Chapitre 16: Reasonable Doubt
"Is this what you do, monsieur?"
"My name is Nate, Curie. But what do you mean?"
"Helping people. Is that what you do?"
"Well, yeah. I thought that was obvious."
"Apologies. I just don't know what this Minuteman or Minutemen is. But you helped me, you helped the people of the vault, you have helped the people in Bunker Hill. Now you are helping that old man find his daughter. Are there more like you in the Commonwealth?"
"I like to think there are, Curie. But, as I'm sure you've noticed, there are also plenty of people out there who want to make people miserable or worse."
"I had no idea what the surface would be like within the world. I could only make assumptions and guess as to what effect the radiation would have on the world at large. I admit, I thought after two centuries, there would be more progress."
"Problem with that, Curie, is that billions probably died when the bombs dropped, and Vault-Tec were not protecting people like they were supposed to do. So the unfortunate bastards left on the surface had had to deal with god knows what for two hundred years. Quite frankly, I'm amazed there are as many people alive as we've found."
"What of this Brotherhood, Scribe Haylen? What do they hope to achieve?"
"Find pre-war technology and prevent it being used to cause another dose of armageddon."
Curie and Haylen started a rather technical conversation about what Curie had been doing in the vault, then comparing it to experiments Haylen had performed over the years, so I led the way in my armour, keeping a watch and listening out for anyone approaching, but our progress to Diamond City was generally unbothered, which was a welcome change, though we had taken a longer route to avoid the ruins of central Boston. Didn't particularly want to deal with all those problems just yet.
That meant we spent most of the day walking from Bunker Hill to Diamond City, still arriving with light in the sky, but there was no chance we'd be leaving before the next morning. Leaving my armour in its usual place, we headed towards Nick's place first. Ellie looked up from her desk soon as I walked through the door, and I found myself being kissed rather passionately within a few seconds. Enough that even I started to blush as I thought it might be awkward.
Making introductions, Haylen and Ellie… well, no wonder I liked both of them as they were incredibly sweet. Ellie figured out very quickly that Haylen and I were intimate, suggesting she was a very lucky woman. Haylen didn't know whether to ask or not, so Ellie confessed we hadn't. Yet.
Once all sat around the desk, drinks poured, cigarette in hand, I explained to Nick what Old Man Stockton had asked of me. Though he had a couple of cases, he found my one far more interesting than anything else he was dealing with, so he asked if I was wanting to leave the next day, unless I had other plans, a not so subtle gesture towards Ellie, though he might have meant Piper too.
Haylen twigged quicker than anyone. "I might go see Piper," she said.
"Why don't we all meet at the Dugout?" I asked.
Everyone agreed that was a good idea. Even Curie, who seemed to enjoy just listening into our conversations. Piper was at home, and was grateful to be taken away from her terminal, admitting she'd been quite busy since I'd last seen her. Gathered together in the Dugout a few minutes later, I purchased a couple of bottles of liquor plus some snacks, taking over two of the couches. I found myself sat between Ellie and Piper, the latter making plenty of very quiet suggestions in my ear about what I should do to her later that night. I could only look at her in surprise.
"Oh please, like you're not thinking it already," she said.
"I'm just glad he's back, Piper. I won't be denying myself again."
I now turned towards her, Ellie looked at me with such a smile, I swear my heart stopped a moment. "Can I bunk with you tonight, Piper?" Haylen asked.
"Sleeping or…?"
Haylen grinned. "Well, if Nate isn't available tonight…"
Nick started to laugh, looking at me. "Look at what you've started. Not only do these two obviously adore you, but my secretary talks about you constantly."
"Nick…" Ellie whispered, gently pushing him in the shoulder.
We relaxed, talking about anything that came to mind, the booze not disappearing very quickly, enjoying the occasional cigarette. A favourite topic was about life before the war, of course, though at times like that, they didn't ask too many questions about my wife. Generally, about what Boston was like, and just life in general. I could tell them about growing up, but as I'd spent so long in the army, I'd only been civilian for around a year and a half before everything changed.
Piper was the first to make a move, suggesting to Haylen they should head back to her place, inviting Curie at the same time. Piper had agreed quickly to join us in visiting Covenant the next day, remembering the bad vibes she'd felt when walking past it, and now left wondering what we would find. Both kissed my cheek before they disappeared, Curie following them quite happily. Whether they'd fool around or not wasn't my business.
"I'm just going to stay here," Nick said, "I obviously don't need to sleep."
Ellie wished him goodnight, grabbed my hand, and practically dragged me back to their place. Once inside and around the corner where her bed was located, the desire we both felt to get naked and do other things was almost overwhelming. What I didn't expect was for her to drop to her knees without hesitation. Noticing my look of surprise, she returned nothing but a sweet smile.
"I've thought about doing this ever since that night," she admitted, "And I like to think I have some talent."
She did. She really did. She used only her tongue first, up and down my shaft, teasing me constantly, before she slowly took some of my cock in her mouth, ever so slowly bobbing up and down. Running my fingers through her hair earned a smile that lit up her eyes. "I'll return the favour soon," I whispered, the light in her eyes simply brightening.
I enjoyed every second, and I like to think she did too. Her eye contact was something else, trusting her skill, plus the fact every sound I made was positive, so her eyes constantly looked up into mine, and the lust and desire in hers to please me simply turned me on even more. I soon had to warn her I was close. The fact she grabbed a nearby bin didn't concern me at all.
Groaning loudly, she giggled when I did finally cum, making sure I didn't grab her hair too tightly. Once I was empty, she pulled her mouth away to spit it out before happily swallowing my cock again, licking up and down my shaft again quite a few times before she happily sat back on her knees. Helping her to her feet, I kissed her immediately, feeling her body mould into mine, before I pulled back slightly, caressing her cheek.
"I loved it," I whispered.
"I loved doing it."
Lying her down on the bed, I wasted no time returning the favour. Barely an inch of her body remained untouched. Pale skin. Perfect breasts for her frame. Natural brunette. Great pair of legs. Scent drove me wild. Once I had my mouth between her legs, she cared little about any noise she made. By the time I was in my groove, most of Diamond City probably heard her.
Once my fingers got to work, that was it. I never said I could guarantee an orgasm, though I would admit disappointment if I failed. One of those things as a man, aware that women didn't just cum by sliding your cock inside them. She tasted divine, letting her know more than once, earning more than one moan of appreciation, and once I had a couple of fingers inside her, finding that special spot, she just wanted more and more.
Crawling up after she asked me to stop, I rested on my forearms, watching her breathing before she opened her eyes and smiled. "Knew there was something about you the moment you walked through that door the first time," she whispered.
"I like to make a good first impression."
She reached down, feeling her soft fingers wrap around my shaft, guiding my cock inside her. Once I was buried, I felt one of her legs wrap around me, her heel resting on my lower back. I didn't move for a few minutes as we shared plenty of soft kisses. Just like Piper, Haylen and even Gwen, I found myself liking her a hell of a lot already.
"Now I know why Piper is always smiling," she said, giving me a cheeky grin, "That's one fantastic cock inside me right now."
"I'm not sure what to say without it sounding… cheesy."
"Like my pussy, Nate?"
"God yes."
"Been a long time since I've had a man like you inside me. Far too long." I caressed her cheek, earning a smile. "I've learned to be choosy with my lovers. But I know I've made a great choice here and now."
She soon removed her heel from my lower back, instead thinking resting both her legs against my shoulders would be best for both of us. It felt utterly fantastic for me, and she was soon begging me to fuck her harder and faster. I had been expecting something different, but if that's what she wanted, I wasn't going to say no. Her legs soon ended up being spread as wide as possible, our mouths rarely parting, fingers digging into my back as we just… fucked.
Once I'd cum, and we'd both caught our breath, she turned around onto her knees, glancing back, wiggling her cute little butt in my direction. Inside her once again, she asked me to crouch and lean forward. Doing that left me feeling rather dominant. "What do you want, Miss Perkins?" I whispered into her ear.
"You," she breathed in return, "Just… fuck me, Nate."
"Play with yourself at the same time. I want to feel you cum too."
She kissed my cheek as I started to slowly thrust into her. Didn't take long to build up a tempo we both enjoyed. In the confines of the small room, the air was heavy with the scent of sex and sweat. I was dripping with it. Her skin glistened in the light provided. No idea how long we fucked in that position, eventually feeling her lower herself almost flat on the bed, ensuring her arse was raised just enough that I could really drive into her while she could still fondle herself. Soon as she had an orgasm, that pretty much set me off. Both of us breathing heavily, I kissed up her back, neck and onto her cheek. "Holy shit," I muttered.
"Definitely worth waiting for," she said with a giggle, "Going to visit Diamond City often?"
"Yes."
"Good."
Sitting back a couple of minutes later, we enjoyed a cigarette and a drink, wrapping an arm around her waist as she leaned into my side. I glanced at her every so often as the silence was comfortable, seeing nothing but a smile on her face that didn't disappear for a second. She eventually looked my way and kissed me, suggesting sleep would be a good idea.
We made love in the morning before getting up, dressed, enjoying a coffee and another cigarette when Nick came strolling in, simply to check if we were up and about yet. Noticing we were, we discussed what we were going to do, though it was obvious Ellie and I were still distracted. She headed out, stating she just wanted to have a quick wash before I left, leaving me alone with Nick.
"Haven't seen a smile on her face like that in a long time, Nate."
"She's… just lovely, Nick. Not sure how to put it, to be honest."
"Just don't hurt her. She's…"
"Nick…"
He met my eyes. "You're a good man, Nate. And life is obviously different now. I see how Piper looks at you. And Haylen is… well, I'm not sure if she's said how she really feels, but I think it's obvious. Ellie isn't only my secretary. I care for her in my own way, don't want to see her hurt. I know you won't deliberately, but considering the life you lead outside of romance…"
"Ah…"
"Yeah, I'm not worried about your lovers. You're certainly not the only man, or woman, to have more than one. But your idea of taking on raiders, gunners and the other enemies. Ellie isn't the only one who no doubt worries."
"I don't plan on dying yet, Nick. And I have friends who help keep me alive."
He met my eyes and a grin formed. "Covenant today?" I nodded. "I do enjoy a good mystery. Hope this one actually had a happy ending though."
Ellie returned a few minutes later as Nick and I prepared to leave. Nick gave us privacy as she wished me good luck and farewell. Gently caressing her cheek with my right hand, the look in her eyes told me everything she was feeling at that moment. She liked me immensely, but now worried about me because of those feelings. Guess Nick had a right to be concerned.
"I'll be back soon," I assured her, "We're going to Covenant. Once we find out what's going on there, we're going to help somewhere called Greygarden, then clear a place called the Combat Zone. And I'll be in power armour most of the time. Unless someone had a missile launcher, I'll be fine."
"You'd better be, otherwise I'll kick your arse."
We shared one last kiss, feeling her body mould against mine again, pulling her tight in my arms. Got to admit, I'd liked her from the moment we'd met, and now that we'd finally been intimate, I only liked her even more. Telling me to look after Nick as well, I met him outside, walking towards Piper's house, Haylen, Curie and Piper already packed and ready to go.
Stepping into my power armour, I did take a moment to look at my companions and had to ask, "Any of you want power armour going forward? I've asked our scouts to look."
"You'll protect us, Blue."
"And your Minutemen are going to need all the suits you can find," Haylen added.
"Okay, let's head out. Covenant is quite a walk. Head towards Cambridge, north-east through there, then if the bridge is still standing, we'll cut quite a bit of time off our journey."
Crossing the bridge towards Cambridge, we walked past the police station, Haylen glancing perhaps once at the front doors, but made no suggestion that she wanted to stop and say hello. Turning right at College Square, we followed the road before turning north so we could reach the bridge, which was still standing and in relatively good condition, much to our relief.
I was surprised raiders didn't control all crossing points across the Commonwealth, charging 'tolls' to cross but I guess they weren't actually that smart. Covenant came into view, bringing us to a halt some distance away. Piper admitted she still felt that vibe that not all was what it seemed. From a distance, in my mind, it looked a safe and secure settlement, but for some reason, it gave her the heebie-jeebies.
But we agreed that entering Covenant first, getting the lay of the land and speaking to some inhabitants, would be the best idea before we started investigating the situation regarding Stockton's caravan. There was no point delaying further, so I led us towards the gates. Our approach was noted by the lone guard, who stood as we walked towards him.
Making sure none of us carried a weapon, I noticed his eyes look over all of us. Despite being in power armour, he wasn't all that bothered by me. Piper and Haylen earned a brief glance, as did Curie. But Nick earned a glare that bordered on hate filled, mixed with the sort of fear that I was left wondering if he was going to piss himself.
I walked by him, leaving my power armour by the front gate as I stepped out of it, popping the core as always before I approached him. "Who are you?" he asked.
"Nate Shepard. Commonwealth Minuteman. With me are Piper and Haylen. Curie is the robot. The battered looking synth is Nick Valentine."
"Valentine? Heard that name before. Diamond City, right?"
"Correct," Nick replied.
The man looked back at me. "What brings you to Covenant?"
I figured honesty was the best policy. "Someone named Stockton at Bunker Hill has asked me to investigate a matter regarding his missing daughter. It was suggested I should start here."
"Well, while I'm sure people would be willing to help, we don't just let anyone walk into Covenant." He gestured to the walls, razor wire and turrets. "As you can see, we take our safety seriously here."
"Understandable, considering the state of the Commonwealth. How do we gain access?"
"Since you seem to be the one leading your gaggle, you'll need to pass something we call the SAFE test. Just a series of questions with multiple choice answers. It's a way we have of weeding out undesirables."
"A test just to enter a settlement? Seems a bit like overkill," Piper muttered.
"There are good reasons as to why. But our safety is paramount," the man replied, "Follow me into my little office and we can get the test started."
There were nine questions in total. Most of them were bizarre, putting it mildly. No idea what they were looking for, but despite what I was like when it came to dealing with the enemy, I liked to believe I was an empathetic person. Looked after the young and the elderly, and tried to do the right thing… unless you were a raider, Gunner or another enemy of the Commonwealth.
Guess I passed the test though, as despite seeming to surprise him with one or two responses, perhaps expecting something different, he told me I passed the test, which would allow us to enter Covenant. He told us we could trade if we wished, but also let me know that another visitor had arrived recently, also with questions about Stockton's daughter and her caravan.
Walking through the gates, Piper took me by the arm, "Don't like this, Blue. Doesn't something seem a little… off to you."
"No idea."
"Think you said it best, Piper," Haylen added quietly, "Are they keeping people out? Or are they holding people in?"
Stopping a few steps inside the gates to have a look around, the first thing I had to admit was that it looked positively pre-war. Each house was in almost perfect condition. Fresh coat of paint. No missing parts or gaping holes. Windows were clean and unbroken. Could hear a generator running that likely provided power to things like lights and perhaps a terminal or two.
"Positively quaint," I murmured, "If you ignore the imposing walls."
Our arrival had been noted by some of the residents, none of them coming up to say hello, but most would meet my eyes and return a somewhat friendly nod. Walking into the middle of the settlement, it didn't take long for someone to approach us, a man dressed in leather armour, no doubt a mercenary, and I assumed he was the one originally sent by Stockton.
"You sent by Stockton?" I asked him.
"Yeah. I'm Dan." He paused and sighed. "Ah, shit. Has he sent a replacement?"
"No. He's sent us as further help." I gestured towards Nick. "And he's a detective."
Dan looked at Nick, noticing the eyes widen. "Shit, they actually let him in?"
"What makes you say that?"
"Look around you, think all this is to keep out a few raiders? Nah, these people are scared shitless of synths."
"They told you that?"
"Put two and two together, generally get four. Sure you've already felt how weird this place is?"
"That's not how I'd put it," Piper murmured, "Place is already creeping me out. False smiles but something about the eyes. Just all wrong."
"What can you tell me?"
He looked around before he stepped closer. "These people are full of shit, that's what I've learned. I know for a fact Stockton's caravan passed by here and traded with them. This place is part of a regular route taken by all caravans as they journey across the Commonwealth. I have their itinerary from Stockton and this was their first stop after leaving Bunker Hill. They've flat out denied it ever made it here."
"Have you found it?"
"Yeah." He gestured vaguely. "Fucking massacre. Bodies of people and brahmin everywhere. Whoever attacked it knew what they were doing."
"Maybe we should take a look at it, Nate," Nick suggested.
"Good idea. What are you going to do, Dan?"
"Honestly? I have a feeling I'm overstaying my welcome. No-one will talk to me now, but I'm not leaving without learning where Amelia is. I owe Stockton that much."
"Piper, since you're a journalist, I'm sure you're good at getting information out of people. Why don't you work your magic? Haylen, you could probably help her, act all innocent."
Piper snorted in amusement but agreed it was perhaps best, Nick and I turned and heading out of Covenant, turning right and towards the crossroads, where we had previously headed east. Turning right again, the attacked sight was only a short walk away. Dead brahmin. Dead bodies. Signs of a gunfight. Blood splatters on the road. Evidence the caravan had been ransacked. And a couple of cans of something called 'Deezer's Lemonade'. Considering I hadn't enjoyed a lemonade since before the bombs dropped, I was tempted to open one of them.
Crouching next to the dead brahmin, Nick glanced my way. "Well, there is little chance Covenant wouldn't have heard the attack. Shell casings everywhere. And the weapons carried by the guards had been fired in return. And I can see the blood trail leading that way." He gestured towards Covenant. "Nate, something is going on here. Why attack the caravan? And where is Amelia? None of these bodies match the description Stockton gave you."
"So Covenant has something to hide. But what?"
"Honestly, that SAFE test? Weird. Very weird. And in the short time we've spent inside those walls, their attitudes just seemed forced. False. Like it was all for show. Done this job long enough to read people. Dan wore his heart on his sleeve. Hiding nothing. Someone like young Haylen is the same. Can read her like a book."
"Ah…"
"But we'll worry about that later." Taking a few steps away, he lit a cigarette, offering me one and lighting it, both of us just smoking in silence for a couple of minutes. "I like a good mystery, Nate, but what the hell are we involved in here?"
"Guess we should walk back and find out."
We found further evidence of blood being spilled as we left the road on the way back to the settlement. Walking through the gates, there was no sign of Piper or Haylen, so we approached Dan, letting him know what we found. When I showed him the cans we found, he almost had an apoplectic fit, he was so angry. We managed to calm him down as I thought he was going to start shooting people.
"Deezer is that fucking robot over yonder," he growled, "Keeps trying to sell me these fucking cans. This proves they were here! So why the lie?"
"Let's see what Piper finds out. I learned very quickly she can get information from people rather easily," Nick suggested.
The three of stood by a tree in the shade, enjoying a cigarette, though the conversation was minimal at best. Haylen eventually walked out of a nearby house, telling us she'd been speaking to the resident doctor. Nothing to really share other than she was left thinking the people of Covenant were just a little weird.
Then Piper returned with news of her own. The look on her face suggested something wasn't right. Asking for a cigarette, I noticed her hand shaking as I lit it for her, all of us waiting in silence as she took a couple of long draws before she finally told us. "Covenant is a front for something. These people… something happened to them. Definitely something to do with synths. Explains why you're getting what would be considered death glares, Nick."
"So did they attack the caravan?" I asked.
"I'm not one hundred percent sure on that, Blue. But I do know where any survivors could be. Somewhere called the Compound."
"Know where it is?"
"No. But I bet someone around here knows. Or if not someone, then we'll find something that'll tell us."
"I suggest a word with the mayor of this settlement," Haylen said, "Perhaps he can be convinced."
That was perhaps the only option available, so our entire group went looking for the mayor. We hadn't spoken to him yet, but after being pointed in his direction, I watched the colour drain from his face as he saw us approach, though he recovered himself quickly.
"Mayor Jacob Orden. And you are?"
"Major Nathan Shepard. Commonwealth Minutemen."
"Minute…" He sighed, glancing over the rest of the people around me. "What do you plan on doing to us?"
"Guilty conscience?" Piper spat.
"No. Not guilty, but I knew someone would eventually come asking questions." He glanced away from me before returning his eyes. "I assume you're here about the Stockton woman?"
Dan must have been ready to start swinging, as looked back to see Nick grabbing his shoulder and then leading him away outside. Piper stood next to me, folding her arms, trying to look angry. Haylen did the same thing on my other side. "We know she stopped here, Orden," I said, "They bought some of the robot's lemonade. And one of your residents has confirmed the name of somewhere called the Compound. What you're going to do is tell us where it is."
He looked ready to argue, but it was either the look in my eyes or my body language that made him fold easily. With another sigh, he asked us to follow him, out the gates and across to the shore of the lake. He pointed to the opposite side. "See those pipes there? The middle one is an access tunnel. The Compound is inside. You're looking for Doctor Roslyn Chambers. She'll explain everything, why Covenant exists and what the objective of the Compound is."
"And is Amelia Stockton there?"
"She is. But for a good reason. Chambers will explain it. One suggestion, you can choose to accept the advice or not. But go in without weapons. You do, the reception will at least be inquisitive and, more importantly, non-violent. Go in armed, and you will be fired upon." He met my eyes. "And I would suggest not using your power armour."
I was tempted to suggest we could easily be killed entering a pipe, so I wasn't going to take everyone with me. Dan was far too emotional, so I was going to leave him behind. And considering the matter at the heart of everything seemed to be about synths, leaving Nick behind was probably the best idea. So I'd take Piper and Haylen with me, and simply hope for the best.
Explaining this to Dan and Nick upon returning, Dan wasn't happy about being left behind. Nick understood immediately, and also knew why I was leaving Dan back with him. I told Dan that he was going to get paid either way, but I was going to handle this the way I wanted. He grumbled for a few minutes before he agreed, stating that if we were not back by midnight, he'd come looking for us the next morning. That was something I could at least agree to.
Orden might have suggested entering without a weapon in hand, but that didn't mean I was going without a weapon or two ready to go. Piper and Haylen were also going armed, leaving last minute instructions with Nick in the event things went pear-shaped. Walking around the lake took a couple of hours, and our feet did get wet as we found the entrance to the drainage pipe. The smell once we managed to get inside was rather overpowering, Piper and Haylen both complaining as we made our way forward.
It didn't take long to be greeted by bright lights, a couple of turrets and at least half a dozen armed and armoured guards. At least they didn't have weapons in hand, and the fact we didn't have weapons seemed to immediately calm the situation, though calling them suspicious would be a considerable understatement.
"Orden sent word you were coming. Ordinarily, I'd just shoot you where you stand, dump your bodies in the lake, and not worry about you. But Orden says you're a Minuteman, and we don't particularly want trouble with your lot. So I'll ask you; what do you want?"
"We know you have Amelia Stockton. I want to know what you're doing to her and why. Orden said Roslyn Chambers was in control here. I'd like to speak to her please."
He smirked. "Manners. Here I was expecting threats and orders."
I shrugged. "We're out-numbered and out-gunned. I'm not an idiot. And it would be better for all of us if we could find a peaceful resolution."
"What's your name?"
"Nate. This is Piper, and this is Haylen."
"Very well. Follow me, the three of you. Keep your hands where I can them at least."
The smell slowly disappeared, or perhaps we just got used to it. Basing a scientific research facility in what had once been a sewer system wouldn't have been my first choice, but I guess when you wanted to work in secret, no-one was really going to come investigating abandoned sewers unless they had a good reason.
My first impression of Doctor Chambers was she wasn't quite all there. A screw loose. Obsessed with synths and the idea that they walked among us. It left the three of us with plenty of questions. Piper, being the investigative journalist, took the lead, which I appreciated it, figuring she would certainly know the right questions to ask.
"So what is Covenant?" she asked, "On the surface, all appears rosy. But it's a false front. They're obviously not synths so who are they?"
"Covenant is many things," Chambers replied, "A refuge for the broken people left in the wake of the Institute's rampages. A place of safety and healing."
"They were attacked by synths?" Haylen asked.
"Over the years, we've recruited like-minded individuals. All of our lives shattered by the Institute," Chambers added, "Covenant is primarily about administering and refining the SAFE test. But some consider the humanitarian side equally as important."
"And you would be one of those lives?" Piper wondered.
Chambers nodded. "In Diamond City, a lifetime ago, my parents and eight others were massacred by someone. At first we thought the maniac was human. But that was the day we learned of the Institute's latest creations. The synths. As long as the Institute walks invisibly amongst us, they strike without warning and control us from the shadows."
"But not all synths are killers," I suggested, "From what I've heard, there are even groups out there that are helping synths escape the Institute."
"Any group sympathetic to the synth cause needs to be eliminated alongside the very synths they claim to protect."
I sighed. There was no chance she was going to be convinced otherwise. "Okay, the one question I have that matters. How can you be sure Amelia Stockton is a synth?" I wondered.
"There is a seventy percent chance she is a synth," she replied.
"So a thirty percent chance she isn't," Haylen immediately retorted, "You cannot justify killing people without being one hundred percent sure. Innocent people will be murdered."
"What about her father?" I asked.
"His daughter is dead," Chambers stated, "The synth that looks like his daughter replaced her likely a long time ago."
"But is she really that dangerous?" I countered, "Seems to me she believes she's Amelia and she is his daughter, as much as he is her father. Let me bring him here so they can talk. You said seventy percent chance. What if he doesn't care that his daughter is now a synth?"
"Not his choice to make."
"But it is," Haylen retorted, "As there's a thirty percent chance she's human, and unless you start cutting her up, that is far too large."
"Beyond a reasonable doubt," I added, "That is what is expected in a court of law. The burden of proof is on you, Chambers. Not us. Not the girl. Seventy percent would not see a conviction in a court of law. Your SAFE test seems to provide circumstantial evidence at best."
"There are no courts here."
"But you claim to be civilised. And one basis of a civilisation is justice. There is justice here. Let me bring Stockton here. Let him speak to her. And if he believes she is his daughter, then who is being harmed?"
"Synths are dangerous."
I strode forward, walking past the doctor towards the line of cages. Only one contained a person, Amelia sat on a bed, raising her eyes to mind. She was utterly terrified. "Are you a synth?"
"No!" she shouted, tears immediately starting to fall, "I don't know how many times you people are going to ask the same questions. I'm as human as anyone here. I just want my dad…" She stood up and walked towards the bars, reaching through to grab my forearm, making me meet her eyes. "I'm Amelia Stockton. I. Am. Not. A. Synth." She started to sob. "Please," she whispered, "I just want to go home…"
I took both her hands in mine and met her eyes again. I knew synths today were nothing like Nick. That they were meant to look human. Nothing about the woman in front of me suggested anything except she was a human being like everyone else. And, quite frankly, even if she was a synth, I wasn't standing there thinking, if released, she was suddenly going to murder everyone.
Patting her hand, I turned and walked back towards Chambers. "You're not killing her," I said, "Your test is not one hundred percent accurate. There is far too large a margin of error. I'm surprised a doctor such as yourself would work and make decisions outside such margins."
"She could be a danger to the Commonwealth!"
I scoffed. "What? A young woman behind bars, scared for her life? Frankly, the only monster here at the moment is you. I wonder how many innocents you have murdered. I understand why you're doing this, it certainly explains what the people in Covenant behave like they do. But what you're doing isn't right, doctor. If you wish to continue your fight against synths, I can't stop you. But I will stop you killing innocent people. So refine your test until you can be categorically sure the person in question is a synth. And I mean beyond a reasonable doubt." I gestured to the cage. "Is it beyond a reasonable doubt that the woman behind those bars is a synth?"
"Seventy percent…"
"Is not beyond a reasonable doubt, doctor. And you know that. A jury in a court of law would state not guilty. You lack the evidence."
"You're not going to let this go, are you?"
"No. And while I look around and see armed men, we've done nothing to provoke a violent response. I think you see my reasoning. And while I understand the hate and pain you have felt and are feeling, and I even applaud what you've done for the people of Covenant, you are sacrificing people, innocent people, with a test that doesn't state categorically one way or the other that someone is a synth. And until your test does provide a one hundred percent guarantee, you should not be doing god only knows to people you suspect."
She turned around and walked towards the cage. I glanced at Piper and Haylen, gesturing for calm but to also be prepared in case she gave a signal. Chambers was silent for a long time before she turned back towards us. Walking towards her terminal, she started to type at her terminal. I admit to concern she was going to do something she might regret, that would provoke a response from us, but within a couple of seconds, the door to the cell opened.
Walking towards it, I offered my hand to Amelia, who rushed into my side and held onto me so tight, I almost joked about needing to breathe. Carefully walking towards Chambers, she met my eyes. "Go," she said, "Just go. But if she is a synth, and the Institute do send her orders, the blood of any innocents who die will be on your hands, and their souls will be on your conscience."
"Fair enough. But you've done the right thing, doctor. Thank you."
I was about to just walk away when she asked, "The people of Covenant. You now understand?"
"I do. And I'm sorry that you and they have all suffered. But I know what it's like to lose someone due to the whims of something like the Institute. My wife died because of Vault-Tec."
She had no response to that, but I heard her send an order that we were to be allowed to leave without question. I kept an arm wrapped around Amelia the entire way, hearing her sob quietly to herself when we left the pipe and walked out into fresh air. I suggested we didn't take Amelia anywhere near Covenant, so I had Piper and Haylen wait with her as I collected my armour and then the others waiting, meeting back at the nearby crossroads.
We had to make camp out in the open, Nick, Dan and I agreeing to take shifts, as all we could do was start a rudimentary campfire and hope for the best. But we remained undisturbed during the night. To say all of Bunker Hill turned up to see us return Amelia to her father… The old man openly wept. Amelia could barely thank us. All of us simply stood back and smiled as father and daughter reunited.
Kessler pledged Bunker Hill to the Minutemen cause immediately.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone