Forever and Always

## Part 1

*Kimball tried to speak,* “I… Didn’t k-know… I’m s-sorry. I ne- never m-ment to hurt a-anyone… Please…”, *Brandon growled and injected a Super-Stimpack into Kimball. Kimball continued, "*I’m sorry your family was murdered… I know something you may want to hear, if it’ll make this any better…”, *Brandon said,* “Speak now, I’m not giving you very long.”. *Kimball told him,* “A boy was seen running away from the base that night, a survivor. He disappeared and was never found since. I believe he was one of your son’s.”. *Brandon responded,* “Bullshit, they all died. My family is dead.”, “I promise you, it was one of your son’s, I swear…”. *Brandon grabbed an Industrial fist and equipped it on his right hand,* “Out of time, Kimball. You know what happens next, time to pay the price.”. *Kimball begged,* “No… No, no, please no!”, *the saw revved on and got a little closer to Kimball, Brandon said,* “You better hope you go to heaven. ‘Cause if you go to hell, I’ll fuck you up all over again for eternity.”. *Brandon* uppercutted *Kimball in the stomach, then slowly pushed farther up. The room was covered ever more in the blood of the NCR president, Brandon continued until Kimball ceased all signs of life. Two brotherhood soldiers ran into the room, the Sigma soldier took on one while Brandon drove the saw of the Industrial Fist into the helmet of the other. The Sigma soldier asked,* “Time to go now, Sir?”, *Brandon agreed,* “Time to get the hell out of here. Where’s Nova?”. *Suddenly, she arrived with a man, in a quick few seconds she explained that he’s an ally. Brandon looked around, seeing what she had done the past 5 minutes.* “Bloody hell*,* I take it you needed to let off some steam, eh?”, *Brandon held up a walkie talkie and spoke,* “This is Captain Brandon, requesting orbital support. Number of hostels unknown, probably still a shit ton. Wait on my signal.”, *the operator on the other end replied,* “Roger that, Sir. Awaiting your command.”. *Brandon, Nova and the Sigma soldier rushed to a nearby vertibird, Brandon piloted. Once they got far enough away, Brandon turned the vertibird so they could see the NCR/BoS base, he spoke into a walkie talkie,* “You’re clear to fire, level this place.”, “Please paint the target, satellite is awaiting coordinates.”, *Brandon pulled out a smoke grenade and tossed it out the vertibird door. A few seconds later, red smoke filled the area. The operator said,* “Firing now”. *A big electric blast fell down from the sky and destroyed the base.*

—

*The Courier asked Mobius,* “You know Nova, how?”, *Mobius answered,* “I was among the few selected people to work on her. Eh, let me remember… I believe most of us were working on the project, Dala didn’t help but it was her work that would later perfect the project. She’s responsible for the tech that allowed Nova to become a synthetic being. Quite remarkable I must say. Robert House was there as well, along with other people I don’t remember. I recall House being in charge at the last minute, he wasn’t in charge before though. Something about the original getting in a fatal car wreck, House was the best choice to keep the Lab running.”, *the Courier asked,* “Do you think House might have killed the original boss?”, “I haven't thought about it that way… I suppose he could have done it. The diagnosis of the crash was the old boss had consumed a lethal amount of Digitalis, better known as Foxglove. It’s a poisonous plant that can be overlooked and accidentally brewed into tea, and upon consumption, It only takes a handful of hours to take full toll. The fed’s wouldn’t think it was murder, cases of Foxglove being brewed into tea common enough that most would likely assume he made a mistake. Nothing would lead back to House.”. “What can you tell me about Nova?”, “Well… She was built for destruction. We wanted China destroyed, she was the answer. We could have used nukes, but look where that got us. Nova is as capable as a Zax unit, but with much less size. As a person, deep down Nova is a fragile and special person. On the outside she looks and acts like a bloodthirsty killing machine, and quite frankly that’s what she literally is. But on the inside, she’s all the things no-one ever sees. Happy, sad, scared, angry… Nova only ever act’s her true self when she’s with someone she trusts, someone she loves. And that’s where you come in, Courier. You’re her administrator, her friend, her significant other. Should the bond between you two ever break, whatever happens will make the Great War look like child-play.”. *The Courier replied,* “Then what the fuck am I still doing here? GET ME BACK TO THE MOJAVE!!!”. *Mobius said,* “Just one more day! I know it’s probably too long, given what I just told you, but one day is as fast as I can get you out of here.”. *Mobius kept talking on and on, the Courier walked away. He made his way back to the Think Tank dome, hoping to leave soon.*

—

*Brandon visited the gravesite of his wife and kids, it’s been awhile since the last time*. *He kneeled down and sighed,* “McNamara and Kimball are dead, just like I promised. Made it painful and slow, like burnin’ alive but the fire never actually kills you. Many men and women have fallen, all were respectfully buried. But the bodies of NCR and Brotherhood soldiers? Heh… We burn ‘em. Those who stand against America won’t be allowed to rest in peace. I never forgiven myself since that night… I failed as a husband, as a father, as a soldier… Put a gun to my own head, I was only seconds away from pulling the trigger when I thought about you all. I may have disappointed, but I didn’t fail, not yet at least. Takin’ my own life would be the only moment when I truly fail. So I kept kickin’, kept the cross hairs where they belong, on the enemy. I wish I could join you, but I ain’t lettin’ myself do that until the NCR and Brotherhood are wiped out of existence and become nothin’ but a distant memory.”, *Brandon stood up, said goodbye and headed back to Vegas. He stopped by the armory, walked in and asked,* “Was Dornan’s power armor ranked?”, “Yes sir.”, “Sigma suits fixed?”, “Yes sir.”, “Still scamming the recruits?”, *the storekeeper laughed,* “Yes sir. I’ll treat ‘em better once they actually experience the battlefield.”, “Time’s like that are far and few between, we wiped out most of everyone.”. *The Shopkeeper sighed,* “This is it, Brandon, this is what we waited all those years for… Honestly, I’m not too sure if any of it was worth it.”, *Brandon replied,* “Remember what I said, even though none of it seems right, it’s the only way. We’re Americans, we’re the Enclave, it’s our job to take back our country and destroy the enemy by any means necessary. If we can’t, then all is truly lost. Just a few more years mate, just a few more years and soon enough it’ll be just like before the war.”. *The store keeper asked,* “How do you know what the world was before the bombs?”, “Eh, most of what I know is from House. Though, rumor has it that a few of us were under cryo sleep, like our ‘new recruit’.”, “New recruit?”, “That's right, a man from the east coast, state of Massachusetts. It’s said he’s a vault dweller, former member of the U.S Military.”

—

*A young woman in her 20’s was enjoying a rather cheap lunch outside. Her father asked,* “I asked my Captain for a raise, just to out luck he handed me a hundred cap bonus and said I’ll make twenty more an hour!”, *the girl replied,* “Brandon is the nicest person here, Dad. Of course he’d give you that much. Probably because you have to take care of me. He uses all he can to help those below him, he cares unlike Command.”, “Well, I'm going inside.”. *The girl finished eating and wandered off through Vegas. She looked up at the Lucky 38,* “Creepy…”. *She walked into the Tops casino, greeted by the various chairmen. She cashed a $100 NCR bill for 40 chips. She sat down at a slot machine, spun a few times, and quickly ran out of chips. She put in her last 10 and pulled the handle. 100 chips poured out in response. Put in 20, got 60. Put in 40, got 120. She said to herself,* “Damn, is this a dream?”, *she put in everything she had, and got 2,000 chips in return. The floormaster walked up to her and said,* “Huh, I haven't seen luck like that since the Courier gambled here. You some sort of relative?”, “No, just a girl looking to make some quick money.”, “Hey, they say House always wins but that ain’t so true anymore. So, you taking that in caps or enemy money? I don’t know why the hell we still accept NCR and Legion cash, but eh, is what it is. I’ll write you for caps, since that’s really all we have to offer. If you're interested, our man Benny might enjoy a little time with you.”, “Fuck Benny, the fact he isn’t dead is a world wonder.”, “That’s what everyone says. Anyways, I’ll let you get back to what you're doing. Come back sometime, eh? Have a drink before you leave, free of charge.”. *The Chairman walked away, the girl walked up to the bar to claim a free drink. She spotted a lightly glowing green bottle on the top shelf,* “Hey, what’s that?”, *the bartender replied,* “Absinthe, hundred caps if you want it.”. *The girl handed the bartender the slip she got from the floormaster,* “How about free?”, “Hmm… Alright, alright. Hoping to drown your worries or give it to someone?”, “A gift”. *She walked out of the Tops and made her way to the front of the Lucky 38. She was greeted by Victor,* “Howdy partner! What brings you here?”, *she handed Victor the bottle of Absinthe,* “Can you make sure this is give the the Courier?”, *Victor replied,* “I can do that. He ain’t here right now, but I’ll make sure it gets put in a safe place until he gets back.”. *The girl started to walk away when Victor said,* “Might I have your name, miss?”, *she turned around and hesitantly stared at the Securitron. She gave him an answer,* “Ashley, my name’s Ashley.”

—

*Gideon asked,* “Mr. House, what exactly made ya fall in love with Vegas?”, *House replied,* “Oh, that’s a long story. I was a billionaire, I saw purpose and a great future here, so I bought the city. I took the Lucky 38 as my own, while taking over the other casinos. Stocks, power, influence, control was quick and easy. No-one wanted a war, especially against me. While basic men throw threats and nonsense at each other, I single handedly dominated the tech industry and even bought out the House family business after my half-brother burned it down with his unreasonable paranoia of the Chinese. I built a war machine powered by a prototype fusion battery that would retake Anchorage, I contracted Vault-Tec to build an underground storage facility for my Securitrons, I worked alongside the Enclave though I never met them directly, I spent 15 years preparing, developing, and installing defenses to prevent the Great War from destroying the Mojave, I created the Platinum Chip which not only powered everything I own but also decided the fate of the Mojave. Thankfully, it did exactly what I designed it for, to obey my orders and no-one elses.”. *Gideon sipped from a glass of bourbon, he said,* “What an interesting life story. You see, you and I are simply made for business. It’s in our blood, it’s what God created us to do. Now, I believe it’s payment time?”, *House replied,* “Sixty-five percent, as promised.”, *Gideon grabbed his payment,* “Ya ever listen to music, Mr. House? I’m a fan of Swing, Blues, the golden age from the most important time in American history. The Industrial age! From the mid 19th century to the mid 20th, America industrialized like no other! And the business going on here? Oh my, ya make millions! Mr. House, I’d like to invest all I have into what economics are bustling around here. Eh, how about… Forty thousand caps?”, *House was impressed,* “A bold bargain you have there. Forty grand would get you around fifteen percent. That places you with the third-class members here.”. *Gideon grinned,* “What share will I find myself getting?”, “Around five to eight thousand.”. *Gideon’s eyes narrowed,* “And if I dropped… Say, twenty more?”, *House was slightly scared,* “Second class, twenty percent. What are you planning? No-one has ever dropped so much money like you did.”, *Gideon spoke on last reply,* “Business, Mr. House, Business…”.

—

*For the past few weeks, Nova has had weird feelings in her stomach, Ulysses was aware but never said anything until now,* “Do you need a doctor?”, *Nova replied,* “Why would I need to see a doctor? It’s not like I can ge-”, *whatever was causing her distress happened again, interrupting whatever she was saying. Ulysses said,* “Get up, I’ll take you to the medical bay.” *When they arrived, a doctor walked up to assess,* “Well, you’re not sick, no wounds, nothing that could cause what you describe… Wait, I think I know what’s going on, hold your shirt up for a second please.”, *Nova spoke sharply,* “What?”, *the doctor explained,* “If you want me to help you, please do as asked.”. *Nova did what she was told, even though she really hated it. The doctor did a few scans and X-rays before speaking again,* “Nova, you’re pregnant.”, *Nova responded in an even more affected tone,* “WHAT!?”. *She thought back to a few months ago, it was the only time she ever did it and the only way she could possibly be pregnant. She asked,* “But, how? And if I really am, how long?”, *the doctor answered,* “Despite being artificial, you’re biologically no different than any other human, aside from what’s in your head. For how long, I’d say about three or four months. Anyways, congratulations. Might I ask who the father is?”. *Nova replied in a worried tone,* “Ace, the Courier.”, *Ulysses finally said something,* “In the many years I knew him, I thought he would never settle down like this.”, *he rested a hand on Nova’s shoulder,* “He always comes back, I promise. Not once has he ever not come back. From Zion, the Madre, Big Mountain, the Divide, he always found a way back home. When he loves something or someone, especially you, he makes a promise and he never breaks it.”, *Nova asked,* “What is it?”, *Ulysses answered,* “Forever and Always”.

*Nova rested in the Presidential suite, working on a suit of her own Riot gear. Black and Cyan were the majority of color, with Red being in some places and Gold being specifically on parts of the chest and helmet. Ulysses spoke,* “So much work for something you never wear.”, “I wore it for the personal mission with Brandon, but I’ve never had much of a reason before or since then. Now I’m apparently pregnant so there’s no way anyone is letting me fight. Why does something so good have to be such a burden?”, *Ulysses thought before he spoke,* “It may seem like a burden now, but when you and Ace have a family, you will change your mind.”. *Nova realized a huge mistake she made.*

*She visited House and said,* “I never had a family, I never had anyone who ever cared about me. I was just some tool, nothing special. But I was everything to you, you treated me as if I was the most important thing in the world. Most may think that the only thing you have room for in your heart is Vegas, but I know I was in there somewhere and I still am.”, *House looked down at her and replied,* “I wanted to keep you with me, but it wasn’t possible. That night at the Lab, I chose Vegas over you and that was perhaps a mistake. I heard the screams as I ran to the 38, I knew you killed the staff, I honestly don’t blame you.”, “I was designed to eliminate anyone who stands against America. And as far as I know, they weren’t helping the nation. No amount of disinfectant could ever clean the amount of blood I spilled then Are you immortal?”, *House hesitated,* “In a way, yes. The antechamber kept me alive for all this time. I see no reason for it to quit now. Why do you ask?”, “Just wondering… I found a log from 9 years ago, the Courier was in that room.”, “Don’t worry about me, Nova. Only three things can open that door, me, a Lucky 38 VIP card and the Platinum Chip. The card is in Brandon’s possession, the Courier has the chip, and I have my own access. And no-one can simply take my internal key, so they’d have to take one of the key’s from either the Courier or Brandon, most likely by killing them. You know well enough neither will be bested, not in any possible scenario.”

—

*Brandon was reading a list of people with a few other officers,* "Henry, Deron… Long dick Johnson?”, *the officers laughed, Johnson said,* “Name stuck with me.”, *Brandon replied,* “Sorry mate, it’s never going away. That’s fuckin’ hilarious. Go to the medical bay, ask for a physical.”. *Johnson went to the medical bay, a few seconds later a doctor said,* “Alright, this won’t take lo- OH MY GOD!”, *the officers laughed even more. Brandon sighed,* “Ah, shit. Sorry boys, Command wishes to speak with me. We’ll regroup for lunch, eh?”, *Brandon made his way to the Lucky 38 penthouse. 3 high commanders of the Enclave were waiting, General Damien, Admiral Vincent and Colonel Nikolai,* *Damien said,* “ Brandon, we wanted to congratulate you on your accomplishments. Destroying 2 major enemy bases, neutralizing the Mojave Brotherhood and taking their bunker, killing Elder McNamara and President Kimball, regaining the rank of Captain. I must say, I haven't seen progres like that in years.”, *Vincent added,* “We received a transmission from a Whitespring unit, speaking something about the Enclave and joining our two branches, said it’s name was-”, *Eden booted up and took a securitron,* “Modus… The continuation unit of the Whitespring Bunker. We used to talk, but I terminated contact long ago. It’s funny how the Enclave is ruled by computers.”, *House chimed in,* “I’m not a computer, but it is ironic that I’m presented only as a screen, much like Eden is.”, *Damien scowled to his fellow Command members,* “Gentlemen, let us stay on track, please? We don’t have all day.”, *Damien took a deep breath,* “Resources are scarce, extractors coming up dry, food production is slower and slower, need I continue this long list of clues that we’re aiming for demise?”, *Brandon replied,* “Push to the East, increase working conditions, raise civilian pay by three percent, gather more information of the East coast before we make any moves.”, *Nikolai sighed,* “We’ve done all but pay, Damien won’t let the idea pass. Maybe production would be better if we didn’t treat our people like shit.”, *Damien replied,* “They need to know where they stay in the New Order, we can’t give everyone luxury.”, “Not luxury, but at the very least better conditions, cleaner homes and safer working areas.”, *Vincent agreed,* “If we don’t follow the government rules, we won’t be a democracy. The American people look to us for a better future and we’re refusing to give it to them. People who by simply being born have the right to live a free life!”, *Damien snapped back,* “Not everyone gets to live, Vincent. For every hundred we save, triple that is terminated. Not all lives are equal, not anymore. The old rules were void when the bombs fell, now we rebuild in the way we seem best fit. The Sick must be removed from this damned earth while the Pure live.”, *Nikolai replied,* “Great, you sound like the Nazi’s. Real classy for an American bigot.”. *Damien said,* “Nikolai, watch your language. We can discuss that later, but not now. How can you go around saying such insulting things like that without a care? Ugh…”. *Vincent sighed and said,* “You're dismissed, Captain. Sorry you had to listen to this bullshit.”, *Nikolai added,* “You mean, sorry for Damien being such a jackass?”, *Damien calmed himself and said,* “Shut it, both of you. Act your ranks at least.”, *Vincent replied,* “To hell with our ranks, they mean nothing. It’s just a title, give us power and stance, nothing more.”, *he thought to himself before continuing,* “Good day to you all, this meeting is adjourned. First light of tomorrow shall we continue.”. *Nikolai spoke,* “You’ve done well, Captain. Perhaps you might earn a place in Command?”, *Brandon declined,* “Thanks for the offer, but I gotta pass. I belong in the battlefield, mate.”, *Nikolai laughed,* “I understand, wish I could be out there myself.”, *Brandon grinned,* “Well… I’m assuming you know the NCR capital is still standing? We’re going the clear the place out, you three can come if you want.”, “Is that so? Damien would love to make some California bastards bleed. How about your teams?”, “My squad will be there, as well as Gannon’s. Best part is, I got the honor of bringing in Squad Sigma.”, *Nikolai was surprised,* “Really? Tell them to leave a few for me, eh? I heard Sigma likes to clean house, leave no survivors.”, *Vincent chimed in,* “The Courier wrote you as his right-hand. If we were unable to do his job, you are to take his place. Honestly, it’s been awhile since I’ve seen trust like that.”, *Damien asked,* “I heard about Kimball, what he said to you. Don’t believe that fucker, we was just lying to you hoping it would make you spare him. I don’t mean to stomp on any hope you may have had, but understand that hardly anyone got out alive that night. We got our revenge, nothing more to be done.”

—

*2 Sigma soldiers were sent out to investigate a locked up Enclave base just outside of the Strip. One of them said,* “Holy shit… These symbols belong to the New Order, before it was destroyed. Find anything on the terminal?”, “Logs, reports, not really a lot here to see. F.E.V research, plasma development… Wait, the Divide launch codes were requested by Eden a few days before he went rogue. Why would he want launch codes?”, *the 2 soldiers thought about the strange question. They both realized the answer,* “He was going to use them, but he never had the chance to.", "I'm sure it's fine, Eden just wants to bring back America and keep it safe. I'm sure everything will be fine.", "Why can't the Enclave just be a normal faction for once? Why does it always gotta be so fucking complicated..."

## Part 2

*The Courier ended up in the Forbidden Zone of Big M.T. Mobius checked on him,* “Oh, you’re finally awake! You’ve been out a long time, a few days at most. Hmm, want a Mentat?”. *The Courier replied,* “Oh, not this shit again... Fuck the intro, tell me what the hell am I doing here?”, *Mobius answered,*“Well, all the implants and tech inside you detected you were near death. So you got sent here somehow, but the arrival was harsh. You ended up at my front door! At first I thought it was the Psycho making me see things, but nope, it was you! Or maybe it’s not… Am I crazy?”, *he floated off while rambling to himself, continuing to add to the math covered floor and walls, and the ceiling? The Courier thought, “Why the fuck is there chalk on the ceiling, how the hell did Mobius even get there?”, he spoke,* “Mobius, do you know what happened before I got here?”, “Hmm, yes, yes… There was a big kaboom! It nearly rocked all of Big Mountain! The Think tank did some looking into it, and found that an atomic bomb exploded near Las Vegas.”, *Mobius magically consumed 3 Mentats,* “Mmm”. *A walking eye bumped into the Courier’s leg, he looked down and picked it up.* “Who’s on the other end of this thing?”, “Ah, that’d be my dumb co-workers, the Think Tank. They see everything, except bathrooms. Obviously they never go into bathrooms, not since the last incident…”. *The Courier was disgusted,* “What the hell has been going on here since I left?”, *Mobius answered,* “Well, I worked on the Mk 2 Stealth Suit a bit. The voice is still kind, keeps me company sometimes.”. *The Courier answered,* “So nothing has changed. Just more work and mysterious bathroom problems.”, “Oh you should have see it! Best scientific breakthrough regarding Lobotomites we ever made! Though Klein and Borous had them terminated immediately, they both found it absolutely repulsive. Proves evermore that they don’t remember what being human was like. Doing all the fun human things… I would’ve preferred to die than be immortal in this damn flying brain bot thingy.”

—

*Nova woke up, she still felt good from all the intoxication but she also hurt from it all.* She noticed Ulysses was still in the room with her, “What are you still doing here?”, *Ulysses answered,* “I have nowhere else to go. And you are one of the Courier’s most prized possessions, so here I am to protect you. There’s enough supplies here for me to make myself food and drinks, brewed a few Bitter Drink’s if you want any. Could help with the hangover.”. *Nova grabbed a bottle and was about to take a drink when Ulysses stopped her,* “Do not drink a small amount. The drink itself tastes awful, but the ingredients in it help heal many pains. Down it all in one go if you are going to drink it.”. Nova *drank the whole bottle.* “Oh god, that’s horrible.”, “Exactly. The Twin Mothers made it a lesson. Cures a wound, leaves the bitterness that caused it. The stomach won't take it a second time, so it’s best to drink it all at once.”. “People were clearly stupid in the past then. Why make a drink that helps but tastes horrible?”, “That is most medicine, ingredients do not taste well but have many nutrients needed to heal better.”. *Nova hated it,* “That’s bullshit.”. *Suddenly, she suffered some sort of pain. Ulysses said,* “Are you alright?”, *Nova answered,* “Y-yeah… Ever since Ace nearly died then disappeared, I’ve been fighting myself… All the emotions, the desire to kill… I really don’t want to talk about it right now. Do you want to hear some news?”, “Sure”. *Nova took a deep breath, then started,* “Two new artillery’s were made. One had existed already, but was perfected a few days ago. Two inventions made proudly by the Enclave tech division: A stationary Fatman launcher, build with larger size and fitted with a more heavy receiver for larger magnitude warheads; and a Gauss based railgun, built nearly as large as the anti-aircraft guns at Hoover Dam, fitted with maximum coils and a medium tesla reactor. Capable of discharging two-hundred million volts, and able to destroy nearly anything. And speaking of which, it’s getting tested today.”

*Nova and Ulysses walked out of the Lucky 38, some soldiers gasped or stayed out of the way. The two made it to the testing ground, they were greeted by Brandon,* “Ah, decided to show up, eh? You’re gonna love this!”, *he grabbed a walkie talkie and said,* “Go ahead and fly the vertibird near us.”. *Brandon talked to Nova,* “The vertibird is piloted by some random wastelander, expendable. They have no idea what’s about to happen, but we need it tested nonetheless. Oh, here we go…”. *The vertibird flew towards them. The Gauss railgun activated, it detected unauthorized aircraft, so it moved and aimed. The base of it started moving and lit up, tesla bolts were seen dancing within the reactor. The barrel lit up as well, channeling the energy, then discharged. A bolt of energy shot out and soared towards the vertibird, striking it and tearing through one of the propellers, before causing the vertibird to explode. Brandon spoke,* “Now, uhh… I shouldn’t be tellin’ you this, but that ain’t all we got. Sure, it can bring down damn near any aircraft, but what if we need it portable? Get ready to meet Archimedes 2, mk 2”. *Just then, a beam of dark cool colored light struck the land, seeming like a larger projectile of the Gauss artillery. An electric explosion was seen where the beam hit.* “And say goodbye to Camp McCarran!!”. *Ulysses questioned,* “Why do we need a weapons that’s so destructive?”, *Brandon answered,* “Why not? Our enemies on the west coast were wiped out, but we can't say the same for the east coast. Brotherhood might still have power there, as well as any other potential threats. So, instead of nukes, we use these two weapons to tip the odds in our favor.”. *Nova made quick note of the weapon, then walked off without Ulysses. Some random person started to annoy her. She grabbed hold of the person and threw them down to the ground, grabbed her knife off her belt and stabbed them in the back of their neck. Then she tore the knife down the person’s back, making them scream in a tone that ever so pleased Nova. She stood up, allowed the person to bleed and suffer for a few seconds, before stomping on their head.*

—

*The Mk 2 stealth suit said,* “Will you love me if I help you hide?”, *the Courier Answered,* “You’re a bit too late, but yeah, I would.”. *He thought for a second, then took the suit off of the rack,* “I know someone who would appreciate you, I just have to figure out how I’ll get back…”. *The Courier overheard Mobius talking to himself, the Courier continued to quietly listen as Mobius rambled on,* "Hmm, what was it... Ah, yes, that's it. Created for guaranteed mutual destruction, and then some! Everything would have been fine and dandy if House never told her to run away... That damn mad man, he had no idea what he had started by saying so. 200 years later, and there's a force well to be reckoned with unleashed upon the world. She bows to no-one, she listens only to her prime directive... Destroy the enemy, by any means necessary...", *the Courier walked up,* "What are you talking about?", *Mobius was startled,* “A project… Ehh, a weapon was developed here. An A.I tasked with hopefully tipping the Sino-American war into our favor. But House ruined it all and he-”, *the Courier interrupted,* “Nova? Was the project Nova?”, *Mobius paused, then answered,* “How did you know?”, “She’s in Vegas,

probably on a rampage because I’m not there with her.”. *Mobius was confused and astounded at the same time,* “What do- Ah, that's right… You must be her chosen administrator, you’ve bonded with her, yes?”, *the Courier blushed,* “You could say that… I was more her love interest rather than something basic.”, “Oh, how strange… Must be something House did… Before, Nova was a basic A. I, but House changed her up a bit. Made her more… ‘Human’. I think it was a bad idea, ruining such a masterpiece by giving her emotions.”. *The Courier grabbed a shotgun off of his back and put it against Mobius’ glass bowl,* “Apologize or I’m shattering your braintank.”. *Mobius was frightened,* “Oh my, there’s no need for violence. I uh… I’m sorry for speaking badly about her.”. *The Courier walked back to a table and started writing equations and other thoughts. Being trapped in a different land was not his most favorite thing to do. How to get back? He’s made it back before, plenty of times. And if he didn’t find a way soon… He couldn’t be too sure if there’d be a home to return to if he doesn’t figure out how to get back to Vegas.*

*—*

*Brandon was off on a classified mission. He, a Squad Sigma soldier and Nova hunted down the still alive president of the NCR, Kimball. Brandon spoke,* “Do you fear death, *Kimball*?”, *Kimball replied,* “Do I know you?”, “The name’s Brandon. Captain Brandon, of the Enclave. 16 years ago, my family was murdered by your soldiers. Now, you're gonna pay the price.”, *Brandon paused, then asked for Nova’s blade, she gladly gave it to him. He continued,* “Now, I’ve waited a long time for this. I made a promise to the grave of my loved ones that I’d hunt you down and make you beg for mercy.”, *Brandon cut Kimball in the most painful places and ways possible, the agony pleased both Brandon and Nova. The Sigma soldier quietly stood nearby, gun ready in case of hostiles.* “I want to watch you bleed, I want to hear you scream. I want you to regret what you did, but you're not getting forgiveness. It’s just you and me, and I’m not leaving until you die. That could take minutes, maybe hours. Personally, I hope it lasts forever.”. *The Sigma soldier asked Brandon,* “Sir, we shouldn’t stay long.”, *Brandon replied,* “Keep your gun on the door, and we’ll be fine. If you need help, we brought Nova for a reason.”. *Brandon turned to Kimball,* the president said, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know my men did that to you. They were not following orders, I had no ide-”, *Brandon punched Kimball in the face with the stock of his rifle,* “YOU WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THOSE MEN! YOU SENT THEM THERE, THEY KILLED MY FAMILY. Men, Women, Children, all were killed regardless of age. You’re a deadbeat, Kimball… Your blood will stain this room, you will beg for life… But I’m not giving you anything… Nothing but pain.”. *Brandon treated Kimball like a punching bag, over and over and over,* “I won’t leave this room until your heart no longer beats.”. *He continued to beat Kimball, while switching to the knife every few minutes. He stabbed Kimball in the chest multiple times, a few times in the limbs. The floor was soon a dull red, the walls painted with the spatter of blood from Kimball being punched. Brandon’s clothes were stained nearly as much as the room was. Nova held herself back, trying not to get involved. But the more she watched, the more she couldn’t control herself. People were in the halls, perhaps aware of Brandon and he team, the Sigma soldier said,* “We got hostiles.”, *Nova replied,* “Stay out of the way hotshot, you just continue standing there.”. *Nova grabbed her revolver and shot an incoming soldier. She took a combat knife off the body and took on the force trying to save the president. One by one, she dealt with the soldiers with ease. Slowly, anger and insanity rose within her, it would be only a matter of seconds before all hell broke loose. Brandon continued torturing Kimball, making sure that the injuries were as painful as possible but not severe enough to kill the NCR president.* “Do you fear death, Kimball?”, “N-no… I don’t f-fear you.”*. Brandon stabbed Kimball again,* “Fuck you”. *Nova couldn't think, her movement was slowing down, she was getting overwhelmed with the rising emotions. Everything seemed like a haze, nothing made sense… She felt like it was all madness… Then her vision sharpened, her mind quit working, she was driven by nothing but her prime directive. She brutalized anyone that dared to defy her, bodies piled upon bodies, filling the halls near the room Brandon was in. One was ripped apart limb from limb, another had their neck broken, one had their spine ripped out, another had their chest torn apart, one had their head nearly removed from their body, she continued and continued slaughtering everyone and everything in her path. After it was cleared out, 2 more soldiers that rushed in were greeted by Nova casually snacking on a mutilated corpse. She stood up, clothes and face covered in blood, holding someone’s heart in her right hand. \*She said,* “Hello, come to join your friends?”, *she crushed the heart she was holding. The soldiers backed away, trying to escape but Nova hunted them down immediately. She softly laughed to herself as she bolted through the halls, completely unaware that it was her broken heart fueling all the carnage.*

—

“Call me Gideon, Mr House.”, “Alright, ‘Gideon’, why do you come before me?”. *Gideon responded,* “You’re a fine businessman, right? I’ve come lookin’ for somethin’ we both love… Money. I figured this would be the place to start, make some ‘moolah’ in Vegas.”. *House considered it, then said,* “Money is what you want? Plenty of that here. Victor will give you a business contract, sign it and we can do business. I keep 40 percent.”, *Gideon disagreed,* “That won’t do, Mr. House, how about 25, eh?”, *House gave a counter offer,* “35, no higher, no less.”. “Mr. House, I wish to ma-”, *House interrupted,* “This is my Strip. I’m offering you the business opportunity, and I want 35 percent in return. I do this to all the businesses here in Vegas, small shops, the casinos, the Families. 35 percent, Gideon, or you can leave. The choice is yours.”. *Gideon sighed,* “Fine, have it your way. 35 percent of my earnin’s, I hold the other 65.”, *Gideon signed the contract. House said,* “Don’t ever be late, on anything.”, *Gideon laughed,* “I always say the same thing. See ya later, House.”

—

*The Courier went to his home in the Think Tank dome. Muggy was rolling around, the courier asked it,* “Do you have any idea how to get me out of Big M.T?”, *Muggy answered,* “I do, but what’s in it for me?”, *the Courier walked over to a chest and opened it. It was filled with coffee mugs,* “All yours, if you help me get out of here.”, “All… For me?”, “All for you”, *the Courier mumbled,* “All yours, you crazy fucking securitron…”. *Muggy was thrilled,* “Aww, thank you! Listen, the barrier won’t let you leave if it detects that you're hurt. Throw on that suit you got with you, it should regulate your vitals, allowing you to leave.”. *The Courier couldn’t believe he didn’t think of that before,* “Are you sure it’ll work?”, *Muggy replied,* “It’ll work, I promise! I wouldn’t say it if it didn’t work. And I really want those mugs”. *The Courier went to the Think Tank to ask for help fixing the transportalponder, Klein spoke,* “HMM, YES… I”M AFRAID THE TRANSPORTALPONDER IS BROKEN. MAYBE BOROUS OR 0 CAN FIX IT.”. *The Courier asked Borous , he responded,* “Why must you go around breaking our things?! Go talk to 0, I have no interest in your foolery.”. *The Courier asked 0, he responded,* “Ah, I take it everybody else was an asshole? Typical… Hmm… Give me a few seconds…”, *0 spent some time fixing the gun with some random materials he found nearby, then gave it back to the Courier,* “There you go. Sorry that my colleagues are science obsessed zombies.”, *the Courier began to walk away when 0 spoke again,* “He’s still alive… Isn’t he? House?”. *The Courier hesitated, he was unsure to respond,* “Yeah. Why?”, *0 answered in a lowered tone,* “I knew him, pre-war of course. If House had to sell his soul for Vegas, he would. He has plans, you need to look out for just what deeds those may be. He’s Robert House goddammit! One second he’s making the world a better place, the next he’s broken your kneecaps and left you to die while he cares for nothing but that damned city.”, “I’ll make good note of th-”, *Borous interrupted on the speakers,* “Anyone with a brain, please do not look at any camera screens showing the northern part of Big M.T. There’s uh… There’s an issue with the Lobotomites and the view will make you wish you never saw it! Oh god, I need to purge my memory…”, *Mobius said a few things as well,* “Ah, they're doing it again! Klein, please see this one through!”, “MOBIUS, YOU SICK BASTARD. DO NOT WATCH THE LOBOTOMITES! DO NOT RECORD THEM EITHER!! WE DO NOT NEED ANY MORE DISGUSTING LOBOTOMITE MATING VIDEOS!!!”. *The Courier walked away. He sat down with his back against the wall and started going through a bag he had with him. He pulled out a bottle of whiskey and sipped from it. Settling on the idea of spending one more night, before heading back.* “At least it’s better than anywhere else I’ve been.”

—

*House thought to himself. Everything was going to plan, Vegas was better than ever. And being president of the United States? It couldn't get any better. Remaining enemy presence was still a threat nonetheless, he could send wave after wave at them… But it just wasn't enough… Separating Nova and the Courier was a risky shot, but made things easier. House was betting more and more, the stakes getting higher and higher.* “Victor, any word or Brandon and his team?”, *Victor answered,* “No Sir, they haven't come back yet. If ya don’t mind me askin’, why’d ya separate them two lovers?”. *House thought about it and replied,* “I needed an immediate boost to power. Nova will try to lower her anger by fighting and will slowly clear out our enemies.”. Victor asked, ‘Are you sure it’s a good idea, boss?”, *House replied,* “Everything will be fine. I’m Robert Edwin House, there’s nothing I can't do.”. *Gideon arrived by elevator, House’s Sigma guards aimed their weapons at him. House commanded,* “Sigma, at ease. Let Gideon pass.”, *the guards did as told, Gideon walked up to House’s monitor and said,* “I’m going to pour myself a drink. I’m thinking maybe we could get to know each other better, eh?. Tell me everything…”