1. What's up, Doc?
I woke up; or at least started to. The air was dank and humid. I could hear a ceiling fan spinning miserably as my eyes began to regain focus.
My head was killing me. The pain was almost unbearable; but it was certainly not the worst I’d ever felt.
Flashes of my previous conscious state were blurry. I could remember that I had been grabbed by a couple of men; not gently I might add. Next thing I knew I was tied up atop a hill with a man in a checkered suit stood before me. I couldn't hear him clearly, but he mumbled something about a package. Next thing I knew I was shot.
I didn't even have a chance to beg for my life as the man in the suit put a bullet through my brain.
How I was still alive I wasn't sure; I thought that maybe it was all a dream. If I was lucky maybe my whole life was a dream and I was still in the Vault with Amata and my Father. Ha, I wish.
I slowly put my hand to my head as I struggled to completely open my eyes.
“Ahh, you’re awake…” said the voice of a man. “Can you sit up?”
I slowly turned my head to my left, seeing an elderly looking man sat next to me. I realized that I was on a bed, in a house. At least that’s some good news…
“… I can try…” I groggily replied as I successfully attempted to sit up as slowly as possible. “What happened?”
“You almost died; thank goodness Victor found you in time for me to patch you up. Not a lot of people manage to survive a gunshot to the head.” The man smiled. “I’m Doc Mitchell. What’s your name?”
“… Eva.” I told him, slowly feeling the strength in my body regain itself.
“Well, Eva, you've been out of it for a couple of days now. I wasn't sure you’d make it.” Doc Mitchell said with a gentle tone.
I smiled weakly, “I’m as hard as steel, me. Takes more than lead to the head to make me dead.”
Doc Mitchell chuckled, “Well at least we know that you’re feeling better if you’re making jokes.”
I faintly laughed along and then took a brief look at my surroundings, “Where am I?”
“Goodsprings. Victor pulled you out of a grave by the water tower, here.” Doc Mitchell said.
“Good… at least I know where I am.” I said, gently hopping off the bed. I immediately felt dizzy as I crippled onto the floor. “Whoa…”
Doc Mitchell shot off his chair and helped me back onto my feet. “What are you doing? You need to take it easy; at least for a couple of hours…”
I thought about protesting as I looked into the gentle doctors eyes. I needed to get out of there. I hated feeling useless, not to mention trapped. I had to get my freedom back.
“Sorry but there are things I have to do…” I informed him. I wasn't sure if what I said was true, but I knew I had to get out of there. I was starting to feel anxious.
“… at least give me a moment to check your vitals?” He asked.
Again, I thought about protesting, but instead I decided to oblige.
The next few minutes were spent with Doc Mitchell performing minor medical checks on me, as well as a few psychological tests to make sure my noggin was in tip top condition.
When he was certain I was feeling healthier He walked me to the front door of his house. He’d given me an old Vault 21 suit to wear. Apparently it belonged to his wife; luckily she was my size.
“Here,” He started, picking up a bag settled beside the door, “Here is everything you had on you when Victor found you.”
I took and opened the bag, finding my 9mm pistol, some water and my notebook.
“I hope you don’t mind but I had a look through your notebook.” Doc Mitchell brazenly admitted
I raised an eyebrow, “… why?”
“I was hoping to find some information on a next of kin, but all I found was your latest entry. Something about a platinum chip you were sent to deliver… although no such package was found on you.”
Package? Wow I’d completely forgotten. Then I realized something,
if the package wasn't on me… maybe that’s what the man who shot me was after?“Before you leave I suggest you go and see Sunny Smiles in the Saloon. I've arranged for her to test your depth perception. You should really check to see if you can use a gun efficiently.” He suggested.
“Right, thanks. Don’t wanna get shot in the head again.” I joked.
I gave him a look of gratitude and we exchanged a nod. I slowly brushed past him as I reached for the door knob. However, before opening the door I slowly turned and looked at the Doc.
“Thank you… for patching me up and everything.” I smiled.
“Not a problem; it’s what I’m here for.” He replied, before folding his arms, “So… what are you going to do now.”
A few minutes ago I would have had to answer that question with an oblivious shrug. I would have most likely would have given up the courier gig and gone back to Megaton. The random shooting would have unnerved me enough to give up and go home.
But now I knew, or had a general Idea of the reason for my shooting. Instead of just being robbed for what I had, I got shot. It was rude, unnecessary… but also pivotal to my next move.
I knew what I would do. “I’m going to find the man who attacked me and put a bullet through his brain. See how he likes it.”
This post has been edited by Eva: Jan 31 2013, 10:35 AM