*Back in the Commonwealth, At the Castle.

Danse was with Shaun, showing him how to properly maintain and handle a small concealable firearm that he'd sworn to only use in self defence. Danse made sure to explain to Shaun that any gun, no matter how big or how small could very well be used as a weapon of mass destruction, but that as well, any gun can be used to protect the needy and defenceless if used by the proper individual. He came to love the boy as though he was his own son and at times, he forgot that he was a synth just like him. One constant reminder though was that Shaun was un-naturally good with mechanics and electronics. That simple fact had made him a target, for many of the Commonwealth's factions. That in turn, made Danse incredibly protective of him. He knew that Alexei wouldn't forgive him if anything happened her son.

They were out on the firing range that Danse had recently built to help the Minutemen recruits with their own targeting problems. He stood down beside the target dummies, and cupping his hands around his mouth in an attempt to project his voice called up to Shaun, who stood at the top of the range, hopping eagerly with anticipation.

"Right Shaun, Draw when ready and hit as many spots on the centre target as consecutively as possible and I'll tally your score." He shouted. He could see that Shaun understood him when he suddenly stopped hopping, his feet squared and he stood like a pre-war movie cowboy, about to draw his weapon upon his enemy. Lining up, he targeted his make shift enemies and fired. Most of his shots missed, but he did manage to get a shot to the dummy's chest as well as a headshot.

"Good... 25 points. That's good for a beginner. Well done Shaun." Danse told him. "Let's go get a Nuka-Cola and see if there's any news on your mothers return."

"Ok, Mr. Danse. I think there's a Nuka-Cherry in there somewhere. I call Dibs." Shaun said, running towards the Castles Canteen, Danse following closely behind. The canteen was thankfully pretty empty as Preston had most of the occupying force out checking up on the different settlements throughout the Commonwealth. Danse sat down at a nearby bench while Shaun ran up and asked for two Nuka-Colas and while the server wasn't looking, he snatched a box of Fancy Lad snack cakes. Quickly returning to the table, he placed the soda down before greedily attempting to tear open the packaging on the sweet treats.

"Be careful Shaun. Also don't be greedy and learn to share." Danse said, adding the last part as he grabbed a cake from Shaun, in a swift move of hand. The synth child looked at him like a feral hound eyeing up its prey. Danse chuckled, throwing the cake into his mouth and then proceeded to pat Shaun on the head.

"You know your aim is getting much better. At this rate you'll be sniping ferals within a month." He told Shaun, but the child was too preoccupied in his crusade against the snack cakes to pay attention.

Suddenly in came some Brotherhood soldiers and Danse was grateful that his battle hardened tactical mind has told him to sit where he was, as he had good perception over the canteen, it's entrance and had plenty of exits around him. He saw the soldiers get a tray of food each and they started heading towards him. Instinctively, Danse started playing out the different possible outcomes in his head, each ending pretty badly. He'd have to play it cool and Shaun's safety would have to be his highest priority. They sat on the bench just below himself and Shaun and seemed to be pretty caught up in a conversation, so they paid little concern to the people around them. Danse continued to sip his soda slowly, ready to react at a moments notice.

A few seconds later Shaun finally finished his recharge, a loud belch noting his obvious satisfaction. He turned around and looked at the knights, enthralled in the shear science behind their impressive laser weaponry.

"Look Patrick! Why don't you have one of those?" He asked Danse. Danse rubbed the back of his neck, trying his best to come up with an answer that would satisfy Shaun and not blow his cover at the same time. Just as he was about to answer, one of the Brotherhood Knights answered instead.

"That''s because we're part of the Brotherhood of Steel. We protect the Commonwealth from danger and as a reward for our bravery, we get to shoot the terrible monsters with big laser guns." The Knight said, putting his hands up as if he was shooting his weapon.

Danse was appalled by these supposed Knights. Their reward? They didn't seem to have any respect for the Brotherhood. If he was still a Paladin, he'd send them off into the Commonwealth for a team building exercise. The thought then depressed him, his indefinite exile brought back to the forefront of his mind. He was grateful to Alexei however, The general having recruited him as a Captain, one responsible for the training of new Minutemen recruits. Suddenly, his radio started to buzz. He placed the aging equipment up by his ear and listened as a sentry reported a 'Nick Valentine' at the gates looking for the General. Rising from his seat, he beckoned for Shaun to follow. While he never looked back, he could feel the three sets of eyes staring at him, making him feel a bit on edge. He decided that it might be better for him to maybe leave the Castle until Alexei returns. He walked out into the central courtyard and called for Preston. His head appeared from a doorway almost immediately and he walked over.

"Preston. I'm afraid that by me being here, I might rouse a bad response from the Knights. I'm going to travel with Valentine until Alexei returns. Could you watch Shaun until Alexei or I return? Even for a synth child, the Commonwealth is a dangerous place, so I can't take him with me." Danse said.

"Sure thing. I'd be glad to watch the General's kid. Just send him up to me in the command hub before you leave. I've to get the supply shipments to the settlements set up before dawn. Damn though, it has me beat." Preston replied, wiping beads of sweat off his brow.

Danse was happy to have Preston around. When Alexei first introduced them, he was untrusting of him, trying to find his angle on the whole situation. But when Danse's identity was found out, he was one of the very few to accept him with open arms. They became friends over time.

Preston dipped his hat, in a sign of a salute and went back inside. Danse went over to Shaun and explained that he had to go away for a short while, passing it off as minuteman business but that Preston was going to watch him while he was gone. Shaun accepted and they hugged, an expression still slightly new to Danse. Then Danse walked up to Nick, who was leaning against the wall of the Castle, smoking a cigarette. Nick lifted his head, surprised to see who they had sent out to talk to him. Danse hated his eyes however, the golden yellow irises, examining him, trying to establish what had made Danse change his mind about talking to the synth.

"Hey Buzz-Cut, is Alexei around? I need her help with a case." He asked before taking a drag of his cigarette.

"I'm afraid she's away on Brotherhood business, Valentine." He replied, pronouncing his name slowly, as if he was giving a threat. Nick kicked himself off the wall, and proceeded down the hill.

"Well I'm not going to stick around then. See ya!" He shouted. Danse grabbed his arm, startling the detective.

"Do you mind if I stick with you for a while, Valentine? I'm afraid I could start a battle by sticking around the Castle. I don't want to get the minutemen harmed, just because they want to protect me from the Brotherhood. Plus, if they find out about Shaun, Alexei will skin me." He asked.

Valentine gave a light chuckle.

"Sure thing Danse. I could use some help actually."

As they headed down the hill together, Nick placed a mechanical hand on Danse's shoulder, earning a slight shudder from the ex-soldier.

"Let's head back to the office, we need to have you fitted for a trench coat."