nora’s eyes narrow on hancock when he mocks her. what, so now ya want the opinion of the rebel king? irritation flares within her, but she says nothing in response, gritting her teeth and turning to look back at the scientist. of course he still doesn't fucking understand, and nora fears he never will even if she explains it fully. too consumed in her irritation with him, she doesn't watch as hancock walks away, though she hears him pop the mentats he fishes from his pocket and chew them like the pills might give him a newfound sense of patience.
he doesn’t care? she’s tempted to call him out on it, to ask him why he’s even here if he doesn’t care anymore, but she doesn't have it in her to argue about this right now. before she can speak, the scientist’s panicked voice cuts in and he namedrops liam binet. the memory of the institute informant as well as the railroad leaves a sour taste in her mouth.
when hancock finally turns back, his mood darker, nora’s already made up her mind. the scientist’s story all adds up to someone who was at least adjacent to the right side of things. maybe that means he’s telling the truth, or maybe he’s just a damn good liar. either way, she decides she’ll allow him to continue his research, but only under her watch, where she can keep an eye on him and control the risks. she’s not about to have him anywhere near her loved ones if this turns sour: the castle would do as a base of operations.
nora watches hancock's movements as he grabs the scientist's chin, yanking his head to the side to inspect him through the bars. hancock's grip tightens, and nora wonders just how much of that irritation he's feeling is directed at her. she quickly grows bored of the mayor's antics, however, sighing once hancock releases his hold on the scientist.
"you’ll continue your research," nora begins, her head tilting upward as her gaze flickers over the stained white lab coat he wears, "but under my terms." the general pauses, her eyes cold and sharp. "if i see a single thing amiss, if i suspect you're lying to me at any moment, you'll regret it. are we clear?"
nora doesn't glance at hancock, but she keeps her ears alert for another quip or stray look thrown her way. she knows he’s angry—she can feel it, and so is she. but despite their own issues, they've got a job to do ... and nora really hopes this one is going to work out.
the scientist swallows hard, his eyes darting nervously from hancock back to nora. he raises a trembling hand to adjust his crooked glasses, trying to compose himself. "y-yes, ma’am," he stammers, his voice wavering, "i understand. i … i’ll do whatever you need."
at that, nora smiles. it's sharp and all edges, born out of satisfaction than any genuine sort of emotion. "good," she replies. "now, i need to know where you hid your research. all of it. and don't leave anything out."
the scientist hesitates, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “the research is hidden at an old greenhouse north of university point," he explains, his voice steadier now that he's proven his value. "it’s—well, it's well-hidden. you'll need an empty holotape to load the information onto via the terminal. with that information, i can set up from practically anywhere as long as i have a working computer.”
nora's gaze is drawn away from the scientist as she marks the coordinates on her pip-boy. she doesn’t know what they'll find at the greenhouse—maybe some hidden terminal and a bunch of feral ghouls—but it better be worth it. letting the scientist continue his work under her watch feels like the right call, but trust is hard to come by. if he’s leading them into a trap, he’s only digging his own grave.
"my name … my name is dr. ezra clarke," the scientist finally offers, his tone more steady. slowly, nora's gaze flickers up to him from the glare of her pip-boy screen. a name.
she sighs. "alright, ezra," she says, lowering her left arm with the pip-boy strapped to it, "then that research better be what you say it is, because it’s the only thing keeping you alive right now."