Chapter Text
"Don't take another step, four-eyes," The courser's voice was low and even, steady as the laser pistol she held to Deacon's brow. "Why are you sneaking around?"
Deacon decided all at once to be still. It wasn't worth the attempt at fleeing, though his legs itched to do so; He was sure he could not take on a real courser.
He held his hands up to show them empty, palms covered in knitted gloves, the tips of each finger cut off. "Easy, sister, just lookin' for a friend is all.. 'bout this tall, dark hair, hangs out with a bacon faced politician... you know 'er?"
The coarser narrowed her eyes, her gun still steady. Don't shoot the moron yet.. Where the hell'd he come from anyway.. fuck, didn't see him soon enough... There was an unpleasant pull at the edges of her lips and she barked out the word. "Leave."
"I can't do that, babycakes. Not til I know my girl is alright." He put his hands down, willing to move, even with a loaded and charged energy weapon held to his forehead.
"It's alright, Chase. You can put your weapon away." DiMa had been drawn by the commotion when Chase had thrown Deacon out from behind a tree and into the guard post wall. Now DiMa was in the yard, coming closer to the pair while Faraday stood on the winding stairs to the roof, watching.
Chase did not lower her weapon. But Deacon seemed to grow more comfortable with the arrival of... whoever this thing was. It was impossible not to see his resemblance to Nick.. but they ended in his superficial shell. This Faux Nick had seen a lot more wear over his years. Poor guy was nothing but patched and welded metal from the hips down.. and what were those things on his head? Light bulbs? Maybe he had bad night vision? Did Nick know about this guy? So many questions... maybe he'd get a chance to ask them.
"We really are getting a lot of visitors lately. I am DiMa, welcome to Acadia. What can I do for you, my friend?" DiMa folded his metal-and-plastic hands behind his back.
Deacon was thankful for his glasses, it made it a little easier to conceal his surprise (and delight) at the synth who spoke to him. Briefly, a brow raised above the line of his sunglasses. "Well, buddy, I'm looking for someone and I'm sure she's in there"
DiMa smiled. "She's resting below, safe and sound with the mayor. I would rather not wake her just yet." He gave the Coarser a glance. This time she relented. With a click-click she deactivated the laser and placed the pistol back in it's holster. DiMa Smiled. Chase sneered at the half-gen as she pushed her hair back out of her face.
DiMa waved a hand back to the door. "If you'll allow Chase as an escort, you can stay safe inside til Silvia is awake. It may be a while, she had a very trying night. But please, make yourself at home, Deacon."
The spy didn't move, staring through dark glasses at the broken synth. What else had she told him? Curiouser and curiouser. A hand on his shoulder brought his attention fully to the moment.
"You cause any problems and I won't hesitate to melt those stupid glasses to your face." Glaring eyes turned to the agent and did not look away.
To this Deacon grinned like an idiot. "Whatever you say, boss!"
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Floppy Dog came bouncing to the door as soon as it opened, ignoring DiMa, the courser and another man, brown hair and a lab coat, who had come in with them. The dog only wanted Deacon. Before the door had even closed behind them, she was trying with all she had to lick Deacon's face, so fierce was she that he feared for the life of his slicked back black wig. He had to take a moment to pet the poor creature, least her heart explode.
"I know sweet little.. Haha.. Stop that!" He rubbed her face in attempt to save his, grinning. "Little monster.. Where's your momma, huh?" The dog didn't answer, of course. When Deacon stood she ran laps around him, waiting for an opening to lunged at his face once more. He kept his hand between her and her target. "Down, Floppy. Hah!"
Of course, Chase stayed close, but not on top of him, thank goodness. She was just beyond the entrance talking to the man in the lab coat; He was wringing his hands nervously, and that made Deacon a little nervous, as well. Floppy was focused on the spy, who knelt down and produced a chunk of cured Radstag, ripping little chunks off for the dog. Eyes and hands focused on Floopy Dog, he strained to hear the two speaking. He only caught a few words; Something about reprogramming and hardware. Nonsense, really.
When DiMa was seen again, pacing the circular room further into this little base, Deacon stood and wiped his hands on his jeans. Floopy stayed close to the spy. He took his time, making his intent very obvious as he followed the slow circling path around the tech-filled room, catching up with DiMa at the back wall
DiMa continued to walk with Deacon a few steps behind. The ragged old Synth had more of the bulbs on his back.. Not bulbs, tubes. Odd. And all the machines... So many questions... where to start?
"So.. Acadia? Nice name. From some old book or something?" Deacon had the urge to fold his hands behind his back as well, but opted to stuff his fingers in the front pockets of his jeans instead.
"Ah.. No. Much of this island was a nature reserve before our time, Acadia National Park. An island for preservation and understanding of the natural world.. and tourism, I suppose. I saw no reason to change the name."
Deacon nodded. "So is that what this place is for? Preservation and understanding? Had to be some reason you kept the name."
The pace had not slowed, DiMa was coming back around to the open side of the circular room. Deacon followed til they were once again in sight of the courser and her friend in the lab coat. The pair glanced to Deacon as they whispered.
"Yes, in a way." DiMa stopped, twisted his body to look back at Deacon; There was a creak of metal and plastic. "We seek to preserve the memories and identities of the Synths that live here... rather than eradicate them." There was a dark look to the synth's sharp features. His brows moved in ways Nick's did not. Deacon was uneasy now. Silvia had told this guy a lot more than she should have, and he wondered why. Or did he have another source of information? Deacon did not speak, so the synth continued. "Or, at least, that is the idea. We don't live in a perfect world, do we, Deacon?" He turned away from the spy and waved his hand to the machines. "Not everything goes as planned. Still, I like to think this is a safe place for my kind. I hope you can respect that much at least?"
"I do." Deacon didn't hesitate in his answer. "And you're doing a fine job, I had no idea this place was here. Shame the institute knows. They send her to keep tabs on you?"
The half-gen laughed, a crisp sound that echoed in the concrete room. "We welcome anyone seeking freedom. Chase has proven herself time and again, and she deserves that freedom as much as any of us. Maybe more so. I understand your discomfit, however. Rest assured, we have no connections to The Institute. My knowledge is not shared. Silvia is as safe here as she would be with you. I do wish you hadn't sought her out, however. The more people who know about this place, the harder it becomes to safeguard it's residents."
"No doubt. I can keep a secret though.. Just ask Slivia."
"I have no need. She trusts you emphatically. And I trust her judgment. Though...." He let the word hang for a moment, then laughed inwardly. "She has strange taste in companions. Flawed, but loyal. I admire her judgment of character. Only a few have earned my trust as you have hers. Chase has a dark past, but is a fine ally. She seeks to keep this place and it's people safe. As long as you bare no ill will to my people, she is no threat to you."
Deacon took a moment to look closely at the woman, short dark hair matching her black overcoat, black shirt and pants, a pit of darkness, one he missed easily in the foggy gloom of the island. She was staring at him, keeping his gaze with an unwavering scowl. "She doesn't trust me at all." He smiled to the woman as he spoke the words softly. "I don't blame her. Chase, right? Fitting name for a courser."
"Maybe you shouldn't call her that. Here she is a protector, not an enforcer."
"I'll keep that in mind... Is she single?"
"What?" DiMa turned again to look at the spy who was grinning right up to his covered eyes.
Deacon shrugged, still grinning. "Well she's not enlisted so I've got a chance, right?" DiMa was left speechless and Deacon was enjoying the shock on his plastic face. "Yes? No?"
DiMa laughed loudly and this time both Chase and Faraday turned their attention to the half-gen. "You would have to ask her, but I get the feeling you're not her type."
With a shrug Deacon dropped to a sitting position on the edge of a step of concrete. Floppy Dog wiggled her way in between his knees for attention and received it in the form of ear scratches. "That's what they all say til they get to know me. Sil says I could charm the saddle off a horse. Haven't tried yet, but sounds fun. She doin' ok? Wasn't in the best shape when she left the 'Wealth."
"She's much better now, I assure you. In fact.." He waved a hand to the pair still chatting at the door. Chase gave the man a pat on the shoulder before joining DiMa. "My dear would you check in on our guests and inform them they have a visitor?"
"If she keeps bringing her friends along we're going to have to move." The woman's eyes stayed on Deacon as she spoke, unable to meet his gaze with his dark glasses between them. "Did she know you were coming?"
"Nope. But don't worry, she's always happy to see me! Hey, where is she anyway?" He stood up, ready to follow Chase. "Sooner I see her the sooner I can leave, right?"
"You stay here." She said firmly and turned away from him.
"Aww.. I'm great company, promise!" He was grinning again as Chase let out an exasperated sigh.
"Stay. Here" She walked away, obviously frustrated.
This tickled Deacon, he dropped back down on the step and pulled Floppy dog close to him. "Sure thing, 'toots." He was rewarded with a gruff sigh as the woman left the room.
DiMa didn't hide his amusement. the link Silvia and DiMa shared gave him a unique understanding of the spy; Deacon was not what he seemed, but believed he was. It exhausted Silvia... DiMa hadn't reached that point yet.
The half-gen synth walked away from the spy to meet Faraday in the hall. The scientist wasn't the type to smile, but his eyes lit up as DiMa came closer. In a hushed and hurried voice he spoke, eyes darting nervously back to Deacon. "Why is he here?"
"For his friend. He cares for Silvia, and for the mayor in some strange way. I think he is here to assure her safety. It would seem the last few weeks have been trying, and she's not shared any of it with this poor fellow. So we shouldn't, either. But his instincts told him to follow, and he listened."
"Is he dangerous?"
"Very. But not to us. Silvia's memories of this man tell me he is loyal to her, and she to him. I trust that. We have nothing to fear from him. Still, I think you should send Tony and Willow out to secure the facility. He somehow slipped past our security and our people, and I would rather not attribute that to our lack of vigilance. Could you call our man on the docks as well? See who has come and gone in the last few days? We need to cover our bases."
Faraday nodded, his eyes still on the spy. "Do Slivia's memories tell us anything else about this guy? And what about 'The Mayor'? She keeps some strange people around if you ask me."
"The same could be said of you, my heart." DiMa teased, "Hancock would die for our friend Silvia, I am sure of that. I fear nothing from the man when it comes to our people, he is honorable. but Deacon has his own agenda. There is no need to give him our secrets. With any luck, he will be satisfied with Silvia's condition and be on his way."
"How can you trust the ghoul? I don't...
"I trust him because Silvia trusts him. She is... She is not of this world... her journey has been unique. And disasters." He sighed "Of all the souls to cross her path, you and I included, She.... I have found, while wandering her unique mind.... she cares more for that man than I think any of us poor fools will experience in our lifetimes." DiMa looked distant as he spoke, The only thing I fear is the lengths she might go to protect him, then all at once he drew his attention back into Faraday. He sighed and carried on, "I do think we are very lucky she has him, without that anchor.. Well.. Silvia could be a very different person. The universe has not been kind to that woman."
Faraday considered his words grimy, but understood that DiMa was not being synical, he was being analytical, laying out the good and bad. And he understood the trust that took, as DiMa aften white-washed situations to placate others. Faraday nodded and glanced back to the spy and the dog. "And she trusts him? Just.. not as much....? "
DiMa nodded. "He probably won't be here long, either way."
"I hope you're right, we've had enough surprises for a while. I wish he would take off those glasses..."
As Faraday and DiMa spoke softly, the spy was talking to Floppy, telling her a story about a dinosaur bone he passed on his way up the hill. He knew she didn't understand, so the tall tail grew and grew. It was a good distraction.. for him and for the pair in the hall some 20 feet from him. They spoke too softly to understand, but he watched them through those dark lenses all the same. The man.. human? No, probably a synth, was not comfortable in his presence. He picked at his fingers nervously and kept eyes on Deacon as he spoke to DiMa, who attempted to calm him with reassuring smiles and touches. Deacon's head filled with questions that would likely not be answered.. It didn't matter, these people had their own island and their own problems. He just needed to see that Silvia was safe.. and maybe he could get a few answers from her. Specifically about the dark skinned Courser she and Hancock had encountered. That would be a fun subject to tackle.
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Chase wasn't expecting Silvia to be awake at all, let alone on the second floor of the compound with a gaggle of synths surrounding her, chattering away as she quietly listened. Pleasant smelling smoke wafting up from a cock top over a fire barrel. As the Courser came closer she was greeted by Kasumi who waved her over, a smile on her typically sullen face.
"She's cooking!" Kasumi's words brought a laugh from those around her, someone muttered 'obviously' behind her back.
"It smells great..." Chase almost smiled when the scent hit her.. almost. She leaned in past Kasumi to see Silvia standing over a large wide pot of beans on the cook top. Silt beans, all shelled and seasoned and smelling heavenly. Silvia stirred the pot, listening to the little group of synths talk about meals they had had, people they had shared them with. A scan of the room showed even Dejen was close by, though with little to say. Mayor Hancock sat on a crate in the back of the room, one leg over his knee in a relaxed pose, watching the group. Chase was surprised by the mood, and the scents. She hesitated for a moment, not wanting to dampen the energy, but work before pleasure. "Silvia? Do you have a moment?"
Silvia nodded and handed Kasumi a large spoon. "Keep it moving, hmm?" The girl nodded excitedly and took over. Cog laughed, joking that the girl was sure to burn it, but Silvia patted her on the shoulder reassuringly. "I'd be more worried about your cooking than hers." She grinned at Cog as she walked past him to follow Chase away from the group.
Hancock was watching closely, and with a look from Silvia, he stood to join his partner. His movements made Jule jump and lose her smile, but Cog was there to calm the woman and Hancock was out of sight and out of mind quickly. Chase had lead Silvia to the stairwell and was already speaking to her when the ghoul joined them.
Hancock gave in to the urge to touch Silvia, his hand sliding across her lower back then around her hip as he stood beside her.
She licked her lips, keenly aware of his touch. This was not a new development, the butterflies that had always come when he was close to her, but now there was something else... he wasn't just teasing her... this was foreplay. Had it always been foreplay? A soft shade of rosy pink touching her cheeks and nose.
"Ah.. Something up?" She kept her eyes on Chase, knowing Hancock was grinning in amusement.
The courser pointedly ignored their flirtations. What did this woman see in a ghoul that a normal human.. or even a synth.. man couldn't give her. She had a hard time looking at him in a friendly light.. but romantically? That wasn't a thought she was keen on entertaining, so she didn't, and focused all of her attention on Silvia.
"Seems you were followed." She spoke softly. Hancock's hand tensed on Silvia's hip. "Guy called Deacon came into the compound looking for you. He's upstairs with DiMa and Faraday. Should I be worried?"
Silvia's face had twisted into a scowl. "Deacon? Damn it. Damn him!" She looked back to Hancock, who was shaking his head. "Does that jerk ever listen to a word I say? I'm going to ring his neck!"
"I might do it for you." The ghoul mumbled as he let go of his woman. "Want me to-"
"No.. hah.. No." Silvia cut him off and kissed his cheek. "If anyone's gonna spank him it's going to be me.." She looked back to Chase "Or did you already?"
"What? No! .... He is unharmed, you can thank DiMa for that. You pick up a lot of strays, don't you?"
"This one picked me up, believe it or not. Not sure why he's here, though.. Let me get the cornbread out and I'll be right up, alright?"
"I got it, you go ahead." Hancock patted her butt and turned away from the women. "Don't be too long though or someone's gonna burn supper."
'I WILL NOT!" Came the call from Kasumi. The room filled with laughter once more.
Chase started up the stairs, Silvia close behind her. "What did he say?" Silvia asked as she wiped her hands on her pants and pulled her hair out of the messy ponytail she'd stuffed it in.
"Just that he needed to make sure you were alright. Did you know he was following you?"
"No.. I thought he might.. kept my eye out.. but the man is good at what he does."
"What, exactly, does he do?" Chase glanced back when they hit the top landing.
"Hmm.. I'm not sure how to answer that. You should ask him.. he might tell you the truth.. he might not. Either way it'll be insightful. How bad do I look?"
Chase was caught off guard by the question. "You don't look like death warmed over, if that's what you're asking."
"Gee, thanks for that." Sil smirked. "Anyone else with him?"
"I'll tell you when I talk to Willow." Chase opened the door to the processer room and Floppy dog came bounding into the stair way past her, wagging tail plus butt in excitement as she jumped at Silvia.
"Good girl.. Go on, go!" She waved her hand through the door to send the dog off, and the dog obeyed, happily bounding off to Deacon, who stood in the center of the room, his attention obviously caught by the opening door and excited dog. "Get your person." She instructed the dog, who wiggled at Deacon's feet, unaware she was being ignored.
Deacon was glad to see his friend, that was obvious even with the glasses, and when she was past the terminals, he met her with a hug, both arms wrapping around her shoulders.
She squeezed him back briefly she was, after all, still happy to see him, despite everything. It ended abruptly, she pushed him off and punched him square in the chest, catching him fully off guard and forcing a grunt. He tumbled back three steps before stopping. The blow was not full force but enough to knock the wind out of him.
"I should lay you out" She said in a serious, gruff voice, making her anger very apparent... as well as her self control. Her hands were unclenched, but her expression told him she could easily change that. "Explain yourself."
From several feet back, Deacon rubbed his chest and regained his footing, "I deserved that..."
"I'm waiting"
Deacon winced. "I..."
"Stop. Don't even say a word if you're going to lie to me. I'll tie you up and stick you on a boat pointed east before you can get the whole sentence out. Deacon, why are you here?"
That brought on a guilty look and the man deflated. "No lies.. Silvia I was worried about you. You got on that boat and I thought.... you might never come back..."
"So you just need me? That's it? I'm part of-"
"Stop it! No! I just.. give a shit, that's it. I'm not on mission here. If anything, I'm AWAL, and I don't intend to tell anyone on the 'road where we are." He stepped forward again, closer to her.
"But I told you not to follow, this place is-" she looked ready to hit him again.
His hands went up, almost begging. She had never seen him like this, where did his charm go? "Amari showed me what happened! We both understand that no one does anything for free, and if some quack out here is gonna hurt you because you're weak, use you, change you... You got enemies.. but damn it, woman, you've got friends, too!!"
"No one does anything for free, Deacon.."
"Don't use my words against me, Sil. This isn't that.... that's not even true, I mean... you.. you prove that's not true. But.. but you were so weak, and Hancock is a beast, but sometimes you need backup. I'll always be your backup, Silvia!" With a quick movement, the spy laid out both hands, showing his gloved palms up. His glasses in one palm.
Silvia stared at the glasses for a moment, at first confused, and then surprised. She didn't raise her gaze to his face, and honestly she didn't know why, she could have, he offered... instead she deflated and looked away, nodding.
Deacon hesitated, he had a need to prove himself to her, and it took a few seconds to realize this wasn't a rejecton of that. He slid his glasses back on, mulling over her choice.
"You know there are going to be consequences for this, right? And the railroad... This doesn't involve them. When you said AWAL, that couldn't be more true." She assumed he put the glasses back on and when she looked back it was past him, to DiMa, who stood behind the spy.
Deacon whispered "I know, Sil." his head down.
"I think a good meal would calm everyone's nerves... DiMa?"
The old synth nodded to Silvia, the turned with Faraday to walk outside. Probably headed to the roof to watch for Willow.
Chase still stood in stairwell to the lower levels, watching patiently... from behind Silvia. She didn't quite understand what had just happened, but hoped she might later on. Silvia turned back to the stairs and gave Chase an odd, almost surprised look. But it faded quickly, and Silvia let out an exhausted sigh. "Deacon is having dinner with us, Chase. Glad I made so much."
Chase stepped aside to allow the pair to decind, and Deacon stepped quickly to catch up with Silvia in her decent. "Save some for the scouts, they're working extra hard tonight." She watched Deacon closely as he passed her. He didn't look back.
"I'm good at what I do, Midnight, no one saw me, no one followed me. But good idea to make sure." said as he descended, his voice shrinking to nothing.
Chase would not be taking his word for it, she headed outside to do what she did best.
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(It's been about 9 years since I last posted a chapter. This was a half finished draft at the time, as I was deciding how to deal with the institute and who to bring along on that adventure. I had a few little drafts and notes... then my world fell apart, my marriage of 20+ years ended and I was left with nothing. I took on caring for my brother full time and working night shift, I closed down my art studio, sold my equipment and haven't touched a video game, paint brush, xacto knife or AO3 in many years. But I miss writing, and still have my game, and have often wanted to write the rest of this story. I don't think my ending will be canon, as this story has overflowed from the storyline quite a bit, and I'm not sure what direction to go, but I do want to see what I can do now that I am quite a different person than I once was. This chapter is 1/2 old me, 1/2 new me, and if you can tell where the two divide in the story, I'd love to know. I feel like I am a vastly different person than I once was, and wonder if that's reflected here.
Anyway, I will write more fluff, I'm sure, but I want to push the storyline along some right now, so... off to another chapter. I don't have a timeline but if you stick around and follow it'll show up. enjoy this chapter, it might come on a little strong... like I said, it's been years since I wrote anything. Missed you all, btw. To the person who commented on Youtube that I should keep going.. thanks <3