[color=f7941d][u][b]Ambassador Benjamin “Benny” Watts - NCR Embassy - Evening October 16th [/b][/u][/color]

Benny smelled the liquor in his glass before taking a small sip. He choked a bit and checked the label on the bottle. It was rum. He hated rum. Benny set the bottle back and pushed his glass aside while the commander offered their assistance in the renovation of the office. Benny smiled at the sentiment. It was rare for someone of power to offer assistance without expecting something in return. Benny was trying to decide exactly what kind of person this Mr. Floyd was. The man folded his hands together and crossed his legs, settling into the chair in a very casual manner. The calmness presented by Floyd made Benny’s assessment difficult. Was the man truly at ease in this encounter, had he really just come by to introduce himself? Or was this commander a representative for a powerful organization that Benny was ignorant to.  

"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.”

Benny’s ears perked up at the mention of Bishop and he re-adjusted himself in his seat to get some of his anxious energy out. It took him a moment to realize that the commander referred to an area called Bishop and not the Bishop family. Benny wasn’t too familiar with Californian geography. But the name seemed almost an omen and Benny was unsure about what it would mean for this new relationship. 

“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. 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."

The man seemed sincere enough but Benny was on edge. He hadn’t expected to be intercepted on the Strip by a representative of an organization other than a casino, especially not on his first night in town. Much less one that would simultaneously offer assistance, opportunities for trade and a thinly veiled warning against sending armed forces near their territory. Clearly these people were ones Benny should be cautious with. Though they dressed differently from the gangs of New Reno and Shady Sands, Benny had met enough gangsters to know they came in all different styles. Benny folded his hands and shifted them about nervously, he needed something to smoke. 

“Well uh Commander Floyd, I do so appreciate the kind offers for assistance.” Benny smiled and in almost  perfect timing the CSF agent returned with a half pack of cigarettes. Benny grabbed one out, lit it and took a deep breath. “The name of your organization, Pinochle, what is that? A card game correct? Tell me, if you will, how did you all settle on such a name if you’re not in the casino business?” He offered Floyd one of the cigarettes. 

“In regards to your construction projects I’m afraid to say that it will be some time before I am able to engage in anything of the sort. With my uh, recent arrival, I’m sure you can see there is much to be done. Not least of which is a deep clean and redecoration.” He motioned to the overflowing ashtray and the drab green rug. “My intentions first and foremost is a formal establishment of public relations with all reputable organizations and businesses operating in New Vegas and the greater Mojave area. I’m sure you’re curious about annexation? Seems about all that I’ve been asked about since my arrival. Unfortunately I cannot divulge anything specific on the matter. Colonel Abernathy remains the military-governor of this territory and until I can speak with him privately a timeline for annexation remains unknown.” Benny knew that was only mostly true, the president didn’t want a timeline for the annexation of New Vegas to be publicly known. She had been concerned about riots in the city and how she may have to rely upon the colonel to put them down. Benny didn’t know much but he knew the president wanted to do everything possible to avoid including the colonel in the process. She simply hadn’t enough CSF enforcers in the region to enact her will. At least not yet. 

“In terms of manufacturing in the Mojave I do agree that with the influx of citizens into the territory the concern over gainful employment has come up. I will contact Gloria Van-Graff, the regional manager of the Mojave branch. They are operating out of an old Repconn building just south of the city. She has been looking to acquire custom machined parts and I believe that his tool factory may be a good place to start.” Benny sat up a bit and leveled with Floyd. “Obviously she is a private business owner so any work she is involved in would be separate from our own public works.” He smiled sheepishly. It was a lie but one Benny had to keep repeating for the near future. The Van-Graffs had bought up so much of the Republic during the famine that to try and separate where the family business ended and government work began was nearly impossible at this point.  

“Now Commander Floyd I’ll be working with my staff to draft up some more official agreements in regards to our new relationship. Taxation, property rights and the like. Is there anything specific you’d like us to address ahead of time?” Benny shifted himself before motioning for the CSF agent to leave the room.

“And on a more personal matter I was wondering what your impressions have been of New Vegas thus far.”