[Disclaimer; I don't think this needs saying, but just in case Bathesda gets a stick up their ass, I do not own Fallout or affiliated materials in any way shape or form. I am merely borrowing them for my own amusement.]
"General!" Garvey yelled, running down the broken pavement that had once been my street. I didn't want to answer him, but knew better then to ignore the man. He was a virtual boyscout when it came to the world. Do the right thing, and always the right thing, that was his motto. Well, that and "for the Minuet Men!"
"General!" he called once again, before coming to a stop on the street just below me. I was working with Sturges to patch a few holes in my old house, and was currently seated on a rickety weather vein, trying to keep my balance.
"What's up Preston?" I asked not turning my head from my task. If another settlement was getting overwhelmed with ghouls a few other members of my Minuet Men could handle it. The General shouldn't have to see to every matter personally. Besides, my old neighborhood was in the final stages of looking like a proper settlement. And with the aid of all the other settlements pledged to the Minutemen it wouldn't be long before we had a city to rival what Quincy used to be. Or so I'm told.
"Signal from the castle," he replied, obviously out of breath from his sprint. "Several men from the Brotherhood of Steal had shown up there and had been demanding an audience with the person in charge."
I don't think my head's ever whipped around so quickly in my life. I met members of the Brotherhood only once before, a Paladin by the name of Danse and his team pinned by waves of ghouls. After helping them survive, I helped them pick up this tech they needed before walking away from them. They had wanted me to join their group, but had already promised my help the Preston and the Minutemen. From what little I remember from the encounter, I knew that a) that Paladin, Danse I think his name was, was really sexy out of his armor, and b) their hatred of non-humans was going to be an issue for me. I had figured that as long as I stayed out of their way they would stay out of mine.
"What, why?" I asked at once, dropping down from the roof to speak face to face with my second in command.
"They wont say. They just keep asking to see the person in charge." I cussed under my breath for a moment, rubbing the back of my neck, "Last I heard they where heading this way in one of their Vertabirds and will probably be here within the next few minuets."
"What idiot told them about Sanctuary?" I all but screamed, throwing aside my front door to fetch my weapons. I may not believe in killing things without reason, but my year out in the Commonwealth taught me it's always best to have your gun at the ready, just in case.
"Should I send up a flare?" Garvey asked, hot on my heels as I rounded the corner to head for my make-shift gun vault next to the room I could not bring myself to enter. My son was ripped from my husband's arms after they killed him, and despite getting to murder the son of bitch that did it, I was making little progress in the quest to find my son. The memories we have pulled from that rotting corpse had been almost no help, and until I knew where in the Glow to start looking, wondering threw that nuclear impact zone sounded like a bad idea.
"Better safe then sorry," I replied, holstering the first gun I ever found onto my hip, modified and improved of course, before pulling my favorite shotgun into my hands. I shoved as much ammo as I could into my various pockets and kicked the lid to my trunk closed. "Also, get several men into that power armor I scavenged. I think we have nine sets in total. Not as impressive as the army of metal men the Brotherhood has, but if we're lucky, they just want to talk," I added, leading the older male back outside what remained of my once happy home.
"And if we're not lucky?" asked Sturges as Garvey saluted and ran off to dish out my orders.
"Just hope we are Sturges," I said, giving the man the best comforting smile I could manage patting him on the shoulder as I walked passed.
The Brotherhood wasn't known to poke its nose in my business, but they had been getting steadily more and more active since coming into the neighborhood. To say I wasn't worried would be a lie. Next to the Institute, the Brotherhood was one of my single greatest concerns out there. I didn't know what they wanted or even what they where doing hovering over, what was once Boston airport. I'd even heard, threw the grape vine, that the Paladin I met before cleared a super mutant bunker and the metal men where now sitting on a large pile of mini-nukes.
Just as the flare went up one of the perimeter guards called for my attention, and surely enough, a metal flying machine was slowly gliding towards us. A veraibird, I think Nate had called them. I myself had never seen one apart from the wreckage strew about here and there, remminents of the old world, or failed brotherhood missions scattering the wastes.
It was shinny, and made a slight whooshing sound as it's propellers sliced the air to keep it up. As it drew near the sound grew louder, making everyone nervous. A group of Minutemen from the south came rushing up to me, still damp from crossing the river, "From Abernathy Farm?" I called once they where near enough. The man leading them replied in the affirmative, "Good, get these non-combatants out of here. Lead them to the farm."
"Won't you need the back-up?" one of the younger men in the group of five asked. He was young, and obviously new to the minutemen.
"We have dozens of settlements, and many more men on the way. Just make sure these people get out of here safely. If it comes down to a fire fight I would rather have the innocents out of the way."
Other then the young man, all the rest just nodded and began calling for people to follow them. He stayed behind for a moment, giving me this odd look I wasn't used to seeing on my men's faces, before following his companions and obeying my command. Sure, I'm a very informal General, I don't have a lot of strict rules for people to follow, but when I say jump, I am used to the "how high?" response.
Shaking the young man's face from my mind, I jogged down the street to the small wood bridge that served as the main entrance to Sanctuary. Apparently the brotherhood was smart enough to know that this hole situation could go south, quickly, and where landing their Vertabird at the old red-rocket station. I really hoped none of them knew how to pick locks cause they would find a few a my choice goodies hidden around that old coolant station if they got to curious. I would rather keep my own personal stash of mini-nukes to myself.
In a prosession that could be best captured in an old holo-vid the Brotherhood made their slow, steady way across the wood bridge. One man, not in power armor in the lead with two men in armor to his left and right. Half a dozen or so men stayed behind with their ship, apparently also ready for shit to hit the fan.
Once in ear shot, and turret range, I called out, "Welcome to Sanctuary."
The man I assumed was in charge came a few paces closer, before coming to a parade rest, hands clasped behind his back as he eyed the settlement from one end to the other, eyes sticking to my fancy mortar for a few extra seconds. "I'm looking for the General," he said at last, not bothering to look at me, but at Garvey, whom had just jogged up next to me, laser musket in hand. Apparently the loud mouth red-head being he leader had never crossed his mind as a possibility.
Preston looked over at me and then back to the angry looking male exuding authority, "And here she is."
The man not in power armor slammed his eyes to mine like he was being told a lie. "Her?"
One of the figures in power armor spoke to quietly to catch, drawing only his leader's attention, before earning a nod in return.
"I know, the whole, having a vagina thing, dose tend to threw men off," was my hostile reply. How dare he think less of me for my gender! I united the people of the commonwealth under a single banner to combat the threats that now roam former Boston. He best recognize.
"I apologize," the man not in armor said, his tone telling me he hadn't really meant his words. "I'm Elder Maxom, currently in command of the Prydwn and the members of the Botherhood of Steal currently in the commenwealth. You're the... General of the Minuetmen?"
I swear my eyebrow visibly twitched at the way he said General, "Yes, tits and all. What can I do for you?"
"If we could, speak privately," he said, eying my men, slowly emerging from the buildings in small groups, making it look like they had been there the whole time. It was the one advantage to having holey shelters. Only the closest men from the nearest settlements had made it so far, but more where on their way. And a heck of a lot more then this Elder is likely expecting.
"I don't do secrets," was what I told him, spreading my legs slightly, to both make it look like I was getting comfortable and making sure I was able to run at a moments notice, tightening the grip on my shotgun. "Say what you've come to say."
The Elder eyed me, obviously annoyed with my attitude, before dropping his hands to his side. Apparently this was some sort of sign as the figure in armor that had spoken before reached up and began pulling his helmet off. "I've heard you've been instrumental in ensuring my recon team survived before my arrival. I've also heard that you've been combing the Commonwealth looking for old maps to the region called the glow."
I ignored the figure pulling the helmet off, eying the man before me instead, "Word travels fast out here. What if I am?"
"I've come to offer... some assistance," Maxom said, the slightly cocky upturn to his lips making my teeth itch. Okay, my teeth weren't really itching, but it was a phrase I had read somewhere before the war and it had always stuck with me.
Just as I opened my mouth to reply I noticed the man putting his helmet away was that sexy Paladin from before. I honestly hadn't expected to see him again. Trying to keep the surprise from my face, I once again turned to the Elder, "And just what would you want for this... assistance you're so kindly offering me?"
"You scratch my back, I scratch yours," the man continued. He took a few steps forward and paced slightly in front of the few men gathered next to me. "You're looking for the Institute, and as fortune would have it, so am I. I have the maps your looking for, and in return you share with me what it is you hope to learn out there."
Something about this guy really rubbed me the wrong way, but he seemed to have what I needed. So I was now arguing my gut instinct with my need to find Shaun. 10 years of his life was enough for me to miss and if this... shifty fellow could help keep me from loosing more, wasn't that worth the risk?
"I assume you remember Paladin Danse?" he spoke again, smiling at my silence, and indicating the handsome man at his side. "I will give you all the maps I have on what that region looked like before the bombs, as well as any other information I have on the area. In exchange, all I ask is that you take Danse, here, with you when you go to make use of the information. Call him the eyes and ears of the Brotherhood, if you like. He will relay any relevant information we need back to us while aiding you in doing, whatever it is your trying to do. Assuming it doesn't conflict with our own interests, of course."
This sounded a lot like making a deal with the devil to me, but what choice did I have? The answer to finding Shaun was out in the glow, somewhere, and without a proper map the radiation in that area could kill me long before I find the man I'm looking for. Even with that hazmat suite I had recovered and all the rad-x and rad-away the minutemen had stockpiled the risk of getting lost and dieing was too great. I needed those maps.
It was then that I regarded the Paladin seriously. Slight stubble on his chin, dark black hair, well tended but not buzzed, and those deep piercing eyes that reminded me of Nate's. They mirrored the soul of a man that had followed several orders he didn't agree with, even if he believed in the authority issuing them. The eyes of a man that had seen death, and horror, walking out the other side with scars so deep you couldn't see them in the flesh.
Out of that power armor, he was solid muscle. I had seen it only once, when I first saved his team and he needed to repair some damage, but he was built. Put even Nate's battle muscles to shame. If I wasn't a grieving widow, if this was before my heart was shattered, I might have considered fucking the shit out of that man. He was so very yummy looking. But my life was what it was, and so, when I looked at Paladin Danse, all I saw where those eyes. So tortured and damaged, but so strong. Just like Nate's.
"I want to see these maps, first," I replied at last. There really was no choice.
Elder Maxom smirked. He had me over a barrel and he knew it. With a slight turn, he flicked in hand and a soldier dressed like that female office Danse had had in his team ran over and handed several large rolled papers and two holo disks over to me. "I believe you'll find these to your satisfaction."
As I unrolled the first map, and without another word, the Elder left, turning on his heel. Several silent moments saw the members of the Brotherhood file onto the Vertabird they had arrived in before it's engine's roared to life and they where air born. All except Danse of course, he just watched me, staring at these maps. I could feel those eyes on me.
After a few seconds my mind cleared enough to realize just what it was I was looking at. Several old structures and many old cave, marked in fine computer print out, as well as several small notes in the margins and hand made drawings indicating what their scouts had seen. Apparently the Brotherhood had been attempting to map the region.
"General?" asked Preston, after several moments of utter silence.
My head shot up as I regarded the first friend I made in this new world, "It's all here," I said, still half in shock. "With this I can..." I froze, my voice catching in my throat. Tears where threatening my eyes, but I chocked them back in order to keep myself looking strong in front of my men.
Preston patted me on the back, flashing me a genuine smile, "I'll take care of sending out the all clear. You just go have a good look at those maps."
I had almost forgotten Danse was there when I turned to leave and I heard the heavy thud of power armor behind me. It seemed he was going to follow me every where until he got what his boss wanted him to get. While I found myself mildly annoyed by this, I was far to over joyed to have the lead I had been waiting for to care. I allowed the man, probably just about to enter his middle ages, to follow me to my house. When I entered the doorway, I almost swore I heard him groan before the distinct sound of a person getting out of power armor filled my ears and he followed me into the dwelling. By the time he joined me at my table I had spread out several of the maps and was digging threw one of my bins for those notes I made once I got out of Kellog's head.
I hadn't realized the man was half naked till I turned back around to find him in only BOS issued bottoms and his dog tags. "Holly Shit!" I yelled, scattering my papers everywhere.
"What?" growled the paladin, annoyed with my reaction.
"There is a half naked man in my house, I barely know, that's what!" I said, my own voice groaning as I set about picking up the mess I made. As soon as I had my notes on the table, I ran back to my room and dug out one of the old shirts I had found in an abandoned department store when I was scavenging for supplies. It looked like it would be a bit to big around the gut for the man, but his bare chest was going to be distracting.
Nate used to walk around like that, just to tease me, and I do not need this guy reminding me, any more, of my dead husband. It had apparently been over 200 years since I've gotten laid, and my body was more then aware of that fact. Even if my heart was not.
"Here," I practically growled, tossing him the item of clothing, before once again pouring threw my notes. I thought I heard the Paladin say thank you, but since he was still bare chested I was doing my best to ignore the shit out of him.
"What are you looking for?" the man asked after several long, silent moments.
I glanced up just enough to be sure he was wearing a shirt, before returning my attention to the maps, "I've heard about a bio-scientist that escaped the Institute. Apparently he's hiding out in some cave, far to the south, and deep in the glow. If anyone can get me into the Institute, this man's probably it."
"And why do you want to get into the institute?" prodded the Paladin. He's likely been encouraged to learn as much about me as possible. In case I'm a threat.
Now I had a choice, tell him the truth or tell him to fuck off. I had no real reason to hide my intentions. They where pure, after all, but just knowing he was working for a man that made my teeth itch was enough to rub me the wrong way. I've always hated being spied on. After staring at Danse for several moments trying to decide what to say, I slowly replied, "They have something of mine, and I want it back."
Whatever the Paladin thought of my answer, he didn't say. He just started at me, my eyes locked with his. When my mind conjured up an image of Nate looking at me, just like that, before heading off to war I had to turn away. Those fucking eyes where going to burn holes in my soul and I knew it.
"General," called Garvey, before walking into my house, laser musket in hand. Danse and my second in command eyed each other for a moment before Preston continued, "We've sent the recall and our settlers are slowly making their way back to Sanctuary. Many of the men half way here from the Slogg and so on are a little disappointed they missed the party."
"I'm just glad there really wasn't a party to miss," I half said to my self as I began tracing a serious of old mapped tunnels that had only one noticeable entrance.
"You'll be heading out in the morning?" Garvey asked, already knowing my answer, as he came to stand next to me and look down at the maps himself.
"I expect so," I replied, rubbing the back of my neck. "You and the others should get our power armor, and the bulk of our munitions to the Castle. Just in case this all still goes south."
Preston looked right at Danse, "Of course General." He was trying to get a read on the Paladin, the motives behind this sudden offer of help, and show of force. Garvey was a clever man and he knew what posturing looked like when he saw it. The Brotherhood was trying to prove something to us by flying in on a Vertabird like that, and by leaving Danse behind. He just wasn't sure, and neither was I, if this was something to worry about, or just posturing. "Anything else you want seen to while you're away?"
With a deep sigh, I nodded, "Yeah. The people over at Tenpines have been sending word that their turrets are on the fritz. See if you can get a few guys out there to fix it, or at least an extra patrol if they can't. Also, send word to Valentine. I'm gonna need to stop by his place before going into the glow, just to be sure I have my information right. I have no intention of getting lost out there in the glow if I can help it."
"Are you gonna want a suite of Power Armor to go in?" asked Garvey, causing the Paladin to tense. Apparently he didn't like the idea that we had so many suites at our disposal.
"No, to bulky. Weighs me down. I was gonna bring my hazmat suite and plenty of rad-away. Should be enough, as long as I know where I'm going instead of wandering blind."
"Understood General," replied Garvey, giving me one of his rare salutes, before turning to walk away. "Remember to be careful."
I half laughed at that as my second in command left to see to his duties leaving just me and Danse in, what remained of my home. As I continued to stare at the maps, moving from them to my notes, the Paladin seemed to grow restless and was now wondering the dwelling. It wasn't like I minded. I didn't keep anything too important here. The memories kept me away more often then my duties, so I didn't really need to keep things here. Anything important enough was loaded into my back pack and that I kept tucked away until I was ready to go.
I missed the hulking man's return to the table, lost in my notes, so the sound of his voice jarred me, suddenly, from my concentration, causing me to jump, "There's only one bed."
"Shit!" I said, one hand now over my racing heart as I glared at the Paladin, "Scare me to death why don't you."
"That was not my intention," was his careful reply, the ghost of a smile on his lips doing nothing to cool my overactive libido, or thundering heart. "I simply wanted to know where you wanted me to sleep tonight."
"Take the bed," I replied with a short shrug, returning my attention to the maps strune about the table.
"This is your home, not mine. I wouldn't dream of taking your bed."
He was trying to be thoughtful. I knew that. But his insistence, and his words... "It's not my bed," I snapped out. "Sleep there if you like. I'll take the couch, like I always do."
I didn't know if it was my tone, my words, or some big combination of the two, but the Paladin just left the conversation at that and disappeared into the room that had once been the space I shared with Nate. The space we stored personal objects, rested our heads, talking into the long hours of the night, and made love. The place we had conceived our son. No, it was not my room, but our room, and without Nate... I just couldn't sleep there.
I had tried one of the first few nights after I had made it out of the vault, but I found no rest there. My husbands voice, and the cry of our baby, the humm of Codsworth's motors as he worked echoed in that room and the dark of sleep would not find me.
Not that sleep did me any good to begin with. The precious few hours I did manage to get every now and again ended in fits of screaming that caused the settlement to panic the frist few times they heard me. They eventually stopped coming when they heard me, but those first few nights... I swear I gave Garvey a heart attack.
No, sleep offered no relief to me. It just forced me to live an imaginary lie, until the truth jerked me awake. My dreams always began the same, and ended the same. I was haunted by a dead man, taking my family from me, and sleep only made me remember. At least awake, I could busy myself with little chores, or tasks.
It had been hours before I realized the Paladin didn't return, and when curiosity got the better of me, I found him asleep in my old room, on the single bed I had put there in an attempt to rebuild some kind of life here. He had pulled the shirt I had given him off, it laying at the foot of the bed, neatly folded like he was worried he would get scolded. It was, yet another thing he had in common with Nate. After returning from the war he would fold and carefully put everything he touched back where it belonged. He never knew when combat would force him out into the night, and he had been trained to know right where everything was. No time to search. Just strap on your gear and go.
I hated him for all these reminders. Hated the Paladin for reminding me of what was gone. And most of all, I hated that he wasn't Nate. How dare he be so similar, yet so different. How dare Danse be... Danse.
In a huff I made my way out to what remained of the living room and threw myself down on the couch. Bunching up the jacket I took with me for the rain, I used it as a pillow as I tried to force my mind to slow and stop. Despite not liking to sleep, and feeling worse on the waking, I would still need my rest. I was about to venture out into the glow, and even I couldn't manage to survive such a place on no sleep.
I managed to fall asleep that night, thinking about how angry the Paladin just down the hall made me. How much he was like Nate. How much he wasn't. I fumed until I fell into a rage induced sleep, the dreams finding me not long after.
