Here is chapter one to my fallout 3 story. Short, sweet and sad. I don't own anything, I just write about it.
Following in His Footsteps
Chapter 1
"I failed you, Catherine. I couldn't save you." James weaved his fingers through the freshly grounded dirt now covering his wife's grave. An easy breeze stirred the charred trees around the Jefferson Memorial. Gun shots echoed in the distance, the Brotherhood of Steel had found another super mutant.
"Our daughter is so beautiful, her eyes have turned out to be the same green as yours," he whispered to the Earth. The wind sent a chill down his spine that could not be contained. The area was deserted and his words were heard by no one.
"Darling I miss you so much. I feel so empty without you." The tears fell freely now, sobs racked his shoulders as he dropped to both knees. He had her for only a short time before she was ripped away from him in this cruel, tattered remain of a world. His wife had been so passionate, so full of life. She wanted their baby more than anything in the world and yet even the opportunity to hold their child was torn from her. The only thing she was able to do was name their daughter, Rose.
The thought of his daughter brought about mixed and harsh emotions. He loved that little girl in a way he couldn't describe. He felt his heart would burst from affection, adoration and a great urge to protect her from all harm. There was a small, nagging part of him, however, that could not rid of the bitterness of losing his wife to the strain of childbirth. He forced the guilt from his innocent daughter and placed it back where it belonged. On himself. Catherine was always working, always pushing the limits, eager for success. She wanted their child to have a better land to grow up in than what they had as children. He should have made her rest more. He should have watched her health more closely. If he had taken better care of her, she might still be alive.
Footsteps approached him and James quickly stood up, wiping his face as dry as he could make it. He turned around to see Nathan Lyons stop in front of him. Nathan was the younger brother of Owyn Lyons, the leader of the Brotherhood of Steel. The soldier studied James closely, concern written across his eyes. James knew he looked like a wreck. His eyes were puffy and red from crying and the bags under them were deeper from exhaustion.
"Your escort is here, James." Nathan nodded politely before disappearing back into the memorial, leaving James alone once again. The grieved man turned once more to the grave. The dirt fell from his fingers, scattering off into the wind as he whispered a last goodbye to his beloved.
Inside the memorial all the remaining scientists stood off to one side of the lobby while the Brotherhood leaders stood on the other. The tension between the two groups was almost visible. James felt a crushing guilt for leaving these people. They depended on him to help collaboration continue. He was the only one comfortable with the Brotherhood even though the other scientists realized they would not have gotten this far without the soldiers' protection. But even with the support of the Brotherhood, the scientist team had been unable to produce any viable results. It was time to throw in the towel; James now had a daughter to consider. Nathan's wife, Dr. Madison Li glared daggers at him as she thrust the newborn girl into his arms.
"I'm sorry, Madison," he murmured apologetically to his longtime friend. Her features softened slightly.
"You don't have to go." Her voice dropped low and she placed a hand tenderly on her arm. The infant mewled quietly, reminding him that his duty had switched from scientist to father.
"I want her to grow up safely. This god forsaken land is no place for a child." Madison's glare returned and she scowled as she gripped the shoulders of the little brown haired boy standing in front of her.
"I have raised my son here with little problem."
James smiled at the four year old boy and patted the child's head.
"And I have no doubt he will grow up to be a wise and brave man. But you have the Brotherhood to protect you both." Madison scowled again. She loved her husband but never had been happy with him being a member of the Brotherhood. She only tolerated the soldier group for her husband and son's sake.
"Where will you go?" Nathan asked, laying down a bag of James' belongings.
"I am going to try Vault 101. They have been scouting around the area but still keep the vault closed from outsiders."
"What makes you think they will let you in?" Madison's doubt filled her voice.
"I don't know that they will. But I have to try." James looked down at the baby cradled in his arms and held her tightly as he could hold a fragile infant. Madison's son tugged on his pant leg, urging James to come down to his level. The child held out his hand and dropped a silver necklace into James' open palm.
"It's for the baby," the child told James softly. The older man gazed at the beautiful necklace. At the end of the chain hung a pearl angel charm that glistened in the sun. He looked up at the boy's parents who seemed as confused as he was.
"Where did you get this?"
The child smiled and pointed outside.
"I found it in the dirt. It is very pretty, for a pretty baby."
James smiled in return. "Thank you, she will love it." He put it in his pocket for safe keeping and gripped his child in one arm, using the other to carry the small bag of his few belongings. It mainly contained pictures and memories of Catherine. He nodded at Nathan who nodded in return, patting the man on the shoulder and wishing him good luck. Madison hugged his free side tightly and James was worried she would start crying. He just couldn't handle that right now. Thankfully the doctor composed herself and eventually let go and took her son's hand, leading him back to the dormitories. The boy waved goodbye before following his mother. Owyn Lyons approached him and shook his hand.
"Thank you for everything you have done, James. I hope you find peace and rest in your new life."
"Thank you Owyn. I'm sorry this did not work out."
"No one can say you didn't try. That is the best any of us can do."
A dark haired woman walked up to Owyn's side and extended her hand.
"I am Star Paladin Cross and I would be honored to escort you to your destination."
James nodded his thanks and took one last look around the place he called home for the past three years. Memories of love and happiness flooded his awareness and he had to choke back the tears that threatened to fall. His life had truly begun here when he first met Catherine and now he was leaving a piece of himself behind. He hesitated at the door but steeled his resovled and walked out of the building for what he assumed would be the last time.
The vault was a drab grey and though it provided all the safety the wasteland never could, it lacked in excitement. The people watched him warily though many of them were starting to warm up to him as they saw that his talents were useful. Thankfully the Overseer needed a doctor or James would not have been given entrance. There were many who wandered around in a complete daze either from boredom or lack of sleep from being overworked. James had no doubt that his life here would prove to be bland at best, but at least it was safe. His daughter would grow up without ever having to fear radiation poisoning or super mutants trying to attack her. That was the best James could ask for.
A loud wail cried out from the other room and James stretched his aching muscles before going to check on his daughter. The baby flailed her little arms wildly about as the streams of wetness soaked her cheeks. James gathered her in his arms and rocked her gently, humming a song Catherine used to sing during her few moments of relaxation. Rose opened her eyes and stared at him with a look he could not begin to comprehend. Upon hearing his voice and his touch she quieted instantly and snuggled her head closer to his chest. Catherine would have wanted a picture of this. He missed her more with every passing minute. Each day his daughter grew bigger and did new things and Catherine was missing every moment of it. James hoped she was smiling down on them and could see how wonderful Rose was. James missed his life from before, he missed his work and he missed his wife. But this little girl was his everything now and he was devoted to giving her the best future possible.
Hope you enjoyed it, reviews are always appreciated :)
