Chapter 10: Freeside Tour Guide
The makeshift platform shook with every step Sennia and I took. A rather large crowd had began to circle around it.
The platform sat in the back corner of Freeside behind the Mormon Fort. Grecks, the resident of this corner was glaring at everyone that had stopped to see what everyone was looking at.
The faces in the crowd wore fear and confusion as shrouds to their curiosity. They whispered amongst each other as the Legion had done weeks ago. They shifted from foot to foot as the wait lasted several minutes. All the major factions of Freeside were present within twenty minutes.
Once I was certain enough people had attended, I cleared my throat and spoke into the microphone somewhat nervously.
"Good day, citizens. I trust you are well and the Legion has surprised you with our rule."
They looked on, unblinkingly. Their lack of acknowledgment had been unnerving, if not irritating. Nevertheless, I continued on.
"We are all here because I believe a public speaking was due. I am making an effort to reach out to you and you may all voice any concerns you have." When they made no sign of even speaking English, I continued. "I have come up with an idea to combat the homelessness in Freeside. It is to my understanding that there are children in this neighborhood sleeping on rotting mattresses under open skies. I would desperately like to change that."
That seemed to have gotten the attention of quite a few people. It wasn't a secret that there was a high rate of poverty in this area and almost every resident was a parent to at least one child. The Kings and the Followers would be the most likely to help with child safety. In the distance, I could make out small children looking from behind the buildings and alleyways.
"It has brought to my attention that there are many old buildings and stores in the area, seeing as it was once a very popular tourist stop. I have decided that if anyone in the neighborhood is interested in free housing, the building that once was used as the NCR's food bank is now the Freeside Office. I have several advisers that will take care of any complaints and basic living conditions. That means housing, food, water, jobs, and clothing. If you just follow me, I will show you my future projects for a better Freeside, and a better future."
I stepped down from the platform and the crowd made way for me. Sennia and I walked through them, pausing to shake hands and exchange greetings. The residents were visibly more relaxed. They followed behind as we toured Freeside.
We stopped in front of an office building that had been left mostly intact over the centuries.
"Here, I plan on a trusted official skilled in business maintaining a hotel for travelers. Residents do not have to worry about having to pay for a bed, for that will be handled by the Freeside Office. This hotel will better the economy in the area, funding more projects that the community will be able to take part in."
Several people had nodded in agreement, others still not convinced. The Followers had stayed close by with clipboards. They were clearly taking notes of my promises, probably for when they think I will try to go back on my word. I shook my head at the sight of the pencils scratching across the boards loudly.
Sennia led the way towards the shops that rested along the railways. The way was cleared out and in much better condition, making more than enough room for a monorail. She stopped in front of one of the small shops.
"Who here would be interested in starting their own business?" Sennia asked with a gentle smile.
A few hands raised uncertainly. After a moment, more hands were raised. Sennia clapped her hands together.
"Good, that's very good. Any ideas on what you would like to base your business off of? Anyone?"
A girl, no older than seventeen stepped up in front of everyone. "I always wanted to own a clothing store," the girl's voice was small and anxious.
Sennia grasped the girl by the shoulders, causing her to flinch. "I will gladly help you,-"
"Rosalyn," the girl answered.
"Ah, yes. Hello Rosalyn. My name is Sennia."
They shook hands and a few more people lined up behind the young girl. They all had big plans for their own business. A small, fuzzy feeling was growing in my stomach. They voiced their ideas. Bakeries, toy stores, carpenters, small restaurants, they all wanted something bigger than the hand they had been dealt.
Sennia smiled from ear to ear as the residents confided in her. They shook her hand and greeted her. She talked with each of them personally and got to know their interests.
I stood there awkwardly as I watched Sennia connect with these people. They looked at me as if expecting me to say something else. There wasn't much else to say beside the plans for the factories and plants.
I coughed once and got the attention of the people around me. "If there are any people interested in factory jobs, I also have plans for those."
Several men and women gathered around eagerly, awaiting the news of work. At least I was still of some use in this meeting.
"I am sure you are all well aware of the abandoned factories in Westside and the outskirts of the city. Also, there are a handful of rock crushing plants around the wasteland. Obviously, these jobs would require you to move closer to the plants if necessary. The old steel industry, textile factories, Cerulean robotics, water plants, food processing plants, the railways, and other future projects will be running within the next year and we will need as many workers as we can get."
"Are you really going to do all of this? I mean, how are we supposed to know we can trust you aren't just getting our hopes up?" A Follower asked in the back of the group. A few people agreed.
"I do understand that I may be a little over my head, but I promise that I will at least try. I don't want to rule the wasteland, I want to make a difference."
"Are we getting paid for all of this?" A woman asked.
"Yes ma'am, you will be paid for your labor. There will be times where we are in need of volunteer work, such as the water plants being in terrible condition. We need them fixed and we won't be able to pay in caps until they are up and running. Do not worry about reparations, you will be paid in water, food, and clothing."
A man scratched his neck briefly. "What about sick leave and holidays?"
"You will have a set number of sick days and bonuses for holidays that you are expected to buy gifts or food for family and friends. The number of days off for vacation will vary with each holiday and how much your workplace needs you."
The man nodded. "Sounds fair. Uh, you said something about free housing earlier?"
The crowd paid closer attention now. The dirty, hopeful faces had drilled into my mind.
"Look around you, sir. There are plenty of old stores and apartments that were boarded up before the war to prevent looters. Today, there will be teams opening them. You will have to figure something out for security until we get that sorted out. For the meantime, there will be patrols at night to ensure your safety."
"What about police brutality?" A faceless voice called out.
"I assure you there is nothing to worry about with my men. They only use force when absolutely necessary. They hit when you hit. They are ordered to encourage compliance and peace."
"And if they go against orders?"
"They will be dealt with swiftly and fairly."
Sennia put her hand on my shoulder. I looked around to see a larger crowd around us, all seemingly trusting of us and neighborly.
I had hope for Freeside.