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As Though There Were No Tomorrow (PoisonousIvee/Mr.Aznable)

Saya was like a breath of fresh air; being with her was like a fresh sip of booze while touring the Strip. Having her close was better than anything he remembered ever experiencing. It was almost too foreign, but not unpleasant. Or unwelcome.
She was out helping tend the brahmin when he was called in by Ranger Jackson. She watched him leave the billet in his desert ranger armor and gave a sort of sad smile as she waved. She was glad she took so much time in cleaning his gear - a skill Angelo had instilled in her while in his service. At least he would look good for Ranger Jackson.
 
He led his team out on patrols, looking over and gathering recon on Legion parties that were seen setting up camps near Novac. Every time he went out, he found himself missing her company a little more.
 
"Jesus, why does Charlie have to be so goddamn far away." Aces whined.
"If the stations were bunched together, intel would be shit." Stein said, causing Aces to whine louder. Martin glanced at Colt, seeing him spaced out a little.
"So, Captain, how's the girl doing? Saya, right?"
"Oh, yeah! Jackson gave her a civvy job! She works real good with the brahmin!" Aces grinned. Stein's mood soured immediately, but he said nothing.
 
Stein tried not to scowl at Colt using his rank, instead lighting a cigarette and taking a long drag.
"Well, it'll be sad to see her go, eventually." Aces said, "She's really nice. She even knows some survival stuff! Said she learned it watching the Legionnaires whenever they were moving around. She can make water from cactus fruit, antivenom, even this poultice out of cave fungus and agave fruit."
"Surprised they let her sit so close. That tent looked like a bitch to set up and take down." Martin said.
 
Aces was as high spirits as he always was, Martin amused with him like a father with his son. Stein became more thorny than normal, his smoke already burned halfway.
"Charlie shouldn't be much farther; eta ten minutes." Stein spoke.
 
Stein finished his smoke and put it out in the dirt before fixing the mask of his helmet back on. Martin fell back a bit to speak with Colt.
"Permission to speak freely, Captain?" He asked quietly.
 
"Listen...if the relocation with The Hub doesn't work, I got family in Shady Sands...they can take Saya and get her on her feet..." He said, "I'm all too familiar with the Legion and how they do things...we can get her rehabbed, if you wanted..."
Martin had moved out from Colorado to enlist after the Legion had raided his home out that way. Nearly killed him and tried to enslave his wife and kids. Found out she poisoned herself and their sons couple days after their capture. Made it his goal to make every last son of a bitch pay for their deaths. He studied them like a man studied religion.
 
He nodded and moved back up to push Aces along, the poor kid starting to drag his feet.
"What I wouldn't do for some of Saya's cactus water." Aces whined.
"Shut up about that Legion whore already." Stein hissed before he could catch himself.
"LT, respectfully, shut your fucking mouth. Regardless where she came, she's still a lady and she deserves respect." Martin said.
"Christ, Lieutenant..." Aces mumbled.
 
Colt simply ignored him at this point. No use trying to fix it now. “We’ll discuss this when we return, lieutenant.” He said.
 
"Yes, sir." Stein huffed.
When they reached Station Charlie, Comms Officer Stepinac greeted them.
"I'm sorry it's mostly me for now, Captain. Ranger Beaumont is out leading a patrol. He should be back by nightfall." He said, "If you want, I can radio their report to the outpost when they get back? Or you can stay, I'd hate to make you walk all the way back for nothin'."
 
Stepinac nodded, "Feel free about the station, sir. Our home is your home." He said. Aces took that as good of an invite as any and headed straight for the kitchen. Martin made a noise.
"I'm gonna go sit in a perch, keep an eye on the road." He told Colt.
 
“Radio in if you see anything.” He said, patting him on the shoulder. “Everyone else, see what this station needs help with, do what you can, we’ll start bedding down in one hour shifts.”
 
Everyone gave their confirmation and moved to see what could be done. It was just Stepinac after all. Martin stepped outside, his heavy steps booming over their heads as he moved up to the sniper perch. Stein didn't want to be cooped up inside either, it seemed; not long after Martin left, he did too, his shadow moving across the window to another watchtower.
 
He was grateful, asking Colt to help him organize the various data reports from the other ranger stations so the right intel could get where it needed.
"Some of the folks out Nipton way have reported Legion mongrels lately...as well as some escapees from NCRCF...can you believe that? What are our boys doing out there that they can't handle some convicts?" Stepinac said, trying to make idle conversation.
 
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