Chapter 130 - Bountiful Bounties

Afton and Boone slowly made their way back to the NCR blockade. The only evidence of the recent battle that'd just taken place was the small amounts of dirt covering them... That, and the fact Afton was still covered in mongrel blood.

Some NCR soldiers had been watching from afar but didn't dare approach, they could distinctly hear a huge amount of firearms being discharged in the nearby fight, as well as an explosion that almost caused a rock-slide to envelop Nelson itself.​​

They backed away from Boone and Afton with fearful expressions as they approached. The knew the duo had just gone toe to toe with many Legionaries. The fact they'd also executed a number of NCR hostages was also well-known...

Afton raises a brow at their reactions, sure they'd just killed a few people and he himself was covered in blood. But surely that was an average day for the Mojave? "Chill out guys, it's not like we'd just done fifty percent of your job for you." he says sarcastically, causing a few to scowl at him.

"You think this is a joke? You killed our friends!" A soldier shouts from the side.

"The Legionaries?" he asks in disbelief.

Boone sighs, "No, the hostages remember?"

Afton drops a fist into his palm, "Ah, right... Sorry, the adrenaline is still pumping." he says sheepishly.

Ranger Milo finally enters the scene, he's about pat them on the backs but decides to only do so for Boone... Must be the blood. "You two are fuckin' crazy! I was watching the fight from afar and I have to say, I'm glad you're on our side!" he looks at the surrounding soldiers, "These two quickly completed their objective and fought off against around forty Legionaries, as well as their dogs. If that's not commendable enough then you lot should be dragged somewhere and shot!"

"THEY KILLED NCR HOSTAGES!"

"They mercy killed some people unfortunate enough to have been captured. Be happy there weren't more women in that unit and shut your mouth!" Milo commands, spittle flying out of his mouth as he reprimands the undisciplined few who feel the need to shout at t heir commanding officer.

"I hate to interrupt, but can we get paid already? I wanna get back to Novac and clean myself up... Hopefully before this blood coagulates." Afton says from the side.

Milo nods, "Yeah." he holds out a large pouch, "Was only expecting to be paying you for the original job, but for what you've done to Nelson I think you deserve a little extra. There are 600 caps in here." he states as he's about to pass it to Afton, but instead gives it to Boone... Damn blood.

"Thanks. Before we go, I wanted to ask if there were any bounties on anyone in Nelson?" Afton asks after remembering that bounties did indeed exist, it was good to ask especially since the NCR was very willing to pay them out on high-value targets.

Milo shrugs, "Er, I'm not sure... We have one on the commander but he almost never shows his face."

Afton grins greedily, "Got any information on his looks? Or a photo?"

Milo nods, walks off and retrieves a large piece of paper. On it was a large photo of a man that seemed to be taken from a distance. Obviously, they weren't able to get up close for a photo otherwise the bounty would be unnecessary.

Funnily enough, the man on the photo reminded him on the man that they had executed as he tried to run for cover. It reads :

Bounty for : Dead Sea

Rank : Decanus of Caesar's Legion

Difficulty : 5/10

Reward : 1500 caps

"Well would you look at that, remember that guy Boone? Shit himself and started running when we started shooting at him?"

Boone nods, his blank expression gaining a small, almost insignificant smirk. "Yeah. Almost beheaded him with that shot through his neck."

Afton looks at Milo, "I don't suppose we'll need proof?" he asks, hoping he wouldn't have to go down there and collect the body for a measly 1500 caps.

Miles shakes his head, "No, that'd be suicidal. We just need to verify your claims and you'll get the caps. I'll send word for someone to investigate... It's good you brought this up now, I suspect Camp Forlorn Hope'll be planning to retake Nelson with the chaos you've created. If they invaded before you made known that you'd killed Dead Sea then someone else might take the bounty."

Afton nods, it makes sense. The NCR aren't omniscient and wouldn't know who killed who... Unless you carved your name into every bullet, but that was... Stupid? It did sound like a fun idea to work with, let people know who you'd killed. Shaking his head he refocusses on Milo, "Where do we claim the bounty?"

"Well, it'll be delivered to you once it's confirmed... You're staying in Novac right?" Afton nods at the question and Milo continues, "Then I'll have someone send it down once it's confirmed, it shouldn't take more than a few days so don't go anywhere until then."

Afton nods at the man just as time stops...

[WELCOME TO LEVEL 17]

[WELCOME TO LEVEL 18]

Nice.