The Great Pretender

Boone: What are we doing here?

Freddie: I’m just exploring, Boone, I want to get a feel for Freeside before we find a way into the strip to find Benny.

Boone: We’re gonna help the people here, right?

Freddie: Yes, absolutely.

But not long after we get attacked by muggers! They don’t last very long against us so after dealing with them we can continue to make our way to the oldest place standing in Freeside.

~~~~~

Walking inside the walled fort there’s a pretty large camp set up inside, a flag with the Follower’s logo on it a cross inside a circle, tents all around the camp, and a sandbag barricade in front. We all take a look around and greet the people, I make my way to the southwestern tent to greet a man with blonde hair.

Freddie: Hello.

He turns around, holy moly.

Arcade: Hi. If you're looking for medical help, try the other doctors. I'm just a researcher. Not even a particularly good one.

I shake my head and focus.

Freddie: What kind of research?

Arcade: Oh, you know. Finding alternative treatments for common illnesses and injuries. Stimpaks out of barrel cacti and other fantastic improbabilities. As far as fruitless wastes of time go, it's quite noble in its aims.

Freddie: What’s the goal?

Arcade: For the past hundred years or so, the Followers have managed to get by using salvaged medical supplies from the Old World. But the side effect of medical success is that more people live longer. Funny how that works.

He then looks sad.

Arcade: Eventually, we'll run out of hospitals to loot. We need new ways to produce those supplies. Or maybe old ways, if this research goes anywhere.

Freddie: What kinds of illnesses and injuries?

Arcade: Cuts, lacerations, broken bones. Infections resulting from all of the above. Common cold, influenza. Take your pick. There are plenty of ways to die out here, and most of them, surprisingly, don't have anything to do with war. Just common human fragility.

Freddie: You don't sound too enthusiastic about it.

I tilt my head as he pushes up his glasses.

Arcade: I'm enthusiastic about helping people, but nihil novi sub sole.

Freddie: Nihi-what?

Arcade: Oh. Sorry. "There is nothing new under the sun." If agave and mesquite were that miraculous, the locals would have figured it out a few thousand years ago.

This guy is starting to sound like someone in the Legion.

Freddie: Isn't that the language that Caesar's Legion speaks?

Arcade: Caesar can cite Cato to suit his purpose. Many people have spoken Latin. Some of them were quite pleasant. It's unfortunate that the language is now associated with the gentlemen across the river.

Wow, this guy is so smart and so handsome. No wait, I have to be serious here. Ahem.

Freddie: Where did you learn that?

Arcade: Not from the Legion, if that's what you're getting at. Books. Sheet music. Gladiator movie holotapes. Bits and pieces here and there. The Followers have extensive libraries, but we all draw water from the same old well. Even Caesar.

Freddie: So why do you do research instead of providing medical assistance?

Arcade: Not all Followers are "people persons." Besides, someone needs to do research. I have no problem with Julie sticking me back here. Out of sight, out of mind. There are worse things one can be, though I do admit, it is a bit boring. Though it has a noble goal, I don't think this research will yield much fruit. No pun intended.

Freddie: Well Arcade, do you and the Followers need any help?

Arcade: Me, specifically? No. I'm sure Julie Farkas does, though. Lab coat, pointy hair. Answers to the name "Julie Farkas," strangely enough.

Freddie: Why don't you come with me?

Arcade: No offense intended, but why should I go anywhere with you?

Time to work your magic, Freddie.

[Confirmed Bachelor] Freddie: I need a good-looking doctor to help take care of me in the big, bad wasteland.

With that, he laughs and places a hand over his glasses. I got him.

Arcade: Overt flirtation will get you everywhere, you know. On a slightly more serious note, if you're interested in helping out with the troubles plaguing Freeside, I can come with you. Just don't do anything obnoxious, like trying to help Caesar's Legion, and we should be fine. Understood?

Freddie: I’d never help the Legion, my other companion would have my head if I did especially after everything I did for him. After I get what was taken from me back from some guy on the strip, I plan on terrorizing the Legion just like they do us.

Arcade: Heh, I don’t think the Legion is going to be scared of you. Unless you take out Caesar and his legate, Lanius. But seeing as you’re asking me to come with you. You aren’t going to be doing that any time soon. Don’t get too cocky now.

When I go tell Boone the good news about Arcade, I can’t help but notice that he’s staring down ED-E. Does he have a problem with him? Maybe he’s seen ED-E before.

Freddie: Hey, Arcade, I can’t help notice that you seem to have a problem with ED-E here, what’s up?

Arcade: it just seems a bit twitchy. Some of these robots, you look at them the wrong way, don’t screw in a vacuum tube right… The next thing you know you’re a pile of ash on the floor and someone’s stepping out of a vertibird to sweep your remains into a Nuka-Cola bottle.

Freddie: Oooo-kay, I’ll keep my eye on him.

Arcade: Safety first. That’s all I’m saying.

Freddie: Let’s get going then.

~~~~~

We all head southwest towards the gate until an old man stops us.

Old Ben: You look new to Freeside, so here’s a little advice, friend. Don’t go past the South Gate greeter without talking to it first.

Freddie: Going past it seems rude, why wouldn’t I want to go past the greeter?

Old Ben: Those bots are programmed to vaporize anyone who enters the fenced-in area without authorization from the greeter.

Freddie: Thanks for the advice.

He smiles and walks away towards a campfire near the gate. Let’s see what this robot says. I walk to the Securitron Gatekeeper.

Securitron Gatekeeper: Submit to a credit check or present your passport before proceeding to the gate. Trespassers will be shot.

Freddie: Credit check? What’s that for?

Securitron Gatekeeper: Admission to the Strip requires an official passport or proof that you are carrying the required minimum balance.

Freddie: What’s the minimum balance?

Securitron Gatekeeper: 2,000 caps.

Freddie: 2,000 caps?! I don’t have that kind of cash! Uh, what else can I do?

Securitron Gatekeeper: If you are unable to meet the minimum balance requirement, an official passport is an acceptable alternative.

But after telling me about the passport he doesn’t say where I can get one, wow thanks robot. The gang takes a step back.

Arcade: I heard of a shop called “Mick and Ralph’s” who sells things you can’t buy anywhere else.

Freddie: You think I can buy an unofficial official passport from them?

Arcade: Who’s to say?

Arcade tries to act very sly about it, after all, I did flirt with him so he could join my team because he wasn’t convinced I was good enough to travel with. Guess I must just have a thing for doctors. Or researchers, whatever he is. Lab coat people.

~~~~~

Ralph: If you’re looking for guns, talk to Mick. Otherwise, I’ve got a nice selection of general supplies.

Freddie: Do you offer any other services?

Ralph: I only offer services if The King gives the okay. Impress him and we can talk.

I’ll do whatever the King’s have in store for me another time, maybe I can get the passport out of this guy in a different way.

[Speech 50] Freddie: A resource fellow such as yourself must have something on the side.

[Succeeded] Ralph: All right. Yeah, I’ve got a little side business going, but what I am about to share with you does not leave this room, eh? Over the years, I’ve gradually perfected my craft to the point of perfection. No one can distinguish between my work and the real thing. What I am referring to is a passport. If you’ve got the caps, I can whip up a Strip passport which will fool even the most well-trained eye.

Freddie: Ah, now I see why you want to keep this low key.

Ralph: Hey, if you’re interested and have the caps, they go for 500. Any less and it ain’t worth the risk of getting caught. What do you say? You game?

You’ve gotta be kidding me… Looks like I’ll have to barter with him.

[Barter 50] Freddie: No way your material and expenses require that. How about half?

[Succeeded] Ralph: Hah! I like your style, kid, but the best I can do is meet you halfway. 375 caps, and we can call it a deal.

He says with much enthusiasm.

Freddie: 375 works great. Okay, I’ll take one.

I hand over the caps and he hands over the passport. Sweet! I bid Mick and Ralph goodbye and make the way back to gate.

[Passport] Freddie: I’ve got a passport.

Securitron Gatekeeper: Thank you, sir. You may proceed.

With that, we can finally open the main gate to New Vegas.

~~~~~

Before I can stare at New Vegas in awe, I’m approached by a familiar face.

Victor: Howdy, pardner! You’ve come a far piece, haven’t you? Welcome to New Vegas!

What the hell is this guy’s deal?! Why is he everywhere I go?!

Boone: Why is this robot following us?

Freddie: He’s the one who dug me out of my grave after all. What are you doing here?

Victor: Consider me your personal welcome wagon! Now hear this - the head honcho of New Vegas, Mr. House, is itching to make your acquaintance.

Arcade: Did he just say Mr. House?

Freddie: It seems like you pop up everywhere.

Victor: Aw shucks, pardner. I suppose it can’t hurt to let you in on my little secret! Old Victor wouldn’t be much use stuck inside just one Securitron! No, I can move from one to another with the snap of a finger! Pretty nice trick, ain’t it? Just don’t ask me how I do it, because I don’t know!

Freddie: All right, I’ll go meet Mr. House right now.

Victor: Yeehaw, pardner! That’s the spirit. He’ll be waiting for you.

He quickly makes his way to the front of the Lucky 38 casino and I follow behind him.

Victor: Boss is waiting for ya upstairs, so get a move on!

A massive gate behind him opens up and we all walk on inside.

I walk to a man standing in front of a large memorial.

Freddie: Excuse me, sir.

He turns around.

Private Kowalski: You here to pay your respects, too?

Freddie: What is this memorial?

Private Kowalski: It commemorates the Battle of Hoover Dam. The Rangers lured the best of Caesar's Legion into Boulder City, then blew the whole town up. The NCR still lost a bunch of troops in the fighting, though. My older brother sacrificed himself so they could evacuate some of the wounded.

Freddie: I’m sorry to hear that.

Private Kowalski: Don't worry about it.

Freddie: Where are you normally stationed?

Private Kowalski: Camp McCarran, but I’m on leave at the moment - heading back to California to see my folks. I’m supposed to join up with a caravan that’s heading that way up to 188, but they’re not due to arrive for awhile yet.

I bid the man goodbye and we walk along the road into the town, but I stumble upon a skeleton and then two others leading into a building. I walk into the building and see another skeleton on the stairs. Once I’m up the stairs I walk into a room with even more skeletons, what is happening?! One of them must’ve been a ranger since his hat is beside him, he had a service rifle, and there’s a holodisk beside the hat.

So, this ranger held the Legion back knowing that the town would be blown up. All these men and women knew that, guess they didn’t have a choice to make with the Legion right behind them. As we leave the building I spot a ranger standing near a blockade.

Lieutenant Monroe: We’ve got a situation with some Great Khans right now. The brass at McCarran has ordered me to lock down the ruins until it’s been resolved.

Great Khans you say?

Freddie: What’s going on with the Great Khans?

Lieutenant Monroe: One of my patrols was on its way back from Novac when it came under fire from the Great Khans. They radioed for reinforcements, but instead of waiting for us, they chased the Khans into the ruins where they were caught in a crossfire. No deaths, but not all of the squad got out. The Khans have Private Ackerman and Private Gilbert as hostages.

Freddie: Maybe I could help, these Khans might have something of mine - a platinum chip.

Lieutenant Monroe: Once the Great Khans have been killed or captured, you’re welcome to retrieve any property they’ve taken from you.

Freddie: What are you going to do about the hostages?

Lieutenant Monroe: “Acceptable casualties,” I’ve been told. I don’t like it, but the brass has their reasons.

Freddie: What? No, uh, I think I’d rather try negotiations, instead.

Lieutenant Monroe: Normally, I’d turn you down since I have no idea who you are, but considering that the hostages are as good as dead when we attack… All right, I’m going to give you a chance to talk to the Great Khans. Their leader is a man named Jessup. If we hear shooting, we’ll be coming in, but it’ll probably be too late for you.

Thanks for the encouragement, sir. I tell ED-E and Boone to wait for me outside the ruins, once they agree I walk inside the locked area.

~~~~~

This place has been through hell and back. I walk past some NCR soldiers who try to stop me by just calling to me. I’m surprised the Great Khans don't open fire on me when I get close but instead complain about Benny.

Great Khan: Fuck Benny. We’ll make him pay for stabbing us in the back.

Freddie: He might’ve stabbed you in the back, but at least he didn’t shoot you in the head.

He gives me a concerned look as I walk by him and into the only ‘good’ part of a ruined building.

Jessup: What the hell? You’re that courier Benny wasted back in Goodsprings. You’re supposed to be dead.

Time to play with these guys.

Freddie: I’m a ghost here to haunt you. Oooooh…

Jessup: All right, quit fucking around. You survived and tracked us down. What now?

Freddie: I believe you have something of mine.

Jessup: Yeah… about that….

He looks away from me.

Freddie: Where’s the platinum chip?

I’m almost tempted to pull out my shotgun and threaten these guys.

Jessup: Don’t have it. Benny stole it, right before he stabbed us in the back. He’s probably back at the Strip by now, laughing at me.

Freddie: Are you kidding me?! I come back from the dead, help a bunch of people, and kill a bunch of people, for this? All right, tell me something.

I rub the bridge of my nose.

Jessup: On what?

Freddie: Why did Benny betray you?

Jessup: He’s a snake, that’s why. He owed us the rest of the pay for the job, so maybe he didn’t want to pay up. Anything else?

Freddie: Why haven’t you just shot your way out of here?

Jessup: I’m not afraid of a gunfight, but I’d rather get back to Red Rock without a few holes in me if I can help it.

Let’s see if this guy is willing to negotiate with me.

Freddie: Let’s talk about settling things between you and the NCR.

He scoffs.

Jessup: What’s to negotiate? The NCR backs off, we walk out of here, nobody gets hurts.

Freddie: That’s never gonna happen. Uh, I’m willing to hearing another suggestion.

Jessup: We’d try to bribe our way out, but seeing as Benny didn’t pay us yet, that won’t happen.

Freddie: Oh, right. Any chance you’re willing to surrender?

Please say yes.

Jessup: And face NCR “justice?” No thanks. I’d rather not spend the next ten years doing hard labor.

I sigh and put my head down, looks like I’m the one who’s going to be bribing Lieutenant Monroe out there. I don’t have a choice if I want to be on good terms with the Great Khans, that sounds like a dumb idea since these guys did help Benny take my chip, but right now I have my mind set on destroying (maybe that’s too harsh but seriously look at them) the Legion.

~~~~~

Lieutenant Monroe: How are negotiations with the Great Khans going?

Freddie: About that… Heh, how much money would it take for you to look the other way while the Great Khans left?

Lieutenant Monroe: You mean… just let them go? How would I explain this to my superiors?

Freddie: Look at it this way - nobody dies.

Lieutenant Monroe: 500 caps would go a long way for some soldier’s families.

[Barter 45] Freddie: 400 caps is a less suspicious amount. You have enough trouble here as it is.

[Success] Lieutenant Monroe: That makes sense, and it's still more than these troopers see in a month.

I hand him the caps. Just how much do these people get paid if 400 caps is more than they make risking their lives?

Lieutenant Monroe: This doesn't feel quite right, but it resolves things and gets my troopers back in one piece.

Freddie: A couple more things. What can you tell me about Hoover Dam?

Lieutenant Monroe: It's one of the biggest sources of electrical power in the region, so the NCR's fortified the place pretty heavily. When President Kimball shows up on his inspection tour, I'm sure he'll be confident that the Dam is safe and secure.

Freddie: The President is coming to Hoover Dam?

Lieutenant Monroe: It's probably just a political thing - you know, give a few speeches, shake hands with the troops, boost morale.

Freddie: Lastly, where can I find McCarran?

Lieutenant Monroe: Camp McCarran is the headquarters for the NCR military in this region. It occupies the old airport next to New Vegas. Thanks for getting both of my people out of there.

I give him a nod and watch the Great Khans leave Boulder City. I grab the gang and head northwest towards a concrete processing plant near the city, wonder if there’s any good loot here. I walk up one of the ramps and find a duffle bag filled with some cash and other good items like purified water, but as soon as I walk down the ramp.

Victor: Fancy meeting you here, friend.

Freddie: What?! How’d you get here?

Victor: Just rolling along on my spurs. Looks like I might just make it to New Vegas after all.

Freddie: You see what happened in there?

Victor: Yup. Guess it’s just down to you and fancy-pants. I wouldn’t worry about him - he looks all hat and no cattle if you ask me.

Freddie: Did you see Benny come this way?

Victor: Fancy-pants? No, I ain’t seen hide-nor-hair of him since the tussle in Goodsprings. I’m sure he ran back to the soft-living of New Vegas, ‘though.

Freddie: Despite it all, it’s good to see you.

Victor: Yup, but this is getting a might embarrassing - people are going to start to talk.

He laughs.

Freddie: But I just don’t like being followed, robot.

Victor: Now-now, it ain’t my fault that Dorothy and the Tin Man happened to be on the same yellow-striped road, is it?

Freddie: Goodbye, Victor.

Victor: Look me up when you get to New Vegas - I’ll buy the first round.

And with that, he speeds off to New Vegas, and so can I. I learned all I needed from the Great Khans, especially on how important Benny is. He’s a higher power of the strip of a group called The Chairmen and owns The Tops casino. All we need to do now is get to New Vegas, find The Tops, and confront Benny there. As we continue to move northwest, I see the Lucky 38 casino as it towers higher than all the other casinos. But before we can get into the city, I need to see what all I can do in Freeside. I want to make a good impression on everyone I meet unless they’re a part of the Legion that is.

Boone: So once we get to Benny, what will we do afterward?

Freddie: That’s a long way away, Boone. I don’t think I can answer that, all I can think of is helping anyone I can trust and killing legionaries. As long as you’ll help out. You’re in too, right ED-E?

ED-E makes some confirming beeps.

Boone: You can understand this thing?

Freddie: You can’t? But you’re still with me, right?

Boone: Sure. It’s why I joined up with you.

Freddie: Alright! Let’s go make ourselves a small army and show the Mojave not to mess with courier six and his friends!

I go back to Manny as the sun is starting to set.

Freddie: The ghouls are no longer at REPCONN.

Manny: Really? Unbelievable, man! I knew that wasn’t gonna be easy. But I had a good feeling about you. You look like you been through a lot.

Look huh?

Freddie: Now about the man I’m looking for…

Manny: Okay, I’ll tell you everything I know, like I promised. The guy you’re looking for, Benny, he was traveling with some members from my old gang. They were going to Boulder City.

At last, I get a name for the man who shot me.

Freddie: Where’s Boulder City?

Manny: It’s straight up Route 93 from here. Just keep following the road north.

Freddie: Any idea why they went that way?

Manny: No clue. I know Benny hadn’t paid up yet. Maybe that was where they were supposed to get square.

Freddie: Hm, well thanks, Manny. That’s all I needed to know.

Manny: Hope that helps. I owed you.

I make my way out of the dinosaur and into my motel room where I can finally rest up before I make my way to Boulder City. I tell ED-E to power down for today, he gently floats down onto the floor after doing so.

~~~~~

Not long after I fall dead asleep I wake to the sound of a gun going off. Is that Manny? Strange. I best go check that out. I leap from my bed and run over to the T-Rex, once inside I run up the stairs and open the door but instead of Manny I see a man in a dirty white shirt. He didn’t notice me even if when that door is kind of loud due to age. I tapped his shoulder and he quickly turns around with his sniper pulled out.

Freddie: Woah! Friendly fire!

He quickly puts it away.

Boone: Goddamn it! Don’t sneak up on me like that. What do you want?

He says very angrily with me. This guy looks like he hasn’t slept in ages but honestly who sleeps these days anyway.

Freddie: Were you expecting visitors?

Boone: Yeah. I guess maybe I am. But not like you. Huh. Maybe it should’ve been you I was expecting all along.

Why does it sound like everyone is flirting with me? Guess my head isn’t right yet.

Boone: Why are you here?

Freddie: Oh I just like meeting new people.

Boone: I think you’d better leave.

Freddie: Come on man, I’m just making friendly conversation.

Boone: I don’t have friends here.

Not getting rid of me that easily. I have to get this guy to open up just a little.

Freddie: Well, I’m not from here, buddy.

Boone: No. No you’re not, are you? Maybe you shouldn’t go. Not just yet. I need someone I can trust. You’re a stranger. That’s a start.

See what I mean?

Freddie: You only trust strangers?

Boone: I said it was a start. This town… Nobody looks me straight in the eye anymore.

Freddie: What do you need me to do?

Boone: I want you to find something else for me. I don’t know if there’s anything to find, but I need someone to try. My wife was taken from our home by Legion slavers one night while I was on watch. They knew when to come and what route to take, and they only took Carla. Someone set it up. I don’t know who.

Woah, this got dark fast.

Freddie: You’re trying to track down your wife?

He gives me an angry expression.

Boone: My wife’s dead. I want the son of a bitch who sold her.

Okay!

Freddie: How do you know she’s dead?

Boone: I know, all right? And that’s all you need to know.

He snaps at me and I raise my hands up to calm him down.

Freddie: What do I do if I find this person?

Boone: Bring him out in front of the nest here while I’m on duty. I work nights. I’ll give you my NCR beret to put on. It’ll be our signal, so I know you’re standing with him. And I’ll take care of the rest. I need to do this myself.

Freddie: Alright, Boone, I'll see what I can do.

Boone: Good. I’ll make it worth your while. And one more thing. We shouldn’t speak again. Not until it’s over. No one in town knows that I know what happened to my wife. Best they never know. Or the Legion will be after me next.

He hands me his beret and I make my way out of the dinosaur. Boone’s putting a lot of faith into me and hopes I can find whoever sold his wife to the Legion. I have to ask around and look around to find solid evidence on who did it. I’ve got your back, Boone.

~~~~~

First, I check in with Cliff Briscoe, owner of the little shop in the dinosaur. He says that he and Carla didn’t speak much. Said she was in his store once but didn’t stay long. He also said that Boone did most of the buying for them. He goes on to say that she had a look on her face like she’d smell something sour, but that the shop always smelled as fine as it always does. Secondly, I go find Ranger Andy. Said Carla was a knockout and that whenever Boone walked around her, he always had this funny grin on his face like he couldn’t believe his luck.

Ranger Andy: I knew we couldn’t. That wasn’t the only reason she stuck out. That girl never minced words. If she’s had better food or hospitality, she’d let you hear it. Trouble was, she usually had. I don’t think she meant it. She really was a sweet girl. I think she just wanted to remind herself that there are still nicer places in the world than Novac. Who could blame her for that?

Seems like Andy thought kindly of Carla, so not that person I’m looking for.

Next, I find Manny in his room. He tells me that Boone and he used to be snipers for the NCR but now their not a friendly terms.

Freddie: Why are you in bad terms with Boone?

Manny: Me and his wife, we didn’t see eye-to-eye on some things. We had some pretty big arguments. One day she turns up missing, and he hasn’t said a word to me since.

Boone must think Manny had something to do with his wife going missing. He tells me that he had a problem with Boone’s wife trying to take him away from Manny, he obviously had a big problem with some city lady taking his best friend away.

Manny: Believe me. When I heard the news my first thought was, I owe somebody, big. I figured Boone would come around after a while. But he hasn’t. And I’m starting to think that if he doesn’t find her, things will never go back to the way they were.

Freddie: Just how many people hated Carla?

Manny: Man, everybody. That girl didn’t have one friend in this whole town. She didn’t want any. She wanted to sit in her room all day and make herself miserable. And she went out of her way to be rude. She upset a lot of people. You wouldn’t have liked her, either.

I feel like Manny is taking a few liberties with this story, she couldn’t have been that awful. I thank him anyway and finally decide to check up Jeannie, the owner of Novac.

Freddie: What can you tell me about Boone’s wife?

Jeannie: How should I put it? I guess you could say she was kinda like a cactus flower. Real pretty to look at, but there was just no getting close to her. She never did take living here. She liked the big lights and fast living of New Vegas. I got the feeling she was trying to get Boone to leave with her, but I guess she got tired of waiting. I know he thinks she was kidnapped, but I’m not so sure she didn’t just run off on her own. You could tell she was thinking about it ever since they arrived.

Well, that whole story sounds like a bunch of brahmin shit! Something isn’t adding up with Jeannie’s story, so far I’ve heard that she loved Boone quite a lot and he loved her. Why the hell would she just get up and walk off? Especially with how dangerous the Mojave is. I think Jeannie is hiding something and I intend to find out. I wait around the main office until Jeannie walks out to go to her room. I’ve seen a safe just behind the desk there, maybe there’s something inside that could help me.

I get up to unlock the safe and once I’m in I see a piece of paper, after reading I found out that it’s a bill of sale… For Carla… I read that the Legion came by and offered to buy her off of Jeannie, she gave them rights of ownership and sale for one thousand bottle caps. Things get worse as I go on and read “...and those of her unborn child for the sum of five hundred bottle caps…”

Boone was right all along, Jeannie was annoyed with Carla because she was a bit of a snob and sold her as a slave along with her unborn child. This is the most horrifying thing I’ve heard so far. All because she didn’t like her?! Well, it’s time for Boone to get his revenge.

~~~~~

I go to Jeannie’s room and knock on the door, she opens the door.

Freddie: Hey, Jeannie, Come with me. There’s something you should see, in front of the dinosaur.

Jeannie: Okay. If that’s what you think.

Yeah, I do think that.

I lead her out of Novac and right in front of the nest like Boone said. She looks around at nothing while I put it on Boone’s beret and he takes the shot right then and there. I’m caught off guard.

Freddie: Fuck!

I jump out of the way as Jeannie falls to the ground, her head was completely blown off. Talk about some shot. I rush back to the dinosaur and up the stairs where Boone is waiting for me.

Boone: That’s it. How did you know?

I hand him the bill of sale.

Freddie: I found this in her safe, Jeannie did it.

Boone: I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. It’d be like them to keep paperwork.

Boone takes his beret back but gives me another 1st Recon beret he had with him.

Boone: Here. This is all I can give. I think our dealings are done here.

Freddie: What will you do after this?

Boone: I don’t know. I won’t be staying. I know that. Don’t see much point in anything right now, except hunting legionaries. Maybe I’llwonder, like you.

Freddie: Hey, why don’t you come with me? Let’s go after the Legion.

Boone: You don’t want to do that.

Freddie: We’ll kill more with two of us.

Boone: Yeah. That might be true. And that’s reason enough for me to take you up on it. I suppose. But this isn’t gonna end well.

<Boone has given you the Spotter perk, this will help you see enemies from far away or even the dark much better>

Boone: Fine. Let’s get out of here.

Freddie: Great. We heading to New Vegas. I have a score to settle. Wait, the name Benny doesn’t mean anything to you does it?

Boone: No.

I put on the beret that he gave me.

Freddie: Since you gave me this one, do you ever take yours off?

Boone: No.

What an open book this guy is.

Soon enough I finally make it to the famous gambling town of Primm, but I’m not allowed to survey the area just yet as I’m attacked by two people who don’t last very long against me.

Freddie: What a welcome party that was.

I reload my shotgun and take a look around. I see the Mojave Express first, the very place that hired me to be a courier, there’s also a man in front of the office, dead. Those people must’ve killed him some time ago. I rush over to him.

Freddie: Daniel Wyand huh. What’s this?

I pick up a note from his body. “Mojave Express Delivery Order (4 of 6)?” Guess this guy was a courier like me, looks like he made his delivery but must’ve been shot up by those people. His order is very similar to mine but he had to make a delivery of “Two (2) Oversized Dice, composed of fuzzy material.”

Freddie: Odd.

Leaving the note with the man, I turn to see “Vikki & Vance,” a pretty popular casino in Primm. Obviously. If people would hide anywhere from whoever is attacking the town it’s got to be in there.

~~~~~

As soon as I walk in an older man takes me aside.

Johnson: I don’t know what it was brought you to Primm, youngster, but you might want to rethink your plans. Town’s gone to hell.

Freddie: Uh, do you know where I can find the courier office?

Johnson: Sure do. I run the courier office out of my shop. Leastaways I did before things went to hell around here.

Freddie: I’m a courier with the Mojave Express.

Johnson: Well, I don’t got any work right now, sorry to say.

Freddie: I’d hate to say this, but I lost a package I was supposed to deliver.

Johnson: I’ll tell you whatever I can. Do you have a delivery order you can show me?

I pull out my order and hand it to him, he takes a look in which his expression changes.

Johnson: Oh, so you’re talking about one of them packages. That job had strange written all over it. But we couldn’t turn down the caps.

He hands the paper back to me.

Freddie: What was strange about it?

He places a finger over his chin.

Johnson: That cowboy robot had us hire six couriers. Each was carrying something a little different. A pair of dice, a chess piece, that kind of stuff. Last word I had from the office, it looked like payment had been received for the other five jobs. Guess it was just your chip that didn’t make it. First deadbeat we hired to do the job canceled. Hope a storm from the Divide skins him alive. Well, that’s where you came in.

A cowboy robot?! Could he mean Victor? If so, just what the hell is Victor up to? I also find it strange that my package was the only one to gone astray, even Daniel managed to deliver his before coming back to Primm and getting shot up while going to collect his bonus.

Freddie: You wouldn’t happen to know anything about the people who stole my package, would you?

Johnson: Well, now that you mention it, a few nights back one of the townies was out scavenging for supplies. He said he saw a fella with a daisy suit come through with some of them Great Khan misfits. They was talking about a chip.

Freddie: One of those men shot me. I need to know the best way to get to them.

Johnson: Well for that your best bet is going to be talking to Deputy Beagle. Since they came to town he was keeping a good bit of notes on them, and he was slinking around Bison Steve when your pretty-boy friend came through. He may have heard where they were going.

Freddie: Where might I find him?

Johnson: Last I heard he was locked up inside the Bison Steve. Those escaped convicts must’ve done so.

Freddie: Thank you. I’ll take care of any other convicts I see.

Johnson: Don’t go getting yourself shot now.

Nice joke, Nash, a bit too late for that now.

~~~~~

I head on over to the other casino, taking out other convicts I see along the way. Once I’m inside and I move around a counter, I see a man with his hands tied, kneeling on the floor.

Deputy Beagle: I don’t suppose you came here to recuse me? I’d cross my fingers but my hands are numb.

Freddie: You must be Deputy Beagle.

Deputy Beagle: Why, yes I am. It’s pleasure to meet you.

I’m in a bit of a predicament here. I’d be most appreciative if you’d set me free.

Freddie: I hear you may have information on some khans that came through here with a guy in a checkered suit.

He nods.

Deputy Beagle: My good sir, I believe I may have some information that would prove useful. If you would just untie my hands I’d be more than happy to share that information I have with you.

I untie the man and he stands up to stretch his hand around. What a relief that must be.

Freddie: So, what can you tell me about those guys?

Deputy Beagle: I overheard them saying that they are on their way to Novac. If you want to follow them I strongly suggest that you follow the road through Nipton. There are a lot of dangerous things out in the desert, and you won’t have me with you to protect you, as I need to stay here and keep Primm safe.

Freddie: Don’t you worry, Deputy, I can handle myself just fine. It’s going to take a lot more bullets to put me down.

I say proudly and with much confidence like I can definitely hold my own out there. I’m a simple mailman. I might as well not set my standards too high.

~~~~~

After helping around Primm for awhile and even getting my first companion, a friendly little eyebot named ‘ED-E’ like the rusted license plate on the side of its body says, ED-E and I head east towards Nipton. But as soon as I see the town, I see smoke rising from many buildings! What’s going on?! I rush forward and see a man running towards me, but he seems, happy?

Oliver: Yeah! Who won the lottery? I did! Smell that air! Couldn’t ya just drink it like booze!

Freddie: What sort of lottery did you win?

Oliver: What lottery? The lottery, that’s what lottery! Are you stupid? Only lottery that matters! Oh my god smell that air!

Freddie: Alright, time for me to go.

Oliver: Later.

I get hit with whiplash on how calmly he said that but what lottery? Does it have something to do with why the town is burning? I look over a flag, it has a bull on it. I walk carefully into town and see a big pile of tires in middle burning away with a bunch of burned skeletons too. What is happening?

Walking towards the town hall I spot people that have been crucified on crosses, who would do such a thing?! I walk closer and these people in crimson armor walk towards me. One has the head of a wolf around his head, he must be the leader here. We stop a good distance from each other, he smiles.

Vulpes Inculta: Don’t worry, I won’t have you lashed to a cross like the rest of these degenerates. It’s useful that you happened by. I want you to witness the fate of the town of Nipton, to memorize every detail. And then, when you move on? I want you to teach everyone you meet the lesson that Caesar’s Legion taught here, especially any NCR troops you run across.

Why did he say Caesar like that? It sounded more like ‘Kai-sar.’ Also, who the hell does this guy think he is? Telling me what to do.

Freddie: What ‘lessons’ did you teach here?

Because putting someone on a cross to die sure is a lesson.

Vulpes Inculta: Where to begin? That they are weak, and we are strong? This much was known already. But the depths of their moral sickness, their dissolution? Nipton serves as the perfect object lesson.

Huh? The hell is he talking about?

Freddie: What exactly happened here?

While I can’t see his eyes I know he’s looking at me like I’m stupid by the way his mouth turned into a frown.

Vulpes Inculta: Nipton was a wicked place, debased and corrupt. It served all comers, as long as they paid. Profligate troops, Powder Gangers, men of the Legion such as myself - the people here didn’t care. It was a town of whores. For a pittance, the town agreed to lead those it had sheltered into a trap. Only when I sprang it did they realize they were caught inside it, too.

Is this guy even speaking English? What is this very old world tone?

Freddie: You captured everyone?

Vulpes Inculta: Yes, and herded them to the center of town. I told them their sins, the foremost being disloyalty. I told them that when Legionaries are disloyal, some are punished, the others made to watch. And I announced the lottery. Each clutched his ticket, hoping it would set him free. Each did nothing, even when “loved ones” were dragged away to be killed. We must go now, but be reminded that there will be more lessons to learn. Head the warning.

Vulpes and his men turn east and start walking. I have the choice to put an end to these guys but something is stopping me from pulling out my shotgun. These are bad people with bad intentions, what’s going on?! Maybe it’s fear, but of what I don’t know. Could be that there’s too many of them or maybe I’m just scared of Vulpes himself. Whatever the reason I must continue on my journey by heading northeast to find Novac.

Freddie: Let’s hurry, ED-E, before these guys decide to shoot us when we’re not looking.

He makes some beeps and boops conforming that we should go.

~~~~~

As I headed northbound, killing any wild creature that dares to attack me, I see what seems to be a large T-Rex statue. You don’t see that every day. This must be Novac. I get closer and see that it is, the sign out in front has gone from ‘No Vacancy’ to ‘Novac.’ I love that. I walk a little closer to admire that statue I see.. Victor?! I see him from the corner of my eyes and I can’t believe it! What’s he doing here?!

Victor: Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit, if it ain’t my old friend from Goodsprings!

Charming.

Freddie: What are you doing in Novac?

Victor: Don’t rightly know - I just got the notion to make my way to New Vegas. Reckon I’ll find out when I get there.

Freddie: Quite a coincidence us meeting like this.

I laugh nervously.

Victor: Seeing how this is the only road around, I’d be a sight more surprised if we didn’t run into each other from time to time.

Freddie: Just stay out of my way, robot.

Victor: I’ll let that slide seeing how you gotta mind full of vengeance for that no-good polecat and all.

He then carries on like normal, I better watch out for him in the future. ED-E and I walk into the main office of Novac.

Jeannie: Well. Welcome to you. You look tired from the road. Why don’t you relax a spell, let this fine town take care of you?

Freddie: I’m looking for a man in a checkered coat. Have you seen anyone like that?

Jeannie: Well he might’ve been wearing a fancy outfit, but he wasn’t any kind of a gentleman to me. Had his nose stuck so high in the air, you couldn’t see it above the clouds. City folk, they always think they deserve better than what they got. Those hoodlums he was with seemed to know Manny for some reason. He’s our daytime sniper, up in the dinosaur’s mouth.

So, those Great Khans know this Manny fellow, best have a talk with him.

Freddie: Thanks for the information, and yes I’ll be renting a room for tonight.

~~~~~

I tell ED-E to wait for me in the motel room, he beeps and floats off while I make my way into the dinosaur to talk with Manny, I walk into what seems to be a shop then walk some stairs to the sniper’s nest. As soon as I open the door, Manny turns around.

Manny: What’s going on, man?

Freddie: I’m looking for a man in a checkered coat.

Manny: Sure I know him. What do you want with him?

Freddie: I have a score to settle with him.

Manny: Doesn’t surprise me. Guy seemed like he’d do whatever it takes to get what he wants. Probably makes a lot of enemies. Well listen, I can definitely help you find him, but I’ve got problems of my own. Maybe we can do a trade. You need my help. There’s something I need, too.

Freddie: What do you need?

Manny then goes on to tell me a story about scavengers and ghouls, he goes on to ask me if I can go and clear out the nearby REPCONN test site from all the ghouls that sometimes like to wander a little too far from the test site. Alrighty, if I’m gonna get information out of him I need to do this job. I agree to help, so I go on and get ED-E to help me take these ghouls out.

Not long after I took a small yet quick break, I was smacked on the head from behind and taken somewhere I didn’t recognize. Maybe because I was too busy looking at my hands, which have been tied together now. I try and break free, but it doesn’t work.

???: Guess who’s waking up over here?

I hear a voice say in front of me, so I look up to see three men, two look almost the same and one has a checkered coat. Who gets this fancy for a kidnapping?

Man with checkered coat: Time to cash out…

The fancy one says as he puts out his cigar by crushing it under his foot.

???: Will you get it over with?

The guy on his right (my left) says impatiently and the fancy guy just raising a finger to shut him up.

Man with checkered coat: Maybe Kahns kill people without looking them in the face. But I ain't-a fink.

He puts his arm down.

Man with checkered coat: Dig?

He then reached into his coat and pulls out a poker chip, the very thing I was delivering.

Man with checkered coat: You made your last delivery, kid. Sorry, you got twisted up in this scene.

I’m almost tempted to jump up and get back that chip when he puts it away and pulls a very fancy looking pistol out instead.

Man with checkered coat: From where you're kneeling must seem like an 18 carat run of bad luck. Truth is.

He points the gun at me.

Man with checkered coat: The game was rigged from the start.

*BANG*

~~~~~

My vision slowly comes back as I look at a ceiling fan. What happened last night? I can’t seem to remember a thing from before now that I’ve woken up. Oh no.

???: You’re awake. How about that.

I sit up while holding my head, this makes the doctor sit forward and hold on steady.

???: Woah easy there. Easy. You been out cold a couple of days now. Why don’t you relax a second? Get your bearings.

Did this doctor save me? How did he manage to save my life after I was shot in the head? That’s impossible. He then helps me stand up.

???: Okay. No sense keeping you in bed anymore. Let’s see if we can get you on your feet.

Freddie: Thanks, doc..?

Doc Mitchell: Doc Mitchell at your service. Seems you took quite the nasty blow last night, so says the robot that dug you out the ground. It took me a while but I managed to pull out two bullets and a lot of shrapnel out your head there.

Freddie: Did you say two bullets?

Doc Mitchell: It was surprising to me too, especially when I saw that you would make a full recovery. You must be real special.

As if one wasn’t enough for that asshole who kidnapped me he just had to shoot me twice. Looks like it still wasn’t enough. I simply laugh with the doctor.

Freddie: Guess so.

Doc Mitchell: Well, why don’t we start from the top? Follow me, I’d like to ask you a couple of questions. See if your dogs are still barking.

We head into another room and I take a seat on a couch while he takes a seat in another chair just in front of me.

Doc Mitchell: All right, I’m gonna say a word and I want you to say the first thing that comes to mind.

Let’s hope I can still think straight or think at all.

~~~~~

After answering many but quick questions, Doc Mitchell gets me set and ready to get on my way to hunt down the man who shot me.

Doc Mitchell: Here. These are yours. Was all you had on you when you was brought in.

He hands me some items and a note.

Doc Mitchell: Hope you don’t mind that I read it, doesn’t say much but it does mention something about a “Platinum Chip.”

The chip!

Freddie: Well, thanks again, Doc, I owe you my life.

We bid each other goodbye and I step outside into the hot weather. The first thing I do once I’m outside is read the note.

*

INSTRUCTIONS

Deliver the package at the north entrance to the Vegas Strip, by way of Freeside. An agent of the recipient will meet you at the checkpoint, take possession of the package, and pay for the delivery. Bring the payment to Johnson Nash at the Mojave Express agency in Primm.

Bonus on completion: 250 caps.

MANIFEST

This package contains:

One (1) Oversized Poker Chip, composed of Platinum

CONTRACT PENALTIES

You are an authorized agent of the Mojave Express Package until delivery is complete and payment has been processed, contractually obligated to complete this transaction and materially responsible for any malfeasance or loss. Failure to deliver the proper recipient may result in forfeiture of your advance and bonus, criminal charges, and/or pursuit by mercenary reclamation teams. The Mojave Express is not responsible for any injury or loss of life you experience as a result of said reclamation efforts.

*

Freddie: Who the hell wanted that thing in the first place? What’s so special about a platinum poker chip? My gut tells me I won’t find out. Oh well.

I put the note away and see a robot rolling around on one wheel, is that the robot Doc Mitchell mentioned digging me out of the ground? Better go and talk to it.

Freddie: Excuse me.

Making my way down the hill towards the robot, he turns to face me, now I was expecting to see a robot without a face. It has one for sure, there’s a cowboy on the screen on the front of its body.

???: Howdy partner! Might I say, you’re looking as fit as a fiddle.

Freddie: Hello. Uh, thanks for digging me out of the ground.

I chuckle nervously.

???: Don’t mention it! I’m always ready to lend a helping hand to a stranger in need.

Freddie: So, what’s your name? I’m Freddie.

Victor: The name’s Victor.

Freddie: I’ve never seen a robot like you before.

Victor: I’m a securitron, RobCo security model 2060-B. If you ever see any of my brothers, tell them Victor says howdy.

RobCo huh. Mmm alright then, seems like something they’d build.

Freddie: Do you know anything about the people that attacked me?

Victor: Can’t say I’m familiar with the rascals. Some of the fine folk in town might be able to help you out with that.

Well, that was useless. I was actually excited about this robot and maybe thought he could help me.

Freddie: Alright Victor, I'll see you some other time.

Victor: Happy trails!

He waves at me and continues to roll around, guess I better start asking around town. Looking around I decided that I’ll stop by the general store first. Please have some good news.

~~~~~

Freddie: Hello?

I say cautiously as I step inside, a man with a beard looks up from the counter with a smile.

Chet: You must be the one Doc Mitchell was patching up. The way I heard it, I didn’t think you’d be walking out of that office. The name’s Chet by the way.

Freddie: It's a miracle alright, I didn’t think I’d be waking up either. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about the people who attacked me, would you?

Chet: The leader was a New Vegas-type, typically city boy. He had a bunch of Great Kahns with him, probably hired guns. The Great Kahns normally stay in their own territory way up northwest, on account of them being enemies with the NCR.

Freddie: What can you tell me about the Great Kahns?

Chet: They’re tough sons of bitches, mean but not crazy - they’ll leave you alone unless you have something they want. They deal in illegal chems. There’s a good chance that most chems you come across are made by them.

Freddie: I doubt I’ll ever use chems but thanks for the info.

He laughs.

Chet: I don’t believe you can run packages across the Mojave just as you are.

I laugh.

Freddie: It’s a gift. Mind telling me how I can get to the strip?

Chet: There are two ways but people like us take the way through Freeside. The other way is used by the NCR in Camp McCarran, I doubt they’ll let anyone but NCR soldiers use it.

I remember the note saying something about Primm. Maybe I should head back to the express and talk about what happened to me and the package.

Freddie: I’ll keep that in mind, thank you.

Chet: You take care now.

Freddie: I’ll certainly will.

I bid the man goodbye and walk back outside the door. I equip my sturdy caravan shotgun and my broad machete.