Summary:
During the battle for Hoover Dam, Olivia gets the chance to confront Aurelius, the Legionary Centurion that attempted to drown her in the Colorado river.
Courier Six has a decision to make at Hoover Dam, one which costs her the hard earned friendship with her companion Boone.
Joshua discovers that while he and several of the New Canaanite men were away, their new home was attacked and destroyed by the White Legs.
The second battle for Hoover Dam was a merciless and costly one, even more so than the first. During the two days of fighting both the NCR and Legion were suffering heavy casualties, and both parties were determined to be victorious no matter how many personnel they haemorrhaged in the process. Olivia had seen the effects of war countless times before, the fear and gradual deadening in the eyes of men, women and children from all the horrors they'd seen. Through her life she had experienced it herself; the torture, domination, degradation, brutal physical and mental abuse that came with being absorbed into the Legion… but this time she had the power to do her part and help put an end to Caesar's reign of terror. The Legion's reign of terror was either going to be quelled at Hoover Dam, or it was going to be the fuel it needed to spread further West, devouring everything in its path. One thing was clear from all of this, and that was that war... war never changes.
"Hold positions!" came the barking order from one of their commanders, his booming voice echoing in the cavernous room, "Hold with everything you have! Keep them out!".
The strongest bodied personnel barricaded the doors as best they could, even using their own bodies to keep the doors in and out of the engineering room shut… but even then, Olivia could see a small gap beginning to appear in the seam. The Legion was pushing through, determined to gain entry at any cost. Olivia couldn't help but wonder where her commanding officer, Lt. McDermott was. Last she saw her the Lt. was headed to the radio communications room to update command on their repair progress and power outputs.
"Take your positions!" one of the commanders bellowed back to Olivia and her repair team, who responded immediately taking strategic cover behind any solid surface they could find.
Adrenaline was coursing through her body and she was starting to feel a panic rise within her.
'Four seconds in, four seconds out' she remembered Drew's breathing technique and clutched her rifle tightly in her hands.
'Get a hold of yourself', she thought, snapping out of the panic that was threatening to overcome her, 'You've trained for this, you're ready. Just keep a cool head and you'll be fine...'
With that thought at the forefront of her mind, Olivia's heart steadied and she felt her body relax as the training she received at Camp Golf kicked in. She checked her rifle, the ammo she had on her, flicked the safety off and got into position ready to aim and fire. It didn't take long before the fighting broke through and one of the doors on the upper level burst open, Legionary soldiers pouring through with a thunderous roar.
'Oh no you don't', Olivia thought determinedly, taking aim and with quick successive shots killed several enemies. It was an odd sensation to pull the trigger and watch the person die. Olivia had heard the talk from the officers training them back at Camp Golf explain how to handle the emotions that typically tend to overload most novice soldiers during battle when they make the first kill… But Olivia didn't feel overwhelmed; in fact she felt more in control, a sense of purpose driving her on. She simply relaxed and allowed the training that had been drilled into her to take over. Other NCR engineers followed suit, breaking cover to fire at the enemy and help push them back. By the time the top section was secured, they were having to deal with the lower level where Olivia and the rest of the engineers crouched in waiting. It didn't take long for the war to spill through the doors with a thunderous roar of war cries and everything became a blur of motion, blood, cries of pain and aid.
"Medic! We need a medic!" Olivia heard one of the NCR soldiers cry out at the opposite side of the room, only to be brutally cut down by Legionaries by the time Olivia had a chance to turn as see if she could assist. The sight of the poor soldier kneeling next to his fallen comrade, his insides spilling out of his body and crimson blood pouring freely from his neck before he slumped to the cold hard ground made her blood run cold.
'Don't look at him, focus on the Legionaries', a voice instructed her and the barrel of her rifle fixated on the enemies that had just butchered the poor men. With five rapid shots she caught them all.
*Click* *Click*
'Empty. Reload. Make every shot count'
"Olivia!" she heard Theo's voice call out behind her, "Run!"
She heard their footsteps rushing toward her and Olivia spun round on her heel to see two furious looking Prime and Veteran Legionaries wielding machetes coming straight for her, their eyes wide and bloodshot, faces contorted with blind rage. The mere sight would have terrified Olivia had she encountered these soldiers in such a state when she was a simple slave in the Legion Camp, but not today. Three bullets quickly took care of that problem, and Olivia couldn't help but think how fortunate it was for her and many others that Caesar didn't believe his soldiers should rely on firearms.
She turned trying to find Theo and see if he needed help, only to see him in a terrifying hand to hand fight with a Legionary Prime. He was struggling to parry the soldier's blows and before Olivia had a chance to put a bullet in him the Legionary's sharp machete caught Theo's thigh.
"Theo!" she yelled, taking quick aim and catching the Legionary in the throat. Even with the cavernous room filled with sounds of battle, she could hear the sick gurgling of her target's dying breath as he collapsed onto Theo.
"You alright?", she panted, pulling the heavy Legionary off her friend and helping him back on his feet.
"Yeah… I'm alright", he grunted as he stumbled back up, clutching his thigh. Although he was trying to make light of his injury, Olivia could see it was bad. Blood was quickly pouring down his leg and dripping on the floor forming a small pool.
"Come here", she pulled him off to the side in a corner behind cover so she could assess his injury.
"How bad is it?" he winced as Olivia gently pulled his hand away from the leg. His body was starting to shiver from shock.
"Nothing a stimpak and some med-x couldn't cure", she answered calmly, taking the items out of her personal medkit on her belt, "Hold still, this'll sting a bit".
She quickly injected the med-x to help him with the pain and stop him from going into shock before administering the stimpak. For good measure she poured some disinfectant over his wound and wrapped it in bandages.
"Didn't think you'd be so calm in all of this", he said in a slightly amused tone.
"Why? Because I'm a woman?" she asked indifferently.
"No… I just didn't take you for such a good shot. Most of us here are lousy with a gun", he answered candidly.
"I was lucky to have a 1st Recon sniper friend show me the ropes before going off to Camp Golf for official training", Olivia added as she secured the bandage and handed him her loaded 10mm pistol, "Now use this before thinking of taking on the Legionaries in a hand to hand combat again".
"Don't worry, I will", he smiled at her.
They assessed the situation of the battle around them before coming to the same conclusion. The majority of the fighting was now focused in the engineering section with the metal platforms above them hardly having any enemies.
"If we get to the upper level we will have a good vantage point to fire", Olivia suggested, receiving an approving nod from Theo. Sticking close and watching each other's backs, they made a run for the staircase that would lead them to the top. Sure enough when they reached the top they had the pick of the litter and they both took advantage of it. All of Olivia's focus was on the needle on the tip of her barrel, moving quickly as she picked off her enemies one by one. Pretty soon some of the other NCR personnel caught on to Olivia's strategy and another team moved up to the upper level opposite them. The Legionaries were dropping like flies and Olivia couldn't help but believe they were going to get through this. She was so fixated on her targets that she didn't react to a new wave of Legionary soldiers storming the level they were standing on.
"Retribution!" a soldier's cry came several feet to her right that caught Olivia off guard. Before she had a chance to turn and face her attacker she was knocked off her feet and fell down the steep steps along with her assailant. She tucked her body into a fetal position to protect herself from impact and shut her eyes tightly as she bore the pain of the fall.
"Urngh!" she heard the soldier's grunt as they reached the bottom with a hard thud, both winded and sprawled on the floor.
'Get up! Get up now or you're dead!' a voice screamed inside Olivia.
She opened her eyes again and staggered onto her knees, trying to catch her breath as her arms flailed for her rifle that was nowhere to be found. With her mind swimming in pain, adrenaline and fear pushed her to get back on shaky feet.
'Weapon! Find a weapon!'
With no gun left on her person she pulled out the last weapon she could wield, a serrated combat knife secured to her belt and launched herself at the soldier.
Anticipating her attack the Legionary avoided her blow and caught her wrist, painfully twisting the knife out of her hand before landing a crippling blow to her abdomen almost knocking her out; but before the darkness could claim her a searing pain shot through her shoulder like fire and she shrieked with such intensity it resonated through the room.
"Think you can get the better of me?!" the Legionary bellowed in her face, forcefully pulling his weapon out of her shoulder and kicking her away from him, "Stupid woman!".
Olivia staggered back falling onto several metal storage crates behind her, using them to prop herself up as she held on to her injured shoulder. It wasn't until she looked up at his features, now uncovered from their scuffle, that she recognised who her enemy was.
"Aurelius…", the words seethed through her teeth like venom, and suddenly their fight became much more personal.
He smirked, spinning his machete in his hand before approaching her as if trying to impress her, "I see knowledge of my prowess in battle has travelled far. Shame you won't be around to tell your profligate friends of how I bested you".
"You don't remember me, do you?" she jibed.
"Should I?" he pressed himself up against her, pushing her back painfully into the sharp edges of the storage containers she was propping herself onto, his sharp blade just nicking the delicate skin on her neck.
"Look closer… You'll see a woman you tried to kill before and failed".
His sharp gaze curiously glanced over her and he pulled away the kerchief around her mouth that was masking her identity. As he did so, Olivia saw his hardened eyes widen in disbelief and he pulled away just enough to give her some room to make her move.
"No… I watched you die…"
The distraction worked, giving Olivia enough time to pull out the pin from a grenade she had in her military ammo pouch and cook it behind her back.
"You failed. You failed then, and you have failed again today. That is how you will be remembered", and with all the strength left in her body, Olivia kicked him in the gut sending him sprawling to the floor. Launching herself up and over the top of the heavy storage containers, she tossed the grenade at him and saw it land at his feet before she took cover. A split moment later and Aurelius was gone, a stain in Olivia's history that she never wanted to remember again and now smeared on the floor in the depths of the Dam.
With Boone's final shot echoing over the serene water behind Hoover Dam, followed by a splash as the final Legionary saboteur fell limp into the cold waters, Six rushed back to the main entrance to inform the head of the engineering team they had dealt with the problem and there shouldn't be any further issues with the turbines. Though when she reached the entrance and looked down the long path toward the East, she realised they had a bigger problem coming. The full force of the Legion was visible from where they stood, and they were getting ready to storm the Dam with every soldier they had.
"That's not good", Boone panted next to her, wiping the beading sweat off his brow, "You need to call them in".
"What? No!" Six protested.
"We're out of options here Six", Boone answered urgently. He was growing impatient with her holding all her cards so close, "Call the favour in".
"What if we need it later?"
"You mean what if you need it later", Boone corrected her.
"No that's not what I meant! What if NCR reinforcements arrive and we spend our most valuable chip?"
"Reinforcements? Look around you!" Boone spread his arms wide to emphasise the brutal destruction the Legion unleashed in their path, "There are no reinforcements Six! This is all there is. We were the reinforcements!"
"Fuck!" Six swore under her breath and fumbled for the radio Pearl gave her when she helped the Boomers a few months back, "Fine! I'm radioing them now".
Boone listened in on their conversation, not wanting to be kept even more in the dark than he already was. The Boomers quickly responded to Six's message and responded back. The flight to the Dam would take less than a couple of minutes, but they still had to prep the bomber for the flight.
"Just give me an estimate Loyal. Ten? Fifteen minutes?" Six radioed back.
"Assuming all goes well, twenty tops", Loyal's voice responded through the speaker.
"We'll try to hold out… Don't let us down", Six radioed back before pocketing it back in her bag.
"This is going to be a long twenty minutes", Boone exhaled, reloading his sniper rifle and following Six to the towers.
The sun was beginning to set when word of the Courier's push to the East to thwart the Legion had reached almost every personnel at Hoover Dam. Inspired with the bravery shown by her and her companion, every able-bodied soldier soon followed suit, unleashing waves of bullets at the wall of Legionary soldiers that had made their way through the barricaded Eastern side of the Dam. Shortly after they heard the distant roar of the Boomer's bomber plane echoing over the land as it made its approach.
"Find cover!" Six yelled at the top of the tower and shielded her eyes from the sun so she could watch the plane's approach. It was a glorious sight to behold as the massive old-world aircraft, bathed in stunning gold and orange hues of the sunset behind it, descended on their enemies and dropped bombs in perfect alignment. The NCR soldiers whooped and cheered behind their cover as they watched the devastation unleashed onto the Legion army, obliterating them in the blink of an eye.
This was the vital distraction Six needed to make her move and enter Tower 2. Instructing Boone to stay on top of one of the Towers to give her cover while she made a mad dash, Six couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for what she was about to do. She took the elevator leading down to the Hoover Dam offices that lead her into an L shaped utility room. Winding through the corridors of Tower 2 and just as she was about to round a corridor, she saw several bodies of Prime Legionary soldiers strewn on the floor. When she came to the end of the passage, she saw two NCR troopers dressed in Heavy Troopers powerarmour guarding the heavy blast doors behind them.
"Hold up! You shouldn't be here. It's best if you just move along", the first trooper advised
"It's okay, I'm a friend", Six held up her arms to show them she meant no harm.
"Friend or not, no one is allowed in here. Move along!" the soldier insisted.
Six's mind swam in possible scenarios and dialogue she could use to get through that door. If she chose to instigate a fight it would be short lived; she didn't stand a chance against two Heavy Troopers in powerarmour, not alone at least. The only option was to think of a lie that would be good enough to persuade them to abandon their post.
"Colonel Moore is in trouble! She needs help now!" Six blurted out.
"Damn it all to hell! Let's go!" the soldier instructed and they both left without quarrel.
With the guards now out of the way, Six had complete access to the control room. The heavy blast doors opened with a hiss and revealed a dimly lit room littered with desks and terminals and further down into the room to her right was a bank of monitors.
"Jackpot!" she exhaled, running up to them and activating its main computer. Once the screens flickered to life she pulled out the override chip that House instructed her to install upon her arrival and, sure enough within mere moments of carrying out her task, four monitors lit up with the familiar photograph of House's face.
"I knew you'd make it. Resourceful, as always", his voice reverberated through the dusty old speakers, "The override module is functioning properly. I'm rerouting power to the Securitron vault at the Fort as we speak… I just need you to head over to the east power plant and manually activate the switch. When you return topside, I think you'll see that my Securitroon army is a little more than the Legion was prepared to handle."
"Excellent", Six exhaled in relief.
"Oh, and before you go – grab that print-out spooling from the console here – those papers set the terms for the NCR's unconditional surrender".
The printer next to her sprang to life, printing out a long document.
"I thought you might enjoy the honor of presenting them to the NCR's commanding officer, once the Legion has been defeated. Cheers!"
With that his communication terminated and every terminal screen around her automatically started flickering to life and displaying House's picture; it was more than a little unnerving.
Pulling the document that just was just printed up to a light source so she could read it, Six's gaze glanced over House's terms.
'Didn't know you were that intent on nickel and diming the NCR, House', she thought, her eyes widening in surprise the further down she went. These were some intense terms of demand and she hated to think how this would affect civilians living in NCR territories.
'This isn't gonna end well', she thought, unable to shake the feeling that when this is all over, she would have some unfinished business with House to conclude at the Lucky 28. But for now she needed to head deeper into the facility to find that switch. As she progressed through the corridors, House was quickly taking over the Dam as his face jumped from monitor to monitor. Apart from running into a few Legionary soldiers and dispatching them swiftly with her revolver, Six found no resistance to her presence from other NCR personnel there. Finally she reached her destination opening a door to the south which revealed a balcony overlooking the Dam's primary turbine room.
"Switch… where's the switch", Six muttered looking around. She found it on the end of the wall of the balcony to her right and quickly turned it on. Soon as she did, she was startled by the lights that illuminated the dark room and a bell ringing that indicated the turbine's activation. Six stayed just long enough to make sure everything was up and running as it should be and once satisfied made her way back the way she came.
By the time she reached topside it was night-time; a full moon was out in the clear navy sky above Caesar's fort… bathed in flames.
"Holy shit…" Six's eyes widened in shock as she gazed at the mesmerising sight. House wasn't lying about his securitrons, some of which were suddenly appearing behind her after dealing with scattered Legionary soldiers and followed close when she carried on pushing East on the other side of the Colorado, helping her fight any Legionaries she came across. With missiles launching and rapid laser fire, the Legion didn't stand a chance against an army of securitrons.
Reaching the gate to the Legate's camp, Six cautiously proceeded inside, crouching low to the ground with her revolver ready and aimed in front of her. Knowing what kind force she had at her back, entering Caesar's camp felt a lot different this time compared to when she was first invited to have an audience with the infamous leader. She was no longer the meek and docile Courier that came through this camp months ago.
Making her way through Caesar's camp, Six couldn't shake an eerie feeling that she was being watched. The camp itself was practically deserted with only a few guards scattered over the entire area. News of the Boomer's involvement and House's securitrons now joining in the fight must have reached its way to command; they undoubtedly realised they were out of their league and retreated back East. Nevertheless, Six pushed forward determined to find Caesar. Taking the path to the East she reached upon some stairs up the hill, and on top of that hill stood a masked figure…watching her. It was Legate Lanius.
A trembling chill ran down Six's spine as she came to the realisation that Caesar was long gone, and he left his second in command to deal with the battle for Hoover Dam. The Legion never scared Six because she knew they were no different than other bloodthirsty tribes she came across in the past. Granted they were more organised, driven and physically more powerful than other tribes she'd come across, but they were still weak to bullets. Legate Lanius, on the other hand, was the Terror of the East… A man of such brutality, filled with deadly resolve, that even Caesar's Legion was terrified of him; even more so than Joshua Graham.
'Stay calm, you'll get through this', Six thought to herself, taking in a deep breath to calm her rushing heartbeat before carrying on up the steep slope. When she was within several feet, several Legionary soldiers rushed out from the darkness behind Lanius and surrounded her, their machetes, axes and knives at the ready…waiting for their master's orders.
"An envoy of Vegas, yet you carry yourself for battle. If so, you cannot truly be of that city of cowards", Lanius' gruff and intimidating voice spoke behind the mask.
"If you think you've got any chance of taking Hoover Dam, you're wrong", Six answered, keeping her voice calm and steady.
"Many graves in the East are filled with those who said as much, with braver words, not backed by strength. It is Caesar's will this gate to the west bear the flag of the Legion. Caesar's will shall be done".
"What, Caesar wasn't brave enough to come take the Dam himself?" Six chided, ignoring the insults thrown at her by the other soldiers for speaking up. Lanius on the other hand showed no reaction to her goading.
"Caesar's will is made truth through me. I am a hammer against all the defy his rule. If you seek to stand against me, you shall fall as the West falls".
"Then… Perhaps you're willing to listen to reason", Six replied, her mind swimming with possible scenarios of how this could all go down. The securitrons that had followed her through into the camp were some distance away dealing with other Legionaries. She had to find a way to stall until they arrived to back her up.
"I see you fight with words, like all beneath the flag of the Bear. Let us hope your skill with weapons proves greater".
"Persist and learn what Graham learned at the Dam – and Boulder City".
"You dare speak that name? Comparing him to any man of Caesar will only earn you a slow death", his voice growled, "You think me some lesser man, some other Legate? I am the first of the Legion, and this gate to the West shall be ours this day".
"This battle is decided, that's why I am here", she countered, knowing she nicked a nerve in Lanius by mentioning Graham.
"So you seek quarter? Terms of surrender? Our roads into NCR are hung with the bodies of those who attempted to negotiate with us. Save your speeches, we will take Hoover Dam and move forward until our feet crush the setting sun beneath them."
"Move forward? The Legion spent years trying to take Hoover Dam".
"Hoover Dam has never seen the massed strength of the East. Only Legates such as Graham… who deserved the fire Caesar blessed him with. Now I am here, and make markers of your people as the Legion carves its way West".
"And then what of the East?" Six questioned, sensing she could very easily get the upper hand in this debate.
"You speak in circles – what of the East? I am the East, and I will prove it this day".
"If you need all the East to crush the West…", she as good as gave him his answer on a silver platter, all he had to do was acknowledge the logic her argument presented.
"The victory here shall be swift. Our forces shall take the Dam, secure it, then build a road west on the bodies of the NCR. The East will hold. Once across the Colorado, nothing to rival Hoover Dam remains".
'Urgh…stubborn big horner', Six thought in the back of her mind as she presented a counter argument.
"Well… Except Vegas".
"Vegas will fall", Lanius stated matter-of-factly.
"Really? I hope you're not counting on the Omertas to help you", she grinned.
"I count on no one".
"Good", Six shrugged, folding her arms in front of her chest, "Because the Omertas' plan was stopped, Vegas is as strong as ever".
"A plan by Vulpes… Treachery is a weapon that one should never rely on. I can only hope that the Omertas died when their treachery was exposed, to have the plan succeed only would have sullied the Legion. It does not matter, victory shall be ours, it shall be swift, and it will be honest, purchased with blood".
"It's not the strength of the West that will slow you, it is their weakness".
"Your weakness? You seek to thwart me by claiming the Legion is too strong for you?"
"The NCR's weakness is its size – it'll take your entire army to hold the West".
"That does not mean we would not succeed".
"Eventually – but moving your whole army West means losing the East. You can't hold both", Six countered. She felt an excited giddy sensation within her, sensing she was close to a breakthrough.
"The East was a hard-fought campaign. Even now, Caesar drew too much of the Legion's blood needed there for… this… Hoover Dam is but a place. I will not have it be the gravestone of the Legion – whether quickly, or as you describe, slowly… by attrition".
"There is victory in wisdom, Legate", Six answered. It was taking all of her willpower not to break her composure; she'd won, but it wasn't over yet.
"As for wisdom… there is wisdom in your words, woman of the West. Know that I should return East. I shall not remain there forever. On that day, the strength of the Bear shall be tested. If the West is one day filled with ones such as you, perhaps it shall be a worthy fight, indeed".
"If you feel that war matters that much, perhaps you will see differently in time".
"Hnh. My coming would have saved you, set your people free in ways they cannot see. War would have tested them. Broken the weak with its violence, yet allowing the strong to arise. Violence gave you that strength, awakened you – I can see it upon your face, where two bullets left their mark. Perhaps it is unfortunate Vulpes was not here to hear your words… Something tells me you would prove more than his match. Until the day when our armies meet again, envoy of Vegas – I shall wait for you on the battlefield."
And with that, Lanius turned and left with his Legionaries, leaving Six to stand atop the hill listening to the distant gunfire and explosions behind her.
The second battle for Hoover Dam was over… Now Six had to find a way to break the news to General Oliver that Hoover Dam did not, in fact, belong to the NCR.
It was official – the war with the Legion was over. Word travelled fast down the ranks of the Courier's triumph over Legate Lanius, but it was a hollow victory for the NCR. The devastation at the Dam was incalculable; corpses of soldiers, both Legion and NCR, lay scattered over the hard road… their blood dyeing the concrete a dark crimson. It didn't take long before the Securitrons rolled into the area, weapons loaded and ready to fire at any who resisted. Boone stood still atop the tower Six had instructed him to wait from, watching as events unfolded around him. He should have known things would end this way… Although he thought the Courier was a decent and honest companion, their journey over the months since she first strolled into Novac proved that there was another, more duplicitous side to her. He confronted her on this several times, and each time she would deny it while doing exactly what he confronted her on. Even though there were brief moments in their travels together where he found himself more at peace and fleeting moments where he was not thinking about Carla, she was not the person he thought she was… or hoped that she would become.
Ignoring her instruction, Boone made his way down to help his comrades salvage as much as they could out of the situation and load the dead onto trucks to be taken to a mass burial site. They were sure to erect another monument in honor of all those who had lost their lives over the past 48 hours, but what good did that do when the war they fought was for nothing in the end?
As dawn began to rise over the horizon and Boone was preparing to leave with the first batch of survivors, he heard Six call his name some distance away.
"Boone!... Hey, Boone… Wait up!" she panted as she made her way around the personnel busy sorting through the corpses.
Boone clenched his jaw, feeling as a bitter taste in the back of his throat when she approached him. This wasn't going to end well...
"Where you off to in such a hurry? I thought we were travelling together", she asked with a beaming smile on her face. Despite her cheerful demeanour toward him, she looked even more exhausted than he felt – her strawberry blonde hair dishevelled, dust and dirt peppering her porcelain smooth skin.
"We were", he answered flatly, hoisting his heavy duffel bag over his shoulder.
"We… we were?" she looked up at him as if waiting for another reasonable explanation.
"Yeah. Past tense of we are", he scoffed.
"Don't be a wise ass", the creases in her brow deepened as she became serious.
"There's nothing more to say", he shrugged, walking past her at a steady pace in the direction of the truck that was about to leave, "We worked together to fight the Legion, and now we're through".
"Na-ah, I don't buy it", she persisted, following his heel, "All that we've been through, at Novac, Nipton, Coyote ridge… You can't just up and leave. That's not like you".
"And you would know me so well, wouldn't you?" he answered coldly.
"I'd like to think that I do, yeah".
"Well, I thought I knew you… And look where that got me. You betrayed the NCR, handed Hoover Dam over to some ghost who lives in the Lucky 38 and left the men and women who fought this war for us, who gave their lives to protect the Mojave…", he shook his head, unable to finish that sentence as he felt his throat close up.
Six's shoulders visibly slumped, a sorrow etched in her features, "I'm sorry, Boone… I didn't do this to hurt the NCR, or to hurt you".
Boone pursed his lips and gave her a curt nod, "Well, you did exactly what you said you wouldn't… And we all have to live with your decision".
"Boone, please -" Six tried to get in front of him but he abruptly turned toward her making her bump into his torso, towering over her small frame intimidatingly.
"Just, please… Do the right thing for once Six - don't follow me... We're done", he answered with a nod, feeling the lump in his throat swell even more. Even from behind his aviator sunglasses he could see that his harsh words visibly made her eyes well up, and Boone couldn't bring himself to look back as he walked away from her.
Although the end of their companionship came abruptly and unexpectedly, Boone still had respect and appreciation for the Courier. The memories they shared together, of going into battle against the Legion, rescuing innocents, and swapping stories of their lives before shit hit the fan along the way would always be of significance for him… but the damage was done. It was time for both to move on with their lives in this strange new world they helped create. What the world held in store for him, Boone truthfully couldn't say. One thing he was certain of – the Legion wasn't going to give up so easily… The next time they dared to threaten the Mojave, he would be at the front line... ready for them.
After travelling on the hard trail for over two hours, Joshua knew they were close to home. His step quickened, leaving his three companions grumbling behind him.
"Come on, we're almost there!" he exclaimed as he steadily climbed up a steep incline on all fours. The rocks were loose in this area and they had to be vigilant; one wrong step and you could end up with a broken leg, or worse…
"Take it easy Joshua! We all want to get home, but we're rather get there in one piece if that's alright with you", Hank chuckled behind him.
As they got up over the hump of the incline to see the large stretch of land ahead of them, Joshua could smell smoke in the distance.
"Wait", he instructed his men when they made it up with him, "There's smoke in the air".
"Yeah. Probably from someone's campsite nearby", Hank huffed.
"Or could be the White Legs", Dell responded with more trepidation in his voice.
They scanned the horizon and saw dark plumes of smoke billowing in the air in the direction they were headed…
"Is that…?"
"That's coming from home!" Dell answered, mortified.
Joshua wasted no time, sprinting down the hill with his weapon at the ready, his companions following closely at his heels. There was no reason for plumes of smoke to be emanating from the New Canaanite settlement, unless they were attacked. Joshua prayed to God that they were alright as they sprinted at full pelt.
Almost a quarter of an hour later, panting with exertion and sweating profusely, the men made it to the edge of their home. As they neared the damage to the structures was revealed; all of the log houses they had built were blackened from the fire, their roofs collapsed, the main campfire in the middle of the settlement was turned upside down and all their belongings strewn across the dirt ground before them. But there was no sign of anyone, not even the attackers.
"Mary! Dawn!" Joshua bellowed as he sprinted for their cabins but found much of the same scenery. There was no blood, no bodies anywhere, yet his mind swam with imagined fear of what might have happened while they were gone. Were they forcefully kidnapped by the White Legs? No, that wasn't their way… Unless they thought bringing his people to the Legion would grant them entry among Caesar's ranks.
"Joshua! Over here!" he heard Hank's call back at the centre of the camp and rushed back, his eyes wide with dread.
"Look over here", Hank pulled him aside and directed his attention to a set of tracks that were roughly brushed away.
"What did you find?"
"These are different from the other prints around camp, they look like they came from our own", Hank nodded, pointing further up the path toward the distant cliffs, "Recon they spotted the White Legs in the distance and went for the cliffs for safety".
"I hope you're right Hank", Joshua exhaled, feeling slightly better. "We should follow them, we don't want to waste any daylight".
"Agreed", Hank grunted in affirmation as he got back up on his feet to lead the way for them.
As they traversed the uneven terrain, Joshua couldn't imagine how the others managed to do it without suffering any injuries. They were only halfway through their tracks when Dell's foot fell through one of the gaps in the sharp rocks and gave him a nasty gash on his ankle. They stopped to patch him up, but it was slow going. Joshua, Hank, and the others were also suffering with minor cuts and bruises to their hands, arms and knees. He kept his attention focused on placing one foot steadily in front of the other for the rest of the climb up, avoiding the fears that were sitting in the back of his mind about what they may or may not find when they reached the end of the tracks. As they climbed up over the steepest incline and reached the mouth of a cave, Joshua thought he heard faint sounds of voices coming from inside.
"Shh shh! Everyone quiet" Hank held up his hand as he followed the tracks and approached the cave, "I think… I think this is it!"
"Mary?!" Joshua called out, realising it was a pretty foolish thing to do, "Dawn?!"
"Joshua?!" Mary's voice echoed in the mouth of the cave, sending a warm wave of relief through him, "Joshua wait there! Don't come inside! We've set traps through the narrow passageway. Wait for us we'll come out to meet you!"
"I'm here… I'm not going anywhere", he exhaled, feeling hot tears well up in his eyes and stream down his cheeks, making the strips of bandages around his eyes damp and cold.
After several minutes with the men waiting patiently for their families to emerge, they were once again all reunited in cries of joy and sadness. Mary brought them all up to speed on what had happened while they were away. They found out that one of their scouts looking for supplies found a temporary White Legs camp nearby the other evening and overheard them planning to launch an attack before dawn. After hightailing it back to camp and informing the others, they took only essential items and decided to climb up to one of the caves that Mary had found in one of her expeditions with Ash in the past. Taking every precaution they could think of, including planting some decoy tracks leading away from the caves, the settlers made the treacherous climb up the steep slopes almost two miles East of their homes. Joshua couldn't begin to describe the happiness and pride he felt for his people.
"I can't believe you all made it this far, without anyone getting hurt no less", Joshua exclaimed in astonishment, showing them the injuries they received from their trek.
"Well, that's because we weren't rushing up the slope, we left with enough time to make it here at a steady pace and settled in hours before dawn break", Mary chuckled, taking out her medical kit and tending to their cuts and bruises with tender care.
Once they recuperated a bit and the adrenaline from the day's events faded to an unpleasant memory, Joshua and the others agreed that they should remain in the cave for another day or so, until they were certain that the White Legs would not make another rude appearance. Hank and Dell tended to the tracks, making sure to hide and disguise them as best they could, while Joshua helped with setting of additional traps.
Night quickly came in the canyon lands and the settlers prepared for themselves for the night's slumber, laying out their sleeping bags in orderly rows while Joshua took first watch. He borrowed a thick leather jacket from Hank, donning it over his shoulders so he would be less noticeable for any curious White Legs who might wander up the slope. Taking his position outside on top of a boulder with a clear outlook on the land around him, Joshua cross legged with his weapon at the ready.
The night was beautifully crisp and clear, the stars shone brightly in the dark sky above him.
"Thank you", he whispered to the heavens as he looked up and marvelled at the twinkling lights shining down on them before turning his attention back to his watchful duty.
Some hours into the night, Mary was reluctantly woken from her deep slumber by a queasy feeling spreading through her body. Sitting up in her sleeping bag, she rubbed the back of her sore neck and wiped the cold sweat that had formed on her brow. Her stomach churned unhappily making her wince.
Careful so as not to wake the others from their sleep, Mary scooted to her backpack and pulled out her water canister to take a sip. The cool water was refreshing and almost sweet to the tongue; although it didn't eliminate her queasy feeling, it did help to alleviate it enough for her to try to get back to sleep. Soon as she tucked herself back in, she heard the faint sound of gravel being scuffed underfoot. As the footsteps neared, she could see Joshua's familiar silhouette in the dim lantern light.
He quietly approached her sleeping bag and sat down on the edge, unrolling his own bedding next to hers from the backpack Mary had packed with his essential belongings.
"Hi", she whispered, startling him slightly.
"Hey", he whispered back, leaning down to kiss her soft lips, "Did I wake you?"
"No", she sighed quietly, "I was up".
Joshua quietly unzipped his sleeping bag and scooted under the warm cover, turning to face her and using the inside of his arm as a pillow, "You needn't worry, it's quiet out there tonight. I don't think the White Legs will be bothering us again".
"I'm not worried", she smiled at him and stroked the side of his face, "I was feeling a little poorly, that's all".
"Are you ill?" he whispered gravely, feeling her forehead to check for a fever.
"Just a little queasy, that's all", she answered, "Had a drink of water before you came in and that helped".
"I'm here if there's anything you need", he lovingly tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.
"I know", she nodded and smiled serenely, scooting herself closer to him and feeling his arm wrap around her waist pulling her close, "You're all I need".
They held each other close, taking comfort in the warmth of their bodies and the love they felt for one another as they drifted off to sleep. With sheer blind luck and some planning the New Canaanites were able to avoid a disastrous end; but the danger was not over yet. For as long as the White Legs roamed the canyon lands, none of them would ever be truly safe. Tonight they would catch some much needed rest, but come morning Joshua would have to make a crucial decision… one which could either keep his family safe, or mean a slow death of their small tribe.