Note: I'm back! I'm sorry it's been a year since my last update, but it's been a crazy year. First the good news. My cancer treatment so far has been going well and I've been cancer free for almost two years now (knock on wood). I want to thank everyone for your kind words and encouragement.

Now the bad news. My father lost his battle with cancer this past December. He got it from the agent orange he was exposed to in Vietnam. (Took almost 55 years for that bullet to catch up with him). He was strong and put up a hell of a fight, but in the end the good lord called him home. I'm just glad he went peacefully in his sleep in his own bed at home. My father was a gamer, and believe it or not, he's the one who introduced me to Fallout. So you can say, he's responsible for this fanfiction series. So I am dedicating this story to my father, Thomas.

Wolfhorn

Once Paulson had gotten over the initial shock of seeing his two companions from Mothership Zeta, he signaled to his ten men that everything was fine and they came out of hiding. Marcus quickly explained to the cowboy that they were in disguise, and that he was going by the name Six. Though he was confused, Paulson played along when his men arrived.

"Everyone this is... Six and his woman Sarah. They're old friends of mine. Six, these are my ranch hands. Most of'em came up from Texas so I call them Tejanos. They're good ranch hands, but they're english is almost as bad as they're riding skills."

One of the Tejanos, Garcia, let out a laugh. "Don't listen to this gringo. He couldn't even put a saddle on a bighorner before he met us."

The rest of the Tejanos laughed, and even Paulson couldn't hide his grin. "Alright, alright. I'm not paying you guys to stand around. Ride on ahead to Wolfhorn Ranch and get it ready for our guests."

"Si, boss." Garcia said.

All ten of the Tejanos headed back up to the other side of the hill, and soon emerged riding their bighorners. It was the first time Marcus and Sarah had seen the formattable beasts, and both of them were in awe at their size. The four legged creatures were built like tanks, had two massive horns curved behind their heads, and jaws that could crush a mutant's skull. As the Tejanos headed out, Marcus couldn't believe how fast the massive beasts could run.

"They ain't no mustangs," Paulson said, "but they get the job done." The cowboy got his first good look at Marcus and Sarah's companions as they made their way over to them. "I see you two still travel with a colorful group. Sorry for the rude welcome. We've been having trouble with that damn Vipers gang ambushing caravans on the road. So every now and then me and the boys set up an ambush of our own. Keeps their numbers down, know what I mean?"

Marcus shook his head. "It's no problem, Paulson. I'm just glad we didn't have to shoot you."

Paulson smirked and looked at Sarah. "Still a cocky little shit, isn't he?"

Sarah laughed. "You have no idea."

Paulson noticed Dogmeat standing next to Marcus and cautiously allowed him to sniff his hand. "Nice K-9 you got there."

Marcus placed his hand on the cattle dog's head. "This is Dogmeat." He turned to the rest of his companions. "This is Follows-Chalk. Lily. ED-E, and this is Rose Cassidy."

When Paulson saw the blue-eyed cowgirl he immediately tipped his hat. "Ma'am."

Cass had a coy smile on her face as she confidently strolled up to him. "So, are you a real cowboy? Or some guy from out west playing dress up?"

Paulson smirked. "Oh I'm the real deal, darl'n." He reached inside his shirt pocket and removed a rolled up cigarette. "See that - grew it myself. You won't find better tobacco from here to San Fran."

Cass took the cigarette and let out a pleasing sound as she smelled it. "Almost smells like pre-war. You grew this?"

"Sure did. I got me a nice homestead and a good piece of land. You're more than welcome to spend the night and rest." He looked at Marcus and Sarah. "And the three of us can catch up."

Wolfhorn Ranch as it was known was only a mile up the road from where Paulson had set up his ambush. The first thing Marcus noticed when they approached were the two sniper's nests overlooking the road. One was being manned by a ghoul named Rodriquez and the other by a Caucasian male called Smith. Paulson explained that although Smith was not of Mexican descent, he had been taken in by a Mexican family, and he fit right in with the Tejanos.

When they rounded the bend and the ranch was in sight, Marcus and Sarah stood still as they took in the view. There was a small, three room ranch house near a rusted, yet working windmill. In the center of the field was a water source similar to the ones in Goodsprings. To the left of the fields was a large barn, and to the right was a line of one room shacks. They observed several women and children, the families of the Tejanos, working and playing in the fields.

Paulson noticed the looks on Marcus and Sarah's faces as he rode his bighorner beside them. "It's something, isn't it? I've got twenty acres of good land. On the north side we're able to grow corn and carrots. On the south side - sweet tobacco. Got room for the bighorners and about a dozen head of brahmin. Well... I guess with those things it's actually two dozen heads."

Lily smiled as she observed the pack of brahmin grazing in the field. "Such pretty brahmin. I'm going to go over there and tend to them."

A look of dread appeared on Paulson's face. "I'm not sure if that's a good…"

"It's alright, Paulson." Marcus said. "Lily's very good with brahmin."

The cowboy was still not convinced, but he decided to trust Marcus' judgement. "Okay. Just...be careful."

"Oh, I will, dearie. You and Jimmy run along now and play cowboys and Indians."

As Lily walked away, Sarah and Cass were doing their best to suppress their laughter, while Paulson shot Marcus a look that would melt steel.

Marcus blushed. "It's...a long story."

Paulson held the stare another moment. "Right. Okay then, let's get settled in."

Paulson showed them around his humble ranch house, and after convincing Cass that the Tejanos had the good whiskey, they were finally able to talk freely at the kitchen table.

"Okay, so you two wanna tell me just what you're up to? I mean...what's with the disguises?"

Marcus decided to speak first. "Do you remember the organization we belonged to back east, the Brotherhood of Steel?"

Paulson had to think for a moment. "Yeah I heard you mention them a couple of times. Those boys in the fancy armor, right?"

Marcus nodded. "Yes. Well, we got word that the Western Brotherhood has been at war with the NCR and we've been sent here to find any survivors."

Paulson began to understand. "Oh I get it. If those California boys found out you were Brotherhood they'd throw you in prison...or worse."

"Have you heard anything about the Brotherhood since you've been here?" Sarah asked.

The cowboy took a shot from his whisky bottle. "Sorry, but no. I ain't got no time for gossip, between running this farm and fighting off bandits of all kinds. And now, that NCR has been breathing down my neck telling me I gotta pay taxes! I told them as soon as they got off their fat asses and started protecting the roads, then I'd pay their taxes."

As they listened to Paulson's complaints, Follows-Chalk spoke up. "I do not understand. What is - taxes?"

Sarah provided the answer. "Taxes are fees the government charges its citizens to provide services. The military, for example, is funded with the taxes they collect."

The young tribal was still confused. "In Zion we had no need for taxes. If the tribe needed something, we would all band together to get it. And if we needed to go to war, all of the men would fight."

Paulson's eyes seem to light up. "No taxes, hu? Sounds like a good place to retire." He took another sip of whisky. "So...how are our mutual friends back east?"

Marcus cleared his throat. "Well, Eliot, Mary and Sally are fine. They decided to stay…" he stopped and looked at Follows-Chalk, remembering that the tribal did not know about their time in space. "...where we found them."

Paulson was quick to catch on and nodded. "Well that's good. Say, what about Kago? Did he stay with them or head back to his country?"

Both Marcus and Sarah shared a weary look, and it was the Sentinel who decided to give Paulson the sad news. "He...was killed while on a mission with us. It's a long story but...he gave his life to save us."

Paulson's heart sank and he shook his head. "Damn." He took a long swig from his whisky bottle, trying to stop himself from choking up. "I really...liked that Oriental." He let out a small chuckle. "He managed to pull my ass out of the fire that one time."

An awkward silence filled the room. Paulson took another shot. "Well...sounds like he went out the way he wanted." He lifted his bottle. "Here's to you, amigo." He finished off the last of the whisky and slammed the bottle down.

Marcus decided it was time to change the subject. "We a, haven't heard from Somah since she left. I don't suppose you know where she's been these days?"

Paulson laughed. "Oh I know exactly where she is. She's here! I mean, not here at the ranch, but she's here in the Mojave. She's up in that modern day Sodom and Gomorrah called New Vegas. In fact, the fancy casino she hangs out at is named Gomorrah." The cowboy shook his head. "I'll tell ya, I went there once, and I saw things going on that would make the devil blush."

Marcus cringed. "I can't imagine she'd be working in a place like that."

"Oh she ain't work'n there. She's a high roller. Struck it rich not long after we both got here."

Sarah leaned in closer. "How'd she do that?"

Paulson grinned. "You don't know, do you? Hu, she told me you two gave her permission...but I had a feeling she was bullshitting me."

"Permission to do what?" Marcus asked.

Paulson glanced at Follows-Chalk, remembering he had to be careful about what to say. "She took some of that fancy repair...epoxy stuff from our...mutual friends back east, and then she sold it to a company called the Gunrunners. Made a fortune! They figured out how to make it and they've been selling it all over the Mojave." He leaned in closer. "And I hear she gets five percent of the royalties for life!"

Both Marcus and Sarah sat in stunned silence. It was bad enough that Zetian technology had made its way to the Capital, but to have it running loose here out west…

"That sneaky, little bitch!" Sarah growled.

Marcus sighed in frustration. "Well...I guess we'll have to pay her a visit. You see we're heading up to Vegas, too. We're looking for someone and we think he's heading there."

"Well you best be careful in that den of thieves. I wouldn't trust any of those city boys as far as I could throw em. Especially the ones in that place called the...um...Tops! Yeah. All a bunch of slick talk'n vipers in checkered suits."

Both Marcus and Sarah's eyes shot open. "Did you say checkered suits?" Marcus asked.

Paulson nodded. "Yup. Same hair cuts, same jewelry. Hell, they even talk the same city lingo or whatever the hell they call it."

Marcus and Sarah stared at each other, and though neither of them spoke, they both knew they were getting closer to their target.

Paulson broke the silence by slapping the table. "I have to say, its damn good to see you two again! I want all of you to stay here for the night, and I won't be take'n no for an answer. We got some fresh brahmin steaks and plenty of corn to grill. The only room I have for you is the barn, but it's cozy."

Marcus, Sarah and Follows-Chalk couldn't help but smile at the thought of a cookout and a good nights rest. "Thank you." the tribal said. "The barn we be more than good."

Paulson smiled and then pointed to Marcus. "And as for you my city friend. Before the festivities tonight you're gonna learn how to ride a bighorner."

There was no hiding the shock on Marcus' face, but Paulson cut him off before he could respond. "If you're gonna wear that hat, then you'd better know how to ride. Besides, a bighorner is more reliable out here than those motor...contraptions you're riding."

Marcus unconsciously wiped the sweat from his brow. The thought of riding those large beasts didn't exactly appeal to him. "Well, I a…"

Sarah playfully nudged him. "Oh come on, cowboy. How hard can it be?"

Paulson turned to her. "That includes you too, little lady. And you, chief. Learning how to ride these bighorners could mean the difference between life and death out here."

After a few more awkward moments, Marcus finally relented and let out a sigh. "Ok...what the hell." He turned to Sarah. "Like you said: how hard can it be?"

After landing on his back for the fourth time, the Lone Wanderer realized just how hard riding a bighorner could be. As he sat up, covered in dirt and sweat, he could hear the laughter of the Tejano's children watching from behind the fence.

On the opposite side of the paddock was Paulson and Cass, the latter saying they should take a shot of whisky every time Marcus was bucked off.

"I don't think your bighorner likes me very much." Marcus said to Paulson.

Just then, Sarah confidently trotted by him riding her bighorner. "Well Sheba and I are getting along just fine."

Marcus let out a frustrating grunt and stood back up and dusted himself off. The bighorner who bucked him off, Comanche, was standing next to the fence; as if calmly waiting for him to try again. Cass called him over, and Marcus weary approached.

"You can't just mount these things like a hooker on the strip."

"Then what do you suggest?"

Cass reached down and removed two cobs of maze from a basket. "Earn his trust. He's not a motorcycle."

She handed the maze to Marcus, who took them and slowly walked over to Comanche. He presented the maze to the massive beast. "Okay Comanche, how about some nice corn."

As he approached, Comanche grunted and reared up slightly, causing Marcus to step back. The Lone Wanderer put his hands up. "Okay, okay! Easy!"

Comanche seemed to calm down.

"Okay listen...I get it. If someone tried jumping on my back I'd be a little pissed too. So I tell ya what…" he took a cautious step forward, followed by another. "...I'll only go on when you're ready. Alright?"

The beast grunted, but did not react when Marcus approached, and he gently took the maze out of the human's hand.

"Good boy." Marcus said as he presented the other cob, and Comanche eagerly took it. Marcus took a chance and slowly placed his hand to the side of the creature's face, and when there was no objection, Marcus began rubbing him. "That's good, Comanche. That's good."

Cass and Paulson were both smiling as they watched the interaction. "So," Cass began, "how did you meet Six?"

It took Paulson a moment to realize she was talking about Marcus. He was still not used to calling him Six. "Um...I ran into some...trouble out east. He and Sarah helped get me out of it. Hell," he took a look around his farm. ",I wouldn't have any of this if it wasn't for them."

Cass regarded the cowboy as she listened to his story. She didn't know much about the Courier she had decided to travel with, and it was reassuring that his reputation, at least so far, was a good one."

"So what about you?" Paulson asked. "How'd you managed to hook your wagon up to them?"

Cass watched as Marcus slowly made his way over to Comanche's side, indicating he was going to try to mount the bighorner again. "Well, let's just say I wasn't do'n much at the time, so I decided to tag along."

"Well...if you don't mind me say'n...I'm glad you did."

Cass turned and her eyes met the cowboy's, and they lingered there for several moments. The sound of Comanche grunting caught their attention, and they turned to see Marcus sitting on the beast's back. At first it looked like the bighorner was going to buck him off a fifth time, but Comanche quickly settled down and began trotting around the paddock. Marcus was holding the reins so tight his knuckles were white.

"Loosen up your grip." Paulson called out. "When you relax, he'll relax."

Marcus did what he was told, and while he felt clumsy on the beast, he was finally riding it.

Paulson smiled. "That's it! Just like that!"

Cass also could not contain her delight. "I'll be damned."

"Welcome to Radio New Vegas. I'm your host Mr. New Vegas and I sure hope I'm not coming on too strong. If you like news, you're gonna love this story. Goodsprings has fended off a mob of escaped convicts after organizing an impromptu militia, which apparently included a Courier from the Mojave express. Now that's a service you can count on.

"Got some songs coming up for ya, and I'm sure one of them will be about love."

As the song "Luck be a Lady" began to play, Marcus shook his head. Listening to the report on Goodsprings reminded him of how his exploits back home always seemed to make it onto Three Dog's radio show. "So much for keeping a low profile." He grumbled.

Sarah, who was sitting next to him near the ranch's fire pit, placed her hand on his arm. "As far as everyone is concerned you're still just Courier Six. It'll be alright."

Marcus didn't respond, he just took a sip from his beer. Both of them were sitting with several of the Tejanos, including Garcia, and Paulson. The party Paulson had promised them did not disappoint. Brahmin steaks and maze were being cooked on a long wood/fire grill, and it was the best meal they had had since leaving Zion. Several of the Tejanos' children were playing soccer with Lily. At first many of the parents were worried that the nightkin would harm the children, but it was soon clear that she treated them as if they were her own.

Garcia's wife Rosa joined him by the fire. "I never thought a nightkin could make such a good babysitter."

The children cheered as their daughter Maria scored a goal, and Lily hoisted the ten your old up onto her shoulders.

Not far from the fire pit, Cass was sitting at a small table across from Smith, and they were matching shot for shot of whiskey. Cass already drank one Tejano named Carlos under the table, and now Smith looked like he would be joining him soon.

Garcia turned his chair slightly and was facing Marcus. "Hey Six. Me and some of the compadres were talking and, would you be interested in trading those motorcycles for Sheba and Comanche?"

Rosa let out a sigh and mumbled something in Spanish. Marcus and Sarah looked at each other, not sure of how to respond.

"You should take him up on that, kid." Paulson said. "You'll go a lot further with bighorners than you will on those contraptions."

Sarah looked back over to Marcus and shrugged. "Well...they are using up a lot of the micro fusion cells."

Marcus thought about the proposition. While he really enjoyed the motorcycles, the truth is they weren't very practical for the long journey they were on. Reluctantly, Marcus shook Garcia's hand. "If you hook the carts up to them I'll throw in a few micro fusion cells."

Garcia's face lite up. "It's a deal!"

Rosa stood behind them shaking her head and crossed herself. "Oh, Dios Mio."

Just then their daughter Maria came running up to them. "Mom, Dad! Did you see me score the goal?"

"Yes, hija." Garcia said. "You were very good. But now, it's time for bed."

The little girl began to pout. "Ohhh, do I have too?"

"You listen to your father, hija!" Rosa said in a stern tone. "If you don't, the Ghost-Vaquero will get you!"

Maria suddenly looked terrified and ran towards their dwelling. The exchange was not lost on Follows-Chalk. "What is a Ghost-Vaquero?"

"It's some old Mexican wives-tale the Tejanos tell their kids to scare them." Paulson said.

"It's no wives-tale, boss." Garcia said. "My Grandma used to tell me the stories. She would say: if you ever wronged someone, the Ghost-Vaquero would come to avenge them."

Follows-Chalk was intrigued. "He sounds like the Father of the Caves in Zion."

Paulson took a swig from his beer. "Bunch of superstitious mambo-jumbo if you ask me. No offence, chief."

Garcia spotted Rodriquez walking with a plate of food and called the ghoul over. "Hey Rodriquez! Come here for a minute. Hey, tell them about the Ghost-Vaquero. Rodriquez was around before the war, and he was in Mexico City when the spirit was there."

"Back then he was called the Ghost of Mexico City." Rodriquez began. "But the stories are the same. A spirit wearing a Vaquero outfit terrorized people who preyed on the weak. One night, we heard gunfire and screaming coming from one of the raider camps. The next morning a few of us went to check it out. All of the raiders had been killed; all of them gunned down."

"Could it have been another raider gang?" Sarah asked.

The ghoul shook his head. "That's what we thought at first, but nothing had been taken. The weapons, ammo, food...it was all still there. Whoever, or whatever attacked that camp, did it for one reason...to kill."

For a few moments the area around the fire pit was dead silent. Marcus felt a chiver go down his spine - especially after what they'd seen in the Zion valley.

The silence was interrupted by the sound of cheering coming from the table Cass and Smith were sitting. The cowgirl's arms were raised in triumph, and Smith was passed out on the ground.

Paulson grinned. "Man, where does she put all that whiskey?"

Cass slowly stood up and amazingly, managed to walk over to where they were sitting. She playfully slapped Paulson on the knee. "So...you gonna ask me to dance, cowboy?"

Paulson took a sip from his beer and placed it down on the ground next to him. "That depends: Am I gonna be holding you up the whole time?"

Cass raised an eyebrow, then took Paulson by the hands. "Just get your ass out of that chair!"

As she hoisted him up, he managed to say "Yes, ma'am.", and soon the couple was slow dancing to the song: "In the Still of the Night." In between their laughter, they would stare longingly into each other's eyes, and this was not lost on Sarah and Marcus.

"They're getting along rather well." The Sentinel said with a devilish grin.

Marcus agreed - and that gave him an idea. He stood up, walked behind Sarah and whispered in her ear. "Could I interest you in a roll in the hay?"

Sarah grinned from ear to ear. "I thought you'd never ask."

Marcus took her hand, and the couple headed for the barn.

Early the next morning Marcus and his companions were preparing to head out. As promised, Garcia made sure the carts were hitched to Comanche and Sheba. Marcus was already on the massive beasts, waiting for everyone to get ready.

"The boss told us to give you a sack of maze for the trip. It's in the carts with the rest of your gear."

Marcus nodded. "Thank you, Garcia. Where is Paulson, anyway? I thought he'd want to say goodbye."

Garcia grinned. "He's still asleep." He looked around and leaned in closer. "I think your friend wore him out last night."

Marcus looked over his left shoulder and spotted Cass sprawled out in his cart - her hat over her eyes and snoring away.

The Lone Wanderer chuckled. "Looks like they wore each other out." He reached down and shook Garcia's hand. "Tell him thanks, for everything."

"I will. And he wanted me to tell you that if you ever need anything, do not hesitate to ask."

Lily, ED-E and Dogmeat were being mobbed by the children as they said their final goodbyes. Sarah Mounted Sheba, and Follows-Chalk joined Marcus and Comanche. Marcus, feeling like John Wayne, waved his arm and yelled: "HOOO!", and they began heading away from Wolfhorn Ranch. The Tejanos and their children waved to them until they were out of sight.

When Paulson awoke an hour later, he soon realized he was alone in his bed. The sheets still smelled like her, and he sighed in disappointment that she had left without saying anything. He placed his head back down on the pillow and stared at the ceiling. Perhaps it was for the best, he thought. No long goodbyes to spoil a wonderful night. He turned his head to his left, and he spotted something on his nightstand: an empty whiskey bottle with a single long stemmed rose inside of it.

It was sunset when the group of companions reached Ranger Station Charlie, a small NCR outpost on the way to the town of Novac. They had planned to stop for a rest at the station, but it wasn't long before they realized something was wrong.

"If this is an NCR outpost, shouldn't there be sentries?" Sarah observed.

Everyone dismounted the bighorners and grabbed their weapons. Cass scanned the perimeter. "Hey, anybody home?" she shouted.

No response. Feeling uneasy, Marcus chambered a round in his repeater. "Moira, you or ED-E picking up anything?"

The avatar appeared on the screen. "No movement or heat signatures."

Now Marcus was certain something was wrong. "Okay, everyone spread out and stay frosty. We don't know what we're going to find."

The group quickly made their way to the entrance of the outpost and took cover. Marcus, Sarah, Dogmeat and Follows-Chalk were on the left side, while Cass, Lily and ED-E were on the right. Follows-Chalk examined the ground in front of him. "Look." he whispered. "Legion tracks."

"How can you tell?" Sarah asked.

The young tracker pointed. "They're wearing the same sandals as the ones we ran into at Nipton. Looks like...twelve at least. Two headed around the corner to the left, the rest for that small building over there."

Marcus cursed under his breath. They could be lying in wait the same why Paulson and the Tejanos were for the Vipers yesterday. "Follows-Chalk, Dogmeat and I will check it out. The rest of you, be ready for anything."

Everyone agreed, and the three companions quickly but cautiously made their way into the compound. It was relatively well defended, with sandbags and old trailers lined and stacked up in rows. On the highest point of the trailers was a guard station, but it was deserted. It wasn't long before they discovered why.

The body was lying face down in the dirt between two of the trailers. Follows-Chalk was about to roll it onto his back, but Marcus stopped him.

"Don't! It might be booby-trapped!"

Follows-Chalk's hand recoiled and Marcus activated his medical scanner.

"He's been dead for hours." Moira solemnly reported. "Looks like his throat was cut."

Without saying anything they made their way across the compound towards the small building. After checking the door for more traps, Marcus slowly opened the door. Two dead NCR Rangers were sprawled out on the floor. Bullet holes and blood covered the walls behind them.

'The poor bastards didn't have a chance.' Marcus thought. As he moved closer, he spotted the mine near the first body, and Marcus was able to disarm it. He made his way into the other room, and easily spotted the tripwire on the other side of the door. After disarming it and taking the grenades, Marcus looked around. A male corpse was on the ground; it's head had been severed and placed on one of the bunks. On another bunk was the naked body of a female, and it was painfully obvious what had been done to her.

Marcus turned and saw the look on Follows-Chalk's face. It was clear that the young tribal, while no stranger to violence, had never seen brutality like this. "Are you alright?" Marcus asked.

Follows-Chalk struggled to speak. "Y...yes. I am fine."

They immediately left the room and headed outside. Marcus spotted a holotape on one of the desks (as if someone had placed it there to be found). He took the tape and headed out. As they approached the rest of the group, Sarah could tell by the looks on their faces that their fears had been confirmed. "That bad?"

Marcus only nodded and showed them the tape. "They left this."

He placed it inside of his PIPBOY, and everyone gathered around to listen. "This is a message to the NCR from the Legion: We are coming for you! Run, and we will catch you. Hide, and we will find you. No matter what you do, you are all going to die! We took one of the women alive."

The recording ended. Cass' eyes burned with hatred and she spit on the ground. "Fucking Legion bastards!"

A low growl escaped from Lily.

"My thoughts exactly." Marcus said. He spotted Follows-Chalk walking out towards the street; his eyes carefully scanning the ground.

"It looks like they split up into two groups." He pointed towards the east. "Three tracks headed in this direction...two of them Legion, and one with small, bare feet.

"That must be the prisoner they mentioned." Sarah said.

Follows-Chalk next pointed up the road. "The rest of them continued north, the same direction we are heading."

Cass' eyes shot wide open. "Those fuckers are going to hit Novac!"

Marcus cursed. "They had to make a choice: try to rescue the female Ranger, or intercept the Legion before they raided Novac. "If we split up we might be able to catch both groups."

Follows-Chalk stepped forward. "That would not be wise. The sun will set soon, and it will make tracking into the wilderness almost impossible."

"He's right." Cass said. "But all we gotta do is follow this road and we'll reach Novac in no time."

As Marcus listened to their arguments, he knew they were right. As much as he hated leaving the female Ranger, it would do her no good if they got lost trying to find her. Plus, Novac was an entire settlement filled with people, and after what they'd seen in Nipton…

"Alright, we'll head north. Let's hope we're not too late to save Novac."

Note: I hope it was worth the wait. I know Easy Pete says you can't use bighorners like horses or brahmin, but hey, it's fanfiction, right? I hope you like the foreshadowing I did in this chapter, and Cass' "calling card" is canon.

Till next time.