Wasteland Tales

Wasteland Tales Ch 6: Stairway to Heaven

"We're going to be heading off now?" asks Jamie.
"Yes," answered Will. "It's now or never. We have the map, equipment, and the perfect season, it's January. It's time to go"
"I agree with Will. If we're going to go, we should do it now," says Kelly.
"Definitely, we've been prepping for this for months now!" Mark chimed in.
"We have to take it slow though, Jamie's pregnant," said George.
There was a knock at the door in the midst of the conversation. Will opened the door to see one of the Silver Rush guards.
"Hey, I'm Philip. Francine told me about your venture east."
"We'll fill you in, but first tell us why you want in," said Will, showing the room full of people.
"They kicked me off the guards at the Silver Rush, and there is no reason for me to be here anymore."
"We can you someone with a plasma rifle," George chimes.
"Get yourself prepped, we're leaving the day after tomorrow," says Will, checking his pipboy.
"We're leaving so soon? Alright, I'll get myself checked out before we leave. As well, any things I need?" asked Philip.
"Just need basic supplies like water, food, and ammo. The rest will be left to us."
"Yeah, okay, I'll get the things I need, than I'll be ready for when we leave."
"Good, but one other thing I need to ask."
"Yes? What is it?"
"Unless you plan to come back on your own accord, this is a one way trip."
"I'm sure I'll let you know on the way, but I'm for sure going all they way."
"Okay, just be here in a couple days, and if you're not there, we're leaving anyways."
"Definitely."
For the next couple days the group finalized and prepared for leaving with their new crew member, Philip. On the day they planned to leave on, everyone gathered in Will and Jamie's room.
"Everyone is here, great. We've been planning this for months now, and thanks to Kyle, we were able to get the maps we've need to finally act out on these plans," Will said initially. "We are going to the east coast, if any of you are going to depart along the way, you are to choose your course. Warn us before you leave so we don't wait on you if you're going east. Otherwise, I hope it's safe along the road, but we'll try to avoid the Legion as long as possible. If we see any Legionnaires, avoid them, otherwise just move along. Does everyone agree?"
Everyone agreed in unison amongst each other when asked.
"Then we're going to move out in within the hour," Will stated bluntly. "So get everything checked, and meet outside the North Gate of Freeside."
Everyone packed and moved out, Kyle stopping Will as everyone departed the room.
"I have to talk to you," Kyle initiated.
"What's going on?" responded Will with a questioning look.
"It's about Jamie."
"Yeah, what about her?"
"When did you get her pregnant."
"Huh. I was waiting for that question. As you heard from her, it was four months ago."
"You were waiting for me to ask you about Jamie's pregnancy."
"Sure. Especially how you acted when you first saw her a few days ago."
"Then why not bring it up?"
"I didn't want to push it."
"Why go then when you know she's pregnant?"
"So we can get out of this area. It's a death trap. Both sides are wounded and no one knows if either side is going to attack."
"That just because there is a power as strong as the NCR, you're paranoid that we would lose? You've seen us beat powers before, but you were a simple soldier from what I can recall in the NCR."
"You don't know what I've done."
"I read your report. You just served as a soldier."
"Yeah, sure. Lookup Project Frontier next time you get the chance."
"Project Frontier?"
"Yeah, if you really think you're a badass being an NCR ranger in the Mojave, than you'll get a what we did as rangers in Idaho."
"Idaho Rangers?"
"Yep, we are in the midst of taking Nevada currently. We also planned for Idaho as well, but as we both know, we are having some trouble here in southern Nevada."
"What happened?"
"If you can, read the file, otherwise let's just say we had to clear some disgusting creatures and other creatures to clear for caravans."
"That doesn't sound too bad at all."
"I don't want to discuss what comes next. Just read the file, and you will understand why I'm doing what I'm doing."
"Okay, but this is it. No coming back?"
"This is it Kyle, you helped us and I thank you, but it's time for everyone to move on, including you."
"Yeah, I wish you luck Will."
"You too Kyle. If we somehow see each other again, I hope it's under better circumstances."
"I hope so too."
Will went out to the front of the Atomic Wrangler where small bits of snow were coming down from the winter clouds. They all met at the Northern gates an hour later. They headed east away from the illusive city of New Vegas. On the road, they head towards Lake Mead where they went north when they hit the I-15. On the road, conversations picked up about each other's lives and aspirations of what they wanted to do.
"Did you know I was to be a farm girl," said Kelly.
"Really?" asked Jamie in astonishment.
"Yeah," Kelly replied. "If it wasn't for my brother to tell me about New Vegas, I wouldn't be here."
"But did you really want to keep going, even with your family back home?" asked Philip.
"Sure, I my family didn't mind that I left. I was in a family of six, so there was a few that did stay with my parents while my older brother and I left to New Vegas."
"Where is he?" asked Will.
"He stayed there in New Vegas. I said goodbye to him before we went out on the road, and to tell my parents that I was going to head east."
"Then what made you want to come along for?" asked Will once more.
"The adventure. I didn't like staying in New Vegas, I saw everything there was to it."
"Then why did your friends come along and not your brother?" asked Philip.
"Well my dear travelling partner. My brother settled there in Vegas, and why these two came along with me is that they had no reason to stay either isn't it," she said whilst looking towards her two companions. "What about you my dear plasma-rifle wielding friend."
"Me?" said Philip in a sarcastic tone. "I happen to be let go of the establishment known as the Silver Rush, and my family were scattered along the west coast, so I thought why not head east when I heard of your planned venture."
"That's it?" Kelly inquired. "There ought to be more than just that."
"What do you mean? It's just that."
"That's pretty dull, don't you think?" asked George.
"Dumb? Not so much to me."
"You do you," replied Kelly smirkingly.
Philip glared an annoyed look over to Kelly as the rest chuckled to themselves at the ordeal.
"So why did you two follow Kelly?" asked Jamie.
George and Mark perked up a bit, happy to get a chance to speak in the conversation.
George spoke up first, stating, "I came along since I was done with fighting within a cage for other's entertainment."
"What about your family?" asked Will.
"My family situation wasn't the best. Either way they wouldn't of cared that I was going to head east anyways, but I do have to say, I kinda miss New Vegas."
"But to go with Kelly?"
"She offered to go to somewhere away from New Vegas, and I felt like it was my calling to do such, so I came along."
"Cool and what about you Mark?"
"For me, I just lived as a farmer within the walls of Westside, but my talents grew when I went hunting, then to go down into the thorn where I met Kelly. I had no real family since I was an orphan, but I did see Kelly as a great friend, so when she offered to go out east, I thought it would be interesting to see the world outside of New Vegas."
"Ah so sweet," Kelly exclaim with sarcasm.
After a couple of weeks of walking, they finally got to the I-15 itself where they followed it north according to Will's pipboy. For days they conversed about the sights, and followed the road, hitting some small rivers, abandoned vehicles, and other wasteland creatures along the road. Dealing with the problems of being on the road, and also being slowed by Jamie due to her pregnancy. The winter air still stung them with not as much snow hitting the ground. They spent about a month and a half before getting to Salt Lake City which they passed through the derelict city, filled with ghouls, and unknown and known wasteland creatures which they've avoided as much as possible. They reached a town called New Canaan set in the ruins of a city called 'Ogden.' The people there were welcoming to the group, and the group was astonished at the kindness of those who lived here.
"Welcome," says one of those who were at the gate.
The group greeted those at the gate, and the leader comes to the gate to greet those there.
"Hello," states the leader Jeremiah Rigdon. "I am the leader of this fine community. You're the second group of visitors to come to our town in the past few months. We are the Mormon Church, and this is New Canaan, our home. We do have some simple rules which I will state to you on our way to a possible hotel if you're group is happening to stay."
"May we chat amongst ourselves before we can make a decision, we didn't really expect there to be a very hospitable town out here?" asked Will politely.
"Surely, no one really does out here in the wasteland," he replied with a smile.
"Do we want to stay?" asked Will.
"I think we should," said Philip.
"Yeah, we haven't had a good break from walking for the past month or so," stated Kelly.
"I wouldn't mind resting my feet," Mark said.
"If we all are going to stay, I'm on board," George quickly agreed.
"We should, I think letting myself have a break is good for the baby and me."
"Then it's settled," said Will turning towards Jeremiah. "We are going to stay for awhile."
"Great! Let me show you the way to where you're going to stay," he said turning and walking. "As I said, we do have some fairly basic rules here in New Canaan. Things like any other town, like no killing, stealing, and other basic rules. Please if you do wish to depart, not to tell anyone of this location."
"How come? If you're willing to be hospitable, why not tell anyone."
"Like I've stated, you're the second group of people to come in the past few months. The last person, mind you, did warn of us of a group known as the Legion. We've worried about their arrival for quite some time now."
"Who is this person?" Will continued to ask.
"I'm leaving the identity of said person out of our conversation for sake of privacy. He was a different man before coming here. He grew in his faith quite rapidly for a newcomer, but he still has much to learn. Here we are, your temporary homes." stating whilst showing a neat looking hotel. "I hope this suits you well travellers. Any questions, I'll be in the town hall, otherwise most of the residents will be more than happy to assist you in any means. And one last thing, caps will be needed for staying here."
"Don't worry, we have caps for all of us to stay here."
"Great, I hope you all have a splendid time here."
Jeremiah leaves as another person walks up to the group that was standing there in front of the hotel. What seemed to be the hotel manager stands there, a frail older looking woman on the outside.
"Hello, you must be staying here as guests I suppose," she said in a voice which implied strong health than what her exterior didn't approve of.
"Yes," Will spoke to say.
"Then follow me," she said with a splendid attitude. "You can also call me Ruth."
Bewildered to an extent at the hospitality thus proven so far was astonishing to the group as a whole. They followed the woman to a row of different rooms on either side of them.
"Each of you gets a room of your own," Ruth said.
Each one of the members of the group grabbed their keys except Will and Jamie which stood there.
"What's the matter dearies?" she said with genuine concern.
"Um... we're together," stated Jamie.
"You too are? Well here is one key for the both of you," she stated with a smile as she handed Will the key. "Young man, take good care of her, and do as she says, alright," the woman commanded with a motherly tone in her voice.
"Yes ma'am," Will stated constraining his voice as Jamie giggled as Ruth  passed the two of them.
Will opened the door to their room to see a quaint design of a couple chairs with a table, a dresser, and a single bed with a bathroom attached to it.
"It's just like home isn't it," Jamie said humorously.
"Yeah, sure it is," Will objected sarcastically.
"Don't worry, we'll fit right in," she said tossing her stuff on one of the chairs.
"Don't get too cozy, we just headed north, not east."
"Tsk tsk, what did I say, don't worry, you're too uptight about it, just relax, we haven't seen any Legion on our travels."
"I just want to keep it like that."
"Then just relax."
"But these people seem to hospitable, it's suspicious."
"Will, listen, you're getting paranoid, these people are just trying to make a difference in this hell of a world, so get your head out of your ass, and let's just relax, I have a baby, and I can't be running to get out of here."
"Alright," Will sighed in defeat, "We can stay here, as long as we don't make this a permanent stay."
"That's the spirit, now why don't you bring me down to the market to get me some quality food, the lady did say for you to listen to me."
"Okay, I haven't had a good meal in a long time, let's go."
They went out to go get food, and as they did, explored the town they were staying in. A small town with most buildings being occupied near the church they had. Will and Jamie spent a few hours out in the town before heading back to the hotel, where the older woman was at the counter reading.
"Ah there you two are," Ruth exclaimed. "We're having dinner down in the hall tonight in an hour, come hungry."
Will nodded, stating, "we won't be late."
The two went back to their room, Jamie in front of Will, saying, "I call first shower."
"No you're not," Jamie said following.
"It's been along time since I've showered."
"Same with me, but since I'm the one holding our child, better let me go."
"Alright go ahead."
They cleaned up, clothed, and headed towards the hall where Ruth said they would be having dinner. There they saw their group, a couple girls helping serve the table, the mayor, and an bandaged man from head to toe standing in the dining hall.
The mayor exclaimed, "there you two are! Have a seat, we're about to start."
All sat at the table, the mayor at the head, with Jamie and Will sitting next to each other while the bandaged man and Ruth on the other side, with their group all around the table.
"Before we eat, we pray to our God. I'll do it," said Jeremiah.
He prayed before the meal, and started eating the food, the mayor initiating the conversation.
"I noticed you're pregnant," initiated Jeremiah, "How far along?"
"I'm in my second trimester or five and a half months pregnant."
"Second trimester? Well you Will must be the father correct?"
"Yes," Will stated with glee.
"You two must be a happy couple. And how comes your marriage?"
"Marriage?" Will asks.
"Indeed, marriage?"
'I'm sorry, from where we come from, marriage isn't too common."
"Is that so? You two should get married, it'll only strengthen your connections with each other."
"I don't know sir, it didn't really come up."
"What about-"
"Jamie," Jamie stated.
"Jamie, thank you, what do you think?"
"I think the idea is wonderful. We've been loving life, and each other, together, and to officiate it would be nice."
"What is your name?"
"It's Will."
"Will, just because you may doubt that being married would be an idea, doesn't mean it would change all that much. It just gives more meaning to being together, just like our Lord in heaven does with his people."
"I"m not all that religious."
"Even though you aren't, it doesn't mean you shouldn't."
"Yes, but I'm unsure."
"Let me ask you this. Are you happy being with Jamie? Knowing that you will actually be having a child with her. Why not take it another step if you so love her?"
"True. I should think it over first. This is all a little much for me."
"Excuse me for my intrusiveness though, my apologies, but please do consider. It would be for the best. And just to get our minds off of that, let me introduce you to the other person who has come back here in recent months."
"Hi, I'm Joshua Graham," the man with deep undertone.
The two greeted the man who glared with eyes of hurt and pain.
"Joshua Graham?" Jamie asked."I've heard your name before."
"You might've heard of me. I was a former legate for the Legion."
"Legate?" Will said. "Isn't that the second in command of the Legion. Why is he here?"
"Now, Now," stated Jeremiah, "Joshua has been a part of this community long before the Legion was founded. Isn't it?"
"Indeed, I didn't get these bandages for no reason. Caesar did this when we lost at Hoover Dam. He didn't tolerate loss. A grab for power more like. They set me with pitch and threw me down the Grand Canyon. Hours later I awoke, and I walked back here when I could."
"I thought the Legion was bad, but to do that, I never expected it," Will shockingly said.
"I came back to my roots, and the Lord is calling me back to the fold."
"And we are glad he's back with the flock. All sheep can be brought back," said Jeremiah.
"Still, I heard reports of what the Legion did."
"It was my past, I strayed for a long time, but when I was outcasted, I found my way again."
"You change that Will, he's here to stay no matter what affiliation you might've had before," said Jeremiah sincerely.
"Yeah, my affiliations lead me here."
"What affiliations?" asked Jeremiah.
"I was with the NCR once."
"What made you leave?"
"This event. They have a file on it that explains every detail of the event."
"What does it say?"
"It says-"
"Dessert is ready," Ruth said over everyone.
"It looks like, dessert is ready, I'll be back in one moment," Jeremiah said.
"I know you worry about me being here," Joshua said whilst directing his look to Will. "I know the inner workings of the Legion, and they won't make it here."
With nothing to state, Will sat in general silence for the rest of the evening, By the end, Will, tailed by Jamie, went to their room.
"That was something," Will stated flatly.
"Be nice, they're trying to be kind to us," Jamie said.
"They're keeping the former Legate of the Legion."
"So? You saw how he was, he's changed, he doesn't seem to be rude at all."
"How he acts now won't matter if he hurts anyone."
"And how do you suppose he would hurt anyone? There's only one of him, and there's an entire community who can take him down. Look at him, he's covered in bandages."
"I know. Just because he has bandages, it doesn't mean he isn't dangerous."
"Will!" Jamie yelled.
Will startled, he tried to stutter something out, but was taken aback to her upheaval.
"Just listen to me, before you go off on another of your rants about life. You are such a paranoid freak! We're here to spend time together, and we have the possibility to get married. But no, you want to worry about someone who's changed. He had been hurt, and you are doubting since you had bad run ins with people. Relax, we're far from the Legion. Let's just stay here for a little while, and think of the best route to get to the east coast. Okay?"
"Yeah. Yeah." Will still in shock.
Flipping her hair back, they hear a knock at the door. Jamie answers the door to see Philip there.
"Is everything alright?" He asked.
"Yeah," Jamie said, "Just a little indifference."
"Sounds like a big indifference. We all heard it."
"Sorry, Will here just decided to make a stupid mistake."
"Can you guys keep it down then? Please?"
"We will, hopefully."
"Goodnight then."
"Goodnight," she said smiling and closing the door.
"Will goodnight, I'm going to sleep."
"Okay. Night."
Will looked out of the window for the better half of the night, questioning those decisions he made in his past. As he sat there thinking over the events of his childhood, he barely felt the touch of someone. Breaking out of his trance like state, he looked up to see Jamie's green eyes piercing in the moonlight.
"Can't sleep?" Jamie asked softly.
"Yeah, just can't sleep, a lot is going through my mind," he said standing up.
"I'm sorry about earlier."
"Don't be, I'm the one who's too arrogant. There's not much I told you about me, about what I've done. What I've seen and experienced."
"How so?"
"I didn't tell you why I joined the NCR or what happened on those files. I didn't tell you things that happened in my childhood in better detail. I was too afraid."
"Afraid of what?"
"Of tearing down the false sense of security I've built. I've been marred by my past, and now it's catching up."
"What?"
"I told you about my weird dreams of guilt. I told myself and to you later, that, it was due to keeping the secret of your father whereabouts. It's more than just that. The people who killed my mother were never brought to justice. That made me angry since I couldn't protect my own family."
"That was out of your control Will, you couldn't of done anything."
"I know, that's why I always tried to protect my sister from harm, she was my only family besides my father who was also distraught. That's the whole point of joining the NCR when I was nearly eighteen. I was in the NCR for eight years almost when I was discharged."
"Discharged? You told you backed out because you saw something that was too much."
"That's partially true. It's that I didn't tell you what exactly happened, nor am I willing to share to you know."
"Okay, I understand, we'll talk about this later, but please, get some sleep," Jamie said softly. "I don't want to see you in such pain."
"Yeah," Will said avoiding the gaze of Jamie.
"Let's get to sleep, okay, come on."
The group spent about two weeks in the town regaining energy from the road. Ruth was kind enough to cut expenses off for the group as long as they helped around. One day, at Will's and Jamie's room, they heard a knock at the door. Opening the door, there stood Jeremiah.
"Hello Will, I'd like to talk to you," Jeremiah imitated with politeness.
"Definitely, come in. What's going on?" Will responded.
"A couple weeks ago, you said that Jamie and you weren't married, is that correct?"
"Yes it is."
"What if we set up a wedding for the both of you?"
"I'm unsure, let me ask Jamie?"
"We'll ask her, but just tell me, how much to do you love Jamie?"
"Very much so."
"Then why not?"
"Let me get her," as Will knocks on the bathroom door.
Opening the door, Jamie asks, "Yes, what is it?"
"Jeremiah is here to ask us something fairly important."
"Oh, Hi Jeremiah, yes?"
"I was wondering if you two would like to get married?"
"What did you say Will?"
"I said it's a possibility so yes."
"Okay, I'd think it would be great!" Jamie stated.
"Good! We'll make preparations as soon as possible, I'll get back to the both of you shortly."
"It seems we're getting married," Jamie said.
"It does, I honestly never thought it would be happening," Will laughingly said.
"Well my only concern is this darn baby. They're kicking pretty hard."
"How long has it been?"
"Nearly twenty five weeks or six months. Whoever our baby is, they're a tough little one."
"We know who it's coming from," Will sarcastically said.
"Definitely not you," Jamie snapped back.
"All I can't believe is that we're going to have a child soon."
"Neither can I."
The subsequent days ahead of them were slow for the group as Will and Jamie along with Jeremiah and their pastor set up a quick wedding at the church. They together were planning to get married, grew together as people. Those who were planning to go is Jeremiah, Joshua, Ruth, their group, and a few other town's folk there. It was going to be a small wedding surrounded by their friends. Jamie had to be outfitted with a personal dress due her pregnancy. As she was being sewed into her personal, unfinished dress, Will entered the room.
"Will, what are you doing in here? It's uncustomary for men to see their brides before their wedding, didn't you hear what that pastor told us?" Jamie said.
"Yes, I just wanted to let you know something before we go out there is that I will never let you go."
"I know this. That's the whole point of getting married."
"Definitely, but I just wanted to say to you that since I did it before, and I was dumb for doing such."
"No need for apologizing Will, I've never been happier in my life than besides you, no matter how much fighting we've gone through, by the end of the day, I still love you."
"Thanks, I needed to hear that, I'll see your beautiful face out there," he said as exiting the room.
He stood out there in the front of the church, as the pianist played wedding music, with Jeremiah walking Jamie out to the front of the church. He walked her to where Will was, letting her arm go as they stood in front of each other. Will pulled back Jamie's veil to show her glimmering green eyes and freckled face in the sun light. A flash came from their side, and they saw a man with a camera taking pictures.
"Wedding pictures," said the man.
They went through the wedding process, and they went back to the hotel where they had a reception.  They were given wedding gifts with an assortment of baby items. At After a long night of fun with their friends, Jamie and Will head back to their room, tired and exhausted.
"That was fun," said Jamie.
"What? The reception or getting married?" Will said with a sarcastic gesture.
"You know what I mean Will."
"It was, honestly, one of the best things. I didn't know it would be that fun."
"Well how was it fun? You always seem so down in the dumps, you almost seem that you don't know what fun is."
"You know, just us, a moment that I never saw due to my sister being in San Francisco and my father never remarrying."
"But you doubted getting married a couple weeks ago you dipshit."
"Well you know, that was different:"
"Different my ass. You were scared to get married, but when you do, you have fun."
"True. I won't deny that."
"I knew you had it in you. You just had to open up."
"I truly wouldn't know how life would've gone without you."
"Neither would I."
They fell silent in their bed when a knock at the door came. Will went to open the door, and Joshua was standing there.
"I'd like to speak to you two in private," Joshua initiated.
"Yeah, what's going on?" asked Will, letting Joshua in.
"We just got reports from one of our trading caravans that come. The Legion is spreading and quick."
"What do you mean? Are they coming here?"
"I'm unsure. But from what I can see, they're coming in force, they've already taken parts of southern Utah."
"Then we must leave again."
At this point Jamie was up as well, with panic on her face, and Will with worried looks as well.
"Before you hastily get out of here Will, we don't know what they're doing."
"How? You were part of the Legion!" almost yelling.
"Yes, please lower your tone, but we don't know exactly what they are doing. I never knew of such plans. All I knew was we took Arizona and New Mexico, but to take Utah. It also might mean that whatever Caesar must be doing here in Utah, it means he might do it in Colorado.
"So we should get through Colorado before they get too far north."
"Yes, but whoever his new Legate was is tough for making such a campaign."
"Well we're not staying here. We're leaving in the morning."
"That's a good idea, but we don't know what they're doing."
"Then we should get through so we don't have to find out."
"Will, listen to me, I can advise you to go north and then east. I know how they take control of new territory of land, it isn't a good thing."
"I think we can make it before they can reach us."
"Will consider it," said Jamie.
"Jamie, we need to get going, we can't stay here while the Legion is making swift actions through the wasteland."
"The farther north you go, the farther distance you'll put between you and the Legion," interjected Joshua.
"What if they reach you?" asked Jamie.
"We're strong people, they won't be able to get through us, and I know their tactics if they do try anything."
"True, but it's safer for us to leave than stay here," said Will.
"Will, think about what you're saying, how long did it take for just a group of six to get here? Compared to an entire army, we don't have to leave," Jamie chimed in.
"This is true, you six will have enough time to get out of here, just think about how rash this is," Joshua said.
"I know, it isn't what we expect, but how long did it take for the Legion just to take New Mexico and Arizona," Will said in retaliation.
"A few years, but that is besides the point, it might take them longer with no Legate in place."
"Yes that may be true, but also think, they have a stronger force now, it isn't just a small group."
"We don't know their strength, they might be weakened Will," Jamie said.
"I do," Joshua said. "They're weakened, but that doesn't mean under good leadership they will be like that. Our caravan partners said that they were taking Colorado and Nevada, meaning that whoever is there can be quickly assimilated into the Legion if they can't defend themselves otherwise."
"How do we know that this town won't be assimilated as well?"
"It won't, I'm here. Caesar sent Frumentarii, or secret service, after me before whilst I was with a tribe closer to the Legion's border. All the men were killed while the women and girls were enslaved, boys enlisted into the Legion. It isn't pretty, and once they find me here, you and the other men will be dead, but we're sitting good with our strong trading posts as well as the Legion doesn't know where I am, and you better not stick around too long if you don't have to, but listen to me don't go through Colorado."
"It's a straight shot to the east coast, and can we can pass by them easily."
"You're sounding more and more arrogant Will, listen to Joshua. It may be more beneficial if we can get around them," Jamie said.
"They have one large front. I doubt that they can get through Colorado with one swift motion.
"It may not be as difficult as it may sound Will," Jamie said more softly.
"It doesn't matter, we're going this one way, alright?"
"Than be like that," Joshua exclaimed. "Don't listen to the advice of a former Legion Legate. Jamie was right, your arrogance shadows your judgement. May God have mercy on your soul."
"Thanks for the blessing, we'll be gone by tomorrow."
"Good riddance."
Joshua leaves the room, as Will puts his head in his hands.
Jamie furiously says, "sometimes I do doubt your judgement, hopefully this won't kill us."
"It won't, I assure you Jamie."
"You better, otherwise those dreams of yours will come back, and no one to comfort you. Be mindful of that, okay?"
"Yeah, let's just pack up to go. I'll tell the others that we're leaving in the morning."
Will goes and tells the others that they are going to be leaving, as Jamie packs up their stuff to go. Will has restless sleep come back up yet again, and by morning, Will has doubts about his original plan. He goes to Kelly's room for consultation about his plans and doubts he has.
Counseling Kelly, Will asks, "Should we take this northern pass Joshua told me about?"
"Tell me about this route that he said," Kelly responded.
"He said this route takes the Long 15 to another road that goes across the northern part of the wasteland straight to an area near D.C.?"
"I say take the route if it's necessary, but if you think we can outrun the Legion than let's continue on the road we originally planned. Because if it is a risk than let's go north than east."
"Alright, I think we can beat the Legion on their conquest north. I'm confident that we can do such."
"Then let's head east. If you think we can beat the Legion."
"Okay, I'm going to ask the other members of the group on their plans so far on this trip."
"Okay, I'll see you at the exit of the town."
Will heads towards George's room to ask him about his ideas and plans about the route they should take.
Knocking on his door, George opens, asking, "yes Will?"
"Hey I need to ask you about our plans," Will explains.
"Go right ahead."
"So we can either take a route north than east, or we can go just straight east."
"It doesn't matter which route we go because Mark and I will follow Kelly until we depart."
"Okay, meet at the gate at the edge of the town when you're ready, also tell Mark as well."
"Yeah, see you out there."
Going to Philip's room, Will knocked on the door, and Philip came out fully packed.
"Hey Will. I'm ready whenever you are," Phillip said enthusiastically.
"Hey, I just wanted to ask you if you wanted to take an alternate route to the one we're planning to take."
"Sure, shoot."
"Okay, we can take a route that takes north than we head east along a highway east, or we take our original route."
"It doesn't matter, as long as we get there, I'll be with you guys."
"Okay, that's what everyone else said, and I'll see you at the gate."
"I'll see you out there."
Going back to his own room, he entered to see Jamie had packed their stuff on the bed, and she was sitting on the bed.
"Next time that we have to pack up for leaving, you're doing it," Jamie said.
"Yeah, okay, is everything ready though?" asked Will.
"Yes, we're ready to leave whenever."
"Okay, let's get going then, everyone else is heading out there now."
"Than take the bags like a good man."
"Alright."
Jamie took a bag and gave the heavier bag to Will. Taking it, the both of them head out to the front of the gate. The photographer from their wedding gave them a group of photos from the wedding.
"Thought you would like this for the road," said the man.
Heading to the front of New Canaan where they all met around noon. Joshua and Jeremiah came to gate as well, following the group.
"We just wanted to ask if your all sure on leaving?" asked Jeremiah.
"Yes, we're sure on leaving."
"Is there no way to convince you to stay?"
"We're sure."
"Because if you do, your travels may not be so safe."
"We'll try not to get ourselves killed."
"We can handle ourselves," said Kelly.
"Will, you know we are probably going to be the only safe community you'll probably meet in miles," Joshua said.
"I perfectly understand that and am alright with it."
"The rest of us are well equipped," said Philip.
"Plus if anything goes awry, we'll change our route," said Will.
"Than suit yourself because you may encounter the Legion."
"Well all I hope is that we can miss them somehow."
"Then I think it's good for us to leave than, we thank you for your hospitality Jeremiah."
"We thank you, Will. Goodbye to all of you then, and wish you all safe travels,"  Jeremiah  said.
"Have a safe time with the Legion on their way."
"We'll try to be," Joshua said.
The entire group said goodbye to them, except for Joshua who just stared at them as they left.