The Life of an ATLAS Boy

Peaceful...

Finally, the majority of the ATLAS Corporation has fallen. It was a hard-fought battle, but we ended up on top. There are small squads of still-loyal-to-the-old-ATLAS Soldiers, but they were fairly easy to spot. The KVA numbers were thinning out every day, and soon, peace would come over the world. Now, a decision was made by all the ATLAS that transferred to SENTINEL that changed the way of all our lives...
***
Dawn and I sat in the Briefing Room, along with just about all the ex-ATLAS Soldiers that made it through the fight. Just what we were waiting for, I do not know. Even though it's been two years, small pockets of Old ATLAS Soldiers still remained throughout the world. But I didn't care. The only thing I cared about was that Dawn and I were safe, and still together. We sat, hand-in-hand, staring amazed at a 3-D image of the new SENTINEL HQ in Canada. Dawn puts her head on my shoulder, and put my hand on her cheek.
"I love you," I whisper to her.
"I love you too," Dawn says back.
"Officer on deck!" someone yells, and I stand up. When I look to see who it is, I see Captain Gideon along side General McDonnell.
"At ease," McDonnell says in his commanding voice. "Captain Gideon and I have an important decision, and we left it up to the rest of you to make a vote. I'll let Gideon take it from here."
Gideon nods, then speaks. "Fellow ATLAS, Kingpin and I have decided to rebuild ATLAS." A murmur came over the Soldiers. "I know, Irons was bad. But, Irons is dead, killed by Captain Mitchell. We want to make ATLAS the same, without the destruction of America. Anyone in?"
Everyone looks around at each other. I look at Dawn, and Dawn's eyes are telling me not to.
"I'll join," I say, standing.
"I see Major Olsteen had joined," Gideon says, pleased.
"Me too," Dawn says.
"And his First Lieutenant as well."
Like a small spark, the number of Soldiers came forward. Eventually, all of the ex-ATLAS came forward.
"Well, General Gideon," McDonnell says. "Looks like you've got yourself a military."
"Aye," Gideon replies, happy as he did. "Don't worry, McDonnell, we won't start a war."
Kingpin laughs. "I'm sure we'll see each other again soon," he says.
"ATLAS," Gideon commands. "To the Warbirds. We're heading home. Lieutenant General Mitchell will take half, and I the other. Let's move!"
*
When I return home, I'm still surprised to see California rebuilt. It looks even better than before. Holding Dawn close, we walk out to where the old ATLAS facility was, and already, it was almost rebuilt.
"Since you're ATLAS," Gideon announces to us, "you get bunked with someone of your choice."
I hold Dawn closer, and she lets me.
"I'm sure we all know who Major Olsteen will be with."
All the ATLAS hoot, loller and laugh at Gideon's joke. I flip Gideon, and he laughs only harder. Once we all settle down, Gideon continues, "So, I'd like to make a toast." He grabs a RW1. "To the new and improved ATLAS!" He fires the gun, and we all cheer. Once we get inside, Dawn and I try to find where we're going to stay. I hardly remember the hall, but when I open the door, I almost fall back. It's Irons' office. I shake my head.
"At least we get a good view of the city," Dawn says, and she kisses me.
"This is our new home, baby," I say as I shut the door, pull Dawn close and kiss her. When we part, I reach into my pocket. Good, I think. I didn't forget it. I smile, and finally say, "Dawn, the time I've spent with you has been amazing. I've been looking for you, someone who's beautiful, sweet, smart and overall perfect. So I ask one question." I go down on one knee. "Will you marry me?"
Hand over her mouth, Dawn manages to squeak out, "Yes."