My brothers and I kept striding towards the high-end settlement, and after another handful of minutes had come and gone, we began nearing Tenpenny Tower, which was surrounded by a large, fortified concrete wall, one that stood at a height of nearly three stories tall.
As with everything I've visited in this world, the scale of everything is so much larger than what it was in the original game.
Nearly there, we started to approach the massive steel gate that appeared to be the only real way in besides the one I knew of that existed in the metros, but before I or anyone else a part of my group could reach the gate, a loudspeaker went off. "Halt and state business, or we will be forced to assume you are here with hostile intentions!"
Not wanting things to go south right from the get-go, I responded to the masculine voice that obviously belonged to a certain henchman of Alistar Tenpenny in a loud voice, so they could hear me over the distance that remained between us. "Sure, and I'm here on business."
The person I was speaking to went silent for a few seconds as he discussed things with the guards and communicated with a handheld radio, but I was a busy man so I didn't have all day for this bull. "Hey, can I approach alone, so we can have an actual chat instead of doing this back and forth?"
"...You can, but unarmed."
"Alright, if that's what it takes to make you feel safe." I relented easily since I could just whip out any old weapon from my inventory or just demolish the gate with my fist coated in that qi-like energy I possess thanks to | Human Weapon |.
Unbothered by the request, I passed off Purge to my bots and began my approach under the scrutinizing gazes of Allistair Tenpenny's hired security forces. His boys watched me like a bunch of perched hawks as I closed in on the wealthy community's gate, but I didn't sweat it since I knew in the back of my mind, that there was almost nothing they could do to stop me if they tried, even in my quote unquote unarmed state. So I kept proceeding towards the only entryway into this place and soon enough I arrived right smack dab in front of the sturdy-looking gate.
"I suppose you can relay what I'm saying to the old man in charge, right?" I asked simply, as both Chief Gustavo and Mr. Burke were eyeing me wearily, even with this solid bit of metal between us.
"Mr. Tenpenny can hear and communicate with you just fine through this portable radio, but please mind your words when speaking to him." Tenpenny's right-hand man warned rather subtly.
Responding with a simple nod, I started my pitch. "Greetings, Mr. Tenpenny. The metal man you've been spotting on occasion has finally dropped by."
"My, my, my, I was wondering when you would pay my little slice of heaven here in this hellish world a visit. But I'm glad you've finally found the time to stop on by, so what can I do for you, my dear boy?" The old man cheerfully spoke, seemingly happy to have some entertainment arrive right at his doorstep.
"Well, I've been meaning to swing by your gem of the wasteland when I first sighted it, but as you've seen, I'm quite the busy man, so I haven't had the time to spare. However, that was before, and now that I've acquired a bit of free time in my busy schedule, I've decided I might as well pay the individual who restored much of Tenpenny Tower's former glory a visit."
"We always welcome new faces here, so why don't you come on in and have a chat with me in person instead of over this impersonal piece of tech."
"I'd love to." I said first before stating why I was really showing up today. "But that's not all; I've also come bearing a once-in-a-lifetime proposition for you, believe it or not, one that I'm sure you won't refuse once you've heard the details."
"Oh, you don't say… Why don't you follow me up to my penthouse where we can discuss this proposition at length then." The intrigued aged voice said to me last before directing his men. "Righto, let him in and be sure to mind your manners…" The big boss told his men whilst placing extra emphasis on the last bit.
Mr. Burke looked like he wanted to say something, but he held his tongue and followed old Tenpenny's orders without making a peep. Once the security forces received the word, they followed it without complaint and to a tee, and soon the gate that had been blocking my path forward retreated to the sides.
Looks like it's time to head in... Let's get this over with, so I can head on home and assist in the clearing of the feral ghouls down in the metro tunnels.
The second I was allowed in, I took the box of samples that I had one of my robots bring over for me and was about to head on in, but Butch piped up from across the way. "You want us to come along?"
"Nah, you guys sit tight. I'll be back soon." I responded before opening and showing the contents of my little sampler to the guards.
The hired mercs, that had become Tenpenny Tower's dedicated security team, were initially suspicious of what I had hidden inside, but that immediately changed once they caught sight of what lay within. "I'd offer you guys a taste, but this is strictly for the big man upstairs." I told the rugged men who were eyeing the box of fresh, unmutated vegetables like a bunch of wild dogs looking at fresh, juicy prime rib hot off the grill.
Chief Gustavo was eyeing my products just as greedily as the rest, but he nevertheless pried his eyes from the gleaming, succulent produce I had prepared in advance... Though very reluctantly. "Go on in."
With the contents of my package inspected, I passed the gate and joined a stoic Mr. Burke who was waiting for me. The moment I did, four armed guards kitted out in suits of old pre-war combat armor flanked us on either side before we started walking towards the ultra-luxury tower.
Looks like their weariness of me hasn't been fully alleviated yet... Well, I'd be on edge too if some random guy in a suit of custom heavy power armor showed up at my doorstep with a small army of robots in tow, especially if I didn't have a golden finger like my game system backing me up.
Just happy to be let in, even with an armed escort, I kept my mouth shut and followed along quietly. As we approached the building of excess, I took the time to examine the old stonework it sported and the large, fancy but inactive fountain sitting right before the sturdy hardwood doors of the former resort.
Haa, if I weren't so worried about all the dangers that exist out here in the wasteland, I would've loved to have lived in an opulent place like this but such is life I suppose... On second thought, maybe I can reconsider it once I've secured a hold here in D.C. and dealt with the major threats and impending dangers I always have on my mind. Yeah, I'll give it another thought when I've made some serious progress.
Throwing those thoughts to the back of my mind, I kept pace with the escort and soon entered the tower itself, and man, was it a sight to see. What came into view as I proceeded into the former resort turned high-end settlement was a huge, grand lobby, featuring a two-story layout covered in marble as well as a fancy indoor balcony, that was being held up by carved marble columns. And if that view wasn't already impressive enough, there were two massive crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow all throughout the opulent space.
Man, I can only imagine what it would've been like to stay here back in its heyday.
It was clear as day to anyone with even half a brain, that no expense had been spared on its interior, and though I would've loved to have roamed around this level and the one above, which overlooking this one and really just take in the beauty of the old-world craftsmanship, I knew I had bigger fish to fry. So although I very much wished to give in to my desires and simply roam about, I held off on doing so and followed my escort to the elevators located just in-between the two sets of stairs that climbed to the second level.
The residents of Tenpenny Tower cast odd looks our way as we crossed the grand lobby, particularly at me, but they didn't dare to question what was going on nor approach the strange situation that was taking place before their eyes. Unfazed by the strange looks those nearby were giving me, I powered through the not so welcoming atmosphere that had gripped hold upon my arrival and continued towards the way up.
When we finally reached the doors of the elevator, Mr. Burke and the guards remained silent as we waited for the elevator to arrive, but eventually Tenpenny's right-hand man piped up. "You're going to have to exit your armor before we board."
"Why so?"
"Because I doubt this old piece of machinery will be able to handle the weight of us plus that monstrosity you're wearing."
I was gonna have to show my face when I finally met the big man himself upstairs, so I didn't put up a fight since I was now at the level where I could block armor-piercing .50 BMG rounds with just my flesh and blood alone. "Ah, I'm actually much lighter than I look, but if it'll make you feel better, I can accommodate that request."
Despite the fact that my armor's massive weight wouldn't affect the elevator whatsoever thanks to | Weight Management |, I nevertheless still yielded to this request and exited my suit of beefed-up power armor. And the moment I did, I stored it in my inventory to prevent any dumb fucks from messing with it whilst I paid a visit to the penthouse.
"..."
"So you're one of those gifted, huh?" Mr. Burke questioned with a bit of nervousness beginning to take over him.
"You could say that." I stated rather abruptly, not intending to go into the topic any further.
Mr. Burke and the rest of the escorts observed my large Shadow Armor-covered frame that towered over them for a few seconds, but they wisely chose to ignore this new revelation and just stood there stiffly whilst we collectively waited for the elevator to arrive. Thankfully for them, it didn't take much longer for it to reach the ground floor, and when it did, its doors slid open and showed an empty but exquisite interior set with high-class finishings. Not needing to be told what to do, I waited my turn and watched the armed men board first before joining them and beginning our ascent once Tenpenny's right-hand man pressed the button for the top floor on the elevator panel.
The elevator wasn't the fastest one I've ridden in my two lives, but it wasn't ridiculously slow either, so less than a minute later we arrived on the penthouse floor and departed from the old contraption. The minute I stepped out of the elevator I found myself in a hall of sorts that acted as the entryway for the penthouse, but this wasn't our destination, so we quickly left it behind and headed for a sitting room the old man was patiently waiting for us in.
Sheesh, old man Tenpenny has this whole entire floor to himself... What a fortunate guy.
Impressed with the overall state the former resort had been restored to, I returned my focus to the task at hand and followed my escort to the place the meeting would be held. The penthouse was quite large, but the sitting room was located close-by to the elevator and the stairwell, so it didn't take long to reach the meeting place. As soon as I came strolling through the double-wide open doorway, I removed the head portion of my Shadow Armor and slowly approached the old man under the scrutinizing gazes of Mr. Burke and the armed guards.
Once I was in front of the geezer who had originated from across the pond, I presented my hand and politely greeted him. "It's nice to finally meet you, Mr. Tenpenny. I've heard quite a lot about you in the short time I've been in the Capital Wasteland."
"Oh, a fellow foreigner, you don't say!"
"I suppose you could call me one." I said, preferring to remain a bit mysterious.
The big chief in charge didn't mind my reservation and grabbed my hand with a surprisingly strong grip for a man his age and shook it. "Hmm, I hope you've only heard good things about me."
"Of course, I've only heard the best; if I hadn't, I wouldn't have shown up on your doorstep trying to meet the well-known figure who whipped this place back into shape."
"Good, good, good, it's nice to meet you... Oh, I don't believe I quite caught your name, young man. What was it again?"
"You can call me Harold, sir. Harold Woods." I answered him whilst I wandered over to a cushioned chair sitting just opposite of him.
"Well, this is our first official meeting, so I will hold off on using your given name for now."
"I don't care; use whatever you prefer." I told the well-dressed old fart.
He responded with a nod of understanding before continuing. "Anyhow, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Woods."
"Likewise, Mr. Tenpenny."
He and I shot the shit for a bit whilst we measured each other throughout the process, but soon I started to drive the conversation in the direction I needed it to go. "Although this isn't our first time seeing each other face, Mr. Tenpenny, it is our first time greeting each other face to face, isn't it?"
"Indeed, I've spotted you running about the area whilst I've been enjoying my favorite pastime, wasteland safari." The old-timer spoke, taking a brief pause. "But I'm glad I got to meet such a fine visitor as you, especially one coming along with such an unbelievable offer."
"Yeah, about that, I think it's time we've really gotten down to business and you've seen the goods for yourself, so you know I'm not some charlatan trying to scam you."
"Mmm, you have been keeping me in suspense for a while now, haven't you?"
Seeing me respond with a head nod, he couldn't wait any longer. "Alright then, come on, show me what you brought me today."
Having built up more than enough suspense and anticipation through our back and forth, I didn't hold back any longer and revealed what was hiding in the box. "Ohh my, you really did come bearing quite a surprise."
"I try, I try."
Tenpenny took a few moments to examine the selection of foodstuffs I brought him, but once he was finished eyeing them and handling a few of them, he turned towards me and looked me right in the eyes. "Now, what is this going to cost me?"
"Well, this is just the sampler I've brought today, so this won't cost you a penny." I responded, waving a hand over the product sitting on the coffee table between us. "However, a constant supply of pristine fruits and vegetables untainted by our ancestors' mistakes for you and your settlement is going to cost you."
"I know how valuable a commodity this stuff here is, so name your price, Mr. Woods. I assure you I can eat it."
"Hmm... Since this is our first dealing, I'll give ya a bit of a discount, how about 50 caps per pound?"
"That's a steal for such fine goods. Are you sure you'll be making any money at that rate?" The old fogey asked, mighty surprised to hear the affordable price.
"It's not always about the money, friend. But to answer your question, yes, I will still be making money at that rate since I am the producer of the goods and control the whole process."
"Well, if you say so... How much can you sell us and when can we expect the first shipment?"
"That depends on how much you need."
"I predict we can go through at least a couple of tons between the permanent residents and those who stop by for a visit."
"Oh, if it's only that much, I can supply it easily."
"Fantastic!" The wealthy big boss chimed.
"But as for when you can expect the first shipment to show up, I would say the 1st of October, since I have some other matters I need to deal with before I can safely transport the goods on a regular basis."
"Mm, although it's unfortunate to hear I won't be able to start enjoying these fine goods on a regular basis until the beginning of next month, it's great to hear you'll be able to supply such a quantity."
"I may not be able to supply the whole Tenpenny Tower just yet... But."
"But?" He questioned as I held him in suspense.
"But you, Mr. Tenpenny, and a few others shouldn't be a problem. Just don't go telling anyone that I gave you early access." I warned.
"Splendid, absolutely splendid!" The old fogey sounded, ecstatically.
Having dealt with the main topic I wanted to discuss we covered some of the finer details and once I had assured Allistair Tenpenny and his men that I would send a care package later today and would make arrangements to deliver a steady flow of goods for just the six of them, I picked myself up and got ready to leave. "As much as I would love to stay and chat, I have other tasks that require my full and undivided attention."
"Aye, it's unfortunate to end our good conversation here, but I understand." The old man replied understandingly before motioning to his ever-attentive right hand, Mr. Burke. "Mr. Burke, show Mr. Woods to the door and make sure he takes a gift on his way out."
"Are there any restrictions?" The stoic professional asked his boss.
"None."
A gift, huh.... I wonder what they're talking about because this event sure as shit never occurred in Fallout 3.
Intrigued by the unexpected generosity, I thanked Mr. Tenpenny one more time before following Mr. Burke out of the sitting room and to the elevator, where we took it down to the basement level.
______
I think the dialogue between the characters in this chapter is better, but you guys let me know.
Also, the next chapter will probably feature a level up and will require me to set up my stat calculator spreadsheet like I've done for Wasteland Conqueror already, otherwise I'll be wasting a shitload of time number crunching and tracking status stuff when I could be spending my limited time writing. So don't expect another release for this for a hot minute whilst I'm putting that together.
In the meantime, whilst we're waiting on that, go check out my other works. I think you guys will like them if you like this.