dangnabnit, I need an update. this story is too damn good to let die!

I discovered this a few weeks ago and I'm so glad I did. I read your other story After the Fires Fade and thought it was pretty good, and when I found this one independently, I didn't realise for the longest time that you were the same author. Your style and skill has improved so much since then. I still adore your characterisation of Alex, and I'm loving Cain as well.
I'm forever seething that Prototype didn't build up a big enough fanbase to get many long, well-written fics like this one (and lets not even mention the goddamn sequel), so you really have made something special to me. It's such a niche story that it feels like it shouldn't exist, but I'm so glad it does.
I know your profile says this isn't dead and you're re-working some earlier chapters, but can I get a reply that confirms that you're alive?
Anyway, even if this is it, it's a good enough ending to not feel bitter about it, and I thank you for the immense amount of time and effort that must have gone into it.
Thanks for sharing this story with us.

Cain's need to solve her problems herself isnt getting any time soon, huh?
Wonder how much better revenge would work out for her if she accepted Alex's help.

This is the first chapter where you get to really write a smart and well spoken character. I know you have canon lines to go off of, but even so, its hard, and impressive to write. House is compelling, and I take him very seriously.

Alex deserves a minigun. At some point they gotta find out what's behind that secret wall.

Bonding over murder well done, how sweet.

Alex here reminds of various evil D&D characters I've played with. Murder is at the top of their list, including with quest givers, but they toe the party line for the sake of keeping the game going.
I like how after Alex threatened to leave, Cain still hasn't asked why he came along in the first place. She asked, he said yes. All there is to it.

Tons of exposition. Don't know if there's a smoother way to get all that info across. For the characters or the reader.

And so he just completely gives up on hiding his limits.

And he lasted one chapter.
Give him credit though. He kept the tentacles in when he was trying to digest an energy cell.

"Everything about this was stupid, so he was definitely going to regret it later"

I love how every reason exists for him to avoid them, but he craves friendly social interaction so much its not even a question of whether or not its worth it. It's a forgone conclusion.

"Did he feel guty about handing off his problem to Arcade?
...No. No, he did not"

"...Great. She pressed a hand to her forehead. She'd found another Boone.
Were they breeding?"

Great lines

Holes in her head acting up. HA

"He was force and she was direction; he had the power, but she always had the plans, the what-to-do-next and the far more alien what-not"
I knew Alex is going to latch onto his new Courier friend, but I missed how closely she mirrors your interpretation of Dana before

I keep forgetting how funny this story can be. This chapter goes through the whole range of tones, from confusion to comedy to angst. Keeps it interesting