New horizons

It'd been a year since Afton had become an Initiate, a few things had happened since then, Melissa and Miles had managed to pass their tests and become fellow Initiates. His fame had also increased within the Chapter due to the talent he commonly displayed.

His education was coming along handily, unfortunately, it didn't look like he'd have a lot of time to prepare himself for whatever conflict was coming. The Brotherhood scouts had been reporting that the NCR's presence around Hoover dam had been rapidly increasing, their trademark rangers had actually managed to pick off two or three of their members, enraging those who personally knew them in the Chapter.

Afton knew that the initial mission had been to obtain Hoover dam for Brotherhood in California, but apparently Elder Elijah had left it too long to comfortably do... As of now, if they tried to take it they'd be fighting against a strong defensive perimeter. The NCR as much as they disliked to admit, were quite strong, they may not have the technological strength of the Brotherhood, but they had numbers and good tacticians.

The news caused everyone to look to Elder Elijah for questions on what they were supposed to do, which spurred the man into action. He immediately ordered a relocation, he looked reluctant as he wished to stay and uncover more buried pre-war tech in the area, but time was shortening and they had no idea when this whole region would be claimed by the NCR.

As Afton was now an Initiate, he was given a laser rifle and tasked with assisting the Knights and Paladins at protecting the perimeter of the convoy, some were not happy with forcing an eleven-year-old into a combat role, that was especially so with his mother... His father managed to placate her with the fact he'd be keeping a close eye on him.

Sandra Torres was also positioned with him, however, the rest of the Initiates in his class were told to help carry things as Doran didn't think they were even close to being ready for combat.

Afton didn't know where their destination was, but hopefully, Elder Elijah wasn't leading them to their doom. He waited on the surface in his typical Initiate scout armour, his height was now 5.2ft and he was wielding a laser rifle that looked relatively large in his hands. Was he accurate with it? Sometimes... The thing was heavy and had a good deal of kick if you continuously fired, if you got shot at short to medium range in a vital you'd probably die instantly though.

Sandra stood at his side, also wielding a laser rifle... She was slightly shorter than he was at 5.1, but her thinner build made her look almost comically unsuited for the weapon.

"Any idea as to where we're headed?" he asks her, hefting the rifle onto his shoulder to rest his arms a little.

She shakes her head, "None... I haven't been hearing good rumours either. Has your dad said anything about what's happening?"

Afton shrugs, "Things aren't looking good is all I'll say..." he leans in to whisper in her ear, "Don't tell anyone I said this, but... I think if Elijah remains the Elder, the Chapter will eventually be destroyed." he says to her grimly.

She slowly nods in agreement, her face going slightly pale at the thought of it... She's about to ask something else when the sound of heavy footsteps walks up behind them.

"Son, Initiate Torres... I hope you aren't planning a rendezvous when we're just about to begin relocating." his father says, his voice distorted by his T-51b Power armour helmet. Though, Afton could tell by the man's posture that he had a huge grin under it.

Sandra straightens her back and places her right arm over her chest in a typical Brotherhood salute, "Paladin Parker, Initiate Torres at your service sir!"

The two teens could hear Zachary snort under his helmet at the formal greeting, he shifts the weight of the Gatling laser he was currently holding into one arm before resting a hand on Sandra's shoulder. "Relax Initiate, I may be a Paladin but I don't mind if you're informal with me... Unless the situation calls for it obviously."

"But sir-"

"Son, what have you been telling your girlfriend here? She seems to think I'm some sort of boogeyman!"

Sandra blushes at the insinuation, Afton can only sigh and shrug at his father, "I'd appreciate if you stopped teasing my partner dad, she's nervous enough as it is."

"Partner now, is it?" he chuckles slows when he notices Afton's glare, "Fine. You two will stick with me as per my agreement with your mother, if anything happens use me as cover. You're not wearing Power armour so its standard procedure. Last but not least, do not fire your weapons until I say so, we don't know who we could stumble into so erring on the side of caution is needed. Got me?"

They nod and he gives a thumbs up, "Good, just follow my orders and we'll get where we need to be safely." he says before turning and stomping towards the rest of the group wearing Power armour.

Afton and Sandra feel a little out of place within their ranks, but they do eventually notice some of the older Initiates who're not yet tall enough to wear Power armour standing around.

Elder Elijah gives a brief speech that does nothing to raise the morale of the convoy, eventually getting replaced by Head Paladin Mcnamara who speaks of the Codex, their foundations, mission, and everything else they're tasked with. He goes onto explain that every single member here is integral to the survival of the Chapter, and that everyone's best efforts will be needed if they're going to succeed in this wasteland.

The Head Paladin's speech achieved what the Elder's had not, that's the thing about cults... It didn't take much for encouragement, just spouting a few lines from the Codex would invigorate any "loyal" Brotherhood member no-matter what the situation.

With everyone raring to go, the convoy started...