The journey to the FRS was relatively uneventful, there was more shooting in the distance like yesterday but Adam stayed clear of the sounds of gunfire and kept the journey relatively smooth.
As they arrived at the FRS and everyone began to disembark from the APC Adam was relieved to see that the people were more impressed with the building than they were worried about the efforts needed to repair it. They did still need a fusion core to get it running but truthfully that was their problem, even if Adam was feeling exceptionally altruistic and wanted to return it, it was already long destroyed in the battle with Famine’s horde, so there was no way to give it back.
The disembarkment was short-lived, however, as Adam took payment from one of the ghouls, 400 caps, and then immediately turned back around to grab the next group.
This became the standard for the rest of the day, a lot of tedious, and monotonous driving back and forth between the two locations. However, as he was loading up the final group of ghouls from the highway, leaving their old settlement abandoned, Arden approached Adam as part of the fourth and final group of settlers, the setting sun at his back as he did.
“I wanted to thank you, lad, for all you have done for us.” Arden said as he offered Adam his hand. Adam shook it readily.
“You don’t need to thank me, I’m getting paid for this, you know.” Adam smiled.
“Oh sure, but there is a difference between charging for your work and helping people out. The work you are putting in is worth more than you are charging, and yes, I say that even as someone who is about to pay you 400 caps for your service. A trip like this would have taken over a week on foot, that means a week’s worth of food and water, a week’s worth of protection, a week’s worth of energy and possible danger. I won’t forget how you’ve helped us, lad.” Adam just smiled at him.
“I think you are praising me too highly, but I will take the praise regardless.” Adam said before gesturing for the back of the APC. “Which reminds me, I had an offer to make to you, if you are interested.” Arden tilted his head a bit and then nodded.
“Well certainly I’ll hear you out, at least.” He smiled, Adam then led him to the back of the APC where the rest of the ghouls were already waiting, partially crammed in with enough space left over for Arden and his effects. There, just as ordered, unmoved for the entire journey for lack of a need, was the protectron he and Eric fixed up, ready and waiting for orders.
“I have this guy here all fixed up and ready for a new home. I don’t especially have a need for it right now, but if you are interested…” Adam said as he turned to look at Arden now. “Certainly having a protectron to help out with security will make a huge difference, even the larger settlements don’t employ many robots for security if any, after all, there are just so few robots that function nowadays, that or people who know how to fix them.” Arden said as he approached and examined the protectron.
“Well I just so happen to be one of those people who can build and repair robots.” Adam grinned. Arden looked over at him incredibly impressed.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
“A warrior and mechanic? Why, you’ve got the devil’s own luck don’tcha?” He chuckled, Adam did too.
“Well I won’t deny I may have a bit of luck to spread around, I could share the luck with you too… if you are interested.” Adam said as he gestured to the protectron again.
“How much you askin’ for him, lad?” Arden said, his expression shifted to a more serious and engaged one, clearly showing he was ready for a negotiation.
Adam had already spent time thinking about it before he got to this point, after all he had all day to work out a number if it was needed. He had only one point of reference on how much a protectron would be worth nowadays. Lune’s Mr. Handy which she bought for 3000 caps. In pre-war America a Mr. Handy would have sold for $120,000, a substantial investment, no doubt, but not bank breaking. After all, by the time the world ended inflation had risen a considerable amount since his grandparent’s time. Regardless, the old world value had little bearing on how much the robot would cost nowadays but with the idea in mind that a Mr. Handy would cost 3000, perhaps a protectron, a less capable robot with higher durability but limited AI would go for something like half that?
“I was thinking 1500 caps.” Adam said with a firm tone, offering his decided price.
“Are you open to haggling, lad?” Arden said, looking Adam in the eyes.
“Sure, the price is not firm.” Adam nodded.
“Then may I offer 1000 caps and the promise of future business with you and your friends? After all we are spending quite a sum today on your transport and then more on your Mr. Salvatore to help set up defenses. We may have had little to spend caps on recently but we are not exactly The Guild, I do believe after all these payments the bulk of us will be without money for some time.” Arden said, an almost pleading tone in his voice. Adam paused to think it over.
Of course he wanted more money, that was ultimately the goal of all people who work, to earn money. No matter how much you enjoy your job if no one pays you for it, you will only end up on the losing end. But it was true he was already getting a substantial amount of money from them for this and he would much rather see the protectron put to use in helping them defend their new home instead of wasting away in the Vault. He still had Buddy still after all.
After a few moments to consider Adam nodded.
“Alright, 1000 caps it is. I’m not in the habit of fleecing people, and I'd rather be on good terms with you all.” he smiled and offered his hand.
“You truly are a good man, Mr. Baxter. That is a rare trait nowadays.” Arden said as he shook Adam’s hand now. Adam chuckled.
“Just don’t forget to let everyone know the protectron was procured from me. Who knows? Maybe this can become a business for me? Repairing old robots and selling them to folks in need?” Adam shrugged.
“Well certainly I will be overjoyed to be your first customer and will gladly spread your name around.” Arden then let off a single laugh and continued. “Not that you need more of that, your name is probably already spreading around Chicago now.”
“Alright well get in, we got a long trip ahead of us to get you to your new home and you got your work cut out for you in building it back up.”
“Well don’t you worry about that, lad. We are survivors, the lot of us. We know the value of hard work.” Arden said before stepping into the back of the APC and then taking a seat while Adam closed it up behind him. As soon as the door was closed Adam headed back inside and turned on the engine, heading to the FRS for the last time for the day.
