I do not own or will ever own anything by Bethesda Softworks or by Obsidian and Fallout New Vegas. This is just about a regular soldiers journey through New Vegas and the NCR.
The spelling and grammar are poor at best, I know this, believe me I know. So if you can still read this then I thank you, if you can't... well stop reading.
Chapter 6
Welcome to New Vegas
"Hey bar wench, we need another round!" Shouted Amy, slamming her shot glass down on the table causing the rest of the 75th first recon passing class to cheer.
Three weeks ago Tristan and Jennifer passed there final test and official becoming members of first recon. Boone, Manny, Amy and Andrea were the only other teams to pass their final test, making it one of the smallest classes ever. Tomorrow, the class would be resign into an battalion and division and going their separate ways. Also this would be the last time they would be parried with there training partners, for they each would be resigned in different divisions.
"Hey, shut up! I said shut up! Boone has something to say!" Yelled Manny who was standing up and waved his hand to his best friend.
Boone stood up shaking his head at Manny before raising his glass."Before we disperse for the night. I would like to add addition toast to one corporal Tristan Walker. Today is his 18th birthday."
"Happy birthday!" They all shouted drinking and patting him roughly on his back, making him spill most of his drink all over himself.
Looking down he could see Jennifer smiling back at him as she sipped her shot of vodka, trying to hide it was the same glass she had at the start of the party an hour ago. Just when they were about to go their separate ways, inside came 1st sergeant Gorobets and corporal Potter.
"Hey 1st sergeant, come have a drink with us?" Asked Andrea who had her arm around Boone's shoulder swaying a bit to the radio's music.
Gorobets raised his hand. "Actually it's 2nd lieutenant and staff sergeant now,"he said turning his head to Potter who gave him a small head nod.
"Okay... lieutenant, what do we owe the pleasure?" Asked Amy with a blurred look in her eyes.
Gorobets looked at all of them before turning to Potter. "It's your call sir,"she added with a amused look on her face.
"Look I am going to blunt. Tomorrow at 9 am, a massive army of 1000 troopers, 200 rangers, and 50 first recon snipers are setting out of New Vegas and the Mojave wasteland. With the New Vegas treaty being ratified by the senate and President Kimball, we finally have established our main base at Camp McCarran near the strip,"he said giving all them a serious look.
Manny finished drinking his beer and wiped his mouth with his sleeve. "Not to sound disrespectful sir, but what does that have to do with us?"
"He's offering us a job,"replied Jen who had put down her glass and stood up.
"So your the smart one, good for you corporal March. Yes I am offering you a job and a choice. I know how close all of you are, and I am willing to over look some rules the first recon has in order in exchange for the danger of going into a new territory. If you decide to join me, Captain Dhatri, and Major Gilles inside New Vegas we are prepared to let you keep your partners, with a small increase in pay,"he added taking off his red beret and wiping it off on his sleeve.
Everyone gave each other a small look before turning back to 2nd lieutenant Gorobets. "I think when I speak for everyone when I say Fuck yeah!" Shouted Manny causing the owner to give them a stern look before going back inside the kitchen.
"Now lieutenant and Sergeant Potter, I believe it's time you have a drink with us,"said Amy with the waitress dropping off two more whiskey bottles.
Gorobets and Potter exchanged a small look before shrugging their shoulders and joining them. Tristan and Jennifer choose this time to excuse themselves, having to listen to the small cat calls and jeers the rest of the party was shouting at them.
"Can you believe those guys? I mean getting drunk and loud make you sound more better or smarter? She asked him with her face still burning a bit red from embarrassment.
Tristan who was laughing turned down to look at his worried partner. "Well it does when everyone else in the room is already drinking."
Jennifer stopped walking and gave him a sheepish look before shaking her head at him."I swear to god sometimes, I truly wonder why I am still your partner."
"I always that my charming personality had something to do with it,"he added grinning ear to ear down at her.
Jen tried to hold back her laughter, but finally gave him. "Okay, okay, okay. You made your point birthday boy. Now lets go and have some dinner before we leave for New Vegas."
30 minutes later they seated once again on the second floor of the broken bullet restaurant having dinner. Despite the fact they had told everyone they were just friends, everyone had been treating them as if they were a couple.
"Are you still upset by that older woman for telling us we make a cute couple,"he teased at her causing her to glare at him.
"I will take your silence as a yes."
"Why is everyone so determined that we are dating? I mean come on, your my partner... and nothing else."
Tristan gave her a sour look. "Well thanks, I didn't know I was that repulsive,"he added folding his arms across his chest.
"I didn't mean it like that,"she said quickly,"I only meant that were just friends. Besides who would ever want be with someone like me."
Reaching he put his hand over hers. "All you have to do is ask, you never know what I might say."
At this Jennifer's eyes went wide, causing her to avoid his eye by looking down at her plate of food. "I've got to go to the bathroom," she said standing up quickly and heading back inside the restaurant.
Jennifer's mind was racing after what Tristan had said to her. After nearing running into three people she finally made it too the empty ladies room. Getting some water in her hands she splashed some water in her face.
"Just relax March. Your attractive and smart partner was just flirting with you," she said making her heart racing even faster than before. Gripping the sink and closing her eyes she tried to slow her breathing down. After a few seconds she looked to see another woman's face in the mirror right behind her causing her to jump in surprise.
"Hello Jennifer, I am interrupting something?"Asked a African American woman who was in her thirties, wearing a merc adventure outfit. She was a bit taller than Jen and had some reading glasses on that she kept having to push back up on her face.
"Jessica... what the hell are you doing here?" She asked looking around to make sure they were alone.
Jessica folded her arms across her chest. "As you so eloquently put it, I am here to make sure you haven't forgotten what your suppose to be doing?"
"I haven't forgotten what my mission is Mrs. Allbright. I know where and to whom my loyalties lay with. I don't need you remember me of that, and I don't need you here spying on me,"she said with a angry tone on her voice.
"Are you sure about that. I have been watching you with this partner of yours, Tristan Walker."
"What about him?" She asked flashing danger in her eyes.
Jessica gave her a stern look before placing a hand on the wall over her shoulder. "Don't act stupid with me girl. I have been following you two for the past two hours. You have strong feelings for him, and emotions like that can cloud your judgment."
Jen could feel her anger raising even more. "Let me make one thing very clear to you. Don't you ever talk about him to me again. I want let you or anyone hurt him. Do I make myself clear," she said grabbing a hold of the woman's wrist and forcefully taking it off the wall.
The older woman attempted to shake her grip from Jen's who refused to let go. "Hmm... this is actually what I am talking about?"
"Keep your fucking distance from me, and everything will be fine,"she said letting go of her wrist while continuing to give her death glares.
Jessica shook her head and readjusted her reading glasses once more. "Whatever you want March. Just remember we be there watching...always."
Turning away from she finally left the woman's room, leaving Jennifer still shaking with anger. "That fucking bitch,"she said slamming her hand against the wall causing a woman who had just entered the room to quickly leave.
Composing herself she finally left the bathroom, heading back upstairs to rejoin her partner. Right away Tristan could see something was wrong with Jennifer, despite the bright smile she gave him as she sat down and began eating her berry agave salad.
A few minutes later after she had twirled her food with her fork, Tristan spoke up. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I am fine."
"Are you sure?"
"I said I was fine,"she added with an irritated tone in her voice.
"Okay, what the hell is that all about?" He asked giving her a confused look.
Jen who was focused on her food slowly looked back up at him. "Do you have problem Walker?"
"I have a problem with your attitude, or can't you see that,"he added with his anger slowly raising.
Jen suddenly stabbed her salad with her fork. "Really, I guess I must be blind then, because I fail to see what your crying about!" She added standing up and leaning in closer to him.
"Blind, hell must also be deaf,"he added getting closer to her, "your giving me attitude just because I am concerned about you,"he said snapping back at her.
Jen's dark blue eyes flashed danger while gripping the sides of the table. "I don't need you pity or you fucking help in life. Just leave me be!" She shouted slamming her fists into the table before turning to leave the restaurant.
"What are you looking at!" She shouted at a group of people who were staring at them during their fight.
Once Jennifer left the restaurant everyone turned their attention towards him. Taking a few deep breathes he slowly slumped back inside his seat. The night had started out so well with the party, then the news they would still be partners in New Vegas. Then at dinner he felt there flirting was growing and he might have seen how far things could progress. But instead the evening ended with a fight making it an complete disaster.
"Um corporal sir," said his waiter blackjack (a ghoul),"you have been here for over an hour. Do you want your check?"
Tristan who had been lost in his own train of thought suddenly snapped back to reality."Oh sorry Blackjack,"he added placing two twenty dollar notes on the table, "keep the change my friend and tell Jeff I am sorry about the scene."
Leaving the restaurant, Tristan looked up at the bright lights of the nearby casino that flashed with a red cowboy smoking a cigarette. "It's going to be a long night,"he said to himself before strolling down the brightly lite entertain section of Shady Sands.
Two hours later Tristan finally made his way back to the motel that they had rented out for the night. Putting his key into the door, he entered the room. The room was the basic, with one bed, a few tables, knight stands and one closet for their clothes. Both Tristan and Jennifer were dressed in there first recon assault armor although there hunting rifles were back at Camp Tandi.
Jen wasn't inside the living/bedroom room, although he could see the light on inside the bathroom. Taking off his armor, jacket, and boots, he slowly walked over to the bathroom getting ready to knock on the door. Hesitating at first Tristan knocked on the door.
"Jen, can I come in?"
At first their was no response coming from the bathroom, only a cold silence. "What do you want?" Asked the weak voice of his partner just when he was about to turn and walk away.
"To talk."
"It's not locked."
Opening the door he could see Jen was also only dressed in her white T-shirt, pants and socks. If they were not fighting at the moment he might have made a comment on how good she was looking, but decided against it.
"Listen... before you start, just know I don't want to fight with you. But I am not ready to talk about it, so can you please give me some space?" She asked looking up at him with a tired look in her eyes.
Tristan sighed heavily."Fair enough, I will give you the space you want."
Closing the door, he ran a hand through his short brown hair before reaching down grabbing the bottle of wine and take a quick swing.
"Wonderful,"he said quietly to himself pulling a cover and pile off the bed and setting them on the nearby couch.
6 hours later Tristan and Jennifer rejoined the rest of their sniper class inside Camp Tandi, preparing for the massive troop movement to New Vegas. The troopers, and first recon were given new armor that was made special for the desert environment of New Vegas, being brown top, khaki pants, and tan colors vs the green, black, and brown color of the armor inside the NCR.
Changing into their first recon survival armor that had first recon patch on the right short sleeve, with the 106 battalion, New Vegas division on the left. Upon on arrive inside New Vegas they would be attached to a company and finally a team to serve with.
Despite the cheerfully atmosphere of the entire battalion that was leaving the NCR, Jen had barely said more than a two words to Tristan. Even Boone and Amy noticed the uncomfortable silence they was all around them. After spending the next 7 hours of marching the entire battalion along the I-15 they found themselves at the Mojave Outpost. Looking up they were greeting with the two massive statues of rangers were the Ranger Unification Treaty had been signed in 2271.
"Something's not right,"whispered Boone as he pointed towards groups of troopers and rangers who were busy patrolling the sides of the hills and road around the outpost.
"Do you think it's because of the new battalion moving in?" Asked Andrea as Captain Dhatri made his way over to Major Knight and head ranger scout Jackson who were exchanged a brief hand shake before heading inside administrative area.
Tristan himself seem to notice a much larger presence of rangers and higher ranking military officials/ guards standing around. Looking down at his watch he saw the time was only 4 pm, which meant they were still on schedule to Hoover dam, Camp McCarran, Camp Golf, Searchlight, Primm, among other areas around New Vegas.
"Shut up everyone!" Shouted Gorobets getting the 50 person sniper team's attention.
Looking down the line he could see 1st lieutenant Betty Jefferson, along with Master Sergeant Angel Hernandez, and new 1st sergeant Leonard Salters all who were career first recon veterans reassigned to New Vegas division.
"Thank you 2nd lieutenant Gorobets. Most of you will be transferred to either Hoover Dam, Camp McCarran, or Camp Golf. The rest will remain here for the time being and help with security duty around Mojave outpost,"said 1st lieutenant Jefferson who had her hands on her hips.
A few minutes later Tristan and Jennifer were hand picked by Gorobets to stay and help with the security while the rest of their friends were leaving heading farther into New Vegas.
"Hey look me up some time at Golf,"replied Boone giving Tristan a handshake,"whatever tiff you and March are having. It's better to just let things go before they get worse,"he added whispering the last part to him.
"Will do my friend."
"March."
"Boone,"she said bluntly tipping her first recon beret slightly at him and Manny as they both left with Master Sergeant Hernandez's group.
Amy rolled her eyes at Jennifer who kept glaring at her when she hugged Tristan goodbye. "Make sure you to stay safe my friend. And if your little adventure with you're partner doesn't go well, make sure to look me up sometime,"she added giving him a wink, causing Jennifer's eyes to stare even harder at the young woman.
Quickly along with Andrea they left with Jefferson, and Salters heading to Hoover Dam. Once they left Tristan turn to look at Jen who simple shook her head at him while watching the rest of the 106 battalion being reassigned and leaving for their posts.
After having a quick word with Captain Dhatri, Tristan and Jennifer were position on top of the two statues which had a small ladder on the back end of each of them. It gave them a long view of a large part of New Vegas even when the sun was slowly setting on the brown sandy desert environment.
"It's your turn Jen,"he said lowering his hunting rifle, as they were taking turns looking across the sloping I-15 so that they didn't hurt their eyes too much from looking through a scope.
Jennifer who had a somber look on her face simply nodded back at him. "Are you still not talking to me?"
"It's not you... please understand that Andrew. I just not ready to talk about it,"she added hoping that he would be able tell she was sincere by calling him by his middle name.
Taking her eyes of the scope Jennifer saw Tristan taking a drink from his canteen."I understand Lisa. But know this... I am not going anywhere, so when ever you ready, I'll be there."
Jen didn't know why but suddenly she found her own heart racing as she was forced to turn away from or else he might spot her blushing. Shaking her head she began to focus on a small group of giant rad-scorpions who were walking back and forth in a dry lake bed near Nipton.
"Corporal's March and Walker were here to relieve you,"said first recon Private Henderson and private Smith who both were standing near the ladders below them.
Shoulder their rifles they quickly went down the ladders and exchanged a small head nod to their fellow snipers.
"Oh Corporal Walker. A Miss Cassidy of Cassidy Caravans asks that you see her as soon as possible inside the barracks,"replied Henderson about half-way up the ladder.
Giving him a small head nod they both headed inside the tents that was set up along the sides of the road for the large amount of military personal temporary stationed at the outpost. Inside was two other first recon snipers who were already fast asleep from an earlier patrol.
"I'll be back,"he said to her dropping off his rifle and ammo belt they wore across their armor by setting them on his top bunk.
Jen wanted to say something to him even when he stopped near the tent flap and turned around to look at her. But instead she found herself remaining silent, letting him leave into the night air. Sighing heavily she felt herself being overwhelmed with sadness and grief. It was then Jennifer felt a small tear roll down her cheek, causing her to reach up and wipe it away.
"This is stupid. I haven't cried in years. He can do what ever he wants, it's not like I care,"she said to herself picking up a nearby copy of patriots cookbook.
After trying to read a couple pages about EMP and plasma grenades Jennifer looked up once more at the tent flap. Shaking her head in frustration she attempted to refocus once more. Barely a minute later Jennifer once again looked up at the tent flap, making her toss the magazine aside.
"I know, I will check my ammo clips,"she said grabbing her own ammo belt off her chest and began examining her 5 round .308 clips.
After switching her armor pierce clips in the front and her hollow point clips to the back, she smiled and put her ammo belt on the side of her bottom bunk.
"There... something productive,"she added looking up at the tent flap again,"damn it, it's not working!"
"Shut up! Some of us are trying to sleep!" Yelled a male sniper who grabbed his pillow and put it over his head in anger.
Jen ran a hand through her long black hair which she had taken out of her two small pony tails. "Why do I always have to been so thick headed. He was practically begging me to talk to him, and I could do was turn him away."
Taking off her first recon beret she began punching into, trying to let out her own frustrations on it. "Tristan,"she said quickly jumping up from bunk to greet him.
But instead she was greeting with a grinning Cass who offered her a small wink. "Sorry their ice queen. But your solider boy is taking some time to think inside a ruined truck along the road."
Jennifer gave the cocky woman a glare. "Did he tell you to tell me that?"
"Nope, that's just me throwing you a bone."
"So why did you felt it was necessary to inform me of this."
Cass smiled down at her. "I have fucked my share of soldiers in my time, and I don't pretend to hide it. While I might be interested in giving Tristan a ride, he wasn't biting. That man cares about you, more than you ever know. Go talk to him, he's waiting for you."
Jennifer gave the red headed woman a confused look before she got up getting ready to leave the tent. "Oh, you might to take your rifles and ammo belts, something tells me your going to need them,"she added taking a swig from her whiskey bottle and leaving the tent.
Jen hesitated for a moment before grabbing both of their rifles, ammo belts and quickly left the tent in search of her partner.
Meanwhile Tristan himself was indeed sitting in the back of ruined truck overlooking the sloping road of the I-15. Taking some Brahmin jerky he loved so much from his pocket he began to snack on them. He had to admit the dark night sky with the cool brown sand look across the terrain was a calming presence that he need right now.
Suddenly there was a knock on the side of the door, causing him to pull out his 9mm. "Uh,Tristan I think I am ready to talk,"said Jennifer who was carrying both of their rifles, and ammo belts on her shoulders and chest.
Offering his hand to her, he helped her up onto the back end of the truck. Putting away his pistol he helped her take off both of their hunting rifles and belts before patting the space next to him.
"Alright you want to know why I was in a bad mood and took it out on you. When I was going to the bathroom at the Broken Bullet, someone from my past from New Canaan named Jessica Allbright stopped to talk to me."
"What did she want?" He asked putting his arm around her shoulder drawing her even closer to him.
Looking down he could see she was grinning back up at him. "Nothing, just wanted to rattle me a bit. Back at my old home, she never missed a chance to make my life a living hell."
"Well just remember this Jen. I'll be there to help you, no matter what. That much I can promise."
Looking down he met her gaze as they both slowly leaned getting closer and closer. Reaching out he put his hand on her shoulder and just when they were about to kiss somebody yelled, "Freeze!"
The shout caused both of them to bump heads in pain. "What the hell?" Asked Tristan rubbing his forehead as they were greeted by a female ghoul ranger wearing a ranger casual outfit, authority sunglasses, cowboy hat, wielding a cowboy repeater, along with a .357 magnum and two combat knives. The second man had a NCR emergency radio on his belt, with a service rifle, 9mm pistol, and knife, while wearing an NCR bandoleer armor, along with a goggles helmet.
"See Dan, I told you. It was just two smooth skins having some fun,"she said lowering her repeater and smacking the Hispanic man upside the head.
"Well were about to sneak off, so excuse me if I am a little nervous,"he said fixing his goggles helmet back over his head.
Jennifer who also was rubbing her head gave Tristan an awkward look before turning back to the arguing pair.
"Well sorry for the interrupting you guys, will just leave you be,"said the female ghoul ranger who pulled the radio man by the shoulder to get him moving again.
"Hang on you two. I think we might have the same objective here,"Tristan said hopping off the back end of the truck and walking up to them.
"We do?" Asked Jen with a confused look on her face quickly joining her partner.
Tristan nodded his head. "Yep, if I am correct you guys are searching for the kidnapped son of the President, Steven Kimball right?"
Both the ghoul and trooper exchanged small looks before turning back to him. "Um, that's right. Why do you ask about that?"
At this Jen held up her hands. "Hang on here one moment! Would someone please tell me what the hell is going on?"
"Okay. The reason there is so much added security here, is because the president's son Steven Kimball was suppose to be here and give a speech to the incoming troopers. Apparently he was kidnapped a few hours before the 106 battalion arrived. The great Khans and their Fiend allies have laid claim to the kidnapping. They are demanding that the NCR withdraw from New Vegas, along with a million caps, or else they will kill him and send his corpse back piece by piece to us,"Tristan finished explaining to her.
At this the female ghoul ranger offered her hand to them."The names Patrica Evans ranger, and this is Daniel Lopez, radio operative. We heard the rangers, troopers and first recon snipers who went after the fiends gun them down near Searchlight, with no trace of the president's son."
"From what I heard on the comm is that Colonel Hsu and 2 star General Oliver are both making their way here, along with President Kimball himself, who is flying here along with two groups of STF agents,"added Dan who took a drink from his own canteen.
The (STF or special task force) was individuals from all walks of life who were hand picked by the President's cabinet to do the bidding of the congress behind the scenes. They had high security level clearance and high authority to complete a task by any means necessary. For that reason, only small groups were assigned to watch major towns or areas of interest to the inner circle of the presidents cabinet.
Jennifer was still confused. "So would you like to explain to me something. If the STF and Ranger veterans are making their way here, why are we going to get evolved?"
At this even Pat and Dan gave Tristan curios looks when Jennifer had crossed her arms and was glaring back at him. "That's easy my partner. Because something isn't right about all of this. I mean someone inside the military doesn't want the president's son to be found. How else would you explain that he got kidnapped with all the incoming troops, that would force any small band of raiders even the Khans to go the other way. And plus, I know a little something about how the Khans take their prisoners/slaves."
Jen sighed heavily. "I knew I should have just stayed in bed today. First recon corporal Jennifer March,"she added offering her hand to them.
"First recon corporal Tristan Walker,"he said offering his hand as well.
Right before they could even begin to start walking, Jennifer turned around to face everyone. "Just so were clear on this. You do now we have been given strict orders to stay put. And we all risk either going to jail, discharged, or even shot for insubordination."
"That's the best part,"replied Tristan putting his arm around her, "Look at this way. At least you want die alone."
About 20 minutes later the four made their way into the Nipton Road Rest with out anyone from Mojave Outpost spotting them. Inside the highway they saw scores of dead fire ants and small radscorpions telling them that someone had already been here.
"Well that could be a good or bad sign,"said Dan crouching down to look at the dead mutant bodies.
Patrica took of her hat. "Hey Walker, why don't you and your girlfriend check out that building?"
Just when Jennifer was about to say they weren't dating, Tristan put his hand over her mouth. "Good idea, Evans."
Going inside Tristan they could see it was a rundown general store with debris everywhere. Both Tristan and Jennifer had there pistols in hand as they each took separate routes to clear the store.
"Listen here general,"she added with as much sarcasm as possible,"just because there is something between us, doesn't give you the right to speak for both of us."
Pointing his laser sight over the counter he spotted a red bandana laying on the floor. "I have no idea of what your talking about?"
Standing up Tristan only had a moment before a box of detergent came flying at his head forcing him to duck very quickly before it exploded behind him.
"Don't play stupid with me. When we almost..."but instead of finishing what she was saying Jennifer trailed off looking away from him.
Feeling bold, Tristan calmly hopped over the counter and walked right up to her, catching her by surprise as he put his arm around her waist drawing her close to him. "You mean when we almost kissed."
He could feel her slightly trembling in his hands, when he reached brushed a small piece of her black hair behind her ear. Leaning down he placed a small kiss on the side of her cheek, letting his lips slowly off her, and letting her go.
Jen who had her eyes closed suddenly opened them. "Um that was nice."
"Nice indeed,"he added chuckling a bit with both of them exiting the general store.
"Find anything?" Asked Pat who turned around right before Tristan tossed him the red bandana at her.
Catching it she lowered her black sun glasses down to get a better look at it. "You do know it's dark out right,"said Jen while shaking her head.
Patrica quickly tossed it to Dan and pushed up her authority glasses. "Tell you what princess...if we manage to survive this mission, I will let you ask me anything you want?"
"Don't mind her, she just has an attitude problem with... everyone,"replied Dan who walked next to them, trying to stop anything from happening between her and Jen.
"So what is our next move?"
Tristan and Jennifer exchanged a small glance. "Will take point."
"Why?" Asked Dan who brought his service rifle back down.
"Because operative Lopez, their first recon. They stalk people for a living,"said Evans as Tristan offered her a small wink before they walked past her and up the small hill.
Ten minutes later they all reached the Nevada Highway Police Station, after fallowing the small trails and signs that pointed to the Great Khans. Approaching the police station from the back end they spotted 5 dead Jackals along with 2 dead Khan's. A little farther up they spotted and a small blood trail going farther up the slopping hill.
Jen held up her hand making all of them drop to one knee. Pat and Daniel were about 15 feet away from them while Tristan was only a few feet behind her.
"Feral ghouls, 500 yards away,"she whispered to him.
Looking through his scope, Tristan spotted the same thing she did. Their was at least 4 feral ghouls down the ground, eating some fresh killed person. Turning around he was about to signal to Evans and Lopez to spread out, when suddenly he saw 2 glowing one ghouls jump off the small ledge that was above them.
"Shit,Get Down!" Shouted Pat taking out her the grenade rifle that was behind her, and fired.
The explosive hit right in front of the glowing ones, causing one to lose arm and leg, while burning the second one. The feral ghoul growled in pain before emitting a radiation wave knocking both Jen and Tristan back a few feet to the ground.
Daniel began firing his service rifle at the ghoul hitting it multiple times in the back, causing the creature to turn around and face him. Reaching down Patrica grabbed her .357 magnum firing 3 shots hitting the ghoul once in the chest, and a second on in the head, exploding green skull parts everywhere.
"Get up Walker!" Shouted Jen who was pulling him up only to see he had a piece of metal debris stuck inside his forearm.
Helping him up to his feet again, Jen quickly composed herself and pointed her rifle down field. Like she figured the 4 feral ghouls were charging on their position. Firing she hit the one ghoul in the stomach severing it's body in half as she pulled the bolt on her rifle once more. The second shot missed hitting to the right when suddenly the very same ghoul she had missed head exploded into a bloody mess.
"Keep firing corporal,"replied Tristan who had already pulled out the piece of metal from his left forearm.
Nodding she refocused her assault down range once more. The two remaining feral ghouls were now within a hundred feet having covered a great deal of distance in a short amount of time. Pulling the trigger Jen saw the shot hit the one ghoul in the chest dropping it instantly. Turning her sights to it's friend she watched it's head explode from a bullet entering it's mouth with Tristan lowering his hunting rifle.
"Clear!"
"Clear on this end!" Shouted Daniel reloading another clip into his service rifle.
Jen quickly reloaded a clip of hollow point .308 bullets into her hunting before examining Tristan's bleeding forearm. Ripping a small part off her white T-shirt that was exposed at her upper arm she wrapped the wound, with Tristan injecting a stimpak near the cut.
"You smooth skins ready? "Asked Evans giving them a small nod.
"We have to go higher. It appears the Khans ran into more trouble than they thought and have fallen back,"replied Tristan standing up next to Jennifer.
Going past the devoured Great Khan corpse they went farther up spotting some ruined cars and other debris inside a nearby valley. Towards the northwest they could see the roller coaster with ease, telling them they were close to Primm. Climbing a little higher they could hear people talking above a nearby cave with a couple dead coyote bodies laying near the entrance of a small cave.
"Any ideas?" Asked Dan to everyone.
Tristan thought for a brief moment before nodding his head. "We rush them and take advantage of their confusion, since they have done nothing to cover their own retreat. Me and Patrica will take the right side. Jen, I want you and Daniel to take the left and together will box them in. Remember the president's son is a hostage, so watch your fire."
Shoulder his hunting rifle, he reached down and grabbed his custom 9mm and quickly switching to hollow point rounds for better penetration. Both groups went their separate ways stopping right before they made their charge up the hill.
Leaning across the sloping hill, Tristan gave Jen a small two finger salute, telling them to charge. Running up the hill as fast as they could, they quickly spotted one khan wielding a 10mm smg standing guard right in front of them with his back turned.
"I don't care what you say Sandman, this was a huge mistake,"but before he could finishing saying Tristan fired two rounds into his back dropping him to to his knees as he fired once more striking the man in the back of the end, killing him.
Another Khan who was taking a piss over the cliff's edge tried to wheel around quickly, but soon was shot twice in the chest sending him sprawling over the edge. Looking to his right he saw 3 more Khans attempting to find better cover run right into Jen and Daniel crossfire of .556 and 10mm rounds. It was then he spotted Jen go down along with the three dead Khans who all were killed in a hail of gunfire.
Fighting the urge to make sure she was okay, Tristan fallowed Pat inside the cave. "I told Papa Khan that his mission was a bad idea from the start. But hey caps and revenge against the NCR has blinded him years ago,"said the last remaining khan who now had a switchblade held close to Steven Kimball's throat.
"Let the kid, go now and you might live!" Shouted Patrica who was still advancing on him.
Looking behind Tristan spotted Daniel appearing next to him, with a grimacing Jennifer holding her right shoulder with her left hand while still pointing her silence 10mm at the desperate khan.
"You best step back or else this kid's blood is on your heads,"he replied pressing the blade closer against the teenager's throat making a small amount of blood go down the side of neck.
"You know we can't let you do that,"added Daniel who never lowered his weapon.
The khan quickly put the boy behind him and began using him as shield. "Me personal I don't have a problem with NCR. I mean I am not a violent man, I am simply a business man. You want the kid back, and I want my freedom. I am sure we can come up with a solution that works best for the both of us."
It was like something clicked in Tristan's head. He had that phrase before, a long time ago. Staring at the man with a long scar across his face from his eye to his cheek, and the way he talked, it suddenly dawn on him. This was the very same man who was leading the khans back inside California when he and his sister were slaves.
"What are you doing?" Asked Pat with a surprised look on her face when Tristan took a step towards them.
"Back off, or else this kid's neck will bleed crimson red,"he threatening moving to his right a little with the kid still in front of him.
"You talk big, but all you are is a no good motherfucking slaver."
The man cocky smiled quickly faded away. "What did you say to me?"
Tristan kept his gun raised with his laser sight never leaving the president's son chest."Oh don't tell me you have forgotten me already. I am sure I cost you a pretty penny. Well let me refresh your memory. Ten years ago, my asshole of an uncle sold me as a slave to you. During your forced march my wrist was broken for helping the girl front of me. Making a stop inside your camp, I broke free and killed two khans before making my escape with the other female slave."
The man glanced up at Tristan before looking back down at the kid once. That slight hesitation was all Jennifer needed. Taking aim she fired a round hitting the kidnapper in the side of the neck dropping him instantly as Steven ran forward into the waiting arms of Pat.
Walking forward Tristan had his gun pointed at the bleeding man's chest. "Not so smug now are you."
Right when he was about to walk away he heard the man say something."This doesn't change anything. You were just one of hundreds I bought and sold. Nothing but trash, pieces of shit. What you did here today still doesn't change the fact I will always have an impact on your life."
Turning around Tristan pointed his gun back at him one more time."Not anymore,"he said pulling the trigger on his pistol with the shot missing the man's head by inches.
The dieing khan had blood pouring out of his neck wound looked at up with a confused look on his face. "I won't be like you. I refuse to give into revenge. In the end you will die the way you deserve...alone and in a pool of your own blood."
Turning around he slowly walked away from man he finally choked on his own blood and died inside the small cave entrance.
"Dan, call it in!" Yelled Pat who had put the stunned teenager over her shoulder and began carrying him.
Bending down he picked up his NCR emergency radio. "All channels come in, we have the kid. I repeat, we have Steven Kimball, just a few miles outside of Primm."
A/N: This is my second fallout story, the first one was called Dragon Knights so hopefully if you liked that you will like this one. I will try to get new chapters out every 2 weeks or earlier. If you want to review or offer help I am always willing to listen. I can take criticism too, I promise.