One week later, in my apartment. 

 

 

          Kimy hasn't lied. She laughed at my face when she saw me come in in with the devices on my body. She released me and gave me the keys to an old apartment right next to the Memory Den. 

"Do whatever you want in there partner. Visit me later, I might have a job for you."

She didn't have to worry, I was going to enjoy my new home! Time for a little workout.

 

 

            I reconnected with my old pre-war hobbies. I finally had a place where I could to yoga. It was quiet, calm and I was in the perfect state of mind to do it. My legs were still flexible enough to do the splits. I still got it.

 

 

            It felt good, stretching my legs, then my arms... I felt like I was 18 again! I had lost those habits, I was spending more time surviving thant living.

 

 

          What about my balance? Was it still smooth? I had to strain my arms to keep the pose.

 

 

            I got my answer when I found myself on the carpet. Luckily I was able to control my fall. I was going to have to work on that...

 

 

            I kept working out. I was in the perfect position to stretch my entire back. It was damaged after too many adventures with Kimy's toys... I held my feet, breathed slowly and let the music on the radio accompagnied this relaxing moment. 

 

 

            I rolled over and raised my legs as high as I could. It was a good to end this session, my whole body was stimulated. Except for my feet which were hanging in the air. I will train them next time.

 

 

          After finishing the workout, I needed to get clean. I was going to visit Kimy once I got dressed. 

 

 

          The young woman had devious devices but also a wide variety of modern clothes in her wardrobe. She was kind enough to give me something to wear. I may have been forced to show her how my goods worked to make this happen... 

 

 

          "Hello my dear Calista! I hope you like the clothes and the apartment! Didn't I tell you that I'd make it worth your while? I never lie."

"It's true, I can't thank you enough! If I could have some of your toys for the apartment I would be delighted!"

"You've come to the right place! I have just the job for you. Brother Thomas borrowed a load of my toys. I found out that he was using them to trick poor people into robbing them. This has to stop. You'll find him and his community at the Charles View Amphitheater. Do it your way, but be careful not to get ripped off! How about half the toys as a reward?"

"I'm in. But I'd still like some capsules. 300 is enough for this job, right?"

"You know I like you Calista. I'll give you 500 if no one dies. Are you ready for the challenge?"

 

 

          Challenge accepted. This job was a perfect opportunity to test my fighting skills in case things went wrong. I had improved since that time in the cage. Plus, the morning workouts needed to be put into action.

 

 

          The amphitheater was not far from Goodneighbor. About fifteen minutes later, I got to the place. Several people with patched clothes, not very well armed, yep it was there. We had a nice view of the Boston River, spoiled by the huge bonfire that Thomas' community had lit. I was stretching my arms, just in case...

 

 

            I joined the community. Brother Thomas proved to be easy to find, he was the one in the chair overlooking his group. 

"Hi there, I'm here to pick Kimy's devices."

"Who are you young lady? I don't know anyone named Kimy and I don't have any devices here."

"Cut the crap brother Thomas, I know who you are and what you are doing here. Give me what I came for and no harm will be done."

"Mmh... Alright. I want two of you to escort this woman into the storeroom. You'll get your devices."

 

 

          Something wasn't right. Once in the room, the woman who accompagnied me slammed the door and closed it. Maybe she was waiting for me to interact with something in the storeroom. Maybe she was waiting for backup. Either way, I wasn't going to let it get to me. I didn't need the pumps and my jacket anymore. Time for a fight.

 

 

            I yelled to get the woman's attention. She must have thought that I had fallen into the trap that was meant for me. She opened the door and entered the room, disappointed to find no one there. I came out of the corner behind the door and tackled her.

"Hey darling, looking for me?"

 

 

            I made sure she was knocked out before closing the door. The other guy was waiting outside and went into the office. He wasn't expecting to see an angry woman in her bare feet. When he was within range, I kicked him in the throat.

"Get the hell out of here, you creep."

I was in good shape today. Both physically and verbally.

 

 

            I paused for a moment. I heard footsteps and moved to cover. 

"Are you done with the girl? Is she neutralized? Why the fuck aren't they answering?"

He was reading a piece of paper while unconsciously walking towards me. Same battle plan as before.

 

 

          When he was close enough, I hit him pretty hard. The surprise effect was such that he was knocked out before he hit the ground. 

"Sorry mister. I don't think you're going to need that assault rifle anymore."

I had an idea how to cut down the community without deaths.

 

 

            I retrieved his weapon and quietly made my way to the bonfire. None of the other members saw me. I aimed at the river and emptied the magazine.

"If you don't want to die, run away, all of you. NOW."

They succumbed to the panic and fled. Except for two people. Brother Thomas and his bodyguard who were hiding inside the amphitheater.

 

 

            I made a grand entrance. I climbed over the crates and then over the wall to pounce on the first person who came along. The bodyguard was the unfortunate one. She could do nothing but scream and pray. 

 

 

          Brother Thomas was powerless, he didn't even have time to draw his rifle. A blow to his crotch and a tackle were enough to send him down. Next time, he won't piss off a woman who was obliged to remove her heels.

 

 

            I put my foot on his chest to make it clear who was the community leader.

"Shall I continue Brother or do you give me the toys now?"

"Okay you win, I give up. Damn you're a strong woman. Kimy's toys are in the safe next to the matress. Help yourself, it's open and get the hell out."

 

 

            I put all the devices in a bag and walked along the river. I took a break, there was a deckchair and some beers waiting for me. The day had gone pretty well, nobody died, which meant a lot of caps and I got some new stuff for the apartment! If only I hadn't forgotten my jacket and pumps... I was going to have to go home barefoot... Poor me.