Disclaimer: Still only own the copies of the game and the character only.
AN: OK, think I have a better handle on writing more then one character in the third person. Just so you know, Laura will try to be good, but will do whatever it takes to survive, so she won't end up lawful stupid. I hate lawful stupid characters. Just kill that traitorous villager instead of trying to redeem them and giving the villain the artifacts!
Day 2 (10.20.81) – Unexpected Visitors and Prison
Upon waking up, Laura gathered her stuff together and headed out towards the saloon. On her way over she is stopped by a man she has never seen before. "Hello there. It's good to see a friendly face. Almost took you for a raider, I did. Name's Malcolm. Malcolm Holmes. I'm a trader and was wondering if you happen to-, ah hell, forget all that, I've never been too good at lying. I've been following you for awhile now and saw you pick up an unusual bottle cap."
Laura was immediately suspicious, as she'd been laid up in in Doc's place for days then spent most of the day in Goodsprings and was only with the woman she'd saved when she had picked up the bottle cap, indoors. Still, she was curious as to what this man had to say, so she picked her words carefully. "Go on."
"I say you pay for a meal at the saloon and almost use the Blue Star cap to pay for it. I figured you didn't know about it."
"How is this cap special?"
"There is an old wasteland legend that says there is a treasure somewhere out there and that these special caps are the key. They are called Sunset Sarsaparilla Stars."
"I'm guessing you collect these stars?"
"Nah, I give up collecting them years ago, if even if I still did, I'd tell you the same thing. There are people so obsessed with collecting these things that they would kill you on the suspicion that you might have any."
"What kind of treasure would drive someone to be so obsessed?"
"No one knows. Some claim money, weapons, even water are the treasure. All anyone knows is that at one point, it was quite valuable and sought after."
Might be worth looking out for these stars, either to trade or collect them on the off chance I learn more about this treasure. Stranger things have happened. "Where would someone find more of them?"
"Best place to look for them is unopened bottles of Sunset Sarsaparilla bottles. You'd think they would all be opened by now, but somehow new bottles show up in the machines around here. Some claim old Festus is the one who places them there, hoping someone will collect enough to finally earn the treasure."
"Who is this Festus you mentioned?"
"Supposedly he guards the treasure, and asks for the Blue Star caps, and that he lived since before the war. That would make him pretty damn old, but the folks who have claimed to have met him aren't the lying type, so I am inclined to believe them."
"Maybe he's a ghoul or something. Thanks for the info, I'll give what you said some thought."
"Just beware a man named Allen Marks, the guy has already killed a few people over these caps. Just thought you should be aware of the danger they bring, so I would advise you keep them hidden from those you don't trust. Goodbye." States Malcolm Homes, who then heads down the road away from town.
Laura heads away from him and turns a corning around a nearby build, before applying the Stealthboy she picked up earlier. She proceeds to follow for a bit before stealthily going through his pockets to confirm her suspicions. While angry that she had been lied to, she decided to let him live, but confiscates his caps, both the regular kind and his 6 star caps.
Heading back to the saloon, Laura finds Sunny in a better mood, and puts her plan into motion. "Hey there Sunny! I spoke with Ringo last night after you left when Cobb came in, and learned about what is going on. I want to help Ringo take care of Cobb and the Powder Gangers, and was wondering if you would be willing to help?"
"I'm in."
Just like that? I thought you'd join us, but I figured you'd want to know what we plan. Why so quick to agree?"
"I know Joe Cobb's type. He claims he and his friends will leave us alone if we turn over Ringo, but he'll come after the town sooner or later. Still, even the three of us might not be enough to stop them. If you can get Trudy on our side, some of the other townsfolk might help us, as her word carries a lot of weight. Easy Pete, the old man who hangs out outside the saloon should have some dynamite that could seriously aid us, and Chet got in a shipment of leather armour recently that could go a long way to keeping us alive. Finally, Doc Mitchell might have what we need to keep any of out wounded from dying on us after the dust settles, not to mention patching us up afterwards."
"You think Chet will give us the armour?" Asks Laura.
"I doubt Chet would hand over the armour free of charge, so you may end up paying for it unless you can come up with a good enough reason for him to hand them over." Replies Sunny sadly.
"How do we get Trudy on our side? She seemed to prefer that Ringo leave town and hopes the Powder Gangers will leave with him." Comments Laura, think about last night.
"Either a silver tongue or convincing her we have a solid plan would win her over. She will join us if she thinks we can make the town safer." Calmly concludes Sunny.
"How would I get Easy Pete to give up his dynamite stash? It is both costly and dangerous." States Laura.
"Easy is rather protective of his dynamite, but if you can convince him you know what you are doing with it, he'll probably give it up and join us." Concludes Sunny.
"Sounds good, I'll see about getting their aid, then I'll let you know about my own special addition to the plan." With that said, Laura heads to Trudy first, as she is closest.
"So, I heard you talking to Sunny, and are planning on facing off against the Powder Gangers. Well, I guess if you feel that is the right thing to do." Trudy states warily.
"I do. I agree with Sunny that sooner or later the Powder Gangers will come against Goodsprings even if Ringo is out of the picture. I know you are worried about retaliation, but I have a plan to ensure that it won't be an issue. You should help us, bullets, explosions, it'll be all kinds of fun." Implores Laura, hoping the idea of some excitement and the prevention of retaliation inspires Trudy into action.
"Well all right. I can see you intend to go through with this, so I might as well help you. I'll talk to some people who might be willing to help out. Just make sure we win." concedes Trudy.
Next on her list was Easy Pete, who was outside the saloon. Approaching him, Laura asks, "What do you know about Joe Cobb?"
"Bad trouble." Understates Pete.
"Right. Well, I hear you have some dynamite, any chance we can use it to fight off Cobb and his friends?" Asks Laura.
"Bad idea. You'll just kill yourselves with it, better it stay buried where it is, safer that way." responds Pete.
"I am quite familiar with the proper care and handling of explosives, dynamite included. Between the two of us, I am sure we can teach those aiding who are aiding me as well." States Laura in a calm and knowing manner.
"Well, you sound like you know what you are talking about, so I'll go dig it up. Should have it ready to distribute by the time the fighting starts." States Pete, after challenging Laura's knowledge of explosives and finding it acceptable.
Next, Laura headed over to Chet's store next door. After entering and double checking her supplies, making sure to spend a few caps to ensure Chet was in a good mood, Laura broaches the subject she came her for. "Me and some of the townsfolk intend to take care of the criminals hanging around town, and we heard you have some leather armour we'd like you to donate for the cause."
"Now hold on there. I never voted to take on the Powder Gangers. That is a 1000 cap investment you are talking about."
"You'd let them take over the town then? Oh, I'm sure business will be great with all those criminals running the place. Why I'm sure the caps will flow when they are in control."
"OK, I get what you are saying. I'll supply your militia with armour and extra ammo, but I'll be guarding my store. Gotta make sure none of them get into my supplies and use them against, you." States Chet.
Heading out, Laura turns right and heads back to Doc's place. Once inside, she heads on over to him and asks, "Some Powder Gangers are going to attack the town soon. I' hate to get you involved in this after all you have done for me, but is there anything you can do to help us?"
"Seems like there is always someone trying to take what doesn't belong to them. I won't be of much use in a fight, what with my bum leg and all, and my supplies are sparse, but I can give you what I got to spare. I'll need some for the wounded afterwards. Tell you what, I got a broken 9mm sub-machine gun you can take if you can fix it, and a chemistry set that you can use to make some more supplies in the room you woke up in. Feel free to use them if you wish." Doc replies.
Repairing the gun and making 5 Stimpaks with the chemistry set, Laura heads back to the saloon to tell Sunny her plan. Getting into the back of the saloon, Laura lays out her plan. "We probably have a few days before Cobb makes his move, so my plan is to investigate the prison. Maybe earn their trust if they don't ask me to do anything criminal, and I'll see who is running the place and try to find a way to take them down, or create some infighting between them. I'll also see if Primm can spare anyone to help us, either with taking out Cobb and his men, or perhaps learn about any NCR plans to retake the prison. Once the main source is distracted or destroyed, we can force Cobb's hand and take him and his men out without worrying about a larger force seeking revenge. What do you think?"
"It is a good plan if it works, but it seems rather dangerous. Still, I think you are rather brave to go through with it. I do fear for your safety if you head for the prison. I'd suggest not going in there if they request you go unarmed. Other then that, I wish you luck. I'll stay behind to co-ordinate the defence should Cobb make a move while you are away, otherwise I'd go with you. Be careful of any patrols or solo bands you come across, not to mention wild animals and raider gangs." Adds Sunny.
"Sounds like good advice. I wouldn't want another bullet in my head, cause I doubt Doc will be able to patch me up again. Depending on how things go Sunny, I'll see you tonight." States Laura, smiling at Sunny as she heads out of the saloon and out of town.
Running into Cobb on her way out, she managed to learn the location of the NCR Correctional facility from him without making it obvious. Travelling down the road, she spotted a man living on the outskirts, and decided she'd talk to him after she had set her plan in motion, maybe he could be persuaded to help, if he wasn't one of Cobb's friends. Wouldn't do to have to kill him and have Cobb discover the body before she got back and ruin all her work.
As she made her way down the road, she comes to a shack at the crossroads. Deciding to check it for supplies, she enters and finds another star cap and a key on the table. Seeing some lockers, she finds the unlocked ones predictably empty, and tries the key on the locked one, opening it. Inside she finds a 357 Magnum, some ammo, a few caps, a jacket and a razor. Deciding that maybe it would be best not to carry too many items of value into the prison, she places anything she doesn't expect to need, including 2/3 of her caps, just in case she needed to bribe her way in, or out. Registering the location into her Pip-Boy, she takes the road the leads in the direction the prison is supposed to be.
Spotting some men in clothing similar to Cobb's near some bodies and a trailer, she spots a sign mentioning the prison and takes cover off the road. Checking her Pip-Boy map, she sees that the prison is to her right and takes a minor detour towards some train tracks, before finding the road to the prison. Initially ignoring some wild dogs, she changes her mind after seeing them eating human remains, and puts them out of their misery.
Finally reaching the prison, she holsters her varmint rifle, but makes sure her laser pistol and 10mm pistol are in easy reach in case things went bad. After waiting for the rusted gate to open, she heads toward what she assumes is a sentry. "Hey there girlie. You hear to party with the Powder Gangers? I'm Dawes"
"I'm kinda surprised you guys are still hanging around the prison." States Laura, who even knowing they were here, is still honestly surprised.
"After we killed the warden and the guards, we realized it is a good fortified position with water and power, why would we want to leave? If we need food all we gotta do is steal it. We have the biggest, baddest fort in the whole wasteland." says Dawes, obviously proud of this.
"So, who is in charge then? And can I go inside?" asks Laura.
"Eddie is in charge, he is usually in the wardens office. As for going inside, if you make it worth my while you can. Either we can have some fun, or 100 caps will do." answers a leering Dawes.
Handing over 100 caps, Laura says, "Here's your money. Sorry, but you ain't my type."
"Alright, you are free to go in. Can't guarantee your safety though, just saying. Sure you won't reconsider in exchange for your safety?" Suggests a hopeful Dawes.
"If I can survive a bullet to the head and a shallow grave, I think I can handle myself." Brags Laura.
"Damn girlie, even I am impressed. Don't blame if you are wrong though." states Dawes, moving away from the door to let her in.
Entering the prison, she sees all eyes turn to her. She is immediately assaulted by whistles and cat calls, until they see her hand on her pistols. Deciding to talk to the one man who hadn't made lewd comments at her sitting in a far corner, she is surprised when he greets her quite politely. "Well now, I never expected anyone to come in here willingly. I'm Meyers, what brings you here?"
"I'm new to the area, and figured it best to figure out who to know and who to avoid. How did you wind up here? You seem a lot more civilized then the rest of Powder Gangers."
"I don't consider myself a Powder Ganger. I used to be a sheriff far to the west of here, believe it or not. Unfortunately, sometimes justice is too slow and I sped it up one too many times. Don't know what kind a greeting an escaped con would get from an NCR patrol, so I figure it is safer to stay here. Besides, I'm willing to do my time, figure it is only fair."
"Well, what can you tell me about the leadership here? Heard it was run by a guy named Eddie."
"Since Eddie and his boys control the guns and dynamite, they convicts listen to him."
"Tell me about the prison break."
"I hear Cooke was behind it all. I figured that the NCR would quickly send troops to regain control, so I stayed out of it and remain here. Doesn't make me popular, but my reputation and not going out of my way to make trouble means most of the inmates leave me well enough alone."
"Who is Cooke and where can I find him?"
"Cooke was some sort of anti-NCR rebel. Didn't like being told what to do. As for where he is, he went off north with a bunch of other inmates, intent on getting revenge on the NCR."
"Damn. I am having a problem with a Powder Ganger named Joe Cobb threatening the nearby town of Goodsprings and was hoping to cause a power struggle to weaken the Powder Gangers while I dealt with Cobb, maybe get him written off as a casualty. Guess I'll have to go with heading to Primm and seeing about whether or not the NCR plans to retake the prison soon or at least offer up some soldiers to protect the town from retaliation when we wipe out Cobb's men. I owe the people there for saving my life. Maybe I can get some help from the citizens of Primm instead."
"That might work out, I hear some of the prisoners who didn't want to hang around here headed south towards Primm. You might find some people wanting revenge there."
"Thanks for your time Meyers. I think I'll have a look around, maybe see what I can learn about Eddie, maybe try to earn his trust so long as he doesn't ask to kill or harm honest people. I'm no angel, but it doesn't mean I don't have my own set of morals. If I learn anything useful about when the NCR plans to make their move, I'll let you know."
As she leaves Meyers and heads further in, she spots a star cap. Making it look she is stretching, she palms the caps while any inmates looking her direction get distracted by her smallish breasts becoming suddenly prominent. The fact she has any is enough for most of the convicts, and Laura realizes that this might have jeopardized her safety.
After taking a wrong turn into a cell block and liberating a a few sticks of dynamite, she heads into the administrative building. Inside, she locates a gun case, and noticing a lack of security, helps herself to some ammo and a pair of 9mm pistols. No sense having the Gangers have access to them should the meeting with Eddie go south.
After getting directions from a convict named Hannigan, who apparently doubled as the crew's medic, she made her way to Eddie's office with a warning not to piss off Scrambler, Eddie's right hand.. "So, you must the lost little girl who Dawes let in. Got a good reason I shouldn't gut you or let my boys have their way with you?"
"I'm looking to make some friends in the area, and since men don't interest me, maybe you got problems I can deal with for you? I didn't crawl out of the grave cause I'm weak." comments Laura
"There is a guy named Chavez who decided he would form his own crew and ignore my orders. Everyone else I've sent has been killed or avoided. He doesn't know you so you should be able to get to him. Kill him or convince him to leave Powder Ganger territory. Without Chaves to lead them, his men will disband and either get themselves killed or fall back in line." Commands Eddie.
"Sounds fun, I'll let you know when I have dealt with Chaves." With that said, Laura turns and leaves the office, heads down the stairs and into the courtyard. There she runs into a pair of convicts who block her way.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here? Don't you know how dangerous it is for a young woman like yourself to be around such dangerous men?" Says a large man with numerous tattoos.
"Yeah, why don't you let us protect you? We can all be good friends." says the other one, though slightly shorter then the other man, he was still more muscular and taller then the 5'2" Laura.
"Sorry, I don't have time for a pair of bad Holovid rejects. I got a job to do." Says Laura in a dismissive tone. This sets off the men and they charge her. Grabbing her laser pistol in her left hand she fires into the larger man's face, while her right hand thrusts her machete into the chest of the other man. Seeing that the larger man is blinded but still standing, she pulls her machete out of the dead man's chest and sliced open the blind man's throat.
Address the courtyard even before the last man hits the ground, Laura calmly states. "I have a job from Eddie to do, and I'll kill anyone trying to stop me. If you have any issues with that, take it up with Eddie and Scrambler." When no one moved to block her way, she heads into the visitor centre and heads out of the prison to the last known location of Chaves.
As she approaches, a man speaks up, "You walked into the wrong camp lady, hand over everything you got."
"I am guessing you are Chaves. Eddie sent me to deal with you. I've heard you've killed or eluded everyone else he has sent after you, and he still sent me. If you wish to live, I suggest leaving the area, otherwise Eddie will keep sending people until someone gets lucky and kills you."
"You have a point. Pickings were getting slim in these parts anyways. Come on boys, let's go." As Chaves and his men leave Laura notes he only has three others with him. Guess she won't have to worry about them being much of a problem, she thinks, until she reads a note they left mentioning a group in the north organizing. Must be Cooke's gang. Hopefully she won't run into them in the future.
After convincing a bounty hunter pretending to be a merchant that the Powder Gangers were onto him, Laura finally receives the information she was after. Eddie wanted her to head to Primm to find out why the NCR had yet to try and retake the prison. Heading out she sees the sun setting so decides to return to Goodsprings for the night. She would head towards Primm in the morning, to avoids the dangers of the night.
Arriving in Goodsprings, Laura heads to the saloon to inform Sunny about her future plans, and see if anything new had come up in town. "So, I managed to get into the prison and meet the man in charge without a problem. Had to kill a pair of convicts who thought I was an easy target, but managed to convince the people the current leader of the Powder Gangers named Eddie wanted dealt with to leave without bloodshed. After that he asked me to head to Primm to find out what the soldiers there know of the NCRs plans to take back the prison are. I plan to head over there and find out if maybe I can get them to act soon, by giving them current information, as it seems a decent amount have headed to the north and south of the prison."
"I also plan to ask about the job I was on when I got attacked. I want to what was so important about that chip that Checkers as I call him would try to kill me to hide his involvement. Thanks to him, I'm afraid to camp outside. Hell, even with a proper shelter, I can't go to sleep without a gun nearby. I if I have something to go on, it'll help me find the guy and the chip, which if I can find and deliver it, will maintain my reputation as a courier. No one hires couriers who fail to deliver after all." States Laura honestly, surprised she told Sunny that last part.
"Well, it certainly sounds like you had an exciting day. Almost sorry I missed it, but someone has to keep an eye on Cobb, and my job of keeping the geckos, coyotes and scorpions lets me without arousing suspicion. Trudy says she has found a couple of men to assist us in taking out Cobb's crew, and the townsfolk are scrounging up any spare ammo they can find. I'm a bit concerned for you heading to Primm on your own. Odds are you won't be able to make it there and back before dark, so you may have a problem." Comments a concerned Sunny.
"Not to worry. The Mohave Express outposts usually have somewhere for a courier to stay in case they show up late at night, even if it is a cot in the corner. In the worst case scenario, I can always pay for room somewhere." Explains Laura. "Well, at the very least, you may not hear from me for a day or two, so keep your people on alert. I think it is time I went to bed, want to get going the moment the sun is up, otherwise I'd stay to chat. While I fully expect to come back, if my some off chance a raider gang catches me off guard, it has been a pleasure meeting you. You are a good person, and I hope to get to know you better when I come back to finish things with Cobb. Checkers already has several days lead on me and is likely close to if not already in New Vegas, so it's not like coming back will cause me to lose the trail."
After saying their farewells, Laura heads to bed wondering how tomorrow will play out...
AN: OK, I got a lot of playing done today, and have already started on Chapter 3, so that I start up a buffer in the event I find some employment soon. And yes, Laura was telling the truth to Eddie. Reviews would be helpful, and if you spot errors, let me know so I can fix them. Reading through it and spell check can only do so much.
