Unknown location

The buzzing sound could be heard and the man knew an arrival was imminent. Going to the balcony , he waited until a familiar man emerged, and went to sit on his spotless chair

"My mission was a success" Never a failure, yes

"What have you found out ?"

"There is a Railroad agent among the minutemen, friendly with their general and passed by Bunker Hill"

"Have you followed ?"

"I have. Disguised as a traveler to ask questions, the target almost uncovered me. I have to request more stealth boys, sir"

"It shall be done. You did a great job, X6"

- Abernathy farm

I awoke feeling rested and happy to a warm sun, seeping through the wooden planks, and besides for my friend and Lucy all the other people were up working or guarding. I had the sensation of being watched tonight, having had a dream of a figure in a dark yellow coat telling me to be careful and watch out next

It must be yesterday's stress. Stretching and exposing myself to the sun, i find something to do, guarding for any danger. Watching around and doing rounds on the property, i see nothing and head back to find a blank faced Jess. What have I fucking done now ? I pass him and feel eyes on me. Like what you see fucker ?

"Hello, slept well ?" I greet my friend

"I did, woke up well and warm"

"Are you going to return soon ?"

"Yes, checking all and leaving back in an hour. Maybe after a good breakfast or lunch ?"

"Not a bad choice. I will go to Sanctuary soon too. Oh take care of my dog will you ? You do remember how to enter my house ? It's from outside, be careful to not be seen by people. The mayor would think it's junkies or scavvers. Remember to slide"

"Slide ?"

"You will know"

"And man, I had a good time these last days. I think she was looking for you"

"I'm good but I'll take a look. Will say my goodbyes and leave" I see that other fucker going and watching the north plain, and I look for the owner

"Thanks for your hospitality and the food, I will head out now" He cleans his hands on the clothes, extended one to shake mine

"Been nothing kid , you're welcome. Looks like your friend there is planning something"

"Who, that one ?" I point him...

"Huh huh, been having that look since I saw him wake up. Think about my offer 'right ? Could use more help here"

"I will, thanks"

With that I say farewell to most of the people there and some guards moving to the tower, and feel watched. Around the electric trail tower, is a ripped tent, a few bedrolls and a firepit. You can just smell the blood and death, while looking around i pick a .38 spent bullet ear a bedroll. And behind the tent, different blood trails and ripped cloth. Maybe scavengers killed by animals and taken away

Descending the hill I see Sanctuary's tower guards, houses and the fences, near by the river. Beautiful sight, like those prewar paintngs or postcards. And unless you want to swim or climb the fences, the only access is through a wooden bridge

Quick movements catch my attention and it stops when I turn around. Not an animal possibly. I leave the rifle and take the pistol, more fire power and mobility. Whatever is it, it can be hiding behind the rocks. I remember having a molotov but no lighter, so either I go around it, or continue my way. And i chose the latter, taking agaim the rifle. Well I can find pipe guns around and better than that

I get close to the Red Rocket station and feel watched while hearing the steps again. A cave can be seen, in front of the station, and heading in I can see skeletons, either dogs or mole rats judging by the bones. The canter of the cave has rubble and some small glowing fungus on the walls and pipes. I could hide behind the container , or on the pipes. Taking a barrel and tossing the rifle, I get on it , flex my legs and jump, gripping the junction and pull myself up with great effort

Up on the pipe and laying on it, there is a passage leading deeper. Focus now, the entrane. I take the pistol and knife in both hands, hear about faint crunching and someone slowly coming in, looking around with the rifle pointed and taking cover it walk below me and into the caves

I see it now, it's that fucker Jess probably trying to kill me. I would do the same if having enough evidence on someone being a raider. After he return back angrier , he gets closer to the barrel

"Wait a minute" I panic and throw the pistol behind him and move left as he turns, rushing down the pipe as he looks up, stabbing between the right shoulder and neck aided by the gravity, fell on top of him "HNNNGH" It's surprised and twist the knife taking it out only to get punched twice and then luckily blocking and stabbing the other arm "AARRRGH DIE YOU !"

I feel his other arm trying to move and I pin it below my foot, getting another groan "I am not a raider. You tried to kill me"

"You... stupid punk. Should have... KILLED YOU IN YOUR SLEEP !" That explains my feeling

"How can... someone touch... someone like YOU ! Or hire... and be FRIENDS ! You -!"

"I had enough" he tries moving and almost succeded until 3 stabs stopped him. Sitting besides the body is then clean the blade on his clothes and search him. Two .308 mags, three .10 clips and his hunting rifle. Well fuck, he was looking for it and now I have a new gun, and out of the cave, I leave for the town after placing the old .38 rifle in my pack, being very visible, and new rifle in hands. It has 3 bullets in, so 1 is chambered and one spent, maybe from yesterday

I finally got to a guard post at the bridge and a guard stops me "Morning, what do you need ?"

"I'm looking for something to do and someone to trade"

"You do ? What's the matter with your face and your clothes huh ?"

"I was with a caravan and we got attacked by mutants and raiders. I was attacked before coming here too"

"Yeah ? That rifle yours ?

"Took it from a guy trying to kill me"

"... You wait here"

He called another guard to check me "Well you look ok, not on the face though" As soon the right side of my face is feeling sore, probably it was the last chance to hurt me

"Oh i will be more beautiful next time. So where is a trader ?"

"Well smartass, some traders are in the center, some crops around here and the river and we could always use a guard"

"Thanks" I say heading in. A street with rebuilt prewar houses with people doing their business, and watching. A group of people stood on the eastern side, maybe talking, and I reach a merchant

"Hello, I have something to trade"

"Hello. What would it be ?"

"This pipe rifle and the ammo for it"

"25 for the rifle and 10 more for two mags"

I pocket the caps and go to the big square with a big tree in the middle. Maybe something called oak ? Big trees all imponent and very old , that should be. At the river I see that group again and some guards, minutemen. I approach them and ask if they need someone more for their rounds

"Sure do. We will call for food and shift changes, you get that guard tower behind those homes. Any questions ?" Said tower was at the end of the small island

"Yes, are these houses prewar ? I never got anyone to ask this"

"Yes, found them broken but some useful items and food, maybe some scavvers set home here before the minutemen used it as a base. Problem is, we are getting cut out. Raiders, ghouls or mutants. We manage to kick back everytime but we have problems too"

And I take my chance "Can i join too and do something useful ?"

"You want ? Well that's good news but for now, get to the tower. As i get there , I hear a female voice "HEY ! WHITE SHIRT !" Oh what now... Turning, I see a perfectly tanned girl walking to me. It's kind of familiar, that voice. And that body, hot. Tan, pink lips, medium dark brown hair and an athletic body. On her leathers she has different knives. Well a dangerous one. I like this

"Hey you, almost fooled me" Looking at her, all, something tells me she hides something

"Hello , do we know each other ?"

"Yes but your manners were not very good" Is she teasing me ? "Maybe. I would remember someone so beautiful"

"Yeah well... You were stealing from our base. And I'm Kyra by the way" ... Fuck no I'm trapped here

"Looks like you have been busy huh ?"

"I had. A lot. I really like your style, old world"

Yeah. What the hell are YOU doing here"

"Looking for something to do. Maybe help with the crops or guarding. And stealing all your stuff when you sleep" She balances her weight "I am going to that tower. Is that your group ?"

"Yeah. I will come with you"

"Why ?"

"I will watch you. Closely"

"Alright then, come"

It's been ten minutes and she speaks "So, have you been murdering something ?"

"...What ?"

"Look at you, blood on your clothes is dry and almost gone, fresher on your hands, your face is haldane blue and your beard looks dirty. You also got more guns"

"I have a few stories about this"

"Let's hear"

I recount a summary of these last week' and the weather gets hotter...

"Yeah looks like you have been busy. No stealing or anything ?"

"Well..." I lean closer "Does my lady killer charm count ?" She lifts an eyebrow and grins

"You'r charming as an hungry ghoul"

"Yes, about prewar sentient and literate ghoul. Have you seen something prewar ?"

"I didn't unless you count buildings or stories. Like the Castle, some old world warriors and books. And -"

"Kyra ! Come let's eat !"

"Ugh... yeah let's. I will come, wait at the mess ! I have a surprise !"

"Alright dear ! Move on !"

I received stares from the group, besides from a well dressed old man "Well look who paid us a visit. Damn kid I thought you died, all that blood, damn. Hope you put your head straight. These here Desi, big mutant here is Julian, ponytail here Gabriel, then her beside you and me. There's Johnny but is doing his shift. This here, is Joe. He is with us , and a bard"

He extends a hand which I shake "Morning, I heard your little story from my friend here. Looks like you learned from your mistake, very wise. Who are you ?"

"I am Ulysses" He smiles

"I never expected that. Do you know where that name comes from ?"

"Yes it's an old world legend from another continent"

"My friend, looks like we got are clever one"

"Like hell we have" A certain female voice says

"Calm lady, sometimes there is more to it than the eye meets. But now let's eat !"

"I will have a word with you, kid" The main guy says... "After eating that is"