Once basic introductions and thanks to the town of Primm for allowing this to happen, Crocker started his speech. Afton was only paying half attention to it as he was trying to think up his own one, though, Crocker did grab his attention...
"The NCR represents everything good in our now wartorn lands, what was once united under the United States has split into anarchical power disputes between factions of every colour. Barbarians like the Legion, Authoritarians like the Brotherhood of Steel, Unknowns like Bulwark." he gestures slightly to his left where Afton was stood.
"Democracy is the way forward, Democracy was the only thing stopping the Great War from happening, yet Democracy isn't strong enough to do it alone... It requires the strength of the people to push through adversity, the strength to rebuild what we have lost, and what was destroyed by foreign enemies far from our soil! That's what all this is for, that's what we work towards, what we strive to achieve...
Despite all the problems that come with Democracy, can anyone really dispute that it's the best way to fairly help govern people? To make sure that individual rights aren't squandered and squashed under whoever has the power to do so?-"
Crocker goes on to give the typical 'Old America was the greatest, and it was everyone else's fault it's now gone' spiel. Honestly, Afton was pretty sceptical, if America had just concentrated on renewable energy and defences against Nuclear attacks they might've survived the war. But, as always, it was too expensive to promote such research and change, instead deciding to war against other countries.
Still, Afton understood that surviving the Great War was pretty unlikely anyway... There's only so much you could do against the Apocalypse after all. The only real way he could think of stopping something similar from happening again, was to control and stop any Nuclear bomb production.
If no one had nuclear arms, the Great War wouldn't have happened. Sure, countries would still go to war, annex each other, and destroy the people. But at least the land would be spared, still viable for life, unlike the radioactive hellscape that now encompasses most of the world.
Crocker continues his speech, occasionally adding barbs against Afton and Bulwark, indirectly stating that he was a murderer without principle with his body language and sly words. Afton wasn't offended though, he expected this from a politician, even a well-meaning one. Besides, it wasn't as if he was wrong, Afton had probably killed more people than all of the families in New Vegas combined.
Soon enough, it was time for Afton to give a speech. Crocker had ended his own by indirectly inferring that if Bulwark didn't end up making an agreement that they were warmongers and no better than those that started the Great War... Yeah, good politicking Crocker.
Afton stands straight and looks at the crowd, observing their current attitude towards him and Crocker. Most seem to be siding with Crocker, though, it must be said that the residents of Primm are well on Afton's side. Their dislike of NCR taxes and the help Afton gave them back in the day made them a staunch ally of his.
Still, if he wanted to persuade the crowd to his own agenda, he'd need to sway the NCR sympathisers first... Despite this being an event for a Peace Agreement, throwing dirt at the other party to gain a position of power wasn't exactly prohibited, especially considering Crocker's speech.
Afton coughs into his hand to grab everyone's attention, once everyone is silent he begins, "A fine speech by Ambassador Crocker, I can tell he must've been working on it for weeks, if not months... Unfortunately, I didn't write one so I must speak from the heart as the saying goes." he says with a humble look.
"I agree that the United States of America had been one of the greatest countries to ever exist... But, that does not mean it was the best possible! You may all not know, but during my childhood in the Brotherhood of Steel, I had access to many records, my findings there and my experiences in the wasteland have shaped me into what I am today. Some may call me cruel, a murderer, sadistic, evil, but compared to what the United States of America was doing behind the scenes? I'd be a saint!
Let me just list a few of their crimes for you all; murder and torture of their political opponents, murder and torture of protestors attempting to utilise their constitutional rights! Biological warfare on their own people, destroying small towns and mutating the inhabitants into unrecognisable abominations. Working with Vault Tech to conduct inhuman experiments on the inhabitants they were supposed to protect! Most of you don't know this, but most Vault Dwellers were actually just test subjects with which scientists in the vaults conducted the vilest and reprehensible experiments possible!
America had a lot to boast about, but treating their people with respect and dignity is not one of them! Even if you disregard the war crimes against their own people, it still does not combat the issue of the flagrant corruption that ran the country. The democracy people like to preach about was nothing but a lie, votes were tampered with, manipulated, and officials were bribed! Nothing about that is democratic in my eyes! Though, with the way the NCR has recreated it, it must be essential to them!" he loudly states, inwardly grinning at Crocker's look of indignant anger and confusion.
Afton sends a heavy glare down at the crowd, utilising all his intimidation and speech perks to assist him. "Do not pretend that the NCR has shed itself of America's trademark corruption! Even now Brahmin barons bribe NCR officials to give them more rights, more land, and tax exemptions! While the people are left destitute, with no ability to fight against the tyranny of their own government! Land of the free!? More like Land of the freely exploited! At least in China you knew your government was evil and corrupt!" he exclaims, slamming his fist down on the podium to emphasize his point.
Yeah, as much as I hate to do political stuff like this, it's pretty much required... The NCR is essentially just America 2.0 so it comes with all the problems the old one had.
Also, I'm quite happy with you bois having a political discussion in the comments... Just try to keep it civil :P
Hope you bois liked the chap, if I missed anything please let me know. Thanks!
If you like my content or want to read ahead please go to https://www.p.atreon.com/Nagross, I'd appreciate it.
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Afton leaves the audience to ruminate on his words for a moment before bringing their attention back to him. He looks to Crocker with an apologetic expression, "My apologies, I may have spoken 'from the heart' far too much... I haven't even spoken about Bulwark, so allow me to illuminate you all." he says, turning and grinning down at everyone.
"Most of you will already be equating Bulwark to the Brotherhood of Steel, this in my view is indisputably wrong. Allow me to explain, the Brotherhood of Steel's goal is to control technology and stop anything dangerous from getting into the hands of those they see as undeserving. Of course, who they classify as 'undeserving' varies from Chapter to Chapter.
For the most part, I agree with their goals, but not the way they achieve them! Unregulated development of technology is what caused the Great War in the first place, so stopping anyone else from creating more weapons of destruction should be agreed upon by everyone! Everyone here now has to live with the results of our forefather's foolishness, what else can we do but learn from their mistakes to build a better tomorrow?...
Bulwark will work differently from how the Brotherhood of Steel operates. We will gather technology, and regulate what kinds are allowed to be developed and experimented on. BUT! We will seek to promote technological innovation among the Wasteland, helping humanity forward without the blatant self-interest of the Brotherhood, or indeed the NCR.
Water purifiers, more efficient farming, renewable energy, and so much more are at our fingertips! Each of these technologies could be provided to everyone if each faction stopped their wars. We have the resources to help one another, yet we continue to fight over power, weapons, and technology...
I do not blame the common people for this! I blame the officials, the politicians, the generals, and the leaders of these countries that would rather enrich the corrupt and selfish than help their common man!
Bulwark will work towards a better future, without the blatant racism displayed by all parties." Afton glances at Crocker, "America loves to boast about its civil rights, but what I see happening to Ghouls and Intelligent Supermutants is remarkably similar to what happened to African Americans! You won't let them participate in the rest of the military? Enter the New Vegas strip? Or even bring people guilty of committing hate crimes to justice!?" he looks at the crowd, "As always, America and its derived countries wear their hypocrisy on their sleeves, all the while boasting about their greatness..."
Afton shakes his head, "How can you expect your presidents to be unbiased and uncorrupt when their presidential campaigns cost more than the job would provide over fifty terms!?... And let's not even mention the NCR's treatment of independent towns! The town of Novac that Bulwark now protects was facing destruction from the Legion, yet the NCR elected to let them die and be enslaved! However, when the town saw this and stopped paying taxes, they certainly saw the need to send troops then!..."
Afton releases a long sigh, "I'd like to end on this thought... Each of you should think about what would make your life better, what you desire, and what you hope for the future... Now think on whether or not that could be achieved with how other countries are being run, on how rotten to the core they are... Thank you for listening." he says demurely while bowing his head.
After he ends his speech the crowd claps, though, it seems like a similar response to what Crocker had received. Meaning his words hadn't won over as many as he'd like. Still, getting people to question the intentions of those that are supposed to serve them was bound to bring some to his side.
Crocker looks over to Afton with a strange look about him, "It seems I was wrong about you Mr Parker... I thought you'd know how to play the 'game'." he states ambiguously.
Afton inwardly smirks and raises a brow at the ambassador, "What do you mean Crocker? Do you mean the game that politicians like to play with one another while they're supposed to be solving issues concerning the people? It's quite telling that it's called the 'game', isn't it?." he says.
Crocker barely hides his scowl, "We were supposed to be giving speeches, not attacking one another if you recall?" he sighs, "I should have expected this from a murderer."
"Oh yeah-" Afton goes to retort but is interrupted by Dr. Helmsley coughing into his fist, "Pardon, but this is a Peace Agreement, correct?" the man asks, and upon seeing Crocker nod he continues, "Then perhaps we should stop insulting one another and start talking terms of such an agreement?"
Crocker again nods, "Very well..." he pulls out a stack of papers from under the podium and taps them a couple of times to get them properly aligned. "With our speeches finished, we will now be discussing terms with which an agreement of peace can be reached. Unless you think otherwise, I'd like to begin." he looks at Afton for any indication of objection.
Upon seeing none, Crocker begins, "First order of business would be to rectify crimes and mistakes committed by each group... We at the NCR wish to be recompensed for the deaths of Veteran Ranger Emory Emmerich, and Major Lowell Thompson Jr." he states.
Afton immediately scoffs at this, "Excuse me? What proof do you have that Bulwark was responsible for their deaths?" he asks, doing his best to sound outraged.
Crocker glares at him, "Everyone well knows that you are the one that committed those murders, so don't deny it! If we are to negotiate peace we must be honest about our shortcomings!" he exclaims.
Afton scowls, "I'll compensate you if you can present any ounce of evidence that I am responsible." he states absolutely.
"Months ago the Legion broadcasted to the whole of the Mojave that you worked with them to assassinate members of our military! It makes sense as you were in the area when these deaths happened, and you have a motive to seek revenge!" Crocker retorts.
Hope you bois liked the chap, if I missed anything please let me know. Thanks!
Also, thanks to my patrons for their support :
ShinAmazake
Chris Lindsey
Kingsprovince
Michael Jarrett
Nazlican Erdem
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