Chapter 12: The Great Caesar
"Vulpes, you return with information on the degenerates in Novac?" Caesar commanded, his voice steely with authority. Vulpes, a man of servitude, duly brought forth the bound sniper, much to the delight of his comrades.
"I see that your exploits yielded some results, very good, Vulpes."
Boone was thrown down in front of the great leader and his bonds were loosened. He pulled himself into a more dignified position and glared at the man in front of him, trying to hide the hurt and humiliation of what he had previously endured. It was times like this he wished he had his glasses—his little shields against the world.
Caesar dismissed the majority of his subordinates, leaving only Vulpes and his trusted Legate just in case the sniper decided to strike.
"Don't look so anxious, profligate—we aren't going to rape you, unlike some I could mention…" Caesar glared at Vulpes as he spoke. He knew that Vulpes was an excellent Frumentarii, and that his methods were brutal and effective, but the whole sordid business left a sour taste in his mouth. He let Vulpes get away with it this time, in light of his fruitful discovery.
"What do you want?" Boone asked, his voice cold and direct.
"I want what your information—a high ranking recon sniper must know something about the innermost workings of the NCR."
"I don't know anything—all I know is how to aim, fire and kill."
"We both know that's shit. I'll get it out of you one way or another, believe me. Dismissed."
Boone was bound once more and was dragged to the furthermost sanctum of Vulpes private tent.
"Like Caesar said, we'll get it out of you one way or another." Vulpes forced Boone to the floor and gave him a few sharp blows around the face. The blood flowed freely from Boones nose and his eye felt like it was swelling fit to burst.
Vulpes pushed his tunic down a little once more and released his erection. He grabbed the snipers jaw and looked straight into his eyes.
"I'm a sick, sadistic man, Boone—I get off on violence and the suffering of others, so don't think I'll ever relent." He laughed, relishing the pain in the other mans' eyes.
Boone had to escape. He had to play the part of the broken slave if he could have a shot at being free.