The group stayed for a while longer and chatted about the details, of which there were few. Simply be here and ready for the Pirate Queen's arrival and ward them off, with threats of violence or with force itself. Mira seemed to take charge asking specifics, such as the stability of the boats, the best firing positions, how many guards they had, how much manpower they could count on, and more. However, ultimately, unlike the last two battles, this one would have to be done off the cuff. With the pirate fleet coming from any direction it chose there was no way to set up defenses. At least they knew they couldn't come from the shore line, so that was something. But lacking anything else, the conversation ended with the Songbird graciously thanking the group for their promised help and inviting them to a concert later that evening where she would announce the plan after speaking with the other leaders.
"Adam…" Mira said as soon as they were well out of earshot of any people living on the Raft.
"I know, I know." Adam preempted her, already feeling the Salvatore inside him chastising him for his promise to help. "Agreeing to help was stupid and pointless."
"And you still agreed to it regardless." Mira said with a deep sigh.
"I can't just sit idly by and watch people get killed, Mira." He said, more with a tone of desperation than anything else.
"And that white knight side of you is going to get you killed someday, you know that right?"
"If I die helping people, honestly, I cannot think of a more noble death." Adam said proudly and then sighed again. "Look, I'm not going to be telling anyone they have to join me, but I will be going. I totally understand if you want to sit this one out." He offered. Mira just shook her head and let off a single laugh. Then she gently bumped her fist into Adam's chest.
"Then who would keep you alive, stupid?" She grinned. "You are just like Sarah, you need me to keep you from jumping in front of a bullet." Adam chuckled.
"I would appreciate it if you did. I'm not looking to die." He smiled and then turned to the other two. Of course not taking Sgt. Fyre's opinion into account, he was just a regular robot, he didn't have autonomy or sentience.
"I have fought at your side for many untold battles." Deccanus began. "Your skill is sharp and your judgement is sound. If I am to die fighting at your side I can think of no greater honor. My blade is yours, whenever and wherever you call upon it." Deccanus said, not a shred of doubt in his words. Adam was touched, though a part of him expected an answer like this from Deccanus. He was certainly his most stalwart ally. If Adam decided to march into Hell, the religious Hell not the subway settlement, Deccanus would follow him without question. It was nice to have such a loyal friend, albeit it did make him feel the weight of that unwavering trust. He hoped not to disappoint.
"Well I didn't follow ya cause you were the type to sit this sort of stuff out." Percy said with a grin. "I knew the kinda man you were. Stuff like this. Helping folks? Well that's the best use of my time. And yours if you ask me." He chuckled softly. "I ain't missing this party even if you paid me." Adam chuckled now.
"I didn't know you were an even bigger altruist then I am." Adam laughed.
"Altruist? Dreamer? Ranger? I am what I need to be to help the most people. That's always been my life's work." He chuckled back. Adam then turned to Sgt. Fyre. He may not have a say in the matter but he did have the right to speak his mind.
"Everything alright Sgt. Fyre?" Adam asked, curious.
"All systems operating normally sir." Sgt. Fyre responded curtly.
"Are you sure? You seem less than… gung-ho than you normally are."
"I am not blind, sir." Fyre shot back. "I can see this place is not a den of communist scum. And even though my programming is screaming at me to hunt down every last red on god's green earth, I have nothing to say about the ordinary citizens living ordinary lives. Their lives are in danger. They asked for help. What should we do but help? After all, we are soldiers of this Great American Empire. Communist, pirate, what difference does it make? I am here to help you achieve your goals." Sgt. Fyre articulated quite well. Adam was surprised.
"I didn't know you had such insight to give, Fyre." Adam remarked.
"My cognitive abilities were hampered by my previous employers, the Talon Company. But you restored my programming to its factory setting. I have nothing but time to hunt commie scum. And be it now or later, my mission shall never end. SEMPER FI!" Sgt. Fyre yelled at the end. Well, guess that means he used to work for the marines. Interesting. But even though this level of insight was impressive he still showed that he did not understand the world had ended, and he still seemed bound by his programming. It made sense, it would be a miracle if both he and Hades awoke to sentience. But it was good that Fyre could think this well, that made him better in battle. He would be a huge help in the coming days.
"Well… I thank you all for agreeing to help." Adam smiled. "Now, we have been invited to a concert later this evening so let's enjoy ourselves here at this new settlement before we move on. I'm excited to explore!"
The next few hours were marked by the group mostly splitting up and adventuring around the settlement. Adam found multiple entertainment venues, restaurants, and a lot of housing that he took careful steps not to intrude into. The most interesting thing he found was a room with two computers connected back to back. Someone here had enough programming knowledge to create a game of sorts. It required two players and each player took turns guessing where the other person hid their ships on a large grid. It was mostly luck based but there was definitely a degree of strategy and skill involved. They called it battleships and for the low price of 50 caps Adam played against Mira, whom he had found walking around, and proceeded to lose every game he played against her.
Finally, evening came and they all headed to the large ship where Patricia had told them to go, on it a stage was being set up and there looked to be waiters setting up a catering service on the ship by the numerous chairs and tables that they had pulled out.
Adam and his friends took a seat near the back and were told that dinner was being comped by the Songbird for them all tonight, so they could eat to their heart's content. Adam was happy to take them up on the offer.
They had a few options but when Adam looked at the small menu, mostly offering one food item per restaurant in the area he noted something super important. Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza! His favorite!
Honestly, Adam had long since given up on finding Chicago Style pizza again. He had assumed it just had not survived the ravages of time. However, to his delight, he was able to order a whole pie just for himself with all the fixings he could want. Within reason, of course.
The best part of the entire experience was that there was no one in his group to argue with him about the best style pizza. New York pizza? Nah, get that lame stuff out of here. If it's not deep dish, it's not pizza and he would die on this hill. Even better that he could introduce the food to his friends as well! Despite the looming threat on the horizon, self brought as it was. Adam was in high spirits just from finding this food alone. Maybe he could find a way to bring some back to the Vault? Or maybe he could kidnap the chef? Ah well, pipe dreams are just that. But for now, he simply enjoyed the food while the band on stage set up.