Freeside can be a rough and unpredictable place. Gangs of all stripes and reputations target anyone considered easy pickings for robbery. It helps to have a gun, or a hired gun by your side.
That is Derek Murtaugh’s job. He’s one of the best in the business.
Born in Idaho, Derek grew up on a brahmin ranch with his younger brother, Zack. Working the ranch with his family was hard, but decent living. He was safe and secured but bored out of his mind and already wanting to wander. By age twenty-three, he struck out on his own, saying his goodbyes as he headed West.
Derek worked many jobs. Caravan guard, saloon bouncer and even once as a deputy. In each station, he learned the skills that taught him the way of the gun. Still, above just proficiency with a pistol, he learned that a cool head prevailed.
By the time he reached Freeside, he was a seasoned operator who signed on with Garth & Holme Protection Services.
In good time, Derek became a respected bodyguard. He even had notoriety in ending a hostage situation involving a gang’s attempted robbery of a diner
Derek has worked alongside Ares before, in rescuing a kidnapped farmer’s daughter from a gang of Fiends.
All in all, Derek is a professional in his field. A good man who does his best and more for his home. Yet, deep down, Derek feels there is something missing to his life. He doesn’t know how to describe it, other than he feels there is something wrong with his place in life. He things maybe, it’s just wear and tear from his job. Yet, he doesn’t actually believe that is the case.
There are other more worrying details.
He feels like someone is watching him. He can sometimes spot people watching him. They’re always there, just hiding in plain sight. Observing always from a distance.
Whoever they are, they’re ‘out-of-towners’. They know who he really is.
Derek’s stalkers are Institute Agents. They are a highly trained retrieval unit, comprised of early-stage infiltration units. These units are ‘passing’ for human, which limits their operations at night. They commanded by Dr. Eisengrein, who is accompanied by Courser K5-38.
Derek is a courser, a protype that somehow managed to break free. Now, The Institute has found him after so many years of searching. They don’t intend to leave New Vegas without him.
