Six nodded, listening carefully to both sides of the story. The detail about the NCR civilians caught his attention. It sounded like the Kings were trying to make sense of the influx of people, something the King had mentioned earlier. But the fact that things had escalated to gunfire didn't sit right with him.
"Did they say why they opened fire?"
Six asked.
The Shaved Head King snorted, wincing in pain as he did.
"They said we were harassing their people. But we weren't. Hell, we were trying to keep things civil. One of 'em even said something about 'keeping the peace' before the bullets started flying."
Lanky turned his head, staring at the ceiling.
"You ask the wrong questions in Freeside, and someone'll shoot you for it. Doesn't matter who you are."
Rebecca crossed her arms, leaning against the tent's entrance.
"Sounds like a setup. I mean, why would the NCR just go off like that without reason? Either they've got a new order, or someone's playing them."
Six rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing.
"Could be. Someone might want us fighting each other. The NCR's got their hands full with the Fiends, but this? This isn't just some random patrol acting out."
He looked back at the Kings.
"Where's the last place you saw the NCR squad? Any of them familiar to you?"
The Shaved Head King gritted his teeth.
"Yeah. The squad leader. I've seen him around before, back when I was doing business with some NCR traders. Name's Sergeant McCormick. He's not a friendly guy."
Lanky nodded.
"Yeah, he's the one who fired first. Looked like he was itching for a fight. Didn't even try to talk it out."
Six's mind was already turning, piecing together the puzzle. He turned to Julie, who had quietly been observing from the corner.
"You know McCormick?"
Julie nodded slowly.
"I've heard of him. Not sure what his deal is, but he's been getting more aggressive lately. Has some connections with the NCR Rangers. He's not someone you want to mess with."
Six stood up straight.
"Alright, thanks for the info. I'll check into McCormick. Don't worry, I'll get to the bottom of this."
Rebecca gave the Kings a sympathetic glance.
"You chooms take it easy. You've got a lucky break, having Six looking into this."
As they left the tent, Six's mind was already racing with questions. Why would McCormick, or any NCR trooper, attack the Kings without provocation? And why now? Something smelled off, and he was determined to find out what was really going on before Freeside erupted into chaos.
"I think we've got a lead."
Six said, speaking more to himself than anyone else.
"McCormick's our guy. We need to dig into his background and see what he's up to. If he's tied to something bigger, we'll find out."
Boone, still trailing behind them, nodded grimly.
"If he's been getting more aggressive lately, it's worth looking into. He might be involved in something the NCR's not even aware of."
Roger smirked, walking with his usual swagger.
"Or he's just a loose cannon. Either way, it's a mess waiting to happen."
Six nodded, his eyes focused ahead.
"Whatever it is, I'll handle it. But first, we find McCormick."
The group made their way through the bustling streets of Freeside, the tension in the air palpable. With each step, Six's thoughts swirled around McCormick and what could be driving the NCR trooper to provoke a fight with the Kings.
The last thing the Mojave needed was a turf war between the NCR and a group that was trying to keep things together, but if McCormick was working with someone—or something—else, they needed to get to the bottom of it fast.
As they moved closer to the NCR outpost on the edge of Freeside, Six felt the weight of the situation growing heavier. The NCR's presence was already tenuous in this part of the Mojave, and the last thing they needed was a leaderless, desperate gang in their midst.
If McCormick was causing trouble, they could be on the verge of a powder keg waiting to explode.
When they arrived at the NCR outpost, the mood was noticeably different from the relative calm of Freeside. There were more soldiers around, and they were all on high alert, eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of trouble. McCormick's name had been whispered around, but no one seemed to want to talk about him outright.
Six didn't waste time. He walked up to a nearby soldier, who tensed but then relaxed slightly when he recognized him.
"Hey."
Six said, voice low but firm.
"Sergeant McCormick. Where can I find him?"
The soldier hesitated, then nodded toward a small tent near the back of the outpost.
"That's his usual spot. He's been in a bad mood lately. Not sure what's eating him, but he's been riding people hard."
Six nodded, turning on his heel. The group followed, making their way through the outpost as quietly as possible. They didn't need any extra attention, especially not from McCormick's people.
The tent at the back of the outpost was unassuming, a faded patch of canvas that could easily blend in with the others. But Six knew better. Inside, McCormick was likely planning something—or had already done something.
Without hesitation, Six stepped into the tent.
McCormick, a tall, stocky man with a weathered face, looked up from a map on a table when the door flap was pulled aside. His eyes narrowed as he took in Six and his companions.
"Well, well, if it isn't Six."
McCormick said with a dry laugh.
"I was wondering when you'd come sniffing around. Heard you were poking around Freeside after those Kings got shot up."
Six didn't waste time with pleasantries.
"Why'd you attack them?"
McCormick's expression darkened, his fingers tapping against the map in front of him.
"They're a problem. Always poking their noses where they don't belong. Asking questions. Getting in the way."
Six stepped closer, his voice steady.
"They weren't harassing anyone. They were trying to figure out why the NCR's been flooding Freeside with refugees. You know, trying to keep the peace. You and your squad fired first. Why?"
McCormick's eyes flickered for a moment, but he quickly masked it with a smirk.
"It wasn't like that. They got aggressive, and I responded. Simple as that."
Six could tell he was lying. The small cracks in McCormick's confidence were enough to make him push harder.
"You expect me to believe that? You've been getting more aggressive lately, and I don't think it's just about the Kings. What's going on, McCormick?"
The tension in the air thickened. McCormick's smile faltered.
"You're digging too deep, Six. You should be more careful with that."
Rebecca, who had been quiet until now, stepped forward, her arms crossed.
"You think we're stupid? You think this is just some random thing? Someone wants you at odds with the Kings, and you're taking the bait. You're gonna drag the NCR into a mess they don't need."
McCormick's expression darkened as his fingers clenched into fists.
"I'm doing what I'm told. I'm following orders."