It's the End of the World

Chapter 6

I woke up when the speakers announced I was at Nuka-World. I looked out the window listening to the speech. Then the voice changed.

"So, Harvey bagged us another sucker. I can't believe that gag still works."

I frowned as the scenery changed to more menacing, Raider style decor. The voice continued.

"You better listen up, because I only got a minute. So listen good. The name's Gage. Porter Gage. And the truth is, you've been set up. This ain't no rescue mission. It's a death trap. But, if you somehow make it through alive, I've got an interesting offer for you."

Ha. He assumes I'm just another trader or scavver. They're Raiders, how difficult could this be?

"So relax, and put on a good show. I'll be watchin'."

The speaker fizzled out as the train pulled into the station.

A new voice sounded over the speakers in the station.

"Attention all you undesirables out there! Seems like we got ourselves some fresh meat to run the Gauntlet!"

The words were followed by a mean spirited laugh. I walked through the station and into a crude room.

"And she's off! Hopefully she can draw some inspiration from our previous victims! Eww."

I rolled my eyes and kept going. Whatever this Gauntlet was, I've been through worse.

I walked into the first room, and it was full of turrets. I ducked for cover behind a vending machine and shot at the turrets with my rifle. Once they were all taken out, I moved on.

"Okay, so our vic knows how to dodge some bullets. Good thing that's not all we have in store for her."

I looked around the room and saw trip wires and traps. I carefully made my way around and disarmed everything. Around a corner I found a tool chest and unlocked it. Next to it were some stairs. I went up the stairs and saw three doors. I opened the one to the left and found the pathway. I kept going.

There was a ramp and at the bottom, barrels of radioactive waste. I took several Rad-x pills. I ran through as quickly as I could to a locked door. I picked the lock and got out of the radiation. I kept going to a room with a terminal and unlocked it to control turrets. I walked through the room and picked up a key.

The rest of the Gauntlet I got through using wits and good aim. I outran the Mirelurks, disarmed a minefield, and shot down enemy Raiders.

I reached an old bumper cars arena and heard a crowd chanting in the other room. The room I was in was filled with weapons and ammo. An intercom on the wall crackled and Gage's voice came through.

"Listen up, if you want to make it past Colter, you'll need to do as I say."

I put a hand on my hip.

"Right. I've made it this far without you. I can handle myself."

I took out my pistol and shot the intercom. Sparks flew as it broke down. I searched the room for anything useful. I took all the ammo and grenades I could find. I was about to leave the room when something caught my eye.

"That doesn't belong here."

I picked up the water gun, looking it over. I put it in my bag. There had to be a reason why it was in here. After doung one more check of my supplies, I walked through to the next room. The door slammed behind me.

"Disciples, are you ready for blood?!"

The man in the power armor shouted to the crowd. His armor sparked with lightning, coming from the arena.

"Pack, are you ready for things to get wild?!"

He was answered by chanting.

"Operators, are you ready to see me notch another kill?!"

He lifted his arms and then turned to me.

"And you, are you ready to die?"

I narrowed my eyes and grinned menacingly.

"I was going to ask you the same thing."

I shouted back at him. The crowd went quiet for the first time since I arrived. Colter chuckled as the door opened. I dashed into the arena and dove for cover as he shot at me. I took a deep breath and prepared myself for the fight.