Capítulo 60: The fall of one is the rise of another
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The weeks following Legate Malpais' defeat in his attempt to seize the Mojave had been tense. Each day, I stayed alert, listening to the radio, waiting for any instruction from Caesar on what would happen next. However, the information I truly needed came through the frumentarii.
Despite its challenging geographical position, Hoover Dam remained under the control of the Legion. Despite the heavy losses and attrition, the Legion had managed to fortify solidly on the opposite side of the dam, and the legionaries, led by experienced veterans, held their ground against constant NCR attacks. The NCR knew that losing control of the dam would deal a devastating blow to their resources, especially their power supply. It was only a matter of time before they launched a massive assault to retake it, and the fear of a possible advance into Arizona was growing.
To prevent this catastrophe, Caesar had sent his best men to defend the dam: centurions, veteran legionaries, and even his praetorian guard.
As for Malpais, his fate was less severe than many expected, considering the failure that cost thousands of legionary lives. He faced public punishments: several lashes in front of the troops and, even more humiliating, he was stripped of his rank as legate. However, in some ways, he had fulfilled Caesar's orders by capturing Hoover Dam, and that, along with his personal friendship with Caesar, probably spared him from crucifixion. Now, he was just another centurion, relegated to the ranks. His legionaries, however, were not so lucky: a decimation was carried out among the survivors, eliminating ten percent for their supposed lack of bravery.
Caesar did not spare any effort in securing the dam. He replaced Malpais' forces with his personal legion, composed of veterans hardened by numerous campaigns, to maintain control of the site. These men, toughened by combat, knew that the dam was a key point in the fight against the NCR.
Meanwhile, the forces of the former Legate Malpais were being sent south to Mexicanorum, with the objective of reinforcing the campaign and freeing up troops so that all the Legion's resources could be concentrated on a future assault against the NCR. Meanwhile, Lanius was about to conclude his campaign against the City of Robots, crushing the remaining resistance, including NCR forces that had unsuccessfully tried to seize Dog City. This would free up Lanius' immense legion, preparing them to march west and confront the NCR in a decisive battle.
The reinforcements Caesar had sent me—around seven thousand men—were exactly what I needed. Many of them were veterans with vast combat experience, but it was clear their morale was low after the recent failure in the Mojave. It would be crucial to lift their spirits and give them a purpose in this new campaign. The defeat in the east didn't mean the end; Mexicanorum still offered the possibility of a decisive victory that could change the course of the war. I would need to lead with strength and remind them that although the NCR had won a battle, the war was far from over.
Caesar had given me a clear deadline: by the year 2280, I was to complete my campaign in Mexicanorum. I had to secure control of the Republic of the Rio Grande and subdue as many tribes as possible to replenish the legionary forces we had lost. While Flagstaff was overflowing with slaves being trained, the Legion's war machine never stops. I knew that, over time, the losses in the Mojave would be replaced by new recruits and well-trained soldiers.
With the forces I had been training so far, the Texans who had joined our cause, and the survivors of Malpais' legion, we had enough power to challenge the RRG in an all-out battle on multiple fronts. This was exactly what Todd and I had been planning. The political situation within the Republic was unstable. President Guerra had entrenched himself in power, determined to complete the reforms he believed were necessary to stabilize the RRG. But those same reforms were the spark fueling latent resentment in several states, and internal tensions were on the verge of boiling over.
It was the perfect moment to strike. With our combined forces and the support of the Texans, we could exploit the internal divisions of the RRG to launch a decisive attack. Todd and I had spent countless hours planning every move, every strategy. We knew we couldn't fail; the fate of the Legion and our own futures depended on it.
The first phases of our operation involved sabotage and propaganda. The frumentarii were deployed to infiltrate the major cities of the RRG, spreading discontent and sowing doubts about Guerra's leadership. At the same time, we established communication channels with dissident groups within the Republic, promising them support if they rose against the central government.
Meanwhile, our military forces were preparing for the assault. The legionaries, now more numerous and better equipped thanks to McKinley's efforts in producing power armor and advanced weaponry, were ready to face any challenge. The Texans, motivated by the desire for independence and the promise of prosperity under Legion rule, contributed their knowledge of the terrain and combat experience.
The day of the attack finally arrived. At dawn, our troops crossed the border, advancing swiftly toward key positions in the Republic of the Rio Grande. My best men spearheaded the assault at every river crossing, preceded by intense mortar bombardments that softened the enemy defenses. This was followed by a mechanized advance of armored vehicles and power-armored troops, crashing into the RRG soldiers in direct combat.
Once the preliminary defenses were destroyed, large waves of Texans and legionaries pushed forward, taking control of the cities. However, it was no easy task. We faced several days of brutal urban warfare, where every street and building became a battlefield. The resistance was fierce, but our determination and superior tactics slowly tipped the scales in our favor.
The narrow streets and tall buildings presented unique challenges. The enemy soldiers used elevated positions to fire from windows and rooftops, and ambushes were frequent at intersections. However, our men were well-trained for urban combat. The frumentarii had provided detailed maps of the cities, identifying strategic points and potential dangers.
Snipers were crucial in neutralizing threats from above, while engineering units cleared the streets of obstacles and explosive traps. The power armor units led the charge, absorbing enemy fire and providing mobile cover for the infantry following behind.
With each day, we advanced further, knowing that victory was within reach. However, the final outcome would depend on our ability to maintain momentum and exploit the fractures within the Republic of the Rio Grande. The fate of this campaign, and perhaps of the entire war, hung in the balance.
The vanguard pressed forward, cutting off the communications and logistics of the Republic. On multiple occasions, we managed to encircle the scattered forces left reeling after our initial assault. After several days of intense offensives, thousands of rounds expended, numerous power armors damaged, and some casualties suffered, we had firmly established ourselves on the other side of the river. The city of Gloria was now completely surrounded, with the remaining defenders trapped inside as we laid siege.
From my command post, I gazed at the walls of Gloria. The city, the pride of the Republic of the Rio Grande, was now on the verge of falling to the Legion. The banners of the Bull fluttered proudly over our camp, and morale among the legionaries was high.
Taking advantage of the Republic's full focus on defending Gloria, our other forces began to conquer the remaining cities of the republic. We supported dissident groups, hand-in-hand with the Texas Arms Association, who captured or eliminated state forces with our backing.
As the siege of the city continued, the rest of the territory fell under the control of my legion. Thousands of citizens were captured; however, instead of sending them into slavery, I decided to maintain appearances so that we could later use the dissidents as future tributary states of the Legion. The best outcome of this campaign would be to seize all the Republic's infrastructure and use it to fuel the Legion's war machine.
Medicines produced in our tributary territories proved effective, saving the lives of dozens of legionaries who would have otherwise succumbed to infection or blood loss. Thanks to this, our ranks maintained a high level of veteran presence, especially given our relatively few casualties, while Guerra's forces collapsed from all sides, encircled and cut off from supplies.
With the enemy's defenses crumbling in the outlying cities, the noose tightened around Gloria. Reports from the frumentarii indicated that morale within the city had reached its lowest point. The civilian population, exhausted from the siege and shortages, was losing faith in Guerra's leadership.
I decided it was time to escalate our actions. I ordered my centurions to prepare for the final assault on Gloria, but I also sent a last message to Guerra, offering him the chance to surrender honorably. His response was firm: he refused to yield.
"Then so be it," I muttered.
At dawn, our troops launched the attack. The artillery pounded the walls, creating breaches through which our assault units poured in. The power-armored troops, leading the columns, advanced relentlessly under enemy fire. The resistance was fierce, but our training and discipline overwhelmed their defenses.
The streets of Gloria turned into battlegrounds. Legionaries moved forward building by building, securing strategic positions and neutralizing pockets of resistance. Meanwhile, the frumentarii infiltrated the city, disabling traps and preventing sabotage that might damage the city's vital infrastructure.
Amidst the chaos, a report came from Drusus: they had located Guerra's headquarters in the old government palace. Wasting no time, I gathered an elite group and headed to the location.
Upon entering, we found Guerra and his personal guards. Despite the desperate situation, he maintained a defiant posture.
"Guerra, it's over. Surrender, and ensure the safety of your people," I said firmly.
"I will never bow to the Legion," he spat bitterly. "I'd rather see this city burn than hand it over."
"Your stubbornness will only bring more suffering," I warned, but my words were met with gunfire in return.
The firefight between my legionaries and the presidential forces intensified, the air filled with the thunderous sound of bullets ricocheting off our power armor. The metallic clang of projectiles striking steel echoed repeatedly as we steadily advanced toward their positions.
Despite the ferocity of the combat, our enemies couldn't match the discipline and training of my men. Shattered skulls and the crumpling bodies of their soldiers made it clear we were winning the battle. My legionaries, clad in their power armor, seemed unstoppable against the enemy's fire.
"Forward, for Caesar and the Legion!" I shouted, raising my sword to rally my troops. My call was met with a roar of approval, and my men redoubled their efforts.
The presidential forces, seeing our relentless advance, began to show signs of panic. Some tried to retreat, only to be blocked by our flanking units, which had cut off any escape routes. Confusion and fear gripped them.
Suddenly, an explosion rocked the ground just a few meters away from me. One of the enemies had detonated an explosive charge in a desperate attempt to halt our advance. The blast threw me back, but my power armor absorbed most of the impact.
"Watch for traps!" I warned my men through the helmet's built-in communicator. I knew an enemy with their back to the wall would resort to desperate measures.
As we closed in on their final line of defense, I noticed some of the presidential soldiers throwing down their weapons and raising their hands in surrender. I ordered my legionaries to cease fire on those who surrendered but to remain vigilant.
"Drusus!" I called to my nearest centurion. "Organize teams to disarm and secure the prisoners. Make sure they're treated with dignity, but ensure they pose no threat."
"As you command, legate," Drusus replied, swiftly moving to carry out my orders.
With the enemy resistance nearly neutralized, I advanced to the heart of their formation. There, I found a high-ranking officer, wounded but conscious, held firmly by two of my legionaries.
"Are you the commander of these forces?" I asked, staring into his eyes, which were filled with frustration and defeat.
"I was," he rasped. "Now, I suppose you're satisfied with the slaughter you've caused."
"I don't enjoy unnecessary violence," I replied frankly. "We gave you the chance to surrender. This defeat is the result of your own choices."
The officer remained silent, his gaze shifting away.
"Order any remaining units to lay down their arms," I urged him. "You can prevent further bloodshed and guarantee the safety of your men."
After a moment of hesitation, the officer spat in my face with contempt. "No… better to die than live as slaves of the Legion," he declared with resolve.
I remained impassive, wiping the spit from my cheek. His defiance was futile, but I understood his desperation. "As you wish," I replied coldly. With a signal to my legionaries, the officer was taken into custody.
We moved quickly toward the center of the presidential palace. The halls were eerily empty, and the silence was unsettling. As we reached Guerra's office, the door was slightly ajar. I pushed it open gently and stepped inside.
There, seated in his chair, was the lifeless body of President Guerra. A still-smoking pistol lay in his hand, and a fatal wound to his temple made it clear he had taken his own life rather than be captured.
I approached slowly, observing the scene with a mix of respect and pity. Though he had been our enemy, he had remained a determined leader to the very end. He chose death over surrender, a fate he believed to be more honorable than defeat at the hands of the Legion.
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