pjbooks Chapter 330 - 330
Chapter 330 - 330
Adam headed back to his friends shortly after he finished the conversation with Percy. He saw Mira in a corner, cleaning the Chinese officer's sword she had taken from the cult with a rag, clearly planning on keeping it. It fit considering she was using a Chinese stealth suit, though it did make him feel a bit uncomfortable because of the connection to his old enemy. However he dropped the thought quickly. He also saw Pearl, sitting alongside some of the refugees, playing with the little children. She was cradling the youngest one, probably about a year old, in her arms, with a gentleness that was very clearly a deliberate choice. In addition two of the other kids were sitting on her lap, playing with a few toys that the refugees had brought along for them. It was actually heartwarming because Pearl had a huge smile on her face and the other people around her were already very comfortable. It was clear her heart had warmed significantly already just being allowed to care for the kids. Adam was content to leave her alone to enjoy herself.Lastly Adam saw Deccanus, sharpening his own machete with his travel kit and then walked over.
"Deccanus, I haven't gotten the chance, but I wanted you to have this." Adam said, presenting Torusk's mirelurk shield. "I thought it would suit you and that you would make good use of it." Adam said as he handed it over.
Deccanus took it and then looked it over for a moment. Hit hit the front with his fist lightly, listening to the sound, then checked the inside of the shield, putting his arm into the grips and readjusting them briefly.
"This is well made. Where did you find such an item?" He asked, curiously.
"Ah…" Adam said, scratching his head a bit. "Well it was on a man who had come here to kill me. It stopped my shots without issue. I think you will be able to use it to its fullest."
"I am not well versed in shield fighting but…" Deccanus began before he swung the shield horizontally, testing its weight and seeing how it felt on his arm. "I shall adapt."
"You don't have to if you don't want to." Adam said back, not trying to pressure Deccanus into anything.
"No, this is a good weapon. It is a worthy addition to my arsenal. My machete is one handed, so too is my throwing spear when I throw it. It will be a good option for my offhand. I appreciate your consideration." He said politely. Adam just smiled, let off a single laugh and then nodded before heading over to a nice spot near the wall to fall asleep himself.
The next day came and went with nothing of importance happening. The trip was slow and tedious. Unfortunately Adam's fear proved to be true. They arrived at the APC around late evening. With far too many people and no easy means to make the trip back to the Vault without making a ton of trips all throughout the night, Adam decided to just drive the APC alongside the refugees and everyone else as they made the trip back to the Vault.
The one nice thing about making it to the APC, at least, was that everyone, refugees and his friends included, could throw their various baggage into the back of the APC so no one was burdened anymore. However due to arriving at the APC far later than he had hoped and the continued slow speed of the caravan they had no choice but to stop once more before they reached the Vault to allow everyone to make camp and sleep again.
Adam had prepared for this, he had stowed bedrolls into the back of the APC in case he ever needed to camp out again. However considering he had children with them he instead opted to loan them all out to let the kids have some beds for the night, a few kids to each bedroll. So once more he had to sleep without comfort despite his best efforts. Still, knowing the kids had a comfortable sleep made him feel better.
Before he went to bed though he decided to have a chat with Mira.
"Hey Mira, got a moment?" Adam asked as he walked up to her, seeing her leaning on a blown out windowsill looking into the rubble of the interior of the building.
"Hm?" She said back, almost lazily, as she turned back to look at Adam. "Oh, you need something?"
"I just wanted to make sure you are doing okay." Adam said softly. Mira frowned a bit.
"What is that supposed to mean?" She shot back, almost accusatorily. In response Adam threw his hands up in mock surrender.
"I'm sorry. I just meant you looked annoyed the past few days, and I wanted to make sure you were fine. I was worried was all." Adam said calmly. Mira seemed to size Adam up skeptically for a moment before she let off a large sigh and then seemed to relax a bit, looking simply more tired now.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap. Just a lot going through my mind at the moment." She said back, a wistful look in her eyes.
"Want to talk about it?" Adam offered, helpfully. Mira seemed to pause to consider his offer for a moment before shaking her head.
"No, I'm not in the mood to talk about it." She said back. "But…" She added after a few moments of silence. "Thank you for offering." She said with a small smile.
"Anytime, Mira. I'm always happy to hear out your problems." Adam smiled back and then left her alone again, to solve whatever sort of dilemma she was struggling with internally.
So, after another night of sleeping on the cold hard ground, Adam and his group once more set off to the Vault. Before afternoon had arrived the next day they had finally made it back to the Vault, Adam's home and soon, all the new residents' home too.
With a wave to the Guard on duty Adam led the refugees down the stairs to the control panel so he could open the door for them.
"Welcome to the Vault. Make yourselves at home." Adam smiled as he plugged in his pip-boy and opened the Vault door revealing his home to all the new people.