Much to mine and Kerry's surprise, the journey to New Vegas passed without incident. No raider attacks, no deathclaws wandering onto the trail, and no geckos setting fire to our boots. Once we arrived at the outskirts of New Vegas, many of the former slaves went their own separate ways. Some had family in New Vegas, while others sought out another caravan to bring them into NCR territory. Or at least, as far away from Legion territory as they could possibly get. Rose of Sharon Cassidy, her caravan guards, and her pack brahmin delivered their cargo to the Followers of the Apocalypse, for whom they had been transporting medical supplies. Before parting ways, Cass exchanged a few words with Kerry and I.

"Thanks again for the timely rescue," Cass said. "As I said, those slavers snuck up on us as we slept. We never had time to shoot."

"Hey, it was our pleasure, beautiful," Kerry said with a flirtatious smile. "But maybe next time post a watch."

"You're already watching me," Cass teased, returning the smile.

"Do you need me to rent a room at Gomorrah for you two?" I joked, my voice playful.

Kerry jabbed me in the shoulder. "Only if you agree to join us," she teased. "All kidding aside, we need to report in at McCarran. Chief Hanlon will want to know of our success."

"Agreed," I said with a nod. "Cass, we enjoyed traveling with you. Stay safe out there."

Cass gave us a cheerful salute. "You too, Rangers. Next time our paths cross, the first round is on me." She then flipped a single bottle cap towards us, which Kerry caught.

With that, Cass turned and began walking towards the Cassidy Caravans Office, her lever-action shotgun slung over her back.

"Ready to get back to the barracks?" I asked Kerry.

She nodded. "Lead the way, Ranger."

And off we went.

A short while later, Kerry and I were seated in front of Chief Hanlon's desk at Fort McCarran. The Chief, wearing dungarees and his Ranger campaign hat, studied us, his expression partly concealed by his mustache. His eyes lingered on our armor, still dirty from the road. I had removed my helmet and locked eyes with him for a fleeting moment. What was he trying to say without using his words? At last, he spoke.

"What kind of trouble did you two get into this time?" He asked the two of us.

"We completed our original mission of taking out those slavers, Chief."

"Good. And..." he pried.

"We rescued a caravan from their captivity." I said. "Twenty people in total. They were heading south, towards Reno."

The Chief nodded. "A timely rescue. Good work. I've little doubt those people would be sold into slavery had you not intervened. Fine work indeed."

"It certainly was, Chief. You should have seen Ranger McMillan's shots with her anti-material rifle."

"Or Ranger Beckenstein's skill with that Sequoia of his. It's remarkable."

Chief Hanlon waved a hand. A faint smile briefly showed on his lips. "I'm well aware of your skills with firearms, Rangers. You're among the elite of the NCR. And as such, I will have no shortage of missions for you and your fellow Rangers."

"We do like being busy, Chief," Kerry commented, shooting a sly wink at me.

"Good. I'd say you've earned some rest, though. Head on down to the barracks. Clean up from the road. You're off duty for the time being. You'll be notified when a new assignment comes up."

"Thank you, Chief." I said appreciatively. My mind instantly started drifting as to how Kerry and I would spend our leave.

"You're welcome, Rangers. Dismissed."

As we walked towards the barracks, Kerry patted me on the back. We made eye contact, and she shot me a knowing look.

I immediately picked up on her cue. "You want sex, don't you Mama Bear?"

"You know it, Papa Bear," she said seductively. "Gomorrah? The Tops? Vault 21?"

"How about The Lucky 38? It's finally open for business."

She smiled. "The Lucky 38 it is. But first, let's get comfortable. Can't go gambling and screwing in armor."

After cleaning and stowing our armor, bathing all the dust and grime off (an activity that Kerry loves to do with company), we headed for the New Vegas Strip. I wore my black tuxedo with a burgundy vest and bow tie, while Kerry wore a red sequin dress that showed a generous amount of cleavage. It still is my favorite dress of hers, and she knows it.

We set out for the Lucky 38. After being shuttered for many years, a former member of the Chairmen known as Kirk Fitzroy had taken over management of the casino, and opened it up for business. Apparently the casino had been used as a fortress by the enigmatic Mr. House. After reports of his passing, the Courier had taken over the casino. According to the radio news, when the Courier vanished, the families of The Strip debated over the fate of the Lucky 38. Eventually it was decided that a new family would be formed, called the Specials, would manage the casino, and Fitzroy would lead them.

Kerry and I stepped through the main doors to find the casino floor abuzz with activity. The end of hostilities at Hoover Dam had caused an influx of tourists from the NCR and surrounding areas. People were gambling left and right, playing blackjack, poker, roulette, slot machines, and more. Uniformed servers deftly moved through the crowd, selling cigarettes and cigars. Overall, it was a typical night in a casino in New Vegas.

I locked arms with Kerry. "So... gambling first?"

Kerry kissed my cheek. "Let's see how you do at poker."

Together we bought chips and sat down at the poker table. Gambling had never been my strong suit, but Kerry had a knack for cards, and still does. It wasn't long before she had won over two dozen chips.

"Time to cash out?" she asked, a petite finger pointed at a stack of chips.

I rubbed her shoulder. "Better do so while your luck holds."

She gave me a teasing smile. "Maybe if you rub my boobs my luck will grow."

I smiled. "It would certainly cause something to grow."

I looked at the gathered gamblers around the table. One of them, a rather scruffy fellow, was clearly envious of my partner's success. Another, a pale brunette woman with short hair in a black dress, had a look of admiration on her face.

I felt someone's hand near my crotch. "Let's get a drink, Papa Bear."

I grabbed her hand. "You're buying, Mama Bear."

And so we cashed out our chips, used the caps to book our hotel room, and took the elevator up to the restaurant level.

We sat down next to each other at one of the bars. A mustached bartender promptly tended to us. I ordered a whiskey, while Kerry ordered a Nuka-Cola with rum.

"Here's to us," I toasted.

"May we be as productive in the bedroom as on the battlefield." Kerry added.

We touched glasses and sipped our drinks.

"Excuse me," came a woman's voice, "may I join you?"

Kerry and I turned to face the newcomer. It was the same short-haired brunette woman from the poker table. Had she followed us up here?

"Certainly," Kerry said before I could respond. "Take up a stool."

"Thank you," said the young woman as she sat down next to me.

"What's your name?" Kerry asked.

"Veronica."

Lovely to meet you, Veronica. I'm Kerry and this is Jack."

"What brings you to the Lucky 38, Veronica?" I asked. "You here just to gamble?"

"That, and to get out of the bunker for a while."

"What bunker? Are you a Vault dweller?" I was now curious.

"In a matter of speaking, yes," Veronica answered. A look of nervousness betrayed her. I then noticed the signet ring on her index finger. It showed an insignia familiar to all members of the NCR military. It was the mark of an old foe both feared and respected: wings, a longsword, and three cogs.

The Brotherhood of Steel.

For a second, I froze. Do I mention the Brotherhood? Or the NCR? No, I decided against it. "Glad you're out for a night on the town."

"Thanks. You seem like cool people. What are you drinking?"

From there, the conversation progressed. We spoke of the casino, of the crowd, of the booze, and of the food, but never was the Brotherhood or the NCR mentioned. After Veronica retired to her room, Kerry and I did the same. I locked the door behind us, and Kerry took me by the hand and led me to the bed. She pushed me onto it, and very slowly and seductively removed her sequin dress. She had not put on underwear, leaving herself nude as a newborn. I felt my phallus grow erect, but my mind was occupied with Veronica. What was a member of the Brotherhood doing on the Strip? Were they finally leaving their bunkers? Evidently my concern showed on my face, because Kerry paused her efforts at seducing me.

"Jack, what's wrong?" she asked, concerned.

"It's just... did you notice Veronica?"

"Yes. Well, she's..."

"Beautiful? Certainly. So am I." She put my hand on her breast.

I withdrew my hand. "Kerry, I think Veronica is part of the Brotherhood of Steel."

A look of curiosity darted across Kerry's face. She sat on the bed beside me. "What makes you say that?"

"She was wearing a signet ring with the Brotherhood insignia on it."

"I did not notice. It does make you wonder what she was doing on the Strip."

"Indeed. Kerry, I fought against the Brotherhood. Friends of mine died at the end of their laser rifles. It's just... I can't..."

"It's okay, Jack. You're safe now. The Brotherhood can't reach you here."

I breathed deeply. "You're right, love. Perhaps I am overthinking it."

"I think you are, dear. You and I are safe together." She locked me in a long kiss. She pushed my jacket off and began to unbutton my shirt.

"Let's enjoy each other in safety tonight." She whispered in my ear.

We spent a sexy but safe evening together.