Oh. Oh. He sees how it is, Neil Park. Arcade throws Neil a dirty look before trying to enter the conversation again.

Except when he looks back, Richards is watching him blush with a satisfied expression. My god, Arcade is thirty-seven, why is this man making him feel like he's twenty? He inhales, and attempts words. Smart words. Impressive words. "You've done more work here than I have elsewhere if we're comparing. Alex says that you're the solitary reason most of Novac isn't dead."

And with that, like many people they've spoken with this week, Richards lights up. Unlike Rivas, Richards' reaction is pure joy without any interest. "Alex? He of the white-hair and eyes that would make you melt?"

Arcade blinks, attempting to dispose of that imagery quickly. "Courier Six, the white-haired courier: Hero of Hoover Dam and Messiah of the Mojave, yes. All of his fun little titles." Arcade is sure there is more.

Richards is already nodding however. "So the other rumor is true as well. You're part of the Lucky 38 group."

Arcade shifts, mildly uncomfortable. "Possibly. I didn't fight at the Dam--"

"No," Richards says smoothly. "You were out doing something better. Saving the lives that needed help."

And Arcade stares. Again.