Chapter 603 - Presicide

The death of President Kimball sends shockwaves throughout the Wasteland. After all, it wasn't every day a world leader gets assassinated, and the only thing that'd come close in recent memory would be Caesar's capture, which in the end didn't result in any casualties.

Obviously, the biggest group affected by the news was the NCR themselves, their commander and chief had just been crushed and exploded. While some guy with a bright idea in Hoover Dam had decided to report on it over the radio... This allowed the whole of New California to hear how their president was murdered, and that there was no reasonable way to prevent it.​​

Not only that, but some 'person', managed to record it on Holodisk and distribute it around the NCR capitol... How they managed to travel such a vast distance in such a short time was a mystery only a few had ideas about.

The hit to the country's morale was huge as a result, the amount of NCR troops being recruited had dropped significantly, forces the NCR to scramble to introduce a draft, or mandatory enlistment. This combined with the rather hopeless situation in the Mojave had protesters out in a matter of minutes, all declaring that the NCR should pull out of the Mojave as it was a lost cause, and would bring the end of the nation.

This was quickly rejected, however, as New Vegas was simply too profitable and too influential for the higher echelon, it couldn't be abandoned on some 'rabbles' say so.

The upper-ranks of the NCR were also frantically trying to get things back under control, and to establish a new president... This was incredibly chaotic though, as no one had expected Kimball's death anytime soon.

Multiple parties all simultaneously attempted to seat their own person on the position, while others even began campaigning, as if it were just another election cycle... Most of these only drew the public's ire however, as, despite President Kimball's blunder in the Mojave, he was still a decorated war hero, and well regarded by most citizens.

Due to their obvious disrespect for the fallen President, most were swiftly rejected for the position, leaving it empty for now. It was unlikely the role would be filled until the situation in the Mojave was resolved. Thus, leaving the countries Generals with the Presidents responsibilities.

The matter of who committed the assassination was also a hot topic. Due to the Holodisk provided, most believed it was some sort of artillery attack that killed the President, leading them to pin it on the Legion due to their close proximity.

If the citizens that were for the war were 'eager' before, now they were outright bloodthirsty. Anyone who spoke out to try and pull out was regarded as a coward and traitor, not willing to avenge their President.

Of course, there were a few groups saying that the Brotherhood, Enclave, and Bulwark were responsible, though, they didn't have enough supporters to gain any traction.

Another thing to note was the reactions from some of the Mojave military personnel. General Oliver, a man who'd always dreamt of becoming President was shocked, enraged, and in utter despair by the events. He didn't really care that Kimball was dead, but his chance of becoming President has been reduced to zero.

He was, in the end, the one responsible for overseeing the President's safety. He was in charge of the Mojave, and so the President could have only come after the guaranteed his safety. It was a miracle General Oliver hadn't lost his rank and been dishonourably discharged, but that didn't make the situation any more bearable for the man.

As for the Legion's reaction to the assassination? Caesar actually claimed they were responsible for it, immediately afterwards saying that once they took the Mojave, New California would be next. His words only added fuel to the pyre that was the war.

The Legions morale had finally recovered from what Bulwark had done to them, and the Legionaries had actually made it a game to fire bottles containing written messages at Hoover Dam. Taunting the NCR soldiers for Kimball's death, and that everyone they loved would be next.

Last and certainly not least, was the Brotherhood of Steel's reaction. As soon as they had been notified of the news, Brotherhood patrols began probing the NCR territory's defences. Launching small attacks against outposts, and even capturing a few of them.

The only thing that was currently holding them back were the NCR's rather vast arsenal of armoured vehicles. Tanks, Artillery, etc. Unfortunately, these were spread incredibly thin in an attempt to prevent the Brotherhood from gaining any foothold, making them easy picking for any coordinated assault.

With the NCR leadership chaotic, citizens panicking, and the military on their last legs, it wouldn't be long before the NCR finally fell. What was worse was the fact that almost everyone knew it, but no one could, or would stop it.

Unbeknownst to everyone, Afton was calmly observing all of this occur with his diverse surveillance systems. He couldn't help but feel like an evil mastermind due to him literally orchestrating all of this... He would be the person responsible for the downfall of the NCR, and no one would even be aware of it, at least, not until the very end.

"Revenge is best served cold." he smirks to himself as he watches the NCR hastily try to suppress the mounting protests through his T.V. He idly wonders what would have happened had he been reborn in New California... Would he have spared them? Or would it turn out the same? With him branching off and forming his own faction?... Would he even have acquired a Pipboy and discovered his power?... Probably not.

He shakes his head, no point in thinking about meaningless shit like that. He was here, and he needed to keep it that way.