Part 12: In The Hall Of The King
The mood was considerably different inside the Kings, compared to how it was
outside. People had clean, brown leather suits and combed hair, as well as
smiling and talking amongst each other.
It was clear the building was damaged, as they are anywhere, but there
were signs actual care was taken to the place. The floor was fairly clean, all
the litter was in the bin, and the cracked walls had posters and other hang-ups
over them, which made the place a breath of particularly pleasing air.
Standing in the corner by a door was a King who stood out amongst the rest. He had an
unzipped, black leather suit, a cigarette and spurs on the heels of his shoes.
As we entered he gave us an uneasy grin, and clenched his fists. The door he
was by lead to the King, but it was locked and he had the key. We needed to
talk him into giving us it.
“Hello, We Nee-“He interrupted me.
“YEAH, SPIT IT OUT.” He bellowed.
“Calm down.” I said softly. “We need-“I was interrupted again.
“You want the King, don’t you, and I got the key. Now turns out, I ain’t in a good
mood today. And you’ll be sucking my boot before I let you through here.” He called out.
“Jesus, what have we done to you?” Arcane asking what this guy’s problem is.
“You come in here and eye me down, like I’ve got something wrong with me.” He grunted
“More like the other way round.” I said “We turn to look at you for half a second,
and your face already lights up like a firework. It’s your problem.”
“Well I might have let you in, but now you ain’t getting anyway near the King. He
don’t wanna mix with no scumbag staring freaks.” He moaned.
We were about ready to turn around and walk away from this guy, when the door
opened. The king emerged from the back room, with his well-built exterior,
charming grin and elegant, untarnished white suit, he was an intimidating and
mesmerising man.
“Oh Pacer, you giving these men trouble?” he spoke with a deep, grainy accent.
“N..No..Boss! Go..go right through…” he said, before skulking and shuffling off.
We followed him through the open door into a room with a big stage, a bar and a
lot of tables. He sat down, with his feet on another chair and watched the
dancer perform on stage.
“Sorry about that guy. Pacer’s got his problems, but he’s helpful and good in a fight.
If he gives you any more trouble, just come see me. But anyways, what can I do you for?”
“Hello. I’m Micheal and this is-“ He cut me off.
“Sure, I know Arcane. He and the boys at the fort are on good terms with us, patch us
up when we need.” He explained.
“Yes, anyway we’re looking to get out of here soon, but we need the caps to get to
Vegas. Got any jobs?” inquired.
“Getting out of this crappy place huh?” he understood our haste to leave. “Yeah, I
getcha, I got a job for you. As you may see, this isn’t some perfect tourist
attraction. I need you to help restore some order to Freeside.
First, did you notice the bodyguards that stand outside the main gate to Freeside? They’ll get
you through Freeside safe for a fee. One of them, named Otis, is unusually
popular, damn near everyone comes by using his service. I want you to hire him,
and record anything odd that happens.” The King said.
“Sounds alright.” I said
“Then take these caps, you’ll need them to pay him for his work.” As he handed us a
bagful of caps. “Come back with some answers, and don’t blow this chance.”
As we left to do what he wanted, we heard a piercing bark, and a dog swiftly and
smoothly came careening through the doorway, leaving us one hell of a sight. Half
its body was perfectly normal, furry and dirty, but the other side was all
mechanical. It had a clearly visible brain, in a glass container, with wire
poking in and out of it. There was rusty gears and moving wheels that replaced
three of his legs, leaving him only one natural leg.
“What the?” I said, being unsettled by its freaky appearance.
“Rex!” the King called out, as the dog ran up and licked him. “This here’s Rex. Came
wandering into Freeside one day, and since then I’ve took good care of him.”
“Don’t you think he looks a little, odd?” I stated my opinion.
“Sure he does, but does that make him any less loveable?” he said. “Rex here’s the
best dog anyone could hope for. Those implants have kept him alive for over a hundred years.”
We couldn’t take our eyes off the dog, as we slowly backed up towards the door to
leave. When we did, we both Approached Otis and got ready to investigate his popularity.
Notice: The Content in this story (Characters, Locations and Objects) are copyright of Bethsada Softworks, Obsidian Entertainment, or their respective owners. This is just a fan story, with no copyright intented. So please Bethsada, don't sue me, I love your games :D
