My Kind Of Town
As the sun began to set; Lucas and ED-E briskly made their way over to the Bison Steve hotel. With a loud creak, the door opened much to Lucas's chagrin. He had hoped the noise wouldn't alert anyone to his presence.
"Who's there? I know I heard somebody," a voice yelled out.
"Son of a bitch", Lucas murmured, "alright, ED-E let's be quiet about this and move slow and steady."
Lucas ducked behind a flipped table but to his horror ED-E was already closing the distance between himself and the figure rounding the corner through the door frame.
Playing a patriotic jingle ED-E reduced the convict into a pile of steaming ash and dust. Lucas could only briefly take in what had happened before two more assailants charged towards his floating companion.
"Well," Lucas said with a sigh, "there goes our stealth option."
Leaning over his cover he took aim with his 9mm pistol and fired two bullets at the closest convict. Managing to hit him once in the right knee.
"FUCK!!!," the first man cried out before falling on his back. His companion peeked around the corner with a varmint rifle. A shot from that pinged off of ED-E's hull gaining his attention.
Lucas took the opportunity to finish off the wounded man. The second convict retreated into the since abandoned gift shop. ED-E followed fast on the man's heels blasting him repeatedly in the back thus ending his life. Lucas eventually caught up and went to reprimand his companion. However, he took notice of a safe in the floor and his curiosity got the better of him.
It took 4 of his 9 bobby pins he had on hand - but Lucas managed to crack it open. Initially, he found mostly junk and 122 bottle caps; except he found something way worth his while. A shiny, silver .357 revolver, each side of the pistol grip decorated in wood with a white finish and a clover print emblazoned on each side. Deciding to give this beauty a named eventually deciding on 'Lucky.' Luckily enough, as ironic as it was, the safe held 24 rounds of .357 ammunition. It wasn't much but it was a good start.
Deciding to holster his 9mm pistol in favor of his new toy; both man and machine pressed on. What awaited them in the next room would be their greatest challenge yet.
In the next room were 5 more convicts. The room was open and used as a makeshift indoor campsite - minus the tents. What stood out to Lucas was the brahmin on a spitroast.
"How'd they manage that?," thought the courier.
Another observation was made apparent; one of the five men had an incinerator equipped on his person. Lucas had an epiphany.
"I have a plan, ED-E," Lucas said turning to face his metallic friend, "go in there and draw their attention and once they're close enough together; I will shoot the fuel pack on that guy's back."
ED-E beeped confirming the plan.
"On my mark. Three. Two. One. Go."
ED-E sped into the room once again blasting his combat tune.
"What the hell?, one of the crooks loudly inquired.
The courier peered around the corner all five men opened fire on the eyebot. Lucas took aim and waited just a few moments for them to get just close enough. Furrowing his brow and inhaling; Lucas pulled the trigger. Immediately, a ball of flame lit up the room and the horrific wails of the burning men permeated his ears. Soon enough they were all deceased.
"Great work, ED-E!"
ED-E beeped happily with pride.
They made their way into a smaller, adjacent room which looked to be a kitchen. There they found a man bound and gagged on his knees. His shoulder length blonde hair was slicked back. Lucas knelt down and untied the poor soul.
"Thank you, kind sir, I don't suppose you were sent here to rescue me?, the deputy asked.
"Indeed I was. Are you Deputy Beagle?"
"That's me alright. I don't suppose you'd be willing to find Primm a new sheriff, would you?"
A bewildered Lucas simply blinked before he could respond.
"But... aren't you the sheriff now?"
"Well, you see, I'm too inexperienced to become a sheriff. However, I know a guy, name's Meyers, down at the old prison. He seems to be a good candidate. Then there's Primm Slim perhaps you could program it to become sheriff or perhaps you could ask the NCR to provide a sheriff?"
Lucas was unsure of each option. He wasnt certain a protectron could protect a whole town. So in his eyes there were two options: they give a convict a shot as ironic as it was; or allow the NCR to govern Primm. Now, Lucas was relatively new to the Mojave, however, he knows plenty about the NCR.
In fact the New California Republic is the reason he's even here. Elder Lyons had tasked him with locating the Mojave chapter of the Brotherhood of Steel. After the defeat of the Enclave at Adam's AFB; the elder finally had enough manpower to send paladins elsewhere in search of other chapters. However, the Lyons' chapter of the Brotherhood would soon find out about the NCR-Brotherhood war. This greatly strengthened the elder's resolve to find any remnants of other chapters. Somehow this knowledge even managed to unify the Brotherhood Outcasts back with the Lyons' chapter. As neither faction could afford to operate independently.
When Lucas was given his new directive to find out what fate the Mojave chapter had succumbed to; he was staunchly hesitant. The young man, only just turned 22, had recently started a family. His wife; Amata, adoptive daughter; Marie, and infant son; Kyle; three people he couldn't bear the thought of leaving. Although, their safety was surely guaranteed as over the course of 3 years a new city had emerged. The once independent settlement, formerly known as 'Megaton,' became the central hub of a larger city. Said city consisted of the rebuilt Springvale, the once abandoned Super-Duper mart, Vault 101, and Arefu.
Now known as MegaHub city; it bustled with life, and many travelers settled in to plant new roots. Small encampments like Girdershade and The Republic of Dave grew exponentially, as did every other settlement in the Capital Wasteland. Andale had been cleansed of its cannibalism, the slavers at Paradise Falls fell to the sword, and Canterbury Commons became a major trading post between D.C. and the Pitt. Oasis now acted as a major vacation destination, and Tenpenny Tower became a cultural center between mutants, humans, and ghouls alike - in fact, Charon became the new chief of security Germantown, Little Lamplight, and Big Town became another combined settlement after Fawkes and Uncle Leo helped broker peace between the humans and supermutants. D.C. and the surrounding areas were back on track to normality by now.
All of these thoughts came and went to Lucas.
"I'll do it," he said firmly.
"What?!," Amata erupted, "we have two YOUNG children together, and you're just gonna leave us?"
Lucas knew deep down that his wife had a point. How could a man so devoted to his family just walk away for God knows how long. He took a deep breath and thought of something to say.
"Honey, I understand, but -" he didn't get to finish.
"But WHAT?! After EVERYTHING you've done to provide for the wasteland, for your friends, for me, you're just gonna leave?," Amata ranted.
" Please, you have to understand. The Brotherhood is in danger. On the other side of the country, our brethren are being slaughtered by this group, or nation rather, called the New California Republic. Elder Lyons asked me to find another chapter deep in NCR territory. You'll be safe here with or without me. I'm gonna be knee-deep in shit, Amata. Hell, I was told not to bring my power armor lest an NCR trooper spots me wearing it.", with the latter statement, Lucas pointed towards his special Winterized T-51b suit of power armor, "this is very important to me, to the Brotherhood. As Head Paladin, it's my duty to serve them."
Amata shook her head.
"Wow, Lucas, fucking wow. Your duty should be with your young family; not off wandering across the wasteland of America getting into God knows what kind of danger. You are just like your father."
Hearing those words hurt Lucas, however, Amata's last comment sent him into a silent rage. He'd never hurt his wife nor his children; but hearing his own wife imply both him and his father were selfish sent him over the edge. Amata had known she'd gone too far. Before she knes it she was watching her husband depart Westward in vertibird.
Now outside the Bison Steve; Lucas and the deputy collected themselves. Internally, the courier made a commitment to himself that once his business in Mojave concluded; he'd be heading home to the MegaHub as soon as possible. He also noted that he wouldn't let the enemy of his brethren obtain governance of this humble little town.
"Mr. Beagle, have you seen a man in a checkered coat pass through here? Likely with a couple of men, one with a Mohawk, perhaps?"
"It's Deputy Beagle, and as a matter of fact, i did. Not a couple of days ago, they came through here. Overheard them talking about heading south to Novac through Nipton. What business do you have with them? If I may ask?"
Ignoring the first comment, Lucas responded, "i can't go into much detail. It's kind of a kick in the head."
The trusty mailman took several steps forward then halted.
"Mr. Deputy Beagle, could you point me to the prison?"
Arriving at the front gate of the prison; Lucas noticed an African American man in typical Powder Ganger garb. Noting it was probably their front door watchman; Lucas shouted to get his attention.
"Hey-o!"
The door guard looked up to meet his gaze then back out towards the courtyard.
"Hey, excuse me!"
Once again the guard ignored him.
Lucas opened his mouth but stopped and realized he'd have to try a new tactic. He walked off and after a couple minutes came back to the front gate. He began throwing rocks at the gate continuously which the guardsman found incredibly annoying. ED-E began playing various battle hymns to further irritate the man. Finally, the bouncer walked from his post up to the front gate.
"Okay, pal, what the fuck do you want?
"I was looking for a friend who's incarcerated here at this fine establishment.," the courier said with a shit-eating grin.
"That'll be 100 caps to gain entry. And who said anything about anyone being incarcerated?"
"100 caps? Man, I thought your boss would wanna know there's mercenaries en route to lay siege on the prison."
"Say what? There's mercenaries coming for us? Are they working with the NCR?
"I'm almost certain they are," Lucas lied while cringing from hearing "NCR."
"Alright, I'll let you in free of charge. You'll wanna see Eddie on the top floor of the central building. Can't miss it. The name's Dawes, by the way."
"Lucas."
Entering the prison as frustrating of a task it was proved successful. The meeting with Eddie proved uncomfortable, though.
"Dawes radioed in. You said there's a group of NCR-backed mercs ready to lay siege on us?" Eddie inquired.
"Yes.," Lucas said with an accentuating nod.
"Goddamnit! I thought my source was bullshitting. Look I need you to return to Primm and see if you can convince the NCR officer stationed there to call off the assault."
The courier was at a loss for words. How could his lie have been truthful from the start?
"Before I go I have a quick question."
"Fine, make it quick."
"Is there a man by the name of Meyers imprisoned here?"
"Yeah, he's in the lobby building out front. He's sporting a cowboy hat. Can't miss him. Now if you'd kindly fuck off and deal with the task at hand." Eddie said rather bluntly.
Back inside the lobby; Mr. Matthews scanned the room until he spotted the man he was looking for. Quickly, he made it over to the table he was seated at.
"Can I help you?" Meyers simply asked.
"How would you feel about becoming sheriff of the nearby town of Primm?"
"Straight and to the point I see. Well, if you can get me a pardon from the NCR then I'll take you up on that offer. Me and some of my boys here are antsy to get out of this facility."
"Hold on. The offer was for you and you alone. How can I trust a group of Powder Gangers to protect innocent townsfolk?"
Meyers let out a hearty chuckle..
"You're mistaken, my friend. Everyone in this room with the exception of the doorman, Dawes, is a Powder Ganger."
With this revelation Lucas looked rather hesitant.
"So, you're not gonna stick anyone up or rob innocent traders along the highways between here and Vegas?"
Once again Meyers laughed.
"No, of course, not! This group of misfits are in here for mostly petty theft or desertion."
Lucas let out a sigh of relief.
"So all of you need pardons?"
This question was met witha room of nods. This in turn prompted the poor mailman to write down the names of each convict.
However, it was already well past midnight by the time Lucas and ED-E returned to Primm. Before heading to bed the duo stopped by the NCR encampment.
"Halt! What business do you have in NCR territory, citizen?" asked an NCR trooper.
"I need to speak to your commanding officer. It's urgent."
"Hmm alright. Lieutenant Hayes is in the tent right in the middle."
"I didn't get your name, trooper."
"Oh, it's Sergeant. Sergeant McCready."
"Pleasure to meet you, Sergeant.," Lucas lied.
The courier made his way to the Lieutenants tent where he met face to face with the man in charge.
"Who are you?" asked the Lieutenant.
"The name's Lucas. I'm here to discuss getting pardons for this list folk.," Matthews said, handing over his note.
"But, why?" a flabbergasted Lieutenant Hayes asked.
"They've pledged to protect this town as a chance of redemption. Besides, don't you troopers have more important things to worry about?," asked the courier, mentally adding "like slaughtering my brethren."
"Well, you'll need to ask Major Knight at the Mojave outpost. Unfortunately, I am not authorized to give out pardons. Is there anything else, citizen?"
The courier mentally cursed after checking how far the outpost was.
"Citizen, anything else?"
"Oh, yes, I know of your plan to assault the prison. I want in."
Courier and Officer had a long discussion and the latter finally relented. Despite his misgivings about the NCR he'd rather help them over a group of terrorists. Save Meyers and friends the NCR slaughtered every Powder Ganger at the facility. Thereby reclaiming the NCRCF.
Granted permission the courier stayed the night at said prison and the next morning received a military escort to the Mojave Outpost. En route several Powder Ganger stragglers, radscorpions, and Jackal Gang Members met their demises.
Upon arrival Lucas took sight of the massive statues commemorating the alliance between the NCR and desert rangers. Reaching the main office; Lucas was greeted with a blonde man dressed in NCR officer attire.
"Caravan, citizen, pilgrim, or?" the officer inquired flatly.
"Courier.," the, well, courier responded.
"Just need something for the books. So many people pouring in and out. Mostly in these days."
"You sound stressed."
"Kinda. Mostly tired, anyway, did you need anything?"
"Actually, I came here to request a pardon for these men. They accepted an offer to enforce law in Primm."
"Yeah, I can accept that. Lieutenant Hayes radioed in earlier. Claimed those men assisted in the siege of the NCRCF. There you go."
"Thank you. By chance would you happen to have any work available? My last job wasn't... rewarding to say the least."
"Talk with Ranger Jackson in the back you'll know him when you see him."
Four and a half hours later Courier and companion returned to the outpost. It turns out killing giant ants is as frustrating on both sides of the wasteland. That and walking to and from Primm for the second time that day.
Lucas was fortunate to witness Sheriff Meyers and his new police department deliver a quick speech which ended with Meyers saying, "be good or I'll shoot you dead."
It was a quarter until 6 PM when the man and his floating robot walked into the outpost's bar which doubled as barracks.
Instantly, he took notice of a lady who must not have belonged there. Without hesitating he sat next to her, dropping his new service rifle which Jackson had gifted him, on the counter in front of him.
Ordering himself a shot of bourbon he caught a glimpse of the young cow girl next to him. Her emerald eyes staring into the bottom of a an empty bottle. Lucas didn't realize he'd been caught staring.
"Lookin' for trouble," the woman asked.
