"Captain!" Craig boone looked up from adjusting his pack, the smell of two hundred soldiers and all the gear and sweat that accompanied them filling his nostrils in the NCR deployment station.
The major approaching him stopped and held a sealed envelope out to him,
"Orders, also captain you're getting two green horns so it's your job to show em the wastes" the major was sweating, not used to being out of his temperature controlled office and was about to head back to its comforting embrace when the ranger spoke up.
"Major it says here we are to guard a general George Hawke? Who is he? Also i noticed we have a few guests with us who are they?" he said gesturing at a group of twelve or fourteen grizzled looking men armed to the teeth.
" haven't you been to vegas? Those are detectives, since its a territory the Governor has the power to deputize those he feels are necessary to the security of the territory till it becomes a state. Well those are his personal enforcers they are outside military jurisdiction but have the full power as if the Governor himself was talking, there's a lot more out there these guys are just coming back from leave.' The major was feeling the fountains under his arms as the sun beat down on him ' as for general hawk, he was an enclave general he apparently took the remnants of a few enclave groups and molded them into a new army, mobilized em up to canada and expanded the ranks from a few vaults and retrained em into some nasty mothers, according to the reports. Well the brass sent in a few spec ops troops and they managed to surprise em and extract em, i'm surprised you didn't here it's all over the paper, anyways he's slated to go to a detention and information extraction center, since vegas is a territory the normal laws about prisoner treatment are flexible. If you'll excuse me captain i really must be going." the maor spun on his heel off to the cool serenity of his office.
Boone just sighed putting his helmet on as Zavvs, abbigail, Bear and two young rangers came up to him.
" Hey Cap found these two wanderin around they says they suppose to be with us" Bear said gesturing at the two greenhorns.
Boone took a moment to evaluate them, they were both dressed in the ranger duster and a bullet proof vest since they weren't vets yet, one had a pistol strapped to his right leg and a m4 across his back his brown wide brimmed hat looked like something from a western but his eyes shown from under it like dark blue oceans, the other was wearing the same duster and armor but was wearing a backpack and carried a combat shotgun, his black hair was hanging into his eyes, they both saluted breaking boone from his thoughts.
"Sir!" The one with the hat said, "privates James Wolfe and Donovan Carrote, reporting as ordered sir"
Boone extended his hand to both of them, nice to meet you two, first rule cut that saluting shit out, a sniper in the wastes sees that and i'll be getting a new hole in my head. Second my name is Craig Boone these three clowns are your squad mates, This is Zavv's he's our explosives guy, this is Bear in case you couldn't tell heavy weapons expert, and this is Abbigail she's our team sniper, i wish we could continue this little party but we got orders. While on our way out of here we are to guard a high value prisoner an enclave general so stay sharp and get your shit on the train." Boone turned throwing his duffle onto his back.
James looked around unsure of what to say as the captain left, he looked t the big guy with the minigun " so ah Bear, is that really?" Bear cut him off.
"Yep, and no don't ask him zavv's tried once and almost got his throat cut. The Captains a good guy stick with him watch and learn you'll both be fine but don't go down that road he's a tad touchy about it." Bear said grabbing his duffel as he piled onto the train with the others.
MEANWHILE AT THE LUCKY 38
The Courier as he was dubbed looked over the tactical display of new vegas inputting a few changes as a floating robot came over
" hey ED-E what's up just inputting the last scouting reports, the ncr has someone important coming in and i haven't been able to figure out who" The courier a few years older now a few more scars his blue eyes were filled with sorrow but looking into them you'd be scared because in them you'd see a cold fire mixed with the calculating cold killer he had become over the years. He was wearing his favorite black suit and red tie. His dirty blonde windswept hair was swept back, he dropped his glass as he read the message from ED-E
"ED-E tell yes man to activate all units and get everyone awake and ready i have a feeling we'll be getting company" He cursed all this planning all this preparation, all his work and they both would foul it up for him one intentionally the other seemed to keep coming back like a bad rash.
FOUR HOURS LATER ON A TRAIN OUTSIDE VEGAS.
James was cleaning his pistol when he heard his name.
He looked up to see the blonde sniper motioning him and Donovan over.
"So we haven't gotten to really meet and figured now would be a good time" she said
"My names Abby you've met everyone but we don't know squat about you two so spill it" She said with a smile, James immediately liked her warm smile but decided it'd be better to answer them instead of staring.
"Well my name is James, grew up in the ncr wanted to see the wastes and figured id join up i met D here in training and we've been together since" James said lightly elbowing Donovan
"Yea If it weren't for me this smiling idiot would've flunked the RQE (ranger qualifying exam)" He said giving james a light shove back.
"He's got a point, i grew up on a small farm not much time for education" he said looking down, "But if it weren't for me D here would've gotten his teeth kicked in on the first night never mind the rest of training, so he agreed to tutor me and i taught him how to hold his own. The instructors thought we worked well together so here we are" James said his moment of doubt behind him. He saw a group of men in combat armor heading towards the rear, behind them came the captain
Boone Stopped at the little gathering he motioned for them to gear up pointing at the group as they walked towards the prisoner car.
After everyone had suited up boone handed James and D small earpieces, once they had them in he spoke.
"Those guys dont look like they came back from leave, and no ones supposed to be heading back that way except us, bear you take point if somethins shifty hose em with that minigun, james and Donovan you two take up the rear and stay ready, Donovan that shotgun may come in handy everyone else sidearms it'll be close quarters. Lets go.
With Bear taking point the group made their way to through the train careasing open the door for bear the other three followed bear into the prisoner car. The sight greeting them was a man shackled to a chair wearing a green inmate uniform two deputies were cutting their way through the side of the car while one shot the chains of the prisoner, the other seven all pointed their weapons at the newcomers.
"Halt, anyone of you moves and i'll repaint the walls with your innards" Bear spun his minigun as the rest fanned out
"Gentleman I am afraid you are too late so with that i bid you adieu" with that the man stood up his close cropped hair reminded boone of his drill instructor, suddenly the wall was peeled back by the wind as the two deputies finished cutting it away, wind howled through the cart as the deputies and the prisoner jumped out, behind them they heard shouts as the remaining deputies fired at them,
" take cover!" the rest dived behind a few storage crates at the whine of Bears minigun filled the car. A man in a sheriff's duster and an eyepatch came down the hall behind them firing one shot hit abby before james pulled her back. From the car behind them they heard shouts only to realize the deputies had played their hand perfectly as it seemed that they were now being shot at by soldiers and deputies alike. Over the comms boone heard
" they think we freed him! What the fuck fucking idiots!"
"Zavv calm it down everyone out the door" boone threw a smoke grenade and covered in front of them
"James youll have to help Abby, its a shoulder wound and she looks bad" he fired a few more shots as zavv and Bear jumped out Donovan following them,
"What about you sir?" james stopped for a second supporting Abby before boot kicked him out the cart
Now whatever anyone says exiting a train the fast way is never a comfy route
The five rangers realized this as they heard the train slow. Quick into the hills
A FEW HOURS LATER IN AN ABANDONED TRAIN DEPOT
Boone sat his helmet off looking out the window thinking as the kid came up behind him.
"Sir what are we going to do? Donovan tried reaching the rangers but there's a kill order by the Governor himself being played on all frequencies for us, abby is stable but she needs better medical attention they used some radioactive round that i can't fix with a stim. We're low on ammo and, well sir we don't know where to go" he said summing up all the teams worries.
"First off private i am aware, second we are still rangers. Obviously we cannot go back yet without being shot on sight and there is only one place where we can get medical attention for Abby and safety, that is if im not shot on sight there as well, get everyone ready to move out then i'll explain."
Picking up his helmet he looked out at vegas the 38 standing out like a needle
"Please lord, don't run out on us" he said heading to brief everyone.
FIVE MINUTES LATER
"Alright everyone we are wanted. That is a fact. There is a general kill on sight order being played on every frequency. We are cut off, we are low on ammo and in need of medical assistance. I don't know whose plan we got caught up in though i have a very bad feeling, but none of that matters. We need help and there is only one place i know to go. Vegas."
He let the word hang there as everyone digested his speech the first one to speak was bear
"Sir id travel with ya ta hell and back but vegas we'll be shot before we hit the airfield, nevermind the deputies. And there's no help there except the embassy who want us shot, so why are we heading there" the rest nodded in agreement
Boone took a breath
"Some of you know i traveled with the courier for a while, we didnt part on the best of terms but he's our only shot. I need you all to agree no matter what happens stay out f it between me and him. If there's one man who can hold off the bear its him lets just pray he doesn't shoot first anymore."
"Sir, i don't mean to be a downer but no ones seen him for years not since ell you know, that and a few times when he was shitfaced at the gomorrah. Plus he's the same age as me how could he help" James looked boone in the eye wondering why he looked amused.
" Kid, the courier has may be a kid but he's not your average courier take it on faith and if i know him he's there i don't know what shape he'll be in but i dont think a nuclear bomb could kill that kid." Boone smirked remembering their travels.
"Now one more point we can't go the normal route as bear pointed out so everyone into the sewer, the kid and i mapped those out years ago for an emergency, they're not safe so stay sharp and keep your night vision on, James and you stay in the middle behind me you two take car of abby" he motioned to Abby who was currently sedated on an improvised stretcher "Bear you take the back zavvs you stay with bear.
With that they descended into the darkness.
NCR EMBASSY/ GOVERNOR'S OFFICE NOON (4 HOURS LATER)
Josiah itched his beard as he walked past the redheaded secretary into his bosses office.
Boss everything went smothly hes at the outpost.
"Good, i heard there was a situation?" Governor Oliver turned to face his deputy puffing on a cigar.
" Yes sir but we were able to pin the break on the group of rangers soldiers and deputies all saw it, we've put out a kill on sight order and wounded one. They'll either turn themselves in or be nightstalker food within a day. Ive upped patrols and notified captain price to up her patrols of new vegas. Damn ncr bitch complained but she did she's out there now, all in all id say a success. Any news about our town drunk?"
Governor Oliver sighed wishing he could smack some sense into his lieutenant but the man was effective and he'd learned you often got better results with the carrot rather than the stick.
"Josiah i will admit i am happy how you've handled the situation thus far but until those rangers are hanging from a tree there is still a danger we are to close to stumble now, as to the courier n nothing other than a drunk gambling trip kids a washed up alcoholic, but keep a guard posted just the same. Oh and give my regards to the general." with that he sat down watching his lieutenant walk out.
THE STRIP AN HOUR LATER
Captain Price felt uncomfortable in her armor the tight uniforms were not meant for the female figure, that and the hot sun only worsened her fowl mood as she patrolled the strip. She thought back to that self righteous Josiah ordering her around like she was one of his scumbag deputies. She was daydreaming about the kicking him a hard as she could in that very special spot when the oddest sight she had seen in all her years in Vegas greeted her.
A man dressed in Ranger armor pulled himself out of the sewers then another then another was passed up they ket appearing like rad rabbits from a hat, she suddenly realized these were the rangers wanted for treason as she blew her whistle. Instantly the strip buzzed with activity as troops came running she raised her weapon as the five of them ran to wards the lucky thirty eight.
EXACT SAME MOMENT STEPS OF THE LUCKY 38
Boone heard the whistles as he started banging on the door
" open up! Open up!" he ripped his helmet off "Damn it Jason its me Open up!"
He turned around his rangers were spread out in a semicircle caught in a standoff with around 30 ncr soldiers
A redheaded captain stepped forward her service rifle raised
" You are under arrest surrender peacefully and you will receive fair treatment and trials" Jenna Price felt the sweat on her face, cold in the mojave wind as she shouted the words knowing she was probably the first one down if this turned into a shootout.
"Excuse me captain these traitors are to be shot on sight while in NCR territory or did you not read the orders i gave you?"
Jenna price knew which creep had said that without having to look, Josiah the deputy boogyman.
"Josiah go to hell. This is my command you can submit a report later until then shut up and stand down."
Just then a rumbling was heard as the doors to the lucky 38 parted. Ten securitrons rolling out their shoulder mounted missle launchers open and gatling gun claw hands leveled, they spread to either side making a semicircle around the rangers suddenly twenty ghostly blue holograms appeared between them.
"Excuse me Captain but these citizens are not on NCR land, as art of the treaty i signed, the lucky thirty eight is my own sovereign nation right up to the last step." Said a voice from the darkness the soldiers looked stunned as the courier stepped into the light. Not the dirty drunk Courier they rarely saw but a clean proud and confident man with eyes cold as steel. "
"Boone" The courier said looking at his old comrade
Walking down to the edge of the steps, securitrons parting for him.
"Now ladies and gentleman i am going to ask you to lower your weapons i grant these people asylum and citizenship so any aggression towards them is the same as aggression towards me" With that statement everyone remebered the old tales of the Courier how he defeated the legate, how he walked through vegas killing every fiend, how he went toe to toe with a mountain of super mutants and more. It was they eyes that remeinded them, a few had seen it at the dam that fire but now it was a fiercer predatory fire tempered by a cold calculating gaze.
"I don't give a brahmin shit what your piece of paper says you fire on us and there will be war, now boys go get those fugitives." Josiah said motioning to his deputies the first thre who got near the steps immediatley fell the blue holograms turning red firing beams at them.
The rest stopped in their tracks.
"I warned you, now those were warning shots the rest will be lethal i will protect myself if pushed, now we all need to cool down so Captain Price, ill expect you back here tonight at 8:30 to negotiate wear a dress"
With that the courier turned the rest of the rangers falling in behind him and the securitrons covering as they walked into the lucky 38.
"Thanks, wasn't sure you'd open up" Boone said as he walked next to Jason to the the elevator.
"Didn't do it for you, she'd have wanted me to help you, besides you just jumped into the middle of a war so don't thank me yet" turning to the rest of the group, " Okay ladies and gentleman Craig and i Need to discuss a few things please make yourselves at home yes man will show you to your rooms and if you there could help the young lady to floor 53 our doctor should be able to treat her. Now Boone follow me."
With that he entered the elevator boone turned "it'll be alright i'll be back in a few hours take care of abby and get some rest we're safe here." with that he entered the elevator leaving everyone to wonder what the hell had just happened.
Author's note:
Sorry for the long time in between chapters I'd like some tips on writing i've wanted to finish this story for a while now hope you enjoy it sorry for the long chapter the writing will improve as well, just a bit rusty and tried to force a lot in with this chapter