Adam spent a bit of time telling the group about his encounter with Ray. Of course he did not really glean anything too useful about the community in his time separated, but no one really seemed to mind. Percy even congratulated Adam on the interview. Mira did as well though seemed cautious about the entire endeavor, however, now that it was already done, she did not dwell on it for too long. Deccanus seemed to have no opinion on it whatsoever.
The meal itself proved to be quite delicious, well worth the money spent. It seemed Ray's recommendation was a good one since everyone was leaving the meal satisfied. However, before Adam could decide what his next steps were, now realizing it was getting a bit late, having spent so much time on the road and scaving, he was approached by two of the Patrolmen.
"You are Adam Baxter, yes?" One of them said to Adam.
"Yes?" He said back, confused.
"If you would not mind, House Lite has requested your presence." Adam looked at the others for a moment and then back to the patrolmen.
"House Lite?"
"Yes, the leader of The Tower has requested to speak with you." He explained patiently. The other one then chimed in.
"This is not an order, merely a request. If you feel uncomfortable we will not force you." He added politely.
"Alright well…" Adam said as he slowly got up and looked at the others and then back at the Patrolmen one more time. "I suppose a meeting couldn't hurt."
"Meet back in the lobby in 20 minutes?" Mira said. Adam immediately picked up on what she was doing. Setting a time limit. If the meeting went over 20 minutes they would know something was wrong. And it was enough time for Adam to have a normal meeting without rushing whilst still giving him an out if needed.
"That sounds good." He smiled at her, thankful for her quick thinking. "I'll be back soon." Adam then followed the two Patrolmen as they led him back to the elevator and took him to the top floor where he found, what appeared to be, a penthouse.
The immediate back wall was entirely made of glass overlooking the ruined landscape of the once beautiful city and the rest of the room was converted to a sort of living room. To the left was an open doorway that led to a kitchen, to the right was an office with a sizable library and Adam could just barely see through the kitchen was another door that led to a bedroom. There might be more rooms but they were out of view at the moment. Instead his attention was drawn to a man wearing a bright white and orange striped suit. It was… very distracting to be honest, however he did his best not to stare.
"Adam Baxter?" He said as he turned from looking out the window to looking at Adam.
"That is me." Adam said back, politely.
"Wonderful, I'm glad I have a chance to meet the man of the town." He chuckled and then walked over and offered Adam his hand. Adam shook it.
"Can't say I expected this meeting but I'm never upset about making introductions." Adam chuckled lightly.
"Wonderful! That is a great mindset for a young man like you to have." He laughed too. Adam felt like the way the man walked, spoke, and even laughed was all carefully constructed. Like he was holding himself to a standard. In fact his mannerisms reminded Adam very much of an old world politician. He had a bright white smile and slick black hair. And the way he walked around it was like he was always ready for a photo shoot. It was strange though not entirely uncomfortable. Though it did make Adam question who this performance was for. If it was a performance.
"Please, please, come in, take a seat." He said as he gestured to the two couches in his living room that faced opposite each other with a low, well maintained, coffee table sat in between them. Adam took him up on the offer and sat down at the couch as he heard the sound of the elevator leaving. The Patrolmen going back downstairs. Leaving just him and this man alone as far as he could tell.
"Do you drink, Mr. Baxter?" The man said, his strong politician-esq voice still going strong.
"Sure. I never turn down a good drink." Adam said back with a smile.
"Spectacular. I have this old vintage from before the war I so rarely get to drink that I am excited to share with you." He laughed and then poured them both a glass of liquor, handing one to Adam.
"To new friendships." He said as he sat down and raised his glass in a toast.
"Is that why I am here? To make friends?" Adam asked, curiously. Only indulging this man so far. "You haven't even told me your name yet." Adam said with a light chuckle.
"Oh, where are my manners?" He said as he put down his glass on the table. "My name is Bud. Bud Lite of the House of Lite. Son of Miller Lite and protector of this fine community here." He said, still with the politician's smile.
"House Lite?" Adam asked, choosing to ask the least of all the questions he could ask about the very obvious naming convention he was just presented.
"Indeed!' Bud said boisterously. "We are a long lineage dating to before the bombs first fell! My family has a proud tradition of protecting the fine people of our lovely little home from the worst ravages that Chicago has endured. You can see our heraldry over there!" He said proudly while he pointed to an old, but partly destroyed and restored sign of various light beers. Adam looked back at him. There was not a shred of doubt in his eyes. He was not joking. There was definitely some miscommunication that occurred between now and when the bombs fell but there didn't seem to be a reason to ruin this for him. Other than coming on a bit strong and having a politician's smile, he seemed like a fine man. No reason to ruin his image of the past.
"That's a um… very noble and impressive thing for your family to do." Adam said, choosing his words carefully to avoid the more obvious topics.
"I'm glad you agree. Not everyone sees it the same way we do. But from what I hear you are not an average man, you are more in line with my family and our values."
"Which are?" Adam asked curiously. Bud then suddenly stood up and gazed out the window, looking out into the expanse of Chicago again.
"Protect and Serve." He said with an almost wistful tone.
Okay, that was just the line that protectrons said. What was this man? He seemed genuine but he was so… strange. Was his ancestors raised by a protectron or something? Named them after a beer they saw and they then went on to raise the next generation the same way? It raised far more questions than it answered, even if most of it was just supposition.
"I… see." Adam said slowly. Bud sighed slightly and then sat back down.
"I heard what you did for Chicago. Saving us all from Famine's Horde. I can not thank you enough. If nothing else, I wanted to convey my gratitude to you." He then raised the glass a bit. "And to, perhaps, make a new friend?" Adam let off a soft chuckle. This guy was strange alright. So many things that were almost too comical to be real. But he seemed to be a good guy, at least on the surface. And Adam has no shortage of strange friends. What is one more?
"I'll drink to that." Adam smiled as he raised his glass too and clinked it with Bud's.