Chapter 4: Vault 95
Part One: Getting worse!
Traveling with a Synth wasn't really something Cait would do, but Nora trusted him. They were heading to Goodneighbor to see a doctor. One who would poke and prod at the robot brain of Kellogg.
Cait lingered behind. Her lack of chems was starting to take affect as she started to cough and shake uncontrollably. "Cait?" Nora called, looking back in concern. "What do you need?" She replied, tightening her fist to hide her blood soaked hand. "Are you alright?"
"Thanks for carin, I'm fine Darlin. Don't worry about little ol me."
Nora smiled at the pet name, eyeing the red head as she trembled. "Just let me know if you need anything."
"Will do."
"We're almost there ladies. Just keep an eye out for raiders." Nick warned.
"And the occasional beast." Cait chuckled, sending pain through her twisted gut. 'Fuckin hell!' She bit her lip hard to stop any noises, 'I'm getting worse for sure. Why did I do this to me self?' She contemplated her life choices before walking right into Nora. "Sorry! Just lettin my mind wonder."
"Are you sure you're alright?" Nora placed a warm hand on Cait's shoulder.
A heavy sigh left her bloody lips. "I will be. You're boy is more important right now." Still concerned, Nora gave a soft smile.
"Here we are." Nick opened the doors and allowed the two in.
"New around here Hu?" A large man approached the gang. "Yes, now if you don't mind..." Nora said trying to get through before a strong grip caught her shoulder. "Oh, but I do mind. You two ladies could use some protection. That Synth isn't going to be much help."
A click of a shot gun was made as Cait raised hers to his head. Anger kept her arm steady, as she growled ferociously. "Get your filthy hands off her, or I'll blow your brains out."
"Think you're tough Hu? I like a girl with some fight." He chuckled, taking a hold of the gun.
"Now Finn, that isn't how we treat our guests." A gruff voice of a ghoul broke the tension. Nick tipped his hat to the fellow, "Nick it's good to see you! Now let the ladies' gun go Finn."
The man did as he was told, and Cait placed her gun firmly in her hands, just in case he decided to piss her off again. "Guests are always welcome in Goodneighbor! You should have remembered that Finn." The ghoul raised his knit and stabbed the man dead. "Well shite I love this town already." Cait snickered. Nora shook off the shock and took a step back, towards Cait. "You alright Darlin? Did he hurt you?" The red head asked softly in her ear. "I'm fine Cait, thanks for standing up for me."
"I knew you could take him."
The two shared a smile before the ghoul approach them. "Sorry about that, some folks around here are a little hard of hearing. I'm the mayor of this little town."
"Nice to see you Hancock. Cait here would have definitely shot him if you hadn't stepped in." Nick conversed.
"Sure fuckin hell I would!" Cait spat.
"Charming, my type of girl. And you miss?" Hancock looked over at Nora while Cait kept her guard up. "I'm Nora, we came here to see Doctor Amari."
"Well don't be strangers, Welcome sisters." He tipped his hat before walking off.
"Didn't think I'd ever like a ghoul." Cait put her gun away as they began to explore. "A ghoul?" Nora asked innocently. "You haven't seen a ghoul yet?" Cait questioned. "I guess I haven't."
Nick opened the door to the Memory Den as he spoke, "A ghoul is a radiated person, but normally the radiation eats away their brain making them feral."
"I see." (Nora)
"Normally if a ghoul spots you they'll lunge at you. I normally use me bat. It's less noise, and easier to aim." (C)
The trio visited with Doctor Amari and as Cait stood on the sidelines, she watched Nora endure the new form of trauma. "Will she be ok?" Cait asked. "This is what she wanted." Amari dodged the question.
After Nick scared Nora to death with Kelloggs voice, Cait knew she had to cheer her friend up. "Let's go get a drink, drown our worries for the night. It might help you sleep."
"I don't know Cait, I'm not normally a heavy drinker."
"Than the more fun you'll have, let's go!"
Who knew a robot could have such a bad attitude. Cait didn't mind it so much, she knew Charlie and all she wanted was a nice cold drink for a change. She even paid for the first round. "Here you go Darlin, get your mind off that Kellogg. Let's celebrate!"
Nora held the bottle hesitantly, "But now I have to find a way into a radiated desert." She mumbled softly. "Hey now, It will be alright. You're one tough woman, and you have me, the toughest woman in the ring!"
Nora chuckled as she took a swig of her drink. "Thank you Cait, I appreciate the pep talk."
"Ah, no mushy stuff alright. Let's just have a good time."
The two sat quietly before a dark haired woman in a sparkling red dress made her way to the bar. "Hello ladies, did you like the song?" She looked over at Nora who was just beginning to feel the alcohol's influence. "It was nice. I haven't listened to live music for awhile."
"So what? She can gab in tune. I could probably do it too." Cait's Jealousy flared up quickly. She held onto the bottle tightly, keeping her eyes on the other two. "You're friend here seems a bit on edge, would you like some different kind of company?" She ask seductively, adding fuel to the fire.
"No thank you, Cait brought me here, so it would be rude to..."
"Go if you want. I don't like it, but you're free to make your own decisions." Cait looked away and took a long drink. Nora noticed the change in attitude, and wanted to toy with her a little. "But sweetie~ you're my date. Why would I leave you alone?" Nora cooed, watching the red head light up as she snaked her arm around muscular shoulders. "Oh, my apologies. I didn't realize you two had a relationship. Silly me, I hope you two have a wonderful evening." She walked off. Nora sighed and looked over at her stunned partner. "What? It's true. You did ask me out."
Cait couldn't find the right words as she stumbled to speak. "I... um... ya. That makes sense."
Nora chuckled, finished her drink and ordered the two another round.
Laughter filled the bar after way too many drinks had been bought. Cait was normally really good at holding her liquor, but she was feeling it. "Hey Darlin? Are we gonna get a room at the hotel?" Cait asked way too happily. "Mm~ you're gonna take me to a hotel sweetie?"
Cait's face flushed as she took another sip. "W-well I ain't sleepin here."
"Will you carry me tough girl?" Nora teased.
"Carry you?! Last time I checked your legs worked fine."
Nora swung her legs around and pulled herself up into Cait's lap. "Um? Nora I think you had enough we should ... Mm!" Lips locked smoothly together as they melted into each other's touch. "Hey! If you two are done drinking, then leave! This isn't a strip club." The bar tending robot ordered. Soft lips popped apart, leaving Cait in a blissful haze. "Ya Charlie... come on Darlin. You need some sleep." Cait lifted up the already perfectly placed woman and carried her up the stairs. "You're so strong Cait~ you should carry me more often." She teased twirling a red lock between her fingers. "You're drunk so I'll make an exemption this time."
"How noble!"
Nora passed out on Cait's shoulder by the time they got a room. The red head gently laid her friend down and tucked the blanket under her. "Why'd you have to go and kiss me like that?" Cait complained as she stopped to look at her trembling hands. "Shite, the fuckin withdrawals. I need a psycho." She rummaged through Nora's bag and pulled out the chem. The sensation of the needle put Cait at ease, but the drug had no affect on her. "Fuckin hell! Work dame it!" Growling, she reached for another. "No, no I have to stop." She dropped the second dose. Puffs of air left her lungs as she desperately clung to herself. "Not now! Nora needs me! Just a bit longer. Live just a bit longer!" Tears from the pain rain down her face as she painfully fell unconscious.
It was almost a miracle that Cait could open her eyes. She was curled up on the floor, with a suffocating pressure in her throat. She would have cursed but she could feel the pain traveling up. She shuffled to the bathroom as fast as possible and leaned over a toilet. Thick, deep red blood dripping from her lips. The cold tile was the only comfort she had. "Shite." Her hot breath huffed as she walked into the hotel lobby. The chem seller there allowed her to browse. "Anythin for pain?" She pleaded. "I have a few stimpacks, but I don't think it would be strong enough."
"Then what the hell are you good for?" She hissed as she wobbled her way out the doors.
"This is it. I'm gonna die." Cait sniffled. She curled up in a nearby ally, clenching her stomach with shallow breaths passing the bloodstained lips. "You look terrible." Hancock's gruff voice startled the red head. "Oh, Hancock. Hello." She huffed, pulling her legs closer. "A beautiful lady like you shouldn't be suffering like this. Especially alone." He soothed, sitting down near her. "Flattery isn't goin to help."
Hancock rubbed a hand over her back, "Psycho addiction hu?"
"How did you?"
"It takes an addict to know one."
The woman smiled as much as she could. "How did you handle it?"
"Well you're looking at it. Being a ghoul has its perks."
Cait's eyes widened, "Takin enough chems can turn you ghoul!?"
The man bellowed out a hardy laugh, "I took some new Chem some guy made. The high was fucking grate! It was totally worth it. I can probably get you some."
"If I decide to go ghoul I'll let you know."
"I'll be counting the days... here sister, you need this more then me." Hancock handed her an addictal. "This won't help your addiction in this state but it will ease your pain for awhile."
"Those are so expensive! Are you sure?"
"It won't do me any good, might as well help out a beauty like you."
Cait took the hit and held it in her lungs for a moment. She could still feel the sharp pain, but it wasn't as intense. She relaxed against the wall, giving the ghoul a sweet smile. "I'm really bad at thank yous , but I hope this counts." She leaned over and softly kissed whatever the ghoul had left of a cheek.
"You just made my year! You know, I've heard that Vault Tec had a special experiment, just for junkies."
"I'm listenin."
"Cait?" Nora mumbled, looking around the room in a daze. Her head hurt a bit from a hangover. She slid off the bed and grabbed her bag, noticing a used and unused psycho on the floor. "Cait!" She called again, jamming a mentats into her mouth. She slung her, and Cait's bag onto her shoulders and literally ran out the door. Calling out to the red head.
"Cait!" Echoed into the alley, as Hancock and Cait conversed. "Shite, got to go." Cait hissed as she tried to stand. "Here, I got you." Hancock gave her a hand. "You should ask her to take you. You'd have a better chance of making it."
"I know Hancock, but how could I? She has her own problems."
"You being sick might be one of them. Just ask, if she does, she'll have stronger company."
"Thank you again Hancock. You're quite the charmer."
He winked before they both walked out into the open.
"There you are! You had me worried!" Nora ran up and caressed the red head's cheek. Cait smiled, leaning into the touch. "Darlin, can we talk for a second?"
"Shit did I do something last night? Whatever it is I'm so sorry!"
Cait lit up, "Um, that wasn't what I was goin to... anyway." She cleared her throat and lifted her brow, "I'm sick, i don't think I can hide it from you anymore. I don't know why I'm still takin that crap, but I've been sneaking shots of psycho while you weren't lookin. I just can't take it anymore... I've been spittin blood and I don't feel right inside! If I keep this up, I'll end up dead."
"Shit Cait, why didn't you tell me?"
"I've been takin it ever sense I left home... I've tried to stop but I just can't. I need to get myself cleaned up, and I was hoping you would help me."
"Of course Cait, what can I do?"
"I head about a vault. Vault 95. Apparently they stuck a bunch of junkies in there and used a machine to get them clean. If We could get inside, it might be able to help me."
"Any idea where we can find it?"
"Somewhere southwest from here. I'm sorry I don't have any more information."
Nora pushed a few strands of red locks behind Cait's ear. "It's alright, let's get going. The sooner we get there the better."
"You really mean it? You'll do this for me?"
"Like I said before Cait, I care about you, and I'm not ready to loose another loved one."
Cait tensed up, "Love?"
"Did I say love? I mean... like a close friend, or a sister." She tried to brush it off, continuing to walk along the street.
"Oh I see." Cait lowered her head as she followed her companion out of town.
Part two: Getting better!
"Shh! I here something." Nora grabbed Cait's arm and ducked behind a few boulders. "Looks like gunners. Haven't seen many of those lately. " Cait explained. "Gunners?"
"Yep, nasty lot. I wonder what they're hiding." Cait snuck away leaving Nora to worry. "Cait come back here!"
"Don't blow my cover!"
The red head snuck around to the front, using trees and bushes to hide. She made a mental note, '5 gunners and two assultron guarding...' "Vault 95?! Shite this will be harder then I thought." She made her way back over to the rocks but her partner was missing. "Nora?" She called.
"Cait! I'm glad you're alright." Nora ran to the red head panting. "Where in hell did you go?" Cait lifted a brow. "I found some kind of a base and that thing followed me." Nora pointed at the sentry bot, that was now in combat with the gunners. "Holy shite Nora! Your a genius! I could kiss you right now!"
"You would kiss me Hu?" Nora teased.
"I... um... anyway, let's get ready. We don't know what's inside the vault." Cait ignored the warmth overcoming her cheeks.
"Is it the right one?"
"It said 95, so I hope it is."
"Raaa!" Cait cried as they entered the vault. A mr. Gusty was making a round and spotted her red hair. "Cait!" Nora took out her hammer and beat the hell out of the metal beast. "What was that?" Said a gunner rounding the corner. "Fuck!" Nora hissed as she grabbed Cait and dragged her into a small abandoned room with a terminal. "Here Cait." Nora Inserted a stimpack into the other's shoulder. "Thanks Darlin."
"We're going to have to be carful."
"I here you loud and clear. What's the game plan?"
"Let's be quiet. Here, I knew this would come in handy." Nora pulled a few large knifes from her bag. After handing one to Cait, she started to take off her armor. "Wo, what are you...?"
"Sh, we're going to be quiet alright? Do you need a psycho or maybe a jet?" Nora pulled out a jet and inhaled the chem. "I've never seen you use a chem before! Shite I'll take one." Cait took the drug before they left the room for a silent attack.
After snooping around the gunner filled vault, the two managed to open a locked door and sneak inside. Nora, closed the door behind her, making sure they weren't followed. "So it was true." Cait admired the Vault tec Technology. "You ready Cait?" Nora asked as she looked through the operating terminal. "I don't know. What if the psycho was the only thin holdin me together. Can I handle me past?" Cait hugged herself tightly, only relaxing when Nora rubbed her back. "I'm here for you Cait. Let's not waist the opportunity."
"You're right..." Cait sighed as she stepped into the chamber and sat in the chair. "Just throw the switch when you're ready." Cait closed her eyes and tried to relax. "Here we go!" Nora turned it on and quickly ran inside when Cait let out an agonizing shriek. "Cait!" Nora fell to her knees and held onto the other's hand as she groaned and cried. The grip was strong, until the machine was finally finished. "Cait!?" Nora called, waiting for her friend to respond. "I... ah..." Cait tried to speak. "How are you feeling? Are you alright?"
"I feel... strange... "
Nora sighed in relief and slipped her arm under Cait's legs. "Alright tough girl, we're going talk later. Let's get you to a safe place."
"Alright Darlin, just warn me before you go tossin me around."
Nora chuckled, holding Cait close.
Nora found a small farm close by and persuade them to let them stay. It took days for Cait to recover. Nora had been keeping her fed and warm, as well as work for their stay. "Nora?" Cait called softly from the doorway of the cabin like structure. Said woman stopped picking corn and jogged over. "Cait you look great!" Nora ran a thumb over the other's freckled nose. "I feel great, thanks to you." Cait gave a genuine smile as she avoided eye contact. "You up for a little sun? I'm not trying to rush you."
"Oh no I'm fine. You gave me more time then I needed. " Cait picked up a bucket and followed Nora around like a lost puppy for the rest of the day.
Nora sat in the corner of the cabin next to Cait who was forced to lay down. "Do you think you're ready to travel back to Sanctuary?"
"Sanctuary? Why? We're so close to the Glowin sea."
"I'm not taking you into a radiated wasteland. We just got you clean, I'm not risking your live."
"So you're goin alone?!"
"Don't worry." Nora began to rub small circles on Cait's arm. "I was going to take Nick with me. Synths are immune to radiation."
"But you're human!" Cait sat up.
"I have a hazmat suit. I'll be fine sweetie. When I get my information I'll come get you. I promise."
Cait hummed in discontent. "Fine, but come straight back!" She demanded. "Are you ordering me around?" Nora teased, leaning in closer. "I... um... yes." Cait stuttered and looked down. "I have somethin important I want to talk about when you get back." Cait mumbled.
"Uh? Why not now?"
"I'm not going to spill me guts out to someone who could abandon me."
"Cait, I'm keeping you safe not abandoning you."
"I'll tell you when you get back. It's not negotiable."
"Fine." Nora gave a smug look, "You're not pregnant are you?"
"What!? Fuck no, that's not, what... what the hell are you thinkin?"
Nora couldn't help but laugh, "I don't remember much after drinking with you. Did I do something, unexpected?"
Cait could feel the blood rush to her face as she remembered the best kiss she'd ever had. "I... why should I tell you?"
Nora was only teasing before, but when she saw Cait's reaction she knew she had done something. "I did didn't I?" She ask with concern. "You kissed me. That was it. You basically fell asleep after." Cait reassured her, earning a sigh of relief, "I hope you can forgive me. I get a little clingy when I'm drunk."
"I didn't mind. Getting kissed by someone I like doesn't make me uncomfortable."
"Good." Nora leaned over and placed a gentle peck on Cait's forehead, before laying down next to her. "Sweet dream's Cait. We'll go in the morning."
"Only for you Darlin." Cait slowly wrapped her arm around Nora's waist before falling into the most satisfying rest she ever had.