In Fallout: New Vegas, navigating corporate interests and trade rivalries forms a major part of exploring the Mojave region. "You Can Depend On Me" is a key side quest given by Alice McLafferty, executive at the Crimson Caravan Company near New Vegas. Fulfilling these corporate objectives provides caps and reputation while tying directly into larger story arcs involving companions and faction endings.
Starting the Quest and Key Objectives
To begin the quest, players must speak with Alice McLafferty at the Crimson Caravan main office. She assigns multiple corporate errands designed to eliminate competition and secure regional supply routes. These tasks involve negotiating contracts, delivering official invoices, and gathering industrial intelligence on rival groups.
Buying Out Cassidy Caravan
One primary task requires persuading Rose of Sharon Cass to sell her family trading company to Crimson Caravan. Players need a Speech or Barter skill of at least 50 to convince her through dialogue or challenge her in a drinking contest. Successfully acquiring her agreement allows her to become available as a full companion.
Stealing Gun Runner Specifications
An optional objective asks players to infiltrate the heavily guarded Gun Runners manufacturing facility. Remaining undetected while downloading terminal weapon blueprints yields the maximum payout of 500 caps. Getting caught or causing casualties significantly reduces the cap reward paid by McLafferty upon turn-in.
Quest Outcomes and Long-Term Consequences
Completing all assigned objectives grants substantial cap rewards, experience points, and positive Crimson Caravan standing. However, aiding McLafferty can intertwine with Cass's companion quest, Heartache by the Number, which uncovers corporate corruption. Choosing a peaceful resolution exposes Crimson Caravan's practices, leading to regulatory shifts and legal penalties detailed in the game's ending slides.