Fallout of Grace: New Vegas, Eva Bree's journey through the Mojave Wasteland Options

[Diamandis]

2. The Powder Snuff Girls

Part Two

“Stop! Who are you? What do you want?” A man yelled at me as I entered the battered old gas station up behind the Saloon.

He held a rifle to me, a hint of panic etched onto his face. He seemed too cowardly to actually shoot me; he would have done it already.

“Calm down Ringo, I’m not here to fight. You are Ringo, right?” I asked.

Ringo examined me, “Yeah… who are you?”

“I’m Eva. I heard about your little run in with the Powder Gangers. I’m here to help,” I said, but Ringo continued to look at me with an unsure look, so I looked directly into his eyes, “Seriously.” I smiled gently, hoping to assure him, and it worked.

Ringo slowly lowered his gun, “Sorry about that, you just caught me off guard. The Powder Gangers attacked my caravan not long ago, so I’ve been hiding out here. Not used to company.”

“That’s okay. Besides, if you’d shot me I’ve already been shot in the head this week so I’m used to it.” I said, but Ringo wasn’t in the mood for quirky humour, “So… a guy called Cobb has come into town. It seems he’s figured out you’re hiding here.”

Ringo nodded, “I know. I saw him leave the saloon from the window, though I wasn’t sure it was him. I ain’t too scared, though. If he comes up I’ll just get him from the window. He won’t wanna mess with me.”

“… Yeah, okay,” I muttered, remembering how frightened he was toward me not two minutes before,

“Anyway, Cobb has threatened to practically burn the town to the ground if we don’t hand you over; and I’m not gunna let that happen.”

“So what do we do?” Ringo asked me.

“Some of the townsfolk want to hand you over in exchange for Goodsprings safety…” I explained, met with a worried expression on Ringo’s face, “But, again, I’m not gunna let that happen.”

“So what do you suggest we do?” Ringo asked.

“What we need to do is get you out of hiding, then wait for the Powder Gangers to arrive. If we can’t come to some sort of arrangement so they don’t want you anymore, we’ll have no other choice but to fight the sons of bitches.” I explained.

It was a good plan, one of the better ones I’d had: using my impressive skills of persuasion to try and convince the Powder Gangers that Ringo wasn't worth it.

However, before I could even think about putting the plan into action, the door to the gas station swung open to reveal Sunny charging inside.

“Eva, they’re here.” She said, out of breath. She’d obviously run here.

“Already?” I said.

Sunny nodded, “Seems the Powder Gangers weren’t bluffing; nor were they patient,” Sunny took her rifle and started to reload it, “They came here shooting up the place. There are at least a dozen of them. We gotta fight. Now.”

“Wait, is everyone okay? Trudy?” I asked frantically, not sure how to react. I was unprepared for this.

“Everyone’s fine. They ran inside as soon as they heard the gunshots.” Sunny told us.

I sighed, then looked at Ringo, “So… are you gunna help us out? Or am I gunna have to go against my better nature and throw you to the wolves?”

Ringo looked at me, uncertainty in his eyes, and then gave me a nod, “You can count on me.”

*

“COBB!” I shouted as Sunny, Ringo and I walked with our weapons in hand toward the front of the Saloon. A small army of Powder Gangers were stood, guns raised, blocking the road out of town. Not only that, but there were others dotted around the landscape; leaving unseen escape almost impossible.

They didn’t look that intimidating; the majority of them were wearing nothing but trousers, shoes and cowboy hats; not exactly bulletproof.

“Give Ringo to us and we’ll leave!” Cobb replied, although I wasn’t sure where he was. He must have been hiding somewhere out of sight.

“You see, I don’t think that’s gunna happen; so hear me out.” I said. The Powder Gangers continued to aim their guns at me, “You don’t want Ringo. He’s not worth it. Sure he might have a few caps on him, but you can do better than that…”

“What are you suggesting?” Cobb asked.

“Simple; you leave town and forget about Ringo; or things get ugly.” I offered. “And you really don’t wanna get on my bad side. I’m a hair puller.”

However, things did not go to plan. Before Cobb even thought about negotiating with me, he ordered the kill.

Suddenly the Powder Gangers began shooting at us.

“FALL BACK!” Sunny ordered.

Ringo, Sunny and I ran toward the General Store, sheltering ourselves from the bullets behind a burnt out car.

The shooting suddenly stopped; but probably not for long. I has to think of something fast, or we were all dead.

“Well that didn't go as planned…” I said.

“What are we going to do now?” Ringo panicked.

“We’re outnumbered; maybe even outmatched.” Sunny interjected.

I thought for a second, wondering and thinking the same thing. I decided to do the only thing I knew. Deceptive plotting.

“Follow my lead…”

I raised my arms in a sign of surrender as I stood from behind the car. I spotted Cobb, who had spotted me.

“Come over to us slowly and keep your gun in the air…” Cobb said, so I did, gently followed by Sunny and Ringo.

“Are you really giving yourself up to them?” Sunny whispered to me.

“Give me a minute…” I said. “Trust me.”

I know what I’m doing…

This post has been edited by Eva: Feb 6 2013, 08:07 PM

[McBadgere]

“And you really don’t wanna get on my bad side. I’m a hair puller.”

...That's funny... ...

Again, the dialogue sparkles... ...

Helluva different take on the quest...I like it, because it shows us more of your imagination rather than just a straight forward rewrite of what Bethesda did...So yeah, excellently done...

Haha explosives are good... bit too messy though! ;P

Ah, but one of the hugely joyous post-quest antics is to find some Powder Gangers and VATS the dynamite before they throw it... ...Eeeeexcellent!!...

Definately looking forward to seeing where you go with this...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[Colonel Mustard]

Just caught up on the last couple of parts, and really enjoying them, especially the way you're dealing wih the Powder Ganger quest; I fully approve of this new direction.

Also, I want to see where this plan goes; I like the look of it, though. Loving the dialogue, by the way ("I'm a hair puller!")

P.S. The punny title amuses me greatly.

[mALX]

Chapter 2 - boy did this chapter bring back some fond memories! Then the last line reminded me of the giant radroach outside Goodsprings that killed me like 7 times trying to get up to the cemetery on that plateau overlooking Goodsprings, lol.

Chapter 2 Part One - I loved this little interchange:

“You seem very eager to help out a bunch of people you don’t even know?” She said.

I smiled and folded my arms playfully, “Would you rather I wasn't?.”

Sunny smirked at me, and then nodded. I winked at her before heading outside.

You have a talent for writing natural dialogue that makes your story very immersive! Great Write!

Chapter 2 Part 2 - One of the very few things I found disappointing in New Vegas - the burned out cars don’t explode. I wasted all my bullets trying to blow up a gang of Powder Gangers, ended up dead and had to reload a save.

I am loving being brought through the beginning of the game again, and your writing is very immersive! Keep up the great work !!!

[Acadian]

I don’t think a game that is not medieval fantasy will even fit into my cd drive. . . but, as I look down from my house atop the black mountains of southern Nevada, I can see the Las Vegas Strip. Will that suffice? Seriously, what I know about FO3/NV will fit into a matchbox with plenty of room left in there for a hungry clannfear – so please bear that in mind as I am delightfully clueless regarding any lines between game and story in this case.

Oh, and a most warm welcome to you by the way!

I’ve seen stories where the heroine takes a bullet to the brain at the end. . . but never in the first episode. Quite a tough introduction. Eva received the services of clearly a superb healer and was then even able to pass muster out on Sunny’s marksmanship range of empty bottles. She then wasted not a moment getting herself embroiled into a problem with a gang of local thugsters that seems to be going against her at the moment.

Your passion for this character is evident, for you convey her voice with an intimate confidence that shows how important she is to you. And to me, passion is the primary attribute of a great story.

[Grits]

I’ve not played the game either, so the screenshots are very helpful to me. Your dialog is great fun to read. I’m already looking forward to more!

[Diamandis]

I realized I forgot to add screenies to the previous chapter, so I have now

[mALX]

I realized I forgot to add screenies to the previous chapter, so I have now

I am loving the pictures too, even though I have played the game - thank you for adding them!

[Diamandis]

@McBadgere: Again, I'm so happy you enjoy the dialogue! Eva is so quirky. Haha

@Colonel Mustard: Like McBadgere, I'm glad you're enjoying the dialogue and the story!

@mALX: Aww thank you!

@Acadian: Wow, you live in the real life Vegas? That's awesome! I hope the screenies are of some use

@Grits: Thank you! I'm glad the screenies help!

[Diamandis]

3. The Powder Snuff Girls

Part 3

I slowly approached the Cobb; Sunny and Ringo slowly trailing behind me.

“Now, I’m going to make this easy for you; drop your gun and you live. Then we will take Ringo and be on our way.” Cobb ordered.

“You could do that… but I’ve got a better idea.” I suggested. Cobb looked intrigued, “How about I go with you in Ringo’s place.”

“EVA!” Sunny bellowed.

I ignored her, continuing my bargain, “Think about it, what would you rather have; the few caps and cargo that Ringo has, or a female companion.” I smiled flirtatiously, “and I’m sure you’re aware of the benefits that could offer…”

Cobb softly smiled a grin of prudish thoughts, “How do I know you won’t try to get away if I take the bargain?”

“You don’t… but I’m sure there’s some way you can manage to keep me… restrained. If you know what I mean.” I seduced.

There was a moment’s pause. I could see in Cobb’s eyes that he was considering all the possibilities. It was kinda creepy; but it also meant he’d most likely take the deal.

“Okay… deal,” Cobb accepted, then gave me an order I was counting on, “but drop your gun first. I don’t want any surprises.”

I smiled, “Okay…”

So I did as he asked, letting go of my gun and letting it drop to the floor.

However.

Seconds before my pistol hit the ground I dropped to the floor, landing on my side and catching my gun, instantly firing a bullet into Cobb’s knee, crippling him.

Before his gang could react I leapt forward, grabbing and holding Cobb in a headlock; holding my handgun against his head.

“You wh0re!” Cobb screamed, “You played me!”

“Well, duh, did you really think I’d go with you and be sex slave to a bunch of creeps? I’d rather have a bath in radioactive waste,” I then turned my attention to his gang, “Now; you chumps can drop your weapons. Go on.”

The Powder Gangers hesitated for a second, and then Cobb gave a nod, causing them all to drop their guns.

“Good,” I said, turning to Sunny and Ringo and tilting my head toward the guns, suggesting they go and collect them; which they did.

Once Sunny and Ringo had collected all the guns and brought them to me, I began to converse with Cobb; this time offering him a deal.

“Now this is what we are going to do; you’re going to take your guys and get as far away from Goodsprings as possible. You are never going to threaten this town again. If you decide to, however, next time we will be ready. If you decide to attack again, I’ll put a bullet in leg number three, okay?” I threatened.

Cobb replied in anguish, “…Okay.”

“Good.” I said, pushing Cobb onto the ground, keeping my gun trained on him as he hobbled toward his gang.

“He’s going to come back you know.” Sunny informed me.

I knew they would, but I didn’t know how to respond. I knew that I’d landed the town in even hotter water, but there was nothing else I could do. Not really. I did what was the only option at the time; all I could do was hope that they would take my threat seriously.

I continued to watch as Cobb hobbled toward his gang. However, once he reached them, he turned to face me. He began to smirk before taking a stick of dynamite from his back pocket; followed immediately by his gang performing the same action.

They then lit their dynamite.

“Crap.” I muttered, frozen to the spot. I was good, but I wasn’t good enough to avoid over a dozen explosions in my direction.

I watched as Cobb raised his arm, readying himself to throw the dynamite.

I retaliated quickly by firing my gun; the sheer panic causing most of my shots to miss.

BOOM!

An explosion emerged; but not from Cobb.

I looked toward the saloon, seeing an old man stood with a bag of dynamite. He had thrown the explosive, which landed directly in with the Powder Gangers. The explosion had obliterated the majority of the gang; leaving only Cobb and a few others.

As soon as the explosion hit, Cobb remembered his dynamite was lit, so he threw it away before he himself became a pile of chunks. Luckily he didn’t throw it in our direction.

I wasn’t in the mood for mercy. I wasn’t about to give Cobb another chance to pack up and leave.

Whilst Cobb was distracted I aimed my pistol and fired, hitting him right between the eyes.

Cobb was dead; and good riddance.

With Cobb’s death the remaining Powder Gangers retreated, but not without Sunny chasing them as far as she could. She managed to gun a few down, but the others managed toescaped.

I walked toward the corpse of Cobb, staring at the oozing head wound I had caused. I shook my head in disappointment, He should have just left.

I then looked up to see the old man approach me. I smiled warmly, “Thank you, sir. You have no idea how grateful I am.”

“Don’t fret, little miss. I grew tired of hiding away; bout time I made use of my skills.” He winked.

I chuckled, “Well I’ve gotta say, you’ve got quite a pitching arm for a fella your age.”

The old man laughed, “Well I better get inside and tell the others the thugs have been dealt with.”

I nodded, “Thank you,” I then grabbed his hand. “You really did save our lives.”

“Don’t fret about it.” He replied modestly before heading back into the saloon.
As the old man walked away, I was then approached by Ringo.

“Thanks for helping me out, Eva. You really saved my hide.” He thanked.

“Not a problem. It was fun; although next time maybe we should do dinner and a movie.” I joked.
He laughed, “Well I better be getting back to Vegas. I don’t mean to just rush off, but it’ll be better to get back ASAP.”

“Nah, I understand. Just be safe, okay? And try not to get attacked again.”
Ringo smiled, then reached into his satchel, “Before I go… here,“ He handed me a piece of paper.

“What’s this?” I asked, curious.

“It’s a job. There’s this small trading company called Cassidy Caravans. My boss wants to buy them out. The owner is in the Mojave outpost, south of Primm. You take the contract, and then you can take the pay; should you ever go to Vegas. Just talk to Alice at Crimson Caravans. I’ll tell her to expect you.” He said.

“Oh… okay, thanks.” I said.

Ringo nodded in thanks, before wandering off. Sunny then approached me, looking at Ringo as they passed.

“Where’s he going?” She asked.

“He’s off home. Let’s just hope he makes it back safely.” I said. Sunny mumbled in agreement. “Look, I don’t mean to run so quickly, now that this problem has been dealt with, I really should get going. I would say goodbye properly but it's gunna get dark soon and I have a lot of ground to cover.”

“Oh, okay. I'll tell Trudy you're going.” She replied. “Where are you going?”

“Not sure. I’m thinking maybe that town south of here. The one with the rollercoaster; see if anybody has seen the b*tch that shot me.”

Somebody must have seen him…

This post has been edited by Eva: Feb 9 2013, 12:30 PM

[Colonel Mustard]

That was an ingenious take on that quest, I must say; loved how Eva dealt with the Powder Ganger issue. Very, very cunning indeed.

“You umbrella seller!” Cobb screamed, “You played me!”

Poor, foolish Cobb. He should never trust those umbrella salespeople; they're slippery ones!

[McBadgere]

Oh-ho-hooo...Excellently done!!... ...

Loved the way she got out of that...

Looking forward to the road ahead...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[mALX]

Loved that dynomite trick to blow up the Powder Gangers! That was great, if I play again I'm going to remember that! Great Write!

[Diamandis]

@Colonel Mustard: Ahh, well you know how insulting it is to call a person an umbrella seller, surely?

@McBadgere: Why thank you kind sir, most appreciated!

@mALX: Thank you! SO glad to have you with us!

[Diamandis]

3. Primm Ain't Proper

Part One

Primm. A usually lively town, south of Goodsprings that you could spot a mile away. The place where NCR soldiers and gamblers found themselves staying at for a while after losing all their monies in Vegas. Its main attraction - aside from the small casino, and the cheaper food was the large roller-coaster which surrounded the Bison Steve hotel; not that it was functional anymore.

Primm was also the location of the Mojave Express; the courier company that sent me on my headache of a job.

However, while the town was still popular, it was popular in an entirely different manner.

As I approached the outskirts, I found myself being stopped by an NCR soldier.

“Stop!” He exclaimed, “What business do you have in Primm?”

I put my hands on my hips, “… why?”

“A large group of convicts have escaped from the local prison and have taken residence in Primm. Everybody’s dead.” The soldier told me.

“EVERYBODY is dead? Are you sure?” I asked.

“That’s what I’ve been told.” He said.

I sighed, looking at the town. I needed to see if anybody from there had seen my attacker.

“Look, I really, really, REALLY need to see if anybody can help me; are you absolutely sure that nobody is alive?” I stressed.

“Look ma’am, all I’ve been instructed to do is to warn travelers of the trouble. If you want more information I suggest you talk to Lieutenant Hayes. He’s in the tent south west of here.” The soldier informed me.

I smiled sarcastically toward the helpful soldier, before following his directions. As I walked toward the
Lieutenant's tent I spotted many NCR soldiers lying in wait.

They were crouched in the crumbled buildings, guns in hand, leering and the devastated Primm, waiting for action when, in my opinion, they should have been inciting it.

I couldn’t understand why they didn’t just go into Primm and deal with the problem themselves.

I reached a small group of tents, entering the Lieutenant’s. Inside I spotted a man and a woman; I wasn’t sure which was Hayes.

“I’m looking for Lieutenant Hayes?” I said to the general area. The man sat at the small table looked at me.

“Yeah, I’m Lieutenant Hayes. Who might you be?” He said; a hint of aggression in his voice.

I slowly approached the Lieutenant, “I heard about the trouble in Primm…”

“Well done, you have eyes.” He replied in a rather unpleasant tone. He was obviously stressed, but he didn’t have to take it out on me.

Instead on thinking of a comeback I decided it would be better to just ignore it, “Yeah, okay. So I need to get into Primm because I have to talk to someone about… something. Is there no way that we can just storm in and see if anybody’s alive?”

“If that was possible don’t you think we would have done it by now?” Hayes replied.

I gave Hayes a look of confusion, folding my arms, “Why isn’t it possible?”

Hayes gave me an irritated look, followed by a deep sigh, “We haven’t got the men or the resources to take control of a situation like this. It’s too much of an unnecessary risk.”

“Unnecessary risk? There could be people alive in there and you’re worried about losing a few men? Isn’t it your job to help out the innocent or what not?”

“It’s our job to keep order around here. We can't do that if there are too many casualties on our side.”

“And keeping order doesn’t involve saving a bunch of lives?” I sniped.

Hayes didn’t reply. He was either done with the conversation or I’d stumped him; most likely the second.

“Fine,” I said, turning to leave, “I’ll take care of it myself.”

Hayes shot up from his seat, “Don’t be stupid!” He approached me, “You’ll get yourself killed. What makes you think you can handle the situation.”

“Because I have the balls to actually try.” I glared.

*

I crouched, pistol in hand as I edged toward Primm’s main entrance. The area had been littered with mines, that were surprisingly easy to deactivate by hand; annoying the NCR guard by the entrance who had placed them there.

Nobody tried to stop me as I edged toward the town’s main entrance; I couldn’t understand why the NCR were so cowardly.

So, as I snuck into Primm I expected that should anybody be alive they would most likely be hiding out in the casino opposite the hotel, at the centre of town; I didn’t know why, but my gut instinct was telling me so.

As I continued to ease my way toward the casino I kept my eyes peeled. I couldn’t see any convicts that the
NCR were raving on about; but that didn't mean they weren't there.

I continued travelling slowly down the main road, keeping my peripheral vision focused on my surroundings.

To my left there was the remains of an old gas station; which luckily had a few burnt out cars that offered me a bit of protection should I get spotted.

As I continued to walk there continued to be nobody about. It was strange.

I took a risk and stood from my crouching position, hoping that I would get a better view. I still couldn’t see anybody.

I gently jogged toward the casino, and then backed against the wall. I continued to travel toward the main door.

However when I reached the edge of the wall I slowly peered around the corner. I could see the door to the casino; but it seemed to be guarded by a couple of men. There were no doubt these were bad guys; so I took a risk.

Keeping my aim steady I targeted the head of one of the two convicts, firing a bullet into the temple of one; killing him instantly.

Before I had time to hide, the second convict spotted me.

Luckily, before he had a chance to aim his gun at me I fired mine, hitting him in the chest. The second convict was down.

I wiped my forehead, feeling my heart beating twice as fast. The adrenaline had gotten to me; but there wasn’t time to calm down as behind me I heard a voice shouting.

I turned to see a couple of convicts chasing me.

CRAP

I ran full speed toward the casino door, spotting another couple of convicts in front of me, aiming their weapons.

They fired and missed every shot.

Luckily.

Sh*tsh*tsh*tsh*tsh*tsh*tsh*tsh*tsh*t

It now seemed that I was on the verge of being surrounded; and there was no way that I would be able to take on all the convicts by myself.

I should have listened to the NCR guys. Stupid pride.

Just in time I grabbed the door handle to the casino and turned the doorknob. I was out of the woods and almost safe…

Or at least I would have been if the casino door wasn’t locked!

This post has been edited by Eva: Feb 15 2013, 09:23 PM

[mALX]

I didn't love Primm to stay in, but it was Awesome to visit! That town was filled with loot and quests to do! I pulled my New Vegas game out thanks to this thread - haven't stuck it into the 360 yet because I haven't had the time yet, lol. Awesome Chapter !!!

[McBadgere]

Hah!! See, ^ Person o' Influence... ...

Aaaamywho...

Excellent chapter...I did like Primm meself, lovely place...Where Arnaud got his best friend in the whole wide world (well, that he could remember anyways ) ED-E!!!...Awwww...Bless ED-E...

*Cough*...

Sorry...

Loved this chapter...Eva's irreverent humour is brilliant...And that she's very willing to go off and rescue the people is massively admirable...

She's obviously still very capable of shooting straight despite her recent run-in...*Applauds*...

Brilliant stuff, I genuinely did always love the Primm quests...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Feb 15 2013, 05:33 AM

[Colonel Mustard]

This was pretty good, but the way you changed the characterisation of the NCR didn't quite sit right with me; don't get me wrong, I'm all for changing up the established canon for the sake of the story or simply because you feel like it, but it seemed here that they were turned into a bunch of cowards simply to give Eva a moral high ground from which to lecture from and to show off how awesome she is. Don't get me wrong, I liked the rest of the chapter, but that part kind of had me feeling kind of iffy, there.

[Diamandis]

@mALX: Aww thank you! Yeah, Primm isn;t nice to visit

@McBadgere: As always thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying Eva's Eva-ness

@Colonel Mustard: As much as I appreciate your comment (I really do) I will explain that this is exactly how I found the NCR to be in game, so that's how I wrote them. Also, as I said in the intro, I did do a whole other fanfic for Fallout 3 which involved Eva, so a lot of her character building was in that, so in this she kinda already is a ready made hero. She's been surviving in the wasteland for well over four years getting into all sorts of trouble, so she has become very brave and ballsy and sometimes is naive enough to think shes immortal haha
Just thought I'd say, I don;t mean to sound rude or anything

[Diamandis]

3. Primm Ain't Proper

Part Two

I grabbed the door handle to the casino, shaking it violently in a desperate attempt to open it before one of the convicts bullets actually hit me.

“LET ME IN! PLEASE!” I unashamedly begged as I banged the door.

I turned my head, seeing the convicts getting closer and closer to me. I gulped. I felt like a deer trapped amongst Lions.

“OKAY!” I bellowed, raising my hands in surrender, “Okay, guys. Cool down.”

I slowly turned, looking at the convicts who, surprisingly but welcomingly, lowered their weapons.

A convict to my left began to approach me, “Get on your knees.” He ordered.

I turned my nose up, “… Really-“

“GET ON YOUR KNEES!” He screamed.

“Okay, okay…” I replied pathetically as I knelt, putting my hands behind my head. Why does this always happen?

I slowly looked around, seeing the eyes of the convicts examine me. I recognised the look instantly. Urgh… totally not in the mood for a seven-way, I thought, tricking myself into not feeling threatened.

The convict who yelled at me stood before my, kneeling down so we were at eye level.

He squinted his eyes, giving me a dirty smirk, “Well, good thing we didn’t kill ya… shame to waste such a pretty face.”

I sniggered, acting unthreatened, “I bet that line works on all the girls.”

The convict immediately slapped my cheek.

“Shut up.” He spat.

I refused to look at the convict. I could slowly feel my nerves evolve into s gentle eruption of rage; which I had to force myself to keep locked away.

The Convict then began to gently stroke the cheek he slapped, “Now what are we going to do with you.” He then stood back up, “Get up.”

I looked up at him, swallowed my pride, and then did as he asked. Once I was on my feet the convict edged closer to me. He then slowly closed his face near mine. I began to feel even more uncomfortable.

So I spat in his face.

He recoiled, then wiped my saliva off his face. I began to worry slightly as a look of intense anger grew in his eyes.

He then violently pushed me against the casino door, jamming my lower back against the door knob.

“ARGH!” I gasped.

The convict then raised his gun, holding it to my head, “Just when I thought we could be friends.” He angrily mocked.

Oh crap… I’m gunna die. Note to self: Never spit in the face of your captor-

Before I could finish my thought I heard the casino door I was leaned against rattle and open, and I was quickly grabbed from behind, then dragged into the casino. It all happened so quickly it took a moment for me to realize what had happened.

As I looked about I saw a small group of people quickly bar the casino door shut as the convicts tried to bust their way in, to no avail.

It didn’t take too long for the convicts to give up trying to get in; they knew they had us trapped.

Once he was certain the coast was clear, one of the men in the group edged away from the door and approached me, offering a hand and lifting me to my feet.

“You okay, little lady?” He asked.

I smiled, then rubbed my lower back, “Yeah. Nothing major.”

I took a moment to observe my surroundings. The Casino was very dull. There was no natural lighting, or much lighting in general. The air was thick with a rather musty smell; these people had obviously been here a while to leave such a ripe smell… not that I smelled a whole lot better. The whole place was almost pitch black; apart from a lit up 1920’s style car on display in the centre of the casino. It was a pretty cool decoration piece among the bland casino.

“So what are you doing here?” The man asked me.

“I’m looking for someone… guess I should have come when it wasn’t vacation season.” I weakly joked.

The man laughed, “My oh my, It’s been a while since I’ve met a spunky young girl like yourself. What’s your name?”

I smiled, “Eva.”

The elderly man shook my hand, “Nice to meet you Eva, I’m Johnson. Johnson Nash.”

A spark of realization hit me, “Oh… with the Mojave Express?”

“Why yes… although business has been slow recently…” He replied, attempting light humour.

“I think you might be able to help me. I’m a courier and I was sent to deliver a package through you guys.” I reached into my satchel to grab a receipt, “Here. See?”

Johnson took the receipt and looked at it. “Yes, I remember this order. We were given a few packages to deliver.”

“… Do you remember who made the order?” I asked, feeling slightly anxious.

Johnson thought for a second, “Some cowboy robot. Gave us six packages, each with odd little things in each of them.” He then folded his arms, “Although we got reports that all the packages apart from yours were delivered?”

“Yeah, got shot in the head and the package got stolen. Long story.” I rushed, “Now I don’t suppose you know anything about a man in a checked suit? Have you seen anybody like that pass through here?”

“Well not recently, no.” Johnson replied.

“So you have seen someone wearing a checked suit?” I asked.

Johnson nodded, “Yeah. Couple of days ago. Deputy Beagle saw him.”

I scratched my head in frustration, why is it so hard to get a straight answer nowadays?

“And where is Deputy Beagle?” I asked.

“Well he’s being held hostage inside the hotel over the road.” Johnson replied with a strange calmness.

“Seriously? “ I groaned, knowing it wasn’t a good idea to be going back outside; not unless I fancy dodging a bunch of bullets.

“Haven’t you tried rescuing him?” I asked.

“You’ve been outside; you know how dangerous it is.” Johnson politely argued.

“Right…” I said, folding my arms, sitting on a stood by one of the slot machines.

Looks like I’m gunna be stuck here for a while.

This post has been edited by Eva: Mar 3 2013, 07:26 PM