Chapter Text
“It’s been 3 weeks Elder! 3 Long Goddamned weeks! And Nothing!!Not one god damned thing has been found! 3 weeks!”
Ashia cried, her face turning red in frustration as she slammed her hand down the Young Elder’s Desk where he sat pouring over files and blueprints.
“Scribe Sumari please calm down, I understand you’re upset and rightfully so but My troops have been doing their best to get to the heart of your sister’s death.
“You mean her murder? Because that’s what happened to her! She was murdered! In cold blood! Right here on this very fucking base! She was fucking mutilated and disposed of like trash! Her death is not a ducking mystery, sir . However What is a mystery is who killed her!”
Ashia snapped back, putting her other hand on the elders desk so she could lean in before jerking herself away.
“Your sister’s murder is a tragedy for us all scribe. This isn’t just another causality in this war, believe me. This murder is one of our own, in our own home.”
Maxson said strongly, before getting to his feet and walking over to where Ashia stood.
“By one of our own.”
Ashia said in a cold, soft voice with her back to him.
Maxson said and looked out his window t the base below, her words clearly weighing heavy on his mind.
“We don’t know that for a fact Ashia, so until we know for certain-“
“And when will that be? Another 3 weeks? 3 months? 3 YEARS?”
Ashia snapped, spinning around on her heels and looking Maxson In The eye. The pain was clear as day on her face.
“I don’t Know Scribe but in case you forgot, we are not here for pleasure! I am sparing as many of my people as I can to your sisters case and they are doing their best with what they can. Please have patience!”
Maxson huffed, a hard edge steeling his vice.
Suddenly tears welled up in Ashia’s rusty brown eyes, her bottom lip trembling.
“My sister has been on Ice for 3 weeks now and she can’t be cremated till we get her back. ALL of her back. My parents and family are on their way over from London but they won’t even be able to put their eldest daughter to rest. I know the brotherhood is at war and I am grateful for all the efforts but my sister, my Hansika, can not wait any longer.,”
Ashia weeped, tears rolled down her cheeks as she spoke.
“That’s why I’m enlisting the help of someone from outside the Brotherhood. There’s a detective in diamond city, Detective Nick Valentine. He’s-“
“The Synth detective? Absolutely not! I will not allow a synth on board this ship or this base! What you are going to be doing is betraying the very reason we are here in the first place! We are here to destroy the Institute’s abominations! Not hire them and befriend them! I can’t see how you-“
“He’s not one of them sir! Paladin Hawethorn Even hired Nick to help her find Kellog! Please just give him a chance!”
Ashia pleaded, taking the Elder’s hand in hers.
“Please sir! Just for a little while, give us just enough 3 or 4 days and if he hasn’t come up with anything tangible then-then The brotherhood can take back over and I won’t interfere again! I promise! Just please let us try! Give us a chance…Give Hanny a chance.”
Ashia begged, squeezing Maxson's hand tightly. And for a moment the elder seemed unmoved, if not even angrier.
But then he did something unexpected, he sighed and nodded. His eyes softened as he unexpectedly drew Ashia into his arms.
Ashia was wide eyed for a moment before relaxing and leaned into the embrace, soaking in his warmth and comfort of the hug.
“3 days, that’s it. Do you understand ?
Maxson said softly as he released her, Ashia nodded vigorously as she wiped away tears.
A beautiful smile of relief formed on her face as she sniffled and continued to wipe away tears.
“Thank you sir, thank you.”
She whispered, reaching up to cup his cheek before saluting him and then making a bee line for the exit.