Ace Makovich - Diner

Brandy was flushed and she tried to explain herself. Ace just laughed and continued sipping his whiskey. Ace stared at Rook as he drank the beer, Brandy had given him. Ace found the idea of giving a Super Mutant alcohol to be foolish. Who knows how they'd react or if it'd bring about rage.

Brandy grabbed a napkin and wiped beer from face and hands. Ace grabbed a rag and wiped down the counter as her beer had spread, "Please say it, don't spray it."

As he cleaned the counter, someone new walked in. He grabbed a large tin jar, and filled it with water and handed it to Rook. She introduced herself as Celeste and asked for some stew. She informed everyone she was new operator of the Inn. He prepared a bowl and placed it before her, "Well how is it possible i havent seen such a lovely face before? Welcome to our little town."

He looked at over at Brandy who kept looking back and him, and he winked at her. Before, he could antagonize her further, another newcomer arrived and sat at counter, "Howdy, tell the cook I'll take a side of beef, some vegetables for me, a few for Bessie," He hiked a hand out the window behind him to the Brahmin, "and give me a cold glass of milk please."

Ace nodded and headed over to the fridge and pulled some brahmin meet out. He lit the grill and threw the meat on it after seasoning it. He grabbed a milk bottle and poured him a glass, this was his last bottle of milk and would need to get some more in the morning. He took a wooden crate with vegetables and placed it by the man, "Here are some vegetables for your brahmin."

He returned to the grill and once it was to the mans liking, he served it to him. He had asked about housing, "Well quite a few places are available throughout town. Some of them require work. We also have an inn by entrance of town. Also, save yourself bullets, if you see this here mutant," he pointed at rook, "do not shoot, he's allegedly friendly."

Adam 'Trails' Wilford- Ace's diner

Adam sat at the bar and decided to sit quietly and eat with an absent look but keeping his ears open as he thought over Ace's words on housing, deciding to give the town a hunt for real estate. As he cut into his steak quietly, he overheard what he assumed to be a flirty couple, but a hulking lug of a....whatever he is, some kind of mutant according to Ace, calling itself Rook seemed to be enjoying a beer and he slowly crooked his head at him for a look. He subtly eyed him up and down, between his height and his armor, he was definitely walking tall, that's for sure. Adam got up, forgetting his dish and stood close to this 'Rook' and looking him up and down curiously as if he were some kind of unfamiliar statue, taking in every detail. He then decided to introduce himself, "Hi. I'm Adam Wilford, some call me 'Trails' too." He put his hand out to the giant, "I believe I caught your name was Rook?" Adam slowly cocked a friendly smirk, "If you're a Rook, I'd be worried to imagine the size of the King and Queen." He then put out a hand, knocking at the plates on his body. "Nice suit of armor you got on. You make it yourself? Not bad craftsmanship. Not great, but not bad either. You ever want some tinkering to it, be glad to make some modifications to it for you. No charge. Tinkering, salvaging and farming are all a hobby to me."

(Edit: Small changes now to add details of Sky's post. Post finished)

Dr. Arthur West

Arthur had quickly made his way back to his clinic, grabbed his medical bag and a few miscellaneous items he thought might help. He had no idea what state the woman was actually in so he tried to prepare for whatever situation might arise. After gathering what he could, he made his way back down to the first floor of the church and back outside. He start walking briskly in the direction that Lorelei and Steve had been heading towards.

---

Moments later, he had arrived in the apartment complex and made his way up to where he heard noises emanating from. He found the two of them trying to help up the wounded woman, who was lying on a dirty bed and had clearly been bleeding profusely.

"Oh my..." He exclaimed, as he examined the scene, "We should get her back as quickly as possible to the clinic. I'm not sure there's much I can do here, assuming the area is even safe. Can you both manage to carry her? I'm afraid I don't have a stretcher of any kind. Mind how you do so as well...gently, very gently.."

Steve cooper-

“I'll skip the shot, but you'll have to carry me. I can't put weight in my right leg.” Eliza was exhausted and she looked like a mess.

“Fail enough.” Steve replied, putting the med-x back into his jacket pocket he took out a buffout pill and swallowed it... The extra strength may come in handily here.

The woman looked very exhausted. “Lorelei could you grab some things for me since we're leaving could you grab the dog tags and a spare change of clothes for me? They're in the dresser by the bathroom door.”

“We can always come back for the rest of the stuff, I doubt alot of people will come up here.... just hide the valuables out of site just encase.”

"Oh my..." Steve turned around and saw the doctor had shown up. “We should get her back as quickly as possible to the clinic. I'm not sure there's much I can do here, assuming the area is even safe. Can you both manage to carry her? I'm afraid I don't have a stretcher of any kind. Mind how you do so as well...gently, very gently.."

“Don’t worry Doc I’ll hand it, not the first person I’ve had to carry.”

Steve turned his attention back to Eliza who despite being scared and exhausted managed to elevated her arms slightly above her sides to help Steve.

Even that must be killing her

Moving to the side of Eliza Steve kneed down slightly, grabbing Eliza hand whilst also placing on his Eliza’s left leg “Okay 1..2..3” Steve called out before slowly picking Eliza up over his shoulder and then moving her arm to the right so that should could be properly held by Steve’s right hand which was wrapped around her legs.

Heavily than expected

“Okay, I think I got it.” Steve said, moving his shoulders around abit “last person I had to carry like this was wearing a full set of combat armour so this should be somewhat...easier.”

Steve with Eliza over his shoulder began to slowly make it out of the apartment block and then down the staircases. Once outside the apartment block the buffout began to kick in, giving Steve the second wind he needed to make it across town and too the clinic.

Reaching the church Steve walked inside "oh.. fuck I forgot barney said the clinic was on the second floor..."

need to speak to the doctor about moving it.

Thankfully however this was one of those churches with a staircase and Steve was able to carry Eliza upstairs and then softly placed her down on a free bed.

"Getting too old for this shit but we made it." Steve chuckled to himself, now slightly out of breath.

Eliza Weaver
Salem, Massachusetts



A heavy groan escaped Eliza’s lungs as the man picked her up from her bed and threw her over his shoulders. During the process a sharp pain from her abdomen caused her to reel in pain and let out an exhausted grunt as she clenched her teeth and waited for it to subside, but every step and bump sent a searing pain through her body. Her greatest fear was that the wound had busted open again and that she had started bleeding again. She had already lost too much blood, anymore and she would definitely die. At least she was able to find some solace in the fact that she was being transported to some sort of clinic. Unsure of what state a clinic this far from civilization would be in. Eliza figured her odds would be better with any doctor, than on her own. Even with Lorelei to help her there was only so much that could be done.

As they exited the apartment building Eliza was certain that her abdomen was bleeding again, with there being a sudden sensation of warmth radiating from around the site of her wound. Even with the warm spot Eliza was still freezing, now more than ever. She was only wearing her panties with a soiled shirt making the cooling temperature of the coastal town much colder to the exhausted woman. Eliza could tell that she had yet to escape death’s frigid grasp. “What was this all for? All of this effort, for me….why? Wouldn’t it have better to finally die? I stubbornly cling to this life like it has anything left to give me. I’ve reached the end of the line…everyone else has gone. It’s just me now, just me.” Eliza hung on those last words. “Just me….. yep, that's all there was now. I made sure of that. So why I’m I so stubborn? Death is my only salvation, the only way to absolve my soul from my sins. Just stop fighting Eliza! Give up! Your day has come, just let go and all your pain will go away.” Eliza’s breathing had slowed down dramatically with puffs of frigid breaths being the only immediate indication that she was still breathing at all. Her eyes hung heavy as she slowly started to drift off into unconsciousness.



Eliza’s reaction to the familiar name was slow in her current state. She could barely make out what the man was saying but when she raised her head to catch a glimpse at his she couldn’t help but feel like she recognized him. Her heart began to race as if she should remember him but she couldn’t, not now at least. It was becoming too difficult for her to keep her eyes open but with what little focus she had left Eliza locked her eyes onto the man. She must of known him because now he was stopped dead in his tracks staring back at her like he had seen a ghost. Eliza’s head slumped down over Steve’s shoulder and she zoned out. Everything from that point on was a blur, she only heard the occasional footsteps from the man carrying her and with her eyes closed from exhaustion she couldn't see anything. It wasn’t until she was laid out onto another bed that she slowly opened her eyes again and sighed. Unsure of what fate had in store for her Eliza struggled just as much to stay awake as she did to remember the name of the man she had just seen.

Waylon turned around after yelling up at Shelby, she was still laughing as he saw Steve with a woman that looked worse for wear across his shoulders. He saw the brunette with the overcoat with them following the doctor. The woman struggled to move her head, Waylon was about to just blow the scene off, who was he to intrude because it appeared that the situation was being taken care of. But the woman managed to lock eyes with Waylon, his jawed dropped, “No way,” he gasped under his breath. He froze in his tracks as she stared at him, “Eliza?” The woman’s head fell back to Steve’s shoulder and Waylon took a couple steps towards the group and looked the woman over the best he could, “No fuckin’ way!!!” He back peddled a few steps before turning and running back to S&W Weaponry. He skipped steps on his way up to the roof, “SHELBY, SHELBY,” he yelled up the stairs as he began to get winded.

Shelby furrowed her brow, she could tell something was up; she started towards the door on the end of the roof. Waylon burst through nearly knocking the door free of its hinges, Shelby jumped back, “Jesus Waylon, what’s up?”

Waylon exhaled and tried to slow his breath while approaching Shelby with his hands out, “Shelby?’ He said softly, his hands touching her shoulders.

Shelby tilted her head, “Um…yeah? Are you OK?”

Waylon paused before he spoke, “You won’t believe this but… I just saw Eliza,” the words rushed from his mouth.

Shelby’s eyes quickly turned dark as she slapped Waylon across the face, “FUCK OFF WAYLON, THAT SHIT AIN’T EVEN FUNNY,” she went to slap him again.

Waylon blocked the second slap and grabbed her wrists; he hadn’t seen Shelby exhibit this kind of raw rage since they were in Michigan doing Calypso’s bidding. He jerked her towards him and stared straight into her eyes, “I’M NOT JOKING SHELBY, KNOCK IT THE FUCK OFF,” he threw her hands down, “I didn’t believe it myself, she’s hurt and Steve was carrying her to the clinic with the Doc and that brunette chick with the overcoat.”

Shelby studied him, trying to get a read, she balled up her fists. “Shelby,” Waylon began calmly, “I took a closer look, and I’ll tell you what, if that isn’t Eliza you can kill me.” Shelby cocked her head, her eyes were still filled rage, “Shelby…It. Is. Eliza.” She saw the seriousness in his eyes and relaxed her hands taking a step back. Her legs began to feel soft, her heart started to pound with thunder. Waylon took her hand, “C’mon, I’ll take you to the clinic.” Shelby let Waylon lead her down the stairs. Shelby was scared, she really didn’t know quite what to expect, how hurt Eliza was, she didn’t know anything as her mind seemed to fade away into nothingness. She paused at the door to the church, Waylon gently nudged her inside, “Shelby, trust me. I would never fuck with you about this.” She followed Waylon to the second floor, with each stair step her legs got heavier; she started to sweat and tightened her grip on Waylon’s hand. He quietly pushed the already open door aside and stepped inside the room with Shelby.

Like a little girl hiding behind their parent Shelby looked around Waylon. Her eyes fell upon Eliza, she clapped her hand over her mouth as her legs gave out momentarily, Waylon was the only reason she was not flat on the floor. Her lip began to quiver, her whole body trembled, “El...Eliza, Eliza, Eliza, ELIZA!!!” She stammered and broke Waylon’s hold and quickly pushed her way to Eliza’s side, falling to her knees. “Eliza, oh my God, Eliza,” her hands trembled as they once again traced Eliza’s face, “Eliza,” she began to sob. She kissed her forehead, cheeks, ran her fingers through her sweaty hair and her warm lips touched Eliza’s cold, almost lifeless lips. Her tears dropped onto Eliza, washing away small streaks of dirt. Her eyes were glassed over like a pair of blue icicles during a sunny winter day, and also filled with surprise and happiness like a child on Christmas morning. She could not stop looking at Eliza; her blood was erupting in her veins as the one person she had thought was gone forever was lying right before her very eyes. Blindly Shelby reached out with one hand and pulled Waylon down by her, “Thank you, I’m sorry.” He just hugged her and kissed the top of her head before he stood up to return home, he smiled as he walked away, knowing full well if anyone in the wasteland deserved such a reunion, it was Shelby as far as he was concerned.

“Eliza…” Shelby carefully laid her head next to Eliza’s, “I’m sorry if I did something to cause you to leave,” she whispered into Eliza’s ear, “I’ve been waiting for you. I want US; I will not leave your side.” Shelby had a big lump in her throat, tears still flowed, and her nose had begun to run a little, “I love you.”

FRIEDA RICHTER - Salem Diner

Rook seemed to make a point of replying to her such that Brandy wouldn't hear. “Rook is disappointed in Shooter Lady. Rook would have expected her to learn some kind of tolerance in the wastelands. Now you will be looking for a reason to just murder Rook and justify it by saying Rook was being bad. Shooter Lady is no different than the raiders in the Pitt.”

A super mutant judging me? That's definitely a first.

Rook called for a beer for her, and the man introduced to her as Ace popped off the lid of a darker coloured beer while Brandy popped out from behind the bar with beers, herself.

Well, all right! No complaints on this development. She made to take a swig when the grubby fellow took the liberty of sitting next to her and extending his hand.

“Thomas Beauregard Sykes the III, entrepreneur extraordinary, purveyor of wares far and wide. I do not believe I’ve had the pleasure of gazing upon such graceful flower before. Your beauty surely lights up this bleak and sad wasteland."

Frieda blinked, but did not shake the man's hand. "Um...thanks. It's Ric -- Frieda," was all she could manage in response.

“To new friends and a new home, CHEERS!!!” Brandy chirped, raising her beer and looking at Frieda expectantly.

"Sure. Cheers," she replied, holding up her own bottle a little timidly. She took a good mouthful of the dark beer, impressed at its taste. There were at least a couple folks back home who brewed their own beer regularly, and the taste of the stout reminded her of them. "What did you say this was called? It does taste fresh."

“You know Brandy, you tug at my belt, put your hand in my pocket…Call me old fashioned but some guys like to be wined and dined before they get this far,” Ace said with a smirk as he sipped on his whiskey, “I’m not just a piece of meat you know.”

Frieda took another swig when suddenly Brandy slammed the bottle down and covered her mouth, spitting beer into her hand, and causing Frieda to jump. Brandy looked up at her then to Ace and turned towards Frieda, “Oh my God,” she blushed, “I didn’t me…I didn’t mean it like that.” She waved her hands at her face fanning herself, “Frieda, that doesn’t make me a floozy, does it?”

Frieda burst out laughing. "A floozy? Certainly not. Unless...well, did you really put your hand into his pocket?"

Brandy let out one more long exaggerated breath, “He is cute,” she whispered.

"Well, then go for it," Frieda murmured back. "If he ever breaks your heart, I'll kick his ass, myself."

A short woman with curly hair drew up to the bar, smiling and bubbling on about being the proprietor of the inn. Frieda noted the information for later. She was getting tired of lugging her stuff around and with it getting dark, she would have to look for some kind of apartment in the morning.

I guess that means I'm going to need a job. A real, paying job. She sat quietly as Brandy introduced herself to the woman who called herself Celeste and continued to sip on her beer, watching Rook scarf down a veritable mountain of food out of the corner of her eye. He said something about the beer to Brandy, but Frieda didn't catch it. The beer was going down very easily.

She idly watched Ace take several orders at once and struggle to fulfill them at all quickly. It would seem that serving bar wasn't exactly his natural talent. She took another drink just as Brandy was whispering to her, again.

“Will you come with me?”

"I -- wait -- what?" Frieda stammered, caught off guard. She noticed Brandy dabbing at the front of her dress where the beer had landed on it, while sneaking glances at Ace and grinning sheepishly. "...oh. Uh..." She looked at Rook, seemingly completely focused on his food and drink. "Uh, sure. Okay. Lead on." Frieda had a flashback of being twelve and thirteen all over again, when her classmates used to giggle and dash around to avoid the boys, while seemingly, desperately, wanting their attention.

Sometimes, it worked.

Frieda tossed back the rest of the stout and plunked the bottle onto the bar, before rising to follow Brandy.

Eliza Weaver
Salem, Massachusetts



Eliza couldn’t believe that it was actually her, after all this time it was her. What tears Eliza had left to cry slowly trickled down her exhausted face. She mustered enough strength to speak but her words were soft and her tone was forlorn. “Shelby?” Her voice was weak and it was clear that she was trying as hard as she could just to speak. “All of this time, and here you are.” Eliza struggled to hold Shelby’s hand but she managed to, even if her grip was feeble and cold. “I missed you so much…..I’m so sorry.”

Shelby’s grip was much different than Eliza’s, it was warm and strong, bringing Eliza comfort she had long since given up on finding. “You’re all I have left Shelby…..everyone else…they’re dead.” Eliza started to weep uncontrollably, her emotions were starting to overwhelm her. “I'm so sorry.......” She couldn’t speak any more, her body had reached it’s breaking point. Her eyes shut for what felt like the first time in her life while her shallow breathing continued. Eliza had someone to live for again, and the life that person meant for her but death still sought it's quarry. Except Eliza no longer embraced her death, she didn't want to die......not now.

CELESTE BROWN -- Salem Diner

The young woman sitting next to a stonefaced blonde whirled around on her stool to introduce herself. “Hi Celeste, I’m Brandy Brooks,” she smiled, “Welcome to Salem. I haven’t been to Sandy Coves yet, I can help fix things, I kind of do a little bit of everything."

"Ain't that somethin'!" Celeste smiled. "I've only ever been real handy in a kitchen. My dad taught me how to cook 'n bake back up where I'm from. It's called Niagara Falls. Maybe you've heard of it?" She tapped her chin, thinking. "So far, the robot has been pretty great at clearing out all the broken things, but I never thought about fixin' them." She smiled. "You can come by any time and take a look around!"

Brandy pat at the front of her dress. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to wash up a little. I spilled some beer on myself." Brandy then leaned towards the blonde and whispered something.

The blonde seemed to stammer, as if she were startled. "Uh, sure. Okay. Lead on," she said, tipping back her beer bottle before standing and following Brandy away.

The man behind the bar placed a bowl of stew onto the counter in front of her. "Well how is it possible i havent seen such a lovely face before? Welcome to our little town."

"Oh, golly," Celeste blushed. "Truth is, I only got here just this morning. I was actually on my way to Diamond City, but, well, let's just say I haven't travelled too much in my life an' it didn't agree with me." She took a spoonful of the stew. "Mmm!" she exclaimed, nodding her head. "Someone definitely taught you how to cook, didn't they?"

"I didn't catch your name," she added, then nodded to the blonde's empty stool. "Plus, some people are just rude, huh? Don't even try to be friendly."

"I -- wait -- what?" Frieda stammered, caught off guard. She noticed Brandy dabbing at the front of her dress where the beer had ran to, "...oh. Uh..." She looked at Rook, "Uh, sure. Okay. Lead on." Frieda tossed back the rest of the stout and plunked the bottle onto the bar, before rising to follow Brandy.

Brandy took Frieda’s hand and led her to the bathroom where she quickly checked herself in the mirror. She wet the corner of a hand towel and wiped at the beer stain. “Would you really kick his butt? I...kinda stink at this stuff really.” She sighed, “Ace seems too good to be true. Honestly, you seem like his type. You're confident, pretty, and it sounds like you could handle yourself...I can't.”

Brandy frowned at her reflection, as he rifled through her purse and pulled out a brush and ran it through her hair. “Guess I'm just scared, but you saw him right? I'm not imagining it am I?” She dropped the brush back into her purse and turned to face Frieda, “I have a nice little beach house that I've working in, I live there all by myself,” she shrugged, “Kinda scary sometimes, and lonely. You're more than welcome to stay if you would like, I have plenty of room and an extra bedroom.”

Brandy pulled her dress up and dropped her panties, “Sorry, I have to pee when I get all nerved up. Thanks for the advice, I'll do my best to return the favor.” She finished and washed her hands, “Well let's go visit some more, maybe have a couple more drinks.”

Brandy took up her stool, “I'll take another beer please,” she asked Ace, pursing her lips together then blushing again. She turned to Celeste, “I would love to stop by and look around your place. You have a working robot? That would be awesome.”

She turned to look at another new face and extended her hand, “Hello Sir, I'm Brandy Brooks, welcome to Salem.”

Ace Makovich - Diner
Ace saw Brandy and Frieda take off to the bathroom together, “What are they doing, you do know the bathroom is small right? Meant for 1 person at the time?” They hadn’t heard him and in they went. He shook his head, and got back to the cleaning the grill.

Celeste told him how she was on her way to Diamond City, “An amazing city by Commonwealth standards. I lived there for a bit when I moved to area. But, It felt too crowded, and to enclosed. Here, I can just lay on my roof and listen to the waves crash against the cliffs. It’s certainly nicer.”

“As far as the cooking goes my wif-…ex-wife had taught me too cook, though we didn’t have Radstag out west. I must admit I’m still learning the fine tools of the trade. Plus, thanks to Tom’s regular caravan, I can get resupplied with no problems.”

She asked what his name was and he responded as he looked up from cleaning the grill, “Name’s Ace Makovich, as you see this here is my humble establishment. As far as I can see everyone in town is friendly, except for that grump there,”

He pointed towards Barney who reciprocated by balling up a piece of paper and throwing it at him, “Like I said, watch out for him”

Brandy and Frieda returned from the bathroom and they both sat down and she asked for another beer as she pursed his lip. Ace looked at her a bit dumbfounded. Did she just blow me a kiss? He shook his head. Nah, I’m just imagining things.
“I dunno if a slender girl like you should be drinking so much,” Ace said as he popped another beer and placed it in front of her, “But who am I to say no to a paying customer.” He opened the door to the cellar and headed down to get some more beer.

FRIEDA RICHTER - Salem Diner

Brandy took Frieda’s hand and led her to the bathroom where she quickly checked herself in the mirror. She wet the corner of a hand towel and wiped at the beer stain. “Would you really kick his butt? I...kinda stink at this stuff really."

Frieda squished herself against the back of the door, realizing much too late that the "facilities" weren't meant for more than one person to really use at at time. She felt as though she were practically standing on the toilet while Brandy leaned over the sink and stood in front of the mirror. "You bet I would. That's what friends are for, right?"

Brandy sighed, “Ace seems too good to be true. Honestly, you seem like his type. You're confident, pretty, and it sounds like you could handle yourself...I can't."

I have a feeling I'm no one's "type," especially anywhere on the surface. "Don't say that, Brandy. You're plenty attractive yourself, and if you are talking about handling a gun, that's not magic. I spent years, aheh," she chose her words very carefully, "well, just practicing, over and over. I had to learn, just like anyone else. It's not really that special."

Brandy frowned at her reflection, as she rifled through her purse and pulled out a brush and ran it through her hair. “Guess I'm just scared, but you saw him right? I'm not imagining it am I?”

Frieda casually crossed her arms at her waist and shrugged. "Hey, if you're interested, then just ask him out. He might say 'no,' but then you'd know for sure. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain." She felt like a pre-war dating advice columnist.

Brandy dropped the brush back into her purse and turned to face Frieda, “I have a nice little beach house that I've working in, I live there all by myself,” she shrugged, “Kinda scary sometimes, and lonely. You're more than welcome to stay if you would like, I have plenty of room and an extra bedroom.”

Frieda blinked. "You -- do you mean it?" Her shoulders dropped in relief at the idea of having a place to live. Plus, Brandy was sweet and personable. She'd had worse bunkmates in the Enclave. "That would be great. Amazing, even. I don't know how I'd pay you back."

Brandy pulled her dress up and dropped her panties, “Sorry, I have to pee when I get all nerved up. Thanks for the advice, I'll do my best to return the favor.” Frieda, veritably raised in an environment where nearly everything was communal, was hardly sussed. Brandy finished and washed her hands, “Well let's go visit some more, maybe have a couple more drinks.”

"Sounds good," she replied, though it was mainly in response to the additional drinks. Frieda followed her back out to the bar. She paid particular attention to Rook as she and Brandy sat back down. He hadn't budged.

“I'll take another beer please,” she heard Brandy say to Ace. Frieda perched herself back onto her stool and lifted her other beer. Brandy turned to the curly haired brunette, addressed as Celeste, “I would love to stop by and look around your place. You have a working robot? That would be awesome.”

"Pfft. Well, sometimes," Frieda blurted, before she could catch herself. She chased her outburst with a big swallow of beer. "Oh, I guess I forgot my manners back there. I'm Frieda. I just got into town today."

CELESTE BROWN - Salem Diner

“Name’s Ace Makovich," the barkeep answered, "as you see this here is my humble establishment. As far as I can see everyone in town is friendly, except for that grump there.” He pointed towards Barney who reciprocated by balling up a piece of paper and throwing it at him, “Like I said, watch out for him.”

Celeste giggled. "I'm sure Barney's a nice enough guy. Maybe he needs a hug!"

Barney made some choking sounds but otherwise did not reply.

Brandy and the blonde returned from the bathroom. Brandy immediately ordered another beer, while the blonde appeared to pick up one that had been left behind and took a drink.

“I dunno if a slender girl like you should be drinking so much,” Ace said as he popped another beer and placed it in front of Brandy, “But who am I to say no to a paying customer.” He opened the door to the cellar and disappeared.

"He's just teasin' ya," Celeste cooed, giving Brandy a smile, as if it weren't obvious. "I don't really like beer that much, myself, or I'd have one with you, too!"

“I would love to stop by and look around your place," Brandy began, addressing Celeste. "You have a working robot? That would be awesome.”

"Pfft. Well, sometimes," the blonde smirked, sounding sarcastic. She turned to look at Celeste, appearing flustered. "Oh, I guess I forgot my manners back there. I'm Frieda. I just got into town today."

"Hi, Frieda," Celeste forced herself to smile, though deep down she felt Frieda's sentiment was fake. "You know, I thought I saw you come in to town. I even waved at you."

Frieda took another swallow of her beer. "...you did? Sorry. I must not have noticed you."

"Oh, that's okay. It happens a lot, since I'm short, and all! I'm used to it." She looked back to Brandy. "Yeah, there's a robot that is left over from the war, when the place was an old folk's home. Poor thing had been stuck in some rut for years. Didn't realize its tenants were dead!" She shuddered. "I don't want to see another skeleton for the rest of my life, I'll say that."

Celeste tucked back into the rest of her stew as Brandy greeted someone else. She offered a wave and a slight smile, wanting to finish her soup before it got cold.

“Yes, Rook is Rook. Rook made his armor and weapon, but those are back at his shack.” Rook would carefully shake the hand of Adam, though he didn't hear this one's name. There were a lot of people in the town it seemed. That was good. He just got here and it was growing! “Rook would like to make armor fit better, maybe replace some old parts that have worn out. Rook once had chest plate of the armor the Tin Men wear while not far from the Pitt. It was in a place called 'Depot.'”

Rook seemed fairly confident of the name of the area he found the armor in. “Rook traded it long ago however to get welding materials to help repair walls of a town. Rook wishes he could find armor like that again, or even make it! Rook would be able to stop all the bad things in the wastelands with armor like that. Rook is a Paladin of the Wastelands, that is what the old woman in red told Rook.”

He pondered for a moment. “Does man know how to make gates out of big metal machines from before bombs? Rook has seen other places use them, but never understood how they worked. Rook was thinking of bring up old containers from water to use as wall materials, but Rook will need a lot of help with that. Rook is only so strong."

Thomas Kater
Salem, Massachusetts



This was it, the sleepy ruins of Salem where the trail finally ended. Thomas had been following it for too long with each sign of Eliza and her pursuer filling his heart with dread. He had seen so much death on his journey here, so many of his comrades gunned down and left to rot in the dirt. Out of respect he gave each one of them the burials they deserved in doing so he noticed that all of their dog-tags had been claimed. He had hoped that meant Eliza made it this far but how long could she run? It had been at least a year since he picked up the trail in Utah. Eliza was tough but a year in this country without proper rest would take it’s toll on anyone, even her. Now Thomas was just looking for bodies and with them answers.


Coming from the north side of town Thomas quickly fell upon the sign of a struggle much like the ones he found on his way here. Eliza was a fighter, and whoever was tracking her down was making her bleed for it. Spatters of blood littered the field he and his horse were standing in. His heart sunk as he assumed the worst. Thomas dismounted his horse and knelt down in the muck to better investigate the scene. There were two sets of footprints just like there had been since they crossed the Mississippi. Where the rest of the Rough Riders gave their life’s in an attempt to buy Eliza time. Thomas followed the trail and the blood towards the sea, a light wind blew in off the water and carried with it the all too familiar stench of death. Thomas dropped the reigns for his horse and bolted towards the shore, stumbling over his feet as he struggled to stay upright in the muck. His heart was beating a mile a minute, and he was afraid to see who he found at the end of the trail. After all this time Tom would’ve gave anything for it not to be Eliza. He regretted every day since he left his life with the Riders behind, now more than ever. He couldn’t help but beat himself up over the idea that maybe things would’ve been different if he was there when his comrades were attacked.


Here he was….if he found Eliza in this puddle of blood Tom wasn’t sure if he could walk away from her, not again. She was the only one that really cared for him, and he re-payed her with betrayal. Tom removed his hat and held it over his face in an attempt to shield himself from the stench before he slowly peeked out from behind it. It wasn’t her, it was August Bragg. They rode together when they were kids, busted rocks in the chain-gangs, and joined the Riders together. Finding Bragg laying in the mud was a blow to the gut. Thomas balled his fists in anger and kicked his old friends corpse in anger.


“You son of a bitch! After everything these people did for us!? Fuck!” Tom fell to his knees alongside Bragg’s corpse staring into his lifeless eyes, frozen in terror. He couldn’t contain his emotions and started to tremble and cry. “All these miles and I didn’t once think it would be you. What did I do when I walked away?” Tom scooped his hand underneath Bragg's corpse and lifted him into his arms. He carried him to the base of a tree with a broken limb and began to dig a grave with the shovel from his horse. When he was finished he gently laid Bragg at the bottom, closing his eyes, placing two caps in his hand, and laying his hat on his chest before saying some final words. “You were my brother. After all we had been through together I never thought this would be how things went down.” Tom paused for a moment as he grabbed a shovel full of dirt. “I just hope it was worth it brother.”


After shovel after shovel full of dirt Bragg’s grave was filled in. Tom grabbed a rock from nearby to mark the spot and grabbed his horse. He still had to find Eliza, she must have been the one that killed Bragg. After all this time he was still afraid to face her. He loved her desperately but never confessed it to her, it wasn’t his place. Things between them could never be like he wanted them to, and he had a feeling Eliza knew how he felt. She could tell when he got anxious around her, she was too smart not to know. Regardless Tom came here to atone for his sins, and Eliza was the only one that could absolve him. His quarrel was with her, not God.
When Tom got into town he quickly spotted Eliza’s spotted horse outside the diner. His heart began to race again as he wiped the sweat and grime from his brow, his hands trembled and his legs felt like they were about to give out on him. He still made his way to the diner tying his horse alongside hers, but he noticed the blood covering Eliza’s horse and immediately knew something was wrong.


“Hey buddy. You remember me right?” Tom gently brushed the horse’s snout. “What happened huh? What do you know?” The horse gently nuzzled Tom with it’s snout, recognizing him from before. Tom rubbed the top of it’s snout again before he headed inside for answers. Things seemed rather busy inside, it wasn’t Tom’s scene there were too many people and none of them resembled Eliza. He still headed inside and walked up to the counter where a man was scrambling to serve all of his patrons. Tom ignored all of the background noise and chatter, but politely waited until the man wasn’t busy.


“Excuse me sir!? You wouldn’t know anything about that horse outside would you?” Tom’s voice was friendly but his concern was poorly masked by his manners. "I'm looking for his owner. She would've been dressed similar to me, with her hat pinned on one side. She's not really talkative but you'd have a hard time forgetting her."

Ace Makovich - Diner

Ace grabbed a crate of beer and along with it a small square box. He took everything and headed back upstairs. He place the crate by the fridge and began to fill it with the beer.

He turned away from the customers and popped open the small case he had brought up. He grabbed what looked like almost a small mint and popped it in his mouth and washed it down with a nearby glass of whiskey he was having before.

After popping the pill, he close the case and put it in his pocket. He looked over at Rook as he talked with the new man, and overheard him ask a bout possibly building a gate. He grabbed the large jar he had given Rook, and filled it with more water, "Well if you want to motorize the gate, I can help with that. I can tinker with a motor and perhaps help out."

Making such a motor would be easy with him, back in the Brotherhood he was always tinkering with generators and motors, and getting them to work. A simple gate motor would be a piece of cake, plus it would aid in making the town safer.

He grabbed what few cold beers he had left and handed one to the current customers he had, "On the house, as long as you promise not to spill it or spit it out at me."

He looked at Brandy and smirked as he said so. He handed one to Frieda, who was more than happy to accept it, "Well hope to see you stay and around town. Lord knows we need more cute girls around."

As soon as he said that, another new face walked in to the diner. He seemed to be dressed in some sort of uniform or outfit he had never seen before. He inquired on the horse and whether Ace had seen anyone dressed similar to him around town.

Ace wrinkled his nose as he thought for a bit. He then remembered Steve asking for vegetable for the creature. Unsure whether he should mention Steve, Ace kept his answer vague. "Someone may have been looking for some food for it. However, they left a while ago. All I know, is they left in a hurry with the doc. You could find the doc on second floor of the church across the street."

Ace pointed towards the church as there was some dim light emanating from the second floor, "from looks of it, he might just be there."

“I dunno if a slender girl like you should be drinking so much,” Ace said as he popped another beer and placed it in front of her, “But who am I to say no to a paying customer.”

"He's just teasin' ya," Celeste cooed, giving Brandy a smile, "I don't really like beer that much, myself, or I'd have one with you, too!"

Brandy grinned, “I like light beer, this stout gets to me. But when it comes to my moonshine,” she leaned closer to Celeste, “I could drink him under the table.” Ace returned with beer to restock the bar as Brandy finished whispering, she looked at Ace and took a swig of her beer and giggled. Brandy just watched Ace, he opened a small tin and popped something into his mouth, she dismissed it and looked around the diner as Frieda chatted with Celeste briefly before Celeste turned back to her.

"Yeah, there's a robot that is left over from the war, when the place was an old folk's home. Poor thing had been stuck in some rut for years. Didn't realize its tenants were dead!" She shuddered. "I don't want to see another skeleton for the rest of my life, I'll say that."

“How did you get a robot out of rut? It must be heavy, did somebody help you?” Brandy sighed, “Yeah, we should properly bury the skeletons, they deserve that much. I can only imagine the things they saw during their lifetime.”

Ace grabbed a few beers and handed them out, "On the house, as long as you promise not to spill it or spit it out at me." Brandy quickly looked at the bar blushing once more, she looked back up when Ace handed a beer to Frieda, smirking in the process at her before addressing Frieda, "Well hope to see you stay and around town. Lord knows we need more cute girls around."

Brandy took a drink, narrowing her eyes at Ace, but her lips still managed to smile, she couldn't help it. Whenever Ace gave her attention she felt what could be described as butterflies. Ace had flirted with her since she had arrived in Salem, and it drove Brandy crazy. Partly because she was not the only one he flirted with, and secondly, because she was to insecure to make a move. Tonight, the liquid courage was strong and she looked at Frieda, she slid her beer in front of her, “Hold my beer and watch this.” Brandy got up and walked behind the bar, standing there as Ace spoke with a strangely dressed man who intimidated her. She balled her fists and relaxed them as she took a deep breath, she presses her lips together and when Ace turned his attention to her, she threw her arms around him and stood on her toes. She wobbled a little as she craned her neck and pressed her lips against his, she closed her eyes, it felt well received and a feeling of accomplishment washed over her. Though it was a simple, quick kiss, it was a huge step for her, she smiled, “Since you looked at me funny when I blew you a kiss earlier, I thought maybe you wanted a real one.”

She smiled up at Ace and turned to walk around to her stool, she smiled proudly at Frieda and Celeste. As she went to sit back down, her rear slipped off the edge of the barstool, but she braced herself on the bar, blushing and returning her bottom onto the stool.

The tears that slowly ran down Eliza's cheeks told Shelby the feelings were still true and string, “Shelby?” Eliza’s voice was weak and it was clear that she was trying as hard as she could just to speak. “All of this time, and here you are.” Eliza struggled to hold Shelby’s hand but she managed to, even if her grip was feeble and cold. “I missed you so much…..I’m so sorry. You’re all I have left Shelby…..everyone else…they’re dead.” Eliza started to weep uncontrollably, “I'm so sorry.......”

Shelby got even more choked up, she wiped her tears from Eliza's forehead as she moved to the head of the bed, getting out of the doctor's way. She bit her lip, sniffing from the tears, she gently gripped Eliza's hand a touch more and brushed back her hair as she stared into Eliza's eyes, Shh...Shhh...Shhh,” Shelby slowly shook her head, “It's ok Hun, you're here, I'm here, and a new life is all we have ahead of us. I forgive you, please don't let that bother you, you found me,” she kissed Eliza's cold and sweaty forehead.

Shelby sniffed and cleared her throat as she looked up at the doctor, “Thank you, all if you. Doc, if she needs anything at all, blood, anything I can give her from me, I don't care what it is, even if it kills me.” She wiped her cheeks, “Don't let her die, please, I will do anything. You name your price, I'm good for it Doc.” She looked down at Eliza, “I got you Hun, I won't let anything happen to you.”

Steve Cooper- Church

“El...Eliza, Eliza, Eliza, ELIZA!!!”

Steve turned around to see that Shelby girl (or “sherbet” as he had nicknamed her after that per-war food type) who seemlying knew Eliza... and likely more than friends judging by the fact she had pretty much rushed over and groped her.

Blindly the sherbet reached out with one hand and pulled the Waylon guy (still no good nickname for him.) down and hugged him whilst apologising for something

“Hey where's... My Hug?... I’m the one who carried her here.” Steve chuckled, still abit out of breath.

The sherbet and Eliza then talked for a few movements; it appeared that Eliza had left sherbet for some reason in the past but judging by Eliza’s reply it was likely done to keep her or perhaps someone safe but now sherbet was the only one left...

Wonder if this has to with her being shot? Will have to keep an eye out.

Steve then turned and looked at overcoat “perhaps we should leave them for abit.”

Heading downstairs with overcoat Steve lighted up a smoke, offering one to overcoat he looked up at the remarkable intact “Cross” on the wall behind the preacher’s little stand or whatever that thing was call. Supposedly the guy being hung up and left to die it was the son of god or some nonsense and had “died” a very very long time ago to make the world better.

Well that didn’t seem to work very well.

“11 years ago, Downtown DC... the capital building.”

“The Talon Company had been hired to clean out the super mutants there... don’t know who by or why that was above my paycheck but whoever it was could afford sending a whole fucking company.... “

Probably those enclave guys... No else would give a toss about a per-war government non-military building

“Battle went on for weeks, shiton of mercs, mutie and even a few tin-cans caught in the crossfire died and we probably wrecked the place more than the bombs did but for the most part my squad, Delta remained intact but then... my friend... and squad sniper Samantha was shot.”

“It was only a small wound in the leg and she stubbornly said she was okay but should have ordered her to the doc..” Steve stated as he began to wander around the church, looking at the remaining holy symbols/art along with the occasional look at the window towards the dinner

Alot of new people have arrived

“But no I was too focused on the mission, I wanted that fucking behemoth dead and I needed Sam to do it... Mutie bastard had kill alot of mercs and main reason why the mutants hadn't been cleaned out yet... whoever’s team killed the fucker was bound to get a promotion...”

And be the guy doing the ordering for once.

“Turns out the bullet had hit something important... we where right in the middle of trapping that behemoth when Sam collapsed and without her we failed to killed the behemoth, who then went onto massacre the entire 4th and 5th platoons before that Vault kid showed up and shot it.”

Wonder what happened with that kid... sort just disappeared

“By some fucking miracle of that guy.” Steve said as he pointed at the guy on the cross “I survived the capital attack... I lied about what happened and was praised for a “successful mission” fuck I was even bloody promoted. Talon company didn't care about the losses, only that the job was done.”

“I know that I freaked out earlier on but what happened with Eliza reminded me of Sam... And I didn’t want that happening again..”

Ace Makovich – Diner
As Ace talked to the newcomer, Brandy stood up, walked behind the bar and stood next to him. As he turned to face her, she threw her arms around his neck, causing him to slouch down. She stood on her toes and kissed him. He wasn’t sure what to do at the moment. He instinctively placed his arm around her waist, but then quickly removed them.

The kiss was short, but it felt like it lasted forever to Ace, she smiled, “Since you looked at me funny when I blew you a kiss earlier, I thought maybe you wanted a real one.”

She walked back to her stool and nearly fell as she tried to sit. Ace lightly smacked his lips, and scratched his head. “Y-eah… well ummm… You shouldn’t really come behind the counter Brandy. It’s for employees only.”

He pulled out the tin and took another pill. “We’ll be closing shortly, it’s starting to get late,” Ace said as he put the tin away and grabbed a box of cigarettes and lit one. He stared at Brandy, but quickly turned away when he thought he saw her look back.

He stepped out the diner, and immediately saw the two horses. *Only seen horses once in my life out west, yet here I see two in one day.* He walked up a road and walked in between some houses towards the cliff overlooking the ‘eastern’ side of the town.

He took a seat at the edge of the cliff top. He lit another cigarette, and stared out towards the ocean. He took a long drag of the cig, and inhaled the smoke for a while before expelling it out. He pondered Brandy’s kiss, it was not something he had been expecting. He couldn’t help but admit that he liked it and smiled thinking back about it. However, he wondered if she kissed because she liked him or because she was drunk.

He heard some noise, so he took out a small monocular he carried with him and looked towards the beach side, along where Rook’s wall was going up. He saw some movement, but it was just a mirelurk. Barney would probably be killing it soon, and there would be fresh mirelurk for the diner

Thomas Kater
Salem, Massachusetts



“Thank you sir.” Tom quickly headed out of the diner. On his way out it dawned on him that all of Eliza’s gear was on her horse. He stopped and unfastened the straps on the leather saddlebags. Inside were most of the things he would assume Eliza needed to survive, her hat, duster, underwear, revolver, ammunition. Something definitely wasn’t right, this whole thing reeked of a trap. Tom pulled his piece from it’s holster and checked the cylinder to confirm it was loaded, he placed it back into his holster and headed off towards the church leaving the horses tied up by the diner. He was keeping his hand close to his revolver, something wasn’t sitting right with Tom. It was like he was missing something, like there was another piece to the puzzle. Regardless Tom had a lead and he had to take it, the man behind the counter didn’t seem like the kind of guy to bullshit him at first glance but he was still on his toes as he entered the church.

On his way in he passed two people, a man and a woman. Both of them gave off bad vibes to Tom but maybe it was because he was on edge. He just walked past them acknowledging that he seen them.
“Evening.” Tom was short and headed towards the partially opened door checking over his shoulder to see if the duo was following him. He creaked the door open and he froze in his tracks at what he saw. Initially he recoiled at the sight too afraid to come to terms with what he might find, but Tom found enough courage to go inside. His voice was weaker than it normally was, and for a man of his pedigree fear was something he rarely felt but it was clear in his voice. “Eliza?” There was another woman knelt beside the bed comforting Eliza that drew Tom’s attention for a brief moment. He didn’t know anyone to treat Eliza the way the woman was, and he didn’t know Eliza to take to it. She must be in really bad shape, or her and the woman were close. “Eliza it’s me...Dutch.” Tom paused before he said who he was, still filled with the guilt of leaving her and the Riders behind.

Eliza and the woman slowly turned to face him, Eliza was having a hard time of it but she tried. She was obviously weak as her voice was severely strained and quiet. “Dutch?” He removed his hat and held it over his heart while he knelt down beside the bed, nodding to the woman and sharing a look of concern with her. Tom placed his free hand on Eliza’s shoulder. “It’s me Lizzy.” He tried to crack a smile as if he was remembering a better time, but tears started to gather in the corner of his eyes. Eliza looked at him with broken eyes. She hadn’t seen the man in front of her for years, and she was still having a hard time believing that it was actually him. “I can’t believe you’re here. I thought you were never coming back.”

Tom placed his hand on Eliza’s head, gently brushing her hair in an attempt to comfort her. “I know I rode off on my own path Eliza, but it lead me back to you. I just wish I had gotten here sooner.” Eliza grinned at his retort before she closed her eyes again and exhaled slowly, shivering in the process. She was obviously too weak to do much of anything so Tom turned his attention to the woman alongside of him. Her face was red and streaked with tears, Tom gently placed his arm around her shoulders patting her back. He didn’t really think about what he was doing, he was just acting off of instinct. “I’m Dutch. We used to...work together. I take it you’re close to Liz...sorry Eliza? Sometimes I forget she doesn’t like to be called that.”