I hope everyone is doing well. Enjoy the chapter, and reviews are always welcomed and appreciated.

A couple of minutes later, everyone had calmed down and sat down on the bed. Mark sat in between Amata and Sarah, Amata on his right,Sarah on his left. "So, um, Sarah," Mark said, "how long ago was that picture taken?" Sarah scrunched up her face as she thought. "Well, it's gotta be close to twenty-four, twenty-five years ago or so, if I've done my math correctly." "And how old are you, Sarah?"

"Mark, you should know that you never ask a lady her age," Sarah said, trying but failing to maintain a serious façade. She laughed. "I'm kidding, Mark. I'm twenty-five. Born July 15th, 2252." Mark processed that information, not liking what he was coming up with. "Sarah, my dad left before you were born, didn't he?" Mark was praying that he was wrong, that his dad didn't knock up a girl and then abandon her before the kid was even born. He really hoped that he was wrong.

"Well, yes, but-" Mark groaned, and Amata gasped in shock. Noting the looks on their faces, Sarah continued. "It didn't happen like you think. He worked for the Followers, and he and my mom were good friends, and one day he told her that he and some of the Followers were heading east the next day. The way that my mom told it, they had a few drinks, and one thing led to another, and about nine months later, one Sarah Grace Weintraub was born. She said that she wasn't mad at him, that it was kind of her fault too for not being more careful."

Mark and Amata were both visibly relieved at this fact. "Well, Sarah," Mark said, "It looks like the conditions under which we were both conceived are extremely similar." Sarah looked at him, confusion evident on her face. Mark continued. "Apparently," he said, "the only way for my dad to conceive a child is to be drunk first, because I'm fairly certain that he was drunk the day that I was conceived as well." Amata snickered. "Did he actually tell you that?" Sarah asked. "No, but I have a holotape recording of him trying to get frisky with my mom while she was recording notes for something, and it was dated about nine months before I was born, so I believe my guess to be fairly sound."

"Did he just leave something like that lying around?" "Yeah, something like that, Sarah. Just don't ask where I found it. That's part of this whole other thing." "Ok," Sarah said, "can I ask you when your birthday is? I told you mine. It's only fair." "My birthday is May 16th, 2258," Mark said. "Mine is August 12th, 2258," Amata added. "Yeah, I thought that you guys looked younger than me. I guess that makes you my little bro," Sarah said, smiling and giving Mark a side-hug. Mark smiled. "Yeah, I guess it does, big sis." Everyone chuckled. "So, um, are your mom and dad somewhere in the area? I'd, uh, I'd really like to meet them."

Mark got a pained look in his eyes, and Sarah immediately got a bad feeling. Amata could sense his pain and started to rub his back. Mark looked down at the floor as he spoke. "No, Sarah, they're not. My mother, she, uh, she died a few minutes after giving birth to me. Heart attack. And my, well, I guess our father, he died about five months ago." Sarah's eyes filled with tears, due to both seeing her brother upset, and at a lost opportunity. She had lost her mother and adoptive father years ago, and she had secretly hoped one day to meet her biological father, even if it was highly unlikely that she would ever get the chance.

"How did, um, how did he die?" Sarah asked softly. Amata sat there listening, wondering what Mark would reveal regarding the circumstances surrounding James' death. He had told everyone at the 38 that James had died to protect him, but went no further than that. She thought Mark might reveal a bit more to his sister, or half-sister, technically, seeing as James was her biological father.

"He…he died saving me, Sarah. He died a hero." Sarah scooted closer to him and put a comforting arm around his shoulders. "I'm so sorry, Mark." "Thank you, Sarah. I appreciate it." Sarah didn't want to press for any more information about James' death. He would tell her when he was ready. "Could you, um, could you tell me about him? What was he like?" Mark attempted to compose himself, but was having trouble. "He was, um, he was…he was..."

Amata, sensing that Mark was having trouble speaking about it, spoke for him. "He was a great man, Sarah, and it was an honor and a privilege for me to have known him. He was kind, caring, selfless, and his moral and ethical values were far above reproach. Traits, I might add, that he just happened to pass on to his wonderful son." Amata laid her head on Mark's right shoulder. Mark took hold of her left hand, and that gave him the strength to speak. "Yes, he was all of those things. He was also a visionary. The Capital Wasteland owes him a debt that can never truly be repaid, not that he would ever ask it to be repaid to him. That was just the kind of guy that he was."

"Above all of that, though, he was a great father. The best father that a guy could ask for. I'm sure that if he knew of your existence, he would have found a way to come and see you. I know that he would've loved to meet you. Family was everything to him, and it is to me as well." "He…he sounded like a great man. I really wish that I could've gotten a chance to meet him, but I can tell that his spirit lives on in the two of you." She paused as an uneasy silence settled over the room. "I appreciate the two of you sharing that with me. I know that that couldn't have been easy for you guys."

Mark smiled and wiped away his tears. "No problem, Sarah. Why don't we move onto happier topics, though? Sarah, you should know that you're an aunt." Sarah gasped. "I am?" "Yup," Amata said. "We adopted a seven-year-old girl named Abigail Celeste Fields, although she prefers to be called Abby. Oh, and I'm also pregnant." Amata flattened her dress and showed Sarah the baby bump. "How far along are you?" Sarah asked. "About two months. It was a bit of a surprise, but we couldn't be happier." "So, where is my niece? I want to meet her."

"She's across the street with some friends of ours at the Lucky 38," Mark replied. "And before you ask, yes, I am the Courier that everyone's been talking about." Sarah's eyes widened. "Really?" Mark and Amata both nodded. "Oh my god, this is one of the best night nights of my life!" Tears fell from her eyes again, but the smile on her face indicated that these were tears of joy. "Not only do I find a brother that I never knew I had, but he's also the freaking Courier. I also have a sister-in-law, a niece, and another niece or nephew on the way." She started fanning her face with her hands. "I…I'm just so happy! This is awesome!" Mark and Amata both had wide grins at Sarah's enthusiasm.

Sarah wiped the tears away with a sleeve of her jumpsuit. A silence descended over the room. Mark then looked at Amata. "Amata, I'm sorry. This wasn't exactly the date night that I had planned on." She chuckled. "It's okay, Mark. I don't think any of us could've predicted that this would happen. Besides, the night is still young." They gazed into each other's eyes, making Sarah feel like she was intruding on a private moment. She then got an idea, and stood up. "Hey, guys," Sarah said, trying to get their attention.

They looked at Sarah. "Sorry, Sarah," Amata said, "were you saying something?" "Well, kind of. If you'll just come with me, I'd like to do something for the two of you." Sarah was out the door before they could respond, so they got up and followed her. She led them through the atrium and back into the diner. Sarah walked up to the counter, where there was a young woman with long black hair, wearing a vault jumpsuit standing near the register. "Hey, Susan, how's it going?" The woman smiled. "Not bad, Sarah. What can I do for you?" "Well, I just wanted to let you know that their," she said, indicating Mark and Amata, who were standing behind her, "dinner for this evening is on the house, drinks and all."

"Sarah, that is not necessary," Mark objected. "We have plenty of caps. We can pay for our own dinner." "He's right, Sarah," Amata added. "No," Sarah said, holding out a hand to stop any further protest, "I insist. Consider it partly as a late wedding gift, and partly as an apology for me taking time away from your date night." "Sarah," Mark said, "you don't have to apologize for that, because there's nothing to apologize for. I know we just met and all, but you should know that the two of us always have time for family."

"I know," Sarah said, "and I appreciate it, but I still feel bad. So, please, enjoy. I need to get back to the front desk, anyway. I am the manager, after all. I have to set an example for the other employees. If you need anything, and I mean anything, please do not hesitate to come find me. Enjoy the rest of your night. How about we have breakfast together tomorrow? Say, around eight?" "That'll be fine, Sarah, and thank you," Amata said. "No problem," Sarah replied. She then gave each of them a hug and then headed out of the diner. Mark and Amata looked at each other, both shrugging simultaneously. They then looked at the cashier, who had watched their exchange with Sarah curiously.

"So, uh, Susan, right?" Amata said, speaking to the cashier. The woman nodded. "What's on the menu?" She handed the two of them a sheet of paper, listing their food and drink options. It was a pretty good selection. "Ok," Mark said after a minute or so, "I'll have a bighorner steak, some mutfruit, and a Nuka-Cola please." Susan wrote it down on a pad. "And for you, miss?" "I'll have a…a gecko steak, some banana yucca fruit, and I'll have a Nuka-Cola as well, please." They handed the menu back to her. "Wonderful. I'll put that right in for you. Please have a seat anywhere, and I'll bring you your drinks in a minute."

They thanked her, and then took a booth in the corner. They waited for their drinks in silence, listening to the activities of the vault-turned-hotel. Susan brought them their drinks a minute later. "So, this diner is certainly bringing back some memories, isn't it?" Amata asked, looking around. "Yeah," Mark replied, frowning slightly, "some good, and some…not so good." Mark's mind went back to the night he escaped from the vault, seeing Agnes Taylor's body on the ground of Vault 101's diner.

Amata, realizing where his mind was going to, snapped her fingers in front of his face. "Hey, none of that. I get it. I saw Mrs. Taylor's body, too. She died of a heart attack, Mark, and you know that already. There was nothing that you could've done, so there's no point in going down that road. That whole situation was chaotic. What you need to do is remember the good times we had in our diner. Like…oh! Remember the time we had that food fight with the other kids when we were eleven?"

Mark smiled as he remembered that. "Oh, yeah. I remember that your dad was pissed." "Yes, yes he was. And it was not fun trying to get all the mac and cheese out of my hair while I got a lecture from him about not wasting food. I also remember that a certain someone licked some mashed potatoes off my face." "Well, it was still food, and I was hungry. Besides, a face that beautiful shouldn't be covered up by anything, although I'll make an exception for that lipstick."

She smiled. "You always know just what to say, don't you?" "Well, as I recall, someone did tell me that I have a talented tongue. One that will hopefully be put to good use later this evening," Mark said, grinning. Amata blushed, and then they descended into a comfortable silence. A couple of minutes later, Mark spoke again. "My life can't be normal, can it?" "No, probably not, but whoever said that normal was a good thing? Personally, I like a little bit of excitement in my life, and excitement is drawn to you like bloatflies to a rotting brahmin corpse."

"Yeah, you're right, as usual." "So, um, did your dad ever mention anything about being from out here?" Mark thought back. "Well, I mean, he obviously couldn't tell me anything when we were in Vault 101, so the only time we got to talk about anything like that was when we went from Vault 112 to the purifier. All he told me about his life was that he did come from somewhere near the west coast, and came east with a group of doctors. Most of the conversation revolved around Project Purity, since that was the pressing concern. I was naïve and thought that we'd have more time to talk about his life. I would've been right, too, if the fucking Enclave hadn't interfered."

Amata could see him getting worked up, so she gently rubbed circles on the back of his right hand. "Hey, calm down. I know that that's still a sore spot for you, but we're on a date right now, and I was promised a romantic evening, and I intend to hold you to that." The scowl on his face transformed into a smile. "You're right, I'm sorry. Forgive me." He held her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "You're forgiven," Amata said.

"You know," Amata continued after a moment, "something just occurred to me." "What?" "Well, when Sarah asked if we were from a vault, wouldn't our pip-boys be dead giveaways that we were?" Mark thought about it, and realized that she was right. He shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe she just didn't notice, or maybe she thought that we had found them scavenging or something. I honestly don't think that it really matters in the long run." "I know," Amata said, "but it was bugging me for some reason."

A few minutes later, their food came. They then ate, enjoying the food and each other's company. Once thy were done, Mark stood up. "Would you care to dance, oh beautiful and charming wife of mine?" She smiled and stood up as well. "Oh, you certainly are laying it on thick tonight, aren't you?" "Is it working?" "Yes, it is, and yes, I would love to dance."

Amata left a few caps on the table as a tip, and then was led by Mark into the atrium. She went and put her bag in their room, and then joined Mark in an open area of the atrium, away from the card tables. "So, what shall we be dancing to?" Amata asked. Mark was looking through his pip-boy. "Well, how about a bit of music from back home, courtesy of the all-powerful Three Dog?" Three Dog had allowed Mark to load the various songs that played on Galaxy News Radio onto his pip-boy before he left DC. Mark missed the charismatic DJ and his signature howling.

Amata laughed. "Sounds like a plan. Which songs did you have in mind?" Mark set a few of them to play in a row. "That's for me to know, and you to find out." The first song began to play as they held each other and started to dance.

"I don't want to set the world on fire

I just want to start

A flame in your heart

In my heart, I have but one desire

And that one is you

No other will do

I've lost all ambition for worldly acclaim

I just want to be the one you love

And with your admission that you'll feel the same

I'll have reached the goal I'm dreaming of…"

As they danced, the other patrons began to watch them, although Mark and Amata paid them no notice, only having eyes for one another. Once that song was finished, the next song, "Crazy He Calls Me," came on. While they danced to that, Amata asked Mark, "do you think that we should check on Abby?" "No. She'll be fine, babe. She's in a virtually impenetrable casino, guarded by Securitrons, ED-E, and five people who adore her, three of those people having military training, and all of whom have access to a plethora of high-powered weaponry. Plus, Arcade can deal with any medical stuff if the need arises."

"I know that it's your first night away from her since you found her, and you're nervous. So am I, to be honest, but the others can handle things without us for one night." "Yeah, I guess you're right. Let's just enjoy ourselves." She paused for a moment. "Abby's gonna manipulate all of them, isn't she?" Mark chuckled. "Oh, I'm counting on it. But, you know, as her parents, we had to lay down the law and all that."

The next song, "Bingo, Bango, Bongo," was a bit faster than the first two songs, so they changed their movements to keep in time with the music, Mark twirling Amata a couple of times. They were both clearly enjoying themselves. They had attracted a crowd, including Sarah, who was leaning against the doorframe, having come down to see what the commotion was. She watched her half-brother and sister-in-law dance to music that she was unfamiliar with, although it was very catchy. They were clearly having a wonderful time, and watching them made her smile. To her, the two of them looked like they were made for each other.

Once that song finished, Mark paused the music so that they could catch their breath. That was when they finally noticed everyone looking at them. "Well," Mark said, "looks like we attracted a crowd. Due to your radiant beauty, no doubt." Amata blushed. "You keep talking like that and I'll give these people something else to watch," giving him a saucy wink. Mark laughed. "Oh, what would your father say if he heard you talking like that?" Mark asked, clearly joking. "He could say whatever he wanted, but I am a grown woman, and I will say and do whatever I please. For example…" Amata pulled Mark in and gave him a searing kiss. Once she pulled away, she noticed Sarah looking at them from the doorway. Sarah gave her a small wave. Amata returned it, and then got an idea.

"Mark," Amata said quietly, "I think that you should ask Sarah to dance." "What? Amata, no. I know we just had this whole big, emotional thing, but tonight's all about us. We both deserve it." "I know, and you've been a perfect gentleman all evening, and I'm very proud of you. Sarah's family, Mark, and I remember you telling her that we always make time for family. Besides, I need to rest my feet for a few minutes." She pushed him slightly. "Now go ask your sister to dance. That's an order."

Mark realized that she had a point, and that it would be nice to dance with Sarah, so he walked towards the staircase, which Sarah had already started walking up again. She was about halfway up when Mark got over there. "Sarah, wait." She turned around and looked at him. "Yeah, Mark?" Mark climbed up close to her, extending a hand. "Can I interest you in a dance?" She became flustered and started to stammer. "No, Mark, I…you and Amata…I, I couldn't…" Mark gave her a reassuring smile.

"Sarah, it's okay. Amata said that he needs to rest for a bit, but I still feel like dancing. I told you that I always have time for family, and I believe that dancing with my sister falls into that category. Please, Sarah, it would mean a lot to me. Just one dance. That's all I ask." Sarah looked into his eyes and saw nothing but honesty in them. With him being such a gentleman, Sarah could no longer refuse. "Ok, Mark." She extended her hand, with him taking it and leading her back down the stairs.

The crowd had mostly dispersed, leaving Amata sitting at the tables, and a couple of others on the other side of the atrium. Sarah saw Amata smiling at the two of them. Sarah raised an eyebrow and jerked her head slightly in Mark's direction, silently asking if this was okay with her. Amata nodded, giving Sarah the go-ahead. That put Sarah's mind at ease.

They went over to the area that Mark and Amata had recently occupied. "Do you have any preferences, Sarah? Slow? Fast? Somewhere in-between?" "Uh, somewhere in-between, I guess. Just so you know, it's been a while since I danced last, and honestly, I'm not really that good." "I'm sure you'll do fine, Sarah. Just feel the rhythm of the music and go with it." Mark looked through the songs, and found one that would be perfect:

"Times have changed

And we've often rewound the clock

Since the Puritans got a shock

When they landed on Plymouth Rock

If today

Any shock they should try to stem

'Stead of landing on Plymouth Rock

Plymouth Rock would land on them…"

True, Sarah wasn't the greatest dancer, but Mark enjoyed dancing with her, and she with him, once she loosened up a bit. "Wow, you were really good," Sarah said once the song ended. "Well, constantly dodging bullets forces you to be quick on your feet, and believe me, I've had to dodge a lot of them. You weren't so bad yourself, either." Mark then gave her a short bow, and then lightly kissed the back of her right hand. "Thank you for dancing with me this evening, my dear sister Sarah. You are an absolutely lovely woman, and I look forward to our breakfast in the morning to continue to learn more about you." Sarah giggled and blushed profusely.

"Me…me too, Mark. Now, I really do need to get back to the front desk." Mark nodded. "Well then, do not let me keep you." Sarah gave him a quick hug and then headed back towards the stairs. As she did, she looked over at Amata, who was looking at her while sporting a big grin. 'Thank you,' Sarah mouthed. Amata gave her a thumbs up, and then Sarah headed up the stairs, a beaming smile on her face.

Mark went to sit down next to Amata. "I think that you made her night, Mark, more so than you already had, and you certainly looked like you were enjoying yourself." "Well, it's kind of hard to not enjoy myself when I get to dance with the two most beautiful women in the entire world." She kissed him. "Come on, Romeo, let's go dance some more." "Your wish is my command, Juliet." She rolled her eyes and smiled. "Smartass." They danced for a little while longer before they retired to their room for the evening. They spent the remainder of their evening making love and then talking about inconsequential things before they both fell asleep around 10:30 PM.

(The next morning)

After sharing a shower, Mark and Amata met Sarah for breakfast at 8 AM, as promised. Sarah was already waiting for them as they entered. She stood up from the booth and gave them both a hug. "Good morning, you two." "Good morning, Sarah," Amata said. "Morning, sis," Mark said as they all sat down. "Did the two of you sleep well?" "Yes, Sarah, we slept extremely well," Mark said, grinning at Amata. Amata swatted Mark on the shoulder. "Cut it out, you." Susan came over and took their orders. "Mark," Sarah said as Susan walked away, "I really enjoyed our dance last night. He was quite the gentleman, Amata. It seems that you've trained him well."

"Yes, it is some of my finest work, if I do say so myself," Amata said, taking a sip of water. Mark didn't respond to that, instead directing a question to Sarah. "So, Sarah, do you have a boyfriend? Or girlfriend? Not that it matters to us which team that you play for." Amata nodded in agreement. "And what if I play for both teams?" Sarah teased. Mark and Amata both laughed. "Doesn't matter, Sarah. As long as you're happy," Mark said. "No, I'm straight. I did, um, experiment once, but that was a long time ago, and it really wasn't for me. And, no, I don't have a boyfriend." Mark was surprised. "Really? I'd have thought that guys would be lining up to have the chance to be your boyfriend."

Sarah blushed. "That's sweet of you to say, Mark. It's just, you know, kind of hard to form any type of relationship with anyone that comes through here when they only stay for a night or two." "Well, what about outside of the vault?" Amata asked. "Yeah, I, um, I've never actually left the vault. Like, ever." She looked ashamed. "Sarah, are you agoraphobic?" Mark asked. She nodded and looked down at her lap. "I know, it's stupid, right? Of all the things to be afraid of," Sarah answered in a self-depreciating tone of voice. She expected them to look at her with pity, but when she looked up, she saw nothing but concern for her.

"Sarah," Mark said, "you don't have to be ashamed. Being afraid of open spaces is a legitimate fear. You grew up in a vault, got comfortable, and just didn't want to go outside. Neither of us think any less of you." "What about you two? You guys grew up in a vault. Were you ever scared to go outside?" Mark and Amata looked at each other, having another silent conversation. Sarah was treading close to topic they weren't ready to discuss. "Well, yes and no," Amata answered. "That's a story for another day. You know, in all of the excitement of last night, you never told us anything about your family."

The food came at that moment. "She's right, Sarah," Mark said. "You heard about mine, and I'd very much like to hear about yours." So, Sarah told them of her life growing up in the vault with her younger brother, Sheldon, who was also technically her half-brother, her mother, Emily, and her adoptive father, David. Her mother was a doctor, her father an NCR trooper. How the two of them had fallen in love. They were happy, even when Sarah learned that David was not her biological father.

David had died in the line of duty when Sarah was 16, and her mother died of cancer just a few months later. Then came the situation with House a couple years later, with her brother adopting the name "Michael Angelo," and being forced to move into the workshop next door, creating any signs that House needed. Her brother was also agoraphobic, so it had been a few years since she actually saw or spoke to him. The only communication that they had was sending messages via computer. She said that she enjoyed being the manager, even though they had to give fifty percent of their revenue to House.

"So, yeah, that's basically been my life up to this point. Honestly, I really can't complain that much," Sarah said in conclusion. "We're sorry about your parents, Sarah," Mark said. "Thank you. And, um, thanks for listening. No one that comes through here really cares about my past," Sarah said. "Well," Mark said, "we're family, and that's what we do for each other." "Sarah, does your brother still have his pip-boy?" Amata asked. "As far as I know. Why?" Amata looked at Mark, and Mark nodded.

"Sarah," Mark said, "what would you say if there was a way for you to be able to actually, like actually talk to Sheldon without either of you having to step outside?" "Mark, if you could like really, seriously do that, then I would love you forever." She had longed to hear her brother's voice since the day he left. The messages were nice, but it was hard to convey emotions with only words on a computer screen.

Mark grinned at her. "Well, then you are in luck, Sarah, because our pip-boys," Mark said, motioning to his and Amata's, "along with our friend Veronica's, have been modified so that we can send messages, talk to one another, and track where the others are. So, if you want, we could do that to the two of yours so that you could talk to Sheldon again." Tears formed in Sarah's eyes, and she was on the verge of hyperventilating, so she took a sip of water to help calm herself down. "Mark, I- I would absolutely love it if you could do that."

"Well, Sarah, then you can consider it done. It might be a couple of days before we can get back here, though. We have some business to take care of that we've ignored for far too long. Also, we will need you to contact your brother and let him know that we're coming." "Trust me, the delay is fine. Waiting a couple more days won't hurt, and I can guarantee that I will be sending him the longest message that I've ever sent. I wanted to send one last night, but I wanted to get to know you guys better first. Sheldon's a great guy. I know you two will love him." "I'm sure we will, Sarah," Amata said.

She then checked her pip-boy. It was a little after 9 AM. "Mark, we should really be getting back." Mark checked his own pip-boy. "Yeah, you're right, we probably should. Time to see how our babysitters performed." Mark stood up and then helped Amata to her feet. Amata swung her satchel over her shoulder. "Do you mind if I walk with you to the door?" Sarah asked as she stood up as well. "Not at all, Sarah," Amata answered.

The three of them made it up to the lobby. "Thank you for the wonderful time, Sarah," Amata said as they stood at the door. "Oh, it was my pleasure to have you two here," Sarah said as she gave each of them a hug. "You two are welcome back here anytime. I'll even keep that room you stayed in reserved for you both, so you now have your own room here as well." "Thanks, Sarah," Mark said, "and just so you know, if you ever need anything, or need help with anything, all you have to do is ask, and if it is within my power to do it, it'll get done."

"Thanks. Hey, wait, you two never told me about growing up in your vault." "Oh, you're right Sarah, we're sorry," Amata said, looking a bit sheepish. "We'll tell you next time, we promise." Sarah smiled. "Ok, that sounds good. Next time you come, could you bring Abby as well?" Mark nodded. "Definitely. I'm sure she'll be thrilled to meet you." The three of them then said their goodbyes, Amata and Mark heading back to the 38, while Sarah made a mad dash to the computer in her room.

They stepped off the elevator into the Presidential Suite. There was no noise, so they looked around. They first stopped at Abby's room, noting that the door was slightly ajar. They looked in and saw one of the funniest, and most adorable things that they had ever seen. Veronica, Christine, Arcade, and Abby were all sleeping in the same bed, albeit in different positions. Veronica had her head on one of the pillows, laying on her back, with Abby sleeping on top of her, Veronica's armed wrapped securely around her. Arcade was sleeping next to her, although on his stomach, his face partially obscured by the pillow. Mark saw that he still had his glasses on, and they could hear a faint snore. Christine was laying across the edge of the bed, one of her arms being used as a pillow while the other was hanging off the edge of the bed.

Both Mark and Amata stifled chuckles at the scene. Not wanting to disturb them, Amata quietly closed the door. They passed by the game room, and saw Boone and Cass sleeping near the bar. Boone had his head on the bar itself, while Cass had apparently fallen off her stool, lying on her stomach on the floor, hair askew, a small puddle of drool near her mouth. When they saw the multitude of bottles and shot glasses on the bar and floor, and it didn't take a genius to figure out they had had a drinking contest the previous night.

They went to their room, wondering how ED-E had gotten trapped in there. He beeped and then flew out into the hallway. Mark just shook his head and closed the door. "Well, it seems like we weren't the only ones who had a good night last night," Amata said as she took a seat on the couch. "I just wish we had a camera for that scene in Abby's room. That was adorable." Mark took a seat next to her and put an arm around her. "Yeah, that would've been a nice keepsake, but the opportunity for teasing is still endless. I'm already imagining the possibilities."

Amata saw the grin on his face. He certainly was. "Mark," Amata said, her voice becoming more serious, "you really need to tell me about what House said to you yesterday." Mark sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He had been expecting this, but it wasn't making it any easier. He stood up and started pacing in front of the couch. "I…it's complicated, babe. There are a lot of different factors in play. What he wants me to do, it affects a lot of things, a lot of people." "Well then talk to me, Mark. It's what I'm here for. It's what husbands and wives do, to be a sounding board for each other. Tell me what's going on, and maybe I can uncomplicate things."

He really didn't want to do this here, but she was right. He had to tell her at some point, and he knew that she wasn't going to let it go. He sat back down next to her. "Ok. The thing is, House wants me to-" Mark was interrupted with a knock on the door. He let out a sigh of relief. "Come in," he quickly called out. The door opened, and a missile with blonde hair ran over to them, leaping into Mark's lap. Unfortunately, one of her knees caught him square in the groin. He muffled a painful groan. "Mommy! Daddy! I missed you!" Amata took her from Mark, realizing what Abby had inadvertently done.

"We missed you too, Abby," Amata said as she gave the girl a kiss. She looked up and saw Arcade and Veronica standing in the doorway. Amata motioned for them to come in and sit on the other couch. "Did you have fun?" Amata asked the young girl. Abby gave a big smile. "Oh yeah, we had tons of fun. Auntie Ronnie showed me how her power fist works, and we made shadow puppets, and we played truth or dare." She grinned mischievously. "I dared Mister Arcade to kiss Auntie Ronnie…on the lips." Both Mark and Amata burst out laughing, Mark having recovered from his earlier injury. Arcade and Veronica both blushed and looked away from each other.

"Oh, Arcade," Mark said through his laughter, "is that why we found you in bed with Christine and Veronica? Couldn't get enough, so you worked the ol' Gannon charm on 'em?" Arcade was sputtering, making Veronica laugh as well. Veronica slapped Arcade on the back. "Yeah, he was a real smooth talker. Took almost no time at all to get us fair maidens into bed with him." Arcade simply smiled and shook his head, taking the good-natured ribbing in stride. Amata decided that he had been embarrassed enough. "Ok, Abby, so what else happened?" "Mister Arcade said I had been good, so he gave me a Nuka-Cola, and a Fancy Lads Snack Cake, and then another Nuka-Cola, and then I ran around for a while, and then I got really tired and I think I fell asleep. It was really late."

Amata stared at Arcade and Veronica. "How late did she go to bed, exactly?" "All you, Arcade. You were in charge, after all," Veronica said. Arcade glared at her, while she just smiled innocently. He looked back at Amata and mumbled something. "Sorry, what was that, Arcade?" Mark asked. "10:30," Arcade said. "10:30, Arcade? 10:30?" Amata chastised. Mark put a hand on her shoulder to calm her down before she started to go on a rant. "Babe, let him explain." He looked at Arcade. "Arcade, explain."

"Well, like she said, she had been really good, so you know, I thought that she deserved a treat. So, I gave her the soda and the snack, but then she wanted another soda. I said no, but, she pouted and gave me those puppy-dog eyes, and that look, it was like she was staring into my soul. I couldn't resist. It was like, 7:30 at this point, and I realized too late that she wouldn't be able to work the sugar out of her system in time for 8:30, so we let her stay up until it wore off, but I didn't think that it would take three hours. We played with her, and when she finally got tired, she wanted to hear a story, so the three of us just made one up on the spot, and then I guess we all just fell asleep."

He chuckled. "I don't know how the hell the two of you can resist that look." Mark and Amata both gave Abby a kiss. "it's very easy, Arcade," Mark said. "Amata's been giving me that same look our entire lives, so I'm more or less immune, and since she's the one giving it, it doesn't work on her. You, however, fell for it, hook, line, and sinker." Arcade chuckled. "Outsmarted by a seven-year-old…not my finest moment. No matter, I guess. How was your date?" "Yeah," Veronica said, "I want details, so spill."

"It was very romantic," Amata said. "We had a very nice dinner, we danced, and then we, um-" Amata was looking to phrase this so Abby wouldn't get the gist of it, "-had some quality time to ourselves. It was very enjoyable." "Oh, I'm sure it was," Veronica said, smirking at Mark and Amata. "So, was that it?" Amata looked at Mark. "You want to tell them?" "Ok. Veronica, do you remember that woman who runs Vault 21, Sarah Weintraub?" Veronica nodded. "Yeah, I remember her." "I assume that you met her before I met you guys?" Arcade queried.

"Yeah, we met her the first night we came to Vegas. We met you the next day. Well, it turns out that she just happens to be my sister. Well, half-sister, if you want to get technical about it." Both Veronica and Arcade had shocked looks on their faces, while Abby looked curious. There was silence for a few moments, until Abby broke it. "So, she would be my auntie, too, right?" Amata smiled. "Very good, Abby. Yes, she is your aunt, and the next time we go over, she wants to meet you."

"Wait, wait, hang on a second," Veronica said. "How exactly is that possible? You said you guys came from DC." "Which is one-hundred percent true, Veronica. Both Amata and myself were born in Washington, DC. It turns out that my dad, however, was not. According to what Sarah told me, he worked for the Followers at one point, and he and her mother were friends. Some of the Followers were heading east, so the day before they left, the two of them had a bit of a, um, fun night, if you will." "Why was it fun?" Abby asked. "Did they play games?" "Oh yeah, Abby they played some games, alright," Veronica said, attempting to hold in her laughter.

"Quiet, Veronica," Amata said. "So," Arcade asked, "how exactly did you find this out?" "Completely by accident. We saw a picture in her room of my dad and her mother that was taken about twenty-five years ago or so. We questioned Sarah about it, and she told us what we just told you. Amata even noticed that our facial structures were similar, further lending credence to the story." "She's a very nice woman, and she has a brother named Sheldon, who goes by the name Michael Angelo and works in the building next door to the Vault. She even gave us dinner on the house, and upon my insistence, she and Mark shared a dance," Amata said.

"Hang on, can we back up for a minute?" Veronica asked. "You said that Sarah told you that all of that stuff. Didn't your dad tell you any of that?" Mark cursed himself internally for that slip of the tongue. He rubbed his temple before he explained. "There were mitigating factors that prevented me from learning about that information." "Such as?" Veronica queried. Mark shook his head. "Nothing that I feel like talking about right now."

He then stood up and took Abby from Amata. "Come on, Abby, I'll make you some breakfast. How do eggs sound?" "Eggs sound yummy. Can I help you make them, daddy?" she asked excitedly. Mark smiled. "Sure, sweetheart. Come on, let's go make some yummy-in-the-tummy eggs." Mark hoisted her up so she was sitting on his shoulders. She giggled as they exited the room, Mark having to crouch down slightly so Abby didn't hit her head.

Amata watched the two of them, a beaming smile on her face, a few tears in her eyes. She knew that Mark would make a great father, and she was right. The two of them had developed a strong bond in such a short time. She looked at them, and compared that to her relationship with her own father. Even though Mark had responsibilities, he still made time to have fun, with her and Abby. Her own dad, she mused, probably wouldn't know fun if it bit him in the ass. Sure, he played with her occasionally, but most of the time she had with him was him grooming her to take over as Overseer one day. Yes, she liked spending time with him, but she couldn't help but feel that he enjoyed being the Overseer more than being her father.

Amata was broken out of her reverie when she realized that Arcade and Veronica were staring at her. "Sorry, did one of you say something?" "Yeah," Veronica said, "I assume you know what those "mitigating factors" are?" "Yes, I know exactly what they are, and no, I will not betray his confidences and reveal them. Now, if you wouldn't mind, I have some things to do, so I'm going to need both of you to, uh, get out," Amata said as she stood up and walked over near the door. Once Veronica and Arcade both left, she shut the door.

(1 hour later)

Boone and Cass both eventually woke up, Mark having ED-E blast his marching music to do so. Everyone but the two of them found it funny, with Cass threatening to scrap ED-E for parts. Once everyone was in the kitchen, he informed Boone, Cass, and Christine about Sarah Weintraub being his half-sister, although he would just be calling her his sister. "What does that mean, how can ya have half of a sister?" Cass asked. "It means that they share a common parent, Cass," Veronica explained. "In this case it was his father." "Thank you, Veronica. Oh, and we need to talk later about something that I need your help with." She nodded.

He then turned his attention to the entire group. "Ok. There are some things that need to get done today that have been put off far longer than they should have been. I need to go to McCarran to meet with Colonel Hsu and then head over to the Crimson Caravan compound to deal with them eliminating caravans, more specifically, Cassidy Caravans." "What's that about?" Christine asked. "Oh, right, sorry, you weren't here for that. I'll explain later," Mark said. "Amata was also in the process of taking care of something for the King when she found Abby, so that needs to get done as well."

He looked around the room. "I know that ED-E and Cass were with Amata when she was working on that, and technically, I could handle the situation with McLafferty myself, but I think that we all need to go out, and I mean everyone. Before any of you ask, I will explain. The fact of the matter is that we are a team, and as such, we need to watch each other's backs with the numerous threats that exist, the Legion being one example. And I also think that Abby could use some fresh air." There was also another reason, but he wasn't ready to reveal that yet.

"So, here's what I'm thinking. I would like Boone and Arcade to come with me to McCarran. Amata, I would like Cass and Christine to go with you." "And what will I be doing, oh captain, my captain?" Veronica asked. "I was getting to that, Veronica. And I wasn't aware you know anything by Walt Whitman. You, Abby, and ED-E will be staying at the King's HQ, assuming the King gives us permission to do so." "And what if he doesn't?" Arcade asked. "Well, then, I'll have Amata and Abby give him puppy-dog eyes. Under that combined power, he doesn't stand a chance." He heard Abby giggle, so he leaned over and gave her a kiss.

"Does anyone have any questions about the groupings?" Christine spoke. "Is there any particular reason that the group I'm in is all women, and yours is all men?" "Yes, there is, but it has nothing to do with you being a woman. I am not sexist in any way, shape, or form. It is because Cass was originally with Amata when they were first doing what the King asked them to do. I would like you to go with them as added protection, and because we are going to an NCR base. You've settled your issues with Boone, but you may still have lingering issues with the NCR as a whole, and while I'm sure that you could control yourself, I'd rather not risk it on a base full of NCR soldiers." She nodded, her curiosity having been sated.

"Mark," Amata said, "I think you should just explain your reasoning as a whole." Mark nodded. "Ok. I'd like Boone to come with me because he is an NCR soldier, and would likely feel more comfortable there. As for Arcade, well, I just enjoy his company." "Thank you, Mark, I enjoy yours as well," Arcade said. "You're welcome, Arcade. Onto the final group. Obviously, Abby is too young to go "into the field," so to speak." Abby huffed at that statement.

"ED-E, because he and Abby basically go everywhere together anyway. And Veronica, you have a pip-boy, so that way we have a pip-boy with each group in case something pops up. And I figured that if I asked for a volunteer to stay with Abby, you would be the first one to volunteer anyway. Right Veronica?" Everyone looked at her. She rolled her eyes. "Yes, Mark, you're right, but you don't have to be so smug about it." "Wonderful. Let's leave in, say, an hour. Anyone have any problems with that?" He got no objections.

A little over an hour later, everyone was gathered at the gate that separated Freeside from the Strip. Mark had them hold so he could talk to Abby. He took off his helmet and crouched down to get on the young girl's eye level. "Ok, Abby, do you remember what your mom and I told you earlier?" She nodded. "I will hold Auntie Ronnie's hand, and the rest of you will form a circle around us. I am to follow any directions given to me by any of you. If there is an attack, Auntie Ronne will take me and hide if necessary. If Auntie Ronnie can't, I will go to the nearest one of you. If none of you are able, I will run to the King's headquarters or back to the Strip, whichever is closer, with ED-E as my guard. If I go back to the Strip, I am to go to Vault 21 and find Sarah Weintraub."

Mark nodded and smiled. "Very good, sweetheart. I don't expect anything to happen, but it's always nice to have a plan in case something does." Abby looked nervously at the gate. Mark sensed that she was a bit apprehensive about going back into Freeside. Mark put a hand on her shoulder. "Abby, I know that the last time that you went into Freeside, you had just lost your parents, and you were all alone, and scared. Well, you're not alone this time. We're all here for you." Abby looked at the rest of the group, who were all giving her reassuring smiles. She looked back at Mark, and gave Mark a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, daddy. I think I'm ready." Mark kissed her. "Ok then."

They arrived at the King's HQ without incident, where the King did allow Veronica, Abby, and ED-E to stay. Amata explained why she had yet to complete the task the he had given her. He waved it off, saying that it was no problem. Once they left, Mark announced that he and Amata needed to stop at the Old Mormon Fort to speak with Julie Farkas, before the two groups went their separate ways. Christine, Boone, and Cass elected to wait at the gate, while Arcade, Amata, and Mark went in search of Julie, finding her in her office. She was sitting at her desk, looking over some papers when she saw them in the doorway.

"Mark, Amata, Arcade, it's nice to see all of you. How are you doing? For that matter, how is that girl, um, Abigail, how is she doing?" "We're fine, and she's fine, Julie, thank you for asking," Mark said. "We actually wanted to talk to you about her, if you have a few moments to spare." "Of course. Please, have a seat." There only being two other seats, Mark and Amata sat down while Arcade stood behind them. "Ok," Julie said, "so, how can I help you?" "Julie," Amata said, "did you ever know a woman by the name "Hannah Knight?"" Julie smiled and stared off in the distance. "Yeah, I knew her. Haven't seen her in ages, though." She looked back at them.

"Why are you asking about her? Do you know her?" "Uh, sort of. Do you remember what she looked like?" Julie thought. "Interestingly enough, I do, even though it has been years since I've seen her. She had long blonde hair and these vibrant green eyes. I'm still confused on how this relates to the young girl that I treated a week ago, though." "Julie," Mark said, "do you remember what Abigail looks like?" "Yeah. She had blonde hair and…green eyes…" She trailed off and leaned back in her chair, running a hand over her face. "That was Hannah's daughter, wasn't it?"

She got three nods in affirmation. A look of frustration crossed Julie's face as she banged her fist on her desk. "I should've realized it. I should've fucking realized it." "Julie," Arcade said, "it was eight years ago. A lot of things have happened since then. Besides, you probably weren't even aware that she had a daughter." Julie sighed. "I know, Arcade, but still, she was a good friend, and I feel like an idiot for not recognizing how similar she looks to her mother."

It was then something dawned on her. "Amata, you said that her parents were dead, right? So that must mean…" Amata nodded somberly. "Yeah, Julie. I'm sorry." Julie began to tear up a bit. "How?" she asked. Mark gave Julie a brief synopsis of what Abby told them. "Oh, that poor girl. Sometimes life can be so cruel." She shook her head. "Julie," Mark said, "we were actually hoping that you could tell us more about Hannah. Abby told us a bit, but she was in a bit of an emotional state, and we didn't want to press."

"Of course. She was a lovely woman. Intelligent as they come, and had a heart of gold. She came in here one day and asked if there was anything that she could do to help us out. We found that we could put her skills to good use by having her talk with the patients, you know, to take their minds off their various ailments. She was quite good at it, too. She became good friends with the Kings, the other doctors like myself, and a few of the locals as well. A few of the guys hit on her, but she refused their advances, some with force if necessary."

"A while had passed, and then she had met Chris. I don't ever remember her being happier. It was like she had a permanent smile on her face. She told me that she thought that she had found her soulmate, the one person who she would be with for the rest of her life. Chris came in to see her a few times, and he was an extremely nice guy. You could see how much he cared for her just by how he looked at her. The King officiated the ceremony when they got married. They had the ceremony here. A little while later, she said that she was resigning to go on the road with Chris. Everyone was sad to see her go, but we wished her the best of luck."

She took off a necklace that she was wearing. It was a silver chain necklace with a crescent moon pendant. "She was always fascinated by the stars," Julie said as she stared at the pendant. "Sometimes I would find her out in the courtyard at night, just looking at the night sky. She said that the stars gave her a sense of peace, that in a world that changes constantly, the stars would always be there."

She returned her gaze to the group. "She gave this to me before she left. Called it her 'lucky necklace.' I don't remember exactly what she said when I asked why she was giving it to me, but it was something to the effect of that she just had a feeling that it was supposed to stay with me, and then that I would pass it on to someone else when the time came."

"Looking back over the years, I could never quite figure out what she meant by 'when the time came,' but now I do." She put it on the desk in front of Amata. "Please give this to Abigail. I honestly never felt like it truly belonged to me in the first place. I only believed myself to be its caretaker. The fact that it is going where it rightfully belongs after all this time is an odd twist of fate." Amata picked it up and carefully put it in her satchel. "Thank you, Julie," she said, tearing up a bit. "I'm sure that Abby will be thrilled to have it."

Mark chuckled. The other three looked at him in confusion. "Sorry, it's just…Abby's middle name makes a bit more sense now." "What is her middle name?" Julie asked. "It's 'Celeste,' Amata answered. "Yeah," Mark said. "Celeste…Celestial. It seemed a bit of a weird middle name, but now, after hearing Hannah's fascination with the stars, I understand where it came from." Mark then looked at his pip-boy. "Guys, we should get going. The others are waiting on us." Arcade and Amata agreed, so they all said goodbye to Julie. Once Julie heard the door open and close below her, she began to cry in earnest, mourning the passing of a woman with a kind heart from a world that needed more like her.

Hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Until next time, and reviews are welcomed and appreciated.