Jackson is an ex-slave who freed himself by killing his former master, the house slaves, and everyone in his master’s family. He likes to repeat quotes from his master about how he is sub-human, as a reminder to himself that his cause is just.

Of course, part of it could be seen as a justification for his actions rather than a desire for justice, as in “You wanted a monster, you got one.”  Either way he’s not a man of many words and definitely the brooding, masculine type.

Initial Greeting

(quoting his former slavemaster)
“A slave is not a man. He’s a tool. And a tool has no soul. It deserves no pity. It feels no pain.”

That’s not something I believe.
Best not. Those aren’t the words of any preacher. And if you believe them, then we have a problem.

Everything has a soul. Even a broom.
Then everything on your back is a slave. And if you call yourself a master, then we have a problem.

I don’t believe in souls or gods of any kind.
A man without a soul is a slave to himself. And if you believe in slavery, you and me, we have a problem.

Wise words.
If you think them words wise, then you and me, we have a problem.

No problem.
Good.

Maybe we do have a problem.
There is no “maybe.” We’re either good, and you walk on by, or we got problems, and I run you out.

Shit, I was just trying to chat. But if you’re gonna be an ass, whatever.
Then go.

(collar he’s referring to is his slave collar)
Yeah, I got a problem with your face. Really though, it’s kind of asymmetrical.
Then I don’t give a shit. So long as you don’t have a problem with my collar, then as far as I know, you don’t exist.

What was that quote about slavery?
I like to quote my so-called master. It keeps the blood at the right temperature.

Why do you still wear your slave collar?
It’s a reminder. For me, and the men I kill.

Are you member of the Temple?
No. I didn’t earn my freedom to stay in one place.

Would you consider joining them?
You got it wrong. I’m not one of them, and I never will be.
I don’t run from who I am, and I don’t hide from any slaver.
They’re the ones who need to look over their shoulders. Me, I sleep with both eyes closed.

What are your thoughts on Hannibal?
Hmph. Guy talks about Lincoln a lot, says he freed the slaves.
Well, if he did, then why the fuck am I wearing a collar?

How did you become a slave?
I was weak.

That’s it? You were just weak?
That’s the only reason that matters.

Sounds almost like you’re blaming yourself.
Sounds like it’s none of your goddamn business.

Anyone who gets enslaved usually is.
No, not usually. Always.

No, you weren’t.
Yeah, I was.

Do you consider yourself strong now?
If I wasn’t, I’d be wearing this collar, but I wouldn’t be wearing this head.

How did you escape?
I walked out the front door. Right after I put everyone else in the ground.

Were there any other survivors?
Just two. The one who helped me, and the one who got away.
One, I don’t care if he lives. The other…well, I aim to correct that mistake.

Who is this man you want dead?
He was the barber. Ten years he shaved that man’s neck and didn’t give him so much as a nick.
That man owes me time, and I’m gonna collect.

Where can I find this slaver’s house?
Show me your map. (pause) Yeah, it’s right there. Right next to old Dukov’s place. Can’t miss it.

There’s a gap in your story. How did you kill your jailers wearing that collar?
The collar is like a gun. Out in the wastes, everyone has one. But not everyone can pull the trigger.
Didn’t matter at first though. It was the fear that kept us in line.

So what changed?
A slave from Vault 101. He convinced me if I wanted to be free, I had to become the monster they said I was.
So one day I woke up, walked into that house and killed them all. Every man, woman, and child.
When I finally came for the master, he had the remote in his hand. But all it took was a second – just a moment of hesitation – for me to snap his neck.

That’s all the questions I have.
Good. But I have a question for you. You the one they call the Lone Wanderer?

Yeah. That’s me.
Well, you should know, that slave from the vault said he was looking for you.  Said you were an old friend.
But judging by the look on his face, I doubt that man has anything of the sort.

Never heard of him.
Well, if you see him, tell him a slave from vault 101 is looking for him. Said they were old friends.

Well, if you see her, tell her a slave from vault 101’s looking for her. 

 

Hellos
Yeah?
What now?

Goodbye
Uh-huh.
Fine.
Good.

These are quotes from his former master he uses to keep his edge. Oddly enough, he kind of says it like a dinner prayer, something you say as part of your daily ritual.

“We were never equal, you and me. That was a lie. And when the war was over, you learned the truth.”

“As a slave you have no mind. It’s only through my will that you stop being a savage.”

“A slave is a knife, sharp and bloody. As your master, I’ve put you in my hand and given you a place at the table.”

“Your pride will be your failing, beast. You don’t know yourself.”
Heh. That one he said with my hands on his throat.

new quest stuff

Didn’t think I’d see you again.

What are you doing here?
I heard there was some free men living in Rivet City.
I thought this might be a good place to ask if anyone’s seen that barber.

Same here. But I’m glad to see a familiar face.
Huh, not many people are glad to see this face. But that’s usually because I’m pointing a gun.

You’re lucky I didn’t mistake you for one of them.
Then you need to get a better feel for your target. Me, I know whose face I hunt. And I’d never confuse him with someone else.

You helped killed Gabriel’s men. Whose side are you on?
Nobody’s but my own. That man may have taught me to not to fear, but I’m the one who killed our master.
As far as I’m concerned, we’re even.

 

Maybe you can come with us. We could use the extra hand.

No thanks. I have my own business to take care of. And one favor is more than enough.

But if you’d like to repay it, come by the Temple when you’re done hunting your man. By then, I may have a lead on mine.

Any leads on the man you’re hunting?
Not yet. But I’ll let you know if that changes.

Jackson Combat Dialogue

You’re dead!

Too easy!

Ugh!

Agh!

Come get some!