[color=aba000][b][u]Danny "Nines" Floyd - North Gate - Afternoon[/u][/b][/color]

The journey's initial mile bore nary a word between Danny and Eve. Cannon, a head above her peer, seemed to relish the silence, basking amid the newer landscape and reflecting upon her fortunes. She plotted each footfall, deftly maneuvering around debris along her path.

Floyd, already familiar with the scenery, languished in light terror, not that his countenance displayed any. He calculated the intricate sequence of events. Should he disclose the conspiracy to the Meld's comrades? The burden of withholding his secrets alone would grind him mentally. Amber was indisputably reliable. The Jack's Revolt was a source of mild contention among Charlotte and Bradley, Bradley supporting the insurrection and Charlotte siding against. Regardless, Charlotte commonly supported Daniel through even his controversial endeavors, and neither lover was overly invested in the conflict. Both could be entrusted. The question then was the order of disclosure...

"You mentioned revelry," Eve stated. "Let's have some." Apparently the placidity lost its luster.

In the absence of strangers, Danny withdrew his harmonica. "Name a tune, then."

"I'd rather not revel thus," she grinned. "Why parleyed you with Don Omerta?"

"As I said," he replied. "To congratulate his wedding."

"Come now," she countered. "You're not one to be chummy with men of such disrepute."

"He has unseen virtues."

"As do I," she pressed. "As do the NCR, and the Brotherhood of Steel, and all characters of the wasteland's remnant factions. Why not fraternize with them?"

"Well, I negotiated with Ambassador Watts prior. The painting expenses must have reached you."

"They have. So it's those with authority," she insisted, turning to lock gazes, looming downwards with that characteristic faint smile. "Are you attracted to folk like me?"

To repay the insult to his beloved, Daniel telegraphed a pommel, the bronze from his enclosed instrument promising an unpleasant experience. Eve swiftly dodged aside, though Daniel didn't intend to make impact. He relaxed his fist. "Infer that again, and you'll see how promptly I shed my decency."

"Then it's ambition," the Ace concluded. "And I desire to hear of it. You've always carried an affinity for self autonomy, but this is something quite separate."

"As if I'd expose myself to the Aces' champion."

"I'm banished in every way but officially," she eased, her hand stopping him in his tracks. "Whatever inner recesses you unveil, none will reach the Council, I assure you."

Daniel sighed. His journey would be halted while he remained aloof. Eve's inquisition proved piercing as ever. Better that his rival understand isolated and defenseless than, for example, in Isabel's presence. "Where lie your loyalties?"

Eve glanced elsewhere, as if the answer was obvious. As she fully realized the implications of Danny's demand, her legs began to tremble in weakness, and she clutched her stomach. After a minute, she summoned her resolve to respond merely: "With the Vault."

"Its inhabitants, or its management?"

She vomited at the roadside and staggered backwards. "Please don't force me to choose," she pleaded.

"They just exiled you! You owe them no allegiance!" Danny shouted, knowing before speaking he elected the incorrect route of argument.

"It was never about my power!" Eve cried, clinging to Floyd's shoulders. "I upheld the Vault's traditions, that our heritage might endure! Surely you agree!"

"And does the current status of 48 resemble that of your childhood?" Nines challenged. "You caused the downfall of our homeland. You and Faye together. Don't hinder my attempt to restore it."

Her vigor exhausted, Eve knelt at his front, still capable of maintaining eye contact at her height. He spoke truth; her eyes reflected her acknowledgement. "I've seen too many brethren perish in my quests. No matter my reservations, I won't contribute to more senseless death from my kin. You'll have my neutrality."

"And you won't inform members of the homestead without my express permission, yes?"

Eve swallowed. "Allow me to confide in my sister. I know she's escaped to take refuge with you. We have methods of silent communication; Isabel won't notice."

Daniel was unacquainted with this information, but he didn't reveal surprise. "Granted," he grunted, assisting his former adversary to her feet. "Gather your strength; we shall show the colony no dissension." The giantess had fallen. Perhaps he was scared for nothing. He resumed pace. To ease their nerves, he performed a tinny medley for the travel back: the Colonel Bogey March. The melody was harried but sure.