Claws of the Wastes

by Claws of the Wastes

A talking, intelligent Deathclaw wanders the Wastes to bring closure. For himself, for the Wasteland. With a cross-country trip, spawned by the desire for vengeance, along the way. Believing that he is forever; the last of his species. This is a journey that is going to get reckless! Wandering with little of an ultimate purpose. He might just find one.

16. Prove your Worth

Chapter 16: Prove your Worth

"What do you mean, you are disappointed? I was just trying to get some action, and you messed it all up." Myles sat up from his bed in the corner of his quarters with an annoyed sigh. He stood up and opened the cabinet above his bed to reveal a shelf full of various liquor and alcoholic beverages. It was quite the collection.

I didn't even look over as he poured himself a drink, chugging it back quickly. Then poured another. I then looked up at him and he walked over to me and went to hand me a glass of alcohol. "Look, I know you are mad, but let's have a drink and forget about all this. I am sorry. I was just desperate and had a problem."

"Yeah, I can tell but if you were there at the doctor instead of leaving me alone on a vessel where I know nothing about the layout, let alone people that would probably attempt to kill me if, given the chance, you would know that I can't drink alcohol as it will kill me."

He then took the glass he was going to give me and then looked at it almost in a way 'more for me. Scarfing it down in one gulp before shuttering, most likely because of the powerful burn of what I would presume to be rum.

I left him for his drinking session as I pulled out my journal. It was time I got caught up on my journey so far. I write in case I should, unfortunately, meet my untimely demise. My pains and struggles hopefully won't go unknown.

He stumbled over to his table near the kitchen, and sat down in a chair, knocking over a plate in the process as it hit the floor, shattering. Myles just laughed at it, referring to the plate as if it were stupid and that it was the plate's own incompetence that made it fall.

I ignored this drunken idiot, but I would be lying if I didn't say that the display of ineptitude did not entertain me. He got wasted so quickly, feeling as though I should stop him, I got up and slowly crept my way over to him. Lucky for me, Myles was too busy burying his head in the table, mumbling and slurring absolute nonsense.

In one quick action, I snatched up both the bottle and glass, which he had a sorry excuse of grasping. It took his brain a few seconds to realize his booze was gone.

"He-hey, give that back! It's mine! Just because you can't drink doesn't mean that I can't." I could barely get out what he said. He looked up at me and I just saw a look of misery. The drink isn't doing him any favors.

I placed the bottle up on a cabinet in the kitchen. No way this topsy-turvy drunken fool could muster up the balance to grab that. I gently pushed the glass into the sink before turning back to him. God, he looked like he was going to kill me at any moment.

He groaned and then put his head down on the table, and when I say put down, I mean he slammed it, probably didn't even feel it, honestly. "I believe you have had enough, Myles. Obviously, no one ever taught you to drink in moderation. So, I will and I promise you, this bottle will not be given back to you until you sober up again." Yeah, so he can just repeat the cycle.

While Myles was too busy wallowing in his drunken misery, I got a look around the room he had set up. It was rather lavish and showed status. It connected the separate bathroom next to the bedroom to the kitchen and entrance. It was then that I had a thought of where I would be as well. It was a large room, sure, but there wasn't anywhere for me to stay, aside from perhaps that corner by the entrance.

I rested back in said corner, as I'm pretty sure Myles fell asleep. There was just enough space in this area to lie down, yeah this should work. I shouldn't try to convince Myles to let me stay here once he gets his life together for a few moments. I found an empty spot in the cupboard and placed my robe and garments nicely folded on a shelf, along with my bag. If Myles was going to be out, I might as well get acquainted with the area.

Closing the cupboard gently to not disturb Myles and his drunken slumber. I went out of his room and entered the long stretch of the hall, which we were actually at the end of... okay, the end of the hall is where Myles' room is. I made a note to remember that.

I kind of just followed Genny. I didn't pay attention to where I was going, how irresponsible of me. Many of the doors were closed and heavily fortified with steel and had valves and keypads to open. The halls were clear of anyone, honestly; I didn't want to run into anyone; just get my bearings.

I peeked around the corner of the hall and saw a group of recruits and scribes; they were all relaxing in the hall. I can only presume the captain of this group saw me and asked me to reveal myself, so after a slight consideration, I gave in and slowly walked from the other end of the wall.

"The Deathclaw we've been hearing so much about, and I know for a fact that if Maxson made an announcement, you must not be that terrible. So...do you speak, or do you just understand us?"

The rest of the people who were resting and hanging around these halls looked at me hopefully, with anticipation and excitement. There wasn't fear, hate, or even disgust, just interest and awe.

I reared up to my full heightened stance before saying, "Yes, yes, I can talk and understand what you are saying, a very strong comprehension of what you can or will say to me."

They all lit up and looked at each other and then backed up at me, almost as if they were amazed and appalled at the talking lizard. "Holy crap guys, he talks! I thought Maxson was pulling a prank on us. So...how did you get on here, and why can you talk exactly? If you don't mind us asking, we are all interested, in the first case of a talking deathclaw, you know?"

I nodded and explained my tale. "Well, I ran into Paladin Myles out in the Wasteland and we fought, and we had a pretty decent stalemate, but he knocked me out. He discovered what I was after taking the robe off I was wearing to hide. I guess he wanted answers. So he brought me here at my request and I had the audience with Maxson, who is allowing me a chance to prove my worth. I also bear the Lone Wanderer's insignia, which probably helped with allowing me on board. As for being able to talk well, I'll give the short version. I am a product of F.E.V. instead of making us like Mutants, it gives us intelligence and the ability to talk. Who would have thought?"

Before they could respond the good ole doctor Baker came around the corner and almost ran into us all, he saw me and jumped before regaining himself and stated, "Oh, John, I was looking for you I have the results from your blood test and would like to discuss some other things with you if you don't mind, find me in Myles personal quarters."

He made his way back there and I confirmed I'll be there shortly. "You know, you should be careful that doc is a little off. Just remember, you don't have to do anything or say anything you don't want. You should know the doctor doesn't know when to quit." One soldier said before I left and nodded, acknowledging what they said. The trip back to Myles' room. It was pretty short.

I arrived past the door to the doctor sitting at the dinner table with his legs crossed, writing on a clipboard. He looked over at Myles and sighed before looking up at me and going to hand me the clipboard. "I could tell you your results. I figured you would like to see for yourself"

I gave a slight nod before looking through the information he gave me. It showed all the basic information which I gave him as well as the results from my blood test, apparently. I don't have a discernible blood type, at least not one which can be determined. I also have quantities of radiation, as well as traces of F.E.V, as expected.

Closing the page, I was on and handed it back to him. "This isn't anything that I wasn't aware of. I am a mutated creature of the Wasteland, after all. The traces of radiation were expected. As for the F.E.V, it makes sense as well."

He set the clipboard down before stating, "F.E.V. usually changes creatures and people into something monstrous. It just makes you more intelligent and sentient. Now I wonder if we were to dip a wild deathclaw into F.E.V. Would they end up like you?"

With this, I pondered for a moment. "I don't believe so. The original intelligent deathclaws were made from a special vat of F.E.V and I was hatched, not created through being dipped in a vat of the stuff. I've never come in direct contact with F.E.V."

"Interesting, interesting. So that would mean that there are more of you? And you can produce more intelligent deathclaws, yes?"

I gave a sad sigh and tried to figure out how I was going to explain this one. "Well, no, the vault which we all resided at was wiped out by the Enclave when I was but a youngling, effectively making me the last of my kind as far as I'm aware of. As far as being able to make more of us, the intelligent gene which gives us our ability to talk and think is male-specific which means, to put it simply, if I were to hypothetically mate with an unintelligent female our offspring would more than likely be intelligent like myself."

"And-" He paused, debating asking such. "Have you tried this? Can you confirm that this is the case?" Any other time I would consider this question as more than an interest, but I brought it up that it was my fault.

I sat by the cabinet, which held my belongings, before answering. "I... have not tried extensively, no. Any attempt I made has led to nothing. This is probably for the best. I do not wish to give details!"

"Okay, are you sexually active?" he asked, with so much curiosity.

Why would you want to know that, anyway? I played along and gave him a simple. "No, not at the moment. I can't even remember the last time I was." I drifted off and at that moment I realized how alone I've been traveling this hellscape.

It was then that Myles woke up. I swear he heard 'sexually active' and rose from the dead. His slurred speech was a simple hello from the doc before stumbling over to the table to sit by him and looking over at me, and simply said, "You know what, John... I'm making it my personal "hic," task to get you laid!" He then stood up and went to the sink in the kitchen and poured some water in his hands, assuming to splash his face but completely missing and throwing it over his shoulder, and upon realizing this, he did it again except actually got his face this time.

I certainly expected nothing to even turn out like this and honestly. I didn't much like the idea of Myles getting me "laid," just because he is crazed doesn't mean I am or have to be. "As much as I appreciate the offer, Myles. I am going to have to kindly refuse because, unlike some people, I can keep my primal urges in check besides. I don't need you to give me a bad example." Glancing over at Myles with my final statement. Obviously, it went right over his head and that statement shocked the doctor before I continued. "You know, Doc. Myles left me to sleep with some whore and I was lost and unsure of where to go. Isn't that nice?"

The doctor said, "That isn't the first time Myles had left someone at my office to do the deed, apparently he always says that he thinks I'll take longer than I always end up taking. Thank goodness his room isn't far from my own."

Clearly, he was annoyed at this, almost as much as me being annoyed, being left behind. "Well, at least it wasn't an exclusive treatment," I said with a very noticeable growl, yes I was still partially upset about that. He could have at least had the decency to tell me he was leaving, not what he was doing.

"Well, John, I think that is all I need for the day. You should look over the papers for your. Blood, it's about time I head to sleep myself. I'll get your measurements tomorrow, yes? Plus, I'm sure I can berate you with more questions."

I didn't even notice Myles had gone to his room with the bed and passed out like a rock, and I agreed to the doc's request and bid him farewell. It would be around the time that all the soldiers and cadets would go to sleep, I'm sure. They had some kind of curfew to follow. This would be the amplest opportunity to get my bearings and learn the layout of this place.

I picked up my journal and made my way out the door, once again entering these near labyrinth-like halls. Myles' room is at the end of the hall as long as I remember where I come from. I can't technically get lost, and I traversed an entire Vault before! for God's sake! This should be easy. Maybe I'm just worried about people opening fire on me for absolutely no reason. It's okay. I would probably shoot me, too.

I attempted to creep through these tunnels and halls, my talons on my feet oh so gently scraped against the metal floor. If anyone was awake, they would hear it, but fortunately for me, the halls were pretty much empty. I'm sure this was a confusing sight to see. I held my journal in front of me with both my hands and essentially snuck through these halls. I turned a corner and ended up at a crossroads. It would help if there were some signs or something to direct me where on this destroyed Earth I was going.

I made a turn to the right and found a staircase. I found myself in a room with various crops and plants growing, and various bright lights. Some kind of screen was collected below each of the crop holders. It was an automatic water system. I can only assume they reused it to water said plants all over again. Quite an advanced system.

I couldn't help but notice the pumps in the corner were rattling and shaking like jet heads. This controlled the distribution of the water. Well, since no one was around and I'm going to just stroll over to it and look at it.

I quickly noticed the blatant jury-rigged pipe in the front of it right next to the control panel and it was loose and looked like it was going to fall off at any moment, aside from the various amounts of wires and circuits which were absolutely... fucked is the best way I can put it. It was all tangled and taped on and together with this sorry device, it must be irreplaceable, but it looks like it's like the Vault's fire alarm system. Maybe I can do something here?

Setting my journal on the device and I started by taking out the pipe. I had to shake it a bit to loosen it up and remove the tape off of it and gave a good long blow into it and simply cleaned the dust and debris from inside with a decent shake. I snapped it back into place with a satisfactory *click* the rattling had instantly stopped. It was clear whatever someone decided what an acceptable level of repairs was incredibly lazy or incompetent, probably a combination of both. I continued my work on the side and readjusted the cluster fuck of wires and used the proper holders for each wire and straightened them out. It damaged none of them beyond repair. At least that is good. Finding and replacing these specific copper wires would be nearly impossible and I don't know how to make these.

I tested my handy work and flipped a switch on which I only assumed controlled all the sprinklers and, much to my uneventful surprise, it actually turned them all on, and then promptly turned them off automatically before the generator itself shut off. It was a pretty amazing set-up and with a smile of satisfaction. I turned around and was happy I ended up doing something useful during my lost adventure. Closing the door where there wires were and picked up my journal, then I heard a few footsteps behind me.

I turned around quickly to see a woman in a power armor frame and a man in a mechanic jumpsuit. I was unsure what to say. The three of us kind of just stood there for a moment before I spoke up. "I, uh... was lost and noticed this generator here was making a lot of ruckus. I have plenty of experience with fixing and repairing devices like this, so I stopped it from rattling and straightened up all the wires and-"

The man cut me off before tossing his wrench to the side and snapping at me. "Yeah, sure, you could have just sabotaged one of our only sources of food, and I don't care what Maxson says. It is your first damn day here and you're not fucking allowed to do MY job, stupid lizard."

I just tilted my head in confusion and blinked at this unnecessary treatment. Before I could speak up, the woman slapped him on the back and gave a disappointed grumble. "God damnit! Glenn, this is exactly why no one wanted to work with you, and if you weren't the only one who was available to fix my power armor at the moment. I would promptly tell you to fuck off! Maxson specifically said that the talking deathclaw is an ally, day one or not. They are more useful than you are. You can't even fix the broken sprinkler generator!"

She then pushed him out of the way. With how his face turned so red with either embarrassment, or rage, more than likely both. I leaned myself down to reach her height before she reached out an arm and opened a hand. Handshakes must be pretty common greetings among the Brotherhood.

"I am Paladin Gray. From what I heard, it was Myles who brought you in. He is my superior. Don't mind Glenn, he is a hot-head and is upset that a radioactive lizard fixed something that he couldn't." She said with a slight laugh as I reached to give her a gentle shake.

"Pleasure to meet you, Paladin Gray. I am John. I don't have a significant title, such as Paladin, to follow up with. Your Brotherhood has, mostly, treated me very well, much better than I had expected, to be honest."

She backed up before looking me up and down as I lowered my arms to a resting position as Glenn went by me, probably to see if I truly did fuck up the generator. "Well, let's see. You have Maxson's blessings, you hold the Lone Wanderer's insignia, and Myles, who is literally the right-hand man of Maxson, lets you in. I'm pretty sure just on that alone would earn you some Merritt's deathclaw or not. No one has ever had so many things going in their favor. I don't know about you. I'm very interested in the idea of a talking deathclaw, naturally. I'm terrified, but not in the sense of I feel you are a threat just... I'm in a room with a deathclaw. I bet you that Glenn would run before even considering helping me." She said with a very nervous laugh.

"I can promise you that despite my appearance. I'm pretty sure I'm not like an average deathclaw, as in I won't mindlessly attack you for no reason at all. I can agree that Glenn would most definitely run to save his sorry hide before even considering helping you in any scenario." I said with a little laugh before turning around to Glenn, addressing him directly, "So, Glenn, how is my legendary sabotaging job doing? awful and ruined this amazing pre-war technology, didn't I?"

He stood up from looking at my handy work before looking at the generator, and then back up at me and then at the generator before giving a defeated sigh. "I hate to admit it, Gray, but the damn lizard did a damn fine job and fixed it better than I did. I think it's time I get your power armor, unless he wants to do that, too." He said, with a sad tone at the end.

She didn't even note his spiteful comment before strolling over to him and pulling him away. The added strength from her power armor frame didn't allow him to even pick up his tools or fight back. I had to quickly move out of the way as she stormed past me before wishing me goodbye and lecturing Glenn as they went down the hall until I couldn't hear them anymore. I stood there, kind of dumbfounded. Is this what the Brotherhood is? A mixture of accepting individuals and those who are completely on the other side of the spectrum?

I made my way out of the makeshift garden and found a set of stairs that led to a wide-open area under the middle of the Prydwen itself. A scaffolding above its massive circular fusion generators and a landing pad was a massive square platform that held various benches and power armor stations. I was walking among the scaffolding and noticed that this area too was extremely empty, at least when it comes to the presence of people. I think I would prefer that.

I had no reason to go down to the floor below, the various power armor stations and benches, though I saw plenty of things being worked on said benches. I might stop by later and see if anyone could use help in anything that might help my standing in the Brotherhood. Assuming they want help from a technologically adept deathclaw.

The thought made me chuckle. Technology and deathclaw shouldn't ever be put together, ever. Yet here I stand, a confusing amalgamation of impossibility and wonder. Assuming people would allow me the opportunity to show them I am not a monster despite how I may look, being a talking lizard isn't enough.

I reached the end of the scaffolding and went up another set of stairs and ended somewhere familiar, finally! I was back at the various ramps leading to different floors of this impressive vessel.

It was the same floor on which I met Maxson on, so I knew my way from here. I went back to the outside where we took the elevator, and where the Vertibirds would land and dock just below the actual interior of the Prydwen itself.

This layer was also vacant. It's almost as if there is a curfew that must be followed. I don't know if I was technically breaking a rule as I'm not a Brotherhood Soldier or Scribe. I am pretty sure I'll be fine being out here. With that, I took my place on this platform. I went to the front bow of the bottom of the Prydwen and climbed up over the support beam and lay down upon the place in-between that beam and the front of the scaffolding, no ledge below me and just the wind of the Wasteland to embrace me in this position. I took my journal and wrote. I didn't notice how high up this was until I rested on the outer edge of the landing pad.

I took a deep breath and rested my eyes for a moment. I had a moment to think under the moonlit hellscape below me. I thought of many things. My Vault, Megaton, Cat, and Mike. I can only hope that they are all okay over at Megaton once I burn the Enclave to the ground. I'll visit them again, one last time, before I head back home. Finally, I promised I would return someday, only to myself.

The only way that promise will be broken would be in death. Sometimes I wonder if that would be best for us all? Obviously, I'm not long for this world. No one wants a talking monster from the Wasteland. Here I was on the legendary Prydwen, with the actual Brotherhood of Steel! Never thought I would have made it here, let alone in direct contact with the Brotherhood if only I had-

Then I was interrupted in my thoughts by someone saying, "You aren't going to jump, are you?"

I glanced back, closing my journal before my eyes adjusted once again to the darkness and I noticed it was Genny. She looked somewhat concerned.

I sat up and went back past the support beam and climbed under, landing in front of her and leaning against the rail. "No, not that I know of, at least. What are you doing on the landing pad?"

She paused and backed up, pointing up at the black tinted glass of Maxson's observation glass. "Maxson wanted to talk with you, asked me to find you and word was you ended up here now. It's my turn to ask, why are you here?"

I picked up my journal and walked back to the inside of the Prydwen before stating, "I was lost, to be honest. Myles drank himself into oblivion, so I thought I would give myself a tour."

She ran up and stopped me by tapping me in the back, before I entered the command deck I turned back around to her and waited for what she wanted to say, "I had heard you are the one who fixed our water sprinklers for our crops. I wanted to personally thank you. How did you know how to do that, exactly?"

I gave her a nod and said, "I will tell you all about where I come from and how I am, I suppose. Knowledgeable in technology, eventually. I should see what Maxson wants."

We split paths as I went to Maxson's meeting room. Genny went down to the living quarters. I couldn't help but feel a nervous shiver as I made my way around the corner and saw him all alone staring down the hall and noticed me.

I sat my book down on a chair and approached Maxson before stopping a short distance from him. "You wished to see me?"

His expression didn't change before saying, "I address you first. When you are on my Prydwen, you show me the same respect and procedures as everyone else."

I have a small sigh this wasn't the response I was hoping for, but I held myself back from snapping at him and just waited, Maxson went to a table and picked up a file addressed with 'Highly Classified' and held it up to his head and shook it around before saying, "I believe you have some answers you owe me if you can even read."

I yanked the folder from his hand and started spitefully. "Of course, I can read! I doubt some soldiers can't even read on this fine vessel."

I opened it up and saw that it had an Enclave insignia, the E within a circle of stars, a formation I'm all too familiar with. The document reads as follows.

September 19, 2277, the mission was a success. Most of the vault of deathclaws was wiped out. They stood no chance, and we could apprehend a large, dark-colored male, most likely the alpha of this pack. There was also a single casualty of a soldier on our side and an escape of an albino adolescent male. I have to inform everyone that this escapee is incredibly intelligent and presumed just as dangerous from the records. Do not engage if seen. We captured the presumed alpha. A young one won't do us any good for breeding an army of our own. Our scientists say the albino who escaped is far too young to survive on his own and will be more than guaranteed to be killed in the Wasteland.

On September 26, 2277, we went back to retrieve any bodies to test on and harvest research but, every body was removed and gone. There was the only one that could have done it and that was that adolescent who escaped. I can say that this concludes our mission, and it was a success. We are going back to Crow's Perch and will arrive within the week.

I finished reading the file before handing it back over to Maxson. "That is a pretty basic summary of what had happened. I had always suspected they captured the alpha of the Vault just... not if they did."

Maxson then turned around and looked back out his observation window and addressed me, saying, "We got these records from an Enclave base in the Commonwealth. Clearly, this was just a record, as we know of no place called Crow's Perch. I am to assume the adolescent albino was you, John, wasn't it?"

The sudden flash of reliving that moment went through me. "Yes, Maxson, I was the one who escaped only because my father gave himself up and led me to an underground passage that leads to the entrance of the Vault. I never set foot nor seen the outside before then. Yes, I was the one who killed the soldier that they speak of. He was guarding the exit, and it was the first time I ever took a life."

All he did was grumble. "I am regretting my decision to let you aboard my Prydwen. You are an abomination of science, an offense to humanity, a creature made for the Great War that was never made to speak, have feelings, or hold sentience! You are a killing machine and will be nothing different. They wiped the rest of you out for a reason, yet here you are. Why do you keep up this struggle?"

I took a moment to consider what I was going to say. "I may not be human like you, Maxson. I might never convince you I am far better and downright superior to my wild brethren. I know my existence is a direct insult to your vision of humanity, but you cannot dare to tell me I lack empathy or feeling. When I saw my mother pumped full of lead, I felt sorrow. When I went back to bury my friends and family, my own mother! I felt sadness. I have run out of tears and now all I have is fury and desire no..it is a need to see the Enclave pay for their transgressions. What they took from me, along with countless others. I don't have a desire to change what you think about or even how you feel about me being an abomination to humanity. We share a common enemy and that should be enough for you. I can make a far better ally than an enemy to you, Maxson, so set aside your quarrel and let me be an example of what can be done, not an exception."

He considered and paused. I could see the reflection in the window. He was at a loss for words, unsure how to continue. "You have yet to prove you are for the Brotherhood's goal. We are currently trying to establish leadership here in the Capital Wasteland. You cannot help with that."

"No, but I can help remove your enemies and I'm certain my technological experience over the years will be of use. I've already fixed the sprinklers for your garden when I was wandering around. If you don't believe me, follow up with Paladin Grey. She will certainly vouch for me."

He grumbled there was no other option but to let me at least try. "Very well, John, I will allow you one chance and one chance only to prove yourself to me. We are going to undertake a mission to wipe out an army of Super Mutants just west of here. You are to join us and show me what you are capable of."

I gave him a nod. "Of course, this will be an exceptionally easy task. After this, you can do your worst. Give me your most grueling and impossible jobs no one will take. I promise you I will get them done and come back alive."

He simply scoffed at me. "Overconfidence will lead to your demise, and those are big words. I don't expect to send you on any big missions, ever. Plenty of my soldiers talk a big game but can't ever do the big deeds. I feel you are no different. Words don't impress me, actions do. You have until tomorrow to worry now. I have a meeting with another paladin and Proctor Quinlan. Begone!"

Despite his disrespect, I gave him a nod and left the observation floor, and found my way back to Myles' room. This is going to be a challenge. Okay, making my way through the command deck. I ended up stumbling across the control panel and steering wheel, which was down below a small flight of stairs. There was a sleeping conductor, and that was all. Rather than disturb them, I went back up the steps and ended up back at the command deck, going back down to the scaffolding above the various platforms and sleeping quarters with power armor stations. I then saw Genny all alone leaning against the railing on the way to the more important living spaces.

I made my way past her with a greeting, and she stopped me before composing herself. She looked like she just finished crying and just got herself together. "I... heard your little speech with Maxson. I just wanted to say I am so, so sorry to have heard about your vault and you mentioned your mother and I can't even imagine..." She backed up and wiped her eyes before continuing, "This is what you are fighting for, this is why the Enclave must pay. Just know that I am with you and will help you seek and find this revenge no matter what I promise, as a mother, myself."

Her devotional statement touched me. "Why thank you, Genny. I appreciate the sentiment and sympathy, and I will be here if you ever need me as well. I don't mean to ruin this, but I would like to have a good sleep before tomorrow hits." She allowed me to pass, and we wished each other good night. I followed the scaffolding and passed the room of crops once more, landing in the labyrinth of tunnels leading back to the luxurious living quarters. Myles' room was at the end of the hall in a corner. It was to the... north of this fork in the hallways?

Lucky for me, my directional awareness was correct, and I found myself in the recognizable corner and saw Myles' room and it was.. closed, of course. He went to sleep in a drunken slumber, and under this assumption, he closed the door. Is he trying to make me mad on purpose?

I gave a knock on the door gently, no answer. I knocked a little louder, still, nothing and I can't say I was surprised. I knelt and stuck my Intex claw into the lock and picked it, the slightest rattling and clanking of metal as I heard that oh-so-satisfying sound of unlocking. I gently opened the door and noticed it was pitch black. I closed the door behind me gently and heard very faint snoring. Myles was flat on his back and passed out... still. I spent a few good hours going through the Prydwen and all he did was get up to lock his door. I might just safely assume in his drunken state that he made no notice that I wasn't here.

I placed my book on my folded robe just where I left it before. Leaning against the wall with my head, I sat down and closed my eyes. I've had worse sleeping conditions, and at this point. I am pretty sure I would sleep in a puddle of radiation after all this so this wall wasn't too terrible, though I would like to talk to Myles about getting an actual bed made for me assuming tomorrow wouldn't be a catastrophic failure, whatever the details of the mission are.

I slept much more soundly than I would have ever imagined, especially given the sleeping conditions and unfamiliar territory. Morning came quickly or all I can assume, judging by how Myles poked and prodded me awake saying something like how it's not good to sleep in especially when Maxson is gathering everyone for the mission debriefing and we were requested to join them in the mess hall.

I wiped my eyes before looking at Myles, who stared at me almost impatiently. He had his hand on his hips. I stood up and stretched my arms forward, and looked back down at Myles. "I don't favor being woken up abruptly. Is it time to take that mission?"

He sighed, holding his head in the back with both his hands and moving to the door. He turned away from me. "Yes, I am hungover as hell, got a headache, and Maxson is demanding we get there as soon as possible. Most of the soldiers who will join us are most likely already there. We should move. Maxson is not a man that anyone should keep waiting."

I gave him a nod and with that; we left his room and entered the hall. We walked in silence for a moment before he spoke up. "You talk a lot in your sleep, you know. Well, you mentioned someone named Sophia, but I didn't want to pry, so I didn't listen but-"

I stopped following him and just stopped right there on the spot before gathering myself back together trying to avoid the sorrow that name had brought back to me, all at once, and simply told him it isn't any of his business and I want to hear no more about that. Much to my surprise, he dropped it. Nothing to say to him. He doesn't need to know anything about her.

I have to keep myself together now, but inside I was feeling misery. Such a substantial amount of sadness and regret that Myles will never, never be able to fathom, and there are some things that no one needs to know.

We reached the end of a hallway which led down a flight of stairs and a rather large room was at the top. I could tell this is where people ate and it was crowded with various Scribes, Knights, and engineers. As I made it up the set of stairs, I felt very out of place here. Myles took the steps up to the cafeteria, and I followed suit.

I had to awkwardly step sideways up the steps as they were too narrow for me to walk up normally. My chest had brushed against the doorway at the top of the steps. Lucky for me, the entrance was fairly open and I could see Maxson standing up on a platform, looking down upon everyone getting their food. With his hands behind his back, and looked like he was simply waiting for everyone to finish eating so he could give the debriefing.

Myles stopped his stroll ahead and walked backward a bit to stand by my side, leaning over to me. "I know you are probably incredibly uncomfortable but, if I stay by you it should all be okay let's get some grub."

Before I could protest, he trotted off to the various tables of food available for taking. I could see the whole room from the entrance and most of the soldiers were busy conversing and enjoying their meals, a few of them looked back at me and alerted their friends and those who they sat by to look at me and pointed.. nothing new here. I gathered enough courage to follow Myles, who was already delving into the table of various meals and snacks.

I walked past a bench of multiple soldiers, who looked up at me as I went by. I glanced down at them as I went, but said nothing before arriving at the start of this buffet of sorts. I couldn't help but feel like a towering force. I can look over the glass wall which a couple of ladies who worked in the kitchen were doing some dishes before one noticed me and approached, fumbled for a plate, and hesitated for a moment, she held it with two hands to her chest before taking a couple of slowly paced steps to get close enough to hand it to me.

I gave a somber sigh before stating, "You needn't be so hesitant. I have no clue what I am doing. I was simply following Myles, and well..." I looked behind me as most of the Brotherhood behind me stopped their chatter and eating. They just watched.

I looked back at her and lowered myself to be more at her level, rather than looking down upon her. "I am sorry to have scared you, but Myles dragged me here, so I guess we might as well get this done quickly, yes? I suppose I'll take this plate and figure out the rest."

Her expression was still that of fear but also of interest. She placed the plate under the lip in the glass. "Ye-yes sir, it is a lot to take in still and Maxson had tried to prepare us, you know? But seeing you is just scary! try to enjoy your meal." She shakingly pointed a finger down to where Myles was and he was still trying to figure out what he wanted or was simply waiting for me.

I gave the cook a nod and thanked her before taking the plate gently, making sure not to scratch it as I spun the bottom on my index claw before rearing up, back to my full size, and made my way to Myles, softly as I stride no need to shake or scratch the floor below me, as gentle as can be.

He noticed me approaching, as it's kind of hard not to. He looked up at me with the faintest of smiles. "I'm glad you can finally join me. I can't decide if I want the Molerat stew or Radstag. Oh, and I was testing to see if you would have been able to get a plate on your own, you know you won't make it here if I have to tell everyone to not fear you, that is something you have to do yourself."

I looked down at the two pots of stew, a hearty meal for any wastelanders. They know how to keep one's spirit up and energy. If they eat like this every day, I can get used to this too easily.

"Why don't you try mixing them?" I suggested.

He pondered for a moment before seemingly a lightbulb went off on his head. He looked up at me, then to the pots, and then back to me before saying rather excitedly, "Why the hell didn't I think of that?"

With that, he scooped both stews up and mixed this in such a quick manner before stirring them with his spoon and he left with a gesture of me to follow him. I did the same by mixing the two stews. I haven't had a meal like this since I was in Megaton.

Holding the plate in one hand, I gracefully maneuvered past the table which held the stew pots, making a very, very sure effort to not bump the table with my tail as I circled the narrow spot.

Another crisis averted as I joined Myles at the drinks. There was the typical water, Mutfruit Juice, and various vegetables and fruits.

It was then that I saw it. There was a Nuka Cola Quantum on a shelf behind the person who was distributing drinks. Myles must have seen my eyeing it and leaned over to me before saying, "Earl won't ever give that damn thing up. Believe me, I have tried. He had some stupid contests for anyone who asks for it and all it is for them to embarrass themselves, the game is rigged against the player."

I, of course, had to ask, "What kind of contest are we talking about?"

"Oh you know, truth or dare, or some crazy, impossible challenge like eating an unprecedented amount of stuff, or mixing a disgusting combo of foods and eating it like a Mirelurk Cake and dipping it on spoiled Brahmin milk and eating it, that was mine and I didn't do it, Hell no!"

That isn't the worst thing I would have ever eaten. It doesn't sound too awful. I was going to take this challenge, whatever it was, and I was going to earn that Quantum. Even if it kills me. I gently pushed Myles aside, but not before handing him my plate of food and telling him I'll meet him at the table he chooses. He scoffed and muttered something like. "It's your funeral," Making his way to his table.

Approaching the drink stand, Earl set down his magazine, his legs crossed on the table just next to the various bottles, and he looked up at me and crossed his arms. "Ah, you must've ve that there deathcraw I been hearing about. What strikes yur facncy there, feller?"

I cut straight to the chase and told him while sticking a claw just above him, "I would like to gain your Quantum. I hear you have a challenge of sorts tied to this, I ask you." I looked back at Myles and the crowd, which has now gotten to full attention, and I spoke up at my last part. "Do your worst."

Earl's expression went from that of a tired old man to a kid in a candy store. "Well there, looking for a facing of me challernge are we? Can the talking Lezard even follow my rules?"

I leaned down and met him at eye contact and asked simply, "What might these rules be?"

He rubbed his blistered hands together and adjusted his jumpsuit before standing up and approaching me, stopping just at the side of his drink stand and looking me up and down. I waited patiently for his answer.

"Lookie here Mr. Deathcraw, if ya wants to earn mi Quantem you's got ta win my game and I be making this on. You gots to win two." He gave a deep breath of excitement and continued, "Mye fisrt task would be for you to take this here knife and this Mutfruit and throw it at someone's head and stick it to the wall, easy right? Go and pick ur unfortunate victim."

I took both the fruit and knife before beckoning Myles over to me.

He hesitantly approached before saying, "I knew you were going to pick me, you bastard…"

I looked down at him, and handed him the Mutfruit, and then hesitated. Instead, I gave him the knife. "I believe this is a test of faith." I ran my finger along with the knife in Myles' hands, and sure enough, it cut me just a little. "This knife is sharp enough to do damage, even to me."

Before he could even protest, I stood up straight against the wall by the drink stand, placed the fruit upon my head, right in-between my horns, and crossed my arms behind my back. "You may proceed, Myles."

He looked over at Earl, who was looking confused yet interested. He placed the knife in his right hand and held it by the blade. Pulling his arm back, he seized up the target and leaned his arm back, ready to throw. In one fast motion, he chucked the knife above my head and hit the Mutfruit spot on, and stuck it to the wall. I didn't even flinch.

It was at this moment I realized I don't think I have had this much faith in someone for such a long time. Myles gave a fist bump up at the ceiling, and I gave him a nod of approval.

I pulled the knife out and promptly ate that almost cut in half Mutfruit before going back to Earl and asking if he had another. Once he handed it to me, I gave the fruit to Myles, and in his confusion. I flipped the knife in my claws before catching it by the blade. "It is your turn now."

He lined himself up on the wall before saying, "This is a terrible idea! If you cut my face, I'm going to kick your lizard ass so hard!"

I made the motion with my other hand as if people were blabbering on and on. He placed the fruit on his head and looked at me worryingly. "Myles, I had full faith in you. This is a test of faith and trust, after all, you needn't worry. I would never miss this, I promise you."

I looked to my right and saw Earl, and then on the left was the impressive crowd. They watched and waited for me to make my move. With that move, I threw the knife in the air and caught it right between my claws before spinning it back to where I held the blade. I lined up my throw and with one quick wrist motion; I threw it right above his head and stuck the fruit right to the wall, a clean stick right in the middle. All Myles did was sigh with relief.

Myles then took the knife and wiped it on his shirt before taking the fruit and shrugging before eating it himself. I looked around the crowd. "Bet you all never seen a Deathclaw throw a knife, huh?"

I looked down at Earl. "I believe I've passed both your challenges."

He lit up before saying, "Indeed you had. No one has ever passed my games before. Let me get da quantum for you."

He reached his top shelf and tossed me the Quantum, which I quickly grabbed, holding it in both my hands. It was indeed a Quantum. I thanked him for the fun and the Quantum before joining Myles at his table. There were a few other soldiers here, but I had an end spot right near the wall, no people stepping on my tail at least.

I sat on the bench next to Myles across from two other Brotherhood members; he slid my plate over to me and wished me a good job; I introduced myself to the two at our table before placing the Quantum on the table in front of Myles; I popped the cap off with a talon and he looked at me, confused; I told him. "We are a team. We won this together. I believe you deserve the first few sips, and whatever you don't drink, I will take."

"Wow, thank you for this, but I have to ask, how did you figure out that his two challenges were a game of trust?"

I adjusted myself before placing a spoon on my plate. Much to my surprise, it was still pretty hot. I had to wonder for a second how to answer this question, as I don't know, other than it was just a feeling.

I saw the two at our table were also waiting for an answer from me as well. "I don't know how to explain it. I had just figured two challenges would involve two people. You mentioned that each person before only got one challenge and I'm pretty sure they did not give me two, thanks to my species."

Myles gave a nod before sliding me over the rest of the Quantum. "Makes sense. He always liked trickery, leaving it to the lizard to finally break the never-ending cycle of people embarrassing themselves," he said with a laugh before diving into his food.

I took one gulp of the remaining portion of the Quantum before setting the bottle down. I picked up the spoon with two claws, but the two soldiers across the table were looking at me, ignoring their plates. I asked them simply, "what?" They both looked at each other and then at me before finally speaking up.

"We uh... made a bet that you would be an absolute savage, no manners or etiquette when I came to eat at a table. Yet here you are, about to use a spoon in stew and hold a conversation better than some folks. I most definitely lost."

Then the other spoke up, "Yeah, it's time to pay up. Fair is fair."

With a grumble the other pulled out a bag that jingled just like caps and handed it over to the other before excusing themselves and their friend soon followed, leaving just me and Myles.

He was enjoying his meal, but I had to ask, "You know, for the right hand of Maxson, you don't seem to have many people flocking to you. Any reason for that?"

I dropped his spoon right on his plate and slowly turned his head to me, a dripping of sauce went down his lips and he just asked, "Do I need to answer that, or does me sitting next to a large Wasteland death machine answer that for you?"

I tapped my claw on my chin. "You sitting next to me should be enough, or are people just too scared and thinking I am like the rest?" Make sure everyone heard that last part.

He gave a deep breath of frustration "It's not you, but it is your responsibility to prove to everyone that you are far more than a wasteland monster and-" He was cut off and some big burly man came to our table and when he sat down, it shook the whole table ever so slightly.

Myles looked at him with all I can describe as hate and disgust. This man was very unclean and had a tank top that was stained with what I could only assume was beer and god knows what else. His stench was particularly bad for me and my enhanced senses, but I'll endure.

I slammed both his arms on the table, nearly knocking my plate off, which I had to promptly stop from falling off. "I see I finally found the dumb lizard. Let me tell you something here, bub, you are a monster, you are not welcome here, and I'll see that you will be dead or gone before the week is over." He then attempted to spit at me, but it fell short and only landed on the wonderful mess of his shirt.

Myles went to speak, but I held a hand in front of him before looking directly at the would-be 'challenger' or that's what he thinks he's doing, I would assume. "How do you plan on killing me? With your stench or by sitting on me?" I asked him.

This got a chuckle from a few of the soldiers in the room, along with Myles. The guy stood no chance, and I went back to my stew. I only got a few spoonfuls before he reached over and slid it off the table and it fell to the floor.

I looked at him and then turned my head to the stew. Now littering the floor, there was a gasp from the crowd and a few comments. He then leaned forward and said, "What are you going to do now, lizard brain? Lash out at me, maybe attack me and get yourself shot?" I simply leaned down and picked the plate up and then stood up, walking by him without even turning around as calmly as possible. "No, I was planning on getting more, anyway. You just had me do it earlier. Thanks for that."

If rage could be sensed from behind, oh, he was fuming, and I would make sure he would pop a blood vessel by the time I was done with him. I made my way back to my spot and continued with the little stew I had gotten, but this time, I was ready for him to knock it down. I had my other hand already in place to catch it; I spun the bottom of the plate on my talon before giving him a light tap on his stupid head with it before continuing my meal; I did scarf it down pretty quickly this time before he can try something else.

He then stood up and slammed the table before spouting some nonsense. "This damn lizard probably learned to speak from a radioactive mutation. It probably just wants to infiltrate us and destroy us all from the inside out! Maybe even kidnap our women and children for-"

I tapped a claw on the table. "Oh, yes, you have me all figured out. Clearly, I'm here to ruin the Brotherhood, and you don't get the ability to speak from radiation, you dolt. I'm an effect of F.E.V. Now take your bullshit somewhere else or I promise you, I will tear you up like these beasts you so promptly associate me with."

Before the irate man could even speak up, Maxson stepped in. "That is enough David! I invited John as a personal guest among us if you have a problem with it I will see to it you are thrown, that's right THROWN off my Prydwen, I will not escort you for instigating with guests, yes he's a Deathclaw, yes he is a product of F.E.V, but it has been clearly stated that he is an ally of the Brotherhood and sees the Enclave as an enemy. I don't care about his race or Creed. At the moment, an enemy of the Enclave is worth it to us. You should know that very well, David. Get out of my sight!"

I gave Maxson a thankful look as David marched off in a cussing fury. Myles leaned back and said, "See, I knew you can handle it. You aren't the first he's picked on, so don't worry. I'll make sure he gets a few months of patrolling and sees no action."

I thanked him for that bit of revenge on my name and got myself comfortable. Maxson approached the edge of his elevated platform and stood, looking down at us all and scanning the room almost as if he was seeing if all were accounted for. "Now, for the reason, you are all here."

End Chapter: 16