Chapter 24, Reunion

We continued our journey across the desert to Jacobstown. Rex was keeping his pace with me well all things considered. However, it was obvious that his condition with his brain was getting worse the more he had to move around. Rex was subtly dragging his feet and I could hear him getting out of breath faster the longer we went. Time is clearly of the essence and we can't waste any more of it.

As we continued walking, I started to notice more trees with green leaves on them surrounding us. Jacobstown must be famous for its green trees then, like its a pocket from the Old World still surviving in the wasteland. It wouldn't be long till I was met with a spiked, wooden barricade that was as tall as the trees nearby. How did the people get this kind of barricade made?

I would quickly have that answered as I saw two Super Mutants walking around in Jacobstown. My instincts kicked in as I felt my hand reach for my revolver.

Super Mutants always make me feel uneasy even if some are friendly. I had to fight so many back in D.C. and ever since then, I always feel on edge near them. I don't know if they are going to attack me and grind my bones into dust for salt on their food or tolerate my existence. It's never easy to spot.

"Another human," a Mutant scoffed in his deep, growling voice, "One was enough."

I paid no attention to him as I continued forward towards what looked like a huge house. This place is the biggest house I've ever seen. Wooden logs stacked in all different ways three stories high. Lanterns littered around the building with one metal green one outside the front doors with its twin brother gone with its base left behind. I pushed open the doors and was met by two, wooden staircases leading up to the second floor on the left and right side. There was a welcome desk in the front with two terminals and a Mutant sitting behind the desk, fiddling with a guitar.

I approached the desk, "Excuse me, where is Doctor Henry located?"

The Mutant looked up from his guitar, "To your right."

I nodded and made my way to the right, being greeted by a hospital style room with stretchers, medical curtains, and equipment. Doctor Henry was behind a desk to a terminal, typing away.

I tapped him on his shoulder," Are you Doctor Henry?"

He turned to face me with his white hair and black glasses greeting me, "I assume this is about something important? You're interrupting my research."

"Something's wrong with my cyber-dog. I was told to come to you."

He stands up to take a quick inspection of Rex, who was laying down on the carpet, panting," "It's neural degradation. Bio med gel can only preserve a living brain for so long, so you'll need to find a replacement. I haven't left Jacobstown in years, but there was one woman in Novac... Gibson? I remember her living with a pack of hounds. Aside from her, I know that the Fiends and Caesar's Legion fight alongside dogs. There could be viable specimens among them, if you can get to them. Though with Caesar's Legion mostly gone by now, I doubt you'll find one of their specimens."

Old Lady Gibson. She might have the best option. Don't think I want to deal with the Fiends for a dog brain.

"Ok. I'll pay Old Lady Gibson a visit. I'll probably be back tonight with the brain."

Doctor Henry nodded before sitting back down to resume typing on his Terminal.

I motioned Rex to come with me and he slowly got up to follow me. We exited the house and began the long trek to the Gibson Scrap Yard. It's probably going to be mid afternoon by the time we get there and I hope Rex can make it there and back to Jacobstown. Maybe we can come across a Secuitron at some point and he can help carry Rex if push comes to shove. Here's hoping it doesn't come to that.

As we passed Neil's Shack, I heard a shrill screech from behind us. As I turned around, I saw a family of giant mole rats coming our way. I drew my revolver to start firing and Rex wasted no time in running towards them to attack.

Rex went to town on one of them while I started firing at the other ones trying to attack them. Eventually, two of them turned their attention to me and charged. I tried to fire at them, but the empty click of my revolver told me otherwise. I jumped out of the way and drew my Carbine and fired at the other two, their bodies exploding from the rounds. I lowered my rifle and turned my attention to Rex, who was gnawing away at one of the arms of the Mole Rat.

"Well, The King was not kidding that you don't like Rats," I remarked.

He stopped gnawing on it for a moment to divert his attention towards me, with a subtle growl, before going back to the arm.

"Let's get back to the road. We still need to reach Old Lady Gibson to get you that brain," I declared.

He barked in response as he struggled to stand up. Fighting those Mole Rats had to lower what little energy he had left in him.

Not for long we would reach Gibson Scrap Yard and I saw Old Lady Gibson sitting on a pile of tires putting one of her dogs.

As I walked towards her, she quickly took notice of me, ready to greet me.

"Well hello. Long time no see. What can I do for you," she asked.

"Doctor Henry sent me. I need a new brain for my cyber-dog."

"Doctor Henry? Now there's a name I haven't heard in years. Hard to believe he's still alive. As for your request, it's, uh, a bit ghoulish if you ask me, but Rey is pretty old and I'll probably have to put him down soon enough. As for the price for this favor, 700 caps sounds about right. Rey's like family, and I've got other dogs to take care of."

700 caps? That's a bit pricey for this whole thing. Maybe I could get her to lower this. After all, her dog's brain has a chance of living in immortality.

"I'm offering Rey immortality of a sort. Are you really going to put a price on that," I replied, putting on a charming, salesman kind of voice.

"Fair enough," she replies as she stands up and walks to her dog.

She whistles, "Here, Rey! Mama's got something for you."

One of her black and gray dogs stood up, almost at the same speed as Rex does and walked towards her. She guided him inside and shut the door. It wouldn't be long till I heard a yelp from behind the door. I turned my eyes to Rex who was sitting underneath a car in the winter on its way, it isn't that hot. But for him I'm sure it's far worse than it is for me.

After an hour, Old Lady Gibson came back out with the brain in a jar full of Bio gel.

She hands it to me, "Here you go. Just promise me one thing."

"What would that be," I asked.

"Bring your dog back here whenever. I'd like to see how the brain is doing in him."

"Of course. I hope I can make it back to Jacobstown in time. He doesn't have much longer."

I put the brain in my bag and whistled for Rex to follow. He weakly stood up and followed me. We marched on with the sun starting to get in my eyes. Definitely will be right in it being night by the time we get back. After an hour or so of walking, I looked behind me to see if Rex was still keeping up. To my surprise, I saw him extremely far away, but not moving. I quickly ran back towards him and saw he was laying on the ground, his belly exposed. I could tell he was still breathing, but it was barely noticeable.

"Come on Rex. We have to only be half way there and we can get this brain in you," I remarked, faking some cheer in my voice.

He whimpered, barely able to lift his head to look at me.

I grabbed him by the paws, trying to drag him, "Come on boy. We can make it. You gotta give me something Rex."

I was able to drag him only a few feet before letting go. He was too heavy to carry and too heavy to drag. Only option is finding a Secuitron to help out.

I saw a ruined car nearby, the perfect cover for him to wait for me while I found one.

"Ok Rex. Let's get you to this car," I stated as I helped him to his feet.

I kept my arms underneath him, helping him walk to the car to sit in. He stumbled onto the seat and laid down.

"Ok. I'm going to find some help. Stay here and out of sight while I'm gone ok?"

I saw his tail move slightly, indicating to me that he heard and understood me.

I patted his head and started to walk towards Jacobstown, hoping to find a Secutiron in between here.

Last time I was this caring, outside of my relationship with Elizabeth, was when I had Dogmeat. He was always at my side, ready to attack anyone that posed a threat to me. One time he sprained his ankle and I had to carry him all the way to Rivet City for treatment. Wasn't ideal but I felt a strong connection with him after that and I'm sure he felt the same way too. But why the caring now all of a sudden? For four years it was always just about me and trying to help as much as I could but knowing when to stop and walk away. A year ago, I would have just either left Rex behind or put him out of his misery, then collect my payment, saying I here I am putting so much effort to save him. What changed?

I stopped to think for a moment. Then, it hit me clearly.

It was my time with Elizabeth. I wasn't stone cold before, but I haven't gone the extra mile to help since the early days of leaving the Vault. But here I am doing it once again after all this time for a chance to get her a puppy, to see her happy. Guess my old, positive self is coming back in a way.

I smiled, before resuming my walk to find a Secutiron.

Eventually, I heard some explosion in the distance, not too far from here. Recognizing the pattern of the explosion sounds going off, this has to be some Securitrons firing missiles away at something. I walked above the hill and saw them in combat with some Fiends. The Fiends were clearly putting up a fight, but ultimately were losing to them in the end. The Securitrons fired some more missiles, blowing the rest of them away before holstering the missiles. I slid down the hill to meet them. One of them turned to greet me.

Victor's face appeared immediately on the screen, "Well howdy pardner. What can I do for you?"

"I need your help again. Can you carry a cyber-dog all the way to Jacobstown," I asked.

"Sure can do. Where is he," he questioned.

"Back that way a bit," I pointed behind me.

I wasted no time in running back to where Rex was located. Finally, we reached the car to where Rex was. I put my hand on his chest and could feel he was still alive.

"Ok Rex. Give me a bit more of your strength and let me get you into his arms. We're almost done," I say as I help guide him into Victor's arms.

He gave the last of his strength to get into Victor's arms.

"Ok I got him pardner. Shall I rush him there quickly," Victor asks.

"No. I don't want the speed to somehow overwhelm him and make it worse. Let's take it fast but not too fast," I replied.

"Ok. Let's head on out." I state as I started walking fast ahead.

We continued our way to Jacobstown, hoping Rex was going to make it. I'm not entirely sure at this point. If he can just save his energy to keep himself alive, it should be enough to do this.

By the time we got to Jacobstown, night was already on its way and the lanterns surrounding the place were lit up, inviting us in.

As we entered, I saw all the Mutants look at us confused with some disdain as we entered the house. I guided Victor to the medical area where Doctor Henry was. As we entered, he was still there typing away, but quickly took notice of our entrance.

"What's up with the Securition," he asked.

"He had to carry Rex here. He collapsed almost half way here and I couldn't carry him further. "

"I see. Did you bring the brain you wanted?"

"Yes," I answered.

"Very well, show me what you've brought so that I can analyze its potential."

I took the brain out of the bag and handed it to him.

He took it from my hands, "Did you end up getting Rey's brain from Old Lady Gibson?"

I nodded.

He motions outside, "Have a seat outside. This will take awhile."

Doctor Henry motioned Victor to bring Rex over to a stretcher as he pulled the cover around the stretcher to give him some privacy.

I went outside his room and sat in a chair nearby. Eventually, Victor came out and pulled up next to me.

"Looks like things are up in the air. I'm not sure fully how this will go," he responded.

"Well, guess we have to see where this goes," I replied, slumping back in my chair and taking my helmet off.

I couldn't tell how long he was in surgery and in the end, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

I felt my shoulder being shaken as I opened my eyes to see Doctor Henry there.

I rubbed my eyes, "What ended up happening?"

"Well the surgery was a success. He's up and healthy again. And with the new brain in, he's much more vicious in his attacks," he told me.

I stood up, putting my helmet back on, "That's great to hear. Does he still have his memories?"

He nodded, "As I transferred brains, I was able to get his memories brought over, however the memories from Rey are going to overlap with his own. It will take some time for him to get used to it."

"Ok. May I see him," I inquired.

"Of course."

I went into the room and saw Rex was on the floor, looking much more alive than ever. He took notice of me and ran towards me, bursting with excitement. Clearly his memories of me have not gone away.

"Hey buddy. Looks like you're in much better shape," I said as I pet his head.

Rex's tail was wagging the hardest I had seen ever as I pet him further.

"How much do I owe you, " I asked Doctor Henry.

"Nothing. Consider it a favor, in case I need you in the future," he answered as he went back to his Terminal to work.

"I'll make a note of that. Thank you. Are you ready to go, Rex?"

Rex barked in confirmation as he ran to the door. I made my way there, with Victor following behind me. I took a look at my Pipboy's watch. It was 7:05 P.M. It's going to be really late tonight when I get back to the Lucky 38.

After a short period of time, we eventually made it to Freeside and soon, The Kings hideout.

"Victor, tell Elizabeth I'll be back soon. Gotta give The King back his dog but keep this a secret from her for a bit. I'm…planning something with all this."

"Not a problem. I'll let the missestress know you are wrapping this up," he says as he rolls away.

I opened the door and Rex wasted no time in running in, past Pace and towards The King. I tried to keep up and saw he already made it back to The King and was on the floor, getting his belly rubbed.

I walked towards The King who was talking with Rex, "Why Rexie, you look all better, boy! Good as new! Did my Rexie get a new brain?"

"Glad I could be of some help," I proclaimed.

The King stood up to greet me, "Doctor Henry help you in Jacobstown?"

"He sure did."

"You're a man of your word, no doubt about it. I can't thank you enough. If you want, hold onto Rex for a little while longer. I'm sure he'd enjoy that. Was there anything else you wanted?"

That's some good news to hear, but the only issue I have with that is where I will be tomorrow. With the Brotherhood all meeting tomorrow, some not fanatical about technology, some very fanatical, it would be unwise to bring Rex there. He wouldn't be safe.

"I do appreciate the offer, but tomorrow I am meeting with the Brotherhood and I don't think Rex will be safe there. Helping them solve a dispute."

"Ah I see. Yes it would be much wiser to leave him here while you finish that up. Is there anything else you might need?"

"If you come across any puppies, let me know. I would love to give one to someone as a gift as they've always wanted one."

"I'll definitely keep an eye out. Thank you once again for your help. It means a lot to me."

"No problem. Let me give you my Pimpboy frequence so you can reach out to me if you do find them," I stated.

I told The King my frequency as he wrote it down on a napkin.

"That's a fancy looking Pipboy you got there. Where did you get it," he expressed.

"Gomorrah. Cachino gave it to me as a gift."

Once I gave him the frequency, The King gave me a handshake. I could see he was about to burst into tears and wanted to give me more, but he definitely didn't want to get too emotional around his followers. Once I finished shaking his hand, I made my way out back to Freeside.

Seeing The King reunite with Rex makes me really miss Dogmeat. Guess that saying "Man's best friend is his dog" has some truth to it. Before I met Fawkes, he was like a best friend to me. Always helpful in combat or finding something I needed. I looked out for him, he looked out for me. Whenever we go back to D.C. to get that constitution, maybe it's time I go find him, if he's still alive that is.

At last, I arrived back at the Strip. As always, people were walking around, making their way to the casinos to spend their money away, hoping Lady Luck was on their side or to seek their fortune.

I walked up to the Lucky 38, entered, and made my way to the elevator. Once the doors closed, I leaned back against the wall. What a day. Lots of walking again and lots of emotions running around. But at least there's an opportunity to get Elizabeth something she wants that can make her happy. After everything she's been through, something like this might make her happy. Guess that's love in a nutshell.

The doors of the elevator opened, making me snap out of my trance. I could smell the subtle scent of tobacco in the air. I think Elizabeth was having a smoke while waiting for me to calm the nerves.

"I'm back," I announced.

"There you are," she replied.

I saw her come out of her room with a book in one hand, a cigarette in the other.

"Sorry, that took longer than I was expecting," I replied.

"Where were you all day," she asked as she took another whiff of the cigarette.

"I was…all over the place."

She gave me a stern look, "All over the place?"

"Yeah."

"Hmm. Being secretive are you," she coyly responds.

"Well, let's just say, I'm working on something that involves you," I answered.

"Really? Can I get a hint?"

"No. Then it would ruin the secret."

She smiles before finishing the cigarette off," Ok. Guess I have to wait."

I watched her as she was finishing her cigarette and put it out in a nearby ashtray.

"There is one more thing I need to bring up," I stated.

"What is it," she asked.

"Tomorrow, the Brotherhood from D.C. is meeting up with the chapter here to form an alliance. Veronica reached out to me."

"Right. Veronica reached out to me and I gave her your new frequency. She didn't tell me that's what it was about."

"Really?"

"Yeah. She wanted to double check with you since she had a feeling it was more up to you if you would feel comfortable in going."

I shrugged, "Well I'm not fully sure, but if this can help not only Veronica but also keep the Brotherhood here in line under Mr. House, guess I'll suck it up for the sake of it."

"You're right. It would. But are you ready to see familiar faces? With what you told me, when you left D.C. it might not sound like they might not be fully happy to see you," she inquired.

"Some may not and some maybe. I know Elder Lyons and maybe Sarah Lyons might be. Others, not so much. They were hoping I was going to stay to help keep the Brotherhood fight going against the Enclave. When I left, I'm sure it ruffled quite a bit of feathers."

"Well with your helmet, you might be able to stay concealed until the end of the meeting, after things are figured out and subsided. Least might make things not come off as heated," Elizabeth suggested.

"Smart idea. Regardless, I think I'll be fine until then. Anyway, is there any food left?"

"Yes. I made some egg salad since Victor was able to get some eggs. Help yourself while I finish this chapter."

I nodded as I threw my bag on my bed and went into the kitchen. I pulled out the big bowl of what was left of the egg salad and wasted no time in digging in at the table. With all the excitement of today, I didn't realize how hungry I was. After 10 minutes, I cleaned the entire bowl out. Elizabeth eventually walked in and saw the small mess I had made.

"Did you not eat all day?"

"Yeah. Today was quite the excitement physically and emotionally."

Elizabeth subtly smiles, "This has to be some secret you're wanting to keep from me."

"I'm sure it won't be too long. I got a feeling it will be ready soon."

She smiles at my response, "Well, I'm going to get ready for bed."

"Ok. I'll clean this up and get ready as well."

I cleaned the mess up and washed the bowl before setting it aside. I then went into the bathroom, took a shower, brushed my teeth, and got into my pajamas. I went into my room and saw Elizabeth was already in bed, still reading that book.

"That book really has your attention doesn't it," I remarked.

She closed it, "Yes. reminds me why I love reading. Never can know when to put the book down because I'm always wanting to find out what's next."

"So what book has caught your attention so well?"

"It's a book called Dune."

"Huh. What's it about?"

"It's a Sci Fi kind of book that I started today. It's about an intergalactic kind of empire, where planets are controlled by sort of Noble Houses that owe allegiances to the Imperial House Corrino."

"I'm sorry what," I asked.

"It's a lot to explain. After I'm done reading it, you should read it."

I shrugged, "Guess after tomorrow and when you're finished, maybe I'll get a chance to start reading some books."

"Yeah. Good night Evan," she replies leaning over to kiss me.

I leaned in to kiss her then pulled away, "Good night Elizabeth. Here's to the beginnings of a better tomorrow hopefully.

"No doubt," she responds as she pulls the covers up to her face and turns the lamp off.

I repeated her actions and stared at the ceiling. Here is hoping tomorrow works out. It's not going to be pretty. There is going to be so much arguing and even if we come to an agreement, I'll have to reveal who I am to them and that could go either way. Makes me uneasy and unsure how this will all go. I closed my eyes and at last slowly started to drift off to sleep.

I opened my eyes to see Elizabeth's face closely pressed against mine, with both of us embracing each other. No matter how many times we do this, it always feels nice waking up to it.

I let go of her and got out of bed to get ready. She took notice and started to do the same thing. Once I had everything on, I stared at the floor for a moment, staring off into space. I felt the same uneasiness I fell asleep to last night only this time getting stronger. It wouldn't be long until Elizabeth sat next to me and put a hand on my shoulder, "You sure you're going to be able to go through this Evan?"

"Like I said last night, it has to be done. After all, you heard Mr. House, they're my responsibility."

"More like both of ours. Don't try to take this all on yourself."

"Yeah. Part of me wishes I didn't speak up and we just left soon after."

"Then who would Veronica go to? Mr. House would have wiped her family out and she would have no one except us. So, it's a good thing you did say something. There's hope that despite her dysfunctional family, they can be unified under something and she'll still have them."

"I suppose you're right."

She puts her hand in my lap, "And if anything does happen and it goes south, I'll be here, helping you fight our way out."

I grabbed her hand in response. She leaned over and kissed me on the cheek before going back to her room to get the rest of her stuff.

I stood up and grabbed my bag before heading to the kitchen. I saw there were some instant oatmeal packets with apple cinnamon catching my eye. I took two of them out, poured them in a bowl and poured some water in before putting it in the microwave to heat up. Once it was done, I grabbed the bowl, a spoon, and sat down at the table to start eating. Elizabeth joined me, grabbing some oatmeal packets and cooking herself some oatmeal. She grabbed her oatmeal, with the smell of strawberries filling the air as she sat it down and started eating. Once we were done eating and cleaned up our mess. We made our way to the elevator, headed down and exited the Lucky 38. The cool morning air greeted us as we made our way to The Strip entrance to leave, making our way to the Brotherhood of Steel Bunker.

The morning passed by very slowly to me, no doubt because of my anticipation of what is to come. But it would not be too long until we reached the bunker entrance. I saw multiple Vertibird's surrounding the place with Veronica outside, pacing around and fidgeting with her hands. We quickly approached her and in an instant she recognized us.

"Hey. Thank you both for coming," she says as she approaches us.

"No problem Veronica. Happy to help see this through," Elizabeth replied.

"Yes. It's been such a mess. It's been worse than dealing with a nest of Giant Mantis juiced up on Buffout," she retorted.

"How have the peace talks been," I asked.

"It's been up and down. But at least they are talking. Now it's a matter of persevering and finding common ground somehow," she replied doubtfully.

"You sound unsure. What happened these last few weeks," I inquired.

Veronica sighed, "So much fighting. Elder McNamara was punched a few times by some of the more fanatical members and was yelled at almost everyday by them. However, over time some have gone to his side and what more for the Brotherhood. So it's not entirely hopeless, but there's still so much work that needs to be done."

It was never going to be easy for this chapter. They've been so ingrained in this fanatical view for so long it's going to be hard for them to , however, can mark the start for the future. Again, let's hope my appearance won't ruin this in any way. Veronica doesn't know that yet.

"Well, today can hopefully start something for the future for the Brotherhood and your family Veronica," Elizabeth affirmed.

"Yes. Thank you, both of you again for coming. Anyway, let's get inside and get this over with," Veronica states.

We followed her into the bunker, down the familiar metal stairs all the way towards Elder McNamara's office. I could hear in the distance, the loud noise of Brotherhood Members arguing with each other. We walked down the metal steps and into the room. Elder McNamar's office had many chairs setup, surrounding where his main desk was. Instead of his main desk, there were multiple desks with chairs behind it. I could see Elder Lyons and Sarah Lyons right next to Elder McNamara, conversating. As for the people, most of them are arguing in each other's faces, screaming with some people trying to prevent others from starting a fight. Eventually, a loud horn noise went off that led the room to slowly become silent. All of our attention was brought to the front of the room where Elder Lyons, Elder McNamara, Sarah Lyons, and someone in a Power Armor suit were standing.

"Everyone, take your seats. The meeting has begun," Elder McNamara stated.

As we all approached our seats, I took notice of the man in the Power Armor taking his helmet off and set it down on the table. At first glance, he looked almost if not as old as Lyons and McNamara with a beard almost similar in length to Lyons. But then I felt a huge wave of shock fill my body as I realized who this was. It was my father, still alive after all this time.