And here we go with number 5. Jackson learning about the currency, finally.

I have to say that in the game if you go to the Museum of Freedom before Abernathy Farm the Sole Survivor knows that bottlecaps are currency. But at Abernathy Farms the Sole Survivor acts surprised that bottlecaps are currency even after he says 'I didn't do this for money' to Preston after accepting the caps. They did not think that through very well now did they?

Also there's a nod here to a mod in Fallout 4 called the 'Cheat Terminal' by gir489 & NexusAU and the Visible Galaxy 4k mod by SpaceGoats

But I digress.

'Thinking'

"Talking"


Returning the Favor

October 24th 2287

… before a female voice spoke up. "Dad stop! He's no raider!"

"Blake calm down," another female voice spoke up making Jackson open his eyes. The two females who resided here seemed to realize that he wasn't a threat. Must've been his hands in the air... or his eyes closed shut upon seeing the shotgun... or the look of terror on his face... or Dogmeat threatening the man... or all of the above.

The man kept his gun focused at Jackson for a few more seconds before lowering it, "I'm friendly. Not looking to cause any trouble," Jackson said to him.

"If you say so. But be warned, we're armed here. So don't try anything," the now identified Blake said to him, " Look, we're simple farmers. We don't have much. We just want to be left alone. Every minute of our lives farming have been spent watching our backs."

"What do you mean?" Jackson asked.

"Raiders," he replied, "Why do all the hard work when you can just take what you want at gunpoint?" he finished in a sad voice.

"I get the feeling there's more to that story," Jackson realized.

"Last time those raiders hit us, my daughter Mary tried to stand up to 'em," Blake said in a sad voice, "Now she's buried out back of the house. Only twenty one years old, and they shot her down without a thought," he continued before straightening his voice out, "That's why we need the Minutemen back, and the sooner the better."

"I know the Minutemen," Jackson said surprising Blake, "Not many are left though. I think the only one around here is Preston Garvey."

"That's a damn shame. Those were brave men and women. If they'd been here when those raiders hit us, my daughter Mary might still be alive," Blake said.

"Preston's over in Sanctuary right now trying to rebuild them," Jackson told him.

"You don't say. That's close by," Blake said thinking, "Still fighting the good fight then." Blake then got a look on his face, "Look, I hate to ask and I don't have much to offer, but... those raiders that killed Mary, they took her locket too. It's been in Connie's family for generations. If you could get it back, it'd mean a lot to us."

"Do you know where they're coming from?" Jackson asked.

"Yeah, pretty sure I do," Blake replied, "One of them mentioned Olivia while they were here. My guess is they're hold up in the old USAF station. If you have a map I'll point it out to you."

Bringing up his Pip-boy map Blake pointed out the location, which was fairly close to Sanctuary, and before Jackson headed out he turned to Blake again and spoke up, "There's nothing worse than losing a member of the family. Believe me, I know."

"You too?" Blake asked.

"My little brother was kidnapped and my parents were murdered trying to stop them. Trust me when I say that I know what you're going through. That's why I will get your locket back for you," Jackson said before heading in the direction of the USAF base.

He didn't get far before being stopped by Blakes other daughter and his wife, "Hey," the younger of the two said to him in a near whisper, "If you need some caps we could appreciate some help picking the vegetables. We'll pay you a fair rate. Name's Lucy and this is my mother Connie."

Jackson looked at her confused, "Did you say caps? Why would I want those?"

"Yeah, like bottle caps? And because it's money? At least it is here in the Commonwealth," Lucy replied.

"You guys pay for things with bottle caps? What happened to dollars and cents?" Jackson asked now realizing that the caps Preston gave him earlier was payment. When he remembered something his eyes widened slightly. He needed to contact Cindy at earliest convenience.

"That old stuff? Not too useful these days, unless you're lookin' to stock up your outhouse," Lucy replied, "Or use as sleeping material I guess."

Jackson nodded in understanding, "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."

"No problem," Lucy replied, "By the way my mother is the closest thing we have to a trader around here if you need anything."

Jackson nodded and began the trek back to Sanctuary. After getting out of earshot of the farm he pulled up Cindy on his radio to test Sturges upgrade, "Hey Cindy you there?"

After a few seconds he heard a reply, "Jackson? Is that you? Guess Sturges upgrade worked out."

"Yeah it did. Listen," he said making his voice lower but still able to be picked up by Cindy, "Meet me in my old room. There's something in there that would be of use. In my closet there's a safe. Code is 04-17-77. Get Preston to help you carry it."

"Okay," she replied unsure where this was going, "but I don't-" she was cut off when Jackson ended the call. About ten minutes later he arrived at Sanctuary to Preston and a rather ticked off Cindy and seven garbage bags with them. "Alright we got them out here," Cindy said with a hint of anger, "Now what's the big hoo-hah?"

"Remember that social studies project our class did a while back?" Jackson asked her.

"You mean the one right before the bombs dropped that Mr. Garrison flunked you on Mr. I-always-get-straight-A's?" Cindy asked as she grew a smile on her face at the memory, "He wasn't too happy with you on that. Especially after your Miracle on 34th Street lawyer impression."

"That's because of his bias towards Nuka Cola," Jackson responded, "But that's besides the point, do you remember what I did and what mine was on?"

Cindy thought to herself, "Well I think it was on the amount of consumption that our society was going through in recent years. You brought in sooo many bags full that day on a single thing we were heavily consuming to prove a point. How long did it take you to collect all those again?"

"Five days," Jackson replied, "Give or take. All those hours working at the bottle depot was time very well spent. Thank god the municipal government made recycling mandatory and for the robots working there or I would never have amassed that many in time."

"That's great and all," Cindy said, "But what's that got to do with these?" before the realization set in, "Don't tell me..."

"Yup," Jackson responded, "my social studies project," he had a sheepish look on his face, "was too lazy to throw them out plus I promised my mom I'd help out with Shaun's Halloween costume. Thank god for laziness huh?"

"I'm not following," Preston finally spoke up, "what's in these bags?"

"I'll show you," Jackson replied opening up one of the bags for Preston to see. Inside was nothing but bottlecaps.

"This is- I- How-" Preston was having trouble finding the words, "There's got to be at least a million caps in these bags."

"Six million nine hundred and twenty eight thousand one hundred and twenty eight to be exact," Jackson and Cindy responded at the same time. Jackson looked at Cindy who said, "What? That's exactly what you said to Mr. Garrison when he asked."

"One hundred and seventy three thousand two hundred and three bottles an hour on average there," Jackson continued, "Only bottle depot in Boston. With one that size and many robots working there why need more than one? The amount of bottlecaps says something about how we lived, no?"

"This amount," Preston said, "makes you one of, if not the richest person in the Commonwealth."

"Perhaps," Jackson said, "but there's more to life than money. This should be used to help the settlement as much as possible. Lets keep them in the safe for the time being." With that the three of them, plus Dogmeat who had wandered over and grabbed the smallest bag brought them back to his safe and put them back in. After that he told Cindy he needed to speak to Preston. Once alone Jackson spoke up, "I need your help with something."

"What do you need?"

"There's a settlement back that way," Jackson said pointing towards the Abernathy's farm, "That asked for my help. A group of raiders killed their daughter some time ago. They asked me to retrieve her locket from them."

"Sure," Preston said, "I'd be glad to help out."

"Great," Jackson responded, "Codsworth. Dogmeat, here boy." The dog and robot came over and when they were there Jackson spoke again, "Codsworth I need you to hold down the fort here, okay?" Getting a confirmation from the robot he turned to Preston, "Okay, you me and Dogmeat will head out to confront the raiders."

The three of them crossed the bridge and when they were near the Red Rocket Truck Stop they headed east-northeast towards the USAF. On the way there they came across a water filtration pump and Jackson added a .44 pistol to his armory. Heading slightly north they came across the Robotics Disposal Ground. Marking it on the map for later the three headed southeast and came across another crashed vertibird with an incomplete set of power armor, specifically only the torso and two legs remained with a fusion core intact next to a skeleton with an army helmet on it. Jackson decided a bit more protection was warranted in this case and hopped right into the machine after swapping out his fedora for the helmet. His head was uncovered and his arms slightly exposed, but it was better than nothing. Continuing southeast the three came across the USAF station. After Preston killed a single guard dog they waited for any other sign of life, but found none. Approaching a gap in the fence they found the dog Preston had killed and there was a sign of a struggle on the dog prior to being shot. Heading up a ramp to investigate they found the body of a raider and several creatures Jackson hadn't seen before. "Mole rats," Preston said letting Jackson know what these things were, "Not very dangerous individually, unless you're caught by surprise, but more dangerous in groups. Guess our friend here wasn't lucky."

"Two are shot," Jackson said, "but the third had it's throat ripped out. Most likely that guard dog we killed." Heading back down they entered the bunker to find another raider dead. "I'm guessing he was caught by surprise," Jackson asked Preston who nodded. Heading through the door they made their way inside and down the winding staircase. At the bottom Jackson stopped Preston before he triggered the trap at the bottom and disarmed it. On a nearby desk was a terminal still active that Jackson hacked into and opened the nearby door. Unfortunetly that caught the attention of one of the nearby raiders but before they could alert anyone Dogmeat sunk his teeth into their throat when they came into sight.

Entering the room to see if the locket was there they didn't find it but did find a mini nuke, a U.S. Covert Operations Manual that Jackson quickly stored away, and a trunk full of weapons and ammunition including frag grenades and a second frag mine. In a corner near the door there was a safe that held some more ammunition, bottlecaps and a gold locket once Jackson cracked it open. Heading out the door they decided to head to the left of the large room and upon doing so came across another raider leaning up against the railing looking away from them. Ordering Dogmeat to kill the man the dog grabbed him by his throat and killed him before he could scream. Heading around the catwalk and down the stairs Jackson saw a reactor that was still powered by a fusion core and took the item. Nearing a gap in the wall the group could see four raiders on the other side, one of whom had a minigun with them. Heading instead through a door across from the fusion reactor they turned left and were in a room that connected to the one where the raiders were. That's when Jackson came up with a plan.

"Alright Preston, you and Dogmeat take cover and hold here. I'll create a diversion and when they pass the door take them out from behind. Or beside if the case may be," Jackson said to them, "Dogmeat, listen to what Preston says, okay." The pup gave a low whine and Jackson said, "Hey it's alright. I'll be fine," before turning to Preston and nodding signaling he was ready. After Preston and Dogmeat took hidden positions Jackson returned to the large open area, atomized a frag mine and placed it in the doorway unseen. He then took a couple of steps back, atomized his hunting rifle, took aim at the minigun wielder and fired purposely missing his target. As expected the minigun user was the first to recover after the shot and was also the first to rush him. She opened fire at Jackson as she ran forcing him to take cover. Predictably she didn't see the mine until she stepped on it and the mine exploded killing her in the process. The other three had originally decided to let their boss take out the idiot stupid enough to shoot at her and now were heading in his direction too. However a single shot from Preston, a bit to the throat from Dogmeat and another single shot from Jackson put the three of them down. Taking the minigun from the dead woman along with the ammunition they searched for the missing locket.

After a few minutes they located it in a toolbox near a locked door. Taking it they left the USAF station where it was now raining once again. Heading back to the Abernathy's Farm they headed a bit too far south and caught sight of Thicket Excavations when they were at the cliff edge. Righting themselves and marking it on the map for later they headed back on course. After about twenty five minutes of walking they made their way back to the Farm and were greeted by Blake Abernathy. "I've got that locket back for you," Jackson said.

"You serious?" Blake asked him, "That's great news! Connie's going to be speechless. I'm sure she'll go lean on her prices after what you've done. And feel free to use our workshop. Least we can do," he finished as he tried to hand Jackson caps for his work.

Jackson pushed the caps back into Blake's hand as he spoke up, "I have a better idea than caps."

"What is it?" Blake asked confused.

"The Minutemen are rebuilding in Sanctuary, but there's the growing problem of lack of food. We could use some of yours, if you don't mind parting with some."

Blake seemed to think that over for a minute and nodded his head, "That sounds fair. I'll send over Lucy and Clarabell over today if you don't mind escorting her there and back."

"That's understandable and perfectly fine," Jackson said before an idea began to form, "In fact what say we make this arrangement a little more permanent and less one-sided."

"Meaning?" Blake asked.

"We have a water purifier in Sanctuary that could supply you with water that won't make you sick," Jackson said, "Plus one of our colleagues has a knack for taking things apart. We can also supply you with any building supplies you need that we have. And once the Minutemen are rebuilt we'll be able to protect your farmstead more often. In exchange for that we just need you to keep the food coming as much as possible."

"That deal seems heavily weighted in our favor," Blake responded.

"I realize that," Jackson replied, "But Sanctuary needs food and I'll be willing to give up whatever is necessary to get some."

Blake mulled it over for a few seconds, "All right. You have yourself a deal," he said as he shook Jackson's hand.

"Hear that Preston," Jackson said to the man, "Guess we have another settlement to our cause."

"Great to hear," Preston said, "and once we're back in Sanctuary I need to speak to you."

In about fifteen minutes they were approached by Lucy and the Brahmin Clarabell who were all packed up and ready to head out. She approached Jackson and said, "So it looks like my dad is sending me back and forth between our settlements," she pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear and continued, "looks like we'll be spending quite some time together then."

Jackson however had other ideas, "Actually, I'll be almost constantly on the move and only so often be stopping back in Sanctuary." The girls head drooped at this so Jackson decided to try and cheer her up a bit, "But that doesn't mean we won't never see each other. Just from time to time is all."

Lucy raised her head up at that, must've figured it was better than nothing and the group of three humans and two animals headed back to Sanctuary. Ten minutes later they were in Sanctuary and while Lucy was handing over the vegetables and fruit on Clarabell Jackson was talking with Preston and Sturges. "Good work getting us a supply of food going. With this we should be able to survive, food shortage notwithstanding," Sturges said to Jackson before heading out.

"Agreed," Preston said, "But I've heard word from another settlement that needs help. Sounds like raiders there as well."

"Alright where is it?" Jackson asked him.

"It's called Tenpines Bluff," Preston replied, "It's not far the the USAF station we were at. Just south-southeast from there."

"Okay. It's getting late though. Might be best to tackle that tomorrow. In the meantime we'd better get started on a second water purifier. If my math is right the generator we built should be able to support it as well as the first one," Jackson said.

"Understood," Preston said, "In addition I think Sturges had a brainstorm about how we can contact you out in the field based on what he did with your Pip-boys. Like a smaller version of the Radio Freedom we had before the Minutemen collapsed."

Jackson thought that over for only a few seconds, it was a good idea after all, "Alright, water purifier first though. Also I think we'd best put Sturges to use at some sort of dismantling station. We did promise the Abernathy's that we'd share supplies with them after all."

"I'm sure he'd be glad to be tinkering again," Preston replied. And so it was that once again Preston, Jackson, Sturges and this time Codsworth put together another working water purifier to offset the loss to the Abernathy's Farm. This time though with the additional help of Codsworth it took less than an hour to complete it.

Afterwards Lucy came up to Jackson, "Since it's late would it be alright if I crashed here for the night then headed back to my home?"

"I don't see why not," Jackson replied, "Here, I'll show you where you can stay." Walking over with her they headed over to the house that housed Cindy's bed... that she has yet to sleep in, "This will be your accommodations for the night. I hope it will be acceptable?"

"Of course," Lucy replied, "Thank you again," she finished heading away from Jackson.

Once out of earshot however someone else spoke up. "So where will I sleep tonight?" Cindy asked him.

Jackson rubbed his neck sheepishly, hard to do in power armor, and said, "Well... I was hoping that you would sleep with me tonight again?"

"Oh?" Cindy said, "Am I so easy that you think I'll hop into bed with you just for asking me?" she stared him down making him sweat which would've been funny from an outside perspective of her essentially staring down someone in power armor. After a few seconds she started snickering, "I'm just teasing you," she said making him calm down quickly "I was going to ask to share the same bed with you again anyway."

"Oh thank god," Jackson responded to her before realizing something, "Hey can you do me a favor?"

"What is it?"

"Meet me at the cliff overlooking Sanctuary where Vault 111 is in about five or ten minutes. I'd like to speak to you."

Cindy looked at him and said, "Okay, but don't try anything funny up there."

"Wouldn't dream of trying something like that with a woman that could kick my ass," Jackson replied making Cindy laugh a little bit. As she headed up to the Vault Jackson headed over to the workbench house and after exiting his power armor and removing the fusion cores from both he found the silver chain that Sturges had found earlier that day. Atomizing his parents two wedding rings he slipped them onto the chain and put the new necklace around his neck so his parents could search with him, in a sense. After storing the various building materials, weapons and outfits he found during his travels so fat that he didn't need to take with him, sans one gold necklace, and headed up to Vault 111. Seeing Cindy sitting there he spoke up to her, "What's a beautiful woman like you doing up here all alone?"

Playing along with him she said, "Waiting for this jerk who said he'd meet me up here. He hasn't shown up yet."

"How awful," Jackson said sitting down as he continued the charade, "How about I keep you company in the meantime and we can kick him in the balls together?"

Cindy couldn't help but laugh at Jacksons attempt to make her feel better, "Thanks Jackson. I needed this distraction."

"Looks beautiful up here doesn't it," Jackson said, "Sanctuary is coming along nicely, and look at the sky," he said and the two of them looked up together where the entire Milky Way was visible tonight, "You couldn't see anything this clear two hundred years ago."

Cindy said, "But at what cost? The destruction of everything we had was the cost for this."

"True," Jackson replied, "But a wise person once said, 'Before creation, comes destruction'. Almost everything created must be destroyed eventually and then something new is created in the process. In this case hope," Cindy looked at him a little funny, "I'm serious. Everyone down in Sanctuary and now the Abernathy's at their settlement have hope for the future."

"I guess," Cindy replied.

"Oh that reminds me," Jackson said atomizing the necklace, "I have something for you," he finished handing her the item.

Cindy gasped and said, "It's beautiful."

"The second most beautiful thing here," Jackson absentmindedly said. He quickly registered that there was a pair of soft lips pressed up against his cheek after he said that and immediately blushed. Just as quick as they were on him they left making Jackson look at the girl who had planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Don't get any ideas," she said while blushing, "That kiss is all you get. I'm not letting you into my pants for this."

Jackson laughed a bit which made Cindy laugh too. The two of them decided to stay up on the hill just a little while longer and Jackson said nothing when Cindy put her head on his shoulder. Nor when she fell asleep while up there and he carried her to their bed.


And with that there's chapter 5 done. This is coming along quicker than I imagined.

Now with the introduction of Lucy Abernathy it seems there may be some competition for Cindy... or something (devious smirk)

At any rate, here's the main reason you guys keep reading: The Zoid

(V)_(;,;)_(V)