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Standing at the 188 was usually quite boring. Traders would come and go, but usually no one worth watching.
Except, today a woman arrived. And now, Veronica doesn’t like judge by their looks, but damn was she exactly her type. Taller, with long legs encased in slight beat up leather armour, a shining machete slung at her waist, and a dark brown afro circling her head like a crown. A shiny pipboy sat on her wrist, and her dark brown eyes complimented her mahogany face.
Basically, Veronica was dying.
She was dying even more when she walked up to her, and waved her hand a little, “hi!!”
Up closer, Veronica could see a nasty looking scar on the left side of her temple, and dust layered on her clothes.
“No offense, but you look like you’ve travelled down some bad roads. Where’d you come from?”
Veronica winced as soon as she said it. Nice flirting, dumbo.
Her voice was as melodic as she looked, “you could say some bad roads. Vipers got us going to Novac, but I’m here from Goodsprings.”
“Wow, you have come a long way then. I’ve never been there, but I’ve met some traders who pass that way.”
“It’s a nice town. I’m Delilah.”
It suited her. Delilah.
“I’m Veronica. I live in a hole in the ground.”
Her laugh tinkled like a fairy, “you live in a hole in the ground?”
“Well, a bunker,” she paused, “if you want to get technical. I think it sounds more interesting that way.”
Delilah nodded, her eyes shining.
Veronica took that as a queue to continue, “But I’m not there much anymore. I’m usually out here picking up food and supplies for my family. Whatever they need.”
She tilted her head to the side, resembling a young dog, “so… you just leave your family in the bunker?”
She was sweet.
“Yeah. I’m not worried. They can handle themselves,” she smiled, “but someone has to get the groceries, know what I mean?”
Veronica felt her face fall.
“And actually, these days, I think they’d rather have me out here anyway. But that’s a whole other story.”
Okay, time to pivot, “so, listen, can I ask you something on the level?”
She grinned at Veronica, “absolutely! Always up for a bit of gossip.”
“I had a run in with this group calling themselves the Brotherhood of Steel. Pretty strange bunch.” She stifled an internal chuckle, “do you know anything about them?”
“Not really,” she sounded a touch confused, “I heard that they got into some conflict with the NCR a while back, but other than that I can’t help, I’m afraid.” She shrugged, “sorry”
“That’s okay. I wouldn’t expect anybody to know much. I think they tend to keep to themselves,” that was a relieving answer, “hey, so where are you headed, anyway?”
“The Strip. Vegas, the lights,” she looked up, “and the people.”
The way she said that had. A tone. An interesting one.
“Ooo. Very exciting. Gonna strike it rich, huh?” She’d always wanted to go to the Strip. McNamara didn’t want to fork the cash for a passport, “I’ll be honest. You’re the first person I’ve run across out here that looks like she can really handle herself. There are places I’ve never been that’d be too dangerous for just me. What do you think? Maybe we could travel together, help each other out.”
Her lips quirked, “what about that family you feed? The ones in the” she did air quotes “hole in the ground?”
“Like I said, they can handle themselves. And I’m not the only one getting supplies for them. It’s a big family.”
She held a hand out to shake, “let’s go then! To the Strip, and beyond!”
She shook her hand, trying to not seem too eager, and ignoring how utterly warm it was.
“Now you’re talking,” oh she hoped she hadn’t ruined this, “one thing you should know, first, though. I asked you about the Brotherhood because I’m one of them.”
Her mouth fell open in shock.
“I know. I know. But I had to know how you’d react when I told you,” she rolled her eyes, “we’ve made a lot of enemies. You still okay bringing me along?”
Her head went to the side again, “well… as long as you promise to be honest from now on. I’ve met enough liars in my life.”
“Sure,” Veronica chuckled, “just don’t ever ask me if your outfit makes you look fat.”
She nodded, and giggled along.
“Well, thanks for taking your chance on a naive young girl from California with stars in her eyes and a pneumatic gauntlet on her hand. Let’s hit the road, huh?”
“Absolutely!”
She whistled, and Veronica heard a quiet whizz.
An eyebot stopped and paused above Delilah’s head, “this is Eddie, my little buddy.”
She places a hand on its head.
“That’s. An Enclave Eyebot? I saw it in a class.”
“Oh he’s harmless. Well. Don’t stand too close when he’s singing.” She grinned, “Eds? Where’s Boone?”
“Boone?”
“My partner.”
Veronica tried to not feel her heart shatter into smithereens.
“He’s a dab hand with a rifle, and has saved my bacon more than once.”
“How long have you been together?” Veronica tried to force a smile.
“Oh- oh no,” she laughed again, that soft sound, “we travel together. I- I like women.”