Chapter Twelve
"Luck"
...
I'm sorry, Mother
I know I let you down
I'm sorry for how I up and left this town
How can we push aside all the bad and make it right
Now you got me all choked up
...
I'm sorry, Father
I know I let you down
I'm sorry for how I up and left this town
Please just listen cause I don't ask for much
I am my own man
I make my own luck
Well some birds aren't meant to be caged
And I just can't see the light of day
...
How can I set us free?
I'm what you taught me to be
Shouldn't that be enough?
...
I'm sorry, Father
I didn't stick around
Please just listen cause I don't ask for much
I am my own man
I make my own luck
Please just listen cause I don't ask for much
Just like my old man, I make my own luck
Jude
Jude took an involuntary step back as an alarm blared and the light bulb next to the enormous door instantly lit up, the light rotating in time with the siren. Jude's eyes followed the beam apprehensively as there was an earsplitting noise of metal grinding on metal, followed by a hydraulic hiss, and a cloud of steam washed over the pair of them. The sound of gears ticking filled his ears and he glanced over at Posey, wondering if this was normal Vault behavior, or if they'd triggered some kind of bobby trap and were about to be blown to smithereens. But Posey was staring impassively at the cog shaped door, and so Jude turned back to the door, goosebumps rising on the back of his neck in spite of himself.
All at once everything fell silent, Jude glanced back at Posey for a moment before fixing his gaze back on the door, a frown creasing his face, trying to ignore his heart pounding in his chest and the sweat gathering on his brow. Had they broken it?
The door sunk back into the vault with a screech of ancient metal and Jude jumped, watching as more steam poured into the opening while the door slowly rolled to the left, leaving the way clear for the two of them. Posey stepped over the threshold and hurried up a small set of metal stairs while Jude followed cautiously behind, sweeping his gaze over the pristine machines around him, their various dials and modems still curiously bright, and the electric lights buzzing above them. This place still had electricity? What was that generator out there running on? Maybe if he could get a look at that, he could,
"Come on!" Said Posey impatiently, standing in an open doorway and beckoning for him to follow, "You can explore after I've found my dad!"
"Is this like the Vault you're from?" He asked, glancing behind them at the enormous doorway they'd come from. Thankfully, it was still open. The thought of that thing grinding shut, sealing them in here made his skin crawl and his breathing hitch.
"Pretty much," Said Posey, her boots echoing on the cavernous steel walls around them, "It actually might be in better shape than Vault 101, it looks better preserved. Hello?" She called, and Jude's grip tightened on his gun,
"What're you doing?" He demanded, "What if there's a bunch of psychos down here!"
"I think the noise of the Vault door opening has already clued in any potential psychos of our visit." Said Posey witheringly, "But this doesn't make sense. Where are the residents? The Vault Guards should have found us already with the door opening. And that door wasn't even password protected. How on earth-"
"Welcome to Vault 112, resident!"
Both Posey and Jude jumped as an automated, robotic voice echoed from the shadows of the room they just entered, and an odd robot wheeled forward on its caterpillar wheels, its arms which ended in claw like hands moving jerkily.
"A robobrain." Said Jude, eyes wide. "I've never seen one of these before."
"According to sensors," Said the robot before them. "You have arrived 202.3 years behind schedule." The brain at the top of the robot lit up in sequence of the monologue and staring at it made Jude feel queasy.
"How did you grow up in one of these things and not go insane, Blondie." He muttered, holding his shotgun tight.
"Vault 101 wasn't as creepy." Said Posey, looking at the Robobrain apprehensively.
"Please re-dress in your Vault-Tec issued Vault suits before proceeding," Continued the robot, heedless of their chatter. "If you have misplaced your suit, I am authorized to distribute a new one." The robot wheeled over to a cubicle like unit of shelving, on which dozens of neatly folded Vault suits were resting, organized by size. The robot picked up two suits and made its slow, careful way back to them, holding the suits aloft.
"Once dressed, please proceed down the stairs to the main floor so that you may enter your assigned Tranquility Lounger."
"Do I have to wear the stupid suit?" Grumbled Jude, looking down at the folds of blue fabric.
"You are required," Said the Robobrain, "to dress in your Vault-Tec issued attire. Please comply or I will be forced to take disciplinary actions."
"Alright, alright I'll wear the damn suit." Said Jude, snatching it out of the Robot's grip. He turned his back so Posey could change as well and shook out the Vault suit, looking at it critically before letting out a sigh and shuffling his armor off. He stepped into the suit, pulling it on and scowling down at the blue pant cuffs, which stopped quite a ways above his ankles. "Don't they have any bigger sizes?" He asked, looking at the robot while pushing his arms through the sleeves. "Or where all Vaulties just shrimps?"
Posey bit back a laugh as Jude turned to her with a scowl. He'd been unable to zip up the suit all the way, and the blue fabric strained against his shoulders uncomfortably.
"This is ridiculous." Said Jude, yanking the sleeves off his arms and tying them around his waist as he'd seen Posey do back in Megaton. "Why do I have to wear this thing?"
"Come on," She said, picking back up her gun and slipping her jacket back over her shoulders. "maybe you'll start a new trend around here, too small Vault suits might be the next big thing."
"Ha ha ha." Said Jude sourly, tucking his armor under his arm and picking up his shotgun. "If crap hits the fan and I have to fight someone in this monkey suit, it's not gonna be pretty."
"Well let's hope crap doesn't hit the fan then." Said Posey, stepping past the Robobrain and pressing the command switch by the door in front of her, which slid open soundlessly. There was another set of stairs which they quickly descended down, following the only hallway available until they reached another door, which opened up into a large atrium like room. They stepped cautiously inside, looking around at the evenly spaced pod contraptions surrounding a tall, tower like structure lit up with blinking red lights. Each of the pods had a multitude of wires which lead to the tower, and lining the walls of the room were countless mainframes.
"What the hell is this?" Said Jude, his voice low as he swept his gaze around the pods, feeling a prickle of fear rise goosebumps on his neck.
"I don't know." Said Posey slowly, "I've never seen anything like this before."
She took a careful step forward, looking around at the pods, which were a good six or seven feet tall, and about that long as well. Each one had their own glow, emanating from inside and Posey approached one, careful not to touch it, trying to peer inside.
"Tranquility Lounger." She read, looking from the inscription on the side up to the glass top. "I'm too short," She said, standing on tip-toe. "Come give me a boost."
What Jude wanted to do was turn right around and and leave this place behind and never look back, but instead, he dropped his armor and his pack, propped his gun next to them and went over to where Posey was standing, still trying to stretch up as high as she could to see inside the pod.
"Your dad better be here, Blondie." Said Jude, kneeling down, "Because if we came to this creepy ass place for nothing,"
"He'll be here." Insisted Posey, putting one hand on his shoulder as she carefully stood up onto his leg, peering into the Tranquility Lounge, "If he-"
She let out a strangled gasp and wobbled dangerously on his leg before falling backwards and crashing onto the metal floor below.
"Blondie!" Jude reached out and grabbed her arm, hauling her upright as Posey looked up at the Tranquility lounge in horror.
"He's in there!" Said Posey, scrabbling to her feet and shaking him off. "My dad! He's in there!"
"What?" Demanded Jude as Posey rushed forward, one hand splayed flat against the glass and the other fluttering about the thing, looking for some way to open it.
"Help me up!" Said Posey desperately and Jude obligingly placed his hands around her waist and lifted her up. "Dad!" She called, pounding on the glass. "Dad! Dad, it's me! DAD!"
"Let me see," Said Jude, lowering her down and Posey looked up at him, looking stricken before stepping back and allowing him to move forward. He could barely see a man who he recognized from the photograph at Posey's house in Megaton, seated in an armchair with his eyes fixed resolutely on a screen in front of him. His eyes were glazed over and when Jude rapped the glass, he didn't even twitch.
"How do we get this thing open?" Said Jude, looking back at Posey, who shook her head, tears welling in her eyes.
"I don't know, I-"
"You are not authorized to handle the Tranquility Loungers." Said a familiar automated voice, and they both turned to see another Robobrain wheeling its way towards them. "Please occupy your own Tranquility Lounger, or I will be-"
"Yeah yeah yeah," Said Jude impatiently, "forced to use disciplinary action, we get it. Blondie," He said, turning back to her, "Whatever these Tranquility Lounger things are, they're all connected, look," He pointed to the numerous wires running haphazardly along the floor.
"So if I get in that empty one," Said Posey, looking towards the last Tranquility Lounger, "I'll be seeing what my dad is seeing?"
"Maybe." Said Jude with a shrug. "I have no idea. If all these have people in them... I wouldn't dare pull any plugs lying around, in case they're really hooked up to these things. I think getting in there...I think that's our only option."
Jude had never encountered anything like this before, and looking around at all the Tranquility Loungers, housing people who'd been in there for two centuries, made him shiver.
"There's only one." Said Posey uncertainly, "And I don't know what these things are...Here." She handed him her Assault Rifle and duffle and strode over towards the only empty Tranquility Lounger. "If...If anything happens, or if I get stuck in there." She said, her voice shaky as she looked back at him. "The house in Megaton is yours. Consider it my payment for all the help you've given me."
"Blondie," Said Jude, fisting his hands into the material of her bag, and feeling suddenly as if there had been a dramatic cut to the rooms air supply.
"Just promise you'll let Gob stay there till he pays off his debt, and don't you dare charge him rent." She continued, not looking at him and struggling to lift herself up into the Lounger, her feet scrabbling for purchase. Jude set her stuff down and stepped forward, lifting her up onto the Lounge's ledge before moving back and looking up at her, his gaze searching. Her face was pale, except for her sunburned nose and cheeks, and the marks on her neck from the raider were starting to bruise.
"Of course I wouldn't charge him rent." He said evenly, "Who do you think I am, Moriarty?"
Posey gave him a shaky smile. "Of course not," She said, and Jude watched her eyelashes as she blinked, hiding for a moment the bright blue of her iris.
"'Cause I'm nice." He swallowed hard, "Isn't that right, Blondie?"
"Real nice." She agreed, and this time Jude watched her lips, cracked and dry, twitch up in a smile.
"And unbelievably handsome." He added and Posey let out a wobbly laugh, even managing to roll her eyes as she got carefully to her feet, resting her hand on the top of the armchair. She looked back at him, and this time, her gaze was completely steady.
"If I make it out of this," She, said stepping into the lounger and settling back into the chair. "We really ought to see if you are a better dancer than Freddy Gomez. Just to be sure." The Lounger hummed to life and the glass casing raised up, and slowly lowered itself down.
"You pick the time and place, Blondie." He called, and she smiled back at him as the Lounger sealed her in, the monitor flickering to life, and Posey tore her eyes away from his and looked up at it, and Jude watched as her eyes glazed over and her smile faded, and he was left alone, shivering in the Vault's frigid depths.
Posey
Sunlight. That was the first thing Posey registered. Sunlight, as bright and warm as the first time she'd left the Vault, blinding her and soaking into her skin. She brought her arm in front of her face, shielding her eyes and waited for them to adjust, squinting hard against the visual assault. When she dared to open her eyes, Posey let out a gasp.
Trees. There were several trees, across a smoothly paved road, and thick, bright green grass growing in a circular patch, surrounded by a neat asphalt roundabout. And the colors... the colors. Everything was so bright, the sky, the grass, the houses surrounding road. So many different hues, and so brightly saturated, that it almost hurt her eyes to look at them. She stood up, and frowned, feeling oddly...short. And not just short as in the way she felt next to Jude, but, very very short. She looked down at let out a yelp.
She seemed to be approximately ten years old again, or at least, physically she was. She stretched out her arms, and ran her fingers down the soft fabric of the spotless, baby blue dress she was wearing. She felt her face, brushed her fingers across her forehead, but she felt no ridge of a week old wound, and her ear was also fully restored. Her hair was short and curled, neater than it had ever been, especially when she was ten, and she felt a large, silky bow at the back of her head. She tried to check her Pip-Boy, but was unnerved to see a watch in its place, the familiar figure of Vault-Tec's Vault Boy grinning up at her, his arms ticking round the clock's face.
"What the hell?" She demanded, turning on the spot, the bright colors smearing across her vision and sending her head spinning.
"Oh hey now, sweetheart." Admonished a voice, and Posey turned to see a man, dressed in a crisp white shirt, pressed khaki slacks and a neat sweater vest looking down at her in surprise. "That's awful strong language coming from such a pretty little thing like you! And on such a beautiful day, too!"
"Where am I?" She asked, and the man laughed,
"Oh, I get it. You and Betty are playing one of your little games." He said brightly, giving her a smile. "I think she's waiting for you, over at the playground. You go have fun now!"
"Wait!" Called Posey, but the man strolled away, whistling a jaunty tune and Posey watched him go, feeling her heart pound in her chest. What was this place?
She looked around, and saw people, all dressed in impeccable Pre-War attire, roaming about the small area, all with wide smiles and bright eyes. It sent a shiver up her spine. There smiles were too large, and their skin too smooth and rosy. And who was this Betty she was supposedly playing with?
Hesitantly, Posey approached a little boy with neatly parted dark hair, sitting behind a little stand labeled 'LEMONADE' and said, "Excuse me,"
"Oh, hi there!" Said the boy cheerfully, looking at her with a wide smile. "I'm Timmy! Wanna play?"
"Um, no thank you. I'm looking for my dad, have you seen anyone new around here?"
"Just you." Said the boy, "Haven't seen any dads around here, 'cept mine. Is your dad lost?"
"I've lost him, at any rate." Said Posey under her breath, "What is this place?" She asked,
"Tranquility Lane." Said Timmy with a slight frown. "Are you lost?"
"Sort of." Said Posey with a sigh. "I came here looking for my dad, what can you tell me about this place?"
"It's alright I guess," Said Timmy with a shrug, "'Cept I don't have nobody to play with but Betty...and she's kinda...well..." Timmy looked around anxiously, before saying hurriedly. "She's mean." He looked terrified around, as if waiting for this Betty to pounce on him from the brush.
"Okay," She said slowly, "thanks Timmy. I've got to go find my dad now."
"Bye!" Said Timmy. "Come back and find me if you wanna play!"
Posey glanced up and down the street before stepping off the curb, the bright white of her patent leather shoes flashing across the shining black asphalt as she walked towards the park. She paused at the parks edge, and felt her eyes grow wide as she looked down at several jewel bright flowers, bobbing in the breeze.
Despite her mounting sense of trepidation, she had to stop and crouch down, reaching out a gentle finger and just brushing a delicate petal, smiling as she felt the silky surface under her skin. The heady smell of them washed over her as she breathed in deeply, delighting in the light, sweet scent. She recognized a few of them from her old gardening manual, daisies, petunias and one of her favorites, a flowering gardenia bush, the elegant white petals spiraling out from the tight bud in the center.
She felt something brush against her arm and she jumped, looking down to see a dog panting up at her. It barked and Posey smiled and scratched its head.
"Hi boy." She said, rubbing his ears. "I don't suppose you've seen my Dad, have you?"
The dog barked frantically, wagging its tail and Posey's eyes widened. Surely, it hadn't understood her. Yet it looked up at her, startlingly blue eyes oddly intelligent, and familiar.
"What on-"
"Oh! Someone new to play with!" Cried sugar sweet voice and Posey looked up to see a girl with oddly heavy lidded eyes, and silky chestnut brown hair crossing the smoothly manicured green grass towards her. The dog growled, its hackles raised and Posey looked down at in in surprise. It had seemed friendly enough to her.
"Careful now," Said the girl warningly. "remember Doc, I'm in charge here."
The dog's growls abated, though it still looked threatening.
"I'm Betty," Said the girl turning to Posey with a bright smile. Her sunny yellow dress burned into Posey's vision. "And boy am I glad to see you. I was just starting to get bored. Oh, we're going to have so much fun!"
"What the hell is going on here?" Said Posey, straightening up and glaring down at Betty, who was a head shorter than her.
"We're going to play a game now, silly." She said sweetly, smiling up at Posey. Her eyes were oddly colorless, considering their highly saturated surroundings. "That's what's going on."
"I don't have time for games," Said Posey impatiently, "I'm looking for my father."
Betty looked at her in disbelief before letting out a delighted laugh, "That was your daddy!" She giggled, "Oh, this is going to be much more fun than I realized."
Posey's blood ran cold.
"Where is my father." She demanded, feeling her own form of a growl building in her throat.
"I'll tell you where your daddy is." She said in her honeyed voice. "After we play a game."
"Look, I don't have time for games!" Said Posey, clenching her fists tight. "Tell me where my dad is or-"
She cried out in pain and looked down at her chest, watching in horror as a bright, scarlet stain slowly spread across the sky blue fabric. She felt as if someone was driving a needle between her ribs, aiming for her heart and she stumbled, falling to her knees as she felt thick, hot blood coating the back of her throat, and her tongue. She coughed, and a mouthful of it spattered across the emerald green grass. The dog was barking frantically, and Posey's head spun. She couldn't breath, her lungs were slowly filling and the more she coughed, the more blood there was, and all she could hear now was her heart thundering in her ears, and her own gurgling breath until, just as suddenly as the fit had started, it ended.
She lay, panting in shivering in the velvety grass, the soft green blades tickling her cheek. The dog was nosing her hair and whining and Posey slowly sat up, looking down at her chest, but all she could see was baby blue cotton and bright silver buttons. She looked slowly up at Betty, who smiled down at her, her achromatic eyes sharp and cold.
"I said," She sang out softly, "we're going to play a game."
Posey didn't answer, she could feel the dog pressed up against her side and she wound her shaking fingers in its warm, soft fur.
"It's a simple game," Said Betty, turning and picking up a watering can resting on the ground behind her. The blood Posey had heaved onto the grass was gone. "You're going to make Timmy Neusbaum cry. Then I'll help you. If you don't..." She gave her a charming smile. "Then I guess you and your daddy are stuck here, and I'll just have to think of some other games to play."
Posey shivered, and the dog pressed closer to her. Betty turned and started watering the daisies behind her. Posey could see a single drop of shining, scarlet blood on one of the petals.
"Come back once you've made Timmy cry." Said Betty brightly, and Posey got to her feet on shaking legs. The dog whined gently and Posey scratched its ears, giving him a nervous smile before turning and walking away from the park, Betty's cheerful whistling ringing in her ears. The dog followed her closely, still leaning against her leg and Posey was glad of its warmth as she made her way back to Timmy's lemonade stand, feeling her stomach clench.
"Oh!" Called Timmy happily, "You're back! I was hoping you would be! I really haven't played with anyone in so long." He smiled up at her, and it looked genuine. Posey swallowed hard, and opened her mouth, but she didn't even know how to begin. How was she supposed to make a boy she didn't know, cry.
"Timmy, I-"
"Yeah?" He asked, leaning forward with a cheery smile. "Do you know what you wanna play? We could play cowboys and Indians! Or spies! I could be a G-man and you could be a criminal. Or if you want I could be the criminal and you could be the G-man. We can take turns."
"I... I heard your parents are getting a divorce." Said Posey quickly. Timmy's smile froze, and Posey felt her stomach clench.
"What?" Said Timmy, and it was all Posey could do not to cry herself as he looked up at her with wide, stricken eyes. "No, no. My mom and dad love each other."
Posey shook her head. "Not anymore. They're splitting up."
"How would you know!" Said Timmy, getting to his feet and she could see tears welling in his eyes. "You don't even live here! You don't know anything!"
"I heard them arguing." Said Posey quickly, and she felt her stomach twist into knots and she clenched her fists tight, feeling the sought after sting there. "I...I'm sorry, Timmy."
"Leave me alone!" He shouted, and he fled his stand, and Posey felt like throwing up. She dropped down onto the curb held back tears herself.
"It was just a lie," she said feverishly to herself, "one lie, in exchange to find my dad. That's not so bad, right?" She looked up at the dog who was still following her. It didn't move, just looked at her in a disapproving kind of way and Posey felt her heart sink. "I'm getting a lecture from a dog and it's not even saying anything." Said Posey, her voice thick with unshed tears. "No, actually that's a good thing. I'm glad the dog isn't talking. But I hate this place. I just want to find my dad and get out of here. But you're right. It was wrong." She let out a sigh and hid her face in her hands. "I better go explain to Timmy." Said Posey through her hands. She looked at the dog through her fingers. "You still with me, even if I made some poor kid cry?"
The dog barked and wagged its tail and Posey got to her feet, brushing down her skirt before heading back to the house she'd seen Timmy disappear behind.
"Timmy?" She called hesitantly, "I, um. I wanted to apologize." She rounded the corner and saw Timmy, sitting on a swing hanging from a tree, tears dripping off his chin.
"What do you want?" He demanded, wiping his nose on the back of his hand.
"To say I'm sorry," Said Posey, stepping forward and looking apologetically at the boy, who refused to meet her gaze. "I'm trying to find my dad, and Betty said she'd help me if I made you cry. I'm really sorry, Timmy. I didn't hear your parents arguing. I lied, it was the first thing that came to my head. I'm just trying to find my dad."
"So," He said, his voice thick and eyes still red. "my mommy and daddy..."
"I'm sure they love each other very much." Assured Posey, smiling and patting his shoulder. "And I'm sure they love you too."
Timmy sniffed heavily and gave her a watery smile "You mean it?"
"Yeah," She said, "I mean it. And I'm sorry. You're right, Betty is mean."
Timmy wiped his nose again and said ruefully, "Yeah, I hate her. I guess you're still too busy to play, huh?"
"Yeah," Said Posey with a sigh, "I gotta find my dad."
"Okay," Said Timmy glumly. "I hope you find him soon."
"Me too. Bye Timmy,"
She walked back out onto the street, glaring at the distant figure of Betty before she found the bench she'd woken up on and fairly collapsed onto it, propping her chin her hands and scowling, "Well," She said wearily, "back to square one." The dog rested his head on her knee, looking up at her mournfully. "You're a good dog." She said, looking down at it. "Maybe I should invest in a dog once I find my dad and get the hell out of here. I wonder if Jude knows where I could get one. There's plenty of vicious ones out there, there's gotta be some nice ones somewhere too, right?" The dog, of course didn't respond. "What am I gonna do." groaned Posey, "I don't want to go talk to that Betty again. But how else am I going to get out of here! I-"
"You...You don't belong here."
Posey looked up to see an old woman, staring at her with blatant fear. Unlike the others she'd seen in Tranquility Lane, her dark eyes were bright and focused. "You're not supposed to be here!" Said the woman as Posey got to her feet and hurried over to her.
"You're awake!" Said Posey, stumbling to a halt in front of her. "I mean, you know this isn't real!"
"It's not real, none of it!" Babbled the woman, "It needs to end. This suffering needs to end!"
"I know," Said Posey, attempting to be soothing. "I know, how do I end it? How do I get out of here?"
"We're not really here," She muttered, not looking down at her. "We're not really talking.. it's all pretend. Make-believe. We're just dreaming, sleeping... dreaming..."
The hairs on Posey's neck rose.
"How do I help you?" She asked, reaching out and taking the woman arms. "Ma'am? How do I help you!"
Her gaze drifted down to Posey, and Posey fought the urge to pull back. The woman's eyes were so pained, so broken that it caused Posey to recoil, and goosebumps to erupt across her skin.
"The dream," She said dully, "has become a nightmare. It has to end. But we're not in charge. He is. And he doesn't want us to wake up."
"He?" Demanded Posey, "He who?"
"Betty," Said the old woman, her gaze at last fixing on her, and sharpening. "At least, that's what he calls himself now. But he's still the same. He can put on as many new faces as he wants. He still the same. Still the same evil."
"Who is he?" Said Posey impatiently.
"Braun." Said the woman. "He helped create this world. So now he thinks he's God. But I know he still uses the Failsafe. I know it!"
"Failsafe? What Failsafe? What are you talking about?"
"The Failsafe Terminal." Said the woman, and her eyes slid out of focus again. "It's in the abandoned house. He doesn't let us go in there. He's afraid we'll find it. It's our only way out. The only terminal to the outside."
She looked back down at Posey, and this time her gaze was perfectly steady. "You've got to find it," She said, reaching down and clasping Posey's shoulders, her eyes fractured and frantic, she shook Posey by the shoulders. "You have to find the Failsafe and end all of this!"
She let go of Posey as if burned by her, and turned sharply around, drifting away aimlessly and Posey felt her heart pound as she clenched her fists tight in the fabric of her skirt as she watched her drift away, feeling the place where the old woman had gripped her throb.
"Abandoned House." Said Posey, trying to calm her racing heart. "Failsafe terminal. I can do that. Shouldn't be too hard, right?" She said shakily, looking down at the dog next to her. It nudged her hand with its nose and wagged its tail. "Yeah, yeah I didn't think so either. Come on."
The Abandoned House thankfully was concealed from the playground by a line of trees, and Posey crept towards the door uninterrupted. She and the dog slipped inside. It was so dark inside that Posey froze, afraid she would crash into something while her eyes, saturated with the outsides vivid hues adjusted to the dim surroundings. Once they had done so, she looked around, scanning the room for any sort of terminal, but she saw nothing. Taking a hesitant step inside, Posey's leg brushed a small table near the door, causing an empty Nuka-Cola bottle to wobble dangerously. Posey shot out a hand to steady the bottle, and the moment her fingers came in contact with the glass, an odd, clear note sounded. Posey released the bottle immediately and looked down at the dog with raised eyebrows. The dog nudged the bottle with its nose, and again, the same clear pitch resounded throughout the house.
There was other random junk littered about the space, and Posey approached a garden gnome resting on a coffee table with careful steps. She prodded the Gnome, and another note, at a different pitch this time, echoed through the room.
"What is this suppose to prove?" Said Posey with a slight frown. She went around the room, fingering the random bits of junk: A cinderblock, a broken radio, and a chipped glass pitcher, each with its own specific note. Once the note from the pitcher sounded, there was a loud beep
Ehh Ehh
"Okay, so not that tune then." Said Posey. She went around again, this time in a different order, and as the same, negatory beep sounded. The dog rested its head on the ground, its paws over its ears. "Don't look at me like that." Said Posey reproachfully. "This isn't as easy as it looks!"
She tried again, and was rewarded with the same effect. "This is going to take forever!" growled Posey, flopping down next to the dog on the floor. "How on earth am I supposed to guess the-" She paused, her mouth hanging open as she remembered the simple, seven note tune Betty had been whistling at the park. "Oh!" She lept to her feet and the dog raised its head, cocking it to the side while Posey flitted from one item to the next, humming under her breath. No sooner had she drawn her fingers away from the empty bottle when there was a sound like a burst of static across a screen and she turned and saw a large terminal materializing in front of her. The dog barked happily and Posey grinned, rushing over to the terminal and quickly logging onto it.
Auxiliary Command Terminal
Please Consult a supervisor before proceeding
Access 'Chinese Invasion' Program
Access Version Control
Dr. Braun Entry: Toucan Lagoon.
Dr. Braun Entry: Slalon Chalet
Dr. Braun Entry: Tranquility
Posey read each option out loud before looking down at the dog with raised eyebrows. "What do you say, boy? Should we poke around a bit?"
The dog barked and wagged its tail and Posey smiled. "That's what I was thinking too."
She selected Version Control and read aloud : "Version 3.2.0005, Exceptions granted for Pod 0001, Manual Override for Pods disabled. Remote access allowed, User S. Braun has privileges, Updated neural inputs to override memory access for individual users, Revised code for Vault Maintenance Robots: Authentication from S. Braun required before further updates allowed, User UNKNOWN Granted Access, User UNKNOWN Altered by S. Braun."
She looked down at the dog with a frown. "User Unknown? Was that me, or dad? What does altered mean?"
She went back and selected Braun's entry for Toucan Lagoon.
I've finally come to realization that the Toucan Lagoon simulation has run it's course.
I'm tired of the beating sun and ceaseless pounding of the lagoon's waves upon the shore. I no longer take pleasure in watching Simpson wither away from scurvy, or hearing Neusbaum's screams as he's devoured by the mako shark.
I am, quite simply, bored. It is time to reset the simulation once again.
I haven't been skiing in ages.
Posey shuddered, "What a creep." The dog nuzzled her hand comfortingly and Posey smiled down at him, scratching his ears. "Okay, I think I've read enough of this sickos diary today. Let's find out how we get out of here, shall we?" She went back again, and this time, selected Access 'Chinese Invasion' Program. Dr. Braun Entry: Failsafe
"Now we're talking," Mumbled Posey, striking enter crisply and once again reading aloud.
"There are days I consider finally "pulling the plug," as it were, and putting a permanent end to both this simulation, and my life. That is the reason I requested installation of General Chase's Chinese invasion program, after all. By disabling the safety protocols, I have ensured that each subject in Vault 112 will physically die if their in-simulation avatars are killed.
Real-world death. End of simulation. The perfect failsafe.
At least it would have been, if not for my own misjudgment. I knew, when the simulation first went online, that the secondary safeties those established for all Vault-Tec and military personnel would prevent my own real-world demise in the event of a Failsafe execution. In the end, I would kill the subjects, and save myself.
I wouldn't want it any other way. Or so I thought.
It's true the Failsafe would scare the living hell out of every resident in Tranquility Lane, and lead to their brutal deaths. But then what about me?
I have no ability to disable my own safety from within the simulation. And any other avatars I could create would be driven by the simulation's A.I. routines not actual living, thinking, human subjects.
Where's the fun in tormenting a machine?
And so, the release of the real-world subjects subjects is more than they deserve, more that I could bear. They'd be dead, and I'd be left here in Tranquility Lane, alone and tragically bored for all eternity.
I can think of nothing more unacceptable."
"So, they'll all die." Said Posey numbly, she looked down at the dog and saw that its ears had dropped and it looked up at her, its previously bright eyes subdued. "Would that mean you too? And me?" The dog whined and Posey dropped down to her knees in front of it. "I won't let it kill us." She said firmly, placing her hands on either side of its face. "We'll go tell that old woman what this all means, and see what she says, then we'll decide, but whatever happens, you stick with me. I'll make sure we get through this, okay?" The dog barked quietly and pressed its nose to her forehead and Posey laughed, gently pushing it away. "Don't get me all slobbery, come on, buddy, let's get the hell out of here."
Posey found the old woman, standing in front of a house, staring listlessly out and the beautifully colored world around her with those tragically shattered eyes.
"I found the Failsafe." Said Posey once she was close enough, and the woman looked at her, a spark flickering in her eye.
"You did?" Croaked the old woman, and Posey nodded, feeling the ridiculous bow at the back of her head bob against her neck.
"I did, but if I activate it, you'll all die."
The woman smiled sadly, "Dear," She said, patting Posey's shoulder. "we've been dead for a very long time."
A shiver went down Posey's spine, and she knotted her fingers in the dog's fur.
"Please," Said the woman, "initiate the Failsafe. End this. There are things worse than death, my dear."
Posey nodded, and swallowed hard around the lump in her throat. She gave the woman a forced smile, and turned and hurried back to the Abandoned House.
Posey heard them, the minute she pressed enter. Gunshots, and screams. Her heart in her throat, Posey ran to the door after giving the dog a firm order of "Stay!" She threw it open. Several armed soldiers marched down the streets in a tight formation, shouting orders in a language Posey had never heard before, while the residents of Tranquility Lane scattered in a panicked frenzy. Posey watched in horror as the old woman who she'd been speaking to walked calmly into the fray, a peaceful smile on her face, even as a bullet struck her, straight in the chest and she crumpled backwards. A sob built in her throat and she felt the dog's head under her hand as she sank to the ground on the old houses steps, hiding her face in his fur and crying unrestrainedly.
"She said it was for the best, didn't she?" She choked out, and the dog whined softly, nuzzling her hand as she stood. "It's better to die now, then go on like this for centuries." She said, more to calm herself than anything else. "We've got to get to Braun," she said thickly. "he's got to let us out of here now. Come on, stick close behind me."
She slunk low to the gate, but the soldiers paid no mind to her, and as she crept along, she realized neither she, nor the dog were in any danger from the Commandos.
"Let's make a break for it," She said, turning back to the dog, who barked and so the two of them sprinted across the road. Posey slipped and fell hard against the asphalt, crying out as her hands and knees grated across the rough surface. She looked back and saw a pool of blood, which she'd slid in, and the man who'd first greeted her in Tranquility Lane, looking up blankly at the sky. Posey scrambled away, more tears bubbling out of her eyes as she got clumsily to her feet, holding her ragged hands to her chest, her bright white shoes stained scarlet. The dog barked, and Posey ran towards it and the park, where Betty, or rather Braun, stood, looking out with silent dread at the world he'd created tumbling down around his ears. Her bright yellow dress had a spray of scarlet, and all of the flowers in the park had withered.
"Do you realize what you've done!" Raged Braun, and his voice was no longer that of a ten year old girls. It was deep, grating and tinged with an accent Posey had never heard before. "You've triggered the Failsafe!" He bellowed, "Ruined EVERYTHING! The subjects will die and I'll be left here in this hell alone!" His voice trembled and slipped "You've ruined everything!" He screeched, and his voice was young and girlish once again, "EVERYTHING!"
"It's over!" Snapped Posey, "Over, Braun! Now shut up, and answer my questions!"
"It is not over!" Seethed Braun, his colorless eyes bulging and his voice reverting back to a man's. "It is not over until I say! Do you understand me?! I...I..." His voice faded back to a girls, and he trembled, almost piteously. "I just want things to go back the way they were." He sniffed.
"You torturing people for centuries?" Demanded Posey, "You think I'd sit there and let that happen? My father came looking for the G.E.C.K., what is that?"
"The Garden of Eden Creation Kit." Said Braun, and it sent a shiver down Posey's spine to hear his deep, guttural voice coming from such a small, pale pink mouth. "It was a terraforming module, for restoring the world after nuclear detonation. Unstable technology, and ultimately boring. Why remake the old reality when you could create any reality you choose?" He said, sounding exhilarated. "Take this place for example. It was my crowning achievement. Tranquility Lane. I'd formed other simulations, but they always grew dull with age. But not this place. It never ceased to amuse me, tormenting the subjects in a situation which should have made them feel safe, and secure. It was beautiful."
Posey's skin crawled. "You're sick, Braun." She spat, "Now, where is my father?"
Braun let out a loud cackle, and Posey jumped. "You mean you have not realized?" He said with a chuckle. "You were smart enough to trigger my Failsafe, but too dense to see what was right in front of your nose? The dog, you simpleton."
"What?!" Posey looked down at the dog with wide eyes. It looked back at her, let out a soft bark.
"Man's best friend," Said Braun sardonically. "But now you've taken all my friends."
"Funny way of treating your friends." Said Posey with a scowl. "Is my dad okay? I can...get him back?"
"I'm sure he's fine." Said Braun with a wave of his hand. "Once you leave the simulation I'm sure he'll be waiting for you."
"So, I'm free to leave?" Asked Posey,
"Isn't it obvious," Snapped Braun, "You've run the Failsafe, disrupted everything. I have no power over you."
A door materialized to Posey's right, and Betty's mournful voice said, "There's the door, go."
Posey looked back to the dog, her dad, then back at Braun.
"What are you waiting for!" He snapped, "Get out!"
Posey threw open the door and stepped into the empty white beyond.
Jude.
Jude had no way of keeping track of time down in the Vault with no sun above him, and no Posey with a handy Pip-Boy beside him, but if he were a betting man, (which he was on occasion) he'd guess Posey had been in that pod for at least five hours. Five long hours, which he'd done nothing but roam around the Vault's main room and clean and repair his and Posey's guns meticulously. He was sitting now with his back against the wall, his knees up and elbows resting on them, counting the tiles on the floor around him when suddenly, the glow which had been constantly emitting from each of the Pods went out. Jude looked up, his heart pounding in his throat as he scrambled to his feet and ran to the nearest pod, skidding to a halt and leaning in to read the Resident Status terminal he'd discovered hours ago.
DISPLAY RESIDENT STATUS
Pulse: 0 bpm
BP: 000/00 mmHg
Temp: 85 F
Respiratory Rate 0/min
***RESIDENT REQUIRES IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION***
DISPLAY RESIDENT STRESS LEVEL
Stress Level: No Reading
***RESIDENT REQUIRES IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION***
"No!" He growled, pounding on the terminal and looking over at Posey's pod across the room. "No, no, no!" He sprinted over to it just as there was a loud hiss and the glass top slowly raised up, and he saw Posey, lying limply in the the loungers seat.
"Posey!" He said harshly, vaulting up onto the Lounger and grabbing her shoulders. "Posey! Hey! Blondie! Look at me!"
Posey's head lolled and Jude's heart sank, his grip on her shoulders tightening as an unexpected lump rose in his throat.
"Blondie?" He croaked, "Hey, Blondie..."
She suddenly sat up with a gasp and Jude jumped backwards in surprise, toppling off the edge of the lounger and landing painfully on the floor below. "Son of a bitch!" He groaned, sitting up slowly onto his elbows and looking at her reproachfully. "Cripes, Blondie, warn a guy! You've been in there for five hours! What the hell is that thing?"
"Long story," she said shakily, attempting to crawl out of the Lounger on trembling legs. "I'll tell you later, I need to find my-"
"Posey?"
Jude looked over and saw a man, wearing a lab coat and a rumpled Vault 101 suit, with Posey's bright blue eyes, staring at her in utter shock.
"Dad," She said, her voice weak with relief as she practically fell from the pod, then, "Dad!" Thick with excitement and unshed tears as the Girl from the Vault took two bounds and practically lept into her father's arms. She was crying, and had her arms so tight around the man Jude's own ribs ached in sympathy. Her father had stumbled under her onslaught, but quickly recovered and hugged her back, pressing his cheek into the top of her head and squeezing his own eyes shut. Jude got to his feet slowly, and stepped back, allowing the two of them some privacy, but he could still see Posey's face as she drew back, beaming up at her father with tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Posey, what are you doing here!"
Both Jude and Posey were shocked at James' harsh tone, and Posey's smile instantly faded as her father continued, "I gave you a direct order, not to follow me! How could Jonas-"
"Jonas is dead." Said Posey shortly.
Now it was James' turn to falter. He cut off, mid lecture, eyes wide and looking pale.
"Wh-what? Jonas is-"
"Dead." Finished Posey coldly. "The Overseer had him killed because he helped you escape."
"Alphonse did what?!"
"He went batshit crazy!" snapped Posey, folding her arms across her chest and glowering at him. James started slightly at this turn and Jude could practically see the anger bubbling under Posey's skin. "And as to what I'm doing here, I just saved you! I drug you out of that pit of crazy and the least, the very least you could say is thank you! Do you have any idea how long I've been looking for you! Do you have any idea what I've been through, looking for you!"
Jude was surprised. Posey had always seemed mopey and teary eyed at the thought of her father, and now that she'd found him... well, suffice it to say, Jude didn't want to trade places with the old man anytime soon. She was letting him have it.
"They kicked me out of the Vault, Dad!" She shouted "Amata had to damn near smuggle me out! They tried to kill me! So of course I left! I would have anyway, even if they let me stay! How dare you, how dare you, leave me like that! You knew, you knew how badly I wanted to leave the Vault! You knew and you left me behind! You-You lied to me!"
Her voice cracked and Posey ducked her head, taking a shuddering breath. Jude took a hesitant step forward, and saw as James' eyes darted to him the first time and narrowed slightly before looking back at his daughter.
"Posey," Said the doctor weakly, "I-"
"Just a sec, Doc." Said Jude apprehensively. "It's probably better if she gets it all out now."
James bristled but grudgingly remained silent as Posey looked up at him, her eyes red rimmed but completely dry.
"Born in the Vault, huh?" She said, hoarsely. "When were you going to tell me that was utter bullshit?"
"Posey-" He tried, but she ignored him.
"Not to mention that I had to hear it from a sleaze bag like Moriarty. He was the one who told me. He burst your fatherly image, no problem. I idolized you, Dad. I thought you hung the moon. You said Jump and I asked how high. How could you lie to me?"
"I did it for your mother." Snapped James.
Posey looked taken aback, but she stayed quiet as James took a deep breath and said, much more gently this time. "When your mother first found out she was pregnant, she was so worried. She always said that this wasn't the world she wanted to bring our child into. But I assured her, with Project Purity being so close to completion, the world would be better soon, for us as a family. She still fretted, but I promised her that no matter what it took, I would keep our baby safe. No matter what. Then, she was gone," His voice broke and he paused, exhalling slowly before clearing his throat and continuing steadily, "and you were here, and I was so afraid that I'd lose you too, sweetheart. Out here, in this harsh world, and Project Purity seemed suddenly impossible without your mother. So, I quit. I gave up, and I left and took you with me. I'd heard of a Vault near Megaton that was still safe, that was sending out scouts occasionally to explore The Wasteland. I found the scout and convinced them to take me...us... back to the Vault."
Posey hadn't moved a muscle since he'd spoken, her enormous blue eyes were fixed solidly on her father, and her father's gaze didn't waver from her either. It was like Jude was invisible. Not that he cared, he knew all of this was a long time coming.
"My medical training secured us a spot in Vault 101," Continued James, "but Alphonse made me promise that once the Vault doors were sealed again, which happened shortly after we became residents, that I would never speak about The Wasteland again. He wanted The Vault to stay pristine. It was only my advanced medical skills that let us stay at all. The Overseer's wife and his second child had died in childbirth, something that might have been averted had she had proper medical attention. But he still didn't trust me, and the feeling was mutual but you were safe, and that was all that mattered to me. That's all that has ever mattered to me, Posey."
James rubbed his tired eyes and let out a sigh, looking much older than he had a few moments ago. He looked down at his daughter and said quietly, placing both hands on her shoulders, "I only lied to you because I had to. If The Overseer found out I had told you that neither of us were born in the Vault, he might have kicked us both out, and I couldn't stand that. I lied to protect you, and it nearly killed me. I could see that curious spark jump in your eye anytime someone mentioned The Wasteland and I never wanted a life of violence for you. I never wanted you to endure the hardships of The Wastes." He paused and reached up, brushing the scabbed over wound on her forehead, looking almost haggard. "Posey, please believe me. I love you sweetheart, and all I've ever wanted was to keep you safe. Every time I lied to you, and you would look up at me, completely trusting me, it broke my heart. But I promised your mother that I would keep you safe, and the best way I knew how to do that was to keep you in the Vault."
"But you left me." Said Posey softly, her penetrating blue gaze never leaving his.
"Because I also had a duty to your mother to finish Project Purity. If only you could have known how much it meant to her. Project Purity was what brought Catherine and I together. I was doing it for her, and for you. Clean, pure water for everyone. The world you dreamed about as a child, a world with bustling cities full of happy, healthy people could happen! And Project Purity is the first step."
James let out another sigh and said, "What I'm trying to say, Posey, is... I'm sorry. I am so so sorry that I lied to you. I love you. You have to know that."
Posey dropped her gaze and said, addressing the toes of her boots. "Yeah well, you've made it pretty easy to forget lately."
Even Jude recognized that as a low blow, and he saw James' face crumple slightly, and he said, his voice rough, "Posey, I'm sorry, I-"
"It's okay."
She looked up at her father, who was shaking his head, refusing to meet her gaze,
"No, Posey it's not, and I'm sorry. I-"
"No, Dad, really. It's okay." She said sincerely, and Jude saw the change in her gaze. Her anger, and bitterness was gone. "I forgive you. You're my Dad, I'll always forgive you eventually. I kind of have to, I love you."
James regarded his daughter with overbright eyes, a small, sad smile twisting his lips.
"When did you get to be so grown up?" He asked quietly, brushing back the fuzzy flyaways Posey's hair was prone to.
"Well, I am nineteen you know." Said Posey with a grin.
"Ach, you're still my little girl." He said warmly, and Posey's smile widened and she hugged him fiercely, hiding her face in his chest and mumbling.
"It's good to see you, Dad. I've missed you."
"I've missed you too, and Posey?"
"Yeah?" She asked, drawing back and looking up at him with a soft smile.
"Thank you." He said sincerely, "For everything."
"Well I figured if I wanted to keep up with being your favorite daughter I'd have to step up my game."
"Oh Posey," Said James with a laugh, leaning down and kissing her scarred forehead. "You'll always be my favorite."
Jude watched the exchange between father and daughter silently, arms folded and face passive. He would have felt awkward, or perhaps a better way to say it, more awkward if it had been anyone else with all the 'I love you''s and hugging but he knew how long awaited this moment was, and he wouldn't interrupt. Still, Jude couldn't shake the feeling that despite Posey's ultimate goal having just been met, this, whatever this was, was far from over.
James
It was surreal to see Posey standing in front of him, in a Vault that wasn't 101. Despite it only have been a week ago, it felt like years since he'd seen her last. Not to mention that she looked so.. different. Her nose and cheeks were sunburned and the rest of her skin tanned from exposure to the harsh, Wasteland sun, and her hair looked lighter. No doubt from the sun's effects as well. She looked thinner, her cheekbones and deep set eyes even more prominent now, and the blue of her eyes looked so much brighter juxtaposed against her sun darkened skin. But her smile was just as kind as always, and the light in her eyes just as lively as Posey beamed up at him.
James smiled back, framing his daughters face between his hands and saying, "I can't believe how well you handled Braun back there. That was amazing, sweetheart."
"It was nothing." Said Posey, blushing and looking down.
"Nothing?" Chided James, lowering his hands, "Posey, you were incredible!" He looked past his daughter, to the man standing a little ways to the left of them, his arms folded across his chest, and watching the two of them carefully. "Posey," He said, raising his eyebrows slightly at the sight of the well muscled young man, "Care to introduce me to this strapping young fellow here?"
"Oh!" She said, blushing brilliantly and stuttering, "Right! Sorry, of course. Jude, this is my Dad. Dad, this is my Jude." She blushed brighter than ever and quickly squeaked out, "I mean Jude! Just Jude."
"Well which is it," Said James with a slight smirk. "Your Jude, or Just Jude?"
"Dad!" Hissed Posey, positively glowing pink.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir." Said Just Jude, stepping forward and nodding at him.
"Ah," Said James, extending his hand, which Jude gripped in a firm handshake. "a well mannered mercenary you've picked up."
"Dad," Said Posey, stepping between them, "Jude is not a mercenary. He's my friend. he's saved my life dozens of times. He helped me find you, and he's taught me how to live out here in The Wastes."
"Oh, well then." Said James, releasing his hand and stepping back, giving the man an appraising sort of look, his gaze lingering slightly on the clearly too small jumpsuit. "My apologies, sir."
"No need, Doc." Said Jude, refolding his arms, "I've done my fair share of merc work. No offense taken. It's not a bad job."
James raised his eyebrows slightly and Posey quickly intervened, saying,
"Well, what's the plan? Do we have a plan?"
"Yes," Said James, turning back to her with a fond smile. "there is in fact, a plan. We need to go back to Rivet City and convince Doctor Li to assist us with Project Purity."
"Okay," Said Posey, clapping her hands together, "we'll start first thing in the morning."
"No."
Posey and Jude both turned in surprise, looking back at him in mild confusion.
"We must head to Rivet City now, we've not a moment to lose." He insisted.
"Dad," Said Posey, almost as if addressing a child, and James frowned slightly at that. "No offense or anything, but Project Purity has waited twenty years. Can't it wait another eight hours? There's got to be sleeping quarters around here, clean ones, and there's that medical bay behind us that we need to clear out. But we can sleep here without worrying about a guard or Raiders or who knows what else, and," She checked her Pip-Boy, "it is approximately three in the morning, so if it's all the same to you, I personally would like to get some shut eye."
James started in honest surprise. "Is it really that late?" He asked, checking his own Pip-Boy in disbelief.
"Oh, Daddy Dearest," Said Posey with a smile, patting his shoulder. "You and that wonderfully configured internal clock of yours. I'm going to go try and hack this computer now and steal some medical supplies."
She turned and walked over the terminal fixed to the wall, and Jude silently followed, glancing around the Vault and the Tranquility Loungers uneasily.
"You sure there's nothing to worry about down here?" He asked, "I mean apart from the several dead people stuck in those pods. No security bots, or ghouls infiltrated or anything?"
"The robot's pose no threat." Said James, catching up to the pair. "And I don't smell any of the usual putrefaction indicative of-"
"Feral Ghouls?" Finished Posey, typing away at the terminal. "No, I'd say this place thoroughly clear. Ah ha!" She cried triumphantly as the door beside her slide open.
"Well look at you two," Said Jude, smirking slightly. "you're a perfect pair of eggheads, aren't you?"
"Like father like daughter," said Posey with a smile she and James entered into the medical bay. "I inherited more than his good looks, you know."
"Ah, and you've got your mother's quick wit." Said James appreciatively, throwing his arm around her shoulders. He gave her a gentle squeeze and said in a low voice. "As much as I wish you were somewhere safe, it' good to see you, sweetheart."
Posey smiled and laid her head on his shoulder,
"Good to be seen, I really missed you."
James pressed a kiss to her temple before moving over to examine the many medical supplies the room had to offer.
"At least you've finally fulfilled your lifelong dream of being an explorer." He said with a smile, counting out several Stimpacks, not to mention plenty of antibiotic ointment and multiple suture kits. "How much of the Wasteland have you seen?"
"Not enough." Said Posey, hopping up onto the counter next to him while Jude rummaged through cabinets. "It's kind of..."
"Derelict?" Asked James with a smile, "Hostile? Dusty?"
"Well, yes." She said, rolling her eyes and smiling down at him. "It's definitely a Wasteland, but Dad," Her grin widened, "The sky! It's so big! And the stars,"
"Beautiful, aren't they?"
"When you can see them, yes. And sunsets!"
"Sunrises were always your mother's favorites. But I prefered sunsets, myself. They always seem to be more-"
"Colorful," Agreed Posey, and James smiled up at her. His brief stint in the Wasteland had been...taxing, to say the least, but now, with Posey here, it was hard to remember why he'd wanted her to stay back in the first place. She, like her mother, had the great talent of absolutely lighting up a room with their presence. It was something he hadn't realized he'd missed so much in their time apart.
"Will the sky always be so hazy?" Asked Posey, swinging her legs back and forth.
"One project at a time, love. First, we'll clear the water. Then we'll clear the air."
"We?" Asked Posey with grin.
"Oh most definitely we." Said James, packing away all the useful medical supplies he'd found. "Now that you're I'm never sending you away again."
"Or leaving me behind?" She asked, and in that moment she looked so young, her eyes enormously wide and it was not at all difficult for James to remember her as she had been as a child.
"Or leaving you behind." He affirmed, reaching over and patting her knee. "I'm not going to lose you, Posey. Ever. I think you and your well armed friend are in it till the end now."
"Jude isn't," Said Posey, dropping her gaze and looking once again, a little flushed. "He can leave whenever he wants."
James looked back at Jude, who had finished his own ransacking and now stood, leaning against the wall with his arms folded and his gaze fixed on Posey. There was no lust in his eyes. No hunger, or longing. Just a steadfast, unwavering look. Protective, almost, but James had a feeling he would let Posey fight her own battles. He would just stay as close as he could during them.
"No," Said James, turning back to his daughter. "I think Jude is in it for the long haul too."
Vault 112 didn't have many empty sleeping quarters, but there enough for them each to have a separate quarter, but Posey clearly wasn't letting him out of her sight anytime soon, and as James had quickly noticed, Jude went where Posey went, like a much larger, much more heavily muscled shadow.
There was an apartment, not unlike the one James and Posey had occupied back in Vault 101, that suited their needs well enough, with a couch and two bedrooms. Posey and Jude let their bags fall to the floor, and James set his own small pack on a shelf near the door as Posey turned to him, half of her mouth twitching up in a smile.
"What?" Asked James, "Do I have something on my face?" He looked behind him, "I don't still have a tail, do I?"
"No," Said Posey with a laugh. "It's just good to have you back. It's odd, being back in a Vault with you after everything that's happened, but... I dunno, I'm just really happy, is all."
"Me too, sweetheart." Said James with a smile, and he gave her a quick hug before drawing back and saying "Now, what was that you said about getting some sleep?"
"Right," Said Posey, smiling. "I'll see you in the morning, goodnight dad."
"Goodnight, Posey. I love you."
"I love you too." She turned to Jude, who was already seated on the couch, looking as tired as James felt. "'Night, Jude."
"Goodnight, Blondie." Said Jude, rubbing his eyes and yawning. Posey smiled again, before disappearing into one of the bedrooms, the door gliding soundlessly shut behind her.
"You can take the other room, Doc." Said Jude, looking up at him with red rimmed eyes. "I'll crash here."
"You're sure, Mr..."
"Hiller, sir. Jude Hiller."
"Well, if you're certain Mr. Hiller, that's a very kind offer. Thank you."
"No problem"
Jude looked awkwardly away and started to rummage in his pack. James sensed the action more as something to do rather than actually needing anything.
"I understand I have much more to thank you for than just the better of the bunks, Mr. Hiller." Said James, taking a seat in an armchair across the coffee table from him. "You saved my daughter's life."
"Yeah well," Jude rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably, "She's saved my skin a few times too. Pretty resourceful, your daughter."
James smiled, and looked back at the door where Posey was sleeping. "That she is," he said softly, "that she is."
"She's done a lot to be proud of, Sir."
James looked back at him with raised eyebrows. "Oh?"
"I'll let her tell you," Said Jude with a shrug, "her stories to tell, but...She's done a lot, in a little amount of time, and," Jude looked a little flustered, "she's... well she's a hell of a girl. That's all there is to be said really."
James looked at the man in front of him, who looked much more like a boy than he had previously, and felt a soft frown tug on his lips.
"How did you come to meet my daughter, Mr. Hiller?" Asked James, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees.
"We, uh, well we met in Megaton, I suppose." Said Jude, nervously meeting James' eye. "She was looking for you, fresh out of the Vault. And, well, she was sort of running her mouth, asking lots of questions which people don't really take kindly to, and I told her I saw a man who could have been you up at Moriarty's, so she went up there, and I didn't see her again for a while, and I got curious," the longer Jude spoke the more flustered he became, and James thought he saw a flush creeping up on the young wastelander's face. "so I asked the bartender, Gob, if he knew where she went, and he said she went to D.C. so I, well, I followed her, and said I'd help her find you."
"And for what, Mr. Hiller? What sort of payment are you aiding her for?" Said James shrewdly, and Jude said quickly,
"No payment. She's not exactly rolling in caps. I don't expect anything from her, sir."
"Hmmm." James narrowed his gaze slightly, if only to watch the poor boy squirm for a moment before settling back in his chair with a slight smile. "Not many people will do things out of the goodness of their hearts these days, especially such a long, troublesome venture as this. You must be a good man, if Posey has traveled this far with you." Jude definitely flushed now, and didn't say anything.
"She trusts you." Continued James, watching Jude with a careful eye, "Do you trust her?"
Jude dropped his gaze, staring at the cold steel floor beneath his booted feet.
"Yeah." He said at last, "Yeah. I trust her."
James smiled, "And I see your trust is not as easily given as Posey's is. Yet, here you both are, alive and well. Which is indeed something I am very grateful for. I owe you a great debt, Mr. Hiller."
"No, like I said. She's saved my skin as much as I've saved hers."
James hummed slightly, before leaning back and looking at the door, behind which Posey presumably slept on.
"She use to have such trouble falling asleep." Said James, more to himself than to Jude. "When she was a toddler, she always would come into my room, curl up with me. She had to hold something, to fall asleep, so she'd hold onto my collar. Made it very difficult to sleep, mind you." Said James, looking back at Jude with raised eyebrows. "But, what could I do? She was my little girl."
Jude's mouth twitched in a slight smile, and James got to his feet with a sigh.
"Well, I'll let you get some rest. And, once again, thank you, for bringing her safely to me. I can't thank you enough."
"Sure thing, Doc." Said Jude, and James nodded at him before departing into the small bedroom. As the door closed behind him, James shook his head, taking off his lab coat and draping it over a chair. He sat down on the end of the bed, clasping his hands together and thinking of Posey, and of Catherine. He thought too of the man outside, whom Posey trusted completely, and who in turn, trusted her, and the way that Jude had looked at her back in the medic bay. He shook his head and ran a hand down his face with a soft chuckle. Posey had indeed, accomplished quite a lot, in a very short amount of time.
An:/ I've been kind of going crazy and writing TONS lately, I hope you guys don't mind :) I just get sucked into the story myself and have to just keep going while Im motivated, gotta capitalize on this rare opportunity! I hope this chapter doesn't feel rushed. It feels a little rushed to me... But I was so excited I decided to put it up anyway
This chapter's song is by American Authors, and as always, I'm always up for new song suggestions!
What did you guys think of James' and Jude's interactions. XD I got a kick out of writing that, I'm not gonna lie. My precious cinnamon roll Jude, I love him.
As always, REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW! And Iove you very much if you already have reviewed, and you guys are also my precious cinnamon rolls who are too good for this world and I love you. If you haven't reviewed, I still love you, but I would love you even more if you did. My heart would probs just explode.
That's all for now! We'll see how long this crazy, 'update everyday' phase lasts. Probs not long.
xoxoxoxo
Living Pretty