Fallout: Wild Horses (Started, Open)

[Rip Van Rabbit]

Roaring Rampage of Rabbit Revenge

"I don't even know what that is!" The sly feline shouted back to Tessa.

Despite the approaching danger, Victoria still found a way to be seductive. Needless to say, the Thief was impressed with her casual attitude. The sign of a professional. However, Tessa silently swore that bladed rain will descend upon those that dared to hurt Victoria.

"Heh, it's not something you hear about!" Replied the Cryptic Rabbit. "But you got the idea, I handle one area and you handle another!"

With Victoria covering the alleyways, this left Tessa to control the immediate rooftop and intercept any aerial attacks on Victoria. Twirling her blades confidently, Tessa was not under emotional distress, which allowed her to fully focus on the situation before her.

"Come on! Attack me!" Snarled the Vicious Rabbit as she dodge-rolled a two-sided leap.

[Finesse] Using the distance gained by the momentum of her dodge-roll, she aimed a precise attack to the throat of an attacker that had just reached the rooftop.

[Loose Cannon] Having gained significant distance from her attackers approaching from the opposite end of the rooftop, Tessa sent her throwing knives into a wide arc, killing two instantly and disabling one.

"Pathetic! Challenge me!" The Feral Rabbit made her own variation of a pet's leap, although hers was much more more graceful and even more deadly as she spun into a crowd of four.

[Finesse] Her flurry of slashes focussed on suppression and rapid damage, rather than precise strikes. Essentially fighting the Keeper's pets on an improved and equally vicious scale, she quickly learned from her previous experience that fighting defensively was her downfall.

"SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!"​

The Keeper's pets immediately started scrambling away from Tessa, those she had injured ran towards the deafening whistle, despite their injuries.

Sounded like a call to home, these pets were merely answering their call. Disgusting creatures, The Keepers in general. Whoever had come up with such an idea was truly despicable. On a frightening note, where had they gotten the sheer numbers?

All in all, Tessa had expended most of her energy in her bloodlust driven assault, so she recollected her blades and tossed the bodies into the alleyway below. She noticed the handiwork of Victoria's suppressed bullet assault, with the bodies of more animalistic soldiers joining the carnage.

After some time had passed, she noticed something significantly more disturbing...an alive, but clearly battered Victoria.

"Vicky! I'm coming down!"

Making her way to the ground, Tessa joined the wounded Bullet Bunny, supported her weight and guided her home.

[hr]

The Rabbit Hole

"Here we go...are you okay? Looks like we're on the opposite end of injuries today. Let's not make this a daily thing."

Tessa tried to keep things light-hearted as she helped Victoria to the couch, yet concern was very clearly taking a hold of her as the adrenaline of the fight was wearing off. Scrambling for stimpacks, she retrieved two and even brought along Mercy's medical supplies.

"I-I-I don't know what else you need, so I j-just got you everything. Do you need me here to help you? Markus and my sisters are still out there."

Tessa was clearly worried, of course her first true meeting was that of a heavily injured Undertaker, yet this was different. Tessa felt intimately bonded to Victoria and that meant a whole new level of care and adjustments.

[Finesse] Gently and softly, Tessa administered a stimpack into Victoria's thigh. She knew enough about stimpacks for them to target area's of damage, specifically Victoria's heavily bruised knee, bleeding lip and bruised cheek.

With her hand on Vicky's opposite cheek, she finally let out a sigh of relief when the bruising on her cheek had started to dissipate. She was very receptive to stims, must be a medical thingy.

"I'll be back soon, please stay safe. I can't have anything more happening to you, I'm just getting to know you." Tessa blushed, but hid it by kissing the now-healed cheek softly. "Kissing makes all the booboo's go away."

[hr]

Away from home and onwards towards VICTORY! the scrapyard

Tessa was rather drained, turns out that handling groups of vicious attackers was quite tiring. To absolutely nobody's surprise. Turns out that her armor was heavily bloodied, along with her blades. Not the look she was eager to give off...

Tessa was not taking any chances and had two blades dual wielded, with four waiting in reserves.

Rounding the corner, she discovered the pack she was looking for. Thankfully everyone was present...however, they had a stranger in their midst. One dressed in typical Legion attire. Now she was just beginning to trust Markus, origins aside, she had assumed he was ex-legion and had renounced his ways. Yet this new person...

Well, she was no-one's slave...Unless Vicky was into that.

More puzzling than alarming, there were Knuckleheads present not too far away...attacking the Keepers. Huh?

"Ugh, don't have time for this!" Tessa walked behind the Knucklehead, so intent on beating the Keeper's skull in, that he never saw the dual slice to the throat from behind. Keeling over, Tessa finally buried her blades deeply into the heavily wounded Keeper's chest, securing his demise too.

With an exasperated sigh, she finally looked towards the group, smiling at the fact that everyone was okay. The effect was rather jarring, considering her actions, moments ago.

[Ferocious Loyalty] "Let's get home guys...and gals. I'd rather avoid anymore fighting, we can take stock and get some rest...Besides, I gotz presentz!" Exclaimed the Relieved Rabbit.

Getting a good look at Markus' new attire, she couldn't help but make an impressed remark. "Nice threads, Markus! Looks Badass!"

And on that note, Tessa held the floating bundle that was Vera in her arms for the journey home, kissing the top of her metallic head before whispering. "Have I got a surprise for you, Vera Rabbit." Cheerfully smiling back at Mercy, who seemed oddly focussed on Markus. The unconventional group made their way home.

 

[TheDoctor455]

On the way back to The Rabbit Hole

Vera was starting to get thoroughly confused about Tessa at this point. One minute, the Bladed Bunny was coldly accusing the poor little eyebot of endangering her sisters... the next, Vera found herself in Tessa's arms, not once, but twice within the same 24-hour period. Vera wasn't sure what to make of her younger sister at this point. (or older, depending on when you're counting from) Vera kept thinking about it some more, and while at first it seemed like the kind of paradox that would normally clam the well-rounded bunny's circuits shut... and nearly did, Vera eventually worked out that, maybe, just maybe, Tessa really did care for her, and was honestly trying to do everything she could to make up for her mistakes.

Vera wanted, oh so badly to believe that. But... well... experience has taught her to remain... cautiously optimistic about people at best, and completely cynical at worst. Still, Vera allowed herself to believe the best about the comfortably 'Pillowy' Bunny that was holding her now as they headed back home.

Spoiler: Speaking of experience... LEVEL UP!

Barter +3
Speech +15
Energy Weapons +2

Charisma +1

New Perk:

Paradox Proofing: Due to successfully figuring out the enigma that is Tessa, to some degree, anyway, and beginning to understand a key facet of human behavior, Vera is now immune to all but the most tenacious of logic bombs and paradoxes. +6 to resist paradoxes and logic bombs.

The Rabbit Hole

Once back home, Vera was kind of reluctant to leave Tessa's arms. In spite of it all, something about being in the Jaded Bunny's arms made the iBunny feel safe. Vera had never felt that before. With the Van Graffs, she knew that the adults would have scrapped her for parts or sold her off the moment she stopped proving useful, over their children's objections. Even with her 'father', Vera had the feeling every now and then that if he got drunk enough or loopy enough, he might just forget for a minute all he went through and all he and that nervous little man that had helped him, went through to make her the bouncing ball of cheerfulness that she is today.... even through all of that... Vera was afraid he'd get drunk enough to take potshots at her.

Eventually though, Vera knew she'd have to get out of her sisters arms. As she did so, she noticed the way Tessa's eyes lit up when she saw Vicky again on the cot. The little eyebot let out a quiet sigh that she hoped no one heard, but resolved to give Vicky a stern, but fair talking to later on, when it was just them in the room. Then she'd have to figure out what to do about Markus... and Casca.

For now though, Vera simply waited patiently for Tessa to pull the metaphorical curtain aside and find out what she'd won. She also played some Jeopardy music to tease Tessa and Vicky a little.

 

[Ruedyn]

Cheyton Alley

Markus watched as the Keepers were surprised and beaten by the Knuckleheads. He kept his pistol trained on the back of the Brutes head as he went about pounding the ever loving snot out of him. Casca silently cheered, unaware who this new asshole was, but if he was helping...

Tessa appeared, and nearly took off the guys head. Casca looked at her confused, but approached while standing at attention next to Markus, intent to look somewhat official.

"Let's get home guys...and gals. I'd rather avoid anymore fighting, we can take stock and get some rest...Besides, I gotz presentz!"

Markus smirked, he forgot to take the Gladius earlier. He figured Casca could use it, or maybe he'd just give the sword to Tessa. He straightened out his coat as he holstered the pistol.

"Nice threads, Markus! Looks Badass!"

"I aim to please." The old Legate smiled, and turned to Casca, "Oh, yeah, this is one of my old soldiers, from my Legion days. He's trustworthy, though I think I would've preferred his Sister. She was a better hitter, if I remember correctly..." Casca held in his witty retort, but sunk his shoulders a bit. He hated being compared to her, he was just as good if not better! At least he never cut off a bit of his thumb with a machete...

The group made their way home, Tessa holding onto her robot, Markus simply stayed close to Mercy. She seemed to need protection, more than the others at least. She seemed to be paying more attention to him as well. Perhaps she was afraid of him, or his history in the Legion...

"You know I'm more likely to recruit you two than enslave, right?" Markus said, as they neared the home. "Speculatore is half female legionnaires, and the Blacksmiths would make an exception for one of your skill I'm sure... There's nothing to fear from me." Markus flashed her a smile, and went in.

"Now then, presents time, I believe."

 

[Generic NPC 22]

An Alleyway Near the Rabbit Hole:

"Ugh, don't have time for this!" Tessa walked behind the Knucklehead, so intent on beating the Keeper's skull in, that he never saw the dual slice to the throat from behind. Keeling over, Tessa finally buried her blades deeply into the heavily wounded Keeper's chest, securing his demise too.

The Blanching Bunny had never seen a display of such wanton savagery in her life and hadn't been expecting from her Bloody Bladed Bunny sister. But still, Mercy's logical mind kicked in, they were in the middle of a war zone and it helped to make sure that they minimized the dangers.

"Nice threads, Markus! Looks Badass!" The Eldest Rabbit Sister said, commenting on Markus' attire causing Mercy to feel rather proud of herself for helping out with his armored arm.

"He looks kinda spiffy doesn't he?" Responded the Almost Blushing Bunny she as clung to his arm, ensuring that no one else would notice the fact that she was being rather bashful at the moment.

"Let's get home guys...and gals. I'd rather avoid anymore fighting, we can take stock and get some rest...Besides, I gotz presentz!" Exclaimed the Relieved Rabbit.

"We've got a present for you too, Tessy!" The Youngest of the Rabbit sisters said to Bad-Add Bunny.

[hr]

The Rabbit Hole:

The Busted Bunny was rather relieved to be home as they opened the door and its familiar: "CREEEEEEEEEK!!", a noise that the Pavlovian Rabbit was starting to associate with safety and comfort.

Mercy had made no comment to Markus when he told her that she would have been a great Blacksmith apprentice, but was happy enough at the compliment that he had paid the Blustering Bunny.

"Th-Thanks Markus." The Little Rabbit that Could stammered as she decided that perhaps a little bit of distance between her and Markus was needed and so, she gave Vera all her affectionate attention as she nuzzled the Hare Tease and straightened out her bunny ears and decided that one day, Vera would need a new paint job. She just needed an idea for something good.

"Sissy V? Stop teasing our poor sissy and I wanna talk to you about your chassis. I think we should start repairing the dents that I've been ignoring and buff out the scratches and most of all, I think we should give you a nice paint job." The Caring Little Sister Bunny said as she pulled out some buffing tools from her workbench.

 

[TheDoctor455]

The Rabbit Hole

Vera did not like how closely the Brilliant Bunny was clinging to Markus. She certainly didn't like his mention of 'recruiting' them. Vera didn't care how 'different' he claimed to be; in the Legion, 'recruitment' meant one of only two things for women. Neither were pleasant.

The only good thing so far is that Markus seemed to be oblivious to Mercy's attraction to him. This gave the little eyebot some time to figure out what to do about the situation. Should she threaten Markus? Or... pull Mercy aside at some point and warn her? But, could Vera do it? Could she really tell Mercy all of the horrific stories that the women she and The Courier had freed? At this point, Mercy and possibly Tessa, could be the daughter of one of those former slaves. Vera shivered at the thought.

"Sissy V? Stop teasing our poor sissy and I wanna talk to you about your chassis. I think we should start repairing the dents that I've been ignoring and buff out the scratches..." Vera was with the Auto-Plasma Bunny so far, if a bit confused about how she was teasing Tessa in any way, "...and most of all, I think we should give you a nice paint job."

At that, Vera shot straight up to the ceiling babbling "No! No! No! No-no-no-no-no!" At more of a murmur than anything else. Then, for good measure, Vera activated her magnetic anchors to keep her to the ceiling. Thankfully, these were on her back, which was facing away from the ceiling, and was too far away to attract any of the other metallic objects. To everyone else, it looked like Vera had decided to become the new security camera as her faceplate was stuck facing more or less straight down, and her antennae were scraping gently along different parts of the ceiling.

Unbidden, a memory came to the forefront of Vera's mind...

Van Graffs' Repair and Scrap.

To the outside observer, this small set of concrete buildings didn't look like much more than someone's home as it had the occasional laundry line with drying clothing dangling from it. But when you looked at it more closely, you might notice how the garage had a workstation in it, sometimes with a little eyebot floating around welding a few things together. The Van Graffs claimed to be out of the energy weapons business. It was a lie, they just made sure to only show the good stuff to Legionaries in disguise or anyone with the caps, but no ties to or love for the NCR.

From the back, you could hear the sound of children playing and laughing. Which, as Sir Terry Pratchett once observed, was a comforting sound, as long as you didn't hear what was actually being said.

"Come on Laurie," a ten year old boy said, "This is stupid even for you. We could be playing or gathering scrap for mommy and daddy, but instead, you're here painting this stupid thing."

He tried to kick the little eyebot, but another of his sisters, a sixteen year-old, stopped him by deftly picking him up and gently tossing him aside.

"Now, now," she said, "Play nice, or just piss off little bro."

"I'M NOT LITTLE!" he screamed, throwing up his arms.

"Sorry, but your older sister has spoken, therefore it is so." the teenager said, sticking out her tongue as she leaned forward to bring her face down to his eye level.

"Fuck you!" he said his first mistake. His second mistake was to try and punch his older sister in the face. This time however, she didn't stop him, this time a stranger did. A stranger in a long, dark gray coat. Between the sun glaring into her visual scanners and her position low on the ground, Vera couldn't see any of the stranger's face. The stranger grabbed his arm and brought it down.

"Shouldn't do that," the stranger said in a gruff monotone, "Should show your sisters some respect. World's a cruel place, even more so for women."

The girls of the family nodded agreement, the little brother just threw up his arms and wandered off.

"My path back from Cheyton brought me these," he said, laying down some paint canisters, "Found red and white, but no blue yet."

"Eh, don't worry about it," the older sister reached into her pocket and handed the courier a set of caps, "Two-thirds now, the rest when you find the blue for us. Though you don't need to go right now..." she trailed off, hinting at something that Vera couldn't have guessed at until after spending time with the Rabbit sisters and learning a bit more about herself. The teenager bent down, picked up a brush, and helped her sister finish painting the eyebot after opening the two new cans of paint.

"Yes ma'am," he said without any enthusiasm or any hint of emotion, and he wandered outside of Vera's field of view.

A few minutes later and the teenager and her little 5 year old sister backed away from Vera to get a good look at their handiwork.

"No blue?" the younger sister asked.

"No blue," the older replied, folding her arms, kind of disappointed.

"Hmm..." the little sister said, examining her handiwork, "I think she looks great without the blue. She looks kind of like a floating candy-ball!"

The older sister giggled.

-----

The Rabbit Hole.

Vera snapped out of her little reverie to see some of the group staring at her, and she realized that she'd played the audiologs of that memory while remembering it.

"Ummm..." she ventured, unsure of how to proceed, and gave up, falling into silence again.

 

[Rip Van Rabbit]

The Easter Bunny visited early for Christmas: Happy Valentine's day! (Before Vera hit the ceiling)

Relieved to be home, Tessa quickly rushed to her room and emerged in a fitting red dress, a dinky red cap with a fluff-coated bell adorned at the top and her school-bag of goodies. She still wore her various blades, holstered along her body. Old habit.

While Tessa was jingling around for a moment, she clapped her hands together and spoke loud enough to address everyone.

"For the past few days, I've been more than a *****."

"I mistreated my friends..." Tessa nodded meaningfully towards Markus and Victoria.

"...And I was offensive and unfair to my family." This time, Tessa smiled apologetically at her sisters, Vera and Mercy.

"Where I come from, we use gifts to win favours, retrieve information or coax someone to get them on the payroll..."

Tessa dropped the smile to opt for a more sincere tone. "But today, I just want to give everyone something to thank you and more importantly, to apologise."

[hr]
Mysterious Markus

Having picked up the Gladius Machete on her way inside, Tessa presented her gift to him again, in the manner that she wished to do so originally.

"Ex-Legion, I figured you would appreciate this particular kind of blade. You've done a lot for me, Markus. But more importantly, you protected my sister. I took the liberty of finding the best quality version of that particular weapon, I hope she serves you well. Thank you...friend." The Easter Bunny added with smile.

[hr]
Vivacious Victoria

Tessa hauled up the large and cumbersome anti-materiel rifle and pointed at the pink custom-bolt. She wondered how Vicky had ever managed to use this rifle effectively, given it's size and weight. More confirmation that she was not a gun person.

"You already have my present. It's in your rifle...a custom bolt to increase firing rate. You protected us before we even met you properly, so for that, you have our protection and care." Tessa blushed for a moment, losing her cool. "The other present, well...[small]there are people watching.[/small]"

[hr]
Mad-Scientist Mercy

Tessa had been looking forward to this part. "I need you close your eyes and open your hands. Just be prepared for something heavy."

Once she was sure that Mercy had her eyes shut. Tessa laid down a copy of Nikola Tesla and You followed by a laminated hardcover book, which suggested the latest edition, Big Book of Science V2.

Mercy hadn't anticipated the weight of the two very large books, which caused Tessa to laugh. Finally, she laid the two pristine laser pistols on top of it all. "Okay, open your eyes!"

Presenting her now-traditional jazz hands, Tessa started to explain. "I never forgot how you told me about that science book. I still don't understand a damn thing, but I loved your enthusiasm. Apparently it's rare! So I was lucky to have bought it when I did..."

Tessa gestured to the dual laser pistols. "Apparently, laser is faster and more precise than plasma. So that's news to me, however, I subscribe to the philosophy of always keeping a backup. That's why I carry SIX knives on me. I got you two laser pistols, it also looks new, manufactured less than a year ago, according to the shop owner."

"You're always a damn inspiration to me and you make me want to be a better person. Sometimes it's aggravating, but like real sisters, it's one of the many reasons why I love you! Keep making me feel stupid with your technobabble, Mer-Mer..." The Easter Bunny cuddled the Book Bunny affectionately.

[hr]
Beautiful Ball of Personified Awesome: Vera

"I have to apologise to you the most, I said some really terrible things, but instead of just saying something, I want to show you that I care." The Easter Bunny admitted, before pulling out three large laminated stickers.

Putting them together, she showed Vera clearly. The quality stickers that were resistant to wear and tear, formed the two individual letters "V" and "R", with a robotic rabbit underneath. "Vera Rabbit. I wanted that to be a permanent statement, you're marked with these now. You belong to this family, you ARE this family and I don't want you to ever feel the need to second guess your place in our hearts."

Tessa was crying when she gently applied the stickers, she may have gotten romantic today, but right now, she was really opening her heart to her sisters. Trying to put on a happy smile, she had to blush when she pulled out the final gift.

A holotape labelled "VR". The one where she recorded her singing. An action she would never have done for a thousand caps, but she could make an exception for Vera.

Spoiler: Tessa's song to Vera

"It's me. Singing. For you. It's a song about us...I don't know what it means or what the language is. But it's my favourite." She slotted in the holotape into Vera's input receiver and sighed in relief when it didn't play automatically. "I'm a little off-key, but when you get the chance. Maybe you can listen to it or even translate it for me."

She hugged her sister that could float endearingly. "I love you very much, Vera Rabbit."

[hr]
Some dude.

Tessa looked at the legion soldier blankly. Before snorting and cracking a smile. She couldn't stay serious when the guy was wearing a skirt.

"Food and drink is in the fridge. If Markus says you're cool, then we have no problems. Make yourself at home, don't touch my knives or my toaster...I will stab you."

Tessa smirked humorously and welcomed the man. However, the glint in her eye suggested a deep and irrational attachment to her toaster.

 

[Ruedyn]

Rabbit Home

Markus patted Mercy on the head as she went back to nuzzling her robot, Casca sulking behind them a bit. He really didn't get to show his stuff back there! Back where there were brutally murdered bodies... He vomitted a bit in the back of his mouth, and swallowed it as the (immensely hot) Tessa came out in her red dress. He tried to do a catcall, but failed from lack of tongue. Markus jabbed him in the ribs, and stepped up as Tessa approached him first.

"-Thank you...friend."

'Hear that? You're her friend! She doesn't know your true name, that you still consider yourself a part of the Legion, and that you need to justify your charity with avarice, but yet she's your friend.' Markus blinked, and forced a smile as he took the blade, tested the weight. He rolled up his sleeve and tested it's edge on his armor, making an unpleasant sound. It didn't dull, but it didn't cut through.

"Thank you, Tessa." Markus once more wondered if he should try to give her a hug. She seemed the huggy sort. He dismissed it, and retreated back to the line, to see Mercy get her present. He smiled, figures she would get more stuff. Put in more danger, and some people valued family.

Markus and Casca both watched as the eyebot went to the ceiling, refusing maintenance. Casca snickered, and turned to the Charitable one, who was giving a tape to the robot. He seemed to see a bit of favoritism here... Little sisters get all the cool stuff.

She came to him, laughing at him and looking at his uniform, making him blush and shrink away. The threat didn't help, but he had no plans to go near whatever a toaster was anyways... wasn't that a bread thing? Where did she get bread? He scampered off to get changed to his backup uniform, one given to him by his littlest brother. Casca thought he heard him call it a "Jailhouse Rocker"? He came back out, suit pants black jacket thing and striped button up shirt. He pushed all his hair out of his face, tucking it behind his ears and undoing his ponytail. He looked debatably less silly now, at least.

Markus had gone outside, to the roof for some privacy. He figured he should start an exercise regiment again, if he was going to stay for awhile. He let his mind wander again, thinking about the usual. How could he trust these profligates? Should he train them? Would the Legion accept them? What about his coming back, would they try to kill him again? He sighed, and stopped with the push ups, downing some more of his water. He was being way too angsty lately...

He rubbed his temples, and picked up his coat and arm-or. He kept the gauntlet on, but slipped it off and put it on top of the other two items. Just his merc grunt outfit again. He'd need a damn shower... He made his way there, though he was willing to be interrupted.

 

[Generic NPC 22]

The St. Tessa's Rabbit Cathedral: The Blazing Blaster Bunny

"No! No! No! No-no-no-no-no!" The Repair Rabbit's Older/Oldest Sister murmured as she hung from the ceiling in an almost comical fashion. At least it would have been comical to Mercy had it been anyone other than her Baller Bunny of a sister. Wondering just what it was that was happening, the Plasma Revolver Rabbit waited until her sister floated down from the ceiling.

"Ummm..." The Baffled Bunny umm'd , unsure of how to proceed, and gave up, falling into silence again.

Reaching out to her sister, Mercy gently caressed her face panel and smiled before whispering into Vera's ear.

"[small]It's okay Sissy V. We don't have to do that. I just thought that it would be nice of me to pamper you since you've done so much for me and it's my fault that your chassis got as damaged as it did. Maybe we can work on increasing the output on your plasma pistol so that we can make sure you never fall from the sky again, I know I never mentioned it but it really scared me when I saw you like that.[/small]" The Happy Hare said before she sat down near her Helium Hare sister.

[hr]

"Okay, open your eyes!" The Bunny Bearer of Gifts and Good Fortune exclaimed before going into Jazz Hands mode.

Looking down at the bundle of squee that was in her arms, the Squee Bunny squee'd her little heart out.

"Oh - my - GOD! TESSA! This is the best gift that anyone in the world has ever given me. How'd you find these! Where'd you find them? What?! OH - MY - GOD! OHMYGOD!! OHMYGOD!! OHMYGOD!! OHMYGOD!!" Mercy exclaimed until she almost passed out from lack of oxygen and an excess of excitement.

Opening the Big Book of Science Volume II, The Bookish Bunny felt a pleasurable shiver go up her spine as heard book's binding crackle and the smell of the book was like - Heaven. Looking at Tessa, the Youngest of the Rabbit Sisters did what any Rabbit would do at that very moment. She placed her gifts down and practically tackled her sister to the ground as she gave her the biggest, nicest, warmest hug imaginable.

"You're always a damn inspiration to me and you make me want to be a better person. Sometimes it's aggravating, but like real sisters, it's one of the many reasons why I love you! Keep making me feel stupid with your technobabble, Mer-Mer..." The Bestest Oldest Sister that a girl could ever ask for said.

"One of these days, Tess, I'm going to make you proud of me. I love you my biggest sissy!" Mercy said as she planted a kiss on the Bestest Bladed Bunny's cheek.

[hr]

Mercy felt her heart beating wildly out of her chest as she approached the bathroom, the roar of the shower drowning out the noises outside of the bathroom and would, most likely, drown out what the Youngest of the Rabbit Triad had to say to the Markus McHuggins.

*Knock Knock Knock* The Red Cheeked Rabbit knocked, giving the Bruiser Bunny fair warning that he was not alone. Before he could react, however, the Rapid Rabbit was already babbling her heart out.

"Markus - I - um - just really, really, reallyreallyreally wanted to thank you for saving me from those Knuckleheads the other night and being so nice and kind and gentle to me and I just really wanted to thank you and tell you that I appreciate your being here and that I hope you choose to stay here for quite some time because you've been such a kind gentleman to me and you've helped us out and I know that Vera or Tessa might have some reservations about you and your past but I think that we've all got a past and well - I'm babbling - but really I - um - wanted to thank you and tell you that - I - I - I -"

It was in that moment that the normally clear minded and eloquent Rabbit Sister choked on her words and become more of a chicken than a Rabbit.

"I think that you're the man - I - um - I gotta go! See ya!" Mer-Mer exclaimed as she beat a hasty hasty HASTY retreat.

[hr]

Home: Victoria

Spoiler: OOC

Received a PM from Charity stating that he would be leaving Escapist and asked if I would like to take over the role of Vicky the Undertaker for him. I said I'll give it a shot and hopefully I can do the character some justice. So without further ado, the Role of Victoria will now be played by Generic NPC

"You already have my present. It's in your rifle...a custom bolt to increase firing rate. You protected us before we even met you properly, so for that, you have our protection and care." Tessa blushed for a moment, losing her cool. "The other present, well...there are people watching."

The statement and sentiment brought a smile to the Friendly Neighborhood Undertaker's lips as she remembered the kisses that the two had shared on the roof.

[color=CC8899]"[small]I am definitely looking forward to my other present, since it'll give me a chance to give you your gift in return.[/small]"[/color] The Enchanted Undertaker's lips whispered in return before she settled in to watch the Leader of the Twisted Hares pass out the remainder of the gifts.

Watching the genuine feelings that this strange family had for each other, the Finely Dressed Woman from the West felt that she had made the right decision in sparing the lives of the Rabbit sisters and made a mental note to pass on the information to the Undertaker Union's Patriarch and her Favored Uncle.

" - however, I subscribe to the philosophy of always keeping a backup. That's why I carry SIX knives on me."

The sentiment not only brought another smile to the Feline Undertakers lips as she thought about asking where the Chocolate Haired Rabbit kept all of her knives but made the Darkly Dressed Gentlewoman to remember something that caused her to open her pack and pull out an object that she hoped that Tessa would enjoy.

[color=CC8899]"Now that the Easter Bunny has finished passing out her gifts, it's time for her to receive one."[/color] Victoria said as she revealed the object that had been hidden in the sleeves of her black dress.

Throwing knives, four of them, designed to look like a silver jeweled hair clip.

[color=CC8899]"It was a parting gift from my parents before I left to come out to Wyoming and since I'm, frankly, no good with knives, I thought that you should have them."[/color] The Undertaker said as her cheeks flushed a bit from being so close to Tessa.

Looking at the Tall, Pale and Darkly Dressed Woman's girl, Tessa would have seen that the knives were polished to a mirror finish and the hilt of each of the knives contained a single red gem that not only balanced the knives but gave the bundle the look of a well crafted piece of jewelry.

[color=CC8899]"Just as I have your protection and care, I'll keep looking out for you and your sisters, Tessa."[/color] The Black Dress Bunny, looking deeply into Tessa's eyes.

 

[TheDoctor455]

The Rabbit Hole.

Vera calmed down a little after hearing Mercy just about plead with her to come down.

"It's okay Sissy V. We don't have to do that. I just thought that it would be nice of me to pamper you since you've done so much for me and it's my fault that your chassis got as damaged as it did. Maybe we can work on increasing the output on your plasma pistol so that we can make sure you never fall from the sky again, I know I never mentioned it but it really scared me when I saw you like that." How could that not tug at... whatever passed for heart-strings in Vera's metallic frame?

"Oh Mer-Mer," Vera said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..." she paused again, "I just... don't want to lose the stripes I have now. They're... all that's left of the Van Graff children. And this ribbon... is the only thing my 'dad' ever gave me."

Vera stared at the floor for a moment before turning to face Mercy again.

"I'm kind of a flying memorial at this point."

 

[Souplex]

A place
Joe had dealt with his share of Deathclaws. Despite being much bigger and stronger, and slightly faster than him, they died like anything else when shot enough.
Joe was conflicted about this one though. Killing mindless abominations was one thing, but Joe had reservations about killing sentient creatures. He did occasionally make a kill when it seemed like the best option, but he avoided it when possible.
It was looking like he would have to kill this one.
The beast swung at the new guy, knocking him over.
At the end of the beast's swing, it was quite exposed. It was about as still as he was going to get it.
[Guns 85][Gunslinger][Shoot To Wound][Peace Through Violence]Joe leveled his revolver on the beast's right shoulder.
[Cowboy][Fan The Hammer]...Success! *Bangbangbangbangbangclickclickclickclick* Joe emptied his revolver and reloaded.
Then the new guy careened into Joe's legs.
[Agility]Joe caught himself mid-fall, and prevented him from getting a face-full of ground.
The new guy was injured.
[Perception]The Robobrain from before was back. Moving relatively quickly into the Albino, saving Joe from learning what a claw to the head felt like.
The new guy wasn't looking good. Joe took out one of his stims.
[Medicine40/25]Joe didn't have the time to ask the various medical questions like "Had you eaten today." The man was in bad shape. Joe had however seen what happened when you gave stims to someone who was malnourished. It drew vital proteins away from other parts of the body. Common problems were ulcers and liver necrosis.
[Karma]If the man didn't have food Joe would just have to share some of his.
Joe stabbed one of his stimpacks into the man neck and helped him up. (Stimpacks remaining: 9)
"You're welcome."
[Persuasion 95]"You're outnumbered, and the situation is getting progressively worse for you. I'd recommend surrendering or fleeing.
While this Deathclaw was definitely more intelligent than its feral cousins, Joe doubted it was smart enough to flee or surrender.
"Funny, in Dad's stories, Goris was a lot smarter than you."

 

[Generic NPC 22]

The Rapacious Rabbits' Riverside Roost:

It wasn't until the Bashful Bunny found herself rapidly sneaking out of the bathroom that the impact of V's statement hit her.

"I just... don't want to lose the stripes I have now. They're... all that's left of the Van Graff children. And this ribbon... is the only thing my 'dad' ever gave me." The Bodacious iBunny had said before Mercy had meandered off to make a rather huge embarrassment of herself. Seeing that her Older Sister was still floating in the same place, Mercy could only apologize for being so rude for dashing off the best way she knew how, a nice nuzzle.

"Sorry Sissy V. I didn't mean to leave leave you." The Youngest of the Rabbit sisters said as she examined the red and white color scheme that the Van Graff children had painted on her and the thread bare ribbon that was still tied neatly in place.

"I could just restore the paint job that the Van Graff kids gave you and figure out some way to restore the ribbon that your dad gave you. I can see that it means a lot to you and I didn't mean to make you mad or make you sad." Mercy proposed with a hint of sadness in her voice.

"Maybe I could put on a laminant over the paint and ribbon so that they won't be as susceptible to fading over time?" She added, sounding desperate to not only forget about the fool she just made of herself in the bathroom but to do something nice for her Older Sister.

 

[Rip Van Rabbit]

Rabbit Reflection

Tessa was content watch everyone enjoy their gifts, especially Mercy, who she had spent a good few minutes on the floor laughing and tickling one another. Mercy won, curse her overly ticklish body.

So it was a strange departure from her previous state to notice Mercy looking rather flustered, much like herself around Victoria after following Markus. Wait, is she...? No. No way. Really? Tessa would have a heart-to-heart with her little sister later and give her the talk about the boatflies and the mole-rats.

[hr]

Tessa recalled paying 40 caps at the Scrap and Miscellaneous items stall. She had bought three items: A working holotape, stickers and a white bow. Vera wasn't difficult to shop for, but she withheld the bow out of further embarrassment after giving Vera eternal proof and blackmail worthy material contained in a holotape.

Tessa was listening to Vera's story, while the sight of their temporary security camera was humorous, the recording was not.

It must have been terrible for your personal life to come spilling out like that. She didn't understand the technology, but it was clear that Vera was not just a pre-programmed personality. To Tessa's eyes, it seemed like somebody had ripped the soul out of a young girl and shoved it into the chassis of an Eyebot.

Besides for the physical fact that Vera was undeniably a robot, emotionally, Vera was no less human than Tessa or Mercy, probably more so if her Karma was compared to that of Tessa's.

The Humbled Thief finally spoke up. "I didn't know if you wanted this or if you ever wanted anything from me. You were angry at me the most, for good reason...-I keep going on about how life was for me, I realize now that I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like for you. Outliving your loved ones and watching the most despicable of creatures...people." Presenting the bow for Vera to see, Tessa's voice cracked, but she continued.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm not thinking any less of you. In fact, I respect you a whole lot more, for staying strong and helpful and cheerful. After everything you've been through."

Tessa smiled at Vera once she was done securing the bow, she had even done so on the verge of tears. "I hope you like your presents. I left the last marking of a fellow Rabbit, the bow, for last."

Tessa had made every effort to apologise to Vera, now she had made every effort to show Vera that she belonged, she had even taken it a step further and made an effort to understand Vera.

If this wasn't accepted or thrown in her face, then Tessa would have to give up and realize that she was not going to be Vera's forgive/sister list anytime soon.

 

[TheDoctor455]

The Rabbit Hole

Vera was completely... puzzled? flabbergasted? shocked? amazed? I have no more words, or plenty more but... why? you already get the idea. The little eyebot was speechless for several moments, unsure which of her beautiful, wonderful sisters to answer first. She decided to let Tessa know how she felt at this point.

"Tess," she started, putting what she thought was very convincing fake anger in her voice, even activating the unconscious trigger that made her voice sound more like Tessa's, "What you said to me last night was uncalled for. I nearly died because of it. And if you think you can make it up to me with some cute stickers, an adorable bow, and... and... a holotape of your singing... well... that's just... well..."

Vera shifted gears and tackle-nuzzled Tessa.

"You were absolutely right!" the tricksy little eyebot said as she kept nuzzling her younger sister mercilessly. "Ha-ha! Gotcha!"

After several moments of uninterrupted nuzzling, Vera floated back up and helped Tessa get back on her feet.

"Seriously though, Tessa," she said, coming as close as an eyebot could to looking her sister eye-to-eye, "We're cool. And thank you. I've never actually gotten presents before... I came here. Everyone else I've been might have been nice but... they, kinda saw me as a toy or a tool at best..."

Well, there was The Courier, but... she left me behind. She knew I... or... ED-E would have gone with her. Why did she abandon him? Me? Us?

"But then I met you guys," Vera said, trying to figure out how she could pull her sisters into a group hug, "My wonderful, beautiful sisters. Sure we had a fight, but... what sisters don't get a bit catty every now and then? Right?"

How do I know that?

Vera turned to Mercy, and nuzzled her.

"Thank you for understanding, Mer-Mer," Vera said, the honey-sweet affection entering into her voice, setting off another unconscious trigger that made her sound like Mercy, "I... before I met you guys, I've... never had anyone worry about me before. It's... I'm still amazed by how well you guys have been treating me. *sniff* I... thank you. I love you guys so much! And... yeah... Mer-Mer, I don't have a problem spending time with you, to freshen this old painjob up and do some repairs. Its... kind of like a makeover, I guess? Right? I'd return the favor but... given the only tools at my disposal for that are an arc projector and a welding torch... I don't think that would be the kind of makeover you'd want, right Mer-Mer? Heh."

Vera turned back to Tessa, "After that's done... Mercy and I have something for you as well. I think you'll like it. Though... you'll have to put it together yourself. I don't really know why, but we can walk you through it at least. And..."

Vera just then realized something that had been bugging her since she relived that memory.

She played back a bit of dialogue from it...

"Shouldn't do that," the stranger said in a gruff monotone, "Should show your sisters some respect. World's a cruel place, even more so for women."

"Is it just me, or did that voice sound familiar?" she said before playing the next line the stranger had.

"My path back from Cheyton brought me these..."

"Oh crap oh crap oh crap oh crap," Vera chanted to herself, as the dawning horror started to crystallize in her mind. She played an older recording of that same voice from a whole lifetime ago.

"Who are you, that you do not know your history?"

Vera turned to face Tessa.

"I'm... I'm sorry," she said, her voice becoming quiet, and full of nervous, regretful energy, not entirely like Mercy's voice, "I... I... should have picked up on it sooner. BSOD! That man has been following me! He's been to Cheyton before? But why? More importantly... oh no... no no no no... NO!"

Vera dropped to the ground, going inert for a moment as she searched her databank entries from the last 15 years for any other trace of Ulysses in them, any hint at all. Aside from the Van Graffs hiring apparently hiring Ulysses for odd jobs without realizing who he was...

"So how'd you find my little canyon, scribe?" Blake said.

"An old, grizzled courier led me here. Strange guy. Seemed kinda depressed. You know him?" was the answer that Vera's other 'dad' gave.

"No."

"No no oh no... was it really my fault? Did that man guide those Legionaries to dad's house? Did he tip the Brotherhood off about the Van Graffs? He did, didn't he? It... really is my fault." Vera floated back up and hung her faceplate down so that she was staring at Tessa's feet, "I'm sorry Tessa. I'm so sorry. I think... I really did put this family in danger. BSODding damn it! I should have picked up on it sooner! I'm such an idiot! If I'd only been paying more attention then... dad... the Van Graffs... they might all still be alive... they're dead because I was too stupid to see it!"

Just as Vera was about to go into a full-on hysterical self-hatred session... there was a knock on the door, followed by what sounded suspiciously like... dub-step. Vera flew to the door, opened it by manipulating her magnetic field, and...

Spoiler: Lo and behold...

This guy showed up.

"FUCK OFF!" the little eyebot growled at the little clap-bot, "I will tear you apart atom by atom if you don't leave this instant you nascent little... uh... booger!"

The other robot didn't even argue, he just ran for it, screaming in terror. Vera magnetically slammed the door behind him. Then resumed hating herself.

 

[Generic NPC 22]

The Rabbit Hole:

"FUCK OFF!" The Brooding Bunny growled at the little clap-bot, "I will tear you apart atom by atom if you don't leave this instant you nascent little... uh... booger!"

SLAM!

The slamming of the door cause Mercy to wince reflexively as she considered the information that her Sister Bot had pieced together. It was - disturbing - that this Ulysses would have gone this far to make Sissy V's life as hellish as he had. To have been responsible for the murders of two of Vera's families, it showed a cruelty beyond measure, at least in Mercy's mind.

"Vera. It's not your fault that that monster's such a bastard." Mercy almost whispered as she tried to console the Neo-Plasma Bunny.

If Ulysses was responsible for the deaths of Vera's families, was he trying to kill them as well? No, this wasn?t Vera?s fault, it was Ulysses? fault and now he had to pay for causing her sister so much grief.

Walking over to the workbench, the Bomber Bunny considered resuming her work. There was still a war against the Knuckleheads that needed to be won and if the Twisted Hares managed to take out the Knuckleheads, perhaps they?d be able to take out the bane of Vera?s existence at the same time but decided she needed a little side project first.

Opening the Big Book of Science Volume II the Reading Rabbit began to look at a rather interesting subject that she had flipped to.

"Dual phased laser array." The Mad Bomber Bunny muttered to herself as she browsed the topic, ideas as to how the concept could be used were discarded as quickly as they came to her until one stuck.

"Sissy V? I promise you we'll get the bastard. No asshole is going to turn my sister's life into a living hell. He's gonna learn what happens to people that mess with our family." Mer Mer said, though it was more to herself than any one else as she started laid the two laser pistols her sister had given to her and started toying with them as she continued her thoughts.

"If he only knew who he was messing with, he'd have taken the first Vertibird out of Cheyton the first chance he got." the Rapidly Reading Rabbit thought as she took the ignition mechanisms from one of the laser pistols and began installing it in the second.

"Neither Tessa or I will let that asshole hurt you ever again." The Jury Rigging Rabbit concluded as she modified the pistol to accept one of the many glowing rods that she and Vera had found in the Scrapyard and pointed it towards the distant sound of dubstep and pulled the trigger, causing a blue spear of energy to burn through the walls of the Rabbit Hole and spear the annoying clap bot in the speaker as it continued its retreat from Vera's Wrath.

"Jackpot." Mercy exclaimed excitedly as she started pulled out a fresh piece of drafting paper and started drawing the designs for a bomb that would utilize the energy rods they had found in the scrap yard.

 

[TheDoctor455]

The Rabbit Hole.

Vera was having a hard time figuring how she could possibly love her little Genius Bruiser Bunny sister any more than she did right now. She still wasn't sure if she could believe that she wasn't responsible, at least in some way, for all of the death that had seemed to follow her around, but... it was still... wonderful to hear someone support her for a change; to care enough about her to worry about how she was feeling.

"Vera, it's not your fault that that monster's such a bastard." Vera still wasn't used to hearing her little sister swear, but somehow, Mercy seemed even more adorable making the air blue. Swear Cute, anyone? "Neither Tessa or I will let that asshole hurt you ever again."

Vera really wished she could do more than just nuzzle her sister. Something to really show how much she appreciated Mercy's constant support ever since the little eyebot had arrived. Vera started experimenting with the settings of her hologram projector, and tweaked them so that hopefully...

The holographic woman appeared, smiled at Mercy, and brought her hand to Mercy's cheek. Vera hoped that Mercy could feel it, but she wasn't sure. She'd messed with the projector's settings just enough to provide a little more 'oomph' to the hologram, but again, she wasn't sure if it would work.

"Thank you Mer-Mer," the little eyebot said, syncing the hologram's lips with her words, "You... have no idea how much that means to me... to hear you say that."

The hologram projector cut out, and then, wanting to be certain that Mercy at least got some physical feedback from her if the hologram didn't work as the little eyebot had hoped, she slowly and gently nuzzled the Brilliant Bunny.

Cheyton Slums.

Claptrap had just made it out of Twisted Hare territory when the laser hit his tire, making it pop and sizzle a bit as it melted, bringing his attempted run pointless. That's when the guy in the longcoat came in.

"I see you met the Rabbit family, little machine." The stranger said in a gruff monotone.

"I don't need no help from you, son!" the stupid robot said before attempting to dubstep without anything to dance on.

The stranger lifted an eyebrow, and then raised his smg at the annoying thing. The stranger emptied a full clip into the dubstepper, kind of overkill, but with something this annoying, even Ulysses wanted to be sure it was dead.

 

[Ruedyn]

Rabbit Home: Markus in; Profligates against Privacy!

*Knock Knock Knock*

Markus was almost done with his shower, and moved his hand towards the nob when Mercy started her kind rant towards Markus. He turned off the shower, and toweled off as she stammered on.

"Markus - I - um - just really, really, reallyreallyreally wanted to thank you for saving me from those Knuckleheads the other night and being so nice and kind and gentle to me and I just really wanted to thank you and tell you that I appreciate your being here and that I hope you choose to stay here for quite some time because you've been such a kind gentleman to me and you've helped us out and I know that Vera or Tessa might have some reservations about you and your past but I think that we've all got a past and well - I'm babbling - but really I - um - wanted to thank you and tell you that - I - I - I -"

Markus raised an eyebrow, what was so important that it required her to charge into a room where she knew he was naked? He wrapped his towel around his waist, and threw on his shirt.

"I think that you're the man - I - um - I gotta go! See ya!"

"..." Markus looked down, to assure himself that, yes, he was a man. The compliment could've waited till he was out of the shower, but who was he to judge? He sighed, and put on his pants. He looked like an unarmored merc grunt again. He didn't even feel the compulsion to have his gun on him...

'Don't get weak.' He quickly scooped up the pistol, and put on his belt and holster. He trudged out to the main room, where of course there was more huggy times with the sisters. They were talking about Ulysses, the eyebot that thought it had a personality was playing a hologram now, and went back to cuddling.

It was quite the twisted display to Markus, playing a human recording and hugging. Who the hell did the programming on that thing, to give it affection? The only answer was a monster.

Still, the Ulysses thing stuck with him. Why would a Frumentarii dedicate his very being to tormenting a thing without true emotion? Had he gone entirely mad, was there no salvaging him? The Legion needed supporters, and the old man had talent, too much to waste on that endeavor.

Rabbit Roof: Legion Meeting, top secret.

Markus left the building, going to the roof. The heavily ignored Casca followed, and raised an eyebrow when he saw him. "Casca, why are you still here? You're of my Legion, how many are left?" Casca blinked, and rubbed the back of his head. Then he began writing. Legion mostly gone, 40 or so members left. Doc's son leads us. Markus sat, quiet and deep in thought. He turned to the boy, who was now sitting cross legged and staring at his former Legate.

"Bring them here." The words were spoken without emotion or feeling, and Casca nodded, taking off without hesitation. He was planning on doing it anyways, the robot still skeezed him out to much. Though, he wouldn't mind another look at that Albino... He shook it off, jogging out of the city towards his comrades.

They were only a dozen miles away anyways... Hopefully he wouldn't run into trouble on the way. Markus watched as he ran off, he didn't want to go back yet. Let them hug it out, while he planned to end the war, and perhaps something else. He would see about recruiting Ulysses, and maybe even find Lanius. Markus vengeance was a long time coming, but he could feel the same black ball of hatred in his heart. The Monster of the East would fall by his hand...

 

[FalloutJack]

Still here, Lieutenant.

His hide was so tough because it was basically a mutated reptile's hide wrapped comfortably over a slab bulkhead [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vb2U89EJG4] of muscle over bones of the creature whose body produces the toughest natural claws on Earth. Deathclaws take alot of shots - solid hits - to reach things like vitals. Nevertheless, to say it didn't hurt would be a lie. There were a fair number of those pinpricks we call bullets now. And then, as Joe wa about to get a faceful of corpse-

[HEADING=2]WHOMP![/HEADING]

-Malkos was rammed into by a robot. They tumbled, as one significant force hitting another is wont to do, and tumbled a bit. It ended with the Deathclaw recovering first, because robobrains are not built for tumbles, and he was now holding the robot upside-down and facing it away from him. Now, where have I seen this before? Ah yes, 'David and Goliath'. Only this time, David is overmatched.

[HEADING=2]CRASH![/HEADING]

Joe's peruasive argument was...slightly-interrupted by Malkos ramming the robot's dome-head and brain into a big rock, full-force. Then, he dropped it and turned to the ranger in a more calm manner. The ranger hadd correctly guessed that this Deathclaw had had some connection to Goris personally.

"I do not live in a Vault, as my ancestor did. When the clan left, educational material became limited. More of the traditonal way had to fill in the gaps. It is only natural."

Now, he pointed a clawed finger directly at Joe.

"But that does not excuse you...you gun-happy, irritating, moron."

Yeah, he was still mad about the dead comrade, but now he was taking Joe's overall behavior personally.

"If you were aware of my kind, then you should not have shot first when I was very obviously talking. And you, a Ranger, of all things! The Vault Dweller sided with them, AND my kind back then. You are a disgrace to the uniform, a fake, an asshole. This situation is entirely your fault. Make your amends now."

This leaves the ball in your court now, Joe. The Deathclaw lays the blame of this whole affair squarely on you, especially since you initiated combat, helped kill one of his kind, and insulted him and his family. You can't prevent him from leaving and he can definitely find a more advantageous time and place to kill ANYONE here, so what's it gonna be? More gunplay? Peace talks? That one episode from Star Trek with the Gorn? That would actually be hilarious right about now.

 

[Souplex]

Wyoming. I guess.
"I do not live in a Vault, as my ancestor did. When the clan left, educational material became limited. More of the traditonal way had to fill in the gaps. It is only natural."
It pointed a clawed finger directly at Joe.
"But that does not excuse you...you gun-happy, irritating, moron."
Joe did not like having his intelligence insulted by mental inferiors.
[Intelligence]Joe wasn't the most educated or book-smart fellow, but he knew his limits. He could tell he was smarter than this thing.
Joe kept his revolver leveled on the beast. Tread softly and carry a big stick.
"If you were aware of my kind, then you should not have shot first when I was very obviously talking. And you, a Ranger, of all things! The Vault Dweller sided with them, AND my kind back then. You are a disgrace to the uniform, a fake, an asshole. This situation is entirely your fault. Make your amends now."
"Hesitation gets people killed. Besides; those weren't kill-shots. Any Deathclaw would recover from the injuries I initially intended in a day. I had no idea dad's stories about intelligent Deathclaws were actually true."
[Karma]Though Joe trusted the creature about as far as he could throw it, if it was stopping to talk, he was obligated to try to reason with it.
[Persuasion]"If you're not familiar with your entire history, you may not know that Goris worked with humans in relatively successful harmony. Any interest in following his example?"

 

[RobDaBank]

???

He walked down the hall, the amber lit sign above him reading 'Canteen'. A man walked next to him, just out of his peripheral. "We''ll let the guys know the water's good again and get a beer eh?"

The man reached out to press the door switch, the other next to him, looking very blurry. What was he wearing? Was it blue?

Just as the man's fingers touched the button an alarm sounded, filling the corridor, lights flashing. A voice boomed out of nowhere, possibly from some sort of speaker system. "This is the..."

.............................

Redstone Camping Ground

Kaiden shot out of bed, throwing his cover across the trailer and barging his way through the door. He took in a deep breath and steadied his shaking, clammy hands. That last dream had really shaken him up.

Why am I having these dreams? Why now? Could it be the blow to my head? Or those drugs the Doctor gave me?... I must find him. He thought to himself as he leant back against his trailer.

Kaiden composed himself, believing that standing around looking weak wasn't going to help him. He got back in his trailer, quickly tidied everything up, wrapped his hands in clean boxing tape and donned a clean cloak. Heading outside he spotted one of his brother's, a Super Mutant named Julius. Julius was a relatively small Super Mutant of below average intelligence who worked as a scout and usually as a patrol guard at Redstone Camp Ground. 

"Julius friend, what can you tell me of New Wheatland?" Asked Kaiden, knowing Julius had probably seen it on his expeditions.

 

[Anti-American Eagle]

Wyoming Wastes - Somewhere

"Funny, in Dad's stories, Goris was a lot smarter than you."

Who's Goris?

"I do not live in a Vault, as my ancestor did. When the clan left, educational material became limited. More of the traditonal way had to fill in the gaps. It is only natural."

It's talking again...

"But that does not excuse you...you gun-happy, irritating, moron."

Gun-happy, irritating, moron... Agreed.

"If you were aware of my kind, then you should not have shot first when I was very obviously talking. And you, a Ranger, of all things! The Vault Dweller sided with them, AND my kind back then. You are a disgrace to the uniform, a fake, an asshole. This situation is entirely your fault. Make your amends now."

Agreed.

"Hesitation gets people killed. Besides; those weren't kill-shots. Any Deathclaw would recover from the injuries I initially intended in a day. I had no idea dad's stories about intelligent Deathclaws were actually true."

And yet when it acted in self defence you decided it should die.

"If you're not familiar with your entire history, you may not know that Goris worked with humans in relatively successful harmony. Any interest in following his example?"

Goris must have been a Deathclaw... Now he wants it to join him? What the fuck?

Martin realigned his aim to Joe's head, if they couldn't talk eachother out of another fight, a dead Joe might make surrendering easier...