thecouriersix99

[thecouriersix99]

A Courier’s Journey

Ch.9

Finding the ghouls friend was one thing but sneaking through an entire basement while trying to hide from a whole group of giant invisible mutants was another. Six didn’t know where to start “Do you think we have enough time on the Stealth Boys to find her? “ she whispered to Boone to which he just shrugged in response. She paced back and forth with her fist tucked under her chin and the other on her hip “Okay! So here’s the plan, we use the Stealth Boys and couch throughout the rest of the basement. I know it’s not ideal but it should keep us out of their field of vision enough to sneak by. If we can’t see them then they can’t see us!” She nodded to herself and looked at Boone who look for a second maybe a little impressed but not much.

Activating the Stealth Boys they made there way deeper into the basement. It’s was humid and smelt of burnt flesh. As they crawled through the basement they noticed the sound of large footsteps up ahead, before six could make a wrong step Boone grabbed the back of her vault suit collar and pulled her back. Her butt hit the ground with a slight thud causing the mutant to stop and think right in front of her, she was about to let out a small screech when Boone found her mouth and covered it with his hand muffling it. “Must be hearing things.” Said the mutant on a cracked voice. As he walked away Boone let go of her mouth and they continued down into the very bottom of the basement.

Reaching what final floor they slipped past another guard and headed into the jail cell which is what the last room was called. As they got to the door it appeared to be locked “shit!” Six whispered “What is it?” Boone whispered back from behind her “The door is locked, the guard must have it. We need to knock him out somehow and get it.” They snuck back up and just before she was about to get right in front of the mutant, her Stealth boy deactivated and exposed her “Change of plans!” She shouted as the mutant screamed “Intruder!!” The mutant charged his incinerator but before he could fire she sprung into action and grabbed right onto it using her entire body “Stupid human get off!!” He waved it back and forth and she clung on for dear life “Boone a little help!!” Boone was already aiming at the it but couldn’t get a clear shot. All of a sudden the mutant screamed “Enough!” And slammed Six and his weapon against a wall. Six collapsed onto the floor out cold giving Boone the perfect shot and fired. Boone rushes over to her and checked her pulse “Courier? Can you hear me?” He sighed with relief as he felt her pulse and that she was still breathing. He quickly checked if anything was broken and then took the key from the body of what he knew them as the Nightkin.

Six woke up to a sore back, arms, and legs, but she was alive so that was a plus. “Hey.” Came a familiar neutral voice. “Im guessing you got whatever kind of mutant it was that beat the shit out of me.” He nodded as she stretched out her arms and got up slowly. Looking around she realized they were in one of the jail cells “Had to get to a safe space until you woke up.” He stayed as if it was the most normal thing. “Thanks buddy.” She have him a small smile, they looked threw the last cell and found the ghouls friend laying on the floor. She sighed and turned around before shutting the door. “We don’t have anymore Stealth Boys so we gotta get out of here fast.” Something felt wrong to her about leaving the ghoul laying there like that but there wasn’t anything she could do. They made there way back to the ghoul waiting for them. Hearing the news she could tell he was upset but he kindly got out of there way afterwards.

Finally dealing away with what they called themselves the Nightkin she and her sniper friend went up to inform the ghouls upstairs. Jason’s thanks was short and sweet as he rushed into the basement with his other disciples as he waved to Six for them to follow him. As they reached the basement he gave her the rundown “I waited to speak with you one las time before I descend to the launch pad, wanderer. I want you to know that we will remember for all eternity how you delivered us to the threshold of the Great Journey.” He waved his hands in the air majestically trying to show his excitement “Our preparations are nearly complete, but the rockets that carry us to salvation are yet missing vital components.” Six shook her head and sighed knowing where this was going. “If you would still help us, wanderer, speak to Chris. He can tell you what is missing. There is no way we can thank you enough, your arrival here was a blessing. We will remember you always.” He smiled brightly and with that Jason Bright bowed his head and walked down to the launch pad with the rest of his followers.

Chris walked in looking slightly grim “Jason says that I am to cooperate with you on the final tasks necessary to launch the Great Journey.” She nodded “How can I help?” He told her the items and a very vague way to find them and with that they Six and Boone made their way out of the basement through a latter “ Why waste out time with this?” Boone’s voice was laced with irritation “I don’t think we are wasting time, If it helps them find happiness.” He looked at her bewildered as she was studying where to go on her pip-boy map. Help them find happiness? He hadn’t seen it that way at all. Why does she even care? No one helped anyone in the Mojave, but she helped him with not even a thought of payment. Why is she trying so hard? He couldn’t wrap his brain around it. “Okay so I think I know where we can find one of these things, it’s a little bit of a walk past Novac.” He just nodded and she lead the way forward.

Gibson’s Garage was the first stop on the map “Hi there. I’m old lady Gibson, or so they tell me. I’ve got odds and ends for sale, and I’m pretty good at fixing things too.” Six chatted with her for a bit and talked about how Gibson missed her husband, and how they used to scavenge REPCON. It wasn’t easy but Six managed to get a good deal on the part they needed “Thanks so much ma’am!” They shook hands and headed off the the next location. Which was harder to find then the first but she eventually did “Alrighty we should be good. Let’s get back to Chris!”

After they returned with all the stuff they needed she needed to get something off her chest that has been bothering her “Hey Chris, why won’t they let you control anything on the launch pad?” Chris sighed in annoyance “When I joined the flock, Jason made it clear that he wanted me to supervise the repairs, not do them myself. It would be a waste of my gift to work on just one system at a time. Form up here, I’ve been able to supervise the entire project.” She shook her head “The radiation down there would kill you, Chris. Because you’re human.” He crossed his arms and grumbled “Typical human trying to mess with me. I was human once, you know. Grew up in Vault 34, northeast of here. Nice upbringing of you like assault rifles and target practice. But oh, you like machines that don’t shoot people? Not so nice the.” She looked back at Boone for a second who just looked bored “Who should maintain the Vault’s reactor? Houser? Mitchell? No -make it Haversam. He likes machines!” He ranted for what seemed like hours but was only seconds “So you left your vault because.....you were bald?” Rage showed in his eyes “Bald? You call this bald, smoothskin? I’m a monster! A monster!” His hands turned into fists “Look Chris, Jason told me himself, The Great Journey is for ghouls only. You’re not going.” His eyes widened and suddenly he realized “Oh god! You’re telling me the truth aren’t you..!” He was so angry and upset for a second he couldn’t think straight and even contemplated sabotaging the whole project until six convinced him otherwise “There’s a little town called Novac up the road, you could set up your new life there.” He looked like he had tears in his eyes “Life among humans again? That’s what you’re suggesting? I guess....I guess it’s the only chance I’ve got.”

As they walked out of the basement and headed upstairs they heard Jason voice on the speakers, he was talking to his followers about how the Great Journey will save them and how they were grateful for Chris and her. Six and Boone entered the Launching pit and set off the rockets. Loud music played as they witnessed the rockets launch high into the sky faster then anything she had seen before. The room filled with smoke and they quickly headed out of there. “I still don’t understand what the point of that was. It’s idiotic to think that they will actually find a great beyond.” Six stopped and look up at the stars “I don’t think it was....I mean sure it sounds far fetched but I think it’s amazing to have something that gives you so much hope, real or otherwise. It’s something to fight for, something to make each day count.” She looked down at him and gave him a genuine smile. “Come on, your friend Manny owes me some answers.” She headed off first as Boone stood there in shock by her words. Fight for hope? I guess that’s a good enough answer...for now.

[thecouriersix99]

Sorry ya’ll

My phone is broken so the next chapter is going to take longer then I expected. I don’t think anyone reads my stuff anyways but I appreciate all the likes!

[thecouriersix99]

A Courier’s Journey

Ch.8

Six met up with Boone outside of Novac early that morning and the two headed off to the Repconn Test Site. She let her radio sing as they walked silently. The wind was slightly chilly as the sun was beginning to rise. She made sure all of her guns were loaded and her armor was in top shape. Boone wasn’t too sure about what to think about her. She was strange, small, but feisty, he saw the way Manny’s nose looked after she had left the dinosaur the other day. She had broken his nose for probably being an asshole like he usually was when Carla was brought up, he respected that. “What do you think of Manny?” She napped him out of his thoughts “He was a good spotter.” He wasn’t going to get into that whole mess right now and especially with someone who he just met, even if she helped him they weren’t exactly friends. “Weren’t the two of you friends once?” She looked at him obviously knowing the answer “Yeah we were.” Why is she asking if she knows? “Not anymore?” He sighed “No.” She shook her head and kept walking.

As they got closer he took out a couple of ghouls from up headed. “They wandered out of that place like the others, but why are they coming out now and not before?” She bent down and searched the bodies “Seriously?” He asked in a somewhat grossed out tone “Hey these guys probably have good stuff on them. I’m not passing on the chance for free ammo and medical supplies.” Boone scoffed and reloaded his rifle. “Alrighty let’s move on.” They made their way to go the large building hidden by mountains. They took out the first few ghouls near the entrance and then heading up the said and into the building when a giant blue body laying dead on the floor got in their way “What in the ass?” Six said as she accidentally tripped over it, Boone quickly grabbing her arm and pulling her back preventing her from falling “Watch it.” He said in a stern voice. She steadied herself “Sorry I cant see anything in here. My right eye is...” She stopped herself right there frozen in place Don’t tell him! Don’t tell him! Warning signals went off in her head “Is what?” He was waiting for her to answer when a loud voice snapped them into focus “Hey! Over here! Are you listening? Go to the big room on the east side of this building and take the metal staircase all the way up. And hurry.” Six walked up to the intercom and pushed the button to speak “Who are you exactly?” She heard some shuffle “Who I am doesn’t matter, smoothskin. Stop wasting time and get up here.” Six shrugged at Boone “Are we seriously going up there?” He asked in an annoyed tone “Hey someone might need help.”

I can’t believe I almost told him! I barely know the guy!! She mentally shook her head and headed up the metal stair case as Boone cleared the room “This is reckless.” He stated as he caught up behind her “Im not gonna stop you from leaving but if someone needs help I’m not going to leave until I’ve helped all I can. I know we just started traveling together but can’t you trust me just a little?” He sighed and nodded in response which made her smile a little. All the way up the stair case was another intercom “We’re here.” They heard a little more shuffle and then the voice again “Alright right, Smoothskin, I’m letting you in. You better watch yourself. I’ll sure as hell be watching you.” A click sound came from behind the door and they went in. It was dark and it smelt like dust, and burning plastic. As she turned on her pip-boy light Boone took out his rifle getting ready for really anything. A voice in the darkness suddenly got their attention as they got closer “God, but are you ugly! Get upstairs and talk to Jason before I throw up from just looking at you!” She stood frozen for a second Ugly? Thinking back she knew her face was scared badly but you didn’t have to say it out loud. “Hey watch your mouth!” Was all Boone said, He’s defending me? “Uh Boone isn’t okay...let’s just go...talk to Jason?” She didn’t know why but those words hurt. As the guy with the weirdly raspy voice left she stopped Boone before he walked off “Hey thanks...you uh...didn’t have to do that.” She couldn’t really read his expression in the dark but she saw his head nod so they walked on.

As they walked up the stairs they ended up in a room filled with ghouls all working on something, weather it was a terminal or paperwork they were all busy. In the darkness there was one man that stood out. He seemed to be a glowing ghoul, he was wearing a nice ripped suit. “Hello wanderer. Please forgive of our humble surroundings. Our true home awaits us in the Far Beyond. Have you come to help us complete the Great Journey?” His voice sounded inhuman, like 3 voices talking at once. It was hard for her not to stare “Who are you?” She asked confused as Boone stood by slightly hovering “I am Jason Bright, the prophet of the Great Journey. All the ghouls you see here are members of my flock.” She rose an eyebrow and looked at Boone who looked unamused. “Wait so your last name is Bright?” She couldn’t hold in her giggle this time, Jason held up a hand and nodded “An auspicious name don’t you think? It was mine before I became as I am now. Before the Great War, even. Truly does the creator author a destiny for each and every one of us.” Boone scoffed and folded his arm she gave him a look telling him not to be rude. “So what is the Great Journey?” Jason smiled and he reached out to touch her shoulder only for her to flitch back and Boone stand in-front of her in one fast movement “S-sorry I...it’s okay Boone.” She made him stand down “Let’s just keep our hands to ourselves alright?” Jason nodded apologetically “Anyways as I was going to say, We wish to escape the barbarity of the wasteland, especially the violence and bigotry of its human inhabitants. The creator has promised to my flock a new land: a place of safety and healing... a paradise in the Far Beyond. Preparations for the Great Journey were nearly complete when the demons appeared.” Well that was a lot of information at once. Sure she wanted to help but this guy just kept on talking. After finally getting down to what it was Jason needed from them they set out to kill the demons.

As they walked down the staircase Boone stopped “This is stupid. Why should we be the ones to help them because they believe in bullshit?” Six sighed “To them it isn’t bullshit, its hope. Maybe this is all made up but who are we to tell them it isn’t real?” Boone sighed and took his rifle out as they got to the basement entrance “Okay you cover the back and I got the front, let’s do this quickly and quietly.” Both nodding to each other and crept in. As they made their way through the facility everything seemed to be quiet, only the sounds of feet could be heard as they made their way through the halls. Suddenly as they were sneaking into a room a giant blue mutant that was rummaging around growled and turned around “What’s that Antler? We have a visitor? An assassin, more like! I say kill it Antler. For safe’s sake! Huh? ....Okay, Antler. I’ll ask. Hi, human. Why you come here?” The hair stood on the back of her neck as she froze in front of this giant mutant.

Boone who looked just as surprised as she did nudged her arm as they stood there shocked at this beasts question “Uh- Are you alright? You sound kind of strange.” What the hell am I saying? This thing could literally kill them at any second and there they stood having a conversation. Boone’s jaw hung open as she literally just asked if this was alright. “I am in command of my faculties! In command of my troops! Antler guides me in all things! As I am in turn guide my kin!” Boone was slowly raising his rifle as he felt a small cold hand grab onto his arm to stop him, she slowly shook her head no. He grumbled as he retracted his arm back down “I came here on behalf of the ghouls upstairs.” The mutant came a little closer and stared down at her face “A human who is friend to ghouls? Suspicious. You mean the ones upstairs. Antler used intercom, told them to stay put. But they want to come down in basement anyways? I cannot allow. My kin are... not right in the head like I am. They attack you on sight. Ghouls too. They crazy. Your ghoul friends have to wait until you find what Antler brought us to get.” She looked at Boone and shrugged “Well maybe I can help you.” The mutant gave what looked like a wide smile “Good. Antler brought us here for a reason... Why was that Antler? Right! A piece of paper. Shipment invoice. Hundreds of Stealth Boys, sent here a long time ago... But Stealth Boys must be in one room one we don’t search yet- the one we can’t search.” She nodded “Why can’t you search the last room?” The mutant grumbled a little “A ghoul. But not squishy like others. This ghoul is tough. I thought Antler send my kin into that room, but three died. Ghouls is crack shot and set traps too.” Six nodded trying to keep up and not to upset him “Antler, I realize I heard wrong. So I lock the door to keep kin out and wait for Antler to tell me what to do. Then you come along. Antler says you are solution.” She sighed a little “Alright well I’ll get the Stealth Boy stockpile for you if you and your kin leave this place.” The mutant nodded “Yes, Antler says we leave here as soon as we get Stealth Boys. Let me give you key. Antler has me lock the door. Ghoul inside not expecting human. Maybe he don’t shoot you. Maybe he will.”

As soon as they made there way out of the room Six’s legs couldn’t stop shaking “Was that real?” Boone nodded and she let out a sigh of relief “I couldn’t breath that whole time!” She leaned against the wall and Boone rubbed the back of his neck “Come on let’s hurry this up.” He said and she nodded as she dragged her feet to the room where the mutant had said the ghoul would be. “Hopefully he looks before he shoots.” She unlocked the door and peeked in “Come and get it, you big dumb- Hey! You’re not one of those things out there. Who the hell are you?” She put her hands up and did her best to give a friendly smile. Boy do people sure love to point guns at me! “Jason sent me down here to get rid of the “demons.”” He chuckled a little bit still kept his gun aimed “And I bet he told you it’s the creator’s will for you to risk your ass, instead of him, right? Well good luck with that! I’d give you a hand, but no thanks. I may look like a corpse but I’m partial to living!” She groaned a little at his rudeness “You don’t look or act like the other ghouls from Bright’s group.” He shook his head and chuckled again “Guess the outfit gives it away, huh? I never did but into that religious mumbo-jumbo with the robes and all that shit. It gets lonely out in the wastes, okay? And I don’t have to tell you that Bright’s group has some fine-looking ghoulettes in it! Eh... or maybe I would have to tell you...” she looked at Boone and grumbled “Well how can I help you get out of this room?” The ghoul thought for a moment “Ha! Well your polite I’ll give you that. If this was just between me and you I’d do what you ask. But it’s not. I had a friend with me when those mutant bastards came out of nowheres. She panicked and ran the wrong direction- further into the basement. She’s probably dead but I ain’t leaving until I know for sure. I’d have gone looking myself, except I wouldn’t last a minute out there. You on the other hand, seem pretty resourceful. Find my friend, and I’ll get out of your way.” Six nodded “I’ll find your friend.” He showed a small smile “Thanks. Let me know what you find out. Here’s hoping she’s okay.” And with that they set to search deeper into the basement.

[thecouriersix99]

A Courier’s Journey

Ch.7

The sunset that night was lovely Six thought as she watched it from the view she got from her room. She hadn’t been able to rest fully since Nipton and things seemed calmer here if not a little eerie. Walking down the stairs she headed to the dinosaur to buy some supplies from Cliff before she made her way to the Repconn Test Site tomorrow. As she walked in she noticed Manny coming downstairs “Done for the day?” He looked up at her with a slight smile “Uh yeah, my shift is over. Boone is up there now.” She nodded and paid Cliff. “Is Boone a good Sniper?” Manny snorted “Good? We were first Recon.” She nodded pretending she knew what that meant “Uhh First Recon yeah.” Manny nodded “He’s up in the mouth right now. I’m heading out. Make sure to check in with me once you’ve cleared out the Repconn Site.” She waved him off and sighed I can’t get one day off can I? Sure she loved helping people and it get her such warmth to see people truly feel safe but the road out there was lonely. Silent. Just like the grave she was buried in.

Curiosity getting the better of her she wondered what the sniper up in the dinosaur mouth was like. Is he really that good of a shot as Manny said he is? Adjusting her vault suit a bit she headed up to the mouth. The night was cold and dark as usual which made her feel lucky that she had a place stay. The man that had his built back to her stood tall and focused. She remembered that Manny was focused as well so this guy probably didn’t hear her come out. “Hello?” The guy jumped into action and aimed his gun at her. Without hesitation she put one and in the air and the other by her gun holster “Goddamn it! Don’t sneak up on me like that. What do you want?” His voice was rough and serious which matched the even more serious look on his face. He lowered his rifle slightly and she relaxed “Expecting visitors?” She lowered her hand and the one near her holster. “Yeah. I guess maybe I am. But not like you.” He looked at her suspiciously “Huh. Maybe it should’ve been you I was expecting all along.”

She sighed and dusted off her vault suit “Why are you here?” She shrugged a little “I just wanted to look at the view.” “I think you better leave.” Slightly shocked and a little disappointed she shrugged in response “Just making friendly conversation.” She looked down at her shoes with slight embarrassment “I don’t have friends here.” His voice sounds kinda sad. She lifted her head with an optimistic look in her eye “Well lucky for you I’m not from here.” He eyed her intently “No. No you’re not, are you? Maybe you shouldn’t go. Not just yet.” A smile crept on her face as he stood there for a moment thinking. “What do you need?” He stopped thinking and stared her straight in the eyes, or what she assumed was her eyes. His glasses made it hard for her to read him. “I need someone I can trust. You’re a stranger. That’s a start.” She tilted her head in confusion “You only trust strangers?” He groaned a little “I said it was a start. This town....nobody looks me straight in the eye anymore.” She sensed she hit a sour spot so she quickly changed the subject “Exactly what would you need me to do?”

He holstered is rifle and crossed his arms “I want you to find something out for me. I don’t know if there’s anything to find, but I need someone to try. My wife was taken from our home by Legion slavers one night while I was in watch.” Six suddenly realized that this was not just some random task, he was asking for serious help. “They knew when to come and what route to take,and they only took Carla. Someone set it up. I don’t know who.” A sickening feeling in her stomach flared as she heard the name of the Legion come up. “So you’re trying to track down your wife?” His fist clenched and his whole body tensed “My wife is dead. I want the son of a bitch that sold her.” She flinched a little at his words. “What do I do once I find this person?” Six knew she made a promise to Manny about clearing the Repconn Test Site tomorrow but this man in front of her was suffering way more then anyone in this town. The ghouls can wait. This takes top priority. “Bring him out in front of the nest here while I’m on duty. I work nights. I’ll give you my NCR beret to put on. It’ll be our signal, so I know your standing with him. And I’ll take care of the rest. I need to do this myself.” Six nodded “Alright. I’ll see what I can find, give me til tomorrow night and I’ll have them with me.” Boone unfolded his arms and took of his beret handing it to her “Good. I’ll make it worth your while. And one more thing. We shouldn’t speak again. Not until it’s over. No one in town knows I know what happens to my wife. Best they never know. Or the Legion will be after me next.” Stuffing the beret in her pack she headed out. “See ya.” “Yeah.”

Look for evidence,find who’s responsible, put on beret, and take them in front of the nest tomorrow night. Simple enough yes but it’s easier said then done. “Where do I even start?” She laid in bed feeling slightly overwhelmed. With all these thoughts running thought her mind she was surprised she had even fell asleep. Waking up at around early noon she changed her clothes with some stuff she he bought from Cliff. The vault suit was starting to wear out its welcome and began to smell, she decided it would be best to wash and put it away until further notice. Putting on her knew clothes which consisted of leather armor, a faded red bandanna around her neck, and a nice old hat to keep the sun out of her eyes. All in all she was ready for her investigation. Assuming she wouldn’t be fighting much today she put secret knife into her boot and headed out the door.

The sun already starting today’s heat was relentless “Good thing I got this hat.” She flicked it up and headed down the stairs. Maybe Manny will know something about her. Heading back to the mouth she knocked on the door and headed in “Hey Manny, mind if I ask you something?” He put his rifle down an waved as a signal that she could talk. She liked Manny for the most part, he was honest and he didn’t look at her the way most men do. He was respectful. “Can you tell me anything about Boone’s wife?” He raised an eyebrow and folded his arms. She’d never seen someone go so quick from being nice to sour “Me and his wife, we didn’t see eye-to-eye on something’s. We had some pretty bad arguments. One day she turns up missing and he hasn’t said a word to me since.” Okay so maybe he wasn’t as respectful as I thought. “What did you argue about?” He sighed and shook his head “Man, you name it. See I grew up in North Vegas. Me and my cousins. We were some bad seeds. Got in with a gang. I loved it! Then something happened, and I couldn’t handle it anymore.” Six was trying hard to see what this had to do with Carla. Right now it sounded like he was having a pity party “So, I enlisted. Earned my future. Brought down my best friend to share that future with me. And here is this women who is too good for it, trying to take him away. So yeah. I didn’t see eye-to-eye with the bitch.” Six’s eyes widened. Is this really the same person I was just talking to? This is more then anger, this is jealousy. “Do you know anything about her disappearance?” He snorted a little “Believe me. When I heard the news, my first thought was the I owed somebody. Big. I figured Boone would come around after a while. But he hasn’t. I’m starting to think that if he doesn’t find her things will never go back to the way they were.”

Six couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Manny was supposedly Boone’s best friend but this wasn’t a friendship at all. Of course Boone couldn’t trust anyone anymore. His wife gets taken by slavers and his “best friend” just expects him to forge her? What the hell is wrong with him? She didn’t want to hear anymore but if she was going to find who did this she needed to know everything “So who didn’t like Carla?” Manny actually chuckled this time “Man, everybody. That girl didn’t have one friend in this whole town. She didn’t want any. She wanted to sit in her room all day and make herself miserable. And she went out of her way to be rude. She upset a lot of people. You wouldn’t have liked her either.” Something in Six snapped and suddenly her fist made contact with his nose. “Don’t stand there and shit talk a women who isn’t here to defined herself. And don’t you dare assume to know anything about me!” He shrieked and put his hands over his nose as it began to bleed “Y-you broke my nose!” She let out a heavy sigh and walked out slamming the door behind her.

If anyone had a motive it could have been Manny. He doesn’t seem like the type to get involved with the Legion though. Even if he did hate Carla, the Legion would have killed him too. Shaking her hand a little as it throbbed from making contact with Manny’s nose, she headed to the front office. “I hope your finding everything to your liking!” Jeannie May said happily. “Hello ma’am I was wondering if you could tell me a little bit about Carla Boone?” Jeannie May’s hands got a little fidgety “Oh how should I put it? I guess you could say she was like a cactus flower. Real pretty to look at, but there was no getting close to her.” The sound of her voice sounded solemn but also suspicious “She never did take to living here. She liked the big lights and fast living of New Vegas. I got the feeling she was trying to get Boone to leave with her, but I guess she got tired of waiting. I know he thinks she was kidnapped, but I’m not sure she didn’t just run off in her own. You could tell she was thinking about it the day they arrived.” That doesn’t sound right. I’m getting a hunch that she knows more then she is letting on. Boone said he didn’t tell anyone he knew about Carla getting taken, only that she was missing....so why would Jeannie May say that? Things weren’t adding up. Six was running out of time and with barely any information she quickly talked to Cliff and Ranger Andy but still came up short. The only lead that was coming up loose was Jeannie May. Guess I can do some snooping. Later that night she snuck into the office. She looked through file cabinets, the old desk and still nothing. Stomping her foot in frustration it hit something the sounds hallow. She lifted up the floor boards and found a safe “Bingo!” Unlocking was kinda tricky but once inside she had found it. A recite of sale. Reading it over was hard even for her, and not only was it a recite for Carla but for their unborn child as well. “Damn it.” Finding that out just made the act far more cruel. Boone lost his family. The love of his life and his child. Jeannie May is a goddamn monster! She banged her bruised hand on lid of the safe. “I don’t have time for this. Boone needs this done now.” By the time she left the office the sun was gone and the stars were out. Alright all I need to do is to lure Jeannie May in front of the nest. She sprinted to Jeannie Mays house and knocked in the door hurriedly, Jeannie May answered with tired eyes “What is it dear?” Out of breath six shook her hands in the air “Someone is hurt in front of the Dinky! Please follow me!” Jeannie May let out an “Oh Dear!” And quickly followed Six. Without hesitation Six pulled out Boone’s beret and placed it on her head. With Jeannie May close behind she sent a wave to get Boone’s attention and as soon she Jeannie May reached the front of the nest facing Six, her heard splattered.

The force from the bullet caused her brain to explode as blood splattered on Six’s face. “Fuck!” Six fell over and landed on her butt. Looking at Jeannie Mays body in the floor made Six feel something she��s never felt before, or at least not in this life. She felt righteous. She got exactly what she deserved. Although having her blood all over Six’s own face she could do without. Six then made her way up to the nest go meet Boone again “That’s it then. How did you know?” Six pulled the bill of sale hot of her pack “Her story didn’t add up and I found the Bill Of Sale.” She handed it to him along with his beret and he took it. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. It’d be like them to keep paperwork. Here this is all I can give. I think our dealings are done.” She shook her head and pushed them away. He looked slightly confused but understood what she meant. “I don’t need those. But what are you going to do after this?” He sighed and put his caps away “I don’t know. I won’t be staying. I know that. Don’t see much point in anything right now, except hunting Legionaries. Maybe I’ll wander, like you.” She perked up a little “In that case why not come with me? We can hunt down the Legion!” She looked brightly at him “You don’t want to do that.” She was taken aback “We can kill more with the two of us.” He thought for a long moment and sighed “Yeah. That might be true. And that’s reason enough for me to take you up on it, I suppose. But this isn’t going to end well.” She smiled her first genuine since she essentially came back from the dead. “I promise that together we will make them pay.” Her tine was now serious. She wanted him to know she meant it. That she knew how he felt. Even if he didn’t know how she knew how it felt she was glad he was going to travel with her. “Tomorrow we are going to empty out the Repconn Test Site so be prepared I don’t know exactly what we are up against.” He nodded. Not much of a talker I guess. Then again I can’t blame him. She smiled and patted his back “Alrighty then partner!”

[thecouriersix99]

A Courier’s Journey

Ch.6

As Courier Six walked the road to Novac listening to Mr. New Vegas making announcements about something or another, something inside her just didn’t feel right. She was tired of being treated like a piece of meat, looked at as if they were free for the taking. All these damn men can’t keep their eyes to themselves. After the way that man in the dog head looked at her, she felt gross. Just thinking about his voice made her skin crawl, and her stomach feel nauseous.

The sun had fully risen as she reached the gates of Novac and everything thing seemed to be looking up. She looked at the tiny town with hope and slight fear, something seemed off about it maybe even a bit eery. As she walked up to the gate she noticed a family shade of blue just behind the town sign. It was Victor. What the hell? Is he following me? She didn’t know what to make of it. She knew she couldn’t trust him but there was no real reason to be rude but she had every reason to be cautious. “Victor?” She approached slowly “Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit, if it ain’t my old friend from Goodsprings!” She raised an eyebrow while crossing her arms “What are you doing in Novac? Are you following me?” He beeped a little and shook his arms “Don’t rightly know. I just got the notion to make my way to New Vegas. Reckon I’ll find out when I get there.” She knew he would avoid the her last question but did he really not know?

She felt a little betrayed. This was the robot that saved her life or what was left of it. Why was he following her? Was he lying this whole time? “Quite a coincidence us meeting like this.” She tapped her foot on the floor a little as she grew more anxious “Seeing as how this is the only road around, I’d be a sight more surprised if we didn’t run into each other from time to time.” She fidgeted with her hands as she looked down at her feet “Its nice to see a friendly face out here I guess.” He beeped again processing her words “Likewise friend! If your ever in New Vegas look your old pal up!” She nodded and headed her way to the front office. Can’t let him catch onto me. Better get inside quick.

As she entered she shut the door behind her. Looking around it seemed pretty simple, small advertising posters from pre-war, filing cabinet, front desk, and a old women sweeping in the middle of if. As soon as she noticed the Courier her eyes lit up but the vibe she gave Six was off. “Well. Welcome to you. You look tired from the road. Why don’t you relax a spell, let this fine town take care of you?” Maybe it was the way she said it but from the moment she walked in she felt on edge. “I’m looking for a man in a checkered coat. Have you seen anyone like that?” The women stopped sweeping and nodded curtly “Well he might have been wearing a fancy outfit, but he wasn’t any kind of gentleman to me.” She patted her broom on the ground in a fit “Had his nose stuck so high in the air, you couldn’t see it above the clouds. City folks, they always think they deserve better then what they got.” She signed and swept a little “Those hoodlums he was with seemed to know Manny for some reason. He’s our daily sniper, up in the dinosaur mouth.” Six nodded “I’d like to rent a room if possible.” The women’s eyes lit up and she smiled brightly “Alrighty! It’s 150 caps, It’ll be the first room on the top floor.” Six handed her the caps in exchange for the key and walked out feeling a bit burned out One step forward two steps back.

Six sighed as she dropped her pack off in her room. She wanted a nap, and some clean clothes, along with a new gun. “This rifle Sunny gave me isn’t going to last much longer.” She set it down near the couch in her new room. Everything had a light layer of dust on it but it was a nice room and at least she didn’t have to block the door with an old bookcase. She plopped down onto the old bed feeling slightly dizzy “Ah one of the many side affects of being shot in the head.” She ran her fingers along the stitches that traced the right side of her skull and then down to her eyelid “Who am I doing this for?” She got up and headed to the bathroom. Looking in the mirror was still a hard thing to face “Who are you?” She placed a hand on the old cracked mirror “Is this the right decision? What will I do once I catch up to him?” We kill him. The voice in her head suddenly sounded so clear and that scared her. “Is revenge really what I’m looking for? Or is it just answers?” Revenge. She probably sounded crazy and hell maybe she was but all she felt when she though of him, the man that shot her, that had thugs beat her, that killed whoever she used to be was anger. She hated him, she wanted to make him hurt the way he hurt her. She wanted him to feel the fear she felt when she was on her knees alone and helpless.

She looked down at her hands and felt the sting of the gash. She was so focused on getting her, on forgetting what happened at Nipton that she completely forgot about her hand. She took out a small pocket med kit she traded for some jet she found on a Powder Ganger. Taking out vodka, a needle, and some thread she cleaned her gash and sewed it back up then wrapped it carefully with a fresh bandage. “Guess I gotta go ask a sniper some questions.” She drank some nuka-cola and headed out to the dinosaur head.

Clif was an over good buy, he sold supplies in the dinosaur. His selection of goods were okay until she saw a specific gun that caught her eye “Excuse me...what kind of gun is that?” It was smaller and heavy but not too heavy. “Oh this is called That Gun. It’s a heavily modified pared down .223 pistol, it shoots 5.56 bullets and does some decent damage.” Her eyes marveled at it “How much?” He chuckled and held it in the air looking at it “Well normally it’s original price is 1000 caps but since you got a room here at the motel I’ll knock upon a hundred caps.” The hope in her eyes faded “Oh uh...I’m sorry I don’t have that much.” She traded some extra supplies she had and headed up.

The man that had his back to her was slightly built, a little taller then her, and seemed to be in deep focus “Uh excuse me?” His shoulders moved slightly and he turned around with a confused on his face “What’s going on man?” He asked crossing his arms “You must me Manny right? The lady at the front desk told me you might know a man I’m looking for. He was wearing a checkered suit.” Manny chuckled and rubbed his face downward “Sure I know him. What do you want with him?” Six sighed in relief a little “Well he...has something of mine.” Manny looked her up and down questioningly “Must be pretty important to be chasing him around like this.” Six nodded ecstatically “Well listen, I can definitely help you find him but I’ve got problems of my own. Maybe we can do a trade. You need my help. There’s something I need too.” She blinked a little but understood what he was saying “Well okay then, what do you need?” He went on to tell her that ghouls have been coming from an old repconn test site and he wanted her to clear it out. She groaned slightly knowing that this was going to be one hell of a job. “Guess I got my work cut out for me tomorrow.”

[thecouriersix99]

A Couriers Journey

Ch.5

The pounding in her head made her ears ring as she made her way from Primm to Nipton. Her radio sang from the pip-boy that the Doc had given her. The song sounded so calm but sad, it was a women’s voice singing about her love named Johnny Guitar. Will I always get headaches like this? She groaned and rubbed her temple as she checked her pip-boy to make sure she was heading the right way. “It says it should be a few more miles but ahead. I hope they have a place I can sleep because the sun is about to set.”

She whipped the sweat from her cheek and felt the bandage that was wrapped around her head. “No use wearing it anymore I guess.” She found a knife she had in her back and cut it off and threw the bandage on the floor. She blinked a few times as her right eye got used to the light and color difference. “Funny how things change.” She covered her right eye with her bangs and continued walking. The radio then began to talk with its host Mr. New Vegas, he announced that a courier shot in the head near Goodsprings has made a full recovery. “That’s me!!” She turned up the radio and heard his joke about how that’s a delivery service you can count on. She chuckled and suddenly felt a tear run down her right cheek. “I wonder is it was Sunny that told them...” she quickly whipped her cheek looked up at the horizon. “I hope all of them are doing okay.”

As she looked farther she noticed black smoke coming from up ahead, it made the town of what she assumed was Nipton look terrifying, Someone could be in danger! That was motivation enough to make her pick up the pace but as she got closer the smell of smoke and burn meat stopped her in her tracks as a man that looked erratic sprint right up to her “Yeah!! Who one the lottery? I did!!!” His voice ran through her eyes making her slightly wince “Smell that air! Couldn’t ya just drink it like booze!!” He laughed and she held up her hands in front of her to tell him to slow down “Are you feeling alright?” He laughed again and waved his hands in the air “Are you kidding me? Never felt better!” She sighed and crossed her arms “What lottery are you talking about?” His eyes widened and he looked at her as if she just asked him what color is the sky “What lottery? The lottery, that’s what lottery! Are you stupid? Only lottery that matters! Oh My God smell that air!” She growled gritting her teeth to keep herself from punching him. She looked at him up and down then she realized his clothes “Are you a Powder Ganger?” She went to reach of her rifle until he laughed again “Powder Ganger? What? I mean, yeah, I used to be, sure! But not no more! Powder Gang is small-time, man! I’m a winner! I won the motherfucking lottery!!!” She rolled her eyes and put her hand down “Just get out of here before you give me more of a headache.” He then proceeded to run off into the Mojave maybe to get eaten by some creature she didn’t really care at this point she couldn’t be bothered. Judging by the black smoke, all this just happened and someone is probably in need of help.

Cautiously she headed into town when she was brought to a halt, in front of her hung two rows of crucified men. The sight made her stomach turn and the smell was even worse. What the hell is going on here? As she passed them and headed to the main building the door began to open and six men wearing spots gear came out. She drew her rifle and stood her ground as the man who seemed to be the leader of this group walk right up to her. His presence screamed dominance and destruction, everything about him made her skin crawl but she wouldn’t show fear, wouldn’t give him that satisfaction.

He looked at her up and down and began to circle her but she stood her ground and kept her eyes on him “Don’t worry I don’t have you lashed to a cross like the rest of these degenerates.” He stopped right in front of her and looked her in the eye as he smirked down at her. “It’s useful that you happened by. I want you to witness the fate of the town of Nipton. To memorize every detail.” He licked his lips slightly. The other men stood guard surrounding them, each with a dog at their side. “And then, when you move on? I want you to teach the lesson that Caesar’s Legion taught here. Especially any NCR troopers you run across.” Her eyes burned with hatred but she knew when to hold her tongue. These men were trained killers and the odds were not in her favor but she couldn’t just do nothing. She had to think of something “Exactly what lesson did you teach here? Besides cruelty and murder? How does that make you better then them?” He chuckled as if it was a joke, as if killing these people was funny or enjoyable “Where to begin? That they were weak and we are strong? This much was known already. But the depths of their moral sickness, their dissolution? Nipton serves as the perfect object lesson.”

The dog head and goggles on his head made it difficult for her to read his face. His voice was terrifying enough but the fear of the unknown was what made her so uncomfortable. Right now he was looking at her like she was a piece of meat and she didn’t like it one bit “Nipton was a wicked place, debased and corrupt. It served all comers, so long as they paid. Profligate troops, Powder gangers, men of the Legion such as myself the people here didn’t care. It was a town of whores.” She growled at the sound of that word coming out of his mouth. “For a pittance the town agreed to lead those I had sheltered into a trap. Only when I sprang it did they realize they were caught inside it too.” Her eyes widened as realized that he had killed everyone. “You....captured the whole town?” He smirked at her showing her his teeth. It sent a shiver down her sling but she didn’t dare to move, not until she was out of his sight and she was sure he couldn’t see her. “Yes I herded them to the center of town. I told them their sins, the foremost being disloyalty. I told them that when Legionaries are disloyal, some are punished the others are made to watch. And I announced the lottery.” She could feel her hands wanting to shake with anger and fear. He slaughtered all of them. “Each clutched his ticket hoping it would set him free. Each did nothing even when “loved one’s” were dragged away to be killed.” She had no idea what to do, what could she do? “You slaughtered innocent civilians.” He faked and brought his face three inches away down hers “Innocent? Hardly. Cowardly, though. They outnumbered us, yet not once did they try to resist. They stood and watched as their fellows were butchered, crucified, and burned one by one. They stood and hoped their turn would not come. Each cared only for himself.” The anger in her boiled and she couldn’t hold it in anymore “Your crimes are unforgivable.” He shook his head and leaned back folding his arms “As are all crimes. If you feel strongly about it, attack us. Then you won’t feel a thing.” Her rage took over and she did the only thing she could think, the only thing she was telling herself so hard not to do. She slapped him so hard across the face the wound from her hand bled and left a bloody hand mark on his face. Before the others could charge he grabbed her writs that she slapped him with and held his other arm in the air telling them to stand down. “Even when the odds were against you and you knew they would kill you, you fought back. That’s what Nipton lacked.” He held her wrist tighter and pulled her towards him roughly causing her to trip. With his free hand he whipped the blood from his face and licked it “I could kill you right now. I could let my men have their way with you and then kill you. No, something tells me we will meet again. I hope for your sake your reckless enough to stay out of my way.” He then threw her in the ground and signaled for his men to move out.

She knelt there dazed. Do something damn it! Do something! Do something! She was frozen in place looking at the ground with her bloody hand bleeding into the dirt. I can’t just let them get away! Get up damn it! Yet her body wouldn’t move. As soon as they were out of the area she pounded her fists in the ground screaming “Damn it!!” Her hands stung but she didn’t care as she kept pounding them into the dirt “Fuck!!!” Your worthless, you couldn’t save anyone! The thoughts in her head buzzed as she get again felt her headache take over her. It felt like everything was spinning and she just wanted to find a place to lay down for the night. Taking shelter in an only house she made sure check if it was clear and blocked the entryway. She threw all her gear on the floor and collapsed on the bed. Her head pounded as she drifted into sleep, dreaming of the man in the dog head hat running after her. She woke up a few hours later feeling frustrated, and anxious. “I need to get out of here.” She got up and cleaned herself off by washing her face, hair, and hand with purified water she had in her back. Rewrapping her hand she then packed all her stuff again and headed out. “The next location is Novac. That’s at least was that arrogant Deputy said.”

Heading out into the Mojave late at night was not only dark but cold as hell. “Wish I could have waited till morning but I couldn’t stand being there anymore.” Turning on her radio she, and looking at her map she saw the it was about a 3 hour walk. “The sun should be rising by then so it shouldn’t be too bad.” On her way through the mountains she ran into a caravan where she traded some stuff she picked up from the old houses and Powder Gangers from Goodsprings. Walking away about five hundred caps richer she made her way past a ranger station with a few of what she assumed was NCR. I wonder is they know about Nipton? She decided she didn’t want to get involved so she headed farther down the road. With the sun rising she could see what looked like a giant greed monster in the distances. “I guess that’s where I’m going.” She didn’t know what was waiting for her in Novac but she damn well knew it would be better then what she left behind in Nipton. She walked on listening to what she decided was her favorite song on the radio so far Johnny Guitar.

[thecouriersix99]

A Couriers Journey

Ch.4

The air was hot just as the ground was under her feet. So many thoughts ran through her head as she made her way to Primm. “Trudy said it would be right up this road.” Talking to herself made her feel calm and kept her thoughts on track. She kept her head down as the sun made her eyes burn and head spin not to mention the sweat that was beating down her forehead.

About ten minutes into walking a man who seemed to look like a soldier stopped her, telling her that Primm was off limits and on top of that a gang had taken it over and they wouldn’t or couldn’t do anything about it. “Well I’m not going to let innocent people die because of your damn orders.” The soldier scoffed at her “You think you can take down all of them on your own?” She shrugged “Maybe or maybe not....at least I’m not a coward who waits for orders to save innocent people.” She then walked off into the town without another word. What kind of army doesn’t help it’s civilians? What are they fighting for if not the safety of the people in their country? She found herself getting irritated but she knew she had to focus for what was to come. After disarming some mines and reloading her rifle she snuck into the town in the dead of night trying to hide in the shadows of buildings.

Taking out the two guards in the entrance was easy enough and then making her way into the Vikki and Vance casino. It was dark and warm but smelt of sweat and mildew “I don’t know what it was that brought you to Primm, youngster, but you might want to rethink your plans. Town’s gone to hell.” It was an old man who had dark chocolate skin and a voice that sounded like he had a very hard day. She pulled out a piece of paper and looked at it for a sec “I’m looking for the courier office, do you know where that is?” “Sure do. I run the courier office out of my shop. At least I did before things went to hell around here.” She nodded and handed him the piece of paper “I’m a Courier and I lost a package I was supposed to deliver.” He looked at the package order and read carefully “Oh you were caring one of them packages. That job had strange written all over it. But we couldn’t turn down the caps.” He handed the paper back and she stuffed it back on her pack. “What was so strange about it?” She crossed her arms and waiting patiently for an answer “That cowboy robot had us hire six couriers. Each carrying something a little different.” He means Victor...She tried to stay calm and pay attention but something about this didn’t feel right “Now let’s see they were carrying a dice, a chess piece, kinda stuff. Last I heard from the office, it looked like payment had been received for the other five jobs. Guess it was just your chip that didn’t make it.” Her fist clenched as she gritted her teeth a little causing more pain to the headache she knew that was coming on.

“A few men stole my package. A man in a checkered suit and a few thugs. Do you know if they passed this way?” Six was confused, angry, and irritated. Nothing made sense. Why would Victor not tell me he hired me? Why send me on a wild goose chase just to get nearly killed. She didn’t want to think about this right now. Right now these people needed help and she needed information so making up her mind she decided to help them. “Now that you mention it, a few nights back one of the townies was out scavenging for supplies. He said he saw a fella with a daisy suit come through with some of them Great Khan misfits. They were talking about a chip.” He rose an eyebrow at her with a smirk knowing that these were probably the men she was out looking for. “One of them shot me. I need to know the best way to get to them.” The fury in her eyes burned as her fist got tighter causing the wound to open and bleed. She couldn’t feel the pain but the wet bandage made her realize how hard she was actually squeezing her hand. “Well for that your best bet would be to talk to Deputy Beagle. Since they came into town he was keeping a good bit of notes on them, and he was slinking around Bison Steve when your pretty-boy friend came through. He may have heard where they were going.” She nodded “Thank you Mr. Nash.” “Don’t go getting yourself shot kid.”

Heading into the Bison Steve she made sure to sneak past the thugs and take them out one by one at first. Then throwing a piece of dynamite she found on powder ganger back in Goodsprings, into the giant room and killed the last remaining three. Making sure the coast was clear she headed to the Deputy “You seem a little tied up there Deputy.” He chuckled “I don’t suppose your here to rescue me. I’d cross my fingers but my hands are numb.” She holstered her rifle “You must be Deputy Beagle.” He nodded “Why yes I am, Its a pleasure to meet you.” He winked at her causing her to grumble and turn slightly red “I’m in a bit of a predicament here. I’d be most appreciative if you set me free.” She knelt down and slowly started to untie him “I hear you may have information on some Khans that came through here with a guy in a checkered suit.” He grinned a little “My good lady, I believe I may have some information that would prove useful. If you help me out of here then I’d gladly tell you everything I know.” She nodded, ignoring his flirty tone and finished untying him “Alright Deputy I’ll lead the way.” Why do men keep looking at me that way? It’s starting to get on my nerves. She didn’t know what it was, maybe they thought she was weak or maybe they just found her attractive but whatever it was she didn’t like it. The stares she got made her feel uncomfortable, almost as if they wanted jump her right there. Fuck that.

Leading Deputy Beagle out of Bison Steve was easy enough considering everyone was dead “Alright me what you know.” He rubbed his wrists where they had become red from being tied up “I overheard them saying they were on their way to Novac. If you follow them I strongly suggest you follow the road through Nipton. There are a lot of dangerous thing out there in the dessert and you won’t have me to protect you, as I need to stay here and keep Primm safe.” Was he seriously suggesting that he could protect her? After I just saved his ass? She glared at him and crossed her arms “Thanks.... I can take care of myself Deputy. I don’t need someone that can’t even put up a fight against thugs watching my back.” Shocked and his ego deflated he turned his back on her walked away. Satisfied with her response she made a quick stop back into Vikki and Vance to gear up. “Next stop Nipton.”

[thecouriersix99]

A Couriers Journey

Ch.3

The old gas station stood silent as Courier Six made her way up the hill. Reaching the door she made sure to knock and slowly open it, although she knock as soon as she walked in a pistol was staring her straight in the face “That’s close enough. Who are you, and what do you want with me?” Six jumped and hit her back against the door “I-I’m sorry! I mean no harm to you. I just want to help!” He sighed and put his gun away “Sorry about the gun. You caught me off guard, that’s all.” Six stood frozen for a moment and got her thoughts in place “We got off to a bad start, what say we play a game of Caravan? Know how to play?”

He smirked a little at how stunned her face looked and then at the size difference between them. She was around neck length of him,her short raven hair made her look slightly smaller as it framed her face. He could see she had brown eyes although he couldn’t he the other because she hid it behind her side bangs. “Listen mister you’ve caused quite a bit of trouble for this nice town!” She came back to reality and stomped her foot on the floor as she raised a finger at him “A guy called Joe Cobb made quite a scene at the saloon, he yelled at Trudy and threatened the town!” She scrunched up her nose and moved closer to him as she yelled “Damn it I know!” Ringo said In defeat “He doesn’t look very tough, though. I hear he’s afraid I’ll shoot him down from one of the windows when I see him, and he’s right.” Ringo folded his arms and shook his head “I’ll have a much bigger problem once his friends show up. There’s no way I could handle all of them in a gun fight.” She sighed in frustration “Look I came here because I wanted to help, I also don’t want to see these good people suffer because they decided to help out some fool who can’t fight his battles.” She looked in his eyes and smiled “Just because your a fool doesn’t mean I’m gonna leave you hanging though.” He chuckled and nodded “We’d just end up sharing the same grave if it’s the two of us. Now if some of the other people in town were on board...” he put his hand in his chin thinking “Well seeing as you can’t just walk out of here, I’ll ask around town and see who I can round up!”

————————————

Luck was on her side it seemed because after she got Sunny on board Trudy said she and a couple of other settlers wanted to help as well. Chet had agreed to lend her some leather armor although he whined about it at first he said he’d rather not have to sell to Powder Gangers for the rest of his days. The Doc was generous enough to led in his medical expertise and gave some extra medical supplies if needed, although Easy Pete decided not to lend them dynamite he said he would help where he could. All that was left was to inform Ringo and face the Power Gangers once and for all.

She knocked on the door and informed Ringo of the situation when the door swung open revealing a determined looking Sunny “Time to look alive! The Powder Gangers are here to play.” Six nodded and looked toward Ringo who nodded back “Is everyone ready?” Sunny nodded “Their getting set up in cover but it might not go well if we don’t get down there soon.” Six nodded and they quickly exited the building ran in the direction of the saloon “Everyone take cover please!” Six said eagerly as she made her way in the middle of the Powder Gangers and the town folk “My name is Courier Six, These are good honest people and I will protect them with my life. We have no quarrel with you so I subject you turn around and head back from where ever the hell it is you came from!” Her voice was strong, determined and a little bit rough but her words filled the people of Goodsprings with courage and the Powder Gangers with anger mixed with fear “Hand over Ringo and we’ll leave your shitty little town alone!” Yelled Joe Cobb coming out form the back of his gang members “As long as Ringo is in this town he is under my protection so the answer is no Joe Cobb, leave with your life now or die here.” Her face was determined and still “I’m gonna have lots of fun with you little girl!” Joe Cobb charged at her with his pistol in its holster, thinking he didn’t need a gun to fight such a small women. Her mind spun into action as shots started firing from all around her, Joe Cobb swung to punch her face but she ducked and grabbed a hold of his waist causing him to loose his balance. She planted we feet firmly on the ground and pulled him up over her shoulders, he was heavy but she pulled with all her might and landed on her back slamming Joe Cobb into the ground knocking all the air out of him. Letting go She sprung to her feet as she saw a stick of dynamite flying through the air, quickly gripping her rifle she shot it mid air and it blew straight back at the Powder Ganger who threw it. By the time she realized Joe Cobb was up it was too late, he pushed her down onto the floor and straddled her as he put his hands around her neck, she shrieked and struggled under his weight “You think your so smart huh? Think you can make a difference? Your nothing!!” He screamed in her face as his grip tightened, too caught up in his dramatic speech he didn’t realize she had a pistol in a holster on her leg as she went down she grabbed it quickly. The last thing Joe Cobb saw was the smirk on the Couriers face when he realized she beat him.

After that shot everything was quite, Joe Cobbs blood splattered on her face as she pushed his body off “Holy shit we made it!” Came a voice that sounded like Trudy, cheering filled her ears and she sat up “Let me help ya there!” Came another voice and a hand following it, Six took the hand and coughed a few times into her free one “That should teach the Powder Gangers to stay out of Goodsprings!” It was Sunny Smiles who seemed to be on top of the world at the moment “You alright? I saw you go down. Crazy move you did in the beginning, where did you learn to do that?” Six shrugged and tried to whip the blood of her face “Trudy can help you with that inside come on.” Sunny smiled and walked into the saloon. Ringo ran up to the Courier smiling like there was no tomorrow “I owe ya a huge favor for this! Here-“ he handed her a sack filled with caps “These are technically Crimson Caravan funds but I know they’ll understand once I explain things.” “I cant take this Ringo!” She tried to hand it back to him but he refused “No ma’am you deserve those for all you done for me.” She sighed and nodded tucking them into her pack. “What will you do now?” He smirked a little and offered her his handkerchief when he noticed all the blood “I’ll stick around a bit longer, but I’ll be gone in a few days.” She rubbed her face as the blood began to dry it was a little bit of an improvement “If you ever visit New Vegas, look me up at the Crimson Caravan Camp.” He winked at her and patted her shoulder. Her face went bright red as he turned his back and headed towards the bar. Was he seriously just flirting with me? Also where did I learn to fight like that? She shook her head trying to clear all the overwhelming thoughts away as she felt a headache coming on.

She headed into the saloon and cleaned up only to have Sunny stop her in the bathroom “Ringo likes you!” Six was caught off guard as she jumped causing her face to get red all over again “N-no! Besides I don’t have time for stuff like that, he was just being friendly.” Six whipped her face with Ringo’s wet handkerchief then quickly put it down and stuffed it into her bag “You staying around Goodsprings?” Sunny asked a little too hopeful which made the Couriers heart ache “I need go track down the man that did this to me....I need answers. I promise to visit.” Sunny gave her a sad smile and hugged her “Until then I’ll make sure we stay out of trouble then, so you can have a calm place for you to come back and relax.”

Six left early that morning before the sun had risen, Trudy told her that the men she was after went towards Primm so that was her next destination. It was hard to leave everyone that she had come to care for, Sunny Smiles, Doc Mitchell, Trudy, Easy Pete, Ringo, and even Chet who was for lack of better words an asshole. She made a promise to herself that after all was said and done she would come back to thank them properly for saving her life. Until then she had a long road ahead and it was one she was afraid of and one she wished she didn’t have to walk alone.

[thecouriersix99]

A Couriers Journey

Ch.2

The sun was high in the sky when Six made her way out of Doc Mitchell’s house. It was at this time she decided that she absolutely hated the heat “I guess this is better then being dead.” She said to herself when a Robot on a wheel rolled up in front of her “Howdy partner! Names Victor, and might I say you are looking as fit as a fiddle!” She jumper a little at the sound of his voice. “Thanks for digging me out of my grave I guess...” she sounded almost like a zombie, her voice was raspy and every time she talked it hurt like hell. “Don’t mention it! I’m always ready to lend a helping hand.” Six nodded and coughed dirt up into her hand, “Do you know anything about the men that attacked me?” She asked whipping her hand on her chest “Can’t say I’m familiar with the rascals, some of the fine folks in town might be able to help ya.” She nodded again thinking for a moment, I doubt anyone will know anything, They would be idiots to talk to someone in a town where they murdered someone. “How long have you been in this town for Victor?” He beeped a little bit as his screen flickered “I moseyed into town about oh, ten, fifteen years ago? Before that I....” his paused for a bit and his screen went black for a second “Don’t quite recall. Anyway, it’s a right peaceful town and I reckon it’s a fine place to settle as any.” She raised a brow at him and cleared her throat “Well....it was nice to meet the....uh robot that dug me out of my own grave.” She gave him a strained smile “See ya around partner!” She gave him a small wave as he rolled away.

Heading into the saloon she was immediately pounced on, loosing her balance her back hit the door. All of a sudden her face was wet with slobber “Cheyenne off!” Came a demanding female voice, just as soon as the dog heard her masters voice she leaped off and ran back to where the voice came from “Sorry about that!” She apologized as she offered her hand to get Six back on her feet “I-it’s okay...” she took her hand and steadied herself while dusting off her jumper by patting it down “My names Sunny and this here is Cheyenne, don’t worry she won’t but unless I tell her to.” Six nodded looking down at the excited pup who seemed to want her attention “Hello C-Cheyenne I’m Courier Six, is it okay if I pet you?” Sunny nodded as Cheyenne barked once. Stroking Cheyenne’s head she looked up at Sunny “You must be the one Doc Mitchell was fixing up.” Sunny smiled at her “Did the bandage around my head give me away?” Six joked she gave Cheyenne’s ear a good scratching. All of a sudden it occurred to her then she made a joke, Apparently I’m funny? Once she heard Sunny giggle a bit it confirmed that she was right. “I know you just met me Sunny but do you think you can show me how to shoot? I need to learn how to defend myself. The Doc said you might be able to help me survive in the desert.” Sunny thought for a second and nodded, “Yeah, I guess there’s a thing or two I can teach you. Looks like you could use all the help you can get after they done to you.” Six’s fists clenched and looked down at her feet “Meet me out back of the Saloon.” Sunny patted Six’s shoulder and headed toward the back door.

Heading back out into the hot sun Six groaned as she reached the back of the bar, “Alright now, see those Sarsaparilla bottles on that fence? Take this and try to hit a couple of them.” She handed her a a rifle then waited. Six aimed carefully then set out her first shot, right away the bottle shattered “Yeah that’s it! Look right down the sight.” Sunny said enthusiastically, Have I done this before? Again she set off another shot and fit it just like the last one “Great! Now try crouching down and holding still, should help with your aim.” Doing as she said Six crouched down and shot the other 3 bottles quickly “Not bad! I reckon you didn’t come to me to learn how to shot Sarsaparilla bottles though.” She patted six on the back as she got up from her crouch “Thanks...don’t know where I learned to do that.” Six rubbed the back of her shoulder feeling slightly stiff. “Feel like helping me hunt some geckos?” Sunny crosses her arms looking at the Courier with a small smirk “Sure , sounds easy enough.” Sunny chuckled and playfully punched her arm “Don’t go getting cocky on me now. Come on it’s just up this path.”

Sunny, Cheyenne, and Six cleared out all the geckos from the watering wholes and Six managed to save one of the settlers who came down to get water. “You saved my life ma’am! I would be gecko food if it hadn’t been for you, here take this water it’s the least I could do.” Six was left with and overwhelming feeling of comfort and confidence, she saved a life today and that felt amazing. “Good work! That’s lots of less geckos to deal with.” She holstered her gun and pet Cheyenne “Oh and one more thing, if you are planning on leaving please talk to Trudy before you do, she’s like the towns mom and would like to meet you before ya go.” She took Six’s hand and shook it “See ya around.” She winked at her causing Six’s cheeks to burn as Sunny turned walking away from her. “Thanks for everything Sunny.” She got a back wave in response as Sunny headed back into town.

Six made her way back into the bar after she made a quick visit to the general store and met Chet who Six’s first impression was that he was a selfish fool. As she walked in counting the rest of her remaining caps, she overheard arguing and quickly drew her rifle “I’m done being nice! If you don’t hand him over soon I’m gonna get my friends and burn this town to the ground.” Yelled an angry man wearing a blue sweater, next to him was a older looking women who seemed to be at the receiving end of his loud words “We’ll keep that in mind. Now if your not going to buy anything, get out!” Six walked in making her footsteps well heard “Is their a problem here ma’am?” She did her best to sound threatening but also calm “No problem....this man was just leaving.” She crossed her arms as he growled and walked away, purposely bumping his shoulder against the couriers. She glared at him and holstered her rifle as she walked up to the counter as the women who she assumed was Trudy walked behind it.

“Well you’ve been causing quite a stir. Glad I finally got to meet ya. Welcome to the Prospector Saloon.” Trudy said picking up an empty glass and shinning it with a rag. “Sorry I overheard your argument, what was that all about?” The Courier sat at the bar and put her arms on the table, listening intently “Looks like our little town got itself in the middle of something we don’t want anything to do with.” Six nodded to signal that she was listening, even though her adrenaline just shot down and was now feeling her headache start to come on. “About a week ago, this trader, Ringo, comes into town. Survivor of an attack, he says. Bad men after him, needs a place to hide.” Trudy sighed and put the glass down “We figured he was just in shock, so we gave him a place to lie low. We didn’t actually expect people to come after him!” She three the rag in the table in a frustrated fit. These people have been nothing but kind to me and helped me when I needed it most. I’ll be damned if I let assholes like that ruin this small town! Coming to a final decision in her head she smirked and nodded “Alright! So what are we gonna do?”

[thecouriersix99]

A Couriers Journey

Ch.1

The chilled air flowed through, but the ground was still warm as the two great Khans dug a shallow grave, “Will you hurry up? We don’t got all the damn night to finish this.” The man in the checkered suit lit his cigarette and flicked his golden lighter shut, “Hey look who’s waking up over here.” said one of the Khans “Aren’t you a sight for soar eyes Doll?”

The blood on her cheek and nose had already dried and crusted over as she came to, “You made your last delivery kid.” The checkered suited man said as he took out was seemed to be a small circular object he held between his fingers, “Who knows? Maybe in another life we could have seen the Vegas lights on a night like this together, maybe we could have even shared a bed.” She looked up at him straight in the eye and tried to say something but the rag in her mouth prevented it, he slowly took it out of her mouth only for her to spit right in his eye “You dirty bitch!” He slapped her right across the face and tried to shove the rag back in but got bit in the process, he yelped and jumped up then kicked her in the stomach and quickly stuck the rag in and tied it tight around her head “Aren’t you a feisty broad.”

“Will you hurry it up? Like you said we don’t have all night!” The Khan said in a hushed yell “Maybe Khans Kill people without looking them in the face, but I and a fink. Ya Dig?” The man checkered man said as he dug into his jacket and pulled out his gun “This isn’t personal Doll, from where your kneeling this must seem like an eighteen carrot run of bad luck.” She looked him in the eye with anger and fear as she struggled to get her arms loose from their bindings “The truth is..” he aimed it straight for her head an her eyes raged with fury “The game was rigged from the start.”

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How long had it been since they left? 5 minutes , 5 hours? She didn’t know. The dirt piled on her started to settle and felt like knifes stabbing her lungs that cried for air and the rock near her hip was starting to dig into her side. She knew she was dying but she wasn’t going to just give up and let that asshole have the last laugh, with all the strength she had left she pushed her arms up reaching for anything she could grab onto. The warm sand suddenly came to a stop and the cold air from the night enveloped her one hand sticking out from the dirt. She felt something cold and hard pinch around her wrist and everything went black.

The pain in her head felt like it was being split in two as the sound of music was heard from a distance. She quickly tried to open her eyes and jolt up “Your awake, how about that!” A voice said from the left side of her “Woah easy there! Easy!” She tried to get up but she gently put his hand on her shoulders and made her settle down, “You been out cold a couple days now.” She groaned and put her hand over her head as she adjusted to the whiplash “Why don’t you just relax a second get your bearings.” She a bandage warped around her head and when she finally adjusted to the light and fully opened her eyes she realized that everything just looked off. “W-where....where am I-I?” Her whole body was shaking as she looked around and noticed that she couldn’t see any color in her right eye. “Well let me ask you some questions and then I’ll get you situated.” She went to speak in protest but as soon as she opened her mouth she began to cough violently and began coughing up dirt that had been trapped in there since she was dug up, so she simply nodded as she whipped her mouth.

“Alright lets see what the damage is. How about you name? Can you tell me your name?” All of a sudden the world stopped, Name? Did she have a name? Who even was she? All these questions came up with no answers, she had absolutely no idea who she was let alone her name. Her world came crashing down around her as she put her hands on her head trying to remember “I-I....” she couldn’t even answer. The doctor sighed and wrote something down on his clipboard “Alright well, I’m Doc Mitchell. Welcome to Goodsprings.” So to break it down I was shot in the head...twice apparently, buried, dug back up, and now I’m in a doctors house in a place called Goodsprings with no memory of anything before that. Hell of a week if you ask me.

“Can I....u-use the bathroom?” She asked slowly getting up “Sure is just down that hallway.” He point and she slowly followed. She went in and quickly locked the door behind her and hurried to look in the mirror. Her own reflection wasn’t even familiar to her, left eye was a dark shade of brown but the right was now grey. The more she looked at herself the more scared and angry she got, her right eyebrow had been gashed open but was now sewn shut, and she had an old scar across her face that separated at the end. As she finished examining herself she realized her face was wet with tears “Who am I?” Her body began to shake again as she fell to her knees and wept as she tried to hold herself, wrapping her arms around her head. He took everything from me, anger quickly took over her as she picked herself up and whipped her face. Her hands formed into firsts and she punched the mirror causing it to shatter “Hey you alright in there?” She heard a voice from outside, it was the doc.

She opened the door just as he was about to go in and check on her. Her right hand was bleeding and had small bits of glass in it “U-uh sorry about your mirror.” She said quietly. He sighed and chuckled “That’s alright, let me take a look at that hand.” As he picked the small pieces of glass out of her hand and wrapped it, she couldn’t feel anything. The anger in her starts to make her feel so numb, “Now that everything is settled let me give you my Doctors opinion.” Pushed out of her thoughts she’d looked up at him curiosity taking over. “From what I can tell you have some minor and severe cuts and bruises, color blindness in your right eye, along with amnesia. Your eye unfortunately will stay like that but your memory may come back eventually, or it may not.” Her fist clenched on impulse “Other then that, this is the stuff I found on ya when Victor brought you in.” He handed her a piece of paper, 18 bottle caps, and some bobby-pins.

As she read the paper the main thing she recognized was the that they referred to her as Courier 6 “Now I know you don’t know your name but I do need to put something on your discharge form.” She thought for a few seconds and nodded “Six...Courier Six.” He look at the paper in her hands and chuckled “Not the name I would have picked for ya but if that’s what you want to be your name then that’s your name.” He wrote it down and then went picked up a jumpsuit and a small machine with a screen on it “Take these with ya, can’t let you going around with no clothes on. This here is a Pip-boy, may help ya get where ya need to go.” She nodded and put on the jumpsuit and attacked the Pip-boy to her right arm. “Thanks for patching me up Doc.” He nodded and with that she walked out the door and into what was to her...the unknown.