AN: Welcome back folks! Hope you guys are ready, cause this stories really going to kick off from here on out. Enjoy!
I hissed as the sun hit me. Damn that was bright. As my eyes finally adjusted, I was thinking of what to do. I saw two buildings that caught my eye, one had the sign 'General Store', the other one had 'Prospector Saloon' in bright neon lights. I walked over to the store. Inside, I saw a man standing behind the counter.
"Hey there! I'm Chet." The owner called out. I walked over to him. He took a look at me. "You must be the one Doc Mitchell was patching up. The way I heard it, I didn't think you'd be walking out of that office." He said. I just shrugged. "I've got plenty of supplies for sale. Even got some weapon mods and special ammo - well worth the caps, if you ask me." He continued.
I looked around the store. Looks pretty decently stocked. "Got any 9mm ammo?" I asked. He nodded, before reaching behind the counter. "How much do you need?" He asked.
"I'll take thirty regular rounds, and however many hollow point rounds you have." I said, dropping a bag with about a hundred caps in it. I saw his eyes light up. Good. Now that I have his attention, I might be able to get some information. "Do you know anything about the people that attacked me?" I asked.
Chet nodded. "The leader was a New Vegas-type, typical city boy. He had a bunch of Great Khans with him, probably hired guns." He told me.
Yeah I knew that. If the suit wasn't obvious, then the holier than thou attitude he had gave it away. I decided not show my annoyance. Just have to be patient with this guy. "I figured that much. Did he say where he was going? Did you hear a name?" I asked calmly.
"Sorry. I didn't hear anything. You could try the Saloon. They might have heard something." Chet told me, setting the ammo I bought on the counter. Hmm... not what I was looking for, but that's a start. I grabbed the ammo, putting it in my bag. "Thanks. Appreciate the help." I said, leaving the shop.
I sighed as I stepped out. Guess I could try the Saloon out. Besides, I could use a drink. I walked over to the saloon, and in front of the entrance I saw a old man sitting on a chair. Maybe he heard something. He saw me walking over to him. "Howdy. What can Easy Pete do for you?" He said.
I raised an eyebrow. Odd name, but not my concern. "Do you know anything about the people that attacked me?" I asked hopefully. He thought for a minute.
"The one in the fancy suit seemed to be calling the shots, that's as much as I know. Other folks in town might know more." He said. Of course. "Word of advice, though: if you ever catch up with him, watch out. The man's got cold eyes like a snake. Can't be trusted, I'd say." He continued. You don't say. Well, time for a drink.
"Appreciate it old timer." I said, walking into the bar. As soon as I walked in, I was face to face with a growling dog. Oh shit. "Cheyenne, stay. Don't worry, she won't bite unless I tell her to." The woman next to the dog said.
Well that's reassuring. "Thanks. Who are you?" I asked. Hopefully she could help me.
Well I was somewhat right. The woman's name was Sunny Smiles, and right now we were behind the saloon, shooting bottles. I wanted to see if I could still shoot straight, and Sunny offered to help. I aimed the varmint rifle she gave me, and shot three times. Three bottles fell in response, and I sighed in relief. Looks like my aim was still good.
I heard Sunny chuckle behind me. "Well, that's a start. But I don't reckon you came to me to learn to fight sarsaparilla bottles." I shook my head. "You have something in mind?" I asked.
She nodded. "I gotta go chase geckos away from our water supply anyway. Darn critters are attracted to it. Why don't you come along?" She asked. I nodded. I could use the practice. "Let's get going then." I said, and we were off.
We walked a bit, before stopping behind some rocks. I could hear the geckos already. "What's the plan?" I asked.
Sunny thought for a second. "Let's see if we can get a little closer. If we move quietly, we can get the jump on 'em. More likely to hit something vital that way." She said. I nodded. "Sounds good." I muttered. Let's get to work.
We moved up slowly, and I could see the geckos. There was three of them. They noticed us and charged. I pulled out Blackout and aimed down the sights. When I did that something... weird happened. It was like the world just slowed down. This wasn't like adrenaline... it was more... artificial if that makes sense. Each of the geckos looked like they were covered in some kind of glowing outline.
I heard a voice in my ear. It was soft and robotic. "Thank you for using V.A.T.S., also know as Vault Tech Assisted Targeting System. This function assists you in aiming and targeting, giving you greater chances of success." Huh, neat.
I aimed and fired. All three geckos dropped dead. Holy shit that was awesome. Sunny went up next to me. "Not bad. You up for clearing the other wells?" She asked. Eh why not? I could use the caps.
"Lead the way." I said. To spare the details we cleared out the first well rather quickly, and even managed to save someone in the second one. I even got some water out of that one. All in all it was pretty good. I made my way back to the Saloon about a hundred caps richer. Sunny had offered to teach me to make Healing Powder, but I was already familiar with the stuff. Right now I just wanted a drink.
As I walked through the door, I immediately regretted my decision. "I'm done being nice!" I heard a voice yell. Son of a bitch. The person yelling was a man wearing a blue cotton shirt, grey striped trousers and what looked like Kevlar body armor with the words "NCRCF" stenciled on the back. He was waving a finger at Trudy, who Sunny had told me was to bar owner. "If you don't hand over Ringo soon, I'm gonna get my friends, and we're burning this town to the ground. Got it?" He growled.
Joy. A wannabe badass. Trudy looked pissed. "We'll keep that in mind," she spat back at him, not moving an inch. "Now, if you're not going to buy something, get out." She said, pointing to the door. He didn't say anything, but stomped away, knocking into me in a weak attempt to look tough. Dumbass. I walked over to the bar, and Trudy finally noticed me. "Well, you've been causing quite a stir. Glad I finally got to meet you. Welcome to the Prospector Saloon."
I nodded. "Thank you. I was wondering, got any whiskey?" I asked. Trudy nodded, pulling out a bottle from beneath the counter. I pulled out some caps and gave them to her, swiping the bottle. The conversation I just saw was playing in the back of my mind. The saner part of my brain was telling me to ignore it. That it was just a little threat. Of course my mouth had other ideas. "So what was that all about?" I asked. Goddammit.
"Just some unpleasantness," She sighed. "Our little town has gotten itself dragged into something we don't want nothing to do with. About a week ago – a little before you showed up at Doc's place – this trader, Ringo, comes into town. Survivor of an attack, he says. There's some bad men after him, he says, and he needs a place to hide. I figured he was just in shock. So I gave him a place to lie low. Didn't think anyone would actually come after him."
"The guy who just left – he was one of the guys after Ringo?"
"Joe Cobb," Trudy scoffed. "He talks big, but he's just a spineless two bit-thug like the rest of those Powder Ganger hoodlums."
"Powder Gangers?" I'd never heard of them before. Must be a new raider group.
"Chain gangs, really," she said with a shrug. "The NCR brought them in from California to work on the rail lines. Turns out giving a bunch of convicts a whole heap of dynamite and blasting powder isn't the best idea. Was a big escape not too long ago. Some of 'em stuck together so they could make trouble. That's what we're dealing with now." Yeah, pretty fucking stupid on the NCR's part. Might as well keep this going.
"Where's Ringo now?" I asked. I honestly don't know why I was still asking, I mean I still have to chase my package down.
"He's holed up at the abandoned gas station up the hill." She said, tossing a thumb in that direction. One thing didn't make sense however. "This is a pretty small town. Why hasn't Cobb found Ringo yet?" I asked.
Trudy chuckled. "Cobb hasn't exactly been looking for Ringo too hard - I think he's afraid that Ringo will ambush him, which is probably true." She said.
"So what are you going to do?" I asked. Trudy shrugged.
"Some of the others, like Sunny, will probably stand up for Ringo if he asks for help, which he hasn't. Personally, I hope he sneaks out of town one night and takes the Powder Gangers with him." She said.
I thought about what she said, downing some of my whiskey. Even if Ringo left the town, these 'Powder Gangers' didn't seem like they were going to back down. They didn't have any intention of leaving. Besides, I knew the kind of people the NCR threw in prison. They were usually the worst of people. I had two options. I could leave all this behind me, and the town might suffer, or I could stay and help them fight.
Fuck it. I had a plan forming in my mind that would save the town, get rid of the Powder Gangers, and get me a profit. I stood up, downing the rest of my whiskey. Time to find Ringo.
I was making my way to the gas station. I opened the door and walked on. The unmistakable sound of a hammer being cocked echoed in the station. Ringo walked out from behind a pair of shelves. "That's close enough. Who are you, and what do you want with me?" He asked.
I took a look at him. He was young... couldn't be older than twenty. His gun was shaking, and by the looks in his eyes, I could tell he wasn't a killer. I put my hands up anyway, to give him some level of comfort.
"Easy there kid. I'm not an enemy, if that's what you're asking." I reassured him.
Ringo didn't look convinced. "Yeah? Then why are you here?" He shot back. He had survival instincts. Good.
"I talked to Trudy. I figured I might be able to help. But I can't help if you if you keep waving that gun in my face." I told him. He finally put the gun down, giving a sigh of relief. Good, now we can talk like adults.
"Sorry about the gun, you just caught me off guard." He grinned sheepishly. "Let's start over. I'm Ringo."
I grinned. "Michael." I said, putting my hands down. "Now, let's start from the beginning: do you know why Joe Cobb is after you?" He shrugged.
"My caravan was on the return trip from California and heading back up to the company branch in New Vegas when we got jumped." He said. "Not even a 'drop your weapons and hands up' before the bullets started flying. We put up a good fight, but there was too many of them. I took a few of the bandits down before I ran, so I figure their friends are out for revenge."
"What are you planning to do?" I asked. This ought to be good.
"I'm going to lay low for as long as I can, assuming the town doesn't throw me to the wolves. I've got no chance against the gang on my own." He said.
I smirked. "You need a hired gun. Lucky for you, I'm available." I said. He looked a little nervous at the mention of money. All I've got left on me are a handful of caps..." That's when I saw a spark light up. Bingo. "But you get me out of this, and I'll make sure the Crimson Caravan pays you back. You've got my word."
I nodded. "Looks like you got yourself a deal." I said.
Ringo looked at me. "So what now?" He asked.
"Now? You're going to stay low for now. I'll go around town, see if people are willing to help." I said, walking to the door. Ringo called out to me. "You sure anyone is actually going to help?"
"Sure I do." I chuckled.
As I walked out, I spotted a robot. Huh, it was a weird one. It rolled on one wheel, and had this massive torso. He saw me and rolled over to me. "Howdy, pardner! Might I say, you're looking fit as a fiddle." Okay... "Who are you?" I asked.
The robot chuckled. "Name's Victor. Pleasure to meet you partner." He said. Oh shit this is Victor? I smirked. "Thanks for digging me out of that grave." I said.
He waved me off. "Don't mention it! I'm always ready to lend a helping hand to a stranger in need." He said. I had to know something. "How did you find me?" I asked.
"I was out for a stroll that night when I heard the commotion up at the old bone orchard. Saw what looked like a bunch of bad eggs so I laid low. Once they'd run off, I dug you up to see if you were still kicking. Turns out, you were, so I hauled you off to the Doc right quick." He said. Huh.
"Do you know anything about the guys who attacked me?" I asked. Victor shook his... body? Head? Whatever. "Can't say that I'm familiar with the rascals. Some of the fine folks in town might be able to help you out with that." Of course. I nodded my head.
"Appreciate it Victor." I said. He waved as I walked away. "Happy Trails!"
I shook my head, making my way to the saloon. I hope who I have in mind is up for a little fight.
"Say no more. I'm in." Sunny told me. I blinked.
"Really? Just like that?" I asked. I figured I'd have to try and convince her.
"Joe Cobb talks about leaving us alone if we hand over Ringo, but I know his type. He and his friends will come after Goodsprings eventually." She shot back.
She's not wrong. There was only one problem now.
"However, between you, me, and Ringo, we aren't exactly a force to be reckoned with." She said. There it is. I chuckled a bit. She's not wrong. Cobb made it sound like he had at least a decent group with him, and if my math was right, we had a guy who looked like he couldn't shoot straight, a man recovering from a gunshot to the head, and a headstrong teenage.
"Do you know anyone else who would be willing to help us drive back the Powder Gangers?" I asked. She grinned.
"Yeah, I know a few."
I spent the next hour and a half going around town, trying to rally the people. I'd convinced Trudy rather easily- gather everyone willing to fight and had a gun in front of the saloon, set up some barricades and drive the Powder Gangers into a killzone. Turns out that Easy Pete was a prospector back in the day, and had some dynamite stored nearby. He parted with it rather quickly when I convinced him that I knew what I was doing. It took a bit of bargaining, but I finally convinced Chet to part with some ammo and leather armor. Finally I was walking up to Doc Mitchell's house.
I opened the door, and I could here Mitchell speaking to someone.
"Here you go. This should help with the pain. Come back in a few weeks for another dose alright?" He said. Who was he talking to? I got my answer when I hear a hum, and a woman stepped out into the hallway.
She was shorter than me, standing at... I'd say five foot eight. She had brown hair cut short. Her eyes were a sharp green, and they looked to be scanning everything. She wore what looked like an old duster, with a black shirt and brown jeans. What caught my attention was the gun strapped to her back. It was a rifle, but not like any I had seen down here. Interesting. I saw Doc Mitchell step out as well. "Welcome back. I had hoped you wouldn't need to come see me again so soon. What can I do for you?" He asked.
I quickly explained what was happening. Mitchell sighed. "Seems like wherever I go it's always the same. Folks just never leave each other alone. I'm not much good in a fight, with my bum leg. And my supplies are scarce. But I'll give you what I can spare." He said, passing me some stimpacks.
"Thanks Doc." I said, turning to leave. I paused before I went outside. "Who was that right now?" I asked, nodding at the door. Mitchell looked past me. "That? That was Samantha. She doesn't say much. Why?" He asked me. I shrugged. "Is she good in a fight?" I asked.
Mitchell nodded. "She's a good shot. She might be able to help out. If you want, she lives in the cabin right next door. If that's all. I'll get ready in case people need treatment. Good luck out there." He said, turning back into the room.
I walked out the door, looking for Samantha. There she is! I walked up to her. "Excuse me." I called out to her. She turned and looked at me curiously,
"Hey there. Sorry to bother you, but I can use some help. Goodsprings is about to be attacked by bandits. Do you think you'd be willing to give us a hand?" I asked hopefully. She stared at me, studying me intently. She must have seen something she liked, because she nodded, giving a small hum.
Great! "Good. You think you can head up to the roof of the store? You might have a better chance up there." I told her. She nodded, making her way there. Time to get to Ringo.
"So, what's going on? Did Sunny agree to help us?" Ringo asked as soon as I entered the gas station.
I nodded. "Sunny's with us. We also got help from most of the town." I told him.
"Really?" Good, he started to sound hopeful. "We might have a chance after-"
He shut up when we heard a voice call out behind us. "Michael!" I turned around, and saw Sunny running up to us, rifle in hand. "Time to look alive, the Powder Gangers are here to play!" She warned. Ringo had a determined look on his face. I checked Blackout, making sure to load the hollow point rounds.
"How many are there?" I asked.
"At least eight, Joe Cobb included. They look pretty mean."
"Where are Trudy and the others?" I asked asked, hoping they went with my plan.
"They're getting set up in cover like you said, but it might not go well unless we get out there soon." She warned. I nodded. "Let's go." I told the two of them. Sunny turned to me. "I'll be set up near the store. Let's hope that the gang doesn't manage to make it that far." I nodded again. Time to end this.
Me and Ringo went down the hill, where we saw at least half a dozen people, all armed with shotguns, pistols and revolvers. I saw Samantha on top of the store, rifle at the ready. Ringo ducked behind a crate near Sunny, and I went behind a piece of cover in front of the saloon.
I saw Joe Cobb in the distance, waving a .357 revolver. The others were armed with an assortment of shotguns, bats and cleavers. "I warned you! Kill em!" Cobb called out.
I grabbed a stick of dynamite, lighting it and tossing it in the Powder Gangers direction. With a bang, gunfire rang out across Goodsprings. I aimed at some of them, and V.A.T.S kicked in. Goddamn I loved this thing. I unloaded Blackout into the group, and four of them dropped dead. Three headshots and one neck shot. Not bad. I heard Samantha's rifle bark, and another one dropped dead. Sunny took aim and fired, killing another.
Finally Cobb was the last one standing. Let's see if he was going to be reasonable. "Hey Cobb! You've got one chance! You can leave Goodsprings, or you can die. Your choice!" I called out.
"Fuck you man!" He shouted back. "This is our turf!" I shrugged. His choice. I had a shot and I took it. I aimed at Cobb's head and fired. He was dead before he hit the floor.
I decided to stay in Goodsprings for a bit longer. I helped clear out the bodies, taking what loot I needed. Right now I was with Sunny and Ringo, the former drinking a beer and the later having a smoke. I was drinking a flask of whiskey. I have a feeling I was going to be very accustomed to this.
"Thanks for helping me out, both of you. I owe you a huge favor for this." He said.
I waved him off. "Don't mention it. You already paid me."
"I was gonna stick around for a few days more, see if there's anything I can do to pay back all the trouble I caused. But if you ever find yourself up by New Vegas, look me up at the Crimson Caravan camp. What are you gonna do?" He asked me.
I dusted myself off and stood up, putting on a cowboy hat I looted from one of the Powder Gangers.
"Me? I've got some business to take care of. Some people stole something from me and left me for dead. I'm going to repay their kindness." I muttered. I said my goodbyes, sold off some loot, gearing up and went off. In my hand was a small sack. The contents? The cigarettes that Suit had been smoking when he gunned me down. They were a fancy brand, which meant that you could only get them in certain places. This might be my best lead. Time to see where I would go from here.
AN: So hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I'll try and update as much as I can. Until next time, Read, Review and Enjoy!
