Chapter 45: Ranger Ghost

Chapter 45 - Ranger Ghost

Like my work, support me

With your support I get motivated, so please support me

/GamerMerchant

over + Chapters in advance

you can read +20 advanced Chapters of my other works on Patreon

"HAPPY NEW YEARS GIFT" 10 Advance Chapters

With the insect infestation at the remains of the 95 underpass dealt with, Six and his crew wasted no time in packing up and returning to the Mojave Outpost. The Battle Bus sped across the barren landscape, the mission a success, and the road now clear for NCR supply caravans to resume their routes safely.

The crew remained on high alert as they traveled, though the journey back was largely uneventful. Rebecca kept her shotgun Gutz close at hand, scanning the horizon for any sign of trouble, while Boone leaned against the interior of the bus, the weight of the day's combat already slipping from his mind. Six, however, was focused on one thing—reporting back to Ranger Jackson at the Mojave Outpost and collecting the promised reward for clearing the infestation.

As they rolled into the Mojave Outpost, the towering statues of the NCR and the Republic of Nevada in eternal handshake loomed above them, a symbol of cooperation—and in Six's mind, a reminder of the delicate balance of power in the Mojave. The Battle Bus pulled up in front of the Outpost, kicking up a cloud of dust as it came to a stop.

"Time to collect."

Six said with a smirk, stepping out of the bus and motioning for the rest of the crew to follow.

They walked past the caravans and NCR soldiers milling about the outpost. Ranger Jackson was easy to spot in the back, going over some paperwork. As soon as he saw Six approaching, he stood up and gave a nod of recognition.

"Six, you actually pulled it off."

Jackson said, clearly impressed.

"I've already received word from some of our scouts. Roads near the underpass are clear, and the caravans are ready to move out again. You did us a hell of a favor."

Six crossed his arms and nodded.

"Just doing what I said I'd do. So, about that reward?"

Jackson grinned and pulled out a pouch filled with caps, setting it on the table.

"Here you go, as promised some misplaced supplies. You've made our lives a lot easier today. Caravans can flow through, supplies can reach the front lines, and morale's higher now that the roads are safer. Couldn't ask for more."

Ding!

Entertainment Bundle:

A bundle containing over 10,000 Movies and TV shows in a memory hard drive.

Six picked up the misplaced supplies, pocketing them without a second thought.

"Always happy to help when it comes to clearing out pests. You can count on me."

"One more thing."

Jackson added, his tone turning more serious.

"You've done the NCR a favor here, but don't think it means we're giving you free rein over the Mojave. Keep playing nice, and we'll stay friendly."

Six gave a knowing smirk.

"I'll keep that in mind, Ranger. You scratch my back, I scratch yours."

With the reward in hand and their reputation with the NCR bolstered, the crew turned to leave. Rebecca nudged Six, a sly smile on her face.

"Not a bad haul. What's next?"

Six looked back at the towering statues of the NCR and Nevada, a sense of satisfaction swelling inside him. The Mojave was far from being completely under his control, but with every quest completed and every favor earned, his power grew.

"We keep going."

Six said, his voice low and determined.

"The Mojave's still full of opportunities—and I plan to take them all."

Six inspected his latest reward, theEntertainment Bundle, containing over 10,000 movies and TV shows stored on a memory hard drive. An idea sparked in his mind as he planned to use this treasure trove of entertainment to gather even more people to his ever-growing city, Goodsprings.

He immediately teleported back at the Goodsprings Vault and made preparations to broadcast the content across the Mojave Wasteland, starting with his city. Using a combination of pre-war tech and his own engineered systems, Six set up broadcast stations that would transmit the shows and movies across various frequencies.

These signals would reach holoprojectors in homes, Pip-Boys, and even improvised cinema screens in settlements. With most of the wasteland devoid of quality entertainment, this new source of distraction and hope would become a sensation.

Six's plan was simple: entertain the people, draw them in, and offer them a life in Goodsprings where technology, safety, and prosperity flourished.

The city's reputation had already spread thanks to its fertile land, powerful defenses, and advanced technology, but this broadcast would appeal to those who might not be swayed by survival alone. People would come not only for food and protection but also for a glimpse of a new way of life—one filled with stories, laughter, and the comforts of a world they had long forgotten.

Teleporting back, Rebecca caught him while she was watching a show and curious about his plan, asked.

"How exactly are you going to get them hooked, Big guy?"

Six smirked and responded.

"I'm giving them a reason to dream again."

With the infrastructure ready, Six flipped the switch, sending a mix of classic pre-war movies, thrilling action shows, and even a few series that hinted at the power of rebuilding society. As wastelanders across the Mojave tuned in, they were captivated, and the whispers of Goodsprings being more than just a fortified settlement spread like wildfire.

It wasn't long before caravans and travelers started flocking to the city, eager to experience life in this modern, thriving hub. With his latest strategy in motion, Six knew it wouldn't be long before Goodsprings surpassed even New Vegas as the center of the Mojave Wasteland.

Six watched from a short distance as Rebecca sat next to Rose of Sharon Cassidy at the bar. Cassidy, hunched over her glass, barely acknowledged Rebecca at first, her usual gruff demeanor on full display. Rebecca, undeterred, leaned in and hugged the woman, earning a half-hearted gag from Cassidy, but a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

"So, how's my favorite whiskey-chugging, shotgun-shooting cowgirl doing?"

Rebecca asked with a mischievous grin.

Cassidy groaned, taking another swig of whiskey before muttering.

"Damn it, you little gremlin. How is it you look more feminine and have a better figure than me after popping out six munchkins?"

Rebecca laughed, her short frame barely containing her energy.

"I'm just that awesome. Hehehe."

Cassidy sighed, her face darkening as she stared into her glass. Rebecca noticed the shift in tone immediately and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"What got you so down, Cass?"

Cass took a deep breath, her voice low as she shared her frustration.

"When I was here at the Mojave Outpost, I got word from an NCR Ranger that my caravan... my family's legacy, was hit. Burned to ash. Ranger Jackson refused to let me leave to go handle it, said it was too dangerous. Now I'm stuck here, drowning in whiskey and paperwork, while threats on the road keep piling up."

Rebecca nodded, understanding the anger and helplessness Cassidy felt.

"That caravan meant everything to you."

"Yeah."

Cassidy grunted.

"It was my father's before me. Now it's gone. I just... I need to know what happened, but the NCR's holding me back with their damn red tape."

Rebecca sat quietly for a moment before offering a solution.

"Then come with us. Let's figure out what really happened. No red tape, no waiting. We'll get to the bottom of this."

Cassidy looked at Rebecca, her bloodshot eyes searching for a sign of hope.

"You mean it?"

"Of course."

Rebecca said confidently.

"You're one of us now. Six, me, and the crew—we'll help you find out the truth, no matter what it takes."

Cassidy stared at her glass for a moment before nodding slowly.

"All right. I'm in. Can't keep drinking my life away when there's unfinished business out there."

Six, having watched the exchange, tipped his glass to Cassidy before rising from his seat. He knew Rebecca had everything under control, so he left the bar and headed toward the roof to meet with Ranger Ghost.

As he made his way up the ramp, the air grew cooler, and the distant silhouette of smoke from Nipton loomed on the horizon. Trouble was brewing, and he would need to be prepared.

As he approached the lookout, Ranger Ghost turned toward him, her cold gaze sharp as ever.

"Hm. Didn't even hear you come up the ramp. You don't broadcast your movements. I like that."

Six smirked.

"You a Courier? If so, this might be your lucky day... if you don't mind walking a bit and your eyes are good. I think there's trouble in Nipton - no traffic from there on the roads, and while I can explain that away, the smoke from the town I can't."

Six cut to the chase.

"How much am I getting paid for this trip?"

Ghost leaned back, amused.

"The pay? A good goddamn thanks from the heart of the Republic."

She paused.

"Just shitting you with the NCR line, done wonders for morale around here. President Kimball keeps saying getting shot at is its own damn reward. Do this job for me, though, I'll do what I can. People know I hate most everyone, so if I put in a word for you... that's gold."

Six nodded.

"I'm in. Someone owing me a favor is always good in my books."

"Good."

Ghost said, her expression unreadable.

"All right. Look at you, all fired up and ready to go. Wish the others around here had that kind of attitude. Listen - I don't want you getting killed for this, so if you head there and run into trouble, I'm asking for eyes and ears, not your life. All right?"

With the mission accepted, Six returned to his crew and prepared for the journey to Nipton. He set up camp for the night, letting the team rest before heading out.

Level: 15

NAME: Six XI

GENDER: MALE

STRENGTH: 10

PERCEPTION: 10

ENDURANCE: 10

CHARISMA: 10

INTELLIGENCE: 10

AGILITY: 10

LUCK: 10

BARTER: 78

ENERGY WEAPONS: 36

EXPLOSIVES: 36

GUNS: 100

LOCKPICK: 39

MEDICINE: 100

MELEE WEAPONS: 39

REPAIR: 100

SCIENCE: 100

SNEAK: 39

SPEECH: 39

SURVIVAL: 39

UNARMED: 39