Canterbury Commons; 5:45pm:

Leaving the Derek's house, Ellie looks at her watch to see the time.

"Almost 6.." she muttered "..Should I..?"

"I suggest you don't.." Derek said as he emerges from his home ".. NCR patrols are in the area and they have a strict 6pm curfew.. Get caught and you may be shot on sight.."

"The NCR.." Ellie said with disdain "..Damn it.. I can't walk peacefully around the wasteland anymore?"

"Afraid not" Derek replied "Rebels are crawling all over the place.. So the NCR's just doing their job to make sure they don't shoot any 'innocent people'"

"Innocent person.." Ellie said with a sarcastic tone "..yeah right.."

Having no choice, Ellie decided to stay the night..

"Where can I stay the night?" she asked

"There's a motel we recently built for travelers right there" Derek replied as he points to a big structure made of salvaged scraps of metal "But be prepared to pay a modest 15 caps a night.."

"Right.." Ellie said "Thanks again"

"No prob.." Derek replied as he observes Ellie as she made her way towards the motel

Later that night, Ellie's dreams are once again filled with another 'memory' that she does not even recognize..

Flashback:

Metal.. Looking up, down and sideways, one thing you'd see for sure was metal frames...

Opening her eyes, Ellie found herself in an unfamiliar room.. It looked like something you'd see in a vault but Ellie has no memory of being a Vault Dweller or even exploring one at that..

"Huh..?" Ellie thought to herself as she observes that her body has shrunk to the size of a 7 year old girl "..A Vault?"

As Little Ellie rose from her bed, she heard a familiar voice call to her, "Ellie!"

The metal door opens, revealing a little boy, about the same age as her, greeting her..

"Hey ^%" the little girl said

Ellie was surprised that she could not hear the name of the boy..

"What?" She thought to herself "..Who is this boy? Why can't I hear his name?"

"Ellie!" The little boy said to her with enthusiasm "You ready for today's game?"

"^%..." the little girl said nervously "..I'm kinda nervous about today.. What if I lose?"

"Again.." Ellie thought to herself "Why can't I hear his name..?"

"Oh don't worry Ellie" the little boy said as he tries to comfort her "I'll protect ya!"

"But.." the little girl replied nervously

"Oh fine.." the little boy said "..I was gonna give this on your birthday but since you're so nervous, here"

The boy then hands over a familiar pendant to the little girl

"What is it?" the little girl asked

"It's a good luck charm I made" the boy answered "It will make sure that you win today's game! So are you ready?"

The Little girl smiles as she stares at the pendant.. She could feel how much the little boy cared for her..

"Thank you.." she said with a warm smile

The boy was caught off guard with her beautiful smile.. He was taken a back a little...

"Y-yeah.." he said with a flustered face ".. C-Come on! Let's go before we're late!"

Smiling, the little girl replied "Yeah! Let's do our best!"

The girl then holds the boy's hand and they happily walk towards the door..

Canterbury Commons:

Ellie returns to reality as her 7-year-old counterpart exits the door..

For a few minutes, the mercenary just laid there, as if she'll remember what those dreams meant..

Grabbing her pendant, Ellie could only ask herself, "Why is this so important to me?"

The pendant she's holding in her hand looked the same as the pendant that boy gave her in her dream.. Does this mean something? Did she forget an important memory?

"Impossible!" She said to herself "I remember clearly my past, my childhood.. I still remember the food my mom makes and how I always loved them.. My friends and even my favorite pastime... I-"

But as she tries to remember the rest of her memories, Ellie began to feel a very painful headache and, once again, unfamiliar images and events began to flash before her eyes..

But this time, she could hear screams and gunshots!

Hyperventilating, Ellie quickly searched her bag for her mentats..

After taking the pills, the young mercenary slowly calmed down..

Putting the palm of her hand in her forehead as she gasps for air, she could only wonder why is this happening to her..

"Ever since that day.." Ellie muttered to herself as she decides to retire to bed

The next day:

With her equipment prepared, Ellie begins her trek to the Temple of the Union.

Nearing the mayor's house, she sees Derek stretching his arms by the front door.

The young mercenary called out to the middle-aged mayor, "Derek!"

Responding to the call, Derek turns around and greets the young mercenary with a 'good morning'.

"Thanks for your hospitality" Ellie said

"No problem" Derek replied "Stop by Canterbury Commons again if you can"

"I will" Ellie replied as she waves good bye

As the young mercenary walks away towards the wilderness of the wasteland, Derek could only stand there and stare at her, wondering what the future holds..

Temple of the Union:

It didn't take long for Ellie to reach the vicinity of the temple.

It was a derelict.. Not even a single sign of life..

"Is anyone even living here?" she wondered to herself as she searches the temple..

The gate was open and all the rooms were empty.. All she found were a few rooms, some filled with makeshift beds..

Other than that, she couldn't find anything...

Ellie was left to wonder why the place was empty..Was Derek even right when he said that this was the place where those rebels operate?

As she continues her search, she comes across a familiar insignia..

It looked similar to the square and compasses symbol of the Freemasons..

And once again, images began to flash in her mind..

Acting quickly, Ellie grabs her mentats pack and tries to consume a pill..

To her horror, the pack was empty and she had no choice but to find a way to endure her current ordeal..

Just that, a young man walks up to her. He had a sinister look in his face and Ellie was shaking in fear as she sees the man..

"Who are you..?" she said as she continues to shake uncontrollably

The man simply smiles back and says "Don't you remember me?"

"Huh?" Ellie wondered

Without warning the man lunges at Ellie..

The young mercenary tried to fight back but she was too shaken to give a proper resistance..

In no time, the young man managed to wrap his hands around her as he begins to slowly choke the life out of her..

"Do you remember what happened that time..?" the man said with a sinister tone "What you did to me, ELLIE!"

"What are you talking about!?" Ellie replied as she vainly tries to loosen the man's grip on her

Ellie was in distress.. Who was this man who wanted her dead? Why is he doing this? What was he talking about? What did she do to him?

As her body was nearly out of oxygen, Ellie, somehow, found the strength to fight back and kicked her assailant in the groin.

The man jumped back as Ellie gasps for air.

Knowing she was still in danger, Ellie quickly drew her pistol and prepared herself for a fight..

But to her surprise, the man disappeared..

"Where'd he go?" the young mercenary asked herself

She puts down her pistol and tries to compose herself..

Maybe it was because it took her a while to escape the man's grip but the young mercenary suddenly felt tired and before she knew it, she fell asleep..

A while later:

Ellie wakes up to the sound of someone cocking a gun..

As her vision clears, she finds herself in the same spot, surrounded by 5 men.

All 5 were armed with R91 Assault Rifles and all were pointed at Ellie..

"What do we have here?" said a tall young man as he emerges behind the 5 men "Now, what's a little lady like you doing here?"

Ellie kept silent as she observed each person.. They were not wearing any kind of NCR issued armor or fatigues and they didn't look like NCR-hired mercenaries.. Could these be the rebels Derek was talking about or are they just random raiders?

"I'll ask again" the tall man said with an intimidating tone "What the fuck are you doing here? Don't you know this is my turf?"

"They definitely sound more like raiders.." Ellie thought to herself

"Are you deaf?" the man said "If you don't answer my question on the count of 5, I'm gonna splatter your pretty little head all over the floor!"

With that, the man began to count..

Feeling threatened, Ellie's better judgment was telling her to kill these bastards but her conscience said otherwise.. Should she kill these supposed raiders? Or should she try to, at least, be diplomatic?

Who was she supposed to listen to? Kill or not kill?

She had to make a decision and soon!

As the man had already counted to 4, Ellie swallowed her anxiety and quickly said "Nothing is sacred!"

Hearing those words, all 6 men were shocked... How did this random wastelander know of those words? The tall man then walks closer, kneels down in front of Ellie and says, with an intimidating tone:

"What did you say?"

"Nothing is sacred" Ellie replied with a straight face

The man was silent for a few seconds before continuing:

"Where did you learn those words?" the tall man asked

"Canterbury Commons" Ellie replied "From Derek Pacion"

The tall man then clenches his right fist and raises it up.. The men then put their weapons down and the tall man stood up, offering his hand to the young mercenary..

As the man helped Ellie to her feet, he touched the familiar insignia and a secret compartment in the floor opened, revealing a set of stairs going downward..

Underground bunker:

Ellie walks down the flight of stairs and notices that the place looked like the place from her dream..

"What is this place?" she asked as her eyes continue to wonder

"This used to be a vault.." the man replied ".. Now it's our HQ.."

"HQ?" Ellie wondered

"If you've been talking to Derek" the man replied "You should already know that there have been pockets of resistance all over the place.."

"So you're the rebels Derek's been talking about?" she said

"That's right" the man replied

"Then you know someone named Johannes?" Ellie asked

"That'd be me" the man replied

Eventually, the group reaches a giant circular steel door. Johannes simply looks at one of his men and nods. Knowing what he should do, the man walks up to the console and proceeded to enter a code. Not long after, the giant door opens, revealing the entrance to the vault..

Vault cafeteria 11:00am:

It was lunchtime and Johannes offered Ellie some food.

Hungry the young mercenary accepted the offer and she found herself eating a Salisbury steak with some Ice Cold Nuka Cola. Opposite to her, is Johannes, who was eating some instamash with Purified water as his drink..

For the next few minutes, it was almost quiet as the two individuals were busy eating their respective meals..

"So.." Johannes said as he breaks the silence "..Who are you?"

"I'm Ellie" she replies "I'm a mercenary"

"Merc huh.. Johannes replied with a smile "Sorry about earlier, can never be too careful especially since the NCR's crawling everywhere.."

"It's ok" Ellie replied "That's what I want to talk to you actually"

"You want to join my outfit?" Johannes asked

"Not exactly" the mercenary replied "I want to unite all insurgents in the region and take the fight to the NCR"

Johannes laughed the second Ellie finished telling her idea

Flustered, Ellie angrily said "What's so funny!?"

Calming down, Johannes replied "Sorry.. Those are some big dreams you have.."

"Wouldn't you want the NCR gone too?" Ellie replied

Johannes scratches the back of his head as he says "As much as I embrace that idea, reality says otherwise.. Since most of our groups were made separately, we don't have a means to communicate with each other.."

"Have you even tried establishing contact?" Ellie asked

"You think I didn't?" Johannes replied "I tried sending a few of my most trusted men to do the job, weeks ago.. None of them returned.."

"So that's why you can't unite to form one big fighting force?" Ellie asked

"That's not all.." Johannes replied "We also lack equipment.. Take my boys for example.. We're only armed with R91 assault rifles and our 'armor' is just a bunch of Merc outfits we scavenged somewhere.. Basically, compared to the NCR, we're armed with firecrackers and wearing Brahmin skin for armor.. I haven't even mentioned the countless vertibirds and vehicles the NCR has and we don't even own a single one.."

"So what does your group do?" Ellie asked

"We mostly do raids.." Johannes replied "Freeing prisoners, sacking NCR caravans.. Basically, we're like raiders.."

Ellie pondered to herself for a while.. The situation was far more complicated than she thought.. What should she do? Should she do all these tasks by herself? But before the conversation could continue, one of Johannes' men arrives. His head was covered in sweat and he was gasping for air..

"What's wrong?" Johannes asked the man

"Sir" the man replied as he continues to gasp for air "We spotted the prison camp.."

Johannes' face then turns serious. Turning to Ellie, he says "Sorry Ellie, looks like duty calls. You wanna come along?"

"A chance to make the NCR's life worse" Ellie said with enthusiasm "Count me in!"

With that, Johannes mobilizes his men for the impending fight..

NCR Prison Camp, MDPL-13 Power Station; 4:00pm:

Ellie and the others position themselves in a hill overlooking the camp..

"This is a prison camp?" Ellie asked

"Yep.." Johannes confirmed

"What's your kick in raiding this camp?" Ellie asked

"There's are several innocent people imprisoned there" Johannes said "Accused of either false crimes or not being able to pay the NCR's ridiculously high taxes.."

"What's your plan?" Ellie asked

Johannes does not answer and simply brings out a pair of binoculars and began to scout the camp..

A few minutes later, Johannes puts down the binoculars and with an annoyed expression in his face, turns to Ellie & his men and says:

"Our usual in-and-out ambush won't work here.."

"Why not?" Ellie asked

Handing over the binoculars to her, Ellie looked at the place Johannes pointed for her and she saw several men with very odd uniforms.. They wore masks and have what looks like a trench coat over their armor..

Recognizing the soldiers, Ellie mutters "NCR Rangers?"

"Yep.." Johannes said "the Rangers are gonna be tricky.. They're better trained and are better equipped.. Freeing those prisoners is gonna be a real challenge than before.."

As Johannes tries to think of a proper strategy, Ellie says:

"Let me try something.."

"What do you mean?" Johannes asked

"Let me take care of the guards.." Ellie says "Just point to me where the prisoners are and I'll take care of any guards that get in our way!"

Johannes was puzzled with Ellie's suggestion.. It didn't look like she had any silenced weapons with her and he has no idea to what skills she had..

With a skeptical look in his face, Johannes said "You don't have any silenced weapons on ya.. And I don't know your capabilities.. If you start making noise, the entire base is gonna be on our asses.."

"Don't worry, I got these.." Ellie said as she shows off her hidden blades

"That's..!" Johannes muttered as he seemingly recognized the weapons..

Hearing what Johannes muttered, Ellie asked "You know what these are?"

"No.." Johannes replied with a straight face "..So you're gonna use those to kill the guards? Any guarantee it's gonna be an instant kill? Remember, we can't afford making noises.."

"I know.." Ellie replied with a smile "Trust me"

"Alright.." Johannes said as he points to Ellie to a large building "They're inside that building.. The NCR built makeshift cells so it's not really hard to open the locks.."

Ellie then salutes Johannes as she leaps from the hill and made her way towards the camp..

A few minutes later:

A NCR ranger decided to patrol the back of the smaller building alone..

Ellie, who was hiding behind the corner, prepared to neutralize the guard.

As the guard neared the end of the building, Ellie quickly breaks cover, grabs the guard by the shoulder and with one flick of her right wrist, stabs him in the neck.. Ellie then proceeded to drag the body into the corner and make it look like the guard was simply dozing off in the corner..

She then proceeded to creep closer to the power generators. Observing the area, she see two rangers guarding the door and another two patrolling around the compound while the rest of the guards are inside the numerous guard tents in the area..

Infiltrating the building proved to be harder than Ellie originally thought..

"What to do..?" Ellie thought to herself..

As she ponders on what to do, she hears something snarl behind her..

Looking behind her, she sees a Yao Guai behind her.. As the mutated bear pounces at her, Ellie's reflexes kick in and she rolls to the side, avoiding the claws of the beast. This subsequently led the NCR Rangers seeing the Yao Guai and opening fire on it.. Curiously, the bear ignored the Rangers and focused on Ellie.

Using the situation to her advantage, Ellie lured the Yao Guai to the spot where she killed the NCR Ranger, a few minutes back. She then climbs the wall of the building as the Yao Guai tries in vain to reach her.. She then observes most of the guards fight the mutated bear.. Using some rope she found Ellie lassoes it to the metal towers and jumped across.. Climbing to the top of the tower, Ellie jumped from one metal tower to another until she reached the last tower, which was still a few meters away from the main door and was guarded by two rangers, who have yet to notice the mercenary..

To make the situation worse, the sounds of gunfire stop.. Knowing she doesn't have much time, Ellie jumped down and began to sprint towards the guards. Noticing Ellie, the guards readied their weapons.

"Hey!" one of them said "You're not supposed to be here!"

But before they could do anything, Ellie flicks her wrists and plunges her hidden blades into the throats of both guards.. As she was running as she did the assassination, the bodies hit the wall of the facility, leaving behind a huge amount of blood in the wall..

But Ellie had no time to clean up the blood and she simply dragged both bodies inside before any of the guards could see them..

She positioned one body in a desk and positioned the other in a makeshift bed but not before assassinating another guard and doing the same to his body..

She then proceeded to the Prison cells..

Seeing Ellie, some of the prisoners were suddenly filled with so much energy

"Help us!" they said

The prison was filled with so many people.. Men, women and even children.. The NCR really did imprison anyone who they deemed to be a threat.. Ellie was disgusted with the scene as the prisoners' cries for help began to sound louder..

"Shh.." Ellie said to them "Keep your voices down.. I'm gonna get you out.."

She then proceeded to pick the locks of each and every cell door..

A few minutes later:

Ellie managed to pick all of the prison doors open.. As she rallied the prisoners, she heard the gunfire outside..

"What's going on?" one of the escaped prisoners asked

"Must be Johannes.." Ellie said

Spotting an armory, Ellie turns to the prisoners and said:

"Anybody here good with a gun?"

Almost immediately, about 20 people out of the 40 prisoners volunteered..

She then proceeded to give the prisoners the weapons the NCR armory had to offer..Ten Service rifles, five 9mm submachine guns and five Hunting rifles.

"Ready?" Ellie said to the crowd as she cocks her varmint rifle

"YEAH!" they all shouted

Ellie then kicks the door open and the prisoners burst out of the room and began to open fire on the NCR troops.

Ellie was right. Johannes' men were fighting the NCR to the left of the power station, the NCR troops made the mistake of sending most of their troops to that side as Ellie took advantage of the situation to surround the enemy forces.

The NCR troops were surrounded on both sides as the combined forces of Johannes' rebels and the escaped prisoners continue their ferocious assault.

This combined force proved to be too much for the NCR and after losing about 10 men, 5 of which were NCR rangers, the remaining NCR soldiers surrendered..

With the prison camp secured, Johannes' men began to take whatever weapons and equipment the camp had to offer..

As Ellie watches the scene, she is approached by a tall bearded man, he looked like he was in his early 40s.

"Thank you.." he said to Ellie

Ellie smiles and says "Yeah.. So what's your plan now?"

"I don't know.." the man replied with a dejected tone "In fact; many of us don't even know what we'll do now.."

"Why?" Ellie asked

"Many of us lost everything after we were arrested.." the man replied "Some even lost family members.. Not to mention we're wanted men and women now.."

Putting her fingers in her chin, Ellie began to ponder something as she turns to Johannes, who had been standing next to her.

"Johannes" she said "Can your base accommodate 40 more people?"

Johannes looked at the man and said "Where are you getting at?"

Ellie then turns to the man and says "Since most of you hardly have anything left, why not join the fight against the NCR?"

"Fight the NCR?" the man said with a nervous tone "Is it even possible to beat them?"

"Look what happened here today.." Ellie said as she points around the, now, rebel occupied camp "..The NCR is not unbeatable.. We just need the numbers and the equipment.. So what do you say?"

The man pondered for a moment and after a few minutes, he looks at Ellie and with a smile, says:

"I may not speak for everyone here but.. I'm in!"

Ellie then turns to Johannes and asks "How about you, what's your say?"

Johannes ponders for a minute then says "Meh.. Why not? The more the merrier.."

The man then smiles and thanks Ellie and Johannes before walking back to the other prisoners to announce his decision..

"Looks like this little rebellion of your may come true, after all.." Johannes said to Ellie with a smile

"It should.." Ellie replied "After all, this land belongs to us.."

"So what do you want to call our little outfit?" Johannes asked

Ellie pondered for a moment and suddenly remembered a pre-War book she read a few years back and said "Sons of Liberty.. We're the Sons of Liberty.."

By the end of the day, all 40 prisoners decided to join the Sons of Liberty...