Jacob Burns and the Order of the Algorithm #Wattys2017

Chapter 18: One Good Neighbor

We talked for what seemed like hours in that dark, dingy back room, Hancock pouring the wine like a fountainhead even as Ilya and I strained to stay awake. It had been a long night in that library, even longer still after nearly losing my head. I struggled to keep my eyes open, but didn't dare let Hancock out of my sight. The way the man kept leaning in towards Ilya, always with the offer of another glass of wine, had me on edge, but thankfully, Ilya knew enough to keep her wits about her. Despite this distraction, it was clear, the more Ilya talked about the vault and our discoveries, the more excited he got. By the end of it all, he looked more alive than I had ever seen him, even the mention of Nuka World couldn't curb his enthusiasm. He just brushed it off with a wave of his hand as he poured himself another drink.

"But... wait, aren't you worried? Not even a little bit?" Ilya asked, the disbelief apparent in her voice, "Surely that can't be true, after all, Jacob said the place was an absolute fortress, overrun by madmen and monsters that turned it into an ungodly death trap! He said there was no way in, and no way we'd ever make it out alive..."

"Oh, did he now?" Hancock said silkily as he leaned back in his chair, "Well, it just so happens that I rule an entire city of madmen and monsters, in fact, it seems to be a bit of a specialty of mine. Stick with me, sweetheart, and you and I will walk through Nuka World as easily as if we were strolling down the streets of Goodneighbor. Guaranteed."

I scoffed.

"You got something to say there, Burnsie?" Hancock asked.

"Yeah, doesn't somebody die every day in the streets of Goodneighbor?" I said as I raised my brow.

"Only those that deserve it, my friend..." Hancock replied with a dark smile and I scowled.

"Oh come off it Hancock," I said with a roll of my eyes, "You know it's not going to be that easy, between the raiders and the radiation, we'll be lucky to get past the main gate alive. That place is going to be hell on earth and you know it!"

"Perhaps... But I think you're forgetting just who you're talking to. Why, I just so happen to be one of the most influential men in all of the Wasteland, well, all the Commonwealth anyway. Why, I'm a champion of raiders and scavvers alike, besides, I've already done business with Nuka World before. You just gotta know the right people and what channels to go through... Something someone like you wouldn't know nothing about. Hell, word is on the street people would rather shoot you as soon as look at you!" Hancock laughed as I glared daggers from across the room.

"Ah, excuse me..." Ilya interjected as politely as possible, "I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude, but... Did you just say you could actually get us inside Nuka World without getting caught? Truly?"

"What's the matter sweetheart, don't you trust me?" He said as he flashed another charming smile.

"Oh! Well now, I-I didn't say that exactly... but well," she blushed ever so slightly as she trailed off, "If I'm being perfectly honest? No, Mr. Hancock. I don't trust you. Not even a little," Ilya admitted, a look of concern upon her face, unsure what a man like Hancock could be capable of. Luckily for her, Hancock only laughed.

"Ha-ha! Smart girl, honest too. I like that," He replied, "And after all, how can I blame ya? This ugly mug's the kinda face only a mother could love, and even she'd be hard-pressed not to put a bullet between these eyes. Listen girlie... I don't want you worrying your pretty little head about a thing, you hear? You're in Hancock's hands now and that makes you as good as gold, so you can trust that I'll get you wherever it is you need to go. You have my word. Now! Onto more pressing matters..." He said as he got to his feet.

"The two of you look about ready to keel over, and while I don't care so much about Burnsie here, I'd still rather if we made it past ten feet out the door before one of us croaks, bad business and all that. Besides, my contact won't be available until tomorrow anyways, so I suggest the both of you get some rest while you can. For you, Miss Astor, there's a small bedroom just down the hall to the right. Burnsie however, oughta feel right at home here on the couch, it'll be a right nice upgrade from that doghouse he's been sleeping in, at the very least! Just know that you are one hundred percent safe as long as you are in my care, and please, if you should need anything, anything at all, you need only ask."