[Miss Hayley]

(OOC: turning the RP clock forwards. Catch up when you care to/can )

CELESTE BROWN ~~ Her house/Diner ~~ Dawn

Celeste woke just as the sun was beginning to rise. She sat up very slowly and rubbed both her eyes before she realized what she was doing. Her right eye stung from the action and she quickly stopped. Hope I didn't make that worse. She glanced at the empty spot on the bed next to her and felt her heart break for Joe.

She quietly slipped off the bed and pulled on her blue sweater. Celeste slipped her eye patch over her head -- it had come off during the night, while she slept -- ran a brush through her hair, and quietly went down the stairs. She tip-toed out the door, not risking to check if Bob was still asleep on the couch, in case she woke him, and went towards the diner.

The purple wagon was a bright spot in the otherwise grey and drab surroundings. I suppose that attracts customers. Not a bad idea... She hoped to check it out a bit later.

Celeste walked into the diner and instinctively turned on the radio. Agatha's violin sang over the airwaves. Celeste hummed a random tune and assembled the ingredients for a pot of coffee. She looked around to survey the supplies, and frowned. Half of her food supplies were missing -- destroyed in the blast, she assumed -- and she was dangerously low on booze. To think I had just re-stocked, too. She sighed.

Maybe things will seem a bit better after some coffee.

[Undisclosed Desires]

--Evening--
--Pawnee's House--
--Pawnee--

Pawnee finished the dregs of his cigarette and snuffed the butt out on some rubble. All he could think about was Bittercup. He pictured a slave collar digging into her neck, and her chained and balled up on the floor somewhere, sobbing.

Buck barked and he heard footsteps echo up the stairwell.

Frieda appeared in the threshold, smiling.

The sight almost made Pawnee's heart stop. His stomach tied itself into a knot.

She - she doesn't know. . .

"Hey," Frieda cooed. She plopped down next to Pawnee and gave him a hug. "Where the hell have you been all afternoon? I scoured the entire town. I even stopped at Brandy's to see if you had gone over to visit her."

God damnit. I had a great thing going and I blew it. Again. I haven't changed and I guess I never will.

Frieda kissed Pawnee's cheek and playfully ruffled Buck's ears. "Is everything okay? Can I get you anything? There was food at the diner, I could go and get you some."

I - I have to tell her. I can't hurt her anymore. No more lies. Just the truth.

"Yeah, something's wrong," Pawnee stood up, a bit wobbly. He pulled out his sack of coins and counted out the four that belonged to her, "I - I cheated on you with Brandy. I think she drugged me or something. I know that's no excuse. I hurt you and got you hurt with Scythe. I don't deserve you, Frieda. I never did. All I do is [censored] up and cause you pain. I - I don't want to hurt you anymore."

Pawnee dropped the gold at her feet. He shouldered his pack.

Should I tell her about Bittercup? Nah, that'd just get her worked up. She might put herself in danger again. Its time I take care of things on my own.

"I understand if you don't want to see me again," Pawnee continued, "I burned you twice. You can have my place. I'll sleep in the rubble outside somewhere. Where I belong. Just. . .just know that I loved you, Frieda, and that you are a wonderful, amazing woman. You deserved so much better than me. I - I hope you find someone that brings you joy instead of pain. I can't do that. All I do is [censored] things up and get people hurt. I think its best if I just go."

--Evening--
--Greyditch--
--Nikita/Zardoz--

Nikita turned over on her cot, staring at Zardoz's back. He was fiddling with a power fist, holding it up to the lamp, while examining a series of leather straps he had looped around the outside.

"Do you really know what you're doing with that?"

"No. Not really," Zardoz mumbled. He put it down, "I think it should work, though. Not the best thing I've had to jury-rig but it should do the job. I'm all done."

"Why don't you try it on?"

"Its made for someone who's missing an arm," Zardoz chuckled, "if I tried to insert my arm into it, I'd ruin it. That boy should be back tomorrow and then we'll see."

Nikita nodded and stretched out. She patted the bed for Zardoz to sit down.

Zardoz looked Nikita over. She had wiped the makeup off of her face and was now wearing a white, lacy nightgown. She rubbed her chest and smiled at him, cloudy eyed.

"How did you do today, my dear? You seemed busy."

"Good. I told two fortunes," Nikita cooed, sitting up, "the first girl really liked hers. The second girl liked it at first, but became a real [censored] afterwards."

"Splendid," Zardoz beamed, "I'm sure the ladies in Tenpenny Tower will all be keen on having you tell them their future. You've gotten very good at Tarot."

"Thanks," Nikita chirped, "what about you?"

"I did very well today. The potions and tonics didn't sell as well as I'd hoped, but they rarely do," Zardoz rubbed his chin, "most of my dishware was bought out, along with the clothes, and some ammo. I think I made of profit of. . .hmm . .two thousand or so caps."

"You sold your sword," Nikita smirked.

"Yes, I've held onto that since we left Flagstaff," Zardoz nodded with satisfaction, "could have sold it for another two hundred caps, I think. The man seemed intent on buying it. Ah well. I sold the red dress too."

"My red dress?" Nikita gasped.

"It. . .it wasn't yours," Zardoz stammered, "It was part of our inventory."

"I loved that dress," Nikita pouted, "I can't believe you sold it without asking me."

"You have so many dresses my dear. . .and I made a handsome profit off of it."

Nikita rolled over in her cot so she wasn't facing Zardoz. She frowned. She loved that dress. She decided she was going to pout about it until Zardoz got her a new one. She knew he would - it would probably be even nicer.

Zardoz had always pampered her. He put up with her brattyness, and was never short with her, always smiling. He loved Nikita and she knew it. Although Nikita hated it, she loved him too. The thing she loved most about him, other than his maturity and gentle nature, was the fact that he loved to hear her sing.

Zardoz blew out the lamp and curled up in bed next to Nikita. The two lay still for several moments in the dark, silent, trying to drift off.

"Zardoz," Nikita peeped.

"Yes?"

"Lets have a baby together. I want a baby. I think I'd make a good mother. We've saved up enough caps."

Zardoz kissed the back of her neck, "sleep now. We'll talk about it tomorrow."

***

At dawn the next morning, Zardoz was surprised to see a protectron standing right outside of his wagon. He walked up to it, wondering if it was malfunctioning or if it was somebody's idea of a joke.

"Hello there," Zardoz smiled at the machine, "is your owner in the area? Or is there something I can help you with my mechanical friend?"

OOC: Skirt: You can CC Pawnee into staying or leaving. Your choice.

[Soraya Davy]

Brandy - Her house/safehouse - dawn


Brandy kneeled behind the rock, she had nothing but her hammer with her. She could hear the Yau Guai sniffing the air as it approached, it growled. When she turned to run, it leaped onto her back, snarling and drooling. It slapped her with its massive paw, flipping her over, it reared its ugly head back, then thrusting it forward...
**********************************

Brandy gasped as she rubbed the kink in her neck, Ryler was at one end of the couch, she was at the other end. Trying not to wake him, she went to get up.

"Oh my God it hurts" she whispered looking at the sling.

She went to her room to change, her black cargo pants were still bloody from the raider she had fought with. Rummaging through her stuff, where are my camo pants at, oh [censored], they are at that house we changed at. Brandy grabbed her khakis shorts put them on, then a loose fitting red tee shirt. Putting her right arm in first and pulling it over her shoulder carefully, she then put it over head and her left arm. Not as bad as I thought it was going to be

She ran her brush through her hair, washed up, pulled on her dirty red hat and went downstairs. Ryler was still sound asleep, she picked up her ten millimeter pistol James had given her and started to the safehouse.

Brandy could see the house just up ahead, luckily she hadn't come across anything dangerous. The memories of a drunk or high Frieda flashed through her mind. How that day they had found Mirvin, and were together almost the entire day. She gathered her camo cargo pants, black tank top and Frieda's clothes.

Why did I do it, she would have likely been around longer than Pawnee anyways, and she was...I [censored] up big time

On the floor by the window she had posed in front of, was her satchel and sawn-off. She opened the bag to start filling with her and Frieda's clothes.

Oh yes, and caps too.

There we're two inhalents of Jet and 53 caps in it, she pulled one Jet out and packed the satchel full of their clothes. Tossing the straps of the sawn-off and satchel over her good shoulder she walked out.

You already broke one promise to Frieda

Heading back home a little ways from the house she huffed the Jet, tossing the empty inhaler on the ground.

Maybe if I go by the red house, I will find my gun and that [censored]es gun too.

[(G-yen)]

FRIEDA ~~ Pawnee's house ~~ Nightfall

Frieda watched curiously as Pawnee stood up, not having returned her hug or anything. "Yeah, something's wrong," he said.

She furrowed her brow but did not respond.

"I - I cheated on you with Brandy. I think she drugged me or something. I know that's no excuse. I hurt you and got you hurt with Scythe. I don't deserve you, Frieda. I never did. All I do is [censored] up and cause you pain. I - I don't want to hurt you anymore." Pawnee had been fumbling with some coins, and dropped the gold at her feet. He shouldered his pack.

She tried to speak, but words wouldn't come. Her stomach sank like a rock, her mind spinning a mile a minute. He cheated on me, after all. And with Brandy. Brandy!! She wasn't sure what hurt more. Pawnee...Frieda couldn't deny she had very strong feelings for him, despite her self-imposed inhibitions. That much became clear the day she found him, laying broken and bloodied, on her living room floor. But Brandy...

I never should have trusted her. First day I met her, she was kissing Pawnee the moment my back was turned. "He said nice things to me, my brothers bullied me..."

[censored] bull [censored].

Frieda felt very cold.

"I understand if you don't want to see me again," Pawnee continued, "I burned you twice. You can have my place. I'll sleep in the rubble outside somewhere. Where I belong. Just. . .just know that I loved you, Frieda, and that you are a wonderful, amazing woman. You deserved so much better than me. I - I hope you find someone that brings you joy instead of pain. I can't do that. All I do is [censored] things up and get people hurt. I think its best if I just go."

"Stop." Frieda finally found her voice. "Just, stop. This is your house. It's me that's imposing on you." She spoke eerily quietly, and felt calm. Frieda stood up and even managed a smile. "At least you were honest about it, to me. That's...really mature, of you." She reached over and squeezed his right shoulder with her left hand, before realizing he might take her gesture as some kind of message, it being her injured hand and all. "I'm just gonna go. It was sweet of you to offer your house, but it's...it's fine."

She scratched Buck on the head once more and made her way to the stairs. "Goodnight, Pawnee."

Frieda left.

She was feeling a million emotions at once. Anger. Hurt. Sadness. Shame. She wanted to blame Brandy. She wanted to blame Pawnee. She mostly just blamed herself. You didn't really think anything else would have come out of this, did you? Of course not. You went ahead anyways, and now you're hurt. Idiot.

Frieda wiped some tears with the back of her hand and found she was making her way out of town. She climbed the stairs of a ruined structure a short ways away, curled up on the concrete, and cried for a few minutes.

I fell for it. I [censored] fell for it, just like Brandy. But...he promised. He said he was trying to change. She sobbed a couple times and looked up into the night sky. As if to mock her, the crescent moon stared back in her face. [censored] you, Pawnee, and your stupid [censored] moon. I hope you remember what you told me and when you see it, you feel bad.

Frieda wiped her face on her sleeve. The vindictive thought felt good. She stood and made her way back into town, taking the long way back to her own house.

She kicked her front door open and trudged upstairs. She sat for a long time on the mattress she salvaged, wondering what she should do. If Pawnee stayed in town, she'd have to leave. There was no way she could face him every day, and Celeste...she'd find out they'd broken up, and somehow manage to take Pawnee's side. And Brandy...

I'll just have to figure it out in the morning.

What a [censored] mess. Just one thing after another...




PRE-DAWN

Frieda's eyes popped open. Like clockwork, she was awake just before the sun was beginning to rise. She sat up, and realized she must have fallen asleep sitting up and then later had crumpled forwards to sleep on her face, hunched over. Her back was very sore.

Nothing a run won't fix. She stood up slowly, stretching her arms up very high and listening to joints and muscles in her back pop and snap. Frieda tightened the laces on her boots, secured her plasma pistol to her waist, and was off. She kept her head down as she ran past Pawnee's house, rounded the corner, and nearly rammed face-first into a wandering Brahmin.

What the hell?

She stopped for a moment and looked up. A number of Brahmin were milling about in the street, mooing quite loudly. Frieda edged around them slowly, feeling a little uncomfortable, and once she was past, dashed off into the morning.

I still don't know what to do about whether or not to stay in town. Pawnee gave me those gold coins, I probably wouldn't have to work ever again. I could just leave town.

I could stop running. I could find out who I am, where I came from. Find out more about the Enclave. Frieda crest a hill and stopped at the top, doubling over and catching her breath. She'd run much farther, and faster, than she had meant to.

Pawnee.

She realized she didn't care. He made a mistake with Brandy -- she had drugged him, he said -- and he felt bad about it, too. It wasn't his fault, and maybe if she removed the temptation...

Frieda ran back to town as fast as she could. She passed the diner and saw Celeste was already there. She cut through the alley in order to avoid the Brahmin and ran straight to Pawnee's house and up the stairs.

Out of breath, but feeling excited and manic, she gently shook him awake. "Hey," she breathed softly. "Hey, Pawnee. I have an idea. Wake up."

She knelt next to him and wiped some hair off her sweaty forehead. "Let's go, you and me. Let's go dig up some stuff about the Enclave, and my past. We'll go together. What do you say? We can leave as soon as you feel a bit better, doesn't have to be today. I don't care about Brandy or anyone else, just..." Frieda took a breath and bit her lip. "Just you. Who knows where we'll end up. We could find you that motorcycle." She smiled. "I'd really like you to come with me. Please?"

[SEXY QUEEN]

James Wilson – The Capital Wasteland – Dawn

Sitting down on a pile of rubble, James had been watching the Brotherhood battle though his Binoculars for a while now. The recently captured Vetribirds had caught the Talon Company completely off guard and the high-power Plasma rifles the brotherhoods soldiers were using melted dozens of Talon mercs before they could fire back at the botherhood attacks...

It was clear that Brotherhood had won before the battle had even started and now only a few Talon mercs remained, a few looked like they were surrendering, whilst one guy in Metal armour started shouting at them....

Taking another pain pill, James decided it would be better to start walking back to Grayditch now, before some of nearby critters or fleeing Talon mercs found the “house” James and Jessica were hiding in….

Picking Jessica Up. James began the long walk back to Grayditch; the sun was rising in the distance and James slowly walked off into the distance....

I hope I don’t run into anything I’ve only got the sword and this lame laser pistol…

---------------------------------------------

OOC: if anyone has any ideas for “problems” ( e.g. a raider, bos outcasts, super mutants or scythe(surfer only)) James could run into whilst walking back to Grayditch, Post it on OOC or PM me

-----------------------------------
Sue cooper- Grayditch Arm – Dawn

After giving dealing with Dobbs Guns and James’s Nuka cola Sue had gone to sleep on the couch whilst waiting for James to return however when she awoke in the morning, James was not back yet…

Something’s not right James usually tells me if he’s going to be out all night... Maybe he’s at the dinner…

Locking up the Shop, Sue walked to the dinner a bunch of Brahmin were in the street, carefully avoiding them Sue reached the dinner; Celeste was already there and had turned on the radio. Agatha's violin was playing and Celeste was humming a random tune whilst assembled the ingredients for a pot of coffee.

Sitting down on a stool, Sue smiled at Celeste, pointed at the Coffee and wrote a small note in her note book and showed it to Celeste.

--------------------------------
Good morning Celeste

How are feeling today, how is your eye? Also have you seen James, I can’t seem to find him?

and whats with all the Brahmin outside?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Looking around the dinner, the guy with Guitar, J.T or T.J? Was sleeping in one of corner booths, it appeared as Celeste had not noticed he was sleeping there…..

[Lyndsey Bird]

Joe Rennie. Joe's House. Morning.

"So how does that sound to you Harold?" Joe winced in pain as he leaned foward in his chair and turned to face the giant on the sofa. "All fits right?" Harold slowly nodded. "Good, we need to get rid of that old bastard. But the plan is good, it's solid. I'll do the talking. You... Well you just do what you usually do. Ok sun's mostly up, hopefully there will be a few people in the diner by now. Let's get on with this then Harold, help me over there while I feel like I can walk."

The brute nodded and slowly raised his bulk from the sofa, he crossed the room and roughly hauled Joe up to his feet, then turned and snatched up Joe's shirt from the floor. Harold extended his arm, the shirt hanging down below his huge fist. Joe shook his head. "Leave it here, it'll look better, more... Shocking, to see me like this. You're going to have to help me walk though." Again the giant nodded and put his massive arm under Joe's shoulder. The thief cried out in pain as Harold's arm pressed against the raw, burned flesh of his back as he was roughly propelled towards the door.

As the two men drew closer to the diner Joe began to wonder if his extreme state of his exhaustion was causing him to hallucinate. His painful, shuffling gait was taking him past a brightly painted, purple wagon, while a well dressed trader stood talking with a protectron in the street. "Hello my good chum." The machine rasped, as Joe stared in disbelief. "I am here to ask if I can purchase a bag or rucksack from you. I can pay you immeditely if you will take shotgun shells or the glass in my faceplate in trade." Joe shook his head, stunned at the bizzare scene.

His whole body cried out in pain as Harold almost dragged him along into the diner. Inside Joe could see that a few people had already began to gather there. "Over there Harold, help me over to the bar, people need to hear this." Joe gasped in pain as he lowered himself onto one of the stools and leaned against the bar. He opened his mouth to talk to the people gathered in the bar when he spotted Celeste.

My god, her eye. Those bastards, I mean, I'm a bastard too... But I don't do it without a reason. Did they... Did they burn her eye? That guy branded me all over, but her eye? That's a bit much.

"Celeste.." Joe croaked, slumping across the bar as he reached a hand towards her face. "A... Are you alright? Your eye... What the hell happened to the town yesterday? Has anyone seen Harlan? Rusty tried to kill me."

[Keeley Stevens]

CELESTE BROWN ~~ Diner ~~ Early morning

Sue walked in, and pointed at the coffee pot. Celeste smiled. "Coffee is on its way. I'll be sure to get you some when it's ready. --hmm?" She glanced down at the note that Sue wrote for her.

"Good morning Celeste

How are feeling today, how is your eye? Also have you seen James, I can’t seem to find him?

and whats with all the Brahmin outside?"

She had to squint hard to read it with only one "good" eye. Maybe I'm gonna need glasses, like Brandy. "I'm feeling okay. My eye is a bit sore but it's better. I haven't seen James...or any Brahmin, for that matter." Celeste shrugged. "Sorry I can't be any more help to you."

Celeste ducked below the bar to try and find as many breakfast foods as she could find. One package of eggs, a couple tins of "Cram", biscuit mix...I suppose it's better than nothing. When she straightened with the items in her arms, she immediately dropped them.

Joe had hobbled in, with Harold, and he looked horrible. His skin bore many burns. His face was so broken, bruised, and bloody, she hardly recognized him -- but she knew it was him.

Celeste shrieked.

"Celeste.." Joe barely managed, slumping across the bar as he reached a hand towards her face. "A... Are you alright? Your eye... What the hell happened to the town yesterday? Has anyone seen Harlan? Rusty tried to kill me."

Celeste began to sob. Her scratched right eye stung painfully but she couldn't stop. She grabbed his hand with both of hers and squeezed it tightly. "Joe, Joe, I can't believe it, you're alive, you're really alive!" She gulped. "M-my eye is fuh-fine, there was...a grenade, and...Duncan...Jordan...just a piece of glass and..." She sniffed noisily, trembling all over, but clutching fast to his hand just the same. "Raiders came in, but I fay-fay-fay-fainted -- he asked about m-my cross..."

Celeste was babbling. She was so overwhelmed with joy at the sight of Joe, and yet deeply disturbed by his burns and bruises. She took a rattling, deep breath, tears still running down her face. "Did you say Rusty tried to kill you...?"

[Britta Gronkowski]

Brandy - Grayditch - dawn



Brandy walked to the concrete slab where she and Frieda watched Pawnee enter the house to speak with Scythe before the Pawnee's plee for help started.


You got shot for what? Nothing?, she looked at her sling.

A little ways ahead, she saw the beat up assault rifle, it had surely seen better days. She picked it up anyways, and checked the area around the house. Elektra's half eaten body lay on the ground, no armor and no rifle, she frowned.

The walk back was a challenge, she planned to tell Frieda what had happened, she was afraid of what her reaction might be.

Passing the wall entering town, she didn't feel like talking to anyone, she even tried to sneak by Mirvin. He was speaking with Zardoz, she glared at the trader. There were brahmin roaming at the end of the road. Quietly opening her door, Ryler was still asleep, so she gently laid everything down taking Frieda's clothes from the satchel.

"Oh no" she covered her mouth at the site of Frieda's house, "Frieda are you here? I have your clothes.". Frieda didn't answer, so she walked in to see if she was sleeping.

What the....Enclave? This place is destroyed.

"Frieda are you up there?" Peering into the bedroom revealed another huge mess.

She left, must be at Pawnee's, she stopped in front of his doorway. She put her clothes neatly on the floor, not wanting to see Pawnee, and especially not wanting to talk to her with him right there.

"Um, Frieda, if you're up there I put your clothes from the safehouse down here" she took a breath, "I'd like to talk to you later if possible. Bye."

[Darren Chandler]

Jimmy Leggio - Leggio house - Morning

OOC: The only part that is of any consequence is the final short paragraph.

"Jimmy, I don't want to leave you." Tears were gliding down Laura's face as she sat before Jimmy.

"I know, hun'. But this town, it isn't safe enough. I'm not going to risk having you or Lucille hurt. Falls is much safer. I promise, my business in this hole will be over as quickly as possible. But until then..."

Laura nodded. Jimmy crouched down to Lucille, who was fidgeting with a hard back book, called SPECIAL. "Dada" she gurgled, acknowledging Jimmy before turning her attention back to the book. Jimmy chuckled.

"You're going home, with mommy," he whispered to his daughter. Her head shot up, her eyes widened. "Home?"

"Home, dear. Dada will join you in a few short weeks."

"Home!" the child screamed, breaking into a small, goofy shaking, supposed to be a dance. Jimmy smiled at his two year old before standing back up.

"I'm sorry for this, I prom--" Laura pressed her finger against Jimmy's lips. She gently lowered them, leaning in. Laura gave her husband a short, slight kiss.

"Conclude your business quickly, Mr Johnson."


Petey answered the door. He was dressed in sleepwear. Jimmy wasn't the only one feeling less stressed, it seemed.

"Petey, I need you to spare some men. Laura and Lucille are going back to Falls this afternoon.

"Ah... yes. Of course. Would you mind.. coming in. I must discuss something with you, sir," Petey said, hopping slightly, the cold morning breeze blowing right throw hiss rather... thin choice of sleepwear. Jimmy shrugged and followed the tall man into the house Jimmy had given the slavers.

"What is it, Petey?"

"Uh, first off, Linda sent Daniel out to find a trader," Petey began quickly, sensing Jimmy's irritated tone. "He did, one outside Megaton. The man, one George, uh, George something, yeah um he can go to Falls Church. I doubted, along with Linda, that we'd find a trader stupid enough to travel into DC, but the man says he can make the trip in four days."

Jimmy was impressed. "I was sure these slaves were.. yes well. Well done, I'll congratulate Linda when I next meet her. A little gem, Linda. Was there anything else?"

"Yeah, two slaves attacked one of the men, John, last night. He uh, he stabbed one of them. They were too weak to do much damage, you know a diet consisting of just water and the occasional left over isn't a particularly good one. Anyway, the stabbed one died this morning."

Jimmy sighed. "All right. I'll... I'll go over there now."

"Sure thing boss. The shifts change in about an hour, but I'll go with you anyhow. Just give me a moment--" Petey turned from Jimmy and sprinted towards the stairs in the rundown old house.

"Never have this problem in Falls," Jimmy muttered angrily.

Petey returned a few minutes later, wearing a merc veteran suit. "After you, sir."


Jimmy and Petey walked to the metro. The houses Jimmy had chosen were the closest ones to the metro, so the chances of being seen were comfortably slim. As they approached the descending few stairs to the gates, Jimmy looked around. Once satisfied that there was nobody watching them, Jimmy motioned for Petey to open the gate. Once he had Jimmy followed Petey into the depressing structure. It was dark and damp. The slaves at Falls were living in luxury compared to the Marigold Station.

The continued silently through the eerie stone corridors until reaching the large bulk of the station. Linda was standing on the suspended platform, wearing her merc charmer suit.

"Linda," Petey called. Linda turned. She began walking, but once she noticed Jimmy she broke into a jog towards the two.

"Sir. Petey," she greeted.

"Good job with the trader, Linda," Jimmy said, proudly.

"It was more Daniel," she replied, smiling broadly regardless.

"All right. Look, bring me the surviving slave who attacked John last night."

"Ah yes. I put him in the booth there," Linda explained, pointing behind her. "He won't do anything else, I imagine. I just didn't want him around the other slaves."

Jimmy walked by Petey and Linda, to the booth. He peaked inside, seeing the man who was once a trader, lying the the darkness, quietly snoring. Jimmy shook off the feeling of pity for the man whose planned and surely moderately happy life was completely changed in a mere few days and grabbed him by the scruff of his clothing. Jimmy then pulled him through the passage which seemed to be at one stage a window. The man awoke, and slowly moved his head so that he was staring up at Jimmy from the rubble, a look of fear upon his face.

Jimmy grabbed the man once more and dragged him to the ledge of the platform overlooking the railways and tunnels of the station, where the rest of the slaves were stored.

"Strictly business," Jimmy said before removing his .357 and placing it to the man's head.

"Plea..please.." the man managed before Jimmy pulled the trigger. Blood spewed onto the ground below. Jimmy heard a scream from one of the destroyed trains. He then pushed the body of the trader of the small wall.

"That should calm them down," Jimmy said as he holstered his weapon and walked past Linda and Petey.


Jimmy emerged from the metro. He had said his goodbyes to Laura and Lucille, and did not wish to cry. He decided to continue his morning tradition, and headed off to the diner, humming http://youtu.be/tjMSHfn1vuM


Jimmy entered the diner, the first sight that caught his eye was Joe standing before Celeste at the counter. Well, more leaning on the table for support as opposed to standing.

"Well buddy, I see the raiders pulled quite the number on you," Jimmy said, not trying to sounds too amused, pulling a stool next to him. Celeste was sobbing, she hadn't even noticed Jimmy's entry.

"Did you say Rusty tried to kill you...?" she asked, quietly. Jimmy looked up towards the couple.

"What's all this?"

[Alisha Clarke]

Bob Dobbs

Celeste’s House – Dawn

The closing of the front door awakened Dobbs.

Must be Celeste heading for the Diner.

Dobbs sat up in the couch and stretched. After a minute or so the alarm on his Hand Comp 4000 went off, and the familiar voice of Three Dog filled the room.

“Hey there, boy and girls…guess what a little birdie just told me? Remember the Talon Company? The guys who’d kill their own mothers if they were paid enough caps? Well, a certain organization of people with big guns and power armor…. And I don’t mean those Enclave guys living under an overpass up North somewhere…. decided enough was enough and paid them a surprise visit at their palatial headquarters at Fort Bannister earlier this morning. Need-less to say it’s ending in tears for Talon Company even as I speak. If you happen to stop by Fort Bannister and meet the new management, don’t forget to say ‘Hi!’ to the nice Knights and Paladins…. and “Thank You!’. And now…listen to this!”

Music began to play from the Hand Comp.

The Brotherhood hit Talon Company, eh? That must be what the Vertibirds were up to…. they did a Vertibird-Assault on Fort Bannister. Talon Company are just Raiders with some training and a little discipline….they wouldn’t stand a chance against the Brotherhood, or us for that matter. They’ve had it coming for a long time, wonder what brought it on. Rumor has it Brotherhood scouts are all over the place near Lamplight, something to do with looking for Vault 87. Or maybe they've decided to clean up the Wasteland and Evergreen mills and the Falls will be next….

Dobbs went to the bathroom and washed up and brushed his teeth. He then put on his Roving trader outfit, and packed up the things he wasn’t going to wear and packed them back on his Brahmin. He then noticed the Brahmin wandering the street. Walking North down the street, he counted at least 10 head. He also couldn’t see any kind of enclosure.

Are these people crazy? These Brahmin are worth thousands, and they just let them wander around here?

Walking over to the next block to see how many Brahmin had wandered that direction, he saw Brandy placing something on the doorstep of a house, then she said something he couldn’t hear and walked away. He remembered her saying last night she knew some carpentry…and he wanted to ask her what she knew about the Brahmin. He was also a little worried about some of the things he had overheard. Dobbs jogged after her.

“Hey, Brandy!”, Dobbs cried. “Wait up!”

Catching up to Brandy, he walked alongside her.

"You left before I could talk to you about a casket for Duncan last night...are you OK? You looked upset. I don't mean to pry, but if you need anything I'll do my best to help. Also, there are a lot of things around town that need doing, perhaps we could work together on them. Why don't we go get some breakfast and we can talk about it, hmm?"

[lilmissparty]

Ryler North--Brandy's House/ Grayditch--Dawn

Dark night sky engulfed the moon and the stars whole. Cold air beat down on his still frame, the ragged breath raspy and chopped. Ryler took a step forward, Then another, then another. As he walked further into the dark, like light at the end of a tunnel, a small spark lit aflame. A small fire floated in the near distance, and like a moth to light, Ryler followed. At last, he reached the small flame, touched it, the flame snuck up his arm before blinding him with white light.

Now, at a cliffside, he stood. On the other side, was another cliff, and in between a deep chasm. His father, a man in his forties, with dark har cupped his hands arouns his mouth, screaming his son's name! His heart dropped. There was no way to return.

Sunlight filtered through the curtains, a soft morning glow flooded the house. Ryler woke, and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Brandy was gone. Wait, gone? Perhaps she'd gone off elsewhere. His strange dream however was soon forgotten as he disappared behind the door and into the streets of Grayditch.

Perhaps some tea will brighten the day. He thought.

[jason worrell]

Brandy - Grayditch - early morning


Brandy started to the park where Duncan had stayed, hearing footsteps behind her.

"Frieda" she turned to look.

Hey, Brandy!”, Bob cried. “Wait up!”


Brandy stopped, "hi Bob" I wish it would've been Frieda, I sure would like to get that over with.


"You left before I could talk to you about a casket for Duncan last night...are you OK?" Bob said as he caught up with her.

"I've been better" she sighed.

" You looked upset. I don't mean to pry, but if you need anything I'll do my best to help. Also, there are a lot of things around town that need doing, perhaps we could work together on them?"

"Um, yeah sure that sounds good. I'd like that actually." Brandy managed a nice smile.

" Why don't we go get some breakfast and we can talk about it, hmm?" Bob asked.

"OK" she pushed her glasses up, "I am kind of hungry, and would like to see Celeste too."

[I’m my own]

Joe Rennie. Celeste's diner. Morning.

"Well buddy, I see the raiders pulled quite the number on you," Jimmy said, dropping into a stool beside Joe. Celeste was sobbing and seemed not to notice Jimmy's entry.

"Did you say Rusty tried to kill you...?" she asked, quietly. Jimmy looked up in surprise. "What's all this?" The slaver asked.

"That's right. One of the raiders ambushed me in my house. He knocked me out. When I came to, he'd got me tied to a chair and he... He did this to me." Joe waved his arm, indicating the blistered, red flesh of his torso. "So there is a loud knocking at the door, banging like someone really needs to get in and suddenly Rusty kicks my door in. At first I think that I'm ok, that Rusty is going to save the day. But he was in on it. He charged in and attacked the guy at first, while the door was still open. The door was open and the barber, I forget his name, he was standing outside. I shouted at him to go get help as the door was swinging closed. That was when Rusty stopped fighting the guy, started saying something about how the diner was never supposed to be hit."

He and Harold hadn't discussed this part of the story, but judging by the new burns and blast marks within the diner the building had been hit, so it made a good addition to the story. Joe allowed his voice to sound more panicky and his eyes go wide as if he was still shocked by the sequence of events.

"While he was berating the guy for that he... He joined in. He burned me too. He had a knife, he was going to kill me. He told me as much while he was... Was torturing me. Luckily the guy went and fetched Harold for me. He came to my house, saw what was happening and.. a... and he killed them both. But I think that Harlan might be involved too. I don't know about the others, but the raider in my house seemed pretty religious. It could be complete coincidence, but Harlan is always trying to preach to the town and his son was definitely involved."

Joe sat back, exhausted, and waited to see what the people in the diner would make of his story.

[Joe Alvarado]

J.T. Taylor - Celeste"s Diner - early morning



When J.T woke up, he noticed Celeste was making some coffee, the aroma was refreshing. There was also a nice looking black haired woman, sitting in front of Celeste.

"Coffee is on its way. I'll be sure to get you some when it's ready. --hmm?" Celeste chimed at the woman.

Celeste read a note the woman had slid to her, "I'm feeling okay. My eye is a bit sore but it's better. I haven't seen James...or any Brahmin, for that matter." Celeste shrugged. "Sorry I can't be any more help to you."

A man wearing no shirt came in, with the huge man who had carried Brandy in the morning before, Celeste shrieked at the site of the man.

"Celeste.." The man barely managed, slumping across the bar as he reached a hand towards her face. "A... Are you alright? Your eye... What the hell happened to the town yesterday? Has anyone seen Harlan? Rusty tried to kill me."

Celeste began to sob. Celeste grabbed his hand with both of hers and squeezed it tightly. "Joe, Joe, I can't believe it, you're alive, you're really alive!" She gulped. "M-my eye is fuh-fine, there was...a grenade, and...Duncan...Jordan...just a piece of glass and..." She sniffed noisily, trembling all over, but clutching fast to his hand just the same. "Raiders came in, but I fay-fay-fay-fainted -- he asked about m-my cross.... Did you say Rusty tried to kill you...?"


Joe? That's who Celeste had asked for yesterday, J.T slowly got up.

Jimmy then walked in, "What's all this?"


"That's right. One of the raiders ambushed me in my house. He knocked me out. When I came to, he'd got me tied to a chair and he... He did this to me." Joe waved his arm, indicating the blistered, red flesh of his torso. "So there is a loud knocking at the door, banging like someone really needs to get in and suddenly Rusty kicks my door in. At first I think that I'm ok, that Rusty is going to save the day. But he was in on it. He charged in and attacked the guy at first, while the door was still open. The door was open and the barber, I forget his name, he was standing outside. I shouted at him to go get help as the door was swinging closed. That was when Rusty stopped fighting the guy, started saying something about how the diner was never supposed to be hit." Joe seemed panicked as J.T. listened, "While he was berating the guy for that he... He joined in. He burned me too. He had a knife, he was going to kill me. He told me as much while he was... Was torturing me. Luckily the guy went and fetched Harold for me. He came to my house, saw what was happening and.. a... and he killed them both. But I think that Harlan might be involved too. I don't know about the others, but the raider in my house seemed pretty religious. It could be complete coincidence, but Harlan is always trying to preach to the town and his son was definitely involved." Joe was exhausted.


J.T furrowed his brow, "So, that's why Rusty, was in a yank to get out of here. He surely didn't seem to concerned for anyone in the diner here."

J.T. looked outside, there were brahmin perusing the streets. They were mooing loudly, ahh, the pen Duncan mentioned to Celeste.

Turning back towards Joe and Celeste, "Something did seem off about that guy, and I killed a Raider who was running from town. He was carrying on with religious [censored] to, so did the ones I encountered down that alley over there. I never saw this Harlen fella, but it does sound like quite a coincidence."

He slung his guitar and hunting rifle over his shoulder, "I'm going to see if I can round up them there brahmin, they way they sound, they probably need milked or something." he looked at Sue, "Mornin' young lady, J.T." he nodded.

"Celeste, I'm glad to hear your better. Joe, sorry to hear, the names J.T. Taylor." he extended his hand, "I came in just after the blast here, if y'all need any help just holler alright?"

He went out and began rounding up the brahmin, getting them to go back toward the park he saw the morning before where they had been.

[FLYBOYLEAK]

Spoiler

James will be returning around lunchtime, he is covered in blood, has a small scar on his face and is with Jessica

James Wilson – Jury street Metro – Early morning

James had walking for what felt like hours but in reality had only been 2 hours.
After climbing up a small hill James had found a per-war road and had been walking down what was left of 200-year road…

Ahead of James was the small “town” of Jury Street, Raiders had moved into electronics’ shop and the local train station but a few months ago someone (LW) came into town and killed them all…

Walking in jury street, James walked into the dinner, unlike Celeste cleaned and “working” dinner this one was a dump; rubbish on the floor, no tables, a broken fridge and a dead body behind the counter, however there was a unopened Nuka cola on floor…

What a [censored] dumps at least there is some Nuka cola here I’m thirsty

Placing Jessica on the counter, James picked up Nuka cola and began to drink it when a odd little http://fallout.wikia.com/wiki/ED-E flew pass the dinner but even more oddly it was playing GNR radio, just as Three dog started talking...

“Hey there, boy and girls…guess what a little birdie just told me? Remember the Talon Company? The guys who’d kill their own mothers if they were paid enough caps? Well, a certain organization of people with big guns and power armor…. And I don’t mean those Enclave guys living under an overpass up North somewhere…. decided enough was enough and paid them a surprise visit at their palatial headquarters at Fort Bannister earlier this morning. Need-less to say it’s ending in tears for Talon Company even as I speak. If you happen to stop by Fort Bannister and meet the new management, don’t forget to say ‘Hi!’ to the nice Knights and Paladins…. and “Thank You!’. And now…listen to this!”

[censored] Talon [censored]s the Brotherhood should of killed those [censored]s long along but why is a Eyebot playing GNR? I though they only played Enclave Radio?

Looking back at Jessica it was muttered something, finishing the Nuka cola James picked up Jessica, walking out the dinner , James stepped over a rotting headless raider and continued on his journey to Grayditch...

If I keep up this place I should be back around noon

[Sami Blackburn]

CELESTE BROWN ~~ Diner ~~ Morning

Jimmy had walked in and asked a question, but Celeste ignored him entirely. Joe had begun to tell her about his horrific ordeal. The more he spoke, the more sick she felt. It all sounded absolutely awful, the torture, the struggle with Rusty...

J.T. had appeared. It seemed as though he had spent the night in the diner, and Celeste had never noticed. He had heard the whole recounting and furrowed his brow, "So, that's why Rusty was in a yank to get out of here. He surely didn't seem to concerned for anyone in the diner here."

"Rusty was in here," Celeste repeated. "I thought I had heard him, just before I woke up...or just after...I don't know."

J.T. looked outside, and Celeste followed his gaze. Oh wow -- Sue is right, there are Brahmin in the street.

Turning back towards Joe and Celeste, J.T. continued. "Something did seem off about that guy, and I killed a Raider who was running from town. He was carrying on with religious [censored] to, so did the ones I encountered down that alley over there. I never saw this Harlen fella, but it does sound like quite a coincidence."

"I haven't seen Harlen, not for a really long time," Celeste added. She was still holding Joe's hand very firmly. "Maybe someone killed him, mistook him for a raider." She hoped what Joe and J.T. were saying couldn't be true. How could Harlen and Rusty have been such bad people?

It dawned on her. "Rusty spent all his time trying to convince me that you were a bad person, Joe," she breathed. "He tried to tell me you weren't who you said you were, and Harlen, too. All that time he wanted me to trust him instead of you, and...and now..."

She finally released Joe's hand and poured a cup of coffee each for Sue, Harold, Joe, and Jimmy. J.T. had swung his guitar and hunting rifle over his shoulder, "I'm going to see if I can round up them there brahmin, they way they sound, they probably need milked or something." he looked at Sue, "Mornin' young lady, J.T." he nodded.

"Celeste, I'm glad to hear your better. Joe, sorry to hear, the names J.T. Taylor." he extended his hand, "I came in just after the blast here, if y'all need any help just holler alright?"

"Bye, J.T. Make sure you come back for dinner...though I'm not sure what that'll be, just yet." She poured a cup of coffee for herself and leaned on the bar in front of Joe, looking and feeling very concerned about him. "Are you going to be okay? Maybe someone could find Ryler for you." She sniffed once more. "I was so worried that you had died, Joe." Celeste began to cry again. "I thought y-you had died and..a-and I didn't get to tell you that I love you."

[Jack Moves]

Bob Dobbs

Greyditch – Morning

"Hi, Bob", Brandy said wistfully.

"You left before I could talk to you about a casket for Duncan last night...are you OK?" Bob said as he caught up with her.

"I've been better" Brandy sighed.

" You looked upset. I don't mean to pry, but if you need anything I'll do my best to help. Also, there are a lot of things around town that need doing, perhaps we could work together on them?"

"Um, yeah sure that sounds good.”, Brandy replied, smiling. “I'd like that actually."

"Why don't we go get some breakfast and we can talk about it, hmm?" Bob asked.

"OK" she pushed her glasses up, "I am kind of hungry, and would like to see Celeste too."

Brandy and Bob walked to the Diner together. “Who do the Brahmin belong to?”, asked Bob. “There doesn’t seem to be any kind of pen for them.”

“They were Duncan’s”, replied Brandy sadly, wiping away a tear at the thought of Duncan, still lying in the diner. “He had just gotten them from Megaton, he was going to start a Ranch. I promised him that I would build a enclosure for them.”. She stopped and looked up at Bob. “I’m going to keep my promise to him. Will you help me build it?”

This isn’t about the Brahmin at all…. it’s a lot more important than that to her. Wish I could have met Duncan, he must have been a hell of a man.

“I’d be glad to help you”, replied Bob, extending his hand. “We’ll make it the next item on the list.”

“Thanks, Bob.”, Brandy said a bit more cheerfully as she took his hand and shook it. “You’re OK. Let’s go get some breakfast then we’ll get started on the casket.”.

Brandy and Bob then started walking towards the Diner again. Stopping at his Brahmin, tethered in front of Celeste’s house, he rummaged around in his tool bag and found a tape measure and a small notebook and pencil. Pocketing them, the pair then walked to the Diner. J.T. was walking down the street towards them, herding a Brahmin towards where Brandy had told him Duncan’s tent was. He waved at them, they waved back. Zardoz’s wagon was still there, he was talking to Brandy’s robot, Mirvin. Brandy glared in Zardoz’s direction then picked up her pace.

Odd….she seems to be mad at him about something. The stuff I looked at was solid enough…if a bit high pricewise. Maybe she bought one of those potions of his thinking it would actually work or something. She’s young, and his act is quite good…..

Bob noticed that there were quite a few people inside the Diner, including Jimmy, who was calmly sitting at the counter, and Sue, as well as two men he had not seen before. One was a giant of a man, he stood impassively behind another man who was having a animated conversation with Celeste, paying rapt attention to everything they said. Celeste was on the edge of hysteria…..and a look at the second man made it plain why. He had been stripped to the waist and severely beaten, and by the looks of it burned with a iron or something.

What kind of sick [censored] would do something like that? Must have been those raiders.

Brandy gasped in horror at the sight of the man and rushed over to Celeste to comfort her. From the conversation between the man...Joe...and Celeste, Joe had been captured by the Raiders and tortured and Rusty, apparently one of the townspeople, had turned out to be helping them and would have killed Joe if not for the larger man, Harold, who had killed them first. The discussion then turned to a man named Harlan, a Bounty hunter who also happened to be Rusty’s father, who was also in town. Joe suspected he may also be involved….and Celeste then told Joe that both Rusty and Harlan had been persistently trying to turn her against him.

It’s happened before. Raiders send in scouts who can pass for normal folks to pave the way for the others when the time is right…even get people fighting amongst themselves so they don’t see the real threat until it’s too late. If this Harlen fellow really is one of them, every day he’s here is one too many.

Bob said “Hello” to Celeste, who said "Hello, Bob" back. For the moment, Bob stood and continued to listen to the conversation. How do they plan on dealing with this situation? At the very least, they need to see if this Harlen guy is still in town and if he is, ask him some questions. Don’t want to jump to conclusions, but this sounds pretty bad.

[JESSE]

OOC: Opening post! Woo!

Character Sheet - David O'Riley

Spoiler

Name: David O'Riley

Age: 24

six: Male

Basic physical appearance and attributes: A tall and slender man, standing in at around 6'0". He has short, wavy, dirty blonde hair often unkempt because of lack of care and blue eyes. His face is angular in shape. Many people upon encounters shoot under when making assumptions about his age, 16 being the youngest, but people generally go for 19. He's an expect marksman, tracker, scout, hunter-gatherer and such jobs often require weapons with excellent maintenance, the striping and cleaning of his rifle being a daily ritual. Years of travelling have taught him valuable lessons of survival. He is, however, hopeless with hand-to-hand combat, but he often makes sure no one gets close enough to try anything.

Weapons and armour: DKS-501 Sniper Rifle, a prized possession which has been passed down from father to son for four generations. The weapon never leaves his sight, and despite its age it's remarkably well looked after and appears to be brand new. His secondary choice is a .44 Magnum, picked for its stopping power at close distance for when his rifle can't get the job done. Though, it's often kept in its holster.

Clothing wise, it's foreign... At least to the people of the East. He wears the duster coat of an NCR Ranger, with light clothing and a duster scarf around his neck. He ditched the armour attachments long ago. The ability to move rapidly and cross distances in a short time would only be hampered with armour in his opinion. But there appears to be a pouches on his belt, strap on attachments or pockets somewhere on him that is home to some piece of equipment.

Personality: A man who is very straight to the point, quiet and distance he doesn't like to stay in one location for too long. Not to say he isn't a friendly sort, he'll go out of his way help most people, people who appear decent to him. But his nature of rarely interacting with people often make certain folk suspicious, but as long as he has the caps, and the ability to get a job done. Then they ain't complaining.

Occupation: Hireling; guard, scout, hunter

Faction: Greyditch

Backstory: Born in California, Shady Sands. David grew up in a stable and "civilized" location. His father was an explorer on the behalf of the Followers of the Apocalypse and former NCR Ranger and mother was a member of the Followers of the Apocalypse.

The combination of the two led to much of his life travelling around much of the South-West America, with the Followers and his father, which have attributed to many of his skills. When he came of age, David didn't feel that military life suited him, the life of travelling made him feel free and that if he joined the army he'd only be caged up. So he remained with the Followers, rather than sign up with the NCR military. Bringing an end to four generations of NCR soldiers.

When rumours of a Brotherhood of Steel expedition to the East circulated, David's parents decided on their own expedition to the East. A small expedition of Followers willing to accompany them, along with hired guards was formed. They spent much of their early travels with settlers and Mormon missionaries.

Encounters with tribal's was often a danger, some greeted them with friendly curiosity, providing food and shelter. And many were outright hostile, and resulted in the deaths of more than had hoped.

Eventually they reached D.C. but to be considered an arm of the Followers was in doubt. Though they attempted to carry on with their original plans of bringing the "torch of knowledge to the wastes," however without some form of organization within the D.C. area, the task was just as hard as the journey. By time they discovered Rivet City, they were barely even a Fellowship. Eventually breaking apart and going their separate ways. Despite having spent the past four years in D.C. David has developed a distaste of the place and desires to return back to NCR territory. However, with his parents being older than they used too and the addition younger brother of four. He knows that the chances of them making it back are slim.

David O'Riley -- Road to Grayditch -- Morning

The sun was breaking through the morning clouds, it's been four years now since he first arrived in the Capital Wasteland and he still hadn't got used to it, to him everything seemed so... gray. It was depressing. He missed the West, he missed California. The journey East was never supposed to be permanent, a year at best. Learn, teach, help, observe, chart out the land and seek out anything of use. Perhaps they may have been able to carry out that mission if tragedy didn't seem to follow them around once they left Chicago. Only his mother now carries out a small part of that original mission, Rivet City wasn't no Shady Sands but it was a decent enough place for her to set up shop at least.

Four years. Four years too long.

He wasn't that he hated the Capital Wasteland, it was its lack of organisation that got to him. They had nothing equal to that of the NCR or the Followers. They were plenty of settlements in the D.C. area, more than enough to set up a functioning Collation in order to assist each other. Instead they just sat around, waiting on knights in shining armour to save them. A event that happened.

"The Brotherhood of Steel," he scoffed.

His view on the wasteland however was a contradiction from his parents point of views. A mother of the Followers and a father who believed in the NCR would ultimately lead to a child with their own, warped philosophy. He guessed in his parents situation it was all about, 'opposites attract.' It wasn't as if he went around preaching the administration of the New California Republic, or the need for the Followers of the Apocalypse. Usually when he brings those names up in conversations, nobody has a clue as to what they are.

And if people really got a chance to know David, no doubt they'd say. 'Hey David, if you hate it here so much then why not just mosey back to the West?'

The only thing holding him keeping hold of him was his parents and kid brother. His parents aren't as young as they used to be, and with a small child. Traversing the country would be slow, and even more dangerous than before. And it wasn't that he hadn't thought about leaving them behind, despite having to venture alone, it would be much safer. He could move at his own pace and not be held back by others. On a estimate, he could make it back to NCR territory in half the time than the most well armed and most prepared of groups.

David walks by a crudely painted on sign reading, 'Welcome To Grayditch'. He brings himself to a halt, turning to look at the place. "Maybe a bite to eat," Speaking to himself after spying the Diner. He was going nowhere in particular, hunting for a few jobs actually, maybe the people here had something to offer.

As he journeyed down the main street he took heed of the bullet marks, 'self-defence or... Friendly greetings?'

Pushing the diner door gently open, David stepped on through.

[Angela Woods]

Joe Rennie. Celeste's diner. Morning.

"Good to meet you friend." Joe croaked, weakly shaking the newcomer's hand as the man left. The feebleness of his handshake was no part of the act, Joe was exhausted and knew he was near to collapsing. He could probably do that safely now, the townsfolk were filling in the gaps in his story for him now. He could let the gossip move around town a little now, let the story grow as it passed from person to person.

It's all falling in to place now. Celeste's timing was perfect there, "Oh no Joe, they've been trying to convince me you were a bad guy for days Joe." I swear I could kiss you for that one. Harlan's screwed now. Just let this simmer for a while, there'll be an angry mob at his door before long. If he comes out guns blazing, I don't like his chances. Or he comes out peaceful like and tries to talk. They'll say what I told them. He'll call me a liar, And thanks to Celeste he will be playing right into my hands.

As Joe was thinking this, Celeste bid the man who had introduced himself as J.T farewell. She then turned her attention back to Joe. She poured a cup of coffee for herself and leaned on the bar in front of Joe, looking very concerned about him. "Are you going to be okay? Maybe someone could find Ryler for you."

"Actually Celeste, that is my next stop anyway. I'm still head of security after all. May as well check on the doctor while I visit him."

She sniffed once more. "I was so worried that you had died, Joe." Celeste began to cry again. "I thought y-you had died and..a-and I didn't get to tell you that I love you."

Joe glanced subltly in Harold's direction and immediately saw the rage in the huge man's eyes. He was going to have to talk fast the next time he and Harold were alone. Joe gave Celeste his best attempt at a smile, and winked. "I'm glad I'm not dead too darlin'." Joe tried to stand to leave the diner, but his legs gave out on him and he almost fell. Huge vicelike fingers siezed hold of his upper arm and held him upright, squeezing a little too tightly. Joe gasped a little in pain, but tried to pass it off as pain from his burned chest. Despite the situation it wouldn't be right for the people around him to think it came from him being manhandled by his assistant.

"Thank you Harold, could you help me along to the doctor's house now. Sorry Celeste, I need to get this looked at." He waved his hand towards his burns again. "We'll talk later ok?" Joe tried to turn his head to talk to the rest of the people there.

"If any of you do see Harlan, could you come get Harold before you try to take him on or confront him yourselves. I think he had us all fooled, but if he's really involved in all this then he is exceptionally crafty. I think he may also be in league with the other bounty hunter, Scythe wasn't it? When Pawnee first came back into town he was pissed at me, he threw a sack of caps at me that were supposed to be payment for me setting him up. I did no such thing of course, but then Harlan is trotting round town, telling Celeste not to trust me too."

Joe paused and shook his head. "The raiders attacking town while almost all of our fighters were away from town can't be a coincidence. It's too neat and from what I hear a lot of people were hurt. I'm sorry, I need to see the doctor. Let's get going Harold." Joe saw that another newcomer had seated himself nearby. "Welcome to town friend, don't let all this put you off. It's not like this everyday." Joe then turned to Jimmy. "Mr Johnson I'll need to have a word with you when you have a moment, but I need to see the doctor first. Say lunchtime?"

The massive brute half carried Joe from the building and out into the street, passing yet another new face as they left, a tall, young looking blond man. Once they were across the street, Joe spoke quickly and quietly to the brute. "Listen Harold, about her saying she love me. Before you get all pissed off, I can explain."

[Adam Kriner]

ooc mk1 : i wouldn't wanna be Joe right now lol

ooc mk2:For those that haven’t see it on the OOC Jessica’s CS

Spoiler

Jessica's CV

Name: Jessica “Jess” Wilson (Not Related to James , just took his Surname (Explained in Rp )

Age: 27

six: Female

Basic physical appearance and attributes: Jessica slight tan, short Blonde hair, around 5’6” tall and Blue eyes, Has Cuts and Scars all over her body from Talon company abuse

Weapons and armour: modified laser pistol ( the one James has right now), old 67 Vault doctor Lab coat & Jumpsuit (but is wearing Wasteland doctor for now)

Personality: Usually a kind and friendly person but freaks out when she is reminded/ has a flashback of time spent as Talon combat Slave doctor.

Occupation: Doctor/ Scientist / Tinker

Faction: who ever James sides with…

Backstory: James "sister" and Sue's girlfriend. Jessica grew up in vault 67 and was selected by the GOAT (and her father) to become the Vault Doctor, although she was a skilled doctor she prefer science and tinkering with Items
After a argument with her Father, Jessica left the vault and began wandering the wasteland until she met Sue and fell in love with her...
For a few years they lived as a happy couple in Rivet city until Sue was captured the Talon Company (but Freed a few days later by James)
Not having anywhere go (and Because James need a doctor for his Heart problem) Jessica along with Sue decided to join James, who was starting up his Caravan business and needed help with running it.
Three years ago "Super mutants" attacked one of James’s caravan, Jessica was captured and was believed to be dead, yet Mysteriously ended up becoming a Doctor Slave for the Talon Company...

James Wilson – Springvale- morning (around the time Joe walked into the dinner)

Ahead of James was the small town of Springvale, a few days before moving to Grayditch James had visited Springvale and traded with a two of families; selling two rifles and a 10mm submachine to them whilst Sue had given a young child a Teddy bear they found to play with.

I hope they remember me, Jessica need a doctor now

Walking into Town something was off; the children James had seen playing in street when he visited were missing and an odd smell coming from a house.

Walking up to one of house James had visted before (and sold guns to family inside) and Knocked on the door “ Hello is anybody here it’s James I need help!”

There was no-answer…

After waiting a few minutes; James opened the door and walked inside the house, some one had/ or was living here, food was on the table, guns in cabinet and Clothes inside the cupboard but no one was there and from the looks of food, it seems as if they had left half-way though dinner...

Something is up…

Putting Jessica down on table, James walked outside and searched the other houses in town they were all the same, food, clothes, guns left around the house but no people inisde and the smell was coming from one of house was several rotting raider (but unlooted) corpses but their guns were smashed up

Okay this is [censored] up no people, dead raiders, houses filled with items, what the hell happened here? I’m getting out of here and back to Grayditch

Walking back inside the first house, James picked up Jessica, who quietly muttering something whilst asleep and a 10mm sub machine that was on the table and walked out of town…

[Farrah Lee]

Bob Dobbs

Celeste’s Diner - Morning

"Thank you Harold, could you help me along to the doctor's house now. Sorry Celeste, I need to get this looked at." Joe waved his hand towards his burns again. "We'll talk later ok?" Joe then tried to turn his head to talk to the rest of the people there.

He’s really messed up, he can barely stand. He needs to go see Ryler soon.

"If any of you do see Harlan, could you come get Harold before you try to take him on or confront him yourselves? I think he had us all fooled, but if he's really involved in all this then he is exceptionally crafty. I think he may also be in league with the other bounty hunter…Scythe wasn't it? When Pawnee first came back into town he was pissed at me, he threw a sack of caps at me that were supposed to be payment for me setting him up. I did no such thing of course, but then Harlan is trotting round town, telling Celeste not to trust me too."

Joe paused and shook his head. "The raiders attacking town while almost all of our fighters were away from town can't be a coincidence. It's too neat and from what I hear a lot of people were hurt. I'm sorry, I need to see the doctor. Let's get going Harold." Joe then looked at Dobbs. "Welcome to town friend, don't let all this put you off. It's not like this everyday." Then Joe and the giant…Harold…turned and left.

One lured away the people who can fight…then the other scout let the rest in to attack the rest of them. What b*stards. No doubt they intended to ambush the others when they came back then they’d have taken their time with anyone who didn’t die in the fighting. Duncan probably saved the entire settlement by holding them off long enough for J.T. and Jordan to kill the Raiders attacking the diner that Duncan didn’t get himself. Smart for raiders, though…maybe they’ve got Remnants amongst them giving them ideas. Maybe this Harlan guy is one. What if he is and recognizes me?

"Good morning, Brandy. How's your shoulder today?" Celeste said as she motioned for Brandy to sit in front of her. "Joe finally came in, he's...he's alive, a little worse for wear, though. You came back with Frieda. You have to tell me, even if it's bad news. Did...did Pawnee get killed? I know there was something about that bounty hunter, but I just have to know."

Bob took a seat at the counter next to Brandy, and quietly listened while Brandy and Celeste talked. As he didn't know Pawnee, or the Bounty Hunter....most likely Harlan...he had little to say anyhow. When an appropriate moment arose, he spoke up.

"Good morning Celeste", said Bob. "Feeling any better today? Thanks for letting me use your couch last night. I'd like to order breakfast, please".

As they waited for their meal, Brandy and Bob talked about the casket. Brandy told Bob she had suitable hand tools and some nails she had scavved from a hardware store. She had also seen a wood house north of town that she was confident they could harvest enough boards from to build a sturdy, if rough looking, casket.

A tall man in a long duster coat with a long rifle slung on his back walked in and looked around. Bob and Brandy turned and greeted him. After finishing their breakfast, they settled up and took their leave of Celeste.

"See you later, Celeste", said Bob. "Brandy and I are going to get some wood for Duncan's casket. I'll keep my eyes open in case we run across a sink for you." Bob and Brandy went to the end of the Diner where Duncan lay. Unwrapping him, they laid him out on the table. Dobbs checked Duncan’s .357 revolver, and finding all six rounds had been fired, put it back in the holster. He then removed the pistol belt and handed it to Brandy.

“You were his friend”, Dobbs said to her. “He probably would have wanted you to have this.” Dobbs then checked the pockets of his leather armor for any keys or notes. Finding a billfold with some papers, he handed it to Brandy. He then measured the body, writing down the results in his notebook. Bob and Brandy then draqed the sheet over Duncan, and turned to leave. Saying goodbye to Celeste, and the newcomer, they walked outside and made for Brandy’s house.

As Brandy put away Duncan’s pistol and billfold, Dobbs offloaded his Brahmin, putting the contents in a unused side room in Brandy’s house.

Nice of her to offer, this will do until I can get a place of my own.

Grabbing his tool bag, Bob walked back into the living room and spotted the beat up Assault Rifle on the table. Asking Brandy about it, she told him she had found it a few days ago…it worked but she had no more cartridges for it. He asked her if she had a weapon, she produced a 10mm automatic that looked like it was sound.

I’ll take a look at the rifle later. Looks like it needs a thorough cleaning, at minimum.

Retrieving his .45-70 from behind Celeste’s couch where he had left it, the pair led his Brahmin towards Duncan’s tent.

Brandy told me Duncan had a wagon, we’ll borrow it to get the wood, and anything else of use in that house..

Finding J.T. busy herding the wayward Brahmin back into the lot where Duncan had pitched his tent, Bob found the harness and tackle, fitted it to his own Brahmin, then hitched it to the wagon. Finding plenty of feed, he pointed it out to J.T. and used some to feed and water his Brahmin. That done, he placed his and Brandy’s tools in the wagon, helped her climb in, then joined her and with a twitch of the reins set the Brahmin in motion out of town. Turning on the radio in his Hand Comp, they listened to GNR as they rode slowly down the road, Dobbs keeping his rifle at the ready.

Wonder if there is a update about Fort Bannister? The Brotherhood would have to work hard at losing, but I’d like to hear more about it. Must have been the shock of their lives when those Verti-Birds dropped Knights and Paladins right in their lap. Heh.

The Red House – 10 minutes later

“Go there”, said Brandy as she pointed at the Red House up ahead. “We can get what we need from that house.”

Dobbs obediently directed the Brahmin towards the house.

This is where I found those rifles and shot the Yao Gaui. I wonder if she knows anything about the fight that took place here.

He asked Brandy about it, she told him about the fight with Scythe and his companions...and that she had been here earlier this morning but someone had taken Electra's rifle and armor. Brandy was annoyed to learn that Bob had taken the rifle, but conceded an item like that left lying around was fair game for whoever came by it and she would figure out a way to buy or trade it off of James.

Dobbs climbed out of the wagon, then helped Brandy out. He then tethered the Brahmin. Telling Brandy to stay outside, and to keep her eyes open, Dobbs drew his revolver and went inside. A check of the house showed it was the same as it had been when he left. The house had long since been looted of furniture and personal items, but the bathroom fixtures were still intact and the kitchen had a nice large stainless steel dual basin sink with a “In-sink-erator” that Celeste could use in her diner. Checking the basemant showed the hot water heater was still in place.

With the sink and hot water heater, I have everything I need to rig up water service in the diner, assuming there is enough left of the water pipe and drains. I’ll pull them out once we get enough boards.

Going outside, he put away his revolver and retrieved his tools. Bob then got to work, removing the boards from the house that Brandy directed him to take. When she wasn’t assisting Bob as best she could with her injured shoulder, she removed the nails from the scavenged boards. Once they had all the wood they needed, he then located the water shutoff valve outside, cutting off water to the house as a precaution. He then want to the basemant, and disconnected the tank-less water heater, carrying it upstairs and putting it outside. He then, with help from Brandy, dismounted the kitchen sink and pulled up the kitchen counter top to mount the sink on later. Once they were placed outside, Bob dismounted the commode and bathroom sink and brought them out. He then went into the basemant and removed what water pipes he could easily reach. Finally, he removed the combat armor from Temujin's corpse.

I'll clean it up and give it to Brandy later. It’s 10:00, time to get back. We’ll pack all of this up and go.

Collecting their tools and the items they scavenged, Bob and Brandy arranged them to fit in the wagon and prepared to leave.

A good haul, now it’s time to get back and get a casket built.

[Javier Borjas]

Reserved for later posting.

[TWITTER.COM]

OOC: I’m not sure if Fl8cobra is back from her trip yet so I’m going to CC brandy for this post (only one sentence)
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James Wilson – the road from Springvale to Grayditch – morning/ late morning

After leaving Springvale James carried on walking towards Megaton but upon see several megaton residents arguing with BOS soldiers outside decided to avoid Megaton and carried on walking to Grayditch…

After walking for another hour, Scythes house came into view but now there was a dead yai Guai outside and a wagon, taking out his Binoculars James looked at the house as Brandy and Bob were loading the wagon with parts from the house and appeared to be leaving….

What are they doing out here? Doesn’t matter I need all the help I need now

Walking up the hill James began shouting “Brandy and bob it’s James I need help!” at them; upon hearing James, Brandy, follow soon by Bob jumped on the wagon and walked towards James

“ James was are you doing out here? Who are you carrying? And is that blood? ” Brandy said to James whilst looking at blood on James suit and Jessica

“It a long story brandy but I was kidnapped and taken to fort Bannister , I’ll tell you all of it back in town, Bob this my…(pause)… Sister Jessica, she needs a doctor, can I put her on your wagon? I'm exhausted...”

[Alexander Horton]

David O'Riley -- Diner -- Morning

The atmosphere in the diner was sullen, he suddenly became very aware that he was foreign to this people. He approached the counter slowly, leaning against the bar. Two of the town folk, a man and a woman greeted him briefly with a nod to which David returned. He looked around the place, the people looked withdrawn, and worn out. It was obvious that something had happened, David didn't need to pry to figure that out. He kept a mindful thought on what to say, people could react badly depending on what someone says or how they say it.

David eyed the two folk who greeted him, the pair stood around a table, talking amongst themselves. He watched them for a while before finally getting a glimpse of a corpse lay out on the table. He watched the man hand over a revolver to the woman, he then proceeded to check the body for other items and taking measurements. Either the undertaker here, or scavengers that aren't picky about where they pick their bones.

David looked away as they heading towards the exit, saying their farewell to the woman behind the counter who's right eye had a nasty scratch. The pair once again acknowledged David as they left. Who, again, returned with a nod of his own.

'No hostile reaction, good start considering...'

"You people alright?" He asked the woman behind the counter.

[kitten maciver]

OOC - I'll edit the end a bit once y'all catch up.

Bob Dobbs

The Red House - Morning

“Brandy and Bob!!”, shouted a voice behind them. “It’s James! I need help!”

Bob, his bad ear turned towards James, didn’t hear him….but Brandy did.

“Bob, stop!”, Brandy exclaimed, pointing behind them to the North. “What are you doing? Look back there, it’s James!”.

Bob stopped the wagon and looked behind him. Sure enough it was James, carrying a young woman that looked badly hurt….and he didn’t look much better.

“[censored]….what happened to him?”, said Bob as he noticed what Brandy was upset about. “I’m sorry, Brandy, my left ear is bad…I got caught in a explosion. Let’s go help them.”

That’s a understatement…I was damn near killed by Liberty Prime trying to stop it from destroying Site R. But then I dare not tell her about that. I’ve really got to give some thought to what I am going to tell her.

Dobbs climbed out of the wagon and helped Brandy out. She ran over to James and the woman like a shot, Dobbs following behind, making sure someone following James did not surprise them.

“ James what are you doing out here?”, Brandy exclaimed, horrified by their bloody clothes and bruised features. “Who are you carrying? And is that blood? ”.

“It’s a long story, Brandy”, James said wearily. “I was kidnapped and taken to Fort Bannister.”

“I heard on the radio the Brotherhood attacked Fort Bannister this morning”, Bob said as he came up to them. “Is it true?”

“ I’ll tell you all of it back in town”, James replied. “Bob this my…(pause)… Sister Jessica, she needs a doctor, can I put her on your wagon? I'm exhausted...”

“Of course”, said Bob. “We’ve got room enough for both of you. We’ll take you to Ryler right away.”

Bob and Brandy helped James and Jessica to the wagon. After moving some items forward, there was room for James and Jessica to sit in the back. After helping them in, Bob and Brandy climbed back into the wagon and began moving again towards Grayditch. Reaching town about 10 minutes later, they took James and Jessica to Ryler’s and helped them out of the wagon. Once they went inside, Bob drove the wagon to the Diner and pulled out outside and hitched the Brahmin to the old Pulkowski Shelter.

“I don’t know about you…”, Dobbs said to Brandy as he helped her out of the wagon. “…but I’m famished. Let’s eat and rest a bit then we’ll build the casket.”

“Good idea”, replied Brandy. “I’m hungry! I hope Celeste is OK…I had no idea Rusty was that kind of person, it must be hard for her to take.”

Bob and Brandy then entered the Diner, Brandy took a seat at the counter.

“Hi, Celeste!”, said Brandy brightly. “We’re back! And we found you a really nice sink for the diner, too!”

Bob had intended to sit next to Brandy, but he noticed Sue was sitting at the counter so he approached her first.

I ought to tell her about James, I'm sure she will want to know.

"Sue?", said Bob.

Sue looked up at Bob and recognizing him, smiled. She reached for her notebook and scribbled a note then showed him.

"Good morning, Bob. Haven't seen James yet." the note said.

'That's what I wanted to talk to you about.", Bob said gently. "Brandy and I just brought him back into town, he had a girl named Jessica with him, he said she was his sister."

She expressed concern as Bob spoke, but the moment he mentioned Jessica's name, her demeanor drastically changed. Sue turned pale, her eyes widened and she began to tremble. She opened her mouth as if to speak, then caught herself and scribbled furiously in her notebook and showed it to him again.

"Where are they? Please tell me."

"They are at Ryler's", Bob replied. "He was beat up pretty bad, and she was unconscious."

Sue tried to speak again...finding she could not she simply reached up and squeezed Bob's arm as if to say thank you then got up and bolted out of the Diner. Once outside, she started running at full speed towards Ryler's house.

Whoa. She acted like she saw a ghost when I mentioned Jessica's name. I wonder what that story is.

Bob then sat down at the counter next to Brandy.

"Hi Celeste!", Bob said. "What's for lunch?"