Chapter 14: The Outlaw

Location: Half-way to Anvil Gate Timeline: 16 A.E.

It's been an hour and a half since we left the Deadlands while heading to Anvil Gate.

I was now playing the song, 'Big Iron' by Marty Robbins and Baird came up to me.

He then said, "Damn, your songs are old, but they do a hell of a job of making us relax during these times we're in."

"Of course, Baird. We all need something to make us relax or we all just end up being paranoid for the rest of our lives." I said to him.

But then Dom was getting impatient and then asked, "Baird, you sure this thing's still on course?"

Baird replied, "Look, I programmed the course Sam gave us. Edward was nice enough to entertain us with music, so what else do you want? You want a coloring book or somethin'? Pencils? Look, somethin' shining!"

Cole then shouted towards Baird and Dom, "You kids better behave. Don't make me turn this thing around."

Then Marcus asked, "Baird, how long before we're in radio range with Anvil Gate?"

Baird answered, "We're past the halfway mark. Ooh, maybe Hoffman will have the coffee ready!"

Then Cole added, "Oh, yeah, and some cookies, too..."

Then we heard Ruby whimpering and said, "I miss the cookies!"

Then they all looked towards me, wanting to know why Ruby whined like that, and I sighed, then replied, "She LOVES cookies. Especially the chocolate chip."

Then they all nodded and then we started to hear explosions and then saw two Locust barges.

Then Marcus said, "Someone's taking a pounding out there."

Then someone came on the comms with an accent I haven't heard ever since I left the Mojave. The guy says, "... I'm holdin' 'em off the best I can. Anyone pickin' this up? Hey, this is Truck Fifty-Four. I need some help fast, or else I'm gonna be kissin' my ass goodbye!"

I turned off my music as Marcus began, "I don't believe it..."

Then he got on the comms and asked, "Is that you, Dizzy?

Dizzy replied, "Marcus Fenix! Well, I'll be damned! Where are you, son?"

Marcus replied, "We're on our way, Dizzy. See the extra barge coming in? That's us."

Dizzy replied in surprise, "You jacked a grub barge? Damn Marcus, you got some hangers on ya!"

Marcus said, "Hangers. Son of a bitch. We, along with some new friends of ours, will get those grubs off you back. Hang on."

Then I pulled out my Red Glare as Marcus got on the turret that has Boomshots attached instead of the Retro Lancers. Then he started to fire at the closest Barge as I engaged the furthest one.

After we took them out, we then started to get close to the ground as Marcus yells, "Baird, get this thing as close to the ground as you can. We're goin' in."

Then we came to a halt and I switched from my Red Glare to my 'CZ57 Avenger'. Then as we dropped down the grappling hooks, Baird snatched the nav unit.

Baird then says, "Just in case it decides to go exploring without us."

I responded, "Good idea, Baird."

Then as the four of them grapple down, me and Ruby jumped off. Ruby jumped off onto another building, then jumped to the ground, while I jumped straight down.

Then Marcus yelled to Dizzy, "You takin' the grub army single-handed again, Dizzy?"

Dizzy responded, "I guess I shoulda learned my lesson against Skorge! And who are these two?"

Dizzy pointed to me and Ruby, and Marcus answered, "Their names is Edward and Ruby. Let's just say they're not from around here."

Then we began our assault against the Locust. After a minute, a same creature that was accompanying the Locust Queen showed up.

Baird shouted, "Heads up, we've got a Reaver!"

Dizzy shouted, "Take out that buzzard!"

I responded, "With pleasure, sir!"

Then I aimed my minigun at the Reaver and mowed it down, killing it in just seconds.

After we took out the remaining stragglers, Marcus said, "That's the last of 'em."

Then after we regrouped with Dizzy, he started to laugh and began, "I wasn't expectin' to run into you boys again AND with some new friends, too! Come on, help me move some of this ammo before the goddamn grubs come back!"

Then we started to follow him to one of the warehouses as he continued, "I found a stash back here before the grubs jumped me. Fort needs every round we can get."

Then Marcus walked up to Dizzy and said, "Dizzy, we've come to find Hoffman. Last time we saw you, you were both headin' for Anvil Gate."

Dizzy responded, "Yeah, he's got the fort fitted out real nice! I drive this route tradin' supplies with other camps. When I can slip past the goddamn grubs, that is."

Then Baird asked, "But does he still have Prescott's data disc? You know, the one I could never crack? Because we really need it."

Dizzy replies, "Sure he does! He's still cussin' about it! Hey, you found the magic word to open it?"

Marcus gave a short groan and replied, "Long story. Let's grab the supplies and go."

Then Dizzy opened the gate and we went inside. The first thing that caught my eye was a large gun.

Then I saw Baird walking to me with a grin on his face and said, "That's a One-shot. It's basically a giant sniper rifle that ignores any form of armor and kills instantly."

My eyes widened and I immediately stored the One-shot into my Pipboy and then I saw another piece.

It was weirdly shaped and I turned to Baird and asked, "And what's this?"

"That's the Hammer of Dawn, well, at least the part that targeter for the Hammer of Dawn, which are Laser-Designated Satellite Lasers. If I were you, I would want to keep that." Baird answered.

Now I feel like a kid in a toy store now. I mean, the Hammer of Dawn? That is an awesome name for a weapon of it's kind.

I replied, "I'm definitely keeping this!"

Then as we exited the building after stocking up on ammo, more grubs showed up.

Baird shouted, "Ah, shit, more Reavers and guards!"

I sighed and thought, 'These guys don't give up, do they?'

To be Continued...

(Note: The Hammer of Dawn will have unlimited energy like it had in the early games)