Chapter 650 - Observative Abilities

Afton and Tamia laugh at Ulysses' admission, both picturing the man practising for his final confrontation with the Courier.

Afton eventually stops though, putting two and two together, "Wait, so it was you two who launched those nukes?"

"You saw them?" Tamia asks, wondering if they reached their target.

Afton scoffs, "Who didn't!? They flew right over Hoover Dam as the war was going on! I swear, the smell of shit got real intense after that. If the NCR and Legion hadn't shit their pants after my guys arrived, then they definitely had when the nukes passed overhead." he jokes.

"Ah, so they did hit where they were supposed to? Good." she confirms, thanking whatever gods existed that she didn't accidentally nuke Afton or the Mojave... She wasn't sure if the missiles would reach their marks, or fall out of the sky due to how long they'd been underground.

Ulysses doesn't react to this subject of conversation, still feeling a multitude of conflicting feelings concerning his actions. Regardless, it was probably for the best, especially after witnessing the transformation of this place.

"So, what happened next? Did you shout at each other until you became buddies or something?" Afton asks.

...

Tamia glances at Ulysses and sighs, "Er, something like that... He'd been planning to nuke all major NCR trade routes, but I managed to talk him out of it. Good thing I had too, since it sounds like the NCR wouldn't be able to leave the Mojave if that happened."

Afton nods, "Yeah, that's a good point... The NCR would be stuck in the Mojave fighting for their lives... I'd probably still be out there clearing out whatever was left of their forces." he shrugs, "Plus, the west trade routes are kinda important... With the Legion in the East, it'd be almost impossible to import and export anything... At least, not without the use of teleportation." he explains.

"She spoke of her belief in you and House. Said that you would be the start of a new nation, a greater, nation." he leans forwards and locks eyes with Afton, "Is that was you intend?" he asks.

...

Afton chews his lip and thinks for a moment, a nation wasn't his goal... Not really, at least, House already had that covered, and Afton didn't want any more responsibilities to pile onto his back. Despite his experiences, skills, knowledge, and talents. He was still just a young guy without much of a clue about the future.

The reason he'd left House to lead the founding of the new Mojave, was because the man had experience, and more importantly, had ideas and plans to go with it. That's not to say that he wouldn't be involved, because he'd definitely force himself into it... But because he was in the perfect position to intervene should House lose his way.

If House started going the way of a tyrant, Afton would be there... And if what House had said was true, he'd probably always be there... In the future he might change his mind and try to take the reigns, but, that was so far away that Afton couldn't even consider it.

He looks back at Ulysses and shakes his head, "Creating a nation was never my intention, but since one formed party because of my actions, I guess it's my responsibility to make sure it doesn't strangle itself in its crib..."

Ulysses keeps his gaze for a couple more seconds before relenting and relaxing, "Wise words, hopefully, you will keep to them..."

...

"So, what'll you be doing now," Afton asks, but has to correct himself as both Tamia and Ulysses look at one another. "I mean, what do each of you want to do now that things have calmed down?"

Tamia shrugs, "Well, I'm still technically partnered with House, so I'll go see what he's up to and if he needs help with... What was it called again? Solphelicity?"

Afton chuckles, "Don't get me started, I've already asked him about the name and he basically said it's good because it's bad..."

She nods, "Sounds like something he'd say... I'd also like to keep working for Bulwark, if you'd have me?

He grins, "Well, we could always use a scary amazon to teach the kids some discipline... Or maybe we could dress you up as a female Grognak, make you our mascot?" he laughs.

She gives him a firm punch in the shoulder, "I mean it! I've forgotten most of my past, but this place is where my friends and family are now... I want to be useful." she admits.

He releases a sigh, "Relax, I was joking. If you want a job, you could always lead my new military... Well, you'd need some training, but I think it'd suit you... Plus, we'll eventually need someone with Tunneler experience to sort that out." he allows her to think about it as he turns to Ulysses, "And you... Any ideas?"

Ulysses nods, "I wish to observe Bulwark, and the nation House has created... To keep it moving forward. Instead of backward." he explains.

Afton crooks a brow but scratches his head in thought anyway, "I think I could help you with that... Though, I don't really know you well enough to give you such a... Authoritative position..." he trails off.

"What position?" Ulysses inquires.

Afton shrugs, "Well, it'd essentially be a manager, health and safety inspector, detective, general, and ambassador combined, all rolled up into a single position that'd allow you to observe everything from House's foreign affairs, small to large businesses, and even some departments of the military." he explains, though, was making it up as he goes.

Such a position didn't really exist yet, even if it would have some benefits. The only problem Afton could see with it was potential corruption forming within it. People with so much power and influence would be incredibly dangerous if they lost their way. However...

"It'd be dangerous to allow anyone to have such a position, even if I trusted them... But, if you were willing to ease my worries by undergoing a small operation, I'd be willing to give you a shot." he explains, getting a curious look from Tamia and Ulysses.