Chapter 26, Blast from the Past

Four Years Ago

"Everyone, it seems we have some visitors. I don't know who they are or what they want. Please remain in your assigned areas while we get this sorted out," I shouted into the microphone.

I continued to look around the monitors, perplexed by who they were. Then I took notice of what looked like a Military General in a light brown trench coat and recognized an insignia on his shoulder with a backwards E, surrounded by stars in a circular shape. No it can't be.

I took another look at the screen and realized who they were. It was the Enclave.

"...The Enclave? What are they doing here… They're where? Madison, lock the door," I shouted.

Madison immediately locked the door, "James, we need to get to the Purifier and stop them from getting in."

"Ok, I'll handle that, you get the rest of the scientists together and find my son."

Madison took off while I made my way through the lab to make my way back to the Purifier.

With the Enclave here, who knows what they are going to do once they secure this place. If they get their hands on the Purifier and figure out how to fix it without us, who knows what they plan to do with it. We will need to reach out to the Brotherhood of Steel to help us take back control to continue our research provided it won't be too late. But this isn't important right now. Right now is getting the scientists together and getting my son, Evan, safe. I know he can handle himself, but the scientists can not without some help.

I walked past a railing and saw a group of Enclave soldiers, passing by and making their way further into the building. There has to be a way to stop them even if it is temporary.

As I was running by, I took notice of a locker with a boot sticking out. Curiosity set in as I opened the door and saw a yellow Hazmat suit. Then a plan started to formulate in my mind. If I can override the Purifier to leak radiation, it can make the place too dangerous to work in. This can give us time to clear it once we take it back. It will no doubt put a hold on our research for quite some time, but it's better than the Enclave getting their hands on it.

I took the suit out of the locker. This suit can offer me some protection, but I cannot stay in there for too long. I then saw a Rad-X vile pop out from behind the suit. I took it into my hand, this can give me even more of an edge, but the amount of Radiation still will be too great for me to handle if I stay too long. I injected the vial into my arm then quickly put the Radiation suit on. Then I continued to make my way to the Purifier. There won't be enough time for me to let Evan or anyone know what I plan on doing. But I can easily slip away once they leave the building and catch up with them. If this works, they won't see it coming.

I opened the door to the Purifier and saw that Janice was still there, tending to the Machine.

"Janice, what are you still doing here," I exclaimed.

She was startled, "James, what are you doing here?"

"I'm trying to prevent this from getting into the Enclave's hands. Let me handle this and you get out of here."

"That's what I was trying to do. Crossed every idea of my list except one. But that idea…"

"Yes, that idea is what I have in mind."

"James… you don't mean," she questioned.

"Yes. It's why I am wearing this suit. "

She nodded, "Ok, I'll get out of here and let you handle it before…"

We heard the door slam open from down below the Purifier and the Enclave as well as the man in the light brown trench coat walking in front of them. Their guns were drawn as they approached us. The two Enclave soldiers in Power Armor stood on our left and right as with the man in front of us, closing the Purifier's doors behind them. Janice and I exchanged glances, unsure what we were in for. I then took notice that I saw Madison and Evan at the top, facing the glass from behind, watching us. I quickly looked at him before the man cleared his throat.

"By the authority of the President, this facility is now under United States government control. The person in charge is to step forward immediately, and turn over all materials related to this project," he demanded in what sounded like a southern style accent.

"That's quite impossible. This is a private project; the Enclave has no authority here. I'm going to have to ask you to leave at once," I remarked.

"Am I to assume, sir, that you are in charge," he asked.

I nodded, "Yes, I'm responsible for this project."

"Then I repeat, sir, that you are hereby instructed to immediately hand over all materials related to the Purifier."

"I'm sorry, but that's..."

He stopped me, "Furthermore, you are to assist Enclave scientists in assuming control of the administration and operation of this facility at once."

"Colonel... Is it Colonel? I'm sorry, but the facility is not operational. It never has been. I'm afraid you're wasting your time here."

He repeated, in a more strict tone, "Sir, this is the last time I am going to repeat myself. Stand down at once, and turn over control of this facility."

"Colonel, I assure you that this facility will not function. We have never been able to successfully replicate test results..."

He pulled out his gun and and in a flash with no hesitation, shot Janice, in the head. I was taken aback by how sudden that was. I took a look at Janice's body, laying on the floor, lifeless.

Colonel Autumn continued, "I suggest you comply immediately, sir, in order to prevent any more incidents. Are we clear?"

I nodded, "Yes, Colonel. I'll do whatever you want; there's no need for more violence."

"Then you will immediately hand over all materials related to this project, and aid us in making it operational at once."

This was it. I had to overload the Purifier now to take them all out.

"Very well. Give me a few moments to bring the system online," I replied.

I moved to the terminal and started to type, keeping my screen covered by my body. I could hear Evan and Madison talking, but I couldn't make out what they were saying.

"Nearly finished…," I said

I then hit enter and on cue, the Purifier short circuited and released radiation. I started to mimic that the radiation was making me sick. I had to play this up the best I could. I saw the Colonel try to inject himself with something, but I knew it wouldn't work. He isn't as protected as I am.

I approached the glass and looked Evan straight in the eyes, "...run...Run!"

I collapsed, playing dead as I could hear him screaming, hitting the glass. I could feel my eyes starting to water as I heard his screams of distraught behind that glass.

"We have to go, Evan. There is nothing more we can do," I heard Madison say.

"NO! We can't leave him, There has to be a way" he shouted.

Eventually after a minute, I heard them walk away. I then slowly raised my head above and saw that they were gone. Perfect. Now I just need to quickly get out of here. I stood up and dusted myself off, before I turned around and saw the Colonel punch me right in the helmet. I fell backwards onto the terminal.

"So, you think you're clever in deceiving me, deceiving the Enclave," he exclaimed.

"How are you still standing? This radiation should be enough to kill you instantly," I asked, standing myself back up.

"The President was very kind to grant me an experimental Anti Radiation vial for… certain occasions. Even extra if one is not enough," he remarked.

I swung my right fist at him, he dodged it before grabbing my arm and shoving me into the glass window wall.

"You killed two good men today to prevent the Enclave from receiving quite the discovery. A discovery which can help bring the Enclave and the United States back to the forefront of international power."

I tried to pull myself away, but he clearly overpowered me, "I won't ever tell you how to fix it. I'd rather die than help the Enclave."

"Oh, there are ways. But let's save that for later."

He threw me to the other side of the wall and before I could ready myself to fight back, he grabbed one of the rifles the Enclave soldiers had and hit me in the helmet further, cracking it. I could hear the helmet hissing, the radiation starting to leak in. He then threw me to the group and put his leg on my upper chest before ripping the helmet off. I could feel my lungs burning and filling up with the radiation as well as my face starting to burn. The Colonel then took out another needle, readied it and then stuck it in my neck. I could feel it entering my body and almost immediately, the burning feeling in my lungs and on my face started to go away.

"There, that should keep you alive until we get back to base. Then I'll ask all the questions I need for you to comply," he remarked before hitting me in the face with the gun, knocking me out.

When I came too, I could see that it was a metal room, with grates on the floor and with only one door with a terminal next to it. I could feel the coolness in the room radiating from the steel as it hit my body. I tried to rub my head, but I couldn't move my arm. I looked down and saw that I was in some sort of stasis chamber. Looks like I am going to be here for a while.

It would be a long time till the door finally opened and entered the Colonel. He presented his entire attention to me before he began talking.

"This will go two ways. Either you give me the code to the Purifier or your visit with the Enclave will be far longer than you anticipate and I assure you, it will not be pleasant."

"Where am I?"

"You are at Raven Rock, our top base in the Capital Wasteland and hidden to those who we deem so."

"Well then Colonel, I'll tell you again as I told you before, I'd rather die than give you that pass code."

He sighed, "As much as I would love to grant you that, I'm afraid the President's orders to keep you alive reign supreme over my own."

"So what, You're going to keep me alive until I talk?"

"Depending on your cooperation, this can be simple or can be extremely painful. Regardless, the President is the reason why you are still alive."

"So, you're a sheep following your master of a Shepherd? Blindly following orders when you don't actually believe them."

"I concur. I am more of an opportunist. I rose in the ranks of the Enclave to become a part of something better. I saw an opportunity to be more than my fellow soldiers who take orders because they have to."

"But you still are under the President. So, you do not have nearly as much control as you think. You still have to report to him."

"Correct you are. However, the President still has given me the full authority on how I handle my missions with only certain special requests. In this case, keeping you alive."

"Until I give up the code, then I guarantee you'll have me shot."

The Colonel turned away, "Very well, get comfortable then."

He opened the door and left, leaving me alone in

I don't know how long I was here. I was let out of stasis to eat then put back in. He would come once a day, asking me for the code, but I still refused. His patience wore thin one day and he proceeded to beat me up. But still, I did not give up the code. He then came in one last time, to ask me for the code and it ended the same as it did before.

"Very well, then perhaps your son is much more willing to talk," he stated.

I felt my eyes almost pop out, "No don't you dare touch him you hear me!"

"You forced my hand James. If you had told me the code sooner, our forces wouldn't have captured him. He even got the G.E.C.K for us. We'll see if he's more cooperative."

He left before I could shout at him more. I have to find a way to get to him. If they lay a hand on him, I'll kill him. There has to be a way out of this.

I struggled as long as I could before I got too tired to go any longer. I then heard an intercom turn on.

"Attention all Raven Rock Personnel: This is your President speaking. I've invited our guest from Vault 101 to my office. Please do not impede his progress. Thank you for your cooperation."

So he's safe. For now. Regardless, I cannot stay here. I have to find a way out of here and get to him as soon as I can. I continued to observe the room for any sort of way out or a security flaw. I couldn't find anything. After a long period of time of searching, I heard the intercom turn on again,

"The prisoner from Vault 101 is to be shot on sight. I repeat, shot on sight. This is an order!Attention! This is Colonel Autumn! You are hereby ordered to ignore the President's previous directive."

That bastard. Of course he tried to pull something fast like that. I tried to push myself against the stasis shield as hard as I could, hoping that it would break and let me free. As with before, it worked to no avail. I could subtly hear gun shots from above me. Has to be Evan fighting his way to the President. If I could just get out of this, I could be fighting alongside him and he wouldn't have to do this alone.

I hung my head, and just continued to wait for something, a moment even to help me get out of this and find him. It wouldn't be long until I saw the lights go out and the stasis chamber finally shut down, freeing me.

I tried standing myself up, but my legs felt like Jelly from being in stasis for so long. I propped myself against the wall, gathering myself for a few minutes. I then walked outside the door and guided myself down the hallway. Enclave soldiers and scientists were frantically running around, trying to figure out what to do. I then could feel the smell of smoke filling my lungs and I knew what was going on. I wasted no time in running ahead, trying to find a way out, but also finding Evan.

I ran through hallways, past scientists who could be bothered with my appearance. I almost thought of calling Evan's name, but that might raise suspicion and attention I couldn't deal with. I heard several explosions go off behind me, signaling me further the place was about to go under any minute now. I sprinted forward, trying to find a way out despite the commotion. As I ran down one more metal hallway, I heard the ceiling behind me collapse, blocking the way I came. Then it struck me. The only way out is to find an area of the base that's been demolished open, giving me a new way out.

I continued forward and I was granted that way out. An exposed opening that had the light of the outside shining in, greeting me to escape through it. I flinched and raised my hand up with the light shining in my eyes. God knows how long it has been since I saw the sun. Once I adjusted, I saw a small rock formation, allowing me to climb down. Suddenly, vertigo kicked in and I saw just how far down the ground was. I shook my head and carefully climbed down, making sure I had a grip on each rock to guide me down. As I climbed down, I heard more explosions go off in the base only freighting me further that I should speed up. I attempted to go faster, but I heard another explosion go off, making me look up to see the massive amount of debris coming towards me. I let go of the rock and felt myself land on my butt, sliding down the rest of the hill. Unfortunately, I felt myself propel forward, making me go head first and hitting my head on a rock, knocking me unconscious.

When I came to, I was on a mattress, looking up at a ruined ceiling. I stood up, rubbing my head. With how everything felt, I no doubt had a concussion. I looked to my left and saw the state of the location I was in. It was a building, mostly in rubble with some people walking around that looked like former slaves judging by their clothes. All their clothes were tattered and destroyed and everyone looked terrible health wise. I got up off the mattress slowly and stood up, to look around. It wouldn't be long until I saw an African American greet me with full body armor that was in the best condition compared to everything else everyone was wearing.

"Hello there. My name is Hannibal Hamlin. Welcome to the Temple of the Union. A team of mine heard explosions from Raven Rock and we came across you a week ago and brought you back here. We are all escaped slaves. Before I continue, I need your solemn promise not to betray us to Paradise Falls or the Slavers. Until I get that, you cannot leave here. So, do I have your word?"

"Yes, you have my word," I replied.

"Excellent. I thank you for your honesty. Our home is your home. Your past is your own affair, so long as you serve our common good. As a symbol of our trust, here is the key to the gate," he states, handing me a key.

I took the key out of his hand, "Thank you for this and taking care of me. I'm afraid I cannot stay much longer. I need to get back to the Citadel and find my son."

"The Citadel? Are you with the Brotherhood," he inquired.

"To an extent. I am more of a Scientist working with them on Project Purity," I affirmed.

"You were one of the ones in charge of Project Purity?"

I nodded, "Yes."

"We heard about it over the radio a few days ago. Clean water is soon going to be going throughout the waste land. It's unfortunate that the Brotherhood is the ones helming it. They only seem to be keen so far on giving it out only to people with some contribution to society. Us slaves don't have one yet. Not to mention we have a bit of a problem," he stated.

"What's the problem?"

"We have some wounded after an incursion with some slavers from Paradise Falls. We've been trying to help patch them up and get supplies, but to no avail. I know you have to get back to your son, but if there is any way you can help us before you go, we would greatly appreciate it. Some of them don't have much longer."

I paused for a moment to think. My priority has been right from the overload at the Purifier to get back to Evan as soon as possible to let him know I am still alive. But these people need help. I have some medical experience and can even help get some sustainable food for them here. I have to do something. I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing I could save them and return the favor for them saving me.

"Ok. I'll help you all get sustainable and help some of your wounded with what little medical training I have. I can't guarantee I'll be able to save everyone, but I can at least try. When I get back to the Citadel, I'll convince Elder Lyons to help you all out here," I stated.

"Thank you very much, what is your name, " he asked.

"James."

"James, thank you. I'll show you where the wounded are and you can get started," he said as he motioned me to follow.

He walked me down the stairs and I could see everyone that was wounded, lying on just plain mattresses, sleeping bags, or even just paper mache cots. I rolled up my sleeves, and got ready to work.

For the next week and a half, I would help get the Temple of the Union sustainable as best I could. I spent the first couple of days healing their wounded and monitoring them. It took longer for them to heal due to lack of equipment, but they were mostly fine in the end. I thankfully didn't have to amputate any limbs. Then I spent the remainder of the time helping get some crops going as well as getting them setup with some food for the time being. In the end, I had to cut things short enough to get back to the Citadel. I assured Hannibal I would have the Brotherhood help them in any way they could before heading out to the Citadel the next morning. It would be many hours, but I finally reached the Citadel. I walked in through the gates and made my way to the main door to the facility underground. I ran down the metal stairs, down to the bottom of base and saw Madison talking with another scientist across the room. It would not be long until she caught my gaze and I could hear her gasp fill the room despite the conversations around.

"James, you're…you're alive," she exclaimed.

The whole room went silent before everyone looked at me, almost as shocked as she was.

"James. I can't believe it's you. We…we thought you were dead," I heard Elder Lyons nearby remark before coming my way.

I turned my attention to him and greeted him.

He continued, "It's good to see you. When Madison told us what happened, we all assumed the Radiation had killed you."

"No. I formulated a plan at the last minute. I didn't have an opportunity to tell anyone before it happened," I replied.

Madison came towards me and hugged me the hardest she has ever, "It's so good to see that you are still alive. Where have you been this entire time?"

I pulled away from her and locked eyes with her, "The Enclave had me at Raven Rock. I escaped, but I was knocked unconscious. When I came to, some people at the Temple of the Union took care of me and I returned the favor, helping their wounded. I hate to cut this short, but I need to know, where is Evan? Is he here? I need to tell him I'm still alive."

Madison's face went from joy to sorrow in almost an instant. She then looked at Elder Lyons where he had the same face as her.

"James, I'm sorry, but Evan…"

I felt my eyes start to subtly water, "No don't tell me. He's not dead is he?"

Elder Lyons chimed in, "No. He's gone. He left."

I faced him, the tears in my eyes starting to stop, but replaced with a look of confusion, "What? Why?"

"We're not fully sure. After we took back the Purifier, Evan and my daughter, Sarah were knocked out. He came too first and I asked him if he would like to stay and help us continue the Brotherhood of Steel's growth. He declined and said he wanted to go back to the Vault. He said all the pain, misery, and losing you was just too much for him. He wanted to go back and seclude himself. That's all we know."

Madison chimed in, "I reached out to Vault 101 and they opened the vault doors. However, they had to have Evan leave. I asked Amata if she knew where he was going and she had no idea. He left angry and distraught. Last person that saw him was Fawkes."

"Fawkes, who is Fawkes," I inquired.

"He is a super mutant that lived in Vault 88 for a long time. He's been a great help in collecting resources. Him and Dogmeat."

"Where are they now," I asked again.

"They've been together the last few days. They came here after the whole ordeal, saying Evan yelled at both of them to leave him alone. They're both out now and should be back tonight. Maybe one of the Brotherhood members can give you a lift to Vault 101. That's all I can recommend."

"Ok. Elder Lyons, is that alright with you," I asked, facing him.

He nodded, "Of course. I'll radio for a Vertibird to take you there. Let's hope we can piece this all together and find out where he went."

I followed Elder Lyons to the outside where he pulled out a radio and called for a team and a Vertibird. Eventually, he motioned me to a Vertibird that was getting ready to take off and I wasted no time getting inside. I strapped myself in and started to hear the propellers of the Vertibird start to spin, ready for take off. Eventually, we took flight and flew into the sky, towards Vault 101. I must admit, I am not looking forward to going back there. The Overseer is definitely not going to be happy to see me as well as the other residents there. But if there is any lead to find Evan and where he went, it's the best possible place for me to start.

It wouldn't be long until I could see Megaton in the distance, with Vault 101 nearby. I braced myself as the Vertibird touched down in Springvale, the abandoned town nearby. The familiar sight of abandoned houses and destroyed buildings filled the surrounding area with the rock formation hiding Vault 101 up the hill in front of us.

"Well James, you ready, " a Brotherhood soldier asked me.

"Not entirely, but if there is a small chance for a lead, it's worth checking out."

I walked up the hill and to my surprise, I saw a sign with the words "Welcome to Vault 101!" and a stand underneath it, unoccupied and the front door wide open.

I guess Madison was right. Not that I doubted her. But the Overseer would never have opened the vault doors like this. Did he have a change of heart? Or is it something else?

We walked inside and I could see clear as day the Vault door opened with some of the Vault residents guarding the front gate. They all were wearing body armor and armored helmets of some kind. They immediately took sight of me and froze, the color leaving their faces.

"James? How are you alive and why are you here? Haven't you done enough," one of them asked sternly.

I raised my arms, "You have every right to be mad at me and hate me for the commotion I caused here. But I need to see the Overseer. It's about my son. He was here a week ago and I need to find him. One of his last spotted locations was here."

He held his rifle up to me, "You're not coming in James. We won't let you. You have done enough and you coming in would only disrupt what would spent the last week rebuilding. Besides, the Overseer has no time to see you or even cares to. So kindly fu…"

"It's alright, I can speak with him," I heard a familiar voice come from behind the crowd.

I saw the familiar sight of Amata come around the corner to greet me.

"Amata," I stated.

"James, so you're trying to find where Evan went," she replied.

"Yes. Where is your father? And why is the vault open? I thought he made it clear that it would never open," I replied.

"He did. Till he stepped down and I became incharge," she responded.

I took a step back. Amata is in charge and her father stepped down willingly?

"How? What happened," I questioned.

"Well, Evan convinced him to step down and he gave me the title. He's just sticking to inventory management and is a part of security right now," she stated.

"Oh. Well I'm very glad that things have worked out here. But on the subject of Evan."

Amata looked down for a moment then back up," Yes. Well, unfortunately I don't really have anything on where he went. I told him we couldn't have him here due to the chaos you both created. He got upset and screamed at me on why. I didn't say he was never welcomed back, but that one day we can see him out in the wasteland and maybe, just maybe he could one day. He didn't want to hear it and stormed off with his companions. That's all I know."

I sighed. It was worth a shot. All that's left is Fawkes. He was the last one to see him. If Fawkes doesn't have the info, then I don't know what to do.

"Well, Thank you for the information Amata. I'll be going then," I acknowledged.

"It was nice to see you alive and well James. Hope to see you out in the wasteland one day," she replied in a cheery tone.

I nodded and made my way back to the Vertibird, my head subtly hung with only one option now at my disposal.

"No luck," one of the Brotherhood Members asked.

I nodded as I got in the Vertibird and sat down, strapping myself in again.

"Only hope now is to wait for Fawkes and Dogmeat to come back," I stated, staring out the window.

"Well, let's get back then for them," another Brotherhood member said as he got into the cockpit.

As I heard the sounds of the Propellers spin, initiating take off, I felt my mind drift off. Part of me regrets helping the slaves. If I hadn't, I could have been here in time to catch Evan before he left. But then those people would have not made it and some lives would have been lost if I hadn't helped. Regardless, if Fawkes doesn't have anything, then we would have to set up a search party of some sort and who knows how long that will take. Could be days, weeks, months, or even years. I know Evan has shown just how well he can handle himself, but just the thought of him being out there, thinking I'm dead, is something that hurts a part of my soul. What if his grief makes him go down a wrong path? Makes him join a group that warps him into something worse? Or even worse, what if he decides to take his own life?

I felt a tear roll down my cheek with the thought of that notion. I wiped it away quickly. I can't start thinking like that. I taught Evan better than that. He wouldn't try to take his own life after everything. Even if he did, he couldn't go through with it. I just hope that if I don't find him and time does go by, he'll move on. He deserves it after everything he's gone through. Maybe he'll settle down, find someone special to help him move on. I can only hope. But I won't let him die without knowing I'm still alive, looking for him.

The Vertibird headed back to The Citadel and as it began to land, I could see Madison was outside the door to descend into the base as if she was awaiting my return. Once it finished landing, she walked towards us.

"Any luck," she asked.

I stepped out, "No, the only lead is Fawkes and Dogmeat at this point."

Madison looked discouraged, "Well if you're expecting a straight answer, I doubt Fawkes will be able to give it to you. And with how long it's been, I don't think Dogmeat will be able to pick up the scent."

"He has to know something Madison. Anything that can at least point us to where Evan went,"

Madison subtly smiled, "I always admired your determination James. If push comes to shove, I'm sure the Brotherhood could organize a small search party to help. Anyway, Fawkes and Dogmeat should be back soon and we can go from there."

I nodded while heading inside with her. We walked down the stairs and into one of the labs where I sat down in one of the seats. I sighed under my breath before adjusting myself. Madison picked up a clipboard and started to continue whatever research she was working on. While everything was going on, I lost myself in my thoughts, trying to find out where Evan would go. He could have gone South, West, or North. But I don't know much of what is out there. I know up near Boston there's some settlements up there like Diamond City. But Evan I'm sure does not know where that is. So the best conclusion I can think of is he's just roaming across the Wasteland. Which is even worse to find out where he went.

Eventually, I could hear the ground rumble subtly, indicating that Fawkes was on his way. I heard him enter the room with Dogmeat at his side. Fawkes looked standard a Super Mutant, except he wore a torn, stretched out blue and gold vault suit. At his side was Dogmeat, a cattle dog breed with his eyes being different colors with his left being blue and his right being brown. No doubt a case of heterochromia that I noticed before when I first saw Dogmeat.

"HELLO MADISON. WE HAVE COLLECTED THE SAMPLES YOU ASKED FOR," he states as he lays down a bag on the Lab table.

Madison took the bag, "Thank You Fawkes. I would like you to meet James. This is Evan's father."

Fawkes took notice of me and approached, "AH. YOU'RE ALIVE I SEE. IT'S A SHAME EVAN IS NOT HERE TO SEE YOU. HE WOULD BE VERY HAPPY TO SEE YOU."

"Yes. I know he would. Madison said you might be able to give us a lead. Do you have an idea where he might have gone," I asked.

"NO. LAST WE SAW EVAN, HE WAS DEPRESSED AND ANGRY. HE YELLED AT THE BOTH OF US TO LEAVE HIM ALONE. THEN HE DROVE OFF. THE NEXT DAY, DOGMEAT AND I TRIED TO FIND OUT WHERE HE WENT, BUT WE LOST THE SCENT SOMEWHERE WEST. THAT'S ALL THAT WE REALLY HAVE. "

So West is where he went. That at least gives us an idea as to where he went. It isn't much, but if I can talk with Elder Lyons and get a small search party setup, we might have a chance to find him.

Fawkes continued, " I CAN SHOW YOU WHERE WE LAST SAW HIM AND WHERE HE WENT."

"That sounds good, Fawkes. Thank you."

We headed out immediately and after a few hours of walking, we reached what looked like a junkyard. The smell of decaying diesel filled the air as well as rusted metal. I continued to follow Fawkes where he led us to the entrance on the other side and pointed down at the ground.

"THERE WAS A LARGE VAN HERE THAT HE DROVE OFF IN. IT LOOKS LIKE IT HAD EVERYTHING YOU NEEDED. HE DROVE OFF IN THAT DIRECTION, WEST AND THAT'S ALL WE KNOW," he stated, pointing out west.

I looked off in the distance and saw the wide reach of the wasteland, extending further beyond the horizon. It didn't give me much confidence as to where he went. But it's a start and better than nothing.

"Ok, let's head back and I'll speak with Elder Lyons about organizing a search party," I stated.

Fawkes acknowledged and we made our way back. By the time we returned, it was well past noon and I was able to find Elder Lyons in his office. I opened the door and was a bit surprised by how the office looked. For someone who was a bit high in the hierarchy, his office looked standard and even bare bones to what I was expecting. There was a

"Hello James, any luck on finding Evan," he asked.

I took a seat, "No unfortunately. All I know is that he went west in a mobile van of some sort. Trail is cold."

"That's unfortunate. Do you have any other ideas," he asked.

I paused for a moment, "I have one. With your permission, I would like to get a small team to form a search party and look for him."

Elder Lyons also paused but for a bit longer, "I'll ask around and see if anyone is interested. But we are currently more focused on reestablishing ourselves now with the Enclave mostly driven out of D.C. So, it will take time until I can find some people to help aid you in your search party. Then there is a matter of continuing Project Purity further and with you here, alive and well, it will help the Brotherhood, but also the entire population of D.C. help return to a form of normalcy in the future."

I nodded in agreement, "Ok. I'll do my best to help assist the Brotherhood in any way I can, but my priority is my son. If I find a lead, I have to jump on it, Lyons."

"I understand James. I hope we do find your son. I hate to even think about finding him in a ditch somewhere or even as a ghoul."

I shuddered with that thought of Evan as a ghoul.

He continued, "But understand that we do have limited resources and as an Elder, I can't divulge every resource we have to find one man no matter who it is. Our priority as it stands now is rebuilding the Capital Wasteland."

I nodded in agreement with him. I would love more than anything for that to be possible. It is my son and I'd do anything for him. But the Brotherhood's needs have to come first if we want the future of the world to improve. I can only hope we will find him as soon as humanly possible.

I stood up and extended my hand, "Thank you Elder Lyons."

He shook it, "No problem James. You're welcome to continue your research work at Rivet City and here if you would like. We can have a living quarters setup here for you as well."

"That would be great. Thank you again. Have someone come get me when it's all set up."

I left the room and walked down the hall, determined that we would find Evan one day.

For the next few days, I would create a search party with the few Brotherhood of Steel members who were on board. Sarah Lyons was one of the first ones to sign up as well as a few other new recruits once she was up and around after what happened. We began our search a few hundred miles West towards what remained of the old world states of Ohio and Kentucky. We found no traces after a few weeks and continued as far as we could. During that time, I convinced Elder Lyons to help the slaves at the Temple of Union saying they could join us and help contribute to the Brotherhood in a way. He reluctantly agreed to let them in and once they were brought in, they got right to work, even some of them joining the search team I had made.

Over time, we found little to no clues. Some days, I would get my hopes up when one of our scouts thought they spotted him. Then it would reveal that it was just a look alike or something else entirely. Weeks would turn into months, and then eventually, years. During that time, Sarah was relocated to work side by side with her father and scouts came and left with many feeling disgruntled and wondering what the point of it was. I wanted to schedule a massive search party all the way to the West coast, but Elder Lyons talked me out of it, saying the resources to do a manhunt that large was not feasible. Not only that, but with the mound of land mass and little to no clues as to where he went specifically, it would be a waste of time. Elder Lyons even one day said that I should just wait for him to come back and that would be the best way to view and spend it. I argued with him, saying how long would that be until he did come back? Decades? Or when I'm well past gone? I started to feel discouraged over time and even cynical, even believing he was dead and his corpse was rotting somewhere, waiting to be found. Lyons eventually promoted me to one of the heads of the Science division to keep more of my time occupied with rebuilding the Capital Wasteland and expanding Project Purity to other nearby regions. It kept me busy, but every February 21st, I would celebrate Evan's birthday, hoping that one day I would be able to celebrate another one with him.

Madison and I would work closely together again in keeping Project Purity and its expansion growing. Everyday, the Capital Wasteland started to slowly regain its footing and was starting to show signs of an area returning to life as it was before. Every single person had access to clean water and food to fill their bellies all because of us. We later on spread down south a thousand miles and were able to provide more for the surrounding areas, giving people more access to clean water and fresh food. Not only that, but the Brotherhood started to grow, with more people joining the ranks. We were even able to convince the Outcasts to come back to us with no punishment for their separation. As time went on, more and more people started to not want to join up in the search for Evan, with many not even knowing who he was and what he did. But one day, four years later, I would receive news that would change everything.

One day in November, I was conducting my daily routine as always in my office, when I had Elder Lyons enter my office with news.

"Hello James, do you have a moment," he asks.

"Yes. What can I do for you Lyons," I asked, motioning him to sit.

He sat down, "I have great news. I just received a long range transmission from a chapter all the way in New Vegas."

"New Vegas? Isn't that in Nevada all the way near the Colorado River," I questioned.

Lyons nodded, "Correct. They reached out to us, wanting our help and guidance as a Courier recommended our chapter, saying they passed through and saw what we were doing."

"Huh, did they get a name?"

"Unfortunately no name, however, Elder Macnamara is leading the chapter and they want to not only expand, but also open their doors to the world," he replied.

"That's good news. We could have our first step of Project Purity there and have an outreach to the surrounding areas. How soon do they want us there," I asked.

"In a few days. It will give us time to get our resources together, pack up for the trip, and travel there. I would like both you and Sarah to come with us as we help lay the groundwork there."

"I can do that. But I have to ask one thing."

"Is this what I think it is," he remarked.

I nodded, "Yes, once we get settled, can we set up a new search party to find my son? It's an area we have not covered and we know he went West. It could be a nice middle ground to continue to search."

Lyons sighed, "Ok. Once we are settled and established, then yes, we can."

"Ok. Thank you. I'll get packing and we can head out soon."

Lyons got up and left the room while I finished my work for the day. Once I was done, I made my way to Rivet City and went to The Muddy Rudder for a drink. It was your standard bar with stools up to the bar itself. I ordered a simple Whiskey and took a shot to celebrate a new chance to find Evan. It may take some time, but it's a new start nonetheless. I then took notice of what I thought was a first a couple, then realized it was siblings by how closely they looked like each other. They both had red hair and matching blue eye color. They wore Safari inspired clothing, matching again like they were ready to go on a tourist trip in the fleet of the moment.

"Isn't it amazing how things play out, " the woman spoke aloud with a thick British accent.

"Yes. The play continues to amaze myself, " the man replied with a similar thick British accent.

"Then again, nothing should amaze us, should it," the woman asked.

"Yes. Especially when things have been laid out," he retorted.

"Down to the minute detail."

"From the very beginning."

These two have probably the most unique speech pattern I have ever seen. Probably took them lots of practice to be able to finish each other's sentences over the years.

"You both have an interesting speech pattern. How long did it take for you to practice or have you done it since you both could talk," I asked.

"That is one way to look at it," he answered.

"Then again there are many ways to look at it," the woman replied, continuing their back and forth exchange.

"If one looks closer, then the picture becomes clearer."

"And then the bigger picture is revealed."

"Ok. So how far apart are you age wise," I asked.

"Not much at all," The man replied.

"But then again, time is relative depending on the person," the woman continued on.

"Or the experience."

"To one time flies by."

"And to the other it slows down."

"Such as losing a child where time flies by for one."

"And to the other it slows down or stays," the man finished.

"I guess word travels fast. Yes, I lost my son and I'm not sure if he is still alive. Been trying to find him for years now. No trail or anything to go off on," I replied.

"Someone always leaves a trail. Sometimes in the most unexpected of ways," the woman stated.

"And a keen eye and ear can help pick up where the trail went cold," the man continued.

"Yes. And what was once lost."

"Will be found."

I chuckled and looked away to think for a moment on what they were telling me. Feels like a bunch of riddles and word play to screw with the mind of someone who can't intellectually break it all down. But I got an idea of what they are saying. Even if it was just riddles.

"Anyway, thank you for the riddles. I haven't seen you folks around here before. Are you new or are you just visiting…"

I turned my head and saw they were gone. I didn't hear them leave their seats and I looked around to see where they went, and nothing. It was like they were ghosts and vanished without a trace. No one else around me even seemed phased by what just happened. Strange. Did I hallucinate them or was there something in the Whisky? I didn't taste anything funny, but I think after this, one drink was enough.

I paid my tab and made my way back to The Citadel to continue the packing and wrapping up. I continued to think about what those two said and what I took away was them telling me not to give up. That a trail will be found and will lead me to him, perhaps sooner than I realize even.

The next day, I was greeted by the morning sun through my window, letting me know it was time to head out. I grabbed my suitcase and made my way to the launch pad. Once my stuff was loaded, we got ready to go with the Vertibirds blades spinning, letting us know of its takeoff. I strapped myself in and got ready for the long ride to New Vegas. We might have to stop for a day somewhere, but we would be there in no time. However, once we are settled and have the chapter setup, I'll continue my search for Evan. I won't give up on finding him. Even if he is a corpse, I'll at least know he was laid to rest and found. But I won't assume the worst right now. We have a bright future for not only the Brotherhood, but also the world.