Welcome to the Mojave

It was after sunset on the fourth day of traveling when the group emerged from the northern passage into the Mojave. Though the journey was uneventful it was by no means an easy one, and it reminded Marcus and Sarah of their many hikes through the Capital Wasteland. The Lone Wanderer was the first to emerge from the Northern Passage, and after taking in his surroundings he checked his PIPBOY map. "Not what I expected."

Sarah was the next to emerge and she stepped over to his side. "What were you expecting….slot machines and dancing girls?"

Marcus turned to her and smirked. "Well now that you mention it…."

Moira suddenly appeared on the PIPBOY screen and interrupted them. "I'm picking up a radio transmission, but there's a lot of interference."

Marcus struggled to listen to the garbled message. "I'll try to get higher; maybe that will help."

The four of them began to climb a small hill….and their jaws dropped at what they saw when they reached the top.

"Oh my God!" Marcus gasped.

"What is that?" Follows-Chalk asked. "Is the sun coming up again?"

Though the city was just beyond the horizon, the lights could be seen for miles in all directions from the Mojave. None of them had ever seen a city so lite up at night, and they barely noticed that the radio transmission was coming in loud and clear.

"You're listening to radio New Vegas, your little jukebox in the Mojave Wasteland. I am Mr. New Vegas and I'm here for you. We've got some news for you coming right up. NCR forces continue to dig in around Nelson after the town was overrun by Caesar's Legion. The local commander says plans are in the works to retake the town, but are being hampered by the fact that several NCR soldiers are being held hostage. Got Dean Martin coming up next. Love….ain't that a kick in the head."

Music began to play and Marcus turned the radio off. "Sounds like Lenny was right about the NCR being in trouble."

Sarah, who was less than sympathetic, ignored his comment and changed the subject. "It will take us days to cross that wilderness; and who knows what we'll encounter along the way."

Marcus continued to study his map. "We should probably stick to the roads. According to this the I-15 is the shortest route." Marcus looked up from his PIPBOY and turned towards the west. "It looks like there's a road nearby that will take us to that Super Mutant settlement Lenny told us about."

It took a moment for Sarah to remember. "Jacobstown?"

Marcus nodded. "It looks like about a day's hike into the mountains. I think it'd be worth checking out."

Sarah gave him a confused look. "Why should we make such a detour?"

"Lenny said that their leader knew my grandfather, so maybe he can help us. He may even have information on what happened to the Brotherhood. Besides….I wouldn't mind a rest or a chance to stock up on provisions."

Sarah thought about it for a moment, and while she was eager to get on with their mission, she couldn't argue with a chance to put their feet up for a while. "Alright, let's do it."

"Excuse me," Follows-Chalk began, "but what is a Super Mutant?"

Marcus smirked. "You'll find out. Just….try not to stare at them too much."

"I'm staring at them!" Follows-Chalk said as his eyes practically bulged out of his head. It was late afternoon on the following day when they arrived just outside of Jacobstown. Several Super Mutants were standing guard at the entrance, but while Follows-Chalk was focused on them, Marcus was more concerned on the four armed humans taking up attacking positions along the road. As the four companions watched from behind cover, it was clear that the human leader was trying to provoke the mutants into starting a fight.

"What do you think?" Sarah asked, taking him out of his train of thought.

"If these mutants were hostile they would've torn these guys apart by now." After tieing their pack brahmin to a tree, Marcus locked and loaded his gauss rifle. "You two cover me from those hills overlooking the road, but stay out of sight unless I need you. Maybe we can convince these guys to pick a fight somewhere else."

Sarah also locked and loaded her gauss rifle. "Alright, but if one of them even twitches it's game on."

Marcus smirked as he donned his Regulator hood. "You know you're very sexy when you threaten to kill people."

Sarah chuckled as he stole a kiss. Taking a deep breath, the Lone Wanderer looked down at Dogmeat. "Come on boy….let's go make some friends."

The canine barked and followed his master onto the road. Sarah turned to Follows-Chalk. "Come on kid….follow me."

Grabbing his repeating rifle, the young tribal did as he was told and both of them headed into the brush.

Marcus' set of Ranger armor, combined with the Regulator duster and hood was an intimidating look; which is exactly what the Lone Wanderer was going for. He wanted to end this peacefully, and he learned a long time ago that fear was a good negotiating tool. As he approached, one of the armed humans fired a couple of rounds over the wall surrounding the settlement.

"That's good," the leader said, "but next time I want you to target one of their bighorns, understand?"

"You know I've seen some stupid things in my day," Marcus stated, causing the humans to turn with their guns raised. ", but taunting a settlement of Super Mutants takes the cake."

Norton, the human mercs leader, clearly didn't know what to make of the sight in front of him. "This has nothing to do with you, stranger, so I suggest you move along."

"I'm just curious why you seem so eager to fight these mutants. Have they been causing trouble?"

Norton shrugged. "Maybe they have, maybe they haven't. But there a lot of people in the NCR who are tired of mutants attacking their brahmin herds, so they pay us to get rid of them."

Marcus' eyes narrowed. "Whatever they're paying you….it's not enough. Move along."

Norton shot one of his men a look, and they were both thinking the samething: 'Is this guy serious?' "No offense, stranger, but you're in no position to order us to do anything."

Marcus responded to his comment by placing two fingers to his mouth and whistling. Sarah appeared from behind the brush on the right side of the road, aiming her gauss rifle down on the surprised mercs. At the same time Follows-Chalk appeared on the left, his repeating rifle at the ready. Norton's face seemed to drain of all color as he realized he was now at a disadvantage. "A smart man knows when to fight….and when not too. Fine. We'll go, but I won't forget this….and neither will my employers."

Marcus did not respond to the threat. He just let the mercs go with their tails between their legs. He was soon joined by his two companions, and Follows-Chalk let out the breath he had been holding once the mercs were out of sight. "I'm glad they decided not to fight."

Marcus slung his rifle over his shoulder. "Me too." He turned and stared at the front gate to the Super Mutant settlement and took a deep breath. "Alright….let's introduce ourselves."

Follows-Chalk was visibly nervous. "If….you think that is a good idea."

Marcus placed his hand on the young tribal's shoulder as they began walking. "It'll be okay….just remember what I told you."

Follows-Chalk nodded. "Yes….I'll try not to stare at them."

Sarah was behind them, trying her best to hide a smirk.

The humans and their canine cautiously approached the main entrance to Jacobstown, and were immediately greeted by a large Super Mutant clad in metal armor and wearing a headset. "Thank you for your help with those mercs. I'm glad you were able to scare them off without killing them."

"Any idea why they'd want to pick a fight with you?" Sarah asked.

"There are many locals who would love to give the NCR an excuse to come up here and wipe us out. So far I've managed to keep our people restrained….but it's been getting more and more difficult. Anyway, thanks again. So, who are you and what is your business in Jacobstown?"

"Well my name is Marcus, and this is Sarah and Follows-Chalk."

The Super Mutant smirked. "Hu, looks like you and I have something in common. I too, am named Marcus."

The Lone Wanderer was surprised, and he shook the mutant's hand. "Nice to meet you. I would like to speak to the leader of your settlement if he's available."

"You're looking at him. So what can I help you with?"

He took a deep breath. "Well….I understand you knew my grandfather…..Maximilian Lincoln."

Marcus' jaw dropped open. "Maximi….he only had one son that I'm aware of, James, and both he and his wife left…." He stopped mid sentence as he looked closer at the young man. "...over twenty years ago."

The Wanderer removed a picture from his combat armor, and he took a moment to stare at it before handing it to the mutant. It was frayed around the edges, but there was no mistaking the man in the lab coat, standing proudly next to a thirteen year old boy holding an old BB gun.

"James was my father. I grew up in Vault 101 in the Capital Wasteland."

The mutant studied the picture, and his eyes shifted back to the Wanderer. "You definitely resemble him, and that PIPBOY proves you're from a Vault." He handed the picture back. "Tell me, are your parents here?"

Marcus had to swallow the lump in his throat. "My mother died when I was born….and my father was killed fighting the Enclave."

A low growl emanated from the mutant, causing Follows-Chalk to jump. "The Enclave! I swear they're as bad as radroaches. Once you think you've wiped them out, more spring up. I'm….sorry for your loss."

The Wanderer responded with a nod.

"Well, this is certainly a pleasant surprise. You're welcome to stay here; we have much to talk about."

Marcus was relieved. "We have a pack brahmin down the road with our gear."

"No problem, I'm sure Lily won't mind looking after it for you." He pointed at Follows-Chalk. "It appears your friend didn't dress for the cold."

They looked and indeed the tribal was shivering. "I never…..thought it could….get this….cold."

Both Sarah and Marcus cringed as they remembered how the cold of the Anchorage simulation shocked their bodies.

"Don't worry," the mutant said, "we have plenty of pre-war winter gear stored here….it's not doing us any good."

Once they had retrieved their pack brahmin, Marcus led them into Jacobstown. Based on what he knew of pre-war America, the Wanderer surmised that this was once a ski resort. He could see why so many humans would want the mutants gone from this place. With it's location surrounded by mountains, a stream of fresh water and plenty of structures for shelter, Jacobstown was nearly the perfect place to build a settlement.

"You can hand your pack brahmin to Lily over there." Marcus said.

The three humans stopped dead in their tracks when the mutant Lily came into view, and Marcus noticed that their jaws were practically on the ground. "What's wrong? Haven't any of you seen a Nightkin before?"

Lily resembled a regular Super Mutants in almost every way, except her skin was dark blue instead of green, and she was wearing a large bonnet hat and what looked like a farm woman's dress.

Sarah managed to find her voice. "Actually….no, we haven't."

The mutant was clearly surprised. "Interesting that you don't have them out East. Nightkin were created by the Master, and they were primarily used for stealth and infiltration. Unfortunately, many of them now suffer from schizophrenia because of prolonged use of stealth boys. "

"Wait, you mean stealth boys can give people schizophrenia?" the Wanderer asked.

Marcus shook his head. "Not people, only the Nightkin have shown symptoms. That's one of the reasons I founded this place, so that they had a place to go for treatment."

The Wanderer visibly relaxed. "That's good because my power armor has stealth technology."

Marcus glanced around and spoke in a low voice. "I would keep that to yourself. Here the Nightkin are not allowed stealth boys, and if they found out your suit had stealth capability….well, let's just say things could get ugly. Just don't stare at them for too long….Nightkin hate being seen by humans."

Sarah looked at Lily, who was feeding one of about a dozen bighorns standing around inside of a pen. "Are you sure that our brahmin will be okay with her?"

"Yes. Though Lily suffers from the same ailment as the other Nightkin, she's a….special case, as you'll see."

The humans carefully approached the Nightkin, and the Wanderer tightened the grip on the brahmin's reigns. "Hello, Lily."

The Nightkin turned around, and spoke in a low, gravelly voice. "Oh, it's so nice of you to come and visit your old grandma, dear."

That was not the reaction the Wanderer was expecting, and his eyes shot wide open. "Ummm….I'm sorry but I think you've mistaken me for someone else."

Lily laughed. "Oh there you go again, my little pumpkin, always playing tricks on your grandma."

The Wanderer was trying to keep his patients. "No really, I'm not…."

Marcus leaned down and spoke into his ear. "Just go along with it. Trust me."

The Wanderer could hear giggling coming from Sarah and Follows-Chalk behind him. Even Dogmeat seemed to be laughing at him. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, he decided to heed the mutant's advise. "Yeah….that's right….grandma."

Sarah was turning red as she tried desperately to contain her laughter. "I can see where you get your looks from."

The Wanderer clenched his fists, but Lily responded with a smile. "What a nice thing to say, dear."

Eager to end this, Marcus handed the reigns to Lily. "Could you please watch our pack brahmin…..grandma?"

The Nightkin took the reigns. "Of course, dearly. I'll watch your brahmin while you and your little friends go and play."

The Wanderer forced a smile. "Thank you." He quickly turned to make a hasty exit, but Sarah was not about to let him go so easy. "Shouldn't you give your grandma a goodbye kiss…."

"Shut up!" Marcus snapped under his breath as he continued towards the town's' main building.

Sarah chuckled. "Okay, whatever you say….pumpkin."

The Wanderer continued to climb the steps to the ski lodge, but even he could no longer contain the smirk on his face.

For most of the day, the Wanderer bombarded Marcus with questions about his grandfather, and the mutant was more than happy to answer them. The stories he told the three humans were fascinating, but it was his narration of the storming of the Poseidon oil rig that was the climax.

"Horrigan." Marcus said the name with a mixture of reverence and dread. "To this day no one knows exactly what he was. Some say he was once a man who the Enclave experimented on. Others claim he was an android. Some even think he was a cross-breed between a Super Mutant and a Deathclaw. The only word that accurately described him was monster. He stood at twelve feet tall, and was covered in what looked like advanced power armor. He felt no pity, or remorse. He existed for one purpose: to crush the enemies of the Enclave. To this day I don't know how any of us made it out of that fight alive." He paused as he took a drink from his water glass. "Katja was killed out right. During the battle I was knocked unconscious, and when I awoke your grandfather, battered and bloodied….his power armor barely holding together, was standing over Horrigan. The abomination had been sliced in half at the waist, but he still managed to utter one last sentence. Max never told any of us what it was.

"His wife Miria was gravely wounded, but thankfully survived. I had a concussion, and Captain Boone suffered three cracked ribs and a broken left arm."

The account sent a chill up Marcus Lincoln's spine since it was identical to the vision he received in Zion. "I'm surprised that my grandmother fought with you during the war."

"Miria wasn't your grandmother. She was Max's second wife. They met during the war. Your grandmother died when James was a boy. Anyway, enough about the past. You were saying that both of you are members of the Eastern Brotherhood?"

"That's right."

"And you had no knowledge of the war?"

Sarah shook her head. "We've been out of contact with the Western Brotherhood for years. We had no idea they had gone to war against the NCR."

A low sigh escaped from the mutant. "I wish I could give you more information on the Brotherhood's location….but they've been in hiding for about ten years now. There have been reported sightings of Brotherhood scouts from time to time….but even they are becoming rare."

While the news was not what either of them wanted to hear, the fact that the Brotherhood was able to send out scouts meant they were still organized and in the area.

"My advice," Marcus continued, "is to keep your association with the Brotherhood to yourselves. The NCR has orders to shoot any members on sight….which means you should probably keep your power armor here for the time being."

Both the Wanderer and Sarah shared a warily look. Neither of them liked the idea of leaving their power armor behind; especially Sarah. But they also knew lugging power armor around that they couldn't wear would be a burden instead of an asset.

While they pondered this, Follows-Chalk shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe that two tribes that were once such good friends and allies, can become such hated enemies. I couldn't imagine going to war against the Sorrows."

Silence was the only reply to the young tribal's wisdom.

"Thank you, Marcus." The Wanderer said. "Holding on to our power armor would be a big help. Truth is, I wasn't planning on telling anyone in the NCR or Brotherhood who I was related to until the time was right."

Marcus nodded. "That's very wise. If the Western Brotherhood found out you were a Lincoln….it might not end well. But just remember, the Brotherhood are not the only ones you should be concerned about. There were many politicians in Shady Sands who were all too happy to see the Lincolns leave."

That got the Wanderer's attention. "What do you mean?"

A bitter chuckle escaped from Marcus. "Max once told me that war and politics were two sides of the same dangerous coin. And if you made too many enemies on both sides, you'd end up dead. Your grandfather died less than a year after your father and mother left, and politicians like Kimbell took full advantage of the Lincoln's absence. That's why us Super Mutants and Nightkin have to be hold up here in these mountains. Your grandfather was in the process of submitting a bill to the Congress granting full citizenship to our kind when he died. And with your father gone….the bill died with him."

The Wanderer rubbed the bridge of his nose out of frustration. Things were worse than he thought. "Well….I might not be able to get you citizenship, but maybe I can help you another way."

Now Marcus was intrigued. "How?"

"I'd like to help you to find a treatment for the Nightkin's schizophrenia."

Marcus clearly was not expecting that. "I'll introduce you to Doctor Henry. He's a human scientist who's been researching the effects of the stealth boys on the Nightkin, but he's hit a snag. Perhaps you can help him."

Note: sorry for the long delay, guys, had a bit of writer's block. I promise I will try to get at least one chapter a month and get this story moving. Hope you enjoy where this is going.