Eventually the time comes to retire for the night.
Agnes is damn near delirious from boredom. Her neck is stiff as she checks the time. Five hours! Five long boring hours she stood beside that damned booth, weathering curious stares and drunken observations. Agnes' stomach rumbles loudly. The kitchen was still serving food but she doubts Vulpes would let her eat. Realizing that she still has jerky in her pack, her mouth waters in anticipation.
"May I have my bag?," she asks the dark haired man.
Agnes is disappointed when the man walks by with her pack slung over his shoulder, a smirk on his face.
She narrows her eyes in irritation at her dismissal.
...
They walk down winding, identical hallways until they reach the guest rooms. Agnes watches the dark haired man remove a card from his inner jacket pocket and swipe it. A faint beep is heard as the light on the strip turns from red to green. The men enter and promptly shut the door in her face. Agnes curses under her breath as she tries to remain calm. Those motherfuckers, she curses under her breath as she tries the handle. She knocks on the metal door to no response. Agnes wants to break it down as she knocks louder. She contemplates pounding on the door but thinks otherwise. Agnes sighs as she leans against the wall beside the door. Just great, she thinks as she slides down the wall like a sullen child.
After ten minutes, the door clicks open. Agnes takes this as invitation to enter and does so. She is shocked by what she finds. The contents of her pack lay spread on the table.
"What the hell?," she says before she can stop herself.
Literally everything she owes is unpacked and on display. Agnes watches as Vulpes flips through pages of a dog eared paperback. Even her dirty laundry had been searched. The dark haired man smirks powerfully from the couch, watching her expression.
"Is that my jerky?," Agnes asks.
The man throws the now empty bag behind him.
"What jerky?," he asks with false innocence, still chewing.
Agnes cusses again, louder than intended. Vulpes looks to her, his blue eyes challenging. Alarms sound in her head but Agnes finds she could care less. She is tired, hungry and upset. Spying a bag of potato chips amongst her belongings, she grabs it only to have it snatched away.
"Hey," she cries. "Those are mine! Give'm back!"
"These are my chips, new recruits do not have belongings," he states with a smug grin.
Agnes fumes.
"Those are my chips! I bought them and I want them back!"
She looks to Vulpes and is disgusted to see him smiling as if the pair were playing this massive joke on her. Agnes snarls at the man.
"I want my chips back," she demands.
The dark haired man gives a toothy grin.
"If you want them, then come and get them," he teases, shaking the chips.
Agnes growls as her temper threatens to boil over.
"Alerio," Vulpes calls, his tone warning. "Enough, I don't need my agents fighting over something as trivial as a bag of potato chips."
"As you wish Dominus," he says, opening the bag.
Agnes clenches her fists.
"You are an irritating man, Alerio," she hisses. "I hope you choke on those damned chips!"
"Agnes," Vulpes calls harshly, staring her down.
"Enough," he commands.
"Here," he says, throwing her a can of Cram, "Eat this and be quiet."
" I don't like cold Cram," Agnes mutters as she sits at the table with a huff. Alerio continues to smirk as he eats one chip at a time, crunching loudly. Agnes imagines how Alerio would look with her knife jutting from his neck and smiles at him menacingly. Vulpes catches her smiling, the intensity of his gaze makes her grin melt away. Agnes cuts into her cold Cram with more vigor than necessary.
Alerio saunters over to her items as Vulpes continues the search. Agnes wonders what he is looking for.
She watches as Vulpes opens her billfold and pulls out the contents, counting the thick stack of NCR bills while Alerio looks at the folded black and white photographs.
"Who are these people?," he asks.
"My family," she responds. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't get your greasy fingerprints all over my pictures."
Alerio smiles in an uneasy way as he places the chips on the table.
"The Legion is now your family," Alerio says, crumpling the pictures between his hands.
Agnes flies out of her chair, throwing herself across the table at the smirking man. They fall to the floor, a tangle of arms and legs.
"You son of a bitch," she yells as she pummels Alerio with her fists.
"You eaten all of my jerky, my last bag of chips and now you've ruined the only pictures I got of my family! What is wrong with you?!," she yells at him.
"Is this the best you got?," Alerio smiles from under her.
Agnes bares her teeth in fury.
Vulpes shakes his head as he watches the two grapple on the floor.
"Children," he mutters, walking over.
Vulpes drags Agnes up by her hair, his face a polished stone. He gives Alerio a swift kick to the ribs for his troubles.
"I told you to leave her alone," Vulpes hisses before issuing another firm kick.
"When I tell you something, I expect you to listen!"
"Yes," Dominus, Alerio says from the floor.
"And you," Vulpes says, turning his attention to Agnes.
"You need to control yourself. Like it or not, you will serve," he growls.
Agnes breathes hard, unable to look away.
"If you refuse to serve in the way Caesar wishes, then perhaps there is another way for you to serve the needs of the Legion," Vulpes threatens.
Agnes swallows hard at his words.
"Tell me you understand," he orders.
"I understand," Agnes says.
"Good," he says releasing her. "Now help Alerio up. You two will get along, I will not tolerate fighting amongst my men."
Alerio smirks powerfully as Agnes helps him up. He holds her hands for longer than necessary before she pulls her hand free, curling her lip.
"I like this one," he says. "She's got spirit."
Vulpes gives a snorts in amusement.
"Agnes is practically a profligate, willful and disobedient. She is woefully undertrained while being horribly overconfident in her non existent skills."
Alerio grins at her in a harsh way at Vulpes ruling.
"Fortunately," Vulpes continues. "She is not completely useless. At least her shooting is adequate and she can be quite persuasive when necessary. I'm sure with a little personal attention, she can rise above her base nature and become a proper Legion agent."
"Is that so?," Alerio asks.
Vulpes gives her a fearful grin, all teeth and malice.
"All she needs is the proper motivation," Vulpes concludes.
Everything Agnes hates about the Legion is now biting her in the ass. A man she doesn't know or care for has plotted out her immediate future. Agnes's heart grows heavy with the burden of her forced compliance.
"Agnes," Vulpes calls, drawing her out of her thoughts. "Time to pack your stuff away."
She watches Vulpes carry a small bundle of her belongings to the couch.
"What's all that?," Agnes asks as she works on repacking her belongings.
"Things you will need for your next mission," Vulpes replies easily.
Her stomach tightens in response.
"Picus has informed me that one of our contacts may be in danger. Tomorrow, you will make contact with them and find out what's going on."
Agnes stares at her pack, her mind races at the thought of actually participating in illicit activities.
"As you wish," she hears herself say.
...
Martina is definitely not what Agnes expected as she sits across from her. Scaring off the Omerta thugs had been easy enough but Martina had yet to stop sniffling about her new found involvement with the Legion.
"I'm going to quit," Martina whines.
"You can't," Agnes says.
"I can and I will," the other woman defends.
"Well then, you better move back to where ever the hell you are from," Agnes scowls. "I risked my neck for you and you will repay the favor by continuing to serve us."
Agnes feels poorly for scaring the woman but Vulpes told her explicitly to do what ever it takes to ensure Martina's continued cooperation.
"You can be paid if you'd like, " Agnes offers.
"No thanks,"Martina says quickly. "I make enough cleaning rooms."
"You are a valuable asset Martina. "Let us compensate you for your efforts," Agnes says smoothly. "Do you really want to clean rooms for the rest of your life?"
" I can go to the NCR and turn you all in for the reward!," Martina says, smiling wickedly.
"You could," Agnes begins, giving an unfriendly smile. "Then what do you think will happen to you? Do you really think you will be safe on the Strip?"
Martina's smile dies as Agnes continues to speak.
"Come now Martina," Agnes drawls. "Don't be foolish."
Martina takes a deep breath before releasing it slowly.
"What do you want me to do? ," she asks.
Agnes smiles and reaches across the table, clasping the woman'a hand.
"All you have to do I what you've been doing. Just listen and pass along what you hear. You will have our protection and earn some nice change in the process. For all you've done so far," she says putting a bag in Martina's hand.
"As long as you continue to provide good information," Agnes continues, guiding Martina's fingers to enclose the leather bag.
"Will be compensated for your efforts," she completes.
Vulpes is very pleased upon hearing that Martina will continue to serve their cause. He tells Alerio to take Agnes out to lunch while he finishes business with the Omertas.
"Behave," Vulpes tells her sternly before leaving the room.
Alerio is smirking when she turns around.
"Where to?," she asks, ignoring his smirking face.
"Ever been to the Luxe?"
"Not yet," Agnes responds.
"Perfect," Alerio says. "Your gonna love it, just don't order the pork."
Agnes gives him a strange look.
"Trust me," he says. "No pork."
...
"The hell ever," Agnes says from across the table.
Alerio's face twists in disgust.
"Just like a damned profligate," he hisses. "Unable to see the reward, only the struggle. You should be honored to have such a mentor as Mr. Fox."
It takes all Agnes had to not laugh in his face.
Vulpes had yet to teach her anything besides the firmness of his hand.
"It seems that our experiences with Mr. Fox differ greatly," Agnes says smoothly, ending the conversation.
"Indeed," Alerio replies, motioning for the server.
...
"Can we make a detour?," Agnes asks as they walk out of the Ultra Lux.
Alerio shrugs his shoulders as he rearranges his hat and sunglasses.
"I need to mail something. The Mojave Express office is in Freeside."
Alerio checks his watch.
"Lead the way," he says with a smirk.
Alerio watches as Agnes exchanges the NCR bills into a voucher and sends it off.
"Who's Adam Tutor?," he asks as they amble thru Freeside.
"My oldest brother. He lives in Arizona with my younger siblings. I send them money about every month or so."
"Oh, really? Why?"
"It's a long story," Agnes sighs.
"Well maybe one day when we have time," Alerio says.
"Yeah, maybe one day," she agrees, taking his arm.
"Wanna have some fun?," Alerio asks quietly.
Agnes lights up, "Sure! What are we gonna do?"
" I call it fishing," he answers vaguely.
The pair travel to the main entrance of Freeside. The game is to see who could kill the most profligates.
Agnes makes a face upon hearing the game explained.
"Don't you see, we are freeing people from their suffering. These bottom feeders are a blight, see how they squabble over filth and contaminate the area," he whispers as they walk past strung out junkies and drunks that line the streets.
"Their sickness is contagious and will spread unless its checked," Alerio says with all seriousness. He looks to Agnes for understanding.
"Sure, why not," Agnes mutters.
Alerio gives her a dazzling smile, "Let's get started, shall we?"
The pair wander around Freeside for the next hour, all surprisingly without interacting with a single person.
Alerio becomes sullen at the lack of action. Agnes suggests the Fiends that live in ruins.
"No, we are supported to have an alliance with them," he explains.
"Oh," Agnes says. She decides not to mention the bounty work she did for the NCR. As if reading her mind, Alerio stage whispers.
"Don't worry, with Motor Runner tucked away in Vault Three, we still have enough Fiends to be a pain in the NCR's ass for quite a while."
.
They walk in silence towards the entrance to the Strip.
"Oh," Agnes exclaims. "Ever been to the Thorn? There's plenty of action there!"
Alerio grins in excitement but it quickly falls from his face.
"I don't think Mr. Fox would allow you to go to such a place, " he says.
Agnes sighs, "Its not like I'll be by myself. You'll be there."
"No," Alerio says. "Its not a place for women."
"Its run by a woman, Red Lucy!," Agnes exclaims.
"Not a place for respectable women," Alerio amends.
Agnes scoffs in disgust, "The hell ever."
...
They wander back onto the Strip and stand before the Lucky 38.
"Wanna come up?," she asks.
Alerio stares up at the structure.
"Perhaps," he mummers. "Is House up there?"
"Yes, he is," she says. "He doesn't mind if I bring company, they just can't go beyond the suites is all."
"Tell me, what would the purpose of me coming up with you?," Alerio asks, slyly.
Agnes gives him a promising smile.
Despite tackling him the night before, Alerio seemed like decent guy, especially compared to the men she met previously: Cato was a pig, Karl too quiet, Curtis held her contempt and Vulpes was completely out of the question. She had him pegged something between the Omertas and the Chairman. Respectable yet slightly dangerous, definitely loyal to the cause.
"I've been awfully stressed lately and need to have some fun. Wanna have some fun with me?," Agnes coos.
Alerio's face lights up as a mischievous smirks begins to form. Agnes shares a conspiratory grin, running her fingers down his arm. Looking at her chest, his brows furrow while his grin evaporates. Agnes is puzzled as she glances down, the Mark of Caesar had worked itself free, its golden surface gleaming in the sunlight. Agnes quickly hides the medallion under her neckline.
She looks at Alerio, finding his face blank. Agnes sighs, realizing the moment is gone.
"Alerio?," she asks, concerned by his sudden change of attitude.
"As flattered as I am, I must decline your invitation," he says stiffly.
Agnes gives a half hearted smile at his rejection.
"Its okay," she says. "You can still come up if you want, no funny business. I swear," Agnes says holding up three fingers.
Alerio grins before shaking his head.
"No thanks," he says, "You should invite Mr. Fox first, its only proper."
The phrasing set something off in her mind.
Fox, first. Suddenly, what happened with Alerio made perfect sense.
"We're not together," she expains. "Just traveling together until Caesar releases me from my bond."
"Doesn't matter," he replies sternly. "It would be disrespectful of me to have an "inappropriate" relationship with my mentor's student. It would disrupt his teachings and be a distraction for you. Believe me, Mr. Fox is not a man to be trifled with. "
"No, " Alerio says again, "Besides placing my own wants before the needs of our organization would be..."
"Unacceptable," a smooth voice drawls from behind her.
Agnes' almost jumps out of her skin in surprise.
"Oh my god," she sputters clutching her chest.
The men wear matching smirks to her outburst. Agnes gives a nervous giggle at her reaction. Alerio points to his chest and makes a circle with his finger. Agnes cocks her head to the side in confusion.
"Your medallion," Alerio says lowly.
"Oh," she replies.
"Allow me," Vulpes says, his long fingers deftly tuck the Mark under her neckline, gently brushing the delicate skin of her chest.
Agnes's face flushes at such personal contact. She turns her head away, hoping to hide her redness. Vulpes smirks powerfully as he takes her chin , turning her to face him. He mutters to Alerio in Latin, commenting on her blush. Alerio gives a wolfish grin.
The moment is thankfully disrupted by a mechanical drawl.
"Howdy partners," the Securitron exclaims as it rolls up to them.
Agnes smiles widely at her metal savior.
"Hello Victor," she greets. "Long time no see."
"Mr. House wants to know if your going to come up or just hang around like a lazy dog on a hot day,"Victor drawls.
Alerio barks out a laugh, earning a glare from Vulpes. Agnes smiles, watching the interaction.
"Well," she says with a grin, "if you don't mind I have business to attend to."
Vulpes nods.
"Mr. Hare will be waiting for you, to escort you back to the Vault. I have business to attend to before we leave."
He leans into Agnes, placing his lips next to her ear and his hand against her lower back.
"Don't keep me waiting. I will come and get you."
Agnes feels her face drain as Vulpes looks at her over his sunglasses, lifting his eyebrows for emphasis.
The Lucky 38 was the most secure building on the Strip but Agnes has no doubt that Vulpes could still reach her somehow.
"Yes, sir," Agnes says, looking down.
"Very good," Vulpes purrs, his fingers drawing circles on her lower back.
"You ready partner?," Victor drawls.
"Sure am," Agnes smiles as she walks up steps and into the Lucky 38.
The doors shut behind her, closing out the Mojave and the horrible reality of her circumstances. Agnes sighs heavily as she steps into the elevator, her ability to control her own life was quickly being taken from her. Soon all she would have left is the control over her own body and eventually that would be taken as well. Despite her best efforts, Agnes grows fearful that she will indeed end up like her Mother.