New Vegas: Blood Ties

Brad got up and started to walk toward the gate. He didn't really care much for freeside, but it had the silver rush, and Brad needed at better weapon.
 
Yasmin thought quickly about what would sound a reasonable job to this guy with the horrid accent. “Well, if you’re looking to settle down, a few extra caps to set you off can’t hurt. This’ll be virtually safe, just an old abandoned recon base with enough gear left there to make us all very rich, if we can get it. I’d be keeping it to myself, but I don’t know what I’ll have to do to get through this door. That’s why I need help. You interested?” She raised her voice so the man who had been staring and listening to them could hear too as he started walking off. “That offer goes for you as well, sir. I might need a handful of men and I’m not one to go under pre-pared. It’s a long trek there and I don’t fancy making two trips apart from the one there and back.” She sat her glasses on top of her head and smiled brightly at the potential settler, hoping her big baby blues would do the rest of the convincing for her. “So what d’ya say?”
 
Brad was surprised. She wanted him too? This was starting to sound like a merc team. Whatever, the job sounded good and the leader was a great looking woman. If the loot was expensive and he could try out the plasma rifle he was going to buy, it could be a fun, profitable venture.
"I accept. Just tell me where we'll meet and I'll go to Silver Rush."
 
Pleased that she had at least one person, Yasmin turned and flashed him a smile too. “Great. Meet in Gamorrah soon, after we have everything sorted in regards to a team and you’ve decided if you’re 100% in then would be the best time to go to the Silver Rush. That way everything can be set for leaving tomorrow morning.”
 
Brad smiled back and said "Great. I'll be right back."
After buying a plasma rifle and mf cells, he walked to the bar in gomorrah and ordered a bottle of scotch. He was in a good mood. He had a great new gun, even if it was confiscated at the door, a great new job, even if it was a one time thing. Life was good.
Meanwhile, a lot of regulars were surprised to see him at the bar With a smile on his face, when just all of 10 minutes ago he was sitting at the blackjack table with his usual depressed look.
"must have finally bought a session with joanna." A gambler said.
 
Mark finishes his drink.

"Damn, I don't even know why I came here, I should have gone somewhere quieter to rest or something... but at least the noise from here keeps you from thinking. Maybe I'll just visit my cousin at the dam, then head back west to see the family... I just wish it wasn't so far, I'll spend most of my leave walking."

Judging by his tone, Mark didn't sounded too happy about the prospect of spending his leave traveling with a caravan, smelling the brahmin all the way.
 
Carib felt the whiskey burn the back of his throat, and he been drinking for sometime so he was able to suppress the reflex whiskey drinkers had. Sitting back, Carib spread his hands apart, "Do what you will, my friend. I have family back west, too. All of them have families, but I like it out here. I stay because there is so much to do. Maybe its a midlife crisis. Maybe that is why I spend my time taking odd jobs. And you know what, I'll probably go and do another job." Carib didn't have to go into details what his 'odd jobs' were. A lot of the NCR brass heard about Carib's private terror campaign against the fiends and his little interdiction of Legionaries along 93. NCR troopers saw him come into Camp Forlorn Hope and drop off a small bag that was full of legion ears. And Carib continued to wage his own personal war, and if your good at something, why do it for free? Hanlon had once told Carib he losing a piece of himself and that Katja wouldn't want this for him. Out of respect, Carib didn't say anything back to the Old Ranger. Still, Carib loved what he did and he would continue to spin lead into gold.

The Ex-Ranger eyed his friend carefully and with concern on his scarred face, he smiled lightly, "Listen. Enjoy your time on the strip. You got a lot of leave saved up. And don't bother denying it, I know you well Mark. You worked hard and damn near volunteered for everything. So, stick around, go to the Vault 21 Casino, I am sure Sarah Weintraub will have space. It's good atmosphere. The water is clean and the grubs good. And the living areas don't seem like they're brothel material. After that if you want to kick dirt and see family, go find yourself; by all means do it."
 
Mark listens to his friend and then frowns.

"Will you listen to me talk, here complaining, I was supposed to come here and forget about all this crap! How about we change the subject, let's do something more positive! Don't ask me about the Army or that General anymore, it has negativity written all over it! How'bout we just sit and dig how nice it is here. Whats wrong with it looking hellish? They don't call this place Gamorrah for it's purity after all. Let's have another drink and watch the girls, this one's on me!"

Mark sits back on his chair and starts looking around, now he looks a bit more cheered up.
 
Tom looked back at the woman who had proposed the job, on one side Tom really wasn't bothered to go through whatever shit this woman wasn't prepared to do herself, on the other side of his mind, Tom was thinking that he had done some really bad things, if this job was supposedly so easy, Tom would probably get it over and done with in several days maybe just over a week, Tom had done plenty of these one week jobs, but hey, Tom had fell for this sort of snaz before, he would get into a 'easy' job, but it turned out most of these jobs had been shitstains on Tom's jacket. He didn't know why she was flashing her eyes though, Tom wasn't a sucker for that sort of thing, but obviously that other guy was. Tom liked to see himself as the loner, the one everybody shod as the outcast, it didn't start out like this though, just through a series of adventures and expeditions, Tom was always set as the outcast.
 
Yasmin put her shades back down and turned back to the one with the accent. “If you want the caps, meet me in Gamorrah.” With that she turned and headed back towards the dark, seedy casino. Her nerves were shot with worry and the bruises on her body she had gotten while in The Thorn were beginning to ache. She needed a drink and at least two more members for this, if it was going to be as bad as she thought it was.
Handing over her weapons to the guard at the door, Yasmin stalked over to the bar while eyeing off the patrons. Mostly gamblers and drunks, but two men further down caught her eye. They looked pretty worn, like they’d seen their fair share of combat and both had on armour. Though the one in NCR gave her some doubts about whether if things got dirty he’d stay in the team or turn his gun on her, she figured there wasn’t much chance that the NCR would be a part of this, and she’d just have to take a chance on the rest of his loyalties.
She listened in to their conversation and heard the one with glasses mention sitting back and relaxing for the night. ~Please don’t let this be some vacation for them both.~ She thought as she paid for her scotch and approached them.

“Gentlemen.” She cooed as she stopped to stand next to them. “I’m sorry to be a bother, but you both look pretty capable with weaponry. I was wondering if you were up for a little quest? The caps are good, and the rewards afterwards will be better.” She raised an eyebrow and smiled at them both. “Interested?”
 
The Ex-Ranger chuckled, here he was trying to be the voice of reason when Mark had the answer after all. Mark was on vacation, and Carib had been sitting, eating and waiting to heal up. The women were beautiful, though Carib did feel a mild species of sorrow for them. Alas, they made the choice. They wanted security and money and they allowed the chains to go on them. He was sure, however, Big Sal and the rest of the Omerta's helped along the way.

Carib had seen her out of the corner of his eye before she came up. She had curves, that was for sure. She was of fair height, athletic build. Good, Carib liked fit people, it went to show the wastelands hadn't sucked the life out of people. Interesting, he thought. And the voice just added more intrigue. Her eyes were a lovely shade of blue, reminded him of his little sister Ilona who had the blue eyes from their tribal mother. Carib hadn't seen lil Ilona since he was deployed to the Mojave five years ago. She had always been close to Carib since Carib had helped raise all his siblings. Ah, memories and than Carib refocused. This woman wasn't his baby sister. She was a stranger. Perhaps good, perhaps bad. Who knew. Only what she did next would tell.

"Now, here you go." Carib looked up and smile, "you walk into one of the seediest casinos on the strip and lay out an offer. No names? No introductions? So, lets try that again, with feeling." He motioned for a chair, "take a seat and tell us two-pretty-capable-with-weapon guys just who you are and what your proposing." Mercenary etiquette 101, always start with introductions, after all, you never know who or what your dealing with.
 
She couldn’t hide the smile of surprise on her face. “Well, will wonders never cease. I call you ‘gentlemen’, am as sweet as punch and still get called up on my manners.” A genuine laugh escaped her as she took off her shades. “And here I was thinking I’d maintained my manners to the best degree out here in the waste. She sat down next to the man and held out the hand that didn’t contain her drink. “I’m Yasmin Losanges, and I need a couple men to help me get into a facility that has enough tech to make me and whoever accompanies me very comfortable. And you?”
 
Carib gave a sharks smile, "Nah, we all no 'good-manners' aren't enough. Especially out here." he took her hand and felt her grip. It was firm, "Carib. Was once a Ranger. Now retired and looking for work. My friend is Mark."

Carib reclined back in his chair while his friend the Lieutenant sat back and listend. Reaching in his coat he placed a pack of Lucky Strikes on the table and motioned the ash tray. He gestured to all present.

"Color me intrigued, but I wasn't raised a fool either. I know enough to know that water that is completely clear and pristine is more often than not irradiated to high heaven. So, clear a few things up.

Where is this place.

What kind of tech are we dealing with.

And on behalf of who's interest are you operating for. That is what will determine my allegiance to you and the cause. My friend here can speak for himself."
 
Yasmin took one of the cigarettes and lit up, inhaling deeply then breathing the smoke out through her nose. “The job is easy in regards to getting there, apart from the usual hazards of the desert. Getting in will be the problem, as it has protection, of which I’m not entirely clear of, but I’m guessing it’s the computers-and-big-steel-doors type. The exact location isn’t known just yet, I need to get the specs-” she tapped at the heavy looking bulge under her jacket sleeve which emitted a faint green glow “-from an associate of mine, but it’s east-ish from here. The tech is mostly old recon gear and weapons, I’m guessing, since it’s an old recon base. Recently discovered, but is yet to be penetrated. And I’m working on no behalf but my own. I want what is in there because it’ll get me caps and some of it is bound to be worth keeping.” She took a drink of her scotch and another drag from the smoke. “And I’m willing to pay for your services up front before we leave. I’d usually not share this information, or pay, but I’ll need help getting in and transporting the stuff back. So I figure it’s in my best interest to get some help, and as they say around here, ‘You gotta spend money to make money’. So there’ll most likely be some minor danger in getting there, definite work getting in, then more hard work getting it back, but it’ll be worth it. That’s what I consider easy.” She finished her drink in one swallow and put the empty glass on the table. “So. Interested Mr.Carib?”
 
Tom realised after five minutes of standing alone in front of an empty table would probably look a bit off to the securitrons and NCR military police, he wandered down the street trying to remember where that girl went. He then remembered to meet in the Gamorrah, Tom didn't like whores and prostitutes, but if that was the meeting place, so be it. Tom strolled across the street with a bound in his steps, if he managed to get enough money from this maybe he could buy some brahmin and a small house in Goodsprings.

He walked into the strip joint, trying not to get into eye-contact with any of the strippers. Tom handed the doorman Gregory, Tom managed to conceal his knife, and his spork. He used his spork to jam doors and unlock...locks, in case he ever needed to. Tom saw the young gentleman who was watching Tom and the woman earlier sitting at the bar, and out of the corner of his eye he saw the ringleader and two NCR looking fellows sitting on a small table. Tom liked some NCR guys, he felt that they were down to earth, no bullshit, they always looked after Tom because of all the freelance stuff he had done when he passed through Denver.

Tom wandered over to the bar and looked around for a bit, his eyes were starting to get tired, but if anything he didn't want to rent a room here, who knows what would happen. He signalled the bar man to come over and serve him.

Tom was thirsty, but not too thirsty that he had drink some water, but Tom was going for some spirits, he liked whisky, but he had lost his last bottle several months earlier when he climbed across the Rockie Mountains on his way here.

"I'll have some whisky" Tom fumbled around in his pocket for a bit, "Aww, shit", Tom just remembered that he had no caps, he walked away from the counter and an attempt to find the mercenary who was willing to give him a job, there she was, with the two NCR guys.

Tom walked over to the table and looked the merc in the face, "I'll take that job, but I probably won't be sticking on for too long, just a hired gun really, so where we going?"
 
With a slightly frustrated look that she'd have to repeat herself Yasmin nodded to the man. "Great. Glad to have you on." She flicked a quick look at Carib, remembering his small reprimand. "My name is Yasmin by the way. And the job is simple. Go to this recently found facility, the exact location I still need to collect, find our way in, which is going to be difficult, collect the stuff, then it's up to you where you go and what you do with it. Give me a sec..."
She took an old book out of her bag and ripped a page out of it before quickly jotting down the important parts of what the mission entailed so if the other two wanted to know she could just show them. She looked back up at him through the hair that had fallen out of her ponytail in front of her eyes, tucking the paper in her pocket and the book back in her bag. “So, you’re definitely in? Also, I pay upfront before we do anything.”
 
"Yeah i'm in, the name is Tom, nice to meet your acquintance Yasmin, mind if this little job of yours' gets into any funny buisiness I might be jumping boat, I want some money, but i'm not that stupid for caps", Tom thought that he could listen to these to NCR guys talk to Yasmin before he left, he wanted to see why she would want some officers on her side, so he sat down on a nearby table, he avoided the chair completely and slid onto the table itself as he watched the situation unfold.
 
"Count me in. As for caps up front. Give me twenty now and I'd say that's a good start. My prices are cheap just as long as you allow me to kill Legion and Fiends at will. No questions about my methods or why."

Carib mulled the deal over. Heading East-ish was heading towards some rough land. Though if they were moving towards Lake Meade they'd have a good supply of clean water, as well lake-lurks, cazadors and perhaps the usual Legion or NCR patrol. No Brotherhood, though the technophiles hadn't been seen since Helios 1 fell to the NCR.

The Ex-Ranger regarded the man with the funny accent. He sounded like those Thieves Circle Gang. The Thieves Circle had grown since the earl 2160's. Now they were a house hold name of gentleman thieves. The latest leader was named Tuck, and he had a peculiar accent as well. Tom looked like a man who just kept walking and by the look of him, he was far from done. A real-no-shit lone wanderer. Carib was sure the man had some skills, which was good. They needed a mixed bag to pull this job off, whatever it was.

They would need someone who could handle a weapon and live off the land. Carib had done that a lot of as a Ranger and he continued now.

He looked to Mark, "So you in?"
 
Yasmin shrugged. “Fair’s fair. As long as you don’t judge who I kill and how, I won’t do it to you. I’ll get you the caps by tonight.” She looked briefly over at a woman with dark olive skin and long brown hair in a high ponytail standing against the wall, shuffling cards with one hand and watching them inconspicuously. “I just need to earn them before I can pay you.” She looked at the man in the NCR uniform and waited for his reply.
 
"Please take your time. After all, I said twenty, not two-thousand." Besides, if the info was legit, the tech and pre-war gear should be enough to fund his personal vendetta. True in the cliff dwellings he was amassing a promising arsenal, but one could always use a little more.

Carib found it interesting she didn't even question his small sum of twenty bottle caps. It was a point of honor, once Carib had wiped out a small band of bandits who had plagued a small village in the Basin. All Carib wanted was some Nuka-Cola, a few hot meals and twenty dollars or twenty bottle caps. He had killed the ten bandits and they had paid, though they found it strange that he'd fight for a bunch of dirt peasants and not even ask if he could have one of their young maidens.

He smiled at the thought. He wasn't of the Legion persuasion, for it was common knowledge the Legionaries pleasured each other and they were mostly men. Carib had some sort of honor. He did it because this is what he was born and made to do. True he never worked for fee, but his discounts were great.

Carib liked women and he was sure he'd meet the right one again. Than he looked at Yasmin, and felt a strange tug. That slick talking business woman reminded him so much of his little sister. Someday he'd head back west and see them all again. But for now, he had unfinished business.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top