[quote=Faye Cannon]"We followed Henry Hinshaw, and he respected us. He upheld what traditions didn't disturb our ascension. The whole host of dwellers, from lowly Nines to lofty Aces, labored in harmony according to a singular vision. We entered a Golden Age, the scope of which surpassed that of our prewar ancestors! We obeyed his commands, for they led to prosperity.

"The Aces concurred with his dictates, always accepting with grace their underlings' sacrifice. His final testament relinquishes a fraction of their privileges. Suddenly, the madman has crossed the line! How swiftly they betray his legacy with their authority at stake. Those who cannot comprehend loss of power should never have been granted it. My beloved sister is neither first nor last in the extensive annals of family lost to the Vault. I'll bury her with the card she so covets, and mourn recognizing that the harsh nuclear wilderness cannot abide dotards. Even amidst this apocalypse, we are glory bound! Aces Down; Jacks are Wild!"[/quote]
[quote=Eve Cannon]"In our storied history, we weren't given understanding of these slips of laminated paper. Our forefathers carved meaning from the void. Unchallenged, universal influence in an individual's hands was destined for failure. Randomly selected Aces would bear that burden together. Their undeserved nature would grant them humility, sparing them from addiction to their status. Their varied lineage and expertise would stifle the dynasties and cliques that hobbled empires of old. Whether brilliantly planned or accidentally fashioned, that system had held for two full centuries by the time Henry Hinshaw assumed control. Hinshaw understood this and honored it.

"And so we cherish our heritage and shun would-be tyrants. I adore my older sister and so pity her. She blindly embraced an ideology which seeks to corrupt her. I hope whatever unblemished remnant she harbors survives the coming onslaught. Otherwise, I'll remain steadfast in my duty, which far eclipses me and my woes. A dozen generations stand with our cause! The Cards Count!"[/quote]

[color=aba000][b]Gomorrah Mezzanine - Noontime, November 18th[/b][/color]

Don Dominic openly welcomed Daniel. He called Floyd his friend. He dismissed a reputable underling to allocate room. Such hospitality from New Vegas's elite unnerved the expedition commander. He half expected Vaulter on the club menu. He accepted the boss's hand, instinctively matching its firmness. Marjorie's recognition of the Meld's efforts partially but insufficiently explained the generosity. It alleviated Danny's concerns enough to allow the response, "It was an honor; no thanks necessary." The gemstone on that baroness's ring finger could focus quite a potent laser.

Daniel swallowed as he took the warm seat. "Daniel... Yes, Daniel works, apologies. My best friends call me 'Nines,' if you'd prefer." His trance vanished. Strangers in strange worlds couldn't afford to be caught in stupor. Technically, he represented an organization on par with the Omertas. Regardless of appearance, this was amicable parley between equals. Then why did it feel so lopsided?

Endemic of the imbalance, Danny produced three handcrafted potholders and placed them on the table. "Prior to talking business, I've brought these humble offerings. I wanted to bestow a fancier gift. As your wife implied, caps are hard to come by nowadays. Congratulations, by the way. Rest assured that once capital flows again, you'll witness a wedding present worthy of ancient royalty. Meanwhile, please accept these labors of love, sewn and stuffed by my own fiance."

He smiled hesitantly. He sought private advice, yet made men surrounded him. Leisure seekers reveled within earshot. Daniel lacked the charisma to suggest that Omerta move elsewhere. He certainly wouldn't ask him if he trusted his spouse. Daniel wasn't overly fond of public torture and execution. Ergo, this scenario must suffice. He pulled a colorless photograph from his pocket. A brief glimpse reminded him of home, well, his birthplace. The Meld was his newfound land. "I request no favors, merely wisdom from the wise."

He displayed the picture before the crime lord's view, pointing out key individuals. "This is our Women's Choir. My precious Amber smiles in the middle there. Beside her is Charlotte; behind her is Isabel. I figured I'd introduce them, since they're all in town." He hoped that the few blurred pipes and cramped background wouldn't reveal the chorus's underground location in Vault 48.

He drew Omerta's attention to the left flank, where a couple conventionally attractive, nearly identical blondes with pigtails had arms around each other's shoulders towards the ensemble's rear. "These are sisters Faye and Eve Cannon." Eve had slightly lighter hair and darker skin; Daniel reckoned a personal touch would clarify matters. "Our faction head, my mentor, assigned the former to rule in his stead when he passed away earlier this month. The current interregnum disagrees with his choice. The latter appears to be their champion.

"They're equally competent by my account," Daniel stated. He paused to reflect. "Eve's more intelligent, but Faye's savvier with people. In earnest, I just realized that now. Frankly, we'd benefit greatly from either management, but we're presently locked in bitter civil engagement. Neither will tolerate joint leadership, despite my attempts to reconcile.

"Eve while younger represents disciplined tradition. She'd integrate us into the central network. Instant communication. Efficient transport. Faye embodies the hopeful expansion of eras past. She's discussed personally her grandiose construction project proposals to expand our headquarters. She might sink us in pursuit, but infrastructure is welcome."

He relaxed in his chair, his discharge of information therapeutic, albeit overwhelming. "Both demanded my support. I gave none. Without a chance to grieve, I can't make decisions of this scale. I've seen your handling of flood relief. You navigate murky situations like making lunch. What would you do in my shoes? I have additional material, if you need."