Due to study problems I will stop uploading chapters but I still have about fifteen chapters half finished so I will finish uploading those chapters.
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We left the complex with the armored vehicles packed to the limit, filled with weaponry, power armor pieces, and any useful technology we had managed to extract. As we moved toward the area where the ghouls were still working, the feeling that we had made a crucial discovery in our campaign became more apparent. Hours had passed, but the ghouls continued their tireless labor, extracting valuable parts and machinery, while my legionaries carefully stored everything.
The day was coming to an end, and although we knew there were still areas to explore, I decided that it was enough for now. I paid the ghouls, ensuring them that the work would continue the next day. The amount of recovered technology was vast, but with patience and the right equipment, each piece would be of great use to the Legion.
On the way back to the legate's camp, we witnessed an astonishing sight: an endless line of slaves marching south. The column stretched so far that it could be seen for miles.
I entered the legate's tent, and to my surprise, Lanius greeted me with an unusual calm. It was as if the weight of the campaign had lifted from his shoulders. His gaze, always piercing, seemed less severe, and for the first time in a long while, his posture was not laden with tension.
"Dog City is ours... a hard campaign, but it is finally ours," Lanius said with a tranquility he rarely displayed. His relaxed tone contrasted with the man I had always seen, the one who seemed to live for battle.
"What now, legate?" I asked, curious about his vision now that such an important victory had been secured.
Lanius looked at me for a moment before answering. "With Dog City under control, we will consolidate our dominion here. The slaves you've seen are just the beginning; the resources of this city and its surroundings will be exploited for the glory of the Legion. But now we need to reorganize, repair our lines, and prepare our men for the next phase."
Lanius continued, his voice filled with unwavering conviction. "As I told you before, I wanted time to pacify the territories of the Legion. The raiders could have presented a serious setback, but it seems our campaign has been blessed by Mars."
He paused for a moment, observing the map in front of him, his eyes tracing the routes leading south. "Now, with tens of thousands of slaves marching to our lands, the gears of the Legion will be ready. This effort has strengthened our lines, and soon, Caesar will be able to direct his forces against the NCR."
It was clear that the campaign had exceeded his expectations. The constant flow of slaves and resources from Dog City ensured that the Legion's war machine would not stop.
"And what will we do?" I asked, seeking to understand the next step in Lanius' mind.
"We will hold the east and continue conquering," he replied calmly, his gaze fixed on the map. "Lord Caesar gave me until the year 2280 to conquer Dog City, but here we are, far ahead of schedule."
His tone became more reflective as he spoke. "I would like to march north, surrounding the NCR and forcing it to confront its own weakness. Moreover, we could unite all the tribes it has oppressed against them. We would ignite a fire on their flanks so great that their forces would fragment before they could reorganize."
Lanius paused, pointing to other areas on the map. "The other option would be to head into the lands they call Texas. It's a vast territory, relatively unexplored by the Legion. And then there's the southern campaign, the one Caesar desires so much. The frumentarii have given us detailed reports of the great cities in that area, filled with thousands of profligates. With enough pressure, those cities could kneel before Caesar, and their riches would be ours."
"But for now, we must finish what we started," Lanius said firmly. "We need to secure all the remaining Hangdog territories. Even without their leader, some may resist, and we need to pacify these lands completely to ensure trade can resume safely."
His eyes locked onto mine, and he continued. "You, Gaius, must continue with your production duties. Soon, thousands of legionaries will join our ranks. The Hangdogs have proven to be excellent dog trainers, and their warriors, large and resilient fighters. Many will fill our ranks, but with so many new recruits, the Legion's equipment will soon be scarce again."
I nodded respectfully at Lanius' words. "I'll return to my tribe's territory and organize everything we've acquired here. I will continue with the production of weapons and armor, legate," I responded with determination.
Lanius observed me in silence for a moment before nodding. "You have your orders, centurion. Keep watch over the valley and ensure nothing disrupts the Legion's food production. You have until the end of this year. After that, we will start a new campaign, somewhere," he said, his tone firm, with the certainty that his words were law.
Lanius gestured toward the exit of his tent, and without another word, I obeyed. As I left, my mind was already organizing the next steps.
I stayed in Dog City for a few more days, supervising the final efforts to recover all the valuable machinery and objects that remained hidden. There were several parts of the city that, for some reason, had not been looted by either scavengers or legionaries, and my duty was to ensure nothing was left behind.
The most intriguing finds were the caches of police and military weapons that were still intact. No one had managed to open them, as the access codes remained a mystery to many. However, with the knowledge I had acquired and the security systems I had learned to manipulate, I knew I had an advantage.
Each day, my men and I diligently worked to open these depots. They did not only contain conventional weapons but also high-tech equipment, grenade launchers, and advanced ammunition that would be of great use for the Legion's future campaigns. With each cache we opened, our armament capacity increased, and with it, the Legion's advantage in the battles to come, despite some weapons being in deplorable condition.
During those days in the city, my men continued clearing the streets of any remaining resistance while the slaves and new recruits began consolidating control over Dog City. Although the initial chaos had passed, the task of stabilizing everything remained.
We returned to the Vault 0 area with our new armored vehicles. Upon arrival, I met with the men I had left behind, who had completed their task with precision. Everything of value from the ancient vault had been extracted: machinery, tools, and construction equipment. Nothing was left behind. They had worked tirelessly to strip the place of anything useful. The effort had been considerable, but it was well worth it. The recovered technology, especially the automated production systems and high-performance tools, would be an invaluable treasure for the Legion—and, of course, my own fortune.
However, my most delicate task was yet to begin: the careful deactivation of the cold fusion generator. This was no ordinary power source; it was a key piece of technology capable of powering an entire settlement for centuries. If anything went wrong, the resulting explosion could cause a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions.
With the help of the most skilled technicians I could gather, I proceeded with calm and precision. Every step was checked two or three times, ensuring there were no errors. Sweat ran down my forehead as I disconnected the main systems, isolating the power to prevent any overloads. Finally, after hours of careful work, the generator was safely deactivated.
"Done," I said, as my men sighed in relief. The generator was no longer a risk, and now we could transport it south.
We began the process of loading the generator and all the equipment into our armored vehicles.
With everything ready, the convoy set off southward, loaded with the generator and the looted equipment from the vault, heading back to our southern lands.
The campaign, though relatively short, spanned two intense months. The real obstacle had been the siege of Denver, where the Legion suffered its greatest losses. Despite being outnumbered in the previous battles, especially when we repelled the Hangdogs' attacks, our casualties were minimal in comparison. However, in Denver, the urban environment played against our forces.
The city's ruins, with their towering skyscrapers and narrow streets, gave the enemy numerous opportunities to ambush and wear down our troops. Urban combat presented a constant challenge; each building was a fortress, and every street crossing a death trap. The Hangdogs, with their ability to coordinate surprise attacks with their packs of dogs, forced the Legion to fight for every inch of the city.
With all the equipment loaded onto the vehicles, I boarded my Vertibird and began the journey back to my settlement. Two months away had been enough to show a noticeable change in the place I had left behind. As we approached, I could see how the size of the city had grown. The first skyscrapers rose on the horizon, a reflection of the effort put into expanding the infrastructure to accommodate the growing population of slaves and migrants arriving from all over the territory.
The settlement was no longer just a small agricultural or industrial refuge but a hive of activity. Factories were in full operation, hydroponic farms were producing food in large quantities, and the demand for weapons and equipment continued to increase. Merchants and caravans were beginning to turn the settlement into an important trade hub within the Legion's network.
The demographic growth was also evident. Slaves, purchased and brought here, were sent to work in the factories and fields, while free people saw the settlement as an opportunity to settle in a safe, productive, and expanding area. The streets had become busier, full of movement and life.
McKinley updated me on everything that had happened during my absence, and the situation was more complicated than I had imagined. Lord Caesar, having noticed the quality of my weapons, had sent us a massive order. The Legion was preparing for something big, and our factories were at the center of that preparation.
With the gold we had accumulated over the course of the campaigns, I finally managed to purchase the entire valley directly from Lord Caesar. The most fertile and radiation-free lands in all the Legion's territory were now under my control. This meant I not only owned the best lands but also the future of the crops that would grow from them. The entire valley was being cultivated, with acres dedicated to grain, corn, and vegetables, ensuring an abundance that would not only feed the Legion but also secure me immense influence within the internal politics.
The sight of slaves and workers laboring the fields from sunrise to sunset gave me the assurance that we were on the path to unquestionable economic stability. With the hydroponic farms and advanced technology I had brought from the vault facilities, agricultural production had skyrocketed.
With full control of the valley and the rapid growth of my settlement, it was inevitable that I would start attracting the attention of other tribes serving Lord Caesar. The abundance of fertile land and the constant flow of subjects migrating to my domains only increased the greed and desire of some tribal leaders who saw in this place an opportunity to take a share of what I had built. I knew that some of them would be willing to do anything to claim a piece of my lands.
McKinley had been preparing for such situations. Under my direction, she began equipping the most loyal slaves with Vault-Tec power armor, just as I had done with her, creating an elite force known as the "Overseers." These supervisors not only ensured order was maintained but also guaranteed that productivity in the lands would never be compromised. Armed with powerful armor, they moved through the fields and factories, ensuring every slave fulfilled their role and that the flow of resources never stopped.
Controlling the slaves was relatively simple thanks to the explosive collars they wore. With the press of a button, I could send an electric shock that would bring them to their knees or, in extreme cases, detonate the explosive, eliminating any threat of rebellion. However, the real challenge didn't lie with the slaves but with the free people who were starting to settle in my territory, coming from other tribes that saw the valley as an opportunity to prosper. Here, I couldn't apply the same methods, and the growing tension between the free people and the slaves needed to be managed with tact.
I decided to take McKinley's "Overseers" and turn them into a local police force, tasked with maintaining order among both the free and the slaves. With the Vault-Tec power armor and the assembly technology we had recovered from the Brotherhood of Steel, building more armor became an efficient and quick process. Now I had a well-equipped security force patrolling the settlement, ensuring that any attempts at subversion or rebellion were crushed before they could even begin.
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I remind you to leave your ideas or what you would like to see.
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
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If there are spelling mistakes, please let me know.
Leave a comment; support is always appreciated.
I remind you to leave your ideas or what you would like to see.
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Finally, with all the knowledge and advanced machinery at my disposal, creating weaponry at the level used by the U.S. Army before the war was no longer a distant dream. All that was needed was time and vast resources—and fortunately, I had both. Lanius was busy pacifying his recent conquests and securing control over the thousands of slaves he had captured for the Legion. While he consolidated his domain, I had the space to focus on my task: industry.
The arrival of my men with the new machinery we had recovered from Vault 0 would be the next crucial step. With those tools, I could not only produce modern weaponry but also develop advanced armor for the legionary infantry and modify the power armor to a completely new level. The blueprints we had found in the old West-Tek factory and the remnants of the Brotherhood of Steel's technology gave me the opportunity to combine the best of various technological eras.
What was once a zone of limited resources and improvised equipment was now taking shape as a cutting-edge industry. I had everything necessary to revolutionize the Legion's arsenal: from mass-producing automatic rifles to developing advanced ballistic armor and optimizing power armor.
Everything seemed to be in perfect balance. The mines operated tirelessly, with relentless robots extracting resources day and night. The foundries worked at full capacity, fueled by thousands of slaves who transformed those resources into processed materials. Trains arrived daily, unloading tons of minerals, and vehicles were loaded with weapons and supplies ready for distribution. The entire system appeared to function with unrelenting precision, just as I had planned. 'I might soon need to expand the trains into other parts of the Legion's territory or try to unify my lines with the Legion's railways,' I thought, 'but for now, everything was perfect.'
However, perfection rarely lasts long. As I reviewed the reports, a decanus burst into my workspace, his urgent tone cutting through the usual routine.
''Centurion Gaius, Son of Mars, Unifier of Arizona, Crucifier of the Profligates, Pacifier of the Wasteland... Lord Caesar demands your immediate presence in Flagstaff,'' the decanus announced with a bow marked by respect and the weight of the message.
My expression hardened. 'Caesar does not send such messages lightly. Something important is in motion.'
'They can't leave me in peace for just a few months...' I thought.
''What is it, Decanus? Why does the Son of Mars honor me with an invitation to the heart of the Legion?'' I asked the decanus.
The Decanus, a burly man with a face hardened by the wasteland's sun, adjusted his sunglasses as he looked at me with a mixture of respect and caution.
''I am not privileged to know the thoughts of the Son of Mars,'' the Decanus said, adjusting his sunglasses. ''I only know that a radio message was sent to Castra Sol Rubrum for you, Centurion Gaius. Lord Caesar requires your presence in Flagstaff immediately. I would suggest you stop wasting time... with whatever it is you are doing, and depart at once. Caesar does not like to wait, much less be ignored.''
'Wasting time...?' I thought, suppressing any gesture that would reveal my frustration. 'Wasting time... I'm here creating armor so your head doesn't get blown off or so you don't have to fight with a machete, and yet I'm told I'm wasting time.'
''Understood, Decanus,'' I responded coolly, maintaining composure. Arguing at this moment was pointless. I had learned that in the Legion, obedience was the currency. The Decanus retreated, having fulfilled his duty.
'Damn... all this requires complex analysis and a lot of trial and error,' I thought, my frustration growing. 'This isn't something I can leave to anyone else. I doubt they could even comprehend the material reports or how to adapt the machinery... but I can't ignore Caesar's orders.'
I clenched my fists and gritted my teeth, feeling the weight of the decision on my shoulders. Just then, I felt the firm hand of McKinley's power armor rest on my shoulder.
''Go without worry, boss,'' McKinley said with a smile that, despite her light tone, showed her seriousness. ''I'll make sure everything's ready when you return... and your bed warm.''
The tension I felt eased slightly, though the concern about leaving everything in the hands of others did not vanish. 'I suppose I have no choice,' I thought. 'Caesar waits, and when Caesar calls, you cannot fail.'
''Thank you, McKinley,'' I replied, nodding as I prepared to leave. ''Take good care of everything here... and yourself. I can't afford anything to go wrong in my absence.''
I stood up and donned my power armor, adjusting each piece with the precision that combat demanded. The familiar sensation of power in my movements reassured me as I headed to find Cato and Drusus. I knew exactly where to find them: at the arena, enjoying the fights.
When I arrived, the noise of the crowd and the clash of weapons filled the air. Slaves and legionaries fought fiercely against each other, while some faced wild beasts brought in by merchants from distant lands for the gladiatorial games. The smell of blood and sweat permeated the atmosphere, and the shouts of the combatants and the crowd echoed throughout the makeshift coliseum.
Cato and Drusus stood, watching with enthusiasm as one of the slaves, armed only with a machete, attempted to take down a massive wild dog. The animal moved with agility, but the slave, though wounded, did not yield an inch.
''Centurion,'' Cato greeted me as I approached, without taking his eyes off the fight. ''Ready for another adventure?''
Drusus nodded with a grin, always enjoying the brutality of the arena. ''Looks like our boys are ready for anything... but tell me, what's next for us?''
''Caesar has sent orders. We must leave for Flagstaff immediately,'' I said bluntly.
Both legionaries nodded, and though for a moment their faces reflected disappointment at having their fun interrupted, that expression was quickly replaced by a spark of excitement at the thought of meeting Caesar in person.
''To see the Son of Mars... an opportunity not many have,'' Drusus commented, his eyes gleaming, as he turned to give orders to the other legionaries watching the arena.
Cato, for his part, began preparing quickly. ''Something big awaits if Caesar himself has summoned us. This is no ordinary task.''
I nodded, watching as both men moved with renewed energy. Caesar's summons was like a war drum, igniting ambition in the hearts of all legionaries who had been indoctrinated into the cult of Mars.
With my trusted men—two newly appointed centurions and two other legionaries equipped with power armor—we boarded the vertibird without delay. We didn't know what mission awaited us, but we were ready for anything. The journey took several hours, as the distance between Flagstaff and my settlement was considerable.
Midway through the trip, I took the radio to inform them of our imminent arrival. We weren't dealing with Lanius's decanus or Nicodemus, who knew me well. If the vertibird approached without prior notice, they would likely greet it with a missile—an outcome I wanted to avoid.
''Vertibird en route, identification Centurion Gaius. Approach authorized, requesting a safe landing in Flagstaff.'' After a few moments of silence, the radio crackled back: ''Received, Centurion. Authorization granted. Awaiting your arrival.''
The rest of the trip passed without incident. My men remained silent, each lost in their own thoughts.
When we landed, a large group of veteran legionaries surrounded us, weapons at the ready. The tension in the air was palpable, each legionary prepared to act at the slightest provocation.
''Lower your weapons... lower your weapons! It's Centurion Gaius, summoned by the Son of Mars!'' a decanus shouted as he rushed toward us, desperate to calm the situation.
When he finally reached us, panting and with a look of shame on his face, he gave a slight bow. ''Centurion, I apologize for such a poor reception... I didn't know it was a vertibird... I thought it was some kind of ground vehicle. We expected a truck, a motorcycle, or a carriage.''
''It's fine, Decanus. Stay alert; we're here to reinforce the Legion, not alarm it.'' Then I looked at my men. ''Come on, we can't keep the Son of Mars waiting.''
''Yes... give me a moment to inform Lord Caesar of your arrival,'' the decanus said, still recovering from the scare. ''The message wasn't sent long ago, so Lord Caesar wasn't expecting you until next week.''
'Perfect... more time wasted,' I thought, nodding as I suppressed my frustration.
''Go and do it, Decanus. We'll wait,'' I replied aloud, keeping my composure.
The decanus hurried off, and in the meantime, I stood with my men. Drusus and Cato seemed impatient, though they hid it well.
''Well, gentlemen,'' I said, glancing at both. ''Looks like we arrived ahead of schedule. What do you think awaits us this time?''
Drusus quickly replied with a playful grin. ''A personal slave, maybe? One of the beauties... or better yet, the chance to enter the Praetorian guard.'' His tone was that of a child daydreaming.
One of the centurions who had followed me, more serious, clenched his fists with determination. ''It must be the latter. I've trained my whole life for that.'' The ambition and desire to prove himself were evident in his voice.
Cato, as always, remained cool and calculating. ''A mission,'' he said, crossing his arms. He wasn't one to be swept up in fantasies, always focused on what mattered.
I chuckled softly, looking at my men. ''Whatever it is, gentlemen, we're here for a reason. The rewards will come, but first, we must earn them. And knowing Caesar, it won't be easy.''
After nearly an hour of conversation with my men, the decanus finally returned. ''Lord Caesar is expecting you,'' he said firmly, motioning for us to follow him.
We walked behind him, leaving behind the commotion of the legionaries and the scattered tents at the outer edges. As we advanced, the camp faded away, giving way to a true stone fortress, built to reflect the grandeur and power of the Legion. The walls rose imposingly, with watchtowers at each corner, and atop the battlements, Praetorians watched with stern gazes, their armor gleaming in the sunlight.
The main entrance was flanked by two massive iron gates, wide open, through which only the most privileged could pass.
The Legion's banners fluttered proudly from high above as rows of legionaries trained tirelessly in the inner courtyards.
We made our way toward the heart of the fortress, where the most imposing structure stood: Caesar's palace. It was a black stone building, adorned with statues and emblems that told the story of the Legion's conquests. As we approached, the decanus seemed to shrink in the presence of the fortress's grandeur.
We stopped in front of a massive bronze door, guarded by two Praetorians who, upon seeing us, opened it with precise synchronization. The decanus gave a respectful gesture and allowed us to enter.
The interior of the palace was even more impressive. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting Caesar's victories, and at the center of the grand hall, on an elevated throne, sat Caesar himself, surrounded by his advisors and Praetorians.
I approached, my men behind me, bowing my head slightly in respect. I wasn't sure if he wanted me to kneel or stand. ''Ave, Caesar,'' I said firmly, aware of the solemnity of the moment.
Caesar watched us with that inscrutable gaze that seemed to pierce through steel. He made a slight gesture with his hand, signaling for us to come closer. ''Centurion Gaius,'' he began in his deep, resonant voice, ''you have responded to my call earlier than expected.''
''The order of Lord Caesar must be answered swiftly,'' I replied, meeting Caesar's gaze.
''You do honor to how Lanius described you. Remove your helmet. I want to see the face of the man who has proven so useful to the Legion,'' Caesar commanded, his voice firm but with a hint of curiosity.
I felt the eyes of those present—Praetorians and advisors alike—settle on me as I removed my helmet, standing firm and showing no emotion.
Caesar, leaning slightly forward on his throne, continued: ''Lanius has spoken much of you, of your valor, of your ability to handle technology others can only dream of understanding. But he has also told me of your successes in the campaign.''
''That is why you are here, Centurion Gaius...'' interrupted a voice that echoed through the hall as a man stepped forward.
''Indeed,'' Caesar continued, nodding with a cold smile. ''Legate Malpais believes that your skills would be wasted merely pacifying the remaining profligates. Therefore, I am offering you an opportunity, one far greater than any you have had before.''
The air in the room grew tense as Caesar leaned forward in his throne. ''Lanius's campaign has ended for now. We have thousands of legionaries idle, warriors who need to continue gaining combat experience. We will not allow them to stagnate. Everything will be directed toward a new campaign... and you, Gaius, will lead it.''
My eyes met Caesar's as he spoke with unshakable authority. ''Legate Gaius, you will take the south... Mexicanorum. In my name, you will conquer their cities and enslave their people. Their wealth and resources will flow to the Legion, and when the time comes to launch the grand campaign to the west, they will be ready to support our advance into California.''
''What do you say, Gaius?'' Caesar asked, his eyes piercing into mine. ''Are you ready to carry the Legion's banner into new lands and ensure the profligates of Mexicanorum kneel before my will?''
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