I decided that I'm going to bring back the Flashbacks. Hopefully this will allow you to learn more about this Story's version of Courier Six. In length this one might turn out to be a little shorter than the others. Unless I happen to go back and give it a few adjustments later. Also you might be able to find a reference to another Bethesda game hidden somewhere in this Chapter. If you find it you might just earn yourself a prize. That prize being absolutely nothing.
And as always I'd really appreciate it if you'd leave a me Review. Go ahead and give me a Favorite if you really enjoyed what you've read so far. And maybe you should consider Following so you'll be alerted when I make any new Chapters.
Chapter 13: A Needed Story
Location: Old Mormon Fort
The immune system has a pretty funny way of working. You can survive walking into a bunch of towns, cities, and even entire regions that are basked in nothing but radiation. But when you cuddle up with someone for just one second, that's when you catch a new unknown disease. If there is a God he isn't the best at designing humans.
Aw well, Six had survived several gunshots pointblank to the head, countless Mines that would've blown anyone else into little pieces. She even survived a battle with the Legendary Bloatfly, which when reminded of would trigger some sort of PTSD. It shouldn't be nearly as difficult for her to beat whatever it she had managed to catch.
''Achoo!'' She let out a sneeze and sprayed a very large portion of her saliva all over Julie Farkas's face. Julie frowned and wiped away most of the spit while feeling disgusted. After resisting the urge to punch Six in the face she gave her best theory as to what she probably had gotten from Red Lucy.
''My guess it's some kind of new and advanced cold. Like the really advanced kind that would kill a weaker person in a few days. But don't worry there's almost no chance that someone as tough as you can't be killed by it. Eventually it will go away on its own but just to be safe I'm going to prescribe you some medication. Take a few of these everyday and please do your best to avoid sneezing in people's faces. It can be a good way to spread the cold around if you're not careful.''
Six gave the good Doctor a nod of that told her she understood. After taking the small plastic bag of medicine she stood up from her chair and opened the medical tent's flaps. Old Mormon Fort was in a better state than it had ever been before. There were more Doctors and volunteers looking to assist, and there was an abundance of supplies that came the Follower's way.
But greatest of all with crime at a brand new low they were almost never in a situation where they were overcrowded with too many new patients to treat. All of this positiveness and fortune was almost entirely in thanks to the Courier.
''There's no need for you to put anymore worry on me, Julie.'' Six said with her signature and unforgettable smile on her face. ''There are quite a lot of things that I'm perfect at. Dying is nowhere to be found on that list. In fact I'd say it's probably at the very bottom of the list. Right next to dancing without causing people to go blind and tying double knots. If you have anymore info for me or you just feel like hanging out with the cool kids you can come over to the 38. You and all of the other Followers are welcome anytime.''
Speaking of the Lucky 38, Courier Six was going to have to keep as much distance from her Companions as possible. So three or four inches would do the trick. As soon as she entered the Suite, Six popped several dosses of her new medicine. She swallowed them with a small bottle of Sarsaparilla.
She gagged right after swallowing the things that were supposed to keep her alive. They tasted even worse than Radscorpion Venom. How she is able to know that distinguishing taste is something that will perhaps be discussed another time. After digitizing the little container into her Pip-Boy for safe keeping she jumped onto her bed like a small child.
Opening one of the many nightstands she grabbed one of dozens of her collected comic books. It was one of the earliest issues of La Fantoma. The series provided many important things to Courier Six. Including giving her something she could actually read, some actual form of entertainment, and most of all they helped her sneak her way out of more than a few awful situations. Never forget the Madre!
Veronica knocked a few times on the room's door. She asked the Courier if entry was permitted. ''Is it alright if I come in so we can talk for a few minutes? Or do you think this is one of those instances where we should just try to avoid contact all together?''
After putting down the comic she was in the middle of, Six coughed and found the strength to answer the question. ''No don't worry, it's okay, you can come in if you want to. Just try to keep a little bit of distance. I don't want you to get hurt. Maybe you should sit in that chair?''
Upon sitting in the chair Veronica began to ask Six a few more questions. ''While you were out there walking through Freeside did you happen to come across Arcade or Boone? They left just a little while before you came back. Didn't even tell us where they're heading.''
''Yeah I'm pretty sure I did.'' Six's vision wasn't the best due to her illness so she could be mistaken. ''Might have seen them on my way to Old Mormon Fort. You won't believe me when I say this but Boone actually seemed to be smiling. Like the happy kind of smiling. Not that disturbing and weird grinning thing that he'll do when he takes off someone's head. I still don't know if we should start calling them a couple yet. But they definitely seem to enjoy each other's company.''
Both the Scribe of the Brotherhood and Courier Six found a lot of comfort in the idea that Boone had finally gotten over the tragic death of his wife. Still it would probably be awhile before he'd be willing to become a couple with just anybody.
''Cass is still in the other room sleeping.'' Veronica said standing up from her chair and leaning against the wall. ''Pretty sure Rex is in there with her. She's been acting different after she disappeared awhile ago. I really think you should try talking with her so you can get to the bottom of whatever it is that's got her troubled. Well first you might want to wait until you get a little better.''
The Courier gave a thumbs up and approved the idea. She also let out a few more strong and painful coughs. This caused her to take a few more dosses of the medicine. She was starting to go over the recommended amount of pills so she once again digitized the container.
''Hopefully I'll be better by tomorrow morning.'' Six said while pulling the bed sheets over her. ''Toss me my Cowl will you? I think I left it somewhere in that cabinet.'' Veronica walked to the other side of the room and opened the wooden cabinet. She took a few minutes and examined the strange Cowl.
The Scribe laughed and began to recollect of her first time seeing the mask. ''You remember the first time I spotted you wearing this?'' Immediately after hearing the question the Courier began to chuckled. She knew where the story was about to go. ''Back then it was just you, me, Cass, Boone, and Arcade who all stayed up here. It was what around two in the morning? I woke up because I had to go to the bathroom. When I turned over to talk to you, those bright green eyes nearly gave me a heart attack.'' The two shared a few minutes of laughing before Veronica revealed a little work related business.
''That NCR representative guy tried to get a call through to you earlier.'' Six immediately groaned like a child being forced to do their homework upon hearing the news. She had allowed the NCR to maintain its presence in the Mojave as long as they'd obey a few simple demands she had presented them with.
The first rule being that they were not allowed to enforce harsh taxes on anyone not living in NCR territory. However she and the NCR had very different ideas on who controlled what territory. The entirety of the Strip belonged to Six that much everyone knew.
Anyone who thought differently would not only have to deal with her and her faithful Companions, but as well as an army of Securitrons. People began to note that there was one in particular that was always smiling and would sometimes follow Six around.
The second rule was easy for them to follow. In the event of an attack, Legion or otherwise, they were to immediately seek out Courier Six. If anyone is going to make plans for a war it's going to have to be her. It was an odd rule but if it means they can keep the Dam why the hell not?
There are a few more rules that she put in place but the most important thing to know is that the NCR has been trying to get some of them changed. The current one they want changed involves the Great Khans and wanting to remove them from the Mojave entirely.
Under no circumstances was Six going to let that happen. The Great Khans stood with her and her Companions, the Boomers, and the NCR at the battle of Hoover Dam. They had done some pretty awful things in the past. But they didn't deserve to be exiled.
On that note quite a few of them decided to leave the Mojave by themselves. They made their way to to Wyoming and reconnected with the Followers of the Apocalypse. Now they're quite the force to be reckoned with. As for those who decided to stay they aren't what they used to be without the rest of their people, but they could still put up quite a fight if they would have to.
''Let me guess, they want to see me as soon as possible and discuss terms of territory and resources?'' Her tone quickly gave away the fact that she was annoyed. And in Veronica's eyes she had every single right to be. The NCR would never stop bugging her until she collapsed to the floor dead.
Six could tell from Veronica's look that her answer wasn't going to be anything like the one she wanted to hear. ''Actually they've already started to make their way here from the Embassy. I give you about five minutes tops until they walk straight through that door.'' There was a small chuckle at the end of her explanation.
Should have gone with House when I had the chance! Of course the Courier didn't actually mean that. Siding with House meant killing the Brotherhood and if the circumstances weren't right, the Kings as well. Aside from the fact that they were enemy number one for the Legion, that was the only reason the NCR still operated anywhere near Vegas.
Beacon Library:
''Hold on for just one second.'' Coco said as she began to find Six's story more and more far fetched as she kept telling it. ''You don't honestly expect me or anyone else here to believe that you somehow managed to take down an entire army of these trial maniacs all by yourself, do you? And just in the span of a few days?''
The Courier responded as though she was answering a simple question. ''I'm telling you the truth whether you believe me or not. It's not nearly as hard as you all might believe it to be. After getting a clear idea on how they like to fight taking them down is pretty easy. And I didn't even do it all by myself. I had a lot of help from the Dead Horse's leader himself. Joshua Graham, or the Burned Man as some would call him.''
Six took a short moment and sighed. ''Sometimes I wish that I could go back to those simple days of just having awesome Adventures and getting myself into all sorts of exciting situations. Guess I'm kind of doing that right now though.''
''You call that simple?'' Yang asked seeing what she had just told them as anything but simple. ''That is pretty far from being a simple way to live. I mean just think about it from our point of view. Everyday you get to go on all of these cool Adventures around the world. And how many times have you saved the world now? If you ever get that Teleportation thing working again you seriously have to take me back with you to the Mojave. I have a feeling I'd fit right in there.''
''Oh could I come too, please?'' Ruby asked not wanting to turn down the possibility of a new Adventure. She was beginning to remind Courier Six of herself. ''I can think of all sorts of ways I can help you out there. I've never been one that likes to brag, but I am pretty awesome with my Crescent Rose. Pretty please, can I come back with you?''
Six took quick note of Ruby's silver eyes. And I though Amber was a rare color. She regained focus and answered the request. ''I hate to turn down that cute little face, but only one person is able to use the Transportalponder at once. But if it does makes you feel any better I'll say this. If I had the ability to take either of you with me I'd do it in a heartbeat. Heartless If I still had one of them anyway.''
''If it is truly as horrible as you describe it then I don't think I'd ever be able to set foot in the Mojave. Especially if there is a bunch of poison air all over the place.'' Weiss said while sitting next to Blake, who was invested in reading her book rather than paying attention to the conversation.
Six decided to make a little joke towards Weiss. ''You know I think I'll have to agree with you. That probably is for the best in the end. Only the tough and the strong are able to survive the harshness that comes with the Mojave. And well, Weiss I know where I'd put you on that scale.''
Weiss took offense from the joke and didn't hide any of it. ''How dare you! I'd be perfectly capable of defending myself from any of those so called crazed Bandits and Warlords. If you have anymore doubts of my fighting skills I'd be more than happy to spar with you sometime.''
''Hey, you're going to have to wait your turn.'' Coco said while still being eager for the chance to kick the Courier's ass. The constant harassment was starting to become annoying for the Courier. Though she wasn't going to back down from a chance to have a potentially exciting fight.
''How did you end up finally defeating the Legion anyway?'' Blake asked, she finally looked up from her novel. ''I'm assuming that even after their leader was killed, the rest of them decided to keep on fighting with you and the rest of your friends?''
Six nodded and added some additional information. ''They didn't just keep on with their pointless fighting. They somehow became even more ferocious when the news of Caesar's death reached everyone. I found myself constantly being hunted down by their trained Assassins whenever I left the safety of my home. In the end putting a final stop to them became my hardest challenge yet.'' Blake stood up and moved to the otherside of the Library to get a quick drink.
''Even with their allies turned against them they always seemed to have more and more men on their side. But like with all of my enemies I was able to finish them. And I did it at the decisive battle of Hoover Dam.'' She stood up from her seat and picked up her books. ''But I'm afraid that is a Story for another day. I'd like to take these books back in my room and read them. Hopefully I can learn more about you guys.''
''What, no. You can't leave already.'' Ruby said, not accepting of the Courier's eagerness to catch up on Remnant's early history. ''I really want to hear about how you and your friends beat the Legion off of the Dam.'' In unison Coco and Yang added, ''Us too.''
To their disappointment, Six shook her head. Ruby whispered to her team, ''Don't worry guys, I got this.'' She then stood up, standing face to face with the Courier. Slightly anyway, they have a significant height difference. Ruby then put on her sad eyes, a tactic that didn't immediately work on Six.
''I'm sorry, Ruby.'' Six apologized, laughing while she did. ''But that's a tactic that I used for half of my life. I've essentially become immune to it. Besides, it's not even that cool of a Story. Just me, a few of my best friends, some upset Tribals, and an entire Army defending a Dam from spear-wielding maniacs.''
That only made everyone else even more eager to hear the story. Ruby kept on with her puppy dog eyes. Six just sighed and began to leave. But before she could, Velvet followed in Ruby's example. ''Like I said,'' She began to say to Velvet. ''I'm immune.''
Velvet played a new tactic. She lowered her Rabbit ears in a fake sadness. ''How many times do I have to...'' The Courier began to feel weird. ''What... why do I... stop doing whatever it is you're doing?!'' Velvet did not stop. ''That's not fair! You're using your cuteness against me.''
''Alright, fine.'' Six surrendered, her Artificial-Heart hurting a little. ''Just sit back down and I'll tell you everything important. But you're getting the quick version.'' After everyone obeyed and took a seat, the Courier took a sip of her water and began to tell the story of her final battle.
''Before I tell you of the battle itself. You should first get a lesson on what the Hoover Dam actually is. It's the last major source of electrical energy in the Mojave. Which obviously means that everyone is gonna want it. In particular, the NCR and Legion had a big interest in the source of power. They even had a battle over it way before I arrived. Despite the NCR coming out on top, the Legion wasn't about to give the Dam up. The second battle would only be a few years away.''
''I love the NCR for what they helped me with. I always have, and I always will. But if they didn't have the resources to fight back the Legion or a presence on the Dam, I might've just taken House up on that offer of his.'' Six looked at the time and saw that it was getting pretty late.
''Look it's starting to get late, so I'll just quickly wrap things up. Any other small mercenary group, tribal gang, or large Faction, I was able to convince to fight alongside the NCR at the Dam. When the Legion did attack, we massacred them quicker than I thought we would. The only thing that you really need to know, is that anyone that was at one point associated with the Legion is either on the run, imprisoned, or very deep in the ground.''
She was almost able to leave the Library right then. But unfortunately she accidentally bumped into Blake, who upon crashing into Six had her novel drop right out of her hand and fall onto the floor. Luckily it didn't close and so she wouldn't lose her reading progress.
The Courier apologized before kneeling down to retrieve the novel for her. ''Oops, sorry about that.'' She said, picking up the book before Blake was able to stop her. She decided to examine it a little close. ''What's wrong? What, is this some kind of... romantic-''
Deciding that no one else needed to know what was inside the book, Six closed it then handed it to Blake, who was blushing profusely. She then gave her a pat on the shoulder followed by a wink. A good way of telling her that she wasn't being judged.