Chapter 388 - Bar-Time-Talks

The drive up to the Atomic Wranglers wasn't all that eventful, aside from Veronica asking him a litany of questions regarding the functions and operations of Dirt-Hog. There were also a few concerns that a few people in Freeside my take them driving through their streets as some sort of attack and try to destroy the vehicle... Not that they'd manage.

People fear what they don't understand... And Dirt-Hog, just so happened to be above most people. Fortunately, the sheer bulk and weaponry on the vehicle seemed to dissuade some of the more eager people, allowing them to park outside of the Atomic Wrangler with relative ease.​​

Once safely parked, the entire group gets out while setting Dirt-Hog on 'retaliate with extreme prejudice'. The Garret's didn't seem surprised that the sudden rise in tensions were due to Afton's group's arrival.

"Welcome back, Afton, Boone, Karl. Didn't think I'd see you back here, to be honest." James says as he cleans a glass at the bar.

Afton nods, "Neither did I, but we need a place to stay and this is as good as any other. You don't mind my dog, right?" he asks, gesturing at Dog-meat.

James shrugs, "Just keep it with you and make sure it doesn't shit anywhere... Not that it'd be the first time a patron has shit on the floor here..." he mutters the last part with mirth.

Afton quickly hires rooms for everyone but doesn't immediately head up, instead taking a seat with Boone, Tamia, and Veronica sitting beside him. Karl would've stayed but apparently the migraine the drunk Josie had given him was a painful enough reminder not to drink anymore.

James just looks Afton over while cleaning glasses, eventually speaking up after serving them their drinks. "So, word is that you lost your arm... Is that a Cybernetic, or?" he asks, but quickly notices the angry look Veronica sends at him...

Afton looks at James with an exasperated look, "Bro..."

"Er, was that something you wanted to keep hidden?... My bad." he quietly says, walking to the other end of the bar to serve another patron.

"You lost an arm?" Veronica slowly asks, and Afton isn't able to lock down the emotion he's currently seeing in her expression.

He shrugs, "Yeah, but look, I grew it back." he says, taking off his glove and revealing the leathery green plant arm.

"Ew, what the fuck?" Tamia mutters, reeling back slightly at the sight.

"Oh, geez, thanks. I'll remember that whenever I need a self-esteem boost..." he jovially retorts.

"But... How?" Veronica asks, clearly confused at how someone can 'grow' an arm back.

Afton sighs, "It's a long story... It's also related to this." he gestures at his face before going on to explain the gist of his experience in Vault 22, and then afterwards the Think Tank. Of course, he keeps it quiet as this wasn't really a private venue, but he made sure to not mention any specifics regardless.

"So, wait... You almost die, get teleported to a super-technologically advanced facility, get healed and mutate, and then take it over, becoming the leader of many pre-war scientists...?" Veronica slowly asks, still processing what he'd just said.

Afton shrugs, "Sounds about right... Whaddya think, Nyx?"

"Mostly accurate according to my database, user." the new feminine voice says, causing both Tamia and Veronica to jump in surprise.

Afton and Boone just clink glasses and chuckle at their expense, receiving some glares in response. "Good one Nyx."

"Your praise is appreciated and logged, user." the AI replies in a chipper tone.

Veronica leans in with an apprehensive expression, "Afton... If 'they' get word of this, you'll be declared a traitor and danger to the world... The Mojave chapter might not care too much, but headquarters? You'll be lynched, both in a metaphorical and literal sense!"

Afton shakes his head, "They can call me what they like. As far as I'm concerned, they've done more damage to the wasteland, and eventual recovery from the great war than any other organization, barring Caesar's Legion."

"Afton, you don't really think that-" she asks, but her tone suggests her thoughts aren't all that different to her own.

"Veronica... How does stockpiling technology and destroying the one's 'they' can't acquire, or use help anyone? Someone else may have been able to use it, perhaps deconstruct and rebuild it... We both know of the situation that led to the organization's creation, but that doesn't mean fear-mongering and eliminating all 'perceived' threats does anything productive."

"But... They're still family. They may be a bunch of stubborn assholes, but that doesn't change their relation to us..." she mutters.

Afton nods, "That's true... But that's why I'm planning on giving the Mojave chapter an ultimatum... Whether or not they take my warnings is up to them." he states, downing his whisky and taping the glass to ask for another. "If they weren't family, I'd drop them like a hot sack of shit and not look back."

Veronica chews her lip at his words, slowly swirling her drink as if looks for answers within it.

After a couple moments, Afton looks back up at Veronica, "Listen... Forget everyone else for now, I've found something you might wanna hear..."

The tone of his voice certainly catches her attention... It seemed grave, hopeful, and excited all bundled into one. "Yeah?"

...

"I've found Christine." he states, causing Veronica to silently gape at him.

"You-you what?"

"I know where she is...." he pauses, "She won't be the same as we remember, from what I heard from the Holotapes I found, she's been through a lot of shit, but... I want-no, need to find her. And I want you to help."

Veronica shakes her head, her eyes glistening and she tries her best to hold back tears, "W-what? Did you think I'd say no? First chance we get, we'll find her, Afton. Do you hear me?"

Afton smiles and nods, "Yeah..." he raises his glass, "To family." he says, clinking his glass against hers, "Cheers."