A/N: 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 solders journey through New Vegas and NCR.
(As a warning I am aware the grammar is rough at best...believe me I know. If you can read through it and still make sense of it, then that's all I am asking for.)
Chapter 28
The Final Solution
Patting the bed next to her, Cass was rather surprised to fine that her husband wasn't beside her. Opening her groggy eyes she could see his side of the sheet was wrapped beside her body. Pulling the sheet off her body she swung her legs over the bed and stood up.
Stretching her stiff body Cass couldn't suppress the long yawn that escaped her mouth. "That was a good night's rest."
Walking out of her bedroom and down the narrow hall she expect to see Tristan taking care of their daughter but instead found her pregnant best friend Alex watching over Jen.
"Damn woman, if you had slept any later I was about to throw a glass of water on you."
"Why, what time is it?" She asked yawning again.
"Almost nine."
Glancing over at the nuka cola clock, Cassidy could see that she was right. "Well Jen was being fussy all night. Once I was able to finally get her to sleep I must have dozed off on the couch. The last thing I remember is Tristan waking up and carrying me back into our bed."
"I can tell,"she added with an amused grin,"since your still wearing your bra and panties."
Looking down, Rose saw she was only dressed her matching pair of purple bra and panties. "It's nothing you haven't seen before Alexandria."
"Actually the top is. What are you a C cup now?"
Giving her a strong glare, Cass turned and made her way back down the narrow hall and into the bedroom in order to put on some new clothes. Putting on a fresh pair of underwear and ranger vest outfit, she went over to the mirror and began fixing her hair.
"What the hell is taking so long!"
"Shut up Preggers!"
After all the crap Alex gave her during her pregnancy Rose wasn't about to miss her chance by giving it right back to her best friend. Coming out of the bedroom once more she could see that Jen appeared to have fallen back to sleep once more. Making her way over to the crib Cass couldn't help but smiled down at her daughter.
"She's so cute when's sleeping isn't she?" Added Stephanie with a bright smile on her face.
"Yeah. Although I get the feeling that cuteness of her's is going to get her in trouble once she get's older."
"Why, cause you know she will use that to get whatever she wants."
"Not if I have something to say about it. Although Tristan I get the feeling might be another story,"she said chuckling lightly.
"Speaking of your lover boy, he wanted to tell me he is taking Hawke for a walk and afterwords stopping by Veronica's motel room to talk with her about something he described as important."
Nodding her head, Rose headed into the kitchen in order to get something to drink and a lite snack to eat. "You want anything prego?"
Turning her head around she could see Alex rolling her eyes back at her. "Sure, whatever you got Cassidy."
Grinning back a her Cass grabbed her a nuka cola and Alex some left over pear juice. Looking around the fridge she spotted some of the leftover trail mix she had made yesterday. Carefully grabbing all three items in her hands she managed to walk them into the living room without dropping or spilling anything.
"Thank you so much. It's about time you pay me back for all the babysitting I have been doing for you."
"As if. You and me both know you hate sitting around and doing nothing while you wait for your contacts to get back with you. If anything you should be thanking me."
"Really, I fail to see how that equals out."
Grabbing a handful of nuts and dried fruit, Cass gave her best friend a small wink. "Cause, your getting free practice for your own baby."
Popping the food into her mouth she could see a somber look appear on her face. "Hey, I am sorry. I didn't mean to bring up the fact that..."
"Rose it's fine. In fact I came up with a name for my child."
"So you finally allowed Sam to tell you the gender."
"Yep. After she was done giving Jen her check up she came over and did the same for me. It was then I allowed her to tell me. I must say though, I am surprised doctor Woodcomb still makes time for us given how busy she has become."
"I am not. Sam told me family always comes first to her. No matter what is going on she will always make time for us."
"Hey I was just saying I am surprised, I didn't mean to sound like I was ungrateful. Although considering she is Walker I guess I shouldn't be surprised at the fact they both seem capable of making the impossible possible."
Laughing, Cass immediately turned after hearing her daughter make a noise. Standing up, she made her way over the crib and spotted her open blue gray eyes briefly before closing them again. "Sorry sweetie. Me and your aunt Alex will keep it down."
Kissing her on the top of her head Rose turned back to her best friend. "So...out with it already?"
"It's a boy."
"I fucking knew it,"she replied in a hushed tone.
"So, what name did you decide?"
Grinning back at her, Stephanie put a hand on her pregnant tummy. "Boone Tristan Grove."
Slowly Cass took her eyes off her belly and focused on her friends face to see that she was completely serious. "Okay, I get why you are named him after Craig. But why would also name him after my husband?"
Chuckling, Alex turned and gave her a wide grin. "Cause, I know it's what Craig would want. To be honest I don't think he would be happy with our child being named after him, but I know the Tristan part would be just fine with him."
"How do you know that?"
"During out time together Boone really didn't share a lot about his life. More times than not he just sat there and listening to me go on about whatever I had on my mind. But during those few times he did let me in...he spoke often how he admired and respected your husband for everything that he had been and yet to go through. I think for Boone, Tristan was the only person who could truly understand his pain. Also I think he saw what his life could be like if he did move on,"finished Alex.
Sighing, Rose finally nodded her head. "I understand Alex, I understand."
"Oh, I wanted to tell you...your lover boy offered to give me the deed for the motel room I am staying in."
"And?"
"I just wanted to you know that I accepted it."
"Really?" She asked not even caring that her voice went up a little from excitement.
"Come on Rose, you didn't think I was seriously going to leave...did you?"
"You never know. I know your smuggling business has made it difficult for you to set up roots anywhere and adding to the fact I know you never were a big fan of New Vegas in the first place."
Grinning back at her, Alex grabbed the bottle of purified water and drank deeply from it. "That was before. A lot has changed in this past year."
"Tell me about,"she said looking down at her wedding ring and then at her sleeping daughter.
"He also told me something else, something I found rather interesting,"she added with a mischievous grin on her face.
"Do I even want to know?"
"He mentioned something about the fact you guys were considering about having more children in the near future."
Staring at her, Cass could see the amused look that was still plastered all over her face. "We might have talked about. And I might have said something about not being turned off by the idea either. There... I said it. Are you happy now?"
"Actually...I kinda surprised you haven't talk about it sooner."
"Really?"
"Of course my former whiskey drinking friend. You have a husband who loves you more than anything. You also have a home, a job that needs you and are financially secure. Bringing up a few children in this world doesn't seem like such a bad idea anymore, does it?"
Chuckling back at her all Cassidy could do was nod her head in agreement. "Perhaps not. Although I dare anyone to try and label me as housewife just because I want to have a family. I will hit them so hard they won't wake up for a week.
"Fuck that. I would give them a swift kick to the balls just to prove my point."
"Damn right. Maybe even a bullet in the ass."
"Something for them to remember you by?" She asked with an amused smile on her face.
"You never know,"she said smiling back when suddenly they heard a series of loud knocks on her door.
Looking at the door, Cass turned back to see Alex giving her a confused look. "Who could that be?"
"Oh, it's brigadier general Moore."
"What does she want?"
"Something very important that Tristan and I need to take care of,"she said walking over to the door and looking through the peep to see female general staring back at her.
Opening the door, Rose spotted a large army of NCR military personal behind her. "Mrs. Walker."
"General Moore."
"Are you guys ready?"
"Well my husband is taking our dog for a walk, but I think I see him heading out way right now"she said be pointing at him and Veronica who were fast approaching her home.
Turning around, Cass saw Cassandra giving her husband a determined look. "You ready to get this over with colonel."
"You better believe it. Just give me a few minutes to get our gear and guns."
"Just hurry up,"she said in a slightly irritated tone before grabbing a pack of cigarettes out of her front pock and lighting one up.
"Miss me,"he said quickly while bending down and giving her a quick kiss.
"Define miss,"she added with an a small chuckle before letting him pass.
"Miss me,"replied Veronica who bent down to give her a kiss as well.
"Not funny chatter box,"she said pushing her face out of hers.
Closing the door behind them Cass quickly locked it back up. "Would any of you please tell me what is going on?" Asked Alex.
"I have one more thing I have to do as ambassador. And this time it's not about making alliances or treaties. No...this time it's about removing a thorn that has been a pain in the side for the NCR for a long time."
"Whose that? I mean the Fiends, Powder Gangers, Vipers, and even the Van Graffs have been dealt with. Who could still pose a threat?"
"It's the Great Khans Stephanie. We are going to march on Red Rock Canyon and make them leave whether they like it or not,"she said causing Alex to sigh heavily before nodding her head.
"I can't imagine the Khans are not going to go quietly."
"No, no they will not. But we will see how much bloodshed is actually necessary. I still have one more ace up my sleeve I want to try before we are forced to attack them head on."
Turning towards her husband, Cass could see him grabbing their guns out of the gun cabinet. "Just give us a minute to change into our battle gear."
"Whatever you say cousin,"added Veronica who was busy making a few last minute adjustments to her plasma pistol.
Fallowing Tristan down the narrow hallway and into there bedroom he quietly closed the door before rounding on her. "Do you think I am doing the right thing?"
Walking over to him Cass reached out and put his hands in hers. "Of course. We know the Khans already have accepted a deal with the Legion. If we don't address this now they will attack us in the rear. That is something the NCR can't afford if we have any hopes of winning this upcoming battle."
Squeezing her hands, she looked up to see him giving her a grateful smile. "You know your the best thing to ever happen to me, right?"
"I know, but it's still good to hear it from time to time."
"Well, just let me know. Cause I have no problem ever telling you it again,"he said leaning down and kissing her.
Pulling back, Cass leaned up and kissed him one more time before turning him around and giving him a gentle push towards their armories. "Enough talk soldier boy. Now is the time for action."
"I love you."
"I love you too, but I am afraid if we take any longer general Moore will leave without us."
"And that is something we don't want."
"No, no it's not."
Passing by Vault 19 Tristan spotted some NCR scouts (who were using it as a base in the area) giving him a salute. Saluting them back, he turned around and brought his attention back on the task at hand. It had been over a week since he, Cass, and the courier had manged to get the Boomers and Super Mutants in the area to work with the NCR. Adding that with Mr. House securitrons, the Kings, Followers of the Apocalypse, and the Brotherhood of Steel he felt confident enough they could stop the Legion at Hoover.
With that being said, it only left one more major group in the area that could pose a problem for them...the Great Khans. Tristan knew they would never work with them given there violent history and what happen at Bitter Spings. Adding to the problem was the fact he was aware they had already signed a treaty with Caesar's Legion.
So after contacting general Moore and telling her of his plans to remove the Khans by force she simply told him to give her a week to assemble a massive strike team. Which including five veteran rangers, thirty normal rangers, fifteen First Recon snipers, and seventy five troopers all who were volunteers.
"Where approaching Bonnie Springs,"stated general Moore from his right.
Bringing up his hunting rifle, Tristan looked through his scope and spotted the small town that originally had a small civilian population until the Great Khans came and killed all who resisted and forced the rest into slavery.
"How do we want to approach the town?"
"In plain sight. If they don't surrender then we go in gun's first."
"Agreed,"he said nodding his head.
Turning to his left Tristan could see Cass looking down her irons sights on her cowboy repeater while Veronica was busy talking to her about something she did at Hidden Valley Bunker. As if sensing his prescience she turned away from Veronica and gave him a confident smile and a wink before turning back to his cousin.
"Captain Parker!"
"Yes general Moore!"
"Make sure those flags are raised as high as they can go. I want those Khan bastards to know where coming!"
"Yes ma'am,"he said back before ordering the two flag bearers who were in front of them to raise their NCR flags even higher.
"Lieutenant Bitter Root!"
"Yes general!"
"I want First Recon fanned out across this area. Provide covering fire and tactical intelligence."
"Yes ma'am."
"Ranger Kudlow!"
"Yes general Moore."
"I want you and your rangers in the center. The veterans along with colonel Walker's group will take the right, while myself and the troopers will take the left."
"On it,"she said disappearing to go and give the orders to the rest of the rangers.
"Tristan, you know the drill."
Nodding back at her Tristan stopped and saluted the general. Saluting him back he turned away from her gaze and quickly made his way over to the right side to join the veterans.
"How are you doing Meredith?" He asked the leader of the veterans.
"Just fine Tristan, just fine,"said the female ghoul through her helmet.
Turning around, he saw Cass, Hawke and Veronica quickly jog their way over to him. "You guys ready?"
"Please soldier boy. I was ready before you were born,"added his wife while giving him a amused grin.
Grinning back at her, Tristan turned to his cousin next. "As long as I can punch something you know I am good."
"And what about you girl?" He asked while kneeling down and petting the top of his dog's head.
Barking back at him, Tristan stood back up and pulled his radio out of his desert ranger duster. "Where good to go on our end general."
"Same here,"added ranger Kudlow.
"And so are we. Captain Parker, began marching forward!"
Putting away his radio Tristan ready his hunting rifle and peered over the small incline that was blocking their view from Bonnie Springs. Watching Captain Parker and his small squad marching forward with their NCR flags raised as high as they could go he immediately turned his attention on the town.
Looking through his scope, he could see a number of Khans scrambling about in a panic. Looking up into some of the broken windows he could see a few of them taking up position while aiming through guns at them.
"Okay captain Parker that's far enough! You may begin whenever ready!"
Taking the working pre-war megaphone from female tech sergeant on his right, he began to address the Great Khans. "Great Khans. You are to lay down your weapons and come out with your hands help up. All who surrender will be treated fairly and given proper rights of a POW's. Failure to do so will result in your immediate death!"
Looking into the town, Tristan along with the rest of the attack party waited patiently for the Great Khans to respond. Keeping his eye on the sniper (who was hiding behind a broken chimney on one of the buildings in the middle of the town), he heard his wife whisper something about someone coming this way.
Taking his aim off the sniper he saw an female teenager no older than fourteen wielding 9mm pistol walking straight towards captain Parker's group. Raising her pistol at them the captain's squad immediately aimed their service rifles back at her.
"Put the pistol down or you will be shot!"
"Fuck you you piece of bear shit! Great Khans for life!" She said before shooting her pistol.
The gun shot echoed across the open field as the Captain dropped to the ground. Instantly the teenager was hit with a series of bullets to the chest and face before collapsing backwards onto the ground. Bringing his hunting rifle back onto the sniper who was on the roof, Tristan could see he was firing at Captain Parker's group while they were busy trying to pull their injured captain back.
Taking aim he fired one round and hit the male Khan right in the heart killing him instantly. Pulling the bolt on his rifle, he released the empty .308 casing and re-chambered a fresh round. Peering through his scope for another target he could see numerous Great Khans being dropped by the First Recon sharpshooters. Spotting a woman wielding a service rifle getting ready to run across the street in order to make it to the building. Waiting for her to start her run, Tristan gave his target a small lead before firing. Hitting her just under her left armpit her body violently spun around and slammed into the ground before she could even make it halfway across the dirt street.
"Everyone move up!" Shouted general Moore over the radios.
Sprinting over the hill they were using as cover they were immediately came under heavy fire from the nearby building that was directly in front of them.
"I got it!" Shouted Cass who put away her cowboy repeater and pulled out her grenade launcher.
"Give her covering fire!" Shouted Meredith to the rest of the veterans.
Randomly firing his hunting rifle at the building Tristan kept firing until he saw the first explosion blow a huge hole into the side of the building. Looking at his wife, he saw her pump the empty 40mm shell and ready the second one before firing again. The second shell exploded to slightly below the first impact and caused parts of the second floor to go crumbling down onto the first floor.
While his wife was busy getting ready to fire a third 40mm grenade he spotted a bleeding Great Khan aiming his variant rifle at her. Just when he was about to shoot him he suddenly saw him take several laser shots to the face. Turning to his left, he saw Veronica lower her gaze from her scope on her tr-laser rifle.
Hearing the sound of the third grenade go off Tristan turned back to see the building side start shaking until about half of the building suddenly collapsed forward sending up a wall of dust and smoke.
"Push forward! Shouted Meredith to everyone.
Shouldering his hunting rifle, Tristan pulled the level action shotgun he had as his back up weapon and sprinted forward. Moving past the building they had destroyed they made sure to stay to the right until coming across yet another building.
"Grenade it!" He shouted.
Grabbing an flash bang off the back of his gun belt, he watched as Cass used the but end of her repeater to break the window before tossing the grenade inside. Hearing two other veterans do the exact same thing they waited until the flash bangs went off before kicking down the front door. Charging into the house directly behind a veteran ranger veteran Tristan wasn't surprised to hear they had come under gunfire the moment they crossed the threshold. Unfortunately the veteran who had come in front of them was hit and immediately went down.
Jumping over his body, Tristan could see a blinded Great Khan on his right randomly firing his 9mm smg in every direction. Pointing his level action shotgun at him, he fired one 20 gauge shell and blew half of his face off. Turning to his right, he was hit in chest armor by a random bullet coming from the top of the stairs. Firing his shotgun at the woman he managed to hit part of the banister and the wall behind her, making her duck for cover.
Just when she was about to run up the stairs and out of view he saw her take a bullet in the middle of the back which sent her tumbling down the stairs. Turning around, Tristan saw Cass pulling the level on her cowboy repeater before giving him a small nod.
"We've got the first floor.''
"Find. Will take the second,"he said helping the wounded veteran back up to his feet.
After clearing the rest of the living they turned their sights on the narrow hallway which led to what appeared to be a bathroom on the right and another room on the left. Looking down at Hawke, Tristan could see she was growling which told him their was someone down at the end of the hall.
"Hold up,"he said to Veronica making her drop to one knee just as a series of bullets impacted the wall where her head had just been.
Looking down the hall he spotted a woman on the right and a man on the left firing at them with their 10mm pistols. While Veronica and Cass were exchanging gun fire with them, Tristan grabbed a throwing knife off the front of his gun belt and waited for the woman on the right to emerge once more. Spotting her foot, he threw his knife before she came around the corner and hit her in the left thigh, causing her to fall backwards into her side room.
"Penny!" Shouted the male Khan who looked at his fallen comrade before turning back on to them.
But once again Cass was ready for him and hit the man in the middle of the chest sending him to his knees with blood pouring out of his chest wound.
"Get him Hawke!" He heard his wife say.
Hawke's reaction was instantaneous as the she immediately sprinted down the hall and used her large body to knock the man over. Moving around to his head, Hawke bit down onto his throat and crushed it one powerful bite.
"Heel Hawke!"
Letting go of his throat, the loyal dog came back at the sound of his wife's command and remained at her side at the ready. Knowing the woman was only injured and still very much dangerous he silently waved his cousin forward. Moving right behind her Tristan was prepared to toss a frag grenade into the bathroom when suddenly they heard a gun shot go off.
Pressing himself against the wall, he waited for another gun shot to go off but instead they were greeted with nothing but the loud foot steps of the rangers above them. "Check the side room."
"On it,"said Veronica who ran down the hall and peered into the room with her tri-laser rifle at the ready.
"Clear. The woman shot herself in the head. That's where the gun shot came from."
Nodding back at her he, Hawke and Cass made their way back into the living room just as the veterans were also coming back down the stairs.
"Clear on the second floor."
"I repeat, stand down!" Came the yells of general Moore over the radio.
"What's going on Cassandra?"
"The remaining Great Khans have surrendered. Bonnie Springs is always."
"Roger that,"he said hanging up his radio and heading outside.
Sure enough he could see ten Great Khans, mostly kids and teenagers holding up their hands in the middle of the street.
"Make sure they are unharmed 1st lieutenant Chambers."
"Yes ma'am,"he said moving forward with about five troopers to help him search the surrendering Khans.
"Any casualties?"
"Three troopers and one ranger."
"You?"
"None. One veteran got hit in the arm. But he will be okay."
Nodding back at him general Moore grabbed the canteen off her belt and drank deeply from it. "Water?"
"Nope, vodka."
"I kinda figured."
"What about the prisoners Brigadier general Moore?" Asked 1st lieutenant Chambers.
"Tie their hands. There coming with us."
"Is that smart? "Asked Veronica.
"We don't have time nor the manpower to watch them. So like it or not they are coming with us."
"Understandable,"added Rose before turning to Veronica who simply nodded her head.
"We need to keep moving to Red Rock Canyon as soon as possible."
"Agreed."
"Captain Parker, how are you doing?"
Looking past the general he could see the injured captain holding his left side. "I've been better. Oh though I got lucky as the bullet just nicked off my ribs."
"Good. Are you still capable of leading the flag bearers for a little while longer?"
"Do you even have to ask,"he said moving forward and reforming his lines once more.
"Look, there it is,"said Veronica pointing at the bright Red Rocks that the canyon was named after.
Tristan had never seen the canyon up close before and with the afternoon sun beaming off the rocks he could see why it was a pre-war tourist attraction. Unfortunately the beauty of the scenery began to wear off once he got to see how tough this was going to be for them to assault the canyon first hand. The Great Khans were tough and would be dug in as by now they would know they were coming.
Having run into small pockets of resistance at Spring Mt. Ranch Park and a few scouts along the way they killed another ten Great Khans and took two more prisoners before even making it this far. Glancing to his right, Tristan could see Cass was completely focus on looking forward. Reaching down, he grasped her hand in his. Feeling her squeeze his hand, he squeezed it back before letting go of her hand.
"Okay, everyone stop!" Shouted general Moore into her radio just when they approached the foot of the canyon.
Scanning the area with his hunting rifle, he was sure they were being watched. "Okay ambassador Walker...your up."
Nodding his head, Tristan put away his rifle. "Veronica and Meredith. Your will me."
"Excuse me?" Asked his wife while giving him a strong glare.
"Rose."
"Don't Rose me,"she fired back.
Sighing, he turned and put his hands on her shoulders and looked deep into her gray eyes. "Cass, I asking you do this for me...please."
Slowly he could see her angry expression began to soften to the point where she grabbed him by the neck and kissed him roughly on the lips. "Just get your ass back here."
"I promise."
Pulling away from her, Tristan jogged forward in order to catch up with his cousin and the veteran ghoul. Taking the white flag that the injured Captain Parker gave him they slowly began to walk into the Red Rock Canyon. As soon as they entered the area he could see several Khans aiming their guns at them from all sides. Walking a bit further into the canyon until they came across a small hill and stopped. Raising the the white flag back and forth as high as he could he knew every Great Khan in the canyon could see them. He also knew there was a very good chance all three of them could get be shot and killed as the Khans were under no obligations to under the symbol of the white flag.
"Look, I think someone's coming,"stated Meredith.
Sure enough he saw a large man wearing a helmet that had horns on the sides of it making his way towards them while being flanked by another man on his right and a legionary on his left. Putting down the white flag, Tristan made sure to not even give the slightest hint of going for his weapons as tensions were already high between the two groups.
"Just let me do the talking,"he whispered to Veronica.
"Whatever you say cousin,"he said before they started walking forward to meet them.
Stopping once they were about twenty feet away from them, he saw the leader of the Great Khans slowly stepped forward. Giving Veronica and Meredith one last look he also stepped forward and stopped once they were only five feet away from each other.
"Before we begin, let me educate you: I am the chief of the Great Khans-the Khan of Khans, if you like. This is my tribe and these are my people. You may call me Papa Khan."
"I am Northern California Republic ambassador colonel Tristan Andrew Walker."
Narrowing his brown eyes at him, Papa Khan suddenly crossed his arms. "So...your the Bear Devil? I must say I was expecting some one bigger given your reputation."
"Size isn't everything chief,"he fired back.
"Perhaps not. But more importantly I am rather curious as to why you would think we would entertain anything any offer you could possible come up with for us."
Shaking his head, he gave the Khan leader an amused grin. "Oh I am not here to offer you anything. In fact, I am here to give you an ultimatum."
"Really? And what is that Bear Devil?"
"You and your tribe are to vacate the area and never come back."
It was then the leader of the Great Khans busted out laughing. Waiting patiently for him to regain his composure Tristan spoke again. "If you refuse to surrender I will be forced to move in and destroy you all."
Immediately the amused grin Papa Khan had on his face vanished. "You can't be serious. Will kill you before you even step foot into the canyon."
"Oh will take losses, of that I am sure. But I am done messing around with you and your tribe. This isn't some token force brought up to simply scare you. All of the troopers, rangers, First Recon snipers behind me are veterans themselves. Everyone of them is willing and ready to assault this Canyon if we have too."
"If?
"Yes if. I am aware what happen at the Massacre of Bitter Springs. While I think we can all agree what happen that day was indeed a tragedy, the truth still remains that you had coming."
"How the fuck can you say that you piece of bear shit! Slaughtering and gunning down women, children, elders and wounded Khans. I lost everything that day. It was after that I swore to get revenge on the NCR even if that's the last thing I do."
Letting the larger man scream his rage at him Tristan waited until he had calmed down enough before stating his own opinion. "Perhaps you memory is a little foggy on the subject so let me help you chief. How many men and women did you kill when you raided our supply lines and outposts. How many of them did you capture and sell into slavery? While you might not understand, take it from someone who once was a slave. Being a slave is worse than death. Death actual becomes something that you look forward too. So I am sorry if your claims of innocence fall deaf on my ears. In the end we both are responsible for what happen on that faithful day, whether you like or not. "
Tristan could tell the weight of his words had impact on Papa Khan as he had to think about what he was going to say instead of firing back at him. "I don't care what you say, it still doesn't equal out in my eyes."
"Look, we can argue this point until we both die. But I am willing to give you a chance to leave her on your own accord."
"What kind of trick is this?"
"No trick. You and your tribe will have 24 hours to leave New Vegas and never come back."
"What happens if I decide to go East and join the Legion?"
"You can do that. But I get the feeling you won't do that."
"What makes you so confident Bear Devil?"
Chuckling, Tristan offered the chief an amused look. "Please. I know you only accepted the treaty with the Legion because the enemy of my enemy is my friend. You must be aware of what happens to the tribes that join the Legion or else you wouldn't have agreed so quickly."
Seeing the confused look on his face he shook his head with disbelief. "You don't do you? You have let your hate and anger blind your tribe to a fate worse than death."
"All NCR lies I am sure,"he added quickly before turning around and summoning the Legion emissary to join them.
"My name is Karl. And it is a pleasure to meet you Scourge of the East,"added the Legion whose words were dripping with pure hate.
"Now ambassador, why don't you explain what is going to happen to the Khans once we join the Legion. And will see what my friend Karl here has to say about it in return,"he said with a small grin on his face.
"Very well. Your elders will be executed on the spot. Your woman from the age of 14 to 45 will be used as breeders. Your men who are able to fight will be placed in the front lines and used as cannon fodder to absorb gunfire for the veterans in the back. Finally anyone else will be used as forced labor and sold as slaves. In other words the Great Khans will cease to exist and simple will be Legion. Stop me if I am wrong,"he replied while looking at Karl.
Turning back to Papa Khan Tristan could see him simply shaking his head with a disbelieving look on his face. "I told you before Bear Devil. Your lies will not work here. Now Karl, why don't you tell him what is really going to happen to the Great Khans."
Looking at the legionary emissary, he saw a slow grin start to appear on his face. "I don't have too."
"Why is that?"
"Because the scourge of the east said it perfectly for me. I must say that silver tongue of yours is most impressive. I can see why people would be willingly to fallow you,"he said still smiling back at him before bending and giving him a small bow.
Grabbing Karl by the collar of his shirt, Papa Khan lifted up in the air. "Your telling me he's right about what is going to happen to the Great Khans?"
Grinning down at him, the emissary chuckled softly back at him."What's the problem chief? You told me before killing the NCR was worth any price. You can't go back against your word now. You said it yourself."
Staring at Karl, Papa Khan slowly set the legionary backed down on the ground.. "No, I won't. But I can save my people from a fate worse than death."
Without warning he brought out his machete swung it across his body and beheaded the Legion emissary in one mighty swing. The legionary's body fall backwards as his severed head rolled forward until stopping a few feet past him.
"I swore to never go against my word. I signed that the treaty without realizing the consequences. Therefore the only way for me to save my tribe is for a new leader to take my place. Regis!" He called out to the other Khan behind him.
"Yes chief,"he said running up and joining them.
"You are in charge of the Great Khans now."
"What are you saying?"
"I am saying you must lead our people to safety. I fucked up and now must pay the ultimate price,"he added by bringing his machete up to his throat.
In a flash he quickly slit his own throat right in front of them as blood began to spurt forth from his throat. Dropping to his knees, Papa Khan turned to look at him. Giving him a middle finger he finally fell over on to his side dead.
Staring down at the now former chief of the khans Tristan saw Regis walk over and take the horned helmet off Papa's bloody dead body.
"Does the offer you gave Papa still count for me?"
"It does. You have twenty four hours to gather your things and leave the area and never return. All your slaves will be left behind and freed. Failure to do so will result in any Khan being shot on sight."
Nodding back at him Regis held out his hand. "Then I accept your terms."
"Agreed,"he said shaking his hand.
Watching her husband slowly rocking Jennifer in his arms Cassidy made her way over to the couch and sat down.
"How was your bath?" He asked leaning over and kissing her softly on the cheek.
"It was alright. Although you could have saved me some warm water,"she said giving him a teasing smile.
"You love giving me hard time, don't you?"
"Of course. Someone has too in his family,"she said looking down at Hawke who turned her head in a confused way.
"You know what I am talking about girl."
Laying down, Hawke started to whine. "Awe, I didn't mean your were in trouble. I was just poking fun girl,"she said bending down and petting her thick brownish coat.
"So my love, what's for dinner?"
Hearing him chuckle, Cass turned to see him smiling back at her. "Actually Veronica has invited us and Alex over to her place. She wants to try something called a pot roast."
"What's a pot roast?"
"Not sure. But from what little she told it sounds like some kind of stew."
"Works for me,"she said when suddenly the Ham radio behind them came to life.
"Tristan, come back over,"said the voice of general Hsu.
Taking the still awake Jen from him Rose watched him walk over to the radio and pick up the receiver.
"I am here James."
"I just wanted to inform you that all of the Great Khans in New Vegas have left the area for good."
"All ready?"
"I am just as surprised at you are. But general Moore confirmed it herself. All of their former slaves are being treated by the followers as we speak."
Lowering the receiver, Tristan ran a hand though his goatee. "Well then that's isn't it."
"I believe it is."
"We're as ready as we ever going to be for the Legion."
"I think so."
"Just know the new Caesar won't take losing the Great Khans lightly. I imagine Lanius will strike very soon."
"My thoughts exact. Don't worry, I'm having every available military personal at the ready. We will not be got off guard this time."
"I know James,"he added by sighing heavily,"I just hope it's enough."
"Me too Tristan, me too. Well, I hope you have a wonderful evening colonel."
"I will do my best."
"Send Cass and Jen my love."
"Will do."
Seeing him hang up the receiver, Cass watched as he stared hard at the Ham radio for a while. "You okay sweetheart?"
Taking several deep breaths, he slowly turned around and gave her a grateful look. "I am. It's just...I am thinking about how much we have riding on this upcoming battle. All I have worked for ever since I stepped foot in New Vegas very easily could destroyed right in front of me if we lose."
Looking down at her daughter, Cass could see Jen yawn back at her. "I know my love. I think it's a fear we all have."
"Probably."
Standing up, Cass made her way over to him before passing him Jen once more. "But unlike the Legion we have something worth fighting for...each other. And no one is going to take that away from us. Not if we have something to say about it."
Watching him stare down at their daughter's face Cass saw a wide smile finally appear on his face. "Your right Rose. We do have something worth fighting for. Besides my country, New Vegas, friends and family. I am really doing this for you and Jen."
"I know soldier boy, I know. We have lost so many good people over these years that I refuse to let us lose now. But know this. I won't let those slaving bastards take you, you hear me. I don't care if I have to go across the Colorado and bring you back myself."
Offering a warm smile, he leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "Trust me Cass, you will be with me every step of the way. That's a promise."
"Good, cause if you even dared suggest I sit this one out or go in the rear I would have kicked you so hard in the balls you would coughing them up."
Seeing him cringe at the idea Cassidy couldn't help but chuckle. "But I thought you liked my balls."
"I like the sex, but a woman's got to do what a woman's got to do."
"Your one of the kind, that much is for sure."
"I hope so. I don't think the world could handle another Rose of Sharon Cassidy Walker."
Making both of theme laugh Cass turned and walked into the garage in order to grab the carrying car seat that Alex had bought for them. Coming out of the garage and back into the living room, Tristan carefully put Jen into the car seat.
"Someone's behaving tonight,"she said to their daughter who didn't cry once when they put her in the seat.
"How's she looking Hawke?" Asked Tristan.
Sniffing the car seat, Hawke turned and looked him before sitting down. "Meet's her approval."
"I am so glad we need Hawke's approval before we can do anything."
"Please Rose, you do the same."
Chuckling, Cass leaned over and pet the top of Hawke's head. "Of course I do. Hawke is the smartest dog I have ever met."
"Well what do you say we head over to Veronica's already before she keeps calling to make sure were still coming over."
"Agreed. The last time we were late she kept calling every five minutes. We don't want that."
"No we don't,"said Tristan with an amused look.
A/N: If you haven't read my Part One story, I recommend you do. As some of the characters and background might not make any sense to you. I welcome any reviews or comments about my story.
