Chapter 13: Render Unto Caesar
The trip down the mountain following the road to the cove was quiet. Chloe felt vulnerable in the open alone. Rex was whining a lot, and kept looking back, as if expecting the others to catch up. She kept urging the cyber dog on, until he started growling and three Legion soldiers were running up. She quickly had to order the dog to stay as they came up. She noticed how close she was into entering the Cottonwood camp, and could also see rotting bodies, skeletons, and freshly added victims upon crosses on either side of the road. The buzzards and carrion crows were making a fuss up in the air, circling.
"You've got a lot of nerve coming down here, woman," a Legion soldier stated venomously. "State your business."
Chloe held up the Mark of Caesar, hearing the three men gasp before her. Rex had his lips curled, his body tense as he watched the soldiers like a hawk. The one soldier sneered at her, nodding to his two fellows and turning towards the cove.
"You must be Colby Maye's daughter. Caesar has been waiting for you. This way. And no funny business. Just because you have the Mark, does not mean we won't kill you if you step out of line."
They escorted her through the camp, where many Legion soldiers stopped to watch her walk by. Dogs growled at her legs or at Rex. Though she caught the slaves' attentions, they dared not stop doing their chores. The slaves still locked away in chain link pens came over to check her out, but the Legion soldiers hit the cage hard to knock them back. Chloe bit her tongue hard, anger boiling inside. They reached the deck where they led her to a soldier who was standing guard by the raft that would take them across the Colorado River.
"Here is Miss Maye. Caesar wishes to speak to her in person," the Legion soldier stated.
The raft guard nodded, and then turned to Chloe. "Ave. This way. Please board the raft."
Chloe stepped onto the raft with her dog. The three Legion soldiers as well as the raft guard got on as well, and they worked to take the raft across the river. The ride across the river was stressful, and it only worsened the closer she got to the other side. The Legion soldiers talked to each other while watching her, from thoughts about her to recent news that affected them. Chloe kept silent and still, her body tense and ready for anything. It made her sick as they discussed her. Caesar's Legion treated women like cattle. They believed that women were physically and intellectually inferior to men, and were meant only for childbearing.
Once they reached the other side of the Colorado River, it was a hike to Fortification Hill. At the gate, her weapons were confiscated, and she was further escorted into the camp where many more Legion soldiers, dogs, slaves, and even Legion kids roamed about. There were more crucified people on crosses just on the other side of the gate, as well as a caravan driver. The young Legion boys were running drills and as they got up the hill into the main part of the camp, Chloe saw many soldiers sharpening weapons, practicing fights, and fighting and breeding dogs.
One Legion soldier, a handsome young man with steely dark eyes and dark hair was talking to another with a dog at his side until he caught sight of her and Rex. He instantly came over, his mongrel dog following him closely.
"That's Caesar's old dog! It's Caedo. He has fathered many great pups," the soldier said.
"Ya, I thought that was him," one of the soldiers escorting her said, stopping. "Of course you would recognize him Antony. You are in charge of the dogs after all."
Antony nodded, studying Rex closely, though he could tell the dog wasn't going to let anyone but Chloe near him. Antony kneeled down, his dog brushing up against him with wide yellow eyes on Rex and sniffing.
"Yeah, remember him, Lupa 'ol girl?" Antony asked, petting the dog behind the ear.
"We better get her to Caesar. Get back to your duties, Antony."
"Yeah, of course. Of course," he mumbled, catching Chloe's eyes as he stood up. He gave one final look to Rex before turning and leaving with Lupa.
They took her up a ledge, where a large, blood red tent stood overlooking the rest of the camp, including the circular arena. The large golden symbol of the bull decorated the front flap of the tent. The soldiers nodded towards the large tent, folding their arms and standing together.
"Caesar is in there. Think your words carefully, woman. Ave."
Chloe sighed, lifting the flap of the tent and entering with Rex at her side. It was much cooler in the large tent than outside in the sun. Chloe saw many members of the Frumentarri standing along the large tent. Chloe saw Caesar sitting at his throne on the other end, with Vulpes standing right by his side. She walked slowly down first section of the tent, Rex licking his lips nervously. Chloe was nervous too, her heart was pounding in her throat, and her body was sore from being so tense.
She looked to her right as the tent spread out. She stopped in her tracks, her eyes landing on Benny, who was on his knees with rope tying his hands behind his back. He caught her eyes for a moment, his expression going from surprise to falling to the ground in shame. Chloe took a deep breath, turning to finish walking over to Caesar, whose gray eyes watched her from as soon as she entered the tent. He wasn't at all what she had pictured. Before her sat a frail, old man dressed in emperor's ceremonial clothing. He was going bald, and he looked tired. But his eyes held a deep intelligence, and his voice was definitely that of a man who was ruler, judge, and punisher.
"Chloe Maye, is it? You have certainly come a long way to answer my call. I appreciate that. You are definitely Colby's daughter."
"Where is my father?" Chloe demanded, not showing him any fear.
Caesar was studying Rex for a moment. He held his hand out to the cyber dog, but Rex merely growled and stepped away. His gray eyes went back to Chloe, and he looked so calm in that throne of his.
"He was taken to Legate's Camp. I must be sure you will do what I want before I will hand him over. I have Benny here for you, but I think we should come to an agreement with what must be done with him."
Chloe felt anger bristling across her entire body. It took all the control she had not to attack the tyrant in front of her. She should have known something like this was going to happen. She took a moment to calm down, though anger was clearly apparent on her features.
"I don't understand why you need me for anything! What do you want with my father? What did he do to you? Just let the three of us go, and I promise we won't cause any trouble."
"Your father has faulted me on many accounts," Caesar answered simply. "I'm surprised you know nothing of his actions. It seems he keeps a lot from you, doesn't he?"
"My father never keeps anything from me."
Caesar lightly chuckled, shifting in his chair. "Of course, if that is what you think. So what about the Fox here? You think he never keeps anything from you as well?"
Chloe glanced back to Benny, who was watching her closely in her conversation with Caesar. He had a guard on either side of him with machetes.
"What do you want with me?" Chloe sighed.
"You fascinate me. You get shot in the head, and survive. You track down the man who did this to you, surviving Deathclaws, Nightkin, and all hell. House lets you into the Lucky 38, which hasn't been entered since the bombs dropped like you were old buddies, and then you seduced one of the most powerful men in New Vegas. You put your mind to something, and get it done. I like that."
Caesar held up something between his fingers. Chloe instantly recognized the Platinum Chip. "I know you are working for Mr. House. I want you to take this and go down to the substation. I want you to destroy whatever it is that is down there that Mr. House wants. That and kill him, take him out. After you do those two things for me, I will let your father go."
"What about Benny?"
Caesar curled his lip, flipping the chip like a quarter and thinking for a moment. "After what he did to you? Shouldn't you be killing him?"
Chloe slowly shook her head. "I don't need to kill him."
"You're a naïve girl, Miss Maye," Caesar sighed, shaking his head. "If you want to pretend nothing has happened between you and the son of the Coyote, that's fine. But you should know better than to not expect that he will eventually turn on you and finish the job. He's a killer, Miss Maye. He might look sophisticated and domesticated, but he is still a tribal. They're like dogs, you know? I would know, considering I conquered 86 tribes already."
"Just let him go. I'll take him with me. He can help," Chloe answered, trying to make it that she and Benny could get to the substation before the others arrived to ambush the place.
"While I think about it, how about you go over there and confront him?" Caesar retorted.
Chloe slowly turned, walking over to Benny as the two guards left him and walked away so they could speak privately. She looked down at Benny, and couldn't help but to muster a smile at his pitiful state. He looked so cute looking up at her with a slightly cocked head and smile.
"Pussycat," he purred sweetly, tugging her heartstrings. "Ain't this platinum? Had I known you were coming, I would've baked a cake! I bet you're pissed at me for leaving you and hightailing it here on my own. Well, I don't blame ya."
"Yeah, that wasn't shitty at all," Chloe mocked. She tapped her chin, looking down at him. "Now where have I seen this before? This little sight seems nostalgic somehow."
Benny glared at her. "Ha ha, babe. I get it. I see the irony of this picture, dig? Karma's caught up with me."
"Good. Glad you are paying attention."
"I was trying to protect you. I must say though, you are looking absolutely gorgeous today, babe! Too bad a conjugal visit isn't practical here."
Chloe rolled her eyes. "Is that all you can think about while you sit there on the ground with your hands bound and death around the corner?"
"Why shouldn't I? After our last turn, I'm head over heels for you, baby! It's been the only thing keepin' me warm at night, stuck where I am." He grinned, and then nodded at her. "Awww look, I got you to blush."
"Do you have any advice to give me here?" Chloe sighed.
"Okay. How did your meet and greet with Baldie go? What does he want you to do?"
"He wants me to go down into the substation and destroy whatever is down there to free you and Dad."
Benny dipped his head. "Sure. Oh, but you don't want to do that, baby. That's where your key to Vegas lies."
"Wow, you didn't say our. How come?"
Benny snorted. "Look, I ain't exactly a harborer for illusions. I don't expect to get out of this shindig alive! Just do whatever House woulda wanted you to do, and then when you get back to Vegas, talk to Yes Man. He'll help you plot against House. I made it so that cat can't help but be helpful, dig? Oh and tell Swank he's in charge."
Chloe glared at him. "I'm getting your ass outta here, so don't talk like that."
"You got a plan?" Benny inquired, sounding interested. "Sing baby! You've got a captive audience!"
"Shh!" Chloe hissed, glancing over her shoulder at Caesar, who was watching them closely. Rex came closer to sniff Benny, his tail slightly wagging. "Was my father really here? Did you see him?"
"Sure was. Was neighbors with the guy. They hauled him off to Legate's Camp at dawn with the rest of the Frumentarri, including your boyfriend Jacob. Apparently, he was behind Falling Rock and set your dad up and now he is after you."
Chloe didn't know how to respond at first, and then glared at Benny. "You must have that all wrong. Jacob would never do such a thing."
Benny shrugged. "I ain't expectin' you to believe me. If only pops was here so you could hear it straight from the horse's mouth, baby."
Chloe cut him off. "Forget it. We'll discuss this later. Right now, I need to focus on a way to get Caesar to let you come with me into the substation before-"
"Miss Maye, are you through consorting with your consort?" Caesar questioned from his throne.
Chloe gave Benny one last look before walking over to the ruler of the Legion with her cyber dog. Caesar held out his hand, revealing the Platinum Chip. Slowly, very gingerly, the courier took it from his hand and looked at the chip that nearly cost her everything. She quickly pocketed the highly coveted chip and focused on Caesar.
"Now listen to me, Miss Maye. Go down into the substation and-"
He was cut off by a huge explosion that shook the ground below their feet. Dogs were howling, men were battle crying, and gunfire started creating a storm. Chloe knew that her companions, Phoenix, and the NCR troops that united with them were now here. A soldier flew into the tent, rushing to the ruler even as the Frumentarri and other guards were getting ready for battle.
"NCR, my lord! They have ambushed us!"
Vulpes was quick to step in and help Caesar to his feet. "My lord we should get you out of here immediately. They cannot take the entire Fort on this side of the river. Our best bet is to retreat to Legate's Camp and send reinforcements back to flush them across the river again."
Caesar pointed to Chloe, eyes flashing. "This is your doing, isn't it? You led them here; this is all your plan!"
Chloe didn't answer. Caesar gave the motion, making the Frumetarri come forward and grab her. Chloe fought back against the four men that were holding her. Rex exploded, attacking one soldier with a vicious snarl.
"Rex! Go find Boone!" Chloe yelled. "Seek, boy!"
Rex released the mangled wrist, taking off running with soldiers running after him. The Frumentarri tied Chloe's arms behind her back, forcing her down to her knees right next to Benny. Vulpes was pacing, hearing the battle growing closer and closer.
"My lord, we should leave now!"
"Yes, of course," Caesar stated. "Leave a guard in here to watch these two. I highly doubt this ambush party will get much farther. We'll come back once the battle is over and deal with these two."
Vulpes nodded. He and the other five Frumentarri escorted Caesar out of the large tent and were gone. The guard Vulpes ordered to stay put glared down at them with a machete ready. As the battle got closer and closer, the soldier became more antsy. Chloe started to work at her ropes behind her back, moving her body and trying to loosen the ropes good enough where she could slip them over her hips and legs to her front. The guard caught her and quickly stepped forward, yelling out. Chloe instinctively kicked out her legs, tripping the soldier onto his back. She was going to quickly counter again while he was down, but Benny was already one step ahead. He kicked out his leg, slamming his heel down hard onto the soldier's face, busting his nose and killing him.
Chloe was distracted by that for only a moment before she remembered to start working the ropes again. She finally got them loose enough to where she could start slipping them down her back and butt to her legs. Benny watched her with a sly grin as she did so, causing her to glare at him.
"What?" she grumbled.
"Nothing, baby, nothing. You got some moves there, that's all."
"Men," she growled as she finally worked her bound arms through her legs to where her arms were now in front of her body. She grabbed the nearby machete, getting to her feet with Benny.
She took a moment to position the blade correctly to cut her own ropes. She then went straight to Benny's back and cut his ropes. The battle sounded like it was right outside now, with explosions, cries, and thunderous shots. Benny hissed as his ropes were cut, and he quickly brought his hands around. Worried, Chloe rushed around to his front.
"What is it?" she grunted.
"My hands fell asleep."
Chloe heaved a sigh, glaring at him. "There's a damn war going on out there and you're worried about your hands falling asleep?"
She watched him as he ran over to the other side of the tent where the Legion had a table set out with some maps and notes written down. She saw his gun sitting on it, and he grabbed it up. As he walked back over to her, Chloe saw Benny aim Maria at her. For a moment, her heart stopped upon seeing that very same barrel that had put a bullet into her skull not even a week ago. She didn't even have time to open her mouth and say anything before he fired a single shot. The bullet whizzed right past her, and she heard the yelp of a man come behind her. She spun to see a Legion soldier crumble to the floor.
A shaky breath escaped her lips, and she slowly turned back to face Benny, hating that wily grin he had on his handsome face, yet loving it at the same time as he came over to her. He kissed her deeply on the lips.
"You thought I was going to shoot you," he mumbled into her lips, kissing her again.
"Did not," she mumbled, twitching a smile.
"Did too," he chuckled, reaching around her waist to pull her into him.
"I can't believe you only have one thing on your mind while a blood bath is going on outside."
"It's all your fault, honey, I blame you."
She pushed him off of her, pointing at him. "Down boy. Let's get to that substation to figure out what the hell we are supposed to do."
"Ring-a-ding, baby, time to vacate these premises!"
She reached into her pocket to grab the Platinum Chip, relieved that Caesar didn't take it back before he left. But then realized it wasn't there, and fumbled over her other pockets. Her heart skipped, she had to have it still!
"What the hell?"
"Looking for somethin', pussycat?" Benny asked innocently.
She saw the chip in his fingers, a ghost of a smile on his lips. She glared at him. She should have expected that coming. He really was a fox.
"Whatever, come on."
"You don't have any weapons."
She bent down to pick up the machete they used to cut their ropes. She then caught sight of a 10mm pistol on the other soldier and checked it as she picked it up. "This will work until I get my weapons back."
"Baby, I hear you're a real scrapper."
Chloe turned to him, slightly smiling. "I hear the same about you."
Before she could say anything else, the flap to the tent flipped open, and people were rushing in. Benny and Chloe aimed their weapons, but Chloe quickly lowered her arms when she realized it was just Boone, Cass, and Rex. Benny soon lowered his gun, but Chloe noticed the glare that came on his face.
"Please tell me this isn't the guy that shot you in the face, and then you slept with?" Cass heaved, shaking her head.
"Jealous, baby doll?"
"What did you call me?"
Boone grabbed Cass arm as she jerked forward. Chloe immediately came between them. "Okay! No time for this! Boone, Cass, this is Benny! Benny, this is Boone and Cass! They are the two that you so generously paid to get out of jail!" Chloe noticed how that settled Cass down a bit. "Now, if you guys don't mind to keep the Legion busy, Benny and I are running down to the substation!"
"What?" Boone grunted.
"Not even a thank you? We thought you were hurt! What about your father?"
Chloe shook her head. "They moved him to Legate's Camp…whatever that is."
Boone clenched his jaw. "The main stronghold of Caesar's force in this region. Legate Lanius is his second-in-command. It would be impossible to try and dent that place."
"That's where the Frumentarri took the old bastard too," Benny stated, glancing to Chloe.
They could tell that Chloe was upset from hearing that news, and she didn't say anything. She chewed on her lip in deep thought, tapping the pistol against her thigh. Boone stepped over to her, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"I know you're upset, but you'll get another chance. Right now, we only have half an hour if we want to make it out of here alive before reinforcements from Lanius come flooding this place. Whatever you have to get done down in the substation, go now."
She barely nodded at his words. They left the tent, coming out into a battlefield drenched in blood. The Fort was a mess, with fires, splatters of blood and gore, and fighting men. Chloe was glad to see the NCR soldiers winning over this battle, but knew it wouldn't be long before too many numbers would force them into retreat. She saw Raul, Lily, Veronica, ED-E, and Arcade in the battle as well, and she whistled for the Eyebot. ED-E flew right over, beeping happily.
Chloe faced Boone. "Watch out for the others. Try and help Arcade find Kyle."
Boone nodded. "I will. Watch your backs, be careful." Boone reached into his pocket, withdrawing Chloe's cell phone. He handed it over to her. "Here's this. I'll call you if it gets bad up here."
Boone pointed at Benny. "You better keep her safe and not pull any tricks."
Benny didn't falter at the animosity from the soldier. "Are ya her big brother or somethin'? Shouldn't you be following orders like the other bear boys?"
Boone stepped forward with a glare but Cass caught him. "Save it! Let's get this done!"
Cass nodded at Chloe before she and Boone headed off. Chloe, Benny, Rex, and ED-E made their way down the hill to the next camp where the substation was located.
The substation turned out to be a weather monitoring station on the surface. When Benny closed the door shut behind them and they looked around, it was easy to spot the equipment and paperwork. Their run down the hill to this building proved to be more difficult than they anticipated, with slaves bolting and Legion soldiers spilling out of tents down in the next camp. Boone and Phoenix took out the most with their sniper rifles from the cliff from the first camp for them. Chloe was a bit hesitant at searching the room, glancing back at the front door and worrying about her friends. Rex sniffed around curiously. He wasn't tense anymore, so Chloe was assured that the danger had passed for now. Even ED-E was beeping curiously while scanning the room.
The room was dirty and dusty, with a couple of desks and broken down computers to one side. In the back, file dressers where lined against the wall. Chloe's thoughts were interrupted by loud thumps that sounded like hollow metal. She looked up to see Benny stomping down on what looked like a long metal hatch on the floor.
"You'd think they could be a bit more clever in hiding this," Benny sighed, walking over to the console to the right of the hatch. Chloe followed him over there, watching as he slipped the Platinum Chip into the slot. The hatch withdrew from its lock, revealing concrete stairs that led down. Benny and Chloe glanced at each other after he took the Chip back before heading down. They followed the hallway until they came to a small, rounded room with two doors that held the Lucky 38 insignia on each one.
Benny rubbed his palms together, grinning. "We're gettin' close, pussycat!"
"Let's just hope there isn't something down there that can kill us," Chloe stated, pushing the button.
The Lucky 38 doors slid open, revealing an elevator. Chloe, Benny, Rex, and ED-E entered, and the elevator descended into a new area. They had their guns ready before they even stepped out. They followed the room into the next one, where Chloe realized they were entering into a Vault.
"Why am I not surprised that you are down here with him?"
Chloe and Benny jumped, whirling around to see a large monitor screen with House's picture on it. They settled upon realizing there was no danger, but Chloe knew she would have to come up with something fast, if she could even manage to pull the wool over House's eyes.
"He has a name you know," Benny stated. "Don't be square, old man."
"You traitor! I should have had my Securitrons arrest you for what you did to me, Benjamin."
"Can you blame me? In the seven years we've known you, have we ever seen the real you? How do ya expect me to believe you're flesh 'n blood? People are startin' to wonder what you really are! And hate to break it to ya, pally, but I guarantee I ain't the only one that had plans to toss some rigged dice."
"I'm real enough to have given you and your family everything you have now! If it weren't for me, you would either be dead, slaves for the Legion, or still fighting over food and shelter amongst yourselves!"
Before Benny could retaliate, Chloe grabbed him, slapping her palm over his mouth. "Okay! Let's settle down! My Pip-Boy is picking up radiation! I would like to do whatever needs done so we can get the hell outta here! If you could just forget about Benny and tell me what you want me to do!"
"I'll tell you what needs to be done, Miss Maye, but don't be surprised if he shoots you down here and leaves you just like before. Luckily, if that happens, I have a different approach. However, I do want to remind you that doing this for me will greatly improve your chances of getting your father back alive," Mr. House replied coolly. "The Platinum Chip is actually a data storage device. I need for you to manually upload it into the bunker's main database in order for my Securitrons to receive the upgrade."
Chloe let go of Benny. "Sounds easy enough. We're on it."
"Just a moment! I can only control this monitor within this bunker. So I'm unable to disarm all of the security bots. By the looks of it, it seems as though all of them are functioning. So either you two will have to hack into the system from the computer right up ahead, or shoot them down yourself."
"Great," Benny grumbled.
"Got it," Chloe said, dipping her head at the monitor. "Let's go, Benny!"
They headed past the monitor, the cyber dog and Eyebot following right behind them. They descended the small flight of stairs into the actual Vault area. Chloe shook her head, getting that feeling she always got in Vaults. The small hallways and plain concrete walls made her feel trapped, and knowing that most of the Vaults in the wasteland were used as experiments by the government over a way to save the population when the bombs fell only furthered giving her the creeps. However, Chloe noticed how this Vault was made out to be more of a bunker, and was different from the populated Vaults across the wasteland.
They could already hear the mechanical steps of Protectrons up the hallway, along with the robotic voices that spoke when the security bots would speak. Chloe read the labels above the doors. One was the security office. They went inside, where Chloe found a few computers. The one that controlled the Protectrons was locked down, but Chloe saw she could still hack into the one that controlled the turrets. Benny watched her curiously as she typed away. In only a few minutes, she was able to disable the turret system.
"How'd you do that, baby?"
She gave a crooked smile. "Learned from the best. My dad was a scalawag all around."
"Should have known."
Chloe checked the small 10mm pistol she had taken off the dead Legion soldier's body. She only had nine bullets. "How much ammo you got?"
"Maria is a 9mm, babe. I can't share," Benny replied.
She gave him a look. "I meant that I hope you have more than I do."
Benny checked the beautiful pistol real quick. "Thirteen rounds. Legion boys took the rest of my supplies away."
"Great. I guess we'll have to make do. ED-E, go ahead and take out those Protectrons. Rex, sick 'em boy!"
The Eyebot whistled, as if excited it finally had a job to do, and whooshed away down the hallway. Rex ran along right under the robot barking loudly. Chloe and Benny followed in pursuit, coming out into a large, rectangular room. There was a walkway following the perimeter of the room, but the rest was crowded with running machinery. ED-E's lasers were taking out the Protectrons easily. Rex couldn't do much with his teeth and claws on the metal bots, but he proved to be a worthy distraction until ED-E could scrap them.
When it grew quiet, Chloe stopped Benny for a moment. "Okay, I know I asked this before, but I just have to ask it again. Why is it a bad thing for House to rule New Vegas? I mean, maybe I can convince him not to get rid of the Three Families."
"Ain't we covered this? " Benny snorted, shaking his head. "Mr. House hides New Vegas under his skirt when the bombs dropped, so it belongs to him? Forever? You buy that? Baby, every boss has a line to explain why he is special, why everyone has to do what he says. Just now figuring that out? Vegas gotta swing, baby! Gotta have pizzazz. Respect where due, but that old man is square to the core."
Chloe sighed, flicking back a strand of hair. "Okay...I'll bite...so do you have a line to explain why you're special and everyone has to do what you say?"
Benny slowly smirked, and Chloe regretted being a smartass. "Aww baby, I can show you right here and now, if ya want."
"No," she quickly replied.
Benny shrugged. "Honey, I appreciate your diplomatic approach to everything, but it doesn't always work. Sometimes to do what's right, you have to get your hands dirty. Sometimes what is right to you, is wrong to others, ya dig? I ain't no saint, never claimed to be, but my right is protecting my family, and that means House has to go."
They followed the walkway, finding four rooms holding reactors that were sparking from age. They eventually came out into another rectangular room, only this one was empty and had observation windows on each side. There were a couple of Securitrons standing on the other side of the windows on each side, all with blank screens. Benny went to the left side of the room to look out of the window. He grinned.
"Jackpot! House really does have a robot army, that clever player!"
The sight made Chloe's breath catch in her throat. There had to be hundreds of Securitrons on just this one side. It made her nauseous, because she was still unsure of House's plans. He seemed bent on protecting New Vegas, and if he was going to awaken all of these Securitrons with upgraded power, then he must want to take out the Legion and the NCR.
"My creep meter just went through the roof," Chloe sighed. "This…I don't know about this."
"Relax, baby. This is good news. This is what's going to save Vegas! We finish riggin' the odds in our favor, our dice will be ready to roll, dig?"
Benny grabbed her hand, yanking her to go on. Rex and ED-E followed them up a few more flight of stairs until they were in the control room of the bunker. While Benny dispensed the Platinum Chip into the large computer, Chloe walked over to the observation window to look down on another squadron of silent Securitrons. It seemed it only took a matter of minutes before everything went black. The whole bunker went out.
"What the fuck?" Chloe spat, jumping from the sudden blackness.
The power came back on, and Chloe could hear much more power running through the lines of the bunker. When she turned to look back outside the observation window, she had to jump back when she saw a Securitron roll over to the window to peek inside. All of the Securitrons down here had cartoon faces of grumpy soldiers smoking cigars. The upgrade had only taken a few minutes, and now it seemed as though the Securitron Army was well on its way to being ready.
Chloe slowly turned to Benny, who was getting the Platinum Chip back from the computer. He flipped it like a coin, having a boyish grin on his face.
"This 18-karat charm is hot like you, baby! Looks like our job here is done! Let's agitate the gravel before we're stuck down here for good!"
She nodded, her feet heading in his direction before her cell phone started ringing. Startled, she grabbed the sleek phone device from the Pre-War era and answered it.
"Hello?"
"It's Boone! Chloe, you need to get your ass out of there! The reinforcements from Legate's Camp are almost here! Phoenix and Erasmus have already pulled back the NCR cover. I got your confiscated supplies and we found Kyle. Now get out of there!"
Chloe felt her heart jump to her throat. "Alright! Just get everyone and go with Phoenix! We'll meet you at the Cove!"
"Got it. Watch your back!"
She sprinted forward, grabbed Benny's arm and spinning him around awkwardly. "Let's go! The reinforcements are almost here!"
They ran the whole way back through the bunker, with Rex and ED-E on their heels. Luckily, all of the security bots had been dealt with. When they hit the front room with House's monitor, the autocrat tried to stop them.
"Where are you two running to in such a hurry? I have my next set of orders for you, Chloe."
"Those can wait! We have to get out of the Fort before we are captured again! The others have already retreated!" Chloe yelled.
They didn't give House a chance to reply to her words before they were running to the elevator and taking it back up. Once on the level floor of the station, they darted for the front door, exiting back onto the campgrounds. Benny and Chloe stayed low, coming around the side of the building to look up the ridge to the next camp. They could see reinforcements flooding into the place, men yelling.
"Shit, we're trapped! That's the only way out!" Chloe hissed.
They were at the north end of the Fort. Their way back to the Cove was completely blocked off now. Benny grabbed her wrist, yanking her up from her crouch so they could start moving.
"Where are you going?" Chloe snapped.
"To find a way outta here, babe! Or do you want to stay here and become a slave?"
They kept to the side of the building, going around continuing north away from the main camp. They soon came to the large wall that surrounded the whole Fort made out of scrap metal and tin. Benny got to work at tearing and bending one of the sheets back. Chloe helped him try and warp the thin metal so they could slip through. Even Rex was trying to help, digging at the dirt excitedly. ED-E beeped at Chloe.
"Shh! Stay quiet, ED-E!"
ED-E gave an annoyed beep, and fired a single laser beam. The shot took out a piece of metal that was holding the sheet strongly in place. The sheet was torn from their hands in the effort to tear it back, making Chloe and Benny fall over on the dirt. Luckily, Chloe fell on top of Benny.
"What the hell?" Benny growled. "It could've at least warned us! Don't you train that thing?"
"Does it matter? It gave us our way out! Good job, ED-E!"
Chloe and Benny got to their feet, hardly dusting themselves off. Benny looked through the hole to the other side to make sure it was safe. He pulled back to face Chloe.
"Alright, this will lead us to some cliffs that overlook Lake Mead. Let's hope we can find a way down. We should be able to cross the lake to Callville Bay near Bitter Springs."
Chloe took out her cell phone. "Well, that means I better call Boone and tell him that we aren't going to make it to the Cove."
She dialed Boone's number, hearing it ring a few times before her companion answered. "Chloe? Is everything alright?"
"We have a change of plans. Legion's already swarming the main camp. We're heading down the northern cliffs to cross Lake Mead to Callville Bay."
"That's near Bitter Springs. Okay, be careful. We can meet up at the 188 Trading Post."
"Alright, take care of the others. We'll meet you there."
"Don't worry about us. Be careful, Chloe."
The courier pocketed the phone, nodding to Benny. "Alright, let's see if-"
"Halt there, outsiders!"
The sudden yell made them jump. Rex was barking already, and ED-E automatically opened fire on the Legion soldiers running for them. Cursing, Chloe and Benny slipped through the hole to the other side of the wall. Rex and ED-E followed, but it didn't take long for a mob of Legion to be chasing after them. They fired off rounds of ammunition that barely missed Chloe and Benny as they desperately slid down and descended rocky terrain and cliffs that towered several feet above ground. ED-E easily maneuvered through its flight, and was able to cover them as they descended. Chloe was relieved that three out of four of Rex's legs were robotic to make his footing better and prevented any wounds in the descent.
Their rabid movements down slippery rocks and jagged ledges drove them to a dead end. The overhang was suspended over the lake, with roughly a sixty foot drop to the water's surface. Peering over the edge, Chloe immediately felt a sense of vertigo come over her. Benny looked down, then up to where the Legion was coming for them.
"Ready to jump?" he asked.
"What?!" Chloe spat, eyes widening. She didn't get along well with heights. They made her freeze up.
"It's either jump or become a Legion slave, pussycat!"
"I-I don't know if-" she trailed off once she tried looking over the edge again. "Oh shit."
A bullet almost took out Benny's head. They ducked by the ledge. Rex was whining while ED-E continued to fire and take damage.
"Would you rather be crucified, babe?" Benny asked, glaring up at the closing in Legion soldiers.
"No, but-"
"Okay then, bottoms up!" Benny shoved her off the edge. She screamed as she fell. Benny looked to the dog, which watched her go over and was barking. "Fetch, Brain!"
Rex jumped off the cliff. Benny was nearly hit with another bullet, and so threw himself off of the cliff as well. ED-E whistled, whirling around and following after them in flight. They hit the water with a loud splash. The force almost knocked the air from Chloe's lungs. She felt her skin start to sting as they swam across the Lake Mead to Callville Bay. All the while, Chloe cursed and shouted threats at Benny. Rex doggy paddled beside them, looking none too pleased that he was wet and having to swim. ED-E floated over the water's surface, guiding them along towards shore while keeping an eye out. It was a long swim thanks to the size of the lake, but they finally made it across to the dock that lined Callville Bay. They climbed out of the water, drenched and tired.
Chloe collapsed onto the dirt to catch her breath with Benny doing the same next to her. Rex shook the excess water from his fur and started panting and sniffing around.
"You… fucking asshole," Chloe gasped, chest rising and falling rapidly. Despite her exhaustion, she reached over and smacked Benny hard in the chest.
"You're just mad 'cuz you didn't have the nerve to jump yourself. Besides, baby! I saved your life!" He was panting too, and trying to wring out his clothes.
"Maybe so, but you could've warned me before pitching me off of a cliff."
"Touché," Benny sighed, getting to his feet. He extended his hand out to help Chloe up.
She reached up and took his hand, letting him pull her to her feet. Her legs felt wobbly still from the long drop. She also felt sore all over from the impact with the water. Worse yet, they looked like a couple of drowned rats as wet as they were.
Chloe checked her very little supplies she had on her. Her cell phone was broken from the water, and her gun was wet but nothing horrible. What she was worrying about the most was having to trek all the way to the 188 Trading Post with only ten bullets in her gun. They could handle wild dogs, geckos, feral ghouls, centaurs, and raiders easily. Chloe was worried about Nightkin, Super Mutants, Deathclaws, Night Stalkers, giant Radscorpions, and Cazadors. They didn't have the firepower or the supplies to take them. They sure as hell didn't have any anti-venom for the venomous creatures mentioned.
"You think we'll make it to the 188 Trading Post in one piece, babe?" Benny asked, smirking down at her.
"If we have to fight a Deathclaw with our bare hands, so be it," Chloe sighed, trying to be a smartass, though now she felt exhausted.
"You crazy broad," Benny stated, shaking his head. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a soaked pack of ruined cigarettes. He looked pretty disappointed over it, and it made Chloe chuckle. "Great…"
"Let's go," she laughed. "We might have to spend the night at the Post, depending on how things go."
Benny took to her side as they started walking with the cyber dog and Eyebot. "Sweet to offer, pussycat, but I was hoping for a place a bit more private."
Chloe shook her head. "Why am I not surprised to hear that come from your mouth?"
"Glad you could agree, babe."
The courier opened her mouth to quickly retaliate that remark, but then stopped herself, knowing that Benny would cleverly think of a way to turn that around on her as well. She gave him a playful glare.
"I hope your reflexes are as sharp as your tongue."
Benny tossed the ruined pack of cigarettes. "Just because I've been livin' the high life doesn't mean I ain't a scrapper. Remember I used to be a nomad? I know the Mojave Wasteland like the back of my hand, baby. I know all the good secrets in survivin' out in the middle of nowhere that only tribals know, dig?"
Chloe smiled. "Good to hear. Now let's get to that Post!"
A/N: Well, Chloe and Benny were able to get away in almost one piece, but her father is still in captivity and Caesar got away. Don't worry, this story isn't over yet! We got a long way to go, hehehhee! Oh and if I forgot to mention last chapter, Aquila means Eagle and that is Jacob's Legion name. He'll come in soon enough, but who will Chloe believe? Benny? Or Jacob? :3 Drama! Ahem, also Caedo means Killer in Latin, and I figured it would have worked for Rex's Legion name even though Rex is Latin for King...Oi...Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I had a blast writing it, especially the banter between Chloe and Benny. And of course there is more of that to come lol. Thanks for reading and reviewing! To those who have been loyal so far with this Fallout fic, THANK YOU SO MUCH! It means so much to me! :)
A/N2: This chapter has been updated! Feb 2018