ATOMICA: Let Freedom Ring (Part 2)

LET FREEDOM RING (Part 2)

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Half a mile past the Republic of Dave: 11 AM.
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Atomica grimaced at a pain in her shoulder as she knocked the heads of the last two Slavers together with a satisfyingly hollow sound. They dropped comedicaly into each other's arms and fell atop the bodies of their four fallen fellows. She failed to stifle a yawn as she unlocked the collars of the slaves they had been transporting with a practiced hand.

“You sure look beat, Miss. We heard tell of you freeing slaves all over the wastes these past few days. Maybe you need a rest?”

She rubbed her shoulder until it was just stiff instead of throbbing. “Maybe.” She considered her week. Allison was making good money off of slaver gear, Atomica had definitely had an effect. Instead of 2 or 3 slavers as escorts, the routes were now being manned by half a dozen or more per slave caravan.

“Come on, its time to point you in the right direction.” Exhausted, her foot slipped, and she nearly fell back over the ridge she had ambushed the slavers from. “Please Miss Atomica. Come with us. One day off. You earned it... and you won't do anyone any good if you get killed cause you're too tired to fight.”

Another yawn tore loose from her without caring what she thought of it. Nodding, she gave in. “OK. Ok... Come on.. Its just half a day from here.” One of the children's eyes went wide. “Its really real?”

Atomica leaned over, hands on her knees while she caught her breath. “Sure is.” Standing up, she stretched mightily, drawing admiring stares from most of the men and a couple of the women. She pointed to the west. “Next stop...”

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The Temple Of The Union: 2 PM
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Atomica was half asleep by the time the slaves reached the gate of the Temple. She had never come within range of its walls before, preferring to observe from an overpass nearby. As she approached, the rough woman who guarded the Temple challenged them. The password was given, Atomica being brought in with her arms around two very happy men's shoulders. She felt guilty for taking the aid of those forced to serve, but it was that or nap under a bush outside. With her only taking half an hour sleep at a time as she haunted and assaulted the slaver's trade routes, she was running on empty.

Hannibal Hamlin approached her with a mixture of disbelief and reverence. “By the Stars and Bars, Atomica herself! It is an honor to finally meet you! Word of your crusade has spread from the Pitt to Point Lookout!”

She marshaled the strength to shake hands heartily. “I admire what you've done here, mister Hamlin.” He laughed, and insisted she call him Hannibal. Upon seeing her stagger when left to stand on her own, he also insisted she get a hot meal and a full night's rest. She chose not to argue.

Atomica awoke to the light of dawn. She had slep the rest of the day and the night away after her solitary supper of Salisbury Steaks and Insta-Mash. “Mornin' Suit. How we holding up?”

POWER RESERVES FIFTY THREE PERCENT.

“I need to get you some cells.”

CONCUR.

“Smartass.”

The slaves she had rescued the day before had already moved on, headed west under cover of darkness through the Underground Caravan Trail. Merchants dressed them in ones and twos as guards and caravan helpers, leaving them to trade off at safe places like Agatha's and the Republic of Dave. Even before Atomica left the Vault, Hannibal had saved hundreds in ones and twos.

“But now, with you and your comic book super powers, we're overloaded. We need somewhere more fortified, somewhere we can make a stand, and defend.” He showed her Caleb Smith's work, and told her of his plan to take back the Lincoln Memorial. “But even our might is not enough to assail the Supermutants that haunt it.”

“For that you need a Superhero. Luckily for you, I happen to be one.”

Hannibal smiled gently. “I would never have asked, nor can I offer more than gratitude.”

“Its what I do. As soon as I can find some energy cells, I'll be able to power up enough to handle them.”

“Well Old Glory Be! Maybe I can offer a bit more!” He handed her an ammo case. “The blasted Laser Pistol hasn't worked in a dog's age.”

Atomica smiled as the suit recharged to full.

“Once we find a way to recover the drawing of the Memorial that was known to be in the Museum of American History, we can strike out and reclaim the great Emancipator's monument for the cause of freedom.”

Atomica nodded. “I can get that for you. Only one thing delaying me.”

Hannibal paused with a worried look. “And what it that?”

“Lunch.”

Hannibal laughed uproariously as he set her a place for a hearty meal of noodles and Mac & Cheese.