[u][b]South Boston - Outside the Shamrock Taphouse[/b][/u]

Nate pulled up to the curb outside the Tap house, and parked the battered old jeep Isabel had fixed up for him. It was less of a flex than Relaying, even if the Relay were an open secret these days....at least that was what he told Ayo and the rest of the Directorate. While it was true, mainly he liked to be able to drive again, and have time alone with his thoughts. Climbing out of the jeep, he grabbed the mailman's satchel behind the driver's seat and scanned the tables around the building for a familiar redhead. Spotting her, he walked over her table. 

"You look well, Cait", Nate said, kissing her on the proffered cheek then taking a seat at her table, "Married life seems to suit you."

"And a Colonel's wife, to boot", Cait replied sardonically. "I'm all posh now, I spend my time presiding over the wives of Robert's officers and men. Quite the change from fighting other bums for a bellyful of booze, is it not?"

"Love the license plate, by the way", she added, "Not sure what a Masshole is, but it sounds oddly appropriate."

"It's what people outside Massachusetts called us before the war", he replied with a chuckle, "It's funny because it's true". 

"Indeed", she replied with a laugh. "Anyhow, our friend has arrived, he's waiting for you in back. You won't be disturbed."

[u][b]Shamrock Taphouse[/b][/u]

Inside, the bar was moderately crowded, the population in Southie had trended up ever since the Minutemen reclaimed the Castle. No sooner were the Raiders driven out than the new garrison moved their families in. Right behind them came traders and other businessmen, not to mention the Triggermen (many of their leaders lived here even before the war) willing to play ball, one of which renovated the derelict Taphouse and re-opened for business. Nate ordered two Gwinnets from the bar, then walked around and climbed the stairs to the second floor where off-duty Minutemen, a couple Triggermen, and some civilians were playing pool or darts, or poker. Nate approached the door leading to the back, the Triggerman sitting on a bar stool, sipping a pint of beer, looked at him, nodded and said "General" in acknowledgement, then returned his attenton to the darts game. 

Nate walked in and entered what was the break room for the employees. Sitting at a table, that unsurprisingly gave him a view of both entrances, was a wiry black man, dressed like a ordinary Wastelander. He nodded at Nate once he entered, but did nothing else. Nate placed one beer in front of him, then sat opposite him. For a good ten minutes, they sat and silently studied each other as they sipped thier beers. Finally, the man put his now empty bottle down and looked Nate in the eye. 

"I hear you have a mission for me..", Irving Gallows said, "....Director? General? You've got a lot of hats."

"You can call me Nate or Nathan", Nate replied with a shrug, "The mission is the same, no matter what hat I'm wearing." He picked up the satchel and placed it on his lap, pulling out a manila folder out and handing it to Gallows. 

Gallows opened the file and began to read, occasionally arching an eyebrow, and a couple times looking up at Nate as if he wanted to confirm what he is reading is serious. 

"Is it really this bad?", he asked. 

"It is", Nate replied, "If Cleveland falls, The Pitt loses 80% of their steel production capacity. All projections are they would fall within 6 months, worst case in only 90 days. They will push for the Coast, their next targets are Boston and Washington."

"What's the plan?", Gallows asked. Nate pulled out a second file and handed it to him. Gallows read through the file, and upon finishing, closed it with a long, low, whistle. "This is the craziest thing I've ever read."

"You in?", Nate inquired.

"Fuck, yeah I'm in", Gallows replied. "I wouldn't miss this for the world. My suit needs repairs, though."

"That can be arranged", Nate said. "If you like, we can supply a newer suit, we've got T-51 suits in production. My jeep is outside, we can be at the airport in half an hour for a full briefing."