Fallout New Vegas: The New Mojave Wasteland IC

[The NAR]

In the recent weeks, the Brotherhood of Steel has seen much more pressure be placed on them. The increased amount of raider activity around the Liberty Wastes has made Brotherhood Military Command very nervous about the upcoming campaign there. In addition, trade with the Confederate Republic farther South has been strained when a raider group in southern BoS Territory killed and looted a Confederate Caravan.

In the military, Brotherhood Command is formulating a massive military campaign called "Operation Market Garden". The goal of Market Garden is to push through the Liberty Wasteland and make a straight shot up the Northeast Coast to the Commonwealth, and incorporate large expanses of land into the Brotherhood. Speaking of land, the Brotherhood of Steel signed a document with the settlers of Haven (Pittsburgh) known as the "Integration Act". Now, the Pitt is a Brotherhood territory, but is self-governing, meaning the people make their own laws, but the bulk of their steelworking must be used to provide for the BoS.

However, a new organization has been formed across Brotherhood Territory. They protest the Monarchy and push for Democracy. They are known as the Sons of Liberty. They mainly consist of military veterans of the Mojave, who have learned from the Government out there. As of now, they host large protests in Washington DC, but nothing that the Brotherhood cannot handle. While many members of the BoS like the propositions set forth by the Sons, they have not yet acted upon it.

[Alouite]

Though disappointed, the Elder wrote back.

Dear Samuel W. Hughes, President of the Free Republic of the Mojave, Head of the Mojave Armed Forces and Chairmen of the Daybreak Movement,

I fully understand the dangers of leaving your people during war-times. The Brotherhood recently ended a conflict in the pre-war city of Philadelphia, and our fight with Raiders, Slavers, and Enclave Remnants to protect the people of the East is, sadly, a never-ending process. However, it has been relatively peaceful here, which gives me the ability to visit New Vegas. Might I say, soldiers say it is a beautiful place. I will be bringing my daughter, Sarah, so she may see her husband, Sentinel Shepard once again. If that is fair. I request to meet one week from today. It will give us time to get both of our affairs in order.

For Steel and Honor,

Elder Owyn Lyons,
Brotherhood of Steel High Command

To Elder Lyons, leader of the Brotherhood of Steel Capital Chapter,[

I suppose such an arrangement could work. The fragile balance of our relations depends on this upcoming meeting, and though we cannot be allies, whether we oppose you or not could well be directly influenced by this meet. Keep in mind that the Republic does not condone non democratic systems of government, Aristocratic Elective Monarchies being included in the list of non democratic nations. Until a republic is established of and for the people. I cannot open dill act between our nations very far. Thanks for your time and understanding,

Signed,

Samuel W. Hughes, President of the Free Republic of the Mojave, Supreme Commanding General of the Mojave Armed Forces and Chairman of the Daybreak movement

[The NAR]

To Elder Lyons, leader of the Brotherhood of Steel Capital Chapter,[

I suppose such an arrangement could work. The fragile balance of our relations depends on this upcoming meeting, and though we cannot be allies, whether we oppose you or not could well be directly influenced by this meet. Keep in mind that the Republic does not condone non democratic systems of government, Aristocratic Elective Monarchies being included in the list of non democratic nations. Until a republic is established of and for the people. I cannot open dill act between our nations very far. Thanks for your time and understanding,

Signed,

Samuel W. Hughes, President of the Free Republic of the Mojave, Supreme Commanding General of the Mojave Armed Forces and Chairman of the Daybreak movement

Dear Samuel W. Hughes, President of the Free Republic of the Mojave, Supreme Commanding General of the Mojave Armed Forces and Chairman of the Daybreak Movement,

While it is dissapointing that the beacons of hope in the East and West cannot put aside something as silly as government for the greater good, I accept and understand this. My daughter and I, as well as Sentinel Tristan, will arrive at Nellis Air Force Base in a few days. Thank you.

For Steel and Honor,

Elder Owyn Lyons,
Brotherhood of Steel High Command

[Commonwealth of Hank the Cat]

To President of the FRoM, Commander of the FRoM armed forces, and Chairman of the Daybreak movement, Sam:

SIR! This is a message from General First Class Kl-04 of the Robot Army! I am currently at the Camp at Bitter Springs! Already my boys are ready to move in. However, I am aware you are busy. Just send me the Green Light, and we'll begin to move in.

General Kl-04, General First Class.

[Cainesland]

I see. Well that's good to know, I'll try and keep that in mind next time I'm at the embassy. Do you think if they manage to send a diplomat to observe your trial if they could bring both my and my friends specific armour and equipment back?
I

"There is no doubt there will be a Brotherhood Diplomat. And I'll pull some strings to get your things back"

Thank you Shepard. Since your going to help me I'll ask you this in return, have you found the heart of rivet city yet?

[The NAR]

"There is no doubt there will be a Brotherhood Diplomat. And I'll pull some strings to get your things back"

Thank you Shepard. Since your going to help me I'll ask you this in return, have you found the heart of rivet city yet?

"The heart of Rivet City...?" Shepard wondered. He'd been to Rivet City plenty of times, but wasn't quite sure what he was talking about. "Do you mean Pinkerton?" he asked.

[Cainesland]

Thank you Shepard. Since your going to help me I'll ask you this in return, have you found the heart of rivet city yet?

"The heart of Rivet City...?" Shepard wondered. He'd been to Rivet City plenty of times, but wasn't quite sure what he was talking about. "Do you mean Pinkerton?" he asked.

No, no it's Pinkerton. What is the essential element of rivet city? ... It's not material. Have you found it yet mr Shepard?

[The NAR]

"The heart of Rivet City...?" Shepard wondered. He'd been to Rivet City plenty of times, but wasn't quite sure what he was talking about. "Do you mean Pinkerton?" he asked.

No, no it's Pinkerton. What is the essential element of rivet city? ... It's not material. Have you found it yet mr Shepard?

Shepard was confused. "Unity? Prosperity?" he wondered

[Cainesland]

No, no it's Pinkerton. What is the essential element of rivet city? ... It's not material. Have you found it yet mr Shepard?

Shepard was confused. "Unity? Prosperity?" he wondered

Hope Shepard. The heart of Rivet city is hope. Hope for a better future above all.

[The NAR]

Shepard was confused. "Unity? Prosperity?" he wondered

Hope Shepard. The heart of Rivet city is hope. Hope for a better future above all.

Shepard agreed. "In this sick, twisted world of death and destruction, hope is all we have to hold onto. You sound a lot like my Dad with that kinda talk"

[Cainesland]

Hope Shepard. The heart of Rivet city is hope. Hope for a better future above all.

Shepard agreed. "In this sick, twisted world of death and destruction, hope is all we have to hold onto. You sound a lot like my Dad with that kinda talk"

"Well, I would hope most folks maintain more hope than fear. It's good for the soul. Was your father a hopeful man Shepard?" Asked castor. He noticed that they were nearly all the way around Nellis now (near the front gates) and Fred was waiting to say goodbye.

[The NAR]

Shepard agreed. "In this sick, twisted world of death and destruction, hope is all we have to hold onto. You sound a lot like my Dad with that kinda talk"

"Well, I would hope most folks maintain more hope than fear. It's good for the soul. Was your father a hopeful man Shepard?" Asked castor. He noticed that they were nearly all the way around Nellis now (near the front gates) and Fred was waiting to say goodbye.

Shepard smiled as more memories flooded back to him, those of his father. "My dad was a very hopeful man. But not only was he hopeful, he was willing to BE that hope. He died with hope that the Potomac would be filled with fresh, FREE water for everyone. He had the hope that everyone could change. So yes, he was"

[Cainesland]

"Well, I would hope most folks maintain more hope than fear. It's good for the soul. Was your father a hopeful man Shepard?" Asked castor. He noticed that they were nearly all the way around Nellis now (near the front gates) and Fred was waiting to say goodbye.

Shepard smiled as more memories flooded back to him, those of his father. "My dad was a very hopeful man. But not only was he hopeful, he was willing to BE that hope. He died with hope that the Potomac would be filled with fresh, FREE water for everyone. He had the hope that everyone could change. So yes, he was"

"That is a good ideal Shepard, one I'm sure your proud to have had a family member possess. Was your father in the Bos as well Shepard? It's just that, I know you said he was in a vault for a while and tried at the river to get clean water but I thought I should ask." Asked castor confidently during the first half and cautiously during the second half.

[The NAR]

Shepard smiled as more memories flooded back to him, those of his father. "My dad was a very hopeful man. But not only was he hopeful, he was willing to BE that hope. He died with hope that the Potomac would be filled with fresh, FREE water for everyone. He had the hope that everyone could change. So yes, he was"

"That is a good ideal Shepard, one I'm sure your proud to have had a family member possess. Was your father in the Bos as well Shepard? It's just that, I know you said he was in a vault for a while and tried at the river to get clean water but I thought I should ask." Asked castor confidently during the first half and cautiously during the second half.

Shepard hesitated. "...No... no he wasn't a member of the Brotherhood. He never fully trusted them, or so I heard. I don't know WHERE he is actually from, but it wasn't the Vault"

[Einsiev]

Tsaro stared out the window of his house at the sky. "All life here is gone. There is nothing left but despair. No safety, no sanity. No....." His voice trailed off. Tsaro walked over to the door and reached for the handle but hesitated. "I need to stop telling myself that." He said to himself. He opened the door, listening to the squeaking, rusty hinges. Tsaro non shallot walked down the road from the hill to what was left of a main road. "I best go visit Pearl at Nellis. She'll be surprised to see me."

[Kernan]

Germanius sighed as he sat in their camp outside Goodsprings. The convoy's that have been going through here have not been as plentiful as he had hoped. His men were starving and only Daniel was fit enough of the three to continue walking without help. Germanius looked at them and then back at himself and decided on a hard choice. To save his men he would have to give himself up to the FRoM and he did not like to give up. He grunted as he got up, he was getting old, to old. He then turned and exited the camp.

=========================================================================================================================================

Germanius arrived at the New Vegas gate once again, the second time there and the second time there as a prisoner. The guard looked him over and immediately recognized him. Before Germanius could say anything he was on the ground and eating dirt, he felt the cold iron of handcuffs on his wrists. He heard one of them tell another "Go get someone...I don't know who, this never happened before". "Goddamn it" Germanius muttered then said in a louder voice "Go get Sam". They looked at eachother then at Germanius then back at each other before one of them ran off to get Sam. Germanius only told them to get him because that was the only man he knew high up in the FRoM hierarchy.

[Alouite]

Germanius sighed as he sat in their camp outside Goodsprings. The convoy's that have been going through here have not been as plentiful as he had hoped. His men were starving and only Daniel was fit enough of the three to continue walking without help. Germanius looked at them and then back at himself and decided on a hard choice. To save his men he would have to give himself up to the FRoM and he did not like to give up. He grunted as he got up, he was getting old, to old. He then turned and exited the camp.

=========================================================================================================================================

Germanius arrived at the New Vegas gate once again, the second time there and the second time there as a prisoner. The guard looked him over and immediately recognized him. Before Germanius could say anything he was on the ground and eating dirt, he felt the cold iron of handcuffs on his wrists. He heard one of them tell another "Go get someone...I don't know who, this never happened before". "Goddamn it" Germanius muttered then said in a louder voice "Go get Sam". They looked at eachother then at Germanius then back at each other before one of them ran off to get Sam. Germanius only told them to get him because that was the only man he knew high up in the FRoM hierarchy.

As soon as the guard approached the Homeguard troops by the Lucky 38 and told them the situation on of them slapped him "The President doesn't take house calls anymore. He is in office, and currently is having the lower levels modified into a Parliament room while temporarily running it from the cleaned out cocktail lounge." The guard replied, "But a prisoner is at our gates to turn himself in." The Homeguard soldier nodded and replied, "I'll send the word up the chain of command." He radioed in to his platoon leader and told him the situation which was passed on to the BC (Battalion Commander). Once the orders got to men at the Army HQ they sent a squad with distinct orders, to take him to the police where he would be held until they could get one of Sam's emmisaries to handle the situation, after all, they needed to better handle the situation, and the man in question was a Legion General. When the squad arrived the squad leader said " Cpl. Harris, 1st HomeGuard Battalion, Alpha Company, Platoon B, I have orders to take you to the police station where the Kings used to operate for reference. There an emissary of Sam will meet with you and likely arrange a meeting with Sam, we were misinformed that you were just a prisoner on the loose, so we apologize for the slow and confused response, since you are a former Legion General you are clearly not someone that should be made to wait. This is my report from General Preston of the 1st Homeguard Battalion. Come with me sir."

[Kernan]

Germanius sighed as he sat in their camp outside Goodsprings. The convoy's that have been going through here have not been as plentiful as he had hoped. His men were starving and only Daniel was fit enough of the three to continue walking without help. Germanius looked at them and then back at himself and decided on a hard choice. To save his men he would have to give himself up to the FRoM and he did not like to give up. He grunted as he got up, he was getting old, to old. He then turned and exited the camp.

=========================================================================================================================================

Germanius arrived at the New Vegas gate once again, the second time there and the second time there as a prisoner. The guard looked him over and immediately recognized him. Before Germanius could say anything he was on the ground and eating dirt, he felt the cold iron of handcuffs on his wrists. He heard one of them tell another "Go get someone...I don't know who, this never happened before". "Goddamn it" Germanius muttered then said in a louder voice "Go get Sam". They looked at eachother then at Germanius then back at each other before one of them ran off to get Sam. Germanius only told them to get him because that was the only man he knew high up in the FRoM hierarchy.

As soon as the guard approached the Homeguard troops by the Lucky 38 and told them the situation on of them slapped him "The President doesn't take house calls anymore. He is in office, and currently is having the lower levels modified into a Parliament room while temporarily running it from the cleaned out cocktail lounge." The guard replied, "But a prisoner is at our gates to turn himself in." The Homeguard soldier nodded and replied, "I'll send the word up the chain of command." He radioed in to his platoon leader and told him the situation which was passed on to the BC (Battalion Commander). Once the orders got to men at the Army HQ they sent a squad with distinct orders, to take him to the police where he would be held until they could get one of Sam's emmisaries to handle the situation, after all, they needed to better handle the situation, and the man in question was a Legion General. When the squad arrived the squad leader said " Cpl. Harris, 1st HomeGuard Battalion, Alpha Company, Platoon B, I have orders to take you to the police station where the Kings used to operate for reference. There an emissary of Sam will meet with you and likely arrange a meeting with Sam, we were misinformed that you were just a prisoner on the loose, so we apologize for the slow and confused response, since you are a former Legion General you are clearly not someone that should be made to wait. This is my report from General Preston of the 1st Homeguard Battalion. Come with me sir."

Germanius smiled as the man referenced his former Legion General status. "I might as well play on their expectations." he thought to himself as he followed them. As they approached the building Harris held open the door for Germanius then followed him in, then then went into an adjoining room with a bunch of tables and a stage at the front. With two men guarding the entrance to the room and the building Germanius sat down at a table with Sam at it. Flanking him were a small number of people that Germanius could not identify, Germanius decided to speak first. "Hello Sam. We meet again on unfavorable terms."

[The NAR]

"That is a good ideal Shepard, one I'm sure your proud to have had a family member possess. Was your father in the Bos as well Shepard? It's just that, I know you said he was in a vault for a while and tried at the river to get clean water but I thought I should ask." Asked castor confidently during the first half and cautiously during the second half.

Shepard hesitated. "...No... no he wasn't a member of the Brotherhood. He never fully trusted them, or so I heard. I don't know WHERE he is actually from, but it wasn't the Vault"

[Alouite]

As soon as the guard approached the Homeguard troops by the Lucky 38 and told them the situation on of them slapped him "The President doesn't take house calls anymore. He is in office, and currently is having the lower levels modified into a Parliament room while temporarily running it from the cleaned out cocktail lounge." The guard replied, "But a prisoner is at our gates to turn himself in." The Homeguard soldier nodded and replied, "I'll send the word up the chain of command." He radioed in to his platoon leader and told him the situation which was passed on to the BC (Battalion Commander). Once the orders got to men at the Army HQ they sent a squad with distinct orders, to take him to the police where he would be held until they could get one of Sam's emmisaries to handle the situation, after all, they needed to better handle the situation, and the man in question was a Legion General. When the squad arrived the squad leader said " Cpl. Harris, 1st HomeGuard Battalion, Alpha Company, Platoon B, I have orders to take you to the police station where the Kings used to operate for reference. There an emissary of Sam will meet with you and likely arrange a meeting with Sam, we were misinformed that you were just a prisoner on the loose, so we apologize for the slow and confused response, since you are a former Legion General you are clearly not someone that should be made to wait. This is my report from General Preston of the 1st Homeguard Battalion. Come with me sir."

Germanius smiled as the man referenced his former Legion General status. "I might as well play on their expectations." he thought to himself as he followed them. As they approached the building Harris held open the door for Germanius then followed him in, then then went into an adjoining room with a bunch of tables and a stage at the front. With two men guarding the entrance to the room and the building Germanius sat down at a table with Sam at it. Flanking him were a small number of people that Germanius could not identify, Germanius decided to speak first. "Hello Sam. We meet again on unfavorable terms."

Sam nodded, "What am I supposed to think of you? First you were introduced to me as a former Legion General and now as a terrorist rebel that may have just created a small terror cell in the Goodsprings to Jacobstown area. Certainly you didn't think it'd end well. But you know what, I am a very levelheaded person, so you know what? You can perhaps, speed things along for the Mojave in Flagstaff, you see, Lucas hasn't heard of your deserting yet, and we have not only a whole fake half century of men willing to help you, but some spies along the Legion's trade and supply networks, our special forces have begun intel on the original Legion along with Caligula's which makes me want to ask you a favor. Now I am not trying to be some manipulative asshole, and this is all up to you. Here is how I actually think of it. You either in the Mojave to support revolts and terror groups against our government, in which case you will have to be deported. Or you actually dislike the Legion in which case I could use your help, and if you were to help, I personally would feel assured that you are not a Legion agent or proxy. So, would you like to help? Honestly, I hope you are a good guy, but these days, my trust in people is wavering."

[Cainesland]

Delta stood outside the Bos (formerly Ncr) embassy on the strip. He temporarily engaged the knee lock on his issued hellfire power armour. Though no one could tell through the helmet he felt nervous but hoped and trusted that the legion wouldn't be back. His monitor told him a lot of information such as what temperature it was, direction he was facing (ex. North south east & west), radio, and vats. He wondered <did I make the right call taking this as a job? I mean sure, I needed the money and I have experience in this sorta thing but this is... strange> He thought in his head. He was new, and barely a officer cadet or was it just a cadet? He wasn't certain. He was curious about his new environment and although a bit shy, and a little frightened he was also exited to learn new things. The Bos intrigued him as did it's early origins from what he'd read but he was intrigued more by the rumours circulating about a visit from the Bos senior officer, he wasn't sure if he was ready. <Is my drill good enough? My marksmanship? Is my uniform polished enough?> It was a lot to take in. <is the senior here to inspect? A visit? Is it a formal visit? An informal visit? Is he going to question him?> he had a lot of questions flooding his head. He felt like he wanted to just shut down his emotions that were bringing so much nervousness into him, but he knew that never happen but it certainly seemed to when the Bos were teaching him. He wasn't dumb and understood his logical nature can get in the way as he was told all to often that he thinks too much, but Delta also knew that that too was him and a valuable commodity these days.
He continued to stand guard, lost in his own thoughts while keeping a vigilant eye out on the horizon for intruders looking to be an unwelcome interloper.

[Kernan]

Germanius smiled as the man referenced his former Legion General status. "I might as well play on their expectations." he thought to himself as he followed them. As they approached the building Harris held open the door for Germanius then followed him in, then then went into an adjoining room with a bunch of tables and a stage at the front. With two men guarding the entrance to the room and the building Germanius sat down at a table with Sam at it. Flanking him were a small number of people that Germanius could not identify, Germanius decided to speak first. "Hello Sam. We meet again on unfavorable terms."

Sam nodded, "What am I supposed to think of you? First you were introduced to me as a former Legion General and now as a terrorist rebel that may have just created a small terror cell in the Goodsprings to Jacobstown area. Certainly you didn't think it'd end well. But you know what, I am a very levelheaded person, so you know what? You can perhaps, speed things along for the Mojave in Flagstaff, you see, Lucas hasn't heard of your deserting yet, and we have not only a whole fake half century of men willing to help you, but some spies along the Legion's trade and supply networks, our special forces have begun intel on the original Legion along with Caligula's which makes me want to ask you a favor. Now I am not trying to be some manipulative asshole, and this is all up to you. Here is how I actually think of it. You either in the Mojave to support revolts and terror groups against our government, in which case you will have to be deported. Or you actually dislike the Legion in which case I could use your help, and if you were to help, I personally would feel assured that you are not a Legion agent or proxy. So, would you like to help? Honestly, I hope you are a good guy, but these days, my trust in people is wavering."

Germanius did not like this, not one bit, but he felt he was forced to play along. "In all reality Sam all I really wanted to do is settle down and start a family. Since you just threatened me with deportation if I do not comply I feel that to prove my loyalty I will do you one favor, what is it?"

[Cainesland]

Shepard hesitated. "...No... no he wasn't a member of the Brotherhood. He never fully trusted them, or so I heard. I don't know WHERE he is actually from, but it wasn't the Vault"

I see, well he sounds like a good man regardless..." He paused and looked at Fred. Fred began to talk "Just thought I'd see you out Don". "Well that's mighty kind of you Fred". "Indeed, have a good, safe walk back to new Vegas will you?". "I think that's a safe bet Fred, thank you, have a good day and keep up the good work with those men.". "Thank you Don, before you go when do you suppose you'll work on those vertibirds?". "When me and Sam get that contract sorted out and I get the necessary resources then I'll get to work on them". "Ok fair enough. The recruits are antsy to fly". "I understand, but they'll have to wait awhile longer with the simulator. Have a good day". "Ok you too Don". Fred turned and walked away to the training area and Don continued walking forward before pausing. "I forgot what we were talking about (or rather he lost his train of thought), but if your interested we can continue talking on the walk back to Vegas. Got any good jokes?" Said castor. The later comment being both a serious question and an attempt by him to be funny.

[Alouite]

Sam nodded, "What am I supposed to think of you? First you were introduced to me as a former Legion General and now as a terrorist rebel that may have just created a small terror cell in the Goodsprings to Jacobstown area. Certainly you didn't think it'd end well. But you know what, I am a very levelheaded person, so you know what? You can perhaps, speed things along for the Mojave in Flagstaff, you see, Lucas hasn't heard of your deserting yet, and we have not only a whole fake half century of men willing to help you, but some spies along the Legion's trade and supply networks, our special forces have begun intel on the original Legion along with Caligula's which makes me want to ask you a favor. Now I am not trying to be some manipulative asshole, and this is all up to you. Here is how I actually think of it. You either in the Mojave to support revolts and terror groups against our government, in which case you will have to be deported. Or you actually dislike the Legion in which case I could use your help, and if you were to help, I personally would feel assured that you are not a Legion agent or proxy. So, would you like to help? Honestly, I hope you are a good guy, but these days, my trust in people is wavering."

Germanius did not like this, not one bit, but he felt he was forced to play along. "In all reality Sam all I really wanted to do is settle down and start a family. Since you just threatened me with deportation if I do not comply I feel that to prove my loyalty I will do you one favor, what is it?"

Sam sighed, "Look, I really didn't want to ask of this. But these are war times, not ones where I could allow for a potential threat. You came here to settle, and then as soon as Shepard asked you to join a Commando group you joined it and in one day turned them into terrorists." He paused, "That's how it looks in my eyes and the eyes of my subordinates. So, I will give you a chance to more than redeem for your actions, but become a governor. The Governor of Arizona. All you'll have to do is lead the century of the black hand men into the Legion and pretend to be the Caesar's Friend, then we can have one of our agents take Lucas out and you can have a coup, once this is achieved I will allow you to either rejoin the Mojave Republic as Governor of Arizona, or become an average civilian. If you oppose us we will expose you to Legion forces and they will likely turn on you." He paused again. "If you want, I'll be more fair, there is a third way out. You can change your name and identity, to being a farmer who lived in Iowa and moved here after raiders took over. Either option is yours for the choosing."

[The NAR]

I see, well he sounds like a good man regardless..." He paused and looked at Fred. Fred began to talk "Just thought I'd see you out Don". "Well that's mighty kind of you Fred". "Indeed, have a good, safe walk back to new Vegas will you?". "I think that's a safe bet Fred, thank you, have a good day and keep up the good work with those men.". "Thank you Don, before you go when do you suppose you'll work on those vertibirds?". "When me and Sam get that contract sorted out and I get the necessary resources then I'll get to work on them". "Ok fair enough. The recruits are antsy to fly". "I understand, but they'll have to wait awhile longer with the simulator. Have a good day". "Ok you too Don". Fred turned and walked away to the training area and Don continued walking forward before pausing. "I forgot what we were talking about (or rather he lost his train of thought), but if your interested we can continue talking on the walk back to Vegas. Got any good jokes?" Said castor. The later comment being both a serious question and an attempt by him to be funny.

Shepard smiled. "Yeah, we have a pretty corny one from back East"