Fallout New Vegas: Rise of a Nation

Rising Threat

Note: Well, I'm back! After a couple of weeks I started going through withdrawal, so I started my second book in my Fallout series. For those of you who have followed me from my previous book, Fallout: Rise of the Lone Wanderer, welcome back and thank you. I hope I will be able to entertain you as much as I did with the last story. For those of you just joining us, I STRONGLY recommend you read my first story before starting this one. Anyway, let's get on with it...

MegaVault City, The Capital Union. March, 2280….

"Once the Master was dead and his Vault destroyed, your great-grandfather, and I were the only ones left standing." Lenny, the mysterious ghoul from out west, somberly recounted. "After we'd buried our dead comrades, Thomas headed back to Vault 13, and that's when the Overseer gave him the devastating news."

Sitting across from him on the picnic bench was Marcus Lincoln, aka The Lone Wanderer. The twenty-one year old who had saved the Capital Wasteland from the Enclave and the scourge of the Pitt, hung on Lenny's every word as the ghoul recounted his adventures with Marcus' great-grandfather: the Vault Dweller. Based on what little he knew already, Marcus was able to guess the next part of the story. "That he was being exiled."

Lenny took a sip from his water. "Yeah, that's right." The bitterness was clearly in his voice. "After everything he'd done for them, that bastard threw him out like he was a stray dog!" The ghoul took another drink. "Your great-grandfather was the greatest hero I'd ever met. I was honored to have tagged along with him."

Marcus took a moment to look at his two children, Max and Marie, sitting at the other picnic table with Clover. Marie, who Marcus had rescued from the Pitt two years ago, was quietly eating her punga fruit. Clover on the other hand, was struggling to feed Max – the son she'd had with Marcus. Though he would never use the word accident to describe his son, Max was by no means planned. Clover had gotten pregnant during their brief time together roaming the Wasteland, and since the Unity War, the two parents, (though no longer romantically involved) were determined to make a life for their son. "So what happened to him after that?"

"Well, he made his way back to Shady Sands, fell in love with Tandi, founded the NCR and the rest is, well…. history."

Marcus took a swig of his beer. "Well, I appreciate you taking the time to tell me all of that, Lenny. I don't know a whole lot about my family so…. thank you. But you said that the NCR is in trouble. How? Are they under attack?"

Lenny snorted. "That's one of their problems. Ten years ago the NCR decided to expand east into the Mojave Desert inside of what was once called Nevada. At most they expected to find just a few scattered settlements…. but instead, they found the city of New Vegas."

Charon, who was sitting next to Marcus, tilted his head to the side. "New Vegas. You mean Las Vegas?"

Lenny nodded. "One and the same. Both the city and the Mojave were practically un-touched by the nukes of the Great War. In fact, New Vegas is lite up and operating as if nothing had ever happened."

"How is that even possible?" Marcus asked.

"Apparently a man named House had a fancy missile defense system built around the city before The Great War. It knocked out most of the nukes heading for the Mojave before they could hit, so unlike the rest of the country, it has little to no radiation at all."

A chuckle escaped from Charon. "Hold on, the man's name is House? What is he, morbidly obese or something?"

Lenny couldn't help but smile at the joke. "No. His real name is Robert Edwin House."

Moira's avatar suddenly appeared on Marcus' PIPBOY, and the AI looked so excited she was about to burst. "Not the Robert Edwin House?! The founder and CEO of Robco Industries?"

Lenny, who was clearly surprised by the AI, gave a nervous nodded. "That's him. His genius saved New Vegas, and he's been running it ever since."

Sarah Lyons, who was sitting on Marcus' right side, had remained silent as Lenny told his story. It was clear to Lenny almost as soon as he'd sat down that she and Marcus were together, based on how close they were sitting, and how they acted around each other. Sarah and Marcus had been fighting side-by-side almost since that day they'd met in the ruins of the Capital near GNR studios. Together they had defeated the Enclave, forced the Super Mutants to live in peace with the humans, completed the Anchorage simulator, rescued and adopted Marie, and won the Unity War. Though it took them both a while for them to admit their feelings, looking back, they were smitten with each other since the battle of GNR. "Hold on. You just said this Robert House built the missile defense system before the war. So how can he still be alive?"

"If there's no radiation in the city then he can't be a ghoul." Marcus surmised.

"That's just it – nobody's seen him in over two-hundred years. He runs New Vegas from the tower of his casino, the Lucky 38. Three tribes, well, now they call themselves Families, run the day to day operations in the city, and it's all being guarded by House's private army of securitrons. There's been a lot of rumors of how he survived. Some claim he intentionally turned himself into a ghoul, others think he's being kept alive with machines….Hu, some people think he's immortal – like a vampire or something."

The mention of the robot army caused both Marcus and Sarah to visibly tense. "So is the NCR at war with House?" Marcus asked.

"For now, no…. although it's no secret the NCR would love to annex New Vegas for itself. But that's not the biggest prize the Mojave has to offer. Have any of you ever heard of Hoover Dam?"

All three companions nodded. "Like New Vegas, Hoover Dam remained largely intact after the war and it's capable of producing enough electricity to power not only the Mojave, but most of the NCR."

Marcus was beginning to understand. "So whoever controls the Dam, controls pretty much the entire Southwest?"

Lenny nodded. "You got it. Hu, you're just as sharp as your great-grandfather was. The treaty the NCR signed with House gave the Republic control of the Dam, but in return 5% of the power must go to New Vegas, and the NCR recognizes that it has no jurisdiction over the city."

Charon finished off his beer. "Something tells me things didn't end with a pretty pink bow on it."

A sigh escaped from Lenny. "No. What the NCR didn't realize was that a great evil was gathering on the other side of the Colorado River; ready to swallow everything in it's path. An army of slaves which had conquered all of the land that was once Arizona, and now believes it is destined to extend it's territory to the Pacific Ocean. Caesar's Legion."

Marcus' eyebrows went up, and he couldn't hide the smirk on his face. "Wait a minute…. you mean like Julius Caesar from the Roman Empire?"

"His real name is Edward Sallow, and believe it or not, he was a member of the Followers of the Apocalypse."

That revelation got Marcus' attention, and Lenny must have seen it in his eyes. "He was a member of the organization around the same time as your mother and father. About thirty-five years ago he led an expedition into Arizona to study the local tribes. No one knows for sure what happened there, but before long he and his followers began subjugating the local tribes one by one. Apparently, he was inspired by the stories of Caesar and the Roman Empire, and decided to rebuild his society in their image." Lenny's expression suddenly turned dark. "And just like the Romans of old, they are ruthless and power hungry. Any tribe that refuses to join them are conquered, and those that fight them are crucified or burned alive. Women are second class citizens and have no rights. Caesar has forbidden his people to use technology or modern medicine, and they instead live what he calls "pure" lives."

Charon shook his head, and could not contain his amusement. "So a bunch of guys dressed up like frat boys at a toga party, armed with swords and spears, are trying to take over Nevada?"

Lenny's expression remained deadly serious. "Those frat boys as you call them conquered eighty-six tribes in four states. They will use self-repeating rifles and pistols in addition to their spears and swords, but what they lack in fire power they make up for with numbers." The ghoul leaned in closer. "And their fanaticism to their leader is without match."

A shutter went through the three companions. Caesar's Legion sounded too much like Ashur's Pitt army. Lenny took a drink of water and continued. "The NCR was caught by surprise, and nearly lost the Dam if not for their Rangers and First Recon Snipers….and a pretty bat-shit crazy plan at Boulder City. Caesar and his Legion retreated across the Colorado, and the NCR retook the Dam and dug in. That was nearly five years ago. The war has become a stalemate; neither side being able to overtake the other."

Marcus took a wary deep breath, as he could see where this conversation was heading. "So, you want us to head out west and help the NCR defeat the Legion?"

Lenny cringed. "Defeating the Legion is just one problem facing the NCR. The truth is, kid, I've been a citizen of the Republic since it was founded….and I don't recognize it anymore."

"What do you mean?" Sarah asked.

Lenny stared down at the table in front of him. "Since your father left all those years ago, the NCR's been acting in ways that, well, frankly….go against what your family stood for. Tandi, Thomas, Maximillian, they invited settlements and tribes to join the Republic, they never forced them to. Our newest President Kimbell is determined to annex all of the Mojave…. whether the people there want him to or not. Don't get me wrong, they're not nearly as brutal as Caesar's Legion, and when they first arrived, most of the people welcomed the NCR. But this war with Caesar has gone on for too long, and it's draining the country of treasure and men. People back home are starting to wonder why they're sending their sons and daughters off to die for land that isn't even theirs. But Kimbell just keeps doubling down; turning this into a war of attrition."

Charon sat back and sighed. "Sounds like Vietnam."

Lenny nodded in agreement. "Exactly…only unlike the Viet Cong, Caesar will not stop if he takes the Dam. He and his Legion will overrun the entire Southwest, and then he'll move on the NCR itself."

Frustration was evident on Sarah's face. "It sounds to me like this is a war the NCR has to win. So why are the people back home questioning it."

Charon provided the answer. "Because there is no such thing as a good, long war." He looked around at the faces staring at him. "Zen Tzu, the Art of War."

Lenny pointed at his fellow ghoul. "Exactly! Don't miss understand me, the people of the NCR don't want to lose to Caesar, far from it. They want to win! But wars are not won by killing your enemy, it's won by breaking his will to fight. If body counts alone determined the victor, then the North would've lost the American Civil War, and America would've won Vietnam. Now Caesar doesn't care how many troops he losses, and his men live off the land, so he's not losing much in terms of money and treasure. But the NCR," he shook his head, "Just like America in Vietnam, no matter how noble the cause, the NCR cannot win a war of attrition."

Marcus was beginning to see the problem. "If this Caesar wants to take New Vegas, then why don't House and the NCR team up to fight him?"

Lenny let out a bitter chuckle. "Because House views the NCR as just as much of a threat to his power as the Legion, and he has no problem sitting back and watching them bleed each other dry."

Silence was all there was between the four people for a few moments. Marcus ran his fingers through his hair and rubbed the back of his neck. "Why did the NCR send troops into the Mojave in the first place? You said it yourself they thought there would be nothing but desert and a few settlements."

Once again, Lenny's eyes fell on the table in front of him. "It was….out of necessity. There's something else I haven't told you, and I believe this, not the war with the Legion, was the beginning of the NCR's decline. About fifteen years ago the Brotherhood of Steel and NCR, who had been allies since the founding of the Republic…. went to war against each other."

"WHAT!" Everyone blurted out in unison.

Lenny gave a solemn nod. "It's true. No ones' sure why the damn war started in the first place…. something about a disagreement over technology. The war raged all over California and later the Mojave, and the Brotherhood inflicted enormous casualties on the NCR…. but the Republic had them outnumbered more than a hundred to one, and eventually the Brotherhood was overrun."

Panic filled Sarah's eyes. "Are you telling me that the entire Western Brotherhood…. Lost Hills – everything….is gone?"

Lenny swallowed the lump in his throat. "I'm sorry, but yes. Lost Hills fell ten years ago, along with all of the Brotherhood's outposts. The Knights that are left retreated underground into bunkers and abandoned subway tunnels. They're still holding out, but without reinforcements and relief…. it's only a matter of time until the NCR wipes them out."

Marcus closed his eyes and rubbed his brow. "So the NCR needed resources because of its war with the Brotherhood."

Lenny did not respond, and once again there was silence between the four of them; the only sounds heard were the laughter of Max and Marie on the other side of the park. Lenny leaned forward, and his eyes were filled with fear and pleading. "Now you see why I had to find you! Ever since your family left, everything they have built, everything they fought for, is being torn apart! I believe you are the only one who can stop this madness and save the NCR!"

Sarah was enraged. "Save the NCR! They all but annihilated our entire order, and you want us to save them!" She practically shot up from the picnic table. "We have to go to the Citadel and report this to my father. Now!" Before anyone could speak, she stormed off across the park and quickly scooped up Marie.

Marcus sighed and turned back to Lenny. "Do you have a place to stay?"

"I uh, heard there was a new hotel opening up in this town. I'll be there if you want to talk some more."

Marcus shook his hand. "I will. Thank you again."

Despite the distressing news, Elder Lyons had decided to call a meeting of the Brotherhood's command staff after the Unity Day parade and celebrations. It was the first birthday of the new nation, and everyone in the Capital Union was expected to attend the events – especially Marcus and Sarah, whom most people had dubbed "The nation's parents." The first scheduled event was a memorial service at the newly restored Arlington National Cemetery, where many of the dead from the Unity War were buried. Both Marcus and Sarah were dressed in their black Brotherhood of Steel officer's uniforms, adorned with all of their medals and citations. Hundreds of people attended the solemn ceremony, and nearly all of them knew someone who was laid to rest in the hallowed ground. Neither Marcus or Sarah gave a speech. Instead they laid a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, which had been expanded to include the Unity War, since the lack of DNA testing facilities had made it impossible to identify all of the dead.

The next and most anticipated event was the parade. It was without a doubt the biggest celebration the Capital had seen in two centuries. Thousands of people lined the parade route, which extended from the Anchorage War Memorial (to honor the war dead of the past), down the banks of the Potomac to the Lincoln Memorial, ending up on the other side of the Mall to the Capital Building. Both Marcus and Sarah were declared the Grand Marshalls of the Parade, and they were riding in the back of an old world convertible which the Scribe's had restored for this occasion. Even though the two lovers hated all of the attention, they smiled and waved at the adorning crowd, as ticker tape filled the sky. Every faction who fought in the Unity war was represented in the parade march, beginning with the Capital Militia. Dressed in their dark blue armor and caring M4 carbines, the newly formed citizen militia represented all of the Wastelanders who volunteered during the Unity War, though most of them were positioned along the parade route to provide security. Next were the Regulators, the Union's lawmen and they were dressed in their familiar duster and hats, but just like the militia, many of them were in plain cloths milling about in the crowd, looking for any signs of trouble.

Next was the Brotherhood, and the sight of dozens of Knights marching in shinning power armor made everyone cheer louder. The addition of a few captured armored vehicles and technicals from the Unity War only added to the pageantry. Behind the BOS contingent were the ghouls and Super Mutants, now known as Meta-humans. Leading them was Fawkes, the kind hearted Meta-human who helped Marcus defeat the Enclave and the Pitt army.

Next were the veterans from MegaVault City. Many of the original Vaultees were wearing their old 101 jumpsuits, but most were in regular cloths. Leading them were Lucas Simms, the city's first mayor, and his Lieutenant mayor Herman Gomez; the last Overseer of Vault 101. Behind them were the representatives of Rivet City led by Harkness, the city's representative on the Council. Normally his wife Athena Hill would be by his side, but she and her snipers were in concealed positions in building along the parade route, keeping a watch full eye on everyone. Next were the ex-slaves from the Temple of the Union, led by their new leader, Clover. In the front of the group was a large banner which read: "Until every slave is free."

The final contingent was Reilly's Rangers, and leading the now two dozen strong organization was the original four members and Charon. Though the Council had requested that the Ranger's march in formation, Reilly boldly stated quote: "that was not their style", and instead they walked casually down the parade route in their olive-green combat armor; waving and shaking hands with the crowd.

As they slowly made their way towards the Capital Building, Marcus marveled at what the Mall looked like, compared to two years ago when it was a battlefield. The trenches and bunkers that once occupied the Mall's center were now torn down and filled in, and irrigation to clean the soil had already begun. The Washington Monument, which had been destroyed by mothership Zeta's deathray was being rebuilt, though many of them wondered if they would be alive to see it completed. The roads they were traveling on were covered and blocked off by tons of rubble just a year ago, and now they were completely clear. Sarah and Marcus understood why it was so important that they attend the celebrations. They were a testament to what people in the Capital Union could do when they worked together.

Once the parade was finished, the ruling Council and dignitaries gathered on the steps of the Capital. The first to speak was the current Chancellor of the Council, Elder Lyons. There were a few more speeches after him, but the last and most anticipated speaker was Marcus Lincoln. After he was introduced, the crowd erupted in cheers and clapping, and Marcus took a deep breath before stealing a kiss from Sarah and approached the podium. After thanking all of those in attendance, Marcus began his speech.

"Two years ago to the day on this sacred ground, a great battle was joined. It was a battle that would ultimately decide the future of this piece of irradiated dirt we called home. Many of you here today stood on the ramparts," He pointed past the crowd towards the spot of the Washington Monument, "and many of you bare the scares from that day. You stood together – not as Brotherhood Knights, or Vaultees, or Regulators, or Rangers, or mutants…. but as free men and women. You stood shoulder to shoulder out gunned, and outnumbered nearly four to one." He paused and looked out among the crowd. "Why? Why did you do it? You did it because you would not bow before a tyrant. You did it because you were determined to see that your children, whom you'd left behind at home, would grow up free and not slaves. Most of all, you did it because of faith and belief. Belief that our cause was right and just, and that there is a profound and moral difference, between the use of force for liberation and the use of force for conquest. You all knew there were somethings worth dying for. Liberty. Freedom. Your children's future – these are things worth fighting and laying down your life for. This was something our enemies from the Pitt did not understand….and their ignorance lead to their downfall."

Cheers and clapping rose up from the crowd, and once it had died down, Marcus continued. "Since that day, great things have been achieved. A new unified government and constitution, granting freedom and equality under the law for all, was adopted. Rebuilding and recovery efforts are on schedule, and the first radiation free crop has been harvested."

More clapping and cheers from the crowd, and Marcus spotted Jericho and Butch in the front row. Both of them were dressed in what appeared to be very expensive suits, and they both raised a glass of purified water in a toast to the Lone Wanderer.

"Here on this hallowed ground, where all of the Capital's factions held together, let us make a vow to our dead. Let us show them by our actions, that we understand what they died for. Strengthened by their courage, heartened by their value and born by their memory, let us continue to stand for the ideals for which they lived, and died for. My God bless you, and my God bless the Union. Thank you."

The Citadel….

It wasn't until later that evening, after the parades and ceremonies commemorating Unity Day were over, that the Brotherhood command staff met in the Grand Hall to discuss the situation out west. In attendance were Elder Lyons, Star Paladin Cross, Paladin McGraw, Paladin Gunny, Head Scribe Rothchild, Sentinel Sarah Lyons, and though he was retired, Marcus Lincoln. Most of them, including Elder Lyons, were still adorned in full dress uniform when the meeting began.

"Upon my request," Lyons began, "our friends from the Zetian mothership positioned themselves over the west coast, and visually scanned known Brotherhood outposts in the region." The Elder hung his head. "I'm afraid it has confirmed what we all feared. Every Brotherhood outpost, including Lost Hills, is either abandoned, destroyed, or being occupied by NCR troops. The mothership also listened for any Brotherhood radio traffic," his voice nearly cracked, "and there was nothing."

It seemed as though the air was sucked out of the room as the command staff contemplated what they had just heard. The silence was broken when Cross slammed her fist down on the table. "Well if the NCR is at war with our brothers, then I say they are at war with us!"

A roar erupted from the table, signaling that the rest of those in attendance agreed with the Star Paladin. Paladin McGraw stood up. "I move that we request a special session of the Council, and that they declare a state of war with the New California Republic."

Another roar rose from the table. Sarah, who was sitting next to Marcus, nodded and curled her lips back in what resembled a snarl. Marcus sat in silence and shifted uncomfortably.

Elder Lyons raised his left hand, indicating for silence. "I have already spoken to the Council, and they have determined that since the NCR has not threatened the Union itself, they will not issue a declaration of war."

Chaos now erupted inside the Grand Hall, as everyone began yelling and shouting at once. Sarah shot out of her seat. "We don't need the Council! We'll gather our forces and head west without their approval!"

The Paladin's voiced agreement, while Rothchild and Marcus said nothing. Lyons gave his daughter a stern look. "Sarah, you know that the Union's Constitution which we signed last year, states that only the Council can declare war. If we defy them it will be considered mutiny, and we will be forced to withdraw from the Union; which could lead to civil war."

The pandemonium was quickly replaced with dead silence, but Sarah would not be moved. "Father, you are the current Chancellor, if you plead our case to the rest of the Council…."

"I have already explained the situation to them at length. The truth is…. I am in agreement with them."

Looks of shock and hung jaws filled the room. Sarah was barely able to speak. "Father how could…. why would you…."

"Need I remind you that we are still recovering from the Unity War." The Elder's voice now took on a stern tone. "The repairs to the Citadel are not yet complete. Rivet City is still in shambles, and the Capital Militia barely has enough trained troops to guard the Union's borders."

Sarah was about to speak, but Owyn continued. "Would you like for me to tell you how many troops the NCR currently has?"

Sarah and the rest of the command staff stayed silent. "Our current estimates are that the NCR has a standing force of over ten-thousand troops."

The command staff responded with groans and at least one low whistle. "Paladin Gunny, how many Brotherhood soldiers are ready for combat?"

Gunny had to swallow since his throat had gone dry. "Just under three-hundred, Elder."

Owyn nodded. "And how many of them are Initiates?"

A sigh escaped from the Paladin as he hung his head. "Half."

Lyons stood silent for a moment, as he let the information sink in. "If we go charging off to war against an enemy of that size, an enemy that has all but wiped out the Western Brotherhood, then all we will accomplish is sharing their fate."

"So then….we do nothing?" Rothchild asked.

Lyons shook his head. "I did not say that. We will help our brothers anyway we can, but only after get more information. We have no idea how many survivors there are, nor do we know where they are. We also have no idea of the current political environment inside the NCR. This ghoul, Lenny, indicates that many of the citizens are war warry, and if that is true, then there is the possibility for us to reach a peaceful solution to this crisis."

Cross was visibly trying to control her emotions as she spoke. "With all respects, Elder, but I do not believe a peaceful solution is possible! From what this Lenny has told us, the NCR is not the same country we left over twenty years ago. They seem hell bent on expansionism, and seem all too eager to use violence to settle disputes."

"That is one of the many questions we must answer before we can act. We will send a small team to the Mojave to assess the situation there, and make contact with the survivors of the Western Brotherhood. If a peace accord with the NCR is impossible, then we will provide our brothers with any assistance we can – including evacuating them here to the Union if necessary."

Marcus, who had been silent for meeting, finally spoke up. "We can't forget about this Caesar and his Legion. From what we've heard, he's just as much of a power hungry tyrant as Ashur, if not worse. Lenny told us the story about what Caesar did to the general of his armies after their defeat at Hoover Damn. He had the man doused with oil and birch wood, set him on fire, then threw him into the Grand Cannon."

"I agree." Owyn responded. "This will be a perilous journey for whoever makes it." He turned and looked directly at the Lone Wanderer. "Marcus, you have done more for us then any man alive, and we have no right to ask more from you."

Marcus tensed in his seat, and he suspected that a "but" was coming.

"But, I am asking you to make the journey out west. In addition to your resourcefulness in situation like this, your connection to the NCR might be the key to securing a cease-fire, which will allow our remaining brothers a chance to recover from this war. You of course have the right to decline, in which case we will send someone else. All though, I believe the mission would have a far better chance of succeeding with you. But if you agree to this, you will be reinstated into the Brotherhood of Steel at the rank of Star Paladin."

Marcus' eyes shot wide open. Star Paladin was the third highest rank in the Brotherhood, and it was unusual for more than one person to hold the rank at a given time. Despite this, he was more than apprehensive about taking on this assignment, and when he looked to Sarah she too, had a look of dread on her face. "I'm honored, Elder but I have responsibilities here. I have children," his eyes met Sarah's, "a family that needs me."

The Elder nodded. "I understand this is a difficult decision Marcus, and you by no means have to give us an answer now. Take some time to think about it, and I promise you, should you decide to accept this mission, the Brotherhood will look after your family."

Marcus only responded with a nod….as he suddenly felt a huge weight on his shoulders.

Later that night, as fireworks lite up the sky, Marcus stood alone on the front porch of his home in MegaVault City that he shared with Sarah and Marie. They had long moved out of the rusted shack Lucas Simms had given him after he'd stopped the Megaton bomb from going off. Now they lived comfortably in the first home built from scratch in the new city. The design had the nickname "cookie cutter house", and had three bedrooms, a kitchen, living room and two bathrooms. Compared to what he had been living in during the years since leaving the Vault, the small suburban style home was a palace. He heard footsteps from behind, and without turning he knew it was Sarah.

"Clover and Max passed out on the couch, and Marie was so tired she curled up with them."

Marcus couldn't help but chuckle as the image came into his mind. Even though Clover and Max normally stayed at the Temple of the Union, they would from time to time sleep over; especially on special occasions. "I can't believe they can sleep through the fireworks."

Sarah responded with a shrug, and placed her hands on the railing. Marcus took a moment to admire the woman he loved, as he took in the magnificent sight of her in a low-cut blue night gown, and even with just the lighting from the fireworks he could tell she was wearing next to nothing underneath. "Come here." He beckoned.

Sarah smiled as she wrapped her arm around him, and placed her head on his shoulder. Marcus responded by placing his hand around her waist, and he could feel her skin through the thin fabric. He kissed the top of her head, and closed his eyes as he enjoyed the sweet smell of her hair. "I love you." He whispered.

"I love you, too." Sarah looked up at him, and their lips joined. Once they were separated, she looked into his brown eyes and let out a sigh. "You've decided, haven't you."

Marcus couldn't help but let out a chuckle. She knew him so well it was scary. "Yes."

Sarah stared back at him with her blue and green eyes. "And?"

Marcus sighed as he let go of her, and placed his hands on the railing. "When I left the Brotherhood, I swore I would never leave you, or Max, or Marie. I figured I'd done my time, and that someone else should carry on the fight." He turned around and crossed his arms as he leaned on the rail. "But when I think about everything we sacrificed…. all of the people that died so that we can have all of this….I just feel…."

"Guilty?"

Marcus nodded, and Sarah stepped up to him and pressed her body to his. "I feel the same way. Whenever I'm playing with Marie or…. you and I are lying together, safe and sound in our bed…. I remember that there are so many others buried at Arlington who will never know what any of this feels like."

A lump started to form in Marcus' throat as he thought about all of the people who had died, not just during the battle of the Mall, but since he'd left the Vault over three years ago. Hannibal Hamlin, Sydney, Sonora Cruz, Marcella, Kodiak, Glade, Gallows, Colvin, Dusk, Vargas, Tristen, Lucy West, his father James and….Amata. He gently took Sarah in his arms once again. "I know - I think about them, too. I also think about our children and their future….and how it can still be taken away from them if we're not careful. This Caesar…. he sounds as bad as Ashur, and like Ashur, he's not going to be content with taking the Mojave – or even California. I think once he's done conquering the west coast, he's going to eventually come knocking on our door….and by that time he'll be too powerful to stop."

Sarah gently caressed the right side of his face, and her fingers traced over the three faded scares he'd had since his escape from Paradise Falls. "So you're going?"

Marcus averted her eyes. "I feel I have no choice. Caesar has to be stopped. And….I have a more….personnel reason to go."

Sarah tilted her head to side and gave him a confused look.

"I know you're not exactly…. happy with the NCR right now….but I think Lenny's right. It's the nation my family founded, it's….it's all I have left of my father. It's my legacy and Max's, too. I have to try and save it, Sarah."

Sarah backed away from him as if she'd been shocked with electricity. "You….you want to save the NCR! Those…. those bastards who slaughtered our brothers…."

Marcus held his palms up. "Please, just hear me out! I want try and broker a cease-fire between the remnants of the Western Brotherhood and the NCR, that way we can unit our forces and take on the Legion together."

Sarah scoffed at the idea. "Do you really think you're going to just waltz in there and end a ten year conflict where the two sides hate each other?! The Western Brotherhood has no idea who you are, Marcus, and even though your last name is Lincoln, as far as the NCR is concerned you're just another Brotherhood soldier they'll need to shoot!"

"Well, that's why I'm not going to tell them I'm Brotherhood – not at first. Once I make contact with the Brotherhood, I'll go undercover inside the NCR and get in their good graces. When the time is right, I'll float the idea for a cease-fire."

Sarah rubbed her forehead in frustration. "Marcus, I appreciate your family's connection to the NCR, but you are Brotherhood and that is the mission – to save them!"

For the first time during the conversation, Marcus' tone became angry. "I'm aware of where my loyalties lie, Sarah, I don't need you to remind me of that!"

Sarah looked down and shook her head. "I'm….I'm sorry Marcus, I shouldn't have said that…."

Marcus, having regretted being angry with her, quickly closed the distance and took her in his arms. "No, no I'm….I'm sorry, too. Sarah, you know I would never choose anything or anyone over the Brotherhood. They're my family, you are my family. If the NCR won't see reason, if they insist on being enemies of the Brotherhood then," he swallowed hard, "then they're my enemies, too. But we have to try." He let out a chuckle. "Hell if we can make peace with the Super Mutants here, then the NCR should be a piece of cake. And there is this Robert House in New Vegas. If the NCR doesn't want peace, then maybe he could help us."

Sarah shook her head. "He scares me almost as much as the Legion."

"From what Moira told me about him, he was the Albert Einstein of his time. The fact is he's the wild card in this fight, and his technology could tip the balance of power in the Mojave."

Sarah let out a sigh. "So many players involved in this. It's going to be hard to tell who we can trust."

Marcus shrugged. "Well we'll….wait….what do you mean we?"

Sarah gave him a coy smile. "What do you mean, what do I mean? I'm coming with you."

Marcus sighed and hung his head. "Sarah…."

She cut him off by placing her finger to his lips. "Hey! This is not up for debate. I told you a long time ago: where you go, I go. And if you're going to the Mojave then so am I."

Marcus' jaw hardened. While her stubbornness was often attractive, it was at times a pain in the ass. "Sarah, what about Marie? If we don't come back, then that poor girl will be orphaned for a second time."

Sarah shuttered at the thought, but she would not be deterred. "It's like you said, we're doing this for her, and Max, and everyone else we love. The Brotherhood will take care of both of them, and we know we can rely on Clover to do the same. Besides," she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Do you think I'm going to let you go off to be the big bad war hero, while I sit at home and play Susie homemaker?" She shook her head. "Not in a million years." A smirk appeared on her face. "Don't make me pull rank."

Marcus, having given up, wrapped his arms around her waist and gave her a lopsided grin. "I'm still retired so technically I don't work for you anymore."

Sarah's eyebrows went up. "Oh really? Well then, I guess I'll just have to withhold sex."

Marcus shrugged. "Go ahead, my hand still works."

Sarah responded by playfully grabbing his hand and twisting. "I can….fix that!"

Once Marcus was able to break free from her grip, the two lovers laughed and looked into each other's eyes. Marcus sighed in defeat. "I'm not going to be able to talk you out of this, am I?"

Sarah smirked and shook her head. "Nope. I told you, you're stuck with me."

As Marcus continued to take in the sight of her beautiful face, he reached into his pocket and took a deep breath. "Well….in that case…." He removed a small box from his pocket and dropped to one knee.

Sarah immediately began to choke up. "Oh my God!" she whispered as her hand shot to her mouth.

Marcus fumbled to open the box, revealing a ring with the biggest diamond Sarah had ever seen, and she struggled to contain a gasp. Marcus looked up into her eyes, and his heart felt like it was going to beat out of his chest. "Sarah Lyons…. will you marry me?"

Sarah's whole body was trembling, and she was finding it difficult to breath. She had wanted this for so long, but she had forced herself to never push for it. She always figured that Marcus would ask her when he was ready, though, for the past few months she started to wonder if that day would ever come. But here he was, knelling in front of her, asking if she'd be his wife. "Yes!"

Marcus shot up and took her in his arms. The two lovers kissed, and did not stop until they both needed to breathe. As tears streamed down Sarah's cheeks, Marcus placed the ring on her finger. It was a perfect fit. "I love you."

Sarah's lip was trembling. "I love you, too."

Their moment was interrupted by the sound of the wedding march playing in Marcus' PIPBOY, followed by Moira's avatar shrieking. "HOORAY! A WEDDING! Oh, I never thought this day would come. I mean…. congratulations, you two!"

Normally they would scowl the AI for interrupting such a moment, but the two lovers laughed and embraced once more. Behind them, off in the distance, the fireworks display ended with a spectacular finally that lit up the entire Capital.

He shot up from a sound sleep, breathing heavily and sweating. It took only a moment for him to realize that he'd been dreaming, and he was still in the cave he called home. He removed the top of the bed roll and stumbled outside, and he stared up at the stars as a gentle breeze brushed his skin. It was then he realized that the bandages around his right wrist had become undone, and he quickly covered the scared skin. Movement to his left cause him to tense and turn, and he spotted a familiar silhouette coming towards him. "Daniel. What brings you here this time of night?"

Daniel, the Mormon missionary who had traveled to Zion years ago to spread the word of God to the natives, stopped a few feet from his estranged friend. "Honestly Joshua….I'm not sure."

Joshua Graham, the former Legate to Caesar's Legion, now known to others as "The Burned Man", approached Daniel and placed a bandaged hand on the man's shoulder. "Something troubles you. What is it?"

Daniel's shoulders seemed heavy as he sat down on a log. "I've been having this strange dream, over and over again. I can see three creatures in the middle of the desert. A two-headed bear, a bull, and a man made of metal. They were locked in brutal combat, and even though they did terrible damage to each other, neither of them could strike a killing blow. Then I saw…. I saw…."

"You saw a man on a pale horse, wearing silver armor. In one hand he was brandishing a flaming sword with six blades, and in the other he held six silver coins."

Daniel sat with his mouth gaped open. "You…. you've seen it too?"

Joshua nodded. "Yes. In the first dream the rider slayed the bull and the man of metal, leaving the bear standing. In the second dream, he slayed the bull and the bear, but left the metal man standing. In the final dream, the rider slayed them all, and only he was left standing."

Daniel responded with a slow nod. "What does it mean?"

"Do you remember Revelation 6:8?"

Daniel swallowed hard. "And I looked and behold a pale horse, and his name that sat on him was Death….and hell followed with him."

Joshua eyes closed, and he gave a slight nod. "These dreams are a message from God. Someone is coming who will have the power to decide the outcome of the current conflict. No doubt the bear, bull and the man of metal represent the NCR, the Legion and Robert House. This new player will decide if the NCR or House will claim victory and the Mojave. Or….he will take it all for himself. No matter what he decides, death is sure to follow him."

Panic was clearly on Daniel's face. "How can we stop such evil?"

"Death in and of itself is not evil, Daniel. It is but a means to an end. Sometimes a fire must burn away the old world to make way for the new. Besides, this….apparition never left the Bull alive, correct?"

Daniel thought for a moment. "No. In every scenario the Bull was slain."

Joshua nodded. "Which means that Caesar's fate is sealed…. he is as good as dead. This man will see to that."

Daniel cringed. While the fact this apparition not siding with Caesar made him feel a little better, it was still a terrifying prophecy. "How will we know when this man arrives, and when he does….what will we do?"

Joshua turned and looked out on the vast Zion valley before him. "God will give us a sign."

Note: Okay, first chapter down. What did you all think? Reviews and suggestions are welcome. Marcus' speech was inspired by Ronald Reagan's 40th Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion speech. Again, thank you all for your support.