A few NCR soldiers huddled over a radio in a tent at Camp McCarren. In addition, various other people through out the Mojave were also listening in. They were listening to Radio New Vegas, hosted by the allusive, charismatic Mr. New Vegas. He was about to talk about the news.
"Howdy folks. It's a beautiful day outside with a chance of news. Oh wait, it already happened.
"At Hoover Dam, the NCR and Caesar's Legion clashed with one another. Early reports indicate NCR forces were winning the fight against the Legion. But in a shocking turn of events, an army of securitrons has seized control of the Dam, preventing both sides from claiming it. The NCR are reportedly shacked up in Camp McCarren. More as the story develops. Now let's..."
Mr. New Vegas continued with his regular broadcast. Meanwhile, the Courier was with Yes Man back at the Lucky 38. He looked up at the large screen that had Yes Man's smiling face.
"It's good to be back!" Said Yes Man.
"It definitely is. I was worried you would be gone for a lot longer." Responded the Courier.
"Aww, thank you so much! It's nice to be missed."
"Yeah... Good to have you back."
"Anyway, how may I help you?" Yes Man asked excitedly.
"Well..." The Courier trailed off as he thought about a response to Yes Man's question. Then, he finally recalled what he wanted to do the most.
"I want to find a way to announce to New Vegas and the rest of the Mojave about the current state of things." Said the Courier.
"That sounds exciting! Well, the Lucky 38 has a speaker system outside but only the Strip will hear. Your best bet is to go on the air with Mr. New Vegas!" Suggested Yes Man.
"Mr. New Vegas? The host of Radio New Vegas?"
"Uh huh. His broadcasting is connected to the Lucky 38 which allows for Radio New Vegas to be heard through out the Mojave. It's perfect for your needs. Take the elevator and you'll get to the studio. It is on the 15th floor." Said Yes Man.
"Wait, Radio New Vegas is broadcasted here this whole time?"
"Yep. Mr. House had the necessary assets here. You can go down and meet Mr. New Vegas himself!"
"Alright, will do." The Courier then turned away from the large monitor toward the elevator. Then, he got inside it and it automatically took him down to the studio.
As soon as the doors opened, the Courier slowly stepped out of the elevator and observed his surroundings. It was an ordinary-looking room except there were a few cables on the floor and a computer server at the right corner ahead. To the left of the Courier was a door next to an observation window that was wide. Above the window was a lit sign that read "ON THE AIR" in red. Beneath the window was an audio workstation. The Courier stepped further into the room and looked through the window. On the other side was a large room that had the furthest wall with more computer servers that had various blinking lights. The center of the ceiling had a metal contraption with six articulated limbs that ended in microphones. Each microphone was connected to a single black wire that was tied along the limbs to a large circular platform that connected the whole thing to the ceiling. The wires were tied with black cable clamps.
Beneath the bizarre set up of microphones was a large, round wooden table with five chairs. At the center of the table was a spherical machine encased in glass that had cables connected to it. Furthermore, the room had speakers in the corners of the ceiling, and acoustic foam panels covered the walls though a few here and there had fallen off.
Suddenly, back toward the direction elevator a monitor to the right of the Courier, which he didn't originally notice, turned on, displaying Yes Man's face.
"Welcome to the Radio New Vegas studio. It's really something, huh?" Stated Yes Man.
"Where's Mr. New Vegas?" The Courier asked out of confusion. He was expecting to see someone there.
"You're pretty much looking at him. You see that thing on the table inside the sound recording room? That's him. You must be really excited to meet a celebrity in person."
"I thought he was a human."
"A lot of people think so too. In reality, he is an artificial intelligence matrix designed by Mr. House over two hundred years ago."
"Sheesh, he's really old. Why did Mr. House make him?"
"I don't know. He likely made him so the broadcast isn't just music. Your guess is just as good as mine or even better, which I know it will be." Responded Yes Man.
"If he's a creation of Mr. House, why would he have me on the air with him? I killed his creator." Asked the Courier as he crossed his arms and made a brief glance at the recording room.
"According to notes left over by Mr. House inside the memory banks, Mr. House purposely designed Mr. New Vegas to be completely neutral. It was done because Mr. House wanted to have an unbias reporter for the news segments of the broadcast."
The Courier looked at the recording room again. He wasn't sure what to think except that Mr. House was involved in a lot of things in New Vegas.
"He's pretty much like you, huh?" Said the Courier to Yes Man.
"Pretty much. Well, more like my less assertive self." Yes Man responded. The Courier then asked him another question.
"If he is an AI, then how does he receive news tips, sponsorship from the casinos, or even questions? How is he aware of the world outside?"
"Mr. New Vegas has a few ways. The sponsorships are part of the contracts Mr. House had with the families on the Strip, and involve the submission of a request form which are given to the securitrons. The latter applies to questions and tips or whatever. Radio New Vegas does have a few unofficial employees that receive caps for investigating possible news stories. They never step inside the Lucky 38 but give their findings to securitrons. Mr. New Vegas has his ways to get the scoop!" Said Yes Man with a small chuckle when he finished talking.
"That's kind of a lot to take in."
"I bet!"
"So when do I speak with Mr. New Vegas? Is he going to be a while?" Asked the Courier as he looked at the sign above the observation window stating Mr. New Vegas was live.
"Actually, he's almost about to finish in a few seconds so you'll be able to speak with him." Replied Yes Man confidently.
Then, after a couple of seconds of Yes Man finishing his response, the "ON THE AIR" sign turned off.
"There is your chance." Said Yes Man as the Courier looked away from him as he talked to the sign and the door that lead into the recording room.
The Courier sighed and walked toward the door. He opened it but it made a loud creak. The Courier slowly entered the room, observing the thing on the table that is Mr. New Vegas. Inside the room one could faintly hear the music that is being broadcasted out to the Mojave.
When the Courier approached the table, Mr. New Vegas spoke.
"Hello there. What brings you here to Radio New Vegas? I wasn't expecting any visitors." Said Mr. New Vegas. The sound of his voice was exactly as the Courier heard so many times before when he had his Pip-boy on Radio New Vegas. His voice sounded elderly and western.
"I'm here to see you. It's a pleasure to meet you." Responded the Courier to Mr. New Vegas.
"Thank you. Have a seat if you like, son." Mr. New Vegas said. The Courier complied and grabbed himself a chair at the table. Once the Courier was seated, he told Mr. New Vegas of his intentions.
"I would like to be on the air with you as a guest. I have something important to tell the people of the Mojave."
"Sounds mighty interesting, son. So what is it you have to say exactly?" Asked Mr. New Vegas with curiosity in his voice.
"New Vegas and the Mojave is its own independent nation and not a part of the NCR or Caesar's Legion."
"That's a big story. Since when did that occur?"
"When I won the Hoover Dam."
"That was you? You got moves, son. I'll give ya that. Anyway, I'll have you on the air as a guest in 5 minutes. I got a good feeling about this." Said Mr. New Vegas enthusiastically.
That was easy. Thought the Courier.
Meanwhile, back in the presidential suite, Veronica and Arcade drunkenly stepped out of the elevator along with Cass. She was wasn't completely drunk yet but her cheeks were slightly red. They had returned from the Strip. Immediately they were welcomed by Rex.
The trio looked around their surrounding, expecting to see the Courier somewhere. Veronica and Arcade left toward the kitchen, leaving Cass with Rex in the lobby.
Rex gave a small bark at Cass. She smiled in response before she looked away to the left of the lobby where she then noticed an inactive securitron against the wall. It's screen displayed the message "Stand by." Cass slowly approached the robot and felt nervous. Securitrons usually were not present in the presidential suite.
As Cass got closer, the screen suddenly came to life, displaying the face of Yes Man. This made Cass jump back.
"Fuck!" Yelled Cass.
"Hello!" Yes Man responded cheerfully.
Cass took a couple seconds to compose herself and spoke to Yes Man.
"Uh, what are you doing here?" She asked the smiling AI. Then, Veronica and Arcade stuck their heads out from the kitchen to see what was happening. The two looked surprised for they didn't really notice the securitron there. It was likely the alcohol they consumed when they were out in the Strip had clouded their perception. In addition, Raul and Boone came out from the recreation room to see what happened for they had the door closed.
"I'm just here to answer any questions you or the others may have." Yes Man replied to Cass. Despite Yes Man saying any question, he wasn't going to answer any questions the Courier wouldn't want him to. Since everyone present in the suite were close with the Courier, Yes Man was willing to be more lenient to them unless the Courier told him otherwise.
Cass looked around and quickly thought of the Courier.
"Where's the mailman?" Cass asked with a scowl and her arms crossed.
"He's down at Radio New Vegas on the 15th floor." Yes Man said as the other companions of the Courier approached behind Cass. Arcade then entered the conversation
"Radio New Vegas? It's here in the Lucky 38? This whole time I thought it was broadcasted somewhere else." Arcade commented.
"Yeah... Our good friend is there right now. To be honest, I came here mostly just to tell you guys that in case any of you wanted to see him. Take care." Said Yes Man before the screen briefly flickered into the normal display of a soldier like any other securitron. It simply stayed in the same spot, occasionally scanning its surroundings.
"This sounds interesting." Said Arcade as he stumbled toward the elevator. The others turned to observe him.
"Anyone want to tag along?" Arcade continued.
"Screw it, this sounds interesting." Cass responded. She then proceeded to join along side Arcade in the elevator with Rex following her.
"Wait for me!" Said Veronica she too boarded the elevator.
No one else wanted to go down and so they went on their way.
The Courier was seated at the table inside the recording room with a microphone in front of him from the mechanical contraption on the ceiling. He tapped his fingers on the table as he waited to go live before Mr. New Vegas spoke.
"We'll be live in one minute." Announced Mr. New Vegas to the Courier.
"Alright." The Courier responded as he took a deep breath and readjusted himself in his seat.
As the Courier waited patiently, he looked toward the window and quickly noticed Arcade, Cass, and Veronica on the opposite side. He waved at them.
I have quite the audience today. The Courier thought.
Then, Mr. New Vegas started to do a countdown.
"We'll be live in six... five... four... three... two..." Mr. New Vegas said before going completely silent. He then spoke again.
"Hello people of New Vegas and the Mojave. I hope you liked that track I played for you all. Anyway, I have a special guest with me in the studio this fine evening. He is a special somebody, but don't get me wrong for you dear listeners are also special, especially to me. My guest is the one who has received control over the Hoover Dam. Please introduce yourself, son."
"Uh, hello." The Courier said nervously into the microphone that hanged in front of him.
"Welcome to Radio New Vegas. It is good to have you here today." Mr. New Vegas said.
"Yeah, it is." The Courier replied back.
"Hm. My dear listeners, my guest has a special announcement he would like to share with all of you. Take it away, son."
"Oh, well... okay" The Courier then cleared his throat before continuing, "People of New Vegas and the Mojave, I am the Courier. Many of you may know me of the things I did in my travels. Today, I want to inform all of you that New Vegas and the Mojave Wasteland is free from the NCR, and the threat of Caesar's Legion.
"I want to tell you all that I did what I did simply because I believe we are all... born free. I believe that no one should answer to anyone as someone superior to them. Everyone has the potential to be something great. The NCR cares only for the rich and many good people serve to help the greed of such individuals. That is such a shame. The Legion... well it is obvious why I forced them out. I don't see slavery to be an option for anyone.
"Obviously, many of you noticed the securitrons everywhere. They are here to protect our new right as an independent nation and establish order against crime. To concerned NCR citizens, you are welcome here. I just don't welcome the establishment of the corrupt government of the NCR.
"I want nothing from anyone. I do not want to rule over anyone. I simply want to help and the communities I passed through in my travels know this... Yeah..."
The Courier had nothing left to say. His small speech was a stream of consciousness that reached its end. He didn't make speeches and this can be considered his first time. Deep down he hoped he did a good job. He then remembered the words of General Lee Oliver back at Legate Lanius' camp.
"Do you know what you're doing? Making a nation..."
The Courier looked down at the table, and he briefly pondered on Oliver's words. Although, the Courier quickly shook the memory off. Now wasn't the time for self-doubt.
I made it this far. He thought.
Mr. New Vegas then spoke.
"Those were some... fine words."
"Um, thank you." The Courier replied.
"Anyway, what are some of the things you did out in the wasteland? I am curious." Mr. New Vegas asked.
"Oh, well I helped the town of Goodsprings fend off the Powder Gangers at the NCR Correctional Facility. I killed a pack of deathclaws that inhabited Quarry Junction, which prevented workers from doing their job. Yeah... I helped around the Strip and in Freeside. It'll take all day to list all of the stuff I did. Also, I don't want to come off as boasting."
"Understandable. Also, I remember those incidents. Never know you had a part in them. Maybe I ought to look back. I'll likely find traces of you. Anyway, is there anything else you like to say?"
"Uh, no. I'm good." The Courier responded.
"Hm. I guess we are practically done. It has been a pleasure to have you here. Before we go, can you tell us about the fate of the NCR personnel within Camp McCarren?" Asked Mr. New Vegas.
"Wait, people are there?"
"Yeah. All forces of the NCR retreated to the base after your victory at the dam."
"Thank you for telling me. I'll go look into it."
"You're welcome. Anyway, that was my guest. I have another track for you all. We recently acquire a small selection of jazz. See ya, folks."
The Courier rose from his seat and exited the room before Mr. New Vegas could say anything. The others watched him through the window. As soon as he stepped out, the monitor next to the elevator came to life with Yes Man's face.
"Wow, that was great! You should be on the radio more!" Yes Man cheerfully complimented.
"Thanks. So the NCR is at Camp McCarren? What about the securitrons?" The Courier quickly asked.
"Don't worry. I noticed during the battle at Hoover Dam before going offline that the NCR were retreating toward the direction of Camp McCarren. Part of the security parameters I placed in some of the securitrons was to pursue and temporarily isolate their forces there. They are set to not engage them. I was just about to tell you of the situation after the broadcast. I'm sorry to see you all riled up." Yes Man explained to the Courier. Arcade, Veronica, Cass, and Rex stood quietly nearby.
"No, it's okay, Yes Man. I'm just a bit worried about the chance of violence, especially near a populated place." The Courier said before taking a deep breath.
"Well, it is best to start getting ready to go down there. I expected possible retaliation from the NCR for the Hoover Dam, which is sadly inevitable. I thought it was best to keep such an occurrence to only one area than all throughout New Vegas."
"That's very thoughtful." Said the Courier.
"Ah, thank you. I'll see down at Camp McCarren then. See ya." Said Yes Man before his face disappeared from the monitor.
The Courier turned to his companions and told them to follow him back up to the suite. Once there, the Courier entered his bedroom and dawn his riot gear and ranger helmet. He looked through his arsenal of weapons. He took three flash bang grenades, a bowie knife, a 10mm pistol, and a service rifle. The Courier hoped he didn't need to use them.
When he stepped out of his room, the Courier was met by his friends in the lobby.
"Okay. Only three among you guys are coming with me. I don't want to come off as threatening by bringing everyone with me." Said the Courier.
Rex gave a small bark.
"Of course... Make that two left." Said the Courier.
Cass and Boone stepped toward the Courier.
"I'll be going. I want to make sure nothing bad happens." Said Cass.
"Me too." Boone said blankly.
The Courier understood why they wanted to come. Both had their roots with the NCR. Boone served in its military while Cass was simply born under that nation.
"Okay. Let's go then." Said the Courier before he moved toward the elevator along with his companions.
At Camp McCarren, soldiers loudly scrambled about. Colonel Hsu exited from one of the buildings and was met by Major Dhatri who was with two soldiers outside.
"Ambassador Crocker will be staying behind?" Asked Major Dhatri with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes, I convinced him to stay for his safety." Colonel Hsu replied.
"Hm. Very well. Let's get going. We have a date with the devil." Major Dhatri said as he stroked his beard. He then turned to the soldiers with him and waved at them to be dismissed. Hsu and Dhatri then walked together.
All around them, the soldiers would try to observe them. The two were carrying their hopes of getting out of the base safely. Some wanted to go out to get revenge.
While they walked, a soldier approached them from behind.
"Hello, sirs" the soldier said which made Hsu and Dhatri turn, "I am ordered to accompany you two by Ambassador Crocker."
"Alright." Major Dhatri replied while Hsu remained silent.
Crocker... Colonel Hsu thought. He could understand Crocker's concerns but Hsu didn't want anyone with him and Dhatri if things were to go bad. Unfortunately, he guessed he can't argue with the ambassador.
Hsu analyzed the soldier. He was young and clung to his service rifle closely. Dust was all over his uniform and he could see that his hair was disheveled under his helmet. Hsu concluded he was definitely at the Second Battle of the Hoover Dam. He was going to pay close attention to the soldier.
Finally, the three proceeded out toward the gates into the base.
The Courier with his companions later arrived and found the securitrons waiting vigilantly. One of the securitrons turned to reveal it is under the control of Yes Man, and he spotted the Courier in the distance. Yes Man quickly moved toward the Courier as he approached.
"Hi there! Good that you made it. I think the NCR have been expecting us."
"What makes you say that?"
"I see Colonel James Hsu at the gate. He is in charge of all NCR forces in the Mojave other than General Oliver. Of course, now it is just him. He most likely heard your appearance on Radio New Vegas." Answered Yes Man.
"Alright. Let's get going." The Courier said but before he took a step further he turned to his companions to tell them something.
"Have your weapons holstered. Rex... You be a good boy." He said. Rex happily wagged his tail and panted in response while Cass and Boone complied.
They followed Yes Man pass the line of idle securitrons toward Camp McCarren. Meanwhile, a soldier with binoculars informed Colonel Hsu and Major Dhatri of the Courier's approach. Likewise, the two with the soldier assigned to them went out of the base to meet with the Courier. The two sides met halfway, a few feet away from each other.
"So... It was you. We heard your little speech on the radio. What's next?" Colonel Hsu said first.
"I just want to find a peaceful solution, colonel." Replied the Courier.
"So do I." Responded Hsu. There was a brief silence before the Courier spoke.
"Okay. I don't want a fight and neither do you. Obviously, you likely have wounded inside the base from the battle at the dam. Load them up on the trucks you have and take them west. The rest of your troops will be allowed to just walk out of the base or drive if you have more vehicles to spare. Overall, I offer a safe passage out of this region."
The soldier that accompanied the two NCR commanders tighten his grip on his rifle. In his mind, he pictured the securitrons opening firing on the trucks and them violently exploding, killing the wounded. He could practically smell the charred bodies and see the scattered limbs of his comrades everywhere. Anxiety started to grow in the soldier. Then, the soldier yelled to the Courier.
"How do we know you won't kill them?!" The soldier said as traces of sweat started to trickle down his face. He was almost shaking.
"Soldier!" Said Major Dhatri to the soldier sternly. Colonel Hsu turned to Dhatri.
"It's alright, Dhatri. He makes a point." Hsu stated in the soldier's defense. He looked back at the Courier.
"If I wanted anyone killed, these securitrons would've done it already. Ask my friend Yes Man here." Said the Courier.
"It's true!" Yes Man happily declared.
"Also, I did a lot for the NCR in my travels around the Mojave." The Courier added.
"Hm. I see." Hsu said as he darted is eyes to the securitrons beyond the Courier.
The soldier with them looked on at the Courier. So much uncertainty filled his mind but he was brought back to reality when Major Dhatri spoke to Hsu.
"Your orders, sir?" Dhatri asked.
"Go back into the base and get the wounded ready for transport." Hsu commanded.
"Yes, Hsu." Dhatri replied before heading back to the base with the soldier. Hsu was left alone with the Courier and his entourage.
"I have one question I would like to ask. What happened with General Oliver?" Said Hsu without any emotion.
"He's... Well, you know how he was. He was stubborn and didn't leave me a choice. I wish it turned out different with him." The Courier replied.
"Yeah, he was too proud for his own good... I want you to know something. The NCR will not let the Mojave go so easily. I find it a shame since I hate to see more bloodshed. I'll try to talk with my superiors back home because I see that we've been here too long and lost too many good people. I would just let you have the Mojave if I had complete authority."
"Oliver said something like that. Thanks, I guess. I think we are done here, colonel. I wish you and your soldiers a safe journey back home." Said the Courier. He turned around and walked away from Hsu. Boone, Cass, and Rex immediately followed in silence.
"Take care." Yes Man said to Hsu while waving goodbye. The robot then turned to follow the Courier as well. Hsu remained standing there for a short while, watching the Courier leave.
Good luck. You're going to need it against the Bear. Colonel Hsu regretfully thought.
He turned around back toward the base. He saw the few soldiers that waited at the gate watching him. Hsu sighed and walked his way back to the base where soldiers quickly moved the supply trucks and the wounded from the tents.
Hsu was lost among the crowd of soldiers and the clouds of dust that were blew up by the wind.
Yes Man caught up with the Courier and gave him a compliment while they moved at the same pace.
"You did an excellent job!" Yes Man said.
"Thank you, Yes Man."
"Don't mention it. I have the securitrons set to let the NCR peacefully leave the area" Yes Man informed the Courier, "What's next?"
"Back to the Lucky 38." The Courier replied.
Cass observed the Courier while he was talking with Yes Man. She felt gladness that there was no violence but worried about the future.
The NCR can't learn to just stay home. She thought. She didn't particularly like how the NCR tried to continuously expand their territory. She found it foolish considering what it cost the NCR. There was so much avoidable conflict on their part. She deep down knew they'll come back to claim the Mojave.
The securitron controlled by Yes Man returned to normal and went back to join the other robots. The Courier kept moving into New Vegas with his friends.
The Courier then had a thought.
Maybe I should check in on the Kings in Freeside.
"Come on! Load everything onto the boat! The rest of our brothers are probably back home by now!" Yelled a Legion centurion to his soldiers.
The remaining forces of the Legion in the Mojave were at Cottonwood Cove. They were preparing boats to travel across the Colorado River back east. When they arrived to encampment, it was empty except for the burnt pile of corpses the Legion stacked when the Courier came by long ago. The pile was mostly skeletons that would occasionally be picked at by passing birds.
Another team of legionaries arrived to the camp. There was six of them and their role was to scout the region. Among the approaching group of soldiers was a young man name Cassius. He had an angry expression on his face.
One of the centurions near the dock turned to see the arrival of the group and he approached them.
"Ave." The centurion said. He looked at the tired legionaries and noticed the absence of their decanus. He didn't care that there were four missing warriors from the usual group of ten.
"Where is you decanus?" The centurion questioned.
"Don't know. Doesn't answer raven calls." Said one of the soldiers in the group.
Then they heard a loud buzzing sound in the distance that was getting closer. The legionaries turned for they recognized the sound. It was that of a cazador, a great bane of the Mojave, especially for the Legion other than deathclaws.
They saw a legionary moving down the road with two young cazadors. They rapidly flapped their yellow wings to quickly deliver stabs with their stingers to the legionary. Cassius squinted and recognized the legionary: it was their decanus. Pain was visible in his facial expression for he was red. The venom of young cazadors usually aren't extremely poisonous until they reach maturity so they would be easy to dispatch. What made it better was that it was only two instances. Young cazadors often travelled in a swarm.
Everyone nearby drew their weapons, and they watched the decanus trip, falling face first into the ground. The legionaries approached to engage the dangerous insects as they swarmed around the decanus, repeatedly stabbing him. He screamed continuously in agony with every sting. He felt the venom painfully travel across his body. Sweat quickly poured off his red face along with a stream of tears.
Cassius was stuck in place. He didn't have any fight in him to join his brothers in slaying the creatures. What happened at the Hoover Dam crushed a large piece of him. Cassius simply watched on with tired eyes as his brothers passed him. For a brief moment, the world felt like it moved slowly for Cassius for he was deep in thought while he observed the brutal cazadors.
He saw the cazadors as the arms of the Courier relentless stabbing away at soldiers of the Legion. Splatters of blood covered Cassius' image of the Courier. Cassius saw the Courier's trench coat being blown by the wind as he stood on a large puddle of blood. Then, the Courier looking directly at him through his visors which glowed brightly orange.
Cassius returned to reality when one of the scouts in his team placed a hand on his left shoulder from behind.
"Cassius, don't just stand there." They said before moving to Cassius' side and heading toward the fight with the cazadors. The creatures have left the decanus alone for he was finally dead.
A legionary had a flamer while another had a revolver. They attacked the cazadors first. The insects erratically flew around in the air on fire while the legionary with the revolver fired his weapon. Other legionaries that had guns started to shoot too. One of the cazadors had its right wings shot off while it burned. It made a low pitch screech as it was repeatedly shot.
The other cazador flew toward the legionary with the revolver, crashing into him. The legionary was engulfed by the flames of the cazador and was getting stung while he tried to get the creature off of him. The other cazador crawled toward the other legionaries. The centurion that approached Cassius' group charged at the creature with a spear and stabbed it in the head. The centurion twisted the spear and moved it until the flaming cazador stopped moving, finally dying.
The legionary with the flamer stood nearby the other cazador as it attacked his comrade. He had the flamer aimed and ready but he hesitated. He didn't want to kill the other in the process. Fortunately, he didn't have to for the centurion rushed passed him and stabbed the cazador with the spear through its back. The cazador then came off the legionary and died on the side to continuing burning. The centurion watched as it legs coiled up before looking at the legionary who was screaming for help to put out the fire. The centurion drew his machete he had holstered to his side and struck the burning legionary at the base of the neck when he managed to stand up. The pleas of the legionary quickly disappeared as his flaming body fell to the floor.
The centurion killed him due to him going to be a burden on their journey back east, and he likely would've died from his burns since they had nothing to treat them. Also, if he even did survive he would be of no further use to the Legion.
"Everyone, go back and continue loading up!" The centurion yelled out while he holstered his machete.
Cassius sighed and turned around to walk toward the mess hall building. Next, he heard one of his fellow legionaries shout about someone approaching the camp.
Cassius turned and saw the approaching figure in the distance. He squinted and recognized whoever it was as they got closer.
It was a legionary named Albius that is a part of Cassius' group. To Cassius, he was best described as a sort of mentor. It was the closest thing one could have as a friend when serving in the Legion. He slowly marched into Cottonwood Cove and the centurion from earlier patiently observed him, intending to confront him.
The Legion waited back home.