Fallout: Wasteland Doll Commander

The midday sun cast long shadows over Sanctuary Hills as Nate and Preston marched up the broken road, dragging a makeshift cart behind them. It groaned under the weight of captured raider gear, scavenged supplies, and, perched at the top like a war trophy, Ack-Ack's minigun—its barrel charred, belt feed tangled, but unmistakable in presence.

Settlers and Minutemen began gathering, drawn by the clatter and word of their return. Children peeked from doorways. Farmers stood tall, hopeful. Dogmeat bounded ahead, tail wagging, tongue lolling.

Preston, slick with sweat and half-laughing, looked to Nate.

Preston:

"Well, General… I think we broke their backs."

Nate, resting one hand on the warped frame of the minigun, nodded.

Nate:

"They picked the fight. We just ended it."

At the edge of the crowd, Blake Abernathy approached with his family, dismounting from a Brahmin-drawn cart. His eyes locked on the raider flag and the weapon on display.

Blake Abernathy:

"That's Ack-Ack's. No mistakin' it. She's been a thorn in our side for months."

Nate stepped forward and extended a hand.

Nate:

"You're not alone anymore. The Minutemen are back—and we'll stand with you."

Blake took his hand firmly.

Blake:

"Then count Abernathy Farm in. You'll have our crops, and our rifles."

A murmur of approval rose among the gathered settlers—hope returning in voices once dulled by fear.

Before the dust settled, a ragged young man stumbled into the square—a settler from Tenpines Bluff, exhausted and wide-eyed.

Settler:

"General! Heard what you did. We need help—raiders movin' out of Lexington. Gettin' closer every week…"

Nate's brow furrowed.

Nate:

"Not just any spot—that's the Corvega plant. It was a car factory, but structurally? It's a damn fortress. Concrete walls, elevated platforms, narrow approaches... anyone holed up there has a serious advantage. Charging in blind would be suicide."

Preston:

"Over a hundred dug-in. We're not takin' that without a plan—or gear to match."

Sarah emerged from behind the crowd, arms crossed over her Division coat.

Sarah: "Then we pivot. I'll pause the Concord underground investigation for now. The signals can wait. If Corvega's becoming the threat, we need to prepare now."

She motioned to the raider cart and Ack-Ack's battered minigun.

Sarah: "Oh... that cannon and the loot? Sell it to Mayling. Turn that junk into solid gear. It's time to refit—and train your men—before we even think about Starlight Drive-In."

Preston nodded.

Preston: "We use Starlight as the forward base. Clear it, secure it, and from there—we take the fight to Lexington."

Sarah: "I'll deploy Team 404 and a T-Doll fireteam. Once it's clear, we'll drop modular supplies and secure the airspace for vertibird support.

Nate: "Preston and I will gather any volunteers from Concord, Abernathy or Tenpines Bluff if they willing that is.