Shyla and Mia sat at a table with Kenna. The young woman was hungry and devoured the chicken stew. She then told them her story.

“I actually met Jenna before the war” she said.

Kenna sits at a table in a lounge in a casino. She has a depressed look while finishing up her beer. Jenna the cocktail waitress comes to check on her.

“You want another beer?” Jenna asks.

“I think I’m done” answers Kenna.

‘Ok well my shift is ending so one of the other girls can help you” Jenna says. “Oh, by the way I like your t-shirt. It’s cute.”

“Thanks” replies Kenna. “My dad used to read stories about bunnies to me as a kid. I guess I just love bunnies.”

Kenna looks at Jenna this time and starts to notice she is a very beautiful woman.

“So, what are you doing after your shift?” Kenna asks.

Jenna thinks about that for a minute. “Nothing special. Probably go home and toss in a microwave dinner and watch TV.”

“Would you like to have dinner with me?” asks Kenna. “I haven’t eaten yet and I would love the company.”

Jenna thinks about it for a moment. “Why not. Let me clock out and I’ll meet you here.”

The two go to a nice inexpensive restaurant in a casino. They talk and really hit it off. Later they go to a nightclub.

“Come on and dance with me” says Jenna.

“I’m not really into dancing” responds Kenna.

“Please” Jenna pleads. “You’ll love it”

Kenna reluctantly agrees and she does start to loosen up and enjoy herself.

Later the two return to Kenna’s apartment. They kiss passionately as they make their way to the door. Kenna fumbles for her keys and drops them on the floor. She breaks off kissing Jenna to bend down and retrieve them. She gets up and looks at Jenna.

“You have got to be the most beautiful woman I have ever seen” Kenna tells her. “God, do I want you.”

“Then take me bunny girl” Jenna replies. “I’m yours.”

They resume kissing passionately.

Back at the truck stop diner Kenna continues her conversation with Shyla and Mia.

“It wasn’t long before we got married” Kenna says. “We settled into a good life. Between my job at the garage and her cocktail waitress one, we managed to do OK with life.”

“Then the war came” says Kenna.

The scene shifts to Las Vegas as it descends into anarchy. There are rioters and looters in the streets. There is narration by Kenna. “The city wasn’t hit directly but it was enough to cause chaos. All order broke down. The police just collapsed.”

The scene shifts to Kenna and Jenna in their apartment. Kenna holds a shotgun with one hand and has her arm around Jenna. “We just locked ourselves in our apartment and preyed it would stabilize” says Kenna’s narration.

The scene then shifts to armed men restoring order. Kenna’s narration. “Then order was restored. The Mafia, which had always run Vegas no longer did it in the shadows. They openly seized control.”

The scene shifts to one of order. Las Vegas is now a city that seems back to normal. At least superficially. Kenna’s narration. “Everything at least was back to normal. At least it felt like it. The electricity was still on thanks to Hoover Dam. There was some rationing at first but as time went by, they were able to start trading and food starting coming in.”

The scene shifts again and people are going about their business. Kenna’s narration. “The city was intact and this drew many survivors from around the area. Vegas kept everything going and continued to rake in the dough. This time it was in food, fuel and other necessities to survive.”

The scene is back in the truck stop diner. Kenna finishes her bowl of stew.

“I take it that not everything turned out all that good” says Shyla.

“Yes” says Kenna. “Most people were able to go back to their jobs. If they couldn’t one would be provided. I was able to continue working at the garage and Jenna still had her cocktail waitress job.”

“It doesn’t sound too bad” says Mia.

“No and it wasn’t at first” answers Kenna. “Only problem was that the families that now ruled Vegas, ruled it as feudal lords of old. People were basically serfs. They were little more than slaves. They could be bought and sold at the ruler’s whim.”

“That’s what happened to you” says Shyla.

“Exactly” answered Kenna. “Our benevolent overlord Fat Louie had apparently found a use for me that was more profitable than me fixing cars and trucks at the garage.”

The scene shifts to an office. Kenna is brought in escorted by armed guards. Jenna is also a prisoner, and Kenna breaks away from her guards and runs to her. They both hug.

“Oh Kenna” says Jenna. “I’m scared.”

“No need to be scared young woman” says Fat Louie from behind the desk.

Fat Louie sits behind his desk. He wears an immaculate and expensive suit. He is also the fattest man alive. He has his hands clasped together as he looks at the two women. Kenna’s narration. “Fat Louie is one of the big capos that run Vegas. He is also appropriately named. I don’t think I ever saw someone so fat in my life. A very educated man that on the surface is quite charming. He is a sadistic psychopath that ruthlessly disposes of his enemies. Looking into those cold eyes I could believe it. The man is pure evil.”

“What do you want with us?’ Kenna asks.

“Well young lady I have a business offer for you. One I think you will agree just can’t be refused.”

“I immediately knew that we were in trouble” says Kenna back at the diner telling her story to Shyla and Mia. “When someone like Fat Louie has an offer for you its not good. “

Back in Fat Louie’s office. Kenna asks the question, “What exactly is this business offer?”

“I’m glad you asked” says Fat Louie. “It seems a successful entrepreneur by the name of Tyler has an interest in retaining your services.”

Back at the truck stop. “Tyler, I knew to be a real piece of shit” says Kenna. “This was a guy that would club baby seals for kicks”

“Well, nobody has to worry about him anymore” says Mia.

Kenna smiles “So I hear. You girls have been busy taking out the trash” says Kenna.

“Only because the trash just seems to be getting in our way” answers Shyla. “Go on with your story.”

The scene shifts back to Fat Louie’s office. “Now Tyler needs a competent mechanic” says Fat Louie. “He noticed you and was quite impressed.” Fat Louie looks her over. “I can see why he would want someone like you over some fat old man. I’m sure he has some great opportunities for you.”

Back at the truck stop. “I knew what that meant” says Kenna. “I would be raped ten times a day and still be expected to keep his vehicles maintained.”

“What did you say?” asked Mia.

“What do you think I said” replies Kenna. “I told him to shove it up his fat ass.”

“And what did he do?” asked Mia.

“Nothing” said Kenna.

“Nothing” replied Mia.

“Nothing. At least nothing to me,” said Kenna.

Back at Fat Louie’s office. “I am so sorry you can’t recognize such a great opportunity. You are free to go” says Fat Louie.

Kenna starts to leave with Jenna in tow.

“I’m afraid that your wife here will have to stay” says Fat Louie.

“What the Hell for?” asks Kenna.

“Some of my men have taken a fancy to her” says Fat Louie.

The scene shifts to a sinister room. In it there are sawhorses and ropes hanging from the ceiling. Fat Louie narrates. “You would not believe how creative my men can be. I didn’t think they were that creative but some of the things they can do to women. I mean it just boggles the mind.”

Back at Fat Louie’s office. Kenna becomes visibly angry. “If you harm her, I’ll…” says Kenna.

“You’ll do nothing” says Fat Louie. “You are in no position to do anything. Now if you willingly accept Tyler’s generous offer, I’m sure I can keep your wife safe”

Kenna looks at Jenna then hangs her head down.

“I knew you would see it my way” says Fat Louie. “Take her to Campbell. He knows what to do.”

Back at the truck stop. “And that is how I got here” says Kenna.

“My God” says Mia. “What were you going to do?”

“Honestly I didn’t have the slightest idea what I was going to do” says Kenna. “Thank God you came along. You can see why I’m so anxious to get to Vegas. I don’t trust that fat fuck to keep his word.”

Shyla and Mia exchange a knowing look.

“We will help you” says Shyla.

“Really. Why?” asks Kenna.

“Well,” says Shyla. “You two are what we’re looking for to join our community. Also, we are suckers for two young women in love. We really want to reunite you two.”

“Great” says Kenna. “Of course we’ll join your community. We had no plans to stay in Vegas.”

Just then Bernie comes to pick up the empty bowls.

“Thanks for the stew” says Shyla. “What do we owe you?”

“Nothing” says Bernie. “Putting down Campbell and his scum is something we could never repay you.”

“Sorry for the mess” says Shyla.

“No problem” replied Bernie. “Me and Gladys can drag them out into the desert. Something will drag the bodies away.”

“OK lets get going” says Shyla.

The van comes to a truck stop are the sun goes down. It has lights on and there is a sign out front. WE ARE STILL OPEN.  BEST CHICKEN STEW. ACCEPT LAS VEGAS SCRIPT OR COMPERABLE TRADE GOODS. There are a few cars and motorcycles parked out front. In the back there is a chicken coop and a garden. The van pulls up in the parking lot and stops.

“You think we should try it?” asks Mia.

“Well, they actually have real chickens so hopefully no mystery meat in the stew” responds Shyla. “At best we might be able to find out some information on Vegas.”

“What do you think they want for payment?” asks Mia.

Shyla shrugs. “Well, we’ll find out”

The girls get out of the van and enter the truck stop. Inside they pass through the deserted gift shop and mini mart. The gift shop still has various knick-knacks that usually populated such shops. Only they were under a heavy cover of dust. The food shelves in the mini mart were bare. There was a light on in the restaurant part ahead.

The girls enter the restaurant. There are about a dozen men seated at tables. They are well armed and give the girls a hard stare. They continue to the counter where an old man who must run the place is standing. He seems like a friendly guy but is very nervous. The girls sit down at the counter.

“So, what can I do for you two young ladies?” asks the old man.

“The sign out front said you had the best chicken stew” answers Shyla. “Me and my wife here could use something to eat.”

“We can do that” answers the man. “There haven’t been any supply trucks since the war, but me and Gladys still get by.” There is an old woman in the kitchen who must be his wife. “We can raise some chickens and do a little gardening. Not much but then again, we don’t get that many visitors.”

“So how much for the stew?” asks Shyla.

“Oh, it’s no charge for you little ladies” says the man sitting at the end of the counter. He gets up and comes over to the two girls.

“That’s alright” says Shyla. “We can pay.”

“Oh, I insist” says the man. “I mean everything is on the house for us. Isn’t that right Bernie?”

The old man nervously nods. “Yes sir, Mr. Campbell” says the old man. “You and your men are always welcome here.” He then nervously leaves for the kitchen.

“That old geezer and his hag of a wife know what’s good for them” says Campbell. “So, you and your WIFE” he emphasizes the last word. “Are going to Vegas. So, you two lovebirds just coming for a visit or you plan to settle down?”

“We’re just checking the place out” answers Shyla. “I hear it’s still intact.”

“Yes, indeed it is” says Campbell. “There were a few strikes at military bases to the north, but the winds carried the chemicals to the east, so the city was spared.” He gestures at the lights. “We even have electricity from Hoover dam. The whole grid is up and running. Probably the only city on the continent that still has fully functioning power.”

“Can’t wait to see it” says Shyla.

“Of course, the wops run it fully now” says Campbell.

“The wops?” says Shyla.

“Yeah, you know the mob, the mafia” answers Campbell. “I mean they kind of already controlled the city but after the war they just directly took over. And they run a tight ship. It’s better now that they are in control. I work for Fat Louie. He is one of the top bosses with the family.”

Shyla just kept her face neutral. She had already developed an extreme dislike for Mr. Campbell. Mia was staring at Campbell, and it was obvious she shared her sentiments. Shyla was starting to get a bit worried with the armed men that were with him. She then notices the only other female in the restaurant.

The girl was a young blonde that was alone at a table. She wore jeans and a leather jacket. She also had a T-shirt with cartoon bunnies on it. Her hands were tied together, and she had a sullen and angry look about her.

“I see you notice our bunny girl” says Campbell.

“What did she do to be a captive?” asks Shyla.

“She’s not a captive” answers Campbell. “She is a” he struggles for the word. “I guess you could call her an independent contractor. You see this young girl is a mechanic. Now Fat Louie made a deal with some raider named Tyler. Tyler needs a mechanic and pays top dollar for one. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that she’s easy on the eyes if you get what I mean. Hey, you should have run into Tyler. He was coming the same way you came.”

“Was this Tyler a guy with some motorcycles and two armored pickups?” asks Shyla.

Campbell loses his phony smile. “Yeah, that sounds like Tyler” Campbell says.

“He’s not going to make it” says Shyla. “He seems to be busy feeding the vultures.”

“What!” shouts Campbell. “You saying you two dykes managed to waste Tyler?”

“No, we just found them lying around” answers Shyla. “I guess somebody really didn’t like those guys.”

Campbell nods to himself. “Yeah, somebody must have wasted him. I mean you two girls obviously couldn’t have done it”

“That would be pretty silly” says Shyla.

“That would be” says Campbell. He stands there in silent contemplation. A smile starts to form.

“That actually works out in my favor” says Campbell. “I don’t need to deliver the bunny girl. I mean as far as Fat Louie is concerned, I did and well Tyler just happened to get wasted. Fat Louie already got paid so he’s happy.”

“So, you going to let the bunny girl go?” asks Shyla.

“Are you kidding?” says Campbell. “That bitch is worth a fortune up at the slave market in Salt Lake. Beautiful women are always popular.”

“Is that so?” says Shyla.

“Yes indeed” says Campbell. “In fact, three women would make me even more money.”

Campbell strokes Shyla’s arm.

“Of course I might decide to keep you” says Campbell.

Just then the old man comes with the two bowls of stew. He is shaking as he sets the bowls down in front of Shyla and Mia. Shyla turns to Mia and they exchange a silent look that conveys they are on the same page. Mia spins her stool around to face the armed men. She rests her hands on her pistols. Shyla turns back to Campbell and a smile form on her lips.

“That is a mighty generous offer” says Shyla. “Only there is just one slight problem.”

“What’s that?” asks Campbell.

“You’re going to be too busy being dead” says Shyla.

Shyla grabs the bowl of stew and tosses it into Campbell’s face. He screams and wipes at his face. Shyla then pulls her 9mm and starts blasting away at the armed men in the diner. Mia draws her .45s and starts blasting away. The men in the diner are caught completely off guard.

The guard next to the bunny girl starts to go forward. She casually trips him and he falls to the floor accidentally shooting himself with his drawn pistol.

The two girls stop firing and survey the restaurant. There are dead bodies all over the place. Campbell is still alive and yells at Shyla.

“You bitch” Campbell says. “You think you’re going to get away with this?”

“I already did dipshit” Shyla casually says then puts three rounds into Campbell.

Shyla holsters her pistol and casually walks over to the bunny girl. The bunny girl calmly sits and watches. Shyla pulls out her knife and cuts her bound hands free.

“Thanks” says the bunny girl.

“I’m Shyla and this is my wife Mia” says Shyla.

“I’m Kenna” says the bunny girl. “Look thanks a lot for wasting those creeps. If you’ll excuse me, I must get to Vegas and rescue my wife from that fat fuck Louie.”

“Well, me and Mia are heading there, and we could give you a ride. Plus, we might be able to help you” says Shyla.

“You would do that for me?” replies Kenna. “Why would you do that?”

“Hey us girls have to stick together” answers Shyla. “What do you say the three of us sit down and have some stew and you tell us your story.”

Kenna thinks about that for a moment. “OK why not” Kenna answers.

In the morning the armored van pulls out of the underground garage next to the bunker. Shyla and Mia get out in their leather outfits. Next two motorcycles follow the van. Charlotte and Natasha are on their motorcycles. They pull up to Shyla and Mia and get off.

“Well, I guess this is where we go our separate ways” says Charlotte.

Charlotte and Natasha give their friends a hug.

“Now you two be careful” says Shyla. “Don’t take any unnecessary risks.”

“Same goes to you” answers Charlotte. “If you aren’t back when we get back, we’re coming after you.”

“Same here” answers Shyla.

Charlotte and Natasha get on their bikes and head off. Shyla and Mia get in the van that has front bucket seats. Shyla then turns to Mia.

“You ready to go?” Shyla asks.

“You bet” Mia answers. “I hope those two are going to be OK.”

“They’ll be fine” Shyla answers. She starts up the van.

“How long to Vegas?” asks Mia.

“About a 400-mile ride” answers Shyla. “We should get there in two days.”

“Think we’ll find anything?” asks Mia.

“According to the traders that pass through and radio broadcasts we intercepted, the city avoided any direct hits” answers Shyla. “The mob has taken over but otherwise the city is open for business as usual. Come on you know you can find anything in Vegas.”

The van passes through the ruins of Elko. A tossed stone from some mutants bounces off the side but otherwise they ride through without incident. They head south on a lonely desert highway.

After passing through the ruins of the town of Ely, they notice a large cloud of dust approaching them. Mia brings up a pair of binoculars. She sees some motorcycles and two pickup trucks. Everyone is heavily armed.

“Oh Oh” says Mia. “These guys do not look friendly.”

“How many?” asks Shyla.

“I count about seven motorcycles and two pickup trucks. The trucks look heavily armored” answers Mia.

“Damn I though this area was too desolate to have any raiders” says Shyla. “This van is supposed to be heavily armored with bulletproof windows. I paid a fortune to secretly get this thing outfitted.”

Just then a bullet hits the windshield and bounces off.”

“It works” yells Shyla.

Mia gets up and takes an assault rifle that was on a holder on the wall of the van. The motorcycles spit up evenly and ride alongside the van. They try to take out the tires with pistols. Mia sticks the assault rifle out of a slit in the side of the van on the right side and opens fire. The three motorcycle riders are propelled off their bikes when hit.

Shyla turns the van into the ones on the left. She manages to hit two and knock the riders flying off into the air. The other two cycles pull back farther from the van.

“Hey Mia” shouts Shyla. “Could you take care of these asshats?”

Mia goes over to the left side. Putting the assault rifle through the slit on left of the van she opens fire. The other two riders tumble from their bikes.

“That takes care of the bikes” states Mia.

The pickups hang back from the van. One guy in the back of a pickup stands up with a rocket launcher. He fires and the rocket streaks toward the van. It misses by an inch and hits a billboard up ahead. Debris from the billboard hits the van.

“Oh crap” says Shyla. “These clowns have a rocket launcher.”

Mia goes to the back door and flings it open. The pickup truck with the rocket launcher is fast approaching the van. The guy in the back has just reloaded the launcher and is about to bring it up. Mia fires off her assault rifle at the guy. A burst hits him square in the chest. The guy is thrown back and lowers the rocket launcher and fires it into the pickup. The pickup explodes.

“Hey, I got one” yells Mia.

“Great” answers Shyla. “Now get the other one.”

The other pickup picks up speed and approaches the van. Mia fires at it but the bullets bounce harmlessly off the heavy boiler plating that covers the truck. The men in back also keep down to avoid the gunfire.

Mia in frustration sets down the assault rifle. She reaches into a box and pulls out some grenades. She tosses one and it goes to the side and explodes. She tosses another and it too harmlessly explodes on the side of the road.

“Hey honey could you please quit wasting our grenades” yells Shyla.

“It’s not as easy as it looks” responds Mia.

Mia pulls the pin on the last one. She carefully looks at the distance and then tosses the grenade. The grenade bounces on the road and manages to roll under the pickup. The explosion throws the pickup into the air where it comes down and overturns, crushing the passengers. It continues to slide along the highway. Mia shuts the back door and comes up to her front seat.

“Took you long enough” say Shyla.

“Maybe if you drove straighter, I wouldn’t have had such a problem” Mia answers.

The girls drive on in silence. Mia then turns to Shyla.

“I’m hungry” says Mia.

“It’s getting late in the day. We’ll find a place to pull over and cook some food” answers Shyla.

“You think someplace is open along the way” responds Mia. “I would love to just sit down for a nice meal.”

“I wouldn’t hold my breath” responds Shyla. “But you never know”