Six leaned forward, his tone becoming more serious.
"Freeside's falling apart. There's no leadership, no real control."
The King's expression remained neutral, but Six could tell the words struck a chord.
"Ain't for lack of tryin'. The Kings do what we can, but the situation is gettin' worse by the day. We've been distributin' your supplies best we can, but there's just too many damn mouths to feed."
the King admitted.
"We're stretched thin, more folks flood in every day, hopin' for a piece of New Vegas, only to get stuck out here when they can't make it past the Strip's gates. The people are growing desperate. What do you have in mind?"
Boone's voice was flat.
"And the NCR?"
King scoffed.
"Busy fightin' the Legion and keepin' the peace on the Strip. Far as they're concerned, Freeside's just a buffer zone between their shiny new Vegas and the rest of the wasteland."
Six exchanged glances with his crew. The problem wasn't just corruption or mismanagement—it was a complete lack of infrastructure. Freeside wasn't designed to support this many people, and without outside intervention, things would only get worse.
Rebecca nudged Six.
"So? What's the move?"
Six exhaled, his decision solidifying.
"We fix this."
King raised an eyebrow.
"Now that's a mighty big promise, my friend."
Six paused, letting the weight of his words settle before he spoke.
"I have resources. I have a city with real infrastructure, security, and power. I'm not interested in taking over Freeside or stepping on your toes, but if you're willing to work with me, we can start rebuilding this place. We can provide food, medical supplies, and protection. But it needs leadership. And it needs a plan."
The King's eyes narrowed slightly, not out of distrust, but calculation. He looked at Six for a long moment before speaking.
"I've heard rumors about your operations in Goodsprings. And I know you've got power that most folks here can only dream of. You're serious about this, aren't you?"
Six nodded, leaning back in his chair.
"I'm not here to play games, King. I want to make this wasteland something more than just a collection of people scraping by. I want to turn it into something that doesn't just survive, but thrives."
He smirked.
"Good thing I don't make promises I can't keep."
He turned to Boone and Raul.
"We'll start by setting up proper supply depots, making sure food and medicine get where they need to go. No more of this scattered, barely-getting-by nonsense. Then, we'll build shelters—real ones, not just scrap heaps stacked together. We can expand the subway, create real housing, and bring in actual security."
Rebecca spoke up from beside him, her voice light but full of conviction.
"The NCR can't do it, House isn't interested, and the Legion will only destroy what's left. If we're going to make this place better, it's going to take something bigger than just a few small settlements. It's going to take a movement."
Six grinned.
"Why not? We turned Goodsprings into a city. We can do the same here."
The King sat back in his chair, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"And what's in it for us?"
Six's gaze sharpened.
"You get a chance to lead alongside me, not just be a figurehead. You and your Kings are better than a bunch of street thugs; you're survivors. You're the heart of Freeside, and I can help you make it a foundation for something bigger."
King leaned forward, intrigued.
"You really serious about this?"
Six nodded.
"I don't do half-measures. If I'm fixing this, I'm doing it right."
There was a long pause as the King considered the offer, his fingers tapping lightly on the desk. Finally, he spoke.
"Alright, Six. You've got a deal. But we're not going to roll over. This is Freeside—nothing gets handed to you here. We'll work together, but don't expect us to bow down to anyone."
Six smiled, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.
"I wouldn't have it any other way. We're all equals in this."
The King gave a slow nod, then stood up from his chair, extending a hand to Six.
"Alright, then. Let's see if we can make this wasteland a little less miserable, huh?"
Six shook his hand firmly.
"Let's get to work."
As the meeting wrapped up, Six felt the first stirrings of something bigger than just an empire. He wasn't just building walls or stockpiling weapons anymore. He was starting to shape a future for the Mojave, one that might be worth fighting for. The road ahead wouldn't be easy, but for the first time in a long time, Six felt like he was on the right path.
Now, it was time to see just how deep the rabbit hole went.