The next few weeks went by quickly, and as Player Name got to know Moira better, he concluded that he had been a little hasty in judging her. Having initially written her off as being a bit crazy he was now beginning to see her in a different light.

He realised now she was absolutely stark raving bonkers.

"I'm not doing it," he said to Moira. "I do have some sense of self-preservation you know."

"But it won't be as bad as it seems, honestly," said Moira.

"No. So far, you've gotten me to explore a minefield, test out a repellent on vicious giant mutant rats, and explore an old supermarket which turned out to be the biggest raider hideout this side of DC. For god's sake woman, I've even deliberately gotten radiation poisoning just to help you with your stupid experiments."

"My experiments are not stupid!" huffed Moira. "I'll have you know, this is all for a very good cause."

"What cause would that be? Killing me off so you can donate my body to medical research?"

"No. By conducting this very important research, I can help other people survive out there in the big, bad wasteland."

"Oh yes, that would be this book you keep going on about."

"It's not just any book! My wasteland survival guide will save lives!"

"As well as making you very rich..."

"Well..."

"...at my expense."

"Oh now come on, don't be this way. You will get your fair share."

"Player Name gave a shrug of resignation. "I guess. Anyway, what do you need me to do now?"

Moira squealed with delight and threw her arms around him. "Now that's the spirit, oh you're the best research assistant I ever had."

"I'm probably the only one left that's still alive," he muttered under his breath.

"Hmm? What did you say?"

"Nothing. I'd really like to get on with whatever you have in mind."

"Okay, well I think I'd like to deal with injuries, particularly broken limbs. So, what I need you to do is head up to the precipice overlooking the town and throw yourself off..."

Moira did not get any further as the door slammed shut.

Moriarty had a triumphant look on his face as he watched Player Name struggle into the bar with a sack of bottlecaps slung over his shoulder.

"Now was that so difficult?" said Moriarty.

"You have no idea," said Player Name. "You should be aware you have a lunatic in your midst."

"Aye, that Moira does have her moments."

"Yes, and a lot of them. Anyway, I got your money, now tell me where my father is."

"Well now, hold your fire. I gotta count it all out first, make sure it's the right amount."

"Fine," said Player Name, tossing the sack on the floor. "Take it."

Moriarty dragged the sack into the back room, and Player Name took a seat, trying hard not to inhale the alcoholic fumes emanating from the assortment of bums and low-lifes who frequented the place; a gathering of lost souls trying to forget their wretched existence in a wretched town through the medium of beer; flat, watery beer with a price tag which ensured patrons never left with a smile on their faces.

He happened to catch the glance of a man, one who didn't quite fit in with the rest; he was dressed in a smart suit and trilby hat, as opposed to the filthy rags donned by most of the regulars. He raised an arm and gestured for Player Name to join him, so with little else to do Player Name obliged.

"My my," said the stranger, leering through dark glasses. "Just when I was about to give up hope, you walk in. What a marvellous coincidence."

"It is?" asked Player Name.

"Oh yes. Permit me to introduce myself. I am Mr Burke, and I have come to Megaton looking for someone who might be interested in making a sizeable amount of cash."

"I don't know," said Player Name. "Let's be honest Mr Burke, if you were looking to make a good first impression, you didn't do yourself any favours with the secret agent attire and the hushed growling voice. You might as well have a neon sign above your head saying 'I am a shady dude.'"

"True," said Mr Burke, "but when you remember that I'm also offering you a sizeable amount of cash, I would say that becomes somewhat trivial. Wouldn't you?"

"You have a point, so why don't you tell me what is is you want?"

"Straight to the point. I like that," said Mr Burke.

"Straight to the cliché. I don't like that," replied Player Name.

"Anyway, down to business," said Mr Burke. "I'm here on behalf of a client who is involved in the real estate business. Now, this client of mine has big plans for this area, and is prepared to plough a lot of money into its development. Unfortunately, one thing stands in his way. Megaton. This insignificant eyesore, this putrescent cesspool, is nothing but a hindrance, and as such, we need it to, shall we say, disappear.

"That's where you come in. You see the bomb after which this little town is named, is still very much alive. All it needs is a little motivation. I want you to take this fusion pulse charge and rig it to the bomb."

"Wait, you want me to blow up the town?"

"Well, yes. Is there a problem?"

"I'll say. Mr Burke, you just can't go around nuking populated areas because they're somehow in the way. It's just not cool. As such, I'm afraid I'm going to have to refuse."

Mr Burke gave a well-rehearsed sigh. "Very well," he said. "I must say I'm disappointed. But if you change your mind, the offer still stands. Oh, and please don't tell anyone I asked you to blow up the town. I might get into trouble."

"Well, I can't promise," said Player Name. "But I suggest you think about what you're doing."

"I will," lied Mr Burke.

Player Name made his way back to the bar, just as Moriarty emerged from the back room.

"All right," said Moriarty, "It's all there. Now I'll tell you where your father is."

"Great," said Player Name. "By the way, do you know there's a man here who wants to blow up the town?"

"Oh you mean Mr Burke? Let me guess, he asked you to help him? He does that with everyone new who comes here."

"Right, so don't you think you should maybe do something about him?"

"Nah. He's a character, and he always pays his tab. Which is more than can be said for some of these bums."

"Okay, riiight, so where did you say my father was?" said Player Name who had a sudden urge to get out of town quickly.

"Well, after he came here, he said he was going to go and see Three Dog at Galaxy News Radio in DC to find out what was going down in the wasteland. You'll have to go all the way there if you want to find him, but I'd be happy to provide directions."

"DC? I have to go to DC?" said Player Name. "But isn't it supposed to be incredibly dangerous there?"

Moriarty placed a hand on his shoulder and grinned.

"Lad, it's hell on earth."

"Great," sighed Player Name.