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Chapter 23: Sun Vulture and the Mountains of Madness
Music: I Could Make You Care
I brought you a present.
We found a gun that disables power armor. One of these could defeat the whole Brotherhood.
That could be the only one of its kind.
That's not the point. Technology won't win our wars. We need numbers. New recruits.
What does the Codex say?
A bunch of closed-minded bullshit.
We do not help them, or let them in.
But-
We keep knowledge they must never have.
Give it a chance. For me. I can't stay here and watch us waste away.
I'm sorry.
<softly> We'll die out.
<sighs> I know.
Same.
<sad, confirmational beeping>
There was never any chance. His mind was made up from the start.
I see that now. I thought I knew him better than that. But it was like talking to a stranger.
How can I help them when they won't accept it?
Would someone else listen to you?
It wouldn't matter. The Elder has final say.
The hell of it is he's one of our most progressive members. If I can't get him to agree, it's hopeless.
Where does that leave you?
I… I don't know if I can stay. Maybe it'd be better for everyone if I left. Spent my life... somewhere else.
Work with the Followers of the Apocalypse, maybe. Put my knowledge to some good use.
Or I can stay here with the people I care about and do... whatever I can, until it comes to a slow or sudden end.
Leaving now is your only shot at a future.
There's no getting around that, is there? What would my life be like here, knowing what's to come?
They're not going to like this. We're given a chance when we're young to choose whether to stay. If we do, it's supposed to be for life.
Let's get going. I'd like to get my mind off all this. And some fresh air would do me some good right about now.
Yeah, it’s getting too stuffy in here.
Oh, it’s the fuccboi brigade.
The two of you may have the Elder fooled, but we know better.
Veronica has always twisted the Founder's principles to her own ends. We will not stand idly by and allow her to corrupt our Elder's thinking.
It won't be a problem. She's leaving.
Leaving? Into exile? Good. Save us the trouble.
But mark me well. Any hint of treachery or thought of return and we will erase the both of you from existence.
You’ll need a bigger army to do that, canhead. Now go shoot some scorpions to feel like a big boy.
You're sure you're okay leaving them behind?
Yeah. I think if I stayed I'd end up causing trouble. Sometimes I just can't help myself.
This way is better for me and for them.
Are you still going to travel with me?
Sure. I want to establish a connection with the Followers first, but as far as I know, drifting is part of the job description.
Come on. Let's get out of here.
If I work out of there, I'll still be able to keep tabs on Hidden Valley if I needed to. I know that route like the back of my hand.
If it's all right, I'd like to head that way. Meet some people, see if I can be of any use.
No prob. Any excuse to get out of this sandstorm.
The Followers are found just inside that wooden post.
Will. People. Stop. Shitting. On. My. Robot. Buddy.
<sad beeping>
What do you do here?
This is just a site for local Followers to pick up assignments and check in.
So most of the time we're just taking care of logistics and coordinating with other checkpoints over the radio.
This is Veronica, formerly of the Brotherhood of Steel. She's interested in joining your cause.
Hi!
The Brotherhood? Well, this is unusual, I must say. But very welcome.
There's certainly a lot we could learn from your technological expertise.
Doctor Schiller usually handles placement, and he won't be back until tomorrow. If you could come back then, we can see about your assignment.
Alrighty, Veronica, guess we can kill some time or something. Anything else you want?
Uh, well. No, it’s kinda embarrassing.
You’re being a good sport about my human-hunger. C’mon, spill it.
A dress?
Yeah! A good one. Something elegant and classy, you know? But still stylish.
I keep hoping I'll come across some Old World designer gown when I'm scavenging, but it never happens. Maybe I should move back to California.
That's your goal? You want a nice dress?
Hey, you try getting a date wearing Scribe robes. Might as well be wearing sweatpants.
I just like 'em, you know? They make you feel like a woman. Those ladies before the War, they knew what they were doing.
I gotta say, out of all the requests I’ve had, that’s the hardest I’ve ever been asked.
Hey, you prodded.
Fine. Just wait here; I’ve got some business to finish.
Giving the parts to Lorenzo?
Figured I’d get them off my hands. No reason not to get rewarded for all that hard work.
They're all right here.
Really? I mean, that's great! I knew you could do it all along. I'll get right to work installing these.
Why don't you go tell the Elder the good news. I'm sure it'll be a huge load off of his shoulders.
I did. Lorenzo's on it.
Good news for a change. Your efforts have humbled me, outsider. You have done more than I could expect, even from my Brothers.
Moreover, I've been going over the scouts' reports and keep coming up with the same conclusion. The NCR is not the threat I've believed it to be.
We should not have had to rely on your help in this crisis. I believed my actions were guided by caution and prudence, but I now see the truth.
A lot of people decide to oust McNamara as the Elder of the Mojave chapter of the Brotherhood of Steel, and replace him with Hardin. While that seems like that’s the path the game wants you to take with this quest, it’s not the better choice of the two. Neither is, actually. And one of the best things about this quest is that both McNamara and Hardin are fine with either one being Elder. Sure, they both believe they would be best for the job, but they are also adults about the situation and know that the other has good intentions. However, most players choose Hardin over McNamara because, technically, McNamara DID break the rules; he went over Hardin’s authority, which breaks the Chain That Binds.
What some of the players don’t think about is the fact that the rule is old and possibly outdated. No one in the Brotherhood even remembers the second part of the Chain That Binds, let alone that it even exists. And there are probably Elders that are doing the same thing McNamara did in other chapters, if they even still exist. Ousting him on such an old technicality, especially when he may have not even known about the rule in the first place, seems a bit harsh, despite the fact that he got patrols killed because of it.
There’s also the turning point that landed him the job of Elder to consider. When Elijah abandoned the Brotherhood at HELIOS One because his forces were getting overwhelmed, no one else stepped up to take charge. He probably also wasn’t the next in line in the hierarchy to make the calls he did to ensure their retreat (McNamara was a Paladin back then, not even a Head Paladin), but people still listened to him and this act made him the Elder in his Brothers’ and Sisters’ eyes. Such a responsibility being bestowed upon him obviously got to his head, and he convinced himself that the only way to protect his people was by going into hiding.
Of course, not everyone is happy about that, especially Hardin. Turtling forever inside a bunker is a slow death and a massive hit to morale, which the Brotherhood needed after such a heavy loss at HELIOS One. But in his defense, the NCR are quickly covering more and more land every day, and thanks to Elijah, there’s basically a bounty on the Brotherhood of Steel members. Veronica isn’t kidding about McNamara being one of the more progressive persons in her family; he’s just afraid of sending more people out to die unless he knows for certain it’s safe to leave. The Brotherhood is notorious for being in over their heads since they have the most Power Armor and laser weaponry thanks to their hoarding ways, but they are also vastly outnumbered. Even Raider tribes have more people than them.
Hardin’s argument is not baseless, but it IS desperate, and he’s a stickler for the rules, being the Head Paladin. One of the themes of the Brotherhood quests in this game is how they need to adapt to the world and start opening themselves up to newcomers. Fans like to complain about the East Coast Brotherhood being way too different than the “original” Brotherhood, but it’s actually a natural progression for them if they wanted to keep existing. Which is why I always choose to keep McNamara as the Elder of the Mojave chapter over Hardin. The Chain That Binds is an example of the old rules of the Brotherhood holding them back from thriving and surviving.
You realize you could’ve just told that to Veronica and not pissed her off, right?
I’ve known her longer than you have. She was always inching away from the Brotherhood, moreso since Elijah ran away. If I gave her a reason to keep her here, she would’ve had more and more regrets.
Huh. That’s...weirdly kind of you?
Also she’s basically a pariah here. Being the “Elder’s pet” is not the most popular position, and she’s held that title twice now.
Ah.
Please, take this. It is a small token of my thanks, and scarcely begins to repay the debt owed you, but is all I am allowed to give an outsider. <gives key>
This key will allow you to use our safehouse to the northeast. I hope it will prove useful in your travels.
Sweet.
Hey, seeing as how I basically cured everyone’s upcoming lung cancer, I was wondering...could I join the Brotherhood?
You've certainly earned the right, but I'm afraid there's a slight matter of protocol that must be dealt with first.
Exceptional individuals, like yourself, are sometimes allowed to join the Brotherhood if they perform a valuable service for it.
While your actions up to this point have been commendable, I'm afraid they don't quite qualify as such a service.
I literally survived a fucking bombing run. Twice. Your paladins didn’t even last ten feet.
Nepotism is a hell of a thing, isn’t it?
However, I do have another task that fits the bill rather nicely. Would you consider undertaking it?
Sure, what’s the task?
As one of our patrols discovered, the mutants just to the northeast have become strangely violent in the years we were secluded.
However, this turn of events could also be an opportunity. We mostly left the equipment of the communications array there alone, out of respect.
As the inhabitants have now proven themselves hostile, no more respect will accorded them. Making their equipment fair game.
Ah yes, the “fuck you, got mine” mentality. I’m a fan of it, myself.
I want you to head up to the summit of Black Mountain and install this remote signal transmitter in one of their consoles.
It will allow us to tap into the radar and other detection systems running there, assuming they're still operational.
If we're going to operate on the surface again, it would be nice to do so with as much information at our fingertips as possible. Good luck.
Hey, Hardin. Sorry your usurpation didn’t work out.
That’s fair.
Food? Check. Beer? Check. Awesome machete and badass skull helmet? Check.
So, what did McNamara give you?
A key to the safehouse and a suicide mission to earn a place in the Brotherhood.
Why DO you wanna join?
Honestly? Access to their armory.
That makes sense.
While we technically have a straight shot to Black Mountain from Hidden Valley, let’s take the beaten path.
What makes this a "dangerous place?"
You must've heard her radio broadcasts? Though why a human would follow her invitation here is beyond me... unless you didn't listen very closely.
She took control of this place almost two years ago. The Super Mutants here do whatever she says - and she says humans are to be killed on sight.
How did Tabitha end up in control?
For years, Black Mountain was a peaceful community. Its leader, Marcus, broadcast an invitation to Mutants throughout the wasteland. That's how I found Black Mountain. So did others, most of them second generation Mutants. Marcus welcomed everyone - that was his mistake.
The community ended up being mostly second gen - not very bright, but easy to influence. Fine, until the Nightkin came along, led by Tabitha...
In a week she had most of the second-gens thinking she was some kind of prophet - and that she should be broadcasting her "truth," not Marcus.
Marcus saw what was coming and decided to leave before things got out of hand. He smashed the radio and left to found Jacobstown.
What is Jacobstown?
The opposite of Black Mountain! A stable community of Mutants, mostly, led by a mentally stable leader.
Humans are welcome there, so long as they behave themselves. Look northwest of Red Rock Canyon if you want to find it.
Why are you here, instead of Jacobstown?
Marcus sent me here a couple of months ago to check on Black Mountain. I suppose you could say I came here as a spy.
But with no signs of Tabitha's weakening, and none of the second-gens ready to revolt or to come to Jacobstown, there wasn't much I could do.
Down here, on the other hand, I've saved a dozen Mutants from heading up the mountain. It's not much, but it's something.
I have my own reasons to stay away from Jacobstown for a while - reasons we won't be discussing - so I've stayed here.
Tell me about the Nightkin.
The Nightkin are vicious in combat, and that's if you see them coming. Most don't.
They were created to be soldiers, and given devices to camouflage them in battle. Unfortunately, the devices drove most of them mad over time.
They spend most of their time at the top of the mountain, but patrol the roads after dark as well. You'd do well to avoid the mountain at night.
You say Marcus smashed the radio. Not very well, apparently?
Tabitha turned him into her personal mechanic. A slave, really. See, if I'd been standing down here, I could've warned him before it was too late.
Why are some Super Mutants smarter than others?
Not all Super Mutants were created equal. Or at the same time, or for the same purpose.
The first generation tends to be smarter, stronger, and... more civilized, I suppose you could say, than the ones made later, save the Nightkin.
What sort of trouble should I expect if I head up?
Just before the peak is a kind of shanty village. More second-gens there. And then there's Tabitha's compound - heavily guarded by her Nightkin.
Hey! Let's you and me - you know, us! - let's overthrow Tabitha together!
Hmm. While your enthusiasm is... admirable, I think I'd best stay here so I can warn other travelers.
Damn. Well, thanks for the warning, but I can take care of myself.
Might as well have something to listen to while we storm the mountain.
You're listening to Radio Free Utobitha, bringing truth to Utobithians 24 hours a day! Welcome!
I still miss you, Rhonda. After all these years...
Also joining us from his locked cell is Raul Tejada, master mechanic who can be executed at any time! Hello, Raul. Or should that be "Hola?"
Uh, either one works.
Today you die, Raul! I command it!
Ooooh, Raul. Supreme commander Tabitha says you die today. Any reaction?
I'm going to obey Supreme Tabitha. Claro. Whatever she says. Just, I feel so bad...I die before I fix her special robot.
<Growls in frustration.>
You're listening to UNC - the Utobithian News Channel - with breaking news!
The execution of master mechanic Raul Tajeda has again been commuted for a period of 24 hours to allow time for important repairs.
<snarling> This time you will get it done, Raul!
Joining us from his cell to comment on the situation is Raul Tejada. Raul?
Hi, Ta...uh, Rhonda.
What's your take on the situation?
All I want is to make this special robot work again. You know, I give it my best.
We'll be right back after this word from our sponsor during which Raul will contemplate how LUCKY he is to be alive.
Are you tired of getting chased because you're bigger than humans, and scaring them?
Did you kill some and they overreacted? Are two-head-bear people shooting at you, and battle cattle mooing? Beware the battle cattle...
<whispering a line prompt> "Leave the fear behind."
Leave the Fear Behind. Meet at the Mountain Top! Enjoy life in a state of Utobitha - Free, Safe, Secure!
<rushing sotto voice like disclaimers at the end of prescription ads> Freedom limited to following the commands of Best Friend Tabitha. Safety not guaranteed against siege or assault by two-head-bear people or battle cattles. Many infractions are punishable by death, no allowances for dumb-dumb "misunderstandings".
Utobitha! Come feel the difference!
Welcome back, Utobitha. It's time!
Time for what, Rhonda?
<sing-song> True Eye Seeing Time!
I see that you're already wearing the True Eyes, Best Friend Tabitha, along with your head of True Hair. What do you see?
Uh... I see Neil...
First-generation Neil from down the mountain? And what is he up to?
Standing outside his shack down there.
In the same spot as before, or has he moved?
A little.
Wow! It must be so exciting to see and know all. What a powerful reminder of your ultimate authority and power for our listeners!
I see Moe...
Moe, the Centaur? Favorite Centaur Moe? What's he up to?
Dead...
Now, I'm almost afraid to ask, but do you see any - you know - threats out there?
Threats all around us... converging... like a noose, tightening! Two-head-bear people astride battle cattles!
<unnerved> Not the dreaded battle cattle training to hunt mutants?
<calmer> Would it be going too far to say that your gift of True Eyesight is the only thing saving our community from annihilation?
Because I think it's so important for everyone - even the dumb-dumbs - how impossible it is to sneak up on us! More after this!
Oh baby! The huge organs and guts! The irradiated blood cooking the entrails! Mmm!
…
YES! The tendons, the veins, the clogged arteries!
Even the bones are fun to chew!
<chanting nervously> Sparkly dresses, sequined dresses, strapless dresses, prom dresses, wedding dresses, ballroom dresses, work dresses...
Their muscles are sooo big and juicy! And their stomachs are full of OTHER human remains! It’s a cannibal’s turducken made just for me!!
<disgusted beeping>
Okay, okay, I’ll stop. But they DO heal me up quite a bit, I gotta say.
Nightkin, six o’clock!
Oooh, what’s THAT he’s wielding?
A Bumper Sword? Can’t wait to repair this thing and try it out!
Welcome back, Utobitha. I have with me Best Friend Tabitha, who has something important she'd like to share.
Well Rhonda, I'm a little concerned about the number of humans that keep coming to Black Mountain.
Humans? Here? Why do you think they'd do that?
Honestly, I think they're a little jealous of the ideal society we've built here, Rhonda. And I can't blame them.
We have everything we need here. Food, shelter, safety, entertainment. It really is a paradise.
There's no arguing with the truth, is there?
But humans need to be aware that Black Mountain is no place for them. In fact, it's even dangerous for them here.
<gasps> Why is that?
First of all, there's the radiation. That warm, peaceful glow that we all know and love doesn't have the same effect on humans.
You see, humans are weak, and have an inherent defect that causes them to fall apart when exposed to radiation.
That sounds terrible! How do they stand it? Radiation's, like, everywhere!
I know. They truly have a hard lot in life. Which may explain why they're so irritable all the time.
I don't know about you, Utobitha, but my eyes have really been opened. We'll be back after some music!
Another dead NCR trooper.
You think they’ll ever learn to stop sending only one guy on missions?
No. But I wonder what got him; his legs show no signs of getting eaten by a bear trap.
<rumbling>
You hear that?
That’s annoying, but not enough to kil-
AHHHHH!!!!
<worried beeping>
We're back with Best Friend Tabitha, who was telling us why humans should STAY THE HELL AWAY.
Er, keep their distance from the State of Utobitha.
Thank you, Rhonda. As you know, one of the many benefits of living in Utobitha is the ready availability of pet centaurs.
Ooh, I love the centaurs. They're just so cute!
Exactly, Rhonda, who could resist those sweet little faces, and that cute way they shuffle around on all those hands they have.
But humans must be so caught up with their pleasant features that they forget the most important thing about centaurs.
And what might that be, Best Friend Tabitha?
Centaurs eat humans, Rhonda! You see, humans are a lot smaller, and much more tender than you or I, so centaurs naturally see them as food.
Ah, that *would* make it hard for them to get along, wouldn't it?
Indeed. Given the situation, I had to make a hard choice when I created Utobitha - do we invite weak, greedy humans who would just die anyway?
Or cute, loveable centaurs, who fight and die for us and ask nothing in return? After much deliberation, I went with the centaurs.
And there you have it, Utobitha. The next time you play with a huggable, loveable centaur, remember that Best Friend Tabitha made it all possible.
We're here once again with our beloved leader. Best Friend Tabitha, why don't you tell our listeners what you just told me?
I was just saying that I think there's a fundamental misunderstanding about the mutants here in the State of Utobitha.
And what would *that* be?
I believe that the mutants here are generally considered to dislike humans. And nothing could be further from the truth.
During their stay here, mutants are taught to tolerate, and even accept, the existence of inferior, frail creatures, humans included.
Ooh, how insightful! So then how do you think this misunderstanding came about?
My guess is that it has something to do with the fact that every mutant in the State of Utobitha has been given explicit orders regarding security.
Those orders naturally include shooting humans on sight. Or pounding them with whatever happens to be handy. Guns being in short supply, you see.
As I've explained, there are numerous dangers to humans here, and we have a duty to drive them away. It's for their own good, really.
Makes sense to me! And the silly humans think we don't care. For shame. Stick around, Utobitha, for more after this!
Do you remember the good old days where the Master ruled over us all?
When his gentle, compelling, and yet oddly insistent voice crawled through your mind and told you exactly what to do?
Do you miss a time when you didn't have to think for yourself, and enjoyed lazy days of following the bellowed commands of others?
Those days can be yours again, for Best Friend Tabitha, the esteemed leader of the State of Utobitha, is here to tell you what to do!
That's right! I, Tabitha, will take on the burden of your obedience!
<sotto voice> Acceptance into Utobitha pending Best Friend Tabitha's approval. Best Friend Tabitha reserves the right to turn down applicants for any reason, including whimsy or boredom. Acceptance into Utobitha open to mutants only. Former human servants of the Master conditionally accepted for purposes of centaur feeding duties.
Utobitha! Come, take a load off your mind!
Welcome to another episode of Know - Your - Mutants!
Special guest star Best Friend Tabitha is with us in the studio to share her insights on this topic that affects us all.
Thank you, Rhonda. Today I'd like to talk about a subject near and dear to my heart, the nightkin.
Ooooh, you must know a lot about the nightkin, Best Friend Tabitha, seeing as how you are one!
That's true, Rhonda. I am in a unique position to speak to the natural superiority of my kind.
<clears throat> Our story begins, as most stories do, with the Master. Our glorious leader had created the Super Mutants, but something nagged at him.
"I can do better", he must have said to himself. And boy did he ever!
A new type of mutant was created - stronger, faster, smarter, more dangerous in every way.
We were to normal super mutants what they were to humans, and they were told to defer to us in all things.
And you're the leader of all the nightkin, correct?
Yes, as the highest ranking nightkin alive, my voice speaks for all nightkin everywhere, ever.
Which is why all super mutants should do what you say, right?
That's right! My position of supreme authority must never be questioned!
One last thing. Is there any truth to the rumor that all Nightkin are slightly crazy from their overuse of psychologically damaging pre-war tech?
None at all, Rhonda.
There you have it, Utobitha! Nightkin, your benevolent overlords, who are most certainly *not* crazy. We'll be back after this!
As we could higher up the mountain, the screen turns darker and radiation starts kicking in.
Welcome, Utobitha, to another episode of Know - Your - Mutants!
Today we're proud to have Best Friend Tabitha with us. Welcome to the show!
Good to be here, Rhonda.
So what type of mutant did you want to talk about this time, Best Friend Tabitha?
I thought I'd briefly talk about first generation Super Mutants, Rhonda.
Oooh, what can you tell us about them?
What we call the first generation of Super Mutants, Rhonda, were actually created by the Master himself.
Like everything the Master took a direct hand in, they were better than the ones who came later, the ones made by accident.
They were smarter, almost as smart as Nightkin, and were able to think and act for themselves.
However, the first generation seems to have some kind of suicidal urge that they can't control.
How terrible! What makes you say that, Best Friend Tabitha?
So far, all first generation Super Mutants that have come to Utobitha have left not soon after.
How strange! Why would anyone leave the safety and comfort that Utobitha provides?
Why, indeed. But now there's not a single first generation Super Mutant in Utobitha.
Except Neil.
<grumbling> Except Neil.
Well! I think we've all learned something today. Let's go to music!
Wonder if she accepts call-ins.
Aren't you the super mutant from the radio? I'm a huge fan.
There's an intruder in the dish hut! Get over there and kill whoever it is, you fools!
Damn. Thought flattery would win her over. Oh well.
What do you think we should play next?
It doesn't matter, just grab something. And check on Raul while you're at it.
Raul! Why are you on the radio?
Sorry about that, Utobitha! Here's some music!
Utobitha, I'm here with Best Friend Tabitha, who has a message for all the dumb-dumbs out there.
It has come to my attention that some of you dumb-dumbs took me a little too seriously in the past when I warned you about the battle cattle.
While battle cattle are indeed a dangerous foe, they are one that should be fought ferociously.
Recently I've heard about several incidents where some of you have been seen running away from a fight where battle cattle were involved.
This is not acceptable. No self-respecting soldier of Utobitha should ever be seen running like a scared little human.
Bah, I don't even know why I try. It's not like the dumb-dumbs are even going to understand this.
You heard her, Utobitha! Beware the battle cattle, but don't *fear* the battle cattle. More after this!
You're listening to another edition of Know - Your - Mutants, with Best Friend Tabitha!
So, Best Friend Tabitha, who will we learn about today?
I guess it's time we talked about the dumb-dumbs.
Oh, you mean the second generation Super Mutants who aren't so bright?
That's them. Dumb-dumbs... ah... that is... they...
They're very big. And strong.
Yes! They're just as big as other mutants, and as strong as they look. Beyond that, uh...
And there's a lot of them.
Oh yeah, dumb-dumbs are the most common type of mutant that most travelers will encounter, and make up more than half the mutants here in Utobitha.
Best Friend Tabitha, some of our listeners may wonder how you can call them dumb-dumbs on the air like this.
That's a good question, Rhonda. The truth is, they're so dumb they don't even know that I'm talking about them right now.
And that's another revealing look at mutantkind. Second generation Super Mutants. Big. Numerous. Dumb. More after this!
Why’d you drink that Quantum?
To wash down the Super Mutants. And it’s getting dark out; need a light glowing out of my eyes.
Is that mutie...
OH FUUUUUUUCK!
CAN EVERYONE JUST FUCK OFF WITH THEIR EXPLOSIVES!?!
FUCK YOU, ASSHOLE!
This Nightkin...sniper...was carrying a unique missile launcher, Annabelle, which uses less AP per shot, weighs less, and is more accurate.
Campfire in a satellite dish. That’s...really uncomfortable.
“Storage” is just a fancy word for “organized loot”.
Creative, I’ll give ‘em that.
What’s that note on the dummy?
As the note implies, there are a lot of things hidden in this room. Some are out in the open (like the missile launcher, due to its size) but the smaller stuff is hidden quite well, such as inside wooden crates on the shelves or crammed into nooks and crannies. Needless to say, whoever got to design this room had a fun time.
Oh, and there’s a star cap in here, because of course there is.
Damn, shoulda brought my party hat.
Gee, I wonder if this is the robot that Raul guy on the radio was talking about fixing.
“Rhonda”? Then that other person on the radio-
-must’ve been Tabitha herself. Jeez, that’s..sad.
You need a Science! skill of 60 to fix Rhonda, and should probably leave the room as soon as she’s fixed, or else Tabitha will come charging into the room and start shooting at you like she did in a previous recording session.
Yeah, this can get quite buggy.
<sad beeping>
R-Rhonda?! Is that you?
Oh! That...must be Tabitha?
What will you do now?
I don't know... it's been so long since I lost Rhonda, that I'm not sure...
Does this mean you're not going to kill me?
<Laughs> No, of course not. I... don't know what I'm going to do now with Rhonda back...
You're welcome.
It's just... such a shock to see Rhonda up and about again. I'm not sure what to do now.
Mistress Tabitha, we should be heading off. Our journey has been much delayed, but we can catch up if we hurry. Come along, now.
Yes, Rhonda.
Reuniting Best Friend Tabitha with Rhonda gets us to level 16, where we pump more points into Lockpicking and Survival.
We also take the Piercing Strike perk, allowing our Melee and Unarmed attacks to negate 15 points of DT. Nifty.
Tabitha gave us a key, which we can use to unlock these trunks. They...just contain ammo and guns.
While we’re here, and Tabitha has gone off adventuring with Rhonda, we can safely free Raul, the ghoul mechanic.
It’s weird; there was no car on our way up here.
Maybe he means...that.
Oh.
With the door unlocked, we open it to find...
...as jail cells go, this is pretty cozy.
Who are you?
Name's Raul. Raul Alfonso Tejada. I'm the mechanic around here.
Then why does your jumpsuit say "Miguel?"
Probably because it used to be Miguel's. Whoever he was. How about if you let me go, huh boss?
How'd you end up at Black Mountain?
Well, boss, when a giant, insane Super mutant asks you to stay put, you do what you're told. Well, maybe you don't, but I'm just a broke down old man.
But how did Tabitha find you in the first place?
Ah, it's stupid, boss. I used to listen to the radio broadcasts, just to pass the time.
Well, one day the signal stops, so I figured I'd try to find transmitter. I'm a pretty good repairman, or I was before the eyes started to go.
Anyway, I found Black Mountain and offered my services, but Tabitha decided I was useful enough to keep around. Permanently.
Really?
But maybe I'm not a pretty enough damsel for that, huh?
It's okay by me. Enjoy your freedom.
<sigh> Actually, do you want to tag along with me?
Meet Raul Alfonso Tejada, the Decaying Repairman and our new companion. He is voiced by Danny Trejo, and is basically a really really really really old guy who’s tired all the damn time. His perk makes our gear degrade 50% slower. Not the best perk, but hey, you get to pal around with Danny Trejo; who doesn’t want that?
He also has a whopping 95 Repair skill, and will repair our stuff even out in the field. We take this opportunity to have him fix our new Bumper Sword to near perfect condition.
We then send him back to his shack, since we can only have one humanoid companion with us at a time and we still need to finish Veronica’s quest. Don’t worry; there will be plenty of travels with Trejo in the future.
Last thing on the list: the reason we came up the mountain in the first place.
Damn, this place is pretty much intact. Raul must be a miracle worker.
Ah yes, the perfect time to type out a journal entry: when the bombs are falling and you’re stationed at an elevated position.
Yup.
Guess I should be grateful a molerat didn’t eat it or something.
There’s a sheet music book on a stand in here, but it’s only good for selling. Guess it was just an asset they reused from Fallout 3 and put in here to add some ~environmental storytelling~.
Gonna have to show him this when I see him again. He must have some fun stories to tell!
Thank god McNamara made it as easy as just plugging it into a slot.
Being Liked by the Brotherhood gives us a special treat of extra caps in the form of ammo to sellenergy cells.
That’s incredibly wasteful.
Recycling’s for nerds!
Now then, it is my great honor to bestow upon you the title of Paladin of the Brotherhood, for meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty.
I'm afraid a formal ceremony was out of the question given our current state, but I hope this will make up for it.
I had the knights refurbish a suit of our power armor for your use. It's one of the earlier models, but it should serve you well.
“Refurbish,” eh?
We spit-polished it!
Now, I suppose I'm going to have to show you how to use it, aren't I?
Don't I just put it on?
If only it were that simple. Think of power armor as a machine to be operated rather than clothing you'd wear.
You mean turning the valve on the back and hopping in?
...yeah, pretty much. It’s so simple, a lawyer can do it.
With our power armor training done, we head back to the Outpost to get Veronica properly recruited into the Followers of the Apoca-
...shit.
Keep calm. Let’s just check the other room; maybe there were some survivors.
<sigh> You guys royally fucked up this time.
We tracked your movements a long way. But it was worth it to catch her in the act.
Passing Brotherhood secrets to outsiders is the lowest form of treason. What have you got to say for yourself?
Your face must be pretty ugly to always be wearing that helmet. Do you wear it on dates, too?
No, I don't wear it on - Enough.
That’s cool. Been meaning to try out this new greatsword I got.
You don't control the people who did this.
No... I don't, do I? If I did, none of this would've happened.
I should've left a long time ago. Cut my losses before it came to this.
I never stood a chance.
You can just join the Followers somewhere else.
No. Not a chance in hell. I'm not risking this happening again.
I'm gonna have to keep to myself. Better that way. For everyone.
I'll still finish what I started with you, though. If you're not afraid, that is. I'll just try not to get too caught up in it all.
Set on her new path of exile, Veronica officially cuts ties with the Brotherhood of Steel, granting her the Causeless Rebel perk, increasing her Unarmed attack rate by 30%.
But at least I got the chance to try. At least I know for sure that there was nothing I could do.
Thank you for giving me that chance.
...sorry.
Not your fault...
<sad beeping>
I think we deserve a breather after all that. Heard there was a midnight screening taking place at a nearby pre-war drive-in.
I’ll pass. Need to get out of this armor and take a rest at the hotel.
<depleted beeping>
Suit yourselves.
Must be one of those artsy films.
...ah shi-