Ad Victoriam

BDCS #00010: The Everfree Bunker is the metaphoric heart of the Brotherhood of Steel. It is a massive underground bunker complex extending 16 stories beneath the ground. The main complex is currently fully-functional and extends for several miles in multiple directions, but the Launch Test Laboratory, Secondary Hangar Wing, Vault of Dangerous Magics and Technologies, and the Mass Production Wing remain sealed or blocked off to this day.

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Central Equestria is vastly different than when I had left. I was used to seeing this region in ruins, fires ravaging forests and ruined husks of homesteads dotting the landscape. Now it was vibrant, full of life, the proverbial breadbowl of Equestria. It was most certainly a welcome change.

I hadn’t spent much time in Cloudsdale, only entering the city to purchase some minor amenities and newspapers to gauge the current situation in Equestria. It would seem that this is a time of peace, but this could be deceiving, or the situation could change. I am far from the only problem Celestia locked away.

After a few day’s travel I was now within sight of Ponyville and the Everfree. I set up camp on the far side of a hill overlooking Ponyville, to better mask my presence. I would need to give the village a wide berth, and I could feel my anticipation swell. I finally was here. I was practically in my own backyard at this point. Hell, I even knew that one of the collapsed transit tunnels shooting off of the Everfree Bunker ran deep under where Ponyville currently is.

I went over my final checklist. My old Elder’s robes were still in good condition, but I’d decided against that. I would instead wear my battlecoat in the place of my hunting jacket over my traveler’s outfit. If they did survive, I was not in charge of the revived organization. At least, not yet.

The Everfree Bunker would only mark the beginning of my quest. This trek had been nought but a prelude as to what shall come.

I felt content with that. The Brotherhood was truly my life’s work. I would die if it meant it continued. In a way, I had already sacrificed myself for my Brothers once.

Feeling happier than I had been in the last several days, I began humming some old song I had heard ages ago.

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BOS-1290 EXTERNAL TERMLINK REBOOTING

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INPUT LOGIN CREDENTIALS
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USER: Bard Fur Coat RECOGNIZED.

file reportnum 14553

FILE REPORTNUM 14553 RETRIEVED
MISSION OBJECTIVE REPORT: CENTRAL EQUESTRIA>EVERFREE SEPTEMBER 18TH, 1012 UEDS
MISSION STATUS: PREPPING
MEMBERS ON MISSION: Bard Fur Coat, Recon Squad Tiberius
AUDIO LOG BEGINS:

Bard Fur Coat, you are being temporarily reassigned from your position in Ponyville to assist in the monitoring and escorting of VIP 001, aka High Elder Joseph Maxson. You are to begin by intercepting him before his arrival at the Everfree Bunker. Your cover identity will be of the same name and as a traveling researcher specializing in unusual flora and fauna, as that is an area you are already familiar with.

Recon Squad Tiberius, equipped with Stealth-Boys will be watching and serving as lookout. You are not to reveal their presence. Shortly before reaching the Everfree Bunker clearing, part ways and disappear into the forest. When he enters the Bunker, follow shortly behind him. You are to escort him from there into the bunker.

Upon completion of this mission you are to compile an in-depth report as to the status of the High Elder. Ad Victoriam, Bard.
AUDIO LOG ENDS

END OF FILE

logout

USER: Bard Fur Coat LOGGED OUT

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The Everfree Bunker was abuzz with activity. A scouting pegasus equipped with an Advanced Recon sensor module had recorded a Pip-Boy signal matching the High Elder, and the trail led him to a campsite near Ponyville. He took an unmistakable photo of the Elder up and about, packing up the camp for the morning.

It was finally the big day the Brotherhood had awaited so long. This was the reason they had come back together.

Scribes swept and mopped every inch of the Bunker. Knights polished their combat armor, power armor, and weapons. Paladins inspected every inch of the facility, making sure everything was intact and ready for their High Elder’s inspection.

Elder Watcher looked down over the Great Atrium, the massive shaft-like room standing at the center of the Bunker. He saw many Brothers dashing and darting along the various catwalks and levels of the room, and from his vantage point at the upper levels of the Bunker he could see all 10 levels of the Great Atrium in their glory.

Nowhere else in the world had a view quite like this. Behind him was a similar observation room looking over the Command Center and Primary Hangar. The hangar was not as tall as the Great Atrium, but it was far longer and just as full of activity.

The Bunker was like an underground city, an entire society working away cut off from the Equestria above.

Elder Watcher would have it no other way. He was proud of what his mares and stallions had done, and he was proud of the state of the Bunker.

The aging Zebra had accomplished every task on the ancient checklist that had been left for the next Elder in this Bunker, and he had done all he could to prepare for the High Elder’s return.

He was unsure if he would continue leading the Everfree Bunker after the High Elder’s return, and considered retirement for a moment. After watching a group of Scribes attempt (and fail) to get a stopped Sentry Bot to budge, he decided against it. His knowledge of the new world would be needed for his High Elder.

Hitting a few switches, the Elder leans over and speaks into an intercom.

“Scribes, remember to hit the unlocking switch behind the Sentry’s head.” Watcher moved his gaze, pulling a few more switches, and leans back over the intercom again.

“My Brothers and Sisters, as I am certain you are aware, our High Elder is almost here. Today is a day of great occasion, and his return heralds an age of glory. Know deep in your hearts, that the route we are about to embark upon is one of valor, one of righteousness, and one of victory. Ad Victoriam!” His final words echoed back at him, the various members of the Brotherhood in the Great Atrium repeating the words “Ad Victoriam” and filling the massive room with the distant sound of cheers. “Ad Victoriam…” He muttered one last time under his breath.

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Maxson stared at a mahogany-brown coat-wearing Earth Pony who dangled by a rope tied to his rear legs. He was on one of the trees on the outskirts of the Everfree, and he slowly rotated as the wind softly blew on him.

“Little help?” the slightly posh voice called down to him. The stallion had an awkward gri on his muzzle as he passed by Maxson again. Laughing softly, Maxson strode over to the tree, using a small knife to slice away at the rope holding Fur Coat up.

“How’s it hanging, stranger?” Fur Coat laughed in response.

“Bit better now that you’re here. I think this is somepony’s bad idea of a prank or something.” Thudding to the ground, the stallion shakes his head to clear away the dizziness. “Fur Coat, travelling researcher extraordinaire. I was looking to do some research in and around the Everfree, namely in taking samples of some of the specimens within. What should I call my daring rescuer?”

“Joseph. Joseph Maxson. I’m looking for a ruin of sorts in the Everfree. Don’t suppose you know of anything like that?” Fur Coat appeared to contemplate this for a second, eyes squinted in thought.

“Only thing I know of in the Everfree is the old castle. Don’t think that’s what you’re asking about though.” Coat wiped some dust off of his similarly fur-lined coat. “Nice coat, by the way. Not seen many that prefer donning longcoats of any type, let alone with a fur lining. An oddity, but the pleasant kind of oddity I would say.” Fur Coat nods his head for a second. “I would like to accompany you for some distance, if that is acceptable. The Everfree, or so I’ve heard, is quite frightful. I’m more than capable of fending things off on my lonesome, but having another figure right beside me will do wonders to ease my nerves.” The stallion lets out a slightly crooked grin as Maxson ponders on a response.

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Parting ways with Fur Coat, I was practically on my doorstep now. The stallion had proved good conversation, and we had parted ways amicably. Part of me hoped I would run into him again.

There was a clearing nearby that was home to a specific type of plant he was looking for, so we went our separate ways.

I stepped into another clearing, one full of small pieces of debris and concrete. There lie the ruins of a larger building around the bunker itself. The building had been destroyed long before I had found the bunker, and by now the shards were almost entirely gone.

In the center of this ancient array of ruins, a box jutted out of the ground. It was covered in moss and vines, but the structure was fully intact, and the space where the doorway stood was almost entirely clear.

This was the topside of the primary elevator that ran through the facility. Home, sweet home.

Stepping forward, I put in a code on the keypad mounted next to the door to see if it still functioned. Much to my surprise, the keypad lit up and a tiny chime was heard after I inputted the code. The door slid open without fuss, revealing a small room and the closed elevator door.

The room was clean and neatly organized, and a recently-ironed flag bearing the symbol of the Brotherhood was hung on the wall to my left. There were several tools and various plant-related supplies and equipment arrayed around the room. It would seem that I am not the first to come back. As I inspect the room, I hear the intercom in the corner crackle.

“Greetings, Joseph Maxson. We have awaited your arrival. Come, we have much to discuss.” An accented voice blared from the intercom. With the stranger’s words, the door to the elevator slid open with a small chime.

Every metal surface in the room and the elevator had been polished to a sheen. There was hardly a speck of dirt other than that he had tracked in. Someone wanted to leave a good impression for him, it seemed.

I stepped into the elevator, and the door slid shut behind me. The lights in the elevator switched on, and the whole machine lurched.

The concrete behind the elevator’s glass began to slide upwards as I felt the tube glide into the depths below.

The elevator passes a dark room with multiple robots and turrets looking on. A few more similar levels pass, mostly filled with equipment and scanners, and then I am beholden to the sight of the Great Atrium in all its splendor.

A massive orange banner, 7 stories long, emblazoned with the symbol of the Brotherhood and adorned with long stripes, dangled against the far wall. The various catwalks that criss-crossed the space stretching out in front of me were occupied by numerous Ponies in various robes, uniforms, and armor.

Several were performing the old salute of the Brotherhood, and I could hear shouts and cries of “Ad Victoriam” echo throughout the space.

The elevator finally reached the bottom, and the glass doors opened.

Before me stood columns of Power Armor-donning ponies, armor gleaming in the bright lights lining the Atrium. Many had colorful paint jobs, but they all shared the same symbol. The sword, the wings, the gears.

They stomped in unison, the thudding noise reverberating in the massive chamber. I salute in response, holding my closed fist over my chest for a second.

Coming forward from the column strode an elderly Zebra, head held high, wearing immaculate purple Elder’s robes.

“Joseph Maxson. We have been waiting for your return for some time.” The zebra bows his head. “I am Elder Watcher, the leader of these forces assembled before you. I have accomplished all the tasks required of me and am prepared to relinquish control of the Brotherhood of Steel into your arms again.” Watcher performs the salute, hoof clutched against his chest. “Maxson, founder of this great Brotherhood. Shall you again take your rightful title of High Elder of the Brotherhood of Steel?” I reciprocate the salute again, and without a doubt in my mind, give my response.

“I am proud of you. Of you all. You have performed exactly what I had asked you to ages ago. I am somewhat of a relic, a piece of Equestria of years past, but I assure you that I am prepared for what is to come, as I hope that all of you are. I shall accept your invitation, Elder Watcher, and together we shall pave the road to the future. It is now time to discuss this very same future.” Turning my attention to the columns of soldiers, I continue. “Brothers and Sisters of Steel, I am home. Take this night to celebrate, for the road ahead is long and strenuous. Take pride in all you have accomplished. Ad Victoriam!”

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I sat at the head of a table in the large meeting room overlooking the Command Center. To my left sat Elder Watcher, Head Scribe Telescopic Sight, a Pegasus that was a descendant of the previous Everfree Head Scribe, Sentinel Silver Eye, an Earth Pony that seemed oddly familiar, Lancer Captain Beerfloat, a Unicorn and another “Child of Steel”. To my right sat what is quite possibly the oddest and most shocking Pony in the room, the current Mayor of Ponyville, Head Bard Ivory Scroll. Beside her was the Head Paladin, Missiletoe, a Unicorn and veteran of the Royal Guard, and at the furthest spot to my right sat Proctor Crane Lift, the Pegasus head of the Engineering Corps.

On the table itself lay countless maps, documents, files, folders, and notes. The various Ponies present were locked in fierce discussion while I overlooked the progress made by those before me.

The Brotherhood numbered at just shy of five thousand at the moment, a hundred of which were currently on various missions outside the bunker, and another fifty were currently patrolling the Everfree. ten ongoing missions, ten Patrol Squads. Easy to manage for the moment.

We currently have thirteen Vertibirds available, most having been lost or stored away during the war. There are around two hundred and thirty various combat robots currently in use, with around one thousand sets of functional Power Armor, along with more than enough weapons for the numbers we have
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The Paladins and Knights were currently focused on protecting the Bunker and finding the locations of various caches and lost locations.

The Scribes were currently working on various projects, namely repairing and piecing together broken Vertibirds found by the Recon Squads.

The Lancers, as always, were mostly focused on moving these groups around in their tasks.

The Bunker itself wasn’t in the best shape, many of the lower levels still needing to be excavated from some minor cave-ins and most of the more distant wings of the facility are also closed off. The slowly deteriorating preservation spells had finally given out in a few places and we needed a specialist to figure out how to restore them.

The status of the Griffith Bunker and Canterhorn Bunker, the other two former primary facilities, is currently unknown, but they both successfully went dark according to some of the final logs of the original Brotherhood.

Project Freedom’s location is currently accounted for and undiscovered by outsiders, which was very good news.

Project Freedom was a creation of the Forefathers that had managed to escape the Brotherhood’s grasp for most of the Brotherhood’s existence, and only recently had one of the Recon Squads stumbled across its location. A massive combat robot, superior to even the Liberty Prime model we had managed to unearth during the war. Perhaps Freedom could succeed where Liberty failed? When worded that way, the thought gave me no end of amusement.

“The Brotherhood should reveal itself! It’s important that the outside world comes to understand us!”

“If we did that Celestia might bring the sun down upon our heads!”

“The Bards I have in the Royal Army suggest they are aware of us. Unlikely that they’d be totally in the dark thanks to our use of Vertibirds. If we make a decision it must be soon.”

“I say we just march right up to Canterlot’s gates.”

“That is almost exactly the worst thing we could do, you clod.”

“To ensure our survival we must seal ourselves away from the outside world entirely!

Turning my gaze upwards, I begin to take in the details of the argument.

“I believe I have a solution.”

All six Ponies turned their gaze to me.

“We cannot keep ourselves hidden forever. Nor can we be so bold.” Scratching my beard, I quickly attempt to flesh out my concept. “We start by making shell companies with some of our more business-related Bards. News outlets and stores. We slowly try to work Ponies to our ideals. We sell products made with innovations we’ve discovered. Nothing too major, but enough to get the outside world acquainted with what we have to offer.” Clearing my throat, I say the words I have been apprehensive to voice for so long. “As you may have theorized based on behaviors and actions of mine, I have some… foresight into future events.”

The good Mayor gasped, while the rest looked on with a shocked look.

“I am unable to see the full scope of the situation but I know roughly when some major events unrelated to the Brotherhood will occur. There will be a major incident in Canterlot within a few months, and we will use this event to reveal ourselves… somewhat. We will send our most elite soldiers to assist in Equestria’s time of need, be the Knights in shining armor. This will sway public opinion in our favor, which may make negotiating a truce with the Princesses easier. In short, we make ourselves out to be the good guys to Equestria at large. We will need a cover story for the businesses, but that shouldn’t be too difficult to acquire. I have made a few friends of my own in my journey who may be willing to assist us now.” I stand up out of my seat, gathering some of the materials before me in my hands.

“Head Scribe, Head Bard, please go and collaborate towards this… Project Resurface, we’ll call it. I require sleep, a change of clothes, and laundry, so I shall see myself out. Ad Victoriam, and good night, Brothers and Sisters.” As I strode towards the door, my Pip-Boy chimed, a pop-up appearing on its screen..

“You are now idolized by the Ponies of the Brotherhood of Steel! With your first true order, you have cemented your position as High Elder! All Brotherhood of Steel members will defer to your command and you have full reign of the organization.”

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LEVEL UP!
CURRENT LEVEL: 37
SELECTED PERK: TOUGHNESS 4
As one with Steel, you must embody this metal! Gain +50 to damage resistance.

QUEST PERK ADDED: AD VICTORIAM
Thanks to your newfound status as High Elder (again), you have become the primary bulwark against the evils of the outside world. When dealing with members of the Brotherhood of Steel you gain +2 to Charisma and when fighting alongside your fellow Brothers you and your fellows gain +2 to Endurance.
“For Elder Maxson!”

PERK OF THE DAY: HEAVY GUNNER 4
A heavy hitter needs his heavy hitters, and as such you gain +80% damage with heavy weaponry and a chance to stagger opponents.
”BRRRRRRRRRRRRRT.”

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PRIORITY BAND ANNOUNCEMENT SEPT18 1012A: HIGH ELDER JOSEPH MAXSON HAS RETURNED TO THE BROTHERHOOD OF STEEL. REPEAT, HIGH ELDER JOSEPH MAXSON HAS RETURNED TO THE BROTHERHOOD OF STEEL.