"So now you have two robots and a dog," Piper joked.
"Well, better here with me than anywhere else. Think she might end up proving a good addition. She's smart."
"She?" Piper retorted, unable to stop the smirk.
"Got to admit, the accent is rather charming," Nick said from his side of the desk.
"No wonder Nate has brought her along," Ellie added, giving me a wink. No doubt Nick had perhaps unwittingly shared one or two minor exploits of mine. Hadn't shared with Piper yet that I'd spent the night with Gwen. So I just gave Ellie a certain look that had her looking away, definitely blushing within a few seconds.
"What's the plan then?" Nick wondered, "I mean, after what you've found at 81, are you going to continue to investigate?"
"There is still 95, but that's a long way to the south-west."
"Border of the Glowing Sea, I think," Piper added.
"Heard about this Glowing Sea. I assume it's just radiation central?"
"That's putting it mildly, Nate," Nick replied, "Those storms that sometimes come rolling our way that dump rads on those unfortunate enough to be outside. They cross the Glowing Sea and just suck up the lingering radiation. To even think about venturing there, you need more rad-x and radaway than you could probably pack, or have power armour, but I'd make sure you were sealed tight before even approaching it."
"Let's just say I'm not particularly interested in heading there. So what do I plan on doing? Beantown Brewery is one location I want to clear out. I was tempted to perhaps check around Cambridge, thinking we could put a Minuteman base around there, but I don't particularly want to tread on Brotherhood toes."
"Wait a second," Nick said, leaving his cigarette between his lips as he stood up and starting looking through paperwork. He eventually pulled a small map from a drawer, folding it out so I could read it properly. "So the Brotherhood are here, correct?" I nodded. He moved a metal finger east. "Bunker Hill is right there."
"Monument is hopefully still standing. Haven't seen it but there are plenty of tall buildings that block it," I said, "Battle of Bunker Hill." Piper and Ellie looked at me, not knowing what I was talking about. Even Nick shrugged his shoulders. "Battle from the American Revolution, long time ago now. Lost the battle, killed more of them than we lost, won the war. Anyway, is it worth visiting?"
"Would be worth investigating," Ellie replied, "As it's the caravan hub of the Commonwealth. Of course, there's also the other rumour about what happens there."
"What rumour?"
"The Railroad use it."
"Railroad?" I asked, though I had an inkling already what it might mean.
"Not much is known about them," Piper admitted, "Simply because they ensure almost complete secrecy. But what is agreed is that the Railroad help synths escape to safety. Sentient synths, that looks like you and me. Not like Nick. No offence."
"None taken."
"There is a phrase people will whisper for those who wish to find the Railroad," Ellie added, "Follow the Freedom Trail."
I couldn't help grin. "I know exactly what that is. The wife and I walked it more than once during a day out in the city. Start at Boston Common, go past things like the Massachusetts State House, King's Chapel, Faneuil Hall, eventually end up at Bunker Hill."
"Thinking of going to Bunker Hill now? Maybe find the Railroad?" Piper wondered.
"Bunker Hill, maybe. Railroad, no. The latter simply don't concern me right now. What do you think of them? I mean, considering that people are frightened to death of synths."
"Those who are in the hands of the Institute," Piper said, "If a synth is sentient, like Nick, but also free of the Institute, isn't it possible they'd all be like Nick? Friendly, just trying to survive?"
"Good point. Do they free many synths?"
"No-one knows. You'd have to ask them."
"One more thing, Nate," Nick said, offering me another cigarette, lighting one for us both before he continued, "Regarding your raider idea, going to war against them. I know you have your scouts possibly scouring the ruins, but I do know about one place worth checking out. Hear the name mentioned every so often. Called the Combat Zone."
"Full of raiders?" He nodded. "Might be worth investigating."
"If we do, we go armed to the teeth, Blue. The place is notorious, putting it mildly. I know, back before the raiders took over, it was where you could go to watch fights, have a drink and a gamble. But that's a long time ago now."
"What about Goodneighbor? Heard that name mentioned a few times?"
"Has a bad reputation but I've never had a problem there," Nick replied, "Getting there isn't easy. Have to go past plenty of buildings where mutants, Gunners and raiders have made themselves comfortable. But if you're willing to go there, I can certainly help provide direction on the way."
"Not sure Goodneighbor will be enthralled by your 'all in it together' idea," Piper suggested.
"Maybe, maybe not. But if it's a settlement that is at least peaceful, they might see reason. Even if they don't want Minutemen, they might still seethe worth of an alliance of a sort." I put out the cigarette. "Looks like I've got plenty of options. I'm thinking Beantown first though. We've got a name and part of me is thinking… beer…"
"I'm going to head home for now, Blue. Really should get to work on my next paper. Might just have to mention what you've been up to lately." She stood up, kissed my cheek, wished the other two goodbye, before she disappeared out the door. Nick was next to leave, stating he had a couple of contacts he needed to speak to, and within a couple of minutes, Ellie and I were left alone.
We looked at each other. I couldn't help chuckle. She smiled. "I don't think that was planned but…"
"Want to get a drink, Miss Perkins?"
"I'd love one, to be honest. What about Curie?"
"Do you mind waiting here, Curie? We're not really going anywhere, just over to the inn."
"I'm fine waiting here, monsieur."
Ellie grabbed a small bag and we walked to the inn. I noticed the occasional glance in my direction. I'd glance back and she'd almost blush each time. I'd always thought her rather attractive. Guess she liked me a little bit in return. Ellie took a seat on one of the lounges as I bought us a bottle of whiskey, grabbing a pair of glasses, taking a seat next to her.
Over the course of a couple of drinks, we talked about anything and everything that came to mind. She asked plenty of questions about my life, before and after the bombs. As for Ellie, she could tell me plenty about Goodneighbor, considering she had grown up there, though had left home long ago, eventually finding her way to Diamond City and had worked with Nick for years. It was obvious they were close.
Eventually turned towards another, she had a smile on her face I recognised well. But then she asked a question I thought might prove troublesome. "So apart from Piper, who else are you sleeping with?"
"Does it bother you?"
"Not at all. I'm sure you've realised already that life is different. There are few joys in life in the Commonwealth. Sex is one of them. I don't know Piper too well, but I know she chose lovers wisely. The fact she chose you, and seems rather enamoured by you, speaks volumes."
"I may have slept with the overseer of Vault 81."
"Gwen? Oh, she's a delight. Everyone likes her. Doesn't like leaving her vault, but I've spoken with her a few times over the years."
"Someone from the Brotherhood of Steel. A scribe. Cute thing she is. And also a young woman who arrived in Sanctuary long ago. She was actually the first woman I was intimate with after waking up."
"And now you're here with me."
"I am, Miss Perkins. Is my interest returned?"
She answered that question by leaning forward, laying a soft kiss on my lips. It was brief, but she leaned back and dazzled me with a smile. "Is Piper expecting your company tonight?"
"She explained that we're good friends with the added benefit of enjoying sex. As you said, sex is something to be enjoyed, and variety is the spice of life." That made her laugh before leaning forward to return the kiss. Pulling her close, she definitely smiled as we made out, only stopping when we needed to catch our breath.
"I would invite you back, Nate, but… I have a rule about being intimate. Not on the first date. Even if I really want to. Do you mind?"
"Now I have a sense of anticipation, Ellie. Can't complain about that."
"Would you stay with me the night though?"
"I'd like that a lot."
I grabbed the bottle, took her hand and led her through the now somewhat deserted centre of the city. There was no sign of Nick as we walked inside, Curie just hovering in a nearby corner. Wishing her good evening, we walked around to the other side of the office, where there was a bed and a couple of other pieces of furniture. We sat down, shared the bottle, and enjoyed a couple of cigarettes before we resumed making out. The only reason we didn't end up having sex is that Ellie insisted underwear stayed on. Didn't stop me feeling how damp her panties got as she was practically grinding against me at one stage.
"Sorry," she whispered when relaxing against me later.
"Don't worry, it'll go away soon."
"I had fun tonight. First time in quite a while." Cuddling her tighter to me, she turned her head so I could kiss her again. "Bet Nick teases us in the morning."
"Worth it, far as I'm concerned."
He didn't tease us in the morning, but he wasn't surprised that I appeared alongside Ellie. She poured a cup for two of us, taking a seat next to me across from Nick. Coffee and a cigarette or two for breakfast. Nothing had changed in two hundred years. He had at least four folders on his desk of case notes, admitting that his time exploring with me would have to be delayed. I offered my help, which earned a grin, but he told me that he often worked alone now. "But if there is something big that crosses my desk, I might just hit you up on the offer, Nate."
Heading outside, Curie following behind, Ellie followed me to where I kept my armour. She wanted one last hug and kiss, holding me quite tightly. Had a thought that maybe she now allowed herself to worry, now that we'd spent so long talking, and spent the night together. "Next time you're in Diamond City, and Miss Wright doesn't have your attention…"
"I think Piper would be quite understanding, Miss Perkins."
"I hope she is. I'm already partly regretting not giving into temptation last night." She leaned up and kissed me a final time. "Good luck, Nate. And please come back safe and sound."
"I'll do my best, Miss Perkins."
She smiled before turning and walking away. I watched her until she disappeared around the corner. She was… gorgeous, to be honest. And so incredibly sweet. Considering what I was up to, I was a little surprised Nick hadn't warned me off slightly, but Ellie seemed keen so I guess he didn't want to interfere in her personal life.
"You like her, monsieur?"
"She's pretty and very sweet, Curie. And she seems to give a shit in general. Generally, means the person has a good heart."
"That is important?"
I glanced at the robot. "Of course. You'll see what I mean during our travels."
Getting into my armour, I walked to Piper's door and knocked. She opened the door and grinned. "Off to cause more trouble?"
"I'm going to hit Beantown Brewery. It'll also be far enough north that I can get in touch with Sanctuary, see if they have any news for me. I'll go north to Cambridge then head west, and all being well, I might start heading east towards Bunker Hill. After that, I'll return here, see what you guys are doing, then I might need to return to Sanctuary to make our next plan."
She glanced at Curie behind me. "Well, you have your robot alongside you, so I guess you won't be in too much danger. Plus, you did manage to clear all of Lexington with just a dog by your side so I think you can handle a simple building." She stood on her tiptoes and kiss my cheek, well, the side of the helmet. "Stay safe, Blue."
"I'll be back before you know it."
Walking out of Diamond City with Curie alongside, she was certainly inquisitive, asking plenty of questions about the surrounding area. The walk north towards the river didn't take long, crossing the bridge into Cambridge. I remembered where the brewery was from before the war, so immediately swung left and followed the bank of the river, the brewery soon coming into view, the police station and Cambridge now off to our right.
"That is Cambridge to the east, yes?" she asked, thankfully keeping her voice down.
"Yeah, it is. Why?"
"We must find the men of science and institutes of learning, surely they are out there still."
I stopped and looked at her. "You mean the Institute?"
"I mean colleges, universities, places of learning."
"Curie, they were all destroyed when the bombs dropped. I don't think anything like that exists anymore. There's a couple of people in Diamond City who call themselves a doctor. What actual learning they have is hard for me to say. Self-taught at most."
"Oh…"
"We'll worry about all that later. Come on, time to see what you're capable of."
The bridge leading across to the brewery seemed safe enough. I couldn't see any guards outside in the distance, I took my shotgun from its slot as we began the slow approach. I ensured we did a loop around the building first. Apart from the usual signs of abandonment, there was absolutely no security to speak of. I wondered if Red had been incorrect.
Heading back towards the main entrance, aware that Curie had likely never done this before, I quickly went over some basics. Simple commands and gestures so that she understood what I would want at a particular time. She let me know that she was equipped with a laser weapon, which would definitely come in handy.
Stepping inside, it was illuminated more than I thought it would be. But I just had that sense the place wasn't deserted. Gesturing to Curie for silence, I made sure to make as little noise myself, each step slow and careful. We'd stepped into an old reception area, a counter to the side and bottles lying all over the floor, making sure I didn't step on any of them.
Swapping shotgun for rifle, at least temporarily, I led the way into a separate room, a raider lying back on mattress. He met my eyes but before he could shout too loudly, I stepped forward and then crashed my foot into his groin. He groaned in agony as I put the barrel of the rifle at his face.
"How many?" I asked.
"Fuck man," he groaned, almost crying.
"How many?" I asked again.
"Fuck… I don't know, eight, nine…"
"Thank you."
Putting a single bullet through his head, I gestured for Curie to follow. The next door led into the warehouse itself, and I grinned, knowing we had the high ground. There was a room across the other side of the warehouse, and I assumed that would be where Tower Tom would set himself. No sign of him at the moment, but I knew the sound my footsteps would make on the metal walkway will definitely attract attention. I warned Curie to be ready.
Gunfire erupted from below us. I just looked for gaps and returned fire, no desire to head downstairs. Curie could float about though, and she proved rather effective and deadly at range with her laser weapon. This just attracted attention from Tower Tom, who came charging out of his base. Noticing it was someone in power armour and a robot firing lasers, I heard the shouted "Shit!" as I sent bullets in his direction, specifically aiming low to cripple him first. Curie did the same thing, and he went down, crying out.
With the leader out of action, the rest of the raiders were easy to mop up. We found a pair hiding in what looked like some old offices, hoping to catch us by surprise, but I knew all about clearing offices, opening the door and throwing in a grenade, enjoying the cry of terror before the explosion. Heading inside, both were incapacitated, a shotgun blast to each finishing them off.
"Is it always like this?" Curie asked as we headed back to Tower Tom.
"Life isn't like how it was pre-war, Curie. I should know."
"How do you know?"
"I was born pre-war. Spent just over two centuries in cryo."
"Oh…"
"Yeah. Vault-Tec were arseholes."
Tower Tom had managed to drag himself back to his quarters, finding him hiding in the elevator. He raised a weapon and fired when I opened the doors, but the bullet just pinged off my armour. Leaning down, I dragged him out and threw him onto the ground, standing over him with shotgun raised.
"Red sends her regards."
"What the fuck? Red Tourette? You workin' for that bitch?"
"No, I killed her, but she asked me one last favour. Deal with you. Find her sister. Where's Lily?" He smirked, and I knew the answer before he said anything. When he started to laugh, I put a shotgun blast into his leg. He wasn't long for living anyway. "Why'd you kill her?"
Had to wait a little while for a response. He was now bleeding heavily and wouldn't live much longer. "It was an accident," he whimpered, "Didn't mean to kill her. Just wanted food from Red."
"Who runs things? Who is controlling the raiders?"
He snorted. "What, you think there's some overall leadership? Get the fuck out of here."
"Okay, what about the major groups?"
"Fuck you, man. I ain't tellin' you shit."
"Well then you're no use to me," I retorted, lifting the shotgun and putting a blast into his head. Gruesome, as usual, dragging his now headless body and flinging it over to the warehouse floor below. There was a terminal that I could check, stepping out of my armour before taking a seat at the desk.
"Well, well, I think he was telling fibs. Looks like the small groups do keep in contact. Knew about Jared at Corverga. And what do we have here? D.B Technical High School, someone called Bosco. And it seems our now dead friend had ideas. And this Bosco? Seems to be a leader. Powerful, at least. Controls a large area." I glanced at Curie. "I'll explain everything later." Returning my eyes to the screen, I asked myself, "What else do we have here?" I clicked through a series of messages. "Damn, Red might have been a raider, but the kid didn't deserve to die." I sighed. "Sorry about your little sister," I muttered.
"You are sad, monsieur?"
"Not sad, just disappointed. Would have liked to save at least one life in all of this."
I found a bag and packed it with anything worth taking. They were not exactly rich with food, little wonder Tower Tom had kidnapped Lily, but they had plenty of booze, a couple of weapons worthy grabbing, and plenty of ammunition as always. Looping it around my neck so it rested on my back, I led Curie back out the front door and over the bridge.
Checking the time and the light, it knew I wasn't going to make it to Bunker Hill before it was dark, and without knowing the situation that far east, even with power armour, I could afford to be patient. So I figured getting in touch with Sanctuary might be an idea first.
"Sanctuary, this is Nate. Do I have a copy?"
Had to wait a few seconds, no doubt Sturges surprised to hear my voice. "Nate, this is Sanctuary. Hearing you loud and clear. Have anything to report?"
"Let Preston know that Beantown Brewery had been cleared. He can mark it on the map. Raiders eliminated. Lily was killed. Will likely stay with the Brotherhood tonight, then visit Bunker Hill in the morning to establish contact."
"Nate, this is Preston. I can only urge you to make contact with Bunker Hill. They are likely in dire need of Minuteman protection. Their caravans are one of the few things that keep the Commonwealth alive. The fact they are still surviving would suggest they are paying a lot of caps for protection."
"Suggestion heard loud and clear, Preston. I'll head there tomorrow."
"One other thing. Lucas Miller, one of the regular traders now heading to our region, has come with news of a request from a settlement, not far from where you are right now. Called Greygarden. Don't know anything about it, but he said it was a farm tended to by robots. Like Codsworth."
"Have another robot with me now. Her name is Curie. I'll bring her to Sanctuary once I'm done down here. Anything else to report?"
"Sent a couple of people with Minutemen to Mystic Pines to start cleaning it up. Scouts have headed south and east to ascertain suitable settlements or establish contact with other farms. We are aware of a farm of ghouls far to the east, and we've heard word of another small farm not far from the National Guard building you wish to investigate later."
"Okay, seems like we've got a list of possibilities. I'll make contact with Bunker Hill first, see if they'd be willing to work with us, then return to Greygarden. I may return south to make contact with Goodneighbor before returning north."
"Careful in Goodneighbor, Nate. It's generally safe enough, and I doubt anyone is going to mess with you in that armour, but it has a reputation for a reason."
"Won't be going alone. Nick knows the way. We'll also be checking out somewhere called the Combat Zone."
"Heard of it. Full of raiders. Worth doing your thing there too."
"Not sure when I'll return, but I'll keep in contact when I can."
"No problem, Nate. I'll keep things ticking along here and report any major finds or news. Good luck. Sanctuary, out."
Heading towards the police station, the Brotherhood soldier outside must have recognised me, telling me to head inside straight away. Leaving my armour by the door, Danse walked out to shake my hand, and I asked if it was possible to rest the night before heading off the next day. He assured me that I would always be welcome to stay the night as it was the most secure building north of the river.
Haylen heard my voice and strolled out of where she was working. Soon as our eyes met, she started to blush. It was very cute. Danse cleared his throat, mentioned something about needing to look over reports, leaving me with Haylen. Curie hovered about behind me as Haylen walked towards and hugged me tightly.
"Can we get privacy tonight?" I whispered.
"Easily done. I spoke to Danse in the event you ever returned here and needed to stay. We'll get our own little space. Won't be much but it'll do." She looked past me and grinned. "Who's your friend?"
"This is Curie. I found her in Vault 81. Ah… yeah… Might need to sit down for that one."
She led me to her desk, covered in all sorts of tech she was experimenting with, and I told her what I found. I then asked Curie to explain the experiments that should have been undertaken, and to say Haylen was shocked wouldn't be an understatement. She whispered what I had thought at the same time about what Vault-Tec had truly been at heart. It had never been about providing safe and secure vaults. Humans had entered hoping for salvation and ended up being nothing but experiments. It was only thanks to the first overseer of Vault 81 that the inhabitants lived a safe, peaceful and healthy life.
Haylen was at least amused that Curie was happy enough to follow me, Curie explaining that she simply hoped to learn more about the world outside the vault, as she'd spent her entire existence inside a single room. And since she'd spent over eighty years simply waiting to be released, she was now going to take advantage of her new found freedom. She admitted it wasn't exactly what she had expected but she knew there would be many opportunities for learning.
Haylen then described to Curie what she'd taken from each vault and what she was hoping to discover. It was rather adorable that the two started to go into in-depth conversations about what Haylen was hoping to achieve. Most of it went completely over my head, so I said I'd leave the pair to it for a while, heading off to have a chat with Danse. Ended up chatting about him as a man instead of him inside the Brotherhood. His life seemed to be the same as many others. Tough, even brutal at times. Lost his parents at a young age. Grew up in the Capital Wasteland, and what he could tell me about it now only left me feeling saddened, but not surprised either, considering it must have been bombed to hell.
Danse eventually retired to his quarters for the evening. Walking into the reception area, Haylen was walking towards me. Mentioning that Curie was going to look over all her experiments, she took me by the hand and led me towards a small room. But the door could be shut, and while there was little around, there was a large mattress, a couple of pillows and some blankets.
Soon as the door was shut, I pulled her close, and while kissing, stripped her naked within a few seconds. Taking off my clothes at the same time, I lowered her to the bed, feeling her pull her legs back, resting them against my torso, feeling the head of my cock brush against her pussy. Just that made her gasp, and I could feel how hot and wet she already was.
"I wanted you as soon as you walked inside," she whispered, "I was squirming when talking to Curie, knowing you were so close."
"That's why I left you alone. Didn't want to just leap on you immediately."
I was surprised when she ran a hand down my back to my arse, ensuring my cock slowly sild inside her. "Just want this tonight," she murmured.
We made love all night. Last time I checked my Pip-Boy, it was after midnight, and Haylen was still riding me slowly. I adored running my fingers through her long red hair, and she knew how much I just loved the colour. But watching her ride me in such a manner was a real turn on in itself. Pale, unblemished skin. Small breasts with very pink nipples. A flat stomach. Great pair of legs.
"Fuck," she moaned, "Haven't enjoyed cock in so long."
"Except for last time we were together."
She opened her eyes and smirked. "You know what I mean. No fucking fellow soldiers." She leaned down and kissed me, running my hands down her back to her arse. "No joining the Brotherhood, otherwise we can't do this."
"Or we could do it in secret. Find a small closet where I'll just lower your pants, bend you over, and have my way."
She laughed before kissing me again. "I wouldn't complain if you did." Resting her forehead against mine, she looked into my eyes. "You've got to cum in me again, then we need to sleep. Can't be rising too late."
"Might want to keep fucking you, Haylen. Might not be done with you yet."
"How can you…" She stopped and giggled. "I really want to say yes and keep going."
"I know." I tightened my grip on her arse. "So I'll make this a good one, then we'll snuggle."
Spooned against me a few minutes later, she made sure my arms were tight around her, one of her hands holding mine, the other caressing her body. She sighed, feeling content. I certainly did as well. We'd been attracted the first time we met, and now it just felt natural how we were. Didn't take long for either of us to fall asleep.
Waking the next morning, she turned over so she could face me. "Where are you going today?" she asked quietly.
"Bunker Hill. It's an important settlement, or so I've been told. I'm hoping the Minutemen can come to some sort of arrangement."
The smile on her face simply broadened as she rested a hand on my chest. "You're… a good man. Too good for the Brotherhood." I raised my eyebrows at that. "What do you think of ghouls?"
"Haven't met many. Feral ghouls, I just shoot. But I'm aware there are many ghouls who were just unfortunate, and while they might not look as human as you and me, there's no reason to shoot them just because they look different."
"The Brotherhood. The rhetoric they use. And the violence… I know you think I'm good with that pistol, but I hate using it. The Brotherhood shoot first, ask questions later. Too late, every single time. At least I've seen you speak with raiders, try and gather information." She sighed. "I'm just not sure about all of this. Honestly, what you want to do with the Minutemen…"
"I can be just as brutal, Haylen. This life… In some ways, it reminds me of what I did in Alaska. There was nothing humane about what happened there. Honestly, the Brotherhood just remind me of what it was like at the front sometimes. Overwhelming force to obliterate the enemy."
"Hardly noble though, is it?"
"It's not. They can talk about war with honour, but it's bullshit. There is no honour most of the time. You simply kill as many of the enemy as you can and hope, even pray, that you survive."
She hugged me tightly. "I owe them everything, but I'm thinking… probably not a good idea…" I stroked her back as we lay together in silence until there was a gentle knock at the door. Nothing was said, but it was a signal we needed to get up. After one last kiss, caressing her cheek with my fingers one last time, we got up and dressed before heading out for breakfast.
After breakfast, Danse called Haylen into his office, surprised he closed the door, as I prepared to leave with Curie. Haylen appeared no more than five minutes later, and it seemed she was trying to prevent an enormous grin forming. She met my eyes briefly before walking back towards the room where everyone else slept. Danse approached me.
"Nate, I've made a decision. While the Brotherhood is here primarily for military purposes, my personal belief is that we should also liaise with civilian organisations. The situation in the Capital Wasteland improved due to the involvement of the Brotherhood in civilian matters, and I believe this will eventually be the case regarding the Commonwealth. Therefore, I have decided that Scribe Haylen will assist the Minutemen indefinitely."
"Indefinitely?"
"The only requirement will be that she report into us at least once very seventy-two hours. She knows the bandwidth we use, so all she needs to find is a radio, or you can report in for her with your suit."
"I'll keep her safe."
"I know you will, which is why I'm releasing her into your service. Plus, I have a feeling she'll find more pre-war technology to catalogue than just staying around here. So there is benefit for both of us."
Haylen walked out a few minutes later with a small bag, assuming the Brotherhood travelled lightly. "Scribe Haylen, you will be representing the Brotherhood going forward. I assume I don't have to tell you of the responsibility resting on your shoulders."
"No, sir."
"Good." She came to attention and saluted, Danse returning the salute. "For the Brotherhood."
"For the Brotherhood, sir."
Stepping into my armour, I gestured for Haylen and Curie to follow me outside. Turning left towards College Square, it looked like they'd been busy clearing away all the bodies. If they had more numbers, they could easily control the entire area. Haylen fell in alongside me without a word as we headed east, Curie floating to my left. I kept weapon in hand, just in case, but though we heard occasional gunfire, I didn't go looking for it, hoping to get to Bunker Hill without needing to blast my way forward.
Arriving at the start of a bridge, I could see the monument to the south. Just in front of us was an office building, outside which stood a pair of raiders on guard duty. They noticed us and opened fire. Motioning for Haylen to get behind me, Curie and I returned fire. The first raider went down quickly, but the second retreated to the door, opening fire and no doubt urging others to join in.
"Guess we're now delayed," I muttered, "Ready, Haylen?"
"Let's get them."
Quickly switching from rifle to shotgun, I blasted a couple of times, forcing the raider back inside. Opening the door, I cooked a grenade and threw it in, aiming right, then cooked another and threw that left. Heard more than one cry of surprise before there was a couple of explosions, striding inside with Curie alongside. I could see through the smoke a couple of injured raiders. Didn't hesitate putting them down, glancing back at Haylen. All she did was return a determined nod.
It barely took ten minutes to clear the building of raiders as they rather stupidly just came charging towards us. It was only when they noticed I was someone in armour did they freak out, but by then, it was too late for them. I remembered reading on Tower Tom's terminal that this was one place he'd sent a party of raiders, led by someone named Sparta.
"Any of you fuckers called Sparta?" I called.
"She's going to kill you dumb shits soon enough!" one of the raiders called back.
"Okay, so Sparta is a woman. Aim for the legs when it comes to females."
We seemed to go around the building twice before I finally tracked her down, flanked by her final two lacked. Shot to the head for one, shot into the gut for the other. Sparta stood up and tried to surrender, Haylen put a shot into her leg. Putting the other two down with a final blast each, I dragged Sparta to sit up into a chair. The wound in her leg was horrific, and without treatment, she wasn't going to survive.
"Who the fuck are you?" she groaned.
"Major Shepard. Commonwealth Minutemen."
"Fuckin' really? Taken out by some two-bit wannabe soldier? Fuck, Tom…"
"Is dead. Killed him myself the other day."
"Bullshit! He's secure where he is."
I crouched down. She couldn't see my eyes, but she could guess where they were. "Does it sound like I'm lying. Sure you know about all the raider gangs being eliminated. Ack-Ack. Jared. Red. Tower Tom. Now you. And I'm still only getting started."
"Jared was you?" I nodded. "Shit…"
"I can guess why you're here. Bureau of Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco, Firearms and Lasers. Place like this is a treasure trove for people like you. I wasn't actually planning on dealing with you. Shame the two idiots outside had to draw attention. Could have just let me stroll on by and you could have made bank. Pity that most of you are just really fucking stupid."
"What… what are you going to do with me?"
I gestured around. "All your friends are dead. Your leg is in a really bad way. Without medical attention, it will eventually be infected and you'll eventually lose it. Any infection bad enough will likely kill you and it will be painful."
"Let me overdose," she said.
"What?"
"Come on, man. I'm dead either way. Just let me go out high at least."
I glanced at Haylen. She shrugged. "Your choice, Major. But maybe allowing some sort of suicide would be more humane than just another bullet."
I nodded, looked back at Sparta. "What do you want?"
"Med-X. A massive dose of that will kill me quick."
"Curie, cover her. If she gets off the chair, shoot her."
"Of course, monsieur."
We eventually found a storage unit behind which the bars sat so many drugs, weapons, bottle of booze and ammo that I almost started to salivate. I shot out the lock and opened the door, finding more than enough Med-X to help half the Commonwealth overdose if they wanted to. Taking it back to where Curie was waiting, Sparta was still lucid but clearly in a lot of pain.
Offering her the Med-X, she nodded and started to prepare herself. I got out of my armour, finding a chair to sit in front of her, resting the shotgun across my lap. Haylen sat next to me. Just before Sparta started to inject, she looked at me. "Why are you still here?"
"Two reasons. One, to make sure you die. And, two, considering what you're doing, you shouldn't die alone."
Watching the needle find a vein, the morphine hit her rather quickly. She nodded slowly. "Thanks," she muttered, "Still think you're a fucker though."
"That's fine. I'm content with the fact I haven't had to put a bullet through your head."
It took five doses for her to be on the verge of overdosing. I knew enough about giving a fatal overdose, having given the order more than enough times for soldiers who were in agony and would not survive more than an hour or so longer. The sixth one nearly knocked her out, checking her heart rate and her eyes. I knew the signs.
"One more," I murmured, "No chance she's capable now."
I gave her one more dose and that did the job. She eventually stopped breathing and I checked her pulse to feel nothing. We waited a few minutes longer just to make sure before I was content that she wasn't going to miraculously wake up.
"We going to take anything?" Haylen asked as we walked towards the front doors.
"No. But we'll definitely return. Some of the drugs will prove to be decent medical supplies, just in moderation. Firearms, ammunition and alcohol will be taken back to Sanctuary and allocated out to other settlements too."
"Bunker Hill?"
"Yes. Bunker Hill. Let's see what we'll find there, shall we?"