Chapter 49: Silver's New Mission

November 24th, 2274

After extensive rehabilitation, the second batch of raiders—including Silver who got a bit of facial surgery along with two other women—were finally ready for deployment. Victor's meticulous work, along with the help of NIM, had brought these once-broken individuals back from the brink. The memory overrides and combat training had been successful, giving them new identities and a clear purpose.

Victor had devised a plan for Silver, now acting as a trader, and the two other raiders as her mercenary guards. Along with them would be an assault bot disguised as a Mr. Handy robot, equipped with a cheerful voice and designed to act as her assistant. Lastly, the genetically enhanced dog, Silly, who had successfully adapted to the giant ant genes, was now serving as a guard dog for their protection.

In the hidden lab, Victor stood before the newly assembled team, giving them their final briefing.

Victor: "Silver, from now on, you'll operate as a trader. You'll go through the Wasteland, making deals and building connections. The mercs will be your protection, and the Mr. Handy robot will serve as your assistant, keeping up appearances."

Silver, her eyes sharper than before but with a calm demeanor, nodded confidently. Gone was the Psycho addiction that had ruled her life, replaced by a clear focus and purpose.

Silver: "Got it. What's the first target?"

Victor handed her a list of settlements and trading posts, highlighting one in particular—Megaton.

Victor: "Your first stop will be Megaton. It's a key settlement, well-protected and full of opportunities. You'll make initial contact, gain their trust, and set up a regular trade route. The people there have plenty of needs—food, water, ammo—things you can supply. Once you've established trust, the team will move on to other settlements."

He glanced at the two mercenary raiders, now fully equipped with combat gear. They stood silently, awaiting orders.

Victor: "You two, stay close and protect Silver at all costs. If anything goes wrong, you report back immediately. The robot will keep things light—don't draw unnecessary attention."

The Mr. Handy robot, its cheerful voice already programmed to perfection, floated over.

Mr. Handy: "Ah, Miss Silver! It will be my absolute pleasure to assist you in all your endeavors! I shall keep everything tidy and ensure smooth business operations!"

Silver smirked at the exaggerated politeness but didn't argue. The robot's upbeat demeanor would serve as a good cover in a place like Megaton.

Victor: "And Silly," he said, turning to the genetically enhanced dog sitting by Silver's side. The dog's eyes glowed faintly, a result of the gene therapy. "Stay alert. You're the last line of defense."

Silly growled softly in response, its enhanced senses already attuned to its surroundings.

Later that day, Victor watched as Silver and her team prepared to leave the vault via the hidden tunnel. They were well-equipped with supplies, surveillance tools, and the nanotechnology Victor had perfected over the last few months. The assault bot in disguise carried a concealed arsenal, but outwardly, it appeared as nothing more than a helpful assistant.

As the group made their way through the tunnel, Victor sent one final instruction to NIM through his neural interface.

Victor (mentally toNIM): "Deploy monitoring drones to follow them at a distance. I want to ensure everything goes smoothly."

NIM: "Understood. Surveillance drones will remain at a safe distance to avoid detection."

Victor watched the team disappear into the wasteland. This was another test for his growing influence, another way to subtly infiltrate the major settlements without raising alarms. Silver and her team had their roles, and if they succeeded, it would open new doors for trade and information gathering across the wasteland.

Megaton 

Silver arrived at the gates of Megaton, flanked by her two mercenaries and Silly trotting obediently by her side. The Mr. Handy robot hovered just above them, cheerfully announcing their arrival.

Mr. Handy: "Good day, good to you of Mr.! We come for buying and selling, bearing supplies and friendship!"

The Megaton gatekeeper, Stockholm, peered down at the newcomers from his perch. He eyed the group cautiously but saw nothing too alarming about them—just another trader and her guards, by the looks of it.

Stockholm: "Open the gates. Let's see what they've got."

The gates of Megaton creaked open, and Silver and her team walked through, greeted by the bustling sounds of the settlement. Sheriff Lucas Simms stood nearby, watching with his usual stern gaze as the new arrivals made their way in.

Silver approached confidently, with a practiced trader's smile. She had already rehearsed her story multiple times, and with the memory implant, everything flowed naturally.

Silver: "I'm here to do business. I've got supplies—food, medicine, and other essentials. My team and I have been traveling the Wasteland, setting up trade routes, and we heard Megaton could use a reliable supplier."

Simms studied her carefully before speaking.

Simms: "We don't trust just anyone around here, but if you can prove yourself useful, we might have some work for you. We could use reliable traders. Talk to Moira over at Craterside Supply, and maybe we'll see what you've got."

Silver nodded, keeping her posture relaxed and non-threatening.

Silver: "I appreciate the chance. We're here to help."

---

Over the next few days, Silver began establishing herself as a trustworthy trader in Megaton. The Mr. Handy robot's cheerful attitude helped ease any tensions, and the mercenaries remained quietly in the background, giving off a protective but non-hostile presence. Silly, the genetically enhanced guard dog, remained alert but non-aggressive, adding to the team's image as a well-rounded and capable group.

Victor watched their progress remotely, satisfied with the results. Silver had successfully integrated into Megaton, and soon, more settlements would follow.