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 20
Operation: Deep Cover
"Looks like the Kings finally have taken control of Freeside,"said Tristan spotting a group of leather jacket gang members handing out water supplies to local residents.
Jen scoffed at his statement. "I guess... but you can guarantee they made sure to get their own cut first"
"True, but something is better than nothing?"
"Do you always look for a silver lining in everything?" She asked while they past through the north gate.
Turning to his right he smiled back at her. "Come on my love it's me, of course I do."
Sighing, she adjusted her bozar rifle which was threatening to fall off her shoulder before reaching out and taking her hand in his.
It had been month since Patrica and Daniel got promoted out of the STF leaving the two newly engaged couple to fight on their own. While Tristan couldn't be there for his uncle's execution he did receive a telegram from his cousin Angelica telling him that justice had been served.
Almost at the same time they were receiving their medals in Shady Sands, the NCR led by Colonel Moore surrounded the Brotherhood of Steel at Helios One. With the Brotherhood's refusal to leave the NCR was forced to engage the heavily entrenched Brotherhood at Helios One. What in sued was a three day bloody battle that left more dead troopers than all their battles combined in New Vegas. Finally when their Elder Elijah abandon them, the Brotherhood led by Nolan McNamara took the remaining Steel members and fought their way out of Helios One making a full scale retreat. While the death toll was staggering, roughly about 600 dead troopers compared to over 100 steel members, it finally brought and end to the NCR-Brotherhood War in New Vegas.
Before the war there was only 5,000 troopers located in New Vegas. After the war their was an active number of 10,000 soldiers ready to fight for their country. These new reinforcements allowed for the NCR to finally secure their own boarders, protect their supply lines, and finally started pushing back the Fiends, Vipers, and Great Khans away from the main populous.
With the pressure finally being taken off their boarders, it allowed for Tristan and Jennifer to finally focus on breaking the corruption that plagued the army long before it's arrival inside New Vegas. That was part of the reason they were here inside Freeside. To try and get a feel of the situation around the Strip and to see if they could use some of their old Followers friends to get a foot hold into Freeside.
"So are we going to be staying at the Atomic Wrangler again?" She asked spotting the Old Mormon Fort.
Tristan smiled back at her. "Come on my future wife, there are perks to knowing the right people."
Waving up at the gate guards who nodded back down at them, they waited for them to unlock the large reinforced door. In reality Jen understood Freeside wasn't ready for trade talks, but since Tristan's sister was a follower it gave them an accuse to come by and pay her a visit.
Entering the re purposed fort they could see the impressive work the Followers had done. Multiple tents were stationed all around the courtyard with the Followers of the Apocalypse flag raising high in the middle courtyard. Along the eastern and western sides of the fort were guard houses that were used for storage and the offices of the head doctor Julie Farkas.
Walking farther inside courtyard, Jen spotted Tristan's sister Samantha Walker making stimpaks with her master Arcade Gannon reading a pre-war book. Floating around Sam was her rebuilt eye bot called ED-E who whistled sharply getting Arcade's attention.
"Sam I believe you have guests?"
Setting down her chemicals, she took off her rubber gloves and goggles just when Tristan walked inside the tent.
"Holy Freeside, Tristan!" Shouted Sam running forward and embracing her brother.
"What brings you here?"
"Business I am afraid, but I couldn't pass up the chance to spend some time with my sister,"he said finally pulling back with the both of them smiling at each other.
"There's my future sister in law!" Shouted Sam taking a few steps forward giving her an even bigger hug than Tristan received.
Patting her back softly, Tristan's sister let her go. "It's good to see you too Samantha."
"How many times have I told you, call me Sam."
"Okay, Sam."
Laughing she reached down and took a closer look at her engagement ring. "Not bad Tristan, although you should have asked for my help first. I could have gotten you a bigger group of diamonds."
Tristan gave his sister a long glare folding his arms across his desert ranger armor. "Trust me darling the ring is perfect."
"It's not the value of the ring that matters but the act it's self which is important,"added Arcade putting down his pre-war book and giving them a matter of fact look.
Sam sighed heavily before shaking her head. "I know that Doctor Gannon. I was just messing with my brother. You know what fun is right?"
"Speaking about doctors, Sam can you introduce me too Doctor Farkas?" He asked taking off his sun glasses.
"Of course, if that's alright with you Arcade?"
Instead of responding the doctor simply waved his hand at her. "Okay I believe she's in her office right now."
"Well lead the way Miss. Walker,"he replied putting his arm around her shoulder drawing her close as she put her arm around his chest while they started walking over to the door.
Chuckling, Jennifer took a seat next to Arcade who only gave her a small glance before grabbing a bottle of Vodka off the nearby shelf.
"Want a shot?" He asked already pouring the liquor in both glasses.
Jen who wasn't much of a drinker shrugged her shoulders. "Cheers!" They both said taking each of their glasses and quickly down the alcohol.
"Wow that's strong stuff,"she said as her eyes were watering a bit,"that's defiantly not pre-war."
Arcade chuckled to himself. "Indeed lieutenant March. I mostly use this to treat infections...but it works just as good to help me forget."
"Tell me about. Sometimes I wish I had Tristan's confidence. It's like no matter the situation he always seems to be complete control. He has that ability to make everyone believe in him, not to mention he's probably the best shot in all of the NCR. I often wondered how he does it?"
Leaning back in his chair, Arcade study her for a moment. "You know Samantha is the same. She's great with the patients, quick to diagnosis and provide treatment despite the potential lack of proper medical supplies. But nothing compares to her unique ability as engineer. This eye-robot was in rough shape when she found it laying in a dumpster. Within weeks she got it working again, and a month later it was fully operational."
"Do you think it has to do with their up bringing?" She asked giving the elder man her full attention.
"Maybe,"he said standing up and stretching his muscles,"although personal I think these kind of traits can only come natural."
Right when Jennifer wanted to say something else a Caucasian female guard entered the tent. Wearing a merc veteran armor equipped with duel .357 magnums and a katana on her belt. She was tall about 6 feet with a muscular frame, short black hair, and had a thin scar going down her right eye.
"Excuse me Doctor Gannon,"she said grinning at Jen before turning her attention to Arcade,"Apprentice Trout wanted me to tell you a fresh group of drug addicts just arrived. They are in dire need of your expertise on how to treat one of them who appears to be going through withdraw."
Sighing heavily he grabbed some medical supplies off the counter. "Duty calls Miss March."
As soon as Arcade left, Jen immediately pulled out both of her two auto pistols. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you right here and now number one."
"Because,"she added taking a step towards her,"two of Caesar's snipers have your precious fiance and his sister in their sights. If you kill me or refuse to come with me, I can't guarantee their safety number three."
Reluctantly Jen put away her two auto pistols. "What do you want for?" She asked trying to hold back her anger.
"It's not what I want, but what the master wants. He's waiting for you inside an ruined tire factory here inside Freeside. You have a lot to answer for number three."
Jen wanted to get up and flee. But she knew better, even if Tristan and Sam somehow weren't killed they would always come after her. They would never leave her alone unless she or they were dead.
"Fine bitch! Lead the way."
Number one gave her a hurtful look. "Awe, come on there's no need for foul language."
Walking out of the tent, Jen was forced to fallow the pretend guard as they made their way over to the exit.
"Hey lieutenant March where are you going?" Asked Arcade finally spotting her getting ready to leave the fort.
"Tell him nothing,"whispered the woman into her ear with a sick grin on her face.
"Just grabbing a drink with an old friend. Can you please tell Tristan to find me at the sunset room in the Atomic Wrangler. Ask for Republic chaos."
Arcade gave her a confused look before nodding his head. Exiting out of the Fort, Jen could feel one of the woman's .357 magnums digging into her back.
"Just in case,"she said grinning back at her,"wouldn't want you to think that I wouldn't kill you right here and now if you run."
Balling her fists into her palm, she tried to remain calm. Letting number one lead her they went down the road towards the north that had a rail road track bending off to the right side. Going under the destroy free way ramp along the Freeside fence boarder she spotted the ruin tire factory that number one had been talking about.
"Get in,"said number one nudging her forward with her pistol.
Climbing the small railing, Jennifer waited for the door to open door. Right when she was about to take her first step inside the factory she felt someone hit her hard in the back of her head. The blow sent her crumbling down to the floor.
"Good job number one,"said someone who was standing in front of her.
Rolling on her back Jen was trying to stay conscious. "Is the trap set?" Asked the deep male voice that was distorted from her head injury.
"Yes, I did everything you wanted me to do."
Chuckling the man bent down to get a closer look at Jen whose vision now was hazy and couldn't make out the person's face.
"Welcome home number three,"he said putting his hand on her cheek and caressing it slowly.
Standing up the man turned his back on her. "April, our guest is still conscious."
With only a small glance of the her shoes, the fake guard suddenly kicked Jen in the side of the head, knocking her out.
Meanwhile Tristan was busy trying to accomplish their primary mission, scouting out any potential diplomacy with Freeside. While Julie interest was slightly peaked by his proposal she told him it was too soon after the Followers and NCR split up to begin opening up trade talks. Instead of pressing the issue Lieutenant Walker spent the next 15 minutes simply talking to Farkas and his sister.
"You know for military person your alright with me,"added Julie leaning father back inside her office chair and smiling up at him.
"I am often told that,"he added pushing his duster behind him,"I guess the NCR reputation kinda kills the messenger at the door."
"Although,"added his sister staring at his armor,"that desert ranger armor does make you look dangerous."
Julie nodded her head in agreement as Tristan rolled his eyes. "Please if my fiance knew you were in flatting my ego any more, she might have to kick my ass on principal."
Laughing Sam put her hand on his shoulder. "Well like it or not my brother your famous in New Vegas. Almost everyone knows about the general and his guarding angel."
Tristan found it funny that people were calling Jen the guarding angel but personally he felt it sounded better than her sniper name assassin. Looking down at his first recon wrist watch, lieutenant Walker realized he had kept Jennifer waiting for over 20 minutes.
"Hey sis we better head back."
Sam sighed heavily with disappointment. "Okay, I just miss the time when it was just us."
"I know. I am sorry we haven't got a lot of time together since we left Junktown. But I just got an idea. Why don't' you spend the week of the wedding with us. I know Jen would love to have you their too,"he replied looking at Samantha with a hopefully look on his face.
Tristan's sister in turn looked at Julie who ran a hand through her short pink Mohawk. "When is this wedding?"
"April 26th it's a Friday ma'am."
Pushing her chair back, she calmly walked over to her. "Of course you can have off that week for your brother's wedding. Just make sure you work extra harder when you get back Miss Walker."
Jumping up and down, Sam ran over gave Julie a big bear hug. "Thank you, thank you thank you so much. There is no greater honer at a weeding than being a matron of honor other than being the bride yourself."
"Your welcome,"said the doctor breathing slightly hard from the hug Sam had given her,"now if you would please see yourselves out I have a lot of work to do."
Smiling the siblings started heading down the stairs when they spotted Arcade coming up.
"Hey, Jen wanted me to tell you she was grabbing a drink with a friend. And that you can find her at the sunset room at the Atomic Wrangler. Ask for republic chaos,"he said with a confused look on his face.
Right when Sam was about to step aside and let Arcade go past her, Tristan reached out with his hand stopping her from moving.
"Tristan what's a matter?"
Pulling his custom marksmen carbine off his shoulder, he took off the safety. "It's a are being tracked by enemy snipers. Jen's doesn't know the location but she left with someone in order to keep us safe."
Racing back up the stairs, Tristan reentered Julie's office once again. "Listen is their a roof access hatch around here!"
"What's going on?"
Sam along with Arcade entered the office too. "Lieutenant Walker says there are enemy snipers watching the Fort."
Julie suddenly stood up with a shocked expression. "Are sure this information is accurate?"
"With my life doctor. Please is their a roof access around here?"
Julie nodded her head to the next room. Walking into the next room he saw a bunch of ruined or destroy pieces of furniture and books strewn all on the floor. Towards the back of the room was four metal bars sticking out of the wall leading up to a wooden hatch.
"Brother, what do you want us to do?" Asked Samantha with a confident look on her face as her hand went to her special laser pistol.
Climbing up the metal bars he turned around to face her. "Stay out of sight. Let me do what I do best."
Slowly opening the wooden hatch, he climbed through just enough so that he could lay flat on the recently repaired metal top. Crawling forward Tristan reached the end of the stone tower that has slits in so that someone could use it for cover.
"So were are you hiding?" He asked himself silently before scanning the area of Freeside through his scope.
It was then he spotted a glint of light coming off a scope of a hunting rifle directly behind an old sign that said Bakery. The man had red and black armor set made of pre-war football pads. The bottom was of black and red pieces of leather made into a skirt with black boots. Looking behind the rifle the person had a black leather helmet on, black goggles and a red bandana that covered it's mouth.
"That's new,"he said quietly before looking behind the sniper to see another person on the roof sitting down near a ham radio.
His hunting rifle lay against the back part of the roof. Taking out a regular clip of .556 rounds out of his marksmen carbine and loading a 26 round armoring piercing clip, he once again steady his aim.
The sniper hadn't moved his aim from the door of the western tower he had past through twenty minutes ago. Aiming for top of of the man's leather helmet Tristan fired one round off. The bullet easily went through the sniper's thin leather helmet before exiting out the back of the his head.
The enemy sniper was dead before his body hit the ground causing the second sniper to drop the receiver. Turning to pick up the receiver he fired two shots aimed at his back. The two .556 rounds easily pierced his thin armor on his chest. Staggering a bit, the man slumped over the side of the roof. Bleeding he attempted to reach the radio, when Tristan fired once more. The third shot hit the man in the right side of the temple, causing the top half of his head to explode into a gory mess. The half-headless corpse instantly dropped forward and landed on the radio turning it off.
Standing up, lieutenant Walker shouldered his marksmen carbine once more. Opening the wooden hatch, Tristan climbed down to see his sister had come racing back inside the room.
"We heard the gun shots! Did you get them!"
Nodding his head, Tristan's attention was suddenly drawn to his radio. Jen's distress signal was going off.
"Tristan Andrew Walker! Tell me what the hell is going on!" Shouted Sam gripping his arms with her hands to get his attention.
"Listen sis, I have to go. I am probably walking into a trap but I can't let anything happen Jen. I love her too much to not meet this head on. If I don't make it back, I need you to get a hold of colonel Hsu,"he said reaching around his neck and giving her one of his dog tags.
Sam shook her head with a worried look on her face. "No, why don't you wait for reinforcements?"
"I am a Special Task Force agent...I am the reinforcements."
Going north, Tristan found the beacon intensifying, meaning she was close by. "E-DE can you track it?"
He asked the floating eye bot which Sam made fallow him whether he liked it or not. Giving a sharp noise the robot suddenly started moving up and down very quickly in an excited manner.
"Hey wait for me!" He yelled chasing after the eye bot which suddenly took off.
Running after the E-DE, Tristan was greeted with a ruined Tire Factory which seem to have a strange humming noise coming from it. The mere fact that the Kings hadn't come by to investigate this told him this was indeed the right place. Walking up the small steps he wasn't surprised to see the door in front him automatically open.
"Here we go,"he said to himself gripping his marksmen carbine tightly and walked inside the factory.
Entering lieutenant Walker could see he was inside a small waiting area. Their was a front desk with a few broken computer monitors on it, with broken chairs tucked away along the opposite wall. The nuka cola machine's light were still working but the large amount of broken glass that was in front of told him it was empty. Ahead of him was a blue force field blocking his entrance into the heart of the factory where the strong smell of burning rubbing was coming from.
From what little he could see inside the factory there was scores of large crates, boxes, and a dozen or so conniver belts that wrapped around the entire floor of the factory. Looking through the blue force field he could see that the roof was mostly intact although a few beams and supports had fallen inside the factory after 200 years of neglect. A small cat walk which was broken in several places had wooden planks put on either side to make it passable once more.
"Can you do something about this field from here?" He asked touching the energy field and getting a small shock from it.
E-DE slowly floated over to the energy field but suddenly stopped when it too was shocked. Shacking violently the eye bot gave him a much deeper noise, telling him no.
"Ah I was wondering when you would get here Mr. Walker,"said someone through a old intercom system.
"What have you done with Jen?" He asked with a stern voice.
"Straight to business then, I see. Why don't you step around that desk and go to the through the security door,"said the voice which seem to know it was toying with him.
Walking around the desk, Tristan fallowed the narrow hall until he came to the security door, with the pre-war writing Employees only still visible in red paint. Opening the door once again he was greeted with that same blue force field blocking his access to the docking bay. Two large broken trucks were still docked with the bay with tires and boxes stacked high in the air. But his attention was drawn to the center of the room where the broken cement sunk inwards with a large drain at it's center.
"Jen!" He shouted almost running into the force field but managed to stop himself before smacking face first into it.
Turning her head, he could see she had dried blood coming down the side of her face but what bother him the most was the horrified look she gave him. Meeting his eyes for only a moment she quickly turned away from him. It was then he saw some type of collar was tightly placed around her neck causing her to wince a bit. Tristan also noticed that his fiance was also not alone for their was another woman with yellow blond hair, NCR engineer jumpsuit and reading glasses. She also had a collar wrapped tightly around her neck and was sitting on her knees opposite of Jennifer.
"Enough games! Show yourself you fucking coward!" He shouted trying to draw out whoever did this to Jen.
"Hold your tongue, soldier of the bear. The master will present himself when he is ready"said a woman coming from behind one of the ruined trucks wearing merc veteran armor.
Adjusting his first recon beret, Tristan made sure she could see the insignia. "Listen bitch I didn't come hear to talk to you. Either you release my fiance or I will personally tear you and your master limb from limb."
Suddenly he could hear a much deeper voice chuckling. "Stand down April."
A man wearing red and black armor that also had symbol of a bull on it appeared with a ripper attached to his black belt. On top of his head was the head of fox open enough for him so that everyone could see his face. It was the ripper that drew his attention. Even with him perched high on the catwalk he could see the tale-tell sign of a bullet having struck the weapon.
"I've met you before,"he said staring up at the man,"you were person buying slaves at Gomorrah."
The man suddenly put on a evil grin. "Impressive and hear I thought think you might not remember me?"
Tristan was growing more and more frustrated by the minute."Listen...what ever your name is?"
"My name is Vulpes Inculta leader of the Frumentarii of Caesar's Legion. And you are Special Task Force agent lieutenant Tristan Andrew Walker of Northern California Republic. See now we know each other?"
Closing his eyes and breathing slowly in and out, he calmed himself. "Any problem you seem to have with Jen you can know take that up with me. She has nothing to do with this."
At this April started laughing. "Awe you haven't told him. How sweet number three?"
"Tristan don't listen to a word they tell you!" She yelled when suddenly the collar that was around her neck gave her a shock causing her to go silent.
"Let her go damn it!" He yelled punching the force field and burning his fingertips which were exposed from his gloves to help him with his aiming.
Vulpes stopped pressing the shock button on his master control. "Unfortunately lieutenant Walker I will not be able to give you what you want. You see Jenny here has everything to do with this. She's been a bad girl and it's high time she remembers you never bite the hand that feeds you."
"What are you talking about?" He asked with a confused look on his face.
"You see Jennifer March, April Gilbert and miss Allison Valentine are all that remains of Caesar Legion sleeper cell called (Deep cover). We had heard of reports of a powerful organization that had the strength to challenge Caesar's grand army. So Malpais Legate came up with an idea to have a high trained group of all female assassin's sent behind enemy lines and used when the time was right. It was my task in training those 20 young girls and after years of training only 5 of them were worthy enough to survive the training. Each agent was placed with a fake family and were told to send back as much information as they could on the great bear,"he said staring down at the three women with a hungry look on his face.
Tristan could barely believe what the Incalta was telling him. The person he had lived and fought beside for over two years...the love of his life was actual a spy.
"I am so sorry Tristan. I never wanted to you find out like this. But you have to believe me, I truly love you,"but once again she was cut off by Vulpes shocking her this time for a much longer time as she lay on the ground screaming in agony.
Despite this shocking revelation, Lieutenant Walker knew in his heart her feelings for him were real. "Maybe what you said is true. That Jen is simply a number to you, a slave to be used and then disregard. But not anymore Vulpes. Lieutenant Jennifer Lisa March has been my partner/ lover for over two years and I refuse to believe she would ever betray my trust."
"Then you are fool, like all of those who fight under the bear,"added April with a smug look on her face.
Ignoring her comment Tristan turned to look back up at Vulpes. "You know Vulpes... you talk like your so much more superior than me, but the last time we fought each other you were the one fleeing for your life."
Instantly Vulpes demeanor changed from arrogant to glaring content for him."Watch what you say to me boy. I have murdered hundreds like you so don't try my patience."
"Perhaps you have. But that means nothing to me,"he said shouldering his marksmen carbine and pulling out his katana,"at the end of the day everyone is just one swing away from death."
Turning his blade around to face him, Tristan swung backwards past his right side impaling a would be legion assassin right in the chest. The man's stealth boy shorted out leaving the bleeding assassin still hang onto his blade.
"You're going to have to do better than that Vulpes,"he said sharply pulling out his katana from the dead assassin and letting it's body fall down,"I came here to get Jen back and I will do whatever it takes to get her back."
Walking away from the force field he came over to E-DE who was floating around quietly around service desk.
"E-DE I need you to find a way to cut the power to this building."
The floating eye bot moved it's body up and down while giving hims a quick chirp. Suddenly a small scanning came out of it's head as it went directly forward to the nearby wall before breaking sharply down to small heating vent.
Using it's laser weapon, it fired off the metal covering over the vent allowing the floating robot to pass through the ventilation tunnel.
Walking over to the force field that blocked his entrance inside the heart of the factory he wasn't surprise to find the field suddenly deactivate.
"It's time the best of the bear is tested by the bull. Inside this ruined tire factory are 8 highly trained legionary assassins. I had intended to use them as test for my agents but now that you are here I think they can serve another purpose,"said the chilling voice of Vulpes.
Right when he was about to put away his katana, he heard the Frumentarii leader suck his teeth. "No firearms allowed I am afraid. I want this to be a true test of martial and melee skill so nothing can be left to chance. If you use your guns once I will personally shock the life out of your fiance as slowly and as painfully I can. I have speakers and a few monitors all around the factory so I can hear and see everything that is going on, so I will know if you are cheating. Now fight for life boy!"
"So be it. But Jen if your listening don't worry about me. Just do what you have to do in order to make it out alive. I will be their waiting for you, I promise."
Stepping through the door way, he could that he was on a small metal platform that was raised about 10 feet in the air with a series of steps in front of him. In the distance he could see barrels were being used to make a fire that was giving the entire factory a hazy look. Looking down at his katana he slowly started walking down the set of stairs.
While he would never reach Jen's level when it came to melee weapons, he was a quick leaner. Having mastered the basics and could even counter strike effortless but this was different. If he wanted to save Jennifer he would have to combine all he had learned in order to survive this trap.
"Okay you mother fuckers! Bring it on!" He shouted reaching the factory floor.
Instantly he could see a group of four armed with machetes, throwing spears, and a power fists charge him head on. Holding his katana down in his right hand he waited for them to close the distance between them.
Thrusting his spear forward the one assassin attempted to stab him in the chest. Moving aside he let the spear go by him and pierce his desert ranger duster. Grabbing a hold of the weapon in his left hand he spun around elbowing the one assassin in the side of the head. Ducking a machete attacked aimed his neck Tristan grabbed the spear out of the dazed assassin's hand . Spinning around while swinging his katana up at angle, Tristan cut the one assassin in half, letting his body slowly separate in two halves.
Bringing up both weapons he blocked an over head spear attack. The legionary was attempting to push his weapons back into his face. But instead lieutenant Walker responded by swing up with his right reg and kick the man in the side of the ribs. Taking a step back, Tristan was about to press his advantage when he felt a sharp pain from a machete slicing through his duster and go across the back of his right thigh.
Rolling to his right he crashed into a group of boxes dodging another legionary's power fist attack which struck a group of tires instead. Looking up Tristan kicked the one assassin who had slashed him across the back thigh in the face and chest. Flipping himself back up lieutenant Walker charged forward meeting the power fist assassin a lot sooner than he expected and stabbed him through his chest with the spear had stolen from his friend.
Looking to his right, he side stepped another machete attack letting the legionary's own momentum take him into a large box. Turning around the assassin only had a moment before Tristan spun around and took off his head as his blade also cut clean through the box his body was leaning up against. It was then he felt another spear graze the right side of his cheek before sticking into the headless corpse of his fellow assassin pinning the body to the box.
Pointing to the remaining assassin with his katana, Tristan called him out to a duel.
"Caesar has marked you for death, and the Legion obeys!" He said bringing his spear up ready for battle.
Stepping forward Tristan blocked a series of blows the legionary was striking at him, trying to push him into a nearby convey belt. Rolling over the belt he managed to dodge another blow that would have struck his back but instead in the belt hard knocking a few pieces of rub off it. Spotting the assassin's feet between the legs of the belt, he swung out taking the man's feet out from under him.
Quickly back on his feet the legionary got ready to attack again but instead lieutenant Walker had disappeared from his sight. Backing away from the belt he was content on letting Tristan come to him.
"Come out your coward!" Shouted the assassin who ran into something and thinking it was his opponent swung around with his spear striking a large box instead.
Jumping down from a small crane Tristan appeared right behind legionary. Raising his blade high above him at an angle, he swung down cutting the man from his left shoulder to the side of his ribs. The blade easily pierced his armor and cut top part of his body off.
Breathing hard Tristan didn't even see another legionary armed with a super sledge when the massive weapon hit him in the back hard sending him skidding on the ground until he hit a series of tires which came tumbling down on to him.
Preparing himself for another attack lieutenant Walker quickly untangled himself from the tires. Despite the fact he broke some ribs and coughed up some blood, he was back on his feet. Holding out his katana in front of him, Tristan prepared for the next ambush.
The small crackle of glass told him someone was to his immediate right. Swinging his leg around he round housed kicked another assassin across the face sending his body into one of the fire barrels. Screaming, the man attempted to pulled himself out of the barrel but ended up knocking it on it's side, spreading the rest of the fire onto his body.
Rolling on it's side the fire started spread to rest of his body cooking him alive. Despite the man's struggles and frantic screams the barrel kept moving until hit a concrete pillar. But by this time the man had finally stopped moving leaving the flames to slowly die around his burnt body.
In a blur two assassin's wielding machete gladius appeared to the right and left of him. Attacking him at the same time, Tristan was forced to parry each of their attacks rapidly or face being slashed from either direction. Back peddling he was able to keep the two at bay with his blade's longer reach but that was only possible for a brief moment.
A gladius blade slashed him across his desert ranger chest armor but thankfully it absorb most of the blow allowing Tristan to counter by head butted his opponent. Pressing his advantage lieutenant Walker swung down cutting the man's sword arm off at the elbow before spinning around with his blade in his right hand and cut the assassin's head off.
Spotting the legionary with the super sledge out of the the corner of his eye, Tristan ducked a blow aimed at hitting his body from the left. Standing up Tristan charged forward and rammed his shoulder into his gut making the assassin drop his sledge before slamming his back into another concrete pillar.
Staggering a bit he looked up just in time to see a large chunks of the roof starting raining down upon them. Jumping backwards he felt pieces of metal rip through his duster before a large piece landed deep into his left thigh. Looking up for a brief second he saw a large beam strike the legionary in the back of the neck, snapping it like a twig.
Sitting up Tristan pulled hard and removed the piece of metal from his thigh. Blood immediately began to pour out of his wound as he stood up with his katana laying a few feet away from him. With out warning the last remaining assassin swung across his body attempting to take off his head. Bending his body slightly back he was able to avoid the death blow but was still cut across his upper right arm and chest.
"You have fought well today. But not well enough I am afraid,"replied the legionary noticing that Tristan had fallen on his knees from all the wounds he sustained.
Walking forward the legionary made sue to kick his blade father away from him before he started approaching him once more. Feinting like he had been defeated Tristan reached behind himself and grabbed one of the two hidden throwing knives his fiance made him carry out from the back of his boot. Gripping the weapon in his hand, lieutenant Walker waited for him to get closer when suddenly he tossed the blade forward.
The knife went inside his open mouth sticking out the back of his neck killing him instantly as his body slowly fell backwards. Standing up he realized how much pain he actual was in and forced to drop to one knee. Taking a few deep breathes he willed himself back up and walked over to his katana.
Making his way back to the entrance Tristan began to notice a green mist beginning to filter inside the factory's floor.
"Shit!" He yelled running the best he could through the factory until he reached the stairs once again only to find the entrance blocked by a blue force field once more.
It was then all the power inside the ruin factory went out, causing the force field in front of him to disappear. Realizing it was now or never he ran as fast as he could inside the room and down the hall towards the docking bay.
"So be it. But Jen, if your listening, don't worry about me. Just do what you have to do in order to make it out alive. I will be their waiting for you, I promise."
Tristan's words still echoed inside her head giving her the courage she need. "Enough games, if you came here to kill me just go ahead and do it."
Allison who hadn't said a word yet gave her a scared look. "Kill you child, you should know by now I won't kill you until I have broken you. Only when you have given up everything you cherish I will end your life."
"So is the will of Caesar,"added April turning her head to seek the approval of Vulpes.
Standing up Jen reached for her two auto pistols as Vulpes activated the slave collar once more. Ignoring the pain she slowly began to aim her pistols one at him and other at April. Increasing the power, Jen willed herself to stay standing slowly reaching for the triggers.
"Find!" Shouted Vulpes, hitting a button making her and Allison's collar fall off their necks.
Dropping to her knees, Jen made sure to keep her pistols aimed at the both of them. "Unlike my brethren I find slave collars limiting. A true master can break their slave down completely and mold them into what ever they want. With that being said I forgot to mention to your boyfriend about the poisonous gas that is set up inside the factory, just encase,"he added giving her a sick smile before hopping down from the catwalk and landed on top of the truck hood.
Not willing to risk Vulpes releasing the gas, Jen slowly put away her two pistols. "Now that's a good girl. Speaking of your fiance, let's find out what he's up too."
Suddenly a series of old TV/monitors that were all interconnect on a large table sprang to life. Each screen held a different image of Tristan making his way down the steps of the factory.
"Nothing interesting so far, but lets give it a little time. But for now I demand sacrifice for your disobedience. You see number two thought she could go rogue. Took over some petty gang and started raiding nearby NCR towns. Well I couldn't have that so I sent number one here to take care of this pesky problem."
"Oh the pleasure I took when I squeezed the life out of her with my bare hands,"said April with a sick grin across her face,"only then did she realize no one can escape Caesar's will."
"So imagine my surprise when I found out my personally courier Adam Jensen was found dead in a dumpster. It was then I knew I had to come back to this filthy city so I could ring in my pets before all of them were lost. It's too bad that number four was killed during the battle of Helios One but I guess number five will have to do for now,"he said walking to the edge of the truck's hood and sitting down with his legs hanging off the end.
"For what?" Asked Allison speaking for the first since Jen awaken in the docking bay.
Instead of answering her Vulpes simply nodded his head at April. Walking over to small crate she picked up two machetes and tossed them near the two prisoners.
"You two have both show disobedience by trying to defect to bear. Now I demand that you fight each other until the other had been killed. So this way the victor may regain some honor and have the pleasure of being killed by number one."
Looking down at the machetes Jen was surprised to see Allison grab hers first. "I am sorry Jennifer, but I've got a kid and loving husband waiting for me back at Hoover. I will do anything to see them again."
Sighing heavily she reached down and grabbed the other machete. "We don't have to do this Allison. We can work together and take them down,"she added as the two began to circle each other.
"I can't take that risk."
"Ouch that had to hurt,"said Vulpes watching the screens.
Wanting to know what was happening, Jen turned to look herself when suddenly Allison swung over her head attempting to cut her across her face. Bringing up her machete at the last moment, Jennifer managed to block the blow right before it met her face. Reaching out she grabbed Allison's left arm and pushed her back.
"I don't want to hurt you,"said Jennifer once again attempting to reason with her,"but I will defend myself if you force my hand."
Charging forward Allison began striking at lieutenant March with wild lunging swings. Easily blocking them aside it was clear to Jen that her opponent had not done much fighting since their training days almost three years ago. Not wanting to kill her, Jen knew she had to knock her out in order to take care of April and Vulpes.
Ducking a cross body slash, Jen spun around and back handed Allison hard across the face. Reaching up she held her right cheek which was bleeding from having Jen's engagement ring cut her. Charging forward she tried to go slash her legs, but Jen responded by jumping in the air to avoid the attack. Landing Jen punched the engineer in the jaw sending her down to the ground. Backing away Allison slowly got back on her feet with her machete at the ready once more.
Running forward Jen easily parried her side attack and swung down across her body cutting into her engineer armor and leaving a small mark across her chest. Pressing her attack Jennifer spun around and delivered a side kick straight into her chest, knocking all the wind out her. Charging her once again, Jen brought up her right hand blocking her next attack in mid swing. Bringing up her left hand which had the machete in it, Jen hit Allison in forehead with the handle, stunning her.
Sensing now was the time lieutenant March waited for the dazed engineer to look back up when she did a jumping back round house kick. The blow hit Allison hard across the head sending her crashing into a group of tires. Walking over to her body Jennifer could see that her opponent had indeed been knocked out. Bending down Jen grabbed the machete that she had dropped and turned to face April who had already pulled out her katana waiting for her.
"I must admit your boyfriend is a lot more hardy than I thought possible,"said Vulpes just when Tristan sliced the upper body of a legionary in half right before another struck him in the back with a super sledge.
"Pay attention number three!" Shouted April swinging her katana at angle trying to cut her in half.
Bending slightly she was able to avoid the killing blow but still felt the sting of her sharp blade rip through her chest armor at the shoulder and hip.
Striking out with her twin machetes Jen tried to knock April off balance."Too easy,"added number one bringing up her longer blade blocking her double over head attack.
Reaching out with her leg she knocked Jen off her feet. Landing hard on her back, she just barely managed to dodge a stab aimed at her chest. Rolling to the right she dodged another stab before flipping herself back up once again.
Pressing her attack April faked a high slash move by stopping suddenly and coming down from the opposite angle. Leaning back she once again was able to stop the killing blow but felt her blade slash deep across her right arm and across her armor once more.
"You couldn't beat me during our training and you can't beat me now!" Shouted April who was enjoying herself.
It was then Jennifer thought about what Tristan often told her, (when in doubt play to your strengths.) Flipping the two machetes around, she tossed one forward forcing April to deflect the weapon aside. Charging forward she threw her second machete at her while grabbing two throwing knives off her belt. Once again April knocked aside the blade, but just barely.
Rolling forward past her downward strike Jen managed to thrust her two knives deep into April's thighs.
Rolling back at on her feet, Jen withdrew two more knives. "That's something new bitch!"
Breathing hard, April started laughing. "So you have gotten stronger, good. This will make my victory only sweeter."
Bending down the Caesar Legion agent quickly pulled out both knives. Once again Jen turned her head to watching Tristan tackle a legionary into a stone pillar. Suddenly she felt one of her own knives stick inside her back right between her shoulder blade and spine.
"Damn it,"Jen said to herself for turning her back on her opponent.
"Rookie mistake number three,"added April spinning around her katana around waiting for Jennifer to start fighting again.
Pulling out the knife from her shoulder she ran forward using her own speed and shorted edge weapons to strike at her hard and quick. Spinning around she barely missed slitting the spy's throat with April countered by burying her knee into her stomach, knocking her to the ground on all fours.
Looking up she only had a moment before number one kicked her in the chin, sending her flat on her back. Dazed, lieutenant March barely spotted April's downward attack putting up her two throwing knives to stop the blow from killing her.
"So it comes down to this,"added agent Gilbert putting more and more pressing on her blade,"if you try and move your dead."
It was then Jennifer realized that the bitch was right. "Soon your strength will give out and then I will cut you into shreds."
Fighting with everything she had left, Jen was slowly losing the battle. Looking up she felt her own two blades started to press inside her weaken armor.
"I am impressed,"said Vulpes watching Tristan bending down and picking up his katana,"but too bad I have no intention of playing fair,"he said pushing a button and releasing the gas inside the factory.
"No!" Shouted Jennifer having turned her head to see her former master push the button.
Suddenly all the cameras and emergency lights in the docking bay went out. "What hell?" Asked Vulpes smacking the master remote against his palm.
Meanwhile Tristan sprinted down the hall ignoring his wounds and entered the docking bay with his 9mm pistol in his right hand and his katana in his left. Seeing Vulpes smacking the remote against his hand he wanted to shoot him first but his attention was drawn to his fiance.
"It's almost over number," but she suddenly stopped talking when three shots echoed inside the docking bay.
Making sure to aim carefully Tristan fire One bullet through her chest, with another through her neck and finally the last one through the back of her.
"You forget one important lesson number one. A First Recon sniper always has someone watch their back,"she said bringing up her leg and tossing the limp body over her head.
Unfortunately this gave Vulpes the chance to turn and run as Tristan fired at the fleeing Frumentarii leader. Giving chase the best he could, Tristan managed to hit him in the ass and back of the calf before he dove through a broken window and outside the docking bay. By the time he reached the window Vulpes was long gone.
"Tristan we have to leave!" Shouted Jen back on her feet with Allison slung over her shoulder.
Putting away his weapons he limped after them exiting out of the docking bay and returning back to the front entrance. By now the poison gas was just starting to reach the ground floor of the factory. Kicking open the door, Jennifer led the group out of the ruined tire factory.
Running as fast as they could, they made it across the rail road tracks when suddenly the gas reached one of the fire barrels and ignited sending a wall of flames in every direction inside the factory. The huge blast of fire blew off what remained of the roof, while blowing out all the broken windows.
Looking up he could see plumes of dust and smoke coming from the factory. Sighing with relief he Gave Jennifer one last look, before he finally lost consciousness.
"He's waking up,"said Samantha standing over a drain bag of blood that had just finished pumping inside his arm.
Looking to his right, Tristan was greeted with his fiance sitting in a chair with a worried look on her face.
"It's going take more than a few cuts to keep me down?" He replied making Jen laugh a little despite the fact their was tears in the corner of her eyes.
Looking down Tristan could see Jen had her chest armor, gloves and black long sleeves off to help treat her wounds. Tristan himself saw his duster, gloves, first recon beret, and armor laying in the corner with the rest of their weapons.
"Hey when did E-DE make it back?" He asked noticing the eye bot floating around his sister's head.
E-DE made a few sharp noises while moving around in an excited manner. "He floated back around here a few minutes before we found you guys near that burnt factory. Something about finding a sewer exit. Oh Colonel Hsu wanted me to tell the both of you he will be arriving here in about 15 minutes with a recovery group."
"Thanks sis. Hey, I need to talk to Jen...alone. Can you give us some privacy?" He asked without taking his eyes off Jen.
"Okay,"said Sam noticing the tension that was between them,"come on E-DE lets go and see if Jacob needs a hand."
Waiting for Sam to leave, Tristan slowly pushed himself up to a seated position. Swinging his legs over the bed, he turned to face her.
"Look at me,"he said gently lifting her chin so that she could meet his eyes,"I need to know everything."
He could see the pain that was written all over her face. It was one of the few times he ever saw her afraid of something. Reaching out, Tristan placed his hand on top of hers. "I need to know truth Jen...please?"
Taking a deep breath she nodded her head in agreement. "Okay, I think I owe you that at least. What do you want to know?"
"Um, I guess first things first. Are you really from New Canaan?"
Jen nodded her head. "Yes my entire family is. Everything I told you about New Canaan was true expect for the part of it being destroyed. It's still very much alive and kicking."
"Why did your family decide leave?"
"You know I have always asked myself why, but the only thing I can think of is my father is cousin to Joshua Grahman, Casear's second in command. So one day father thought it was in best interest for the whole family to track south into Arizona and find the glory that my second cousin found. The moment we made contact with Caesar's scouts were immediately taken as slaves. I can still remember my father's plies that he was cousin to their Malpasis Legate,"she said with a disgusted look on her face.
Gently rubbing his hand overs he urged for her to continue. "What happen then?"
"The same thing that happens to every slave, we were auction off to the highest bidder. I guess Malpasis didn't want anyone asking questions about his past and ordered my father to be crucified in the desert. Me and my older sister were sold to different high rank members of the Legion."
"What happen to your mother?"
Jen sighed heavily before continuing."You see woman are only useful for one thing in Caesar Legion, breeding. My mother was too old to have any more children so they killed her. My sister who was 14 unfortunately fit these requires perfectly and would be raped over and over again. Me, I was only 8 years old so I was being prepped to serve my master in any way until I was ready for breeding."
"You want to take a moment?" He asked noticing a small tear coming down her cheek.
Jennifer shook her head. "No I need to get this off my chest. It was then Malpasis came up with an idea about infiltrating their future enemy the Northern California Republic. Rounding up a small group of 8 to 10 year girls, we will given to Vulpes (who was only a Decanus at the time) for training. First they broke our individuality to the point we were only known as numbers. Then once we were broken Vulpes reshaped us into killing machines, who didn't know remorse or guilt. It was brutally, the beatings, the torture, hell they made murder someone at the age of 12. Finally when I was about to turn 16 I had to take my final test."
"What did you have too do?"
"I had to find a mole inside our camp. Some one who was helping new slaves get away from the Legion. After a few days I eventually found the person responsible and gave my master the info. You see I was not to remove them just yet, but only to find out who it was. The next day they had them tied to a chair with a bag over their head. Handing me a machete my job was to torture them all the information they knew and were there hiding spots were. After tutoring her for hours, she finally told me everything my masters wanted. It was then time to finish the job, so I slit her throat. It was then Vulpes removed the bag to show the person I had been cutting up was none other than my older sister. I remember staring at her as her life began to drain away from her, and I felt nothing. I had just tortured and murdered my own sister, and I felt nothing for her death,"she stated with even more tears coming down her cheeks.
Stopping she reached up and wiped the rest of her tears away. "What I do remember is how proud I was for finishing my final test. I even moved up a few spots in our little group number three out of five. It was then we were each given our own separate assignment and new name before being shipped off to California. That step family I told you about, it's just a Legion cover. In truth I only arrived inside Gecko for a month before I was approved to be accepted inside the military."
She didn't need to say what happen next, for all it inside her military records, not to mention he would knew the rest of the story after that.
"What is your real name?"
Jen actually chuckled a little. "It's funny, I can't even remember it any more. It's part of our training. They beat our individuality out of us,until all you know is your position inside Caesars Legion. Jennifer Lisa March was created to help me infiltrate California, so in fairness it's the only name I have."
"How much did you report back to them?" He asked suddenly understanding why she always had a somber look on her face when she got mail from her family.
Jen shrugged her shoulders. "Very little. Mostly it was updates on military capabilities, average troop sizes, supplies. Nothing that they wouldn't find out if they ever started war with the NCR."
By now Tristan had been dodging the most important question that was between them. "Do you really love me? Or was all that part of your cover to blend in and get close to the enemy?"
Biting her lip, lieutenant March took his hand in hers. "You know from the first day I met you, I realized you were going to have a big impact on my life. I never dream how you could show me my humanity again. All Vulpes training, all those years were being undone by one person...you. He tried to reinforce his will on me when I stopped writing, but by then my mind was already set. I realized I had fallen for you years ago. But didn't have the courage to tell you until that day you when you told me you loved me too. If you only believe one thing I told you tonight, it's I love you. Everything we shared together, all of it...was true."
Closing his eyes he leaned forward resting his head against hers. "I love you too Jen. Nothing would ever change that. Not even if you told me your were a former enemy spy."
Suddenly Jen started crying even more as Tristan embraced his fiance pulling her against him. "I always fear you would reject me if you ever found out,"she said between sobs,"and I wouldn't blame you. By the time I killed Adam I knew there was no going back!"
"Going back to what?" He asked slightly confused as she finally had stopped sobbing.
Lifting her head from his armor she looked him inside his blue gray eyes. "To my old life. To fully embrace the life that was suppose to just be a cover. It was everything I ever wanted, a true purpose in my life. And more importantly their was you. If I could just spend one more day fighting and living next to you, then I could die happy."
Leaning down he kissed her passionately. After a minute they both finally pulled back breathless. "What do we do now? I mean we can't just tell them I was a former Ceaser Legion spy. They would put me in prison or worse kill me!"
Standing up together he brought her close to him. "We tell them what they need to hear, nothing more and nothing less. We both know how they would react to the truth, so I think it's best we exclude those little facts about you being a spy. Instead we tell them their could be more Legion members inside the NCR as we speak. Since you don't know anything more about other operations they have inside the army you wouldn't be lying either."
Smiling she nodded her head in agreement. "Okay, I think I can do that. Plus you don't have to worry about Allison either. All she wants to do is go back to her daughter and husband who are worried sick about her since she disappeared."
Grinning down at her, Tristan could hear the sounds of Colonel Hsu's recover team entering the fort. "That only leaves one thing left to do my love. We have to had back to Gecko and finish this."
Instead of being nervous or anxious she gave him a confident look. "Damn right we do. From now on I fight because I am choosing to do so. Despite the greed and corruption that plagues the Northern California Republic, you still get a choice. In that choice is a freedom that is worth fighting for, worth dying for. I promise you this Tristan, I will make all of them pay. Not for what they did to me, but for what they have done. Caesar's Legion must pay for the crimes they have committed."
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.