The first thing that hit me when I became conscious: the smell of an old, worn out bed. Once my eyes adjusted, I realized I was in some kind of house. Apparently, an old one, given the stench and no air conditioning. And then, I heard an old man, roughly in his mid-eighties, speak.

"You're awake. How about that."

I tried to get out of bed, but my legs got wobbly. The old man who spoke grabbed hold of me and set me back down. He looked around mid-eighties, just like how he sounded, and wore an old farm hand uniform with a neckerchief.

"Woah. Easy. You've been out a couple of days now. Why don't you relax a second. Get your bearings. And we'll see what the damage is. Can you tell me your name?" He asked.

"Jack Groves. I'm a detective" I replied.

"Well, if that's your name, then that's your name. I'm Doc Mitchell, and welcome to Goodsprings." Doc said. "I had to go through your head to get the lead out. Lemme know if I misplaced something", handing me a mirror.

"Nope, looks fine. Thank you" I told him.

"Well, I got most of it right anyway. C'mon, I need to take a few more tests"

After a few more psychiatric evaluations, Doc Mitchell finally let me go, but not before giving me back my things, including a note about a platinum chip, and lending me his pip-boy glove.

"Thanks for patching me up Doc. Do you know anything about the man who shot me?" I told him.

"Sorry, I don't. You should see Sunny Smiles at the saloon. She'll help you fend for yourself. And ask around town for information, starting with the metal fella Victor." Doc replied. And with that I walked out.

Right when I left, I ran straight into Victor. I recognized him as one of the bigger models of a securitron, with a cowboy picture on a TV as a face.

"Howdy, pardner! Might I say, you're looking fit as a fiddle!" the robot greeted me.

"Thanks for digging me out, Victor. Do you who those men were who attacked me?" I asked him.

"Only that he had a checkered suit on him. You should ask at the saloon. I think he and his friends went in there." Victor replied.

So, I went to the saloon, where I met Sunny Smiles. She was a good teacher, and taught me to shoot properly, but I declined her invitation to hunt geckos, as I needed to find the guy who "killed" me. I met the bartender, Trudy, who was in her late thirties, and had an interesting voice.

"Hello, ma'am. I'm trying to track down the people who attacked me. Know anything about them?" I asked her.

"Not much, other than that they're freeloaders, their leader was in a fancy checkered suit, who expected a few rounds on the house. I was able to get them to pay up though." Trudy told me. "Oh course, one of the Great Khans, their group name, did knock my radio to the floor 'by accident', and it hasn't been working since"

"Did my attackers say where they were going?" I further asked.

"They had an argument about it, but the man in the checkered coat kept shushing them. Sounded like they came North through Quarry Junction, and if that's the case, I don't blame them for not wanting to go back." She replied.

"Why's that?" I asked again.

"Because that whole place is overrun by Deathclaws, that's why" Trudy said bluntly.

"So where did they go?" I pushed on.

"I didn't hear exactly, but the leader was talking about the strip." Trudy told me. "But if he wants to get there while avoiding Quarry Junction, he'd have to Go East to Primm, then circle North." She informed me.

"Thanks" I told her, then left and checked out my grave. Once I got to the cemetery, there I only found a few cigarette butts near the grave, recently smoked, because they were still hot.

I needed to get to Primm anyway to inquire my supposed delivery of the Platinum Chip with the Mojave Express Administrator there, so I set off right after I fixed Trudy's busted up radio. Along the way, I had to kill a few geckos, but there wasn't anything too big.

When I got to Primm, I was met outside by an NCR trooper.

"Hey, where the Hell do you think you're going? Primm is off limits" He told me.

"Thanks for the warning, but I can take care of myself" I retorted.

"Fine. It's your ass, don't say you weren't warned" he replied before leaving.

I went to the bridge to the town Primm, where I found a small minefield. After tiptoeing through it, having to disarm a few, and safely made it across. Unfortunately, when I got to the other side I was instantly attacked by Raiders and escaped convicts. After picking off a few, I slipped inside a nearby building, called the Vicki and Vance Casino. Once Inside, I was greeted by a man named Johnson Nash.

"I don't know what it is that brought you to Primm, youngster, but you might want to rethink your plans. The town's gone to Hell. By the way, I'm Johnson Nash" he told me.

"I was a courier for the Mojave Express, and I lost a package I was to deliver" I said, showing Nash the Express order.

"Oh… that package. That job had strange written all over it, but we couldn't turn down the caps" Nash said, mysteriously.

"Well, some men stole my package, and left me for dead. It was a man in a checkered suit, and some thugs. Did they happen to pass this way?" I asked Nash.

"Well, now that you mention it, a few nights back one of the townies was out scavenging for supplies" Johnson said. "Said he saw a fella in a daisy suit with some Great Khan misfits, talking about a chip."

"One of those men shot me. I need the best way to get to them" I said, anxious.

"For that, your best bet is speaking to Deputy Beagle. He was keeping notes on them since they got here, and was slinking around Bison Steve when your friend came through. He might've heard where they're going" Nash said.

"OK, thanks" I told him.

I quickly exited the Casino, and went into the Bison Steve hotel. Once inside, I was instantly greeted by two convicts with shotguns. I quickly dispatched the two, and then started searching for Beagle. I eventually came to a locked door, but with my lockpick skill, I found out it led to a maintenance hallway, and led straight to Beagle's location, where he greeted me.

"I don't suppose you're here to rescue me? I'd cross my fingers, but my hands are numb" Beagle sadly said.

"You must be Beagle" I said.

"Yes I am. Pleasure to meet you" he tried to sound tougher in his situation. "I'm in a bit of a predicament here. I'd be most appreciative if you'd set me free."

"I'll set you free now. But I'm not cutting you loose just so you can run away. Stick with me!" I ordered him.

"Oh that's so gracious of you, to bodyguard me like that, but I'd only slow you down. See you outside!" and with that, he started running. Unfortunately, he was almost instantly gunned down by convicts waiting for them, so I had to kill them all. Once they were all dead, I snagged Beagle's journal and read it:

This is most unusual! The Powder Gangers have visitors today. I guess there's a first for everything! Now those tough-looking fellows must be Great Khans. I recognize those funny helmets and leather vests from stories I've heard...

So what are they doing with that dapper gentleman who wears a checked suit? I wouldn't mind a suit like that. They're talking about heading south toward Nipton, then west to Novac where they'll meet up with someone...

I guess I could track them if I needed to, but the town of Primm needs me here, to serve and protect.

Oh my. I think I've been spotted…

With the location in mind, I set off to Nipton, then got to Novac. There wasn't much that happened on the way, aside from the occasional Powder Ganger. Once I got to Nipton, the place looked like it got pillaged. I quickly discovered it was the work of Caesar's Legion. I decided not to tangle with them, as I was outnumbered, and because I needed to get to Novac, so I continued on my way.

It was nighttime when I got to Novac, so I rented a room and the Dino motel. While there, I also went to the front desk and asked the manager, Jeannie May Crawford, if she saw a man in a checkered suit come here.

"Yes, I saw him. Don't know much about him, so you might wanna ask Manny Vargas, he should be in his room now" Crawford told me.

I decided to get some rest first, so by the time I went to Manny's room, he wasn't there. I checked his computer, and he had a message from the Khans:

Manny,

You made the right choice, putting us up and keeping it quiet. This weasel Benny's been twitchy since we stole that package from his boss. Making me nervous as hell. But when I found out we'd be passing through on our way to Boulder City, I was sure we could count on you. Let the other Khans say what they want. I know where your loyalty is.

One day you'll remember where you belong, and your brothers and sisters will welcome you back like you never left. You know where to find us.

McMurphy

I traveled to Boulder City a little later, but not before picking up a companion named Boone. Good thing I found him too, because when we got to the city, the outskirts were plagued by radscorpions. Luckily, with his help, we took them all out with ease.

When we finally got to the entrance, another NCR trooper greeted us, named Lieutenant Monroe.

"We got a situation with some Great Khans now. I've been ordered to lock the place down." He said gruffly.

"These Great Khans have something of mine- a Platinum Chip" I informed him.

"Once the Khans are captured, you can retrieve whatever property was taken from you. Right now, though, I gotta figure out how to get two of my men out of there alive" Monroe replied.

"I might be able to negotiate a deal with the Great Khans" I said, getting an idea.

"Normally, I'd turn you down, because I have no idea who you are. But considering the hostages will be good as dead if we attack…" he said, thoughtfully. "Alright, I'm going to give you a chance to talk with the Khans. Their leader is Jessup. But if we hear shooting, we'll come in. Good luck."

With that, I went into the city. The Khans didn't attack, I guess that was because NCR didn't start shooting. Fine with me, as long as I got to Jessup. He was hiding at the office in the back.

"What the Hell? You're that courier Benny wasted back in Goodsprings! You're supposed to be dead" Jessup said once he saw me, surprised.

"I got better. Now, where's the Platinum Chip?" I asked.

"I don't have it. Benny stole it, right after he stabbed us in the back. He's probably at the Strip now, laughing at me" He said, solemnly.

"Alright. Now, about the NCR: if you let the hostages free now, the NCR will let you go" I told him.

"OK, thanks. Oh, and here's a souvenir. It's Benny's cigarette lighter. Be sure to shove it up his ass the next time you see him" He said, sounding angry.

I thought he wasn't telling me everything, so I gave Boone a signal, and we killed Jessup and his bodyguard. I then looted Jessup and found this chairman job offer on him:

Thought you'd like to know that one of the Chairman Bigwigs from The Tops is looking to hire muscle for a job out by Goodsprings. I don't what it's about, though - the details are all hush hush.

The pay seems too good to be true, but I figured I'd pass the info your way in case it's all on the level. Let me know and I'll put you in contact with this Benny Fellow.

I got what I needed, so I went outside, but Boone and I were instantly attacked by the Great Khans for killing Jessup. Luckily, we were able to kill them all, and the hostages got away. After that mess, we left Boulder City, and ran into Victor about a mile out.

"Howdy pardner!" Victor exclaimed.

"Good to see you Victor. Did Benny come this way?" I asked him.

"Sure did! Guess it's down to you and Fancy Pants now. I'm on my way to Vegas right now" the robot said.

"Alright, I'll see you there" I said, and then continued onto New Vegas.

It took half a day to reach the front gate, and luckily, there weren't any obstacles. Before going in, I bought a few weapons and ammo from the local vendortron, then went into Freeside, the outer town. Once inside, I headed to the inner gate, were I showed the securitron there that I had 2,000 caps required to go in. I was then greeted by Victor again.

"Howdy pardner! You've come far a piece, haven't you? Welcome to New Vegas!" exclaimed the robot.

"Point me to the Tops Victor. I got a score to settle" I told him.

"I know you got a mind for vengeance, but Mr. House is itching to meet you. He's at the Lucky 38" Victor said.

"Tell Mr. House I might stop by. We'll see" I said, unfazed.

"Don't you dawdle, little doggie! Mr. House isn't someone you want to go about snubbing. He'll be waiting" Victor Warned.

I heeded the warning, but went to the Tops first. I had to find Benny. Sadly, the chairman had to confiscate my weapons. Luckily, I was able to hold onto a few small melee weapons, and a small revolver. Immediately though, I went to talk to Swank, Benny's receptionist.

"There's something you should know about Benny. He's planning on double crossing Mr. House, and taking over New Vegas. He also tried to kill me for the Platinum Chip" I informed him, showing him all the evidence I found.

"Wow. OK, I'll hold Benny off, while you go check his suite, it's the double doors on the 13th floor. Here's the key. Oh, and here's your weapons back" Swank said.

I went up to the 13th floor and into Benny's room, no problem. At first there wasn't anything suspicious, until I found a hole in the wall, that showed a securitron with a smiley face.

"Hi there! Benny reprogrammed me! Now I'm helping him take over New Vegas! By the way, my name is Yes Man!" said the robot.

"He's trying to take over the Strip?" I asked.

"Sure is! That's what he needs the Platinum Chip for!" said Yes Man.

That was all I needed to hear. I went back to the main floor, and spoke with Swank that Benny was trying to take over New Vegas. I then told him that I was going to take him out. Right after that, I met Benny near the elevator.

"What in the Goddamn-?" Benny almost said. "Let's keep this in the groove, hey? Smooth moves, like smooth little babies."

"Jig's up, Benny. I spoke with Yes Man. You're done" I told him.

"Maybe you should hear my… offer, first" Benny said slyly.

"What'd you have in mind?" I asked, suspicious.

"Well, to start, I'll comp you the Presidential- the best suite in the house. You deserve a taste of the VIP lifestyle" Benny assured me. "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."

"Why don't you come up with me?" I asked, hoping to set a trap. Thankfully, it worked.

"If that's what it takes to win your trust, I'm OK with it" he said, giving me the key before going up to the suite, leaving Boone in the lobby. Once we got there, we started talking back and forth about what the Chip is for, and how I survived this long. Eventually, I got tired of talking, and pulled out my gun, telling him that he needs to pay for what he's done.

"I should've known it'd come to this" Benny sighed before pulling out his own pistol. I jumped behind a couch and started the shootoff with Benny. He nicked me in the left arm, thankfully it wasn't my gun arm, but I got two shots in the chest on him. I then finished him off with a headshot, and took his gun, suit, and Platinum Chip, and then looted the nearby safe for the weapons and cash. Then I went downstairs and informed Swank that Benny's now dead.

"Huh. Guess that makes me head of the Tops. Ring-a-Ding-Ding" he thanked me.

I finally decided to visit Mr. House. Once I got there, I went to the Penthouse to meet Mr. House. When I arrived, I quickly saw that he only communicates through a giant computer.

"You've been a busy courier, haven't you? Now, hand over the Platinum Chip" He told me.

"Sure, all yours" I said, giving him the Chip. "Now, I'll be on my merry way. Pleasure helping you" And before he could say another word, I left to go find a drink and wait for a new case. And that was how I solved my attempted murder.