The King sat in his usual spot, his fingers drumming restlessly against the armrest of his worn-out regular chair of a throne. His usual laid-back demeanor was absent, replaced with a simmering frustration that barely concealed his anger.
He'd heard the rumors, the reports filtering in from the streets. And now, with the NCR rounding up his men like common criminals, he needed answers.
As Six approached, the King's sharp gaze met his.
"You got a lotta nerve, walking in here after all that went down."
The King said, his voice even but laced with tension.
"I've been hearin' things, Six. Some real nasty things. Like how my boys got played by the Legion and the Omertas. And now the NCR's treatin' 'em like they're part of the problem."
He leaned forward, eyes narrowing.
"Tell me, Six. Why shouldn't I see you as part of the problem too?"
Six didn't flinch. He understood the King's anger. Hell, if the roles were reversed, he'd be feeling the same way.
"You know me better than that."
Six said evenly.
"I came to you before, gave you reinforcements with my Battle Droids, warned you about the NCR, about how things were heating up in Freeside. But this? This was never about the Kings. The Legion and the Omertas wanted to use you as pawns, stirring up enough chaos to make it easier for them to take the Strip. They were setting you up to take the fall."
The King's jaw clenched.
"And what, you just expect me to take your word for it? That the NCR ain't just usin' this as an excuse to put the Kings down for good?"
Six shook his head.
"No. I expect you to trust me when I say I'm not gonna let that happen."
He took a step closer, lowering his voice.
"I know you don't like the NCR. Hell, I don't trust them either. But right now, we've got a bigger problem. If the Omertas and the Legion pull this off, there won't be a Strip for you to fight over. There won't be a Freeside either. The Legion doesn't tolerate independence, King. You either serve, or you die. And I don't see you as the kind of man who bows to anyone."
The King exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. His frustration was clear, but so was the understanding in his eyes.
"So what, you expect me to sit back while my boys rot in an NCR cell?"
"No."
Six said firmly.
"I expect you to stand with me. We take the fight to the Omertas, expose the truth, and force the NCR to see they're locking up the wrong people."
He let his words settle before adding.
"You know damn well that if the Legion takes this city, the Kings won't just be prisoners. They'll be slaves."
The room was silent for a long moment. Then, the King let out a slow breath and stood up.
"You're askin' a lot, Six."
he said, his voice quieter now.
"But you're right about one thing—I don't bow to anyone."
His expression hardened.
"You got my attention. Now tell me what comes next."
Six smirked slightly, appreciating the King's resolve.
"First, we make sure your boys don't rot in NCR custody. I've got leverage, and with the right push, we'll get them released. But that's just step one."
The King crossed his arms.
"And step two?"
"We tear the Omertas apart from the inside."
Six said, his voice cold.
"Big Sal and Nero made their deal with Caesar thinking they could betray everyone and come out on top. They think they're untouchable, hidden behind their casino walls. But they ain't ready for what's coming."
The King nodded slowly, his frustration shifting into something more focused—determination.
"You got a plan, don't ya?"
Six nodded.
"I do. And I'm gonna need the Kings to help me pull it off. We're gonna hit Gomorrah where it hurts, expose their plans to House and the NCR, and take them down before the Legion can make their move."
The King let out a short laugh, shaking his head.
"Damn, Six. You sure do know how to stir up trouble."
Then his expression hardened.
"Alright. The Kings ain't about to let some snake in the grass sell us out to the Legion. You got our support."
Six extended a hand, and the King clasped it firmly.
"Good."
Six said.
"Then let's burn Gomorrah to the ground."
The world around Six felt like it was holding its breath. The Kings, emboldened by the newfound alliance and the truth about the Omertas' betrayal, were preparing to move. The NCR, now in the midst of questioning their loyalty, were stuck in a limbo of their own making.
But Six knew better than to underestimate either faction, and the real battle was about to begin. Gomorrah was their first target, and the heat of vengeance was going to burn brighter than any light on the Strip.
The notification chimed in his ear, pulling him back to the present.
Ding!
[Quest Complete: G.I. Blues]
[Objective: Resolve the conflict between the Kings and the NCR.]
[Reward: Rare Silver-Tier Item, One favor]
One favor:
The message resonated with a slight thrill. He knew exactly what it meant. People in the wasteland were reluctant to trust or owe favors unless it was in their best interest. But when it came to something as powerful as a favor—anyone compelled to grant a wish within their limits—it was a dangerous thing to have in his arsenal. Who, or what, would he call upon with this new power?
Ding!
[Level Up!]
[Level 29]
A surge of adrenaline hit Six. He'd pushed himself harder and harder, constantly evolving. Another level. The choices were always harder as he climbed higher, but this time, he knew exactly where he needed to put the points.
He focused on Unarmed, pushing it to 69—(NICE!) an odd number, but it had its significance. He felt the surge of strength in his fists, the precision that came with the work he'd put in.
Six knew how to maximize his strength, whether it was through a quick jab or a well-placed knockout punch. Although he didn't typically prefer using his hands in a fight, he found that the raw, unrefined nature he had gained suited him just fine.
For his perk, he selected Quick Draw—a strategic choice. The ability to draw and holster weapons 50% faster was an edge he could use when every second counted. He solely relied on his guns, because when things got messy, he was always ready to draw—now he'd be faster than ever before.
The pieces were falling into place, and with the reward of a favor and a newfound boost in power, Six knew that the fight against the Omertas was just beginning. Gomorrah was just the first strike, the opening salvo in a war that would shape the future of the Strip.
His mind shifted back to the present moment—his companions, the Kings, all ready to move. The reckoning had come, and now it was time for the Omertas to pay. He gave Rebecca a final look, his firecracker of a wife still moving beside him, and made his way to the rendezvous point.
The moment of truth was almost here.
"Time to burn Gomorrah."
Six muttered under his breath, stepping into the streets with his weapon ready. His path was set, the flames of rebellion at his back. The Omertas wouldn't know what hit them.