Chapter 22: Lexington and Concorde
Jon and Strong got back to Fort Starlight near the next dawn. They had looped around off of their more direct path so Jon could get a better vantage up a hill to the North-East. Starlight was right. Flood lights blanketed the area inside where small crews and some of the robots they found were milling from project to project. It was no full work detail, but the bots could go 24/7 so they kept them in operation except for some daily maintenance checks.
He saw barrack buildings, maintenance buildings, storage depots, the bird proudly on a makeshift landing pad in the center, and a fully formed palisade wrapping around the lot with guards around it, changing watch. It was slightly scrappy looking like the rest of the fort, as the shop could only do so much, and it was often better to use what you could before scrapping it fully. It had a walkway around it, and machine gun murder holes all along. The concession stand and projection tower had obviously become a main admin building, lights already on in what is no doubt his office.
Strong was kneeling beside Jon. He said, “Strong ground. Humans are strong. Brothers do not un-der-stand. How they win so much if they not?”
Jon asked, “Is that why you wanted to learn more?”
Strong nodded, “Yes. What make humans strong? Mac-Beth drank milk of human kindness. Others drink that?”
Jon kept himself from scoffing, smirking, smiling, or laughing. This was a serious moment for Strong, and he would treat it with the respect it deserved. He simply answered, “No. That’s what’s called a metaphor.”
Strong scratched his head, and even looked uncomfortable, “Met-a-phor?”
Jon learned a bit. Thinking was literally hard for them, maybe even painful. He said, “When you say one thing, and mean another. Hidden meaning past the words. Kindness is our strength. Cooperation. Specialization. What we build, our tools, make us strong.”
Strong squinted in thought. Jon gave him a moment before continuing, “Think of it like this. Most of your boys at Trinity were either had crude melee weapons, or pipe weapon junk guns. Now I understand why, your hands are big and the pipe guns don’t have trigger guards.”
Strong finished, “Your gun was stronger.”
Jon nodded, “And I was leagues faster on the trigger. I got shot a few times. If it was anything more than the low calibers from guns you probably took from raiders you ate, it would have cause more problems. Someone else, my friend, built this weapon.”
Strong chucked, “Heh, heh. Raiders no good though. Makes Strong upset in the gut. Need chalk after, don’t tell brothers.”
Jon chuckled. He would break that to him a little later. He said, “Anyone that had anything bigger got shot down instantly, and the rest wasn't strong enough to really hurt me. Could a super mutant build a rifle like this? Armor like this? Strong ground like that?”
Strong thought a moment, “Some. Most not. Humans think better, make stronger things.”
Jon said, “You’re human, Strong. Just a different type. Like me.”
Strong said, “Yes, you different from other humans. Bigger, like brothers.”
Jon said, “I was a super human before, then exposed to the FEV in the environment. So I became a little more. Radiation is like a warm glow, right?”
Strong smiled as he nodded, “Strong likes the glow.”
Jon said, “Like a warm fire on a cold night. Let’s go. Stop when they hit us with the lights.”
They walked back down the hill and got on the main road. It was unfortunate they could make a scouting run that close, but he still needed more people for those kind of constant patrols. They approached to just the edge of of where the fort’s lights sat naturally, and a spot like on the wall lit them up.
One of the guards on the palisade challenged, “Halt! Who goes there!”
Jon smiled, “General Jon Singh! Commonwealth Minutemen! This is Strong! He’s with me!”
Jon heard some cheers as the watchman said, “You may enter!”
Jon and Strong proceeded though the main gate that was nearly flung open for them. As he did he stopped to look at the place from the ground. It wasn’t entirely complete, many buildings still begin framed and just getting walled, but maintenance and production was and steaming away to complete the rest. Anyone that could see him was standing at attention for his entrance. The General had arrived to inspect their work, and his Minutemen.
He waved them off, “At ease! Back to your posts you crazy bastards! Outstanding fucking work Minutemen!”
Another cheer ripped though the fort. Pre-dawn was when the Minutemen changed watch, and most everyone was up even if they were just going for chow and rest. They turned away back to their duties and rest, and one walked up to Strong and Jon.
He was a ghoul, and snapped a perfect salute. Jon returned it casually, and the ghoul smirked as he stood at attention and said, “Sgt. Mike Daley, General. Pleasure to meet you, sir.”
Jon offered, and had taken, his hand. He said, “The pleasure is my Sgt. I take it Preston just gave you your rank back.”
He nodded, “Yes sir. I actually served in the Minutemen back in the day. Took part in the defense of DC. After Cho and the rest of the CPG died, I knew it was going to get hairy. I had been in a while.”
Jon nodded, “So no one would question you retiring. It did get hairy, so no hard feelings. I don’t expect anyone to serve for centuries straight. I’m glad you showed back up Sgt. Thank you.”
Daley smiled, “Happy to be apart again, sir. The Minutemen was a real home for awhile, after people figured out not every ghoul was feral. I heard about Concorde, and came across Fort Starlight on the way. Colonel Garvey...sorta gave me your suit, sir.”
Jon waved him off, “I don’t blame him. You and Shelia already know each other, and I don’t think I need it actually. Anyway, this is Strong. Strong? Get that weapon checked in for maintenance, get some food, and some rest. I’ll be talking with Garvey. I take it he’s in?”
Daley nodded, “He sent me after you, sir. I’ll escort Strong.”
Jon nodded and said, “Strong, people aren't on the menu.”
Strong grimaced a bit, even grumbled, but said, “Un-der-stood.”
Jon smiled as he turned and walked into the admin building. He gave another casual salute at any in the building standing at attention. The rear of the room was big enough for a few desks, one even with a salvaged terminal, and the front where concessions were served was enclosed. Only a single security grate in the window frames led to the outside. It was the work area and one of the storage spaces for the quartermaster. Smaller and more sensitive goods were kept there as compared to a depot.
He took up the step and Preston was already standing at attention. Jon nodded with a smile, and Preston stepped off to the side behind the desk. He motioned, “Sir, your chair. Kept it warm for you.”
Jon chucked as he strolled behind the desk. It was decently lit, and it seemed the building wiring was still in good share by the existing outlets being used. Other chairs were simply steel folding ones, but the General’s chair was salvaged from the existing set up already in the back of the projector room. The only difference was that the furniture was switched to the other side of the room, further away from the stairs.
He carefully sat down, then leaned back and put his still stained boots up on the wooden desk, no doubt for the previous owner of the establishment. Preston at across and said, “You get into some shit? How’d it go out there? I knew you were meeting with the Brotherhood, then Jake for ASAM tech.”
Jon smirked, “I took a walk to Trinity Tower last night.”
Preston scoffed and shook his head with a big grin, “Of course you did. That’s why you're the General. Sure about Strong?”
Jon nodded, “He realizes we’ll eventually kill them all if they don’t get it together. He want's to learn, and I’ll teach him the value of mutual cooperation. Any that refuse to learn, die.”
Preston nodded, “Yes sir. So, what do you think, General?”
Jon smiled as he lit a smoke, “I think I’m the one warming the seat. All I did was tell you this place would be a good base. I didn’t even scout it. This all on you, the bird, the insertion? We’re in good hands, Preston.”
Preston smirked, “Something of a mutual appreciation club we got going here. You’re the one that saved our asses, gave us space to breath, scouted most of what we have. The vault makes us a real power house. Some volunteers with Hancock’s regards also showed up around dusk last night.”
Jon said, “Then lets just call it a team effort. Square?”
Preston scoffed, “Square. How about the Brotherhood?”
Jon pondered, “Who’s giving who the report here, huh?”
Preston sarcastically said, “Sir, yes sir.”
Jon smiled, “Even the General needs debriefed. The Brotherhood went well. Long term I’m thinking close allies. We’re still building trust right now, and I expect more incidents to have to navigate. They’re going to build Liberty Prime.”
Preston huffed, “Shit. We have to respond to that. We need the Castle to put our guns in range.”
Jon gave a shark smile, “Great minds, Colonel. But first we need to actually secure our territory. That starts with Lexington. How many people do we actually have? I heard 150ish.”
Preston said, “With the Goodneighbor volunteers, 243. They brought a full company with them.”
Jon said, “And we have gear and ammo for them? Is the logistical feasibility of an operation sound right now?”
Preston said, “Yes sir. We got plenty of ammo, a lot coming from the vault. They already had some ammo templates, and it was nothing for us to cook up more. Armor is good both from the vault, and Hagan. We’re also making helmets, I know you saw on Jake.”
Jon nodded and got back up. He made way to the dinner table that held a map of the Commonwealth, he focused in particular on Lexington, and the Gunner outposts marked with a new mark in Malden.
Preston said, “MacCready has been a big help. Good work finding him. We know they also got a vault in Malden, the Hub-City wreckers, and he’s on a scouting run to get a little closer to the interchange.”
Jon huffed, “That complicates things slightly. What’s the reports on Lexington?”
Preston smiled, “Damn near empty, so uncomplicated it a bit. There are only a few more holed up in the plant. I guess the leader went crazy or something, and most everyone we didn’t kill in Concorde left. That’s what that other guy you sent up said.”
Jon nodded with a smile, “Damn near. I guess there are still ghouls.”
“Yes sir.”
Jon said, “Then we proceed as planed. This is still a live fire training exercise, as it’s always been before we take the Gunners. Take first company and attack from three directions. By Mystic Pines, by Super-Duper mart, and by the rear of the plant to drive those that remain inside. Is Barr in charge of a team still or a full platoon one of the companies?”
Preston said, “Captain Barr is better with a team, special forces type stuff. The other three are also Captains now. The Smiths are in charge of platoons, and the rest were filled out with anyone that looked like they were good. Sgt. Daley I have pegged for training.”
Jon said, “Me too, with centuries of experience. Have Barr work with that other guy. His recce came with an agreement, expect Institute.”
Preston nodded, “Yes sir. What else.”
“1st company, first second and third platoons will assault the city. Fourth platoon will take the freeway in, and the observation post here. Take any who isn't a Goodneighbor volunteer and sic them at the on ramp and near Sunshine. When we’re done in Lexington, and the posts are secure, 1st company rockets to the vault and sieges them out. Fourth platoon can watch the way in and keep them under sniper fire. Unless they want to take a real long way around they’ll be funneled over the top of the lake here near Coventry in perfect view.”
Preston said, “The Goodneighbor volunteers are our reserve. They haven't had any real training yet, but they can hold the fort, and I think we can still use a few of them that know what they’re doing.”
Jon said, “Good. Have them ready to respond, and have those elements of third company bolster second company. In fact just fold them in. Keep our theme of breaking up formations to preserve geographic population statistics. Do we have people in the settlements?”
Preston said, “Yes sir. We got irregulars. I’ll keep them ready too.”
Jon nodded, “The Captains will lead their companies. I will lead fourth platoon and get eyes on Malden. You will command the reserve. The attack commences at 1700 hours.”
Preston didn’t question it for a second, “Yes sir.”
Jon said, “One more thing, Honest Dan has proven a reliable contractor. He’s partnering up with a guy named Ed.”
Preston asked, “Deegan?”
Jon returned, “Maybe? Worked for Cabot?”
Preston nodded, “Yeah. He’s not like Kellogg, but a little like Kellogg. A name.”
Jon said, “One people know, and know to stay out of the way of. Well he and Dan are partnering up, so don’t be afraid to do some business like with MacCready. I’d rather these blood merchants find a home in the SCPG order, rather with the Gunners because we took their payday with a little bit of law and stability. He also said we could move people into the neighborhood. They have a workshop already, and those buildings are colonial stone frames and still sturdy, even in the inside needs rebuilt.”
Preston grinned, “Yes sir, and a hell of a find.”
Jon said, “I’ll be back after a clean up and some rest. Have a set of kit made ready so I don’t stand out.”
Preston nodded, “Yes sir. See you in a bit.”
Jon walked down the steps and out from the admin building and fort. The gates were once again swung open for him, and he took the road back towards Concorde. A bird flew over his head as he was nearing in the early morning. The Brotherhood was making it’s first delivery of the ASAM material, with Gladius and Jake. They had also brought the bot that was in the communications room.
Jon walked up street to some waves from a couple here or there out and about at the early hour. Danse was securing the main door, Reese was on the roof, and Haylen and Jake were hauling equipment with the help of the bot.
Jon said, “Paladin. Looks like everything is in order.”
Danse nodded, “Indeed, General. My superior called your offer, quote, more than fair.”
Jon smiled, “Tell your superior he has my thanks.”
Danse said, “I will. We noticed a notable decrease in the concentration of super mutants at Trinity Tower and the surrounding areas. Would you know anything about that? The Brotherhood would like to reward them for the remarkable accomplishment.”
Jon looked down at his bloodstained body and boots. He said, “Some other crazy jackass must of cleared it right before I got there.”
Danse chuckled, “If you say so, General.”
Jon said, “I did pull one out. Strong. Try not to shoot him on sight.”
Danse now huffed, “Of course General. I will stay my hand not only with a synth, but a super mutant as well.”
Jon grinned, “Strong wants to learn. Whoever he was, they didn’t deserve what happened to them, and Strong doesn't deserve to just get capped. They threw him in a cage after speaking out for a human, and he didn’t eat for four days.”
Danse thought a moment, “Interesting, actually. He didn’t eat the human?”
Jon shook his head. Danse said, “The one’s in the Capital were mindless savages. Couldn’t even talk, and the rare one’s that did were the bosses. One, precisely one, that was actually intelligent, and amenable. Fawkes. He traveled with the Lone Wanderer around the time of the Enclave war, and his advice was purportedly, ‘kill em all, they can not be helped’.”
Jon shrugged, “The ones here can write, talk, and are just smart enough to spout supremacist ideology. Strong was different, and I want to give others a fair chance. But I’m certainly not going to stop you from wiping out as many as you do. Most will not be helped. I killed their leader in his own home, and the stragglers were still screaming about killing all humans as they died. They legit think only the weak die, and they get stronger as their numbers dwindle.”
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Danse scoffed, “What a laughable delusion. There is almost always strength in numbers.”
Jon nodded in agreement, “Well, I’ll leave you to your work, Paladin. The Minutemen will be conducting military exercises in Lexington at 1700 hours. If the Brotherhood wishes to observe, they may.”
Danse nodded, “We noticed the competent fortifications at the drive-in on the flight past. I will relay that to my superior. Good day, General.”
“You as well Paladin.”
Jon walked off down the road though Concorde, and eventually came to his station in about another half hour of a casual stroll. As soon as he got close he heard the barks form Dogmeat, and he ran out to nearly jump in Jon’s arm. As he was scratching, Piper came running out with her piece drawn.
She yelled, “Blue!”
She holstered the Delta and jogged over to embrace Jon. Dogmeat wisely got out of the way. They shared a kiss and she said, “So, ah, looks like you’ve been though it, blue.”
Jon smirked, “Trinity Tower.”
Piper looked downright angry, and Jon’s eyebrow shot up. Then he realized. She said, “Blue! Why the fuck would you go there!?”
Jon hesitantly said, “So...i could kill a bunch of super mutants to send a message to the rest?”
She brought her hand to her face, “I actually believe that, blue. Could you maybe not just walk into a hoard of super mutants? Was Nicky at least with you?”
Jon shifted, “No. I went alone.”
She shook her head, and Jon was aroused. He didn’t know why her disappointment did that. She said, “Goddamn blue. You know you have people to come back to right?”
Jon breathed in, “Piper, danger is my job description, it’s practically my middle name. For literally my entire adult life, and the last part of my childhood.”
She threw her hands up, “But you don’t have to walk into Trinity Tower alone!”
Jon meekly said, “Sorry Piper. But I have to conquer them. It was the only way to send a message. Their strongest ground couldn’t stop one man. Their boss died to a puny human, as did his entire guard. Then that human told them to play nice or die. It literally forced them to stop and think. I pulled one out of a cage, so I know it worked.”
Piper huffed, “The angles. I know. Come on blue. Let’s get you cleaned up.”
Jon followed her and said, “We’ll be moving on Lexington later today.”
She smirked, “Well thanks for telling me first.”
Jon smiled as they took to to the latrine. During the four day pass he took, he added to the one built initially, and made a shower set up from salvaged plastic barrels, and ASAM templateing for the shower head and small shack. It was hacked together on a residential plot, but now could be purposed programmed on the new plot types. Above all, Jon hopped they shared them with the settlements in their sphere, and that they turned them over to the SCPG when the time came.
Piper took his gear and he hopped in for a wash. A few minutes later the soreness started to really set in. He was fine, but getting shot multiple times sucked. He could still feel the rounds as they slowly dissolved. Piper brought back his boots, his casual pants from Kellogg, and a clean under shirt. He walked though the lot and back to their room, where it came right back off. They crawled into bed, an upgraded proper master setup. Jon pulled Piper into him and promptly fell asleep to her disappointment.
He woke back up at 1200 hours and said, “The bed is great, thanks.”
Piper rubbed her eyes and said, “Jake brought and ASAM with it loaded up. Was nothing for me to actually make the thing. A lot of articles to write, blue. Basically all I’ve been doing until I get a press. I sent a courier to The Ron, see if he turns something up.”
Jon pondered, “I don’t know what I’ll be doing, if I can help you get what he comes up with in a relevant timetable.”
She rubbed his chest, “I know blue. Now lets do that thing we both like, and I’ll come with to Starlight. Been meaning to go there. Lots of looong articles.”
She gripped him and he couldn’t help his chuckle. They took fill of each other and got back up to eat. Scara and Duff sent boxes of prepared and dried power noodles, ready to cook, and it was nothing to also throw in pemmican from Abernathy’s for a decent meal. Carrots had survived relatively unscathed from the bombs and some diced bits of them in the pot was even better.
The station was ran on it’s own underground wire from the plutonium well in Concorde. They were able to use a couple hot pates to cook without a fire. Jon said, “How much you want to bet Red Rocket bribed the city for their own power line.”
Piper said with a mouth full, “Like, a million bucks, or something.”
Jon snickered and put his pinkie to his mouth, “One billion...dollars. Heh, some stupid movie. The bad guy is called Dr. Evil.”
Piper snorted, “And that’s what he did? Man I wish I could see that one.”
Jon smiled as they finished up their food and got ready to leave. The leather coat had been cleaned and repaired. He donned his casual outfit as Piper was going though and sorting his ruck. She pulled out the hat, then the coat, and finally the Shroud.
Jon had an evil grin as Piper looked at him hesitantly. She said, “I, ah, heard on the radio about a caped crusader. Protecting the innocent, judging the guilty and whatnot. Shoulda guessed, blue.”
The Shroud growled, “Where would the shroud be...without his mistress of mystery.”
Piper snorted and chuckled as she hid the costume away for later cleaning. She was perturbed again at the bullet holes, but blue was her blue. He could take some hits. They walked hand in hand down the road, with Dogmeat awaiting Nat’s return at the station. They passed by the shop with some nods and waves to Gladius still standing watch. It was still a few hours out, but Danse confirmed that the Brotherhood would indeed be observing the exercises.
They finally made there way to the gate of the fort, even passing a patrol on the road to Concorde, and answered the challenge of the gate guard to be let in. Jon said, “Do what you got to do, my love. Daley might be an interesting one to talk to. Make sure you remind him who warms the General’s bed when he denies your request for an interview.”
Piper put her hand to his face and giggled, “Oh blue, that’s like super corrupt. I love it. Thanks for the tip.”
Daley had actually made is presence known, interrupting the moment. Because of Jon’s luck? Or because Daley was Preston’s personal attack dog. He snapped to attention and said, “Sir.”
Jon knew what the message was. Get your ass up here and actually be the General for once. Jon had already punished Daley for his folly of being the messenger. He said, “Excellent. Just who she was looking for. Sit down with Piper for an interview. Order and whatnot. You don’t have to make it a personal tell all, but the Minutemen will be answerable to it’s people, and you’re a fountain of history. Understood?”
He smirked with a scoff, “Yes, Sir! I would have denied if it didn’t come from you. Security reasons, and whatnot.”
Piper put her hands on Jon’s arms, and he realized the folly he had committed himself. She said, “Well, I warm his bed, and he has this move I call the inside scoop.”
Daley couldn’t help his laugh, and Jon’s face was flush as he coughed a couple times to control his own pending outburst. He nodded with a smile and marched into the admin building and up the steps to the office. Preston was there pouring over a map, and having conversations with unit leaders about the battle plan.
They all stopped and stood at attention when he came up the steps to the main office. Most didn’t recognize their General, never seeing him like he was a kind of myth, but they all did now, even when he was out of uniform. Every one that saw him knew why he was the General. A congenial man, anyone that interacted with him said, but a hulking mass of death and fury to any who opposing him by word.
They heard on the radio later in the day that Trinity Tower was clear, that Rex was rescued. Then those that saw him up close said they saw a man covered in blood, his and super mutant. No one could miss the one he brought with him. Any doubt about the future of the Minutemen and the Commonwealth were squashed in the early pre-dawn. Their General stood with them. They would stand with him.
Preston smiled and said, “Sir. We were just going over some last bits. These are the commanders of second company. Captain Tracy, Lieutenants smiths, Lieutenant Li, and Lieutenant Hopper. I put all of our best people on that run. I will admit that leaves the attack on Lexington a little inexperienced, though Captain Lucky is one of the Four, and the other officers aren't chump change either.”
Jon nodded, “That’s fine. Lexington was always a training exercise. If we can’t take a place like that from some chemed out raiders with a few good men leading the greenhorns, then this was never going to work anyway. Our best people need to be taking the Gunners.”
Captain Tracy said, “The Colonel is getting us in place early, and having us attack on signal, rather than time table. Probably your signal I would guess, sir.”
Jon nodded again, “Yeah. We definitely have to time that attack. I expect we’ll need to make a stop on the freeway so fourth platoon can lay some cover down for first platoon, and even second. How are we signaling.”
Preston slid him one of the flair guns on the table, “Here. Usually this would be calling for reinforcements, but for now it’s your signal to hit the Gunners. Only me and the Captains have them right now. I think we can relay pretty easily as long as they keep someone watching this direction.”
Jon took it and said, “Excellent. We’ll eventually cook up different flair colors for different things. We also need radio up. I’m thinking we can pretty easily rig a transmitter up to the top of the stacks of Corvega, if they don’t already have some. We also have the Constitution in the Baxter building. A recce and Junker team needs to be sent there.”
The group scoffed and chuckled. That was another thing they heard of that only their General could have pulled off. Preston said, “Yes sir. And speaking of radio, Barr cleared Outpost Zimonja. We’ve also identified several relays, junk mines. Just waiting to clear the way to fire it all up. The Castle has a transmitter too, powerful enough to reach across the commonwealth.”
Jon nodded, “I still think that’s just a stopgap though. GNR is our real target there.”
Preston ultimately agreed, “The place was a fortress even before the Gunners moved in. It would be a good HQ for the whole deal.”
Jon was about to nod in agreement and ask about the interchange when the sounds of a vertibird broke though the walls of the office. Daley rushed in with Piper in tow. He said, “Sirs.”
Jon turned to exit, “Brotherhood most likely, they’re supposed to be here.”
He gave a smile to Piper, which she returned, as he marched down the steps and out of the admin building. They had just dropped and the guard made their challenge when he exited.
The vertibird flew away, “Halt! Who goes there!”
Jon smiled when the modulated voice responded, “Elder Maxson, Brotherhood of Steel!”
The General yelled, “Let em in!” and the gate swung open in response.
The party marched though with the Elder at the head in his custom T-60 plate. It was painted darker than the rest of the four man squad around him, and had more red striping. The Brotherhood sigil was just as proudly displayed on the chest piece like the rest.
As Maxson walked up the crowd began to gather, and looked on at how Jon dealt with the Brotherhood. The General led the way, and his tone would inform them. Jon said, “Elder, welcome to Fort Starlight.”
Maxson nodded, “General. A fort it’s becoming. Gladius will be returning on that bird to join the observation team.”
Jon smiled, “Excellent. If you’ll come this way, we’ll have a talk with Colonel Garvey. Might want to hop out for that.”
Maxson said, “Of course. Riptide, stay with the armor.”
The Riptide leader said, “Sir, it’s my duty to point out the super mutant standing there in the back. Is that wise?”
Maxson scoffed and shook his head. He saw the mutant as well. Jon learned something from the interaction as well, the Elder wasn’t completely above question. Maxson said, “He trusted us with his Minister in hostile territory. I think we’re good. Do not hesitate if you have to.”
Jon smirked, “He’ll play nice.”
They walked over to near the door of the admin building and Maxson disengaged his armor. The squad took posts around it and at least one always had their eye on Strong. Maxson and Jon marched back up the stairs and into the office with a waiting Colonel and second company commanders.
Jon said, “Tracy, dismissed.”
She snapped causally to attention, “Sir. Move out, boys. We have our orders.”
The commanders walked out and Jon said, “Colonel Garvey, this is Elder Maxson, Brotherhood of Steel.”
Maxson said, “A pleasure to meet you, Colonel.”
Preston nodded, “You as well, Elder.”
Jon heard the bird again, “Well, might as well wait for Gladius, they’ll be here shortly.”
Maxson asked, “So, you pull that mutant out of Trinity I take it?”
Jon scoffed, “Yeah. The Commonwealth tribe is just a little smarter than the Capital.”
Maxson said, “I heard he spent four days in a cage with a perfectly good meal.”
Jon scoffed again, “Yeah. So I want to give him and others a fair chance to learn and change. I’d bet caps the institute is making them.”
Maxson said as Gladius was marching up, without their plate as well on Danse and Reese, “Fools bet. Gladius, welcome to Fort Starlight. This is Colonel Garvey, second in command of the Minutemen.”
“Colonel.”
“Colonel.”
Haylen was again the cheery one, “Hi! Haylen. Nice to meet you Colonel.”
“Nice to meet you folks well.”
Jon began pointing to he map and said, “We’re all here. Good. The purpose of these exercises is to give volunteers some real training under as controled live fire conditions as possible. To that end, first company will assault along these directions. Intelligence suggests most of the raiders are already gone. What we didn’t kill in Concorde left after their leader when crazy. It’s mostly ghouls left.”
Maxson asked, “And if the intel is wrong?”
Jon nodded, “I trust the intel, but I will be leading forth platoon across the high ground, and provide fire support where needed. Once first company finally storms the plant, that concludes Operation Proving Grounds. Then Operation Sucker Punch begins.”
Preston smirked, but kept his outburst. He figured the General was just making shit up to sound legit. It was legit, but this was the first time he heard those operation names come up.
Maxson said, “The operation to strike at the Gunners. I see you identified a position even we didn’t see at first. They also have Greentech Genetics on the other side of Cambridge here.”
Jon nodded as he updated his the map with a trinket, “Thanks. Malden is a vault. I contracted a merc that used to run with him, and left on moral grounds, so we have a good idea of everywhere they’re at. Greentech must be more recent. He’s currently making a run at the interchange for recce. Garvey, I assume he has orders or harass any reinforcements?”
“Yes sir.”
Maxson grinned, “We’ve identified this Hub City Wreckers post easily. Lets just say that would be a favorable target if they have to empty out to respond to any distress calls.”
Jon matched it, “You really hate those bastards.”
Maxson nodded, “As I said, they remind me of the Talon Company. Where do we fit in?”
Jon asked, “You sure? That would be a little more than observation.”
Maxson’s grin returned, “If we’re going to be working more closely, the Elder has to lead the way, as does the General.”
Jon conceded, “Alright, but I still don’t feel comfortable throwing a friendly leader of state right to the front. I recommend you stay with the reserve. They are showed up last night raw.”
Maxson agreed, “And you need as many experienced troops with them in case they have to respond.”
Jon nodded, “That’s why I have Garvey in command of them. It’s unfortunate, but those are Minutemen now, and I need every gun in every hand ready. We haven't escaped the Institutes notice, and I don’t put it past them to make a run at a distracted target of opportunity.”
Maxson said, “How about Gladius?”
Jon said, “Two options, they can augment fourth platoon, but that would put you right in the face of the gunners, and that would be a lot of firepower concentrated in one spot. Or they could augment first platoon. The Super Duper Mart is a feral nest according to our intel, and will probably cause the biggest problems in Proving Ground.”
Preston grimaced at the bad memories, but he again kept it to himself. Maxson said, “A compromise. Scribe, Stay here with the reserve, and do what you can to help them technically.”
Haylen said, “Yes sir. I can even filter the ASAM stuff Jake and I were working on. I have all the copies.”
Jon said, “Take a look at some of the other stuff we cooked up. I’m sure you’ll be interested. Garvey, make sure we share.”
Preston didn’t question it. The General had a plan. He said, “Yes sir.”
Maxson continued, “Knight, you’ll be with first platoon. I have no better when it comes to clearing ferals.”
Reese said, “Yes sir, when I’m not on my ass and bleeding.”
The room chuckled and Maxon finished, “Paladin, you’re with the General.”
“Yes sir.” was all Danse said.
Jon said, “Operation Sucker Punch concludes when first company rockets to the vault to siege them out. If the interchange responds, they'll be harassed the whole way and run into second company waiting and watching for them. If the Hub City tries to break the siege, they’ll be far behind now enemy lines, and have to contend the Brotherhood. Other places aren't relevant to these operations. They may respond, but not on a soon enough timetable. The junkyard is of course past the free way, and of course your salvage if you take it.”
Maxon smirked, “Of course. Get some rest and food. The Attack commences at 1700.”
Gladius snapped to attention, “Sir.”
“Garvey, make any last preparations and do the same yourself.”
“Sir.”
And everyone else marched out. Maxson opened the now private conversation, “We need reactor coolant. It’s imperative to keeping the Prydwen afloat.”
Jon nodded, “And you’re burning though it faster than you expected. Likely that you took it on a shakedown cruise, but even that’s different from real extended operations.”
Maxson grimaced at being figured out so easily, but there was nothing he could do about it. He said, “Yes. The flight was indeed fraught with peril. Several issues arose. The newest of which is the coolant problem.”
Jon said, “Have you’re people talk to my people. I’m sure we can help. I already have bootleging programs in the ASAM’s for bio fuel, coolant, and disinfectant applications. If’s its a pain to reproduce what you use now, perhaps you can substitute.”
Maxson nodded, “Thank you. To that end, now that we’re starting to churn though the ferals in Cambridge, we’re opening the way to the Cambridge Polymer Labs. It’s adjacent to the CIT anyway, and we’re hoping to find viable substitutes there that can be made with more readily available materials. The SCPG can share in what we find. And thank you for the Vault-Tech HQ, it’s a trove of information and artifacts. The functional press by itself is invaluable.”
Jon said, “You help me, I help you. I’ll be getting food and more rest myself. My girlfriend Piper is a journalist. And she’ll probably pester you for an interview. Of course you aren't one of my Minutemen that I can order to answer some questions.”
Maxson smirked, “Of course.”
The Elder left to exit the building, and Jon stood alone in the room staring at the map. Was he doing the right thing? Would it all work? There would be an opportunistic attack, no matter who it came from. He had the reserve. The reserve was nothing. But he needed both other companies in the field, for various reasons. Should he try something different? What could he do different that actually completed the objectives? He pondered for a time, alone, not eating, not resting.
The die was cast. Now was not the time to doubt himself. He took the steps, but he didn’t descend all the way. There was a service door to the roof stretching over the entrance gate. A lot would be assigned, and orders taken as one pulled in, and it provided cover from the rain for whoever was working the stand. Jon found himself staring out over his forming base of power. A work detail hadn’t been scheduled for the day, but there were still civilian contractors working with the bots. Strong had even apparently volunteered to carry heavy loads, which Jon smiled at.
He spotted his target, Daley being hounded by Piper. He was obviously not as bemused as Jon was. He yelled, “Daley!”
He snapped his head, as did many others. Daley knew the score, “Attention on deck! Rally up!”
The two and a half companies roughing it in the half built fort stopped what they were doing and collected near Jon’s perch. As did the civilians, and the Brotherhood. Jon was without his aviators, facing his people in the eye. One of the reasons he wore them nearly everywhere was due to the...alien...appearance some describe Augments as having. Not quite human, they instinctively know. None flinched at their General.
He said, “When I look at you, I do not see fear! I do not see doubt! I see no form of surrender!”
“No Sir!” the fort collectively cried all the way to what’s left of China.
Jon smiled. He could see it, smell it. Feel it himself. The ice in their veins. The finger pointed, “I see the Minutemen! Fiiive hundred and twelve years ago we fired the shot heard round the world! Here, against the greatest power the world had ever known! Like then, you fight for your freedom! Your very lives! Freedom from the raiders, the slavers, the barbarians and monsters at our gates! Freedom from the consequences of a war long ended that we had no part in, yet still pay the cost of all the same! No more I say!”
He slashed the end of his words with a contemptuous hand, and the crowd replied, “No more!”
“Never agane, I say!” Jon angerly clenched his fist outstretched.
“Never again!”
“The Commonwealth is watching! And indeed the entire wasteland is watching! We see, you! The last best hope for our future! You have your orders, now fall out! Sic Semper Tyrannus!” Jon’s fist came up.
As did the crowd’s, even the Brotherhood’s, “Sic Semper Tyrannus! Sic Semper Tyrannus!”
He walked through the service door and back to the office. His kit for the operation was waiting for him, and had been since he first ordered it. A large set of scavenged fatigues, probably coming from storage given how good they looked, and scavenged light combat armor. He finally donned his M1 Steel with a star on the back, and picked up his weapon. The M2 musket. He gave it a few cranks to test the feel for it, finding it was a five crank weapon, and was satisfied that it was a sturdy enough. It had a pre-war scope affixed to it and he was again satisfied that it was good enough.
“Hey blue.” Piper called from the top of the stairs. Jon didn’t even notice her approach as he preformed final inspections on his hit.
He turned and smiled, but Piper didn’t buy it. She said, “Oh blue, what’s got you so blue. You never looked this way.”
Jon looked at his hands and they were a shade paler. He could handle it the easy way, like them, or the hard way. He clenched his fist and spoke honestly, “I don’t know. It’s just another op.”
Piper scoffed, “It’s more than that, blue. You know it.”
Jon shrugged as she came and took his hand, “I guess. Never really had the fate of the world on me. Other people made strategic moves, I just went places and killed people, blew stuff up.”
Piper said, “And you’re still doing that, just gotta think about the angles now. Come back to me blue.”
She stood up for a kiss and Jon leaned to match it. They spoke no more words, but the message was sent and returned all the same.
He walked down to the main floor and out of the door. Maxson was standing with helmet in hand. He gave a nod and said, “Good show.”
Jon returned it with a smile, and turned to find Strong, Danse, and fourth platoon, walking some ways to the maintenance depots.
“General.”
Jon turned, his smile still standing as he reached for his Singer, and threw his off hand up to catch the gun in his face. The courser was too fast. Jon forgot to check his six, feeling secure when he shouldn’t have. Interestingly, his eyes didn’t lack for irises, as the one he met in the dungeon did.
The bullet ripped though his left eye. That wasn't his last thought. That was of the screams around him, and gunshots above him. Then he hit the deck. Then he mentally chucked as the lights finally went out. They just turned him into an instant martyr. They’ll continue the fight. Why was there a koala? What does he know!?
The flights flipped back on, and over him was a pouting Q, with long white robes wrapping around his form. He spoke, “Oh know, you died. HaHaHa. Don’t worry, people like you never really stay dead.”
A snap was the last thought through his mind.