Ring-a-Ding-Ding!
Rick had seen better days. Back when he was younger he had been known for being a crack shot and quite the heart breaker, nowadays he was lucky if people actually called him by his name instead of "Greeter guy" to top it all off it was a really slow day and he was jonesing badly.
To make things worse he felt like he was burning up, he looked up at the fan at the entrance of Gomorrah and wondered who to blame; the heat or the drugs? The biggest mystery of it all was. How could this casino operate with a staff full of junkies? Like a well-oiled machine apparently; he had to admire Nero that bastard was getting richer by the day while his employees were killing themselves on jet.
Normally he didn't care how he got his next fix but things were getting desperate since Cachino had refused to pay him, reminding him that it was not "Payday" yet.
He sighed in defeat and walked towards Sandy. Sandy was the receptionist in Gomorrah apart from the fact that she looked more like a man than a woman she was alright; she always knew what the word on the street was and who to blame.
Sandy saw Rick walking towards her, thinking quickly she fixed her hair and smiled to herself.
"Hey Sandy" said Rick as he tried his best to smile.
"Hey Rick what can I do for you?" she asked.
"Well Sandy i was wondering if you had any medicine left".
"As a matter of fact I do have two inhalers left. The question is what are you willing to do to get them?"
Rick bit his lip and wished he had a knife to stab that bitch with. But he knew if he wanted to score tonight he had to do what that opportunistic wretch wanted.
"What do you have in mind?" He asked and hoped it didn't involve Rick wearing make up again.
"Come see me when your shift ends and we can have some fun". "But for now stick to looking pretty, greeter guy".
With that Rick went back to his post grumbling profanities when the doors opened; Rick was used to see a single tourist or a couple of NCR grunts but instead he had two heavily armed mercenaries and a young girl who looked like she shopped for clothes in a scrap yard.
"Hey! No one but Omertas are allowed to carry weapons inside the casino check your weapons with me".
"That was a mistake, a huge fucking mistake!" thought Rick as he felt the temperature of the room dwindle as the trio glared at him, he felt any second now he would be riddled with bullets.
Instead a voice came from behind him and said.
"You have to forgive my friend he has been having a bad day. What he is trying to say is that for security reasons we need you turn in your weapons gentlemen… and lady".
It was Johnny a blonde kid around seventeen years old He covered the night shift although naïve: he seemed to be a nice person, too nice for a place like Gomorrah.
The leader of the group a young man that wore a green bandana stared at Johnny for a moment sizing him up.
Rick was scared for the kid: he himself was a dirty womanizing piece of shit and proud of it. But he didn't want Johnny to die for one of his fuck ups.
"Fine" said the leader and the rest of the group although hesitant followed the leader.
"Thank you. Sir" said Johnny who was sweating bullets.
"Please place your weapons here. I will keep them safe."
Rick and Johnny looked in horror to see just how many weapons the trio was carrying with them. There was enough to outfit two squadrons.
"Hey Tino!" yelled Johnny.
In walked in a tiny Mexican man with a big black mustache.
"Yes Johnny?"
"Do me a favor and please show this good people where they want to go".
"Sure kid".
"Please follow me" said Tino as he motioned the trio to follow him.
Before anyone could do anything the leader of the group grabbed Johnny's tie and pulled him towards him. The kid was beyond terrified as he looked into the stranger's eyes.
"If anything happens to my guns you'll be the first to be skinned alive". Said the man with the bandana. Suddenly letting go of Johnny causing him to fall face first to the floor. The stranger's friends nodded in approval and the trio left following Tino.
Rick walked up to Johnny to offer him a hand and the kid took it. Feeling Rick's strong grip Johnny quickly rose to his feet, as he looked at Rick this close he could see the bag under his eyes and the sweat dripping from his face he wanted to say something but he knew Rick would cuss him out or worse so he kept his mouth shut.
"Fucking weirdos right?" Asked Rick trying to make the kid feel better.
"You got that right" said Johnny wishing he had stayed at home today.
"This is the second time today I'm threatened by some random freak". "This morning that snake in the brown suit left Nero's room and walked over to me and asked me if I heard any rumors about someone entering the Lucky 38".
"That's impossible no one has set foot in that place in two hundred years!" replied Johnny
"Exactly that's what I said to him; then he just stared at me like a lizard and he literary hissed at me and left. I'm telling you kid. The strip is about to be overrun by freaks".
Then Rick looked at Johnny and did his best.
"Thanks kid without you I would have become a pin cushion riddled with bullets".
Johnny smiled and tried to fix his hair, and tried his best to hide the piss stain on his pants he had just made.
"No worries Rick, that's what friends are for right?" As he smiled towards the older man.
Rick scoffed loudly "Friends? No we are not friends Johnny but thanks anyway". With that Rick left Johnny and walked over to Sandy jonesing for jet, and hoped the woman would have enough decency not to make him wear that stupid dress again. At least not today.
Tino escorted the trio through the game room to the Brimstone club where he sat them close to one of the dancers, as he left he made a mental note to try to figure out who were these guys.
Veronica was the first one to grab a seat. Making sure she had the best view of the gorgeous brunette who was on stage shaking her hips, next came Boone who seemed uncomfortable as usual, Pablo the Courier was the last to sit since he had been busy trying to catch one of the waitress's attention, he was especially happy when he saw that it the waitress was a quite attractive young black girl with short hair.
"Hi sugar my name is Dixie what can I get for you and your friends?" Asked the waitress as she surveyed the trio with a polite smile, her eyes lingered on Boone for a little too long.
Pablo smiled and gave a slight nod at Boone who seemed embarrassed with all the attention. Taking charge once again the Courier smiled towards the girl and decided it was time for some information.
"Pleased to meet you Dixie I'm Pablo this is Boone and Veronica and since this is our first time visiting this fine establishment we could definitely use some directions along with some cold beers".
"Well sugar this lovely place here is called club Brimstone, you saw the gambling room as you came on your way here, we also have the Zoara club upstairs; which is our VIP section and finally we have the courtyard where you can find some "company" "to enjoy the rest of the night".
"As for the beers sugar, I'll go get them for you right now". Said Dixie as she began walking towards the bartender; she was stopped by Boone.
"No way. I want a bottle of whiskey" said Boone as he looked towards Dixie; who gave a weak smile along with a nod and proceeded to walk towards the bar. Silence fell over the trio with only the faint sound of music. Boone crossed his arms and looked grim as usual while Veronica was bewitched by the dancers swaying hips, Pablo however was grinning at Boone and decided to tease him a bit.
"Geez Boone, I had no idea you were such a ladies' man. I'm tempted to ask Dixie to accompany us in our merry drinking, I'm sure her boss won't mind since it's not a busy night".
Boone glared at the courier trying to intimidate him enough to drop the subject. Instead Pablo gave Boone a Chesire grin. Boone was surprised the younger male had all his teeth; Nothing a good right hook couldn't fix. Before he could try anything else he noticed Dixie carrying a tray with all the booze they ordered; Boone decided to drop the subject and proceeded to admire the ceiling.
"Here you go sugar. If you need anything just holler alright?" With that Dixie walked over another table leaving the group to their drinking. Boone proceeded to grab the whiskey bottle and fill three shot glasses sending one to Pablo and another to Veronica. Pablo smiled and tapped Veronica in the shoulder who was busy staring at the dancer reluctantly she turned her attention towards the shot.
"On the count of three" said Boone and the trio proceeded to grab their shot glasses and donned their shots. Boone had a pleased smile as he felt the whiskey warm his body but then he noticed Pablo and Veronica chocking on their drinks; with a satisfying grin he proceeded to pour himself another shot while his companions retreated to their beers.
Pablo took a sip of his beer then sighed heavily and gazed at Boone with a serious look on his face deciding now was the best time to plan their mission.
"Boone let's go over the plan shall we?" The former First Recon sniper nodded and placed his hands together and proceeded to explain the plan of attack for tomorrow. Meanwhile Veronica was ignoring the two men and found herself enraptured by the curves of the beautiful dancer in front of her. The dancer started to gyrate her hips in a sensual rhythm looking towards Veronica and giving her a wink. Blushing madly; she decided to do something about it, all of the sudden Veronica felt compelled to climb into the stage and try to get to know that girl, when she was stopped by Pablo who gave her a disapproving look.
"We are planning our attack plan for tomorrow Vero". "You can do your thing afterwards right now we need to focus". The Courier ignored the glare that Veronica was brandishing and began indicating explaining his plan with beer bottles and shot glasses.
Above them in the VIP section known as the Zaora club, stood Vulpes Inculta wearing his incognito outfit. Overcome with rage; he gritted his teeth and gripped the metal bar so hard his knuckled were turning white. Restraining himself he leaned over and paid a closer view towards the profligates; It was a miscalculation on his part to let that kid go. He wanted the kid to spread the word of the massacre in Nipton, and he did just that but that wasn't the end of it. Now there he was a month later: calling himself the Courier, and not only the head of a small group; but the only man to ever survive three Legion assassination attempts.
The head of the Frumentarii began to play several scenarios inside his head where he murdered the kid and his entourage. With a smile he began to caress his silenced 22 caliber pistol, but then he remembered what Alerio said; if this kid really did entered the Luck 38 then Caesar would have plans for him.
He walked back inside his room and pulled out a small CV radio he kept with himself to make contact with other members of the Legion.
"Picus this is Vulpes do you read me?"
"Vulpes? This is a dangerous time to contact me. Wait until midnight".
"This can't wait I have urgent news for our father, said Vulpes".
Pablo had finished detailing the plan for storming the casino when he noticed a strange painting. It had twelve men and a woman they wore strange clothes that looked more like dresses than anything else.
Veronica noticed Pablo observing a painting.
"So you I take it you like the last supper?" asked Veronica.
"Veronica we just ate. I'm not hungry and why are you calling it the last?" "Unless you put poison in it of course". Answered the Courier giving her a confused look.
"No you idiot, I'm talking about the painting. It's called the last supper".
"Oh".
"Why is it called the last supper?" asked the Courier. Veronica just answered with a small shrug.
"Beats me" she said. "I saw that painting in this old book I got from father Elijah that had all the best artwork from pre-war times". "The guy who drew it was called Da Vinci. It was about some guy called Jesus and his Christianity".
"What the hell is that? Was that some kind of weapon?" Asked Boone, who joined on looking at the painting.
"Who knows; Father Elijah said that it was quite big. But like everything else; it died when the bombs fell".
"I think the painting kicks ass, we should steal it". Said Pablo with a mischievous grin.
"Are you crazy Pablo? You know sometimes I think you are looking for excuses to get shot at". Said Veronica punching the Courier in the shoulder.
"Alright Vero you are probably right; we should at least get a picture taken just like that".
"Yeah I think it we would look bad ass except we are only six and they are thirteen".
"We could always add more people to the team" said Pablo.
"Yeah! I want a leggy brunette and a butler with a British accent that does everything I tell him" beamed Veronica.
"We'll see kiddo" said Pablo as he took a sip of his beer bottle and with a satisfied smile he looked at Veronica.
"You know this wasn't a bad idea after all Vero. I'm glad we came here". Said Pablo as he gently patted the scribe in the back with a pleased smile.
"Like always people fail to recognize my genius, but it's alright Pablo. There's hope for you yet" said Veronica.
"Ha! Sure whatever you say kiddo".
"Anyways how about we get going? I bet the courtyard is buzzing with excitement and can't wait to meet us" said Veronica with a smile.
"Alright" said Pablo and he looked on Boone's direction.
"You coming Boone?"
As if on cue the sniper sat back on his chair and proceeded to pour himself a shot shaking his head.
"Alright man, suit yourself. Here is fifty caps; if I were you I would finish my drink and then I would find Dixie and have some fun with her".
Boone just glared at the Courier. Knowing that trying to persuade Boone was completely futile the Courier just nodded at Veronica and left for the courtyard leaving the man to his whiskey.
The Courtyard in Gomorrah's was a very lively place: surrounded by plants and exotic music unlike the rest of Gomorrah where most of the casino didn't have many people, the courtyard looked like a giant party.
Pablo the Courier grinned at the scenery; his mind wandering freely picturing future escapades and adventures in this place. His smile turned into a frown when he looked at Veronica who looked grim.
"Something wrong Vero?" Asked the Courier concerned for the scribe.
Veronica answered with a weak smile.
"I'm fine…. It's just ….. I'm kind of Nervous Pablo do you think they'll like me?"
The courier just smiled and placed his hand on veronica's shoulder.
"They're hookers Vero they don't have to like you".
"Asshole….."
"Ha-ha I'm joking kiddo relax. There's nothing to worry about; you are a great girl I'm sure they'll be fighting each other for a chance to be with you".
"You think so? I hope so, that would give me great bragging rights next time I'm with the Brotherhood". Pablo noticed that while Veronica was hiding something so he decided to be blunt about it and decided to ask.
"You are not a virgin are you?" Veronica looked taken back by that question and recovered slowly.
"Is that what is bothering you Vero?"
"No! it's not that. I'm not a virgin; it's just that... Christine was the only girl I've ever been with".
"Christine huh? That's her name? Well I'm sure things are going to be alright". "Now how about we go find you a girl?"
Veronica nodded and Pablo started to walk towards the crowds when he was stopped by Veronica.
"Hey Pablo".
"Yes?"
"Thanks. You are a great fake big brother".
"Pablo proceeded to smile and answered with a cocky bow".
"I aim to please".
"You still owe me a fucking dress so don't think you're off the hook just yet….." said Veronica with a smile.
"Wouldn't dream of it Kiddo now let's go find you a girl" and the duo began to walk towards the party.
After sending Veronica with a cute short haired brunette, Pablo walked up some stairs into a hallway that also acted as a balcony and began to survey the party and try to decide which girl he wanted. At the same time he couldn't help to feel like he was being watched by someone. All the vegetation in the courtyard didn't help either, it reminded him of a jungle, he remembered being a kid and reading a pre-war book about jungles and this giant cat called a Lion and he was the king of the jungle.
The thoughts of a big predator such as a Lion terrified him, he was glad that he didn't live in a place nowhere near a jungle, suddenly he felt like he was being watched again by some sort of predator. He slowly turned around only to find a quite attractive brunette wearing a ponytail and lingerie.
"Well, what do we have here huh?" "Let me guess. You've heard about the mistress that makes all of your fantasies come true".
"So you've followed the call of your desires….. all the way to the arms of Joana. Moi; now that you found me". "I wonder do you have what It takes?".
Pablo smiled he was glad it wasn't some sort of assassin so crossed his arms and leaned back against the railing.
"I always have what it takes, beautiful".
"Confident I like that. So what do you want to with what you got?"
"Ha! I think the better question is what are you going to do with it?" Said Pablo as he grinned at Joana.
"Oh my". "Aren't you something else? I guess you'll have to see for yourself what I can do huh?" "Consider it on the house honey".
"Now that's more like it gorgeous, lead the way" said Pablo as he looked at the beautiful brunette lead him to her room. Watching those swaying hips he knew this was a great upgrade from Beatrix the Ghoul.
Pablo the Courier woke up with a smile on his face. Looking at the naked frame of the woman still sleeping beside him, he laid back and looked at the ceiling and sighed happily.
"I could get used to this" he thought and he began to day dream becoming a regular, when he was interrupted by a voice in his head.
"You can't get used to it. She's a hooker it's her job to make you feel good".
"Shut up".
"Great now you are talking to yourself " said the voice.
This made the Courier visibly wince and he went to check the time; the light on his pip-boy said 7:00 AM; Getting up slowly making sure not to startle the sleeping beauty beside him. He began to put on his clothes. Tying up his green bandana he took one last look at the naked frame of Joana. He sighed and left.
The first thing he saw as he stepped out of Joana's room was Veronica who was sitting by herself on some stairs hugging her knees, humming a song she probably heard on the radio.
She quickly noticed the Courier and got up and walked up to him.
"Hey Veronica". "I didn't expect you to get up this early, how was it?"
Veronica smiled and did a small victory dance.
"That good huh? Well I'm very happy for you, now at least you won't be drooling at the sight of any good looking chick we come across".
"I don't know about that" said veronica as she giggled; "I can't wait until we come back to visit this place".
"Good" said the Courier; "now let's go find Boone so we can get to me killing Benny".
"Sure let's go".
It didn't take the duo that long to find Boone as soon as they left courtyard they saw Boone passed out on their table with three empty whiskey bottles next to him.
Pablo walked up to Boone and gently kicked him, this brought Boone back to life and he glared at the Courier.
"Get up Boone. It's time, we need to go".
"Fine" was all could Boone say as he was being attacked by a pounding head ache. He slowly got up and proceeded to follow Pablo and Veronica.
After they got their weapons back, the trio left Gomorrah where the bright New Vegas morning sun was waiting for them. Boone grunted the morning light wasn't a good combination with his hang over, so he pulled out his sunglasses.
Pablo the Courier looked at Boone and decided he wasn't going to let Boone take all the "Bad ass dude look" so he took his own black aviator sunglasses and put them on. Veronica looked at both men and frowned.
"Where are my sunglasses? I want to look bad ass too!" She cried and unleashed her puppy eyes. Pablo just shook his head and pulled out his spare sunglasses; with a pleased smile Veronica wasted little time and wore them.
"Alright now that we all look bad ass guys, let's go. Benny isn't going to kill himself you know? Come on!"
And so the trio headed towards the tops to finish Pablo's tale of revenge once and for all.
The first thing Pablo noticed about the tops was that it was packed with people gambling and laughing and having a good time. He made a mental note to come back and hang out once this whole Benny drama was over.
Yet again the trio was asked to surrender their weapons when entering a casino but this time they saw it coming.
Pablo kept a silenced 22 caliber pistol the same with Boone and Veronica snuck inside a switchblade; the trio's best option was to take mister House's advice and seek out a man called Swank and try to convince him to join killing Benny.
It didn't go as planned. However they got their weapons back and access to Benny's suite. Changing the plan Pablo and Veronica would search Benny's suite for proof that Benny was guilty, while Boone tracked Benny who had been sent to the lobby by Swank.
The search seemed futile until Veronica decided to use the restroom and opened the wrong door that led to a very claustrophobic hallway: Pablo followed that road and was greeted by a lone Securytron that looked different than any he had seen before; unlike Victor this "yes man" seemed very friendly and forthcoming about information.
Giving Pablo all the evidence he needed plus answers for all the questions he had for Benny, Yes man tried to convince Pablo to take cover the strip but he dismissed him and left the securytron alone where he found him. While waiting for Veronica to finish he noticed that Benny had been smoking and drinking in his own mini bar. Knowing he would return to that spot he left a gift for Benny.
Returning to Swank the Courier told him about Benny's plans, which completely freaked out Swank. Finally agreeing to have Benny killed; Swank called back all employees and proceeded to give the news of a change in management. Meanwhile Pablo and Veronica were on the elevator. Once again heading to the thirteenth floor to finally put Benny down.
Veronica looked at Pablo who seemed very calmed leaning against the wall with his eyes closed and smiling to himself.
So…. Pablo care to tell me why are you so relaxed? Benny isn't dead just yet. Why are you acting like you won the lottery? Asked Veronica confused.
I haven't won…. Not yet anyway just wait.
Wait? Wait for what?
Confused Veronica just shook her head and the door opened as they reached the thirteen floor. Suddenly they heard a loud bang and the floor shook and with a smile Pablo stepped out and strutted into Benny's suite to see his handy work.
Pablo pulled out his caravan shotgun as soon as he got to the threshold of the now beat up door. He was glad the mine he placed under Benny's seat, caused an acceptable amount of damage.
The mini bar had been reduced to black splinters full of holes caused by the pellets from the mine. Same could be said about the white couch at the opposite side. Finally Pablo was able to find traces of blood; around the couch and the floor following the trail he found what was left of Benny's legs.
Amongst the blood soaked pile of gore he could make out a thigh whether it was his left or right thigh didn't matter. What concerned Pablo was just where in the blue hell was the rest of Benny? Veronica was quiet the entire time. All that blood made Veronica lightheaded, which was stupid since she herself had seen and did her share of killing.
Her favorite kill so far had been this Legion Centurion who was all caught up trying to coordinate an ambush on Pablo that he had not seen her sneak behind him and with a gentle tap on the shoulder which caused him to turn around; she hit him so hard that his head literary popped off; Sending a small splash of warm blood straight into veronica's face. This of course caught the Courier's attention: after the fight calling it a "money shot" which made Veronica pinch his arm with her power first. The scream he let out brought her great satisfaction.
The sound of footsteps brought Veronica back from her day dreaming; she made a signal to Pablo and got her power fist ready.
Five of Benny's bodyguards were rushing into the room brandishing 9mm pistols. They aimed their guns at the two intruders and shouted.
"Freeze! Who are you and where is Benny?" ordered one of them while the rest just aimed their guns at them.
"Well this piece of leg here is part of Benny, I don't know about the rest though" said Pablo as he picked up the human thigh and threw it towards the bodyguards. All of the men had simultaneously triggered their gag reflex; their faces a mix between horror and disgust.
From the shadows Boone pulled out his machete and grabbed the closest chairman he could find grabbing the man's chin and pulling it back, next he put his blade close to the man's throat. The rest of the chairmen had little time to react as they saw a very strange looking dog enter the suite. The dog growled and looked like it was making up its mind about which one of them it was going to attack first.
As if things couldn't get any worse for the bodyguard of the now defunct Benny they heard the strange noise of a stealth boy powering off and they saw an incredibly ugly super mutant materialize behind them.
"I think now it would be a good time to consider surrendering, before me and my friends tear you to pieces" said Pablo the Courier as he lowered his shot gun and proceeded to look for what was left of Benny.
The chairmen dropped their hand guns and proceeded to leave the room with their heads down and their tail between their legs. Veronica grinned in satisfaction then looked to Boone who began to look for Benny as well.
Boone walked towards what was left of the mini bar and found a pool of blood that seemed to have a darker color to it.
"Hey Pablo" said Boone
"Yeah? What's wrong Boone?"
"I found Benny".
The Courier walked towards where Boone was and saw the remains of Benny; aside for a missing right arm and a blood soaked corpse the torso of Benny seemed to be in good shape even his cocky haircut was intact.
Pablo knelt down and proceeded to pick Benny's pockets and with a smile on his face he pulled out the platinum chip. He was finally holding the object that had gotten him shot in the head; strangely as much as he hated it the damn chip, a part of him was glad that he took that job that fateful day.
After all if he hadn't. He would still be a wanderer with no caps and no home. Despite the almost dying part, now he had a suite in the Lucky 38 and had made a name for himself and his crew. He played with the chip until something shiny caught his eye; as he got closer he saw that it was a 9mm hand gun with chrome and Ivory decorations. The same gun he had been shot in the head with.
He began playing with the gun, then looking through the sights and then he walked up to Benny's body, he chambered a round aimed the gun and shot the corpse in the head. Then the Courier looked at Benny and spoke.
"I believe I owed you a bullet in the head Benny" said Pablo as he grabbed his old modified pistol and shelved it on his back pack and holstered the new pistol, then he turned around to see his companions all looking at him strangely; Pablo the Courier shrugged and spoke.
"Is anybody else hungry? I'm starving" all nodded and got into the elevator. After a brief talk with Swank the Courier and his companions entered the Tops buffet and proceeded to pig out. Rex happily ate a stake, while Boone ate his food quietly in a corner, Veronica whoever was in front of a jukebox dancing. Pablo was eating his noodles while at the same time listening to Lily.
"Now pumpkin after seeing Benny die today, I hope you realize that crime doesn't pay" said Lily as she wagged her giant finger at the Courier who nodded at her advice.
A young waiter came with two plates and placed them on the Courier's table. Confused Pablo looked at the dish and asked the waiter.
"Excuse me I didn't order this".
"I did" said Veronica with a smile as she approached the table and sat down and began devouring the dish. Pablo's interest peaked with the speed in which Veronica was devouring her dish.
"Man I love ice cream".
"That's ice cream?" said Pablo who looked in wonder at the illusive dish.
"Can I try some?" Asked Pablo.
"No way in hell" said Veronica as she kept devouring her ice cream.
Veronica's victory was short lived; as soon they were about the leave the tops. Veronica was attacked by head ache that she called "brain freeze", Pablo decided to skip any stops and just head straight home when they were stopped by a strange looking man in a brown suit. The man didn't look like much but when he spoke it brought memories from Nipton.
"The eyes of the mighty Caesar are upon you. He admires your accomplishments, and bestows upon you the exceptional gift of his mark".
"Any crimes that you may have perpetrated against the Legion are….." said the head of the Frumentarii when he was rudely interrupted by Veronica.
"Shut the fuck up okay! I have a terrible head ache and I feel like death. I want to go back to the Lucky 38 as soon as possible not listen to Legion nonsense" said Veronica whom held her hand over her forehead.
"Guess this is my cue to start filling this guy full of holes" said Boone as he pulled out his rifle, but was stopped by Pablo who extended his arm towards Boone.
"Don't".
"What! Why!"
"I want to hear what he has to say" said the Courier as he glimpsed briefly at Boone: the anger on his face was quite visible and very contradictory to his usual taciturn demeanor. Veronica who was still holding her head noticed this and decided to have some fun at Boone's expense.
"This head ache is killing me I can't even concentrate enough to walk". "Boone why don't you use your big strong arms for something useful for a change; and pick me up" said Veronica with a grin on her face.
"Pablo gave Veronica a look of amusement then he grinned at Boone.
"Yeah Boone why don't you help Veronica out?" "She's already a handful when she's not grumpy. Just imagine how annoying she's going to be if she doesn't get some rest".
"Hey! I'm not a handful!" Whined Veronica.
"See? Now Boone please just pick up Veronica and take her back to home base".
"You can't be serious" glared Boone.
"I'm afraid I am being serious my friend, now please take her home while I deal with this guy".
Boone lost count of how many times he twitched. Muttering curses under his breath Boone he picked up Veronica in his arms who let out a happy yelp and left being followed by Lily.
The only company Pablo had left was Rex who seemed happy just to be outside. The Courier made a mental note to take him with him on his next adventure.
"So, now that we are alone Ignorant Fox what does your Boss want with me?" Asked Pablo looking at Vulpes Inculta in the eyes trying his best to sound intimidating.
"What did you call me?" growled Vulpes.
"Ignorant Fox that's what your name means in Latin" said Pablo.
"I see…. What a degenerate such as yourself thinks of my name is irrelevant". "What matters here is that you have gained my master's attention and he wishes to see you in his camp in Fortification hill at once" said Vulpes.
"Thanks for the kind words Fox but I don't swing that way".
"You are a fool, only a fool would take being called a degenerate a compliment". "Profligates like you only belong in a cross. I should have killed you when I had the chance fool".
"And I should have been a wandering minstrel, but you know we can't always get what we want out life right?" The Courier grinned in satisfaction.
"I see now that trying to have a civilized conversation with you is fruitless, before I leave: take this; this is the mark of Caesar. It will allow you to travel safely through our lands" said Vulpes Inculta as he nodded and left in silence.
Pablo just shrugged his shoulders then proceeded to head back to the Lucky 38 with Rex in tow.
The next morning Pablo the Courier got up early cooked and ate breakfast, then took a bath and returned to his room and put on his sheriff duster along with some old jeans along with a black shirt. As he began to leave his room he saw Veronica leaning against the doorway.
"Your majesty you are awake at last!" said Pablo.
"Ha-ha very funny Pablo, you should have warned me not to eat that much ice cream" frowned Veronica.
"How was I supposed to know? I've never had ice cream my entire life".
"Whatever. Where are you going?"
"I'm heading back south to see if I can recruit some new people for our team".
"Can I come?" Said Veronica once again using her puppy eyes.
"No sorry, it's just going to be me and Rex this time. Now please Vero try not kill Boone okay?" With that Pablo left in the elevator on his way to recruit new blood.
"Fine but he better take me along next time" growled Veronica then she crossed her arms and huffed then walked back to the kitchen and began to plot a new prank on Boone who was sitting on the table eating breakfast. Sneaking up behind him Veronica carefully applied super glue to the chair; just enough to make impossible to escape and then she left quickly. Ten minutes later Boone screamed so loud that Mister House sent Victor to investigate what had just happened.