Perry pressed his paint soaked hand into the metal of his armour. It was strange to think he was leaving this behind, after all it would certainly protect him from whatever awaits in the West. But he was more than capable to handle whatever he encountered and with Fawkes as company he should be safe… mostly.
He retracted his hand and examined the white print he left as his image. It wasn't enough, it needed something more. Something to show that he wasn't the pure icon that people believed he was. He had blood on his hands, a darkness in his soul. This mark had to represent that. Perry pulled a rag from the back pocket of his RobCo jumpsuit and wiped his hand clean of the paint. He didn't need to wear this jumpsuit but for some reason it seemed to help him concentrate as he worked on machinery.
Perry knelt down into his toolbox and extracted a small scalpel. He held up his cleaned hand and very lightly pierced the skin of his finger prints. The pain was sharp but grinding his teeth Perry endured it. He had endured much worse after all. The small flow of blood oozed from his fingers and as it did Perry pressed his hand once more against his armour. The blood left small red tips on his white hand print. A fine reminder that he was not pure, his duty was not clean. One day when his child takes up his armour, she will have to carry this burden.
As he stood there with his hand pressed against his image, Perry wondered if one day the woman he saw will do so as well. But what if he was wrong? What if Sarah wasn't pregnant like he thought? What if his child rejects the burden that will be placed on them? It would only be natural for them. Perhaps he was placing too much on the child's shoulders.
Why should anyone except him carry it?
Because there is nothing left for him. Because after everything he had done it was time to chart a new course. He needed to be free.
Free… Perry was a shattered, miserable vessel of sorrow, anger, darkness and regret… but he was free.
Already his mind seemed to clear, his darkness slowly faded. Yes, this is what he needed.
"Wow, you are really going to miss that armour huh?"
Perry looked over his shoulder and saw Moira Brown watching him with a smirk on her face. Slightly embarrassed, Perry looked back to his suit and gazed into his helmet's visor.
"I'm just… thinking. After everything that's happened, I'm never going to see this place again."
Moira strolled towards Perry and stood next to him. "Awww, you going to miss us Perry?"
"Partly… but mostly I'm relieved. I need this. I need to get away." Perry's hand was still pressed against his armour.
Moira raised an eyebrow and placed her hands on her hips. "Uh-huh, so you're running then? From Washington? Or here," Moira tapped Perry's head with a look of concern. "You do know that's the one place you can't run from right? Or fight?"
At last Perry removed his hand and faced Moira. "I know, like you tell me I need to embrace myself. But that's hard to do, especially when I'd kill someone like me if I ever met him."
Looking up at Perry with a soft smile, Moira shook her head. Reaching up she cupped his cheek. "Perry, Perry, Perry… I'm going to miss you. Remember all the time we spent writing the Wasteland Survival Guide?"
"Oh yes, how could I forget? When you asked me to irradiate myself I just sat in the pond around the bomb for three hours."
Moira laughed. "Yes! Everyone was making fun of you, saying you looked like a wet mutant dog with a death wish. I tried to explain you were helping but all they said was that you were some crazy vault kid who was going to get himself killed. How times change eh?"
Perry chuckled at the memories. "Indeed, how things change. Too bad that smiley stitch you gave me won't though." Moira smiled and performed an over dramatic gasp.
"What? But it's so cute! What girl wouldn't love it?" Perry decided to keep Sarah's reaction to himself.
"Umm, yeah." Silence set in. For some reason it felt good to reminisce with an old friend. But thinking back, Perry realised he had forgotten something. "Moira, can I ask a favour of you?"
"Anything Perry."
"When you have the time, could you fulfil a promise I made to a friend of mine?"
Moira became excited at the prospect of meeting more of Perry's friends. "Of course! What do you need me to do?"
"Don't suppose you have any old radios lying around do you?"
"I believe I can dig one up, who am I meeting?" She asked enthusiastically.
"His name is Harold he's… well different let's just say." Perry rummaged through his pockets and pulled out the small bear charm that Yew gave him. Handing it to Moira he said, "Here, you'll need this to get in. Just… when you get there don't say anything about the Mole experiment. They're quite attached to animals."
Moira examined the charm and immediately recognised it. "Hey, isn't this the necklace that raider had?"
Perry winced at the memory. "Yes, I gave it to a raider I saved to show she was a friend, but turns out it didn't do any good. Hopefully, it will this time."
With a smile Moira stashed the necklace in her pocket. "After everything you've done for us Perry, I'll be happy to help." Moira then walked towards a large box towards the back of the room. "By the way, I had some luck with that holoprojector you asked me to make. Some of those Enclave meanies had some very interesting tech on them."
"Good, can it record?"
"It's all good to go; I'll just hook up the cameras to the ceiling, one sec."
As Moira attached the cameras to the upper corners of the room Perry paced around the room. He examined the weapon stockpile he was leaving behind. Everything except the Terrible Shotgun, Blackhawk and A3-21's plasma rifle. Perry was anxious about leaving the Alien Blaster behind but he was more concerned about it getting into the wrong hands.
Moira climbed down her ladder and turned to Perry. "Okay, all set. What exactly do you need this for Perry?"
Now that the time had come Perry wasn't quite sure how to begin. "It's just to set out her options, maybe try and explain myself."
Moira wanted a better explanation but decided to leave it at that. Nodding she said, "I see, I'll leave you be then. I'll be upstairs when you're done." She then turned and left Perry alone with his thoughts.
Perry looked down at his jumpsuit and decided to change; laziness tempted him to simply dress into something casual but he knew better. The Wanderer approached his armour and slowly equipped himself. His child will grow up hearing about him, it was only appropriate he look the part. As he pulled the last metal glove over his hand, he walked towards the box and slowly pressed the record button. He tried his best to explain himself, why he had to leave, why he was the way he was. Even as he said it nothing seemed to fit, when the recording ended and he stood facing the centre of the dark, empty room he thought of a million better things he could have said.
Like how some people are born great, some achieve greatness and some… like Alexa, have greatness thrust upon them. The way he said it, the way he was preparing for her it might seem like she had no choice in the matter.
It was inevitable that something new would threaten Washington again some day, someone had to defend it. Who better than his daughter? But he was not forcing her, simply giving her the option. Simply telling her that if she chose to accept the burden of protector that she would have the support she needed. Unlike him when he started. Perry had achieved greatness, no one would deny that. It was time to pass the torch to another.
The preservation room was still not complete, it would take at least another month which was time he did not have. The Brotherhood of Steel was launching the FEV in two days. Fawkes and Perry needed to make as much distance between them and Washington in that time.
It was time to leave.
Perry walked towards the corner of the room where he stashed his gear, checking all his guns he then picked up the combat gear given to him by Reilly's Rangers. This would be his protection on this journey. Once he was in his armour and his gear was slung over his shoulder, he walked towards the exit, took one last look back at his armoury and left saying, "Good luck."
Fawkes waited for Perry at the entrance to Megaton. The town was extremely quiet as the citizens were still over at Paradise Falls. It had surprised Fawkes how the citizens never once fired on him as he came through this town. These people certainly trusted Perry that was undeniable.
"Fawkes! All set?" He turned to the sight of his friend approaching. Surprisingly, Perry was smiling.
"Mmmm," he responded. "It is time to traverse this barren waste. I am humbled that you will join me, my friend. I only wish my weapon was not lost to me on our last adventure."
Following close behind Perry was Lucas Simms. "Well, amazing to think isn't it?" Lucas mused. "Here was where we first met, here will be the last time we see each other."
"Symmetry my friend, it's a beautiful thing." Perry looked around the town he called home. He thought it would feel the same as when he left the vault. Anxiety, stepping into the unknown, but it was different. There was no fear but excitement. He was stepping into the unknown but he was not doing it alone and most importantly; it was his choice. Of all things he could be feeling, he was excited.
"Where's Moira, isn't she going to see us off?"
"She wanted to get something, ahh here she comes." They both turned to the approaching Moira. Perry smiled when he saw what she was carrying.
"Looks like you got your wish Fawkes." He said. Moira was carrying an unusually large Gatling laser and seemed to be having trouble walking up the hill with it. Perry jogged down and assisted her up.
"Phew, thanks Perry. I was worried you were going to leave without my little gift so I carried it myself… probably a bad choice." Panting, she walked up to the enormous Fawkes and unstrapped the battery pack from her shoulder. "Here you go Mr. Mutant, one new Gatling Laser, specially designed to have more kick. Sure if one of us used it we'd probably break our backs. But it should be fine for you!"
Perry could immediately tell Fawkes was pleased. He didn't easily show it but loosing his previous weapon had been a bit difficult for him. After all, it was the same weapon he had used ever since he helped Perry escape Raven Rock. It meant something.
Fawkes took the gun and tested the weight, satisfied he attached the battery to his back and with considerable effort, leant down on one knee in front of Moira.
"Thankyou human, I will not forget this gift. I only wish there was something I could have done before my time here came to an end." Moira seemed delighted.
"Wow! A super mutant bowing for me! Believe me, you have just given me something I've wanted my whole life. You take care of yourself and Perry of course. He'll probably cause more trouble than you could after all." Fawkes chuckled, he knew it was true.
Moira than walked up to hug Perry and whispered, "Take care." He returned the gesture but didn't say anything. He wasn't quite sure what to say in these situations. After she let go, Lucas approached him and extended his hand.
Smiling, Perry grasped it. "Good luck, take care of your town."
"You mean our town," Lucas rebutted.
"No Lucas, it's your town. Always has been. I just helped it along."
Lucas shook his head. "Same old Perry." Perry and Fawkes then took a few steps back towards the exit. Moira and Lucas simply watched. The Lone Wanderer and the Super Mutant both turned and never looked back.
It was a strange feeling for Perry to travel the Capitol Wasteland knowing he will not return. Somehow the rocky hills and the dead tress seemed more beautiful because of it. Everything seemed so much more significant again. The first time he saw the Wastes; he was blinded by the sun and simply stood in awe at the sight. No ceiling, no walls, no artificial light, no filtered air.
True freedom.
Least he thought it was, but no longer. He felt something close to that moment again. Not exactly the same, but close.
"Where are we going to first my friend?" Fawkes asked as they walked.
"I just need to make a visit to a couple of friends. It won't take long." The rest of the trip they travelled in silence. Before long the smashed house and large crater of the recovered Alien ship was before them. Perry looked up at Fawkes and said, "Just wait here. I'll be back soon." Fawkes nodded in response.
Not far off, a small group of Wastelanders were making camp.
"So have you guys heard the news? The Wanderer is leaving Washington!"
"Where did you hear that Cameron?" asked one of the female Wastelanders.
"Was on the radio, everyone is talking about it. Three-dog has practically been screaming for The Wanderer to visit him before he goes."
Between bites of Mole rat meat the ghoul said, "Will you smoothskins shut it? I'm trying to enjoy this."
Brant, another of the group said, "I'm surprised you wouldn't care Kennedy. After all, the Wanderer has done a lot for the ghouls. Remember Tenpenny Tower?"
Kennedy spat out a bullet into the campfire. "Oh yeah sure, I remember. Then they butchered every single smoothskin in that place. Glad to know the Wanderer is really looking out for everyone's best interests."
"What's up your ass?" asked the female Wastelander.
"I'm trying to enjoy my meal and you won't shut the hell up."
The female Wastelander shook her head and stood up. Walking to the edge of the camp she looked out over the Wasteland. Not too far away, she could see two figures standing near a ditch.
"Hey guys!"
"What is it Mylair?" asked Cameron concerned.
"I see a couple of people close by." While she removed a pair of binoculars, the rest of the group, excluding Kennedy who still continued to eat, moved next to her. Peering through, she described the strangers. "I see one guy who is dressed in Mercenary armour… and next to him… oh shit." The huge frame, enormous muscles, sickly yellow skin. Not good.
"Give me that!" said Brant as he snatched the binoculars from her. Peering through himself he yelled, "Oh shit it's a fucking super mutant!" Every last hand moved to their guns.
"Hold on, let me see." Passing the binoculars to Cameron, he examined the mutant and the stranger. "Wait a tic, why would a super mutant be travelling with a mercenary… unless…" Brant and Mylair gave each other relieved looks.
"It's the Wanderer and his mutant friend. Thank god for that." They relaxed but this also raised the question, "What are they doing here?"
Mylair shrugged, "Maybe they're on their way out of Washington."
"They're just standing in a ditch," rebutted Brant. "They're doing something."
"Want to go introduce ourselves? I've always wanted to meet the Lone Wanderer," said Mylair.
"Could do, but if you ask him to sign our copy of the Wasteland Survival Guide I will not restrain myself from smacking you in the head out of embarrassment," said Cameron.
"You coming Kennedy?" asked Brant looking over his shoulder. A single annoyed nah was the response. "Suit yourself." Together they climbed down the hill and made their way to the figures.
When they were about 50 metres away, all they could see was the Wanderer hunched over in the ditch in front of something while the mutant simply stood and watched. Before they could say anything, a bright light appeared out of nowhere. They all froze. The light beam enveloped the ditch and through the brightness they could see the human figure drifting slowly upwards before seemingly vaporising into nothing.
The mutant simply stood there while the Wastelanders couldn't believe what they just saw. Confused and frightened they simultaneously turned and fled back to their camp.
Perry always hated using this thing. Being teleported felt like he was being cut into little pieces and rebuilt in a fraction of a second. It didn't hurt, but damn did it feel weird. The Alien Captain's quarters appeared before him as he exited the teleporter and looked around. Neither Sally nor Elliot was present.
Where are those two?
What sounded like digital explosions could be heard behind one of the doors. Curious, Perry slowly approached the door. When it opened he found Elliot and Sally sitting on an old couch, most likely from the cargo hold, in front of what seemed to be a large, flat television on the wall. Deciding to have some fun, Perry crouched and slowly approached behind the distracted pair.
"You know you're not very good at sneaking Perry," said Sally without taking her eyes off the screen.
Caught, Perry just stood and walked in front of the two. They both had odd controllers in their hands that seemed to require both hands. They're fingers seemed to dance over the buttons. Looking up at the screen Perry could see what looked like a simulated war that these two must be taking part in.
"What exactly are you two doing?"
"Welcome back Perry," greeted Elliot. "We were having a look around for something to do when we found this." Elliot never took his eyes off the screen either. "It's some sort of simulation but you get points. It's like a game, but not a board game. It's all on this television so I called it a 'video game'. Clever hey?"
Sally took one hand off her controller and smacked Elliot's arm. "Hey! That was my name for it!"
Elliot coughed. "In any case, it gave us something to do up here." Elliot pressed one button that paused the 'video game' to the upset moans of Sally. He stood up and politely shook Perry's hand. "So what can we do for you Perry? Need anymore biogel?"
"Thankyou, I could use some but I came up here for another reason. I'm leaving." Sally and Elliot looked confused but were now focused on Perry. "I've decided I'm going to leave Washington so I thought it was only fair I come and say goodbye."
"But why?" asked Sally. "Where are you going?"
"I'm not sure. But I didn't want to go without letting you know I won't be coming back. There's still a whole world down there for you."
Elliot and Sally looked at each other. "Thanks Perry," Elliot said. "Maybe we'll go down one day. But for now I think we'll stay here. It's safe, plenty of food and we now have a way to pass the time. But thankyou for coming, it means a lot to know you didn't forget about us."
Perry shook Elliot's hand once more. "I did, that's why I felt bad and had to visit." Elliot chuckled.
"Hey, before you go I want to give you something." Elliot reached up and pulled a necklace with a couple of dogtags off his neck. "I want you to have these, just so you don't forget us again."
Accepting the gifts Perry said "Thankyou Elliot, it's been an honour knowing you."
"Wait, wait!" Sally yelled. She rushed off to one side of the room and came back with a small toy horse. It was metallic like some of the others Perry saw the first time he fought his way through the ship. Holding it up to Perry Sally said "My mummy and daddy gave me this before the aliens took me. Please take it with you."
Kneeling down Perry said "Are you sure you wouldn't rather keep this Sally?"
"No, you can take it. There's like a hundred of these here anyway." Perry chuckled as he accepted the metallic trinket. Walking together to the transporter, Elliot gave Perry a bag full of his adapted biogel. Standing in the glowing circle Perry gave a final wave to his friends before returning to the Earth below.
Sally and Elliot stood and watched the transporter for a time. Sally soon looked up at Elliot and said excitedly "I bet I can get the ten kill ultra achievement before you!"
Running back and leaping over the couch they grabbed their controllers. "You're on!"
A/N: Fun fact, video games, at least how we know them today might not have existed without the Cold War. The first video game was made in 1966 to enhance a soldier's relfexes. The only way the American government acquired the technology to achieve this was due to the technology race that the Americans had with the Soviets. Because Fallout takes place in an alternate timeline from ours around the 1950's, and since we never see or hear of any mention of them, it's safe to assume video games don't exist in Fallout's universe. So for fun I thought it'd be funny to have Sally and Elliot playing a video game aboard the alien ship. The aliens must have had something to do to pass the time up there right? Besides cutting people up I mean.
I'd also like to take this opportunity to talk about New Vegas. In short, it's everything Fallout 3 should have been. Seriously, if you're on the fence because of the bugs everyone talks about, believe me they're worth trudging through. The story is complex, the action is solid and gives you more opportunities for varied combat, the voice acting is suberb and I experienced a moment similar to when I first left the vault but was more emotional.
Let me explain, the first time you leave the vault in Fallout 3 you get that wow moment where everything is in front of you. New vegas doesn't have that but it builds up for a brilliant crescendo. There might be slight spoilers here but if you've been keeping up with New Vegas it's nothing major. Eventually you choose sides between Caesars Legion, NCR and Mr. House. I liked NCR but they seemed like beaurocratic idiots. Caesars Legion was monstrous but they kept order and peace. Mr House I liked the most so I was going to side with him. Until he asked me to destroy the Brotherhood of Steel.
Veronica is a brotherhood companion who I had grown to really like through my journey. I had helped her with her Brotherhood quest and liked her a lot. When Mr House ordered me to destroy the Brotherhood and hence betray Veronica, I stood before the self destruct computer in their headquarters and something happened. I pulled my middle finger up at the screen and said "Fuck you Mr house, Fuck you NCR and FUCK YOU Caesars Legion." I rebelled, I did my own thing. I had accepted the believability of these factions to the point where saying Fuck you to all of them really affected me.
It's difficult for me to describe, but in short Fallout New Vegas is a superb game which like all previous Obsidian games is thought provoking and fascinatingly complex... but rough around the edges and sadly not completely finished.