Conquerors

Chapter 2

As I near the surface, I hold up my hands, shielding my eyes from the sun. Why is it so bright? I squint, letting my eyes adjust.

I gaze around at the world I formerly called home. Nothing looks the same. There are still Vault-Tec vehicles scattered wherever. But where the workers once stood are now skeletons. Along with my neighbors that didn't make it in the vault in time to escape the bombs that devastated our world.

I slowly step off the platform, feeling overwhelmed by the scene around me. The trees are burnt black, no longer covered in luscious, green leaves. The road is littered with trash.

I notice a first aid box, taking the stimpaks and med ex from it and placing them in my pocket. I also find a bag of greenish, rusty liquid. A crude label reads"Radaway". I bring it along with me anyway.

I follow the path to Sanctuary, passing skeletons and fallen tree branches. It takes a few minutes to find my old house. 

The entire neighborhood is in ruins. Houses don't have doors or windows, and roofs have caved in. Outside of the place I once called home, I find a little robot, busy pruning the dead hedges.

"Codsworth!" I shout, speeding towards him.

"As I live and breathe... Oh, it's really YOU!"

"What are you doing here? What year is it?"

"I have loyally been waiting for you and the sir to come home with young Shaun. It's been about 200 years since you all left."

"Wha-..." I trail off. That's impossible. "200 years?"

"I'm afraid it's true, mum. It's been about 210 years. Give or take a few years due to dings to the old chronometer."

"There's no way..." I whisper, my head spinning.

"Anyway, where's the sir and young Shaun? They must've come out right after you?"

"He's dead... and someone stole Shaun. I need to find my baby and get him back."

"Mum, all those years locked up in that rusty, old vault must've left you hungry. That would explain the nonsense you're speaking. How about some lunch?"

"Codsworth... you're acting strange. What's going on, buddy?"

"Well..." his voice cracks. "I have spent the last 200 years without anyone to serve! I spent the first 30 years trying to keep the house clean, but do you know how hard it is to polish nuclear dust out of laminate flooring?! And don't get me started on the car!" He wails. "The car! How can you polish rust?!"

"Stay with me, buddy."

"Sorry, mum. Life has been horrible here on my own. I'm glad you're back. And I hope you find young Shaun."

"Thank you Codsworth," I say, peering at his rusted frame.

"That reminds me, I have this holotape from the sir. He wanted me to give it to you on your anniversary. But I think now is a good time."

"Thank you," I respond, taking the holotape from him. I shove it in my pocket, which is quickly running out of space.

"Oh, mum, I found this in Concord. It's old, but it looks like you could use it." He holds up an aged, leather backpack.

"That's perfect. Thank you Codsworth."

"Anytime, mum. That might be a good place to look for young Shaun."

"I'll look around."

I kneel down, pulling the stimpaks and bullets out of my pockets. I put them in the backpack and sling the sac around my shoulder.

I walk into my old house, horrified at the destruction. But also shocked at what is left. The furniture is still here. Broken and weathered, but still existing in its former spot, nonetheless.

I pass the folded US flag on the shelf, the glass brown from grime and smashed in. Nate would have a heart attack if he saw the state it was in. That was what he got when he retired from the army after the war ended.

I pass it by, the memory of him stinging my heart.

I stroll by the kitchen, my mug that once held coffee is now lying on the floor, empty and damaged.

I walk down the hall, passing the bathroom, remembering getting ready there all those centuries ago. It feels just like yesterday in my memory.

Nate was supposed to give a speech at the Veteran's Hall, that night. Shaun and I were going to sit proudly in the seats, to be with my husband who fought for his country. He never knew he was getting a special award. I purchased a camera just for the occasion.

I slowly walk into Shaun's room. His crib is still sitting there, the sheets and mattress rotting away. His mobile still slowly twirls in the breeze. I rest my hands on the railing, peering down into the vacant space where my baby once lay.

"I'll get you back, baby. Momma's coming for you." I whisper, my voice breaking.

Tears stream down my cheeks. I fall to my knees, reality setting in.

The world is destroyed. My husband is dead. And my baby is gone.

I sob bitterly, a fast-growing contempt for this new world emerging from deep inside me.

I can never call this place home. And I never will.

I rise to my feet, kicking over an end table. The blue lamp on top shatters against the wall.

I scream shrilly. I don't stop. Not even when my throat starts to sting.

"Mum, what's wrong?" I hear. Codsworth emerges from the hallway.

I feel my chest tighten, my screams cutting off abruptly. I feel like I have to wrap my arms around myself to hold my body together.

"Are you in pain, perhaps? A quick scan shows nothing is broken."

"Nothing visible," I whisper, my voice hoarse.

"I brought you your lunch. Potato crisps and Nuka Cola."

"Thank you, Codsworth. But I should be going now."

"Won't you stay a little longer, mum?"

"I should check Concord. But I'll be back." I say to him.

"Promise to stay safe?" He asks, concern in his voice.

"I promise," I whisper.