Community:Fanfiction/Lucky/Chapter 1: Well I'll Be Switched

The following is a work of fanfiction written by Kid Aces, part of the Lucky series.

=Chapter 1= The Courier's return to New Vegas was uneventful, but they were irritated. It was a day's ride, receiving word at dawn and nearing midday when the city first came into view. The wind hot and oppressive against their face, even behind the Mirage Securitron's shield, the Courier could only speculate why Mr. House summoned them to return immediately from their negotiation efforts in Hiko. "Urgent matters requiring your immediate presence" the message from House stated, characteristically short, vague, and demanding.

The Courier's Mirage fleet, stark white Securitrons with mirrored panels, were a rare and unusual sight. Against the desert backdrop and glaring sun, the disorienting movement always attracted Outer Vegas citizens attention, standing roadside to watch and wave as they passed. Several were built with frontside carriages, utilized as vehicles, transporting the Courier across the vast distances required of them by Mr. House.
 * "Milly, how long until Vegas?"
 * "Twenty two minutes remain until we reach the destination of Lucky 38 Casino!"

The Mirage units that served as transportation were nicknamed Milly by the Courier, capable of transferring their programming from unit to unit. Their chipper voice resonated abrasively in the enclosed space.


 * "Milly, disengage automated navigation, begin manual control."
 * "I cannot disengage, Courier! Mr. House requires your immediate presence and we cannot divert from the coordinates!"

The Courier raised an eyebrow and scoffed.


 * "Oh that's rich. Tell me, Milly, am I House's slave now?"
 * "Why no, Courier, you are not a slave! It is imperative that we do not divert from the coordinates!"

Annoyed but seeing futility in arguing, the Courier frowned and shifted. A few minutes passed.


 * "Milly, what does he want, anyway? Ranchers in Hiko might think we don't really have our shit together, hm?"
 * "Mr. House did not share this information, Courier! He only instructed me to bring you back to the Lucky 38 Casino immediately!"
 * "Yeah. Right. So I've been told."

The remainder of the ride was silent. The Courier's irritation heightened passing their home in Freeside and countless restaurants, to which they had originally planned pit stops. House knew better.

A few minutes passed. Milly's cheery arrival announcement rang out as they came to an abrupt halt in front of the tower, startlingly the Courier despite anticipating it. The latch of the pod sprung free and the shield swung open, footsteps approaching. An outstretched hand and familiar, charismatic smile caused the Courier to purse their lips.


 * "Well hello therrre. Long time no see, you purdy thang. Seems like the big man, needs your help with, somethin big."
 * "So I've been told."

The Courier brushed off his hand, jumped down from the bench seat and pushed past him, up the stairs to the front door. Milly whirred off, their upbeat farewells caught and cut off by the wind. The King pushed his sunglasses back on and hurried to catch up.

The Lucky 38 Casino floor was buzzing, business picking up speed heading into cocktail hour. The casino, now fully renovated and open to the public, still caught the Courier offguard, anticipating the quiet they had grown accustomed to. The King caught up shortly before the Courier made their way into the elevator, calling out to them, short of breath.


 * "Not even a hello? Now who gawn an did you dirty, to the point, you ain even ... give the King, your number one ... two shakes?"

The King's familiar, sing-song, disjointed twang and incessant pleading caused the Courier to stop and turn around. Seeing his pouty lip caused them to soften a little. The Courier was always glad to see the King, but House was not keen on waiting.


 * "Hello."

The King began to speak but before they could, the Courier grinned, abruptly turned, proceeding into the elevator, the doors closing swiftly behind. They could hear the King's retorts fade as the elevator ascended but couldn't make them out. Their stomach growled and head pounded. After this, the Courier decided, they would graciously allow the King to buy them dinner.

A few moments later, another Securitron, Victor, announced their arrival and the elevator doors opened. The Courier stepped out, their footsteps echoing in the cavernous wing. This part of the casino was still strictly off limits to the public, only the Courier and Securitrons were permitted. The light fixtures on the walls flickered to life as the Courier approached, Securitons following behind them as a matter of protocol.

The Courier, now within eyesight of the mainframe terminals, received an indignant greeting from Mr. House.


 * "Per usual, you have taken your dear sweet time in returning. Was the urgency of the *urgent* message somehow lost upon you?"

Unbothered by his barbed retort, the Courier tilted their head and motioned broadly at themselves.


 * "Here I am."
 * "A laconic riposte, for once, and I've no time to relish it. A matter has arisen that requires immediate action."
 * "So I've been told - "
 * "Caesar is dead."