Chapter One: Ain't that a kick in the head

The lights of New Vegas shined bright enough for all to see in the desert evening. Even the moon and stars above couldn't compete with Mr. House's accomplishment. Or rather, Ruby's accomplishment. Ever since she'd killed Mr. House, Ruby had tried to think of the preservation of New Vegas as her own.

Because it was me, thought Ruby, walking through the gate to Freeside. I was the one responsible for making New Vegas truly free.

It had been six months since the Second Battle of Hoover Dam, and Ruby was still trying to get used to it all. She'd never desired to become De Facto Leader of New Vegas, but the more she'd thought about it, the more she'd wanted it.

And I deserve it, she thought, officially entering Freeside. I was the one who kept the Legion and NCR from encroaching.

The gate clanked shut behind her and she could hear Dean Martin crooning in the distance. The Securitrons let her pass as a tumbleweed drifted along the road in the evening breeze. Groups of homeless people stood near trashcan fires, huddling in front of the flames for warmth. A few turned to look at her as she kept walking down the broken road.

Well, it was mostly me, thought Ruby. I couldn't have made New Vegas truly independent without Yes Man.

While the artificial intelligence known as Yes Man had helped her make the political moves necessary to retake New Vegas, she hadn't seen or heard from him since taking Hoover Dam. When pressed, he said he was going to 'upgrade his personality' to be more loyal to her, whatever the hell that meant.

How long will those upgrades take, thought Ruby, and not for the first time?

With one hand on her holster, she kept walking. She knew the Securitrons could handle anyone who tried messing with her, but Ruby prided herself on her independence. The Mojave was a dangerous place, which meant anything could happen.

Bang!

Just like that, Ruby fell face-first onto the ground. Her NCR Riot Gear helmet broke her fall, but only so much.

Ain't that a kick in the head? she thought, just before her world went black.


Hello, again Loyal Readers! I know it's been a hot minute since I've written a Fallout story but I've been feeling in the mood to write Fallout. The inspiration for this story came from an Oxhorn video, for those who are curious. If you liked this story, please feel free to leave a constructive comment or a like!