There’s a lot to take in here, not all of it good. Plenty of concerns come to mind and begin coming out in pointed questions.

[The most important question first. What exactly do you and your group want? I’m not naive enough to believe the former Enclave is looking for redemption.]

Cyrus chuckles and is ready with a response.

“Hell, I’ve been asking that question for decades. This may not be a satisfying answer, but my group and I want to start again. That’s your tagline for the Mojave, right? A place to begin again? We’ve learned much in the decades since the fall of the rig and Navarro. Some of us, as I mentioned, wanted something more than being wealthy gangsters up in the NCR’s cesspit. We want to begin again, to help build what you’re doing out here.”

You’re not fully sold on that answer, but maybe there’s another way to get at the heart of the matter.

[I’m sticking my neck out if I accept your people in. What exactly does the NVD gain?]

“Oh my boy, do you think we were twiddling our thumbs all this time? I have hundreds of personnel ready to move out here, all highly skilled and educated, the former Enclave’s knowledge passed down through generations. Scientists, engineers, doctors, soldiers, pilots, we’ve been honing our skills and waiting for this exact opportunity. You’ll find that the Enclave is productive as they are patient.”

[Okay, how do the Salvatores play into this? You certainly weren’t pulling any punches setting up here in Freeside.]

Cyrus spreads his hands in an act of apology before answering.

“Not everyone that came out here is my people. In order to get the funding for this little endeavor, I needed to actually do what I promised the Family. Also as I said, I wanted to see what exactly you were capable of. If you couldn’t squash out some mobsters, that doesn’t bode well for standing up to the Legion or NCR.”

[That begs another question. What is the future of the Salvatores in New Vegas?]

Mr. Long jumps at the opportunity, proud of his plan. He stands up and begins pacing in front of you.

“Yes, this is what needs to happen. You and I will officially hammer out an agreement allowing us to operate in New Vegas. You will receive a cut of our business, all the while I will be bringing more and more of my people out until we’re ready to cut those thugs in New Reno off for good. Not only does that accomplish our goals, but you’ll get a nice little tribute each month. The only thing you’ll need to do on our end is let us run this area of Freeside, free from any overt action by your government.”

[Okay, let’s play this out. You move your people out here, with as much equipment and valuables as possible, then what?]