Chapter VII

Rigged From the Start

The big man in charge was called Nero. Just that name implied trouble in and of itself. Scarlet beat down the urge to ask him if he could play a musical instrument, and if he did had he ever sat and played it while watching something burn. It was probably foolish, but the only reason she didn't crack the joke was because she figured it would go over their heads and she'd have to explain it, thus ruining the joke at his expense. It was a very tiresome thought so she just kept her mouth shut. Meanwhile, Nero was not so quiet, in fact he was making it a point to threaten her safety and feed her to a pack of wild dogs that was just as likely to hump her corpse than eat it, which was leaving her with an unsettling and crude vision dancing through her mind. At the very least their leader was creative.

Scarlet raised one eyebrow at the man as he finished his spectacular description of what might befall her if she didn't come clean. Of course, she knew that she was most likely dead anyway if she didn't come up with something to go along with why she was there. Speaking of that, why was she there? The last thing she wanted to do was actually tell him the truth. Saying she was there on the behalf of a Legion soldier who wanted a woman left alone might not sit well in the Strip, no matter how rough and cruel these particular men seemed to be. The lie she came up with was one that even surprised herself, "well, to tell you the truth I'm here because Mr. House asked me to come."

The three men in the room exchanged glances before eyes settled back on Scarlet. Her every word would have to count now. One mistake in this elaborate little tale and she wouldn't have to worry about Caesar or his Legion; she wouldn't have to worry about anything at all. She crossed one leg over the other and laid her arms across her knees in a casual, almost businesslike manner. "I had hoped I could be in and out with no trouble, that way there wouldn't be this… awkwardness."

"And why would House be sending someone like you?"

She examined her fingernails for a few seconds, playing as calm as possible. "Listen, I'm not a psychologist, how the hell am I supposed to know what's going on in his head. If you're asking why he didn't send in his little pet cans its because he didn't want to cause a stir. This is still a business and he didn't want to interrupt things on just a rumor."

"What kind of a rumor?" Nero was narrowing his eyes at her. The good thing was he was no longer pacing up and down in front of her like some kind of wild creature stalking his prey. He sat on the edge of a desk, regarding her with careful consideration.

"Well, I'm sure you've heard about one of the Chairmen going AWOL?" She inquired, and when the man nodded she continued, "It seems that good ol' Benny was planning something to really get the Strip in a tizzy." Nero and Big Sal looked particularly inquisitive at this to which she added with a motion of her hand and a quaint smirk, "of course that plan is something between only Mr. House, the Tops, and myself."

"So why are you here?"

"Word has reached the Lucky 38 that Benny wasn't the only one that had plans of some dramatic takeover," her hand flew to her mouth and she looked surprised at herself, "oops, I wasn't supposed to say that." Playing dumb was one of the best ways to get others to let their guard down as well as convince them that most of what you were saying was most likely the truth because you were too stupid to make up a lie. "Anyway, he's getting paranoid, so he hired me to check out the rest of the places on the Strip and report back anything funny I've heard."

"Well, there's not anything funny going on in the Gomorrah so you can head on back over there and tell Mr. House that we're all fine here."

"Oh, really?" She uncrossed her legs and leaned forward, dropping her tone to a secretive whisper as her hand drew out Cachino's diary and held it up. "This little book says different." She read from a passage particularly about aforementioned big plan and smiled as the line of Nero's mouth grew even straighter. Oh, someone was angry now.

"What makes you think we're just going to walk out of here with that?" Behind her she heard the guard step in front of the door. She was sure he was itching for some pay back right about now. If she worked everything right he'd never get it.

"Because if you don't a few of my NCR friends are going to bust in here looking for me. I know, they're not supposed to carry weapons and the like, but I have a lot of…" She sat up straighter, subtlety indicating her cleavage, "…charisma, and I have more than a few willing to break some rules to help me out." This was possibly the most unbelievable part of her story, but she was hoping they would buy it. "I know that they wouldn't get far if you decided to shoot them up, but think of the damage to business such a commotion would cause. You seem like an astute businessman, so I bet we can settle this ricky tick, what do you say?"

"What is it you have it mind?"

"I give you back the journal – for a price, cos nothing in this life's free, honey – and I waltz on over and tell Mr. House that you're okay in my book. I'm not a big fan of the old geezer myself. I just need one small little favor." She held up her thumb and forefinger a few centimeters apart.

"That is?" He was starting to get a little irritated with her, but he was holding his patience. He was a smart man and fixing this little fiasco in a quiet manner would be best. She knew it and he knew it.

"There's a woman I hired to do the job for me because frankly I have better things to do than run around being House's errand girl. Her name's Martina Groesbeck." Their attention piqued. "Yeah, you know who she is. Some of your fucking boys tried to kill her earlier, which I am none too happy about."

"She's working for you?" Nero sneered at her. "That's a big lie. We've seen that broad talking to some NCR asshole."

She gave her best sigh of annoyance and condescension. "Did you not hear me say that I had friends in the NCR. Tsk tsk, here I was thinking you were smart. I told her to tell a contact of mine when she got some information. That way he could have his little soldiers radio out a message to get back to the Strip and get it. Once more, I have better things to do than sitting around the Strip and wasting my money. So, will you leave her the hell alone or not?" She raised the journal again and waved it around a few times. When he reached for it she pulled back. "Caps for the journal and a yes or no for the girl?"

"Well leave her alone." Nero finally told her, and after a small negotiation he dropped a pile of caps into her hand and she handed over the journal.

"By the way, you should really watch your employees." She nodded towards the journal. "He could have ruined everything for you. Whatever it is that you're doing." She realized that she hadn't even asked what it was, not that she cared. Not asking had probably made her ploy of only wanting caps and a personal favor more real. If she had asked they might have thought she was some kind of spy and offed her anyway. "Pleasure doing business with you gentlemen." She tipped her hat and rose to her feet.

The twitch at the corner of his mouth told her that the feeling wasn't mutual. "And House doesn't find out anything?"

The reason for the sick smile that crept over her face would probably be lost on the men, but the memory of House's demise was fresh in her mind, and for the first time in their conversation she told the truth. "Oh, I can promise House will never hear a word about it."

-X-

Her journey to the fort was much easier now that she knew the way, and with two previous visits under her belt she already had the procedure down. The only problem that persisted was the fact that she was still uncertain about the choice she had decided to bring to the table. It wasn't exactly what Caesar had requested, but she believed that it was in the best interest of everyone involved. She had thrown around the idea of just lying and pretending to work for them just to get them off her back, but she knew that eventually that lie would come out and Scarlet despised lying anyway, unless, of course, it was in certain circumstances. Lying to strangers was one thing, but she'd already developed a repertoire with the Legion, making her mind unable to wrap around the idea of telling them a lie.

If she had more time to think about it maybe she could have come up with something better than what she did, but between running around helping Martina and doing some errands of her own it had left little in the way of true reflective space. She supposed she could have just put off her personal job for later, but the contingency plan that was brewing in case things didn't work out seemed a priority, for if negotiations with the Legion blew up in her face she didn't like the idea of going to the NCR. A more private backup was in order. For that she needed Yes Man, the robot Benny had left behind.

Once again Cursor Lucullus took her down river to the Fort. He even spoke to her a few times. It wasn't what a normal person would call friendly, but considering he was Legion and that she was still most likely a profligate, or at the very least a dissolute, in his eyes it was progress. After he dropped her off she made her way to the guard and dropped her bag of weapons at his feet with a smile. "My cache, my good man."

He eyed her with something bordering suspicion as he checked the bag and then patted her down. Scarlet felt much better with Vulpes' switchblade gift still tucked over her heart and allowed the search without an argument. When the guard stepped back and motioned her on she gave a salute and continued on her merry way. A few of the other Legionaries were watching her closely, perhaps confused or intrigued by her bouncy manner. It wasn't every day a woman walked into camp with such a bright expression on her face. Scarlet couldn't hide it though, because she felt good about things at the moment.

When she entered the tent she exclaimed, without care if there had been a conversation going on or not, "Good Morning, Lord Caesar. Your favorite profligate has returned!"

Caesar raised a graying eyebrow and regarded her with interest. "Courier, you seem quite chipper. I will assume you have a positive answer for me then?"

"I believe I have a plan that will satisfy both of our wishes, sir. Its not a clear yes or no, but if you'll allow me to explain I believe it to be in the best interest to our goals."

The elder man considered her and then waved his hand for her to continue.

"The answer is yes, I will work for you, but it will be for a short time in which I want to learn more about your Legion and yourself. I have to tell you I have a strange kind of honor code and it is not allowing me to side with you yet, not fully. However, I have noticed that your men also have a kind of honor code, which is more than I can say about the NCR. It intrigues me and I want to learn about it. At the end of my probationary period – which is also for you as much as me, because you have to know if I can be trusted, am I right? – I can give you a permanent answer, one I will be bound by no matter what."

This obviously interested the emperor. "While your answer is not the one I was hoping for it does seem that you respectfully gave it some thought. Yet, I must consider your words. Stay within the camp until I send for you. I will give you my answer soon."

She nodded, her body bowing a little bit. "That works out just fine, in fact it allows me to get a head start if you do choose my suggestion. Of course, whatever you decide will be what we will do." Handing over full decision making to him wasn't the best course perhaps, but it was the only option. Caesar had to feel like he was in control lest he deny her idea on the basis of spite just to show her who was boss. Feed a man's ego and he might give you what you want. It was a lesson she should have used on Benny.

"Gaius, if you would give our guest a tour."

"First…" Scarlet said, eyes flickering to Vulpes, "I have some business I have to conduct with the Frumentarii."

"Do you?" Caesar had begun to stand, but now he settled back into his seat with curiosity.

Before she could speak Vulpes did the explaining for her. "Last time she was here I sent her on a mission for me. Perhaps she has news of it."

Scarlet nodded.

"Very well. Give your report then." Caesar was going to stay and listen.

"I found Martina for you," she informed, "and if I had been ten seconds later she might be dead. I don't know what her middle name is but it should be trouble. Do you have any idea what I went through to do this little job for you?" It was a rhetorical question, so she didn't give him any time to reply. "You're quite lucky I'm standing here talking to you." She began her story of her trip into the Gomorrah and spared no detail. She explained what she had learned about the family, including the bosses' big unknown plan to do something to the Strip, and then, when prompted, explained how she wriggled out of Death's grasp. "They bought it hook line and sinker. Its not like they'll be able to find out from a dead man that I was lying, and I doubt they'll run over and ask the NCR about me."

The expression that broke through Vulpes' usual stony façade left a tingling pit in her stomach. Part of her enjoyed the feeling that look gave her, pride perhaps? The other part of her was wary, even ashamed that she got so much pleasure from his approval. She'd never needed a man's approval for anything in her life, so why now, and why him? "I am quite impressed." He told her, and by the gleaming within his eyes she knew he was telling her the truth.

It was then she noticed that Caesar was having trouble containing what looked to be a very amused chuckle. Confused she confronted this, "what is it? I feel like I am missing something."

"Gaius, if you would be so kind as to enlighten the poor girl." Caesar rose and turned to go into his private quarters, ordering Vulpes Inculta to follow him for a private discussion. Scarlet was annoyed that he was not answering her himself, but maybe that was just his way of asserting that he was still the Legion's leader. With a deep sigh she turned and followed the brown haired man out of Caesar's tent.

"And we meet again."

"That we do." He said. Why was it always him that was sent to deal with her?

"So, tell me what's so hilarious about my encounter with the Strip jerk-offs."

"That plan you were talking about with the Omertas… its ours."

"Its what?" Scarlet was sure she had not heard him correctly. Could it be that after all that trouble she had went through, after facing almost certain death at the hands of a few suited asswipes, that the Legion already had dealings with them and could have easily just told her so she could relay a message to them safely to leave Martina alone. Surely if they were working together then they would have honored the Legion's wish for her life? Then it hit her and her whole entire frame shook with rage. "I was set up."

"You weren't set up. You were just… tested. Vulpes wanted to see how you would handle the situation. Honestly I think you did even better than he thought you would. By the look on his face I don't think he considered a plan like yours."

"Yeah, I handled it all right, and I'm going to handle my fist right in his nose." She balled her hands into fists as they walked.

"I wouldn't advise that." Gaius looked uncomfortable with her anger. His eyes flickered around them, watching the other Legionaries training and going from destination to destination.

"I could have been killed." She snarled. "I mean, really. If I'm supposed to be so fucking important why send me off to get my ass handed to me?"

"Honestly, as strange as this sounds, I believe he knew you would survive. He—" An irritated growl rumbled in his throat. "He has this unnatural preoccupation with you. I shouldn't be saying this, but I thought you needed to know."

"Unnatural preoccupation?" She stopped. That warm spiral of feeling was returning inside her, dizzied her brain.

"Well, uncharacteristic might be a better word than unnatural now that I think about it." Gaius explained. "Vulpes has always been really quiet, unless he's giving orders or discussing plans. Mostly he keeps to himself, but when it comes to you he's been quite opinionated. When he first met you he talked about you to me."

This was news, definitely news. Her head was really spinning now, and any traces of shame pounded at her racing mind telling her she was an idiot and that she shouldn't care. But she did, god, she did. "What did he say?"

"Said he met an interesting woman in Nipton. It was weird enough for him to speak outside work, much less using the words woman and interesting in the same sentence. He was pleased with your viewpoint on what he had done, even going so far as to imply that if it hadn't been for his wish that you spread the deeds he might have brought you back with him then and there."

"By 'brought me back with him' you don't mean…" Was Gaius telling her that Vulpes had entertained the idea of turning her into a slave? She felt sick, and even more ashamed that she didn't feel sicker. That thought should have been more disturbing to her, but somehow it wasn't.

"Let's just say it was lucky for you that he was busy that day and then you turned out to be the Courier that Caesar had been looking for. Vulpes doesn't require very much, but when he does want something he gets it."

Apparently that was something that she and the Frumentarius had in common.

Suddenly the hairs on the back of her neck stood up and she became aware that they were being watched. When she swiveled her gaze toward the source of her discomfort she found Vulpes watching them again, already released from whatever matters Caesar had wanted to discuss. He was too far away to hear their conversation, but it made her nervous nonetheless, afraid that somehow he knew that they were talking about him.

"If I may make an observation it seems that he's not the only one with that preoccupation." Gaius said. "It's none of my business, but you should learn to ignore those feelings. They won't lead you anywhere good."

Was he… was he warning her to stay away from Vulpes? "Can I ask you a personal question?"

"I guess you can, doesn't mean I will answer it though." They were continuing to walk, the space between them and Vulpes growing by the second.

"What's your story? You don't seem like any of the others I've met so far." She wanted to tell him he seemed nicer, but he wasn't really. He was just more accepting of her as a female than the others were. She could see in his eyes that he bore much of the same masculine cruelty and brutality that the others did, and the fact that he was a member of the Praetorian Guard was evidence that he was more than able and willing to show no mercy. Still, there was something curiously odd about him.

He twitched his mouth into a thoughtful expression. "I was a little older when they raided my town than a lot of the others. I was a teenager. Most of the time older men are turned into slaves or killed rather than redoctrinated. For some reason the ones in charge of determining my fate thought I showed promise as a possible Legionary, so I was trained as one of them."

"What were you before?"

"Not much really to be honest. My father had died six months before the Legion came and left me and my sister to fend for ourselves. We were struggling and no one else was willing to help us. I tried to be a mechanic for a period of time because I'm very good with my hands that way, but most of the people weren't willing to pay the cost for parts and labor."

"Where was your mother?" Scarlet felt bad for Gaius. His story seemed like so many out there in the wasteland. It could have been her story.

"She died when my sister was born, internal hemorrhage. The doctor in town wanted too many caps to treat her, and didn't care that my father was screaming and begging for help or that he was willing to trade. For the cost of 150 caps my mother died." There was a distinct anger in his tone and she didn't blame him. She could only imagine where she would be if Doc Mitchell had been that kind of doctor, luckily he hadn't been.

"And what happened to your sister?"

"She died." Two words, that was all.

"Legion?"

"Uh… not… not quite." Gaius answered. He looked even more uncomfortable and it was obvious this was not a conversation he wanted to be having. "Its hard to explain."

"I'm sorry, it really is none of my business. Perhaps if you could just continue the tour? I meant what I said about getting to know the Legion. I have just one more personal question if I may, and can you answer me honestly."

"I will do my best." Gaius was softening to the Courier's ways a little. At first she seemed brash, but underneath it all she was just as confused and lost as the rest of the world. She was trying to find her place in it. He recognized that familiar look all too well.

"How do you feel about the Legion, I mean, do you like being a soldier? I won't say anything if you don't."

Gaius actually smiled, but it was a bittersweet one. "This may sound crazy to an outsider such as yourself, but I do. I was starving and going nowhere in my life when the Legion came through my town. I would have died within the year if they hadn't. Since then I've had purpose. I've found things that I am talented at, and they appreciate those talents and use them. This is not an ideal life for many, but for me it is comfortable. I am happy here. The Legion is my family now."

-X-

"You wanted to speak with me, my Lord?" Vulpes entered Caesar's room. From the table where he worked Lucius raised his head and nodded to him in greeting. The Frumentarius nodded back and turned his attention to their leader.

Caesar looked decidedly thoughtful, the words of the Courier no doubt racing through his mind. He took a seat in one of the leather chairs on the left side of his tent and motioned for Vulpes to take a seat as well. The officer was not comfortable with being so casual with Caesar, but did so anyway. "What is your take on her suggestion?" Caesar knew Vulpes had one. Since she had first walked onto the scene he had been too interested by her. He had even requested to be the one to take Caesar's mark and invite her to the Fort.

"I think it is irritating that she could not give a straight answer." Vulpes told him. "However, she does raise an undeniably candid point. In an earlier discussion she revealed she had trouble trusting others. To ensure complete loyalty it would be wise to earn that trust with her."

Caesar nodded. The Courier, Scarlet, was a very strong-willed woman. She was not likely to just bow to the mercy of anyone and if they forced her hand she might betray them, or even choose death over assisting them. They would have to learn what drove her and what was required to make sure that she would choose the right camp to back. In the end Caesar was confident that they could mold her desires into the will of the Legion's. "It seems she believes she has some kind of choice here. Let her believe this." He told Vulpes. "She wants to learn about us, then I will give her a tutor."

"Sir?"

Caesar smiled. "Vulpes, I am going to send you on probably one of the most important missions I have ever given you. I will give her this request, and during this 'probationary period' I want you to supervise her. Teach her about the Legion. This will be your secondary priority. The first will be to learn everything you can about her. I want you to be my eyes and ears concerning the girl. Guide her into our fold."

"Could you not send Gaius, or perhaps one of the others? I have much work to do with the Frumentarii." Vulpes was not questioning Caesar, but he did not want to look too eager to go on the road with the woman.

"You may choose your own replacement to act in your stead when you are away from the Fort, but I am afraid that it needs to be you that goes with her. You have a power over her, and I want you to use it on her."

Vulpes tensed at Caesar's implications.

"She watches you when she is here, and I have noticed that you watch her as well. A pre-existing chemistry, no matter if it is illusory, is a powerful tool. Women let their hearts run away with them, and when their emotions cloud their minds they cannot see through simple deception. Do what it takes, Vulpes."

The dark-haired man nodded. "Your will be done, Lord Caesar. Before it is through she will belong to the Legion."

"This is why you are one of the best. You do not shy away from a challenge." Caesar replied, pleased with the way matters with the Courier were shaping up. Their plans to overtake the Mojave were progressing just as smoothly. Maybe the Gods above were really watching out for them. "When Gaius has completed his tour go to her and inform her I have accepted her terms. Then return to me with her and I will give your first mission."

"Of course, my lord."

And the battle of wills has begun! I was unsure about this chapter at first but now I think it has become one of the most important. It is another long one, but it seemed necessary. Its also to make up for no posty yesterday. I was struck with an idea for a one-shot involving another Courier character and Raul, but I ran into some trouble at the end of that and was unable to complete and post it either.

Please let me know what you're thinking. I thank you for your alerts and favorites, but I also ask that you please leave reviews. I'm not a review whore, and I will not stop posting if I don't get them, but I really want to know your opinion. What do you think of Scarlet? Am I keeping Vulpes in character? (I really worry about that sometimes...) What about Gaius? Especially Gaius, because even though I love him you may not be interested. I already know his story and I will not continue to make him a big part of the story if you don't want to know it. I won't force plot at you like that.

Once more, thank you all for sticking around for the last 7 chapters and I hope you will continue to enjoy this tangled tale.