I couldn't remember, having never seen any of the old video's, but I'm sure there are stories of a stranger walking into a saloon, music suddenly coming a halt as all eyes turn in their direction. Maybe someone would get up to challenge the stranger. Maybe he makes it to a chair or stool without question. Conversation and music will then resume and all would be well, or there would be a fight if challenge, the stranger proving his worth and then everything would continue as normal.

The entrance of our group into the Atomic Wrangler didn't quite have the same impact, though the guard at the door warned us to keep our weapons sheathed, and to not cause any trouble. I asked if there was any work available, told to just speak to the Garrett twins, as they were the proprietors of the bar and casino.

Realising we would have to spend money to make money, I organised a trio of rooms for our group, Sunny and I in one room, Veronica happy to share with Cass, while Boone was left the third room to himself. After handing over a pile of caps for the rooms and dumping our stuff, I headed back to the bar. A lone female was tending it, so I took a seat and asked for a drink. After being handed a glass of whiskey, she asked what brought me to Freeside.

"Trying to get onto the Strip but I don't have enough caps for now. And I don't think those robots will negotiate."

"How much are you out?"

"Enough where I'll need to find work. Or find some other way of getting onto the Strip. Don't suppose sneaking in is a possibility?"

She laughed. "The Strip is so well guarded; I don't think anyone has ever managed that. It's one way in, one way out. But if you need caps, there's always work here. Though whether you want to take the work or not is a question."

I sipped at my glass before asking, "Is there any other way onto the Strip besides working? Just want to know before asking about work."

"You can always get a passport, but they are almost impossible to get. You can try a forged passport, but those are not cheap either."

"Who do I speak to about that?"

She wrote something on a piece of paper and handed it over. "They're the best at what they do. Expensive, but worth every cap," she whispered, before grabbing my hand, squeezing it, forcing me to look into her eyes. "And you didn't get this from me. Understand?"

I just smiled. "Get what from you?"

She let go and returned the grin, though it was absolutely false, the eyes that looked at me cold and unfeeling. "So, still interested in work?"

"Let me talk to my colleagues first, but I'll probably be back."

Gathering my companions in one room, I explained our options. I knew nothing about the passport system, neither did any of the others. As for caps, I said I could work at the Wrangler. That led to a few comments, particularly from Cass, who was more than aware of the reputation of the Wrangler. Then I sat down on the edge of the bed and shared the most important thought.

"Okay, I'll be honest here for a moment. There's only one person who needs to get onto the Strip at the moment. Myself. I'm not going to need all of you with me to find Benny. In fact, as I've already told Sunny, I'm not going to want you by my side as I deal with him. This is a personal thing, and I don't want anyone next to me, trying to talk me out of it. However, once that issue is dealt with, I guess the rest of you might need to get onto the Strip too."

"You could always head to McCarran," Boone suggested, "I know, for a fact, that they have no problem hiring mercenaries for particular jobs they can't do."

"Or you can try Crimson Caravan. But that'll probably take you away from New Vegas," Cass suggested.

I looked at Veronica, but she just shrugged her shoulders. "Okay, I'll see what the job offer here is. If it's not something I want to do, or doesn't offer the caps I need, I'll consider my options. But I don't particularly want to end up too far away from Freeside, or the Strip. Benny has had a lot of time since putting a bullet in my head. I don't know what he plans, but I want this resolved."

Heading back downstairs, I asked what the job would involve. In the end, it didn't sound as bad as I thought it might have been. Track down a trio of people who owed the bar some caps. I didn't have to kill anyone. "Take off your hat, let's get a look at you," she asked. Doing as she asked, she didn't appear shocked by the scars. "Hell, they'll take one look at your after you ask for the caps and I don't think you'll have a problem."

"I'm not sure if that's a compliment or not."

"You're new in town?" I nodded. "I'm not sure if you know of our reputation, but although we protect ourselves, and don't take kindly to people taking advantage of us, we certainly don't condone murder. Well, in most circumstances anyway. Running a casino is always bound to make you enemies."

She gave me ideas on where I would find the trio of people who owed them money, before asking, "What's your name, stranger?"

"Uhtred."

She offered her hand again. "Francine. I have a brother called James. He takes the other shift. If you need more caps after this job, he might have something for you."

"Anyone else offering work around here?"

"You could always try the Kings. They're a weird bunch, but we have no problem with them. The Followers in their fort are always looking for help. They don't particularly like us, but we recognise the good work they do on Freeside."

"So plenty of options?"

"Of course. Just watch yourself out there. The main thoroughfare is generally safe, during daylight hours at least. Watch the side roads. Plenty of fuckwits out to ruin your day and take your life over little more than a few caps."

Heading back upstairs again, I shared what information I'd learned, one or two snickers about me being little more than a 'debt collector', but caps were caps, and I didn't see any sort of shop advertising jobs. Veronica was interested in learning about the Followers, so I suggested she should go and introduce herself, and see if they needed any help. Cass and Sunny offered to join her, so that left Boone. Somewhat unsurprisingly, he said he'd either stay in his room and perhaps head to the bar. I think that was code for wanting to drink, and I was certainly in no position to judge. I was also left feeling he was a little lost. Obviously desperate to leave Novac behind, I was one of few choices available to leave. But what would he do now? Apart from revenge against the Legion, I did wonder what he wanted to do.

But if I didn't need the caps, I probably would have joined him at the bar.

Francine was right about one thing. I was definitely intimidating, no more having to ask two of the targets to hand over what they owed, and after removing my hat and opening part of my coat to reveal a pair of weapons, the caps were soon in my pocket. The first one tried what I assumed was the usual sob story, but grabbing him by the collar and threatening bodily harm merely helped. I didn't need to actually get violent.

That was until I took a wrong turn and ended up walking down what I soon realised was a dead end street.

Turning back to leave, at least half a dozen thugs were blocking my bath. None appeared to be carrying a firearm, but a lead pipe or machete could damage me just as bad. None of them said anything for at last a minute while I was relaxed. My weapons were currently hidden by my coat, so they probably thought I was just some lost tourist, and therefore an easy mark.

"Hand over your caps, and we'll make your death quick," one of the thugs offered. I smiled at the one who spoke but said nothing. I could see the glance he shared with a couple of his colleagues. "Don't and we'll make sure we keep you alive for a lot longer."

I calculated the distance they were from me. How long it would take me to grab my pistols and fire. I probably wouldn't be able to shoot them all before they closed the gap, but I guess it would be a case of injuring them and finishing the job later.

My silence was unnerving them, and there were more shared glances, I guess unasked questions of 'Do we attack this guy or not?' I made the decision for them, throwing back my coat to reveal four holstered pistols. I drew quicker than they could move, lifting the two 10mm pistols and firing as the two I aimed at had barely stepped forward nor lifted their weapons. The one to the left went straight down, bullet through the face. The second was only hit in the shoulder, but the two weapons were already arcing, firing at the next two targets, aiming lower into their legs.

The last two targets had already closed the gap by the time I was aiming at them. Taking into account both were armed with a pipe or some sort of metal object, I holstered my weapons while walking forward. I could see the look of confusion on one of them as I stepped forward, the other getting ready to strike.

If they'd been smart, they would have worked in tandem, but while they both tried to attack me at once, they didn't time their attacks. Despite not being unarmed, I managed to take down both of them easily. I don't know how. I couldn't remember training. But I just seemed to know when to move, when to hit, where to hit, when to duck, when to retreat. I disarmed the thug with the pipe with a heel to the knee and a punch to the throat. The last thug ended up on the ground nursing a broken arm.

Picking up the pipe, I made sure those not already dead were unconscious by the time I departed the dead end road. I didn't search pockets for identification or caps. I wasn't a thief, though contemplated killing all of them, but I figured that would make me little more than a murderer. I'd probably be doing Freeside a favour by doing it, but I guess I still had some sort of conscience.

Still carrying the pipe, I exited the dead end and eventually found the third and last mark. She took one look at my face, her eyes moving towards the pipe in my hand, and all I had to do was mention the fact I was collecting a debt and caps were quickly placed in my hand with her apologies. I could have warned her to be careful, but she muttered something about being broke and heading back to California. I'd heard enough sob stories from the other two marks, so I just turned and walked back to the Wrangler.

Francine was happy to have the caps in hand and even appeared to be pleased when informing her that I managed to do all three jobs without any violence. "It's unusual trait in Freeside. Violence begets violence most of the time."

"Oh, I had to get violent with others. Some locals tried to ambush me."

"Did you kill them?"

"Can I be honest and say I wanted to but didn't?"

"Well, it wouldn't have bothered me if you did, and I reckon most people living in this sometimes cesspit wouldn't have been bothered either. But I guess you have to draw a line somewhere. I guess they'll think twice before trying again." She handed me a pouch, opening to see plenty of caps. "Payment for a job well done, and a little bonus for not killing them. We wanted our caps back, but we also like return business."

"Got anything else need doing today?"

"Not today. Come back tomorrow and my brother might have something. Your friends disappeared not long after you left. I think the girls are back at least."

"What about the man? He was supposed to be staying here."

"He said he was just heading out to get some air. He wasn't carrying his rifle, so I would assume he's not looking for trouble."

Heading upstairs, Cass, Veronica and Sunny were in our room, chatting about something, though the conversation ceased as I walked in. Curious as to what they were talking about, I took a seat and looked at them silently until someone said something. "We've been talking, Uhtred," Sunny stated.

"I guessed that. But I am left wondering what you've been discussing…"

She looked at Cass and Veronica before returning her attention to me. "I think if we were to pool all the caps we have, you would have enough to get onto the Strip."

"Okay, that's all well and good, but what will you survive on?"

"We'll find a little work with the Followers, and we can always look into getting a passport." I took the bit of paper out of my pocket and handed it over. "Oh, is this who we should go see?"

"It's obviously not entirely legal, but it's a suggestion. They might be able to help, but I have no idea how much it'll cost to get all of you a passport."

"I've already got one," Cass admitted, "But it's my name, so you can't use it, Uhtred. Just thought you should know."

"And I guess Boone will have one too?" I wondered. The three shrugged, but I assumed he probably did, just didn't want to say. "He's been here plenty of times, from conversations we've shared. It's where he met his wife. Anyway, you're serious about this?"

"We'll wait for Boone to return, see if he agrees, then tomorrow morning, you can head onto the Strip."

Sunny escorted me to the intersection the next morning, the rest remaining the Wrangler, I guess to give us a little privacy. She didn't wish me good luck, not at first. She just told me to be careful and to make sure that I would walk out of the Strip, happy with whatever I chose to do. Then she kissed me, the sort of kiss that would leave any man or woman breathless, before she hugged me briefly, told me to be careful, before she headed back to the Wrangler.

I felt some nerves heading towards the entrance to the Strip. Not for what lay beyond the Strip, and my eventual showdown with Benny. It was actually dealing with those securitrons again, eager as it seemed to put bullets into anyone who came close without the requisite caps in their pockets or a passport, whatever that looked like.

Crowds were few approaching the gates, though there was a line of people waiting to enter the Strip. Though it was daytime, the lights were still shining bright in the near distance, while you could probably hear the noise from the Strip at the other end of Freeside, if not halfway across the Mojave, though it was strange I'd never really noticed it until now. Probably because it was just background noise to whatever I was up to at the time. As I waited in line, I did wonder what was on the other side of the gates and walls. No end of crowds, but I wondered if they were all tourists, or if there were plenty of locals living on the other side.

A few unhappy people were turned away, though I think more passed through, before it was my turn to be searched. The securitrons didn't appear to care about the weaponry currently on my person. They asked to see my caps, scanned it, and pleased with what they saw, wished me a happy welcome to New Vegas. I surprised myself by thanking the robot in return, hearing a snicker of laughter from someone behind me. I didn't blame them.

Walking through what I now realised was a barricade, not just a gate, I finally exited onto the Strip itself, coming to a stop as my senses were overloaded. The crowds were enormous! The noise seemed to go up an innumerable number of decibels upon passing through. The lights were almost blinding, even during the daylight, so was left wondering how bright it would be during the evening. Having not walked the Mojave during twilight, I hadn't noticed how bright New Vegas actually was.

Weaving through the crowds, noticing plenty of NCR soldiers throughout, it was hard to miss the Lucky 38 Casino, and the tower that reached to the clouds. The surprising thing was the fact no-one was entering or exiting the casino. Instead, a trio of securitrons were out front, standing guard, and no-one appeared to even dare approach. One of the securitrons appeared familiar, so I made my way towards it.

"Howdy, stranger!"

"What are you doing here, Victor?"

"Well, as I said, I was making my way to New Vegas, and here I am."

"But why are you waiting here?"

"Well, Mr. House is waiting for you to retrieve that platinum chip. Once you have it back, I would return here as soon as possible."

I looked around and noticed an illuminated sign for the Tops casino nearby. Pointing, I replied, "Well, Benny should be in there. So I guess I might be back shortly."

The crowds outside the Gomorrah were not surprising, as there were plenty of whores plying their trade, trying to tempt NCR soldiers or others inside. One or two even shouted in my direction, though I ignored their calls, as I headed towards the Tops. Further on I could see another casino, the White Glove Society. I didn't know anything about them, though Cass had spoken at length about what Boone and I could get up to in the Gomorrah if we wanted. Continuing on, not wanting to enter the Tops just yet, I eventually ended up outside the NCR Embassy, not the most exciting place on earth, before noticing an entrance to the Vault 21 Hotel.

"Hang on, that's where the Doc Mitchell was from," I said quietly to myself. Intrigued though I was, I focused my mind on the Tops. Crossing the main street, I sat down on a bench and kept an eye on the entrance. There didn't appear to be many, if any guards on the outside, though the doors constantly opening and closing suggested there was at least some security inside.

"Your intentions don't look entirely noble," a voice said quietly beside me.

It caught me by surprise, so focused I was on the casino doors. "Perhaps not."

"Are you planning a robbery or… something else?"

"I'm not a thief."

"Something else then?"

"Maybe."

"Most casino's don't allow weapons. They are confiscated upon entry."

"What I'm planning won't need a firearm."

The voice didn't reply for a moment. "I would ask but…"

Removing my hat, I turned to look at the gentleman beside me. "It's called retribution, stranger. And I will have it."

"I would have offered you something but I have a feeling you'll be just fine." Tipping his hat, he simply added, "You have a good day now, friend."

Tipping my hat in reply, I thanked him as he disappeared into the crowd. Returning my attention to the doors, I knew I couldn't sit there all day. Not because I would be noticed. I was merely another face in the crowd. But Benny was somewhere behind those doors. Plotting I didn't know what, but the platinum chip was clearly the key to it all. But I considered it my property. I didn't know anything about it otherwise. Would I deliver it to Mr. House? I'll admit a little part of me wanted to know what was so important about it.

Getting to my feet, I steeled myself for the inevitable showdown. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes, lowering my head, clearing my mind of everything except what I thought was to come. I had an idea in my mind of how I wanted things to happen. I had an idea of what might happen. Whether either of them came to fruition would probably count more on luck than anything else.

Raising my head, I kept my focus on the doors as I strode forward, the crowd appearing to part like the sea. I barely broke stride as I walked through the door, the only thing bringing to a halt once inside being the line of security, searching each person wanting to enter the casino. I probably had murder in my eyes, as three of them burst forward to stop me. They started politely, at least.

"Welcome to the Tops," the first guard stated.

"Before you enter, we do have to ask if you are carrying any weapons," the second guard added.

"Any weapons must be handed over to security before allowing you inside," the third guard finished.

Opening my coat, I simply said, "Well, I am carrying these."

"Whoa!" exclaimed the first guard.

The second guard looked at the four pistols and smirked. "So, you aren't planning on doing something stupid, are you?"

Closing my coat, to at least hide the weapons, I smiled, trying to appear as friendly and relaxed as possible. "No. I am merely wishing to locate a gentleman by the name of Benny. I believe he works at this establishment."

The three guards shared a cautious glance. "And what do you want with him?" the first guard asked warily.

"It is a private matter between myself and him."

"Wait here," the first guard ordered, and he walked across to the reception desk. He was only gone a couple of minutes, before he asked me to speak to one of the people at reception. It was there that I found myself introduced to a man named Swank. He offered his hand, which I willingly accepted.

"So, you want to speak to Benny. I believe my guards have asked, but as one of the Chairmen, I must ask what business you have with Benny. We look after each other, after all."

For the umpteenth time since waking in New Vegas, I removed my hat, placing it down on the desk. I noticed his eyes move straight towards the scars across my scalp. "Benny left a bullet in my head back in Goodsprings. I wish to ask him why he shot me."

"Got any proof that it was him?" Swank asked, but his tone suggested he either knew something, or at least already partly believed me. Considering I'd come all the way from Goodsprings and had managed to track him down, I guess it was partly convincing.

So I laid it all out for him. First, the cigarette tabs, placing those on the desk. Swank picked one up and examined it. "Shit," he whispered, "Well, these are those that Benny likes to smoke. Rare as hen's teeth these are. You pay through the absolute nose just to get one pack, let alone a carton."

"These were around the shallow grave he had me buried in."

Next was the lighter given to me by one of the Khans, placing it down on the desk and sliding it across. "Benny struck a deal with the Great Khans. They were involved in my kidnapping and attempted execution."

"What did you do to them?"

"My quarrel was not with them. Some would think I should cut a swathe through anyone involved. No, I'm just after the man who pulled the trigger. I let them live, and the Khans are not happy either, as Benny broke the deal he had with them. Their leader, Jessup, gave me this lighter that Benny had given him. I believe his last words to me before leaving was about shoving it where the sun doesn't shine."

Swank picked up the lighter, turning it this way and that, before he finally placed it down and nodded. "That's definitely his lighter."

I leaned forward, placing elbows on the desk, interlocking my fingers. "Look, I don't know what your relationship with the man is. He could be a colleague. Be your boss. Just be a friend. But my attempted execution was to obtain a platinum chip."

"A what?"

"A platinum chip. And I believe it has something to do with Mr. House and his control of New Vegas."

Swank copied my body language, leaning forward. "What do you know?" he asked quietly.

"Not enough. Not yet. But the fact he stopped me delivering the chip to him would suggest something untoward, correct?"

"But what exactly?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. But considering I was the one who was shot in the head, I want to find out."

"And what will you do when you finish your… conversation?" The look I returned should have suggested what I wanted. Swank met my eyes in silence for at least half a minute before he sighed. "If he really is planning on taking down House… Wait here a moment." Swank disappeared, leaving me alone with the trio of security guards. I noticed their glances occasionally turn my way, but as there was still plenty of traffic in and out, I was left alone until Swank reappeared. "Okay, I've talked with the others, explaining everything you told us. We think you have enough evidence, plus there's enough to know Benny is up to something, that we're willing to let you deal with it."

"And no-one will involve themselves?"

"They've sent the word out. No-one will stop you. Benny is on the thirteenth floor. To get them out of the way, have a quiet word and ask them to return here. We'll explain everything."

"And Benny?"

"Is yours to deal with."

"You have my thanks."

It was obvious from all the lights that electricity flowed through New Vegas, and I was pleased to see that at least one elevator was still in operation, as I didn't particularly find the prospect of climbing thirteen flights of stairs appealing. The elevator was obviously a couple of centuries old, but apart from a few squeaks, and a slight rattle, I didn't feel an impending sense of death as I ascended.

Exiting into a brightly lit hallway, a couple of men in suits were on patrol. I waved them closer, and though they were cautious, they still came towards me. "Swank wants a word downstairs. Are there any other guards on patrol?"

"No, we're the only two. What does Swank want? And who are you?"

"He'll explain everything downstairs."

"What about Benny?"

"I'm here to see him. Again, Swank will explain everything. What room is Benny in?"

The two guards shared a glance, before they both shrugged. "You'll find him in room 1305."

"Thanks."

I waited until they had boarded the elevator and hearing it descend before I approached the door leading into his room. Standing to the side, I took one of the 10mm pistols from it's holster, checked the clip, the chamber, and leaned back against the wall, steeling myself for what I was about to do. Taking one last, deep breath, I walked towards the opposite wall, turned and strode forward, kicking the door in.

Immediately seeing Benny in front of me, I pulled the trigger.