Meeting Boone and Joining Forces
From the moment you step into Novac, the stoic figure of Boone, perched atop the dinosaur statue, commands attention. His crimson beret and ever-present sniper rifle hint at a past scarred by loss and tragedy. Boone isn’t just another gun for hire in the Mojave Wasteland; he’s a complex character burdened by a horrific memory, a memory that the quest “I Forgot to Remember to Forget” forces him, and you, to confront. This quest is pivotal to understanding Boone, his motivations, and the potential for his redemption. This article will act as a guide through Boone’s questline, “I Forgot to Remember to Forget” examining its complexities, moral ambiguities, and the profound impact it has on one of New Vegas’s most memorable companions. Prepare to delve into the shadows of Boone’s past and decide what kind of justice, if any, can be found in the brutal world of Fallout.
Finding Boone is the first step. Head to Novac, the town easily identified by its giant dinosaur, Dinky. Boone spends his days and nights watching over the town from Dinky’s mouth. However, simply finding him isn’t enough; you’ll need to earn his trust. To recruit Boone as a companion, you must first complete the quest “One for My Baby.” This quest involves investigating the disappearance of Boone’s wife, Carla. After this quest is complete you will be able to get Boone to join as a companion.
Boone offers more than just firepower to your adventures in New Vegas. His companion perk, “Spotter,” is invaluable, highlighting hostile targets from a considerable distance. This makes him an ideal scouting partner and a formidable combatant, particularly at long range. However, Boone’s strength lies not only in his combat prowess but also in the haunting backstory that fuels his actions. Understanding his past is crucial to grasping the weight of the quest that awaits.
The Spark of Remembrance Initiating the Quest
The quest “I Forgot to Remember to Forget” doesn’t announce itself with a quest marker. It’s a slow burn, a gradual uncovering of buried memories. The key to triggering the quest lies in Boone’s beret and your actions while he accompanies you. Wearing the beret while in Boone’s company makes him a much more sensitive and triggered companion.
The quest is initiated when Boone reacts to specific individuals connected to his tragic past. He will make snide comments or have a negative reaction towards specific people that may not make sense unless you know what you are looking for. These reactions are subtle at first, easily missed if you aren’t paying close attention to his dialogue and behavior. This ambiguity is part of what makes the quest so compelling but also frustrating for some players.
Tracking Down the Truth
The core of “I Forgot to Remember to Forget” lies in gathering evidence and piecing together the events surrounding the sale of Boone’s wife, Carla, to Caesar’s Legion. This involves visiting key locations, speaking to specific NPCs, and meticulously examining clues. These places usually involve different parts of the Mojave wasteland.
One such location is Bitter Springs, where the Great Khans reside, a tribe with ties to the Legion. Questioning the Great Khans and exploring their territory can reveal fragments of information. Another crucial location is Cottonwood Cove, a Legion outpost. Infiltrating this area and observing the Legion’s activities can provide further insights into the events that led to Carla’s fate. Gathering evidence is not always straightforward; it often requires navigating tricky dialogue options, passing skill checks, and even resorting to stealth or combat.
Unmasking the Guilty Party
The culmination of your investigation leads to a critical decision: identifying the person responsible for Carla’s sale. Several suspects may emerge during your investigation, each with varying degrees of involvement. Some may have been directly complicit, while others may have been unwitting accomplices.
One potential suspect is Jeannie May Crawford, the owner of the Dino Dee-lite Motel in Novac. Her seemingly friendly demeanor masks a possible connection to the Legion. Another suspect is Curtis, an NCR officer stationed at Camp McCarran. Evidence suggests he may have been involved in shady dealings with the Legion. Carefully weigh the evidence against each suspect before making your accusation. The wrong choice can have dire consequences, not only for Boone but also for your own reputation.
The Moment of Reckoning
Once you’ve identified the culprit, the time comes for a confrontation. This confrontation can take different forms, depending on your choices and the evidence you’ve gathered. You can confront the accused directly, presenting them with the evidence and demanding an explanation. Alternatively, you can stage a trap, luring them into a situation where their guilt is exposed.
Regardless of your approach, the confrontation is likely to be tense and potentially violent. The accused may deny the charges, attempt to escape, or even attack you. Prepare for a fight and be ready to defend yourself. Boone’s reaction to your actions is crucial. He will be watching closely, judging whether you have made the right choice. His approval or disapproval will significantly impact your relationship and his overall demeanor.
Paths Diverged The Spectrum of Outcomes
“I Forgot to Remember to Forget” doesn’t have a single, clear-cut ending. The outcome depends entirely on your choices and the evidence you present.
If you accuse the wrong person, Boone will be furious. He will abandon your party, disgusted by your incompetence and lack of judgment. This outcome will damage your relationship with Boone and may make it impossible to recruit him again. If you choose to let the culprit go unpunished, Boone will be deeply disappointed. While he may not leave your party, his trust in you will be diminished. This outcome will prevent Boone from finding closure and may perpetuate his cycle of grief and anger.
The “ideal” ending involves accurately identifying the guilty party and delivering justice. This outcome will provide Boone with a sense of closure, allowing him to begin the long process of healing. He will express his gratitude and deepen his loyalty to you.
Morality and Its Shadows Navigating Gray Areas
“I Forgot to Remember to Forget” is not a simple tale of good versus evil. It delves into complex moral issues, forcing players to confront the gray areas of the Mojave Wasteland.
The quest raises questions about the nature of justice and revenge. Is it justifiable to seek revenge for past wrongs? Or is forgiveness the only path to healing? Boone’s trauma and PTSD play a significant role in his actions and decisions. His past experiences have shaped his worldview and made him suspicious of others. As the player, you have the opportunity to influence Boone’s healing process. Your choices can either help him confront his demons or perpetuate his cycle of pain.
Strategies for Unearthing the Truth
Navigating “I Forgot to Remember to Forget” can be challenging. Here are a few tips to help you uncover the truth and achieve the best possible outcome:
Talk to everyone: Exhaust all dialogue options with NPCs in Novac, Bitter Springs, and Cottonwood Cove. You never know where you might find a crucial piece of information. Pay attention to Boone’s reactions: Wear Boone’s beret and pay close attention to his reactions to specific individuals. His comments and behavior can provide valuable clues. Gather evidence: Collect any documents, items, or recordings that may be relevant to the quest. These pieces of evidence can be used to support your accusations. Use your skills: Utilize your skills in Speech, Science, and Lockpick to gather information and access restricted areas. Avoid common mistakes: Don’t jump to conclusions or accuse someone without sufficient evidence. Carefully weigh all the facts before making your decision.
After the Storm What Comes Next?
Completing “I Forgot to Remember to Forget” will profoundly impact Boone’s personality and his relationship with you. He may become more open and trusting, sharing more about his past experiences. This quest is not simply an adventure. It is an exploration of loss, memory, and the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion. It is a quest that will stay with you long after you leave the Mojave Wasteland.
Boone’s Enduring Legacy A Character That Stays With You
Boone’s stoic exterior hides a deep well of pain and regret. He is not simply a companion; he is a character with a compelling story to tell. “I Forgot to Remember to Forget” allows players to delve into Boone’s past, confront his demons, and help him find a path towards redemption. Boone remains a fan favorite due to his combat abilities, but primarily, his compelling storyline, and his interesting dialogue.
The story of Boone is a stark reminder of the complexities of the human condition, and the enduring power of memory. Ultimately, “I Forgot to Remember to Forget” invites us to reflect on the choices we make, the consequences we face, and the enduring search for meaning in a world filled with suffering. Now, venture into the Mojave, recruit Boone, wear his beret, and experience the quest first hand to better understand the man who guards Novac with his life. His quest is one that will change how you play New Vegas forever.
