Chapter Eighteen

"Agape"

Agape

Please don't dissipate

I know that I've got it all wrong

I'm reaching out

To touch your voice

But baby I'm clutching at straws

Eventhough your words hurt the most

I still want to hear them

Every day

You say let it go,

but I can't let it go

I wanna believe every word that you say

For I'm so scared of losing you

and I don't know what I can do about it

About it

So tell me how long love before you go

and leave me here on my own

I know it

I don't want to know who I am without you.

Jude

For once, Jude was the one to wake up first. The lights were on, and all was quiet. Posey's head was on his chest, her cheek flat against his shirt, his collar held loosely in her fingers. Her hair was tickling his nose and he smoothed it back, freezing as she stirred beneath his hand. He watched her eyelashes flutter, and she lifted her head, looking slowly up at him, her blue eyes still glazed with sleep.

"Hey." He murmured. Her lips formed a sleepy smile, and it took a lot more self restraint than he would have thought to stop himself from kissing her again.

Again. He had to let that thought sink in for a moment.

"No more thunder." She said quietly, and he shook his head. "What time is it?"

"Dunno. Pretty early, I think."

"Why are you awake then?" She teased, and Jude rolled his eyes.

"Because this coach isn't the most comfortable thing in the world, and we've got to go get those fuses."

Posey sat up suddenly, and the place where she had been stung with cold.

"Right, the fuses!" She said, scrambling up off the couch and scooping up her Pip-Boy, "It's seven thirty already? What time were they coming?"

"Not till noon," Said Jude, raising himself up on one elbow. "Calm down, Blondie. We'll get there on time, and we'll get those fuses."

"I'm gonna go find my Dad." She said, anxiously smoothing back her hair. She made a move to leave, but paused, looking back at him with a faint smile playing on her lips. She bent down and brushed her lips across his forehead, pressing a feather light kiss to his eyelid before saying, her voice low. "I'll be right back." She flashed him a smile, her cheek dimpling before she vanished.

Jude watched her go then let himself fall back against the couch with a sigh. His head was still clouded with sleep, but he couldn't help the lazy smile that took up residence on his lips. Nor could he fight the sudden case of nerves that accosted him.

He'd kissed Posey. He'd kissed her, and she'd kissed him back.

He didn't regret it, but now, he didn't know what to do. He'd never really kissed someone he liked before. What happened next? What did that make them now? No one in the Wasteland really had girlfriends. They had people they slept with, and in some cases exclusively but...He didn't like thinking that way about Posey. It wasn't that he wouldn't want it, it was just, she was Posey. He remembered the glint in Moriarty's eye when he'd asked if Posey were 'any good to tumble with' and Burke's wandering gaze and clenched his fists as he fought the anger rising up in him. Posey was young, especially compared to Burke and Moriarty, the scumbags. She was naive and he had a feeling that would be a long way off, if it ever happened at all. But that didn't answer the question as to what they were now. Some people, usually older people, had wives but it wasn't like he was going to get down on one knee any time soon.

He let his eyes drift shut, settling back against the couch's arm with a sigh. He should just let it go, and enjoy it. All he really knew was that it was good. Posey made things good. People, situations, and places. She made him good. That much he knew. And that was enough for him.

Posey

Her father wasn't in his room. She knocked, and when there was no response, stuck her head inside. His bed was made, and there was no trace of him. Frowning, Posey withdrew and made her way back up to the pillared room, and saw that Jude had fallen asleep again. She smiled and shook her head as she made her way into the Rotunda. She could hear someone moving around in there, and when she made her way up into the control room, she saw her father, flitting about all the machines with a smile on his face, taking careful notes.

"Dad," She said carefully, and James paused in his note taking and gave her a wide smile.

"Good morning, sweetheart." He said brightly.

"What time did you go to bed last night?" Asked Posey, narrowing her eyes and giving him a frown.

"Oh I didn't." He said cheerfully, "Too excited. We're finally going to make real progress Posey! Real progress."

"Dad," She said warningly but James cut her off,

"Revelations 21:6, I am alpha and omega the beginning and the end, I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the waters of life freely. You see? Your mother's favorite verse, this is what it all means! The purifier, it's the waters of life! Your mother's dream, we can make it a reality! I can sleep when this is all over."

"Dad," said Posey impatiently. "you need to take care of yourself, you're part of this project too you know. Where would it be without you?"

"Oh!" He brightened, clearly not listening to a word she'd said. "That reminds me, I have something for you."

"How does that remind you of having something for me?" Asked Posey in exasperation. "And why do you have something?"

"Don't you remember?" He looked at her in surprise.

"Remember what?" She asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Posey," Said her father in disbelief, "it's your birthday!"

"What?" Posey checked her Pip-Boy, and sure enough, the date read: 07/13/77 "Huh," She marveled, "Look at that, it is my birthday."

"No need to sound so excited." Said James dryly. "You really have a problem remembering that, dear. I do believe this is the fifth time you've forgotten it."

"Well, I've been a little preoccupied these days." She said wryly, looking back up at him, still annoyed at his blatant lack of self care.

"Head full of daydreams about a certain dark haired, wasteland wanderer?" Her father asked with a smirk.

Posey blushed, "Dad!" She hissed, "Jude and I-"

Sort of made out last night. She thought frantically, feeling herself turn even pinker.

"We're just friends." Lied Posey.

"Hmmm," Said James, raising an eyebrow, "friends who just happen to fall asleep in each other's arms?" He asked, looking nonchalantly down at the clipboard in his hands.

Oh no.

"I," Stuttered Posey, wondering if she could blush any brighter, or if her head would just explode. "Um,"

"Friends don't look at friends like that." Continued James conversationally, "Your eyes follow each other like you're the brightest thing in the room. I don't think you've gotten this doe eyed after someone since Freddie Gomez."

"Dad!" She squeaked, her face absolutely flamming.

"I'm just being observant," Defended James, holding up his hands. "And as far as Wastelanders go, I think he's quite the gentleman. I like him. However," He gave her a hard look, "I do hope you can find your way to your own bed tonight."

"Remember how we were talking about my birthday?" She asked, mortified "Let's go back to that, shall we?"

Grinning triumphantly at her discomfort, James reached into the pocket of his lab coat. "I've been waiting on this for a while," He said with a smile, removing his hand but keeping his fingers closed over his palm. "I'm sorry that I don't have any way of wrapping it, but, here you are."

He held out his hand, and Posey stepped forward to see an oval pendant, silver in color and slightly tarnished, resting on his palm. She looked from the necklace, up to his eyes, smiling hesitantly.

"Go on," Said James encouragingly. "give it a good look."

Posey accepted the gift wordlessly and lifted the pendant, which she could now see was actually a locket, closer to her face. There was a beautiful design of a small bouquet of flowers, engraved into the metal, and underneath it a single word:

Posy

"You know, a sprig of flowers was sometimes called a posy in Pre-War times," Said her father softly. "This belonged to my mother, and I passed it along to your mother, as an engagement gift, since we had no rings. I'd thought it had been lost, but," He looked at it with a smile, "here it is. She would have wanted you to have it. It's where she got your name after all."

Posey was speechless as she stared at the gift. "It's beautiful." She said, looking up at him with shining eyes. "Thank you, dad. Really, this is amazing."

"I have no idea what picture is in there." Said James, slipping his hands into his pockets. "I don't remember, and I didn't look before, but,"

"It's perfect." Said Posey, closing her own fingers around it. "Better than anything I could have hoped for."

"Even a puppy?" He asked with a smile.

Every year, for as long as she could remember, Posey had always asked for a puppy for her birthday. It had started out as a sincere wish as a child, but she carried it on more as a joke when she grew older.

"Just barely." She said with a smile. She looked down at the locket, running her finger along the hinges, toying with the idea of opening it. But, she stopped, the edge of her fingernails embedded in the groove, the latch coming undone just barely.

"She died today, didn't she?" Asked Posey softly, looking up at her father and feeling the morning's euphoria fade slightly. "Twenty years ago, today."

James looked so much older suddenly, and Posey felt like crying. "She died on my birthday," She said, her voice hoarse. "And yet you always were so happy for me. You never showed how much you were hurting, because it was my birthday and-"

"I just wanted you to be happy." Said James hurriedly, drawing a hand down his haggard face. "I didn't want you to feel like your mother's death was somehow your fault."

"Exactly," Said Posey, a few tears sliding down her cheeks. "I never appreciated how hard that must have been for you."

James shrugged, although his eyes looked a little overbright as well.

"Dad?" She said, her voice trembling slightly. He looked down at her and Posey stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him and hiding her face in his shoulder. "You're my favorite dad ever."

James took a shuddering breath, but smiled weakly, kissing the top of her head like he use to when she was a child.

"I love you, Posey." He murmured, hugging her back. "Never forget."

"How could I? You make it impossible to."

James drew back and wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb, resting his hands on her shoulders. "I'm so proud of you, Posey." He said, his voice practically bursting with pride. "I never thought I'd say this, but I'm glad you left the Vault."

"You're proud of me for disobeying you?" She asked with a watery smile.

"Very much so," He said, giving her shoulders a gentle squeeze. "You've done well out here. Very well. You're resilient, smart and capable. You disarmed a bomb, saved a town all at a personal cost, and yet above all, you're kind. I know I've said it before, but you're a good person and it shows, and I am so so proud of you."

Posey ducked her head, blushing.

"I love you, Dad." She said simply, looking up at him with a slight smile.

James smiled back, eyes shining. "I love you too." He said warmly. "Now," He cleared his throat and dropped his hands from her shoulders. "we've got lots to do, and no dawdling now. It's not like it's your birthday or anything."

"Aye aye, sir." She said, giving him a mock salute. "I'll go wake up Jude, and we'll be on our way."

"Good," Said James with a smile, "I'll be right behind you."

Posey turned and walked back down the steps, fastening the necklace around her neck as she did so. The pendent fell right at the base of her throat, its delicate chain warm from both her and her father's hands. Posey smiled and touched a finger to the engraved metal.

"Jude," She said, once she reached the couch and had shaken his shoulder gently. "Come on, wake up."

"What?" He asked, sitting up blearily. "What's going on?"

"We gotta go." She said, smiling as he blinked up at her, his hair mussed and eyes still gummed together with sleep.

"Where are we going?" He asked, rubbing his eyes.

Posey smiled, "To change the world."

Posey, James and Jude were early to Rivet City, but they didn't have to wait long as a woman, matching Doctor Li's description perfectly, entered the Marketplace. Tall and statuesque, with dark brown skin slightly chalky due to sun exposure, and dark intimidating eyes, with closely cropped and tightly curled black hair, she was both the most beautiful, and most terrifying person Posey had ever seen in the Wasteland. She also had one, small wooden box, full of fuses.

"Thank you, very much." Said James fervently, "Really, I can't begin to tell you."

"From the sound of it, it's for a very good cause." Said the woman with a smile. "Next time I'm around I'll have to drop by, pay you a visit. Fill up my canteen."

"It would be our pleasure to have you." Said James with a smile.

"Well she was cool." Said Posey, still slightly in awe as they headed back to the memorial.

"Very cool." Agreed James with a smile. "We better get these back, as quick as possible."

"I can go put them in place once we get there." Said Jude, "Posey, you can wait by the mainframe, and I'll give you a call once I have them set and you can fire it up."

"And you, oh captain my captain," Said Posey, turning to her father with a smile. "can head straight to the Rotunda."

"Sounds like an excellent plan to me." Said James with a smile. "What do you say, Posey? Ready to revolutionize the Wasteland?"

"I was born ready." Said Posey confidently, setting her chin and placing her hands on her hips in a heroic stance that was undermined by Jude kicking the back of her foot as they walked, causing her to stumble. "Hey!" She scowled up at Jude, though her lips still twitched in their effort to hold back a smile. Jude looked down at her, his face totally devoid of any mischief, though his eyes glinted.

"Don't look at me, Blondie. Not my fault you're a klutz."

James watched them with a small smile that bore the faintest trace of melancholy nostalgia. "If there is one thing I'm certain of," He said, looking at Posey with bright eyes, "it is that you were indeed, born to change the world."

The memorial was a flurry of activity. It was all hands on deck and Posey hurried after Jude to the Sub Basement while her father headed for the Rotunda. She made to turn towards the room with the mainframe, when Jude caught her arm,

"Hey just a sec,"

She looked up at him expectantly, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Better make it snappy, Mr. Hiller." She said, raising an eyebrow. "We're on a tight-"

"Happy Birthday, Blondie." He said with a smirk.

"You remembered." She remarked, feeling her grin widen. "Not bad, Colorado. Not bad."

"I'm tellin' ya," He said, "I've got a brain behind these stunning good looks of mine."

"Oh really," Said Posey, raising an eyebrow, "You're the total package, huh?"

He shot her a wink, then disappeared down the hall, his footsteps echoing back at her.

Laughing, she turned and looked at the large, complicated looking door that had caused so much grief, just by refusing to open. "Stubborn hunk of junk anyway." She said, scuffing her foot against the automatic door. She waited, leaning back against the chainlink fence above the cisterns, keeping her eye on the switch next to the door. As soon as she saw the red bulb flicker to life, she rushed forward and pressed the switch. With a cacophony of rusty mechanics, and a rather impressive display of hydraulics, the door opened.

She quickly crossed over to the mainframe, which took up an entire, ten foot long wall, and turned it on. With a great whirring and whining, the monitor flickered, lines of code scrolling across the screen and Posey grinned.

"Mainframe is online." She reported into the intercom.

"Excellent!" Came her father's voice. "There are a few more repairs to be made here in the control room, why don't you join me and, wait. What's that?"

There was a muffled murmuring that Posey couldn't make out before her father's voice said clearly, "Actually, there's one more thing I need you to do."

"Sure thing," Said Posey, leaning her shoulder against the wall near the intercom. "what is it?"

"Janice says there's a blockage in one of the intake pipes. It's on your way back, head back up to the main level, at the end of the entrance hall there should be an intercom, give me a call when you get there."

"Will do." Said Posey cheerfully. "See you in a bit."

"Keep up the good work, sweetie."

Posey hurried up the stairs, passing Alex and Daniel, who were rushing hither and thither, shouting suggestions to each other and barely registering her presence as she slipped between them and up the stairs. Entering the pillared room, she saw Jude, pouring over some schematics with Garza, both of them leaning over the scrubbed wooden table. She gave them both a wave and a smile, before heading to giftshop, and from there out into the hall. She saw the ominous looking rubble piled at the end, little wisps of mist or steam curling up from the grate, and she approached it with a sense of unease. Just as her father had said, there was an intercom secured to the wall that she called into.

"Alright, I'm at your creepy tunnel."

"Oh good," Said her father cheerfully, "You should be just outside the pipe that's been giving us trouble. Now don't worry,"

"I never do."

"I know," Came her father's wry voice, "that's what worries me. But this isn't dangerous at all. Just get inside and use the manual controls to drain the pipes. That'll break up the debris enough for the filters to start working properly."

"Alright," Posey nodded, though she knew he couldn't see her. "I'm going in."

"Just a moment," called James, and Posey paused, her finger still depressing the intercoms call button. "Once you're in there I won't be able to contact you. You'll exist near the cisterns, and from there you'll be able to reach an intercom."

"Okay, sounds good to me. Back in a flash."

Posey released the button and turned to the foreboding grate, walking towards it cautiously. She looked down at the yawning blackness with trepidation, but flicked on her Pip-Boy's light, threw open the grate and lowered herself inside. She let herself fall the few feet to the bottom of the drain and landed in a crouch, the echoing clang of her boots falling onto the metal reverberating back at her, and in the dim light of her Pip-Boy she could see the length of serpentine tunnel stretching out ahead of her. The damp air had a rusty twang mingled with rancid river water and Posey wrinkled her nose as she continued forward at a half crouch, peering ahead into the murky darkness and unable to help the hairs rising on the back of her neck. She trusted her father when he said that this wouldn't be dangerous, but he hadn't said anything about the odd noises the pipe made as it settled around her, and how the smallest sounds echoed off its curved wall with surprising loudness.

At the end of the tunnel she was greeted with another metal grate, and when she opened that, she was glad to see that part of tunnel had rusted away and was open to the air, haphazardly patched with chainlinks, but still allowing the warm afternoon breeze to wash over her skin. On the opposite end of the tunnel, there was another gate, but it was barred and the red lit sign above it read locked. Still, she found the manual control her father had told her about and with a couple of strenuous turns and a lot of groaning and screeching of metal on metal, she managed to crank it all the way around.

"There." She said, dusting off her hands, and looking expectantly at the door in front of her, waiting for the sign above it to revert to green, indicating she'd completed her task. But nothing happened.

Frowning, Posey stepped forward but froze as she heard a distant whirring sound, coming not from the pipes around her, but from the sky. The wind picked up suddenly and even in her slightly sheltered vantage point, her clothes and hair whipped around her as she turned and looked up, watching as two grim looking aircrafts alighted on the platform above her. Posey shielded her eyes against the dust raised by the crafts blades twirling through the air and squinted up at the unfamiliar machine with a frown.

"It seems as though we have visitors."

Posey jumped and looked up to see two speakers anchored in the pipe above her, from which her father's voice was echoing. "I don't know who they are, or what they want. Please, everyone remain in your assigned areas while we get this straightened out. I'll-"

His voice died and Posey swallowed hard, feeling a mounting sense of dread as his voice said sharpy.

"What're they doing here? Madison, lock the door! Posey, if you're listening, please stay-" but with a burst of static, her father's voice cut off and the speakers fell silent.

"Dad?" She called, forgetting momentarily that he'd said she wouldn't be able to contact him once she was in the pipe. There was a mechanical click, and Posey whirled around and saw the door in front of her had been unlocked. Heart hammering, she ran forward and threw it open, rushing down the pipe which slanted much quicker than she thought, and she found herself sliding down the corroded metal, gaining speed as she frantically tried to find purchase on the rusted walls before she crumpled painfully onto a metal platform, which thankfully broke her fall and stopped her from careening further down the tunnel. Pushing herself shakily up, Posey lowered herself onto the next step, testing her legs which thankfully had been unhurt in her first encounter with the scaffolding. She dropped down three more times, bracing herself against the narrowing pipe walls as she descended before finally coming to a portion of level piping and hurrying forward, her rapid footfalls echoing back in her ears as she pushed open another grate and found herself in the memorial's subbasement, five or six feet above the ground still stuck in the cistern.

She took a step forward, keeping one hand firm on the edge of the pipe as she leaned out, looking down at the level below her. There was a walkway flanked by two pools of scummy looking water and Posey frowned, wondering exactly how she was going to get down from there when there was a sudden flash of red light and an excruciating burning sensation that sent waves of white hot pain licking up and down her left side.

She fell back against the tunnels wall with a cry, scrambling back further up the pipe as there were more red beams flashing towards her and the sudden pervasive smell that she soon realized was burnt flesh filling her nose. She looked down and saw a length of charred skin, a relatively straight, horizontal line zipping across her pale flesh. Her Vault suit and tank top had burned away where she'd been hit, giving her a clear view of the blistered skin. The laser, for she knew now it must have been a laser rifle, like the ones the Brotherhood of Steel used, had grazed her side as she'd leaned out from the pipe, and while the pain was intense and searing, the wound had practically cauterized itself. A little blood seeped out of the graze, and the blistered and burned skin was extremely tender to the touch but she gritted her teeth, resting her head against the oxidized metal, panting. You've had worse. She tried to tell herself, This is nothing compared to that Deathclaw swipe. But that didn't stop this from hurting, as Jude would say, like a bitch.

She had to get out of the damn cistern, that much was obvious. But how was she going to do so when there was some maniac wielding a laser rifle and she was empty handed. She couldn't crawl back up the pipe, the door she'd originally entered in had locked when the other had opened. She had to get out of here, and find Jude, and her father. Just the thought of them with laser wielding psychos on the loose was enough to set her heart pounding and ears ringing. So, without further thought, she got to her feet, took a running start and leapt from the pipe. Lasers zapped around her but she plunged into one of the cloudy pools, before they could strike. She surged back upwards, gasping for breath and heaving herself out of the pool and onto the metal walkway, pushing back the agonizing burn in her side and scrambling to her feet. She ran before they could register where she'd gone, heading straight for the bunk room which was thankfully straight ahead.

Once there she snatched up her Assault Rifle and kicked open her foot locker, hastily shoving its contents into her duffel. She'd just zipped it up and buckled her pistols holster around her waist when she heard deafening gunshots followed by footsteps clattering down the stairs, headed her way. She froze, throwing the strap over her shoulder then darting over to the doorway, skulking off to the side, her rifle held tight in her hands ready to fire when someone flew into the room, hurling themselves round the corner where she was waiting, and knocking her gun from her hands. Posey let out a yelp and sprang back, her hand flying to her pistol when she saw Jude panting and holding her rifle in his hands, eyes wide and wild. There was a scrape high on his cheekbone that was blossoming into a bruise and some more abrasions on his arm but he seemed otherwise unharmed.

"Jude!" She cried, feeling her knees go weak with rush of relief that washed over her at the sight of him. "Jude, what's going-"

"It's the Enclave." He said, his voice fast and low, handing back her gun and rushing to his own bunk. He lifted up his pack, which he never unpacked, and slung it up onto his shoulders.

"Have you seen my Dad?" She asked, trying and failing to keep the tremble out of her voice. Jude paused in the act of reloading his shotgun, looking over at her and shaking his head. Posey's stomach lurched and she took an involuntary step back as Jude, who'd caught sight of her injury rushed forward, catching her as she stumbled.

"What happened?" He demanded, looking from her burn up to her face, his brow furrowed and eyes angry. "Why are you soaking wet?" Posey shook her head, her hair hanging in dripping ropes around either side of her face.

"Later," She said, pushing him gently away. "let's go."

Posey found her way to an intercom while Jude kept his eyes out for more Enclave soldiers. She depressed the call button with trembling fingers and said:

"Dad! Dad are you there?"

There was no response and Posey felt like she'd plunged into icy water all over again.

"Dad!" She cried, pushing the button down so hard her finger hurt. "Dad!"

"The Enclave have probably crashed the system. He's probably still up in the Rotunda." Said Jude, "Come on. I came this way, so there shouldn't be anymore along here."

She could hear voices coming from the Rotunda, even standing in front of the door in the pillared room.

Angry voices.

They hadn't run into anyone, friend or foe but all that did was feed the anxious fire burning just beneath Posey's skin. She made to push open the door but Jude held her back, taking her hand in his.

"Hey, Blondie." He said, his voice low and Posey looked up at him, feeling her heart pound in her throat, and even Jude's reassuring gaze and the warmth of his hand did nothing to settle her galloping pulse. "I'm sure he's alright." He murmured, giving her hand a comforting squeeze. He turned to the door and shoved it open.

Posey released his hand the second they cleared the threshold and charged up the steps, past Doctor Li who stood staring into the control room with her mouth pressed down in a flat, worried line. Posey skidded to a halt in front of the heavy metal and glass door that refused to budge, no matter how many buttons she slammed. She cursed under her breath and looked into the control room. Her father was glowering at a man whose face she couldn't see, his arms folded across his chest, his face twisted with more animosity than Posey had ever seen. The man in front of him was wearing a perfectly pressed trench coat, and his greying hair had such a blunt edge at the back of his head, Posey thought it might have been a wig. His hands, clad in black leather gloves, were clasped primly behind his back, but Posey saw the handle of a pistol strapped to his hip, easily within reach of his leather bound fingers. Janice stood next to her father, pale and trembling, flanked by two enclave soldiers, their helmeted heads casting eerie shadows onto the walls, and their glass green eyes glowing bright.

The other man, the trench coat one, was speaking with a clipped, harsh voice, his twangy accent resounding clearly through the thick glass and metal.

"By the authority of the President, " He said crisply "this facility is now under United States government control."

"Li, I need in there!" hissed Posey, keeping her eyes trained firmly on her father, feeling her blood thundering through her veins with each frantic beat of her heart. "Open the doors, Jude and I can take them!"

"I can't." Said Li numbly. "The doors are sealed."

Jude cursed and began pacing on the small landing while Posey continued to stare at her father, clenching her hands into fists.

James looked from the man in front of him, back to Posey. For a moment, the enmity faded from his features and Posey stepped forward, placing a hand flat on the glass, begging wordlessly for admittance, but James shook his head infinitesimally before turning back to the man in front of him.

"That's quite impossible," Said James, "This is a private project, the Enclave has no authority here. I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave, now."

"Am I too assume, sir." Said the Enclave man, and Posey could hear the sneer in his voice. "That you are in charge of this operation?"

"Yes." Said James firmly. "I'm responsible for this project."

"Then I repeat, sir." The man's voice was steely cold, and Posey pressed herself harder against the door, as if hoping to transcend the thick glass pane by sheer force of will. "You are instructed to immediately hand over all materials related to the purifier!"

"I'm sorry." Said James in a voice that was just as deadly as the Enclave officer's. "But that's-"

"Further more," Continued the officer, raising his voice above James' protests. "You are to aid Enclave scientists in assuming control and operation of this facility at once."

"Colonel," Began James, attempting to sound placating, though his blue eyes were colder and harder than Posey could ever dream of them being. "is it Colonel? I'm sorry, but the facility is not operational, nor has it ever been. I'm afraid you are wasting your time here."

"Sir," Said the Colonel, his voice dangerously quiet. "this is the last time I'm going to repeat myself. I order you to stand down, and turn over control of this facility."

"Colonel," Repeated James, just as icily. "I assure you that this facility will not function. We've never been able to accurately replicate test-"

There was an earsplitting crack and Posey let out an involuntary cry as Janice, who had been standing so quietly and so nervously, crumpled in on herself, collapsing onto the floor of the purifier without a sound. Doctor Li let out a wail which she quickly stifled behind her hands, as Posey stared down in horror at the young woman who had been so kind to her, who had helped her clean the memorial, who had shared with Posey her harbored crush on Garza while they'd worked together. Now she lay choking on her own blood. Posey looked back to her father, feeling panic build in her head like static. All of her insides were twisted and bunched in her throat, and she could feel her pulse in her neck, drumming hard against the collar of her Vault suit.

"I suggest," Said the Colonel, calmly re-holstering his pistol, "you comply with the Enclave's wishes, in order to prevent any more incidents."

Her father hadn't moved a muscle, he simply stood, rooted to the spot, staring down at Janice with a clenched jaw, the skin around his eyes taut.

"I understand there are many members to your team, Dr. Bennett. In fact, your own daughter is a part of Project Purity, is she not?" The Colonel turned and Posey saw the harsh lines of the man's profile before he faced her completely and Posey's blood ran cold. Everything about the man was clean cut, decisive and dangerous. He made Mister Burke look like a schoolyard bully. His light eyes appraised her for a moment, and Posey glared back, her hand curling into a fist on the glass, despite feeling a drop of cold sweat slide down her spine. The man smirked.

"That must be her." He said, turning back to James, who had gone completely and utterly still. "I can definitely see the family resemblance. So, Dr. Bennett, are we clear?"

Posey watched as her father looked from Janice, to the Colonel, curling his shaking hands into tight fists. His eyes found hers, and Posey swallowed hard, feeling her eyes well with tears as she began mechanically shaking her head.

"Dad," she called warningly, "don't-"

"Yes, Colonel." Said James, wrenching his gaze away from her and staring instead at the man in front of him. "I'll do whatever you want. There's no need for more violence."

"You've done your country a service, Doctor." Said the Colonel smugly and James glowered.

"Give me a moment to get the system online." Muttered James bitterly, and his gaze once again flitted to Posey. He gave her a gentle smile and Posey clenched her fists tighter. Everything her father had worked for. Everything he'd given up for this Project, worthless. Taken away by some jackass in a fancy coat. Yet as the Colonel turned away to address one of his soldiers, Posey saw her father's eyes harden and his jaw clench as he turned towards the Purifier's control panel and began fervently pressing buttons.

She felt Jude step up behind her, felt his hand hesitantly rest on her shoulder and she wanted to turn and bury her face in his chest but she couldn't move. A prickle of dread crept up the back of her neck and Posey began trembling.

"I grow tired of waiting." Snapped the Colonel.

"Almost ready," Said her father without turning around, "I'm compiling the data now, if you'll just-"

There was a muffled bang and a plume of smoke rose from the control panel. Posey jumped back as the Geiger counter on her Pip-Boy immediately started ticking. Someone was screaming and she could hear Jude swearing as all the men in the control room staggered, the two soldiers dropping instantly. It took her exactly twelve seconds to realize the scream was coming from her.

"NO!"

She rushed forward and pounded on the glass, ignoring the beeping from her Geiger counter, throwing Jude off as he tried to pull her back. "No, don't touch me!" She shouted, yanking her arm out of his grip. "Dad!" she pressed her palms flat against the glass as her father fell against the door, his face drawn and grey. Fear flooded her brain, and she started to shake. This couldn't be happening. This couldn't be happening. He looked up at her with eyes she'd inherited and choked out: "Posey...Run."

"No," She stammered, following his descent as he slumped forward, sliding down the glass. All her extremities turned to ice and the world began spinning as she felt the cold metal of the catwalk beneath her knees. "Open up! You can't do this! Let me in! Let me in right now!" She was babbling she knew, her words flowing thick and fast as her tears. She could feel Jude, trying to pull her back but she shoved him away. She was begging, pleading, not only to her father, but to any deity she could think of, any force or power that could make the unthinkable just that, unthinkable. Unseeable. Unreal.

Please, God, please no. Please, please, pleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseplease

"Posey," Said Jude softly, his hand on her shoulder but she jerked away with a snarled,

"Don't!" She turned back to the door, attempting to push it up and open. "I can get in there! I can save him! I can! Open the door! James Matthew Bennett open this goddamn door!"

Her father's head lolled against the glass, his eyes glazed, but they managed to find hers. She froze as her father looked up at her, the lines around his eyes crinkling in a smile that tore Posey in two. Her hands stilled, flat against the glass. Three inches of silica between her and the end of the world.

"Don't," she whispered, her voice catching in her throat. "please don't. Remember what you told me in the Vault? It's just you and me." She insisted, even as her heart seized in her chest. "You and me." She repeated her voice breaking. She ducked her head, her throat raw with sobs. "You can't leave me like this!" She shouted, looking back up at him, glaring at her father and shaking with suppressed sobs. "We need you! Project Purity needs you!"

His chest heaved and she could see the muscles in his neck contracting as he struggled for breath, and yet his lips twitched up in a slight smile, and his hand pressed flat against the glass opposite her own.

"Dad," She pleaded, her voice shaking, "Dad I-"

His head drooped and he retched. Bright, shining blood spattered against the pane separating them. Posey jerked away in horror, falling back against Jude, who knelt right behind her. She could feel his arms tight around her shoulders and his stubble scratching her cheek.

Her father looked up at her, his lips flecked with blood and trembling. "R-run," He gagged, blood dribbling from his mouth. He crumpled.

And Posey shattered.

Jude

Jude wanted a redo. He called a do over. He wanted to open his eyes and find himself back on the couch with Posey smiling at him in the early morning light. He wanted to see her laughing with her dad over breakfast, and he wanted to feel her hand in his as they danced along to the radio. He didn't want to see this. He didn't want to see this Posey, staring at the limp, lifeless form of her father, who looked up at nothing with blank, glassy eyes, the exact shade of the ones he'd left behind. He didn't want to feel this sense of grief that nearly caused him to double over.

"What the hell happened in there." He said through trembling lips.

"James," Came Doctor Li's stunned voice. "He's...he's gone."

"No," mumbled Posey, shaking her head. He could feel her shuddering and he held her tighter, wishing he could siphon off some of the palpable grief radiating from her. "No, no, no, nononono!"

Posey let out an agonized and enraged cry, the sound tearing out of her throat as she wrenched herself free of his arms and slammed her fists against the glass. Her shoulders hunched and trembling, the exclamation of raw pain echoing off the rounded ceiling. She started to sob, pressing her forehead to the glass, her fists slowly coming unclenched as she curled in on herself in front of the door. She held a hand over her mouth as her lungs struggled to supply her with enough air, but every breath was quickly expelled again in a cry of anguish, and Jude felt each sob puncture something inside of him.

"We have to get out of here." Continued Doctor Li, looking from Posey to Jude. "They'll be coming for us next. We've got to evacuate."

"I am not leaving my father in there." Said Posey in a dangerously low voice, sitting up and shaking with the effort of holding back sobs.

"What, the hell, happened." Repeated Jude, feeling rather unsteady himself, as he got to his feet.

"James...he caused an overload of radiation." Said Doctor Li, her voice trembling. "He sacrificed himself to keep the Enclave from getting the Purifier, and to buy us time to escape. There will be more of them coming, we have to go, now, before they find us. Or else, James," She swallowed and looked to Posey who wobbled to her feet, bracing herself against the door. "your father," managed Doctor Li, "died in vain."

"I'm not leaving him!" Protested Posey, her voice hoarse and tight with rage while more tears spilled from her red and swollen eyes.

"There's nothing anyone can do for him now." Said Doctor Li weakly, "The radiation levels in there are lethal! If you go in there, you'll die the same way he did. We need to get out of here, now!"

"You go," Said Posey, shaking her head. "I'll stay."

"No!" Cried Jude, stepping forward. "Posey, that's not an option!"

"Yes it is!" She snapped, "I can't just leave him like this! Jude-"

"Blondie, I'm not gonna let you do this." Said Jude, stepping forward taking her by the shoulders. "We have to go."

"Let me!" Said Posey incredulously, "Let me!" She shoved him away, "I don't have to ask for your permission!"

"Is this what your dad would have wanted!" He demanded, dragging her away from the door. "He sacrificed himself! For you! Now let's go!"

"I'm not, leaving him!" Shouted Posey, her eyes flashing dangerously as tears dripped off her chin.

"And I'm not leaving you," Growled Jude, "Posey let's go!"

"No!" She shook her head jerkily, shaking him off and turning away. "You go, get them out of here, I'll-"

Jude shot his hand out, grabbed her and spun her towards him and disregarding Doctor Li entirely, kissed her, hard. He poured everything he had into that one kiss. His own grief and pain, his anger, and hopefully, the sense of utter terror that filled him at the the thought of leaving her behind. It was over before it really began and when he pulled back, she was looking up at him in utter agony,

"Don't," She said weakly and he let go of her momentarily before seizing her hand in his own. "I can't..." She said thickly, tears welling in her eyes.

"You can and you will." He said fiercely, "I need you, Posey. I can't get all of these people out of here on my own. I'm not leaving this place without you!"

"Don't make me to do this." She pleaded, "Don't ask me to choose."

"He died to give you this choice." Said Jude fervently, "And you know which one he'd want you to take. Now, let's go."

He pulled her after him and Doctor Li, keeping his hand tight in hers as they fled down the metal steps and into the pillared room where they had shared a first dance. The radio was still on, Three Dog's voice calling: "Listen up, children! Time for an update on that cool cat from the Vault, the intrepid Lone Wanderer and her dad, all fightin' the Good Fight!"

"Don't listen." Said Jude quickly, as he felt Posey's grip on his hand tighten painfully. "Listen to me, just me, okay? We gotta go, we gotta get Li and the other's out of here and we gotta go now! Come on. We're getting out of here, Blondie."

Li was pushing aside a manhole cover Jude had noticed a few times but always over looked, and began lowering herself down it. He sent Posey next, holding on to her as long as he possibly could before letting go and dropping down the grate himself. He landed in a crouch and saw Posey, her face pale and eyes glazed over and the remaining group of what had been Project Purity's dedicated team huddled together, looking anxious and drawn. Daniel, Alex and Garza were the only ones that remained.

"Where's Anna?" Asked Jude, checking his shotgun to see if it was fully loaded.

"T-t-the Enclave got her. Captured her." Said Alex, his eyes wide. "Where's Janice and Dr. Bennett?"

All of Posey's muscles tensed and Jude saw her jaw clench. "Gone." She said flatly, her lips barely moving and her knuckles white on her rifle.

The remaining team members looked up in shock, quickly followed by remorse, and Posey shouldered her way to the front, more tears dripping off her chin.

"Doctor Li, how do we get out of here?"

"We'll follow the tunnel," Said Doctor Li quietly, "And once we're free from it, seek shelter at the Citadel from the Brotherhood of Steel. These tunnels have been abandoned for a long time so I have no idea what's in here, but I can bet we won't be safe until we're in the citadel itself. We should stick together, and-"

"No," Said Posey, looking back at them and Jude shifted his grip on his own shotgun uneasily. Posey's eyes were shattered, the skin tight around her eyes and her mouth rigid. "Jude and I will take point, you lag behind a little ways. I don't want you in the way. Don't get in front of us unless you want to get shot. I smell ghouls, there's probably quite a few in here. And the Enclave isn't going to let us just walk away."

"But-" Protested Doctor Li, but Posey pressed forward and Jude followed behind.

"It's a good plan," He said, "stay back and stay out of the way and we might just make it out of this mess."

The tunnel wound on, and Jude noticed several bloodied and rotting remains that were a sure sign of ghouls lurking. They ran into nothing but Enclave Eyebots, which Posey shot out of the air without hardly a blink. But they're good luck didn't last long. Just as Doctor Li said, "There's a locked door up ahead, I can open it, but I'll need time. Can you-"

There was a green blast and the group scattered as Enclave Soldiers fired. There was an open door flanked by sandbag barriers which the rest of the team hid behind while Doctor Li typed furiously away at a terminal.

"They're too high up for a grenade." Said Posey, "and there's at least four of them in there."

"Great," Said Jude grimly, "that's two for each of us. Toss me your Hunter."

Posey did so and he caught it, slinging his shotgun over his shoulder.

"We gotta get in there or they're gonna start pouring in here, and then we'll be in a real tight corner with all these dependents." Said Jude, checking her rifle's ammo.

"I see some cover." Said Posey, "To the left, wait for it." She held up a hand, and then cried. "Now!"

The two of them ran into the room, a large work space like area with an upper level dotted with Enclave Soldiers. They took shelter in an alcove, behind a table pushed up against the wall as there was a barrage of green and red light. The two of them opened fire on the soldiers, ducking and dodging blasts of deadly lasers and blobs of plasma.

"Damn plasma rifles." Growled Jude, "How's your side?"

In all the commotion, he'd forgotten about the burn from the laser rifle Posey had received.

"Later." Said Posey, her voice clipped. She fired at the last Enclave soldier on the upper level, who slumped forward and fell with a sickening crunch off the railing and onto the floor across the room from them.

"We've got company." Said Jude warningly as two more Enclave soldiers burst into the room from a pair of double doors. Posey yanked a grenade from his belt, pulled the pin and threw it at the soldier's feet. Jude pulled Posey to him and flattened himself against the overturned table as it detonated. Posey pushed him away and darted around it while Jude cried:

"What're you doing! Get back here!" He made to follow her but a blast of plasma coming from the upper level prevented him from doing so. "Posey!" He hissed, peering over the top of their cover, but he saw Posey, her foot planted on a fallen Enclave Soldier, a glowing green Plasma Rifle in her hand as she fired back at the fresh soldiers, turning them into piles of green goo.

"I've got the door!" Cried Doctor Li and Posey turned to him, jerking her head towards the exit. Jude vaulted over the low wall that the table was propped up against and followed after her.

The door was open and the group of scientists huddled together, waiting for Posey and Jude to lead the way deeper into the tunnels which they surged forward to do when Posey staggered, leaning heavily against the door frame and letting out a shuddering breath.

"Posey," Said Jude gently, stepping forward.

"I-I-I'm fine." She said, waving him off weakly. "I'm fine, I just," She hid her eyes in the crook of her elbow. "I'm fine!" She whispered, biting her lip to keep it from trembling.

"No, Posey you're not." Said Jude. He gently pushed her arm down. "You're hurt, and honestly you're probably not going to be fine for a long time."

Posey shook her head and Jude brought up a hand, brushing her tears away with his knuckles.

"Mr. Hiller," Began Doctor Li, her voice strained, "Now is hardly the-"

Jude shot her a look, and Doctor Li stepped back, her mouth tightly shut, eyes darting nervously about the tunnel.

"You're not fine." He repeated turning back to Posey, slowly uncurling his hand and letting his fingers frame her face, to slip back and tangle in her hair, his palm flat on her neck, feeling her pulse under his hand. "You're not okay, but we're gonna make it through this. Me and you. We're gonna take these Eggheads to those Brotherhood bozos and we're gonna get you patched up. Don't you quit on me, Posey Bennett."

"I'm tired." She said weakly.

"I know," He murmured, brushing her cheek with his thumb."I know you're tired. But you can do this. I'm not gonna leave your side, alright?"

"I-"

"Don't think about." Insisted Jude gently, "Think about that book. Remember, when you quoted the whole first paragraph of a Tale of Two Cities to me in the back of that truck? Think about that. Go over the words, over and over and over again. Outloud if you have to. You can take this, Blondie. You can take this and you can give it right back."

Posey stared up at him, and Jude bent down, brushing his lips against her forehead quickly before dropping his hand and leading the way further into the tunnels. When he turned back, he saw Posey's lips moving slightly, and he could remember the words she'd said, all those months ago:

'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.'

Posey

By the time they made it to the end of the tunnels, past the Enclave and the ghouls Posey's nerves were drawn so tight she almost shot the Brotherhood of Steel member waiting at the outpost. She'd gotten use to mowing down anything that moved, especially something in Power Armor so it was lucky Jude had pushed the nose of her gun down in time to spare the initiate a blast of plasma right to the chest. They were all frazzled, injured in someway or another but miraculously alive. There had been a bit of a scare with Garza and his heart condition but Posey insisted fiercely she would carry him if she had to, she wasn't losing anyone else that day. They managed to scrounge up enough meds though, and he still followed along behind, admittedly much slower than he had been before.

"Where did you all come from?" Asked the bemused Brotherhood initiate at the sight of their ragged group.

"Jefferson Memorial," Said Doctor Li wearily, "we were working on a project there when the Enclave attacked."

"Enclave," said the initiate in surprise. "but-"

"We're headed to the Citadel," Continued Doctor Li, "I need to speak with Elder Lyons."

"But-"

"Listen pal," Said Jude shortly, "we've just been through hell and back so stuff your questions and watch your door."

The initiate bristled but the group pushed past him, heading for the rickety ladder at the end of the tunnel. Jude saw everyone up it, but Posey paused at the bottom, swaying slightly on the spot and bracing one hand against the ladder. She shivered in her still damp jumpsuit. The tips of her fingers were pale, bordering on blue. She was wrung out and raw. An exposed wire. Her head pounded and a dull ache had taken up residence both at the base of her skull and in her chest. She just wanted to close her eyes. Close her eyes and never open them again.

"Hey,"

She forced her eyes open and saw Jude, looking down at her with knitted brows.

"Go on." He said, gesturing up the ladder. "Head up, I'll be right behind you. Promise."

Posey couldn't muster up the energy for a response, not even a nod.

"Almost there." He murmured, taking her other hand and bringing it up to the ladder. "We gotta get you patched up, go on."

So she did, almost relishing the tugging and burning in her side. It buzzed at the edge of her mind and she latched onto it, allowing the pain to fill her up. That pain she could at least see an end to.

She made it up to the open air and took a deep breath as the dry, hot wind raked its fingers through her wet hair. Jude joined her in a moment, hoisting himself out of the hole and pushing the grate back over with his foot. His own hair ruffled in the breeze and Posey watched the dark strands waver against the bright blue sky. She could feel the other's gazes. She could feel their wariness. They were afraid. Afraid she would snap, afraid she would break down and scream and wail and throw herself on the ground in a sobbing mess. They needn't have worried.

"The Citadel is very close." Said Doctor Li at last.

She took the lead this time, and as they approached the Citadel, they were halted by two Brotherhood members, one toting a minigun and oddly helmetless as he regarded them with little more than contempt, opening his mouth to no doubt to tell them to buzz off when Doctor Li cut him off sharply.

"My name is Madison Li," She said harshly, "I have people with me in need of shelter, you must allow us access at once!"

"I'm sorry Ma'am." Said the Paladin, clearly not sorry. "No unauthorized civilians are allowed into the Citadel."

Doctor Li narrowed her eyes and pushed past him, slamming her fist down on an intercom ignoring the man's protest.

"Lyons!" She shouted, her voice throaty and shaking. "I know you're in there I know you can hear me you open this goddamn door right now!"

To everyone's, especially the helmetless Palladin, surprise, the enormous door lifted at once with a whine of ungreased gears and pulleys. Doctor Li stepped inside and the rest trailed after her, Posey keeping her eyes fixed on the ground in front of her. She let her guns and her bag fall limply from her hands, not even bothering to see where they landed.

They entered an enormous, open air courtyard, Posey looking listlessly around as an older man, with close cropped snowy white hair and a trim beard, dressed in odd, ceremonial looking robes made his slow progression forward.

"Ah, Madison." Said the man kindly, clasping his hands in front of him. "I must say, I'm surprised to see you. What can I do for you?"

"Don't talk down to my Lyons." Spat Doctor Li, "I had nowhere else to turn, you must help us! Project Purity has been overrun."

"Yes," Said the man, his voice deep, rumbling and almost soothing. "I've heard reports of an incident at the Memorial. What details can you share with me?"

"The Enclave, they've attacked Project Purity." Said Doctor Li hurriedly. "James is dead."

Posey felt as if the ground had vanished beneath her feet.

James is dead

So matter of fact. So unopened for interpretation. Not, James is no longer with us, or He's passed away.

James is dead.

Posey felt what little hold she had on her composure slip, and she clenched her fists, nails digging into the flesh of her palm.

"There may be more," Continued Li frantically, "I don't know. You have to do something."

"Then it is as we've feared." Said Lyons gravely. "Madison, I'm sorry that this happened. I wish that we could have done something."

"Then do something now." Pleaded Li. "They've taken over the Purifier! Lyons, they cannot be permitted to have control over it. It's not right!"

"Now now now," Said Lyons, his deep voice almost purring. "Calm down, Madison. Calm down. You know as well as I do that the Purifier doesn't work! It's useless to them! Perhaps it's time to walk away."

"No." Said Madison, shaking her head frantically. "That's not true. James, he found what's been missing. We know how to get it running."

Lyons' bushy white eyebrows raised. "Is that so." He said in astonishment. "Does the Enclave know this."

"No, I don't think..." Doctor Li's voice died slightly and her face crumpled. "No I just don't know." She said bleakly. "I just don't know what's happening anymore."

"Alright Madison," Said Lyons soothingly, "It'll be okay. Now," He turned suddenly to face Posey, who forced herself to meet his eyes. "This is James' daugher I presume? I can see the resemblance."

"Yes," Said Doctor Li, "she knows what we need. Vault-Tec computer, something to locate equipment, please help her."

"Very well," Said Lyons, with a firm nod. "we'll sort this all out. Now-"

"No." Said Posey at once, and everyone turned towards her in surprise.

"What?" Asked Doctor Li brokenly. "Posey-"

"I said, No." Repeated Posey, "I'm done."

"But," Began Doctor Li in shock, "But James-"

Posey winced, ducking her head and forcing her eyes to remain dry.

James is dead

"I can't do this anymore, Madison." Said Posey, shaking her head, and despite her best efforts, she could feel the burning sensation behind her eyes and in her throat. She was slipping, her threads unraveling. There were too many people pressing in on all sides. She didn't want to be here, but she didn't know where to go. She didn't want to be with Jude or anyone else. She didn't even want to be with herself. Least of all herself, with her thoughts crowding her head and this this pain tearing and twisting inside of her.

"I'm done." She said, her voice shaking as well as her hands.

Madison looked in horrified shock at Posey, and suddenly, her eyes hardened, as did her posture.

"You are just like your father." She said numbly. "It's uncanny, actually. You preach dedication and optimism till you're blue in the face but the minute you take a personal loss, it's over. Selfish, and weak, and-"

Whatever composure Posey had left splintered. The floodgates had opened, the match had struck and Posey flew towards the woman with a savage yell, a yell that ripped from her throat so quickly and so explosively, Posey tasted blood at the back of her throat. Everyone sprang into action. Alex and Daniel rushed to hold Posey back as Garza pulled Doctor Li away while Posey screamed, her voice hoarse and raw with grief:

"Selfish!" She shouted, straining against the two engineers. "Selfish! DON'T YOU DARE CALL MY FATHER SELFISH!" She wrenched herself free of the men, elbowing herself away from them and attempting to throw herself at Doctor Li again, but this time, a Brotherhood Knight stepped forward, clamping his hands firmly around her arms.

"Hey!" Shouted Jude, springing forward, "Get off of her!" Another Brotherhood member came to secure him, and soon they had drawn quite the crowd, but Posey could hardly think past the blinding white rage flooding her mind.

"HE'S DEAD BECAUSE OF THIS PROJECT!" She bellowed, "DEAD, SO YOU COULD ESCAPE!"

"It was just as much his project as mine!" Shouted Doctor Li, "James founded it alongside me! We cared for it as others did for children or lovers! It was ours! Then, he fell for your mother and Project Purity took a back burner. I suppose your father had a reason to abandon us all in the beginning, and that reason was you. You were born and then everything fell to pieces! He died so we could escape and see this Project through and now you're backing out!"

"Damn right I'm backing out!" Screeched Posey, struggling against the Knight's grip fruitlessly. "This project has taken EVERYTHING from me!"

"From you!" Laughed Li, sounding on the verge of hysteria. "From you!'I can't do this anymore, Madison'. How many more times do I have to hear that before you Bennett's see something through! Selfish, COWARDLY-"

"That's enough!"

The deep reverberating voice of Elder Lyons wasn't loud, but it silenced both parties. Posey still struggled, her heart pounding a rapid tattoo against her chest, and her lip still curled in a snarl, but words failed her. Her vision pulsed and her side burned, and she was gasping for breath, but no matter the how many lungfuls of air she choked down, it wasn't enough.

"Madison," Said Lyons under his breath. "that was very much uncalled for. Miss Bennett," The man turned to face her and Posey stilled slightly, still panting, and her ears ringing with the aftershock of her sudden rage. "I am very sorry for your loss." He said, bowing his head. "No one can force you to work on the Project, it's true, but-"

"Thank you, Elder Lyons" Said Posey, stiffly "for your hospitality, but I'm leaving."

The man sighed, "Very well. But I must insist that you allow our physicians to look after you first. Please," He said, addressing the Knight holding her back. "escort Miss Bennett to the medical bay."

"Yes sir," Came the reply, crackling from the radio. "This way, please." He'd released her once Doctor Li was gone and Jude rushed forward, after shaking off his own restrainer.

"You alright?" Asked Jude fervently, taking her shoulders gently in his hands. "You're not hurt, are you?"

"I'm not hurt." Said Posey shaking her head. "My stuff," She said numbly, "I don't know... I dropped it, a while back, in the citadel. I,"

"I'll find it," Said Jude. "we can get you taken care of, then we can get the hell outta dodge, alright?"

Posey nodded numbly and Jude disappeared. Posey turned to the Knight behind her, who had been standing politely off to one side while Posey and Jude had spoken. He appeared to be waiting for Jude so he could escort them both, which she would have appreciated more if she didn't feel beyond the range of human emotion at that moment. She felt cold all over, the rage that had sent flames licking under her skin was doused, leaving her damp and shivering.

"Thanks, for holding me back." She muttered, "I, um, I'm sorry, if I hurt you at all in the struggle."

"No I'm alright, Miss." Came the robotic sounding reply.

"Good." Said Posey, nodding jerkily. "Would you, um mind, taking off your helmet so I can properly thank you? I can't tell if I'm looking you in the eye or not."

The man reached up and pulled off his helmet, revealing a surprisingly youthful face, perhaps a little older than Jude, with closely cropped brown hair and kind brown eyes. There was also something...familiar about him.

"What did you say your name was?" Asked Posey, looking at the man with slightly narrowed eyes.

"Adam, Miss. Adam Hiller. Brotherhood Knight." He said, giving her a polite nod. There was something about his nose, and his mouth that made Posey hesitate.

"Hiller?"

"Yes. Have we met?" He asked, tilting his head to the side and looking confused.

"Found it. Come on, let's get you to-"

Jude's voice faltered as he came up behind her and saw the man standing before Posey, who looked up at Jude as he approached with friendly interest. Jude's jaw clenched.

"This is Adam Hiller." Said Posey, looking at Jude carefully. "Adam, this is-"

"Colorado." Said Jude stiffly. "Just, Colorado."

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance." Said Adam, narrowing his eyes, but looking more confused than off put by Jude's sudden turn of surliness. "You were present at the Jefferson Memorial as well? Are you a member of Project Purity?"

"Not anymore." Said Jude. Posey could feel his frame trembling slightly behind her, and his hands, which rested at his sides, were clenched into tight fists.

"Have you been to the Citadel before?" Asked Adam, stepping forward. "You look, familiar." Jude stepped back and looked away, turning so his shoulder was slightly obscuring his face.

"No." Said Jude, "And I doubt I'll back. Where's that medical bay?"

"This way," Said Adam with a frown, "if you'll follow me. But, first," he looked down at Posey, "if I may ask, your father was James Bennett?"

Posey froze, and looked back at Adam, feeling her insides clench. Adam looked almost contrite, but said, softly. "I've heard of both of your efforts. You disarmed the bomb in Megaton, and replaced Galaxy News' relay, correct?"

Posey nodded mechanically.

"Your father's efforts for Project Purity were very commendable. My deepest condolences. I'm very sorry for your loss."

Posey's eyes pricked with unshed tears and her hands began to shake. She tried to swallow over the golf ball like lump seemingly lodged in her throat. All she could manage was a slight nod. She turned back towards Jude, who was looking back at her with unreadable eyes. His shoulders had relaxed minimally and as she stepped closer, and he placed a gentle hand on the small of her back. It wasn't a forceful gesture, he wasn't guiding or pushing her along. It was just there, its warmth spreading up and down her spine and she looked up at him with a wan smile.

"Thanks Jude, let's go-"

She felt his hand tense on her back just as the man behind them said, sharply, almost breathlessly. "Jude?"

Jude closed his eyes, his dark eyebrows quirked down as his lips creased down in a frown.

"Jude, Jude Hiller?" Adam looked as if Posey had shot him, or perhaps hit him over the head with a sack of bricks. He stepped closer, his eyes wide, mouth hanging open. Posey looked from Adam to Jude and back again, feeling something click in her mind. The baseball cap, the too small, faded red baseball cap, embroidered with the initials A.H. "It, no, it can't be you. Jude, Jude look at me!"

Jude opened his eyes and looked down at the man in front of him, almost glared. Adam took a step back, his mouth agape.

"I thought you were dead." Croaked Adam. "Dad told me, you were dead."

Posey looked at him with wide eyes. "Wait, Dad? Jude,"

"Come on, Blondie." Said Jude, barely moving his lips.

"No, Jude wait!" Adam caught Jude's arm but Jude wrenched it away, snarling.

"You don't get to call me that! Let me go!"

"I didn't know you were still alive!" Cried Adam, "What did you want me to do!"

"Dad?" Asked Posey again, looking from Jude to Adam and back again with a furrowed brow, and Adam looked down at her, brown eyes wide.

"Dad." He repeated, "Our dad, Sal Hiller. I'm Jude's older brother."

An:/ So, I went through and did some serious editing on this chapter. It's a bit one, obviously, and when I originally posted it, I didn't notice until later that for some reason when I copied the file from google docs all of my italics were gone. But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as I searched through this to replace all of my italics (Because I love me some Italic emphasis) Because there were a lot of other mistakes, seeing as I posted this at like, two in the morning, the first time.

So, yeah, I'm going to mention that I edited it in the next chapter, so if you've already read it I would really appreciate if you went back because I think it's a lot better this time. I need to put my best foot forward after all.

Big chapter, sad chapter, I've written these scenes dozens of times chapter. Please PLEASE tell me what you think.

This chapter's song is Agape by the Bear's Den. Please review, seriously guys please please PLEASE I really need it with this one.

Thank you for reading, I love you all and goodnight!

Xoxoxo

Living Pretty