so I just edited the first four chapters, and more should be up soon. thanks for waiting patiently!
We exited the ruins while the Khans freed their prisoners and prepared to leave.
"I told you it was her!" one of them said as I walked by. I smiled, embarrassed. I couldn't believe these strangers were once my friends.
"What's wrong? Aren't you going to tell us why you left?" another said, examining my face.
While I hesitated, with no real answer to share, Jessup called out, "Let her go, people. I can explain later." He waved at me, a signal to keep walking. I waved back gratefully.
We passed NCR soldiers once more, who expressed their surprise at my fast solution for the situation.
"That's it? They're leaving?"
"And I was looking forward to getting some kills…"
"Good to have you with us, ma'am."
I was flattered, but I couldn't help but wonder how they would feel if they knew I was practically one of Khans.
That thought reminded me that I had finally caught up with my past, as unclear and mysterious as it might have been. I floated out of Boulder City on a dreamy cloud of happiness.
Closing the Boulder City door, I was once again faced with Lieutenant Monroe. He didn't look any more pleased than twenty minutes ago.
"I'm glad you were able to get my people freed, but there's a new problem," he said. "I just got orders to take out the Great Khans, hostages or not."
"Take them out where?" I asked, confused. "They're already leaving." I looked at Boone for clarification. He sighed.
"By 'take out' he means kill. He has orders to kill the Great Khans," Boone explained.
Monroe eyed me warily. "Are you sure she's… all right? In the head?" he asked Boone hesitantly.
"I'm not sure myself," was his teasing response. "Though that would explain a lot."
"I'm not crazy," I snapped. "I'm just not familiar with that phrase."
There was silence for a few moments.
"So you've been told to kill the Great Khans?" I finally asked.
"Yes."
"But the Khans have given you the hostages in exchange for their own freedom. You can't just turn around and shoot them now." This was outrageous. These people… "my" people, had earned their freedom.
The lieutenant's brows furrowed as he spoke. "My hands are tied. I can't go against orders… can I?"
"Look, lieutenant. If you have any integrity, you'll honor the deal. You should show the Khans that you and your men aren't bloodthirsty monsters." I was surprised at my own fervor in convincing the poor man.
He stayed silent, calculating. Then he pinched his nose. "...taking advice from some crazy woman…" he muttered under his breath. "Ok, you're right. The Great Khans are free to go."
"Thank you, lieutenant," I said, smiling. "You are a good man."
"Thanks for your help, ma'am. Stay safe out there."
"With this guy?" I asked with a grin, patting Boone's shoulder. "No problem."