Lewis Hays

Lewis Hays was the former Elder of the East Coast Brotherhood of Steel, however following the humiliating defeat at the hands of the Newport Raiders in Yorktown, he stepped down.

Background
Lewis Hays was a Star Paladin who fought for the Brotherhood in the Capital Wasteland. Following the Enclave's defeat, he was promoted to Sentinel for his leadership and combat excellence during the attack on the Enclave. He grew in popularity among the ranks, and many suggested that he become Elder, though Hays refused out of loyalty to Lyons.

When Elder Lyons died, followed by Sarah Lyons, Lewis Hays was appointed Elder by a nearly unanimous vote. With matters in the Capital Wasteland more or less handled, Hays decided that the Brotherhood must make it their goal to eliminate the Enclave completely. Knowing that the Enclave retreated South, Hays formed Recon Squad Minerva and sent them into Virginia.

Elder Hays rode on the success of Recon Squad Minerva, rallying the Brotherhood to continue their march into Virginia. His scouts tracked the Enclave to Langley Airforce Base, and Hays sent Recon Group Minerva there immediately, believing that the weakened Enclave forces would be an easy victory.

On their way to Langley, Minerva stumbled upon the Newport Raiders. Though initially hostile, the two sides opened communications after the first few Newport Raider ambushes failed. The Brotherhood explained their situation, and the Newport Raiders agreed to an alliance if the Brotherhood assisted in the war against the Navals. Elder Hays, confident in his judgement, quickly agreed to the Newport-Brotherhood Pact without going to the Council, much to the chagrin of Council Member Anna Everett.

Once the Brotherhood pushed the Navals out of Yorktown, they were surrounded and betrayed by the Newport Raiders, wiping out Recon Squad Minerva. Elder Hays was humiliated by this defeat, with the Council preparing to remove him from the position. To avoid further embarrassment, Hays stepped down as Elder, allowing the Council to elect the next Elder. He was demoted to Sentinel and assigned to the Capital Wasteland.