Episode 5: Scum and Villainy
Episode 5: Scum and Villainy
Shortly after departing Klamath I see some merchants fighting off some scorpians, but decide to leave them to it.
By the time I arrive in the Den it feels like I've been wandering the desert for months, maybe even half a year. I have to check my Pip-Boy three times before I believe it's only been a week since Klamath.
God, this place is worse than the last. I've got half a mind to head back to Arroyo and tell them life isn't that bad after all. In fact, I've been in town less than five minutes when a passerby sums up my thoughts
I head into a nearby merchant's to get a feel for what's going on.
Can I ask you something?
Who's in charge of this town?
I look through Tubby's wares, and whilst he has some nice looking weaponry, stims and some other strange looking drugs, there's nothing I can afford.
Why is everyone selling drugs?
(You charge those kind of prices, then expect me to pay for information!?) You give me the information, or I give you a new hole in the head. (That ought to get it out of him)
I can see the fury rising in Tubby's eyes, and decide not to let him get the upper hand.
Let's see how you adapt to this, monkey-boy.
One clean shot puts Tubby to rest, permanently. The desert sun must be taking its toll on my sanity. Did I need to kill him for this? Before I can ponder any further the two cronies hanging at the back of the store want to join the fray.
Luckily, they're too incompetent to get a solid hit in. Mr Sullivan's training is paying off. Before taking the next shot, I take the time to grab the weapon Tubby had at the ready.
One for you!
The first crony hits the floor - the other begins to flee toward the street.
And one for you.
As a fact finding mission I guess it's fair to call this a failure. I did get some more ammunition, some drugs and this nice SMG though.
Sorry Tubby. I hope you have better luck in the next life.
Before heading out I examine one of the canisters of drugs now in my possesion.
It seems to promise focus and energy, if only for a limited time. If these are as effective as stimpacks, I'm sure they will come in handy. I make my way across the street to what seems to be both a drinking establishment and a gambling hall.
Not right now. I'm looking for a merchant named Vic.
Who's Metzger?
Another question: got any work?
What's the catch?
I'll see what I can do.
I guess I'll see this Fred guy when I see him. For now it's time to pay Metzger a visit.
About Vic...
Why are you keeping him here?
Can I see him?
Thanks
Finally, a decent lead on Vault 13 and the GECK. Let's see what Vic's got.
Can you tell me where Vault 13 is?
(Fuck. I don't have time for this. Guess there's no choice though) How do we do that?
Can you use this radio I found?
Maybe getting him out of here won't be too bad.
Isn't it time you held up your end of the bargain regarding Vic?
Maybe some money will help clear things up?
!! (No way I could ever afford that) Sorry. Don't have the money today.
I high tail it out of Metzger's office before he gets any ideas about locking me up. $1000! But I need that information from Vic. I've already robbed the fattest merchant in the city and don't have anywhere near that amount.
I suppose if I can get that $200 from Fred it'd be a start. If I can pick up more work afterward it may not be impossible.
I have to check out most of the buildings in town, but eventually find someone who answers to the name of Fred.
I'm here to collect some money you owe someone.
Rebecca says she lent you $200.
Hand it over.
Tough luck.
Come on. Pay up the full amount!
Sorry, I don't have the cash either.
No deal. (I pat the handgun holdstered at right hip. That ought to speed this along)
Thanks. Manage your money better next time.
As I turned away from Fred, I'm suddenly overcome by the vision of a bullet entering into Tubby's head, making a clean entrance but shattering through his brain to create a gaping exit wound.
Agghh! Focus man. You need this GECK. Anything to survive the wastes. Just keep moving.
...
It's nice to have that $200 rolling around in my pockets, but I get the feeling that it would be more profitable to stay on Becky's good side for now, so I head over to negotiate a reward.
About that money...
Yes, I did.
(Awesome) You're welcome. Any other work?
I'm on it.
First though, it seems that a nearby building is home to a group of well armoured - even if not well equiped - people. Perhaps there will be a way to earn a few bucks from them.
Got any work?
Sure.
Over at the church...
I've been sent by sent by Metzger to verify the goods are still in order.
Look, he had me come into town just to inspect his damn stuff. I could care less.
Cheers.
The first thing I notice as the door swings open is the abundance of well armoured personel here, and these guys seem to be packing a bit of heat. I stride purposefully over to some crates lining the eastern wall, and deduce from the labels and warnings that they must be full of chemicals used in an industrial process. Drugs, at a guess. Time to get out of here.
What did you find?
Raw chemical compounds in large crates.
Why is that?
So? Why does that make sense?
Where's New Reno?
Ok. Thanks.
Sure (that's more like it)
Ok, no problem.
There sure is a lot more to the wasteland than I expected. I wonder if I'll end up having to go to this New Reno at some point. Anyway, better get over to Metzger and organise this fight, not that I like Lara's odds...
Lara wanted me to ask you for permission to fight Tyler
So it's ok?
Great, thanks.
What a dick.
As the conversation ends I notice outside the window an old man throw away something that looks like a book. Becky's flower book, perhaps?
Indeed. That was a bit of good fortune. Before trekking back to Lara to tell her the fight's on, I decide to have a better look around this side of town.
After entering a cosy little restaurant, a young woman tells me about a creature called a cat, and as I hear about it I wish we had some for Arroyo. The chat gives me some welcome respite from the harshness and violence of the wastes, but in the end we just stare at each other, depressed that the days of cats are now gone. Time to see what other work I can pick up I suppose.
Sure, I don't mind.
It's not a paying gig, but I'm headed that way anyway. Let's see what this guy in the corner is up to.
What's your story?
Whoa.
I don't know whether to believe him myself, but then I guess anything could be out there. Time to get that meal to Smitty...
and to tell Lara that her fight is authorised...
How much?
Ok (no idea how this is going to work though)
Back at the church
Yes?
How's it going?
Big plans then?
Down a few brews for me mate.
Well, I think that's got to qualify as a weakness.
Better drop this book off to Becky before I forget about it though.
You're welcome.
Tyler's having a huge party tonight.
And my money?
(Crap. Lara's set on the fight, but I don't want to be on the wrong side of this one) Give me a bit to get ready.
All I can do is tip Tyler off, and tell him that if he sees me with Lara to not put a bullet in my ass. Otherwise I guess that's $300 forfeit. Yet another trip to the church.
I have some information you might be interested in.
Oh yeah, what's that?
(Worth a shot...) It'll cost you.
Lara's planning on hitting the place tonight.
(score!) Thanks
But I'm a lover, not a fighter
Ok. I'll sort it.
I head back to Lara and give her the go ahead, then wait with her till nightfall.
A lot of things began to happen very quickly. I sprinted ahead of Lara to let Tyler know it was on, and to get out of the line of fire. But as Lara's gang rounded the corner and the bullets began to fly, adrenaline took me over.
Get some!
A squeeze of my finger sprayed blood over the footpath, and took one of Lara's guards out of the fight. Tyler's own gang began to fire and together we were slicing through Lara's numbers.
I am invincible!
Within moments it was down to just Lara
and then the fight was over as quickly as it began
The adrenaline is beginning to wear off. I've never felt so cold.