Scout the northern wastes

 is a side quest in the original Fallout, given by General John Maxson.

Walkthrough
Initial reports from scouts, as well as the location of the mutant body that Vree recovered, indicates that there's a massive source of supermutants brewing in the northern wasteland. The Elders of the Brotherhood of Steel want you to check it out.

An armed Brother isn't a dead Brother
If you've got Maxson's permission, you can speak to Mathia and get a 1 free weapon. Available are:


 * A DKS-501 Sniper Rifle.
 * A Rockwell BigBazooka
 * A Ripper vibroblade.
 * A Big Frigger Power Fist
 * Or a Wattz 1000 Laser Pistol

Scope out the wastes
Once you're ready, head to the northwest. After a few days of travel, you'll notice that the rocky wasteland reveals a massive military base, built into the side of a mountain. A quick look around the area will reveal several supermutant patrols; get out of there before they tear you to ribbons!

Once you return, Maxson will draw the rest of the Elders into a meeting.

"Crack" Assault Paladins?
You can talk the Elders into sending a small detachment of soldiers to the military base, to help you infiltrate it. This causes three "crack" paladins to spawn at the entrance to the base. They'll fight the four mutants stationed outside, but won't follow you in. Still, now you can easily destroy the source of the Mutants.

Rewards

 * One of the above weapons.
 * A squad of Brotherhood soldiers to aid in attacking the base.