Elder Lyons adjusted his robes yet again and forced a scowl as his daughter admonished him further. "It's just until she's calmed down, Sarah. I cannot allow that behaviour within these walls, especially considering what is coming." The so called Lone Wanderer was a volatile thing, not unlike his own child was once, though she lacked any of the discipline that the Brotherhood instilled in its members.

"But father- she's just got out of prison. I've barely heard it all myself, but I think the cooler is a bit much. Just confine her to quarters, I can- wait, why, what's coming?"

He checked again that no blood had been drawn by trailing a hand across the back of his head- no, he had dodged the projectile in time. "You were there for the debrief, my child. We suspected the Enclave had the G.E.C.K., but now we know they can't do anything without the code our young guest here possesses. This confirms we have at least some time, we can estimate how little, before they manage to bring it online.

"I intend to find out from Rothchild how soon we can deploy Liberty Prime, and then… we must retake the purifier."

Sarah blocked his path, eyes wide with glee. "You mean it? Finally, we're going in? Oh, let me take the Pride in first. Hell, we could do it alone, we've been ready everyday waiting for this."

The Elder shook his head. So thirsty for battle. She'd earned her rank, but he still struggled to watch her bound headlong to her duty with much besides worry. "The Pride will be first in, don't worry. After the robot of course. But this will involve the entire Citadel, so go now and speak with the other unit commanders. You will be informed when I know the hour we can deploy."

She practically leapt down the hall, leaving him with the echoes of Star Paladin Cross' thoughts on James Farley's daughter. She thought the child was a ghost of the man, lacking in his noble spirit, only avoiding being an insult to his memory by virtue of having no clue what she was doing. But she had survived a great test, so perhaps something of the man his Seneshal had protected so proudly twenty years ago remained.

Indeed, Three Dog had already broadcast in favourable albeit suspicious tones of her hand in helping the people of Big Town. In fact, he had to admit she had brought him more information on the supermutants than they had learned in many years, and wiped out a stronghold to boot. Perhaps he had put a foot wrong having her taken to the cells. But he must order all the preparations for an assault as soon as possible, and he wanted to hold onto her for now. Her turn in reputation could be good for the Brotherhood, but at the very least her involvement with a successful takeover was desirable.

He shook his mind clear with another jostle of his robes and headed for the lab. He hoped for encouraging news from Rothchild so he could return to his solar feeling optimistic for the future.

A creak interrupted the cloistered silence of the solar. Burke peered at the door to see Elder Lyons enter. He didn't spot him at first, instead releasing a long sigh once the door was resealed.

Burke greeted him calmly from the sofa at the side of the reception room. He had to give the old man credit- he didn't flinch, but immediately demanded a reason for Burke's presence.

"I merely desired a short audience with you, but I've found you can be fiendishly hard to get hold of. So I thought I'd make it easy for you."

Lyons regarded him critically for a moment. "Should I recognise you?"

"No, I suppose not. Not since you refused my requests to speak regarding our mutual friend's captivity. Not to mention my support."

"Ah, so, that was you. May I ask what is your relationship with James' daughter?"

"You may ask. I don't see what relevance it has to this conversation."

Lyons pursed his lips, though just for a moment. "The relevance is I must know who is sitting in my solar before I call my Knights to have you removed."

Burke laughed. He'd thought the Elder might have more stones than to call for security like a nervous shopkeeper. But then he'd read his logs while waiting. The man was weak, considering retirement so his daughter could succeed him as Elder to clear up his mess.

"There is no need for such action, Elder Lyons. I thought I explained in my letter as representative of Tenpenny Tower and the support I offered… I suppose I would be her employer, though recent events have rather interrupted our work. I came in the hope of striking a deal. With you."

"Employer? Then I can assume you are connected to the Megaton incident earlier this year?"

"Can you? Interesting, do you believe everything your radio puppet says or only what you don't feed to him?" He'd learned that Galaxy News Radio was protected by the Brotherhood of Steel. They must be benefiting from the arrangement, and anybody could notice Three Dog never had a bad word to say about them.

Lyons ignored the question. "So, a deal? That would imply you have something I need."

"Considering how Miss Farley and I were marched in here this morning, I'd say that is the case."

"She had vital information on the Enclave given that she has been within their walls, yes."

"And now presumably so do you. So, I must ask, if it was so vital, why the delay in debriefing? I can safely assume it was out of no concern for her wellbeing after the whole ordeal, given that you abandoned her to that fate two weeks ago. How lucky for you that she reappeared under her own steam. Or perhaps not. You certainly don't enjoy the association to Megaton. Tell me, why the effort to keep her around?"

"You are reaching, Mr… Burke, was it?"

"Yes. Am I? Well then, we'll be on our way I suppose. Thank you for the hospitality. I'll be sure to let everyone know what wonderful hosts the Brotherhood of Steel are. I thought perhaps her recent exploits saving a whole town from mutants might have thawed your impressions, let alone the damage she's done singlehandedly to the Enclave in the past week. It's quite impressive, wouldn't you agree?" He sat forward preparing to stand. "But I'm sure the public won't lose their grudge, they're not so fickle as to forget something like Megaton so soon. Not when there's so little else to talk about."

Lyons evidently caught his sarcasm as he motioned for Burke to remain seated. So he was a PR man. Little surprise then that Lyons' Brotherhood hadn't achieved much by way of combat in the Capital Wasteland but that it was intrinsically linked to the good fight in the local public psyche. At least for now.

"You would do harm to a force for good in this city, for what exactly?" Lyons took a seat across the room from Burke, eyes not wavering once since he'd first spotted him.

"There is no need to be so suspicious. I should be suspicious of you, your intentions for the girl. I can assume you also need the activation code that she kept from the Enclave?"

Lyons' thin lipped response told Burke she had continued to keep it to herself- good. Wise, until they knew the Brotherhood's motivations. "Our computers will be able to open up the system in time. It is of no consequence, ultimately."

Burke waved a hand dismissively. "So that's not the reason you're so attached to her. What is it then?"

But Lyons refused to be questioned. "Perhaps you should tell me what it is that you want? After all, you have come to me."

"My wish is simple- to leave the city with some assistance of yours. But if you have need of her I need to know, lest your Knights appear again so suddenly."

"Yes, I heard that you were, ahem, interrupted." Lyons gave him a disapproving frown.

Burke narrowed his eyes but ignored the insinuation. He was trying to distract him from the conversation. "Far be it from you to care, but we have our own business to attend to. It will not do to have your Knights crowding us, for our sake or theirs."

"It is not wise of you to threaten my men, Mr. Burke."

"It's just a statement of fact, Elder. Like I said, we just want to leave here unharassed."

"With assistance...?"

"Yes, should we be able to come to an agreement. At the very least without your stooge broadcasting our movements. How's that for a start?"

"Hmm. I think there's more to this than you're telling me, but at the moment it is moot. I cannot let either of you go anywhere until I know the whereabouts of the vial." He folded his hands in front of him as though playing a strong hand.

"You'll have to elaborate for me," Burke answered smoothly.

"Miss Farley told us that the so called President furnished her with a biological agent intended for the water supply. This agent, she said, would wipe out most life in the wasteland except anything Eden considered 'pure'."

"She said that?"

"Well, she said Eden was working behind Colonel Autumn's back, and eventually we heard the rest. However, she could not produce the vial. Now, is this some sort of childish attempt at a trick? Or has she in fact misplaced a deadly virus? Either option does not impress me, not at a time like this."

Burke waited a moment before smiling. Lyons' confusion was a joy. "You are of course referring to the modified FEV? I was wondering when you'd bring that up. I must say I'm surprised you were not made aware immediately."

"Explain yourself" Lyons pressed, agitated.

"The vial exists. In fact I gave one to one of your lab Scribes, so you would know the threat was real."

"Threat? One? There are more?"

"It would not have been prudent of Eden to send just one, would it? Desperate action as it was to hope an outsider would carry out his plans once he had no influence over them."

"I see. And you have kept one with which to threaten me."

"Don't take it personally. It's just insurance. After all, look where trusting you blindly has gotten people before. You can blame me- clearly she knew nothing of this. She was just holding onto it because it's not the sort of thing you can throw away."

Burke watched Lyons carefully for signs he bought the whole story. He wasn't especially easy to read, presumably from years as Elder. A leader couldn't lead if his men didn't believe in what he was saying. Burke just needed to strengthen his position.

As with all good lies, it contained a nugget of truth. He had given a vial to a Scribe. As he and Talia were escorted inside, he took the first opportunity to pocket the vial and hide it. It was too powerful a bargaining chip to have the Brotherhood find it if they were searched. But truthfully he couldn't see much use for it beyond their current situation; they didn't know how it worked other than it was supposedly too deadly to be particularly attractive to anyone but Eden. So he'd handed it in. At least he gained some leverage with Lyons since he would know he wasn't making it up.

"I should lock you up for this," Lyons continued. "We're trying to help people out here and you come here with a crime against humanity up your sleeve- or should I say another one." Lyons looked utterly disgusted. Marvellous.

"If I do not contact my associate by our agreed date, the other vial will make its way into the water. I suggest you do not try to act as the law of the wasteland as well as its saviours- you're already struggling with that one."

Lyons shot him a deliciously repulsed look before growling in response. "There's no way you got anything away from here, the sentries would have reported anybody seen in the area."

"My associate made contact with Talia long before you were aware she was even still alive, Elder."

Lyons brought a finger to his cheek, holding Burke's gaze steadily. He was not scowling, in fact Burke was certain the Elder was looking for signs of a lie. He gave him none, comfortable in the knowledge that Lyons already knew what Burke was willing to do now he had connected him to Megaton.

"And if I don't believe there was ever a second vial. Well, you're simply asking for my help because you are in need."

"That's your prerogative," Burke sniffed. "Though some would say the girl has earned a reward."

Now it was Lyons who smiled. Burke's fingers curled into a fist and he strained to keep a cool expression.

"Once I confirm details of the vial from our Scribes, I'm sure we can come to an arrangement. First, tell me the nature of your departure. You seek assistance, I need to know what kind and whether there is a danger to my men."

"Of course. In effect, Talia and I want to disappear from the Capital Wasteland. There will be no danger to your men. The sooner we can achieve this, the better. I'll leave the details up to you." Burke left it short and sweet with just a loose allusion to the faux threat. Lyons had not crumbled, but neither had he called his bluff. Much as the blood pounding in his ears urged otherwise, he remained calm for the sake of the negotiation. He could give in to his chagrin right now or give himself a decent chance of getting Talia out, not both.

Lyons leaned forward, indicating that Burke should listen closely. "I think I may have a solution that will work for both of us."

Talia mindlessly read the notices and posters adorning the walls of the Citadel's jail for the millionth time, foot tapping incessantly.

DUTY GUARD MUST LOG OFF TERMINAL AT END OF SHIFT

No Smoking Inside AT ALL TIMES unless you are on fire

All inmates to be tested for chems and alcohol and to report to Knight-Captain Aldridge for enrollment in substance abuse course on positive result

There was also what looked like a recruitment poster showing a Brotherhood soldier in front of a scene straight out of a Vault 101 horror story about the outside, adorned with the text:

Remember where you came from... The Brotherhood fights for FREEDOM

It wasn't meant for long term incarceration but was more of an overnight cell, separated from the rest of the room by a set of bars like she had found at the old police station. So unlike in Raven Rock, at least she had things to look at, people to listen to as squads passed by or the guard came in to log something on the terminal. There was a bed here too, though she hoped not to stay long enough to use it.

"Fucking Elder. I never should have come here." She muttered to herself as she petted Dogmeat through the bars. At least he hadn't run off.

They both turned their heads to the door as the guard entered, followed by Burke. He looked pissed off.

But Talia brightened up considerably. She stood and grasped the bars, smiling to smother the cracks in her composure which threatened to shatter every minute she sat here.

"You'll be out of here in a moment," Burke said, skipping courtesies.

"Just lemme confirm the release order," the guard sighed, sauntering over to the terminal.

"Take your time," Burke said icily, glaring at the man as if trying to set him alight with a thought until Talia reached through the bars and tugged at his sleeve. He turned his attention back to her. "I just found out you were here. Who did this?"

"God damn Elder," she hissed, mirroring his annoyance.

"I knew it. I just finished speaking with him. Took his damn time to tell me you were here."

"Yeah, I don't think he likes me very much." He didn't seem to be mad at her. In fact his gaze softened the longer he looked at her, into something she could only hazily recall from a few late nights finding themselves alone in the tower bar.

"Are you alright?"

She shrugged, voice edged with something slightly unstable. "Yeah… I just wanna get out of here."

Burke shot another glare at the Knight, but appeared satisfied that he was busy on the terminal. "Not long. Lyons promised me your immediate release."

Just like that. "Thanks. I owe you. Again." She smiled incredulously, silently swearing that she meant it.

But he said no more about it, instead taking the hand fidgeting with a loose thread on his sweater. "What was going on in there? I heard there was an exchange of strong words, among other things."

She looked down and scrunched her nose. "Ugh, it was just questions, but then, I don't know, it got really stressful, and they were being assholes about it, and... I might have thrown a glass at the Elder's head."

Burke raised an eyebrow.

Talia made a face as if to say 'he made me do it'.

"Why did you miss?" he asked quietly. They shared a smirk for a brief, pleasant moment before the Knight approached with the keys.

"Okay, you're free to go, on the condition that you," he gestured to Burke, "chaperone her at all times."

The gate was barely open when Talia ducked under the guard's arm, pulling Burke out of the room and calling Dogmeat. She was glad to be out of that cage but dread still gripped her insides. "Let's go straight to the Den, I think something really bad might have happened." But Burke became a dead weight and she turned to look at him.

He was frozen in thought.

"What?"

"I hope- is it to do with the… 'gift' from Eden?"

Her stomach did a backflip. "Oh my god, what? What do you know?" She'd been pressured into telling Lyons about the modified FEV but then couldn't produce the vial from her kit. After that she couldn't really remember what was said. What kind of monumental idiot loses a biological weapon of mass destruction?

But Burke was… "-Are you laughing? What is so funny?"

"I almost forgot to tell you- don't worry, it isn't gone. I quietly relocated it when we got in here in case they searched you. I gave it to their lab Scribes in the end. It turned out quite useful actually."

The noise that escaped Talia startled Dogmeat, and he jumped between them when she made to shove Burke across the hall. "You could have told me!"

"Whoa," Burke soothed, attempting to placate the dog. "Yes... I can see how that might have been prudent."

She swept back the hair from her eyes. "Oh my god, I just spent two hours thinking- what is wrong with you?"

"Well you went in for debrief so soon. Anyway, I think it was better you didn't know given that they questioned you about it."

Talia watched him ruffle Dogmeat's fur before the pair set off down the hall, her fingers still pulling the hair at her scalp.

"You coming? Thought you wanted to get out of here?" he called back, casual as anything.

Her mind yielded to the facts, recognising that the situation had actually improved despite the shock. A newly indifferent flurry of laughter forced its way from her lungs, earning a mildly concerned glance from Burke. She released her arms with an acquiescence flourish and joined him further down the hall."Well, I'm glad it's gone. Can I assume it's actually your doing whenever I fuck up from now on? It would be a weight off my mind."

He huffed softly but slung an arm around her shoulders as he led them away from the cells. They wandered toward the bailey which was fine by Talia, despite the chill. The Citadel had woken up and got on with duties already, so the hallways were crowded, and she was learning it was nice to see the open sky after a stint in jail.

Outside, weapons training had already begun, while other groups received practical lessons in power armour or squad tactics. "We should be able to speak freely out here without being heard," Burke said.

"Can we speak while heading to the mess hall? I'm starving."

"Good idea." He paused to look at all the various doors around them until Talia pointed him in the right direction, continuing seamlessly. "I think I have our way out."

"Of D.C.?"

"Indeed. With the Brotherhood's help we should be able to move much more easily- don't groan, you don't even know what's involved yet."

"Sorry."

"Good, well, since you told me about their special relationship with Galaxy News, and it turns out you are still quite important to them, there is a mutual benefit to be had."

"Is there?"

"Have you ever faked your own death?"

She looked up at him, somewhat less surprised than maybe she ought to be. "Faking it seems kind of tame nowadays." He cast her a fond smirk and she leant into his warmth, slipping her own arm around his waist. "Have you?"

"Not my own. But think about it- based on what the Brotherhood tell him, Three Dog announces to his listeners that the Lone Wanderer has dealt a blow to the mutants, the Enclave, helped the Brotherhood of Steel secure the water purifier which now quenches the thirst of the wasteland. But...! Unfortunately she did not make it out alive.

"He makes some obituary, as far as everyone is concerned the Lone Wanderer is no more, and the people get everything they want out of the story so there's little speculation. And then the trouble starts, so there won't be many who bother to question anyway the-"

"Excuse me- 'help secure the purifier'? Tell me we fake that too."

"No. We go in under Lyons and leave under cover they provide. To anyone else, we never come out or come out dead."

"Fake dead…?"

"Yes."

"Hmm."

"No?"

"I don't know."

"What?"

"You said no more missions."

"Correct. The robot will do the work. Lyons said it will be operational shortly and, as soon as it is, it will wipe the floor with the Enclave out there. We just watch the show and walk in afterward to activate the purifier."

"Can't I just tell them the code?"

"You could, but we still need to go in, in order to get out unseen."

"Hmnnng."

"An agent might know you entered the Citadel, Talia. If they're watching, they need to see us go into that memorial, then we can lose them amid the commotion. They'll try to find us after the dust settles, but they will have no reason to disbelieve Three Dog's report. He's been accurate so far. Even if they try to find proof, they'll be looking for bodies, not living people who could be absolutely anywhere."

"Until one of these guys blabs."

"Only the Pride will handle us once we have ceased to be among the living. The rest of this place will just know what they're told. You've met the Pride, do you think they'll keep their mouths shut?"

"Well they're under Sarah, and Sarah will. Yeah, yeah I think they will. They have their own shit already, so..."

"Good."

Talia peered up to find the reassurance she was seeking that this was a plan and not just some loose idea tossed to him by the Elder. But Burke was too thorough for that. "They couldn't smuggle us out in return for the code?"

"It's not really the code Lyons wants. He wants to stop the Enclave controlling the water, yes, but he wants a story. I think you add some legitimacy to his position. He's been losing support among the people for a while- look how much more you've already done than his entire army have. He's worried this battle might backfire, so you're… his champion, of sorts."

Talia blinked. "Brilliant."

"It is rather crafty, isn't it?"

"I'm glad you're impressed. I guess I'll get the blame if it all goes wrong."

"I imagine so."

"Well… whatever. Man, I hope the cafeteria has gecko steak. I don't know if they serve that for breakfast. And mutfruit juice. Surely they get juice here-"

"Talia."

"Huh?"

"Are you with me on this? I'm not going on a 'whatever'."

Talia smirked at Burke's lazy impression of her. "Well you came up with it right? So yeah, I'm with you."

"Sure?"

"Always."

Talia picked a table and sat down to her breakfast while Burke finished selecting his. The food was generally lousy aside from anything freshly hunted. Unfortunately there were only scraps of mirelurk meat left, but Talia wolfed them down gratefully along with the rubbery eggs.

"You live on scraps and it's good enough for you isn't it, boy?" Dogmeat woofed quietly at her side and snatched a morsel of meat from mid air with expert precision.

Talia was watching Burke pour a coffee when he was joined by Dr. Li. She wondered if she still horrified the doctor. She had agreed to send her letter to Burke before she left with Sarah, and for that she was grateful. Li was a good person. Talia got the impression most who met Li found her uptight and difficult, but Talia saw a strong woman with purpose. And poise. She had stood up to James' manic and impetuous proposal with such grace. Considering how Taila had spent her morning, she had a lot to learn.

Burke obviously found her agreeable and Li must have had no idea what Burke did, for their conversation was flowing smoothly.

"I wonder what they're talking about. They're both so smart." Dogmeat pined and she looked into her companion's big brown eyes. "Not that I'm saying you're not," she added. She made peace with another morsel and shifted in her seat when she saw the pair heading to the table.

Burke sat beside her and Li stopped a few paces short, only for a moment, before taking a seat opposite him.

"I believe you two are more acquainted than I am," Burke stated, vaguely waving between the two women.

Li spoke before Talia could say hi. "Yes. I heard you were back." Li offered a neutral greeting. "I'm glad you managed to get out of there, despite everything."

Talia responded with a genuine smile. But Li looked fraught, more tired and thin than Talia remembered, even in only the short time she'd been gone. "Thank you… I kind of got lucky in the end... Are you okay? You look stressed."

Li laughed quite hard, a wry but joyless smile briefly animating her usually sombre features. "You think? Oh, you're a funny girl Talia. Just like your father, you know."

"Oh- I didn't mean-"

But Li shook her head and raised a hand. "Oh, no- I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring it up like that. I've just... been wondering what the hell I'm doing here."

"Tell me about it."

"But here you are. Like me. And you didn't give up on the project either. We've been working on a final push to get the robot online so there must still be a chance we can save it. That was… thank you."

Talia frowned slightly. What had James been telling her? Well, there was no point now arguing that she wasn't really in this for him, or any particular reason at all. "Well, I was just, um-"

"For a good saleswoman you do sell yourself short," Burke cut in. "She handled the whole situation very well. Didn't give them too little or too much, bided her time, and took a chance when the time was right." Talia was going to blush. Burke was watching her as if expecting her to perform for Li and prove him right.

"Almost as if the Vault was really great prison practise, huh," she quipped quickly before focusing on feeding Dogmeat another piece of her meal.

Li snorted again, quieter but more harsh than the first time. Talia looked back up.

"Doctor Li, I know you think the Vault was good because we had no radiation and a water filter and I'm just being a brat, but it wasn't all that great. The whole thing was built on top of a reactor. The shielding was starting to suffer from ground subsidence. All the equipment was two hundred years old, and we had no way to get replacements. We were one mistake away from something catastrophic happening and poisoning or suffocating or burying ourselves, but our glorious Overseer wouldn't let anyone leave to trade or save their sanity."

"It's true," Burke added at Li's slightly shocked expression. "I don't know if you've researched Vaults at all, Doctor-"

"Oh- call me Madison," Li cut in.

"-Oh, alright. Well, there is still plenty of original Vault-Tec advertising to be found, but in truth it was all propaganda. Many Vaults have, or had, a completely different set up, almost as if they were experiments themselves."

"Uh huh," Talia nodded. "I found my dad in one that was all virtual reality. Everyone was sleeping in a pod thing. The Overseer had gone insane and was playing real fucked up games with them inside the virtual world, killing them then resurrecting them over and over."

"Oh my god," Li breathed. "Was James- he didn't-?"

"No, no," Talia shook her head to reassure Li. "He, um... Well. The Overseer turned him into a dog."

Li raised her brows in surprise. "Oh. He… er, he didn't tell me that."

"He didn't? Oh, funny, I thought he'd have written a whole… Lab report on the experience."

There was a pause before Burke rolled his eyes to cover a slight smirk. Li was staring blankly. Talia began to worry she'd just put a massive foot in it, but then Li's serious mask cracked and Talia saw the first real smile she could remember.

She laughed herself, harder than the crappy joke justified but just relieved. Relieved not to have to act a certain way or soak up everybody's sympathy or antipathy for the famous man's daughter.

"I think he would have, if there had been any time," Li sighed eventually.

"Yeah, everything happened so fast…" She was just beginning to fend off the memories from the purifier when someone took the seat across from her.

"Ah you found us," Li said, sounding happy for a change of topic.

"Yeah, they ran out of hot water- oh, it's you."

Talia watched as Daniel joined them. "Yeah, it's me." She returned his comment with the venom she expected from him despite that his tone was more flat. He was staring at her warily and hanging back in his seat as if she might strike if he leaned in to eat.

"Can you two please keep it civil? It's difficult enough around here," Li preempted tiredly but sternly. "We were just talking about how Talia made it back here, despite the Brotherhood not lending any assistance."

"Yeah, I, uh, heard all about it on the radio," Daniel muttered, still regarding Talia with trepidation. His eyes flickered over the various marks and bruises colouring her face and neck. "But I know I ought to take the news with a pinch of salt…" He was trying to convince himself.

"Actually it's all true," Talia said quietly, holding his gaze for several silent moments.

He seemed disturbed but determined not to look away. He gulped, and Talia popped a piece of mutfruit in her mouth, chewing happily. He broke away and sossed with his food.

She tried not to grin, glancing sideways at Burke. But he was already looking at her, acknowledging her silent game with a subtle look of entertainment and pride.

"I know I didn't get back to you, Mr. Burke." Li continued, oblivious. "I'm sorry. I did try to persuade Owyn to send help. But he is so focussed on- the Enclave is right outside, but still-" She was speaking more to Talia now.

Talia blinked. Li was a good person. "It wasn't the best way to find out who gives a shit, but that's not your fault. Thank you. I mean it." She reiterated her gratitude but Li seemed to be having trouble accepting it. She probably thought she wasn't capable. She left it hanging and went back to her breakfast albeit somewhat heavily.

"I don't suppose I was of any help whatsoever," Li told Burke slightly bashfully.

"A little," Burke offered.

"You know Doctor Li knew me when I was a baby," Talia chimed in.

"Really? Does one really 'know' a baby?"

"I dunno, I've never even seen one."

"Yes you have, in Rivet CIty."

"Oh? Oh yeah! But it was so swaddled I didn't actually see it."

"Madison?"

Li blushed. "Oh, I don't know, it really wasn't for very long before James took her to the Vault."

"Well, what was she like?" Burke pressed.

"Oh- er- like any other baby, I suppose. It was a long time ago."

He turned to Talia. "So you were an average baby. Hm."

"Actually I wasn't. Dad said I used to escape my playpen all the time."

"Aha, so it's in your nature."

"I guess. Were you?"

"Escaping all the time?"

"No-"

"Was I a baby? Well, do you think I came out as I am?"

Talia rolled her eyes and jabbed Burke softly in the arm. "Wait-" she hissed urgently, grasping his wrist. "Are you saying that you were- built?"

"Some suspect it."

"Really?" Li asked quite genuinely.

"...No." Talia and Burke answered in unison.

"Oh. Oh, my mistake. It's just there was some business with an android a while back. They said it couldn't be distinguished from a human, it could be anyone in the city."

"Oh yes, I heard about that." Burke removed Talia's hand and placed it back on the table with a slight squeeze, turning back into the conversation with a renewed energy. "It was a fugitive from the north, so I heard?"

"'Fugitive', yes, if you wish to use such a loaded term for a malfunctioning machine. At least that's how the Institute viewed it. What else did you learn? I was so busy I really didn't give the Doctor tracking it down the time of day, but it sounds incredible, actually."

Talia hid a slight blush in her drinking glass, noticing a small blip in the friendly chit chat before Burke and Li continued discussing the possibility and ethics of humanoid androids. She glanced at Daniel. He might have been shooting her a disapproving look- she'd seen enough in the tower from residents who believed the rumours- except he still wouldn't meet her gaze since their reintroduction.

Fine by me, she thought, enjoying her breakfast in peace as conversation she only half understood flowed over her head, piping up when the odd shard piqued her interest, interrupted only by Dogmeat requesting she throw him another scrap.

By the time they had all finished their meal, Talia was all too aware her secret trip with Burke was looming, and she didn't know when or if she might be able to speak to Li again. She asked Li to stay for a second as Burke and Daniel left the table. She agreed with a confused, nay, concerned expression.

Talia appeased her with a sweet smile and then knocked over her glass.

"Oh shit- sorry- at least it was empty."

"Yes…"

"Sorry. Uh…"

"Did you need something?"

"No. I mean… I just wanted to thank you again, for trying to help. And sending my letter."

"It's not necessary, really."

"But it is. There aren't many people you can trust, but I think you're one of them."

"Oh- well, thank you. You're welcome, then." Li seemed taken aback and confused but accepted. Graciously, of course. "In fact, I don't think I thanked you yet for getting us through those tunnels. It was… memorable."

"You're welcome," Talia said with a shrug that was now more nonchalant than disbelieving. "Listen I know you hate me because of, you know, being a dick to my dad or Megaton or whatever, but-"

"I don't hate you."

"No?"

"No… ugh, Talia, you're James' daughter. You look like him, you sound like him sometimes, you certainly act like him, in a way. And he was a… a good friend-"

"No he wasn't."

"I beg your pardon?"

"I know he wasn't. He ditched all of you like he did the Vault-"

"He was trying to do what was best. It was a terrible situation, I don't begrudge him that. I mean I, I can't, not anymore."

Li was tired and Talia felt it.

"What I can't understand is why you did what you did. How could you? I knew your mother, I can't see where that came from."

"I can't understand how my dad left like he did, why he- why he overloaded the system, but there it is. It was a terrible situation."

"Hm."

They sat in pensive silence for a few moments before Talia continued. "It was a bad situation. Did you ever go there?"

"Megaton? No, never."

"Well you didn't miss anything. Some sleazy gangster thought he ran the place, and he'd spoken to dad but was trying to extort me. I was doomed there."

"So it was revenge."

"No- no, it was business for somebody."

"Tenpenny."

Talia shrugged. Three Dog had told everyone the basics. "I just happened to be usefully broke."

Li studied her for a while. Talia didn't know why she sat there and let her. She supposed she'd suffered worse. "This world makes people do things they'd never imagine. I don't know, maybe one day I'll get some more perspective that will help me understand. You seem a perfectly nice girl otherwise."

Talia figured that was as good as she was going to get.

"And Burke. Who is he to you?"

The sudden change of subject caught Talia off guard and she smiled at the name. "He, um, helped me when I was out. With everything, actually."

Li softened her expression, not quite a smile, but understanding. "You and he are together?"

Talia blushed and shrugged. "You can tell?"

Li dipped her head. "There's something."

"Look, it's not weird or anything. We've known each other ages-"

Li cut her off, waving her hands. "I was just curious. Please, I don't need the details."

"Oh. Good."

Li breathed in soft exasperation, speaking as warmly as Li ever got. "Look, I feel like you still want something from me, but for the life of me I don't know what it is."

"Oh, well… no, I just wanted to talk, or clear the air. I just feel like, I don't know, we should have known each other, right?"

Li's head drooped, though she nodded a few times in acknowledgement.

"Like, I almost grew up in a lab. Imagine it: me, a nerd."

Li cracked half a smile and Talia inwardly congratulated herself.

"I can't imagine you'd have become that. You don't have the genes for it. Anyway, there's no point daydreaming, we can't turn back time. If only. We need a lot more of it to make this robot half as functional as I'd like it to be. I can't believe I'm even saying that, but here we are."

"Is it going to be okay?"

"It will be good enough for them. I dare say it will get the job done, if reality matches the parameters they gave us. But it's our one shot to take back the facility and make a real change out here."

"There'll be a lot of change even if we dont."

"Right. But look at where we're standing. I don't think there will be any good news for anyone in this building if the Enclave win.

"Well, I better get to work." Li stood and picked up her dinner tray.

"Oh, okay." Talia followed suit, standing awkwardly for an odd goodbye.

"Be careful," Li said after a pause, and left.

"...Thanks, bye," Talia called a little too late. She cleared her tray and slouched over to Burke who was leaning on the wall by the exit.

"All good?" he asked.

"Sort of. Hey," she shovelled aside her anxiety and brightened up. "Did you see Daniel? Quiet as a mouse. Was he shit scared of me or what?"

Li watched as Burke threw an arm over the girl's shoulders as they walked out together, she leaning into him soon after. Daniel rose from the chair in which he'd been waiting when Li reached him.

"They- are they?"

"Yes," Li answered, inferring his full question.

"I thought so. It's not right. Not right at all."

Li sighed. "It's none of our business, Daniel." It never is. I really must get away from the Farleys, she added to herself.

Burke had glimpsed some of the Citadel on the way in and while Talia was in debrief. But the rest of the morning she showed him around what she knew, and in the lab he finally saw the robot that was on everybody's lips.

He was more impressed than he expected. Initially Talia found it kind of goofy, but robotics was in full swing before the war. It was no surprise the military had tried for bigger, more powerful configurations than the Mr Gutsys and sentrybots they'd already had in service. It might look odd now, but as with all Brotherhood technology it came from a different time. It was originally intended to end the war on one entire front, so if it worked at even half capacity it would hardly be fair to even call the fight for the purifier a battle.

He was excited to see it in action. Some of the gear he had acquired on Tenpenny's behalf was so advanced they couldn't even test it due to lack of technical know-how in the tower. They'd usually sold things like that to the Outcasts who could handle such technology. He could only imagine what they would pay to have something like Liberty Prime. But Burke was far more interested to see what it could do than what it was worth, for Lyons intended to use what the Outcasts would lock away with all their other hoarded equipment. A waste.

And waste was not something Lyons' band of rebels could afford. Everything salvaged had a purpose, and everybody conscripted or otherwise had to earn their keep, which is how he found himself spending the afternoon playing quartermaster to recruits in the bailey. Everyone was being geared up in preparation for a sudden deployment whenever Liberty Prime was ready. It could have been worse but he was duty-bound to supervise Talia after all, and she had been drafted into talking about the Enclave Mark II power armour given that she had experience both fighting armoured troops and wearing the Mark II herself.

She weaved her way to him when the lessons were over and the sun was down. "You enjoying yourself? Wow, look at all these lists, you must be in heaven."

"It is a small comfort that these people know how to organise themselves properly, yes."

"Well, once their main job was essentially to collect things, right?"

"Ha. That's true."

"Listen, I spoke to some Paladin earlier and, long story short, she agreed we're not slave labour. Half a day's pay, we can collect it now."

"Ah! Nicely done. It won't go very far, but I suppose it's the principle that matters."

She lifted one shoulder as she perched on the edge of the table. "Figured we can spend it tonight in the bar."

"Do they have one?"

"Yeah, it's called Scribe Pearson and his special book locker. The guy who did my G.E.C.K. research last time I was here told me," she added when Burke cocked his head curiously.

"I'm not sure that's wise. I sense the order to attack will come any day now."

"Exactly." She breathed the word, more than a hint of stress baring its head in the way her heel danced in the dirt and she picked up every item on the table to fiddle with it briefly before swapping it for another.

He stood and took the energy cell from her hand, placing it neatly back with the others. "There's no need to worry. We have a plan."

"I guess. Still. Come on…" She looked up at him with a rebellious curl to her lip and beseeching eyes he found he couldn't refuse.

"Let's hope your man has something worth spending these wages on. I haven't worked so hard in years."

They collected their pay and went for dinner. He'd never seen her pack in more food over the course of three meals than she had today. Of course she was making up for recent events, but it amused him nonetheless.

After that they sourced a decent bottle from the Brotherhood's peddler, not exactly forbidden but not official either. In fact they were one of many; the energy about the place was not too different from their own. Everyone was anticipating the battle in different ways and it seemed to push people to opposite ends of the spectrum, indulging in vices or focussing on mental preparedness until the hour came.

"So these are the archives," Burke mused, sipping on his drink as they ambled through the shelves of books, holotapes, and paper files compiled over decades of foraging. He scanned the categories and titles visible; all military, scientific or engineering focussed works salvaged from somewhere in the wasteland.

"Technical documents, government reports, lab reports, anything like that from before the war. I think that's what he said," Talia added as she wandered further through the library.

"I'm sure it builds a detailed history of how it happened, and yet with all this technical knowledge they still don't use it to manufacture anything new."

"Beats me," Talia called from somewhere several shelves away.

The bustle of the corridor died away as Burke ventured further inside, the sheer density of paper cocooning them from any sound without. He found Talia sitting at a computer set against the wall amid the stacks.

"The things I could do with this place," he pondered.

"You can probably challenge Elder Lyons to some sort of fight to the death and take his place. They seem like they'd do that sort of thing here."

Burke chuckled but considered the notion. "Hmm, I think he's pretty tough, not sure he has the heart for it though. What are you doing?"

"Come look at this," she chirped quietly as she typed on the terminal. "There's a file in here where people seem to just leave notes for anyone who opens it. It looks like things they shouldn't say, along with general trash talk. I wonder if anything else has been added since last time."

Burke read over her shoulder.

Lyons has served his purpose, it's time for him to let someone with guts get the job done

Sarah Lyons can order my sword anytime

^^^amen brother

Lyons is the vector for change we need in the brotherhood. Just gotta not die on his crusade first hahaa

Sarah would crush you like a radroach, stick to sharking initiates who don't know their arse from their elbow!

hey everyone just stopped by to say hi

^^ fuck u

***new stock***18th dec***whisky vodka rum wine and some homebrew to put hairs on your chest

I wish sarah would crush me, if she reads this come find me in the showers girl, i promise not to tell ;)

MULLINS IS A SNAKE DO NOT TRUST HIM

Ashley, you will never know how much I love you. We can never be together unless we resign and I know you would never leave your duty and your home and I will never endanger your rank by telling you this in person. BUT I HAVE TO GET THIS OUT OF MY HEAD. ILYxxxxxx

^^^grow some balls dude

^^^its obviously a forbidden relationship idiot. CITADEL 4 FREEDOM

BRING BACK STEAK NIGHT

Talia turned back to Burke. "The same thing happened in the Vault, only it was graffitied in the toilets and stuff."

"What was?"

"Just… opinions. You'd get extra duties or docked pay or even jail if you said anything really against the rules. One time someone sprayed 'fuck the overseer' in huge letters right in the atrium where everyone could see it."

"Eloquent."

"But that was the point. Nobody could say anything like it. And it was like, 'oh, wow, it's actually a real thought out there, it's not just me.' Anyway obviously he went ballistic. Everyone got grilled but he was set on believing it was one of the kids. Freddie went down for it in the end."

"It can be counterproductive to try to control people too tightly. At the very least it requires a lot of time and energy. There's a reason I got into the residential line of work, you know."

"Why's that?"

Burke perched on the edge of the desk. "Oh running a wasteland gang is all very exciting, but the idiots under you will always mess things up. You have to watch them like a hawk. And then you have to play chess with your own people because they need such... strong corrective measures. It gets costly.

"I had it in perfect balance at one point. Doubled my territory. But of course the numbskull from the other side of town who thought he rivalled us would bring it crashing down whenever it was looking very good. We could have merged and run everything, but they didn't have the brain capacity to imagine it.

"After a while of working on my own I realised all the turf war can be avoided- set up your own damn town and have people pay to be there."

"That was Tenpenny Tower?"

Burke nodded. "Plenty of capacity, yet very defensible so it could grow. There are plenty of ways for a settlement to find ruin. Always someone out there ready to take what you've built."

"Could you do it again?"

"Find me another rich person looking for an investment opportunity, why not?"

She gulped from her glass and looked at him like he'd actually told a story about how he once rescued a kitten from a burning building. It had the most pleasant effect. He breathed deeply and stretched his legs, leaning over and resting an arm casually atop the machine. "How did you find this anyway?"

"I was just browsing. I guess I think like that."

"Like what?"

"Like, what are people doing when no one's looking? Even Amata couldn't help herself, and she's the biggest stickler for rules. Well, she was."

"There are people who think following any and every rule makes them a good person, and there are people who think."

She laughed at that. He didn't know what was so funny but it didn't matter. For just a second she looked carefree and lively and for that second they were simply having a drink in the Federalist Lounge or on the balcony of Tenpenny Tower. "You're quite harsh you know," she stated.

"Just an observation," he replied softly. "A true one." But he wasn't trying to argue or make a point. He looked on her gently, enjoying the quiet warmth creeping through his body as she digested his words like always, with a little working frown or a bemused smirk. He wondered how much of what he said she took to heart. She paid him such attention.

"Well, yeah, she knew when it was getting ridiculous in there I guess." She got up and wandered away. Burke was drawn after her as if an invisible tether joined them. "Like you said, the more strict you are the more it causes people to rebel. I wonder what else these guys get up to that they shouldn't. I mean we've found booze and dissent in this library already. I wonder what else."

He followed her through the labyrinth, watching as she meandered between the stacks seemingly searching for something she couldn't identify yet. "If there were any more secrets in here it would be rather too crowded, I imagine."

She hummed in acknowledgement before slowing to a halt and turning to him. He stopped dead, captured in her eyes. She was fidgeting with the cuff of her shirt though her gaze was deep and unwavering. "There's nobody here now."

There was something seeking and vulnerable to her body language but also wild, longing, dangerously inviting in her energy. Burke found himself wishing to reach out and hold her while simultaneously wrestling a simmering heat inside himself. "So?"

She backed away, smiling playfully. "Just saying. It's very quiet in here."

Was it? There could have been a firefight going on and he wouldn't have noticed. There was nothing in the world right now but his heartbeat and his girl from the Vault. "Well, it is a library," he countered smoothly.

She folded her hands behind her and leant on the wall. "So?"

A coy smile tugged at one corner of Burke's mouth as she confirmed his suspicions with a look he would not forget in a long time. "You're going to get me into trouble," he crooned, stepping closer. Slowly, almost hesitantly, though he could not have stopped himself if he tried.

"If you let me," she said, so quietly he just caught it before the millions of words around them swallowed the sentiment.

And he would let her. He no longer resisted the spirit that had overtaken him despite knowing a feeling when he was with her so unfamiliar and unsettling that the closest word he had to describe it was powerless. He enjoyed the state, the risk and sweet reward, so smitten as to worry his sensibilities but finding a purpose richer and brighter than before. Who was the moth and who the flame- irrelevant, with she and him it was a constant dance, and right now he wilfully danced to her tune.

He shelved his drink beside hers. Who had the power to do otherwise?