Most Serene Key Republic delegation- Bartholomew Hemingway / Alexander Suttbray

Bartholomew could hardly contain the urge to shiver in the face of young Marie’s withering gaze. The girl unnerved him on a level he couldn’t quite describe. In his youth, Bartholomew had seen some off-putting things, to say the least. The Garden held many things not meant to be gazed upon by the eyes of men, and he had unfortunately witnessed them, but this teenager’s simple gaze elicited the same primal fear which he had felt back in those days. Bartholomew peered down at his broken watch, avoiding Marie’s eyes for a moment. The abnormally long and skinny fingers of his right hand all took a turn rapping the glass, resulting in six sharp clicks.

Having collected himself a bit, Bartholomew looked back up, focusing just above Marie’s eyes. “Trade was at the top of our agenda, of course. Your refurbishing of the Pittsburgh steel mills is of particular interest to us, as steel is currently in rather high demand in Key West. At the moment, most of Key West’s trade is funneled through the small port of Point Lookout, with travel further westward being deemed too risky for most Key merchants. However, in the interest of its citizens, the Most Serene Key Republic would like to negotiate the safe passage of Key merchants into some of your eastern territory, to better facilitate efficient trade. As it stands now, the conflict between your own people and the Church of Atom keeps many Point Lookout-borne goods from reaching your… nation.”

Bartholomew said all of this with a practiced culture and grace, delivering it in his Floridian drawl. Despite his outer decorum, however, he still remained unnerved by the girl. This situation did not become much better when a fly suddenly dropped onto her plate with a soft sound, seemingly dying midair with no explanation. Bartholomew’s appetite vanished.

Meanwhile, Alexander Suttbray sat in silence beside Bartholomew, plunged deep in his own thoughts. His business with the Cult of Ug-Qualtoth was more delicate, and best discussed away from prying eyes. The Cult was certainly not the only focus of the Key delegation today, however. As he looked around, he spotted a number of delegations that were to be spoken to before their departure- The newly arrived Vesyanian Confederation, the covert, intolerant Enclave, the Church of Atom, and the Van Graffs, as a start. Before Alexander could even begin formulating a strategy for the day, however, chaos gradually took hold of the room.

In short, war was declared. The New California Republic had apparently already commanded the invasion of the Legion’s northwestern territory. This was entirely unexpected by both Bartholomew and Alexander, who were hoping to help with the revision of the Treaty of Goodsprings, as per the request of His Serenity. Such a bloodthirsty move was bold, and it was amazing to Bartholomew that the NCR had not consulted with their friends in the East before this strike. From here, things escalated quickly, with Lucius leaving to join the defence of his nation and the ‘King’ declaring that any military operations near New Vegas would be met with deadly force.

Too baffled to interject quite yet, Bartholomew took a long drag off of his pipe, mulling over the map which had been provided to him. This NCR under young Kimball was certainly a rash one, and Bartholomew didn’t necessarily think that was a good quality. He had been entirely prepared to come here and discuss peace in the West, along with steps towards it in the East. Investment in the Legion, westward railroad construction, a new set of international wartime laws- all of these plans were suddenly overshadowed by the new troubles of the West.

Before he could stew over the issue anymore, the delegation from Texas finally arrived, moving to take their seats beside the two men of Key West. Both Bartholomew and Alexander stood as Mr. Harris and his companions approached the meeting table. Both Key delegates offered their hands to each of the Texans before they took their seats.

“I’m glad you could make it, President Harris,” Alexander said with his soft, Tidewater voice. “It is always a pleasure to find friends in this far-flung city. You’ve missed quite the show, unfortunately. Mr. Kimball has declared war on the Legion- without consulting their allies in the Hoover War, mind you- and House has declared that any military operations in Vegas territory will not be tolerated. This war will certainly affect our fair Gulf in one way or another.”

Alexander gave the Ghoulish Texan a wide smile before quietly pushing out his chair and standing before the table. He spoke again, just loud enough so the room could make out his honeyed words.

“Quite a surprise, I must say. Mr. Kimball, may I ask what your exact reasoning behind this strike was? The Keys were hoping to promote peace and prosperity throughout the war-torn West, so I pray you have a just cause for the resumption of conflict in the region.”

“AYE, REGGIE”, yelled Cap from the tower.

Reggie’s chest rose as she took a deep breath before pushing her cowboy up, her boots dropped one at a time to the concrete. She rocked her head side to side with a small pop, I needed that, with a quick roll of her shoulders she stood up, “YEAH?”

“BEST GET UP HERE,” Cap yelled while motioning with his hands.

Reggie’s boot clopped on each step up the tower’s staircase, “Reggie, there’s a vessel approaching,” the old ghoul said as he closed the tower’s tinted window.

“Lemme see,” Reggie took the binoculars. It was a large ferry, similar to The Honey Badger down at Ludington, used to ferry whatever Calypso wishes to the Wisconsin border. She zoomed in on the vessel’s bow at its name, “Thunder 1?”

“Thunder 1?” Cap said as he pressed his tongue against the inside of his lips; he quickly snapped his fingers, “Bet they’re coming from Thunder Bay. Calypso sent out those scouts awhile back remember?”

“Yep,” Reggie remained focused on the vessel.

“I heard those bastards have those damn vertibird deals,” Cap gestured towards the sky.

“Yep, so I’ve heard,” Reggie put the binoculars against Cap’s chest, “Wait for my single, gonna see what they’re up to,” she left the tower returning to her station and picked up the radio, “Shelby do you copy?” she paused, “Shelby, DO YOU COPY?” another long pause, “GOD DAMMIT SHELBY…DO.YOU.COPY?

The radio crackled, “Wha…th…THE FUCK YOU WANT? You fucking woke me up,” Shelby snarled.

“Wakey wakey asshole, you need to get Calypso and head up here now,” Reggie took annoyed breath, “I mean NOW SHELBY, don’t you fucking lay your hungover ass back down.”

“FINE BITCH,” Shelby snapped back and then banged the receiver on her nightstand causing Reggie to pull back from her radio.

Fucking brat, Reggie shook her head as she laid the receiver on the desk; fetching her monocular she checked the ship’s position.



AHHH, fuck me, Shelby groaned as she slid out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. She splashed cold water on her face and looked in the mirror, a sly grin formed on her lips, “you were a bad, bad girl lastnight.”

She pulled on her leather armor pants, jiggling them up to her waist before putting on her matching leather top. She made her way to the balcony to find Calypso reclined in a towel covered chair; Aponi was filing her fingernails, “Calypso, Reggie called, says we need to get up there, they have a big ass ferry approaching.”

Calypso opened her eyes, “Is that so?” Shelby shrugged, “Well then we shall leave immediately, Waylon, do fetch Alexis and prepare the catamaran.” Waylon simply nodded disappearing back into The Grand. Calypso looked at her hands, “You shall finish when I return.”

“Yes Empress,” Aponi bowed as she gathered up the nail files and black polish.

Calypso stood and sheathed her sword; Shelby followed her closely down to the dock where Waylon and Alexis waited on board The Star. The engine growled as the catamaran left the dock, outside the break Waylon throttled it up throwing the pre-wat famous rooster tail and the ferry skipped across the waves towards The Gateway docks where a chopper spun to life.

“What’s up Boss?” Lexi asked.

“It would seem as though we have a trespasser that must be tough a lesson,” Calypso informed her as she climbed into the shotgun seat.

“Aw shit,” Lexi looked over to Shelby, “Possible dinner?” Shelby just grinned back.



The pre-war news chopper dipped down to the old parking lot that now doubled as a helipad. A little overkill don’t ya think? Reggie thought as she stood off to the side holding her cowboy hat. She approached the chopper, “Boss, Shelby, Waylon, Lexi,” Reggie greeted them, “Boss, we have a vessel approaching from the west, Cap and I are pretty sure they’re from Thunder Bay.”

“Did they procure admittance to The Passage?” Asked Calypso as she lowered her sunglasses and glanced around.

“Nope, not a word Boss,” Reggie shook her head, “You’re looking a lil rough there prissy bitch.” Shelby just flipped Reggie off and kept walking.

“Allow them entrance into the lock, but only lower them midway,” instructed Calypso.

Reggie put her pinky fingers in her mouth and whistled loudly then motioned towards the lock, Cap acknowledged with a thumbs up from the tower observation deck. The vessel slowly made its way toward the lock after Cap signaled with the spotlight. The purple and gold flags on each side snapped in the wind. “DROP IT,” ordered Cap. The large steel wall creaked to seal the vessel in the lock. Reggie stood at the edge of the lock and pointed down twirling her pointer finger.

Reggie reached into her back pocket and pulled out a portable radio (walkie talkie) and she held up four fingers next to the radio, “Welcome to The Passage in The Jaded Empire, I need all of your personal on deck.”

Her radio chirped, “Ahoy, we seek passage to Ronto, I will assemble my crew,” replied the vessel’s captain. Then the PA system cracked to life, “ALL HANDS ON DECK.” Nineteen men shuffled out onto the sunny deck of the vessel.

“You too,” Reggie spoke into the radio again while pointing at the captain. She could see him waive back. Calypso and company stood back and allowed Reggie to handle the situation as of now. Up in the tower Cap flashed his hand for her to change to channel one, “What is it Cap?”

“That there ain’t no ferry like I’ve ever seen,” Cap’s scratchy ghoulish voice implied, “It seems to have been modified, look at the deck Reggie, it looks like it’ll open right up.”

Reggie leaned over the rail as the ship lowered until she had a clear look; noticing the crew standing near the center, “Good Job Cap,” she whistled at the men working the gate. She shook her head no and with a quick motion slid her hand across her throat. “Hey ya Captain, ya said you were sailing south to Ronto?”

“Yes Ma’am, correct,”

Reggie bit her lip for a second, “Whatcha hauling?”

“We have some iron and wood, mainly empty containers for the supplies we are needing,”

“Is that so?” The Captain nodded back to Reggie, “Then ya wouldn’t mind if we board and have a look then?” Suddenly the Captain got tense, she watched him wipe sweat from his upper lip, “BOARD INSPECTION,” yelled Reggie to the workers on the other side of the lock.

“I love this shit,” Shelby nudged Waylon who simply grunted back. Shelby, Waylon and Lexi joined in, climbing down the ladder on the side wall of the lock and went on deck.

Reggie walked up to the Captain, “Just routine shit, we can’t have people doing sketchy shit in our waterways ya know?” The Captain swallowed and nodded, three of his crew watched intently. “Ya know what sir, I think today may be your lucky day, I hate how stuffy these vessels can get, and I was about to eat lunch anyways so fuck it, just show me your manifest and we’ll be good to go.” He handed her a few sheets of stapled together paper, she scanned through them and unfolded a creases upper corner, 5/17/2002, “WRAP IT UP.”

The workers that had climbed down to the deck drew pistols as a horn from the tower blared with all the workers rushing to the railing with rifles and shotguns in hand. One of the vessel’s crew drew his pistol and was stabbed in the back, “Not today sweetheart,” Shelby mocked as the rest of the workers fired on all but the Captain.

Reggie tossed the manifest aside and strut up to the Captain as he cowered on his knees covering his head, she drew her trusty .357 and pointed at the Captain’s head, “Welcome to The Jaded Nation,” she pulled the trigger.

Calypso applauded in approval, “Well done Regina, well done. It pleases me to have you as my Passage keeper. Now let us reap our rewards.”

“Thanks Boss, Cap, get this vessel to port and open the cargo deck,” ordered Reggie. Reggie stayed aboard as Cap captained the vessel to port.

Once the vessel had been secured, the crew of The Passage made haste to scour the bowels of the vessel. “Reggie you have got to see this,” exclaimed Zach, one of the workers as he ushered her to the cargo bay.

“What the hell?” a surprised Reggie questioned as she gazes upon a vertibird in the cargo bay. Cap pushed a lever and the deck cracked open to reveal the bright sky. Reggie smiled; she knew full well Calypso would be very happy with this treasure. The propellers were strapped to pallets, but the vertibird seemed to be alright.

Calypso watched as the deck opened up, her eyes lit up and she clapped her hands together and rubbed them like a child on Christmas morning, “A most amazing gift they have bestowed upon me. Regina, you have given the means to travel to New Vegas, for gratitude I shall allow you to accompany us out west.”

Reggie returned on deck, “I could use a vacation back home, it’ll be a good time Boss,” she raised her brow, “you will enjoy the Gomorrah.”

“Very well darling, do see that my vertibird it readied for our trip.”

It took Reggie, her crew along with Knuckles, the ghoul mechanic just over a week to reassemble and attach the propeller units to the fuselage of the mighty black bird. The Empire’s flag also were carefully painted on each side of the rear section of the vertibird. The vertibird was packed and Calypso, Shelby, Waylon, Aponi and Reggie all boarded. Reggie had made sure that Cap had The Passage under control and that Arthur, the pilot, had tested the vertibird before departure. The propellers thumped proudly as they cut through the air beginning to spin up to launch RPM.



The vertibird neared McCarran airport, Shelby was sleeping, a bad of drool clung on for life from her lip when the vertibird banked for approach Shelby’s head was planted firmly against the wall, “What the fuck?” It took a moment to regain her senses after taking the medicine to knock her out because she hates flying. Her knuckles went white as the vertibird lowered its altitude until it finally landed after what seemed like an eternity.

Calypso and Shelby changed into their dresses, Calypso’s was designed after a Victorian style floor length in a satin black with a very low cut neck that revealed an ample amount of bosom while Shelby’s sequined red dinner dress, was cut down to reveal her cleavage, the back cut went to her waist revealing her tattooed battered wings that covered her entire back. Reggie wore her typical cowboy boots, blue jeans, light brown leather jacket over a white shirt with her cowboy hat. Waylon drew on his sport jacket to match his black suit pants, his pistols on each side under the coat. Aponi was allowed to wear her own Native American jewelry but was told to wear a simple blue dress. Aponi helped Calypso fluff her hair. Shelby tightened up her bun and put two metal chopsticks in to hold it tight.

The cargo ramp opened coming to a rest on the asphalt as the hot Nevada heat swarmed the interior eager to greet them, “This heat is wretched,” scowled Calypso.

A strange looking robot rolled up to them and Reggie and Waylon reached for their weapons, Calypso raised her hand midway when the robot welcomed them. That was interesting, but the monorail system piqued Calypso’s interest. “The Gourmand used to serve humans, not sure if they still do or not,” informed Reggie.

“How delightful, I do hope that still holds true,” Calypso made way for the Ultra-Luxe behind the securitron. She marveled at the city, jealous of its power and jaw dropping splendor. Shelby was amazed at the lights and business as people scurried about.

The crew very reluctantly relinquished their weapons, Waylon sat with Reggie outside of the conference; the pair promptly ordered and threw back shots of whiskey. Aponi carried a wooden crate filled with a dozen jars of Brandy’s Papa’s Potion moonshine, a mid-size arm bag hung from her arm.

“Please welcome The Jade Empress and her protégé from The Jaded Empire,” called the doorman.

Both women scanned the room, “What the fuck?” Shelby said under her breath when she noticed Sam. Calypso grinned at the redhead and made her way over to Marie.

“Marie darling,” Calypso opened her arms, gracefully kissing each cheek of the young woman, “It satisfies me greatly see you my dear. I request an audience with you at your earliest convenience Love.”

“Look at the brickhouse ass on her,” Shelby whispered as she walked by a man wearing a grey suit and fedora, “she gestured towards the skimpily dressed tribal.

Calypso shash-shayed around the table introducing herself but her focus remained on Brother Martin of the Midwest Brotherhood. She waltzed to the seat next to him, Aponi pulled out the chair. Calypso straightened her dress and sat down next to Martin, flipping her hair back over shoulders and fanned her chest; Aponi quickly responded by pulling out a small delicate Chinese hand fan and began fanning Calypso lightly. “I will have Scotch with three ice cubes,” she told the waiter.

“I’m good,” Shelby told the waiter as she pulled a small flask from her cleavage, “plus we brought refreshments from The Empire for everyone. She gestured at the wooden crate filled with mason jars, “That’s some good shit right there, Brandy knows what she’s doing.”
Calypso reached over and took Brother Martin’s hand in hers and squeezed, drawing her pointer finger up between his fingers to his first knuckle pressing hard, “I do wish to discuss your occupancy of Chicago and my waterways.” Shelby stood behind at the ready.

Alex “The Double” Hornsby- NCR

“Did I say the New Vega would die without NCR’s Money? No I am fully aware Vegas can sustain itself and would for the most part continue on even if we where to fully cut ties today, not that I’m suggesting that.... but you cannot deny it would be a huge dent on the Vega’s income...”

That was when the leader of “ghost traders” spoke “His view doesn’t represent the Ghost Traders, or most of what we think. But, I will warn you President Kimball - do NOT threaten my extended family...it will end badly...."

Extended family? Who’s she talking

“Despite our History with Joshua Graham... The NCR has not intentions of going to war with the “Ghost traders”. In fact as sign of good faith and hope that we may one day become trading partners or allies the NCR congress has agreed to cancel the Bounty on Joshua’s head....Assuming of course he does not return to the legion.”

Him openly being alive is pure propaganda against the legion.

Shortly after that Lucius left, leaving what could only be described as a legion scribe? As his representative which was followed by the arrival of two later comers, first the Texan rangers and the new group “Free Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

The NCR had little knowledge of this group but supposedly they very much like NCR and much like the NCR had a new leader who was relatively new to the political arena before becoming the leader of their territory.

Pausing to take a final sip of wine, the High Elder dabbed his lips with a tablecloth, before speaking up towards the new entrant. “You have missed much Madam Delegate, just a declaration of war. So politics as per usual....If I might speak to an envoy of New Vegas in private, that would be much appreciated. In addition to this, my associate scribes wish to speak with representatives of the Midwestern Brotherhood, and with a representative of the NCR.”

The Tin Cans wish to speak to us... interesting

“A representative will be sent to speak to you privately after this conference has concluded.”

Once the others had finished talking about the Brotherhood’s meeting request the representatives from the keys spoke to the president. “Quite a surprise, I must say. Mr. Kimball, may I ask what your exact reasoning behind this strike was? The Keys were hoping to promote peace and prosperity throughout the war-torn West, so I pray you have a just cause for the resumption of conflict in the region.”

“I could tell you, or the president himself could explain.” Alex replied noticing the white glove waiters had finally finished bring in and setting up the television with Hopeway changing the channel to (NS1) NCR-Sate Network One which was showing an Live presidential press conference from the Town of Bullhead... a short distance away from the Arizona border.

On screen was President Kimball although he looked different....more... heroic to the otherwise identical man sitting in the Ultra lux in Vegas. Wearing the NCR Tank commander’s uniform and leather Jacket he had wore when part of the Mechanised division the president was in the city of Bullhead seeming giving a press conference in front of what appeared to be an NCR Tank.... The president's Battle Tank

"Citizens of the new California republic approximately two hours ago the NCR Army and Rangers led by general Shu and chief Wilson respectively launched a joint strike on the Legion forces in Arizona.”

“For those that are worrying that I’m repeating my father’s mistakes in Vegas, worry not. This is not an Invasion but a Prempetive strike with of aim of crippling legions forces and resources and not a full on conquest."

“Although Moore’s campaign five year ago was a failure for the NCR It was also a great Humiliation for the legion and the new Caesar as they where only saved by the complete and utter destruction by Intervention of Mid-west brotherhood.

“Whenever Caesar or the legionnaires like to admit it or not they own their survival today to group they would consider heretical profligates who worship an false Man-god and not the wisdom of Caesar, strength of the legion or blessing from Mars...”

“Over the last five years the legion has rebuild it army, preying on the small tribes and towns in Mexico and American south-east. Now that the legion has been rebuilt it will only be matter of time before the new Caesar attempts to reclaim his lost honour, lest he replaced by a more worthy servant of Mars.”

“Thus I have decided to strike first... the campaign of Arizona will be merciless and Brutal... I cannot promise that everyone will come back but with their sacrifice we can hopefully avoid an invasion on the NCR and the untold suffering that will bring to the NCR citizens on the border.”

“To the representatives at the American Convention currently going in Vegas I apologise for not be able to come myself but much like the New Caesar I like to lead from the front...” The president stated as he put on a Tanker’s helmet

The president then began to climb onto the Tank behind the stage which then drove off seemlying to the fight in Arizona as the Vice president took over the press conference. "I will now answer any questions you have."

John Fulman, Arctic Haven Commander
Allied Technologies Offices (Current site of Arctic Haven temporary command), New Vegas

John had been listening in on talks when the radio officer approached his desk. "Boss, we have an urgent call from Central Command, it's encrypted to prevent any basic set ups from listening in." John picked up the radio that had been placed on his desk and hit the reply switch, "This is Commander Fulman. Go ahead.". The radio whurred and whined as the transmission came to life in the speaker. "Boss, we have a situation. The excavation crew has finished clearing one of the collapsed passages in the tunnels. It didn't go to a dead end, it's an abandoned ICBM launch silo, sir. According to their reports, the rocket is still in place. According to data in the computers of the launch control room, there was a problem with the thrusters so the computer aborted the launch in during The End, but it can be repaired fairly easy if you can afford the costs. The silo itself is overgrown with thick roots and weeds, apparently a forest had grown over it on the surface since The War and that's why our surface scouts never saw it. in all that thicket. we've forbidden further exploration of the facility until you tell us what to do, sir." John ran a hand in his beard, unsure what to do, to find such evil of the Old World in the very heart of their home. "I...I will find a solution. In the meantime, keep this finding classified and that facility quarantined. No one is to know or speak of this facility until I say so, understood? Commander out." John twirled an unlit cigar between his fingers as he contemplated a solution to this problem. He inhaled the scent of the tobacco in his nose as he dwelled on the problem until only one solution came to mind. There was only one way to deal with this. John reached for an holotape, hitting the 'Record' button on the recorder and yelled "Runner!"

The Ultra-Luxe, New Vegas

The soldier, dressed in his Wasteland BDUs and balaclava, moved through the edges of the casino interior, the White Gloves not wanting a military man running around on the middle of the gambling floor, as he made his way to the meeting room quietly. He'd been instructed on how to identify who was the Mid-Western chapter of the Brotherhood and went to their side of the table. He gave a sharp salute to them, unsure was the commander present and presented a holotape to them before leaving without a word. His instructions had been clear, to promptly deliver the holotape and ensure no details of his purpose were leaked to anyone. The holotape was a military grade holotape, preventing it from being ran on just any holotape playing device in case he were to be ambushed. As a double measure, the tape when played ran the audio backwards, sounding like complete gibberish or a corrupted tape. But John knew the Brotherhood weren't short on smarts and would likely catch what was going on with the tape.

"War..."

For a moment, the Warleader found himself tempted to say the word out loud, and taste the feel it would leave behind. Dosh-Novan felt his hands shiver, as his lips slowly formed a smile, not mocking, but filled with a joy of a child, finding his favorite Toy in a place he would have never expect it! What a wonderful joy it was to witness such a glorious Moment! Soon, this land would witness a great conflict, blood would be spilled, countless would die, while Ug-Qualtoth would feast on their suffering. For a second, the Warleader closed his eyes, savoring the emotions around him. The uneasy fear of the weak, the shock of the pathetic ones, and the calm acceptance of the Wolves among the sheep.

From a Personal Point of View, Dosh-Novan respected the Legion. Warriors through and through, lead by bravery, strength and Will, unlike their Enemy, the NCR. Yet sadly, the Legion had chosen, or rather been pushed onto the side of the Brotherhood, and as such, would be an enemy for the wars to come! Once more a shiver ran down the spine of Dosh-Novan, as he lost his thought in the glory of the war that would come, an apocalyptic tribute to Ug-Qualtoth himself, to feast on the corpses and broken bodies of all its victims!

The response of the King made his open quickly, as a silent growl escaped his lips. How dared this puppet to spoil this very moment with his greedy talks of empty threats, and whorish gestures! For a moment, the Warleader saw himself storm forward, to crush his head in with his own hands, claiming the first kill in this war, and spilling the first blood! But James reply amused him, as this men-in-a-suite, showed more balls then any of the speakers combined. He more and more began to like that man, as he might even had mistaken him at first glance. The Arrival of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania tore him once more out his thoughts as he glared at them for a second. Their lands were weak, soft and ripe for the picking...


Sipping on her cold water, Marie´s eyes were unmoving, as she had the unvering tendency to blink with only one eye, while the other would remain open, glaring at her partner of conversation. Almost everything about her seems unsettling in some way, just as something had just molded her, with only a minor understanding of how human were suppose to function. Yet behind that all, was some kind of strange beauty, a beauty that made her whole appearance even more of an enigma.

"Our Steel will be the foundation for progress and Prosperity in the north of this carcass of a world! It will be our sacred Duty to make sure that our Friends will have access to these foundation!" Her hand slowly moved over the glass, before Marie looked at her reflection in the metal of the Knife. "These...heathens, worshiping the same force that destroyed this very world, the Children of Atom as they are called, are indeed quite an concern for my Father, our great Prophet! Yet, rest assured, for our two great Nations shall find a way to overcome these problems, one way or another!"

Her eyes shortly wandered towards the representatives of the Church of Atom, as a strangle glare moved into them, and the young woman seemed to lose herself in thoughts for a moment, before a smile hushed over her lips, and her eyes quickly moved onto the President of the NCR. "What a terrible turn of events.."

Her young eyes shortly moved towards the Door, as a Diplomatic smile moved onto her face, as she spotted the familiar faces of Calypso, and her rough-mouthed companions. Slowly getting up from her chair, she warmly welcomed the arriving Empress. "Your Highness, it is always an honor to be in your very presence! And an audience you shall get, the soonest i can give!" The Jade Empire was an Protectorate of the Cult, and a valued partner in Trade....and maybe an ally in the wars to come!

Leland Chapman, Oldest and Longest Serving Texas Ranger
The Ultra-Luxe, New Vegas

It didn't really come as a surprise to Leland, nor likely to anyone else gathered here, that another War was not far off. He hadn't expected it to start today however. He'd disembarked from the ship and quickly come fully awake. New Vegas was a wonder for a man who had spent most of his life in El Paso. It was beautiful but garish. Hopeful but also reproaching. Now, sitting to the left of Angela, he realized that was likely to be a recurring theme.

He'd been careful where he sat. Though few would notice it, as she kept it hidden, her left ear had been damaged...removed in fact so it only made sense to sit on that side. She'd still be able to hear his whispers though not much else and she'd likely not need them. She'd grown into quite a woman, surpassing his expectations and her own, and now here they were meeting with the heads of the powers of North America.

Precisely the predicament they found themselves in was quickly made clear. The NCR had sent not their President but a body double, as was made clear when a man near exactly matching the man that stood before them appeared on the television and said as much. He promised a swift and brutal campaign against the Legion and justified it with claims of inevitability. Perhaps Kimball was right, perhaps it was inevitable but it was he that threw the first stone in the new war and the wastelands would remember that.

Leland looked slowly around the table. The King, of New Vegas, a Legionnaire, a body double of Kimball, Renault of the Angels of War, Hemingway and Suttbray of the Serene Key Republic, Joshua Graham, the Van Graffs, representatives of both the Western and Mid-Western Brotherhoods, and the Enclave were all easily recognizable, but there were new faces as well. Many pieces in play.

He leaned over toward Angela and whispered to her, nothing particularly shocking, but he was curious what was going on in her mind,

"Kimball will want us to serve as the hard place against his rock no doubt, to trap the Legion."

A moment later a mercenary looking sort passed behind them and approached the Mid-Western Brotherhood of Steel delegation, which gave him pause. Shortly afterward more foreign looking strangers arrived and received a welcoming from the unsettling young woman from the Pitt, Marie. He turned to the Ranger to his left, the young man who had been so full of questions on the flight over.

"Anders," he said getting the man's attention, "Step outside for a moment and radio to Fort Bliss. I want to know if anything is happening on the Frontier. Tell them to broadcast to me directly if they sight any forces, Legion or otherwise, approaching the Fort."

As Anders slowly rose and pushed his chair in Leland placed his hand on the man's arm and added,

"This is history being made son, pay attention."

Texas hadn't seen much violence from the Legion lately, but the NCR would likely call on them and expect them to answer. It would not be his decision to make, and for that he was grateful. Whatever was decided, whoever he may fight against, he would fight for Texas, he was a Ranger.

Titus Crassus, Queastor of The Legion

When the announcement came and the NCR 'President' having revealed himself to be a fake, Titus was quietly amused. After the supposed "real" President Kimball had given his speech via live TV to a press conference, Titus sat up in his seat and spoke up,

"So," He said, beginning with a light chuckle, "Just to set the record straight. The NCR has, in no uncertain terms, one, declared war not only at conference to discuss a renewal of the peace treaty which ended the blood shed of five years ago...but also began their invasion two hours before we even took our seats here...which clearly means they tried to use this conference as a distraction for their initial assault..."

"And two, the NCR President Kimball, who was introduced to us as such, is in fact not President Kimball and the man standing before us is what, a double? A pantomime? A look-alike? And so the NCR lied to all those present here because......why? By Mars....I doubt the man we just saw giving the speech is the President either. Why should we believe him to be? In all likelihood the "real" President Kimball is back in Shady Sands, smoking a cigar with his rich Brahmin Baron cronies, rubbing their fat hands together, and contemplating how they might split up the land they intend to seize."

"And yet still, despite the NCR's rapid expansion, their attempted annexation of the Mojave, and their undoubtable plans to expand their territory both north and south, they still try to justify their war by accusing the Legion of being more dangerous and war-mongering? I'm beginning to think President Kimball, whoever that may be, is far more inept that even his father was..."

"If that's the case," Titus finished, "Mars help us all."

Gloria Van Graff - Ultra Lux, New Vegas

Gloria sat and watched as a few stragglers entered the room. It upset her slightly that nations lacked the respect to even show up on time but that was not something she was going to speak up about. As she grew up, she learned the importance of being courteous and showing respect to those around her. Gloria had learned it the hard way by her father who would ruthlessly beat her as a child until she learned… and that message was something she had passed on to all Van Graff employees, show respect, or face the consequences. Apparently these nations didn’t learn the same thing growing up.

The first of the latecomers was a representative of the Angels of War. A rather large mercenary group that had recently tried to gain entrance to the weapons market in recent years. To Gloria, she found them rather underwhelming from reports on their ‘nation’. Apparently a large amount of them thawed from ice and were from the Pre-war era, which somewhat intrigued Gloria but not enough to overlook the fact that this nation was competition. A competition that would likely need to be eliminated in the future. Though at the moment, they served the purpose of being a competitor to the Gun Runners, which in-turn meant the Van Graffs didn’t have to deal with them.

The next latecomer… was unusual to say the least. Clad in… well, if you could even consider that clothing. Gloria found herself accidentally staring at the women for longer than what could considered reasonable. The lady was beautiful, that much was obvious. And when she announced where she was from, Gloria hadn’t even heard the name before surprisingly. Either way, the fact that she was barely wearing clothes lead her to believe that the woman was from a tribal nation and if they were anything like the Legion, they would prove to be rather useless trade partners given the fact that Tribals rarely relied on energy weapons.

Following the two late arrivals, the King spoke up again. This time, to officially commence the summit."With formalities out of the way, I would like to open the floor to any urgent discussion our honored guests might have, before I speak on the behalf of Robert House. Are there any important matters that anyone wishes to bring to the forefront before we move forward?"

Gloria sat quiet. Her dealings would be dealt with privately amongst nations as they had always been done in the past. It would prove detrimental to announce any trade deals with other nations present, as it would only serve to weaken the reputation of the Van Graffs to nations that didn’t particularly like the trade partners that they had chosen.

Lucius, surprisingly, was the first to bring up the fact that the peace treaty was ending. And was actually the one in favor of renewing it to some degree. “"Then maybe we might discuss the fact that the Treaty of Goodsprings has reached its end. Mars alone knows exactly what that means, but I can take a fair guess. The treaty must either be renewed, or the Southwest will likely be awash with blood soon enough. And I can assure you, that whatever horrors the first war brought, the second will unleash even more."

Gloria could simply feel the discontent that her father had as Lucius spoke up. It was certainly not the initial statement they had expected from the Legion. A new war would jumpstart profits and allow for new weapons contracts. Peace… well, peace just wouldn’t do.

The next to speak up was the mercenary from up north, he spoke condescendingly about how these nations needed him… as if his group was actually a threat to anyone at this table in the slightest. Gloria held back a laugh but Salvatore let out a snicker at the arrogance of the man.

Then out of nowhere, James Kimball made an announcement that relieved both her and her father. He first started by shutting down the arrogant merc that had been invited, he then made an outrageous offer that would obviously get rejected… and the president knew that. He then made the big announcement that his invasion of the legion was already in progress as he spoke. Gloria realized now why the NCR wished to speak with them… he was already intending the fight the legion, and he wanted the Van Graffs to supply his army. Everything was working out even better than the Van Graffs had originally thought the summit would. They’d have massive profits coming in from the west, and if everything worked as planned they’d be expanding into the Midwestern Brotherhood and perhaps even further east.

As expected, the Midwest voiced their discontent and House also condemned the NCR and voiced how any battle within 100 miles of the mojave’s borders would be considered an act of war against the F.Z.M. Though, in all honesty, she doubted that House would attack anyone until the war was over. He wouldn’t pick a side, but Gloria could see him coming in and taking on the weakened victor once the war had concluded. As for the midwest, they had been against NCR expansion since the beginning, and were the only reason the NCR hadn’t won the war 5 years ago.

Gloria looked around the room at gasps from everyone sitting around the table as they heard the initiation of war against the NCR. And as Lucius heard the news he immediately bid the table farewell to defend his land. The Caesar of the legion was always the head of the strategy so it was easily predictable that Lucius would respond in this manner and leave. Though, Gloria had hoped to actually speak with him before he left… shit had simply hit the fan too fast… far faster than expected.

Then, out of nowhere. The representative of the ‘ghost-traders’ whoever the hell they were who had come with Joshua Graham spoke up about his discontent with the NCR invading the Legion territories, and then made a statement that made Salvatore clench his hand into a ball “As for us. The Ghost Traders simply wish to widen and expand trade with the Free Economic Zone of the Mojave," explained Christine. "My people are very good at constructing and repairing various Pre-War tech. Namely old plasma and laser equipment. We'd wonder, if it's possible to set up business in New Vegas… We'd be even okay with setting up our trading posts in the New Vegas sewers - if the topside is too expensive or too occupied for us”

Salvatore spoke up almost immediately, Gloria could tell he was holding back the urge to punch the woman “Is that so? Well, I’m afraid that just won’t do. The Van Graff Corporation controls the energy weapon trade in the region and I’ll be damned to let some unknown nation try and impede our operations and trade in the area. If you want to open up trade, you can do so through discussions and contracts with us.” he looked to the King hoping he would be in agreement considering the fact that House had always had good relations with the Van Graffs.

Then under even more outrageous circumstances something else happened. The damn president announced he had a television message play where the ‘actual?’ president described the situation. What the fuck was going on here? Gloria couldn’t help but feel like everyone here was getting played and that at any moment a bomb was going to go off in the room...

"The King" - New Vegas

The King nodded toward the western Elder in response to the man's request for diplomacy. "Once today's meeting concludes and everyone finds a chance to rest, we will be in touch." He paused. "If the need to converse is more urgent, another envoy can be sent."

After a few moments of sparsely staring at the different envoys, The King then fixated on Christine of the Ghost Traders, an odd and distinct-looking girl. He gazed into her eyes for a moment, trying to gauge the woman's motives. He knew better than to have a staring match with her companion. Nothing. The woman looked to be as much of an enigma as Graham. "The trade of energy weapons in the city of Las Vegas will be a futile goal; the Van Graffs dominate the market and will continue to do so for as long as they share a prosperous relationship with Mr. House. However, any other goods you might be looking to sell?..." He paused. "Sure. I am sure that there is a derelict building in Westside that you could use. I'll give you the rundown that House gives any of his new businesses -- he will leave you well enough alone and you can do business as you please, unless you give him a reason to take back that promise. Understood?"

The King's diplomatic interactions were suddenly halted as the television showed President Kimball's speech. His jaw dropped. One might have interpreted his overwhelming facial expression as pure awe or terror, but it was something else entirely. He simply could not believe it.

You have got to be fucking KIDDING me.

After letting his bodyweight sag into his chair, The King let his face be held up by the palms of his hands. "You must be joking." He narrowly avoided the impulse to smack his glass of scotch off the table. "You're telling me that the NCR is so ambivalent to the plights of its neighbors that they not only failed to send their real president, but then screwed us around with this fucking crony of theirs?" He sighed. "I'm not surprised. I only saw a sample size of your people in Freeside, but I learned enough. You are phony, insincere, and completely ignorant."

The King paused, took a deep breath, and downed a swig of his scotch. "Nevertheless... We are in no position to put an end to NCR's extremist expansionism; Mr. House will not interfere with the coming war, in exchange for a refusal to place an embargo on the F.Z.M...But if NCR troops mobilize anywhere near New Vegas, we will know damn well what you're after, and we will act accordingly. Tread cautiously. You won't make any friends if you continue down this road."

After the room was met with silence, The King sighed. Robert hadn't stopped him, which meant only that Mr. House trusted The King's judgment on backing off from the threatening rant he was ordered to give earlier. Good. This meant that they could avoid bloodshed for the time being. But someone had to do something. Waiting for the NCR and Legion to take thousands of lives from each other would be un-fucking-bearable for the King. There was more to this than cash, and he wondered if Robert truly understood. He supposed he'd find out.

Brother Martin - The Gourmand

"It's out of our hands now, old friend", Martin said quietly to Joseph. "Steel protect us all."

"Our faith in the Lord-Paladin is our armor", replied Brother Joseph simply.

Martin turned his attention back to the King and President Kimball, reflecting sourly on the fact that one of the primary goals of the Delegation were to get at least an extension of the Goodsprings Tready. But that, apparently, was never in the cards. Not surprisingly, an uproar ensued as it became plain that the War had already begun. House, speaking through the King, made it plain he opposed the NCR's move...hardly surprising as he knew full well how the NCR coveted the Hoover Dam and access to the Colorado River. Kimball's only response was to dare him to act and threatened an embargo. If the Legion were removed from the chessboard, House would probably be next and he knew it. Lucius spoke again, reproving Kimball harshly for his action, then he and Vulpes took their leave, leaving Quaestor Titus to represent him. The Lord-Paladin would be disappointed that he would not be able to speak to Lucius directly, but that couldn't be helped.

More delegates began to arrive, the Texans...led by ghoul, President Harris himself...and a young red-headed woman announced as the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Martin regarded the Texans impassively...but was pleased by Governor Littlehorn's presence, he...and the Lord-Paladin...had much to discuss with her about their common Enemy, whether she realized the danger she faced from the Cult or not.

Then came a move that truly surprised him. High Elder Gladstone approached the King and addressed him.

“If I might speak to an envoy of New Vegas in private, that would be much appreciated", he intoned gravely. "In addition to this, my associate scribes wish to speak with representatives of the Midwestern Brotherhood, and with a representative of the NCR.” After a pause, Gladstone continued. “The position of the Western Brotherhood, is peace. To that end, we seek trade agreements with as many of our neighbours. Should you wish to engage in such a dialogue, please make it known, and the Western Brotherhood will endeavour to strike an agreement between our nations.”

"On behalf of the Lord-Paladin", Martin replied as he hastily rose to his feet, "We would be pleased to meet with our Brethren from the West. We have been estranged for far too long."

Martin noted the Texans sat next to the Key Delegation...several of whose members were disturbingly enamored with the Cult's delegate.

"Fools", Martin thought darkly, "The Cult will only bring you ruin and bloodshed."

He was disturbed from his reverie by Joseph, who nudged him in the ribs.

"Our "friends" from the North are here", he said ironically, "Good luck!"

Martin looked towards the door, just in time for the doorman to speak.

“Please welcome The Jade Empress and her protégé from The Jaded Empire,”, the doorman called out.

Martin restrained himself from sighing as Calypso and her Lieutenants strode in like they owned the place. Not surprisingly, they noticed Bequine immediately, ogling her before smiling in recognition at Governor Littlehorn. Then Calypso strolled over to the Cult's delegation and commiserated with that child...looking at him mischievously all the while. Martin was somewhat confident this was mainly to get a rise out of him....the Order's relations with the ever Mercurial Calypso were tumultuous as best...but if she actually allied with the Cult it could be a problem. Calypso then came and sat down next to him. One of her lieutenants...Shelby if Martin remembered correctly...plopped down a mason jar full of liquid in front of him. On it was a crudely printed label saying "Papa's Potion Moonshine".

“That’s some good shit right there", Shelby said brightly to one of the waiters, as she offered him the rest, "Brandy knows what she’s doing.”

Before he could decide what to do, Calypso reached out and grabbed his hand and squeezed it uncomfortably hard, Martin steeled himself to not wince as her fingernail dug into his hand.

“I do wish to discuss your occupancy of Chicago and my waterways,” she said imperiously.

"The Order has ruled Chicago since long before either you and I were born," Martin said conversationally, "It is ours and we'll fight to the last Brother and Sister to make sure it stays that way." He then continued. "As far as your claims on the Great Lakes...we have respected your control over the Soo Locks and pay your tolls, but the Lord-Paladin considers free passage of Order flagged vessels between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron to be his sovereign right, a right which he will defend." After a pause to watch Calypso's eyes begin to fill with anger, he continued, "With that said, the Lord-Paladin has directed me to make a proposal regarding transit under the Mackinac Bridge that I believe will interest you greatly."

As Calypso and Martin spoke, a uniformed mercenary approached and saluted him, offering him a holotape. Calypso and other delegates all turned attention to the mercenary.

"Pardon me a moment, dear", Martin said to Calypso then turned to Joseph. "Brother Joseph, would you be so kind?"

Joseph nodded and accepted the holotape from the mercenary, who promptly spun smartly on one heel and left the room, followed by Brother Joseph, intent on retreating to their suite to examine the tape.

In the meantime, a television was wheeled into the room and turned on and switched to one of the NCR's State television channels. Eventually the picture settled, and none other than President Kimball appeared, dressed in a military uniform. He then gave a most extraordinary speech announcing the NCR campaign to the public, apparently from near the front lines. He was justifying his invasion as a per-emptive strike. Martin laughed out loud when Kimball spoke of the Lord-Paladin being a God-King that was worshiped in the Order's lands, but was not in the least surprised by his attempts to belittle Lucius for accepting the Brotherhood's aid in the Hoover War, and accuse him of doing what Kimball himself had just done.

"You have learned nothing from your father's failure", Martin thought with amusement and sorrow. "Once your people realize you have created a self-fulfilling prophecy at their expense, you will be swept from office just like your father was."

After concluding his speech, he donned a leather helmet and boarded the Tank behind him, rolling off in a cloud of dust. The broadcast switched to commentators back in the studio, opining on their President's remarks as Titus, now the Legion representative, rose and made some acerbic remarks about Kimball's behavior, opining if that was merely another double, and he was actually back in Shady Sands with the cronies who got him Elected. It really wouldn't surprise him. He also noticed that Kimball's move was not received well by the other delegates, the Van Graff Patriarch, Salvatore, looked beside himself with fury.

Then the King, obviously stricken, spoke. He bitterly reproved Kimball's actions, and the NCR in general, indicating that they would take no action but any NCR troop movements in the vicinity of the FZM would be assumed to be hostile.

"Perhaps something can be salvaged from this fiasco after all", Martin thought. "I'll see if the King can arrange for a direct meeting between House and he Lord-Paladin."

He then turned back to Calypso.

"My apologies, my dear", Martin said apologetically to Calypso, who still hadn't released his hand, "Kimball's poor manners must be contagious...I forget myself. As I was about to say, perhaps we could discuss the Lord-Paladin's proposal over dinner?"

The Great Khanate

---

---

The Golden City, Great Khanate

Cain's eyes followed the cracks running along the pavement below him as he moved amidst the streets of the Golden City. The capital of the Khanate, the city around him was a collection of the Ger tents for which the Khans were known and the jagged skyline of ruined buildings experiencing slow yet steady reconstruction. The light from various fires, gas lamps and electric lights adorned the city in light as the figure of Cain shuffled along in the gloom of night.

He had been given his charge, the charge of journeying to New Vegas as a diplomatic envoy of the Khanate. To represent his people to all of the powers of America. As any Great Khan, he had vowed to act with pride, and this he would do.

Shouldering the leather strap of his repeater rifle, the Great Khan stalked his way through the night air as he set off towards the meet. Clutching a sputtering chem lamp which cast a blue light around him, Cain approached his chosen few, those who would be accompanying him on the journey south. Like himself they were clad in the black leathers and jackets of the Great Khans, each augmented in their own way with plates of metal and lamellar armour, each with weapons at their sides. The party's horses grazed nearby, he spotted his own steed Thunderer amongst their number.

"Everybody here? Good, it's time we ride."

---

---

A mile outside of New Vegas, F.Z.M

Cain watched absently as the smoke before him danced on the mild Mojave breeze, the grey tendrils spiraling upwards towards the blue sky overhead from the glowing end of his cigarette. Taking another drag, Cain laid his eyes upon his surroundings and what a scene the Mojave wasteland offered. Nothing but a wide expanse of cracked ground, sand and dust as far as the eye could see.

Might as well be back in Wyoming after a dust bowl. He thought as he puffed a breath of smoke, his free hand clasping the leather reigns of Thunderer as the chestnut-coated beast lazily grazed upon a dry bushel of green amidst the tan.

"I'm just saying Marshall. Be careful. Vegas's families were once tribals." The heavy voice spoke. Cain looked up to see Karl, a heavyset man and the voice's owner gazing back at him as he stood by his own horse grazing on the Mojave grass.

"Vegas? You're telling me they used to be tribals?" Cain asked, his eyes turning towards to the southern horizon where the great lights of Vegas could be seen at night adorning the sky.

"Don't let them fool you with the getup. They might wear fancy suits and ties, but they were once tribals and that doesn't just leave you. Vegas swallowed 'em as tribes whole and spat out families, but the past isn't that easily forgotten." Karl spoke.

"Whatever those fuckers in their high towers have got. I can handle it." Cain supplied easily, a grin crossing his face.

"Mhm." Karl responded simply with a roll of his shoulders.

A moment passed before Cain spoke."Alright, time to go."

With a twist of his hand his cigarette fell to the ground, his boot followed it swiftly to crunch it into the dust and gravel as the Great Khans once more were on the move.

---

---

New Vegas

The Great Khans rode through the streets of a rebuilt New Vegas atop horses, the sound of their iron-clad hooves clapping against the roads sounding before them. It was a city of lights, everywhere one looked there lay bright and vibrant lights in a display of power and wealth. This might have once been ours. Cain thought as he looked upon the city, his grip upon the reigns guiding his horse and party towards it's heart. There at the gates into the city proper they found one of House's Securitrons awaiting them. Across the inbuilt screen was a face, a smug grin permitting it's features and the horned helmet of the Khans atop it's head.

"You're late." The robot zapped as they approached. The robot reared on it's wheel in what appeared to be the contraption actually sizing him up. "Follow me." The machine spoke again before wheeling it's way into the den of wolves.

Leaving the rest of their number to guard the horses by the main gate, Cain and two Khans were led towards the Ultra-Luxe casino where they were disarmed of their weapons.

Before they knew it, two great doors were being opened before them.

"Announcing the diplomatic envoy Cain Marshall of the Great Khanate." The man manning the door announced as he drew them apart.

Stepping through the yawning portal into the conference room. Cain took a moment to orientate himself, his gaze flicking across the vast array of those present before briefly lingering on the Confederation delegates, finally his gaze settled on the Suit at the head of the table. With a nod and a grin he stepped forward and reclined into an empty seat with little concern for those he sat next to. It seemed they'd intruded on something.

The Alaskan Federation

Gathered round a large oaken table carved from the base of a tree the width of a semi truck were rugged looking members of a council, Elders in both name and age sat stroking their beards or puffing natural grasses from wood pipes culminating in a lack of discourse. And to be fair there was a lot to take in; Nations from the lower forty-eight states had called a massive conference not only to renew some kind of treaty but to gauge which nations had risen to power and what forces they could bring to bear, it caused quite a stir some years ago as explorers came to map out resources. It wasn't surprising that others had lived but to know other nations had begun to thrive and build armies had caused great concern, Alaskans had not yet had a standing army; there were of course Rangers and every faction had men at their disposal but not a unified army. That changed over the four years they had since first contact, finally getting their shit together as it were and funneling cash towards a central government ruled by a Council. By no means easy now they stand regarding how to approach this ‘Convention’ as it were held by a Free Vegas of some sort. Details were sketchy but they knew the distance and had a plane that could reach it. The Carrier Dunwall would preserve fuel until the plane was close enough to Vegas however they needed to be careful anchoring a carrier off the Californian Coast could cause political issues, it would need to be far enough not to make a scene.

The men looked around the table knowing just who’d they send, it was something each of them already decided however should anyone go. “Arctic Haven is already sending representatives, If North doesn’t go they may think of us as ignorant or prideful. Though I do fail see see the relevance of our involvement. The other Nations don’t seem to have a current interest in our lands and instead are directing the bulk of their influence on the Western United States.”

North interrupted with a raised hand. ”Regardless of their potential interest in our lands this is likely the first such meeting on a Continental scale since the Great War, I’d rather be in history than forgotten by its conquerors.”

“Perhaps High Chief North. Resources will be allocated, make good use of them.”

With a nod North Ashland began preparations for a long journey with luck they wouldn’t arrive late, however as the ship launched they were caught up in a storm while Arctic Haven departed just ahead of the them and slipped beyond its reach.

After weeks of travel the plane was fueled and ready for take off, the Carrier Dunwall sat on the far fringes off the coast beyond notice and certainly beyond range not that they wanted any closer. Within a few hours they had arrived at MacCarran airport, with a robot standing on one wheel with a cowboy hat. “Howdy partners, wasn’t expecting anyone else.”

“We’re a rather new nation formed by the remnants of Alaska’s Military and hardy adventurers.”

“Well Mr. House seems not to take issue, welcome to the first American Convention, this way.”

After a Monorail ride through the shining beacon that was Vegas a true testiment to what the world could once again become. Upon entering the Gourmand North and two Rangers stood beside him, looking more like lumberjacks of old than clean shaven military men.

“Been quite the long journey, I do hope we can place an order. First introductions, I am High Chief North Ashland of the Alaskan Federation. The world is truly bigger than we knew.”

High Elder Gladstone - Western Brotherhood

To his requests, the NCR president, who shortly thereafter turned out to be a double, was the first to reply. Promising an envoy in private, to which Gladstone replied with an incline of the head in thanks.

"Once today's meeting concludes and everyone finds a chance to rest, we will be in touch." The King paused, as if considering his words. "If the need to converse is more urgent, another envoy can be sent."

The High Elder gave a gracious smile in reply.

"A meeting following today's meeting will be fine."

Next was the the Midwestern Chapter's "Secretary-General" who scampered to his feet in shock. It appeared the man had been surprised by such a move, not that he could blame him.

"On behalf of the Lord-Paladin, We would be pleased to meet with our Brethren from the West. We have been estranged for far too long."

A nod of the head.

"That we have. Convey my regards to, His Excellency, and my hopes to a resolution to the situation of estrangement that should hopefully soon come to an end."

Following this, further delegates arrived, one of whom was in the thoughts of the High Elder. The Great Khan. Waiting until the Khan Delegation had seated, Atticus straightened his back, met the man in the eye, before giving a nod of acknowledgement and speaking towards the figure.

"As our respective polities are neighbours Great Khan, I would humbly request that we could come to terms to define the relationship that will exist between our peoples. As such, I formally request a meeting of our envoys, at a time as is suitable for the both of us."

Pausing for a moment, the High Elder turned to the room at large and resting his knuckles upon the table, and adopting a statesmanlike pose, spoke up to all present.

"Are there any here who have business with Western Brotherhood? Or wish to speak to us on any matter?"

"Free passage?" scoffed Calypso, "A sovereign right?" She began to boil inside; squeezing Martin's hand tighter when a man in a uniform slipped Martin a holotape. Calypso followed the tape with her eyes as Martin passed it off to his fellow Scribe Joseph to go inspect the tapes contents.

The door broke open once more as a television was pushed into the room; Calypso furrowed her brow and slightly loosened her grip on Martin's hand as she watched with curiosity as the television straightened out the static to reveal a man atop a tank of all things. The man, NCR President Kimball she heard him referred to as, spoke a piece before heading off towards his preemptive strike. Calypso could respect a surprise attack, but news of Kimball sending a double it a conference of leaders? Then he had the audacity to communicate through a television?? Calypso’s chest rose with a deep breath while clenching her jaw.

Aww shit thought Shelby as she bent down and picked a mason jar from the small wooden crate Aponi had carried in; unscrewing the lid and taking a gulp causing her to wince momentarily, “AHH, good stuff.”

"My apologies, my dear", Martin said apologetically to Calypso, "Kimball's poor manners must be contagious...I forget myself. As I was about to say, perhaps we could discuss the Lord-Paladin's proposal over dinner?"

Calypso shot Martin an annoyed look while more delegates arrived and the Western Brotherhood stood and briefly took control of the room. Her nostrils flared as the Western delegate finished with by asking if anyone had any business to discuss with his nation. She let go of Martin’s hand, “I accept the invitation to entertain your proposal.”

Calypso grit her teeth and stood, looking down her nose around the room before swinging her arm towards the television, “THIS IS PAPOSTEROUS!!!” Her voice raised and she slammed her fist on the table, “How is it that this man has the audacity to speak via a remote location AFTER I hear that he sent a double,” she turned to face Titus and held out her hand gesturing towards him, “This man stands here before all of us AS HE SHOULD. Correct me if I am wrong, but this NCR borders nearby? But I know there are several nations whom have traveled many miles and across this country to be here.” Calypso took a deep breath composing herself, “But this Kimball, your neighbor is so cowardice that he must rely on this,” she waved her hands at the television, “If I were able to assemble my forces I would aid you,” she nodded at Titus.

“Every other nation is present here…in person, people of power and of great responsibility and this man,” Calypso clenched her fist, “Is playing games? My nation shall NEVER deal with this man’s nation lest it be death.” She composed herself once more before taking her seat and snapped her fingers. Aponi pulled a vanilla folder from the bag she carried and handed it to Calypso who opened it up, “On that note, to my fellow delegates before me I ask,” She slid a pre-war picture of an Apache helicopter in the middle of the table, “Would any of you be able to provide me with a General Electric turbine? Also I question my friends from Texas and The Keys, is it feasible to rebuild the NASA space programs if you have not already done so?”

Shelby took the Mason jar to the head of the table and pulled a chair up next to The King and sat the jar down before taking her seat and slid it in front of him, “Betcha need some of this Mr. House.” She leaned and whispered, “It is seriously good shit.”

Sam LittleHorn - Ultra Luxe - Free Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Sam sat on the chair, and looked around. Most didn't pay her much attention. It was clear from the room's atmosphere that there was a lot of tension. Seen as there were a legion delegation in the room, that those that had galloped on way on horses were part of this delegation. Could it be that this conference had fallen apart before they had even arrived?

A waiter approached Sam and she requested a glass of water and a glass of wine. As she sipped the cool purified water, the door's opened to the room and there was a new delegate. She hadn't bothered to turn to see who it was but when the man announced the Jade Empress and protege, she nearly spit out her drink. There was only one such person she knew of that called herself that, but no it couldn't be.

She slowly glanced over and she immediately recognized Calypso and Shelby. How could it be that they were here? Had they recognized her? One of her delegates approached her and handed her a napkin for some of the water that had come out. Sam had thought she had started a new life, a new beginning and here was her past right in the same room as her.

One of the televisions was turned on in the room and there appeared to be some sort of announcement. As she had earlier guessed, war had been declared and the NCR attacked the Legion. Not only had the NCR started the war but the man representing the NCR was a double and not the real president.

Brother Thomas, one of her advisors approached her and whispered in her ear, "These negotiations seem to have fallen apart. It might seem our trip was a waste of time." As he talked some bulking men had appeared. It seemed another delegation had arrived. These were dressed as tribals and had been addressed as a member of the Khanate. She had never heard of these folks. But they seemed formidable, and strong. However they were too distant from the PA to be of used.

As one of the brotherhood delegates spoke, she wasn't exactly sure which faction they represented, as there were so many factions, Calypso seemed to have lost her cool. She was furious at the actions of the NCR. Sam instictively reached for her pistol and nearly pulled it out. However, Calypso took a seat and snapped her fingers as she was handed a folder by Aponi.

Brother Thomas approched her again, "Ma'am I'd recommend we depart from this meeting at once, it is clear these savages are only interested in war."

Sam glanced at him, "No, it's okay Brother Thomas, we'll head for our rooms soon enough. We cannot leave without having accomplished anything." She glances at Marie and the Cult's Warleader, "We still have business to take care off." She wondered why the cult was here? Do they even care about diplomacy. She would have to watch them carefully, gather more intelligence on them.

She grabbed her cup of wine and swirled it as she looked at the picture that Calypso had put on the table. She didn't recognize the piece, but after all she was no mechanic and never paid much attention to such details. She shook her head no, and avoided Calypso's glance. Shelby was by the man who represented House, the King or something. Her intel on him was brief, and she hadn't really paid it much attention.

"The King" - New Vegas

As Chief Ashland made his entrance, the King eyed him with intrigue and simply nodded in greeting. The table had become very full. Good. It meant that the wide expanse of the ruins of the United States was willing to work for peace. Or, at least, something akin to it. He sat back in his chair and watched as alternate diplomacy ensued.

The woman sitting next to the King--Shelby--offered him a mysterious mason jar. Gotta keep my head on straight, or I'm fired. The King shook his head. Appreciate the offer, but no. He gave a slight, gracious half-smile.

The King then nodded sparsely toward Elder Gladstone. "We shall meet as soon as today's summit comes to pass...which should be pretty soon?" He took a quick look at his watch. "Mhm." Finally, the NCR's domination of the discussion had passed away and smaller, sub-conversations had uprooted at the Ultra-Luxe table. Good. The King was well aware that, while war could never be healthy, it was never at its best in the midst of a two-sided battle. Smaller alliances meant that the lesser provinces could hold their own in the landscape of 2290. This was good. But he had to take advantage.

Computer Terminal - Midwest Brotherhood of Steel Penthouse Suite

The computer terminal on the desk of the Midwest Brotherhood of Steel's complimentary room began to hum with energy. A clear, concise sentence was scripted in the middle:

Mr. Robert Edwin House is available for communication.

It was easy to tell that Mr. House was trying to get through to Barnaky himself.

Alex “The Double” Hornsby- NCR

“Honesty you really have become House’s puppet, it’s a strike force, not even a quarter of the NCR army yet you constantly go on with the expansionism line... get it in your head “Mr Sell-out” we aren’t taking anymore land, we are destroying the legion and leaving.”

“With that said I, speaking on behalf of the NCR I agree to your terms."Alex replied before turning to the legionnaire “if you knew anything about the president you’d know he wouldn’t smoking cigars with any land barons but to answer you question there are several ways to prove that he is the president, for example a blood test.”

“There are more easier and fast ways of course but it would be foolish of me to just outright tell them to the legion or several of the other factions hostile to the NCR here now would it?”

That was when the "raider goddess" (according to the report) woman “Calypso” stood and swung her swinging her arm towards the television in what could only be called an temper tantrum as she slammed her first down on the table and began to rant and rave like an crazy woman...
Fuck you too bitch although not much we can do being on the opposite sides of the country

“Every other nation is present here…in person, people of power and of great responsibility and this man,” Calypso clenched her fist, “Is playing games? My nation shall NEVER deal with this man’s nation lest it be death.”

“You’re assuming I don’t have power to speak to the NCR? Regardless since you seem to be ignorant of the west coast affairs allow to me educate you.”

“Five years ago a treaty was signed preventing war between the NCR and Legion, Not wanting to break this treaty the attack could only happen today, before a new one was signed and whilst many of you think it was an Dick more for the president to send an double how many of you would be calling him an coward or something along those lines had he come to Vegas instead of being with the troops? #

Although for some they’d be moaning either way.

“Likewise If the NCR had not sent anyone and just attacked how long would it have been before you all found out what was actually happening? Falsely preparing for an attack or war that wouldn’t happen would hurt Vegas economy and take valuable troops way from the frontlines of the Mid-west brotherhoods war with the Cult of Ug-Gualtoth.”

“Although speaking of Cults why the hell where you even invited? Granted our info on your “kingdom” is limited but from I do know you’re little more than a small raider/slave empire who sacrifices slaves and anyone over 50 for that matter to some False Red Chinese communist goddess and that you are her servant on earth.

“Well I’ve got some breaking news for you bitch; you aren’t RED, Chinese or the servant of some jaded empress just some crazed madwoman with delusions of godhood ”

everyone knows there is only one god.....

James then turned to The “Sell-out” King “Seriously is that what counts as nation these days? Why the hell would House want to deal with these crazed wannable RED Communist lunatics and their false goddess... only a matter of time before one of the more....civilized groups on the east coast such Cult of Ug-Gualtoth wipes them out.”

--
(Ooc: I assume calypso isn’t gonna sit there and take that so this is for afterwards)

“Well unless we have anything more to discuss I think we should declare this convention over.” Alex suggested “I will heading to the Tops casinos shortly afterwards should anyone wish to speak to me or another representative of the NCR in private.”

Pontiff Cromwell

“Please welcome The Jade Empress and her protégé from The Jaded Empire,” spoke the doorman.

Cromwell's face turned grim as he turned to the new arrivals. He did not just recognize this nation, he recognized its representative. Calypso. Back before the Cult descended upon the Capital Wasteland, before Atom prompted him to withdraw, Calypso was a rather infamous woman in the area, a slaver who had masqueraded as a brothel madame in the town of Grayditch, at least before the locals and Brotherhood drove her out. While the subsequent threat of the Cult in the Capital Wasteland may have overshadowed her menace to its denizens, she remained an infamous, if slightly obscure figure in the history of the Capital Wasteland.

This, however, would not the be the last bombshell (figuratively speaking) dropped on the delegation. The NCR brought in a television transmitting a message revealing the true president leading a military action. Cromwell was unfamiliar with the politics of the west, however, and it was difficult to keep up with it. From what he could gather, the delegate he had spoken to from NCR was a decoy, and the real one used this delegation as a distraction to mount an invasion of the lands of the so-called Caesar's Legion. A deceitful ploy, to be sure.

"Quite an uncanny resemblance to the real president, Grand Zealot," the Pontiff addressed Richter. "Could he be a Synth copy?"

"No, Pontiff," Richter answered, "Only the Institute has the technology to create Synths, which is far beyond anything the NCR possesses. This man is simply a body double, an underling who has undergone training and surgery to serve as a decoy."

"I see," Cromwell replied. "What do you know of the Legion and New California Republic?"

"I know little of the Legion," Richter spoke as he sat down and glanced around, "But I know of the NCR. Fifty years ago, they drove the Enclave from the region and ever since have ruled over the former state of California and surrounding lands."

"I hope this does not pain you to recall, brother," Cromwell responded.

"It does not, Pontiff," Richter reassured him, looking away from the Enclave delegates. "I now know it was was part of Atom's plan for me."

It was around this point that things heated up between the NCR decoy and Calypso. Both were partially right- the NCR was guilty of betraying the trust of the delegation, and Calypso was a murderous, slaving blasphemer. But the Pontiff did not come here to watch others burn bridges- he came here to build them. With that in mind, he put their argument in the back of his mind and approached the representative of the Free Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

"Greetings, madame governor. I am Pontiff Cromwell of the Church of the Children of Atom," he introduced himself as he sat down next to her. Might we speak?"

Shelby nudged The King in the ribs after the NCR started to speak, “Boy, I really think you’re going to need a pull of this Mr. House.” She sat back, slipping her heels off under the table and listened.

Calypso folded her arms and leaned back biting her lower lip as she listened to the NCR rep berate her, her blood felt like lava coursing through her veins, her eyes focused on the man intently, silently stabbing him in his throat.

“Although speaking of Cults why the hell where you even invited? Granted our info on your “kingdom” is limited but from I do know you’re little more than a small raider/slave empire who sacrifices slaves and anyone over 50 for that matter to some False Red Chinese communist goddess and that you are her servant on earth.” The NCR rep paused briefly, “Well I’ve got some breaking news for you bitch; you aren’t RED, Chinese or the servant of some jaded empress just some crazed madwoman with delusions of godhood ” Calypso placed her hands back on the table dragging her pointed nails across the desk about to speak when the NCR rep continued, “Sell-out” King Seriously is that what counts as nation these days? Why the hell would House want to deal with these crazed wannable RED Communist lunatics and their false goddess... only a matter of time before one of the more....civilized groups on the east coast such Cult of Ug-Gualtoth wipes them out.”

Shelby yawned, stretching her hands above her head then rubbed her temples, and she put her hands on the back of her head and let her bare feet rest solidly on the carpet. Calypso breathed heavily thru her nose still staring into the NCR reps eyes.

“Well unless we have anything more to discuss I think we should declare this convention over.” Alex suggested “I will heading to the Tops casinos shortly afterwards should anyone wish to speak to me or another representative of the NCR in private.”

Calypso again inhaled sharply and exhaled collecting herself, “Well then, if you are finished with your temper tantrum, I do have other items to discuss. First, The Jade Emperor is not a female and I am his chosen one. Second a small raider group? REALLY? Though The Jaded Empire may not be as large as your NCR army, we are truly skilled and have no need to compensate with tanks and such for a lack somewhere else. Plus we can provide building materials, iron, and safe passage through our Great Lakes.” Calypso laughed before she continued, “If your President truly had a good second in command, he could have graced us with his presence and had YOU on the front lines. That is, unless YOU are the true coward?” She shrugged pressing her lips together, “Hmm,” she folded her hands, “TISK TISK,” she twitched her finger, “The only…BITCH here is YOU. Do tell, oh wait a minute,” Calypso pressed her finger on her lip then snapped her fingers, “No, I can tell, you’re the receiver in that relationship no?” She leaned forward, her eyes never leaving his, “And that leaves me with my last order of business to discuss” Calypso leaned back and rolled her shoulders, “I hereby put a one hundred thousand cap bounty for HIS HEAD,” Calypso’s finger darted towards the NCR rep before taking Martin’s hand.

“That’s my cue,” Shelby whispered to The King, “hold my jar,” she snatched her chopsticks from her bun, her blonde hair fell down cascading over her shoulders. Quickly she lunged at the NCR rep, “NOBODY CALLS CALYPSO A BITCH.” She swung her right arm, plunging the steel chopstick deep into the NCR rep’s shoulder as they tumbled off of his chair.

“She is a fantastic protégé is she not?” Calypso tilted her head towards Martin while watching Shelby attack the NCR rep, “About dinner Martin, where did you have in mind?”

Alex “The Double” Hornsby- NCR

Calypso again inhaled sharply and exhaled collecting herself, “Well then, if you are finished with your temper tantrum, I do have other items to discuss. First, The Jade Emperor is not a female and I am his chosen one. Second a small raider group? REALLY? Though The Jaded Empire may not be as large as your NCR army, we are truly skilled and have no need to compensate with tanks and such for a lack somewhere else. Plus we can provide building materials, iron, and safe passage through our Great Lakes.” Calypso laughed

“So you spared some of slaves from the sacrifice Pit to mine stuff for you and got some goons Guard stuff for Big deal. "James chuckled “Sure you may be smarter some of the dumb shits that call themselves raiders such as the Jackals or those guys in Zion but I’d hardly call you a nation... Enterprising Raider Tribe at best.”

Even tribal’s can do that stuff.

“If your President truly had a good second in command, he could have graced us with his presence and had YOU on the front lines. That is, unless YOU are the true coward?” She shrugged pressing her lips together

“Well technically I’m the third highest ranking person in the NCR Government “Hopeway stated “but I share that ranking with the chief of staff.”

“Hmm,” she folded her hands, “TISK TISK,” she twitched her finger, “The only…BITCH here is YOU. Do tell, oh wait a minute,” Calypso pressed her finger on her lip then snapped her fingers, “No, I can tell, you’re the receiver in that relationship no?” She leaned forward, her eyes never leaving his, “And that leaves me with my last order of business to discuss” Calypso leaned back and rolled her shoulders, “I hereby put a one hundred thousand cap bounty for HIS HEAD,” Calypso’s finger darted towards the NCR rep before taking Martin’s hand.

“Just what I expected from an raider "Chosen One" Bitch, some disagrees with you and all you can do is take their head but fine if you wanna play that GAAMMME!”Alex attempt to reply but was cut off by the cute girl that had accompanied Calypso plugging steel chopstick deep into Alex’s shoulder.

Tumbling to the Ground Alex was pissed, this RED Commie, porbably Brainwashed Brat had dared to fucking stab him? The President’s double and follower of the Dark one.... This Act could not go unpunished and not by those robots, Alex would no MUST do it himself.

Blocking Shelby’s Attack Alex grabbed the small woman and swung her to ground and quickly got on top of her, Gaining the advantage. “MOTHER FUCKING BITCH” Alex shout as he began to beat the now mostly defendless woman

“How dare you fucking stab me?” He added on as used his hands to Move Shelby's arm out of the way and head-butted the woman.

Meanwhile the Ranger Vet ranger who had entered the room with the Double (and had since spend all this time at the mini bar) made his way over to the convention table “O-kay gets offa th-e president befores I break you.” He drunkly stated, taking an slip from his whiskey bottle before noticing the Double was seemlying winning the fighting. “O-h wait he’s winn-ing.... Backs to Dinking for mes then.”