Chapter 5, Unfinished Business
We walked towards the strip entrance, and as always, the Securitron bots were guarding the entrance to prevent random stragglers from entering. Since the bots do know who I am, they let us pass without any problems. The strip may not look as impressive as it would at night, but it still is a sight to behold. Elizabeth even agreed as I heard her gasp in awe.
"If you think it's something now, wait till you see when it gets dark." I acknowledged.
"That would be great," She replied with a subtle smile.
"Well, let's head to the Lucky 38 and we can wait for it to get dark."
I walked with Elizabeth towards the Lucky 38 and we both walked in. As always, I was greeted by the red carpet and the noises of the slot machines running.
"Well it's official." I stated.
Elizabeth turned around and looked at me with a puzzled look, with her left eye squinting slightly and her corner lip moving up as well. "What do you mean?"
"You are the second person to ever walk into here." I answered.
"Nice," She stated. "Are we taking the elevator up?"
"Yeah, let's head to the Presidential Suite. It's where I live and there's a spare bedroom for you."
I walked into the elevator and pushed the button to take us up to the Presidential Suite. As we went up in the elevator, I noticed again Elizabeth fidgeting with her right pinky. I decided to break the ice and ask. "Why do you keep doing that?"
"Huh," She responded, turning to look at me while unsure what I meant.
"You keep fidgeting with your right pinky."
She looked down and noticed she was. "Sorry, I'm just thinking about a few things."
"Is it something in the past that is bothering you?"
"A few things," She replied.
"I know that feeling as well. I've got a few things I still think about."
Elizabeth pauses for a moment, like she is questioning if she wants to say something. She then sighs, "Do you have something or multiple things that haunt you often, and no matter what you do, you cannot escape it?"
"Yes, I know that feeling too well," I stated, "Do you want to talk about it?"
Before Elizabeth could say anything, the Elevator stopped and the ding letting us know we had arrived at the suite filled the silence in the room.
"Another time," Elizabeth replied.
I nodded in agreement and led the way. We walked into the Suite and there were three doors and across the door on the left and right were two other rooms. I explained that the door on the left was the kitchen, the door in the middle was my room, and the door on the right was the bathroom area with a toilet but a handful of bathtubs. The door across the kitchen was an area with a pool table and the door across the bathroom was an area that had two spare beds.
"Well this place is something, " she said, "Would not have expected you to be the luxurious type."
"I'm not really," I replied. "This was a gift from Mr. House and at least it's multi-functional and the bigger bed is nice compared to either sleeping on the floor or in a single mattress rickety bed. "
"Yeah, with a big bed like that, you could share it if you wanted." She responded.
We both stared at each other for a moment with that thought in both our heads. Then I broke the silence, "Anyway, let me get that bed setup in the guest area"
We went into the room and I noticed we needed some sheets and pillows. I took a look around to find out where the spare ones were kept since I don't really have company here.
"So, aside from killing radiated creatures and raiders in the wasteland, what else do you do? Elizabeth questioned.
"Well, I go around, try to help people, and make some caps out of it." I answered.
"Caps? Is that what you use as currency here?"
"Yeah pretty much." I replied.
"Do you gamble at the casino?" She asked.
"Nope," I said, grabbing the sheets from a cabinet. "Not much of a gambler as I don't have Lady Luck on my side."
"What do you spend them on then?"
"I mostly just spend them on ammo, armor, maybe a Nuka Cola here or some whiskey, or even new guns if I see them."
"I see," she responds.
I brought the sheets to the rolled out bed and got them on with some help from Elizabeth. I then put the pillows on the back of the bed frame.
"Ok there we go, you got yourself your own bed."
I looked at the clock. It was 3:35 p.m. "Well, we have a few hours till the sun goes down, did you want to do anything while we wait?"
"Do you happen to have any books here? I'd love to read more about how things are here in the wasteland." Elizabeth asked.
"I don't think there are but there is a terminal over there that has information you could read about." I said, point to the terminal across from the bed.
"Ok, I'll do that to at least learn a bit more about things here." She says, looking at the terminal.
All of a sudden, I remembered a book I had helped make for Moira Brown back in D.C. called Wasteland Survival Guide. "Actually, I do have a book that I helped someone make"
I went into my room and grabbed the book that I kept in the bedside drawer. I then went back into the room and gave it to Elizabeth.
"How did you help make this?" She asked.
"Well, give it a read and you'll see. Can't give all the details away in the book."
She smiled, "You're right." She leaned back in the bed, flipped open the pages of the book, and started to read.
"Anyway, I'm going to head out for a few things, and I'll keep an eye open for any books. Any ones in particular you would like," I requested.
She looked up past the book and at me, "Anything about how things are here or if by some chance, any books about how the past was after my time."
"Noted," I replied.
I made my way to the elevator, pushed the button to take me down to the casino, and made my way out. I went to the Gun Runners to restock some ammo from the robot there, specifically some 44 rounds and 5.56 rounds, then I bought another set of parts for my armor to keep it up to shape. Unfortunately he had no books, but I took a look at my Pipboys clock and it said that it was 5:47p.m. It was time for me to get back in time for the lights to turn on in the strip. I made my way back to the strip and I could hear the loud outburst of a ton of people making their way to the strip. I saw NCR soldiers, to Kings members, simple common folk., then it hit me. Today was also Friday and everyone was more or less getting off of work.
"Well, this will be a fun night," I thought to myself.
I made my way back to the presidential suite and entered the guest room. I saw Elizabeth on the terminal, researching something.
"Hey, sorry they didn't have any books in stock, but the lights on the strip are going to turn on soon and there's a spot on the Lucky 38 where we can watch them,' I told her.
"Huh," Elizabeth responded, "Oh yeah, sorry I'm just reading more into the Brotherhood of Steel. I just started to look at their D.C. establishment and it seems they are much less fanatical then the ones here."
I hope my name isn't anywhere in there. I don't want her to know about what I did in D.C. for as long as I can make it be.
"Are you ready to see the lights?" I asked her.
"Yup, let's head on out." She answered.
I took Elizabeth into the elevator and we went to the cocktail lounge. The cocktail lounge was where people got their drinks at the bars and looked at the sight of the lights down below. It is pretty high up compared to all the buildings in New Vegas and I guided Elizabeth to the glass looking out to the strip.
"Ok, any minute now the lights should come on." I told her.
We waited for a few minutes and so far nothing came on, then Elizabeth broke the silence.
"These lights are taking their sweet time to turn on aren't they," She stated.
"Could have sworn I timed it right."
A few seconds of silence passed and Elizabeth broke it once again.
She turned to face me, "Hey Evan, I'm sorry I snapped on the train. I'm just not really used to opening up to people."
"It's ok. I understand based on your story that you really have had a bad hand dealt with you before you died."
"It isn't just that experience," She said as she faced back to the window, " My whole life is just a tragic mess. I used to be more happy, free willed, and innocent. But in the span of around a year, I've lost most of that."
"I honestly can relate to that to an extent," I replied.
She turns back to face me, "How so?"
"Well, I was in a vault for 19 years of my life. And in a span of a few months, I changed from being naive to being more resourceful. But, I don't really trust many people since I've been stabbed in the back a few times," I stated.
"Oh," she responded, "I guess you do have some idea. Well, since you have an idea of what I have gone through, I'll share something else with you."
"Ok, if you're comfortable."
"The man I went after, Comstock, named himself after my father and my only friend. I never thought he would sink that low to do that," She stated.
Wow, that is really fucked up. I mean naming yourself after someone's father to hide their identity to where they would least expect it is just plain awful. I guess I am glad he died the way he did.
"Wow, I'm sorry Elizabeth that he did that to you," I replied.
"Thank you Evan. But, Booker isn't my only friend now. I have you." She responded, smiling at me.
I smiled back at her as I felt the same way to an extent. I really didn't have many friends here in New Vegas. I had some back in D.C., but even then that was such a small number of people. I left them all when I left D.C. Having Elizabeth here was nice to have some acknowledge that I was their friend. Before anything else could happen, I noticed the lights of the strip slowly turning on.
"Hey the lights are turning on," I said, turning to fully face the window.
Elizabeth did the same and gasped in awe, "Wow, it's beautiful."
"Yeah, it kind of reminds you that despite how horrible the wasteland is, there is still some beauty left," I replied.
We stood there and admired the sights for a few moments. But then, I felt something brush against my left hand, and at first I thought I was imagining it, but then I looked down ,subtly, and saw Elizabeth just slightly moving her right pinky to touch my left pinky, like she was unsure of grabbing my hand.
She quickly moved her hand away, "Anyway, thank you for showing me this. I'm going to get back to reading more as there is just so much I need to catch up on."
"No problem. I'm going to go talk with Mr. House about a few things."
"Ok, be careful,'' Elizabeth says, reminding me of what Mr. House's true intentions could be.
I took Elizabeth back to the Presidential suite and once she exited the elevator, I hit the button to take me to the Penthouse. I felt a level of uneasiness fill me as the elevator started to move. When I left Mr. House, I told him I would think about getting the Chip immediately and he didn't seem happy that I responded that way. He said I had a bigger stake in this than I thought. I mean with how he was coming off, I can't really say I blame myself for reacting. I've seen the last four years what people are capable of and that trust really is a luxury. But, the optimistic part of me from the vault still wants me to hope that Mr. House might have some good intentions. I just have to keep questioning and observing the tone he responds in in order to make my judgment.
The elevator doors opened to the Penthouse and I began to walk out the doors. I mad my way down the stairs and approached the screen that had Mr. House's static face staring at me.
"So, I take it you changed your mind about recovering the Platinum Chip," He asked, his metallic, booming voice filling the room.
"Well, yes. I spent some time thinking and you are right that I owe a contract to you to deliver the Chip. But, considering all the effort for this Chip, I really would like to know a bit more about it."
"I will answer any questions you might have about the Chip only when you deliver it to me. That is what matters most right now as time is of the essence. Many things can escalate at a moment's notices. And if you are thinking it is some sort of dangerous device that will destroy the landscape if handled improperly, I can assure you it is not," He replies.
"Ok, I'm planning on going tomorrow morning to get the Chip. I had some business to tend with a package that arrived for me," I said.
"Was it the wooden box that Victor delivered you?"
"Yeah," I said, shocked that Mr. House knew of it, "How did you know about it?"
"It was delivered to one of my Securitrons and I had it passed on to Victor to deliver to you. I will say I was unsure what its significance was as the people who delivered it to me were not specific on what the terms of it were. They just told me it was from the Courier office and word had spread that you had survived your gunshot. They wanted you specifically to deliver it as your final assignment from the company."
"Did you happen to get a look at who they were," I asked, intrigued to find out why the company wanted me to do this as their final assignment.
"No idea, they were very strange people. They looked like twins, but were opposite genders. Had accents that were noticeable British, but as my Securitron grabbed the box and examined it, they were gone. For the record, do not bring any jokes about Ghosts. I do not believe in such things."
I chuckled. I was really hoping to bring in a joke about that. Guess he read my mind already. But it does raise the question on who those people were and what did they want me to do? I mean I didn't get a return address and the company would definitely have reached out to me by now on what happened. Guess I'll write a letter to them to find out the truth in all this when I get a chance.
"Well, I'll figure it out on my own time," I replied.
"If you do not mind if I ask, what was the package all about? What assignment did they want you to do," Mr. House inquired.
I started explaining to him how initially I learned it was about Rapture and the potential secrets it might have of the old world, 100 years before the bombs dropped. Then I told him about the fiasco with the Brotherhood of Steel and how I got to what was left of Rapture. Then I told him what I saw.
"Well, it is interesting to know that the rare stories I have heard about Rapture are true," Mr. House responds, "I had heard about them throughout my time before the war, but no teams were able to find it and I felt it was just a mythic city comparable to Atlantis. Though unlike Atlantis, I found Rapture far more intriguing because of the technological advances it was rumored to have. There was an interview conducted on one person who claims to have lived in Rapture, but that is the only source of actual evidence of its existence left. I deemed it as accurate as someone reporting they saw Aliens fly across the sky. Suffice to say, it seems I was wrong."
He paused for a moment, then asked, "What did you find there?"
I told him about the logs I found that talked about how the Lutece Device could not only travel to anywhere on the planet, but also through time and the group of scientists were hoping to boot it back up.
"How is that even possible," He replied with doubt, "There was no way the technology was that advanced before even my time. I am assuming you did not bring the Lutece Device with you?"
"Well, if you thought that was wild, wait till you hear about this." I returned.
I then told him that the scientists also had the brain and hair sample of someone that was killed at Rapture and there was a device called the Vita Chamber that could bring them back to life. Once I finished that, Mr. House immediately chimed in.
"Ha! Your attempt at humor needs work. That is not scientifically possible at all. Now I am sure you are making this up."
"Well if you are so unsure, I can bring her up here to confirm it. She's in the suite right now reading to catch up on what she missed." I insisted.
Mr. House paused for a few seconds, "Then that does explain who walked in with you into the Lucky 38, but you did not answer my question. Did you bring the Lutece Device with you by any chance?"
"Unfortunately, no," I said, "I had to reroute all the power to the Vita Chamber and after a few minutes, the place started to close in itself, also destroying the submarine. We did get out using the Lutece Device, so that is how I am standing here."
"How unfortunate," Mr. House responds, disappointed. "I could have used that technology for another project, but that is for another time. I would like you to bring her up when you deliver the Platinum Chip. I have some questions to ask her."
"Very well, I will see you tomorrow." I responded.
"And not another day later," I heard Mr. House say as I walked to the elevator to leave the Penthouse.
I walked out of the elevator to the suite and I saw Elizabeth in the kitchen getting some water.
"Any new developments," I asked, walking into the kitchen.
"Well I got to read a bit of the book you gave me, but I have to ask. How did you help her make this book, " She inquired, turning around to face me.
"Well I was her Guinea Pig for all the information she put in the book and yes I did poison myself with Radiation. Was not entirely fun, but no permanent damage according to her."
Elizabeth laughed, then took a sip of water, "Well, thank you for your contribution to science."
"My pleasure," I said. "Hey, you know what you should try?"
"What?" She asks, finishing her water.
"You should try some Nuka Cola. Really good stuff."
"I saw some in the fridge when I was grabbing some of the meat you had in the fridge to eat something. I didn't want to take one without permission as it looked like there were only two," She replies.
"Well, you have my permission. There should be a bottle opener in the drawer next to the fridge."
Elizabeth opens up the fridge, takes out a Nuka Cola bottle, and grabs the bottle opener in the drawer. She lifts the cap off the bottle effortlessly, takes a drink, then pauses for a moment to take it in.
"That is not bad. Although, isn't soda supposed to be more fizzy," She asked, "Least the few times I tried it."
"What does it mean to be 'Fizzy'," I asked, "I've never felt a fizzy feeling drinking Nuka Cola."
"I don't know how to explain it, but there usually is a bubbly feeling in your mouth after drinking it," She specified.
"Huh, that honestly sounds like it would make it better." I replied, with wonder.
Elizabeth drank the rest, then put the bottle in the trash, "Regardless, it was pretty good. I think I'm going to get some shut eye. What about you?"
"I think I'm going to start winding down, I'll see you tomorrow morning." I replied, rubbing my eyes with the thought of going to sleep starting to hit me.
Elizabeth nodded and went into her room. I went into the bathroom to brush my teeth. Once I was done, I went into my room, set my bag on the floor, took my armor off, set it on the floor, then climbed into bed with only my underwear on and just looked at the ceiling to reflect. I mean what a crazy few days. From going back to D.C, to going to Rapture, to even then escaping it and bringing someone back from the dead. It was nice to come back to my bed and get some sleep in it. Then I felt the need to look at a picture I had stowed of my Dad with me on my 10th birthday. Jonas had made a copy for me and gave my Dad the real thing. I just wanted to get a good look at him again. There I was, holding the BB gun, wearing my red baseball cap, smiling with my dad right next to me. I still remember almost every detail of how he died. From most of the dialogue, to his final words to me, telling me to run. I thought the radiation suit could have him somehow survive, but I would have seen him before I left D.C. I put the picture aside on the nightstand. It doesn't matter. He's gone and I have to keep moving forward. I need to get revenge on Benny, and what he's done to me. I closed my eyes, and got ready for the next day.
I woke up to hear the shower running, and grabbed my Pipboy to find out that it was 7:02 a.m. I got up, rubbed my eyes, put on my armor, and walked to the kitchen. I grabbed one of the Bighorner steaks I had in the fridge, put it in the microwave, and grabbed some water from the fridge. I stood there waiting for the meat to fully cook when I saw Elizabeth come in with a towel on her head and her clothes from yesterday on.
"Good morning," I hear her say.
"Morning, did you sleep ok," I asked.
"Better than sleeping on the mattress in that shop," She answered.
The microwave beeped that it was done cooking the meat. I turned around and pulled it out.
"So, what's the plan for today," I hear her ask.
I sit down at the table, "Well, there is Benny and confronting him. And a matter of getting that Platinum Chip for Mr. House."
"Do you need someone to watch your back," I heard her ask.
"That would be great," I said, then taking a bite from the meat.
"Do we have a plan on how we are going to take him down," I heard her ask.
I finished chewing my bite, and swallowed. "We need to do it in private, not out in the open. Not to mention we won't be able to bring in all our weapons," I finished, and then took another bite.
"They check if you have weapons?"
"Yeah, I do have something that can be concealed, and that .22 pistol you have can be concealed. But it's going to be hard to conceal it since you don't really have armor."
"I think I can think of something. Wait here,", she said, taking off the towel on her head, exposing her wet hair that started to unravel and come down. Elizabeth then went to back into her room. Meanwhile, I finished up my meal, put everything away, and once I finished, Elizabeth came back in.
"So, I think I know where I can put this, let me know if it will work," she said, with the .22 pistol in her hand.
I nodded in agreement. She started to open a few buttons on her shirt and my eyes started to notice part of her black bra showing and I couldn't help but have my attention drawn to it. She slid the .22 underneath her breast in the cup of her bra, quickly buttoned her shirt back up, and once her bra was gone, I snapped back to reality.
"You think it will work," She asked.
"Is that uncomfortable," I questioned.
"A bit, but I can handle it as long as it will work."
"Yeah I don't think they will start to feel you there for weapons. Then they would just be looking for an excuse," I responded.
"Are you saying something Evan," She asked in an alluring tone, adjusting her eyes to stare her focus on me. I turned slightly red once I realizing what I was implying.
"No…I…well…was just saying that if they did, then… they are just giving themselves a reason to touch you more than they would." I stated, fumbling over my words trying to correct what I just implied.
"Ok, I get what you mean," I heard her say with a hint of sarcasm.
"Ah shit," I thought to myself, "Now I really gave a wrong impression. Nice job."
"Anyway, let me get my .22 pistol. Then, we can get a move on and catch him," I said to break the air of the awkwardness I had created.
I went into back into my room and grabbed the .22 pistol from the chest near my closet. Once I grabbed it, I concealed it behind one of my armor plates so they wouldn't feel it when checking us. We headed to the elevator and headed down to the casino to make our way to the exit to the Tops. Once we arrived and entered, we were greeted by the people behind the counter and as usual, they wanted to confiscate our weapons.
"Ok, you're clear," the guy behind the counter said after taking my weapons and patting me down.
I nodded, and moved forward. And now Elizabeth was next. They started to pat her down and of course they got carried away with their hands.
"Hey! You touched enough there," Elizabeth shouted.
"Sorry ma'am. Have to make sure." he snickered, "Anyway, enjoy your time here at the Tops Casino."
Elizabeth let out a disgusted grunt and walked towards me. "Guess you were right about them getting a reason to do it."
"Sorry they tried that on you," I stated as we both continued to walk towards the main area of the Casino.
It was lined up with poker tables with people even playing despite it being morning and had dining seats on the sides of the wall. There was also a staircase that led up to the dining section where people could eat though that wasn't much populated. Much like the Strip, it was bright and colorful to light up the extravagant nature that the Strip had to offer. The atmosphere was filled with noise of people gambling their caps away, to being rowdy over losing them or being stood up even in the morning.
"So, what's the plan? Where is he," she whispered to me.
I had some quick ideas come to mind, but nothing to really commit to just yet.
"He's wearing a checkered suit and has short black hair. As for the plan I got a couple of ideas, but some of them involve getting him somewhere private," I responded, keeping my voice down as well.
"How do you plan on doing that," she questioned.
I bit my lip. One of the ideas that came to mind was using Elizabeth to act as a seductive device to convince Benny to go somewhere private, be about to do something, and then we could take him out. But, I feel that is not a good idea with someone I just met. I mean Elizabeth is a beautiful woman and it might sway him a bit more to get him somewhere private. But, I don't want to just use her as a sex object to get my revenge. I'm not that kind of person or willing to go that far. Another idea I had was maybe poison a drink of his or something more subtle and then get the Chip. But that could be really convoluted and would take longer to accomplish. So, we can cross that off. Best thing I can do at this point is ask her.
"How much do you trust me," I asked.
"Well, not fully. Why," She replied.
"One of the ideas I have involves you. I think with how attractive you look and are, we might be able to get Benny alone."
"You're right. I don't mind doing this provided I don't have to do anything."
I turned to look at her, caught off guard by her response.
"Really, you don't mind it," I asked.
"Yup, I've done a bit of…acting in my life. Like I said, as long as I do not have to actually act on anything."
"No worries, I'm not asking you to actually have sex with him or anybody. Just trying to charm him."
"Don't worry. I don't want any of my first times being with this guy. Besides, I'd save that for someone special," she responded.
I immediately paused for a moment. I thought someone like Elizabeth must have had her first times either kissing, making out, or even having sex with someone before being brought back. I never took her as someone who hadn't. I mean the way she looked and even talked, made it sound like she had dabbled in that world. Guess I was wrong. But, it didn't stop me from asking.
"You haven't done anything sexual in nature or even romantic before?"
Elizabeth turned a shade of red, "I...well…see…I just haven't found somebody attractive like that yet. I've been busy with other things."
"Gotcha," I replied with some unintended sarcasm. And the result was a punch in the arm from her.
"Ouch, sorry I was just joking a bit."
"Let's joke later, I want to get into character to persuade him," she hushed. Immediately, she touched her hair up a bit, and loosened up a few buttons on her shirt to show her chest more. And, just like before, it caught my eyes immediately and I couldn't help, but stare for a moment.
Elizabeth cleared her throat, "I'm ready for my performance."
I shook my head back to reality, "Ok I think I see him in the corner on the other side talking with his bodyguards."
Both of us walked toward Benny and he had some bodyguards that were also wearing suits of their own with red ties, but black jackets and pants. Once I got closer, Benny immediately recognized me.
"What the goddamn…," he said, shocked to see me. Then he immediately took a breath. "Let's keep this in the groove, hey? Smooth moves, like smooth little babies."
"Seems like you need to work on your marksmanship," I sarcastically replied.
"I hit what I was aiming for. Guess you had brains to spare. Or are you just thick-skulled? Either way, this is good news. Maybe I can finally sleep at night, knowing you didn't die," he said, giving into his own sarcasm.
His eyes immediately left me to look at Elizabeth when he noticed her. Benny whistled in awe. "Wow Baby. You might just be the prettiest woman on the strip. Looks like grave head is hitting it home nicely."
"I'm not actually with him," Elizabeth said in a seductive tone. "I'm along for the ride. Looking for someone who has excitement."
"Well, you won't have to go far. I got a ton of excitement in my life." Benny continues staring at her for a few more moments. Then turns back to me.
"Anyway, What say you, me, and your pretty thing cash out, go somewheres more private-like? Any questions you got, I'll answer as well."
Disgusted with how this was going, I begrudgingly asked, "What did you have in mind?"
"To start, I'll comp both of you the Presidential - best suite in the house. You deserve a taste of the VIP lifestyle especially, Miss Gorgeous here.", he replied, giving Elizabeth a seductive eye wink. Elizabeth responded by biting her lip and stared back at him seductively as well.
"Anyway, I'm ready to head up, how about you sugar," Benny requested, extending his arm for Elizabeth to hold.
Elizabeth responded by taking his arm, "I would love to baby."
I groaned. I will admit she is playing her role well, but it's so uncomfortable to watch. I honestly compare it to those overly acted romance movies I saw Old Lady Palmer watch whenever I visited. She always claimed they were so romantic and made her feel young again. As a kid and even now, its just plain gross. But, at least we are getting him somewhere private. Regardless, I continue with them to get my questions answered.
"Hey boss, do you want us to come with you," One of the bodyguards asked.
"Sure boys, but stay outside the door," Benny remarked.
We all followed Benny and Elizabeth to the Presidential Suite Elevator. The bodyguards stayed outside of the Casino which would complicate how we got out. As we got in, Benny started to ask questions.
"So Baby, how did you get caught up with Mr. Courier? Were you a night stand with him that just happened to enjoy tagging along to witness the glorious Tops Casino?"
Elizabeth responded with a sigh as she started to stroke his arm," Why yes I was, but he couldn't satisfy me as well. So far, I can tell you are going to satisfy me just fine."
I kept my mouth shut. I couldn't blow her cover or this wouldn't work. If I even think of pulling the trigger before we get into a good position, it will make things much harder for us. Besides, we are already almost to the suite. The elevator doors opened and we were greeted by the suite. Two pool tables on the left with some sofas, loveseats, and a table in the center on the right. In the left corner was a bar that had stools with red velvet cushions. Benny brought Elizabeth to the bar and sat her down to the left of him. He grabbed a beer and opened it up while setting his gun down on the table in front of him. It was the same 9mm pistol he shot me with. A gold engraved pistol that had an ivory grip on the handle of the gun. Clearly custom made and definitely fits Benny's style. He then padded a seat on his right for me to sit next to him. With no hesitation, I sat down next to him and decided to hear him out.
"Now that we all have some privacy, I gotta ask you, Courier - how is it that you're still living," Benny wondered.
"A Securitron dug me up and a doc in Goodsprings did the rest," I replied.
"House was on to me from word go? I thought I was being so clever…Once you were vertical, how'd you track me down?"
"Well, I'm persistent, that's all," I responded.
"Yeah, that's one word for it," He said, taking a swig from the beer.
"I guess that's enough scratching around at first base. Tell me, which way is the wind gonna blow?"
"Well I've got a bunch of questions."
Benny answered, "You got questions, I got answers."
"So help me understand this whole scheme of yours. Clearly you have one."
"Broad strokes? Change in management. The Securitrons are where it's at. I need a way to control them, and a way to beef up their hitting power. I get those two ducks in a row, Vegas can defend itself versus all comers - NCR, Caesar's Legion, it won't matter."
"And what makes you think you can succeed, " I reply.
"Courier, the odds may look long, but that's just because we ain't done rigging them. I won't toss the dice until we are. I've gleaned a lot, working with Mr. House. He was a good cat to swing with. I still got more to learn, but it's... it's coming together," Benny stated, taking another sip from his beer.
"And you're willing to commit murder to make this happen," I demanded.
"You really don't understand the level of the game here? What I did to you was rotten, but if you think House, the NCR or Caesar won't kill to put Vegas in their pocket, I really did blow out your brains."
I interjected, "Well, the ruthlessness of others is no excuse."
Benny coyly responded as he felt Elizabeth massage his shoulders, "Was a time I would've agreed with you. But this... it's too big, it affects too many people. I can't get hung up on those details."
I was not sure what he meant by that, but I was getting sick of these games at this point. But I still had one more question.
"One more question, what is the Platinum Chip and what does it do?"
"It's the House edge, baby - literally. It's what Mr. House needs to stack the odds in his favor,"
"I get that, but what does it do?"
"It has something to do with the Securitrons, I know that much. Upgrades their hitting power, gives them heft. Might be slightly useful, if you're looking to defend the Strip from Caesar's Legion or the NCR," he replies, taking another swig, "Or maybe both?"
"How does something like that even work," I questioned.
"It's some kind of data storage device, dig? So it's the data on the Chip that's platinum, not the Chip itself," he finished, with a bit of a moan at the end as Elizabeth continued to massage and seduce him further.
Benny turned towards Elizabeth, "Woah baby, you gettin' me fired up."
Elizabeth remarked, "Well I gotta say. You have lived quite the life honey and I would love to know more once we get some one on one time."
"Definitely sugar. Let me wrap this up," He responded.
"Anyway, the Chip don't fit any computer I've found. Must require special hardware." He paused, finishing up his beer. Then he let out a huge burp and continued, "Well I'm done talking. Your friend here is really getting me riled up nicely. But before I have to go, you down to make a deal with me to run New Vegas together? I am always down to split the take."
I laughed. Like I would make a deal with this motherfucker, "Yeah, no deal. Time to die Benny."
Benny got up off the chair, "Aw, well I was hoping we could settle this nicely. Sorry baby, guess I am going to have to get my hands dirty like a real man before we can begin."
"Actually, you're not that much of a man Benny, " I heard Elizabeth say in her non seductive tone.
Benny turned around and saw Elizabeth had his gun and with no hesitation, shot him right in the chest. He fell over onto the pool table and slumped onto the ground, shouting in pain.
"Agh, I should have known. Look at me, a big-leaguer or so I claim, making all the mistakes of an original loser to not see she was really working for you," He said, coughing up blood. "Guess I'm a fool to the end, huh?"
Elizabeth walked to me to hand me his gun. I took it out of her hand, crouched down to Benny's height and pointed it at him.
"Well Benny, the way I see it from where you're lying, it must seem like an 18-karat run of bad luck. Truth is... the game was rigged from the start." I stated, reminding him what his final words were to me. Then, I pulled the trigger, watched as the bullet pierced his skull, and he collapsed, motionless to the ground.
