Sam Littlehorn – Vault 21

"I cannot speak for all those in the Capital Wasteland nor those in the Commonwealth, only for Atom and his faithful, Governor, but we are not without means of our own to trade. Our holy city of Megaton is a beacon of commerce, while Atom's holy island to the north is home to wonders both of technology and of nature that cannot be found anywhere else." The Pontiff replied to Sam.

“Well Pontiff, you have piqued my interest. Of course our traders would be glad to have a base of operations set up in Megaton to help serve the area. However, what you said about technology in the north, now that we would be highly interested in.” Sam said as she leaned in closer. Advance tech not currently available to them would be a great boon.

The Institute traded with them but they always held back some of their tech. This could be a fortuitous find if it panned out. Sam smiled and looked at the Pontiff, she leaned in closer and in a hushed voice, “Let me ask you this pontiff, are you a student of history? Ever hear of Three Mile Island? If so, I am more than sure we can come to some sort of mutual agreement.”

Rough Riders, Frontier Corp, Eliza Weaver - Gomorrah, New Vegas, Nevada

Eliza could see a hint of jealousy in Shelby’s eyes. Her first thoughts were to say something to her but now wasn't the time. Eliza had thought about the idea a few times but there wasn't anything between the two of them, and reassuring Shelby of that fact right now would make a scene in front of everyone. So Eliza diverted everyone's attention to their original purpose for being in New Vegas.

She pulled two chairs over to where Aponi and the soldier where sitting. Eliza sat down straddling the back of the chair while she rested her arms over the backrest. The other chair must've been for Shelby but she wasn't sure, she glanced at the soldier by the door expecting him to sit down but he waved her off assuring Shelby that it was intended for her.

Shelby sat down alongside Eliza and crossed her legs so as not to expose herself seeing as how she was still wearing a towel. With everyone seeming to be paying attention Eliza started with the introductions.

“Our initial plans have not changed. We are still here to offer our protective services for Ms. Jackson and her entourage. That will include accompanying them back to Michigan once the company conference is over.”

Eliza took a moment to catch her breath before she continued. Out of the corner of her eye she could still see Shelby giving her that look. Eliza wanted to shrug her shoulders and say something to her but she continued with her briefing.

“We will not be asking Empress Calypso or Ms. Jackson for any payment for this operation. This is a gesture of good faith on our part. We see the Jaded Empire as a great opportunity for us, and hope to plant the seeds of a long lasting relationship with them. Now I want to put this deal on the table now that way we're all on the same page. After this mission is completed we are willing to serve as the personal guard for the Empress and her key staff if you so desire.”

Eliza looked over at Shelby as if those last few words were directed specifically at her. “We'll of course be expecting payment from that point on ward but I'm sure we'll prove ourselves more than worth it in the coming days. Now does anyone have any questions?” Eliza shifted her weight around on the chair, she made the mistake of spreading her legs too wide and now her hips were starting to flare up.

“Yes Ma’am. How can we expect to be utilized during this operation.” It was the man by the door he had turned his attention away from the doorway and instead was focusing on the meeting.

“We're going to be stretched pretty thin for the time being. With team two still in the field we can't provide the security that I would like to right now. So that means we're going to need to focus ourselves on Ms. Jackson and Aponi” Eliza leaned forward ever so slightly towards the young woman trying to hide herself away on the couch. She had a curious expression on her face as if she was trying to make her feel more comfortable. “That is your name isn't it?”

Aponi just looked up ever so slightly and gently nodded her head in agreeance.

“Alright so the three of us are staying here for the time being. With the incident at the Tops I think it's safe to say that Ms. Jackson is the most likely to be targeted at this point. While I would like to attach someone to the Empress I'm going to hedge my bets and say that if anything was going to happen to her it's going to be on the way back to Michigan.” Eliza got up from her chair, pushing it away as she stood up. “If you'll excuse me. I have something to tend to.” No one said anything. They just looked at her with curious eyes, Shelby especially.

Eliza made her way into Shelby's master bathroom off of her bedroom. You could tell that she was in pain from how she was walking but no one wanted to follow her. Especially not her soldiers, they didn't cross that line with Eliza. They made sure to stay out of her business as much as possible.

Standing in the doorway into the bathroom Eliza braced herself against the doorframe with her arm as she unfastened her pants. She then shuffled over to the toilet and dropped them down around her ankles before she sat down. Her breathing was heavy, and as she hung her head over the floor sweat dripped from her brow onto the tile between her legs. Her whole body felt like it was on fire from the inside but she couldn't get any relief. She braced her hand against the wall as she was panting trying anything to recover from this excruciating pain. It was at this point that Shelby entered the bedroom and from where Eliza was at she could see her. She had left the bathroom door wide open, she partially didn't care but she honestly didn't think about it when Shelby came in.

Shelby spotted her as well and for a moment was caught off guard. “Are you okay?”

Eliza's face started to blush from the embarrassment but she was convinced that the pain had a part to play as well. “Fuck, Shelby.” In her voice you could hear her frustration and suffering. “I didn't want this to happen while you were around.”

Shelby came over to Eliza and sat down on the edge of the bathtub. She was a lot more relaxed now than she was before, and she didn't bother to cross her legs. “What's wrong? Don't worry I locked the door when I came in. So no one else is going to barge in on us.”

Eliza just shook her head as she winced from the pain. “I'll be alright this is just something I go through. Give me a few minutes and it'll be like this never happened.”

“Well is there anything I can do for you?” Shelby got up and clasped her hand on Eliza's. They were clammy and covered in sweat.

Eliza looked at Shelby with pain and sorrow in her eyes. “I'll be alright but I just want you to know now what you're getting into. This is just the beginning, everything gets worse for me from here.”

“Ma’am are you alright?” There was a faint knock at the bedroom door followed by the lowered voice of a woman.

“Tell her I'm alright, please.” Shelby was hearing a tone in Eliza's voice she didn't expect, fear. She did as she asked though and went over to the door. When she unlocked it and opened it she found the young woman Eliza was helping earlier standing outside, still favoring her one leg.

Before Shelby could say anything the woman beat her to the punch. “She's in the bathroom isn't she?” She kept a hushed tone so Eliza couldn't hear her.

“Is this common with her? She looks pretty bad.” Shelby kept the same hushed tone as the woman as she wasn't going to miss the opportunity to get any information on Eliza that she could.

“Ya this is an everyday thing with her. There's nothing anyone can do to make it better. It's just another part of the list of shit she has to deal with.” The soldier caught herself and quickly back peddled. “I’m sorry that wasn't my place. If you want answers you'll have to ask her for them. Just let her know that if she wants to shut things down for now we can take it from here.” She wasn't waiting for Shelby to come at her with another line of questions, she walked away from the door and headed back over towards the couch. Shelby closed and locked the bedroom door again and turned her attention back towards Eliza. Now she was standing up from the toilet. Her pants completely off along with her boots, she was holding herself up using the wall with her shirt just covering her underwear. “Can you help me get to the bed? I don't think I can make it.” Shelby wrapped her arms around Eliza and helped her walk to the bed. She could feel that Eliza was much weaker now than she was before and when she got her to the bed she collapsed onto the sheets.

Eliza was in nothing but her panties and a tank top but she was still sweating as she writhed with pain. All she wanted to do at this point was sleep, but the pain made sleeping almost impossible. In an effort to comfort her Shelby laid down with Eliza and held her tightly in her arms. She honestly didn't know what to do but I seemed to help.

Eliza while still in pain had calmed down and started to relax. After a few minutes of Shelby consoling Eliza to the best of her ability she eventually passed out. Shelby took this time to compose herself but when she got out of bed she noticed that Eliza was laying in a small puddle of blood and urine that had trickled down her leg and stained the sheets. Shelby felt a brief rush of panic but the blood had dried and considering how much pain Eliza was in when she was awake Shelby didn't want to disturb her.

A few hours later……


Even while she slept Eliza suffered. Her head was filled with vivid screams of a child and an image of herself holding an infant. Flashes of her playing with a little boy and of that son growing up were intermixed with this horrid symphony of screams. They were not just from a child but from Eliza as well. Flashbacks of her time enslaved and suffering. Her screams of agony as she was slumped against a metal beam, chains holding her hands in place while she was forced to suffer with broken bones.

It all served to be too much and Eliza woke up from the terror into another one. Her body and mind were in a state of panic, her heart was racing as sweat ran down her face and dripped onto her chest. For a moment she caught herself looking for a baby but she stopped once she seen the stain in the sheets. Embarrassed and scared she ran from the bedroom and slumped against the wall in the bathroom. Her sweat mixed with tears as she realized just how weak she was.

NCR Border camp Delta

On the NCR border with legion owned Arizona there were several camps, similar to the old Forlorn Hope camp in the Mojave but better supplied, arm and built (concrete building.) The biggest of these camps was Camp delta (ooc: Point 9 on the map!)

Built near the old Highway which allowed easier vehicle access it had been one of the key staging points for the decoy Arizona invasion but also the first target of the Ghost traders “cloud attack” but thankfully the mechanised division stationed at delta was able to repel the ghost people before any serious damage was done.

Despite this however several troopers had been infected by the “Cloud” following Agent walker’s advice these troopers had been isolated but with no cure there was little they could do...

“Err.. General Shu Sir! Some sort of tractor? Is approaching the Camp.”

Picking up a pair of binoculars Shu looked at the weird contraption approaching the Camp. It looked like an old old world tractor and seemlying steam powered compared to the more “modern” Nuclear powered per-war tractors than had been recovered and rebuilt within the NCR and a few other factions/groups.

“Must be the ghost people Walker spoke about, let them approach the camp and have Monroe escort them to the infected soldiers but keep first recon snipers on them at all times.” Shu ordered.

Still looking though the binoculars Shu then turned his attention to the poorly built “cart” that was being pulled by the tractor device. Several of the ghost people where sitting on it with one woman seeming controlling it with some of crude built wheel with an white flag flying above it.

Soon enough the 'thing' stopped near Camp Delta - and driver got off the vehicle. Waving at the local guards. "Hello there. We come in peace!" the woman spoke. "We're here to help with the Cloud problem, anybody whom has gotten affected by the Cloud and we also brought some medical supplies, food and weapons - as a sign of good faith."

“Greeting I am Captain Monroe of the NCR army.” An aged but still capable looking man stated as he approached the Ghost traders “If you will follow me I’ll escort you to the injured personnel and get some guys to unload your supplies.”

And also check them for more cloud... Just encase.

Following the Captain Christine and the other Ghost people where led around most of the camp and too a small isolated building just behind the main camp. Along with being outside the main camp this building was also notably wooden compared to the concrete/metal building in the main Camp nevertheless but did not look any less well built.

Heading inside there were several rows of beds with the NCR troopers affected by the cloud sitting on them as several NCR doctors walked up and down tending to their needs. One of the doctors noticed the ghost traders arrive and asked “do you have a cure for this virus?”

“Please, assist and treat the infected soldiers although afterwards General Shu would like to have a word with you about Joshua.” The captain stated.

ooc: After you treat the soldiers you can CC General Shu arriving.

Don Salvatore Borgio

Don Borgio examined the vast extravagant spread before him on the table. Every dish and wine the Ultra Luxe had to offer was laid out before him, thousands of caps worth of fine dining. The smell was simply delectable. The Don rubbed his hands together excitedly,

"Grazie!" The fat old Don told the White Glove waiter, and he offered a large bag of caps to him as a tip. Which the waiter graciously accepted with wide eyes. After which the Don immediately began digging into the food. He sampled each of the dishes slowly and with a discerning pallet. Likewise, he sipped on a glass for each of the various wines, deciding that he liked a particularly well aged vintage red wine imported from Southern California the best.

He paid no attention to the remaining delegates around him, and simply ate in peace. His two bodyguards standing behind him quietly watching for any suspicious activity. It was unlikely that any of the Don's enemies would travel so far as New Vegas to enact some kind of vengeance upon him, but then again there was bad blood with the other families brewing, and you could never be too careful.

After a time, the Don pushed aside the final plate, gave a satisfied sigh, and lit up a cigar with a flick of a match. He sat puffing on the cigar and digesting his food for a few minutes before he pulled aside one of the waiters,

"There's a large amount of food left here. I simply could not eat it all obviously, no do I wish to. I don't believe in letting anything go to waste however. I'd like you to wrap the remainder up and take it out to a those poor wretches outside the gates of the Strip. Freeside is it? Distribute it to the first people you find. Make sure they know it's a gift from Don Borgio. I trust you'll do this for me keeping in mind how many caps I just spent at your fine establishment."

The waiter nodded profusely and the Don sat up, slowly, from his chair and began walking out of the Gourmand and towards the Ultra Luxe suits. After his massive meal, he intended to get some shuteye before the next day. His regret at missing much of the first day of this great convention was tempered by the hope of another great opportunity in the second day.

"I imagine these Vegas people know how to run a proper hotel," He said offhand to one of his bodyguards, "Lets hope they have complimentary breakfast..."

Antony Borgio

The Securitron's screen fell blank again for a handful of seconds, and then its persona returned. "Yes. You will be able to meet with him. Request transmission via terminal and he shall decide if he has the time or motive to meet with you."

"Hmmm...request transmission via terminal..." Antony muttered thoughtfully, "Well I was hoping for a more personal face to face meeting. Oh who am I kidding. What reason would House even care about me or my family eh? I suppose I shouldn't press the matter. Come to think of it, does House have a Vice President of some sort? Who was the VP of RobCo back in the day....hmmmm..it was a Mr. Milburn right? Thomas Milburn? No, no that's not right..I'm not sure where I pulled that name from to be honest....Bradburton? No, of course not, he was the CEO of Nuka Cola wasn't he...ah oh well. Nevermind. My pre-war history is a bit shaky. I'll glad see tomorrow if Mr. House is available for a some sort of communication. I'd be greatly honored."

With that, Thomas let the Securitron behind, and turned back around. He figured he'd walk the strip a bit more before returning to the Ultra Luxe for bed.

Lucia Borgio- Tops Casino

Lucia had been having the time of her life for the past several hours. Gambling, drinking, dancing, and meeting people from all walks of life from all over the wasteland. Vegas was a unique sort of city that had become a mixing pot of all sorts of different peoples and nations, and with the Great Summit of nations having been called here, there were even more opportunities to rub shoulders with individuals from the four corners of the continent and perhaps even beyond.

And it was here that she found herself seated at a table in the Tops Restaurant hanging on to the arm of an NCR "Brahmin" Baron with a wide-brimmed hat and a rather fancy looking suit that reminded her of a cowboy in some pre-war western. She was surrounded by wealth and power, men and women both, and was absolutely adoring it.

"So you come from New York, is that right?" One of the women at their table asked her with an excited look, "What's it like? I've heard so much about the Big Apple from old holotapes. I'd love to go their some day. But...I've heard the east coast is a bad place to be right now."

"New York is wonderful, simply wonderful!" Lucia beamed, "Lights everywhere...skyscrapers taller than any building you've ever seen. Most of the city is still in ruins of course, but my father and the families have built up their own little slice of heaven. What they have is nothing compared to the size of Vegas, but...papa has still done well for himself."

"I'll say," One of the brahmin barons scoffed, "You've been burning through caps tonight like nothin' I've seen before little lady."

Lucia gave a mischievous grin and stirred her drink, "Hmmm maybe I've spent a little money here or there."

"Your father, what sort of business is he in anyway?" The brahmin baron continued.

"Oh you know. The odd trading here or there. Liqueur and gambling just like Vegas. That sort of thing."

"He makes all that dough off of booze and gambling..." The brahmin baron raised a suspicious eyebrow, "Well shit. I went into the wrong business it seems."

"Whats all happening on the east coast anyway?" Another one of the woman said, "I've heard some weird things on some of the news reports back home. Weird cults and religions, creepy science experiments...that sort of thing. I caught glimpse of those Children of Atom people and then there was those...well I don't know what the other ones were but I didn't like how either one of those groups looked. They gave me the chills. You look pretty normal though, so I'm glad there's at least some sane people in the east."

"Oh we're not all crazy back east," Lucia laughed, "I don't know a whole lot about those cults myself, but I have heard of a group down south. All I know about them is..."

Lucia's words died in her mouth. Her mind became clouded with strange thoughts and she suddenly lost her train of thought completely. What had she been talking about? Had she been talking at all?

"Umm...hello?" The woman asked, startled.

"Yes?" Lucia replied cheerfully, seemingly oblivious to the conversation.

"You...you were talking about the east? The cults and so-on?"

"Was I?" Lucia blinked several times, "Oh well...I don't know a whole lot about those cults myself." He eyes fell on a clock on the opposite wall, and she realized how late it was, "Oh! I should probably get going. Papa will be waiting for me. I've had a lovely evening however. I hope to see you all again soon!"

With that Lucia stood up from the table and swiftly left the restaurant. Leaving her guests rather bewildered and confused at her sudden departure and strange behavior, but they simply shook their heads and assumed it was just an eccentric quirk of an obviously quite spoiled young lady.

@Lewis251
Christine Royce, Camp Delta

Christine nodded in reply, spoke something to a nearby Ghost - as the one in particular soon walked forward and deposited a case ontop of a table - that contained other medical supplies and clipboards. The case itself was made from lead and looked rather new at that - it was something that Royce had developed specifically to carrying the 'Antidote'.

"The Virus you speak of, is radiation. Highly weaponized radiation..." she explained, namely without her gas-mask this time around. As she quickly pulled out some vials of the orange liquid and handing it to the various doctors to be injected into the affected soldiers. As she explained the symptoms and causes that the soldiers were experiencing.

"The process is like ghoulification...only much more potent. The skin reddens and would lead to necrosis and skin putrefacation. Attack the brain and turn them feral...attaches to the bones, blood vessels...replacing the requirement for blood and nutrients in the blood...with the Cloud..." she explained. One might wonder, why those Ghost people never took their uniform off. Or if it was a good idea, to even want to see one without the suit.

Once the Antidote was administered the soldiers soon stabilized - their vitals returning to normal. "Treat them for regular radiation sickness now. The problems should be gone in a day or two..." finished Christine - as she soon spotted General Shu arriving in the tent. After she had finished explaining the issues of dealing with the Cloud' sickness to the NCR doctors. Leaving the case with them - incase Joshua decided to employ more of the Cloud outside of the Sierra Madre.

It was a good thing Christine arrived when she did - otherwise these NCR soldiers, would experience the first stages of Ghostification. Namely turning into literal skeletal ghouls - with the barely amount of flesh at all. Christine didn't wish that on anybody - the few Ghost people that maintained sanity and intelligence, didn't themselves want to look in a mirror.

"You said there was something you wished to discuss?" asked Christine approaching General Shu. Namely her offer was peace was genuine - the provisions she had brought, were all legitimate and bought directly from the Las Vegas Strip. The food was untainted, luxurious and was better prepared and brought than regular NCR rations. The medical supplies, were the usual amount of rad-away, rad-x, med-x, bandages and sanitizing alcohol. While the weapons, were of very great quality - namely laser and plasma rifles straight from the Ghost Trader' stash. Almost as brand new as the energy weapons produced and sold by the Van Graffs.

“Training my people would also be sufficient, as some on my people have proven to be quite adept at facing new challenges. I would be interested in acquiring more robots as well, for I do lack in the department compared to many other factions. A great deal of our prewar knowledge has, and does, come from the ghouls that reside within the Empire,” Calypso savored another piece of her steak and listened. She reached down and rubbed Martin’s thigh again, a touch miffed that he removed his hand from her chest.

"An Apache, hmmmm", Martin mused to himself, "I believe", Martin said as he patted her hand again, "that we have a deal then. We'll either repair your existing power plant in the vehicle, or provide a rebuilt one. I’ll forward the request at my first opportunity."

“This truly does please me, but, and correct me if I am wrong, you know of another Apache?” Calypso looked at Martin, her eyes filled with great curiosity, “I would also be interested in negotiating a deal for a second one, which would make patrolling and defending The Empire a great deal easier.” She dabbed the corner of her mouth with a cloth napkin, “I hereby cordially invite you and Lord Paladin to The Grand to discuss the project in greater detail. I will assemble my most noteworthy and capable members to hear your instructions. I did wish to speak about the infrastructure of The Empire; I am in awe at Mr. House’s extraordinary accomplishments here in New Vegas. I find myself wanting to improve our grid, to develop a much better system for which we receive power.”

Calypso paused, sliding her plate away from her and looked deep into Martin’s eyes, she overturned her hand in his, “Enough talk of business,” she graciously slid closer and took Martin’s hand to her waist, “Do I not please you Martin? I am willing to put off my other meeting if you so wish, for you have pleased me far more than I expected and I wish to show my appreciation.”



What the hell is going with her? Shelby looked at the puddle of fluids from Eliza, she was a little leery of Eliza, or rather what health problems the woman had as Shelby’s mind raced with questions. Is the tough chick thing just an act to cover up what’s really going on with her? Shelby shook her head in confusion and turned to the dresser; looking in the mirror she noticed that she still had blood smeared across her cheek. She walked to the bathroom and looked closer in the mirror as she washed her face and saw that her left eye had begun to bruise up, “Fucker,” she hissed under her breath as she looked at the results of Alex’s fists. She brushed her hair and returned to the dresser where her suitcase sat and pulled out a red nighty and slipped it over her head. She pressed her tongue against the inside of her cheek in a thought and went into the living room to see Eliza’s two people conversing and Aponi still frozen on the couch.

“Why don’t you go sleep in the other bed Aponi, Calypso will be pissed if you’re a zombie tomorrow if you sit there awake all night,” Shelby coaxed Aponi from the couch, that’s when she saw the bruise on Aponi’s wrists. “What happened to you? Did ya get tied up?” Shelby winked at Aponi.

Aponi looking ashamed, “Calypso said I could do what I wanted tonight, so I went and was watching the stars when…” she swallowed the lump in her throat, “Alex’s guys took me and drug me back to a shop outside of the strip. He offered me freedom, and said he would protect me from Calypso and her false gods.”

“That son of a bitch, who in the hell does this douchebag think he is?”

“I was afraid to tell Calypso, I did not want to upset her, and he did let me go like he said he would when he was finished,” Aponi looked up at Shelby, “Calypso may be…different, but she treats me good usually and makes sure I’m safe.”

Shelby put her hands on Aponi’s shoulders, “Yeah, I get it, and I will see what we can do about it. You are Calypso’s favorite servant, and she is pretty attached to you. Sure, she may flip once in a while, but you do as she says, when she says, and she likes that you don’t ever challenge her wishes. Go ahead and get some rest, we’ll talk about it in the morning since I’m stuck here.” Aponi nodded at Shelby and went and got ready for bed. Shelby turned around and looked at Eliza’s female soldier, “She is asleep, so what’s her deal?”

The soldier just shook her head, “I told ya, I said too much already, if you want to know more you’ll need to ask her yourself.”

“Whatever, I was just trying to see what I can do to help her feel better, but yeah,” Shelby turned and returned to her bedroom. She climbed into bed and wrapped her arm around Eliza as she slept.



Eliza tossed, turned, and mumbled as she slept. Shelby was awaken one time when Eliza’s hand landed on her cheek followed by a knee as she flipped over and let out a small scream. Shelby uncovered Eliza as the woman sweet profusely and Eliza settled enough for Shelby to fall back asleep. Suddenly Shelby was once again awoke when Eliza jumped from the bed, darting into the bathroom. Shelby wrinkled her nose, “What?” as she waited for a moment for Eliza to return. When she didn’t come back Shelby got up with a quiet groan and went to the bathroom to find Eliza slumped against the wall in tears, she knelt down and stroked Eliza’s hair, “You wanna talk about it? I have horrible nightmares sometimes too, and to be honest, you’re worrying the shit out of me.”

Shelby sat down next to Eliza after wetting a washcloth and putting it on the back of Eliza’s neck, “I see my parents a lot in my dreams, right before…before I killed them out of pure anger.” Shelby sighed, “If you let me in I may be able to help, and if I can’t, I might be able to find someone to help you. Since you’re coming back to Michigan, I can see this,” she motioned between the two of them, “I can see giving this a shot. I’ll make you a deal; I’ll talk if you talk OK?”

Rough Riders, Frontier Corp, Eliza Weaver - Gomorrah, New Vegas, Nevada

Eliza could tell from the way Shelby acted around her that she had experienced this kind of suffering herself. If there was going to be anyone that Eliza could open up to, Shelby was the one. She wanted what was developing between the two of them to last, Eliza was tired of being alone in this world. Now neither of them had to suffer alone anymore. Shelby had been able to calm Eliza down enough that she could think clearly and answer her coherently. Without taking a moment longer to think about it Eliza fetched her pack of cigarettes from her bra strap. It seemed like they never left her side, and they probably never did. It seemed like everytime she tried to kick the addiction she always relapsed even harder than before. She needed something to clear her head and until now her smokes were all she had. Even if every puff of acrid smoke edged her closer to death Eliza didn’t care. She figured something else would take her life before they did, and before she came to New Vegas Eliza didn’t feel like she had much reason to carry on living in the first place.

Eliza held the pack of cigarettes in her hand. She quietly examined them as if every memory they helped her forget were embedded into the creases and cracks of the pack. All that pain and suffering pushed aside and passed by. They helped her forget but they never helped her heal. That’s all everything ever did for her, her cigarettes, the alcohol, even the slaver girl. Nothing ever helped her heal, nothing ever gave her the satisfaction of conquering the horrors that conquered her. Fresh tears started to roll down Eliza’s face as Shelby spoke to her. Her words made her heart ache, for the first time in her life Eliza felt like she was in the presence of someone that genuinely cared for her. She didn’t need anyone or anything else anymore.

Eliza violently crushed the pack of cigarettes in her grip, the packaging exploded as the tobacco and paper inside it burst out of her hand and scattered on the tile floor. Eliza interlaced the fingers in her right hand with Shelby’s left and squeezed them slightly. Somehow Eliza snapped back, just like before when she tackled Shelby. Parts of her were coming back online, emotions she refused to acknowledge, and memories she forced herself to forget. It was time for Eliza to wake up and smell the ashes of the world she left behind, otherwise she was never going to move forward.

Eliza gave a labored sigh before she spoke as if she was working up the strength to say what she wanted to. “It was about a baby...my baby. I was 4 months pregnant when I lost it...him. It had to be a boy, it always is in the nightmares. I never seen him but I can’t forget him no matter how hard I try.” She spoke with a cold demeanor as if she had to shut off part of her brain to allow herself to recall what had happened. “I was in the NCR when he was conceived. His father was the reason he died.” Eliza pictured the details much more vividly in her head but she was still afraid to go into the details with Shelby. Part of her wanted Shelby to think she was strong, too strong for the things that happened to her to have actually happened.

“Shelby if you want this thing between us to continue then so do I, and I’ll do anything to prove that to you. No matter how much it hurts I’ll answer any question you have. Just so long as it means that I never have to leave your arms.”

Robert House

Lucky 38 Casino & Hotel

"Mr. House, we're based out of Alaska. Flying vertibirds to and fro is quick to add up in cost. But this airbase offers us a whole new world of possibilities for deployment in the region. In fact, we have men on standby as soon as you give us the greenlight.”

“Very well. The space is yours, so long as you adhere to the F.Z.M’s laws and allow me to keep tabs on what sort of business you are conducting inside my borders. If you have clients that wish to be anonymous, that is your choice. But the decisions I allow you to make within my borders are my responsibility, yes?”

Robert sighed. “With that, I suppose that it is high time we begin the second day of the summit. I suppose that I should be setting everything in order. Was there anything else you wished to speak of? If there are any further formalities, I can forward you a specific document that will simply require your signature.”

Who was the VP of RobCo back in the day....hmmmm..it was a Mr. Milburn right? Thomas Milburn? No, no that's not right..I'm not sure where I pulled that name from to be honest....Bradburton?

…What the fuck?

“Please excuse me, Commander.”

…Thomas Milburne?

House assumed remote control of the securitron in charge of the odd transmission. The policeman’s face still remained vigilant on the screen, but its voice was more disjointed and ‘human’ sounding. “Mr. House…will be willing to meet with you in the Lucky 38 itself.” The securitron produced a key from a compartment in its armor. “Any misbehavior will see you thrown out of the casino. He will be in touch.”

I have not heard that name in centuries.

At that, Robert House took command of the loudspeakers, which were affixed to the interior and exterior of each casino. He produced a generic, digitally-composed voice:

"The second meeting of the New Vegas Convention will begin at 4:30 -- three hours from now."

The smile that hushed over Maries face was strangly serene, as the distress in the water died as quickly as it had appeared. For a moment it seemed like she was thinking about a response, but then, very silently, she began to speak. "Gifted? No! My father told me that i hold no power, but the pitiful attempts my biological parents have done on me, to cure what they considered to be a blight! No, these "gifts" as you call it, and seem to have witnessed yourself, my dear Mister North, are just incarnations of a power that every human beholds and far more will behold, once we have cured the once true plague of this world...the sickness of the lacking of faith in the powers that are!"
The smile slowly vanished from her face, North explained the dangers of such a journey, yet Marie soon would smile again. "Your concern about the safety of our Missionaries is appropriated, yet not necessary. Ug-Qualtoth revels in the perils of us mortals, and it is this struggle that makes us strong, or makes us perish!"

Her eyes focused on the ruby-like finger, and for a moment she could feel the taint of agony that stuck to it, coating it like honey. "The last moments where filled with pain, regret...and then Tranquility! What a fascinating trinket, i think i would want to get my hold on one myself!" The grim warriors of Dosh-Novan Warband glared at North, yet Marie could feel their morbid interest in these creatures. "I am sure that the Warleader would be quite interested in hunting such a creature as these Wendigos! I believe they would make for a marvelous trophy! If the Federation would happen to be able to capture some of these creatures, we would be paying handsomely for their delivery into the holy city!" The Fighting Pits in the city where feasting on the weak, while empowering the strong, be it human or beast, yet below, in the depth´s of what used to be the Metro of Pittsburgh, the molders of Flesh, scientist converted by faith or blade, worked on beasts worthy of Ug-Qualtoth´s army. Such fascinating creatures would make for some great additions!

Finishing her Meal, Marie slowly got off the table, as she let out a soft sight. "It was indeed a great pleasure to make your acquaintance, Honored Envoy, yet i fear that the journey to this place left me quite tired. I am in good spirit that we will have an additional opportunity for such pleasantries as this conversation, tomorrow!"

Commander Tolen, New Vegas field commander.
Vault 21, New Vegas

The monitor began to glow with each sound from Mr. House's voice, “Very well. The space is yours, so long as you adhere to the F.Z.M’s laws and allow me to keep tabs on what sort of business you are conducting inside my borders. If you have clients that wish to be anonymous, that is your choice. But the decisions I allow you to make within my borders are my responsibility, yes?” Ryan bowed his head lightly to the monitor, "On behalf of Arctic Haven, I thank you. What we do at the base itself to set up operations outside of the region will remain classified, but you have the Boss' word that we will never act against you or anyone within New Vegas unless under your contract and yours alone. We are mercenaries, but we honor our contracts and word." Ryan knelt over the table to sign the lease contract with New Vegas and signed it, tore the original off and placed the carbon copy in a slot near the terminal. "There you are, Mr. House. Now we both have a set record of what we agree on, so neither of us can try to weasel out of our deals." Robert's monitor glowed with an audible sigh, “With that, I suppose that it is high time we begin the second day of the summit. I suppose that I should be setting everything in order. Was there anything else you wished to speak of? If there are any further formalities, I can forward you a specific document that will simply require your signature.” Ryan shook his head, "Besides the contract. I have no further papers that need signing at this time.". Ryan stood up and placed the contract in a folder and snapped the metal briefcase shut. He turned to the monitor, "It's been a pleasure, Mr. House. We look forward to a profitable partnership." He nodded once more, turned and pulled a walkie talkie from his belt, "Commence the move to Fort Hope."

Six Hours Later

The mercenaries were true to their word and within minutes of moving, they quickly began to fold in the tall walls with cranes onto the trucks, the tents speedily folded back in. The vertibirds followed the ground convoy, anti-material rifles ready for any threats on the ground, human or creature. Thankfully the transit was slow but uneventful. Upon arrival to the base, they began putting the concrete walls inside along the original chainlink. The basic functions of the camp were online thanks to the use of fission battery generators for the lights and water pumps, the tents and trailers were in position. The planes were dragged into their planned place. However, filling the hole and paving the concrete purchased from Quarry Junction would take a few days, but it'd be worth it in the end. A forward operating base set up in a quality junction between rivaling factions.

(OOC: Since Searchlight will be a secondary main base for my faction, I took the time to draw out a map for anyone who ever does business with my faction to get a better mental picture of the base, it will be added to the here and my character sheet shortly. i.imgur.com/vjztgrM.png)

Titus Crassus - Queastor of The Legion, Day of The Second Convention

Having given the Great Khans Caesar's offer and asking them to relay their wishes to the Khan of Khans, Titus retired to his tent and slept soundly through the night.

The following morning, he awoke to the Mojave sun just starting to peek out beyond the mountain tops of the desert. The Queastor rose, dressed, washed, ate a small breakfast of fruit and bread and then he and Atius both mounted their horses and made the return journey back into Vegas and The Strip.

Once again, they left their horses with a slave at the Strip main gate and made their way back over to the Ultra Luxe, where House had just announced the commencement of the second day's diplomatic talks. As they entered the Ultra Luxue's gourmand once more, Titus took his seat and Atius stood at his post right behind his charge.

They appeared to be the first to arrive, which suited Atius just fine. A gourmand waiter offered them refreshment and Titus gladly took a glass of water and a pitcher to refill it with. Although he skipped on any sort of food.

Patiently, he waited for the other delegates to make their way back to the restaurant, and for the vaunted House to make his appearance.

Brother Martin - The Tops

“This truly does please me, but, and correct me if I am wrong, you know of another Apache?” Calypso looked at Martin, her eyes filled with great curiosity, “I would also be interested in negotiating a deal for a second one, which would make patrolling and defending The Empire a great deal easier.”

"Finding a engine should not be difficult", Martin replied, "I cannot guarantee we have access to a servicable airframe, but I will discuss it with the Paladin-General's office and see if one is available. We have acccess to a significant number of Pre-War aircraft, though, so it is possible."

She dabbed the corner of her mouth with a cloth napkin, “I hereby cordially invite you and Lord Paladin to The Grand to discuss the project in greater detail. I will assemble my most noteworthy and capable members to hear your instructions. I did wish to speak about the infrastructure of The Empire; I am in awe at Mr. House’s extraordinary accomplishments here in New Vegas. I find myself wanting to improve our grid, to develop a much better system for which we receive power.”

"I will inform of the Lord-Paladin of your generous invitation", Martin said. "I think a State visit can be arranged. With the current state of affairs, there would be plenty for you and he to discuss."

Calypso slid her plate away and looked deep into Martin’s eyes, she overturned her hand in his, “Enough talk of business,” she graciously slid closer and took Martin’s hand to her waist, “Do I not please you Martin? I am willing to put off my other meeting if you so wish, for you have pleased me far more than I expected and I wish to show my appreciation.”

Martin sighed sadly. While Calypso was lovely, the repercussions of bedding her would be dire for him.

"You do please me, my dear", Martin replied, "But the responsibilities of my Office from time to time interfere with my private life...and sadly, this is one of those times." He gestured about idly with his free hand. "I guanrantee you, there is at least one member of the Inquisition in this room watching me right now. It's the price of the authority I have been granted. The Lord-Paladin is a jealous master...enjoying your company would call my loyalty into doubt."

"For that reason, regrettably", Martin concluded, "Such a thing between us cannot be."

Later that night

Martin entered the room, finding Joseph seated on the couch as the Lord-Paladin paced back and forth as he ususally did.

"Can you report now", Barnaky said teasingly, "or do you need a cold shower first?"

"I'm fine, my Lord", Martin said as he took a seat next to Joseph. "She was ameanable to the offer...she also invited us to visit her at her home at the Grand."

"Good", Barnaky said, "We need her cooperation or operations on the Lakes will be difficult at best. Things are going to heat up fast up there once the Cult realizes we're coming for them. If the Canadians show up tomorrow, see if they are interested in shells or parts for those naval guns of theirs....that should inconvenience Cult slavers considerably."

"Yes, My Lord".

"She also wants a engine for the attack helicopter they possess", Martin continued, "and another helicopter of that type if we can provide one."

"An airworthy Apache helicopter?", Barnaky groused, "Christ....does she think they grow on trees?" The robot then shrugged. "I've messaged the Paladin-General...I told him to check with the mission at Davis-Monthan and see if they have one out in the Boneyard. We'll see." He then addressed Joseph. "how about you, Brother Joseph?"

"Salvatore agreed to take the contract", Joseph said, "He told me to tell you that he will not take up arms against the NCR under any circumstances..and wants language to that effect in the final contract...which isn't a problem since we planned to deploy them in the Indiana Front."

"As expected", Barnaky replied, "Only a fool shits where he eats...and the Van Graffs aren't fools. Once they get out East and see those freaks in action we won't have any problems with the Van Graffs."

"What would you have us do tomorrow, My Lord", Martin asked, "besides reach out to Ronto?"

"Sound out the Pennsylvanians, and the Children", Barnaky replied, "They are just as threatened by the Cult as we are, perhaps they can help or at least shed some light on their operations. In addition, I've been told that Vault 99 has sent a delegation. We need to open a channel to them, in case the Texans decide to interfere again in our operations in the West. And finally, we need to negotiate with the Boomer tribe holding Nellis AFB for basing rights."

"Will House intercede with them?", Martin asked.

"He'll set up the meeting", Barnaky replied, "from there it is all on us. Offer them the Lucky Lady...you should get thier attention with that."

"As you wish, my Lord." Martin and Joseph said.

General Shu - NCR

"You said there was something you wished to discuss?" asked Christine approaching General Shu.

"Yes hello Miss Royce" Shu replied as he held his hand out to shake I have been informed that you are going to capture or kill Graham but first let me fill you in on the NCR’S plans..”

Shu then made his way over to a near large wooden table with the Map of Arizonian on it “Despite some setbacks The NCR strike force is making it’s toward phoenix down these old per war highways.... we expect to reach the town by the end of the week" He stated as he pointed to I-10 on the Map.

"Legion has been to attempt to use hit and run tactics to slow the advance but thanks to flat terrain and good weather we are able to spot them from an distance and thus most of these have been repelled... for now."

Shu then pointed to the Kofa National park (ooc: I’ll remove reference to the park if you aren’t there) “So far most of the attacks have been coming from this area, a per-war National park of some sorts. It should also be noted that Several Ghost trader although No graham himself was spotted in this area shortly before the attack...”

“Regardless with Mountainous terrain, plenty of local game and various caves dotting the area it would take months if not years to completely drive out the legion out... which is why the NCR isn’t even going to try.”

“Instead we plan on taking and Holding Phoenix; forcing the legion to come out onto the Plains should they wish to attack us... but with that cloud they can effectively wipe us out in one attack.”

“I have a squad of rangers on standby who can assist but when ether you are able to kill/capture but I need to know quickly can that “cloud” be gathered and used? Could some find else use it... If so our plans will have to change.”

“Likewise... I know this may not be possible but the president asked, would it be possible to destroy or seal off the source of the cloud? Prevent anyone else from getting their hands on it?”

Pontiff Cromwell

“Well Pontiff, you have piqued my interest. Of course our traders would be glad to have a base of operations set up in Megaton to help serve the area. However, what you said about technology in the north, now that we would be highly interested in.” Sam said, leaning in.

Cromwell nodded. "I do not know the details, but I know the technologies are the creation of a strange inventor, a former friend of my flock who resides on Atom's holy island. While relationships have decayed, they have not gone supercritical, and I would that he remain safe and hidden from his enemies. While we have little use for his technologies and some even consider it blasphemous to Atom, I am willing to trade it to the outside world if it furthers His cause.

“Let me ask you this pontiff, are you a student of history?" Sam asked. "Ever hear of Three Mile Island? If so, I am more than sure we can come to some sort of mutual agreement.”

Cromwell shook his head. "I know little of the names of the lands from before the Great Division, although if this Three Mile Island is the name of a holy site of Atom, I may know of the place."

Bartholomew Hemingway- Most Serene Key Republic

Bartholomew flashed a Cheshire smiled at the Eastern delegated arrayed before him. They all seemed to take his speech rather well- some of them giving polite nods as they digested the monumental proposal sat on the table before them. His monologue complete, Bartholomew retired to his seat and reached for his gin and tonic. While most of the delegates arrayed before him seemed to be ready to see the agreement itself immediately, the Northerner, Sherman Smith, did have a comment. The classically-clad man voiced his concern about involving himself in a potentially unnecessary war due to the American Co-Prosperity Sphere, before going on to state that he was much more interested in economic ties, rather than martial ones. He proceeded to produce a lump of coal from his pocket, mentioning his nation’s interest in its export on a larger scale. Bartholomew gave a polite nod.

“I completely understand your concern, Mr. Smith, as I and many in the Keys share your same sentiment. However, this bloc of nations would be interested more in all of our protection, rather than the propagation of war. As for the trade of your nation’s rich coal deposits, however, this is just one example of how the American Co-Prosperity Sphere could play a much needed role in our world. Resources like this should be traded freely with the nations of the free East, ensuring that we can all benefit and remain prepared to stop tyranny from spreading further across our great continent.”

Bartholomew paused, taking a moment to produce a short three pages from his briefcase.

“I’m sure the contract itself can speak volumes more on what His Serenity is trying to achieve with this axis of nations than I can, however. I must repeat that this is just a skeleton of sorts for what will certainly become a glorious example of the return of civilization to our continent.”

Bartholomew then laid all three pages out on the table before the delegates, dictating them in the most dignified Southern Floridian accent he could manage.

American Co-Prosperity Sphere

Article I- The Signatory Nations agree to uphold the ideals of the American Co-Prosperity Sphere both within their own nation and without. These ideals include those of liberty, democracy, and freedom for all mankind, as well as the opposition of tyranny.
Section A: The Signatory Nations will make a conscious effort to make their nations havens for free thought and action.
Section B: To ensure cooperation as far as this goal is concerned, the Signatory Nations agree to meet once a year to discuss the exact definition of their goal and how to better reach it.
Subsection 1: The exact location of this meeting will be decided by the Signatory Nations at the prior year’s meeting.
Section C: The Signatory Nations will pursue nonviolent means of promoting these ideals in other nations on the American Continent, so long as it does not violate the laws and sovereignty of the nation or independent faction in question.
Subsection 1: Signatory Nations should only use funds and resources allocated to them by the American Co-Prosperity Sphere to achieve this goal.
Subsection 2: Violent intervention in a non-Signatory nation for the purposes of promoting the American Co-Prosperity Sphere’s ideals is allowed, but only if all Signatory Nations agree to an intervention of the sort.
Article II- The Signatory Nations agree to enter into a defensive military alliance, wherein an attack on one Signatory Nation by an outside force will be considered an attack on the American Co-Prosperity Sphere as a whole.
Section A: To ensure all Signatory Nations are capable of defending their brothers, all Signatory Nations will participate in mandatory joint military exercises.
Subsection 1: Once every six months, each Signatory Nation must provide a land fighting force greater than 1,000 men to participate in two weeks of joint military exercises
Subsection 2: Once every year, each Signatory Nation must either contribute some number of armed, seaworthy vessels or send an observer to take part in two weeks of joint military exercises at sea.
Subsection 3: In the case of any Signatory Nations being engaged in a war, the nation in question is not required to take part in any part of Article II, Section A until they are at peace once again.
Article III- The Signatory Nations agree to establish a joint American Co-Prosperity Sphere Council at Kitty Hawk, Broken Banks (North Carolina). This Council will be responsible for allocating the funds of the American Co-Prosperity Sphere, representing the interests of each nation involved, making any of the votes referenced in this agreement, and overseeing any department established by this document or added to it afterwards.
Section A: Each Signatory Nation will place three members on this Council through whatever means they deem proper. Each member of the American Co-Prosperity Sphere Council (ACPSC) will be equal in power to each other.
Section B: Each Signatory Nation will allocate an equal amount of funds to the ACPSC to ensure that it can effectively accomplish the duties assigned to it.
Subsection 1: The exact amount in question will be negotiated and agreed upon by the Signatory Nations and their representatives at the meetings established by Article I, Section B.
Section C: The headquarters of the ACPSC will be built and maintained by the Most Serene Key Republic using its own funds and resources, as a sign of goodwill.
Section D: In no circumstance should the ACPSC interfere in a Signatory Nation against their will. Indeed, the Council is meant to be a servant of the Signatory Nations’ governments, and nothing more.
Article IV- If possible, the American Co-Prosperity Sphere should attain a small military force free of any nation and meant to serve the ACPSC and the tenets of this treaty.
Section A: This military force should never exceed 10,000 men in number and should only be used to (a) execute lawful actions listed in this treaty, (b) partake in the military exercises referenced in Article II, Section A, and (c) assist in the defense of the Signatory Nations from hostile forces if the nations in question request such help.
Section B: If possible, the American Co-Prosperity Sphere would like to extend this offer to the Angels of War mercenary company, with the intention of making a handful of their contracted units as a chassis to build upon.
Article V- The American Co-Prosperity Sphere shall make an effort to increase the economic condition of all Signatory Nations through the promotion of mutual investment, close trade ties, and the elimination of tariffs between all members.
Section A: At the yearly meeting discussed in Article I, Section B, all Signatory nations will endeavour to mutually improve their economic situation and make deals which are beneficial for the people of the American Co-Prosperity Sphere.
Section B: All Signatory Nations agree to refrain from imposing tariffs on other Signatory Nations.
Subsection 1: This does not apply to the use of staple ports, through abuse of this right is to be avoided and discouraged.
Section C: If possible, Signatory Nations should seek out other signatory nations to make trade deals before approaching states outside of the American Co-Prosperity Sphere.

Like a perfectly timed period, a rowdy bear of a woman stumbled towards the table, creaking into an empty seat to Bartholomew’s left. Her impact shifted a few documents and rattled a fork or two- Bartholomew’s smile quivered.

“Erm… Greetings Victoria Bearhorn. Make yourself comfortable, I suppose. It is rare for me to get the opportunity to speak to people from such far flung corners, such as your homeland.”

docs.google.com/document/d/1qaEfgpGIS… (The contract with better formatting)

Alaskan Federation - Victoria Bearhorn - Far West Meeting @Fisheye

"Much, eugk. Thanks." Victoria jumbled through as her overwhelming taste for booze had likely left a poor mark on her first contact diplomatically. "This a meeting of peace right? I prefer war it is where I belong, sweat on my brow blood on my blade. It is where I am fated to be. North wants peace, neutrality at worst. He is the leader of our delegation a strong man! Slayed my father and put him to rest. I swore to uphold the agreement between my faction and his." Victoria sat leaned over to her right side as she slung a metal limb onto the table.

"Had to check my good arm in with security. You believe it! Had all my good fingers on it. So what's all this, what kinda people are gathered here? Me I govern the largest swath of land in Alaska, many raiders offer me tribute and citizens prosper under my rule. I may be young, but Clan Bearhorn is the second largest raider guild in our state. Enemies die at our hands, and infrastructure rises with our gold."

North Ashland - Morning meeting @Andronicus23

As North stepped through the doors to the conference hall once more, he was greeted with few delegates maybe he was tired, or maybe only the Legion had yet to arrive; either way it was good. He wanted a moment with them, to understand their direction and see why this new war has come to pass.

"You are Titus Crassus correct? I am North Ashland of the Alaskan Federation, I wish to understand your current predicament after being thrust into this war by the NCR. I know little of local affairs, Alaska is isolated."

---

---

Once the presentation finished, Xavier was quick to deliver input. "A commendable initiative!" He enunciated, his accent drawling as he did so. He was quick to read his own copy of the document, allowing his comrade a view as well. He slid a pair of antiquated reading glasses upon his face and began to trace each word. Five minutes flat and he had read the document top to bottom, and was all too eager to sign upon the dotted line.

---

---

The Captain, in contrast to the ambassador which he accompanied, seemed rather neutral on the topic, opting to keep his resting scowl, sipping his beer as he read along. He ceased to read a minute or so after Connor, and instead looked on, for how the meeting would proceed.

Titus Crassus- Quaestor of The Legion

"You are Titus Crassus correct? I am North Ashland of the Alaskan Federation, I wish to understand your current predicament after being thrust into this war by the NCR. I know little of local affairs, Alaska is isolated."

"Ah yes," Titus nodded, "Well suffice it to say The NCR has acted out of wanton aggression. Although not necessarily unexpected, it was unwelcome. My Caesar was willing to come to terms with the NCR to stabilize the region but that suggestion was ignored in favor of invasion. The NCR is pressing into Arizona even as we speak, whilst Caesar mounts a brave defense of our lands. As it turned out, the NCR had their attack planned and readied before they even sat down at the table. This summit of nations was nothing more than a farce for them. "

"As to why The NCR has decided to invade. That I cannot say. Revenge perhaps? An attempt by their President to solidify his power? Or nothing more than a grab for resources and land. Either way, I cannot say. Only The NCR President can answer that."

The Borgio Family, Entering the Gourmand

"You say you got an audience with House?" Salvatore Borgio asked his son as they walked down the steps to the restaurant. Antony was quite excited, and had to refrain from acting over eager when telling his father about his talk with the securitron yesterday. Meanwhile, Lucia lagged behind her father and brother, still groggy and partly hungover from her late night tour of the strip.

"Yes father," Antony replied proudly, "I was informed Robert House himself would be willingly to meet with us privately."

"Fantastico!" The old Don said with a clasp of his hands, "Well done my boy. This is our ticket to bigger and better things. If we can establish a good relationship with House, we can use that to our advantage back in New York. With some of House's technology we'd be catapulted to greatness. The other families would have to kneel before us!"

"Yes well...we'll see what Mr. House has to say," Antony said proudly, and he gave his sister a smug look which earned him a snarl in return.

Finally, the family arrived at the Gourmand, and the Don and his two children took their seats.

There wasn't many here yet, but Salvatore hoped that would change soon. He was eager to establish his families dominance over New York. He had the wealth, but needed the muscle and the technology to be able to take over the city completely,

"Pardon me," He said, to anyone who might be listening, "Who here might be willing to indulge an old man with a pleasant conversation?"

Alaskan Federation @Andronicus23

North listened, keeping his flask of ale nearby on the table as he gently stroked his beard at the mention of a possible accord. "I see. I know not who the NCR are as a people, but from the rumors they do seem the type to roll over others for land; said rumors have not painted either of your nations in a favorable light. But I do not take stock in rumors generated by the disgruntled masses."

Uncapping his flask he quickly gulped down a swig and returned it to the table. "Though from what I can tell, your culture is one based off the old Romans, even openly practicing Slavery. I will not judge you as I believe to judge a nation means one is ready to act upon their judgement. You say your Caesar was wiling to come to terms, what would those have entailed should this convention gone as planned?" North inquired wondering just how much of the warmongering Legion the rumors told held true.

@Lewis251
Christine Royce, Camp Delta

Christine groaned upon hearing that, Graham had recruited some of her people to this pointless war. "Yes...I am sorry to hear that. I just want to reinforce my previous statement. That none of us wish for war, or conflict - most if not all of them are suffering from Deep Amnesiac Syndrome..." she spoke, sighing as she rubbed her head and hair.

"Yes...sadly one able to easily gather the red dust into a glass jar and then it's a simple matter of having an explosion nearby or somebody just stepping one mine filled with that stuff to blanket an entire area," she sighed in reply. "As for anybody else getting it? No. It's held in only one place, and my own people make sure nobody can get it out...untill one of our own did it."

"The only way is to eliminate whom brought it out. Graham and his ilk," she replied, before looking at General Shu.

"I am sorry this had to happen. I am...once was a Brotherhood of Steel member. I know your relationship with our organization isn't the best. But our original ideal in all, was to simply prevent such technology from getting out and harming people. Like it has happened now. I take responsibility for this. The Cloud is contained in the Sierra Madre - even if you would try to bomb or forbid try to destroy it in nuclear fire - it'd most likely just spew all that dangerous radiated dust into the air and likely blew it out into the Mojave."

"I....know you likely looked at your attackers..." she spoke, or likely at the remains - of whom the Ghost people looked underneath those suits. Barely skeletons with flesh only at their joints or hanging from inside their marrow. "That was the weapon of the Old World. It turns you...into that. Robs your mind of your sanity, understanding. The ones I have...helped restore. They barely remember what happened, only that they once worked as humans in the Sierra Madre and now...are those. Some barely remember anything at all."

"We...and by in chance, us - do want peace and a chance to regain their Humanity. Those that are against you, are a threats - that you can eliminate. As for fighting against this Cloud, we have a counter-effect for that. To the serum to counter-act the effects on your living bodies...to even dealing with Cloud agents outside the Madre."