Chapter One - Sunrise in the Mojave

- Sirens. Bernard awoke immediately from his sleep. His makeshift warning system was a sonorous ringing. He climbed quickly from his bed, grabbing his rifle from beneath the loose floorboard.
"Whats wrong Bern?" a worried voice piped up from behind him.
"I dont know, Bighorner I suspect." Bern had experience, dealing with various threats throughout his time in the wasteland. This, a time where that experience would be needed. "Wait here". The dim light shone from beneath the door of their rickety wooden shack. A humble abode. Carefully opening the door, he poked tip of his weapon out. Before sliding the door open, taking cover behind the sandbags that were perched in front of his front enterance.

Sunrise in the Mojave. A spectacular site to behold. Their home, nestled in the foothills above the infamous strip, provided arguably the best view around for miles. But now was not the time for that. Bernard needed to concentrate. Peeking over the barrier, he noticed rustling in the trees. His various tripwires, situated a hundred or so yards from the shack, provided an early warning system for Bern and his wife Elleanor. Who’s decision to live alone had provided a peaceful life. A life, occasionally disturbed via the local wildlife, who every now and then wandered towards the shack. But this disturbance, more than meer wildlife.

A lens flickered in the early morning sunlight. Bernard stared down the sight of his rifle, a 21st century Scoped Battle Rifle, nicknamed Lailah, would now be concidered an antique. But it had never let Bern down. However, when Bern finally realised what the lens was. It was too late. The muzzle of the foreign weapon lit up, firing off a single round. Bernard collapsed into a heap on the floor.
Elleanor ran out, tears streaming down her cheeks. She fell to her knees behind the sandbags. Bernard led below her, his head in her lap as he began to talk.

“G-g-get yourself out of here. M-m-make sure he’s safe!”

“Im not gonna leave you Bern!” Elleanor weeped as she brushed his hair back and forth. “We’l get you help, everything will be all right!”

"Oh c-come now Elleanor, my time is up! If the g-g-good lord says its time, I have to be thankful for the time he’s g-given me!” Bernard tried to reassure Ellie, something he’d managed for years.

“I wont let you go Bern! You’ll always be with me.”

“As w-will you with me Ellie! Now p-please, go, be safe, and look after him for me will ya?”
With that, Elleanor edged her way back into the hut. Grabbed the bundle from the bed, opened the back door and shuffled up the pathway behind the home. Towards the settlement of Jacobstown. Hoping to seek refuge.

She stopped and turned, as the siren slowly faded out. Silence fell on the shack. As Bernard took his last breath, he shed a tear. His wife, of over 50 years, and grandson were safe.

Hope everybody enjoyed the first chapter, not long, but I only wanted a prologue. Constructive criticism welcome!

Interesting. I wonder where this is going. Since I she was going to head for Jacobstown, I automatically assumed super mutant, but that's ridiculous. I wonder what will become of the kind in the environment he is raised, for certainly the story will follow him/her, correct?

Anyway, it was a solid opening, didn't follow the comma rule, but nobody does. So I'm going to just give up on that. But I can't wait to see were you take this Disco :thumbsup:

Cheers Yeah, you're correct assuming the story will follow the kid. My punctuation is kinda all over the place. I apologise for that, I'll try and work on it.
Also, she's human

Next chapter should be up later today!

Next chapter is almost completed, Ill leave a little time before I post it.

Chapter Two - An Unlikely Friendship

“David, youre gonna be late for work!” Elleanor shook the sleeping David, whos addolescent years made it uneasy for him to awake at the best of times.
Groggilly, he came to his senses, peering at the Nuka Cola clock that sat on the wall. Five to Ten. Work started in five minutes. With that, David leapt out of bed, grabbed a pack of sugar bombs, thrusting them into his Kit bag, and darted out the door.

He stood at the top of the landing, looking around. Downstairs, Mutants stood, playing alpha male as they always did. He shook his head. David had never thought too fondly of Super Mutants, nor Nightkin for that matter. From an early age, he’d found himself being looked down apon. He was of course, one of only three humans in the collony. However, not only his grandmother Elleanor, but Doctor Henry had also become frail due to his old age. Apparently, Doctor Henry had once stopped some form of mental dissorder within thr Nightkin. But David dint really care. They were all bigots in his eyes.
All except one. David quickly breezed his way through the courtyard, determined not to keep his boss waiting.

“Ahh David, nice of you to show up!” Marcus towered above the rest. But unlilke the others, had never treated David as a lesser person. He assumed the role if the well respected sherrif. And had done for years. Due to the Super Mutant’s incresed life span, he was well experienced.

“ I'm sorry, Marc-“

“Don't worry, i'm only pulling your leg. Put your satchel down there and we’l get started!”
David and Marcus had always enjoyed a somewhat easy going friendship. For some reason, David had always strived to please Marcus from an early age. His ‘unconventional’ friend had always been able to see something in David. When everyone else was quick to judge. Marcus refrained from judgement. Up to know, David had not let him down.

“He’s human, he’s weak!” They’d cry as David would pass. “He and his grandmother have no place here!” It angered David, but after all what could he do?

David hid his kitbag underneath the table that sat adjacent to the dual sandbags that were built either side of the enterance to Jacobstown. He and Marcus began walking away from the lodge.

“How’s your grandma David?” Marcus had always seen to protect Elleanor.

“She’s okay, but she’s not getting any better.” David was of course referring to her cancer, which Doctor Henry hadfound during a screening. She was later informed that the cancer was in fact, terminal.

“I knew your grandpa David. He was a good man. Im sure that he would have been proud of you Elleanor after what youve managed to accomplish here.”

“But what exactly have we accomplished? All the other mutants treat me like a feral!” A lower class citizen.”

“Thats because they feel threatened David. Mutants like myself tend not to trust easily. Don’t listen to them though, youre a good kid.” Marcus explained. He seemed to know David well. Although David was quiet, reserved lad. He was also, not so easy to trust. He had always been a good judge of charcater, a trait he had recieved from his grandpa. Bernard had never shook the hand of a crooked dealer.

“I think I see something.” David pulled out his 32. Pistol, as Marcus peered down the slope.

“Looks like a Cazador,” Marcus announced. The beast flapped in the trees. Its bright orange wings giving it away. “Ill let you handle this one.”
David crouched as he carefully creeped his way along the road. He took position behind a boulder, appropriately situated 20 or so yards from the Cazador. He steadied his aim and pulled the trigger, letting off a few rounds. The creature dropped. Walking over to it, David lifted the limp carcase, beginning his stroll back to Jacobstown. Dropping the Cazador next to the gate, he headed back out with Marcus.

“Thats another thing your Grandpa would be proud of. You’re some shot with a firearm.” Marcus smiled as he spoke. With a chuckle, the two headed back out into the sun, to complete their round.

Nice. Like to see how growing up around mutants as "family" can affect somebody, maybe not much, their kind of human, right? Anyway, that kid is one impressive shot. Can't complain. Keep it up.

Thanks I dont really intend to have him stick with the muties for long.. although, it will effect his personality in some ways (quiet, reserved) but I aim to introduce a somewhat more hot-headed trait. Great to know your reading! Gonna work on the next chapter tonight!

Chapter Three - A Sorrowful Understanding

David stared at himself in the mirror. He stood at around six foot, broad shouldered and capable. Fair haired kept tidy thanks to a clean cut, with deep blue eyes. Much like his grandfather Bernard. David assumed a gentle look, tinted with a shade of longing. Longing for purpose. He slid his razor blade up the left side of his muzzle, in an attempt to quell the stubble that had built there over the period of a week or so.

“David come quick!” Marcus sounded anxious. “It's your grandma.” David dropped his blade and the sink, hurrying out of the door toward the medical room. Over Elleanor stood Marcus, accompanied by a temporary Mutant doctor, and now, David. His grandmother smiled, as she looked up towards him. David wanted nothing more than to return the gesture. Something, he could only half manage. She’d been on the ropes for months now.

The doctor dragged David out the room. “Human, I’m afraid to say, your grandmother is not going to last much longer.” Mutants never were subtle. David knew all too well though, subtlety wouldn’t save Elleanor. “I believe you should say your final goodbyes.”

A tear began sliding down David’s cheek, he’d been dreading this day for months. He turned, walking back towards, what would be, his grandma’s deathbed.

“You don’t have to pretend David, my boy.” Her voice seemed to sooth David’s anguish. “I love you David, you know I’ve never lied to you. Well, my time is up”
By this time, David’s single tear had grown into a flood. Although strong through his upbringing, there was something soul crushing about losing someone he loved.

“I’m going to be with your grandpa David. As well as your mother and father.”

“I love you grandma.” David, was distraught. He’d never realised how tough this would be. But through all of David’s tears, Elleanor hadn’t shed one. She’d know that this day was coming.

“ I love you too David. There’s something I need to tell you though. Go back to the old shack, under the floorboards there’s something your grandpa wanted you to see when you were old enough. You’re an advlt now. It’s time.”

“Okay grandma, I’ll do that for you. Everything’s going to be okay.”

“I’m sure you’ll be fine my boy.” Elleanor began a coughing fit, the cancer tightening the hold it had so cruelly established. “Your grandfather would be proud.”

Elleanor’s eyes slowly flickered shut. And although she was gone, David felt relieved. She wouldn’t have to endure any more suffering, in this cruel, twisted world.

It took David a few hours to gather himself. In which he spent, by her side, weeping. For some unknown reason, this seemed to spark interest in the mutants. They stood, observing David, for they finally understood.

When David had finally composed himself, he found himself in an unusual situation. Heading to the door, through the courtyard. He was met by the Super Mutant and Night kin population that inhabited Jacobstown. Each one paying their respects, with a simple “Were sorry for your loss.”

For all the torment and bigotry that they had met David and his grandmother with, they had redeemed themselves in a moment. Even they were capable of compassion. Something that meant alot to David. Walking through the gate, he was called by a familiar voice.

“What are you going to do, David?” Marcus called.

Walking away, David simply replied –“It’s time for me to leave.”

Can't say I didn't see that coming. Once the grandmother was out of the way he had nothing to tie him down with. She had to go for the story to progress, a great chance to add character to. I know it seems like I'm the only who reads this story, but that's not true. People will comment given time. Anyway, I would like to see where you take this, as of right now I can't predict. Unless you have something to do with the people who killed his grandfather. Well hope to see some more.

Once again, thank you for your comment. Grandma needed to go, for the sake of the story. Something I had planned from the start. I have a slight idea where this will go. I feel I have to take it in the direction of finding his Grandpa's killer. As I left it shrouded in mystery.
Also, Im hoping others are reading my story. Whether theyre leaving comments or not, Im just happy im able to show my work

True. Whenever I right a fanfic, I rarely get a lot of comments. But I don't care, I write them cause sometimes I just need to write and Fallout is the funniest to write about. Some people really care about comments though and often give up if they don't get enough. Just wanted to make sure you weren't like that.

Sometimes, people like us need a release. For me, this is it

Chapter Four – Realizations and Revelations

Time had taken its toll on the old home. The door hung, rusty to the hinges barely opened without damage. Almost two decades untouched, to the disbelief of David who was astonished that prospectors hadn’t looted the place. Cobwebs littered the corners of the single roomed shack. An unsightly place, but strangely familiar. At first glance, David was unable to see anything of value. Until, while drifting around the shack, he happened to hear a creak beneath his feet. A removable floorboard popped up, only to reveal a rifle, accompanied by a small decorative box.

Carefully lifting the contents from the small cavern, he examined the rifle. A relic now, he checked the barrel, amazed to see it was perfectly clean. Although old, the weapon was in good condition. On the brow of the rifle, the name “Lialah” had been forged. A sleek brown and cast iron finnish, he carefully lay the weapon on the floor.

Grasping the small box, David looked at the engravings. “NCR military discharge” it read. He flicked the latch, lifting the lid slowly. Inside, a mirror, sat on the reverse side of the lid, reflecting what seemed to be a small note, a medal and a necklace.

Unfolding the note, David began to realise what the contents implied:

“Dear David, you should be at the age now where youre old
enough to understand this fully. I just hope you see fit
to act how you see best. You never fully knew your
mother or father. But through no fault of their own.
See, your father was murdered. Your mother, unable to
live without him, decided to take her own life. We were
devestated. Ive spent the past year trying to track down
the person who killed your father. Even as a holy man, I
wanted to bring the same fate upon him he gave your
daddy. Although I was unable to find him, I came up with
a name. Well, not really a name. But a title. But beware,
he knows im on to him, It'll not be long before he comes
looking for me. He's known to many as - The Courier."
David, Do your father justice!
Bernard, Your loving grandfather"

David stopped for a second. Staring into the void that was realisation. Not only his grandpa had been murdered, something he knew about. But his father too. He’d always been told that he and David’s mother had died due to natural causes. This obviously wasn’t the case.

David looked at the remaining contents. The medal sat, perched on a ribbon. Inscribed with the words: “Gloria, laus et honor tibi sit, rex Christe redemptor.” A language David could not understand. Inspecting the necklace, from what he could tell, it was a 32. shell. Gold plated to be exact. Attached to a metal chain. Scratched into the rear, read – “Always with you, my darling.” Almost unreadable due to the size.

At that moment, David felt encumbered with a wave of sorrow, remorse, confusion, but over all – anger. He stood up, packing the contents back into the small box. The note and medallion were carefully lifted back into the container. Before sliding it all back into his kitbag. His satchel he’d carried round for years. Grasping the rifle, David slung the strap over his back. Finally he placed the necklace round his neck. And stood. Looking out into the sunset.

David was going to kill The Courier.

And the plot thickens! Can't complain about much, like usual.

I like how the main antagonist the Courier instead of the protagonist. I've seen that happen only once before, it's a nice twist on the usual.



Now, I'm no grammar expert but don't you think there should be a comma after about instead of a period?

Anyway, Good Job. Looking forward to more, nice to see how this turns out.

Once again, thanks for the comment! Much appreciated! Now I look at it, it does seem better with a comma. I'll sort that out.
I wanted to try something different, seen as many people see the courier as a "good guy" so to speak. Unless you play with bad karma of course!

I actually really enjoy this so far. The little twist was especially nice, I didn't see it coming, and any type of media with a good plot twist in it is a favorite. Definitely looking forward to more. :tops:

If you wouldn't mind, could you check out the first episode of my machinima "The Mojave"? yes, i shamelessly promoted myself, so what? XD

Ive already seen it Max, I liked what I saw. You didnt leave to much out in the open and left a hint of anticipation. Which I liked. I was waiting until the next episode, when we knew more before I commented. But keep that up!

that's what exactly what i'm going for. with my project, its a gradual unfolding of the plot through narration. i'll admit i was inspired by The DC Chronicles, but only so far as to make my own.

The DC chronicals were great! Ive never really had the patience to try ?? Playing mostly on console makes it difficult too! Although I do have Fallout 3 on PC as well.

i own both the 360 and PC. i definitely prefer the PC version, despite getting it after the 360, although having access to Dead Money was nice. and it does require a good deal of patience because putting the first episode together was a [censored]. when it was all put together, it wouldnt save. then i shot new footage and put old clips in and suddenly there was no problem. im thinking "what the hell" haha

Chapter Five – "That Rifle”

Dazzling lights, neon signs and all the booze money could buy! Or, that’s what David had been told about New Vegas. Only a mile or so away now. Not far at all. Walking through the sub urbans of post apocaliptia made David think. How could the human race let itself get to this state? Greed, corruption, power obsession? Truth be told, much like the Mojave wasteland. Desolate homes, blood stains, skeletons. There were more of these now than living people.

“Welcome to Freeside sir, may I interest you in some meat?”

“No thank you sir.” Called David. A man stood, twitching nervously to his left. His face, void of any expression or meaning. Life had taken it’s toll on this man. A soul crushing sight.

Walking a hundred yards or so forward, he stopped. Looked up. For all of the downfalls and poverty, there was one thing they’d got right. New Vegas was a site to behold at night. Four large casinos lit up the city.

Three more conventional buildings, crowned with the roulette shaped structure on top. Easily the most dominating, eye catching part of the New Vegas skyline.

Passing through an interim gate, he found himself a district away from the glitz and glamour. Out the corner of his eye, David caught glimpse of two men approaching him from the left.

“Youre not from around here are you?” One of the two exclaimed, a puzzled look upon their faces.

“Nah, what’s it got to do with you?” David acted precariously. He had no clue who these two were. They each wore leather jackets, a sign that these were not the average citizens. Their hair, combed backwards created a quiff that sat neatly on top of their scalps.

“We’re just surprised to see anyone! Not been many folks like yourself headed for Vegas after the incident.” The two looked at each other profusely, they could see David didn’t have any idea what they were talking about. “You don’t know do you?”

David, overwhelmed by the setting could only ask “Know what?”

“After The Courier tried to kill Mr House, he put the strip into lockdown. Nobody goes in, nobody comes out. For a month now the place has been like that.”

“So?” David asked. “Nobody has gone into the strip for a month eh?” David had heard stories of Mr. House, establishing New Vegas. Nobody knew who he was, or where he had come from. A man, shrouded in mystery.

“Last people who tried to were gunned down by his personal securitrons. Not even NCR soldiers go in there anymore.” One of the two explained.

“Okay, thanks for the help.” David remarked, his eyebrows slightly raised due to curiosity.

Walking towards the main gate, three rolling objects made there way towards David.

“Halt citizen. Remove yourself from this area or face execution.” One of the machines stated in a monotone voice.

“Just one moment...”

“No moments, you will be shot now.” The three machines took a rotation back gearing up to fire. Only halted by an unlikely voice. The bot’s voice suddenly changed. What sounded like a well spoken, man of elegance voiced his presence. “That rifle. Where did you...? I mean, how did you? Let him pass. Step forth. We have much to discuss.”

With that, the sentry guards parted, making way for David. The gates swung open. People flooded from their homes, captivated by the events unfolding.

David strode, into the bright lights of Vegas.

Chapter Six – Fate Entwined

David stood, staring up at the Lucky 38 casino. Its bright lights almost blinding him, as he held his head towards the roulette shaped top floor.

“Hurry up lover, Mr House is a busy man!” the voice of a cowgirl pitched up, David laying eyes on another one of the security bots, this time holding a perky face with a bob cut.

Following the detail, he entered the casino, the large double doors automatically closing behind him.

Stepping into the lift, he began to rise through the tower. Overwhelmed with anticipation, anxiety and intrigue. David had no idea what he was about to encounter. Mr House obviously recognised his rifle. But how?
Why? David was about to find the answer.

Exiting the elevator, he descended the half-spiral stair case, leading him out in front of a large screen. This was Mr House?

“Mr House, Ive brought ya’l friend here. David, meet Mr House!”

“Ahh welcome, ive been awaiting your arrival for some time now.” The elegant, educated voice exclaimed. A face, popped up on the screen. Featuring a man, sporting an almost commanding expression.

“Some time? Forgive me Mr. House, but what is going on?”

“Place your weapon on the coffee table in front of me. Let me see it.” Mr House sounded anxious, like he’d been waiting for this moment for some time. David, obediently unslung his rifle, laying it in front of the screen. “Ahh yes, I remember this like the day it was manufactured. Do you know where this rifle came from, David?”

“Im afraid I do not.” David’s puzzled expression, was soon noticed by Mr House, who began to explain.

“See, David, for people who know me, my philosophy is the preservation and advancement of humanity. My goal – to return humanity to its once before state. Imagine it, cities booming with industry, trade and citizenship. No more strife, struggle or hardship. A land of the free.” Mr House paused, if not only to get an acknowledgement from David, that his goals were noble.

“Please, Mr House, continue.”

“See this here name, engraved into the weapon? Lailah? The angel of conception. I engraved this name into the weapon. See, I learnt to shoot with this weapon, when I was only a teen. Given to me by my father. I kept it in mint condition. But when my father passed away and the inheritance was passed down. My brother. YOUR ancestor. Stole it.” Mr House stopped once again. David finally understanding.“ Thats right David, we're family. You've returned it."

“But how do you know i’m family? Anyone could have found the rifle.”

“The weapon was fitted with a sensor, a sensor that shocks anyone without the correct genetic code into dropping it. Your fingerprints – the key. How do you think it has stayed within the family for so long? Take a moment, contemplate.”

David stepped back, his head alive with realisation, confusion and disbelief. He was a direct relation to the most powerful man in the Mojave. A sudden turnaround in fortune that would take some time to adjust. Coming to his senses, David began to talk.

“Mr House, Ill get straight to the point. I need to find a man named the courier. I believe you know him. I want him dead.”

“You do?” Mr House’s voice perked. Almost thankfully. “It seems we have similar motives.”

Hmm, is the courier working for Caesar legion? Interesting, to have David related to house a twist a didn't seem coming. The genetic code on the gun seems like something from Metal Gear Solid, but I guess it could logically fit in the Fallout universe. I'm just surprised nobody with 90 skill points in science came a long.

I would like to see where this goes. Does he become Houses lackey? Will he betray family? Will he get the courier?Who is the courier working for?

All this and more folks,on the next chapter of No Questions, Only Answer...Now here is a word from are sponsors(sorry got carried away)

Metal Gear happens to be one of my favourite games Im not gonna give much away, but there are a few twists and turns to come. Next chapter should be up sometime tomorrow.