Chapter 2: Sexual Relations

Nate takes a medical exam at the Prydwen and finds himself pondering on one of the questions. Danse finds himself pondering on why the hell he's sticking around.

What really bothered me with the medical exam was the inability to say "yes" regarding the sexual intercourse thing - the closest you got was to avoid the question. Not that my Sole Survivor is messed up like that (because he isn't,) of course, but going back to the matter of synths… is that considered non-human… or human?

"Glad you finally stopped by, soldier," Cade - the medical professional aboard the Prydwen - said. "Are you ready for your medical exam?"

Nodding, Chris replied, "Sure, go right ahead."

Cade picked up a clipboard from his desk. "All right. I'm going to ask you a series of medical-related questions and I'd like you to answer me to the best of your ability," he said. "First question. As a child, were you ever exposed to radiation for an extended period of time?"

"My father said I used to sit way too close to the television." Amused by his own joke, a slow grin spread on his face.

Danse sighed loudly and took after his temple. Chris often got on his nerves and needed some sense knocked into him. The man took very little seriously.

Chris shrugged. "Nah, there wasn't that much radiation around before the bombs fell."

Cade's eyes widened. "Before the bombs? What? Let me check my notes," he echoed, and hastily shuffled his papers until he froze. "You were a vault-dweller?" He looked up. "You're probably healthier than anyone else aboard. Anyways, sorry I missed that in your records... just going down the list of questions... I'm sure you understand." Cade cleared his throat. "Okay, second question. Have you ever had or come in contact with a person confirmed to be carrying a communicable disease?"

"Never been seriously sick in my life."

"Good, good. Third question... and please answer honestly," he said, in a dangerously serious and lowered tone. "Have you ever had sexual relations with any species considered non-human?"

Chris cocked a brow. "Wait... that happens often enough for you to have a question about it?"

"You'd be surprised how many wastelanders answer 'yes' to that question," he replied, scowling slightly. "Fortunately, the Brotherhood finds that type of behavior absolutely distasteful. Since you haven't spent too much time in the wasteland, I'll assume your answer is 'no'. Last question." He shifted as he tapped the pen he held in his hand. "Would you have any problems pulling the trigger on an enemy of the Brotherhood whether they're human, formerly human or machine?"

Chris had little against synths so it was difficult to have Danse in his company because the man hated them with a burning passion. Danse also hated Super Mutants, and disliked ghouls, and... he carried a lot of hate in his heart. Either way, Chris kept him in his company because his skills on the battlefield always proved useful. Hell, his killer good looks helped for morale, too.

"If my life's in danger, I'll do whatever it takes to defend myself."

Weeks had passed since Chris had taken the medical exam.

Danse was repairing his Power Armor in Sanctuary - crouched down by its feet - when Chris approached him.

"Hey, Danse," he said, leaning his back to the concrete by the former paladin's side and crossed his arms. "Remember when I took that medical test back on the Prydwen a while ago - you know, the question about sexual relations?"

"Yes, I do -" he replied, before falling into an abrupt pause. "Why the hell... are you bringing this up?"

"If I took that test again... Do you think it applies to synths?"

Everything he received in reply was the sound of Danse - intentionally - faceplanting the metal before him.

A/N: I was at an impasse, not sure if I should publish a different story or just make one huge thing split into chapters - I chose chapters.