She walked the deep dark subway tunnels of a world long before her existence. the rubble from the ceiling above crunched under her boot as she ventured onward. it had been more then a few months since she had left the safety and sanctuary of her Vault, it's thick metal walls kept her safe for years. Sheltered from the dust and radiation of a Dead land Once great and powerful, Nothing more now then a Total Wasteland, Unforgiving and forever taking.
She was no Older then Twenty, A young Woman but she wasn't weak despite her upbringing in a vault. As a child she was forced to grow up quick, the lack of having a mother took a toll on her child hood and how she viewed the world. It was just her and Father. The man she Ran After, Leaving her Safety, Her home in the vault behind. She was very keen on learning her Father's trade, she Developed moderate Medicine skills and even went as far as to give herself multiple piercing due to her fascination with needles . Although at First her Father didn't approve of his child doing such things to herself but he truly did consider that fact that his child was displaying her quirky creativity. Despite how often she did it to herself.
Her Creativity wasn't always viewed with such an open mind as some of the vaults residents didn't look to fondly upon her "outside the box" way of looking at things, she didn't even get along with the children of the vault her age, accept for Amata. Who was the overseers Daughter, and even he Didn't care to have his daughter be friends with her either. Even though Amata was saved by her many times due to Butch's bullying and teasing. By the time she left vault 101 she wanted nothing more then to put a bullet between that man's eyes. She could have, she knew how to use a fire arm. All those years of shooting rad-roaches in the reactor rooms with Father really paid off. A little part of her was dying to test her skill on a person and the Overseer would have been a good candidate. But she didn't she promised her friend she wouldn't do it.
Since that day she was thrown into the wastes with nothing but a 10 mm pistol and her pip-boy to ensure her survival, she has become hardened by the experiences of the wastes, had death in her face more then once and escaped his grip for sometime.
And even now in the deep, damp, dark she was staring that old friend in the face yet again.
She was keeping her distance behind the ledge of the track way, peeking her head over the edge to view the dirty and crumbled train platforms being patrolled by Raiders. Two paced back and forth on the lower level, keeping an eye and ear out for any signs of an intruder. She was picking out how many there were and it appeared that there were 4...maybe 5. She could here conversation coming from the above platform.
"Where the fuck is the other patrol!? They were supposed to be back 2 hours ago! Where the Fuck are they!?"
One raider who looked as though he was in charge of this lot of chemed out losers, was shouting at the ones Guarding the way, but they didn't seem as though they were going to answer him anytime soon. He looked as if he would snap the neck of the person who even gave him the truthful and honest answer.
They were waiting for a patrol to return? The thought ran quick through her head and that Asshole must have meant the group she ran into just as she had entered the Metro Station.
She had ran right into one and in a knee jerk reaction she stuck her .44 magnum in his eye and pulled the Trigger. The rest of the patrol was dispatched easily with a few well placed shots.
Leaving nothing but a bloody mess of brain matter painting the floor and the walls.
That patrol wasn't going to show up and that meant that these guys weren't going to leave on their own. It was time she made her move.
"Right, I want you scrawny little bag of mutant shit to go find their sorry asses and drag them back!" The Leader with the double Mohawks grabbed the smallest of the raiders and threw his rather tiny figure down the metro station escalator, he tumbled down yelling and cursing as his body slammed and smacked down the steps, landing on the cold dirty ground.
"Fucking Move You piece of shit!"
"Fuck You!" the small raider shouted at his superior. Dusting himself off and pulling out an assault rifle and venturing into her area.
She could hear him coming closer and she was knew she would have to act quick or this raider could get the first shot in and it could be the only shot too.
A deep breath filled her lungs and she raised up enough to get a clear shot. The echo of the shot rung through the air and it was met with a moment of silence before the split, splat of raider blood hit the ground and poured from the gaping gun shot in his neck.
It was a moment before his body hit the floor and when it did she lowered her gun slightly, she was just about to exhale when a whistle of lead flew past her and she hit the ground as many more rounds poured out into the airspace she was in. none of them hitting their target.
She coughed as she regained herself and pushed up against the under side of the ledge.
They knew she was here and she needed a new hiding place.
"Oh yeah! Finally some Fucking fun! Come on Guys lets Kill this Bitch and Bleed her!"
By this time they where looking in her direction and coming to find her.
She could feel that surge in her and her heart began to pound in her chest, she had one choice and that was to run and find better cover.
She lept up and ran for a near by pillar. Diving behind it as a barrage of bullets pelted the concrete pillar repeatedly. She gripped her .44 handle tightly and swung around raising her gun up. Everything went slow in her mind and she had that split second of advantage. Even as the heat of the assault rifles rounds whizzed past her she pulled the trigger, twice and each bullet found a home in the head of two raiders on the lower platform.
Their warm bodies hitting cold cement.
"For fuck sakes! I said kill her!" the leader shouted at his last buddy, expecting him to finish this woman off and quickly.
The last raider vaulted over the railings, landing on the roof of a train cart, slowly crouching and creeping further down the metal roof.
The moment of silence had her in a position of question. Not if there was any left, she knew there were still two left. She was questioning where the next attack was coming from. I don't want to risk my head getting blown off, but I need to know where they are. she reached into her utility belt. in one of the pockets she pulled out a small disk shaped object and slowly opened it.
Carefully pulling the mirror open she slowly moved it around just enough to catch the reflection of the raider above on the train cart, searching for her.
He was dumb he had no clue and she knew it and in one swift move she whipped her gun up and blew the Asshole away.
She stepped out with a hand on one hip and the other holding the gun out in a cocky sort of manner. Taking a few steps forward she admired her handy work. His blood ran cold into the cracks of the ground. The body still twitched ever in the slightest from the not so clean shot to the head. Crimson chunks of meat leeched down the metal walls like gelatin rubies, and she couldn't help but stare…as a tiny little smile began to creep in the corner of her mouth.
Suddenly the world disappeared in a flash of white and everything went sailing the other way. She felt her balance go off and she knew she was falling. An over whelming pain took over the right side of her face and by the time she hit the ground she could feel her lip piercing begin to bleed. The stinging was immense and she found her vision blurred by pain and due to the fact she was nearly knocked unconscious. There was a high pitched ring but through it she could hear the laughter of a raider.
The last one, she had forgotten about him in her midst of staring at the gore she had made. And now she was paying for it. He came ever closer to her and she made attempts to get up but this raider was standing over her. Looking down at her with a cocked head to the side.
"Hi…." his voice was hoarse and almost sympathetic, he knew he had this woman in a good spot, bad for her but good for him.
"so you're the one who killed our patrol in the metro tunnels? Nasty little bitch aren't you?" he was coy in his tone and he liked how it was making her look under him.
Her heart was in her throat, oh god it felt like it was going to burst out. She made an attempt to shuffle back, get some space between him and her, but that attempt was met with a heavy boot forcing her chest down.
She wheezed and grunted under the pressure. A helpless little moan escaped her lips, a noise she really wished she hadn't made.
It made his grin go as wide as a Cheshire cat and he giggled.
"I like nasty little girls, but you have been a bad one. And I think this bitch needs some fucking punishment!" he reached down and picked her up by her leather jacket and threw her figure across the ground. Much like he did to the scrawny raider earlier. He was strong.
Coughing as her figure raised up he stomped over and picked her up, grabbing her neck and slamming her into the hard wall. She couldn't help but yelp out "stop!" when this happened and it only fed this sick fucks psychotic ego. I need to do something, he's going to fucking kill me or worse! she reached down and grabbed a large hunting knife out of the belt of the raider before her and jammed the blade into his side. Releasing his grip on her neck he yelled and screamed in pain.
Letting the air filler her lungs quickly she rushed over to the wounded raider and kicked the sensitive spot behind the knee, he fell to the ground on his knees, cradling his side. From the behind she looked down at him. "tables get turned pretty quick, huh?" he turned to face her.
Cold Steele eagerly enters the flesh of the man in front of her. But not once….over and over and over. Till the blood ran freely and the knife was slippery in her grip. Blood seeped forth from the lips and gagging soon followed in drowning breathless chokes….till nothing.
The knife hit the floor with a clang and she was left breathless standing there. For a moment she did nothing. A snap of realization came over her and she collected her thoughts. The pain that was throbbing in her lip she had forgotten about entirely while staring back into the eyes of a psycho. She just escaped death and a sure worse fate.
She walked over to the .44 magnum laying on the ground and picked it up. Returning it to it's right full place on her hip.
This was to close of an encounter. She knew well enough that sometimes it was good to travel alone. But she also knew that she wasn't going to make it far if she didn't have someone watching her back. Nearly coming to being raped by a raider was a big enough wake up call that she only just managed to escape with her life and nothing more then a busted lip and a raging headache. Still next time she wouldn't be to lucky. It was time to find a person she could rely on. It was time to find a companion.
The silence that fell through the halls of the metro tunnel hallowed her need for rest and relief. She was hoping that these rare comforts would be available in the place she had been venturing to for 3 days.
Her body was aching but still she pushed on.
From the break of a corner the woman could feel her spirits lift a little as the grey light crept through the chain link gates of the metro. The fresh air breaks through the musky thick air of the old tunnels.
Reaching out she pushed the gate open. The light washed over her form and the air rushed in. feeling a great amount of relief flood her, it just made it seem like there was hope of finding a place to rest. The walk up the steps from the gates seemed like an eternity. But at the top she was greeted with the rubble of a tall building in the center. Holes like wounds bared the rebar frame like ribs in a great beast. The building was tall. A huge monument. She stared and scanned the landscape. Turning she realized her destination was right behind her.
Upon the old building was a large worn out sign 'Museum of History'
She let out an exhale and adjusted the pack on her back and ventured on wards to the entrance.
She reached a gloved hand out to grip the brassy handle but she stopped when a figure approached her from the side.
"Looking for something interesting?"
A young female ghoul stepped up to her and gestured gently that she meant no threat, the ghoul smiled softly.
The woman let go of the handle and stood up straight. When she realized she was being addressed by a ghoul she smiled softly. She had nothing against ghouls but found them fascinating in a way. Sometimes she considered her fascination a little to deep for them, but still she didn't want to be considered a Bigot or viewed that way.
She cleared her throat.
"I am sorry if I am trespassing, but I am looking for food and rest. And I knew a place called Underworld would be a possible place to stop"
The Ghoul paused and looked the girl in front of her up and down.
"how long have you been travelling to reach here?" the ghoul had a soft raspy voice, she herself couldn't have been an older then 20 when she went through her ghoulification.
"3 days…"
She began to question if she was going to gain access to Museum. She could feel her bones ache more at the thought of having to try and find an old abandon building to hold up in for the night.
The ghoul picked up on her body language and noticed she was bleeding from the lip, she hadn't missed the fact either that this woman was covered in piercing. She questioned if this woman was a raider or just a waste Lander…. But she didn't really seemed threatened by this woman.
"you are bleeding, are you injured?" the ghoul questioned, showing concern for the human.
"ah, y-yea I had a run in with some raiders just before I made it here. One kinda got the best of me….he he" she slightly giggled giving a crocked smile.
"ah touring the metro tunnels eh? Yea there isn't much to see down there but raiders and rad-roaches. But you made it this far which means your not like any other waster."
"I'm not a talon company if that's what you're concerned about? Those guys are just as much a thorn in my side as they are to you" by this time she had stepped away from the door completely, she was sure she would be told to leave.
The ghoul eyed the bundle of strapped fabric on this wasters back. Her foggy eyes scanned it.
"if you aren't talon company then who are you? What is the bundle on your back?"
Now the ghoullete had removed her laser rifle rifle from her back but didn't have it aimed.
"whoa, I'm not looking for a fight…." she raised her hands and stepped back a bit.
"I know you're not….but it's my job, tourist. Show me" her rifle was raised slightly as the girl before her nodded and slowly removed the bundle of worn fabric from it's belt and slowly and carefully brought into clear view of the ghoul in front of her. She removed the fabric.
The worn materiel slithered off like a worn snake, slipping away to metal perfectly laid to make a weapon of fierce appearance. And every bit as nasty from a stealthy distance.
It was her rifle. A Sniper rifle. Well maintained and polished. She kept good care of it and even the ghoul who scanned it with misty orbs was surprised by the condition it was so perfectly kept.
"I'm not a merc, I mean no harm. I simply have a hobby for hunting big game…." she paused waiting for a response from the ghoul, she stayed perfectly still till she received an answer…which seemed like an eternity.
Lowering her rifle, the ghoul paused for a moment before gesturing for the girl to stand up.
And she rose up, folding the fabric back around the weapon and holstering it back to it's rightful place.
"I am sorry if I had you worried for a sec. but it is my job to question outsiders before they enter Underworld. We have a little slice of paradise in these walls and we like to keep it that way, but I didn't suspect you to be anybody who would disrupt our peace…what's your name tourist?"
The ghoul returned her weapon to her back as well and reached her skinny hand out in politeness.
"Valentyn"
She gripped the ghoullettes hand firmly and returned the gesture with a good shake and a soft smile.
"Mine's Willow, Pleasure to meet you, you can go on through into the Underworld. I would recommend seeing Doctor Barrows in the Chop Shop. Don't worry it's not as bad as it sounds"
"sounds like a fun time" Valentyn giggled slightly and nodded great fully to Willow and ventured inside the Museum.
The air was thick when Valentyn crossed the threshold of the museum. Any light that was from the outside was swallowed up by the faint dimness of the torches that burned from the inner part of the building further within. a lot of the building had collapsed in on some of the rooms and poured out into the halls.
Valentyn looked about for any signs of life but none was to be seen, but she followed deeper to were the amber lighting of flames burned.
The light of flames flooded over old bones of a creature from a time so old it was probably more barbaric of survival then what she faced everyday. But she wondered what this monster was. It wasn't the only one in the massive hall a large furry beast accompanied it in the dim light.
Her sight was caught better by the looking structure that hung over the double doors. Made of stone, the skull that perched above her body was enticing to her, if not more inviting. She made her way up the steps and gripped the handle. Not hesitating she entered the world of the ghouls.
Into Underworld.
3 days, 3 days of long travel and face of with death more then once paid off.
Valentyn's mossy eyes were met with the warm orange glow of dim lights hung on the musty old walls of the museum.
The marble black floors were chipped but well maintained by a robot that politely hovered around doing work it was programmed to maintain during the day.
Tall black marble pillars reached up to the ceiling that adorned fabric drapes that read 'Underworld' like a proud kingdom owned by proud people who cherished what was given to them by their home. Though the most eye catching thing that held Valentyn's attention to most was the solid statue that screamed the very soul of a place with uniqueness and power. If not fear and emotion. It was all a breath taking sight. And she could easily understand why these ghouls protected their home so strongly. It was really a place like no other.
Even the residents where people you would hardly come by in the wastes. They seemed to almost belong here. As if it was made for them and them alone. Humans would take a place like this for granted in most situations. She was pretty relieved with the fact that the ghouls found this place well before raiders or super mutants did.
The awe she was left in had a few of the residents staring at her questioningly. They were certain this chick who just waltzed through the door was just another bigot human who would cause trouble. But this chick had noticed little that they where starring at her.
"Psst! Hey kid, you know it's not very polite to stare"
Valentyn snapped out of her little world and looked to where the raspy voice had come from.
The ghoul that stood beside her, looked at her "can I help you with anything, you seem to be new here"
Valentyn paused and faced the greenly ghoul that politely made himself known.
"huh? Oh..uh y-yes, sorry I am new. I didn't mean to come to seem like I was staring at anyone. It's just that I've never seen a place like this before. It is amazing"
she was being as friendly as possible, she wasn't here to cause any offence to anyone, but she was thankful that someone came up to her and offered some help around this place. She wasn't all to sure that her approach would warrant anyone even talking to her, let alone give her directions.
And she was pleased that at least the ghoul in front of her was pleasant. She couldn't help but give a friendly smile when she talked to him. She normally wasn't so friendly or willing to give a smile to a stranger, but she couldn't help but have a soft spot for ghouls. And this was nice…so far.
"well I am glad you think so, The names Winthrop I'm the technician around here, I keep the place going and functioning, though right now the air filters are acting up right now. Oh well keeps me busy. What can I do for you smooth skin?"
"smooth skin? Do all ghouls use that term?" Valentyn gave an awkward smile
"Smooth skin? You know, because your skin is so smooth…and Tasty?" Winthrop gave her a big smile, and she raised an eyebrow, for some reason in her mind that didn't really come off as bad as it sounded…but not in that kind of bad way.
She gave a small chuckle and looked down at the floor for a moment then back up at Winthrop, still smiling.
"your funny, I know ghouls don't eat flesh. Like I said before I am not here to offend people."
"well I am glad to hear that, smooth skin, most people who run into ghouls just consider us mindless zombies and would rather shoot on sight then know that we are still very much human like them. None the less, what can I do for you?"
Winthrop was relieved that willow at least was still doing her job and keeping the trash out. But at least one decent human came through that door. Most were quiet and kept to themselves and got there business over with and left. But that was awhile since a smooth skin stepped through those doors.
" I am Looking for the Chop Shop. The sentry Outside, Willow, said there was a Doctor Barrows there who could patch me up. I had a bit of a scuffle with some raiders in the metro and I could use a check up"
She turned her head and pointed to her lip which had stopped bleeding but the blood had smeared down her chin.
Winthrop gave a slight grimace but then nodded his head.
"come with me smooth skin, I can show you around, I'll even hold you hand while you get your shots" he giggled, gesturing for the woman to follow him.
"have you seen my face? Does it look like I need my hand held for a needle?"
she said playfully to the ghoul in front of her, which made some of Underworlds residents stare as she made her way though the crowd of ghouls with Winthrop.
The doors of the Chop Shop were old and cracked in places. A few splinters of wood stuck out from the door. Winthrop gripped the handles and held the door wide open for the leather clad woman behind him to enter.
"Hey doc, I have a new patient for you to check out" his voice was more raspy as he called out for the doctor.
Valentyn Looked around the long room, there was various medical supplies and a few beds pushed up against the wall where a large reinforced window was. It seemed slightly off to her due to the abnormal green glue that seeped through. Illuminating the room slightly.
"Hello?…" Winthrop called out once more.
"yes one moment please!" another raspy voice replied from behind a closed curtain which moved slightly to reveal a tall male ghoul, who's features where much more rounded and his skin wasn't as badly cracked as most ghouls where. Though he had the same amount of hair as most ghouls just a dusty brown.
Valentyn took note to how stained his shirt was. Black to dark brown flecks decorated his clothing of a pale yellow shirt that once was white.
Doctor Barrows emerged from behind the curtain and looked at the two over his black rimmed glasses, which were like looking at windows with a storm of foggy orbs that where eyes. Which scanned the smooth skin that stood in his medical room.
"what seems to be the trouble? Please be quick, I am very busy" Barrows removed his glass and placed the tip of one arm between his yellowed teeth.
" Well Doc, this smooth skin just rolled into town, but she had a bit of a square dance with some raiders in the metro on her way here, and they left a little goodbye kiss for her" Winthrop nudge Valentyn over who looked quickly at Winthrop then To Doctor Barrows.
"y-yeah, here…look" she once again showed her lip wound, and the doctor took a closer look.
Valentyn tried not to look at the Ghouls eyes as he inspected the wound closely at her face.
Barrows stood back up and let out a small grumble and gestured for her to take a seat on the bed.
"What happened exactly?"
Valentyn Sat on the bed and looked up at the doctor.
"Raider caught me off guard and punched me in the jaw"
"did you loose consciousness?"
"No… but I was close"
"no I guess you didn't ….I wouldn't be asking that if you had…you would more than likely be Dead" Doctor Barrows tilted her head back as he Shawn a light into her eyes.
"do you have a head ache?" Barrows turned as he walked away for a moment over to a small medical box hanging on the wall.
Valentyn straightened up and nodded.
"yeah just a bit…"
Barrows made a gravely 'Hmmm' to himself and returned with a stim-pac in one hand.
He removed the cap covering the tip and knelt down to his patient in front of him.
"this might sting a bit…." Barrows raised the needle to the wound on her lip, placing the needle just bellow the split skin.
"I'm used to it" Valentyn re-assured.
"You sure you don't want to hold my hand smooth skin?" Winthrop added jokingly, Valentyn let out a breathless giggle.
Doctor Barrows injected the tip into her skin which was met with a sharp inhale from her and a slight wince.
The needle was removed and little time Barrows saw the tissue quickly begin to mend itself like nothing had happened. Only a very faint scar wisped under the jewellery in her lip.
"there, done. As for that headache, I would just find a place to get some sleep and eat. I'm sure Winthrop can direct you to the right place"
Valentyn rose up from the bed and began digging in her pockets for payment.
She pulled out a small pouch and held it out to Doctor Barrows. He paused for a moment. Like he had forgotten he was to collect payment for his services. Though he did clue in and reached for the bag which jingled well of 50 caps.
"Thank you. Now if you'll excuse me I have important work I must be getting back too"
And with the barrows nodded a quick farewell and turned back to his work.
Winthrop lead the way out of the Chop Shop and Valentyn followed after.
"so Smooth skin I'm guessing your needing a place to stay for the night and something to eat. Am I right?" Winthrop took a breath in and held his hands on his hips, Valentyn gave a solid nod of her head.
"well there is one place here in Underworld that offer such hospitalities and that's Carol's Place on the top floor. It may not be ten penny tower but at least you have a place to sleep. Plus Carol and Greta are very friendly."
"Sounds good enough for me. I am beat and I really appreciate the help around, Winthrop. I can show myself up to Carol's Place from here. Thanks for the help" she gave him a soft smile which returned with a firm nod.
"Take it easy smooth skin" and with the Winthrop went on his way and Valentyn made hers over to Carol's.
On the way to Carol's a few ghouls still watched Valentyn but didn't say much to her. Maybe one or two gave a bit of a greeting to her in the form of a slight head nod, almost as if it was like a 'hey, what's up?' but no one said it to her. She didn't really expect them too. Maybe after awhile they would get used to seeing her face in Underworld and be less wary of her.
The doors swung open to Carol's place and every head raised up to look at who had crossed the threshold. Valentyn felt every Catorax filled eye stare directly at her, but still she didn't do anything about it. Accept approach the desk of a female ghoul who too had raised her head to view who entered her inn.
Her eye were sunken deep into the sockets of her skull which fine small veins traversed over exposed tissue and muscle like a faint road map. What dirty blonde hair she did have wisped down her head in wavy strands. At first glance Valentyn knew this was the Owner. This was Carol. She didn't get the idea it was based off the fact that she was standing behind the desk. It was more the fact that Carol did have a soft look to her. Despite her current appearance.
"Hi…I'm looking to rent a room for a night. Winthrop told me this was the best place to come for a bite and some where to rest"
She was very polite and her politeness was returned when Carol gave a soft smile to the woman in front of her.
"Oh! Well welcome to Carol's place my dear. I am Carol it's wonderful to meet a friend of Winthrop's. He works hard to keep this place going"
Valentyn looked up at Carol with a bit of a surprised look.
"well I wouldn't say I am really a friend, I mean he greeted me at the door and took me to the Chop Shop to see Doctor Barrows, but really I have only known him for 5 minutes"
Carol frowned slightly to Valentyn's comment.
"none sense my dear. If he greeted you at the door and even took you to the Chop Shop to make sure you were Patched up, then there must be something he sees in you he can trust to some degree and you are a smooth skin of all things"
Valentyn paused for a moment.
"besides it's not often we get smooth skins here, so that really says something about you. Tell you what just this one time I'll only charge half price for the night. 60 caps. Since you're new and Winthrop is a good friend of mine."
Valentyn's eyes opened widely.
"wow, really? Thank you. I really appreciate it" she couldn't help but give a smile and pulled out another small pouch of caps and left it on the desk for Carol to collect.
"Tell me smooth skin. Have you ever met a ghoul in you travels by the name of Gob?"
Carol looked at the Human in front of her. She looked like she had traveled far in the Capital wasteland. Her leather armor was weathered from travel and combat. It was obvious she had been wondering a harsh landscape.
But Valentyn had heard this name before and she knew who Carol was asking of, and returned a smile.
"yes I do as a matter of fact. Quiet the experience that was for me let me tell you"
Carol raised an eyebrow, Valentyn picked up on this.
"is he safe? Is my Gob safe?" Carol's voice was soft and she held concern for the Ghoul.
She doesn't know that Gob is a slave to Moriarty in Megaton? Poor guy is forced to work under that Irish bastards boot. Worst is she doesn't even know. How do I break this to her?
Valentyn noticed Carol was waiting on her reply and she was taking to long to answer and she could see that that hope in Carols grey eyes was fading.
"He's doing Good last time I saw him. He's in Megaton Working at a Bar."
Carol's cracked face lit up and she took a happy breath in.
"yeah, Gob was the first ghoul I ever met, and he made that experience a good one. Made me view ghouls as humans too"
She added a proud smile.
That little bit of gloom that loomed over Carols head seemed to lift away at hearing this from the human. She was over come with happiness.
Unfortunately Valentyn didn't feel the same knowing the truth and it made her feel those clouds come right over her head knowing that someone was being abused the way Gob was. And Gob was one of the first people she met when she left the Vault. The First Ghoul she Met ever and Gob Himself was surprised to see a human aside from Nova who actually viewed him as a person and not a Zombie.
Mental note: kill Moriarty when I get back to Megaton.
"Oh I am so proud that Gob has done good for himself. Thank You. But anyways you must be tired and Greta will be serving Dinner out soon. Make yourself at home"
With that Carol and Valentyn exchanged smiles and she made her way to her room.
Her body anticipated rest. Just the fact she was near a bed made her want to pass out where she stood, but she did reach her bed.
Removing her heavy gear from her aching shoulders was a profound relief and she groaned as her muscles took on the freedom.
She hung her leather armor and eagerly crawled into the bed.
The comforts were long to come but boy was she glad to finally relax. The reflections of today's events ran into her mind. The dark metro tunnels. The smell and taste. The blood and gore of raider skulls blown to bits. The crimson stream and shower of blood flowing on cold dirty concrete. The face of an insane fuck who stood over her small frame. Pinched under a boot waiting to become some sick perverted toy to be strangled and beaten.
She had escaped death today, and she had nearly forgotten it had happened at all if it wasn't for the wind down of her body slipping into sleep from exhaustion. The thoughts ran through her head but they then slowly began to turn into thoughts of what she was here originally looking for. And that was someone to watch her back.
That was first on her list in the morning….after breakfast.