Hi all fallout fanfiction loving poeple! This is the 2nd chapter of my story. I'ts a little longer then the first one. And I hope it's a little better. I apologize for all the spelling misstakes and all the grammatical errors I make. I try to keep them away from the story, but sometime they pass by my keen eyes.
I would like to know what you guys (and girls maybe?) want. Longer chapters that will take some time write or shorter ones.
Please review and comment! I take all criticism. Good and bad! And please comke with suggestions on what you want to the story to involve, and maybe I'll try it out!
Have a good one!
K1ngthedog out...
Mark woke up when the mechanical alarm clock that was on his nightstand started to ring. He immediately sat up in the bed and reached for his pistol that he usually had strapped on his left thigh.
''Ah shit.''
Mark remembered where he was. And that his pistol was lying next to his backpack at the foot of the bed. He looked at the clock which told him that it was 8am. It was at that time he noticed Luna who was lying on one of the other beds.
''When did you get in here girl? I thought I told you to stay in the bathroom.'' Mark said to Luna. It was right there that he noticed that he was alone in his bed. He searched the room with his eyes and noticed that Beth had collected her gear and left before Mark had woken up.
''Damn she is quiet.'' Mark thought to himself. And he was right. Beth was probably the most quiet of all the rangers in Reilly's Rangers. She had the ability to sneak up to an enemy and steal the magazine out of the weapon. Well at least she brags about having done it. But Mark never believed her. He always told her to try it on him when he wasn't prepared, and she haven't succeeded yet.
Mark got out of the bed and went into the bathroom and checked himself over in the mirror. He had some dirt on his face. But walking the wasteland for 5 days does that to everyone.
He also had a scar on his left arm. That was from when he had fought raider in close combat 3 years ago. The raider got lucky and was able to stab Mark right through both his bicep and tricep on his left arm. It hurt like hell. But Mark won the fight when he headbutted the rangers nose while wearing his helmet. The raider stumbled back, giving Mark enough time to draw out his own combat knife and stabbing the raider in the throat. It had sprayed blood all over Mark's right arm. The stab wound on his left arm forced Mark to rest for 2 weeks at the ranger compound.
He examined his lower body. On his right thigh he had 2 long scars he got 2 years ago when he was on his 2nd mission as a specialist ranger. He was on a mission west of Megaton when he encountered a yao guai. He had tried to outrun it but a yao guai can run fast as hell. The mutated animal caught up to him and pushed on his back, throwing Mark forward against a rock. Mark had turned around and was able to fire 5 shots into its belly with his pistol.. That was when the yao guai hit Mark's thigh, slicing his skin with it's sharp claws. Mark had thought that he was as good as dead. But suddenly the animal was riddled with bullets fired from above. It fell to the ground dead. It was when the firing had stopped that Mark heard the sound of a Brotherhood vertibird circling over his position. He waved his arm to signal that he needed help. The vertibird had landed on some flat terrain some 30 meters from where he was. 2 medical scribes came up running to him with a stretcher. They had transported him to the closest settlement with an good enough medical facility. That settlement was Megaton, which was for the best because Reilly's Rangers had an outpost wound put Mark in bedrest for 4 days, and out of service for another week.
Even though Mark had some nasty wounds, he was actually one of the specialists ranger who had suffered the least amount of wounds. Mark moved on to examine his latest wound. The spot on his left leg where the bullet ad grazed him yesterday. He removed the gauze roll and examined the wound.
''Hmm it actually doesn't look that bad. I'll have to check it with doc back at base '' He thought to himself.
He got into the shower that was to his right and put on the water. He had to be quick. Water restrictions only allowed showers to be 5 minutes long. Any longer than that and the user had to pay a fine of 50 caps. And 5 extra caps for every minute that they exceeded. Even though Rivet city was the biggest and most developed settlement in the Capital Wasteland, it still had very harsh rules regarding the use of its clean water. Showers was a luxury not enjoyed by all. And you were only allowed to shower once in every 3 days. That was still better than what the rest of the wasteland had. Which usually consisted of a bath of not so dirty water but free of radiation, or an irradiated pool of water in a ditch somewhere. The only other place where you would be able to use a real shower was in Vault 101 and the Citadel. But they don't let anyone into those places.
Mark turned of the water and got out of the shower and started to dry himself with his towel. He looked down on his watch that he had around his left arm
'' 8:29am. 1 more minute and I would have to pay the fine for exceeding 5 minutes of showertime.'' Mark thought to himself. He hung back the towel to let it dry. He then went to the the bench where he had put his fresh clothes the night before. He started to dress himself. He had a pair of gray underwear, dark green t-shirt, and a pair of dark green BDU pants and jacket, and a pair of black boots.
When Mark was fully dressed he attached his armor plates on him. He had a modified set here as well. A chest plate that was painted with the same green as his jacket was. With the Reilly's Rangers insignia painted in white on the left side of it. The four-leaf clover with the 2 swords crossing it. He had a shoulder plate that went from his right shoulder down to his elbow and covering the exposed side. His right arm was exposed the most when he was firing his weapon, he was a left handed shooter you see. Therefore he only had a smaller shoulder plate on his left arm that only covered his shoulder.
There was one more insignia on his armor. On his right shoulder plate there was the insignia of the Specialist Rangers. There was the four-leaf clover in the background, but the foreground had a human skull with flames on it. It was only painted in black and white. It was worn with pride and respect. Pride to serve with the best. And respect for those who had fallen carrying it.
On both of his legs he wore leg plates. There was 2 plates on each leg. The first plate covered the exposed sides and the front if his thighs down to the kneecaps. And the second pair of plates covered his knees on the exposed sides and front down to the ankle level.
All of the plates were colored the same as the BDU. Though you could see a lot of scratches on the paint from when Mark had to crouch in cover or crawl on the ground. He had thought about getting an update. On the shoulder plate on his right arm there was a big mark where he had been hit by a 5.56mm bullet from a R91 Assault rifle that was carried by a super mutant brute.
He had another big gash on his left thigh plate from when a raider with an axe got close after Mark's carbine jammed. Good thing the raider was high on jet or he might have had a better control of his body. Though he was strong one, he wasn't able to pull out the axe that got stuck in the plate. Mark had pulled out his kukri and finished the raider with a clean blow to the top of his skull.
Mark finished gearing up and putting all of his weapon in place. He had his carbine attached to a black sling that was attached just above the pistol grip on the carbine. He hung the sling on his right shoulder so the sling went from his shoulder down across his chest and around across his back up to his right shoulder again.
The last thing he did before leaving was that he took down his rain poncho and put it back in his backpack.
''Come on girl, let's get out of here.'' He said to Luna who jumped down from the bed and jogged out of the room. Mark exited the room, locked the door and hid the key behind the sign. He looked at his watch, 8:50am it said.
Mark entered the market and headed directly for Gary's Galley. He arrived there and was greeted by a young girl, she couldn't have been more than 11 years old.
''Good morning sir. What can I do for you this morning.''
''Good morning to you too, miss. I am here to pick up some radstag jerky that I ordered last night.'' Mark said and put down his backpack on the floor next to him.
''Certainly sir. If I could just have your receipt.'' The girl told him.
Mark reached down in his right pocket on his pants and searched for the receipt. When he didn't find he got confused ''Hmm I thought I put it in here.'' He continued to search left pocket. When he didn't find the receipt there either he got frustrated. He went on to search the pockets on his jacket. ''Where the hell did I put it.'' Mark thought to himself. He then stopped searching and had a look of realisation on his face. He looked at the little girl and smiled.
''Have there been a women here this morning that also had ordered some jerky. She got Ginger hair, green eyes, freckles on her face and is dressed almost the same as me?'' Mark asked her while showing how he was dressed.
''Yes there was, Mr. She was very pretty. I hope I can join the ranger's when I grow up and become just like here.'' She said very excited.
''That thiefing bitch.'' He thought to himself while trying to hide his anger from the little girl.
''Oh I see. Well then I would like to order some more radstag jerky from you.'' Mark said and took out 5 caps from his backpack.
''Of course sir. I'll be right back'' She said and took the caps and went to the kitchen that Mr Staley had built about 3 years ago.
While Mark waited for the jerky he looked around at the other people at the market. Most of the shops was still closed, and most of the owners were having breakfast at Gary's Galley. But some shops was already open.
The marketplace had also expanded with the rest of the city. The wall to the left when you enter the market from the outside had been knocked down to make way for the expansion of the existing shops and the opening of the new. There had opened a new weapon's shop, much to Flak's irritation. But Flak still got most of the customers. ''Probably because he is reliable'' Mark thought.
There had also opened a medical shop, with the cooperation of doctor Preston, who with the help of some new co workers had started to manufacture some medical equipment, like stimpaks, radaway, rad-x and med-x. The new coworkers that doctor Preston had was actually 2 more doctors and 5 nurses. So the clinic was open all the time, even during the night. Doctor Preston was also one of the members of the city council.
Rivet city was actually the second best place after the Citadel in the wasteland to offer medical services. Here in Rivet city they could even conduct surgical operations. Though it had to be a very important person, otherwise it would have been a waste of valuable resources.
There had been about 6 new shops that had opened up in the city. Selling everything from food to clothes and different kind of weapons.
Mark also spotted security chief Harkness. He was doing his usual morning patrol of the market. He wore the regular armor of the Rivet city security. He also carried his own Type-93 assault rifle. He had modified it with some sort of scope on it. Mark couldn't tell if it had any magnification or not. He also carried a 10mm pistol in his right thigh. And he had a combat knife attached to his chest plate just below his left shoulder. He was looking like a dangerous man and not anyone who to be messed with.
Mark found it strange though, Harkness was almost 50 years old but he didn't look much older than 40. ''I wish I still look and feel as good as I do now when i'm at his age.''
Harkness was followed by another security guard. A private by the looks of it. The guard carried one of the 50 Service rifles that had been sold to Rivet city by Reilly's Rangers back in 2285 to show good faith and to strengthen further cooperation between the two groups, the 2 50 caliber machineguns on the towers outside was also included in that gift. It all cost the city about 8000 caps. But it was a well placed investment. Those 50 caliber machineguns had taken care of more than one attack on the city.
''Here you are sir. 10 pieces of radstag jerky.'' the little girl said and handed Mark his jerky wrapped in some newspaper.
''Thank you very much, miss. And this is for you'' Mark said and gave the girl a small metal badge of the Reilly's Rangers emblem.
''Oh wow! Thank you so much sir!'' She said excited and with a smile on her face.
Mark took out two pieces of the jerky and gave one to Luna and started to chew on the other one. He then went to the exit.
The first thing Mark noticed when he exited the carrier was the cold air. This was however not the first time Mark thought about it.
The Capital Wasteland was getting colder and colder. He heard about it before and only experienced it once before. A nuclear winter was approaching. The last time that had occurred in the Capital Wasteland was 8 years ago, and it lasted for 11 months. Mark remembered it to well. The temperature had dropped to -10 degrees celsius, and that's was at it's warmest point. The coldest day the temperature was at -25 degrees celsius. It was bad for everybody. Crops died out. The few brahmin ranches that existed in the capital wasteland almost didn't survive. No crops meant no food, for man or animal. And the brahmin couldn't be let outside to try to find their own food. In the freezing weather they would all have died. The Brotherhood had did all that they could have done. But their resources was limited. Everybodys was.
During those 11 months, Reilly's rangers lost contact with several small settlements in the wasteland. Old Olney, Arefu, Tenpenny's Tower and Big Town to mention some of them. Radio communication wasn't working because of the blizzards and heavy snowfall, not even Three dog at the GNR was able to broadcast some days. Not even the Brotherhood could send out a squad or a vertibird because of the strong winds. In the 7th month of the winter, when it looked like it was getting warmer again, the ranger's sent out all of the squads from 2nd platoon in an effort to try to establish contact with the settlements that they had lost contact with. After a week though the weather turned again and the temperature dropped. Only 2 squads made it back intact, 1 squad lost 5 ranger's. The 4th squad didn't return. It was presumed lost. It was only after the winter had passed that the squad was able to make contact again. It had reached Old Olney and had to remain there the last 4 months. They were transported back to the compound with the help of the Brotherhood's vertibirds. The squad had suffered no casualties.
Mark couldn't guess how many people that lost their lives during those 11 months, but no one was left untouched. He could remember the times when his squad was out on a mission or out on a patrol, how they would sometimes find people dead in the streets. No damages to their bodies, no evidence of force. The bodies was blue and sometimes naked, the hypothermia had gotten to them. You see, one of the symptoms of hypothermia is that when the body reaches a temperature lower than 30 degrees celsius, you become disoriented, confused and even combative. In some cases people start to feel warm. So they undress, decreasing the chance of surviving.
Mark also remembered the times when they would find groups of people cuddled up in a corner or against a wall, trying with the body heat to warm each other up. Lovers, families, friends and even parents holding their children close.
Mark would probably never forget the time when he discovered a mother holding her young son who was both long dead by the time the rangers found them. The mother had her coat wrapped around her son in an effort to protect him from the freezing winds and snow. Her grip was so hard not even two rangers could break it from her cold hands.
''That kid couldn't have been more than 8 years old. Let's hope it doesn't get as bad as it did back then.'' Mark thought to himself and took the first step towards the bridge.
''It's getting colder in the mornings nowadays.'' Mark said to the security guard. Who was wearing a thick jacket over his armor.
''It sure is ranger. The thermometer showed 5 degrees celsius when I started my shit at 8am. Good luck out there.'' The security guard answered and gave Mark nod to across the bridge, out there in the wasteland.
Mark walked out on the bridge, he had already crossed it when he heard the guard shout to him. ''This time we are ready!''
'' I sure hope so.'' Mark thought to himself.
Mark made his way down the walkway and headed for the Anacostia Crossing station just north of Rivet city. ''I just have to walk over the platform and exit at Seward square southeast.'' Mark thought and entered the metro.
The metro under the city was and still is the safest way of making your way through DC, even though it is packed with all kind of people and creatures, like feral ghouls, super mutants and raiders.
Mark was just walking on the bridge above the platforms when he first heard the bullet passing his head, then he heard it hitting the wall behind him and then he heard the weapon firing.
Mark dove for cover behind a concrete bench to his left and checked himself for injuries. Luna followed Mark behind the bench. It had taken a lot of training, but Mark had succeeded in teaching Luna to follow Mark anywhere in case they were attacked.
''No wounds. Don't feel anything bleeding. Good.'' Mark thought to himself and pulled back the bolt on his carbine. He jerked a little when 4 more bullets slammed into the wall beside him. He had already located where the shooter was, behind a pair of sandbags next to the ticketing booth. Mark took out one of his grenade and was just about to pull the pin when he could hear shouting from the booth.
''Cease fire for fuck's sake! Damn it Sanders, did that guy look like a feral to you.''
''I-I-I don't kno-know Corporal. He looked like one but it's really dark in here.'' He could hear a nervous voice say.
''You never open fire if you haven't identified that your target is hostile. If you don't see the target in this darkness you turn on the damn spotlight. Do you understand?'' Mark heard that the voice was an angry one. And that the person was a trained one. Mark now knew who the people behind the sandbags was.
''Stand up with your armed raised above your head.'' The same person said again.
''Probably best to do as the say. Or the nervous one might accidentally kill me.'' Mark thought. He slowly stood up. Mark's was proved right. The people that had fired at him were fellow ranger's. Ranger's who are posting the bridge. If there weren't any guards here then anyone could have entered seward square.
''I am Specialist sergeant Mark Emerson. I'm returning from my mission.'' Mark said and revealed himself from the darkness.
''Shit I almost killed a fellow ranger.'' Sanders said.
''No you didn't But if your aim was any better you might have hit me.'' Mark said with a smile.''
''I apologize for my fresh ranger here, sergeant. We have had ferals coming at us for the last 18 hours. Don't know why though. Something must have driven them out of the tunnels.'' The corporal said.
''I understand.'' Mark said and walked over to them.
There were 3 ranger's guarding the checkpoint. 2 privates and the Corporal. They all wore the standard dark green Reilly's Rangers BDU. Only the specialists are allowed to wear their own BDU.
The 3 also wore the Reilly's Rangers armor set. Theirs was however a lower standard than Mark's. They were all armed with the R91 assault rifle, though they were all modified differently. One had attached a scope, and the others had a forward hand grip on it. There was also a machine gun set up behind the sandbags. Just in case.
''The ferals caused any trouble or damages here?'' Mark asked the corporal when he noticed the blood on the ground.''
''Not really, sergeant. They usually come single or in a groups. We haven't seen a group larger than 5 yet though. I would be happy if it stayed like that.''
''Yeah, and I would like a hot girl he...'' The other soldiers didn't have time to finish his sentence before he was interrupted by the sound of a shriek from the tunnels. Footsteps could now be heard to. Many footsteps. Approaching fast.
''Sounds like we got some more ferals.'' The corporal said readied his weapon.
''Come on people, form a line behind the sandbags. Choose your targets, aim, and squeeze the trigger. Single-fire only. You have permission to fire when you are ready'' Mark said and jumped over the sandbags. The 4 rangers lined up and readied their weapons. The clicking sound of safeties switching to of signaled that they were ready for combat.
''Shit! Looks like a small horde, sergeant. I count 12 ferals coming out of the tunnel. They are coming up the stairs!'' Sanders said loud.''
''Calm yourself. We got the advantage here. Deep breaths and keep your aim steady.'' Mark said while looking down his scope.
The first feral arrived on the bridge, it didn't get far though. Mark squeezed his trigger and fired his carbine which sent a bullet that went right through the skull of the feral and hit the wall behind. The feral fell to the ground instantly. 3 more ferals arrived on the bridge from the stairs. Mark let the other rangers take care of those. Almost instantaneously they all fired and hit the ferals.
'' 8 left.'' Mark thought while counting the dead ferals.
The remaining ferals made their way up the stairs. But on the bridge they were met by the well armed and coordinated rangers. Firing their weapon in unison and dropping the ferals. One by one they fell on to the ground dead. The ferals stopped coming and the metro fell silence. Mark and the rangers stood their for a minute in complete silence. Listening after more ferals and making sure that the ones they had they had fired upon was dead. No movement or sound whatsoever.
''Good work rangers. Make sure the ferals are dead. Then remove the bodies.'' The corporal said. He then turned to Mark and reached for his hand.
''Thanks for the help sergeant. We'll take it from here. You can move on to the compound if you like.''
''No problem, corporal.'' Mark said and choke his hand.
Mark turned around and walked towards the exit to Seward square southeast.
He made it to the exit when he suddenly heard a voice from the outside.
''Identify yourself!''
''This shit again. Why is everybody so fucking nervous today.''
''Sergeant Mark Emerson. I am coming out.'' Mark said and walked out and up the stairs. He could see 3 rangers at the top of the stairs. All ready to fire at a possible enemy.
''Oh. Sorry sir. We heard some gunfire from the metro. You can't be too careful.'' One of the rangers said. Who Mark could tell was a sergeant by looking on his rank insignia on his right arm.
''Only some ferals coming out of the tunnels. They have been dealt with.'' Mark said while he passed them.
Mark was in ranger territory now. The rangers have secured the entire Seward square about 7 years ago for Reilly's ranger to use it as their homebase. When they had secured it they started to clean it up. Removing all the concrete rubble, steel beams, burned out cars, dead bodies of humans and radiated that they examined which buildings that was still stable enough to house the rangers and their equipment and supplies.
The defences they had built was led by Brick, one of the original members of the rangers, back when it was only a small team of mercs. The defences was built with the rubble and other supplies that they found while clearing the place. The defences was a set off concrete walls that surrounded the base. There were 3 locations where you could enter the base. The main entryway was located outside the east entry of the Capitol building, the walkway between two of the buildings there made for an excellent vantage point. The wall was built directly underneath it with a small gate for entry. That's where the merchant caravan enter. The other entry was the one Mark had just used, the southeast station. That was only allowed for rangers. The last entry was a secret one. Only a few of the rangers knew about it. It was a sewer manhole located behind the armory.
''I should get to the barrack and report in.'' Mark thought to himself.
While he was walking towards his units barrack he could see that there was a lot of activity going on around him. There was all sort of activities going on. He could see and hear 2 squads from 1st platoon at the firing range. They were practicing firing from longer distances. It looked like they were doing good. To Mark's left he could see the new recruits for 5th platoon being train in hand to hand combat. They used wooden knives so they wouldn't hurt themselves. They were being trained by 2nd Lieutenant Smith from 5th platoon. He was probably the best in hand to hand combat Mark had ever seen. Mark once saw him take down 3 raiders in hand to hand combat, using a wooden plank.
''I swear to the almighty atom, Shepard if you fail to block that strike one more time I will personally throw you out of the front gate!'' Smith shouted to one of the recruits. He wouldn't actually kick him out. It was only to get Shepard to try more and focus.
Mark now entered Barracks street. It wasn't it's pre-war name. But they had dubbed it barracks street because, you guessed it, all the barracks was located on that street. Most of the barracks had been put in old houses. Some had to renovated. And by that I mean that they had built or knocked down walls in order to make it more practical to use.
Mark was now outside the his units barrack. Above the door was a sign that said RANGERS MAKE THEIR OWN WAY. It was the unofficial motto of Reilly's Rangers. There were quite few of them actually. Mark's favorite was the one that went ''No luck, all skill.'' Which was quite funny. Because the rangers were very often lucky in their day to day life.
Mark looked at his watch.
''10:45am. That walk took longer than I expected.'' Mark thought to himself and went into the barrack.
''Hey Mark. How was your mission?'' Mark haven't even had time to close the door when Specialist Corporal Robin Andersson asked him the question.
''It was good Emma. Got into a little snag with some raiders. But nothing I can't handle though. Have you seen the staff sergeant?'' Mark asked her while checking her out.
Emma Andersson was 24 years, she had short black hair that went down to her shoulders. Her eyes had a very bright blue colour. She was almost as tall as Mark with his 190cm. And she was quite fit. She was at the time only wearing a white tank top, and a pair of black BDU looked likme had been working out at the gym.
''Oh yeah. I saw him enter his office just 15 minutes ago.'' Emma answered.
''Thanks Emma. See you later. Luna stay with Emma.'' Mark said and walked towards his staff sergeant's walked up to Emma and almost begged for some attention from her.
''And you can stop checking me out.'' Mark heard Emma say behind him.
Mark just smirked and kept walking towards the office. He knocked on the door.
'Enter.'' Mark heard from the inside.
Mark opened the door and walked in. Behind a desk his staff sergeant was sitting, typing on his terminal.
Staff Sergeant Connor Grey was the platoon sergeant. He had served with the rangers for the last 12 years. He was very muscular and tall. Even taller than Mark. He was somewhere around 50 years old. Mark didn't know for sure. He had gray hair, dark brown eyes and a thick beard. He was the best the specialist rangers had to offer. Though he didn't see much combat anymore, being the platoon sergeant and all. Though he still carried a 9mm pistol, just as Mark did. And he had the rest of his combat gear in his locker to Mark's right.
''I'm here to report in.''
''Sit down Sergeant and speak.'' Staff sergeant Grey said and gestured for the empty chair at his desk.
Mark dropped his backpack by the door and leaned his carbine against it. He sat down on the empty chair and began to speak.
''I left Megaton 5 days ago at 1pm. The day after I received my mission over the radio at the safehouse at outpost foxtrot. I arrived at the super-duper mart on the west side of the Potomac river at 7am the same night, I would have arrived earlier, but on the way I assisted some wastelanders defending themselves from a group of super mutants. When I arrived at the Super-duper mart I took up position in a hidden location in a building across the broken highway and scouted the location for 3 days. During those days I gathered enough information to say that a group of raiders have occupied the location and are using it as a base. I counted 50 raiders. But there could be more. On the 4th day I left the area and planned to head back here. But when I had gotten across the river I was ambushed by 5 raiders. I managed kill them all. My guess is that they belonged to the same group as the ones at the Super-duper mart. After that I decided to head for Rivet city instead, as it was getting dark. I spent the night there and headed then headed back here today. End of report.''
Staff sergeant Connor had typed down every word Mark said in his terminal.
''Good work sergeant. I'll forward this report to 1st Lieutenant Foster, and we'll see what happens after that. My guess is that he will take it up with the commander. Dismissed.''
Mark got up, picked up his gear and left the room. He whistled for Luna who came running from another room. He left the building and went towards the armory to get some resupplied. It wasn't far to the armory from his barrack. Only about 100 meters. It was located behind the north metro entrance in the square. Though that metro entranced had been blocked by rubble, so it couldn't be used.
Mark could see a patrol returning from a mission.''Good. Looks like everybody has returned in one piece.'' Mark thought to himself.
Mark entered the armory. ''Hello.'' He said out to no one in particular. There came no response. ''Hmm that's weird. There's always someone here.'' He thought to himself.
''Don't move you dirtbag. Or I'll end your pathetic life right here and know.'' Mark felt the cold steel against the back of his head.