Private Vortigern Day One.
Upon deployment to the surface, I quickly realized I was the only new recruit assigned to the sector — a fact that became apparent the moment I stepped off the transport. My decision to leave the Bunker and enlist with the FEF had been made quickly, and while driven by purpose, it left me underprepared for the harsh realities of life topside. The environment was unforgiving, the conditions unpredictable, and I lacked both the gear and the experience to adapt seamlessly.
This initial oversight has been a valuable learning experience. Moving forward, I intend to ensure I’m fully equipped and mission-ready before each deployment. First lesson learned — and not to be underestimated: always wear trousers. The surface doesn’t take kindly to poor wardrobe choices
Shortly after establishing my position topside, I found myself on the periphery of a politically and criminally sensitive situation. A tribal psionic operative identified as Indy Skywalker was taken into FEF custody under charges of alleged criminal activity against FEF. While initial detainment procedures were executed without incident, her trial has since been suspiciously postponed, with no confirmed date set for proceedings — raising concerns of potential political interference or internal friction.
Complicating matters further, Skywalker has also been accused of crimes against various tribal factions under the influence of Lord Raz. In response, Raz has issued an exceptionally high-value bounty on her head, escalating tensions between his forces and FEF command. The situation remains volatile, with legal ambiguity and political pressure threatening to undermine operational cohesion on both sides
My first experience with surface combat occurred that evening under less-than-ideal conditions. Fort Ned came under sudden attack from the darkness — a coordinated and aggressive assault that threw the entire base into chaos. At the time, we had no clear intel on the identity of the enemy. Given the rising tensions and unstable political climate, many initially believed that Lord Raz had broken his alliance and launched the offensive. However, it was later confirmed that the attackers were a warband of super mutants. They exploited the cover of night and used our own perimeter lighting against us — we were fully illuminated, easy targets, while they remained hidden in the shadows. The engagement was intense, fast, and a harsh introduction to the brutal reality of surface warfare.
Despite the confusion and the odds, we held our ground. Through coordinated defence and quick response from our fireteams, we were able to drive the mutants back beyond the perimeter. Remarkably, we suffered no casualties. It was a testament to the discipline and readiness of the Fort Ned garrison — and a hard-earned reminder that in this conflict, vigilance is everything. After repelling the attack sometime later a man arrived fleeing and seeking sanctuary. Turned out he was a former member of the (inert name) under the old regime called Archie and was tasked to do abhorrent research on the Hike. He was being pursued by an Aegis operative who had been ordered to bring Archie to justice. After much deliberation by the counsel, they handed him over to the Operative and was summarily executed on the spot. Causing an uproar in the base over the next few days if it was the right decision to do.