I must have fallen asleep on the couch before ... Why is everything so colorful and bright ? And clean ? I didn't come to this place, from a shitty mess like Goodneighbor to 'this'. I'm on a hill, green, lush with grass and the smell of earth, swaying with the gentle wind, below are huge mass of people all awaiting. Soldiers walking with people in blue and dogs following them, the other sides being people in torn clothing clutching knives and followed by a big animal I never saw. The last one at group of civilians, some figures glowing amber and before them sits a lonely child. I try to get close but I can't move or talk and then an explosion ... a big and bright orange cloud, dark spots among it, throwing the place into the most bright of sunny days, hot, heavy with fear, anxiety ... an atomic bomb

Why can't I fucking move ?! I scratch and hit my legs to make them work but it's too late, a shockwave destroying and distorting anything coming at me ... but it stops and everything freeze

"It's ok son, come with me" And I move consciously to a car, everything like a pre war illustration, enter it and sit. This must be a fucking dream I swear. The figure, the same guy in a trench coat with a matching yellow fedora and and face impossible to see, like it's made of the void itself. I start moving my arms and legs and the car comes to life, the stranger pointing a road and I make it walk there

A long road, everyone frozen like the nuclear cloud "Listen, both"

I try speaking but my mouth won't open and I can only watch and make the car move. I can see the soldiers turn into raiders and attack the other ones who attack with knives, and a figure with a white glow disappearing before blinking it's eyes

"What's happening ?"

"Encircling, raw, refined, both coexist, both want, one awakening when the other sleep, all aware of each other" Is he talking about the dream ? Something about loyalty and discipline along instincts and brutality ?

Along the road, rain and snow cover an unending plain , a bleak atmosphere matching the endless white in gray shades. Now alone I get out of the car to find big shadow , a yao guai looking at me. A beast I only saw from afar and many times I saw it's tracks on the land. I reach for a weapon, anything to protect myself, but find none and see I'm naked ... I grip the door handle to open it, punch the window and kick it but in vain. I run to where the snowy plains are with no difficulties and feel the beast chasing me and sliding down a frozen hill I look behind not seeing it

With a heavy feeling of dread I go to a nearby forest, cold, bleak, foggy with it's trees covered by snow yet comforting. A person sitting near a tree unaware of me is eating a sweet roll indifferent to the surroundings, sometimes dressed in blue, a dark coat or furs. As I'm about to walk I have the urge to turn around knowing I shouldn't but I do, looking at the damn beast standing on it's legs, roaring and hitting with it's paw, only to disappear in a gray mist ...

I slowly open my eyes and see gray, light, and a pillar ... oh yes my friends' home. Not too bright yet I stretch and sit up seeing everyone asleep. I often have these dreams but that guy again ? It's like the warning before something happens. I close my eyes, I want to understand this, interpretate it

When I open my eyes I see the sunlight, must have fallen asleep again. I stretch and get up, taking some sips of water and doing a warm up. After, take a piss, dress up with my boots and leather chest strip, when I descend the stairs and see my friends

"Hello"

"Hello, slept well?"

"Yes, it was alright thanks. I'll be leaving soon, is it late ?"

"Not much, I tried to not wake you up"

"Thanks. Uhh do you have some water ?"

A hand clutches my arm and a kid fiddles with a bottle and scratching on the door followed by painting, almost forgot my dog "Why are you leaving ?"

"Have to go, remember ?"

"When are you coming back ?"

"I don't know, maybe in the next days ? I have to see what happens now but I'm taking you something" If I don't forget. My friend hands me two water bottles, two. Water being a precious commodity "Here, we have enough with all the trading. My brother checked your weapons, probably cleaned them too"

"Ah yeah I forgot about it ... anyway tell them I say hi" I get my pack and leave a few caps, the rifle's bolt working smoothly under hand, smell of fresh oil on it, pistol and knife ready and take my dog, leaving the town. The sun reflecting on the old building, creaking under gentle and cold wind, probably a long day follows...

Along the road down I turn and try following the coast line rather than go into that fucking maze. The air is colder here, some mutated birds screeching and fleeing on a rock while the sea follows the wind, waves impacting the sand and concrete , trying again and again almost in an endless cycle. Dogmeat walks around stopping and wagging it's tail at me while sniffing the air. Almost makes me feel bad about leaving alone or other people, but dogs can't really comprehend like we do ... I have to get some armor rather than these leather strips, don't to die early. Maybe at the Castle, or get it from someone

Along the old skyscrapers, I check a pier with a smaller building on it, I shoulder make it quick going from on side. Sneaking on the left side of the building I peek around and see corpses , a ghoul, three mole rats and a live one. I pat Dogmeat and jerk my head, holding it and stomping to attract the rodent, only to release it and kill it. Quickly cutting some meat and storing it, I leave, I'll get here another time, like the scenery. And I didn't bother to look up ...

Or better watch what's in front of me. That aircraft, following the announcement a few days ago. From my position behind the Taphouse it hovers above the airport. Guess they don't there are ghouls. I walk on the old wood with piers and boats around, where I find two nuka colas and a .10 clip, and below an umbrella ... someone on a sdraio ? Whatever. I proceed to the diner in front but the lock is too hard, not much inside

When Dogmeat starts growling I pull it to the next pier "What's it ?"

(Grrr) "Shh" It quietens and nothing happens but there is a shooting, not close to me at least. Not finding anything but turned boats and sand and wooden barriers, until spotting the tank and a building behind. Doesn't hurt to fall for curiosity, sometimes, who knows what happened here. From the door slots I can see a bed and cases. I pick the lock and on the bed a skeleton, a teddy bear lying near. It sad really to die alone whatever the cause, but looking at the gun near I guess what went on. A nine millimeter, with two clips, and clothes, pick the former and leave for the broken highway above and keep near the water without falling into it and reach another diner past the many broken homes

Dogmeat points at one, a collapsed house "What, food ?"

"Ain't food kid" I aim where I heard the voice cold adrenaline at the sudden voice "It could be caps if you play well"

From the upper floors and green clothed figure stands, combat armor and laser rifle looking at me "Are ya with the minutemen ? There is a tax here" A mercenary, maybe a gunner. I met once one of them, a prick with a silly hat. Better play it well, with Dogmeat looking ready

"Do I look like one of those losers ? I killed one of them for the gear and caps" Impassible he descend the incline "Weell lookie here, got an offer if you listen. But if you are a fucking raider you better watch out, we can take you on a few conditions"

"Is it paid ?"

"If you follow my orders and you'll have plenty. Do all I say and you might get far enough"

"Tempting. I'm not one for rules, but if it pays I'm in" Near to me Dogmeat yawns

"Could use that mutt. I'm sergeant Star, as you can hear my unit is busy here but we'll get there soon. Disobey and we kill you, live and I'll make you a conscript. You can't go back" The shooting is still constant, bullets and lasers, some explosions too "Alright. Even if the minutemen crippled us we still hold Quincy and other fortifications, we honor our contracts boy, now move !"

I wait to have his back turned "You fucking deaf ?! I said move ! In front !" (Grrr) Complying is it ...Maybe get his group killed. Closing in more shooting can be heard until in front of the police station he grabs my shoulder "To the left !" And so I run until he runs past me, through alleys and a makeshift camp with wooden fortifications and at least six gunners shooting

"Sarge, they hit us hard !"

"Keep pushing ! Must secure these buildings and go forward !" His yelling as loud as the gunfire "You with me !" He leads us through more alleys sprinting around corners until they end on a straight road with ruined brick buildings, panting he indicates somewhere then the brick walls "WE FLANK THE CENTER ... MOVE !" He sprints again and I follow, not as winded where we cover behind a wall inside, the other side caved in. I see the minutemen moving, shooting at them. Fuck I can't ! Or can I ?!

"Hey ! Hey ! Take this 'nade and go to that house ! Don't let them see you" He hands it to me and I have to leave the rifle to take it and my pistol "Go !" He peers with his rifle and I angle my gun to shoot almost point plank his head hitting the wall and leaving a reddish splatter on it and me while Dogmeat runs off before I can catch it "STAY YOU IDIOT NO !"

Fuck this. Really. Why didn't they go around them ? Close to the Castle even. Taking the laser down from his body I race back seeing more of them, in front of the tower and dead bodies on the ground. With a heavy breathing I try to steady the rifle and shoot several times missing a gunner and aiming at the regrouped mass, scoring some hits. I run to the right alley , peering from a wall and seeing a dead one and Dogmeat "HERE ! DOGMEAT !" It turns and runs back while I cover behind a statue, more gunners coming from the wooden gates, coming down. Shooting I catch a surprised one when the others shoot back and scramble for cover. A red streak burning a hole in my fatigues. One falls down and I shoot it, already dead, advance a cover behind the gate bullets passing so close and impacting all around, when I see ... blue smoke ?

I hold Dogmeat while waiting for targets "INCOMIING ! RUNN! " Explosions, soon followed by different more, hiding behind the wood with no sight on them. Confused I grad Dogmeat and run away but as I turn to leave, something explodes not far, and intense force sending me against a building, bracing while I can't do anything than close in it hits me, vision flashing bright white and reddish smears and completely dark ...

Prydwen, Boston airport

I helped them assembling crates, defenses and resources for two days, getting most of anything and anyone ready . It was time since I didn't exert myself, all for even more carnage and another useless crusade against another enemy. It never changes. Got my first meeting with Arthur two days ago and he changed a lot, for good and bad. As in the Capital the Commonwealth is full of settlements, farms, people hoping for a better future and crumbling buildings and fortifications. I saw the mutants and the people here, any hostiles gunned down by the escorts. We are a bad guest really ... I think Butch is alright and already looking to leave, 'to grace this shithole with some cool winner style and haircuts'

It was snowing too and I really loved to see the white blanket on this land from up here, a rare occurrence from home, creating a contrast with the flora, irradiated, cold, even tingles your skin, burns your lungs but it's absolutely beautiful. I tried exercisingthis morning to help with the soreness, met the people who made all of this possible, Paladin Danse, Scribe Haylen and a prick called Rhys. All that remains of the recon squad. The Paladin is a hard working and handsome really, met him when he was only an Initiate , around the time of the Brotherhood - Enclave war. He did recognise me, even not having a team and not having him as my recruit, instead ending under a strict guy I forgot the name of

A real Paladin he rewarded me with his personal laser rifle, saying for all the good I have done. Only to lead here ...Gave Butch my old rifle, probably showing off or pester someone. Hate the fact that Charon or even Fawkes aren't here ...

Before I heard a lot of gunfire coming from the city, maybe tribals, raiders or mutants? Many besidese are focused on it, a fortification at the end near the sea, lots of buildings together around a central tower, and blue streaks rising from the tower area. Soon later explosions and and black streaks anticipating more explosions, streaks coming from that building looking like a fort in the peninsula. That thing ... remember the Enclave using it. Cannons, to hit hard and far. And by the screams I can imagine how they dying ... it's something ... just takes a moment

My pip boy says it's 09.03 am "Paladin, you should report to the Elder"

"Yes, thanks" Entering the deck I see him and two power armored guards looking outside with binoculars. The room is well lit, bottle of wine and liquor on every shelf or table "I have a task for you Paladin"

"Hello Arthur, I see what's happening" He tenses for some time then turns, face hard and rigid posture

"A battle around that tower, two sides. Lasers and artillery, all appear human and the attacking side is probably going for that installation there" He points and hands the binoculars, a strong and warm hand on my shoulder "Most strange, there was a dog. Haven't seen much after the artillery strike. My guess is, they were flanking them. Don't fret over these wasters, your task is to find out what is happening, any rumor about the Institute, I advise you to go alone. Take what you need and board the vertibird, take the time you need but I expect a report soon. Is that clear ?"

"Yes" He places a fist on his chest "Dismissed"

I already know it will be bloody, a nauseous feeling creeping in my stomach. The orange jumpsuit and light combat armor, do the ride down in silence and walk there, past the water and going on top of a broken house taking out the binoculars. People walking around that tower and the surrounding area, dressed in military fatigues or beige and blue uniforms with a hat or beret. They check the bodies and communicate, armed, are they enemies ?

I take a walk around, follow the highway, or go there ? ... I choose to move behind the houses and along the roads, readying my .45 and pip boy. I hate this ...

Boston high school area, Albert

Preston and I arrived at the battle site after all got quieter. The survivors that didn't flee were killed, others that escaped I don't know. It was all broken and bloody, bits of people, concrete, shrapnel and shards. Another gunner attack, more deaths, at least we survived

"Check the area, colonel"

"Will do general" This time they hit us harder and close, didn't expect them here. Around a dozen and they called for a mortar strike ... I hope they don't come in force, it will be a slaughter for both sides, the buildings and lateral ways can serve well but I doubt they will win. From the Castle to here is guarded and there are men in the old restaurant and brewery, as I said, we will win but at a cost. Gunners have vertibirds and artillery too, other than their militaristic and mercenary society we don't know much, they weren't always here save for some pockets. Could be an invading vanguard for the rest. Not every of them acts like a raider though , often being hired as guards or changing life

Checking the bodies, I close their eyes and take their id's, even the enemies, should bury or set a pyre for them but I guess the salvaged armor and guns will be useful

"General I found an unconscious one and a dog, maybe one of us" It is possible, dogs being a 'man's best friend' after all, we have our dogs to help us" In the small camp around the statue and in front of a wall, a body laying besides a dog, both alive

"Preston, go along the road and see if someone is hiding" And the good colonel walks off, and beret replacing his old militia hat and armor under his coat. Inspecting the bodies I can say this dog has a ... familiar feeling, makes me think of a bright and deep color. The human however, there is dark liquid pooling, a sweet and pungent smell around it

"GENERAL, GOT A DEAD GUNNER HERE !"

"COME HERE WHEN YOU'RE DONE !" I yell back turning the body earing crunching , a laser rifle close to it. That face ... isn't that the annoying one ? Sounds alive besides tears and scorches on his fatigues "Who is it general ?"

"That's one of us colonel , help me get them away"

"Are you sure ? Doesn't look like us, could be a gunner" He better not ...

"Let's wait an' ask then. What have you found ?" I remove the back pack noticing no wounds on the back. I open it and it smells sweet , a broken bottle, some undamaged stimpacks and three water bottles, meat coated by the dark liquid and an intact cola. And mags. We hoist them up easily and bring them to safety

"Who is it ?"

"One of us, with the dog and a laser"

"General I might be wrong, but I have seen laser fire coming from there, not directed at us" It was him then "Thanks, no need for treatment, maybe later. Ah an' it was cola"

"Huh ?"

"Dark liquid ? A broken bottle. Get ready for the effort Preston , we're goin' to move the injuried and get the bodies together"

"Yes general" I can see the dog twitching and slowly stand up, dusting itself and scratching it's ear and looking around, turning to the guy, laying down ears flattened before pacing around nervously

"Your friend's out cold buddy" It watches me and then him, cocking it's head and pacing around whining , when I hear a low groan and panting