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Member: Paladin Devon Hill
Service Number: 10088101
Date of Birth: 07-09-2221
Date of Death: Status Unavailable
Place of Death: Status Unavailable
Chapter: West Coast – Sonoran W
Duty Stations: Maxson Bunker (Last Known), Lost Hills, Den Watchpost 001
Noted Engagements: Arizona Expedition, NCR Modoc Infiltration, Redding Reserve Assault, Frontier Impediment Campaign, Siege of Navarro
Tech Recovered: Chinese PLA RF "Fly on the Wall" Monitor, Stealthboy Mk I Cache, 500mm Atmospheric Scattershell Cache
Archive Submission: Journal Entry

02-26-2254

I can't tell you how stupid I think this is. Writing down my thoughts? Having me see a therapist? They even moved me back to Lost Hills because some of them think I'm losing it. I guess my brothers and sisters think serving our cause too well is a "Bad" thing. They just booted me out of the Circle of Steel after my part in the Redding business. I don't think I understand it; all I did was infiltrate the town with the team, one thing goes wrong, and then I have to see a head doctor. We spent weeks there, planning, gathering intel, evading brownie patrols, and the mission objective got completed perfectly. If it wasn't for the kid who cried "Paladin!" and what I did to him, I would be called a hero right now. Instead, Knight Reyes saw what I did, and everyone calls the team a hero, while they look at me like a sick puppy that needs help! If I didn't do that, the whole mission would've been fucked!

05-08-2256

Things have been better, I suppose. I think the whole Brotherhood more or less forgot what happened during the specifics of Redding. I've written down so much, and looking back at my old entries, I realize what a mess I was. I'm still just a regular Paladin, so the COS won't have to deal with me, but that last mission with them was just what I wanted my whole life. It's been over two years since that, and the NCR economy is still recovering. The initial damage of that mission gave us a big enough window to send a bunch of guys out east. I was there when they left. Most thought that trek across the wasteland would be suicide, but they were being led by Head Paladin Lyons. Serving under him during the Enclave war was really something else. Although, the decision was still controversial, and I remember when that troop rotation came back from the north wondering where their friends went. In any event, the doc has been considering reassigning me to combat duty up north. My time with the Circle was fun, but it'll be good to bring the pain in a full suit of 51 again.

09-24-2256

Oh man is it great giving the NCR the what for! I was the newest commander in the Frontier Impediment Campaign, and Senior Paladin Billings knew my reputation. Even though he didn't have direct access to the Circle, he used me and my team as his own personal infiltrators in the north. After days of showing my squad the tactics of the Circle, I led the Modoc garrison infiltration. Last week, we crept into the NCR Center's HQ, eliminated the sentries, and goodness, what a show. So many brownies aint seeing home again, and wouldn't you know it? Their supply depot contained just the sort of things we are fighting up north for. Everything from data chips from northern CA factories, all the way to confiscated gauss rifles from the Enclave war. Why the NCR wasn't using those to take out our patrols, I'll never know, but I suppose that's NCR for you. Also, one thing the team found were crates of those old Stealthboys. I was taken aback at that, and fondly remembered those during my COS days. I spent countless days with those devices. To this day, I've yet to find a feeling quite like being invisible. Either way, we packed up what we could and spent the next few days shipping that gear to The Den. It wasn't like there was anyone to stop us, and those who escaped would have to rally enough troops from the other NCR outposts.

11-27-2256

There's nothing like a Stealthboy. So warm, so cold, so invisible. In my own little world, nobody can see me, nobody can judge me.

03-13-2257

We finally returned to Lost Hills after the rotation, and SP Billings was replaced by SP Emery. Upon arrival at Lost Hills, we informed the Elder council of our successes, handed over reports, tech recovered, and SP told me that I was specifically recommended for Senior Status. I was so honored. Of course, I still wasn't part of the COS, but I was finally making a real name for myself as a standard member of the Brotherhood after so many years away from it.

Also, when we arrived back at LH, the unit was informed about a strange situation. Despite our successes up north, while we were away, the NCR had started focusing more of their attention on Lost Hills itself. Bunkers and Watchposts across the NCR territory started being targeted as patrols and scav teams had to link up all over the place to combat NCR companies marching on different installations. I guess when you win someplace, you lose someplace else. Just days before we arrived, the NCR launched a half assed assault on Lost Hills itself, but fell back to avoid "Collateral" against their citizens in the "State of Maxson." After the loss of their artillery at the start of the war, I thought it was agreed that all the fighting would take place in the north. NCR breaks their treaties once again. It was decided that they'd combat us in their own territory, and even labeled us a "Terrorist organization." Yeah we destroyed their gold, and ruined their economy, but when they start losing some battles in the north, it's okay to mark us and try to root us out like tics.

03-18-2257

We still have another week of leave left, but I'm still under Senior Paladin Billings, and just heard the new orders. Senior Paladin Billings was promoted to Head Paladin, and is going to be leading an expedition into some place called the "Sonoran Wasteland." Me, and 54 other Paladins, Knights, and Scribes are heading towards some old government bunker in the Arizona wastes to establish a safe house. I'm not sure what our mission is, but even though I didn't get the promotion to SP, I'll be in charge of the expedition's armament. In other words; I'll be in charge of what the unit needs.

05-01-2257

We finally made it. I know I mentioned this in the past 30 entries, but this Sonoran Wasteland is one giant shitshow. I thought there were a lot of tribals and slavers up north, but those aint got nothing compared to this place. After crossing the Colorado River, I lost track after two days trying to count the number of tribes and raider gangs we came across. Of course, they stayed away when they saw the sort of firepower we were packing. We were harassed a bit by a group of tribal raiders, but Billings knew my skills and had me follow them back to their camp. After decimating a few of them, and interrogating one, I learned they were from the "Have-Su" tribe. The illiterate man showed me where their home was on the map, and it was in the ruins of the old town of "Havesu." Why they didn't just name their tribe "Havesu" I don't know, but I let the little spear chucker go and regrouped.

We ended up heading east after that, past some friendly tribals, went north, and found the coordinates for the bunker in the woods southeast of Flagstaff. We've been here a few days, and I only mentioned the slavers in the first paragraph because our scouts came back with news of a slaver army north of us that put Metzger's slavers to shame. News of that was pretty creepy, but the bunker, that Billings named "Maxson Bunker" was incredibly secure and fortified.

05-25-2257

Billings got the comms systems running a week ago, and we got in contact with Lost Hills. Upon doing so, our comms officer started the connection, and Billings was promoted to Elder. Good for him, he definitely earned it. It was also then that we learned the purpose of our expedition, and the mission of the "Arizona Chapter" of the Brotherhood of Steel. We were to serve solely as a safehouse to ensure the shipment of physical tech and documentation from California. Apparently, the Lost Hills Elders didn't like the way the war was going with NCR despite our victories in the north, and decided to have us secure some of their oldest discoveries away from the California battlefields and battle NCR wherever we find them. Only problem is that there are no NCR to be seen out this way, and that means the only task we have is to await doc shipments. The only real threat out here seems to be that slaver army, since tribals and raiders seem to steer clear of this area.

Speaking of that slaver army, we were visited only yesterday by a representative of them… and a portion of that army. They did seem more organized than Metzger's slaver army, but when every Paladin and Knight came out of the bunker with enough energy weapons and ammo to melt the prewar population, their "Legate" or whatever seemed willing to negotiate.

Turns out, they were there because the Have-Su tribe of the south west pleaded for Legion assistance to wipe us out. We at least learned the name of the slavers "The Legion" and are currently awaiting a response from their leader by the name of "Caesar." Seems like a prick.

06-04-2257

Today, "Caesar" approached the bunker, only with an entourage of about 15 fellas. I wasn't there for it, but Billings told us all that the Caesar guy is an alright person. Apparently, he was from California himself and was well familiar with us and the NCR. He said he'd focus his agreement with the Have-Su on the tribals of Sedona and other nameless groups. We also promised we'd avoid liquefying his patrols if he turns a blind eye to the incoming document traffic. Everything went swimmingly, and now we have a decent peace with our crazy neighbors up north. That, and I'm also almost done unpacking the armory. Not that there's much need for all the gear we have.

02-11-2258

There is practically nothing to do here. We might as well be on lockdown. The only people who are busy are the Scribes who unpack the docs and tech from California. The only Knights and Paladins that get to do anything are the ones who head out to meet the traffickers and escort the shipments here. Of course, I don't get to go on those because I'm stuck manning the armory and cataloging records I made last year! The only way I've found to have fun is by making those who come to me get authorization from every Tom, Dick, and Harry before I relinquish the gear. It's so funny watching their faces as they spend half the day running to the different levels before I release a single energy cell. Maybe I'll update the requisition forms myself just to see if anyone notices.

04-22-2258

During my 90 billionth inventory log, I happened to notice the crate of Stealthboys I mandated for the expedition. I honestly expected to use them more on the trip for forward reconnaissance, but most of the tribals ran away from us. Either way, not like anyone will miss them. Maybe I can combat the boredom with nostalgia from my Circle days.

10-17-2258

The Stealthboys have definitely made this place more bearable. Sometimes, I'll turn one on when I hear someone coming down the hall. They'll come up to the cage, wonder where I am, and just before they turn around, I'll turn it off. So many people have had to change their underwear after I materialize right in front of them Haha!

It's been fun sneaking around the rec room and messing with people as a ghost. It's gotten to the point where some of the others have asked to screw around with them for fun. We had plenty, and I'd give them over… After they filled out the proper forms that is Haha! The professionalism in this place has really gone down with a lack of a mission. Even Elder Billings doesn't really seem to care about most things. It's like this entire bunker is a giant version of the rec room back at Lost Hills.

I suppose I forgot how fun Stealthboys are, but I also forgot the strange effects I had from them in the Circle. People don't feel Stealthboy effects unless used for a long, long time. Unfortunately, I used to spend whole days invisible back in my heyday as a spy. I think I'm immune to the effects now, but these things really make you realize how shitty being seen actually is.

03-14-2259

I used to be someone important! I took down the NCR at Redding, I killed their garrison at Modoc, I fought the Enclave, I ambushed NCR patrols! What the fuck are we doing!? Document traffic!? Okay!? But what else!?

07-06-2259

We got that shipment of Stealthboys! Awesome! We were almost out! Luckily, I know how to make them last way longer than they were intended. The fucks who made these installed a timer that caused a mini short in the radiation emitter after about ten minutes of use. I guess they wanted the government to buy more of them. If you remove the fuse or dampen the striker, it'll last about twelve hours! That was how the Circle made them last. I wonder if the old world army figured that out?

12-10-2259

I almost can't stand it anymore. We've found creative ways to combat the boredom, but many of the Knights and Paladins agree with me that they're sick of not having anything to do. The Scribes have plenty of work to do, but it's like we Paladins and Knights are obsolete. Some are perfectly content with spending their days in the rec room, screwing around, and daydreaming on watch, but many of us used to actually contribute to the Brotherhood.

I ended up approaching Elder Billings about it on behalf of those like me, but he said he can't do much about it. I even plead to his old side. Where was the Senior Paladin who brought the NCR to its knees in the northern wilderness? No. It's like as soon as he became Elder, he put his feet up on the desk and is fine with doing jack for the veterans. He said things like, "Our mission is to take in the docs, and battle the NCR, but there is no NCR in AZ." I told him that there was plenty we could do out here despite that fact. Like, that army of slavers probably has no use for all the gadgets and old world facilities in their territory (If their army of spear throwers and football pad wearers was any indication). Elder Billings' only response was, "I don't wanna upset Caesar. We got a good thing going here." Typical! He's perfectly content with sitting on his ass while Arizona remains an unexplored treasure trove for our mission.

02-21-2260

Billings won't even negotiate new terms with the Legion. All that tech out there and nothing we can do about it under him. Thank God I'm not alone in this though. Some call me crazy, thinking my dislike of being seen is what's doing it. That's not it at all! I want to serve the Brotherhood! If I wasn't in the Circle, I would've never seen how incompetent the standard Brotherhood really is. Luckily, there are my other friends here who enjoy and see the benefit of Stealthboys as well. There are also those who are standard members who just want to do the mission, and they agree with me too!

I get it! Elder Billings is just worried about us being seen by Caesar! We can still do the mission! Elder Billings was excellent at training Initiates and Knights for combat duty, and I was a wildly successful Circle agent of infiltration. I'll approach Billings about making a task force to execute our mission with my expertise.

06-17-2260

Billings denied my request last month, and me and my band have had it. If Elder Billings is fine with doing nothing, he won't keep us loyal members around. After weeks of planning, me and my conspirators have a plan to desert. Billings was contacted shortly after my meeting with him by some fucks down south calling themselves "Swilling's Resistance." In one week, some of their agents are going to meet with him, and that's when we will do it.

08-08-2260

The trek was long. I don't regret leaving the Arizona Chapter, and we roamed for a long time before finding our home. Far east of the Maxson Bunker, we roamed the plains of northern Arizona, just me and 18 other dedicated brothers and sisters of Steel. North of the Winslow plain, we stumbled upon our new home completely by accident. A secluded farmstead nestled in the cliffs spoke to us in a way I can't truly describe.

The village contained an experimental water disintegrator unit that kept the lands fertile and the water tanks full. I knew this was destined to be our new home to continue the Brotherhood's mission. Perfect fortification in the hills, experimental tech, and incognito enough to not draw attention to our true mission. The inhabitants weren't inclined to share their home with us, but we remained true to our orders from the west. They hadn't had to deal with conflict in their isolated village for decades, so they weren't much trouble.

Now we can execute the Brotherhood's true mission in Arizona, but not like those slackers at Maxson Bunker. I have renamed my force of dedicated brothers and sisters after a truly worthy organization within the Brotherhood. We are the Circle of Steel, and I can't wait to tell the west about what we've done. They'll be so proud.

[The split in the ranks of the Arizona Chapter was reported by the staff at the Maxson Bunker on 06-20-2260 and is still being investigated. Primary status of the investigation was ended on 02-15-2268 after severed communications with the Maxson Bunker – Head Scribe Wisner (LH)]

Legacy: Though the status of Paladin Devon Hill was unknown since 06-20-2260, this journal entry was miraculously recovered on 07-09-2272 from a raid on a California bound caravan along I-15. The ultimate status of the Arizona Chapter as well as the "Arizona Circle of Steel" remains unknown to this day. [Arizona Expedition volunteers requested. See Head Paladin Rhombus IV (LH) for details – Head Scribe Wisner (LH)]

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*Entry was inspired by cut lore about the Circle of Steel from Van Buren, canonical New Vegas lore, as well as a mix of my own lore about the Arizona Wasteland shown in my story "The New West." Thanks for reading!*