Gene is the OC of a friend of mine.

Though gathering groceries from the market didn't take long, when Renee returned, she was surprised to see a man and woman there. She closed the door quietly so as not to interrupt their conversation.

"You understand the gravity of the situation." The man had his arms crossed.

"Of course I do, Monsieur 'Oward. But as I 'ave said, zhis is a prime location for my laboratory." Curie mimicked his stance, but as she stood much shorter than he, the dramatic effect was lost.

He sighed. "I know. But I could really use you on the front lines. You're a damn good medic—"

"I do not wish to use my medical data for zhat." Curie removed the spectacles from her face and tucked them in the front pocket of her coat. "I wish to dedicate my time to my work. Once I perfect zhis new formula, you won't need any medics at all."

The woman took off her hat to run a gloved hand through her hair. "Blue, maybe she's right. I mean, we've been out there. I don't know if she'd survive…"

"With all due respect, Mademoiselle Wright, I 'ave survived centuries longer zhan you. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself." Curie narrowed her eyes.

The man put a hand on Curie's shoulder. "I know, Cures."

Renee saw Curie's cheeks take on a pink hue and the almost loving glance up at him didn't go unnoticed. She cleared her throat. "I'm back."

All three turned to her. Renee held out a paper bag. "You wanted me to pick up some things from the market, remember?"

"Ah, yes. Merci. Zhis is most helpful." Curie stepped forward to take the bag and took it into the nearby kitchen.

The man tilted his head. "Who are you?"

"Could ask you the same thing." Renee looked the man up and down. He wore a military uniform, blue, and seemed perfectly ordinary. Then, she noticed the Pip-Boy on his wrist.

"General Nathaniel Howard, Commonwealth Minutemen." He held out his hand.

She shook it once. "Renee Jones."

The woman held out her hand next. "Piper Wright."

"From the paper?" Renee shook her hand and let her arm drop to her side.

"I see my reputation precedes me." Piper grinned.

"Well, I've just read some of the issues."

Nate turned as Curie walked back to them. "So, I didn't realize you'd taken on an employee."

Renee held up her hands. "Oh, I'm not…"

"Yes, Renee is my—laboratory assistant." Curie glanced between Renee and Nate. "She's very good at finding zhings."

Piper nodded. "Hey, not bad. Saves Curie from having to do it, I guess."

Renee's shoulders slumped forward. "Yeah, that's me. Assistant."

Nate looked at Piper and smiled. "We should go. I know you're busy. Come on, let's get back to the Castle. I'm sure Preston is waiting for us."

"Oh, do you 'ave to go so soon?" Curie's brow furrowed and she frowned—no, pouted.

"I'm afraid so. Keep up the good work, okay?" Nate flashed her a smile before brushing past Renee. "Good to meet you, Jones."

"It's just Renee." Renee turned to watch him go.

Nate waved over his shoulder before holding out his arm for Piper's.

Once the door was closed behind them, Renee looked to Curie. "So, I'm your assistant now?"

"My apologies. I didn't mean to surprise you so, but I was thinking of asking you." Curie sighed and reached to hold her elbow with the opposite hand. "I've been needing an assistant and you do seem to 'ave a knack for finding zhings. If it's all right."

"It's fine." Renee glanced at the door again before moving to lean against a lab table. "Who exactly was that guy? He seemed kind of… I dunno. Important, I guess."

"Monsieur 'Oward is exactly who he said 'e is. Zhe general of zhe Minutemen." Curie's lips quirked into a smile.

"And Piper must be his girlfriend, I assume."

The smile disappeared. "Er, yes. She and Monsieur 'Oward are together."

Renee decided not to press the issue. "Well, if I'm going to be your assistant, I think I should know what's going on around here. Nate said something about the 'front lines' and medics?"

Here Curie cringed and pulled her glasses back out from the pocket. "Zhe Commonwealth is in a fragile state. You picked a poor time to visit."

"I'm starting to figure that part out."

"Zhe Minutemen protect zhe people, all people, but unfortunately some groups don't share zhat sentiment. Every day is a fight for survival. And it's only getting worse."

Renee hummed. "I mean, you're pretty good at fixing people, based on how well you can patch me up. I can see why he'd want you out there."

"Yes. But…" Curie sighed. "I am not built for fighting. I am built for science."

Renee couldn't help but agree with that. Curie was small, lithe, and try as she might, she couldn't imagine the woman in armor. "Yeah. I guess you are."

"And, beyond zhat, my work is important. I could help so many once I perfect my formulas."

"And that's where I come in, right? To make sure you have what you need to do that?" Renee looked at the lab table. It was covered in beakers, flasks, papers.

Curie smiled. "Precisely."

"Sounds good to me." Renee stretched her arms above her head. "What's the next mission, boss?"

Curie giggled and shook her head. "Please, don't call me zhat. Just Curie is fine."

"Then what's the next mission, Just Curie?" Renee grinned at Curie's annoyed expression.

"I need some time to take inventory of what I 'ave and what I need. Why don't you look around Diamond City? I should 'ave somezhing for you in a few hours. Just, ah, take zhe caps left over from shopping. Zhat can be your first payment."

Renee couldn't argue with that. Her stomach grumbled and she wanted to try the noodle stand. "You got it. In that case, I'll be back later."

They said their goodbyes and Renee went back out to the market. She flicked the sunglasses perched on her forehead down over her eyes and started to head to the noodle stand. She'd hardly taken any steps when she heard shouting. "Hm?"

"Who else would wanna take down my displays?!"

"Someone with taste, dear."

"I outta…!"

Renee walked around the stand to see two women arguing in front of a shop. At their feet two mannequins were on the ground, the clothing covering them torn and tattered. The older woman looked smug while the younger, taller gal looked about to pummel her.

"Ma'am, please try to control your temper." A blue Assaultron beeped rapidly beside the tall brunette.

"Tell this bitch to stop messin' with my merchandise!"

The older woman gasped. "Excuse you? You're the one that tried to advertise right outside my shop!"

"Theah's no law against advertisin' in the market!"

Renee decided to step in. "Okay, let's all just take a breath."

"Stay outta this, short stack." The brunette tried to shove her aside.

"Yes, this doesn't concern you." The older woman also pushed her, just enough to throw her off balance that she fell back against the boardwalk.

Renee grunted at the impact and looked up at them. "Well, I'd say it concerns me now."

The woman's eyes widened. "Good heavens, I'm so sorry this brat assaulted you, miss!"

"I didn't do a damn thing!" The brunette huffed and crossed her arms.

Renee got to her feet, brushing off her jeans. "It's fine, it's fine."

"Well, you should count yourself lucky she's not injured, Dandridge." The old woman rolled her eyes. "You cause nothing but trouble."

The brunette gritted her teeth. "You…"

With that, the old woman turned on her heel with a final "Hmph!" and disappeared down in her shop.

Renee looked up at the brunette. "You okay?"

She took a deep breath and nodded. "I'm fine. Sorry you saw all that. You're not actually hurt, are you?"

"Nah, I'm fine." Renee looked at the mannequins. "She was…unpleasant. All that over some mannequins?"

"Becky and I are the only two clothing stores down heah in the Lowah Stands. She's always trying to outdo me. Thought I'd have Z0E put up some advertising, but… Well." She gestured to the mannequins.

"I see." Renee frowned. "My name's Renee, by the way. Not short stack. I'm not even that short."

Here the woman laughed. "Everyone's short to me." She grinned and placed her hands on her hips, her sapphire eyes sparkling. "Name's Gene."

"Good to meet you." Renee bent down to grab some of the clothing. "Want some help with this stuff?"

"Sure, if you don't mind. Z0E, mind getting the mannequins?" Gene looked back at the Assaultron.

Z0E beeped. "Yes ma'am."

The three of them managed to clean up the mess in hardly any time at all and Renee followed Gene back to her shop. "Nevah seen you here in Diamond City before. You new?" Gene asked, glancing at the redhead.

"Yeah. Just moved here, I guess." Renee shifted the clothes in her arms.

"Oh yeah? Well, welcome to the Great Green Jewel." Gene turned a corner and gestured with one hand. "Well, theah it is. Wicked Aesthetics, home sweet home."

Between the accent and the odd name for a store, Renee came to the conclusion that this woman was crazy.