บท 556: Innocent Savages

Doc Henry just shrugs, "I'm old and like to keep busy, this place is quieter than most and provides good research opportunities. I wonder what you are doing here though, we haven't had traders in a while, and you look more like the mercenary type to me."

"You could say that... We're just waiting to talk to Marcus." Tamia says.

Doc Henry slowly nods, "Mhm, hey... Would you mind if I looked your dog over while you wait? It's not anything important, just mild curiosity."

...

Tamia glances at Dogmeat who shakes its head, "Sorry, the mutt knows what it wants." she shrugs, taking a seat and relaxing while waiting for Marcus to arrive.

Doc Henry just sighs and sits back at his terminal, returning to his research.

It takes around thirty minutes for Marcus to finally return, the large mutant popping his head into the room and looking at Tamia. "You wanted to talk in private? Follow me." he states.

The trio + dog, follow Marcus through the resort as he leads them to his room. Again, they pass by many mutants and nightkin who seem very hostile. It's fortunate Marcus seems to have good control over them, otherwise they may have needed to fight their way out.

They enter Marcus' room as the mutant locks the door behind them before taking a seat in a large make-shift chair, "Alright, what's up?" he asks with crossed arms.

"I've been sent by Mr House to see if Jacobstown is willing to make an agreement with New Vegas, specifically, an agreement to help combat the NCR and Legion from the Mojave." she states.

Marcus looks surprised at this, raising a hand to rub his chin while in thought, "Mr House huh?... To be honest, I'm surprised someone like him would be willing to negotiate with mutants at all..."

Tamia shrugs, "Mr House doesn't discriminate against any race, colour, or creed. So long as you aren't a violent bandit, cannibal, or communist, there's a place in New Vegas for everyone. Despite the short time I've known the man, I can se for sure that he is a true blue capitalist. As long as you are non-destructive towards society, he'll defend your rights as sapient beings." she states.

...

Marcus' eyes go wide at this, with his face gaining a look of confusion, hope, and scepticism after thinking about it for a moment. "I'm not sure I can believe your words... I've lived a long time, and this isn't the first time I've heard people proclaim equal treatment while conspiring against us in the background... I have to ask, are these words his, or yours?"

Tamia purses her lips, "They are mine, but I've been given full authority to negotiate on New Vegas's behalf. I'm basically the only ambassador, so I have a bit of sway with Mr House. I understand you are sceptical, but wouldn't it be better to secure an agreement with New Vegas before the war erupts?... I promise you, regardless of the surprises that occur, New Vegas will come out on top." she states with full confidence.

Afton had already made his intention to side with New Vegas in the coming conflict clear to her, it was after the war that he was still on the fence about. He said he wanted to see if House actually stuck to his word before deciding anything concrete... Which was understandable, she agreed with him completely, as if House derelict his duty despite his promises, she'd jump ship as well...

"Say we agree to some sort of alliance, what's in it for us, and what would we have to give in return?" Marcus questions.

"Now? Nothing... But in future you may be drafted to help fight for New Vegas, though, we won't force you onto the front lines if you're worried about it, we already have robots for that. As for what you'll get in return? The ability to live like regular people? Without having to hide away in isolated places like this. A chance for equal treatment?"

Marcus shakes his head, "Meaningless platitudes aren't enough for me to lead my people to war. I've fought before, and I know what horrors await us if your position isn't as strong as you suggest. The constant fighting was the reason I left Black Mountain, yet..." he sighs, "You've fought the NCR in the area, you must've seen the other scouts watching Jacobstown?" he questions.

Boone nods, "Yeah, spotted two groups of them watching the roads."

"They've been harassing us for weeks now. Stopping us from sending out caravans for supplies, killing surrounding wildlife, sometimes even shooting at our Big horner herd. I'm struggling enough as it is keeping the others from running out and slaughtering any human they see, but it's a losing battle... I suspect the Nightkin are already planning to leave, but maybe the others can be saved from destroying themselves... If you want to show your sincerity, try getting rid of some of the NCR encampments in the area,

That'd show the others that not all humans are against us, it might even get the Nightkin back to being 'relatively' civil. It would also show that House truly means to combat the NCR... Don't think I'm unaware of New Vegas' current relationship with them, Camp McCarren is spoken of enough over the radio." he states.

Tamia glances over at Boone and Josie questioningly, she wasn't sure how they'd react to such a request... Sure, they'd defended themselves against the NCR troopers, but actively hunting them down? Yeah, that's another can of worms she wasn't looking forward to opening.

Boone leans back in the chair and looks at the ceiling with crossed arms, "We'll do it... As it is, while they are not technically breaking any NCR laws as Supermutants don't count as civilians, I think a conflict with them is inevitable... Why not spark the war to protect innocents? It'd at least put us on the moral high ground, even if people don't see it that way."