The pair leave Red Rock at daybreak, their mission complete. They had just past the fenced off empty lot with the tiny building. Why was such a small building locked behind such a tall fence?, she wonders. Beyond this point, the area opened up, if they kept going forward it would take them to the 188, a left turn would take them to Camp McCarran and New Vegas.
"So how did you get Regis to agree? ," Vulpes asks as the pair head towards Camp McCarran.
"I promised him my hand in marriage," she giggles.
Vulpes laughs, "No really, how did you do it. He was dead set against us."
Agnes laughs, "Well it was more of like a consideration. If he survives the annexation, I'll consider."
Vulpes smile begins to wither away, "Really?"
"Yes really. You told me to make this work, if I remember correctly. At any cost."
By now, the smile had completely dissappeared, replaced with a growing scowl.
"I did mean whoring yourself out!," Vulpes stops, turning to yell at Agnes.
"I did not whore myself out," she defends. "It was just the possibility of a future arrangement. I very well doubt that..."
Her words were cut short as Vulpes slaps her.
"Oh all the stupid things," he growls, slapping her again.
Agnes attempts to evade but is seized, Vulpes grabbing a fist full of hair. Snatching her towards him, he stops as Agnes jams the barrel of her pistol, the very one that he had given her, into the soft underside of his jaw.
"That is enough!," she growls. "You do that again and I blow your fucking brains out! Caesar be damned!"
Vulpes regards her with a fierce look. She could see him thinking, evaluating all possible outcomes.
"There is no way this can end without me shooting you," she says firmly. "Now let me go. Slowly."
Vulpes releases his grip, slowly lowering his arm. Agnes had yet to remove the pistol from its place.
"I did as you asked, " she hisses. "You have no right to hit me! I could have done this task on my own, I did not ask you to chaperone me!"
Vulpes had yet to speak, only giving harsh looks.
"I will accompany you to Camp McCarran and from there, we will go our separate ways. I will continue to support the Legion, you have my word."
Having said her peace, Agnes removes the pistol from the underside of his jaw, keeping a steady watch on him. Vulpes' continued silence was making her very cautious.
Out of nowhere, a loud voice calls out to the pair.
"You need some help handing that woman?"
They both look to see a group of unkempt men sitting on the front porch of a dilapidated house. Their dirty blue shirts with dark pants told Agnes all she needed to know.
"PowderGangers," she spits.
One of men stands, walking off the front porch and into the dusty yard.
"Did you hear me? You need some help handing that woman? Me and the boys would be mighty obliged to help."
The men sitting on the porch break into fits of laughter. Agnes quickly looks to Vulpes, who narrows his eyes at the man.
"Dont," she warns.
His eyes cut to her before returning to the man.
"Vulpes," she repeats, touching his arm.
He turns quickly, causing Agnes to take a step back, her reaction bringing a slight smile to his face.
"Be quiet," he snarls.
Bearing a friendly smile, Vulpes walks towards the man in the yard.
"Hey buddy," Vulpes calls out. "What you'd say? I couldn't quite hear you."
The man opens his mouth, only to collapse into a fine red mist as Vulpes shoots him with a quickly pulled pistol. The men on the porch stare in confusion before scrambling to their feet, yelling obscenities. One by one they fall as Vulpes shoots them down.
Much to her distress, Vulpes plays with the last one. Vulpes reloads his pistol before approaching the remaining Powder Ganger, who lay bleeding from a stomach wound.
"I did do anything," the wounded man stammers, backing away from Vulpes.
"But you would have," her Mentor resp. "You and all those like you need to be put down like the degenerates you are."
"Please mister," the man blubbers. "Please dont..."
Vulpes shoots the man in one knee then the other before he can finish his pleading. The man screams in pain, writhing around on the porch.
"Shut up and take it like a man! ," Vulpes yells, he shoots the man in each shoulder.
The man begins to utter gibberish as he rolls from side to side, tears pouring down his face. He spies Agnes standing in the yard and calls out to her.
"Help me!," he pleads. "Please!"
Vulpes steps forward, "She can't help you."
The man sobs, "Please. I'm sorry."
Agnes is struck by the depravity before her. She hates PowderGangers but this was too much. Maybe there was something she could do.
.
"I'm glad that you can admit your past mistakes and beg for forgiveness. That is the first step to redemption," Vulpes practically purrs.
The man looks up, hope shining in his watery eyes.
"Dominus," Agnes calls softly as she approaches the porch railing. Vulpes looks, the darkened googles giving the appearanceof empty eye sockets.
"Have mercy," she says.
"Mercy!," echoes the man laying in a growing pool of blood.
"If that's what you wish," he smirks.
Vulpes puts the final bullet in the man's throat. Standing over the man, his expression never wavers as he watches the Powder Ganger drown in his own blood.
Disturbed by what she witnessed, Agnes walks into the house. Forcefully opening drawers and cabinets, a memory plays in her mind: a man with mangled legs and a bullet.
"How are you any different?," her inner self asks.
"I didn't cripple him," she speaks aloud.
"But you didn't have to shoot him," the voice responds.
"He would have never survived anyway," she says.
"Who are you talking to?," Vulpes asks, walking into the kitchen.
"Just myself", Agnes says, slamming the cabinet door shut, ignoring his quizzical look.
"Find anything good?," he asks, looking around at the trash that lay everywhere.
"I found these," Agnes says handing him a small pouch.
Inside the rawhide bag, sat thirty five copper disks. Stamped on each disk is the Bull Rampart along with a number.
"We've been missing scouting parties in this area for a few months now. Always thought it was DeathClaws," Vulpes says looking at the disks in his hand.
"Shouldn't be a problem any more," he says putting the pouch into his blouse pocket.
Agnes stuffs the canned food and bottled of water into her pack. She would have taken the discarded Legion uniforms and weapons to sell had she not been traveling with Vulpes.
"Here," Vulpes says, holding out a light blue bundle. "I took the liberty of assisting your plundering of the dead."
Agnes goes to take the bundle only to have him retain possession of it.
"Don't ever point a gun at me again," Vulpes says, fixing her with a firm look as he held onto the bundle.
"Don't give me cause to," Agnes retorts.
Vulpes smiles before releasing his grip.
...
Agnes wasn't lying about being able to get Vulpes into Camp McCarran thru the front gate. He had been doubting her ability ever since they left Red Rock Canyon.
"Did you hear that shooting a few hours ago?," the guard calls out as they approach the main gate.
"PowderGangers," she replies. "They were holed up on that old farmstead. Few less assholes in the Mojave."
The guard knods and just like that, they walk into Camp McCarran. Vulpes is in her ear.
"And just how are you able to do this?"
"I did some work for the NCR a few months back. Took out some Fiend leaders for them. Bounty hunting stuff, earned some caps, got major brownie points with the local brass by finding a missing Ranger. I still trade with them from time to time. Run personal errands and the like," she explains.
As they walk towards the main building, Agnes can't help but to look at the vast settlement of tents that covers the blacktop. She looks at the NCR soldiers that mill about, searching for just one.
"He left you remember?," her inner voice declares.
With a snort, she forces herself to look away.
...
The pair enter the main building. The sound of the metal door shutting echoes throughout the dimly lit lobby. It takes a few minutes for their eyes to adjust to the darkened interior.
"This place is amazing," Agnes says looking at the model airplane hanging from the ceiling.
"This used to be called an airport, before the Great War. Can you imagine, flying in the air instead of walking everywhere? It must have been fantastic!"
"And very expensive if you read the journals of yesteryear," a man's voice calls from above.
The pair look up to see Captain Ronald Curtis leaning over the railing.
"Hello Captain," Agnes says, giving a crisp salute. "May we have a word?"
"Well, well, well. Aren't you a sight for sore eyes," Captain Curtis beams down at the her.
Agnes gives him a dopey grin, she found the Captain to be good company. Kind and funny, Ronald had taken her out to dinner a couple times after her and Boone split. They had fun, the Captain a perfect gentleman.
"Come on up and let's chat."
Captain Curtis greets Agnes at the top of the stairs.
"A true desert rose," he says, bowing over her hand. Agnes stifles a silly giggle while Vulpes rolls his eyes at the display.
Agnes turns to Vulpes. "This is my new partner..."
"Mr. Fox," Curtis finishes for her. "Yes, we are very well acquainted."
Agnes watches as Vulpes gives her the slightest smirk.
It dawns on Agnes that Captain Ronald Curtis is Vulpes' man on the inside. Months ago, Agnes was asked to discreetly investigate the possibility of a mole leaking information to the Legion. She couldn't find any concrete evidence leading back to a single person but the clues were there. Agnes would have never suspected the Captain.
Capt. Curtis smiles at the dumbfounded look on Agnes' face as she looks from Curtis to Vulpes and back.
The pair follow the Captain to his office, Agnes keeping her distance from the double agent. She wastes no time digging thru her pack and pulling out a small pouch.
"I found what you were looking for," she says thrusting the leather pouch forward. Curtis takes the bag, letting his hand caress hers before emptying the bag on his desk, surveying the wires, connectors and various electrical items.
"Looks good," he says, handing her a small bag of caps.
"Always a pleasure doing business with you," Curtis says, letting his hand linger on hers.
Agnes gives a forced smile at his contact. Amazing, she thinks, just minutes ago, I was basking in his smile and now, I want to strangle him. The Captain escorts her to the door, placing his hand on the small of her back.
"This recent turn of events may be quite fortuitous," Curtis says lowly at the door, giving her that smile she used to find adorable, his eyes seeming to twinkle.
"I seriously doubt it," Agnes snaps, moving away from him, wanting nothing to do with the spy. The smile falls from his face, replaced by a hard line. It's apparent that Curtis wants to say more before deciding otherwise.
"I'll be waiting outside," she tells Vulpes before turning her back on the mole and strolling away.
...
Agnes is posted in the shade waiting for Vulpes, when she is approached by someone that makes her smile.
"I thought you went home?," a gruff voice says.
Agnes would know that voice anywhere.
"Hello Boone," she said, smiling.
She lifts her shades to get a good look at the man that stands next to her.
Red Beret, check.
Mirrored sunglasses, check.
Uptight expression, check.
The light stubble on his cheeks was new.
Agnes approves, it made him look rugged, like a cowboy from long ago, golden stubble capturing the Sun's rays.
"What are you doing here?," he asks, gripping the strap of his rifle.
"Looking for some work, found some work," she replies nonchalantly. "I plan ongoing home but something keeps coming up."
"Oh," Boone replies.
He was never one for idle conversation, Agnes muses but that's what she liked about him. Boone is simple and straightforward, what you see is what you get.
"How have you been?," he ventures, moving to stand closer.
Agnes smiles at him and melts a bit when Boone smiles back. Damn, she had missed him more than she initially thought. Despite his massive emotional shortcomings, Boone had this do-gooder wholesomeness to him that Agnes found very endearing. The Wastelands had an unfortunate way of taking the best that people had to offer and leaving them hollow and jaded.
"Eh, been better. How are you?," she asks.
Boone gives a non committal grunt, bobbing his head, indicating that things are going well for him.
"What are you doing later?" he ventures.
"I'm not sure," she says. "I'm waiting on my partner."
"Oh," Boone said, trying not to sound disappointed.
As if on cue, the door opens and Vulpes steps out into the daylight. He adjusts his darkened goggles, looking around. Agnes sees him scowl before making his way over.
"Hope I didn't keepyou waiting too long," Vulpes says, pressing a kiss to her temple before giving Boone the once over.
To the casual observer, Vulpes was a doting partner but Agnes knew otherwise. He enjoyed having the upper hand and flaunting it.
"No, my dear. I was just talking to an old friend," she smiles at Vulpes. "This is Boone. We used to travel together."
Boone sticks his hand out and the two men shake. It becomes clear that they were in a competition of sorts as the men continue to hold hands for much longer than necessary. Agnes rolls her eyes at the display, taking a brief moment to compare the two men before her.
While both men are tall and lanky, Agnes knows that Vulpes has the advantage of weight. Boone could shoot the ass off a Bloatfly at 100 yards but Vulpes was deadly at hand to hand combat and is probably the smartest person she knows. Boone has a heart of gold and is certain that he would never hurther while Vulpes seems to regularly enjoy hurting people, including herself. Vulpes's eyes are brighter than Boone's faded baby blue. Both men have an incredible smile, on the rare occasions they do smile.
Agnes supposes that Vulpes won due to the smirk that now graces his face as they disengage.
"It was good to see you," Agnes says.
"Good to see you too," Boone returns, surprising her with a brief, welcome hug. "Take care of yourself."
He calls out to Vulpes. "I didn't catch your name."
Vulpes once again smirks as he threads his arm around Agnes's waist and ushers her to the front gate.
...
As soon as they were out of sight of Camp McCarran, Vulpes drops his arm from around her waist.
"Your pet sniper?," he sneers.
"Don't talk about him like that, Boone's a good guy," Agnes defends.
"Sure he is," Vulpes scoffs. "He'll be a good guy right until he shoots you for siding with the Legion."
Agnes sniffs at him but knows Vulpes to be right
"Say," Agnes begins, "Think we have time for a detour?"
Vulpes stares at her.
"What? Its only right up the road and shouldn't take long, especially with the two of us."
Vulpes remains silent.
" I picked up some work while getting some food from the cafeteria, " Agnes explains.
"NCR work?" Vulpes finally asks.
"Yea, kinda but I didn't take it because of that," she said quickly.
Vulpes quirks an eyebrow.
"There was this lady, Christina, who lost her husband, he was a Ranger. Apparently his squad was attacked by Fiends and he was killed. No one has been able to reclaim his body, those damned junkies have him laid out like bait."
"I don't see where any of that is our concern," Vulpes says dryly.
"Nobody will help her! Her husband's best friend tried to help but he never came back. The NCR said they won't waste any more men to retrieve his body".
Vulpes gives her a long look.
"Come on, she needs our help!"
" I will not assist the NCR," Vulpes hisses.
Agnes grunts in frustration.
"Well then, assist me!, " she says, raising her voice.
Vulpes backhands Agnes.
Agnes clutches her struck cheek, "You sonofabitch!"
Vulpes grabs her by her blouse and pulls her close. He stares intently as if his gaze could set her aflame.
"One. You will never raise your voice to me! I am your superior. You got that?!"
Agnes gives a small nod.
"Two. When I say No, I mean No," he growls. "I will never assist the NCR."
Agnes sighs, looking away.
"Fine, I'll do it on my own if you won't help "
"Please do," Vulpes sneers, releasing his hold on her.
...
Eight stimpacks later, Agnes reclaims the body of Ranger Morales and that of his friend, Ranger Jackson.
Vulpes is no where to be seen, not that Agnes cares as she drags the bodies to the soldiers on watch. They are amazed that Agnes would help a perfect stranger.
"It's only right," she remarks as she begins the trek back to Camp McCarran.
Its nearly sunset before Agnes strolls back into the Concourse. She finds Christina, still sniffling at the same spot she had last seen her.
Christina Morales looks at Agnes with large hopeful eyes.
"I'm sorry for your loss," Agnes says as she gives Christina her husband's dog tags along with Ranger Jackson's. "At least now, there can be a burial, for both of them."
Christina nods her head and sighs at the extra set of dog tags.
"Poor Thomas."
Christina wipes her nose with a damp rag.
"Thank you..." she begins. "I'm sorry, I don't even know your name."
Agnes smiles,"It's not important."
Christina gives a tired smile.
"It is to me. Please tell me your name."
"Agnes," she says.
Christine reaches out with damp fingers, offering her hand.
"Thank you Agnes," she says, gently squeezing Agnes' hand. "I'll never forget your kindness."
Agnes smiles warmly before walking away from the NCR.
An final act of compassion before plunging into Hell, she thinks as the metal door slams shut behind her.
Agnes walks out onto the tarmac, expecting to find Vulpes but yet again surprised to not see him. Her eye catches another familiar figure standing under the portable lights. Boone, her heart sings. After a day like today, it would be wonderful to spend some time with him.
Unfortunately, Agnes is intercepted by Captain Curtis.
She is taken by surprise at the force of his grip as Curtis steers her into some shadows before turning her loose.
"Ow Curtis, what the fuck," Agnes says, rubbing her arm.
"Oh, its Curtis now?," he says curtly.
Agnes gives a harsh sigh.
I don't have time for this, she thinks.
"Okay, Ronald, what the fuck."
She hears Curtis snort at her tense reply.
"Our mutual acquaintance Mr. Fox is highly upset at your behavior."
"Like I give a shit," she growls.
"You should," Curtis snaps back. "He's dangerous, Agnes."
"I know Ronald, I've seen his work, remember? I got the "honor" of spreading the horrors of Nipton. Probably remember that shit till the day I die."
"Besides," Agnes says , "I already know how much of a bastard Mr. Fox can be."
Even in the shadows, Agnes can feel the look Curtis gives her. It makes her bristle in indignation.
"I don't need a guardian, Ronald." she states. "I can look after myself."
"I see that," he replies coolly. "How'd you get mixed up with him anyway?"
"I could ask the same of you," Agnes replies.
A moment of tense silence arises as neither party wants to speak.
"I never thought you'd find out about me in such a manner," Curtis says.
"Well, how'd you think it would go?," Agnes snaps. "You'd rescue me from the slave pens?"
Agnes shakes her head.
"So...you're a citizen? ," he ventures.
"I am, what about it?," she says defensively.
"I meant what I said earlier, this development could be very fortuitous for us. I thought we got along pretty well, had some good times. We could continue to have a good time," he smiles, easing a hand to her waist.
"And I meant what I said," Agnes bristles, stepping away from his touch.
Curtis sighs deeply before speaking.
"Mr. Fox is waiting for you on the Strip. At Vault 21."
Agnes is amazed at what she just heard.
"Now? Its near dark out, Ronald. I'm crazy, not stupid. No way I'm walking outside New Vegas at night."
Curtis laughs at her outburst before pulling her close.
"You with us now, baby. Only the best for our lamb," he mummers in her ear before releasing her. Agnes is thankful of the shadows hiding the goosebumps on her arms.
"You can take the monorail," Curtis says, steering her away from the tarmac. "It'll take you directly to the Strip. Come on, I'll get you there."
Agnes can't help but look over her shoulder as Capt. Curtis ushers her into the dimly lit building.
...
Within minutes, Agnes steps out onto the artificially bright landscape of the New Vegas Strip. Rank certainly has its privileges, she muses.
The Vault was literally an old Vault turned motel. Rumor had it that Mr. House had won it from a card game.
Agnes steps into the small building across from the NCR Embassy.
"Hello and Welcome to Vault 21," a perky blonde woman chirps. "My name is Sarah, do you need a room?"
"Hi Sarah, no thank you.I'm here to meet someone."
"Mr. Fox," Sarah chirps. "Sure, I'll take you to him. Follow me."
Agnes follows Sarah down into the Vault, the blonde woman happily chatters on the history of her Vault.
...
Agnes spots Vulpes before Sarah does. He had changed into a fitted suit, looking like a savvy gambler.
Sarah takes Agnes right up to the booth.
"Thank you Sarah," Vulpes says smoothly, sliding her a few caps. He gives her a flirty smile that makes Sarah blush.
"Mr. Fox," she giggles before leaving.
The man across from Vulpes begins to chuckle.
"She blushes every time," he says, slapping the table. Vulpes gives a sly grin before focusing on Agnes.
"About time," he says, breezily, giving her the once over.
The man next to Agnes, openly looks her up and down. Agnes studies him in return. Dressed similarly to Vulpes, the dark suit accentuates his broad shoulders and muscular build. Dark hair was greased back in the style of the Strip, green eyes and tanned skin.
"Not bad," he says.
Agnes winks at him, causing him to grin.
"Oh, I like this one," he says, giving a toothy smile.
Agnes smiles at Vulpes, who simply glares.
Neither man offer Agnes a seat and so she stands.
The men launch into a quick conversation about the price of food on the Strip. Agnes knows what he's doing, making her wait. Its been a long day and she's tired. She turns, depositing her bag on the table behind her.
"What are you doing?," Vulpes asks as she pulls out a chair at the table.
"I'm sitting down, Mr. Fox. Its been a long day and stimpacks make me crazy hungry. Does this place serve steak?"
"Did I give you permission to sit? ," Vulpes asks, his irritation clear.
Agnes' face falls at his question.
"Did I?," Vulpes presses.
"No," she grumbles.
"No what?"
"No, sir."
"Well then," he drawls.
Agnes snorts in frustration, pushing the chair back under the table and resumes her position beside the booth.
"Good girl," Vulpes smirks as he takes a slow sip of his drink.
The other man eyes Agnes heavily.
"Let me take your bag," he says.
"I'm fine," she replies, tightening her grip on it.
"I insist," he says firmly.
Agnes purses her lips at his tone. She looks to Vulpes, who gives a brief nod. Heaving a sigh, she hands over her pack. The dark haired man gives a wolfish grin as he takes it, placing it next to him.
"There," he says, "That wasn't so hard now was it."
Agnes works hard to not roll her eyes.
The men launch into a lewd conversion about which of the women in the room would be the best in bed. A loud cheer comes from the roulette table, causing Agnes to smile.
"Someone getting lucky," she muses, turning to watch the excitement.
"Eyes forward," Vulpes says, looking up at her from his drink. The order quiet yet commanding.
Agnes twists her face as she looks at the metal wall before her, feeling Vulpes watching her. She forces herself to calm down. Agnes thinks about her family and what she will bring them as gifts on her return home. She also thinks about how she will be free of this asshole beside her, the sooner, the better.
The men return to another long and pointless conversion about the pros and cons of laser rifles.
Its going to be a long night, she realizes.