Madeline's First Patrol "Alone"

The patrol headed off from the depressing backdrop of the high fenced prison the Powder Gangers called home. There were just over a dozen armed Powder Gangers in the patrol. Large enough to easily tackle any small groups of prospectors. Eddie had told her not to attack any real caravans. Considering her numbers she knew that was probably a good call.

They moved through the desert in the afternoon to conserve their fatigue from the sun. They moved in the darkness when able though spotting targets was much easier in the day. Two days went by without any real prey. A large caravan of 5 brahmin pulled carts and numerous guards had crossed their path but they avoided the strong consolidation of merchants and hired guns. Not an easy task for a dozen or so people.

"That would have been a nice catch." Tack said licking his lips as to show his desire for the loot.

"Eddie should have us move in bigger groups maybe. We could take more caravans that way." Maddie said. Even Tack nodded at this.

"We just get to run around and play raider with this group of louts." He looked back at the Powder Gangers who were laying down behind rocks. Some paid attention, some were napping.

"I guess we just have to work with what we have." While the comment wasn't sexual in nature Madeline saw Tack's stare move to her body. As terrible as she smelled--they both smelled in fact--he couldn't help but appreciate her female form.

"Maybe tomorrow we can find something." Tack said, breaking his stare.

"Lets hope." Madeline said settling down in a rocky area from where she could view a swathe of desert.

The day drifted on and finally one of the Powder Gangers came half running half crawling to keep his profile low.

"A group--not far. Only a few people. Looks like a family." he said panting.

"Where?" Madeline and Tack demanded almost in unison.

"Just passed an old gas station over there." He pointed "Just to the right."

"Good eyes Adam. Pass the word along." Madeline said as she peered through her ancient binoculars. She saw the dust and followed their trail. They were coming near enough to them. They could move position relatively easily.

As the group got closer Madeline noticed a vague uniformity to the humans approaching their ambuscade.

"NCR." Madeline said to Tack.

"What?!"

"That group there. They look like NCR. Look at their helmets." Madeline passed her binoculars to Teck. He spent a moment focusing before cursing.

"Fuck the NCR." he spat.

"At least they usually have good gear." Madeline noted.

"Hmmmm that is true. We can never have enough firepower." Tack said handing back the binoculars.

"Its a pretty small group. Must be scouts?" Madeline postured.

"If they are they are terrible. If they were NCR rangers we wouldn't even see 'em."

"Maybe they are the remains of a squad. Could have run into some critters. Or they are deserters."

"Yeah could be." Tack said before rolling to face Madeline with a tired expression "So what are your orders your majesty?"

Madeline rolled her eyes. She had a couple options.

She could order her Powder Gangers to cut the group down. It would mean a relatively easy ambuscade but they might fight back or precious loot might get destroyed. Not to mention the expenditure of ammo.

She could try to have the Powder Gangers **** the group to surrender. If the group were deserters they might join the powder gangers. If they were weakened by some attack from before they might likewise give up and be pressed into service.