Later that day, at the dusk of dawn, the gang stayed the night at the Mormon Fort in a tent housing a small family. Waking up first, David quickly let Veronica know that he, Cass and Boone were leaving soon. She was dismayed to have it happen so fast but glad to have them around at the time she did.
David woke Boone and Cass and quickly left the fort. Boone led David and Cass to the Strip; the N.C.R. embassy was at the far back of the Strip, Boone knew where to go.
Where the embassy lied, it was in the last section of the Strip, opposite that on the right side was a vault, only refurbished into a good looking hotel and gift shop, next to that was an art gallery, Michael Angelo's.
The gold plaque outside the embassy said, "Embassy of the New California Republic. New Vegas Ambassador Dennis Crocker representing the citizens of the Republic. At the request of Aaron Kimbal, President of the Republic." The plaque was a mouthful. David went on inside.
The building was a business interior with an office smell. A cute, approachable secretary was available behind the reception desk. David asked Boone and Cass to wait in the waiting area for him while he went in to see the ambassador.
In the small office, behind the single desk was a dark-toned man in his mid-forties, sat comfortably in clean business wear. He made eye contact with David instantly as if he was expecting him.
"It's good to have a friend of the N.C.R. here. I've been looking forward to this."
David sat at Crocker's desk, opposite him. "I only just received your message, Ambassador. The name's David Wesker."
"That you are. I have important matters to discuss with you; I have a strong feeling you might be the best man for the job."
"Let's talk about it."
"Things are getting tense around here between the N.C.R., the Legion and Mr House. To be honest. Something big is going to happen soon, and we're in a tight spot. We need some outside help."
"Someone to operate outside the N.C.R.?"
"Correct. I had already given this opportunity to a courier recently, but we still need more help."
David scoffed from the constant reminder of that courier. His voice heated, "Courier?! For fuck's sake, this guy is everywhere! Why is he so damn special?"
"He attracted the attention of House, Legion and the N.C.R. for a while now. He solved the problems we were having with the Kings and shaped up the drug problems plaguing Freeside. I think he goes by Courier Six now…"
"Yeah, the Followers mentioned a courier helped them with their problems. Might have heard him around the Kings also."
"He's a good guy. That was why the N.C.R. hired him."
David leant back in his wooden chair, pressing his feet on Crocker's desk, balancing his lean nicely. "Then what about me? Am I just here for my fashion sense or you got something to offer?"
Crocker snickered. "I asked for you here because the N.C.R. has taken an interest in your abilities also. Your credentials are on par with Six's - maybe better. Which is why I would like to hire you on behalf of the N.C.R ."
"That's great! I don't know what to say."
"The N.C.R. is going through a rough patch here; we need just one more agent to operate outside the N.C.R. with our courier friend."
"Where does that leave me?"
"In our most valued position yet; the N.C.R. Secret Service. I have reason to believe your talent would fare much better in a more natural element under the N.C.R. Council."
"You do know what I'm capable of right?"
"We have positive reviews of you and your actions around the Mojave Outpost. That's all we needed."
"Nice. What are my duties?"
"Partake in covert ops, assassination, negotiation and espionage. Most of our people aren't trained for these measures. That's where you and Agent Six comes in. Usually, the job revolves around our president but with the wars going on things needed to change. Welcome aboard." Crocker stood up and shook David's hand. David returned a firm shake at him.
"I'll make you proud, sir," David said with a smile.
Crocker sat back down and lit a cigarette. "General Redfield and Colonel Moore will have a stronger use for you outside our military operations at the Dam. While being on board, you will get all the perks and then some exclusive ones."
"I love the sound of that. What's my first job?"
"Colonel Moore requires your assistance as early as possible at Hoover Dam."
"Colonel Moore?"
"The good general has left the Mojave for the time being. You can take the Strip's monorail to the Dam as quickly as possible. the general may be forgiving, but Colonel Moore is a not a woman you want to keep waiting."
"Yes, sir."
"Here's your badge. Just show it to our soldiers, and you'll have your way." Crocker handed David a golden relief. It was a small, circular and fit in the palm of his hand. Shiny and new also. David replaced his old S.T.A.R.S. badge with the new N.C.R. one. "Goodbye, Agent Wesker."
David left the ambassador's office and into the main reception. Boone and Cass were still waiting; they had been drinking in the ten minutes he was gone for. David didn't even want to know where they got the alcohol from and on such short notice. Then again, the burlap sack on his bag was feeling lighter. They robbed him.
"Have you two been drinking?" David asked.
"Only a little," Cass slurred.
"Got bored of waiting," Boone slurred, also. "Then, things got intense."
David waved his arms. "I was gone for like… ten minutes."
"What did the suit have to say?"
Boone playfully leant on Cass. His ankles were weak. "Cass, don't be rude. He's a nice man."
Cass hiccuped. "That's the alcohol talking tough guy."
"The 'suit' just hired me. I'm so exited! You're now looking at the newest member of the N.C.R. Secret Service."
Boone's jaw dropped. "No kidding?"
"That is so cool!" Cass exclaimed. She hugged David and wrapped one of her legs around his waist. "I'm sleeping with an agent!" she cheered at the top of her lungs. The secretary and people at the reception desk all stared, and David blushed. Felt like he was going to die of embarrassment.
It was unnerving, the type of negative attention David didn't nearby. "Tell the whole world, why don't ya?" David snidely uttered, prying Cass off his waist. "Listen. We need to get to the Dam for my first assignment."
"We can take the monorail outside. President Kimbal will be at the Dam soon anyway; I'd like to see him for myself."
"Lead the way, Boone."
"Shouldn't you know where to go by now?"
"Help a soldier out."
"Okay." Boone left the embassy quickly.
David held Cass' hand. "Ladies first."
"Such a gentleman." Cass purred.
Boone walked David up the stairs to a small barracks. The guards by the monorail welcomed David as a superior soldier after he flashed them his badge. David soon felt humble and full of it.
The three boarded the battered train system and relaxed their feet, a perfect time to cosy up to Cass. It took longer for the damn thing to pick up and go than to travel across to Strip, then to Hoover Dam. The operator stated the travel time would be an hour. Great.
Because of complications in high traffic, it took just over two hours to arrive at the Dam, the sight of the magnificent monument was worth it to some degree. David and Cass locked eyes on the wonderful sights over and beyond the railing. She sobered up well. The Dam was a delight. The rushing water, the water brushing against the walls and the serenity were clear.
"Hoover Dam… Can't believe I'm actually here," Cass said, with slight surprise.
"Certainly seen better days, hasn't it?" David collectively responded.
"You should know. You saw it before the War."
"And I did. Nothing much really changed."
Hoover Dam was still a concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of Colorado's river, between the Amazon and Nevada when either of them properly existed. Hoover Dam covered a large area with extensive exteriors and interior sections.
The west side had an anti-aircraft platform with flak turrets and missile battery systems; they weren't there last time he visited back in the day. North of the visitor centre building is a stage and viewing area, in the proximity to some sniper towers, some N.C.R. soldiers were seen watching from them.
David and company went straight to the visitor centre. In the circular room was the main help desk, to the south was an elevator down to the offices, some stairs in the back led upstairs to another office. David asked around to find Colonel Moore, and some troopers pointed to the elevator very close to the entrance.
The offices are on two levels, spread out on a single east to the west corridor, with usual entry being the visitor centre. David decided to check every office for Colonel Moore, General Redfield, starting with the room to the right.
In a larger office, compared to Crocker's, was a beautiful seating area opposite a desk and terminal. The trooper outside asked for David's business, without sharing any dirty business, David just stated his rank.
As he did so, the office door opened, being greeted by a Caucasian blonde woman, late twenties and sported a prestigious array of medals and badges on her armour. Must've compensated for something. That was her charisma, apparently. Two were purple hearts, and the rest were stars and ribbons. She had cold eyes and cut straight to the point.
She looks like she makes more graves than friends, David thought, Best stay on her good side.
The woman spoke after silently judging David like a lump of meat. "I don't think you should be here, sir. Who are you and what are you doing outside my- the general's office?"
"It's your office?" The woman becomes slightly irritated, leaving David to speak a higher tone than usual. "I, uhm…" he stuttered. "I'm Agent Wesker; newest member of the Secret Service. The ambassador sent me here…"
"You're the mercenary I've been hearing about? I was expecting someone of your reputation to be a little… older."
Did she just quote… no..."Young and proud to serve."
"Good answer." The woman shook David's hand and forced a smile. "Welcome aboard. Before you come in, I must ask your friends wait outside."
Cass felt a burning disgust brewing inside, yet she remained cool. "Excuse me?"
"You wouldn't be a good agent if your activities left the office."
"Point taken," David agreed. "Guys, would you mind…?"
"But…" Cass was held back by Boone.
"You can stay as long as you want, but please do not disturb us."
"I'll be back, Cass, don't worry."
"Alright, then." Cass reluctantly left with Boone.
Cass acted a bit strange, David thought, Was it jealousy? Just glad she didn't do anything we'd regret.
"Are you coming, Agent? Our time is precious,"
"Yes, I am." David entered the office as the woman closes the metal door behind them.
"Take a seat, Agent." David sat at the woman's desk, facing her forced enthusiasm. The name on the golden plaque said, "Gen. Redfield". "My name is Colonel Cassandra Moore; I'll be your supervisor for the time being. You may address me as madam or colonel. Are we clear?" She expected David to speak but heard nothing short from silence. "Agent?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"I apologise for the hostilities. I know I'm not an easy woman to work with, but some consider working for me an honour and a privilege. You get a good cut of the action and the pay to carry you on your merry way to the top. Does that sound something you would be interested in?"
"I'm definitely open to the idea, ma'am."
"Another good answer… Noted…" Moore pulled up some files and sighed. "Crocker told me everything within our jurisdiction, any help towards our cause has not been ignored. We just needed to enlist you so we can make the most of your time."
"Why me, ma'am?"
"You dealt with the Legion and Vipers first and second hand. We even got word from one of the rangers from the Mojave Outpost that you excel in stealth, and have shown some basic survival skills."
[Survival 25] David leant back in his chair. "Survival is every soldier's duty."
[Success] "Indeed. You've proven yourself to be uniquely capable and competent, right now I need all the people of your category to assist us further. Unfortunately, we're almost over-staffed. Might have to wait until the general comes back to give us something to work on."
"But… I was assigned here, ma'am. I got here as fast as I could."
"Another agent came here not too long ago before you."
David folded his arms and faced away from Moore. "I'm guessing it was Agent Six."
"Correct. Have you met before?"
"Not yet, I'm afraid."
"Well, you'll get acquainted soon enough. He asked me for work, and with the current situation; I was in no position to deny the assistance."
David lazily glared at Moore. "What situation?"
"Only that General Redfield was absent, and N.C.R. personnel was entirely short-handed. I sent Agent Six to uncover a conspiracy around the Omertas. Crocker did mention diplomacy wasn't a forte of yours."
"True, but stealth and assassination is my speciality."
"We needed diplomacy and negotiation. The problem itself was pissing me off; I just needed to get rid of it, and to keep Agent Six busy. Then I got word of another agent joining the N.C.R. along with the extra staff."
"I should've got here sooner."
"Everything revolves around time, Agent. The right man at the right time can make all the difference."
Time also takes away the things we love. David sighed. "Understood..."
"My hands were tied, Agent, if you were in my position, you'd make the same call." Moore smiled. "Now that we've got everything in order, we can deal with the real problem at hand."
"I'm going out on a limb here and assuming it's the Legion."
"Correct. A vast army of raping savages ready to kill us all and take the Mojave by storm. A matter of speaking, the Dam will be a war zone, and we still have a few loose ends to tie up beforehand."
"Will that be when the general arrives?"
Moore used the terminal on the desk; then she is pleasantly surprised. She smiled and then quickly straightened her tight lips. "He's arriving now?" The heavy sounds of a landing aircraft thunders throughout the office, shaking the walls. "Looks like your efforts have been paid off, you'll be answering to General Redfield now."
"Great! I can finally meet him."