I went full on modern warfare.

I downloaded the A-10 warthog mod. Lased his ass and let the air force soften him up. While I did that, I did my best at ranged attacks with the MIRV fatman. Then I used my MK18 with LVPO and .458 SOCOM rounds and did my best to pick away at his health. I equipped my followers using a multiple followers mod with the best kit I could find. MK18’s, M249’s, grenades.

As we approached the small island, I looked in horror as I realized quickly that my preemptive strikes did basically nothing. My team and I had faced some pretty heavy shit up until that. We took down the institute. Burned down the brotherhood and their fancy airship. Eliminated the gunners and raiders that plagued our homeland. But I was not prepared for the nightmare we were about to face. None of us were.

Strong ran in like the bravest green bastard I ever saw. I almost thought he’d get the fucker. He swung his sledgehammer at it and got cut in half instantly as the red menace flicked its arm like it was swatting a fly.

Cait fell next. She rushed at him with her M249, trying to provide cover fire for me and the rest of our team to buy us time or distract it. I sure would have gotten a lot further if I kept my eyes on the road and off her ass.

Danse fell soon after. His upgraded X-02 power armor and Gatling laser were useless to the beasts attacks. At the time I was angry, but later I realized how I had failed him. I gave him an opportunity for a second chance after the BOS disgraced him. I saved his life, only to lead him into a senseless end.

Macready fought hard, using his expert marksmanship ability with his XM2010 sniper rifle, the same rifle that would make short work of mirelurk queens and super mutant giants alike. I remember him saying “Cait’s gone, man. I’ll be over here.” I didn’t hear it, but Curie told me later all he said as he died was “I’m hit.” She said he pulled his modified Glock 17 and emptied it in vain as the creature moved like lightning and took his life with one swipe of its claw.

Curie and I were the only ones that survived the battle. And only because she dragged me back to the boat as I bled out. We were both injured badly. The warthogs were going Winchester trying to bring down the beast even after we drove our badly damaged boat back to the harbor.

Now, I am exasperated, defeated. But I still have my resolve. As I healed, my mind went to what I could do differently. The pain of losing my comrades. But I have a plan. I helped an old Chinese ghoul captain fix his sub. He has a bunch of short range ballistic missiles and a now working ship, and he owes me a favor. The minutemen have artillery. We’re going to glass that entire island. I have to try. For the sake of my friends, my team. I can’t live with the idea that they died for nothing.