Chapter 475 - Scorpion-What Now?

Afton's Power armour had basically been totalled when the EMP had caused it to malfunction. Though, this was more due to him forcefully breaking the servos to manually move it than anything else.

Fortunately, Klein and Mobius had been working overtime to get it back up and running. Though they had been wanting some more time to test EMP shielding and a number of coolant systems, he and Veronica had both been hit a number of times by Flame throwers while fighting the Legion, this had melted some of the electronics under the Saturnite plating. This was apparently incredibly annoying to repair, primarily due to the sheer strength of Saturnite.​​

Afton didn't want to head into Freeside without his armour though, the NCR still had a massive presence and he wasn't willing to risk getting trapped in an ambush. Sure, he might be able to avoid or even fight his way out of it, but why risk it?

He was tempted to wait until they found some way to protect the armour against EMP attacks as the NCR would no doubt attempt it, but he wanted to catch this 'vigilante' before things got too hot and they moved somewhere else.

Soon enough, he'd gotten fully geared up, with repaired Bulwark Power Armour, Energy Weapons, Anti-Material Rifle strapped to his back, and his new Ultra Chainsword which hung intimidatingly at his side... While it might not provide many more advantages than the Proton axe due to his various Perks, that wouldn't stop him swinging it around like a maniac Space Marine.

He makes sure to wear the large Deathclaw leather duster to stop people from instantly recognising the Power armour, even if it's a temporary tactic.

Of course, the ensemble wouldn't be complete without the new Bulwark logo stamped across one side of the chest plate. Once everything was done, Afton left and teleported a good distance from New Vegas to prevent large groups of people from spotting the lightning. The last thing he needed was people realising just how their teleportation actually functioned.

It was around midday now, so the sun was still high in the sky as he marched towards the North gates of Freeside. As always, there was a small group of Kings watching the entrance with bored looks... That is, until they spotted Afton approaching them.

"What in the-HOooly jesus, do you boy's see that thang comin' right on here?" the leader mutters, his hand reaching for the revolver at his side.

Afton can only chuckle at their reaction... These guys had seen him come passed many times, once on Dirt-Bird, once on Dirt-Hog, and now in Power armour... Hmm, that reminds him, he wonders how the excavation is going for his next vehicle. He'd sent a number of robots to the vague area he remembered it being, but that didn't mean everything would go completely ok...

"Boy, you better stop where you are, don't come any closer or we'll pop a cap in your shiny ass." the king threatens, but the others in his group look ready to run should shit hit the fan.

Afton just shrugs his shoulders, causing a rough clanking sound to reach them as he begins speaking, "You guys don't recognise me? It's Afton." he states.

This quickly calms them, the King's relationship with the NCR had been steadily degrading since they basically declared war on him... After the 'terrorist' attack that the NCR hadn't been able to link to him it hadn't gotten any better, but it must be remembered that Afton was the one to first help the two groups at reconciling.

He makes small talk with them as they joke and bluster about his armour, but eventually he gets to what he wanted to ask. "So, what's this I hear about 'Vigilante' around here?"

"Oh, you mean that guy? I dunno where he came from, but I ain't ever seen anything like it. He crawls on walls like an insect and can punch men clear through concrete walls..."

...

Afton raises a brow as he hears the vigilante's description, he thought he might've misheard them, but when they repeat themselves he feels like the world is folding in on itself... "Hey... Do you know what he calls himself?"

The King nods, "Yeah, guy's a weirdo calling himself 'Scorpion-Man'."

Afton scoffs but holds his mouth to block the nervous laughter threatening to escape, "S-Scorpion-Man? He doesn't run around in a skintight red and blue suit, right?"

The man shrugs, "No, nothing so stupid... He wears yellow and green body armour with a mask though."

Afton stops himself from facepalming and releases a long sigh, "Alright, I'm gonna try and meet this guy, know where he operates?"

"The boys say he's been beatin' thugs in the Northeastern slums... Might just be rumours though."

Afton nods, "Anything I should know before I head out? He ain't gonna magically shoot a scorpion tail outta his ass or something?"

The King shakes his head, "I never heard him do anything like that... I'd be careful though, must be callin' himself Scorpion-Man for some reason."

Afton leaves the Kings, easily pushing the gate open with his Power armour reinforced strength before stepping into Freeside... Obviously, his presence draws everyone's attention, even the few patrolling NCR soldiers, but no one dares impede his path, no doubt rumours of what went down in the Fort had reached even here.

He pulls up the large hood on his leather duster and heads straight for the slums. Due to the time of day, not many 'thugs' are out and about, but just because their numbers are lower than usual doesn't mean they've disappeared.

He walks around the slums a couple times, his eyes peeled for any movement, but doesn't spot his target... Either he's being avoided, or the Spider-man knockoff has no reason to reveal himself. Afton was honestly betting on the latter, meaning he'd need to make a reason.