Chapter 29, Beating Around the Bush

I put on my armor, pants, and boots and got myself ready for what today would bring. Three Dog would be easy. I never left on bad terms with him. But Amata. That I feel will be the biggest hurdle. Sure time may have gone by and maybe things tidied over. However, there would still be things left over that have gone unsaid. What Dad did, opening the vault with me leaving soon after to find him. Then almost killing her father to me coming back, wanting to just stay in the vault and causing a stir from how I left. Those all were unsaid, unsolved even through time. Who knows where this could go.

I got up with Elizabeth following me outside, as we made our way to the exit. Once we did, she pulled me aside.

"Are you ready for today," she asked.

"Ready as I'll ever be. Want me to give Three Dog your regards?"

She shot me a glare, remembering what he said earlier, "Sure. I'll get to work on talking with your Dad and Doctor Li."

She stole my voice from me before I could reply with a kiss before we went our separate ways. I took a look at my Pipboy's map to familiarize myself with where the Galaxy News Radio Building is. The map clearly was different from last time with more restored buildings and areas being present with the way I used to go now not as straightforward. I'd have to navigate around the streets and roads, eventually reaching GNR.

I wasted no time in following the road. It wouldn't take long to get there, but I pretty much had to follow the roads. Which means having to cross the highway north and being put right near the GNR building. I made my way there but as I traveled, I started to see more and more people walking the main roads to even traders passing on through with the occasional makeshift vehicle passing by. I almost felt like I was a character in a movie walking around the busy streets of a city. All that was missing was the smell of food stands, the sound of car horns, and more tall buildings to engulf the sun in.

I eventually reached the GNR building, but it was not the same as I remembered it. Gone was its run down nature, broken windows, and even chunks of the building destroyed. What was presented was a building almost brand new with slight signs of fade and decay littered on the building. Most windows had glass panels in them and any rubble on the street was gone with the streets as clean as they could be. Even spread across the top of the building I could see a banner saying "Home of the Good Fight". Of course he still had to get his slogan in even after all this time.

I could see Brotherhood of Steel members still on guard from last time I was there, but they look much more organized with an actual outpost and toll setup to check people's ideas and what business they have there. I approached the toll where a Brotherhood of Steel soldier greeted me in his lieutenant outfit and cap.

"State your name and business," he says to me.

"Evan and I'm here to seek an audience with Three Dog," I replied.

"Ok. Go ahead. We'll let him know you have arrived."

I walked up the steps, opening the door into the GNR building and was shocked at what I was seeing. Gone were the sandbags stacked on each other, the messy rubble on the floor, the fire barrel, and makeshift barricades. In there was a receptionist desk and dozens of Scribes conversing with each other. The walls had much more clean paint on them, showing their original colors from before of whites, grays, and blacks. The place even smelled fresh instead of decaying plaster. All in all, the whole place got a serious face lift

"As I live and breathe, the Lone Wanderer now Courier himself, Evan," I hear Three Dog say.

I looked up and saw Three Dog, leaning against a railing.

I looked up at him, in response. He still had the same glasses as before and dark toned skin, but he wore a black leather jacket with purple scarf around his neck supported by some gray cargo pants and boots with steel toes on it. Quite a fashion statement.

He motioned, "Come on up here, let's catch up on lost times."

I went up the stairs and followed him to his office. As I walked through the rooms and went up the stairs further, I saw the scribes had set up desks with terminals and made use of the filing cabinets on the walls with what I assume to be data or knowledge. I even took notice of a coffee machine in the corner too. Back to a way of suburban living I see?

Eventually we reached his office with it keeping to the clean nature of the rest of the building all though much more unique. His desk had a red oak finish to it with a much more advanced system of doing his radio show. He had foam covering on most parts of the wall and his microphone looked much more sophisticated. His bed was no longer just a mattress with a metal frame, but more of a full sized bed with a gray wood style kind of finish. His kitchen was the same as before but again much more clean and well kept than before. He still had the same old light green couch as before to which I sat down, taking my helmet off while he took a seat in his chair near his setup.

"So I take it I don't get to meet your lady friend," he remarked.

"Unfortunately no. She has some business to do at the Citadel," I replied.

"Really? And she just got here," he asks as he sits down.

I nodded, "Yeah."

"What sort of business does she have?"

"For now, it's something…top secret. Something she's insistent on," I stated.

"Ah I see. What's her name?"

"Elizabeth."

Three Dog leans back and rests his arm on the back of the couch, "Ah. So what's your story, what can I tell my viewers still listening on the radio all across the Capital Paradise on what the Lone Wanderer has been up to for the last four years."

"Capital Paradise? Is that the new name for D.C.," I asked, puzzled by the new name.

"Yes sir. Capital Wasteland doesn't seem to stick well now since we are rebuilding civilization. Capital Paradise sounds much better since we are building a paradise in the world where there is none," he replied.

I smiled, "You might want to get out more. New Vegas might be next in line sooner than you think."

A puzzled look quickly appeared on his face, "Really? That's where you ended up? I heard stories from travelers that have been there about it being a slice of the old world. Is that true?"

"To an extent it is. It's just the Strip for now. Rest of the area still has a long way to go. But Mr. House has plans for the whole area with the NCR gone and Caesar's Legion," I remarked.

"NCR and Caesar's Legion? Were they the ones looking to get in on the action there?"

"Yup. The New California Republic had the right idea, looking to restore how the U.S. was with democracy. But they were spread out and had corruption in them. Caesar's Legion wanted to go back to Caesar's time and rule with an iron fist. But that involved removing basic human rights. Thankfully, both are gone for now, " I answered, leaning back.

"Gotcha. How did you end up in New Vegas," he pressed.

"Just traveled and slowly made my way there. Became a Courier, then got shot in the head and here I am."

Three Dog's eyes widened, "Shot in the head? You're crazy."

"No seriously. I did. Hunted down the scumbag that did it and put him down," I affirmed to him.

"Exciting. But I'm sure it's not as exciting as the story of how you met your girlfriend now is it?"

I paused upon hearing that sentence. I still think keeping how we met a secret is still the best option. Besides, I think Elizabeth still wouldn't be comfortable sharing her story with everyone yet. And knowing everything, it makes full sense.

"Well it's not that exciting. I was delivering a package and ran into her. We talked for a bit and she stuck around. Few weeks later, we broke the tension with each other," I lied.

Three Dog cracked a smile, "Ahhhhh. So, you bumped uglies? Got down and dirty?"

My face immediately turned red by what he was implying.

"What no. We just…got closer with each other and kissed. Nothing that serious," I quickly stated.

"Word advice to you cool cat, wear protection if you do,"

I rolled my eyes. Getting that intimate with Elizabeth is not at the top of my list right now. And I doubt it's high on her list too.

"Noted. What about you? How's life been treating you, " I asked, changing the subject.

He took a breath, "It's been good. My Radio has spread across most of the east coast. Been helping keep the word about fighting the good fight with others to keep em going. No dame on my shoulder like you. But keeping the word going is what's more important to me right now."

"I see. How has been the last couple of years here?"

"Ah. I'm more interested in your story rather than mine."

"I hate to say it but there wasn't really much interesting that happened in between. I mean there was the Battle of Hoover Dam a few weeks back…"

He raised his hands, "There we go. Some action! How did it go?"

"Well, we had help with the NCR and even a group called the Boomers. They had a plane that dropped bombs and the kids there got a kick of the action since everyone there loves to see things go boom."

He cracked another smile, "Really? Trigger happy kids and explosive loving parents. That's an interesting group right there."

I shrugged in agreement, "Yeah. Not only that, Elizabeth and I went toe to toe with one of Caesar's Legion head honchos and took him out. Wasn't easy, that's for sure. "

"Damn. See I knew there was more excitement there. Just had to dig for it," he says, pointing at me.

I humored him, "Alright I'll go a step further. After the Battle, I helped uncover a plot at a grand restaurant called the Ultra Luxe where a guy called Mortimer was wanting to feed people to other people to go back to the old ways."

Bewilderment filled Three Dog's face. "Shit are you for real?"

I nodded, "Almost would have gotten some else eaten, but I intervened in time, stopping it from happening."

"Good for you. Got one more story you'd be down to share?"

I shrugged, "Sure. Before the Battle, Elizabeth and I were helping the Boomers get their plane up and operational when we came across a guy named Jack who was crushing on a woman, Janet, that he saw through his binoculars. We offered to help him and once we met her and helped get her obligations with the Crimson Caravan fulfilled, the two of them would meet. "

Subtle disgust displayed on his face, "A love story? That's what you got for me?"

"Well, you wanted a story. Nothing wrong with a little love story is there? Don't some listeners get a kick out of it?"

He shrugged, "You're not wrong there. But sure, I think a select part of my audience will love that story. Thanks for the stories. Where are you going next?"

"To Vault 101, " I replied.

He leaned back, "Going back to visit your old roommates and friends?"

"Yeah. Not sure how it's going to go."

He waved his hand, "Ah it'll be fine. You've been through worse. From you just getting here for the first time to see me to what you've just told me. You've been through far worse."

He's not wrong. I have. However, this is a different beast altogether.

I stood up, "Well I think it's time for me to head off and face the music."

Three Dog mimics me, "Keep your ear to the radio, I'll be playing a special broadcast based on our conversation."

"Will do," I say as I start to leave.

"Oh and Evan?"

I turned to face him.

"If you two end up having kids, name one of the Three Dog Jr. for your old pal."

I rolled my eyes. Kids are not on my radar right now. And I'm sure not even on Elizabeth's either. We haven't been together that long to even make a grown up decision like that. And I honestly still don't want kids with the world we are still currently in.

"I'll keep it in mind. Later Three Dog," I said.

I walked down stairs and made my way outside, being welcomed back into the fresh air of the Capital Paradise. Words I never thought I would even think or say out loud.

I looked at the map to find out what paths changed compared to before on where Vault 101 was. The road was how I remembered it but had some new buildings and structures nearby. I wasted no time in hitting the road and getting ready to face what was to come.

I walked down the road, passing by traders with Brahmins and their gear to trade with. During my travels I only saw further the signs of D.C. changing for the better. Sure the roads were still not going to win any awards, but some pot holes were filled and signs were hung up. Things were not just growing back like in the remains of the big city, but it's everywhere else. All we need is more trees, bushes, and flowers to breathe more life in.

I saw the hills of Springvale start to emerge and as I walked over the hill, a wave of shock almost made me tumble over. I saw all the destroyed homes that once were there completely rebuilt and lived in. Gardens stood out front with even the school nearby nearly completely rebuilt. I saw children skipping on the sidewalk with parents nearby and the once abandoned gas station now a simple trading center with people trading goods such as food or trinkets from other areas. This short glimpse showed me a slice of life I never thought I would ever see. A slice of the old world in my presence. I quickly took notice of a sign on the main road, prompting me to approach it. I read the sign which said, "Welcome to Springvale, Home of Vault 101 and a Piece of Old Suburban Life"

Vault 101 had grown from beyond its crowded corridors and confined spaces. It was not only open, but now spreading to expand and help even rebuild and vigorate an old city to its once former glory. I saw some of the Vault Dwellers, still adorning their Vault Suits. But I saw others just wearing casual clothes despite how still tattered and torn they looked with smiles adorned their faces. Smelling the air, I could feel the aromas of grass, daisies, roses, and vegetables filling my lungs. Seeing everything almost felt too unreal. Like that time I was put into a simulation to rescue my father. As nice as it all looked, it felt creepy to me at the time and clearly was an illusion. After all this time though and seeing Springvale with my own eyes, it no longer is.

I followed the road up to Vault 101 where I saw a makeshift toll of both scrap metal and wood with a Vault Dweller wearing a security outfit that I recognized from the last time I was there. He quickly took notice of me and greeted me.

"Welcome to Vault 101, my name is Henry. What business do you have here today," he stated with a smile.

I took a deep breath, "I'm here to see the Overseer, Amata. Is she in?"

"Yes she's in a meeting most likely wrapping up. Who is requesting to see her?"

"Tell her…tell her it's Evan," I state.

I removed my helmet, and held it in my hands, looking at my reflection in the red lenses. I could feel the anxiety build up in me, as I awaited what was to come. As I've said many times before, this could go anyway. I was hoping it wouldn't go south and cause a disruption I or anyone couldn't fix. That would be the last thing I would need now.

After what felt like an eternity, I heard footsteps approaching as I looked up and saw Amata, standing in my presence. Her hair was braided and she no longer was wearing a vault suit but rather a green plaid shirt with brown jeans and a clipboard. I could hear a gasp leave her mouth as her pace quickened towards me, realizing who I was.

"Evan? Is it really you," she asked.

I nodded, "Yes. It is."

I could hear another breath leave her mouth, "Wow. I can't believe it is you. I mean four years it's been and I…I honestly wasn't expecting to ever see you again. "

Did she have little confidence I would make it? Or was it more that she didn't think I would ever return for my own reasons?

"So…how have things been here? I already see you guys have grown beyond the vault like you said," I state, trying to diffuse the tension.

"Oh yes we have. We were able to grow to Springvale and even fix up the houses and school. We're hoping to have more class rooms open up in the next month."

"Wow that's…that's great."

"Yeah. Come on inside. We can catch up more privately."

I nodded as she guided me inside. As I walked through the tunnel, I saw kids drawings on the walls with colors of chalk, even drawings of spaceships, cars, and pets. There were times kids drew on the walls of the vault, but they quickly were cleaned off by the janitorial crew. Only this time, these look like they've been here a while as if they were allowed to be drawn on.

We got closer to the vault door, however it was wide open welcoming anyone to come in. Gone clearly were the days of the vault never being open. Everyone was moving in and out freely. Some traders and others Vault Dwellers. For the most part, everything looked the same as I remembered it. The same old confined feel that I vaguely remembered from a lifetime ago to the same tiles on the ground from before but polished. The only true difference was the smell, which smelled of an assortment of fragrances such as mint or primrose.

As I walked around, I could see some of the guards and even some of the vault residents taking notice of me. Some were unsure on who they were seeing, but others I could tell recognized it was me. The one who started everything. Thankfully, I didn't hear bloody murderer from anyone, so I'm not creating much of a stir.

We went up the stairs and finally reached the Overseer's Office where it looked a lot more roomier and lived in compared to the last time I saw it. Amata clearly remodeled it more than her father would have and made it her own. Fresh paint on the walls and even some paintings hung up that looked hand made and recent. Was Amata an aspiring artist?

She motioned to a simple lawn chair, "So tell me, where have you been and what made you come back to D.C.? Are you still with the Brotherhood?"

I sat down in it, "Well, not necessarily. I went all the way to New Vegas."

She sat in her office chair. "New Vegas? All the way out west?"

I nodded, "Yup. Been there ever since."

"What's it like out there?"

"Hot, dry, and not alive as it is here. People are still trying to kill each other there," I remarked.

"Oh. What else did you do there in New Vegas? And what made you back out here?"

"Well I was a courier for a while. It paid decently. But I was supposed to deliver a package more than a month ago and I got shot in the head by a guy named Benny."

Shock appeared on her face, "Oh my. Did you catch him?"

"It wasn't easy, but yes I did with some help," I replied.

"I see. What else happened after that? Did you meet anyone else there?"

I paused. I don't know how she would react to Elizabeth. Would she be jealous? Or would she be happy for me?

I sighed, bracing myself, "I met a few people. If you heard from the radio, I did bring one of them with me."

"No, I'm sorry. I've been so busy that most of the time I don't even listen to the radio. Always on the go helping solve a problem or figuring out what the agenda for the day is," she replied.

"Oh. Well, I met someone named Elizabeth during my time in New Vegas and we started off as just partners."

"I see. Are you two…together," she inquired.

I nodded, bracing myself for the response that would come next.

"That's wonderful to hear Evan. I wish I had the time and opportunity to be able to do something like that."

Bewilderment struck my face with her response, "Really? You're that busy?"

She nodded, briefly looking away, "Yeah. Being an Overseer is not easy. It's a lot of work and I've made quite a bit of mistakes. Where we are at now has been…an experience to say the least."

"I don't doubt that. Can't be easy to do something no Overseer has done before. Is everyone still…still upset about what happened?"

"About when you and James left? Not much at all. There's a few that argue that it was in the end a good thing. Some are indifferent to it. Then there's the few that are still pissed about it no matter how many times I try to explain to them the benefits of the whole thing," she explained.

Looks like Amata really came up to bat for me and Dad. That's nice to know. Guess there is no ill will to the whole thing in the end.

"That's great to hear Amata. I didn't know if things were ever going to improve with what we did," I replied.

She paused for a moment, "It…it took time. But in the end, it was really for the better. And with the success of Project Purity, it's only made it easier for us to expand and Springvale is proof of it."

No doubt about it. I wonder how the rest of the residents are doing.

"So, I have to ask. How's your father and even Butch doing," I asked.

She shrugged, "My father is doing better. He's retired, but still pitches in every so often to help. Butch, he's got his group, The Tunnel Snakes out there. Though they're a gun for hire kind of group or even a service group if need be. He swings by once a week to say hi and check in to see how we are doing. I will admit, he's mature quite a bit. More than I ever could have expected."

I was taken back a bit. Butch grew up? Are we sure we're talking about the same Butch. The one who not only bullied me, but every other kid in the vault when we were kids. Yet was a pussy and couldn't save his own mother and had to have help? Times have truly changed. Or the end times are coming.

"Are we sure were talking about the same Butch? How in the heck was he able to accomplish that?"

Amata laughs, "I ask myself that still to this day. I chalk it up to luck, but also perseverance. Once he left the vault to put his stake in the world, I remember him coming back, discouraged and unsure on what to do next. However, he then went out again and came back in a week with more members and eventually, it grew to a tight knit group of "brothers in arms."

I almost laughed at that statement, "Was that his words or yours?"

She smiled, "His words. Not mine. As always, he got offended and pissed that I laughed."

Now there's the old Butch. In all seriousness, I never thought he would have made it as the leader of a gang like he said. Butch was always full of talk, but never much action. However this time, according to Amata, he really accomplished it. Something I'll have to see for myself one day.

"I have to ask. What was it like reuniting with your father," she continued.

I took a breath, remembering clearly what happened that day, "It was…a shock to say the least. Here I was in New Vegas and here he was. Alive and in the flesh."

"It must have been surreal to you to see him like that after years thinking he was dead."

Amata's statement dug up old memories of mine that I had buried. Memories like moments where I reflected and remembered how I thought he died originally. In the earlier days, it would still bring out tears to me whenever I thought of him or that moment. It finally got to a point where I did, but the nightmares continued, haunting me most days I went to sleep. Knowing the truth finally put those all to rest.

I scratched my head, "Yeah it was. But the weeks before I saw him, my relationship with Elizabeth helped me move on."

"How did you meet her, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I…I met her on my travels and she asked if she could come along. Over time we got to know each other and it just…clicked," I replied.

"Really that's it?"

I shrugged, trying to keep it brief, "Yeah it's not glamorous. Just a simple story."

She paused, "Hmm. I was expecting a bit more of a…bigger story."

"Sometimes it aint that complicated."

"No, guess it never is. So, what's next for you?"

"Me? Not really much. Elizabeth and I are planning to go back to New Vegas after were done here," I replied.

A subtle look of shock appeared, "Oh. I thought you would be staying here longer."

"I would like to, but Elizabeth and I need to get back to wrap up some business there. But I'm not against coming back out here again. Not after what I've seen so far," I responded.

"If you do, you're welcome any time," Amata says as she stands up.

I feel like there is one more thing I need to ask. Just to clarify everything.

"One more thing," I stated.

Amata turns to face me.

"About last time I was here…the things I said and how angry I got…"

She raised her hand, "I'm going to stop you there. It's the past. Like I told you earlier, some may still hold a grudge on the past here. I'm not one of those people. I've moved on and being Overseer has helped me see that life moves too fast to keep an anchor on the past. It's best to just keep going forward and not getting muddled in the past."

Amata's words rang at me like my Dad's words in the dream I had. That it's best to go forward and move on when you can. Something years ago I should have heard.

I followed her movement and we made our way outside of the vault, back to Springvale. As we walked outside to the lookout booth, I saw as clear as day the familiar face of an old bully.

"Well I'll be damned. You really did come here," I hear him say.

"Hello Butch. It's been a while. "

He was exactly as I remembered him with the same black leather Tunnel Snakes jacket from before with brown hair and blue eyes. Funny enough, I didn't smell hair gel on him this time.

He nodded, "Damn straight it has. I had a hunch once I heard from Three Dog that you would come straight here. Glad I was right. I didn't think I'd see you again. Hello Amata."

Amata waved at him while we continued talking.

He continues, "So what have you been up to? Where did life take you?"

"New Vegas," I stated.

His eyes widened, "Really? My crew has heard stories of that place, and said that it's a real riot there."

"It can be. Especially the Strip."

"Shit. We gotta take a trip there sometime. I'd love to make some caps and meet some dames."

"All that can be yours for a one time entrance fee of 2000 caps," I sarcastically remarked.

His eyes widened again, this time with astonishment,"What!? That's outrageous."

"Can't put a price on luxury now can you Butch," I mockingly say.

He turned his head and shrugged, reluctantly agreeing with me.

"I hear you got your gang up and running. How's that working out for you?"

A smile adorned his face, "Good. Really good. Been helping keep people safe in the Capital Paradise while things grow and improve."

Guess Three Dog was right on the name. It sounds and sticks better hearing it outloud.

"Nice. Glad to hear things are working out for you. So, is that it?"

"What," he asked, confused by what I meant.

"You came all the way here to see me?"

"What…no, not just that. I…I wanted to do my weekly check up on Vault 101. And it just so happened you arrived before I did," he stammered

I rolled my eyes. Ok. Sure Butch. Totally.

Amata walks forward, "Were fine Butch. We'll let you know if those Radroaches or Bloatflies come back."

"Ok. I'll head back now. Nice seeing you're alive Evan."

I nodded as he walked away, back into D.C.'s emerging Paradise.

"Well I'll be going too. It's starting to get late," I announced.

"Yes it is. Travel back safely Evan," Amata replied.

"I will. Take care of yourself Amata. I'll come by whenever I can."

"I'll count on it. Let me give you my frequency so you can reach out and we can plan this better."

I showed her my Pimpboy and as she put in her frequency, I heard her ask, "So I've been meaning to ask. What did you do to your Pipboy?"

"Oh nothing. This is a new one called the Pimpboy 3 Billion. It was a gift back in New Vegas."

"Ah. I thought you were rich now or something," she remarked.

I smiled, "No it was just a gift."

Once she put her frequency in we both walked in separate directions where I took a last glance at Amata where I saw that she was talking with a resident as if it was business as usual. I smiled before turning around and making my way back to the Citadel.

Everything went better than I was expecting. I was expecting things to go south in some way since it's always better to assume things might go south and be ready for it than not at all. I guess I was wrong. Maybe it's time that I stop assuming things are going to go bad. I've been wrong a few times now on things going bad and it doesn't. Sometimes even better than what I was expecting it to be. By the looks of it, it seems like things are getting better and better. Which gives me even more hope that Elizabeth's plan and I may work on changing Mr. House's view on how he wants to run New Vegas. A chance for the old U.S. Republic to return and bring the world back together again.

And Amata was right. Most of the people there have moved on and are more focused on looking to the future in rebuilding the Capital Paradise. They're not focused on the negatives of the past since where they're now wouldn't have ever happened if Dad and I never opened the vault. That moment changed everything for the better based on what I saw. There's an expression that my Dad used to say to me a long time ago, when I was a kid. Everything happens for a reason. And after today, the last month and what I know, I definitely can see that clearly now.