Chapter 399 - Emissaries

Afton had been sitting outside the Lucky 38 for around two hours ever since Tamia was invited inside. He'd watched as the NCR dragged numerous bodies out of the Tops, and even spotted Benny's in the pile.

A few soldiers who'd witnessed the massacre inside had even attempted to arrest Afton and his companions, but were quickly called off by their higherups... Obviously, word had already spread in the strip about what'd occurred, and his reputation with the NCR, Strip, and Freeside had taken a hit. Though, the latter less than the others as most in Freeside despised the rich and prominent with a passion.​​

Of course, the biggest event of the day wasn't the brutal massacre that'd happened very recently, no, that honour belonged to Tamia, who was the first to enter the Lucky 38 ever since the founding of New Vegas.

Afton personally couldn't see much difference between the opening of a new McDonalds and this, but he supposed just being acknowledged by Mr House was enough to become 'important' in most peoples eyes.

The man was more myth and legends than anything based in reality, the only reason people even know the man existed was due to the Securitrons who purported to act on his orders. Regardless of his thoughts however, Afton and his group were no longer the only ones waiting outside the Casino for Tamia to exit.

There were two people, one Veteran NCR Ranger kitted out in full gear, as if they were anticipating having to wade through a riot to reach their target, and another man dressed in a familiar black suit, a Legion Spy.

Afton had no idea why the NCR hadn't noticed that he and all the other people dressed in those black suits were spies, but whatever the case was, it was pretty obvious once you saw one. Though, this may just be due to his 'close' relationship with the Legion.

The NCR Ranger had turned his glowing red visor to Afton and his group, scanning everyone there as if he was expecting to be attacked. Though, his gaze lingered on Karl longer than anyone else.

"Ranger." Karl states, giving a lazy salute from his sitting position.

"Traitor." the ranger spits.

Karl just chuckles, "I don't know what they told you, but I ain't a traitor. I know I won't be able to persuade you though, so go back to your buddies and talk about me behind my back, as you guys usually do."

The Ranger shakes their head and takes a position next to the Lucky 38 doors opposite Afton's group, their arms crossed but ready for combat at any moment.

The black-suited man just stands demurely in the middle between Afton's group and the Ranger however, as if he didn't care able the hostilities at all, or was confident in avoiding danger should it occur.

"Any idea's what House wants Tamia for?" Veronica asks, not willing to admit how worried she was for her friend.

Afton shrugs, "A spanking for causing trouble on his strip?" he jokes.

Veronica just glares at him, "Not. Funny."

"I don't know... Nyx, was that funny?" he asks, bored out of his mind for waiting this long.

"By my calculations... No." The AI states, getting chuckles from the rest of the group.

The group continue making jabs at one another until they're interrupted by the familiar sound of mechanical movement... The doors to the Lucky 38 slowly open, revealing Tamia who steps out with a backpack filled to the brim with something. She glances around at the people waiting outside the door before eventually smiling at Veronica and the group.

She's about to walk over and greet them when she's stopped by an NCR Ranger who steps in her path.

"Miss Tamia, the NCR has taken a great interest in your work, as is willing to forgive any and all crimes you may have committed against us, this is courtesy of Ambassador Crocker. In addition, we would welcome you with open arms should you wish to cooperate with us in future. With this, you are formally invited to any institution the NCR holds to discuss your future plans." the Ranger politely says in a dramatically different tone from how they'd spoken to Karl. After they're done talking, they hand over a slip of paper, one which Afton could spot was some kind of pardon.

Tamia just pauses and gives the Ranger a weird look, "Er, I haven't committed any crimes, so, can I just use this as a get outta jail free thing or...?"

The Ranger shakes his head, "The Pardon is retroactive, any crimes you commit from here onwards will be punished with the full authority of the law."

Tamia shrugs, looking disinterested, "Bummer."

With that, the Ranger walks over in the direction of the embassy, allowing the Legion Spy to approach. "Greetings, I am Marius Domiticus, by my name you should already understand where I hail from. The great Caesar formally extends his hand to you, granting you the Mark of Caesar, absolving you from any crimes you may have committed. This is an honour not given lightly, so you would do well to remember this moment.

In addition, Caesar invites you to meet with him at the Fort East of Hoover Dam to discuss things further. I am sure you will take up this offer, not many refuse Caesar and live to tell about it, I promise that." the man states, handing Tamia some sort of coin, one similar to what Afton holds.

Tamia just sighs exasperatedly, "Okay... I'm not gonna have to watch out for a Brotherhood emissary now, am I?" she asks, but the spy just shakes their head.

"The Brotherhood don't dare to delve into Legion business. Good day to you, I trust you'll act in everyone's best interest." he states before briskly leaving.