Kapitel 92: The coin

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New Vegas was under our control. The city's resistance had been fierce, but at last, Caesar's banner flew over the gleaming jewel of the Mojave. Much of the population remained alive, though the days of siege had left their mark. Despite this, the city stood as one of the largest in the region. It didn't match the size and density of Dog City, with its over one hundred thousand inhabitants, but New Vegas offered something invaluable: functional technology. Here, there was no need to dig through ruins in search of ancient artifacts; almost everything was intact. All it would take was assembling the right workforce to have the facilities operational in a matter of days.

The families that once served House had mostly survived. This presented a dilemma: should we integrate, purge, or enslave them? That decision would fall to Caesar, who, after his recovery, would resume the duties he had delegated. During his convalescence, I had taken command, knowing someone needed to manage logistics and operations while Lanius led the siege. His insistence on a swift and decisive attack would have resulted in unnecessary bloodshed. The days of siege cost the lives of two thousand legionaries, with many more wounded, but had we attacked with the ferocity Lanius proposed, our losses would have been catastrophic.

It was a precarious balancing act. Lucius, Lanius, and even Malpais looked upon my intervention with disdain. Though they did not openly voice it, the tension was evident. Only Vulpes seemed indifferent, a small consolation. I knew that my decision to assume control while Caesar recovered was necessary, but it earned me few allies. Lanius, in particular, despised having his strategy questioned, though even he understood the importance of minimizing casualties. My responsibility was clear: to ensure Caesar's troops did not face logistical collapse in a hasty bid to satisfy a thirst for conquest.

The power vacuum underscored that our internal differences were both a strength and a weakness. My actions were questioned, but the results were undeniable. The troops were organized, losses were controlled, and the city was conquered with much of its infrastructure intact. However, I could not ignore the hostility of some high-ranking officers. My position, though temporary, felt like navigating a minefield. Every decision I made was necessary, but no less controversial.

New Vegas was now ready to be transformed. If Caesar decided to exploit the city's technology, it could become the most advanced stronghold of the Legion. However, the future depended on his judgment. My task was to ensure the city was prepared for any decision he made. I made it clear to all high-ranking officers that my loyalty remained unwavering. Caesar had regained his strength and with it, his command. My role was to ensure the Legion was in the best possible position to continue its expansion.

After days spent securing and pacifying the city, everything was prepared for Caesar's triumphant entry. The preparations had been meticulous, every detail aimed at showcasing the power and glory of the Legion. The local population, now marked with slave collars, had been forced to attend the grand event, lining the main streets of New Vegas to witness the arrival of their new master.

Caesar made his entrance in an ornate chariot, drawn by the few draft animals the Legion had managed to find and sustain in the desert. beside him was Lanius, the Legion's fearsome enforcer, carrying a gold laurel crown over the head of caesar. As they reached the heart of the city, Lanius ceremoniously placed the crown on Caesar's head, marking his ultimate authority. The crowd, silent and subdued, could not look away from the imposing procession. The legionaries, perfectly aligned, escorted the chariot as the crimson banners of the Legion fluttered in the wind..

The climax of the ceremony was the sacrifice of a white bull, a symbol of the Legion's strength and supremacy. This was no ordinary bull; it had been specifically bred for this occasion at The Nursery. The sacrifice was conducted in the Central Plaza of New Vegas, with the Legion's priestesses performing the rituals under Caesar's direction. The bull's blood ran down an improvised altar, symbolically purifying the city and consecrating its submission to the new regime.

Following the ritual, Caesar descended from the chariot and proceeded to the Lucky 38, the tallest and most iconic building in the city. Once the exclusive domain of Mr. House, it now became the center of Legion power in the Mojave. As he ascended the steps to the entrance, surrounded by his closest allies and guards, Caesar marked the end of one era and the beginning of another.

"So, this is Mr. House," Caesar said, looking disdainfully at the frail, shriveled body of the man who had once ruled New Vegas with near-absolute power. Connected to a life-support system, House now symbolized the epitome of his own downfall.

"Indeed, Lord Caesar," I replied firmly, though the weight of his words filled the air with palpable tension.

"Pathetic," Caesar said, his sneer barely concealing his contempt. "He became a slave to his technology," he continued, leaning slightly forward to better observe the man trapped by his own creation. His words were as cold as they were calculated.

An uncomfortable silence lingered for a moment as Caesar remained still, staring intently at his defeated rival as if trying to unravel the secrets of his failure. Finally, he broke the silence without averting his gaze.

"Tell me, Gaius, do you still believe that peace with the NCR is better than seizing our momentum and conquering all of California?" he asked, his tone blending challenge with intrigue. "It is possible. With the loss of their army in the Mojave, California could fall swiftly. Shady Sands isn't far; we could take it before they manage to regroup," he continued, making his ambition to extend the Legion's reach to its furthest limits unmistakable.

I knew my response would be crucial—not only to justify my vision but to shape the Legion's future.

"Lord Caesar," I began, maintaining a respectful yet firm tone, "the NCR is the antithesis of everything the Legion represents. They have never faced the horrors we've endured. From what I understand, they've been shielded by so-called 'almighty messiahs' who protected them from threats like the Enclave and the Master. The Legion, on the other hand, had no such luxury. It relied solely on its own strength and discipline. That's why they will never understand our ways and will defend theirs to the last drop of blood."

Caesar did not react immediately, but his silence was a sign he was processing every word. I seized the opportunity to continue.

"If we advance now, we will face a war of extermination. The NCR will mobilize every last one of its citizens against us, even at the cost of destroying their economy to secure victory. But with peace, we can avoid such a scenario. While they rebuild and continue allocating their limited resources to defense, the Legion can use the time to modernize, grow stronger, and become something far greater."

I paused, seeking Caesar's gaze. Though his eyes remained fixed on House, I knew he was listening intently.

"We can transform ourselves into a power not just capable of conquering the NCR, but of dominating the entire known world. Under the banner of a new empire, the Legion will no longer be just an army—it will be the preeminent civilization. Peace grants us the advantage of time, and with time, we can build something no other nation can challenge," I concluded, measuring my tone carefully.

Caesar remained silent for a moment longer before finally turning his gaze from Mr. House. His eyes settled on me, cold but calculating, as though he were evaluating not only my words but my ability to grasp his vision.

"An interesting argument, Gaius," he said at last, with a faint smile that didn't reach his eyes.

He was quiet again, his gaze fixed on me as though weighing every thought in my mind before making his next move. Finally, he reached into his robes and withdrew something gleaming that caught the light of the lamps illuminating the interior of the Lucky 38. Extending his hand toward me, his gesture was firm, deliberate.

"What do you think?" he asked, handing me a gold coin.

I took it carefully, feeling the weight of the metal in my hand. Examining the coin closely, my heart stopped for a moment as I realized what I held. On the obverse was my face, etched with precision, surrounded by the words GAIUS DICTATOR. On the reverse was the imposing figure of Hoover Dam, our greatest triumph in the Mojave, inscribed with the words MAGNUS MURUS.

I understood instantly what this meant. With this gesture, Caesar not only recognized me but had marked me as his heir. It was the culmination of years of labor, of wars fought with blood and steel, of calculated decisions and manipulations in the shadows. Everything had led to this moment. At last, my efforts had borne fruit.

Caesar watched me silently, his expression inscrutable, though his eyes held a spark of expectation. I knew this moment was as much a test as it was a recognition. The coin was a tangible object, but the weight it represented could not be measured in gold alone. It was the burden of an empire, the legacy of the Legion, and the responsibility to carry forward his vision.

Breaking the silence at last, I held the coin firmly and met his gaze.

"My Lord Caesar," I said, keeping my tone firm yet respectful, "this honor is greater than anything I could have imagined. I will bear this standard with the strength and will you have instilled in the Legion."

Caesar nodded slowly, a faint smile barely perceptible on his face.

Caesar walked through the building with deliberate steps, his tunic flowing lightly as he advanced toward the throne now placed at the top of the Lucky 38. It was a symbol of his conquest, his dominance, and his vision. Upon reaching it, he turned to face me, his eyes locking onto mine with a blend of authority and expectation.

"I will remain the leader of the Legion, Gaius," he said, his voice firm but calm. "However, I will heed your counsel and explore the path of peace with the NCR. But you, Gaius, I grant full control of the Legion's administration. No one can implement my dream better than you. So tell me, what would you recommend we do now?"

I took a moment to organize my thoughts. It was an honor that Caesar entrusted me with such responsibility, but it was also a burden I could not take lightly. Finally, I spoke with clarity and determination.

"With peace with the NCR, my recommendation is to withdraw a large portion of our forces from this front, so they truly believe we have no further intentions of expansion eastward," I began. "This would allow us to consolidate our position without arousing unnecessary suspicion. I suggest sending Malpais to the north to reconquer his old tribe and subjugate the other local tribes. We could assign about two thousand of my most experienced veterans and eight thousand men under Lanius's command to this campaign. That force should suffice."

Caesar nodded slightly, listening intently but refraining from interruption. I continued.

"We would send Lanius east once more to continue the conquests. A force of fifty thousand men should be sufficient to make significant advances and expand the Legion's territories into new frontiers."

Caesar raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing at his lips before he intervened. "There are still sixty thousand legionaries available, Gaius," he pointed out, reminding me of our vast resources.

"Those sixty thousand men, Lord Caesar, will be assigned to the most important front of all," I replied firmly. "The internal front. The priority will be to fully integrate all tributaries and allies into one great centralized state, under your absolute rule. This will not be an easy task. There will be resistance, especially among the more independent tribes and local leaders who benefit from the current chaos."

I paused briefly, letting my words sink in before continuing.

"That is where that force will come in. Those legionaries will crush any resistance, relocate populations that oppose integration, and ensure the construction of a solid system. Roads, administrative centers, and garrisons will be the foundation of an empire that spans the known world. A unified empire under Caesar's banner, built not only on conquest but on unyielding order."

Caesar sat silently for a moment, his expression thoughtful as he processed my plan. Finally, he nodded in approval, his deep voice resonating through the hall.

"An ambitious plan, Gaius. As it should be. Make it a reality, and together we will build a legacy no nation can challenge. History will remember this day as the moment the true empire began."

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