Stop Raiding My Heart

Chapter 23

    Two years had passed in Nuka- World. Violet had learned to walk and talk, yet Iza still kept her close. Iza was in a meeting with Gage, Mason and Nisha. Violet was playing on the floor by her father's foot. "Okay so our next move is the New Vegas strip. Do we all agree on this?" Iza asked as she looked down at the map.

     "I agree." Nisha said as she looked at the woman at the head of the table. Mason nodded and Gage grabbed the boss' thigh. "What about Violet? Surely you will not leave her here."

      "We are taking her with us. She will be protected with many raiders. We will be taking two squads with us. It will be a long ride." Iza said as she looked at the metal raider. "I will need squad Alpha and squad blood."

      "We will leave for the Mojave two days from now. Iza and I have been discussing this trip since before she was born." Gage said gesturing to his child. "I expect the best raiders you guys have to offer."

      "Who will lead us in your absence?" Mason asked as he looked at the Overboss.

      "I will still lead, but you guys will be in charge of your own gangs in my absence. Maintain normal procedures. Everything should run smoothly, however if anything is to happen I expect you both to regain control." Iza said as she looked up from the map. "Gage and I will have our long distance handhelds. If you need anything that we can provide from across the country, do not be afraid to contact us. We will get to you before the day ends."

     "How long is the trip?" Nisha said quietly.

      "A month or two. Maybe longer. It all depends on their willingness to cooperate." Iza looked around the room to her comrades. "Our raiders will take over the strip and other outposts. All of the wastelands will know who we are and that we are to be feared and respected."

    "I agree with Iza." Mason said. "It is time we take what has always been ours."

     "Good dog. I am glad you understand the plan." Nisha looked over at the Pack leader. "You have our support Iza. Use it well."

     "Dada look!" Violet said as she hurried to the table. She ran towards her father's seat. Gage looked over at the child. She held up a can of purified water. "Open please." Gage sighed as he look a knife and popped a hole in the lid of the can. He handed the can back to Violet.

     "Hey two hands. Do not spill that." Gage said to his child. She raised her arm up towards her father. "Do you want to come up here?"

      "Yes please." The child said. Gage looked at Iza before he picked up the child. She cuddled into her father's chest with her knees to her chest. She sipped on her can on water.

      "In the fifteen years I have known you I would have never thought you to be a father. Anyone can have a child, but you stayed with your baby momma." Mason said as he gestured to the Overboss. "You actually care for her."

      "She is my daughter why wouldn't I care for her?" Gage said as he pet her wavy brown hair. "I love her and her mother. You do not understand the love I have for them. You may never know what it feels like."

       "Gage is right. You focus on your riches. There is nothing wrong with focusing on your riches, but I focus on growing my empire, which includes my family." Iza said as she leaned over to rub her daughter's cheek. "Violet is our main concern. If there is nothing more to discuss the meeting is over." Nisha and Mason stood. "I will contact you if anything comes up, but you may return home." The two raider bosses left and returned to their parks.

     "Outside." Violet said as she pointed out the large window.

      "Iza I am taking her outside. You coming or you gonna stay here and do paperwork?" Gage asked as he looked at the desk with a large stack of papers.

      "I will stay behind. I need to get those orders done and a few caravan request signed." Iza said as she stood and walked to the desk. "Remember Gage she is too small to shoot anything. And take water with you. I do not care where you go, just stay within Nuka-World." Gage stood and held the two year old in his arms. He walked over to Iza and kissed her softly. "I love you Porter Gage."

    "I love you Iza. We will be back by sunset. Say bye to mom." Gage said as the two year old waved bye to her mother. Iza chuckled as she kissed Gage and then the child's head. The two left the tower. "So where do you want to go?"

    "I want to go that way!" She said excitedly as she pointed towards Kiddie Kingdom. Gage began to walk towards the colorful park. Gage and Violet walked around the park until a raider approached Gage.

"Please man just a few caps. I need some jet." The man was frantic. "I know you got money. Isn't Iza's whole point to give back to the raiders?"

Gage looked confused at the man. Violet looked up at her father. "I don't just carry money on me."

"Daddy help him!" The child demanded. "Or I'll tell mommy." Gage growled under his breath and gave the man a handful of caps.

"That's all I got on me. Now please let me and my daughter have time together." Gage said as he picked up the child. He walked away from the jet head with Violet held tightly to him.

"Daddy why you no help when he asked? He said please."

"It's complicated Violet. Some people have money, but they use it on the wrong thing. They take from the rest of us."