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Listed in Folders
Fallout: the Road to Ronto - Out of this World - Chapter 16
(This is an original story that takes place in the Fallout Universe. It will feature my OCs and Characters that belong to the Bethesda. Please enjoy.)
Quen'thira pressed a button on her wrist, and waited.
Rusty grunted and her eyes fluttered open. She blinked her eyes and looked at the tall alien. “Ngh. What happened?”
Quen'thira attempted to smile. “One repaired Rusty to normal operational status. How does she feel?”
Rusty blinked and lifted her arms. Her right arm, up to her shoulder, was completely artificial. Her left arm, was the same, except it was only up to her elbow. She concentrated and managed to move her fingers, opening and closing them into a fist.
“Wow.” She let out a shallow breath, “Your technology is amazing.” She said in awe, “What material are they made from?”
The tall alien shook her head. “One will try to explain to the best of One's ability. Her arms and legs are made from an alloy called neutromium. It does not exist on Terra. It is incredibly strong, durable, and light-weight.” She gestured to Rusty's body. “There is more to her body.”
Rusty used her left arm to move the blanket that was covering the rest of her body. She noticed her new legs, and saw that her both of her artificial legs went up to her thighs. She also noticed that her feet had a big toe, and rest of her toes were one part. As she examined her body, she noticed that she had several, small, round... things embedded in her skin. She reached behind her back, and noticed that she had plates on her spine, and more plugs on either side of her spine.
“Quen'thira?” Rusty asked out of concern. “Wh-what are these things?” She asked as she used her right index finger to prod the one on her left bicep.
The tall alien gently grabbed Rusty's hand to stop her from poking the implant. “That is an interface plug. One will explain in a moment. First; she will eat. Is she able to stand?”
Rusty sat up, and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Slowly, she placed her feet onto the floor, and stood up. She let out a relieved breath as her new lower legs, supported her weight.
“It seems like I am able to stand.” Rusty nodded as she took a step forward. “And walk.”
Quen'thira nodded. “Excellent. Follow One.” She gestured to the open door.
Rusty followed the tall alien out of the room, and into a curved hallway. “Tell me, Quen'thira, why did you save me? Rebuild me?”
Quen'thira looked down at Rusty, being nearly twice her height. “As One said, One's ship was in the outer atmosphere of Terra. One was simply observing Terra's inhabitants. Unlike the Zetans, the other species that have visited Terra, One does not abduct others.”
Rusty blinked and gasped. “Wait... Zetans? Aliens – er – Visitors have come to Earth before you?”
“Affirmative.” Quen'thira answered, “By Terran standards, the Zetans have been abducting and experimenting on Humans between 1603 and 2277. Two years ago, in the year 2287, a lone Zetan scout craft crashed on Terra.”
“Wow.” Rusty said as they enters a small, round chamber. “So, um, previous query; why did you help me?”
“One was curious.” Quen'thira said simply as she and Rusty sat at a small, round, table with two stools attached to the table. “One observed her fight, and was wondering why she sacrificed herself. One also wanted to see if One's technology could repair her.”
“So, you wanted to experiment on me?” Rusty asked in a frustrated tone. “I thought only Zetans did that.”
“Would she have preferred to remain a burnt, badly damaged husk?” Quen'thira asked curiously. “Never to see Terra again? Her family?”
Rusty shrunk back and winced. Quen'thira's tone wasn't hurtful, but her words made her feel bad. “No. I wouldn't.” She smiled weakly. “Thank you. I appreciate all that you have done for me. So, um, you said that I can see my family again?”
“Affirmative.” Quen'thira nodded. “However, she must be patient. Her limbs and implants need time to heal. Her biology also needs time to adjust to her new DNA.” She looked at the table. “What does she wish to consume?”
“Huh?” Rusty asked as she looked at the table and then back at Quen'thira.
“One has an extensive database of Terran food from over a Millennia of study.” She explained. “Simply pose a query to One's computer, and ask for whatever dish she would like.”
Rusty looked at the table. What amazing technology Quen'thira's people seemed to have. She cleared her throat. “Computer?”
The table beeped twice.
“Um... one bowl of Ramen noodles, please?” Rusty blinked as a steaming bowl of Ramen noodles, complete with beef strips, carrots, a slice of egg, kale, mushrooms, and ginger, along with a fork, appeared out of nowhere right in front of her. “Ah!” She grabbed the bowl and started eating.
Quen'thira let out a throaty groan, which seemed to be her version of a laugh. “It is called a food synthesizer. It is rather complicated to explain how it works.” She 'smiled' “It can produce any food or beverage that one could want.”
Rusty swallowed a large mouthful of noodles and looked at the table. “Um... computer.” The table beeped again. “One glass of water, please. Cold.”
A glass of water, about 470 milliliters, appeared before her. She grabbed it an sipped it. She hummed in pleasure and refreshment. “Wow. Non-radiated water. So delicious.”
Quen'thira blinked her four eyes. “Hm. Your planet's water is severely irradiated. Only small samples of pure water can be found.”
Rusty nodded. “And it's never cold. Always room temperature.”
She finished her food and water. Once she was done, Quen'thira looked at the dishes.
“Computer. Delete dishes.” She said simply.
Rusty watched as the dishes simply vanished as quickly was they appeared. “What the...?”
“The ship recycles all material in order to create other matter.” The alien explained. “Come. We have work to do.”
The two females stood up and walked out of the room. They continued down the hall, and entered another room. It looked like a science lab, much like the institute used.
Quen'thira looked at Rusty. “One suspects that Rusty would like to know about the changes to her body, correct?”
“I would.” Rusty nodded.
“Well, as you know, One had to introduce One's DNA into her DNA to wake up your cells. Her own cells were trying to heal her, as best as they could, however, it would have taken... 20 Terran years in order to heal her themselves.” Quen'thira said. “So, One brought you up to One's ship to accelerate the process.”
“Twenty years?” Rusty gasped. “I...” She looked at her hands. “What about my arms and legs?”
“Her extremities were beyond repair and healing. Seared and fused at the atomic level. She would not have been able to regrow them.” Quen'thira explained.
“And these... interface plugs?” Rusty asked.
Quen'thira walked over to a computer and clicked some flat buttons showing weird symbols. A life-size hologram of Rusty suddenly appeared in the middle of them room. The tall alien walked over to it.
“The plugs are tied to her nervous system.” She said as the plugs highlighted on the hologram. “In time, when she is healed, and once One knows that she is ready, she will be given an interface suit.”
“A... what?” Rusty asked curiously.
Quen'thira pressed a button on her wrist. A cylindrical, four-foot wide, container raised from the floor, showing Rusty a black and gray suit. It was very slick looking. Rusty walked over to it and examined it closely. It had plugs and spine armor that lined up with the plugs and spine armor on her. She also noticed it had reinforced foot-pads, elbows and knees.
“You're giving me a combat suit?” She asked Quen'thira.
The tall alien walked over to the suit and looked down at Rusty. “The suit could be used for combat, certainly, however, that is not the main purpose for it. This suit will enhance your reflexes and strength 10 fold.”
Rusty gasped. “It will make me stronger and faster? Even more than I am?”
Quen'thira nodded. “Affirmative.”
The cat/otter/alien girl shook her head in awe. “Are... you going to train me for something?”
Quen'thira looked down at Rusty. She pressed yet another button on her wrist. A holographic projection of Earth appeared. “This is where One found Rusty.” A small spot on the map highlighted. “Near the spot is a former Terran Military base. This is where the mutants, as She called them, came from.”
Rusty nodded. “I figured as much. How many mutants are there?”
Quen'thira shook her head. “A hundred. There is an odd signal coming from the base as well. One knows that 200 Terran years ago, a group of Mutants were lead by a leader that was called “The Master”.” She explained. “A similar physic signal was read back then as well.”
Rusty swore under her breath. “A friend of mine told me about the Master.” She set her jaw. “If I'm going up against an... army of Super Mutants and their leader, I'm going to need armor and weapons.”
Quen'thira 'smiled'. “She will have those. She need not worry.”
“Also, I need to communicate with my Family. Let them know I'm safe.” Rusty said. “That's the price I ask for my help.”
“Price?” Quen'thira repeated. She thought for a second. “Ah. She means to bargain with One. There is no need for such negotiation.” She turned the globe off, and gestured for Rusty to follower her.
They walked out of the lab, and into the hall again. After a few seconds, they entered a large bridge area.
Rusty gasped as she saw the main view screen. For the first time, she saw Earth and how damaged and brown it was. She saw glowing patches, and was surprised that the radiation from all the nuclear bombs was still present in dense areas. She looked at Quen'thira.
“I never knew how bad...” She shook her head. “I... do you think we'll ever survive? Is there any hope?”
Quen'thira placed her right hand on Rusty's right shoulder. “One can not say for certain. So long as Terrans do not make the same mistake One's race did.”
Rusty looked up at her. “Huh?”
Quen'thira looked down at her. “There is a reason One is called One.”
The short girl nodded in understanding. “So, um, how can I send a message to my Family?”
Quen'thira walked over to a console, and pressed some buttons. “One found Rusty's family. They arrived at King.”
Rusty walked over to the console and stood next to Quen'thira. “How did you find them?”
“One had a drone follow them.” She pressed a button, and a small screen turned one, showing a birds-eye view of the small town of King.
Rusty saw the car that she and her family had rebuilt. The picture zoomed in, and she saw Vix under the hood trying to fix something. She saw Oni and Kara standing next to her, handing her tools as she needed them.
“There's a CB radio in the car.” Rusty said. “Can you-”
Quen'thira pressed a button and a microphone popped out of the console. “Go ahead and speak, Rusty.”
Rusty's heart beat quickly as she spoke into the microphone. “Vix. Come in. Can you hear me? Over.”
Kara's ears perked up and she ran to the side of the car, and flung open the door. She disappeared inside of the car, and suddenly, Rusty heard her voice.
“Mama?” the kitten asked, her voice filled with hope and happy tears. “Mama is that you, over?”
Rusty's eyes filled with tears. “Hi, Baby. Yeah. It's me. Are... are you guys okay? Over.”
“We're all okay.” Kara sobbed. “Mama... we saw the explosion. Are... are you okay? Over.”
“I'm okay, Kitten.” Rusty swallowed hard. “Is Mom around? Over.”
“Mom is with Auntie Silver.” Kara said. “I'll go get her. Over.”
Rusty saw her run out of the car, and run to a nearby house. While she did that, Vix hopped into the car and Rusty heard her over the radio.
“Rusty?” Vix said in shock. “Dang, girl. We were so worried for ya. Where are you? Over.”
“That's... kinda complicated.” Rusty answered. “I-”
She saw Silver, Kara, and AJ run out of the house, and gather around the car. Vix climbed out of the car, bringing the microphone out with her. She handed it to AJ.
“Rusty?” AJ said shakily. “You're alive? Over.”
“Yeah, Babe. I'm alive.” Rusty said. “Vix asked where I was. I need you guys to look up.”
Her family looked up at the sky. Even Silver did.
“Do you guys see anything in the sky?” Rusty asked. “Over.”
Kara pointed up as she easily spotted the drone. AJ spotted it as well.
“Yeah, Sweets.” AJ said. “What is it? Over.”
“I know this might be hard to believe, but, um... I'm not exactly on Earth. I'm safe, but, well, I'm on a space ship about 40,000 KM above it. Over.” Rusty explained.
AJ gasped. “Like... aliens? Over.”
“Yeah.” Rusty said. “I can see you guys clearly. You're all looking up, and Kara is crying. I know you guys want to see me, but, well, I need to heal some more, and I have a thing I need to do. Over.”
“A thing?” AJ repeated. “Sweets... I don't understand. And you were hurt? Over.”
“Uh, yeah. That explosion that you guys saw? I was caught in that.” Rusty said honestly, “Long story short, my new alien friend found me, and healed me.” She let out a sigh. “She told me some bad news. There's a mutant army, a hundred strong, at that Old Military base near our house. I'm going to train and, when I'm healed, I need to destroy them. Over.”
“What? Rusty. That's crazy. You'll need help.” AJ said in shock and frustration. “We can help you. Over.”
“Stand by, AJ...” Rusty clicked off the microphone, and looked up at Quen'thira. “Can they help me?”
Quen'thira looked down at Wind. “Your mate seems to be very determined. Even if Rusty says not to help her, One believes that AJ will go help her regardless.”
Rusty nodded. “Yeah. She' stubborn like that.” She sighed. “How long will I need to train for?”
“Two Terran weeks.” Quen'thira answered. “One can beam AJ up to her ship after two weeks, and AJ and Rusty can fight the mutants together.”
Rusty clicked on the microphone. “Okay, AJ. In two weeks, you can join me. Train until then.” She sighed. “Kara?”
AJ held the receiver to her daughter. “Listen to Mom and be a good girl. Be strong for me, okay? Over.”
Kara nodded. “Okay, Mama. I'll be good. You promise... only two weeks. Over.”
“I promise, Kitten.” Rusty nodded. “I love you. I love all of you. Over.”
Her family took turn each say they loved her in return. Rusty clicked off the transmission once she signed off.
She looked up at Quen'thira. “Alright, Quen'thira. What's next?”
…
Under the cover of darkness, Minty walked carefully into King, pulling the loaded metal caravan along behind her. With a huff, she set it down quietly next to the car that she had saw a week ago.
“There...,” She sighed and stretched. “Back where you belong.” She looked around. “Well, where to go from here?”
She looked at her paws. “Can't go back to my vault... I can't go anywhere...” She sighed deeply. “I'm a monster...”
“Heh-heh,” An old man chuckle reached her ears. “You might look like a monster, but you certainly don't act like a monster.”
Minty spun around and spotted an old man sitting on a porch in a rocking chair, and smoking a pipe. He had messy white hair, and an neatly trimmed, long beard.
“I...” Minty gasped. “Please... Sir. Don't hurt me...”
“I tend not to hurt those whom don't deserve it,” He smiled warmly. “Especially one who hauled an entire caravan by herself, for an entire week.”
Minty blinked. “Have... you been following me?”
“Well, not exactly,” The old man chuckled. “I come this way to help with supplies. We just so happened to come at the same time.” His voice and face grew concerned. “Now, what was that you were saying about a place to live?”
The half Death-claw sunk to her knees, “I was c-changed against my will... I didn't want this...” She sobbed, and tears rolled down her cheeks. “I just want to g-g-go somewhere... anywhere... where I won't be judged...”
The old man go off his chair and walked up to the poor girl. Even though she was on her knees, She was still the same height as him. He placed a calming hand on her shoulder. “I know of a place where you can go, Dear. That is, if you're willing to walk a bit further.”
Minty blinked. “Where?”
“Have you heard of Ronto?” He asked kindly.
She nodded yes. “Y-yeah... It's... West of here.”
He reached into his shoulder bag and took out a brown cloak. He draped it over her shoulders. “Go to Ronto. There's a small community that welcomes everyone.”
Minty stood up and lifted the hood over her head. “Thank you, kind Sir. Um, what's your name?”
“I'm known as De Writer,” He answered. “And you are, Dear?”
“Minty,” She smiled through wet eyes. “Is there a place where I could sleep first? I'm exhausted.”
De Writer gestured to his house. “You can sleep in my house until you have recovered. No charge.”
Minty started crying again from the kindness he was showing her, “Th-thank you.”
The very odd couple walked to the house together and entered it. Minty spotted a comfortable couch and laid down on it on her front. She sighed and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the cushion.
De Writer chuckled. “Goodnight, Minty.”
Quen'thira pressed a button on her wrist, and waited.
Rusty grunted and her eyes fluttered open. She blinked her eyes and looked at the tall alien. “Ngh. What happened?”
Quen'thira attempted to smile. “One repaired Rusty to normal operational status. How does she feel?”
Rusty blinked and lifted her arms. Her right arm, up to her shoulder, was completely artificial. Her left arm, was the same, except it was only up to her elbow. She concentrated and managed to move her fingers, opening and closing them into a fist.
“Wow.” She let out a shallow breath, “Your technology is amazing.” She said in awe, “What material are they made from?”
The tall alien shook her head. “One will try to explain to the best of One's ability. Her arms and legs are made from an alloy called neutromium. It does not exist on Terra. It is incredibly strong, durable, and light-weight.” She gestured to Rusty's body. “There is more to her body.”
Rusty used her left arm to move the blanket that was covering the rest of her body. She noticed her new legs, and saw that her both of her artificial legs went up to her thighs. She also noticed that her feet had a big toe, and rest of her toes were one part. As she examined her body, she noticed that she had several, small, round... things embedded in her skin. She reached behind her back, and noticed that she had plates on her spine, and more plugs on either side of her spine.
“Quen'thira?” Rusty asked out of concern. “Wh-what are these things?” She asked as she used her right index finger to prod the one on her left bicep.
The tall alien gently grabbed Rusty's hand to stop her from poking the implant. “That is an interface plug. One will explain in a moment. First; she will eat. Is she able to stand?”
Rusty sat up, and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Slowly, she placed her feet onto the floor, and stood up. She let out a relieved breath as her new lower legs, supported her weight.
“It seems like I am able to stand.” Rusty nodded as she took a step forward. “And walk.”
Quen'thira nodded. “Excellent. Follow One.” She gestured to the open door.
Rusty followed the tall alien out of the room, and into a curved hallway. “Tell me, Quen'thira, why did you save me? Rebuild me?”
Quen'thira looked down at Rusty, being nearly twice her height. “As One said, One's ship was in the outer atmosphere of Terra. One was simply observing Terra's inhabitants. Unlike the Zetans, the other species that have visited Terra, One does not abduct others.”
Rusty blinked and gasped. “Wait... Zetans? Aliens – er – Visitors have come to Earth before you?”
“Affirmative.” Quen'thira answered, “By Terran standards, the Zetans have been abducting and experimenting on Humans between 1603 and 2277. Two years ago, in the year 2287, a lone Zetan scout craft crashed on Terra.”
“Wow.” Rusty said as they enters a small, round chamber. “So, um, previous query; why did you help me?”
“One was curious.” Quen'thira said simply as she and Rusty sat at a small, round, table with two stools attached to the table. “One observed her fight, and was wondering why she sacrificed herself. One also wanted to see if One's technology could repair her.”
“So, you wanted to experiment on me?” Rusty asked in a frustrated tone. “I thought only Zetans did that.”
“Would she have preferred to remain a burnt, badly damaged husk?” Quen'thira asked curiously. “Never to see Terra again? Her family?”
Rusty shrunk back and winced. Quen'thira's tone wasn't hurtful, but her words made her feel bad. “No. I wouldn't.” She smiled weakly. “Thank you. I appreciate all that you have done for me. So, um, you said that I can see my family again?”
“Affirmative.” Quen'thira nodded. “However, she must be patient. Her limbs and implants need time to heal. Her biology also needs time to adjust to her new DNA.” She looked at the table. “What does she wish to consume?”
“Huh?” Rusty asked as she looked at the table and then back at Quen'thira.
“One has an extensive database of Terran food from over a Millennia of study.” She explained. “Simply pose a query to One's computer, and ask for whatever dish she would like.”
Rusty looked at the table. What amazing technology Quen'thira's people seemed to have. She cleared her throat. “Computer?”
The table beeped twice.
“Um... one bowl of Ramen noodles, please?” Rusty blinked as a steaming bowl of Ramen noodles, complete with beef strips, carrots, a slice of egg, kale, mushrooms, and ginger, along with a fork, appeared out of nowhere right in front of her. “Ah!” She grabbed the bowl and started eating.
Quen'thira let out a throaty groan, which seemed to be her version of a laugh. “It is called a food synthesizer. It is rather complicated to explain how it works.” She 'smiled' “It can produce any food or beverage that one could want.”
Rusty swallowed a large mouthful of noodles and looked at the table. “Um... computer.” The table beeped again. “One glass of water, please. Cold.”
A glass of water, about 470 milliliters, appeared before her. She grabbed it an sipped it. She hummed in pleasure and refreshment. “Wow. Non-radiated water. So delicious.”
Quen'thira blinked her four eyes. “Hm. Your planet's water is severely irradiated. Only small samples of pure water can be found.”
Rusty nodded. “And it's never cold. Always room temperature.”
She finished her food and water. Once she was done, Quen'thira looked at the dishes.
“Computer. Delete dishes.” She said simply.
Rusty watched as the dishes simply vanished as quickly was they appeared. “What the...?”
“The ship recycles all material in order to create other matter.” The alien explained. “Come. We have work to do.”
The two females stood up and walked out of the room. They continued down the hall, and entered another room. It looked like a science lab, much like the institute used.
Quen'thira looked at Rusty. “One suspects that Rusty would like to know about the changes to her body, correct?”
“I would.” Rusty nodded.
“Well, as you know, One had to introduce One's DNA into her DNA to wake up your cells. Her own cells were trying to heal her, as best as they could, however, it would have taken... 20 Terran years in order to heal her themselves.” Quen'thira said. “So, One brought you up to One's ship to accelerate the process.”
“Twenty years?” Rusty gasped. “I...” She looked at her hands. “What about my arms and legs?”
“Her extremities were beyond repair and healing. Seared and fused at the atomic level. She would not have been able to regrow them.” Quen'thira explained.
“And these... interface plugs?” Rusty asked.
Quen'thira walked over to a computer and clicked some flat buttons showing weird symbols. A life-size hologram of Rusty suddenly appeared in the middle of them room. The tall alien walked over to it.
“The plugs are tied to her nervous system.” She said as the plugs highlighted on the hologram. “In time, when she is healed, and once One knows that she is ready, she will be given an interface suit.”
“A... what?” Rusty asked curiously.
Quen'thira pressed a button on her wrist. A cylindrical, four-foot wide, container raised from the floor, showing Rusty a black and gray suit. It was very slick looking. Rusty walked over to it and examined it closely. It had plugs and spine armor that lined up with the plugs and spine armor on her. She also noticed it had reinforced foot-pads, elbows and knees.
“You're giving me a combat suit?” She asked Quen'thira.
The tall alien walked over to the suit and looked down at Rusty. “The suit could be used for combat, certainly, however, that is not the main purpose for it. This suit will enhance your reflexes and strength 10 fold.”
Rusty gasped. “It will make me stronger and faster? Even more than I am?”
Quen'thira nodded. “Affirmative.”
The cat/otter/alien girl shook her head in awe. “Are... you going to train me for something?”
Quen'thira looked down at Rusty. She pressed yet another button on her wrist. A holographic projection of Earth appeared. “This is where One found Rusty.” A small spot on the map highlighted. “Near the spot is a former Terran Military base. This is where the mutants, as She called them, came from.”
Rusty nodded. “I figured as much. How many mutants are there?”
Quen'thira shook her head. “A hundred. There is an odd signal coming from the base as well. One knows that 200 Terran years ago, a group of Mutants were lead by a leader that was called “The Master”.” She explained. “A similar physic signal was read back then as well.”
Rusty swore under her breath. “A friend of mine told me about the Master.” She set her jaw. “If I'm going up against an... army of Super Mutants and their leader, I'm going to need armor and weapons.”
Quen'thira 'smiled'. “She will have those. She need not worry.”
“Also, I need to communicate with my Family. Let them know I'm safe.” Rusty said. “That's the price I ask for my help.”
“Price?” Quen'thira repeated. She thought for a second. “Ah. She means to bargain with One. There is no need for such negotiation.” She turned the globe off, and gestured for Rusty to follower her.
They walked out of the lab, and into the hall again. After a few seconds, they entered a large bridge area.
Rusty gasped as she saw the main view screen. For the first time, she saw Earth and how damaged and brown it was. She saw glowing patches, and was surprised that the radiation from all the nuclear bombs was still present in dense areas. She looked at Quen'thira.
“I never knew how bad...” She shook her head. “I... do you think we'll ever survive? Is there any hope?”
Quen'thira placed her right hand on Rusty's right shoulder. “One can not say for certain. So long as Terrans do not make the same mistake One's race did.”
Rusty looked up at her. “Huh?”
Quen'thira looked down at her. “There is a reason One is called One.”
The short girl nodded in understanding. “So, um, how can I send a message to my Family?”
Quen'thira walked over to a console, and pressed some buttons. “One found Rusty's family. They arrived at King.”
Rusty walked over to the console and stood next to Quen'thira. “How did you find them?”
“One had a drone follow them.” She pressed a button, and a small screen turned one, showing a birds-eye view of the small town of King.
Rusty saw the car that she and her family had rebuilt. The picture zoomed in, and she saw Vix under the hood trying to fix something. She saw Oni and Kara standing next to her, handing her tools as she needed them.
“There's a CB radio in the car.” Rusty said. “Can you-”
Quen'thira pressed a button and a microphone popped out of the console. “Go ahead and speak, Rusty.”
Rusty's heart beat quickly as she spoke into the microphone. “Vix. Come in. Can you hear me? Over.”
Kara's ears perked up and she ran to the side of the car, and flung open the door. She disappeared inside of the car, and suddenly, Rusty heard her voice.
“Mama?” the kitten asked, her voice filled with hope and happy tears. “Mama is that you, over?”
Rusty's eyes filled with tears. “Hi, Baby. Yeah. It's me. Are... are you guys okay? Over.”
“We're all okay.” Kara sobbed. “Mama... we saw the explosion. Are... are you okay? Over.”
“I'm okay, Kitten.” Rusty swallowed hard. “Is Mom around? Over.”
“Mom is with Auntie Silver.” Kara said. “I'll go get her. Over.”
Rusty saw her run out of the car, and run to a nearby house. While she did that, Vix hopped into the car and Rusty heard her over the radio.
“Rusty?” Vix said in shock. “Dang, girl. We were so worried for ya. Where are you? Over.”
“That's... kinda complicated.” Rusty answered. “I-”
She saw Silver, Kara, and AJ run out of the house, and gather around the car. Vix climbed out of the car, bringing the microphone out with her. She handed it to AJ.
“Rusty?” AJ said shakily. “You're alive? Over.”
“Yeah, Babe. I'm alive.” Rusty said. “Vix asked where I was. I need you guys to look up.”
Her family looked up at the sky. Even Silver did.
“Do you guys see anything in the sky?” Rusty asked. “Over.”
Kara pointed up as she easily spotted the drone. AJ spotted it as well.
“Yeah, Sweets.” AJ said. “What is it? Over.”
“I know this might be hard to believe, but, um... I'm not exactly on Earth. I'm safe, but, well, I'm on a space ship about 40,000 KM above it. Over.” Rusty explained.
AJ gasped. “Like... aliens? Over.”
“Yeah.” Rusty said. “I can see you guys clearly. You're all looking up, and Kara is crying. I know you guys want to see me, but, well, I need to heal some more, and I have a thing I need to do. Over.”
“A thing?” AJ repeated. “Sweets... I don't understand. And you were hurt? Over.”
“Uh, yeah. That explosion that you guys saw? I was caught in that.” Rusty said honestly, “Long story short, my new alien friend found me, and healed me.” She let out a sigh. “She told me some bad news. There's a mutant army, a hundred strong, at that Old Military base near our house. I'm going to train and, when I'm healed, I need to destroy them. Over.”
“What? Rusty. That's crazy. You'll need help.” AJ said in shock and frustration. “We can help you. Over.”
“Stand by, AJ...” Rusty clicked off the microphone, and looked up at Quen'thira. “Can they help me?”
Quen'thira looked down at Wind. “Your mate seems to be very determined. Even if Rusty says not to help her, One believes that AJ will go help her regardless.”
Rusty nodded. “Yeah. She' stubborn like that.” She sighed. “How long will I need to train for?”
“Two Terran weeks.” Quen'thira answered. “One can beam AJ up to her ship after two weeks, and AJ and Rusty can fight the mutants together.”
Rusty clicked on the microphone. “Okay, AJ. In two weeks, you can join me. Train until then.” She sighed. “Kara?”
AJ held the receiver to her daughter. “Listen to Mom and be a good girl. Be strong for me, okay? Over.”
Kara nodded. “Okay, Mama. I'll be good. You promise... only two weeks. Over.”
“I promise, Kitten.” Rusty nodded. “I love you. I love all of you. Over.”
Her family took turn each say they loved her in return. Rusty clicked off the transmission once she signed off.
She looked up at Quen'thira. “Alright, Quen'thira. What's next?”
…
Under the cover of darkness, Minty walked carefully into King, pulling the loaded metal caravan along behind her. With a huff, she set it down quietly next to the car that she had saw a week ago.
“There...,” She sighed and stretched. “Back where you belong.” She looked around. “Well, where to go from here?”
She looked at her paws. “Can't go back to my vault... I can't go anywhere...” She sighed deeply. “I'm a monster...”
“Heh-heh,” An old man chuckle reached her ears. “You might look like a monster, but you certainly don't act like a monster.”
Minty spun around and spotted an old man sitting on a porch in a rocking chair, and smoking a pipe. He had messy white hair, and an neatly trimmed, long beard.
“I...” Minty gasped. “Please... Sir. Don't hurt me...”
“I tend not to hurt those whom don't deserve it,” He smiled warmly. “Especially one who hauled an entire caravan by herself, for an entire week.”
Minty blinked. “Have... you been following me?”
“Well, not exactly,” The old man chuckled. “I come this way to help with supplies. We just so happened to come at the same time.” His voice and face grew concerned. “Now, what was that you were saying about a place to live?”
The half Death-claw sunk to her knees, “I was c-changed against my will... I didn't want this...” She sobbed, and tears rolled down her cheeks. “I just want to g-g-go somewhere... anywhere... where I won't be judged...”
The old man go off his chair and walked up to the poor girl. Even though she was on her knees, She was still the same height as him. He placed a calming hand on her shoulder. “I know of a place where you can go, Dear. That is, if you're willing to walk a bit further.”
Minty blinked. “Where?”
“Have you heard of Ronto?” He asked kindly.
She nodded yes. “Y-yeah... It's... West of here.”
He reached into his shoulder bag and took out a brown cloak. He draped it over her shoulders. “Go to Ronto. There's a small community that welcomes everyone.”
Minty stood up and lifted the hood over her head. “Thank you, kind Sir. Um, what's your name?”
“I'm known as De Writer,” He answered. “And you are, Dear?”
“Minty,” She smiled through wet eyes. “Is there a place where I could sleep first? I'm exhausted.”
De Writer gestured to his house. “You can sleep in my house until you have recovered. No charge.”
Minty started crying again from the kindness he was showing her, “Th-thank you.”
The very odd couple walked to the house together and entered it. Minty spotted a comfortable couch and laid down on it on her front. She sighed and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the cushion.
De Writer chuckled. “Goodnight, Minty.”
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