Evan let out a pained grumble as Sturges drilled another hole into his armor inserting yet another injector pipe. Sturges did his best to calm him.

"I know it hurts but the pain will numb soon enough remember Cody got his arm crushed to get the machine for you and quit whining we offered to cut you out many times, but you refused. Now calm down I'm almost done just a few adjustments. There we go all set."

The dialyses machine kicked into action flushing the now poisonous byproducts out of his system. Sturges explained everything.

"The machine is on your back same with the hoses pipes and injectors. The cylinders on your armor's sides are waste tanks; we change those out every few days. Try walking a bit."

The extra weight on his back messed with his balance but with each step, it got easier, but it was no less unpleasant.

Evan asked. "Should the machine be this heavy?"

Sturges shook his head. "I installed it into an armored steel backpack over two inches thick. It took me a while to get the welding right then had to shoot at the prototypes I had to make sure it wouldn't crack or deform.

Evan spoke up. "Let me guess Cornerians don't want us to use any of their armor plate?"

Sturges nodded. "Yeah, they're really iffy about it I'm working with what Liberator gave us I trust his judgment he's worked with power armor for a long time even when he was trapped in his own. I tested it against lighter blasters, but nothing got through. Let me give you some advice keep the enemy in front of you that armored pack is a last resort. I also replaced the fusion core system with a TX-28 Microfusion Pack that I gutted from a wrecked T-51. However, you need to be careful not to push it too hard should last you for centuries."

Evan was confused. "Well, if it's so much better why did they switch to fusion cores they run out rather quickly?"

Sturges answered. "Overheating is the biggest problem with the packs. Fusion cores provide more power in the short term, but the packs have a lot more longevity at the cost of cooling issues. Your cooling troubles are amplified by the steel plates I added along with the armored back needed for your dialysis machine. I did my best from vents to water cooling. That's what some of those steel hoses are for. I plan to add extra water tanks later that way if you start leaking you have extra water to buy time until you can get it fixed, I don't want you going up in a mushroom cloud."

Evan was stunned. "Is there anything you haven't done to my armor?"

Sturges grinned. "I got a few things in mind just holler if you have any questions."

Evan could tell he was genuine. "I'll let you know Sturges for now I just want to see Mayah and Thomas."

Sturges patted him on the pauldron. "Hey, you'll push through say hi to them for me."

Evan marched on the servos and hydraulics groaned his new pack hummed and whirred. As he did, he heard the roar of Fara's Arwing and Cody's Warhawk. He smiled underneath his helmet happy to see Cody having the time of his life. Still, he grew attached to his armor, he no longer felt so helpless, in fact, he felt powerful. The ground seemed to shake with every step. As if quaking before his will. The best part for him though was always seeing the hope in Thomas's eyes.

As he marched to their house Thomas ran out in a white blur, his tail wagging. He jumped wrapping himself around Evan's left leg.

"EAVY, YOU CAME BACK!"

Evan petted him on the head. "Of course, I did nothing gets through my armored hide."

Mayah welcomed them inside her modest home they all talked about their day and what was going on. Evan told them about the Commonwealth and that things were looking up. Both asked about Cody.

Evan told them. "He's been having a bit rough back home his nightmares are constant. One hour we're all sleeping peacefully in the barracks, some of us in beds, others in sleeping bags, next thing you know Cody is screaming and roaring ready for battle, or more often breaks down crying and tries to hide it. As for me it almost caused me to fall onto one of my fellow Minutemen, so I started sleeping in the tunnels."

Mayah gave a firm nod. "That explains why Thomas was crying when I picked him up after Cody talked to him. His PTSD sounds very severe."

Evan answered. "It's beyond severe at times don't take it the wrong way Cody loves Thomas, he only told him that so he could better protect you."

He rubbed one of Thomas's ears the pup turned his head enjoying it. "Mayah if anything happens if it hits the fan and I'm not here have Cody with you he will guard you and Thomas till his final gasp."

Mayah grew curious. "Evan why does Cody care so much he barely knows us but he's already willing to kill to protect everyone on Corneria?"

Evan replied. "Because he knows what it's like to lose everything. When Zion fell almost everyone he loved died. The rest perished in my hometown Quincy. Well Cody is the last one left."

Mayah's muzzle showed deep concern. "So, what does Liberator do about it?"

Evan told the truth. "He gives him drugs or in our slang Chems. Psycho Jet Mentats sometimes a bit of Buffout. Then lets him kill the enemy to his heart's content."

Mayah was appalled. "How could he do such a thing if he was a Cornerian citizen, I'd call Cub Protective Services or arrest him myself."

Evan was intrigued. "Huh didn't know you were a cop?"

Mayah took a deep breath. "I am a cop but that's beside the point why does he do that to a poor pup?"

"Because war is all he knows he was born and raised for it. Both you and I were sheltered you live on an advanced home world, and I lived within the safety of Quincy's walls at least until the Gunners tore it away. Cody, however, has been deployed on the frontlines since he was five. If the rumors and stories are true, he got his first kill when he was four."

They heard a knock on the door. It was Sturges. "Evan Liberator needs you back in the Commonwealth."

Evan put his helmet back on it hissed as it repressurized. "I got to go Mayah. Thomas, be good to your mother. I'll visit when I get back."

On the Great Fox Evan got ready for redeployment. He and Cody talked in the hangar. Sturges took pictures of the Warhawk for reference already after a few flights the frail paint was peeling off in places leaving the shiny aluminum skin underneath exposed. Cody smiled as he examined his Warhawk.

"You know Evan I'm rather jealous the General wants you back on the front. I enjoy the training but it's getting stale I'm eager for a real dogfight."

Fox smirked and folded his arms. "We can always have you go against us in our Arwings."

Cody immediately changed his mind. "Fox, I don't feel like dying in a fireball, and when I mean dogfight I mean against something like a skilled Vertibird crew or another plane from the same period, not the galaxy's greatest Starfighter."

Fox patted his shoulder. "Well, you need to learn how to stall Starfighters until we can arrive. Don't worry, we'll bring you up to spec. When you master your Warhawk I may be inclined to commission your own Arwing."

Cody was at a loss for words. Fox continued. "Evan great news they're making a lot of progress on the cure for you within a month you won't need that armor anymore."

Evan replied. "I'll be honest with you Fox this armor has grown on me I no longer feel like a weakling now I have the strength to help the Commonwealth and my fellow Minutemen. With my new steel skin and powerful hydraulics, I can shrug off anything Raiders or Gunners throw at me and make a mess out of them in the process."

Sturges laughed. "Don't get too cocky Evan no power armor makes you invincible not even T-51 let alone T-45. Still glad you're happy."

Evan calmed down. "Sorry, I'm just eager to see the Commonwealth rebuild and take Quincy back."

He climbed into the shuttle and departed for his next mission. The shuttle landed near the outskirts, forcing him to march back to Independence. It took him around a day to reach it. He was tired but his people needed him.

He saluted Liberator. The Ghoul General saluted him back and welcomed him inside. On the Wall above Liberator's bed was a map. "The first three towers are 0SC-527 0MC-810 and 3SM-U81 they will be designated Alpha Bravo and Charlie. The next set of three towers are 1DL-109 0BB-9915, the last is 0DB-521 they will be given the names Delta Echo and Foxtrot. Foxtrot is the one I want done last, it's very close to the Glowing Sea. Not only can you risk rad poising, but the intense radiation causes more powerful mutations to happen in creatures. Here are your orders. Capture the towers, take your time if you need it, and don't exhaust yourselves to the point of ineffectiveness. Evan guard Jacky and your fellow Minutemen with your life. Slaughter anything that threatens them and if the need arises, make a nasty example out of those who do especially Raiders, they only understand cruelty so pay it in spades. Now get out there and make me proud."

"YES SIR!" Shouted Evan.

Tower Alpha was closest to Fort Independence. Nearby was Big John's Salvage controlled by Super Mutants. Evan wanted to just march in and kill his way through the Mutants but by himself, he knew it was a death sentence, so the group snuck around them. Jacqueline began reprogramming the tower to connect to Radio Freedom. They marched on to Bravo. The ground shook. Evan moved forward hoping it was some pesty Mole Rats. Instead, he got two Radscorpions. They hissed and screamed while he roared and stomped. He grabbed ahold of one, tearing its stinger off then shoving it in one of its eyes. He stomped his armored boot hard impaling the Radscorpion with its stinger killing it. He almost did the same to the second, but it staggered him dishing out a deep slash across his chestplate and left pauldron. Evan growled angrily he wrestled its tail as it tried to sting him before stomping in two of its legs. It let out pained hisses and screams, but Evan roared crushing its eyes in with a Power Armor boot. Its hisses and screams were even more pained as it tried to limp away. Evan grabbed a large rock and bashed its head in finally ending the arachnid's life.

Everyone checked on Evan concerned. Evan told them. "I'm fine just angry and tired let's get Charlie I at least want half of the towers done before we make camp."

The next tower went fine without any complications. Evan stayed up all night guarding them. Morning rose and they sat off again. The next two towers went smoothly now there was just Foxtrot. Bloodbugs and Stingwings were waiting for them until a Deathclaw showed up tearing the bugs to pieces. It turned its attention to Evan who challenged it by beating his chestplate. It roared and Evan drew his Blaster Rifle firing it on full power. The yellow plasma bolts melted through its soft belly. It screamed with rage swatting Evan into a metal pile that was once a building. Evan detached his dialysis pack from his overheating power pack. He charged back in the Deathclaw grabbed him tight with both hands trying to crush him in his own armor. The overheated power pack glowed red hot burning both hands. The Deathclaw threw Evan who in turn grabbed a broken street pole. He leveled the jagged end of the pole and did a final charge. As it roared charging, he aimed for the thin roof of its mouth. The pole impaled it through its maw and out its brain ending the Deathclaw.

Evan heaved and wheezed trying to catch his breath everything hurt being tossed around further damaging his frail skin. He could feel parts of himself bleeding and his stimpack injector activated. The bleeding slowed but the pain remained. Jacqueline and the others helped reattach his dialysis machine now that the power pack had cooled down. She then turned her attention to the tower reprograming it. Radio Freedom now had a full connection to all the towers. Another two days went by as they made their return trip to Independence more creatures and Raiders attacked them. Evan barely made it to the courtyard before giving out. He landed on his back out cold.

Liberator used his sheer strength to drag Evan into the tunnels. Jackqueline told everything to Vera and how Evan refused to sleep the entire trip. The poor Wolfess just pawed her muzzle annoyed by Evan's recklessness.

Radio Freedom now broadcasted far outside the Commonwealth. Reinforcements would arrive for them, but they would not be what they expected.

In the Capital Wasteland.

A man dressed in a worn duster sprints through laser fire carrying one of his wounded troops a voice shouts. "COLONEL AUTUMN WE CAN'T KEEP UP LIKE THIS WE HAVE TO LEAVE THE CAPITAL!"

Autumn knew the Comms Officer was right. "I know but where will we go?"

The soldier answered. "Well, we got ahold of a new signal from Massachusetts called Radio Freedom. They called themselves the Commonwealth Minutemen."

Autumn paused then gave his order. "Get everyone into the Vertibirds we are leaving."

Back in Independence

Liberator calibrated his armor making sure everything was running as good as it could given what little resources he had. He heard the signature sound of Vertibird engines, but they were different and unfamiliar. He adjusted his rangefinder while his visor scanned his armor searched through its database.

H.U.D: "Aircraft Identified XVB-02 Vertibird."

The Old Ghoul was confused. "How is that possible that model never made it to production before the bombs?"

It skillfully landed near the Fort. Liberator marched carefully and kept his guard up. Autumn stepped out of the Vertibird unarmed his hands up. "Woah now no need to fight we heard your signal just looking for a place to stay."

Liberator took off his helmet. Autumn stepped back appalled by Liberator's rotted appearance. He had seen a lot of ghouls before in the Capital Wasteland, mostly ferals but even then Liberator's appearance was much more battle-scarred and decayed than most. His face or what's left of it inspired fear. Parts of his lips were rotted away exposing teeth and gum and as for his left cheek, it was a tattered mess. His jaw and even joints were exposed held together by a few strands of muscle his eyes an ocean of black.

Liberator stayed silent till what was left of his lips twisted into what looked like a smirk. "So more fellow refugees kicked out of their homes? Follow me to my Quarters we'll discuss details. Autumn went on telling Liberator about Project Purity John Henry Eden and the Wanderer's sacrifice. He told the truth awaiting the Old Ghoul's judgement.

Liberator began to laugh. "So the bloodline of the feds survives after all not surprised nor mad. I'll make you a deal since we both have the same goal to restore the greatest nation in the world The United States of America. We both want our homes back so tell ya what play nice with my troops follow my orders help heal and set up we'll have our beloved America back in record time."

Autumn rubbed his chin. "Well, what makes you think you should lead us?"

Liberator offered him a cigar and glass of whiskey. "Because Colonel I am Major George Hood Washington been fighting for the Heartland for over two centuries."

Autumn's jaw dropped. "Wait your Major Washington?"

He read the experimental designation on Liberator's armor T-51F 6.8 only one suit was ever issued. Liberator's grin widened. "If you want you can D.N.A. test me but I dunno how good that'd do me since I'm so mutated."

Autumn asked. "If you've been fighting so much why is this place still such a mess?"

The Old Ghoul answered. "You can thank the Insitute petty infighting and a damn Mirelurk Queen for that. I'll tell you in due time for now let's get y'all settled."

In the Gulf of Mexico two ancient carriers and a super freighter towing the last Dreadnought plowed through the storm. The Captain a young teen stood in the bridge watching rain and waves splash against the windows. The Radio operator sprinted into the bridge. "Capitão, nós encontramos um novo sinal vindo de Massachusetts. Eles se alto intitulam os Minutemen."

The Captain answered. "Trace o curso para Massachusetts, nós iremos reparar nos estaleiros de Quincy."

A week went by the integration of the Enclave Remnants was rough to say the least while some behaved and were courteous others had a superiority complex causing fights to break out. Not to mention the cramped conditions and worry of food shortage. Liberator groaned fearing his headache would turn into a migraine. He was interrupted by Charlie's voice on the radio. "General you're not going to believe this we found two Brazilian carriers and a super freighter towering the Texas."