The Courier and his companions stood within the King's School of Impersonation where they were greeted by members of the Kings. They proceed to the stage room where the King was most of the time, sitting alone at a table, watching a fellow member perform a pre-War song.
As soon as Rex saw the King at his usual spot, he rushed passed the Courier while panting happily. The King turned around and smile when he saw Rex who then barked.
"Hello, boy. How you been?" The King greeted Rex with a smile and a pat on the head. The King then looked up at the Courier and welcomed him.
"Hello to you to, bud. Please have a seat, especially your friends." The King said as he gestured at the chairs surrounding the table.
The Courier, Boone, and Cass took the King's on his offer and took a seat at the table. The Courier took of his ranger helmet and placed it on the table.
"How have you been?" The Courier asked The King.
"Quite well. Usually we the Kings kept the order in Freeside but your fancy securitrons really lighten our load. We mostly focus on our control on the water pump now. Me and the boys would like to celebrate with you in honor for all you have done." Said the King with a smile to the Courier as the ceiling lights above shined off the gel in the King's hair.
"Thank you. I appreciate the gesture but-" The Courier managed to say before the King called for one of his followers to deliver beverages to the table.
"Any drinks?" The King asked the Courier and his friends.
"No thanks." Boone replied.
"I already have whiskey on me, but I'm likely low. I'll take a bottle." Cass Responded.
The King then looked at the Courier for his response.
"Oh, I'm fine. Thank you." Said the Courier.
"Very well. Anyway, what were you saying?" Continued the King as he leaned forward in his chair.
"I don't think I'll be available to celebrate with today. Perhaps another day." The Courier sadly replied.
"That's rather unfortunate. How come?"
"I need to make sure there isn't any cleaning up I may need to do."
"I understand. Being the man to deliver independence comes with a lot of responsibility. Still, we Kings will keep our glasses ready to toast in your honor." Said the King as drinks were delivered to the table by a King member.
Cass received her bottle of whiskey while the King had gotten beer. The server then quickly left as soon as he was not needed anymore. The King then took a small drink so his beer would last long.
The Courier then continued the conversation with a question to the King.
"Hey, how would The Kings like to help me run the Lucky 38 casino?"
The King raised an eyebrow curiously and a smile quickly formed on his face. Never had he been given such a large offer before. Boone and Cass looked at the Courier with surprise, even Rex who tilted his head at the Courier.
"You really give us a place on the Strip? Oh my, I don't know what to say. I'm sure my boys would love that!"
"Also, I want to better equip you guys. Pistols and knives are great but something like a laser pistol can do you guys wonders! The caps that will pour in from the casino will cover the cost for whatever you need."
The King sat back in his chair. He was unsure of what to say. Other King members nearby whispered to each other in excitement. The Kings were already respected by those living in Freeside but now their reach can go into the Strip itself. The Courier then continued to speak.
"Speaking of weapons, if memory serves me right, I think there is a locked crate of energy weapons at the Silver Rush casino where the Van Graffs were. I didn't loot everything in there so there could be more stuff. That's if no local went inside to salvage anything." Said the Courier as he then placed his hands together on the table.
The King briefly pondered on the Courier's words. The Van Graffs had killed a few members of the Kings when they arrived into Freeside, and their weapons made them untouchable despite the Kings wanting them gone. Better weapons would indeed make them have a better chance in combat.
"No one been inside the building. Most folks are too scared of taking anything in case the Van Graffs come to get their merchandise back. I'll send some of my boys over there. Oh my, I can't thank you enough." The King said.
"No need to thank me." The Courier said with sincere humility.
Cass silently observed the Courier and remembered what happened at the Silver Rush. The Van Graffs had hoped to finish her off after realizing they didn't kill her along with her caravan. She remembered being surrounded alongside the Courier and ED-E by the thugs of the Van Graff half-siblings, Gloria and Jean-Baptiste Cutting. Jean-Baptiste was eager to execute Cass into a pile of ash, but it was him that perished when the Courier shot him in the face with a shotgun. They then fought off the rest of the Van Graffs within the small confines of the Silver Rush. In the middle of the shootout, the Courier threw a couple frag grenades which successfully killed some thugs and crippled Gloria. ED-E successfully vaporized a couple more hostiles, soon leaving Gloria and one thug left. They were gunned down with ease.
The Silver Rush was a mess of corpses and limbs strewn about. Some walls were marked by laser burns. Cass could vividly remember the bodies of Gloria and Jean-Baptiste.
Cass really did owe it to the Courier for helping her avenge her caravan. She lost everything just because the Van Graffs and the Crimson Caravan Company, who were also involved, wanted a monopoly in the Mojave. He didn't have to help her get revenge but the Courier chose to.
As Cass continued to look at the Courier, she started to remember that time she subtly flirted with him while they were out in the desert. She did found him attractive but played hard to get. She felt it be more fun do that since the Courier was the type to take on challenges. He didn't make advances but perhaps that was due to being busy taking over the Mojave to establish independence. Maybe he really did took her words seriously when he caught her flirting remark. She had said that nothing would likely happen between them while still complimenting him. Cass admittedly didn't think things through sometimes and somewhat regretted her words.
Cass then stopped thinking and focused on the present time. The Courier and the King continued to talk.
"Yeah, one of these days come by the Lucky 38 so we can see how we can get the casino up and running again. I'll like to show you around." Said the Courier.
"I'd love that. I always wondered what the inside of that building was like." The King said as he drunk his beer.
"It's quite nice." Replied the Courier.
"I bet! Oh mama, my boys are going to have a hell of a time. That is also another reason for us to celebrate in your honor."
The Courier deliberated on maybe having fun with the Kings. He had Yes Man who could help out a lot. The Courier then sighed.
"I guess we can in a couple days. I'd like to make sure thins are smooth and rest." Conceded the Courier.
"That's fantastic!" The King replied with a large smile before taking another drink. Rex then gave a cheerful bark at the sight of the King's delight.
"Yeah. Well, I think we should be going. I look forward to working closely with the Kings. I want to do so much for New Vegas, and that includes Freeside. Things had been difficult according to the Followers but maybe we can get everything into shape."
"You already have, my friend. I also look forward to us. Congratulations on delivering independence for us all. Everyone has the right to be their own king." Happily replied the King as he rose from his seat along with the Courier. The Courier also picked up his helmet from the table and putted it back on. The two then shook each other hands but as they did the King continued to talk.
"See ya, my friend. I can't wait to party with you soon. You deserve it."
The Courier only smiled at the King. Meanwhile, Boone and Cass rose from the table. Rex got off the floor and panted happily, excited to continue accompanying the Courier.
"See ya later too, Rex." The King said to the happy cybernetic dog.
The Courier with his companions then headed toward the exits, and as they did other members of the Kings wished them farewell. They talked among themselves.
"Man, I can't wait to see the Lucky 38!"
"I hope to play poker without fear of the house cheating!"
"Can't wait to get lots of caps for Gomorrah!"
The Courier then left the building with his friends. Back in the stage room, the King still stood, lost in thought. The King that sung on the stage stopped to observe the King. Others nearby also joined in watching the King from the other room.
Incredible. That guy is a godsend. The Kings' very own casino... So cool.
The King turned to see the watchful gaze of his eager followers present in the room. The King then gestured at one of the members to come to him.
"Get a few of us down to the Silver Rush and bring whatever you can find. Thank you."
"Ya got it!" Happily replied the King member who went to assemble a small party for the Silver Rush casino.
Next, the King grabbed his half empty bottle of beer and headed to his room where a couple of female groupies waited for him. I guess he could have time to have his own personal, private celebration. As he travelled to his room down the corridors of the building, the King passed by the empty room once belonging to Pacer, his former childhood friend and right hand man.
The King stopped and looked back at the door that lead into Pacer's room.
Dammit, Pacer. If only you could have seen things more rationally.
Pacer's death was avoidable if he worked with the NCR to stop harassing citizens and spreading false rumors. Pacer also instigated the Van Graffs and had a drug problem. Overall, he was trouble but the King ignored those issues out of respect. If only the King didn't for perhaps Pacer would be alive still.
The King sighed and continued on to his room. At least the Kings would be going to high places in the future. That helped to comfort the King.
Meanwhile, the Courier and his companions walked down the streets of Freeside toward the gate leading into the Strip. Securitrons patiently stood guard at several street corners.
While the Courier walked, he pondered on the incident from earlier involving the explosive collars and the sniper. He was somewhat stumped.
Who the hell is going around to have me get lured into a trap? I dealt with any possible enemy in Freeside and around New Vegas. I don't need to worry of any problems from the NCR or Caesar's Legion for a while. Was it just someone with a personal vendetta? No, maybe a paid mercenary. Most wouldn't wear combat armor and walk around with a sniper rifle... Whatever the hell, I'll worry about it some other time. With the assassins the Legon had sent in the past, I am used to being randomly ambushed.
As the Courier contemplated, Cass, who followed behind him near Boone, was also thinking.
The Kings running the casino at the Lucky 38, huh? I guess it'll make the place feel more lively instead of feeling more like Mr. House's pre-War tomb. Although, those Kings can be annoying, especially with their stupid cat calls. Oh well, it sounds interesting.
Cass took a deep breathe and looked up at the Lucky 38 that waited down the street behind the gates. The Sun reflected off some of the windows at the top. A small passing flock of birds flew around the building, some landing on the spires that protruded from it to rest. Her attention then turned back to the Courier. She thought that perhaps they could talk to each other when they are back in the suite. It had been a while and the Courier was a good listener unlike others in the past who tuned out to stare at her body when she told them in snarky ways to leave her alone. Although, with the Courier she would actually get into a decent conversation with him. She will soon see what would happen.
As the gate opened to allow the Courier to enter the Strip, the Courier saw movement in the right corner of his eye, behind a securitron scanning the street behind them. He looked and saw nothing but he squinted. He saw a faint outline of a person and realized it was someone using a stealth boy.
Got you. Thought the assassin as he aimed at the Courier with his pistol while taking cover behind the securitron.
The Courier quickly drew out his 10mm pistol and opened fired which surprised the assassin, causing him to miss his first shot. The Courier fired rapidly, hoping to hit his elusive attacker but his bullets missed, though a couple almost hit the assassin. The assassin managed to gave off two shots, one managing to hit the Courier in his arm. He then ran toward the opened gate so he may get lost among the crowds within the Strip since his stealth boy will eventually fade. There he will make further attempts on the Courier's life.
The securitron the assassin stood behind turned around and scanned for whatever threat the Courier fired at. Boone and Cass drew their weapons and were confused. Rex growled and sniffed at the air to catch the scent of the culprit.
"Are you alright?" Boone asked the Courier. Cass was going to ask the same question but Boone beat her to it.
"Yeah, just a flesh wound. They are using a silent pistol. Those things aren't that good. I'll just take a stimpak." Replied the Courier as he took a stimpak out from one of his pockets and administered it.
"Stealth boy?" Cass said to the Courier as she looked around cautiously.
"Yeah," The Courier said back "Let's go get whoever it is. Their stealth boy isn't going to last long."
The Courier reloaded his pistol and looked at the securitron that the assassin hid behind.
"Yes Man!" Called out the Courier to the robot which then became possessed by Yes Man.
"Hello!" Exclaimed Yes Man.
"Keep a close eye on this entrance. We have someone trying to kill me and I don't want them sneaking out. Keep the gate temporarily closed."
"No problem!"
Yes Man then left the securitron's body. Rex still sniffed at the air which gotten the attention of the Courier.
"You smell them, boy? Come on, let's go find them." The Courier said to Rex who only barked in response.
Finally, they entered the Strip. A few people outside were somewhat frightened from the gunshots earlier but continued on as usual. Cass and Boone looked around for anyone suspicious. Rex continued to sniff and apparently caught scent for he started to run, and so the Courier, Cass and Boone followed the dog.
They eventually made their way to The Tops casino, which was controlled by the Chairman. Once inside they were greeted by Swank, a well-dressed man behind a counter that was in charge ever since Benny died.
"Hello and... Oh, hello. How have you been? Been a while since I saw you around here. I heard you on the radio. What was Mr. New Vegas like?" Swank said to the Courier who approached the counter.
"Has anyone entered this place recently?" Said the Courier, ignoring Swank's question.
"Yeah, like four people. Why?" Swank asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I believe someone that is trying to kill me is here." Replied the Courier as he placed his hands on the counter.
"Shit, first Benny and now another. I guess you are going to ask me to let you keep your weapons? May we be of assistance? We have a bunch of patrons around and you know we like to keep things... calm."
"That would be nice. Make sure no one tries to sneak out. Get a few of your fellow chairman to observe the crowd for anyone suspicious. They are likely to be armed."
"I patted down everyone that comes but sure. You got it." Swank replied. He proceed to go whisper to a few nearby Chairmen of the situation. A few stationed themselves at the door while others went to inform others at the gambling floor to be on look out. There quite a lot of people present, some that have been gambling since last night.
The Courier, Cass, Boone and Rex moved through the casino. Rex continued to sniff and navigate his way. Meanwhile, near a poker table, the assassin fixed his hat and made quick glances. He spotted the Courier and also noticed the movement of the Chairmen.
Trying to corner me, huh? The assassin thought with a smirk. He then slowly made his among the patrons to head to the courtyard of the Tops. There would be less Chairmen and he'll have another clear shot for the Courier. Rex was going to be an issue but he could likely escape it by using the grenade it had. Apparently there was a tunnel at the casino that led out of the city. Although, he didn't know where it was but he could figure that out after killing the Courier.
The assassin moved through the casino slowly to avoid raising suspicion and headed to the courtyard at the back of the casino. He avoided getting close to Rex who struggled to trace the assassin due to the smoke in the air from the cigarettes of gambling patrons. Although, Rex knew he was nearby somewhere.
The sound of slot machines and music filled the casino as the assassin and Courier moved through it. The assassin made his way to the door that lead outside and looked behind to see if the Courier still followed. He also had his hand already on the frag grenade inside his pocket.
The Courier continued to follow Rex and they found themselves in the courtyard. A few people were by the pool and swimming in it. The assassin stood behind a and took out the frag grenade as soon as he saw the Courier exit through the doors with his companions. A couple of Chairmen were with them.
The assassin then raised his arm and threw the grenade at the Courier. It landed in front of him and this gave the assassin a large smile as he reached for his gun just in case.
Boone, Cass, and the Chairmen immediately ducked away except for the Courier who, without much thought, kicked the grenade into the pool before deciding to duck for cover. The grenade then exploded, pushing water high into the air. Those that were in the pool were fortunately far away from the explosion at the deep end.
"Fuck!" Muttered the assassin to himself as he quickly reached for his pistol.
People that were there to witness what happened screamed and fled from the courtyard. Rex spotted the assassin before he drew out his pistol to fire at the Courier and ran toward him.
As soon as the assassin had his gun out, he had no choice but to retreat away from the cybernetic dog that was quickly approaching him. Before he could turn and run, Rex pounced on him.
The assassin blocked Rex with one arm as he fired a couple shots at Rex's mechanical parts before throwing the dog into the pool. The Courier rose and drew out his pistol as the assassin resumed his attempt to flee.
The Courier shot three times and each had hit the assassin in the back, but he continued to run away. A wave of pain filled the assassin as he headed into the Tops restaurant. Meanwhile, Rex swam out of the pool as the Courier pursued his attacker.
Inside the restaurant, patrons quickly exited and three Chairmen were present. One shot at the assassin's chest and in turn he fired back, aiming at the Chairmen's head. The assassin successfully killed the Chairmen but he had to quickly duck behind cover, so he chose the bar. There was no bartender for they likely fled after the grenade went off.
Chairmen flooded the emptied restaurant with their weapons drawn at the bar. The Courier, Cass, Boone, and Rex then entered. They all focused in on the assassin's location. Rex growled loudly as water dripped off his body.
The assassin groaned as he felt his back to make sure the Courier's bullets didn't pierce through his armor that lined his suit. He definitely was going to have some nasty bruises later.
"God dammit..." Said the assassin quietly while Chairmen slowly approached the bar counter. The Courier had his service rifle ready and stayed away from the counter.
I got cornered like a fucking rat... Jack would be disappointed. How depressing. The assassin thought sarcastically. The assassin checked the amount of ammo he had and took out his knife.
The mission's completion comes at any cost...
The assassin then rose out from cover and threw his knife at the direction of the Courier and fired as many bullets as possible before being rapidly gunned downed by the Chairmen. The Courier did manage to shoot at the assassin's head, killing him. The knife struck the Courier's rifle, causing him to drop it. Two bullets hit the Courier's chest but the ranger armor managed to stop them from being deadly blow. Now he was definitely going to have some bad bruises.
"Are you alright?" Cass quickly asked the Courier while the others went closer to the bar counter to confirm the assassin was dead.
"Y-yeah. I'm fine. Probably broke my gun and I'll get a couple bruises. Thanks, Cass." Replied the Courier as he avoided eye contact with Cass, and picked up his rifle. The knife made a large scratch on the side of the rifle.
The Courier went to the counter to see the body of his would-be killer but as he did Swank entered the restaurant.
"Man, this is a mess! And in the restaurant! I guess I have to eat lunch somewhere else later. You guys get that poor guy off the floor." Swank said to several fellow Chairmen before he pointed at the corpse of the one killed by the assassin. The men then complied and got to work removing the body.
The Courier looked over the counter to see the slumped corpse of the assassin. His face was obscured by his hat which tilted forward. One could see the trail of blood flow out of his head, staining his suit. The Courier then went around the counter to inspect the body for any clues. He kneeled down and checked the dead man's pockets but only found caps and NCR bills.
Damn. Who sent you? Thought the Courier.
The Courier then rose up and left the bar. Swank approached the Courier to speak with him as Chairmen proceed to take the assassin's body away from the restaurant.
"I see you got the bastard. Shame we didn't handle this quietly. Going to be a while before we got some customers back." Swank complained.
"Here's two-hundred caps for your troubles." The Courier replied. He then dug into his pockets and satchel for the caps, and gave them to Swank.
"Thank you," Swank said before letting out a sigh "I'll see you around, I guess. Also, congratulations on your victory at the Hoover Dam."
Swank then turned to the exit that lead into the gambling area of the casino, leaving the Courier to go to his companions. The Courier looked at Rex who was happily panting and still wet.
"You're soaked, boy. Let's get you dried up back-" The Courier said before being interrupted by Rex shaking off the water. Courier got partially wet and simply smiled at Rex who barked in response.
Cass and Boone watched the Courier silently until Cass spoke.
"What now?" She asked.
"Let's get back to the Lucky 38. We are pretty much done here." The Courier replied.
Next, the group left the Tops and returned to the Lucky 38. It was time for them to rest.
It was night time at New Reno, and so the small, big city of vice shinned bright. Although, most would say New Vegas is the true city of vice from even before the Great War. Of course, no one at New Reno would dare bring that up in arguments.
The criminal scum of the city were all discussing an anonymous individual had been hiring anyone skilled with a gun to kill a man in New Vegas known simply as the Courier. They all talked at length about the caps involved along with the risks. Third party contractors at the city all the way to NCR have been booked to send their mercenaries or bounty hunters to do one of two jobs. The first is for some to go for a special meeting that was to happen in a couple of weeks. The second was for those, if they felt capable, to try to kill the target instead of the first choice. A few had already started the journey to New Vegas.
No one has met this mysterious individual that was hiring but heard that they communicated to contractors only through letters sent by couriers. A couple that were illiterate instead received holotapes but they only played once and had a different voice before they were taken back to where they came from. It was strange but it in the end it sounded profitable. All that one had to do was eventually kill the Courier of New Vegas to claim their prize.