Chapter 26: New Vegas
"How are you doing Rory?" Itami asked as he walked up to the old demi-goddess.
"Better, the water helps." Rory said as she was laying down on the seat towards the back of the cabin.
After some of the initial silence and shock of the Soldiers return and their uncharacteristic silence, everyone was loosening up and talking again. Everyone minus Kurokawa and Rory.
Kurokawa was sitting in the middle of the car and was looking out the window, seemingly lost in thought. Itami knew that what she saw really affected her and he felt for now it was best to leave her to her thoughts.
Rory on the other hand, even if she was with them, Itami felt she wouldn't have been disturbed, especially after what her god represented. However, she was still somewhat ill and seemed very weak. After Kurokawa looked her over, it was determined that all Rory would need for now was rest and water since she was no longer near that glowing Ghoul. Especially since they wouldn't be able to do any more until they got back to Alnus.
Rory was dressed in her white undergarments, which was a white medieval styled underdress that she wore under her normal outfit. It was much shorter than the typical ankle length dress you'd typically see in a medieval period show since she wore a short skirt anyway, but it still had a similar look. One of the Americans gave her their camo "Poncho Liner", which was basically a blanket, for her to use both for warmth and modesty.
Itami himself was only wearing his green issued t-shirt and camo pants with his boots. He didn't even bother to blouse the bottom of the boots after what they saw.
Itami sat down next to Rory to give her a bit of comfort and support since she was still not feeling well. Something she didn't seem to mind very much.
"It's strange." Rory began.
"What is?" Itami asked.
"I've never felt anything like that before." Rory said.
"You mean the Ghoul?" Itami asked.
"Yea… it was like a miasma was leaking off of it and poisoning my body. It almost reminded me of the first time I smelled a rotten corpse." She said, which made Itami feel a bit ill at the comparison as he remembered the smell of the Raider stronghold.
"Kurokawa thinks it might be from the radiation." Itami said.
"What exactly is radiation?" Rory questioned. "I've heard you and the NCR use it so casually but I never really asked what it was."
Itami thought for a moment, trying to call back to his high school science class for the information on radiation. He was older and hasn't been in school for a while now. The only schooling he had was college that allowed him to commission as a Japanese Officer, but he never took science in higher education.
"Radiation is…" He struggled to say. "It's basically waves. Or more accurately particles in space called photons." He explained.
"Well, are they waves or particles?" Rory asked.
"They're kind of both." Itami said. "But also neither, it's hard to describe." He said. "Depending on how it's measured, it can act as both a wave and a particle."
"Sounds like magic to me." Rory said, making Itami laugh. "What?" She asked.
"Well, magic is simply things that science can't yet explain." Itami remarked.
"So you don't know?" She asked.
"I'm not the best person to ask. I'm sure someone smarter than me can explain it better. I only know from what I learned in high school." He laughed.
"Well, do your best." She almost commanded, though not in a condescending way.
"As a wave, the length of the wave can determine the intensity. So medium length waves can be detected by our eyes as visible light."
"Light is a radiation?" Rory asked.
"Yes." Itami said.
"So we can see radiation?" She clarified.
"Only when the waves are in the visible spectrum, which is why we call it visible light." Itami said. "However, we can also feel thermal radiation, which we interpret as heat."
"So there are other forms of light we can't see… and that's what radiation is?" She asked.
"Kind of, that's a very good way of thinking about it." Itami said.
"So how come it hurt me?" Rory asked.
"I don't exactly know." Itami said.
"Not a clue?" She asked.
"I guess you being a demi-goddess might make it react to you differently." He suggested.
"But how come simple sunlight or a fire doesn't hurt me?" Rory asked.
"Fires don't hurt you?" Itami asked.
"I can feel the pain, but it's basically impossible to kill me." She said. "So if heat and light are radiation, why don't they hurt me?"
"Well, the length of the wave can cause the radiation to be more damaging." He said.
"How so?" She asked.
"Well, the shorter the wave, the deadlier it is. Even to us." He said.
Itami reached into his gear that was near him and pulled out his radio.
"Radios for example use the longest and weakest form of radiation we call radio waves." He said.
"So it produces light?" Rory asked.
"Sort of, just nothing you can actually feel or see." He said.
"But you can hear it?" She asked.
"No, we can't, but the radio can… kind of." He said. "It takes the waves and basically through electricity, can interpret it as sound." He tried to explain in the most simple way possible.
"So shorter waves can be more deadly?" Rory asked.
"Yea." Itami said. "What that Ghoul was emitting was gamma radiation, the strongest and most deadly there is." He said.
"So that's what hurt me?" Rory asked.
"I don't know exactly, but it makes sense." He offered.
"And that's what's used to make these nuke weapons, right?" She asked.
"Yea, basically. It's a chain reaction at the atomic level… meaning really, really small." He said, noticing her confused face. "To make an explosion that produces a lot of heat and radiation. But radiation at such high levels can pollute the air and ground, making the effects last much, much longer." He said.
"And your world has the same kinds of weapons?" She asked.
"Japan specifically does not." He clarified. "However, the Americans country, the United States, alone has enough to wipe out the world a hundred times over." He said.
"And they're not the only ones?" She asked.
"No." He said. "America's biggest enemies, such as Russia, China, and North Korea possesses nuclear weapons as well. Matching or even exceeding their nuclear weapons… minus North Korea." Itami said.
"And their flying swords… or planes as you call them, can deliver them?" She asked.
"Well… yea, they can." Itami said, not wanting to go into the science of missiles and rockets since he knows next to nothing outside of "Fire goes out back end".
"That seems horrible." Rory said.
"In a way, it has prevented war." He said.
"You mentioned that… nuke deterrence, right?" Rory asked.
"Yea, basically if both sides can wipe each other out in a few hours with no counter, then both sides would never go to war and it would maintain peace. Many people believed nuclear war was impossible for this reason." He said.
"And the NCR completely broke that notion?" She asked.
"I don't know." Itami said. "I guess it proves it's possible, but our world hasn't yet, so I can still hope." He shrugged.
Rory seemed to be deep in thought after that. She seemed so unsure about something and Itami noticed that since they arrived, she has had such a different shift in her personality. Like she's considering every little thing.
"Do you think they're evil?" Rory asked.
"Who?" Itami asked.
"The people of this world." She said. "Do you think that they're a threat to Falmart… a threat to our way of life or a threat to our own gods?"
"Where's this coming from?" Itami asked.
"I had a talk with someone… that said that the NCR are a threat and dangerous to us. That they can introduce new technologies that would cause us to destroy each other, much in the same way." She really seemed worried.
"I guess it's possible." Itami said.
"Could Japan be a similar threat?" Rory asked. "Especially if your wars bleed into ours?"
Itami raised his eyebrow as he looked at the priestess. She seemed very unsure. He never saw her so unsure and borderline terrified. The radiation sickness really messed with her it seems.
"Honestly, I don't know." Itami shrugged. "I believe that eventually your world will get on our level, with or without our influence. Our influence might accelerate it, but people will always be curious and try new things." He said.
"Even at the cost of the whole world?" Rory asked.
"Did this world die?" Itami asked.
"It might as well have." She countered.
"I don't think it did." He pushed. "I think this world showed that, even though there is evil and destruction in this world, there are good people who are trying to fix the world and living their lives to benefit others." Itami thought back to the way Shady Sands looked so modernized even though the rest of the Wastelands were so destroyed.
"Even though so many people died?" She countered.
"I guess I'm an optimist." Itami smiled. "Even though I saw some terrible things today, I believe whole hardily that there are good people here who only want to improve their lives. It's like the people of Koda Village that we took with us. They lost their homes to events they couldn't control, but now they're picking up the pieces and trying to build a better life for each other."
"Many decided to move to Italica to become NCR citizens." Rory said.
"True." Itami shrugged. "But they need to find a way to pursue their own opportunities and happiness. Who are we to say they can't? We're not tyrants trying to control people. I fully believe that Japan is a force for good. And regardless of how scary the future can be, or how tragic the past can be, I think we should let people live their lives in peace."
Rory brought her knees to her chest as she thought about what he said. People should live in peace? Without the will of the gods? Even though Itami didn't specifically say anything about the gods, what he's implying is that people shouldn't be manipulated into doing what others will them to do.
From Rory's perspective, whatever they witnessed when they saved the princess wasn't a big deal. So they probably saw some mutilated corpses. Big deal. She remembered one time a few centuries ago where a king impaled and entire enemy army in ways to ensure they died slowly, to include the families of the soldiers who were captured with them. She remembered so many instances of thousands of bodies and screaming people in terrible and torturous ways. Such is the way of Falmart.
But the optimism he displayed is strange. The gods protected humanity from themselves… and from whatever this other entity is that opened the NCRs Gate. The will of the gods is absolute… right?
"Listen up!" Nate called from the front. "We're arriving in a few minutes. Get your stuff packed and get ready to get off." He called.
"We'll talk more later." Itami said. He put his hand comfortably on Rory's knee and gave a small squeeze before standing up and making sure he got all his bags.
When the train came to a full stop at the McCarren Embassy, they were greeted by a senior Officer from the NCR. He was a tall man who wore his dress uniform when he came to greet the otherworlders.
He took a look and was a bit concerned at what he saw. Everyone was dressed for combat, while some of the civilians, such as the princess and her friend, were dressed in simple jackets to provide them modesty.
"Good afternoon everyone." The man said. "My name is Colonel Richardson. I'm the Commanding Officer of the Southern Region." He said.
"Good to meet you Colonel." Nate said.
"Some of my men informed me of the situation… I apologize that you had to go through that." He said.
"Don't worry about it." Nate said.
"We'll take you to the Strip now. Mr. House is providing you with a room in the Lucky 38. There will also be a fresh change of clothes for you to wear." He said, referring to the Princess and Bozes.
"Why are Raiders expanding?" The Courier asked.
"Unfortunately, we're spread pretty thin." The Colonel said.
"Why?" The Courier asked.
"Since the Gate incident, the NCR has been trying to stand up a second Division to support operations. What Congress doesn't realize is that the entire NCR can only barely afford two Divisions worth of Soldiers." He said.
"I heard Howe mention that they were standing up another Division." The Courier confirmed.
"But what Congress doesn't understand is we still need to defend our borders. 2nd Division is only at a quarter of the strength and they've already taken half of my Battalions to stand it up. I'm working with minimal manpower here." He said out of frustration.
"That bad?" The Courier asked.
"That's not the only thing, they've been sinking so much resources into refurbishing old pre-war robots for their robotics Corp and purchasing refurbished vehicles from private citizens en masse." He said. "It's getting to the point that the Government is starting to implement large drafts and confiscating resources from citizens by skirting legal interpretations."
"Sounds like the Mojave all over again." The Courier said.
"Not only am I trying to deal with Raiders and Slavers expanding, but I'm also dealing with civil disobedience due to the confiscations for the war effort." He said.
"So the NCR are having resource troubles?" Itami asked out of curiosity.
"Bastards care too damn much about that stupid Gate, can't see that the frontiers are being stretched thin." He vented. "Anyway, we need to get you to the Strip Admin Building." He said as he motioned for them to follow.
They got onto a monorail while medics took the injured NCR soldiers away to another section of the Embassy. The monorail looked to be in very good condition since the last time the Courier saw it. It looked like House either completely remade it or refurbished it to the point that it was basically brand new.
Nanami was of course busy filming everything she saw. Not yet starting any interviews or voice overs until they arrived to their destination. She was determined to see everything the NCR had to offer.
By the time the monorail stopped, they were in another building that was inside the strip. The Courier noted it was the old Embassy building, likely now only being used for pure administration.
As with every other admin building, they had to fill out some basic documents and were issued a card that showed their status as VIP guests. Everyone clipped it onto their outfits so it would be displayed.
"How does the security work on the Strip?" Nanami asked while holding her microphone and recording.
"Securitrons take a majority of the security, along with a few private contractors hired by Mr. House." Colonel Richardson said.
"Does the NCR provide security?" She asked.
"The NCR has no jurisdiction on the Strip, so no. The NCR only is allowed to operate within Embassy grounds. Although we can assist with Strip Security if requested or given permission by the head of security." He said.
"Does the Strip get much crime?" Nanami asked.
"Typically no, since most people that visit are more on the upper ends of wealth in society." He said. "However, NCR citizens do benefit from access through the Embassy which can significantly reduce the entry fees into the Strip, however most people are still unable to afford the large gambling rates." He clarified.
"Does the Strip only provide gambling?" She asked.
"No ma'am, the Strip can provide a plethora of activities, such as theater, an experience living in a Vault, prostitution, and fine dining at the Ultra-Lux Casino." He said.
At this moment the Courier gagged when he said Ultra-Lux.
"You ok?" Nanami asked when she saw that.
"Don't go to the Ultra-Lux." He said seriously.
"Why?" Nanami asked the Courier.
"Let's just say there's a chance you'll be gambling with the food more than with the caps…" He said, shaking his head at the memory.
"I don't get it." She said.
"Just don't go." He said.
"We would also recommend you stay away from Gomorrah Casino." Richardson said.
"Why's that?" Nanami asked.
"Gomorrah is only for prostitution and sex mainly. We've had a lot of incidents there regarding slavery and forced prostitution." He said.
"And the Casino is still operational?" She asked.
"Security busted a lot of slaving organizations trying to establish themselves in Gomorrah recently. Many of the leadership from before Mr. House took over is now either dead or escaped, but they still have been a problem." He said. "Say what you want about Mr. House, but he's good at picking people that are good at what they do, and has the money to do it." He said.
"Anyway." Richardson added. "Currently we're dealing with a protest outside so we'll need to transport you by bus to the Lucky 38. It'll only be a five or ten minute ride, but it'll provide safety from the protest." He said as they made their way outside.
As the sun started to go down, the lights of Vegas started to shine once again. It had been a while since the Courier was back here and there were a lot of changes made. There was some construction going on some parts of the road. A majority of the road looked brand new and freshly paved. The large walls separating the different sections of the Strip were now completely gone.
However, many of the newer construction sites were empty and the men who were supposed to be working them were currently in front of the Embassy in a protest.
Some of them held signs with crudely drawn pictures of trucks and other such construction machines that were crossed out.
"What's this about?" Itami asked as he looked at the protest.
"Mr. House normally employs NCR companies for much of the reconstruction efforts, however there was a deal reached where much of the repaired vehicles and equipment would go to the war effort. Many of the workers are either being put in unsafe working conditions or getting laid off since there's too many people for most of the jobs." Richardson explained. "Even the wealthy are having their own personal cars taken for the war."
"Do they get compensation?" Nanami asked.
"Private property is compensated, in many cases forcefully, to the individual it belonged to. However, only the owners and shareholders are compensated for company assets, which typically doesn't go down to the workers." He said.
"Seems there's corruption in every Government." Nate shrugged.
"It sucks sometimes, but better than pretty much any other alternative." Richardson shrugged as well. "At least protestors don't get put on a cross."
Everyone boarded the bus and took their seats before beginning the short drive to the Lucky 38. MPs and Securitrons made a whole for the bus to get through, at times using force to either push or hit the protestors away.
The visitors all looked out the windows at the wonders of a retro futuristic, post-apocalyptic society. Where Shady Sands had a unique culture and identity that seemed to be fresh, New Vegas still had a lot of the retro charm that it did in its pre-war days. Mr. House's mission was to ensure that New Vegas was an exact copy of what it was as Las Vegas. To be an almost time capsule of the world of 2077.
"Damn…" Mat said to himself as he looked to his left and noticed all the skimpy and leather clad prostitutes dancing outside of the Gomorrah Casino.
"Don't even think about it." Kurokawa said, who by now was acting more lively than early thanks to the distractions the trip provided.
"What?" Mat asked the JSDF woman.
"Prostitution is illegal in both the JSDF and the United States." She said.
"I didn't say anything." Mat said defensively.
"I think everyone here should be reminded of something important." She said so everyone could hear. "Intercourse with a person who is sex trafficked can result in a sex trafficking charge placed on you, even if you have no knowledge the person was trafficked." She said.
"You guys don't allow prostitution?" Colonel Jackson laughed.
"It is immoral and illegal." Kurokawa said.
"Well, if it was in the NCR maybe I'd process a lot less AWOL cases because some Soldier decided to get too drunk at Gomorrah." He laughed. "Then again it'd get boring here if that's the case." He laughed.
"We get it Kurokawa, sex is bad." Kuribayashi teased.
"I'm making sure everyone knows the laws so no one gets in trouble." She said.
After some general conversations, everyone was instructed to get off the bus and walk up to the Lucky 38. At the door was a familiar Securitron with the face of a smiling cowboy.
"Howdy again friends." Victor waved at the group.
"What's up cowboy." Kuribayashi greeted.
"Good to see you all again." He said in a charismatic voice. "Boss is in the Casino floor. He wanted to show ya'll to the Presidential personally."
"Thank you Victor." The Courier said out of habit since he passed through these doors dozens of times during the war.
The inside of the Casino was completely different from what the Courier remembered. The dust, rot, and cobwebs were replaced by completely repaired and refurbished furniture and walls that made it look exactly as the Courier would imagine during the pre-war days of 2077.
Mr. House was near the elevator with his back turned to the guests. The Securitron he inhabited was holding an empty wine glass as he seemed to be practicing for his big moment.
"Vionaries, artists… no no, that sounds too generic." He said to himself.
"Visitors are here boss." Victor said.
Mr. House turned around. The Securitron he had was completely cleaned and polished with a fresh coat of paint and wax. There was a metal cut bow tie that was likely welded under the screen, making it seem as though he was dressed in formal wear.
"Ah, my esteemed guests." He said, raising the empty glass for a toast. "Ah forgive me, I'm trying to relearn how to socialize with the upper class all over again. It's been literal centuries since I had the chance to put on such an event." He sighed happily. "Regardless, guests of my most trusted employee is of course deserving of the finest luxuries." He said.
"Nice to meet you sir." Itami said.
"So you're Mr. House?" Nanami asked.
"Please, no interviews right now. I promise to provide an interview later, for now I have too many things to prepare for." House said in an excited tone. "But please, for now head up to the Presidential Suite. You can wash up and get a fresh change of clothes, especially after your ordeal." He said.
Everyone moved to the elevator, following Victor since he was guiding them to the rooms. The Courier hadn't really ever used the Presidential Suite except when he would rest in the Lucky 38 in between jobs given by House during the war.
"You seem unusually… kind today." The Courier observed once everyone was out of earshot.
"Well, I have to provide a show, now don't I." He said.
"So your normal poker face?" He asked.
"Not quite, I'm actually very excited." House said in excitement. "Finally I can speak to the most brilliant minds of the 21st century once again and learn about technologies I never could have imagined."
"Better than dealing with tribals?" The Courier asked.
"Of course. Truthfully I'm glad I no longer have the ability to smell, otherwise you and the other groups in the Mojave would have made me go mad long ago from the lack of hygiene." He said.
"I always missed your honesty." The Courier laughed.
By no means could the Courier say that House was a humanitarian. He was a master manipulator and valued overall progress of humanity over the individual needs of people, but he did have his own sense of honor.
"Besides, how else should I treat the guests of my most trusted employee?" House said. "They will be in the most luxurious room in the Lucky 38, even the richest of our other world guests won't receive such luxury."
"I'm sure they'll appreciate it more than me." The Courier laughed.
Once the elevator arrived, the Courier and the entire group stepped in along with Victor. It was a very tight squeeze, especially with Victor and their luggage.
"Presidential Floor." Victor said as the elevator opened.
The Presidential Suite was even more luxurious than the Courier remembered. With additional power from an upgraded Hoover Dam, the entire area was well lit with a warm glow from the wall and ceiling lights. All of the wood, walls, and carpets had been replaced with new panels that had a golden brown color to it. The furniture was also completely new, likely produced by the newly made factories that House built and owned.
"Everything here has been fully remade and changed up." Victor informed. "Most of the wood has been imported from the north, where there's still a decent amount of trees and forests. Not only that, Mr. House has been implementing prototypes based off of the GECK to begin planting and growing new vegetation. Soon we'll start having a steady supply of lumber and wood for building."
"Wow." Nanami said in amazement. "This is all really amazing." She said.
"Looks better than it did when I stayed here." The Courier said.
"You lived here?" Kurokawa asked.
"Not exactly." He said. "I stayed here during the war on my downtime, but I can't say I ever lived anywhere." The Courier said.
"How can you be both homeless and stay in the most luxurious place in the world?" Kuribayashi asked.
"I prefer the wasteland." The Courier shrugged.
"Anyway." Victor began. "Everyone has their assigned rooms. Even have nice little plaques with your names." He said, pointing to one of the rooms in the hallway that a golden plaque with the name "Nathaniel Greene" etched in cursive. "Unfortunately, our Imperial friends will have to use one of the extra rooms since we weren't expecting you to be with Courier."
"House is really making us feel welcomed." Nate said.
"Inside are also a change of clothes. We didn't know exact sizes so they're organized by size for each person. Feel free to mix and match." Victor said. "Of course, you can also use your own outfits if you want. There's space for your own luggage while you stay."
"Thank you Victor." The Courier said.
"Once ya'll get settled in, the boss has a little surprise for you all in the Cocktail Lounge. Just take the elevator there once you're ready to go." Victor said as he went back to the elevator.
Once he was gone, everyone brought their luggage into their own rooms and started to unpack. The first thing each person did was go take a shower in one of their own personal bathrooms that each room had. The water was specially treated to ensure that not only was it purified, but it also had no traces of radiation in it.
The Courier went to the Master Bedroom, which was still in the same general shape that he left it, minus the renovations of course. The furniture was new and had such a sweet spell that vaguely reminded him of citrus.
He stepped into the shower and got to work cleaning his body. It felt like a while since he bathed in anything that wasn't a river or lake. If he had enough water he'd use a bottle of dirty water and some soap to wash himself in order to stay clean.
Once he finished, the Courier wrapped a clean towel around his waist and looked around his Master Bedroom. Most of his trophies and guns that he collected during the war was still displayed, though moved slightly to make it more presentable.
Along the walls were various guns that the Courier collected over the years. House ensured they were all placed in the same exact spots after he renovated the Lucky 38.
"Courier, just wanted to-Oh my!" He heard Kurokawa yell as the door to his room shut behind him.
"You can come in." He said.
"Get dressed first!" She yelled.
"I'm in a towel…" He said with a deadpanned look.
"I know, but you need to be dressed if you have a guest in the room!" She called again.
"You saw me naked when you treated me, right?" He shot back.
"Just get dressed!" She persisted.
The Courier shrugged and went to a dresser and took out a pair of clean black dress pants. Once he buttoned the pants he called Kurokawa back in.
"It's better." She said as she came into the room. "But don't you want to put on a shirt?"
Kurokawa was dressed in a pair of sandals with a jeans skirt and simple blue T-shit. Her hair was not in her usual tied side tail and was still damp from her shower.
"Better?" He asked. "I'm showing the same amount of skin." He sighed.
"Yes, but now it's a little more proper. Were you raised in a… never mind." She caught herself before saying something that actually might insult him.
"Not like modesty is that big a deal in the frontier or the wastelands." He shrugged.
"Yes, but in polite society, we make sure to dress modestly." She shot back.
"I never lived in a modest place I guess." He shrugged.
Kurokawa looked around the room at all the various guns, trophies, animal heads, and displayed armors. She couldn't make heads or tails of most of them, especially the energy weapons. Most of the armors looked either very old or held together with scarp. It contrasted a lot with the luxurious feel of the room itself.
"This room just… screams you." She observed.
"Screams me?" He asked.
"Yea." She said. "It just looks like cobbled together pieces of scrap."
"Yea, most of it is. Some pre-war stuff here and there." He said.
"Why do you store all this here?" She asked.
"I technically don't own most of it anymore." He shrugged.
"Really?" She raised her eyebrow. "Why?"
"I sold them to Mr. House. He's been in the process of re-opening the Lucky 38." He explained. "He figured that he can up the price of the room by advertising that this is where the Courier stayed during the war. It's almost like a private exhibit for the wealthiest of guests."
"That seems odd to me." She said. It would be weird if her personal items were displayed for people to see.
"One day he wants to make a public exhibit for the war, so he collected a lot of items and artifacts from the war." He said. "He wants to dedicate an entire section to me, which is what the revenue from the room will be used towards."
"So one day people who aren't born yet will read stories about you." She smiled.
"Their versions, sure." He said bitterly.
Kurokawa could see it didn't sit well with him too much.
"You prefer the life in the wilds over civilization?" She asked.
"Yea, I do. I prefer to be alone on the road." He shrugged.
"What happens if one day society catches up, and there is no more wasteland?" She asked.
"I doubt I'd live that long." He said. "Even if I didn't die young, I'd prefer to be dead before that happens."
It was such a sad thing to hear. He was so used to the isolation on the road that she was unsure if he could ever imagine a peaceful life that didn't involve death or pain. The way he acted while they were in the wasteland and chased after Pina was horrifying. He didn't have any care for his own safety, nor did he have any normal reaction to seeing the horrors those Raiders caused.
Kurokawa had been lost in thought since they got back to the train, but not on what she saw. While she still had to fully process it, she worked in a trauma center and occasionally with emergency services. She saw all kind of terrible injuries in everyday life, had to assist in dealing with weeks old corpses who died unknowingly in their homes with no one knowing, and had to help victims of sexual assault.
True, the Raider base was ten times worse than what she'd experienced in her job, but she was used to the sights themselves. What truly scared her, was the complete ease the Courier felt when he traveled in dangerous areas and dealt with the Raiders. She could tell he did it many times before, but it still made her sad.
"What?" He asked, noticing her sad eyes were on him.
Kurokawa closed the distance and hugged him. His body was warm against her and she made sure to try and make him feel safe and secure.
"What are you doing?" He asked in genuine confusion.
"Do you not have hugs in the wastelands?" She asked sadly.
"We have hugs, but normally there's kind of a reason behind them." He said as he just stood there in her embrace.
"You've lived so much in the wasteland that you can't even realize that living like that isn't normal or healthy." She said.
"Of course it isn't healthy." He said. "I have the scars to prove it." He laughed.
"Don't worry." Kurokawa said as she broke away from the embrace and looked up at him. "I'll make sure to show you a different kind of normal." She smiled at him, causing the Courier to actually blush. It was the first time she ever really saw him act bashful.
"I don't get it." He said.
"I'll show you that there's more to life than violence and death. More to do than wander and be alone." She said as she tilted her head. "I'll make sure that peace becomes your new normal."
"Ironic since technically we're at war in a way." He said, trying to deflect the subject.
"I know you well enough that you don't really care much about the war." She laughed. "Nor do you consider yourself a member of the NCR any more than you consider yourself to be Japanese."
"Fair point." He laughed. "I uh… think I should maybe, you know… get changed… in private." He stuttered.
Finally, Kurokawa thought. He's getting shy at her advances. She considered pushing a little more, but not yet. She'd wait for the right moment.
"I thought you didn't care about modest… whoa!" She yelled in surprise as he easily picked her up over his shoulder and carried her out the door.
Kurokawa actually hit him a few times in complete surprise as she struggled. All playfulness gone at the sudden surprise and suddenly being a foot or two higher than normal. The Courier walked out the door and put her down on her feet.
Kurokawa's face was red, not only at the sudden shock but also because due to the way he carried her, his hand rested on the back of her upper thigh, right under her butt. Once he deposited her outside, he shut the door and left her there so he could get changed. Kurokawa was annoyed, but should have expected that since he really doesn't do playful banter much.
She smiled slightly though before turning away from the door. She knew he was flustered and just wanted to get away from her. She could tell that when it came to women, he was still somewhat unsure of himself. Sure, he may have had encounters before, but his isolated life really made it difficult to really form connection. It was cute in a weird kind of way.
Plus, she kind of blushed at how easily he lifted her, as if she weighed nothing. She was taller than normal for a Japanese woman, so she was heavier than most other women. It was kind of nice in a way.
She still knew she was affected by what she saw in that tunnel, but she knew that she would need to remain strong for the Courier. She wasn't going to let it bother her. She was going to stay strong and give him the emotional support he needs in order to get better and improve, both mentally and emotionally.
Kurokawa knew she was starting to have feelings for the Courier. She knew for a while now, but this was the first time she knew that it was real for her.
Perhaps she's getting too mixed up in the emotions, or maybe it's the nightingale effect where she feels sorry for him. But regardless, she did want to try and pursue something. Especially after how much she wanted to help him.
In the Master Bedroom, the Courier was sitting with his back to the door, his left hand in his face. He didn't know why, but he suddenly wanted to be alone again. He could still feel her body pressed against his, and he could still feel the warmth. He felt terrified, as if he wanted to stay like that but at the same time he wanted to run away.
There was something about Kurokawa. Something about the way she made him feel. He still felt weaker. Still felt like there was something missing and he didn't know what.
Her words affected him too. The way she explained that he should be horrified at the life he lived, but he couldn't understand why. Sure, to her it wasn't right, but to him it was just another day. People die all the time. He doubted that there truly was all that much peace in her world either. He's sure they have wars and lawlessness in many areas too.
Ever since she came into his life, he felt nothing but doubt. He was unsure of anything. He didn't know what he wanted or what he wanted to do.
There were too many thoughts in his head again. The Courier picked himself up and put on the rest of the black suit, to include a dress shirt and jacket. He kept the top buttons undone since he hated ties and put on some black dress shoes.
It wasn't the first time he dressed well for an occasion. When he dealt with the internal issues with the three families he had to play the part of a gambler on the casino floor. Though he still hated these dumb monkey suits.
He went out of the Master Bedroom and straight to the elevator. After opening it up he called on the small intercom that he wanted to go to the Penthouse Suite, which was allowed. He was the only one allowed to go to the Penthouse where the primary mainframe that displayed Mr. House was located. He had questions and Joshua's answers were unsatisfactory.
He reached the top and the elevator door opened. He needed to figure something out.
Another one down. Hope people like the world building and some of the character interactions.
Thanks again for the reviews and the fun discussions. You all are amazing. Especially the criticism as it helps me to figure out how I'm doing and where to improve.