Huh. "Well, maybe your relationship is getting better," comes the busybody comment. "I didn't think he'd ever talk to you from the rate he was going. At least there's no threat of harm now."

He could sigh. He's really just only annoyed. But he can talk to Neil now, a bit more openly, and that's an honest relief.

"Most people around here do like Alex. He took the power from the people stomping them underfoot and basically gave it back to them. He's keeping the reins for some things--the heavy tech and security for one--but he did show the Mojave that he's on their side, not just the side with the most shined up justifications for conquest."