Speak to Sulik in the Buckner's Bar. He's looking for his sister, who was taken by slavers. He'll offer to join you if you help him find her. This is a good opportunity to recruit your first companion. Then, talk to Ma Buckner, who will tell you about her husband, Smiley, a trapper who went missing in the Toxic Caves.
- Head to the Toxic Caves: Located south of Klamath. Be wary of the toxic pools and the various creatures within.
- Navigate the Caves: The caves are a maze of tunnels. Look for a path that leads deeper. You'll encounter giant rats and perhaps some scorpions.
- Find Smiley: He's injured and trapped by a giant gecko. You can either kill the gecko or use your Doctor skill to heal Smiley and then convince him to leave.
- Return to Klamath: Escort Smiley back to Ma Buckner. She will reward you with experience and some caps.
This quest provides valuable early experience and introduces you to companion mechanics. Smiley's location is usually in the deepest part of the caves, often guarded by a particularly tough gecko.