[color=0054a6][b]Governor of New Houston and President of the Confederation Harris [/b][/color] “Wonderful, I’ll work on making proper reservations for all of us. Does 8 p.m. sound agreeable? I would like to take some time to visit my quarters and contact Key West about recent developments. It would be an absolute pleasure to see all of you there.” Harris wasn't just grinning for political reasons now. He was glad Bartholomew was so amicable. He was glad the Keys were working so well with them. Hopefully this relationship would last. “8 p.m. sounds fantastic. I must return to my quarters to submit a report as well. The pleasure will be ours, and I look forward to this grand meal’s discussions.” Harris shook hands with Bartholomew and then Alexander, smiling the whole time before leaving with the Texas entourage to their quarters. Though something seemed… off with Alexander. He couldn’t put his finger on it. Could it have something to do with the Bartholomew’s earlier physical suggestion that Alexander had something to do with the cult? Maybe. He shrugged slightly, more so inwardly. He was grasping at straws, so he mentally archived these observations about Alexander. There were more important things to focus on. He also noticed that the Keys had paid little attention to the Angels of War delegate. “I think you’re invited to dinner too Lenix.” As the Texans moved to their suites in the Tops Casino, they failed to notice the navy blue vertibird flying into Camp Mccarran. ……………………… [color=f26522][b]Governor Angela Riviera[/b][/color] Angela sat in an uncomfortable yellow evening dress under the dim lights of the Tops, Leland to her left and Harris to her right, watching as more delegates from the east carefully took their seats at the table. All of them with acute political mannerisms honed over the years they'd been at the top. Even though she shared a title and position with these politicians, she still had much more in common with the ranger to her left, the soldier leader of the Angels, and that captain from Appalachia. Still, it felt good to sit at a table with all of these people. It was almost like the mess of Key, Texan, Franklinian, and Angel soldiers she had fought with in the Hoover War. Only now she was fighting with them from a much higher point of view. And with less blood, beans, and blast wounds. The start of an address from the well groomed Key Representative interrupted her idle thoughts. “Gentlemen, I’m sure you all have at least some inkling as to why I organized this dinner. This continent we call home has yet to pull itself out of the slump our ancestors in the United States put us in, and we are, frankly, all to blame. Five years ago, most of us fought in some capacity to put an end to tyranny in the Americas by making war with the Bull of the West. While it was a noble and just cause, we failed- and not just because of the Treaty of Goodsprings and its preservation of the Legion. We failed because we proceeded to do next to nothing to improve the state of humanity afterwards. Liberty, freedom, democracy- these are all ideals which we hold dear, yet the West and Northeast harbor tyrants and extremists which would undo all of the fragile progress humanity has made since the Great War.” The treaty of Good Springs angered her to say the least. She took and exchanged bullets for freedom, and nothing changed. Half the world still bowed to kings who took advantage of their people too regularly. That was part of why she put on a smile and made speeches in front of the capitol building. That was why she put on this terrible dress and came to this table. Bart continued. “In the West, the fate of millions lies in the hands of dictators like Barnaky, Lucius, and, dare I say, Mr. House himself. Even the former paragon of western democracy, the New California Republic, has shown its true face today with its disruption of the peace talks and blatant expansionist attack on the Legion. No effort was made to let diplomacy solve their problems. We cannot let this become the norm for America, lest we repeat the mistakes of our ancestors. His Serenity has provided a starting draft for an alliance of sorts which would bring our enlightened nations closer culturally, economically, and militarily. The American Co-Prosperity Sphere would be an axis of nations dedicated to the spread and perseverance of liberty throughout the Americas. While a lofty goal, it is one which we must pursue if we are to bring humanity out of its dark age. The agreement brings along with it more practical applications as well. Closer trading ties, mutual protection, the return of international law. We hope to use this alliance as a way to create and support democratic regimes for and of the people of America. In addition, we have an interest in hiring the Angels of War as a possible multinational military force to support this alliance and ensure the dictators of the West cannot stomp us out.” It sounded like just what they needed. A treaty to keep people working together, not just coming together whenever shit hit the fan. Make America a better place for Texas and everyone together. Freedom forever, and all. “I’m sure you all have many questions about the exact details, but does anyone have any input before the reveal of the actual document?” Before she could speak her assent to the idea, Angela restrained herself and looked over to Harris, feeling she should follow his lead. And he didn't disappoint. “None”, he said smoothly, with a rumble of excitement “I'm eager see your grand plan.” She did her best. “It sounds fantastic. Carry on.” She sat back, hoping her line was politically correct enough. But she didn't really care at that moment. The treaty was more important. [color=1a7b30][b]David Morrison, Ambassador of New Dallas[/b][/color] “Of course.” Hopeway stated as he turned to one of the rangers nearby “could you please go and find a representative from the keys.” “Since this also affects the keys, I believe they should also be given an explanation.” “That is fine, I can wait.” It wasn’t long before the Key representative and the ranger were back. One of the rangers offered him a refreshment, and it didn’t take long before he gave in and ordered an Arnold Palmer. David knew he needed to focus, but what harm could one drink do? “On behalf of the NCR and president Kimball I apologise for not informing you of own plans but it was done to ensure both Texas and the Key could claim innocence and so that we could control the information Caesar gets... As I’m sure you’re aware next to the brute strength of the legion Caesar's next biggest asset are his Frumentarii spies, led by Vulpes Inculta.” It was… it made sense, but it was still outrageous. “Your basis for these actions is admirable, but we surely could have set up a secure channel?” But then the truth shocking as the woman kept explaining. “Without a doubt they likely have agents within all our nations feeding them information.... The NCR has decided to use this against them by spreading a "Fake news" Story...make the legion think the NCR are invading Arizona… Mr Hornsby, the president TV speech, the Vice president statement, General Shu and all NCR news stations and perhaps yours News networks as well soon are spreading this story, "NCR invades legion to “safeguard" the NCR.... In reality the Forces led by the president are a distraction, a distraction that appears to be working if the reports I’m getting are correct. Regardless whilst the president keeps Caesar busy second forces which crossed the ocean into Mexico a few days ago is now making its way north to New Mexico. With Caesar forces busy fighting the president in Arizona and lack of information forcing legionnaires on the keys and Texan border to stay put this second strike force should have a straightforward path to Legion capital of Santa Fe... Raiding & looting town and hopefully freeing a considerable amount of slaves before any notable resistance or retreat can be mounted.What will happen next will depend on legion actions but we assume Caesar will attempt to regroup into an army to defend his capital. If he does both strike forces will aim to surround this group and attack from all sides.... Hopefully eliminating it with minimal loses.” He was at a loss for words. The NCR seemed likely to outsmart everyone. "I would like make it clear here we have no plans to occupy legion territory... the goal is to weaken the legion, humiliate Caesar and perhaps if we are lucky start a Civil war.... “ The NCR Ambassador turned to him "when you arrived you mentioned trade. A small group from the second strike force remained behind in Mexico and began to set up an trading port and scout out a path toward Texas and Keys... enabling us to trade without having to venture though legion lands again. I don't want to promise yet but hopefully the travel time shall be lower for this new and shorter route, potentially allowing faster and thus more profitable trade between our nations well." Well… that trade route would be profitable for New Austin, New Houston, and the Keys. But what about New Dallas? But everything else the ambassador had said… he was genuinely impressed. Perhaps outrage against the NCR wasn’t necessary at all. “I…”, he began hesitantly “I applaud the NCR’s ingenious tactics. As scandalous as your dishonesty was, I understand the point behind it. It’s not up to me, but I’ll support approval of the NCR’s actions. Whether we will join you in your new war is another matter.”, he paused before continuing more confidently “Furthermore, a civil war in Legion territories could be beneficial. I might have some friends who could support this. As you probably know, a splinter faction of Legion forces, now known as the Tex Legio, broke ties with the larger Legion as the war seemed grim. They settled in the largely uninhabited panhandle of Texas, and have since essentially become a protectorate of the Confederation of Free Texan States. They might have some interest in rallying some of their old brothers against Lucius. It would take some convincing, as they prefer isolationism. They even chose to not come to this meeting out of fear the Legion would take more notice of them.” He sipped his Arnold Palmer readily before continuing. “As for trade, that new route, if it pans out, sounds desirable. But I am still eager to support our old routes as long as possible. Could the NCR ensure they are protected? We can’t have the Legion destroy our connections while the new route is being established!” He didn’t mean to say that so loud, but he hoped his point was still made.