Tatum's alarm rang and she flopped her hand over to the table, aimlessly slapping to try and locate the button. Not finding it she sat up and properly clicked it off. She yawned and stretched, then rubbed the sleep from her eyes. That nap turned out to be exactly what she needed. She felt rejuvenated and ready to face anything, even the Brotherhood. She redressed quickly and stopped the nearest person she found.

"Excuse me." She said with more confidence than she felt. "Where can I find Senior Scribe Neriah?"

"She's in her lab." The soldier gave her directions and went about his way in a hurry. Not the friendliest people… Tatum thought grumpily but shook it off and followed his instructions. As she walked above the cafeteria her stomach gave a ferocious growl. Her hand instinctively covered her midsection in an attempt to muffle the sound. It occurred to her that she hadn't eaten since dinner with her family, and even then she had only had a little.

With a deep sigh she continued forward, ignoring her stomach for now. To the very back of the ship was Scribe Neriah's lab. Tatum slowly walked towards the middle of the area as everything in the lab caught her attention. It turned out that the "lab" wasn't even a real laboratory. It was just an open area, like every other area on the ship except for the three highest ranking officers' rooms and the restrooms. At least she hoped the restrooms were closed off, the medical examination room sure wasn't.

"You must be Tatum." A woman with medium brown skin and dark hair said. She wore a strange lab coat with a thick leather belt that had pouches all around it and a large metal thing around her neck.

"Yes." She turned her full attention to the woman walking towards her. "Ma'am." She added remembering that she was the lowest on the totem pole.

"Welcome to my little slice of heaven." She gestured to the science experiments around her. Tatum took this opportunity to look around again. On one table laid a massive green man, two tables held robotic men, another area had mutfruit plants and a Mr. Handy attending to them. Rachelle had a Mr. Handy before the bombs fell. She was always saying how much she missed it. Her heart sank as she thought about her family. She needed a distraction.

"Is that a supermutant?" Tatum asked, pointing at the green man.

"Yes." Scribe Neriah raised an eyebrow. "You've never seen one before?" Tatum shook her head. "That's…" Neriah's eyes widened. "That's amazing. I've never met anyone that hasn't seen a supermutant before." She chuckled. "Consider yourself lucky."

"Yeah." Tatum agreed as she thought back to what Elder Maxson had said about her being lucky that she's only ever dealt with raiders. A shiver ran through her spine as she thought of what other kind of terrible things could be out in the commonwealth.

"Anyway," Neriah said getting Tatum's attention again. "Elder Maxson told me to put you to work. He also said that you didn't have any useful skills."

"Great." Tatum rolled her eyes, annoyed at the Elder.

"Is he wrong?" Neriah asked seriously.

"Uh… well, yeah." Tatum straightened her back. "I can do things. I had a garden I tended to back home." She glanced over at the Mutfruit plants.

"Hmm. That's good but not what we need. We've already got the garden covered." Neriah thought for a moment, cupping her chin in her thumb and finger.

"I can also cook." Tatum offered as her stomach growled again. She hoped no one heard.

"That's not my division, but that is something you could offer to Elder Maxson, maybe he'll let you help in the kitchen. Not that there's much cooking, it's mostly just warming up whatever we find in the commonwealth." She folded her arms over her chest and studied Tatum. The young girl squirmed under her inspection.

A familiar chattering sound came from the corner and Tatum's head snapped towards it. Two mole rats were wrestling in a cage. The scent of them wafted in to her nose and she immediately lost her appetite.

"That's it!" Neriah exclaimed making Tatum jump. "You can tend to the mole rats."

"What?" She didn't like the sound of that one bit.

"Yes, they need fed twice a day and their cage cleaned once a day. Unless there's a big mess then obviously it'll need cleaned again."

"Are you serious?" Tatum's stomach turned.

"Of course. Even you can feed mole rats." She said this like it was the simplest thing anyone could ever do. Derrell used to always call Tatum a little mole rat but that didn't mean she liked them. More often than not she would have to run inside and get Derrell to shoot them and keep them out of their crops.

"I don't have to touch them, do I?" She asked nervously.

"No. And it's best that you don't. They may seem tame, but I assure you, they are not."

"How will I clean the cage if they're in there?"

"See that little door right there?" Neriah pointed to a part of the cage that looked like it could open. It blended in so well with the rest of the cage that Tatum hadn't noticed it. She nodded her head to let her know that she saw it now. "You'll put one of the small holding cages there and chase them in with the broom through the bars." Tatum made an uneasy face. "It's actually a lot easier than it sounds." Neriah assured her with a gentle pat on the shoulder. "And don't worry about any of that today, I'll take care of it."

"Thank you." Tatum felt so relieved.

"But tomorrow, it's all you." She said with her finger raised. "They get their first feeding at 0700 and their last at 1700 hours. You clean their cage at 1100. Understood?"

Tatum nodded her head but really had no idea what times she was talking about. She would have to figure it out later.

"Good." Scribe Neriah smiled at Tatum. "Now off you go. And get something to eat before you keel over." She teased and Tatum flushed a deep red. She lowered her head as she walked to the cafeteria.

Considerably less members of the Brotherhood were in the mess hall now as opposed to this morning. Even though it was lunch time, Tatum figured most of the crew had to be off the Prydwen, probably out killing someone else's family. She grimaced as she approached the Brotherhood Mess Officer.

"Hi." He greeted cautiously. "Everything OK?"

"Oh!" Tatum wiped the look from her face and tried to paint a positive one on instead. "Yes, I'm fine. Just really hungry." Now that she was away from the mole rats and back around the sweet aroma of food, her appetite was back and howling.

"Good, because we have plenty of food. Anything in particular sound good to you?"

"Something warm. And meaty."

"Warm and meaty, coming right up." He chuckled and Tatum smiled. He doesn't seem so bad. She plopped herself down on one of the bar stools and rubbed her hands together in anticipation. The Mess Officer placed a tray of Salisbury steak into the microwave. Tatum watched in awe. She had heard about microwaves from Rachelle but had never actually seen a working one. She watched as the meal turned in a slow circle as the machine hummed pleasantly.

When the timer was up and the microwave dinged, the Mess Officer opened the door, retrieved the meal and placed it in front of Tatum with a fork and knife.

"Dinner is served." He said with a smile, enjoying the look of bliss on Tatum's face. "Never had Salisbury steak before?"

"No." She said with a shake of her head as she inhaled its scent. "It smells heavenly."

"Tastes pretty good too." He laughed and snapped open a bottle of Nuka Cola for her. She cut through the meat like it was warm butter and placed it in her mouth. It was soft and melted in her mouth unlike the mole rat meat or squirrel bits she was always having to eat. She moaned slightly before realizing what a dork she must look like.

"Thanks." She muttered as she took a big gulp from the ice cold Nuka Cola. She tried to hide the blush on her face with the bottle.

"My pleasure." He replied still chuckling. He shook his head with a big grin on his face as he walked around the small cafeteria and picked up dirty plates from the tables. Tatum had to pace herself, the urge to quickly devour the steak was immense but she needed this to last. She didn't want to look like a complete barbarian.

With her meal finished and her belly full, she headed back towards her bed. This is so boring. She thought as she climbed the stairs. What am I going to do with myself? Her only responsibilities were to feed and clean the mole rats. What was she supposed to do with the rest of her day?

She had just made it to her bed when her bladder told her it was time to go. She sighed and turned around, looking down the walkways trying to see if she could find the bathroom. She headed back down to the mess hall and asked the Mess Officer.

"We don't have a bathroom on the ship. You'd have to fly down to the airport." He told her and pointed towards the exit.

"Thanks." She mumbled, unhappy that it was so far away. How stupid is that? She thought as she quickly made her way to the ladder leading to the lower deck. She climbed down and saw Elder Maxson talking with another man. The other man was tall and dark skinned, his back perfectly straight. He saluted Elder Maxson and walked past Tatum without even a glance in her direction. She watched as he descended the stairs and walked into the control room below.

"Going somewhere?" Maxson asked from directly behind her. For being a metal ship, he was definitely stealthy.

"I have to use the bathroom. I was told there isn't one on the ship."

"You don't have clearance to leave the ship." He told her with his typical straight face.

"I have to use the bathroom." She repeated incredulously.

"I understand. But you do not have clearance to leave the ship, without supervision."

"Why didn't you say that before?" She was getting frustrated again and fast.

"Because you didn't let me finish. Now, are we going to stand here all afternoon or are we going to the vertibird?"

"Whoa, what? You're going?" She didn't like the sound of that.

"Is that a problem, civilian?" He questioned, his eyebrows scrunching together.

"No." She answered with a huff. "Sir." She added with as much attitude as she could muster. Something, or maybe everything, about Elder Maxson made her want to scream and jump off the Prydwen.

"You will adjust your attitude, civilian." He sounded like he wanted to add an "or else" to the end. He didn't wait for her to reply as he walked briskly past her and out the door. He held it open and looked back. "Are you coming?"

She didn't answer verbally, she just started walking. She stepped through the door and out in to the cool air. Four vertibirds were docked. One was being repaired and the others were just waiting to be used. Maxson stood close, unnervingly so, to Tatum as they walked along the path. Does he honestly think I'm going to jump off? She watched him from the corner of her eyes. Would he really stop me if I tried? The thought made her giddy with mischief. But if he doesn't, then I'm dead. She sighed and looked around disinterested.

They approached one of the docked birds and the pilot gave Elder Maxson a salute, which he returned before facing Tatum and putting his hands on her waist. He lifted and she smacked at his hands as he put her on to the vertibird.

"I can do it myself!" She screamed like a child, but Maxson ignored her. Once she was on board, he climbed up as well and pointed to an empty seat. She sat with a pout and buckled herself up. He took a seat to her left and she snapped her head to the right so that she couldn't see him. She heard his belt buckle click in to place and Maxson gave the all-clear. The pilot pushed several buttons and the bird sprang to life. The metal arm lifted and then lowered the plane until the propellers were spinning fast enough. The metal arm released the bird and they dropped ever so slightly before leveling out.

This time around Tatum was paying full attention. Her eyes lit up as they flew towards the airport. It was the most amazing thing she had ever experienced. She felt like she was free as the wind whipped through her hair, free from all the evil and horrible things in the world. She closed her eyes and just let herself feel.

Maxson watched the girl with the torn-at-the-knee blue jeans and faded red t-shirt with what looked like some kind of flower design in the middle, but it was faded and peeling now, almost indistinguishable.

Since her eyes were closed he took full advantage of the situation and observed her closely. She looked to be in a much better mood now. She also had some color back in her cheeks and lips, the Rad-away was working. The bandage from her injection was still wrapped around her arm, speckled with freckles. Her knee that peeked through the hole in her jeans was scrapped but scabbed over and her sneakers had holes in various spots. He turned away from her before he spoke.

"I'll be acquiring an appropriate outfit for you to wear while we're down here." He informed her and she opened her eyes with a frown, her good mood completely ruined.

"I like my clothes." She challenged.

"I do not." He stated simply.

"Well I do." She tried to turn as far away from him as possible. But it didn't matter what she did or said, if he wanted a new wardrobe for her, he'd get it. He'd probably even put it on me himself. She thought bitterly.

The vertibird landed smoothly and Maxson was hopping off before Tatum even unbuckled. She unclasped the safety belt and stood, a little wobbly. She hadn't gotten her air-legs yet. She approached the side of the vertibird and clumsily fell off. Maxson caught her easily, taking a step back with one leg to brace himself.

"Oof!" She said into his shoulder when she landed. Embarrassed by the entire situation she pushed herself off of him. "I'm fine." She stated and walked towards the stairs, not looking him in the eyes. He caught her by the wrist and stopped her dead in her tracks.

"Enough of this." He said in a demanding voice. She tried to withdraw her arm but he had a firm grip on it. "You will drop your attitude immediately or there will be consequences." Everyone around was watching, his integrity was on the line and that made Tatum want to fight against him even more.

"Like what?" She asked puffing out her chest and mustering up all of her courage. What can he do to me? Expel me from the Brotherhood? Great. That's what I've wanted since I got here. Her courage was short lived as she watched a devilish smile grace Maxson's lips. A chill went right through her as she stared at the man in front of her. He had never given her a look like this, it was even more terrifying than when he had flipped the table and screamed in her face.

"I'm glad you asked." He said with a low, calm voice. "But first, let's get you to the lavatory. We wouldn't want any accidents." He led her down the stairs and through the airport. She followed numbly, terrified of what he had in store for her. He stopped in front of the bathroom and pushed her in. The door swung closed behind her, she was alone at last.

I gotta get out of here! Her brain kicked in to overdrive like she had taken a shot of psycho. There were no windows in the bathroom and no escape. Her heart sank. It looked like the only way out was back through the door where he was undoubtedly waiting for her.

Elder Maxson could only take so much before someone had crossed the line. Tatum had crossed it and then some. When he was growing up, depending on the Commanding Officer that was administering the discipline, you would either receive extra work: cleaning or cooking, or physical punishment: harder training exercises and on occasion, beatings. As much as he wanted to hit her, and thought she deserved a good smack, he wasn't going to. He would use fear, which in some cases was worse than any physical punishment.

He waited patiently for her as the minutes went by. He knew she hadn't found a way to kill herself, something he was watching for, because he could hear her quiet sobs. She knew she was in too deep this time and nothing could help her now.

Finally she pushed open the door and stepped back in to the hallway. Maxson didn't say anything to her, he just spun on his heel and started walking and she followed obediently. Their path led them to a room full of metal crates.

"Lieutenant." Maxson addressed an elderly man.

"Elder Maxson. What can I do for you?"

"I need a uniform for her." He tilted his head slightly in Tatum's direction. The older man looked her over for a moment before disappearing amongst the crates.

"This is the logistics division." Maxson informed Tatum. "All of our supplies come through here."

"Oh." She responded because he wasn't looking at her to see her nodding her head.

"It's not the most exciting job, but it is very important." He turned his head to look at her. She nodded to show that she understood. "Not like your job. Yours is very exciting."

"Feeding mole rats?" She questioned because he didn't sound like he was joking.

"No, not that. Your new job that I've just assigned you." He had an evil glint in his eye that froze Tatum to the spot. What could he be talking about? She bit down on her lip and rolled it between her teeth nervously. She could taste the blood from when she bit her lip while getting the shot. She hoped she hadn't reopened the wound.

"Here we are." The lieutenant had come back carrying a folded Brotherhood uniform. "I think this will fit. Smallest we had that wasn't a child's.

"Very good." Maxson said as he took the suit from his hands and shoved them roughly in to Tatum's arms. "All's well?" He asked.

"Yes sir, everything is in place and accounted for."

"Good." Maxson nodded to the lieutenant and they both saluted before departing. Maxson grabbed on to Tatum's wrist again and led her back to the vertibird.

"I won't run away…" She said in a small voice, tired of being treated like a baby.

"I cannot trust anything you say. You are emotional and defiant." He kept an even tone as he pulled her through the airport. She sighed before she could stop herself. He glanced back at her and she averted her eyes to the ground. Submission. Maxson thought. Good.

Once they were back to the vertibird, he grabbed the uniform from her hands and gestured to the bird. She placed her hands on the floor of the vertibird and tried to push herself up. Her foot slipped on the side and she couldn't get a good grip. Damn it! I am NOT going to let him win! She was determined to climb aboard without his help. He watched patiently as she readjusted her position and tried again.

She could feel everyone's eyes on her and hear the snickering as she failed again and again to climb on. Finally, finding a small ding in the side of the bird, she used it to push herself up and in. She heaved heavy breaths and took a moment to try and slow her beating heart. Maxson was already standing beside her, having easily climbed aboard.

"You've had practice." She said more to herself than anyone but Maxson heard and grabbed the back of her shirt, pulling her to her feet. "Hey!" She protested but couldn't stop him.

"Get up, seeing you like that is disgraceful." He had a look on his face like he had stepped in a pile of brahmin droppings. It infuriated her. "Sit down and buckle up." She did as she was told and jammed the buckle in to place as hard as she could. Maxson ignored her temper tantrum and signaled that they were ready. The engine roared to life and away they went.

The metal arm grabbed the vertibird and set it in place. Maxson exited first and held out his hand to Tatum. If she didn't know better, he'd almost seem like a prince from a prewar fairy tale. But she did know better, he was the villain. Already worried about her "new job", she decided to suck it up and took his hand. It was much larger than her own and pleasantly warm. A nice contrast to the cold air that surrounded them. He carefully helped her out of the vertibird and walked close enough to her that their elbows bumped every couple of steps.

He led her to his meeting room, where she had first met him. "You are to meet me at 0600 tomorrow, here." He pointed to the floor. "You will be wearing your new uniform and tie your hair back."

Tatum's hands flew to her hair, her eyes widening in terror. No. No way am I ever going to let you cut my hair. All the women in the brotherhood had short hair, shoulder length was the longest she had seen. Her hair reached the top of her jeans. If Maxson had seen her reaction, he didn't show it.

"I will inform Senior Scribe Neriah that you will be busy tomorrow and will not be reporting for duty." He looked her over once to make sure she was comprehending what he was saying before dismissing her. She dragged her feet all the way back to her bed. Her perfect little island where no one could touch her. At least that's what she told herself to feel better. In truth, she felt her life had ended when Rachelle and Derrell were gunned down. How could she ever feel loved again, or want to be loved when it seemed her loved ones always died. Died protecting me.

Feeling more alone than ever, surrounded by dozens of people, she buried herself in the single white sheet that was given to each bed. Maybe, if I'm lucky, I won't wake up tomorrow or ever again. She thought but set her alarm clock for 5:30 AM.