With tensions high and the clock ticking, both the King and McCormick knew the stakes were too high for hesitation. The situation in Freeside had the potential to spiral into chaos if it wasn't resolved swiftly.
Neither side could afford to lose control, especially with the NCR soldiers stationed in the area and the growing presence of hostile factions lurking in the shadows. A firefight between NCR forces and the Kings was the last thing anyone needed, and both men knew they had to act quickly to ensure that didn't happen.
As the meeting began, McCormick was all business, focusing on cutting through the uncertainty that had plagued the situation for weeks. He had a list of demands and conditions, but he also knew he needed the King's cooperation to make it work.
He didn't want to impose more than necessary, but the NCR needed to maintain some degree of control over Freeside if they were going to have any lasting influence in the region.
"You got a handle on your boys, King?"
McCormick asked bluntly, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.
The King stiffened at the mention of his boys, but after a beat, he nodded reluctantly.
"Yeah, I've got a handle on 'em. It's... it's not easy, though."
He gave McCormick a pointed look.
"I don't like having to deal with these kinds of politics, but if it means my men stay alive and free, I'll do what needs to be done."
McCormick didn't miss the edge in the King's voice.
"Good."
He said, scribbling a few notes.
"We can't afford any more incidents. The NCR isn't here to babysit your crew, but we can't have them causing trouble while we're trying to sort things out."
The King grunted, clearly not happy about being micromanaged, but understanding the reality of the situation.
"So, what's next? You said you'd free ma boys. But you're gonna want somethin' for it, huh?"
McCormick leaned back, folding his hands in front of him.
"That's right. The NCR needs to maintain some influence here, and a token yearly tax on the Kings will help with that. It's not a lot, but it's enough to show that you're playing by our rules."
The King sighed, rubbing his temples.
"A tax. Shit, I never thought I'd see the day when the Kings got taxed by the Feds. Fine. You want control? You can have it. But I expect ma men freed, no strings attached."
McCormick's lips curled into a faint smile.
"That's the deal. They'll be released once we finalize everything. And no, the NCR won't be taking over Freeside—not completely, anyway. We're here to support, not dominate."
The King leaned forward, a glint of suspicion in his eyes.
"Ya' sure about that? Your soldiers've been marching around here like they own the place."
McCormick met his gaze without flinching.
"My men are here to keep the peace, not claim territory. If the NCR wanted to take over Freeside, we would have done it by now. We need this place to stay intact, King. The NCR has bigger problems than Freeside."
For a moment, it looked like the King was going to argue, but then he nodded.
"Alright, McCormick. You've got a deal. I just hope you don't regret it."
"Don't worry."
McCormick said with a cool smile.
"The NCR can always use more allies. We'll be in touch."
As McCormick stood to leave, the tension in the room seemed to ease, but both men knew the real work was just beginning. Freeside was still a powder keg, and it would take all of their combined effort to keep it from exploding.
The deal was struck. The King had given up a small degree of his autonomy in exchange for the freedom of his men, and the NCR had successfully maneuvered the Kings into their ever-expanding sphere of influence.
It wasn't an outright subjugation, but it was close enough for the NCR's liking. And while the King didn't like it, he had no choice. His people came first.
The weight of the decision was heavy in the air. The King's usual swagger was absent as he leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his pompadour as a King member came with tools.
"A tax, huh?"
He muttered.
"Never thought I'd see the day the Kings had to pay rent in their own house."
"Could be worse. Could've been a full-blown annexation."
Sergio says as he casually continues to cut the King's hair. He was the official barber for the Kings.
The King let out a bitter chuckle.
"Guess we should count our blessings, huh?"
He exhaled through his nose, then looked over at Sergio with a grin that was only half-forced.
"You know, for a barber, you've sure got some political savvy Sergio."
Sergio shrugged.
"I like Freeside. I'd rather see it in our hands than some pencil-pusher's. But let's be honest King, this wasn't about politics. It was about keeping our people alive."
The King nodded.
"Damn right."
McCormick, ever the professional, ignored the side chatter of the King getting his hair done and checked his notes one last time before giving a curt nod.
"I'll have the finalized contract sent over soon. In the meantime, I'd advise keeping your boys in line. The last thing we need is another incident."
The King waved him off.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll handle it."
With that, McCormick gave a final nod and left the room, his boots echoing down the hall. Sergio and the King sat in silence for a moment before the latter finally spoke again.
"So… what's the next step you think the Kings should take?"
The King asked, his voice carrying a newfound weight.
Sergio put away his tools as he was finished.
"Burning Gomorrah to the ground, King."
The King blinked, then grinned.
"Shit, now that's a plan I can get behind."