Chapter 31, Apathy is Death
The afternoon clouds started to part away to reveal the faint look of New Vegas, concluding our two day long journey on the road. All I can really say is finally. I'm honestly sick of flying around and hearing the rotors going for hours on end to the cramped space we are put in. Sure we get stops, but it's only a few minutes to refuel. I'd use the train station I used back when I was going to Rapture for the first time, but that train has seen better days. But with the Lutece Device possibly being rebuilt, there wouldn't be a need for it anyway.
We finally touched down on the new helipad that was created while we were gone. The familiar air of New Vegas welcomed me back and as I exited the Vertibird, I saw just how much progress had been made while we were gone. The graffiti on the Hidden Valley Bunker was gone with the Brotherhood of Steel logo painted on there, in pristine condition. All the holes in the fence were gone and in each section moderately spread out, supplies were organized, and guards posted patrolling in both Power Armor and standard gear. The chapter is only looking better and better from here and makes you wonder what else is in store?
I heard a voice call out my name and turned my attention towards it. I saw in the distance that it looked like Veronica, but her outfit was far different than before. Gone was her ragged brown robe that covered her head and what replaced it was a long sleeve black turtleneck, a light blue cowboy hat, a brown bandolier from her shoulder to waist, and complemented with khaki tan pants with black boots to accompany them. Not to mention a smile that went ear to ear with glee, radiating her feeling of the whole situation.
"Hey Veronica. Nice to see the place looking so well since we left," I commented.
She threw her arms around me to give me a hug, "Yes! Nothing, but good things have been coming our way. It finally feels like an actual home to me and not some run down wannabe excuse of a thing we call a bunker. Interior could still use some work, but it looks far better than what it used to do."
I let go, "That's really great to hear Veronica."
She turned to give Elizabeth a hug, "I can't thank both of you enough. You both made this possible and I couldn't be more grateful."
Elizabeth smiled, "We're happy to help Veronica. I'm really happy life is looking up for you!"
Veronica smiled, before wiping a tear from her eyes, "I am too. I…I never thought it would ever go this way. Anyway, I have to get back to work, but it was nice seeing you both again."
Veronica walked away while Elizabeth and I walked our luggage back to the falling apart van we took to get here. Only this time it looked in much better shape. For starters, all the doors like they have been welded on better and put together. Obviously it still looks like a beat up piece of shit. But at least the fear of falling out of the van is gone. Sadly no paint job in it yet and it still smelled rusty.
"Things are really starting to get better here. The future's looking bright," Elizabeth commented, putting her suitcase into the van.
"Don't hold your breath. We still have Mr. House to deal with," I stated, putting in my suitcase before getting in.
"Right, but still, things are going in the right direction and even you have admitted that. So I think Mr. House will soon follow. Can't really help maintain a city if the people don't really follow can you? And yes I do have examples."
I can't argue with that logic. That could be a bargaining chip against Mr. House to help convince him further on what's best for New Vegas. I mean Rapture was susceptible to people not following and that led to a civil war. Similar story with Columbia even. So even using them as comparisons is another bargaining chip on top of that.
The van wasted no time in taking off back to the Strip, but this time thankfully the van's upgrades helped sell its sense of safety. After an hour, we arrived, welcomed back to the same old lights and sights as before with Victor approaching us, eager to greet us after our trip.
"Well howdy pardners. How did your trip go," he asked.
"It went well. It's amazing to see D.C. starting to evolve from a wasteland to a growing town. Even folks there are calling it the Capital Paradise instead of the Capital Wasteland," I replied.
"That's wonderful to hear. Anyway, do either of you need help bringing your luggage to your room?"
"No I think were fine. Thank you though, " Elizabeth chimes in.
We took our suitcases inside and up the elevator back to our rooms. As the doors opened, we were greeted by the familiar look of the Presidential Suite, still looking the same as we had left it. Even though it's only been a week, it feels like it's been a long time since we were here.
"I'm going to unpack and get the dirty clothes ready for another load. Bring out yours when you're ready," Elizabeth stated as she walked to her room.
"Got it," I replied walking into my room to unpack my suitcase.
With my return home, now it's time to check on The King to see if the puppies came in. I feel now is a fitting time to bring Elizabeth her gift.
Once I got all of the dirty clothes together, I walked back out and handed them to Elizabeth as she put them in the hamper to take them to be cleaned.
"I'm going to do some inventory check ups and restock on a few things," I stated.
"I see. Don't take too long," she replied, giving me a subtle suspicious look.
She knows. At least I think she does just by how she sounded.
Regardless,I put my backpack back on, went into the elevator to head back into New Vegas to the King's hideout. Nothing seemed to change since we were last here. It looked the same as when we had left with the same old people as before though far less NCR all thanks to the Battle of Hoover Dam's outcome still being affected. Securitrons still patrolled the Strip the same as before, keeping an eye on things for better or worse.
I reached the King's hideout and opened the doors inside to make my way to where The King was. Upon entering the Theater, I saw that he was playing with Rex, still as healthy as he was and looking better than when I last saw him. As I approached him, Rex took notice of me and ran towards me to greet me, his tail wagging hard and a smile wide across his face as if he saw that I had a treat of some kind waiting for him.
"Hi buddy," I say, petting his head.
"Hey, it's good to see you. How did your trip go," The King asked.
"It went pretty well. D.C. is starting to change for the better. It's looking more like the future than anything."
"That is good to hear. I do have some puppies for you that you can check out now if you want. They came in yesterday."
I nodded, "Yeah let's take a look at them."
I followed him to one of the back rooms of the Theater and as we opened the door, I could see a dozen or so puppies just running around either chasing each other or wrestling with each other. The chaos reminded me of times when I was a kid with that kind of energy, seeing the kids in the vault running around with each other either playing a game of tag or racing to compete for a prize.
"Seems like you got quite the amount of puppies," I remarked.
The King nodded, "Yes we do. I was not expecting this many puppies. Some were birthed by the mother we had, but also there were some that we got that were all alone. The result is mass chaos here. But anyway, go ahead and pick the one you want."
I looked around, studying each puppy and their behavior to see which one would fit for Elizabeth. I want to get a puppy that not only would defend us, but also would be extremely loyal and loving when the moment would arise. But that ain't always easy to find least of all in a puppy. Finally my eyes centered on a puppy that looked like a golden retriever, but it had a black spot on its eye. At first I thought it was a black eye, but as I got a bit closer, I saw that it was part of the fur.
I pointed at them, "I'll take that one."
"Alright. I believe this is a female dog," The King stated, going to pick them up.
He looked underneath and nodded in affirment, "Yup it is."
He handed her to me before she started to lick my helmet a few times.
"Guess she's already taking a liking to you."
I brought down into my arms, "Yeah. I guess she is. What about the rest of the puppies?"
"Oh most of the boys here will want one. It would be a nice thing for all of us and give them something to take care of. Might even help with security with some of the dogs," he stated.
"That's nice to know. I think they'll be a welcome addition to this place."
The King nodded, "Well if you ever need anything else, you know where to find me."
"Yes. Thank you. I know Elizabeth will be pretty happy with a puppy."
I carried her outside, and thought almost slipped me on what I should call her. Daisy or Ripley? Maybe Maise? Maybe it's better Elizabeth name her. This is going to be her dog after all.
As I passed the Ultra Luxe, I felt the puppy fidgeting in my arms and as I tried to straighten her out, she squirmed her way out of my arms and ran across the strip, forcing me to chase her.
"Hey," I shouted, "Get back here."
She ran towards a nearby dumpster and squeezed under it. I got down on my knees to reach her but before I could grab her, she ran out back into the street, forcing me to get up to turn around and chase her again.
"Ugh come on," I exclaimed.
She eventually ran into Gomorrah, passing by someone who had opened the door, with me along behind her.
As I entered, I saw her run behind the Receptionists Counter, with the Receptionist moving aside to see her.
"Is this your dog," she asked.
"Yes! Grab her," I demanded.
She grabbed her to set her on the counter before she weaseled out again, jumping over the counter back into Gomorrah.
"Shit. Come on," I exclaimed.
I eventually caught back up to her with her running under a red velvet cushion seat in the lounge and finally was able to catch her.
"Got you," I said as I got her back into my arms.
She was fidgeting, trying to squirm her way out of my arms, but this time I made sure I had a firmer grip around her.
"Now let's get you back to the Lucky 38 so you can meet Elizabeth."
I made my way out of Gomorrah, letting the receptionist know I got her back before walking back inside the Lucky 38, still short of breath from the chase. As I entered, I saw Victor approach me immediately.
"Well hello pardner. I saw your little escapade on the Strip with your new companion. What's their name?"
"She doesn't have a name yet. I'm leaving it up to Elizabeth since this is her gift," I replied, presenting her a bit.
"Really? Well ain't that sweet of you. I'm sure she will love it," he assured me.
"Yeah I think she will. Anyway, I need to get her in the room before she gets loose again."
I walked into the elevator and pressed the button to take me up to the Presidential Suite. Once the doors opened, I announced my arrival.
"Oh Elizabeth. I got something for you," I announced.
"Is it my gift," I heard her ask from her room.
"Why don't you come out here and look."
She walked out and immediately gasped at the sight of the puppy in my arms. She jumped out of my arms again and ran towards Elizabeth to greet her, jumping up and down. Elizabeth immediately reached down to pick her up with the puppy licking her face.
"What's her name," she asked.
"She doesn't have one. Thought I would leave that for you to name her."
She thought for a moment before finally saying something.
"How does Anna, Daisy, or Sally sound," she asked.
Guess I wasn't the only one who thought of Daisy. I feel that's a bit too simple. Anna was Elizabeth's original name which could be fitting. Then Sally would be in reference to the girl she saved from Rapture.
"Whatever you decide. It's your gift," I stated.
"I'll take the night to think about it," she replied, setting the puppy down.
The puppy wasted no time in running around, smelling her new surroundings, and getting familiar with her new place.
"Where did you end up getting a puppy," she asked.
"The King was nice to offer me one if he came across some. Literally got them when we got back."
The puppy eventually came back to where we were, but it had a small pillow in its mouth, tugging it along like it was dragging a prey it just caught.
It made both of us laugh before Elizabeth went to get the pillow out of her mouth. However, the puppy took notice of her approaching and started to run with the pillow in her mouth away, leading to Elizabeth having to do the same thing I did on the Strip. It amazes me how such a small dog could have so much energy. Eventually, she caught up to her and grabbed the pillow out of her mouth.
"Wow, she has so much energy," she commented, catching her breath.
"Oh yeah. I know that all too well from earlier," I commented.
She tossed the pillow aside and the puppy ran to it only this time all she did was pull it a bit forward, walk on it, do a circle motion on top of it, then laid down on it.
"Wow, finally she's had enough. It's a shame. I liked seeing you chase her," I remarked.
She gave the usually discouraged look she always gave me, but as if it was a simple flick of a light switch, her face changed to a smile able to melt the heart of anyone with me being no exception.
Tears started to form in her eyes as hugged me, "Thank you Evan."
I rubbed her back as she continued to embrace me. Eventually she pulled away and locked eyes with me before pressing her lips against mine. Leaning further in me, I pulled her in closer, embracing her body against mine. After a few minutes, she slightly pulled her body away, her lips still glued to mine and continuing the same motion with her lips against mine. All of a sudden, I felt her hand slowly going down my shirt down to the helm of my pants. At first I thought she was going to start unbuttoning my pants just like every other time we've made out, but then her hand started to slip in my pants and under my underwear almost touching my crotch, before pulling her hand away and pushing slightly away from me to meet my gaze.
"I'm…I'm sorry. I…I don't know what came over me," she responded, her face turning slightly red.
I was stunned for a moment as well. She had never made an advance like that before. I mean when we've made out, we only went as far as to our underwear. Never past that.
"You're fine. Just that was…unexpected," I finally said.
We stared at each other for a few more minutes, almost as if we were lost in each other's eyes until finally we both let go, breaking the gaze.
"I'm going to go back to restock some items," I stated.
"Oh, so you really did have to go restock," she inquired.
"Yeah I just wanted to get your gift first before I did that."
"Alright. I'll spend some more time with the dog."
I went back into the elevator and went downstairs to collect my weekly caps from Victor from Mr. House then wasted no time to head back out to the wasteland. I do wonder if there will be a new nickname for New Vegas like in D.C. with the Capital Paradise. Would it be the Mojave Paradise or something entirely different? Guess I'd find out whenever it would happen.
As the sun started to slowly set, signaling the beginning of the end of the day, I stopped at Gun Runners to restock on some ammo. I then also asked about getting some more MRE's to help replace the ones that we had used on our trip during our way to D.C. and back. Once that was together, I simply made my way back.
As I walked back, I continued to think about what had happened earlier with Elizabeth and I. It just couldn't escape me what had happened. Part of me wanted more of it as it was starting to feel really good. It's like I'm a kid on Christmas eager to open his present and can't wait until the morning. But on the other hand, I could tell by the look on her face that she was startled too, like something had come over her and she wasn't sure either. So it might be for the best to just hold back for a bit and see what happens next. Besides, I think the puppy is going to be a handful tonight.
Eventually, I arrived back at the Strip and back into the Lucky 38 where I made my way up the elevator and back into the Presidential Suite. The moment the doors opened, I was greeted by the puppy who was eager as to where I went by jumping around me and smelling each part of me.
"Looks like somebody missed me while I was gone," I commented.
"Yeah. I thought once she laid down, she was done for the day. Guess it was just a simple nap. I've never seen something so small have so much energy. She wouldn't stop running around and playing with every little thing around here," Elizabeth stated, coming out of her room.
I picked the puppy up and her excitement grew further by licking my helmet repeatedly, only reinforcing what I said earlier.
"I think it's more so she's happy she got adopted. There were quite a few puppies there without any owners."
"Oh. What is The King planning to do with the rest of them," she asked.
"He's going to give them to his members since most of them want one anyway. Plus it might help with security."
"That's smart. Anyway, did you end up picking up supper?"
"Yeah. I'll start making it," I replied.
I put my bag on the floor to dig out the MRE's I picked up. I ended up picking Cheese Tortellini just to make it simple for tonight. I set my backpack aside in my room and took the MRE's into the kitchen to get to work. I then followed the instructions only using the stove to cook them as well as add some spices of oregano and parsley. I could not only smell the Tortellini cooking, filling the room with its aroma, but also the oregano and parsley adding more to that flavor. As I was cooking, I saw the puppy show up and watch me very carefully. More than likely wanting to see if she'll get a piece of the food.
Once it was done cooking, I made a plate for the both of us and sat down to start eating. Elizabeth joined a few minutes later, eating faster than normal.
"Looks like somebody was hungry," I commented.
"Yeah, it's been a long day today. With traveling and dealing with her tonight," she replied, taking a spoonful.
"That's puppies for you."
She took another bite,"Yeah. I'll spend some serious time training her in the next few days. But anyway, what are you going to do about Mr. House tomorrow?"
"Hopefully I can convince him. Otherwise I don't know what else can be done."
"Do you think there could be resistance against the Brotherhood if you don't," she asked.
I took a bite, "I don't know. I won't fully know until I talk to him tomorrow."
"I guess we'll see. I put the pocket constitution on your nightstand for you for tomorrow."
Shortly after we finished our dinner, we cleaned up our plates and put the dishes away, dishing up scraps to give to her to tide her over until we can get food for her tomorrow. We then got ourselves ready for bed with the puppy following where we were going and what we were doing. Guess she wants to be as involved as possible.
I got under the covers in the bed, with the puppy jumping in bed with us rotating in a circle before finally settling down on the covers.
"Guess we're going to have company tonight," I remarked.
"Yeah. We'll need to get a puppy bed at some point tomorrow," Elizabeth replied.
"I'll do that after I speak with Mr. House tomorrow morning. Though I'm not sure where we could get one."
"I can't imagine it would be that hard to find. There still has to be some beds left in the world right?"
I nodded, "Yeah. Somewhere out there. Or we can just make one."
We laid in bed for a moment before I heard Elizabeth clear her throat.
"I think Sally is a more fitting name for her. I think Anna is a bit… I don't know" she stated.
"Personal," I said, finishing her statement.
She paused for a moment, "Yeah. I think that's the word."
"Then Sally it is."
I think so too. It's a nice name for a dog. Besides, she's right. I think Anna might be a bit more personal.
"Yeah. Well, good night Evan," Elizabeth said, wrapping her arms around me.
"Good night Elizabeth," I said, kissing her forehead.
I began to shut my eyes, eventually drifting off to sleep in Elizabeth's warm embrace and with Sally just a few inches away from my feet.
Unlike every other morning, I was woken up with Sally liking my face to get my attention. I opened my eyes and saw her jump off the bed and turned around to look at me. I have a suspicious feeling that I know why she was waking me up early.
I reluctantly got up off the bed, grabbed some pants with a shirt to put on and opened the elevator for both of us to go down the lobby. I don't know what time it is, but it must be really early in the morning.
Eventually, we made it to the lobby with Sally running past me right to the exit, standing up and rubbing her paws on the door signaling her need further. I walked up and opened the door, with the cold dusk air greeting me and she raced right out and found a nice patch of dirt. Once it met her standards, she went to the bathroom. Looks like I was right. For a puppy though, she's pretty damn smart. I mean it hadn't occurred to me that she might need to go to the bathroom during the night and she might have had to hold it all in until she couldn't hold it in much longer.
Eventually, she finished going and looked around for a moment, reminding me clearly what had happened yesterday and what she was about to do.
I ran towards her to pick her up before she started to fidget around, signaling her urge to run around again.
"Oh no we are not doing this again. It is way too damn early to do this," I commenced as I headed back inside.
We got back into the elevator, going back up to the suite where I put her back down and went back to bed. I heard Elizabeth groan as I went back into bed.
"What happened," she grogley asked.
"Sally needed to go to the bathroom. I didn't know she was that smart and potty trained to know how to do that," I answered.
"Huh. Least that makes that check off the list to teach her to do."
"You got a list made?"
"More or less. I'm going back to sleep," she said, laying her head down.
I got back under the covers, resuming my sleep where I had left off.
I woke up once again, feeling much more refreshed this time and with the smell of eggs in the air, ready to start my day. I turned over and looked at my Pimpboy and saw that it was 8:37. Slept in a bit more from last night's escapade. I also took notice that Elizabeth was already up and around.
I got out of bed and got myself ready to meet with Mr. House grabbing my armor, my backpack, and the pocket constitution, inspecting it's leather cover and gold words, despite a bit faded, that read "The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America" Then I took notice of Sally sitting in the doorway, waiting for me to go out to greet her.
"Hi Sally," I said, walking over to pet her.
I walked into the kitchen, following the scent of eggs and saw Elizabeth already eating.
"Good morning," she says, taking another bite.
"Morning. Were you able to get some more sleep?"
"Yeah, but the moment I woke up, Sally followed me constantly while I was making breakfast."
I sat down grabbing a plate of food, "Yeah. She's pretty smart for a dog. I was surprised last night that she was smart enough to let me know she needed to go to the bathroom. I guess The King bathroom trained her."
"Yeah. Speaking of Sally, I'll head out and get some stuff for her. Ready for Mr. House?"
"Yeah, It's time to talk to him and see if we can convince him."
Once I finished breakfast, I put my plate in the sink and got myself ready to meet Mr. House. I put on everything I usually put on and headed into the elevator. I pushed the button to take me to the Penthouse, with a subtle heaviness in my stomach making its presence known alerting me to what could happen. I won't know until I ask him.
The Elevator doors opened, walked into the room, and down the stairs to approach the monitor with Mr. House's familiar face returning to greet me after all this time.
"It has been a long time. How have your efforts been with the Brotherhood," he asked, his voice echoing throughout the room.
"Good. We were able to bring the chapter from D.C. to here and they've been helping them restructure when it comes to their morales. They won't be as grabby with technology like they used to or be as secluded as before," I answered.
"Yes. I have taken notice of the Brotherhood's recent activity and behavior. I must say you once again exceed my expectations of what could be possible when it comes to matters such as this. To where I may consider the Brotherhood to be a potential ally. However, time will tell and I must remind you that they are still your responsibility when it comes to their actions for the future."
I nodded, "Yes I know. I also reunited with my Dad who I thought was dead after all this time. It was also the reason I ended up here. What about your end?"
"I have done the necessary steps to drive out as many of the raiders and what is left of Caesar's Legion and the NCR out of New Vegas. They are welcome to come back as guests, but no more stationed soldiers. That has finally come to an end. Aside from your Brotherhood companions I have no interest in any more alliances or deals with others out there unless it involves expanding trade routes. For that however, I have many ideas as to how that will expand."
This isn't looking good at least when it comes to convincing him about reimplementing the U.S. Constitution. I won't fully know until I start to debate with him however.
"So I wanted to discuss something with you. Something that's been on both Elizabeth's and mine's mind for a while."
"Go on," he replies.
I took out the pocket constitution, "I know we've had this discussion before on the future of New Vegas and what you want to do. And Elizabeth and I have expressed our concern about it…"
Mr. House cut me off, "Get to the point. You're procrastinating and it's insufferable."
"Ok. Elizabeth and I found a copy of the constitution from the U.S. back in the day. Before all the corruption that had taken it over. And we'd like to talk about it."
"What is there to talk about? As I have said before, the fate of democracies is out that window. I am fully aware of how the U.S. used to conduct itself before the bombs and even my own time. It changes nothing. Besides, do you really think people are willing to give another shot to even the foundation to one of the countries that started a nuclear war? No they would not."
"And you still don't believe corruption won't affect you?"
"No. As I have said before, not to someone like me. For the sole reason of my secret to near immortality. I have witnessed more than any human alive on this planet. Including your companion Elizabeth. I have witnessed enough to prevent it happening to someone with a vision like myself."
"What about adding more amendments to close loopholes? Or even more laws to help not incentivize corruption or underground activity. It wouldn't be beneficial to people if it ended up like Rapture."
Mr. House let out a sigh, "And where would the line be drawn? Where would it end? Time would be wasted trying to prevent issues that would hinder progress."
I guess I understand where he's coming from. But the one thing he doesn't understand is to at least try it. He seems to set in his ways.
He continued, "When Elizabeth brought up Rapture and explained to me what was going on there, the stories I had heard seemed to match up. A version of Capitalism not hindered by any sort of unnecessary laws. Progress in science to architecture and technology the world has not seen since. Now what they have done to children is where a line you might feel can be drawn and I am not that inhuman to allow such barbaric methods. But my point still stands. If you want to run the Brotherhood that way, then by all means. But New Vegas is mine and mine alone. I refuse to give it up for anyone or anything regardless of the circumstances. As I have said before Evan, look outside if you wish to see the fate of Democracies and throughout the land. The United States from before may have been a constitutional republic, but still a form of democracy nonetheless that suffered in the end from corruption. Corruption that would not interfere with what I have planned for the future. Both you and Elizabeth are more than welcome to give your counsel, but in the end, I will decide what is best for New Vegas."
His booming voice echoed throughout my mind, finally signifying his point. I felt a heaviness on my head, forcing me to look down. It was clear that was his stance and he wasn't going to change it no matter who tried to convince him. His word was final.
"Ok. That's all then," I said as I walked away.
The elevator doors welcomed me back inside as I stood there, taking in what Mr. House said. I felt the familiar feeling of hopelessness I hadn't felt since I first left D.C. all those years ago. After all this effort and work, he still wouldn't change his mind. He's so dead set on his way that he won't listen to any other way even if it would help New Vegas' future and the people living in it. He may be right about corruption and how history may repeat itself by trying to patch the issues. But there could have been a way to prolong it and even maybe put up some safeguards. I'm not sure what else I can do anymore. I don't know if staying in New Vegas for the long term would be the best idea.