The eastern gate to Freeside was in finally in sight. Caesar was finally at his prize, his new Rome. He paused at the gate, just to drink it all in. He had done it. Just as his namesake had taken Rome and driven his enemy Pompey the Great to Greece, so he had driven the NCR across the mountains into California. "Let us view my new conquest. Forward!" he said to the Praetorians who surrounded him in a hollow square, and the gaggle of aides who followed him most everywhere. Inside the gates, the carnage was overwhelming. Several buildings were on fire, and many others were pockmarked with bullet holes. The bodies of men, who vaguely resembled a pre-war singer Caesar remembered watching holotapes of as a child, littered the ground. The bodies of civilians also were among the dead. Caesar noted with pleasure that there were few Legion bodies he could see. This had been an easy victory.
As he approached the gate to the Strip, Lanius came to greet him. He was, as usual after battle, covered in blood, looking like Mars himself. His booming, hollow voice echoed out from behind his mask. "My lord, all is ready for your triumphal entry to the strip. What of the prisoners?" He pointed at the crowd behind him guarded by legionaries. Caesar replied, "Separate all the Van Graffs. They betrayed a Legion recon group buying weapons. Also find all the employees of that "casino" by the Van Graff's building. They are purveyors of vice and weakness. Crucify them, and take the rest as slaves". Lanius went off to his work, as close as a man like him could come to glee. That man loves his work, perhaps a little too much, Caesar thought, he definitely will not enjoy peace. I will have to find something for him to do.
Returning to the matter at hand, Caesar shouted "Praetorians! Column formation, by fours; aides, behind them! Let us enter the Strip!" As he entered the Strip, he felt power, like blood, flooding through his veins. The residents of the Strip, separated from Caesar by a screen of Legionaries, strained to see their ruler. Apprehensively, they waited to see what their fate would be. Caesar acted like they weren't even there. He entered the Lucky 38, his escort following. "Remove these implements of gambling, they are not fitting for an Imperial Palace." An aide rushed off to make his wish reality. "Also, I want the strip searched for all alcohol and chems. They are to be destroyed, and anyone found hiding them will be crucified". Another aide ran off.
When he reached the penthouse, he walked around, inspecting his new home. 'Remove all of House's personal effects, and bring mine in. Also, dismantle this array of computers, and put my throne here. Marcus, Lucius, where are you?" His two private secretaries came before him and stood at attention. "My lord?" Marcus, the senior scribe said. "Take down this proclamation: 'To the citizens of New Vegas: These are the words of the mighty Caesar. I come not as a raider, but as a ruler. To those who swear loyalty to me, pay their yearly taxes, and obey the precepts of the Legion, I will declare their persons and property inviolate. However, those who disobey the Legion's code will be severely punished. Those who put up armed resistance to me will be crushed. In summary, accept the Legion's rule, and you will prosper. Resist, and you will die. Signed, Caesar'. Have this read to the populace".
"Lucius, take this down 'To all NCR soldiers: You cannot stand against the Legion. Surrender now, and you will be spared the cross. If you take the oath of loyalty, you can avoid enslavement, and will be given gainful employment. Surrender, and live. Fight, and die. The choice is yours.' Lucius, have that printed up, at least several hundred copies, and deliver them to the Frumentarii. They will deliver them behind NCR lines."
As his two secretaries scurried off, Caesar sighed. "Gentlemen, this has been a great day, but also a tiring one. You are dismissed for the day. We will resume work tomorrow."
As his men left, Caesar turned and looked out the window on the desert he now ruled. He had won the war. Now, he had to win the peace.
