The Fall and Rise of Lori Walker, A Fallout NV story. Options

[TrisRed]

Hello everyone!

I've wanted to do this for a while, but always shyed away, but now I see Fallout fics have been done on here before in moderation, I think it is time to share this; mainly for my own personal need.

This is A Fallout: New Vegas story, a story I think is important I share, even if you are not familiar with the world.

The story follows Lori Walker, a young woman living in Primm struggling to live in the wasteland whilst battling her own personal demons.

***

I hope you enjoy this! I have included screenshots of places/people for those not familiar with the Fallout world, but feel free to ignore the screenshots if you would rather have my descriptions fuel your imagination

Also, just as a warning, due to it being in the game itself there is some fruity language! Haha.

I'm not sure if this story will have an end point, or be an on going saga. I will see where the wind takes me Enjoy!

0. Prologue

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He is Dead.
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now; put out every one,
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun,
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods;
For nothing now can ever come to any good.

- W.H Auden

1. Chapter One ~ Life is Sweet ~ Part One

I stood in the bedroom my sister and I shared in our Primm house, dressing in my brown, un-exciting Mojave Express Courier uniform, fixing my ratty blonde hair into a ponytail. I had been given a package that needed to be given to the Mayor of Nipton, a town not far from Primm, so I thought the journey wouldn't be too exhausing.

I enjoyed my job. I wasn't really one for staying in one place for more than a day, even if it was jut a trip to another town for a few hours. Not that Primm was a place I couldn't stand; It was more exciting than most places I'd been to. Primm's sights included the Bison Steve Hotel, a large, still stable hotel which consisted of over one hundred rooms. It wasn't a place of business, though, which was a shame. Not enough people visited Primm for that to be possible. Behind, and over, the hotel stood a large, partially broken, but sight-worthy rollercoaster. Opposite the hotel stood the old Vicky and Vance Casino. Out of action and mostly abandoned (due to the broken slot machines) The only thing still of intrest in the casino was the old, preserved 1920's car that was owned years ago by Vicki and Vance; notorious mobsters and the Casino's namesake.. The only people that came to Primm were losers that squandered all their money in new vegas and were heading south back to their own homes... but, again, that's been a rarity since the casino stopped working.

I took a sip from the bottle of purified water that sat on my bedside cabinet, then poured a dribble on my palm and washed my face as much as I could.

Once I felt I was ready for work I headed into the living room and kissed my little sister, Belle, on the forhead.

She was playing with her favourite teddy bear on the couch, lost in a world of imagination.

"I have to deliver a package to somebody very important. I shouldn't be too long. A couple hours maybe." I told her.

She stopped playing, then shot me a cold stare, "That's what you aways say."

I sighed, "I know... but this time I mean it," I said. "I hope." I muttered silently to myself.

"Where are you going?" Belle asked me, hopping off the couch and approaching me with her arms crossed, an unimpressed look on her face.

"Only Nipton, and you know how far from here that is." I informed her. "No need to worry."

"I want to worry. Your my sister and I love you." She said, very adultly.

I smiled, "You don't need to worry about me. You're eleven. You just worry about drinking too much Sunset Sarsparilla." I joked.

"I always worry that everytime you leave you won't come back. I don't understand why you have to work as a Courier. It's dangerous." She said softly as her big brown eyes grew wide with worry.

I knelt down to be at her level, putting my hand on her shoulder, "It's not dangerous. I promise you. Not with this." I said, showing her my shabby 9mm pistol, which i'd named Betsy. "Haven't you heard what a good shot I am?"

Belle looked at the gun, and then at me with an unimpressed glare. "You might as well take a water pistol with you for all the good that things for." SHe snapped.

"Well then I guess Johnson should stop calling me the 'One Shot Wonder'..." I couldn't help but chuckle, "Anyway... when on earth did you get such a smart mouth?"

She shrugged. "Dunno. Television, probably."

I laughed at the irony of her witty comment, then gave her a hug. "I'll be fine. You worry everytime and although I'm usually late getting home, I am ALWAYS home, right?"

Belle rolled her eyes, "I guess..."

"Yup... you're definitley a Walker!" I said, then I kissed her on the forhead again before getting back up onto my feet, "Now, lock the door behind me and remember if theres trouble-"

"Go to the Nash's, Yeah I know." She interrupted.

***

"Mr Mayor this is for you..." I said, reaching into my satchel and handing the small, book shaped parcel to the Mayor.

"Ahh, thank you!" He smied, excited. "It's my Big Book of Science! Special delivery from New Vegas!"

I plastered on an enthused smile, "Wow! How fun."

"I find it so interesting," He said, ripping the packaging that covered a book, like an excited child recieveing the best gift ever. "Don't you?"

I had no idea how to respond. I wasn't really listening, "Yeah. Science. Rockets and stuff."

"Oh no... it's SO much more than that!" He said.

"... right," I said dryly, "Erm... I need your sigature if that's okay?"

"SOMETIMES I WISH I PURSUED SCIENCE!" He bellowed, "But every eldest son in my family have been raised to become mayor of nipton... I didn't have a choice really."

"Oh no..." I said, "So... the signature-"

"I hope that if I study enough during my downtime I could excel in the field. Maybe even build my own lab right here in the town hall!" He said with enthrallment.

I widened my false smile, "I guess so... but I really need a signa-"

"Maybe I'll build a rocket... or I'll learn the mechanics of creating chems? But the good, health benefitting kind... but that really is more in the medicinal field."

"... Sir, I don't mean to be rude... but if I don't get a f*cking signature I might need to rip that book from your hands and beat you with it."

An awkward silence followed. The mayor narrowed his eyes, glaring at me.

He then burst into infectious laughter. I couldn't help but join him.

"Oh... ho ho..." He chuckled, wiping a small tear from his eye, "This is why I miss you, Lori. Your spunk." He then smiled, "I would love it if you came back to work for me."

I gave a flirtatious half smile, putting my hands on my hips, "Haven't we been through this before?"

"Indeed. You said the issue was the lack of work and caps." He said. "But I could easily give you a raise from your previous salary."

"Thank you... but it's still a no. I like my job now. I get to see the Mojave and visit places other than the Primm Rollercoaster." I admitted.

"... Well...that is a shame. It seems I'll never find a secretery like you again." He said.

I smiled, "Aww... sir. I didn't know you thought of me so highly, I'm touched." I teased.

"No... All the girls since you have tried stealing from me." He told me with a blank expression.

Another awkward silence followed.

But then, again, the Mayor burst into a fit of laughter, and so did I.

***

"BELLE! I'm home! And I'm early! How about that!" I greeted as I walked into my house. She was no longer on the couch, but I could see by the closed door that she was in the bathroom. I walked into the bedroom and got dressed out of my uniform and into the more comfy alternative; a tank top and tan pants. "I was thinking we could go to the Nash's for dinner if you're up for it? I'm sure Ruby wouldn't mnd catering for an extra two people. She could cook for America, that one."

I ripped the hair band from my ponytail and shook my hair loose, "Belle! If you're in the bath don't forget to inject yourself with rad-away. We can't afford to get you to a doctor for radiation poisoning like last time!" I bellowed. There wasnt a reply. I walked to the bathroom and knocked on the closed door, "Belle?" Still no response.

I opened the door slowly, immediatly seeing that she wasn't in there. My heart skipped a beat.

"BELLE?!" I screamed, running into the kitchen, which was also empty.

I panicked. I always warned her to stay in the house at all times and only leave when there was trouble to go to the Nash's... but there was never trouble. It was just an empty precaution. But now Belle was gone... and I wasn't going to waste any time looking for her.

I ran out of the house, immediatly noticing what I somehow failed to notice on my way back home; The town of Primm was completley deserted. Ruby could usually be seen wandering around drinking, and even a few odd residents... but for the whole town to be empty? Something really wasnt right...

What's going on? Where is my sister...

This post has been edited by Rihanae: Mar 15 2014, 06:23 PM

[SubRosa]

Hello Lori and her cute, adulty younger sister Belle. Lil' Sis does have a point about her six gun though. Wandering the Wasteland is a dangerous job, and as Sunny Smiles says, there are some critters out there that don't take kindly to being shot.

but if I don't get a f*cking signature I might need to rip that book from your hands and beat you with it."
You tell 'em Lori! It was nice to see a little more background on Lore so cleverly woven into the dialogue here. She was a secretary to the mayor, and isn't a thief.

Nipton, is that the town that gets slaughtered by the Legion? Or was it Novac? I think it was one of those with an N.

Uh oh, something is wrong in Primm... I think Lori might better mosey on over to the Sheriff's house. But I have a bad feeling that she won't like what she finds!

All in all I wonderful introduction to story in the Wild Atomic West.




Nits:
The only people that came to Primm were losers that squandered all their money in new vegas
As it is a proper noun, I suggest capitalizing New Vegas.

"You might as well take a water pistol with you for all the good that things for." SHe snapped.
Two things here. First thing's ought to have an apostrophe, as it is a contraction of thing is.
Second, you accidentally capitalized the 'h' in She. It happens to me all the time too when I typing quickly.

But every eldest son in my family have been raised to become mayor of nipton...
A missed capitalization of Nipton.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Mar 3 2014, 06:18 PM

[TrisRed]

SubRosa: Thank you for your comments! It is indeed Nipton that get's slaughtered... uh oh! Haha. Also thank you for the nits! My spell check is playing up and I'm not very good at proof reading haha.

2. Chapter One ~ Life is Sweet ~ Part Two

I ran to the Nash's, and nothing. Nobody was there. I the ran to the Sherriff's house, but again, nothing. I even searched the whole of the Grand Hotel... but nothing,

There wasn't a single person anywhere. Everybody had disappeared. Vanished. The only place left was the Casino.

"... Belle?" I said as I entered the casino. "Belle-"

"SURPRISE!!!!"

I almost had a heart attack as the sound of collected shouts filled the space. Suddenly everybody in town appeared into sight, dressed in their finest clothes, carrying gifts with hearty smiles on their faces.

I gently laughed to myself and Johnson Nash approached me, "What's going on?" I asked.

"You think we'd forgotten your birthday? You're twenty four, girl, we need to CELEBRATE!" He cheered.

I smiled sweetly, "Johnson..." I then saw Belle peek into view, so I pointed at her playfully, "You are in so much trouble!"

"For what?" She said sarcastically innocent.

"For almost giving me a heart attack when I got home, that's what!" I joked, scuffling her tidy hair. I then looked at Johnson. "Did you plan all this?"

He nodded, "With Ruby and little Belle, here."

"And the Mayor. Johnson asked him a while back to keep you busy on party day so we could prepare." Ruby added.

I laughed and shook my head, "Well that explains why he was so annoying." I the pursed my lips in thought, "Well, more annoying then usual."

I then took a moment to look around. Everybody was chatting amongst themselves, waiting for me to end my conversation. The New Vegas radio station was playing loudly in the corner with Jack, the cute courier, serving drinks at the bar. I couldn't believe everybody cared enough about me to celebrate my birthday... it was quite humbling.

I looked at Johnson, ready to party. "So... is there cake?"

***

I got myself dressed into a short, red mini dress that Ruby had made for me from old curtains in the Grand Hotel. It wasn't really my style, but wearing it was the least I could do after what the Nash's had just done for me.

The party was in full swing. I munched on nibbles, I mingled with guests and I moved to the music like a New Vegas str1pper. I was having the time of my life. it was wonderful.

I stood by the bar with a glass of whisky and water, speaking with Jack.

"Enjoying the party?" He asked me, smiling his surprisingly brilliant white teeth. His eyes were as dark as his perfectly quiffed hair. He truly was beautiful. But nothing more than eye candy. Trust me.

"Yeah, it's great." I said, taking a sip from my purposely watered down drink. "I didn't think anybody remembered my birthday."

"Of course they remembered, you've been in Primm how long?" He joked, referring to that fact I was born in Primm.

"Alright smartass, good point." I teased, pushing him playfully.

He then gave me a look I recognised as he tilted his head to the side, performing a side-smile.

I laughed at him, "NO! No Jack."

"What?" He said, chuckling as if butter wouldn't melt.

"That wasn't a move, okay?" I informed him. "So put the snake away." I winced.

"I don't remember you complaining about it last time." He flirted.

"That was a one time thing. NEVER. AGAIN." I bluntly informed him.

"... Why not?" He said.

I laughed at him, "Bye Jack." I grabbed my drink and walked away. So there was the reason Jack was nothing more than eye candy; he was a total dog. After our one and only encounter after a drunken trip to New Vegas he thought he owned a season pass to my lady region. Men.

I approached Belle, who was eating cake by herself. She was staring at a couple of the local kids who were playing in the car. I could see a look of venom in her eyes.

"Everything okay?" I asked her.

"Mm-hmm." She mumbled with a nod, very unconvincingly.

I looked at the kids again, then back at Belle, "Have they been saying things again?" I asked, sitting down next to her.

"No..." She spat, reminiscing about the things they'd said before, stabbing her cake with her fork. "It's not my fault I don't have a mom and dad."

"And that's what you have to keep telling yourself." I reminded her, stroking her hair. "What happened to mom and dad is nobodies fault."

"Apart from the fuckers that robbed them." She said with an ice cold tone.

I tapped her head in disproval, "Hey, language."

She then slowly looked at me, tears in her beautiful eyes. Just like Mom's, "Sorry..." Belle said.

I smiled at her, "It's okay." I said, dipping my finger into her cake, then into my mouth, "Wow, that's good."

"Ruby and I made It. It's your favourite." Belle told me, proudly.

"Well you did a marvellous job. It's the best cake I have ever eaten." I said, slightly exaggerating.

Belle then looked at me, her eyes narrowing, "It better be." She said, followed by a wonderful laugh.

***

I stood outside the casino, alone, indulging in my dangerous habit; a cigarette. I'd been a smoker for only a year, i found it helped calm my nerves when it came to the stresses of the wasteland.

"Hey birthday girl!"

I turned to see a very welcome sight, my best friend, Delilah. Delilah lived in Goodsprings, and we met during my brief internship with the doctor of the town. Delilah was a keen medical student. I was also interested in the field of medicine, but wasn't as hard-core in my education as Delilah.
She was a true beauty, too, which was annoying. Her skin was flawless and pale which complimented her deep, brown eyes and short brown hair. Also the tribal tattoo she wore on her left arm was too awesome for words. I always wanted to be as cool and risqué as her and get one herself, but I would never have the guts.

"Hello stranger!" I greeted. "You're late!" I mock-scolded.

"Sorry," She said, giving me a hug. "Doc Mitchell has been riding my ass about my studying. I'm just glad I finished in time."

I smiled, "Well the party's only been going for an hour, so I guess i'll forgive you." I winked.

She smiled, "Why thank you." she said, "So were you surprised?"

"Yup... but not pleasantly." I chuckled, "Making me think my little sister had gone A.W.O.L wasn't the best strategy in my book."

Delilah then sighed, "Yeah... I told them that having the whole town hide wasn't a good idea, but whoever
listens to Delilah. Nobody. That's who."

"Sorry, what?" I smirked, playing with her.

She then unleashed a wicked smile. "So... is Jack here?"

I knew what was on her mind, "Yes... why?"

"Have you spoken to him?" She asked.

I took another drag of my cigarette, "Briefly. He soon turned the conversation to sex."

"Really?" Delilah sighed, disappointed.

"I don't care, so don't worry." I said, reassuring her I wasn't bothered. "I know what he's like."

"I know he likes you. it's obvious," She said, putting her hands on her hips, "I don't know why he has to ruin his chance with you by thinking with his dick."

I laughed, "I don't know. It doesn't matter, we're just friends."

Delilah raised an eyebrow, "So you don't like him anymore?"

"I don't think I ever did. It was just a teenage crush that fizzled out when I found out what a dog he was." I said to her.

Delilah gave a nod of agreement, but had a final word on the subject. "... Still, i see the way he looks at you. Maybe he doesn't want to embarrass himself by admitting he likes you."

"... but he's more than willing to jump the gun and ask me for a quickie?" I said, putting a cross in her theory.

She thought for a second, realising I was right, and then shrugged. "Tsk. Men, eh?"

"Yup. Can't live with them, can't fix your rifles without them." I joked.

"Haha, that's one way to put it!" She giggled.

I threw my cigarette on the floor, crushed it with my foot, then put my arm around Delilah, "Let's get completely wasted."

Delilah smiled. "Indeed, let's!"

***

A couple of hours after Delilah's arrival I found myself speaking with Sheriff McBain.

"I remember when i was nineteen. I was deputy to the Sheriff before me." Sheriff McBain reminisced.

"And look at you now! Primm's finest guardian." I said, playfully saluting.

"Yeah," He chuckled. "That's me, hero to the people."

We laughed, but were soon interrupted by Danny, a trading merchant who used to be based in the hotel.

"Sheriff, there's Raiders in town." Danny said, a worried expression on his face. "I spotted them on my way back from the bathroom. I managed to slip past them unnoticed."

"Are you sure?" Sheriff McBain asked, deeply concerned.

I scrunched my forehead with worry.

"Positive. They've gone into the hotel and to the residential area."

"[censored]." Sheriff McBain quietly exclaimed, scratching his head. He put his hand to his pistol, "Lori, I hate to ask, but-"

"No problem. Let me just speak to Johnson. Five seconds." I said, to which he nodded. I rushed over to Johnson. "Johnson, I need to grab my 9mm. Danny's just informed the Sheriff of Raiders."

"Oh my. Here," He said, handing me Betsy, my 9mm that he was keeping in his belt. "Need any help?"

"No, we don't need to cause a panic. We'll deal with them," I said, then looked at Belle, who was happily dancing with Delilah. "Make sure nobody comes outside, okay?"

"Sure thing." He said, a panicked smile on his face. He then placed his hand on my shoulder. "Be careful, okay."

I winked at him with a smile, then headed back to the Sheriff, turning the safety off Betsy and quickly checking the ammo to see that she was fully loaded.

I approached the Sheriff, "Ready?"

[SubRosa]

Surprise! Here I was expecting Powder Gangers and corpses. But a birthday party is brilliant!

And Jack is the cute courier. Important information to file away. But Jack ain't nothin' but a hound dog! Props to Lori for resisting his charms.

"Yup. Can't live with them, can't fix your rifles without them."
I loved the new take on the old line!

The nice get to know you with the people of Primm episode suddenly got serious, now that Raiders have arrived! I wonder if they are your run of the mill baddies, or those Powder Gangers we know so well from FONV?




nits:
"Well, more annoying then usual."
In this case it would be than. Then is used to describe time ("Do this, then that). Than is used in comparisons between things ("This is better than that.")

I mingled with guests and I moved to the music like a New Vegas str1pper.
Someone stripped your stripper of her "i".

i found it helped calm my nerves when it came to the stresses of the wasteland.
A missed capitalization of I at the beginning of your sentence.


I turned to see a very welcome sight, my best friend, Delilah. Delilah lived in Goodsprings, and we met during my brief internship with the doctor of the town. Delilah was a keen medical student. I was also interested in the field of medicine, but wasn't as hard-core in my education as Delilah.
She was a true beauty, too, which was annoying. Her skin was flawless and pale which complimented her deep, brown eyes and short brown hair. Also the tribal tattoo she wore on her left arm was too awesome for words. I always wanted to be as cool and risqué as her and get one herself, but I would never have the guts.
These two paragraphs got run together, without a space between.

Still, i see the way he looks at you.
Another I that wants to be capitalized.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Mar 13 2014, 04:39 PM

[TrisRed]

SubRosa: Thank you! I always appreciate your feedback! Darn censors making my cussing look silly!

3. Chapter One ~ Life is Sweet ~ Part Three

Sheriff McBain, Deputy Beagle, Danny and I silently left the Casino, looking around and seeing nobody.

"Deputy, you and Danny take the hotel. Lori and I will take the residential area." Sheriff ordered.

"Got it." Deputy Beagle agreed with a nod. He then ran to the hotel with Danny close behind him.

Immediately after, Sheriff McBain and I made our way to the residential district, cautiously gripping our guns as we walked.

"Wait, stop." I said, stopping the Sheriff McBain in his tracks as I noticed two people leaving the Mojave Express building. Judging by the shabbiness of their 'armour' and the dirtiness of their appearance, I knew these were the raiders; violent nobodies with a taste for robbing anybody or anything they assumed they had power over.

"HEY!" I bellowed, seeing Sheriff McBain aiming his gun at the Raiders.

The two raiders glared at me, readying their weapons. one had a shotgun and the other a baseball bat.

"Where'd you come from?!" Said the raider with the gun. "This place was supposed to be deserted." he said, aiming the 'supposed' comment at his colleague.

"Obviously your observational prowess needs tweaking," I said. "Leave this town. Get your buddies and never come back."

The raiders weren't threatened, laughing at my order like I was a toddler asking them to give me back my doll.

"We're not going any where. You think we're scared of you? We've got a dozen men all over the place." the raider warned.

I quickly raised my gun with one hand, firing a bullet at the other raiders baseball bat knocking it cleanly out of his tight grip. "Don't make me tell you again."

"Lori, don't aggravate them!" The Sheriff warned me. He always preferred the peaceful solution. I knew it was futile when it came to Raiders. They only responded to violence.

I ignored Sheriff McBain and spoke to the raiders, my weapon still up, "The way I see it we can do this one of two ways. Either you get your friends and run out of town as fast as your little legs can carry you... or I put a bullet in that feeble, thick pile of gloop you call a brain. Your choice."

The raiders didn't move as my threat sunk in.

"And I never miss." I added. "Thought I'd slip that in."

Silence. The raiders remained standing, saying absolutely nothing. A standoff occurred, one of us had to stand down, and I knew it wouldn't be me. I had to much to lose if I kicked the bucket.

Then I was finally given an excuse to kill the sons of bitches as the raider with the shotgun blasted his weapon. Luckily for us his shot was awful, completely missing us. Sheriff fired his weapon almost like an untrained mad-man. I simply fired my weapon with grace twice, each shot connecting each raider between the eyes.
I smiled to myself, then turned to the Sheriff. "I'll take the residential area. I think you should check on the others in the casino."

"Lori-" He said, attempting to argue.

"Sheriff, no disrespect but I'm a much better shot than you. I'll take the other raiders out without a fuss. I'll feel a lot better knowing my sister is safe with you."

Sheriff McBain frowned, "Lori, I'm the Sheriff. I'm not going to sit make whilst my town is under attack."
He was right. I didn't want to give the impression that I was power mad, but I knew that the town would be safer a lot quicker if he just let me do my thing. Obviously I'd overstepped some kind of line by suggesting the sherrif take a back seat.

"You're right... Sorry. After you." I said, patting his shoulder.

He then led me to the residential area, which wasn't too far from the casino. From what we could see there was nobody looming about outside. If there was any raiders about they were inside the houses.

"Okay... they're probably inside the homes," Sheriff McBain told me, stealing the thought I pretended I didn't have. "You take your side, I'll take the right side."

"Got it." I said, cocking my gun and running toward the first house on the left side row of houses.

Nothing, and the same on another three. Obviously that raider was bluffing with his numbers. I then reached my house, aiming Betsy carefully as I slowly opened the door. I listened carefully as I entered the house, immediately hearing the sound of my wardrobe being ransacked. I carefully closed the door behind me as I entered the house, quietly checking the kitchen and bathroom for raiders, both were empty, before I confronted the raider in my bedroom.

"Get up. Now." I ordered, pointing Betsy at the young man who was quick to put his hands up in surrender. "Turn around."

He did so, revealing a young, baby-faced boy, "Please... please don't hurt me."

"What have you taken?" I asked him, fiercely; purely to intimidate him.

He reached into his pocket to produce a necklace. My mothers necklace, "I'm sorry... I'm sorry...," He begged, slowly beginning to cry. "We thought this place was empty... honest. We wouldn't have come if we knew people
lived here, I promise." He said, weeping desperately.

I felt sick to my stomach. This boy had obviously been dragged into something, but I couldn't let my guard down. For all I knew his upset could all have been an act. "How old are you?" I asked, an eyebrow raised.

"Nuh... nuh...nine." He sobbed.

I felt for the boy. I didn't know his story, but the pure terror in his eyes suggested that he was new to being confronted. Something inside me just couldn't punish him; by bullet or otherwise.

So I lay down my gun, fully aware that if he tried anything I could easily overwhelm him, but I didn't think he would. I knelt down to his level, then gently beckoned him over, "Come here." I said, and he did. I outstretched my arms and he took the invitation, embracing me in a hug. I think the big sister in me took effect.

A few moments later we both sat on the floor, talking.

"... they killed my mom and dad and took me. They said that if I didn't work for them they'd torture me to death like they did my parents." The boy, who revealed his name as Marley, informed me.

"How Exactly do you work for them?" I asked.

"I cook. Clean their weapons and armour. I do other stuff to. Stuff I don't want to do... I sometimes... They get me to..."

I didn't let him finish. I had an idea of what he was going to say, so I changed the subject slightly. I didn't want him thinking about it. "Why did they leave you alone in here?"

"It's not like I have anywhere to go if I run away. Something will get me, anyway, even if i wanna," He said, which made sense. He then looked at me, his eyes reminding me of my little sister, "Can... can I live with you?"

I gently chuckled with surprise, "Excuse me?"

"You're nice. I like you... you're really kind... and I know you can protect me." He said. "You can teach me how to fight? They never taught me how to use a gun. They were probably scared I'd use it against them."

I chuckled, "Or maybe they were worried you'd get too good a shot and you'd run away thinking you could handle yourself." I said, encouraging optimism.

"... Oh yeah..." He said, thinking with a hopeful smile, "So have you decided? Can I live with you?"

I scrunched my face playfully, "Well... I don't know... I'd have to think about it..."

"Please! PLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASE!" He jumped to his feet and pleaded, "I don't want to be with them people anymore. Maybe if you give them some caps they'll let you have me?" He said so genuinely. His confidence wasn't lacking now, that was for sure.

I don't think there's anyone to buy you from anymore...

However, before I could give him an answer the door to my house swung open, revealing the Sheriff, "LORI!"
He bellowed, entering the bedroom, seeing me sat with Marley. He looked confused and concerned at the same time. "Is everything okay?"

I smiled, standing up hand in hand with Marley, "Yeah. Everything's fine. Is the town safe now?"

Sheriff McBain took an elongated pause before he responded, "it seems like it."

"Good." I said, turning the attention to Marley, "This is Marley. He was their slave, but obviously not anymore."

"So... What are you going to do with him?" Sheriff asked.

* * *

"Of course we'll take him in!" exclaimed an excited Ruby Nash, giving Marley a hug. "The house has been so quiet ever since Junior left! This'll be wonderful!"

"Thanks, guys." I said, looking at Belle who was dancing with Jack. "I couldn't imagine leaving him alone out there. No child should ever have to suffer that."

Quickly, Johnson grabbed me by the arm and casually dragged me away from other ears, "Are you sure he's safe? How long was he with the raiders?" he asked.

"Not long he said. A month give or take." I said. "He's a kid who lost his folks to raiders. He just wasn't as lucky and Belle and I."

Johnson looked understanding, knowing perfectly well what Belle and I had been through, "What about if someone comes looking for him?" He asked.

I shook my head, "They won't. The only people that knew about him were the raiders in town." I then put my hand on the concerned mans wrinkled cheek, "It's fine. Everything will be okay." I then looked at Marley, who was laughing with Ruby. "All he needs is a mom and dad."

Johnson then sighed, looked at Marley and unleashed the most wonderful smile.

I then put a hand on my hip, "... But if he does turn feral and slaughter you during the night... TOTALLY my fault." I teased

Johnson looked at me and laughed. "I'll keep that in mind!"

***

It was the day after the party and I was preparing to take on another job. This time I was to go to the Mojave Outpost, again, not too far from Primm. It was a monthly trip I was used to, delivering and receiving letters for the NCR troops.

"Can I go with you?" Belle asked me as she sat on my bed as I changed into my uniform.

"Yeah sure... when molerats fly." I snapped, tying my hair into its signature ponytail.

"Why not? Give me one good reason." She sniped, crossing her arms.

"Because it's dangerous." I said.

Belle gave me a disbelieving look, "Don't you always tell me it's not dangerous?"

Cr@p. "Well... true. It's not dangerous ALL the time... but still. I won't risk taking you with me."

"But I have you to protect me? You're the 'one shot wonder', remember?" She said, using air quotes. I thought it was funny that she used them incorrectly.

"Yes I am. But I don't want you to be put in harms way." I said.

"So? Dangerous things that want to kill me seem to find me, anyway." She stated boldly.

"And you shouldn't need to go to them." I quickly turned. "Now that's the end of discussion."

"Hey girls! Mind if I come in?" Johnson said as he peered his head past the front door.

"Course not. What's up?" I asked, checking Betsy was prepped for travel.

"I forgot to give you a couple of letters back at the Express. Here." He said, handing me an extra couple of letters.

"Thanks," I said, taking the letters before re-focusing on Betsy, "By the way, how's Marley settling in? I forgot to ask earlier."

Johnson face suddenly lit up, "That boy... he's a blessing. He's so helpful, and witty. Ruby just loves him. He's only been with us a day and he's already part of the family. He reminds me of you at his age."

"Uh oh." I joked.

Johnson then looked at Belle, noticing the sour look on her face, "Why, what's up with you, missy?"

"Lori won't let me go with her on her job." She spat.

"I don't want her going out there. Is that a crime? It's safer for her to stay in Primm." I declared, turning to Belle. "Get over it."

Without a word Belle jumped off the bed and stormed to the bathroom, almost breaking the house as she slammed the door closed.

I clenched my fist to my face, gritting my teeth, "That GIRL. She always asks me and every time I have to say no. She just won't listen."

"... Why do you say no?" Johnson asked me, curiously.

I laughed at him, "Are you kidding?"

"Maybe it's about time she saw the world a bit; even if it two miles down the road. What harm could it do?" He said so earnestly.

I couldn't argue with him. I refused to. He had the best intentions, but I couldn't agree, "I just won't feel she's safe. It's a man vs. man world out there. Do or die, I don't want to expose her to that."

Johnson nodded, "I understand that, but she's getting to that age where she's curious. She rambunctious, Lori. She's a Walker."

Hmph...That she is.

"Now, I know, this is cliché, but the more you tell her not to, the more she'll want to do something. Telling her she can't do something will fuel her determination even more."

I put my hands on my hips, my eyes steeled, "What are you saying, Johnson?"

"I think you should take her. Even if it is the one trip. Let her decide for herself if it is dangerous or not. Hopefully she'll see how unexciting the job is and she'll lose interest in going again, then at least it will be out of her system."

I thought for a second. It made perfect sense, which I hated. The more I said no, the more she'd rebel. I didn't want her going out there on her own as an act of protest; anything could happen.

I stomped the ground in annoyance, "HRGH! Okay. I'll take her with me. BUT only on tomorrows shift, I'm late enough for delivery today as it is without Belle slowing me down."

"I think you've made the right choice." Johnson smiled.

I frowned intensely. "I hope you're right about her losing interest, or you're in big trouble mister."

This post has been edited by Rihanae: Mar 16 2014, 03:20 PM