Author's Note: I am back! I'm so sorry that there hasn't been a chapter posted in over six months, college is hard right now that's no excuse. I'm making a promise though that I will get this story done before the year is over. So I will work my hardest on that. Promise. :)

Chapter 10: The American Dream

After some time has past, Private finally woke up. He tried to move, but he was bounded and in a small electric cells unable to move. All of his weapons and armor was gone and was totally defenseless. The door in front of him opened, and in came was Clemson.

"So, you're finally awake," the lemur said, with a smug look on his face.

"Clemson!" Private yelled. "Let me out of here or else!"

"Let's keep this nice and simple. You're going to tell me the code for that Purifier, and you're going to tell me now."

"Where am I? What the hell is going on?"

"I'll tell you what's going on here. You lost...The good guys won this one, and now you're just wrapping up loose ends. We've got the purifier, now we just need the code to start it. You're going to give me that code now, and save us a lot of trouble. Maybe I'll even let you go. So what is it?"

"Piss off, you bloody Wanker!"

"I'll be honest. I'm running out of patience here, and I'm not looking to play games with you. You tell me that code, or it's going to cost you!"

"No, seriously. Piss off...you bloody wanker!"

Clemson groans furiously, as his face begins to slowly turn red. "Why do you insist on provoking me? Tell me the code NOW!"

Just then, a voice comes in from the intercom next to the door. "Colonel," said the intercom. "I have need of you."

"Mr. President," Clemson began. "I don't have time for other matters. I'll be with you shortly."

"Now colonel," he begins to chuckle a bit.

"Yes sir..."

Clemson left the room quietly and peacefully, but the voice in the room didn't seem to exactly leave.

"Ah, alone at last. I do apologize for Colonel Clemson's attitude. He's been under a great deal if stress lately. I have no doubt that you know who I am. I'm sure you've heard my radio broadcasts. I'd like to have a word with you, face-to-face. I think there are the few things you and I should discuss. You'll find your possessions in the locker near the door. I'll unlock the way for you. I'll unlock your restraints as well. I'll be waiting for you in my office, and please don't tarry, Pen-gu-in..."

Private was let go from his small prison, and went to the locker to get his gear. The penguin put on his Brotherhood armor, without the helmet, had his laser rifle on his back, and his pistol on the side. He walked out of the room and was intimately met by an Enclave guard.

"Hey!" yelled the guard. "What are you doing out of your cell?"

"Uhh.." Private was trying to find the write words to say, hopefully something believable. But the president quickly saved him.

"Attention, attention everyone. This is your President Speaking. I invited our guest from Vault 101 to my office. Please do not impede his progress. Thank you for your cooperation."

"Hmph. looks like you got lucky kid."

The guard walked put his gun down and walked away, letting Private go. The penguin made his way to the President's office, looking around the base. He felt rather uneasy and unsafe in the hands of the enemy. He pondered to himself, "What does the President want with me? Is this just supposing him being the good cop or something?" Private was given instructions to the President's office and waddled his way there. Things were going smoothly; maybe this was going to turn out somewhat good after all. The peace, however, didn't last all that long...

"Attention!" said another voice from the loud speaker, but it wasn't the President's voice. "This is Colonel Clemson! You are hereby ordered to ignore the President's previous directive. Find Private, and bring him back to me alive!"

Private gasped, as he could hear the running footsteps of animals running his way. The penguin began to pick up the paste as the chase was on. He looked at his Pip-Boy to see if he could find the way to the President's office that way. It showed him the way, now he just needed to get there and stay clear from anyone along the way. The Enclave was to beginning to catch up to the young penguin, as they began to shoot at him. Private made it to a door, made his way though, and shot the control panel on the other side to jam the door. He could hear the guards trying to force their way though, but he knew he had to carry on.

The penguin kept pushing on, getting so much closer to the President's office. But he then began to hear more footsteps of guards coming the way he had to go. They were getting closer, and he needed to hide somewhere. He looked around, and found the closes thing to hide in, as he went into a door that lead into the science lab. Private had his back to the door, as he can hear the guards running past the door he went though. He let out a huge sigh of relief, and took a moment to catch his breath. As he opened his eyes, he saw an otter scientist in the room. He got a closer look at her and realized that it was one of the scientists that worked with his father on Project Purity.

"Hey, didn't you...work with my father?" asked Private.

"You," she said. "You...you're not supposed to be in here. What are you doing here?"

"I think a better question is what are YOU doing here?"

"They captured me, and brought me here from Project Purity. I didn't want to help them at first, but...the technology they have here. It's so far advanced from anything I've worked with!"

"You're working with them? What did you tell them?"

"They wanted information. About Doctor Doris, about Project Purity. They wanted to know how to start it up, and why it wouldn't work. I told them everything I could. About the G.E.C.K., about the damage caused by the explosions...all of it."

"You've betrayed Doctor Doris, and my father!"

"I'm sorry you see it that way. What are you going to do, kill me over it?"

"Well I should! Give me a reason why I shouldn't!" Private took out his rifle and aimed it right at the otter's head.

"Can't you see the big picture, Private? What they're doing is good for the world. They have the technology to revive this planet to what it was hundreds of years ago."

"My father didn't think so..."

"And look where they got him now!"

Private lowered his rifle, and began to tear up a bit as he remembered his father.

"Private, listen...don't make the same mistake as your father did. The Enclave has the technology to bring back our world, and make it a place where we can all live in peace and harmony again. We have to make sacrifices to get there, but it's worth it..."

"Is it really?"

"Trust me, Private...it will be. Now you better get out of here before they find us together."

Private put his weapon away and walked out, leaving the otter unharmed. Private looked back at his Pip-Boy, he was getting closer to the President's office. All he had to do was go down the hall and take the last right. The way was clear, and made his way though. But when he entered, he saw a big door ahead of him, with Enclave blocking the path. They ordered the penguin to put his weapons down, and with little choice, he did just that. It looked like the end of the line for Private, but before it was, two turrets came down from the ceiling, and shot down the Enclave in the room, but leaving Private alive. Private put his head down, hoping not to get shot, but as he looked up, there wasn't a scratch on him. In a robotic voice, the turret told the penguin, "The President will see you now." And went back up to the ceiling. Private picked up his weapons and went though the giant door, finally making it to the President's office.

As he entered, he saw a staircase in front of him, and as he looked up he saw he had a long way to go. Private began the long climb, which took him a while since he was just a penguin and had to waddle his way up. After quite sometime, he finally made it all the way up, but didn't see anyone. He looked around and saw a locked door and a big computer. There was no president up here, and Private rubbed his head wondering where he was. All of a sudden, he heads the President's voice from behind.

"Ah, face to face at last. It's high time we met."

Private turned around but he only saw the giant computer. He was very confused and didn't expect this at all. "Allow me to introduce myself," he went on. "My name is Francis Blowhole. I've been also called Dr. Blowhole in the past, but now I'm known as President Blowhole. I am quite pleased you were able to make it. The trip was not what I had intended, but serves as an adequate test of your abilities."

"But, where are you?" asked Private. "You said you were going to meet me face to face."

"Ah, but I have! I am right here before you."

"So...you're a computer?"

"How very open-minded of you. Kudos for embracing the reality of the situation, rather than railing against it. Let's get to brass tacks, shall we? There are some things I'd like to talk to you about."

"I'm listing."

"Our nation's Capital is at a crossroads. The path that you and I choose here today will affect us all. I need you to act on my behalf, to ensure that our country's future is secured."

"What country? President Blowhole, can't you see everything is destroyed?"

"This is why I need you, young Private. My abilities to influence the world are limited at this time. I alone can only do so much. You, however, may come and go as you please. You have a greater degree of freedom. Perhaps it is best if I explain why things nee to change, and why I'd like you to act on my behalf."

"Say whatever it is you have to say then."

"Our land is ravaged by mutation. The war was so many years ago, and yet we still suffer from its effects. We cannot move forward until we can gain a solid foothold in the world. To do so, we must rid ourselves of mutations that have plagued us for so long. These "Super Mutants", Ghouls, hideous creatures...I believe your father's work can do that in a way unlike any other."

"My father's work? How is that relevant?"

"The purifier your father helped create has the ability to provide clean water to the whole of this. 'Capital Wasteland". With a simple modification, it can be used to distribute agents that destroy mutated creatures upon ingestion. In time, we could eliminate all mutations in the Wasteland at the same time the good people of the world would regain their health. I need you to make the modification necessary for this to succeed."

"How exactly would I go about doing this?"

"In front of you will be a vial of modified FEV virus. It can be inserted into the control console for the purifier. Doing so will inject it into the water supply, and the purifier will take care of the rest. You just need the code to activate the purifier. Simple, isn't it?"

"I...I don't know. I mean-"

"Come now, pen-gu-in. You've been wondering the Wasteland long enough to know how dangerous these creatures are. What good would it do to keep them alive?"

"Not all mutants are bad though! I mean, yes, there has been a number who tried to kill me but there was also some that helped me along the way. Not all of them have gone insane."

"But what of the ones who haven't but eventually will? They may seem nice now, but turn your back for a second and they will attack."

"I...I..."

"Listen, I won't force you to choose now, but at lease take the vile. Think about it. Do what's right for our world, Private. I know you'll make the right decision when the time comes...Good luck finding your way out."

President Blowhole opens a container that has the FEV virus vile. Private takes it and keeps it with him for the time being. As Private began to leave, and explosion shakes the entire base for a moment. Private stumbles down, but gets back up as he can hear an alarm going off. The penguin makes his way down and tries to find the exit to the base. Private could see Enclave all running in one direction, and had the idea that following them could lead him to the exit. He followed them throughout the base as they actually reach the exit to the base. Private trailed behind the guards and it was smart of him that he did as he could see members of the Enclave being all shot down one by one but lasers. Private was stunned! He wondered if the Brotherhood of Steel came to help. As he waddled past the bodies, he found out it wasn't the Brotherhood, but a one-man army. Or in this case, a one Super Mutant army.

"Rodger!" shouted Private, in joy.

"My friend!" Rodger greeted back, while holding his machine gun. "I see I've found you at last!"

"I knew you had survived, and I had hoped to assist in your rescue to repay my debt to you."

"Uh, looks like you got a new toy, huh?"

"Yes...and the most fascination one at that. This technology is amazing! Imagine the evil that can be eliminated with such tools!"

"Rodger, what are you even doing out here?"

"I saw your capture, and a little cleverness allowed me to follow your captors. I only wish I could have arrived sooner to aid your escape! As I owe you my freedom I felt it was only fair that I return the favor. After all, I know no one else in this world."

"I could always use a hand, or in this case claw. Would you like to follow me?"

"My friend, I would be honored to follow a hero such as yourself. Shall we go?"

Private and Rodger ran clear of the base to make their escape. The Enclave was too busy regrouping from the attack, and that gave them time to get away. Now they had to make their way back to the Brotherhood of Steel's headquarters, and prepare for the final battle.