Day 20 - 630 Hours / 6:30 AM – Fort Hope (Sanctuary Hills)
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Level Up! 2x
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Jake's HUD Updated:
'Summoned Soldiers: 327/520'
'Summoned Combat Nikkes: 1/190'
'Summoned Vehicles: 57/230'
'Summoned Combat Robots: 33/100'
'Summoned Civilian Nikkes: 80/130'
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Jake summoned a random assortment of Ground Infantry, Mechanized Infantry, Armored Drivers, Reconnaissance, Combat Engineers, Combat Medics, Marine Raiders, Delta Force, And Rangers – Plus 150 - (Company)
For the future, Jake then summoned Jet Pilots & Helicopter Pilots – Plus 40 - (Platoon)
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The early morning mist still clung to the ruins of Sanctuary Hills, Now the bustling fortress of Fort Hope. The air was thick with the scent of diesel, ozone, and the rhythmic clank-clank of power armor servos as the Minutemen Commonwealth Defense Force (MCDF) prepped for their most significant operation yet: The push to Diamond City.
Inside the Command Center, The holographic display flickered with tactical data, but the conversation was far more personal. Jake Maxis leaned against the metal table, His brow furrowed as he stared at a notification that had remained grayed out on his HUD.
"Ok, ok, I understand... No Peggy Carter." Jake said, His voice carrying a hint of regret. "Because when I looked into Marvel - 2018, It was the same universe, just different timelines. The window for that World Mission... closed."
Twilight Sparkle stood beside him, Her violet eyes scanning the data streams with practiced precision. She adjusted the collar of her tactical Nikke suit, her expression soft but firm.
"Exactly, Jake," Twilight replied, Gesturing toward a complex temporal map. "Peggy Carter is an icon of the 1940s in Natasha's world. But because Natasha was pulled from the 2018 'Present' of that specific Earth, The System treats that entire continuity as a single, anchored thread."
She paused, Biting her lip slightly as she looked at the grim data points.
"The problem is the Infection. In that 2018 timeline, The catastrophe had already taken root. By the time we tried to establish a 'World Mission' to extract Peggy from her era, the 'future' of that timeline had already collapsed. The System can't anchor to a past that leads to a dead-ended, infected future. The mission expired because that world's fate is effectively sealed."
Jake sighed, Running a hand through his blonde hair. "It feels like a waste. Natasha would have loved to see a familiar face—especially one as legendary as Carter. But if the infection is that deep in their 2018, I guess there isn't a 'past' left to save."
"It's the tragedy of fixed points, Jake…" Twilight said empathetically, Stepping closer to place a hand on his shoulder. "We have to focus on who we can save here, In the Commonwealth. Natasha & the others are here now, and their safe. We have to make sure this world doesn't end up like hers."
Jake nodded, Shaking off the weight of the lost mission. He turned his attention to the large monitors showing the staging area. The sun was beginning to break over the horizon, illuminating the massive column of steel & fire they had assembled.
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Convoy Composition: Task Force "Jewel"
Unit Type: M1130 (CV)
Quantity: 1
Crew Members: Driver, Gunner, Ext. Gunner, And Commander
Command Staff Transport: Four Command Staff
Role: Mobile headquarters for commanders to receive, analyze, and transmit data, controlling forces on the battlefield.
Unit Type: M1126 (ICV)
Quantity: 2
Crew Members: Driver & Gunner
Personal Transport: Ten Infantrymen
Role: A mobile, Armored personnel carrier that moves soldiers & their gear safely across the battlefield, supporting dismounted assaults with its own firepower while offering better protection than soft-skinned vehicles.
Unit Type: M1296 (ICVD)
Quantity: 2
Personal Transport: Eight Infantrymen
Role: A mobile gun system & infantry carrier, Significantly boosting firepower with a 30mm cannon for supporting troops, destroying light armor, and engaging aerial threats
Unit Type: M-ATV
Quantity: 6
Crew Members: Driver & Gunner
Personal Transport: Five Infantrymen
Role: A mobile platform for diverse missions, replacing less-armored Humvees by offering superior blast/IED resistance with its V-hull & advanced armor while maintaining excellent off-road mobility for troops in high-threat zones.
Unit Type: HEMTT Mk.2
Quantity: 2
Crew Members: Driver, Co-Driver, And Gunner
Personal Transport: None
Role: Heavy Logistics & Resupply. The primary mission is to provide heavy transport capabilities for the resupply of combat vehicles and weapons systems.
Unit Type: HEMTT
Quantity: 1
Crew Members: Driver, Co-Driver, And Gunner
Personal Transport: None
Role: Heavy Tactical Logistics & Resupply. Its primary mission is to provide heavy transport capabilities for the resupply of combat vehicles and weapon systems.
Unit Type: Delta Force (Special Forces)
Quantity: 30 Operators
Role: Area Security & Occupation
Unit Type: Ground Infantry (Regulars)
Quantity: 26 Soldiers
Role: Area Security & Occupation
Unit Type: MTF Alpha-1 "Red Right Hand"
Quantity: 10 Operators
Role: Commander & Commander Advisor Protection Detail.
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The conversation shifted as the heavy blast doors of the Command Center hissed open. Outside, The morning air was filled with the deafening roar of HEMTT engines & the sharp, rhythmic barking of Sergeant Majors organizing the newly summoned troops.
Jake walked onto the balcony overlooking the Sanctuary bridge. Below him, Task Force "Jewel" was a sight of terrifying efficiency. The sunlight glinted off the tan & olive-drab armor of the vehicles, A stark contrast to the rusted ruins of the old world.
The Convoy Lineup:
The Vanguard: Two M1296 (ICVD) Dragoons. Their 30mm Bushmaster II cannons were traversed toward the treeline, Ready to shred anything from a Feral Ghoul swarm to a rogue Deathclaw.
The Command Core: The M1130 (CV), Jake's mobile nerve center. Inside, A suite of advanced ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) equipment was already slaving local drone feeds to Jake's HUD.
The Shield: Six M-ATVs darted around the flanks like sheepdogs, Their V-hulls designed to deflect the blast of any stray landmines or "bottlecap mines" the Raiders might have left behind.
The Muscle: The MTF Alpha-1 "Red Right Hand" operators stood like statues near the command vehicle, Their black tactical gear & high-end optics marking them as the apex predators of this army.
The roar of the engines was a physical force, a low-frequency thrum that Jake could feel in the marrow of his bones. Standing on the balcony, he watched as the Minutemen Commonwealth Defense Force—his army—moved with a synchronized lethality that the wasteland hadn't seen in centuries.
The M1130 Command Vehicle sat at the center of the formation, its array of high-gain antennas and satellite uplinks making it look like a bristling porcupine of technology. Surrounding it, the MTF Alpha-1 "Red Right Hand" operators stood like silent statues of matte-black carbon fiber and ballistic plating. They didn't chatter like the regular infantry; they simply existed as an extension of Jake's will.
Twilight stepped up beside him, her long, navy blue hair caught in the morning breeze. She looked down at the HEMTT Mk.2 trucks being loaded with crates of ammunition and rations.
"It's a lot to process, isn't it?" Twilight asked softly, her violet eyes reflecting the sunrise. "One minute we're discussing the tragic end of a timeline in 2018, and the next, we're preparing to march on the 'Great Green Jewel.' The juxtaposition of lost worlds and the one we're trying to build... it's heavy."
Jake nodded, His gaze fixed on a pair of Delta Force operators checking the turret on an M1296 Dragoon. "It makes the mission more urgent, Twi. If Natasha's world fell because of an infection they couldn't stop even with all their heroes, Then we can't afford a single mistake here. Diamond City is the key. If we secure the stadium, We secure the heart of the Commonwealth."
Standing on the balcony, Jake felt the weight of his new reality. Below him, The bridge that once only saw the passage of desperate settlers now groaned under the weight of an industrialized military machine. The M1130 Command Vehicle sat at the heart of the formation, Its various antennae arrays twitching like the feelers of an insect as it established a secure data link with Fort Hope's central hub.
"Quite a step up from a few guys with laser muskets, isn't it?"
Jake turned to see Natasha Romanoff leaning against the railing. She looked sharp in her black tactical gear, Her auburn hair tied back tightly. Beside her, Kitty Pryde was absentmindedly phasing her hand through the metal balustrade, watching the Delta Force operators check their customized M4A1s with a mixture of awe and unease.
"It has to be…" Jake replied, Hiz eyes following a HEMTT as it lumbered into position. "The Commonwealth is a wound that won't heal on its own. If we want Diamond City to listen, We can't just knock on the door. We have to show them that the world they knew is actually coming back."
Jake tapped his earpiece, Activating the wide-band frequency for the entire Task Force. His Uncanny Instinct flared, Giving him a heightened sense of the readiness below. He could feel the engine vibrations through the soles of his boots—a thousand moving parts, all synchronized.
"This is Commander Maxis to Task Force Jewel." He began, his voice calm but carrying the 'Unbreakable Will' that had become his hallmark. "Our objective is Diamond City. We are establishing a permanent MCDF presence in the heart of the Commonwealth. We are not an invading force, but we are a dominant one. Do not fire unless fired upon, but if the Raiders or the Super Mutants try to test this convoy... terminate with extreme prejudice."
He looked at Twilight Sparkle, Who stood ready with her data pad. "Twilight, you're with me in the M1130. I want a constant 'Field Scan' active once we hit the Boston outskirts. I don't want any 'Fat Man' nukes catching us off guard."
"On it, Jake!" Twilight replied, Her fingers flying across the screen. "I've already mapped the primary route through Concord & Lexington. We'll avoid the tightest ruins to keep the HEMTTs from getting stuck."
[System Message: Neo Politan]
"Boss, The Red Right Hand is in position around your transport. We're ready to roll. Also, I took the liberty of hacking the Diamond City Radio frequency. Want me to broadcast our approach so they can roll out the red carpet? Or should we just let the 30mm cannons do the talking?"
Jake smirked. "Mmm… Let the Diamond Security know that Humanitarian Aid is coming. If they tell The Mayor is up to them… Also, Neo… Start making Contingency Plans, That Mayor is a Synth & not the hood kind. Like Twi here the other girls."
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Departure: 700 Hours / 7:00 AM
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The lead M1296 Dragoon let out a hiss of air brakes, Its 30mm cannon slewing left and right as it began to crawl forward across the bridge. The Delta Force operators, mounted in the M-ATVs, provided flank security, their eyes scanning the treeline for any sign of movement.
As the convoy passed the old 'Welcome to Sanctuary' sign, Jake felt a surge of adrenaline. With Lethality Calibration & Clairvoyance active, The world around him felt like a tactical map. He could see the heat signatures of radstags in the woods and the faint, flickering icons of his soldiers through the armor plating of the vehicles thanks to Team Link.
"Next stop, The Great Green Jewel!" Jake muttered as he climbed into the Command Vehicle.
The interior of the M1130 Command Vehicle was a stark contrast to the desolate wasteland outside. Hummed with the sound of cooling fans and the soft glow of multiple high-definition monitors, the CV provided a sanitized, high-tech sanctuary. Twilight settled into the secondary tactical seat, her fingers dancing across the touchscreens as she synced the drone feeds with Jake's HUD.
[System Message: Neo Politan]
"Roger that, Boss! Broadcast set to 'Humanitarian Mode.' I'll keep the tone neighborly—though with this many tons of steel rolling down the road, I think 'overwhelming' is the only neighbor they're going to see. Contingency plans for Mayor McDonough are already being drafted. If he's a Synth, he's a puppet for the Institute. I'll make sure we have a pair of scissors ready to snip his strings."
Jake felt the heavy thrum of the engine beneath his boots as the M1130 rumbled off the reinforced Sanctuary bridge, The tires biting into the cracked asphalt of the old road. He looked over at Twilight, who was busy calibrating the Field Scan pulse.
"Neo's confirmed." Jake said, His voice lowering slightly as he checked the internal manifest on his HUD. He turned his head toward the back of the command module, where the specialized comms equipment & tactical benches were located. "Hey, Twilight? I didn't see her on the balcony during the briefing. Is Nora in the M1130 with us?"
Twilight looked up from her monitors, Brushing a stray streak of navy hair behind her ear. She gave a small, understanding smile.
"She's in the rear compartment, Jake." Twilight replied, Gesturing toward the back of the vehicle. "She's been... quiet this morning. I think the reality of heading back into the heart of the city, especially toward Diamond City, is bringing up a lot of memories for her. She's currently double-checking the local civilian records we pulled from the Concord archives, trying to see if there's any pre-war data that might help us navigate the downtown ruins."
Jake nodded, A slight frown of concern on his face. Nora was a survivor, Diamond City was a place of ghosts for someone who remembered Boston before the bombs.
"Keep an eye on her, Twi…" Jake requested, His Affable & Protective nature surfacing. "Between the Institute, The Synths, and the search for her son, she's carrying a lot. I want her sharp for when we hit the gates. Her knowledge of the local law and the way people used to live might be the only thing that keeps the Diamond City Security from panicking when they see a 30mm cannon pointed at their wall."
"I will!" Twilight promised, Her violet eyes soft. "She's strong, Jake. But I'll make sure she knows we're right there with her."
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En Route: 720 Hours / 7:20 AM
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The convoy moved with a terrifying, rhythmic grace. The two M1296 Dragoons in the lead acted as the tip of the spear, Their turrets snapping toward the ruins of abandoned houses with robotic precision. Behind them, The M-ATVs darted through the side streets of Lexington, providing a screen against any potential ambush.
Suddenly, Jake's Clairvoyance pinged. A cluster of red dots appeared on his map, hiding within the upper floors of a collapsed tenement building three hundred meters ahead.
"Contacts, Twelve o'clock high!" Jake said calmly into the comms, His Lethality Calibration instantly highlighting the optimal engagement angles. "Looks like Raiders with some pipe-rifles & Molotov cocktails. They're looking for an easy score."
"Task Force Jewel, This is Vanguard 1-1." The lead Dragoon commander's voice crackled over the radio. "We have the targets. Engaging with a non-lethal deterrent first?"
Jake gripped the handles of his command console. "Negative. They're aiming at the HEMTTs. This is an MCDF asset protection zone. Fire a warning burst from the coax machine gun. If they don't scatter, neutralize them."
The morning air was suddenly shattered by the 'thud-thud-thud' of a heavy machine gun. Dust and brickwork exploded from the facade of the tenement building.
Through the external cameras, Jake saw the Raiders—ragged, desperate men—drop their weapons & flee into the shadows of the ruins, terrified by the sheer volume of fire.
"Neo mark this location for a potential future outpost. Keep us moving!" Jake ordered. "We're on a schedule. The Great Green Jewel doesn't wait for anybody."
The interior of the M1130 Command Vehicle was a hive of high-tech activity, a stark contrast to the desolate, crumbling world sliding past the armored viewports. The low hum of cooling fans & the rhythmic clicking of tactical relays filled the air. Jake sat in the commander's seat, his HUD overlaying real-time drone telemetry onto the physical screens surrounding him.
[System Message: Neo Politan]
"Location marked, Boss. I've labeled it 'Raider's Regret.' It's a perfect chokepoint for a checkpoint. Also, Diamond City Radio is now officially an MCDF mouthpiece. I'm broadcasting a looping message about 'Stabilization & Resource Distribution.' Travis sounds like he's having a minor heart attack on air, but he's playing along."
Jake leaned back, The Uncanny Instinct humming in the back of his mind. He could feel the weight of the convoy behind him—a rolling fortress of steel and intent.
The M1130 (CV) rumbled with a deep, Authoritative thrum as it navigated the uneven remnants of the Massachusetts roads. Inside, The cabin was bathed in the cool blue glow of tactical displays.
Twilight Sparkle sat at the primary intelligence console, Her fingers moving with blurred speed as she managed the encryption layers for their broadcast.
[System Message: Neo Politan]
"Boss, Diamond City Security is definitely listening. I'm picking up a spike in their local comms—lots of panic about 'tanks' and 'pre-war ghosts.' I've reassured them that we're the friendly neighborhood army coming to save the day. They don't seem convinced, but they're too scared to turn the radio off."
Jake turned his attention to the internal intercom. Despite the immense power at his fingertips, A leader always accounted for his people. He looked over at Twilight, Who was currently cross-referencing thermal pings with pre-war city maps.
"Neo, Confirm—is our perimeter holding at the five-hundred-meter mark?" Jake asked, His voice steady.
[System Message: Neo Politan]
"Confirmed, Boss. Alpha-1 has the 'bubble' locked down. Nothing breathes within a half-mile of this CV without us knowing if they've had breakfast."
Jake nodded, Satisfied with the report. He adjusted his position in the leather-bound commander's seat, Feeling the subtle vibrations of the massive 8x8 chassis beneath him. He glanced toward the heavy bulkhead door that separated the main command module from the rear passenger & storage compartment.
"Twi?" Jake said, Turning his head slightly while his eyes remained on the shifting thermal data of the Lexington outskirts. "Is Nora in the back? I haven't heard a peep from her since we crossed the bridge."
Twilight paused her data entry, The blue light of the monitors reflecting off her moderate violet eyes. She checked a localized internal sensor on her tablet. "She's in the M1130 with us, Jake. She's currently in the rear section with two of the Alpha-1 guards. She's been spending the morning going over pre-war legal maps of the Diamond City area—the old Fenway Park layout. I think she's trying to mentally bridge the gap between the Boston she remembers & the stadium fortress we're about to see."
"Good!" Jake replied, His Affable nature softening his tone. "I want her in on the final approach briefing. Her knowledge of the 'old world' rules might be the only thing that keeps the Diamond City Security from having a collective aneurysm when they see our 30mm cannons."
As the convoy reached the outskirts of Cambridge, The ruins became tighter, the skeletons of skyscrapers casting long, jagged shadows over the column.
[System Message: Neo Politan]
"Heads up, Boss. Clairvoyance is picking up a party in the street ahead. And by party, I mean a Super Mutant blockade. They've dragged a couple of rusted buses across the road. I see a Suicider—beeping is already audible on the external mics."
"Vanguard 1-1, Vanguard 1-2, Suppressive fire on the blockade!" Jake commanded over the wide-band. "Delta Force, Dismount & clear the flanks. I don't want any flankers getting a lucky shot at our HEMTTs."
The M1296 Dragoons didn't even slow down. Their 30mm cannons barked—THUD-THUD-THUD—the high-explosive rounds turning the rusted buses into twisted scrap metal and pink mist.
Suddenly, A massive hooting roar echoed through the concrete canyons. A Super Mutant Behemoth, towering twenty feet tall & carrying a fire hydrant on a chain, stepped out from behind a collapsed parking garage.
"Lethality Calibration locked!" Jake muttered, His eyes narrowing. "All units, Target the Behemoth. Don't let it get within swinging distance."
The air turned into a storm of lead. The combined fire of thirty Delta Force operators and the heavy cannons of the Dragoons converged on the giant. The Behemoth took three steps, its hide shredded by the concentrated fire, before it collapsed into the cracked asphalt with a bone-jarring thud.
"Area sanitized!" The Delta Lead reported calmly over the radio. "Mounting back up. Task Force Jewel, Continuing movement."
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Arrival: 811 Hours / 8:11 AM
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By 811 Hours, The skyline of the city ruins opened up to reveal the massive, moss-covered green walls of Fenway Park. The yellow crane-door was shut tight, And the turrets of the Diamond City Security were tracked directly onto the lead Dragoon.
"Stop the convoy!" Jake ordered.
The vehicles came to a halt in a perfect tactical staggered formation. The hiss of air brakes & the low hum of idling engines filled the plaza. Through the external 360-degree cameras, Jake saw a woman in a red trench coat—Piper Wright—standing in front of the gate, looking at the MCDF column with her jaw practically hitting her chest.
"Neo, Open the external speakers! Please." Jake said. He looked at Nora, Who had moved up from the back to stand behind his chair. "Ready to see your old home, Nora?"
"It's not home anymore, Jake." Nora said quietly, Her eyes fixed on the screen. "But it's a start."
Jake keyed the mic, His voice booming across the plaza, amplified by the M1130's powerful PA system.
"Diamond City Security! This is General Jake Maxis of the Minutemen Commonwealth Defense Force! We are here on a mission of stabilization & humanitarian aid! Open the gate!"
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Location: Diamond City Entrance (Fenway Park) - Time: Day 20 - 816 Hours | 8:16 AM
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Jake gently but firmly banged on the side of the M1130 (CV) armored vehicle, The sound echoing slightly against its metal surface. "Open the back hatch, Driver!" He said calmly, His tone composed but insistent, signaling both hustle & confidence.
As the rear hatch of the M1130 (CV) hissed open, a ramp lowered with hydraulic precision. Jake Maxis stepped out first, his dark green eyes scanning the rooftops for snipers. Behind him, Nora stepped out of the M1130 (CV) & walked close to Piper. "Delta Force, Dismount & Cover our the flanks. Soldiers, Dismount & Start unpacking the Supplies & Weapon Crates." Both Delta Force & The Soldiers quickly & efficiently dismounted, Delta Force moved down the streets & set up temporary defensive positions.
Piper Wright, Clutching her reporter's cap to her head to keep it from blowing off in the downdraft of the idling vehicles, took several tentative steps forward. Her camera was already out, The flash bulb clicking as she captured the sight of the Delta Force operators fanning out in perfect tactical synchronization.
"Holy... Blue, Tell me I'm not hallucinating." Piper breathed, Her voice barely audible over the rumble of the engines. She looked at Jake, Then at the massive M1296 Dragoon whose 30mm cannon was currently angled toward the sky in a non-threatening, yet terrifying, salute. "This isn't just a caravan. This is... this is an army. A real one."
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The Perimeter Setup: 0820 Hours | 8:20 AM
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As Jake had ordered, the MCDF moved with practiced lethality. The HEMTT Mk.2 trucks hissed as their stabilizers deployed, And soldiers began offloading crates marked with the MCDF crest.
Supply Type: Purified Water (Gallons)
Quantity: 2,500
Distribution Plan: Public Water Station (Market Center)
Supply Type: MREs (Cases)
Quantity: 500
Distribution Plan: Relief Center / Homeless Outreach
Supply Type: Medical Kits (IFAK/Trauma)
Quantity: 200
Distribution Plan:
Supply Type: Ammunition (.30-06 Springfield)
Quantity: 10,000 rds
Distribution Plan: Diamond City Security Subsidy
"Danny! Open the gate, You coward!" Piper yelled up at the guard post, regaining her fire. "Can't you see they're bringing half a century's worth of food and water? Or are you waiting for the Mayor to finish his morning tea?"
Danny Sullivan peered over the edge of the gate, His face pale. "Piper, I... I have orders! The Mayor said no unauthorized entries of 'large paramilitary groups'!"
Jake stepped forward, His blonde hair caught in the breeze. He didn't need a megaphone; His voice, Bolstered by his Charismatic personality & the Unbreakable Will perk, carried a natural authority that demanded attention.
"Officer Sullivan!" Jake called out. "I am General Maxis. We are not here to occupy your city. We are here to ensure its survival. These crates contain enough medical supplies to treat every sick person in that stadium, And enough food to last a month. I'm coming in to speak with Mayor McDonough. Whether the gate is open or I have to bring a Combat Engineer team forward to 'remodel' it is entirely up to you."
Inside Jake's HUD, Neo provided a localized scan of the interior.
[System Message: Neo Politan]
"Boss, I've bypassed the interior security cameras. The Mayor is currently pacing in his office. He's on a secure line—not a radio, looks like a hardwired Institute relay. He's sweating bullets. Want me to 'accidentally' loop his private conversations onto the Diamond City Radio feed? It would be a great way to start the day."
Twilight Sparkle walked up beside Jake, Her tablet glowing with bio-sign data. "Jake, Field Scan is picking up several anomalies inside the city. There are at least three individuals with 'Cold' signatures—synths. One of them is definitely in the Mayor's office. We need to be careful; If we push too hard, He might trigger a defensive lockdown or call in a Courser."
Jake looked at Nora. She had her hand on the grip of her sidearm, Her eyes narrowed. "Nora, you handle the guards. Talk to them like the law-abiding citizens they want to be. I'll handle the 'politics.'"
Nora nodded. "You got it, General. Danny! It's Nora! You remember me? Open the door before I tell Piper to write a front-page story about how the Security Team let a humanitarian convoy rot in the sun!"
The HEMTT truck hissed as their stabilizers deployed, And soldiers began offloading weapon crates marked with the MCDF crest.
Supply Type: M1 Garand (.30-06 Springfield)
Quantity: 200
Distribution Plan: Diamond City Security Subsidy
Supply Type: Ammunition (.30-06 Springfield)
Quantity: 20,000 rds
Distribution Plan: Diamond City Security Subsidy
The heavy mechanical groan of the crane-door echoed through the plaza. Slowly, the massive yellow barrier lifted, revealing the path into the "Great Green Jewel."
The heavy yellow gate ascended with a shuddering groan, the ancient hydraulics screaming under the strain of centuries of rust. As it reached its apex, the interior of Diamond City was revealed—a bustling, ramshackle market built into the bones of a stadium.
The sudden influx of sunlight from the open plaza illuminated the terrified faces of residents who had gathered near the entrance, Whispering and pointing at the black-clad giants of the MTF Alpha-1 now standing at the threshold.
Jake adjusted his tactical vest, The Uncanny Instinct ability pulsing behind his eyes. He could feel the tension in the air, a thick blanket of suspicion and desperation.
Beside him, Twilight Sparkle adjusted her glasses, her violet eyes glowing faintly as she maintained a live uplink to the Field Scan drones circling above.
"The crowd is volatile, Jake…" Twilight whispered, Her voice professional but laced with her trademark caution. "I'm seeing elevated heart rates in eighty-four percent of the local populace within the immediate radius. They don't know if we're here to save them or enslave them."
Jake nodded, Stepping forward with his hands visible & away from his primary weapons—a gesture of Humble leadership. "They'll know soon enough. Neo, keep the audio filters on high. If anyone so much as clicks a safety off a pipe-gun, I want to know."
[System Message: Neo Politan]
"Way ahead of you, Boss. I've got the 'Nine-Tail Fox' units on standby near the HEMTTs. If things get spicy, we can flood the plaza with non-lethal smoke in three seconds flat. But honestly? Most of these people look like they just want to know if those MREs actually have dessert in them."
Jake, Nora, Piper, And a small detachment of Red Right Hand operators began the walk toward the center of the market. The sheer scale of the MCDF presence was a physical weight. The Delta Force operators moved in a leapfrog formation, Securing corners & high ground with a terrifyingly silent efficiency that made the local Diamond City Security look like children playing soldier.
"Look at this gear..." Arturo Rodriguez, The local civilian arms dealer, muttered as Jake passed his stall. He stepped out, His eyes wide as he looked at the customized M4A1 carried by the Alpha-1 operator. "That's not pre-war surplus. That's... that's something else entirely. High-tensile polymer? Integrated optics? My God."
Jake stopped briefly, offering Arturo a small, Affable nod. "We'll be setting up a trade liaison soon, Mr. Rodriguez. We aren't here to put you out of business. We're here to upgrade the neighborhood."
Piper was practically vibrating with excitement, Her notebook a blur of shorthand. "General, Are you seeing this? You've just achieved what every Raider boss has dreamed of for about one hundred years—you walked into Diamond City without firing a shot. What's the headline? 'Minutemen Return with Toys from the Future'?"
"The headline is 'The Commonwealth is under new Management, The Minutemen Commonwealth Defeace Force!' Piper." Jake replied, His voice firm.
As they reached the "Power Noodles" stand at the center of the market, Jake gestured to the Combat Medics trailing the group.
Supply Item: M1 Garands (.30-06)
Recipient: DC Security Armory
Objective: Standardize firepower; Replace unreliable pipe weapons.
Supply Item: IFAK / Trauma Kits
Recipient: Dr. Sun / Dr. Duff
Objective: Reduce mortality from infection & combat wounds.
Supply Item: Filtered Water
Recipient: Market Reservoir
Objective: Instant health boost to all residents.
"Nora, Take the Medical detail to the surgery center." Jake commanded. "Twilight, I want you to interface with their power grid. It's a mess of jury-rigged wires. See if we can't get some stable output from the portable fusion generators in the HEMTTs."
Twilight gave a sharp nod. "On it. I'll have the market lights stabilized and the water filtration system running at two hundred percent efficiency within the hour."
Jake reached the elevator that led to the Mayor's office. He turned to his Red Right Hand detail. "Stay here. Secure the lift. No one comes up unless I authorize it."
"You're going up there alone?" Piper asked, her brow furrowing. "McDonough can be a real snake when he's cornered."
"He's not alone…" Jake said, Glancing at the empty air beside him where he knew Neo's digital presence was lurking. He then looked at Piper. "And besides, he has a city to protect. I have an army. The math doesn't favor him."
Jake stepped into the elevator. As the lift ascended, The view of the city expanded—the rusted stands, the patch-work housing, and the massive MCDF convoy parked outside the gates, its tan armor shimmering in the sun.
[System Message: Neo Politan]
"Boss, I've just intercepted a burst transmission from the Mayor's terminal. Encrypted. Definitely Institute. He's asking for 'reclamation.' I think he's scared we're going to find out he's a toaster. Should I jam his signal?"
Jake's eyes darkened, The Unbreakable Will trait manifesting in his cold, focused stare. "No. Let the message go through. I want the Institute to know exactly who is standing in their backyard. If they want their puppet back, they can come and try to take him."
The elevator dinged. The doors slid open to reveal the Mayor's secretary, Geneva, who looked like she was about to faint. Behind her, in the large mahogany-clad office, Mayor McDonough stood by the window, his hands trembling behind his back.
"General Maxis, I presume?" McDonough said, his voice straining to maintain a theatrical pomp. "To what do I owe the... rather loud arrival of your 'Minutemen'?"
Jake stepped into the room, The door clicking shut behind him. He didn't sit. He simply stared at the Mayor, His Clairvoyance highlighting the subtle mechanical hum coming from the man's chest—a signature far too consistent for a human heart.
"Cut the act, Mayor…" Jake said, His voice a low, dangerous rumble. "I know who you report to. And I know what you are. We can do this the easy way—where you cooperate and help me transition this city into the MCDF infrastructure—or we can do this the way where I let my Special Operations Command take this office apart piece by piece."
[Speech Check… Successful!] Jake was a bit surprised about the Speech Check, But it didn't show on his face. As Synth Mayor McDonough nods to Jake a agreeing to listen & cooperate with Jake & MCDF.
The office was thick with a silence so heavy it felt physical. Mayor McDonough's face, a mask of carefully constructed political bravado, finally fractured. The twitch in his left eye was rhythmic—mechanical.
He looked at the closed door, then back at Jake, the realization dawning on him that his secret wasn't just suspected; It was confirmed by a man who looked like he had the power to flatten the stadium.
"I... I see…" McDonough stammered, His voice losing its booming resonance and settling into a hollow, artificial flat tone. "The Institute... they said no one would be able to detect the signature. They said the Commonwealth was too primitive."
"The Commonwealth was…" Jake replied, stepping closer, his shadow looming over the mahogany desk. "But I'm not. Now, you're going to sit down, and you're going to be the Mayor this city thinks you are. You're going to sign whatever paperwork Nora brings you, and you're going to tell the people that the MCDF is the official defense & administrative partner of Diamond City. Do we have a deal, or do I start looking for your off-switch?"
McDonough sank into his chair, The fight drained from his synthetic frame. "We have a deal, General. Just... keep them away from me. The Institute... they don't like losing assets."
"If they want you, they have to go through me." Jake said coldly. "And I've got a lot of 30mm rounds waiting for them."
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The Descent: 0905 Hours | 9:05 AM
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The elevator doors hissed open at the ground level. Jake stepped out, followed closely by the silent, imposing shadows of his Alpha-1 guards. The market was even more crowded now; Word of the supplies had spread like wildfire. The smell of "Power Noodles" was being overtaken by the sterile, Clean scent of MCDF medical supplies & the ozone of the portable fusion generators Twilight had already begun to sync with the city's grid.
Piper Wright was waiting right at the base of the lift, Her pen poised over her notepad like a weapon. She practically pounced as soon as Jake's boots hit the concrete.
"General! Don't think you're escaping without a quote!" Piper shouted, Shoving her way past a bewildered Diamond City guard. "The Mayor's secretary looked like she'd seen a ghost when you went up. What happened? Is the Great Green Jewel under martial law? Are you the new King of Boston?"
Jake stopped, and for a moment, the entire market went quiet. Even the soldiers unloading the HEMTT trucks paused to look at their commander. Jake looked at Piper, then scanned the faces of the crowd—the settlers, the orphans, the tired shopkeepers. He saw the flicker of hope in their eyes, buried under years of fear.
"I'm not a king, Piper. And I'm not a dictator." Jake said, His voice amplified by the small transceiver on his collar, carrying to every corner of the stands.
He stepped onto a raised equipment crate, His Charismatic aura & Unbreakable Will drawing every eye in the stadium.
"People of Diamond City!" Jake's voice was steady & patient. "For too long, you've lived behind walls, terrified of the shadows. You've been told that the surface belongs to the monsters, the Raiders, and the things that go bump in the night. I am here to tell you that those days are over."
He gestured with a gloved hand toward the open gate, Where the massive silhouette of an M1296 (ICVD) Dragoons was just visible, standing guard.
"The Minutemen Commonwealth Defense Force isn't here to take your homes. We're here to give you back your world. We are establishing a permanent security and logistics hub here. That means clean water that doesn't rot your gut. That means medicine that actually works. And that means a military force that doesn't hide behind green walls, but takes the fight to the enemy!"
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A/Comment: From now on out, Any unimportant notes will be said here.
P.S.: I hope you all are enjoying my story!