Chapter 53: Expanding Influence and Uncovering Secrets

December 23rd, 2274

After the successful raid on Jury Street Metro Station, Victor focused his attention on expanding operations across the Wasteland. Silver had quickly established a trader depot in Big Town, where the local population, composed of former Little Lamplight residents, struggled against frequent super mutant and slaver attacks. Supplies were scarce, and the settlement was barely surviving, making Silver's presence invaluable.

The goods Silver offered were tailored to the harsh realities of Wasteland life—RadAway, Rad-X, Stimpaks, 10mm pistols, hunting rifles, basic blades and knives, and a mixture of patched-up leather and metal armor. She also provided weapon and armor repairs, essential in a world where most people couldn't afford new gear and had to make do with what they had.

To assist in running the depot and managing logistics, Beta-2, now known as Vex, had joined Silver in Big Town. Vex was one of the many female operatives in Victor's Beta team, and she was tasked with not only assisting in trade but also gathering intelligence about the surrounding settlements and any threats that might emerge.

Silver: "The people here are desperate, Vex. They need more than just supplies—they need protection. Keep an ear to the ground and let me know if you pick up anything useful about the raiders or super mutants."

Vex: "Got it. I've already started talking to a few of the locals, but they're suspicious of newcomers. I'll keep it low-key, don't worry."

Meanwhile, AZ continued his sweep of the Jury Street area. His team stumbled upon a group of raiders entrenched in Hank's Electrical Supply, a small, rundown building near the Jury Street Metro Station. The raiders put up a fight, but AZ and his squad overpowered them, securing the building and everything inside.

Among the loot were scrap metal, broken electronics, and something unusual—several barrels of Aqua Pura, the rare purified water from Project Purity. Knowing how rare and valuable clean water was in the Wasteland, AZ immediately had samples sent back to the Vault for analysis. Along with the loot, the raiders were captured and tied up, destined for interrogation back at the base.

AZ: "We've secured Hank's Electrical Supply. Found some Aqua Pura—seems odd that raiders would be sitting on such a valuable resource. I've sent samples back to base for testing."

Victor (via comms): "Good work. Aqua Pura's too rare to be in the hands of random raiders. We need to find out where it's coming from. Get the area cleaned out and strip anything valuable. I want no trace left."

AZ: "Copy that. We've captured a few of the raiders—they'll be sent back for questioning. I also found something else. The terminal logs mention that Talon Company mercs have been visiting this building. Looks like they've been using it as a supply stop."

Victor: "Talon Company, huh? That's a problem. We don't need them sniffing around our operations. For now, avoid direct confrontation. Gather intel on their movements, and we'll figure out how to deal with them later."

As AZ's team swept the area for anything useful, they began preparations to leave the Jury Street Metro Station and Hank's Electrical Supply cleared of any potential threats. Meanwhile, Victor had other plans in motion.

In the Vault, NIM began working on the next phase of the plan—manufacturing a new batch of assault bots and a specialized Mr. Handy robot for deployment to Big Town. This Mr. Handy, named James, was designed with a soothing male voice and a hopeful, optimistic personality, perfectly suited to help with both medical and psychological treatment in the struggling settlement. James' demeanor was meant to instill confidence in the locals, helping to bolster morale while Vex quietly collected intelligence.

Victor issued orders to send James and a squad of assault bots to Big Town, along with Beta-2 (Vex), to help protect Silver's operation and the settlement itself.

Victor (toNIM): "Send James and the assault bots to Big Town with Vex. We need to ensure the town stays protected while Silver continues gathering information. Make sure everything runs smoothly."

NIM: "Understood. James is ready for deployment. He'll be a perfect fit for the settlement, keeping the locals calm and ensuring medical needs are met."

December 27th, 2274

Back in Big Town, Silver had firmly established her trader depot. Vex worked alongside her, blending in as her hired help while quietly monitoring the situation in the area. The residents of Big Town were wary but grateful for the supplies and the added protection.

When James and the assault bots arrived, their presence immediately changed the mood of the settlement. James' hopeful voice and willingness to assist with medical issues made him a favorite among the residents, while the assault bots stood ready to defend the town against any future attacks.

James: "Good day! How can I assist you today? Whether it's a sprained ankle or just a chat, I'm here to help! We'll get through this, no worries!"

The locals, who had been demoralized and fearful of the constant super mutant and slaver attacks, found some renewed hope. The assault bots patrolled the perimeter of the town, giving Big Town a sense of safety it hadn't had in years.

Vex: "Silver, the bots are already making a difference. The people here are starting to relax, and James is working wonders on their morale."

Silver: "Good. Let's keep this up. The more they trust us, the more intel we can gather."

Alpha-1: "Mam we overheard that there was a recent attack on the town by mutants. We have collected their information from people, there seems to be a mutant stronghold nearby who harasses people and caravans around the area."

Silver: "Send the report to base we will wait for response from and accordingly. Keep up the patrols and place Alpha 4 on vantage point on nearby building roof to keep us from sudden attacks."

With the new defenses in place and the operations running smoothly, Victor turned his focus back to Jury Street. He ordered AZ to fully clean out Hank's Electrical Supply, strip the area of any remaining resources, and prepare for potential future conflict with Talon Company. The presence of Aqua Pura and the discovery of the mercenary group's involvement in the area were red flags—indicating that a much larger power struggle was on the horizon.

As Victor's network expanded, so did the threats. But for now, his plans were proceeding smoothly, and with Silver and Vex entrenched in Big Town, they were ready for the next phase.