8 The Rescue

I think Piper was surprised with my answers during my interview. I'd sounded rather hopeful during our conversations the previous afternoon and evening, but I don't think she was quite expecting me to keep the same tone 'on the record'. I don't think she was expecting overwhelming negativity, and while I said there were certain aspects that definitely needed improving, there were signs that humanity could slowly but surely recover from the catastrophe. It was just going to take a lot of hard work, dedication, and more patience that anyone probably had.

Escorting her back to her residence, her sister was outside, busy at work doing… something, though I noticed her keen eye as I dropped Piper at her front door. She definitely gasped when Piper kissed me, the sort of kiss that had her backed up against the door within seconds, and would have led to a lot more if I didn't have to go somewhere. "Damn, Blue..."

"Yeah, you're pretty damned good yourself, Miss Wright."

"I'll get to work on the piece. Trying to keep it objective… going to be difficult now."

"Just don't make it too fawning and you'll be just fine."

"If you're still around tonight…"

"My place or yours?"

"Yours. Don't want to keep my sister up all night with the noises I know I'm definitely going to make."

"Geez Louise, you two should just get a room already!"

Piper looked across at her sister. "Shut up, Nat. Shouldn't you be at school?"

"Holidays, Piper. It's nearly Christmas!"

"Damn, I forgot about that," she muttered, before giving me one final kiss. "You go do what you need to do, Blue. Hopefully I'll see you tonight."

"Something to look forward to."

She grinned as she grabbed the handle of the door, backing in before blowing me a kiss, closing it gently as I turned and walked back through the market. It was quite busy but I could only guess at how many people lived there. But they also had a farm towards the Green Monster, growing plenty of crops, though I knew they relied on trade caravans. From what I'd been told, there were up to a dozen caravans that rounded the Commonwealth, with Boston the centre obviously, and Diamond City perhaps the most important stopping point except for Bunker Hill, which was where all caravans originated.

I eventually found Valentine's Detective Agency down one of the side alleys, walking through the door to be greeted by a small office and an attractive brunette. I didn't think she was Nick Valentine, but I politely asked, "Is the Detective in?" When she looked up with such sad eyes and face, I couldn't help myself, immediately stepping forward. I'm just that sort of guy, I guess. I see a damsel in distress… "Are you okay?"

"Me? No, I'm Nick's secretary. I handle his appointments, his papers, that sort of thing. Well, that's what I used to do anyway, but now Nick's disappeared, and I can't keep a detective agency open without a detective."

I took the seat opposite her and leaned forward on crossed arms. "Okay, tell me the story."

Her face brightened slightly. "You'll help, just like that?"

"Tell me the details and if I think I can help, sure, just like that. If I were to go out and search, where would I find him?"

"Nick was working a case. Skinny Malone's gang had kidnapped a young woman, and he tracked them down to their hideout in Park Street Station."

"I know where that is. Not far from Boston Common."

"You know the area?"

"I do. I know what you're going to ask. 'Never seen you around before. Who are you? How do you know?' I'll answer those questions later. So, you think Nick headed there? Why?"

"There's an old vault down there they use as a base. I told Nick he was walking into a trap, but he just smiled and walked out the door like he always does."

"Skinny Malone." I couldn't help chuckle. It was like a bad movie. "So I assume he thinks he's some sort of gangster?"

"I don't know much about him, but he's from Goodneighbour, and that means he's in the well-pressed suits and machine guns' school of thuggery."

"Heard Goodneighbour mentioned before. Where or what is it?"

"Yeah, it's a tough neighbourhood. Northeast a way. People with power there care about two things: style and body count."

"I've dealt with Raiders plenty of times by now. I'm sure I can handle a wannabe gangster."

"I've heard he's rather dangerous… What's your name?"

"Nate. You?"

"I'm Ellie. Ellie Perkins." I offered my hand, which she accepted straight away. "Pleased to meet you. Can you help?"

"I can't say not to a pretty face, Miss Perkins. So, Park Street Station. That's not too far away. Will be interesting to see another vault too."

"Ah, I thought you were a vault dweller. The Pip-Boy…"

"I assume most former vault dwellers have one?" She nodded. "Well, I have a long story regarding mine. Might tell you later when I bring Nick back." The smile she returned was ever so sweet, the sadness lingering but I think I'd made her day by offering to help. "There, that's better. Now. Park Street Station. Missing detective. Skinny Malone. Think those are the details I need." I stood up and walked to the door. "With any luck, I'll be back with Nick by the end of the day, Miss Perkins."

"Hang on, you haven't mentioned caps…"

"Give me what you think it's worth when I'm back."

"Oh…"

"Last question. When did he actually leave?"

"A week ago. I knew he might be gone a day or two at most, but I just know something is wrong. If something changed, he would have at least returned to let me know what was going on."

"Right. So they're probably holding him hostage, perhaps waiting for someone to come looking for him. So I'd best go armed." I definitely grinned as I added, "Good thing I have power armour then."

Her jaw dropped slightly. "Who are you?" she asked quietly.

"Just someone trying to do the right thing. I'll see you soon, Miss Perkins."

I headed straight back to the Dugout Inn, grabbed the bag I'd left behind the counter, and immediately slid back inside my power armour. Good thing I remembered the layout of Boston, though I figured there'd be a few detours due to crumbled buildings. I knocked on the door of Piper's office. It opened within seconds, and she was a little surprised to see me back in armour. "That you, Blue?"

"It is. There's been a problem. Nick Valentine has gone missing. Miss Perkins has asked for my help."

The smile was immediate. She had me pegged already. "Can't say no to a pretty face, Nate?"

"Yes, I am that simple." Still, she stood up on tippy toes and kissed my helmet. "I'll hopefully be back safe and sound."

"And bring back Nick safe, Blue. We like him around here. Just… don't judge him on first appearances."

"Huh?"

"Trust me. It'll be fine."

I didn't know what she meant but I figured she meant well. She wished me good luck as I walked off, heading up the stairs, the same way I'd arrived only the day before. I'll admit I missed the old Fenway. The freshly cut grass that would set off the allergies of quite a few people, but the green of the grass, golden sand, brown dirt, and white lines just seemed to mesh. I could probably stand there, close my eyes, and hear the roar of the crowd, the thwack of leather on hickory as another home run was scored, another base stolen, another innings completed with a strikeout. I did sigh as I walked through the open gate. I'd probably never see another game as long as I lived.

Rather than head through the ruined buildings, believing they'd be perfect places for an ambush, I headed back to the river and followed that, running into a few Raiders outside a shop, but I didn't go in and investigate, simply wiping out those outside and keeping it in mind for later Raider removal. But it was an example of why I was circling around. I might be in power armour, but if I was walking down a road with high buildings to either side, it would only take a couple of missiles to wipe me out. Small arms fire was fine, though I knew I'd have to start carrying out maintenance, but I wasn't invincible, and things like missiles would still kill me without a problem.

Heading back inland, I walked by the old Massachusetts State House, which seemed to be in fairly good condition, from the outside at least, before heading towards Boston Common. It was deserted, which was a slight surprise. I thought someone would have attempted to make it a defensive area. Park Street Station was just ahead, only emergency lighting illuminating the path down to the double doors. I had little idea that they'd built a vault underneath the middle of Boston.

I didn't bother sneaking in the doors, though there was no sign of the vault just yet, walking down the non-working escalators, quickly greeted by mostly ghouls dressed in pinstripe suits, wearing fedoras or trilby's, and generally wielding submachine guns. I returned fire with my shotgun, taking cover and I realised these had at least some intelligence.

They tried to flank me twice, but whenever they came into range of my shotgun blast, they paid the price for it. The gunfire also drew a couple more towards us, taking cover around a corner, one cresting the stairs without checking, taking a blast in the side. That caused the one coming up the stairs to pause so I simply appeared around the corner. Even the face of a ghoul showed fear and regret as I aimed and fired, sending his headless body bouncing back down the stairs.

Clipping the shotgun back in place, I picked up one of the submachine guns, giving it a once over. Like most guns I'd found so far, there was an element of care as no-one wanted a gun to jam on them. I checked bodies as usual, taking ammo, caps and anything else that might come in handy. I was tempted to take one of their hats, simply to amuse myself, but shook my head of the thought.

Heading downstairs towards the tracks, it was obviously abandoned, and ahead was sign of building work. It seemed the station had been converted into a vault, though whether it had actually been used or not, I couldn't be sure. Not yet anyway. The tunnels were illuminated by spotlights and I could see plenty of guards in the distance. Now armed with a submachine gun of my own, I definitely grinned under my helmet as I got to work.

The first ghoul never saw me coming, taking a short burst in the chest. That grabbed the attention of everyone, gunfire soon heading in my direction. I moved from steel column to steel column, remaining in cover as much as possible. The enemy chose two options. Some dug in and fired from range. A few others tried to come closer. They simply died first, each small burst of fire aimed centre mass. No tricks. No headshots or aiming for the legs. Centre mass, a feather of the trigger, four or five bullets at most. Without armour, there was no surviving that.

Leaving behind another trail of dead bodies, I made it to the entrance to the vault and was left with the impression that it had never been used, simply because it looked in rather good condition, although I was only basing it on the entrance. Things might be different further inside.

I was left thinking this was what a vault should have been like, though, wishing I could slap my forehead at what we'd done over two hundred years ago. But in the chaos after the bombs fell, and the fact Nora had been scared and I simply wanted to reassure and keep her safe, I simply hadn't taken time to assess the situation. Nothing had felt off, though. Everyone had been friendly, calm and reassured.

Sighing to myself, I shook my head again of the thoughts, though I guessed I'd always be plagued by doubt because of what happened. There was something familiar about the vault, at least, long corridors leading off to various rooms that would have been homes to families, with bedrooms, living rooms, showers, baths, perhaps communal areas for eating and relaxation. I ran into a few more of Malone's guards, taking those down as quickly as possible, enjoying the cries of surprise when they saw someone coming towards them in power armour. I had a feeling it was something they didn't experience very often.

I ended up in what was the atrium, at least by the signs I'd been following. Figuring that was the centre of the vault, I could only assume Nick would be held somewhere nearby. Maybe the overseer's office? Remembering Vault 111, the Office of the Overseer was a fairly secure room, so if Skinny Malone had any brains, that's where he'd store him.

The atrium was also guarded by at least half a dozen of his men, and with little cover, I could simply burst forward and shoot. I caught two of them quickly, hearing cries of surprise. "Fuck, he's got power armour!"

"Just concentrate fire!" someone ordered.

"What the fuck do you expect us to do, Dino?!" one of the guards asked sarcastically.

"Fine, you chicken shits won't do anything, I'll handle this myself."

I glanced around to see none of them were stepping out of the minimal cover they'd managed to find. Only one came straight towards me, almost running down the stairs, firing his pistol. Two of the bullets clanged off my armour but the third one embedded itself. I lifted my gun and fired, bullets spraying from hip to shoulder. The idiot went down straight away. Figuring he was someone in charge, I checked the body, taking what I needed, including what seemed to be a holotape, and wandered about, taking care of the rest. The last one begged for his life and I was almost ready to let him go… then I put a bullet in his head.

Looking through the window, I was… shocked by what I could see. Now I knew why Piper had warned me about what I might find. I had not expected a synth. He saw me through the window and approached, no doubt taken aback by the fact someone in power armour was looking at him. "Hey, you. I don't know who you are, but we got three minutes before they realise muscles-for brains ain't coming back. Get this door open. You gotta hack that terminal to open up this door. There's no lock on my end. You gotta use that terminal by the door."

I held up the holotape. "Hacking won't be required. I'll have the door open in a moment."

Sliding in the holotape, it contained the password necessary to log in and open the door. Heading inside, Nick was obviously wary despite the fact I was rescuing him, surprised when he took out a pack of cigarettes and lit one up. I had no idea synths would smoke. Taking a drag, he looked me up and down. "So, there a man behind the armour or am I going to speak to a tin can myself? We should have a couple of minutes for introductions." I figured that was a fair enough request so stepped out of the armour. "Ah, so there was a human inside. Good to know." He offered his hand. "Nick Valentine. Detective. Thanks for the rescue. I had a bad feeling a baseball bat was about to get friendly with parts of my body."

"Nate Shepard."

"And you're a vault dweller. Pip-Boy gives it a way. Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but why the hell have you gone to all this trouble to rescue me?"

"Well, you're rather pretty receptionist was very upset that you'd disappeared."

"Ah, the damsel in distress routine. Don't worry, she didn't play you for a sucker. She's a good friend and was obviously concerned for my safety."

"And I need help finding Vault-Tec. There's a rather long story behind why I'm here and I figured a detective could help me track down the information I want." I looked around. "Let's just say the vault I was in had nothing like this."

"This is Vault 114. From what I know, it was still being built though never used. Wasn't completed in time before the bombs started to fall." He finished his cigarette. "Right, we need to beat feet and make our escape, but I can't leave without completing the job. Since you've come all this way to rescue me, I'm hoping you might help me complete the job."

"Sure. What's the job?"

"I've been tracking a runaway. Hired by her parents as they believe their daughter was kidnapped by Malone and his thugs. I've since learned that this girl has one hell of a mean streak herself and is likely a willing companion of Malone. So we're going to have to play this carefully. I'd rather not give the news of her death to the parents."

"I'll follow your lead, though I'm sure showing up in power armour will have them shitting their pants."

"Probably. You killed Dino?" I nodded. "Damn, that might make it tricky talking down Malone. Well, we'll just have to play it by ear." He looked at the weapons I was carrying on my armour. "But you have enough arms to take out a small army so I think we should be okay." He paused before asking, "You going to ask why I'm a synth?"

"I have questions. They can wait. Miss Perkins was worried. Piper told me you were solid."

"Ah, Miss Wright. No surprise you've met her already." I definitely grinned. "You didn't?"

"She made an immediate impression. And I must have done in return."

"Well, let's make sure we both get back then. I'll grab a gun from one of the bodies and we'll make our way out."

Following signs of the exit, we ran into more of Malone's men on the way, mostly ghouls, all dressed in the same clothing. It was amusing to me, a reminder of the old movies I'd watched. Definitely wannabe gangsters, but they were caricatures. The way they spoke suggested they'd learned it all from the silver screen. Having Nick alongside me drew some of the fire, and he was talented with the submachine gun in his hands, making an effective team immediately. Being in power armour generally made me a bigger target, but I was smart enough to remain in cover. A couple of bullets had come far too close to going through the steel plating.

Making our way back to the entrance, we'd seen no sign of Skinny Malone, Nick suggesting he was probably waiting at the exit, some sort of grand gesture, again a sign that someone had been watching far too many old movies. We simply followed the signs, taking down the few thugs who decided to get in our way, Nick amused as I continued to pick up ammunition whenever I could. I hadn't explained exactly what I was to otherwise, I could do that when we escaped.

"So what is all this with Malone?" I did wonder aloud.

"Malone's crew here used to be small time, muscled out of the old neighbourhood by bigger players. Until they found this place. Don't know what happened to the previous owners, but they're not exactly around to charge rent. An empty vault. Perfect hideout."

"From the looks of it, they were still building it. Looks preserved but also like it was never inhabited."

"I do wonder how Malone even found it. Not that I'm going to ask nor he'd likely provide an answer. But it makes you wonder…"

After putting down a couple of thugs, all was silent as we started to climb three sets of stairs, taking our time, remaining vigilant, Nick keeping his ear out for anyone approaching, but it seemed like we'd taken out most of those guarding. That meant Malone must be waiting for us to arrive with what remained of his men.

Coming to a final door, the sign above it stated the exit was on the other side. Nick and I shared a glance. "How do you want play this?"

"Long as I get you out of here alive and back to Miss Perkins, Nick. What about the girl?"

"Well, I'd rather not have to tell her parents that she'd dead. But… she's a real piece of work. You'll probably find out for yourself soon enough."

"Let me walk out first, Nate. You walk out first, they'd liable to just start blasting straight away."

"Okay, take the lead."

He opened the door and stepped through. I followed a couple of paces behind, my eyes immediately assessing the danger. Skinny Malone stood out, the best dressed man in the vault. And Skinny was obviously a joke. Darla was beside him, wielding a baseball and a fierce look on her face. She just looked vicious but also completely out of place. I counted only four more of his men, so it looked like his gang was no more at least.

"Nicky? What're you doin'? You come into my house. Shoot up my guys. You have any idea how much this is gonna set me back?"

"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for your two-timing dame, Skinny. You ought to tell her to write home more often."

"Awww... poor little, Valentine. Ashamed you got beat up by a girl? I'll just run back home to daddy, shall I?"

I just glared at her from behind the helmet. "Listen, toots. You are well over your head here. You think Skinny here is bad? I've just cut down all of his men to get Nick, and I've just killed a whole lot more to get out. You really want to stand there with just a fuckin' baseball bat? Think that's going to do a damned thing to me?" She looked around, counted the few still standing around, and a last glance at Skinny, before the bat dropped to her side. "I suggest you make yourself scarce. Wait for us outside, then we'll take you back to Diamond City."

Nick sighed with relief when she simply started to walk backwards, ensuring her back wasn't turned in case Skinny decided to make an example of her. Instead, he just glanced at me. "So you shoot all of my men and now you get my girl to leave? Who the fuck do you think you are?"

"Someone who is going to walk out of here with Nick at my side. The only question is will I be walking over your dead body or will I simply walk by you when doing so?"

"There's more of us than you."

"True, but I'll tell you how it's going to play out. By the time you raise your gun, I'll have already put five bullets into your chest, centre mass. You'll be dead by the time you hit the floor. While I do that, Nick would have put a burst into the man beside you, putting him down. Caught on the hop, the man to either side of us would have sprayed wildly. My armour would take the shots, those that hit me anyway, while they'll probably miss Nick entirely as he would crouch, making himself a small target. Given that they are automatic weapons, and the kick of a submachine gun is awful, your men can't hold the trigger and maintain perfect aim. That means I will be able to swing around and put a burst into the man to my left, Nick doing the same to his right. Your final man will probably want to simply drop his weapon and run after all that. I wouldn't blame him, and I usually don't shoot men in the back."

"Shit, Nate, I think that might just work too."

"So, what I'm suggesting, Mister Malone, is that Mister Valentine and I will walk out of here right now and you will let us go. You can return home to Goodneighbor with the few men remaining alive, or you can stay here. I really don't care. But you do anything to bother me again, rest assured I will return here and wipe you out next time."

Malone chewed on my words for a few seconds before he gestured to his men. Wisely, they lowered their weapons and I gestured for Nick to leave. As I walked by Malone, he grabbed my arm. "Think you're all that, kid?"

"I'd be careful, Mister Malone. You're simply playing a part in a movie in your head."

"I ever see you again…"

"Don't threaten me, Mister Malone. You no longer have the muscle to back it up. Just let bygones be bygones. We both get to live this day."

He let go of my arm and I walked away, knowing they wouldn't shoot me in the back. And if they did, the armour was just as thick, so I'd just spin around and finish the job. Darla waited for us by the remains of the station, now looking rather embarrassed by it all. We escorted her through up to the exit, and I was surprised it was still daylight. Felt like it had been a lot longer.

"Ah, look at that Commonwealth sky. Never thought anything so naturally ominous could end up looking so inviting..."

"I can imagine how those in vaults would have felt walking out for the first time," I said. "What are we doing with her?" I asked, gesturing to Darla.

"We'll take her back to Diamond City. I can communicate with her parents over the radio, let her know she's safe and sound."

Suggesting we take the long route, I led the way back to the river, keeping the submachine in hand in case we ran into Raiders or worse. Approaching the shop that had the Raiders outside it, there were a couple outside, no doubt investigating who had killed their friends. Gesturing for Nick and Darla to get into cover, I asked if I should take care of them. "You'll take them on by yourself?"

"I cleared Lexington and Corvega Assembling Plant alone, Nick."

"Really? Damn, I should hire you as a bodyguard. Find myself getting shot at less." He paused. "Though that's because they'll be shooting at you."

"I'll take care of these two, see if it draws more out."

Using the buildings as cover, Nick and Darla pressed themselves into cover as I waited until the best time to burst forward. The first Raider turned as I charged, firing his pistol wilding, missing me by miles. I slowed enough that I could aim and fire accurately, the small burst going into his gut. I added a further couple of bullets, one into his head, brushing past as the second Raider turned and fired his rifle. I heard the bullet ding off my armour as I stopped, took a knee, aimed and fired all within the matter of perhaps two seconds. He dropped with blood leaking from a chest wound.

That definitely drew attention, the door behind me slamming open and two more Raiders walking out. Spinning on the spot, a burst into the side of the first Raider, the second walking out, turning to fire in my direction. The eyes opened wide when he noticed someone in power armour, down on a knee, waiting for them to appear. I definitely grinned as the burst went from gut to throat.

Glancing towards Nick, I gestured I was going to enter. He nodded, grabbing Darla by the hand and heading in my direction. Heading inside, it was the usual case of ruin and disrepair, though quite obviously it had once been a clothing store, as there were a few mannequins lying about, shelving units containing the tattered remains of clothing. There was no-one waiting around, though a spotlight had been set up to blind anyone who had walked inside.

Figuring I might as well just clear the building before moving on, I found one Raider by himself in a back room, which had perhaps been an office at one stage. He heard me coming and was ready. I simply unhooked a grenade and threw it. Hearing him cry out in surprise, he ran towards me and took a burst of fire as the grenade exploded around a corner.

Heading upstairs, there were shouts and threats as usual, one bounding down the stairs, armed with nothing more than a pool cue. When he turned the corner and found someone approaching in power armour, he tried to turn and run away. I grabbed onto him with my left hand, arm around his neck, using him as a human shield, forcing him up the stairs. Holding a submachine gun with one hand wasn't effective, so I dropped that for now and took out my pistol. The top floor had two Raiders, both women. If they thought I was going to hesitate, I wasn't. Neither did they, weapons firing, the bullets hitting their colleague. He was dead within seconds, but so were they, three shots into each. The first, two centre mass, the third in the head. The second, three shots centre mass.

Dropping the body, I turned to see Nick following with Darla, handing me back my submachine gun. "Shit, Nate…"

"Raiders are nothing, Nick. I can see why they are effective against scared civilians, and those who don't have a weapon to fight back with, but they have no training, no skill, and are, to be honest, stupid."

As always, I checked and retrieve anything useful before I escorted the pair outside and resumed our journey back to Diamond City. It was growing dark by the time we walked back through the gate, Nick escorting Darla to his office, asking me to join him later. I headed towards the Dugout Inn, dropping my power armour at the station nearby, popping out the F.C as always, before I headed to Publick Occurrences. Knocking on the door, Piper opened it and immediately grinned upon seeing me. "Nick's back?"

"Yeah, he's alive. Managed to save the girl too. What a piece of work she is. I'm going to have a chat with him now but I can meet you later at the Dugout if you want?"

"Sure, I'm just putting the finishing touches to our interview article."

"I'm not sure how long I'll be…"

"If you're not there, I'll just get us a drink. Or a bottle."

"And some food too. I'm starving. Haven't eaten since breakfast. Is there anywhere I can wash around here?"

"Yes, there are a couple of places. The Dugout Inn has a couple of showers, and there is a communal bathroom everyone shares. Water is clean. I'll get you some soap to use as well."

"Thanks. I could do with a wash."

Heading off to meet Nick, Ellie was pleased, receiving a hug for my troubles and a small bag of caps, which she tried to hand over slyly, but Nick knew I would have taken at least some payment for heading out to find him. Asking after Darla, I was told she was above us, relaxing and perhaps sleeping on one of the beds, as I was offered a seat and some coffee. Nick offered me a cigarette, which I accepted, Ellie taking one as well, the three of sitting back with a cup of hot black, sucking down a good lungful of smoke, immediately relaxing.

"Coffee and a smoke. Only one other combination beats that."

"And what's that?" Nick wondered.

"Sex then a smoke." I glanced at Ellie, noticing the twinkle in her eye. She was attractive, but I wasn't going to do anything foolish just yet. "Best way to start the morning with my wife, bless her soul. Wake up, lovemaking, cigarette, shower, breakfast, work. Definitely head out with a spring in your step and a smile on your face."

"Your wife…" Ellie stated to ask.

"She passed due to the story I'm about to tell, Nick."

He passed over a few more cigarettes. "Figured this might be a long story and you'll need these to get through it."

So I went over the same story I'd told others already. I was born before the war. Soldier of the United States Army. Saw the bombs drop. Spent a little over two hundred years frozen. Woke up to find my wife dead. Met Preston and his small group. Began to build a settlement in Sanctuary. Broadened the horizons by making allies with other farms. Headed south to clear Lexington. Left to journey south. Ran into the Brotherhood of Steel in Cambridge. Finally arrived in Diamond City and that was the story so far.

"You look good for two hundred and forty odd," Nick said.

"Two hundred of those in a fridge probably help the complexion," I half-joked. Earned a giggle from Ellie at least.

"So you're looking for Vault-Tec? They had a building in Boston, I know that much. I'm just not sure it will contain the answers you seek. But I'm willing to help."

"I found information about Vault 111 while I was escaping. We were a science experiment. The vault was a lie otherwise. So I'm wondering if we were the only one. That vault we visited today, 114, I almost wonder under what ideal that would have been. Would it have been sanctuary for those escaping the bombs, or some other sadistic experiment taken upon people who were simply trying to survive? If their HQ holds answers, then at least that will put my mind to rest."

"Okay, I think we have a few avenues of investigation worth perusing. First, we head to Vault-Tec and find out what we can there. Second, you visit Vault 81 and ask them questions. Very few outsiders are allowed inside, but they do trade with the outside world. But they generally ask for trade just to enter, so expect them to ask for something in return for being allowed in. Third, we can find out if there are more vaults around. I know of 81 and 114, you are from 111. I am aware of one to the far south-west of here. Vault 95 I think it is. I'm not aware of others, at least none that come to mind, but if anywhere will have a list, it's Vault-Tec. When do you want to head there?"

"As soon as possible, as I would like to return to Sanctuary at some point."

"I'm amazed by what you're doing there, Nate," Ellie stated, her tone one of unfettered admiration, "Very few people step up and do what is right simply because it's the right thing to do."

"As I said, it's a sense of responsibility. Apart from a few ghouls, I'm the only one who was alive when the bombs dropped. If I can help rebuild, even a fraction of what was lost, then I can sleep easier."

"Where are you staying?" Nick asked.

"The Dugout Inn. I booked the room for a few nights."

"Okay, how about we leave tomorrow morning? I have a vague idea of where the building is. I think it's actually near where we were today."

"Good enough for me. I'd rather not have to travel in power armour all the time. If the road has been cleared, then I can finally wander around."

"If you're worried about protection, the market might have some armour."

"Combat armour?"

"Hmmm… Maybe, and it'll be worth a lot of caps. You're proficient with a weapon though. Certainly better than the idiots we usually run into. Only Gunners might prove a concern. They're not as wild as Raiders, and do have an element of training and skill. Still nothing more than mercenaries though. Perhaps even more brutal than Raiders too."

"I'll take a look, but I've got a couple of decent weapons at my disposal now."

"Okay, tomorrow morning. Nine o'clock by the chapel."

Heading towards the Inn, I stopped by the market and checked what was on offer. There was a combat chest piece, but the price being asked was more caps than I had, so I had to decline. I wasn't interested in anything leather, that wouldn't stop a bullet. I did look at one or two metal pieces, but a rap on it with my knuckles suggested the pieces were not exactly thick. Nothing like my power armour. That was thick steel, more than capable of stopping most bullets.

Walking into the inn, Piper had already taken a place on one of the lounges, so I sat next to her as she poured me a glass of bourbon. If there was one thing the Commonwealth wasn't short on, it was booze. And Nuka-Cola. And guns and bullets. Food wasn't plentiful but there was enough to go around.

We had perhaps two before she grabbed my hand and led me off to the room I'd booked. Once I'd locked the door, I stripped her naked, threw her on the bed, and just devoured her body. There is no greater feeling as a man than making a woman cum hard and cum often. I spent what felt like a couple of hours between her legs. I revelled her taste and scent, the noises she made was music to my ears, the way her body responded to everything I did.

She had to ask me to stop in the end, kissing up her body before she took my hand and held it to her neck, feeling her heartbeat thunder along. Then she kissed me, and it was the sort that made my cock even harder if possible. Little wonder I slid it inside her and lasted barely two minutes before I enjoyed an orgasm of my own. And less surprise that I stayed hard as I rested above her, skin shining in the low light as she was covered in sweat.

"Damn it, Blue…"

"What?"

"Do that too often and a girl is bound to get attached."

"Ah…"

"Don't worry, not expecting commitment. You have your own life." I felt her squeeze my cock, smiling away as she did so. "But I'm definitely enjoying your cock inside me. And I think the length of time you spent buried between my legs suggest you just love my pussy. Is that right?"

"God yes."

She wanted more, ending up on my back as she rode me nice and hard, and since I'd cum, I was going to last quite a while. I just watched her, a smile on my face, as she had no shame in making plenty of noise, waxing lyrical about how good I felt inside her. Always make you feel good as a man when a woman lets you know how good you feel inside her, how large, how thick, all those sort of things. She lasted a long time, again experiencing more than one orgasm, before she leaned forward and kissed me again, running my hands down her wet back as I put a firm hand on each cheek, earning a grin. "Am I getting fucked now, Blue?"

"Like this or you want to switch?"

When she got off and onto her hands and knees, I could only grin as I got behind her, sliding in as I leaned forward, lips to her ear. "You have a fabulous arse as well, Miss Wright," I whispered.

She kissed my cheek as I leaned back, then brought her back so she could rest against my chest, turning her head to kiss me as I started to thrust into her. With one hand resting on her breast, I used my free hand to fondle her clit, which made her gasp. "My god, Blue, I've lost count…"

"I'll admit; I love the noises you make."

It made her giggle, at least. "I'm going to sleep like the dead tonight."

She eventually leaned forward as I did the same resting just above her, and she asked me to really give it to her. So I did, pumping hard and fast, the sound of my skin slapping against hers, the usual sounds of hard, fast, sweaty sex. I think this one was just about me, and it didn't take long for that old familiar feeling began to return. "Fuck, Piper…" I muttered.

"Keep going, Blue. I love the feeling as well."

I lasted another couple of minutes before I buried myself a final time and just exploded, or that's what it felt like. They would have definitely heard my groan outside. And once I was done, I just had to roll off, landing on my back next to her, feeling incredibly lightheaded as I felt one of her arms loop over my chest. "Jesus, Mary and Joseph," I whispered.

I felt her soft lips on my cheek. "Yeah, I think that's it for now, Blue. I can't take anymore."

I glanced her way and grinned. "Well, I think we can consider it job done then."

"I don't think I'll be able to walk. My legs feel like jelly." She laughed to herself before snuggling into me, looping my right arm around her as she rested her head on me. "You won't be a stranger, will you?"

"No, I have a feeling I'll be here often. Why don't you come with Nick and I tomorrow?"

"You sure?"

"I think it might prove quite the story. And I can only assume everyone can handle themselves out there."

"I can handle a weapon. And I've been under fire more than once. You can't travel anywhere without the possibility of running into someone who wants to murder, kidnap… or worse…" I felt her shudder, and the word or topic didn't need to be mentioned. I had a feeling it was something that happened often, again due to the lack of law and order. And when base desires take hold… "Still, I have a feeling that whenever I'm with you, I'll be safe."

"It'll be nice to have some company too. I've spent most of my time travelling alone."

"We'll have a wash tomorrow. I asked Vadim and they do have a working shower."

"Haven't had company in that way in a long time now."

"Well, something to think about until then, at least."

Little surprise she fell asleep before me. I'd definitely worn her out. It took me a little longer to drift off, wondering what I would discover the next morning. Was it going to be a grand conspiracy? Was I just unfortunate when it came to Vault 111? Or was I going to reach a dead end and be left with more questions and no answers. I stopped thinking about it and eventually fell asleep.