I will upload the chapter now because tomorrow I will have problems to upload it at the usual time.
question do you want me to make some POV of people close to mc or how things develop without mc's presence?
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With the information we had extracted from The Calculator's systems, we began to grasp the magnitude of what we had recovered. The technology now in our hands wasn't just advanced—it was classified, the kind of secrets that had once been considered national treasures. Among the most groundbreaking discoveries was the cold fusion generator that had kept the facility operational.
This device, unlike any technology I had worked with before, had an astonishing energy generation capacity. According to the records, it could power up to a million homes continuously. If I could transport it and get it operational in my settlement, it would revolutionize our energy production, eliminating the need for external power sources for generations.
The same technology used in G.E.C.K.s for power generation was based on cold fusion generators. And although the generator was the most complex component to manufacture, we now possessed the complete blueprints. With this information, we could build our own cold fusion generators, and more importantly, new G.E.C.K.s, allowing us to significantly advance the terraforming process.
The technology we had recovered from the vault, particularly the microfusion generators, was exactly what we needed to solve one of the most critical issues we faced with our power armor—its limited autonomy. The microfusion generators found in the scavenged armors, capable of lasting decades or even over a century without recharging, were the answer to this long-standing problem.
Until now, my power armor, while powerful, could only operate for a few hours due to the high energy consumption. It was a constant issue, especially in prolonged engagements. The prospect of integrating this microfusion technology directly into the armor would not only eliminate the need for recharging but significantly enhance my men's endurance on the battlefield.
I imagined the impact this would have on the Legion. My soldiers were already better equipped than most, but now, with microfusion generators in their armor, they would be unstoppable. The extended power supply would allow them to fight for days without rest, never having to worry about running out of energy during critical moments in battle.
The Midwest Brotherhood of Steel had sent dozens of their paladins to fight The Calculator, and although the battle left a trail of destruction and death, we managed to recover a significant amount of their power armor. After repairs and part replacements, we restored them to their former glory, an invaluable resource for our forces. However, the armor of the legendary "The Warrior" and his ashes would come with me as a tribute to his sacrifice.
But the most valuable prize wasn't the armor; it was the machinery that hadn't been buried in the depths of the vault. These devices were essential for creating components crucial to other machines, a resource of immense value. With these tools, we could establish our own industry, much more independent and efficient. We would no longer rely on searching or purchasing rare parts from Lord Caesar's territories—we could produce them ourselves.
This wouldn't just cut costs; it would also give us a significant strategic advantage, enabling us to manufacture weapons, armor, and advanced technology at a much faster rate and in greater volume.
I left the recovery work to a group of legionaries, equipped with the captured power armor. I gave them clear instructions, handing out several bottles of diluted Rad-X to protect them from the residual radiation. I also warned them sternly: they were not to touch the cold fusion generator under any circumstances. Only I knew how to disconnect it without causing a catastrophe, and a mistake could result in a devastating explosion.
Upon returning, I went directly to the legate's tent. Walking firmly, I approached the table where Lanius was studying campaign maps.
"Legate, I've returned from the vault," I said, my tone firm but respectful.
Lanius looked up, his expression hidden behind the impenetrable mask, but his presence filled the room. "What have you found, Gaius?" he asked, his voice low and commanding.
"Remnants of a battle against an enemy so dangerous that it united the Brotherhood of Steel and the super mutants to fight it," I answered, standing tall.
Lanius stared at me for a moment, silent. His eyes, hidden behind the mask of Mars, seemed to weigh the importance of my words.
"And what was this enemy?" he finally asked, his tone as cold as ever.
"The Calculator, an artificial intelligence created from human minds, which became corrupted. From what I could gather, it tried to exterminate all organic life," I explained, choosing my words carefully to make them clear to Lanius. "It was a fierce battle, and although the Brotherhood of Steel won, it came at a great cost. We found the remains of their paladins, super mutants, and ghouls, all slaughtered. They all fell trying to stop that machine."
processing what I had told him. Although his understanding of technology was limited, his warrior instincts and strategic judgment were undeniable.
He remained silent for a few more seconds before asking gravely, "And what remains of this threat?"
"The Calculator and its army of robots have been destroyed," I quickly replied. "The last living member of the Brotherhood dealt the final blow but died from his wounds shortly after."
Lanius nodded slowly, considering the information. "And what can we gain from all of this, Gaius?"
"The power armor and weapons we can repair will serve our men," I responded, watching as Lanius stared at me through the eyes of his mask, evaluating me with caution. "And with time, we could get some of the machinery operational to produce more equipment for the Legion. None of this will bring us an immediate victory, but it could be crucial in the long run."
"I see… I suppose the Brotherhood beat us to it, and while they didn't take anything, they destroyed what they could," Lanius said, his voice low but filled with anger. The metallic echo of his mask accentuated his frustration, as if the words were fused with contained fury.
I nodded cautiously, aware that anything I said could stoke Lanius' anger. "Certainly, legate, their weapons were powerful, but they're deteriorated, rusted. Whatever we can salvage will only be useful if I can reverse-engineer it." I kept my tone neutral, though I knew this wasn't the answer he wanted.
Lanius watched me in silence for a moment, weighing my words. "Do what you must," he finally said. "Now that you're done playing tomb raider, I need you and your men on the front lines. Dog City is near, and soon we'll bring it under control. The Hangdogs have fortified themselves in the ruins, and the coming battle will be bloody. Worthy of Mars, who will see if our devotion is enough to win."
I nodded, understanding the gravity of the task. "My men are ready, legate. We've improved our weapons, and the armor is in good condition. If Mars is watching, we'll make him proud of his legion."
"I expect nothing less, Gaius," Lanius said sternly. "I want your men in the vanguard. The ruins of Dog City are full of traps, and the Hangdogs will stop at nothing. Make sure all legionaries understand that only the strongest will survive."
With my cohorts under my command, we moved quickly towards the ruins of Denver, bypassing small settlements that would be easy targets for the legions coming behind us. The motorized carriages cut across the desert terrain, kicking up clouds of dust as we pushed forward relentlessly. Two days of hard travel brought us to the imposing ruins of Denver.
What lay before us was both majestic and desolate. Denver was the largest city I had ever seen, its crumbling skyscrapers dominating the horizon, twisted monuments of a long-gone civilization. The shattered towers seemed to tell stories of bombings, chaos, and collapse.
"It's like a giant graveyard," one of my legionaries murmured, staring at the broken towers.
"But it's not empty," I replied, watching the movements between the shadows.
As we drew closer, I noticed some buildings had been recently repaired, with makeshift scaffolding and materials contrasting against the old structures. The Hangdogs hadn't just taken refuge; they had fortified the city. I knew we were in for a brutal urban fight, with traps lurking around every corner.
"Look at those repairs," I pointed out. "This isn't just a ruin, it's a fortress."
What worried me most was the sheer number of dogs we could already see from a distance. Their howls echoed through the empty streets, and the shadows of their bodies moving between the debris were a forewarning of what awaited us.
"They don't call it Dog City for nothing," I muttered to myself, though my men already understood.
The Hangdogs were known not only for being skilled fighters but also for their ability to train deadly dogs. These beasts, raised in the harsh conditions of the city, were lethal. Fighting the Hangdogs meant fighting both their warriors and their trained killers.
"Remember your training!" I shouted to my men, feeling the tension in the air. "Some of you haven't seen this kind of battle, but follow the veterans. You'll see many more days of fighting for Lord Caesar."
The two additional cohorts I had recently been assigned were nervous, but I trusted the veterans to lead them well. As we moved deeper into Denver's ruins, the echo of our footsteps bounced off the deserted streets. We left the vehicles a safe distance behind, knowing that the half-collapsed skyscrapers could hide ambushes from above.
It wasn't long before our scouts spotted movement in the buildings. "Movement at twelve o'clock!" one of the veterans shouted, pointing his rifle towards a broken window. The sound of gunfire quickly filled the air.
The enemy had been watching us the moment we crossed into the city. Their shots were precise, trying to halt our advance from elevated positions. But my men, well-trained and prepared, quickly returned fire, taking cover behind debris and abandoned vehicles as they engaged.
"Take cover!" I shouted, as bullets ricocheted off nearby walls. Some of the newer legionaries were tense, but they followed orders without hesitation.
"Launch grenades into the second floor!" I ordered to one of the legionaries equipped with a grenade launcher attached to his power armor. A loud explosion followed, sending glass and debris flying as the enemy fire ceased.
We moved methodically, firing from the flanks as we pushed through the ruined streets. I knew the Hangdogs wouldn't give up easily. The city was a labyrinth of crumbling buildings and dark alleys, but my men pressed forward with discipline, clearing each street and structure.
When we encountered a heavily fortified position, it became clear that the profligates were determined to defend. From a reinforced building, they rained down fire, trying to pin down our forces. A frontal assault would be suicide, but we were no fools.
"Flamethrowers, to the front!" I commanded, and the men in power armor surged forward without hesitation. The flames erupted from the tubes, engulfing the enemy position. The fire spread like a predator, devouring everything in its path.
The screams of the profligates were drowned out by the roar of the flames and the thick smoke rising into the sky. It was a terrifying sight, but necessary. We knew that only brutality could meet the savagery of these dogs who called the city home.
"Hold your positions!" I ordered as the fire did its work. The flames not only burned, but the smoke filled the building, suffocating those who hadn't been caught by the fire. The few who managed to escape the inferno were swiftly cut down by my marksmen, who showed no mercy.
"Move in, it's clear!" I shouted, leading my men toward the now-silent stronghold. The air reeked of ash and death, but we couldn't stop. We had to keep pushing forward, fighting street by street, until Dog City was ours.
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Leave a comment; support is always appreciated.
I remind you to leave your ideas or what you would like to see.
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.