They were there when he went to sleep. They were there when he woke up. Waiting like vultures to swoop and pick at the remains of his patience. Incessant questions, complaints, demands. The entitlement! Burke missed having Gustavo around to provide a buffer between him and discontent residents. Chief Harkness ran a tight ship, but the Rivet City council was beholden to the citizens and each Councillor was to hear from them directly in order to provide representation. And Councillor Miller didn't have Burke's reputation to keep them away.

He brushed them off with generic platitudes as he returned to his cabin, temper frayed from a fruitless meeting with a Brotherhood of Steel emissary. Completely useless individual. Burke deduced she was sent to placate the city council, nothing more. They were to believe the Brotherhood had everything in hand. The Enclave was fortifying its position across the river, but the city should continue with its precautionary measures and let them handle the fighting. Because there was no discussion of negotiation, nor evidence they'd be any good at it if this woman's diplomatic ability was typical of the group as a whole. They were used to doing things their way. Being involved with surrounding society at all was still relatively new to them.

Nonetheless, they had gained enough competency in public relations to shine a favourable light on the fact that they were doing nothing to secure the safety of the so-called Lone Wanderer. She had done a great service for the Brotherhood of Steel and the whole wasteland in finding a critical component for the purifier. When it was up and running under Brotherhood protection, she would be commemorated along with her father in a manner befitting their conduct. No commitment in that statement. No confirmation she was dead or alive. The emissary squirmed when Burke suggested the Wanderer may have joined the Enclave; it would be reasonable to assume they had tried to gain her cooperation given her link to the purifier. But his questions yielded no answers. Either the Brotherhood was hoping she had died for the cause since that was easier to spin in their favour, or the messenger was sworn to keep quiet what she knew.

A moment alone with his subject was all Burke needed. He took it. They hadn't sent a soldier. She pleaded for her life, though she was clearly offended he had pushed her to it. Burke laughed. Not long ago the D.C. Brotherhood was still an outfit of tech hunters, isolated and detached from the common man. It seemed they hadn't yet eradicated the sense of superiority entrained in earlier generations. The pair departed in equal contempt. This one at least didn't know what had happened to Talia.

Burke shut out the racket of the ship and paced his cabin. Did they really not have a clue what happened after she left on a mission for them? The way this Scribe had looked at him. How dare a lowly wastelander threaten her? The Brotherhood would have no problem forgetting Talia as quickly as they'd sent her out. So why had they sent her? He forced his thoughts back to the matter at hand. No use following that thread right now. He needed to speak to the actual leadership. There was a battle brewing, potentially a war, and the players were keeping the city in the dark. What had felt incredibly clever now seemed like a flat joke. He'd sat himself atop a tin can with, apparently, zero strategic importance to either faction. All he represented now was the bunch of whining scroungers outside his door.

Why was he here? Why had he left his tower? He landed heavily in the seat by his desk, drumming his fingers on the metal before sliding a sheet of paper in front of him.

He hovered over the page hesitantly before allowing the words to flow, barely before he'd thought them.

My dearest Talia,

I write to you now not knowing if you are alive or dead. Have you escaped the Enclave? Or perhaps you are now on their payroll? I know you are a survivor. I have been working tirelessly since I learned you were taken, to find you. To bring you safely back to me. I don't know if I will succeed.

He paused. It felt like weakness to even give the idea form in his mind let alone write down the words. He scribbled out the last sentence and continued.

The thought of never seeing you again is becoming a pain I cannot bear. To never hear your sweet laughter, or feel your beautiful smile once more. You are never far from my thoughts. I only wish reality was the same. Before now, I believe I never knew

He sat back. This was absurd. Where was this maudlin waffle coming from? And where exactly was he going to send it? And anyway she'd never believe it. When had he been anything but professional with her? He stood to pace the room and calm his racing pulse, but his head felt light and his legs folded beneath him. Must have moved too quickly. This heap of rust ship was no good for his health. He could whip it into shape if they would only stop feeding the layabouts who were supposed to maintain the structure. But he would rather leave the headache to Harkness and Bannon at this point. Better yet, hand the whole place to the Enclave in a trade.

There was a hammering at his door. Someone demanding to see him. Bannon.

"What?" he barked upon opening, gripping the hatch to steady himself while scowling hard to dissuade any comments.

Bannon was standing there looking curiously smug. "Good evening. I thought I would come to you first, give you a chance to negotiate. May I come in?"

"No. What is this about?"

"Trust me, you'd prefer to talk about this in private, Miller. Or should I say, Burke?"

Interesting. What did the little runt think he'd discovered? Burke opened the door fully and allowed Bannon to bustle inside. He purposely closed the hatch rather roughly just to watch the other councillor jump. "You have my curiosity. Who is Burke?"

Bannon snivelled in faux amusement. "Now, Councillor Miller. I know that isn't your real name. I've had you identified by multiple sources on this ship as one by the name of Burke. Perhaps you have more names, but two is more than enough to have you ousted from the council and perhaps even thrown in the brigg. Unless you are willing to discuss with me how I handle this information…"

"I know you don't like me but you're getting ahead of yourself, Bannon. Who are these sources? As far as I can see, you've just made this up."

"Credible sources, Miller. Trust me, it's better to deal with this now, while only I know."

"Who?" Burke stepped toward Bannon who backed up and fell into the chair. His eyes followed Burke's hand as it reached past Bannon's head for the lighter and cigarettes that lay on the desk behind him. "If I'm being accused of… whatever it is you think this is, I deserve to know who told you these things."

"It- it is fraud Mr. Miller. For a start." Bannon extricated himself from the chair and brushed himself off. "And no, the accusers have the right to stay anonymous. It allows people to report crimes without fear of reprisal, and justice can run its course."

Burke took his seat and crossed his legs. "But this isn't justice, is it Bannon?" he crooned through a cloud of smoke. "Only you know this information, so you say, and you have come to me, not the law. This is blackmail. Or your attempt at it, as far as I can tell."

Bannon's face contorted into a weak display of offence. "That- that is slander!"

Burke shrugged a shoulder. "As you wish. Whatever it is, if you wish to 'discuss' it, I need to know who your sources are. Otherwise I'll have to ask you to stop wasting my time and get out of my sight."

"But- but- you don't think I'll go to Harkness with this?"

"I'm sure you would. But you seem to be forgetting that I know things about you. Things I can prove." Bannon shifted on his feet and looked to the door. Burke drew his attention back by clearing his throat. "Your sources."

Bannon grumbled under his breath. "Lopez says you introduced yourself as Mr. Burke."

Burke opened a hand in question. "Lopez..?"

"Yes. You know… Mr. Lopez. He goes to church and… well he's in church when he's not… He met you on the flight deck, and you gave your name as Burke."

"Did I?"

"Yes."

Burke raised his eyebrows and shook his head. "I don't recall. Lopez… oh, the old fellow on the roof? A lot on his mind. Perhaps he got me confused with somebody else."

"He may be troubled but he's not stupid. He's a credible source! He'll testify!"

"Will he? I don't think he cares."

"I think he does, and- and I think he will."

"I think he'll finally jump off the roof before he does."

Bannon's mouth moved like a mutated carp and he eyed the door again. Burke rose to stand in front of it. "Your other sources?"

Bannon took a long breath and jabbed a finger in the air like he really had him with this one. "Mei Wong!"

"Who?"

Bannon sighed and dropped his hand in exasperation. "Mei Wong, the uh… she lives in the common room I think…"

"Don't pretend you know these people, Bannon. You know your customers and your competition. Now, does this person even exist?"

"Yes she exists! She says she knows you. From relatively recently, too. I'd like to see you squirm out of this."

"I don't believe you've ever set foot in the common room. Where did you speak to her?"

"Well, I… Harkness did. He, er, he asked me what I thought about what she said."

Burke raised an eyebrow. "So you lied when you said this was just between you and me?"

"No! No, it is. I told him I had no idea what to think. So you see, this can still easily go away."

"Yes, it can."

Bannon shuffled around the room as Burke followed him with a harassing look. "Ahem… Now this does require some explanation. She used to be a slave to some rich man out west. She swears you were there. You worked for him, she says. Your name was Burke. Now, why would she make that up?"

Burke took a second to recall the details. So, the escapee made it all the way to the city in the end. "Ah… Mei Wong… she's the one who's always asking Harkness to get rid of that odd fellow, yes? She's convinced he's a slaver sent to find her."

"Yes! They call him Sister."

"Yes, Harkness has mentioned it. But her claims are groundless. He's done nothing except get in a few bar fights. I'm not denying she may have a history as a slave, but that's all the more reason for her to become paranoid."

"What? No, she's telling the truth!"

"She's paranoid, Bannon. Harkness has done everything he can to help her, and he's found nothing on Sister. Nothing. She's saying this because the Sister story is getting old. She'll come up with something else next month, I guarantee it."

"No. No, they both knew you by the same name. It's no coincidence. Explain how that could be a coincidence."

Burke demeanour sharpened as swiftly as the air before a radiation storm. "Maybe they're paranoid and suicidal Bannon! They've heard each other's stories, they're confused and trying to gain attention! How dare you come here to blackmail me with this outrageous fantasy? How can you do this and call yourself a Councilman? You speak of this office as if it is important, and here you are attempting blackmail with the ramblings of some of the city's unsound citizens. Presumably line your own pockets! You're a disgrace.

"Must I remind you, I sought a seat on this council to deal with the Enclave, who are still building up their forces a few miles down the river. Yet here you are trying to paint me as the bad guy with these lies! I ought to go to Harkness right now."

Bannon rushed forward as Burke turned from him. "No! No, you don't need to do that."

"Don't I?" Burke growled as he opened the door.

"No- we can keep this between us."

"We can?"

"I mean… we can, can't we?"

Burke stood motionless, listening to Bannon wringing his hands for several long seconds before turning back from the door. A lion that just wasn't hungry right now. Bannon was scowling but sweating, face flushed with humiliation.

Burke smiled. "I think, as long as you stick to being a good council member, we can. You've no business trying to play games like this. Harkness would be well within his rights to destroy you."

Bannon swallowed hard in lieu of having any comeback, but glared daggers. "You as well," he muttered.

Burke made a path for Bannon to leave. He stopped him at the threshold with an arm on his chest and leant close so he could speak quietly. "Tell him then. But I hope you can sleep with one eye open, because you'll need to if you want to enjoy your victory for long."

He watched with satisfaction as a worried and confused Bannon retreated. Then he sealed the hatch and turned back to his desk. What naiveté, trying to outplay him like that. How foolish of Burke to even begin to doubt his own plans. His tower was in good hands. Tenpenny would be six feet under by now. Harkness would have good news for him regarding the Enclave. And he would say these things to Talia in person.

He tore up the letter and rewrote something simpler, advising her how to contact him should she make it back to the Citadel. Gustavo knew how to reach him if she turned up. And she would, somewhere. He knew she would find a way. He knew she was a survivor.

Talia squealed and shielded her face as the pop rang out across Big Town's quad.

"What are you doing?" Clarence asked as he poured champagne into their steel mugs.

"The cork normally goes flying."

"Is that how it is in a Vault? We're lucky this is still fizzy at all. These kids have quite the stash. Cheers." He clinked his mug against hers in toast to their survival.

"What was that?" Dusty arrived at a run.

"Just opened this champagne. Chill. You want some?" Talia pushed the bottle across the table.

"Oh. No, that stuff tastes like ass."

"Only the stuff that's gone bad," Clarence noted. "You've got a good bottle here."

"No, it's all ass. Isn't it a bit early to be drinking anyway?"

"Champagne breakfast," Talia mumbled through a mouthful of tough jerky.

"But it's 2pm."

"You want some or not?"

Dusty shook his head and returned to his post. Talia washed the meat down with a glug of stale champagne and closed her eyes briefly. The sun was shining, the air had cleared since the firefight, and she felt a whole new person after a half decent sleep. She looked across the picnic table at Clarence. He was quaffing his drink as if Dusty wasn't right.

"You've stopped looking at me like I'm crazy," she noted.

"Have I? Well, I think I've rethought my own sanity after that adventure." He raised his cup again in a nod to their success. "What made you go after the youngsters, if I may ask?"

Talia took another gulp before answering with a shrug. "Hit a nerve I guess."

"Well, you're something of a hero round here. Particularly to the pale girl…"

Bittercup. Talia rolled her eyes but almost giggled. "I got used to people being scared of me. What do you do with a crush?"

"I think it's a bit of both. I heard her poem about you…"

"What? No, don't tell me. If she wants me to hear it I'm sure she'll tell me."

"It's called 'Angel of Darkness'."

"You're loving this aren't you?"

"I'm a little jealous to be honest."

Talia laughed into her drink. "An angel? Right..."

"Well, you showed up when they needed you. Or maybe she looks up to what you've achieved. Not many years between you."

Talia raised her eyebrows. 'Achievement' was how Burke might describe her time on the surface. She wasn't so sure about those who were nothing but ash and dust. She guessed that was why Bittercup added the 'darkness'. Her thoughts turned to that fucking vial given to her by Eden, still buried in her bag. One more 'accident' and she could be the last villain the wastes would ever see.

She voiced her thoughts in a whisper. "What if… what if I'm an angel of death?"

Clarence cocked his head to one side and that look of 'this girl is nuts' resurfaced.

"Would I know?" she continued. "Or do they, like, have to figure it out?"

"I'm not sure this breakfast was a good idea."

She felt like she ought to know more than she did about the Bible. But she only remembered James reading Catherine's favourite parts, and yawning through the odd poorly attended Vault service.

She jumped as Clarence clicked his fingers. "Hey," he called. "That's just a dramatic term someone came up with once. Angels are messengers, guides, guardians. If you believe that sort of thing. Eat something."

She obliged, wondering if that made things better. Was the world really just chaos? She, a sheltered junior technician, had become so infamous by accident? She dropped the thought like a hot brick. Didn't have the energy to worry. "I didn't expect to become a goth icon, is all. Guess Bittercup's rubbing off on me."

Clarence chuckled and they finished eating, drinking, and reliving the rescue before he broached the subject of why he was there at all. "So, what are your plans now?"

Talia snorted. "No point having any. Things just have a way of happening."

"It looks like you have a home here as head of this place."

"Er… no… No. I mean, they could use someone who actually knows about people and stuff. They grew up in a cave. I'm surprised they're not... wild or something. But no."

"So then where? Like I said, I think I ought to escort you somewhere safe and send word to our mutual friend, and my task will be complete."

Talia mulled it over. Much as she'd like to see everyone back at the tower, or simply reunite with her huge bed, or how she should probably feel compelled to see through her dad's work, she remembered her conversation with Fawkes before he left for his own adventure. The decision of where to go really came down to only one thing.

"I think, the Citadel. I need to pick up my dog."

Talia snickered over the irony. After all she'd been through to make it back here, her life could end in a few minutes time should a jumpy Knight on guard duty make a rash decision concerning the apparent Enclave soldier and comrade approaching.

"Don't joke about that," Clarence grumbled. "Now put your weapon away, or at least hold it like that. There. And walk more casually. Hmm, maybe you ought to just put your hands up, show you're no threat."

Talia sighed and did half the things he said while he waved in a friendly manner to the guard. "Oh, uh, I forgot about the sentry bot. It- it won't just lock on to this armour will it? Does it understand signals? What about flags? Oh, gimme your hanky." She raided Clarence's coat pocket before he could react and waved the white square frantically above her head. "How about you go up first and get the guard to turn it off or something? I'll just wait here."

She urged him on with a look and waited while he cleared her for approach. She thought guard duty wouldn't be that bad in a set of armour; she'd got quite good at just relaxing upright inside the suit, saving her the bother of trying to stand up after sitting down. Could probably nap and no one would know.

Clarence waved and she stomped over, continuing to clearly brandish the handkerchief.

"Holy shit, it really is you," the guard exclaimed on studying Talia's face once she was close enough. "I have to call the Elder and then- then I can probably let you in."

Talia shared a silent look of scorn with Clarence as he walked her to the gate to wait. "How long will it take to contact Burke? I don't want to be here long."

"I'll head straight for Rivet City where I can get a fast courier. The best can get out west within a day. I'm sure they'll have you resting and treated for your injuries for longer than that anyway."

Talia nodded hopefully. Her stomach was doing backflips. "Can you, like, code your message? I've had the Enclave and Regulators after me, and who knows who else. I don't want any other visitors."

"I'll be discreet, Miss."

The gate began to open and Clarence was called away. Talia sent him a grateful smile, quashing the butterflies in her stomach with ire. There was a chasm between the way she was greeted here and at Tenpenny Tower. If Dogmeat wasn't here she could probably still catch up with Clarence.

She crossed the threshold scanning for faces she recognised. Sarah or Dr. Li. Heads were turning across the courtyard. Startled, curious. Fuck, they were going to be all over her again like with the faux sympathy for James.

"Shit, Talia?" Sarah's voice rang from almost the other side. The Sentinel broke into a run while Talia had to smother a smile. It wasn't her fault. She couldn't keep up with a Vertibird, could she? But Talia was still kinda pissed.

"Oh my god, did you- did you pilot this all the way here?"

"Good to see you too. And yeah." She clambered out of the suit, honestly glad to have her own boots back on the ground.

"Don't- I didn't- yes, you're alive, I can see that!" She stepped around the armour and slowed on seeing Talia out of it. "Shit-"

"It's not mine," Talia clarified as Sarah took in that the clothes she leant were basically one giant blood stain.

"...Good…" She blinked, then closed the space between them and pulled Talia into a strong embrace.

"Didn't think you were the hugging type."

"Oh, don't gimme that." Sarah stepped back and gave her an uncharacteristically gentle pat on the arm. "What happened? I figured the Enclave took you, and they've been reinforcing the purifier defences the last few days."

"Yeah… I got away a few days ago. The base is toast."

"So that was the explosion? It was on the radio and our records show the area contained an old military base called Raven Rock."

"Then I guess I blew up Raven Rock."

"...Shit. Girl, you got to fill me in. But seriously- you came back in this?" She patted the Enclave armour incredulously, getting that look in her eye like when she first tried the superior equipment on their way north. Except now it was directed at Talia.

Talia shrugged yes.

"How?"

"What do you mean? I just worked out how to walk faster than normal so I wouldn't freeze to death or get eaten in the mountains."

"You just worked it out..."

"Yeah. And I'm sick to death of it, so it's yours. Merry Christmas." Something dark and hairy and four-legged had caught Talia's eye so she hobbled away from the conversation, leaving Sarah scratching her head with a stupefied grin on her face.

Dogmeat took nearly a minute sniffing around Talia. There was something strange about this newcomer, something... familiar. When he figured it out, he launched himself at her so fast she was bowled to the ground. It didn't do her strains and bruises any good but she didn't care. She surrendered herself to the fur tornado until all his feet remained on the ground for more than a second, when she pushed up to her knees and hugged him tightly. "I missed you, boy. Have you been a good boy?"

"Let's say he's made himself known," Sarah informed, "but I kept him just as you left him."

Talia couldn't help but thank Sarah with a smile. Behind her, she saw Elder Lyons and an entourage emerge from the east wing.

"Talia Farley- so it's true. You're alive!"

Talia stood, careful to keep the wincing and wheezing to a minimum. "I am. It's a fucking Christmas miracle isn't it?"