The sky was looking a lot darker. Both Troy and Griffon would notice as they stand in front of the Vikki and Vance Casino. The two had spent the day killing all the convicts around the town. The bodies of all the bandits were piled up next to a pillar. Each one was stripped of their gear and given to the residents that are holed up in the casino. It was nice to get a few extra caps, but Troy and Griffon unfortunately are not finished with their business yet. The Bison Steve hotel ahead were where the rest of the convicts remain. Plus, Johnson Nash, a nice trader the two had met, requested to save the town's deputy that is currently a hostage inside of the hotel. In return, Troy would get the information he wants.
"Ya ready Six?" Griffon asked his partner. They both stood in front of the hotel, ready to breach whenever they desire.
Before replying, Troy gave his cigarette a last whiff before dropping it onto the ground and stepping on it. "Yea. Lets waste those bastards." The two would then enter the building quietly and with caution. The lobby was clearly empty which gave Griffon a disappointed look.
"You'd think this place would have the most guard since it's ya know, the god damn entrance?" Griffon whispered. Troy couldn't help but agree. At first he'd think of it as a trap, but seeing how the rest of convicts outside were easy pickings, he had a hard time believing that were the case.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps would catch the two's attention. While Griffon stayed in place, Troy snuck towards it. A figure would appear in the hallway. Troy still managed to remain hidden from the poor bastard's line of sight. Without hesitation Troy grabbed the guy and put him in a choke hold. It wasn't long until the courier's prey stopped breathing. Troy then dropped the body and looked over. Two other men both with guns glared at him.
"Oh fuck" Troy cursed.
The men started firing at Troy. Thankfully, he was quick enough to get out of the hallway and back into the lobby.
"Damn Troy, what'd ya do?" Griffon asked with an amused look. It hasn't even been two minutes and Troy managed to fuck up the stealth part of their task.
Troy ran towards a table and flipped it over to use as cover. "Oh shut up. Just throw a stick of dynamite or something." Griffon nodded and took a stick and lighter out. The convicts had plenty of explosives to spare, and Griffon didn't plan on selling all of it to Nash. Both Troy and Griffon could hear the approaching footsteps of their two foes. Griffon already began to light the stick while their enemies took time to get to appear through the doorway. The moment the silhouettes popped up, Griffon tossed the dynamite. The explosive landed in between the bandits, causing them both to panic. Their hesitation caused them to lose time. The dynamite exploded and instantly killed both gunmen. "Fuck yea!" Troy celebrated. He vaulted over the table with Griffon following.
It was obvious that their enemies would be on alert after all the gunshots and especially the explosion. Troy and Griffon had advanced into a larger room. Due to all the chairs and tables used as barricades, they assumed it was originally the hotel's cafeteria. The original idea was to take their enemies by surprise, but Troy happened to get spotted... again. Now there were guns being shot at them and somebody with a flamethrower was starting to advance.
"Ain't sneaking s'posed to be a skill of yours?" Griffon teased. Troy's luck is beginning to show.
"I ain't used to this shit" Troy complained with an annoyed tone. "Just spray the fucking guy with the flamer!" Troy ordered before peaking out and firing at the hostiles. All three convicts focused on him, distracting them from Griffon. The bulky submachine gunner took this opportunity to pop out of his cover and suppress fire. All three convicts were hailed with incoming 10mm bullets. Each shot hitting its target. Griffon would let go of his trigger and eagerly watch each of his victims drop like flies.
"You look a bit green. Is it the amnesia?" Griffon commented.
Troy sighed. He was annoyed by the remark, but Griffon was probably right. "I hope so. I don't remember what I was other than a simple mailman."
After their short conversation, they entered the kitchen. There, they found a man with a blonde mullet tied up. The hostage's eyes lit up as he witnessed his saviors entrance. "I don't suppose you came here to rescue me? I'd cross my fingers but my hands are numb" he'd greet the two.
"You must be Deputy Beagle" Troy assumed.
The man nodded. "I'm in a bit of a predicament here. I'd be most appreciative if you'd set me free."
Griffon walked behind Beagle to fulfill his request. "Hold on" Troy would quickly stop his partner. He would gaze at the deputy. "Nash said you have information on some, what're they called, Khans that came through here with a guy in a checkered suit."
"Indeed I do good sir, and I would be thrilled to share that information with you as soon as I am released from captivity."
Troy now looked very annoyed. The deputy should be spilling the beans, but he won't budge until he's set free. Troy walked behind Beagle and motioned Griffon to move over. Griffon was confused, but he still to complied. Troy suddenly kicked the prisoner over causing him to lay on his stomach.
"Ack! What are yo-"
Troy ignored him and would search him. Eventually, he found what looked like a tape recorder. There was a recording that he decided to play.
This is most unusual! The Powder Gangers have visitors today. I guess there's a first for everything! Now those tough-looking fellows must be Great Khans. I recognize those funny helmets and leather vests from stories I've heard...
So what are they doing with that dapper gentleman who wears a checked suit? I wouldn't mind a suit like that. They're talking about heading south toward Nipton, then west to Novac where they'll meet up with someone...
I guess I could track them if I needed to, but the town of Primm needs me here, to serve and protect.
Oh my. I think I've been spotted...
The sound of chuckling startled Griffon. He looked and saw Troy with an amused look on his face.
"Er... ya alright Troy" Griffon asked with concern. Troy simply nodded. "Was all this necessary?"
"Probably not but he wouldn't answer a simple question" he replied before tossing the tape recorder aside. "Alright lets set this asshole free and clear the rest of the building.
"Well that was quite an adventure. We taught those convicts a thing or two did we? Breaking myself out of a hostage situation, not to diminish your role in it, of course, but it was quite thrilling" Beagle cheered. Troy didn't look amused which gave Beagle and uneasy feeling.
Griffon would attempt to regain his partner's composure. "Chill out buddy. Bad time." The three were in the casino near the entrance. As much as Troy wants to beat Beagle into a pulp, he knew how Griffon was right. The other settlers might jump the courier.
Beagle would speak up. "Fellas. Problem is, there's no law in Primm. What're we to do the next time ruffians menace us and hold us hostage?"
As Griffon got ready to speak, Troy interrupted. "We'll be going now."
"B-but the town doesn't have a Sheriff! I don't have an employer, and that means I don't have a job" Beagle griped.
Troy simply shrugged. At the moment he doesn't really care since there are other priorities he has.
"If you think you might be able to help, come find me. I thank you for all you've done" Beagle thanked before walking away.
Griffon looked at Troy with an irritated look. "The hell are ya doing?"
"Look man, I just want to go find that bastard that shot me." Troy argued.
"I get that, but these people need help right now" Griffon fired back.
Troy would let out a sigh. "We already helped them by killing off the criminals. They should take care of the rest of their problems." Griffon's gave Troy a distasteful look after his statement. Troy growled. "I don't need you to judge me. It's not like we were permanent traveling companions?"
Griffon sighed in disappointed. "Aight mate. Listen, you do you, but stay safe out there" Griffon urge. "Let's not part ways with bad blood between us. Good luck to you mate" Griffon would extend his hand.
Troy looked at his friend's hand and would grasp it to shake. "Alright. I'll see you later."
"Man those are a lot of cars" Troy muttered as he looks up at the top of the steep hill. A large statue with two figures shaking each others hands were visible even with the sun interrupting the courier's sight. Tons of ruined vehicles were between him and his destination. Troy would look around for radscorpions before continuing. It was gonna be a long walk. At least he could grab all the supplies from the vehicles as he made his way up. Assuming there were any supplies remaining.
As the courier walked, he couldn't help but think about the recent departure of his companion. Sorry Griffon. I can't have more of Primm's problems be mine as well he thought.
The walk was as expected. Tiring and long. Thankfully he was welcomed with open arms by the NCR soldiers. It must be part of their job to play friendly with visitors. One guy relocated Troy to a building where he could rest up and get something to eat. Troy thanked the soldier before entering the building. The interior reminded him of Trudy's saloon. This place was more professional though. Probably due to it being owned by a military faction. Troy noticed alcoholic beverages on shelves behind a bar counter. He was sort of interested in drinking a little, so he decided to sit at one of the available seats. This attracted the attention of the bartender.
"New face in the Outpost, must've come from the north. I'm Lacey. So what'll you have?" a woman with tan skin would give a quick introduction of herself from behind the counter. She apparently would prefer to go straight to business. She had a crop top red shirt with long sleeves which were rolled up along with a black vest over it. She also had black jeans which looked pretty damaged and a cap with goggles attached to it.
"Got any steak and a Sunset?" the courier asked as he approaches a stool to sit.
The woman would nod. "18 caps" she'd request while setting up his meal.
In the meantime Troy took out a pouch filled with his bottlecap. He'd count them out before setting them down on the counter in front of him. It would have been a lot smarter on his part to eat what he has in his sack. However, all he has is canned food and dirty water. Eating something nice for once would take off some stress.
"You know I could sell more than food. Gear and ammunition is available if you want" Lacey offered.
"I think I'll be fine for now. Thank you" Troy replied. The merchant would make a frown. Like all merchants, they try to milk their customers of their caps. It is her job, but unfortunately for her, Troy was only interested in eating this time. Troy kept to himself until he accidentally glanced over towards a woman with a cowboy hat and a brown jacket over pink flannel had her feel the need to interrupt his meal.
"Looking for trouble?" she suddenly asked. Startled by the sudden question, Troy put his full attention on the woman.
"Just minding my business" Troy would respond. He prayed that she wasn't looking for trouble. There was a lot of doubt in that possibility after Troy's eye caught the amount of whiskey she's been drinking.
"Your business, huh? Now there's a store worth tending. You run along now... judging by that busted pilot light expression you're fixed with, 'business' ain't so good."
Troy sighed. He's really not in the mood for this. After all he's already exhausted. "I think we got off on the wrong foot. How about a drink?" This decision might endanger the girl, but Troy isn't really the one to give a fuck right now.
"'How about a drink?'" she'd mock him. Now she was really starting to irritate Troy. "How about a couple, is what you mean." She'd take a swig of the current whiskey bottle and empty it before slamming it down in front of her. "Drinking to forget, and it's only getting me mad instead. Whiskey always gets my temper up. Now more than ever." At first Troy would be willing to offer the girl a couple drinks, but her being mad enough is starting to pull him back from that decision.
"Drinking used to cause all sorts of trouble back West before I punched enough people, that is, and they learned to lay low when the whiskey hit." The girl yawned before continuing. Perhaps she's getting ready to faint from what she's been drinking. She then regained her composure which managed to amaze Troy.
The conversation would end up dying if Troy didn't continue it. It would have been better than a long silence. "Back West?"
"Yeah, if you couldn't tell, I'm not from around here and I'm not NCR. I run a caravan... or did." Her voice was a lot calmer than when she first started spewing nonsense at the courier. "Lost my caravan heading north, the driver burned to ash - and they didn't even take the cargo, they just burned that too."
Troy was already halfway through his meal. It looks like the girl's conversation is keeping him occupied. "That doesn't sound like the work of raiders" Troy assumed.
The girl smiled a bit. She was impressed by Troy's hunch. "My guess is Legion, they're trying to cut NCR's supply line... and the Mohave Outpost is proof. Got us locked up tighter than a New Vegas virgin." Troy chuckled by the remark. His reaction to a dirty joke like that was a bit childish, and the girl even noticed. She kept continuing her story though.
"No caravans in, out, and just try arguing with Jackson about it. 'Roads aren't safe,' he says." She rolled her eyes after quoting this Jackson. "No shit, you washed-out old fuckup, I didn't need a Brotherhood Scribe to tell me that."
"Hey just remember you're talking to me" Troy joked. The reaction wasn't what the courier expected, but a quiet giggle from the girl was good enough to him. "So what are you going to do?" he'd ask.
"Drink. Got a lot of memories to drown. If I die while doing it, so be it. Got nowhere else to go." She'd let out a disappointing sigh. "Jackson won't let me head north, it's not safe... and even though my caravan's gone, my caravan papers are keeping me here. So if you came here for work, my advice? Go find the Crimson Caravan branch, south of Vegas. They can help you out."
The name Crimson Caravan had caught Troy's full attention. He remembered that guy Ringo from Goodsprings. I wonder if he's still over there? He thought. The courier pushed now empty plate forward which notified Lacey that it was okay to take it. Troy suddenly remembered the presence of Lacey. She must have heard everything. It didn't bother him though. He stood up and walked over to sit by the girl who opened up to him.
Troy reached his hand out. "I'm Troy. Former courier before getting shot in the head" he'd unravel.
The girl suddenly looked at the courier with wide eyes. Her sight soon adjusted to the scar his forehead. "Wow" her tone was obviously surprised. "That explains the..." she'd point at the forehead since she felt that it'd be rude to say it.
After Troy nodded, the girl would finally shake his hand. "Name is Cass. Nice to meet you."
Troy slowly raised his head to see Lacey wiping the counter. To his left was Cass who was still passed out.
"She's finally out cold thanks to you" Lacey chirped.
"Why do you sound so happy about that?" Troy asked as he sat up.
"Well, she's just been hogging up all the whiskey in the bar. It couldn't have been long until she died of alcohol poisoning."
Troy laughed. "Yea right. This girl is a rock. I'm surprised I lasted."
"Oh you didn't last long" Lacey immediately replied.
"Wait what?"
Lacey smirked. "You left her hanging after a bottle."
Troy rolled his eyes. "Of course" he muttered to himself. That information isn't much of a surprise since his head is fucked up in the first place. "So any chance work is available? I'm feeling restless."
"Work around here? Might check with Jackson in the main building. Or Ghost up on the roof above, but watch out, she's... well, she's kind of a bitch. Don't tell her I said that, though. Might take a bullet some night when I'm going to the latrine" the bartender informed.
Troy was gonna have a tough decision since Ghost is also disliked by somebody.
"Yeah! Who won the lottery!? I did!" the sudden screaming celebration startled Troy.
"It's fucking midnight. Who the fuck other than wildlife would be this loud?" Troy would complain upon hearing the voice. A figure soon was seen to be running towards him. Troy didn't think too much of it until he saw what the guy was wearing. "Oh shit! Powder Ganger!" The courier reached for his 9mm, but didn't proceed to unholster when noticing the figure was unarmed.
"Smell that air!" he'd scream to the night sky while running. He then stopped after spotting Troy. "Couldn't ya just drink it like booze!?" he'd ask the courier.
"Hey man" Troy would greet. "Are you feeling alright?"
"Are you kidding me? Never felt better!" the Powder Ganger enthusiastically responded.
"So what's this lottery you're going on about?" Troy curiously asked.
"What lottery?" the stranger looked dumbfounded by the question. "The lottery, that's what lottery! Are you stupid?" That remark would have best been kept to himself. It's a good thing the nap at the outpost brought Troy to a good mood. "Only lottery that matters! Oh my god smell that air!" the stranger celebrated again. He then would run past Troy.
The courier looked back in disbelief. He had no idea what's going on, but decided to continue. Ghost already mentioned the smoke to Troy so he wasn't surprised at first glance. It was when he got closer that got him to widen his eyes in horror. The smoke was all due to burning buildings. Troy immediately reacted and ran towards the center of the town. The sight of all the Powder Gangers crucified against a cross terrified him.
Then, out of the corner of his eyes, he saw the ones who caused all of this. Each figure had on reddish armor. All but one carried a machete. A couple canines were by their side as well. One figure with a fox on his head would approach Troy. The courier responded by walking towards him until they both met face to face.
"Don't worry, I won't have you lashed to a cross like the rest of these degenerates. It's useful that you happened by" the man with the fox man assured. "I want you to witness the fate of the town of Nipton, to memorize every detail. And then, when you move on? I want you to teach everyone you meet the lesson that Caesar's Legion taught here, especially any NCR troops you run across."
Troy chuckled in disbelief. "What 'lesson' did you even teach here?" he'd ask with an angered expression.
The man with the fox head began to answer the angered courier's question. "Where to begin? That they are weak, and we are strong? This much was known already. But the depths of their moral sickness, their dissolution? Nipton serves as the perfect object lesson."
What the man spewed from his mouth really pissed Troy off. "I think I've heard enough" he announced.
"I think your eyes will see more than I could ever tell you. Take your time. Enjoy the sights" the man requested before he and his followers began to walk away.
Everything that's currently going on, Troy couldn't accept. It felt like time temporarily slowed down in his favor. He'd count the number of monsters trying to leave the disaster they caused. One gunman without a helmet. That would be the first target. The dogs were the second. Troy pulled out a single frag along with his 9mm. He placed the grenade against his mouth and bit onto the pin. He then aimed at the gunman. The dogs and one of the others noticed Troy. He'd try to warn his comrades while the dogs began to dash at the courier. Either way, it was too late for the gunman.
Troy pulled out the pin before pulling the trigger. The moment everybody heard the sound of the shot, the gunman dropped. The courier then fired at the two dogs as he would let the grenade cook. When the dogs dropped, Troy could see everybody else charged. Troy then dropped the grenade and would run back while suppressing fire. Eventually his gun would click. Since the frag was gonna explode anyways, he took the time to reload. However, he didn't realize one was faster than the delay of the grenade.
"Oh shi-" Troy attempted to dodge the slash of the machete. Even though he managed to avoid a deadly blow, the gash on his right side was deep enough to have him spit out blood. The Legionnaire had to recover from the hard swing he took. This gave Troy enough time to fire half his magazine into his assailant's chest. The Legionnaire staggered a bit before dropping down onto his knees. Troy would put the guy out of his misery with a single bullet to his forehead. Unlike the shot to the head Troy felt, this one killed the guy on impact.
While holding onto his possible fatal wound, Troy looked back at the location of explosion. All but one body were lifeless. The leader with the fox hat still stood, but with a bloody arm.
The two slowly took steps towards each other which soon broke into sprints. Troy might have a firearm, but there was no way his aim could save him at this moment. The shot had to be point blank. The leader would point his dull looking weapon at Troy. At first, Troy didn't see the leader as deadly, until he heard the sound of an engine. The blade was basically a chainsaw. It was a good thing Troy figured it out early on, otherwise he'd be slaughtered. The courier quickly dodged to his side and grabbed the Legionnaire leader's wrist to keep him from moving his weapon. Troy then pointed the 9mm at the fucker's stomach. Without hesitation, he pulled the trigger multiple times until witnessing the leader fall onto him. Troy still held onto the wrist of the corpse before he'd let go and fall down right besides it.
Troy, now heavily wounded, stared up at the night sky. Each blink would get slower just like his breath. Eventually all that was left was darkness.