I couldn't help gaze at the line of weapons lined up on the tables. The boxes and boxes of ammunition, mines and grenades. The six sets of power armour we now had, all of them with fusion cores, ready to be used. Preston stood beside me, almost a look of smug satisfaction on his face.
"Nate, I never thought…" I rested a hand on his shoulder for a second. "We're nearly there, Nate. I can now look around this settlement and see the progress. And I know that the chance of taking back the Castle is closer than the day when we lost it."
"When we do make the move, we go in all guns blazing. No half-measures."
"I still wonder what we'll find there though, that's the only thing that concerns me."
"Understandable, that's why we go in with heavy weapons. If it's not friendly, it will die."
He glanced around and gestured with his head. "I know you trust Haylen. Do you think she's feeding anything back to the Brotherhood?"
"I find it unlikely. But even if she was, I have an understanding with Paladin Danse. They will not interfere with the Minutemen and what we're trying to achieve. They're here for their own reasons and what we're hoping to achieve won't impact them. Basically, they consider us a civilian organisation, and won't involve themselves."
"Hopefully," Preston muttered.
Walking around by myself a little later, the settlement was alive. We hadn't taken a count of how many people now lived in Sanctuary, but every house was now full of people, and repairs were still being done constantly. In addition to people willing to take up arms to join the Minutemen, there was a school so children could learn to read and write. The farm was continuing to expand. Supply lines between each settlement were as secure as ever. We now had a checkpoint in Concord to control the main roads in and out. There were more and more plans that I had written down, as Preston had made sure I had a small desk to call my own.
Standing by the bridge, looking back up at the settlement, Piper wandered down, leaving a kiss on my cheek as she stood to my side. "You look deep in thought, Blue."
"I'm trying to figure out what to do next."
"What do you think is top priority?"
"Honestly, the Castle. We take it back, establish a base, we can then come into Boston central from the north and the east. I'm just not sure if we have the numbers. We more than likely do, but as I've told others, I want overwhelming force. Guess that's pre-war thinking. There just isn't the population available to do what I want."
"Will you let Nick know?"
Our detective friend had returned to Diamond City the day after Haylen and I returned from Cambridge, as he had his own life to get on with, though he insisted he would continue to join us from time to time. I knew Piper was getting a little homesick as well, particularly missing her younger sister, so I was already thinking we head back south, perhaps to finally check out one or two sites in Boston and ascertain just what we might be facing.
"I will but I'm thinking the Castle will be a Minuteman only mission." I glanced her way. "Though having a reporter around to document what happened would certainly be a good idea."
"And Haylen?"
"When it comes to that, I would return her to the Brotherhood. We've already discussed it and she understands. Though she's enjoying her time with us, for more than one reason, she also knows she can't remain here forever." I couldn't help the sigh. "I'm sure she's still thinking about it, but she admits the Brotherhood has done so much for her, she'd feel guilty walking away."
"Like her?"
"Like you a hell of a lot too, Miss Wright."
She kissed my cheek again. "Those feelings are returned completely," she whispered, wrapping an arm around her waist as she cuddled into my side.
The next morning after breakfast, I asked Preston to gather every Minuteman soldier currently at the settlement. Ten minutes later, there were thirty Minutemen in front of me. All of them now wore military fatigues though not all of them wore combat armour. Those who were patrolling between settlements wore the best armour and carried the better weapons.
Preston stood beside me as I looked over them. "Shit, it's like looking at a bunch of trained recruits from back in the day," I murmured, "This should be more than enough."
"What are you thinking, Nate?"
"We're taking back the Castle, Preston." His face lit up in a grin for a couple of seconds. "Yep, thought the idea would get that reaction."
"What's your plan?"
Gesturing to Preston and a couple of the Minutemen selected for roles of responsibility, we gathered around the map. "Castle is here. There's only one way we can approach, but it's getting there that could prove problematic. Heading directly south to Cambridge, crossing the river then trying to head east isn't feasible. It would be an utter slog, and we haven't scouted the region enough yet."
"I have a suggestion," one of the others said, young man named Reisman, "The railroad that goes via Graygarden. It goes all the way south towards the Mass Pike tunnel, yeah?" Preston and I nodded, as I knew what he was going to suggest. "There's that old military checkpoint by the highway there. Cross under the highway, and the Castle is a short walk from there."
I gave that thought. "Guess if there's thirty and more of us, with most of us in power armour, tooled up for a battle, I guess even idiots like raiders would likely just hide themselves away." I looked around the table. "Anyone know what we're likely to find there?"
"Mirelurks," another young Minuteman named Franko replied, "All that water, and the fact it's been abandoned for so long, they would definitely be nesting there."
I looked at Preston, who nodded his agreement. "Can't imagine raiders or Gunners being interested. Maybe super mutants if not mirelurks." He paused before adding, "Actually, the armoury that should still be there would be of interest but I doubt they'd find a way into it."
"Another reason to establish our presence there. If there's a fully stocked armoury there…"
"When do you want to leave, Major?" Preston asked.
I looked across at the Minutemen training and then the map. Waiting around would only increase my own nerves, and if I felt them, the men and women under my command would start feeling it too. And the plan was simple. March to the Castle, deal with anything we run into on the way, then eliminate whatever was within the walls of the Castle, then we secure the base and develop from there.
"Three days, Preston." I gestured with my head. "Have them prepare themselves physically and mentally. Most have only been patrolling north of the river. Maybe the occasional raider band they've had to deal with, a few vermin. This could be something else entirely. I'll talk to Sturges and his people about improving our power armour with the additions made to my first armour."
Whenever I was based on Sanctuary and not on the road, I would wander about and observe those undergoing training, offering advice when I could. Having spent so long serving in Alaska, and earning promotions and commendations, though most of that would have meant little to most people alive two hundred years later, they had heard enough, and seen the skills I did possess, to at least listen to my advice when giving it.
The night before we were due to leave, I had to speak with Haylen about what would be happening the next day. To say she was actually incredibly understanding would be an understatement, but I still felt I needed to add Piper would be staying with me. "She's a reporter, so she'll spread the word about the Minutemen. I'm sure some in the Brotherhood would see the value in propaganda and giving the people hope." Haylen just started to laugh. "What?"
"Nate, you don't need to explain why. Besides, I've been with you for a while now, and though I'm enjoying it, and would like to stay, I can't forget that I am part of the Brotherhood. I gave my oath and I don't feel as if I can turn away from them just yet."
"Yet?" I wondered.
She smiled, leaning across to kiss my cheek. "Well, everyone has to retire one day. I believe in what the Brotherhood is trying to do, most of the time, but I can also see what you've got the Minutemen trying to do too. It's a good thing."
"We're going to march out together tomorrow. They're going to follow the railroad south to avoid Cambridge and then Diamond City, but I'll escort you to the police station at least."
"Am I sleeping with you tonight?"
I couldn't help grin. "Yes. Yes, you most certainly are."
Piper joined us as well. It was one hell of a fun night, the three of us finding some rather interesting positions so all three of us were being pleasured. But there was certainly nothing sexier than having two women on their knees before you, both eager to please, and later when lying back on the bed, one on my cock, one on my face. And that's not forgetting Haylen on her knees on the bed, placing myself behind her, with Piper on her back, Haylen pleasing her, Piper looking at me with nothing but a smile on her face.
Definitely some good memories to take with me into battle.
Thirty men and woman in uniform were ready to depart early the next morning. Preston was in power armour and would lead them most of the way. Sturges would be joining us with a small group of engineers, ready to get things working at the Castle quickly. A small group of Minutemen would remain behind at Sanctuary, but the settlement was now more secure than ever, so I was confident no more than a token force was required to remain.
"Ready, Major?"
"I am, Preston. Are you?"
"Been waiting a long time for this day. A long time."
"Lead them to the rallying point. I'll meet you there, and then we make our move. No hesitation."
He grinned, gave the order for the Minutemen to form up, and we were soon marching out. We strode together through Concord, continuing south until we arrived where the road passed over the railroad. It was there that Preston turned with our soldiers. I stopped and watched them march past, and for a brief moment, I could almost believe I was watching soldiers from the old United States Army passing me by on their way to the Alaskan Front.
"They look confident," Haylen said quietly.
"They do. They should be. Preston has had them training for weeks. They've all tasted at least a bit of action, even if it was only dealing with some vermin. They've all fired a weapon in anger. This will be the real test, though. No guarantee they'll make it to the Castle without running into something to bother them, so they might have to fight their way there."
"Will they all make it?"
"I hope they do, but Preston and I know there might be, even will be losses. But that's the way it is in war."
We'd made good time, so I had Haylen back at the police station by mid-afternoon. Stepping out of my power armour, we shared quite the long embrace and one hell of a last kiss, but we ended with her head resting on my chest as I held her in my arms, neither of us really wanting to let go first. Danse eventually wandered out, no doubt told that she'd returned, and he seemed to sense something was going on.
"New armour?" he asked.
"Yeah, there's a few suits dotted around the Commonwealth. Have to be lucky to find it."
He walked towards it, looking it up and down. "Similar to mind. T-60. Good find."
"Trust me, know how lucky I was. The old T-45 was a workhorse but I can already feel the subtle differences with the new set."
He glanced at Haylen briefly. "You're returning, Scribe?"
"Yes, sir. I have duties that I need to return to. Though I hope to liaise with Major Shepard and his Minutemen again in the future, if allowed."
"Of course. I'm aware you've made plenty of discoveries during your time with them." Danse offered his hand to me. "Thanks for bringing her back safe and sound, Nate."
"No problem. And the door is always open for Scribe Haylen to return to Sanctuary or wherever I might be based in the future. Plenty of discoveries still to be made."
Stepping back into my armour, Haylen waved me goodbye, Danse offered a formal salute, and I headed in a slight different direction to Preston and our soldiers, heading south across the bridge leading towards Diamond City, before turning right and heading towards Vault 81. I knew I could go around the reservoir nearby and link up with the railroad there.
It was dark by the time I found where the Minutemen were camped, near the old rationing site south of the highway that ran south of the city. Tents had already been build, a perimeter established, a campfire started so at least a little meat could be cooked. Preston reported in that, apart from contact with a raider group that turned tail and ran at the number of soldiers they saw, their day had been a rather pleasant march. Better news than I expected, to be honest. Having not been this far south often, I did fear a hard fought slog most of the way.
Marching out the next day, we kept headed slightly south as I knew there was an old military checkpoint. Even after all these years, a message was continuing to repeat, while the building itself was being used as base by a small group of Gunners. With Preston, myself and one other in power armour, we made short work of them. Their CO was based in the building, and I made sure to take him alive, at least to start with.
Resting back against a wall, nursing a stomach wound I knew would prove fatal, I managed to crouch down and meet his eyes. "Wannabe soldier," I muttered, before I gestured with my head, "Problem for you is I've got a whole lot more of them. And we'll be coming for your group next."
He scoffed. "Bunch of Minutemen? They've fallen apart once. I know what happened in Quincy. Bunch of fucking cowards turned and fled."
"What do you know about Quincy?" Preston asked. I noticed him aim the rifle. "Tell me. What happened?"
"Fuck you, that's what happened."
I could see Preston wanted to pull the trigger, but I'd never seen him kill a man in cold blood. I told him to head outside, and he knew why, making sure he had put away his weapon as he pulled the door shut, leaving me alone with the wounded man. Standing up, I moved away and stepped out of my power armour, confident he couldn't do anything, as I'd already taken away all his weapons. Taking out a cigarette, I lit one and pulled a chair closer to him, taking a seat and happily puffed away.
"Back in the old days, a condemned man would usually be give a last meal, and even before then, he'd probably be given a shot of whiskey and final cigarette before he was taken to the gallows. Now, looking at your wound, and the amount of blood you're losing, I give you perhaps a couple of hours of agonising pain before you finally die. Now if you had been co-operative with my colleague before, I would have made your death quick. Despite what I'm capable of at times, I still like to think I have retained some humanity, even when it comes to people like you. Preston?"
His head appeared through the doorway. "Yes, Major?"
"Take our soldiers to the next rallying point. I'll meet you there shortly."
"Yes, Major. Right away."
He shut the door again. I heard the wounded man scoff. "Who's playing soldier now? What have you done to earn that ranking?"
"Major Nathan Shepard, United States Army. 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment. Sino-American War Veteran. Battle of Anchorage Victory Medal. Recipient of the Purple Heart. Recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry in battle."
"What the fuck are you talking about?"
"As of this moment, I'm around two hundred and forty-five years, give or take a year or two, I think. Guess my age doesn't really matter anymore considering I spent two centuries in an icebox. What does matter is that, for people like you, raiders, mutants, and maybe even the Institute, I was the right man to wake up for the Commonwealth, and the wrong man for you." I finished my cigarette and leaned forward. "I could share all the stories since I've woken up, of what I've done to raiders, and also what I've done to wannabe soldiers like yourself. We did the most terrible thing to prisoners we took up in Alaska. I've read the stories about what man was capable of during wars back in the day. I've seen what you people are capable of now. I'm more than capable of returning whatever you do to them, and I'll add to it even more."
"You'll fail, just like they did before. The Commonwealth is ours for the taking."
"And there is that familiar arrogance I've got used to hearing from people like you, despite the fact you're sitting there in front of me, bleeding to death." I took out another cigarette and lit it. "So I'm going to sit here quite happily and watch you slowly die, and might I add, I know you're going to be in pain the entire time."
"Fuck you, man," he muttered.
"Think what you want. In the next hour or two, you'll be dead, and I'll be in the process of restoring the Minutemen, with those under my command, to their former glory by retaking the Castle. And once I've done that, then the entire Commonwealth will learn who we are."
I fell silent after that, enjoying two more cigarettes before he finally took his last breath. Back in power armour, I headed east and it didn't take long until I heard gunfire. Weapon in hand, I found my Minutemen making their way through the narrow streets, being told that raiders were in the area. Not particularly worried, I strolled forward until I found Preston leading the line. Though we could have dealt with them then and there, I suggested we just kill those we found, take the Castle, then we'd cleanse the nearby area afterwards. Preston agreed, and after putting a few raiders down with relative ease, we completed our journey to the outskirts of the Castle.
"Haven't seen this in a long time," I said, "Walls look strong, though disappointing to see the ruins."
"From what I know, the monster from the sea approached through the gap there," Preston said, pointing at the western wall, "How do you want to approach this?"
"I want to see what's in there first. Organise the soldiers and we'll figure out a plan when I'm back."
Walking towards the structure, it didn't take all that long to figure out what was nesting there. I'd seen those nests of eggs before. Seeing one, I knew the fort was likely going to be absolutely infested with them, and no doubt mirelurks were wandering around as well. I immediately retreated back towards my soldiers.
"Mirelurks," I told Preston, "Plenty of egg clutches about."
"Okay, so we have options as to how to hit them."
"Having the high ground always helps. Flanking is also a bonus. Split our forces. You take half around to the main entrance, send them up onto the wall. I'll take the other half, lead them through the gap there, then we'll make a killing field. Grenades will work a treat."
"Just make sure we don't shoot each other right?"
"Right. Firing lines to prevent friendly fire." I paused them added, "Keep your missile launcher handy, just in case…"
Preston remained silent a moment. "You reckon that sea monster…"
"No idea, but hope for the best, prepare for the worst."
"What about me, Blue?"
To be honest, I'd been so busy and concerned with my soldiers, I hadn't forgotten Piper was there, but her safety was just something I'd taken for granted. I turned to her, not surprised to see a little nerves. "You stay by my side and in cover at all times, Piper. You'll see and hear everything with me anyway."
She seemed to understand the gravity of the situation. This wasn't a simple quest across the Commonwealth, perhaps taking on a few raiders. This was serious business. There was a small gulp before she nodded. "I'll keep you safe," I added, which earned a warm smile.
Issuing orders to our soldiers, I knew there was no point waiting around, and with light surely beginning to fade with the next hour or two, I didn't particularly want to camp where we were. Preston could keep in touch with me at least, so I lead my small squad of soldiers to the gap in the wall, watching as they took a knee, rifles raised, watching for anything that moved. Didn't see an ounce of fear in any eyes, their hands were steady, on appearance they were completely calm and prepared for whatever onslaught loomed on the horizon.
"In position, Major."
"Send your squad onto the walls, Preston. We'll take position on the ground. Keep your launcher ready, just in case. Got a feeling…"
"Sending them up now. Will watch for what you do."
"Okay, soldiers. Up onto the walls, take firing positions. Move! Move! Move!"
It wasn't an easy climb for them, but I watched as they moved carefully… and gunfire erupted almost immediately, as I noticed a couple of mirelurks appeared from hiding. But our soldiers were made of stern stuff already, grouping together and almost tearing the mirelurk to pieces. Guess half a dozen assault rifles would tear most enemies to shreds rather quickly.
"This is something else, Blue," Piper had to shout.
"Just get into cover behind one of the walls there, but you can come out from cover when the gunfire dies down. Okay?"
"Whatever you say, Blue. I trust you."
As they formed a line above me, I noticed Preston appear through the entrance opposite me. I gestured at the egg clutches, but also the obvious places where mirelurks were lying in wait. We moved towards one of the archways, taking position, resting our launchers beside us, when I yelled out to the soldiers above to start throwing grenades to get the mirelurks up and moving.
There were plenty of the fuckers. At least a dozen were in hiding, and more appeared through the gap nearest the water. Gunfire was soon erupting from my weapon as well as all those above me. Mirelurks ran forward. Mirelurk were shot. Mirelurks collapsed to the ground. Had to replace the magazine a couple of times, I fired so many bullets. Rarely missed, it was just that mirelurks were made of strong stuff. Had to hit the right place. Noticed the difference between certain types, some far tougher than others.
Preston and I acted as bait, moving about to leave them exposed to fire from our soldiers above. The courtyard was soon covered in mirelurk bodies, and during a brief lull, I yelled out to Preston, joking that lunch and dinner was at least sorted for the next week. Walking towards each other, there was the occasional crack of gunfire.
"What do you think, Major?"
"That's not it. Giant sea monster, right?" I couldn't see his eyes, but he was certainly looking at me. "If killing all these doesn't get its attention, maybe getting rid of all the eggs will summon it."
"You really want…"
"Unless the stories are a fabrication, there's something out there that drove the Minutemen away from here. Get your launcher ready for anything, Preston."
"Yes, Major."
Turning to the lines of soldiers, I issued my instructions for every egg clutch they could see to be destroyed. To say they went about the job with a certain amount of zeal wouldn't be an understatement. There were a few clutches of eggs in the courtyard, Preston and I wandering about, a few bullets taking care of those.
Then there was a sound. Preston and I looked at each other. Didn't have to see whatever it was. We just knew.
"Firing positions!" I yelled.
Preston and I grabbed our launchers and watched the gap. It was a monstrosity. Obviously never seen anything like it before. It made a noise like a roar. I heard more than one shout that it was a 'queen'. Then it spat something that sizzled on the ground. Definitely acid. Yelling at Piper to get into cover, I lifted the launcher, aimed and fired a missile. The monstrosity might have moved slowly, but it turned quickly, the missile slamming into the shell on its back. It exploded, the shell sort of cracked, but the queen just turned and continued to move forward.
Preston launched a missile, the queen turning again, missile again slamming into its back. I fired immediately, and this time the missile slammed into its chest. Fire enveloped its body… yet the creature kept on moving forward.
"Oh, fuck off!" I growled, "Preston, on three, we fire together!"
"One!"
"Two!"
"Three!"
Preston and I launched at exactly the same time. The queen spat acid straight at me, but all I had to do was step out of the way, hearing Piper cry out in fright as it started to sizzle. But my eyes were only for the queen, as she could do nothing about either missile slamming into her. She groaned instead of roared, and collapsed forward onto the ground. Preston and I dumped our launchers and approached carefully to either side of the enormous creature.
We unloaded a magazine each into the body to ensure it was dead. The blood pooling on the ground seemed to sizzle, carefully stepping back as our soldiers started to gather around us. There were soon a few cheers, handshakes, claps on the back as the sense of relief was palpable. A couple of soldiers had taken an injury when taking on the mirelurks, but nothing close to life-threatening.
I started to issue orders immediately. The courtyard to be cleared as much as possible. For patrols to be established immediately. Preston and I stepped out of our armour and started to investigate. There were two long corridors, where beds still sat, while there were three large rooms, with further beds and storage. But as for the armoury, there was no sign.
Stepping back out into the courtyard, Preston gestured towards a nearby sealed entrance. "Ah, shit," I muttered, "And I bet it's a mechanism that can only be released from inside. Well, that's us fucked."
"I'm sure there's a way inside, Major. I just don't know where."
Turning around, I looked at the radio mast. "Well, if we get that working, maybe someone out there will know the way." I looked at all the mirelurks. "And I guess we can get some people to start cutting all them up so we can start cooking and eating."
There was an enormous generator that only needed a fusion core to get started. Once that was up and running, I sent Sturges and his engineers to check the wiring and report what was and wasn't working. We learned very quickly that the Castle had a filtered water system, had lighting, and the radio was ready for someone to start preparing reports and send messages across the Commonwealth. Aside from the collapsed walls, the Castle was in better condition than I expected.
And it had artillery. It wasn't exactly in working condition, but Sturges insisted he'd be able to get the old cannons firing once they had the supplies to fix them up. Training would certainly be required, but to have artillery support in certain situations would definitely be a bonus.
But I still wanted into the armoury.
Over the next week, the courtyard was cleared of mirelurks, the carcasses taken outside the walls and burned. As for the queen, we basically had to blow up the body into chunks, wondering if it was edible. A couple of brave souls offered to eat some of the cooked flesh, stated it was incredibly tasty, and after not suffering any ill effects within a couple of days, it was added to all the other meat we now had stored.
But it was the first radio broadcast that mattered. Sturges had a couple of engineers working for a day solid to ensure it was in complete working order, sending scouts out back the way we'd come to ensure the broadcast signal travelled. He assured me that the signal would travel all the way to Sanctuary if I returned there.
I spent a couple of days preparing a speech with the help of Piper. It was to be something simple, but just like I'd said in my interview with her so long ago, if it inspired a little hope in the people of the Commonwealth, gave them a common cause to support, then everything we'd done so far would be worth it.
Five days after we'd taken the Castle, I was sat in front of a microphone with a piece of paper. Taking a deep breath, Sturges then nodded that I was live.
"People of the Commonwealth, you are listening to Radio Freedom. My name is Nathan Shepard. I was a commissioned officer of the United States Army before the Great War, reaching the rank of major. On the days the bombs dropped, I was cryogenically frozen, waking up two hundred and ten years later. Since waking up, I have since helped support a group of like-minded individuals called the Minutemen. During these last months, I am pleased and proud to report the following progress.
In addition to establishing the settlement of Sanctuary, which is now home to perhaps one hundred or more civilians, we have added our support to further settlements and farms, while also establishing new settlements across the north of the river.
Raider encampments have been eliminated in Lexington. Bunker Hill is now a free settlement once again, no longer fearing raider harassment and extortion. Areas of Cambridge have been cleared of threats from both raiders and ghouls. But it is what we have done in the past few days, marching to the Castle and retaking what was lost, that is perhaps our proudest achievement so far.
Now I'm sure you are wondering why I am speaking to you now. What I can promise the people of the Commonwealth is this. The Minutemen have returned. I am aware of the reputation the Minutemen has. To be brutally honest, it had been in tatters, but with the help of friends and colleagues, I believe we have slowly restored that reputation. The people of the Commonwealth can now rely on us for protection once again.
So I now make my call. To those Minutemen who may have once served but walked away, after all the trials and tribulations, the losses and betrayals, I am now offering you the chance to approach us and re-join the order. Everyone will start with a clean slate, but your utmost loyalty will be expected. The Minutemen will slowly be changing. We will be professional, a small full-time force. Exemplo ducemus. Celer et audax. Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem.
For those who don't know what that last one means, it was the motto of the Commonwealth before the bombs. By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.
Or for those who don't understand Latin, something in English, this will be our motto. Always Ready, Always There. That will be the promise of the Minutemen going forward.
The Castle will be rebuilt to its former glory and splendour, alongside the Minutemen. And then we will go to work on the Commonwealth. Raiders. Gunners. Mutants. And other enemies of the Commonwealth. Your days of terror are drawing to a close. You will find a formidable army in our soldiers. No longer shall the people of the Commonwealth be forced to live in fear. They will once again be able to rely on our order for protection.
To those under my command, you have served with honour and have already restored our reputation. Now it is time to enhance it further. The work has only just begun.
This is Major Nathan Shepard, Commanding Officer of the Minutemen, signing off."
I leaned back in the chair and took a deep breath, glancing around to see all my soldiers gathered around. The cheering started immediately as I stood up, all of them coming to attention and saluting. I returned the salute, unable to stop the grin that formed. There were obvious differences, but enough reminders of life from before the war. Been a soldier for nearly half my life.
"Hell of a speech, Blue. Do you think they'll come?"
"You mean ex-Minutemen?" She nodded. "I think a few will return, or I hope they do. We're going to need some experienced soldiers going forward. Can't fault anyone here, but if we expand, we're going to need leadership."
"What about civilians?"
"This will be a military base. Any that come here will be escorted north."
She stepped forward and hugged me, leaning down to give her a kiss. She couldn't help smiling. "Knew there was something about you, the moment you arrived at the gates of Diamond City."
Being the CO, I had been given the central large room. Considering the space, I was prepared to argue with Preston about it, but he assured me that none of the soldiers worried about it, many prepared to take a sleeping bag and lie outside under the stars. So that allowed me to close the doors and take Piper to bed. She was in quite the mood, eagerly taking off her clothes first, before practically ripping mine off before we tumbled into bed together.
Lying below me, her hands explored my body as we made out, and I made her gasp as I slid my cock inside her. Then she smiled broadly. "Just want this all night," she murmured.
"Easily pleased tonight, are you?"
"What you've managed to do, Blue… It's almost unbelievable."
"Didn't do it alone."
"No, but you're the one that led them. They follow because they believe." She paused and met my eyes. "And I follow because I love you. Have for a long time now, just too scared to…"
"I love you too, Piper."
I smiled. She smiled. We kissed and made love. Felt different now that we'd finally admitted that we actually loved each other. Not sure how it would affect my other lovers, but I didn't worry about that at that moment, my focus entirely on her… and making her cum as often as I could. And, of course, I had the joy of watching her slowly ride me for what felt like hours, my hands exploring her body in return, before she leaned forward and almost pleaded with me to fuck her and finish, which I did so rather willingly.
Lying together under the thin blankets a little later, Piper cuddling back against me, she asked me what I planned to do next. I had to ask if she meant with us or the Minutemen. It made her giggle, at least.
"Well, what about us?" she asked.
"We've admitted how we feel, so does that change things?"
"No. We can have feelings but continue as things were. Unless you want things to change?"
"I'm not sure, Piper, and that's being honest. All I know is that I've fallen in love with you over the past months, but…"
"Then we'll just continue as things were, but now we know how we feel. Does that work?"
"It does for me if it does for you."
"It does, so don't worry about it. I'm just glad to be here, right now, having seen you achieve something remarkable." I gave her a tight squeeze, kissing her cheek. "Okay, now what about the Minutemen?"
"We rebuild this fort, then we take back the Commonwealth, giving it back to the people in the end."