*Hello! This is my third Fallout fanfiction, and this will be longer than the other two. I hope you enjoy and tell me what you think; if you have any constructive criticism or advice, please share!*
They were lost.
She and Boone had been travelling for days; more than likely, Veronica was chomping at the bit since they had been gone for such a long time. Cass was probably as drunk as Bill Ronte right about now, and Arcade should have been back at Old Mormon Fort. She wished she could communicate with everyone somehow, but they would have to make do with the situation they had now.
She pulled up her Pipboy again- it had gone out three days before. If ED-E had been there, it would have been fixed easily. She was smart, but not ED-E smart. In a way, she wished she would have brought either Raul, Veronica, or Arcade with her; Boone wasn't much for conversation, but he was a damn good sniper.
"Ruth, look."
Hearing Boone, she stopped fidgeting with her Pipboy and turned her gaze to where he was pointing. A group was heading their way. Out of reflex, she reached for her gun, but Boone put his hand on top her hand and lowered it.
"Relax. It's NCR," he reassured as he started toward the group, Ruth following closely behind. While she was in good standings with the NCR, she knew it was better to let Boone do the talking at first. However, he didn't get that chance.
"Soldiers," a man called out to them, "are you lost?"
"Actually, yeah," Ruth replied. She had almost forgotten she was wearing an NCR beret.
"Well, you don't want to head that way," the same man said, pointing behind him with his thumb. "That's Camp Searchlight. It's irradiated, and ghouls are all over the place."
"Good to know," Boone nodded.
"Why are you here?" Ruth asked, curious.
The African-American man who had spoken to them sighed. "Ah, right. I'm First Sergeant Astor. We were stationed at Searchlight when those Legionnaire bastards attacked. They irradiated the camp and left, leaving us to scurry to get people out." Ruth could see pain in Astor's eyes as they went distant. "Some didn't make it. They either died or became ghouls." His eyes then focused on her. "That's why I'm here- to warn people about the camp and to lead them away."
"You have our thanks," Ruth spoke. Boone gave a single nod in agreement.
Astor didn't seem to take the gratitude, either from grief or guilt. Or both. "There's a small settlement northwest of here, called Thanton Town. If you need a rest or to restock, I suggest you go there."
"Thanton Town?" Ruth pointed to her Pipboy. "I've never seen it on my Pipboy."
"Or on any map, for that matter," Boone muttered.
"It's really small, so it won't," Astor informed.
Ruth glanced northwest then back to Astor. "Alright. Thanks."
Astor nodded. Ruth and Boone started to leave-
"H-Hey," Astor stammered. They stopped and looked back to him. "Listen…" They could tell he was hesitating about whatever it was he was going to say, but they patiently waited. When he was finally able to speak, he did it slowly. "Those poor bastards. I can't imagine how they must be suffering. I'd like to put them out of their misery, but… I can't do it." His eyes fell away from them. "Can you do me a favor?"
Ruth nodded. "You say it's irradiated, right? As soon as we find some suits, Rad-X, and Radaway, we'll go."
Astor smiled. "Ma'am."
With that, she and Boone headed northwest. Sleeping on the ground was killing her neck, perhaps in part of behind shot in the head, courtesy of Benny. Not to mention they could use some water and ammo. And food. She wasn't sure whose stomach was growling louder, hers or Boone's. In an hour's time, they reached Thanton Town. Astor wasn't kidding- it was literally five houses, a general store, and gardens, with a small pack of Brahmin behind a fence. No sign of an inn, either. Ruth let out a defeated sigh and slumped her tense shoulders.
"Maybe Astor meant a different town," Boone suggested.
"No, this is it," Ruth grumbled. "Oh, well. Let's just go to-"
"Oh, hey! You two look like you mean business!" they heard a young woman exclaim. They turned to their left to see the woman, who was around twenty years old with long, curly red hair and bright blue eyes, standing on her porch. Her cheeks and the bridge of her nose had freckles, and her skin, despite being in the desert sun frequently, was a creamy color. Her blue jeans had wear and tear on them, and her white wife-beater had spots of dirt here and there. And her smile. Her smile was infectious, for Ruth found herself smiling back.
"I guess so," Boone shrugged. The woman ran off her porch and to them, stopping with her hands clasped behind her back.
"Good! I'm looking for people who do! See, we have a slight Giant Ant problem, and we could use your help."
"Giant Ant? They're not firebreathing, are they?"
"Oh, of course not!" the woman grinned at Boone's question. "If they were, then this place wouldn't be here."
"Good point," Ruth spoke. "Do you know where they are coming from, Miss…?"
The woman slammed her palm into her forehead. "Dang it! I did it again! Sarah is always fussing at me for this!" She held her left hand out. "Name's Judith, but everyone calls me Jude. Don't know why, don't care why."
Ruth took her hand and gave it a firm shake. "Ruth. This is my friend Craig Boone."
"Just Boone," he greeted.
Jude released Ruth's hand. "That's what I call a handshake! Daddy always told me and Sarah to give a good, firm handshake- makes a good first impression. Nice meeting you." She then turned and pointed behind her house. "I've seen them come up over that hill. Not many, though, and they're usually picked off by the time they get to the bottom. I'm just worried that eventually, they'll come in a pack and kill our Brahmin, or perhaps even someone." She then put her hands on her hips. "Why don't you restock then come back here? I'll have you something to eat and a place to rest, because I'm sure you'd like to do that before taking care of our ant problem."
"What about your parents and Sarah?" Ruth questioned. "We don't want to impose."
Jude shook her head. "It's just Sarah and me. She won't mind. Promise!" She turned-
"Now, hold on just a minute," Boone piped up, taking a step toward her. "You're a little too trusting to two complete strangers. We could be Raiders or Powder Gangers for all you know. Maybe even Great Khans."
Jude laughed as she turned halfway to see them. "Great Khans? Out here? Not a chance. You're too clean and sober for Raiders, and Powder Gangers travel in larger groups, not just two loners. Not to mention they have a whole lot more on them explosively than what you do." She then pointed to their berets. "NCR folk tend to be helpful, if not a little stupid and prideful. I think I'm in good hands." She turned around and headed to her house, throwing up her hand in a sloppy wave. "See you soon!"
Ruth let out a laugh as she patted Boone's back as he scratched behind his ear. "She's not as naïve as you think, huh, Boone?"
