Chapter 7 – A regular day.

Another day, another pile of work finished, somewhat - forms annotated, reports compiled, requisitions filed. Only a few left now. Maybe later.

Well, I like to lie to myself and say that today's paperwork is done. But I know that more will arrive at my desk. It's never finished. Never will be.

But for now, my desk is empty, and I got time for myself.

My attention turned to me rummaging through my rucksack, pushing aside spare ammunition, weapons, and various scavenged odds and ends until my fingers brush against the smooth metal surface of the box Presper entrusted to me.

Extracting it carefully to my desk. Next, inside it, I did some digging and pulled out folded schematics. Good. Good.

Next was in my pockets of my coat, retrieving the worn notebook that has become my constant travel companion over the years. Its frayed pages filled with scribbled notes and observations. They capture a lifetime of my travels, encounters, and discoveries. It helps me keep my thoughts in order.

I skimmed through the weathered pages, passed between my fingers. Somewhere within those laid the answer I'm looking for.

The Dozens of locations written blurred past - San Francisco, Carbon, Vault 0, Vault City, Dreamland, New Arroyo - each dismissed with a shake of my head. None of them are close. The settlement of Jericho Powerplant no promise, nor did Junction City or the ill-fated Vault 70. Los Angeles and Vault 29 - poor Harold - were non-starters. Even the fabled Big MT Research Facility, though tantalizing, ain't what I was looking for.

Then, at last, my questing gaze landed upon the two inscriptions - Mesa Verde. A triumphant grin split my face as the pieces fell into place.

Bingo.

My notes detailed my discoveries of Mesa Verde - those unassuming mountains harbored a rather unlikely tribe dwelling within its caverns. Gaining access proved invaluable, thanks to a member named "Battery" who facilitated an audience with their Nemonik, an elder in their culture.

Over an unrelated matter, I was permitted to scour their holy grounds. There I transcribed – Well, I tried to – the many schematics and diagrams carved by their ancestors on the walls and floors - scientists from nearby to Tibbets who'd gone into hiding with only a single working computer.

Alright… Now I have what I need… Now to understand what it all meant. God, I hope I have enough understanding with my [Repair] for this.

Back with tools in hand, I went to work.

My gaze fell upon the battered Pip-Boy lying in pieces across the worn cloth on my desk. Its internal components removed from their metallic cover to now all spread out.

Darn thing is useless for some time now. Fallen under to some fault or bug. It stubbornly refused to power on.

When on the rare occasion it did, only jumbled lines of symbols showed on the screen before dying.

But damn, like I was going to let it die after being with me for too long – practically can't live without it now that I'd do anything to get it up and working again. If it weren't for how its construction and circuitry that went far beyond my intelligence.

So far, progress has been slow. Most of it dedicated my time allocated to understanding the notes from both sources and cross-matching them with the actual insides of the Pip-boy for confirmation before I do anything that might cause even more irreversible damage.

But then I heard knocks on the door as I paused. Revolvers unholstered and aimed at the door under the cover of my desk.

"Sensei, may I come in." That distinct voice… Couldn't be anyone else but Rin.

"I'm inside."

Lo-and-behold, the pointed-eared vice president herself. I return my weapon to my holster.

"Good morning, Sensei."

"Same to you, Miss Rin. What do I owe the pleasure?"

"Here, Sensei."

In her hand, she proffered a thin strip of hard plastic dangling from a blue lanyard cord. The card itself was stark white, save for a bluish gradient forming a circular logo with a crosshair motif that extended well beyond the circle's boundaries. Shit, it looks like a target.

Emblazoned across the bottom were the words "S.C.H.A.L.E Independent Federal Investigation Club" in a crisp font.

An identification card and it looks official. "I must be moving up…"

Well, just flash this in front of people, I guess, and my authority is assured.

"I had commissioned its production in a rush just prior to your ordeal with handling the reconstruction effort. Allow me to express my gratitude for relieving me of that particular responsibility, by the way."

"No problem. I'm sure you have more important things to worry about."

"Though, I do have one particular inquiry." Rin's voice took on a measured tone, eyes studying me intently. "You did not encounter any… problems during the course of your work, weren't you not?"

Oh darn, does she know? Her chosen words were quite careful to carry an undercurrent of implicit meaning. I maintained a composed demeanor.

I don't think I should mention about my little contract renewal and acquisition. Think, think of a way to deflect this.

"I thought you might have already consulted Momoka regarding that?" I responded, aiming for a nonchalant delivery as I met her probing gaze. Each weighted pause seemed to stretch interminably; silently demanding candor.

A long close of her eyes. "I see. So nothing."

Alright then.

"Well, besides my fellow supervisor sat around anywhere but near somewhere she could supervise the construction. But I let that slide."

Rin nodded, but I did hear a huff out of her. "I see you are getting along with Momoka. She might not look like it, but she knows when she is needed."

I echoed her sentiment. "Needed indeed." That I can agree. I have faith in her ability to safeguard some dirty information I had on Kaiser. Just in case things come back to bite me.

"Here." She extended her hand, offering me a thin rectangular card made of what appeared to be solid gold. The gleaming surface caught the light, refracting it in mesmerizing patterns as I turned the light object over in my palm. I realized how light this thing is.

/}?"{, '- #DDd]

"Your payment, should suffice for the work you've done." She stated simply, her tone leaving no room for argument or refusal.

"Take care, Sensei. We'll talk once I'm less occupied."

So there she goes. Here I am, staring at this card. Why am I transfixed at this piece of plastic?

Well, I pulled out the same identical card over my coat pocket.

Hmm…

This one is shiny like gold… Bat also feels like plastic like my own.

That was my reaction to finding this thing when I was emptying my pockets to for a regular inventory check.

Intrigued at the time, I pulled a curious object from my coat pocket. It was shiny, like silver when in my hand lay the curious object, its surface smooth with a design that reminded me of cracks on a glass while it shimmers like polished steel or platinum. Yet, as I held it closer, a disconcerting lightness betrayed its mineral facade.

This pocket usually held my emergency food, not… whatever this was. It was strange, in the sense I remember it as my one-stop pocket to put food on when I'm on the move and not felt to stop and scrounge on my backpack for one.

Just a few days ago, it was where that lucky cram had sat in silence until I feasted on it and turned it into a casing for a grenade.

So, logic should dictate it should be empty.

But the thin and rectangular object resembled a circuit board but lacked any visible metal components. Instead, a smooth, silvery-like paint job covered its surface, marred only by a single black stripe running across its width. One side displayed a series of cryptic numbers: a long string followed by another, and a last shorter sequence separated by a dash for it a three-digit number.

Hm…

So this must be how people here pay… So I just give this flimsy thing to a vendor? Seems like a no. Maybe it's filled with money somehow? The strange idea filled my head, finding ways on how this thing could logically be used for paying things.

Maybe they scan it or something to get the money inside.

Real alien concepts.

But my opinion still lies with the tried-and-true bottle caps. Trusted by many merchants for a reason. At least I can count how many I got in my pouch.

Actually, this answers another question about when I tried to buy those strawberries for Arona. I was met with strange looks from the seller at that market we went to.

That actually makes sense now…

…

During that time I came across a market.

Hmm… I picked one of these from the rest to feel the heart-shaped red fruit and was dotted with tiny seeds, glistening like miniature jewels. The vibrant color and familiar shape left no doubt – it had to be a strawberry. Like in the old books!

"Ooh! Sensei, let's get some!" Arona pestered at me from my coat pocket.

"Huh? Oh well. Sure. They can't be that expensive…" Might as well. These must be good if it's all I hear out of her since I opened the Shittim Chest.

I called out to the guy running this stall. "Oh, sir! You've come to the right place. They're all fresh, I, and my manager are sure of their quality." A robot came by from behind the stall.

It notices me with the fruit in my hand.

"Ah, strawberries, I believe their ripe the early morning they were delivered here. Real sweet, I assure you."

So, I plan to buy them, placed my caps on the table. A bunch of them for the road. I'm sure Rin and the others back at GSC would like some, too.

"Err…"

I watched the bot looked down at the handful of caps I placed. Nothing else happened next. Honestly, I am not sure if that's enough.

Oh!

"I'm sure this should be enough for a few dozen of 'em." A modest roll of the green paper that makes the NCR territories go 'round. NCR dollars. Of course, with a smile to boot.

I'm not sure where I was going with this, If I'm being honest. Maybe I'm totally off with how they pay for things here? But I just grinned and bore it, waiting for an answer while the bot seemed way more interested in only staring at my gotten gains.

Yet nothing happened, just the robot starting at me.

I swiped my hard-earned money if they don't want it. Then fine, time for me to leave. I'm sure there are other business out there who want them.

Man, I must look like an alcoholic right there…

"Arona." My voice raised aloud as the tablet nearby flickered to life.

"Yes, Sensei?"

"Why didn't you tell me people use this plastic card to pay here?"

Her hologram avatar just hovered there, not looking me in the eye. "Eheh…well…" She was probably thinking about that time the Shittim Chest was swimming with strawberries I stuffed my pockets with while talking to the vendor's attention away from his fruits being pocketed.

"Really, kid?…"

While Arona's hologram fidgeted awkwardly, avoiding my glare with a whistle to drown out the silence, the office door slid open.

I spun around to see who's my next visitor. Ah, that unmistakable flash of purple hair and the glint of her dark metal-finish halo.

Yuuka, I remember that look from anywhere.

"Ah, welcome welcome-" I turn with outstretched hands. "to my humble abode. So, what is exactly your business here? Looking to cash out on my debt to you already when I'm just settling in?"

"What? I'm not…" Yuuka started defensively, then caught herself. A light blush crept across her cheeks as she realized the implications of Sensei's casual stare. "No! I'm here as a volunteer duty."

I watched her huff, and arms crossed. Volunteer duty, the man thought.

"What exactly is this duty you've volunteered for?"

Yuuka explained the general tasks involved in document handling and other office responsibilities. However, she appeared most confident and bright when the topic turned to matters concerning financing and financial management.

"Well, that's mighty interesting. You could start by helping me handle the business regarding payment over a previous job I overseen. Mostly the materials like steel, concrete and such from the factories we brought with us."

From under a desk drawer, I pulled out a folder and tossed it onto the table, its contents spilling out.

For a moment, Yuuka's eyes wandered to the strange device she had seen Sensei wear around his wrist before. It was split open, with the cover separated, revealed a complex interior of its parts of several components and protruding wires with several small screens, numerous buttons, and knobs. The detachable top portion that pivoted upwards further exposed a far larger horizontal display screen compared to the smaller one on the fore-wrist.

Looks like something she would learn in class. History class at that. Or a prop for a cheap science-fiction show.

"I'm sure you could handle that." Her senses scrambled back to me, as she concluded.

"Sensei, about that. Could I ask how exactly did you handle the dispute with Kaiser? I always heard they don't let anyone take away their business. Let alone without any legal issues." Yuuka said, leaning forward with furrowed brows.

Such a funny question. I could laugh at it. But just let out a hearty chuckle. "I do not know what these "legal issues" you say." A wave of my free hand dismissively at her as my answer. "I just arrange a meeting with the land owner over the contract. We had a few drinks here and there, and I renegotiated some of the finer points of our contract. A few handshake later and we're back in business, simple."

"I see… For the cement purchases… Could you also provide the invoice as well."

Alright then. This time, I pulled a drawer under his table and placed the piece of stamped paper. "Not sure why this is important, but here." muttered idly.

Of which Yuuka just paused everything when she heard my comment. She asked. "Sensei, I really don't want to go out on the limb here and say please tell me you didn't just toss these-" She held the invoice to me. "away when you purchase things."

"Uh, no." Haven't even bought anything, yet. Which is surprising.

"… Alright. I suppose I'll take your word for it. In any case. I should probably ask… We haven't met much after our first meeting. Did you remember who I am?" Yuuka gave a light cough.

"Whomst, you are again?" With a plain face, I answered.

"Wha!?" In the most honest scream the Seminar's treasurer exclaimed, her eyes going wide with disbelief as she whirled to face Sensei.

"Hayase, Yuuka! Have you forgotten about my name already?!"

She practically screamed at the words, planting her hands on her hips as her expression contorted with exasperation.

What a novel response… In a sense, I was in a loud laugh. He raised one hand in a placating gesture. "Haha, of course not, of course not," I chuckled. "How could I possibly forget the guardian angel who saved my life with her little whiz toy? I'm just pulling your leg, calm down."

The fond memory I had with her really spread a smile on my face. An explosive memory one at that.

My eyes took on a distant look as I continued, "Though, admittedly, we've not had too much time after we first met." A slow shrugged, but my smile still lingering. "I'm sure you have your own thing going on and I have mine too."

"That is true… I'm just glad you remember me."

"Tell you what, if got yourself some time to spare we could…-"

"Erm, alright. Before we start anything. Explain to me exactly this volunteer duty you mentioned."

It seems that Rin's intention was to improve relations between various academies by assigning a representative from their academy to support me in my work. So, the first up who signed up was Yuuka.

"Geez, kid, just say you want something from me. Looks like you're drowning me on my debt to you."

"You make it sound like I'm doing this deliberately," she said, placing a hand on her chin in contemplation. A moment passed. A blush crept up her neck, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

"Actually, I had an idea. Why don't we go out and do something sometime?"

"I'd like that. Maybe in the weekends. But now, works left over that needs to be done."

I almost felt pity for my higher-ups back in the old world. Almost. I mean, who could bear being behind a table all day signing papers over and over? It's mind numbing, let me tell you.

At least that answers why passing them by the halls almost mistaken them for a non-hostile feral ghoul with smooth skins.

It seems like they're always in a daze. I pointed out that he had found himself in a similar situation. It's just the never-ending routine of signing papers.

"Haah… Finally." Yuuka sighed deep as she placed another page of documents on a stack.

"Say, wanna head on over to the mess hall and grab ourselves a cup of coffee?" Sensei called out to the Seminar member as he motioned his thumb to the door.

"I'd like that. Yes."

So, to the Dining Hall…

I remarked, taking a deliberate sip of my coffee. Now dressed in a white buttoned-up shirt and black pants handed to me. It was odd wearing something that had no protection at all. But maybe that fear was just second nature to me. "Interesting…"

"So, you're the treasurer from this uhh…School. Millenium. Must mean you're pretty deft at crunching numbers then." I gave her an appraising look over the rim. "I guess there's good reason why you were so confident mentioning financing to me earlier."

Yuuka responded with a loud, exaggerated sigh that seemed to emanate from her very core. "Let me tell you, it's more a curse than a gift these days… Best in the technology sector, or in the business. Being the youngest among the level of top academies has its ups and downs. Mostly for me downs."

Raising a confused eyebrow, I pressed, "Oh, how's that? They must place a great deal of trust in you to give access to their funds. That's not an easy spot to attain."

Her shoulders slumped as if bearing a heavy, invisible load. "Believe me, it's utterly tiresome work. But…" A rueful smile tugged at her lips. "Without my meticulously managing every money that leaves and enters, the entire school would crumble into bankruptcy."

An uncomfortable silence stretched between us as I digested the weight behind her words. Like what the hell is bankruptcy? The bank is ruptured with a hole? Like their vault is blown open?

But by how Yuuka told me, it must be a real pain in the neck.

This kid needs a break.

"How about you Sensei?"

"What about me? I may not be as great as you are, but just know I'm here to lend a hand. Don't expect it to meet your standards though," I added with a self-deprecating chuckle. "I'll be right beside you if you need help, in any case with this bankruptcy thing you say. Shoot myself some robbers, too. I used to be a lawman of sorts back in my day."

"Thank you. So that narrows down why you look like you came straight out of a cowboy movie. That or stumbling across a Highlander School's locker room." I see a confused brow raised as Yuuka flashed me a genuine, yet confused, if thoroughly exhausted, smile at me. Huh, alright then.

I also have no clue what she meant by that last part. Highlanders? Like those vikings from the comics?

"Just remember I'm your teacher, It's my first and foremost job to help you all. But I don't mind the being taught by you all. Being young isn't something I had the luxury to enjoy after all. Besides these new fangled technology of yours are giving my a headache understanding them."

Yuuka giggled at that. "First is not to have our Sensei misfile documents that could get himself behind bars for tax evasion."

"Heh… You say that like I don't have Millenium's most patient treasurer with me to help." I remarked with an amused chuckle, giving Yuuka an admiring look.

We sat together in companionable silence, watching as the sun's brilliant golden rays toward the horizon.

As the room fell in hushed peace around us, it was time for Yuuka to leave. We parted ways, and it's just me left in the dining hall now.

Don't think I should do anymore to make her frustrated with work and hearing of this tax thing might be a burden to deal with if not for her.

Seriously, what is this thing called a tax? I think I had heard of it somewhere in NCR territory before…

Ooh! Oh, yeah… Now I remember why I forgot about it… purposely.

"Sensei!"

"…" Arona… I heard her voice snapped me back to reality.

"Great news! I just received another batch of letters from students asking for our help. I suppose people are now really talking about you even more."

There was Arona celebrating with pumping her fist into the air with glee.

"Sounds like a bad thing…" While here I was, thinking the more mess I need to clean.

It's a pain, but if it helps me in the good graces of the group running this city, then choices aren't really for me.

"What? Come on, Sensei, stop being so down. It's a great sign! It means we're doing the right thing. Now there's people that need our help!"

What's next? As my mind wandered, my eyes were unexpectedly entranced by the light show at Kivotos, shifting my attention away from Arona's pouting.

I hope we won't have to deal with any legal drama or dodging mortal shells this time. As much as getting myself dragged into the middle of civil wars and revolutions, I'd rather not overstay my welcome in those situations again. Also, not have the train I was commandeering become my metal coffin from said mortal shells peppering the sky.

"Alright. Give it here. Read me the one nearest here and let's get it over with." I mused. I reached over my belt and produce a flask to drown myself with.

A pick-me up to get me started.

As I listened, Arona started narrating the note.

To the advisor of the Federal Investigation Club: Hello. My name is Okusora Ayane, and I'm a student at Abydos High school. I'm writing this letter because I want to ask for your help.

Our academy is being harassed. One of the local gangs has been tormenting us.

It's a long story, but we think this gang is after the school building itself. We are doing our best to make sure won't happen. But at the rate we're at with no stable source of supplies and ammunition… we won't last any longer.

That's why I am writing this request on behalf of our school.

Can you help us, Sensei?

"Abydos, the desert." I muttered. Been there one too many times. "Now since you weren't any help explaining to me the monetary value of this place. How about you answer me what is Abydos and why is it ruined unlike the rest of the city?"

"Abydos… Sensei the district we're in actually used to house a thriving commercial market back it the day, then-" The A.I mused quietly.

"Heh, where did I heard something like that…" Which I chuckled at. From a once mighty empire, within just a few short years, it crumbled into a mere shell of what it once was.

Felt like Déjà vu to me.

"but after set backs from climate change the people there fell on hard times. I remember that the student government there had to sell parcel of land there just to survive."

"Climate change?" I cocked a brow, puzzled by her words. My mind raced to make sense of it. Like the shift of seasons? What is so different about it? No, her tone meant something else – more wrong.

Like a nuclear winter? I heard that thing wasn't normal before the great war, like a desert somehow buried under a thick blanket of snow all of the sudden. A product of the bombs, apparently.

"To be exact, the entire district is being buried under the sand, I'm sure you already seen it by now," she explained, her voice grim. "An unnatural phenomenon, as everything about this accelerated desertification made no sense now just as it made the students back then ask how."

"Huh, must be hell trying to plug up a sinking ship," I remarked, not making my tone laced with a hint of sarcasm hidden. The district, once a bustling hub, now appeared like a ghost town, with only a small corporate-run section clinging to life amidst the abandoned ruins.

"It is in fact," Arona said matter-of-factly, her voice tinged with resignation. "Only few are left that live in that district, even fewer who attend the high school there."

"Let me guess," I continued, a wry smile playing on my lips, "most of them are either bandits or raiders looking for trouble, or a few desperate prospectors sifting through the rubble, hoping to find something worth selling?"

"Well, you're not too far off the mark there, Sensei, though I'm not really sure by what you meant of prospectors around old buildings…" Arona answered, her tone equal parts confused and weary. "But with the corporate security only protecting that tiny part of the district, the rest is basically a lawless free-for-all. It's a real wild west out there." Ooh, you little sneak. Wild west, heh.

I let out a low whistle, shaking my head for a moment. Before I concluded. "Oh great… sounds like a real charming place."

Haven't seen much raiders there from my visit besides a single shootout. Either way, I wasn't there for too long.

"Alright, mark me the map." I paused for a moment… "I'm no miracle worker to stop sand, but I have a knack kicking raiders or would-be bandits out of business. Let's get going."

"On it, Sensei!"

A small blip on the Shittim Chest's display screen flashed.

To Abydos I was asked, to Abydos I went.

"Wait, Sensei, right now?"

"Can't see why not."

"But It's night."

"Then we find the students. Can't be that far from their school."

"What, you do you expect the students to answer knocking at their doors while they're asleep?"

"And the early vulture gets the juvenile rad-wolf ."

"…" Arona just gave me a blank look through it all.

Arona is right. I am taking this far too fast.

There ain't no clock counting down on me this time. So why the rush?

"Yeah, you're right. I'm getting ahead of myself." I turned back to Arona as she give me a thumbs up in return.

"You can go to sleep, and I'll have some business to take care of."

I nodded to Arona as I shuffled over to the hall outside, taking the quiet ride of the elevator back up to my office. I sat back in my chair.

"… Goodnight, Sensei."

Returning hunched over the table, brows furrowed in intense concentration over by the schematics sprawled before me.

"Goodnight, kid."

…..

In the midst of the inky blackness of night, a truck shattered the stillness with its heavy rumbling. It eventually came to a halt before an imposing walled gate. Clouds of dust billowed up from underneath the vehicle, illuminated in swirling motes by the harsh glare of the headlights.

In the fleeting illumination of the beams, the silhouette of a lone figure momentarily emerged from the swirling dust cloud. With strides, the powerful figure approached the imposing barrier, gradually revealing intricate details under the truck's luminous glow.

Clad in a billowing duster coat, his every purposeful step causing the fabric to ripple off the surrounding dust clouds.

He reached up with a gloved hand to grasp the metal bards, giving the massive gate a resounding knock that echoed into the darkness.

Raising a hand, the man's calloused fingers closed around the cold wrought-iron bars, the metal icy to the touch after hours of darkness.

With a pull, the resounding boom of metal on metal echoed out into the night, seeming to reverberate endlessly across the deserted landscape. Yet the gate remained steadfastly locked.

Locked, he thought. Clicking his tongue.

Feeling no point in relying much on strength seemed a waste for a gate to expend; the man shuffled over to both left and right side, his hands patting down the metal bars of the gate for a lock mechanism or something close.

There, he found it. A lock and where there is one, a hole should be as well.

Subsequently, both of his hands reentered the gap, clutching hairpins. He carefully inserted them into the lock's keyhole, applying gentle pressure and feeling for the pin binding against the lock's inner mechanisms. With a slow tension applied, listening and feeling for the tumbler pins setting into place one by one. It was a delicate process of probing the interior components, using just the right amount of force and counterforce.

His brow furrowed as he concentrated, rotating the hairpin fractionally to allow the driver pins to set on top of the key pins. After several tense minutes of precision manipulation, a satisfying, solid click finally signaled the last pin had been set just right.

Feeling relieved, he exhaled and gave the hairpin one last turn. Soon enough, the locks fell on the sand with a muted thump and the gate slide open with a long metallic creak.

The man was in. He strolled inside, constantly scanning the surrounding area.

All around were nothing but the old buildings emptied aside from a pile of sand. Nothing of note, really.

There are large trails in the sand that looked to be from a vehicle. The man noted that led deeper into the premise.

He continued deeper there he witness something; or someone.

There, they were mercilessly bound to a rough-hewn wooden cross, while beneath them crackled the scorching embers of a blazing fire.

In the retreating darkness, flames flickered and swayed, casting an eerie and flickering light over the nighttime landscape.

Ravenous flames hungered at the base of the cross, the bright oranges and flickering reds lapping upwards to drown the condemned man's body in a merciless, writhing light. His red charred skin glistened in the firelight, every bump and contour thrown into sharp relief by the undulating illumination. Deep-set shadows carved into the hollows beneath his protruding ribs, exaggerated with every labored, anguished inhalation as his diaphragm heaved against the restraints.

To shoot the point across the hanged-man was as good as dead with their suffering, a tight noose dangled from a watchtower nearby, its coiled rope silhouetted ominously against the fire's back light - a chilling reminder of the fate that awaited should they miraculously escape their crucifixion.

"Damn…The desert is getting to me, again…" uttered the coated man, his voice a hoarse croak as parched lips cracked. A single blink of his eyes dispelled the grotesque hallucination, the mirage shimmering away like the sand swirling away to the air.

Nothing more than his mind playing tricks on him. Except he wasn't a bit amused.

With nothing else to keep him there, certainly not a fading image of an old friend, the man continued on his way through the decrepit rubbles and tents.

At the heart of the desolate location, it became glaringly clear to the man to conclude that a large-scale excavation had once been underway. A vast, profound pit yawned before the man, its sheer sides plunging deep into the earth like an open maw.

All around the gaping pit's outer rim, remnants of industrial mining operations sat frozen in time - hulking excavators, drilling rigs, and earth movers now silent and still. The coarse sand already burying their lower portions beneath swallowing dune waves.

So much for answers… And most of all, so much effort for nothing in return… the man grumbled as he stepped back from the large pit. Back on the way to the truck, he pauses for a moment.

His head turned casually to the side, his gaze piercing through the dilapidated structures. The gleam in his eyes intensified, a flicker of determination to stare; He saw them, but even more ominous he and it did nothing.

Before he pushed open the creaking door and slipped inside.

In the distance, a figure by their lonesome stood motionless near a collapsed footbridge surrounded by the rubble that once formed a bustling road. One hand rose to cover their mouth as their chest expanded, shoulders briefly rising before falling again in a drawn-out exhale.

But their eyes had locked following the truck as it drove away, taillights disappearing into the hazy distance.

What a waste this was…

…..

More hours passed as I poured over each meticulous line and arcane symbol to piece together the intricate inner workings of the Pip-Boy while casually checking up on Arona and pressing the screen to see if she might be awake.

A sudden charge of energy coursed through me as my fingers twitched and trembled involuntarily. The concentrated arc of blue electricity crackling at my fingertips with an almost palpable intensity. It was not much trouble and returned to work.

Hour after hour slipped by, the night's tranquil silence broken only by the drone of the fluorescent light and the scratching of my pencil as I meticulously documented each new understanding. All the while, Arone remained unnaturally still and quiet beside me, likely lulled into a deep slumber by the monotonous routine of my tinkering.

Every so often, I would glance at the windows that surround me, looking for any glint or flicker of light. I always expect something, but nothing always came up.

By the turn of the early morning light, I finally realized what had happened. After several times of grounding myself.

The fission battery running this thing for reasons yet beyond me somehow overcurrent the whole device. How or why it happened is still up in the air. But after getting shocked multiple times myself, I'm guessing it's time to replace it. With repairs not being much since Presper has an eye for quality work, not much damage besides the battery was done.

I don't think Kivotos ever has nuclear technology…

My eyes wandered for a moment. Looking around my office and at the window.

I need nuclear energy… But is the risk worth it to expose this city to nuclear power? The way I see it, I need an alternative to work with…

Yes. These haloed people are better off not knowing anything about uranium.

There it was - that crude print labeled the "crafting chamber" that had caught my eye earlier. No, it didn't come from Presper's box or my notes. But from a document detailing this building's many facilities to get me settled in. The same place I met Wakamo…

I studied the rudimentary rectangular shaped rock with chiseled indecipherable symbols I remember when I first laid my eyes on the thing, a piece of rock that some listed here are supposed to function for crafting… I don't know. But the documents here described the whole thing as a "3D Printer."…

The hell is a printer?

But damn, I'll take every chance I see like a desperate New Reno hooker by now.

I stood out from my chair.

Time to go underground once more.

"Excuse me, Sensei?"

Another visitor this early?

"Come in." I called.

White hair with a single wing on the side… Suzumi entered, the door whining softly on its slides as she slipped through the opening.

"Good morning, Sensei."

"Suzumi… Not that I'm not grateful you gave me a visit, but it's a bit early don't you think?"

"S-sorry, Sensei. I'm here to pass my application for volunteer duty." What, trying to get to be on top of the list or something?

Seriously, wouldn't hurt for Rin to tell me ahead of time about things like this duty thing.

"Huh, really? You sure I won't get in the way if your own Vigilante thing? Besides the most you're going to get out of this is filing reports and arranging documents." I noted, sounded as a warning to her more than anything. This document things are a nightmare to deal with, wouldn't want anyone unwilling or none the wiser to get themselves into this mess. "Believe me, happiness is best left outside the door here."

"Well, I thought about what you said…" She made her way to me, clutching an envelope with her hands.

"Oh, guess this must be where me being teacher should ask; what would that be?" I cock a curious brow.

"I…" She takes a small pause, her eyes busy. With a cough, she continued. "I've been reflecting on what you said ever since our last meeting… about us bonding by our sense of justice to be more specific…"

If one of my eyebrow wasn't high enough, it should be as tall as a mountain by now.

"I suppose I want to extend that bond between the two of us." She admitted, though indirectly. "If I am not too much of a trouble for you. I wish to continue being a help for you just as we both do for Kivotos."

"Hmm…"

"W-well, we also make a good team! Yes!"

"Why not? Just remember you can always back out if you want. I won't look at you different." I said. Going over to the Shittim Chest as I powered it on.

Strange, when the Shittim Chest opened… Only Arona was missing. She must still be asleep…

Well, that's another student added to the roster. A small notepad application on the Shittim Chest where I listed Suzumi underneath Yuuka's. Might need to pass on her letter to Rin for confirmation, though.

For now, I need some coffee.

…..

"Fuah!" A girl let out a soft yawn, the sound muffled in the quiet morning air. The first rays of sunlight cast a warm golden glow upon her, serving as a gentle nudge for the girl to awaken. As she slowly lifted her arms from the smooth wooden desk. Stretching them high until a small pop.

Alright, it's morning! It was time to fully embrace the new day ahead for her.

She massaged her eyes gently, and all the sudden…

"Good morning, sleeping beauty. You certainly took quite a while." Suddenly, a gruff voice broke the silence with his words.

Was that sensei?

"Sensei?" It was too early in the morning… Couldn't Sensei wake her up later? She mumbled, still half-asleep. Soon, she finally opened her eyes to greet her Sensei to see.

The girl's body went still, startled by the familiar voice that it sent her senses quickly awakened.

Her head quickly turn to look around, only to be met by an empty room. Nobody, oddly enough. Well, she is awake, then someone must have indeed opened to meet her. Where could he be?… What was even happening at all?

Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that her eyes were playing tricks on her; or it must be her ears hearing voices, seeing as there was nobody around she could see.

Maybe Sensei is trying to pull a prank on her? The girl quickly brushed that thought away, though. The joke was dragging on for way too long.

She doubted whether Sensei, after being by his side for so long, could even understand the idea of a joke - unless it's a sardonic sarcasm or a thinly veiled threat layered in fancy words.

But she still gave it one more shot to find the source.

No way. Could it be… she wondered, rising from her seat, compelled by curiosity and went by the huge crack on the wall leading outside. It was a barren sight. Same old, same old for the for the girl.

The sea was calm and silent, reflecting the parallel image of the stretch from the endless sky above. The clouds were thin and pale, stretching across the horizon like cotton candy. A serene sight, but there was no sign of life, no movement, no sound.

Yet there, right where her attention went to the side of the walls outside. There he was, a man sitting on the ledge, his legs dangling over the edge. Between his fingers, he held a cigarette that emitted a wisp of white smoke, curling up into the air.

It was Sensei! How?!

Not even a second after, she longed to gasp, but her body refused. No, she couldn't place a finger why; it was strange. Instead, it urged her to not speak. She felt an unseen finger pressed against her lips to shush her.

Too many questions ran wild, an attempt to find an answer. Sensei was here. Oh, just try to get close to him, touch him. See if it was real. If he's real. How it feels to be touched. Not even just a gist. She was too afraid of what he might do next. In that moment, she stood still, unable to break free from her frozen state.

With her gaze locked onto him, she yearned for his attention, hoping for him to look her way and acknowledge her.

It never came.

Instead, something entirely different happened, as if an incomprehensible force held the girl in place unable to move; something forced her to watch as the man hurled himself into the water with an unsettling determination. No trace of hesitation or pause marked his fall, just a huff - to a forceful plunge down.

The girl's eyes widened in an instant, filled with fear, as she witnessed Sensei's horrifying descent into the dark, watery void.

That image alone replayed in her head over and over so much it left her alone paralyzed, wrapping itself around the girl as she grappled with the scene played another round.

Strange of all, she was quick to notice the chilling absence of any sound to confirm during his dive towards the sea. There was but none she heard. The oppressive silence enveloped her, leaving a void of sound - no splash, no ripple, not even the faintest noise to pierce the stillness.

Nothing about all of this made any sense.

Just the whole thing understandable gave her a good pause. Try to think this through. Understand what just happened.

First Sensei was here – wait… was.

Then it hit her… Of yeah! No way, it couldn't had been Sensei! He couldn't be really here; inside the shittim chest is impossible.

But when she turned around, a door greeted her. Right in front of the room.

Okay, that's new. Even though the thing looked old, she was the only one who had lived here for such a long time that this door seemed brand new.

She carefully went to the said door. Looked around it. Well, you'll be entering to nowhere. Seeing as how it's in the middle of her room.

Slowly, her hands wrapped around the tarnished metal doorknob. But couldn't hurt to try a gentle twist as the door creaked loudly on its hinges, protesting with each agonizing inch as she carefully pulled it ajar.

Her eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected sight that greeted her - the unmistakable pristine interior of a train car stretching out before her. Rows of seats lined side-to-side of the narrow aisle facing each other, its large windows offered glimpses of Kivotos behind the setting sun.

Okay, now, this is all strange…

Carefully, she slowly went in to check with her rifle in hand.

Suddenly, once she's inside, the door slammed shut behind her, sending waves of panic as the girl turned to see the door disappeared.

No, no… Please no.

The girl's slight frame trembled uncontrollably as she begged whatever remnant of code still lingered to return the door to its original path home. But her desperate pleas were met with only the rumbling of the train. Her gaze dropped back down to the train car's floor, and there, snaking between the seats, a viscous trail of crimson liquid had begun to spread - each sluggish droplet seeming to mock her attempts at escape as it instead lead to the far other side of the cart.

A bad feeling of dread formed as she watched the ominous red puddle slowly grow larger.

It must be leading her. This trail wasn't there before, and now with the door gone. Something must be pushing her forward.

Her clutch on the rifle tightens. As it doesn't mean, she likes the idea of being led by something that she understands nothing.

Slowly, made her way forward.

Avoiding as much as the red liquid on the floor, with little success. She had no choice but to go to the next cart with the door now open for her went on through.

As she entered, the scene before her eyes continuously shifted and transformed. Like building blocks floating in the air to form a train car ahead that seemed to warp and distort, the metallic surfaces twisting unnaturally until they settled into the form of a dingy, decrepit passenger cart from ages past.

Everything looked old. The paints were peeling down to reveal its rusting interior walls, while the floor beneath was blanketed in a thick layer of grime and dust accumulated over decades of disuse.

An overwhelming sense of decay and abandonment pervaded the stale air within this decaying metal tomb.

Through the shattered windows, her gaze fell upon a world beyond, one that bore resemblance to the deserts and ruins of Abydos.

The girl instinctively took a step backwards, her mind struggling to process the surreal scene unfolding before her. That's when her gaze followed the crimson trail as it turned and meandered towards one of the tattered seat rows.

With mounting trepidation, she inched forward, small deliberate steps disrupting the thick blanket of dust and trash underfoot.

There, sprawled lifelessly across the ragged seats, lay the broken form of a blond man - his clothes soaked through with rapidly congealing blood from countless grievous wounds, made the man's already tattered blue and yellow jumpsuit stained in a dark red all over.

Jagged holes pocked his torso, pouring down a crimson pool beneath him, while part of his left had been savagely torn away, the chewed remnants left to rot on the floor, its fingers still defiantly held the grip of a pistol in its hand. The Faded blue eyes from the man she notice unseeingly stared at the rusted ceiling, forever frozen in an eternal rictus of agony.

His face was a grisly ruin, crisscrossed with deep lacerations and scorched by burns that had seared away any features to recognize him. The injuries were so severe that his visage more closely resembled a shredded, charred slab of meat than anything human - the result of unimaginable violence that had rendered him a grotesque mockery of his former self.

What soulless monster would do such a thing?

There was this unmistakable stench of death cloyed the stale air around the girl almost choked on, a putrid miasma of decay that threatened to overwhelm her senses. Slowly her body seizing up, frozen. Made her felt sick.

The sound of a sudden voice made her heart she felt go into a complete stop, filling her with an overwhelming sense of dread as she stared at the corpse.

"Now arriving Flagstaff Amtrak. Now arriving Flagstaff Amtrak. We advise to stay near the settlement for the foreseeable future as armed tribes from Ceasar's Legion party are spotted around the region."

She jumped and quickly looked around, taking her eyes off the corpse for a second.

Once her sight returns the man was gone.

The trail of crimson liquid went and disappeared as well.

Suddenly… "How did…"

With a sound of the door opening outside.

There were never any more reasons to stay here for her. Better anywhere than this place. She's already feeling creeped out as she stumbles out through the door.

…

Her disorienting journey through the door seemed to have dropped her in an entirely different place once more - one of a dense woodland sight far removed from the ocean world she knew.

Towering pines and oaks blotted out the sky above, their interlaced branches forming a verdant canopy that filtered the faint rays of sunlight into an emerald haze.

The loamy forest floor was blanketed in a plush carpet of moss, grass, and decaying leaves, muffling her steps as she continues. Thriving plant life permeated the cool air. All around her, she heard unseen woodland creatures scurried and rustled in the underbrush far away.

It was into this secluded forest paradise that her path appeared to lead - a small log cabin nestled in a small clearing ahead. Hewn from timber and stone, with a steeply pitched roof and a stone chimney trailing wisps of smoke, after that she went.

This looks cozy to stay in. Curls of fragrant wood-smoke wafted on the gentle breeze, mingling with the organic aromas of the forest. Certainly has its own charm.

As she approached, more details materialized - a rough-hewn porch flanked by rocking chairs, neatly stacked cords of split firewood, and a hitching post adorned with rusted tethers.

What is this place? She wonders. What was the point in all of this? Why let her see it?

She made her way up the wooden steps, each creaking loudly.

When she arrived at the door, she hesitated for a moment before raising her hand to knock.

She waited; and waited.

But no-one answered.

Now, Arona wasn't used to doing this type of things, but seeing as it is either more of the forest or stay inside something resembling a safe place to stay in this strange world, she went for the latter - the door handle.

Steeling herself, she grasped the iron handle and pulled the cabin door creaking open to reveal the humble interior beyond. As she stepped across the weathered threshold, a sense of reassuring normalcy washed over her.

This place actually made sense.

A main living area she stepped foot in was warm and inviting, with a stone fireplace commanding the space. Flames danced merrily within the hearth, casting a flickering golden glow across the rough-hewn log walls and ceiling beams. Overstuffed armchairs and a well-worn sofa faced the crackling fire.

Oil lamps and its electric counterpart along with flashlights perched on rough-hewn side tables with a lone golden badge.

The scents of wood-smoke, beeswax, and pine resin hung thick in the air.

A rifle. Lever action of sort perched on the wall above said fire place.

After a quick inspection of each room. Nothing seemed out of place. Even a ton of those strange "Nuka-Cola" bottles what she could only see as strange lined the shelves in a cupboard inside one in the kitchen.

Of course, the girl helped herself with one while returning to near the fireplace to sit and rest.

It tasted like lemon, orange, and a hint of banana and mango. Very sweet.

She supposes this is where she will be staying for a while… Fortunately; the place looks quite nice. Comfy to stay at.

At least until she finds her way back to her place.

Once she emptied the cola with a content smile, she places it at a nearby side table, where her eyes drawn themselves around the dull metallic object resting on the scarred tabletop, lifting it toward her gaze.

Faint rays of light filtered through the grime-caked windows to glint off its surface, revealing an intricately embossed badge.

The once-lustrous golden hue had long since tarnished to a dull, but the unmistakable star encircled within its border bore the carved lettering defiantly etched and still visible – despite the rust spreading.

"ARIZONA DESERT RANGERS"

...

"I don't understand… How could you let corporal Hernandez get away, weren't you hunting for him? And now, he's on his way back here from Mexico with all of his men all the way from Plomo and what half of he can gather raiders or mercenaries from across Sonora. He'll kill every one of us, no doubt."

"What are you afraid for, Nathan: Your life? You pay him for his protection for this town. What - thinking of switching to NCR threats 'stead of Banditos?"

"YES, I PAY him so he won't shoot everyone… massacre the men, rape the women and children while they burn what is left of this town to ashes. Like he does to those fools from Juarez that he calls his "brothers". While he forces them to search for some fantasy of pre-war gold. The NCR won't do any of those because they can't do anything at ALL. I'd rather have scum at my town to protect us from other scum and mutants than soldiers who doesn't have any ammo to spend, let alone have the training to shoot or the balls to do anything."

"Hernandez has no right to call anyone his brother, that there be an insult to them to be related with him."

"Well, don't you think? You don't tell him anything like that, especially at his face in front of his men. They're fanatics, can't you understand that?! Have you seen those flags they wear as mask or hoods? Mexico is a religion to them. They're lunatics masquerading colors of the old world - Like it even means something to us now."

"That's exactly the reason why I've got to do what I'm doing."

"But you can't do it alone."

"… I got all the help I need. Run along now, Nathan, get the people to church. Pray to god you'll come out without holes by sun-down."

"… Dios nos ayude..… (… God help us…)"

"With a Desert Rangers in charge, I'll make sure you'll sleep soundly tonight. That is if you can clean the mess I'll leave here before sundown."

…

"And as for you, Arona, can't reckon I remember you being here. So, what're ye think of doing here?"

How did she got here? Now stood what she looked to be a Wild West movie set.

A man in his mid-twenties pivoted towards Arona, a sly smirk tugging at the corners of his chapped lips as he shifted his hunched form on the dried dead log. His blue eyes were dead on staring at Arona - as if he had caught her for something she shouldn't have.

Like poking around where she isn't welcome.

"Little miss, I'd kindly suggest you make your way into that fine establishment over there. Things are about to get right ugly out here 'fore long. Best you don't linger to witness what's comin'. It ain't pretty."

A/N: Hello again. Back from finals and our capstone. I have to say I passed with flying colors except for Physics with a respectable average grade. So, now I get to relax and write again until next term comes lol.

Sorry for the long waits. Again, most of these are from the ground up since old ideas are gone. For now have this slow chapter before action by the next.

Now prepare for Abydos Arc next!

Also, congrats to the Anime! Still haven't watched it because I don't know where. But I do know we get a good view of (Sensei's) our ass and that's a good sign for me that'll be a good watch when it releases on my country.

Not good for my account is that I spent cash trying to pull for Ichika on her banner but since haven't gotten her.

Now the personal one shot request with the double Hoshino is almost done. Time for me to put my attention back to this story in full.

Kerrowe: Yep, the same wrecked house he camped out in when he first arrived in Kivotos, which is in Abydos to be more precise.

Dasgun: o_0

Mnass: Thanks. I actually wrote many things with Momoka and Ayumu to have them interact with 13 more but felt not to add them too early.