Chapter 4: The Capital Wastelands...

Disclaimer: Now start the adventures of Adrian Taylor's, the twilight saint from Vault 101.

Light flooded Adrian's vision, blinding him temporarily. The flare from the sun, no doubt, he was still not used to the brightness of the outside. Then again, he just left; so he wasn't expecting to see a lot. As the light died down, Adrian could see the real world for what it truly was:

Death.

Anarchy.

Destruction.

That was the only words that Adrian could sum up to describe the condition of the world. The ground was parched and dried up, like rain had not kissed it in centuries. What water remained had a disgusting yellow tint to it; making it seems undrinkable. Great buildings, and structures of what was once thriving communities, had been reduced to rubble, and trash. Vegetation had disappeared almost completely from view, as lush, green trees have vanished from this world; replaced by a decaying sea of brown. The environment was depressing, saddening, and looked without hope. As if no amount of rebuilding could change the condition of the world. It seemed that the Great War that occurred two centuries ago had done a pretty good job of wiping out all of humanity. Numerous craters, and according to his Pipboy, radiation; had now become apart of the air itself, making breathing itself almost poisonous to ones health…

Adrian sighed sadly at the sight. Truly, it was a shame to see the world like this. Looking but at the old wooden door he stepped through, he thought to himself "Can I really survive out here". Readjusting the strap on his Vault Tec knapsack, he thought "Dad, wherever you are, please, still be alive". Rushing down the hill in front, he dashed towards what looked like a small town, or what was left of it at least.

Glancing at the faded sign, that had the words "Springville" etched on it, he kept his pistol at the ready. Nearing the gas station of the town, he saw a few feet away, a small house. Perhaps someone lived there? Nodding, he stepped towards the home, and prepared to knock, when he suddenly halted. Now that he thought of it, who the hell would live all the way out here? With that in mind, he turned the knob, and stepped inside the small home.

Hearing a radio on, he thought "Uh oh". If a radio was on, then that probably ment… His fear was confirmed, as out of the doorway stepped a young woman. Blonde wavy hair, late twenties, blue eyes, dressed in a dirty outfit; she seemed threatening, as she held a .32 pistol in her hand.

"Who the hell are you, what are you doing here, did moriarty send you" she snapped in anger. She had no idea who this kid was, or what he was doing here, but if he was looking for a fight; then by god he had found one!!

Adrian didn't know what made him say it, maybe he was tired of all the fighting, or maybe he was still tensed up from his escape from the vault. Either way, before he could stop himself, he snapped back "You better calm the hell down, before I put you down". Rationalization returning, he realized what he had said. As he went to apologize, he realized by the look in the woman's eyes that it was far too late now.

"That lying bastard, roped you into finding me too huh" she hissed. Hacking up a loogie, she spat on the ground in disgust, before raising her pistol. "Well, your not getting a damn thing outta me, not a damn thing" she yelled. Firing her pistol in Adrian's chest, he backed up in shock from the blow. His vest had been designed to take a beating down in the vault, but here; it wasn't used to the brutal force. Dropping to avoid his head being blown off, he whipped out his baton and struck the crazed woman on her kneecap. Ignoring her cry of pain, he then smacked her torso, knocking her down to the floor. Raising his baton to knock her out, she backed away, pleading "Please, don't do it". Reaching into her pockets, she removed what looked like bottle caps, and tossed them at Adrian. "Ju…Just take them and leave" she shouted, rushing into the back room in fear.

Going out the way he came, Adrian raised an eyebrow at the strange confrontation. That woman, whoever she was, had been hysterical. Twitchily then a cat in a stray house, was more like it. Looking down at the bottle caps in his hands, he wondered what they could be used for.

Looking off into the distance, he could see a giant, rusted structure. Scraps of metal had scrunched together, to create what seemed to be a small town…a real crappy one at that. Still shook up about the crazy woman attacking him, Adrian approached to see a robot, a protection model; they had those back down in the vault. It was guarding the front door, which was comprised of two metal scraps, covering the entrance. Looking to his left, he cringed at the sight of giant dead ants, burn holes etched into their hardened skins.

"Please sir," croaked a voice. Looking down, he noticed a poor old man, ragged; tired. His eye's we're haunted with fear, and desperation. "Please sir…I need water" he croaked. He looked as if he had not eaten anything in days, and was on the verge of death.

"Will any water do?" asked Adrian.

The man shook his head, as he responded "I can't drink this irradiated shit anymore, I just throw it back up. Please sir, if you have any purified water". He croaked uneasily as he gripped his stomach in pain.

Adrian could not stand to see a man suffer so. Reaching inside his Vault-Tech bag, he scooped out a bottle of purified water. "Here you go" he spoke softly.

The man hesitated as he took the bottle of healthy water. Looking up at Adrian, he asked, "You mean it? I can have it for free? I don't have any bottle caps to give you".

"Just take it sir, I don't need any bottle caps" Adrian smiled.

"Water, precious water. Oh thank you sir. You're a saint" he thanked in a raspy voice. Without another word, he popped the cap and greedily drunk.

Adrian nodded as he passed the man, towards the entrance to Megaton; glad to have helped. Perhaps as a way to make up for what he had done earlier?

****

"Well, hot damn" smirked a new man.

Adrian raised an eyebrow at the sight of Megaton. Elevated, and lowered shacks made out of scrap metal. Puddles of radiated water. Pipes that ran through out the town, and into the single large shack overlooking the eastern part of Megaton. The most notable feature though was the atom bomb sitting in the pool of radiated water in the center of town.

A grinning man approached the confused Adrian. Mid to late thirties, dressed like an old western cowboy; complete with a sheriff hat, and badge. The man looked him Adrian up and down, before stating "Name's Lucas Simms, town sheriff". Crossing his arms, he examined Adrian up and down, before smiling "I don't know what it is, but I've got a good feeling about you boy. You need something, don't hesitate to give me a holler".

Adrian scratched his head before stammering, "Uh thank you sir, I was hoping to find some place to trade".

"Friendly and well mannered, I think we'll get along just fine" Simms's said nodding his head.

"Uh, Simms's I need your help" Adrian said, not wanting to beat around the bush. Since he's the sheriff of this town, then surely he might have seen him.

Simms's raised an eyebrow. "Okay, shoot" he asked.

"I'm looking for my father. You might have seen him. He look's like me" Adrian said, pointing at himself. When Simms's shook his head, Adrian's heart sank.

"Sorry son can't say that I have. I have enough trouble as it is to keep my tab on every victory to Megaton" he apologized. As he watched Adrian start off, he said, "You need directions around here".

"No thanks, I kinda want to look around by myself" Adrian responded with a wave. Heading down to the square of the town, he could see several people praying to the atomic bomb. Preaching about the end.

"Weird town" he muttered as he headed up on of the ramps. Feeling himself bump into someone, he turned to see a man in his early thirties, leather armor with a shaved hairstyle. Plus a Chinese Assault Rifle was strapped to his back.

"Oh joy, another one of you wasteland assholes; that's just what this town needs" complained the man.

Something about the way he talked him down, irked Adrian as he shot back "You got a problem with me". Seeing the man laugh at his comeback made his blood boil.

"I'd hold back any retaliation if I we're you kid. Otherwise, I might have to get rough" he mockingly smirked. As if to further insult him, he lowered his head and spat on Adrian's boots. He then became utterly surprised when Adrian shoved him hard, almost knocking him off balance.

"You got a problem with me, I suggest you get it over with, prick" Adrian growled angrily. He was really feeling pissed!! After being forced out of his home, and attacked by some crazy woman; getting into a fistfight with some jackass he didn't know really seemed tempting. The guy had a rifle though, which beat his suddenly pathetic pistol by a long shot.

"Well, finally someone with some balls around here, I like that kid" smirked the man. He extended a hand towards Adrian. "Name's Jericho" he stated. He laughed inside as Adrian raised an eyebrow at him. First he insulted him, now he wanted to shake his hand?

Adrian sighed. Damn him for being so forgiving. "Adrian Taylor's" he responded, shaking the man's hand.

"Not many people have the guts to talk back to me like that kid. So here, I'll give you some free advice since you seem new here" Jericho snorted. Pointing up at large shack, overlooking the atomic bomb, he said "You need info, go to Moriartys bar; usually they got some useful stuff".

Despite Jericho being an asshole earlier, Adrian smiled. "Wow, thanks a bunch" he grinned. Reaching into his pocket, he removed 25 caps. "Here, buy something on the top shelf; on me".

Jericho smirked. "Your alright kid" he responded before going on his way.

Deciding to take his advice, Adrian dashed up towards the large metal shack known as Moritarys bar. Opening the door, he sighed. It looked like a typical bar. People we're getting drinks, relaxing. A few fans hung around the ceiling; making it rather cool in the place. There was a second floor, and a back room.

Sitting down at one of the stools, he slumped his head in annoyance. Where was his dad?

"Hey smooth skin, can I get you something," rasped a voice. Glancing up, Adrian bit his tongue to keep himself from screaming. What the fuck happened to this guy?! He wore a dirty grey t-shirt, and brown pants; but his skin was what got his attention. His skin was ragged and torn, like it was falling of. Patches of flesh was missing, and his hair looked like it was falling out!! Basically, he resembled a creature of a bad horror flick.

However, he remained polite. No sense in pissing off the bar keeps, and getting kicked out.

"Let me think about it sir" he grumbled, looking down and wondering what he should buy.

The man raised an eyebrow. "Wa…wait, your not gonna hit me? Insult or anything" he asked confused. What, was he only pretending to be nice.

"I wasn't planning on it, why; want me too" Adrian asked. He wanted some answers, and getting on this guys good side seemed like a good idea.

"Well, this is a surprise. I'm used to taking shit from everyone around here just because I look like a corpse. Nice to know their some good people out there" sighed the man. Leaning forward, he whispered "Name's Gob, listen; Mortiarty will have my head for this, but for you I think it's worth it".

Receiving a discount on his drinks, Adrian chuckled weakly as he ordered some scotch. "That's cool Gob, listen I need help," he admitted. When Gob leaned forward to listen, he continued, "I'm looking for my father, maybe you've seen him. He kinda looks like me".

Gob put a hand to his partially destroyed head, before stating "Oh yeah, I remember a guy like that. He came in here looking like he had a purpose. He talked to Moriarity, had a drink and left".

"Really, he was here" Adrian asked excited. "How long ago was it when he left" he asked, hopefully.

Gov shrugged. "A few hours maybe" he said.

"Shoot, I just missed him" Adrian thought angrily. Oh when I get my hands on him for ditching me like this, I'll.

"Gob, did my dad mention where he was going" Adrian asked.

Gob backed away from the counter, suddenly nervous. "Sorry kid, I can't say anymore. Moriarty will have my head if he sees me talking to you".

Adrian let out a frustrated sigh. This was getting him nowhere!! Noticing the door to the back room open, out stepped an older man. Ragged grey hair, a ragged beard and grey eyes. The man shoved Gob out of the way, who gave the man an angry glare. The man then leaned on the counter and gave him a smirk.

"Colin Moriarty at your service, what can I help you with" he spoke with a slight Irish accent. Just the way he talked, and acted made Adrian's skin crawl.

Shaking off the bad feeling he was getting from the man, he spoke firmly "I'm looking for my father, maybe you've seen him". Pointing at himself, he said "He look's like me, older guy in his early fifties".

Colin's face lit up as he looked Adrian up in down, examining his features. "By god it is you, the little baby boy from the vault, all grown up". Nodding, he said, "For sec there, I didn't recognize you".

Adrian was caught off guard as he expression went to shock. "What the, how do you know my dad," Adrian protested.

"Passed through here a little while ago, got what he wanted and left, I assume you'll do the same" he asked.

"Huh? My father and I we're born in Vault 101…" Adrian said confused. He felt himself becoming angry as Moriarty laughed.

"Is that what your father told you? That you were born in that hole? That HE was born in that hole" he chuckled loudly. Struggling to control himself, he sighed, "Oh the lies we tell to those we love". Seeing Adrian's angered face, he explained "Your father brought you to the vault right after you were born. To keep you safe you see. I remember it well, after all…you stayed in my saloon".

"No…no way" Adrian awed in shock.

Colin nodded. "That's right. Your father, his Brotherhood of Steel friend, and you the suckling baby. Sorry about your mother. Truly". Shrugging like it was no big deal, he put a hand through his mess hair. "But life goes on. Daddy lied. Life's full of little disappointments. Now you're all grown up, wondering,…" he started.

He fell silent as Adrian grasped him by his shirt in anger. "You lying bastard!! My father would not lie to me like that". He was so close to punching this smug bastard, but halted as Colin gave his own glare.

"I'd advise you let go of me now, before I get angry" he muttered darkly. Gazing down, he indicated to the .32 pistol at his belt. Smiling smugly as Adrian dropped him, he chortled, "I heard all about the brainwashing that goes on down there. Some other fella escaped, oh…maybe 5 years back".

"All hail the Overseer, We're born in the Vault; We die in the vault, all that bullshit" He said. Staring seriously at the kid, he said, "Now, how can I help ye".

Adrian thought hard about this. This guy seemed like a real creep that would try and extort him for cash. If he tried playing nice guy to his nature, he would surely take advantage of him!! Best and try his…other skills out.

"Wait, you said your name is Colin right," Adrian asked, playing ignorant.

Raising an eyebrow, Colin retorted, "Yes, I do believe I said that".

Adrian then started laughing loud, drawing the attention of others. Assuming he was drunk, they went back to their drinks. "Oh now I remember, dad talked about you all the time. About how the awesome stuff you did back then" Adrian lied. Praying it had worked, he smirked inwardly as Moriarty took it in like a sponge.

"Heh, I suppose I was quite an amazing person back in the day" he smiled arrogantly.

"Do you think you can tell me where my father is" Adrian asked, still trying to appeal to the man's ego.

"He headed southwest into the city. Said he needed info from those loonies at the station. You know, Galaxy News's Radio" Moriarty informed.

"Uhh… I haven't been out here very long, so what the hell is GNR" Adrian asked in annoyance, really tired of these games. He felt irked when Colin's expression went humorous.

"You really don't know anything do ya kid" he asked smirked. When Adrian said nothing, he shrugged as he stated, "Galaxy News Radio is some loudmouth radio station located in the ruins of D.C. Three Dog, the king of that loony bin, keeps yapping about fighting some "Good Fight" or some crap. But I suppose if you want to know what's going on in the wastelands, then that's the place to go. But me? Ha, I could care less" Moriatay finished.

Adrian nodded in thanks. "That was useful, thanks". Sitting back down in his seat, he continued drinking his scotch. What should his next move be? He certainly couldn't go out into the waste without gearing up, otherwise he'd end up dead…

"Hey Gob, you know where I can get some supplies for the wastelands" Adrian asked as he finished off the last of his scotch, before popping open some purified water.

"Try Crater side Supplies, the owner there will have what you need. She's abit odd, but an all right person" Gob explained as he wiped the counter with a rag.

Adrian nodded as he got up to leave when he felt someone eyeing him in the corner. He had been eyeing him ever since he had come in. Turning in the direction, he could see a man in a clean white business suit with a brown hat, sunglasses, and an eerie smile. The man was beckoning him to come closer. Curiosity getting the better of him, Adrian approached the man.

"You need something, or do you like waving your arms aimlessly like an idiot" Adrian said bluntly, imitating Alex…or at least trying. Hoo boy, she would so kick his ass if he knew he was mocking her.

Ignoring the insult, the man creepily said "My, my, just when I had all but given up hope. My dear boy, I am very happy to make your aquantice. I am Mister Burke. Seeing the boy's confused expression from the fancy intro, he chuckled darkly as he continued "And you well, are not a resident of this putrescent cesspool…that makes you a very valuable individual".

Adrian had no idea what this Burke wanted, but he had already gotten a bad feeling about the man the moment he laid his eyes on him. Something about how he talked, the manner of high sophistication through Adrian off. Deciding to play to the man's enormous ego, he said in a similar manner "Mister Burke, is it? Please continue. I find myself…enthralled".

He winced as the man almost grinned, delighted at the response. "Finally, someone with a modicum of civility and common sense". Readjusting his tie, he beckoned Adrian to sit down. When Adrian complied, he continued, "I represent certain…interests. And those interests view this town, this "Megaton", as a blight of burgeoning urban landscape". The man sat up straight, as he waved casually "You have no connections here No interest in this cesspools affairs or fate. You could assists us in…erasing this little accident off the map".

"Wait a sec…you…you want to destroy this town" Adrian whispered horrified.

"Oh no no, I'm not the one that will see this town destroyed…you are. The nuclear bomb in the center of the town is still very alive. Assist me in blowing this place to oblivion, and you will be rewarded…handsomely at that" Burke persuasively stated.

Adrian felt like jumping up and punching the man. Destroy a town?!? With innocent people with lives, families?!? What kinda sick fuck did he think he was?!

"What the hell do you take me for" Adrian growled low and dangerous.

"I don't think I quite follow young man" Burke said, his smile vanishing.

"You want me to blow this whole place up? Your out a of your damn mind if you think I'm gonna help you" Adrian almost shouted. Leaning forward, he grunted, "Too many peoples lives are at stake, and I'm no murderer". Sitting up quickly, he said, "I'm disarming that bomb before you, or someone else tries anything".

Underneath the man's shades, his eyes narrowed into slits. "I strongly advise you don't do that. Otherwise, certain people would become…displeased with you. You're new out here, I could tell from a mile away. The last thing you want to do is anger the wrong people boy," Burke hissed low.

"Yeah, and what are you gonna do about it" Adrian challenged, daring the man to get up and try him.

The man chuckled in amusement. "Do not trifle with me child. I am a decade your senior, in age and strength. It would be foolish to fight me" he stifled. The man obviously didn't think he was any kind of threat, more or less.

"Whatever you say Burke, your full of nothing but crap and empty threats" Adrian grunted as he pushed the door open to the outside. Heading down to the crater, he stepped into the irradiated pool of water. Looking the bomb up and down, he flinched.

"Maybe I can't do this," he thought unseeingly. He was no mechanic expert like Alex, or Jason. That was their forte. His was protecting lives, and fighting criminals. Shaking his head, he muttered "Calm down, you can do it dude". Reaching into his vault-tech, he removed one of the small packages of mentats. He narrowed his eyes as his focus became stronger, his vision clearer…temporarily at least.

Kneeling down in front of the bomb, he removed the hinges to the plate protecting the core of the bomb. Taking it off, he stared intently at the glowing green orb of encased power. If he some much as sneezed on it, the whole town would go boom! Looking underneath it, he could see several wires. Alex and Jason, whenever Alex wasn't mouthing off her superiors, or Jason complaining on how he wish he was a doctor; taught him abit about this kinda stuff. Slowly, Adrian cut some of the wires.

Nothing happened the first few times, but he noticed that the more wires he cut, the faster the concentrated orb of destructive energy went. Gulping, he was down to the last two wires, red or green. Oh how typical was this.

Praying he was right, he cut the green wire and held his breathe. If this didn't work, he along with the rest of the town were gonna end up a lot warmer. He watched as the orb suddenly turned red, and his heart raced in panic; fearing he made a mistake!!

He released his breathe at the orb disappeared, marking that the bomb was now dead. Backing away, he sat down on the ground in dismay. He could not believe he just did that!!

"I saw the whole thing kid" remarked an excited voice. Turning around, Adrian saw Lucas Simms smirking in appreciation. "I didn't even ask you, and one went and disarmed that thing, good job. Reaching into his pocket, he removed 500 caps, and handed them off to Adrian. "Here you go, hell why don't you move in, got an empty house over their next to the entrance, and I've been looking for someone to occupy it".

Handing him the key and deed, he remarked "In fact, how about tonight you come over to my place to have dinner with my son and me".

Adrian grinned as he nodded in appreciation. "Wow, thanks sir. It was my pleasure to help this place". Glaring at the saloon, he thought "Pah, what's Burke gonna do about it". Getting to his feet, he walked up towards his new home. Inserting the key into the metal door, he stepped inside.

Surprisingly, it was quite roomy. Although that was the only good part. Being made out of nothing but scraps, their was a slight draft in the ceiling, and through bits of the walls. On the first floor, there was a fridge already stocked with some food and drink. A few shelves with cooking materials. Two lockers, both in poor condition lay near the front door, and the back of the room. A fueling station for a robot lied next to the front door. On the second floor, their was a metal desk next to a somewhat dirty mattress, and across from their, was an empty room with nothing but a shelf in it. Basically, the house looked like crap. But hey, it was better then sleeping outside in the cold.

A small whirling sound activated as a Mr. Handy model robot flew down the stairs towards a befuddled Adrian. He had no idea that he would have a Mr. Handy model. The robot halted in front of Adrian, hovering in place before coughing abit from its speakers. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Wadsowrth, your personal robotic butler" he introduced. Wadsworth whirred before continuing "I am here to look after your needs, and to keep you happy and entertained".

"Uh…hi" Adrian muttered, abit nervous from the intro. Simms didn't mention he would be getting a robot butler. Must have been a free gift. Sighing, he said "This place is alright, but…where can I find some stuff to make it better".

Wadsworth sighed as he responded, "Indeed, it is rather dull. Perhaps visiting Mistress Moria will lighten up this place. She has everything needed for new homes".

Adrian nodded as he went to one of the lockers. Dumping some of his gear inside, he closed it with a bam, and said "Thanks for the intro, but I'm gonna go out for now". Leaving his new home, he headed for Simms place when he bumped into an infuriated Burke.

"Oh why hello their , lovely weather we're having huh" smirked Adrian delighted with the angered expression he was giving. His smirk vanished as Burke spat an ugly curse in his direction.

"So it's true, you're the genius who disarmed the bomb. Weeks of watching and watching, ruined" he growled.

"I merely saved these people from being killed just because you deemed them, insignificant; every life in this world counts, good or bad got that" Adrian lectured. He leaned back as Burke leaned in close enough for him to smell the fine wine on his breathe".

"You will regret this. It's a pity you acted so hastily. In the future, sleep with one eye open" he threatened darkly. Still giving him the evil eye, he turned with a humph, and went out of Megaton. Adrian didn't know why, but he was getting a bad feeling that Burke would follow through on his threats. Maybe…

"Ha, he's nothing. Acting all high and mighty. I'll bet he didn't even have any boss and wanted to destroy this town for the hell of it" Adrian scoffed, not believing a word he said to himself.

Passing the time in Megaton before he would meet with Lucas Simms, he helped repair some of the leaks in the water purification system of the town. It had been leaking for quite some time, and Walter, the chief of the plant couldn't reach some of the spots; and his helped Leo Stahl was off somewhere else. So Adrian agreed to help the old man, climbing on top of some of the shacks to repair the old pipes.

He was paid a good 100 caps for that. He had a little over a thousand caps now, so he decided to spend them. Heading over to Crater side supplies; he met the woman Moria, and got a free Armored Vault 101 jumpsuit. He bought various supplies, such as a Hunting Rifle; 50 .32 rounds to go with it, a combat knife for close encounters. He thought about purchasing some combat armor, but decided he wouldn't need it yet. Instead, he bought some medical supplies such as some Stinpaks , Med-X, Rad-away and some Buffout. He had no idea what the buffout would do, but was warned not to take more then one dose an hour.

Spending some time at the saloon, he spoke with some of the local's, such as Billy Creel, Andy Stahl who acted like he had a stick shoved up his ass. A prostitute named Nova wanted his attention, but he declined since he didn't feel that way about just any women. Speaking with another named Lucy West, she asked him to deliver a message to her family in Arefu. Always wanting to lend a hand, he agreed. Soon; it became dark, and time for dinner…

-----

"You made it. Good to see that. For awhile, I was thinking you wouldn't show" greeted Simms as he let Adrian into his home. The exterior was very similar to his own shack. Only difference was there was no Mr. Handy Robot.

"Well, I can't really dent dinner" Adrian cracked as he glanced at the table, already filled with soup, and iguana on sticks. The food out here was abit…strange, but hey he wasn't one to complain. Adrian watched as Simms removed his sheriff hat, and placed it on a rack before sitting at the table.

"Harden, come on down son; we got company" called Simms. No later then five seconds, a young black boy dressed in a similar outfit to his father; rushed down to greet Adrian. "This is my boy, Haden. Say hello Haden" asked Simms.

Harden looked Adrian with slight nervousness as he stammered "He…Hello sir". Wanting to be respectful, he gave a quick bow before going to his seat.

Adrian smiled as he bowed back "Hello Harden, I'm Adrian" he introduced. Going next to Simms's, who nodded; he sat down and started to chow down on some iguana.

"So Adrian, what brings you here to Megaton; you said something about looking for your father" Simms's asked as he sipped some soup. He paused as Adrian sunk his head into his hands.

"For the first 19 years of my life, I lived in Vault 101; away from all this anarchy. It seemed like the perfect life, or too perfect for my taste" Adrian spat. Looking up, he grumbled "One day, my father decided to leave the Vault which is forbidden. The Overseer went nuts and accused me of helping him, and tried to have me killed".

"Sounds like he went over the top in paranoia" commented Simms.

"Oh you have no idea how paranoid that man can be" Adrian laughed in mockery. He never liked the Overseer, even when he was a kid. The only reason he respected him was to keep him off his dad's back.

"So, you we're forced out of your home" Harden spoke though mouthfuls of macaroni.

Adrian nodded silent. "That's right. Now I've got to find my father. He's the only family I got left in this world," Adrian mourned softly.

"Heh, I can relate" Simms's grunted. When Adrian looked at him in confusion, he said, "I'm very protective of my boy; who is why I'm teaching him everything I know. Something could happen to me at anytime, and I need him to be ready to look out for himself at all times. My wife was killed by Raiders outside of town about a few years back, when she was traveling with one of the trade caravans". Adrian said nothing as Simms's continued "They we're passing Springville when a whole bunch of them jumped out of nowhere. They shot at them from all sides. Some of the caravan was able to get away, but not my wife". Simms's said nothing more as he glanced down at the table.

Looking up, he stated, "I'm not trying to say that he is Adrian, but out here in the wastelands anything can happen, so your dad might already be…"

He said nothing more as Adrian shook his head furiously. "I refuse to believe that. Not my dad" Adrian denied. Feeling weak headed from all the excitement, he got up and said "Please excuse me, I need to turn in early". As they said their goodbyes, Adrian turned away; moaning to himself "Tomorrow, I'll go out and begin my search for dad. Please be alive out there," he thought.

Authors note: I know it seems like I was cutting it short there, but I had to if I wanted to add more suspense for the next chap. I have to work on another chap for another fanfic before going straight to this one. Just wanted to tell that to everyone. Please R&R!!