I keep the barrel of my six-shooter still pointed at the back of his head, never taking my eyes off of him.
-"I came out here looking for some supplies in that gas station, before you put a gun to my head of course."
-"Well, that answers one question, but you still haven't told me who you are."
He made a quick turn towards me, he may have had a smile on his face, but I could see the fear and surprise in his eyes. I keep my cannon still pointed at his head. I hesitated to pull the trigger as he out stretched his arm for a handshake.
-"Names Jeremiah Lepor, at your service."
I keep silent. I wait for his next move.
-"Well if you are going to shoot me, could I at least see the face of my killer?"
For some reason, I go through with his request and take off my helmet. He looks with great shock after I take it off.
-"What?"
-"I'm just shocked to find that you're a woman."
-"The NCR recruits women. What's the surprise?"
-"Your voice module must be broken. Making your voice sound much, much deeper. So do you think you can let me go now?"
-"Perhaps, but now I need proof that you won't stab the NCR in the back if I let you go."
He backed away from the barrel. He opened his jacket and... what is that? No, I can't believe my eyes.
-"Sight to behold ain't it. The Silver Bear, the second highest award for civilian soldiers."
-"How did you get that?"
-"Second Battle of Hoover Dam. I fought there, met the Courier before he became a general. He had the influence and alliances to earn him the Golden Branch."
I holster my weapon and he lowers his hands.
-"Alright, now that we are on friendly terms, do you mind telling me who you are and where you come from?"
-"Ranger Amelia Jeck from Vault City. Now where are you from?"
-"Arroyo."
A Lepor from Arroyo? I know this man.
-"You wouldn't happen to be a performer from Shady Sands?"
-"Actually I am, or was, they called me the Rough Rider."
-"I remember seeing you when my parents took me to the capital for my fifteenth birthday. You were the one who would crazed bighorners and brahmin. That was eleven years ago, I believe you were twenty at the time. You were my idol, I listened to all your exploits on the radio and begged my parents to take me to your shows."
-"Well it is always nice to meet a fan."
-"What happened to you?"
I could feel that question cut deep into him like a dagger to his heart. I shouldn't have asked him that.
-"A star fell from the sky, much like others. If you care to travel to Savi with me, I'll jawl a while about it."
I accept his offer and make our way to the town. I like him and I think he could make a good partner.