Chapter 631 - Taxing Prospect

It doesn't take long for Afton to teleport to New Vegas and enter the Lucky 38. The robot named Victor led him inside and brought him up to the penthouse where a large screen with Mr House's face awaited him... Before it, was a small table with a robot called Jane standing silently by it.

"Quite the set-up you've got here... But if I was going to be speaking to a machine anyway, why bother coming here in the first place?" Afton asks with a crooked brow, wondering if House just wanted the home-ground advantage in these negotiations.

The monitor flickers as House begins to speak, "Unfortunately a face-to-face meeting is quite impossible in my current state... But, this is as close to it as you can get, I hope this doesn't sour things." the man says with a 'not-apology'.

Afton just shrugs and sits at the table opposite the large screen. The robot leans forwards with a woman's face flickering on its screen, "Would you like a beverage dear? We've got almost everything in stock." it offers.

"I'll have a... Tea, if you have it." he says, wanting to see how extensive House's stocks truly are... Tea is almost impossible to come by outside of Big Mt, plus, he was still an Englishman, a night of alcohol requires a morning with tea.

The robot agrees and quickly rolls away, presumably towards the kitchen, leaving Afton and House facing one another.

"So, I heard your interview over the radio... Funny how you'd announce something not yet agreed upon." Afton casually states.

"Yes, well, unity leads stability. It was best for everyone to know of our potential partnership in these chaotic times. The NCR have almost completely fled from the Mojave, Camp McCarren is almost empty, and only a few NCR military police have decided to stay in the strip to act as security... Without a warning, a threat, innocents would soon be overrun by rioters, bandits, even wasteland creatures... As you know, I am known only for remaking Las Vegas, and only that... But you? Bulwark and yourself have formed quite the reputation..." House explains, and Afton silently nods in agreement.

Afton wasn't so heartless to disagree with his attempts at protecting the populace... But, he still couldn't let House's actions slide. "I agree, but, you still used our name without permission. Your lucky pre-war laws don't count, otherwise you'd have a number of them slapped on you in a courthouse." he chuckles.

"Yes, well, as fortunate as that is, I believe that's exactly what we should be discussing. Laws." House states, just as Jane wheels back into the room with two drinks.

The robot deposits Afton's tea in front of him while leaving a dirty martini in front of House... Even though he's literally not here right now.

...

Afton squints between it and House, getting a chuckle out of the man. "While I'm not physically present, it is still polite to share a drink with your guest... Do you disagree?"

Afton shakes his head, "No, but isn't the point of that to show that you haven't poisoned the drinks?" he questions.

"Well. Supposedly, but that doesn't matter when one, or both of us are immune to such a thing."

Well, Afton wasn't even going to ask how he knew about that... Either he guessed due to the abilities he'd shown thus far, or he'd picked up some rumours involving his 'mutant' status.

"How about we start with what it would take to form an official alliance between Solphelicity?"

"Urgh, how about we start with why you called it that? It makes me cringe every time I hear someone say it..." Afton mutters.

"Well, that's the reaction I wished for when I chose the name. I believe it will become natural to say once it becomes a household name." Hosue retorts.

"You chose it because it sounds bad?" Afton asks with a dumbfounded expression.

"Indeed. Rule one of advertisement is all publicity is good publicity. People may mock the name, degrade it... But it will be on their tongues nonetheless, continuing to cement Solphelicity's position in the Mojave." the man explains.

...

That made sense? Kinda?... Afton wasn't sure if that rule was real... Otherwise, why not just call your product 'Hitler-Orgasmo-Chocolate-Stalin' or something. That'd definitely get a reaction.

Afton shakes his head, regardless of his reasons, the name wasn't why either of them were here today. "So, what will Bulwark get in return for working with you? To be honest, you don't have all that much to offer, we hold almost space-age technology, a large military, self-reliance..." it was true, House didn't really have much to barter with considering Bulwark's overwhelming superiority.

"Well, New Vegas and the Mojave as a whole has one thing you cannot replace with robots... A pool of talent to pick from the citizenry. That is the first term I'm willing to offer in return for your cooperation in various endeavours I have in mind, the ability to pick talented individuals from the Mojave... With their agreement of course."

That's a good start Afton supposes... Though, if he was really desperate he could just recruit from somewhere else... That would have a problem with loyalty however, if he got people from the Mojave which knew who and what Bulwark was, they'd likely be far better than the alternatives.

"That's fair, but still not enough for what Bulwark is giving in return." Afton states, leaning back in his chair and waiting for House to offer more.

"Indeed... Which is why I'm willing to offer something no one else could possibly claim... Solphelicity will not tax any products you attempt to sell in the Mojave, as opposed to other businesses which will pay a minimum of 15% depending on the type of product."

...

"You know, I hadn't thought about taxes before, but wasn't the NCR hated by the population for ridiculous taxation fees? Are you just gonna try and convince them it's for their own good or something?" Afton questions.