First off, I have to thank everybody for their reviews and their PMs. Thank you SO much everybody. All of your reviews and your messages are so appreciated. I'm so sorry for lack updating, but this story has not been forgotten! It is a short chapter, considering the past chapters that I have done but Chapter 5 is already in the making. And soon, if you'd like to see, there will be art shown from this story. Your reviews are very welcomed! Also, you no longer have to be a member to comment on my fanfictions but I ask that you keep it clean. Don't be rude. Happy Fourth!
Chapter Four:
The House Always Wins
General Boone couldn't bring himself to step into the hospital room with Septimus; he instead stood out in the hall with Grover who tried desperately to encourage Boone to talk with Jacqueline. With every glance into the hospital room Septimus and Jacqueline were trading the same book back and forth after every couple of minutes. The anxiety was building up into Boone's chest and the feeling only knotted into his throat when the sound of the vertibird was nearing quickly to the hospital.
"General," Grover snapped Boone out of his over thinking, "You had either give the flowers to her now or go out to see Mr. Kimball."
General Boone closed his eyes tightly and drew his shades out while holding the flowers out to Grover, "Hold on to these," Grover took them, "If I don't get there now Kimball might think something is wrong." With that said General Boone nodded to Grover and walked away from him.
Grover shook his head at the decision but he stood at attention by the door and waited.
As Boone made his way down the hall he could only think of how much pleasure he would get from strangling Septimus. The General could feel his knuckles turning white from the thought of it. Torture against a Legion was an action that was never far from his mind but now was not the time for jealousy. The NCR would be closer to controlling the New Vegas strip with hopeful help from Jacqueline and the AR may finally combine with the NCR.
The General could hear the vertibirds propeller slowing down. He pushed the door open and forced himself out through the strong breeze that was being pushed in. President Kimball had just stepped off the plane and was surrounded by loyal NCR. Boone couldn't recall the last time he was face to face with Kimball but the friendship he had developed with Kimball had set Boone at ease about Septimus.
Boone stood at attention and saluted, "Glad you made it safely, sir."
"At ease," Kimball held his hand out to Boone, "I know a lot much be on your mind, friend but we have to act quickly."
Boone nodded whiling shaking Kimball's hand firmly, "Mr. Kimball, Jacqueline is well and conscience, there is also an ex-legion with her." Hearing this surprised Kimball, before he could ask; Boone was already leading Kimball and his guards through the hall. As Kimball passed the AR saluted their respects.
Septimus sat on the window ledge scribbling or sketching in his book. Jacqueline watched him silently from the middle of her bed. She knew if Septimus were drawing something she would never be able to see it. He was so shy. Jacqueline shifted her gazed to Grover who was still standing with his back against the opened door. Grover was still holding the desert flowers in his hand while the other rested at his side.
The footsteps pacing fast down the hall alerted Jacqueline that Kimball and Boone were nearly here. She looked back at Septimus as he had just closed his book and began straightening himself to sit up properly. Jacqueline pushed herself off the bed while putting her beret on.
"Good day, Mr. Kimball," said Grover as he nodded his head to Kimball and Boone.
"Come in, Grover," requested Kimball as he walked through the door of Jacqueline's room. The President took the flowers from Grover as he passed and walked to Jacqueline, "Miss Graham," he presented the flowers to her.
General Boone could feel his brow twitch with anger as Kimball gave the flowers to Jacqueline. Grover only gave Boone a quick look and then shut the door behind to leave the rest of the entourage in the hall.
"Thank you President Kimball," Jacqueline held the flowers with both hands, "It's good to see you doing well."
"I never thanked you for that day at the Hoover Dam," said Kimball, "I owe much to you Jacqueline."
Jacqueline nodded to Kimball, "Sir, if you don't mind, I would just like to get down to everything."
"Certainly," said Kimball.
Grover opened the door for a moment and brought in a suit case. He walked to Kimball's side and opened it, revealing Jacqueline's pip-boy, "This belongs to you," said Grover.
Jacqueline smiled at it and gently took it from the case.
"Jacqueline," said Kimball, "Mr. House is also looking for you. He's missing the key of his success. We're deeply sorry about everything that had to happen but as President of the NCR, I would still like to gain control of the New Vegas Strip."
Jacqueline listened to him while strapping the pip-boy on to her left arm.
"The profit that NCR would gain from the Strip would bring us more security to the people in California, Utah, Arizona and Nevada. It's even possible that we could expand across the country. The NCR would benefit for keeping more weapons and ammo available to soldiers that are in need. Not to mention the civilians that would need help and protection."
"President Kimball, surely you know what would happen if you try to break war against Mr. House?" Jacqueline folded her arms above her stomach, she glanced at Boone, "Has the General never told you how advanced his securitrons are?" Jacqueline shook her head, "Mr. House has an army of them. Their armor is more stable than anything the NCR would be able to get hands on."
President Kimball nodded, "Jacqueline, we need contact from the Boomers. Their technology plus the help of the Brotherhood of Steel, we would have more of a chance at penetrating and possibly conquering. If you could get in touch with Boomers, then I don't see a reason why you shouldn't present yourself to the Head of the AR."
Jacqueline thought about the conversation. She bit the inside of her lip when she looked at Boone. He was hopeful. The courier was afraid that the NCR would be sacrificing lives over nothing, "Kimball, a lot of your men,"
"Soldiers are always prepared," interrupted Boone, "This day was coming, Jacqueline. Now we have to grab it."
Jacqueline frowned at the thought, "You realize that when I come back into the Lucky 38 that Mr. House will already know what's going on, don't you?"