Chapter 15
Taking the Tops
After leaving the Embassy and making our way back towards the front of the Strip, Boone and I found Cass and Veronica standing outside the Lucky 38. When they saw Boone and I approaching from a different area of the Strip, they walked over.
"Well I guess your meeting didn't last too long, boss." said Veronica
"Boss?" I said as I gave her a strange look
"Well yeah aren't you kind of the leader of this whole operation and the reason we are here?" she said
"I'm not the boss. A boss implies all of you do as I say. I give all of you an option to do whatever you want. You don't even have to stay or follow me where you go." I said
"Whatever. Still going to call you boss. I think the title fits."
"Not the name I would give him." said Cass with a huge laugh. It was easy to see she had been at one of the casino bars binge drinking again.
"Well we need to talk. I have acquired us a base of operations so to speak thanks to Mr. House. We better go inside there is a lot to discuss." I told the girls
We made our way to the High Roller suite inside the Lucky 38. As we stepped out of the elevator, we made a quick look around the room. The entire area seemed to be old and full of dust. It smelled of stale air and must as the room had not been used in some time. All the rooms were connected to the main living area which contained a terminal, several couches and chairs, and potted plants. Inside the main master bedroom was a queen sized bed with a desk and several trunks for storage. There was also several wardrobe cabinets.
Among the other rooms were dormitories with trunks next to the beds, a shower and bathroom area, a kitchen and dining area, and a lounge area complete with a pool table.
"Cozy place. If you like dark and creepy." said Veronica
"Let me guess mail boy, you want the master room?" said Cass
"Sure why not?" I said with a coy smile
"Fine I'm going to the kitchen to see if I can find any decent drinks. Maybe this House guy caters." said Cass
"Don't take to long we have a lot to discuss."
"You always find a way to kill the buzz don't you Mathis? I swear if you didn't have that certain quality about you, I would be gone already." said Cass
"What quality is that?"
She gave me a look that was completely flirtatious. "As I told you back in Novac, buy the drinks and you might find out."
I felt myself beginning to blush as we all decided to have our meeting inside the main living area. I told Veronica and Cass about everything that had transpired with my meeting with House and the interrogation with Crocker. I told them about my NCR background as well.
"Well I knew a mailman couldn't be that big of a badass. I can't believe you never said anything but I still have a buzz going so I'm not too angry yet. But give me time." said Cass
"You have been NCR this whole time and you still let me come with you? Knowing how much the Brotherhood is at odds with you guys?" Veronica said
"Veronica, not all NCR soldiers think alike just like I know that all Brotherhood of Steel members can think differently. Besides given the way things are stacking up, it appears that we all have a common enemy, Caesar." I said
"So this Crocker gave you up to save his own ass? Little spineless bastard." said Cass
"Well he's going to be helping us take Benny at the casino. Only problem is that Vulpes, the lackey for Caesar that's been after me has been checking in on Crocker and could be back at time now. I want to kill two birds with one stone while we are here. I want to catch Benny and Vulpes." I said
"Don't forget about the Chip." said Veronica
"Yes, the Platinum Chip, its imperative that I get that back as soon as possible."
"So what's the plan Mathis?" asked Boone
"Alright the four of us need to walk into the Tops and head to the bar which is located in the theater area. I'll talk to the bartender and find out where our guns are placed. After the guns are retrieved, I think we need to have one person waiting in around the lobby in case Benny tries to make a run for it. I want one of us to head out towards the Embassy and watch for any signs of Legion soldiers. Now during all this, myself and one other person will find Benny and confront him. We'll recover the Chip and head back to the Lucky 38. Should Vulpes make his way to the Embassy at that time, we make our way over and capture him. I would prefer to take him alive if possible to try and interrogate him. Being a member of the Legion though, I doubt if we get good information or anything out of him. More than likely we will need to kill him before its over." I said
"Okay everything seems to be thought out except for a few details." said Veronica
"What do you mean?" I asked
"Well your plan, as easy as it sounds, we may need to acquire a few things." she said "For instance, walking into the casino dressed in our current clothing is a dead giveaway when most of the clientele at the Tops or any of the operating casinos are dressed quite nicely. Second, once we are in the Tops and have the guns, how do we approach Benny? It's not like he won't have members of the Chairmen protecting him. Third, who is going to be watching the Embassy that Vulpes hasn't already seen? Finally, what do you plan on doing to Benny once you have him?"
"Okay those are good points. We may need to acquire some different clothing and think of how we can approach Benny. Since drawing attention to ourselves will make him skittish, we need to think of a way to sneak up on him."
"The casino, like the others on the Strip, has a hotel above the casino floor. We could book a room at the Tops and found out where Benny's room is located." said Boone
"The front desk isn't exactly going to be up for giving that kind information away. We may need to get into their computers or follow Benny around. Given that Benny may not know I made it out of that grave, surprise may be an option as well." I said
"You mean just walk right up to him?" asked Cass
"Well in a sense, yes." I said
"Geez, Mathis you have a pair on you. Let's assume Benny is armed and has security. What's the plan then?" asked Cass
"And what would you have us do then Cass?" I asked
"Well I propose that Veronica and I charm him, we get him to take us back at our room where the two of you will be waiting." she said
"Um, that might be a problem." said Veronica
"Why? What seems to be the problem kid?" asked Boone
"First don't call me kid, second guys aren't necessarily my type if you know what I mean." said Veronica
The room fell to a small silence but it was apparent that no one was judging Veronica for who she was. In the Wasteland only three things keep you alive; friends, guns, and supplies. If you were missing one, you won't last long with the other two. The world is too crazy of a place to judge those that have your back.
"Well its not like we're asking you to climb in bed with him." said Cass walking up to Veronica, "Look just follow my lead and you won't have to touch him."
"I'll do it but don't ask me to do something like this again. Makes me feel uncomfortable." said Veronica
"Well the idea of seducing a stranger for no intended purpose other than so we can catch him with no alcohol involved doesn't really tickle me pink either girly. I'd let Mathis over here take me on a date before I'd do something like this for free." said Cass, which of course drew a small laugh out of Veronica.
"You know what Ca.." I started but Boone stopped me.
"Fine sounds like we have a plan. Lets get moving on these guns and disguises. I want to get this over with and catch that Legion bastard before he leaves the Embassy." said Boone
"Veronica, I can't tell you how much I appreciate you doing this, and that goes for you too Boone and Cass. I owe you guys." I said
"I'll keep that in mind mailman." said Cass
"Us too." said Veronica, referring to herself and the quiet sniper.
We all boarded the elevator in the room to head back to the casino level in the Lucky 38. When we reached the bottom, the Securitrons were waiting on us outside the elevator as they were before.
"You know I have to say these robots are a little on the creepy side Mathis. Are you sure this House guy is going to do the right thing protecting the Strip? I mean all men in power tend to want one thing, more power." said Cass
"I don't know, but I do know we are short on options of what exactly we can do right now. He may not be a knight in shining armor but he may be that extra punch needed to rid the Mojave of the Legion." I said
"House is the key or are these creepy robots?" Veronica said
"A bit of both since he controls them." I said
We walked out the Lucky 38 and made our way to the Strip road. Needing supplies, we made our way back through Freeside. According to some of the locals, the best place to buy supplies was a small shop near the entrance from the Wastes called Mick and Ralph's. While at the shop, Veronica purchased a few parts to upgrade her PowerFist and Cass traded her caravan shotgun and its 20 gauge shells for a hunting shotgun along with 30 twelve gauge shells. She seemed happy with the new weapon. We all purchased new clothes to use at the Tops. After buying the new clothing and gear we made our way back to the High Roller suite to change and store our equipment in the footlockers in the Suite. The clothing seemed to fit quite nicely. Boone and I both had black blazers and slacks along with a red tie for me and black tie for himself. To complete our ensembles, we both had black bowlers to wear. Boone decided to leave his sunglasses at the suite. Seeing him without the glasses for the first time seemed strange but I made no mention of it.
Veronica walked into the room glowing, "I've always wanted a dress! I know it seems silly but I love this!" Even though she seemed happy to be wearing the dress, I could tell that there was pain behind her smile. I put the thought in the back of my head to ask her about it one day.
Then Cass walked out in her dress. I was stunned. Cass, already beautiful in her own right, looked absolutely gorgeous! Her flowing red hair now at her shoulders, no longer hindered by the cowboy hat. The dress fit her perfectly and seemed to compliment her body very well.
Blushing when she realized I had been checking her out, "When you're done drooling Mathis, we have something that we need to get over with." she said with a smile. Cass genuinely smiled at me. It was a strange feeling but one I enjoyed. I hadn't been in a relationship in quite some time due to the constraints of my position in the NCR nor until this point had I considered anything with the crazy, alcoholic merchant but now for a moment I found myself considering the idea.
Wiping the look off my face, "Um….., sorry you're right. Let's get moving guys."
We made our way down to the elevator. I could see the look on everyones' face. Although we were safely inside the Strip, we all felt naked without any equipment or weapons. This was the rule of the Wasteland, you are only as good as the weapon you carry. Once outside, we made our way across the Strip and into the Tops. Wanting to keep up the disguise, I had Boone take an escort stance with Veronica as I did the same with Cass.
When we walked into the casino, it was easy to see that the place was run by the Chairmen. One at the front desk asked us for our weapons. Upon discovering we had no weapons available to take, he quickly ushered us into the casino. As instructed by Crocker, we made our way to the Aces theater. As we all sat down at a table in the back, I walked over to the bartender. When he was finished with his other customers and they had all taken their seats for the next show, I told him the phrase instructed by Crocker.
He replied with, "I don't have any vintage whiskey here but I conveniently the table your sitting at already has four shot glasses placed there. You may check under the table sir." he said
'Thanks" I said
Walking back to the table I sat down and looked at my companions sitting around the table. "You guys ready for this?" I asked
"Where are the weapons?" asked Boone
My eyes shifted to the table and back to Boone who immediately understood the meeting and placed his right hand on the underside of the tabletop.
"Mine is a 9mm pistol with a suppressor. Not bad." said Boone
Veronica, Cass, and I checked to find we had the same type of weapons. The pistols each had a full clip of ammunition. Crocker had done his part, now it was our turn.
"Stay here, I'm going to get us a room." I said, "Boone find a way to store the weapons for the girls and go check the casino out. See if you can find Benny in the process. Let's meet at the elevators under the cashier booth in 10 minutes."
"Got it." said the group
I stored my weapon in my blazer and made my way down to the front of the casino and talked to the guy in the front.
"What's shakin' daddy-o? We hope you are enjoying your time here at the Tops casino. What can this cat do for you?" asked the guy at the front desk
"My friend and I came in here earlier with some hot dates, who are having quite a bit to drink at the moment. We were wanting to get two separate rooms to uh, you know when they have had quite a bit of the bubbly." I said trying to blend in with the chairmen
Laughing the Chairmen said, "Hey pally I got your two rooms on the fourth floor. Try to keep things clean you dig? 15 caps each for the night."
"That's a steal! Thanks for hooking us up, you're good people."
"Don't you forget it!"
He handed me the keys as I exchanged the caps with him and I made my way to the elevators. I saw the group making their way over my way. They didn't look too happy.
"Your boy isn't exactly going to be easy to get to. He's got four bodyguards. Each are armed with automatic .22 sub-machine guns." said Boone
"I didn't say this was going to be easy. Benny is the head of the Chairmen. He didn't get there by being an idiot. We will just need a way to get his attention. Anyone good at blackjack? Obviously I can't show my face to him, he'll know that something is up immediately." I said
"Let's stick with the original plan I say for the time being. Cass and I have a good shot at this I believe." said Veronica, "Look, Boone give us our guns and you two head upstairs and get ready. We will be up shortly with Benny."
Looking at Boone, he didn't seem to like the idea either. It was too dangerous for them if things went bad. But not seeing much choice, we made our way over to the elevators and took it up to our floor.
Upon exiting the elevator on the fourth floor, hotel area seemed the exact opposite of the casino. Whereas the exciting floor below promoted fun and gambling, this was a dull yellow with white paneling around the door and other surfaces. It was as if the floor was meant to calm its guests after the excitement of eventually losing all of one's money. There were quite a few Chairmen in the area. Two were guarding a set of double doors in front of the elevator. Benny's room. I thought to myself. Without arousing suspicion, we made our way to our hotel rooms to wait for the girls. If they made it past the guards.
What seemed like hours passing by, turned out to be only a half hour. Boone and I had taken turns wondering to the snack and Nuka-Cola machines on the other side of the floor to see if the girls had made it up yet. Each time we left our room, we caught the suspicious eyes of the three Chairmen now stationed on the floor. Not wanting to draw too much attention, we did not make too many trips into the hallway or stay in the hall corridors for long. Finally, Benny made his way to the floor with a girl on each arm. Boone, who had been patrolling the hall at that time made his way to my room and knocked three times. I opened the door and knew exactly what the knocks on the door had meant.
Making our way down the hall, the two Chairmen guarding each side of the double doors leading to Benny's room watched us carefully. The third Chairmen had made his way around the far side of the hallway. As the third man walked around the corner, Boone and I pulled out our silenced pistols and shot the slow reacting Chairmen. After their limp bodies sank to the floor, Boone and I quickly dragged the two now dead guards back to our rooms and stashed them. We quickly dashed back to the site of the gunshots only to find the third Chairmen just reaching the location.
As the words had just left his mouth, "Hey did you se…" Boone aimed at his head and fired.
Acting quickly, Boone moved the third man to his room and came back to my location. "Go on in. I'll stay out here and make sure he can't get away." he said to me
"Alright find some spot to hide just in case."
Opening the elevator doors, "Already on it, Levi."
As the elevator doors closed, I turned back to the doors that Benny had just walked through. Putting my ear to the door I could hear laughter and muttering of words. I quickly kicked in the door, and at the same time saw Veronica and Cass knock Benny to the floor and take his gun from him as well as the Platinum Chip. Both Cass and Veronica pulled their pistols out and aimed them at Benny's head.
"What the hel….. YOU! You're dead! How the hell are you standing?" asked Benny
"I got better Benny. Now give me a good reason not to blow your damn head off right now."
"I'll give you three. They're called bodyguards and I don't know how you got past them, BUT IF THEY DON'T GET IN HERE SOON, THEY ARE DEAD!" he said yelling past me hoping to get the attention of the now dead Chairmen.
"Oh they won't be hearing you anytime soon. I took care of that. Now Benny, its time to talk. What the hell is the deal with this Chip? Only House can use this thing right?" I asked
"I guess that bullet did a lot more damage to that brain than I thought. Assuming you had one to begin with. Of course House isn't the only one that can use it! I made a way to use the Chip against House! Imagine being able to reshape New Vegas, the whole Mojave as you see fit. No more corrupt bureaucrats from the NCR or some maniacal computer telling you what to do. You could even rid this place of the Legion for good! I don't give a damn what you do to me, but don't give that Chip to House!" pointing to the room down the hall inside his suite, "Through there is a Securitron that I had reprogrammed to stop House and use the Chip for myself. You could do the same!" said Benny
"And what exactly would you want me to do in return?" I asked
"I don't give a damn honestly, shoot me or even turn me over to the Legion. Just don't give that Chip to House. That son of a bitch will lock this place down and you can kiss all this goodbye."
Looking at Cass and Veronica, they seemed uncertain of what to do with Benny. Neither one moving except to look back at me.
With our eyes looking away, Benny used that moment to spring up and grab Veronica and take her pistol. Cass and I stood there with our guns pointed at Benny.
"That was the dumbest move you could make, Benny." I said, "Let Veronica go and maybe I only maim you."
"Ha! Where did you girls find this guy? He really is as dumb as a bag of hammers." Talking to Veronica, "Listen sweetheart, you and I are going to have a little get away together." They began to inch their way out the door and towards the elevator. Benny called for the elevator and was surprised to find it already filled with another guest. Before he could get Veronica inside, Boone jumped him. Benny dropped Veronica's pistol and fell to the floor with the NCR sniper on top of him. Moving as fast as we could Cass and I made our way out into the hallway. Cass ran to check on Veronica, who was still in a little shock but otherwise was unharmed.
In the scuffle, Boone managed to lose his pistol as well as it lay on the floor next to the duo that was still locked together. I attempted to pull Benny off of Boone, only to be met with a fist to the jaw from the leader of the Chairmen and was knocked to the floor. It was hard to see who exactly was winning the scuffle as both men made their way to their feet, Benny had grabbed Boone's pistol, shot the sniper in the shoulder and jumped into the elevator. I ran to check on Boone and then to the elevator but was too late. I told the girls who were still scrambling, to take care of Boone and get him some help while I went after Benny. I pulled the Chip out of my jacket pocket and tossed it to Cass.
"I'm coming back for that. And once this is over, for that date." I said smiling and made my way to the stairs.
"We'll see about that mailman!" Cass said calling after me
Bursting through the stairwell door, I ran as fast as I could to the casino floor. I holstered my pistol inside of my jacket as I walked into the casino. Plenty of people were still at the tables having a great time, oblivious to everything that was going on inside the building. I pushed past several groups of people as fast as I could trying to look for that bastard that shot my friend. Just as I got to the entrance, I caught a glimpse of a checkered jacket leaving the casino. In a mad dash I ran out after him.
As soon as I burst through the door, I felt a bullet ricochet off the wall right next to me, Benny was still running but decided to take potshots at me. Moving carefully, I continued to run after him. Making our way through the gate to FreeSide, Benny was a little more relaxed about shooting in public as he fired two more rounds my way. Barely missing my head and chest, I fired back. One round seemed to clip Benny in the shoulder as the other buzzed his head. He was still about 30 feet in front of me as I ran as fast as I could to catch him. Each of us pushing past the locals that were now ducking for cover when they realized what was happening. Benny now made it through another gate and was now in the outer city of FreeSide.
Almost back into the Mojave. Damn what I wouldn't give for my marksman carbine about now. I thought to myself as I was now beginning to close in on the bastard. Benny attempted two more shots before the pistol ran out of bullets. He tossed it aside and kept running. As he reached the main gate, he turned to see me on his heels. But had a huge grin on his face. He shut the gate just as I reached it. I opened the gate and couldn't believe what I saw.
Right in front of me Benny was on his knees with blood rushing out of his nose. Obviously from being hit with a heavy object. On either side was a member of the Legion, and standing behind him with his back turned to me was another Legion soldier but with his back turned to me. The soldier was hooded by the head of a fox. Turning around and peering straight at me he didn't say a word. Vulpes. I thought
"I hear you've been looking for me, Ghost." he said
That was the last I heard before I felt something hard hit me in the back of the head.