Part 5: Meeting Old Friends
Once I woke up, I headed south to find a small, deserted looking town. Most of the buildings were
completely destroyed, but there was one still relatively intact. I approached it to investigate, but heard gunfire behind me. I drew my pistol, and turned the corner to investigate. When I turned, I found about ten NCR officers with their guns in my face.
“Holster your weapon!” one of the officers shouted “Or this’ll get messy”
I quickly agreed and lowered my weapon. “Sorry about that” I said. “I heard gunfire and came to investigate” to which they put their guns down.
“Well, looks like you got here just in the nick of time” the officer said. “We’ve got a hostage situation ahead. Some Great Khan’s kidnapped my men and have them at gunpoint. You’re welcome to try and sort the situation out, there’ll be caps in it for you.”
As crazy as the offer was I agreed. I needed the caps, and I was sure my charisma could convince the Great Khans to release the hostages. I turned around the hill with my hands up to signal I’m not a threat, and walked towards the building were the Great Khans were. There were lots of NCR troopers, hiding
behind rubble with their guns drawn, ready to move in if something went wrong. I opened the door to the building they were in, and almost wish I hadn’t.
As soon as I entered, I had my body and arms to the wall. One of the Khans had his revolver out, and pointing right in my face. I wasn’t ready to accept another bullet to the head, so I put my hands up and dropped my weapon. However, I noticed the Khan’s face went dead pale as if he was scared
“WHAT THE HELL!” He screamed. “You’re that courier Benny wasted in Goodsprings. You’re
supposed to be dead!”
“Well as you can see I’m not” I said. “And I believe you have something of mine…”
“Yeah…about that” he said, sounding worried. “Don’t have it. Benny stole it, right before
stabbing us in the back. He’s probably back at the strip now, laughing at me.”
“So. Why would Benny steal the Chip?” I asked
“He’s a fucking snake, that’s why. He owed us the rest of the money for capturing and
shooting you. He managed to get away with the Chip.”
“Ok, well then. Shall we settle this situation with the NCR?” I asked?
“What’s there to settle?” he said sarcastically “If the NCR backs out of here, no one gets hurt.”
“But you have their men. They won’t let you leave until you release those prisoners.
Now you’re stuck in this building, with little food and no way to resupply. They are outside with lots of food and ways to resupply, they also outnumber you with better weaponry. So tell me…who has the greater chance of winning here?”
The Great Khan kicked a seat in frustration. “FINE. We’ll free the hostages only if they let us leave without a fight.” He said.
“Of course they will. That was there deal all along” I said, and noticed them begin to pack away their equipment. On the way out the Khan turned to me.
“Here.” He said, and passed me a cigarette lighter. “It’s Benny’s lighter. Shove it up his ass when you catch up to him would you?” he said, laughed and walked out. I returned to the NCR officer to collect my pay.
“Damn fine work.” He said. “Those Khans aren’t easy to work with, and I’m glad to see you could free them. Here are three hundred caps. You probably won’t care, but I just got orders to take out the Great Khans, hostages or not.”
“NO!” I screamed. “Your offer was to let them go in return for the hostages. Surely you
want to honor the deal don’t you?”
“My hands are tied. Orders are orders, aren’t they?” he said, sounding sad.
“If you have any integrity, then you’ll honor the deal.” I said “And also, if you kill these Great Khans and don’t follow your agreement, you’ll have the whole Great Khans coming down on you. Let them live and get back, and they will spread word of how you let them leave without a fight.”
“Damn, you’re amazing at convincing people, I could use someone like you.” He said in
a bold voice. “You’re right. The Khans are free to leave. I think I owe you an extra one hundred caps, out of my own money for this lesson.” He said and smiled to me. He seemed very impressed at my accomplishment. I shook his hand and started heading north to reach New Vegas, until I saw a familiar face.
“Well howdy partner. Good to see you again. Fancy meeting you here.” came a familiar voice. I saw Victor, hanging around.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“Just rollin’ along on my spurs, looks like I might make it to New Vegas after all.” He said.
“Ok, well did you see Benny come this way?” I asked.
“So that’s the fella’s name. Haven’t seen a hair of him since the tussle in
Goodsprings. I’m sure he ran back to the soft living of New Vegas.” He said.
“Yeah, he is back in New Vegas. Would you mind if I came with you there?” I asked Victor
“Course not!” he said. “Be glad to have some company on the way to Vegas, come on let’s go.” And with that, we headed north And reached the gates around Vegas.
“I’m sure you can handle yourself from here. See you ‘round partner!” Victor said, and departed for the shiny gate.
And so, I stepped foot through the gate to find myself in the slum of Freeside.
To Be Continued….
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
