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You almost jump at the offer, as it seemingly has everything you want and need wrapped up in a nice little bow. But that’s just it. Everything seems too perfect and you’ve been around enough that things are <span class="mu-i">never</span> this perfect. It’s not that you believe Long is lying outright, it’s probably what you would do in his position, but it pays to be cautious.
You can’t allow the Salvatores continue to exist in Freeside. Now only would legitimizing a family like this be an affront to both the Strip Families and Freeside itself, but it’s just not what you want the NVD to turn into. But…
You also can’t or won’t turn down what Cyrus is offering you. Hundreds of highly-trained individuals that could become the cornerstone of the educated and competent upper-crust of the NVD? Where else would you find such a group ready and willing to completely embed themselves in your experiment? Nowhere. So as is your calling card, you choose neither door a or door b.
[Mr. Long. You have a deal. Sort of. Listen close and I will layout the exact parameters of the agreement. There will be no negotiation.]
You make sure he is listening intently and you can’t help but revel in the fear you see on his face.
[The Salvatores do not exist in New Vegas anymore. Their ill-gotten gains are now the property of the NVD and I will take possession of the footsoldiers, unless any belong to your group. You and your lieutenants will be allowed to leave to not make it look too suspicious that you’re heading back unscathed. You will inform your benefactors that the Mojave is off limits. Instead of using this as an excuse to funnel supplies and personnel out here, you’ll have to find a better way to do it. Don’t ask, but we can easily change the appearance of anyone too sensitive to show their face out here. It may take time, but this is the only way.]
The disappointment in Long’s face is immeasurable but he doesn’t interrupt. It seems he knows who holds the power here.
[Any and every member of your group that emigrates here will be accounted for. Pictures and fingerprints taken, names and any other pertinent information. I’ll have it compiled on the Lucky 38 servers. If that information falls into anybody’s hands, there will be bigger issues. Any of your agents in the NVD may continue to operate but I will now know about them.]
You make sure he’s getting all this. This is all too serious for any misunderstanding to settle in.
[Finally, I am leaning on settling everyone in one central location, at least for now. That may change as more and more of my future residents arrive. You may want to keep a trusted confidant here in the Mojave as a liaison as you work to move people out here. For both of our sakes.]
You slap your hands on your thighs and stand up with Long following suit.
