A few days after that drunken fiasco, her Mentor declares that they are going out.
"For how long?," Agnes asks.
"Maybe a day or two, depends."
"Depends? Depends on what?"
"If I can find what I'm looking for," he says cryptically.
...
As they leave Nellis AFB, they find George. The look on his face when he sees Agnes is something she will always remember.
"Hello George," she grins. "Long time no see."
George stammers as he stares at her.
"I saw you get blown up," he finally speaks.
"That I was, it was awful."
Agnes had yet to quit smiling.
"I'm here to collect," she proclaims.
"I..ah..I'm a little short on caps," he says.
Vulpes shoots her a "told you" look.
"How short?"
"All of it?," George sheepishly admits.
Agnes finally stops smiling.
"Really? How can you bet someone and then not pay up? I thought you were better than that."
George's shifts uncomfortably under her gaze.
"You got blown up, I saw you. Dead people can't collect," he explains.
"I'm here right in front of you. By God George, you're going pay me something!"
Vulpes steps in, pushing Agnes back.
"Perhaps you can give us some information instead," he offers.
"I want my caps!," she fumes behind him.
"Ignore her," Vulpes says to the bewildered man. "You're talking to me now."
George gulps.
"Are there any Raiders in the area?," her Mentor asks.
"Ah...there's a burned out house about two miles that way," George points West. "It sits up on the hillside. Bunch of misfits took up residence, ambushing travelers and stealing anything they can get their greasy little mitts on."
"How many?," Vulpes asks.
"I don't know, enough to steal a pair of brahmin and a wagon. They killed the Jenner kid last week when they were trying to steal some scrap metal from their toolshed. The kid surprised them and they shot him dead."
"Damn junkies," Agnes curses.
Vulpes looks to Agnes before looking back to George.
"That'll do," Vulpes says to the man. "Consider us even."
"But my caps!," Agnes cries.
"That's what you get for gambling, sometimes you lose," Vulpes bites.
"You can't make the deal, you didn't bet anything," she argues back. "You don't have the right!"
Vulpes gives her a menacing glare, "I thought we already talked about that."
Agnes begrudgingly quiets down at the mention of previous events. George quickly looks between the two.
"Ah, you two have a safe journey," he says before quickly walking away.
"It's not fair," Agnes pouts, watching George walk away.
"Life's not fair," Vulpes replies.
...
True to his word, about two miles down the road sits a burned out house overlooking the road. It appears abandoned but the path leading up to the house was free of overgrowth, indicating a frequently traveled path.
"What are we doing here?," Agnes asks from behind a cluster of boulders.
"We are ridding the Wastes of a few degenerates," Vulpes says coolly, checking his pistol and pocketing additional magazines.
"We?"
"Well, I am. You are going to sit here until I come back."
"But I..."
"Stay here," Vulpes says firmly.
"I never get to do anything," she moans.
Another hard look from Vulpes has her quieting down yet again.
"Fine," she finally agrees. "I'll wait here for you."
Vulpes gives her a smile, "See that wasn't so hard, now was it?"
Agnes makes a grumpy face in response. She is caught off guard when Vulpes sneaks a kiss, planting a quick one on her cheek.
"For luck," he winks before heading up the hill.
She rolls her eyes, since when did he need luck? Besides, that act was for the Boomers and there weren't any around for them to act for.
Agnes sits with the gear, rifle in hand as she peeks from behind the boulders watching Vulpes makes his way towards the house. She hears a voice call out but is unable to make out what is being said. A man comes out onto the partially collapsed front porch, armed with a rifle. Gaunt and dirty, he looks every bit a burned out junkie. He says something to Vulpes, who responds by shooting him in the head. The man collapses in heap as gunfire erupts from the house, causing Vulpes to throw himself behind a small boulder.
Four men come running from the house while someone covers them from the inside. They charge towards Vulpes, who is unable to see them due to the suppressing fire. Agnes lines up a shot, taking out the lead man. As his body crumples, she lines up on the second man and then the third. The last man turns tail, quickly running back to the house. Watching the man run, Vulpes breaks cover. Dirt explodes around his feet as he runs up the path and into the house. Gunfire from inside the house increases until it just stops.
Agnes strains her ears but can't hear anything. So engrossed with what's in front of her, she isn't aware of her surroundings. A large hand covers her mouth, taking her by surprise. Lunging forward, she finds a cold blade against her throat, hissing as it bites into her.
"Well, well, well," a deep voice drawls in her ear.
"What have we got here?"
Agnes freezes.
"Put your hands up," the man instructs.
Agnes does as she's told, raising her arms into the air.
The man plucks the rifle from her hands before searching her, his hand lingers over her chest and hips. Agnes curls her lip in disgust. She looks up to the house and spots nothing besides the bodies that litter the ground. Just where was Vulpes? She gives a brief search but doesn't see him nor hear anything.
"Turn around," he instructs. "Slowly."
Agnes turns around, careful to keep her hands up. The man takes the pistol from her shoulder holster and her pearl handed knife from under her vest. The man was as tall as her, medium build with golden flecked brown eyes. He appears to be a Merc but something about him doesn't sit right.
"Walk," he instructs, pointing her down the trail.
Agnes grits her teeth as she gathers their gear, chastising herself as the man pushes her along.
Just great Agnes, simply fabulous, she thinks.
Vulpes is gonna have my hide for this.
She drags her feet as she walks, hoping it will be enough sign for her Mentor to follow.
At the bottom on the hill, Agnes spots a group of four more men, five in total. They appear as a group of Mercs but Agnes knows a soldier when she sees one. They wear outfits of lightweight black armor with deep red trappings. A man wearing a red bandana around his neck appears to be in charge. The use of deep red and the clear contempt she sees in their eyes tells her these men serve the Bull.
"Found this one up the trail," the man behind her says to the group. "Sitting behind a boulder, facing up the hill. There may be others."
"I'm the Courier," Agnes announces.
The men look to the their leader, who gives an unfriendly smile as he approaches. Agnes pulls herself to her full height, ready for anything.
If I can stand up to Vulpes, I can face anyone, she tells herself.
"I've heard of you," the man says as he looks her up and down.
Agnes notices that he is well muscled under his worn armor. He stands close to her, giving her a good look at the scar that bisects his face, in an attempt to intimidate her.
She smiles, nice try stranger but I learned from the Master himself.
"Tell me stranger," Agnes says smoothly, attempting to channel the tone and inflection of her Mentor. "Are you a man that thinks for himself or a man that lives to serve others?"
The scowl on the man's face deepens.
"Do you know whom I serve?"
"We serve the same Master," the man states, his voice grave. "Though, I'm not sure what your purpose is besides novelty."
She gives a brief smile at his jab.
"While many share your sentiment, I'll have you know that there are a few people that believe in me."
The man humphs at her words.
"It's true," Agnes says. "I'm sure you'll meet one of them shortly."
The man says nothing as the men look around.
"Did you see anyone with this profligate?," the leader asks the man standing behind her, the one that brought her down the hillside.
"No, Dominus. Just her," the man reports.
"I bear Caesar's Mark and as such travel under his protection," Agnes says firmly.
"I am well aware," the leader states briskly.
"Am I free to go?," Agnes asks.
"Not yet," he says. "I'm sure our Lord would be pleased to see you well looked after. Besides, I'm curious as to who would be willing to accept responsibility for this experiment."
Agnes smirks, "As you wish."
"Let's take a break while we wait on the Courier's escort to make themselves known," the leader calls out.
"No need for that," a voice calls. "I am here."
The men look around while Agnes gives a wide grin at her Mentor's return. Vulpes appears seemingly out of thin air, causing a quiet stir amongst the men. He saunters into the gathering, blood smearing his face and clothing. His bright blue eyes burn into Agnes as he gives her a quick once over, his gaze lingering on the thin red line across her throat. She catches the flicker of a snarl before his face smooths out.
"Hello Marcus," Vulpes calls out.
Marcus stands tall, hearing his voice.
"Dominus," Marcus greets, bowing his head.
"Agnes," Vulpes greets.
Agnes does as Marcus, bowing her head in respect.
Vulpes walks over to her side.
"Why were you not where I left you?," he asks tightly, tilting her head to look at the cut on her neck.
"I was captured by these men and brought down here," she says, glancing at him.
Vulpes stares intently at Marcus. "Is that so?"
"Yes, Dominus. We found the Courier up the hill, she was easily captured."
Vulpes eyes Agnes intensely before turning back to Marcus.
"You have my appreciation," he tells Marcus. "I'm sure Agnes has learned a very important lesson. Haven't you?"
"Yes Dominus," she answers dutifully.
Agnes stands silently as Vulpes and Marcus converse briefly. She is nudged from behind by the golden eyed man. He returns her rifle, pistol and knife. Agnes nods her thanks. He eyes Agnes with an look of understanding before nodding back.
Vulpes turns to Agnes, smiling widely.
"Great news," he says to her. "We will be tagging along with Marcus and his men."
Vulpes leans close to her ear, "Mars willing, I will find my satisfaction."
He stands upright, giving her a wink.
"Stay close," he grins.
...
Agnes tries to block out the sounds coming from the bedroom of the ranch house. She doesn't know which is worst, the distressing cries of the unfortunate women that were dragged inside or the laughter of the men that follow.
She sits alone in the living room, her mind racing.
How far was she from New Vegas?
No, Vulpes or rather Mr. Fox is well known there, not to mention Ronald and Alerio.
Where could she go?
California?
Agnes shakes her head.
No, never reach it before Vulpes catches up with her.
What about her family?
Her heart sinks at the realization that nothing could be done about any of it. Frustrated and feeling overwhelmed, Agnes springs up from the couch and runs outside. From the front porch, Agnes can see the bodies of the men that lay about. They didn't stand a chance, she thinks as she looks around. It happened too quickly and farmers are no match against trained killers. A basket of laundry sits under the clothesline, never to be put up to dry while a pair of Brahmin run in the field, dragging a plow behind them. Agnes checks the bodies and is further dismayed to find them all unarmed.
"Such a waste," Agnes says, shaking her head as she returns to the front porch. Taking a seat on a worn chair, she thinks about somehow trapping the men inside and setting fire to the house. A cold smile sets across her face as Agnes imagines the scenario play out. Her thoughts stop at Vulpes; Mentor, companion, and faux husband. Despite her current dislike of him, Agnes realizes does not wish him permanent harm. She heaves a heavy sigh at this realization.
"Dammit," she spits.
She would never be free of him.
Unfortunately, it was decided that the group would stay at the ranch until the heat of the day broke.
"Fantastic," Agnes grumbles to herself after she is informed by one of Marcus' men. She stays away from the house, choosing to chase down the team of Brahmin instead.
Agnes leaves the plow in the field before taking the team into a small pen just outside the barn. The Brahmin stand patiently as she unbuckles their harness, her fingers working from memory. Agnes talks to the bovine, uttering small noises and scratching them between their ears. She hears someone walk up to the pen and lean against the railing, watching her remove the gear from the Brahmin.
"You never struck me as a rancher," Vulpes' smooth voice calls out.
He sounds in a good mood, must have found his "satisfaction" she muses.
"My father was a rancher but grew his own feed," Agnes responds, smiling wistfully at the Brahmin.
"Dad wasn't a good farmer but he found it very rewarding. The simplicity of it all, he once told me. Just you and the land."
She throws the harnesses onto the fence posts before looking at her Mentor.
Vulpes had cleaned up, the blood washed from his face and he had on a new shirt. His eyes no longer burned with a feverish intensity. Agnes finds it difficult to look at him, knowing that he was an active participant in whatever atrocities occurred in that room. She keeps her distance, making no attempt to hide her apprehension of him.
"Did you ever tend to your wound?," he asks casually, sensing her discomfort.
"No," she says evenly.
"I can't see it well enough to do it myself. Besides it don't hurt none," Agne lies.
In reality, it burn like hell. Despite finding the wide brimmed hat she wore, sweat poured down her face and into the shallow cut. She made the mistake of rubbing it and now it was angry and inflamed. Agnes bears her suffering as penance for her association with such evilness.
Vulpes laughs, "Woman, you are a horrible liar. Come here so I can look at it."
"I'm fine," Agnes counters sharply.
The last thing she wanted was for Vulpes to touch her.
"I'll let Dr. Argyll look at it once we get back," she amends.
Vulpes fixes her with a firm look before relaxing his face.
"Fine," he says roughly. "What are you gonna tell Dr. Argyll?"
Agnes takes a long look at Vulpes, as if seeing him for the first time.
"That the Mojave is a dangerous place," she says curtly as she leans on the other side of the fence, facing the house.
Agnes watches as the men walk out onto the porch. A smile on every face, she notices, feeling the corner of her upper lip curl. Disgusting swine, how she wishes she could strike them all down. Agnes also takes notice of the dark smoke that begins to fill the ranch house.
"I'm sure that will be more than enough explanation for him," she states, her gaze returning to Vulpes.
Her Mentor eyes her for a moment as if taking stock of her.
"I'm sure it will be," he agrees, watching Agnes as she eyes Marcus and his men.
"Talk to me Agnes," Vulpes asks softy. "What are you thinking?"
"I wish them dead," she says bluntly.
"Why?"
Agnes chuffs in amazement.
"Really?," she says shaking her head in disbelief.
"Never mind," she says, a bitter smile on her face. "I'm sure you wouldn't understand anyway. Why would a wolf fear other wolves?"
Vulpes looks at her as if deciding to slap her for her cheek or laugh. Instead, he gives a long sigh as he runs a hand through his short dark hair.
"You ready to go back?," he asks, watching her.
"I was ready to go when I first met these guys," she mutters under her breath.
Vulpes quirks an eyebrow at her.
"Yes Dominus, I am ready," Agnes replies properly.
"Excellent," Vulpes smirks, snatching the wide brimmed hat off her head and placing it on his own, a bright smile now on his face.
He offers his hand to Agnes as she climbs over the railing, holding it for longer than necessary. All for show, she realizes as Marcus and the others take notice.
He leans into her ear, "Let's go say bye to the boys."
"Gladly," she chirps.
"Say something nice," he instructs.
Agnes grimaces at the thought of having to complement murderers and rapists.
"I will not!," she argues.
Vulpes narrows his eyes before giving a dark chuckle and an unfriendly smile.
"Fine," he says smoothly, his hand running down her side.
"Don't take anything from any of them," Vulpes stresses. "I don't care what it is, you let me take it."
"I'm not stupid," Agnes mutters.
"Never said you were," he replies offhandedly. "I know the profligates do things different, didn't know if you remembered such things."
Agnes scoffs, "As if I could ever forget."
Vulpes gives a tight lipped smile.
...
Agnes stands next to Vulpes as he thanks Marcus for the "privilege". The men chuckle, sharing a knowing smile. The man that disarmed Agnes stares openly at her as the two leaders converse. She could tell by how Vulpes was standing that he notices the man watching her. Agnes watches the burning house, acting ignorant to all of it.
The house is fully engulfed in flame by the time they begin their trek back to the Boomers.
The dark column of smoke can be seen for miles.
...
The journey back to the Boomers is uncomfortably quiet.
Agnes walks a half step behind Vulpes instead of beside him as she would usually. Even when he slows his pace, she remains behind. How is she supposed to share a bed with him much less pretend they are a loving couple? Agnes heard tales of his temper and had seen first hand the destruction he orchestrated in Nipton but this was something different. After spending much time with him, Agnes was able to separate the man from his fearsome persona. Somewhere along the line, she even learned to trust Vulpes. That was her fault, she had forgotten how dangerous he truly is.
The pair stop just before the road that will take them back to the Boomers.
"Let me see your neck," Vulpes orders.
"Dr. Argyll," Agnes begins.
"I don't care," Vulpes sneers as he moves into her space, cutting her off. "Now sit!"
Agnes purses her lips as she begrudgingly sits on a small boulder. He tilts her chin up as he views the wound in the sunlight. Vulpes turns and begins to search through his bag. She eyes him as he pulls out his first aid kit, retrieving a few items.
"Dominus," she asks cautiously. "Did I do something to upset you?"
"No," Vulpes says tensely, placing items in her lap. "It's nothing you need to concern yourself with. "
"Take your blouse off," he orders.
Agnes looks at her Mentor as he waits for her to move.
"Anytime today Courier," Vulpes snaps, his blue eyes flashing.
She quickly removes her blouse, watching as Vulpes throws it over his shoulder. He tilts her chin skyward, flushing the wound with a bottle of purified water. Agnes jumps at the coolness of the water as it runs down her neck. She looks to Vulpes, expecting a smirk but instead sees a serious look. After drying her neck, he turns her chin this way and that, watching the cut move.
"It should be fine," Vulpes tells her, dabbing ointment on the wound with a surprisingly light touch.
"Thank you," Agnes says, watching Vulpes put away his kit.
Tension radiates off the man as he fixes the straps on his pack, pulling the cords tight.
...
Agnes barely eats that evening, instead cutting up her meal into smaller and smaller pieces. One of their tablemates, Sybil pokes Agnes causing her to jump, dropping her cutlery onto the table. Vulpes fixes her with a sharp glare.
"Is something wrong Agnes? You've barely said two words this entire time. Usually you're talking my damn ear off," the woman asks.
"No," Agnes sighs. "I'm fine, just feeling a bit under the weather is all."
The woman gives Agnes a knowing look, patting her arm.
"Poor dear, we all have our ups and downs don't we?"
Agnes manages a weak smile that seems to satisfy the woman. Sybil begins to turn away when suddenly she turns back around.
"Max," she says brightly.
"Ma'am?," Vulpes responds.
"They have cake, be a dear and get us some."
"Yes Ma'am," he gives an endearing yet completely phony smile.
Agnes feels a twist in her gut at this realization. She avoids his eyes as Vulpes gets up from the table.
"Now what happened?," Sybil asks.
"Nothing"
"Liar," Sybil calls. "What happened? You two get in a fight?"
"Something like that," Agnes responds lowly.
"He hurt you?"
"Only my heart," she admits.
"Oh baby," Sybil coos. "I can only imagine how hard this is for you, being so far from home. But let me tell you, this will get better. Its just rough right now."
Sybil gazes at her with a critical eye.
"Everything's going to be just fine. You know why?
Because we have cake!"
"What?!," Agnes asks.
She turns to see Vulpes stride up with a tray full of cake. His gaze knowing, creating a tiny bloom of worry in her chest.
...
"What did you talk about?," Vulpes questions as they walk back to the cabin after the evening meal.
"Nothing much, Sybil wanted to know why I was feeling down."
"And?"
"I led her to believe there was a disagreement between us."
"You told her we got into a fight?!," Vulpes asks harshly.
"Yes, I did," Agnes bites.
She can feel fire ignite in her belly at his tone.
"Well, I certainly couldn't tell her I was upset from being forced to hang around murdering rapists all damn day, now could I?," she growls, her anger breaking free.
Vulpes slaps Agnes so hard she sees stars. Grabbing her arms, he pulls her in tight.
"Don't you ever talk to me like that again," he says thru clenched teeth, before turning her loose.
Agnes numbly nods her head, eyes cast down, her fire smothered by his raging inferno.
"Go home," he instructs in a firm tone.
"What?," she asks, looking up in confusion.
"Go to the cabin," he clarifies, his mouth a hard line.
"Yes, Dominus," Agnes whispers, hanging her head.
She walks away feeling like a kicked dog.
The poor lighting in the small bathroom highlights the swollen mark on her face. Agnes stares at her reflection with wet eyes.
Stupid girl, she thinks, eyeing her marked throat and swollen face.
Once again she thinks of running away. How far could she get before Vulpes caught up with her? The thought of running across Marcus and those brutes put a firm stop to her musings. Agnes undresses, taking a cold shower before crawling into bed, ready for sleep to take away from this mess she got herself into.
...
Agnes is awoken by a tentative touch on her side before feeling an arm wrap firmly around her waist. She grunts as she is dragged into a warm embrace.
"I was sleeping," she protests as Vulpes wraps himself around her.
"Go back to sleep then," he answers.
"Is something wrong?," Agnes asks, not quite awake.
Vulpes remains silent as he nuzzles the back of her neck, settling into place against her.
"You know I'd never let anything happen to you," he whispers into her hair.
"I know," she mumbles before drifting away.
...
The next morning, Agnes surveys the damage from her Mentor's volatile reaction. Her cheek is mottled and tender. It was not her intention to upset Vulpes, anger had gotten the best of her making for poor delivery of her words. Refusing to wear his mark, Agnes decides to use a Stimpack but they are in her kit, outside the small bathroom.
Vulpes sits at the desk, working on yet another report. As casually as she can, Agnes goes into her bag, quickly finding a Stimpack. She turns to go back to the bathroom when Vulpes calls for her.
"Give me a moment," she calls over her shoulder.
"Now," he huffs. "I wanna see your neck. I know you never went to Dr. Argyll about it."
Agnes goes over to the desk where Vulpes sits waiting. She stands before him, her eyes cast downwards, awaiting his next command.
"Look at me," he says.
Agnes looks at him.
"How do you feel?," he asks.
"Fine," she lies.
Vulpes gives a small smile,"You are a horrible liar."
She flinches when he places two fingers under her chin, tilting it upward. Unfazed, he examines the inflamed, red line on her neck. Satisfied with how it looks, Vulpes turns his attention to her face. Tucking her hair behind her ear, the bruise he gave her can be clearly seen.
"For most of my students, what happened yesterday would be considered a bonding experience. But in my haste, I only took into account my own satisfaction and was negligent of your...concerns, " Vulpes says.
You think?, she responds internally.
"I understand why you were upset, I shouldn't have hit you. "
Vulpes appears sincere but then again, falsity is his stock and trade. The fact that he had actually yet to apologize is not lost on her.
"It'll never happen again," he offers sensing her apprehension.
Now this means something, Agnes thinks, knowing Vulpes prides himself on his word.
"Is that your word?," she asks.
"Yes, lamb. I give you my word but don't test me."
Agnes sniffs. No surprise there, always an out.
"I accept," she says.
She turns to leave but is stopped when he takes her hand.
"Kiss on it?," he asks, a playful look on his face.
Agnes smiles as she walks away.
...
"An airplane!," Agnes exclaims as she bursts into their cabin.
With great excitement, she tells Vulpes of what she just learned from Mother Pearl.
All their "good deeds" had won the trust of the Elders, which was enough for Mother Pearl to confide in her the Boomer's deepest wish.
"At the bottom of Lake Mead is an airplane! It crashed a long time ago but Loyal thinks they can fix it. It could actually fly!" Agnes squeals in delight. "Oh my God Vulpes! This is amazing!"
Her Mentor gives a smile at her excitement.
"You and those flying machines," he exhales. "Just how are we supposed to reach this airplane on the bottom of a lake?"
"With these," she says, thrusting a small rubber device in his hands.
"What is it?," Vulpes asks, examining it.
"Its a rebreather, Loyal made them. It allows you to breath underwater," she explains, inserting it in her mouth.
Vulpes mimics her, testing a few breathes.
"Interesting," he says, removing the device.
Agnes beams with delight.
"When do we leave?," he sighs.
"In the morning!," she chirps.
...
It takes longer to arrive at Lake Mead than it did to raise the sunken aircraft.
After fighting Lakelurks and sneaking past NCR patrols, the pair go for a swim in the dark waters of Lake Mead. Schools of fish amongst the seaweed capture Agnes' attention. They swim deeper into the depths until the surface is only a glittering memory. Following her PipBoy, they finally find the machine laying on the lake bottom.
Its form completely foreign to Agnes as she swims around it. Entering the aircraft, she makes her way to the cockpit. After admiring the dials and giving the yoke a pull, she exits the metal bird, ready to rescue it from the depths. Reaching into their packs, they work quickly to secure the ballast packs into the correct places, a quick pull of the cords summon forth a rush of bubbles and the ancient beast slowly begins to rise.
Low and behold, an enormous metal bird floats on the surface of the lake, the sunlight dull on its rusted exterior. Agnes dances in excitement beside her smirking Mentor.
"We did it!," she howls in delight, hugging him tightly.
She leans over to Vulpes, "This is much better than heavy artillery."
"Death from above," she mimics of the Boomers.
Vulpes smiles.
"Death from above," he echoes.
...
Upon their return to Nellis, the pair are escorted directly to Mother Pearl's quarters. The older woman is very pleased with the reports from Loyal about the raised aircraft.
"What you have done for us is a miracle, child. If there is ever a way for us to help you, tell me and I will make it so," Mother Pearl offers.
Agnes looks to Vulpes, who deftly nods.
"There may be a battle in the near future," Agnes begins. "At the Hoover Dam, can you offer any assistance?"
"Of course my child," Mother Pearl says with a smile. "After all that you have done for us we would love to help you in the upcoming battle."
"Thank you so much, your involvement will save many of our people," Agnes says with a bright smile.
"After all the training in virtual reality, the young ones would relish an opportunity to put their skills to battle. We'll be there when you need us," Mother Pearl affirms.
...
Word quickly spreads of Agnes and Max's accomplishment and that evening a celebration is held in their honor.
Agnes drinks deeply of her second glass of strong hooch as she and Vulpes sit at the head table with the Elders. It seems that nearly all of the Boomers stop by to shake their hand and gives thanks. The young Boomers are the most excited.
"This is great," Agnes says, finishing her drink.
"You're drunk," he states.
"The question should be why are you not?," she changes the subject.
Vulpes gives a half cocked smile as he leans over.
"I don't trust these tribals," he says in her ear. "Too much firepower and too little brains."
An explosion goes off outside, followed by hoots of excitement from within the mess hall.
"My case in point," he smirks.
"We should go outside and fire some ordnance. Rachel says we can fire Thump Thump. I wonder if they'll let me fire a howitzer."
"Alcohol and weapons should not mix," he says sternly.
"You never let me have fun," Agnes pouts.
Vulpes smiles at her pout, his hand caressing her cheek.
"If you think this is great, just wait until we go to New Vegas," he says with a grin.