The Things We Do

Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I don't own Fallout or any related materials.

Unable to sleep, I sit against the warm wall listening to the muffled sounds of the city. Even through the reinforced plates and heavy door, I can tell Megaton is a place filled with life. With its solid walls, basic comforts and distance from the Capital, it's an obvious destination for anyone fleeing the growing horrors of the Wastes. Apparently you only need to be approved by the Sheriff in order to claim sanctuary, but there's a catch. Only those deemed "eligible" are offered citizenship and allowed to buy property within the walls of the city, though no one could ever tell me for sure what constituted eligibility.

"Wha…Where am I?" I hear Sammy mumble.

"Jail." I reply giving him the same answer I'd received.

"Oh shit, not again." He mumbles and after a moment vomits, the sound of semi-solid liquid hitting the metal floor. "Aw shit, not again." Is all he says before collapsing back on the mattress.

"Sounds like you had a pretty rough night."

"I think I did pretty good. Body hurts, but I don't think I'm missin' any teeth." He keeps his voice low, but his tone is positive.

"Sounds like you're a regular." I keep my voice low, trying to accommodate his hangover.

"Yea, here and Red's." His tone is surprisingly friendly for someone who must have a hangover the size of a Yao Guai..

"Who's Red?"

"You must be pretty new around here if you don't know who Red is." He answers, obviously distracted by my ignorance.

"I collapsed in the Wastes and woke up here."

"You're lucky. I'm surprised the looters or critters didn't get to you first."

"Who's Red?" I ask again, trying to keep him on track.

"Oh, Red's the town doctor. She's a great doctor and a wonderful woman." Something in his voice tells me their relationship deeper than patient and doctor.

"Must be. I'll have to thank her." I owe this woman my life after all.

"You should, she likes to know she's making a difference." His voice grows distant, like he's referring to a specific memory.

"Sounds like you know her pretty well." I used the statement to bring his wandering mind back to the moment.

"Like I said, I'm a regular in the clinic. In fact, I'll introduce you. I haven't stopped by in too long anyway." He tells me, his tone chipper for someone who just woke up in jail after a night of heavy drinking. Then again, he's probably used it by now.

"How long do usually they keep you for?"

"Depends on how much trouble I caused the night before." I can almost see the grin on his face.

"How much trouble did you cause last night?" I find myself curious, wanting to know more about the town drunk. Evan King's face comes to mind and I have to suppress the image. He was a serious drunk, but he wasn't always that way.

"Honestly, I don't remember. Days and nights bleed together for me. You drink much?" Obviously an opening line to invite me to drinks, probably hoping I'll buy.

"No, not much for alcohol."

"You should!" He groans as the volume of his own voice triggers another migraine. "Hooch in Megaton isn't great, but it's pretty good. In fact, the Stahls just concocted a new drink that I love. It's called toxic. Not sure what's in it, but man, is it good!" He moans again, the excitement in his voice too much to bear.

"You must really love the stuff." I reply, not sure whether Sammy is the really excitable type or just stupid.

"Yea, booze is great. What else are you gonna' do in a place like this?" His voice trails off, probably thinking of all the things he would rather do. Everyone wants to accomplish something, no matter how bleak life is. "Yea…what else you gonna' do…?"