"I don't have that many caps."

Madeline didn't have that many caps.

"I...I don't have that many caps." said said holding her breath.

"Then you are not allowed to enter." The robot said sternly. "When you have 2,000 caps or a passport you may enter. It is only a credit check. It costs you nothing to enter. Do not try to enter without authorization or you will be eliminated."

The robot rolled back slightly as if the gesture would usher her to leave the area.

Madeline backed away slowly, just in case. Still within view of the gate she stood to ponder her situation.

And an older black man in a filthy suit slowly approached her. She tensed as he approached.

"You trying to get into the Strip?" he said, holding his hands out as if to present himself harmless.

"Well...Yes." she said, not thinking it would matter. She could be reserved about it but she had to get it.

"You aint got the caps?" he asked.

"Whats it to you." Madeline narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

"Don't worry I ain't after your caps. The name's Ben, folks call me Old Ben. I been a lot of things but I aint a thief. Besides I like to look after folks who come thru here."

Madeline relaxed slightly. He didn't have any visible weapons, though by this point she assumed everyone had a weapon or two.

"So how does one get into the strip?" Madeline asked, glancing at the large gate.

"You got a few options." he said holding up his fingers "You can get 2,000 caps, plenty of work you could do. You can get a passport....or you could get a fake passport." He leaned forward conspiratorially.

"Let me guess." Madeline said, crossing her arms "You just so happen to sell these?"

"Ha ha no no." Old Ben laughed. "I don't sell anything like that. I just know who sells them."

Madeline's eyebrow raised.

"Don't worry honey," he said with a smile "I ain't trying to get caps or anything else. I just am a good Samaritan of sorts. Lived a long time and seen lots of folks. I know that helping when you can means something."

"That is very noble of you." Madeline said almost smirking. "I appreciate the information. But I will need some more since you are being so generous. You mentioned plenty of work out there. Where is there a place to get work? Also who might I get a passport from? And you mentioned fake ones?"

Old Ben smiled. He liked seeing people take him up on his offer of information. Maybe he just liked civil conversation.

"Well...you could certainly get some work at the Atomic Wrangler Casino." he eye'd her up and down sensuously. "They are always looking for...ummm...talent. If you want to try and get a passport you could go see if the Kings need some work. If you are looking for a...special passport--you can go see Mick and Ralphs's. Tell em Ben sent you and ask about the 'special selection.'"

"Who are the...Kings?" Madeline asked puzzled.

"Some gang, they all dress up like some old pre-war movie star or something." Ben looked around as if to see if anyone was listening. "They are typically alrighty guys, but they are a gang--so you be careful. They meet at an old dance studio. The King--the leader is trying to better life for folks here in Freeside. He is a good guy. Just don't cross him."

"And what kind of work is there at the Atomic Wrangler?" Madeline raised an eyebrow.

"Well..." Ben began to blush slightly "For someone as pretty as you its...ummm well...you might be able to work the bar but you might make more caps uhhh working....well..."

"Being a whore?" Madeline rolled her eyes, he suspected as much from his nuanced introduction to the Atomic Wrangler. This wasteland world was an incredibly harsh one. But she knew she had to consider all her options.

"Yeah...yes." He coughed clearing his throat as if to break the awkwardness. "Not saying that is all you could do around town of course. But those are certainly the easiest ways to earn some caps or get a passport."

"I appreciate the info Ben." Madeline said, extending her hand in thanks. She knew such kindness could be rare out in the wastes. She was beginning to learn the ways of the survival in this harsh world.

Madeline, armed with options, decided to...