The people who live in the northeastern Mojave, at Nellis Air Force Base, are not at all fond of entertaining guests. These hermits speak only the language of the "big guns" and are ready to smash any well-wisher into the ground with an artillery shell—it's not for nothing that they're called "bombers" in these parts.
To befriend them, you'll need to pass a test not of eloquence, but of agility and reflexes. As soon as we get close to the airbase, they'll open fire on us with howitzers. Keep to the left side of the village, wait out the artillery barrages in the ruined houses, and as soon as the ground beneath your feet stops shaking, run to the next shelter. You'll be relatively safe near the base perimeter.
The clan of bombers is quite friendly to us. Mother Pearl will immediately name us the Chosen One and ask us to rid her people of the multitude of misfortunes accumulated over years of isolation from the outside world. During our stay at the airbase, we will have time to be a repairman, an insect killer, and even a cupid who connects hearts.
Bad Ants (Raquel)
Ants have made a nest in the generator room. Raquel asks you to eliminate them and restore the power supply. The adept has an "insect repellent"—help him fix the device (Science or Speech 50) and you'll receive a sonic emitter. It's best to leave the ED-E facility outside when entering—the ants explode if shot with an energy weapon. Killing all the insects isn't necessary. Find the anthill, plant the device, and activate it—the problem is solved. Don't forget to collect ammunition, the unique "Boom-Boom" grenade launcher, and turn on the generators. Raquel will give you experience, good reputation with the bombers, and words of gratitude.
Boogie Woogie (Adept)
Let's go repair the solar panels on the roof of the building where we exterminated insects. If your repair skill is above 65, you can repair them without using parts. If your science is also high, productivity will also increase by 50% (that's extra experience). Having trouble with repairs and science? Head to HELIOS One for parts. Reward: experience, reputation, and a thank you from the Adept.
Young Hearts (Jack)
A young mechanic has fallen in love with a girl from the Red Caravan and sends us on a reconnaissance mission to find out if their feelings are mutual. This is a completely conversational quest: we run around to marked targets, sometimes persuading them with eloquence (50 - Pearl, 75 - Alice) or barter (65 - Alice, instead of eloquence). Just don't try to lie to Janet - she'll die under artillery fire, and the quest will fail. I recommend clearing the road from the Red Caravan to the airbase beforehand to ensure the girl arrives in Nellis without incident.
To the sky! (Mother Pearl)
The main faction quest – completing it will earn you a Steam achievement. First, we'll work as a benefactor and solve the base's inhabitants' problems (see related quests), and once we become an "idol" or "favorite" for the Bombers, we'll be told about the mysterious Underwater Lady. The goal is to attach pontoons to the Bomber and raise it from the bottom of Lake Mead. Before doing so, ask Jack to craft an underwater breathing apparatus – with a Science skill of 45, he can do it without the need for parts. Completing the quest will earn you experience, a reputation boost, and a faction costume as a souvenir.
The Bombers offer several unmarked quests:
- Jack is always short of parts for repairs - he will reward us with good fame for a pile of scrap metal.
- You can significantly increase your reputation by visiting the museum and listening to Pete about the history of the bombers, as well as by successfully completing various skill tests in dialogue with him.
- Doctor Argil has three seriously injured patients at the medical center. Treat them (Medicine 40, 50, and 60) to earn a good reputation.
- You can find a girl named Lindsey at the school or the children's dormitory; her teddy bear, Mr. Buddy, has disappeared. Look for the toy in the hangar; it's lying on the floor between the containers. As a thank you, you'll receive the Bomber Fame.
Bombers
The Vault 34 survivors, not previously seen in the series. After leaving their home, they fought with savage tribes until they found the abandoned Nellis Air Force Base, where they established a stronghold. It is surrounded by mountains, the perimeter is heavily guarded, and any living creature spotted in the vicinity is immediately met with artillery fire. The leader of the community is Mother Pearl. The people are not hostile, but have lived in isolation for over two hundred years. The Bombers' only dream is to launch a bomber from Lake Mead and rule the skies, dropping bombs on their enemies. If we gain the group's trust, they will help us in the battle for Hoover Dam, regardless of which side we choose.
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