Hello. I was wondering if it was possible to skip 'When Freedom Calls' and go straight to Diamond City and pick up the free valentine quest? I want to keep Sanctuary for myself and do not want people roaming around (at least for a while). Also, is it possible to grab the power armor (provided you have the fusion core from the mole rat cave) without dealing with Preston and all that jazz?

My second and third chracters go up to the point that you get Preston and comapny to Sanctuary and then ignores him from then on. I actually build up Sanctuary before I even go help them out in Concord. If I go to Sanctuary for something I avoid Preston. If he sneaks up and tries talking to me I just walk away from him with out picking any replies to his conversation.

The next step is to pick one of the other settlements as your home base. I tend to use the Red Rocket and just don't build a settlement beacon. The only people I let in are Companions and myself. No hassle from settlers at all that way.

Yep, the better way to get Nick's quest is to head to Goodneighbor and use the memory lounge. I'm not sure you can get to the PA without going through that room they're in.