As the group approached the checkpoint at the Strip North Gate, the atmosphere was tense with the hum of Securitrons standing watch. The towering walls of the Strip loomed over them, its neon glow casting eerie shadows on the ground. Then, in an instant, a scene of desperation unfolded before them.
A dirty, ragged-looking man suddenly sprinted toward the gate, his torn clothing flapping as he made a desperate bid to enter the Strip. His frantic movement drew the attention of the Securitrons immediately.
"HALT! You are trespassing—"
The automated voice was cut short as the Securitrons opened fire without hesitation. The air was filled with the deafening roar of 9mm submachine gun fire, dozens of rounds tearing into the man before he could even reach the gate.
His body jerked violently from the onslaught, chunks of flesh and tattered cloth spraying onto the pavement. He collapsed lifelessly, his corpse riddled with bullet holes before it even hit the ground.
Rebecca let out a low whistle, unfazed but mildly impressed.
"Damn. They don't mess around, huh?"
Boone barely reacted, his eyes cold and calculating.
"Tried to run past an army of killbots. Idiot."
Raul, adjusting his coat, and gave a dry chuckle.
"Bet he thought he'd just waltz right in and hit the jackpot. Bad gamble."
As the last echoes of gunfire faded, a Securitron rolled toward Six and the others, its robotic eye scanning them.
"Present your NCR Citizen License or proceed with a credit check."
It commanded in a cold, mechanical tone.
Six exchanged a quick glance with his group before reaching into his pouch. He wasn't worried—his VI merchant family ensured he had more than enough caps to clear the check. One by one, they followed suit, all choosing the credit check rather than risking any bureaucratic complications.
A few moments later, the Securitron beeped in approval.
"Acceptable. Welcome to the New Vegas Strip."
The group's tension eased as the Securitron gave them the green light, its mechanical voice stating the formalities of their entry. It rolled back into position, and the checkpoint gates parted, granting them access. The previous display of deadly force was a harsh reminder of the Strip's security and the dangerous nature of even trying to get close to its gates.
Six couldn't help but glance back at the splattered remnants of the unfortunate man who'd tried to rush the gate. The Strip was a place where the rules of the outside world didn't apply, where everything had a price, and where only the strong or the well-prepared survived.
Rebecca looked unfazed, though there was a flicker of concern in her eyes.
"Y'know, I've seen some rough security, but that was somethin' else."
She said, keeping her hand close to her weapon, and the other gripping Six's arm, just in case.
"I wouldn't want to test their patience."
Boone, ever the stoic marksman, merely exhaled through his nose.
"That's House for you. No warnings, no second chances."
His eyes flicked to the still-smoking remains of the poor fool who had rushed the gate.
"Damn, idiot should've known better."
Roger adjusted his hat, unfazed but observant with a smirk.
"Reminds me of my world nobles. They kept their gates closed just the same. The only thing that changed is the tech. Looks like we made the right call staying on their good side."
His voice was thick with his usual dry wit, but even he knew better than to tempt fate here.
Raul, ever the cautious one, kept his eyes sharp.
"You think they let just anyone in? It's a damn security nightmare around here. Not the place to start any trouble. Hard to believe people still try their luck with these tin cans guarding the place."
The tension in the air lingered as Six and his crew stepped past the Securitron checkpoint, the brutal display of force still fresh in their minds.
Six kept his thoughts to himself. The Securitrons were efficient, but they were also a necessary part of Mr. House's control over the Strip. That kind of power had a way of making people think twice.
Still, the Strip wasn't entirely out of their reach. If they were to take on the Omertas and burn Gomorrah to the ground, they'd need to play the game, at least for now.
"We're not here to make waves or get shot. We've got business to take care of."
Six said, the group falling into step as they entered the Strip's bustling atmosphere. Bright lights and neon signs illuminated the area, loud and flashy, full of tourists, gamblers, and a few shady figures lingering in the shadows.
The Strip was alive with energy, but Six could feel the undercurrent of tension. This place might look like a neon paradise, but beneath the surface, it was a snake pit. The kind of place where even the smallest mistake could cost you your life.
"We head straight for Gomorrah."
Six said, his voice low.
"Let's see if we can't catch the Omertas off guard."
Boone gave a slight nod.
"You lead the way, Six. Just... let me know if things go sideways."
Six's eyes were already scanning the Strip, sizing up potential threats and exits, mentally preparing for the next move. There was no turning back now. The Kings were counting on him, and if things went according to plan, Gomorrah wouldn't be standing for much longer.
Six and his crew approached the entrance of the Gomorrah casino, where they had their weapons confiscated. Instead of staying with his crew, who decided to play games and investigate the Omertas, Six left to explore the other two casinos with Rebecca. They made their way to the front desk, where he exchanged 10,000 caps for some chips.
After exchanging the caps for chips, Six and Rebecca made their way toward the blackjack tables, the glitz and glamour of the casino surrounding them. The atmosphere was thick with cigar smoke and the sound of slot machines ringing, but Six was focused. He had a plan.
Rebecca walked beside him, watching with amusement.
"You planning to win big, or just show off?"
She teased.
Six smirked.
"Why not both?"
He sauntered up to a table and threw down a portion of his chips.
"Alright, let's do this. I'm feeling lucky!"
The dealer gave him a skeptical look.
"First time playing?"
Six grinned like an overeager rookie.
"Absolutely. I've only ever played UNO, but this seems easy enough, right?"
Rebecca groaned.
"Oh, this is gonna be painful to watch."
And painful it was—at first. Six lost hand after hand, drawing in amused glances from the other players. His reckless plays and terrible decision-making made him look like a clueless gambler in over his head.
The pit bosses relaxed, the dealers smirked, and the other gamblers started to enjoy watching the "new guy" throw his caps away.
But then, something changed.
Six adjusted his posture, cracked his knuckles, and went all in on a hand.
Rebecca's eyes narrowed. She knew that look.
With perfect confidence, Six played his cards right—literally. His Card Counting skill kicked in, and within a few rounds, he turned the tide. The once-amused dealer now looked nervous. The pit bosses weren't laughing anymore.
Hand after hand, Six won. He rode the momentum, bankrupting The Tops first before setting his sights on The Ultra-Luxe. There, he took even more.
By the end of it, both casinos were hurting, and Six walked away with a massive pile of chips.
Rebecca shook her head as they left.
"You know, they're definitely gonna remember this. Might even try to ban you."
Six chuckled.
"Let 'em try. Besides, I took more from the cannibals, so I call that a win for the Mojave."
As they made their way back to Gomorrah, the night was far from over. It was time to see what his crew had uncovered.