This LP is rigged from the start...Hey, we made it to Vegas!

[RK47]

We'll blow it up then.

There it goes...

Looks like one failed to ignite.

As for the other two...

Whoops.

Too bad Chris wasn't here to witness this. Heh heh. Wonder if he heard the explosion from Novac?

Looks like nobody's gonna miss the ghouls at all. Time to report my success to Manny.

The ghouls are no longer in REPCONN.

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.

Now about the man I'm looking for.

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

I marked the location on my Pip Boy.

Any idea why they went that way?

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

And everybody loves me for blowing up that rocket! Awesome. I rested a while in my motel room before heading out to check on Ranger Station Charlie down south.

It was late night when I got there, too quiet. No guards patrolled the perimeter, something's wrong.

Not again.

A frag mine underneath the corpse. Which can only mean Caesar's Legion is behind this.

I found two audio logs left behind under the desk.

...drove the raiders off. No casualties. In the meantime- Patrol's back. They're late. I hope they've got a good excuse. What took-

The first audio log ends there..I played the second one.

This is a message to the NCR from the Legion. We are coming for you. Run, and we will catch you. Hide, and we will find you. No matter what you do, you are all going to die. We took one of the women alive.

They must've attacked from the east...I decided to investigate the rest of the ranger station before attempting a search.

The Legion still resorting to dirty tricks as they left a tripwire to the next room. Two dead bodies in the next room...one of the Ranger had his armor on. I gave it to Boone.

Satisfied with my investigation, I set off out of the station to the east to search for the Legion raiders. It was morning by then.

I spotted a group of Legions on patrol and opened fire with my scoped varmint rifle. The forward scout dropped in one hit.

The rest rushed forward, one fella was right beneath the cliff I'm on, clutching a hand grenade.

I took out my Cowboy Repeater and took aim before firing.

With satisfying result. Our hunt lasted throughout the day till evening, we ambushed a Legion camp at midnight.

How does it feel to wake up with a pistol on your face?

In total, we killed around ten legionaries but found no traces of the missing NCR woman. I called off the search and returned to Ranger Andy in Novac with the bad news.

Those were good men at the station. Good men. This whole town was sleeping a lot easier because of them. Now, who knows what we're in for? The Legion? Christ, we'd be better off with Raiders. Well, thanks for telling me. I know that knowledge didn't come without risk. Tell you what. I'll pay you for what you did, but I'll do you one better, too. There's one move we have in Rangers for knocking an opponent off his feet. Saved my butt a bunch of times, maybe it will for you too. Let me show you how it's done...

He taught me the Ranger take down move. I can use this move by moving backwards, then dropping on the floor to execute a leg sweep at my enemy, knocking him down. I went back to my motel room to rest before heading out of town. I decided to chat with Boone to know him better in the morning.

What is it you aren't telling me about what happened to your wife?

You got no right asking me that. Drop it.

You're right. I was out of line.

It's just something I'm not ready to discuss. With you or anybody. The Legion's the only thing I want on my mind right now.

What outfit did you serve in the military with?

First NCR Recon. It's a sniper battalion. Sees a lot of action. They moved us around a lot. I was stationed at Camp Golf for a while. Last I heard they were at Camp McCarran.

How did you happen to join First Recon?

They pick you out if you do well at the firing range. Pays a little better, so I said okay.

Is that a First Recon Beret?

Yeah, you can tell by the patch. Bear skull with crossed rifle behind it. Slogan underneath.

What's the slogan?

The last thing you never see. Pretty accurate, and so were we.

Were you at Bitter Springs with First Recon?

I was in a lot of places with First Recon. I don't really remember.

Very evasive of him. I like this guy, it's like a hard version of Carth Onasi. Less emo, and he prefer to kill people rather than go into a whiny fit about his situation.

You must've been in Bitter Springs. What happened there?

That part of my life is over now. So is this discussion.

Well, fine. We moved eastward out of Novac and see what we could do about the Legion forces occupying Nelson. That's when Boone stopped me.

We're getting close to Nelson. Any closer, I'm shooting any legionary I see. Hope that's not a problem.

No, that's not a problem. That's a solution.

Damn right. You and I, we're just a couple of problem solvers.

King Leonidas blocks our way to Nelson however.

The name's Alex Bandon.

My apologies, but that name and face ain't ringing the old school bell upstairs. Afraid I can't let you through until the situation is resolved.

If I had better NCR reputation, he might be more helpful, but I guess I have to do a little convincing.

(Speech) You may not know me, but I'm no friend of the Leigon, and I'll lend a hand to get rid of them.

Fair enough. It's not like any of the troopers here are jumping to volunteer. If you had a few dozen doses of Psycho on you, maybe we could pep these weepy troopers into charging down into Nelson and taking back the camp. But since that's not likely, you could help me take out the Legion's trooper hostages.

Why take out the hostages?

The troopers won't go down into camp with their comrades at risk. Dirty game by the Legion likes to roll out whenever they get a chance. Problem is, Ranger Milo doesn't want to play. If we take out the hostages, they've got squat for leverage.

Why don't you try to rescue them?

Back at Ranger school, they taught us not to run headlong into battle when you're outnumbered ten to one. You want to go down there and haul those crippled boys off those poles, you're dumber than you look.

Whatever. I'll still give it a try.

Fine. Let's go.

Good. We clear out the hostages and they lose their advantage. They're down in a clearing, crucified on some telephone poles. I'll cover you from the ridge. just make it quick. These boys should be put out of their misery, not plinked to death with some old varmint rifle. And don't get any dreamy notions about playing the hero and dragging those boys out. You'll get swarmed. Now let's go.

The Ranger set off and I ran to catch up to him. That's when Boone muttered something.

To hell with mercy killing. We're getting those guys out of there.

By the time I got at the vantage point, Milo has already started shooting. The problem is he attracted too much attention and got three legionaries charging up close to his position. I can't let that happen.

I held my position as I helped Milo deal with the oncoming Legion.

Finally the onslaught was over and I can make my move.

I told ED-E and Boone to stay put and cover me from the cliff. I have an idea.

This should do just fine.

I made it to the three crucified troopers without raising the alarm.

Satisfied with the safety of the troopers, I untied them and let them run up the hill where Milo is waiting.

Milo grinned when he saw me up the cliff.

I have to admit, I didn't think you could do it. Guess that makes me the sap and you the hero. I'm not authorized to pay for contract work, but here's something for the effort. And I'll make sure everyone hears about what you did. Thanks.

Boone looks pleased.

Mercy killing is expected of NCR snipers. The Legion likes to torture their prisoners within sight of NCR positions. We get called on to end it. I've had my share. Some of them, you think, maybe you could've gotten them out. Maybe it's not the Legion that got them killed. Maybe it's your orders and you following them.

Yeah, that would feel really terrible if I had to do it.

Want to talk about Bitter Springs now? What happened there?

We won.

That's it?

Look, we've done some traveling together, but we're not exactly comrades-in-arms. I'm not ready to swap war stories.

I've seen my share of terrible things. You can talk to me about it.

Maybe some other time...

Such as hard-ass. No wonder Manny wants to drill him.

 

[RK47]

With nothing left to do at Novac, I finally made my way to Boulder City, a small town close to Hoover Dam.

A lone trooper stood at a memorial stone in the town.

You're here to pay your respects too?

What is this memorial?

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 of troops in the fighting, though. My older brother sacrificed himself so they could evacuate some of the wounded.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Don't worry about it. 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 the 188, but they're not due to arrive for awhile yet.

I head to the bar but found just the lone bartender standing at the counter.

He looks equally surprised to see me.

A customer! Not many people come into Boulder City these days.

Tell me about Boulder City.

Most of the town is rubble - destoyed during the battle of Hoover Dam - and the only other thing around here is the concrete mixing yard. Most of the limestone for the concrete came from Quarry Junction out west, but I hear some Deathclaws overran the quarry.

Hm, that's probably why Benny and his gang took this route to the Strip.

With no work to be had, all the workers around here have wandered off. I'm the only left in town.

That's...depressing. He hasn't seen Benny and his gang either...so I walked the streets in search of clues. That's when a NCR officer caught my eye.

What's going on with the Great Khans?

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.

These Great Khans might have something of mine - a platinum chip.

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

I could sneak in there and try to get your hostage out.

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. If we hear shooting, we'll be coming in, but it'll probably be too late for you.

Don't worry about me. I can handle myself in a fight.

Four NCR Troopers are in position to assault the ruined building. I told Boone to take up sniping position. As usual, ED-E won't be much help in here as well. They don't seem hostile at all to me. So I walked casually to their direction, maybe they mistook me for NCR negotiator.

I spotted a lone guard watching over the two hostages, a 10mm SMG at the ready to kill them the moment NRC forces attack. I've got to handle that one first..there's a convenient backdoor for the hostage to make their escape.

The second storey has a lone Khan. A simple solution would be mining the staircase down.

The biggest problem would be two Khans outside the building. They'll probably rush inside to gun down the hostages the moment gunfire is heard. I hope Boone and the NCR troops can handle them before it gets bad for the hostages. I think I've planned enough, I decided to try talking the Khan leaders into surrendering first. They're holed up inside the building.

I recognized this guy instantly. That's the asshole with the shovel, right of Manny when I was shot.

Well, I'm not, and I believe you have something of mine.

Yeah..about that...

Where's the chip?

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 us.

What can you tell me about Benny?

He's one of the Chairman, big shots who run the Tops Casino in New Vegas. A friend from the city contacted with info on a big job. I should've known that the caps were too good to be true, but there was still no way I could pass up the chance.

What do you know about the Platinum Chip?

Just a big, fancy poker chip as far as I know. Don't know why anyone would make one out of platinum, though.

Let's talk about settling things between you an the NCR.

What's to negotiate? The NCR backs off, we walk out of here, nobody gets hurt.

(Speech) If you let the hostages free now, maybe the NCR would just let you go.

Right, and they'd probably give us all medals, too. Maybe I should kill a hostage because you wasted my time with this shit.

Any chance you're willing to surrender?

And face NCR's justice? No thanks. I'd rather not spend the next ten years doing hard labor.

I'm willing to hear other suggestions.

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

Hmph. I won't help these trash pay off the NCR. They helped Benny rob me and then left me to die in that grave. I think it's payback time. I stepped out and placed some mines on the staircase.

As for the one guarding the hostages...

I stuffed a live powder charge down her pants.

The contents of her lower body shortly exploded in a shower of gore and blood.

At first, I was concerned for the hostages safety, but realized they were unharmed except for a few spattered blood on their uniform.

I untied the hostages and instructed them to leave by the back door. Upon hearing the explosion, the rest of raiders opened fire at the NCR troops outside. The Boulder City Showdown is on.

A series of explosion from the second floor confirmed that one Khan didn't survive his descent to the first floor.

And outside Boone and his NCR buddies made short work of the two Khans.

Then it was all quiet before I rushed with Boone to tackle the Khan leaders inside.

Jessup was terrified as Boone finished off his right hand man with a shot to the back of his head. I wasn't gonna miss at this range.

Revenge is sweet.

 

[SoupNazi]

Do you have a gibs mod or the bloody mess perk? The way that Khan chick explodes is something I've never seen before.

 

[Azira]

He pickpocketed live explosives into her pants. I guess some red mist is to be expected?

 

[SoupNazi]

I mean the way her torso explodes in half. Even if I reverse pickpocket explosives in people's inventories, the most I get are a blown off leg, usually just from down below, too. Maybe it has to do with the explosive used, since I usually used dynamite only.

 

[Black]

Good riddance blowing the ghouls up. The world will be better off without religious delusional fags.

 

[RK47]

The 188 Trading Post is directly north of Boulder City, on the way to the Strip. It's time to track down Benny, he should be at the Tops Casino. I met an interesting individual in the post. A robed woman with a power fist on her right arm.

Goodsprings.

Wow, you have come a long way, then. I've never been there., but I've met some traders who pass that way. Well, welcome, then. I'm Veronica. I live in a hole in the ground.

You live in a hole in the ground?

Well, a bunker, if you want to get technical. I think it sounds more interesting my way. But I'm not there much anymore. I'm usually out here picking up food and supplies for my family. Whatever they need.

So you just leave your family in the bunker?

Yeah. I'm not worried. They can handle themselves. But somebody has to get groceries, know what I mean? And actually these days I think they'd rather have me out here anyway. But that's a whole other story. So listen, can I ask you something on the level.

Go ahead.

I had a run-in with this group calling themselves the Brotherhood of Steel. Pretty strange bunch. Do you know anything about them?

(Intelligence) They're usually harmless unless you use advanced technology around them.

Well that shouldn't be a problem for me. I can't afford anything like that. Hey, so where are you headed, anyway?

The Strip.

Ooo. Very exciting. Gonna stike it rich, huh? I'll be honest. You're the first person I've run across out here that looks like he can really handle himself. There are places I've never been that'd be too dangerous for just me. What do you think? Maybe we could travel together, help each other out.

Sounds too convenient, but I like this girl. She's been the only bright spot in a dark and grim wasteland so far. In fact, I think this is the first person I met who has a sense of humor.

Where are you hoping to go?

Oh, nowhere in particular, really. Just hoping to see more of the world. Looking for a fresh perspective. I want to see how different groups have adapted to survive in the Mojave. See if there's something I can learn from.

Okay, let's travel together.

Now you're talking. One thing you should know, first, though. I asked you about the Brotherhood because I'm one of them.

Well, that's a surprise. It caught me off guard a little since she doesn't have a snobby paladin attitude.

I know, I know. But I had to know how you'd react when I told you. We've made a lot of enemies. You still okay bringing me along?

Shouldn't be much of a problem. She's not exactly dressed in power armor or scribe robes.

Actually, I'm more comfortable now that I know you've had some training.

I'm great at punching people. I'm not gonna lie. It's a gift. Thanks for taking a chance on a naive young girl from California with stars in her eyes and pneumatic gauntlet on her hand.

Meet Veronica, bringing her around means we can use the workbench to make items anywhere with her Scribe Assistant perk. According to the New Vegas wiki, she's bugged that she is level-fixed, unable to level up like other companions do. So I downloaded a level fix. Her power fist is probably good enough weapon and hard to replace till late game and she can also wear power armor.

I managed to convince the Gun Runners here to sell me a laser sight for my 10mm pistol, improving its accuracy. I'm ready to move on, but let's chat up with our new scribe, shall we?

I have questions I wanted to ask you.

He was dead when I got there!

She likes crack jokes in between dialogues, depending on the player, this may get annoying or endearing. Me, I think it's her way of keeping sane once I found out her personal conflict. Boone's a vengeance driven psychopath, we'll see what's Veronica angle in all this.

Tell me about the Brotherhood of Steel.

Pays like ass, but it's hard to get other work with my skill set. What do you want to know?

What's their purpose?

Ha! Good question. These days its' hard to say. Once upon a time it was about technology. Controlling it so it couldn't destroy us again. Energy weapons and power armor are usually tops on our list, although I appreciate anything that's vintage. But all that seems so limited now. We haven't grown or adapted. And now we're stuck in a hole, not carrying out our mission.

How did you get to be a member?

More sexual favors than I can even count. I am still tired from it. No, actually, you're born into it. My parents, their parents, so on. When you're young you can choose to leave. But it's home, so most people don't. We don't take new members, really. You can do the math on our long-term prospects based on that point. I keep hoping we'll change that.

So what do you do for them?

I'm a procurement specialist. Like I said, it's basically grocery shopping. Except sometimes the groceries are scavenged parts and arcane technology. The elder who brought us to the Mojave, Father Elijah, usually had me looking for these old memory units. But he'd never tell what they were for. Nowadays, I'm usually sent to do business with traders at places like the 188. But sometimes I think it's just to keep me out of everyone's hair.

Do you like being a member?

I know sometimes I sound like I don't. But there's something that still rings true to me about our code. There's an honor to it. We're protecting people. Even if it's from themselves, it's a good cause. We just lose sight of the big picture sometimes. Treat all our practices with the same sacredness.

What's the Codex?

Ah, the Codex. If it's in there, we have to abide it, if it's not, it's not important. It documents our history, too. Part of what Scribes like me do is update it. Hmm...I wonder...Nah, they'd probably catch it if I edited Skyway's posts.

Does the Brotherhood protect people from raiders or other threats?

No, no. We only protect people from themselves, and only in the sense we don't let them have the really good Pre-War toys. And sometimes it's more like to protect ourselves from them and hope to outlive them and become humanity's sole heirs. We've had people go rogue, though, and start helping people. One chapter had a small civil war over it. We take our isolationism seriously.

I guess the current state of Brotherhood is in decline.

Who is Father Elijah?

He was our Elder when we came East. A wizard with technology, really. His mind just worked that way naturally. Learned a lot from him. But he started having disagreements with the other Elders. The Brotherhood's interest is in old technology. He wanted to explore developing new techs. And there were other ways he wanted to push. Other weapons. Ones with ethics questions attached. Rather than deal with him, they sent him East.

Who was Father Elijah to you?

I would say he was my tutor, but that doesn't cover it. After my parents passed, he looked after me. The whole Brotherhood brought me up, really, but he made sure of it. I never had a grandfather - not that I knew, anyway - but Elijah was in some ways what I'd imagine a grandfather to be.

What did you learn from him?

Elijah could look at an old device and immediately understands what made it work. And he could see its potential. Where it fit with other technology. It's not something you can teach, but he tried with me. Some of it stuck. But that's what he taught me. You asked me what I learned from him.

How is that different? What did you learn from him?

I learned what I don't want to become. In the end, there was just him and his vision. Nothing and no one else.

Where is he now?

I don't know. Last time anyone saw him was in the battle of HELIOS One. I wasn't there. He gave orders to hold the plant until it could be reactivated. But he ran out of time. The NCR overran it. Everyone thought he was dead. But I got a note from him at a comm station. That's how he liked to talk, even to me. He wasn't good at face-to-face.

What was in the note?

It was..strange. Even for Father Elijah. He's always been unstable, but this was something else. He said the Brotherhood was doomed, but that he'd return, save us. But the way he said it...I don't know. Said he'd return with one of the greatest treasures of the Old World, make the Mojave like it was meant to be..wipe the slate clean.

Heh, mad scientists and all.

Do you have any other family in the Brotherhood?

Just my parents, but they haven't been around for a long time. Dad was a Paladin, Mom was a Scribe. They died in the same battle trying to hold off the NCR from something. I don't remember what it was. Guess it seemed important at the time.

Ever been in love?

Ever been nosy? I was, once. We were pretty young, but I like to think it was love.

What happened?

She left the Brotherhood. Wanted to put some distance between herself and her parents.

Uh.....'she'?

Since our members isn't open to outsiders, some members think that obligates all of us to procreate.

Ahhh, no lesbians in Brotherhood!

You can guess which camp her parents belonged to.

What do you think of the NCR?

I'm worried they'll be the death of the Brotherhood. They take what they want. We defend our interests to the death. But there's a handful of us and tens or hundreds of thousands of them. So it's not going to end well. Last time we clashed we lost a lot of people. Retreated to our bunker. Now we're afraid to even more around during the day.

Any thoughts about Caesar's Legion?

Silliest dressed band of raping, slaving marauders you'll see east of California, I'll say that. Where's that touch of Old World class? Although I hear the soldiers mount each other as much as they mount their women, so maybe they did keep a little something from the Empire. No such privilege for the women though. Figures. So to answer your question, they're a bunch of hypocritical jerkwads. It's a word.

 

[Brother None]

Funny to see you could pick up the fuel from a corpse. I just used the fuel from the rocket souvenirs (need like 50 of em).

Writing/setting-wise that was probably my least favorite quest in the game.

Examine it further. If they just crash into each other it's just sort of boring and anticlimactic, so I'm curious what happens if you choose the other option.

Like Azira said, you optimize the flight path. It does nothing. Well, it gives you 55 XP and some positive karma. But has no influence on the ending.

EDIT: I was surprised to really like Veronica. Especially since her casting was basically done on the basis of geeks having a boner for Felicia Day but hell, the celebrity voice acting mostly worked out in this game. Except for Danny Trejo, who's awful.

Didn't you still have Boone along? Got a multi-follower mod?

Also also, Obsidian takes the Codex-traditionalism pretty far. I'd almost think they're...poking fun?

 

[RK47]

Uh. Actually it does have an influence on the ending.

Unless you're bugged out, it determines whether Novac gets help from the ghouls or not when the Legions came and attacked. With the ghouls help, Novac will suffer less damage. Without the ghouls, Novac won't survive since they're not part of NCR and don't get help from anywhere else.

And yes, I'm running multiple companion mod. I found the character quests interesting and don't like the hassle of going back to get them. They're not overpowered except for Boone.

Anyways, Veronica is an unarmed specialist but can use energy weapons. I think I'll set her up with Laser repeater when I find one for outdoors usage, and tell her to go melee when exploring indoors. Also, if you explore a lot of point of interests, the game tends to reward you with unique weapons and skill books (permanent skill increase).

Pretty good. I'm sitting around with a unique Electron Pulse Pistol I got off a crashed vertibird guarded by a shit ton of droids, which I snuck past with a Stealth Boy. Tried to repair at merchant but it costs 10,000 caps. I don't have that kind of money, so we'll see if if I can find something to repair it.

At Energy Weapon skill 20, I'm getting 52 damage from this baby. Should be a monster if I manage to repair it...or maybe pass it to Veronica to vaporize Cazadors.

 

[RK47]

And yeah, unless the Codex adapts to next-gen gaming, it is DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMED.

 

[RK47]

As I headed out of Boulder City, a familiar robot approached into view.

I don't like being followed, robot.

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

Did you see Benny come this way?

Guess it's just down to you and fancy-pants. I wouldn't worry about him - he looked all hat and no cattle i you ask me. I'm sure he ran back to the soft-loving of New Vegas. Look me up when you get to New Vegas - I'll buy the first round.

Looks like I'm getting famous. It's just down to the Strip now. I made my way past a Crimson caravan outpost when I spotted a clinic. I stopped over to pick up some medical supplies and drugs. Turns out they can do implants to improve my physical and mental attributes. Each cost 4,000 caps though. I afforded two operations and improved my Intelligence and Luck.

With that settled, I stopped by a nearby Gun Runner shop and bought additional mods to silence my Varmint Rifle and increase my Cowboy Repeater's rate of fire. I was down to 500 caps after this transaction and made my way to Camp McCarran. I heard there's a tram station leading to the Strip from there.

Dozens of tents set up at the courtyard. It's late. Most of the soldiers are asleep. Veronica glanced around, feeling uncomfortable.

There's a lot more troops here than we thought. No wonder we couldn't hold HELIOS One.

I asked around the troopers on duty and was directed to Colonel Hsu's office.

How are things going for the NCR around here?

Could be better, I'll say that much. We set up here with our sights on annexing New Vegas. That's a lot of resource that could do a lot of good for us. But that hasn't happened. If anything, they annexed us. They rake in the profits from our soldiers, and we're stuck protecting them from the Legion. Not exactly the plan.

Where does that leave you?

Now, we're trying to secure the Strip and the Dam at the same time, and it's costing us. And in the meantime General Oliver won't approve any offensive maneuvers because he doesn't want to risk losing our positions. So we're in a holding pattern here. And Caesar's on the other side of the river, planning.

What's Camp McCarran's role in the NCR operations?

It's our main base. We took it because it lets us keep an eye on the Strip. And it had already been fortified before the Great War. From here we handle most of the logistics for our operations in Nevada. Troop allocation, supply distributions, intel. Usually General Oliver runs the show here, but he's on his way to the Dam now, so I've taken on a lot of his duties here.

What challenges does the NCR face here?

Everything was going according to plan according to President Kimball's plan at first. We met minor resistance from local trouble makers. But our two main objective are still contested. Mr. House controls the Strip and won't so much as meet with our ambassador. And we're holding Hoover Dam, but Caesar's Legion is positioning itself to overrun it. If it falls, so will New Vegas. We'd be forced to withdraw.

You seem calm given that things are as bad as they are.

Calm is what you have to be when people look to you. And it's all you can be when things are out of your hands.

Are things mostly quiet between here and the Dam?

Unfortunately, no. In fact., the word from Ranger stations has been concerning lately. It sounds like they've run into overwhelming resistance and supplies just aren't reaching them. It's been so bad I asked Sergeant Reyes at Camp Forlorn Hope to look into it and see how it is that things could so fouled up there.

I'm up for hire if you need some extra manpower around the base.

Maybe if I help them, they'll let me use the tram to the Strip.

There are a lot of things I can't spare troops for right now. If you can help us, we can definitely pay you for your work. Hmm.. you don't cook by any chance do you? Farber's doing his best, but it's hard to manage an army with half my staff in line for the latrine. Honestly, we're fighting a lot of fires right now. The Fiends keep pressing their position from Vault 3. And we've got Legion breathing down our necks across the river. We actually took an officer alive last week, but so far he hasn't spoken a word.

Interesting.

I bet I could make the Legion prisoner talk.

I have Lt. Boyd on that already, and she's excellent. But I think she's hit a wall. Talk to her, if you like. See if she has any use for you.

I head upstairs to the interrogation room.

Do you need any help?

Yeah, so far this has gone exactly as expected - poorly. But with the work you've done for NCR already, you might be just what I've been looking for.

Looks like my NCR rep allowed me to take on this job.

We captured an honest-to-god Centurion of Caesar's Legion recently.

is that a big deal?

Better believe it. Everybody, everybody in Caesar's Legion from Caesar on down will kill themselves before they can be captured. They're so twitchy they'd probably do it if you reached out to hug them. But here's this guy who's an elite commander in their army and he just gives himself up, even as his men are slitting their own throats around him.

What do you think it means?

Well, I don't know about you, but to me that sounds like a man who's willing to cooperate. Except he hasn't. Only times he speak up is to insult you. he's a real prick, by the way. And I'm supposed to get information out of this guy.

Dialogue choices are - Beating him senseless - Truth Serum - or Calling him hurtful names (lol?)

Why don't you just beat your prisoner senseless?

I like the way you think. Have I said that yet? Problem is that the NCR frowns on using that sort of tactic. There are some restrictions still in place from President Tandi's administration. But here's my favorite thing about you - you're not in the NCR, for all this guy knows, you're completely insane. That's a winning combination.

A glint of wickedness came into her eyes.

So you want me to do what you can't.

I think if you rough him up enough and really put some fear into him, he'll sing like a choir boy. So let's do this. When you're ready, I'll go in and give you a little intro. Then I leave the room and you make him regret the day he was born. We go back and forth a couple of times until either he talks or he can't move his jaw anymore. Either way we've had our entertainment for the day.

I'm going to enjoy this. I walked towards the one-way viewing glass and watched as Lt. Boyd enters the interrogation room.

That so?

I was. I was just thinking about that pretty neck of yours.

How sweet.

I was thinking about how it would look with a Legion slave collar on it.

I'll pass.

Do you know what I love about our slave collars, Lieutenant?

If you love them, maybe you should try one on.

I love how tightly they fit. I train my men to make sure the slaves' bulges a bit around the top and bottom. Know why?

It's all the rage in fashion circles?

Not quite. If you fit it just right, their body never gets used to the feeling of wearing it. It cuts in just enough when they swallow or turn their head to remind them who they belong to. And it's that constant reminder that keeps them docile.

In that case, maybe you'd better save the collar you were going to give me.

Oh? For whom?

For a friend of mine you're about to meet. My friend isn't very docile.

And who is this friend of yours?

You know the rules the NCR instituted to protect enemy prisoner of wars?

Of course.

My friend doesn't. Oh, and Silus? If you resist at all, I'll personally blow your brains out. Come on in. He's all yours. I'll be back in a bit to see how you're getting along. And I'll need you to surrender your weapons before you go in.

With my high sneak skill, I managed to smuggle in several explosives and choice pistols.

But I don't think I need any of them yet.

(Intelligence) I'm with the Legion. I'm here to kill you before you talk.

You're nothing. You're some inept mercenary the NCR is paying to supplement its own incompetent soldiers.

Several latin choice sentences here: Legum servi sumus (We are slaves of the law) / Timeo Danaos et dona ferentis. (Beware of Greeks bearing gifts)

(Intelligence) How naive, Silus. Corruptio optimi pessima (The corruption of the best is the worst of all). Caesar sees you as a threat now.

What? no! Listen, Caesar's secrets are safe with me. I stayed alive because Caesar would've wanted it. I'm useless to him dead.

(Intelligence) You're a danger to him alive. Your knowledge threatens him.

I've told them nothing. They've gotten nowhere. I'm a centurion. I deserve his trust!

(Intelligence) Caesar's Laws are absolute. He does not grant exceptions.

You have to let this go. I'll disappear. No one will ever see me again. That was always the plan in the first place.

(Intelligence) So in addition to treason, you're also a deserter.

NO! That's not what I mean! I-

He cracked.

Lieutenant! This man is trying to kill me! He's not who you think he is!

Boyd stepped into the room after hearing his panicked shouts.

This man is an agent of the Legion on a mission to kill me!

My, we have an active imagination today, don't we?

Think about it! Is it worth the risk? You need what I know.

Well, it sounds like the two of you are becoming fast friends.

It'll be your head if I die, Lieutenant. You'll be disgraced.

You know what? I think you're right, Silus.

Of course I'm right.

Except I don't care, because it'll be worth it.

I think the temperature in the room just dropped a few degrees.

It'll be worth it to never have to hear you say another word, Silus.

You don't have to do this.

(Intelligence) Oh, but I do, Silus. Unlike you, I follow Caesar's orders.

If I had killed myself then I would've been murdering one of Caesar's greatest soldiers. Either choice is a betrayal of the Legion, as I see it.

Popamole excuses.

I've done everything Caesar ever asked me, and this is how I am repaid?! With assassination?! I ambushed countless NCR patrols and wiped them out so that our operatives could move freely.

Go on.

I waited for him to dispatch us for three days, never questioning why the 'headaches' he complained of would hinder his ability to command.

Hmm, Caesar's sick?

I haven't breathed a word about the officer we planted here - he continue to radio intelligence to Caesar's camp nearly every night.

!!!!!!!!!!!

I've proven my loyalty. All you're doing is killing a loyal soldier. If that's Caesar's policy, then I say his empire will crumble.

If his empire falls, it'll probably be because his centuriors are so gullible.

What?! What d you mean?

You've been tricked, Silus. I am working with the NCR. I just got you to talk.

NO! You slimy bastard!

Then he went Cleve-mode.

Nothing I've said will change the outcome for you. No force can hold back the tide of the Legion. This camp and everyone in it will burn!

Yeah, thread moved to retardo-land. Boyd stepped in looking VERY pleased with the result. Silus was too shocked to speak anymore. He sweated profusely, panic in his eyes.

You did well. I don't know how you did it without putting a scratch on him, and I'm a little disappointed personally, but it saved the NCR some face. This is about double the standard fee we'd give a consultant, but from what I saw, you're more of an artist. So think of this as your commission. See you around.

She stepped out of the room with a smile. I wasn't finished yet.

You've out-lived your usefulness, Silus.

Nipton sends its regards, you proud animal.

Burn.

 

[Black]

I found the interrogation really cool. Even more if you use speech instead of INT, you troll Silus until he ragequits.

 

[Havoc]

Like Azira said, you optimize the flight path. It does nothing. Well, it gives you 55 XP and some positive karma. But has no influence on the ending.

Optimizing flight path has no influence... but not helping them, killing them with the crash or helping them get away does influence the ending in Novac.

 

[SoupNazi]

Optimizing flight path has no influence... but not helping them, killing them with the crash or helping them get away does influence the ending in Novac.

It does affect the ending according to the fallout wikia.

 

[RK47]

Tip: Carrying out certain tasks will increase your influence with companions much like KOTOR 2. Each is unique however, Boone involves doing as much hurt to the Legion. Not killing Silus will not give us any influence in this quest. Overall, I like the subtle hints they gave in this game. Boone is pretty much Pro-NCR, picking other factions in late game who will screw over NCR results in him leaving the party.

I don't see what this helps. She's dead.

The better we understand each other, the more effective we'll be.

All right. She... I tracked her down. Southeast, near the river. They were selling her. Saw it through my scope. Whole place swarming with Legion. Hundreds of them. Bidding for things no man has right to. I just had my rifle with me. Just me, against all of them, so..I took the shot.

Better for her to die than live a Legion slave.

Yeah. What they do to women...that's worse than death. There was no choice in what I did. It was more like...being forced to watch something you can't stop. All this was only ever going to play out one way. It still is. I don't have any say. All I can do is wait for it to be done with me.

You make it sound like your wife's death was inevitable.

It was gonna be something. If I'd never met Carla, it would've been something else. I should've never gotten close to her. I've got bad things coming to me. You'd better keep your distance, too.

Why do you think that?

Because fair is fair.

I don't understand.

Better that you don't.

Right. Maybe he checked his Pip-Boy and it showed 'Wife killer' or something. That was a pretty manly way of speaking. Short, and to the point. Huh. OK, let's go for our cute companion, Veronica Santangelo.

As for Veronica, influence is gained by taking her to points of interest. True to her dialogue she wants to see how communities adapted to the wastelands. So take her around places like McCarran, Hoover Dam, Vegas Strip to trigger her influence gains. She's pretty much Pro-Brotherhood, but have no qualms about aiding NCR as long as you don't stomp all over her Brotherhood faction.

You can't help but notice that the RPGCodex barely exists to these people out here. We're like an urban myth. No real presence on the Outside. We don't adapt like we should. Used to be all you needed to get your way was a good argument of choices & consequences and the true meaning of RPG. Now... people are registered in TES forums and organized. They're not afraid. But we still stick to our old approach, because it's all we know.

The RPGCodex is living in the past. Eventually they'll have to change.

I think you're right. We're getting desperate. Hardly enough people to sustain ourselves as chapter. They'll see the light, sooner or later. But I get the feeling if I don't take matters into my own hands, the change won't come in time to make a difference.

A valid concern indeed.

 

[RK47]

I reported the findings to Colonel Hsu, who expressed grave concerns on the intel leak.

We don't have much to go on right now. Lately every raiding party in New Vegas seems to have a map of our troops movements. It derails everything. Supplies, reinforcements. And it'll only get worse, the longer we let it go on. Captain Curtis is heading up the investigation right now. He can fill you in.

I meet the Captain in his office to start the investigation.

Nice to meet you. I'm Curtis. My gamebryo face model greatly resembles Hsu, hence the confusion I may cause to players, ain't quest compass great?

Colonel Hsu wants me to help you look into the recent intel leaks.

Smart man. I could use somebody who can operate under the radar around here. Whoever our mole is, he's been slippery. Whenever one of the MP's get too close, he changes his habits. Our last lead went cold weeks ago.

Where should I start?

You want my advice, start by talking to people with a lot of eyes in the field. People like Lt. Boyd, or Sgt. Contreras, maybe. Careful with Contreras, though. He's not above suspicion himself. Keep me apprised of any leads you get. This guy's gotten a lot of my men killed. I'm just itching to return the favor.

I decide to speak with Lt. Boyd first.

Have you noticed anything suspicious lately?

Now what kind of MP would I be if I didn't notice anything suspicious? I've had soldiers go AWOL, break-ins, thefts, you name it.

Tell me about the break-ins.

Maybe break-in isn't the right word. We didn't find signs of forced entry. But I've had reports of someone sneaking into the control tower at night. It's probably just a meeting spot for a steamy military base love affair. *sigh* Kids today. But it bothers me that they didn't break in. It means they have an access code. Most soldiers around the base don't have that.

Would you be willing to give me the control tower access key so I can check it out?

Sure, if you want to investigate. It's not like there's anything to steal in there. Just a bunch of old communications equipment.

According to Silus, every night, the inside man radio reports to the Legion. Maybe I should camp there.

I hacked the access terminal for logs of valid entry.

Looks like someone access this tower around midnight. I checked the control room and found nothing amiss, just a working radio and comms. equipment like Lt. Boyd said. And I hit level 14. I picked the Robotics Perk since these bitches are hard to kill.

Later that night...

I keep watch at the control tower door. The two NCR trooper patrols are at their rounds but did not make any move towards the door. Half an hour later, someone else is walking down the runway from the base. At this hour? Hmmm.

Who could it be?

Positive ID on Capt. Curtis. He's in charge of the investigation on the crime he himself committed. Slick Legion operative. Time to catch him in the act. I followed him into the Control Tower.

Better eavesdrop a bit.

Go ahead, Picus.

Afternoon patrol enters Fiend territory at 1300. Have them mine that stretch.

Ten-four, Picus. Fiends will be alerted.

Roger Lupa.

What's the status of your primary mission, Picus?

Charges are set. Detonation will occur as the train leaves the station.

He's blowing up the tram to the Strip?!

How long?

Couple of minutes. Over.

Ten-four. Keep us updated.

I rushed up with my pistol. I'm going to need that de-activation code for the bomb.

What are you doing here? You don't have clearance.

I have clearance for catching spies.

I don't know what you mean.

He frowned as he reached for his gun. Mine's already drawn. Guess who won.

He didn't get a shot off after I unloaded five 10mm slugs to his brain.

I searched his belongings for the bomb codes and quickly made my way to the tram station.

A faint beeping sound comes from the ventilation hole inside the tram. Turns out I didn't need the codes after all, my scientific know-how is sufficient to defuse the bomb.

Note: You can expose Curtis as a spy and fail to save the tram if you didn't eavesdrop on the radio conversation fully ....or you simply fail to follow the magical quest compass to the bomb site. Doing so will force you to enter the Strip through another way. Not a bad multiple end-quest. Also, bonus influence on Boone if you defuse the bomb.

I reported the news to Colonel Hsu.

You won't be having problems with intelligence leaks anymore.

What happened?

It was Curtis. He's in the Legion. I can prove he tried to blow up the monorail.

Curtis? He's been in the NCR long before our conflict with the Legion. I hope you're mistaken, but somehow I don't think so. It'd explain a lot. This is much worse than anyone expected. There could be others, too. You've done everything that was asked of you. You have my personal thanks for this, and I'll make sure you receive the credit you deserve.

Tell me about this Fiend problems you're having.

As in chem fiends. Biggest gang of raiders I've seen. Nothing like addiction to swell your numbers. Psychotic, and completely unpredictable. They've set up shop in vault 3 to the west. Every day they attack our positions and my men repel them. But every day there's more of them and less of us. I sent one of my Rangers after their leader to try and assassinate them. He didn't return.

I'll go to Vault 3 and see if I can find your ranger.

Unfortunately the quest seemed bug for me, I went to do this quest in three playthrough and could not find him at all. But blasting the leader's head will spawn him in Camp McCarran. Weird.

That Vault is a hornet's nest. If you have second thoughts, no one would think less of you for it. But if you can get him home, it'd mean a lot. Watch for civilians, too. The Fiends have been kidnapping locals. They just walk right into people's homes in the middle of the day and take them. If you hear something like a chainsaw, you've found Motor-Runner. Put a bullet in his head, and you'll have some new friends around here.

This is a very straightforward quest. Much like clearing up Vault 15 in Fallout 2. You can go with guns blazing straightaway. If you have enough speech here, you can bluff the Fiends into believing you're a Khan drug dealer and enjoy free sneak attacks in their lair with silent kills. Before I leave for that quest I took on three Fiend bounties from Fidel Dahan look-alike in McCarran.

Simple job, kill three named Fiend leaders without gibbing their heads. Sniping their chests still do a lot of damage ever since I got the sniper rifle. Easy shit. I won't document it. One sick fuck is called Cook-Cook. He carries a huge flame thrower and raped a First Recon sniper, traumatizing her for life.

Or some shit. In the tradition of Commander Shepard's helpful pep-talks through hard-ass Speech checks or Medical expertise, the latter which I used, I managed to convince the affected sniper to go for therapy.

Quest solved. 300 EXP. And the triple bounty collected bumped NCR rep to 'Liked'. Hsu hands me over a key to a Ranger safehouse south of Camp McCarran as a faction reward. Nifty.

I got a well deserved rest and head over to Vault 3 to finish up the Fiends.

Upon arrival, Veronica makes a comment. Indicating that we just gained another point of influence.

No power armor. No energy weapons. And they're giving the NCR more trouble than we ever did. You know, I've been thinking. The real problem with Brotherhood is that we isolate ourselves. Our training is top-notch, our technology gives us an advantage, but when it all comes down to it, we're losing because we shun the outside world. We always make enemies, never allies. We refuse to recruit outsiders, or see the value in their simpler technology.

Why don't you do something about it?

I don't know. I'm still thinking about what kind of role we could take on that would give us the best chance of survival. But I think things are starting to come together. I know the odds aren't good, but I've gotta try. i can't lose them.

So close to her quest unlock....we proceed to wipe out the Fiends and rescued a bunch of civilians. They're pushovers with their light armor. The 10mm pistol and Boone sniping plus Veronica's power fisting is enough to mow them down quick. There's a ton of drug loot in here, enough to ruin the game's already fragile balance. But the main loot I'm after is Motor Runner's chainsaw. It's so awesome to see Veronica revving it up and gibbing the bad guys with it.

The leader's helmet also gives +5 melee skill. So I gave that to her too.

Living Anatomy is nice so I can check the enemy's HP and prioritize targets in VATS. Extra damage is icing on the cake.

The Overseer office tells us that the Vault is too trusting of outsiders, and in their optimism, opened their doors to a bunch of rabid Fiends, slaughtering them all. Phew.

It's time to head on to the Strip after turning in the quest to Colonel Hsu....

Generally, 'Accepted' NCR rep would allow you to use the tram. Neutral and below gets barred and fired at if they get too close. But wearing a trooper armor would allow you to past the guards regardless of your faction rep. The options are there.

Yes it is.

Well it's time to pop your Vegas cherry, friend! I'm sure you'll have a blast and be drunk and capless in no time. I can give you a bit of info about the various casinos if you're not sure where to get started.

If I remember correctly, Benny owns the Tops Casino.

What's the Tops like?

The Tops is the cool place to be right now. Lots of entertainment and shows going on there as well as the gambling. If you want to catch a show and have a few drinks, you should definitely hit up the Aces Theater in the Tops.

OK. I moved past the checkpoint and ran across Victor's Securitron cousins.

Creepy. Time to head on to the legendary Strip. Too bad something blocked my view upon exiting the station.

Fucking shit.

Point me to the Tops, Victor. I've got a score to settle.

Sorry, rambler. I know you're fixing to serve up some vengeance, but I'm gonna have to point you to the Lucky 38 first. Mr. House the head honcho of New Vegas, is itching to make your acquaintance. He'll help you serve that cold dish of yours extra-chilly.

According to local legends, Mr. House hardly let anyone into the 38. But now I'm invited in? Hmmm.

Tell Mr. House I might stop by. We'll see.

Don't you dawdle, Little Doggie! Mr. House isn't someone you want to go about snubbing. He'll be waiting.

We're not in the wastelands anymore. Vegas doesn't give off that vibe. For example, a working, with three drunk ladies bathing in it.

The Securitrons immediately surrounded the fountain and demanded them to leave. One instructed them to pick their bras off the bottom of the pool. To no avail.

Finally, a NCR Military Police arrived to restore order and the girls finally relented. Guess I'll check the Lucky 38 first, see what Mr. House wants from me. Benny's not going anywhere.

 

[anus_pounder]

MOAR!!

 

[SoupNazi]

You can gib the Fiends' heads and still complete the quest. You just loot an item called something like "smashed up xxxx's head".

 

[RK47]

But you won't get the full caps reward or something. It's not much of a hassle since torso sniping still hurts.

 

[Black]

One thing bugging me about securitrons and robots in general is how advanced their AI seems. Did FO1/FO2 have such intelligent robots? I remember that even Skynet with the best brain wasn't really able to "handle" a real conversation.

 

[Brother None]

Boone is pretty much Pro-NCR, picking other factions in late game who will screw over NCR results in him leaving the party.

Nope. He assisted me right until the end in the Yes Man and House endings. Legion is a different story though, do more than one mission for them and he leaves.

Unfortunately the quest seemed bug for me, I went to do this quest in three playthrough and could not find him at all. But blasting the leader's head will spawn him in Camp McCarran. Weird.

In the Vault you should find a dead Fiend, beyond him a hall of traps. Then there's a room where the ranger should be. The room has a secret backdoor that opens right unto the vault's entrance. Never found the room or did he not spawn there?

kill three named Fiend leaders without gibbing their heads

Really, that actually matters? Cool.

I never did that quest but killed two of them. Lugged around two heads most of the game.

No energy weapons

wut?

 

[anus_pounder]

Can victor protect himself? Have you tried getting him hostile? Don't have NV yet, so I can't try myself.

 

[Brother None]

Victor can and will fight you if you attack him. Wouldn't try it on the Strip as all Securitrons rape your ass but you can kill him in the wasteland no problem. In one of my playthroughs he rolled into a bunch of lakelurks and got himself killed. He's immortal inside Goodsprings but not outside.

Doesn't matter if he dies though.

 

[Havoc]

Victor can and will fight you if you attack him. Wouldn't try it on the Strip as all Securitrons rape your ass but you can kill him in the wasteland no problem. In one of my playthroughs he rolled into a bunch of lakelurks and got himself killed. He's immortal inside Goodsprings but not outside.

Doesn't matter if he dies though.

I killed him in Goodsprings... but that maybe because I killed everybody in the town as my kill everything that moves playthrou.

 

[RK47]

With Mr. House being the founder of Robco. Anything is possible. Finally the importance of the Chip is revealed!

OK. If they wanted to kill me, they would've done it on the streets with all the Securitrons around right? Even with the risk, one stealth boy and robotic experts will take care of the rest.

No problem, I'll head up by myself.

The interior of Lucky 38 is dark. There's no one else inside but Securitrons. Creepy as fuck.

I took the elevator to the Penthouse floor.

Christ. Another Victor-variant. Female this time!

Who are you?

I'm Jane, one of Mr. House's girls. We keep him...entertained. We don't get many guests lately; perhaps we can entertain you as well.

Mr. House is one sick puppy.

Can you tell me about Mr. House?

Why, sugar, he's the maximum utmost! If it weren't for Mr. House we wouldn't have this fabulous wonderland of New Vegas, would we?

Sounds like you're pretty fond of him.

Well, of course I am, silly! Mr. House is just the smartest, most wonderful man ever was! Did you know he single-handedly reclaimed New Vegas from all those nasty tribes that used to live here? Well, he single-handedly sent his Securitrons to do it, but that counts in my book.

I didn't realize robots could have such strong feelings about people.

Sugar, I may be a robot on the outside, but on the inside, my neuro-computational matrix is an exact copy of Mr. House's favorite girl.

So you're...a copy of a dead woman? What exactly do you do for Mr. House?

Mr. House has a lot of needs, sugar. I take care of all of them, and a lady doesn't kiss and tell.

Yikes. Moving on. There's a huge monitor with a man's face on screen. I suppose that is...Mr. House?

This meeting has been a long time coming, hasn't it? You've come a long way, literally and I suspect, figuratively as well. I have to ask - now that you've reached your destination, what do you make of what you see?

I've never seen anything like this place.

Of course you haven't. Vegas always was one of a kind. What you see down on the Strip is just a fraction of the city's former glory, and yet...more than an echo. I preserved its spirit.

Why the VIP treatment? I'm just a courier.

Oh, don't be coy. You've been playing a high stakes game ever since Victor dug you out of the ground. Don't be afraid to admit it.

Let's get down to business then.

The business is this. One of my employees has stolen an item of extraordinary value from me, and I want it recovered. Simple enough?

What do you propose?

My only concern is the recovery of the Platinum Chip. What happens to Benny, I leave to your discretion. When you bring the Chip to me, I will pay you four times the delivery bonus stipulated in your contract. How's that?

I can't bargain for nuts. But getting paid for shooting Benny in the process isn't a bad deal.

1000 caps? I accept your terms.

Well enough. Return to me when you have the Platinum Chip in your possession. Any final matters for us to discuss?

Who exactly are you, Mr. House?

I am Robert Edwin House, President, CEO, and sole proprietor of the New Vegas Strip. I oversaw this city's renovation starting from 2274 onward. The Three Families are my employees. Before the Great War of 2077, I was the founder, President and CEO of Robco Industries, a vast computer and robotics corporation.

You appear to be a computer, not a man.

Don't let the video screens and computer terminals fool you. I'm flesh and blood, not silicon.

(Medicine) The lifespan you're claiming is impossible, except for ghouls and super mutants.

I see you've made a study of the topic. My knowledge of the science of longevity would fill several text books... Perhaps, after a decade or two of economic reconstruction. I can commercialize these technologies and offer to others, such as yourself.

What is the Platinum Chip?

It's a very special item. There's nothing else like it in the entire world. It was lost a long time, and difficult to find. That's all you need to know about it, for this stage of our enterprise. Fulfill your contract, deliver the Chip, and good things will come your way.

My speech skill isn't high enough to convince him to give me more info.

If the Chip's so valuable, why use a single courier to transport it?

You realize you were just one of the many couriers, the rest of them dummies, so to speak?

Hm. Good point.

Add to that many thousands of caps worth of mercenary protection to screen your avenue of approach. Had I used an armed caravan to transport the Chip, I might as well have been announcing to the world "this is important. Attack this!" I didn't want to attract the attention of groups like the Great Khans or the Brotherhood of Steel. Alas, the real threat was closer to home.

Tell me about Benny.

Benny has led the Chairmen ever since I recruited his tribe seven years ago. Until his recent misbehavior, I'd planned to make him my protege. Maybe if I'd begun grooming him sooner, none of this would've happened...

Why didn't you intervene sooner when Benny ambushed me?

Why didn't Victor intervene sooner, you mean? Goodsprings is a bit too far for me to reliably control a Securitron agent by remote. I can send and receive packets of data, at best. Victor's combat algorithms determined the proper course of action. Benny and his thugs were more than a match for a lone Securitron. When he alerted me, I instructed him to approach the site after Benny and the others had departed.

I decided that I've satisfied my curiosity for the moment and made my way to the Tops. Victor cheerfully informed me that I was given the High Roller suite in the Lucky 38 for accommodation purposes while in Vegas. I took a short nap before proceeding onwards. The room was lavish. Water supply plentiful, wine, food and clothes provided.

Time to dress for the occasion.

I stepped out of the casino and about to signal Boone and the rest to follow me when an NCR trooper came up to me.

It's a message from the NCR Ambassador Crocker in New Vegas. He wants to meet up to discuss some important matters.

It'll have to wait after I'm done with Benny. I looked around and realized that the passerby's eyes were fixed on me. Several of them muttered "Did he just left from the Lucky 38?"

I guess it's been a while since anyone ever been inside. I walked past a gentleman in spiffy suit and was stopped by his sales pitch.

My stock and trade? Allll kind of easy-to-hide weapons for slipping into and out of casino, they won't give you a second glance.

Why would I need to hide a weapon on me?

Simple - you can't bring guns into the casino, that's why. They'll strip you to your fists.

(Sneak) I can get weapons past guards, no problem.

You might - one fellow I knew was able to slip a pistol past the guards. You? I'm guessing you could get a machine gun by them.

Alright, let's do this.

They let me through my 10mm pistol. I smiled as I made my way up to Benny's room. According to Mr. House his suite is in the 13th floor. There's no lock I can't pick.

Empty. I decided to search for the Platinum Chip somewhere in the his suite.

What the heck? A Securitron?

What are you doing here?

Good question! My function is to monitor Mr. House's data network and decode his encrypted transmissions! Allow me to introduce myself! I'm a PDQ-88b Securitron, but you can call me Yes Man!

What kind of name is that?

It's what Benny always called me. Probably because I'm programmed to be so helpful.

He reprogrammed a Securitron? All by himself?

Oh, he had some help - a lady friend of his! She said something about living in a Fort over in Freeside...that's all I remember.

Have you seen Benny?

He was around not too long ago. He's probably down on the casino floor now. You can wait for him here, if you like. I'm incapable of asking you to leave.

Benny stole a Platinum Chip from me. Do you know what it's for?

Sure! Benny had me look at it a bunch of times! It's a data storage device, kind of like a holotape, but a lot more advanced! As for what's on it, well...Some of Mr. House's data transmission made it sound like the Chip could upgrade his defenses somehow.That's just a guess, though! You'd need special hardware to read the data on it! There are two locations with non-standard hardware on the network - the Lucky 38 and an underground facility at Fortification Hill. I'd look there!

I updated my Pip-Boy with the Fortification location.

What's he planning to do with the Chip?

Oh! He wants to kill Mr. House and use the Platinum Chip to copy my neuro-computational matrix onto the Lucky 38's mainframe.

What?

That should give me control over all of Mr. House's defenses, most prominently his Securitrons. And then I just do what Benny tells me - easy peasy!

Aha!

Can that actually be done?

Sure! If the Chip can be used to reset administrator privileges, it'll be super easy!

So...maybe ....I'm just thinking...maybe....

What if I wanted to take over New Vegas, instead of Benny?

Then I'd have to help you! I mean, it seems pretty obvious Benny wouldn't want me to, but hey, not my fault I can't say no!

What are the details of the plan?

This is big.

Again, goal number one is to eliminate Mr. House and install me on the Lucky 38's mainframe. Given how you're a new arrival, I also recommend that you get to know some of the region's tribes, so you can decide how you feel about them! By the time you finished all that , the Legion should be close to attacking Hoover Dam and we'll execute the last phase of the plan!

So I should ask these tribes if they'll support an independent Vegas?

Oh no, I didn't mean that! Who needs their support? The Securitrons will be all the support you need! What I meant is, you should get to know these tribes and decide which ones you like and which you don't! You know - shape the future of Vegas! Choose your neighbors! If you like a tribe, leave it alone! Or if it's nasty, or going to be a problem - go ahead and exterminate it. It's whatever you want to do!

You said something about a bunker at the Fort?

Right, it's one of two locations on House's network with non-standard hardware. My guess it has a reader that can decode the chip and who knows what else? Maybe a giant robot or something!

The last thing Vegas needs is more robots.

Oh, yeah, I'm sure you're right. I mean, for one thing, it's you saying it, and you always know what you're talking about. And if you had, you know, a huge killer robot at your command, yeah, that would just clutter things up. And a lesser person might want that kind of overwhelming force on their side, but you know - where's the challenge in that?

Umm OK. I get it.

Say Mr. House was going to suffer an accident. How would that happen?

It makes me really dumb to admit this, but I don't actually know! I've never been inside the Lucky 38. No one has!

I've been inside the Lucky 38.

You have? Wow! that's amazing! You can murder Mr. House whenever you want! The other thing you're going to need is the Platinum Chip. You know, the one Benny killed a courier for, over near Goodsprings?

What do you know about the Courier Benny shot?

I knew he was carrying the Platinum Chip! And I knew right where Benny should wait for him!

Shit.

That's why Benny put me here! To monitor Mr. House's data transmission. They're all encrypted, of course - but I'm quiet a decrypter! Did you know Mr House spent 812,445 caps hiring salvage teams to find the Platinum Chip - just in the last year alone? Of course you didn't! Or that there were seven couriers, but six of them carrying junk? How about their exact routes and the mercenary teams that screened them? I knew all that, pretty smart huh?

I'm the courier Benny shot.

HAHAHAH ! I know that's not true, because you still have a head!

I'm serious.

Hahaha! That's not funny, you getting shot in the head. I really shouldn't have taken so much pride in how I set that up, huh? I feel really bad now.

Where's the Chip now?

Benny carries it with him at all times. I think he's paranoid that someone might want to take it from him. The Platinum Chip is the key to overriding and exploiting Mr. House's defenses!

Ok, once I get the chip, what then?

I'd take it straight to Mr. House if I were you! He'll think you're helping him out! Then when he's not looking - Ker POW! Let me know when it's done and I'll roll over to the Lucky 38. If I'm right about the Chip, I should be able to install myself on House's mainframe. This is going to be great! I'm going to help you accomplish so much, whether I want to or not!

I left Yes Man alone and considered my options but pushed any decision making for later. First, get the chip. Oh wait. That's second. First, get 1000 chips.

Hours later...

Alright, no more messing. Let's get ourselves the chip that truly matters.

Let's keep this in the groove, hey? Smooth moves. Smooth...Hello! The guy everyone saw go in the Lucky 38, that was you? Oh shit.

The jig's up, Benny. Me and Yes Man had a talk.

Baby, this is not the place to go talking about that! What say you and me cash out, go somewheres more private-like? Any questions you got, I'll answer.

What'd you have in mind?

To start, I'll comp you the Presidential - best suite in the house. You deserve a taste of the VIP lifestyle. I'll hang out down here for a while to make everything look business-as-usual, then come to you. Any questions you got, I'll answer - guaranteed.

I can't really persuade him otherwise. I decide to follow his lead, not wanting to start an open shoot out in the casino main floor.

Fine, but don't keep me waiting.

Why would I do that, baby? I want to talk to you as much as you want to talk to me.

Later...

I sat down on the bar stool and enjoyed a fresh apple. It's been ten minutes. I'm getting antsy. Maybe I made a mistake in trusting Benny. I decided to head down and hurry him up.

That's when the intercom next to the elevator crackled to life.

It would be 41 flavors of stupid to let you get a drop on me. And you've caused plenty enough trouble as-is. You've forced my hand. Hell, I gotta skip town because of you. A real pain in the caboose...

You're a dead man.

That temper of yours? Kinda why this conversation's taking place over an intercom. Do me favor and stay dead this time, hey? Good night all! It's been a gas...

Four of his armed goons rushed in from the elevator expecting easy meet. I pulled out the equalizer - my smuggled 10mm pistol.

I reloaded my pistol and moved towards the elevator door, hoping to catch Benny. The intercom crackled to life again.

The cleaners will knock twice. Make sure they're thorough.

Yeah, it's a a real mess here - four bodies.

What the fuck...?!

I smiled as the elevator took me down to the main casino floor. Benny's not there, I hurried outside. Only to have a gentlemen in brown coat stopped me and handed me a coin.

Your crimes against the Legion, including the death of the fearless Vulpes Inculta, are hereby forgiven. Caesar will not extend this mercy again. My lord requires your presence at his camp, at Fortification Hill. His mark will guarantee your safe conduct through our lands. Incidentally, it will interest you to know that the man you seek has fled the Strip and is likely making haste for Caesar's camp as we speak.

We'll see...

Tell Caesar I accept his invitation.

And if it's a trap, I'll just take him with me..

Seek Caesar by way of Cottonwood Cove, south of Nelson the Cursor Lucullus will be waiting.

I returned to the 38 to report the failure to Mr. House. He was less than pleased.

Events have transpired in a ...less-than-optimal fashion. Benny has fled the Strip, and the Platinum Chip has not been recovered.

He set me up for an ambush!

And whose idea is it to offer yourself up as a sacrificial lamb? Really, what did you expect? Are you going to keep giving him opportunities to kill you? It's becoming a hobby of his.

Where do you think Benny's gone?

His destination is hardly a mystery. It's a near certainty that he's making his way for Caesar's camp, at Fortification Hill. It's one of just two places on Earth that have the hardware necessary to read the Platinum Chip - the Lucky 38 is the other, of course.

I kept quiet about Yes Man's involvement. He's my wild card if Mr.House decides to backstab me.

What do I do next?

I won't lie to you. It'll be dangerous. The next step would require you to infiltrate Caesar's camp at Fortification Hill.

You want me to kill Caesar?

Absolutely not! Caesar is of great use to me. I don't want you harming a hair on that man's head - assuming you can find one.

I don't understand Mr. House's goals at all. Isn't the Caesar's a threat to New Vegas?

So what do you want me to do in the Fortification Hill?

I want you to open a hatch in the basement of the derelict weather station atop Fortification Hill. The hatch bears the logo of the Lucky 38.

This sounds familiar....

How do I open the hatch?

You can't - but the Chip can. The hatch will recognize the Platinum Chip and 'open sesame'

Whats inside?

Something very important. I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise - so don't bother asking.

Well, I don't like surprises.

What's my stake in this?

I'm not offering you an incentive as crude as money - though there will be plenty of that. What I'm offering you is a ground-floor opportunity in the most important enterprise on earth. What I'm offering is a future - for you, and for what remains of the human race.

Let's go with the flow first...we can decide later.

All right, I'll do as you ask.

I expect that if Benny doesn't have the Chip, Caesar will make sure you get it. More on that later. Be off.

I stepped out of the 38 with lots of thoughts in my head, but I realized I should consider my options first. I head over to the NCR office to speak with the Ambassador.

It's a very important matter, and I have a strong feeling that you're the perfect person for the job.

I'm listening.

I'm sure you've noticed that things are a little tense around here with all the issues between the NCR, the Legion, and Mr. House. It doesn't take a genius to see that something big is going to happen soon. To be honest with you, the NCR is in a tight spot. But..if we fail now, it's the people here that are going to suffer the most. I'm not willing to let that happen, and I don't think you're the kind of person that would either.

I drew a deep breath and nodded. Looks like shit is about to get serious.

You have my attention, go on.

To the northeast is a settlement, the locals here call them "Boomers". They are sitting on a munitions stockpile that would be invaluable to us. I'd like you to get in contact with them, and then do whatever it takes to convince them to help us. Unfortunately, the Boomers keep to themselves and are, let's say, hostile to all outsiders. That is why I need someone like you. Someone with your background and reputation would have a better chance of reaching them than anyone I have available. In exchange for your help, you would receive complete amnesty for any past crimes against the NCR, as well as additional benefits and perks. Do you think you would be able to do this for me?

I'm no diplomat, but I'll give it a try.

I'll find them and talk to them.

Much appreciated. Once you've talked to them, let me know what they have to say.

So that's the choices. It's time for that big vote guys, here's the situation -

The Chip is either with Caesar or Benny who is currently headed to Caesar's Camp.

1.Mr. House wants us to get the chip and activate the bunker with it.

2.Yes Man wants us to do the same but provides us an opportunity to work for ourselves, not for NCR, not for Legion, or even Mr. House. It is highly likely that Mr. House needs to be eliminated.

3.NCR Requests for ally negotiations to fight off the Legion at Hoover Dam with a bunch of tribals called Boomers.

4.Caesar wants us to do 'something' for him and is waiting for me at his camp.

Discuss?