Sunny's plan instructed to follow the south road out of Goodsprings; the road was apparently in turmoil under the Powder ganger's influence. Their reign was ended by the N.C.R. and hostile wildlife, like the geckos and Radscorpions that are common in the surrounding area. They moved in the Powder Gangers moved out. While Geckos are aggressive lizards with sharp claws and fangs while Radscorpions are lightly armoured oversized venomous radiated scorpions, for a common threat David didn't see any during the trip.

Many minutes were nearing an hour or so later, down the path nearing two miles that felt like forever, a sign overhead of a chipped pre-war road said Primm was dead ahead with Nipton northwest. When David thought about it, a settlement was seen far north, despite being surrounded by a hostile environment. Why anyone would be there is unknown.

Now getting tired walking the long road was very tiresome, wasn't for nothing, though. Tied to a simple lamp post was a flag with a two-headed bear with words. New California Republic, it said. Near it was a man in a tan coloured armour, calling David over from behind some sandbags, he apparently wanted David, so he went over to see what's up.

The man just warned David about Primm's Powder Ganger problems, then walked away back towards Primm, to a nearby campsite opposite the town. David climbed over Primm's rusted fence to see the town deserted. The soldier wasn't wrong.

Primm was having a bad day. Wrecked vehicles, damaged pavements and the remains of tattered buildings accompanied the damaged town In sights were a post office to the right, and a large casino to the left, the worn out gas station held no interest. The town of Primm was tame but with it being empty with no real reason to stay any longer than necessary David left as quickly as he came and followed the remains of a fractured highway south to the Mojave Outpost.

Minutes later up the steep road was the settlement he was looking for, a man-made statue of two men shaking hands walk welcomed David's jogging finish to a long walk which must've been two miles. Being over a hundred feet in height it was hard to miss from afar.

The thriving outpost was more so than Goodsprings at half the size; the friendly community allowed David to take in the safe sensation. All the personnel were in tan military fatigues, like the man under the N.C.R. flag at Primm only some were armoured while some weren't. There were civilians and everyday citizens; this was a safe location to settle for a minute.

It was now a time to sit back, relax and smell some flowers or something like that, or maybe not. David wandered to the barracks where the men seem to spill in and out. David questioned the people's affiliation, the people seemed friendly but mostly glared at him, the hired guards for the so-called caravan traders were a lot nicer. The traders were with large cows, only they had two heads and were mutated, unlike the ones from his time. Unnaturally pink, lumpy and sunburnt. To the barracks, he goes.

Inside it was active with people around sat at the bar, an excellent selection of alcohol and food on display behind the barmaid. David pulled up a seat at the bar, after a long trip he needed another drink. The barmaid was in her early-thirties and had a dark complexion. She seemed to be a rough looking woman but approachable. With the sound of a calming acoustic guitar on the jukebox, it was good timing for the bar woman to serve David. Some things didn't change here.

"A fresh new face is rare nowadays." She smiled. "What will you have handsome?"

"Give me the best pint you got."

"A pint? What's a pint?"

"Lager… ale…"

"Lager?" She scratched her head from David's odd request of alcohol unknown to her. "Those… I don't sell them around here, not sure if anyone does. Is beer okay?"

"Do you have like a menu or something I can look at please?"

"Sure…"

The woman wasn't a typical barmaid like the ones he usually likes back in his time at J's Bar; she sold guns, ammunition and weapon attachments. Not the person you'd hire to work at your pub anytime soon, that just encourages drunk violence. David wanted to use his caps primarily on essentials, so he had to make the most of the caps. Sure a dirty pint or a cheeky IPA would be grand, but they just weren't around anymore.

"I'll have a whiskey and vodka please."

"Yes, sir." The woman made the purchase with David and went away to serve other patrons.

"Thank you, ma'am. Guess I'll just drink to pass the time… Still early."

David did remember he had some whiskies in his bag too, down on the luck no better time to drink like the present. With some old cigarettes left it was almost bliss. Only the whiskey, wine and vodka were all the same, no different ones they were all just mass produced in bulk. None were unique. The mixers, wines and crafts were just the same.

Hours of drinking did wonders at first but was wearing thin later in the evening, only fuelled by keeping him and his sorrows to himself. Carrying the burden of his dead family was quickly forgotten when the alcohol started flowing, which meant whatever he was doing it was working. Better at the bottom of the bottle than on the end of the barrel.

Before David started drinking when he noticed a real cutie, at first it was just innocent googly eyes while he and she drank their day away. The staring picked up much longer and more frequent from her end, David was hesitant to make a move, hell it took years to realise his exact feelings for his past love Sam during their high school years. She was a complete stranger. Too much of a challenge compared to a fellow student.

Even though this woman was something else, it was hard to find the words, she was at least mid-twenty or so, red-headed with a scrunched ponytail, and to top it off her body was firmly sturdy yet slim, his favourite qualities in a woman. Her fashion was post-modern: tan cardigan, straw hat and tight blue jeans, what a bloody minx.

Fortunately, David's crushing paid off, looked like he just about peaked her interest for her to pull up a seat by him. With a seductive chuckle, she wasn't the least offended over David's wandering eyes; he's just paying attention to his surroundings, not being nosey the slightest. Too bad he just finished drinking.

"What's a nice piece of ass like you doing in a shitty place like this, huh?" she said with a wink.

David double checked to make sure she was talking to him and not another person; didn't want the moment to be awkward, like him invading a conversation like a jerk. "Talking to me right?"

"Who else would I be fucking talking to?" the woman smiled, "What's your story handsome?"

"Oh, this is a pleasant surprise. I was just getting bored of life and the on again and off again daily struggles. For a start m'lady I'm not exactly in a positive mood right now, and as much as I'd love to bore you with meaningless jargon… I'll pass." His voice felt heavier than the one he spoke earlier. "So sick of life right now," he muttered.

"Aw, I'm sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?"

"I don't have the time; I got people to see up in Vegas."

"Sin City, my favourite. Still… must be boring hoofing your way up there all alone…"

"Are you implying I need an escort?" David drank and smiled. "I didn't even get your name."

"The name's Cass, handsome. Don't forget it."

"It was very nice talking with you Cass; it's just a damn shame that I need to head out soon."

"Why?"

"I'm looking to stay the night here, but before I do that, I need to make some caps for later."

"This place is running low on jobs. Jobs for the Crimson Caravan and Gun Runner sells like snack cakes here. Still… got a gun and guts you could run some patrols for the rangers. That sniper on the roof said she needs a quick scout; thinks there's trouble to the northeast."

"Sniper?"

"Calls herself Ghost, or something like that," she chuckled. "Probably because you never see her 'till you're dead. I'm sick of nicknames, they hide too much of the person's identity and eliminates the actual reason people have 'em in the first place."

David smiled. "Pity I don't have one. What about you?"

"Better to call me by Cass than Whisky Rose or Sharon, but don't call me any of that, 'kay? No, no, no. Anyway… Ghost is on the roof if you want some quick caps, Jackson might have a patrol, but I don't give a shit about that."

"I'll go see Ghost then. You've been helpful ma'am, thank you."

"My my… what a polite man you are," she chortled. "Will I see you again?"

"You bet. When I get back, the first round is on me. Least I can do for your help." David stood up and placed his hand on Cass' shoulder. "It's been a pleasure. I'll see you around, ma'am."

"I sure hope so, handsome."

"Safe." David let go of Cass and left the barracks.

"Oh yeah! He's a stud alright. One drink is all I'm gonna need for him."

David left the barracks and went up a makeshift sheet metal ramp to the barracks rooftop not far outside the door; Ranger Ghost was up there staring out beyond the outpost. Ghost was albino, behind her deep dark sunglasses she looked cold and decisive.

"Is someone up here?" Ghost turns around to see David coming towards her; his footsteps were silent as the night. "You didn't even make a sound coming up here. I like that."

"I'm known to be very stealthy."

"Guess you're not a courier type then. You interested in a little scouting?"

"I could use some caps, sure."

"I think there's trouble in a town to the east called Nipton; there's no traffic over there, which doesn't seem right. From all the smoke I bet it's the Powder Ganger's handiwork."

"I can check it out. Anything else I should know?"

"If anyone's alive they'll most likely be at the town hall, go there and check it out."

"I'm good with covert ops; I'll be back."

Ghost smiled. "Fired up, are we? Wish there were more men like you around here than these part-timers. Seriously, though, I don't want you to kill yourself over this. Just a good pair of eyes and legs is all I'm asking for."

"I can take care of myself. See you around."

"Mind yourself now."

David walked down the single road out the outpost under the two statues, for some reason going the other way wasn't allowed. A signpost beneath the monument said that Vegas and Primm were north while Nipton and Searchlight were to the east, two paths connecting to the road with one north and the other east, simple enough. Heading straight to the Lucky 38 in one trip wasn't the best idea, earning some caps and staying at the safety of the Mojave Outpost was.

Nightfall fell upon David; the temperature plummeted down below zero by three or more degrees; it was too cold for a dusty environment such as the Mojave. Some complications were getting towards Nipton in one piece. Raiders were no match for David's experience and proved to be weak against his offensive countermeasures.

A wagon outside the town confirmed the name as Nipton, and strangely it was empty for a small town. Between David and a tire fire was some devilishly looking red flags set around town, with a golden bull presented on them, unlike the N.C.R.'s bear. The town's tire fire produced uncontrollable thick smoke that clouded the whole settlement; charred bodies were seen burnt to a crisp with little remains left. With his Browning in hand, David went to investigate the town hall like Ghost said, with high discretion, he mostly peeped round corners.

David could hardly understand what was going on outside the town hall, from the safety around the general store's corner he spied upon some people killing and crucifying Powder Gangers; no one deserves that, not even them. The savages were all male in Roman attire, like legionaries of Rome many centuries ago, with prestige and honourable markings on their armours. Hides and flags were flowing from their pauldrons. Mostly armed with powerful rifles they were not pushovers like the Vipers; they meant business. David knew he was beaten and backed away before they catch wind of him. Outnumbered and outgunned.

Perfect timing to report to Ghost, the night felt chilled enough just to sit outside and stare into the night sky, without freezing one's nuts off; a warm bed would be better, though. Ghost was still present on the roof of the barracks like before he left, watching out for anything of importance.

"I wasn't expecting you so soon. Did you check on Nipton?"

"The town was attacked."

"You're kidding... By who?"

"I thought it was Powder Gangers at first, but when I got there, they were being killed off by some other people."

"What did they look like?"

"They were dressed like Romans or some shit."

"Where there crucified people there?"

"Yeah… that would come to mind."

"You're kidding me? The freakin' Legion has Nipton too?!"

David's heart skipped a beat. "Legion?"

"Yup. When you see those red flags, you bet its Legion territory."

"Whoever they are they burned Nipton down."

Ghost raged. "Dammit! Those bastards are on the moving around in the border again. It'll only be a matter of time before they strike." She calmed slightly to a softer tone, "Not like anyone cares about Nipton though, but… I thought I could sleep better with you on the case; which we all are thankful for. I'm on edge more than usual."

"Known anyone there?"

"Nipton? NO, no, no…" she chortled. "Town was a shithole, asking to be burned, just not by the Legion. I wouldn't wish that fate on anyone. Thanks for the help, we appreciate it, even if it was bad news. We just don't have the troops to head out there right now; orders are to stay put. What's your name?"

"David Wesker." He saluted to Ghost, "At your service."

Ghost hailed David back. "Pleasure doing business, David. Guess that just leaves your pay." Ghost handed David a small steel footlocker; it had some weight and contents behind it all. "This is my equipment I'm handing you here; it's just that Jackson's busy right now to give me your pay. Sorry, I couldn't pay you myself in caps, though the stuff inside will keep you going for a day or two."

"Thank you, ma'am. Is there any more work for me?"

"While you were gone, I talked to Jackson about any other odd jobs that need doing, but another guy was looking for work too. A courier, believe it or not, Jackson sent him to fix a bug problem he had. No worries."

A courier? "Thanks anyway."

"No problem. See you around David."

Back inside David's favourite place to see his new favourite bar patron, he was back in the barracks. The bar was empty; all N.C.R. personnel were resting one off, the ones that didn't be on the night shift… then there was Cass; sat on her own with nary a gentleman to talk to. Honouring the deal, David sat by her and ordered a bottle of whiskey for each of them to savour, got a frown from the barmaid but it wasn't a mean one. The one you make when "that guy" comes back with seemingly strange questions or tastes. Difficult customers and the latter.

Cass has obviously been drinking since he left hours ago, she seemed much happier to see him albeit with a drunken look across her cheeky smile. "Hey, stud. Welcome back. Miss me already?"

"What can I say? Apart from liking feisty women like you, I did say the next round's on me." David bought him and Cass a bottle of whiskey from the barmaid, having one each. "Here you go."

Cass blushed. "Aw, thanks. The only thing better than whiskey is free whiskey."

"I got some good stuff from that job. I can spare a drink."

Cass and David both took a swift drink from their drinks. "So how was your trip to Nipton? Boring I bet."

David smiled and scratched his head, thinking of the best answer he could. "Yeah... Boring. Not like there was anything to kill up there. "He laughed and took another sip from his drink.

"Oh right, I forgot. You do get Vipers and Jackals around these parts," she smiled. "Still better them than Fiends or the Legion." Her voice darkened from a slight slur to a bitter gruffly mumble, "Roman pussy-ass bitches."

"There were a few Vipers on the way there, though they were no trouble. Hey, life goes on right?" David took another sip from his drink and coughed. The whiskey was straight grain, only watered down to half the strength. Good old Jack Daniels will sorely be missed.

"Unfortunately, you're not wrong about that," Cass frowned and took a long chug, leaving a few drops in her whiskey bottle. "Are you a mercenary?" she slurred.

"Sadly no. I'm more along the lines of an old member of a special task force, from a more civilised age." David drank and spoke gruffly, "I used to be in law enforcement," he cleared his throat and coughed. "I do think of myself as a mercenary now."

"Hallelujah! Good for you, women like me love mercs. Especially young studs like you." Despite Cass' forced cheerfulness, she was still frowning and just staring at her near-empty whiskey bottle.

Is she sad that there wasn't much left? Who wouldn't? "You alright Cass?"

Cass perked up and smiled. "I'm fine. Life can just be a bitch sometimes, eh?" Cass started to play around with her near-empty whiskey bottle. She spun the bottle on the bar.

"Yeah… yeah. I spent half my career in a bar, only because I had the money." David finished his whiskey off with one large gulp. "New one will be different this time around."

"Then how about another drink to celebrate?" Cass chortled and knocked on the bar.

"Why the fuck not. Another two whiskies and vodkas on me."

"Now we're talking!" She called, "Oh Lacey!"

This "Lacey" was the Barmaid trader. Without a distant frown, she leant to Cass to take her order, from what they were discussing they were friends, or at least Cass was a regular, but Lacey seemed less snippy than she appeared to be. With a smile and a laugh, Lacey served Cass and David a bottle of whiskey and vodka each, with for no extra cost, then went away to clean down the bar. Either Cass had a silver tongue, or Lacey was just kind, leaving the sixty caps on the bar like that.

Cass handed David and herself a bottle of whiskey and vodka and gave him his money back. "Here you go, cowboy."

"What did you say to her?"

"Just girly banter. Could say I'm a regular here at the Outpost, Lacey gives me great deals, so it's only fair."

"You always drink here? Like all the time? That's a lot of money."

"It's hard to deny to a good deal on whiskey, plus everyone around these parts really like me." She grinned with a cringe-worthy look in her eyes and chuckled, "In more ways than one you could say."

David opened his fresh bottle of whiskey and took a sip. "I like that."

"You and me cowboy, we're aces, we get along like peas in a pod. How come I never seen you here before? Can't believe I met you today and frankly… you're sexy and awesome, like yours truly; only not as much." She took her first fresh sip from her whiskey and coughed."

"I'm not from the Mojave; this place is new to me."

"From the Capital? Or Reno maybe?"

David swayed his head slowly. "Never heard of them. I'll tell you over dinner some time, or another drink, perhaps?"

"Are you flirting with me?" Cass blushed rosy red. "A sober woman would see it as clear as day… I am anything but sober." She took a heavy chug from her whiskey and placed her hand on David's hand. "Though I don't have to follow if you don't want me to…"

"Is that the whiskey in you talking?"

"I think of it as a second language… Years of experience."

"Same on my end." David went to drink some of his whiskey but decided not to, and placed it back on the bar, next to their vodka. The vodka was pure vodka, which is why it was twice the caps, and to gulp it down like his whiskey was too much for any sane person. David decided to take a shot instead – like everyone else.

"I like you, cowboy, I won't lie. You see the big picture like I do. You find the time, and y'all go for it."

"Could strike me as naive but I never felt like this around anyone before, not in years at least." Cass massaged David's hand with hers, deflating his speech, "Cass I…" He hesitated and caught his breath. "There's something about you…"

"You have a way with words cowboy," she slurred.

"I had everything going for me. Until now after a recent of tragedy, I'm missing something... What could it be?"

"Maybe a real woman's touch?" she snickered. "Or someone who understands? That's all over now. Cass is here to please you in a way you might consider magical."

David took a brief minute to understand Cass' words, they came out of her mouth in a jumble, and it wasn't making much sense. She had a few too much to drink. "I think I misheard you there."

"No, you didn't," she said licking her lips with delight. "I knew I was missing something for a long time. If it took all the whiskey in the Mojave to realise that, then so be it."

"Who? Me? Come on…" Oh God. David forced a smile. Why do all the drunks flirt with me this strong?

"Now you're getting it. But many men came and gone in the last few months and years. No person in the entire N.C.R. can satisfy me, let alone the Mojave. That General Redfield though, I'd love a piece of him, but fuck it… He's not coming here just for me…"

Redfield? David wondered.

"You though cowboy, you turned some heads in this bar today, and I want the full package. You're not a poof, are you? No… I bet you're one sombre son of a bitch holding back a mighty beast." David held up Cass' hand and kissed it seductively. "That just arouses more questions, answers and other things… and people…" she chuckled.