DAY 13, November 4th

2:47 AM:  I can't sleep on this thing anymore...its somehow lumpy and saggy, thin and hard all at the same time.  I'm tired but going to hoof it back home and hopefully make it by sunrise. I'll take a nap in my own bed then. At least the night sky is clear...

4:24 AM: Made it home with no trouble by retracing my original path back, though I did stop to scout that building with the dish on it and saw a raider up there. Gave it a wide berth, don't need to piss off two gangs at once. Picked some more flowers and mutfruit on the way back for the larder as well. 

I did see that deer again, but I let it flee and called Codsworth back when he gave chase. To tired right now. As I passed by our little farm I saw the plants were ready to harvest again already!  I don't know if it's a result of the irradiated soil or the plants themselves, but stuff grows fast now!  Made it home just before dawn. 

7:26 AM: Slept for three hours in my own bed and I'm feeling rested now. Used that pillow I found in the junkyard after whacking the crap out of it. My beard does not itch so I guess it's clean enough. Set about organizing mine and Codsworth's inventory. It's funny how I look at objects now and see their potential components rather then their original function.

Speaking of which, my head needs a shave and I should trim up my beard.  Shouldn’t take took long with the sharp implements I have stashed around here...

8:12 AM: Feeling a little cleaned up I went over to the Rosa’s and ran into Jun and Sturgis as I was sorting through our junk at the workbench. Talked for a little bit, I filled them in on Tebines, then we all got back to work.

8:48 AM: While returning to my bedroom to stash some ammo Cottesworth had on him, I ran into Mama Murphy. She asked about that Jet and I went ahead and gave it to her. She breathed it in with the shutter as Codsworth made a "tut-tut" sound disapprovingly. As her eyes rolled back in her head she said to me that Diamond City had the answers, but it was locked up tight. She saw me asking them for answers but said their, "hearts were chained up with fear and suspicion". She went on to say I would find the answers I seek and something about being led to my boy.  "Follow the signs to bright heart." she told me, whatever that means. After that she said she needed to rest so I let her go. Such a strange woman. 

9:02 AM: Passed Preston and filled him in on Tenpines. Told me to take my time, plan, and be careful. Kinda wish he would come with me...

11:01 AM: Broke down the 10 mm pistol, glow sighted light pipe pistol, and one of the short double-barreled shotgun's then set about modifying my laser musket before realizing I needed one more screw to extend it stock to a full one. Was able to make a short scope out of the materials we have, should help with targeting and scouting, but I used one of my few remaining screws to do it. Need to find more. 

With nothing else I could do to my weapons, I turned it to the armor station and broke down a leather chest piece and the raider gear I had collected. Used some steel, cloth, and adhesive to temper my welded left leg. Should afford better physical and energy protection now. Also added a pocket for more storage.

As I stepped away from the armor workbench I looked up at the power armor station before me. Thing has been sitting empty in the Rosa's carport and it made me think about bringing the T-45 here instead. I'd feel safer with it behind our walls, so I decided to go and get it right then. Don’t want some passerby hijacking it. On my way out I filled up the empty rum bottle and the others I had collected with water before washing my face and drinking my fill. Told Codsworth to stay with the others while I went to retrieve my power armor.

11:36 AM: Back at the rocket, the place still feel safe to me. If things ever go sideways I can always hold up here but I'd rather not think like that. Hit the big red button to open the garage door and stepped into my suit. Fits like a glove. Along with Sturgis I should be able to modify it more to my personal needs. I think it definitely could use a paint job!  Took the opportunity to load up on some of the junk I had in the Rocket's workshop to take back home. 

Picked up a hotplate from the shelf in the station thinking it might have a salvageable screw in it. Also took the giddy up buttercup back leg which had been rusting there, might be useful. I went ahead and grabbed the mini gun to store back in Sanctuary as well as a handful of other weapons that I might be able to break down and reuse.

I need to find a way to freely transfer items between our settlements, maybe via runners? It's going to take quite a bit of persuasion on my part to get anybody to agree to that type of risky job.

Just as I left the rocket my armor's fusion core warning beeped loudly in my ears. The thing’s almost drained, hopefully I have enough juice to get back to the Rosa’s carport...

12:36 PM: Made it back home, barely. I'll definitely need to find more fusion cores if I want to use this thing again. Sturgis was pretty excited to see the armor back, and immediately offered any assistance he could to help me "trick it out". Nice to see everyone starting to find things to get excited about other than just surviving. Outside of the suit I was weighed down with all the junk I had taken from the rocket so I stored everything I could and broke down an additional pipe pistol and shotgun that I had brought with me.  As I was using the weapon station I stepped back to wipe my brow and looked down at the typewriter that had been sitting on a crate next to it all this time. That damn thing must have at least two or three useable screws!  Spent the next hour tearing it and other items apart. Now I have a new full stock on my on musket. Need to think of a name for it...

1:26 PM: Refurbished the shell of a burnt out steamer trunk with salvaged steel to hold the minigun in the carport. Damn thing is too heavy to lug around, and I would like it near the power armor if needed. I'm now realizing that I left the 5mm rounds for it back in the Rocket…I really do need a better way of transferring things between locations. Spent some time tinkering with the T-45. Don't have the materials needed but the possibilities are almost endless!  I could paint it at least, but Vault Boy blue is my only option right now and it’s not appealing to...

3:00 PM: Scrapped the old door to our carport and replaced it with a wooden one. It's the only exit out of our walls except the main gate and I feel more secure with it closed and locked now. Also found our toaster on the ground outside, it's screws will come in handy. Ate a gourd and mellon chunks for lunch by the well. Still have some more work I'd like to get done today. 

3:52 PM: While wondering the neighborhood salvaging more supplies I happened across Mamma Murphy between Jahani's and the Frank's homes. She asked for a chair, something comfortable for her old bones. I said I'd be glad to help, I feel like I can make her a nice one. It's funny but I think I'm just realizing how fortunate I am to have found the companions I have. All signs indicate most people are alone in this world and fending for themselves. Speaking of which...where has Dogmeat gone to?

4:49 PM: There is a chem station behind the Hawthorn's house? Decided I'll drag it back to our area...maybe I can figure out how to make medication, or we might have a doctor join us someday. Could always learn to make more...explosive tools as well. 

5:31 PM: Placed the chem station against the side of the Smith's, across from the armor station. Might prove useful. If anything Mama Murphy seems knowledgable about these things...

6:03 PM: So I made Mama Murphy a comfy green chair, with extra padding, from the frame of what must of been a nice wingback and some of the better bits of scrap. I hope she likes it. 

7:25 PM: I found Dogmeat. Apparently he took a liking to the doghouse behind the Frank's home. As I was coaxing him out to show him where his house was I noticed two suspicious mounds of earth.  I think they are graves but I have no idea how old they are. So many lives lost, so many stories cut short. If I stop and let myself think about it, it feels like I might go mad.  OK, need to make sure he knows where his real home is from now on. He's safer without our walls, and everyone else is safer with him as well.

8:42 PM: Sent Codsworth home and led Dogmeat back to our house and his own home by the front door. Think I'll travel with him again for a bit.  Cosworth is good company but can get on my nerves after a while. Boiled some dirty waters to purify them and roasted up some roach. Went to plant the wild corn and discovered it's not viable as a crop but did manage to plant what appears to be a cross between a potato and a tomato on the plot of soil in front of my bedroom window. Also set up a working cooler on the counter in my kitchen by the sink and transferred all of the meets that I had cooked and some other produce into it to keep them fresh. Tossed the antibiotics in there as well. Finding that carrying too much food around is just weighing me down and with the need to bring back any salvage I can, I need to bring only what is needed. Realized I'd been caring around a ton of water as well so I threw together a simple crate and placed it on the opposite side of the sink. Now it's filled to the top with freshwater! I'll let everyone know in the morning that it's all up for grabs if they need it.

Going to readjust my inventory a bit more, store some of the heavier things, then call it a night. Thinking I should probably scout the rest of Concord and identify some viable routes to the Corvega plant tomorrow with Dogmeat. 

DAY 12, November 3rd

6:41 AM: Slept very well and woke ready for the day. Drank some water from the well and greeted Sturgis as I filled an empty milk bottle. With no set agenda for the morning I thought I would try that floor safe in the Russell's home again. Codsworth was staying stationary where I asked him to while I worked yesterday, between my house and the Rosa home, so I set off out the gates and down the street. 

I broke two bobby pins but, I cracked it on the third!  I'm starting to get the hang of picking locks...need to revisit another the others that gave me problems before. (Lvl. 6: Locksmith Perk Rank 1: Can pick advanced locks) inside there was twenty-five .38 rounds, another pipe pistol, 340 dollars, and a silver table spoon. Not a king's ransom, but the accomplishment is it's own reward!

Heading back home to stash or breakdown the goods then decide what to make of the day. 

9:02 AM: It's settled. After speaking to Preston I’ve decided I'm going to try and visit Tenpines to assess the situation there. Codsworth is ready and I'm taking only what I need to stay light. 

As I was leaving Jun said morning to me a asked me not to take offense to Marcy, that she was dealing with the loss in her own way. It was then that I realized: Marcy was his Wife! That meant she lost her son as well...I feel guilty for having been so harsh in my feelings towards her. I'm hoping my sons alive and they saw there's killed right in front of them. I hate what this world has become.

While I was dropping off a relatively clean toothbrush that I had found in our bathroom, I realized there were six bobby pins still in our medicine cabinet. They were Nora's. She used to fuss and complain about those things when she put them in her hair, but God forbid she leave the house without them! Funny, now they are just tools to help me get materials that I need to survive.  I miss her...

10:22 AM: Heading out towards Tenpines with Codsworth after eating some Cram and drinking from the well. It's marked on my map and hopefully it will be an uneventful trip. As I left Jun said he hopes I find my son...

10:52 AM: Crossed the river south east of Sanctuary quickly to avoid the radiation as much as possible.  As we followed the bank north east we saw a wild mongrel, like the dead one near the statue. Was able to pop off a few shots before it realized we were there, then Cottesworth swooped in for the kill. He took its head clean off.  Not bad for a domestic Mr. Handy and more meat for the pot! 

A little ways past the dog I saw what looked like a deer, possibly a fole? Try as I might I was unable to land any shots from Nora. Lost eight rounds and had nothing to show for it.

As we continued up the bank I came across a small dock jutting out into what effectively became a lake at that point. There was a trashcan with a glass pitcher in it, which I took, and at the end of the dock was a empty wooden basket and a cooler with what looked like a potato and three dirty waters.  As I was about to leave I noticed through the boards of the dock that there was a first aid kit submerged under the water. Holding my breath and stealing myself for the crackle of my Pip-Boy's rad warning, I jumped in and quickly opened up the box.  Rad-X and a stim were my reward.

11:29 AM: I was about to break due east towards the waypoint on my map but I see what appears to be a pump in the water and another black tube like the one I saw north of Sanctuary snaking up a hill. My curiosity is getting the better of me, going to check it out.

11:33 PM: It was a water pump, and still running. Cosworth took notice of its condition as well and we followed the tube up the hill. It snaked under branches and around rocks eventually ending at a water reservoir on the hilltop. There was an old skeleton sitting up against it, a snubnose .44 pistol next to it, and a good sized dent in the metal of the reservoir behind its skull. That and the hole in its forehead said it all. What would I have done if caught out in the open when the bombs fell and had a gun handy? As I searched through the area it started to rain. Took the snubnose with its five remaining .44 rounds, a tin can, some pork n beans, a milk bottle and a box of bobby pins. There was also two bags of RadAway and a Rad-X in a wooden crate on the top grate of the reservoir. I opened up a suitcase that was next to the skeleton and found more .38 rounds along with some rather fashionable glasses, and a hand from one of those monsters like the one I had killed back in Concord. This one was old and dried out, still intimidating in its size, and I highly doubt that it was there before the war. As I was about to leave I turned to the still running controls for the reservoir and tried to open the lid but couldn't do the vacuum which which had sealed it shut. After some thought we went back down to the river and opened the lid on top of the pump, then I deactivated the circuit breaker and close the lid up. A quick hike back up the hill and I was able to access the control panel now that the suction have been stopped. From inside fell out three stashes of caps with 54 caps total!  I still have no idea what these things are worth, but considering money is lying around everywhere and these things are either hidden or in secured boxes, I assume this is a good haul. With nothing else inside I closed the lid and moved on.

As we turned to leave I looked at the snubnose. It has considerably more stopping power than Nora, but with only five rounds I'll have to save them for an emergency.

12:49 PM: Thunder and lightning, the first I've heard since I came out of the Vault. I started heading due east towards my way point but in the overcast light I see what looks like...a campfire? Going to go in quiet and see what's there.

1:53 PM: My instincts were right, it was raiders. I took the first one’s head clean off with Nora from where we were hiding, leaving two more. After reloading I started popping off rounds at the next one who was moving in our general direction with a shotgun ready. He had not seen us yet and our cover afforded me another kill with only one shot. That left one more on a hill past their camp, and he was obviously panicking. Crouched I quietly moved forward to try and snipe the last one as well. Nora shot true and after the first bullet grazed his shoulder, the second one found a home in the center of his face. He went down and it was over.

I drug their bodies near a stump away from their camp and started looting them. Just some more what is turning out to be typical raider gear, though the gas mask and goggles might be handy if I encounter an irradiated area. There were two short double-barreled shotguns, more shells, a light pipe pistol with glow sites like the ones I put on Nora, and a stim pack. All in all not too bad. I raided the rest of their camp and came up with some Buffout, roasted mole-rat chunks, and an empty beer bottle. It looks like they had killed one of those double headed cows recently so I went ahead and took some meat from it along with a metal bucket that was next to it, presumably for when they started gutting it.

I'm still a little less than halfway from Tenpines, going to go ahead and take the opportunity to rest for an hour and get my bearings before I push on. Should make a note of this location, having a camp between the two settlements might prove handy in the future.

2:56 PM: While we were resting I passed off some of the heavier equipment to Codsworth. Both of the shotguns, the light pipe pistol, and some of the extra junk I had. He took the opportunity to point out to me that he still had the red kickball that we had found while exploring north-west of sanctuary a few days ago. I reassured him that we would stash everything once we got back home. For a robot he can be a bit neurotic, but I suppose 200 years alone in a world where it was impossible to actually clean anything for a Mr. Handy was difficult.

Well, time to press forward.  Drank one of Cogsworth's waters as we left. Not bad, a little flat compared to the stuff from the well but worlds better than the radiated crap I've had to drink a few times.

3:15 PM: Found some silt beans and a broken safe with its door removed near a couple brick walls just east past the camp. I assume it was a building of some sort before the bombs. Scored another 10mm pistol and 17 caps inside the open metal box. It's still drizzling and we have at least another four hour hike ahead of us...assuming there are no more incidents. 

4:22 PM: During our walk I found some more of that glowing fungus and picked it. A little ways past that I noticed a large dish on a building in the distance to the north-east. I’m unsure of what it is, but need to focus on the task at hand.  Shortly after that, while picking some hubflowers, we discover a huge excavation site just south of our route. Pretty sure it's Thicket Excavations. One of my wife's coworkers had a cousin who worked there...or something like that.  Looks like it might be occupied so we headed back to where I pealed away and then eastward once more. 

Crossed a decayed road near the foot of the cliffs where the building with the dish sat atop. Still not sure what facility it is...nothing seems familiar after the bombs fell and centuries passed while I was asleep. Will have to investigate it another time. 

4:55 PM: While crossing a field another mongrel rushed us from behind a rusted car. Shot it in the head with my musket and noticed another in the tree line east of us. Tossed a cocktail but totally misjudged the distance and missed.  Moved in with my machete. Two whacks from me then Codsworth finished it off. Took their meat and left them to rot. 

These laser muskets are odd, a combination of old school gears and modern laser parts. At first it felt unworldly and awkward but I'm starting to dig it.  I need to tinker with this thing, see what I can improve on it. 

5:39 PM: Passed through a broken fence line into what might have been a junkyard. Spotted more of the dogs and hid in the grasses with my musket ready. Slowly moved forward and counted two of them a good 20 yards apart amongst the rusted cars and junk. The nearest one seems to spot us and I shot a blast at its left legs. It glowed white and turned to ash. Moving slowly I cranked up the musket and advanced. As I stepped on a dry branch with a loud crack the second one charged but Cogswoth decapitated it before I could aim my shot.  

Almost to our waypoint but this place is a treasure trove!  (After entering that I realize how insane it is that I'm this excited about trash)  Gonna invest a little time scrounging around, see what we can find...

6:19 PM: While I was searching another broken safe one of those damn dogs came out of nowhere. Thankfully my musket was cranked up and I pulled the trigger while swinging it up, nailing it square in the face. Need to clean dog brains off my leathers before I search anymore. Sending Codsworth out to scout a hill ahead of us while I wipe myself off.  I'm feeling more confident with this energy rifle, it does not kick like a traditional firearm but I'm learning how to deal with that. Never was one for the larger guns but I think I'm getting the hang of it. (Lvl. 7: Rifleman Perk Rank 1: Attacks with non-auto rifles do + 20%)

7:09 PM: Not too bad a haul, and other then that last mongrel jumping me it was uneventful. Found a rum bottle (empty unfortunately), two Molotov cocktails, Rad-X and a straw pillow. The pillow was in a wooden crate in the bed of a rusted truck and looked clean enough. Kept searching and found more glowing fungus and a power relay coil in a dryer, nice! It's copper and steel will come in handy. Sturgis told me he would teach me the basics of wiring if I could get enough copper. Also found two stashes with 38 caps in another busted safe

Best of all: when I sent Codsworth to scout that hill he found four wild corn plants!  Brought me back an ear and lead me to the rest. Hopefully I can plant these in the plot by my house when we return home. Gave him the heavier junk I found and turned east. Per my Pip-Boy out destination is only 92 yards away. 

7:29 PM: Damn!  As I was climbing what would be the last hill another fucking dog barreled at me. Thing took two shots to the chest from my musket and kept coming. Bit me twice and if it wasn't for Codsworth I'd be dead right now. Used two stims and now drinking some water while I catch my breath. Need to stay on guard all the time...I'm better then this. 

8:41 PM: Tenpines, not what I imagined...underwhelming would be a good description.  Introduced myself to a woman who was pointing a shotgun at my chest as she asked what I wanted in a tone that said she was not ready for any shit. Behind her was a quiet man tending their small plot of crops who only glanced sideways at us while we talked. When I asked if she always points a gun at people she explained they have to, they can't afford to loose any more crops and I should just move along. Realizing that we got off on the wrong foot I explained that I was from the Minutemen and she changed her tune. Lowering her weapon she said she thought the Minutemen were gone and was surprised, happy even, to discover she was wrong but still skeptical.  Apparently after what happened in Quincy no one put any faith in the group. I asked what the problem they were having at Tenpines was and she confirmed what the trader told Preston: A raider gang had been harassing them for weeks threatening them if they did not cough up food and supplies. They had set up their base of operations in the old Corvega Assembly Plant to the south. I had driven past that place a hundred times in my previous life, honestly surprised to hear it's still standing. I told her I would take care of them for her, not really sure of what I was agreeing to but the look of hope in her eyes erased any doubt in my mind. She said she hopped the Minutemen were for real again, then mentioned a farm run by some of those ghouls Preston told me about...as if I would be in a hurry to visit it. Dunno if I'm up for that yet...

9:03 PM: Cooked up the meat I had on me with their cooking pot: seven mutt chops and a ribeye steak from the cow. Ate the steak with some water to wash it down...damn if it was not as good as any I had in a restaurant!  Need to keep an eye out for more of those two headed things!

Surveyed Tenpines...not much of a settlement. Just a small shack the two of them were using as shelter to sleep in, the small plot of crops, and a almost completely ruined house foundation with some roach problems. Killed the pests with my machete and decided to turn in for the night. Need to report back to Preston and resupply before I even consider taking on a whole gang. Need to evaluate my weapons and armor as well, I'm sure Sturgis can lend me a hand with some mods. 

9:44 PM: So much for good will...they are not ok with me sleeping in their shack. Can't really blame them, I'm a stranger who could very well be one of the raiders as far as they know. So I'm back at the dump sitting on an old mattress I had seen when scavenging. Hopefully it's free of bugs...at least it's dried out from the rain...

DAY 11, November 2nd

5:54 AM: Woke at dawn, slept well without any dreams. Some of the tattoos in the magazine were good, from an artistic standpoint, but I never saw myself being inked. Anyhow, got half way through the thing before passing out. It's funny how quickly you forget the little things you used to always do and took for granted, like reading. I think I'll keep an eye out for anything else I come across for my personal library. Hell, I'd even read an issue of La Coiffe if I could find one! Nora wouldn’t believe it.

So I'm feeling fatigued again and not sure why. Perhaps I've come down with something?  Used an antibiotic in the hopes it will help. Need to remember to inject these things with water on hand to drink, they dehydrate you quickly.  Anyhow, I need to go fetch Codsworth and now is as good a time as any. I'll let Preston know what I'm doing and work on some defenses when I get back. I have an idea I wanna try...

8:41 AM: Uneventful trip to Concord to retrieve Codsworth, plus I think the antibiotics worked since I’m feeling better and more alert. He had a can of water ready for me and didn't have anything to say about being left behind, even after I apologized. I honestly don’t think he was worried at all, I said stay and he stayed.  Probably would have hovered there another two hundred years if I never came back.  Now that I'm back home I need to turn my attention to fortifications. I stopped by the Rocket on the way back to grab some of the junk I had stowed there since I'll be doing construction today. I've been thinking about the other day when I was on the Rosa's roof, about the view from up there...

9:15 PM: Worked all day. Did most on my own, got some help where needed, and I agree with what Sturgis said when I was done: it feels secure, safe even...like home.  And you know what?  It feels good. Constructed walls of wood and steel, mostly wood and made some guard posts for defense. I also drug salvageable pieces of furniture from the surrounding houses to use in our own. When I asked Sturgis what's next he said that we need to “just learn how to live again." and I agree. I think we have all been so caught up in surviving that actually living is something we forgot about. 

After I spoke to Sturgis I realized that other then taking frequent trips to the pump so I was hydrated, I hadn't eaten all day. Had a dinner of Mac N’ Cheese with some silt beans and sugar bombs for dessert. I don't know if it was the sense of accomplishment, or I just got lucky with the quality of the food I was eating, but it was on the best meals I've had in a while.

So we now have a fortified gate, with a guard post outside of it, stretching between the Rosa's home and the Baker's next to mine. There's a connecting wall between the Baker’s and our house now as well, I had to tear down part of our white picket fence for that. There is now a, mostly, steel wall between the opposite side of our home, near the carport, and the collapse Smith's house across the street. Finally there's a smaller wall between the Smith’s and the Rosa's which completes the enclosed area. Our garden behind the Rosa’s is outside, but if we need to defend ourselves the vegetables will be the last thing on our minds. I put one of the guard towers on top of the Rosa's carport and repositioned the stairs that Sturgis had made. The view from up there is even better then what I could see on Halloween. Asked Sturgis to man the lookout on the roof, taking into account his lack of combat experience and proximity to the workstations, and he agreed.  I approached Jun about manning the guard post outside the gate and he accepted immediately, to my surprise. Between the two of them and Preston patrolling the area we should be good.

As I started to make my way back to home I stopped to inspect the wall between the Rosa’s and Smiths from the outside.  I noticed that the crops we had planted were already growing well so I harvested some more vegetables. Marcy, ever the pleasant one, warned me to keep my mouth shut about this place, that she didn’t trust me.  I just nodded and headed back home.

9:37 PM: I'm exhausted, but in a good way. It's been another good day and I’m hopeful for what tomorrow holds…which is amazing in itself. What I mean is that having hope is amazing. I need to go and see how the people in Tenpines are holding up soon. With our settlement fortified and stocked up on provisions, now feels like the right time...for now I need to sleep. 

DAY 10, November 1st

6:15 AM: Woke to a slight drizzle outside and Preston in my room. He had nodded off in my old lounge chair and greeted me groggily as he rose to his feet. We spoke briefly and I asked about that other settlement which needed help and my concern that I might not be getting over to them anytime soon. He told me that the trader who told him about Tenpines Bluff said they had raiders antagonizing them, not an all-out assault or siege like in Concord…more of an extortion racket. They did not sound like they were in immediate danger. I need to head that way when I'm ready but I feel better knowing it's not an emergency, yet. 

Codsworth and I spoke and he gave me a purified water he made!  I did not know he could pull moisture from the air and provide it as rations. It takes a day for him to generate one, but that could be useful in a pinch. He also expressed how seeing the Commonwealth destroyed was difficult, that's something the two of us feel the same about.  Jun was in my living room as I passed through but in no mood to talk. 

It's amazing, the things you get used to given time: horrible food, uncomfortable living conditions, loss of privacy and your own space...unwashed people. I suppose it's part of our strengths as a species that we can adapt. Each morning I wake up and make myself think about what I used to have: Nora and Shawn's faces, my friends and family, our home. I can't let myself forget...

I think I’m prepared to venture back to Concord, hopefully we'll find something we can bring back and plant in the garden. Kept my weapons load out to Nora, my laser musket, a switchblade, and two Molotov cocktails.  Feeling good and ready so I switched on Diamond City for some music. Lets get this done. 

8:05 AM: Paid a visit to the Rocket's armor workstation on my way by and added some pockets to my chest piece by using some recycled leather pieces, some mole-rat hide I had been tanning, adhesive from duct tape, and some cash. The additions should help me store a little bit more salvage and Codsworth wanted a break from the rain.

Decided to try and make Jet with the ingredients Mama Murphy told me and an empty inhaler that was at the chem station. It looks like it worked...as much as any chemical smelling substance in an inhaler looks like it will "work". I'll let her decided if she wants to test it out. Went ahead and made something I was much more familiar with as well: some adhesive, cloth, empty bottles and a little oil produced two more Molotov cocktails. They helped the last time I was in Concord, I'm glad to have more. 

9:37 AM: At the outskirts of Concord, lets see what we can find. "The Wanderer" is playing...oddly appropriate, I suppose I am a wonderer now. 

9:41 AM: Score!  Right behind the first house, the one I found the bat and Nuka Quantium at, were five gourd and two of what I have been told are “mutfruit" plants!  More then enough for Sanctuary and some extra ones if I get hungry. Good start to our scavenging trip!

11:20 AM: There was another house across the street and down a little that was not boarded up, past a rusted playground. It was hard to walk through there…kept imagining the live nora and I will never have.  Anyhow I found a toolkit with some tools and a first aid kit with Rad Away, purified water, and two doses of antibiotics! Those could be very useful if I fall ill. Also found some sugar bombs, Instamash, and a can of Cram as well as another Stash of 18 caps. I wonderful ever find a use for these things?  Took a few dresses that I found in a suitcase and dresser of the bedroom then noticed that under the empty bed-frame was a safe. Simple enough lock to crack, I think these things are getting easier, and after a minute I was inside.  Found some .38 rounds, 10 mm rounds, another other gold plated flip lighter, pistol, shotgun shells and 240 bucks. Not too bad, especially since I realized that I broke down my lighter back at the Rocket and had no way to light these damn cocktails.

12:44 PM: Had a light lunch of Cram and water on the roof of a bombed out three story structure while Codsworth patrolled below.  It had been picked over but at least the view was nice from up there, and no one could sneak up on us. Rain cleared but it's still pretty overcast today. Been using my Pip-Boy's light to help me see better. 

After my quick lunch I went from roof to roof to see if anything was up there. Made what I thought was a simple jump to a lower roof... Scared the shit out of myself, not hurt but realized I should not take chances like that out here alone.  And we don't have any Doctors in Sanctuary, assuming I would even be able to make it back there.

1:07 PM: Found one of those Pulowski Preservation Shelters near a bus stop. It’s fusion generator was still functioning and as I opened it up the familiar "Protection on a budget!” jingle kicked on. It was empty and I stepped inside, then the door slid closed and I heard the female voice state, "Getting hungry? Try a Yawk Brat once this whole thing blows over!" For a few moments I was filled with sheer panic that I was trapped.  Just as another advert started playing the door opened and I hopped out. Creepy fucking coffins...I doubt they saved anyone.

In the covered bus stop was an add for Slocum's Joe...I remember coffee from there. God I would kill for a cup right now. Apparently the bus stop advert recordings are still functioning as well, tripped by their motion sensors. Just behind the bus stop I found some doors leading down to the Concord civic access. I've nowhere specific to go at this point, and enough crops for Sanctuary, so I'm going to poke my head in and see what's down there...

1:22 PM: With the green glow of my Pip-Boy lighting the way and my switchblade drawn we made our way slowly down the stairs.  Just inside at the base of the first set was a skeleton, dried and brittle. Past some gates I saw familiar movement: quick, dark, and flat on the ground.  I snuck up on a lone radroach, that’s what Preston said everyone calls them, and struck.  It never saw my switchblade coming as I drove it into it’s caprice with a sickening crunch. Unfortunately another larger one got the jump on me, getting in a few bites. I took it out while Cogsworth killed a third one. As I was harvested their meat I could not decided what disgusted me more: them or the fact I had missed having fresh cooked “meat” over the last few days. Nearby in the hallway I found some duct tape and a flip lighter in a plastic box. Took them as I killed the Pip-Boy’s radio and put away the switchblade in favor of Nora. Found two more skeletons, dressed, next to some more plastic containers, all empty.

2:36 PM: Codsworth pipped up making me jump saying, “Sir.  Judging by my navigational sensors we are now directly beneath Concord.” I thanked him for his update and asked him to go silent till I spoke to him.  As we pushed on we came to a fenced ledge up some steps.  There was a first aid kit with purified water, RadAway, and a stim. There was also a toolbox with some more duct tape and two more flip lighters: one steel and one gold. On the ground next to it was one of those smiling alien toys, took it as well.

2:44 PM: You think I would have learned at this point to either stop poking my head into dark places, or expect the worst. Right after looting the toolbox I looked down through a large break in the fence of the alcove. We were about 5 feet up from the water draining under the streets, and about 50 feet up the tunnel from us I saw something big moving in the shadows.  Hopping down I switch to my musket and quietly cranked it.  The thing was moving oddly and obviously was not a person, plus I didn't want to take any chances so I decided to fire before it noticed Cogsworth and I. Aiming for what i assumed was its right right arm four hits from the musket did not take it down.  Cogs worth had moved in and engaged so I took advantage of his distraction throwing two cocktails. They shattered on what appeared to be a huge bumpy shell spraying fire everywhere.  Cogsworth was shouting something but I could not make it out over the clicking sounds the thing was making, his attacks, and the fire. A dozen rounds from Nora later and the thing finally fell with a screech. 

As I approached it I saw the biggest God damn crab I have ever seen in my life. Holy shit, the thing must have weighed 300 pounds and was easily bigger than me. I keep thinking I've seen the worst this world has to offer and then it turns around and surprises me again.  Having been a big fan of crab before this all happened I took some meat from it and pushed forward into the tunnel slowly.  If there was another one I didn't know if we'd survive, but thankfully all there was was only a dead raider. I took everything he had on him and searched the area. Ironically there was a inhaler of jet next to his open hand. Maybe if he had taken a hit sooner he would've survived his own encounter with the crab. Just above his corpse was another, smaller, alcove with a stash of something called “Day Tripper", three more inhalers of jet (Mama Murphy will be pleased!), some Buffout, 14 caps, and a teddy bear. I took everything. A bit further down a hallway which branched off of the passageway I found what appeared to be where he was holding up. I whispered to Cottesworth to stay put in this room, closed the door, and took stock of our situation.

There was a steamer trunk with some 10 mm rounds, some more Jet (this guy either had a problem or was pushing the stuff), a leather right leg and a TV dinner tray. Along with all of that was calibrated 10 mm pistol with a pretty nice grip on it. Maybe I can salvage some of its parts for Nora? Also found issue 10 of a magazine called Taboo Tattoos? Looks like this issue is entitled "Eagle's Nest", with a passable drawling of an bald eagle on its cover that I can only assume is a tattoo someone would want to put on their body.

In the corner was a very dirty mattress, and I found a machete next to which I tucked into my belt after tossing the switchblade in my pack.  On a metal shelf nearby were some Mentats, Cram, a can of dog food, deviled eggs, and six empty cans scattered about. He was defiantly held up here for a while. Took some Rad-X from a cooler and tools from the toolbox before helping myself to the .308 and .38 ammo in a tool case on the shelf along with a short pipe rifle.  There was a busted computer on top of the shelf as well, but nothing salvageable in its shell. 

4:40 PM: I'd like to think I'm a man who knows when he's pushing his luck...so I'm getting back to the surface and heading home. Nice haul today, and even though I'm sure she will be as bitchy as ever, I know Marcy will be pleased with the crops I've brought home. 

6:16 PM: Made it home to Sanctuary with no incidents. I handed off all my gourds except one to Marcy.  She actually barked a thanks under her breath…at least I think that’s what she said. Reported to Sturgis on our food situation and he was extremely pleased with my progress. Having fresh food would make a big difference for our fledgling community. Next, he told me, we need some defenses.  He's right.  We will become a target as we grow and find success in our efforts so we need to be ready. I asked what kind of defenses he would recommend and he said: walls, sandbags, even a turret if we could make one. Anything will help and I have some thoughts, but I would need some help from him on a turret. Sounds like a good job to keep me busy tomorrow! For now I'm gonna sort through all this junk and see what I can break down. These weapons alone should provide me with enough parts to modify my weapons.

8:55 PM: I outfitted Nora with a hardened receiver and then headed home to drop the teddy bear and toy alien in Shaun's room. Just tossed them onto his floor…still not ready to go in there.  I’m thankful the others noticed and respect what his room means without me having to say anything.  They are good people...

9:49 PM: Well, I'm obviously not used to traveling with robots. Apparently Codsworth was incapable of taking the initiative and following me when I left the civic access area.  I suppose that telling him to stay and not remembering to tell him to follow me again is a big part of it. Not his fault I suppose, just following my orders and his programming. It wasn't until I was getting ready for bed when I realize he is still down in the sewer. Shit! I'll have to go back for him in the morning, damn robots. Oh well, just finished off my water, the grilled rad roach and a gourd for dinner, time to hit the sack. I’ll head out to retrieve him first thing tomorrow.

Think I'll read this Taboo Tattoos mag while I lie here...

DAY 9, October 31st (Halloween)

5:55 AM: I fell asleep reading my old copy of Grognak the Barbarian and the Jungle of the Bat-Babies which had still been in our kitchen. Nora used to tease me about buying these stupid things when we would go to Boston...but it was something I loved in childhood and now, well I find some comfort in the outrageous tales of half-naked woman and fantastical creatures. I suppose the world I live in now is not that much different, only more real and dangerous. 

After a bottle of fresh, self-sourced water I'm honestly feeling better then I have since before this all happened. I seem to have shaken my lethargy and exhaustion, and really feel great. Gathered up all the empty beer and Nuka-Cola bottles I had stored here to take back to Sanctuary and fill up with water. Before I left the Rocket I placed a plastic pumpkin I took from the Sutherland's yesterday on the counter next to the register...a reminder of better times and my own little holiday observance. 

I feel like today's going to be a good Halloween.

7:47 AM: Spent a little time breaking down a car with Preston, then some tires, and filled all my bottles. Eight fresh waters for the road!  Had turned Diamond City Radio back on as I walked over to Sanctuary and have left it on since. It's still hard at times to hear songs from a life that is over...but I promised myself I won't forget what I lost, and what I am searching for. 

So, since Marcy's already started to tend to the wild melons and gourds behind the Rosa's I figured that's as good a spot as any to focus on crops. Nora was a bit of a green thumb, with help from Codsworth, and I think I remember some of it. My plan is to use the melons and gourd I just harvest from Marcy's plants to increase the number of crops we are outputting. She made it clear we are not friends...again.  Despite her attitude she is a diligent worker, I'll give her that much. 

9:56 AM: So that's done and we'll have three more plants to harvest when they're ready. I honestly did not do to much, Marcy took over and shooed me off, so I put some of my stored knowledge to work on a garden plot right outside my bedroom window, next to Dogmeat's house. I'm hoping we can use it for that corn Sturgis mentioned...just need to find some.

I'm now standing on the roof of the Rosa’s house. Sturgis had made wooden stairs to access it for repairs and it makes a decent vantage point...actually makes me think about a real watch tower of some sort...

Anyhow, looking at what was Sanctuary Hills, all bombed and dilapidated, fills me with sorrow, but when I think of what it can become, what it already is becoming...it fills me with hope. This abandoned neighborhood of mine was a dead shell only a week ago and now, now there are five determined settlers with the goal of making this sanctuary their home. 

Actually, I guess there are six of us. 

While walking towards Jahani's old house, and having a snack of fresh water and Sugar Bombs, I finally ran in Cogsworth!  He welcomed me back and inquired about Concord so I kept it simple and let him know I made some new friends. He seemed pleased with that and surprisingly asked if he could accompany me.  Dogmeat is a great companion, but a change of pace with someone I can talk to would be nice. Dogmeat whimpered but Cogsworth got his tail wagging with some reassuring words. I told him to go our home, which was right behind me. I'll be back for him when the time is right. 

11:48 AM: I took the opportunity to ask Cogsworth on his thoughts. He didn't know much more about Diamond City then I do...and he had a decent apocalyptic-themed Mayan calendar joke.  I left it at that. 

Focusing on the task at hand, we need more food. I suppose the only option is to head out with Cogsworth and see if we can find some wild fruits or vegetables. Going to stop home first to adjust my load. Cogsworth will be handy to carry some additional weight then I think we will head towards Vault 111, if anything to cover some known ground.

12:11 PM: All set!  Mama Murphy was sitting in my dining room and mentioned that though she cannot fight now, back in the day she was called "Murphy the Madwoman".  Can't attest to her possible fighting prowess...but I think the madwoman nickname could have been apt. She seemed content to sit there humming to herself as we left. 

Heading up the street to trace our path from when we evacuated. Hopefully I'll find something at the elevator entrance and then we'll pick a direction into the wilds...

The Vault's elevator pad looked the same as the last few times I saw it. Now that I had time to thoroughly search the area, I started with a ruined trailer. Not much there: a switchblade jammed in the top of a ruined computer, a coffee pot and some mugs. Took it all. Surprising how useful ceramic can be. 

From there we crossed over to the elevator control station again. Other then the empty first aid kit on the wall I had looted while escaping, there was a wrench and plastic bowl. Not much else left so we headed south into the brush. 

Found a wild carrot flower as we pushed further south and then started following a road south west away from Vault entrance. Just past a wrecked van and car I spotted something on a hill. Pulled Nora out and investigated, slowly. Just two dirty waters, one purified, and a chair with a table under a canopy roped to the trees. Looks like it gave a vantage point of the vault entrance, but why? There was an odd symbol on the wood planks as well. Sorta looked like a sun, maybe?

3:15 PM: Headed off the road a good distance southeast and it started to grow foggy. Killed the Pip-Boy's radio and kept to cover. I saw some sort of structure ahead of me...and smoke. Switched from Nora to my laser musket and had to hush Cogsworth who felt it was an appropriate moment to sing to himself. Like the last location there was not much: a makeshift tent north of several piles of burning tires.  The tent itself had a bunch of silt beans around it and a first aid kit with a stim and purified water. Nasty old mattress as well....looks like you'd catch something from sleeping on it. 

There were some more silt bean plants nearby and three wooden buckets, one with a red rubber kickball in it. It looked suspicious so I sent Cogsworth in to get the kickball. He did so with no issues.  My experience in Concord has me on edge...but I feel like it's the right way to act. 

6:27PM: Found hubflowers and some bloodleaf next to a small shack north/north-east of the tent I found. Weapon ready I approached and once I had scouted the area around it, was sure it was clear, I tried the door. Locked…easy enough to pick though and Codsworth was impressed with my bobby pin skills. As I opened the door I stepped back in anticipation of some surprise, but there was nothing. Inside was a empty cabinet with a ball-peen hammer, used oil can, nuka cola bottle, wonderglue, and a tool case on top. Inside the case were three Bobby pins, more wonderglue and another hammer. It wasn't food but I'll take what I can get. 

I honestly dunno if any of these crops will grow back home. At the least I'll have some food but I hope they can serve as a renewable crop . Unfortunately no corn or potatoes were found. Heading back before it gets dark. 

7:06 PM: While picking some more hubflowers we hit the river west of Sanctuary. We were about to cross when I noticed what I thought was a fallen tree. It turned out to be a long black tube which stretched from the water right into earth of the hillside. Curious I tried to follow its trajectory and determine where it might lead. Ultimately, after climbing the hillside, I only found more hubflowers and the we were back at the makeshift tent. Tracing my steps back to Sanctuary and then home. 

8:33 PM: Well, none of the plants I gathered can be used as crops...at least I have dinner. I think another trip to Concord might be in order.  After eating some bloodleaf and hubflower, not to bad either, I filled up on silt beans and water from the pump. Everyone else is turning in so I think I'll kill some time playing Atomic Command and call it a night.

Happy Halloween. 

(15,190 - New high score!  I still got it!)