Chapter 343 - Flight Of Fancy

Afton and Josie returned to Major Datri's tent not long after, the others had already rounded up their business and gotten paid the bounty as well as a bonus for actually making the whole thing possible.

Afton didn't get paid of course, as he technically didn't accept the job, but Datri made sure to pay what he would've gotten extra to the group.​​

"Parker... Trantow? Do you need something?" the major asks after signing off a couple documents detailing the recent events.

Josie nods, "Yeah... Major, I want to resign." she says, deciding to quickly get it out of the way instead of slowly leading into it.

"Resign? Why?... Because the trucks were taken away?" he asks in confusion.

"That's part of it, but I got a better offer from somewhere else." she says, her eyes flitting in Afton's direction.

Datri easily connects the dots and sighs, "Poaching my soldiers now, Parker? I hope this doesn't become a regular thing..."

Afton shrugs, "Increase their pay and maybe I won't have to." he sarcastically retorts.

"Yeah, yeah... I suppose you want to leave straight away?" he asks, and continues when Josie nods, "Then you know you won't receive anything aside from this month's pay? Though, I'll allow you to keep your clothes and equipment." he says, as if that wouldn't be the case if he were an asshole... Does the NCR take your shit if you leave too early?

Josie nods, "I know..."

Datri hands her some papers and gets her to sign them, afterwards getting someone to retrieve a small sack of caps that he gives her. "So, what're your plans? Doubt you'll be sticking around here for much longer, us too considering the frontlines need reinforcements."

Afton momentarily ponders if telling the NCR his plans is a good idea, before scrapping the thought. They'd find out eventually, so why bother hiding it. "Gonna head down to Novac and do a couple jobs. Why'd you ask? Got something else for us?"

The Major mulls something over before eventually asking, "If you're headed that way, then yeah... You heard of the Deathclaw infested Quarry south of here?"

Afton nods, "Yeah, almost got my ass eaten by one a few months back." he says, remembering his first venture into the Mojave alone. Karl really saved his hide back then.

"Well, if you're up for it, we have a long-standing bounty that no one wants to collect. The job? To clear the Deathclaws on the road and in the quarry." he pauses, "Yeah, no wonder no one wanted to fuckin' do it. Hell, even with an army at my back I'd still try to pawn the job off on someone else." Datri sheepishly admits.

"Hmm..." Afton hums, wondering if his group was strong enough to take such a job yet... Sure, they had the equipment, but Anja is still pretty green. Josie would probably come along too, but he didn't know the extent of her abilities, aside from engineering obviously.

It likely wouldn't be a cakewalk, he had no idea just how many Deathclaws there were, and he didn't like going into a dangerous job like this without proper intel. "What's the rewards like?" he finally asks, wanting to know if it'd be worth his while if they did it.

"Considering the road the Deathclaws are infesting is a crucial trade route, the reward isn't anything to scoff at... If you manage to clear this road our caravans and supplies would be much, much safer... The other route is too near to the front lines and Legion encampments, making them easy targets to ambush... The current reward is 30000 caps, but I may be able to boost the price by talking to the higher-ups. As stingy as those fuckers are, they know when something needs to get done." he says.

Afton crosses his arms, "So, clear the road and quarry, kill all Deathclaws and mash all the nests?" he asks, rounding up the points of contention.

Datri nods, "I know it's a lot to ask, but every NCR trooper would be thanking you first and their gods second for the help."

...

"I'll think about it, I need to talk with the others before agreeing with this..." Afton says after a moment, and Datri nods.

Trantow leaves but before Afton can Datri give a few parting words.

"Look after Trantow for us, despite how the higherups treat her, she's well respected in the camp. I don't doubt you'll have a number of people hounding you if she gets even a scratch."

Afton chuckles "Don't worry about that... I'll be shoving her in the most fortified piece of hardware the Mojave has ever seen. Not that I think she'll complain about it, she's kinda obsessed with those sorta things." he says, giving a brief wave before leaving.

Josie was waiting outside for him with crossed arms, she grins at him as he walks out, "That went better than expected... I thought my resignation would be refused outright..." she frowns slightly, "Huh, maybe I wasn't as needed here as I thought."

Afton just shakes his head, "Don't worry about that. Datri basically threatened me to make sure you stay safe. Not to brag, but I have a pretty scary reputation, not many would dare talk to me like that."

Josie perks up slightly at this, "I need to go gather my stuff, I'll find you guys later... Try not to leave without me, it would be sooo embarrassing to have to ask around for you immediately after resigning."

Afton rubs his chin, "Damn, that sorts like a pretty good idea-Ouch!" he complains as she pinches his cheek.

"Don't. You. Dare!"

He waves his hands placatingly at her, "Alright, alright. I won't prank you, I promise."

She lets go of his cheek and huffs, "Good." before walking away.

Afton watches her leave while 'subtly' checking her tight jeans out. "Women." he mutters and starts looking around for the others.