บท 481: Ingratiate.
The group's reception from the Boomers was lukewarm at best, with angry, suspicious, and even despairing looks thrown their way as they walked through the Airfield with Pearl. Of course, Anja attracted the most glares due to her rather unpleasant appearance.
The Airfield itself was massive, and all the Boomer structures were spread around to an almost ridiculous degree... Quickly getting from one to the other in an emergency must feel like a Marathon...
Eventually, they reach a relatively large cabin, they're about to enter inside when they're almost swarmed by children... A storm of questions was shot at them, some even playing pranks much to the group's chagrin. Fortunately, one stern look from Pearl is enough to send them on their way.
"Erm... They were, nice?" Veronica mutters as they step inside the cabin.
"You can say that... They are much more impetuous than I remember previous generations being. Perhaps it's the sun?" Pearl retorts as she slumps into a chair sat behind a large desk.
"Youknow, I was thinking that the other day." Veronica nods sagely.
"Alright, you lot pull up a chair, no point 'standing' on ceremony." she chuckles.
The group sit in front of Pearls desk as another woman greets them and offers them food and beverages... Apparently, they take treating guests properly seriously, which is pretty ironic considering how they 'greet' everyone with heavy ordinance.
Pearl clasps her hands as she sits straight, "So, Mr House wishes to ally with us... Why? You must already know that our relationship with other factions is more volatile than our explosives." she asks.
Veronica shrugs, "Maybe if you stopped shooting those explosives on everyone you'd be better received."
Pearl shakes her head, "We know better than to trust the honour and kindness of strangers. Even on our journey from the old Vault to here was fraught with peril. We lost half of our numbers from the expedition alone, more while trying to claim the airfield..."
"What did you even do to offend the NCR? The Legion I get, but I don't think the NCR would do anything unprovoked?" Tamia asks, curious.
Pearl gives an almost bloodthirsty smile, "A while ago the NCR decided to shut off our water supplies, we receive all of our water from Lake Mead which meant we either act or die of dehydration... A couple days of shelling convinced them to see it our way." she explains.
"And the Legion?" Veronica asks.
"Idiots thought they could enslave us and take our weapons. Their arrogance outlasted their ability to scream for mercy." Pearl states with a scowl. "Now, I'd like to hear MR House's reasons for wanting an alliance with us, I'm not so foolish to think that he simply wants 'good relations'."
Tamia nods, "Well, I hope you don't spread this information anyone, even if most already know it... Shit's going to go down soon, and Mr House wants to take advantage of it, ridding the Mojave of both the NCR and the Legion. And before you say he's mad, I've personally seen the forces he'd able to provide... They are scary, to say the least." she explains.
Pearl rests her chin on her hand, "And he wishes our help in taking the Mojave?... Well, what's in it for us? Outright declaring way on both NCR and Legion isn't exactly a small thing."
"You will continue to have full autonomy over your land, this will be protected by Mr House himself, and any who try to dispute this will face the full brunt of his forces. You will also receive aid in times of need, the ability to start trading, and any advancements in tech that occur under Mr House's leadership." Tamia lists off, vaguely remembering House's words.
"Hmm." Pearl hums, looking deeply in thought, "That all seems wonderful, but it is not me you will be needing to convince. I may be the leader, but if the other's don't follow I can't force them, even if I agree with you... How about this, you three will live amongst us and try to ingratiate yourself with my people, if you are well received then we can continue negotiations." she states.
Tamia, Veronica, and Anja all glance at one another, wondering if this was a good idea, or even worth their time. "We need to discuss this amongst ourselves... Do you mind?" Tamia asks and Pearl shake her head gestures them to an empty room at the side, "Please."
The group enter and Tamia looks at them, "Alright, I'll just cut to the chase. Are either of you willing to actually stick around for however long it takes to convince them? We'll still be in contact with Bulwark, but we need to limit how many times we come and go..."
Veronica raises a brow, "Why?"
"Because if we keep disappearing the Boomers will think that we're up to something. The only reason we're even here is because they failed to kill us once, I doubt it'd take much for them to try again."
Veronica and Anja nod, "I guess you're right... I'll stick around, maybe they have some tech Afton doesn't... Even if it's incredibly unlikely."
Anja nods, "I'll stay, I want to help."
"Alright." Tamia says, leaving the room and sitting back before Pearl. "I think it's doable... As long as we can leave if an emergency springs up."
Veronica nods, "And I want permission to go wring that old bastard's neck. No one tries to kill us and gets away with it!..." she states, still holding a grudge for his attempted murder but realising something and sheepishly looks up at Pearl, "Aside from you guys..."
"Very well..." she holds her hand out and the group each shake it, "Then we are in agreement. Come. I'll show you to your quarters, I'll introduce you to everyone afterwards."
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