Chapter 632 - Deal Or No Deal?

"Well, as unfortunate as it is, taxing the populace is required to form a stable and civil society. I am not a communist, so I will not be giving free handouts to those who wish to abuse and take advantage of the system for their own gains... There will be changes to how the NCR operated however... Only products and income will be taxed, it will also be significantly lower than what the NCR demanded. The taxes will all be used to build infrastructure, as well as maintain and upgrade my Securitron army."

"And your attitude on monopolies?" Afton questions, knowing that no taxes to the business started under Bulwark's name would eventually result in his complete domination of the market, especially with the technology and potential production rate.

House chuckles, "You forget, my business was once regarded a monopoly by my opponents. Monopolies are simply a result of capitalism working as intended... There will be close observation and critique of any monopoly that comes into being... We are both smart enough to know that monopolies generally result in many malicious consumer tactics, corruption, and eventual degradation of society itself...

There is another reason that I would allow you to form a monopoly... I have reason to suspect that you, like me, will not succumb to the passage of time. Preventing those with different intentions from inheriting, and subsequently distorting the businesses that will lay down their roots." House explains, causing Afton to crook at brow at the rather large claim he'd just made.

"Oh? You think I'm immortal?" Afton asks with a small, curious smile.

"Not immortal, unaging. The difference is large but usually misconstrued... In all honesty, I am very interested in seeing what a society run by unaging beings could potentially become. We would be the creators, kingmakers... We would become the 'functional-gods' of the Mojave and its people... I believe a future led under such strict, yet fair rulers would lead to a type of utopia, one which would help humanity evolve from the pitiful state it has put itself in." House declares imperiously.

...

"And what if one of us becomes corrupt?" Afton inquires, quickly spotting the obviously blip in House's plans.

"Then... Humanity's hope for the future belongs to the ashes further nuclear fire would grant... I do not believe humanity in its current state would be able to resist destroying itself again... I have given up much to give it a chance, sacrificing my body, my mind, my feelings, fears, and wants... I have given up all but hope... Afton Parker, tell me honestly... Do you think humanity would be able to rise above its baser instincts without a guiding hand?"

Afton shrugs and easily shakes his head, "No chance. People are out for themselves, and are only willing to be selfless when their own positions are assured. Sure, there are a few outliers who are selfless even despite themselves, but they are quickly taken advantage of and quashed. But you explaining your plans for the future isn't enough to secure Bulwark's cooperation, House." he states, still wanting more.

"Hm, well. Other than the freedom to gather talent, lack of taxing, and the reputation gain our alliance would cause?... How about this... You keep Novac and the land surrounding it, you can have Nelson to so you have direct access to the Colorado river. Its placement would allow it to become an incredibly important trading post, along with the resources the land itself would provide... I believe all of this would be satisfactory." House concludes.

Afton just shakes his head with a large frown, "What do you mean 'You keep Novac'? Novac. Is. Mine. It was never on the table, I will warn you House, do not try to fuck with me on shit like this. Novac has, and will always be mine, regardless of what happens here today." he states.

...

"Very well. Forget Novac, how about a percentage of the energy that Hoover Dam produces? I imagine a technological powerhouse such as Bulwark would appreciate such a thing?" House asks.

"Again, Bulwark is self-sustainable... But, I can think of some projects that might improve with some excess energy lying around. Still, offering something that is more or less useless to me still isn't convincing enough." Afton crosses his arms nad kicks his feet up onto the table, causing House to sigh and Jane's face to switch to an angry-looking one.

"What do you want then, Afton? What could I provide that you would accept?" House finally asks, feeling as if this negotiation wasn't going his way at all. It kind of made sense though when he thought about it, Afton wasn't a businessman, he was simply an inexperienced warlord with far more resources than he should have.

Afton grins, "I want... Complete access to your surveillance and spy network." he states causing House to go silent momentarily.

...

"I thought you and Bulwark had your own network? Why would you wish to gain access to my own?" House asks with worry and mild confusion.

Afton shrugs, "Because knowledge is power and all that... Plus, my guys might've missed something that you picked up. And it would help me set up my own network with the structure you'd already built..."

...

"Is this the thing that will guarantee your cooperation, Afton?" House asks.

Afton nods, "Yeah. Plus everything else, I think that's enough to put us on an even playing field."

...

"I would like to retract the offer of energy from Hoover Dam in return, my information network is worth a considerable sum, and I'd rather have the excess energy to improve the infrastructure of the Mojave... If that's acceptable to you?"

"Sure." Afton says before checking the time on his Pipboy, squinting in embarrassment when he remembers his frantic behaviour in the morning. "Ah, I gotta go... Keep these terms as a cursory agreement, we can hash out more later." he explains as he gets up.

"What might be the rush?" Hosue asks, confused.

Afton grins, "Well, I'm about to lead an army of armoured super mutants into an NCR research facility... Kinda on a tight schedule here." he quickly states before leaving, teleporting back to Big Mt as soon as he's outside.