DAY 15, November 6th

4:53 AM: Woke with a start and sat straight to weak morning light between the buildings of Concord off in the distance. Looking at the Pip-Boy, still glowing green, I saw it was only 4:40 AM. I could only get about five hours of shuteye on the dirty mattress. At lest my beard doesn't itch so I assume I didn't catch anything.

Ok, let's see what these pricks had on them...

5:49 AM: Ignoring my rumbling stomach and dry throat I set out to see what the dead had. Found the man I know I killed and the order of the day was raider gear and shotguns. Loaded up and knew I had too much from the way my legs ached after a dozen steps. Decided to stash the heavier stuff back behind the billboard and while I was making my way up the fallen tree ramp I spotted there mutts in the street. Not taking any chances I pulled out the musket and vaporized the first one in a clean hit to the torso. Missed a second that fled and popped the third when it got a hind leg caugh in the road's twisted guardrail. Stashed the shot gun shells and some of the raider's gear in the ammo box before climbing down. As I was cutting some meat from the dogs the third one came back and nipped me as I was back peddling to get a shot. Took it down with one blast but I'll need to use a stim for the bite. 

Heading north now along the road and towards home. 

6:46 AM: It didn’t dawn on me that the other two raider’s corpses were no where to be seen.  I tried not to dwell on it as it started to drizzle. As I continued on the road just a few yards north of the billboard I noticed the glow of what appeared to be a campfire. Approaching cautiously I found what appeared to be the raider’s camp, but still no sign of the other two. To be honest didn't know if Carla truly killed them...they might have ran. Remembering the third dog that got a bite in I stayed on guard. 

With light rain falling and wanting to get home I quickly looted their campsite. I found a tool chest with some Buffout, Wonderglue and scissors, all useful. Also searched a crate which had another bottle of Buffout, a stimpack, some burbon, and addictol.  I recognize the addictol from both my time in the service and the news.  Chem use was a problem well before the world ended, though not as blatant and wide-spread.  While I never saw an additive tendencies in myself, having a chemical to help me kick another one was both ironic and smart since I couldn’t say I had to thought about trying some these past few weeks.

Besides and empty milk bottle and three beer bottles by campfire there was not much else.  Just as I was about to head back to the road I remembered I had not ate in a while. Using the fire I headed up a mutt chop and prepared some Instamash and water along with pork and beans. Washed it all down with two of my three remaining clear waters. 

8:54 AM: It's still raining.  I followed the road north-east back into Concord and passed by a familiar looking structure. Wasn’t until I stood right in front of its open doorway when I realized it was the old church next to the museum. We had spent many Sundays going to service there…Shawn was baptized there.  Pushing the thoughts aside I considered poking my head in and then my aching legs and back reminded me I was weighed down enough already.  Besides, who knew what had holed up in the old place? Turning away form the church I saw the monster I slew still lie there rotting.  What was it?  Eight days ago? Feels like forever...

Pushing on I made it through Concord with no issues, nothing was lurking in the streets and I left the few habitat structures alone. I’m at Rocket now and cooking up some grub. Grilled the stag meat, mutt chop, and a nice ribeye steak! Thought about making a cup of noodles with the odd grain I found...but all I have is irradiated water. Might try to make some back home with fresh water. took a few minutes to break down one of the wooden road barricades, or rather part of one, I carried with me with me back from Concord for it's wood and steel. Better quality then most materials I had seen.

I’m heading out, should be home soon.

12:05 PM: To my surprise Trashcan Carla was in Santuary when I walked through the gate!  Now that we were not in a firefight, and she knew I was not trying to shoot her, I took the opportunity to browse her wares. When I asked what she had she said a bit of everything scavenged off the roads. She told me you, "Gotta keep your eyes peeled for the good stuff."  She must keep her eyes peeled a lot as she had plenty to sell so I bartered with her. 

“A bit of everything" indeed! Pistols, combat knives, actual frag grenades and a submachine gun were just a few of the weapons she had! Her clothing line was not as mind blowing but she did have a nice blue batting helmet I immediately wanted and some farmhand clothes I thought Marcy might appreciate. She had a dose of antibiotics as well as a decent selection of alcohol and chems....not to mention decent looking food. (Where did she get squirrel meat?  I haven't seen any...) Finally she had an assortment of junk and ammo from .308 all the way up to 5.56, 10mm, shotgun shells and even flares. 

This being my first foray into commerce in this new world I was a bit hesitant, and embarrassed, to use the 484 caps I had accumulated...until I saw her expression at the sound the sack I had been storing them in made. They are as good as gold it seems...better ironically. After some haggling I walked away with that blue batting cap, the farmhand clothes, a combat knife, a bottle of bourbon and wine, those crispy "squirrel" bits, the antibiotics (she wanted almost 200 caps for it!), and a camera and hot plate that I wanted for the copper, screws, gears and springs. She wanted 312 caps, almost all I had, so I offered a machete, one of the double-barreled shotguns, 3 bottle of Buffout and 2 RadAways as well. With all that she accepted 174 caps instead, not too bad!  After we traded I went to the Rosa's and start stowing or breaking down junk and hit the weapon and armor stations to see what I could do. 

The blue batting hat fits nice, I'll give the hard hat to Sturgis though I don't know if he'll cover that hair of his. Broke down the two pipe pistols and the pipe bolt-action sniper rifle as well. After drinking my fill from the Rosa pump, and filled all my empty bottles, I had enough resupply the kitchen stash and keep five on me. 

Somewhere between bartering with Carla and breaking down the weapons the skies cleared and the rain stopped. Gonna see if the others want any of the gear I have gathered, maybe check on some other things. 

1:45 PM: I gave Sturgis the flannel shirt and jeans and hard hat, a leather left arm and raider right leg, and some welding goggles.  He accepted them with thanks and even put the hat on! I was surprised when I gave Marcy the farmhand clothes and she not only took them, but actually said thanks!  Gave the military hat to Jun with a flannel shirt and jeans so he too would have some clean clothes to wear.  He smiled weakly and went to change.

 

Spent some time harvesting all our melons and gourds (4 melons, 6 gourds), storing most in my room.  After that I spoke to Preston about defenses for our community. He said a turret would make everyone feel better and Sturgis knew a thing or two about making one. I took the chance to ask him about that "Brahman" of Carla's. Turns out that's not a pet name but the name if the animals: Brahman are two-headed cattle and apparently its a normal thing now. One headed ones are considered freaks and usually put down...or in sideshows. While on the subject I asked about the mole-rat creatures and goat housefly looking bugs I had encountered and we had been eating.  Ironically the first are called “molerats”, and the bugs are called bloatflies, appropriately disgusting.  After that I went and found Sturgis and now we are about to get to work on building that turret. First though we need to tear down a car or two...

2:58 PM: Two cars later, took apart that sweet red two-door Corvega Atomic V8 at the entrance to Sanctuary and that pile of rust in the Russell's carport, and now we have a working turret! Took more then just car steel of course, but we had enough aluminum, screws and other materials in stock. I have to admit…I feel a lot more secure with that thing watching the street from the front of our guard station at the entrance. No one’s getting in now!

5:28 PM: Had Dogmeat follow me for a bit...think I'll want him tomorrow when I push towards the Plant some more. Spent a good amount of time evaluating my load out. Need to stay light enough to bring home anything good but have the weapons and armor I need to do the job at hand. Stashed that fully charged fusion cell in the small ammo dresser of my room, need to keep it safe for when I need the armor.  I'm down to only thirteen 10mm rounds for Nora, but have fifty seven fusion cells which weigh more but pack a punch in the musket. Stashed the .308 and .38 I had, no need for those now. The combat knife weighs half as much as the machete so I stashed it and the shotgun I still had on me. Also, no more cocktails meant less to carry as well. 

Stored my excess food and chems in the kitchen cooler. That helped a bit along with dropping all the mellons and gourds I had harvested in my room. Got myself down to something more manageable: light enough to be quiet and take home any goods, heavy enough to stay protected...I hope. 

6:03 PM: Decided to spend the rest of my afternoon cleaning up the old place a bit. Hung a bathroom sign above our carport door in the kitchen, tore apart that old frame around that paining of lilly-pads that Nora insisted on buying at that flea market and reframed it in a new wooden one. Also tore our old broken stereo apart and replaced it with a bobble-head display...placing the Vault-Tech Perception one on there. If I find these things might as well have some place to put them. Gonna see what else I can work on. 

6:39 PM: An odd storm just rolled in out of no where putting a muddy haze over everything. As a distant, booming, thunderclap hits echoes like a sonic boom I hear my Pio-Boy's Geiger counter go wild. I asked Preston and said its "radiation storms" or “radstorns" for short and it’s best to be indoors when they come. We’ll need to work on our shelters more...houses have too many holes in them....

7:33 PM: Storm cleared but not before doing its damage. I'm tired, thirsty, and hungry. Going to make something to eat an think about turning in...

8:22 PM: Muttchops, pork and beans, some Yum-Yum eggs and instamash with as much well water as I can swallow for dinner. Still peckish but not starving. That RadAway always does a number on me and though my Pip-Boy shows me rad-free, I'm paying for it. So exhausted...I’m weak and sluggish. Drank what was left in the burbon bottle and I feel a little better, but it's only temporary. Going to call it an early night and see how I feel in the morning.

Gonna flip through this old Atomic Command issue of Robco Fun and forget about the world for a while...

DAY 14, November 5th

6:53 AM: It's been two weeks since I left the Vault...it feels like a lifetime ago, two lifetimes ago actually...

So I'm feeling a little lethargic again, going to hold off on any antibiotics and see if it passes. After a breakfast of grilled roach and a gourd with some water from the pump I'm feeling a bit better. 

As Sanctuary has become our home I keep wishing I had some materials I left at the Rocket. Think I'll head back there alone and get what we need. Won't clear it all out, I think I'll leave enough for it to be a viable safe house though I hope it never comes to that. 

7:15 AM: Considered taking the short double-barreled shotgun, but it had to weigh nearly nine pounds, and with the modifications my laser musket is already pulling me down. Going to keep with my load-out of Nora and the musket, my machete as a back up, and three cocktails...just in case.

9:32 AM: Closed the Rocket's garage door, which I left open yesterday, and set about rooting through what I had stored. Stashed another $1,340 in the old register, took all the unopened Nukas (2 regular cola, a cherry and a quantum) and all the clothing I had stored. Everyone back at Sanctuary has been wearing the same clothes forever, thought it would be nice for them to have some options.  Heading back, not much else to do here right now. 

11:18 AM: After putting the clothing and the Nuka Colas in my room, I got the idea to use some of our salvaged wood and make an outhouse, compete with a door, for the community. We have been sneaking off into the brush, sometimes with a buddy, sometimes alone...so this should be a luxury by comparison. With some help from Sturgis I have built it in my backyard, in the right corner near the fence. 

I think I'll spend the afternoon scouting through Concord, see if there is anything I missed and find a route to the Corvega Plant. 

1:02 PM: The scope on my musket is great!  I can spot potential dangers from a distance and plan accordingly. Once past the Rocket and at the outskirts of Concord I took the left branch of the street where the dead cow was, picking some more hubflowers as I passed. Followed as it twisted around the edge of Concord and when it met up with a cross street I found myself in a small house. Looted everything I could including two bottles off Buffout, a can of beans, five bobby pins, and a box of Sugar Bombs...all downstairs. Upstairs I found a dead raider lying just off of a soiled sleeping bag, based on the lack of any overpowering smell I guessed he had been dead a while. He wore the usual raider gear and had a short double-barreled shotgun with a handful of shells. Near his hand was a pipe bolt-action sniper rifle. As I examined the gun it dawned on me he most likely used it from the window nearby, maybe the person returning fire was a better shot?. Equipping it I walked over to the window and closed my left eye while I peered through the sniper’s smudged scope.

Off in the distance I first made out an open truck with two dead men by its back doors. There appeared to be a cooler and some other container inside, and possibly much more in the larger crate on the ground near the bodies. I also spotted a cooking station set up like a regular place drifters might camp.  After clearing the room of its stash of 28 caps (more accurately the dead raider's caps), two empty Nuka Cola bottles and the contents of a safe with a basic lock (10mm pistol, rounds, $160 in cash, and a silver fork) I decided to check out the area I saw from the snipers nest. It's right behind this house and I'm going to exit through the house's back door leading straight out to the area. 

1:31 PM: Before rushing in I used the sniper scope to survey the area. No apparent hostiles so I continued.  The scope was adequate but my musket's was better. Switching to that I cranked it up and moved forward. 

A stimpack, Rad-X, and what looks like a dried iguana on stick were in the cooler and first aid kit in back of the van. The dead men appeared to be settlers...and by the looks of it the were shot once each, in the back. Executions. Turning away I was suddenly overwhelmed with emotions. Anger and sorrow mixed as I look at the sniper's window. What benefit was there in shooting unarmed settlers? After a few minutes I calmed down and went about searching them. Their corpses had decent enough clothes, some bottle caps and food...I felt like a thief but these were things I needed to survive. I'll move their bodies into the van and out of the sun before I go.

1:53 PM: Dunno what's wrong with me but I'm tired.  Maybe it's the stress and my emotions, so I've made my way back to the empty home and upstairs to the dead raider. Barely able to keep my eyes open, and as a flash of that anger swelled up, I tossed him out the second story window. The thud was satisfying, I can't lie.  I'm curling up in the sleeping bag to get some rest...

2:55 PM: Woke up after my nap and ate some mole-rat chunks, a mut chop, and drank a water. As I left the empty house through the back entrance, I stopped a few feet past the sniper's corpse. With a sigh I drug it into a copse of dead trees. Even though he was probably an asshole, and a murderer, I just can't let myself leave his body out in the sun. If I treat them the same as they treat those they abuse, I'm no better. 

I might not be an animal but I'm not a preacher either so I left without any more words or thoughts. Circling around the side of the house I think I'm going to follow the road out of Concord east. If memory serves me correct there's a crossroads a little ways from here and I should be able to head south towards the Plant. 

3:43 PM: While I was walking I came upon an abandoned bus with its back ripped wide open on the side of the road. Inside was a first aid kit with a stimpack and some RadAway. Not much else on the road so far. Continuing east.

4:22 PM: I'm at the crossroads, area looks nothing like I remember but this is it. To the north I can see Thicket Excavations and then in the distance further beyond the large dish building I saw on my way to Tenpines. Further east I don't see much other then some sort of vehicle, maybe a cargo van, on the road before if disappears over a rise. South is more of the same, an old truck and then the road goes up a hill. According to my way point the destination is that way. 

5:14: PM: As I traveled south down the road I noticed a man near a cooking pot off to my left in the brush. Using my musket's scope, I did my best to determine if he was friendly or not. He seemed pretty preoccupied with something as he sat there, didn’t notice me spying on him. I got more of a settler vibe from him so I stowed my musket and decided to take a chance. 

As I approached he warned me to keep my distance, and I put my hand on Nora as I asked him what the problem was, if he he was threatening me.  He explained that he ate a bad can of meat, three actually. "Longneck Lokiwski's Canned Meat" was what he called it, then said it should be called Longneck Lukowski's Canned Poison. Judging from the smell emanating from his general area he had a pretty bad gastrointestinal problem, so it seemed his warning to stay back was warranted. He offered me the rest of the cans but I politely declined as he said that if I ever meet this Lukowski character to tell him "he hopes he dies in a goddamn fire”. He  shared the location of their cannery with me. (On the coast to the east far from here.) before ended our conversation with him saying I should probably get going, between groans of pain and gurgling sounds, warning that things were going to get messy. I took his advice and headed back to the road double time. 

5:36 PM: I'm looking at a ruined phone booth with a skeleton in a dress lying near it. I know I shouldn't, but I can't help trying to fill in the stories of where these people were when they died. I know it can't be healthy for me but my mind just can't stop. 

6:18 PM: Cattle! Two of those double headed cows were off on the side of the road and I couldn't resist the chance at another one of those steaks. Using my musket I sniped one of them, a big brown thing, but wasn't making much progress as I ether missed or the shots hit with little effect other then spooking it. They both panicked and ran around while I threw two of my Molotov cocktails at one. Switched over to Nora and finally finished the first one off while the other one fled.  For my troubles I harvested some meat, hide, and for some reason the thing had a plastic plate stuck to the side of it. As I was butchering it I looked up and realized I was near the Starlite Drive-In Theater. Nora and I used to spend evenings here on dates, hell we might have conceived Shawn here if not for that trip to the park but, well that was a long time ago. Turning away from the theater, and preparing to continue towards the Plant, I saw two of those deer that I had seen a few days back. Approaching quietly I saw they were under a railway bridge crossing the road to the east. They have two heads as well, I'm not surprised at this point, and one was lying down while the other grazed on dry brown grass.  I slowly snuck up on them and popped off some shots with Nora at the head of the nearest one. Landed one hit out of five then rushed in popping off about seven more rounds. Took it down and now I'm going to go about cleaning up it's corpse and seeing what I can harvest. 

7:13 PM: I need to learn to hunt better. Between all the bullets that I littered it's body with I was only able to get a small chunk of meat and it's hide, well perforated. I also found a plastic knife under its body that I assume it fell on. Every little bit of resource helps so it all went in my sack. The sun is starting to set and I'm still nowhere near the Corvega Plant. Need to start thinking about where I'm going to bed down for the night.

7:29 PM: Just a couple dozen yards away from where I shot the deer there was a burned up van of some sort. It's back door was open and inside was a cooler with some sort of grain. Thought about trying to sleep in the vehicle but, I would be exposed and there's no bedding. Going to continue to push further south.

8:00 PM: I can see the Corvette assembly plant to the south of me on the horizon.  I'm shocked to see it looks like all of its smoke stacks and other various structures are still standing. To the north I see the drive-in theater nearby, and there's a light near what looks like a doorway into a cement block building at the base of the back of the theater screen. I'm at a junction were the road I was traveling along meets up with a road that runs behind the theater north and crosses some railroad tracks past me, then continues towards Lexington and the Plant. I've already had to turn on my Pip-Boy's light to see where I'm going and it's getting darker. I going to head north towards the theater and with any luck I can find somewhere to bed down in that building.  The Corvega Plant, and the raiders, will have to wait for another day...

8:53 PM: Well, someone called this place home at some point.  It's cement wall had a rust-spotted blue door in it with a recently used cooking spit right outside.  Inside I found several items showing proof of recent occupancy: an old grill with a machete and roach meat on it, several bobby pins on a shelf with a full bottle of vodka (very tempting), and an old refrigerator with Insta Mash, Yum Yum Deviled Eggs, and some Potato Crisps. I loved those things! Also found some cleaner on the ground next a suitcase with a military hat in it, next to an old couch. There was a baby crib with a toy car and four milk bottles under it as well. It’s hard to look at, the crib that is. I tried to lay on the couch then noticed the tiny bugs swarming around on the cushions and decided I'll find a better place to sleep. I've loaded up on everything in the room and am continuing on. Hope to find someplace before I end up walking all the way back home in the dark. 

10:00 PM: After exiting the small room I followed the cement brick wall around the backside of the building. Came across another door with a simple lock, which I made quick work of, and stepping through it I found myself in virtual a treasure trove! It's a storage room filled with junk...salvageable junk.  A huge bottle of economy wonder glue, flip lighters, used oil cans, tin cans, tools...too much for me to take right now with my pack almost full. Besides all of that useful junk as I was taking mental inventory of the room I found a fusion core! Picked that guy up despite the weight along with a unopened bottle of Nuka Cola Quantum, can of beans, and twelve .308 rounds of ammo. I will definitely be back for the rest another time but right it's getting late...

11:30 PM: Found a bed...and trouble.  It was up the street from the Starlight, north towards Concord, hidden high up behind a faded billboard on its access walkway. Wouldn't have even found it if not for the fallen tree that allowed me access to it about a dozen feet up. Looked like someone's abandoned camp that had not been used in a while. Besides the stained mattress there was a stim and blood pack in a first aid kit. Also found sixteen .38 rounds in an ammo box.  Opening a cooler that was at the end of the walkway I got a tin of Mentats as well. 

As I was about to lie down to try and sleep a gunshot rang out below in the night. Raiders set on a woman and one of those two headed cows, weighed down with goods. I started sniping them with Nora from my vantage point while she defended herself. After taking down one she killed the other two and I climbed down to meet her. 

I suppose I should have announced myself. 

"So what's your story? Looking to trade, kill me or just want directions to Diamond City?" she barked as I walked up, her hand on her gun. I put up both hands in a sign of peace and asked about this "Diamond City” having wondered about the radio station and remembering Mama Murphy’s vision. She relaxed a bit and with a sigh said to, "Keep going south till you see the skyline and the Great Green Jewel is just beyond the city limits...” I assumed the jewel was the city without asking, didn’t need questions about why I didn’t know about it from her. She mentioned her name was Trashcan Carla and that she and her Brahman (is that what they call these cows or is that just this one's name?) had to find a place to bed down. I let her go as she seemed to know her way and was in a hurry, can't really blame her...

Considered looting the corpses then thought better of it with the darkness around me and made my way back up to the mattress I found.  Closed my eyes with Nora on my chest just in case. Wish I had brought Cogsworth or Dogmeat with me...

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...