by M. P. Pubs
When Marcus finally awoke, he found the pork n' beans next to him, and though cold, it was the best meal he'd had in a while. He noticed Clover and Alejandra talking and eventually, the two woman hugged before Clover left the classroom. Marcus watched the scene with curiosity, since Clover had never shown affection for anyone but him. He heard foot steps coming from behind, and he turned to see Hannibal sitting down in a chair next to him. "You're awake, excellent. How are you feeling?"
Marcus put his hand over his wound. "Much better, thank you."
A moment later Clover and Charon joined them. Marcus took a look around the building. "Listen Hannibal, killing those Talon Company mercs might have bought you time, but they are going to send everything they've got against you now. And even with the weapons you captured, you won't be able to defend this place for long."
Hannibal looked at his rag-tag group. "I've already come to that conclusion, which is why I have to ask for your help once again."
"With what?" Marcus asked.
"It has been my dream that one day I can move my people to the Lincoln Memorial, and restore it to it's former glory. Not only will we be able to defend ourselves better, but the memorial will stand as a beacon of hope for all slaves wanting freedom." Hannibal's stare seemed to burn into Marcus. "Just as finding the head of the Lincoln statue was a sign, I believe you showing up here in our hour of need is a sign as well."
Marcus shifted uncomfortably. This conversation was beginning to get strange. "A sign for what?"
"Like I said, I believe the spirit of the Great Lincoln is with you, and he has brought you here to help us make this dream a reality."
For a few moments, Marcus was speechless, flattered - and a little frightened. "Listen Hannibal, I admire your passion but...I'm no prophet; or saint - I'm just a man trying to find his father."
Hannibal was not about to let it go. "If that is true, then why are you here?"
Marcus pondered the answer to that question. In the weeks since his escape from the Vault, Marcus found himself in one impossible situation after the other: discovering Burke tampering with the Megaton bomb, fighting crazed cannibals, captured by Eulogy Jones, rescuing Reilly's Rangers - on and on and on. Yet he some how always seemed to not only get out alive, but he managed to help a lot of people in the process. He never set out to be a hero, or become the 'Lone Wanderer'. He only wanted to find his father. Marcus didn't know if it was fate, the spirit of Abraham Lincoln or dumb luck that brought him here. "I don't know." He finally said.
Hannibal placed his hand on Marcus' shoulder. "Then...will you help us?"
Marcus took a deep breath, but before he could answer, Clover spoke up. "Yes, we will."
Both Marcus and Charon looked at Clover as if she had lobsters coming out of her ears. At first they thought it was a joke, but one look into her eyes and they could tell she was serious. "We have to help them, suga."
Marcus looked over at Hannibal. "Would you excuse us for a minute?"
Hannibal stood up. "Of course." Once the ex-slave leader had left, Marcus sat up straight and turned to Clover. "What's going on, Clover?"
"What do you mean, lover?"
"Since when are you so eager to help people?" Marcus asked.
Clover seemed almost insulted by the question. "You're always telling me we should help people, right?"
Marcus shrugged. "Well yes, but..."
"Look at these people." Clover interrupted. "You said it yourself: they won't stand a chance against Talon Company, and after today, I doubt those mercs will be looking for a bounty. They'll be out for blood."
Marcus looked around at the men, woman and children inside the dilapidated building. In that moment he remembered what he had told himself the night in Underworld when he helped Reilly: 'when I find my father, I want to be able to look him in the eye'. It took Clover, the hardened ex-slave girl, to remind him of this...and he felt ashamed. "Alright, Clover. If it means that much to you, then we'll help them."
Clover nearly jumped for joy and threw her arms around Marcus. "Thank you!" she yelled as she covered him with kisses. Marcus couldn't help but laugh at her joy. "Okay, okay. Hannibal!"
Hannibal rejoined the group. "So it is true? You will help us?"
"Yes."
Hannibal's face lite up. "This is great news! Okay, before Caleb, who was taught stone masonry, can restore the monument he will need a detailed picture of what it once looked like. The most likely place will be the Natural History Museum in downtown D.C."
Marcus looked over at Charon. "Is there a picture of the Lincoln Memorial in Underworld?"
Charon shook his head. "No, not in Underworld. In the sealed off part of the museum is an exhibit dedicated to Mr. Lincoln; there might be one there."
"Why is that part of the museum sealed off?" Marcus asked.
"Because it is overrun by ferals."
Marcus rolled his eyes. "Great." He mumbled. "Is that all you need?"
Hannibal shifted in his seat. "There is one more thing: I recently received word that Super Mutants have overrun the memorial. I need every able bodied man and woman here to defend the Temple, so I must ask you to clear the mutants out. Can you do that?"
An exhausted sigh escaped from Marcus, but it was soon followed by a cocky grin. "Don't worry, Hannibal. We eat Super Mutants for breakfast."
The ex-slave leader had a sudden look of horror on his face. Marcus raised his hands. "It's a joke, Hannibal."
Hannibal relaxed and let out a chuckle. "Of course. Glen assures me your truck will be fixed by morning." He shook Marcus' hand. "Good luck to you."
Marcus nodded. "Thank you."
As Hannibal walked away, Clover kissed Marcus on the cheek and headed back to the Temple's classroom. Marcus looked over at Charon. "So, what do you think about all of this?"
Charon just shook his head. "I follow your orders. My opinion does not matter."
Marcus leaned closer to him. "Oh really? The last couple of days you have made your opinion well known."
Charon was surprised at the statement, and then he remembered that he had given his opinions without asking. This realization troubled the ghoul, who only spoke when spoken to. Marcus could tell he was deep in thought and decided to press. "So I ask you again: what do you think?"
Charon took a deep breath. "I think...you try to do too much. And since we left Project Purity you seem - troubled."
Marcus couldn't help but admit that there was a lot of truth in what his companion said. "Ever since I listened to my father's tapes...I just...I have this feeling that he's in trouble; and that he needs my help."
"He seems capable of handling himself...much like his son."
Marcus let out a chuckle. "Well, he apparently has more experience out here then I do." Marcus decided to change the subject. "It's pretty amazing, isn't it? All of these slaves breaking away from their masters and gaining their freedom. Doesn't it make you think?"
Charon's face remained emotionless. "Think about what?"
"Well...that maybe you could free yourself from Ahzrukhal?"
"No!" Charon quickly responded. "Ahzrukhal holds my contract. I am honor bound to obey him."
Marcus shock his head. "There is no honor in being a slave, Charon. Look around you; look at what these runaway slaves have accomplished. You're the strongest man I know in the waste, and if anyone can win his freedom, it's you, Charon."
The ghoul thought about what Marcus had said for several moments. No one had ever told him that he was strong enough to be on his own, and for a moment he imagined what freedom would be like...
'Ahzrukhal holds your contract!'
"No!" he snapped. "Unless you buy my contract, I will go back to Ahzrukhal next week." With that, the ghoul stood up and walked off. Marcus hung his head in defeat. 'Damn brainwashing', he thought. Suddenly a very giddy Clover grabbed him by the hand. "Come on, lover. Alejandra said we could use her quarters for the night."
A wink from Clover told Marcus exactly what she wanted
to use the quarters for. "I don't know, " he teased, "I'm still injured."
Clover flashed him a coy smile. "I'll be gentle."
Marcus was on his feet. "Well...if you insist!"
The two companions ducked inside the small room, and did not emerge until the next morning.
* * *
Hannibal had delivered on his promise, and the return of the battle truck made the journey to Underworld much easier for the trio. As before, they had to hide the truck north of the city and proceeded through the metro tunnels. When they arrived at the ghoul city, Charon led them to the sealed off section of the museum. The rusted steel doors had not been opened in ages, and it took all three of them to pry them open. Almost immediately they were attacked by six ferals, which the trio gunned down with ease. The search through the museum was slow going, and the fact that there seemed to be ferals behind every corner did not help. For the first time, Marcus encountered what were called "glowing ferals", ghouls that let off a yellow glow, and would release lethal doses of radiation. Since he was immuned to the harmful rays, Charon would rush in to take out these ghouls, while Marcus and Clover tried to keep their distance. Also, they were each caring an extra assault rifle and pistol from their stash in the truck, but only Marcus knew why. He was planning to sell them to Tulip in Underworld in the hope that he could raise enough caps to buy Charon's contract.
After following signs pointing towards the Lincoln exhibit, they came to an area of the museum locked behind steel bars. While there appeared to be no ferals in that section, Marcus spotted two active auto turrets suspended by the ceiling. No wanting to get into a shootout, Marcus found the turret controls nearby, hacked in using his PIPBOY, and shut them down. He was also able to unlock the cage doors, and they entered the exhibit. As they searched for anything with a clear picture of the memorial, the trio came across other interesting Lincoln objects: a nine-inch tall doll of the President, a box containing mint condition pennys, a wanted poster of the assassin John Wilks Booth, a recording of Lincoln's voice, his personal diary, and the President's famous top hat. Though these were not what they had come for, Marcus knew the ex-slaves would treasure these artifacts, and he stuff them into his bag.
After more searching, they had finally found what they were looking for: a large poster of the Lincoln Memorial was hanging in the last room of the exhibit. Next to it, laying in a hurmedically sealed case, was Lincoln's .44 caliber repeating rifle. Marcus pried open the case and took a moment to admire the antique. It was beautiful, and looked as new as the day it had been manufactured. After cursing himself for selling all of his .44 ammo to Flak, he took the rifle and poster.
* * *
Tulip was pleasantly surprised when she saw Marcus walk into her store. "You're back! You're...you're really back. What can I do for you, human?"
Marcus began to place the assault rifles and pistols on the counter. "How much will you give me for these?"
With the money he got for the guns, and the caps he already had, Marcus had more then enough caps to buy Charon's contract. While he preferred that the ghoul break away from Ahzrukhal on his own, Marcus reluctantly admitted that this might be the only way. When they entered the Ninth Circle, Marcus spotted Quinn at the bar. "Hey Quinn, how are you?"
"Hey, Marcus!" The two friends shook hands. "Sit down and have a drink."
Marcus stepped up to the bar and shook his head. "I'm sorry but I'm actually here on business."
Quinn was a little surprised. "Oh? What's going on?"
"I'm going to buy Charon's contract."
Quinn looked over at Charon, who was standing a few feet behind Marcus. "You have that kind of money?"
"I do now. I think it's the only way I can free him."
"Well, watch yourself kid. Ahzrukhal always has a trick up his sleeve."
As if on cue, the club owner appeared behind the bar. "Ah, the Lone Wanderer returns. Are you here to return Charon?"
Marcus placed the small satchel full of caps on the bar. "Here's 2,000 caps for Charon's contract."
Ahzrukhal opened the satchel. "Impressive. I didn't think you could raise this kind of money."
Marcus held out his hand. "Then it's a deal?"
Ahzrukhal tied up the satchel and smiled. "Actually, I have a better idea. Charon! Cover the Wanderer!"
Charon drew his Terrible shotgun and pointed it directly at Marcus, who spun around in disbelief. Quinn jumped off his bar stool and stood back, and Clover drew her 10mm submachine gun and pointed it at Charon.
"I've decided to collect the bounty on your head, Wanderer." Ahzrukhal said. "Now, place your weapons on the bar, or I will order Charon to kill you."
"Fuck that!" Clover snarled as she prepared to fire, but Marcus raised his hands. "Clover don't! Don't fire!" He turned to Charon. "Charon, you don't have to do this."
"Yes he does!" Ahzrukhal said as he stepped to the corner of the bar. "I have his contract."
Marcus ignored him and focused on his friend. "It's just a piece of paper, Charon. You don't have to be his slave anymore, you can make your own choices."
Ahzrukhal became impatient. "I told you to surrender, Wanderer. Do it!"
Marcus continued to desperately try to get through to his friend. "Remember the people at the Temple. They freed themselves now you can do the same."
"That's it!" Ahzrukhal yelled. "I was going to take you alive, but the bounty is just as good if your dead. Charon, kill him!"
Clover raised her gun and Marcus pleaded with her again not to fire. Quinn drew his shotgun and pointed it at Ahzrukhal. "Call him off, Ahzrukhal or I swear to..."
"You'll what, Quinn? Charon can kill the Wanderer and you before you could get one shot off."
Marcus carefully took a step closer to Charon, who stood frozen in place. "Charon, you are my friend and I know you are not going to shoot me."
"You don't have any friends, Charon!" Ahzrukhal growled. "What are you waiting for? Do it!"
"You're the strongest man I know, Charon," Marcus said with as much confidence as he could muster. "and I know you're not going to kill me. Free yourself from this scum!"
The tension in the room was rising by the second, and everyone began yelling and screaming at each other at the same time. Quinn was threatening Ahzrukhal. Ahzrukhal was screaming at Charon to obey him. Clover was cursing at Charon, and Marcus was pleading with both of them to lower their weapons. Charon stood in front of Marcus and the Terrible shotgun was trembling in his hands. Ahzrukhal had just given him an order to kill Marcus, but something was stopping him from pulling the trigger. Marcus was his friend - the first real friend he'd ever had.
'Ahzrukhal holds your contract!'
The memory of Marcus pulling him out of the line of fire in the Statesman Hotel flashed into Charon's mind.
'Ahzrukhal holds your contract!'
Charon could feel his finger straining against the trigger. Just a little more pressure and Marcus would be dead. His friend would be dead.
'Ahzrukhal holds your con...'
A single gun shot rang out.
Chapter 15: Emancipation
Marcus was dead. At least, he thought he was when he saw the flash from the Terrible shotgun directly in front of him. The Nineth Circle bar, which a moment ago was filled with chaos and screaming, was now as silent as a tomb as everyone stared at the headless body of Ahzrukhal lying on the floor. Marcus turned and stared at Charon, his friend, who had just done the unthinkable: he had killed the holder of his contract. Charon began to shake and his breathing became erratic. The Terrible shotgun slipped from his hand, and the ghoul crumpled to the ground and began to wail. The sight of Charon, the strongest man Marcus had met in the wasteland, lying in the fetal position wailing and crying, was more of a shock then the killing if Ahzrukhal. Clover, who a moment ago was prepared to shoot Charon, kneeled down and tried to console him. Only the ghoul was beyond consoling, and he continued to wail. Marcus quickly began searching Ahzrukhal's corps, until at last he found what he was
looking for: Charon's contract.
"Charon!" Marcus said as he knelt down in front of the ghoul. "Charon look! It's your contract. Now watch." Marcus torn the contract into several pieces and disposed of them in the trash. Almost immediately Charon stopped wailing and slowly rose to his feet. After securing his shotgun, Charon looked his friend in the eye. "Thank you, Marcus. You have freed me from that murdering bastard. I am forever in your debt."
Marcus began breathing a little easier. "No Charon, you freed yourself - as I knew you could."
Charon shook his head. "I merely pulled the trigger. You set me on the path of freedom, Marcus Lincoln. I will stay by your side until my debt has been repaid to you. My shotgun is yours."
Marcus didn't know what to say, so he just slapped Charon on the shoulder and smiled. Clover, obviously relieved that he was okay, ran into Marcus' arms and kissed him. After retrieving his 2,000 caps, Marcus turned to Quinn, who shook his hand.
"I don't know how you did it, kid, but thank you. You did a good thing for Charon, and this city."
"Thank you, Quinn." He looked over at the corps. "Sorry about the mess."
Quinn chuckled. "Don't worry, our Mr. Handy will clean that shit up. You take care, kid. Watch yourself out there."
"I will." The trio walked out of the Nineth Circle, and as they descended the staircase, everyone in the ghoul city stared at Charon, who was walking with his head higher than normal.
* * *
The trio had taken up position near the Northwest Mall metro station which was two-hundred yards from the Lincoln Memorial. The plan was to get some idea about how many Super Mutants were at the memorial before attacking, but instead they spotted over two dozen slavers patrolling the monument. On the front steps were two machine gun nests which contained M240's, two slavers armed with miniguns, and two more armed with grenade launchers.