The Future Is Neon

"Why didn't he do it?" Danse was pacing back and forth in the bunker, stressed from everything his friend had told him. "Why didn't he shoot you when he had the chance? He sounds like he had a clear shot,"

Hazel sorted through supplies, the bunker should have had everything one could need to go into hiding, but right now all she was digging up was garbage, "I'm not going to question it, I'm just going to be thankful I made it out of there without getting gooified by Gatling lasers." Her eyes twitched, she began to digest what had happened, Maxson's gaze was still fresh in her mind "They sent a God damn firing squad after me!" She slammed her fist against and empty coolant canister and yelled.

"All right… okay," Danse walked over to her, he remembered how he felt when he first learned of his loss, the look in her eyes was almost psychically painful. He sighed, he was never good at comforting his soldiers "I know it's upsetting but you need to focus. Do you have any idea where you could go?"

"I don't… I don't have anywhere." Hazel stared hard at the ground. She felt like crying again "I just never thought something like this would ever happen… I" she covered her face, God what is going to happen now? She had so many ties to the Commonwealth, she can't just cut loose and leave. "I need to go see some people first before I go."

"How are you going to do that?" She stood and looked around the room. There had to be something in here that would work. She spotted a stealth boy, hiding behind a stack of cans on one of the shelves. "Do you mind if I use this?"

"It's good as yours," Danse smirked at her. She smiled back while stuffing it in her go bag "Just don't take too long. Maxson's going to have whole troops after you out there."

They're not what I'm worried about. I'm worried about what's going to happen when I tell Nick- "she stopped herself, grabbing the duffel, the woman went towards the elevator "I got to go."

"Good luck out there Jones, be safe."

"I will."

Diamond city mornings were the second favorite part of Hazel's life in the Commonwealth. The very air seemed to hang in suspense of what might happen today, and the people were scarce and tiresome. the perfect time to relax, enjoy the peace, or just sneak in. She was happy no one had noticed her. Even with the stealth-boy, there's always a chance eyes were watching, especially in Diamond City. The familiar red glow of neon signs soothed Hazel's anxiety, slowly she made it to Valentine's doorstep. She turned off her stealth-boy and went inside.

Valentine was at his desk in the corner, examining the old painting looming above it. "I'm sorry, we're not taking any new cases at the moment- hazel!" He hopped up from his chair. Shocked "I thought you would be a hundred miles away by now!"

She sighed "I guess word gets around fast."

"Travis is already making plans to broadcast the story! I couldn't believe it when I heard. What exactly happened out there?"

"Well, now that I'm not affiliated with the brotherhood I guess I'm the biggest threat. They voted to take me out."

His metallic eyes widened, "You're kidding… And the rumor you stole one of their vertibirds?

"Don't worry about that. I found a place to hide it for when I'm ready"

The old synth shook his head "well…. I guess all I have left to ask is why have you decided to come to me instead of hopping the train, I figured you would have grabbed whatever you needed from Sanctuary and sped out of here by now."

"I couldn't go without seeing you first. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I had left you like this. With no idea where I was going."

"I'm flattered you thought of me," he jested "so where did you have in mind?" The two sat at the desk. Nick lit up a cigarette while she gathered herself.

"That's… that's kind of the other reason I came here. Nick, you've known all sorts of people from your time here… have you ever met anyone from… I don't know. Somewhere further off. Somewhere obscure? Maybe even just heard of someplace mildly civilized…"

He thought for a moment. She eyed him.

"I don't know much about it, but I think I know a place the brotherhood won't touch. Somewhere you'd be safe."

"Where?" She leaned forward.

"It's far, far away, Haze. Remember back in your time there was a city. Ah, Las Vegas."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Vegas? That's like 3000 miles away, Nick!"

"Now don't go blowing your top! You said someplace far off and obscure, right? A few years ago, there were rumors rolling into town that there had been a big commotion out there in Vegas and that it caused a big stir all over the east coast, caravaneers had wild stories about how some merc or something turned the city on its head and drove out half the factions out there into the boondocks. Word was one of those factions was the Brotherhood of Steel."

"So, your saying Vegas is a settlement now?"

"Settlement? Oh, hell no, New Vegas is still 100% operational. People come all over to get into that city. It's a big spectacle."

she stared at him in confusion "Still operational… just like back in the old days? With the gambling and the hookers?"

He nodded "The whole shebang."

"Wow…" How had she not heard this?!

"I just figured with your new bird and your supplies you could chance it and head out there. No way they're going to track you that far… At least I don't think."

She took the time to soak it in, she rubbed the dial of her pip boy anxiously. "I guess… with my map, I could probably make it there, or at least get as far out as I can."

"Whatever you decide. We all understand." He opened his drawer, pulling out an old postcard. Hastily, he scribbled something down and handed it to her.

She looked at the paper and smiled, "thank you, Valentine." She hugged him and stood. "I'm not going to let the brotherhood win this one. When the time comes, I'm coming home."

"And when you get back, we'll be here." He smiled.

She went to the door and turned her stealth boy back on. "Farewell."

"Farewell…"

She examined the note carefully while she walked down old concord. Sanctuary was her last stop, hopefully, Danse took up her offer to come with and was waiting for her back at the bird. With the fuel from the bunker and what she had stored at Sanctuary, it would be enough to make it at least half way to New Vegas. Her mind flooded with memories, it was almost like death, the moments when you relive your fondest memories before you go belly up. In a way, she guessed it was her way of mourning her old life.

"That's her!'

She looked up from her note. two men in combat armor had their rifles up. Should have figured there were scouts out here. She ducked under an old torn sign. Lasers reflected off it like sunbeams. She only had five bullets left, that meant no warning shots. she breathed and took the safety off. First, her gun went up, then raised her eyes over the debris. the first one was moving in close, he was locked on. another laser sailed at her face, she ducked and fired two shots. there was shouting. when she looked back he was on the ground. the other was ducked behind a door frame. He was even more inexperienced than the other guy. he stuck his head out and fired past her head, she returned the favor, nailing one in his shoulder, the boy yelled. One bullet left. She took a breath and focused. He had retreated behind the frame, he had nowhere else to go.

"Either you face me or come out with your pistol sheathed, soldier!" She shouted. The woman saw the rifle swing into view. without hesitation, the last bullet went flying. She heard a thud. Damn fool. She threw her pistol on the ground and picked up her duffel. Not much time is going to pass before more were going to show, with her small window, she ran up the hill. Red rocket stood empty. she called over the sound of the generator in the back

"Dogmeat!" she whistled "come on boy!" The familiar sound of barking came from the back of the building, the happy little German Shepard bounded up to her, the two raced to the bridge. She smiled at the pup. up ahead was her house. settlers watched her and murmured to each other. Looks like news has gotten to Sanctuary. She secretly hoped Piper was going to write a story about her tomorrow. What would the headline be? Not like she was going to stick around to learn. Dogmeat sniffed around the dining room while she loaded up all the fuel canisters and oil cans she could. Outside, she heard fans. Shit. She whistled, Dogmeat perked up and followed her out the door. Next to the frame was Glowing One, she always knew there would be a reason for her old Fat-man. Using it as cover, the dweller kneeled at the door and took aim. The bird was coming in for a complete landing. She swore if it was Maxson, and walked his ass out all dramatic like last time she was going to light him up bright enough to start a new wasteland. She noticed someone leaning out behind the mounted mini-gun. "Preston?" He was waving his arms frantically.

"Don't shoot! General! Don't shoot!" she lowered her weapon. "It's not the Brotherhood. It's us. whew… It's us." The bird landed in the street, the fans slowed to a stop. To her surprise, Danse hopped out of the cockpit. Wearing civilian clothing.

"Danse? Where did you learn to fly a bird?! and where did you get this bird?" the vertibird was twice as big as the one she had jacked, the back was extended, this bird was used for recon trips.

"General, if I may. This vertibird is from the minuteman's reserves, it's a refurbished pre-war version. We never had a use for it after the fall of the castle so it's been sitting in a bunker down south for the last few years. After Danse came to me and told me what happened I just thought, you know…" he walked up to it. "Go on it and check it out," Hazel nodded and investigated the bird, the back door opened, revealing shelves full of fresh and canned foods, along with a stockpile of fuel.

"You guys… Did all this for me?" She looked at Danse, he smiled warmly. "I-I don't know what to say,"

Preston took off his hat, "We know you can't stay. The Brotherhood is just too strong here. But that doesn't mean you have to live like a refugee. Wherever you to go. Just remember the minutemen are always gonna be here for you."

Hazel smiled, almost teary again "Thank you." She murmured. Containing herself.

"No, General, thank you. You did more good for this city on your own than any group has done in years. The Commonwealth won't be forgetting you anytime soon," he smiled. "Now get out of here before tin men start marching on the settlement,"

She laughed a little, then hugged him. His mild surprise turned into a quiet, proud happiness. He hugged her back.