章 385: Crock-Pot

Boone, Tamia, and Veronica are led through the embassy until they eventually reach a relatively well-kept office. The floor was decorated with a red carpet, and the walls seemed to have been painted over, despite their bad condition. On the wall was a large painting of what could only be President Kimball, and on the far side of the room sat a black man wearing a fine suit behind a terminal.

"Ambassador." the receptionist states as she stands by the entrance to the room dutifully with her hands behind her back.

He gestures at her, "You can go, thank you." he says before focussing on the group, "Hello. I'm not sure if you know me, but I certainly know of you..." he points to Boone, "Member of one of the most impactful mercenary groups the Mojave, and the wasteland, has ever seen." he then gestures at Tami and Veronica, "And you two, blazing a trail through the Mojave with seemingly no goal... Still, you have my gratitude for what you did in Boulder City... Come, take a seat." he says, nodding his head at the chairs set in front of his desk.

They do as told, Boone depositing the jar containing Lowell's head on the desk as well, though, by the slight grimace the Ambassador gives, he already knows what it is.

"You seem to know a lot about us..." Veronica quietly says, wondering just how far their network extends.

Crocker smiles and nods, "I know enough. That said, I believe we have more pressing matters to discuss. Particularly what occurred in the Ultra-Lux... I don't want to hastily come to conclusions, but, your actions were dangerous, and reckless..."

Tamia scoffs at this, crossing her arms while slouching in her chair, "Oh? How so?"

"The situation with House right now is... Tenuous, negotiations between the NCR and him haven't made any progress since the last treaty, you might ask 'why does this matter', and I'd tell you that using NCR authority that wasn't given to arrest a prominent casino member on their own property was incredibly damaging, not just to the casino and its reputation, but to the NCR's relations with Mr House and the rest of the strip.

I know that you most likely had a very, very compelling reason to do so, but you acted for the NCR, without NCR approval... If we let this go unpunished, it may set a president of vigilantism, especially in Freeside which is on the brink of complete anarchy."

Boone shrugs, "Better to apologise for acting than get permission five months later. Mortimer needed to be stopped, he was attempting to convince the rest of the White Glove Society to become cannibals again. Left to his own devices, I think he may have succeeded..."

Crocker just shakes his head with a sigh, "Be that as it may, I cannot let this stand as it is. Despite the actions taken against Major Thompson, you still have no evidence that Mortimer was the one responsible... Is the man even alive to testify? Or did you take those matters into your own hands as well?" he asks, already knowing full well that Mortimer wouldn't have survived.

Tamia shakes her head, "I pummeled his skull until it became bone-fragment soup. I can drag his corpse back if you like?"

"Er, no... Let's not do that." Crocker says, turning his attention to the jar. "May I?" he asks as he glances at Boone.

Boone just nods, it wasn't like he owned the jar anyway...

Crocker raises the cloth and looks into the jar, inadvertently locking eyes with the severed head. "Well, well... I told you this would happen, didn't I, Jr?..." he releases a long sigh and looks at the others, "Not much we can do about it now I suppose... I've sent someone to the Lucky 38 to see if House is willing to discuss recent events, usually he'd send out a robot to discuss it for him, but it's always a bit random, shall we say?... Once I've spoken with House, I will determine just how much damage you have done to the relations of the NCR and New Vegas and punish you accordingly."

"You're going to punish us for doing your job for you?" Tamia scoffs, clearly unsatisfied by this turn of events, she gets to her feet and glances at Veronic and Boone, "Whatever, we'll see what you decide, and afterwards I'll see if I care to listen." she states as she begins to exit.

Veronica quickly follows and Boone slowly gets to his feet as well, "You can keep the jar." he says noncommittally before leaving.

Once Boone exits the embassy he's greeted with an angry, ranting Tamia. "Who does he think he is? We do his job for him and he says he'll punish us? Hah! Fat chance in hell!"

Boone glances at ED-E who's silently floating at his side and sighs, "Atleast you weren't programmed female, right?" he quietly jokes, making sure he's not heard by the duo.

"Let's just forget about it Tamia... We have other things to do, like meeting Afton and dealing with Benny." Veronica chides, though is certainly looking forward to being reunited with her 'brother'.

Tamia looks over to Boone after a few moments recomposing herself, "Well? What's the plan then?"

"We said we'd meet up at the strip gate at a certain time. It wouldn't be good to barge in while someone's doing something important. We'll wait there, for now, hopefully everyone'll come at the right time."

The two women shrug, "Sounds like a plan, I guess..." Tamia mutters.

A smirk makes its way not Veronica's face however, "Are we still gonna surprise Afton?"

"Do whatever you want." Boone quietly says, not really caring what they do, as long as it isn't incredibly stupid or dangerous.