I do not own anything.
'thought'
"Speech"
"Text via book or newspaper... when those are around..."
System Text

My breath comes out in a long slow release as I aim through the scope of my rifle.

'is that him?'

I glance to the side where a piece of paper sits, the image of a man with a fedora upon it.

'Brother Thomas'
Description: White male, black hair, pencil mustache, brown eyes, wears pressed suit and fedora. 'Brother Thomas' is a faux name. The target's real name is unknown.
Notes: Thomas is a simple scammer who runs an organization called 'Pillars of the Community', a fanatical cult where the only cost for admittance is EVERYTHING you have. It is worthy of note, 'Brother Thomas' is more of an idea than an actual person. A fake name for the scammers to hide behind. Regardless, you must kill the man behind the name! But if you try and kill him, his companions and the people he fooled into thinking he was some sort of religious leader are surely going to be mad.
Rewards: Rewards: 400 Bottle Caps, one rank in the 'Lady Killer/Black Widow' Perk (Men AND Women take 5% more damage from you and are easier to persuade in dialogue)

No...

But... that's him.

I got three more contracts, by the way.

Two... are quite large. One is an 'open contract'. One that will never be finished. A mission that merely gives me rewards for killing people from a certain group.

Another contract I've received is a 'big game hunter' quest... in which it expects me to kill deathclaws, mirelurk queens, gatorclaws, those sorts of things.

Slight issue.

It included things from Far Harbor... which is fucking annoying.

The final new quest is to kill that radio guy in diamond city because he was annoying...

Yeeeah. I'm not sure I want to do that.

He isn't exactly doing anything wrong, just being annoying.

I take a deep breath, propping the barrel of my gun on a large green figure's shoulder. Its yellow eyes are hollow and empty... there are twelve holes in its chest that drip gore across its lap.

I had unloaded an entire clip of the deliverer into this super mutant earlier.

Completely and totally worth it.

He was holding a grenade rifle and had six grenades on him.

I'm lucky I got the jump on him, cause I would have fucking died had he turned and shot me.

My goal... is quite simple right now.

Kill this man in my crosshairs, jump in my power armor, then rush off to Diamond City.

I'll sell the frame for some easy bonus cash.

I'll kill the Mayor afterwards.

With the deliverer, it's just a matter of getting inside of his office and shooting him in the head.

The silencer is incredibly good. Like... you'd be hard-pressed to hear it in another room if you close the door.

I take a deep breath then exhale, watching my target walk around the camp, speaking to 'initiates' for his little scam cult.

The plan is to- as quickly as possible- kill this dude, then get a fourth kill. Be it the mayor or that radio guy.

At which point...

I can leave whenever I want.

At this very moment, I am stuck here. I have to live with the consequences of my actions. But once I get my fourth kill... whenever an army is encroaching on my position, I'm pinned down, there's no way out.

I could just choose to fuck off into a new world.

Now, that'd suck, as I don't know how to make power armor, laser rifles, or stimpacks yet, but the most important aspect is that I'd live.

I'd even keep all the things I have on my person as well. So, my legitimate silenced weapon and the Gainer.

Plus my lone-wanderer perk which supposedly makes me twenty five percent stronger than normal when I'm alone.

I... can definitely see the difference.

A breath leaves my lips as my target stops moving, taking a seat by the fire.

I take a moment to aim... then...

*BANG*

His head snaps to the side, his body flopping back as he crumples.

I turn, quickly rushing towards a parked unarmored suit of power armor, then turn the little wheel on the back.

The armor creaks open, allowing me inside.

As I step up inside of it, the armor slams shut around me.

With that I turn and begin running, the leg servos of the armor launching me forwards faster than I could normally run. the armor's legs being a couple inches longer probably helps as well.

I was taught a couple of things about this frame from the brotherhood.

The one fusion core I got in it- that I found at the same location I found the Gainer- should last about two days... and that was taking into account the fact that the energy efficiency on this armor sucks ass.

I mean, it makes sense in a way. There's no way that a fusion core could keep a building running for two hundred years would drain in like ten minutes when put in a set of power armor.

As for my relationship with the brotherhood of steel...

I am now officially a 'Scout', or rather 'Initiate-Scout'.

That's good.

I have an in with them once the main force gets here, and I'm allowed to continue my bounty hunting.

It's a win-win.

I just need to seek out some things here and there.

What do I go look for now.

I've got the deliverer. That's pretty much the only weapon I know by heart...

Wait...

There's one vault with a two-shot rifle, right?

I could also break into Kellog's house while in Diamond city.

He's got some supplies, I'm sure of it.

"Hold on. Stop right there."

I slowly turn, spying a suit of T-45 power armor standing there with a minigun. It is flanked by two figures in... dugout armor?

That can't be very protective.

"Who are you?"

"Uh... I'm going to Diamond city to sell this power armor frame?"

"I see." The figure stares, after a long moment it looks to the others, then gestures over its shoulder. "Go on in. But we'll be watching you."

It appears that the Diamond City guards have got some power armor.

That is... a thing.

I turn and begin walking forwards, my heavy footsteps echoing out as I step into the large baseball stadium itself, making my way up the stairs and into a large clearing.

People mill about, numerous shoddy looking houses built across what used to be a large baseball field.

I make my way down the stairs, past a girl shilling papers. "Extra Extra! Synths invading your homes? Find out what the Mayor doesn't want you to know!"

I walk dirrectly to the weapon store.

"Oh?" The man behind the stall questions. "Power armor? You've got class, my friend. Tell Arturo what it is you are looking for."

"I'm looking to sell this power armor frame, actually."

"Sell the frame? Why? What's wrong with it?"

"it's just too loud and not very." I scoff. "I don't have time to armor it up and I've only got the one fusion core. So, I made the decision to sell it before someone else does."

"hmm." The man hums after a long moment. "Caps or trade?"

"Do you have any big guns? Fifty caliber?"

"Ah. You want the big guns, hm?" The man hums. "Wait right here. I keep most of the good stuff in the back."

He turns and walks back inside.

After around a minute he comes back with an absolutely massive rifle that thuds against the counter.

I exit the power armor, sliding out the fusion core.

"How much for the rifle."

"I'll trade it for the armor."

"You want to trade a rifle with no bullets for my power armor frame?" I deadpan.

"Oh, of course not. I'll get you thirty."

"the rifle and thirty bullets is probably not even worth half the armor." I gesture to the frame with my thumb.

"Ah, but my friend, this is a Mk 76 anti-tank rifle with a hardened receiver, muzzle break and a full factory-finish barrel. You've got a ten round magazine holding 20mm rounds and a long range night vision scope. Back here you've got a recoil compensating stock to absorb the kick of the
weapon without breaking your shoulder. You've got a tactical handguard and a built-in bipod... and these bullets aren't just any bullet. High explosive, incendiary, armor piercing. You could punch through an inch of stainless steel from over a mile away."

"You got any .44 rounds?"

"Ah... you drive a hard bargain. If you include the fusion core there, I'll toss in One hundred .44 rounds, thirty 20mm, and the Mk76 along with a finely crafted leather strap to heft it around with."

My eyes narrow slightly, then I shrug. "Fine. .44s are fairly hard to come across."

"A pleasure doing business with you!" The dark skinned man smiles as he reaches down, bringing out several pre-packaged boxes of ammunition.

I silently draw a pistol.

*FFT*

The man laying in bed jerks slightly, but before he can gurgle or make any sort of noise I shoot him twice more in the skull.

A single breath leaves my lips as I turn slightly and unload three bullets into his chest.

I crouch down, picking up the spent bullet casings.

Congratulations! You're able to leave whenever you want! Want me to do you a favor and pull you into the next world if you're ever about to die?

I offer the floating box a single nod.

I pull out the contract, gazing over it briefly.

Mayor Mcdonough
Description: White Male, Hazel Eyes, Grey Hair and mustache. Wears a pressed suit and fedora. Currently the Mayor of Diamond City.
Notes: M7-62 is the synth that replaced Charles Mcdonough sometime before 2282, running for the mayoral position of diamond city. His campaign slogan was to throw the ghouls out of Diamond City, resulting in the deaths of dozens of peaceful families. In actuality he is there to monitor the developments in the commonwealth and locate any potential interests for the Institute. Killing him will certainly be difficult, but the more difficult part comes after you've done it!
Rewards: Increase 'Charisma' Attribute by 2 (Roughly a 56.25% increase), two-piece Ballistic Weave Mk 4 suit of any color you desire with the 'Chameleon' Legendary Effect.

Would you like to redeem your suit?

'not yet.'

Alright~

I slink out of the room, thankfully being unseen thanks to the darkness.

I snag a set of keys under a set of bleacher chairs.

Fun fact. If you go back to mama murphy during the quest to break into Kellog's house... she will use her 'sight' to help you find a secret set of keys that doesn't involve pickpocketing them or beating a charisma check.

Regardless... with these?I'm in.

The door creaks open as I step inside, rising to my full height. The guards don't really patrol the spot leading up to Kellog's home, so I was able to enter Un hassled.

I walk around the room taking in the sights.

It's clear this place has been empty for a while.

I walk up the steps to his bed pausing as I see a weapon sat just above it.

'hang on... what the hell?!'

This gun...

Holy shit it's beautiful.

What the hell is this?!

New Vegas revolver. It's not legendary, but is more powerful on average than your standard .44 as it shoots 45-70 GOV rounds.

It is a five shot revolver, solid jet black in color with a dazzling series of gold inscriptions along the entire thing.

The handle is made of rich wood with a glossy finish, the symbol of a bear on it. A star just beside it.

Along the barrel... there is text. On one side it reads 'Against all Tyrants'. Then, on the other it reads 'For Honorable Service'.

Kellog definitely stole this from someone...

Regardless. Mine now.

I walk over, to the desk at the front of the room. Reaching underneath and pushing the button to open up the wall.

I waltz into the new room, glancing around.

There's a cigar in an ash tray and a large set of shelves along the wall.

I quietly pick up whatever useful amminition I can, then I am left pondering one thing.

I gaze at a glowing blue bottled concoction.

The first Nuka Cola I have seen since coming here...

He's got the original flavor, cherry, and two bottles of quantum.

Should I?

I am given an opportunity to partake in literally any fallout gamer's dream and drink the glowey radiation soda.

I grab the purified water, of course. But...

The longer I stare at the sodas the more I am tempted.

Wait.

These bottles have likely been sitting around for two hundred years...

No fizz. Hell, they're probably REALLY out of date.

Wait... do fallout products even go out of date? People around here are still eating pre-war foods like 'yum yum deviled eggs'

"..."

I crack open the regular bottle of Nuka Cola and take a sip.

"..."

Wow...

That tastes like flat soda.

I brush off my suit, adjusting the gas mask on my face to the side.

This thing is seriously tough stuff.

I took a thirty-eight round to the shoulder and it barely even bruised the skin. Hell. It didn't even pierce the cloth. Just ruffled it slightly.

It has been about six days since the mayor of diamond city has been assassinated. From what I hear, the city's up in a tizzy as they found the synth parts in his body.

It doesn't really matter what's happening over there as I'm doing two things... firstly... my newly assigned job as a brotherhood scout.

I look to a small notebook where I have scribbled something down.

"University Point. Synth Activity. In the past, the Institute apparently raided this location looking for something. The fact that synths remain implies that they haven't found it yet."

I write something else down.
"Quincy Ruins. Notable locations of interest: The Quarry to the north west, Poseidon Energy (Power Plant) to the east, Wilson Atomatoys Factory to the west, Atom Cats Garage to the north, and the police station within the town."

I nod slowly closing the book as I peek through the sniper scope of my old .308 sniper rifle.

I'm looking for one little thing...

Ah.

There it is.

My target.

Clint. The leader of the gunners at the Quincy Ruins.

The dude isn't even wearing a helmet.

The ex-minuteman still wears his minuteman hat, seemingly as a mockery...

I glance to a piece of paper that's lain beside me.

"Lieutenant, huh?" I whisper.

Gunner Officers: {Open Contract}
Description: Any Higherups within the Gunner group.
Notes: The gunners are a blight on the commonwealth. They're raiders but organized. They need to be put down. For each and every Gunner at rank 'Corporal' or above you put down, you may cash out these rewards which stack depending on how high up in the gunners totem pole they are.
Rewards: 250 bottle caps, 100 ammunition for any weapon you have access to. (1 time Use) Note: this does not include Explosive weapons like Missiles and Mini Nuke, 2 Months of CQC Training.

Lieutenant+ Rewards: 4 Explosives that you have previously come across (1 time Use), Set of fully upgraded Combat Armor (1 time use), 6 Months of CQC Training.

Captain+ Rewards: One random legendary effect you can apply to any of your items. 2 Years of CQC Training, Tessa's Fist (Near Unbreakable X-01 Power Armor right Arm) (First Captain+ Kill only)

Commander+ Rewards: Set of T45 Power Armor (1 Time Use), Fusion Cores 3x (1 Time Use), Tessa's Other Fist (Near Unbreakable X-01 Power Armor Left Arm) (First Commander+ Kill only) 5 Years of CQC Training, One fallout weapon (That you have seen or touched before) (1 Per Jump), 25 rounds of ammunition for said fallout weapon (or ammunition of your choice should you choose a melee weapon. You make this decision once and it cannot be changed) (1 Per Jump).

Colonel+ Rewards: Tessa's Kicks (Near Unbreakable X-01 Power Armor Left and Right leg) (First Colonel+ Kill only), Legendary Effect of your choice that can apply to any of your current items, 50 Years of CQC Training, Fusion Core x1 (1 Per Jump)

Brigadier Rewards: Tessa's Embrace and Tessa's Visage (Near Unbreakable X-01 Power Armor Torso & head) (First Brigadier+ Kill only) 'Call Backup' power (Once per six month) (Summon a platoon of 10 Gunners to follow your orders until they perish. They are equipped with a random 'Service Rifle', 1 grenade each, 2 Stimpacks each. Two of the group will have a full set of t-45 power armor and have some form of 'heavy' weapon such as a minigun or missile launcher. These summoned minions disappear once they are slain or knocked unconscious, taking any remaining items with them.) (Note. These summons are a result of your power, thus, any kills they get count as your own.)

I'll be getting four explosives and eight months of close combat training if I just pulled the trigger... right? Eight?

Yes. Eight.

Looking over his armor, it looks like he's got T-51 arms and a T-60 chestplate. I'm unsure about the legs. They're a lot more subtle than the other parts of power armor.

I'd like to steal that from him, frankly.

Buuut eh. Fuck it.

Guess I'll settle for just offing him.

Wait.

'Mr. Rob. If the Tessa's Fist reward is X-01 power armor... doesn't that imply that Tessa Fist wielded by Tessa in this town is X-01?'

It is. But she's not here.

'huh?'

Turns, that by finding a MAGICAL X-01 suit of power she'd get promoted. Who knew. She's elsewhere in the commonwealth.

Fuck.

Ah well. It's about time I head back to the police station to report my findings.

I quickly look over my surroundings, body grey and concrete-like

'there's a Sergeant. He's not wearing any sort of power armor as well. After I take the shot at Clint here I'll see if I can swipe my aim down and kill that guy as well to get some further reward.'

I still haven't used my anti-tank rifle.

Not even a single shot.

I'm saving it for a rainy day.

Besides. I'm used to the drop off and range of my .308, I might miss if I tried to shoot him with the cannon. I'm relatively confident I could get a headshot right now and kill him regardless.

I'm not entirely sure the bullet of my anti-tank rifle wouldn't bounce off his power armor if I went for a body-shot. I don't trust the angle.

I gather my things. Slipping the bounty paper back into my bag alongside the little book and paper Paladin Danse gave me.

I take a deep breath, calming my heartrate...

Then...

My finger squeezes around the trigger.

The head of the man jerks to the side abruptly as I quickly sit up into a kneel, angling my rifle downwards.

My other target is looking around wildly, raising his weapon.

I squeeze the trigger again, catching him in the chest.

He staggers back, armor absorbing most of the blow.

I pull the bolt back and load another round.

This crashes through his abdomen as he thuds against the wall behind him, sliding down slightly.

Gunfire begins to rain upon my position atop the freeway overpass.

I turn and begin running. There's only one way off this hunk of concrete and rebar, and if they get to it first, I'm toast.

*Thud-chsss*
*Thud-chsss*

My footsteps echo out as I walk up the road.

"Stop right there." A voice booms out. "State your name and purpose or perish."

I raise my hands in surrender. "It's me!"

"Who?"

"The Scout."

"..."

"Take off your helmet." The man in power armor demands.

My own suit reaches up to the roughly welded helmet and with a slight twist and a hiss, I manage to pull it off.

"Oh... it is you." He stares. "Welcome back."

His hand comes up to the side of his helmet. "The scout has returned. He has a suit of scrap power armor."

I wait for a moment, then the garage door slowly creaks open.

I walk forwards, towards the unarmored man who just pressed the button.

"Welcome back." The knight greets.

"Thank you." I nod. "I recovered this suit from the raiders on the bridge."

"Oh? What about your frame?"

"I sold it for the anti-tank rifle and ammunition." I admit.

"Hmm... probably a bad trade, honestly." He states as he pushes the button again, causing the garage door to slowly close.

He looks over the large rifle on my back. "Mhh nah. For broken power armor that was fairly reasonable."

"Should I report my findings to you, or directly to Paladin Danse?" I question.

"Did you find anything important?"

"I found another location that had Synths." I inform.

"Then Danse." He nods. "He should be in the armory right now."

I step forwards into the station proper, spying numerous suits on standby.

I walk over to a nearby wall and slip the helmet back on.

I drop my duffel bag, then I climb out of the armor a moment later and retrieve my things.

I slide the anti-material rifle off the back of the power armor and slip the leather strap around my torso.

I approach the armory, pausing at the door. "Paladin Danse, Sir. I have returned."

"Ah. Scout." He turns. "You have returned. Good."

It appears he has set aside his armor for a moment, now wearing an orange jumpsuit.

He looks over my change in clothing in confusion. "What is it that you're wearing?"

"Oh... this is an anomalous suit. It is made from some sort of ballistic polymer weave making it more durable than most combat armor... in addition..."

I step inside and crouch by the wall.

His eyes widen as it seems to change colors to match. My skin doesn't start changing until I remain still for a considerable time. I'll let him think that this is the extent of it. "That... should be impossible. Regardless. I can see how it could be of use for an infiltrator. Good work. Put it to good
use."

"I will, sir." I salute. "Shall I give my report?"

He seems to shake his head to rid himself of his thoughts. "Yes, let's hear it."

"I scouted south of diamond city." I inform.

"In the gunner's territory?" He asks.

"Yes sir. I wanted to see what sort of threat we were working with." I nod.

"I see, and what are your thoughts?"

"They are quite well armored, most of their infantry having pre-war military helmets and durable combat armor. From what I can tell, they don't have any sole weaponry they prefer. But they are considerably more well-armed than raiders. I even saw a few suits of power armor... which was
worrying as Quincy was a base that they only fairly recently took over."

"What are we dealing with."

"Of the two I saw, one was a frame with incomplete armor, having an arm made of scrap and legs of some official power armor model I was unable to determine at distance. The second had T-51 arms, a T-60 chest plate, and undetermined model legs.

"No helmet?" He questions.

"No helmet." I shake my head. "He appeared to be quite high rank within Quincy, which is why I shot the gunner in the head before I left."

"I see." He notes. "is there anything else?"

"You see, me going to Quincy wasn't actually my original plan." I begin. "Originally, I wanted to go to a place called University Point as I heard the entire settlement was razed by the Institute. But. When I looked inside I saw still functioning synths in the courtyard, so I quickly retreated."

"Functioning synths?" The man questions.

"They could still be looking for something there... or they could have just been left behind." I shrug. "There was also a military checkpoint close by. It had a complete set of T-45, but it was once more locked inside a box. Being so close to the Gunners, I don't doubt that they'll claim it soon...
if they haven't already."

"I see... anything else?"

"The mayor of Daimond City was murdered... and it turned out he was a synth."

"Hm. That makes sense." The man hums. "The institute are scum who want to control the commonwealth from the shadows. It is expected that they would try to elect some sort of sympathizer or one of their own abominations of technology."

"That is everything, sir." I state.

"Thank you for your assistance, scout... the main force of the Brotherhood is nearly in the commonwealth. It should arrive either later today or tomorrow. Get some rest. You've more than earned it."

"Yes sir."

I turn and walk away, planning to find a spot to lay down.

Well, Our boy has really done quite well for himself. A scouting role for the Brotherhood?
Well now! That's quite good! plus he's got himself some highly protective stealth armor! how useful! realistically his goal of killing the Mayor could have gone SO much worse. he really lucked out with the deliverer.