[b][u](Commander) Danny "Nines" Floyd - New California Embassy - Evening, October 16th[/u][/b]

"I'm certainly no casino man," Daniel quipped with a smile. With all the duties of outpost maintenance, he couldn't allocate time for gambling, not that a massive waste of caps interested him. "But I shall follow in regardless."

Danny passed through the games hall, peering over shoulders at the amounts of capital spent here. It surpassed his personal budget; he feared that he'd have to engage in card play to impress the citizens around here. He'd be a laughing stock if he went broke. The Ace of Clubs probably could spare him a sizable sum should the situation require it. Diplomatic efforts and whatnot.

Daniel perused the tchotchke organized around the office. It might have been slightly tacky, and wholly inappropriate for his own abode, but at least [i]something[/i] covered the walls and floorboards. He wished the Meld had similar decoration. "Oh, either works. So long as you don't call me Flo." His guffaw skirted the border between fake and genuine. He was, in fact, called Flo by a particularly annoying superior back home, and Danny was helpless to reciprocate in the pre-Hinshaw era. How times have changed. He sat in the red plush chair.

"And, on a personal basis, let me know if you require any assistance renovating your space." Perhaps he could acquire the green army rug from the ordeal; Charlotte likely wouldn't mind. He thought his next comments out loud, a taboo in diplomatic circles. "With such short notice, we haven't had the opportunity to fetch you a proper gift. You've highlighted a need, so we can provide you with a more suitable present: classy, but emblematic of your new home." Nines had absolutely no taste, but Amber excelled at that sort of work. Doubtless the Happy Trails Caravan had something in its inventory. Amber would be ecstatic that she had license to splurge without restriction. And a pleased girlfriend had its benefits.

Floyd folded his hands together and kicked one leg atop the other. Barely acknowledging the weight of the encounter, he'd assembled some loose ideas while traversing his route, but he hadn't settled on a specific line. Still, the vague shape of conversation slowly manifested as he spoke. "The purpose of this engagement was largely introductory. You've recently arrived as an ambassador, and we wished to send our warmest welcome. I hope you understand. We're an emerging power, and it's better to grow with friendly neighbors than without.

"I represent an organization that reaches north to the Bishop area. We're a common trade hub." "Vault" had an extremely negative connotation in elite circles, so Floyd avoided such terminology. "If you'd like to set up a regional network, feel free to ask us. In the meantime, though, we ask that you refrain from sending a military presence north of the Tools Factory. Be advised that we will be engaging in construction projects, but there's no reason why they cannot be joint development. We can split costs and share benefits. The Mojave needs manufacturing; I'm sure you agree."

He relaxed in his seat. "As for yourself, does your administration have particular intentions? I'd like to relay them back to my superiors, and we can assist as needed."