บท 231: Gun'Runnin

Afton returns to his companions after accepting the job from Hildern's assistant, he had numerous thoughts on the work he'd been given, but he'd not air them to his group. They would most likely wish to come with him to prevent his suspicions from occurring, or atleast to stop them when they did.

Afton was sure he'd manage without them though, plus, as the job required someone who was 'immune to radiation' he could just take Anja with him, as a ghoul she was just as, or most likely more rad resistant than he himself was.

On his way back he spotted Karl and Boone making light conversation with Anja, seems like they were doing their best to integrate her into the group. He could hear them telling stories of past jobs, their close call with Nephi and a nuclear bomb, his and Karl's run-in with the Powder Gangers, and even the time they fought 'scorpionzilla' in Camp Searchlight.

Anja herself was enthralled by the crazy adventures the group seems to have had, wondering if she'd be able to participate or just die trying. Afton walks up, interrupting the story of how Karl had first met Afton by scaring off a Deathclaw with dynamite.

"Guys, we've got a job... Or at least, I've got a job." he says, Anja's eyes being drawn towards the limb fabric that would usually cover his right arm.

Karl raises a brow, "What is it?"

"Apparently Dr Hildern needs some research recovered from a Vault infested with somekind of mutated plantlife. Only problem is the place is completely covered in radiation, making only me and Anja suitable for it." he says, causing Karl and Boone to frown.

"So you want to go with just the two of you?" Boone asks and Afton nods, the sniper continues, "Are you forgetting that Anja has yet to actually be trained in any form of combat? Maybe we should work on that before diving headfirst into danger?"

Afton nods, "I was hoping to do that during the journey to the Vault. I reckon Anja'll be a quick learner."

"What should we do in the meantime?" Karl reluctantly asks.

"Well, I've got a couple jobs I wanted you guys to handle while I was gone... We seem to have forgotten the mystery bomb maker responsible for the Mini-Nuke. That, and we need to get Anja some better equipment... I think I'd also like you two to get a feel on whether or not Motor-Runner would be a viable bounty to attempt."

Kalr raises a brow, "You know there hasn't been any word on a bounty for Motor-Runner yet right? I think the NCR wants to send in their own task force for that one."

Afton shrugs, "Regardless, that's what I want you guys to work on. Of course, if something else strikes your interest or seems more important then decide for yourselves, you're not employees after all... While I'm out I'll sell the loot we found." he says, turning to Anja, "Your thoughts on coming with me on a job?"

Anja's green eyes lock onto his own, "I want to earn my keep."

Afton nods, having felt similarly in the past. "Alright, we'll head out and visit the Gun Runners before going for the Vault." he glances to Karl, "You guys won't need Dirt-Bird right?"

Karl shakes his head, "Nah, walking's fine for us... I don't think either of us know how to drive that thing anyway." he says semi-sarcastically.

Afton goes to clap his hands together but realises he's not exactly able to... "Alright then, we have our jobs, let's get on it." he says, briskly walking out without saying another word to the others.

Anja follows him as he heads towards Dirt-Bird, the motorcycle itself still sitting exactly where he'd left it. While the NCR struggled taking care of their citizens, at least they knew how to protect a vehicle... Though, judging by the state of some of their trucks even that could be called into question.

He hops onto it and gestures towards the sidecar, Anja gingerly climbing inside herself, "You ever been on one of these before?"

She shakes her head, "No... I wouldn't even know how it works..."

Afton turns it on, causing it to give off a low hum, "First stop, Gun Runners." he states as he suddenly accelerates, causing Anja to yelp as she's forced against the back of the seat. He drives a couple meters before spinning the bike around and heading in the opposite direction, shooting a cocky smirk at the soldiers guarding Camp McCarren. "Keep up the good work boys!"

Fortunately, the journey was relatively peaceful, allowing Anja to enjoy the ride for what it is... Afton would say to feel the wind in your hair but... Anja is kind of deficient in that department. Feel the wind in the crevices of your skin that reveal your skull? Gross.

Regardless, they eventually reached Gun Runners, Isaac as always was sitting out front at the loading bench making himself busy. Though he turned to greet him as he heard the hum of the engine.

Afton gave replied noncommittally and immediately starting trying to barter with the Vendertron. He begins cycling through the various weapons the place sells to search for something that might suit Anja... He sold all the stolen weaponry from the Fiends for 800 caps, he'd checked them beforehand but hadn't found anything suitable for Anja.

He was tempted to buy her a 12.7mm silenced submachine gun, but realised she literally didn't have the strength to wield it. The gun requiring 6 Strength when she only had 4... He looked through the selection and eventually pinpointed a few she could use, the top of them being a 10mm Pistol and a 9mm Submachine gun.

"Anja, have you ever fired a weapon before?"

She shrugs, "I found a pistol once... It was already loaded and I used to it kill my captors.

Afton chews the inside of his cheek before eventually deciding, 'fuck it', and buys both a 10mm pistol and a 9mm submachine gun for her. Tossing her some holsters for the weapons after paying a 1000 caps for the lot.