Chapter 501 - Silent Political Outrage

Afton leaves the audience to ruminate on his words for a moment before bringing their attention back to him. He looks to Crocker with an apologetic expression, "My apologies, I may have spoken 'from the heart' far too much... I haven't even spoken about Bulwark, so allow me to illuminate you all." he says, turning and grinning down at everyone.

"Most of you will already be equating Bulwark to the Brotherhood of Steel, this in my view is indisputably wrong. Allow me to explain, the Brotherhood of Steel's goal is to control technology and stop anything dangerous from getting into the hands of those they see as undeserving. Of course, who they classify as 'undeserving' varies from Chapter to Chapter.​​

For the most part, I agree with their goals, but not the way they achieve them! Unregulated development of technology is what caused the Great War in the first place, so stopping anyone else from creating more weapons of destruction should be agreed upon by everyone! Everyone here now has to live with the results of our forefather's foolishness, what else can we do but learn from their mistakes to build a better tomorrow?...

Bulwark will work differently from how the Brotherhood of Steel operates. We will gather technology, and regulate what kinds are allowed to be developed and experimented on. BUT! We will seek to promote technological innovation among the Wasteland, helping humanity forward without the blatant self-interest of the Brotherhood, or indeed the NCR.

Water purifiers, more efficient farming, renewable energy, and so much more are at our fingertips! Each of these technologies could be provided to everyone if each faction stopped their wars. We have the resources to help one another, yet we continue to fight over power, weapons, and technology...

I do not blame the common people for this! I blame the officials, the politicians, the generals, and the leaders of these countries that would rather enrich the corrupt and selfish than help their common man!

Bulwark will work towards a better future, without the blatant racism displayed by all parties." Afton glances at Crocker, "America loves to boast about its civil rights, but what I see happening to Ghouls and Intelligent Supermutants is remarkably similar to what happened to African Americans! You won't let them participate in the rest of the military? Enter the New Vegas strip? Or even bring people guilty of committing hate crimes to justice!?" he looks at the crowd, "As always, America and its derived countries wear their hypocrisy on their sleeves, all the while boasting about their greatness..."

Afton shakes his head, "How can you expect your presidents to be unbiased and uncorrupt when their presidential campaigns cost more than the job would provide over fifty terms!?... And let's not even mention the NCR's treatment of independent towns! The town of Novac that Bulwark now protects was facing destruction from the Legion, yet the NCR elected to let them die and be enslaved! However, when the town saw this and stopped paying taxes, they certainly saw the need to send troops then!..."

Afton releases a long sigh, "I'd like to end on this thought... Each of you should think about what would make your life better, what you desire, and what you hope for the future... Now think on whether or not that could be achieved with how other countries are being run, on how rotten to the core they are... Thank you for listening." he says demurely while bowing his head.

After he ends his speech the crowd claps, though, it seems like a similar response to what Crocker had received. Meaning his words hadn't won over as many as he'd like. Still, getting people to question the intentions of those that are supposed to serve them was bound to bring some to his side.

Crocker looks over to Afton with a strange look about him, "It seems I was wrong about you Mr Parker... I thought you'd know how to play the 'game'." he states ambiguously.

Afton inwardly smirks and raises a brow at the ambassador, "What do you mean Crocker? Do you mean the game that politicians like to play with one another while they're supposed to be solving issues concerning the people? It's quite telling that it's called the 'game', isn't it?." he says.

Crocker barely hides his scowl, "We were supposed to be giving speeches, not attacking one another if you recall?" he sighs, "I should have expected this from a murderer."

"Oh yeah-" Afton goes to retort but is interrupted by Dr. Helmsley coughing into his fist, "Pardon, but this is a Peace Agreement, correct?" the man asks, and upon seeing Crocker nod he continues, "Then perhaps we should stop insulting one another and start talking terms of such an agreement?"

Crocker again nods, "Very well..." he pulls out a stack of papers from under the podium and taps them a couple of times to get them properly aligned. "With our speeches finished, we will now be discussing terms with which an agreement of peace can be reached. Unless you think otherwise, I'd like to begin." he looks at Afton for any indication of objection.

Upon seeing none, Crocker begins, "First order of business would be to rectify crimes and mistakes committed by each group... We at the NCR wish to be recompensed for the deaths of Veteran Ranger Emory Emmerich, and Major Lowell Thompson Jr." he states.

Afton immediately scoffs at this, "Excuse me? What proof do you have that Bulwark was responsible for their deaths?" he asks, doing his best to sound outraged.

Crocker glares at him, "Everyone well knows that you are the one that committed those murders, so don't deny it! If we are to negotiate peace we must be honest about our shortcomings!" he exclaims.

Afton scowls, "I'll compensate you if you can present any ounce of evidence that I am responsible." he states absolutely.

"Months ago the Legion broadcasted to the whole of the Mojave that you worked with them to assassinate members of our military! It makes sense as you were in the area when these deaths happened, and you have a motive to seek revenge!" Crocker retorts.