Artemis Files (0.5)

Chapter 8

Late 2272 - Goodneighbor

S9 twisted the bracelet around in her hand as M7 went through the process of forgetting, he'd been in there for hours at this point. Looking at the beads the little girl used to make it. She hadn't even realized she had tears streaming down her face until Cutler had placed a hand on her shoulder. Her head whipped up to look at the man through large, watery eyes that seemed to amplify their already deep blue.

"You have regrets," Cutler said and the way he says it it sounds matter of fact as if he's been there. Before she can ask about it he starts speaking again. "I...I do too. I used to be part of a gang that went after and killed synths. It wasn't until recently when we killed a man's wife that I questioned things, and eventually left the gang and joined the Railroad." He paused for a moment to study the woman. "I know synths aren't supposed to own anything for themselves. Mind telling me about the bracelet in your hand and why you keep looking at it like it's got all the secrets of the universe?"

S9 looked at the bracelet, thoughts running through her mind. Her friend. Her dearest friend who was still in that place with who knows what happening to her. "It belonged to a friend of mine," she explains. It's clear this brings up questions in the mans mind but he lets her continue to explain. "I know I know. Being a Courser I'm not supposed to form bonds with anyone either especially not with other synths, but I knew her from before I was a Courser. I was there when she received this bracelet from a little girl and she gave it to me before me and M7 escaped."

Her tears have become heavier as she spoke as she thought of her friend and the past they shared. The wounds are so fresh but it feels nice to have someone to speak too. Almost immediately she looks up at this man who only met them earlier that day, a begging look in her eyes. "Please Cutler. I know there's only so much you can do but if there's any possibility of getting my friend out please. She deserves freedom more then anyone else I can think of. Her unit designation is J6-95. She's very sweet and I want to see her free and happy."

Cutler smiled though his eyes told her he couldn't quite promise her what she wanted. "I'll put in word, though I can't promise anything." He looks over at the lounger as M7 steps out in a daze. Before Cutler goes over to him, he bends down and whispers into S9's ears. "He's chosen the name Danse for himself so make sure to call himself that from now on." S9 nods and watches as Cutler goes towards Danse who explains he's been very sick on their way back to the Capital Wasteland so they brought him here since Amari was the closest doctor available. "Don't worry this is the last trade route we'll need to take. We have enough money to take care of my ailing mother now so we won't need to do this again."

The two men turn to leave but before they can, S9 stops Cutler to whisper in his ear. What surprises him though is when she gives him her friends bracelet. "I know he doesn't remember anything and no doubt his mind is a bit hazy, but will you give him this when you feel he's ready?" She can see the confusion in his eyes and before he can ask his obvious question she speaks again. "I'm keeping my memories. Most of them anyway," she explains as she glances at the dazed Danse who now sits in one of the chairs off to the side. "Besides maybe he can give it to a pretty girl one day."

Cutler takes the bracelet and then walks over to Danse and helps him up. Letting him lean as they walk out of the room. Now it's S9's turn as she sits down in the lounger. Dr. Amari explains that her mind will feel a bit fuzzy for a few days so she recommends staying around town. "I'm willing to pay for your stay at the Hotel Rexford and come check on you for a couple of days after," she offers. S9 is grateful but she declines.

"No doubt they're sending their best Coursers after me. I'm already risking the safety of both of us by staying here so long." S9 doesn't have to explain any further as Dr. Amari nods in understanding. The doctor works her magic and soon enough S9 is hooked up and soon is in an induced sleep.

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Present Day 2287 - The Prydwen

Artemis and J6 can't keep their eyes off each other. This was new information to J6. It had always been implied that she'd beaten herself up mentally for not being able to get her old friend out before actually escaping but hearing every detail hit J6 differently. Even in front of a crowd the two women hugged tightly and a few tears find their way to each womans eyes as they do so.

Artemis' voice is shaky, reinstating something she'd already said multiple times at this point. "I thought of you every single day in hopes of either coming across you in the wasteland somewhere or freeing you myself. Not once did you leave my mind." She looked again at Elizabeth after a while and tilted her head. A similar sentiment was there. After Artemis had to leave to come here, she'd told herself that she would never forget the woman in hopes of being able to find her again one day.

"The three of us really are like sisters," J6 says finally, by then Elizabeth was standing up with the two synths and all three held hands. Both were close to Artemis, and J6 and Elizabeth had gotten close in recent weeks as well. "We don't share blood but as far as I'm concerned that doesn't matter."

The rest of the group all looked on at the three women and there wasn't anyone in the room that wasn't smiling.