leanonstuff | PSL post for daughterless

PSL post for daughterless

[The NCR had sent Norman to the Vault because the area was surrounded by Fiends, and he was damn good at blending among the various "criminal" groups around the Mojave. No way an ordinary NCR trooper would be able to get inside without being attacked. And according to their intelligence, exactly what was inside was of such great importance that they couldn't possibly wait to go after it just in case Caesar's Legion got wind of it and acted first. Norman was searching for a box of special bottles that appeared to be beer or vodka bottles, but were actually filled with a chemical that, when introduced into a water supply, could spread a deadly bacteria that would wipe out anyone who drank the contaminated water for at least a month.

Unfortunately, finding the bottles was turning out to be far more difficult that Norman had anticipated. He'd gotten into the Vault in the first place by wearing old, torn and dirty clothes that could pass as those a typical raider or Fiend might wear. He'd even bought a few chems from them to help gain their trust (and to use them later, though he planned to tell the NCR that he'd disposed of them instead). The Vault seemed to be empty of Fiends, luckily, but he wasn't too optimistic that he wouldn't eventually run into ghouls or worse.

10mm pistol in hand, Norman opens the door to the Vault infirmary, hoping he might have some more luck locating the bottles in there.]

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[Joel turns his flat, dead stare on Norman for a long moment, and the contempt in his expression speaks volumes more than his words.]

You don't survive out here without learnin' to play rough.

[Left unsaid: that Joel had thought that Jayden already knew that by now. Brutality is a fact of life in the Mojave. He doesn't owe the man an explanation, and if this little show makes him more wary of Joel, well, all the better.

He follows after Norman-- even if he doesn't trust the man, at least he believes that he has an idea of where he's headed. Better than Joel does, at least.]

I think it's 'bout time I got some kind of explanation for what the hell is going on around here. You ain't actually working for the Khans, are you?

[Norman stares right back, trying not to reveal any intimidation he might feel under Joel's gaze. Who knows what this man has done over the years? It's sometimes difficult for a man like him to understand, who grew up in the NCR where there has been much more order where killing like that wasn't necessary to make it day by day. He's learned a lot more since joining the army and taking on these undercover missions, of course. But these sorts of acts still have the power to shock him from time to time.]

You could've shot him. He would've died either way.

[The first thing he does upon exiting the station is head in the opposite direction of the nearest Legion camp. McCarran isn't too far from here. This mission might not be a total failure after all.

It's also pretty obvious that his lie isn't going to hold up any longer. The question is, can he hold off on the truth long enough to get to McCarran, where Joel wouldn't be able to attack him even if he wanted to without risk of being shot?]

Nah. But at least my contact isn't with the Legion.

Would've been too good a death for him.

[Two years of jobs, building up a fragile sort of ~~trust~~ professional camaraderie between the two of them-- Joel for his reliability, Riley for always having the caps to pay him off, and now he turns 'round and sells him to the Legion? That deserves more than a clean bullet to the skull. And now, after being lied to twice from Jayden, Joel isn't about to be given the runaround again.]

So, what's in the bottles and who else wants 'em?

[There's a definitely note of warning in Joel's tone. That's his pack Norman has slung over his shoulder. He had taken him out once before. Even if Norman would be expecting an attack this time around, Joel thinks he can take him again.]

Hm.

[He doesn't know the history between the two, and decides it would be wise not to comment further. What's done is done. No one will be talking, and that is certainly important.]

I'm sorry? [He asks, pretending not to have heard the question despite obviously being close enough to hear. McCarran is already in sight once he crests that hill. He only has to bullshit him for a little while longer...

Or at least that's what Norman believes, when a pair of NCR rangers come into view. Perfect, he thinks, knowing that rangers are some of the finest of the NCR. They must be here to meet him. He gives them the special salute the'd instructed him to use to signal his success in his mission, ignoring Joel for the moment.

Norman is awfully confused when the Rangers respond by aiming their rifles at him.]

Wha- wait! [He flails his arms in a 'NO' gesture, but the rangers are clearly aiming at him despite having obviously seen the salute. Joel hasn't quite come into sight over the hill yet, or they'd probably be aiming at him too. Norman drops to the ground just as they fire, and then scrambles back down the hill, grabbing Joel by the arm and pulling him along as he runs. The Rangers won't be far behind. He's too worked up to think about what all this means now, his only current goal to make it somewhere safe to gather his thoughts and assess this new, disturbing situation.]

Edited 2013-11-17 05:01 (UTC)

Don't give me that--

[Jayden's already jogged ahead of him, up and over the hill. Joel speeds up, following after him with a growl. The first thing he sees as his head clears the crest is a distant settlement, military in appearance, and... two soldiers with their guns pointed at the other man.

NCR...?

And then there's shouting and Jayden has him by the arm, dragging him away even as the Rangers begin to reload and take aim again.]

What--?!

[They're sitting ducks out here. Joel tries to shake off Norman with a snarl, struggling to draw his own gun even as he's dragged back.]

We have to get away!

[Norman knows he's no match for a Ranger, and doesn't even want to try fighting two of them. They have a good enough lead on them that he thinks they could find somewhere to hide... like a cave or a big rock formation or anything.

Whatever the best option is, Norman certainly isn't thinking as clearly as he should be. He can't understand why his own people would be shooting at him. Releasing Joel's arm when the man shakes him off, he looks left and right, trying to decide which way to run off to.]

There's gotta be a mix up or something! But I'm not gonna try explaining shit while I'm being shot at!

[Joel is torn between fight and flight as he glances back at Norman, but he can't count on the other man to back him up-- or hell, not shoot him in the back, and two-against-one aren't odds he favors. Finally, he turns to follow him, but not before he shoots an angry glance at his back.]

You workin' for the NCR?

[There's an ugly, accusatory growl to his words, and it's very clear that this is going to be a problem, but they're already full up on problems, and

Joel exhales sharply, shaking his head to reorient himself. Where the hell are they? Hardly a stone's throw from Camp McCarran (fucking NCR, he should have known), to the... west.]

There's a cave to the south. It's [a personal smuggling den of his, but beggars can't be choosers] hidden. That way! [He gives Norman a none-too-gentle shove to direct him.]

Not important right now! Just move!

[Though he can tell it's going to be important judging by Joel's reaction. He hasn't shot him or left him behind, however, so there's something to be said about that.

A cave to the south? Okay... yeah. Good. Norman stumbles when he's shoved, but runs off in that direction once he's gotten his balance back. It's good that the Rangers started shooting before they'd gotten closer, since it gives them a chance to get around the rocks and into the cave before they're sighted. Once inside, Norman leans back against the rock wall to catch his breath; or at least try to. Goddamn, if he doesn't want another fucking Med-X. But no, not now. He doesn't want to overdose or anything.]

[The cave is really more like a pit in the ground, set into a huge lump of rock. The only light for a moment comes from the slivers of sun escaping through the hatch, and then Joel battens it down, sliding the bolt into place with a 'ka-chunk.' The room goes pitch black.

There's the sound of metal against rock, a spark, and then a small flame appears in a lamp full of brahmin oil, its dim light casting long shadows across the room. The room itself is full of sacks and crates full of various items, everything covered in dust and the evidence of rough living. The lamp also illuminates Joel, now pointing his gun at Norman.]

Think I'm about overdue for an explanation. [And it better be a damn good one, from the implacable tone in his voice, and the hard look on his face.]

[The darkness is oddly comforting for the few moments it lasts. But then the cave is illuminated with shadows and Norman quickly notes the gun pointed at him. It seems like this has been happening a lot today.]

Yeah. [He breathes out slowly, heart still racing. Maybe if he could have a moment without a goddamn gun pointed at him, he'd be able to calm down and talk.]

Lower the gun, alright? I'm not going anywhere.

[In fact he goes to sit down, just to make his peaceful intentions all the clearer. What's there to keep secret now? If the NCR wants him dead, he has nothing to go back to anymore. Norman's isn't sure that the enormity of the situation has sunk in just yet.]

Yeah, I work for the NCR. Or did... doesn't look like they want me around anymore. [He lets out a short, humorless laugh.] They sent me to retrieve these bottles on account of the biological hazard they contain. They thought if the Legion got hold of them, they'd poison all the waters around Vegas and kill off thousands of people. Said they weren't gonna use them themselves... but now I'm not so sure.

[Joel doesn't lower the gun. He hasn't decided yet if "Jayden"-- if that's even his real name-- is going anywhere" or not. Into the ground, maybe.]

And you believed 'em?

[Contempt again. Joel never expects anything less than the very worst from big military groups. Legion, NCR-- different levels of brutality, maybe, but in the end they're all the same.]

What were you, freelance? Some contractor? Or one of the pet soldiers they shipped in from the coast? [If nothing else, he didn't seem like a hardened merc for hire. Didn't have the stomach for it.]

[He guesses it's too much to hope for a civil conversation right now. He has lied repeatedly to Joel, so he guesses he understands, even though he isn't pleased about it.]

Of course I trusted them. I was born in the NCR. Grew up there... my parents both fought and died serving the NCR army. I've been with them for years now. I mostly do missions like this one, espionage... finding out about their enemies before they strike. That kinda thing.

[In other words: not a front line kind of guy. He kills in the course of those missions if he has to, but always prefers to find another way. Norman has always thought all the best of the NCR, seeing as they're bringing civilization to the Wasteland. But if they mean to use these chemicals... then, well, he doesn't know what to think.]

I'm sorry you got tangled up in all of this, I really am. But if they've seen you with me, you're gonna be in trouble too.

[The gun pointing at Norman stays rock steady even as Joel grimaces. So the man's a spy for the NCR. Great, just fucking great. He half-wonders if he should still shoot the guy-- just for the principle of it, not that Joel has much in the way of principles anymore, but the first rush of anger was past, and he'd just end up with another body to deal with. Slowly, Joel lowers the pistol.

That doesn't mean he isn't feeling damn spiteful.]

Well, ain't that loyalty for you. Guess they got all they needed out of you, thought it was time to cut their losses. [He scoffs, shaking his head.] Unbelievable.

[He can't believe this guy's gotten him dragged into this. And with the NCR, of all people. But now they're faced with a whole batch of problems, and being pissed doesn't solve a damn thing.]

The hell are we supposed to do with these bottles?

[He's grateful when Joel finally lowers the pistol, though he doesn't feel quite in the clear yet. Really, it's been a miracle that he's survived the day so far, and doesn't want to be too hopeful that his luck will continue.]

Bet they didn't want me around if they plan to use them... since I could spread word about it.

[Problems, problems everywhere. How to even begin solving them? Norman removes Joel's pack and places it beside him, glancing at it thoughtfully.]

Well, we can't have the Legion or the NCR get hold of them now. So... we'll have to protect them.

[He doesn't know about destroying them. Seems like that'd only release the chemicals, and he doesn't want any accidental deaths.]

Feel like playing the hero? [His tone is a bit snide, but the question is in all seriousness. Does someone like Joel give a shit about something like this? Or will he leave the burden on Norman's shoulders alone? The guy doesn't seem to care too much about morality, but then again he did leave Norman alive at the vault when killing him would've been easier. It's difficult to say what Joel's thinking.]

[Joel gives Norman an look, like Are you fucking kidding me? This kind of stuff is way, way beyond his paygrade and gets filed squarely as shit that is None of His Goddamn Business. His own primary concerns here are A) not dying, B) getting the hell away from the NCR troopers no doubt crawling through this stretch of desert, and C) ditching the bottles as fast as he can, in about that order. And here Jayden's thinking up some kind of crazy protection racket? His voice is hard, and faintly incredulous as he responds.]

I ain't no hero. And there is no "we" in this plan. You wanna stick your neck out and play dodge-the-bullet with the NCR and the Legion, then be my guest. But hell if I'm joinin' in.

[That said, he hasn't really thought through the implications of having a free-floating bioweapon either. As far as Joel can see, this is still someone else's problem.]

[Norman returns that look with an unimpressed one of his own. Yeah, that's more or less the response he expected, if not the one he hoped for. But while Joel was talking, he'd already made the decision to try and convince the guy to change his mind. Norman knows he can't do this all by himself... he's grounded enough in reality to realize that. Joel clearly knows how to survive, and he's his best bet in finding a solution to this problem.]

And I'm no great fighter. The Legion or NCR catches up with me, they'll take the bottles and poison the water supply around here. Then not only are you gonna die, but plenty of other innocent people will as well.

Do you want that kinda responsibility on your shoulders? 'Cause you sure come off as a hardass, but you haven't killed me yet to get me outta your hair. So I think there's still some humanity in you, unlike most of the shitheads in this world.

[Responsibility. Is that what Jayden things will get him to fall in line? Joel can feel his temper rising, forcibly reigning it in with a low exhale and a black look in Norman's direction.]

Trust me. I'm not makin' that mistake again.

[But the bit about death by dramatic water poisoning is.... well, it's not out of the question. Really not out of the question, given what he knows and has come to expect of Legion and NCR alike. Joel scowls. He could always leave, if he had to. Hell, what kind of smuggler would he be if he couldn't pack up shop and move cross-country at the drop of a hat? Why get involved? But (the thought is cold, like a sliver of ice in his chest), doesn't he knows better than anyone else-- being innocent, not being involved, staying out of the way, that was no guarantee you'd be out of the line of fire.

What the hell is he thinking? He can't seriously be considering...]

You want someone to help you save the world? Well, you are lookin' at the wrong person.

[Again, huh? That piques Norman's curiosity, but he knows better than to ask.]

Shit, Joel. If there was someone else I'd go to them for help, but there isn't.

[The impact of the NCR's betrayal is gradually starting to hit him. It makes sense now, why they'd send him in for this job. Norman isn't the only one trained to do these sorts of missions, but unlike the others, he has no family to speak of, and no real friends either. Most people find his company awkward and basic conversations with him turn uncomfortable quick enough. Maybe the NCR found out about his addiction too, and decided he was particularly expendable.]

The NCR was all I had. I don't have any family or friends to turn to. You have to help me.

[Norman doesn't like to plead, but this is a really serious situation here. If he fails to protect those bottles, all those deaths will be on his shoulders. There's no way he could live with himself if that happened.]

Edited 2013-11-20 05:47 (UTC)

[His temper snaps. He feels brittle, cracks exposed. Who was this asshole to be asking anything of him, let alone trying to make him responsible for the lives and deaths of some unknown, unnamed number of people? Turning with a low growl, Joel grabs Norman by the collar, hauling him to look him full in the face. His words are hard, controlled, and as emphatic as a shout.]

I don't have to do shit so you can feel like a big damn hero.

[Joel lets go with a sound of disgust, turning away. His shoulders are shaking with-- fury, irritation, indignation, and something infinitely more raw and bitter, like memory, back when he'd been responsible for something-- someone. The weight of it had nearly crushed him. But god fucking damnit, Jayden isn't all wrong, either. Joel doesn't want to be within a hundred miles-- no, two hundred miles-- of whatever place the NCR or Legion chooses to nuke, and he doesn't want to just hand the bottles over to them on a platter either. Shit. Inevitability tastes like ashes in his mouth.]

Fuck. I'll get you as far east as Boulder City. After that, we're calling it quits, and you're on your own.

[Whatever reaction Norman was expecting, it wasn't such a strong, angry one. He grabs onto Joel's shoulders when he's tugged closer by the collar, prepared to try and shove him away if he become violent. But no... he just wanted to make his point clear before letting go. Norman stands silently for awhile, watching Joel's back. There's definitely something eating at this guy; no doubt about that. A regular cold-hearted mercenary wouldn't even bother arguing about it. He'd have either killed him by now, or just walked away.

The eventual offer to help out a little surprises him as well. Thing is, Norman doesn't know what he'd do after getting to Boulder City. There are NCR all over that place, and he doesn't know how quickly word will spread that he's a target.]

...Yeah. Alright. [Maybe during the journey he can convince Joel to agree to more. Anything can happen in that amount of time, as he's learned today.] Thanks.

My name's Norman, by the way. Jayden's my last name.

Don't thank me.

[The reaction is automatic, his voice flat. Joel isn't doing the man a favor so much as he's... making a guarantee for his own survival. Yeah. Put that way, it makes a whole lot more sense (but who's he kidding, it doesn't make any sense at all.) As expected, the man hadn't been entirely honest about his name either, but that's small potatoes after the wringer he'd just run on him. ]

And the name's still Joel.

[So he'd agreed to run an operation cross-state, going up against the Legion and the NCR... and with an NCR spy, no less. Joel can't believe he'd signed up for this; he must be losing his mind. He exhales noisily, running his hands through his hair. First order of business: get the hell out of this cave without getting shot. Or worse.]

You're the NCR man. How do you s'pose they'll track us?

Too late.

[Norman doesn't care why he's doing it, so long as he does. He's pretty sure the pressure of doing this alone would crush him, and he'd be caught before he could even begin to figure out a solution to the problem.]

Huh. Surprised you gave me your real name.

[Personally, he would prefer to spend a bit more time in the cave before going back out there at the risk of dodging another hail of bullets.]

They'll look around this area for a bit longer, then probably head to the nearest settlements and pit stops. We should wait a bit before heading out.

[Joel just grunts in response. He'd never been sentimental about his name-- not like anyone from his old life was likely to recognize the man he'd become, or anyone in his new one like to give a damn about it.]

Huh. Figures. Still, we can't stick around for too long. [He isn't opposed to waiting it out, but the sense of being caged, of being driven into a corner itches at him. It would only take one foot soldier coming across the hatch in the ground for this place to turn into a death trap. Better yet, if they had a mine or frag grenade to hook up to the door, he and Norman be in a world of pain even before they could get a gun out long enough to shoot...

Joel shakes his head, trying to clear out the visions of worst-case scenarios out of his head. Hell, this isn't like him. (Like Bill, maybe.) They'd deal with their problems one at a time. His eyes fall on the crates and storage lockers scattered throughout the dim cave -- this was one of his better stashes. He'd had contacts within McCarran itself, sneaking out guns, ammo, whatever wouldn't be missed, and now it might come in handy against their former owners. Joel can appreciate the irony in that.]

Hey-- pass me my pack. And [...a short but noticeable pause before he gives a little wave at the contents of teh room.] help yourself to whatever you need.

[As reluctant as he might be to hand out his hard stolen earnings, he doesn't stint on his partners... not that Jay-- no, Norman, is a partner now, but they are running a mission together and he isn't about to get himself killed 'cause he'd been too stingy about stimpacks.]

[Norman doesn't like the way the cave keeps them so vulnerable if they're discovered, but it feels like the best option for now. The Rangers are too good to outrun in the open, and there could be plenty more NCR swarming the area by now.

He also takes the chance to look at the supplies in the little cave. Probably a lot of contraband... stuff that he'd report to the NCR if it wasn't clear that he'd lost his status among the group. Norman feels another twinge of pain just at the thought of it, at the betrayal and loss. He always thought the NCR were nothing but the 'good guys'. He was idealistic in a world he had no business being idealistic in, and now it's come back to kick him in the gut. At least he still has some purpose... dealing with these bottles. He'll have to cling to that for now.

Joel's generous offer surprises him. Maybe Norman's assessment about Joel is right. There really is something human still there, and he is going to try his best to appeal to that as they go along.]

Thanks. [In a sign of trust, Norman hands Joel his pack without first unloading the bottles. Never mind that Joel could have him dead pretty easily if he didn't want him to do so. He actually does trust that the other man won't betray him this time.

After glancing around he finds a crate of sarsaparilla and grabs a bottle. Only after the first sip does he realize how thirsty he is.]

[Joel ignores Norman's thanks, grabbing his pack and shrugging it over one shoulder before putting his back to him. In the space of time before now and whenever they clear out of this hole, he wants to gear up, grab food, maybe get some rest...

There's a dusty crowbar on the floor, and he picks it up and uses it to pry open up one of the crates. The lid opens with a low creak, revealing it to be filled top to bottom with neatly stacked assault rifles.

Joel picks one up, thumbs around it, and grimaces. He can't get back to his usual hideout, with his usual equipment-- that maybe ten miles north and west, the opposite direction of where they were headed, but most of the stuff here was older, battered weapons that needed some work before they would be good for anything.]

You any good at repairing or modding guns?

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fuck my new vegas is so rusty i had to go hunting down maps and everything

I just played it and I still have to look for maps

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