.
October 23rd, 2281, 6:33 p.m. Camp McCarran, 6 miles South of New Vegas
Colonel Hsu sat cross-legged, arms held behind his back. He glanced to the one-way mirror on the wall of the interrogation cell and frowned. The muffled sounds of conflict from outside of the building were beginning to die down, and if his guess was right…
The door to the room opened, and the Courier slipped in quietly. Shutting the door behind him, Denn paused for a moment before moving to sit across from the NCR Colonel, dropping a small folder onto the ground between them.
"How many of my people died?" Hsu asked, not showing any surprise at the Courier's presence.
"Eighty-seven," Denn answered.
"Their deaths are on your hands."
"Yes."
"You organized this attack."
"Yes."
"Why?"
Denn opened the folder before him and pulled out the first piece of paper it contained. Sliding the document to the ground in front of the NCR Colonel, the Courier cleared his throat before answering. "At the conclusion of the battle at Hoover Dam, General Oliver shot me in the back. In response to this act of aggression, I sent these terms to the NCR government at Shady Sands indicating that their military forces in the Mojave would withdraw. They have yet to issue official response, but my Securitrons are escorting the forces from the Dam and Camp Golf to the Mojave Outpost. Before they learned that McCarran had been taken, they sent an order," Denn pulled another piece of paper from the folder and placed it to the side of the first, "dictating that you were to hold this position.
"I assumed this would be the NCR's response. Taking McCarran while under the NCR's control would have been costly – unless I destroyed the fortifications and nullified whatever tactical value the camp held.
"As such… I explored other scenarios. Organizing the Fiends to attack McCarran served two purposes. First, it allowed me to take the camp without fighting my way through the NCR and second, it brought the majority of the raider's forces out of their Vault into an environment where they did not hold the advantage.
"Eighty-seven people died, yes, but how many more would have been killed in the defense against my Securitrons? Holding this location is tactically pointless when the rest of your forces were already retreating. The order served one purpose – to encourage conflict between the NCR and the Mojave. The battle would have been the first case of active combat between your army and my own and would make peace even more difficult to achieve."
"I am an NCR Colonel," Hsu stated, interrupting the Courier as he paused to take a breath, "and I will report on what you have admitted in this conversation. Active combat would have made peace difficult, but using raiders as a weapon against the NCR will be perceived as an even worse act of aggression. "
"Yes, it would be," Denn admitted, "Which is why I will either convince you to not report on my actions… or kill you."
Silence fell between the two men. Hsu's breathing slowed and the Colonel shifted slightly. Denn remained motionless.
"Admittedly I would rather persuade you," the Courier said, "especially given the… dual nature of your allegiances."
Hsu's eyes widened almost imperceptibly for an instant before his expression returned to his impassive state.
Denn nodded and glanced over to the one-way mirror. "Two-hundred years ago," he continued finally, "the Chinese had infiltrated every level of the US Government. They foiled multiple attempts to pacify the annexed Canadian territories, as well as unleashing a virulent plague the US had been working on in secret.
"Despite this, the US invaded China, and with the deployment of the t-51b power armor, cut off Beijing from the rest of the country. Even with the US being outclassed in every way in the art of Espionage, they still forced the Chinese government to their knees. A hollow victory to be sure, as the Great War annihilated both countries, but a victory nonetheless.
"A few months after the bombs fell, a Chinese Nuclear Submarine arrived in the San Francisco Bay. Now, their descendents live on as the Shi, and like the Chinese of before the Great War, they have infiltrated the established governments of their rivals. Through deception they maintain influence and protect their borders from more powerful factions, and much like their predecessors, risk awakening a beast they have no chance of defeating.
"The Mojave is in a similar position, as it turns out. Against the full strength of its neighbors, it doesn't stand a chance. It is only through deception, and the manipulation of the existing entities, that it will survive. We share tactics, the Shi and I, and for the moment share rivals as well.
"I would have the Shi as allies, but if forced to choose between their continued survival and the safety of the Mojave, I will choose the Mojave."
Hsu sighed and glanced down to the rest of the papers on the ground in front of the Courier. "I assume the proof of my affiliation with the Shi rests in those documents?" he said quietly.
Denn nodded. "You're lucky the Legion didn't find it before I did. I stumbled upon it after unearthing their bomb threat on the monorail system."
"I got complacent," Hsu stated, frowning slightly. "The NCR is incompetent when it comes to espionage, as this campaign against the Legion has shown. A piece of advice – a lesson we learned from our ancestor's failure – the more you manipulate the enemy, the worse their reaction when they discover your subterfuge."
"The NCR is your enemy?"
"Anyone who would take what belongs to you is your enemy."
"I see… As I said, I have no intention of moving against the Shi, and I would appreciate the same courtesy in return." The Courier rose from his sitting position and held out his hand expectantly to the Colonel.
Hsu's face twisted into a half-smile, and he pulled his hands out from behind his back – the rope the Khan's had used to bind his arms together hanging loosely on his wrists. "You certainly will make things more interesting for us," the Colonel stated, reaching up to take the Courier's offered hand and pulling himself up to a standing position. Hsu stretched his muscles wearily, and glanced to the cell room's door. "What happens now?"
"A group of the Followers of the Apocalypse are en route and will take care of your wounded," the Courier responded, leading the NCR Colonel to the exit. "Those of your forces who are capable of traveling will be escorted to the Mojave Outpost as soon as possible."
"And the Khans?"
"They've already left."
"I realize that this action is more damaging to the NCR and its desire to control the Mojave in the long run, but how did you convince them to help us?"
"Most of the Khan's just want to live in peace," Denn answered truthfully as he held the entryway open and Hsu passed through it before him. "Their former leader, however, was set on reliving the violent days of glory from when the Khans were rivals to even the NCR. The current leader is much more pragmatic."
"Ah… convenient. "
"By helping me they ensure that Red Rock Canyon belongs to them, they are free to travel and trade as they please, and as long as they do not return to raiding, I will leave them alone."
"And they trust your word?"
"Not my word alone, no."
"What assurances do they have then?"
Denn laughed and gestured for the Colonel to move down the deactivated escalator they had reached. "I know your time with the NCR has made intelligence gathering a relatively simple affair, but I have indulged your curiosity enough for the time being. At this time, I must ask that you organize your forces and prepare to depart."
Hsu's half-smile returned and he bowed slightly to the Courier before moving down the escalator. At the doorway, he passed by a grumpy looking Boone and caused the former NCR soldier to habitually snap to attention. Hsu laughed quietly and returned the salute as the sniper shifted awkwardly past him.
Boone couldn't see the Courier's mouth behind the man's rebreather, but he knew his friend was smiling. "That was a pretty sharp salute for someone who's been out of the military for so long," Denn quipped.
Boone glared at the Courier for a moment before his resolve failed and he smiled slightly. "Coming back here is pretty disconcerting," he admitted. "Are the Great Khan's gone?"
Denn nodded and moved deeper into the base, gesturing for the sniper to follow him. The sounds of combat from outside had stopped, and the hallways of the retrofitted airport were now eerily silent. The two figures passed through the main concourse, maneuvering their way through the chaotic aftermath of the Fiend's hours of looting. Beds lay overturned and footlockers were broken apart – their contents strewn across the ground.
They reached a pair of doors with a heavy chain wrapped around their handles and a large padlock securing the metal links in place.
"The Fiends didn't break into the munitions supply?" Boone asked disbelievingly.
"More likely Motor Runner didn't want his raiders running off with all the weaponry," Denn replied, sizing up the makeshift lock. Shrugging slightly, the Courier leaned back and slammed the heel of his boot against the two doors, causing his distortion emitter to erupt with a blast of sound and force. Unexpectedly, the hinges at the sides of the entryway shattered, and the heavy doors fell to the ground with a resounding thud.
"You could have tried knocking," Boone quipped, stepping into the NCR supply room.
"That's just how I knock," the Courier deadpanned. He followed the sniper into the room and they began to take stock of the former resident's reserves.
.
.
1 mile west of McCarran
"We should've let the Fiends have their way with those NCR shits."
"Don't be stupid."
"What's stupid about that?"
"If we left the NCR to the Fiends, the Courier would've chased us down for going bad on the deal."
"Well yeah, but…"
"Where's the 'but' in that? We get to live and finally have a buffer between the NCR and us. A substantial buffer – with freaky robots."
"Also, you'd think you'd show some gratitude to the Courier, Jessup. He did save your life and all."
"Oh stuff it, Melissa. No one aske-AGHH! Fuck! Let go of my arm!"
"Ask nicely."
"Sit on a cactus and rota-AAAATE!"
"You keep mouthing off to her and you're liable to end up a cripple."
"Fine… fuck… I'm sorry…"
"That's better."
"Sorry you're such a vicious bitc-AAAH!"
"I actually heard a pop that time…"
.
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7:04 PM
"Courier?"
Denn turned towards the familiar voice and bowed slightly to the Follower Doctor. "Miss Farkas, I didn't expect you to be here personally."
"Thought it would do some good for the NCR to report that the leader of the Mojave mission was at McCarran to help with the wounded," Julie Farkas replied.
"Good thinking. How's Freeside?"
"It was chaos… until your Securitrons raced through main-street. All the rioters thought it was House all over again and fled into the ruins. The Kings seemed to know what was coming, and once your forces left, they cornered all the troublemakers and helped them understand the… ah… severity of their actions."
"I'm glad things didn't get out of hand."
"You and me both," Julie sighed, rubbing her eyes wearily. "What are you going to do with the Fiends?"
"The majority of them will stay here. The captains and lieutenants, however, I'm taking to Vegas."
"Vegas? What are you doing with them there?"
"Apologies, Miss Farkas, but I'm playing things close to my chest for the time being. Speaking of Vegas, would you mind providing rooms for the leaders of the various communities from around the Mojave?"
"Are you asking or telling?"
"I am asking. I would rather they stay in the Ultra Lux than imposing upon either of the two families, but if it is too much of an inconvenience…"
"No, it's fine. I'll let the office know. How many are we expecting?"
"There will be one person each from Goodsprings, Primm, Novac, and North Vegas Square. An entourage from the Boomers is on the way, and if it's at all possible, set them up in the Bon Vivant Suite. They'll be jumpy, but just keep the rest of your residents out of their way and they shouldn't cause any problems. A group of super mutants from Jacobstown are expected as well. Marcus is capable at keeping them under control, but remind your staff to not look any nightkin in the eyes if they can help it."
"What about Westside and Freeside?"
"The King said he'd make his own arrangements and Red Lucy is traveling with her Hunters. From what I've been told, they are transporting large amounts of Cazador carcasses… and as such I'll house them within the Lucky 38."
"Thanks… the last time we let a hunting party stay at the Ultra Lux it took weeks for the smell to go away. Is that everyone?"
"There will be an NCR ambassador returning to the Strip before too long. Hopefully Crocker, but with the Kimball administration looking everywhere for a scapegoat he could be forced to take a fall. If they could stay at the Ultra Lux until negotiations are completed, that would be best." The Courier sighed and rubbed his forehead wearily. "Things are going to be hectic for a long time, but I will remember all of the support the Followers provide."
"I'll be honest Courier;" Julie began, looking straight into Denn's eyes and frowning, "you're an opportunistic son of a bitch and the Followers back home think you're only a few steps short of full-blown warlord-hood. That being said, I wouldn't have anybody else in control of the Mojave."
The Courier laughed and shook his head. "I hope your faith is not misplaced."
.
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Lucky 38 – New Vegas Strip
"Cass, calm down!"
"He's feral. He finished off Lanius with his own fucking arm, and I was next."
"He's not feral, Cass, just calm down. You've still got an IV line-"
"Brahmin shit he's not feral! If he's not a ghoul, he's… You knew. You knew what he was."
"Yes… but its not wha-"
"You mother fucker!"
"Hey, easy. Put him down."
"Stay the fuck out of this, Raul!"
The ghoul backed away slightly, giving the redhead and the doctor held against the wall some space.
"It's all right, Raul. It's all right," the airborne man said quietly.
"Like fucking hell it's all right," Cass shouted. "We go into fucking battle with him set to go off on a fucking rampage the second he gets hit with a pulse weapon, and you knew about it beforehand? The fuck were you thinking, Ganon?"
"Lily was always there; we knew she could subdue him. It was wrong to put you at risk – I'm sorry – but there-"
"You're sorry? I've been traveling around with a fucking time-bomb and all you've got for me is an apology?"
"Speaking as a fellow 'time-bomb,' I think I'm gonna' have to side with the Doctor," Raul stated factually. "A prime nightkin assassin is the best thing to keep a feral at bay – besides maybe a mini-nuke. Though, if you ever feel the need to put me out, I'd prefer Lilly, if it's not too much to ask."
"Christ, Raul… I'm sorry… I just."
"Hey, don't worry about me. You're right to be angry. 'Least with my condition it's part of the package – upfront."
"He wanted to tell you; I wanted to tell you," Ganon admitted, "but if it got out before the battle, it would've just put everybody in more danger. It's all risk management to him, and not to be a sycophant, but he's right. Telling you before the battle would have made things worse."
"How? I wouldn't tell anybody."
Raul laughed roughly. "How long did it take you to get used to traveling with me?" he asked, smiling weakly at the redhead. "You're an open-minded woman, and don't get me wrong, I'm pretty charismatic myself, but be honest – how long did it take to get used to working with a ghoul?"
The doctor continued on the same train of thought, "Now imagine having to deal with that at the same time as fighting the Legion. It was the worst battle the wasteland has seen, and he was sending you into the middle of it. You go into that worried that your leader is going to go manic and kill you… how do you think your chances of survival change?"
"So tell me and I don't fight."
"Then he loses the battle and you either get killed or enslaved as the Legion pours over the Mojave. He needed you, Cass, and he needed you focused. Lily was always with him, and if she couldn't subdue him, she would have killed him. It was the best way to keep everyone safe."
"What if… Fuck this…" Cass dropped the doctor and walked out of the room. The redhead continued to curse under her breath as she went, and once the door closed behind her, the profanity became significantly louder.
"That could have gone better…" Raul quipped, moving over to support his companion.
"Not really," the doctor replied, nodding his thanks to the ghoul. "This is kind of the worst-case scenario for you all finding out about his condition. Truth be told, I'm surprised how composed you are about it."
"Oh, I knew something like this was going on with him."
"Really? How?"
"Caught him a few times when he thought nobody was looking. Ghouls all look the same when they're thinking about what happens when they lose it. Maybe it's leftover empathy… but you just kind of know when a man is terrified of what he's about to become."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"Wasn't my place. I mean, I was curious, but I've been curious before. What's wrong with him?"
"I'll let him tell you – he deserves that much at least."