The interview continued for a little while longer, Adam explained a number of things, some more personal, some more abstract. They even played an interesting word game. And eventually the interview was drawing to a close with Adam feeling more comfortable than when he first started. Adam had made a few tactical decisions on what he talked about. The three main things he did not speak on was that he was once more living in the Vault, that he was a clone, and that he was from Pre-War. He had once or twice let it slip that he was building a settlement along with his friends, but tried his best to keep it vague, and Ray was accommodating enough to get the subtext and not pry deeper. However even though Adam did not talk about being a clone, he got the sense that Ray already knew. Which, if he did, it spoke wonders about how many other people might know. Assuming he was right, and Mr. Cantelli was spreading it around for his own gain, Adam's secret was blown.
Still, even if Ray did know Adam was a clone, he was being careful not to say that word for word. Perhaps not to upset Adam or not to expose his secret either. Adam did appreciate that, even if he was starting to accept the fact that his secrets wouldn't stay that way forever. If Mr. Cantelli knew, and he wanted to discredit Adam, Midway would know, and if Midway knew, it was just a matter of time until it was public knowledge in Chicago. Time would tell however. So for now he was content to at least not broadcast it on the air.
"Alright, This has been a wonderful time today, Adam." Ray continued with an inflection that indicated he was close to wrapping up. "I just have one final question for you."
"Shoot." Adam said with a smile and a casual tone.
"Okay two, actually." Ray said with a small laugh before continuing. "I heard you have refurbished an APC and got it back to working condition?"
"Yes, that is true."
"Then my real question is… can I get a ride?" Ray grinned. Adam laughed and then smiled too.
"Sure, I can give you a ride later."
"Awesome! I'm going to hold you to that! Now, I want to thank you for coming out here, Adam. I know this was just as unexpected for you as it was for me, but you have been a great sport today and having you on my show was a blast."
"Thank you, Ray. This was my first time on air, but it was fun. I'm happy you invited me."
"Aaaaaaand that's a wrap." Ray said as he flipped the switch on his controls again, turning the red light off finally. "Wonderful work Adam, you were a natural." Ray smiled as he took off his headphones. Adam followed suit and took off his headphones too.
"Honestly, I was nervous at first, but once we started getting into it, like you said, it really was just like a chat. Well, a chat with a ton of questions." Adam laughed.
"True enough!" Ray laughed too and then offered Adam his hand. "It really has been fantastic meeting you Adam, if you are ever in town again, feel free to hit me up. Even if it has nothing to do with the radio I wouldn't say no to a dinner date." Ray winked. Adam laughed, unsure if Ray was genuinely hitting on him or just making a joke, maybe both.
"I'll keep that in mind." Adam said as he shook Ray's hand again. "By the way, when do you think the segment will air?"
"Well I'll need to review the recording, scrub out any audio issues and, while I'm at it, maybe add some gentle music in the background or something. I'll mess around and see. However I'd guess tomorrow or the day after. Depends how quickly I finish."
"I look forward to hearing it."
"I look forward to playing it." Adam turned to leave and give Ray his space back but then paused.
"Oh, by the way, know any good places to grab dinner here? I'm going to meet with my friends and it's dinner time." Ray grinned widely.
"Then I recommend going to Little John's. I promise. You won't regret it."
"Will do then. Once more it was a pleasure meeting you, Ray."
"Same here, Adam. Same here."
Adam headed back down the tower, taking the elevator because he really didn't want to take all those stairs, and was the last to arrive at the first floor where the rest of his friends were.
"Hey, guys, were you waiting long?" Adam said as he walked over.
"No, we were not waiting long." Deccanus responded quickly.
"Nah, don't worry about it. Mira here was just sharing some interesting intel she learned." Percy said casually.
"Oh?" Adam said, turning to look at her now.
"I'll tell you all about it, but it's nothing major. This place seems safe." She said, as if she was reading an after action report.
"Well I'd love to hear, but how about we do it over dinner. I heard there's a place called Little John's that we were recommended to try."
"That sounds agreeable." Deccanus said with a nod.
"Well if it's that place, I reckon I know where it is, I think I saw it while I was exploring." Percy said as he gestured for the other three to follow. Adam noted that, despite acting casual enough and not being wary around Percy, Deccanus was still keeping a social distance with him. As they walked he was the furthest away from Percy at all times. It was clear he was still uncomfortable with him but in his own way he was trying.
They got to the restaurant, a cafe on the second floor that sat on the side of the building, with balcony seating. The four got seats and sat down with menus which were sparse but varied enough to give everyone at the table different options for them to choose from.
"Alright, Mira, what did you learn?" Adam asked as he turned to her once he figured out the food he wanted.
"Not too much but I'll start with some history I learned. For starters, these people, the bulk of them, used to be nomads."