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(i do not own the fallout franchise—most characters and places are found in the games by bethesda and obsidian entertainment).

~~War, war never changes. It's been 5 years after the NCR took Hoover Dam. The republic now has full control over the strip and the surrounding areas—having pushed out the Legion. Tensions arise, however. Crime arises as The NCR's tax rate makes it increasingly didficult to prosper in this already barren wasteland. This has caused groups such as the great khans and Caesar's legion to experience a resurgence. Only now, the reformed army is led by Gregory Kripke, who took the alias Caligula.
Your cousin, Courier 6, was tragically killed delivering important cargo to president Kimball at Shady Sands. You've been called to find your cousin's murderer and to deliver the package from Jacobstown.~~

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Silence retired with the night as the sun rolled over the horizon. A rooster croaked in the distance, signaling to the townsfolk of dusk's steady arrival. "Ughnnh..." you groan, rubbing the sleep from your face. It seemed as though you could never get enough sleep in the winter months. Despite being in the Mojave, the Rocky Mountains offered a rather unusual climate. The cool wind pouring from the nearby window caused you to shutter, while the insulation inside the log cabin retained some of that unbearable desert heat. You stared at the ceiling, contemplating if you should sleep in this uncomfortable room or get up and crack open the window to let in the cool air. Beads of sweat amassed on your temples and neck while you debated your next move. Finally, you caved, shambling over to the window.
"Good morning, dearie!" a hoarse voice called from behind you. A nightkin loomed in the doorway: doorknob in one hand and a tray of various assorted snacks and drinks in the other. "I made you a little something for breakfast!" "Good morning, Granny Lily." You yawn, stretching out all the soreness from your aching muscles. "That was so nice of you to make me something."
"Oh it's nothing, sweetie. You know I love to spoil you!" She teased, walking towards you to hand over the tray. "Now, I need you to come downstairs, we have company over." You cocked a brow, staring at her, perplexed. Who in the world could have made the treck up the mountain besides a ranger? there are khans, cazadores and nightstalkers scattered across these mountains. Lily groans and bows her head down, avoiding eye contact. Reality hits you, "Oh, I'm sorry granny—"
"It's ok dearie, grandma knows you dont always remember. Now, hurry up, (y/n). You'll understand everything when you come outside to the main floor of the lodge."
Completing your morning routine and finishing breakfast, you head down the stairs. The lodge wasn't fully awake. No one but Doctor Henry and Calamity could be seen out and about. However, they seemed in no mood to be bothered. Henry has his nose buried in a textbook, fidgeting with his rubber gloves. /Probably more nightkin dissection,/ you thought as you treaded down the stairs and through the main entrance.

Mom, Grandma Lily, Marcus and and older gentleman waited at the frontsteps. Dusk's faint magenta hue hadn't reached them yet, so it was hard to get a good look at the mysterious stranger. From what little you could tell, he was an older gentleman. About 5'5" (165cm) in height, wore denim overalls and a button up shirt. His attire looked clean for the wasteland, even if his leather boots were tattered and scratched. The strangers downturned, wrinkles eyes were piercing, despite barely being visible.
"Hello youngster, name's Johnson Nash." The man said. "You're courier 6's cousin, right?"
Something seemed wrong. Your eyes darted around, observing as Mom's gaze casted down, holding grandma Lily's hand as her eyes welled with bitter tears.
"What's going on, mr. Nash? Why are you here?"
"Y/n," Lily said, voice quiet but stern. "Don't give attitude."
"It's quite alright Ms. Bowen." Mr. Nash said. "Look," the older gentleman said. "Your cousin was found dead in New Vegas. I'm sorry you had to find out this way, youngster."
Shock and disbelief washed over you in a wave in disbelief. There's no way. He's survived so much and done so much. What could've possibly done him in? "Are you s-sure?" Is all you could force out. Marcus put his hand on your shoulder to comfort you in this time of loss. "Im sure of it. Not too much damage was done to his body so we know it's him."
Mom curled into Grandma's strong embrace, allowing all the pain and grief of the moment to pour out of her through ugly tears and choked sobs. "There, there" Lily said as low as she could. "It's ok, dear."
Johnson crossed his arms and swayed on his legs back and forth, knowing he couldn't comfort them or say anything of help. "Courier six was carrying something of great importance. It was a letter of high importance addressed to President Kimball." Everyone's heads perked up slightly so, could this be the new Platinum chip? Was a new war going to break out? They all hung on the edge of their seats in anticipation. "I dont know what's in the letter...but I know it's urgent. Someone has to deliver it and I dont have a courier to spare."
Everyone's heads turned towards (y/n) She gazed as them, confused (e/c) eyes darting towards each of them. "You want me to go? I dont know how to be a courier. I've never traveled the Moja-"
"How urgent is this?" Marcus' said calmly, cutting off (y/n)'s panicked rambling. He knew if she continued it could make things worse, especially at such an emotionally vulnerable state.
"The job is considered classified". Marcus pondered, pensively looking down to the tattered asphalt covered in white snow. "Can someone accompany her if she accepted the job?"
"That's not up to me, that's up to (y/n)." Nash replied casually.
Was this really happening? Is she going to embark on a journey like 6? He didn't even survive in the end, and she isnt as half as strong as he was. "(Y/n), If you want, I'll accompany you on the meantime. Teach you what I know and help you deliver the package. Do you accept?"
Silenced filled the outside as you look amongst the group, observing each person and what the worst outcome would be for each of them.
"Grandma.... will you be safe?"
"Why of course dear!" Lily assured. " My medication isn't hurting anymore and I can stay here with your mother and comfort here." You better hurry dear, it's a long trip ahead."
Johnson turned back to (y/n), awaiting her answer with anticipation.
"Alright, how do I start? "

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