Chapter Two
Four months have gone by and Antoine finally felt like his new small army of Minutemen were ready. Basic training lasted two and a half months and Antoine made sure to cover the bare basics from weapon maintenance, weapon handling, positions, communication, and basic shooting. The following month and a half was spent on hand to hand training. Antoine taught them several moves from various martial arts styles and drilled them for eight hours straight each day he made sure when he was done the Minutemen would be prepared. The last month was spent with six special recruits he seemed worthy to form the special operations unit of the Minutemen Task Force Black. Task Force Black or TFB for short was the original name of the special operations unit Antoine led on the Chinese war. After hearing that Preston had no issue in letting Antoine select the people he thought would be perfect fits. The units first mission was to spread the name of the Minutemen and to do that they traveled to several settlements liberating them from raiders,ghouls or helping them with their problems.
The new settlements under their control were Abernathy Farm, Sunshine Tidings, and Starlight Drive in. The first two were very close to Red Rocket with Starlight Drive being the farther east. Preston was overjoyed and morale skyrocketed back at Sanctuary. After establishing those first few settlements as Minutemen allied Task Force Black began their journey to Lexington to eliminate the goals in retaliation for the original lost members of his group. The elite squadron was made up of the five best Minutemen to come out of recruitment. Jun Long the first officially recruited Minutemen, Vanessa Jenks the only female member of the team, Jose Figueiredo the teams heavy weapons expert, Keith Murphy the teams marksman, and finally Alexander Black the teams engineer. Vanessa was a thin brown skinned girl with black hair that came shoulder length her right arm was covered in several tattoos. Jose was the shortest member standing at five five he was a bit stocky and was of Hispanic descent. Keith was by far the most muscular out of the group and the only white member of the group. Finally there was Alexander often referred to as Alex he stood five seven with closely cut hair and a clean face he wore glasses and always carried tools on him and could arguably fix things as well as Sturges.
September 20, 2287
8:30 a.m
Lexington
The team made their way at the break of dawn after finishing up some work at Starlight Drive. Antoine told Preston he would head to Diamond City with his team. Preston agreed on the personal time off as long as he took care of the ghoul infestation in Lexington. Traveling south east the team finally arrives and switch to using hand signals as to make a stealthier approach. Antoine stopped and pulled out a pair of binoculars his eyes widened as he saw a large horde of feral ghouls laying around different parts of the town. Each member of the team reached into their bags and pulled out silencers and screwed them onto the barrels of their gun. Antoine gave the signal and Task Force Black began to open fire on the ghouls. Several fell dead due to precision headshots, and so far the teams designated marksman Keith had majority of the head shots so far. Things were going well until more ghouls started to appear out seemingly no where and began to rush the elite Minutemen team. Antoine pulled out his combat knife and 1911 as he began stabbing and shooting trying to stay as mobile as possible. Jose swapped out his assault rifle for a modified combat shotgun and began putting holes through several ghouls at a time. The horde slowly began to thin out as the team began running low on ammunition and switched over to melee weapons to finish the rest off.
"Well that was different" Jun said cleaning the blood off of his machete.
"Just another day in the life of the Minutemen's elite squad" Alexander replied with a grin.
"Where to next boss" Keith asked reloading his modified hunting rifle.
Pulling out a map of the known locations of the Commonwealth Antoine scanned it before replying "well ultimately we're heading to Diamond City, but I've caught wind from Carla about a collection of Raiders somewhere in this area so I wanted to try and clear them out."
At the mention of raiders Vanessa stiffened slightly and it wasn't missed by any of her squad mates.
"You alright Vanessa" Antoine asked.
"Yes sorry boss I think I know the area the raiders moved into I used to live in an apartment complex near head called Hangman's Alley, but raiders came in and killed everyone there including my parents" Vanessa replied with sadness then anger.
"Well then if that's the case lead the way Jenks we have some avenging to do" Antoine said with a smile and pulling her into a hug.
"Well isn't that sweet" Jose joked.
"Shut it shorty" Vanessa replied
"Come on let's keep moving we have more ground to make up check your weapons then form up" Antoine replied after reloading his m4.
Everyone fell into their formations as they continued their journey to Diamond City.
September 20, 2287
11:30 p.m
Near Cambridge Police Station
The elite squad decided to take a short break in an abandoned building before continuing their journey.
"Alex check the perimeter for any traps, Jose you go with him" Antoine said.
"You got it boss" the duo replied giving a salute.
"Vanessa can you do an inventory check of what we still have left in our supply bags and Keith overwatch if you don't mind" Antoine continued.
"You got it Colonel" they both said with a chuckle.
"You ass hats know I hate that formality when it's just us AJ is perfectly fine" Antoine replied laughing.
The laughter was cut off as several laser rifles could be heard as well as the sound of feral ghouls and it was fairly close. A distress beacon began to air over Antoine's pipboy "Need immediate assistance ghouls are overwhelming us at Cambridge Police Station immediate assistance required."
"Jose you take point, Keith try to snipe as many as you can Alex you're with Keith as backup?Jun and Vanessa you're with me let's move" Antoine ordered.
Paladin Danse was having what could only be called a shitty few months. After arriving in the Commonwealth Recon Squad Gladius the squad he was entrusted with immediately came under attack by raiders. They disabled Knight Keane's power armor killing him and damaging majority of their supplies. After the initial attack they knights and scribe fortified the Cambridge Police Station to reassess their options. The group located and tried to clear out the Corvega assembly plant located outside Lexington. The attack was a failure and resulted in Paladin Danse calling for a retreat where Knight Brach was killed by a landmine and Knight Worwick was mortally wounded and died two days later. Following this failure, the squad attempted to resupply by investigating Boston Airport and Fort Strong, where they were surprised by super mutants and Knight-Sergeant Dawes was killed. Which brings them to the shit storm they were currently in. There were only three members of the squad left not counting Paladin Danse and unfortunately for Danse, Knight Keane was overwhelmed with ghouls and they began to feast on his body leaving only himself Knight Rhys and Scribe Haylen. Scribe Haylen was praying that her distress signal reached someone out there, but after seeing Knight Keane go down she thought this was going to be her last day alive. Scribe Haylen was valiantly shooting as many ghouls as possible with her laser rifle until she was overwhelmed and knocked to the ground she closed her eyes as she didn't want to see them began to feast on her, but her final thoughts were interrupted as small pfft sound pierced the air.
A ghouls head exploded Danse looked up and saw a small number of individuals wearing military fatigues with black combat armor covering them with a musket and lightning bolt symbol on the chest. One person in particular had three stars on his combat armor as well and Danse assumed he was the leader. Antoine began shooting a few ghouls with his m4 assault rifle doing his best to conserve ammo. Jose's shotgun was blasting through multiple ghouls as Vanessa jammed a stimpak into Knight Rhy's leg. Jun was using a Minutemen issued laser musket to burn holes through several ghouls. With the gun fire subsiding and all the ghouls lay dead introductions were in order.
"Identify yourselves" Paladin Danse ordered with his laser rifle pointed at Antoine.
"Does that really seem like the best thing to do to the people who just saved your lives" Antoine countered.
Another barely audible pfft sound was heard and the bullet connected at Danse's feet.
"I'm sorry we've been met with a not so warm reception from the Commonwealth" Danse replied holstering his laser rifle.
"I'm Colonel Antoine Cook of the Minutemen" Antoine stated extending his hand.
"Paladin Danse of the Brotherhood Of Steel our records indicated the Minutemen were a militia of farmers" Danse replied shaking his hand.
"Maybe they were at one point but under my army ranger training they've become a true military much like mine was before the bombs" Antoine said with a smirk.
Paladin Danse was concerned one the man in front of him claimed to be from before the bombs fell and two these Minutemen are clearly no band of farmers he would need to report this to Elder Maxson as quickly as possible.
"So what brought you to the Commonwealth" Antoine asked after slinging his m4 onto his back.
Danse told him a half truth that the Brotherhood of Steel were looking to investigate the Commonwealth to look for and possibly repossess any dangerous technology so it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. Danse neglected to tell Antoine about the Institute energy signal they were currently tracking as he felt it was Brotherhood business. Danse almost missed the subtle hand gesture Antoine did and was surprised when two more black combat wearing people appeared.
"So are you the recon squad for the Minutemen" Danse asked fishing for information.
"No we're Task Force Black the elite squadron of the Minutemen only five members have been added to this squad we're the best of the best" Keith replied holstering his hunting rifle.
"But I count six of you" Scribe Haylen asked confused.
"Well he doesn't count since he created the squad" Vanessa added pointing to Antoine.
"Bunch of farmers think their the best now that's funny" Rhys replies bitterly.
"I'm sorry did you say something because this farmer didn't hear you complaining when we saved your ass" Alex replied.
Calming the situation between them all Antoine interjected "we have business elsewhere hope things pick up for you Danse and I certainly hope you didn't come to the Commonwealth with ill intentions or radio out to anyone who had ill intentions either or the Minutemen might have something to say about it."
September 20, 2287
12:15 p.m
Hangman's Alley
Hangman's Alley has become home to a small group of raiders, who have constructed basic defenses at both ends. Task Force Black began doing light recon to learn all they could about the area as they prepared their assault. Vanessa was visibly shaking with rage as the memories of her youth began to bubble to the surface she reached for her laser musket preparing to slaughter them all before a hand stopped her. "Trust be Vanessa I know what it's like to lose everything, but let's make sure we do this right so no stragglers get away" Antoine said with a smile. Calming some she came back to her senses and knew Antoine right.
"Ok there are two entry points Alex I want you to plant explosives on your end and take Jose with you once the explosions go off Jose be prepared to clear after the initial breach, Jun and Vanessa you're both with me we're along the other entrance we move as soon as the explosion goes off and Keith snipes the guard in the tower from there we don't stop until they are all dead" Antoine finished.
The elite Minutemen squad checked and rechecked their equipment and guns as they each got into position. Keith was concealed in a bush as each team prepared to unleash their assault. Alex set an explosive charge on the door while Antoine Vanessa and Jose were around the corner waiting for Keith to take his shot. Keith lined up his shot looking through his medium range scope he held his breath as he slowly pulled the trigger. The bullet impacted the raiders skull and he dropped down dead. A loud explosion went off as Jose kicked the door in and the first two raiders in his way met with his combat shotgun. Antoine's team quickly followed in since the raiders were disorganized and distracted focusing on the rear entrance they never saw his team coming. Jun and Vanessa were delivering several shots with their laser muskets taking down multiple raiders while Antoine was picking them off with his 1911. After a few minutes all was quiet as every raider was now dead and Vanessa let out a few tears of joy for finally being able to avenge her family.
"It's ok to cry Vanessa it's just us here you don't have to be a soldier right now" Antoine said taking a seat next to her.
"Thanks AJ I appreciate that but I have a favor to ask" she replied.
"I'm all ears" Antoine replied curiously.
"This is a pretty good position to fortify since it's in the heart of the Commonwealth for an elite strike team it may be easier to be based out here as opposed to always having to take long trips back to Sanctuary" Vanessa stated.
Looking around at the already built walls and guard towers Antoine did have to agree not much work needed to be done to secure this location after they removed all the bodies.
lol
"I like the way you think this can be the location of the First Company I will get word to Preston at some point so he can ship a few more Minutemen out here until then we got bodies to move and supplies to get so when we're done cleaning up next stop Diamond City" Antoine's said pumping his fist into the air.
September 20, 2287
1:30 p.m
Diamond City
Diamond City was the jewel of the Commonwealth one of if not the largest known settlement out there. Everyone was welcomed to do business as it was very populated and had several traders. Unfortunately for Piper Wright she was on the outside looking in as a man wearing pre war baseball gear as armor which was the standard uniform of Diamond City security wouldn't let her back into the city she lived.
"Come on Danny what's this all about I live here you know" Piper yelled.
"Sorry Piper, but after your last news article Mayor McDonough requested we not allow you into the city" Danny replied.
This argument could have gone forever with Danny only following orders and Piper protesting for free speech, but the argument was quickly interrupted by a large army of super mutants. Super Mutants are massive, muscle-bound creatures with an innate immunity to radiation and disease. All they know is violence they exclusively like to feed on the flesh of humans and are considered extremely dangerous.
"Holy shit Danny look" Piper yelled pointing to the oncoming army of super mutants with their mutated attack dogs.
The super mutants were carrying crudely constricted pipe weaponry and they began opening fire at the wall protecting Diamond City. Several occupants living in Diamond City were in utter panic as the one thing the mayor said would protect them was now under attack. The super mutants were now throwing Molotov cocktails at the wall trying to set it ablaze thankfully the wall was made of concrete and not wood. Piper was a journalist a reporter she wasn't equipped to fight, but she wasn't going to just watch as her home be destroyed. She pulled out her emergency ten millimeter handgun and began opening fire on the super mutants.
"Puny human think tiny gun will hurt ha ha tiny human will make good snack" the super mutant snarled.
Piper was concerned until more members of the security team came outside firing their automatic pipe rifles trying to take down the super mutants. The mutant hounds pounded on a few of the security team and began ripping away at their armor with their teeth. Another super mutant fired a rocket and killed three security members. The blast knocked Piper to the ground with her gun just out of her reach. The super mutant lifted her by her neck his rancid breath right in her face "tiny human looks tasty." Before he could bite into her flesh three rounds pierced his skull as he dropped to the ground. Piper looked up to see five individuals wearing military fatigues and a black variant of combat armor.
"We're low on ammo headshots only" Antoine yelled as he began shooting super mutants with his m4.
Jose began unloading his shotgun into various super mutants doing his best to either kill or cripple them as his back was turned a super mutant was about to smack him with a club before a pfft was heard and it dropped to the ground. Joss saw it fall behind him and flashed a thumbs up that Keith saw through his scope as Jose went back into the battle. Vanessa and Jun were trying to evacuate the Diamond City security and stimpak those who needed it to get them back inside the walls. Alex was using a modified version of a laser musket essentially making it a laser shotgun and was doing his part to take out any super mutants that tried to interfere with Vanessa and Jun. Antoine raced over to help Piper get to her feet when several more super mutants rushed them. Antoine continued firing his m4 until he heard a distinct click signaling he was out of ammo. "Well fuck" was all he got to say before a super mutant slammed into him sending him into the side of the wall. Before the super mutant could finish him off a shot pierced his skull and as Antoine made his way back to his feet he spit some blood and muttered "dammit now I will never hear the end of how Keith saved my life." Vanessa and Jun returned firing rounds of laser ammunition into the super mutants dropping what was left of them. The last super mutant stood with a piece of wood in his hand ready to attack Task Force Black was lined up like a firing squad until Antoine stepped forward. He waved his comrades off as he unsheathed his combat knife and locked eyes with the mutant.
"What is he doing is he going to try and fight it without a gun" Piper asked concerned for the mystery man's safety.
"I think he's just showing off at this point look" Jun stated as a crowd of onlookers from Diamond City watched the encounter.
They super mutant charger forward swinging the wood board horizontally. Antoine slipped to his left and slashed the super mutants stomach causing it to bleed and snarl in anger "puny human think can hurt super mutant puny human will be meal when done with him." Unfortunately for the super mutant Antoine wasn't done as he kicked it in the back of the left causing it to do down to one knee while simultaneously spinning his blade so it was now inverted he rested the blade against the kneeling super mutants throat as he sliced clean through. Task Force Black stood tall as someone started a slow clap which caused a snowball effect and erupted into loud cheers of praise for the saviors of Diamond City. Piper was the first back to her feet and a notepad in her hand "thank you for saving Diamond City, but who exactly are you and where did you come from?"
"I'm Colonel Antoine Cook of the Minutemen and we were just in the area and ready to help at s minutes notice" Antoine replies
"These are members of my squad Vanessa Jenks, Jose Figueiredo, Keith Murphy, Jun Long, and I believe you already know Alexander" Antoine finished.
"Wait did you say Minutemen but I thought they were destroyed from in fighting and gunners" Piper replied.
"That did happen, but the Minutemen is under new leadership myself and General Preston Garvey have been rebuilding and have already taken back quite a few settlements from raiders" Antoine stated proudly.
The duo was interrupted by Mayor McDonough "well if it isn't Piper I'm sure this mess is your fault somehow."
"Excuse me I was stuck outside since SOMEONE decided to ban be from my own home" she replied hotly.
"You're nothing but trouble you know that and you" he said pointing towards Alex.
"How dare you show your face here after leaving to join off with a band of farmers" he stated angrily.
"Excuse me Mayor McDonough was it we haven't been properly introduced I'm Colonel Antoine Cook second in command of the Minutemen as well as leader of this elite unit Task Force Black I would appreciate it if you didn't address my men in this manner as well as talking to the nice reporter in that tone" Antoine stated his eyes locked on McDonough.
"I don't have to allow you access into my city" McDonough stated smugly.
Antoine took a step toward McDonough "listen I know your type I've dealt with politicians in my day it would be a real shame if public opinion dropped for you denying entry to the people who saved your city not to mention isn't it I don't know symbolic how the reformed Minutemen pushed back an army of super mutants like our predecessors before us" Antoine replied with a smug smirk.
Mayor McDonough locked eyes with Antoine for several seconds before relenting "fine but I hope you didn't plan on an extended stay here."
"My fair people of Diamond City met us open our doors to the people who saved us let us celebrate the arrival of the Minutemen" McDonough shouted firing up the crowd of people.
Task Force Black just looked at one another and then Piper each confirming they were thinking the same thing "this guy is full of shit."
September 20, 2287
4:30 p.m
Diamond City
Publick Occurrences
Hours have gone by and Task Force Black didn't quite know how to feel about being paraded around as heroes. Antoine was used to the gritty side of war that wasn't talked about or showcased in the news there weren't medals or parades the only prize back then was coming home and he did his best to instill that into every Minutemen who enlisted he didn't want any glory seekers. Needless to say after he first hour the team become somewhat oversensitized and needed a place to lay low. This explained why Task Force Black was hiding out in Publick Occurrences the newspaper that Piper ran alongside her younger sister Nat.
"Thanks again for letting us hide out here for a bit" Jun said reloading his laser musket.
"Not a problem I'm sure you all have some stories worth publishing am I right" Piper responded with a smirk imaging all the new information she could get.
"Sorry gonna have to talk to the boss majority of what we do is classified" Keith said flatley.
Piper turned to Antoine with puppy dog eyes "please anything come on."
"I can answer general questions about the Minutemen as well as any questions about myself" Antoine replied caving.
The rest of Task Force Black pulled up a chair and were waiting to see what Piper could get out of their boss.
"Why join the Minutemen" she started off with
"I liked what they stood for it reminds me of the army I once served in" he replied
"You keep mentioning the army but the only armies I'm aware of are the brotherhood of steel and the pre war army" Piper countered.
"While I have met one of the brotherhoods' Knights I don't think our ideals are the same and yes I severed in the pre war army two hundred years ago in a former army ranger" Antoine replied.
Antoine went on to detail how he came to in the cryo chamber in vault 111 and everything that led up to him saving Preston Garvey. Everyone except Jun who already heard the story were in utter shock at how well Antoine kept himself together after basically losing everything and everyone he's ever known and essentially starting over in the Commonwealth.
"Hey hey none of that no pity looks I'm fine and I'm still on a mission to find my son speaking of Piper would happen to know of any locations that mercenaries might frequent" Antoine asked.
"Well farther east of here is a place called the Combat Zone I've heard a few guys talk about it at the bar apparently is a place where you can find a good fight and get paid for winning" Piper responded.
"Boss you're not thinking of going are you" Keith inquired.
"That I am, but this isn't Minutemen business and there are more pressing matters to attend to I want you all to resupply and take pick up this list of supplies, Jun you're in charge I want our new base operational by the time I'm done with this side mission, oh and Alex try to get communication out to Preston there is a radio set up at Sanctuary let him know what I'm doing and to get I want to say another six Minutemen to officially start the First Company" Antoine finished.
They might not like it but orders are orders which is why Task Force Black minus Antoine we're heading back to Hangman's Alley with a shipment of concrete, wood, and copper to get it to Minutemen standard while Antoine was checking his equipment. The weapons dealer Arturo Rodriguez of Diamond City gave him a good deal on some ammunition so Antoine was still in Piper's home reloading his m4 and 1911 as well as packing extra magazines in his backpack.
"You sure you're going to be alright I don't mind going with you" Piper stated.
"Much appreciated you've already done so much for my squad and I Ms. Wright" he replied.
"Please just Piper is fine" she replied with a chuckle.
"Then it's only fair you call me AJ all my friends so and I would like to think you as a friend Piper don't worry I will be seeing you again" he responded as he gave her a handshake which she laughed at and pulled him into a hug.
"Be safe out there Blue" she replied with a smile.
"Blue" he asked confused.
"Like the jump suits you vault people wear" she joked.
Antoine laughed at that as he re holstered his weapons and left Diamond City with his next destination set as the Combat Zone.
A/N I originally didn't plan on posting the next chapter this soon but after several favorites and follows I assumed you guys were into this story so I decided to realease this chapter early if you could please leave a review letting me know what you like or dislike as the story progresses thank you :D
