Book 2 Chapter 20: The Presents

Book 2 Chapter 20: The Presents

Julian walked toward the entrance doors, and opened gesturing someone inside. A white robe appeared, a smaller deadwoman who was holding a box that seemed too large for her, and she walked over and handed it to me. I checked the weight of it and I set it down on the ground, and pried it open with my hands, the nails holding it in place coming out with ease. I looked up to see another white robe, a man holding a crowbar, looking a little lost until he gradually stepped back into the edges of the room.

Inside the box I found a long black rifle, several cases of ammo, multiple bags of ammo, and a few of what I assumed were grenades. I hefted the rifle. It was the same Id seen the new deadman guards wielding on the edge of the agricultural quarter. It was light, and now that I could see it up close I realized it was a lasgun. It was different then the ones Id used before, larger, and heavier, with what looked like three rotating barrels. I looked up at Julian, who was just sitting back down, questioningly.

He smiled, that spark in his eyes lighting up again. There our own variation on the design that was in the production facility. The original version was made forthose less fortunate and had a number of protections to keep rads from seeping out of it, and to avoid firing with enough force to cause significant kickback. We got rid of those precautions, since we dont need them, and this is what weve devised. In keeping with the theme here at Potts Ive named it The Cerberus. Meant to guard us from intrusion.

Mama smiled and shook her head looking at Kit. Julian and his toys.

He heard that comment and coughed slightly, fixing his posture and reasserting the calm composed face I was more used to seeing from him. The only issue is with the capacity. Weve developed a way to charge and reload them here, but in your case once its empty it will just be a hunk of metal. Were still working on a way to correct it.

I hefted the gun again. It felt insubstantial compared to my shotgun and rifle in a way that made it hard to imagine it had as much destructive potential as Julian described, but I believed him. I double checked the safety and started loading everything from the box into my pack. It was heavier than I preferred, but once I dropped off my excess loot from the job for the Khan at Nicos, the weight shouldnt be too much of a burden.

I looked up at Julian and nodded. Thanks. Then to Kit. And thanks for the food.

She nodded.

I turned around and walked out of the Mausoleum. Ignoring a line from Jim about not dismissing me yet. As I walked I pulled up the messaging feature that Leah had granted me.

In Potts. Provide rally point.

There was no immediate response, so I continued on my way, heading toward Nicos house. I let myself in and was surprised to find Deux inside. A cigarette in his mouth and his revolver disassembled in front of him. He had changed and was wearing a shirt with the name The Dunces,across it. He smiled a bit more widely when he saw me, Hey Don. Been too long.

Thats alright. When Im with you, every minute feels like an eternity. I looked around, the house was still sparse, with looted art on the walls, and stacks of books scattered all throughout. I though I noticed a few new pieces of art and the book piles had shifted, but aside from that everything was as it had been the last time Id been there. Nicos here? I asked.

Deux shook his head. No, I just like to break in every once in a while to clean my gun. Theres really no better place for it than Nicos.

Nico stepped out of a back room and flicked a cigarette butt at Deux, who managed to catch it, but burnt his hand and wound up dropping it. He came by to mooch some food and borrow some old radio equipment I looted a few years ago. She looked at me. Welcome back. Its good to see you safe.

Thanks.

I heard a bit about what you did from Deux and through the grapevine. Have you ever once considered taking a more subtle approach to anything ever in your life?

I tried this time. Did steakouts, snuck around, attempted sabotage, didnt go in alone guns blazing.

But it still wound up with you alone guns blazing?

...yes.

Can confirm, added Deux.

Deux nodded. Me neither.

I dont know what it means, but the abilities and skills listed under this Im going to accept it. Nicos eyes glazed over again for a few moments, clearly reading something, then they became clear again.

Oh, do me next! said Deux.

I frowned. I hadnt really thought about it, but I didnt see a reason not to. I, with the authority of the United States appoint, Deux Du Ponte Du lac my deputy.

I received a notification.

Current function still being tested. Limit 1.

Hmmm, nothing on my end, said Deux.

Looks like its limited to one.

Deux sighed. Probably for the best. I dont know that I could stomach being a pig quite as well as you and Nico. Im too punk rock for that.

Nico nodded. Yes, the only one of the three of us who works directly for the undertakers and hangs out with babies all day is too punk rock.

He shrugged. Babies can be punk.

I leaned against the nearest wall, watching their banter playout. As I stood there I received a message with a series of coordinates from Leah. I looked at them, they were closer to STAR territory than I expected. It was, from what I could tell, the nearest area a human could approach Potts without dying of rad poisoning. I sent the coordinates back. My teeth itched, and I brought a finger to my teeth, picking at them.

Confirm? Y/N

Less than a minute later I got a response.

Yes

I pushed off the wall, and slung my pack back over my shoulder. Its time for me to go, just got the coordinates from the Remnants.

Nico and Deux exchanged a glance. Deux stood and wrapped me in a hug before I could react. I kept my hands straight at my side, unsure of what to do with them.

Be careful Don, he said, patting my back twice before backing off.

Nico stepped forward and put her hand on my shoulder. Youre coming back.

I thought about that statement. I was crossing the Cut, something only one person had done successfully. I meant to come back, but it was far from certain. That was part of why I wanted to be the one to do it. I looked down at Nico. Ill come back.Read latest chapters at nov(e)lbin.com Only