Capítulo 498: Eventful Visit
*Crack!*
Lightning shoots down from the sky a couple of miles away from Primm, and once the dust clears five figures are revealed. Afton was standing in his typical Stealth Armour lacking his usual arsenal of weapons... Currently, all he has equipped are his pistols and Ultra Chainsword. Still enough to wreck someone's shit, but lesser than usual.
On his side stood the towering figure of Veronica in her Bulwark Power armour. The glowing red eyes of her helmet looked incredibly menacing, and that's not even addressing the large Gauss Rifle she held in her arms.
Despite her reluctance, Afton had managed to make her bring it. Usually, she was more comfortable with a plasma pistol and her fist weapons, but Afton felt that more ranged firepower might be needed. It's fortunate her Brotherhood of Steel training had made her comfortable with almost all energy weapons, letting her shake off the rust fairly easily.
Next to Veronica was a creature somehow even taller than her. A humungous Cyberdog looks around with curious eyes, it was smart enough to follow basic commands, and after it had all the chems in its bloodstream flushed it acted almost exactly like a regular Cyberdog, making the creature exceptionally suited to the task ahead.
Behind them were Boone and Josie, the former with two rifle slung across his back. The first was the old hunting rifle that he never let out of his sight, while the other was a more high-tech-looking weapon...
Afton had stayed true to his word and had the scientists create a more powerful Gauss Rifle... It was unimaginatively named 'Railgun'.
[Railgun]
Strength req : 10
DMG : 200
Crit dmg : 200
Crit mult : 1x
Weight : 35
Value : 30000
Special : Direct hits knock the target off of their feet or to the floor if they're too heavy.
As listed, it was incredibly heavy, and Boone would only be able to use it while lying on the floor. Any attempt to fire it while standing would knock him off of his feet from the kickback. Even on the floor the sniper struggled to efficiently use it.
Regardless, the damage it was able to put out was well worth the muscle soreness it'd undoubtedly cause. The only problem it had side from its weight was the fact it needed to charge up before each shot, potentially making the user miss optimal moments.
Of course, for Afton, this weapon had another boon... It technically counted as an Energy Weapon, making his Perks boost the damage to double or more. Getting shot while Afton was wielding this would be like being hit point-blank by a mini-nuke...
Boone was outfitted in the typical combat armour and Deathclaw leather duster, he had considered getting them some desert camo, but the duster was probably better at hiding them anyway. Josie wore something similar, but both now wore deathclaw cowboy hats as well. It'd been a bit difficult to get Boone to leave his Beret, but Afton felt his sniper shouldn't be forced to kill his countrymen while wearing their badge.
Afton brushes dust from his clothes and looks at his companions, "Alright, you guys already know what's happening. Boone, Josie, set up on one of the nearby mountains that have a clear sight inside the town... Hopefully, you won't be needed, but it's best to be safe than sorry." he states.
The duo nose and immediately leave, though, Afton chuckles slightly at Boone's heavy breathes from having to carry the Railgun.
After they're out of sight he turns to Veronica, "Alright, I'm almost certain the NCR are planning to attack us, so be on guard while we're there."
She nods, "Don't worry little small bro, I'll be your meatshield for today!" she jokes, taking as much advantage as she can at the fact she was momentarily taller than Afton today.
Afton just nods and looks to Gabe, patting his side like they'd practised, "Come." he commands, the Cyberdog sticking to his left.
The duo + giant dog stroll up the road towards Primm, they were still a while from the city but already Afton could see people gathering. He didn't know why, but the NCR had been broadcasting the negotiations over the radio, inviting people to come watch this 'event'.
Afton wasn't sure why they were doing this if they intended to attack him, perhaps to make the negotiations seem more legit?... Regardless, it was too late to turn back now.
People quickly noticed the giant Cyberdog and Veronica at his sides and parted like the red sea, allowing him and his bodyguards through into Primm itself. The place was chock-full of people, hundreds or perhaps even thousands had turned up. No doubt the Bison Steve Hotel was racking in the cash.
On the main road, there were far more stalls than there had been last time, all selling foods, novelty items, and commemorative things for the event. Clearly, the residents had been happy to monetize the event, not that Afton could blame them... Honestly, the caps they earned would go towards fixing the town after the shit hits the fan.
In front of the Bison Steve Hotel was a raised stage that already had a couple microphones present, as well as a plinth where speeches would be given from. The sight of this might Afton slightly nervous if he were honest... He hadn't actually written out a speech, he'd thought he'd write something on some paper and that'd be it...
As the trio walk, they're approached by who else but Johnson Nash, the mayor of Primm. The man was wearing a clean black suit, which is strikingly different to his usual dirty overalls and goggles he'd wear.
"Ah, so you've turned up! Thought you'd bail on us to be honest..." Johnson mutters, occasionally taking glances at Gabe and Veronica.
Afton shrugs, "Considering I never actually confirmed that I was coming, I'm surprised you'd stake this entire event on me... Did you even have a backup plan?" he asks, curious.
Johnson nods, "We did. If you bailed on us we'd be selling paintings depicting you as a demon being defeated by a two-headed bear..." the man chuckles when Afton glares at him, "Don't fault me for doing my best for the town. Caps are caps, even if we have to scuff a few shoes for it."
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Capítulo 499: No-go-tiations.
Afton's led behind the stage with Veronica and Gabe closely following. Behind it is a small group of people, a few of which Afton recognises. Ambassador Crocker stands there in his clean black suit with two veteran Rangers standing on either side of him.
Everyone turns around and looks towards Afton as they approach, the group paling slightly at the sight of Gabe but quickly composing themselves at the fact chaos hadn't erupted in the town yet. Crocker is the first to move, walking towards Afton with his hand outstretched, "Mr Parker, a pleasure to finally meet you." he states.
Afton firmly shakes the man's hand, "Likewise... Though, I'm surprised you were sent instead of someone else, aren't you supposed to only be in New Vegas?" he asks, wondering why Crocker was forced to be here.
Crocker chuckles, "There was supposed to be someone else, as you well know I very busy in New Vegas as it is... But as soon as they heard they were negotiating with you, they fled California with their family..." he says.
Afton can't help but laugh at this, was he really so scary that someone would willingly flee their country, job, and position just to escape talking to him?... Perhaps... He shrugs at Crocker, "Maybe they were already planning to leave due to something else... What are we actually doing here anyway? Don't events like this usually only occur after both parties have agreed to terms?" he asks.
Crocker nods, "Usually, but it's hard enough getting us all in one place once, it'd be good for everyone's morale if they watched democracy and peaceful negotiation at work. I personally believe we'll be able to find some common ground, I doubt we are all that different from one another anyway." he explains.
Afton slowly nods but is beginning to think that the 'trap' he'd been expecting wasn't coming at all... Crocker had a reputation for being a respectable person, his attempts in New Vegas, while suppressed by House and the families, were still impressive and indicative of his skills and work ethic.
"Ah, before we start... Would you please explain what your... Bodyguard is?" Crocker asks, gesturing towards Gabe who's currently sitting on the floor like a 'good boy'.
Afton shrugs, "This is Gabe, two-hundred-year-old Cyberdog extraordinaire. He'll be one of my two bodyguards today, the other is Veronica," he gestures at her, "Who's currently wearing state of the art Bulwark Power armour, far more advanced than what was used against the Legion." he states, boasts, and warns all simultaneously.
Crocker slowly nods his head, "I see... Erm, these two are my bodyguards, Ranger Lattie and Ranger Queen... That's about all I know about them, unfortunately..." he says with a nervous chuckle. Both Rangers were equipped with Ranger Sequoias and heavily modified Marksman rifles. The duo gives a slight nod, indicating that they are attentive and at the ready.
Afton nods, "I see... So, how are we going to do this?" he asks.
"We'll both head on stage and each of us will give a speech to the crowd, afterwards we'll have a scribe write the contracts while we discuss terms... Yes, I know it's very theatrical, but theatre is what the people need and want right now." he explains.
Afton shrugs in acceptance, not for or against this peculiar mode of negotiation. It takes half an hour for everything to get fixed up and ready for the event, and once everything was prepared, Afton and Crocker marched onto the stage and approached the two separate podiums.
Though, one thing Afton immediately notices is the fact that Crocker's podium has the NCR flag printed the front of it, while his own has nothing... To fix this, he takes out a small holographic device and has Nyx program it to the specifications he has in mind. Once done he sticks it to the front of his podium, allowing a holographic image of Bulwark's emblem to appear.
The crowd of course 'oohs and aahs', but that's to be expected from what is essentially a bunch of civilians, country bumpkins, and wanderers. Crocker looks amused at it, as well as slightly put out that Bulwark's flag puts the NCR one to shame, from its holographic glow to its rather distinct and intimidating artwork.
One Ranger stands behind Crocker while Veronica stands behind Afton, both silently awaiting the assassination attempt that is unfortunately pretty common in the wasteland. Even if either side doesn't intend to, other factions might get themselves involved as well.
Once everything calms down Crocker taps on his microphone which catches everyone's attention, he coughs into his hand politely before speaking, "Seeing as everyone is present, it is my pleasure to present the NCR's Peace Agreement between Bulwark, the upcoming faction that seems to be gaining momentum every day. As you may already know, I am Dennis Crocker, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary... Yes, it's a gaudy title but I'm not the one who chose it." he jokes, causing a few people to laugh in response.
Crocker gestures at Afton, "At the other podium is Bulwark's absolute leader, Afton Parker, a man who I am aware already has many titles, among which are; Butcher, Sheriff, Mercenary, Mojave's fastest gun, Fiend, and most recently, Walking Disaster... Might I say, if you ever wish to trade some of those, I'd be amenable to it." the man says with a chuckle.
Afton raises a brow, "To be honest, I wasn't aware I had so many... Thanks for doing the work of listing them all out, maybe I'll put it on my resume..." he drawls.
Crocker nods and smiles at him, "With your qualifications, I don't think that's necessary... Also, I'd like to welcome Dr. Helmsley, he belongs to the Followers of the Apocolypse, an impartial group dedicated to the health and wellbeing of the Wasteland. He's agreed to write out the contracts that we agree on and hopes to encourage peace between groups." he explains while gesturing towards the Doctor sat nearby behind a terminal.
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