Charles tapped the table and said, "Hit me."
With a hand totaling 16, he decided to hit. Drawing another card, it amounted to 20, so he chose to stay.
Next was his father, Robert House. He received his two cards and opted to hit the deck two more times.
When they revealed their hands, Robert had a 21, while Charles had a 20. Charles exclaimed, "Damn, how is that possible, Dad? Now I understand how you predicted the nukes. Your mind is on a whole other level."
"It's simple probability and math, Charles. I tried teaching you when you were young, but you couldn't grasp it, nobody could," replied Robert.
"It's the consequence of being a genius, Dad. It feels similar to the way I interact with these wasteland savages. It reminded me of Vault 21, where the idiots accused our group of cheating in that blackjack game. It was akin to our current situation, where they had 20 and we had 21."
"They weren't all idiots, remember. The group you mention, son, was for us taking their vault. We won fair and square; the rest of Vault 21 can cope and seethe. I would've sealed the whole place if it weren't for Sheldon and Sarah. But, hey, we need the tourism."
"You know Sarah and Sheldon hate you, right, Dad?"
"They don't hate me, son, they fear me. That's why they don't act against me, they just complain. But you also need to instill fear in them, son. I made you leader of the EONV because people fear ghouls. Even with your implants, it's not 100% effective in preventing you from turning feral. And we always have that hibernation chamber ready for you, Charles. But the people don't know that; they just see a ruthless ghoul who could turn feral and kill them at any moment. But you always confine this behavior to outside Freesiders, son. I encourage you to instill fear in Sarah, Sheldon, or any New Vegas citizen, for that matter, because without fear, it could turn into hate, anger, and then chaos."
"Especially since they're more degenerate and think they can do what they want."
"For sure, son."
"Anyways, Dad, what's been the reaction to us printing out the document around New Vegas and Mr. New Vegas announcing it to the people?"
"From what I've heard, it's been different depending on who they are, but the people of New Vegas seem receptive to it. Now we just need to act on our words."
Then Iris rolled over to them as a Securitron and said, "Um, guys, got a report. We've got Heck the Brahmin Baron raging on about how the White Gloves lost his son, and Rachel, the receptionist at Gomorrah, revealed that the Omertas plan to gas the Strip."
House, upon hearing this, said, "What? Gas the Strip?"
"That's all the information she revealed. She said she would reveal more if you came there, Charles."
"Even if she's lying, these accusations are critical. Just when I had a moment of peace with Dad, this happens. Okay, Iris, after I do this, I'll deal with the White Legs."
"Also, son, if these accusations are true, remember what I told you about fear."
Nodding his head, Charles put on his hat, grabbed his weapons, and donned his coat. Then, after leaving House's penthouse, he pressed the elevator button to go downstairs.
Exiting the Lucky 38, he felt the familiarity of the Strip and entered the Gomorrah Casino. Entering with his weapons, the guard let him in, and then he went to the receptionist, Rachel.
Seeing him, she said erraticaly, "There you are finally. I was watching my back for minutes. Anyways, I've got info on this plot these bosses got against you. Let's go somewhere more secluded."
"Uhh, guard, get somebody else to do this reception. Me and Rachel got business to discuss."
Nodding, the guard got people to substitute for Rachel while Charles and Rachel went to her private suite.
Walking to the suite, he felt inside and out of the casino the carnal desires, and it reeked of degeneracy of the people inside and out with the Strip dancing and chems and alcohol. Barely anyone's eyes lingered on Charles, but even if some did, they dared not speak to him.
Once there, Rachel said, "Okay, here's what I found, Charles. I slept with Cachino. Okay, he was a fucking bastard, but I got his notebook and found some interesting stuff about it. I messaged some of it to you, but here, check out the rest."
Handing the notebook over from her drawer, Charles read it and saw a list of his illicit activities, which included his supervision and doubts about the plan to gas the Strip. It also described that the heads of the Omertas, Big Sal, and Nero, headed the operation along with them hiring Clanden, the bomb maker, and Troike, the gun smuggler. Lastly, it included an account of his sexual life and at the end of it, he describes how after every illegal activity and sexual encounter will finally be the last then Charles gave it back to Rachel.
"Does Cachino know about this?" Charles said sternly.
"I only got this in the morning. I was in his bed, and he was gone. I found this in his drawer, and Cachino is still out there in the casino just supervising stuff, so I don't think he knows his journal is gone. He will know soon, though. That's why I tried to tell you fast."
"Okay, then I will deal with this," said Charles artificially.
"Wait, before you go, I've got a gun in my drawer. If you need any help, just let me know," said Rachel.
"Yeah, I might need you to get around here. I've been living in the Strip for years, yet I still can't find my way around this casino. But it's your choice."
"Yeah, I'll help you. Just pay me extra for this."
"Of course, we will discuss that later"
"Ok then Charles on to Cachino then, he should be easy to find. He's usually prowling around the bar."
Then they headed to the bar, but not seeing Cachino, Rachel exclaimed, "Fuck, well, guess he ain't here now. Let me get a drink."
"Did you just come here for the drink, or are you gonna help me find Cachino?" said Charles firmly.
"Seriously, he's here most of the time, but I guess not now. He's probably in his room. Just let me get a swig, then we'll go," Rachel replied.
"Fine, then make it quick."
Asking for a whiskey, the waiter poured it for her. Charles side-eyed her, but then they proceeded.
Following Rachel, they ascended to the highest floor, reserved for the VIPs.
Once the elevator opened, they entered the hall, but there were guards stationed in front of the door leading to the hall of suites.
Upon seeing them, the guards inquired, "EONV, huh? Got business here?"
"Just investigating things here. Can you let us pass? You know the rules," Charles responded.
"Yeah, yeah, you're free to go. I'll just be telling the bosses about this," one guard acquiesced.
With a nod, Charles continued, and Rachel whispered, "The bosses are ruthless, you know. They'll be on edge."
"So we deal with this fast then, Rachel. Get Cachino and interrogate him on what he knows. And Trust me, I will get him to talk." Charles said firmly
Once Rachel pointed out Cachino's room, they heard strange noises inside, so they knocked on the door.
With no response, they waited for a bit. Then Charles said, "Fucking hell, he's not answering. Okay, help me kick down this door."
"Wait, what if someone sees us?" said Rachel.
"Nobody's come out of their suites yet, so help me quickly to break down this door and stop wasting time."
"Fine, but you might not like what you see there."
After both Rachel and Charles broke down the door, they saw Cachino with a girl, both hastily dressing. Once the door broke down, Cachino said, "What the fuck are you doing here? I don't care if you're EONV. And Rachel, what are you doing here? Fine, you want to talk, let's talk. Beth, get dressed and get out of here." He spoke with a slight shiver in his voice.
The woman nodded, dressed quickly, and left. Charles closed the door and pointed his gun at Cachino, saying, "We know what you did, you bastard. Rachel, show him the journal."
Rachel flashed the journal for Cachino to see. With a slight fear in his face, he said, "Fuck how did I not notice it was gone from the other drawer, okay, fine, you bastards got me. How about we make a deal? I didn't make the plan to gas the Strip—the bosses did. Sure, you can call me out for trying to benefit off this shitty situation, but I can help you too."
Opening his drawer to reveal a detonator-like device, he said, "I got one of the detonators for the gas. The bosses have the other two. They activate different areas of the casino, I dont know where they activate, I assume Clanden or the bosses know that. I can help you get to Troike and Clanden to take them out, disarm the gas and guns. With that, the bosses will try to activate the gas but won't be able to, and you can bring in your Securitrons to clean up this mess."
Charles holstered his revolver, walked up to Cachino, and said, "Your terms are acceptable, but I have one condition."
Then Charles punched Cachino, using all his strength. Since ghouls have weaker strength, his arm started to hurt, but it was worth it. "Don't fuck with me," said Charles.
Cachino said nothing and just went to the restroom to wash the slight bruise on his face. Once he came back, Charles said, "Okay, we have to be subtle about this. No stupid movements, or else Big Sal and Nero are gonna find out about this little arrangement we have. The gas is more important, so let's disarm that first. And Rachel, keep the Omertas distracted from our plan. You have that gun hidden in your pocket, so use that as a last resort."
Then Rachel went on her way hopefully to keep the Omertas from Charles and Cachino's true objective.
They then got on the elevator to reach Clanden, with Cachino clicking the button for the 2nd floor. He then said,
"So, you the son of House? Those rumors true?"
"I frankly don't think that's a question you should be asking after you planned to gas the Strip."
"Just asking because I heard rumors about this group in Freeside. They think you're not the son of House and that you created this AI version of House to fool the people. But everybody on the Strip knows you're the son of House."
"Well, what do you think, Cachino?"
"Me? It doesn't matter to me, but what I think is gonna happen is chaos and fire in the next few months."
"That a threat, Cachino?"
"No, just a warning. The Legion is mobilizing, and this AI House group, last I heard, was gaining some traction. They'll get more with your recent incursions into Freeside."
"Well, I don't need your advice, Cachino. Help me with this, and you might not get the same treatment as Benny."
With slight fear in his face, Cachino shut his mouth and waited for the elevator to reach the second floor.
Once there, they walked into Clanden's open office. Clanden looked up and said,
"Need something, Cachino?"
"My muttie friend here has business to discuss with you."
"Huh, never seen many mutties here in Vegas, except that EONV guy and that comedian at the Atomic Wrangler. But you can't be one of them, right?" Clanden said with a look and tone of slight disgust
Closing the door Charles then said
"Okay, listen, Clanden, cut the crap. Cachino already told me about the bosses' plan, so here's what's gonna happen: you're gonna help us disarm the bombs."
"Okay, now I know you're that EONV ghoul, Charles, right? Look, I don't care if you enforce order in New Vegas, but unless you pay me, I am not doing it."
"Fine then, I guess I'll just kill you now."
Charles said this as he unholstered his pistol.
"Alright, fuck, I'll help you. Just don't kill me."
"Alright then, got any plan to disarm the gas?" said Charles
"Yeah, those detonators won't actually work until I activate the central activation agent. It's located on the lowest floor in one of the vaults, and I don't know the code, so that's a problem."
"You don't gotta worry about that. This is still House's casino; he'll know." said Charles
"Okay, that's good then, because the guns are separated from the gas and are in the other vault. I've seen that guy Troike there before, so we can kill two birds with one stone since you know the password to the vaults." said Clanden
Once they left, they went to the elevator to get to the lowest area of the vault.
They clicked the button and waited for the elevator. Once it arrived, two Omertas exited.
They both seemed pale, and the one with sunglasses had sweat dripping from his face. Besides that, everything seemed normal, but as the Omerta with blonde hair walked away, the one with sunglasses passing through the group whispered to Charles, "They're waiting for you." Then he just walked away.
Once Clanden and Cachino went into the elevator, Charles waited outside. Then Cachino asked in a firm tone, "Well, muttie, you coming?"
In a low tone, Charles said, "That Omerta told me that they're waiting for us."
"Shit, could somebody have heard us? Damn Omertas, the door was closed," said Clanden.
"We were talking too low for anybody to hear us," said Charles.
"Well, there is one bitch who knows," said Cachino.
"I'm paying her. No, she didn't rat us out," said Charles.
"Of all the rumors I heard about, I thought you would know the rules of Vegas. You play the game, and you either win or lose."
"Fine, then I didn't want to do this." Charles inputted on his Pip-Boy orders for the Securitrons to go to Gomorrah, question Rachel, and detain or shoot any of the bosses on sight. Then some Securitrons would go to his Pip-Boy's location.
"What are you typing in there?" said Clanden.
"You'll see soon enough. For now, get out of the elevator. Wouldn't want any unfortunate mistake to happen," said Charles.
Waiting for the Securitrons to arrive, he and the group leaned on the wall. Then Cachino asked, "So, how long you known Rachel, Charles?"
"For a few years and she was always the most driven out of you Omertas."
"That why she betrayed you and slept with me just to get my notebook?"
"We don't know that she betrayed us, and she probably slept with you to get all the privileges, even the ones me and House provided for her. But such is the game."
"She won't win, though," said Cachino.
Then the Securitrons arrived—about three of them. Charles then asked, "Are they detained?"
In response, the Securitron said, "Not yet, we are still looking"
"Fine then but we're still doing this, two of you Securitrons come with me. The other one, guard Cachino. And you, Clanden, come with me also. We got business to finish."
Then the group went into the elevator, and Charles clicked the button. Once the descent happened, they were plopped onto the lowest floor of Gomorrah. The Securitrons led the way with Charles and Clanden behind.
Once at the vaults, a group of about ten Omertas ambushed them at the entrance. Though they were caught by surprise, the Securitrons at the front were able to use their secondary SMGs and laser rifles to make short work of them. Charles unholstered his laser rifle and told Clanden to stay back from the fighting. He fired and killed some of the Omertas, and though he was hit by one bullet, it barely hurt since he was behind the Securitrons.
He identified some of the bodies and saw Big Sal and Troike lying in a pool of their own blood. With the most direct threats taken care of, the Securitrons secured the area for any other potential threats. Then Charles messaged House on his Pip-Boy the password for both vaults, and it was given. Clanden opened both of them.
The vault with the guns had some left, but some were also empty. The other vault held the activating agent that would activate the gas. Clanden worked on disarming it.
After all that was settled, Charles repeated the commands for the Securitrons on his Pip-Boy to kill Nero if they found him and detain Rachel. He then waited for a bit, and it was confirmed that Nero was killed and Rachel was found with Nero and was going to be transported to the vault.
Once the Securitron arrived with Rachel, Charles ordered her on her knees and pointed his revolver at her and said, "Why did you do it? And don't play dumb with me."
"Fine, you want to know the truth, Charles? You taught us Omertas that we would flourish and die in your society. I played the game to maintain my status, and you were of a lower caliber."
"Yeah, but you lost."
Charles' revolver shot reverberated throughout the vault. Then Clanden, with a look of fear after seeing Rachel's lifeless body, got out of the vault after disarming the gas and said, "Well, that's all done. The gas shouldn't activate anymore. Now I just gotta find all the canisters around the casino that the detonators activate."
"You know where they are, right?" said Charles.
"Yup."
"Okay, then. Well, good work, kid. We'll take care of that later. The fighting must have scared you shitless. I can see you sweating, so go out, get a drink or a hooker. You've earned it."
Then Clanden nodded and went to the elevator. Charles inputted his last commands to the Securitron to promote the Omerta with the sunglasses to second in command to the new boss of Gomorrah, Cachino.