#fallout ronto

Fallout: Ronto - Mysterious Deathclaw

Hey, remember that Fallout story I was writing? Well, eventually, I'll continue it, and... I'll be adding a female deathclaw character to it.

Now, clearly, she isn't a full deathclaw (obviously), since she's human shape, and, wearing a vault suit.

Can't say too much more without giving away spoilers.

We'll just call her "Mittens" for now.

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Fallout (Video Games) Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Overseer Alkali & Derek Roy Characters: Original Fallout 4 Character(s), Original Characters, Derek Roy (Fallout OC), Overseer Alkali (Fallout OC) Additional Tags: Unethical Experimentation, Unethical Medicine, Canon-Typical Violence, Threats of Rape/Non-Con, (as a 'joke' but still a threat) Summary:

It's been over two centuries since the bombs fell and the [location redacted] Ronto vault and its experiments are still going strong.

Overseer Alkali is paying a visit to Derek Roy, her friend and unofficial right hand man. Today she is not here to beat his Red Menace high score, though.

Fallout: Ronto

(This is an original story that takes place in the Fallout Universe. It will feature my OCs and Characters that belong to the Bethesda. Please enjoy.)

(Previous chapters feature OCs belonging to @zirathezompony, @ask-de-writer. @mordenheim, @inhumaninterest and @furislupus)

Previous parts: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16

Chapter 17:

Rusty sighed sadly as she sat on the floor next to her resting pod.

The room/sleeping/charging pod her alien friend, savior, and trainer, Quen'thira, had given her was nice enough. It always seemed, no matter how sore she was, as soon as she entered it, and activated it, she fell asleep instantly.

No, the small pod wasn't making her sad. Nor the intense training over the past week.

She had thought she could handle the training Quen'thira had prepared for her.

How wrong she was.

Quen'thira had taken her to a larger, square room, the only square room on her ship, honestly, and had he stand in the middle of it.

“This is One's training room.” The tall alien explained as she gestured around it with her right hand. “This is where Rusty will train for the next two weeks.

Rusty stretched her arms across her chest, one at a time and nodded. She was wearing her interface suit, and was eager to start training. “I've trained with the Institute for combat situations.”

Quen'thira looked down at her and smiled. “Did Rusty ever train against an army of Mutants before?”

Rusty shook her head no. “Uh, negative.”

Quen'thira walked out of the room, and the door closed behind her. A few moments later, she appeared in a viewing window 10 feet above Rusty. When she spoke, her voice came trough a hidden speaker. “One will start you on the lowest difficulty level.”

Suddenly, Rusty found herself on a platform suspended above a bottomless chasm. She gasped and looked forward. Spinning blades, spikes popping in and out of the ground, hydraulic presses, random fire jets, and large gaps between the platform face her.

“Safety features are on.” Quen'thira explained. “If Rusty is hit with a hazard, she will be sent back to the start. In order to end the training program and advance to the next stage, she will have to reach the goal 200 Terran meters away.”

Rusty nodded. “Affirmative.”

12 hours later Rusty limped back to her to her pod as she rubbed her right shoulder. She had managed to clear the first level in 4 tries, and progressed to the next level, which had more hazards, swinging ropes, and was 400 meters long. And even though the safety features were still on, being hit with a trap still hurt.

She opened the pod and climbed in.

Rusty sighed again.

No, what was making her sad was her how much she was missing AJ, Kara and the others.

Mostly AJ.

Quen'thira walked up to Rusty and tilted her head. “Rusty? Why is she not in her pod? You need to rest. She faces the last level tomorrow.”

Rusty looked up at Quen'thira. “Yeah. I know. I'm just lonely.”

“Lonely.” The tall alien repeated. “She is missing her family.”

Rusty nodded sadly and buried her face in her knees. “Affirmative.”

“Would she like to speak with them?” Quen'thira asked kindly. “One could set up a private comms unit in her pod.”

Rusty whimpered. “That's very kind, Quen'thira. But, um, I missed being touched. I'm... a social creature... I need physical touch and contact.” She lifted her face and looked up at her friend. “I know I need to train... but can I see go down to my family?”

Quen'thira thought for a second. “One could send her down. Or, if AJ agrees, since she is going to assist Rusty with her mission, One could bring her up to One's ship.”

Rusty's jaw dropped. “You could?”

Quen'thira nodded. “Affirmative.”

The cat/otter/alien stood up. “I'll go ask her.”

“Rusty.” The alien girl said cautiously. “Give one a moment. Follower her to the bridge.”

The two girls walked to the bridge and over to the communication console. Quen'thira pressed a few buttons.

A life-sized, blue, translucent, hologram of AJ suddenly appeared in front of Rusty.

“Uh, Rusty?” AJ asked in shock. “How can I suddenly see ya? This here small little ball thing came into mah room, and...”

Rusty blinked and reached out and touched the solid hologram. “AJ...”

AJ blushed. “Sweets... I can feel yer hand. I've missed ya.” She looked her up and down. “Nice suit.” She narrows her eyes. “You look different.”

“I am different.” Rusty admitted. “In order to heal me, Quen'thira had to make me a alien hybrid. Not scary different, I hope.”

“Nah. Just different, Sweets.” AJ smiled. “Why are ya calling?”

Rusty blushed. “I miss you. I asked Quen'thira if I could see you, in person, and she suggested you come up to her ship and train with me.”

“Say what?” AJ gasped.

“If you wanted, you can come-” Rusty to begin to say, but stopped as AJ hugged her, which she felt.

“Could Kara come up as well?” AJ asked.

Rusty pulled back from the hug and looked up at Quen'thira. “Could Kara come up as well?”

Quen'thira sighed. “One would rather not bring too many individuals up the One's ship.” She tapped her chin in thought. “However, family should not be separated. AJ and Kara can come up. No more.”

Rusty looked at AJ. “Did you hear that?”

AJ nodded and smiled. “Can we come up now?”

“AJ and Kara may come up.” Quen'thira said. “Retrieve Kara, and go outside. One will beam her and AJ up to One's ship.”

“Okay.” AJ nodded. “See you soon, Sweets.”

Her hologram disappeared. Rusty giggled happily and hugged Quen'thira around her legs. “Thank you, Quen'thira.”

The alien placed her hands on top of Rusty's head. Her species never showed affection by wrapping their arms around one another. That being said, Rusty had hugged her several times during her week aboard her ship, and she was getting used to it.

“One is happy to make Rusty happy.” She waited for Rusty to let her go, and together, they walked out of the bridge, and into the hall.

They made their way to a new room that Rusty had never been to. The room was crescent shaped, and it had a small oval console suspended on a thin spindly stand near the door. Quen'thira walked up the small console and pressed a combination of buttons.

In a sudden flash of light, AJ and Kara, holding hands, were standing in the room, both looking disoriented.

“AJ! Kara!” Rusty shouted as she ran over to them and hugged them both.

Kara and AJ returned the hug and AJ kissed Rusty deeply.

“Mama!” Kara cried happily. “I'm so glad you're okay.”

Rusty broke the kiss from AJ.

“I'm a lot better now that you guys are here.” Rusty wiped her tears. “Oh.” She gestured to Quen'thira. “This is Quen'thira. Quen'thira? This is AJ and Kara.”

AJ and Kara looked up at Quen'thira as the alien walked over to the family. “One is pleased to meet you.” She studied Kara and then AJ for a few moments. “One does have a query.”

Rusty looked up at her. “About?”

“Rusty is a cat and otter.” Quen'thira said simply. “Kara, from what One could tell, is part cat. AJ is human female. How did Rusty and AJ have Kara?”

Rusty blushed. “Kara was cloned from My cat DNA and AJ's DNA.” She admitted. “Neither of us gave birth to her.”

“One understands.” Quen'thira nodded. “Welcome to One's ship. Let One show you to your sleeping pods.”

The tall alien led the three females out of the teleportation room and to the room with Rusty's sleeping pod. She gestured to the two pods next to hers. “When AJ and Kara are not awake, they will sleep in these pods.”

Kara looked at the pods. “We're gonna sleep in pods?”

“Affirmative.” Quen'thira answered. “They are very efficient. After every sleep cycle she will wake up well rested.”

“Yer ship, yer rules.” AJ said. “Kara. Listen to the nice, uh... lady.”

Kara nodded. “Yes, Mommy.”

“It is in fact time for the rest cycle to begin.” Quen'thira said. “Please enter your pods.”

Kara nodded and climbed into the upright pod. The doors closed automatically, and the kitten fell right to sleep.

Quen'thira looked at Rusty and AJ. “AJ. One has a query for her.”

“Go ahead.” AJ smiled.

“Rusty has been enhanced with interface plugs. One also improved her DNA with One's DNA. However, she was already enhanced with FEV and her own DNA.” Quen'thira said simply. “Would AJ allow one to enhance AJ with interface plugs and cat DNA?”

Rusty gasped. “What? Make her... like Kara? Part human, part cat?”

“Affirmative.” Quen'thira nodded. “AJ reflexes, strength and senses would be enhanced.”

AJ blinked. “Ah'll look like Kara?”

“Affirmative.” Quen'thira nodded. “Other enhancements could be made as well. One could give AJ means for Rusty and AJ to have more children if they wish.”

“Like, biologically?” Rusty blushed. “How?”

“One could give AJ-”

“Okay. Yeah. You could make me have... male parts. I get it.” AJ cut her off. She looked down at Rusty. “Gotta admit, Sweets. It sounds awfully tempting. Being part cat and all.”

Rusty blushed more. “I'll love you no matter what you look like. So, really, it's up to you.”

AJ looked up at Quen'thira. “Just the cat DNA, and... other enhancement, right? No alien DNA or FEV?”

“Affirmative.” The alien nodded. One can perform the operation... after the rest cycle and morning meal.”

AJ blushed. “Okay. Sure.” She held out her hand. Quen'thira took it and shook it twice. “See ya tomorrow.”

Rusty kissed AJ goodnight and climbed into her pod. The doors closed with a hiss.

“One more thing, Quen'thira.” AJ said. “Could ya make mah fur orange on mah body, and keep mah hair blonde? Like it is now?” She blushed more. “And give me a prehensile tail? Like a house cat?”

The alien nodded. “One is able to make those changes. Rest now, AJ. She has a big day tomorrow.”

Fallout: Ronto

(This is an original story that takes place in the Fallout Universe. It will feature my OCs and Characters that belong to the Bethesda. Please enjoy.)

(Previous chapters feature OCs belonging to @zirathezompony, @ask-de-writer. @mordenheim, @inhumaninterest and @furislupus)

Previous parts: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15

Chapter 16:

Quen'thira pressed a button on her wrist, and waited.

Rusty grunted and her eyes fluttered open. She blinked her eyes and looked at the tall alien. “Ngh. What happened?”

Quen'thira attempted to smile. “One repaired Rusty to normal operational status. How does she feel?”

Rusty blinked and lifted her arms. Her right arms, up to her shoulder, was completely artificial. The same with her left arm, up to her elbow. She concentrated and managed to move her fingers, opening and closing them into a fist.

“Wow.” She let out a shallow breath, “Your technology is amazing.” She said in awe, “What material are they made from?”

The tall alien shook her head. “One will try to explain to the best of One's ability. Her arms and legs are made from an alloy called neutromium. It does not exist on Terra. It is incredibly strong, durable, and light-weight.” She gestured to Rusty's body. “There is more to her body.”

Rusty used her left arm to move the blanket that was covering the rest of her body. She noticed her new legs, and saw that she had a big toe, and rest of her toes were one part. As she examined her body, she noticed that she had several, small, round... things embedded in her skin. She reached behind her back, and noticed that she had plates on her spine, and more plugs on either side of her spine.

“Quen'thira?” Rusty asked out of concern. “Wh-what are these things?” She asked as she used her right index finger to prod the one on her bicep.

The tall alien gently grabbed Rusty's hand to stop her from poking the implant. “That is an interface plug. One will explain in a moment. First; she will eat. Is she able to stand?”

Rusty sat up, and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Slow, she placed her feet onto the floor, and stood up. She let out a relieved breath as her new lower legs, supported her weight.

“It seems like I am able to stand.” Rusty nodded as she took a step forward. “And walk.”

Quen'thira nodded. “Excellent. Follow One.” She gestured to the open door.

Rusty followed the tall alien out of the room, and into a curved hallway. “Tell me, Quen'thira, why did you save me? Rebuild me?”

Quen'thira looked down at Rusty, being nearly twice her height. “As One said, One's ship was in the outer atmosphere of Terra. One was simply observing Terra's inhabitants. Unlike the Zetans, the other species that have visited Terra, One does not abduct.”

Rusty blinked and gasped. “Wait... Zetans? Aliens – er – Visitors have come to Earth before you?”

“Affirmative.” Quen'thira answered, “By Terran standards, the Zetans have been abducting and experimenting on Humans between 1603 and 2277. Two years ago, in the year 2287, a lone Zetan scout craft crashed on Terra.”

“Wow.” Rusty said as they enters a small, round chamber. “So, um, previous query; why did you help me?”

“One was curious.” Quen'thira said simply as she and Rusty sat at a small, round, table with two stools attached to the table. “One observed her fight, and was wondering why she sacrificed herself. One also wanted to see if One's technology could repair her.”

“So, you wanted to experiment on me?” Rusty asked in a frustrated tone. “I thought only Zetans did that.”

“Would she have preferred to remain a burnt, badly damaged husk?” Quen'thira asked curiously. “Never to see Terra again? Her family?”

Rusty shrunk back and winced. Quen'thira's tone wasn't hurtful, but her words made her feel bad. “No. I wouldn't.” She smiled weakly. “Thank you. I appreciate all that you have done for me. So, um, you said that I can see my family again?”

“Affirmative.” Quen'thira nodded. “However, she must be patient. Her limbs and implants need time to heal. Her biology also needs time to adjust to her new DNA.” She looked at the table. “What does she wish to consume?”

“Huh?” Rusty asked as she looked at the table and then back at Quen'thira.

“One has an extensive database of Terran food from over a Millennia of study.” She explained. “Simply pose a query to One's computer, and ask for whatever dish she would like.”

Rusty looked at the table. What amazing technology Quen'thira's people seemed to have. She cleared her throat. “Computer?”

The table beeped twice.

“Um... one bowl of Ramen noodles, please?” Rusty blinked as a steaming bowl of Ramen noodles, complete with beef strips, carrots, a slice of egg, kale, mushrooms, and ginger, along with a fork, appeared out of nowhere right in front of her. “Ah!” She grabbed the bowl and started eating.

Quen'thira let out a throaty groan, which seemed to be a laugh. “It is called a food synthesizer. It is rather complicated to explain how it works.” She 'smiled' “It can produce any food or beverage that one could want.”

Rusty swallowed a large mouthful of noodles and looked at the table. “Um... computer.” The table beeped again. “One glass of water please. Cold.”

A glass of water, about 470 milliliters, appeared before her. She grabbed it an sipped it. She hummed in pleasure and refreshment. “Wow. Non-radiated water. So delicious.”

Quen'thira blinked her four eyes. “Hm. Your planet's water is severely irradiated. Only small samples of pure water can be found.”

Rusty nodded. “And it's never cold. Always room temperature.”

She finished her food and water. Once she was done, Quen'thira looked at the dishes.

“Computer. Delete dishes.” She said simply.

Rusty watched as the dishes simply vanished as quickly was they appeared. “What the...?”

“The ship recycles all material in order to create other matter.” The alien explained. “Come. We have work to do.”

The two females stood up and walked out of the room. They continued down the hall, and entered another room. It looked like a science lab, much like the institute used.

Quen'thira looked at Rusty. “One suspects that Rusty would like to know about the changes to her body, correct?”

“I would.” Rusty nodded.

“Well, as you know, One had to introduce One's DNA into her DNA to wake up your cells. Her own cells were trying to heal her, as best as they could, however, it would have taken... 20 Terran years in order to heal her theselves.” Quen'thira said. “So, One brought you up to One's ship to excellerate the process.”

“Twenty years?” Rusty gasped. “I...” She looked at her hands. “What about my arms and legs?”

“Her extremities were beyond repair and healing. Seared and fused at the atomic level. She would not have been able to regrow them.” Quen'thira explained.

“And these... interface plugs?” Rusty asked.

Quen'thira walked over to a computer and clicked some flat buttons showing weird symbols. A life-size hologram of Rusty suddenly appeared in the middle of them room. The tall alien walked over to it.

“The plugs are tied to her nervous system.” She said as the plugs highlighted on the hologram. “In time, when she is healed, and once One knows that she is ready, she will be given a interface suit.”

“A... what?” Rusty asked curiously.

Quen'thira pressed a button on her wrist. A cylindrical, four-foot wide, container raised from the floor, showing Rusty a black and gray suit. It was very slick looking. Rusty walked over to it and examined it closely. It had plugs and spine armor that lined up with the plugs and spine armor on her. She also noticed it had reinforced foot-pads, elbows and knees.

“You're giving me a combat suit?” She asked Quen'thira.

The tall alien walked over to the suit and looked down at Rusty. “The suit could be used for combat, certainly, however, that is not the main purpose for it. This suit will enhance your reflexes and strength 10 fold.”

Rusty gasped. “It will make me stronger and faster? Even more stronger than I am?”

Quen'thira nodded. “Affirmative.”

The cat/otter/alien girl shook her head in awe. “Are... you going to train me for something?”

Quen'thira looked down at Rusty. She pressed yet another button on her wrist. A holographic projection of Earth appeared. “This is where One found Rusty.” A small spot on the map highlighted. “Near the spot is a form Terran Military base. This is where the mutants, as She called them, came from.”

Rusty nodded. “I figured as much. How many mutants are there?”

Quen'thira shook her head. “A hundred. There is an odd signal coming from the base as well. One knows that 200 Terran years ago, a group of Mutants were lead by a leader that was called “The Master”.” She explained. “A similar physic signal was read back then as well.”

Rusty swore under her breath. “A friend of mine told me about the Master.” She set her jaw. “If I'm going up against an... army of Super Mutants and their leader, I'm going to need armor and weapons.”

Quen'thira 'smiled'. “She will have those. She need not worry.”

“Also, I need to communicate with my Family. Let them know I'm safe.” Rusty said. “That's the price I ask for my help.”

“Price?” Quen'thira repeated. She thought for a second. “Ah. She means to bargain with One. There is no need for such negotiation.” She turned the globe off, and gestured for Rusty to follower her.

They walked out of the lab, and into the hall again. After a few seconds, they entered a large bridge area.

Rusty gasped as she saw the main view screen. For the first time, she saw Earth and how damaged and brown it was. She saw glowing patches, and was surprised that the radiation from all the nuclear bombs was still present in dense areas. She looked at Quen'thira.

“I never knew how bad...” She shook her head. “I... do you think we'll ever survive? Is there any hope?”

Quen'thira placed her right hand on Rusty's right shoulder. “One can not say for certain. So long as Terrans do not make the same mistake One's race did.”

Rusty looked up at her. “Huh?”

Quen'thira looked down at her. “There is a reason One is called One.”

The short girl nodded in understanding. “So, um, how can I send a message to my Family?”

Quen'thira walked over to a console, and pressed some buttons. “One found Rusty's family. They arrived at King.”

Rusty walked over to the console and stood next to Quen'thira. “How did you find them?”

“One had a drone follow them.” She pressed a button, and a small screen turned one, showing a birds-eye view of the small town of King.

Rusty saw the car that she and her family had rebuilt. The picture zoomed in, and she saw Vix under the hood trying to fix something. She saw Oni and Kara standing next to her, handing her tools as she needed them.

“There's a CB radio in the car.” Rusty said. “Can you-”

Quen'thira pressed a button and a microphone popped out of the console. “Go ahead and speak, Rusty.”

Rusty's heart beat quickly as she spoke into the microphone. “Vix. Come in. Can you hear me? Over.”

Kara's ears perked up and she ran to the side of the car, and flung open the door. She disappeared inside of the car, and suddenly, Rusty heard her voice.

“Mama?” the kitten asked, her voice filled with hope and happy tears. “Mama is that you, over?”

Rusty's eyes filled with tears. “Hi, Baby. Yeah. It's me. Are... are you guys okay? Over.”

“We're all okay.” Kara sobbed. “Mama... we saw the explosion. Are... are you okay? Over.”

“I'm okay, Kitten.” Rusty swallowed hard. “Is Mommy around? Over.”

“Mommy is with Auntie Silver.” Kara said. “I'll go get her. Over.”

Rusty saw her run out of the car, and run to a nearby house. While she that, Vix hopped into the car and Rusty heard her over the radio.

“Rusty?” Vix said in shock. “Dang, girl. We were so worried for ya. Where are you? Over.”

“That's... kinda complicated.” Rusty answered. “I-”

She saw Silver, Kara, and AJ run out of the house, and gather around the car. Vix climbed out of the car, bringing the microphone out with her. She handed it to AJ.

“Rusty?” AJ said shakily. “You're alive? Over.”

“Yeah, Babe. I'm alive.” Rusty said. “Vix asked where I was. I need you guys to look up.”

Her family looked up at the sky. Even Silver did.

“Do you guys see anything in the sky?” Rusty asked. “Over.”

Kara pointed up as she easily spotted the drone. AJ spotted it as well.

“Yeah, Sweets.” AJ said. “What is it? Over.”

“I know this might be hard to believe, but, um... I'm not exactly on Earth. I'm safe, but, well, I'm on a space ship about 40,000 KM above it. Over.” Rusty explained.

AJ gasped. “Like... aliens? Over.”

“Yeah.” Rusty said. “I can see you guys clearly. You're all looking up, and Kara is crying. I know you guys want to see me, but, well, I need to heal some more, and I have a thing I need to do. Over.”

“A thing?” AJ repeated. “Sweets... I don't understand. And you were hurt? Over.”

“Yeah. That explosion that you guys saw? I was caught in that.” Rusty said honestly, “Long story short, my new alien friend found me, and healed me.” She let out a sigh. “She told me some bad news. There's a mutant arm, a hundred strong, at that Old Military base near our house. I'm going to train and, when I'm healed, I'm need to destroy them. Over.”

“What? Rusty. That's crazy. You'll need help.” AJ said in shock and frustration. “We can help you. Over.”

Rusty clicked off the microphone, and looked up at Quen'thira. “Can they help me?”

Quen'thira looked down at Wind. “Your mate is very determined. Even if Rusty says not to help her, One believes that AJ will go help her regardless.”

Rusty nodded. “Yeah. She' stubborn like that.” She sighed. “How long will I need to train for?”

“Two Terran weeks.” Quen'thira answered. “One can beam AJ up to her ship after two weeks, and AJ and Rusty can fight the mutants together.”

Rusty clicked on the microphone. “Okay, AJ. In two weeks, you can join me. Train until then.” She sighed. “Kara?”

AJ held the receiver to her daughter. “Listen to Mommy and be a good girl. Be strong for me, okay? Over.”

Kara nodded. “Okay, Mama. I'll be good. You promise... only two weeks. Over.”

“I promise, Kitten.” Rusty nodded. “I love you. I love all of you. Over.”

Her family took turn each say they loved her in return. Rusty clicked off the transmission.

Fallout: Ronto

(This is an original story that takes place in the Fallout Universe. It will feature my OCs and Characters that belong to the Bethesda. Please enjoy.)

(Previous chapters feature OCs belonging to @zirathezompony, @ask-de-writer. @mordenheim, and @furislupus)

Previous parts: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14

Chapter 15:

The first thing Rusty heard was beeping.

It was early morning. Very early morning.

The sun had just began to rise.

So, it wasn't her alarm clock.

Wind and AJ had spent the night in their new caravan that they had bought two days before in Albany.

She sprung up from AJ's arms, and ran out of the caravan. She unsheathed her arm claws and looked West.

Her eyes went wide.

Four Super mutant suicide bombers where running towards her and her new home. Her family. Not only that, but behind them was a Super mutant behemoth.

“AJ!” She shouted, as she ran back to the caravan, and grabbed her rifle. “AJ! Get up! Get the others!”

AJ snorted and woke up. She didn't even hesitate as she got up and ran out of the caravan and towards the front door. She ripped it open and ran inside. While she did that, Rusty ran back to the advancing mutants, and took a knee.

She cocked her and readied her rifle and took aim at the forward most suicide-bomber's mini-nuke. She took a calming breath and took her shot.

100 meters away, The mini-nuke, that the bomber was holding like a football, detonated in a small mushroom cloud. It caused a chain reaction, and caused the second closest mutant suicide-bomber's bomb to go off as well.

Silver, Vex, AJ, Oni, and Kara, all came out the house. Vex gasped as she saw the mushroom clouds over the roof of her house.

“Bombers!” She swore. “We gotta go!”

The group ran to the garage, and AJ threw open the large door, revealing the repaired car.

“Mom!” Kara shouted as Vex got behind the wheel and started the engine. “Where's Mama?!”

“She's takin' care of the mutants.” AJ said as she forced her crying daughter into the back seat with Oni. “No time to argue, Kitten.”

Oni gripped Kara's arms to hold her back. “Don't, Kara!” The Synth said. “Listen to AJ.”

Kara stopped struggling and sobbed. “Mama...”

AJ waited for Silver to get into the front seat, as she herself climbed into the roof, and got behind the mounted .50 caliber machine gun.

With a grunt, Vex shifted the car into gear and hit the accelerator. The sped out of the garage, and the tall girl pointed the car North, making a sharp turn, as another mini-nuke went off with a loud BOOM!

Vex stopped the car as she saw Rusty taking pot shots at the last suicide-bomber. She swore as she saw the behemoth advancing as well.

Rusty managed to hit the last mini-nuke, causing it to detonate. She swore as the bolt of her rifle locked back, her clip being empty. She spared a second and glanced backwards. She spotted her family and waved her arms frantically.

“Go!” She yelled. “Get out of here!”

“Rusty!” AJ sobbed as she cocked the machine gun. “We ain't gonna leave ya!”

Rusty threw her rifle down and sprinted to the car. She suddenly jumped over it, and landed on the chest of a super-mutant master, holding a verti-bird blade as a sword, and sunk her claws into his thick neck and removed it from his shoulders.

She she spun around and looked at AJ. “You have... you have to go!” She pointed with a shaky hand back towards the behemoth. At least another12 more mutants, consisting of Masters, Overlords, and regular mutants, were also advancing behind the giant mutant.

“I'll cover you!” Rusty said as spun around again and beheaded a normal mutant, breaking her claw in her right hand in process. She swore, and picked up the mini-gun it was carrying. “Please. AJ. I'll catch up. Go.”

“Rusty...” Vex swallowed hard. “Meet us in King. We'll give you a week. If you don't show, I'm coming back for you.”

“MAMA!” Kara yelled/cried/screamed, as Oni used all her strength to stop the kitten from jumping out the window. “NO! MAMA!”

Vex hit the gas peddle, and the car sped off with a cloud of dirt and exhaust.

Rusty took a steadying breath as she checked how many rounds she had in the mini-gun. Thankfully, it was full. A small comfort, considering the small army that coming towards her. She switched it on, and opened fire, sending round after round at the knees of the behemoth. The large creature fell to it's knees and dropped his large fire-hydrant club.

The warrior-cat emptied the gun into its face, and dodged a laser blast aimed at her feet. She flipped and cartwheeled. She landed next to the club, and picked it up. She swung it, and hit the chest of an Overlord, knocking him back ten feet and killing him. She took a second, overhead, swing, and knocked a Master head-frst into the dirt.

As she was about to make a third swing, She was suddenly hit in the back with two laser-beams/blasts.

She dropped to her knees and dropped her club. She heard the mutant walk up behind her and press the rifle against her head. “Ha! Got you!”

Rusty drew her sword and swiped it up, cutting his hands off, and then drove the blade into his chin. “You got jack-shit, Fucker.”

She pulled her sword out of his head, and stood up. She looked around and sighed. There was no way she could kill all of the Mutants. There were too many, and she was injured. She walked over to the corpse of the behemoth and searched through the shopping cart strapped to its back.

She pulled out two mini-nukes and took a deep breath. She set one down on the dirt and then twisted the arming cap of the second one that she was still holding. She had never tested her healing factor against a mini-nuke, but she did know that she was immune to radiation. The mini-nuke started beeping and she looked at the mutants, which, where now not advancing.

“You... you blow up?” A Overlord asked suddenly. “You go boom?”

Rusty looked at him and smirked evilly. “Not me.” She threw the bomb at him.

He instinctively caught it.

“NO!” He started to shout, however, it detonated before he could even finish the word. The explosion took out six other mutants.

Rusty went to pick up the second bomb. Her right arm suddenly disintegrated into red ash.

Her eyes went wide as in shock. “Wha-what?”

“HA!” A mutant shouted. “Got girl!”

Rusty blinked rapidly. There was nothing for it. She used her left arm to twist the cap, setting it to 5 seconds. “I'm sorry, AJ...”

She closed her eyes and sighed deeply. “See you in the next life...”

…

(Creatures of the Waste are very odd.) A female voice commented casually. (They use weapons of mass destruction so casually. With little-to-no-regards of their own safety.)

Rusty groaned.

(Ah. The subject is awake. I will attempt to communicate with it). The female voice observed. (Experiment log #2. Begin.) There was a brief silence. “Does it understand my words?”

Rusty grunted. She tried to open her eyes but winced as the bright lights nearly blinded her. She quickly shut her eyes again, “Lights... bright.”

“Ah. Apology.” The female voice said. To Rusty, the voice sounded like it was coming through a very high quality speaker. The lights above her dimmed, to the point that they were nearly off. “Is level better?”

Rusty nodded and cracked her eyes. “Better.”

“It is understanding words?” The female voice repeated.

“Hmm.” Rusty nodded again and cracked her eyes open slowly. “Ugh. Where am I? All I see are white walls.”

“It is safe.” The voice answered. “No danger. Query: Why did it use bomb so close to itself?”

“To keep from being captured by the mutants. To give my family a chance to escape.” Rusty answered. She went to rub her forehead with her right arm but grunted as she remembered that she no longer had her right arm. “Ugh. My head hurts.”

“Is understandable.” The voice said in agreement. “It did use bomb in close proximity to itself. Closer than recommended. Much damage was caused. Much healing and repairing One had to do. Will have to make.”

Rusty opened her eyes fully and spotted an observation window at the foot of her bed. “What the hell?”

On the other side of the wind was a 8 foot, very slender, green skinned, alien being. It was attempting to smile at her, her four eyes blinking sideways.

“Are... you an alien?” Rusty asked in shock.

“One could say that One's patient is alien.” She said as she spoke into a microphone. “Query: What is its designation?”

“Rusty.” Rusty answered. “What is your name?”

“Quen'thira.” The alien female answered. “One is curious; what species is Rusty? Blood examination shows a mix of two Earth creatures of a feline and otter.”

“I'm a hybrid.” Rusty explained. She tried to use her left arm to sit up, but couldn't. She lifted her arm, which was burnt off at the stump. She gasped. “How... much damage... did One have to fix?”

“One had to fix much damage.” She pressed a button and a door opened to the room.

Quen'thira walked into the room and up to the left side of the bed. She removed the blanket covering Rusty, to show how badly she was injured. Rusty gasped. Her legs were burnt off at the knees. She noticed that her fur was gone, but her body was still black.

“Quen'thira... how did you fix me?” She asked. “And how did you fix me?”

“Rusty's body was nearly a burnt husk. She managed to use a body of a large, what did she call them? A mutant? To help protect herself. One's ship was in the atmosphere and sensed several low yield explosions.” The alien explained. “One had to use One's technology to bring her back to life. Well, to reawaken her cells.”

“I was dead?” Rusty asked in shock.

“Her cells were hibernating.” Quen'thira clarified. “One used a mix of Rusty's blood and One's blood.” She tried to smile. “Rusty is now a hybrid of alien cells and her own cells.”

“I'm part alien?” Rusty said in disbelief. “I... I mean... thank you for helping me. I appreciate it. But... there was no other way?”

Quen'thira shook her head no. “Negative. One had to use One's blood, that has healing property, to repair Rusty.” She pressed a button on her wrist. “Rusty will sleep again. When she wakes up, she will be all repaired.”

“No...” Rusty mumbled as her eyes grew heavy. “No, Quen'thira... more... questions...”

Fallout: Ronto

(This is an original story that takes place in the Fallout Universe. It will feature my OCs and Characters that belong to the Bethesda. Please enjoy.)

(This chapter features De Writer from @ask-de-writer and two OCs from @furislupus.)

Chapter 9

On the afternoon of the second day of traveling with the Caravan driver, De Writer, the four companions, De Writer himself, AJ, Rusty, and Kara, pulled into the walled community of Albany. Rusty pulled her hood up over head, worried that the people wouldn't be accepting of... non-humans.

De Writer chuckled. “You don't need hide who you are here, Rusty.” He smiled and used one hand to gesture to the gathering crowd.

Rusty looked and saw humans, ghouls, half-ghouls, and even super-mutants. She blinked. “Everyone lives here?”

“For the most part.” De Writer said as he gently pulled his donkey, and his wagon, to a halt. “But yes, this community is very welcoming to those who have nowhere else to go.”

Rusty hopped down off the front bench, as De Writer did the same. As she looked around the crowd, a young half-ghoul boy walked up to her and smiled. “Whoa. What kinda mutant are you?”

“Jeffy!” A female ghoul chided her son. “Don't be rude.”

Rusty smiled and shook her head. “It's okay, Ma'am. It's tough to explain what I am. See, I came from a faraway Vault that, well, experimented on making animals more human like.” She shrugged. “So, I guess I am a mutant. Kinda.”

“So neat.” Jeffy said in awe.

AJ walked up to her, with Kara on her backm and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Come on, Darlin'. We got 10 gallons of water to offload.”

Rusty followed AJ to the back of the wagon. The two girls pulled the cover back, and started handing out 1 gallon jugs of water to the gathered group. They were met with cheers and thanks.

De Writer walked up to them and started to help them.

“Are you their only source of water, De Writer?” Rusty asked him as she handed out the last jug.

“Sadly, yes.” De Writer nodded. There is a stream just outside of town, however, it's controlled but a group of Raiders. No one wants to fight them.”

Rusty's fur bristled. “Where are they?”

An elderly woman with grey and white hair, walked up to her. “The raiders? Just on the other side of the river from us, about a quarter of a mile. Fortunately, our walls are too thick and too tall for them to invade our town. That, and the river is too deep in for them to cross.”

Rusty thought for a second. “If you had to guess, how many of them are there?”

“Well, they have five Raiders watching the river at all time. They work in shifts.” The Elder answered as she shook her head. “So we can't draw from the river, or re-attach our water pipe and collection system.” She sighed. “There is a main camp, with at least 15 more.”

Rusty looked at AJ. “I have to do this.”

AJ nodded. “I know ya do. Just come back in one piece. You don't have your suit this time.”

Rusty smiled warmly. “I'll be careful.” She turned to to the Elder. “Which way?”

She hummed. “I know I can't stop you, Um, Rusty was it? I can see the fire in your eyes. Just make sure you get them all.” She pointed West. “Just head West. You'll see the smoke.”

Rusty made sure her rifle was loaded, and then shouldered it. She then ran to the 10 foot wall, and easily scaled to the top of it. She crouched on top of it for a moment, waved to the townsfolk, and then jumped down.

AJ scoffed and chuckled. “Yeah. She likes to show off.”

On the other side of the wall, Rusty landed softly, and readied her rifle. She then focused, remembering what Atropos had told her – that she could bend the light around her. Slowly, Rusty watched as she activated her natural stealth field. She crept towards the river, using trees and rocks to help hide her as well.

She came up to the river, and used the scope on her rifle and scanned the other side of the river. She saw the small Raider camp and the five raiders about 50 feet away.

She took careful aim, held her breath, and...

“So, yeah...” A gruff male raider said, as he stood up. “I blew that villagers-”

Whatever he was about to say, didn't make it past his lips as his neck exploded, dropping him instantly.

The other raiders grabbed their weapons and stood up as well, looking everywhere.

“Sniper!”

“Where are they?”

“That shot came from across the river!”

“What? No way! That's fifty-” The Raider dropped as they were shot through the heart.

“Where the frick are they?” A female raider shouted. “They're dropping us like flies!”

“I don't-” And invisible blade, covered in blood, popped through his throat from behind him.

The two remaining Raiders watched in shock as Rusty appeared in front of them as the Raider she killed dropped to the ground. Her rifle was slung on her back and her blade claws where unsheathed.

“You got two options. Fight me, and die. Or, drop your guns and run.” She growled, showing her fangs. “Choose.”

The two remaining female raiders looked at her, and then at each other.

“Uh...” The first one, with spiky pink hair, gulped. “We're gonna run.”

“Right...” The second one, with no hair, nodded. “We ain't that stupid.”

Rusty smirked. “Smart choice.” She sheathed her claws. “Before you go.” She nodded over her right shoulder. “How many more of you are there?”

“Uh, t-ten.” Pinky answered. “Our boss, R-Ripper... can't miss him... if you beat him in one on one, the others will give up.”

Rusty nodded. “Thanks for the tip.” She thought for a second. “Take me to see him.”

Baldy blinked. “Uh... really?”

“Yes.” Rusty answered. “Now.”

Pinky gulped. “Sure. Okay. F-follow us.”

The two female raiders lead the assassin to their camp. As they approached the camp, a tall male raider, in full raider armour, walked up to them. He was holding a mean looking chainsaw.

“Hey! Why ain't you guys at the river?” Rusty assumed that this was Ripper. “And who the f##k is this?”

“I'm Rusty.” Rusty smiled. “These two girls were nice enough to bring me to see you after I killed three of your Raiders.” She smirked. “So, I'm here to challenge you one on one.”

Ripper blinked and then started laughing. So did the other gathered Raiders. Except for Pinky and Baldy.

“You gonna challenge me, you... uh... cat thing?” Ripper said as he stopped laughing. Rusty didn't waiver. “Sure. No guns. Melee only.”

Rusty handed her rifle to Pinky and then unsheathed her arm claws. Ripper grimaced and revved her chainsaw. The gathered raiders formed a wide circle around the two combatants.

“Ready, Cat?” Ripper asked as he lifted his chainsaw above his head.

“Oh, yes.” Rusty said. She ran at him, and in a blink of an eye, had her claws buried in his stomach.

“Hrrk!” Ripper grunted as he stopped revving his chainsaw.

Rusty looked up at him. “Two choices. One, I pull straight out, and you might live for a few days. Or, I swipe left and right, cut you in half, and you die right now.” She twisted her wrists a quarter of an inch.

“Straight out!” He yelled. “Please!”

Rusty sheathed her claws. Ripper dropped to his knees and dropped his weapon. The other Raiders were silent as they looked at Rusty in shock and awe.

Rusty placed her hands on his hips. “I'm the leader of this Raider band. Anyone else got a problem with that? Step up right now.”

No one moved.

Rusty looked at Pinky and held out her hand. Pinky ran to her and gave her back her rifle.

“Right. From here on out...” Rusty said as she slung her rifle on her back, “You guys stick to this side of river. The town folk stick to their side, and are allowed to get water from it. Got it?”

The raiders nodded in unison.

She looked down at Ripper. “Don't make me come back. If I do, I'm killing each and everyone of you.” She nodded to Ripper. “Patch him up.”

She turned on her heal and left the Raider camp. Sometime later, she walked into Albany through the front gate. She was immediately surrounded by the townsfolk. De Writer, AJ, carrying Kara, and the Elder pushed through the crowd.

“So?” The Elder asked, “What happened?”

“I challenged their leader, and won. I warned them to stick to their side of the river.” Rusty answered. “Your town can fix your water collection again.”

The crowd cheered.

AJ hugged her with her free arm. “You're amazing. You know that?”

Rusty blushed heavily. “I-”

She was cut off as AJ kissed her passionately on the lips. “I don't know anyone else who would have done what you did.”

“I agree with AJ.” De Writer said as the two parted. “You remind me of a great warrior I once knew. She was selfless and always stuck up for the little guy.” He nodded in approval. “Never asking for a reward in return, and only killing if needed.”

Rusty blinked and smiled. “Thanks, De Writer.”

AJ looked at Rusty. “So, uh, while you were gone, I met some folks that could help us get to Ronto, you know, so we don't have to walk all the way.”

“Really?” Rusty asked as the crowd dispersed.

De Writer nodded. “She did. Two lovely woman, one of which is a blacksmith and mechanic.”

Rusty blinked. “Oh. Okay. Where are they?”

AJ pointed to a group of tents. “Just over there. They come to town once a week to trade. They live about a mile away at a former car garage.”

De Writer smiled. “Go meet them. I have some more trading to do.”

Rusty held out her hand. “Thanks for the ride, De Writer. And for everything else.”

The old trader shook her hand. “A pleasure, Rusty. Best of luck to you, AJ, and Kara.”

The girls parted ways with De Writer, and headed to the group of tents. As they approached them, Rusty spotted to girls. One was 6'2 with silver hair, and a red bang. Her companion was easily 7'2 with long red hair with silver bangs. She was dressed like a mechanic. Rusty assumed that she was the one AJ mentioned. Rusty also noticed that they both had wide pointy ears.

“Howdy, girls.” AJ greeted them. “This is Rusty.”

The shorter girl smiled and puffed on a pipe. While she was shorter then her friend, she was still taller then Rusty, and even AJ.

“Nice to meet you, Rusty.” She greeted, not really looking at Rusty. The cat girl realized that she was blind. “I'm Silver.” She gestured with grey eyes to the taller girl. “This is my wife, Vixen.”

“Call me, Vix.” Vixen said with a shy smiled. “So, uh, AJ mentioned that you guys want to get to Ronto?”

Rusty nodded. “Yeah. There's a village that De Writer told us about.”

“Well, we can help you guys get there, if you want.” Silver said. “Vixen and I have been, well, fixing a car over the last couple of years. It's just about ready.” She puffed on her pipe more. “We just need a few more things to get it ready.”

“Like what?” AJ asked as they all sat down next to a fire.

“Well, we only have four tires and only three wheel hubs.” Vix explained. “We kinda need four. Also, we need a fuel pump.”

“Oh. And you'll be willing to just... give us the car to get to Ronto?” Rusty asked.

“Not exactly.” Silver said. “See, we have a means to fuel it. Well, part of a means. We grow our own maize. And, we came across part of a formula to make a fuel using maize. Problem is, we don't know how to finish the recipe.”

AJ thought for a second. “I do. See, I used to... be a scientist. Before I left... we were working on a means to make bio-fuel.”

Vixen and Silver shared a look and the looked back at AJ.

“Okay. We'll make you girls a deal.” Vix said with a smile. “Help else track down the parts we need, and help with the fuel... take as far as town called Osha in Canada, and you guys can keep the car to get to Ronto.”

AJ and Rusty nodded.

“Okay.” Rusty said. “You girls have a deal. Where can we find these parts?”

“That's a little tricky...” Vixen said with quirked mouth. “Let's get back to our home, and we'll explain things further. Okay?”

“Sounds fair.” AJ smiled.

Fallout: Ronto

(This is an original story that takes place in the Fallout Universe. It will feature my OCs and Characters that belong to the Bethesda. Please enjoy.)

(This chapter features @ask-de-writer OC De Writer.)

Chapter 8

As Dr. Zira walked out of Sanctuary Hills and back to the gas station, so that Cait and Piper could take her back to Goodneighbour, Nora walked up to Curie.

“Curie? Got a sec?” Nora asked.

Curie smiled as she gestured for them to sit down. “Of course, my Love.”

The two brunettes sat in the common area.

“So, um, I want to know more about Rusty's case...” The General said, “You mentioned that her memories were replaced with new ones. If I might ask, one medic to another, how much of Wind's memories did you have to, well, erase?”

Curie shook her head. “You mean, if Rust-y decided to keep Wind's memories?” Nora nodded. “Sadly, that section of her brain, her memories were too fragmented. Beyond putting them back together. To recover.” She sighed sadly. “Before I and Dr. Zira, erased them, all we could find is that Rust-y, or rather Wind, came through a portal, from another world.”

“Another world?” Nora asked in confusion. “Like... inter-dimensional travel? I thought that was just a theory.”

“Exactly.” Curie said. “Before the war, Vault-Tec tried to study the theory. Tried to build a portal. They did not succeed.”

Nora thought for a moment. “Wow... she's from another world. I never would have guessed. It makes the most sense, however, considering what she is.” She looked towards the house that she had given AJ and Rusty. “So, Rusty's request to remove Wind completely was the best option. What about Amber?”

“The poor Dear was suffering from Dissociation - the fracturing of the personality into different parts. It was why she suffered from PTSD when she heard certain trigger words.” Curie explained. “Due to the trauma she has gone through – being attacked by the death claw, exposure to the FEV, her time with the Institute, being programmed to be a... ruthless killing machine, it was all too much for her mind to deal with. Having, essentially, almost three different sets of memories, it was best that we removed Amber and Wind, and leave Rusty.”

“Right.” Nora nodded “That does make sense.”

Meanwhile, Rusty bit her lip as AJ flopped next to her, and sighed happily and in pure bliss as AJ covered them in the blankets.

“So...” AJ panted as she pulled Rusty's head onto her chest and hugged her around her shoulders. “Was that what you expected?”

Rusty wasn't panting as heavily as AJ, but her bottom lip was sore from biting to keep quiet. Not just for Kara's sake, but so that the other settlers didn't hear her. “I had no idea it would feel so... amazing. So perfect.”

AJ kissed the top of Rusty's head. “Me too.”

Rusty blinked as her ears twitched. “Uh... I can hear wagon wheels.”

AJ checked her watch. “Whoa... we were, um, distracted for an hour.”

Rusty sat up and started untangling her clothing from AJ's clothing. “The caravan must be here early. Not that it's a bad thing.”

AJ sat up and caught the clothing that Rusty was tossing to her. “Right.”

“How many caps did you manage to get?” Rusty said as she stood up and finished getting dressed.

“Uh, 500 caps. Well, 500 before I traded for better food, medical supplies, and ammo for our rifles.” AJ said as she did the same. “So, all in all, about 200 caps to bargain with the caravan.”

“Well, lets hope that can get us close to Canada.” Rusty said as she placed Kara in to her bag, and placed her on her back. She picked up her rifle from the weapon rack on the wall and shouldered it on the opposite shoulder that Kara was on.

AJ picked up a ruck-sack and put it on her back, and then picked up her rifle from a rack on the wall, and shouldered it. “It should.”

The three girls walked out of the house. They spotted Nora and Curie speaking to the Caravan driver. The caravan itself was a simple covered four-wheeled wagon, with a donkey hitched with a single tree, at the front.

AJ and Rusty walked up to the driver and Nora.

Nora smiled. “Hey, Girls. I'd like you to meet Marchhare Writer.” She gestured to the tall driver, with long white hair and a neat white beard, well neat for the wastes. He smiled warmly at them, his eyes squinting kindly.

“Please, call me De Writer. Everyone does.” He said in a wise voice. “When I'm not delivering supplies, I write and restore books. People started calling me The Writer, which morphed into De Writer.”

“I'm AJ. A pleasure, kind Sir.” AJ greeted as she shook his large hand.

“I'm Rusty.” Rusty smiled. “This bundle of cuteness on my back is Kara. Our daughter.”

De Writer nodded. “What a unique species you are, Rusty. I've heard of rumours and tales of animals walking on two legs. I would never have thought I would meet one, one day.”

Rusty blinked. “Oh. I guess we should have warned you...”

“Nonsense. I've lived in the wastes for 8 decades. Nothing surprises me.” De Writer smiled. “Now, Nora here has told me that you want to get to Ronto.”

AJ nodded. “We need to get away from Boston. Avoid any... Institute remnants.”

“Of course.” Dr Writer nodded. “Ronto is the safest place in the Wasteland. Hardly touched by the bombs. In fact, I've heard stories that a settlement, much like Sanctuary Hills exists up there. Perfect to raise a young one.”

“So, you'll take us?” Rusty asked excitedly. “Not for free, of course.”

De Writer chuckled. “I will take you as far as I normally go.” He pulled out a worn map. “This is an old world map. See that red line from Sanctuary Hills to New York? And all those dots?” The girls nodded. “That's the route I take.”

Rusty counted ten communities. The line stopped at a place called Albany. “Albany?”

“All small town in New York state.” De Writer stated. “From there, you girls can walk North to Canada. Believe it or not, Canada still has intact Highways. Once you reach a town called Kings, you can go West along the Old World Highway 4-0-1 to Ronto.”

“How long will it take to get to Albany?” AJ asked.

“About two days.” He answered. “Nora gives me about 50 Gallons of water, which I take to each community along the way. I can't skip my stops.”

Rusty turned to his wagon, and noticed that Curie, Preston, and Codsworth were in fact, loading water caskets into the back of the wagon. She turned back to De Writer.

“We have 200 caps. Would that be enough to get us to Albany?” She asked.

“I'll do it for 50.” De Writer smiled. “And for protection. You girls seem skilled with those rifles that you have. If you act as my guards, the trip will go much smoother.”

AJ and Rusty shared a looked, nodded, and looked back at De Writer.

“You have a deal, De Writer.” AJ nodded as she fished 50 caps out of a pouch on her belt. She placed them into his outstretched right hand. “If it's okay with you, Rusty and I will work in shifts. 8 hours on and off, sitting up front with you.”

“That sounds agreeable to me.” The old Trader said as he tugged his beard. “When will you girls be ready to leave?”

“We're ready now.” Rusty said. “So, I guess we're ready to leave whenever you are.”

“Excellent.” De Writer said. “Load your bag into the back of my wagon. We'll leave once I'm loaded.”

AJ walked to the back of the wagon and removed her large bag off her back and placed it carefully inside.

Rusty sighed and hugged Nora goodbye. “Thanks for everything, Nora.”

Nora smiled as she returned the hug. “It was my pleasure, Rusty. Truly.”

Once the two had separated, AJ walked up to Nora and shook her hand. “It's been a pleasure, Nora. Just like Rusty said, thanks for everything.”

Nora nodded and smiled more. “Again, it was a pleasure.”

Curie, Preston and Codsworth came over to Rusty and AJ.

“Take care of yourselves.” Preston said as he tipped his hat to them. “Stay safe.”

“Oh, I wish the two Madams didn't have to leave.” Codsworth 'sighed' sadly. “It was nice having you here. I so enjoyed your company.” He 'looked' at Kara. “Especially you, young Miss. You are too cute for words.”

Kara giggled happily.

Curie placed a hand on her chest and smiled. “I wish for the luck I can muster for the three of you. I hope you can find what you are looking for in Canada.”

De Writer climbed onto the bench in the front of the wagon and took the reins to his donkey. AJ climbed up, and sat next to him, readying her rifle. Rusty was about to climb in the back, when Nora stopped her.

“Wait... Rusty.” Nora said as she held out an set of arm armour. “Here. I think this belongs to you.”

Rusty took the armour. She gasped as she realized that it was Kellogg's arm plates. “Where did you get this?”

“I took it from him.” Nora said. “It's a long story, but, well, he killed my husband and kidnapped my son. I repaid the favour.”

Rusty strapped the armour to her left arm, and being careful, around her chest. “How did you know I knew him?”

“He worked for the... well, you know.” Nora answered. “I also found his terminal. Mentioned a cat girl who always showed him up. He didn't like that fact, or you.”

Rusty nodded as she nervously rubbed the back of her neck . “Yeah...”

“Anyway... I figured you could use it more then me, considering the road you have in front of you.” Nora admitted.

“Right. Thanks again.” Rusty said.

She turned away from Nora again and climbed into the back of the wagon. She climbed over the water containers, finding enough room to sit down comfortable. She removed Kara and her bag off her back, and removed her from it. She smiled at her as she cuddled her in her arms.

“Well, now that we're all ready, let's get going.” De Writer said. “We should hit the first town before night fall.” He snapped the reins and the the wagon surged forward.

Rusty peeked her head out of the back. “What is the first town?”

“A small community called Worchester.” De Writer answered as the caravan crossed the wooden bridge and then turned West. “A little bigger then Sanctuary Hills, and full of lovely people.”

“Huh.” AJ nodded as she kept her eyes peeled for trouble. “And you make this trip every week?”

“I do.” De Writer smiled widely.

“Why?” Rusty asked. “Not trying to be rude, really. Just curious.”

“Someone has to.” De Writer said as he gestured to the horizon. “No one asked for this. It happened because a few men decided that they would rather destroy one another then share resources.” He sighed and shook his head. “A tale as old as time.”

“A tale as old as time?” AJ repeated.