A big score...

The gang's ears perked up at the news of a big haul. A caravan carrying ancient devices? That could be the score of a lifetime for a ragtag group of wastelanders like the Vultures.

"Well, well, well," Nicholas drawled, a sly grin spreading across his weathered face, "Looks like our luck's about to change, boys and girls." The gang leader looked pointedly as you as he said girls the members exchanged eager looks, their hands already itching for their weapons at the prospect of **** and loot.

But Nicholas was already thinking ahead. They'd need to scout the caravan's route, figure out the best place to ambush them. And then there was the question of the guards. Ancient devices like that wouldn't be left unprotected. This could be a bloodbath if they weren't careful.

"Alright, listen up," Nicholas barked, all pretense of friendliness gone.

"This is a big one. We do it right or we don't do it at all. First thing's first... we need to know exactly where that caravan's heading and how many men they've got. Ren, I want you and Voiceless to scout out their route, see if you can't overhear anything useful. Dale and Solomon, go see what supplies we need and round them up. And you," he said, turning to the newest member of the gang, "You're coming with me. Let's see if we can't shake some more info loose from our 'esteemed' mayor."

As the gang dispersed to their tasks, Nicholas couldn't shake the feeling that this score was too good to be true. In this world, nothing came free. They'd have to be ready for anything.

As you followed Nicholas out of the saloon, your mind raced with possibilities. Ancient devices? Could they be relics of the Old World? Weapons? Technology beyond anything you'd seen in the wastes?

You knew you should focus on your task, but you couldn't help but let your thoughts wander to your father. Had he stumbled upon something similar in his travels? Had it led to his disappearance?

Nicholas was already striding towards the mayor's office, his boots crunching on the sand and gravel. He didn't even seem to notice your distraction, lost as he was in his own thoughts.

The mayor's office was a squat, nondescript building, but you could practically smell the power emanating from it. Mohandas Kshano had made a lot of enemies in his day, but he'd also made a lot of allies. And in a place like this, that was the only thing that mattered.

Nicholas didn't bother knocking. He pushed open the door and sauntered in like he owned the place. You followed, keeping your eyes downcast and your hands to yourself. You knew better than to make a move without Nicholas' say-so.

"Kshano," Nicholas said without preamble, "Heard a rumor I thought you might be interested in." The mayor looked up, his bushy eyebrows rising. "Oh? And what's that?"

Nicholas leaned forward, his elbows on the desk. "A big score. A caravan, carrying ancient devices. The kind that might make a man like you real comfortable."

The mayor's face remained impassive, but you could see the interest in his eyes. "Is that so? And why would you be telling me this?"

Nicholas grinned, sharp and predatory. "Because you're the only one with enough pull to make sure we get what we deserve for the information. We need weapons, supplies. And I think you might be able to provide."

"I can see to it you got better guns and plenty of ammo… but you gotta be the ones to take the caravan." Mohandas Kshano raised his open hands in a hands off gesture, it was plain that he didn't want his name connected to the raid.

Your eyes narrowed at Kshano's response. He was happy to send you off to do his dirty work, but he wanted nothing to do with the actual heist. Typical.

You glanced at Nicholas, expecting him to be furious, but the gang leader just smiled. "That's mighty generous of you, Kshano. But I think we might be able to sweeten the deal a bit."

The mayor leaned forward, his interest clearly piqued. "Oh? And what did you have in mind?"

"Well, see, we're going to need more than just guns and ammo for this. We're going to need intel. The caravan's route, their guard strength, the works. And I think you might have a line on that, don't you?"

Kshano's eyes flicked to the side, a sure sign he was considering his options. "I might," he allowed. "But that kind of information doesn't come cheap."

Nicholas nodded, his smile widening gesturing for you to do something nice for the mayor with your soft mouth. "I'm sure we can come to an agreement. But first, tell me, what's the caravan carrying? We need to know what we're up against."

The mayor hesitated, then sighed in pleasure as your silky lip's slid up and down his throbbing lenght. "They're carrying relics from the Old World. Ancient devices, the likes of which we haven't seen before."

Your heart raced at the confirmation. Could one of those devices be what your father was searching for? The key to finding him?

Nicholas must have seen the eagerness on your face, because he turned to you with a grin. "It seems like you like the prospect of jackpot too, kid. We're going to need every gun in our arsenal for this one. You ready for some action?"

Despite the butterflies in your stomach, you nodded. You'd been ready for a long time.