Chapter 31: Craig Boone

Chapter 31 - Craig Boone

Three years of relentless preparation and conflict had passed since that first invasion. During this time, Six thwarted two more attacks from Shido, though the rewards weren't as extravagant as before. With only two more invasion tickets and 100,000 MSP in hand, Six realized the true nature of these battles: they weren't just about loot but survival and consolidation of power.

In the midst of these trials, Six and Rebecca's family continued to grow. Despite Rebecca's belief that breastfeeding would prevent another pregnancy, she found herself pregnant twice giving Six two more children: Levi and Missy. Both were reincarnators, just like their elder siblings. Levi, the reincarnation of Levi Ackerman, possessed a quiet intensity and a natural aptitude for combat, even as a toddler. Meanwhile, Missy, the reincarnation of Mikasa Ackerman, displayed fierce loyalty and strength beyond her years.

Their household was bustling, filled with the cries of infants and the laughter of children—though those children, in their reincarnated wisdom, were far more capable than they appeared. Six knew that these were not ordinary kids. Each of them held the potential to become something far greater, molded by the harsh lessons of their past lives and the brutal reality of the wasteland.

Rebecca, with the help of his ever-vigilant mother, Betty, managed to balance her duties between training and nurturing their unique brood. She often joked about the chaos their growing family brought, but her eyes sparkled with pride at their accomplishments. "We're raising an army," she once said with a grin, half-joking but fully aware of the weight her words carried.

Six couldn't disagree. Each day brought new challenges, but with Tanya, August, Levi, and Missy under their wing, he knew they were creating something powerful—an empire shaped by the combined strength of warriors, tacticians, and survivors.

And as the threat of future invasions loomed, Six knew his family would be the key to ensuring that his growing dominion would stand the test of time.

With the subway project finally completed by his father, Viktor, Goodsprings had transformed dramatically. The once-small town was now a bustling city, connecting its residents not only to New Vegas but also to Camp McCarran through a network of tunnels.

This infrastructure was crucial for trade, security, and mobility, allowing the citizens to travel swiftly and safely between these key locations, boosting its status as a major hub in the Mojave. As Goodsprings expanded, it became the most heavily fortified city in the region, a testament to Six's growing influence and power.

The expansion of Goodsprings didn't just stop with the subway. As the town evolved into a city, it became a hub of commerce, innovation, defense, and agriculture, boasting thriving markets and an increasing population. The city was no longer just a place for scavengers and traders—it had become

The city's defenses were robust, fortified by Six's and Viktor's engineering prowess. Walls reinforced with salvaged materials, lookout towers, and patrols ensured the safety of its citizens from any potential threats, including the undead or other hostile forces.

Thanks to the fertile land, agricultural output surged, providing food not just for the city but for trade with other settlements. The new subway system made it easy for people and goods to move between Goodsprings and the larger Mojave, further accelerating its development.

Six's empire was no longer just an ambition—it was a reality. And with the city's rapid growth and reinforcement, he was ready for whatever challenge or invasion the future might bring.

As Goodsprings grew, so did its reputation. It became known as a refuge for those seeking stability in the chaos of the Mojave. Merchants flocked to the city to set up shop, and families sought the fertile lands cultivated with the help of the G.E.C.K. (Garden of Eden Creation Kit). Residents took pride in their community, forging strong bonds and working together to defend their homes.

Six often reflected on how far they had come. The city was not only a testament to their hard work but also a beacon of hope for others in the wasteland. As he watched his children grow, he felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility to ensure that Goodsprings would remain a safe haven for them and future generations.

And with the looming threat of Shido and other invaders, Six knew that every bit of preparation was vital. His family, their new allies, and the citizens of Goodsprings would stand united against whatever challenges awaited them in the unforgiving Mojave.

Three months zipped by in a whirlwind, marking the shift from 2277 to 2278 in the Mojave. During this time, the Great Khans began to exploit the perceived vulnerabilities of the New California Republic (NCR), launching aggressive raids that targeted their caravans, settlements, and even military encampments. The situation escalated as the Khans attacked soldiers and civilians alike, deepening the tensions between the two factions.

The NCR, eager to retaliate, directed their forces to Bitter Springs after discovering the murder of four soldiers, suspecting it to be a stronghold for the Great Khans. First Recon sharpshooters, including Craig Boone, were deployed from Camp Golf, positioned at Coyote Tail Ridge to oversee the only exit from the canyon. Unfortunately, the plan went awry when the NCR's main force was detected prematurely, triggering a chaotic gunfight.

As the NCR troops advanced into Bitter Springs, they were blindsided by the realization that they were engaging a civilian settlement, filled with women, children, and the elderly. The initial order to fire at will conflicted with the grim reality of the situation, leaving Boone and the other sharpshooters paralyzed.

Ultimately, the major in command failed to clarify their orders amidst the confusion, resulting in a tragic and devastating massacre of non-combatants. This horrifying event weighed heavily on Boone's conscience, marking a turning point in his military career and leaving him disillusioned with the NCR's methods.

Seeking a fresh start, Boone left the Army after his tour, hoping to escape the horrors of war. He found solace in Carla, a vibrant woman he met during his leave on the New Vegas Strip.

Her talkative, charming nature contrasted sharply with Boone's quiet demeanor, but her presence helped him momentarily forget the darkness of his past. They married and enjoyed a brief period of happiness together, but the specter of his experiences loomed large.

When Boone and Carla met Six and Rebecca during a trip to New Vegas, Rebecca, with her characteristic enthusiasm, convinced them to settle in Goodsprings. Boone took on the role of town watchman, while Carla channeled her creativity into opening a fashion store, with Rebecca's assistance. She ordered various sets of risqué lingerie and cosplay outfits, injecting life into her new venture.

Despite the pleasant surroundings of Goodsprings, Boone remained haunted by his past, especially after he overheard a chilling audio holotape revealing Manny Vargas's thoughts on Carla's potential disappearance.

This revelation shattered his trust in his former friend and solidified his decision to distance himself from others. The fear of the violence and chaos of his past creeping back into his life loomed over him like a storm cloud.

However, a life-changing announcement from Carla offered him a glimpse of hope amidst the shadows. The news that they were expecting a child shifted his perspective. Suddenly, the future felt more pressing, more vital. Boone found himself torn between the instinct to protect his growing family and the weight of his past actions. He knew that he had to shield them from the dangers of the Mojave, both seen and unseen.

As Goodsprings thrived, Boone dedicated himself to being a protector—not just of his family but of the city that had welcomed him and offered a chance for a new beginning. In this fortified haven, he aimed to forge a future filled with hope, rather than regret. Together with Carla, he envisioned a life where their child could grow free from the horrors of the past, even as the shadows of the Mojave continued to loom in the distance.

As time passed, Boone and Carla adapted to their new lives in Goodsprings, a city now thriving and expanding under Six's influence. Boone took his role as the town's watchman seriously, ensuring its protection as the city's strategic significance grew. Meanwhile, Carla's fashion store, with its unique blend of risqué lingerie and cosplay outfits—courtesy of Rebecca's influence—flourished, drawing attention from locals and travelers alike.

With the news of his impending fatherhood, Boone's perspective on life began to shift. He became more protective, not just of his family but of the entire community. Goodsprings, now a heavily fortified and bustling city, was not just a place to start over but a symbol of hope and new beginnings for those seeking refuge in the Mojave. Boone was determined to make sure nothing would jeopardize this future, for himself, his wife, or their soon-to-be child.

Level: 12

NAME: Six XI

GENDER: MALE

STRENGTH: 10

PERCEPTION: 10

ENDURANCE: 10

CHARISMA: 10

INTELLIGENCE: 10

AGILITY: 10

LUCK: 10

BARTER: 54

ENERGY WEAPONS: 36

EXPLOSIVES: 36

GUNS: 100

LOCKPICK: 39

MEDICINE: 73

MELEE WEAPONS: 39

REPAIR: 100

SCIENCE: 100

SNEAK: 39

SPEECH: 39

SURVIVAL: 39

UNARMED: 39