Back to Diamond City

The journey to Diamond City was harder than Alex predicted it to be, Martha was the factor that made it harder. It's not like she didn't have stamina, it was just that the tragedy that befell her took a huge toll on her body.

Sometimes she would blank out and trip up, but quickly getting up and reassuring Alex that she can go on. When they reached the stadium it was during the late hours of the morning, and five days after the last time he parted with Nora.

The guards didn't pay much attention as Martha wasn't as eye catching as Nora, to which Alex was extremely relieved.

Martha was wary of the guards and machine gun turrets, having never left her settlement she was very unfamiliar with this technology. This caused her to unconsciously walk closer to Alex as if he is her protection.

Martha: "Where are we?" As the amount of guards increased she became more wary and when face to face with the huge metal gate she simply froze up.

Alex: "Welcome to the remnants of civilisation Martha, also known as Diamond City." At his words she started to shake uncontrollably and this was something Alex did not expect.

All of a sudden she dropped to the floor on her knees in a begging stance, and started to cry.

Martha: "I know I'm not that useful but please don't sell me, please! I'll do anything you ask of me! Just please don't give me away!" Her begging caused a slight commotion and so a guard made his way towards them.

Guard: "Pal, your little slave is causing a scene. Either you discipline or I'll gladly do it for you." He looked at Martha and although she was skinny, her face made up for it.

Alex: "Leave without lead or stay and receive lead." Were his only words to the guard, at the same time giving him the iciest glare he could manage.

The guard wanted to retaliate but his throat went dry all of a sudden and every time he tried to reach for his gun, he felt the coldest chill running down his back.

Guard: "J-just giving you some advice pal!" He turned around and left the scene.

Martha was also affected by his glare, shivering uncontrollably on the floor with tears running down her cheeks.

Alex: "Get up Martha, you're misunderstanding things okay. I'm not planning of selling you and I'm just here to buy some supplies and meet a friend." He sighed and reached for Martha's arms, lifting her up effortlessly.

Martha: "S-sorry for causing a scene..." She hung her head in embarrassment, choking up when she spoke since she didn't fully recover.

Alex: "*sigh* don't worry about it, now let's get you geared up." He led Martha through the crowd by grabbing her forearm and brings her to his favourite vendor-the gun fanatic Arturo Rodriguez.

Arturo: "A shotgun is great insurance for raiders, but I've got a wide range of weapons for you to choose from." Arturo saw how geared up and armed to the teeth Alex looked like, so he smelled a valuable customer.

Alex: "All right, let me see what you got."

Arturo: "Everything I have is sold at a reasonable price." He smiles and started to show Alex his stockpile of weapons and protective clothing.

Out of the many weapons he chose a basic 10mm pistol, a short hunting rifle and a combat knife for Martha's weapons. As clothing he bought her road leathers, and set of basic leather armour with a pair of black combat boots-a new addition that is different from the game.

Martha looked completely different in her new outfit, her scar accentuating the new tough look her current outfit gave her. Alex was content with everything and bought it all for a grand total of 900 caps(this much because of the overpriced ammo, he bought ammo for himself and Martha as it was a lot cheaper than the system shop).

When Martha heard what the price totalled too she didn't know how to react, and tried to convince Alex not to buy her all these things. Alex replies with how she will eventually repay it with labour which calmed her down.

Another thing that was extremely different from the game was the size of the market and the amount of people in the market. In the game the population of diamond City appeared to be in the hundreds, while in Alex's reality it looked to be in the thousands...

"You fuckin' dare talk back to an officer?!"

A shout came from the middle of the market, grabbing everyone's attention with most hoping something interesting will happen.

Alex couldn't care less but his attention was grabbed at the person being accused by the officer, a little girl with shoulder length brunette hair-Nat Wright, Piper's little sister.

Nat: "B-but it wasn't me that pushed you sir, honest!" Although she was scared by the officer she tried to hide it, her courage was admired by Alex.

Officer: "If not you then who?! You and that fucking sister of yours, always making trouble and disturbing the order out mayor created. Guess that someone has to teach this brat a lesson!" The crowd looked on in anticipation as the guard lifted up his baseball bat, with Nat falling backwards in fear.

*thunk*

The sound of the little girl screams wasn't heard to the crowd's surprise, as the bat was suddenly stopped in its path.

The crowd was wide eyed as the bat was stopped by one man with one hand, grabbing the bat as if his hand was harder than the bat. The officer was startled and tried to pull the bat back and hit the one who interfered, only to find out that he can't move it at all.

Alex: "Now isn't that Diamond City's finest at work... what a fucking disappointment." He spoke and let go of the bat, causing the officer to fall backwards and the crowd to erupt in laughter.

Officer: "You don't really value your life now do you!" The officer reached for his gun but stopped by the coldest chill going down his spine. His instincts are telling him that if he draws his gun he's as good as dead.

Alex looked at the officer with a vicious glare, causing the other to just back away and push the crowd out of his way. In a few moments the crowd dispersed in disappointment at the fact that no blood was spilled, but some were gratified with the man's interference.

Nat: "Thank you for helping me mister." The young girl got up and bowed at the mysterious man who came to her rescue.

Alex: "It's fine, don't worry about it kiddo. Stay brave, alright?" He tipped his hat at the girl and turned his back to leave.

Nat: "W-wait, are you the one called Alex?" This made Alex stop and turn around in curiosity.

Alex: "Yes, but how do you know me?" He scrunched his eyebrows in confusion.

Nat: "Um, a woman that came to stay with me and my sister told me about you. She said that if I spot a man wearing a cowboy hat, mask, rifle on his back and two revolvers by his side to give you a message."

Alex: "And what might that message be?" He quickly realised that Nat was talking about Nora.

Nat: "To come and meet her at my sister's place." Although he looked scary, Nat trusted him since he had nothing to gain from helping her previously.

Alex: "Lead the way girl."

Nat: "My name is Nat, not girl." She spoke and grabbed Alex's hand.

Alex: "Nice to meet you Nat." As he was dragged by Nat he looked back at Martha for her to follow as well.

After 10 minutes of being dragged around by the little girl Alex was led to small metal shack, located near the entrance of the city. Above the metallic door of the shack were the words 'Publick Occurrences' in rusty iron lettering.

Alex: "Looks charming..." he frowned at the horrible appearance of the hut.

Nat: "Wait until you get inside." She returned his sarcasm with a smile on her face.

*creak*

The door let out a loud rusty screech as it was pushed open.

Nat: "Piper, Nora! I'm back and I brought some guests with me." She shouted as soon as she entered.

Alex looked around the room and spotted a large newspaper printer near the doorway, a desk where Nora and Piper were sat and a second floor where three sleeping bags were placed.

Nora: "Alex, your back!" She shouted and quickly got off the chair she was sat in.

She rapidly reached Alex and was about to hug him before she held herself back, thinking that it was a bit inappropriate and as she noticed the new female appearance behind him.

Alex: "It's nice to see you again Nora, how are you holding up? Did you get any help from Nick?" When he mentioned the detective she frowned, her mood taking a quick 180.

Nora: "Yes we did get a lead... but we're currently in quite the slump."

She started to explain how they suspect a mercenary by the name of Kellogg to be responsible for the kidnapping, as he fits the description perfectly. The only problem is that the mayor refuses to give them the key to Kellogg's abandoned shack, although Kellogg didn't come to Diamond City for months the mayor insist on the privacy of citizens.

They tried to convince the mayor's secretary but the bribe that she asked for was too much and their attempts at convincing her were for naught. When trying to pick the lock at night they found it to be too complicated even for Nick, something that Alex expected.

Alex: "Let me try get that key for you..." His words made Nora smile as if knowing that he will succeed. "But before that, meet my new merc employee Martha."

Martha in the background was trying to make herself look small since she knew none of these people, and at Alex's words Nora, Piper and Nat were now looking at her.

Martha: "N-Nice to meet you." She was shy since all the attention was now directed towards her.

Piper: "Oh, aren't you a little too cute to be a mercenary?" She looked suspiciously at Alex followed by Nora.

Nora: "And how exactly does she help you with your work? Stress relief?" Piper coughed while Martha at first didn't understand but blushed heavily when she did.

Nat: "Stress relief... I don't get it. Piper can you explain?" She looked innocently at Piper who tried to re-direct the topic.

Alex: "*cough cough* I'll explain her circumstances to you later, for now I'll hate my hands on that key for you." He didn't want to continue the conversation and left the hut.