Gloria approaches the other scrappers on the road. Things could be a little patchy, given divisions of territory but she's hoping for a degree of professional esteem to win the day.
"Hey guys. Rapid Town's pretty much gone, the raiders hit 'er hard. I'm gonna help these boys and the rest of the folks around here get set up a way's south of her and we sure could use your help if you're fixing to give it. Can't promise much right now, but maybe we could do more than scrape by if we all stick together."
Persuasion:
A few of the Scrapfolk nod at Gloria's wisdom, but the majority are unswayed by her words
Scrapfolk join the troupe.
Current population=32.
"Oh, one person with brains in your lot. Fine. Sit around and get kidnapped again. We ain't rescuing you twice."
= Total 11
Vulture only succeeds in scattering the remaining Scrapfolk into the ruins of Rapid Town.
The party continues East along the Highway, the question of the Wagon still unresolved. They pass the overturned trailer that once served as a lookout, the dead bodies of the Slavers have begun to stink. They continue on until they've arrived near dark at the farmstead they bunked in on their way to Rapid Town a few days earlier.
The farmstead is still dark, and the troupe of mostly woman and children complain about thirst.
There's a well near the farmhouse, but the pump's been broken. Perhaps someone can do something about that?
Elder Freya takes the opportunity to question Vulture once more about his vision Tell me of your Vision Walk. What did the Sight show you?
Chelsea and Abdi make comments to Jack about the plan
There's an old Wind Turbine near the Shelter, if we can claim it..and fix it! Chelsea says Yeah, but we gotta feed near 40 people. We don't have the food for that, we'll need some help Abdi says
Samantha says to Roland, out of earshot of the other heroes
That wagon belongs to the Wrights'. We should take it tonight and head back on our own. Jed would reward us...
Crayon Levy talks with Gloria
So, you're a scrapper too? I did some salvaging back in Duluth, and before that as far South as Freakytown.
"Oh, that? Yeah, seems a nuke or something is going to bring about the end of the world again, or some such. It was pretty intense. Basically an eagle carried a nuke, and screams a bunch, and then crashes, explodes, leaves an egg, and the frost is trying to destroy it. A green monster tries to attack us axe tribers, the egg hatches, I wake up...and I'm not wearing pants, which, seriously sucked in the cold..."
An egg. A symbol, birth, something new. Elder Freya says nodding. The Green Monster, sure you know the meaning of that sign. The Elder frowns An Eagle? Is that what you saw Child? An Eagle? Like the one that dropped Palbun from the sky? The Eagle of destiny, the Bald Eagle of the USA? The Eagle is a sign of great power.
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Jack takes Roland aside. "Look, the second wagon is marked as yours. Why don't you just take that and go? If you could leave us some of the corn and medicine and the bicycles, that would be great, but don't feel obligated. I wish you well in your town, but don't punish these people." He shakes his hand and turns away.
Jack approaches Gloria, addressing the problem of the well. "Alright, let's see if we can't get some water pumping here."
Brand had fallen a bit into himself as the party settled down after rescuing folks from Rapid Town. He was nursing his injuries--and wondering what they meant in the face of his supposed invulnerability--and thinking about what the future held. He wasn't the sharpest axe in the bunch, after all, and so he felt it best to let most of the others do the talking and working plans out. For himself, he liked the idea of everyone sticking together, but it seemed there were some tensions still to be worked out for that.
He did take the opportunity to explore the building they were in, though, and came across a door they hadn't opened. A few axe chops and kicks later and he found a room with a couple things he didn't care about--looked like more drugs and a radio--but a true treasure indeed: an old pre-Fire magazine filled with great pictures and what was probably a great story. He shoved it in his pocket and resolved to have Vulture read it to him later on.
Now, on the ride and walk to their destination, it seems tensions are still high as the party stops at the farmhouse. Brand rests with the others for a time, but heads outside in time to see the tail end of Jack and Roland's conversation. As the vault dweller heads off, Brand approaches Roland with a raised eyebrow. "What was that about, outser? For us axers, we usually wanna do talks and deals in the open. You two okay now? Lotsa arguing so far. We all gotta get along out here, yeah?"
Jack takes Roland aside. "Look, the second wagon is marked as yours. Why don't you just take that and go? If you could leave us some of the corn and medicine and the bicycles, that would be great, but don't feel obligated. I wish you well in your town, but don't punish these people." He shakes his hand and turns away.
"Tell you what. As representative of the Wrights in these parts right now, I authorize you to PURCHASE the goods in the wagons on an as-neeeded basis. I'll even extend you a line of credit if you need it."
"I don't want to see these people die, but I can't just give away what ain't mine, and I can't stand by and what you TAKE what ain't YOURS."
Crayon Levy talks with Gloria
So, you're a scrapper too? I did some salvaging back in Duluth, and before that as far South as Freakytown.
"You got that right, hon. I've been getting by on scrap since folks figured out I was still in my right mind and they had caps to pay for it. Duluth, my goodness, it's been a good twenty years since I've been up to Duluth. They still sell that garbage plate outta the old Stop 'n Gulp with the rat tenders and macaroni? Took some getting used to, but I could go for some of that right about now."
Once Jack suggests getting to work on the water pump, Gloria pitches in.
Repair:
Ace:
Gloria and Jack get the old well working, soon clear water is flowing from the deep well.
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Jack returns and is greeted by Roland speaking to Brand, with an offer on his lips.
Jack breaks into a great smile. "Ah-HA! You see? You see there? That is the kind of progress I'm talking about! The exchange of currency, the wants filled, the needs created, goods and services flowing here and there. Commerce! And so, too, so long as we keep compassion in our hearts, everyone gets rich!
Okay, yes, are we negotiating now? I certainly hope so. Let's get down to it.
First thing: The very first wagon is given to the tribals for services rendered. Ah, now, don't look at me like that. It ain't got your name on it and we've no word but yours that it has anything to do with you. That was liberated communal property and is theirs by right. They took enough bullets to earn it, and I wouldn't want to tell they get nuthin' for it, yeah? Lesson learned: Brand all your wagons from now on. Call it water under the bridge and let's move forward!
Next: We'll gladly take the whole of the second wagon on credit. Now, it looks like there are some just trade goods there, you can go ahead and keep those. But for the rest, the food and medicine, go ahead and draw up a Bill of Sale. I'll run it by the Council, but don't worry about what they say. If'n a town is set up, we'll find a way to give you fair recompense.
Two point five: I'll understand if you don't wanna sell us all the medicine. We might have enough (I'll have to check) and you might need some more. Stuff like that you can't really make do without sometimes. I say this to let you know I'm not out to screw you, and so you feel comfortable not trying to gouge me. Just figure out what you can spare. Hell, I'll even section off half of some stuff just in case you come back and really need it. Then it's returned to you and credited to us and no harm done!
Three. Oh man, we gonna need them bicycles. You Wrights got wagons and horses a-plenty, but we'll need to get around, so please do let us hang on to those. Of note, there are some people up yonder that need help. Sounded like a research base or sumpin'. All likelihood, we get everyone squared away, how's'about you come with us on a little bike ride and help save some folk? Hell, they might even be rich folk with tech. Sound good?
Four. I mentioned recompense. See you there that fine looking phily name o' Chelsea? I don't know if you know anything about "Elec-tri-city," but, oh, man-o-man, it's the stuff that lets machines run all day and can turn the night into day. She's got a plan to make some, and we just might be able to shuttle some your way. We'd charge you for it, o' course, charge by the watt. But if'n we already owe you on credit, well, that would just hasten our good relationship won't it?
Alright, that looks good for starters. How's that?"
Roland scratches his head in confusion at the first point, but "concedes" it, having never claimed the first wagon was the Wrights' to begin with.
"Just make sure you keep an accurate count of whatever you take. I plan to inventory it myself."
"And sure, I can check out a disturbance with y'all. I wanna make sure our new investment is squared away before I report back."
"Uhh...." Brand's eyes glaze over a little at the rapid exchange of words, and Jack's quick and business-like manner, but he shakes his head at the end. "So we get stuff, do them favors, and everyone's happy? And who needs help?"
The overnight stay at the now vacant farmhouse was uninterrupted. With a nominal agreement between the representatives of Wright Town and the new community the bicycles are utilized to help the party move swiftly to the South turn juncture of Old 169.
At this point Jessica Shaw is going to head South to Wright Town. A few other refugees will also head that way, but most of the troupe is content allowing the heroes to lead them North to the promise of a new start at the Iron Shelter. Jessica wants Roland to return with her, as she doesn't want to have to explain her failure and the loss of the trade wagon to Jed on her own.
Elder Freya wants the group to do a slight detour and check on the old encampment, she thinks there might be some things worth saving there. She also wants to check on the wounded Axe Tribals. Ian agrees, mostly because Jessica is there, or was there last you left her a few days ago.
With the bicycles cutting down on travel time a little bit, Gloria doesn't see the harm in taking a small detour.
Roland along with Jessica Shaw and a few castoffs from Rapid Town head south on foot.
The others along with their burgeoning community head North towards the abandoned campsite of the former Santlose Band Axe Tribals. Upon arrival at the Campsite they find a small makeshift hospital that Jessica has set up. Several Axe Tribe warriors hobble about and a bunch more are laying on pallets she has set up. A harried looking Jessica spots the group of Sheltered and smiles You found them Jack! That's wonderful. Elder Freya finds her own lodge and directs Vulture and Brand to dig under the firepit. The two Axe Tribals find a bag with several strange green "chips".
These are worth more than you know. Use them as you see fit... Elder Freya says
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Jack gets down and as soon as Jess sees him the rush toward each other and embrace. An impassioned hug becomes a kiss. "I missed you," they breathe to each other, the stress and fatigue of the recent past washing over them, boiling down the extraneous emotions to reveal the hard core of what's important.
In time the realize they're making a spectacle of themselves and separate, but not too far.
She starts a professional run-down of what happened and the progress they made and how she's learned so much about field-medicine. She's actually quite pleased with how many they were able to save, and the walking wounded have even started a logistics industry, keeping the other fed and watered.
Jessie is thrilled that they'll be starting a new town with the Shelter. "We'll be like the flower, and the Shelter the stem."
As Jack then shows her the supplies they have to start the new town, she gives a little girly shriek when she sees the medical supplies. Giving Jack another kiss, she grabs a few and rushes over to some of tribal still on cots and administers some right away. The effects, while not quite immediate, are certainly palpable.
She organizes the extraction with a purpose, assigning groups to take what supplies they can take with them, and leaving the things that can be easily replaced, or just done without for now, or sent for later.
In less time than anyone thought possible the temporary hospital is packed and ready to move. She stands, beaming, in front of Jack. All set! Let's move out!"
I'll list the things on the second wagon and what I "think" you guys decided on.
1 wagon returned to Wright Town
2 horses returned to Wright Town
100 doses of pain killers 1/2 goes to Wright Town, 1/2 to Community (Medicine Stockpile Edge for 1/2 the time)
50 doses of antibiotics 1/2 goes to Wright Town, 1/2 to Community (Medicine Stockpile Edge for 1/2 the time)
10 bottles of vodka returned to Wright Town
4 bicycles Kept by the Community?
200lbs of Corn Flour 1/2 goes to Wright Town, 1/2 to Community
1000 Trade worth of household goods returned to Wright Town
From the First Wagon
1 wagon kept by Community
2 horses kept by Community
1 Geiger counter returned to Wright Town in trade for the food/meds
100-foot rope returned to Wright Town in trade for the food/meds
60 lbs cornflower and 5 gallons soy oil (1 Food in community rules)
50 Trade worth of miscellaneous goods (1Trade=1Cap) returned to Wright Town in trade for the food/meds
Is the above what was agreed on? Basically the Community gets food and 1/2 the meds in exchange for the Geiger Counter, the Trade goods. So, the Community "owes" Wright Town for the food/meds beyond the value of the Geiger Counter and Trade.
Perfect.
Roland and Jessica escort the second Wagon south to Wright Town. They arrive to much acclaim and Sally Wright meets them at the gates.
Your back. The men arrived, busted up, and told us a story about a new group of Raiders. she says to Roland, to Jessica she only nods, Roland can tell there's some history there, maybe even some bad blood.
Sally Wright says You can tell everything to Jed. He's waiting for us.
Roland and Jessica are escorted to the Wright compound, a massive walled and gated villa in the middle of the squalor that is Wright Town. Soon they stand in front of Jed Wright himself.
Well, what happened out there? is all he says, his piercing blue eyes staring at Roland.
The rest of the heroes gather the Axe Tribals able to walk and they continue North towards the Iron Shelter. Eagle Eye, the ghoul hunter that was rescued, is beside herself with grief and rage when she finds that her "husband" was one of the tribals who did not survive. She makes a vow to Palbun that she will avenge him. Jessica stays behind with the few remaining Tribal hunters that are too wounded to walk, the medicine will ensure that most of them survive their injuries (+16 population) Jessica assures Jack and the other Sheltered that the wounded will be able to move in a weeks time, maybe less.
The travel to the Shelter is arduous mostly because of the thick nature of the forest in this area. However, nearly a half day later the ruins of the Mine that serves as the entrance to the Iron Shelter come into view. There are nearly a dozen rusted metal shacks that can serve as temporary homes for the community, and you overhear Jamiah talking about a clearing she thinks might make a likely farmstead nearly 400 yards away.
The entrance to the Iron Shelter is a straight shaft down nearly 300 feet into the ground and accessed via either climbing down a ladder OR an elevator. The elevator controls (Jack and the other Sheltered know this) are accessible from both a small switch above ground or an override down in the Shelter. Currently the elevator is not at ground level, attempts to recall the elevator are unsuccessful. Apparently...someone down there doesn't want anyone coming down unannounced. There is a small speaker and microphone that can be switched on.
Gloria checks out the shacks, shrugging. She's seen worse.
"No shortage of wood, at least. Best we leave it to you Shelter boys to break the news that we're here on your family's doorstep, if what's-his-name from Rapid Town hasn't already."
Perfect.
Roland and Jessica escort the second Wagon south to Wright Town. They arrive to much acclaim and Sally Wright meets them at the gates.Your back. The men arrived, busted up, and told us a story about a new group of Raiders. she says to Roland, to Jessica she only nods, Roland can tell there's some history there, maybe even some bad blood.
Sally Wright says You can tell everything to Jed. He's waiting for us.
Roland and Jessica are escorted to the Wright compound, a massive walled and gated villa in the middle of the squalor that is Wright Town. Soon they stand in front of Jed Wright himself.
Well, what happened out there? is all he says, his piercing blue eyes staring at Roland.
"Raiders, like we thought. And it turns out we weren't the only ones hit. They grabbed some tribals and some Vaulties venturing out for teh first time and took over Rapid Town, just down the way. Looked like they were planning to come after Wright Town itself, had a map of the town and everything, courtesy of our former porter Crayon." he spits at that last part.
"Me and a pair of the tribal boys wiped 'em out though."
"They paid for some of the supplies from the wagon to help kickstart their new community. I made sure to impress on 'em that Wright Town was good friends to have." he smiles, hoping Jeb approves.
After a few minutes the speaker squawks to life Who is this? What do you want?
Jed nods Crayon told em where to hit us? You killed that traitorous wench right? and then You bargained on behalf of Wright Town? his eyes narrow and he looks to Sally who is standing silently in the corner. She gives a small shake of her head, and Roland doesn't really know what that indicates. Jed continues What did you give them?
"She's alive, but I told her in no uncertain terms that if we ever saw her near Wright Town again, or working a caravan that does business with us, I'd shoot her myself."
"Half the food and medicine. They paid for some of it, the rest is on credit." Roland twists his lips at that.
"It was the only way I could think of to stop 'em from just taking all of it. There was about 40 of 'em, and some of 'em are damn good fighters, and it was just Jessica and me from Wright Town. You know how desperate people will fight and claw for anything they can get, especially when a bunch of them are sick and wounded."
"It may well turn out in our favor in the long run anyhow. That Vault has some nice tech, and they say they can find a way to get us all electricity."
"They're an honorable sort, all in all. Unless they die before they can, I'm sure they'll pay us back. With the standard interest."
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"This is Jack Elroy Powers! First Acolyte of the Power Generation and Sewage Treatment team! I was conscripted to track, follow, rescue AND secure the First Envoy Team, and I have done so. Alas, despite all reports, there is a DERTH of radios just floating about this forsaken wasteland. I have now returned with those that I could find and I'm wondering why the elevator has been allowed to fall in to disrepair in my absence!"
Jack is not pleased. To lose one team only to send out another is one thing, but then to lock-down the elevator is something else. Has all decency taken leave in his absence? He wishes Jessie was here. She always had a more honeyed tongue than him.
Roland's words convince Jed who visibly relaxes I'll forgive your presumption. You made the best choice with what you had... he starts and then his face hardens But. You made the deal, so you are responsible for it now. You'll go back to this new "community" and ensure our interests are well represented there. I'll expect regular correspondence, and you will take someone with you. Sally will see to it. That is all. Sally gives Roland a Ok lets go look and she escorts Roland out of the room. Once a few doors from Jed's office Sally breathes a sigh that sounds something like relief Well. That went smashingly. You got to keep your head AND Jed seemed genuinely pleased with you. Would you rather take Jessica Shaw or Cal? she asks Roland.
Jack Powers? and then some silence and then Oh, yeah right. Okay. So, I'll send the elevator back up. Who's coming down with you?
"As the most tech savvy Axe Triber, I should go. Brand wouldn't know a flintlock from a laser pistol...Elder should come, too."
Roland all but bows his way out of the room, and visibly relaxes as well once it's done.
"I think I'll take Jessica. Cal still needs some rest, and she's kept a level head through all this. I can trust her."
Sally Wright nods in agreement A good choice. I'll see to the arrangements. Take a couple days off and enjoy yourself. You did well. she hands Roland a receipt that entitles him to 500 Trade worth of goods and services redeemable only in Wright Town. It's nearly five months pay for a guard like Roland.
"Thanks, Sally. I try to do y'all proud."