I had been hanging out in Diamond City for a week. I had sold all my loot at the market and no, I didn't flirt with the girl in the white shirt this time. I was in need of an adventure. I was staying at the Dugout Inn looking for a new bounty or something alike.

 

 

            As I left, the bartender told me that someone had just put a notice on the wall next to the exit. Looks like this was going to be my day! The note read:

"Looking for a professional. Come see me at my store northwest of Chestnut Hillock Reservoir. Follow the road, can't miss."

 

 

            I went to the basin. It was relatively close to Diamond City but I chose to take my time to avoid problems. I hesitated on the direction to follow. The store was supposed to be after the Diner, it was the only road that led to the West.

 

 

          The note was right. There was a small store with a salesgirl, probably the author of the notice. I took the time to observe the surroundings, I had never been in this area before and the forest was beautiful here.

 

 

            I went to the counter to introduce myself. She knew who I was and picked up the discussion:

"Oh yes, you're Calista right? I heard your name around Bunker Hill, you saved a girl. You're going to be perfect for this job. A gang of raiders is coming to collect their tax in a few hours. I'd like to get rid of them. 300 caps and you can take everything they had."

"Sounds good to me. You want me to ambush them? I could hide in your storeroom if you'll let me in."

"Very good idea! It will be an easy target for you!"

 

 

            I walked into the room. It was small and narrow with crops growing. I was looking for where I could observe the exchange between the vendor and the raiders. She spoke up:

"Sorry dear, but you are the target."

 

 

          She slammed the door and closed it. I tried to force it open, but it didn't work. The gas that was used to feed the plants was released at full blast. I began to stagger, the smell was unbearable. I was slowly losing control.

 

 

            I couldn't do anything. After a minute I fainted. If I was the target, I fell into her trap like a beginner.

 

 

          When I opened my eyes, I saw the saleswoman above me. She had tied my hands and feet and gagged my mouth. I felt so helpless. 

 

 

          "Looks who's awake. Sorry girl, but it's just business. I took your purse, your gun, your ring, your glasses and your boots. I apologize for the latter, but I had to take them off you to tie you up like that. It's brave to wear them without socks. Either way, my handler will be here in a few hours. That's why you're gagged, I don't want you to scare my customers. In the meantime, stay still."

 

 

            I tried to move a little to untie myself but there was nothing I could do. A few hours later, the saleswoman opened the door again.

"Looks like I'm going to be rid of you. Too bad, I was starting to enjoy your presence. She's here Sergeant."

 

 

          "So this is the notorious Calista? To be tricked by a simple saleswoman, what a joke! Listen carefully, my commander wants to see you. I'm going to remove these ropes and then I'm going to handcuff you. We have a little way to go and I want to get home before it gets dark. Don't try anything and I won't shoot you, okay?"

 

 

          "Let's get moving. You better not slow down or I'll make you pay."

Like a feeling of deja vu. No shoes, handcuffed and forced to obey someone stronger than me. The saleswoman allowed herself one last sentence for me:

"Have a good trip! My advice for the day is, make good choices."

 

 

          "Keep the pace prisoner, toward the tunnel."

I was dealing with a Gunner. I had heard they were the best mercenaries in the Commonwealth, in equipment and numbers. The way she spoke, her clothes and her rank, all led me to that conclusion. I kept moving forward, trying to clear my head.

 

 

            I started to drag in the tunnel, my feet were not used to walk on concrete anymore. The sergeant kicked me to force me to speed up. 

"What the hell are you doing? I don't care if you're barefoot, hurry up!"

I lost my balance and almost fell.

 

 

            We crossed a bridge. Beyond it stood the elevated highway. 

"See what's behind the trees? Yep, that's where we're going. We'll go through the little town and then take an elevator to the top. Stay good and keep moving."

 

 

            As we passed through the small town, the gunner stopped me and pushed me towards a ruined pub.

"Inside, I want to make sure there's no trouble ahead."

 

 

          This little stop allowed me to catch my breath. The sergeant was looking at the landscape before she turned to me. 

"You look pissed off girl. Is it because you got screwed or because you got robbed? Look at you, she even took your shoes. Are your feet not too sore?"

"Mmmhuck fffou!"

"A little touchy, huh? Come one, we can go the freeway."

 

 

            We passed under the highway. She kicked me again. My balance took a hit but I held on. It was so humiliating, I had to comply.

"Move over there, we have a lift to catch."

 

 

          Once on the lift, she forced me to sit down. I tried to think of how to get out of this situation but I couldn't think of any solution. The gunner kept her eyes on me.

"Listen carefully, Calista. Once you're in the camp, you better tell us what we want to know. We are known for not taking prisoners. If you're no good to us, you'll be executed. Got it?"

I nodded. I had to be smart about this one.

 

 

          "Come on we're almost there move your ass!"

She grabbed me so I could step over the highway ramp faster. I felt the cold metal under my feet, it wasn't a pleasant sensation.

 

 

            We found ourselves in front of the gates. She ordered me to kneel down until they opened. It was impossible for me to escape, the turret would take care of it if I tried anything.

"Private, this is the Sergeant. I'm coming in with the prisoner. Is the commander present?"

"Yes ma'am, she's in her cabin."

 

 

          The highway was used as a Gunner's lair. They were many and especially well equipped with reinforced armor, laser weapons and missile launchers. I looked like a novice compared to them. Maybe that explains why I was their target. A beginner who tried to compete with them and ended up handcuffed and brought barefoot to their leader.

 

 

          The sergeant threw me at the commander's feet. She was delighted to see me.

"Good job Sarge. Welcome Calista, we've heard about you and your recent work. We had been targeting this building for weeks and it took a girl with enough balls to come in and steal our loot. That's why you're still alive. We'll start the questioning tomorrow. Sergeant, take her to the storage room and tear off her top, she's not worthy of our colors."