章 545: Swapping out

Veronica leads Christine through Vera Keyes apartment, going through the first room and into the second where the Auto-Doc was standing ominously... At least, that's what it looked like to Christine. As far as she was concerned, these things were worse than any boogieman, scarecrow, or monster you could think of.

It was already activated, lit up in a dull blue light to signify that it was 'ready' for use. The faint whirring sound it gave off made Christine want to drop her gun and flee in the other direction...

Veronica rests an armoured hand on her shoulder, "Are you sure you're okay doing this? I mean, I could probably punch through the wall and smack the shit out of Elijah before he knew what was happening..." she jokes semi-sarcastically.

Christine just bites her lip and slowly shakes her head before walking over and beginning to access the subroutines of the Auto-Doc, Veronica hovered over her shoulder as they checked that everything was okay and not likely to cut Christine's face off.

It's only now that they finally understand why Elijah wants Christine to get inside this thing... The Auto-Doc would rebuild Christine's destroyed vocal cords in the image of Vera Keyes, essentially granting Christine the former-starlets voice. Sure, many pre-war people would be willing to sell their souls for such an opportunity, but having a nice singing voice wasn't worth much after the apocalypse... Plus, it'd probably sound pretty jarring to suddenly start speaking with a completely different voice from your own.

The Auto-Doc's doors slowly open while releasing a sound similar to doors you'd see in Starwars or Startrek. A small amount of smoke and dust billows out from the machine, only making it all the more ominous...

Veronica notices the wary glances Christine was occasionally sending her way, "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye from out here. If anything even seems like it's going wrong I'll tear you outta there in no time... Trust me. I lost you once, I am not losing you again."

Christine releases a long sigh before nodding. She takes one last breath before stepping inside the machine and closing her eyes, her hands trembling as she awaits the painful sensation of unanesthetized dissection.

*Clunk!*

The doors shut, leaving Veronica standing there with a frown on her face as the machine bursts into action, the sound of saw blades, knives, the cutting of flesh, and faint dripping of blood fills the room. There's nothing she can do but wait, watch, and listen.

Outside, Afton was still facing off with Elijah, Anja standing timidly behind him like a lost lamb. They'd stood here in almost complete silence for ten minutes now, everyone waiting for Veronica and Christine to return...

Elijah had begun to get a little antsy, occasionally loosening his grip around Dean's neck to scratch his scalp, tearing more skin and hair away, leaving bloody trails in his jagged fingernails wake. The man didn't seem to take any notice of it at all, which disturbed Afton more than he'd like to admit... Trying to negotiate with a madman was like trying to sell a hairbrush to a bald guy... Health insurance to a skeleton... A fleshlight to a woman? You get the picture, it just doesn't make sense.

If Afton hazards to guess, he'd say Elijah's age combined with the large amounts of radiation he'd likely encountered, plus the effects long term exposure the Cloud has on people were the cause of his current condition. It had radiation poisoning written all over it, from his paper-thin skin and obvious sickness, to his mental instability.

"How do you think this is actually going to end Elijah? You think I'll let you go after all you've done? I doubt whatever treasure is hidden here will be enough." he threatens, his many intimidation Perks working to make an incredibly unnerving show.

Elijah doesn't seem to notice it all though, instead rolling the wrist holding the make-shift weapon with a grin, "Such hubris! None of us even have a clue what's stored down there, you've already seen the technology this place has... I've already bet my life on it."

Afton gives a low chuckle, "I get it, Casino, bet, at least you still have some humour left." he says, trying to throw him off of his game but obviously not expecting much from such a peculiar angle.

"What? O-oh... No, I wasn't joking. I really have staked my life on this." Elijah states in a moment of lucidity. His age clearly showing on his face.

*Click*

The door to Vera Keye's room opens up, silencing the budding conversation as Veronica steps out with Christine, fresh red, recently stitched up scars now displayed on her neck... She ignores Elijah for a moment and turns her head towards Afton.

"Hello..." she quietly says, sounding as if it was her first time speaking... Which it probably felt like considering the recent operation.

Afton's features soften under his helmet momentarily, but harden again as Elijah begins speaking. "Haha! You are just what I need! Ah, but before we can go any further..." he jabs his weapon in Afton and Veronica's direction, "You both need to get out of that armour..."

...

"I think you're mad." Afton spits.

Veronica nods, "What next? You want us to strip naked as well?" she asks incredulously.

Elijah scratches drags his nails over his scalp obsessively, "I WON'T SAY IT TWICE! TAKE. IT. OFF!"

...

"Fine." says as the sound of rapidly escaping air occurs as his armour unseals itself. The back opening up to allow Afton to step out of it. Veronica does the same, leaving her in just her recon armour...

Afton was a little better off due to the presence of Nyx and all his other Perks, but still not as protected as he'd like.