Sitting on what can be best described as a small wooden bench, War glared down from the stage at the group. Far from the throne he expected to find him in, surrounded on all sides by weapons, making the space truly feel like an armory rather than an audience chamber.
"Guiding Star War, your guests have arrived." The man at the front of the warshippers said with a soft bow to him. War said nothing back but just stared Adam down.
"I um… came to ask for an alliance today, War…" Adam said, unsure if he was supposed to have some decorum or not in this situation. Deciding to cut right to the chase and ask for his help in the plan.
"I know why you are here." War said slowly as he stared Adam down unblinkingly. Adam let the silence sit for a moment, expecting War to say something more but when he didn't he decided to speak up again.
"I came up with a plan to help your forces beat the cultists and-" Adam stared again only to be cut off by War.
"What I want to know is why." War continued now, his eyes never once leaving Adam.
"Excuse me?" Adam said back confused.
"I know why you are here, I know what you hope to obtain, what I want to know is why." He reiterated. "You seem to know neither my cause nor my ideals. Yet you come here expecting something from me." He said coldly.
"I came because you are losing this war, sir." Adam said back, a bit bitingly. "But I would rather see you win, rather than letting the cultists win." Adam continued unflappably.
"My cause is not one that is as simple as achieving victory." He said back, partly ignoring Adam's comment. "I have only one goal. To bring about the Change this world needs."
"Change?" Adam asked, still confused. "What sort of change?"
"The destruction of societies with imbalanced power structures, the removal of those who were born into power, the overthrowing of unrighteous governments and toppling of corrupt people in power. I serve only one master…" He said as he slowly began to stand up, his sword in hand at his side. "The winds of change that drive me on." He finished as if that explained everything.
"I… don't understand…" Adam said back, not even sure where this conversation was going.
"I was chosen by this era to bring change to the world by force." He said with a tight grip on his sword. "From the Brahmin Barons of Northern California who ruled like kings, to the robot masters of Colorado, to even the power structures here, in Chicago, I am here to ensure that every man is given what he deserves, through effort and effort alone." He then added as he continued to stare Adam down: "I am the avatar of the new Era, by blood and through it."
Adam was beginning to understand War better now. His conclusion? He was crazy. Not that this came as much of a surprise, but at least he was crazy in a sort of constructive and helpful way? If he understood what he was being told correctly.
"You mean you want to save people?" Adam asked, trying to seek clarification.
"No." War replied succinctly. "Those who survive shall rebuild a society stronger than before, those that remain will ensure the old world never sees its faults rise again. I am merely an instrument of that change. I am nothing more than the personification of the world's desire to rid itself of corruption." He said without a shred of doubt in his voice.
Yep. That confirms it, he's crazy. But at least he does seem to have his heart in the right place… sort of. Certainly if his goals are to get rid of corruption, even if it is through a bloody crusade like he is waging, he is definitely better than the cult who just want to kidnap people for experimentation.
Adam could only imagine how much more insane his ramblings might seem on his radio station if he ever bothered to listen in. However one thing was certain, this man was absolutely certain about his direction in life. And that alone made him dangerous.
However this was not the time to be choosy about who he allied with, this entire plan hinged on taking out the cult using the forces of War while simultaneously delivering a heavy blow to his own forces. Perhaps War's motives would make him easier to manipulate? No. He doubted it. He could tell this man was far more intelligent than he let on, madness and all.
"I see…" Adam continued, slowly. "Well I do not disagree with your mission. I may have concerns about your actions but I think we can agree that we don't have to see eye to eye to work together, yes?" War sized Adam up and down for a few moments before nodding slowly.
"Indeed." He sat back down on his tiny stool. "I have never once required anyone to agree with my philosophy, those that fight under my banner do so under their own power. I do not force my ideals onto others, I merely carry out the destiny I have been entrusted with. Your agreement has no bearing on whatever actions I may take." He continued stoically.
"So then can we agree to work together for the sake of saving Chicago?" Adam asked, tentatively.
"I shall fight, if your plan is sound. However I do not speak for the rest here, what they do is of their own choice." Adam was really confused how this hierarchy here worked, if War didn't command these people, who did? Wasn't he their leader? Regardless he wasn't about to ask that outloud. Hopefully his forces would help simply because he would.
"Then I'll cut right to the plan." Adam said with a serious tone. "We know where the Cult's base is, we know their strengths and defenses, we know what lies beyond their walls, and we know who leads them. What I propose is that you and your forces together with those I have gathered, coordinate a full scale assault into the heart of Cult territory and strike right at their leader, killing him and the rest of their high ranking cult members. Right now the cult is spread out, taking over territory all over Chicago. They certainly have a lot of fighters at their base, but with your full army there is no doubt we can push in and cut the head off this snake."
"You are not a normal man, Adam Baxter." War said, seemingly, once more, ignoring Adam's words. "You do not think like the others."
"Uhhh… thanks?" Adam said back, not sure if this was a compliment or an insult.
"I agree." War said with a firm nod, swapping back to the previous discussion as if he himself hadn't just gone on a tangent. "Though whether those who wish to fight will follow I know not, however your plan has merit. I shall cut out the rot infesting Chicago with my own hands, this blight must be stopped here, and now." He said as his eyes narrowed a bit.
"So… then shall we gather just outside Pestilence's territory in three days? There is a parking garage that is large enough to house our forces until we are gathered and ready to fight." Adam zoomed over to the parking garage on his pip-boy map and then showed it to War by twisting his arm. War seemed to just glance at the map for half a moment and then nodded.
"Agreed, I shall meet you there." He said, having seemingly already committed the location to memory.
"Then um… we will take our leave now…" Adam said, still a bit uncertain about too many things to list easily however War just nodded again.
"As you were." He then just watched as Adam and his group left the room, followed by the warshippers.