Sorry it's been a while, a lot of obstacles needed my attention more than my writing.


Curtain Call Pt.1

Sanctuary Hills

Mike Daly

Sanctuary Hills Division

New Commonweatlh Army

000000000000000000000000000

"Help! Zzhh mayday! Zzhh whatever it is one says on a zzhh. My name is Rex zzhh Goodman. I'm zzhh held prisoner on the top zzhh Trinity Tower. I think zzhh super mutants plan on eating me zzhh. I'm setting this to repeat. Zzhh oh, zzhh! Gotta zzhh off, one of the zzhh zzhh is coming!" The signal broadcasting was patchy, but the message was caught by the NCA's best tinkerer.

"Hey Michael, I found a distress call from Trinity Tower." Sturges shouted over to his CO.

"What's the situation?" Michael came walking over in full army uniform.

"Some guy, Rex Goodman. Held hostage by Super Mutants in Trinity Tower." Sturges gave Michael the rundown.

"Well… Shit." Michael dropped his chin down in bitter annoyance.

"Well what're we waiting on, that man needs our help." Preston spoke out from behind the two.

"Belay that order private." Michael sternly spoke in his ghoulishly, gruff voice.

"We can't just leave that man to die!"

"Trinity Tower is the tallest building here in Boston, and if that place is full of super mutants, we'll waste more lives than it's worth."

Preston's pride was pricked. The emotions started to show signs of boiling on his face.

"This isn't the Minutemen, Preston. You knew that the moment you signed the agreement. Unless you have a better cost effective solution, I can't authorize this rescue mission, private."

Preston steamed down not only because of Michael's stance of authority but the logic he's hearing from the old soldier. He loosened his shoulders and a light sprung from in his head.

"You're right sir, this isn't the Minutemen anymore. However leaving that man to die is still something we shouldn't consider. Maybe instead of crossing that line, we can cross another. One that may even out the scales. Hell it just might benefit us in the long run." Preston swallowed hard from stepping in the deep water he's putting himself into, and the pride of his old morals had to be pushed aside.

"Alright, I'll bite. What do you have in mind?"

000000000000000000000000000

The Man out of Time Pt.1

November 1st, 2287

Diamond City, The Commonwealth

Nathan "Nate" Shaw

Recon Squad Gladius

Brotherhood of Steel

000000000000000000000000000

"It's big, loud, full of corrupt officials and brown nosing citizens, but it's home." Piper explained to Nate. He, Codsworth, Dogmeat, the Storyteller and Edna walked behind the reporter.

"Piper you're back!" A little girl jumped off the stool to race over to the reporter.

"Hey kiddo. How're the paper sales?"

"Well, the presses are getting overloaded. That motor is going to go soon if we don't replace it."

"Ah, you've been saying that for weeks, and the old girl still keeps cranking. Stop worrying so much. I gotta head into the office. You start whistling if you see any angry politicians coming our way."

"Why? Is something wrong?"

"Who's the girl?" Nate asked.

"My sister Nat. Why don't you take a look around the market while I prepare the interview.."

"Yeah sure."

Piper left the soldiers, and giving her sister a pat on the head as she went inside her home.

The Storyteller walked up with Edna and Codsworth leaving further at the market center.

"Codsworth?" Nate chimed in as his robot hovered further in the market.

Codsworth made his way over to the Power Noodle Stand where he met an interesting citizen, "Ah is that a protectron over there?" Codsworth approached the robot chef.

"Do yourself a favor and just say yes. It's all he understands." A nearby customer says while slurping her meal.

"Greetings sir. Good to see another robot in town. That chef hat becomes you."

"Nani Shimasako?" The Protection asked in Japanese.

"Takahashi you say, I'm Codsworth, a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Nani Shimasako?" Takahashi repeated, but whatever he's really saying Codsworth can understand quite fluently.

"Oh is that so, well we both know Robco is no General Atomics. Not surprising it failed, shawty work and all. Chin up though, you never know when parts may turn up."

Nate and the customer looked at the robot butler in silence.

"You understood him?" The customer sat shocked at the conversation just before her.

"Well of course, mam, he told me his speech modulator needs a replacement. Aside from that, he's happy to serve his noodles to anyone."

"Buy a Swatter, who needs a good swatter!" A man at the corner in a baseball uniform shouted to everyone around.

"Self defense at its best everyone! Don't be caught dead without a hard 9 Milimeter." A man in an army uniform shouted beside the swatter salesman.

"Hey, so you think the Great Green Jewel holds up to it's name, Blue?"

"Blue?"

"Im just gonna say it.. You're a vault dweller. You may not be wearing the jumpsuit but the pipboy and fish out of water look? Dead giveaways."

"You've seen these before?"

"Yeah there's a vault nearby with people still in it. They do trading with the caravans and we hear a few things between them. I've made a few visits myself."

"Well i'll be damned." Nate held his chin up to the idea.

"So you wanna take a look around or do you wanna do that interview now?"

"Cola!" Someone shouted before Nate could answer Piper.

"Need a Nuka Cola!"

"Hey Sheffield, I can't help you today. Im sorry." Piper waved.

"I can." Nate walked over handing him an unopened glass bottle of the Commonwealth's favorite soft drink. He even snapped off the cap and gave it to him.

"Oh thank you." Sheffield guzzler down the drink in one serving.

"Oh thats better. Thanks for that. Hey I don't suppose you have any work? I'd love to get out of here."

"I'm afraid not but I'll keep my eyes out."

"Thanks… oh damn I don't even know your name."

"Call me Nate." He offered a handshake to the nuka cola addict.

"Thank you, Nate."

Sheffield walked over down the alley away from the market.

"Well that was nice of you." Piper said, impressed at the new guy.

"So that Interview?" Nate reminded.

"Oh we're still working on that. That one guy you were with in power armor wants to be there too. Says its history in the making."

"Hm, that guy could never turn down a good story. So is there anyone that can help me find my son? Obviously the mayor won't allow any public action. Danny suggests you may know someone."

"Yeah… The one good thing about the security here is that they do care but the mayor keeps them on a tight leash. There's a private investigator down that way. Ask for Nick Valentine."

"Nick Valentine? He's a P.I. now?" The confusion in Nate's voice caught Piper's interest.

"You know him?"

"Kind of. I'll go see him now." Nate leaving for Nick's office gave Piper a very curious list of more questions for him. She'll get what she wants when they have their interview.

000000000000000000000000000

Curtain Call Pt.2

November 1st, 2287

Cambridge Police Station

Mike Daly

Sanctuary Hills Division

New Commonweatlh Army

000000000000000000000000000

"Now, give me the downbeat meastro

I wanna lay it on the line

'Cause eveything I do

I wanna do it in double time

When I take a ride in my car

I let 'er roll

Hear me, I said I let 'er roll

I like to feel that wind in my face

Nice and cold

If you chicks are timid

You just better turn back

'Cause when I take a ride in my car

It's gotta be action packed

Hear me, action packed, yeah!"

With the radio music in the background, the garage has been constantly busy with commotion. Sally and Elliot have consumed the bulk of their time studying the Zetan UFO. Their MRE rations delivered by Haylen were confined in the garage for as long as they have.

"Pop's, I found the data log." Sally cheered.

"Good work, get the info on holodisk, and we can finally eat." Elliot pulled out from under the UFO's hood.

Shortly after the duo's breakthrough in the garage, a heavy horn bursted outside the police station. The sound was familiar to the old 210 year old soldier. The sound brought back memories of his life before his abduction. Far as he knew, they were out of commission since the bombs dropped.

"Is that an APC?" Sally asked.

Elliot quickly reached for his BLR-4 dashing over to the front gates to find exactly what Sally asked, "Holy shit."

Rhys, Brandis and Danse raced over afterwards with their rifles at the ready.

"Hold fire." Elliot quickly shouted.

The APC outside on the roads came to a stop. On the side a symbol was painted of a blue shield and a soldier in T-45 Power Armor surrounding the shield were 13 white stars. The backdoors unfolded, but the passengers did make themselves visible.

"Hold fire Brotherhood, we're friendlies." A raspy voice of a Ghoul shouted from inside the APC's cover.

"ID yourselves." Danse ordered.

A soldier in Power Armor walked out with no weapon in hand along with three men in military fatigues.

"We're soldiers of the NCA, the New Commonwealth Army. We received intel you established a base here in cambridge." The one in power armor explained as he removed his helmet to show his ugly withered face.

"Okay first off since when does a mutated piece of ghoul-ass know how to use power armor?" Rhys boasted.

"Watch your mouth son, this armor and I have been through hell more times than you can imagine, and second I've been a soldier longer than all of you combined. I'm staff sergeant Michael Daly, former US Army."

The name was foreign to Elliot, but the rank caught him by surprise.

"Well then, you should respect your elders, young Knight." Brandis said over to Rhys.

"Stand down, everyone." Elliot ordered.

"Apologies, sir." Elliot stood tall and saluted at attention. "I'm private Elliot. Before the bombs I was part of the 108th infantry unit with Fox Company."

The look on Michael's face wasn't as surprised as Elliot expected. He took a step closer to Elliot and gave him a look down.

"So how many soldiers are still smooth skins?"

"What?"

"I met another soldier a while ago. Face still as smooth as a baby's ass."

"You mean Lieutenant Nate?"

"Yeah, is he around?"

"He's in Diamond City."

"Good to hear… Anyway we received a distress call over at Trinity Tower. Some dumbass radio host got locked up by Super Mutants. We detoured over here to request your assistance." Daly looked around the station. The barricades are rather below average. Tires and lumber are the main build along with a metal walkway.

"Hmm." Danse took a moment to think on the mission they gave.

"I'm afraid our resources are minimal, but we'll consider your request." Danse spoke for his recon squad.

"Danse, sir, I actually have reports of a haptic drive located in the same tower." Haylen mentioned.

"And cleaning out those super mutants, maybe we can kill three birds with one stone if we tag along." Rhys added.

"I can only spare three of you. So who's going?" Danse decided.

"I'll go." Haylen volunteered.

"Same." Rhys took the final slot.

"Alright, Michael. I'm assigning Scribe Haylen, and Knight Rhys for your operation. Along with myself. Rhys go grab your armor, and Haylen go stock up ammo."

"Yessir!" Rhys and Haylen saluted and went to their assignments.

"Thank you Paladin." Daly smiled under his helmet.

Before Danse could turn away, the thought of this prewar ghoul being a prewar Army Veteran. There was no denying the truth. This ghoul was a soldier the same as he was. A brother in arms. Initiate Nate was in the same boat as this ghoul. Ghoul or no ghoul, If Danse can respect Nate as he is, why can't he do the same for this soldier?

"Sergeant!" Danse called out to the soldier and followed with a hefty brotherhood salute. With his fist over his heart. Not long after, Elliot, Sam, Rothchild, Brandis and the rest of squad Gladius followed the Paladin's respect.

Daly smiled with what felt like an actual tear from his left eye. It's been far too long since he felt this human. Even today he still has brothers to count on. He responded to the brotherhood with the old salute he was taught in basic.

"Elliot, i'm leaving you to keep this police station secured. I expect you and Sally to put that UFO research on hold till we return.

"We will, sir." Sally responded.

"Dave, you charged and ready for patrol?"

The mister gutsy bot hovered over to Elliot and responded in his default commando voice.

"At your service, knight!" Dave shouted.

000000000000000000000000000

The Man out of Time Pt.2

November 1st, 2287

Diamond City, The Commonwealth

Nathan "Nate" Shaw

Recon Squad Gladius

Brotherhood of Steel

000000000000000000000000000

Nate opened the door to Nick's office. So far he didn't see any sign of Nick, but there was a woman with her back to him.

"Told you your luck wouldn't last forever. " The woman spoken to herself while the organizing filing cabinet.

Behind the woman was a desk with the name "Ellie Perkins" on the tag.

"Something wrong?" Nate asked.

"Another stray coming in from the rain. 'Fraid your too late, office is closed. Office is closed." The woman spoke with fear in her voice.

"I know this seems like a bad time but it's important."

"You're right, I didn't mean to be rude, but it's just… The detective he's gone missing."

"Shit… Maybe I can help. I owe Nick a few favors anyway."

"You do? Never seen you before. He never mentioned you if you owe Nick."

"It's a long story. I'm Nathan Shaw. Tell me what happened to Nick."

"Nick was working a case. Skinny Malone's gang had kidnapped a young woman, and he tracked them down to their hideout in Park Street Station. There's an old Vault down there they use as a base. I told Nick he was walking into a trap, but he just smiled and walked out the door like he always does."

"Now that's definitely Nick's M.O.." Nate realized as he heard the story. "Look, don't worry, I'll find him. I promise."

A heavy sigh of relief flew through Ellie like a new ray of light through a glass.

"Thank you Nate. I don't know why Nick hadn't mentioned you before. You could've saved his hide more than once."

"Yeah well… I'll go find him."

000000000000000000000000000

Piper and the Storyteller waited for Nate to arrive and if Piper could through the Storyteller's helmet. She wouldn't be this excited as he was.

'Knock knock knock'

Piper opened the door to find the man she's been itching to talk to.

"How're you holding up there Blue. Is Nick gonna help you out?" Piper asked while pulling out her notepad. Still fishing for a pencil or pen.

"You can call me Nate, Piper. Its not hard."

"I could, but Blue has an interesting ring to ya. Anyway, ready for the interview?"

"I am."

"Excellent answer Nate. EDNA, begin recording." The storyteller told to his eyebot.

"Oh… I-I didn't know you wanted this recorded… Do we look okay?"

"It's alright, Piper. Go ahead and start the interview."

"Okay… So here's the deal. I want an interview. Your life story in print. I think it's time Diamond City had a little outside perspective on the Commonwealth."

"You do that, and... I'll tell you what. I'll come with you. Watch your back while you get used to the world above ground."

"Alright Piper, I'm in."

"Good. Let's get down to business. So, I know you're from a Vault. How would you describe your time on the inside?"

"My family and I were frozen. I didn't spend much time in the Vault."

"Wait. They boxed you up in a fridge? The whole time? Are you saying you were alive before the War?"

"Yes. I'm over 200 years old."

"Oh my God, 'The Man out of Time'." Piper gasped with a smile on her face.

"The Man out of Time… Just like Mama Murphy predicted." Nate thought to himself.

"So. You've seen the Commonwealth. Diamond City. How does it compare to your old life?"

"Honestly, seeing everyone surviving out here? Rebuilding the world? It gives me hope."

"That's... surprisingly inspired, Blue. We're definitely quoting that. Tell me. The world back then. What was it like?"

"Blue skies, green grass, clean streets. A nice home with a bunch of silly appliances. Friendly neighbors. Not like now. Not at all."

"Wow. This is going to be a great story! Just wait till you see this in print. You won't regret this, Blue. So what did you do before the Great War? Did you have a job you don't see nowadays."

"I was a soldier actually. A war hero from the Sino-American war. In Anchorage Alaska."

"You fought in the War? Tell me. What happened? What was it all about?"

"Protecting freedom. The American way of life."

"Wow. That's amazing. And to go back to your answer, the Commonwealth today. Again, it gives you hope. Even after fighting in Anchorage?"

"Yeah… I guess if I had to speak as the soldier in me, I would say our country took what me and my soldiers gave them for granted. It seems the bombs falling must've been a wakeup call. Today were still here and alive, picking up the pieces of of our past to rebuild. Its a bitter sense of hope, but it's hope nonetheless."

"Beautiful words Bl-... Nate. That was just perfect, Nate." Piper finally called Nate by his actual name. "Now, I already know you're looking for your son. Shaun. Do you suspect the Institute was involved in his kidnapping?"

"Sure sounds like they might be."

"Not even a baby is safe from them. And people wonder why I can't just look the other way. For the last part of our interview, I'd like to do something different. I want you to make a statement to Diamond City directly. The threat of kidnapping is all but ignored in the Commonwealth. Everyone wants to pretend it doesn't happen. What would you say to someone out there who's lost a loved one, but might be too scared, or too numb to the world, to look for them?"

"No matter how much you want to give up, don't. You have to have hope. That you'll see them again. Or at least, that you'll know the truth."

"A strong note to end on, Blue. Thanks. That's everything. It's gonna take some time to put this all together, but I think your story is going to give Diamond City plenty to talk about. Anyway, I agreed to come with you, right? Watch your back? Just say the word when you're ready. I can't wait to see where this story goes next."

"Excuse me miss Piper, but what about your sister Natalie? Are you sure you want to leave her on her own here?" Codsworth asked.

"Its okay she can take care of herself. I raised her better than you think." Piper assured to the Mister Handy robot.

"I guess… No no no. I will not risk that. Piper, with your permission i'd like to stay here with miss Nat. I mean if that's alright with master Nate as well."

"I mean I don't mind, Piper?" Nate looked at the reporter.

"Sure why not."

"Proud to serve! Oh wait before I forget, Mister Storyteller, could you and EDNA stop the recording? I have something rather personal to say to Master Nate."

"Of course Codsworth." The Storyteller answered politely.

EDNA spoke to Codsworth in her usual binary language, "Sure say what you need. I'm done recording."

"Right, thank you everyone… Mister Nate…"

"What is it Codsworth?"

"Oh just a little something I'd like to get off the old proverbial chest. I just want to say what an honor it is for me to accompany you. You've no idea the horror these past two centuries have wrought."

"I think I can imagine. Meeting Sergeant Daly that day and seeing private Elliot. It's enough to make your head shake."

"Quite a lot actually. The initial destruction, not knowing if you and your family were all right. It was a relief just to find the entrance intact!"

"I'm sorry, Codsworth. It was so sudden. Not even time for goodbyes."

"Not a single worry, sir, as I shared your priorities completely. Family safety first above all else! And yes, while it was hard at first, I was able to eventually move on. At first it was the work, busying myself day and night, and believe me, there was plenty of it! But eventually, the work became light chores. What truly saved me was my memories, sir. Memories of you and the missus, young Shaun. Of your love and kindness. I soldiered on, fueled by hope that one day, if not you and the wife, that Shaun, or perhaps Shaun's children would one day emerge."

"If I didn't find you at our house that day I probably would've lost any reason to live. Sorry it took so long. I only wish we could have all gotten out... as a family. I'm glad you stuck around."

"Sir, you don't know how good it is to hear you say that! I just wanted you to know how much I consider you family. I may be a mere robot to some, but I do hope you've come to see me as more.

"We're in this world for the long haul, Codsworth... Together."

"You don't know how wonderful it is for me to hear that! I feel completely recharged. Well, enough blither blather from me. I shall attend to miss Natalie."

"That was nice of you, Nate. And thanks for watching my sister while we're gone, Codsworth."

"Proud to Serve!"


Here's to Creativity!