As the neon light of New Vegas faded and the golden light of dawn replaced it two riders rode their beasts into Freeside. The beasts they rode were lean and nimble as they stepped across the asphalt into the city. A helm of bone wrapped around the beast's head and plumed out to form razor sharp horns.
The riders wore tanned leather in a tribal style with a thick pile of furs tied to their beasts' rumps. One of the riders, a big man with a flowing black beard, had a long halberd like weapon strapped to his back. Obviously fashioned from the skull from a beast like the ones they rode. its skull had been fractured in two with one half now facing backwards making for a vicious looking weapon.
The second rider was smaller and wore an old hunting rifle on her back and had her long copper colored hair tied into a ponytail. A pair of smoky black glass goggles covered her eyes and her face was hidden beneath a black bandanna. On her belt was an assortment of metal and bone tools clinked against each other as she rode.
As the last remnants of the night were banished from the city the pair halted their beasts and dismounted in front of the Atomic Wrangler. The man tied their reigns to a street light and shifted his weapon to his side while the girl entered the saloon. Once inside she pulled down the bandanna and revealed a thin bony face with three diagonal scars starting from her left cheek and ending on at her right.
Though the girl was tall she was undoubtedly young, no more than twelve, and the moment she entered the wrangler she wore a look of wonder on her face. She walked over to one of the slot machines and began fiddling with its handle and lights. After whacking it a few times she nodded and looked around for anyone and saw that a woman was watching her.
"You know kid most people try to at least hide the fact their tampering with the machines" the woman said wiping off the bar.
"sorry sorry sorry" the girl said jumping back "I was just curious."
"Oh, great Tribals" the woman said throwing the rag into a bin "You have an adult with you, hon?"
"I am her guardian" the man said entering the casino; his speech had a slowness to it suggesting he was out of practice speaking English "Please excuse my cousin she's never left the village."
"It's all right, as long as she doesn't tear my machines apart" the woman said sending a cold stare the girl's way "What can I do for you?"
"we're looking for someone" the man said taking out a bag of caps "and we're willing to pay."
"well then I may just be able to help you; who ya' lookin for?" the woman asked.
"A man, thin with red hair named Rex" the man explained "Grey eyes with a sharp face."
The woman blinked at the man for a moment before looking at the girl and letting out a chuckle.
"Ugh yeah, buddy this'll be free of charge" The woman said "You'll find him in the lucky 38 just down the road. You know what I'll give him a call so he knows to expect you."
"Oh, thank you very much" The man said putting his bag of caps away "Just up the road, correct?"
"Yep, it's that big building that looks like a wheel" The woman said waving them out.
When the door shut behind them she reached beneath the counter and brought out a black phone. She picked it up and punched in the code for the Lucky 38 and waited as it rang. As soon as the operator picked up she said her verification code and said:
"This is Francine Garret, we have a situation heading straight towards the Lucky 38"
/
"I will not stand for this" Brent Buxton yelled slamming his fists down on the meeting room table "These people are our enemies, and I'll marry my daughter off to a death claw before I let anyone of those legion bastards step foot in our territory."
"They won't be settling in our territory Buxton" Rex said as he stood before the leaders "We're going to build around their existing communities and absorb them into our existing infrastructure."
"A year ago these people were our enemies and now you expect me to welcome them with open arms" Another Leader said "My wife was killed by a legion raiding party, and I'll be damned if I'll if you expect me to break bread with these savages."
The meeting had only begun thirty minutes before, but it had already devolved into a circus. To his right sat Vein, the defacto leader of the Turncoat legion, and to his left sat Isabelle Burnrows, the representative sent by the Midwest brotherhood. Vein to his credit barely moved even as his people's name were dragged through the mud.
"What's to stop them from turning on us like they did on Octavian?" another leader asked "they turned on their allies before what's stopping them now?"
"Our honor" Vein said his gruff voice cutting through the shouting "Our honor is what forced us to serve Octavian. Under the puppet master Savant, we were made into pawns on a board soon to be thrown away. You call us the turncoat legion, but many of you were once citizens of the NCR correct? We seek the same thing you do, freedom. Freedom to raise our children without the threat of war, and to give them the things our people have never known."
"And we also have the tribal leader's children as hostages" Rex said "They won't act as long as their children's lives are in our hands."
"Last I checked we aren't medieval lords" Buxton said his cigar burning to a stump in his mouth "Cowards keep hostages."
"I believe it to be advantageous to both sides actually" Isabelle said smiling at Buxton "These men and women will be the next generation of leaders in their respective communities. If you were to provide them an education not only will they be enlightened to modern sensibilities, but would also have a deeper connection to the Mojave."
"How are we planning on feeding these people?" Alyssa asked "Last estimate has the current population count at roughly forty-five thousand men, women, and children."
"I've commissioned ten new G.E.C.K.s from Big Mt. and have begun assembling a team of engineers to put together plans for construction" Rex said tapping a command into the table's control console.
A holographic display opened showing a map of the Mojave and the eastern territories. Red blips appeared indicating settlements and communities and green roads appeared to connect them. As Rex typed in commands buildings began appearing and the Legion settlements expanded and changed into proper towns and cities.
"At first glance our sudden increase in population seems like a major strain on our resources, but it's exactly what we needed" Rex said as the display changed to an image of a standard construction drone "This is a standard construction drone designed by Big Mt. Now, it's served us well, but they're based of Protectrons and that makes them slow and clunky. With the influx of laborers, we'll be able to complete construction projects faster."
"In addition, most of our population are individuals who know a skill or trade" Rex explained "right now we simply have too many skilled workers and not enough basic labor. With the increase in population we'll be able to cover the more menial tasks of construction and general labor while also providing a work force for our skilled workers and tradesmen."
"I see where you're going with this Rex" Alyssa said "With an abundant labor pool we'll be able to mass produce more complicated items without having to resort to using the vending machines."
"Precisely, today marks a milestone for the Mojave" Rex began "As we train the former legionnaires and expand our production capabilities we solidify our position especially in regards to the NCR. Look, I'm not saying this will be easy or turn out great for everyone involved, but I firmly believe that this is the right thing to do. This is just one step for us to take to make the Mojave a nation, and soon enough I believe we can surpass even our Pre-war ancestors."
"You've overstepped your bounds Rex" Buxton said "The amount of resources and man power it will take to expand our infrastructure and train these people will drain our stores and over tax our factories. You had no right consenting to this without our approval."
"The new Legion was preparing an invasion force that would've decimated our ground forces, and turned our communities to ash" Rex said glaring at Buxton "If I hadn't made the deal the Mojave would have fallen. In the span of a few weeks we've doubled our territory and have access to not only Octavian's tech, but a massive work force. This is the moment where we strengthen our position as a rival to NCR or continue to exist as a tiny nation state."
"There you go again making the NCR our enemy" Buxton said "The only evidence we have that the NCR is targeting us are reports from your Newsmen, and some flimsy map you probably had planted. You know what I think? I think you want to consolidate your power and turn the only respectable democracy on the planet into our enemy so you can keep running the Mojave like you're its king."
The room was silent after Buxton finished. Several of the leaders were nodding in agreement while the rest looked at Rex expectantly. Rex's expression was blank and as he stared at Buxton the seconds ticked by in silence. When he finally spoke, Rex's voice was different; harder and almost everyone in the room shivered as a chill ran up their spine:
"Are you insinuating I would orchestrate a conspiracy to frame the NCR as part of some attempt to stay in power?"
"Ugh…yes I am" Buxton said some of the steel removed from his voice.
"I have given everything for this country and her people. I gave my blood, my sweat, and even my god damn arm defending the Mojave from anyone who dared to oppress its people. If you have the audacity to believe that I would fabricate evidence to consolidate power than you can go fuck yourself." Rex said his face warping in rage "I have, and will always have, the best interests of the Mojave and her people at heart. Since many of you came from the NCR, I know it's hard to accept that the NCR has it out for us, but we cannot let suspicion and conspiracy tear us apart. We stand together as one or fall as many."
"Well then" Alyssa said standing up "I know I'm new here, but I believe the NCR's a credible threat. Rex welcomed my people and I and gave us a place to call home after we lost everything. The people New Columbia stand with Rex, and welcome our new countrymen."
"Dramatics aside" Sylas Reger said rising "Goldern stands with the Courier. There is simply too much compelling evidence for this to be a conspiracy, Buxton."
"Glory stands with you Rex" Gloria Venk said "Although I can't say I'm not convinced that Voorhees's little movement is a threat we must still remain cautious."
Most of the other leaders stood and pledged support but a half dozen joined Buxton with nays. Twenty-three for and eight against. When the meeting dismissed an hour later an outline for new construction and training programs. As the leaders filed out Rex flagged Alyssa down.
"Thank you for your support in there" He said withdrawing a parcel from his pocket and withdrew a glossy green tablet and popped it into his mouth "I know it was hard losing Sally, but thank you for keeping your head in the right place."
"Don't mention it" Alyssa said smiling "We need to stand united especially now of all times."
"Good to hear" Rex said smiling at her "How are your people doing by the way?"
"We're moving along just fine" Alyssa explained "By the way, Sarah and the rest of the pride are willing to mix in with the militia since our we're so low on manpower."
"Thank you that'll be a major help" Rex said "With most of our forces wounded we need any experienced soldiers."
"I'll have Sarah and the pride report to Macarren as soon as they can get their equipment packed." Alyssa said.
"I have to go deal with another crisis, but you have my number If you need anything"
"Of course, Rex" she said waving as he quickly made his way up and out of the meeting chamber.
She felt the phantom fingertips run up her spine and felt a light kiss on her neck. Warmth spread over her body and Alyssa wrapped her arms around her shoulders savoring the contact. A look of pure joy spread across her face and she panted softly in the quiet of the hallway.
"You did good" Alyssa heard Her in her ear "Offering Sarah like that."
"Th-aa-nnk you" Alyssa stammered as the phantom fingers traced her arms.
The phantom warmth receded back into the phantom fingers and left Alyssa standing in the hallway alone. She snapped out of her daze, the touch and the warmth already forgotten, and made her way to the exit. In one of the shadowed corners stood a cloaked Kasumi Goto, and just as Alyssa left the thief made her way to another exit.
/
Rex walked Vein to a teleportation terminal across from the Government building. They drew stress from tourists and citizens alike. He had to admit they made a strange sight; Vein a massive man who looked a combination between an old general and a brick wall. Vein was returning to his village, Blackboot, to address the collection of leaders that made up the turncoat legionaries' temporary government.
"You can expect our Heirs in the next few days Courier" Vein said as Rex entered Blackboot's coordinates into the teleporter "We expect them to be well taken care of."
"We've already have a new housing facility ready, and they'll have some of the best teachers in the Mojave" Rex said patting the big man on the back "I give you my word that no harm will come to any of them."
"I trust you will Courier" Vein said shaking Rex's hand "You are already proving to be more trustworthy than Reximus."
"Thank you" Rex said "I try my best."
Vein stepped on the pad and disappeared in a flash of orange light, and Rex turned towards the Lucky 38. There were stacks of paper work taller than his desk waiting for him, and Rex decided to grab some lunch before being shackled to his desk for the rest of the day. He walked down the street out into Freeside in search of something to eat.
After walking for a few minutes Rex spied on of the Shepard's crew. It was the engineer Tali'Zorah nar Rayya accompanied by a three Securitrons. She looked to be buying a set of stainless steel tools from one of the metal shops. Stepping closer Rex noticed a shipping pallet loaded with boxes of gleaming silver tools probably ordered for the construction of the Normandy SR-3. Tali was arguing with the smith who ran the shop, and both seemed ready to tear out the other's throat.
"Listen lady, like I told your boss you don't get the tools until I get paid" the smith said.
"As I've said we are perfectly happy to pay you the what we agreed to when we commissioned your services, but not a cap more" Tali responded with her arms folded and foot tapping the asphalt "Neither I nor Shepard will be cheated."
"I'm the one being cheated here Lady" the smith said "I've spent the last two weeks getting this order ready, and I know the moment you get these in your hands you'll scan 'em into a vending machine and mass produce these little master pieces. So, you're gonna pay a mass production fee."
"That is ridiculous! We will not pay triple for tools we designed" Tali said annoyed "I'll report you to the Mojave government."
"No need" Rex said stepping past the Securitrons "I heard more than enough."
"You're the Courier" The smith said in surprise.
"Yes, I am, and you are?" Rex asked flashing him a steely glare.
"Marcus Jaxon, sir" the smith said backing up a little.
"Well mister Jaxon you do know that it is illegal to mass produce manufactured goods with Vending Machine technology?" Rex asked his face softening.
"Wait really?" Jaxon said surprised.
"Yes, when the Mojave first started using the vending machines we made a decision" Rex explained his voice changing to a softer tone as he approached the smith "Only raw material and refined manufacturing goods could be made with the vending machines. Things like steel bars and ingots for example, so you have no need to fret about someone stealing your work."
"I didn't know that" The Smith said "I've only had the shop here for a few months."
"Perfectly acceptable, you can't be expected to know every law and regulation in the books at first" Rex said throwing an arm over the man's shoulders "Now listen I want you to apologize to Miss Rayya here and accept the terms you both agreed upon. I also recommend taking a trip to the business offices on the main strip, and educating yourself on our regulations and laws."
"Sure, thing Mister Craster" The smith said turning to Tali "Sorry miss, I had no right assuming the worst. How about I knock an extra ten percent off for the trouble."
"That would be acceptable" Tali said shaking the smith's hands.
"You know? I like what I see here" Rex said his voice almost melodic as he looked at an ornate metal gauntlet "I've always been shit when it comes to metal working, and I'd like something a little fancy for my arm."
"Of course, sir" The smith said looking at Rex's arm "I could draw up some designs for you"
"That would be great Marcus" Rex said patting the smith on the back "bring em by the Lucky 38 when you have em ready."
They left the smith smiling and once the Securitrons moved the crates through a teleporter Tali said:
"Thank you, Mr. Craster; I was afraid I'd be arguing with that boshtet all day"
"Mr. Craster was my father, call me Rex" Rex said smiling "and don't mention it, it's my job to make sure everyone in this city gets a fair deal. Anyway, it's the least I can do, you and the rest of the Normandy crew have proven to be priceless allies. I understand you were part of the team that jammed the Legion's communications."
"Oh yes, actually it was legion, the synthetic that pals around with your drone ED-E, and using a modified geth design" Tali explained "It was originally meant to jam communications on a planetary scale, so it was simple to jam and hijack the legion's signal."
"Thank you regardless" Rex said "Besides the occasional skirmishes, how are you enjoying our little slice of post apocalyptica?"
"It's certainly entertaining" Tali said "I have to admit I was a little taken aback when we first arrived. It not often that you see a functioning civilization in the middle of a nuclear ruin, but now I have to say I'm impressed."
"Oh really? I wouldn't think we'd be very impressive to someone who cut her teeth on spaceships." Rex said the wind's direction changing to buffet his back.
"You and your people survived an atrocity that ends most species, and now you're building a whole new world atop the ashes of the old" Tali said "In a way you remind of my people; every day is a struggle against hardship and adversity, but still manage to find the time to love and laugh."
"I'm honored that you think of us that way" Rex said smiling before sniffing and saying "Tali what do you see behind me?"
"What?" Tali said looking over his shoulder and Rex grabbed her arm with his metal arm and said
"Don't make it look like you're looking; keep talking" Rex said before chuckling.
"I see a group of three men by a cargo truck, why?" Tali said patting his arm and faking a laugh.
"I can smell flamer fuel on the wind" Rex said never dropping his smile and tapped the underside of his pip boy while positioning himself in between Tali and the truck. She placed a hand on the Pipboy and found a small indention in the casing. Tali pressed it and a small square of plastic popped out, and when she turned it over Tali found a small red button.
Rex winked at her and his right hand went down to rest on his pistol. Tali gripped the handle of the shotgun on her back and with the other hand she pressed the button. A whirlwind of dust surrounded them and suddenly the world was darkness. She felt Rex's hand on her hip as he pulled her close and guided her behind a bench. No sooner than they had reached the cover a ball of fire exploded where they stood, and Rex grabbed the bench with his metal arm.
Tali heard servos scream as he pulled the back of the bench off and drew it up like a shield. Fire exploded around them and Rex ducked low shielding Tali from waves of fire that singed the wood of the bench back. She raised her shotgun and waved her arm trying to summon up a holo drone.
"Go for the eyes, Chiktika Vas Paus" Tali yelled firing burst of shot gun fire in the trucks direction.
The combat drone shot toward the truck firing bolts of orange lightning. In the gale of the dust storm they heard a shout as the drone reached its targets. Rex stood and threw away the make shift shield and yelled down to Tali:
"Move up while they're distracted"
Tali nodded and followed Rex as he bounded over the flames towards the truck. When they reached the truck, they saw a man sprawled over a flamer in the open hatch of the truck's trailer. Three others tried to shoot the small drone as it shocked them as it made figure eights around them.
Rex advanced forward and blasted one in the knee before whipping the gun around and firing a bullet into another's shoulder. Tali fired her shot gun at the remaining man shredding his front in a hail of metal. When the dust cleared Rex and Tali stood amongst the fallen attackers. The man wielding the flamer moaned and Rex placed the muzzle of his gun against his forehead.
"All right buddy I suggest you start talking" Rex said as a dozen soldiers and four Securitrons formed a perimeter around them.
"Fuck you mutant" the man groaned revealing a small cylinder in his hand with a button on top. Rex grabbed for the device but the man managed to press down the button and a shrill beep filled the air. A rush of air exploded out of the truck's trailer and Rex raised his gun, and the man slumped forward his mouth foaming.
Silence dripped in the air as Rex stood at the mouth of the trailer with his gun raised. He gestured to Tali and she raised her shotgun as they both began slowly stepping backward. They had barely moved a foot when Rex saw movement within the shadowy interior. Rex fired his pistol into the darkness and saw the spark of the bullets as they bounced off whatever was inside and hit the walls.
What seemed to be a super mutant in combat armor stepped out of the trailer into the sunlight. Its head was covered in a goggled gas mask and the rest of its grossly muscular body was wrapped in plated combat armor. Rex's fire had punched holes in his armor and left a hole in one of its goggle lenses, but the creature had no visible injuries.
The creature grabbed the mask and ripped it off revealing a completely hairless face crisscrossed with deep red veins. It looked around locked it's eyes on Rex and smiled revealing teeth like porcelain knives. Rex raised his gun at the creature and fired off three shots into its head, and they impacted with a dull thud. They fell to ground not even leaving a bruise on the creature's face. It began to chuckle
"Light it up" Rex yelled as he turned to run and felt the heat as the laser fire from the Securitrons erupted all around him. Bullets and lasers hit the creature and it disappeared in a storm of light and smoke.
Rex slid under a Securitron and took cover as he reloaded his pistol. Another order almost made it out of his lips when the back of the Securitron exploded in a spray of sparks and the Securitron was ripped in two. A rain of oil and sparks rained down on Rex as the creature tossed the two halves aside like toys.
Rex fired into the thing's face as he shuffled backwards cursing as the bullets bounced off its face. The creature jabbed at Rex with one bulbous hand and Rex blocked with his metal arm only for it to be crushed like foil. With a sickening wrench the metal arm was ripped from the socket and Rex screamed as his nerves were ripped open. A fist collided with his chest slamming Rex against the concrete knocking the air out of his lungs.
Pain erupted from Rex's chest and he coughed blood as he tried to regain his breath. His vision was growing dark and the pain was overwhelming. The creature grabbed him by the neck and pinned Rex to the ground. It leaned in close and sniffed with its bulbous nose and Rex scowled at the monster and managed to spit blood into its eyes. In response, the creature grabbed his right arm and wrenched it up and back.
Fresh pain shot through his shoulder as bones crunched under the pressure. Rex screamed as the flesh of his arm ripped and finally came off with a sickening pop. A horrible smile stretched across the creature's face and raised the severed arm to its lips and sank its teeth into the flesh. In two gulps the arm disappeared into the beast's mouth Rex's blood dripping from its lips as the monster savored the morsel.
A horrible laugh reverberated from the beat's mouth and it prepared to deliver a final blow when the muscles in its neck locked up. Its laugh changed into a cough and blood started to flow from its eyes and nose. It released Rex and stumbled backward as it began hyperventilating. Red sores began opening on its face and spread down to its neck and chest.
The muscles in its chest began to twitch and ballooned into bulbous growths that cracked the skin and oozed puss and blood. Stumbling backward, the creature screamed as its throat closed and its arms began expanding and its muscles stretched and ripped open. Bloody puss spurted out all over the concrete as the creature shook in pain.
The collected Mojave soldiers watched in horror as the thing's legs expanded and burst into masses of twitching muscle and bone. It fell to the ground as its eyes were replaced by tumors and its teeth grew spearing their way through its skull. With a final muffled scream the beast collapsed into a pile of writhing muscle and bone.
It floundered on the ground for a few moments before going still. The soldiers and Securitrons advanced forward and secured the body. Medics moved in and tied off Rex's arms and injected stimpaks. A medic attached a tube to Rex's neck and began dripping in stimpak infused plasma.
"We need medi-vac east of the Strip" A soldier yelled into a radio "the Courier is down. I repeat the Courier is down."
/
Veronica sat in Rex's office looking over the mound of paper work he'd let pile up. Tax reports and security plans sat on the desk awaiting official review and signatures. She sighed as she cracked open one of the thick folders vowing to punish Rex later. Light flashed behind her and Veronica caught a small dust storm in the eastern shopping district.
She tapped her Pipboy and spoke into it:
"What's the situation in the eastern shopping district?"
"We have scattered reports of some kind of attack, Ma'am." A comms agent said "Our comms aren't being answered and intel suggests multiple assailants."
"Which division patrols that sector?" Veronica asked slipping on her power fist and grabbing a plasma pistol.
"The third Securitron platoon and the 43rd rookie company, Ma'am" the tech said.
"Divert some of the Securitrons heading to the dam back to the city and put out an order for any nearby units to form a perimeter and lock the area down." Veronica said strapping the plasma pistol into her leg holster "Try to get Rex on the line while you're at it."
"We have reports that the Courier was involved in the incident ma'am"
"Should have expected that honestly" Veronica sighed "Tell that idiot when you finally connect that this little incident won't get him out of his paperwork."
"will do Ma'am"
Veronica left the office and took the elevator down to the ground floor. When the elevator had descended half way, the power cut out and the elevator went black save for an emergency light in the corner. With a sigh, Veronica knelt and opened a service panel and checked the circuitry box, and found a small device fastened to the wires and recoiled back when she found a brick of C4 behind the wiring.
"You never did like explosives, did you?" she heard a voice in the gloom say.
Veronica turned towards the voice and jabbed with her powerfist, and was surprised when a hand stopped it. She looked up and saw a red headed woman smiling at her in the gloom, and withdrew the fist. This was the duplicate that attacked Shepard in Reximus's base.
"You know dealing with Rex's trans-universal doppelgangers gets old after the first time" Veronica said "What do you want?"
"Oh Veronica, I'm not from another universe" The women said fire glittering in her deep grey eyes "In fact we used to share the presidential suite."
"You should know I have no objections to knocking a crazy lady the fuck out" Veronica said swinging her powerfist at the women's face.
She made no effort to dodge or even block; In fact, she turned her jaw into the punch. Instead of a satisfying crunch when the metal fist met the women's face Veronica heard a dull thud. The women didn't even move as the impact came, and winked at Veronica before flashing her a vicious smile.
"Now if only you had been that aggressive in bed than maybe I wouldn't have left you" The woman said before darting forward with blinding speed and wrapping a hand around Veronica's neck and slamming her against the wall. Veronica tried to resist but the woman's grip was like steel.
The woman ran a hand up Veronica's stomach and lightly brushed her breasts before running her fingers over her face. She oozed predatory energy as she appraised Veronica with a burning look, and Veronica felt as if she was under a sun lamp. With a predatory smile the woman released her and stepped backward crossing her arms behind her back.
"Now if you behave we won't have to get physical again; unless you ask nicely" The woman said with a wink "and honestly no matter how much I'd enjoy playing with you Veronica I'm here on business."
"You generally start business by molesting people?" Veronica asked massaging her throat.
"Only the ones who like their ears rubbed when she's getting…."
"Okay that's enough of that!" Veronica said blushing beside herself "What business do you have that involves boobytrapping an elevator?"
The woman tossed her a holotape and pressed a button on her Pipboy before saying "Rex has a long road to walk. Full of pain and heartache, and before it's through he won't even be human anymore."
The elevator rumbled to life and began to descend again.
"Why does that concern you?" Veronica asked.
"Because he wasn't supposed to be the hero of this story" the woman said as the doors opened to the lobby "Don't make a scene and that bomb won't go off."
They walked out of the elevator together and bumped into Christine.
"Oh Veronica" Christine said "We have a problem."
"I know the disturbance in the eastern district" Veronica said glancing at the red head.
"There's that and then there's her" Christine said gesturing to a thin girl standing behind her.
It was obvious who she was the moment Veronica looked at her. She had the same facial structure and her hair was like shimmering copper. Before she could speak though the Woman chimed in.
"Valeera?" the woman asked "What are you doing here?"
"How do you know my name?" the girl asked staring at the woman.
The woman didn't answer only smiled her predatory smile before tapping a button on her Pipboy flooding the room with light. When they regained their sight the woman was nowhere to be seen and the group stood in the lobby surrounded by dazed soldiers and runners. Veronica felt a tug on her shirt and looked to see the girl beside her.
"Please, can you tell where Rex Craster is?"
"Why do you need to find him?" Veronica asked already knowing the answer.
"Because he's my father." The girl replied.