The Fallout of War
Chapter 5, Deathclaw
The storm had passed and it was still pitch dark, but I could do this blindfolded and I thanked the stars for that stempak. I darted left out the door, dodged around Blowhard rolling up the path and jumped a couple half buried barrels onto the rock outcropping where the fence was torn down. Three strides and I leaped off the edge, tucked and rolled as I hit the ground and came up sprinting like a spooked Radstag.
We had traveled the long way around to get here, covering rough landscape riddled with fallen trees, gullies and hills, but I knew the direct route home. Running, I thought I was escaping from Merc, but deep down I knew I wasn't running from him. It was the pain, the loneliness ahead, the sorrow, things I couldn't escape, no matter how fast or how far I ran. There could be no escape, but I kept running.
My breath was coming in gasps as I dodged trees and rocks. Any minute and I should see a distant glimmer from the lights of Sanctuary. Suddenly it felt like a Yao Guai bulldozed into the back of my legs. I went down hard, the breath knocked from me. Merc had tackled me and he flipped me over as I gasped for air to refill my lungs. Straddling me, he grasped my wrists and effectively pinned me to the ground.
As soon as I caught my breath I was kicking and struggling. He was breathing heavy from the chase. "Stop it! Damn it! Stop it Tanna!" I couldn't see his face clearly in the dark, but his voice, Danse's voice, was cold and commanding. I calmed, knowing it was useless. "Are you done now?" He bit out. I nodded passively. "I'm beginning to think Kellogg was right and I may just kill you myself." We remained on the ground, covered in dirt and leaves, till our breathing had returned to normal. Finally he rose, pulled me up with him and smacked the cuffs back on me.
He picked me up like I was a straw pillow and threw me over his shoulder then headed for the robotics yard without a word. It felt rather humiliating being carried like a sack of potatoes aside from uncomfortable and after a few minutes of walking I offered. "Merc, I can walk back. I won't run." "Not a chance in hell." Was his flat response.
At the Disposal once more, I was dumped from his shoulder unceremoniously. In the dim lighting of the room I could see his dark brown eyes were cold as marble, his face a stone mask. All trust and friendliness was gone, the Mercenary was back. He picked up the rag he'd used on my wounds and tore it in half, removing the cuffs, he tied one around each of my wrists covering the raw areas before cuffing me again. "Thank you." I spoke quietly. "Mm-hm." was his response. Right, prevent any further damage to the package. The cord was shortened; I'd be walking at his side. He climbed into his PA, slung his duffel and rifle over his shoulders and we left the building.
We headed west again hugging the northern border climbing down the west ridge beyond the disposal yard. Traversing down sliding dirt and gravel of a ridge is not so easy while trying to keep up with someone in PA and Merc made no allowances for me.
We had reached the ruins of an old express-way and would be nearing the settlement of Zimonja. He paused under the shadow of the roadway, shortening my leash so much I might as well have been cuffed to him. He showed me the butt of his rifle and I knew it was a warning to behave as we passed close to the sleeping Zimonja. "Don't worry." I grumbled stiffly. "Mm-hm."
We slipped past unnoticed and wove our way down the next bolder strewn ridge. We came out at the northern tip of Lake Quannapowitt and trod along a broken road that hugged the lake. We sloshed through a shallow stream that crossed the road where it turned south and we kept west. Climbing out of the steam's shallow gully, we crossed a narrow strip of land before reaching another gully and branch of the stream. Across it was a path that climbed to the ridge beyond. We both froze. A deathclaw stood upon the path leading up to the pass.
Merc motioned me to back up quietly, but PA has no quiet mode. He took one step backwards and the monster rotated his head to peer at us. Merc exhaled, "Shit." With a shrug of one shoulder, his duffel hit the dirt and with a shrug of the other, his rifle was in his hands, raised and firing even as we backed. "You want some!" Merc was shouting at the beast as it lumbered forward down the hillside. When it disappeared from our sight in the gully we backed quickly. He reloaded though all his rounds hadn't been spent and was shooting off bullets the second it's head cleared the gully's edge.
"No mercy here! I got your ticket to hell!" It started darting left and right intelligently in an effort to dodge the bullets, but Merc was methodical at making every shot count. I could do nothing to help, leashed as I was. The deathclaw was bleeding profusely when it's darting paused and we both new his charge would be next.
To my utter shock and surprise, Merc quickly lowered his weapon to one hand, grabbing my leash with his free one, ripped it from his armored fist. "Run!" he ordered as he raised his rifle and let more bullets fly. I backed quickly putting distance between us, but training and pride would not let me run from a battle.
The raging dinosaur was already charging and almost upon him. Towering on its hind legs, the massive claws drew back for a swipe. Merc was ready and turned dodging sideways to the right, away from me. He avoided the first slash, but the beast turned with him and the other claw caught him full force. I heard plating crack as Merc grunted and was knocked sideways into a lone tree. He held his footing and spun putting the tree between him and the creature. Rifle fire echoing off the hillsides mingled with his taunting cries, "You want more! Come get some!" A deadly claw swung and Merc backed beyond it's reach as it shattered the dead tree between them sending wood flying and I watched the top half crumble downwards smashing around and into Merc. He stumbled, but kept backing as he reloaded.
With the deathclaw tracking Merc, it was turned almost completely away from me and I made a dash for the duffel bag. I cursed the cuffs as I fumbled open the bag searching for a weapon. Spotting what might be one wrapped in a thin blanket, I yanked the material and a laser rifle rolled out. Snatching it up, I turned attempting to form some type of functioning grip with the cuffs to hold and shoot it.
Merc had made a dash to the left, both claws missing him, but its tail swung hard and caught him full in the chest. I could hear the crack of more plating weakening as he stumbled back and fell over a pile of dead trees and debris. The monster pounced, Merc rolled left and the claws struck dirt. The fool! He's maneuvering to keep it's back to me instead of for his own battle advantage! He has no clue of my battle experience or knowledge.
He was rising as quickly as possible, but now the deathclaw had the higher ground and it lunged again. I open fired as I watched Merc go down under those slashing claws. "No mercy! Get the hell off him!" I yelled. I was walking forward, swinging wide of the beast as I shot, searching for a spot more tender than the tough scales of his back. "Ad Victoriam!" I cried. Score!
The deadly monster turned his attention to me. Okay, back your ass up now Tanna. You have no armor. Shit! The rifle clicked empty. Reload! I have no ammo to reload! It started towards me at a run and two shots rang out. The deathclaw dropped like lead, its momentum sliding it to a halt dead at my feet.
I looked up to see Merc on one knee, lowering his rifle. "Hell yeah! Sent it back to hell!" I yelled, my gun held high in victory and grinned at Merc as I would have Danse at the end of a battle. I saw only features of stone and his tightly clinched jaw as he gazed steadily at me. He turned his cold stare to the laser rifle in my hand. I flung it to the dirt as if it were irradiated. You bastard! My blue eyes flashed with anger and I glanced eastward. He knew and through gritted teeth warned, "Don't make me chase you down again Tanna. You know I will." You son of a bitch! I know you would.
He rose slowly to his feet and pointed toward the ridge pass with his rifle barrel. I turned and started stomping toward the path as he collected laser and the duffel bag. I kicked my way across the shallow waters, still fuming and climbed the path to the pass above, the slow thud of his armor following. I had almost reached Recon Bunker Theta at the top when I realized there was silence behind me. I glanced back and saw Merc down on one knee. What the hell is he doing now? He slowly rose and after standing rigid a moment, began the remaining climb.
He'd almost reached the top when he faltered and fell to a knee a second time. He's hurt! The helmet, chest plate and a leg plate of his T-51 PA were gone. I could see the glistening red of blood on his chest and down his one leg. It was instinctive to run to him. I realized his clinched jaw and stony features were hiding his pain. Getting under one arm I tried to help him up, as if anyone could help someone in PA rise.
"Come on you bastard. Get up or I swear I'm going to run again!" His gaze met mine and his pain racked eyes attempted to glare at me as with a great effort and grunt, he rose. "Get your ass to that bunker! Just a few more steps!" I ordered. We made it and I helped him lean against the bunker wall. I dug in his pocket for the cuff key. His arm started to rise as if to stop me, then fell back to his side. I threw cuff and key down the hillside when freed. I turned to the door security terminal. Thank god I know the pass code already.
My hands were shaking as I typed the code in, unsure if the trembling was from worry that he was hurt or cause I still seethed inside at him. That ass was bluffing down there. He knew he couldn't have chased me down and his male shit pride wouldn't let him admit he was wounded or ask for help. If the idiot had fought strategically instead of worrying about me, this might not have happened!
I heard the loud clang of the door lock clicking free and moved to shove it open. "Inside! Keep moving soldier!" He stumbled passing through the doorway. "Don't you dare fall on me! I can't get your big ass up in this PS." "I won't fall... damn it. Stop... yelling at me!" he groaned through tight lips and strained breathing.
Once inside I was still yelling though, "Get the hell out of that now!" The suit clicked, then came the whirring of gears, the clunk and clank as the suit opened. He practically fell out of it. He half limped and I half dragged him to one of the two beds, where he collapsed. I lifted his two legs onto the bed and he couldn't hold back the groan that rumbled from his chest.
Crap! I saw the two short but deep gashes oozing blood on the left side of his chest where claws had reached between the framework of his suit. Oh dear God! His leg. A wood spike, an inch in diameter, protruded from his upper thigh. Blood seeped from around the edges, but for the most part, the shaft was clogging the hole.
I moved my eyes to his face to find him staring at me. He knew there would be no bluffing. I could leave when I wanted and this assignment was over for now. "Go on... get the hell out." His voice held only bitterness and disgust. I turned and sped out the door.
Halfway down the path my mind saw his bleeding gashes. Don't stop Tanna! Your free! My gait slowed. The wood shaft sticking from his leg flashed before me. Keep moving Tanna. Run while you can! My steps faltered. His strained ashen features and the pain in his eyes, Danse's eyes, filled my sight. Don't be a fool! Don't stop! I stopped, turned and headed back to the bunker, mumbling the whole way. "Yes. I'm a complete idiot, a fool, a total dumb ass. Someone please beat some fucking sense into me!"
I walked back in and caught him trying to rise on one elbow, his face twisted with pain. He froze seeing me. I knew those eyes, that look, he was about to spew out more bullshit. "Shut Up!" I nearly yelled at him. He blinked and fell back on the bed silent.
First I needed to stop that bleeding. Glancing around the room I could see nothing that would help. I tore my hood off and ripped it into strips. I peeled back the shreds of his jacket and t-shirt, laying my newly made bandages on the gashes and pressed down hard to apply pressure. He couldn't hold back the loud moan that escaped him. "Fuck! Fractured ribs too." His eyes swore at me, but he remained silent. "Put your hands up here. I have to search the room." He knew what to do and replaced the pressure of my hands with his own.
Hurriedly I began searching the shelves in the room, tossing stuff aside, knocking things out of my way. There wasn't much. A roll of duct tape! Thank you Sturges! I grabbed it and gave it a kiss. Dumping the items I found on the bed next to his... a stempak, 2 med-x, purified water and the duct tape. My eyes fell upon his duffel bag. I dove for it and dug inside. "Hey. Hey." he gasped between breathes in protest. "I told you to Shut Up!" Whiskey. Yes! A hunting knife, lighter, spare armor, ammo, shit... cuffs, cigars, some clothes, other miscellaneous junk of no use to me.
Adding my new items to those on the bed I went to work. When I was ready I held the whiskey bottle toward him. "Drink up." He started to reach for it and I drew it back, taking two large gulps first then extended it to him again. He raised one bushy brow at me before accepting it and guzzled down a good portion. I took the bottle back, set it aside.
"Ready?" He nodded. I removed the bloody bandages and cracked open a Med-x, dumping its contents on the wounds, then pressed the gashes together while covering them with more cloth strips I'd made. Trying to hold the bandaged gashes together I plastered the duct tape over them. I could feel his whole body was tensed as I worked, but we got through it with only a couple grunts from him. Job done, I was fairly pleased with my handy work as I wiped the sweat from his brow. I picked up the whiskey bottle and took another swig. Both his brows lifted this time. I passed the bottle to him. "You better drink lots, that leg is next." He complied heartily.
While he got drunk I removed his boots, got him out of his bloodied jacket and t-shirt, removed his bandolier belt and hiding the knife in my hand, I moved to the foot of the bed. I didn't think he would appreciate what I planned to do next, but I needed his pants legs. Snatching the bottom hem on his good leg I slid the knife under at the outer seam and slit it all the way up to his waist.
The moment I started his head came up, "Hey... don't! Tanna... stop!" "To late." I announced. He growled, but weakly. "These are my good leathers." "Were." I corrected him. I moved to the other leg. "Damn it Tanna. Do you have to strip me naked." "Yes. These are serious wounds and I need the leather. Drink and soon you won't care." He tipped the bottle to his lips as I slit the pant leg on his injured side.
After getting his pants off and leaving him in just his briefs, I focused on making long strips out of his leathers and busied myself getting things ready while trying to hide the fact I was scared shitless about having to pull that wooden spike from his leg. I stepped outside and using the lighter from his bag, built a small fire in a circle of stones. Day was breaking over the ridge top. I rubbed my eyes. Crap, I need to sleep. I laid the knife on the stones by the fire, its blade hanging over the low flames and returning inside, began to line up the things I intended to use.
When I saw the bottle was half gone I took it from him. He didn't seem half as drunk as I had hoped. It'd be better if he'd passed out drunk. I took one strip of leather and rolled it tight. "Its time." He nodded. "Don't worry, I won't amputate unless I have to." I said deadpan. His eyes flew open wide and he tried to rise. I pushed him back down. "Just kidding! A little payback." I grinned. His glare was mingled with relief. "Bitch." Though there was no vehemence in his voice and the edges of his mouth curled up ever so slightly. I gave him a reassuring smile before turning serious again, "Ready?" "Lets do this." His eyes were worried, but not afraid.
I handed the rolled leather to him. "Bite down on that." He took it and as I turned he clasped my hand, not hurtful or hard, but gentle and firm. "Tanna..." He seemed to search for words. "You came back. I... I don't know anyone else who would have." I tried to make light of it. "Yeah, I'm stupid like that sometimes." His eyes locked with mine and he brought my hand to his lips. "Thank you." It wasn't a passionate or loving kiss, but it was a sincere one.
I moved to his injury. He bit down on the leather roll and clasped the metal bed frame above his head with both hands. I looked back at him once more. "Quick and clean. Okay?" He nodded. His body tensed as I raised my trembling hands to the protruding wood. I grabbed and yanked. His body went rigid and he roared into his leather gag like the deathclaw we'd killed, then passed out.
With one hand I pressed cloth rags to the wound as the blood gushed out, while trying to study the wooden spike to judge what kind of damage might have been done. The end I withdrew had been splintered from a branch and narrowed as it came to a sharp point. I guessed it was about 7 to 8 inches in length of which about four to five inches had been buried in his thigh. Shit! It probably went to the bone. I dropped it to the floor, grabbed the stempak and jammed it into his leg next to the wound. More stempaks were needed, but at least the one would heal any deep damage that might create permanent damage. I waited a moment giving the stempak time to work. It wouldn't stop all the bleeding, but it would help.
Removing my hand and pressure, I ran for the door with several more rags to use as mitts. I grabbed the handle of the knife, its blade was red hot extended over what was now low burning coals. I rushed back inside, took a deep breath, removed the bandage and applied the blade to his wound. My hands shook and I wanted to gag at the smell of burning flesh. Breaking open the last med-x and dumping its contents on a fresh bandage I placed it over the cauterized wound and used leather stripping to wrap around his thigh tightly, followed by more duck tape. I stepped back and prayed it was enough.
Next using more leather strips I began to wrap his chest and bind the ribs as tight as I could finishing with duct tape. I threw the light blanket from his duffel over him and stood just staring at his face a few minutes. Leaning forward I gently kissed him. It was probably the last time I'd ever know the feel of my love's lips pressed to mine and I savored it. I straightened with a sigh and turned to the task of putting things away. Finally, I closed the bunker door, hearing the lock mechanism snap into place, laid down on the bed opposite him and was asleep in seconds.