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Chapter 81: Sun Vulture and the New Vegas
Music: Maneater
The Second Battle of Hoover Dam is almost upon us, but we have a couple things to take care of first, so let’s talk to Yes Man to find out what needs doing.
Yeah, we should probably do something with those, huh?
I seem to remember you talking about the fate of the rest of Vegas, like all the “minor” tribes surrounding it.
If you say I did, then I sure have!
So I should ask these tribes if they’ll support an Independent Vegas?
Oh no, I didn’t mean that! Who needs their support? The Securitrons will be all the support you need!
What I meant is, you should get to know these tribes and decide which ones you like and which you don’t!
Or if a tribe is nasty, or going to be a problem – go ahead and exterminate it! It’s whatever you want to do!
Which tribes should I “get to know”?
I think you should be sure to visit the other families on the Strip, the Omertas and the White Glove Society, so you know what makes them tick!
And there are some important groups farther from the Strip, too, like the Boomers, the Great Khans, and the Brotherhood of Steel!
Let’s talk about the tribes I should “get to know.”
Of course! Ask away!
What do you know about the Boomers?
They fire artillery on anyone who comes near their settlement at Nellis Air Force Base. Talk about rude!
If they can be convinced to fire those big cannons at the Legion or NCR, though, well – that’d be neat, wouldn’t it?
I had the same idea. Which is why I’ve decided I’ll let them live… for now. At least while they still owe me.
Really? Talk about diplomatic skills! I mean, just not getting blown up was a success!
That’s one down, four to go.
Tell me what you know about the Great Khans.
They’ve been kicked around a lot, but no one’s finished them off! Not yet, anyway!
How have the Khans been kicked around?
They were one of the tribes the Three Families pushed out of Vegas! A whole bunch got killed!
So they settled at Bitter Springs, but they kept being so obnoxious, the NCR had to kill a whole bunch more of them!
So then they settled at Red Rock Canyon! There’s just no getting rid of them!
Kinda feel bad for them, honestly. So, I convinced the Great Khans to leave the Mojave.
That’s two down, three to go.
What do you know about the Omertas?
Hmm. I remember that Benny used to pay a receptionist at Gomorrah for information – maybe she knows something!
Anything else?
He hated their casino, said it was tacky! And he thought they were up to something, because he said they always are!
Turns out he was right. Guh, I hate saying that.
The Omertas were plotting to destroy the Strip, so I killed the conspirators.
That’s three down, two to go.
What do you know about the White Glove Society?
Benny didn’t like them, though! He said they were “creepy.”
The White Glove Society needed a little help getting back to basics, that’s all.
That’s four down, just one to go.
What do you know about the Brotherhood of Steel?
They just have a thing about technology! They think it should all be theirs! If someone else has it, they get mad!
All I’m saying is, not much of a chance they’ll accept a Vegas that polices itself with robots!
As much as I agree, Veronica would hate me if I just blew them up. So, I’m just pointing them at the Legion to keep them busy.
I’ve convinced the Brotherhood to support the NCR.
I’ll just make more of you.
That’s the spirit! Never can have enough Yes Men!
It’ll sure smart, throwing myself at their vast arsenal of heavy weaponry...
That accounts for all the tribes you needed to get to know!
Good, because that was exhausting.
<gives Override Chip>
This gadget I’m handing you is called an override module! Mr. House had two of these made years and years ago – just like him to think ahead.
Take the module to the El Dorado Substation and attack it to the power control terminal! I’ll handle the rest!
What will the override module let you do?
With the reactor running at full-tilt, I can boost the transmission strength of the Lucky 38’s command and control network!
I’m talking direct tactical control of hundreds of upgraded Securitrons at vast distance! You know that’s gonna come in handy!
Okay, I’ll get it done.
As soon as we begin this quest, we lock ourselves out of the NCR ending and are now committed to fighting for an Independent Vegas.
We need to run a couple errands, first being plugging one of the override chips into the El Dorado Substation, currently held by the NCR.
The best fast travel point for us to travel from is the Ranger Safehouse, but it’s not that far away from Freeside, in case you don’t have the safehouse discovered.
From here, we need to go into the building to the right of us.
Also, we aren’t exactly allowed in here, since it’s a power station and the NCR kinda don’t want anyone who isn’t them skulking around.
Stealth… isn’t our forte, sadly. Coming in here during peak hours probably also wasn’t a good idea.
Fear not, though, as they will not do a thing to you as long as you are on (seemingly) good terms with them. Just a bit of finger-waving.
You can even just slide that chip in right in front of them and they’ll just keep telling you to leave.
Hell, one guy has even started doing push-ups! So lax of them.
Eh.
My sentiments exactly, since they’re YOUR sentiments! Oh, by the way!
Is there anything else I should do before the battle?
Wanna make sure no irradiated stone is left unturned.
One of the “mitigating contingencies” he planned was to enlist the Followers to provide increased medical aid throughout the region.
Just seems like it might help keep things stable when we go independent. Not that I know what I’m talking about!
Sounds like a good plan. Sure would need them if we’re gonna be cut off from outside aid. Alright, I’ll go talk to the Followers.
I wonder what Freeside’s been like while I’ve been gone...
...seems about right. Good on the Kings to keep fighting the good fight after the, uh, horrible accident that took place on their turf.
Anyway, time to see if Jules is up to the task!
Uh, sure, totally. I’ll get right on that if I see her.
Since I’ve got you here, I have a proposition for you.
What’s that?
I think the Followers should support an Independent Vegas through the coming battle at the dam.
I’m setting plans in motion which will ensure both the Legion and NCR are pushed out of the Mojave.
Wow. Whatever you have planned must be pretty big to give them the boot, but this sounds dangerous.
Part of my plan involves automated security for the region.
The threatening upgraded Securitrons I’ve been hearing about?
The very same. Now you’re catching on!
That is somewhat reassuring, but we still don’t have the resources to care for the entire Mojave by ourselves.
You would establish a foothold in the region and be one step closer to rebuilding the Mojave.
And besides, haven’t I helped kept you semi-well-supplied through somewhat nefarious means you happen to slightly disagree with?
…
I think I see now what you intend to set in motion.
If this plan will bring us one step closer to revitalizing the region, you can count on our support.
I’m so glad you can see what I’m trying to build here.
I personally thank you, and Vegas passively appreciates you just a little more.
Please leave.
Got it. Need to talk to Arcade before everything kicks off, anyway. I’ll say hi to him for you!
Gannon-cannon, what is up, bud?!
(Oh God, it’s you.)
Huh?
What’s up?
What do you think your old Enclave buddies will do at Hoover Dam?
Enclave technology is even more advanced than Brotherhood equipment, and in the hands of soldiers as experienced as Moreno and the others…
Let’s just say it’s truly a sight to behold.
Cool. Hope they remember to stretch before touching down.
Actually, stretching can be detrimen-
Okay bye! Gonna go talk to Yes Man! Thanks bunches!
<sighs exasperatedly>
I’m ready, yeti.
Great! So, I’ve been looking over Mr. House’s force projections and running some calculations...
You could rout the dam’s power output to the facility under Fortification Hill. That’ll restart its reactor, just like you did with the Lucky 38!
That’ll wake up the Securitron army you left on standby and give us enough force to push the Legion and the NCR straight out of the Mojave!
You don’t have to decide yet! For now, all you have to do is take this override module and install it on the terminal in the power control room!
Good luck! See you at the dam!
This is the “point-of-no-return” notification, where we will be teleported to the Hoover Dam with no turning back.
Before we go all in, let’s see what our companions have to say at this pivotal moment.
We can’t take more than one humanoid companion with us, so I’m just gonna be showing off what they say one at a time. We’ll begin with Raul and Rex, the roaring duo!
Yeah, yeah, we know, keep your metal pants on.
Are there even twelve mariachi bands left in the world?
I’d trust you to find them, boss lady.
<barks>
Next up is Lily!
Keep it down, Grandma… we, uh, are kinda in his territory and I don’t think anyone would like hearing them.
Worried about Grandma embarrassing you, sweetie? Ah, it’s okay… I’m worried, too.
What’s wrong?
I’ll be fine. I have my big boxy friends to help me!
You must get to the control -
Yeah, yeah, I know.
No doubt Cass will have something interesting to say.
Okay, nevermind, she’s gonna be depressing.
Speaking of depressing...
Yeah, I don’t know why Boone doesn’t have anything to mention during the Second Battle of Hoover Dam. Like, it’s NCR vs. Legion ...vs. Us, but he just remains oblivious.
Veronica DOES have something to say here… but only if the Brotherhood of Steel is allied with the NCR and you are fighting for the NCR ending. Remember: the BoS kinda has a sore spot for old tech, and we just rolled in with an army of it.
Enough about that, though! Let’s pick out what to wear for Sun’s final battle of the LP!
I went ahead and console-commanded in all variants of the Courier Duster, as a poster in the thread reminded me about. Since we aren’t fighting for the NCR, we might as well ditch the one with the two-headed bear and pick one more suitable for our independence.
We’ll start off by looking at the Legion duster, granting some AP and a point in Strength. The AP is nice, but we’re capped out at Strength already thanks to booze. Also, fuck the Legion.
Then we have the Mr. House duster, embroidered with the Old World Flag on its back and giving us Rad Resistance and a point in Agility. Again, capped at Agility and radiation ain’t gonna be a problem for us here.
Finally, we have the Independent Vegas duster, with a barely noticeable spade symbol in black and the number “21” stitched over it. Nice symbolism, seeing as how “spade” is another word for “shovel,” and we were dug out of a grave at the beginning of the game. It provides us with a point in Luck and some Poison Resistance. We could always need more Luck, and the Legion like to poison their weapons, so it’s a great choice for us at this final stretch.
Also we’re using Old Glory because fuck it, it’s the second last melee weapon we’ll get in the game.
...why did you shave your head, Sinéad O’Connor?
I got a bunch of radiation in my hair and wanted to get rid of it.
So, chemo?
Kinda? Are tumors contagious? Just curious, since I ate Caesar’s.
<Disgusted beeping>
I don’t think so, but if you end up getting skittlespox, I hope you get the sour kind.
I missed you, boo.
<makes a heart-shape with her hands>
<Happy beeping>
Enough prelude, let’s get on with the show!
We start off with a bang as the Legion destroys some of the NCR’s artillery, striking first.
They have pushed to the beginning of the dam already, no doubt making use of their guerrilla tactics and flanking the NCR troopers.
But we’re a tank, with a cleaving weapon and a shitload of drugs for us to burn.
What’s with the flag pole? Wait, are you disbanding the Fister Sisters?!
No, I just… felt like using it. Got it from a new acquaintance an-
You’re using it because it has a bird at the top, aren’t you?
…
Yes.
<Embarrassed beeping>
Taking on a whole new meaning to “giving them the bird,” aren’t we?
You know, I never thought about that, but I’m glad you mentioned that. Figured I’d go all out with the symbolism, since we’re in the endgame and all.
Whatever works for you, Nebula.
The first wave is down, and it’s time for us to “retake” the dam as we advance.
Not a bunch of Legion, honestly, since the game doesn’t like too many entities encompassing one area, but they have brought out their best for this assault.
Thing is, unfortunately for them, so did we.
Uh, Evey, can you make sure the Boomers don’t end up dive-bombing us?
No promises. Just keep your eyes on the skies.
<Scared beeping>
Shoulda brought my umbrella.
Got any more of those grumpy bots, Furiosa?
Yeah, just have to make a detour to activate them.
Better hurry; my Lightning needs more Grease.
As Yes Man said, we need to use the other override chip in the Hoover Dam grid to either cause it to lose power forever or reroute its energy to the bunker in the Fort to get more Securitrons.
Just a slight problem ahead of us.
(Oh darn. Think, think, think.)
(Wait, this should be easy.)
Colonel Moore is in trouble! She needs help now!
Quick thinking, Negasonic Teenage Warhead.
I just said the first name I actually remembered from the last time I was here. Just lucky they cared about keeping her alive.
Probably want a promotion or something.
And now my nightmares have a new friend. <shudders in fear>
<Scared beeping>
Sooooo… we can blow up the dam’s generators, or I could rout the dam’s entire power output to the Fort.
That’ll activate a certain army of Securitrons and set them loose to ravage the Legion! What do you say?
Send power to the Fort. Let’s wake up our electric sheep.
I’m unlocking the East Power Plant. Hit the manual switch, then go topside and deal with the Legion and NCR.
This metal radbeaver wall is a friggin’ maze. How will I know which switch to flip?
I marked it on your Pip-Boy! Aren’t those things incredibly magical? Just like the upgraded Securitrons, but without missiles shooting out of it! Yet!
Oh god, there’s more of them.
If you have a better icon, I’d love to see your samples.
Best I can do is stick figures.
With Yes Man now inside the dam, his face starts popping up on the monitors everywhere. Pretty creepy, not gonna lie.
The Legion have ALSO started popping up inside the dam, but we can just let the NCR handle them.
Following the quest marker leads us to the lever, so let’s give it a pull!
Tight.
We come out of the other side of the makeshift barricade via the dam’s exit and start making our way to the Legate’s camp.
Hey, G.I. Jane, what’s the Enclave doing here?
Arcade wanted to feel useful, so he asked me to recruit his very old friends so they can relive the glory days before the early bird special is over.
All of Sun’s snide insults towards seniors aside, the Remnants are actually a force to be reckoned with. Most of those lasers belong to them.
Got that under control, Ronnie?
Hold on.
You were saying, Ancient One?
Eh. I’ll give it a seven out of ten.
<Happy beeping>
‘course you would, Eleven.
In case you were wondering where our rolly-pollies were, they’ve been wheeling ahead of us, turning Legionaries into smithereens.
Which is nice, because we’re right at the front door of the Legate’s camp, just beyond this really crappy bridge. I’m gonna assume the Legion made this, but I wouldn’t count out the NCR’s fine carpentry being on display here.
I’d say this is starting to look like overkill, but they also really deserve this.
Ditto, Asia Kate Dillon.
These are really starting to get obscure.
<Confused beeping>
Quit belly-aching, Ripley.
Thanks for reeling it back in.
With the dam littered with Legion carcasses and most likely sprinkled with NCR blood, we enter the Legate’s camp to finish this once and for all.
Watch this, Gautami!
Who in the hell is Gau-
You’re getting way too good at this. Thanks for landing him in a brazier for him to cook, too!
Thanks! I’ve been practicing with Old World amusement park games. Putt-Putt is the BEST!
At the end of the fuccboi gauntlet is the fuccboi general, Legate Lanius, the so-called Monster of the East.
“Beast of the East” was already taken, you see.
What, Caesar giving you orders beyond the grave?
He’s probably just that whipped.
Caesar’s wi-
<whipping sounds
...
The West shall fall as the East fell, and all the tribes that stretch to the setting sun shall bear the mark of the Legion.
Hold on. I think I remember something about you involving “history.”
Let’s see, let’s seeeee…
Oh, right.
You’re gonna be history once I’m done with you, Dr. Doom.
...really? That’s the one-liner you’re going with, Joan of Arc?
<Embarrassed beeping>
I’m saving all my good insults for an audience. And the only crowd around us is already eating dirt.
Despite being a conversation boss, Lanny here is pretty damn tall, fast, strong, and can even two-shot us.
He is also susceptible to getting his ass knocked down. His sunglass-wearing goons will come in to act as adds, but the best they can do is hit us with poisoned weapons to blur our vision.
And for some reason, he can turn non-hostile mid-combat. Yeah, I don’t know, either. Probably a bug for when you can get him to successfully retreat via dialogue checks.
On him is this Leg. Healing Powder, which is a massively better version of the regular stuff...
and his signature weapon, the Blade of the East. It substitutes the crit damage with health degen on hit, but we’re good with what we’ve got.
Got things under control over there, sis?
One sec.
Do I get a prize? Ooh, I want a stuffed teddy bear! Or-or, a lifetime supply of cotton candy!
When we get back to the Lucky 38, sure. Lemme just get a bite of Agent Liberty first.
<smacks lips> Tastes like fear. The best marinade.
Got any – OW! - stims?
Just these expired ones. All the auto-inject ones I had are gone. I swear, those things are too jumpy.
We take care of the remaining right-wing whingers and make our way out of the camp, victory soon upon us.
Just one last hurdle to step over.
And the screams of those Legions bastards as they kicked dirt running East… like a choir of angels to my ears.
Speaking of – that crazy lightshow over the Fort, what the fuck was that, some kind of thumb from God you called down? Amazing, fucking amazing.
Think that’s great? You won’t believe what happens next.
<finger-whistles> Come on out, fellas!
Yes, ma’am!
You were talking about getting off on choirs and shit, right?
Well, meet my orgasmic orchestra.
If I wanted something small from a weak man like you, I’d find someone actually willing to get a little dirty and less shit-lipped.
The fuck you just -
The Dam is won… for me. You and the Legion have both lost this day.
Not asking you to spit.
I’m telling you to swallow.
Eww.
I meant his pride.
EWWW!!!
Are you sure that’s wise?
Hope you brought more vets to do your biting, because your barks are getting more and more whimpery as you stall.
You been far enough West I’m guessing to know how far that claw stretches. Fuck with the Bear, and…
How about I ask these robots to fuck you and your entire battalion with a rocket barrage?
You want me to make tracks out of here, head back West, tail between our legs?
Up to you. Don’t recommend the Long 15, though. Already gave that a thorough dicking.
<steps back>
Nah, I was thinking more along the lines of me shoving this flag pole so far up your ass, your dead muppet-ass becomes my new battle standard.
Besides, you think these robots are all the forces I have?
While the Boomers fly West? Works for me.
Hell, I might join them just to take pictures.
Know what? Why should they have all the fun?
Securitrons – erase NCR from the area.
<plays triumphant music>
二つの頭のクマの最後の冬眠のための時間
We’ll let the Securitrons take care of the unnamed entourage. Lee here needs to get acquainted with our shaft.
With another general down in the dirt, let’s loot the last corpse of the game. His cap provides a small boost to Perception.
While his uniform gives a good buff to Charisma and AP. Fitting, as he is known for his schmoozing.
Well, WAS known for it. Now his schmoozing the ground.
<chomps> Yuck. It’s like eating radveal. No muscle or anything.
You don’t have to give us the play-by-play, you know.
I find it repulsive, but if you like it, then I HAVE to love it! So it’s great!
Oh! <gulps> Yes Man, what’s the report?
I didn’t want to make a big deal about this until after we won, but, well…
Go on.
So that’s what I’m going to be doing, and it’s going to take me a while, so it’ll seem like I’m off-line. But don’t worry, everything will be okay!
I’ve updated the Securitrons’ targeting parameters, so they know what to do! Vegas will be protected!
So that’s where I’ll be, off making a few changes, and I… I guess I’ll see you around!
Uh, Sun? Sounds to me like he’s gonna become all Skynet-y.
<Terrified beeping>
Nah, I’m positive everything will be okay. Stop worrying too much; we just saved the Mojave!
With that, the Second Battle of Hoover Dam is won in our favor! Thank you all for reading and stay tuned to find out what lies in store for the future of the Mojave Wasteland.
Click here for the ending slides!