Combat Zone

I took a drag of the cigarette, glancing at Ellie sat next to him. She looked as good as ever. Would have pulled her onto the desk and done some very fun things with her if not for Nick being next to her, and Piper being next to me. Well, I don't think Piper would have been too worried. She'd probably want to join in.

"With that tin can you walk around in, Nate, you won't find the Combat Zone a real problem. Lot of raiders, yes. But they'll be armed with the sub-standard weaponry you're used to seeing them wield. Certainly won't have to worry about missile launchers or worse."

"Where else do you want to go?" Ellie asked.

"Our scouts have picked out plenty of places, but there are a couple I want to check out personally. Apart from the two I've mentioned, I want to visit Boston Public Library. I want to ensure any books that have survived end up in the right hands. Ours, to be honest. Knowledge is power. That leads me to investigating any school or college for textbooks and other items of learning."

"Most major buildings in the centre have been taken over by one group or another, Nate," Nick explained, "No matter where you go, you're going to end up shooting your way inside, then wiping out whoever is in control of the place. The only factor in your favour is the fact they spend half their time fighting each other at the same time. Never seems to thin their numbers though."

I finished my cigarette, stubbing it out in the nearby ashtray. "Fuck it, I'm hitting Combat Zone tomorrow and I'll go from there. Heard enough rumours about the place to know it's a haven of raiders. Wipe them out and it might even put a little fear into the other groups."

Nick chuckled. Ellie even snorted, turning a shade of red that was rather cute. "Not sure raiders know what fear is, but I don't think anyone would complain about thinning their numbers, Blue."

"Right, that's where I'm heading tomorrow then. Any cases on your plate, Nick?"

"Of course, but it's been a while since we've worked together, and helping you clear a few places around here is a good cause. And I'm assuming Piper is helping too."

"Knowing what we might be facing, he's given me some combat armour to wear, just to be safe."

I had more than one retort but kept my mouth shut. Piper had proven her bravery more times than I could count already. If she wanted to join me, she was welcome to. Agreeing to meet by the entrance the next morning, we headed back to her place for the evening, spending most of the time sitting back, sharing a drink, listening to the radio. Nat was around so we had to behave until she went to bed.

Having look at the map of Boston so often by now, I knew exactly where Combat Zone was supposed to be, but due to two hundred years of first destruction and then neglect, the direct route there wasn't possible. But I still took the lead in my power armour, Nick just telling me which way to turn if I stopped, looking a little lost. I had known Boston like the back of my hand before the bombs, Nora and I finding great little shops, bars and cafes down the side streets.

Walking past Boston Public Library had me thinking of a possible excursion there, and from what we could see on the outside, mutants had made their home inside. A couple were on patrol outside, and I walked forward, putting a few bullets in both of them. They went down surprising easily, 5.56mm bullets even managing to tear mutant flesh to shreds rather easily.

Skirting around Boston Common had Piper all worried again, Nick joking that the last time he'd come this way, he'd ended up being taken prisoner in the vault under our feet. I had to ask why Piper was so worried about the place. To my eyes, despite the obvious neglect, it seemed rather peaceful.

"People don't come back from here, Blue," she whispered.

The place obviously needed a good clean up, just like everywhere else, but I wasn't left thinking there was anything lurking about that had me worried. It had been the central park of the city before the bombs, a place where workers would come to enjoy their lunch, and families would enjoy lunch and a stroll if they were in the city during a weekend.

But as both of them were obviously worried, we left the area quickly. What it I had assumed Piper and Nick didn't know is that the Combat Zone was named after an area of Boston that had been notorious, even in my day. Society before the bombs hadn't been the squeaky clean image they liked to portray in cinema and on television. There was a seedy underbelly that most tried to ignore. The small area of the Combat Zone was home to what was once called adult entertainment. It was known for crime, prostitution, drugs, gambling. You name it, the Combat Zone was probably known for it. Government had tried to clean up the area more than once until they seemed to just give up and ignore it.

We knew how close we were getting to the Combat Zone as Nick noticed raiders on patrol that was near the entrance. Given that I was in power armour, I was bait. Given that I carried an assault rifle, I happily wandered forward. First raider opened fire, seemed to realise I was power armour, and turned to retreat. I generally don't shoot people in the back, even raiders, so I let him go.

Signs indicated that the Combat Zone was off to my right, turning to see four raiders waiting for me to appear. My assault rifle was already raised and I opened fire, but unlike their spray of bullets in my direction, I only pulled the trigger in short bursts, each bullet landing where I wanted, straight into the chest of each raider. With no cover around, all any could do was try and retreat to the door, but they thought taking a knee and continuing to fire would help. The last raider took a bullet in the head before it fell silent.

Nick appeared by my side. "Make it look too damned easy at times, Nate."

"Rap your knuckles on the steel, Nick. Even thicker than my previous armour." I leaned down to pick up one of their rifles. "Look at this crap. Then compare it to my rifle. There was a reason why they called people who wore this sort of armour walking tanks. It would take a missile to stop me, or just one hell of a good shot."

"What's the plan when we head inside?" Piper asked.

"You two keep your head down while I draw fire. But if you get a clear shot, don't hesitate. We don't know how many are going to be inside."

Opening the door wide, I chanced a quick peek inside to find the entrance hall was empty. I didn't recognise the place but as I stepped through and walked towards the next set of closed doors, I opened one to see it had once been a theatre, though most of the seats had been ripped up, replaced by shacks and other wooden structures.

I opened the second door to get a good view of everything. Thankfully, there was a wire cage on the stage, and I could see a fight taking place, so no-one was looking back towards the doors. Glancing back, I waved Nick and Piper forward, Nick to the opposite side, Piper to stand behind me. I unhooked a grenade and tossed it to Nick, gesturing where he should throw it. Unhooking another, he pulled the pin, counted down, then we threw them.

Soon as they both exploded, I stepped forward and opened fire. Three raiders dropped almost immediately, but the gunfire returned was almost deafening. Bullets pinged off my armour as I turned one way, then another, bullets bursting through the thin wooden planks, taking down any raiders thinking they were safe in cover behind it. I only stopped into cover myself when I needed to place replace the magazine.

"Who the fuck are you?" one of the raiders yelled.

"You're dead, arsehole!" another shouted.

"Always with the same empty threats," I muttered, glancing to see Nick and Piper had followed me in. I was confident Piper should be okay given that I'd given her armour and she now wore a helmet, but I still made a gesture for her to be careful. She returned a brief grin before opening fire at a raider in cover nearby.

I stood up and simply opened fire again. Never wildly or what I'd call haphazardly. Years of training meant I only pulled the trigger when confident I was going to hit something, whether it be a human, a robot, or something that would cause destruction to the enemy. I would have thought even raiders would be a little more circumspect when facing someone in power armour. I was wrong, of course. One idiot even charged at me with a baseball bat. I did find enjoyment in putting a bullet into his forehead.

Gunfire slowly died down as the last couple of raiders in cover seemed to think, if they stayed silent, they might live longer. I stepped towards the stage and turned around. Only now did I fire without aiming, putting bullets through any wooden surface. Barely lasted a few seconds, but it was enough to see two weapons thrown and shots of surrender.

That was a first.

"Stop shooting, man! Stop shooting! We give up!"

"Holy shit, Blue. Don't think I've ever heard those words from a raider."

"Stand up!" I ordered. Two raiders stood up from one of the wooden structures off to my left. Both of them seemed to be wounded. Gesturing with my rifle, they walked back towards the entrance, following their progress, my rifle never wavering as they ended up stood before me. Their armour was poor. They were filthy. Emaciated. Shocking teeth. Scarred to hell.

I lowered my rifle. "Fuck off," I said, gesturing to the door, "Just fuck off."

"Seriously?"

"You're both wounded. Chances of infection are quite high. And unless you find friends somewhere, I'm of the opinion you're both not long for the world. I've done enough killing today. Just get out of here." I poked the rifle into chest of one of them. "I don't forget faces. I see either of you again, next time you're going in the ground. I'll make sure you dig your graves first."

"Yeah, sure thing, man. Sure thing."

I watched with a hidden grin on my face as the pair turned and jogged through the two sets of doors. Whether they would live or not, I wasn't sure and immediately didn't care. Considering that most of the raiders gangs didn't particularly co-operate, though that was only an assumption, I assumed they probably wouldn't survive all that long without managing to link up with a friendly group.

Focusing my attention on the two figures in the cage, I stepped up onto the stage and opened the cage door. There was a male ghoul in a suit and a redheaded female. The ghoul was terrified, the redhead was… covered in a bit of blood and had the appearance of a junkie, looking at me without a concern in the world.

Stepping out of my power armour, the ghoul at least calmed down, particularly as I approached him without a weapon in hand, Nick and Piper joining me to either side.

"So, you wanna talk this out like civilized folk? Or you just goin' to bash up my theatre some more?"

I waved around. "Well, considering what you've done with the place, I think I've helped improve it a little bit."

The redhead laughed at my comment. "What do you want?" he asked, "Who are you?"

"General Nathan Shepard."

"Oh shit…"

"Know me?"

"Heard about you. Who hasn't after that little speech you made. These raiders were hopin' you'd show up. Guess they're regrettin' that now."

"And you are?" Piper asked.

"Tommy Lonegan. Owner and proprietor of the Combat Zone. Finest arena of the Commonwealth." He gestured to the redhead. "This here is Cait, my finest fighter. Hundred plus matches, undefeated."

I couldn't help glance at her again. First impression remained, but there was a fierceness to her gaze that I could understand. Definitely looked filled with explosive powers. Arms had definition that I recognised. But when her eyes met mine, I saw so many conflicting emotions, I was actually surprised.

"Instead of talking here, why don't we adjourn somewhere a little more comfortable?" I suggested.

"Now you're talkin' my language." He led us into what could be considered his office, all of us taking a seat around his desk. He poured us a glass of whiskey, drinking it back in silence, before he cleared his throat. "Honest question, General. What the fuck are you doin' here? And why the fuck did you shoot up my arena?"

Shrugging, I replied with, "I don't like raiders. And it is the mission of the Minutemen to eradicate them from the Commonwealth."

He sighed. "I don't know if I should thank you or kill you. All I know is that while you might have done me a favour in one regard, you've just killed my business."

"To hell with 'em," the redhead said, with quite a strong accent, something I didn't expect at all, "More'll come. Just need a quick breather and I'll be ready to go."

"A breather? What? So you can slam more of that junk into your arm?" That confirmed my suspicion, though I didn't feel good about it. "No, no. You know what? I think this was a blessing in disguise." He looked me in the eyes. "You caught the end of that bout. What'd ya think of Cait's work?"

"I was a little busy killing raiders, but considering you say she's had one hundred bouts and remain undefeated, she must have some talent."

Cait snorted. "Thanks."

"Yeah, I guess you were pretty busy cleaning house. Impressive work. Makes me think you're good enough to do me a favour. So here's my predicament. I suddenly got no audience. No audience means I got no caps coming in." He turned towards her. "And if you ain't bringing in caps, little bird, you ain't an asset. You're a liability. To me... and to yourself." He looked back at me, but I was already of an idea of what he wanted to ask. "So... here's what I'm thinkin'. What say I let you take over her contract? She goes with you, watches your back..."

"Don't I get a say in all this?" Cait asked, naturally already sounding a little pissed off.

"That ain't how a contract works. Besides, you really wanna to stay here? No audience. No caps. No one to talk to but yours truly."

Certainly made me smile with the humoured snort at that suggestion. "Point taken," she stated.

"That a girl. So, she's on board. Now what about you?"

I glanced at Cait. "Well, what does Cait think about this? I'm just some random stranger that walked…"

"You're the General of the fuckin' Minutemen. I'd trust her with you over any other fuckwit that walked in here, all guns blazin'."

"Still, I'd like to hear her opinion."

"You actually give a shit?" she asked, seemingly surprised by the notion.

"Of course. Tommy here is offering to sell, but I'm no slaver. I'll accept the contract under the condition it's what you want."

"Look, kid…"

I held up a hand. "Let Cait answer."

"Sure. Sure. If it gets me the fuck out of here if no caps are comin' in."

Tommy passed over what was supposed to look like a legal document. It was nothing of the sort, but I signed the paperwork anyway. He handed Cait some caps, handed me a few more, then told Cait to pack her shit and follow me. That she wasn't welcome at the Combat Zone any longer. But from the way he spoke, I had a feeling he was attached to her, no doubt cared for her in his own way.

Cait muttered quite a few choice words under her breath as she packed her small bag. There was no doubting she was upset at simply being handed over to me, and as we stood by the door waiting, she took one last look at him, cursed under her breath again, and strode off towards the front door.

"Good luck, General. You're going to need it."

Stepping back into my power armour, Cait was waiting just outside with her bag, smoking a cigarette. No missing the slight shake in her hand each time she took a puff. When she looked up at me, I'm not sure whether she was going to burst into laughter, burst into tears, or try and take a swing at me, armour or not.

"So what do you want from me?"

I handed the contract to Piper. "Please rip that up for me, Miss Wright."

"But…" Cait started to say but stopped as Piper wasted no time ripping the paper into shreds.

"I don't own people, Cait. Those who follow me do so because it is their choice. You haven't chosen to be here at this moment. You were sold. But back in the old days, a slave could be given freedom by their owner. So consider yourself immediately free."

"Just like that?"

"Just like that. So you're free to go where you want, though you are welcome to join us for the time being."

"Where are you going?"

"Back to Diamond City for the moment. After that, I'm not sure."

She looked around, and seeing she had very few options, she shrugged. "Fuck it, nothing better to do."

Nick and Piper led the way back to Diamond City, bringing up the rear this time myself as I figured we wouldn't run into anyone on the way back. Cait walked along, shoulders hunched, barely looking up. Realised I knew absolutely nothing about her, and that she'd been handed over to a complete stranger. I noticed Piper and Nick occasionally glance back at her, but I guess tempting her into conversation would have been futile.

Walking into Diamond City, Piper and Nick said they'd head back to their respective homes while I helped sort out accommodation for Cait. After leaving my armour in its usual spot, I escorted Cait to the Dugout Inn. Vadim behind the bar met my eyes as I walked in, obviously aware I had a different woman on my arm. Thankfully, he didn't make a big deal of it.

"What will it be, General?"

I couldn't help the groan. "You too?"

"I kid! I kid! Now, what can I do for you?"

"I need a room. Not sure how long we'll need it for, so we'll just pay each day until something more permanent is organised."

"That'll be ten caps a night. Tell you what, though. Book 7 and you pay for 6."

"Got yourself a deal, Vadim." I glanced at Cait. "Happy to bunk here for a week?"

I received a shrug in reply, so I handed over the caps, grabbed the offered key, and led Cait towards the room. Opening the door, at least there wasn't an unpleasant smell. Bed seemed to have clean sheets. Cait dumped her bag on the bed before she turned towards me. She looked me up and down before she asked, "So you going to fuck me now?"

I felt my jaw drop slightly at the blunt remark. "What?"

"You own me now. Guess you're going to want to get some worth out of me. Want your dick sucked? Fuck my arse?" I don't think she expected me to laugh. "The fuck are you laughing at? You might have torn up the contract, but no-one does anything like that without expecting something in return. So I'm figuring you're keeping me around to fuck me. Not the first man to do that, probably not the last. Would rather you didn't try and rape me, at least. I can fake wanting it, at least."

I stopped laughing immediately and shook my head. "Cait, I don't want anything from you."

"Bullshit."

Shrugging, I retorted, "If that's what you want to believe of me, so be it. Though I can only hope I change your mind. You're now a free woman. Do what you want. But you'll be safe here, at least. No longer need to fight. But I have an offer for you."

Her eyes narrowed. "What? You'll get others to use me instead?"

I sighed. Could have taken offence at the fact she thought the worst of me, but I had already made a million of my own assumptions, and I think half of them would turn out to be right. "No-one is going to use you, Cait. But if you're half as good as what Tommy think, I could always use help, but more importantly, it will give you something to do, a purpose. Can you handle a weapon? I mean a gun?"

"Sure I can," she replied, "Why?"

I stepped towards her, and I watched her half want to cower away, half want to stand tall and push me away. I kept my hands my side to ensure I wasn't going to do anything. "You obviously heard what Tommy called me. My name is Nate, though I am the Commanding Officer of the Minutemen."

She snorted at that. "That bunch of losers!"

"Not losers anymore. We now control a vast tract of land north of the river. We've taken back the Castle. And we're now going to cleanse Boston of raiders, mutants, and any other group bringing misery to the people."

"And what do you want in return? As I said, no-one does anything like that without wanting payment."

"I'm a soldier, Cait. Long story, might tell you later. So I don't need payment. In a way, this is what I've done nearly my entirely life. I have a mission, only difference is that it's a mission I've given myself. So, over the next few days, weeks, even months, I'll be spending time between here, the Castle, even Sanctuary further north. And you're welcome to join me."

"Seriously? You actually want me to hang around… you?"

Shrugging again, I replied, "As I said, gives you something to do. I have no idea what you've done with your life. Maybe you'll tell me one day. But we all need something to do. You did willingly come with me, but I'm not going to force you to continue hanging around with me. You have this room for a week. If you wish to stay around, great. But if you want to make your own way, I respect that."

Turning and walking back to the door, she asked, "You seriously just walking away now?"

I glanced back at her. "As I said, Cait, you're not my slave. I don't own you. And I expect nothing from you. Just chill out, relax, and I'll come back in the morning."

Vadim glanced at me as I walked out into the bar and even he seemed surprised to see me so quickly. Surprised him even further when I asked him to keep an eye on her. "You're not staying?" he finally asked.

"No. It's not like that, Vadim."

"Okay. I will make sure your new friend is okay."

I almost snorted at the use of the word 'friend' but kept my opinion to myself. I simply thanked the man and headed outside. Grabbing bowls of noodles from Takahashi, I wandered into Piper's house to find her sitting alone on the couch, flicking through what could have only been considered an ancient magazine. I'd seen quite a few around myself.

She smiled at seeing the bowl in my hand, and we ate dinner in silence before she kicked off her boots, curling her feet underneath her as she cuddled into my side.

Clearing my throat, I said, "So Cait thought I wanted to fuck her. Rather blunt in her assessment of what she assumed I wanted from her."

"Despite tearing up the contract?"

"She thought I would want favours in return for doing that."

"You returned here rather quickly so I can assume you didn't, so what will she do?"

"I paid a week's rent for a room at the Dugout Inn. I said she's more the welcome to join us as we start to work around Boston."

"Do you think she will?"

"Not sure, to be honest. Don't think she really has anywhere to go. I don't think she had anything to do with the raiders. Half of me thinks I'll head there tomorrow and she'll be gone. The other half think she'll probably be passed out drunk or high on drugs."

"Think she's a junkie?"

"Thought she had the look, but perhaps it was due to just having been in a fight. Sweaty. Full of adrenaline. Couldn't see any marks on her arms so… I'm not sure."

"Well, I think we did a good thing, Blue. Eliminated a large group of raiders, you actually let a couple walk away, and we somewhat saved a young woman from hell."

"I'm left thinking life wasn't idyllic for her there, but I doubt it's a subject she'll broach with a total stranger. Trying to convince her that I want nothing from her might take a while, so I might have to show her the good work we've been doing."

Despite Nat returning that night, Piper and I managed to have a little fun that night. She was in a rather good mood, and once Nat went to bed at her end of the shack, Piper practically dragged me to her bed, allowing me to practically rip her clothes off, throw her onto the bed before I got to work with my mouth first.

A couple of hours later, Piper had to slide off my lap onto the bed, breathing deeply as she started to giggle. "You're too fucking addictive, Blue," she murmured. Turning my head to kiss her cheek, she turned hers to kiss me properly. "And I love you for it."

Rolling onto her side, I pulled the blankets up to cover us as she spooned back against me. "What's next?" she asked after a yawn.

"A visit to Goodneighbor, I think. Heard plenty about it but still not seen it with my own eyes."

"Expectations?"

"None whatsoever. You been there before?"

"Once or twice. Not for a few years now though. It's somewhat safe, but they don't really tolerate strangers, and it has a reputation for a reason."

"Hmmm. Should I go in power armour or will that just put backs up?"

"Goodneighbor isn't far from Combat Zone. I think heading there without armour will be fine."

"I'll talk to Nick in the morning, see if he wants to join us. After Goodneighbor, back to the Castle and more organising."

Nat woke us up as she was getting ready for school, joining her downstairs and eventually agreeing to get dressed and head off to Nick's office for coffee. Ellie made us all coffee within a couple of minutes, earning giggles from Piper when she sat on my lap, asking if Piper minded. Assured that she didn't care, Ellie happily relaxed against me as we all enjoyed a couple of cigarettes with our coffee.

Asking Piper and Nick to meet me near the entrance, I waited for them to leave before I shared quite the kiss with Ellie, feeling her body mould against mine. "Tease," she whispered, "But I do enjoy these little stolen moments. And Piper doesn't mind?"

"She says we're friends with benefits, who also care for each other deeply."

"Think you could stay a night soon?"

"Absolutely."

She kissed me again before turning and pushing me gently towards the door. "Now you need to go otherwise you'll distract me all day."

"A good distraction?" I asked, opening the door.

"The sort of distraction where I'd hope to end up naked on the desk as you did things to me, Nate. I'll be away with my thoughts half the day just because you popped in to visit."

"I'll see you soon, Miss Perkins."

Walking into the Dugout Inn, Vadim told me he'd barely heard a peep from Cait all night, only heading out of her room once to buy a bottle of vodka. Gently knocking on her door, I heard nothing for a few seconds. I tried knocking two more times before I gave up and just tried the knob. No surprise it wasn't locked.

Opening it wide, what saw me didn't actually surprise me. I couldn't help sigh at the empty bottle halfway across the floor. I'd assumed that already. And the fact there were used psycho syringes didn't surprise me either. She was passed out on top of the blankets, absolutely dead to the world. Sitting gently on the side of the bed, I placed a hand on her shoulder to shake her awake.

Her eyes shot open and she leapt back against the wall, wielding a hidden blade that must have been under the pillow. She looked at me with such hatred, I couldn't help but standing up, holding my hands out. "Easy, Cait," I said.

"The fuck do you want?"

"It's morning, Cait. We're heading out. Thought you might like to join us."

She glared at me silently for a few seconds before she quickly calmed down. Then a look passed over her that suggested she wasn't feeling that good. I glanced around and found a bucket just in time, placing it on the bed in front of her and turning away as she threw up. Heading to the bar, I bought two bottles of purified water, taking the bucket from Cait as I handed her a bottle of water. "Drink this, then you should get something in your guts. You eat anything yesterday?"

"No," she whispered.

"Well, I suggest a filling breakfast. It'll give you energy after last night. When did you last shower?" That earned a snort of derision. So I turned around again, placing the bucket by the wall, as I walked towards the bar again. "You have showers here, Vadim?"

"Of course. Who wants one?"

"Cait needs one. You got a spare towel and maybe some soap?"

"Yes."

Cait had at least managed to sit up when I walked back in, offering her the towel and soap. She stood up and swayed, stepping forward to keep her steady. "I'm fine," she murmured… then she stepped forward and rested her head against me. "Or not."

"Need help getting to the bathroom?"

"Why are you helping me?"

"It's the right thing to do. Come on, a hot shower will do you the world of good. Then a feed, then we'll head out and get some fresh air."

Piper and Nick were sitting in the bar area when we reappeared. Piper smiled at seeing me helping Cait to the bathroom. Starting the shower for her, she started to strip off immediately, so I turned to head out. She called out something suggestive which made me chuckle, no doubt not meaning a word she said, but I didn't turn around. Ordering some breakfast from Vadim, a couple of plates sat on the table when Cait walked out fifteen minutes later in the same clothing, but she simply looked better, certainly a little livelier.

Sitting down, I offered her one of the plates and she practically wolfed the food down. She burped a couple of times to our amusement, didn't say a word otherwise, but just like the shower, it seemed to do her a world of good. Placing the empty plate down, I offered her a cigarette, which earned me the first genuine smirk as I lit it for her, lighting one for the rest of us.

Watching as she sat back and relaxed for the first time I'd seen, she blew smoke towards the ceiling. "Going to judge me on what you obviously saw?"

"No," I replied.

"Bullshit. You think I'm a junkie."

"I think you use drugs, that much is obvious. But are you a junkie? That's for others to decide. My question is if you wish to join us today?"

"Sure, sure. You got a piece for me?"

"What do you want?"

"Shotgun. Always known how to handle a shotgun."

"I have a shotgun you can use. I don't have any armour though."

She lifted her head to look at me then Piper. "He's a soldier. Fuck knows what the thing in the hat is. What are you?"

"I'm a reporter. A journalist."

That made Cait laugh. "What's the fucking point?"

"People need to be kept informed and know the truth."

"Most people are illiterate fucks," Cait retorted, "And the only truth is this. Life is shit and the only one you need to look out for is yourself. Everyone else has a price. Even you, reporter."

"That's a depressing way to view life," Piper replied.

"Look around us and tell me life can be, in any shape or form, be enjoyable. Then look at most of the people around. Nothing but utter fuckin' scumbags." She then looked at me. "Not sure I should believe a word you say, but considering you didn't walk in and rape my unconscious body this morning, I guess you have a modicum of decency."

"Um, thanks, I think."

We finished our cigarettes and grabbed weapons. Shotgun for Cait. Assault rifle for myself. Piper and Nick carried pistols. Piper and I wore combat armour. Nick wasn't worried. Cait could probably have done with some, but she insisted she didn't really care. Taking a pack that carried some spare ammunition magazines, shells for a shotgun, a few grenades, and a little water, we headed back into the ruins and east to Goodneighbour.