Note from the author:

In regards to the possibility of including the Brotherhood in the Midwest and Capital, the Outcasts, and the brief Texas Expedition, no. Not happening, at least not yet. Instead if focusing on areas that I've scarcely mentioned, perhaps you all should start wondering what's going on in the one northwestern state I keep mentioning. What's happening in Oregon? Why is it significant? Why am I asking you all these things?

-the author

Chapter 14

"The meeting will now come to order," Sinclair barked. The other Elders sat around a boardroom-style table in the Steel Tower Penthouse, with High Elder Maxson at the head of the table. "We have important matters to discuss, the first of which will be explained by Sentinel Storm. Sentinel?"

"Thank you, Elder Sinclair," he said. Addressing the Elders, he explained the situation as pictures and graphs appeared on the computer, replacing the smiling face of Yes Man. "Colonel Royez was the mastermind behind several attempts to kill me, and destroy our economy. He failed and was found guilty by a military court. He's been sentenced to life in prison. The NCR issued an official apology and sent over his Power Armor as a gift to show their good will. So we must ask ourselves, what are we to do? We have several options. We could accept the apology and move on. We can put sanctions on them, which would only hurt us. We could invade them, which will likely result in our destruction. Or ask for Royez to be placed in a prison under our jurisdiction. I strongly suggest the last option."

"Thank you, Sentinel," Sinclair said.

"Also, we have reports that say Ambassador Crocker is at the Mojave Outpost. We think this means that the Republic wants to set up an embassy here, which isn't such a bad idea. I propose we allow him and four soldiers in and send an ambassador and four soldiers to Shady Sands," Leo explained, content that his opinion was so valued by the Elders.

"So, let's take a vote," Sinclair offered.

The voting offered little suspense, as most of the Elders trusted Storm and were happy to take his advice. After the votes had been tallied, the Elders almost unanimously decided to take Royez into custody. The exception was Sinclair, who wanted trade sanctions on the NCR. "If I may, I'd like to go select an ambassador and tell the NCR our terms," Leo asked Arthur, almost jokingly.

"Go ahead," Arthur waved him away. It seemed he was still upset that the Elders didn't count his vote.

"Colonel Knight, we've got a problem," a soldier warned.

"What's wrong?" Knight asked, standing from his desk and walking with the soldier to the door. The Mojave Outpost had been busier than ever, with dozens of caravans moving in and out. Initially the rise of the Empire seemed like a loss to traders. But it soon proved to be a boon when old caravan companies were revived by it.

"Sir, there are several Empire soldiers crossing the demilitarized zone. They appear to be unarmed and are bearing a white flag."

"Then let's recieve them well," Knight replied as he walked to the gate. When he saw the soldiers on the other side, he recalled quite a few fond memories. He wanted to swoon and fall into Leo's arms like he had when they first met. But he was a Colonel now, and had to keep it cool. "What business do you have with the Republic."

"A proposition," Leo said without blinking. "We want Ambassador Crocker back in Vegas, and we have an ambassador of our own. Scribe Watkins and four of our soldiers will go to your capital and we will have Crocker in ours with four of your soldiers. Are these terms acceptable, Colonel?"

"Yes, I think they are. I'll radio Shady Sands and let them know you're coming."

Ten minutes later, Crocker and four armed NCR soldiers entered the Empire, and Watkins entered the NCR with four of her soldiers. This seemingly small act, under the statue of two Rangers shaking hands, earned the Empire a lot of good press. It proved to the NCR that another war was not around the corner. But it did nothing to alleviate the burden Kimball was facing.

With all his might Kimball flipped his desk over onto the floor, scattering pencils and papers and a computer. "What the fuck did you just say to me?"

"We will not be funding your campaign, Mr. President," the representative from the Gun Runners replied.

"Why not?" Kimball demanded, turning red with anger.

"You're a war president, and we're a war company. But this is peace times. If you run again, you'll lose, and we'll lose money. It's just business."

"Get out of my sight," Kimball, nearly whispered, sitting back down. The Gun Runner left the disgraced president alone.

"Sir?" a soldier entered the room.

"What is it?"

"I've got a few things to tell you. Firstly, we sent Crocker back to the embassy in Vegas and we now have ambassador. Secondly, they demand Royez be sent to the Empire to serve his sentence. Thirdly, the polls are in, and the other candidate, Hanlon, is up by thirty points."

"Okay. Alright. Give the ambassador an embassy. Send over Royez. Never tell me anything about Hanlon ever again. Handle the details yourself, and leave me be," Kimball morosely ordered before going to the liquor cabinet to get a drink.

"Yes, Mr. President," the soldier obediently said.

Elsewhere in the Wastes, a man was ending his Odyssey. Ulysses and his new tribe had marched through the Divide, picking up weapons and armor from corpses along the way. The group bonded over the trip, and was almost like a family by the time they reached Ulysses's Temple. The majority of the Tunnelers and Marked Men of the Divide had been killed by the Leo when he walked that road, so there was little danger.

"Welcome home," Ulysses said to his new friends as they entered the building. It was dimly lit, but there was enough visiblity for everyone to set up their cots and stow their equipment. "Get some sleep, we have a lot of work to do."