Flak

Flak is a former slaver from Paradise Falls, who chose to start a new life in Rivet City. He runs the Flak 'N Shrapnel's weapons store in the marketplace together with his partner, Shrapnel, and appears . 
His non-stereotypical portrayal is a major part of the game's LGBT representation.
==Background==
Born around , Flak was a slaver in his younger years, running with the Paradise Falls slavers. After years and years of trading in human lives, Flak chose to make a clean break and begin a new life at Rivet City. To get in, he provided the security force with details of slaver operations. He got in, but the slavers would very much like to get their hands on him and make him suffer for the betrayal. However, there are few takers for the contract, since even after half a century of living, Flak's incredibly tough, knows his way around guns, and is no stranger to killing. 
He has been able to live in the City for years in peace,
Lone Wanderer : "Know anything about the history of Rivet City?"
Flak : "'Fraid I can't help you, pal. Been here for years, but all I know about the history is that it's a safe place to settle down. Maybe Bannon can help you out. He sure acts like he knows it all."(Flak.txt) focusing on running the gun shop with his partner,ShrapnelSleepSat23x8 and ShrapnelSleep3x8NotSat packages reference not a bed or their room marker (FlakShrapnelRoom), but Flak directly. This is distinct from other characters, including those in assumed relationships such as the Youngs, and, in fact, unique to Flak and Shrapnel. A side effect of the package is that Shrapnel will travel to Flak, even if he's enslaved at Paradise Falls. Shrapnel, an ex-raider. His homosexuality is not a secret, and Flak never hid it, even from slavers, and nobody seems to pay them any mind.Grouse: " We need to keep a close eye on that one, though. He knows our system too well. "(Grouse's dialogue) It helps that Flak's experiences and doing business at Rivet City tempered his attitude, making him almost polite - for a former slaver, of course.
He's been living at Rivet City and running guns for years, developing a rapport with its citizens and security force. He approaches marketing by encouraging potential customers to visit his shop and upgradeFlak : "I'm Flak. If you want something better than that stick of yours, stop by Flak and Shrapnel's."(Flak.txt)Flak : "I'm Flak. If you want a decent weapon, stop by Flak and Shrapnel's."(Flak.txt) (he's a big believer in superior firepower).
Flak : "I'm Flak. If you want something better than that peashooter, stop by Flak and Shrapnel's."
Flak : "This peashooter has saved my ass more than once."
Flak : "I'm sure that was just luck. You should upgrade. Check out our shop in the market."(Flak.txt) As Flak and Shrapnel specialize in a broad range of weapons, including big guns, it's not difficult to find a more powerful weapon.Flak : "Do you have the big stuff? Flamers, Missile Launchers, stuff like that?"
Flak : "We usually have a few. I'd have to check the inventory. Stop by the shop. Either Shrapnel or I will show you what we've got."(Flak.txt) Flak is practical, though: He keeps the worst condition weapons as display pieces, and the ones actually intended for sale are locked up.
Flak : "This is quite a selection, but they're all in lousy condition."
Flak : "I don't put the good stuff out on the table. If you're interested, I can show you the stuff in the locker."(Flak.txt) However, he doesn't practice the hard sell: Once a customer is in the shop, he'll give them the space needed to make a decision and wait for them to call, rather than push any of his wares.
Flak : "This here is Flak and Shrapnel's gun shop. Pretty catchy, huh? Take a look around. If you see anything you like, I'll be right over here."(Flak.txt)
Flak : "Decided to check out the shop, eh? If you want any of this shit, just holler."(Flak.txt)Brock : ""Flak, I'm running low on ammo. What do you have in stock?" "
Flak : ""I got a little of everything. Go ahead and pick out what you want." "(Flak.txt) As a result, business is generally good, and new items keep coming in,Harkness : ""Hey, Flak. How's business?" "
Flak : ""Can't complain. I've got some new stuff in. You should come by and take a look." "(Flak.txt) though Flak would like a little more balance: They primarily sell ammunition, rather than weapons, as people are taking good care of their guns and don't need replacements.
Vera Weatherly : ""Hello Flak. How's business?" "
Flak : ""Ammo's moving, but not the guns. They just don't break down like they used to." "(Flak.txt) They do need maintenance, and Flak also provides the service: He's contracted by the security force to repair their weapons, whenever Commander Danvers asks.
Commander Danvers : ""Hello, Flak. I've got a couple of pistols that need repair. I'll bring them by tomorrow." "
Flak : ""Bring them by anytime." "(Flak.txt) Especially difficult repairs are passed on to Seagrave Holmes, though Flak usually breaks these down for parts instead.
Shrapnel : ""I can't get that god damned laser pistol working. Think I should ask Seagrave to look at it?" "
Flak : ""Nah. Just break it down for parts." "(Flak.txt)
Flak is a fan of mirelurk cakes, and typically orders two when dining at Gary's Galley.Flak : "Gary, two Mirelurk Cakes. And make it quick. "Gary Staley : "Coming up, Flak. "(Rivet City conversations) He rarely has anything other, and even encouragement to try something else, like iguana-on-a-stick, will fail. Too tough and salty, it seems.
Cindy Cantelli : ""Hi, Flak. I hear the Iguana on a Stick is good today." "
Flak : ""Really? I heard it was tough and too salty. I think I'll have Mirelurk Cakes instead." "(Flak.txt) He also enjoys smoking cigarettesMember of SmokerFaction and drinking beer - on its own or with his cakes.Flak at the Muddy Ruder: ""Mirelurk Cakes, and a beer." "(Flak.txt)Flak at the Muddy Rudder: ""Get me a beer." "(Flak.txt) He sometimes overindulges and has to deal with the Rudder's bouncer, though the two have a respectful relationship.Brock : ""Let's not have a repeat of the other day, Flak." "
Flak : ""Don't worry. I'll keep it under control tonight." "(Flak.txt) He does get short with anyone trying to interrupt his drinking, especially Father Clifford trying to get between him and his mighty sweet temptation.Father Clifford : ""Forsake the evils of alcohol, Flak. They tempt you with oblivion when you should be glorifying God." "
Flak : ""It's a mighty sweet temptation, Father. Now leave me the fuck alone." "(Flak.txt)Note: May only occur when both Father Clifford and Flak are in the Muddy Rudder (between 7 to 10 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; if Shrapnel is dead, then they will only overlap between 9 to 10 p.m. instead). However, Flak's response incorrectly targets himself instead of the father, so it will not play. 
===Relationships===
Shrapnel is the closest relationship Flak has, with the two maintaining professional appearances while at work. Flak has a tendency to worry overly much in Shrapnel's opinion, especially when it comes to stock such as ammunition: What Shrapnel considers fine, Flak thinks low.Flak : "How's our ammo inventory? It was getting low yesterday. "Shrapnel : "It's fine. You worry too much. "(Rivet City conversations) He's direct, but friendly with some of his key customers, especially Brock, who buys 10mm ammunition most often.Flak : "Hey, Brock. Looking for more 10mm ammo? "
Brock : "Not today. I've got enough for a while. "(Rivet City conversations) Brock treats him with respect, a rarity for the dive bar bouncer. He is friendly towards Vera Weatherly, who visits his shop both to restock and for social calls. However, while she is a capable shot with a pistol,Flak : "Business or pleasure, Vera? "
Vera Weatherly : "I just stopped by to say hello. And to see if you have anything new for sale. "(Rivet City conversations) she doesn't enjoy violence. Target practice on the flight deck is fine, but small talk about using living creatures for the same purposes tends to make her sick.Flak : "Hello Vera. I think I heard a Mirelurk off the starboard side. Think I'll get in some target practice. "
Vera Weatherly : "You go do what you have to. I don't want to watch that. "(Rivet City conversations) He will also chat up Harkness, the security chief.Flak : "The deck is quiet tonight. "
Harkness : "Good thing too. I don't feel like busting heads tonight. "(Rivet City conversations) Still, the two practice together when they can.Vera Weatherly : ""Here for some target practice, Flak?" "Flak : ""I'm thinking about firing off a couple." "(Flak.txt)NOTE: Intended to only occur when Vera and Flak are both on the Rivet City flight deck. However, their schedules for this do not overlap; Vera only goes there on the weekends, while Flak only goes there on Tuesdays and Thursdays. "(Flak.txt)
However, everyone outside Shrapnel is kept at arms' length. Flak will engage in small talk and politely thank for advice - especially if it's about bad food items at the galleySeagrave Holmes : ""Hey, Flak. I'd avoid the Iguana today. It gave me the runs yesterday." "
Flak : ""Thanks for the advice." "(Flak.txt) - but neither he nor Shrapnel talk about their past, no matter how much drinking they do.
Sister : ""Let me buy you a drink. You and Flak have a nice shop. Have you known him long? Was he born in Rivet City?" "
Shrapnel : ""Sure, I'll take a drink. Flak and I don't talk about our past. Everyone knows we weren't born on Rivet City though." "(Flak.txt) After all, Flak is a wanted man and making friends could potentially expose him to harm - and get him returned to Paradise Falls, where he'd be tortured endlessly for turning on the slavers.
He does have a soft spot for Trinnie, however, buying her drinks when she asks, pretending it's "just this once".
Trinnie : ""Flak, honey, buy me a drink. I'm short on caps, and I really need one." "
Flak : ""Okay, just this once. Belle, another beer for Trinnie." "(Flak.txt)
===Daily schedule===
Flak has two major conditions affecting his schedule: Whether Shrapnel is alive and whether Flack is enslaved. By default:
* Wakes up at 7:00.
* Has breakfast between 7:00 and 9:00 at Gary's Galley.
* Then moves back to the shop and sells weapons and ammunition until 23:00 each day, engaging other NPCs in conversation (the package is set to begin at 7 AM, which enables selling weapons to the player at any time in the market).
* Has lunch between 17:00 and 19:00.
** On Saturday, he has an additional dinner at the Galley between 21:00 and 23:00.
* Every Tuesday and Thursday he has a two hour walk on the flight deck, between 19:00 and 21:00.
* Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, he goes to the The Muddy Rudder to drink for three hours between 19:00 and 22:00.
* Goes to sleep at 23:00, sleeping for seven hours.
If Shrapnel dies (not possible in normal gameplay, as he's marked as essential), his schedule is altered:
* He eats his afternoon meal at the Galley at 21:00.
* Visits to the Muddy Rudder start at 21:00.
If enslaved, Flak's packages are disabled and he's moved to the slave house at Paradise Falls, with a single sandbox package.
==Interactions with the player character==
===Interactions overview===
===Quests===
* Strictly Business: Flak is one of four VIP targets that Grouse of Paradise Falls wants enslaved. In Flak's case, it is to capture and punish him for divulging slaver secrets to Rivet City.
** If Flak is enslaved by the player character for Paradise Falls, Flak 'N Shrapnel's in the marketplace will still be open under Shrapnel.
* Wasteland Survival Guide: Flak provides a very minor clue, pointing towards Bannon as a source of history about the city.
===Merchant===
* As gun merchants, Flak and Shrapnel consistently have a larger amount of caps than the other shops in Rivet City. Their shop can spawn every weapon in the game, and uses a separate spawn list for mini nukes, making them one of the only sources of the explosive devices.
==Inventory==
: 
==Notable quotes==
==Appearances==
Flak appears only .
==Behind the scenes==
Flak is named after the English term for anti-aircraft fire, coined during World War II from the German abbreviation for anti-aircraft gun (FlaK, from Flugabwehrkanone). 
==Bugs==
* If the player chooses to enslave Flak and then releases him from Paradise Falls, he may be found back in Rivet City doing his usual routine. The problem is he is now missing his dialogue options. When interacted with, he will just have a line stating "You saved me from those bastards. I won't forget it." This can be fixed by using the command on Flak. 
* If the player sells a good condition weapon and buys it back from Flak, the weapon will be in bad condition instead. 
* The target practice conversation can only occur when Vera and Flak are both on the Rivet City flight deck. However, their schedules for this do not overlap; Vera only goes there on the weekends, while Flak only goes there on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 
==Gallery==
FO3 Vera Weatherly and Flak.jpg|Flak speaking with Vera Weatherly
==References==
Non-game
Category:Rivet City characters
Category:Fallout 3 human characters
Category:Fallout 3 merchants
Category:Mesmerizable characters
Category:Fallout 3 slave characters
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