Freeside is a slum that surrounds New Vegas, itās inhabited by junkies and drunk people almost all the time. Some points of interest are The Kingās School of Impersonation, the Atomic Wrangler casino, and Silver Rush, a place for all your energy weapon needs.
But we decide to visit the Old Mormon Fort first, this is the home of The Followers of the Apocalypse, these people try and help those in need in and around Freeside with what they can. And someone I need to be on good terms with.
Boone: What are we doing here?
Freddie: Iām just exploring, Boone, I want to get a feel for Freeside before we find a way into the strip to find Benny.
Boone: Weāre gonna help the people here, right?
Freddie: Yes, absolutely.
But not long after we get attacked by muggers! They donāt 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 thereās a pretty large camp set up inside, a flag with the Followerās 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: Whatās 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: Iād 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 donāt think the Legion is going to be scared of you. Unless you take out Caesar and his legate, Lanius. But seeing as youāre asking me to come with you. You arenāt going to be doing that any time soon. Donāt get too cocky now.
When I go tell Boone the good news about Arcade, I canāt help but notice that heās staring down ED-E. Does he have a problem with him? Maybe heās seen ED-E before.
Freddie: Hey, Arcade, I canāt help notice that you seem to have a problem with ED-E here, whatās up?
Arcade: it just seems a bit twitchy. Some of these robots, you look at them the wrong way, donāt screw in a vacuum tube rightā¦ The next thing you know youāre a pile of ash on the floor and someoneās stepping out of a vertibird to sweep your remains into a Nuka-Cola bottle.
Freddie: Oooo-kay, Iāll keep my eye on him.
Arcade: Safety first. Thatās all Iām saying.
Freddie: Letās get going then.
~~~~~
We all head southwest towards the gate until an old man stops us.
Old Ben: You look new to Freeside, so hereās a little advice, friend. Donāt go past the South Gate greeter without talking to it first.
Freddie: Going past it seems rude, why wouldnāt 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. Letās 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? Whatās that for?
Securitron Gatekeeper: Admission to the Strip requires an official passport or proof that you are carrying the required minimum balance.
Freddie: Whatās the minimum balance?
Securitron Gatekeeper: 2,000 caps.
Freddie: 2,000 caps?! I donāt 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 doesnāt say where I can get one, wow thanks robot. The gang takes a step back.
Arcade: I heard of a shop called āMick and Ralphāsā who sells things you canāt buy anywhere else.
Freddie: You think I can buy an unofficial official passport from them?
Arcade: Whoās 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 wasnāt 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 youāre looking for guns, talk to Mick. Otherwise, Iāve 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.
Iāll do whatever the Kingās 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, Iāve got a little side business going, but what I am about to share with you does not leave this room, eh? Over the years, Iāve 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 youāve 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 youāre interested and have the caps, they go for 500. Any less and it aināt worth the risk of getting caught. What do you say? You game?
Youāve gotta be kidding meā¦ Looks like Iāll 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, Iāll 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: Iāve 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, Iām approached by a familiar face.
Victor: Howdy, pardner! Youāve come a far piece, havenāt you? Welcome to New Vegas!
What the hell is this guyās deal?! Why is he everywhere I go?!
Boone: Why is this robot following us?
Freddie: Heās 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 canāt hurt to let you in on my little secret! Old Victor wouldnāt 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, aināt it? Just donāt ask me how I do it, because I donāt know!
Freddie: All right, Iāll go meet Mr. House right now.
Victor: Yeehaw, pardner! Thatās the spirit. Heāll 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.
We all make our north and turn southeast when we get to an intersection. Not too long we make to Boulder City, and itās in ruins, even worse than Nipton.
Freddie: Woah, what happened here?
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: Iām sorry to hear that.
Private Kowalski: Don't worry about it.
Freddie: Where are you normally stationed?
Private Kowalski: Camp McCarran, but Iām on leave at the moment - heading back to California to see my folks. Iām supposed to join up with a caravan thatās heading that way up to 188, but theyāre 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 Iām up the stairs I walk into a room with even more skeletons, what is happening?! One of them mustāve been a ranger since his hat is beside him, he had a service rifle, and thereās 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 didnāt 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: Weāve got a situation with some Great Khans right now. The brass at McCarran has ordered me to lock down the ruins until itās been resolved.
Great Khans you say?
Freddie: Whatās 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, youāre welcome to retrieve any property theyāve taken from you.
Freddie: What are you going to do about the hostages?
Lieutenant Monroe: āAcceptable casualties,ā Iāve been told. I donāt like it, but the brass has their reasons.
Freddie: What? No, uh, I think Iād rather try negotiations, instead.
Lieutenant Monroe: Normally, Iād turn you down since I have no idea who you are, but considering that the hostages are as good as dead when we attackā¦ All right, Iām going to give you a chance to talk to the Great Khans. Their leader is a man named Jessup. If we hear shooting, weāll be coming in, but itāll 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. Iām surprised the Great Khans don't open fire on me when I get close but instead complain about Benny.
Great Khan: Fuck Benny. Weāll make him pay for stabbing us in the back.
Freddie: He mightāve stabbed you in the back, but at least he didnāt shoot you in the head.
He gives me a concerned look as I walk by him and into the only āgoodā part of a ruined building.
Jessup: What the hell? Youāre that courier Benny wasted back in Goodsprings. Youāre supposed to be dead.
Time to play with these guys.
Freddie: Iām a ghost here to haunt you. Ooooohā¦
Jessup: All right, quit fucking around. You survived and tracked us down. What now?
Freddie: I believe you have something of mine.
Jessup: Yeahā¦ about thatā¦.
He looks away from me.
Freddie: Whereās the platinum chip?
Iām almost tempted to pull out my shotgun and threaten these guys.
Jessup: Donāt have it. Benny stole it, right before he stabbed us in the back. Heās 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: Heās a snake, thatās why. He owed us the rest of the pay for the job, so maybe he didnāt want to pay up. Anything else?
Freddie: Why havenāt you just shot your way out of here?
Jessup: Iām not afraid of a gunfight, but Iād rather get back to Red Rock without a few holes in me if I can help it.
Letās see if this guy is willing to negotiate with me.
Freddie: Letās talk about settling things between you and the NCR.
He scoffs.
Jessup: Whatās to negotiate? The NCR backs off, we walk out of here, nobody gets hurts.
Freddie: Thatās never gonna happen. Uh, Iām willing to hearing another suggestion.
Jessup: Weād try to bribe our way out, but seeing as Benny didnāt pay us yet, that wonāt happen.
Freddie: Oh, right. Any chance youāre willing to surrender?
Please say yes.
Jessup: And face NCR ājustice?ā No thanks. Iād rather not spend the next ten years doing hard labor.
I sigh and put my head down, looks like Iām the one whoās going to be bribing Lieutenant Monroe out there. I donāt 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 thatās too harsh but seriously look at them) the Legion.
~~~~~
Lieutenant Monroe: How are negotiations with the Great Khans going?
Freddie: About thatā¦ Heh, how much money would it take for you to look the other way while the Great Khans left?
Lieutenant Monroe: You meanā¦ 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 soldierās 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 thereās 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?! Howād 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 itās just down to you and fancy-pants. I wouldnāt 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 aināt seen hide-nor-hair of him since the tussle in Goodsprings. Iām sure he ran back to the soft-living of New Vegas, āthough.
Freddie: Despite it all, itās 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 donāt like being followed, robot.
Victor: Now-now, it aināt 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 - Iāll 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. Heās 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 theyāre a part of the Legion that is.
Boone: So once we get to Benny, what will we do afterward?
Freddie: Thatās a long way away, Boone. I donāt think I can answer that, all I can think of is helping anyone I can trust and killing legionaries. As long as youāll help out. Youāre in too, right ED-E?
ED-E makes some confirming beeps.
Boone: You can understand this thing?
Freddie: You canāt? But youāre still with me, right?
Boone: Sure. Itās why I joined up with you.
Freddie: Alright! Letās go make ourselves a small army and show the Mojave not to mess with courier six and his friends!
ED-E beeps with the same excitement and Boone just lifts his hand into the air.
Random fact: Iām not very sharp š¤·š»āāļø.
Hogwarts house: Idk since Iām not into Harry Potter and such.
Favorite character: Anyone from Metal Gear Solid (whole series really), Frank Horrigan from Fallout 2 (super mutant who protects the president), most people from Fallout New Vegas and 4, and (not really) that one guy from Fallout 1 who killed me just because he didnāt like adventurers. I was doing so good so far and he just ends it all right there! Havenāt touched that game since.
Once ED-E and I made it to REPCONN and cleared out most of the feral ghouls, we realized that there was some sort of strange cult made of a bunch of non-feral ghouls. Their leader, Jason Bright, a glowing one, sent me on a quest to help him and his people get to the āfar beyond.ā It involved clearing the basement of Nightkin to help get the rockets the test site still had up and ready for the ghouls to go on their journey. I had the option to screw the whole plan up but I didnāt do so because Iām not that kind of person. I managed to launch the rockets off with ease. What am I doing with my life? Iām supposed to be looking for that checkered suit asshat. Anyways.
~~~~~
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 wasnāt 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 Iām looking forā¦
Manny: Okay, Iāll tell you everything I know, like I promised. The guy youāre 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: Whereās Boulder City?
Manny: Itās 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 hadnāt paid up yet. Maybe that was where they were supposed to get square.
Freddie: Hm, well thanks, Manny. Thatās 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 didnāt 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! Donāt sneak up on me like that. What do you want?
He says very angrily with me. This guy looks like he hasnāt 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 shouldāve been you I was expecting all along.
Why does it sound like everyone is flirting with me? Guess my head isnāt right yet.
Boone: Why are you here?
Freddie: Oh I just like meeting new people.
Boone: I think youād better leave.
Freddie: Come on man, Iām just making friendly conversation.
Boone: I donāt have friends here.
Not getting rid of me that easily. I have to get this guy to open up just a little.
Freddie: Well, Iām not from here, buddy.
Boone: No. No youāre not, are you? Maybe you shouldnāt go. Not just yet. I need someone I can trust. Youāre a stranger. Thatās a start.
See what I mean?
Freddie: You only trust strangers?
Boone: I said it was a start. This townā¦ 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 donāt know if thereās 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 donāt know who.
Woah, this got dark fast.
Freddie: Youāre trying to track down your wife?
He gives me an angry expression.
Boone: My wifeās dead. I want the son of a bitch who sold her.
Okay!
Freddie: How do you know sheās dead?
Boone: I know, all right? And thatās 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 Iām on duty. I work nights. Iāll give you my NCR beret to put on. Itāll be our signal, so I know youāre standing with him. And Iāll take care of the rest. I need to do this myself.
Freddie: Alright, Boone, I'll see what I can do.
Boone: Good. Iāll make it worth your while. And one more thing. We shouldnāt speak again. Not until itās 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. Booneās 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. Iāve 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 didnāt speak much. Said she was in his store once but didnāt 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 sheād 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 couldnāt believe his luck.
Ranger Andy: I knew we couldnāt. That wasnāt the only reason she stuck out. That girl never minced words. If sheās had better food or hospitality, sheād let you hear it. Trouble was, she usually had. I donāt 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 Iām 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 didnāt see eye-to-eye on some things. We had some pretty big arguments. One day she turns up missing, and he hasnāt 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 Booneās 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 hasnāt. And Iām starting to think that if he doesnāt find her, things will never go back to the way they were.
Freddie: Just how many people hated Carla?
Manny: Man, everybody. That girl didnāt have one friend in this whole town. She didnāt 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 wouldnāt have liked her, either.
I feel like Manny is taking a few liberties with this story, she couldnāt 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 Booneās 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 Iām not so sure she didnāt 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 isnāt adding up with Jeannieās story, so far Iāve 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. Iāve seen a safe just behind the desk there, maybe thereās something inside that could help me.
I get up to unlock the safe and once Iām in I see a piece of paper, after reading I found out that itās a bill of saleā¦ For Carlaā¦ 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 ā...and those of her unborn child for the sum of five hundred bottle capsā¦ā
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 Iāve heard so far. All because she didnāt like her?! Well, itās time for Boone to get his revenge.
~~~~~
I go to Jeannieās room and knock on the door, she opens the door.
Freddie: Hey, Jeannie, Come with me. Thereās something you should see, in front of the dinosaur.
Jeannie: Okay. If thatās 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 Booneās beret and he takes the shot right then and there. Iām 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: Thatās 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 shouldnāt be surprised. Itād 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 donāt know. I wonāt be staying. I know that. Donāt see much point in anything right now, except hunting legionaries. Maybe Iāllwonder, like you.
Freddie: Hey, why donāt you come with me? Letās go after the Legion.
Boone: You donāt want to do that.
Freddie: Weāll kill more with two of us.
Boone: Yeah. That might be true. And thatās reason enough for me to take you up on it. I suppose. But this isnāt 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. Letās get out of here.
Freddie: Great. We heading to New Vegas. I have a score to settle. Wait, the name Benny doesnāt 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.
Freddie: Alright. Letās go then, I just need to go grab ED-E real fast. Been asleep this whole time. Poor little buddy.
I walk southeast out of Goodsprings then take another road heading south to Primm. I need to figure out if Johnson Nash can help me find the men (or the one guy) who shot me. The trail is long but luckily Iām used to how hot the day can get, even in the summertime. It makes me wish for nuclear winter.
I walk southeast out of Goodsprings then take another road heading south to Primm. I need to figure out if Johnson Nash can help me find the men (or the one guy) who shot me. The trail is long but luckily I'm used to how hot the day can get, even in the summertime. It makes me wish for nuclear winter.
~~~~~
Soon enough I finally make it to the famous gambling town of Primm, but Iām not allowed to survey the area just yet as Iām attacked by two people who donāt 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, thereās also a man in front of the office, dead. Those people mustāve killed him some time ago. I rush over to him.
Freddie: Daniel Wyand huh. Whatās this?
I pick up a note from his body. āMojave Express Delivery Order (4 of 6)?ā Guess this guy was a courier like me, looks like he made his delivery but mustāve been shot up by those people. His order is very similar to mine but he had to make a delivery of āTwo (2) Oversized Dice, composed of fuzzy material.ā
Freddie: Odd.
Leaving the note with the man, I turn to see āVikki & Vance,ā a pretty popular casino in Primm. Obviously. If people would hide anywhere from whoever is attacking the town itās got to be in there.
~~~~~
As soon as I walk in an older man takes me aside.
Johnson: I donāt know what it was brought you to Primm, youngster, but you might want to rethink your plans. Townās 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: Iām a courier with the Mojave Express.
Johnson: Well, I donāt got any work right now, sorry to say.
Freddie: Iād hate to say this, but I lost a package I was supposed to deliver.
Johnson: Iāll 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 youāre talking about one of them packages. That job had strange written all over it. But we couldnāt 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 didnāt make it. First deadbeat we hired to do the job canceled. Hope a storm from the Divide skins him alive. Well, thatās 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 wouldnāt 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 mustāve done so.
Freddie: Thank you. Iāll take care of any other convicts I see.
Johnson: Donāt 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 Iām inside and I move around a counter, I see a man with his hands tied, kneeling on the floor.
Deputy Beagle: I donāt suppose you came here to recuse me? Iād cross my fingers but my hands are numb.
Freddie: You must be Deputy Beagle.
Deputy Beagle: Why, yes I am. Itās pleasure to meet you.
Iām in a bit of a predicament here. Iād be most appreciative if youād 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 Iād 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 wonāt have me with you to protect you, as I need to stay here and keep Primm safe.
Freddie: Donāt you worry, Deputy, I can handle myself just fine. Itās 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. Iām 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 āED-Eā 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! Whatās 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! Couldnāt ya just drink it like booze!
Freddie: What sort of lottery did you win?
Oliver: What lottery? The lottery, thatās 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: Donāt worry, I wonāt have you lashed to a cross like the rest of these degenerates. Itās 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 Caesarās Legion taught here, especially any NCR troops you run across.
Why did he say Caesar like that? It sounded more like āKai-sar.ā Also, who the hell does this guy think he is? Telling me what to do.
Freddie: What ālessonsā 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 canāt see his eyes I know heās looking at me like Iām 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 didnāt 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 āloved onesā 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, whatās going on?! Maybe itās fear, but of what I donāt know. Could be that thereās too many of them or maybe Iām just scared of Vulpes himself. Whatever the reason I must continue on my journey by heading northeast to find Novac.
Freddie: Letās hurry, ED-E, before these guys decide to shoot us when weāre 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 donāt see that every day. This must be Novac. I get closer and see that it is, the sign out in front has gone from āNo Vacancyā to āNovac.ā 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 canāt believe it! Whatās he doing here?!
Victor: Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit, if it aināt my old friend from Goodsprings!
Charming.
Freddie: What are you doing in Novac?
Victor: Donāt rightly know - I just got the notion to make my way to New Vegas. Reckon Iāll 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, Iād be a sight more surprised if we didnāt run into each other from time to time.
Freddie: Just stay out of my way, robot.
Victor: Iāll 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 donāt you relax a spell, let this fine town take care of you?
Freddie: Iām looking for a man in a checkered coat. Have you seen anyone like that?
Jeannie: Well he mightāve been wearing a fancy outfit, but he wasnāt any kind of a gentleman to me. Had his nose stuck so high in the air, you couldnāt 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. Heās our daytime sniper, up in the dinosaurās mouth.
So, those Great Khans know this Manny fellow, best have a talk with him.
Freddie: Thanks for the information, and yes Iāll 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 sniperās nest. As soon as I open the door, Manny turns around.
Manny: Whatās going on, man?
Freddie: Iām 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: Doesnāt surprise me. Guy seemed like heād 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 Iāve got problems of my own. Maybe we can do a trade. You need my help. Thereās 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 Iām 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.
Yup, Iām doing a Fallout crossover now. This is what āfreddie the hopelessā has turned into now too, this is what happens when you like two things too much.
~~~~~
It all started when I was out one day delivering a packet to the stripe, Iād never been there before so I took this sort of long way just so I could marvel at New Vegas from afar like so many others. Little did I know this would cost me my life.
~~~~~
Not long after I took a small yet quick break, I was smacked on the head from behind and taken somewhere I didnāt recognize. Maybe because I was too busy looking at my hands, which have been tied together now. I try and break free, but it doesnāt work.
???: Guess whoās 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 outā¦
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.
Iām 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 canāt seem to remember a thing from before now that Iāve woken up. Oh no.
???: Youāre 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 donāt 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? Thatās impossible. He then helps me stand up.
???: Okay. No sense keeping you in bed anymore. Letās 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 wasnāt enough for that asshole who kidnapped me he just had to shoot me twice. Looks like it still wasnāt enough. I simply laugh with the doctor.
Freddie: Guess so.
Doc Mitchell: Well, why donāt we start from the top? Follow me, Iād 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, Iām gonna say a word and I want you to say the first thing that comes to mind.
Letās 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 donāt mind that I read it, doesnāt say much but it does mention something about a āPlatinum Chip.ā
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 Iām 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? Whatās so special about a platinum poker chip? My gut tells me I wonāt 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, thereās a cowboy on the screen on the front of its body.
???: Howdy partner! Might I say, youāre looking as fit as a fiddle.
Freddie: Hello. Uh, thanks for digging me out of the ground.
I chuckle nervously.
???: Donāt mention it! Iām always ready to lend a helping hand to a stranger in need.
Freddie: So, whatās your name? Iām Freddie.
Victor: The nameās Victor.
Freddie: Iāve never seen a robot like you before.
Victor: Iām 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 theyād build.
Freddie: Do you know anything about the people that attacked me?
Victor: Canāt say Iām 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 Iāll 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 didnāt think youād be walking out of that office. The nameās Chet by the way.
Freddie: It's a miracle alright, I didnāt think Iād be waking up either. You wouldnāt 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: Theyāre tough sons of bitches, mean but not crazy - theyāll leave you alone unless you have something they want. They deal in illegal chems. Thereās a good chance that most chems you come across are made by them.
Freddie: I doubt Iāll ever use chems but thanks for the info.
He laughs.
Chet: I donāt believe you can run packages across the Mojave just as you are.
I laugh.
Freddie: Itās 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 theyāll 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: Iāll keep that in mind, thank you.
Chet: You take care now.
Freddie: Iāll certainly will.
I bid the man goodbye and walk back outside the door. I equip my sturdy caravan shotgun and my broad machete.
Freddie: Better make my way to Primm then to Freeside so I can find the man who shot me and get some answers out of him.
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