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The Courier does his best not to act surprised. Heck is a cutthroat robber baron but this is a remarkably good deal for everyone involved. It’s almost certainly that Heck will attempt to expand his power far beyond what he’s leading on with, but that’s a given with everything.
Deciding not to second guess anything this time around, the Courier juts out his hand.
[You've got a deal, Heck. This is going to be very good for both of us.]
Heck immediately gives the Courier a toothy smile and shoots the rest of his scotch back before motioning the waitress for another pour.
“Well hot damn Courier, that’s the best news I’ve heard in a while. Say, how about you and my boy have a little time to hammer out some stuff, get to know each other? I’ll get the meet and potatoes hammered out with my boys here.”
Ted gets up from the opposite side of the table, evidently taking the message from his father. The Courier shoots the rest of his drink back before following Ted to a spillover booth in a quieter section of the restaurant.
[So Ted, I have to ask, was this your idea or your fathers?]
A simple enough question, seeking to test the waters with the heir of the Gunderson fortune. The Courier also isn’t sure if he’s a failed case of nepotism or a legitimately useful resource.
“Both, I suppose. I just finished up my studies at Boneyard University, a degree in advanced animal husbandry and animal genetics. I was going to go work under my father in the NCR up north, but then the second battle of the dam broke out and to everyone's surprise, you won. I suppose not a surprise to everyone. I didn’t ever think you would become ruler of New Vegas but after meeting you, I can’t say I’m shocked.”
Ted takes a moment to wave down a waiter and orders a double scotch, neat.
“So my father has decided to gamble big out here and needed someone to keep an eye on it while also building a personal connection with your budding government. And honestly, you could use the help Courier. What a mess you’ve inherited haha.”
He takes the time to take a deep drink, grimacing slightly.
“So there’s worse places to be, I suppose. I know what you’re thinking, I’m not some nepobaby who’s going to come in and fuck things up, or be an empty body here for the title. My dad thinks I’m a helpless bookworm and this is probably the best opportunity to prove him wrong and get on well with you. I see the way the wind is blowing, the NCR and the Legion are yesterday’s pale imitations of old world governments. Here is something special.”
Ted drains the remaining liquor, giving the Courier a quick farewell without letting him get a word in. Strange kid.
