The recording clicked on as Ryleigh tumbled and slid down a small outcropping. She swore loudly as she came to a stop with a thunk. A puppy whined from above her.
"I'm alright, I'm alright."
As she got up and brushed herself off Abbey could be heard scampering down the rocks and jumping at her legs. Ryleigh laughed and gave her ears a scritch. Abbey barked happily once and ran off.
"Abbey! Come on, girl! Come on!"
Another bark responded as they continued walking. Abbey could be heard running circles around Ryleigh. She dragged over something that was clearly too big for her to hold it off the ground and Ryleigh stopped walking.
"Who's a good girl? You are! Ready?"
She picked up the stick and threw it. Abbey took off. Ryleigh chuckled and called after her as she continued.
"I told you you'd get used to the vest. Sarah was right, we need to give you some sort of protection. This is a dangerous life we live. Once you get a little bigger we'll put those power armor plates on and see how well you run around in that."
Abbey ran back with the stick and whimpered.
"Yeah, I know. I'm not a big fan of wearing it either but Sarah made it especially for you so you are at least going to try it on. She even branded it with the Lyons Pride logo."
Ryleigh took the stick and threw it again. As Abbey ran after it Ryleigh paused and questioned out loud.
"I wonder if I can make a doggie helmet."
There was the crunch of her boots on dirt as she turned suddenly. She pulled her rifle off her back and held it up against her shoulder. After a moment she lowered it. Ryleigh took a small step forward, her voice equal parts concerned and curious.
"What the hell… Abbey!"
Ryleigh whistled twice and Abbey immediately ran over to her. She gave a muttered "good girl" before sliding her rifle back across her shoulder and drawing her pistol. The pair silently walked forward, the slight crunch of dirt the only clue that they were moving.
"Holy fuck. Is that… that can't be…"
Ryleigh's pace quickened. Abbey ran on ahead and began walking on something metal. Ryleigh's voice was full of wonder.
"It's just like from Captain Cosmos. Abbey, be careful up there."
She gasped just as a loud thrum suddenly drowned out all other sounds. The noise turned to static for ten minutes before strange babbling could be heard moving closer. The static faded and was replaced by a group of people walking on metal floors and distant beeping of different machines. The babbling continued as the speakers picked up Ryleigh. Clothes began rustling and the clasp on the Pip-Boy clicked open.
*Click*
