The Other Wanderer

Walked south from Arefu.  Saw a power substation in the distance. Decided to check it out first. It was quiet, nothing there. A tower had fallen and crushed part of the fence. I did find a NC Quantum which I kept.  There's a ladder that lead me up to the roof of the compound, where I found a BBQ, but it's long cold. I scanned the area, and noticed a deathclaw in the distance, but it moved away before I can engage it. I wasn't sure I can hurt it much any way. Spotted a shed from the roof of the power substation to the southeast. Checked it, and found another NC Quantum. Howe interesting. Head back north to the Northwest Seneca station to check in with Murphy. "No, I don't know anything about The Family.  Barrett, do you?"  Murphy adjusted his glasses, and went back to his work on the chemistry set. Barrett, the assistant / bouncer, shrugged, "Maybe." I checked into my stash... and handed over two Sugar Bombs. "Here, they're on me....

As I stepped out the door of the clinic someone shouted "there he is!". By reflex I pulled the combat shotgun and crouched, then I winced. It's those darn Talon mercs again. And they are pretty well armed... But I am better. I switched to my trusted Wanda, the customized assault rifle I picked up at Regulators a while back, and send a burst into the closest threat... the merc with a combat knife charging me. Dogmeat jumped into action and is engaging 2nd merc with a combat shotgun, also rushing in. The third merc with the laser rifle is taking potshots at me, but from a bit further away. My regulator duster is good, but not laser proof. I wait until the knife merc got closer, than put a burst of 5.56 into his nogging with a bit of help from my VATS. He goes down, half of his head missing. I took a few laser hits and I can feel the scorch marks, but I need to help Dogmeat. I sprinted to the bus shelter which provided cover from the laser, then targeted the shotgun me...