"We should do a probing raid. See what kind of resistance we can expect."

"We should do a probing raid. See what kind of resistance we can expect." Madeline said stepping forward.

"Not a bad idea." Eddie said.

"If we know what we are dealing with we can plan accordingly." Madeline added.

"Alright--but its your crew that goes on the raid." Eddie said, implying that if things went wrong it was on Madeline.

"My crew can handle that." Madeline said with pride.

A few days went by and it was all busy. Gangers made preparations, consolidated plans, and prepared for the coming action.

Madeline's crew went out and scouted the area of Goodsprings. In the morning hours she launched a surprise attack on the settlement.

Things went well at first, her gangers were able to set one house on fire and killed a half dozen residents before any effective resistance was put together. But resistance WAS put together. Madeline's crew was driven off with no small losses.

As her crew managed to withdraw with what loot they could carry Madeline had a sinking feeling that Goodsprings would be a harder nut to crack than she anticipated. This raid would probably strengthen the resolve of Goodsprings, and they would be much more vigilant. At least she got a good share of the loot.

Madeline reported back to Eddie.

"Stiff resistance Eddie," Madeline said thinking about the losses she took. "Gonna take a bit more time to feel things out."

{If Tack's Silence > 0} "I told you it was a fucking bad idea." Tack said with a snort of derision. {endif}

"Just great." Eddie sighed "Good fucking job. Now we tipped our hand."

"You said it was a good idea." Madeline said feigning innocence. Eddie rolled his eyes and cursed.

"I guess we will just have to scout them from a distance or lay siege to them." Eddie said, as if talking out loud.

"That could work. Though I don't know, if they could send word to the NCR a long siege might give them time to react."

"Fuck you are right. Even those asshats would have to respond--even with all the red tape they could probably get there in time. Let me think."

Eddie stood in silence for a moment.

"Listen up." Eddie said, his voice one of command--a tone he didn't always take with her after so much time as his concubine Madeline was used to a bit more liberty.

"You fucked things up. But I'm gonna let you make it better. You are gonna take your ass into Goodsprings and find out everything you can."

"Me?" Madeline asked, puzzled. She had considered it as an option but now it was being thrust on her.

"Yeah you." Eddie said as if the answer was obvious. "You are a woman. They won't expect you to be part of Powder Gangers."

"That is a good point." Madeline said as she thought about the mission.

"I know it is. Should have done it sooner." he cursed under his breath. "Don't do nothing stupid. Don't get fucking caught. You hear me?"

"I hear you." Madeline said as she took that as her cue to leave.

Madeline left as soon as she had a small bag of goods together. She knew that with the failed probing raid the citizens of Goodsprings would be on alert.