Two Dead Worlds

Chapter 9: To jog the memory

Goodneighbor. A place that used to be known as Scollay Square before the bombs fell. To be considered a town in a nuclear wasteland one didn't have to have a population that numerous. So, here it was, one would say that this is second most populated area in post-war Boston, which, once again, was not a title many would be proud of. Diamond City was nearby, and the immigrants preferred to flock to that...more civil place. To somehow rephrase one sultan of old, what would you expect of lowlifes, raised by criminals. It was the latter category which made up a huge part of the town. It was the town where every guy could gut you without repercussions. And yet, somehow this kleptocracy led by extravagant and irreplaceable mayor survived. And he resided within the Old State House, a place twice as old as one certain ghost.

Above-mentioned mayor was John Hancock. It wasn't his birth name, but the name of the past hero was just what the otherwise unpresentable physically man would need. Now, sitting in his 'office', playing poker with his henchmen, the sentient ghoul was occupied. The room was spacious enough, but dirty. To this radiation could not be held responsible. It wasn't the one to scatter the bottles and packages of pre-war snacks that only one person around could eat. In the centre of the room, under a fan chandelier, was a table where the game itself was being held among five people. Two guards were standing at the doors just in case. They weren't that needed. Everyone present had a gun of their own.

"And this, gentlemen, is what we call Royal Flush," Hancock smirked, revealing his cards and making everyone groan, "Oh, don't be like that. One has to be able to lose."

"You always win, Hancock," one of the men groaned, "At this rate nobody would want to play with you."

"Bah, don't be like that..."

Soon the doors opened, and the mayor's right hand entered the room. She had that punk aura around her, with half of her hair fully cut. Dressed in a self-made armour, with a newspaper in her hand, she went forth without any concern.

"Hey, what gives, Fahrenheit?" Hancock asked as the list of paper was dropped before him.

"Your special delivery. Better read it."

"Now, what could that be...is this Diamond City newspaper?" The mayor raised his voice.

"Just read. I've heard McDonough hates those reporters, so..." Fahrenheit shrugged. "They even scrapped a camera somewhere."

Minutemen, a dream reborn
By the main editor Piper Wright

The Commonwealth is no stranger to different cliques all around, this much is obvious. Triggermen, raider gangs, now the Brotherhood of Steel. But one group in particular has always received main interest of the public. Minutemen, an organisation that once gave birth to the country that perished in the nuclear fire. Not without multiple obstacles, they fought tooth and nail for the people of the wasteland, before being decimated themselves, falling victims to the selfishness and greed of its leaders. Now, it seems, the phoenix is reborn for the third time in history. Led by their new general Daniel Fenton, who appears to be a very young man and came from the place unknown to even his closest circle, the organisation has seen its change from a ragtag structure to a quasi-state organisation in but a couple of weeks. Discipline is heavily enforced among both the soldiers and civilians. Northwestern, Northern and Western settlements outside of city borders have already recognised the general as their leader, thus accepting a unified set of laws. Our redaction has managed to get a peek at the meeting with General Fenton, below is the retelling of the most interesting words said before the settlement council, a legislative body of their organisation.

"There is nothing more important to us than the actions of today," says the general, "Bygones are to remain bygones. Our Commonwealth is to offer great opportunities for peaceful lives. For that purpose we are to forget and forgive every wayward soul who will come to our lands. However, it does not mean that we are to let the offences to our people slide. The punishment for the crimes made today is to be done..... Concerning the further expansion... we are in need of allies, we do not seek mere recognition. Our actions have done enough for us to be acknowledged. As the Brotherhood of Steel threatens us, we must make our stand. It is the offer to each and every settlement, no matter the size. We, in exchange offering an unparalleled protection and representation, are merely requesting that you give it your resolve. Join us, and we will make Commonwealth the shining jewel of the resurrecting world!"