the people. Disappointed by his failure to pass his bill Houston spent late fall and early winter of 2262 in his home state, meeting with miners and their families. Perhaps as a result of these meetings the workers began becoming more organized and talk of unionizing grew much to the dismay of the LeBarges and Van Graffs. Once no worker in the Van Graff mines would have dared to consider any form of opposition to their employer yet, with the inactivity of Gloria in recent months the fear that had kept so many in check began to fall away. As 2263 approached it seemed New California might have its first organized labor movement to deal with.

[+1 Influence Houston, Max is out in 1 turn if he does not send orders]

Vault City​

In Vault City tensions grow to a climax after almost a year of mob violence and vigilantism. Governor Harold, finally feeling strong enough to challenge Congressman Hayson brought the matter to Congress using his allies to try and impeach Hayson. Yet, after several days of debate, the motion failed narrowly by a 10-12 vote. However, this did not stop Harold and within the state, he began a wide-scale crackdown on the human supremacist movement. Utilizing policemen trucked in from other parts of the state, the governor sanctioned raids on homes, bars and printing shops anywhere known for its affiliation to Hayson’s movement. However, this did not proceed smoothly. Instead Hayson’s men some of them armed with laser rifles and energy weapons put up a fight. Beginning on December 19th war erupted across Vault City.

It all began with a botched raid on the Vault Med Headquarters. When policemen loyal to Harold entered the building with a search warrant and ordered the guards there to disarm themselves they opened fire instead. Three police officers were killed instantly and the rest fled for their lives only offering sporadic return fire. Within minutes reinforcements had arrived and VC security formed a large perimeter around the building. Rangers stationed nearby also came by to assist local authorities and a standoff persisted for several hours. However, as news of the situation spread the city became more restless. Many of Hayson’s supporters had evaded arrest due to the sympathy of local law enforcement and now these people poured out onto the street forming a mob. As night came on the 20th the city Vault City towards riot. Suspected ghoul sympathizers were attacked by the mob, and taken captive. Large swaths of the town stretching outside the city where many former non-citizens resided was torched and the captives still in the courtyard were freed. With the fury of the mob at hand and the apathy of local law enforcement Harold’s men were left with little choice. At first, trying to contain the situation they were eventually forced to withdraw into the Vault. There, Harold closed the blast doors and used the radio to send out urgent cries for help. Yet, aid was slow in coming. The closest army unit was stationed just five miles from VC however, its commander was unsure how to respond to the situation without clear orders. The President upon learning of the crisis also dithered almost a week before pushing the decision down to the Joint Chiefs who waited for reports from the front to make a final decision.

Meanwhile, the city burned fires set during the night of the 20th were left unchecked and soon spread. First consuming much of the settlement outside VC’s walls it soon hopped the fence and began chewing through the southern parts of the city. When the winds eventually died down the fire slowly burned itself out, yet not before claiming nearly 100 lives and causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage.

[Vault City bursts into violence, Harold is locked in the Vault with 70 policemen, Hayson is reportedly outside the city near New Reno trying to make it back from Congress, ~1,000 human supremacists have formed a mob outside the Vault, 50 VaultMed Guardsmen form the core of this militant opposition]

New Reno​

Mr. Bishop was one of those most hurt by the closure of the 395 and was pained through the late summer as he watched New Reno’s economy suffer. Therefore the aging magnate resolved to reopen the road as soon as possible come hell or high water. Sending couriers down through Bakersfield Bishop petitioned Kimball directly to do something about the road. With his influence over entire battalions and loyal allies even among the Joint Chiefs Bishop was a hard man to refuse. Yet, all of this corralling was unnecessary. As soon as the situation on the 395 began to deteriorate Kimball began sketching plans for an offensive. However, his plans would be significantly rushed. For Bishop was not the only man losing money that summer, across the republic nearly everyone was suffering and soon the cries for action were deafening.

After February’s management shake-ups the Wrights swiftly got back to doing what they do best, refining alcohol. In a push to expand both the quality and amount of their production the Wright’s purchased a lot in east Reno for the construction of new stills. There, they experimented with new types of fermentation, hiring an ex-Follower who claimed to be a Doctor to lead the effort. Rand also invested in the physical walls of his old compound and brewery in west Reno and soon these investments would pay off. From the Doctor’s efforts a new more perfect form of alcohol was created, something so chemically pure nothing like it had been produced in California since before the war. The Wright’s soon began to improve their existing products as well however they were still unsure of how to market their new drink and waited for the new year to release it. These successes went a long way in helping cement Rand’s control over the family and showed all of New Reno that there was still some greatness in the Wright’s.

[The Wright’s are producing much purer alcohol than their competitors giving them a strong competitive edge]

Frisco (Shi)​

As work continued on the Sac-Town Canal, Shi attention slowly began revolving towards the rough frontier town. With its position as a major transit center and crossroads and with the canal running through the city, Joshua Norton quickly realized how essential Sac-Town would be to his future plans. Throughout the rest of 2262, Norton began pouring money into the city, investing first in the local officials (through bribes) and then in the local caravans the Golden Bay Company slowly began buying Sac-Town out. Yet, many of the caravans including the prominent Happy Trails Caravan refused their offers. Despite these setbacks, by December a small trade depot had been established in the town as well as a new headquarters. Using his influence in Sac-Town Norton began hiring many impoverished locals to work on the canal. The work was hard and dangerous yet if the project was completed it offered to transform the city. Despite these efforts, the town’s authorities slowly turned against the Shi and eventually, the permits stopped coming, halting the Golden Bay Company’s expansion at least temporarily.

[Golden Bay Company gains influence in Sac-Town]

In a move coordinated to assist the efforts of Joshua Norton, General Tzu drew up a plan to bring clean and free water to Sac-Town for the first time ever. With the help of Shi engineers ferried over from Frisco Tzu’s plans proceeded smoothly. And by the new year, three water pumps had been installed throughout the city, bringing untold relief Sac-Town’s poor. However, this move also earned the Shi many enemies among the town’s wealthy merchants who had profited for decades by monopolizing the water trade. Using their influence the local elites began creating problems for the Shi. First, they got the Sac-Town authorities to stop issuing permits and licenses to the Golden Bay Company but several weeks later when the Shi still remained there one of Tzu’s guards went missing while off duty. Several days later his body was found mangled several miles outside of town. Reluctant to respond forcefully Norton and Tzu waited yet the situation remained tense as 2263 began.

[Sac-Town’s poor largely support the Shi, The wealthy merchant houses are staunchly opposed, -1 Shi guardsmen]

Shady Sands​

With fighting going on only a few dozen miles north of Shady Sands and with the 395 closed, Governor Janson found himself leading his state through one of the toughest points of in its history. With streams of refugees pouring out of the mountains and with the 395 now closed to all but the bravest of caravans many businesses shuttered or laid-off workers throughout the summer and fall. As the regional economy faltered, Janson began looking for ways to bring stability back. To that end, the Governor met several times with the Irvin Morrison to try and convince the Gun Runners to invest in Shady Sands. However, the Gun Runners alone would not be enough to restore prosperity to the state and by Christmas the unemployment rate had reached upwards of 25% in the city. With so many people out of work the ranks of the state militias swelled. Over 250 men and women would enlist with local militia regiments throughout the year with almost as many joining the army as times got more desperate. This would put a strain on the state budget but also helped keep much of the area safe from enemy infiltration.

[Shady Sands economy moves to Depression, +250 militiamen for the Shady Sands Militia, 100 reinforcements added to pool]

The Hub​

Through the late summer and fall of 2262, Benjamin Lee and his father are sighted in cities and towns across the south making preparations for the unveiling of their new company. For weeks Ben meets with potential employees attempting to find only the most skilled and professional candidates to run the organization on the ground. Eventually satisfied with his picks and in agreement with his father about their qualifications, Ben feels he’s ready. On December 6th, the Crimson Check Exchange officially opens with ten branches stretching across the south. Security is tight at all of its locations and although the Lee’s buy up adds in all the main newspapers and radios the idea of banking is still relatively new to many people. However, there are certainly a few bright spots. In Shady Sands and the Hub wealthy urbanites and brahmin barons are quick to adopt the service and Ben is excited to see his plans working. Yet, this is not the Lee’s sole concern for the year. In September word reaches the family of yet another massacre of their mercenaries near One Pine. Soon after that Alexander receives word that several of his employees had been found strung up with their corpses mutilated outside Junktown. Yet, three employees, one of them the son of a Branch Manager are still missing. The message becomes clear Crimson Caravan would either have to pay up or the rest of the hostages would die.

[Crimson Check Exchange opens with 10 branches across the nation added to assets]

Taking some lessons from his springtime gala John Stanley attempts to sooth his associates but not in the way they thought he would. Taking a far less aggressive approach than the crazy Harold Smythe, Stanley begins hiring dozens of lawyers for the organization. This approach sees some early successes, allowing the Stockmen’s Association to use the threat of lawsuits to bully any farmers or small townships that might get in their way. Yet, it does little to improve the overall lot of the organization or its members. Stanley also begins to make near-constant trips to and from Shady Sands throughout the fall. While there, he makes quite a large splash on the social scene in the capital. Attending several of the dances and galas held by the city’s elite, Stanley quickly becomes acquainted with several young army officers stationed in the city as well as the nation’s economic and political elite residing there. Yet, for all of his efforts, Stanley is taken by surprise by the passage of the Territories Property Tax. While the bill only raised taxes slightly (3%) on farmers and ranchers it represented a major defeat for the Stockmen’s Association. Stanley and other brahmin barons would soon be paying thousands in new taxes and too many in the organization that was unacceptable. In late December, another meeting of the association's board was held and within hours Stanley was voted out, only to be replaced by his longtime rival Matt Silverstein.

[-2 Clout]

Maxson​

With much of the fighting now over in Maxson, Alex Reville hoped to see the refugee camps she had built begin to empty. Yet, with Congress’s inaction, thousands persisted on in the camps as they still had no homes to return to. While the followers continued to do their best in caring for these refugees Reville’s mind was elsewhere. With the news bulletins filled with stories of the discord in Vault City, Alex became increasingly concerned for the ghouls there. Using some resources from the followers she attempted to construct a new camp in Maxson for use by non-humans. However when news of her plans leaked a small militia of scared refugees threatened to arrest her for inviting “muties into our backyards”. Eventually, Reville was forced to drop the effort and instead spent the remainder of 2262 tending to those still living in the tent cities.

The Boneyard​

Perhaps as a direct result of Morrison’s recent lobbying efforts, a deal is made with Governor Jansen to expand the company’s holdings in Shady Sands. With funds from the Shady Sands Development Bank, the Gun Runners begin construction of a new factory and headquarters in the state. With help from Jansen, the permits are rushed along and final approval for the project comes in early September while ground is broken later in the month. Construction speeds along briskly yet, there are some outstanding issues. In November plans for the factory are stolen after a courier transporting them is shot and left for dead during a robbery near Oak Creek. When news reaches the Boneyard many of the associates are concerned and there are worries that, competitors might learn company secrets if the plans reach the wrong hands.

[Construction begins on Shady Sands HQ and Factory will be completed in 3 turns]

After struggling for several days to decide what Fukuzawa knew what he would do about the Boneyard loan shark, He decided not to give in to dishonor. Instead in a brief flash of glory, the young cook went after his bullies katana in hand. During a brief scuffle, he cut down one of the loan shark's guards and then another before closing in on the man. However, Fukuzawa was met with a hail of bullets before he could reach the man, dying katana in hand true to the ways of the samurai.

[Fukuzawa dies]

Dayglow​

In an attempt to assuage the suffering of many ghouls inside the Republic, Governor Turner founds a new charity in Dayglow during the fall of 2262. Named the Society of Saint Didacus the organization provides financial support to ghoul communities facing oppression and bigotry. The society also, begins funding political campaigns to support pro-integration candidates across the Republic. With considerable funding from Jamison Turner personally and dozens of ghouls and sympathetic humans across Dayglow, Turner’s society is quickly off the ground. In Vault City the organization makes an immediate difference, helping Governor Harold significantly in his struggle against Congressman Hayson. This charity is the first organization of its kind and within months it quickly becomes the foremost organization for the promotion of ghoul rights. Turner earns much praise from his own community but furthermore gains recognition nationally for his efforts.

[+1 Clout, Society of Saint Didacus Added to Assets, +1 Clout Governor Harold]

The Enclave
​

Spoiler: Look at Your Own Peril!

With the west coast Enclave all but broken Colonel Grant found himself in an even tougher position than the Brotherhood’s leaders. With few resources and fewer men, Grant would have to make use of what he had to maximum advantage in order to rebuild the organization. In the spirit of these constraints, Grant began preparations in early summer to reinhabit Vault 10 which his men had so recently cleared out. To do this Grant ordered a patrol back to the vault with orders to clear the wildlife that had settled in during recent months. Once this was completed Sixty former vault dwellers including fifteen ex-guards were transferred back to Vault 10. Once there they reactivated the generator and settled back into their former homes with a new Overseer appointed by Grant taking charge. Yet, few of the advantages Grant hoped to gain from the Vault actually appeared. Instead, the Enclave’s remaining engineers were forced to spend months repairing the damage done to the Vault during its fall and subsequent abandonment. And while moving the Vault dwellers did help reduce the strain on Bunker November it also meant relocating tons of supplies which could not be easily replaced. Attempts at food production were slow to develop due to a lack of experienced farmers and the Vault’s water chip seemed to be malfunctioning due to damage sustained during the battle. For all these reasons Grant was relatively frustrated by December when news reached him that a small warband of tribals was amassing outside the Vault.


[Vault 10 reactivated, 45 civilians and 15 soldiers moved to the Vault, Provision Status Low]

News from Around the Wasteland

-Maxson defaults on its debts causing a brief panic among Shady Sands lenders yet, the panic remains contained while Maxson struggles to recover

-Rumors from Mariposa warn that the super mutant Warlord Melchior is rallying his armies

-In Markleeville forty miles south of New Reno, California's first ski resort opens to the public

-The Adventures of Ranger Bombastic tops the charts as California's most popular radio show

Notes: Sorry this update took so long to get out, again I was on vacation in Serbia for two weeks which is why I was away.

Remember the Presidential election is set for January 2264 basically 2 turns from now. So if you want to make a bid announce your intentions soon....otherwise I hope you enjoyed this turn. It was quite chaotic...

 

[Maxwell500]

Redding
6 January, 2263

There is tension in the air as Tiaret Van Graff - Matriarch of the Van Graff's and Ruthless Businesswoman - mounts a raised platform. Silence permeates the square as she slowly gazes across it, making eye contact with someone every now and then. As she reaches the microphone she exhales, the sound breaking the silence. There is a brief smile before her features darken once more.

"Citizens of Redding, of the New California Republic,

These are troubled times. Politically, economically, socially - the very fabric of our nation seems to be tearing at the seams, and there looks to be very little guidance from Shady Sands in holding it together...in fact our own President, the supposed moral compass of our nation, is off gallivanting with women half his age. Where is his decency? Where is his concern for the nation?

I am no political aficionado, in fact I strive to avoid the matter whenever I can. I am involved in the energy business, and in mining, and the latter is already a messy business - so the idea of dirtying my hands in politics always made me wary...until now. I have realized that sometimes one must sacrifice their own well-being and happiness for the good of others, and the decay this great republic has seen forces my hand.

I have consulted with my family, my advisors, and more on the decision at hand: all of them have encouraged me to do the right thing. I heed their words, and I hear the cries of our people. It is with this in mind that I formally announce my candidacy for the Presidency of the New California Republic."

Tiaret Van Graff pauses as paid supporters cheer and those who genuinely back her also join in the fold, clapping ferociously and screaming 'Van Graff 2264'. She revels in it for a moment before raising her hand, signalling silence.

"It will be a tough road ahead for us. We will have many obstacles: the election, the trials and tribulations of the presidency and those inevitable attempts to block progress by backwards people. But we will overcome them all!

I have a great vision for this nation: we will bring back 'law and order', we will stop these raiders, these slavers; we will make peace with the tribes on our terms, on fair terms, and we will not allow any further instability or chaos. It is time for us to heal, to grow stronger, so that we can also look east - to spread our word of freedom to those who do not yet have it.

And we shall have a progressive program at home too: let us advance programs in the name of the people. Let the state support efforts to expand medical care and facilities into all states. Let us lay the groundwork for an education system that can provide the youth - the future leaders of tomorrow - with some semblance of knowledge: so that they may not repeat the mistakes of our forefathers.

There will be those who will slander me, who will dirty my name, but they do it not in a crusade for truth or decency...but rather their own perverted aim to prevent growth and stability for this nation. They will not mislead you the people though, you already know the real truth and you are ready to fight for your right to a safe and prosperous society.

Let us strive forward together, in the name of Law, Order and Progress."

Once again supporters whipped into a frenzy as banners depicting 'Van Graff 2264' were unfurled on the podium. Tiaret gave the obligatory smile and wave before departing the stage.

---​

Following her declaration Tiaret Van Graff formally resigned as Chief Executive of the Van Graff Consortium, her daughter Frieda Van Graff being named to succeed her. Similarly Archibald Van Graff - Tiaret's brother - was named the new Director of the Van Graff Mining Company, formalizing his role in running the family's mining operations, a position he de-facto has held for the last four years.

In New Reno, Jerry Van Graff was named Director of the New Reno Development Fund (NRDF), the Van Graff front for its activities, signalling his own ascendancy in the family's operations in the City of Vice.

With her assets divided between her family - and largely still under her control - Tiaret Van Graff has departed Redding to tour the rest of the state before she embarks on her national campaign.

 

[mcclay]

I will not be moved!

Refugee Camp 12: aka 'Petersonvill'
​

Alex Reville held her first speech right out in front of the main hospital tent in Camp 12, called Petersonville by its residents. She had chosen this tent and camp, the largest concentration of refugees in Maxson, for her plea. Alex was reminded again by the men toting guns nearby that this was not the Boneyard. This was not some youthful rally that she could just yell freely at, where the only consequences were derision from her more isolationist peers and frustration from some higher ranking Followers. This was out in the field, where people died and fought and bled over scraps of food. Here she could be killed, she could be beaten and she could be imprisoned, and things worse than those could happen to her. But this had to be done. She could not sit idly by and watch while suffering happened. She could not let herself be bullied and forced around by scared men and women with little to lose. Everyone was hurting and she had made an oath to heal all who came to her. Willing or not.

"People of Maxson, I come to you as your friend, as your neighbor and your countrywoman. But most of all I come to you as your doctor. When I look around the camps I see fear, I see desperation and I see anger. I see people who have been pushed to the brink, forced to make hard decisions and fall back into old hates to survive. And, I understand this. I would be a moralizing asshole if I claimed to not understand why people would react with violence and terror in this situation. You have been forced from your homes, into camps with little help from your government. Your children are starving, your bodies are ailing and your livelihoods are in danger. And you are then put face to face with an old enemy or a reminder of the horrors of the war that ruined this land. I cannot blame you for reacting as you did. I am not blind to your troubles, or what they have made you do."

She takes a deep breath and continues, "But I have also seen hope. I have seen a family working together to bring a child back from the near death of starvation to a happy, rosy cheeked, healthy kid. I have seen men who but two days ago were part of rival militias work together to bring an old man food. I have seen cooperation, kindness and compassion among these camps, and that fills me with hope. Because the fear, the hate and the despair are not the standard functions of the human body. No, they are a disease. They are an illness upon all of us, a seeping tumor that fills the mind with darkness. Working together, putting aside differences, building a new future. That is the function of a healthy person, that is what the cure looks like. So, look not upon the Super Mutant as a enemy of old come to kill you again. The Master is dead. Killed decades ago by a hero. His army has lain down their arms and took to civilian life. How many of you had tribal ancestors who fought the NCR? Would you have liked the NCR to have hunted them down after the war was over? To force them from their homes and harass them with their soldiers? No, I do not think so. So extend the courtesy you were shown to the Super Mutants, and in a few decades they may be the ones saving you. For the Ghouls, to look at them as a ticking time bomb is wrong. They are men and women just like you and me, but born of the ruin of our land. If a man loses an arm in battle, you do not scorn him and drive him away with stones. No, you know that is wrong. The right thing to do is to help him, to work as a community to support him and, in turn, let him support you when his situation is stable. To drive away the Ghoul is to invite discord and death in the future. If we do not work together we will die."

Alex takes a moment to gulp before she speaks, her voice growing louder. "I spoke of how fear and anger are diseases, and they are. But most of all, the most vile and evil disease is bigotry, second only towards letting evil happen without doing anything to stop it. Bigotry poisons the community, rips it apart and forces good men and women to fight against each other, often at the will of some rich idiot who organized the whole thing. In the interest of not catching the latter disease, of not letting evil happen when good could be done, I will do my duty as a Follower and a doctor. I will cure the bigotry here, I will work to excise it with all my strength. For never forget, bigotry is a disease, and so long as it is here I will be here to combat it. I took that as my oath as a Follower, and I will not be moved!"

 

[MadMartigan]

The new "war council" of the Wright Family had assembled. Unlike Ricky-Joe's dependence on his children, Rand had spent the past year acquiring talented people to join his two closest associates; his stepsister Ace and his cousin Stantz. The new hires were a Follower scientist who calls himself The Doctor, a pair of supermutant bodyguards driven out of Vault City, and of course Colonel Piers; formerly the aide de campe to Gen. Mattis during his controversial Great Valley Territory campaign.

Rand: Why aren't we seeing increased revenue? The product is stronger than ever and we're making more of it than ever before.

Stantz: Give it time. We've got the market cornered, the competition is gonna die off and people are gonna down the stuff even faster than before. Especially now that the road South is open.

Rand: I suppose we can thank Old Bishop for that. But dead soldiers don't drink and as I heard it the war in the mountains ain't over yet. What's the status of our Guards in the event we have to defend ourselves?

Piers: Even compared to other merchant-houses like the Bishops, our force is small. We can keep on with the recruitment drive but it would take years to build up into something approaching battalion strength, and wouldn't go without notice in Shady Sands or your rivals.

Rand: Ace, Doc - can't you whip something up?

Ace: I'm a brewer not a Gunrunner, Randy.

Doctor: Well, *ahem*, it is not exactly my field of expertise..

Rand: Right, right. Just keep the stills going like you have, the business comes first. Everything else serves it.

Stantz: We could use more pull in the capital though. Vance does what he's told but the other houses are eating our lunch. The Gunrunners have lobbyists out the yazoo and the Van Graff woman is running for president for chrissake.

Ace: Cmon Stantz, do we really want to waste money on politics like Ricky Joe did? We're a business.

Rand: We're a Family, and the Republic is only just starting to remember why they respect us. What about being feared?

Eloise: You let me crush Hayson's skull and people would be afraid of the Wrights again.

Albert: What she means is if we go West and help Governor Harold restore order in Vault City, it would show the other houses what we could do.

Piers: I'm not comfortable leading 40 men against a thousand, even a poorly organized rabble like those rioters besieging the Vault.

Stantz: They don't have more real fighters than that. Maybe we can round up a posse...

Piers: Invade a neighboring state of the Republic with a private militia? I don't think thats covered by the Maxson Act.

Rand: Quiet, all of you. I'm not against helping out the esteemed Governor of Vault City, don't get me wrong, but no one is asking us to.

Eloise: I a-

Rand: No one outside of this organization has asked us to. You want to go on adventure? Go out there and get me intelligence, allies, a bounty, an incentive. Piers will keep the Guards ready, Stantz you figure out the angle and make it happen if you want it to happen. That is your job isn't it? Now...what else is on the docket?

Stantz: Eh, well we were going to look into moving on that new ski resort in the mountains, and word is the Redding miners are unionizing. We could offer our muscle and get our hand in the till.

Rand: How about we take the bars in Redding before we talk about moving into new rackets there. Ace, you got anything?

Ace: We could still make a deal with the Shi to transport our product by sea out of Sactown. Right now they could hit up and down the coast, but they'll be all over the Republic if they ever get the permits to finish their canal. And we could open up our own place in the mountains instead of stretching the Guard thin muscling in.

Stantz: Yeah, grease the hands of the tribals like they're probably doingin Markleeville.

Rand: I've made my decision, and it's final and requires all hands on deck. We're going to expand our rumrunning to our neighboring states, starting with Redding and Vault City. Whatever you can do to get us in good with the locals, find a way to do it and bring it back to his room and we can make it happen. No running off half-cocked. With robots wandering into the deserts, warlords and tribals everywhere, and the goddamn presidential election in a year we can't afford to have our efforts divided.

 

[Maxwell500]

Posters begin popping up throughout the country, organized by Tiaret Van Graff's campaign:

 

[Mikkel Glahder]

​

To: The water merchants of Sac-Town
From: General Sun Tzu-Yan

Leading members of the merchant houses of Sac-Town who previously had monopoly of the distribution of clean water in Sac-Town are to report to the Shi Fort of Fan Lau near the Golden Bay area, where the San-Fran - Sac-Town channel flow into the Golden Bay. They are to report for their obvious abduction, torture and eventual murder of a Shi Guardsmen. If leading members do not report to the Fan Lau Fort, there will be severe consequences.

Regards,
General Sun Tzu-Yan

 

[baboushreturns]

​

To: The water merchants of Sac-Town
From: General Sun Tzu-Yan

Leading members of the merchant houses of Sac-Town who previously had monopoly of the distribution of clean water in Sac-Town are to report to the Shi Fort of Fan Lau near the Golden Bay area, where the San-Fran - Sac-Town channel flow into the Golden Bay. They are to report for their obvious abduction, torture and eventual murder of a Shi Guardsmen. If leading members do not report to the Fan Lau Fort, there will be severe consequences.

Regards,
General Sun Tzu-Yan

To: General Sun Tzu-Yan
From: The Merchant Families of Sac-Town including the prominent owners of Happy Trails Caravans

It is obvious to anyone with half a brain that, the merchant houses of this city are innocent regarding this incident. Furthermore General you have no legal jurisdiction over us, or our city, therefore, no one will be reporting to Fan Lau Fort. Instead, we will be reaching out to Chief Elise and hope that before you make any more belligerent threats you consider the ramifications your actions will have.


To: Chief Elise @King50000
From: The Merchant Families of Sac-Town

In the contents of this letter, we have included a belligerent letter sent by General Sun Tzu-Yan. In recent months his soldiers have moved into our town uninvited and have caused disorder and chaos here. Following the death of one of his men while on patrol we fear that his forces might seek retribution against our people. In times like this, flanked on all sides by inferior races we do not know who to turn to besides you Chief. We hope that soon your people might arrive to calm down the situation and force the Shi back to their hovels. We can only pray that good Californian soldiers arrive in time.

God Bless You

 

[Cleeque]

Mr. Broderick, clad and groomed, as he was found in Congress on the 21st of November

As the events of the fall unfolded, the now extremely prominent Congressman immediately proposed a series of measures to deal with the current crises-

First, a double-pronged measure in consequence of the military failures this year, mostly in regards to army intellegence and logistics-

In order to find out who when and how, from within the NCR, according to recent military intellegence, covertly supports the barbaric Den slavers who make war and enslave the agricultural heartland of the NCR, AND, in order to assist with the capture of Chief Lone Horn and other important military enemies and terrorists of the Californian people

FORMATION OF THE CENTRAL INTELLEGENCE SERVICE

- Governmental creation of a 'Central Intellence Service' (referred to as 'CIS') institution as the main security agency, to be responsible for broad, both civil and military intellegence, independent from the army or any other Republican institution.
- The 'CIS' is to be subject to the Federal Government, rather than any individual state or territory, or communal government, and thus be under the jurisdiction of the executive head (the President of the New California Republic) and the supreme legislative body (the Congress of the New California Republic).
- The CIS is to act as an internal and external security, intellegence, and federal secret police.
- It's main functions, among others, are defined as foreign intelligence, counter-intelligence, operative-investigatory activities, guarding and monitoring of the State Border of the NCR, guarding the leadership of the Republican executive and judicial office as well as all other legislative and congressional faces, organization and ensuring of government communications as well as combating terrorism, dissent, and anti-democratic activities
- It's authority should be superseding of government institution not previously outlined to be over the authority of the CIS, in the interest of chiefly analyzing and acting upon national security information and, by all means, ensuring and conserving the constitution and democracy of the New California republic.
- The funding of the CIS is to be done consequently of the formation, by whatever rate is deemed necessary acceptable by the Congressional Bureau of Finance.

In order to prevent more loss of lives, more logistical catastrophes due to the lack of proper coordination and supply organization, as demonstrated in the last few months of Great Valley campaigning and Den Slaver anti-terror operations.

AUTHORIZATION FOR THE FORMATION OF LOGISTICS BATTALIONS WITHIN THE NCRA

- Authorization of the Army leadership for the creation of separate, extra-divisional logistics battalions.
- The logistic's battalions are tasked with providing logistics to other units of the New California Republic army beyond the organic capabilities of regular units in any environment and throughout the spectrum of conflict in order to allow the NCRA to continue operations independent of any logistically driven operational pauses.
- The logistics battalions are to be deployed to wherever they are deemed required by the military staff in support of various combat and non-combat campaigns. The battalions are to provide tactical logistics support to Army units during the course of the operationi. During the deployment they are to be, in particular, responsible for transportation of supplies to ground units through combat logistics patrols, air delivery and reconnaisance support teams; improving roads and trafficability for units moving throughout the area of operation; and maintaining vehicles and equipment that may take damage during the course of action.
- The logistics battalions are to be under direct jurisdiction of the units they are to provide support to. If deemed necessary by the Chiefs of Staff, the battalions may expanded into greater units (i.e regiments) as the situation requires.
- The army funding is to be expanded consequently, by whatever rate is deemed necessary and acceptable by the Congressional Bureau of Finance.

And, in regards to the catastrophic situation in Vault city -
In order to ensure the safety of the Gecko people, the energy supply, to prevent nuclear catastrophe and the falling into the hands of radicals on both sides of the current extraordinary conflict within the province.

PROTECTION OF THE GECKO NUCLEAR POWERPLANT

- The Gecko Nuclear Station (reffered to as the 'Nuclear Station/the Plant/Gecko Powerplant') in Vault City State is to be nationalized in order to ensure it's safety in regards to the extraodinary situation.
- The Nuclear Station is transformed from a public asset owned by the currently disfunctional state government of Vault City into a federal-regional (75-25) public asset to be administerred by the national government of the New California republic.
- Any and all factory non-office employees to remain employed by the asset, and compensation is to be offered by the federal government to those who wish to end their labour at the factory in regards to the current emergency situation.
- Higher office employees may be exempt from their labour by the jurisidicted new powerplant authority, and compensation is to be offered to them if they are chosen to excluded from the position.
- The Gecko power plant is to be fully incorporated into the Republican energy grid and is to continue its function uninterruptedly.
- Any available security units in proximity are to assist in the smooth transfer of the asset into the safe hands of the federal government.

=====

"They've got a set waiters - Petterson on one side and Van Graff on the other, but no matter which waiter brings you the dish, the legislative grub is all prepared in the same, corporate kitchen."

-Unconfirmed statement given on the 19th/12th to his personal secretary as quoted by the New Klamath Morning​

 

[King50000]

To: Chief Elise
From: The Merchant Families of Sac-Town

In the contents of this letter, we have included a belligerent letter sent by General Sun Tzu-Yan. In recent months his soldiers have moved into our town uninvited and have caused disorder and chaos here. Following the death of one of his men while on patrol we fear that his forces might seek retribution against our people. In times like this, flanked on all sides by inferior races we do not know who to turn to besides you Chief. We hope that soon your people might arrive to calm down the situation and force the Shi back to their hovels. We can only pray that good Californian soldiers arrive in time.

God Bless You

To: The Merchant Families of Sac-Town
From: Chief Elise

I'm going to break this down as simple as I can for you all so that it's understood and I don't have to deal with this quagmire you all have made anymore than I need to. General Sun and the Shi Guard were invited and have not caused any disorder or chaos as far as I have see. General Sun and his guardsmen were invited into the GVT by President Peterson himself to assist me in restoring order to the territory and safeguarding the highways in use by the Republic's caravans, caravans belonging to you. That request extends to Sac-Town itself, where repairs to the canal linking the town to the bay are being undertaken to shorten the amount of territory NCRA forces are currently forced to patrol, again for the safety of your caravans. So if anything, the Shi should be viewed as a force of stability and order, as they have proved nothing except fierce and elite auxiliaries to my forces throughout the GVT.

That being said, General Sun has no authority over any civilian personnel within Sac-Town other than those currently employed by the Shi Guard or within the confines of Fort Fan Lau or the Sac-Town Canal (which is being guarded by Shi Guardsmen). He can not force you all to attend to him at Fort Fan Lau, though I caution you to tread lightly and respond to General Sun with the utmost respect, of which he has most definitely earned. The death of one of his guardsmen is an ongoing investigation, and I trust that if any of the Merchant Families have information on the perpetrators of this heinous crime they will immediately forward it to all the law agencies involved: the local police, the NCRA military police, and the Shi Guard police. Obstruction of justice is a serious offense, and it is the duty of every NCR citizen to assist local authorities in bringing justice for the death of a fellow citizen, of which every Shi is.

If you have any further concerns about this matter, don't bring them to me.

Regards,
Chief Elise of the Rangers
Commander of NCRA-GVT Forces

 

[Lonelylurker]

To: Congressman Broderick
From Governor Harold of the currently embattled state of Vault City.

I quite agree that the current state of open insurrection by human supremacist forces against the legitimate government of this state is unacceptable, and should be a matter of national concern. I have already requested the assistance of the NCRA in putting down these rioters and appreciate your support in this area.

You seem somewhat misinformed on certain details of our situation however; Firstly the Gecko reactor is in no danger, indeed most of the rabble wouldn't dare go near it for fear of their pretty smooth skins, and if they did it would be a simple matter to close the outer doors which nothing short of artillery could breach.

Secondly the reactor itself is the property of the citizens of Gecko themselves, held as a collective, and attempted seizure, under any name, would be a direct violation of the Gecko Integration Act by which the town joined the NCR.

Thirdly, even if such legalities were to be swept aside, qualified nuclear power plant technicians don't exactly grow on trees anymore. The Gecko reactor is the only full-sized pre-war reactor known and most of the people running it are more than 200 years old, with pre-war educations in the field and decades of experience in it's peculiarities. The only safe alternative to it's current management would be to shut it down, which would be seriously crippling to the power infrastructure of the entire northern NCR.

So yes, by all means do please send help to round up these hooligans and preserve life property and the democratic rule of law in this great state. But don't try to use the current crisis to justify a resource grab.

 

[Cleeque]

Interview of Senator John H. Broderick on the National Policy Observer Radio Show, subsequently published in the National Policy Observer Newspaper.
5 October, 2263

WILLIAM BRINKLEY: Mr. Senator, I know you're currently under pressure from all sides of the political scene and are, according to reports, quite busy currently, especially due to the election coming in the month of January. I'll be sure to be clear, concise, and not take more time than you have to offer.

JOHN H. BRODERICK: Thanks for havin' me on board.

WILLIAM BRINKLEY: Mr. Senator, many people question your radicalism - you refute claims of you being a radical, yet you are often quoted as having stated some rather obscure remarks in regards to certain things - what do you say to them?

JOHN H. BRODERICK: You know, I'll be clear - they say they don't like my methods. Well, I don't like them either. I really don't like to have to do things the way I do. I'd much rather get up before the legislature and say, 'Now this is a good law and it's for the benefit of the people, and I'd like you to vote for it in the interest of the public welfare.' Only I know that laws ain't made that way. You've got to fight fire with fire.

I'd rather violate every one of the damn conventions and see my bills passed, than sit back in my office, all nice and proper, and watch 'em die, that's the truth, and I ain't gon' sugarcoat it. You sometimes fight fire with fire. The end justifies the means. I would do it some other way if there was time or if it wasn't necessary to do it this way.

Seriously -everything I did, I've had to do with one hand, because I've had to fight with the other. And I sure as hell don't want to.

WILLIAM BRINKLEY: Mr. Broderick - what is your work ethic like?

JOHN H. BRODERICK: I have so many things to do and not enough time to do them. I may not live long enough to do everything I want to do, but I'm gonna try. One of my philosophies, is always take the offensive — the defensive ain't worth a damn. You can frighten or buy ninety-nine out of every one hundred men - and that's how most politics is done in our republic, like it or not. I used to get things done by saying please. Now I dynamite 'em out of my path.

WILLIAM BRINKLEY: Haha - you sure seem to. You're always so negative in your view in your establishment, you're always so critical of today's government, and yet, you vehemently defend try to defend democracy and the status quo. Why?

JOHN H. BRODERICK: You will find that you cannot do without politicians. They are a necessary evil in this day and time. You may not like getting money from one source and spending it for another. But the thing for the school people to do is that if the politicians are going to steal, make them steal for the schools, the hospitals, the roads, the railways, and the army - they steal from the people for the people, and I think that's good.

WILLIAM BRINKLEY: Mr Broderick - let us address some of the more controversial questions. Many have accused you, with just reason and concern, of being a demagogue - of being a screamer and a populist. They accused you of everything from communism, to fascism, there were times, before the narrow defeat of the bill to remove Congressman Hayson, that you would be ousted from politics, impeached, as well.

JOHN H. BRODERICK: I have never held a public office in my life during which I was not under some kind of threat of removal or impeachment from the day I went into politics until the present day. . . I have tried for about sixteen years to have it some other way, and it has never been any other way, so now I have stopped trying to have it any other way. Quote me sayin' to my critics - I was born into politics, a wedded man with a storm for a bride.


====

Congress of the New California Republic

10:12 AM, October 21st, 2263 - Congressional Emergency Assembly on the Situation in Vault City

Excerpt from Speech of Senator John H. Broderick, Klamath State

"And if they're listening, that Hayson and that Harold, lay down your arms, treat each other peacefully, and arrive before the Congress. Hear me, if you're listening - come to Shady Sands and mediate. Otherwise quote me god for saying - you will both end up in prison."

whistling, applause from Broderick's supporters​

 

[chopak]

Finally, after days of delay caused by necessary bypass of 395, Congessman Hayson have reached Vault City. Passing burnt buildings areound state capitol frightened him. The riots were bigger than he expected. But on the other hand, how can one accurately foresee what will happen if such chaotic and unpredictable creatures like ghouls are involved.
Vault was guarded by his men. Well, fifty of his men and about thousand others, but according to the cheer Congressman received, the rest was also 'his'.
- Good to have you here, sir. We have Harold locked up here. He won't be able to escape.
- Very good job gentlemen. Do we have communications with inside of the vault?
- Yes, sir. The vault intercom is reachable from door console.
- Thank you. Give me the mic, and please do one more thing for me.
Hayson gived man a folded piece of paper and then got up to the console with three other men. Few flicks of the buttons and the intercom was on.

@Lonelylurker
-Hey Harold! Game over! You are cornered and have nowhere else to go. I know this vault like the back of my hand. There are no back door.
Your plan was sound, I have to admit that. Abuse your governor position, fabricate fake evidence against my company, send unexperienced officers to critical areas. You knew they will botch their job and provoke my guardsmen. But look at what you caused. The destruction, chaos. Tens of families now have nowhere to live. Hundreds others are afraid of what you gonna do next. I know you can sit in this vault for ages. You are a ghoul after all. But what about the others? You will leave all those on the surface to the riots you started? What kind of governor are you? And what about those humans that you have deceived and who are locked with you down there? They're gonna sit there hundred years like you? Spoiler alert: they would not make it past fifty.
It's time to stop Harold. To back down.
I have here the reporter from the California Radio who, as a stroke of good fortune, I have met in New Reno on my way here. You will confess to him your crimes and present your resignation as governor and I will let you go. Gecko, Dayglow, wherever you want. You stay out of politics, and I'll let you go free. Simple as that. You leave humans alone, and I will do what's in my power to stop riots. We can stop countless deaths and injuries together Harold. You just need to cooperate. Can you hear me? What's your answer?
...
...
- Stupid ghoul, always has to make others wait
...
...
Seconds pass with no answer, in the meantime, man sent by Hayson has returned.
- Sir, mission accomplished. Jammers set up. No radio signal would go out from the vault. Of course the intercom is by the wire, so this is the only place outside the vault that the inside has contact with.
- Excellent job, young man. You hear Harold? You are out of options. What's your answer?
Haaaaloooooo?

 

[Rovsea]

A Message to the Army Chiefs of Staff:

From the Command of General Mattis:

Dear Chiefs,

Below is contained a letter sent to me by Congressman Hayson, requesting for me to intervene in the crisis in Vault City by illegally arresting the Governor of Vault City, and what he claims are "Ghoul Brigands". To the knowledge of this General, Governor Harold has done no such thing, and was simply executing legally issued warrants for investigations into Congressman Hayson's businesses. What's more, the rhetoric enclosed in said letter is that favored by the radical Humanist movement in Vault City. Given the state of unrest in Vault City at this time, I am deeply concerned both about the Congressman propagating the situation, and the need for the military to step in and restore law and order.

The Letter described:

General Mattis,
May I request assistance from you and your men? Ghoul brigands with help from VC governor Harold have commenced attack on VaultMed faciliites in Vault City. Fortunately, my men have fend off the attack and cornered those ferals into VC vault. However they are still armed and dangerous and more ghoul sympathisers are roaming around VC causing chaos. Can you move in and lock those crazed ghouls up?

Sincerely,
General Priam Mattis

 

[Arrowfiend]

Congress of the New California Republic
​

A personal letter from Governor Turner of Dayglow is delivered to Congress and read aloud by Dayglow Congressman Matthew Cortés

The chaos in Vault City has gone on for far too long. Thus, I lodge an open request to Congress to permit a military restoration of law and order in Vault City. I beseech all of you to consider the thousands, ghoul and human alike, suffering under the bigoted mob-rule of Congressman Hayson and his radical Humanist cronies. Order must be restored to our Republic and Congressman Hayson must be tried for his crimes.

In addition, I request that humanitarian aid be sent to the assist the many refugees fleeing from Vault City. While the Society of Didacus has made extraordinary efforts towards alleviating the pain of many, many more continue suffer and I believe that only government intervention will truly solve this.

Congressmen and women, please put aside any of your political differences and make definitive action in this time of crisis; the livelihood and wellbeing of many citizens of our Republic are at stake.

 

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Stats updated, orders due Saturday the 20th by midnight. Please do not be late and keep up the good IC.