POV Robert House
"Sigh. So it has come to this," I say with disappointment.
I was getting quite annoyed with the constant fighting. It felt like humanity was dead set on wiping itself out.
"What's even the point anymore?" I asked with annoyance.
The United Empire had started mobilizing towards the Hoover Dam. War was inetvitable I knew that long ago, but it still irked me that all my efforts seemed pointless. It is such a bitter blow that all my struggles to ensure peace had failed. Yet, I know that there isn't anything more or anything different that I could have done that would have maintained peace. I had already given them more than they needed to supply their population with power. And I even gave them access to the fresh water of the Colorado River.
'But that insane empress wouldn't have it, now would she? She seems dead set on killing me. But I can't believe that this isn't personal. I swear I had heard her name before. But then again, I have likely met thousands of Alices through my life.'
Despite my concessions, it didn't change the fact that the Empire was here, and it intended to destroy all that I had built. And I would sooner die than pull the covers over my head and hide. There can be no appeasement with ruthlessness. There can be no reasoning with an incendiary bomb.
"Sigh. Perhaps this is how the Allies felt after all the appeasement they attempted. But like them, I have bought the needed time," I say with determination.
But a small part of me knew that victory was not guaranteed and that I would likely lose everything. But as any decent businessman does, I have an exit strategy. So I take a deep breath and leave the penthouse towards the bar, where I have some guests that I wish to converse with.
As the elevator opens, I see the former members of the Couriers Group. Veronica, the former Brotherhood Scribe. She was more loyal to me now after I had helped get her a replacement limb for her lost arm. I had also customized an old T-45X suit of Power Armor for her to use. In exchange she would help me fight if the Empire attacked. She had some grudge against them, which worked for me as I didn't need her absolute loyalty, just a useful tool.
But the other member was one that I didn't care too much for. Arcade Gannon, and an idealist who has been a foe in the past. But I suppose he has been a useful tool for the recent time. What he will do from here matters little, but if I could get him to help, then all the better.
"The Empire is moving on the Dam. I shall be heading there to defend it. Will Miss Veronica join me?" I ask.
She smiles and seems a bit excited.
"Gladly. Not much else I can do nowadays but punch things," Veronica says.
"Good, head to the armory to get suited up. We shall leave shortly," I answer.
Veronica smiles and lets me have a discussion with Arcade.
"So you here to give me some spiel about why you're justified in this situation?" Arcade asks.
"No, I'm certain you know enough about both sides to draw your own conclusions. I am here to warn you to leave if you don't wish to fight. I have resolved to finish this fight one way or another. I know everyone will play their part with calmness and courage," I reply while making myself a cocktail from the very limited drinks left in my bar.
Arcade looks at me with skepticism. I offer him a drink, but he refuses.
"More for me," I comment.
"That's it? No threats? No coercion? No enslavement?" Arcade asks.
"None of those would work, and those slaves you refer to are mercenaries. They need money for their various addictions and for a place to live. I am just offering them a reasonable price. Their greed has overcome their fear," I comment.
"Sure, they are. And I'm the president of the United States," Arcade retorts sarcastically.
I finish my drink and get up to leave.
"You have until Veronica, and I leave to vacate the premises. Head East, the Minutemen will likely take you in," I reply.
"I'd never make it, we both know that," Arcade replies.
"That's not my problem... But if you want to try and help the innocent people stuck in this conflict, then you can use those skills the Enclave taught you to help defend them. Your choice," I say while looking back at him before I leave the bar and close the elevator doors.
POV Arcade Gannon
I try to ignore what he says, but I know I can't let things stay as they are. Despite my rational thoughts, I can't leave Veronica to fight alone. I know she doesn't intend to survive the battle, but I won't let her die. I may be an abrasive as*hole, but I still care about my only remaining friend.
"Sigh. Well, guess I should go get my armor then. The things I do for friends," I comment.
That gets me thinking about those I have lost. My family. My friends.
'I wish you were here 6. You would know what to do. You always knew how to survive the impossible.'
I set the glass of water I was drinking and left the bar.
Sometime Later...
POV Marcus
"Are you sure? No, no, that's okay. Get everyone ready," I reply over the radio.
I stifle a sigh and the feeling of regret.
"How bad is it?" Lily asks.
"Bad, Edgar says a large army is heading through the pass. Their target is Jacobstown. With the numbers they have, it's clear they aren't here for peaceful negotiations," I say with a deep frown.
"Oh, Leo won't like that," Lily comments.
"I suppose our peace had to end eventually. It seems humans won't let us exist," I say sadly.
"Perhaps not. But look at what you've built, Marcus. This place has people from all walks of life. Ghouls, Humans, Mutants, even a talking Deathclaw. All of them were outcasts, but you gave them a place to live. I honestly didn't believe you would pull it off when I first came here. But we've done great things over the years," Doctor Henry wheels into the room with his wheelchair.
"Doctor, you shouldn't be out of bed," Lily says with care.
"Ah, nonsense. I'm gonna die when I die. But I'll be damned if I don't go down fighting for what I believe in," Doctor Henry says with bravado.
I smile sadly at his bravery.
"Don't look at me like that. I've lived a long life. I have no fear. And I am certain that everyone else is ready to die fighting for this small piece of sanctuary in the deadly wasteland. We've built this town together. We'll fight for it together," Doctor Henry says with a fierce look.
"Of course, old friend, I shouldn't have doubted myself. Let's show them that we won't go quietly into the night," I say with a smile.
Sometime Later...
POV Rio
I was reading a report about what was being called the Commonwealth Sasquatch when the music from the radio ended, and a news segment started.
"This is Lightbringer Radio with breaking news from the Mojave Wasteland," DJ PON-3 comments.
"The United Empire, which was formed from the New California Republic, has officially declared war on Mr. House and his forces, igniting the flames of what is now being called the 4th Battle of Hoover Dam," DJ PON-3 says with a grim tone.
"For years, tensions have simmered between the NCR's expansionist ambitions and Mr. House's iron-fisted control over New Vegas. Now, after months of failed negotiations and rising skirmishes, full-scale war has erupted," DJ PON-3 comments with a saddened tone.
"Hoover Dam, the vital energy source and strategic stronghold, has become a battleground once again, with thousands of troops and robots clashing in brutal combat. Reports confirm heavy casualties on both sides, with the fate of the Mojave hanging in the balance," DJ PON-3 comments.
"If that was all, I wouldn't bother making a whole segment about it. Sure its another dumb war for no good reason, but that's not the issue. No, it's the final broadcast from Jacobstown, a town that, like the Minutemen, was a place where everyone was welcome, Ghoul, Super Mutant, and everything else in between. They were a peaceful settlement that made it clear they wanted nothing to do with the conflict," DJ PON-3 comments.
"But the Empire came and, with one savage strike, brought Jacobstown to its knees. If it were just that, then that would be fine, but a brave man was broadcasting the entire situation, and he was brutally murdered in cold blood even after surrendering. And my sources confirm. There were no prisoners taken from Jacobstown. Man, woman, child, the Empire didn't seem to distinguish between them. They were all killed and then dumped into a mass grave," DJ PON-3 comments with barely concealed rage.
"I am not usually one to side with any particular side. You know, I report the news and stick to the facts. But this is a case where I say something. This is wrong, and I hope that the Minutemen get involved to stop these crimes against humanity," DJ PON-3 comments with a strong conviction.
"Sigh. But I want to make it clear that Mr. House and New Vegas aren't blameless, but for now This is Lightbringer Radio, shining a light on the chaos, so you don't have to fight alone. Now let me put on some music," DJ PON-3 says with an almost exhausted voice.
"This next song is called The House Always Wins, by Stupendium," DJ PON-3 says.
(AN: You listen to THE HOUSE ALWAYS WINS | 2023 REMASTER | Fallout: New Vegas Rap! on YouTube if you want. It's a good song, and it's based on Fallout New Vegas in case it wasn't clear. )
'Hmm, okay, I'll discuss it with Preston and the others about getting involved. I am nearly done with terraforming the rest of the world, so we'll have to deal with whoever remains anyway.'
I set down the reports and go do that.