LYANNAH GOLDEN-TONGUE (MONOLOGUE)

The weeks I've spent in this miserable world has been a massive waste of my time. I can't do anything for myself out here without getting shot or leered at by common brutes. All I need is a slither of magicka to make me feel more myself, but there's simply none here. The people think of me as some sort of freak, only because I'm not native to this planet. That's a good thing, Skyrim almost seems like paradise compared to this dump.

Why am I helping these soldier boys fight this faction of raping assholes? They have guns; I have swords, I think I'm the injured party here... Then again, I like this courier; we've come a long way since the first time we met. I failed a teleportation spell and wound up billions of miles away from my home; of course, I'm not in the best of moods. I insulted him, and then he shot me in the thigh. That's when I decided to put away my sword and start learning about guns.

I may be isolated on this magicless world for the rest of my life; there's no denying that. Fighting for William might be the only enjoyment I could bleed out from this situation. I've served the Imperial Legion, this band of rapists and bigots deserve a good stabbing. Being coaxed to work with this Agent Wesker is a blow to my pride as a Dragonborn, but I guess I could follow someone into battle as opposed to leading them. Just this once.

Boone, Cass, Lyannah nor William were seen inside or outside of Hoover Dam, what was worse was the fact there was nothing remotely fun to do to pass the time anywhere here. With the barracks empty David went back to bed for a quick rest, Cass was already there lying down. She noticed him before he could speak.

Cass frowned. "Hi."

"Hey. You alright?"

"Yeah. Why wouldn't I be? I'm at Hoover Dam. That's pretty cool."

"Yeah, it is. Where are the others at?"

Cass sighed again. "Can't find Boone. Six and his bitch are outside the visitor centre."

"Still don't like Lyannah, huh?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," she jokingly said, forcing out a smile.

David sits on the bed by Cass. "We spoke last night; they're both pretty sound."

"Sound? Is that some jargon from your time?"

"Means they're rather cool. Sorry, my old captain used that term." Cass exclaims. "Lyannah, like me, isn't from this time."

"Really now?" Cass muttered under her breath, "Everyone's not from around here like it's cool or something."

"Believe me, that novelty has worn right off. Lyannah's from another planet or something called Nirn, from somewhere called Skyrim."

Cass sat up in disbelief. "Never heard of it."

"She has it worse than I do. Ironically, she takes the situation a bit better."

"I'll cut her some slack, 'kay? Only because she has it rough."

"That would be dandy, thanks. Don't cut her too much slack, though." David smiled. "Seeing you defend my honour kinda builds up my ego. Makes me feel hot."

"Just don't go asking for a threesome, not with her at least. Need some level of trust in my lovers."

David held his chest playfully. "Now you're just making me hotter, Cass. Driving me mad over here."

Cass smiled. "You poor thing. Let me ease your tension."

Cass held David's shoulders and placed a light kiss on his lips; the subtle hint gave David the moment to consort his wife, in which he thinks. David and Cass got closer, far beyond kissing, they both groped each other.

With David on top sexual intercourse was almost certain, the heat fuelled by the groping and kissing David was going supernova. The same couldn't be said for Cass' behalf, David saw that she wasn't entirely in the moment, which was very odd. No enthusiasm, no matter how much she wanted it, she just couldn't force herself, and neither could he. They stared awkwardly at each other with David mounting her; it was getting awkward.

"You're not feeling it, are you, Cass?"

"Would you be upset if I said no?"

"No, why would I? Whatever makes you happy makes me happy."

Cass frowns. "Thank God. For a minute there I thought I'd have to do something I wasn't in the mood for. Sorry to say this, luv, but can you please roll off me?"

Cass soon slid David off her in the least insensitive way. Lying down side-by-side, Cass never felt so not-in-the-mood before, while David and his ego felt so dumbfounded by the soiled moment his face went into deep shock. Turned off completely.

"I thought I was in the mood but…" She sighed.

"Pride… dying. Ego… flat-lining. Fading to black…"

Cass huffed. "Maybe next time, honey."

"That's fine with me. You know I'm always here for your needs."

"I just feel rather sick, to be honest."

David sat up behind her. "How sick?"

"Where do I start?" Cass sat up. "I must've thrown up three times in the last two days, my feet are killing me, and today I'm just so fucking tired. And this headache is pissin' me off!"

"I'm sorry, I wish there were something I could do to make you feel better… other than sex."

"I'll keep that in mind if anything turns up." Cass shifts her body to the side of the bed.

David reaches for his sack and takes out a bottle of whiskey. "How about a drink?"

"Now you're talking." Cass took the whiskey from David and opened it, but then after a smell, she handed it back to him. "I don't actually feel like having a drink."

David has dumbfounded again. His wife turned down a drink. "Wow… You really are sick."

"I know. I wouldn't mind a drink, but something is keeping me from even touching the stuff. I feel weird and dirty." Cass paused and suddenly vomited on the floor. Chunks of her last meal were heaved all over the floor, brown and yellow paste and everything. Repugnant stuff. A brown pile of mush.

"Cass?!"

Cass covered her mouth with unsurprising shock and dribbled between her fingers. "Are you kiddin' me? Not again!"

"What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Beats me. Just some stupid shit, I guess."

[Medicine 31/69] "Cass… are you…" Cass glares at him instantly with a mean glare. "Never mind."

[Failed] "I don't know what you're implying, and I don't want to know." Cass laid down on the bed in a strop. "I just want to rest before the meeting."

"What meeting?"

Cass yawned. "With the generals, to make battle plans for tomorrow or something like that."

"When?"

"In the evening, somewhere," Cass tirelessly mumbled.

"The work… I'll be back; I need to get someone to clean up the floor."

"Thanks. I can always count on you." Cass fell to sleep without a sound after her last word.

The married life is never easy.

Later that day, long time into the late evening when the bitter darkness fell across the Mojave, a soldier came by the barracks and asked David and Cass to report to the war room. Apparently, the generals wanted all agents and their parties. With bated breath, David held Cass' hand and followed the soldier to the war room.

The moderately sized office was fitted with a large wall of monitors and terminals in the far back, opposite the entrance. General Redfield, Colonel Moore and General Lee Oliver were looking over a large table with an interactive map of the Mojave Wasteland, Capital Wasteland and even the Commonwealth. It was more like a battle map with all key locations and forces.

General Oliver wore an elegant tan N.C.R. duster with badges, purple hearts and other medals. He was in his late thirties with the experienced prestige of authority. There weren't any N.C.R. members in sight; the mood was quite calm and silent.

At the door by David was Boone, Cass and William. Lyannah leant against the back wall near the shutter door; she wasn't even allied with the N.C.R., so she could care less about them.

The silence was broken when the five stood by the battle map. Though both of the generals and Moore noticed them, they never took their eyes off the map for a second.

"General Oliver. Agents Six and Wesker are here."

Oliver sternly glares at William and David's group. "You lot took your time getting here; I was getting the impression you were sitting this one out."

"It's my first week, sir," David said sheepishly.

Oliver scoffed. "I'm willing to let that slide Agent Wesker but both of you are here, and that's all that matters. We're all here to make some plans for tomorrow's battle. With two agents in service, things will be a bit different this time around.

"How different?" William asked.

"This time we'll be the one attacking their base of operations. Redfield has made a few calls to our allies and will set a garrison here at the Dam tomorrow."

"We're attacking them?"

Oliver became offended. "Our men look up to you, Six; they need to see you in action."

"William, your track record stretches as far as the Capital, even until now you still leave quite a name for yourself," Redfield added, rearing his head up with his equal. "Are you absolutely sure about your choice?"

"Does the N.C.R. spy on me or something?"

Oliver and Redfield had stared at each other before Oliver found his voice. "We cannot answer that question, only that the N.C.R Council keeps an eye on V.I.P.s like yourself and Agent Wesker, and even your lady friend over there. N.C.R. does it all the time when it's necessary."

"I don't like this idea."

Redfield glared at Oliver. "Oliver, I was to lead the attack to the Legate's Camp. You're not suggesting that these five will fight their way to Legate Lanius are you?"

"That is what I'm suggesting, Redfield." Oliver met Redfield's glare with a stare of his own. "Be reasonable here; you barely survived the last battle against the Malpais Legate. If Legate Lanius is half the monster, you take him for there is no chance in hell I'm letting you face him under any circumstances. I don't want to make the same mistake twice."

Redfield stood firmly in disappointment. "Just say it out loud, Oliver. You're not thinking about letting me into the fray any time soon, are you?"

"You're getting too old for this line of work, Redfield, and we cannot afford to lose you. You're too important to the N.C.R., maybe more so than Kimbal. That's why I need you here in the war room."

Redfield stopped using the interactive map and faced General Oliver with a firm stance. He wasn't willing to just sit on his ass all day because of his health. His eyes bored into Oliver's. "You're keeping me in here?"

"If the N.C.R. is gonna pull through this I need you here with Moore and I."

"Oh, Generals?" William politely said, hoping to divert their attention. Redfield silences him with a quick curl of his hand. After a quick look at his gloved hands, he waved his hand once at Oliver. "You don't need me in the war room," he said with a slow movement of the hand.

"What?"

Redfield waved his hand slowly again in front of Oliver. "You don't need me in the war room," he repeated slowly.

"Stop that, we have no time for games."

Either the ability to manipulate people is beyond my weakened state or Oliver isn't like the weak-minded types of people I surround myself with. Redfield stared at his hands. "I apologise, but is the situation that bad? What are you not telling me?"

Oliver sighed. "I've been getting reports of the Legion expanding further out than we initially thought. Several sightings go as far as the Capital and the Commonwealth; not even the vaults out there are safe."

"Inconceivable... This is a full-on hostile takeover!"

Moore slowly turned to Oliver. "Why haven't we heard of any of these reports, Oliver?"

"Vegas and its factions took up too much of your time, it was only until now we have the opportunity to get together and discuss the worsening situation. This war stretching out further than expected wasn't confirmed, not until recently."

"To expand this far, though… I didn't expect the Legion for the desperate type; must be something else."

"Well, it can't be propaganda," said Moore.

"And as far as we know, there's only one Caesar; it must be ambition. Someone like him will never be happy just owning Hoover Dam, he must want more."

"But why would he be interested in the Capital, or the Commonwealth?" Moore asked. "He'd be contesting with the different factions over there, what would be worth that attrition?"

"I don't know, nor we should care. Hopefully, the Brotherhood will combat the Legion's invasions and push them back long enough for us to secure the Dam; we can worry about the leftovers later."

"There's still time to request reinforcements, Oliver," Moore suggested.

Oliver growled. "This is none of Blackthorne's business, Moore; he chose his side, and I don't care if we ever see him again. We don't need any washouts from the Frontier protecting the Dam, we need soldiers."

Moore huffed, refusing to argue further. "In any case, the Brotherhood has sent some men down to protect the Dam."

Oliver sighed. "Better than nothing..."

"After careful consideration, I'll stay with the Dam too." Redfield reluctantly continued to use the interactive map. "At least the Legion stretching their forces thin all over; we can't be expecting much in terms of numbers."

"Thank you, Redfield. We'll sure as hell be a lot more successful with you around here." Oliver went back to addressing David and William. "I apologise for that, Agents. We had some difficulties to iron out. Now, where were we…?"

"How about I lead the charge?" David blurted with no second thought. Winging it seemed like a good idea.

"You are a valid option. Redfield?"

Redfield inspects interactive map. "That might just work, maybe even more so than Agent Six."

"That's all I needed to hear. As far as we know, there is only one person with frontline and leadership experience, and that is Agent Wesker." He sternly addressed, "Agent Wesker, will you lead the charge?"

"Absolutely."

Oliver finally breaks a smile, one that could nearly crack his face. "In your armour, we can't have you on the sidelines; we need someone to project force."

"I have just the thing. Some heavy ordinance is in order."

"How heavy are we talking?" Oliver asked.

"Power armour."

"That should do it."

"Are you planning on using David here as a battering ram?" William asked out of the kindness of his heart. Can't let David get too hurt out there on their behalf.

"This power armour is the best in its category. Safety is guaranteed."

"What about the support?"

"That would be you four. Agent Wesker will lead and take the punishment while the rest of you dish it out. Questions?"

"What kind of opposition will we expect? And what about reinforcements?" Lyannah asked, finally, from the back of the room.

"Good question. You'll be expecting your general Legion forces, although no numbers are exact," Oliver said, with a surprised expression, "however, they outnumber us two-to-one. We can expect everything ranging from recruit legionaries to the occasional centurion." He cleared his throat. "As for reinforcements, there will be a squad of rangers waiting for your signal to attack the Legate's Camp; they'll move on with you and follow your example."

"We can handle whatever they throw at us."

Oliver smile widens. "Such fire… This is the attitude I expect from all of our soldiers, Redfield; I want to see more of that passion."

Redfield sighed. "Considering all these wars, I'm inclined to agree..."

"There's no doubt in my mind that these five will fit the bill perfectly, all thanks to you." He looks to Redfield. "The N.C.R. put all their trust in you since day one, I don't know how you do it, but no one has ever doubted your advice. What's the secret?"

"Too many years of experience."

"The N.C.R. owes you a royal debt, Redfield. It will be paid." Oliver tugged his shoulder. "Listen… there's one more thing. The battle will most likely happen very early in the morning tomorrow; I suggest you get your affairs in order and prepare yourselves for war as soon as possible."

Redfield tapped on the table he was leaning on. "This will be the last battle for everyone, one way or another. I just hope to Christ that we get through this war without too many casualties; we lost too much to the Legion already."

"We have to make sure the N.C.R. wins, by any means necessary."

"You'll get no arguments from me. You heard the man, get yourselves ready for tomorrow. Agent Wesker, report to my office. You'll need an upgrade before you lead our advance."

"Loud and clear." David left the war room.

"I am trusting you four to support Agent Wesker here; he'll lead the charge and will take the heat for you all. I need all of your to be his sword and spear."

"This goes against everything I'm trained for, sir."

Cass peered over her shoulder to Boone. "Not the only one here, Boone."

"Discretion is the better part of valour, speak up if there are any objections to that. No? Good. Teamwork gets shit done! You'd be more inclined to support each other with the connections you share."

"Probably shouldn't but my rifle is up for it."

"I second that Boone," Cass grinned.

"If David doesn't mind the heat, I'll do everything I can."

"I'll follow their examples," Lyannah muttered with a boring look stretching across her face.

"That's all we ask for. Dismissed." William, Lyannah, Boone and Cass all leave the war room. They talked amongst themselves and then it started to fade away. Oliver took off his cap; it showed off his balding hair and stressed hazel eyes. He was getting too old for this shit.

"I trust we covered everything?" Redfield asked.

"Only for today. Tomorrow I need you here."

"I know. I'll suit up Agent Wesker and get him ready for tomorrow."

"If you're taking him to your private vault, please make it quick."

Redfield tilted his head. "Of course. My best interest to get it done quickly."

"I hope we're doing the right thing."

"Aren't we always, Oliver?" Moore added. "We know what's best for the Mojave."

"Not just the Mojave, the future of mankind everywhere..."