Outcast Amongst Outcasts

As I walk up to my house I see Lucas stand in front of my door. "Kid we may have a problem, not long after you brought that girl in one of our scouting teams radioed in for help. The signal we got was weak, but what we could get from it was that they're under heavy attack by someone with Laser Weapons. Hell they're probably already nothin but a pile of ash. Their last recorded position was about half a days track northwest from here. You've already done a lot for us, and I hate to ask, but can you go and check out the situation. See if anyone is still alive and if so bring them back."

*Ping* "New Quest Added -Talons Raised-"

I nod "Sure Lucas, just give me a moment to get situated then I'll head out. Do you mind if I hit up the armory for some ammo. The Sniper I got from the Raider didn't have any ammo, and since laser weapons are involved then I'll need something with a better stopping power."

Lucas looks at me then nods "Okay follow me, Deputy Steel will shoot you on sight if you go in there by yourself. We'll get you registered in as a combatant so that way you can come and go in the future without worry. We've got quite a bit of .308 ammo in stock due to no one using a sniper except for Marilyn who's part of the scouting party, and she normally brings back more then she uses. So take as much as you want as well as some 10mm for your pistols. Also if you've got the parts you can go over to Moira's place and make adjustments to any of your guns. Until you get your own workbench that is."

We soon reach the Armory and Lucas tells me to stay outside for a moment. A few minutes goes by and he yells it's safe to come in. I notice a difference from the game when I walk in. First off it's a lot more organized and there are a lot more guns. Everything is in nice neat gun racks and there are more types of guns. Hell there's even a minigun covered in dust sitting in the corner. Lucas motions me over to the terminal and asks me to put in my information. After filling everything out I offer to upgrade Steel. Lucas agrees, but only after I help the Scouts. He gives me the descriptions on them. So taking what I need I thank Lucas and stop by the clinic to check on the girl before I leave. Church said she'd be out of it until tomorrow afternoon after giving her a once over I agree and head on out.

Looking at my minimap the scouts are around Vault 106s location. Double checking that I have everything I walk a good distance away before I bring out Soundwave my first robot buddie. I've made a few improvements to the sentry bot dad and I put together, I whistle at the beautiful death machine I've created. Instead of having the normal wheels I changed it out for four spider legs with the top being able to rotate on the chassis. My baby will have no connection with that blasted claptrap abomination... except for opening doors... with missiles. Anyway I've also armored everything I could without effecting it's mobility and included a chair so I don't have to walk everywhere. With the Stabilization shock's added in, it's the smoothest ride in the Wasteland.

To kill time I pull up my system and fiddle around with it. See if I have anything new, and much to my surprise I've got about 100 lucky lottery draws. Needing no explanation I spin the first one.

"Congratulations you've received stimpack blueprints."

Well it's not bad, but it's also not great. Let's take another spin

"Congratulations you've received all Nukacola Formula's."

... Again.

"Congratulations you've received Legendary Normandy SR-2 Blueprints."

That is both awesome and useless.

"Congratulations you've received Telepathy for Dummies by Charles Xavier."

WHY WOULD I NEED THIS CORTANA!

"Congratulations you've received Bobba Fett's Jetpack and Grapple"

YES SOMETHING USEFUL! I love you Cortana.

"Congratulations you've received Endless Chewing Gum (Now your never out of Bubblegum)."

WHYYYYYYYYYY

"Congratulations you've received Time Turner (Injection of magic required)."

... I hate the world

"Congratulations you've received T-5000 Part 1/3 (Due to how powerful T-5000 is more draws are required)."

Wow really, fuck yeah, but does it really have to be split up.

"Congratulations you've received T-5000 Part 2/3 (Due to how powerful T-5000 is more draws are required)."

Yes yes yes yes yes. One more baby just one more.

"Congratulations you've received N7 Hoodie."

Nooooooooooooooooo... but I have always wanted one so... okay.

"Congratulations you've received 10 ton of C-4."

Cool now I don't have to find some myself.

"Congratulations you've received Infinity Gauntlet (Stones not included)."

I'll take it, it's made out of Uru.

"Congratulations you've received All Magic the Gathering cards X5 (Land cards are 1000 each)."

To little to late.

"Congratulations you've received Artist Skill 100."

I always did like drawing.

"Congratulations you've received Elite Riot Gear (Helmet included)."

Now that's more like it.

"Congratulations you've received Infinite Bullets (Any bullet placed in inventory will now be multiplied infinitely)."

"Notice: Bullets only. Other types of ammo will not be affected."

Awesome, now I'm a walking ammo factory.

"ENEMIES DETECTED."

Oh boy let's see who... outcasts... well shit can't give them Soundwave. Let's try diplomacy first.

"Native you are in possession of advance technology. Hand it over like a good little caveman and we won't incinerate you where you stand."

Nope they're dicks. Okay plan B.

"Okay I'm coming down. Don't shoot." As I climb down I feel the laser rifles being pointed at me. As soon as I step off one of the bastards shoots me in the leg. It doesn't really do anything to me but my health took a little bit of a hit. Going with the play Soundwave responds and aims his Minigun arm at them. That had them scrambling. My guns wont really do anything to their armor so close combat it is.

Running up to the guy who shot me I barrel into him and knock him down. While he's disoriented I pull his helmet off and then spin his head around to face the ground.

Running over to the next person I do the same thing except I knock her out cold. While I was doing that Soundwave punched holes through the Brainbots, well brain.

Taking a moment for the adrenaline to wear off I take the Power Armor off both the people and I beam the Brainbot into my inventory. Looking over their weaponry they have the standard outfit. A Lazer Rifle, a Lazer Pistol, and a few impulse grenades. The Brainbot however seemed to be carrying a lot of other supplies. Stimpacts, Radaway, food and drinks, extra parts for their guns and armor. A good haul all together.

Taking out some handcuffs I got from the school. I cuff the girl to Soundwave then smack her awake. It's becoming my favorite hobby out here in the Waste. She take a moment to stir, but once she does all hell breaks loose. She starts wriggling, jumping. Doing pretty much all she can to break out of the handcuffs. It starting to be more annoying then before. So I step in and grab her by the neck and pick her up she flails around gets a good few kick in, even goes for my balls. Luckily i'm smart enough to know how to protect myself. Now she's screaming, well thats what you get when you kick a solid piece of steel undies. JK it's more like a jock strap of steel.

Now that she's calmed down I inject a stimpack in her leg, pretty sure she broke her foot. Anyway she's finally calming down or losing air I mean I have been holding her by the throat... Yeah my bad. So I sit her back on the ground and she's gasping for air.

"What the fuck is wrong with you, you native asshole." Not really feeling like talking I point to the hole in my pants leg, and raise an eyebrow. "I'm sorry but you do realize you were trying to One: steal my things and Two: KILL ME! So yeah I retaliated and killed your boyfriend over there. And unless you can give me a good reason not to kill you too. You'll soon be joining him."

She looks over at the body and immediately vomits on my boots... Sigh. Not my day today. After vomiting all over my nice new Baby Seal boots she takes another look at the dead guy. She can't see his face since it's facing the ground but the vertebrae is perfectly in sight. Man I'm twisted, hahaha... no no one. Fine be that way.

With some very deep breaths she looks back at me with horror in her eyes. "I'm sorry all we wanted was your Sentry Bot. I don't know what Private Torrez was thinking when he shot you, but please let me go or kill me."

"What if I ransom you off to the Outcasts or the Brotherhood of Steel. I mean I already have all your gear, and I killed the guy who shot me so I'm good. Now I just have to figure out what to do with you."

At my words she looks even more depressed. "Unfortunately neither of those options will work. As an outcast the Brotherhood won't take me back and well I ran away from the Outcast. This patrol was going to be my last. I was going to knock Terrez out and then take everything I needed and leave. I already left a note at Fort Independence to my higher ups. I was going to take everything and run off to the commonwealth. Now I'm in your hand and I won't last a day out here by myself without my armor and supplies."

"Why leave the Outcasts, I'm confused." She takes a deep breath then breathes out. "Well I left the Brotherhood because we started helping locals and fighting Super Mutants. I didn't mind helping the locals out, but the Super Mutants kept killing more of my friends and when my brother was almost killed that was the last straw. I tried bringing him with me but he wanted to stay. So I left and joined with the Outcast. They weren't so bad at first then when I went out on Patrols with other I saw how they looked down on everyone, and like Torrez over there killed some people for having just a Lazer Pistol on them. It wasn't what I thought we were supposed to be so in the end I decided I belonged to niether side and decided to leave."

This world doesn't have a lot of good people in it and I feel that every word she'd said was the truth. But the World is a very fucked up place and no one but a select few can change it. Screw it hopefully this doesn't bite me in the ass.

"What's your name?" Looking a bit startled she replies. "Josie, my name is Josie Maxson."

Maxson. Not a common name in the Brotherhood. "Is your brothers name Arthur."

Josie Tilts her head down. I can barely hear it but she said "yes". This wasn't in the game at all... fuck me.

The Maxson line is a very important part of fall out for a few reasons one is that Roger Maxson was. THEE founder of The Brotherhood he himself wanted to be side by side with people, but his descendants were more isolationists and thus we have the Brotherhood of today. Also if not nipped in the bud Arthur will become a pretentious dick who has the same line of thought as the Enclave. Yeah not happening on my watch. And Two, a Maxson has always ruled the Brotherhood, always.

I don't really have a choice even if nothing else she's one of the founders last descendants. "Joise I have a proposition for you. Instead of running off to the Commonwealth, stick with me. I know a lot about this world and of its secrets. Like for one, your ancestor Rogor Maxson was open to the belief that the Brotherhood need to work side by side with the people so that what happened before doesn't happen again.

Unfortunately Maxson the Second was not of the same belief and so were many others. Thus we have the Brotherhood of today. However I can help you change all that. I just need you to help me on my journey and I promise you together we can change the world for the better. I'm not saying put all your trust in me. Simply give me the chance to show you."

She looks up at me then nods. "I have nothing else to lose, my brother has shunned me. I have lost hope for the Outcasts, and Brotherhood. So why not stranger. However I would like to know the name of my future traveling companion."

Feeling a little giddy inside I reach my hand down and say. "My name is Jacob Cross and soon the whole world will hear of it."

Chuckling to herself she reaches up and grabs my hand with both of hers and stands up. "Now then Mr. Cross would mind uncuffing me. Your robot is very cold and I don't feel safe unless I'm in my gear."

Nodding my head I unlock her cuffs and throw them into my inventory. Then I take out her Armor and weapons. Fun fact when I take out or put in things for my inventory nobody notices. It's like it was either there the whole time or never existed, I love cheats.

After getting back in her armor I tell her to follow me. I don't ride Soundwave this time, but walk beside Josie. Talking to her getting to know her better.

Soon enough I hear the sound of gunfire and take a look at my map. The sound is coming from where my quest marker is.

"Alright Josie up ahead is gunfight. My objective is to locate the scouting group from Megaton, secure their safty and bring them back. So I want you and Soundwave to circle around and when you hear a big explosion attack the enemy from behind. Let Soundwave do the heavy lifting he's built to fight. I want you to pick off stragglers, but leave who looks most important alive if you can. If not then don't take any chances. See you in a few. Soundwave operation Blindside."

And with that I run ahead and see where the scouts are. Poping my head over one of the many boulders I see Marilyn pop up and take off the head of a Talon merc. Should of seen this coming. Those guys are just assholes.

Looking their way I see about 30 of the bastards. So I pop up with my sniper and enter Vats my AP is pretty high so I'm able to get about 5 shots off before I have to reload. Now comes the fun part. "Cortana can I get a 1by 1 of C-4 also my detonator." And bam my hands are now full. Taking a deep breath I mould the C-4 into a ball, stand up and throw it right in the middle of them.

With a big ol' smile I flip the switch and BOOOOOOOOOOOM. I kinda forgot but those guys nomally carry grenades.

"Art is an explosion 23/10.

Explosive Artist Rank 1

Handmade explosives do 25% more Damage

Art is an explosion 23/100"

Well that's new, also there's a dust cloud, but only 3 are left. Popping out of my cover I pull my dual pistols and run in I hear Soundwaves minigun so I steer left and find one guy covering his ears. Popping him in the head I see only one enemy on my HUD running right for me. Waiting behind cover I'm up with my arm out and I clothesline the bastard. And the crowd goes wild wooooow.

Following tradition I pop him in the legs and arms then drag him by his hair over to where the scouting group is.

Walking out of the dust cloud I see Soundwave and Josie waiting for me. And a bunch of guns pointed at my face. It's so nice to feel welcomed.

Stopping in my tracks I yell out. "We're friendlies, Lucas sent me to help you guys after you radioed back." and with that the guns go down except one. I don't know about you guys but being starred at down the sights of a sniper is not fun.

I walk foward and reach my hand out for a handshake. "Hi the name's Jacob Cross, newest resident to Megaton." An older man steps forward and shakes my hand. "Name's Joshua Brown. Appreciate the help, Moira would skin my hide if I died. That wife of mine is one scary lady when she wants to be." Well this is also new Moira didn't have a hubby in the game, fascinating.

"Oh for god's sake Marilyn put the damn gun down. If the boy here wanted us dead and gone then i'd reckon he'd of tossed whatever that was our way." Begrudgingly she takes her aim off of me but still has her gun out constantly looking around.

"Sorry about that, after our last run in with those Talon fucks Marilyn's been a bit on edge. Constant vigilance and all that jazz. Now then, unless you know some first aid we need to get the gang back to Megaton so Doc can take a look at us. Bobby got shot in the arm and the rest of us are pretty banged up."

"Actually I do know first aid. My old man's a doctor himself and sought to teach me well. If you want I can take a look at everyone first then we can head back."

Jashua looks at me and I look back. "Well whatcha waitin on, an invitation. Go ahead and see if we're all in walking shape."

After a brief look at everyone they're all in pretty good shape. Bobby was shot with a bullet thankfully and after pulling it out of him and hitting him with a stimpack we're good to go.

Before leaving I ransack the battlefield and take pretty much everything.

*Ping* New Quest Added -Big trouble in Big Town-

Big towns Red sent a radio broadcast asking for help before being captured with a few other. If host is quick enough, all Big towners can be rescued. Time 17 minutes before first death.

"Hello this is Red from Big Town. We are currently being attacked by Super Mutants and *Scream*..." "This will make nice stew." "Message will repeat."

Well shit I was hoping to do this later, but if doing it now will save more lives, on we go. Turning back to Joshua. "Hey Josh sorry, but I've got to run it seems as if there is trouble in Big Town. Will you guys be alright on your own or would you like for one of my people to help you back. And please decide fast every minute wasted is a minutes I could of been there."

Joshua just laughs and waves me off. "Go kid, Megaton isn't to far and everyone's still in fighting shape we'll be fine on our own. Ain't the first, won't be the last."

With that I jump on Soundwave. "Josie follow them back you'd be to slow and speed is of the essence right now. After I deal with this I'll meet you in Megaton. If I'm not back by night time, tell Gob your my friend and he'll let you stay at his place."

Then I'm off pushing Soundwave as fast as he can go, and my boy is fast. 5 minutes later I'm in front of Big Town, but I don't head inside I look down and see fresh tracks, that means the Mutants are still on the move. So we're back off at high speeds and catching up. Soon I see an outline of a mutant. I pull my sniper out and enter Vats. I count about 20 Mutants and 8 people. Selecting the first 5 in front I fire and enter Vats again. Due to infinite Bullets I don't have to reload so every bullet spent is immediately replenished.

Selecting the next 5 I only hit four and wound one. Back in again next five, then the next five. All there is left is the wounded Mutant. I see it reach for its Hunting rifle and bring it up. I don't have time to enter Vats so I jump up in the air while Soundwave keeps going and fire. Before I can see if I hit or not Soundwave is blocking my view and I'm back on the ground. Soundwave stops and waits for me.

Seeing him not go into combat mode means I must of hit him. And what the hell was I thinking, of course I had time to enter Vats. So why did I feel like I wouldn't be able to. Standing up I feel sluggish like I just drank half the Vaults Baseball team under. Funny story, did that once, now I'm not allowed Alcohol, well wasn't allowed.

Making my way forward It takes me a moment to reach Soundwave and move past him. After I do I see a bunch of kids looking at me in awe. In a moment of weakness I equipped my Elite Riot Gear and had the wind make me look like a badass.

*Ping* Fury's Swish: Whenever host is wearing a trench coat random winds will appear to make Host seem more "Badass".

Now that's a skill I'm proud to own. Thanks Cortana.

After my awesome trench coat entrance I lean against Soundwave. "Well kids are you waiting for an invitation or what. Pick up the guns and ammo off the bodies, then follow me back to your place."

As I turn around to get on Soundwave, wind blew out my trench coat. I'm already in love with this Ability. After climbing up an taking a seat I pull out my Sniper and start surveying the area. By the time the kids are done I've killed 4 Raiders and a few Radscorpion. Telling them to collect that too we start heading back.

A quick look at my Pip-Boy tells me it's 4:13 PM. After I get these kids sorted I should be able to make it back in no time. Hopefully Lucas isn't to hard on Josie.

"Excuse me, Sir." Look down I spot Red trying to get my attention. "What can I do for you." Red responds by saying. "Well I'd just like to thank you for saving me and my friends. If you hadn't shown up when you did, I don't know what would've happened to us. Us Big Towners don't really have a lot to give. So I was wondering why help us. Don't get me wrong we all appreciate that you saved us. Its just... in the Wasteland everyone only looks out for themselves."

Red makes a good point, however I'm sorta out of the binding logic of the wasteland. "Well Red if I'm to be honest with you. There isn't a particular reason why I saved you other than just wanting to do some good. The Wastelands are so fucked up and there are so many threat's to humans that it isn't even funny. So I'm gonna try going around and help people. If they give me stuff cool, if not also cool. Don't get me wrong I like materialistic things, however I know that not everybody can afford the help I'm giving. I don't mind and hell, who knows, maybe they'll help someone the next time someone needs it."

Red falls back to her friends and I'm just on the look out for any danger. My heads starting to feel better, that's a plus. It seems that I can only use Vats so much before my brain overloads. Guess I have to use it more sparingly.

We've almost reached Big Town and there are no more enemies in the immediate area. Stopping Soundwave, I jump off and tell him to protect this area. The Kids run in and I follow behind.

*Ping* Big trouble in Big Town Complete.

Reward: Schematics for housing, defenses, agricultural, and entertainment. 10 Ton of all known local resources. Construction drone bots linked to C.A.M.P.

(Pic of drones here)

Well this will come in handy. Let's talk to everyone, see if they want an increase to there living environment.

In the middle of town everyone is grouped together hugging those that were abducted. Giving them all a moment, I get swarmed when they notice me. Now I'm in the middle of a big group hug, and it feels nice.

Letting everyone calm down I walk to the middle of town and place down my C.A.M.P. They are interested and ask what it is. "Well this here is called a Camp. It a construction and assembly mobile platform, and with it I can change this place into somewhere you'd actually want to live. That is if you want me to."

They all nod, but Red screams out. "Wait TimeBomb is still injured i'll need to move him out first before anything." Slapping myself in the face, i'd forgotten about him.

"Hold on Red i'll go fix him up then we can continue." With that I walk into the house where Timebomb is and start putting him back together. In no time I have him up and back on his feet good as new. After having Red explain everything to him we go back outside.

With everyone's permission I walk over to the C.A.M.P and start inputting what I want. Soon after 20 little drones pop into existence and start deconstructing everything. About an hour later the Drones are finished and the place is beautiful.

All the old house's were striped of their materials and beamed into my inventory. The drones then took out the fence and put a solid concrete wall with metal plating. The houses are now two story tall buildings made out of concrete, glass and metal siding. With metal shades to cover the glass during an attack. Turrets are placed every 7 feet along the wall with some rocket turrets in between. And all houses now have clean running water. An area is dedicated to farming and they have Tatos, Corn, Melons, and some cabbage. They have more types of seed in a storage shed that is locked. Also a workshop is set up so they can make anything they may want so long as they know what they're building.

And of course all turrets were upgraded and have EMP shielding. No pesky Isolationists are gonna take this place, no sir.

With all that done I collect my C.A.M.P. and head to the North gate. I'm going to head up to Germantowns police dept. and kill the rest of those Super Mutants. Before I can leave the kid do another group hug with me in the middle. As I leave they get on top of the wall and yell their thanks. Getting on top of Soundwave, we leave to go kill some Muties.

Halfway there we encounter said Muties at a half destroyed church. After a quick fight I make my way inside and find someone tied up. Cutting them free I tell them to go to Big Town. Looting the place clean I have my drones pop out and deconstruct everything and move on.

When we arrive, there are no Mutants in sight. Making my way around back I have Soundwave cover the door then I shout. "YOU NEED SOME MILK!" and run back to Soundwave. I feel that about 10 mutants are inside and they're all coming my way. Setting up a funnel I pull out a Chinese Assault Rifle and wait.

Few seconds later 3 of'em stumble out and three go down the rest are in the hallway firing back. I have Soundwave open up with his minigun and 6 more go down. The last one tries to charge with his NailBoard, and gets a hole in his head for his trouble.

Looting everything I head inside and do a quick look around. Other than some uniforms and guns nothin else stands out. They have one prisoner but he's a Raider so *pop* and then there was none. Letting out the drones so they can do their thing, I walk back out to Soundwave and wait.

Watching a building disappear is really boring so I take a nap. It's been a long day.

*Ping* I'M AWAKE... oh thanks Cortana. Looking at where the building is supposed to be is nothing but a hole. Even the fence and tents weren't spared. Patting Soundwave on the head we're off to Megaton. Maybe Gob will let me drink for free.

*ping* Foremen Rank 1: Building requires 10% less materials.

Foremen Rank 2: Towns Built 1/3

Sweet, a little late, but sweet.

The journey back was uneventful. Came across a Deathclaw about to attack a Caravan but persuaded it to attack a nearby Raider base instead. All in a day work... Fuck it's only been a day since I left the Vault. It already feels like years.*Rumble* Speaking of which I haven't eaten today. Let's see my Sweetrolls are sitting at a nice 38,457. Best present ever *munch*.

Now let try our hand at the lottery again.

"Congratulations you've received unlimited No.2 Pencils."

... well unlimited Graphite and wood I guess.

"Congratulations you've received Face Hugger (Place on a living being to get your very own Xenomorph) (Deathclaw recommended)."

...Scary...

"Congratulations you've received Fleshlight (On lonely days by yourself)."

Fuck you Cortana.

"That's the point Mr. Cross!"

...

"Congratulations you've received Marie's Mutation (Now you don't have to steal a baby)."

Useful, I alway was torn on whether or not to steal her.

"Congratulations you've received Zetan auto-translator."

Woo-hoo no more screeches for me.

"Congratulations you've received Dog Toy (Who's a good boy, you're a good boy)."

I know where that's going.

"Congratulations you've received Comfy bed, pillow, blankets, and pajamas."

Do I get schematics for it too?

"Congratulations you've received Unlimited Mt. Dew Code Red.

Hey now your just being mean.

"Congratulations you've received Fashion Tips By Garrus Vakarian.

IT MIGHT BE AROUND THE SAME TIME BUT WE ARE NO WHERE NEAR STELLAR TRAVEL LET ALONE FTL TRAVEL!

"You are welcomed Jacob."

"Congratulations you've received Stealthboy mk.7 (No mater how many time used it will still function)."

Okay that enough, we're almost Home. "Soundwave stop." After climbing down I store away Soundwave and walk for the rest of the time. Going past Springville I get an idea, but for now I'm beat. I just want a nice hot shower (which Megaton doesn't have) and a good sleep.

Duputy Weld is standing out front. "Hi ya Weld." "Good afternoon Mr. Cross." Huh I guess entering my information did more than just let me access the armory.

Going through the gates I look at the time. It 7:57, almost night time. I walk over to Gob's place, much better name than the last guy's, and take a seat.

"Hey boss. What can I getcha this fine night." Half-heartedly I ask. "A Whisky and Nukacola on the rocks." Much to my surprise. "Sure thing not to many people order that."

So sitting in front of me is a glass of ice, a Nukacola, and a bottle of Whisky. "That'll be 23 Caps my good sir." Reaching into my pocket I pull out the amount he wants. "Oh my bad it's 11 forgot about your discount." I put the rest in inventory.

"So I heard your day was fun. First you take care of the Raiders, almost get robbed by a couple Outcast, save our Scouting party, and then save Big Town. Isn't only like your second day on the surface. Man Vault Dwellers are Scary. But you're not half bad, got me this place. Ma would be thrilled to know I own my own place. Hey wanna do me a favor, if your ever in Underworld tell Carole that I'm doin alright for myself i'd appreciate it. Plus I'll let you drink for free next time you come in."

"Thanks Gob, if I'm ever in the area I'll see what I can do. Now if you don't mind I need a drink and a good sleep." I'm not seeing Josie anywhere so I down everything and head back to my place.

I hate the curse of the strong. We can't ever get drunk. I unlock my door and walk upstairs changing my old bed for my Comfy new one. Today has been a long ass day and I just wanna sleep. I store my gear and change into my PJs. The nice smooth silk is already making me drowsy. Without further ado I climb into bed and cover up. I feel like I'm forgetting something... fuck it. I'll deal with it in the morning. Night, night world of horrors, I'll fuck you up again tomorrow.

Waking up I feel somebody beside me so I roll over and big spoon them and go back to sleep. It's been a while since I've held Amata like this.

Next thing I know is I'm being woke up by a scream and *Slap*. This is not what I wanted to wake up to. Opening my eyes I see Josie jumping out of my bed with my covers. Wait why is Josie in my bed and also... looking down I see my dragon with his head held high pitching a tent. Right we were spooning and D was probably poking her. Damit D can't you behave yourself. Yes I know we haven't seen any action for a while but still Down Boy, bad.

Ever so slowly my Morning wood subsides and Josie is staring. "I know I'm impressive but would you stop looking at him. You'll get him excited and then he won't ever shut up." Blushing intensely she turns her head but keeps peaking.

"Also why were you in my bed, and can I have my covers back. The floor isn't all that clean and I just got those."

Seeing me see her still peak she throws them at my head before running away. Ahhh so she sleeps in the nude... wait hold up, I haven't had my coffee yet. Too early for this shit.

*Ping* "Notice: Companion Josie was intoxicated when she entered your room and clothed. Host was the one to disrobe Companion Josie."

Thanks for the heads up Cortana. Now where are her clothes. Ah ha, wait this is just underwear.

*Ping* "I never said how much clothing she was wearing."

"Cortana. Coffee me, also clean the covers and make the bed."

👌

When did you get access to emojis. Nope nevermind I don't want to know.

With a hot cup of coffee I sit at my desk, hmm maybe I can draw a comfy office chair from the lottery. Then I hear a knock.

"Hey Jacob do you mind handing me my clothes from last night. I haven't gotten the pack I hid away since I came straight here yesterday."

Laughing my ass off I pass it to her through the crack in the door. "Hahaha, Maybe next time don't crawl in bed with me." She snatches it from my hands and slams the door. I'm laughing even harder now.

She calls out that she's decent and I wander downstairs and hand her a cup of Coffee. She takes it and runs behind her power armor. Peaking out at me and my lower region from time to time. It causes me to laugh again and she hides.

Leaving her to her own devices I go outside and make my way to the clinic to check on the girl. When I get there no one is around so I step inside and the girl is awake. When she hears my steps she turns her head my way and tries to speak, but nothing's coming out.

She starts crying and I walk over to her and she flinches. Taking things slow I hug her and she stiffens. Then her arms go around me and she's crying, but again no sound. It seems that the experience caused her to go mute. So I slowly brush her hair and tell her everything is alright that the bad men are gone.

After a few more minutes I hear. "Please don't leave me. I'm so scared, why can't I talk anymore. This isn't fair, it's not fair." Looking down I can see that she's not moving her lips, but I can still hear her.

A Psyker. She's telepathic, wait didn't I get a book yesterday. "Yes Jacob, Telepathy For Dummies By Charles Xavier." Did you plan this Cortana. It doesn't matter, right now I can help her.

"Hi there we've not be properly introduced. My name is Jacob Cross, I helped save you from those bad guys. What's your name?"

She tries to speak but nothing comes out. Then she starts to cry again.

"Hey it's okay. Here I want you to try and tell me with your thoughts. Can you do that can you try for me please."

She nods but is still crying. "M-my name i-i-is Emma." When I hear her I smile softly at her. "It's nice to meet you Emma. You have a very pretty name."

When she hears me call her name, her eyes go wide and she's trying to crush me in a hug. Tears once again grace my armor chest plate. Hugging the little girl back I pat her back.

"You can hear me? But how am I talking to you, I can't speak anymore. I'm scared, I saw what they did to my mom and dad, and to the others. It was so terrible, and there was nothing I could do when they came for me. Please I'll do anything just don't let them take me. Daddy, Mommy I miss you."

And she's crying again, poor kid. Nothing comes to mind on how to calm her down, I just hold and comfort her to the best of my ability.

*Ping* "Host has received 'Companion'. Function, Viewing Companions personal data created by the system ."

* Josie Maxson

S:7 P:6 E:6 C:3 I:8 A:4 L:5

Skills: Power Armor Training.

Energy Weapon Training.

Robotics

Hacking

Literate

Emma ???

S:4 P:6 E:5 C:4 I:6 A:2 L:9

Skills: Telepathy (Must be in contact to connect),

?????????? *

Well damn, this'll definitely come in handy.

To focused in my own little world I failed to notice Doc Church coming in. "Hey she's awake, come on over here little one let me take a look at you."

I feel Emma tense up in my arms. She buries her head into my chest even more than she had before. "It's okay Emma, this is Doctor Church. He helped me make sure you were okay after I brought you back. There's no need to be afraid of him."

Emma looks up at me and then back down. "But I am scared. Will you stay with me please. I don't want to be alone."

Patting her head I pull out of the hug and hold her hand instead. "Sure thing Emma, I'll be right here the entire time." She nods and we walk over to where Doc is standing.

Doc bends down a little and looks at Emma. "Hi ya there, name's Church, but everyone calls me Doc around these parts. How ya feelin, Emma, was it?"

Emma tries talking back, but once more nothing comes out and she starts to tear up again. She hides behind me and holds onto my arm for dear life it feels like. Sighing I face Doc. "She's mute, from what I gathered at the school, she had to watch everything that happened until it was her turn. Honestly I'm surprised that's the only problem she has, it could have been a lot worse."

I hear Doc mumble a "Fuckin Raider scum" before he turns around and heads towards the front. I follow him since there isn't really anything else for me to do, and see the man pull out a bottle of whiskey and a teddy bear that was still in good condition.

Still mumbling about "Low life animalistic pieces of Brahmin shit" he takes a swig from the bottle and holds the bear. "The girl's attached to ya whether you like it or not now Vault Dweller. You better do right by her or otherwise I'm going to castrate you with a rusty jagged spoon heated up by a blowtorch. Do I make myself clear."

Not really feeling intimidated, but liking his idea I nod with a solemn face. "Good. The bear's for you little girl, don't let this caveman pull any stunts okay. And if he does make sure you come runnin to me or any other resident here. Do you think you can do that for me Emma?"

Still hiding behind me she nods. Doc reaches out the bear to her and she takes it in one arm and holds mine hostage in the other. "Thanks Doc, how much do I owe you for keeping her here and making sure she was all good?"

He waves his hand in our direction while sitting down, nursing his whiskey. "It's on the House this time, after all you did patch up my worthless nephews arm, thanks for that. Now get the hell out of my clinic if their's nothing left for you to do." He takes a heavy swig from the bottle.

Holding her hand I pull Emma towards the door. She lets go for a moment and runs over to Doc and hugs him. His eyes go wide and he looks at me. Nodding my head, he pats her head and she runs back to me, once more stealing my arm. "Be careful out there Dweller. To much shit going on out there that could kill a man."

Hearing his words I walk out of the clinic and back towards my new home. His words rumbling in my head. What's out there that I don't know, and how will that affect me going forward.