

This quest and Restoring Hope can be done in any order, despite the obvious fact that the NCR, upon taking control of the town, should have released the hostages themselves.

(This is why he knows his wife is dead, but won't say how he knows.) It's a very personal thing with Boone: you find out at the end that he'd felt compelled to shoot his own wife dead to save her from Legion slavery in a situation where he was alone and it was impossible to release her by attacking.

After rescuing the hostages, Craig Boone will voice his opinion of the operation, stating that mercy killing is a "last resort". The player will gain one 'point' if they kill the hostages, and two 'points' if they rescue them.
