Chaos. That is what it has come to. It’s all that Arcade can see as he looks through the screens of the central computer in the Lucky 38. Cameras across New Vegas show the complete breakdown of order. Everything Operation Hearth had hoped to accomplish failed and spectacularly backfired in the worst way possible. Corruption and deceit had overtaken the Strip once again. Freeside and the New Sector have been consumed by gang-warfare and rampant crime. The Mojave was weakened, vulnerable to outside entities, and barely able to support itself as new bandits fill the void left by the absence of former groups like the Powder Gangers. And there isn’t much Arcade can do about it, and that tears him apart. With the Council dissolved and the Courier still gone, Arcade is left alone, with no support, no help, no one there to guide him. Except for Yes Man. But that doesn’t spur much inspiration or confidence in Arcade.
As he stares at the screens, a Securitron comes up to him, “Sir, there is important news from Goodsprings.” Arcade sighs, “What is it?” “Another attack,” The Securitron states, “Around seven estimated dead, another dozen injured.” Arcade closes his eyes and tries to contain himself as a mix of emotions threaten to surface up. “Dispatch a squad of Securitrons-“ Arcade is interrupted by Yes Man who beams, “I’m afraid that’s out of the realm of possibility! Our Securitrons are struggling as is to maintain order in the Mojave with these outbursts of attacks!” Arcade slams his fists against the computers, “I know!” Arcade takes a moment to breath and calm down, but it doesn’t help. Overwhelmed, Arcade turns to the Securitron, “Just. . .tell the Followers to get medics there.” The Securitron hurries away on its mission, leaving Arcade alone once again, where he completely breaks down, tears running down his face. There is no Courier here, no knight in shining armor, no savior of the wastes. Just one man left in a pit of chaos.
