Once more the trip out was stress free, which was good because between all the back and forth he would have to do today it was going to be a long one. He never expected to become a transport driver when he woke up in the Vault, but truthfully, even if it's boring, this was very good money, so it was worth his time.

  On the way he explained the situation to Salvatore, telling him about the ghouls, their settlement, their problems, and how Adam offered to move them to the FRS. Salvatore seemed unconvinced.

  “I don’t know kid, this is taking up a lot of responsibility, are you sure you want to do that?” Salvatore asked, with a skeptical tone.

  “What do you mean? I’m just helping them get to a new home.” Adam asked back, confused.

  “What I mean is, I know you, you aren’t the type to wash your hands once you get involved. You are going to help these people move, even take their money, but if their community ever fails you will feel responsible, right?” Adam paused, he had not even considered the psychology of this. He just wanted to help out these folks, and make a bit of caps at the same time. But was Salvatore right? Would he feel responsible if the settlement failed? If they all died? Is the desire to help the downtrodden clouding his judgement? Deccanus surely wouldn’t speak up about it, and he is not entirely sure Rae understood what Adam was talking about when they were with him. However, despite Salvatore’s point Adam reaffirmed his stance.

  “Even so, I would help them anyway.” Adam said back firmly after a moment to consider. “I can’t help if I get emotionally involved, but I have the means to help them settle into a new home, build themselves a new community, and, at the same time, make some caps. Even if down the road I feel responsible for them I can’t let the fear of building attachments stop me from living my life.” Salvatore shrugged.

  “Well I figured you would say something like that, just wanted to point it out was all.” Salvatore said as he leaned his head back on the headrest of the gunner’s seat.

  “Which is why I wanted to ask you if you might be willing to offer them your services.” Adam said to him offhandedly.

  “Me? What do you want me to do?” Salvatore asked back.

  “Train them.” Adam said simply.

  “Train them?” Salvatore said, sitting up again and looking at Adam.

  “Yeah.” Adam nodded. “When I got there they were undefended and poorly equipped, these folks clearly ran from other bad situations. I didn’t ask, but they need help. It takes more than just sturdy walls to build a community. The ability to defend it is important too.”

  “That's my line.” Salvatore sighed. “But I’m a merc kid, not a school teacher, I don’t know how to teach them.”

  “Sure you do.” Adam said, glancing over at him. “You just teach them what you know, even if it's just a bit, giving them some pointers could go a long way to making them stand a better chance.”Salvatore scratched at his scalp and sighed.

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  “I mean… I guess I could…” He sighed loudly. “But see, this is what I mean, kid. You are already getting too involved with these folk. You don’t even know them.” Adam chuckled and smiled a bit.

  “Guilty as charged. But isn’t this better than inviting them all back into the Vault?”

  “You do that and I would have said you were not a bleeding heart but an idiot.” Salvatore retorted.

  “Well the thought did cross my mind.” Adam chuckled softly. “But I don’t know them and absorbing such a large population could create issues.”

  “At least your head is still on straight.” Salvatore said as he leaned back on the chair again. “I guess I can help out a bit. Not like I'm a stranger to town defense.” He shrugged. “Besides, I can charge them for it.” He grinned.

  “There ya go.” Adam chuckled.

  “Oh, by the way, kid. It’s gonna be time soon.” Salvatore said casually as he changed topics.

  “Time for what?” Adam asked back.

  “Chuck.” He said simply. “Just like you, I need to fulfill my contract with Chuck. He bought out my contract too. It's almost time for him to leave for a bit to make some rounds in Chicago to sell some goods. I will need to return to Naper to go with him.” Adam nodded slowly.

  “When do you gotta do that?” Salvatore laughed a bit.

  “Well not like Chuck is gonna leave without me, so in a way he’s on my timetable.” He grinned and then shrugged. “But truthfully I think when this is all done, maybe after I train these wasteoids, I will go head to Chuck then.”

  “I think… We should have Chuck stop at the Vault.” Adam said slowly.

  “You think so?” Salvatore asked back.

  “Yeah. We are not doing well on food, and if he comes it gives the people an opportunity to make trades, request items, and we can buy food in bulk.” Salvatore shrugs.

  “Well I certainly don’t care. So long as you don’t mind the Vault’s location getting out.”

  “Chuck isn’t the type to go and blab about it. Besides, sooner or later the location will get out. We have a functioning Vault, it's not like that is going to be a well kept secret with us going in and out all the time. Especially after we start to fix up the area surrounding the Vault.

  “Well just be careful. A lot of people out there want what you have, even if they have better. It's human nature. Don’t trust easily.”

  “Certainly a failing of mine.” Adam laughed softly and then looked at Salvatore. “But that’s what I have you for, right? To make sure I don't make stupid decisions?” Adam said with a smirk.

  “If that were the case I would have never let you try to fight Famine’s horde to begin with.” Salvatore shook his head. “Besides, I’m more like the devil on your shoulder. I ain’t actually got good Karma, kid.”

  “If that were true you would never have joined up with me… or Chuck for that matter. You would never have helped me get to Second Life, or helped in the defense of Chicago. You are a much better person than you give yourself credit for.” Salvatore remained silent for a few moments before he sighed and gently ran his hand along the barrel of his rifle.

  “I have… very stained hands, kid. I am just trying to make up for some of the bad things I've done in my life.” He said with a somber tone. Adam remained quiet now too for a moment before he gathered his thoughts and spoke up.

  “We all have dark pasts, we all have done things we are not proud of. We can’t change the past, but we can change the future. Maybe in the past you have done bad, but in the present you have done a ton of good. Don’t sell yourself short.” Adam said with a determined tone before he looked over at Salvatore. “I’m proud to call you my friend.” Adam smiled. Salvatore blushed, surprisingly, and looked away from Adam, perhaps to hide his embarrassment.

  “Now, don’t get mushy on me kid. Besides you need to drive, keep your eyes on the road.” He said, no longer looking Adam in the eye. Adam chuckled softly.

  “Yessir.”