A Prison Of Mankind

Forever walking along the path set by a cursed fate, Allister Bastard is a man traveling the entirety of the United States with a single desire. What that is he will share only with the trusted, but any and all he finds along his way will certainly remember him. Follows from Soulofgenocide

[rotting-steel]

"We will never remember what we were, for to do so would mean accepting what we have become."

18+ Fallout OC, Allister Bastard

Follows from soulofgenocide

Open to all interactions, NSFW blog (gore, sex, etc)

Allister never stops wandering so any & all areas are possible!

[mamavalcalaw]

The deathclaw matriarch watched the two for a long moment. Once the armored man looked up at her, Valory gave a wide, uncanny valley 'smile' that flashed fags but not meant to be threatening. "Stringy... I like bear more. Or dear."

Valory was not above with messing with people, it was funny to her. She adjusted to stretch and give herself a full body shake. She started over to the barn and then past it before sinking her claws into the wet earth. Starting to dig a pretty deep hole, the same killing claws she had helping to move earth and stones with ease.

She was not going to rest with the rot of death and irritated wounds hight in the doorway. Dragging several ferals bodies at a time to dump into the hole and only then find a spot to settle down for a dosing nap. Although she found where she could also see the house. Valory would wait for her little one to wake up, the other moose and little creatures were safely stashed under cover from the storm.

[rotting-steel]

"Right, I'll go vomit then."

Allister waved his hand as he returned toward the house, wondering quietly how he tasted though the answer was likely far off what anyone would guess. He returned to the living room of the home and let out an audible sigh before taking up the resting position that most offline power armor took, shockingly it was also the most comfortable pose to sleep in.

The night passed rather quietly, other than the occasional sound of Duke running over a stray feral ghoul, though as the radstorm finally passed completely an almost disturbing silence washed over them. Allister stirred awake when the first bit of sunlight hit his helmet, an audible yawn escaping him as he 'stretched' inside his power armor, it'd been a minute since he slept.

"Peapod, you awake?"

[mamavalcalaw]

The Deathclaw looked at the dead, and looked very unimpressed as she snorted at the scent of them. "Not nearly enough, Lost Ones taste less appealing then even humans. I ate a few days ago, so I shall wait for my small one to wake."

She glanced at the barn and then around, standing back up all the way to scenting. making sure there were no other hunting things out in the night that could use the storm. She thought and then added, "I would not mind to sit, rest some, now that I know where my Lana is."

[rotting-steel]

"I meant.. using them as a bed, please never tell me how Ghoul tastes."

He had tried plenty of odd things, mostly in a mush or watery soup form, but Ghoul wasn't something ever on the list. They looked quite disgusting when feral and more like dried out chicken when not.

"If it's alright with you I'll head in and sleep in the living room, that way someone's inside with her, and Duke will stay out here and do.. Duke things."

"I'm sorry but what is a Duke thing?"

"Beep, boop."

"I wish I could shoot you."

Allister chuckled and shrugged.

"I'm just too loveable to shoot."

"My robotic ass."

[rotting-steel]

(( Gonna actively unfollow people that've just.. not replied/ignored attempts. ))

[mamavalcalaw]

The matriarch deathclaw tilted her head, the paint of her head, taking steady steps closer now with the second person. Clearly listening while each almost soundless step was taken. Stooping over to bright her head level with the power armor, hesitated to listen to what was said.

Allister still had his personal space invaded, the deathclaw taking several deep breaths. Scenting to not just see if he was who she thought, but to see if anything had changed. She snorted and sat back on her hanches, turning her killing claws down and curling them politely away.

She turned her attention to the robot, speaking a bit slow but that was to be clear. "My name is Valory... Duke."

She looked around and then to the main house where the faint scent trail went. "My little one is... asleep? Was she hurt uhver....other then the storm?"

[rotting-steel]

"Valory. Got it."

Duke almost immediately parted ways now that the greeting was over, scooting back over to his little corner where he could watch the animals from. His red light scanned her for a moment longer before staying on said animals, enjoying watching.. nature?

"A little drenched, but beyond that nothing that I could tell so unless she was hiding it, everything should be good. Ah, the ghouls were here before her.. well minus some that Duke mowed down."

Allister moved a bit outside of the barn, closer toward her, leaning back against the doorframe so he could enjoy at least a little of the rain. Unless it was the Glowing Sea or another radiated valley he never had to care much for rads.

"I'd offer for you to come inside, but unfortunately I think the main house can't handle a Deathclaw. There should be plenty of hay, or dried something, in the barn for you though or.."

He looked over to the ghoul pile.

"If you're really desperate."

[mamavalcalaw]

The light and sound drew the massive predator's attention, the horned head swinging around to stare. There was a glimpse of white, paint? On its head before the creature started walking in their direction.

Valory narrowed her eyes, they were reflecting the lights as she came closer. Pausing a good distance away from both. Or roughly in lunging distance to get away or twords...Duke. She was focusing on the bigger threat while scenting again. Not ignoring the one in power armor but aware of the sentry mech likely had more ready firepower.

The deathclaw growled, keeping that subsonic undertone going. "I do...not know...what you are...that is my little one's moose."

She was scenting, trying to get through the sense of who was here. Something was familiar mixed in with the smell of the storm and death from the alarmingly large Lost Ones...pile. There was also fainter under the rain what might be her human.

"where is my human?" The predator spoke up.

[rotting-steel]

"Aw, Val, don't recognize me?"

Allister tapped Duke on the back, the machine staring directly at Val with its red light and guns practically twitching, ready to desperately try and at least harm the behemoth in front of him. He then moved in front of the bot, pushing Duke back slightly and rather than question it he accepted the human shield.

"Lana is safe, inside and asleep on a real bed, radiation free. She wandered up here half-conscious or should I say her moose did, heavily irradiated. Luckily for all the bullshit the Enclave did, their researchers did get results and I gave her something stronger than Radaway."

He then turned to Duke, who looked at him before immediately backing up some more. It wasn't that he didn't trust Allister, but it was just natural to avoid a massive can opener while he was said can.

"This is Duke, he's a friend and loves animals so I had him keeping guard on her companions. Plus even if he wanted to attack you he can't, he can't attack friendlies."

"Hello.. big.. death.."

[rotting-steel]

Wardrobe

There was no way to quietly approach anything in this world if you were in power armor, it was the cost of having such heavy protection, so the shop keeper could hear Allister coming from a mile away. Though he hoped he'd just walk right past. Luck wasn't on his side though and Allister, though needing to crouch a bit, came through his shop's doors.

"Afternoon."

"H-Hello, good sir, what can I help you with today?"

Normally he'd just ignore whatever street rat came wandering in, looking for something loose to steal, but everyone knew it was better to kiss the ass of the people in walking tanks.

"Little bird told me that you make uniforms here, rare sight, since I'm in the market for some I thought I'd drop by."

There was a bit of a pause as the shop keep visibly swallowed, wondering what moron had spilled secrets since it sure as hell wasn't him. His eyes slowly moved toward the combat shotgun tucked nicely under the counter, it was loaded with slugs but unless he had the grace of god on his side he'd never get a shot through.

"What kind of uniform are you looking for, my machine can't do anything crazy, it just barely works for what I need here."

"Military uniforms."

"T-That so, tell me sir, being you're in that armor, are you by chance part of the Brotherhood?"

"Don't be silly, I'd never join up with that filth."

Allister moved close to the counter, even leaning in a bit to get the man to do the same so he could whisper, or whatever it was called when his speaker spoke its quietest.

"America can't rise again with those bastards around."

Suddenly the shop keepers face lit up, a wave of relief washing over him as he took a deep inhale and placed a hand on his head. Here he was worried the Brotherhood had found out about him, but it was an ally all along.

"Boy you had me spooked for a moment there, I didn't realize another true blooded American had walked into my little shop, most of you fellas don't wear T-45 anymore after all."

"Use what you can get."

"Suppose that's true, no such thing as trash in the wastes, anyway what can I do for you? Did the Enclave suddenly get a surge of new recruits and you guys need more uniforms?"

"Something like that."

"Ahh, I get it, a battle ruined them, no worries just as before so long as you guys keep providing the caps and cloth my services are always here."

Allister reached into his pack and pulled out a sack of caps, which made an audible thud as he dropped it onto the counter, which made the shop keeper light up even more.

"H-How many do you need?"

"As many as you can produce."

"Will do! Should I contact you the usual way once they're done?"

"Do so."

Without saying another word Allister turned and exited the shop, leaving the drooling shop keeper by himself as he pulled open the sack of caps and practically threw them into the air in joy. It wasn't until three days later that three people entered the shop, one in a black set of T-60 and the other two covered with raggedy cloaks. The moment the shop keeper saw them he immediately went rigid and gave them a salute, easing up only when told.

"We're here, what's the issue?"

"Pardon?"

"You set off the beacon, we are here because of that, do I need to spell it out?"

"No, sir, but there isn't any issue I'm just alerting you that your order is ready."

"What order?"

"For the uniforms of course, a gentleman from the Enclave came here three days ag-"

The ground shook and there was a thunderous slam as Allister jumped down from above the shop where he'd been waiting, tucked between two homes. He turned to face the four men and walked into the shop to join them, stopping a few feet from the one in power armor.

"Ah it was him! He made the order, perhaps things got mixed up?"

"You. What's your identification number?"

"EXA-01."

The center man looked puzzled, pulling down the hood of his cloak to reveal a neat military hair cut, and the collar of a black uniform beneath the rags.

"That isn't an identification number, they're seven long, try again soldier."

"EXA-01. Bunker code name, Immortality. Louisiana."

"There is no such bunk-"

Suddenly it came to the Enclave officer, what he meant by EXA, Experiment Alpha, and the word Immortality linked the rest of his thoughts together. Without hesitation he pulled out a laser pistol and the other two followed, though the man in power armor was holding a laser rifle.

"Living Armor! Put your hands up or we will use force and terminate you right here and now! Duncan trigger the emergency beacon right fucking now!"

The other man not in power armor quickly threw his bag onto the floor and dug through it for a moment, pulling out a small electronic device and immediately pressing the button on it. He then quickly rejoined his allies in aiming at Allister, even the shop keep now aiming his combat shotgun.

"You know shop keep, if you had been forced into this then I wouldn't have involved you any further, but you just had to say their filthy lines."

"Quiet! Put your fucking hands into the air immediately!"

"Now, Captain Morris, do the rumors about me say I listen to Enclave commands?"

The man who had removed his hood froze for a moment in fear, how had he learned his name, no, before that he was right, the rumors about him said he was a merciless monster toward the Enclave. There was no possibility of taking him in alive.

"Open fire, Shaun keep that mother fucker away from us!"

The T-60 charged Allister as the other two began dumping their fusion cells into his torso plate, though they bounced off like a rubber ball against the wall. When the two suits came together there was another thunderous slam and Shaun wrapped both arms around Allister to stop his movements.

Except.. he wasn't moving.

Both cloaked soldiers stopped their shooting once Shaun was in the line, and so they simply watched as the T-60 armor desperately tried to push back the inferior T-45. Yet didn't even gain an inch.

"I see the Armorsmiths of the Enclave are just as shit as always."

"SHAUN, MOVE!"

The T-60 quickly began to move back only for Allister to finally move himself and grip the back of the T-60's helmet with his left hand, no matter how hard the T-60 tried it couldn't break free.

"If you harm my men then our full force will come down on you!"

Allister turned his head to look at Captain Morris, his helmet tilting slightly to the side, had he forgotten the entire point of his existence? Why the Living Armor was a boogeyman of the boogeyman?

"Let me remind you why I'm here."

Morris and the other soldier quickly fired their rifles at Allister's head, but there was no stopping him with cheap toys, and before the Captain could even curse him once more he twisted his left hand like one would when turning a valve. A revolting snap filled the air, accompanied by the sound of meat tearing and blood splattering onto the floor. Allister released little Shaun and the power armor fell to the ground with a crash, blood pooling as it gushed from the mangled neck piece.

"S-Shaun!"

The soldier beside the Captain turned and immediately threw up all over the counter beside him, forcing the shop keeper to jump back and crash into a display that quickly collapsed onto him. Morris stared in horror at his subordinate whose helmet was now staring directly at him.. even though the rest of the armor faced the ground.

"Your bunker, where is it?"

"F-Fuck off! Do you think that just because you threaten us we'll betray our oath?!"

Allister looked to the Captain again before looking down, kneeling along and gripping Shaun's T-60 helmet once again, though this time he gave it a hard yank and tore it off from the machinery and bone. He then brought his left arm back and threw the helmet, full force, at the shop keeper who was just standing back up. Poor man didn't even know what happened to him as his upper body was crushed against the wall, torso caved in to stop the helmet before the weight pulled him back to the ground.

"Yes."

"Lord save me, you won't be anything once our reinforcements arrive!"

"It took you a full day to get here after the shop keeper set off his beacon, what makes you think you'll survive for that long? Plus, you're mistaken about something Captain."

Allister stepped forward toward Morris and the soldier beside him immediately scurried behind the counter covered in his puke, crying desperately for his life as he held his head. Morris and Allister stood only a few inches apart, and the Captain who was frozen in fear simply stared as Allister placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I have no need for a loyalist when a coward is just as good at giving directions."

Morris' eyes went wide and within the same second Allister closed his grip on the captain's shoulder, ripping through the flesh and gripping his shoulder blade. In the next second he ripped his arm to the right, tearing the bone and attached flesh free of the man to splatter it against the wall. A scream of pain started to come from the captain, but as Allister brought his arm back he closed the same grip this time around Morris' head. The crying of the cowardly soldier grew louder as he heard the body fall limply to the ground, and then heard Allister slowly step toward the counter.

"Stand up."

The man kept his head covered and didn't move an inch, mumbling to himself between the sobs, hoping Allister would simply leave, but he'd never waste such a chance to find an Enclave rat nest. Once he didn't comply Allister grabbed the counter and tore it from the ground, wood fragments falling onto the man as he cried harder and Allister tossed the counter to the other side of the shop.

"Stand."

The man finally looked up with puffy eyes, tears streaming down his cheeks, and like a newborn calf he shakily reached up and began to pull himself along. When he was finally stood properly Allister placed his hand on his shoulder, much like he did with the captain, and the mans sobs turned to wails.

"Unless you want to end up like them, you're going to answer all of my questions truthfully, and quickly. Understood?"

"Y-Y-Yes.."

"Good. Now then, where is your nest, rat?"

[rotting-steel]

Wardrobe

There was no way to quietly approach anything in this world if you were in power armor, it was the cost of having such heavy protection, so the shop keeper could hear Allister coming from a mile away. Though he hoped he'd just walk right past. Luck wasn't on his side though and Allister, though needing to crouch a bit, came through his shop's doors.

"Afternoon."

"H-Hello, good sir, what can I help you with today?"

Normally he'd just ignore whatever street rat came wandering in, looking for something loose to steal, but everyone knew it was better to kiss the ass of the people in walking tanks.

"Little bird told me that you make uniforms here, rare sight, since I'm in the market for some I thought I'd drop by."

There was a bit of a pause as the shop keep visibly swallowed, wondering what moron had spilled secrets since it sure as hell wasn't him. His eyes slowly moved toward the combat shotgun tucked nicely under the counter, it was loaded with slugs but unless he had the grace of god on his side he'd never get a shot through.

"What kind of uniform are you looking for, my machine can't do anything crazy, it just barely works for what I need here."

"Military uniforms."

"T-That so, tell me sir, being you're in that armor, are you by chance part of the Brotherhood?"

"Don't be silly, I'd never join up with that filth."

Allister moved close to the counter, even leaning in a bit to get the man to do the same so he could whisper, or whatever it was called when his speaker spoke its quietest.

"America can't rise again with those bastards around."

Suddenly the shop keepers face lit up, a wave of relief washing over him as he took a deep inhale and placed a hand on his head. Here he was worried the Brotherhood had found out about him, but it was an ally all along.

"Boy you had me spooked for a moment there, I didn't realize another true blooded American had walked into my little shop, most of you fellas don't wear T-45 anymore after all."

"Use what you can get."

"Suppose that's true, no such thing as trash in the wastes, anyway what can I do for you? Did the Enclave suddenly get a surge of new recruits and you guys need more uniforms?"

"Something like that."

"Ahh, I get it, a battle ruined them, no worries just as before so long as you guys keep providing the caps and cloth my services are always here."

Allister reached into his pack and pulled out a sack of caps, which made an audible thud as he dropped it onto the counter, which made the shop keeper light up even more.

"H-How many do you need?"

"As many as you can produce."

"Will do! Should I contact you the usual way once they're done?"

"Do so."

Without saying another word Allister turned and exited the shop, leaving the drooling shop keeper by himself as he pulled open the sack of caps and practically threw them into the air in joy. It wasn't until three days later that three people entered the shop, one in a black set of T-60 and the other two covered with raggedy cloaks. The moment the shop keeper saw them he immediately went rigid and gave them a salute, easing up only when told.

"We're here, what's the issue?"

"Pardon?"

"You set off the beacon, we are here because of that, do I need to spell it out?"

"No, sir, but there isn't any issue I'm just alerting you that your order is ready."

"What order?"

"For the uniforms of course, a gentleman from the Enclave came here three days ag-"

The ground shook and there was a thunderous slam as Allister jumped down from above the shop where he'd been waiting, tucked between two homes. He turned to face the four men and walked into the shop to join them, stopping a few feet from the one in power armor.

"Ah it was him! He made the order, perhaps things got mixed up?"

"You. What's your identification number?"

"EXA-01."

The center man looked puzzled, pulling down the hood of his cloak to reveal a neat military hair cut, and the collar of a black uniform beneath the rags.

"That isn't an identification number, they're seven long, try again soldier."

"EXA-01. Bunker code name, Immortality. Louisiana."

"There is no such bunk-"

Suddenly it came to the Enclave officer, what he meant by EXA, Experiment Alpha, and the word Immortality linked the rest of his thoughts together. Without hesitation he pulled out a laser pistol and the other two followed, though the man in power armor was holding a laser rifle.

"Living Armor! Put your hands up or we will use force and terminate you right here and now! Duncan trigger the emergency beacon right fucking now!"

The other man not in power armor quickly threw his bag onto the floor and dug through it for a moment, pulling out a small electronic device and immediately pressing the button on it. He then quickly rejoined his allies in aiming at Allister, even the shop keep now aiming his combat shotgun.

"You know shop keep, if you had been forced into this then I wouldn't have involved you any further, but you just had to say their filthy lines."

"Quiet! Put your fucking hands into the air immediately!"

"Now, Captain Morris, do the rumors about me say I listen to Enclave commands?"

The man who had removed his hood froze for a moment in fear, how had he learned his name, no, before that he was right, the rumors about him said he was a merciless monster toward the Enclave. There was no possibility of taking him in alive.

"Open fire, Shaun keep that mother fucker away from us!"

The T-60 charged Allister as the other two began dumping their fusion cells into his torso plate, though they bounced off like a rubber ball against the wall. When the two suits came together there was another thunderous slam and Shaun wrapped both arms around Allister to stop his movements.

Except.. he wasn't moving.

Both cloaked soldiers stopped their shooting once Shaun was in the line, and so they simply watched as the T-60 armor desperately tried to push back the inferior T-45. Yet didn't even gain an inch.

"I see the Armorsmiths of the Enclave are just as shit as always."

"SHAUN, MOVE!"

The T-60 quickly began to move back only for Allister to finally move himself and grip the back of the T-60's helmet with his left hand, no matter how hard the T-60 tried it couldn't break free.

"If you harm my men then our full force will come down on you!"

Allister turned his head to look at Captain Morris, his helmet tilting slightly to the side, had he forgotten the entire point of his existence? Why the Living Armor was a boogeyman of the boogeyman?

"Let me remind you why I'm here."

Morris and the other soldier quickly fired their rifles at Allister's head, but there was no stopping him with cheap toys, and before the Captain could even curse him once more he twisted his left hand like one would when turning a valve. A revolting snap filled the air, accompanied by the sound of meat tearing and blood splattering onto the floor. Allister released little Shaun and the power armor fell to the ground with a crash, blood pooling as it gushed from the mangled neck piece.

"S-Shaun!"

The soldier beside the Captain turned and immediately threw up all over the counter beside him, forcing the shop keeper to jump back and crash into a display that quickly collapsed onto him. Morris stared in horror at his subordinate whose helmet was now staring directly at him.. even though the rest of the armor faced the ground.

"Your bunker, where is it?"

"F-Fuck off! Do you think that just because you threaten us we'll betray our oath?!"

Allister looked to the Captain again before looking down, kneeling along and gripping Shaun's T-60 helmet once again, though this time he gave it a hard yank and tore it off from the machinery and bone. He then brought his left arm back and threw the helmet, full force, at the shop keeper who was just standing back up. Poor man didn't even know what happened to him as his upper body was crushed against the wall, torso caved in to stop the helmet before the weight pulled him back to the ground.

"Yes."

"Lord save me, you won't be anything once our reinforcements arrive!"

"It took you a full day to get here after the shop keeper set off his beacon, what makes you think you'll survive for that long? Plus, you're mistaken about something Captain."

Allister stepped forward toward Morris and the soldier beside him immediately scurried behind the counter covered in his puke, crying desperately for his life as he held his head. Morris and Allister stood only a few inches apart, and the Captain who was frozen in fear simply stared as Allister placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I have no need for a loyalist when a coward is just as good at giving directions."

Morris' eyes went wide and within the same second Allister closed his grip on the captain's shoulder, ripping through the flesh and gripping his shoulder blade. In the next second he ripped his arm to the right, tearing the bone and attached flesh free of the man to splatter it against the wall. A scream of pain started to come from the captain, but as Allister brought his arm back he closed the same grip this time around Morris' head. The crying of the cowardly soldier grew louder as he heard the body fall limply to the ground, and then heard Allister slowly step toward the counter.

"Stand up."

The man kept his head covered and didn't move an inch, mumbling to himself between the sobs, hoping Allister would simply leave, but he'd never waste such a chance to find an Enclave rat nest. Once he didn't comply Allister grabbed the counter and tore it from the ground, wood fragments falling onto the man as he cried harder and Allister tossed the counter to the other side of the shop.

"Stand."

The man finally looked up with puffy eyes, tears streaming down his cheeks, and like a newborn calf he shakily reached up and began to pull himself along. When he was finally stood properly Allister placed his hand on his shoulder, much like he did with the captain, and the mans sobs turned to wails.

"Unless you want to end up like them, you're going to answer all of my questions truthfully, and quickly. Understood?"

"Y-Y-Yes.."

"Good. Now then, where is your nest, rat?"

[mamavalcalaw]

Lana smiled, hesitated a moment before getting up and brushing some dust off herself. "Well, I'll see you in the morning then. I'll stay in that room I found the bathroom in. Let me know if if the moose starts or wonder or isn't doing good please?"

The woman smiled dispite the stress of loosing her animals and protection. Hopefully only temporary. Hopefully Valory would be alright-

Well, Valory as a deathclaw would be far more able to handle the radiation then Lana ever could. Lana gave Allister a wave of good night as she walked through that door before. There was a old, but intact bed that had been preserved with covers and she was glad for a bed. It was such a good change from a sleeping mat or hammock, or being between Valory's forearms.

Somewhere in the becoming night later on a very large being was slowly tracking the path taken by the moose mount. The big matriarch determined to find her charge after the chaos what happened in the storm. With the other two moose safe in a covered dairy barn and now the deathclaw had backtrack. Then found a tail in the rain. It was still dark, nearing dawn when she caught the sound of dead Lost Ones.

Valory stood up on her haunches, rumbling a low note before focusing on making a subsonic sound. Humming that would making living things twitch. It let her spot the movement of some Lost Ones that were starting to clump together at the edge of one of the other farms around the area. The big creature moved disturbingly fast before her killing claws made quick work of the ferals.

The big deathclaw stood up right after, flicking her tongue and scenting at the same time.

[rotting-steel]

Duke stared at the rain for hours, practically hypnotized by the falling droplets as his red light scanned across the land.

While Allister was aware of exactly what Duke was doing, down to the little details, it was the biological existences around him that would escape from his radar. If someone wasn't carrying tech with them then they'd basically be invisible to Allister until he physically saw them, but for Duke he spent most of his existence scanning around for meat masses. So when a very, very big one that was moving incredibly quick suddenly appeared on the horizon the sentry bot was.. concerned.

We have a problem.

What's that?

Big problem.

Which is..?

Why the hell is it so big??

Communicating between the two could be done practically telepathically, though really it was just text being sent back and forth the same way Allister could sense Duke. Being as quiet as he could, so he didn't wake up the little joy, though he'd lost track of how long she'd been asleep by now, Allister made his way back outside into the rain and over to Duke.

"What are you pissing oil about?"

"Down by the edge of the farm, follow my light, big giant thing."

Allister followed Duke's light and sure enough, he saw it too, the large mass of flesh with a shape he'd interacted with far too many times in the wastes. Deathclaw.

"Oh good, Lana will be happy."

"What?"

Duke then watched as Allister turned on his absurdly bright headlamp, threw his arms into the air, and let out a whistle. The sentry bot questioned many things in that moment, but the only words to escape him were.. censored by his own filter due to excessive profanity.

"#### ### #### #### #######??!??!?!"

[whichrunsred]

(( forbidden late munday photo under cut ))

[mamavalcalaw]

"...long as he doesn't hurt my moose, their my lifeline other than Val." Lana could not see the barn well from where she sat by the music. That was a bit of information to absorb that was offered, and matched up with some information she had learned from long haul traders. Lana did not even start just yet to try and understand that last part about robots. Between tired and also her range of knowledge being centered on plants, animals and some basics of electric and machines. She could get generators and tractors, going or use a preserved car like a generator, use some computers, but more then that? Into true robotics?

She was too tired to puzzle that out.

The woman looked up and grinned after thinking. "I don't think she would mind the company. I won't, but I know we travel weird. Fast then slow. At least ever two or three weeks we camp for a week to let the moose graze and Valory hunts. Or if there's enough stuff to sit and harvest plants to dehydrated."

Lana did not seem opposed at all to more company. She just knew her little group was... odd about travel times. She had made it through the winter though, with a few stops in the worst storms.

At least the weather was not like it was pre war.

Lana blinked, and hesitantly added. "I... Might fall asleep on you here. Maybe I should see if one of those beds are still good."

[rotting-steel]

"Nah, Duke loves animals, more than humans."

He listened to her speak, how they traveled wasn't too much different from him unless he had a lead somewhere, then it was a straight line. He did still require food and water after all so staying around places for a bit, securing supplies, was normal when he was just wandering. Plus you've got to stay in one spot for a little bit to get the real good rumors.

"Aint nothin' wrong with that far as I see, I linger a lot too, mostly just looking for Enclave but sometimes if a place is nice enough I'll spend a month around."

An audible laugh escaped him when she mentioned her being tired.

"Feel free darlin', don't stay up on account of me, I can guarantee you'll pass out before I do."

[mamavalcalaw]

Lana was not so sure about military related things in regards to anything alive. Considering the Deathclaws alone were dated back to being pre-war, and Grandsire Goris' line not long after the war being made. Lana looked back up, smiled and then looked out the windows. the rain was a lot nicer now that she was safe from the rad and cold, and wet. "The seed bunker I'm looking for...its a good chance it's not there. but I wanted to go anyways... all the things I'm finding with plants is a part too... but I want to see an ocean."

The young woman was tired but still looked exited for a bit. "there's a really big, and deep lake at home, but it's really not the same. not the same water, or things, environments. I've only ever read about oceans, or listened to stories from Aunties and Uncles... but I want to see one once in my life. Even after this I don't ever go so far again from home."

she knew being any where had dangers, around an ocean would clearly be its own risks. But... Lana really did want to be near a real sea at least once. not a sea of old crops, grasslands, or tundra. a real sea.

[rotting-steel]

"Hmm, well Boston can have a decent view if you've got the guard, which even Val may not be enough. The areas around the water in Boston are.. rough, there's a place with quite literally ten sentry bots just roaming around, and Brotherhood. I'm not doubting her capabilities, but I doubt even she would like being shot with missiles and Gatling lasers."

He thought for a moment, really wanting to sit down as it truly fit the hum that came from his speaker, but an idea came to mind. Currently, he was taking Duke across to see exactly what she was seeking and truthfully he didn't have any current leads on Enclave members. At least not ones he could look into with companions, he'd never drag someone into the bloodbath he often created.

"To be honest, the ocean is also Duke's goal, strange bot that he is that's our end goal is that he wants to see the ocean. The story of why is his to tell, but if you don't mind we could always.. tag along with you? To the seed vault, and then if you're available, to the ocean, if I'm along well.. the machines won't be a problem. I have the capability of knowing where every nearby semi-intelligent machine is, and I can communicate with them, but the biggest part is no machine or robot can be hostile toward me or who I say. It's how I met Duke initially, he had no choice but to be friendly, and it's also how I currently know he's looking out the barn doors scanning the area.. and now scooting a bit out into the rain."

[mamavalcalaw]

"Maybe if I find the seed vault," Lana smiled, even with the edge of warning- but then what wild lands between the different wastes were completely safe? Even up to the north, though this was the farther south and east Lana had ever been yet. "If it is there, that is. Maybe after. I was not planning on going back home for at least a few years."

Lana pulled her legs up onto the old couch, following the tilt of Alister's helmet. Watching the storm herself before seeing the Lost Ones. "I know some find it silly, or waist, but I really do enjoy finding all these new places and plants, and...well, only seen some people. Hard to walk into towns with Valory around, but she is the likely reason I'm alive this long into the trip and well fed."

She tried to imagine what he talked about. All that water...

"can I tell you a silly secret?"

[rotting-steel]

Allister placed his hand on the 'chin' of his helmet, thinking for a moment back to his home and what was really left inside. Enclave bunkers were huge and there were plenty of parts even he'd not gone through, he left it to the bots while he was gone, so the chance wasn't zero.

"It's possible there's one at my home, as far as I could tell from records the main goal of the bunker I live in was robotics and bio-engineering. There are plenty of weird plants there, and I have to imagine they had a source for whatever splicing they were doing, I'm not certain though I've only explored about half of the bunker."

Most of those plants were built for bio-weapons though and were sealed tightly in containers that kept them alive, he had no idea what horrific event would occur if they were opened. His specialty wasn't plants after all.

"The point of living is to discover new things, I'd say you're livin' just right darlin'. Better than me at least, I'm wanderin' too but, not for such a good reason. Now, what silly secret would that be lovely?"

[mamavalcalaw]

"I don't know..." Lana said more to herself, maybe she was a lot more unsure without knowing were Valory was. it was one thing to know the big deathclaw was nearby, and aware of her location. It was another thing when separated with out meaning to be. She found a spot to sit, careful of the old furniture- Lana had fallen through them a few times. but this seemed pretty stable at least.

she looked up, listening to the bits told of this metal man's past, Lana was curios and it might have shown. Yet she also was not the kind to pry, unless it had to do with a few topics, or bargaining. Trading was fun.

"I don't know much about what it was like in the lower...states." Lana started, but smiled at some memories, "It's still pretty green up north though. The Aunties and Uncles... erm, lucid ghouls their called down here? still not used to that... they say its a lot like it was prewar. Ish. somethings have changed, like the pack. Maybe when you're able, or feel able, you can come visit?"

[rotting-steel]

"Mm, a chance to spend more time with a certain sweet lil thing, count me in."

A chuckle came from his speaker before Allister turned to look out the window, watching a few straggler ghouls wandering through the trees across the street. Nowhere near enough to be a threat, and likely they'd keep to themselves considering there wasn't anyone fleshy out there advertising.

"The south is.. green, but most of that green wants to murder you, whether it's plants or creatures evolved to blend in real well. Old Florida is still pretty if you get to the beach, but that place was a hell hole even before the bombs. Louisiana is flooded most days, not deep but enough that you're always at least ankle deep, and some days it'll go up to your chest. Depends on the weather really. It has a certain beauty to it though, like it's been reset to how it should be, the kinda beauty that makes you just stop and look. Yknow, just like you have."

Home was always special, even if for him it was a cage for his entire youth, truthfully he found pleasure in seeing it retaken by nature. Enclave couldn't stop the Earth's natural flow at least, or they were too afraid of the gators to even get close and try.

"Same offer to you, if you ever want, I've no problems escortin' a lady through my home."

[rotting-steel]

📏 5.4 for lana @mamavalcalaw

"Smol little bean."

[cyberscriptprompts]

Send me 📏 + your muses height and I'll compare them to my muse!

Alternatively send 'ruler'.

Using this website or this one.

[mamavalcalaw]

Lana reflexively looked down, flexing her toes in her socks. "Yeah... I like my toes. Can't run well without them, or walk. Ooh, it's not all old recordings, but I have some music from home back at camp. After the storm, if you don't mind us being around, i can play some?"

Lana was hoping her animals would be easier to track, or find if they got out of their travel cages.

The woman tilted her head, focusing back on the music. Suddenly realizing that this was something new to her. Walking over to sit on one of the chairs. "...I like this."

[rotting-steel]

"They are cute."

Did he just complement her toes?

"Sure, why do ya keep thinking I'm gonna boot ya out? This ain't exactly my house and I like your company, you're free to linger as long as you want."

Allister shrugged, as best as one could in power armor, it wasn't like he was going to actually kick her out, how would he flirt with her then? A cute little thing, sweet, and interesting, it wasn't like that was exactly common in the wastes and on top he actually liked being around her. Most people he was just waiting for the gunshot to the back of the head.

"My father used to play tapes like these for me. long time ago, it was one of the few things I got that showed me a glimpse of the outside world. He always sold the surface so well, damn shame I never got to see what he did."