Hannah Richmond (Atom Bomb Baby)

Mrs. Lawrence

The Hammer of the Mojave

Butcher of Raiders

Elliot Ross † (First Husband)

Harvey Lawrence (Second Husband)

Elliot Richmond (Daughter)

New California Republic Army (2264-2283/2294)

Office of the President (2284-2294)

**Hannah M. Richmond** is a high-ranking commanding officer of the New California Republic Army during the events of *Fallout: Atom Bomb Baby*. Born in Novac, she later escaped her small town to the New California Republic. She later joined the NCRA and served in various conflicts around the country - most notably in the NCR-Brotherhood War. Rising rapidly through the ranks of the NCRA she became a general at the young age of 30, distinguishing herself in the Oregon Campaign on the northern frontier. In 2281, at age of 33 she was transferred to command the Mojave Campaign - and almost immediately in time to prove herself as the Legion went on the offensive once again. She would fight a swift, decisive campaign, crushing the Legion. She continued to operate, and pacified the Mojave by 2283, paving her way to become the sixth president of the New California Republic in 2284.

## Background & Early Life

Hannah Melissa Richmond was born on January 18, 2248 in the poor town of Novac. Her parents were poor farmers - and drunks - Thomas and Maria Richmond. Hannah was not expected to acquire much in her life, perhaps become a merchant, a caravaneer or just stay on the farmer. She grew up in a poor household with awful parents who treated her and her *fifteen* other siblings like trash. Most of the families' money they acquired from bare bones trading was wasted on Thomas and Maria's booze addiction.

Hannah remarks many nights where she and her siblings went to bed hungry.

Yet she did not hate Novac - in fact she quite loved it. She was a social child, who had quite a few friends around the area. She was enthusiastic, charismatic, and charming and quite popular around town. Novac was her home, and she thought it generally would be for the rest of her life.

So she grew up, and as she did she became more aware of the world around her. She began becoming enamored with the outside world, and after she became a merchant at the age of ten, she began hearing about a distant place. A place of hope, prosperity, and dreams. This place had a name:

**The New California Republic.**

By the age of twelve, Hannah was saving up as many caps as she could to get out of Novac, and go to this 'NCR' and get out of Novac. Her older siblings who had lost hope of ever getting out of Mojave, most already addicts or poor enough saw hope in their little sister, and also contributed what few caps they could spare. She visited the Old Mormon Fort and learned basic writing skills and reading comprehension in preparation for her journey. She trained in basic weapons skills with locals, who liked the young girl and knew that knowing her way around a gun would be one of the few ways she would survive in the wasteland. Of course, more siblings came into the Richmond family, and by the time Hannah was fourteen and her parents finally stopped, she had 24 brothers and sisters - all expected to eventually become farm hands or workers.

By the time she was fourteen she had obtained enough caps to leave Novac and travel west to discover the NCR. So she packed her bags, her books, her weapons, and her money, and traveled west with a caravan headed out of the Mojave. All she left behind was a note for her family:

*Off to find new dreams in a land of hope...*

### The New Californian

Hannah would accompany the caravan all the way to the Hub where she would split off. Now in the NCR she began finding a better life already. Access to food at all times, relatively stable currency, and easy job opportunities. She spent the next two years exploring New California. She worked odd jobs as a merchant while occasionally picking up new hobbies, skills and lessons around the Republic. Making a standard living would give her the opportunity to settle down even if briefly in Los Angeles about three months before her sixteenth birthday. She had begun taking a liking to NCRA troopers in the region and often found herself making their acquaintance.

She even began a relationship with one when she was sixteen, named Elliot Ross who convinced her to join the NCRA. She was head over heels for Elliot, and so she agreed to sign up - but in a way she joined to give back something to the country which had given her a new life. So just before her 17th birthday, she signed up to join the New California Republic Army.

### The Soldier

Training was hard for the young woman, but she eventually made it through basic training and was given her uniform and deployed - conveniently in the same unit as Elliot. She didn't do much except policing and garrison duty until she was nineteen (by now this is 2267) and she and her company were deployed to fight the Brotherhood of Steel in the ongoing war. But even if a bit bland, she found army life to be purposeful and important. She gained a family with her company, some of her best friends were in the 352nd Company, and more specifically the 2230th Platoon. She was also assigned to the subdivision of the 4510th Squad, who called themselves the 'Mirage' Squadron to stand out. While not an official name, this is what they called themselves.

Proving exemplary in her service she had passively been promoted to Private First Class before her deployment to fight the Brotherhood.

The campaign against the Brotherhood was horrid and fierce, and highlighted the harsh reality of war to the young soldier. Yet, she fought valiantly and along with the Mirage Squadron. She completed her first tour of duty by 2269, and had been promoted to Corporal and was the new leader of her squad. With some tactical flexibility, her superior's took notice of her leadership potential.

Between tours of duty she finally married Elliot Ross, before returning to duty later that year. Her second tour was also a major success, lasting from 2270 to 2272, and she began rapidly rising through the ranks and leading more men. By the end of her second tour she was a master sergeant and was acquiring more and more responsibilities within the army. She learned valuable logistics skills, and by now she had discovered her innate ability to lead, command troops, and develop strategies. She executed complicated, yet brilliant maneuvers that won a multitude of important victories against the Brotherhood of Steel. She was popular among her troops for always leading from the front, and in a pinch they could rely on her for anything.

Yet she always had Mirage Squadron by her side, and she always had her darling husband by her side as well. By 2273 she was a first sergeant and was sent back into action against the Brotherhood. This third tour would be her last against the Brotherhood, and lasted until 2275 and she was rapidly promotion to Captain, leading an entire company into battle against the Brotherhood. However, it was this tour in which her seemingly picture perfect career and life received a dark, bloody stain upon it.

#### April 17, 2275

On April 17, 2275 she received intel from high command to attack an important Brotherhood position known simply as Hill 801 and wipe it out, giving the NCR another victory and pushing closer to fully defeating the Brotherhood of Steel. She didn't realize the information had been provided by an informant, who was in fact a Brotherhood spy and was luring her company into a trap.

But the company moved in anyway, through a thick, dense fog, expecting to catch the Brotherhood forces at Hill 801 completely by surprise. But the Brotherhood was hunting them as well. When Hannah heard the clunking of power armor, she stopped the advance. It was then that she walked right into a *paladin* in T-45d power armor. Her blood ran cold as more emerged from the fog like a group of haunting spirits. She ordered her men to retreat quickly... but it was too late.

It was a massacre...

Hundreds of troopers fell in the span of only a few minutes before the Brotherhood withdrew back to their fortified position. Hannah herself had been hit a few times being right in front, left for dead by the Brotherhood forces.

When she came to some time later, she was being hauled out by medics. She begged to see Elliot and her squad mates, but nobody granted her wish. When she was in an army hospital, bandaged up and beginning to recover, she finally managed to speak to her superior officer, Lieutenant Barnes.

> *"Lieutenant, sir, I need to know what happened to Mirage... and my Elliot,"*
> *"They... they're all gone Captain... every last one of them... I am so, so sorry,"*
>
>

Elliot Ross, Hannah's husband of six years, and her partner of eleven years was simply gone. She never got to say goodbye, she got no closure, and this would be her breaking point. She never forgave herself for this, and blames herself for the death of her husband, the death of her squad and friends. It is something she holds over her head to this day. Some say she'll never forgive herself for Hill 801, and many more say she'll never get over the death of Elliot. She still wears her wedding ring on her hand, desperate to cling onto his memory of the man she loved. She's unable to move on, her grief, her fear, her anger preventing her from looking out, finding someone new. To her, there was only Elliot, nobody more, nobody less.

#### Rising to the Top

Unlike what many would do in her situation, Hannah re-enlisted in the army after she recovered. The army was the only thing she knew. What else was she to do? Retire? Go back to being a poor street merchant or caravan member, barely able to get by? She threw herself into her duties, sacrificing any free time she may have had to her career. She was determined to avenge the mistakes made at Hill 801, and ensure it never happened again. She looked to go back for another tour of duty against the Brotherhood, but her superiors made the correct decision to deny this request.

The official reason was: ***In order to prevent incurring unnecessary casualties, material loss in dangerous operations which can be avoided. Move to transfer Captain Richmond to a different location.***

In non-political bullshit terms: ***High command is concerned Captain Richmond may step out of line in pursuit of revenge which may get men killed when they need not be. Do not send her to fight the Brotherhood, dispatch to another theater.***

Hannah was infuriated, but bit her tongue, and accepted the top brass' decision. She was transferred to the southeast of the Republic, where she coordinated the attack on Fort Aradesh (currently under siege by Caesar's Legion) to evacuate NCRA personnel and prevent a wholesale slaughter. She pulled off the operation, and was rewarded and promoted to first lieutenant for her service. This battle gave her invaluable experience against the Legion. She studied their troops, tactics, weapons, and any information she could pry from captives.

However she also became enamored by the Legion because she found it fascinating. She studied the NCR's new foe as they clashed. She studied Caesar, and his ways. She often said:

> *"What I wouldn't give to have a cup of tea with Caesar, learn why he's done what he has, his goals, his ambitions, what makes him tick... that would be a conversation. Of course that's before I kick their dog asses out of the Mojave!"*
>
>

She was then transferred to Baja, where she led further NCRA forces in beating down raiders. Her campaign in Baja from 2276-2278 saw her push all the way to the current point in Baja, being promoted to colonel. Despite her growing popularity with the government, it dropped somewhat with the troops. It all changed after Hill 801, and nobody could blame her. Her warm and charming personality was gone. She was no longer welcoming and inviting. She was cold, empty, devoid of emotion towards others. See, while the Brotherhood hadn't killed her, it had killed what made Hannah Richmond... well... Hannah Richmond. In 2278, she was recalled to Shady Sands to meet with now President Aaron Kimble...

### General Richmond

President Kimball was so impressed with her service, her commitment to the Republic and Army that at the age of 30, Hannah was promoted to the rank of General at the age of 30. This made her the youngest officer to acquire the rank of general - surpassing that of Lee Oliver who received it at age 32 just 3 years prior. With this rank achieved she was given command of Army Group Redding, headquartered in its namesake. Hannah was tasked with leading these 25,000 men and taking control of further territory in the north to acquire more resources for the Republic and its growing war machine.

#### The Six Rivers Campaign (Part One)

Hannah immediately began her campaign, executing what has been considered one of the most brilliantly planned, prepared and executed ones in the Republic's history. She moved out to secure Weaverville, Willow Creek and the Primitive Tribe - the latter of which resisted heavily.

She would take the tribes' village after a few weeks, utilizing sharpshooters and Northern Rangers to eliminate their leadership, thus causing chaos and disarray and a swift capitulation of the tribe. Minimal casualties were sustained because of just how outclassed the tribals were.

##### Siege of Eureka

Moving on she attacked Eureka, where a ragtag group of Enclave remnants (only numbering around 300 men) had fled to following the fall of Navarro some 30 years prior. This was clearly a threat, so she organized and laid siege to Eureka, an endeavor which lasted five months before she realized that the remnants had around 3 vertibirds they had repaired, and were planning on fleeing again. This, she could not allow.

She ordered 2 platoons with mortars to go in, aided by rangers to plant remote charges on the vertibirds before withdrawing back. A few days later, the Enclave forces attempted their evacuation, and once high enough in the sky, the charges were detonated. All the aircraft were destroyed, and sent plummeting to the Earth below, taking most of the remnants power armored troops with them. This crushed the morale of the remnants.

A day passed before two companies of troopers, and a company of rangers (600 men in total) flooded out of the forested hilltops, storming Eureka with General Richmond leading the charge herself. The Enclave fought back of course, but by nightfall were crushed, and forced to surrender. All remaining leaders were sent back to Shady Sands to be tried as war criminals for their actions against the Republic and the wasteland.

#### The Six Rivers Campaign (Part Two)

Moving forward, Hannah pushed north, taking Klamath before winter, and camping out with a few companies there. In the center theater her men had wiped out the Den and the nearby drug producing gang town of Weed, and had taken nearby Etna. Troopers had also annexed Modoc. Over the winter she prepared to lead her forces north into the Oregon.

Departing April, 2280, She took Crescent City, and successfully persuaded the Brooking Tribe from resisting incorporation into the NCR. She had to fight through the warriors of the Gold Beach Tribe however, before moving southeast to Arroyo. The Chosen One had died, and the city found itself leaderless, and the NCR offered to fill that void. In June of 2280, Arroyo joined the New California Republic and it was around this time Hannah learned the NCRA had been beaten back from the city of Medford, along I-5.

Bly had been taken as had the Chiloquin Tribe. Thus Medford was needed to cement and secure NCR control over Southern Oregon. So she pushed northeast to Grant's Pass where she found a giant raider fortress, equipped with scavenged artillery, machine guns, and even some of the raiders had laser weaponry.

##### Battle of Grant's Pass

She brought a brigade of 5,000 men, and her scouts reported that Grant's Pass had double the number of raiders. This was in fact the main operating base for all raiders between here and Portland. She would need to act tactfully to achieve victory. Without any superiors to receive approval from, she had full creative control of the field, and she spent weeks planning while her men skirmished with the raiders, testing their strength. Artillery fire was exchanged, before eventually Hannah chose the perfect deception tactic: The Trojan Horse.

No, she didn't construct a giant wooden horse, but over the course of July, the NCRA ambushed raider patrols, took their weapons and "uniforms" before donning them in what became known as "Operation Greek Speak". The disguised troopers acted as returning patrols, and entered Grant's Pass undetected. There they waited for two days before receiving positions near some of the gates. At around 1:00 they blew horns, alerting the NCRA the time had come - before throwing open the gates to the fortress. Hundreds of troopers poured into the city's massacring the raiders, often in close quarter combat. Hannah was right in front, putting her life on the line and at risk with her troops.

Grant's Pass fell after three hours of bloody fighting, and when the smoke cleared the NCRA had slaughtered upwards of ***4,600*** raiders to only 115 troopers lost - about half of which would recover from their injuries, but be discharged honorably. This meant that for every NCR trooper who fell, 80 raiders fell. The rest of the raiders were taken prisoner, and Hannah ordered all of their equipment and supplies, including food and water from the civilians be seized. When confronted by a ranger about the unethical nature of stealing all of this from the locals, Hannah replied in quote:

> *"We aren't stealing from these people Ranger. What we're doing is **S**trategically **T**ransferring **E**quipment to an **A**lternate **L**ocation. Besides, they are under protection of the New California Republic - they'll have all the resources they could ever need from now on,"*
>
>

Next she would move on to Medford...

##### Battle of Medford

Medford was an even tougher nut to crack. A thriving town of staunch nationalists, they sought to remain independent by any means necessary. It had a population of around 17,300 and 5,200 soldiers who were professional, well armed and organized. Attempting the same strategy as she did at Eureka would fail, and she'd be driven off from the city. A siege was attempted, but it was nigh impossible to maintain. However, the NCR managed to sever all trade connections with Medford from the surrounding area. Without any trade, the city's defenders had no resupply of ammunition.

For the next four months, platoons would play hard to get and whack a mole, moving out of cover, drawing enemy fire, and picking off a few defenders. 3 here, 7 there, 1 over there. By the time winter came, 3/4 of their stockpiles had been depleted, and Hannah had waited them out. Slowly, NCRA reinforcements arrived, and they set up on the ridges overlooking the city.

Eventually, a coup took place around Christmas, and overthrew the nationalists. The new leadership invited Hannah and her cohort of leadership into the city to discuss terms of surrender. However, they quickly took them hostage, and held them for ransom. They demanded that in exchange for their commanders, and 1000 caps, the NCR would leave Medford forever. Hannah was incredibly furious at the demands - and said she, being one of the highest ranking NCR commanders was "worth far more than a measly one thousand caps". This suggests that her cold attitude had also begun to translate into egomania. After all, being constantly praised by everyone around you tends to do that.

This did nothing except piss of the NCRA, who launched a devastating attack on Christmas Eve, saving their officers, and taking the city with minimal casualties. Hannah was hailed as a hero across the Republic. Before concluding her campaign she traveled to Crater Lake, and raised the NCR's flag over the center island. The best part of the campaign were her losses. Throughout an almost two year endeavor, she almost only gained ground and territory, and only 350 soldiers were killed. Compare this to the around 2,500 that had been killed in the Mojave under General Oliver, and one can easily see why she was so popular.

With her campaign in Oregon concluded for now, she received new orders from the Senate, one she hadn't been sure would arrive. She was to head to the Mojave... and take on Caesar's Legion.

### The Sins of the Father and the Charging Bull

Hannah immediately embarked to the Mojave, and received reports of the poor situation. She set up her headquarters in the NCR Embassy, and heard the Legion was approaching their attack. She ordered rapid preparations on the Dam and sent garrisons to multiple settlements including her old home of Novac.

She would briefly accompany the platoon to Novac to see her old town. She met Manny Velasquez and Craig Boone, and other locals she knew when she was a kid. She then visited her old family farm on the outside of town but found it practically deserted. She found her father, drunk and in a daze - but he instantly recognized his child. He commented on how proud he was of her. However the conversation soon turned dark after Hannah commented on wondering where her family was. Thomas began muttering about committing grave sin, and how he could never forgive himself.

It was then she learned the soul-crushing truth.

After years of drought, crop failure, and losing money for the family, his drinking turned into chem abuse, as his family business failed and crumbled. Thomas made a lapse in judgement one day in 2279 a Legion raiding party arrived. They offered to pay Thomas 1000 caps per person in the family. This included the 24 children, his wife, 31 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren on the property. The desperate man, submitted to his demons, couldn't resist. He sold his entire family, all 60 of them, into Legion captivity. The Legion then scammed him, and only paid him 15,000 of the 60,000 promised caps citing that: "A man who's greed causes him to give up his family for his sins is not a man deserving gold,".

Thomas was devastated and broken.

He fell further into his habits, now alone before Hannah showed up in 2281. When she learned this, she laid into him, but he didn't really seem to care. He asked her to put a bullet in his head so Elohim could judge him for his crimes. Hannah pulled out her service revolver, explained she was not a killer, but told her father that if he wants to die, he should do it himself. She then left, but never heard a gunshot. Thomas was never seen again. Some say he wandered off into the wastes to do the deed in solitude, while some say he decided to whip his life together.

Now Hannah is committed to crushing the Legion in hope of not only protecting the Mojave, her homeland, but the vain hope of rescuing her many family members from the clutch of the Legion before they are gone forever...

## Backstory II: The Mojave Campaign & The War Hero

### Changing the Strategy

Once Hannah entered the Mojave, she immediately got to work. She re-organized the garrisons. She repaired the roads to allow some more regular supplies in, though it was described as putting a "band-aid on a bullet wound". She drew up her strategies as winter dawned. She had arrived in December, two months after the First Battle of Nelson and a month after the Sacking of Nipton by the Legion. She set up her headquarters in the Embassy on the Strip, allowing her to engage in frequent communications with her subordinates:

- James Hsu

- Cassandra Moore

- Lee Oliver

All of whom were preparing for the Legion's next attack when Hannah informed them of a chance of plan: They were going on the offensive against the Legion. The Legion was better equipped to take objectives, rather than hold them, and this was something she planned on exploiting. She gathered her forces, rallied them through the winter, ensuring they were all drilled up, prepared for battle, before launching what would surpass her Six Rivers Campaign in terms of magnificence.

### The Five Days Campaign

The campaign kicked off on March 20, 2282, with a two pronged attack on Cottonwood Cove and Nelson. This was only the first step of many, and this offensive would change the fate of the Mojave Wasteland forever. All 10,000 NCR troops in the Mojave were on high alert, ready to be deployed at a moments notice.

###### Second Battle of Nelson

On March 20, 2282, Colonel Cassandra Moore marched out from Camp Forlorn Hope with 82 soldiers. 36 troopers, 36 rangers and 10 heavy troopers followed her to the town of Nelson, which had been occupied by the Legion since the 2nd of October of the previous year. At dawn, the NCRA launched their attack from the east ridge - highlighted as the more suitable terrain to launch an attack from.

Emerging from the fog like ghosts, the Legion guards blew their horns, alerting the garrison of around 16 men quickly readied for battle, caught off guard and unready. The troopers moved in methodically, though quickly close quarter combat would ensue. The Second Battle of Nelson was over within thirty minutes, every legionary falling in battle. Dead Sea would make a last stand with his brother in arms Alexus in their headquarters, taking down ten troopers before finally falling in battle. Colonel Moore radioed back to to the Embassy and said:

***Nelson. Back in Republic Hands.***

#### Battle of Cottonwood Cove

With this completed, General Richmond ordered the second phase forward, and 72 Rangers and 100 members of 1st Recon moved through the mountains - followed close behind by Moore and some reinforcements - towards Cottonwood Cove. They sighted the target two hours later, but by now Aurelius of Phoenix heard via ham radio about the attack on Nelson. He called for reinforcements, and Legate Lanius answered. He moved his forces to the river, preparing to cross with a vanguard as the rangers attacked the camp. A bloody brawl ensued as NCRA mortars flew across the river, destroying the docks and any rafts or boats, thus trapping Lanius on the other side of the river.

The Legion watched as Aurelius of Phoenix and Decanus Severus fought bitterly to the end alongside their men. Mortar fire led to buildings catching ablaze. Lanius watched Severus fall in battle, taking a bullet for Aurelius, allowing him to escape through a pair of binoculars. By the end of it all however, the NCR took and destroyed the Legion’s camp at Cottonwood Cove, and Colonel Moore stared down Lanius from the other side of the river.

In the span of one day, Hannah had reversed NCR fortune across the Mojave, and the entire region had their eyes on her. However, Caesar realized now he had one chance to take Hoover Dam, as he knew that if one more day passed, the NCRA would cross into Arizona.

#### The Second Battle of Hoover Dam

The attack began at dusk, or around 7:00 P.M, with the Legion battle cries screaming through the air, alerting NCR forces on the Dam to the coming horde. Swiftly moving to battle stations, legionaries poured down from the eastern road, boots hitting the Dam top, machetes drawn and guns raised. Unfortunately, the Legion’s momentum was nearly immediately stopped as they trampled through the first line of NCR defenses.

Mines blew up huge swathes of legionaries as they came down, and barbed wire ripped them into ribbons. They climbed on top of their brothers’ corpses, desperate to get over to the troopers.

Then the machine gun fire came. Mounted guns fired hundreds of rounds per minute into the coming legionaries, turning the front of the Dam into a mess of what could only be described as ‘legionary hamburger’. The NCR’s defenses prepared by Richmond and Oliver were holding… for now. As the stars and moon came out, the battle continued, not just on the Dam top but inside the Dam itself.

Legionaries poured out of the intake towers, taking the heavy trooper squads inside by surprise, but their positions held, and they gunned down enemy after enemy. They quickly realized where they were coming from and called for engineers to turn on the outflow while the heavy troopers protected them.

On the Dam top after an hour of slaughter, the legionaries finally made it through the first line of defenses, hundreds upon hundreds having died. They moved methodically from position to position, edging closer and closer down the road. They cleared each sandbag post - and were shocked when troopers used bayonets to attempt to bludgeon or kill off the legionaries. They got a few good hits in, but the Legion’s mastery of melee weaponry won these individual firefights.

Troopers and legionaries were thrown over the side of the Dam, as they clashed in bitter life or death struggles as their leaders ordered and trained them to. The ‘profligates’ were putting up one hell of a fight this time!

Around this time Richmond and Oliver took up positions surrounded by Rangers on each of the towers, directly ordering and commanding the troops. Oliver used his service pistol, and Richmond, her marksman carbine. Dozens of legionaries fell, but dozens of NCR troopers joined them in a bloody slog back and forth. Richmond was personally frustrated not having any time to make the complex tactical maneuvers she was known for. Oliver was having the time of his life, this is what he prepared for! A single back and forth struggle for Hoover Dam.

But yet, despite their hopes of holding on, the Legion just kept coming, an endless stream of crimson armor and uniform from the road to the east. Oliver shouted down: “This Dam won’t fall while I still draw breath!”. It provided fresh vigor for the troops on the ground seeing their commanding officers on the field, fighting alongside them.

The bloody fighting continued into the night hours before the NCR turned on the outflow, halting any movement from the intake towers. This would force the Legion to simply hack its way across the top - which they were more than happy to do - and by 3:00 A.M they had reached halfway across the dam top. But by now any tactical flexibility was gone and it was just a matter of who broke first. Reaching some of the barricades, the legionaries hunkered down and rested, regrouped, and re-briefed on the battle situation. This battle had been far more difficult then they were expecting - but then again they had been expecting to also have the NCR divided at Novac, the 188, and in the Strip. Just like in 2277, they had the full might of the Bear wrestling the full weight of the Bull.

There was a brief lull in the fighting for a few hours while both sides seemingly rested. An unofficial ceasefire after eight hours of constant fighting was in place. The NCRA reinforced with men from Colonel Hsu at Camp McCarran - who had repelled an assault from the Fiends easily, wiping them out. Hsu had readied the Air Force for combat operations and waited for Richmond’s order to scramble. Before she could at 5:16 A.M:

“FOR THE GREAT KHANS!”

“THIS IS FOR BITTERSPRINGS!”

The NCR was attacked by an army of Great Khans in support of Caesar’s Legion in the rear flank! The NCR suffered moderate casualties at the hands of the Khans due to not anticipating their attack. However, by 5:30 Hsu’s reinforcements arrived, and surrounded the Khan forces, using it as the pretext they finally needed to wipe out the Great Khans’ military force. The deed was soon done, and by 6:15 all Khan warriors had fallen, with a few being taken prisoner. As an act of cold, calculated vengeance against what she saw as “barbaric drug pirates”, Richmond ordered Hsu take 200 men from Camp McCarran and “deal” with the Great Khans “once and for all,”.

Back on the Dam the Legion used the Khan’s attack to surge forward past the center strongpoint and towards the other side of the Dam. Again, machine gun fire did its numbers, but once the Khans were dealt with they were moving into a wall of machine gun and sniper fire. With the Khans dealt with, Richmond ordered the air force to take to the skies. It was around this time where a stray Legion bullet struck Lee Oliver in the chest, and he fell to the ground. He managed to continue giving orders until the end of the battle, when he died from complications of his wound.

By 6:30, P-51 Mustangs and a vertibird gunship screamed over Hoover Dam, strafing huge groups of legionaries making their way across the top. Upon dropping their payload of bombs, and with air support for the Republic, Legate Lanius gave an order to Vulpes Inculta:

**Pull back from the Dam. This place will not be our grave.**

Vulpes made his way to the Dam, handed off the order to some centurions. The Legion began pulling back at 7:00 A.M, 12 hours after the battle had begun and the NCR cheered at their victory. Well, except for Richmond, who knew this fight wasn’t over. Cycling in fresh troops, evacuating the wounded and dead or dying, they reorganized their forces.

With that, the attack on the Legate’s Camp began.

Tearing down the defenses on the eastern side, the NCRA pushed up the east road to the Legate’s Camp, airpower in tow. The Air Force opened the attack by strafing and bombing the camp, the disgruntled and exhausted legionaries unable to rest or recuperate. NCR forces invaded the Camp, killing every fucking legionary they could find. The exhausted Legion put up a fight, but by 9:00 A.M, the camp had fallen…

Legate Lanius retreated back to the Fort, to regroup and reorganize against the encroaching NCR.

The NCR lost 308 men at Hoover Dam, around 201 more than in 2277, but it was a worthy victory. But still yet, Hannah wasn't done. She now moved to Fortification Hill, to decisively crush the Legion under her boot.

#### Battle of Fortification Hill

The NCR did not rest even yet, waiting a day before launching an attack on Fortification Hill. The Legion had entrenched their position, expecting such an attack. Attacking on three flanks they found themselves at the mercy of a few Legion machine gunners who had set up facing them.

With Caesar at the helm, his soldiers fought with an ungodly devotion not seen at the Dam or Legate’s Camp. While the NCR disabled their howitzer which they had been using at the Dam. Hour by hour they pushed up at hill, taking heavy losses in seemingly the final titanic struggle for the Mojave. Caesar watched the battle with increasing pride… for both sides. He could admit the NCR was fighting harder than he expected, and was giving his Legion a real run for its money.

The battle continued for some time longer, and Caesar realized if he didn’t pull one final hat trick out, the NCR would take the Fort, and he didn’t have time to escape with his forces. If he was captured… who knew what those profligates would do to him! So he ordered Lucius to launch what could only be described as a banzai charge. Caesar would withdraw into his tent, content with allowing his men to overrun the NCR forces. However, his demise soon came as an NCRAF Mustang flew over the tent, dropping a single 500 lb bomb onto the tent. It went right through, and the last thing Caesar, the Son of Mars, the Conqueror of 87 Tribes saw was a giant incendiary bomb hit the ground. The entire tent and surrounding area blew up, sending shrapnel and remains of Caesar’s treasures scattering about.

He was gone immediately, and every soldier on the field - NCR and Legion alike - saw it happen. Even the most diehard legionaries knew right then and there that their master was dead. Vulpes Inculta abandoned the field with the Frumentarii, Aurelius took his men back to Arizona… but Lucius, ever the loyalist, still conducted the charge.

Thousands of legionaries rushed forward, machetes drawn:

“RETRIBUTION!”

“ANOTHER KILL TO MY NAME!”

“DEATH TO PROFLIGATES!”

“FOR CAESAR!”

The legionaries crashed into the NCR like a while of steel, and they were facing critical failures across the board. While the NCRAF did provide some help, it was not enough to save the day. Finally, after three hours, General Richmond ordered the NCR conduct a fighting retreat to the Legate’s Camp.

Caesar did not order his men to pursue the Republic’s forces, knowing that would break them. Richmond made it clear that while they didn’t yet take the Fort, they had still won a great victory and had a strong foothold on the eastern side of the Colorado.

#### The Second Battle for the Legate's Camp

A few days passed and both sides licked their wounds. Skirmishes broke out on the eastern side of the river, keeping both sides on edge. Camps were established by the NCR to solidify their presence, thus making the Legion’s situation all the more strenuous. Skirmishes took dozens of lives, around 24 on both sides before Lanius marched back on the Legate’s Camp launching a counterattack. The NCR was prepared to hold the Camp, and had become somewhat entrenched.

The Legion stood outside, aiming to intimidate the NCR forces, but by now they weren’t afraid, they stared back, guns ready. The howitzer on the Dam was ready to fire. Lanius extended his sword, and the first wave of legionaries was sent forward. They were repelled with heavy losses, and a frustrated Lanius realized that simply put, he did not have the means to retake the Camp or push back on the Dam.

It was then a monumental moment of history occurred. Lanius ordered a ceasefire to regroup, and the NCR ceased fire as well. Then General Richmond stepped out of the Camp and sent word she sought to speak with Lanius. Lanius, never one to back down, agreed, and the two stood face to face. Their conversation was as follows:

“And who are you to come before me… you bear the insignia of the Bear, yet you do not wear it as a soldier of the West wears it,”

“My name is Hannah Richmond, commander of New California Republic Army forces in the Mojave… and I come to reason with you,”

“I see you fight with words, like all beneath the flag of the bear. Let us hope your skill with weapons proves greater,”

“I’d say they have,” Hannah replied, “The time for combat has ceased, the time for spilling unnecessary blood has ceased. It’s time to negotiate Legate,”

“Our roads into NCR are hung with the bodies of those who attempted to negotiate with us. Save your speeches, we will take Hoover Dam and move forward until our feet crush the setting sun beneath them,”

“The battle for the Dam has already been lost, you lost your camp and the Eastern side of the river in this sector. Your forces have been defeated Legate, it is time to accept that,”

“Hoover Dam has never seen the massed strength of the East. Only Legates such as Graham… who deserved the fire Caesar blessed him with. Now I am here, and make markers of your people as the legion carves its way West,”

“What of the East?”

“You speak in circles - what of the East? I am the East and I will prove it this day. The victory here shall be swift. Our forces shall take the Dam, secure it, then build a road west on the bodies of the NCR,”

“You’ve lost 35% of your army Legate, your officers are deserting and retreating, thwarting your crown, thwarting what Caesar promised to you all those years ago,”

“They would not dare stand against me! I am Caesar’s second-”

“The allure of power is strong Legate. It is… corruptive… deceptive. Even the most loyal men can become disillusioned with the grasp of power. Trying to take West means losing the East, and I can see you know this,”

“The east was a hard-fought campaign. Even now, Caesar drew too much of the Legion’s blood needed there for… this. Hoover Dam is but a place. I will not have it be the gravestone of the legion - whether quickly, or as you describe, slowly… by attrition,”

“There is victory in wisdom Legate,” Hannah replied.

“As for wisdom.. There is wisdom in your words, woman of the west… Know that I shall return East. I shall not remain there forever. On that day, the strength of the bear shall be tested,”

“I will be waiting for that day Legate,” She handed him a scroll, a treaty that had been drafted, “For now, we make peace, and end this bloodshed,”

Lanius took the treaty…

**Treaty of Fortification Hill**

* The New California Republic will take control of the Legate’s Camp & Fortification Hill
* A ten year non-aggression pact between the NCR and Caesar’s Legion will be signed, set to expire or be renewed in 2292.
* Regular trade between the Legion and NCR will be opened.
* All Frumentarii agents will be withdrawn from NCR territory.
* Lanius - and by extension the Legion will drop all claims to the Mojave and Hoover Dam.
* The NCR will open a consulate in Flagstaff, and the Legion will receive one in the Hub.

Lanius would sign the treaty, “If the West one day is filled with ones such as you, perhaps it shall be a worthy fight, indeed. Perhaps it is unfortunate Vulpes was not here to hear your words… something tells me you would prove more than his match,”

Lanius ordered his army to turn back, and begin withdrawing, before he faced the NCR troops in the Camp.

“Until the day our armies meet again, NCR - I shall wait for you on the battlefield!”

Then, he himself left, to begin the next chapter of his reign, and for the NCR and Legion alike.

### The War Hero

March 25 has been declared V-C or Victory-Caesar Day in the Republic by the Congress of the New California Republic. With the war in the Mojave completed, President Kimball announced his planned initiatives to wrap up the campaign.

To do so, Hannah was declared the military governor of the Mojave Territory, to lock it down and prepare for annexation. Richmond has been declared a war hero by the press once again for her accomplishments, doing in five days what took previous officers years (decisively defeating Caesar's Legion).

Hannah received both the Star of the Sierra Madre and the Golden Branch for her service. But now she had a more pressing task ahead of her: Preparing the Mojave for annexation.

## Governor General of the Mojave Territory

### Battle of the Correctional Facility

After reorganizing her strategy, Hannah dispatched a company of troopers back to the Correctional Facility to restore order and deal with the Powder Gangers there. The rebels there were informed that they are ordered to "Surrender, or be completely annihilated,". Hannah was taking a more pragmatic approach to dealing with the threats of the region. In general, the issue of the Powder Gangers is to be resolved in "efficient" fashion.

The NCRA issues the ultimatum to the powder gangers, but they ultimately refuse. They are temporarily holed up and use their dynamite to stop the NCRA's advances, but with supplies running low and the NCRA forces outside getting larger, and getting delivered some of their own explosives, the powder gangers submit. The commanding officer in charge of the forces there, would round up the powder gangers, and shoot them in firing squad style, stating that they "shouldn't be let off after killing our own men."

The NCRA lost three men, and the Powder Gangers lost 28 total.

### Battles of West-Side & Vault 3

Next up for Hannah was to solidify the gap before dealing with her next target. A couple of weeks after resolving the Powder Ganger issue, Hannah turned to dealing with the wretched raider Fiends. Given their reputation, and their history, it is only fit to put the Fiends to the sword completely and thoroughly.

With the NCRA forces at Westside taking no casualties, after the first few rounds of mortar fire and the sight of the NCRA forces amassing nearby, many of them either kill themselves, or surrender. At Vault 3, its pretty much the same story, however one of the heavy troopers right armour was broken off by the heavy fire, and a fiend stuck a needle into his arm, that trooper then got addicted to jet. This trooper, a Private First Class Erwin was honorably discharged and sent home to go through rehabilitation.

### Annexing of New Vegas

Finally, after dealing with the Kings, Hannah turned her eyes to the greatest prize of all: The New Vegas Strip. Bringing in President Kimball, she helped construct a case to House that this was for the betterment of all mankind, and convinced him to surrender his sovereignty. Robert House became an NCR citizen, and New Vegas joined the NCR on July 1, 2283. Hannah was recognized and cheered by the population as a hero. She ended the Mojave Campaign in 18 months, most of which was without actual fighting. She rendered the Legion a meaningless threat, quashed the Fiends and Powder Gangers, and humbled Mr. House. This would prompt her to make the next step in elevating her career: The presidency.

## Presidency

Riding off her promises of progressive policy reform and her war hero status, she campaigned for the presidency in direct opposition to Kimball. She would rally support across the country, and Kimball began to struggle due to his lack of domestic policy or a real plan for the future. His entire campaign and presidency piggybacked on the Mojave Campaign - and with it concluded - he had nowhere to stand. Thus, on November 8, 2283, Hannah was elected as the sixth president of the New California Republic.

Her presidency was spearheaded by full speed reforms for the military, political and economic sectors of the Republic. She coined the term 'California First' for her plans. She purged corruption, kneecapped the influence of the brahmin barons via reinstating one of Tandi's laws and organized an age restriction for Congressmen. She organized the establishment of civil service exams in both the military and political sectors which severely limited potential corruption. All of her reforms ensured she easily won a second term in office.

Externally she sent Cassandra Moore to conclude the Baja Campaign in 2286, something she'd accomplish with the capture of Cabo San Lucas in 2289 - thus wrapping up another dredging frontier conflict. She dealt with the Boomers in Nellis Air Force in 2286 as well, securing this major air base for military use.

In 2290, the Shi Empire, clearly fearing the NCR's growing influence in the region launched a pre-emptive military strike against the NCR, earning Hannah's ire and wrath. She took part in planning and executing a special military operation against the Shi - launched in 2291.

Domestically she organized the opening of universities, medical institutes and other educational installations which would help lower illiteracy and raise education to prominence in the Republic. She added multiple new states to the Union, paving the way to transferring territories without proper representation into fully represented states. These included Redding, Vault City, New Reno, South Nevada (the former independent state of Middle Nevada which voted to join the NCR) and Necropolis. She worked on opening new factories, especially in the Mojave and cooperating with the Kings which markedly lowered unemployment in the NCR.

However, for all the praise that can be offered, Hannah's presidency was not without its blunders. The war with the Shi lasted longer than expected and took far more lives than hoped. While in her efforts to restore hydroelectric dams across the Republic were admirable, only 15 of the 22 were started up... the other 6 exploded, causing torrential flash flooding with irradiated water. The Dam Crisis killed 36,000 people and while Hannah swiftly jumped on the issue quickly, it still caused some harm to her reputation. Her anti-corruption reforms made her a political target for barons and old guard politicians. There were also accusations of corruption herself, as she admitted five states to the Union - and there were concerns that she was trying to stack the Council in her favor. All of this, despite her successes, and the fact she felt she had done enough as president would prompt her to announce in 2293 that she was not running for re-election and was not seeking a third term.

Malcolm Hayes would win the election in November, and Hannah would temporarily retire. She would marry her new sweetheart Harvey Lawrence shortly after, having finally been able to make peace with Elliot's death 19 years after the fact.

## Retirement and Last Years

Hannah would briefly lead the NCRA in the war against Caesar's Legion, the last war and combat she would see before formally retiring with full honors n June 1, 2294. She with her husband would move to the city of Maxson. They would try to have children, though given they were in their mid forties, it took time. Hannah was determined to have a family of her own.

Finally, in January 2296 she got pregnant with her first and only child and she gave birth to a baby girl on September 20, 2296, who she named Elliot Sabine Richmond. So with her family with her, she let the world pass her by as she raised her young daughter and lived out her life with her husband. Let, some could say God had different plans for her.

### Death

On August 5, 2299, while at the market in Maxson buying produce, a man sprinted into the market bearing the sigil of the Lost Hills Brotherhood of Steel, and pulled out a detonator. He blew himself up, killing countless others. Hannah was too close to the blast to survive. She didn't immediately die, but she died only a few minutes later - in which she briefly reflected on her life. Her last words that she muttered were:

*"I'm coming Elliot..."* (Referring to her late first husband)

## Presidential Achievements

1. Richmond Reforms: Revitalizing, Reorganizing, and Rebuilding the NCRA
2. Establishment of the New California Republic Navy and New California Republic Air Force
3. Anti-Corruption Laws
4. Upgrading/Spearheading Railway Improvements
5. Taking Nellis Air Force Base
6. Concluding the Baja Campaign (2278-2289)
7. Civil Service Act, Age Restriction Act, Corruption Purge Act all passed in Congress.
8. Admitting 5 states to the Union
9. Education and literacy increased by 19%
10. Cutting unemployment by 7%
11. Increasing Republic industrialization by roughly 1.4%
12. Spearheading the establishment of a national police force
13. Repair and Restoration of 15 hydrodams
14. Destruction of the Mojave Brotherhood of Steel

## Battle Record

As of 2294, Hannah has led troops as a general since 2278, or for sixteen years. Her career battle record goes from that point onwards.

1. Primitive Creek - **Victory**
2. Siege of Eureka - **Victory**
3. Battle of the Den - **Victory**
4. Battle of Weed - **Victory**
5. Battle of Gold Beach - **Victory**
6. Battle of Grant's Pass - **Victory**
7. Battle of Medford - **Victory**
8. Second Battle of Nelson - **Victory**
9. Battle of Cottonwood Cove - **Victory**
10. Second Battle of Hoover Dam - **Victory**
11. First Battle of the Legate's Camp - **Victory**
12. Battle of Fortification Hill - **Defeat**
13. Second Battle of the Legate's Camp - **Victory**
14. Battle of the Correctional Facility - **Victory**
15. Battle of Westside - **Victory**
16. Battle of Vault 3 - **Victory**
17. Battle of Bullhead City - **Victory**
18. Battle of Yuma - **Victory**
19. Battle of Phoenix - **Victory**
20. Battle of Two Sun - **Victory**
21. Battle of Flagstaff - **Victory**

Victories: **20**

Defeats: **1**

## Additional Information & Trivia

1. Hannah has hypotonia, which means the messages from her brain do not always reach the intended target. She will pick up a pen, then stare at it and wonder why she can't get it to write.
2. Hannah and her family are Jewish, which by extension means that Hannah is fluent in Hebrew.
3. She very rarely wears her dress uniform in theater, preferring to wear a slightly doctored NCR trooper gear. To her, a general who wears a gaudy uniform with dozens of medals pinned to it is not worthy of respect.
4. Hannah has 24 siblings, and hundreds of nieces, nephews and so forth - most of whom are dead after being sold to the Legion.
5. She considers herself to be a centrist - but leaning more progressive in policy.

## Quotes

> *"Ladies and gentlemen, citizens of the New California Republic, esteemed guests, and fellow wastelanders, Today marks a momentous occasion in the history of our great nation. As we gather here to inaugurate myselff as President of the New California Republic for the year 2284, we reflect upon the journey that has brought us from the ashes of the old world to the thriving society we've built together. In the face of the challenges that have tested our resolve, we have stood united, guided by the principles of democracy, justice, and the pursuit of a better future. Today, we not only celebrate a new leader but also reaffirm our commitment to the ideals that define us. The wasteland may be unforgiving, but we are resilient. We have tamed the land, forged alliances, and established order where chaos once reigned. Our great cities stand as symbols of progress, and our farms and settlements testify to the strength of our unity. As we look to the future, we must remain vigilant in our duty to protect the freedoms we hold dear. The NCR is not just a government; it is a collective effort, a shared vision of a society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Our commitment to the rule of law, equality, and the well-being of our citizens must never waver. In this new era, we face emerging challenges and unknown frontiers. The wastes may still hold secrets and dangers, but together, as one nation, we shall confront them with courage and determination. We must continue to expand our borders, forge alliances, and seek knowledge to ensure the prosperity of the NCR for generations to come. To my fellow citizens, I say: the strength of the New California Republic lies within each and every one of you. Your hard work, your resilience, and your dedication have brought us to this moment. It is with great honor and humility that I accept the responsibility of leading this nation forward. Let us stand united, shoulder to shoulder, as we face the challenges ahead. May the flag of the NCR continue to fly high, a beacon of hope in the wasteland. Together, we will build a future that honors the sacrifices of those who came before us and fulfills the promise of a new California. Thank you, and may the NCR endure!"*
>
>
> - From Hannah's first inauguration speech in 2284 (2284)
>
>
> *"The Republic by the end of my time in office will be a shining light on a hill... a white picket fence suburbia that will be a bastion of hope and dreams for all to see. The New California Republic is the last hope for a true encompassing democracy, but in order to bring this to the wasteland we must focus on **California First**, and this is what I promise to you, people of New California,"*
>
>
> *"I bring news from Congress and the Council. Word has already been transmitted to the embassy in Flagstaff. The New California Republic as of this day in 2293 will not be renewing the non-aggression pact with the Caesar of the Legion, Lanius. The Legion and its spent forces are no longer a threat to our Republic in ANY capacity, and we have no reason to play nice any longer. We will not negotiate with slavers, brutes, and militarists who seek to subjugate tens of thousands under their cruel boots. We will not negotiate with any of these states unless they initiate formal democratic elections, make steps to abolish slavery and the oppression of men and women under their command... until then they are considered no better than raiders. Thank you,"*
>
>
> - Hannah informing the NCR and Legion that she will not be renewing the non-aggression pact signed in 2282 (2293)
>
>
> "My drill sergeant called me a cur! My mother called me a bitch! Him insulting my being a woman doesn't phase me - for it only shows he is as intolerant as Caesar,"
>
>
> - Hannah's response to the NCR council when looking for her to respond the Shi Emperor's insulting response (2291)
>
>
> *"September 7... 2290... Is a date which will live in infamy. On this day, we were brought under attack by the naval and air forces of the Empire of the Shi. This attack was unprovoked, unjustified, and godless. Let it be known that we won't stand idle by. The New California Republic will not sit by and let this attack go unpunished. The Shi Emperor and his Advisors are cowards - ending decades of peace, for what? What did they have to gain from attacking our Democratic Republic? This is for us to determine, for when this war is won, history shall be determined. The Army, Navy and Air Forces of the Republic are en route and deployed to end this threat and avenge this cowardly attack... But yet of course we stand with the fact that Congress must approve this declaration of war. Congress is the only governing body which can determine the course of policy between peace... And war... Which do you choose to pursue, humble Congressmen?"*
>
>
> - Hannah declaring war on the Shi Empire (2290)
>
>
> *"It is with great honor I stand here before you all to usher in 100 years of freedom, liberty, and prosperity. When the Republic was created 100 years ago by President Aradesh, I doubt they had any idea of what we would accomplish in 100 years. Just as the Founding Fathers, who could not have believed everything the old United States of America accomplished by 1876, the years of 2189 to 2289 have seen unparalleled growth and prosperity. We have seen setbacks yes... but we have always overcome and pushed onwards," "The New California Republic is not perfect, nor will it ever be, but we can work to make it the very best we can, the shining city on the hill, the light that attracts people to our banner, our call to freedom for all men and women. The New California Republic gives all a chance to succeed - I was told I could never achieve the presidency as a Jewish person, but yet here I stand, before you all, representing you on the world stage... that in itself is an accomplishment. We shouldn't wage countless petty wars with each other, we should work together to rebuild this fragile world, this broken world..." "They say war never changes, and by extent humanity never changes - and I may be naive or optimistic in saying this - but I believe it can. I believe we can change the world - all nations... even the Brotherhood of Steel, the Enclave, even the Legion if they can simply let go over their petty gripes and messages fo domination," "Let New California stand... Let us die to make men free... let us, as the new Land of the Free and Home of the Brave, be a symbol of hope..."*
>
>
> - Hannah addressing the nation on Centennial Day (2289)
>
>
> *"These people attack our citizens, our envoys - then have the nerve to call us colonizers? This will not stand, this slanderous attack on the New California Republic shall not be tolerated under any and all circumstances! The Republic declares war on the Boomers of Nellis Air Force Base, who are no less evil and vile than the Fiends or the savages of Caesar's Legion,"*
>
>
> - Hannah on the Boomers of Nellis Air Force Base (2286)
>
>
> *"There will be zero tolerance to these bastards of men and women. Those who voluntarily dabble in this practice will reap the rewards of their malpractice, and face the wrath of God themselves,"*
>
>
> - Hannah on the former raiders of the Mojave (The Fiends, Powder Gangers etc.) (2283)
>
>
> *"A good general wears not gaudy, flashy dress uniforms, but the uniforms of his or her soldiers,"*
>
>
>
> - Hannah Richmond on the respect of military officers
>
>