Milo was studying the town up ahead as they approached. The few ghouls that had attacked them had been wearing the uniforms of the NCR. This made him very uneasy about the town. As they reached the outskirts he noticed the signs with the radiation symbols. The remaining soldiers must have placed them there to warn off travelers. They walked past the signs and stopped as his Pip-boy buzzed a warning. He looked at the reading and shook his head, indicating they should go around the town. They had become aware of the green fog hovering still over the entire town and some of the surrounding area.
"No one can be alive in there, can they?", Veronica asked.
"No, not unless they're wearing a radiation suit. Those ghouls back there probably came from here. If so then all that's left in there is what's left of the people that were in that town. If they're not dead they're ghouls.", Milo responded grimly.
"We could take care of that", Cass offered.
Milo shook his head. "We don't just go around killing every ghoul we see. Some of them do retain their intelligence. Anyway that's not what we came for. We have to get down to the cove and see what's going on there. But first I need you to stand watch while I search that house up there by the water tower." Cass shrugged. She knew the Courier was concerned the Legion was gaining a foothold in this area. Veronica wondered what he was looking for in the Farnsworth's burned out house but didn't bother to ask. He had many secrets he didn't share with her.
Milo hadn't heard from Kaila but once since her abduction. She hadn't talked to him, just left a message on his Pip-boy. He had to go to the Follower's to get one of the items she requested so it had taken a few days to make the trip. He would leave it where she had indicated, along with the salve he had rescued from the ashes of her former home.
"Kaila." The greeting resounded in her head. Kaila was sitting in the Centurion's room mending some of his armor. She stood and stretched, putting the pieces carefully on the stand, before going out to the deck. She stared off into the mountains on the other side of the water.
"Hey, Milo.", she returned the greeting, her expression blank.
"We've stopped for dinner outside Searchlight. I'm taking a leak so the girls can't hear me. We'll be there in a couple more hours. I'm bringing the items you asked for.", he said.
Kaila giggled, surprising the Courier.
"What are you laughing at?", he asked curiously.
"I'm picturing you taking a leak and talking to yourself.", she chuckled. Milo felt a stab of relief. It was a small, mild emotion but it was an emotional response. Her IU wasn't completely in control then.
He sobered as he asked, "Has he hurt you?"
"Not at all", she replied, her calm returning. "He's been a very gentle and considerate lover. As long as I obey him he will protect and care for me. I am a prized possession you know, at least as long as I can maintain my looks. That's why I need the salve to keep from getting scars. Of course it's only been a week. That could change anytime. Milo, don't try to find me when you get here. Just help the other women if you can."
They were approaching the cove openly, walking down the middle of the road past the many crosses lining it. Some of them had victims hanging from them in various stages of decomposition. The women cast uneasy glances at Milo but he strode confidently, evincing no nervousness.
"Halt". The Legionnaire came toward them, alert for any sudden moves. Milo stopped, waiting.
"What do you want here?", the guard demanded, ignoring the women.
"I'm a trader looking to do some business.", Milo answered cheerfully. The guard eyed the women, their large packs heavily laden, and nodded toward the cove.
"Go ahead but be careful. If you displease us you could end up on one of those crosses.", he growled.
"I have only the best merchandise.", Milo grinned and they went on down the road.
Milo caused a stir as he came into camp accompanied by a flying robot and two heavily armed and heavily laden women dressed in leather armor. He too was wearing a light weight but sturdy leather armor in good condition. His very appearance suggested he was a wealthy trader looking to become wealthier. The fact that he bore the Mark of Caesar also guaranteed his safety.
Kaila came out onto the balcony to see what the fuss was about. She wouldn't try to talk to the Courier while he was in camp; it would be too dangerous since they could only communicate through his Pip-boy or in person.
Veronica glanced around at the camp, taking in the buildings that had been here, the tents that had been put up, and the chain link enclosure that had been built onto the side of one of the buildings. It now housed only two women. She pulled her eyes reluctantly from them and looked up.
"Milo", she said. "Look there." Milo looked where she was indicating.
He took in the tall, statuesque blonde, wearing only a short, soft shift that molded to her perfect form in the gentle breeze, her long limbs glowing softly ivory in the afternoon sun. He had never seen Kaila like this. He knew she was beautiful but standing on the parapet above them she was stunning.
"Don't ogle the centurion's concubine if you don't want to end on a cross.", a stern voice said. Milo looked away from the woman to address the voice.
"I apologize. It is difficult not to look at her.", he said.
"I'm Canyon Runner", the man said. "I'm in charge of the slaves and trading. Who are you and what is your business here?"
"I am Milo Six. I'm a trader. Can you show me what you have to trade?", he asked.
'Your women are very comely and appear quite strong. Are you interested in selling them?", the Legionnaire asked, considering the women with an expert eye.
"No, I'm quite used to them. I am interested in the ones you have in the cage though. May I have a closer look?", Milo replied.
"Of course. They're mostly a weak lot, not like your women. Still maybe we can deal.", the slaver said as they walked over to the cage.
It took some time to haggle over the merchandise but in the end the girl's packs were lighter and so was Milo's purse. He had purchased the two women, including the pregnant girl, who would deliver soon.
"It's too bad you didn't come a couple of days ago.", Canyon Runner said. "I already shipped the best of them. You saved me the trouble of disposing of this lot." Just then a soldier approached and addressed Milo.
" Centurion Aurelius has requested your presence. Come, I'll show you to his office.", he said. His tone indicated he would be wise to comply.
Milo went with the soldier. It hadn't been a request. Aurelius didn't make requests. The soldier knocked on the door and waited for a reply before ushering Milo and his entourage into the office.
"So you are Milo Six.", Aurelius said. "And these women are your guards?"
"They have their uses.", Milo replied vaguely.
"Yes, I see. Perhaps they should wait outside. I have some business to discuss with you.", Aurelius said. Milo nodded at the women who silently left.
Kaila knew the Courier and his companions had gone. It was getting onto dusk. She put away the mending and began preparing a meal. Aurelius would be up soon and it had better be ready for him.
"Kaila.", the Courier's voice broke into her thoughts. Kaila smiled to herself.
"Are you taking a pee, Milo?", she asked. She caught his light chuckle.
"Never mind, I'm alone for the moment." His voice got serious. "Listen, babe, I got the women out, but Ian wasn't with them. I couldn't find out where they took him."
Kaila didn't respond for a moment. "Thanks for trying, Milo. I really didn't think he would be there. He isn't even 2yrs old. Maybe they killed him.", she said tightly.
"I don't think they would.", he replied thoughtfully. "He was a beautiful boy with his curly blonde hair and blue eyes, and he was very healthy and intelligent. They don't kill children like that. My guess is he was given to a Legionnaire wife to raise."
"I hope you're right. If he's still alive I will find him.", Kaila replied.
"We'll find him.", Milo said firmly. "I have to go now, someone's coming. Be careful, babe! I don't want to lose you too."
Kaila looked up as Aurelius entered, her expression sad.
"You seemed deep in thought. What were you thinking, my pet?", he asked. She blinked, her expression vague, then looked down.
"I was thinking of my son.", she answered reluctantly, her voice so low he could hardly hear her. Aurelius took her chin in his hand and raised her face.
"Look at me, Kaila", he ordered gruffly. She reluctantly raised her eyes. "That life is gone and so is your son. There will be no more thoughts of the son you lost. Do you understand?"
"Yes, master", she replied meekly, dropping her eyes. She would have to retrieve the syringe tomorrow. She didn't want to take any chances.