Really enjoyed reading this. It's probably not as filled out as some stories but still very interested in reading the sequel.

Way to go making a human courier and also making a great story set in a video game as opposed to writing a video game play through. Off to the sequel I go.

Well, leaving a review on a story completed so long ago feels more like performing archeology than giving feedback, but let's get to it.

The Courier is kind of a major fuckup, and it's strangely very refreshing and actually kind of endearing. The fact her chem problem is something that's not addressed and not something we see her having some sort of constant intrapersonal crisis about it-which is how addiction is often portrayed in fiction-is a quality aspect of her character. Wanting to do right, but not being sure what it is. Who'd have thought that having 'previous work experience' that consisted of: "mailman" and "shot in the head" didn't qualify you for the mix of violence and diplomacy that is New Vegas politics?

Boone is also done well. You did a good job of capturing his sort of stoic, intensely private demeanor. We as a reader don't get to know too much about what's going on in his head, which adds a nice level of uncertainty to their budding relationship.

The pacing, both overarching and within individual scenes, is done very well; it's descriptive, but fast paced and doesn't dwell on the scenery too much, which suits the sort of, "figure out a plan as you go along" mentality the Courier tackles the plot with. It does a good job of making the reader feel like they're hovering over her shoulder and watching things unfold.

On the whole, it's a solidly written piece that uses the plot we already know to explore new character aspects.

I keep coming back to reread this story, I love it so much! Thank you!

Lol. The fact that you can "do" Benny always made me laugh my arse off... every time I see someone tries to novelized that's always hilarious...

Great ending and timeskip. I reallyl ike how you tackled the real complications of setting up an autonomous entity like New Vegas, and then managing it without either delegating to Yes Man or having the multi-tasking hybrid that is Mr. House. Once more, the Courier's decision kinds of comes back to bite her in the ass, but not entirely.

Very curious about the sequel, though I don't know yet when I'll tackle it. I'll definitely put it on the list though. Amazing work throughout here, and if you keep growing into this new, more novel-like format, then I'm quite sure it's gonna be even better than this one.

Sincerely, and thank you,
Alexeij

The action wasn't bad at all. Realistic, even, if slightly unbalanced in how much weight the companions actually have compared to hundreds of robots and soldiers, but still pretty nice.

The Enclave Remnants and Veronica rock, and yeah, maybe Lanius' end was a bit anti-climatic, but he's really a man, and tanking several AMR shots to the chest is beastly enough. Also, didn't quite catch why Olivier is absent... did they chuck him down the Dam already? The spies got him, maybe.

One chapter to the end now. I've spent a very pleasant evening reading through this.

Things are shaping up well, and really, with how things went down at the Fort, the battle should be a pushover. On the other hand, I have a bad feeling about our lovable duo, and Lily. Dunno why.

Med-X is probably the worst shit she could get hooked up on. It just... shuts out the world with warm and comfort, when it's the last thing she should do.

Well, wow. Saying anything else would take away from the conundrum beauty of this chapter.

Benny is creeping me out. I0m smelling some bad chems on the horizon.

Also, things have finally come to an head. I say you built it up nice, from the horror and guilt on the Courier's part to Boone's inner conflict and own guilt. I wonder where their personal showdown will take place now.

Very touching scene, with the trains coming and going. I like talky, and I feel like the Courier is reaching a breaking point, being squeezed and pulled and not really knowing what to do with herself at this point.

I actually think that Boone going back to First Recon after the Battle while she stays in Vegas would make for some real dramatic potential, but then again, nearly everything regarding Boone makes for dramatic potential.

I can't really say how much I like this fic. It's just that I read the dialogue, and I get this complex image of the characters interacting, shifting, their expressions and gestuality and tone just out of their lines.

So she's a junkie. Whoa, that's heavy, but I recall you'd left a few hints in a couple of chapters at least. I like that your Courier is conflicted on the fate fo Vegas and is essentially struggling under all the responsibiliy. Her criteria of judgement might not be very articulate or overly sound, but she's got her feet planted on the ground, so she ought to make a solid decision any way.

Nice chapter, really. It's also kind of fitting, but sad, to see Boone open up more nearly out of necessity, to keep her awake and avoind uncounsciousness from bloodloss. I also agree with you on Manny's jealousy being a driving force.

The Besties Saga expands. I quite like the format you have here, short meaningful snippets cruising the story along at crucial and not-so-crucial points. Benny makes a few good points, while I think the Courier is quite naive of the NCR's intentions: after all, the money spinning in Vegas is nearly entirely NCR money already. The Bear is in the Mojave for the energy and the prestige, and Vegas falls only in the latter category.

That's... not a very flattering portrait of Carla. At least, not compared to some of the near-sainthood versions you see floating around.

'I keep expecting someone to recognize me. But they never do.' Very poignant, and I'm torn between imagining her saying those words in relief, or disappointment. Maybe a little bit or both, who knows. Something I guess you will have expanded in the sequels?