11 - Welcome to the Hub
Sorry for the delay, I get the battlefield fever every night and forgot I actually have an ongoing LP to update.
We set forth from Junktown towards the Hub, in the hunt for the Water Chip. Hopefully, someone can point me in the right direction from there.
Here we are, gentlemen. Welcome to the Hub.
Wow. This is big.
A bustle of activity greeted us as we arrive in the Hub. Carts, filled with goods, its escorts armed and ready to move. This looks promising. This well-travelled lot should have some clues on the Water Chip. I hope.
So what are we looking for here? You looking to do some caravan runs?
No, I'm looking for something specific. High-tech stuff. A Water Chip.
Never heard of those. But there's plenty of water here in the Hub for sale. Just ask the Water Merchants.
That sounds like a reasonable thing to do. Suppose my search for the Water Chip end up with failure in the Hub, I can buy some time from the Water Merchants by delivering some water to them. But the Overseer wouldn't like me revealing our Vault's location to outsiders. It's a fall back plan, no need to do that for now.
What is this place?
This is the Hub. It is a trade center for the wastes. It's the biggest city I know of, you can find just about any thing you could want here. And if you're looking for work this is the place to be. It seems like just about everyone here is looking to hire you for something, be it legal or not.
What are these carts doing here?
These are the caravans. We cart goods to just about all corners of the wastes. Junktown, the Brotherhood, Shady Sands and numerous other places. Necropolis and the Glow are the only places we steer clear of. I'm heading this group and we will be leaving shortly. See you around.
The Brotherhood? Necropolis? The Glow?
Eh, now that he mentioned it, I think the Brotherhood might just have what you're looking for. I heard they're pretty much high-tech. But they can be a difficult bunch to deal with.
About the Glow, I've heard some terrible stories about it, man. Maybe it's best if you don't ever visit that place. I've heard a friend just drop dead after visiting that place for hours.
It's radiation. Most likely. The reason for the Glow. It's so deadly that most salvagers never make it to the surface with their loot. Could be where you can find the Water Chip.
Sounds like a lead. I might need to pack some anti-radiation supplies before heading out there.
Wise choice. Let's head to the merchants then and maybe someone can tell you where it is.
Uh, what services do you offer, exactly?
Why, I manage the care for the pretty much all of the Caravan's wagons and Brahmin in these parts. If they ever need anything for their caravans, I'm the one they talk to. Hell, the Big Three deal with me exclusively.
Who are the Big Three?
Damn, son. Have ya' been locked up all yer life in a cave or somethin'?
*Chuckles* Yeah, that's partly true.
The Big Three are the three largest merchant groups in the world.
The world?
Well, okay, maybe not the world, but they sure as hell cover a large portion; 'bout as far as yer eye can see.
Oh, thanks for the information. Bye.
Stepping out of Dan's house, I can see several miles of crops being grown. It is possible to survive in the wasteland after all. If only the Overseer can see that. We may have supplies in the Vault to rebuild, but by the time we leave, would there even be enough resources for the Vault Dwellers to establish themselves?
Brian, you may want to speak with the local authorities first before heading in. Get familiarized, they're bigger than Killian Backwaters militia. Don't step on their toes.
Sounds like a good move.
What is this place?
Oh, a newcomer! Welcome to the Hub! You've reached the biggest city on the coast. Heck, maybe the biggest city in the world for all we know. I thought you were part of the caravan, did you come in with them?
No. We came from Junktown.
That's surprising. It's been pretty rough out there, especially with the missing caravans. But you're safe now, just stay away from the Maltese Falcon. They're a bunch of trouble makers, Decker and his crew.
Sounds like another Gizmo.
He's not like that fat tub of lard, Brian. He's a snake. Careful.
Who's Decker?
He owns the Maltese Falcon in the merchant market, but I wouldn't associate with him if you want to stay out of trouble. He's nothing but a murdering animal, but the Sheriff won't let me arrest him without proof.
This sounds like a job for...
Oh man, not again.
Oh, did you say something about a missing caravan?
It's a tragedy really. Some caravans have turned up missing. Butch over at the Far Go Traders is offering a reward for information or something.
Do you know where I could find a Water Chip? Ones that are used in a Vault?
Well, I've never heard of one. If it has to do with water, though, you should talk to the Water Merchants, south, past the Downtown area.
I'll do that, thanks.
No problem. Believe it or not, our city is quite safe and our police are all very highly trained peace keepers. You shouldn't have any problems, just avoid the Maltese Falcon.
I spend some time trading with Deputy Try for stims. He's offering a good price for them and I can't pass it up.
Deputy Fry isn't just talking big about the highly-trained peace keepers part. Some of them are dressed in full combat armor, not the kind that you craft from scraps out in the wastes. These look like a full-on military police gear, complete with helmet and green camo.
Not really into those at the moment, Ian. Maybe next time when we're short on cash.
We stop over a general store and marvelled at the selection of drugs and good available. Not just stims, mind you.
These are really Psychos?
Yeah, one needle shot in your veins, and you're going to hulk out the competition. Fast moves, and bullets that bounce off your flesh like rubber.
That's for the first ten minutes only.
I think I'm aware of the risk of addiction. The Overseer bans drug usage, but allows it in times of emergency. And the wasteland is a dangerous place. Might pay off if I pick up some.
Wise choice, kid. Will that be all?
I'd take some anti-radiation supplies and that repair manual you got there.
Caps or trade?
I've got plenty of both. Let's do this.
Best to just walk on, Brian...
Don't worry, Ian. There's four of us and a guard just by the street. One wrong move and he's dead.
So whathca doing in the Hub?
Looking for something I need.
Well, we all got needs. I might be ableto help with some of 'em. What sort of needs do you got?
Some information on Water Chip would be nice.
So, you think I might know a little more about those Water Chip things, huh? Well, you might be right. It's gonna' cost you, though. I think 500 bottle cops oughta' do it.
Let's just walk away. This guy's full of it.
How about 400?
Now, now. I wouldn't be the man I am if I gave information away for less than it's worth. Come back when you've got the caps.
I do have them now. Spill it.
He takes the money.
Well, so here's what I know about the Water Chips. The thing I've heard is that they all used to come from the Vaults. So if I was lookin' for one, I'd find out where the rest of these Vaults were. I'm not sure where all the Vaults are exactly, but I've heard that there are about 4 around here somewhere.
No shit. You want to know where brahmit shit comes from? I've heard there's plenty of those makers around.
Wait, Ian. He's got a point. If what he says is true..there's gotta be two more Vaults. Somewhere. And I just got to find out where they are. Let's visit the Maltese Falcon.
The hell are we doing here? I thought the deputy made it clear that it's nothing but trouble?
Chill out, Tycho. We're here to solve problems.
What's the job and what's it pay?
It's not skag work. You'll need to do it quick and clean. The boss will give you the details, but it's more money than you'll make in a month working for the caravans, but only if you're good enough. We don't take kindly to failures.
Sounds good.
I'm sure you're familiar with our sort of business, so let me just say it would be in your best interest to keep this to yourself. Shall we?
Into the snake's pit...
The guard leads us downstairs to Decker's office.
Decker speaks in a direct manner. His words oozes of venom.
I'm Brian.
Well, the pleasantries are now concluded. Do you wish to hear about the job?
That's why I'm here.
Background: There's a certain merchant who's...how to phrase this...not cooperating fully with the Underground.
And the job?
Quite simple. Hunt down the merchant and his wife and exterminate them.
How much for the job?
It's standard pay. 500 caps to start, another 2500 when the job is done. Will you do it?
Yeah, I'll do it.
Very nice. The merchant lives in the Heights, on Barter Street and Thunder Avenue. Your initial pay will be handed to you on your way out.
We are escorted upstairs back to the Maltese Falcon lobby.
If anyone does happen to see you, make sure they don't live to tell anyone about it. Once you've finished your little errand come back here. One more thing. Don't even think about going to the police, that's the worst mistake you could ever make. If you can, try not to attract their attention when doing your work, they can be quite a pain sometimes.
He hands over the money.
So you're serious about this, aren't you? You're going to kill an innocent man, AND his wife. Just for caps?
No. We've got the caps. It's proof enough for the deputy to bring down Decker and his cronies.
Fooled me for a second there...
Get used to it, Tycho. Brian's here got a silver tongue.
Unfortunately, it was late when we arrive at Deputy Fry's office. He's headed to his bed already.
Either we wait till morning, or...
He's a deputy to the Sheriff. Try his boss. I feel kinda antsy already. If Decker's men sees us here...
Alright. Let's do it.
We head to the Downtown Police station.
I have a crime to report.
Well, spit it out!
Decker tried to hire me to kill some merchant and his wife.
You're kidding! Well...uh...did..did he ask you personally?
Yes, he did.
Excellent! I had already heard from other sources about his plan. You're the final confirmation I needed to take action against him. This is going to be rough, and I can use any help I can get. I can pay you 1300 caps. 300 now, and the rest when we're all done. What do you say?
It'll be a pleasure.
Great! Here's the caps. We can leave as soon as you're ready.
Ready boys?
SMG's ready.
Yeah, let's take down that snake.
Okay, let's go...
Decker's guard on topside gave a dark look as our group approach, but let us go to his office anyway. Decker eyes narrowed when he spot us.
How good to see you Sheriff Greene! I see you've come to say your goodbyes.
Decker signals to his guards as his hand moved behind his back. Show's about to start.