It's the End of the World

Chapter 22

"Good morning, sleepyhead. Hungry?"

I looked down at Deacon with a slight smile. I took a box of Sugar Bombs from my bag and poured some in a bowl. I sat down and handed him the bowl. He took it gratefully from me. I sighed as I looked over.

"You've been gone for two years. Where were you all this time?"

"I told you. I was stuck on an island. Far Harbor or something. Point is, I couldn't have come any sooner than I did."

I took a deep breath. It wasn't the worst excuse I've ever heard, not even from him.

"And how did you know where to find me?"

Deacon chuckled. 

"That's a joke, right? You literally sent a step by step guide on how to find you over the radio."

I laughed a bit.

"Fair enough. I didn't know that was still running."

He shook his head.

"It isn't. I called in a few favors and got hold of a recording."

I let the subject go, pouring myself some of the overly sweet cereal. We sat quietly, only the sound of crunching cereal and wind rustling the light debris on the ground. My mind kept going back to the time we spent apart from each other.

"What kept you on the island?"

"There were people who needed me to help-"

I cut him off.

"I needed you."

He looked down, upset. 

"There's more to it, boss. I found someone there who needs to see you."

My focus snapped to the station below. The doors opened, and traders freed from their shock collars came pouring out. Some held bags, some held weapons.

"They made it..."

I jumped to my feet and leaned over the railing. None of them saw me, so I started waving my hands as I called out to them.

"Up here!"

The traders started huddling around the parking lot below, looking up at me. I took a deep breath, realizing these people had been captives for so long, and I had kept them that way. And now I probably needed to give a speech of some kind. I cleared my throat as I thought of what to say.

"Some of you may recognize me as the Overboss. I can assure you, this is no longer the case. Along with my partner, we plotted against the Raiders to grant you your freedom. I ask now that you help me undo my mistakes. Help me free the Commonwealth."

The traders began talking amongst themselves. Deacon stood up and joined me at the edge. I finished my speech, projecting my voice over the crowd.

"Together, we can make a better future. One where you can live your lives without fear for your safety. Who's with me?"

A few traders held their guns aloft, shouting back to me. Others nodded, raising their fists. I looked back at Deacon, who smiled reassuringly.

"You still have a way with words, boss. Glad to see that hasn't changed."

I ran my hand through my hair.

"I said what I had to. It won't be easy, not everyone will survive such a fight."

My gaze swept over the crowd as I thought through the next step of the plan. As if reading my mind, Deacon put his hand on my shoulder as he spoke to me.

"I'll start sending them to the outposts to spread the word."

I nodded, watching him climb down to the ground. I leaned forward on the railing with my hands dangling over the side. This had to work, I had to fix the damage I had done. But it would undoubtedly cost the lives of so many. It would be worth it to have things go back to the way they were before this whole mess started.