[color=f7941d][b][u]Ambassador Benjamin “ Benny” Watts - NCR Embassy - Midday, October 17th [/u][/b][/color]

Benny cocked his head slightly as he studied the painting unveiled before him. The man he had met the night before paced anxiously next to the easel they had set it up on. Behind him Marisol tried to explain something but he couldn’t tear himself away from the painting to pay her any attention. He was solely focused on the canvas in front of him. He reached out to touch the mountains but a worried flailing from Mr. Floyd stopped him. His eyes lingered on the solitary bear amidst the vast wilderness. He wanted to say it was beautiful but there was an unnerving feeling he got as he watched the clear water turn opaque and the dark clouds obscure the white mountains. Benny’s vocabulary was inadequate to describe the subtle horror contained in the scale of the landscape. 

“Mr. Floyd…thank you.” He smiled, “It is an unexpected and welcome gift.” he shook the man’s hand. His eyes returned to the lone bear. “What did you say the name of this painting was?” The man answered but Benny only grunted in response. He couldn’t help but feel there was a warning here, an ill omen. A bear alone in a landscape that dwarfed the creature. Was it a threat against the NCR? Against himself? Was it just a coincidence? 

Benny was unsure and the anxiety of his meeting with Mr. Dominic came rushing back. He felt unsteady and moved to sit down. 

“I do appreciate the gift.” He smiled weakly again at Mr. Floyd. “Seems I am still tired from my journey yesterday. I don’t believe I have much in the way of business that I need to discuss with you now. But you will hear from us soon.” He shook the man’s hand again and bid farewell to them. He remained there staring at the canvas for another few minutes before Marisol tapped him lightly. 

“What?”

“Would you like it moved to your office?” 

Benny stared at the small bear. “Yes please. Behind the desk.”