The revolver clicked, followed by another spin and a click.

Charles House was isolated in his bedroom, holding a revolver with a single bullet loaded in the chamber.

Before he could spin the cylinder again, Mr. House called him on his Pip-Boy. Charles answered.

"What the fuck are you doing, son? The NCR may have lost Hoover Dam, but it isn't over," said Mr. House.

"Yes, it is. The Legion will march right through New Vegas soon, and with those Fiends and Khans heading to McCarran, it's over. Combine that with the fact that the protesters seem more antsy now…" Charles replied.

"Sure, but you saw the work we did to the Legion at Hoover Dam. We didn't just let them take it. Our Securitrons killed many of theirs, even though they were eventually destroyed. And with the planes, which you helped secure, son, they can't exactly march on Boulder City with ease now. Yes, there are power shortages, but this is war. For now, we can try to maintain the flow of power from Helios 1 and the El Dorado substation."

"I just don't want chem-addicted fucks and Roman LARPers to end us," said Charles.

"They won't, Charles."

Charles put the gun down and said, "Alright then. You called me for a reason, so what do you want?"

"Yeah, people are gathering around Freeside. It's getting tense, and I need you to deal with that," said Mr. House.
"Fine, guess it's better to die fighting, even if the ones we're fighting are clowns."

"Thanks, son. And be well, alright? Iris and I worry about you." said House in a sympathetic tone

"Alright." said Charles sternly

Hanging up, Charles House gathered his gear and left the Lucky 38.
The Strip had noticeably fewer people, probably due to the war, and most of those there were NCR soldiers either patrolling or, as Charles could see, gambling all their caps away without purpose, driven by fear of the encroaching Legion and Freeside and Raider mobsters.

They noticed Charles, but with him looking grim as well, they didn't seem to care.
Then, once he left the Strip, Inner Freeside had a sense of more order with disgruntled but stalwart NCR troops and neutral Securitrons patrolling, but he could see from a distance that Outer Freeside had a sense of dissent.
Then, once Charles went into the Freeside Security Agency, he ignored the receptionist and went downstairs to the command room, where he heard voices inside.

Knocking rapidly, the agents didn't dare stop him until Ashley opened the door and, looking surprised, said,

"Charles, we haven't seen you for two weeks! Where have you been?"

"Long story. I just need to know how you're dealing with the protestors out there," said Charles sternly.

"We're discussing that. Come on in," said Ashley.

Upon entering the command room, he saw Karl, Joseph, Ashley, and another woman whom Charles didn't recognize.
Then, once everything was settled, Ashley said, "Well, since we've got Charles here, Lois, could you re-explain the situation with the protests?"

"Alright, well, first of all, it's nice to finally meet you, Charles. We in the Followers of the Apocalypse have heard all the vile rumors about you, but Joseph helped give me a new perspective on you. The others, however, aren't willing to listen to you guys but that's why I'm here," said Lois.
"Well, I guess I'll restate my points. The protestors out there, Charles, are a mix of people, with a lot of them being from the Followers of the Apocalypse. The higher-ups of the followers aren't there, but they most certainly aren't doing anything to stop their people. The organizers of the protest, I've heard, are trying to keep it calm, but with the number of protestors we've seen, that seems highly unlikely, and the organizers have made it so none are allowed weapons but still with the number of protesters they could hide them so I would watch out" said Lois.

"Alright, so it seems to me that we just station our Securitrons and Freeside agents to supervise things until they get chaotic. If that happens, further action may be needed," said Charles.

"Just what we had planned, Charles. Preparations are already in effect for that," said Ashley.

"Alright then, everything seems good. Seems I don't even have to be here, but if House called me here, I'll stay." said Charles
Then, once Charles left, Joseph and Karl stayed behind, insisting he stay as well, while Lois and Ashley departed.

With the two remaining, Charles said sternly, "What is it?"

"We're just worried about you. You've been gone for two weeks, and now that you're back, we're wondering if you're okay," said Karl.

"Yeah, it's just that the loss of Hoover Dam got me pissed," said Charles.

"I feel you, Charles, but I'm glad you're back," said Joseph.

"Thanks but one question Joseph, is that Lois woman the girl you were talking about back at Hoover Dam?" asked Charles.

"Yeah, we've started to hit it off, but interpret that how you will," said Joseph.
"Alright, that's enough, guys. Let's get to business," said Karl.

As they left the command room and exited the Freeside Security Agency, Charles asked, "Yeah, almost forgot—how's Ron doing?"

"He's holding up well, just being himself, but he's worried about you so we should pay him a visit after this." said Karl

With that line of conversation finished, there was an awkward silence as they walked, until they could hear the protesters marching toward Inner Freeside. In front of them, Freeside agents, Securitrons, and NCR soldiers stood watch.
Everyone was watching carefully, and when the protesters got close to the soldiers, they stopped and began shouting insults, calling for "Freedom for Freeside and to kick out the House and NCR invaders."
It started off calmly at first, but then it became more chaotic and out of control, with the protesters charging. Charles ordered his people to open fire.

Panic ensued, and it turned into a massacre. The protesters had retreated for now, but would that be permanent?