I opened my eyes and squinted as the sun peeked through the blinds, I immediately felt better than I ever have in the past 22 years of my life. Stretching my limbs I tried to feel my body and could immediately notice the difference. My skin was rougher, pinching it barely hurt and even if I made a mark if would quickly turn to normal.
‘I guess the Toughness is working’ I thought with a smile, relief that the Perks were actually working, though considering it is just another thing separating what I thought of as possible from impossible it is a mixed blessing.
I can hear soft snoring from the other bedroom in the house so I assume Doc is still asleep, though it shouldn’t be much longer. I went to bed about the same time as the doctor last night which means we’ve been sleeping for 8 hours, so he should be up soon.
Checking the time on my pipboy it says it is just past 6:30am so my Solar Powered perk should be in effect. Finding my clothes that I discarded before going to bed, my only pair which is something that needs to change, I get dressed and head outside. Doc said we would have breakfast together when he gets up, so before that happens I should experiment how strong I am currently.
After a quick warm-up I begin by stretching to test my flexibility, no real difference there, in fact I might be a bit stiffer than usual but it is negligible. I then test to see how far my physical stats have increased with the new perks. I somewhat regret not testing myself before bed to give a benchmark, so I have to assume my body is the same it was before I woke up here which I am led to believe.
In the past I kept in decent shape I think, bit of flab on the belly from too many sandwiches and wraps, but otherwise led had an active work life and a fair bit of soccer once or twice a week in the evenings. I decided to use push-ups and sprints to compare the changes as I doubt I could find accurate weights out here. Before I could do about 50 push-ups and run 100 metres in 12.5 if I pushed myself. Today I did 70 push-ups and knocked a full second and half off my time for the sprint.
It wasn’t just the output that was raised, my recovery was much faster as well, though whether that was due to my lungs being stronger or the healing from solar powered I can’t tell but it made me feel much better going forward. I’m not particularly tall, 170cm and weighing at 72kg, I am not what most would call bulky. Without special skills and a rather undeveloped society the most likely work I could find would be manual labour unless I am willing to take some risks. With a powerful body that can recover quickly even if I get stuck with backbreaking work I can at least survive till I find a better opportunity.
The rest of my skills are a bit harder to test, the Rad Absorption would only work if I was irradiated to begin with and I highly doubt the town would keep any radioactive material close by. Then again, the largest town in Fallout 3 was Megaton which was literally built around a dormant nuclear bomb. Might be best to ask Doc about it and check the surroundings with the pipboy’s Geiger counter to be sure.
Paralyzing Palm is even harder to test as it requires me to punch something in VATS to test, and I highly doubt the neighbours would appreciate me punching and then stunning themselves or any livestock they have. On the topic of livestock, I was debating if it was worth the risk to bother someone’s bighorn to see if my Animal Friend was working, when Doc calls out to me.
“Benjen, there you are lad. Was worried when I found your bed empty, thought you may have skipped town before you could do those chores you owe me. Come inside and get some breakfast, then we can talk about what you are going to be doing today.” Doc says from the doorway, a joking tone in his voice.
Breakfast is fried eggs with a glass of milk and a small bowl of oats porridge. It tasted alright though the milk was a bit funny and the egg was large. When asked where he got it from Doc said the milk was from the Bighorn and the eggs were gecko eggs which explained the size.
“Probably the only good thing about those gecko’s constantly trying to set up nests next to our water is we get a constant supply eggs. You be careful if you go out of town. The gecko’s around here are usually a cowardly lot on their own, loud noises and big animals will set them running, but if you get a group of them then they will try to bring down bigger prey like the bighorn and us if your unlucky. Even if you’re on guard and properly armed they will still get a good bite in and for something that can reach your waist when standing upright that is a nasty bite. They don’t have venom, thank god, but they are often full of bacteria and with supply issues I am running low on disinfectant and bandages.” Doc explains.
“Supply issues? That have to do with what you were talking about yesterday.” I bring up.
“Yep, the Powder Gangers. About 2 weeks ago a man called Ringo came to town, said he was with the Crimson Caravan Company and was ambushed by a bunch of Gangers led by a slimy sort called Joe Cobb. He asked to hide out here which Trudy and Sunny agreed. Bout a week later Joe showed up with a handful of thugs and tried to threaten Trudy to turn over Ringo or he’d burn the town to the ground.” Doc says.
“I take it when you say he ‘tried’ he failed in the end.” I guess using finger quotes on the word ‘tried’.
“You’d be right. Trudy is a tough gal and the people round here grew up knowing you don’t give people like Joe an inch or he’d take a mile.” Doc says with a slight smile before continuing. “Instead Joe somehow found out where Ringo was hiding, in the old gas station on the town edge, and snuck up on him in the late evening. He got found out by Mary though who together with Ringo killed all but one of Joe’s posse, though the bastard himself escaped.” Doc grumbles slightly at the end.
“Mary? Haven’t mentioned her before, though I am guessing she is pretty tough if she is fighting gangsters like that.” I ask trying to identify another power player in the town.
“Tough doesn’t even begin to describe her. At least I never met anyone else who can take 2 rounds to the skull, buried alive and rise up a few days later swearing revenge.” Doc proclaims.
“I’m sorry, did you say 2 bullets to the head, and she survived? Were they grazes or something?” I double check, as unless she has a head made of steel I don’t see anyone surviving that.
“Nope, two 9 millimetre rounds, pulled the scraps out myself. She woke up swore some guy and a group of Khans ambushed her, took her parcel and then shot her point blank. She didn’t remember much, like you really except she has a good excuse. Just her name, her job and a few other bits and pieces. She hung around a few days until Joe showed up and tried his stunt, then left to find her attempted killer. I almost feel bad for the bastard if what she did to the Gangers was any clue. Joe started with 8 guys and Mary apparently took out 5 with one bullet each if what Ringo says is true.” He says with some smugness and I find myself agreeing with him.
“That is really impressive but I thought you said there was still trouble, it sounds like Joe lost his crew and nearly died?” I ask to bring the conversation back to the original point.
“Ah damn it, sorry got distracted. As you can assume talking about the girl who is undoubtedly my greatest medical accomplishment is still pretty fresh.” Doc smiles briefly before grimacing. “Unfortunately Joe didn’t go far, or if he did then he quickly came back and not alone. He brought back over 20 guys and is now parked on the I 15 near an old airfield and is watching any traffic to and from Goodsprings. He doesn’t look like he just wants Ringo anymore either as he’s been seen scouting the edges of town and attacking anyone who tries to head for the highway.”
“Trade was already dried up after the route from Sloan to Vegas got closed, but we could at least send people to Primm for some essentials. Now we are trapped and this evening the town is meeting to discuss what we should do. You are free to join us as it concerns you as well. You can help me clean the house and put a splash of paint on the outside then the rest of the day till then you have to yourself.” Doc announces the Jobs to do and starts to clean up our empty plates.
The jobs were pretty easy, Doc regularly cleans the house so he just asked me to help him move the furniture and dust the ignored areas. The painting took a bit longer but he didn’t want a brilliant coat rather just some protection for the wood. All in all I was finished by 12 when we had lunch and was told the rest of the day was mine until 530 when we are supposed to head to the Prospectors Saloon where the town is meeting to discuss the Powder Ganger situation. Trudy who called for the meeting also owns the saloon, Doc says she chose that time because most of the attendees will just order food and drink from her rather than wait to get home. Pretty sly.
With nothing else to do I leave the house to explore the town and see if I can learn who is who. I start by heading off to where Doc said the saloon would be passing a few houses and say hello to the townsfolk. Most of the people I see are women and young children.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
When I ask where the men folk are they say they took the Bighorn herds to graze and drink from the springs to the south. The few who are usually around are with Sunny keeping an eye on the road leading to the I 15. The older kids are down at the schoolhouse where they are taking lessons on reading and numbers.
That was both a relief and disappointment. Relieving because it meant the town at least put effort into education, but I was sort of hoping the general education level would be lower as it would increase my own value as someone who passed high school.
Making my way over to the saloon I noticed there was another building next to it with the sign saying ‘general store’. I guess that was what counts as a shop here, which brings the question about whether to go to the saloon first or the shop. I remember the Fallout universe used bottle caps for coinage, but have no idea what the price of certain things would be.
I mean the idea of bottle caps for currency is honestly confusing. I can understand why you wouldn’t use the notes from the past, without the government the money is backed by nothing and the richest people would be those that robbed the abandoned banks after the war. But caps have the same issue that they are essentially worthless and can be found just about anywhere, anyone who finds a bottle factory would be rich.
Although I am curious about the prices and goods available I decide to leave that for after. I don’t have any currency or anything to trade so I would just be window shopping which would be annoying enough for pre-war shops. Nah I’ll go to the saloon first, even if I don’t buy anything I can argue that I am new and wanted to see where the meeting would be held.
Passing through the door, past an old bearded guy taking a snooze on the porch, I am met by a pleasant pub with a radio playing in the background. “Sunny, that you? Give me a hand with the table… oh sorry I thought you were Sunny.” A woman wearing a cream coloured dress and beige cardigan approaches from around the corner.
“Good afternoon Ma’am. My name is Benjen Crocker, sorry to bother you but I was just looking around for where the meeting was supposed to be.” I reply politely with a slight nod. Judging by the fact she is the only one here I assume she is Trudy, the owner of the saloon, someone I would like to make a good impression on considering my meals come from her.
“No bother at all dear. Names Trudy, no last name on account of never needing one. You are in the right place, just setting up the tables to make sure we can all see each other. Hey you wouldn’t happen to be the man Sunny found down by the wells would you?” She asks to which I nod my head.
“Thought so, you’re the only new face in town, at least as far as I’m aware. Doc told me about your memory problem, I am so sorry to hear that and hope you feel better soon. Though amnesia is becoming a common trait with Doc’s patients, encourages the town to take better care of itself.” She expresses some concern followed by a smile.
Trudy seems to be a pretty nice person, or at least one that is polite at first. A good thing since she controls the only pub in the town and according to Doc is the unofficial mayor of Goodsprings.
“I’m sure Doc did the best he could and he is nice enough to let me stay at his place for a few days while I get myself sorted. By the way I was wondering if you could give me any hints about what this meeting is supposed to do? Doc told me about the Gangers but didn’t say how it would likely turn out.” I ask her. I figure having an idea how the town is feeling would be a good way to avoid saying anything that goes against the common flow.
Trudy lets out a sigh before gesturing me to follow her. “Well if you’re that curious you may as well help me out while we talk. Since you know about the Gangers then you probably know they have set up a camp to the south east.” She pauses and looks to me. When I nod she grabs a table and gestures to the other end for me to take hold.
“Well the town is divided on what to do about it which is what the meeting is supposed to decide. Right now we are divided between 2 ways forward. Sunny and most of the younglings think we should gather together and strike first. We outnumber them in terms of people with firearms and most of the people round here grew up shooting geckos and other dangerous critters. And while I don’t doubt Joe’s posse are a dangerous bunch, they aren’t soldiers and we have dealt with their sort in the past.” Trudy says with a huff. After placing the table down and shuffling the chairs around we move to the next one.
“The problem is the Powder Gangers aren’t just the 2 dozen men Joe brought with him. The NCR prison held nearly 300 people from what I heard, and while it is unlikely they all stayed even a fraction would be enough to overrun the town. Even if we did beat Joe and his boys it would not be without loss. We aren’t a garrison; most of us only have enough ammo for the occasional critter and shooting practice. Chet has some stock but it is mostly cheap rifle rounds for the traders that used to come, most of the town use 12 gauge shot guns.
And while the doc tries his best he isn’t an army medic and can’t do much without supplies. I asked him when he came to get food yesterday and he said he only has enough meds for maybe 4 or 5 serious cases. Blood loss would be the real killer without stimpaks. A single fight with just the people Joe has would drain what reserves we have and if we lose too many then it would cripple Goodsprings workforce. And if our attack causes the rest of the Gangers to come for us in revenge then…” Trudy trails off, deciding not to give voice to the bleak future of the town.
“Sounds like a bad situation all around, but what are your other options? Are you going to negotiate?” I ask wondering what else the town could do.
“Negotiate? With them? Ha! I’d rather roll around in a cactus bed. No those crooks only want to line their own pocket with another’s hard work. If you give them even the idea that you are willing to pay them to leave us alone then they will agree alright, then demand again next week and the week after that. They will push the envelope as far as they can until you burst or break. Nah, the other option is to wait them out.” Trudy responds with mild offence.
“’Wait them out’? Sorry but that sounds a bit optimistic to me. If you are worried about the rest of the Gangers then wouldn’t waiting just give them more time to plan or send reinforcements?” I ask. If Joe can leave for a few days and come back with 20 men then a week or 2 should be more than enough time to gather more.
“When they first arrived I may have thought the same. But Joe has been waiting at his camp for days now and only seems to be making it more comfortable. Either the rest of the Gangers don’t think this town is worth it or he thinks it is more profitable ambushing caravans on the trail than raiding towns. My guess is the main group is finally being pressured by the NCR and the men he has was all they could spare, which suits us just fine.
I may have my issues with how the men at the top choose to run it, but once the NCR gets moving they can uproot mountains. Those crooks don’t stand a chance against a real army and once the NCR rolls by Joe will have no choice but to skedaddle. If he was going to get more men they would have shown by now, the prison is only a 20 miles or so away. Though we would like to resupply we are hardly going to collapse after a few weeks of tightening our belts, we will outlast whatever supplies Joe has scrounged up.” Trudy explains.
“But what if Joe decides to attack with what he has? With the element of surprise he could do some serious damage to the town if he gets desperate enough, which if he is running out of food he will be.” I ask as the last thing I need is a bunch of prisoners armed with dynamite raiding the town in my sleep.
“That is actually what almost everyone is hoping for. The territory to the North is filled with beasties who bite and pinch, and to the south is open land where they would be spotted ages before they got close if they came in any sort of numbers, leaving the road to I 15 the only one they can use. Plus we leave someone to watch the camp at all times so if they look to be packing up then we will know. Sunny knows those paths well and has found all the best ambush spots. Add in the dynamite Pete, the gentlemen basking outside, has lent her and the ten men in the make do militia could deal with Joe’s gang all their own. At least that is what Sunny assures me.” Trudy declares.
“So the town has pretty much settled on either attacking the camp and hoping no one else starts trouble, wait for help to come or Joe runs into an ambush?” I ask to confirm .
“Pretty much, at least those are the ones we will likely choose, there have been a few ideas thrown out here and there but they are mostly just spit balling. My favourite was Susie Tess who suggested we mount the bighorn and ride them like the outlaws of old. But she is 8 and her brother has been reading old western books for her so I don’t see the rest of the town having the same level of enthusiasm. Doesn’t stop her terrorising the poor herds to the point they create a racket whenever she is nearby now.” Trudy says with a smile like a grandmother talking about her little ones.
“Is there anything I can do to help? It sounds like I’m going to be here a while and I’d like to earn my bread and butter. I’m not much of a fighter but I am healthy and have a good pair of eyes if the militia needs a hand.” I offer, deciding on my way forward.
“Well you don’t need to worry about that dear. If you need a job you can always help me here or Chet next door has been complaining he finally has time to put his shop in order. But if you really want to join the militia then Sunny definitely won’t turn anyone away.” Trudy says with a reassuring tone.
As we continue to move the furniture I think about the next step. My offer to join the militia may seem generous but if I am honest it has some personal considerations.
Socially I am almost obligated to join the militia as I have nothing better to do. From how Trudy described them the militia is mostly made from the spare men and women who aren’t essential for looking after the herds and households. I have no property or responsibilities to keep me from volunteering so if I don’t join I risk being thought of as a coward. Now I like to think I am a good person, I don’t shirk responsibilities and will proudly stand with my buddies in an argument, but I have no shame admitting the thought of a gunfight makes my knees shake. But it is one thing to be a bit self-preserving and the whole town thinking you are a burden.
The other is to get access to a firearm and training. Without funds and unlikely to get paying employment anytime soon I have no way of obtaining one. Unlike the game where your health is a bunch of numbers and a bullet just means a bit of damage and a few seconds to eat a healing item, I have no intention of trying to fight a super mutant with a golf club. If I join the militia then I can use the excuse of needing it for self-defence to borrow from one of the other towns’ people and receive training from the other militia members.
And the danger isn’t even that high. If the town decides to attack the Gangers then everyone will be involved either way whether I am part of the militia or not. If help arrives then all good and even if I need to give back any equipment I still get some practice for when I acquire my own and build rapport with the other members of the militia team.
Yep I can see no down sides to this arrangement.